Tuesday, 31st may, 2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Experts warn against round tripping with new forex policy

S Emefiele

ome financial experts yesterday advised the Federal Government to ensure that the new flexible exchange rate regime would not encourage round trip-

ping. They gave the advice in Lagos, while reacting to President Muhammad Buhari’s Democracy Day speech. They said government

Reps commence electronic voting

should avoid a foreign exchange system that would encourage corruption and worsen the current foreign exchange situation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Dogara

Biafra anniversary turns bloody Vol. 6 N0. 1381

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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•3 policemen, 52 IPOB members killed •Pregnant woman hit by stray bullet

he 50th anniversary celebration of the declaration of independent state of Biafra turned bloody yesterday with over 52 members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, killed across the South East. Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State recorded the highest casualty figure of 45, according to IPOB, while seven were killed in Asaba, Delta State. Already, tension is high in the region, following the killings. Our correspondent in Onitsha gathered that a policeman was also killed in the shootout between CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

L-R: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President Bukola Saraki; President Muhammadu Buhari and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, at the dinner in honour of National Assembly members held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ANAYO OPARA

Why Buhari won’t probe Jonathan ‘...ex-President shocked me, earned my respect for conceding defeat’ I’m waiting on God to join politics, says Al-Mustapha

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OPC can’t P.8 guarantee safety of Yoruba people again –Adams Niger Republic to commence direct flight to Nigeria soon P.11

Petrol P.8 tankers now to pay wharf fees

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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Biafra anniversary turns bloody CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

IPOB members and the police. All markets in Onitsha and environs were shut despite the state government’s order on the eve of the celebration that no market should be closed. The Onitsha clash started at Bridge Head as IPOB members troop out en-mass to join their colleagues in the celebration. It was gathered also that a soldier attached to the 302 Regiment was stabbed. Nnewi South Regional Administrator of The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Anthony Nwodo and 14 others were arrested by the Joint Security Taskforce at Ezinifite on their way back home after observation of the celebration, according to the Area Administrator of the region, Sonny Chukwuebuka, Two IPOB members were killed at the Niger Bridge Head as they were coming from Asaba, with others to join their Anambra State counterparts for the celebration. On getting to the Bridge they met a stiff resistance from the JTF and it resulted in a bloody clash and consequently a policeman died while the soldier was stabbed. IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful said 45 members of the group were killed at Nkpor. “They just opened fire on us as we are having peaceful procession,” he said. Emmanuel Omenka, Personal assistant to MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, said: “No amount of killing of Biafra agitators will deter us from fighting to actualise a sovereign state of Biafra. “The celebration was a success and this shows that Biafra is strong and firm in its determination.” Also speaking, Ogbaru Regional administrator, Mrs Virginia Ubazuonu condemned the killings and described the celebration as very successful, adding that there is no going back in the actualisation of a Biafra Republic. In Asaba, seven persons were confirmed dead. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Delta State, Charles Muka, who confirmed this in a statement, added that the police recorded two casualties. He said in the statement that five members of MAS-

SOB were killed by military officers who had confrontations with the group along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba. It stated that the military arrested and brought eight members of MASOB to the police and “are now in custody in Asaba.” According to him, the protesters turned violent and attacked policemen deployed to monitor the protest, killed two and injured two others. “We had to deploy our officers to ensure that the protest was peaceful but we were surprised that the people turned violent. “To our surprise, they started attacking our men and at Okwe Junction in Abraka area of Asaba, the group killed a police corporal and took his AK47 riffle. “Also along the Dennis Osadeby Way in Asaba, they wounded a police officer and took his anti-riot gun. “This group also attacked and wounded two policemen, suspected to be marine police, and threw them into the River Niger at Cable Point in Asaba and in the process one died and one was rescued. “This brings the casualty number to two with two others injured on the side of the police. “The protesters also attacked military vehicles along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway which left four members of the group dead and eight others arrested and brought to the police headquarters.” It added that a pregnant woman was hit by a stray bullet during the fracas but now receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba. The statement advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to follow the part of peace and pursue their agenda constitutionally. Police in Enugu State apprehended over 50 members of MASSOB as well as Biafra Independent Movement, BIM. They were arrested within Edinburgh Road over alleged unlawful assembly as they marched round the state. As early as 7:30 a.m., the group had assembled along zik Avenue and Edinburgh junction roundabout before marching to the adjoining streets. The group carried placards that read: “Biafra has come to stay”, “We want Biafra now”, “No to Nigeria government again”, “No going back from Bi-

L-R: France Ambassador for International Investment and CEO of Business France, Mrs. Muriel Penicaurd; guest speaker, ‘Colloque Nigeria: Nigeria, the Leading African Economy’ forum/Chairman of UBA Plc and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee on France-West Africa, Senator Charles Revet and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denye Gauer, at the French Senate, Palais Du Luxembourg, Paris, at the weekend.

afra”, Biafra is our last hope.” Speaking to journalists before their arrest, leader of the group and one of the arrested persons, Elder Eugene Eze said the peaceful rally was to celebrate and honour the fallen heroes of Biafra especially, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and others. Eze stated that since the end of the civil war, no Igbo person had occupied

sensitive position in the county. He maintained that President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Federal Government’s policies and programmes had not favoured the Igbo, especially his recent appointment, adding that the best option was to break away from Nigeria for a self-rule. However, Enugu Police State command spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, in a

statement said only 13 persons were arrested. He said: “They were rounded up based on intelligence/information gathered on them. “The suspects, in the morning of 30/5/16 had converged with their bus, one Toyota hiace bus with registration number XG 265 UWN with flags and T-Shirt with different inscriptions portraying MASSOB/BIM at Edin-

burgh axis of Ogui, to commence protest march before the security operatives acting on intelligence/information closed them up and arrested them. “Suspects in their reactions maintained that they are members of MASSOB but of Biafran Independent Movement, B.I.M.” Amaraizu recalled that the state command had CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Experts warn against round tripping with new forex policy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

A former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mr. Okechukwu Unegbu, said government should particularly check round tripping. Unegbu said government should tackle social dislocations to reduce unemployment, high inflation and the depressed economy to achieve the desired growth. He advised government to pursue economic diversification to strengthen other sectors of the economy in line with the current realities. Unegbu said government at all levels should embrace cost efficiency strategies, noting that business should no longer be as usual. According to him, state governors should look inwards to boost internally generated revenue and stop depending on federal allocations. Unegbu said ministers and members of the National Assembly should

stop living as if nothing was wrong with the economy, but should face economic realities and cut costs. He expressed dissatisfaction with government’s failure to tell Nigerians the amount of funds recovered so far and the names of the looters as promised. Unegbu, a lawyer, said the president would have given more confidence to Nigerians and foreign investors with such pronouncements. An Associate Professor in Banking and Finance and Head of Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Lafia, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said that economic activities would likely recover with strict implementation of the 2016 budget and the flexible foreign exchange rate policy. Uwaleke said deregulation of the downstream sector, appreciation of crude oil price, the likely improvement in electricity supply and good business environment were

things that would shape the economy. He said power failure, petrol scarcity and foreign exchange shortages impacted negatively on corporate performance, the stock market and the economy in general in the past one year. Uwaleke said delay in budget implementation affected investor confidence and the exit of foreign investors from the local capital market. Meanwhile, some residents of Oyo State yesterday gave the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari a pass mark in his first year in office. A civil servant in Oyo West Local Government Area, Alalade Ismail, said the administration had laid solid foundation for the future. “So much challenges when the government assumed office, but it has been able to stabilise and lay solid foundation on many fronts. “I have no doubt that

things will get better with time especially with this solid ground that has been laid by the government,” he said. Seun Olokode, a business centre operator from Saki East, said “past administrations had done so much injustice to this country and it will take time to heal.” A retired civil servant, Mrs Kahdijat Mikail, urged Nigerians to be patient with the new administration, adding that “it will take time to re-build what was destroyed for 16 years. “I have taken my time to study the present situation of things and compared with past governments, you will see that this is the best in recent years. “Looted funds are been recovered and things are being done in a very transparent way and manner, that is what we expect from a listening-government. “I‘m convinced that the administration started well,” she said.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why Buhari won’t probe Jonathan Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he never expected former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat in the March 28, 2015 Presidential election, stressing that he was shocked over the incident. Speaking at a Democracy anniversary lunch with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Buhari said Jonathan earned his respect when he called him on phone to congratulate him over his victory at the poll. Going down memory lane, Buhari said was it was quiet generous and patriotic of Jonathan to accept defeat having been in government for about 16 years. “This is where I pay my respect to former President Goodluck Jonathan. This is actually privileged information for you. He called me at a quarter past five in the evening. “He said good evening your Excellency sir and I said good evening. He said, I have called to congratulate you that I have conceded defeat. “Of course there was dead silence at my end because I did not expect it. I was shocked. I did not expect it because after 16 years; the man was a deputy governor, governor, vice president and was President for six years. “For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was quiet generous and patriotic of him,” the President said. He explained that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar recognised the generosity of Jonathan to concede defeat and suggested that they needed to visit to thank him. Buhari described the first one year in office of the All Progressives Congress-led administration as a tumultuous year for everyone in the villa. “I will talk about my experience here in Aso Villa. I underrated the influence of the PDP for 16 years watching from outside. “The experience of the staff, their commitment and zeal is different from what it is now. Sixteen years of development in the life of a developing nation is a long time. “When we came, there were 42 ministries and we cut them to 24. “The Permanent Secretaries that were there for

the past five to seven years, the only thing that they know is how things were done in the previous years. “Whatever we did in the campaign, in fact we were saying rubbish and that made it very difficult for us. “Things were even more difficult during the budget, which you all know about. For somebody like me, for the first time I heard what is called padding,” he said. The President stated that the padding issue was a nasty experience for him and his ministers, adding that by the fourth quarter of this year, his government would be able to understand what padding means particularly for ministers who had to implement what padding contained “So really, it was a nasty experience for us. It was also a nasty experience for some of the ministers, who were never in government, for them to sit down day and night to work. “I saw them. Some of them literarily lost weight because they were sleeping less and eating less, working on every kobo to be spent because we became a mono-economy. “Everybody relied on oil and forgot about solid minerals, agriculture, making and exploring things. “We recently just found out that we are poor because we don’t have anything to fall back on. This is the condition we found ourselves and this change mantra had to go through hell up till yesterday,” he said Referring to the $2.1bn arms deal involving former National Security Adviser, NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Buhari said during the past administration, people who were supposed to be trusted just shared money into their accounts. He, however, stated that efforts had been intensified to get the international community’s support towards full recovery of the diverted $2.1bn meant for purchase of military hardwares to fight insurgency. “People were trusted and the most recent one, which we haven’t recovered from, is the $2.1bn, which was given by the government then, to the military to buy hardware to fight the insurgency, which had taken over part of the country and they just sat the way you are sitting now and shared the money into their own account. “They didn’t even bother. So we are still trying to get the cooperation of the

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye; the Marathoner, Mr. Fadeshola Adedayo and Alhaja Kudirat Lai Muhammed, at the welcome reception for the Marathoner who ran 774km in 17days from Abuja to Lagos to create awareness on Stephen Johnson Syndrome, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN international community and so on and we have to do it with a lot of respect to the judiciary. “We cannot go out and talk too much. We have to allow the judiciary to do their work. We will give them the facts, the name, country, bank account. “If you talk too much, technicalities will come in, then, we will realise less than what we want to realise,” he said. The President challenged journalists to always conduct research on

crime-related issues before publishing. He said the call had become imperative in order to ensure accurate and factual reportage of such issues. Buhari made reference to the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to recover Nigeria’s stolen funds. He said only investigative reporting of the events would enable the public to understand and appreciate the implications of such criminal acts. “How do you define

change? Luckily, our party identified three major items, security, economy and corruption. “So, please when next you want to interrogate out visitors try and do some research so that when they are coming next time, they will do research themselves,” he said. Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Mr Kehinde Amodu, commended the President for his support and showing more understanding in his dealings with members of the

corps. The lunch was attended by Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari and Alhaji Jalal Arabi, the Permanent Secretary, State House. Others were Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity and the press corps. The lunch was held at the new Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja.

Biafra anniversary turns bloody CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

earlier warned against protest to be carried out by any group of persons under any aegis. In Umuahia, Abia State, 10 MASSOB members were arrested, while one suffered gunshot wound after confrontation with police The rally, which commenced at 10 a.m. from Asaba Street, was halted by the police, which resulted in confrontation. State Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Onyeke Udeviotu, however said only four persons were arrested, even as he refuted the allegation that one person was shot. He said police only used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In Ebonyi State, about 320 MASSOB, including some pastors were allegedly arrested. Investigation revealed that the arrested pastors came from different churches and were invited by the group to conduct

church service to commemorate the effort and struggle of Chief Ojukwu. Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Zonal Leader of MASSOB in charge of Ebonyi North, John Nwifuru, alleged that policemen numbering over 200 stormed Nkaliki Primary School, when the church service was going-on and arrested over 320 members of the group. He alleged that police seized items worth several millions of naira, including plantains, bananas, and other consumables which members brought as their offering during the church service. He further accused the police of carting away over 93 motorcycles and other items for offertory. His word: “We were at Nkaliki primary school field observing inter denominational church service when policemen numbering over 200 operating in over 40 hilux vans stormed the area shooting sporadically in the air before they threw canis-

ter tear gas on us and arrested our clergymen, who were conducting church service. “They carried plantains, bananas, and other consumables which members brought as their offering during the church service” The state Police Commissioner, Peace Abdallah was yet to respond to the alleged arrest at the time of filing this report. In Imo State, the Police Command arrested 17 members of MASSOB for alleged indulgence in illegal and unauthorised procession in demand for the actualisation of a State of Biafra. The MASSOB members arrested in various parts of Owerri, the state capital were carrying banners with MASSOB/BIM inscriptions. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Andrew Enwerem, who paraded the protesters at the premises of the state police headquarters, Owerri ,said they not only displayed Biafran flags with caps bear-

ing Biafra insignia, but also chanted Biafran solidarity songs and behaved in a manner capable of breaching peace and tranquility in the state. Enwerem regretted that while security agencies in the state are doing their best to ensure uninterrupted peace and serene environment, some group of people under the canopy of illegal organisation still indulge in acts likely to frustrate this effort, warning that the police would not hesitate to deal with such culprits. He said they would be charged to court after completing investigation into the matter. MASSOB members also rallied in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State. The group charged President Buhari to give a listening ear to the cry of the people and allow them to go since all indices point to the fact that Biafra state has come to stay in the minds and hearts of majority of Igbo nation.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Reps commence electronic voting Ubong Ukpong and george opara

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has introduced electronic voting system in the conduct of activities of the House. Dogara who last Thursday announced the adoption of the e-voting system, said it is in compliance with the 8th Assembly's legislative agenda.

Consequently, a statement through special adviser to the Speaker on media and public affairs, Turaki Hassan, said already, forms have been distributed to all the 360 members of the House of Representatives to collate their data ahead of production of the e-voting cards. He said the implication of the new system is that records of each member's punctuality and voting patterns would easily be ac-

cessed by his or her constituents and members of the public. Details of the legislative agenda as adopted by the 8th Assembly early last year, showed that “the 8th House commits to the use of ICT in the daily conduct of legislative activities of the House. E-parliament and e-voting platforms will be made a regular feature of the House. “E-voting will be used regularly during voting to

properly reflect voting records of members and parliamentary accountability. The House shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of an eparliament.” It was stated that the eparliament initiative would operate on the platform of modern, up-to-date digital technology. Hassan said internet and intranet access supported by computerised legislative information management sys-

tem would be put in place. Other initiatives that would be introduced he added, include the establishment and equipping of a Parliamentary Information Centre where information and documents of the National Assembly would be made available. He noted that doing this would further increase citizens access to the legislature and solve the problem of public access to authentic documents of parliament.

L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu; representative of the President, Mrs Amina Mohammed and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources , Hajiya Rabi Jimeta, at the opening ceremony of Niger Basin Authority (NBA) Extraordinary Session of Council of Ministers in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

FG determined to make Nigeria great via S&T —Onu

ederal Government said it would ensure it uses science, technology, engineering, research and innovation to make Nigeria a great country. Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said this when he featured on a News Agency of Nigeria forum in Abuja. Onu said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would work hard to avoid repeating the mistakes of past governments which neglected science, technology, research, engineering and innovation. His words: “We have made a lot of mistakes as a nation by not according science and technology their rightful place in the development of our country. “Every administration, since independence, has been talking about one form of revolution for agriculture, but it has not worked because they don't pay attention to science and technology.

“Now they say young people should go to the farm. No young person has gone (to the farm) because of the labour intensity in farming is heavy. “So, it is only science and technology that will reduce the labour. No nation in the world, whether in ancient or modern times, has ever been truly great without science and technology. “President Buhari is giving us support and he acknowledges the importance of science and technology to nation-building. “We are determined to making sure that science and technology, engineering, research and innovation play their rightful roles in making Nigeria truly a great nation.’’ He said the science and technology sector has the capacity to develop the health, agriculture, security and defence, and manufacturing sectors of the country’s life. He added that the science and technology sector could

help advance the country’s space project. Onu said Nigeria could use its huge coal deposits to create alternative sources of power, given the shortage of gas occasioned by the incessant vandalism of the pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Onu said the Federal Government would ensure that the economy is diversified. He also disclosed that research is ongoing to produce cement for road construction in the country. According to him, production of indigenous cement for road becomes necessary due to the way some asphalt-built roads get damaged, causing hardship to road users. “We've asked the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NIBRRI, to commence research in concrete because we have seen that using asphalt on our roads has not made them

more enduring. “It is something that many of the advanced countries are already using but the reason for our research is that we want to study how we can make it have the Nigerian character," Onu said. He said the nation has all it takes to be the technological hub of the continent, adding that the consumption of home grown products would promote the innovation needed for standard creativity. “When we properly harness science, technology, engineering, research and innovation, we will be the technological hub because there is tremendous potential in Nigeria. “We want a situation where Nigerian scientists and engineers are creative and innovative. We want them to also be successful and prosperous. “You have Nigerian scientists and engineers in virtually, all the major

research institutes in the world, these are the people we can also attract home," he said. The minister said the National Research and Innovation Council, NRIC, which has President Buhari as chairman,15 ministers and other key stakeholders as members, would make significant impact in promoting innovations in the country. National Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture; and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, among others, are represented in NRIC. He added that the current administration would make deliberate efforts in attracting both the young and old to science and technology innovations. It would be recalled that a National Research and Innovation Fund has also been established so that research, science and technology could be funded outside the annual budget.

Group urges transport ministry to engage women to revamp railways

ome female staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, have urged the transport ministry to engage more women engineers to participate in the revival of rail transport in the country. The women are under the auspices of Women In Railways, WIRAIL. Chairperson of the group, Mrs. Monsurat Omotayo, said in Lagos yesterday that they have many highly qualified and competent civil, mechanical and electrical engineers who could help to revamp rail transportation. She said they have been neglected over the years without recourse to their capability in facilitating growth in the corporation. According to her, the dream of revamping the railway would be difficult to attain without the participation of women. “Women are indispensable and no one should ignore their capability in any sector; so, we want to implore our minister to consider women in the rail sector. “Women have the will and capacity to move rail transport forward,’’ she said. Omotayo noted that the welfare of women should be given priority, stressing that an appreciable number of staff of NRC are women. Coordinator of WIRAIL, Mrs. Monica Nnodi, stressed the need for more women to hold key positions for effective implementation of policies capable of moving rail transport forward. Nnodi said: “Gone are the days when women in railways are only clerks and secretaries; many women are now doctors, lawyers and engineers with experience to bring railway to international standards." The coordinator, a director of administration and human resources in the corporation, said she is optimistic that women could move trains from Lagos to Kano.

Photo News

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

L-R: Head Corporate Affairs, LASAA, Temitope Akande; Head Business Development Olamide Oyegoke; Head Billing, Bayo Ajibola; Managing Director Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority (NPPA), Barr. Razaq Olaseni Tobun, Managing Director/CEO LASAA, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi, Head Special Duties, Mutiu Bello, Head innovation and Design, Buky Ayodele and Acting Head Registry, Gbolahan Dixon when the LASAA team visited the Number Plate Authority recently.

L-R:Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Lawal Ado; representative of the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Jones Afolabi and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, during the Minister’s visit to the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Suburban Fibre Company, Mr Bruce Ayonote; Head of Legend’s Customer Service, Aisha Abubakar and Chief Marketing Officer of Legend, Gabriel GabUmoden, at the official unveiling of Legend’s Premium Entertainment, Unlimited Internet and High Definition Voice Calls Services, in Abuja.

L-R: Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Center, Pastor Samuel Adeyemi; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun; wife of the Celebrant, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie and celebrant/GMD, RainOil Limited, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie, during the thanksgiving service to mark Mr. Ogbechie’s 50th Birthday Anniversary at Daystar Christian Center in Lagos …at the weekend

National News

Journalists urged to sensitise West Africans on ECOWAS integration policy

ournalists in West Africa have been urged to sensitise citizens on ECOWAS integration policy before

2055. Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner made the call at a training programme “Get to Know ECOWAS” organised to sensitise journalists on their role in the actualisation of ECOWAS vision. Zenner said there was the need for enhanced participation of the citizens within ECOWAS to promote integration in order to advance the sub-regional vision of tagged “ECOWAS of the People.” “We need to sharpen the perception of the public for the work of our communities in Africa as in Europe. “The communities were established for the benefits of the people and only the participation of people will fill the communities with life. “Participation arises when one understands something and it does not remain abstract and strange and this is where the role of the media and journalists begin. “Explain to the people in your countries how the community works, who it works for; competent advantage from journalists is essential to the work of ECOWAS.

“An ECOWAS of the people can only grow if knowledge about it grows and that knowledge depends on good politics and good media work,” Zenner said. The German envoy said that citizens of the ECOWAS countries relied so much on the media and that Europe would partner with the journalists to ensure the realisation of the vision of ECOWAS founding fathers. He commended the efforts made in achieving peace, security and integration in the sub-region in the last 41 years of ECOWAS, noting that stakeholders’ collaboration would attract his government and Europe’s support. “ECOWAS has succeeded in opening the borders; it has recognised that transnational problems cannot be solved by one nation alone. “It has recognised that you must pull your strength in order to enable the West African economy to flourish. “The history of the ECOWAS families of nations sounds familiar to us in Europe; the European Union also began as an economic community. “What Europeans and West Africans also have in common is the experience that integration is always a gradual process even though member states may disagree on some reforms at first.

“The experience of the past years has thought us that by the end we succeed with reforms and further integration; we must defend our common values and principles again and again,” he said. According to Zenner, it is only by working together that one can pave the way to growth and development. “It is only by working together that you can build a West African house strong enough to withstand the storms of the future,” he added. Also speaking, Resident Representative, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, FES, Nigeria, Mrs Seija Sturies, said the media had a role of bridging the information gap between governing bodies and the general public. Sturies said the role of the media was important in the enhancement of relationship between different governing bodies. “The media sets the agenda for the citizens to engage, empower and enable the citizens to participate in public debates on key issues to better their lives. “As you are already aware, ECOWAS has accomplished some milestones in the areas like common ECOWAS pass-

port as well as free movement of goods, persons and services, among others. “This year’s ‘Get to Know ECOWAS’ is being organised for young journalists (not more than 35 years) in West Africa because they are the channel through which citizens can access information,” she said. Sturies further said that collaborations must be strengthened between ECOWAS institutions and the media in all member countries if ECOWAS must achieve its vision. Director, ECOWAS Communications, Mrs Sandra Oulate, said the training would cover a range of issues relating to the operations and programmes of ECOWAS. “The training should trigger intensive discussions within participants and lead to innovative suggestions for addressing some of them as well as citizens support,” she said. The training organised by the FES, Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission is aimed at providing an opportunity for young West African journalists drawn from the 15-member states to discover ECOWAS better. It is also aimed at providing a better insight into the role of the media in nation building in the sub region.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Lagos pays WAEC fees for 44,000 students Francis suberu

total sum of N561.3 million has been paid by the Lagos State Government as examination and administrative fees for 44,005 students who sat for the March/May 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who doubles as Commissioner for Education, made this known at a press briefing held at the deputy governor’s conference room, Alausa Lagos. According to the deputy governor, the 44,005 students were those who did well in the mock examination set by the state government to

determine their preparedness for the WASSCE. She said one of the requirements to benefit from the gesture was that intending student makes five credits, including English Language and Mathematics in the mock examination. Adebule also disclosed that three new secondary schools within the period under review were established in Amuwo-Odofin; Offin-Ile in Ikorodu and Odo Ayandelu in Epe, to broaden the space for increasing number of students in the state as well as bring secondary education closer to the communities. In the area of infrastructure, Adebule said 1,150 double bunk beds and 2,300 units of mattresses were procured and distributed to

28 boarding schools, 8,440 student’s furniture and 800 sets of teachers’ furniture were provided. Speaking on the welfare of serving and retired personnel in the education sector in the state, the deputy governor said over N934,644,082.39 was paid as monthly pensions to pensioners on the pay roll. “Equally, 47 pensioners, including deceased beneficiaries were paid the sum of N67,665,560.77 as gratuity and accrued pensions,” she said. On training, she said N25,411,500 was expended on training of Education Officers while a total of 137 private secondary schools and three public junior secondary were accredited for external examinations.

Unionist advocates stiffer penalty for corrupt civil servants

unionist, Mr Oluwaseyi Gambo, on Monday urged the Federal Government to introduce a stiffer penalty against civil servants found to be corrupt to serve as deterrents to others. Gambo, a former National Public Relations Officer, PRO, of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staffs Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. According to him, civil servants who were found wanting should be exposed, adding that they should not be allowed to also benefit from pension and gratuity. He said that this would reduce corruption in the civil service and also serve as deterrents to others in the service. “In China, if you are caught stealing from the commonwealth, it is death, while if you have an unblemished civil service record, you are giving monetary reward apart from your pension. “The government should also ensure that apart from sentencing civil servants found to be corrupt to jail-terms, such should also forfeit their pension allowances and

gratuities. “The sooner we are on the same page with President Muhammadu Buhari on his administration’s war against corruption, the earlier we will get a breather. “Corruption fights back, so we should be ready to come across some negative reports in the press and ill conceived orchestrated accusations against government. “I beg Nigerians to keep their eyes on the prize, we cannot be doing a thing the

same way and expect a different result,” he said. Gambo urged the government to get to the roots of those involved in the recent report which uncovered 43, 000 ghost workers through the audit of security agencies payroll. On one year anniversary of the present administration, the unionist scored the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration high, calling on Nigerians to continue to support its anti-corruption campaign.

Association receives N5m donation for sickle- cell clinic

n oil magnate, Mr Arthur Eze, has donated N5million to the Association of People Living With Sickle Cell Disorder, PLWSCD, for the construction of its clinic at Ukpo in Anambra. National Co-coordinator of the association, Ms Aisha Edwards, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Onitsha on Monday, that the gesture was made on May 29. Edwards said that the fund would assist in the construction of a special clinic for the treatment of sickle cell patients at af-

fordable prices. She said many of her members had died due to lack of financial support and frustration while getting treated in hospitals. According to her, the clinic shall be inaugurated in Ukpo on June 18 by the Anglican Archbishop of Aguata Diocese, Most Reverend Christian Efobi. “The clinic shall be of a world class standard and shall cater for the medical, psychological, and physical care of all sicklers in the state, and it shall be named after Eze, the sole donor to the project,” she said.

NEWS

South West

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police launch manhunt for abductors of Osun’s Iyaloja BOladale BamigBOla OSOGBO

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Mr Ademola Omidiran; Chairman of Osogbo Progressives Union, Ilorin Branch, Alhaja Odunola Adeleke; Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs Titilayo Tomori-Laoye; Author of the book titled: “My Point”, Mr Ajadi Badmus; his wife, Gbelewade; Deputy Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Adegboye Akintunde, during the launching of the book in Osogbo.

OPC can't guarantee safety of Yoruba people again —Adams

OjO Oyewamide AKURE

ational coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, yesterday urged Yoruba people to prepare to defend themselves against any external aggression. Adams declared that his men may not be able to provide enough security as attacks by Fulani herdsmen persist in the South West. He spoke at a lecture organised by the Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to commemorate the 2016 Democracy Day. The theme of the lecture was ‘Herdsmen/Fulani Clashes: What Implication for Inter- Ethnic Relations/ Nigerian Economy.’ Adams who was the guest lecturer at the event, said OPC members had been demoralised by the negative comments of Yoruba people on the activities of the group. According to him, the group has lost the zeal to protect the people because its members have been branded touts, thugs and terrorists by the same Yoruba race. The OPC leader said they are only recognised during elections, adding that politicians are fond of shutting their doors against them after winning elections. Adams lamented a situation where some traditional rulers don't encourage OPC in their communities, describing it as painful. He said: "Religion has tak-

en away traditional means of protection from the people in Yourbaland. Religion is good, but one must not be fanatical about it. "If we are moderate in our religious beliefs in Yorubaland, be you a Christian, Muslim or traditional worshiper, who dare brings attack into our communities? But Yoruba people are being hypocritical about traditional protections." Adams urged the people to use whatever traditional object they have to protect themselves and their communities, saying the first law in heaven is self-defence. The OPC chieftain flayed the comment ascribed to President Muhammadu Buhari that the 2014 National Conference report would be kept in the archive, saying a such statement is insulting. Adams insisted that only the implementation of the confab report could bring last-

ing solutions to the various crises facing the country. "Before you think that I am exaggerating, consider this: between 2010 and 2013, according to a report, Fulani herdsmen killed about 80 people. By 2014, they had slaughtered 1,229 people. "When you consider the Global Terrorism Index, you discover that Fulani herdsmen are now number four on the list of the deadliest terror groups in the world. "Boko Haram, of course, takes the first position. As noted by a recent report: over 2,000 people were killed in conflicts between the herdsmen and different host communities in 2015 alone. In comparison, the regular Boko Haram kills 2,500 people annually. ”In a situation where a group of supposed herdsmen carry sophisticated weapons and wipe out entire communities, the unity of the Nigerian na-

tion is indeed threatened. "Those of us who attended the 2014 National Conference know that Nigeria cannot make any progress without implementing the report of that conference. "For instance, the report deals extensively with how to eradicate the herdsmen/ farmers’ clashes. “Other recommendations of the confab that require urgent implementation include the introduction of state police, control of solid mineral by states where they are domicile, control of the Supreme Court by states, adoption of the French presidential system of government, voluntary merger of states that so desire, creation of zonal constitution, creation of more local government by states, federating units to participate in resource extraction and reduction of items on the exclusive list.

sun State police command yesterday announced that it has begun a manhunt for the abductors of Alhaja Adunni Adegbokun who is the Iyaloja of Kajola-Ijesha, a town in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the state. Alhaja Adegbokun was kidnapped on May 19, 2016 at her residence located at A20, Araromi Street, Kajola-Ijesa, by four armed men. Police however rescued her along Ife/Ibadan expressway in Ikire and subsequently handed her over to her family. In a statement signed by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer for the command, ASP Egbedele Ajibade, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Oyeleye, was quoted as

NASFAT warns traders against exploitation during Ramadan

eputy national missioner of NASFAT, Alhaji Abdulazeez Onike, has advised traders against unnecessary and unjust inflation of prices of foodstuff during the Ramadan. Onike said this during a news conference by the organisation in Ikeja to announce its programme for this year’s holy month. News Agency of Nigeria reports that Muslims faithful usually observe a 30-day period of fasting during Ramadan. The cleric admonished traders to desist from using substandard measures

Petrol tankers now to pay wharf fees ...as Lagos sacks revenue collector

wners of tankers lifting petrol from Lagos ports will henceforth pay wharf landing fees, it was learnt yesterday. Their inclusion in the 305 firms in the payment bracket followed the deregulation in the downstream sector of petroleum industry. The development came after the expiration of a four-month notice served on Messrs M-TOF Consulting Services by the Lagos State

government to hands off the collection of wharf landing fees on its behalf. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who signed the contract termination notice, said the consultant breached certain clauses in the agreement between it and the government. The notice, served on April 18 and addressed to the managing director of the firm, expired last Thursday. It reads: “Your company is

hereby given 4 (four) weeks’ notice of Lagos State government’s intention to terminate the above-mentioned contract in line with Clause 22.0 of the executed agreement due to your breach of Clauses 4.6 and 8.3 of the agreement. “Take notice that the said contract stands terminated 4 (four) weeks from the receipt of this letter.” The government has mandated Lagos State Wharf Landing Fees Collecting Au-

saying that the rescued sexagenarian was intercepted along Ikire expressway by patrol men attached to Ikire Divisional Police Headquarter. CP Oyeleye said the business woman was abandoned by her abductors following hot chase by the police. The police boss further explained that the victim, after her rescue, was rushed to Oluyoro Private Hospital in Ikire and later to the Police Clinic, Osogbo, for medical attention, but was later released to the Iyaloja General of Osun State, Chief (Mrs.) Awawu Asindemade. He declared that the police have launched massive manhunt for the four suspects that perpetrated the act. Describing Osun as a peaceful state, Oyeleye expressed readiness to build on the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed by the citizens through effective policing of every part of the state

thority to take over the functions of Messrs. M-TOF. Its chairman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the authority has 304 clients in its payment bracket. He gave the breakdown as dry cargo (225), bonded terminals (29) and wet cargo customers (50). He urged those in the payment bracket to henceforth route their payments to the state government through the authority, using designated banks.

and scales to sell their wares to buyers before, during and after the Ramadan. Also, national president of NASFAT, Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa, while delivering his opening speech, said Ramadan is a period of soberness for Muslims of all classes. Bolarinwa quoted from the holy Quran, chapter 16, verse 125, to buttress his claim: ``the holy month of Ramadan is a period to preach to Nigerians that there is only one God, who can ensure progress in the nation.” The association's Ramadan programme chairman, Alhaji Remi Adeseun, said the fasting period is a time to give back to society. Adeseun said the association would continue its welfare programmes of feeding the less-privileged and other charities throughout the month. He said NASFAT would also hold a 10-day vigil to conclude the Ramadan. He said the association would hold a Ramadan lecture where Prof. Tayo Musiliu of the University of Jos, would speak on Zakat, Sadaka and salary. He said the organisation would hold 30 days Iftar, which is feeding of people.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Drunk driver kills girl in road mishap bOladale bamigbOla OSOGBO

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Bisi Kazeem and representative of Corp Marshal, FRSC, Mr. Charles Theophilus, during a stakeholders forum on implementation of speed limit device in Lagos, yesterday.

Institute raises alarm over new maize disease Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ith Nigerians still grappling with high price of food stuffs, the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, IAR&T, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has raised an alarm of looming acute scarcity of maize in the South-West sub-region of the country due to the discovery of a

new maize disease ravaging maize on the field in the area. The institute which is the zonal coordinating research institute for maize in the South-West in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by its Head of Public Relations Unit, Mr. Adeniyi Amusat, said uncommon pest/disease is presently ravaging maize farm in the South West agro-eco-

logical zone of Nigeria which may likely lead to shortage of maize in the region. While calling on all stakeholders to aggressively address the looming danger, he maintained that if not checked there may be scarcity and shortage of maize as experienced with tomato recently. The statement noted that the new discovery

portends serious danger for production and consumption of maize in the country as it forms larger percentage of live stock feeds formulation especially in poultry. He however, assured that IAR&T which is the institute saddled with maize production mandate in the region is already setting machinery in motion to control the menace.

need to make this exhilarating model of government a success calls for creativity and innovation in the management of public information.” Ayorinde also hinted that the ministry also intends to set up Lagos Bureau Centres across the state where government activities will be reported live, stressing that this initiative is to give a boost to the inclusive governance policy of the present administration. He added that the present administration’s promise to run a government of transparency and accountability during its inauguration on 29th May, 2015 underscores its strict adherence to giving account of stewardship to Lagosians through the quarterly town hall meetings and other platforms. The commissioner affirmed that the state

owned television station, Lagos Television, LTV, has been repositioned to further carry out its duties for prompt dissemination of information to the public. He added that the state government has approved and released funds for the purchase of an Outside Broadcast Van, OBV, complete with four High Definition Cameras as

well as the purchase of six stream boxes that will empower the station to relay breaking news from any corner of the state. Ayorinde said change of management and restructuring carried out at the Lagos Television station has moved from its previous seventh position on viewers rating log to the third position.

Lagos plans Citizens Information Center to engender inclusive governance Francis suberu

agos State Government has said it is considering setting up Citizens’ Information Centres across the state to serve as a one-stop-shop for all residents to access public information. The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed this at a press conference, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Lagos, said the move is in recognition of the crucial role that information management plays in the success or failure of any administration. According to him, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led government is determined to run an all inclusive government in which everyone would have a voice, saying; “the

any residents and people within the vicinity of Capital Hotel, Iwo/Osogbo road, Osogbo, could only watch in horror as a driver suspected to have been drunk, hit and killed on the spot, a child of one of the road side traders doing business in the area. The deceased, whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, it was learnt, was buying an item, backing the road while a man driving a black SUV travelling towards Iwo end of the road hit her. At the time of incident, which happened late Sunday evening, according to another roadside trader, the driver was just leaving a hotel located few me-

Indigenes laud Ambode’s performance

Francis suberu

he coalition of Lagos State Indigenes at home and in the diaspora has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his exceptional performance in the last one year, pledging unwavering support for his administration. The coalition, operating under the auspices of Lagosians Future Group, comprising indigenes of Lagos Island and Aworis, said Governor Ambode’s achievements in the last 366 days in office is unprecedented and laudable. According to a statement jointly signed by the group’s coordinators in Lagos, Mr. Seyi Bamigbade and his counterpart in the diaspora, Mr. Kola

Ogun police arrest two suspected robbers Femi OyewesO ABEOKUTA

t least two persons have been arrested, while others took to their heels when men of the Ogun State Police Command engaged gangs of suspected armed robbers in a gun duel in two separate robbery incidences. The two robbery incidences which occurred

last Sunday happened in Giwa area of Agbado Oke -Aro in Ifo Local Government Aea of Ogun State as well as in Ilogbo area of Ota in the Ado Odo Ota Local Government Areas of the state. The command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the robbery incidences and arrest of the two suspects, ex-

tres away and was having members of his family in the vehicle. The accident, eye witnesses said, sent the neighbourhood into panic as people rushed to the scene and made efforts to revive the victim, whose mother incidentally, sells beverages in the area. An eye witness, selling vegetables near the scene of the accident, Mallam Nasir, said he was standing besides the deceased trying to purchase call voucher when the vehicle hit her. “I am very sure he was drunk. After the girl was crushed, the drunk driver came out inquiring if he had killed someone. There was a woman in his car and two children,” Nasir said. The suspect, it was learnt was later arrested by some policemen.

plained that police operatives attached to Agbado Divisional headquarters of the command engaged the suspected armed robbers in a fierce gun battle when they were operating at Church Street Giwa, in Agbado area of the state on Sunday evening. Adejobi gave the names of the two arrested suspects as 40- year-old Ademola Oladunjoye and Olawale Idowu, 20 years old.

Bamigbala; Governor Ambode’s performance has shamed his critics by giving the dividends of democracy to Lagosians. Highlighting some of the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration, the coalition said Ambode has not lost focus of the real essence of governance, especially in the area of improving the lives of the citizenry by ensuring the delivery of infrastructural development that will affect the people both directly and indirectly. The statement read in part: “What has got many talking about Lagos today is the way Ambode’s administration has gone about delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians and improving on the giant strides witnessed in the past two administrations. “In the last 12 months, every local government in the state has felt the impact of the present administration through one project or the other. Many roads have been upgraded and infrastructures to schools have also been upgraded. The governor has also done well in the area of street light projects as many more projects are springing up.”

South East

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group, USAID to monitor abandoned projects in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI

itizens Accountability Assembly, CAA in collaboration with United States International Agency for Development, USAID, has set up multi-stakeholders’ platform to monitor all abandoned projects in the 27 local government areas of Imo State. Speaking during the inauguration of CAA in Obowo Local Government Area of the state yesterday, the facilitator of the assembly, Mr. Emeka Ononomadu, explained that CAA was established to give voice to the citizens’ needs and challenges in purpose oriented manner. “It is a platform that is open for citizens who want to volunteer their time to promote social good and betterment of the society.” He said since the advent of democracy in 1999,

states like Imo State has spent so much on capital projects without any community feeling the impact. Ononomadu disclosed that out of 121 capital projects monitored in six local government areas of Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema, Ngor Okpala, Ahiazu Mbaise, Obowo and Isiala Mbano from 2010 to 2015, only 32 projects representing 26.4 per cent were completed, but are disability unfriendly as pupils with physical disability cannot access them. He also disclosed that the 34 projects representing 28 per cent were abandoned while 51 projects have been ongoing for over 12 months. “These facts are not available to many citizens due to difficulty in participating, accessing and understanding the budget. We are now making it available so that communities can engage government with concrete facts,” he said.

He said the non availability of budget information as well as non release of capital project details had been identified to be the reason why citizens and communities were unable to protect the common-

wealth of the state by ensuring that these projects are awarded and executed in a transparent and open manner. Ononomadu called on the government to make available budget informa-

tion to its citizens to enable them dictate corruption and help government to eliminate it. He called on citizens to participate in the process of monitoring all government projects located in

their communities and follow up on such identified projects so that contractors do not cheat communities by collecting money and not doing what they are asked to do.

L-R: Chief of Staff to Abia State Government, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Perm. Sec. Government House, Mr. Onyii Nwamah, after the presentation of some Ambulance procured by the state Government for Emergency Response Services, in Umuahia, yesterday.

Police never declared me wanted –Assemblies of God leader Ebonyi team wins 2016 E Democracy Day school debate E

bonyi State has won the 2016 Democracy Day school debate. It defeated Taraba and Police teams at the finals of the championship organised by the President’s School Debate Nigeria (PSDN) a Non-Governmental Organisation from May 24 to May 28 in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that PSDN comprised private and public sector stakeholders. Dr Adaeze Nwauzor, Ebonyi Centenary Debate team leader, told NAN on Monday that Ebonyi would represent Nigeria in an international school debate competition in Indonesia. ``By this feat, we have qualified to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming international school debate competition in Indonesia. ``We were also presented with a trophy by Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, at a dinner party with the students. ``My team won because of hard work coupled with their intelligence. We took time to select the best students in terms of debate for this competition. ``We started by training the trainers- debate handlers, then we went round

mmaNuEl ENUGU

the 13 local government areas and selected the best speakers from each local government. ``We went to three zones and selected the best speakers; then at the semi-grand finale, we selected the best speakers,’’ she said. She commended Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and his wife for their support and commitment to human development. Nwauzor, who is the Senior Special Adviser to Umahi on Higher Education, said the governor’s support and passion for educational development of the state contributed to the team’s victory. She also thanked the organisers, especially, Dare Olotu, PSDN’s National Coordinator and all members of the committee, for a well organised debate. It would be recalled that Olotu had at the opening ceremony, said the essence of the competition was to bring Nigerian students to debate on challenges affecting the country. He said that wining team would have automatic qualification to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming international schools debate in Indonesia.

zEh

he General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church of Nigeria, Reverend Professor Paul Emeka, yesterday faulted a radio news commentary, which claimed that he had been declared wanted by the police. The church leader, who addressed journalists yesterday in Enugu, said such propaganda was the height of gimmick by those opposed to his headship of the Church. While describing it as fallout of the protracted crisis rocking the Church,

Emeka, said he was aware of a suit instituted against him at the Upper Area Court, Abuja, by a faction of the church led by Reverend Dr Chidi Okoroafor, it was shocking that “ Radio Nigeria allowed itself to be used by such persons.” “The case is based on allegations that I forged professorial certificate, but I’m not bordered about that; what annoyed me is the role that Radio Nigeria played on the matter. “On 25th of May, when the matter came up, reporters from Radio Nigeria granted interview to the Chidi group; one of our members went and told them that they should come to us to balance the

information; they refused. “Unfortunately on the 26th, they aired it; telling the world that one Paul Emeka is wanted over claims he made that he got Professorship from Deb Shire University, that he has been receiving salaries with the fake certificate; they put it in commentaries, not just news. “I want to say that I was not meant to appear in court; I have counsels that represent me; I want to say that the matter is only at the level of preliminary objection; the court was to rule whether it was competent to hear it or not. “Several times they have done that, after doing it in the dailies, they got tired,

now they have resorted to the electronics media. “I’m surprised that those reporters with Radio Nigeria could descend so low, a radio that is so much respected and renowned internationally, the Nigeria’s official voice. What happened was very deliberate; it is below the reputation of Radio Nigeria.” He stressed that “I’m not on the wanted list of the police; on the eve of the matter, that is, on the 24th of May, they said 15 policemen arrested and took me to Abuja; you can see the contradictions; if I were arrested, how come I wasn’t produced in court again, but was declared wanted.

Nigerian politicians only interested in perks of office –Bishop Nwosu NwokoNNa EmmaNuEl UMUAHIA

he Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Order of Aba Province and the Bishop of Anglican Church, Umuahia in Abia State, His Grace Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu, has lashed out at Nigerians who joined politics to make profit instead of serving the people who elected them. Bishop Nwosu said this during in an interaction with newsmen in his office

in Umuahia. He said it is appalling that those who occupy leadership position in the country were not groomed to be leaders, but are there to make financial gain at the expense of good leadership for the country. According to him, the fact that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria is worth celebrating, adding that the world view with disdain any country that is under military rule.’’ He explained that though

Nigeria is still learning how to manage itself democratically, he added that very soon, everything will get better. “This is the time every citizen should show patriotism, patience and join the presidency in his fight against corruption because if we allow corruption to persist in our system of governance, the country will collapse and now that everybody is shouting against corruption we should bring it dawn even to

the local government level,’’ he said. The clergy attributed degeneration of the country’s values and moral decadence to the country’s survival of the fittest attitude after the civil war and called on religious bodies in the country to rise and instill morality and values in the country. He however, appeals to religious bodies in the country to stop it divisive nature and support the country in nation building.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Stakeholders in fresh move to tackle problems of Niger Basin Authority Marcus FatunMole AbujA

L-R: Former President of Kosovo, Behgjet Pacolli; Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo; Governor Udom Emmanuel; his wife, Martha and Deputy Speaker, State House of Assembly, Mrs. Felicia Bassey during the commissioning of roads in Oron Township, in commemoration of Democracy, recently.

Niger Republic to commence direct flight to Nigeria soon olusegun KoiKi

he number of international carriers operating into Nigeria is set to increase by one as Niger Republic’s national carrier, Air Niamey, commences operations into the country very soon. A source close to the Ministry of Transport, confided in our correspondent yesterday that officials of the ministry, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, (legal department and a director from the agency) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, were in Niamey last week to perfect the documents that would enable the airline operate into Nigeria. Nigeria and Niger Republic had in 2012 signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, which would allow carriers from the two countries fly directly into each other’s space, but since the signing of the agreement, no airline from the two countries operates direct flight into each other. Apart from the flight agreement between the two nations, Nigeria and Niger Republic also entered into an agreement on maritime, agriculture and rail line services. With these agreements, there would be exchange of expertise between the two countries while both governments

are looking at the possibility of operating rail line services into each other’s country as is the practice in Europe and America. On the BASA agreement, it was learnt that Overland Airways has been designated to fly the Nigerian flag on the route with three flights a week with the possibility of increasing it to daily in the future. The source said: “Our officials were in Niger

Republic for most of last week to perfect the papers that will enable direct flight link between Nigeria and Niger Republic. We’ve already signed a BASA agreement with them in 2012, but we only sent our officials there to perfect the papers so that there can be a seamless operations between the two.” When our correspondent contacted the spokesman of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, for con-

firmation, he could not give much information on the development, but said a lot still needs to be done before there could be commencement of flight operations between the two. He specifically said the BASA arrangement didn’t mean the airline would commence flight operations immediately, adding that its officials would still carry out lots of ground work on the airline before commencement of operation.

Lagos education budget almost one-third of FG’s tunbosun ogundare

agos State 2016 budget for the education sector which stands at N113.3 billion, representing 17.11 per cent of the state’s total budget, is about one-third of the N369 billion budgeted by the Federal Government for the sector. The budget for the sector is also more than onethird of the N300 billion budgeted by 17 northern states of the federation for the same purpose. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State made this revelation while addressing audience at the grand finale of the state governmentorganised activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration held at the Nigeria Police College Parade Ground in Ikeja over the week-

end. Speaking on the theme of the celebration, ‘Stop Violence Against Children,’ through the deputy governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode warned that anyone who perpetrates violence against children in any form - be it physical, sexual, psychological, deliberate neglect, kidnapping and child trafficking would be dealt with according to the dictates of the law. While assuring the children of a bright future, he urged them to work hard and be committed to their studies, and shun examination malpractice to avoid truncating their future. According to him, “although it is noteworthy that the percentage of students who scored credit passes and above in five subjects, including Mathematics and

English language in WASSCE in 2011 has increased from 17.40 per cent to 41.06 per cent in 2015, the increment is not an acceptable standard for this government. So, we expect a better result from the SS3 students in the just-concluded WASSCE.” The governor however commended the improvement in the sector, attributing it mostly to the committed and dedicated staff as well as various co-curricular activities such as debates and quizzes the students are exposed to. Earlier in his address of welcome, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, had urged students to give their studies a well-deserved attention, saying doing so would help them in no small measure to attain greatness in life.

ember countries of the Niger Basin Authority, NBA, are currently reviewing problems of the basin and programmes that were set to be achieved by the organisation in the next few years. Among challenges facing the basin are insecurity, adverse effect of climate change and growing populations around the basin, said leaders of the organisation yesterday at its extra-ordinary session holding in Abuja. President Mohammadu Buhari said the basin is experiencing significant degradation of its resources under the combined effects of climate and human activities. The president noted that the phenomenon is “heavily compromising the future of the everincreasing populations of the basin through the intensity and number of environmental, social and economic problems it is inducing.” Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Ms Amina Mohammed, said part of processes to achieving shared vision for sustainable development of the basin led to the establishment of a sustainable development action plan of the basin (2008 – 2012) and the newly adopted 2016 – 2024 operational plan and its climate resilience investment plan, expected to gulp $7.2 billion. He expressed optimism that the achievement of the investment plan of the NBA would contribute to improving the living conditions of the basin’s populations. He also challenged members on fulfilling their financial obligations. Earlier, executive secretary of the NBA, Dr. Toupta Boguena, said the meeting of member states would help review important documents

within the scope of the response to the needs of the basin’s populations. Boguena explained that the challenges of increasing populations and climate change are of concern to the NBA, “particularly as regards the achievement of our development goals for the basin. It is in this light that it is imperative to scale up our strategies and policies in order to ensure better livelihoods for our populations.” She said experts have worked on proposals to be reviewed at the meeting which are the report on the institutional and organisational audit (of the NBA); member countries’ contribution sharing formula; budget readjustment for the donor round table and the functioning of the executive secretariat; and preparation of partners’ meetings. According to her, programmes implemented by the executive secretariat are integral part of the priorities set by NBA member countries in controlling the degradation of the environment of the basin, and fighting poverty. She said she is convinced that the result of work done by the NBA would enhance the trust of partners in the institution and member countries, and would also open new opportunities for resource mobilisation arising from the efficient implementation of NBA’s projects. Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, warned that the security situation in the basin, throughout West and Central Africa remains a major concern for all governments of NBA member countries. He said the basin offers huge benefit in job creation, agriculture and hydro-power, among others for member states. NBA member countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

North

Tuesday, May 31, 2014

Taraba will supply 10% of Nigeria tea need by December– Ishaku JustIn tyopuusu JALINGO

araba Sate Governor, Darius Ishaku, said the Mambilla Beverages Company, makers of Highland Tea would supply 10 percent of Nigeria tea need by December this year. Ishaku who disclosed this in a parley with journalists in Jalingo yesterday, said he has procured ultramodern tea processing machines and commissioned Tunga hydro power dam which now supplies 24 hours power to the tea factory to boost production. “Because of the new machines and the steady power supply to the tea factory, people are now reviving their tea plantation farms and planting new ones to meet up with the production demand of the company. “We are also encouraging local farmers and many tea farms are spring up on the Mambilla Pla-

teau. I have told President Muhammadu Buhari that by December this year, 10 percent of Nigeria tea demand would be coming from Taraba State,” he said. The governor added that his administration was making efforts to diversify the state economy and make Taraba one of the leading economies in the northeast. “We are making efforts to start beef exportation and rice. Already, CBN is helping us in this regard by encouraging dry season farming. “One of the largest rice farms in Nigeria, Dominion Farm is here in Taraba State. Unfortunately, the shareholders had issues, which is delaying the take off of the farm, but we are trusting God that the issue will be resolved soon,” he added. On the deductions in workers’ salaries, Ishaku said he was cleaning up the system and the issue would be resolved at the end of staff verification which is already yielding result.

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143 VCs in Jos for annual conference James abraHam JOS

he annual conference of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, VCNU, yesterday opened in Jos, the Plateau State capital Currently, there are 143 universities in the country comprising of 40 federal, 42 state and 61 private universities The annual VCNU conference which is being hosted by the University of Jos is an avenue for discussing common problems relating to inter-university cooperation, maintenance of academic standards, staff recruitment, stu-

dents affairs and international cooperation. Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, while addressing journalists in Jos yesterday, stressed the importance of the conference to national development. His words: “Conscious of our responsibility to university education and the need for academic excellence and scholarship, while also being aware of the difficulties confronting education, particularly, university education being our specific concern, the VCNU aims to ensure that university education plays a pivotal role in the human and material development

of the Nigerian nation by pursuing joint action in achieving quality education and high academic standards” He disclosed that the theme for this year’s conference titled: “Quality Assurance and Global competitiveness: A challenge for Nigeria Universities” was carefully selected to address the myriad of problems confronting the country which he noted has been compounded by falling oil prices on which Nigeria’s earnings largely depend and the sluggishness in the diversification of the economy “which in our case, is the inevitable way forward” The vice chancellor fur-

ther disclosed that several high profile scholars and educational administrators have been invited to deliver papers. They included the Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Professor Adam Habib; Executive Vice Chairman and Chief-Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Abuja, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta; Former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Peter Okebukola; former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi among others.

Assailants kill husband, wife in Benue Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

couple have been killed in Benue State by yet to be identified assailants. They were allegedly killed at Bar kilometre 20 along Agasha road off Makurdi-Gboko high way. It was learnt that the assassins invaded the couple’s compound in the middle of the night, killed them and set their houses on fire. Their little daughter was however, spared. Our correspondent gathered that there has been squabble among settlers and indigenes in the area over land matter. This has sometimes led to confrontation and physical assault. An eyewitness told our correspondent that the killings may not be unconnected to the age old rivalry between the settlers and the indigenous people of the area. Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Guma Local Government Area of the state, who is also the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Sam Aga, who visited the scene of the incident, decried the killing, even as he charged security operatives to fish out the perpetrators to

face the wrath of the law. He said: “I am shocked by this barbaric act and called on those concerned to volunteer information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects and be made to suffer the consequence of their action to serve as deterrent to others.” State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Moses Yamu, said he was yet to be briefed on the incidence, pledging to establish contact with relevant quarters and inform the general public in due course.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, (left) with Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Iliyasu Basher, at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) meeting of guide lines for Conduct of Islamic Preaching and Tafseer in Nigeria, in Kaduna on Sunday. PHOTO:NAN

Buhari’s one year in office, a national rebirth - Jajere

enator Alkali Jajere on Monday said Nigeria has recorded a national rebirth with President Muhammadu Buhari’s courageous fight against corruption and the handling of other contentious issues hitherto

avoided by previous administrations. Jajere, who represented Yobe South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Damaturu that only a leader that had the enormous trust of

Sokoto to employ 10,000 teachers

okoto State Government is to employ no fewer than 10,000 qualified teachers, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of the state has said. Tambuwal made the disclosure on Monday at a media chat organised to mark the 2016 Democracy Day in Sokoto. The governor said this was part of the recommendations in a report of a technical committee he had earlier set up to advise the government on the education sector The governor said that the committee was headed by Professor Riskuwa Shehu, the immediate past

Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. ‘’The state government set up the committee as part of the measures to improve the standard of the education in the state,’’ Tambuwal added. The governor said that according to the committee’s report, we are short of no fewer than 10,000 qualified teachers in the state. “We will do everything possible in moving our standard of education forward in order to guarantee a productive citizenry in the state. “The government will also cover the training and

retraining of teachers in line with the global trend of making education a priority,’’ he said. He stated that the state of emergency on education already declared in the state would remain until the government achieved the desired standard. Tambuwal also added that the committee had recommended the construction of additional 6,000 classrooms in the state. According to him, government will implement the committee’s report, so as to generally improve on the education sector in the state.

his people could delve into those issues and come out unscathed. “In the last one year, President Buhari courageously ventured into critical and daring areas, with an unprecedented fight against corruption ever seen in the history of this country, recovering mindboggling amount of stolen public funds,” he said. The former legislator said the implementation of Treasury Single Account, TSA, Bank Verification Number, BVN, and the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System, IPPIS, had contributed to the successful fight against corruption. Jajere said the removal of subsidy on petrol would save more resources for government to create jobs, and develop infrastructures in all sectors of the economy. “Already, the subsidy removal has improved supply of petrol, removed hoarding and diversion; It has also created competi-

tion among marketers,” he said. The former legislator commended government for the renewed fight against insurgency in the North East thereby restoring peace and security in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. “Many communities that were taken over by the insurgents have been fully liberated and the people are relocating back to these communities, with the re-establishment of civil authorities also going on in the affected areas,” he added. He lauded the president for launching the N500 billion Social Intervention Fund, saying it would boost employment,support artisans, vulnerable groups, market women and farmers. Jajere, appeal to the Niger Delta militants to tow the path of dialogue in fighting for their cause instead of confrontation and violence.

North

Tuesday, May 31, 2014

Taraba will supply 10% of Nigeria tea need by December– Ishaku JustIn tyopuusu JALINGO

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

143 VCs in Jos for annual conference James abraHam JOS

Assailants kill husband, wife in Benue Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

Buhari’s one year in office, a national rebirth - Jajere

Sokoto to employ 10,000 teachers

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Buhari must build a new national order- Agbakoba Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, human rights activist, is a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA. In this interview with ROBERT AWOKUSE he speaks on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in the last one year. Excerpt

resident Muhammadu Buhari just marked one year in office. What is your assessment of President’s administration in the last 365 days? There is no doubt Nigeria was in a state of utter chaos and disorder prior to the 2015 elections. Nigeria struggled with massive insecurity, weak political structure, empty treasury and corruption. These issues actually influenced the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. And how has the President handled these issues 365 days after assuming office? The President has done well with the Boko Haram crisis. But unlike late President Yar A’dua, the Niger Delta crisis is seemingly out of control. With oil production at about 900,000 Bpd, this is a danger signal. The President needs to adopt a more flexible approach. This also extends to pro-Biafra agitators. Part of the flexible response is that the president must go back in history and borrow a leaf from President Roosevelt who ably dealt with the shock of the great depression that ravaged the United States of America when he became the US President in the 1930s. Nigeria is in utter chaos and disorder. This greatly affects the nation. The disease of disorder has eaten deep into our national fabric. The absence of order has badly damaged the national psyche. Love of country is absent. It is suggested that government works out a framework to reverse disorder and instil discipline. The issue of national order is closely linked with a new constitutional order. It is strongly recommended that priority should be given to the national question and resolved urgently. The Nation will not settle or move forward without solving the issue of disorder. The president however has done very well in anti- corruption. Corruption is endemic in Nigeria and to reverse it requires strong new institutions. There has to be roots and branch reform of the anti-corruption agencies if we must succeed in slowing down corruption before even thinking of reversing it. Salaries and emoluments voted to our legislators by themselves is about 25% of our national budget. This is unconstitutional because it is not approved by the Revenue Fiscal and Mobilization Commission. Stopping this outrageous conduct on the part of the legislators is, with respect the litmus test in assessing the sincerity of the anticorruption agenda. It is strongly recommended that the NNPC be fundamentally reformed. Corruption is also manifest in over bloated budgets for the presidential villa and government houses, corrupt/weak public procurement procedures and abuse of dis-

Agbakoba cretion of ministers in the award of contracts. All these have taken a major toll on our resources and encouraged corruption. The first crucial challenge is for the President to stop these aspects of corrupt practices and introduce major spending cuts. Many have been calling for the need to implement recommendations of the 2014 confab as this is believe would take us to true federalism which is said to be the solution to our myriad challenges as a nation state. What is your take on this? The most critical pillars are the political arrangements and agreements that bind Nigerians in one nation. We have not lived in peace and harmony. Nigeria is a fractured and divided nation. The Amalgamation agreement of 1914 failed. The colonial agreements in the shape of orders in council promulgated by the English crown failed us. The post-colonial constitutions and their military counterparts all failed. The result has been long years of national disorder and disharmony that has impeded economic development and political stability. This is a challenge the President must engage. The way to go is that the President should build a new national order by recognising our diversity and managing it in an inclusive process that would lead to an agreed constitution by all Nigerians. The president must refrain from calling yet another wasteful national conference. All that is needed is a comprehensive review of the reports of the national conferences. It will be a very difficult but not impossible task. The key in arriving at a new constitution is in isolating what Nigerians will agree to immediately. I believe Nigerians will accept the need for a balanced federation. We must strive for a balanced federation and decentralisation of powers from federal to state government. The centre is too strong and can pass responsibility out of the ninety eight items of power, under its exclusive control, to the states. This will balance up the federation. It is recommended that a graduated process of constitutional amendments should be introduced to replace failed holistic attempts to write new constitutions in one fell swoop. Creating a new national order will be very difficult

The posT-colonial consTiTuTions and Their miliTary counTerparTs

all failed. The resulT has been long years of naTional disorder and disharmony ThaT has impeded economic developmenT and poliTical sTabiliTy but not an impossible task. The effect of a national order will be stabilization and national rebirth. How would you describe the present economic state of the country? There is no doubt, the absence of National order has hampered the President from delivering on most of the issues. This government needs to stop looking at the rear view mirror. It needs to develop a clear political and economic vision for the country. At the moment it does not exist. Therefore I have moved from being cautiously positive to cautiously negative. Experts are unable to agree on whether Nigeria is in a recession or depression. Whatever the position, five conservative quarterly low GDP performance shave had a massively negative impact. From fourth quarter 2014 to first quarter 2016 Nigeria has been in terrible economic straits. The critical nuggets to turn things around must be put in place right now because they are not in place. Confusion as to whether we are liberalizing or regulating different as-

pects of our economy is keeping investors away. A good example is the Petroleum Industry. The only way Nigeria can grow and sustain development to attract 5-10 GDP is to have an open deregulated economy. This will bring hardship but with a robust social benefit agency to properly implement welfare package in the Budget a substantial cushion can be provided. The priority must be to diversify the economy and make it less dependent on imports. Nigeria has long depended on crude oil as if it is the only hydrocarbon to the utter neglect of gas. The economy heavily relies on oil revenue and is vulnerable to price shocks in oil and the associated risk to national stability. The most recent volatility in oil prices suggest that we must start to diversify our revenue income streams by developing non-oil tradable sectors. A clear strategy, model and plan for economic diversification both horizontally and vertically is necessary. Horizontal diversification should explore new opportunities in the same oil and gas sector. There are at least thirty-six value added products to be explored in the extraction of crude oil. Vertical diversification means a shift from the oil and gas sector to other sectors, Agriculture, Services, Maritime, Aviation/space, Manufacturing, Health, Sports etc. Pursuing economic diversification will make the economy less vulnerable to the boom and bust cycles of oil and natural gas prices. A model we can follow is the United Arab Emirate that has successfully diverted out of oil into new revenue sources. What is the way forward from our strait economic condition? Public Sector Economy is not properly defined in Nigeria. Whilst Nigeria’s State owned Public Enterprises are often ineffective, China’s Model appears very effective. The Privatization escape route that Nigeria is often eager to employ has not been successful. In fact, none of the privatized entities in Nigeria could serve as a model. It is urgent therefore, that Nigeria reviews her Public/Private Economy. Government must control the overarching sectors of the economy. There is need for a strong Public/ Private sector framework. It is important that despite current challenges, Nigeria is still rated as the 20th largest economy in the world. Reviewing Nigeria’s public/private economy would go a long way in turning potentials into reality and move the economy forward. The issue of forex policy management by CBN is another challenge. Nigeria’s Forex policy is unclear and uncertain. We have CBN rates, rates for fuel importers, rates at autonomous markets and rates at the parallel Market “black Market”. This breeds corruption from differentials in the four markets, hence must be addressed. You talked about the need for vision, could you explain further? I will think that we need to develop a vision on where we want to be. Every organization has a vision for its goal. What is our vision as a nation because vision drives the agenda of the nation. Do we want to go international like the ECOWAS vision or remain local in our projection. Vision drives the world. A man who is in the village would have a vision of doing his business in the village and might limit his market there. We need to ask our president what our vision is. Is it to be ranked among the best in the world, which I would rather stand for? Looking at the president’s team and the many challenges militating against CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

The posT-colonial consTiTuTions and Their miliTary counTerparTs

Politics CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

us as a nation, can we really achieve being one of the best in the world? That was what I stressed in my appraisal of his government in the last 12 months. In this first one year of Buhari I can say he is a good man, he is a man of integrity, but that is not enough. I would like to hear what is vision is for us like when Linquan Yiu became the Prime Minister of Singapore, Singapore was a third world country but his vision was to make Singapore a first world country and he wrote a book on how he did it titled “From Third to First World Country in 30 Years”. That is a vision. Can we say Nigeria can become a super first world country in ten years or less? That is a vision. If the president defines our vision for us then we can key in, that is a very significant target. Nigeria alone is bigger than West Africa in terms of resources, even Africa hence it has the capacity to develop rapidly. The UAE today has surpassed the British by becoming the largest airliner and even has the best city in the world to visit. Buhari in many quarters has been said not to be performing, perhaps the APC government needs a vibrant opposition. How would you rate the performance of the PDP? The PDP is absolutely dead. PDP thought that they were semi god, now they can’t even organize their affairs. But in a political life of any nation, a strong opposition keeps the government on its toes because that opposition can easily take the government. But today PDP is far from even governing of local government council let alone talk of governing at the national level; it’s a shadow of itself. But it does not help us; we need a vibrant opposition which may not be PDP, because I see so many interlocking forces – the merging of APC may not endure and the PDP may crack up. I think Nigeria needs a new party of young people who aspire to turn things around with idealism in their blood not people who have been in politics for so long and care only about their body. So I look forward to the best of a new party that can truly carry us through. We need strong young men with clear economic vision, political ideology and men with zeal to work for the interest of the country. We can’t continue to have old men as presidents. That is my hope in 2019. The Senate has recommended death penalty for kidnappers. What is your take on this? It’s wrong. It does not solve anything. What solves the problem is proper security and to ensure that things are provided to discourage kidnapping tendencies. A certain man recently climbed an electric pole in order to electrocute himself because the suffering was too much but unfortunately there was no light. So things have gotten that bad and it is not to say execution will be right. It will continue. A guy who is desperate is careless about death penalty. The question is and solution lies in – why are people kidnapping? That’s the right question. Do you know that millions of Nigerians have no job? In criminology, in which I hold a PhD, the environment actuates the condition of the people. People steal because they are hungry. I am not justifying stealing or kidnapping but I am looking at the causative factors in criminology. They want money. That’s why when they get small after kidnapping, they release the victim. So let’s settle our internal contradictions and that is where I would like to see the president in some coming years. Let’s say Abuja is not as important as it is. All the governors run there for monies. What about what we have in each state, although I don’t believe in them because they are unviable. Like when they were given bailouts because they are broke. So do you push for the recommendations of the 2014 confab? Yes, he should implement it. We need strong leaders. Look at Obama even when Congress opposed him on the Cuba issue, he went on to sign the agreement. We want people like that once you have the backings of Nigerians.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria needs new party of young people – Agbakoba

Agbakoba When I travel round the world I feel ashamed because you will see small countries like Gambia with their aircrafts, and as big as Nigeria we don’t have any. We have fallen to the gutters; we are in a depressed situation, which is a severe recession. Recession means the economy has slowed down but depression is a situation whereby everything has tanked – nobody is doing well. And yet we have Abuja, unconcerned. If el-Rufai could declare state of emergency, over tomato diseases, what about Nigerians who are dying? We have all had it wrong. The president initially vowed to take stern measure against the Niger Delta Avengers. What is your take on this? It is a very wrong step to take. I take his point that Niger-Delta avengers do not help the matter by blowing up oil facilities because it does not help them as they will suffer more. But the president is the leader. He’s got to find a mechanism to bringing peace. Section 5 of the constitution which empowers the president to exercise power to rule Nigeria shall ensure peace, order and good governance, not war. So when he talked about war he ought to realise he is the president and if he uses war on the Niger-Delta and blows up the entire region and there is no oil, so how do we gain? So we should adopt late former president Yar’ Adua approach who calm the situation and our production went up to about 2.3 million barrels from 800, 000 , now we have about 900, 000 barrels if this continues it will be left with nothing. There is a saying in Literature that “You don’t cut your nose and despise your face”. If you don’t like what the Niger-Deltans are doing and you resolve to bombing them, you are also destroying your country and you are blowing away our money and let’s see where we will go from there. So there is a need to adopt a new approach without political or economic distortion. In anti-corruption, the president has tried but he needs to do more so that we can start seeing the results.

The southwest PDP recently accused the APC of destroying its accomplishments and legacies it built for 16 years. But the APC in its defence said the perceived PDP legacies were worth destroying because they were characterized by bad governance and corruption. Do you think the APC is right in it defence? From day one, corruption in this country has been a cankerworm. The first coup in Nigeria, the Major Nzeogwu coup of 1966 was predicated on corruption. Corruption has been there for long but just that it wasn’t as bad as it is now. Can you believe I confronted Alex Badeh that I can’t imagine why billions of naira is spent to fight Boko Haram yet we are losing. Look at the story now. So corruption has been with us and our leaders have not been sincere to us. And I wished that there was a way social revolution can be staged so that these politicians as arrogant as they are can feel our power. Can you imagine the PDP, how dare they say they did something. What did they do? If they did, why did they lose the election? And how dare the APC proves being better when they are mixed by the PDP. Our problem is lack of real political party with distinct ideology hence we have leadership problem. The first president that can solve that will bring us back on our feet. But it’s not going to be easy. Like in South Africa, after Mandela, Jacob Zuma messed the legacies. So Nigeria needs new leaders. This is the only country I see old men suppressing their children. We should be having young people as president. And if the old men think they will not serve in the best interest of the people, difficult as it is, we will have a social revolution. What is your take on the just passed “Budget of Change” which suffered a long delay following accusation by the executive on the legislature of padding. Is the legislature also empowered to influence the budget? It is all sides. By constitution the presi-

we need a vibrant opposition which

pdp, because i see so many interlocking forces – the merging of apc may not endure and the pdp may crack up. i think nigeria needs a new may not be

party of young people who aspire to turn things around

dent is empowered to present the budget to the legislature which is called appropriation, an estimate of what he needs. The legislature looks at it, examine it but not to add. They can say this and this should go here but the budget this time unfortunately has been a shame but Buhari stood his ground against any form of inducement plotted by the legislature. Two major things that cause delay in budget are eternally corrupt civil servants and the corrupt legislature. When I was penciled down for INEC chair in 2015, late Guobadia called me and said I should beware of the civil servants because they are very corrupt. So the first padding was civil servants. So when the minister saw it he denied it. Then the other padding is the legislature. But what does this tell us is that a strong president with an eye for details will see all of these. So the way the office of the executive president works is for instance in America strong with capacity, not this one we are appointing special assistants because real, sound people – well schooled in policy, planning are in power. I can’t see this kind of people in our Villa. There is no way an editor denies the content of a newspaper; he takes full responsibility. So long the budget went to the president , it is his duty to take; he cannot come and deny that those things put there were not by him even though we understand what happened that the civil servants and the legislature put it there, but the president was very correct to refuse. But who suffers? It is we Nigerians. I will end by saying we need a reconfigured Nigeria where those who purport to come for our votes, they travel round the country begging for our votes but once they get it, they go and lock themselves up in their palaces and forget that we exist and begin to enjoy the food there. That’s not right. We have to have a way to hold them responsible and if they fail to perform we remove them. What is your assessment of the judiciary in this administration? Not very well and there are many reasons; they are also confronted with structural challenge. I went to court to fight for their money and I won but the ruling was not obeyed. The judiciary is paid generally by the National Judicial Council, NJC. But the NJC got about 60 billion naira. But there was a time when the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA under Dasuki, got more than all the judges in Nigeria. How can that be? So their performance is poor; they have overworked and yet no good remunerations. Their courts are small, dilapidated, poorly equipped. The first starting point is proper funding like at least 200 billion naira for the sector to fix the whole place; the courts are disgrace. So the judiciary is nothing to write home about; they are owed salaries up to three months so how do you expect them to work. So finally the need to be more modern; all these reasons I will say they have been unable to perform because they don’t have the tools. So if there is any package required, we need to see a government of the people, by the people and for the people in the second year of Buhari and it is for the president to rekindle the hope we had in him; he hasn’t lost everything, he still has some goodwill but that goodwill has been substantially depleted. He needs to know that in Nigeria few speak the truth. Even the media has been awashed with praises. If you invite me to an award ceremony and I do not feel entitled, I won’t go. But today even our media give awards to criminals. So when you elevate a thief then there is no stigma. But in the old days if you messed up in the civil service, it is the biggest disgrace you can ever had. But now it is not like that anymore; people even celebrate you. So there is an urgent need to turn around Nigeria.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

6 killed as gunmen invade Rivers community Dennis naku

Port Harcourt

o fewer than six persons were killed in Ibaa community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State, following a renewed clash by suspected cult groups. Some gunmen alleged to be members of a cult group, Greenlanders, it was leant invaded Ibaa and shot sporadically killing six people. Our reporter gathered that the shooting was a reprisal against a rival cult group, known as the Ice landers. A community source said

the gunmen who laid siege to the community, operated freely without opposition. The source said that strange visitors were moving from house to house in search of members of the Icelanders. It also said that the Greenlanders had chased the Icelanders out of their camp in the community and taken over the place. National Mirror also gathered that the mini-police post situated in the community has been under lock and key since the shootout, even as villagers scampered for safety. Meanwhile, Caretaker Com-

Oba of Benin: Guber aspirants set politics aside to honour crown prince Oarhe DicksOn Benin

ajor contenders in the forthcoming 2016 governorship election in Edo State at the weekend set aside differences in their political ambition to honour the crown prince of Benin kingdom and the Edaiken N’Uselu, Eheneden Erediauwa. Prominent among them were the deputy governor of the state, Pius Egberanmwen Odubu; Dr. Godwin Obaseki; Charles Ehigie Arhiavbere - all being aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Also present were Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The aspirants, on Sunday, converged at the palace of the Benin monarch to where

the heir apparent to the royal throne of Benin kingdom, Eheneden Erediauwa, who is also the crown prince and Edaiken N’Uselu, performed the Izakhue traditional rite as part of traditional funeral rite for the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa (CFR). These politicians who wish to succeed the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole, were seen relating well with one another at the palace ground, sending a positive signal of their relationship. The Izakhue rites is said to be part of the funeral rites performed by the crown prince with the Isewenrho family playing a dominant role. According to information, the Isewenrho family played the role as traditional warriors and defenders of the monarch and the kingdom from internal and external aggression.

mittee chairman of Emohua LGA, Mr. John Wokoma, who visited the affected people, described the situation as pathetic. Addressing the displaced people of Ibaa community at Rumuji Junction, Wokoma urged the fleeing residents to go back to the community.

The LG boss stated that the council would provide adequate security for the people of the displaced community. When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP. Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the incident, describing it as a supremacy battle by rival cult groups.

Mohammad however said only three casualties were recorded, pointing out that normalcy had returned to the area. “It was a supremacy clash between cult groups which left three fatal casualties. Normalcy has since been restored due to police intervention,” Mohammad said.

Governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike (middle), drinking water from Agbonchia Water Booster Station After the Inauguration, in Eleme Local Government Area of the State as part of the activities to commemorate his one year in office, at Eleme recently.

BLF berates Niger Delta Avengers, inaugurates ward exco in C’River richarD nDOma calaBar

ross River State’s chapter of the Buhari Leadership Forum, BLF, yesterday castigated a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, for blowing up the nation`s oil and gas pipeline installations within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, describing their actions as a demonic and criminal. The group warned that if not checked, their activities might lead to abject poverty in the nation. Speaking at the inauguration of the state chapter/ward executive committees of the forum in Calabar, the national vice chairman of the APC South-South zone, Prince Hilliard Etta, who was being represented by Barr. Eyo Ekpo Nsa, who simultaneously delivered his speech in company of the national president of BLF, Victor Edim, condemned the activities of the militants.

He stressed that the bombardment was capable of bringing the nation`s economy to its knees. The duo described the Avengers as a bunch of criminals who claimed to be fighting for the interest of the people whereas the real purpose for launching the attack on the nation`s oil installations was to satisfy their personal interest. “These guys are elements hunting for the nation’s economic fortunes. These are the elements who are employed by corrupt and failed politicians to ensure that they are never brought to book,” Buhari Support Group said. Speaking earlier in a lecture titled “What is Corruption?” Victor Edim, said that the purpose of the forum was to recreate Nigeria, re-orientate Nigerians and stamp the nation`s footprints on the sand of time. He charged members of the forum to steer cleer from acts that were capable of breeding

corruption. “If we are to stop corruption we must start with ourselves first. Stopping corruption starts with me the president of the association; anyone who faults the rules of the organisation would not only be shown the way out but will also be sanctioned,” he said. The forum urged market women, religious bodies, those in the academic industry, individuals and corporate bodies, leaders of traditional institutions and artisants to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the fight against corruption if Nigerians were really serious in building an egalitarian society. Edim rose in defense of President Buhari against critics of his administration’s fight against corruption. He said that the his group was solidly behind Buhari in the fight against corrupt Nigerians who plundered the nation`s economy in the last 16 years.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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Buhari to launch Ogoniland clean-up June 2

resident Muhammadu Buhari will launch the Ogoni land clean-up on June 2, a statement has said. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, Head of Corporate Affairs unit, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt on Monday. It stated that the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, confirmed the date when she visited Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area of the state to inspect an oil spill clean-up demonstration. The statement quoted Mohammed as saying that the president had given assurances that the area would be cleaned-up in fulfilment of his electioneering promise to people of the Niger Delta.

``I can confirm that President Buhari will visit Ogoni land on June 2 to flag-off clean-up of oil spills in the area as recommended in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report. ``Buhari would return to Ogoni land where he inaugurated a fish pond in 1984 where the once flourishing pond regrettably had been destroyed by oil pollution. ``The Federal Government is coming back to restore the ecosystem to what it used to be and as such restore the peoples’ source of livelihood. ``We are not just committed to implementing the UNEP report but we are also going beyond that by taking steps to improve security, good governance and economy of the Niger Delta region.

``I can assure that the clean-up exercise is only the beginning, as Mr. President is focused on restoring hope to people of the region,” the statement quoted the minister as saying. Mohammed solicited support of all stakeholders to make the exercise a success. The statement also quoted Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, as saying that

the clean was of utmost importance to the commission. Semenitari lauded the president for taking steps to fulfil his electioneering promise of improving welfare and living conditions of people of Ogoni and others in the region. ``Ogonis are united behind this effort by the Federal Government to clean up their environment, and as such, the people will help in ensuring sustainability of the clean-up,’’ she said.

Semenitari said that NDDC through Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan Forum would mobilise and coordinate support of various stakeholders to make the clean-up a success. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UNEP report was released in September 2011, with a call on the Nigeria and multinational oil companies to clean-up the Ogoni land.

Delta monarch raises alarm over military presence Nosa akeNzua AsAbA

is Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday raised the alarm that his life was in serious danger following last Saturday’s invasion of Oporoza community, his home town by the military. The monarch raised the alarm when the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator Presidential Amnesty, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), paid an unscheduled visit to his palace in Oporoza, calling on government to come to his rescue. Our correspondent who was on the entourage of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, reports that Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom is now a ghost town as the once bubbling coastal community has been deserted following the onslaught of the military who took over the community in search of re-invented militant group under the aegis of Niger Delta Avengers. Oboro Gbaraun II, who was visibly touched by unfolding episode of persistent invasion of his kingdom and the unpalatable experience of the 2009 bombing by the miltary, said he felt threatened by the presence of the military in Oporoza as nobody knew the fate that would befall them as the military had occupied houses vacated by his subjects. “They descended on our people, humiliated my people and even injured an 80 years old chief. Some women are even looking for their children. I sit down here seeing the military parade my people as if they

are criminals. I am in deep pains. I cannot move out of this palace. In fact I am under arrest. All my chiefs have run away from the community. I am here alone and I don’t know what will happen to me next. The soldiers are now the owners of this kingdom. “We are a peace loving kingdom but I don’t know why the government will treat me this way. You don’t have to judge a kingdom from Abuja or Lagos. You have to come down like you are here; come down and see for yourself. But they are judging us from Abuja , Lagos,” the monarch said. The Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Matters, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd.) noted that the military was in Oproza community to “cordone and search” for arms and other military related items in the hands of the people as well as keep the peace, ensure stability and not to molest them in view of the recent pipeline bombings by a new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA. Boroh who was flanked by his Chief of Staff, Col. Dedis Abel (Rtd.), described the effect of the activities of the NDA as “economic sabotage” pointing out that it was affecting the nation’s economy. He added that investors and their investments were being threatened by the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers, adding that would be investors were being driven by hostilities in the region. “It is important enough because the activities happening in this our area now is affecting the economy of the country , it is affecting our land. It is affecting all of us and the government is very concerned about it. We cherish peace and we believe peace is the most important thing that we all will enjoy. The presence of the military here is also for peace . We didn’t come to create scenes. They came to ensure there is stability and I will want us to key into that.

A cross section of Royal Fathers at the Town Hall meeting organize by Rivers State government in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

NGO tasks FG on NEITI’s findings, anti-corruption war RichaRd Ndoma CAlAbAr

n non-governmental organisation under the aegis of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has charged the Federal Government to mainstream the audit report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative, NEITI, into its anti-corruption effort and make recommendation that would fast-track the recovery of all out-standing revenues accruable to the coffers of the federal government. A release issued by media officer to CISLAC, Onyekachi Eke, and made available to National Mirror in Calabar, urged the Federal Government to come up with policies that would unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,NNPC, repeal certain acts that would allow Federal Government withhold funds meant for public good be expedited. The release urged the leadership of the National Assembly to table the NEITI audit report of 2013 for debate during the plenary session at the

floor of the House upon receipt while charging the parliamentarians to expedite action in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law if the government is so determined to correct the wrongs in the NNPC. The NGO also charged the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) to re-constitute the IMTT which should in turn prioritise remedial action and implement the recommendations of the auditors to justify the resources invested in the implementation of the NEITI process in Nigeria. CISLAC called on concerned institutions to explain to Nigerians on the steps that had been taken since 2013 to ensure that the findings of the auditors were being addressed and that they do not recur in subsequent audits. The release charged the civil society organisations, the media as well as meaningful Nigerians to invest time in understanding the NEITI report for the purposes of engaging relevant institutions. It made demands for accountability from government in the management of the revenues accruing to the nation’s coffers. CISLAC also decried the recurrence of damning revelations from

the Audit Report of the NEITI 2013 which was released on Monday, May 23, 2016, stressing that it was sad that the sum of $3.8billion and N358.3billion was recorded as outstanding revenues from NNPC and its sub-units in 2013. It stressed that beyond the figures was that the unfortunate occurrence persisted. It added that it had been recurrent since the reports dates back as far back as between 1999 and 2005. “In spite of the existence of an Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) of which the NNPC is a part, the case of unremitted revenues still persist adding that they arise from unpaid consideration from the divested Oil Mining Licenses, cash-call refunds from National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) liftings from Joint Venture Agreements,” the release stated. According to the release, CISLAC was shocked when it learnt that about $12.9 billion of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) payments received by NNPC between 2005 and 2013 was not remitted to the Federal Government`s coffers as at 2013.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Addressing prejudices against women Bilkis Bakare

hirley Chisholm, the first AfricanAmerican congresswoman once said: “The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, “It’s a girl.” Shaped by discrimination and bias, the girl-child has been dealt a rough blow even before birth by the society, especially in the Third World. In India and across South Asia, untold numbers of infant girls have been murdered by their own families throughout the centuries. In the modern world, the phenomenon of ultrasounds and gender-selective abortion has introduced a new method of perpetuating this ancient killing machine. India, for instance, accounts for the termination of about 10 million female foetuses over the past 20 years, while female infants are still found dumped in dump sites or drowned in rivers or lakes in large numbers. In Nigeria, the story is not different as women continue to endure all sorts of humiliations for giving birth to girls - the socalled weaker sex. It is not uncommon to find in-laws harassing wives for giving birth to girls. In fact, “son preference” is an agelong phenomenon deeply rooted in beliefs that women and girls have less value than men and boys; and that the male child will ultimately take care of the parents when the daughters are married. Thus, such prejudices lead to aggression and violence against girls as they grow up. In her journey through life, the girl-child,

when lucky enough to be spared, undergoes a lot of harrowing experiences ranging from early marriage, low level of schooling, exposure to violence, HIV infection, maternal death and Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF). Although child marriage is against the law in many countries including Nigeria, it is estimated that about 51 million girls are forced into early marriages world-wide. In Nigeria, the marriageable age varies from one region to the other. In the North-West and North-East regions, for instance, 14 years is considered as the average age for marriage, while in the North-Central region, marriage could be contracted between 2nd and 3rd menstruation, whereas in the southern part of the country, it varies from between 16 and 18 years. Quite often, in most African countries, parents of child brides are driven by factors such as pressure to conform to age old cultural customs like preservation of chastity, and economic considerations. In poor developing nations, it is not uncommon for poverty stricken parents to settle debts by offering their underage girls as payments. Invariably, these early marriages deny girls the opportunity for quality education in addition to depriving them of their childhood. Among the more than 100 million children not in school, approximately 40 percent are girls. In Nigeria, women and girls constitute 60 percent of the illiterate population. Also, most young wives are burdened by growing up responsibilities, household chores, rearing of children, and consequently do not get a chance to interact

In nIgerIa, women

and gIrls constItute

60 percent of the

IllIterate populatIon with their peers or carry on friendships outside the household. Also, they cannot contribute to the economic growth of the country, as they are put in a state of complete dependency on their husbands. As a result of the age gap existing between the child brides and their spouses, they are often exposed to domestic violence and other forms of abuse. At least one in three girls and women worldwide has been beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. It is now a common occurrence to hear of girls and women being frequently raped, irrespective of their ages. Today, of all girls and women’s fears that of being raped is the darkest.The rape epidemic in our society reflects the extent to which women’s and girls’ rights are being flagrantly violated. It has gone so bad that minors, as young as four years old, are now being raped with resultant effect of preventing the victims from socializing or settling down later in the future. Kidnapping of young girls of school age, either as sex slaves or for ransom is now the in-thing. The Ese Oruru saga and the three secondary school girls abducted from their hostel

Domestic violence and the society Temilade aruya

he bedrock of every society is the family. As the primary unit of socialization upon which is laid the foundation for a good society, the family plays a vital role in building a healthy society. It is, therefore, quite unambiguous that any threat to the family unit is a threat to the society. Recent onslaught on this enormous societal pillar, in form of domestic violence should be considered a serious threat to the society, which calls for urgent attention and action from all relevant stakeholders. That the marriage institution is currently under severe pressure is not in doubt, as we now witness unimaginable violence hitherto seen only in movies among couples. The recent alleged murder of a 36 year old woman by her 51 years old husband over allegation of infidelity is still very fresh in the news. This is coming on the heels of the brutal killing of a young woman in Ilorin, Kwara State, by her man friend for refusing to marry him. As if that was not enough, barely three months ago, Nigerians were shocked with the news of a how a young man in Ibadan was killed by his wife, who slit his throat. Perhaps, the most disgusting acts of family desecration in our society today involves the gory tale of one Lekan Shonde, who allegedly killed his wife, Ronke, in Egbeda, Lagos, for purportedly provoking him by de-

It Is dIstressIng to

dIscover that the home Is no longer a safe and peaceful haven for chIldren scribing intensely how her lover slept with her in a hotel in Abuja. It is distressing to discover that the home is no longer a safe and peaceful haven for children as fathers and mothers now engage in bitter and deadly squabbles. In Lagos State, for instance, it is rather dreadful to note that the Ministry of Woman Affairs and Poverty Alleviation received over 382 mails on domestic violence and over 553 distress calls in recent time. This is how serious the issue of domestic violence has suddenly become in our society. According to experts, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation. Domestic violence and abuse is not limited to obvious physical violence. It can also mean endangerment, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, harassment, and stalking to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence as a global phenomenon is not limited to Nigeria. It

occurs in various cultures, and affects people irrespective of their economic status. According to one study, the percentages of women who have reported being physically abused by an intimate partner vary from 69 percent to 10 percent depending on the country. In Nigeria, spousal abuse has become a scourge, and there is a report that 50 percent of our women have been battered by their husbands at one time or the other and unbelievably, more educated women (65 percent) are in this terrible situation as compared with their low income counterparts (55 percent). The effects of domestic violence on couples are far- reaching as it affects not only the children but the entire society in the long run. The effects on children are most devastating as they exhibit fear, anxiety, feeling unsafe, anxious to please, withdrawal syndrome, depression, shame, guilt, anger, sleep disturbance and a whole lot more. According to a recent research, 48 percent of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence in one way or the other. This is a significant number in a country of almost 160 million people, where about half are women. This has serious implication for the marriage institution, the children who are most vulnerable and the society at large. The implication of this is not lost

in Ikorodu, Lagos, attested to this. Equally, child brides often suffer from VVF, a medical condition where there is an opening between the uterus and the bladder because the pelvic bones do not have sufficient time to develop. This often leads to abandonment or divorce by their husbands and ostracization by their communities as urine continuously leak from their bladders. As a widow, a woman faces various inhuman and degrading treatments in the hands of her husband’s family. These range from shaving of hair, to drinking of her husband’s corpse bath water and sleeping alone with the husband’s corpse as well as not taking her bath for a number of days. It is in realisation of the enormity of challenges being faced by girls and the female gender in general, that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has pledge to provide a level playing ground for women and the girl child. He demonstrated this resolve recently, when moved fast to rescue the three girls abducted from a secondary school in the state. Earlier on, the governor launched the state’s guidelines against domestic and sexual violence, called the Domestic Violence Protocol for Responder Agencies aimed at providing guidelines and standards for relevant state agencies like police, judiciary officials, healthcare providers etc. Bakare is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos

on the Lagos State government as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation recently came up with different programmes to deal with the incidence of domestic violence in the state and hopefully put an end to it. The Ministry, which had successfully intervened in over 234 cases of domestic violence of late, has equally organized various enlightenment programmes as well as the rehabilitation and integration of survivors. Additionally, it has empowered 164 women in vocational and skill acquisition programmes, while 100 counselors in public secondary schools were trained in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund in guidance and counselors courses. This has greatly impacted the victims in a positive way as it serves as a morale booster to their dampened spirit. This is quite significant because in our clime, many victims of domestic violence usually lack the courage to seek legal redress on the violations of their rights due to lack of positive response from the society. Aruya is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. 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

Tuesday May 31, 2016

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE n MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO LANRE OYETADE n EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS PATRICK ASONYE BEN MEMULETIWON DELE FASHOMI GBEMI OLUJOBI

n n n n

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MARKETING

ACTING EDITOR DAILY CO-EDITOR, DAILY SATURDAY EDITOR

AYO OLESIN n SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA n COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE n EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH n ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FG’s promise of reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company

he long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State is to become operational in the next 24 months, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stated recently. The facility was left to rot several years back after the Federal Government had spent about $7 billion on it; and at a time when less than $1 billion was needed to complete it, according to reports. Steel development is globally acclaimed as a critical component of overall economic development. About 14 years ago, the Secretary-General of African Iron and Steel Association (AISA), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stressed the need for any nation in quest of industrialisation to have a sound industrial base that would provide the solid foundation on which the industrial super-structure would be built. “This industrial base is nothing other than a well-developed iron and steel industry that will be producing such critical industrial raw materials as cast iron (different categories); rods and bars (both high tensile and mild steel varieties); wires (in all their ramifications); structural steels (light, medium and heavy structural); flat sheet steels (plain and galvanized; and also the entire spectrum classified as flats); stainless and other special alloy steels; rails and pipes; plates (various

sizes in width and thickness)”, Sanusi stated. He said the trend globally was that only governments could provide the initial developmental funds because of the high capital costs and the long gestation period of steel projects. Sanusi cited India, South Korea, Pakistan, among others, as examples of countries where steel development started as serious national projects, with their governments playing active roles in the sector. However, reports credited to the World Steel Association (WSA) said the total world crude steel production in 2010, for instance, was 1,413.6 million metric tonnes (mmt). The Association provides a comprehensive overview of steel industry activities, stretching from crude steel production to apparent steel use, from some indications of global steel trade flows to iron ore production and trade. China took the lead with 626.7 mmt, that year, while Venezuela graced the rear with 2.2 mmt. But Nigeria was not on the WSA 2010 list of 40 countries ranked on the basis of steel production volume, after investing $7 billion on Ajaokuta Steel complex. Analysts say Nigeria would have made the list of WSA’s top 10 countries noted for steel production as at 2010 had the country taken the development of its steel potentials seriously.

With dWindling oil Wealth, hoWever, We think another great opportunity is here

fg to revive ajaokuta steel Company

for the

Just last year, The WSA 2015 World Steel Figures featured China as still leading in global steel production with 822.7 mmt, followed by Japan with 110.7 mmt; United States 88.2 mmt; India 86.5 mmt; and South Korea 71.5 mmt. The rest were Russia 71.5 mmt; Germany 42.9 mmt; Turkey 34.0 mmt; Brazil 33.9 mmt; and Ukraine 27.2 mmt. Nigeria was also not in the picture. Edwin Basson, the Director-General of WSA, was quoted as saying: “2014 saw the emergence of a new phase in steel markets. The evidence is that the steel industry is now entering a period of pause before undoubtedly picking up again when markets other than China, whose events dominated the steel industry for the past decade, drive new demand. Nobody can predict exactly when or where, but we believe that urbanisation in emerging economies will play a key role for the steel markets in the future”. Fayemi, at the recent Min-

ON THIS DAY

May 31, 1929

May 31, 1961

The first talking cartoon of Mickey Mouse, “The Karnival Kid”, was released. Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios. Mickey is an anthropomorphic mouse that typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. As the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company, Mickey is one of the global most recognizable cartoon characters.

The Union of South Africa (USA) became the Republic of South Africa. The USA is the historic predecessor to the present-day South Africa. It came into being on May 31, 1910 with the unification of four previously separate British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal Colony, Transvaal Colony and Orange River Colony. Following World War I, the USA was granted the administration of the German South-West Africa colony.

isterial Town Hall meeting in Kaduna, however, disclosed that bringing Ajaokuta Steel complex back to life was a priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, whatever it might take to get it on stream. He said: “What we are doing in order to revive Ajaokuta is in two folds. One, Ajaokuta is caught in a legal conundrum and we will ignore the legal issues and say what we are more interested in is the reviving of Ajaokuta and making it work… Once we get rid of that (legal issues), we will simultaneously negotiate with a range of players… approaching us that they can revive Akaokuta: the Russians, Ukrainians and the Chinese. We are looking for the best option that would allow us get Ajaokuta back to work within the next 24 months”. With about $7 billion already sunk into Ajaokuta Steel complex so far, Nigeria cannot be said to be ignorant of the importance of the steel sector to national development. It would appear the truth of the matter is the country’s non-commitment or cavalier attitude towards the steel outfit was sustained by ‘oil curse’ and the nation’s almost whole reliance on crude oil for survival. But with dwindling oil wealth, presently, we think another great opportunity is here for the FG to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company.

May 31, 2010 In international waters, armed ‘Shayetet’ 13 commandos of Israel intending to force the flotilla to anchor at the Ashdod port, boarded ships trying to break the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of nine people. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election, triggering the 2006-2007 economic sanctions against the Palestinian National Authority by Israel and the Quartet on the Middle East.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Free Zones Authority alleges excessive taxation on firms 21

Averting national disaster in Shikira community after lead poisoning saga 24

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Govt policies will strengthen naira, foreign reserves –DMO 22

Assessing rising kerosene price risks to Nigeria’s forest reserves, environment and economy

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Fresh indications have emerged that unless the Federal Government reduces the cost of kerosene, the problem of deforestation in the country would continue unabated with the attendant negative implications for the nation’s environment and the economy. SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE in this report captures experts’ views on the potential threats of rising price of kerosene to the country’s drive towards sustainable development.

rior to the hike of the Dual Purpose Kerosene, otherwise known as DPK, the public as well as private concerns had raised the alarm that Nigeria had lost 20 percent of its forest and woodland areas to deforestation. Few years ago, the marketers of the

all-important product had increased the cost of the product from less than N50 to between N100 to N150, thus forcing many Nigerians to resort to felling of woods to stoke firs. This, some experts said has threatened the nation’s forest reserves. Some experts told the National

We seek opportunities to engage in activities that Will enhance the quality and longevity of the environment. it is to this end that the earth day Was established to make available yearly

occasions, through the commemoration

of its anniversary, for us to exercise our love for the planet through planting of trees

Mirror, that tithe only way government can avoid the growing deforestation as well as threat to wild life was to bring down the cost of the all-important product. According to a forest expert, Joe Alimi, the growing deforestation, occasioned by incessant felling of trees has led to loss of the nation’s woodland forests, threat to wildlife as well as destruction of fauna and flora in the forest. He said logging practices often include burning of the logged area, releasing further CO2, release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere while trying to counteract it with the planting of new trees, which have proven counterproductive. “As trees regenerate and grow at different times along with varying spatial location to the main canopy, the regeneration pattern can easily be disturbed by hu-

mans. A forest in old-growth stage has a mix of tree ages, due to a distinct regeneration pattern. New trees regenerate at different times from each other, because each one of them has different spatial location relative to the main canopy, hence each one receives a different amount of light’’, he stated. He said that trees have similar ages, because they all started to grow at the same time, after the old forest stand was killed. Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi lamented that the planet had witnessed substantial changes, following unguided exploitation of its resources, saying this trend has brought unfavourable shift from moderate to extreme climate conditions. According to him, Nigerians should channel useful energy towards environmental conservation, urging Nigerians to encourage tree planting, instead of tree felling, disclosing the growing global recognition of the roles trees play in mitigating climate change while ensuring value addition to property and other health benefits. “We seek opportunities to engage in activities that will enhance the quality and longevity of the environment. It is to this end that the Earth Day was established to make CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Assessing rising kerosene price risks to Nigeria’s forest reserves, environment and economy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 available yearly occasions, through the commemoration of its anniversary, for us to exercise our love for the planet through planting of trees’’ He however noted that the Foundation was on course to restoring and rehabilitating the marginal and degraded forestlands across the national landscape. Experts have noted that unless the Federal Government reduced the cost of the DPK, the country might lose more woodland in the country.. Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, had raised the alarm that between 1983 and 1993 alone, Nigeria lost 20 percent of its forest and woodland areas, listing oil spills, burning of toxic wastes, and urban air pollution as some of the problems in more developed areas. It would be recalled that in the early 1990s, Nigeria was among the 50 nations with the world’s highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions, totalling 96.5 million metric tons, a per capita level of 0.84 metric tons. NCF also noted that in 2001, 26 of Nigeria’s mammal species were threatened while nine types of birds and 16 plant species were also endangered due to deforestations. ‘’There was a time when the earth was nearly covered in trees or ancient forests. Hard to believe as we look around today and see an ocean of homes or cleared land. Ancient forests that once covered the land have been dwindled down to almost 20 percent of its historic standing while half of the 20 percent has been removed in the last thirty years with fresh threats on the nation’s forest reserve due to felling of trees. With deforestation’s estimated contribution to global warming, ancient trees are still being removed due to illegal logging and industrial scale farming. However, experts have wondered why oldgrowth forests cannot be replanted, disclosing that old-growth forests take years to build rich communities of plants and animals, which contribute to the biodiversity of the planet. Old-growth forests also serve as a reservoir for species that cannot thrive or easily regenerate in younger forests. Such forests also provide invaluable medicines that are being discovered to cure ailments. And last, old-growth forests store large amounts of carbon above and below the ground, either as humus or in wet soils as peat. . Presently, environmental issues have continued to dominate discussions and consciousness as is clear that the physical, chemical as well as the biological integrity of our planet has been compromised on daily basis. While some of the impacts such as loss of biodiversity might be gradual, there are hosts of communities around the world today that are being consumed by coastal and gully erosion, sea incursion, bush fires etc. with lives and billions of dollars worth of properties being lost. Analysts have also imputed that the world might be a beautiful planet, but it is in ever constant danger of destruction and despolia-

tion by nature and man. ‘’It is a world in which the greed of our present generation gives little thought to the survival of future generations. This scenario has imposed tremendous strains and stresses on the environment, especially in the past two centuries and put our planet in perilous danger. Ours indeed is a planet in peril. ‘’In Nigeria in particular, both nature and man are at work endangering the environment even as we presently lack the knowledge, technology, human capacity, financial resources and the political will to remediate it. We walk indeed on a banana peel’’, NCF had noted. Unfortunately, the developing countries are having the shorter end of the stick. For instance, even though the massive depletion of the ozone layer is caused by less than 20 percent of the world’s population living in the Northern Hemisphere, however, its negative impacts are felt more profoundly by over 60 percent of the world population in the developing parts of the world by way of drought, sea level rises and coastal erosion. Compared to the rampaging impact of climate change on the continent, experts said Africa’s share of the annual man-made greenhouse gases is only 2-3 percent of the estimated 6 million metric tonnes emitted globally. Due to its peculiar geographical, geological and geomorphologic setting, the Nigerian environmental system is characterized by the combination of natural features that make it uniquely susceptible and highly fragile. In ecological terms, Nigeria is a land of extremes and had remained constantly at risk for ages, with the more recent phenomenon of global warming further accentuating the rate of environmental degradation. Some of these unique features include: While coastal inhabitants are under constant threats of sea-level rise, and coastal erosion, Nigerians who dwell along the fringes of the Sahara are under the unabating threats of desertification. The low-lying nature of much of the coastal parts of Nigeria due to its natural geological setting also constitutes a natural threat to the Nigerian environment. Generally, rising to less than 5 metres above sea level, these coastal regions are highly prone to flooding even with small rises in sea level. (e) Over 40 percent of Nigeria’s land area is covered by loose Cretaceous Sandstones and deeply weathered Basement Complex rocks giving relatively soft and loose sections near

Ogbeh

Mohammed

surface. Such profiles are highly susceptible to gully erosion, especially when combined with torrential rainfall. In addition to environmental threats posed by Nigeria’s natural physical setting, there are a number of threats that are related to human activities, which have further amplified the country’s vulnerability to environmental degradation. The current population of Nigeria is put at 140 million, representing 20 percent of the entire population of Africa. The United Nations project a population of 289 million for the country by 2050. Apart from population growth, Nigeria has been experiencing increased urbanization over the last five decades One of the major negative impacts of high urbanization is massive waste generation (liquid, gaseous, industrial and domestic) and attendant disposal problems resulting in a threat to the quality of air we breathe and water us consume. In general, there is a clear vicious circle linking high population growth, poverty and ecological degradation. Nigerian cities and towns are mostly horrible examples of unplanned population growth, poor town planning methods, squalor and environmental degradation which cry for immediate action. Population growth has also put a lot of pressure on our forests as the rising farming population seeks for more land for survival. The survival of rural dwellers and urban

poor depends on finding enough wood to cook their meals. At present, fuel wood constitutes the main source of fuel for cooking by over 76% of the Nigerian population. UNDP figures for 1993 showed Nigeria consuming 262,783 metric tonnes of fuel wood compared with 7,210 tonnes for South Africa and 35,313 tonnes for Thailand. While our dependence on fuel wood is rising in Nigeria, it has virtually ceased in the other two countries. At the present rate of fuel wood consumption, cutting may soon convert our forests to savannahs and grasslands. The global demand for tropical hardwoods is increasing daily. High intensity of logging and illegal exploitation of tree species has continued to pose serious threats to the country’s forest resources and the environment The use of modern machinery such as tractors, and trucks has made logging even faster and easier, resulting in increasing rate of illegal logging and flitching. These days, illegal loggers are often armed to confront forest guards that dare to stop them. Extensive exploration and production of petroleum in Nigeria’s sedimentary basins especially in the Niger Delta area has opened up such areas to massive pollution. There is the recurring threat of pollution from normal exploration and production activities such as leakages from pipelines and production platforms. The preceding section clearly shows the preponderance of both natural as well as man-made features that have combined to make Nigeria one of the most environmentally stressed regions in the world. The combined effects of these features have resulted in a visible and alarming rate of degradation in our environment, causing great damage to our land and bringing sorrow and poverty to many of our people. The continuous removal or destruction of significant areas of forest cover has resulted in a highly degraded environment with attendant reduction in biodiversity. It also causes soil erosion and in marginal lands, can lead to desertification.

UNEP iN 2006 EstimatEd that aNNUal dEforEstatioN iN NigEria covErs 663,000ha with aN aNNUal NatioNal dEforEstatioN ratE of 0.76%. dEforEstatioN ratE iN thE soUth wEst gEoPolitical zoNE is as high as 1.36% which is doUblE thE NatioNal avEragE

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Business News

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Free Zones Authority alleges excessive taxation on firms FRANCIS EZEM

he Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGZA, has raised the alarm over alleged imposition of multiple taxes on companies operating within the zones by the tax authorities. The authority had reported recently that the Oil and Gas Free Zones accounted for over 60 per cent of inflow of foreign direct investments into the country, especially in the last 10 years, thereby indicating that that the created Free Trade Zones are achieving the desired objectives. Managing Director of the authority, Mr. Victor Alabor, in an interview with our correspondent however lamented that activities of some tax authorities may undermine this inflow of FDIs due to alleged breach of some of the laws establishing the zones. According to him, apart from the elimination of the expatri-

ate quota and 100 per cent repatriation of their profits by the investors, the laws granted the investors both fiscal and tax incentives, which include, nonpayment of company and withholding taxes. However, he claimed that it had become a common practice for the tax authorities, especially the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, to go into the zones and ask the investors to pay the exempted taxes. It was however gathered that the authority is currently handing the matter, which the operators see as one of the major challenges facing the investors in all the zones, at ministerial level with a view to addressing it. “We are faced with some challenges but one of the biggest of them is repeated complaints by the investors that they are harassed by tax authorities to pay withholding and company taxes, which violate their agree-

ments with the Federal Government. But we have written to the relevant ministry so as to resolve the issue amicably”, Alabor said. Another major challenge facing the zones, especially the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, it was gathered remained lack of public power supply, which had made the 150 companies operating within the zone to solely rely on generating sets for the supply of power to sustain their operations.

The OGZA chief disclosed that the authority was currently liaising with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and General Electric, GE, for the supply of power to the zone using gas turbines. Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited INTELS, the port concessionaire in charge of the Onne Port Complex, which incorporates the Oil and Gas

Free Trade Zone had said recently that the complex spends a whopping N4.8billion annually on diesel to facilitate a constant supply of electricity to the zone. The zone is made up a total of 150 companies including most of the oil majors as well as five star hotels owned by the Orlean Invest Group, the parent company of INTELS, which is yet to be connected to the national grid several years after the port concession.

FedEx acquires TNT Express for $4.4bn ISAIAh ERhIAwARIEN

s part of its efforts to maintain its position in the global courier service delivery business, FedEx has acquired TNT Express for 4.4 billion. The deal by two of the world’s largest air express network and an unparalleled European road network will expand the existing FedEx portfolio and reshape the global transportation and logistics industry. Announcing the acquisition, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Frederick W. Smith said that the “acquisition is a significant accomplishment and marks the beginning of a new era, filled with promise for our people, customers and shareowners.” According to him, both companies are proud to celebrate the joining of two iconic companies and the approximately 400,000 team members who are committed to serving customers around the world. Smith added: “The timing of this historic event is important, particularly in the current market environment where global e-commerce is growing at doubledigit rates,” stressing that TNT’s capabilities adds to edEx existing world-class suite of services, including GENCO and the recently re-launched FedEx CrossBorder, which will further expand the ability of FedEx to support business connections around the world. “Over our 43 year history, FedEx has repeatedly reinvented and revolutionized the industry, from the first overnight express service backed by a money-back

guarantee to the invention of internet shipping. And just as we revolutionized the U.S. domestic parcel business through the acquisition and development of what is now FedEx Ground, the acquisition of TNT will change the way customers view FedEx around the world,” Smith continued. FedEx Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Alan B. Graf, Jr disclosed that the strategic acquisition will add significant value for FedEx shareowners, team members and customers around the globe, particularly in Europe where it will establish a strong new competitor. “The TNT team members bring 70 years of diverse experience, which combined with that of FedEx team members, will make this integration a success”, he said.

L-R: Director, Eko DISCO, Ernest Oji; Chairman, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Victor Osibodu; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs; Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Vincent Akpotaire; Chairman, Ibadan DISCO, Mr. Tunde Ayeni; and Managing Director, 4Power Consirtium, Mr. Matthew Ederbie, after an interactive meeting of DISCO Owners Association in Abuja over the weekend.

World Bank, partners launch new initiative on Climate Action UDO ONYEKA

orld Bank Group and 12 international organisations, has launched a new initiative that will make it easier for governments, the private sector and the global community to work together to lessen the impacts of climate change. The collaboration, according to a statement would enable the private sector play a more active role in the design of policies and programs that tackle climate change.

The initiative brings together leading climate advocacy organisations around a set of six ‘Principles for Dialogue on Climate Action’, which will guide discussions at the global, local and country level as governments and their private sector partners implement plans and identify solutions to help deal with this major global crisis. “When governments establish inclusive dialogue with the private sector as well as international organisations, civil society, and communities, they can produce better

38 underwriting firms seek approval of 2015 accounts ZAKA KhALIQ

hirty eight insurance companies in the country have so far submitted their 2015 financial statements to the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM for approval. Of the 38 firms that had submitted, the regulatory body had approved accounts of 31 insurance firms, hence, can go ahead to hold their Annual General Meetings, AGMs, where they will explain to shareholders their financial status for the 2015 financial year. Some of those whose accounts were approved by the commission include; Wapic Life Assurance Ltd, FBN General Insurance, Wapic Insurance Plc, Ensure Insurance Plc, FBN Insurance Ltd, Law Union & Rock Insurance Company Plc, Mansard Insurance Plc, Custodian and Allied Insurance Ltd, and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc. Others are; Custodian Life Assurance Ltd, Prestige Insurance Plc, Regency Alliance Plc, AIICO In-

surance, Continental Reinsurance Plc, Unity Kapital Assurance, NEM Insurance Plc, among others. The likes of AIICO Insurance Plc, FBN Insurance Limited, Custodian and Allied Insurance and Consolidated Hallmark Plc, have so far held their AGMs, while the remaining ones are expected to conduct theirs in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, four of the seven accounts submitted , but yet to get regulatory approval, have been queried and NAICOM is awaiting responses from them, while three accounts are undergoing review. With 38 companies so far submitted their 2015 accounts to the commission, investigation shows that, at least 90 per cent of insurance companies must have submitted their accounts by June end, which is the deadline given to underwriting firms to do so. This would be an improvement from last year, where some insurers suffered heavy monetary sanctions from NAICOM, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria,FRC for failure to meet account submission deadline.

integrated and more comprehensive strategies capable of addressing a crisis whose impacts extend from remote villages and islands to the planet as a whole,” the Principles read. Announcing the Principles, at the start of the Dialogue for Climate Action conference in Vienna, Austria few days ago, Senior Director of the World Bank Group’s Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice Anabel Gonzalez, said “this represents a significant milestone in global climate action and is an important step forward in bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society to collectively take action to fight climate change. “The principles help scale opportunities for industry action in climate change and investments in climate technologies and will help reinforce the global commitment made in Paris.” “Climate change is a fundamental threat to economic development and has the potential to push 100 million people into poverty by 2030. The amount of work that needs to be done is considerable. Developing countries will need about $100bn of new investments by 2020 to bolster their economic resilience against the effects of climate change. Cooperation between governments and the private sector can accelerate those investments in emerging economies, but dialogue between the two will be essential”, Gonzalez added.

Business News

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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Govt policies will strengthen naira, foreign reserves –DMO T he Director-General Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo has said the naira and foreign exchange reserves will recover in the coming years as the impact of government’s plans to diversify the nation’s economy begin to yield the desired results Making this projection at a Breakfast Meeting with Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos last weekend, the debt management expert said governments’ efforts at revalitalising key non-oil sectors, particularly, agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals as well as broadening the tax base would impact positively on

economy within the next three to five years. Nwankwo explained further that with government’s diversification project on course, the country’s economic growth and sustainable development would no longer be subjected to the vagaries of prices of crude oil in the international market. He said a lot of revenues would be generated from taxes in view of plans by government to improve the country’s low comparative tax revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio which stands at about seven per cent, against 18 per cent average in most developing countries. The DMO boss said that

by simply paying taxes by individuals and corporate bodies, government can secure the needed fund to fund major developmental projects. He explained: “You can see that in the manufacturing sector, some factories are operating below capacity. But with the ongoing implementation of President Muhammadu Buhari policy on diversification of the economy and revatilising the power infrastructure, the sector will pick up and create more jobs for the people,” he said. Nwankwo said achieving self-sufficiency in power would enable government to generate more revenue from corporate entities as

they will be able improve their operations and by so doing, expand government’s revenue bases. “In the next five to seven years, solid minerals will be exported. It is possible that in the next five to seven years, the whole picture of Nigeria will be a complete turnaround because of government’s economy diversification plan. “The difference between Nigerian and other countries facing similar economic challenges is that those countries do not have the same opportunities we have in Nigeria. Nigeria is near 100 per cent idle capacity, meaning the flexibility to grow the economy is high,” Nwankwo added.

L-R: Certified Etiquette and Image Consultant, Consima Protocol and Finishing School, Mr Adebola Ogutuga; Deputy General Manager, Total Etiquette and Protocol Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Sonye Allanah and National President, Road Safety Officers Wives Association, Mrs Bolanle Oyeyemi, at the close of six weeks Etiquette Training, organised for children in celebration of 2016 Children’s and Democracy Days in Abuja.

Seven Energy reports $14m profit drop in Q1 …as output rises to 101mscfpd

UDEME AKPAN

even Energy has disclosed that it suffered a loss after tax of $14 million despite delivering 101 million standard cubic feet of gas per day for consumption in the first quarter of this year. The company’s Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho, who gave these in the first quarter report released on Wednesday noted that deliveries of 101 MMcfpd compared to the average of 70 MMcfpd in 2015. “Our long held focus on gas is reaping benefits, at a time when the upstream component of our business is challenged with a continued weak oil price, and with the Forcados terminal having been closed since February, severely limiting oil production deliveries and cash flow from our assets in the

North West Niger Delta,” Ihenacho said. The company noted that the 44per cent increase from the 2015 average gas deliveries of 70 MMcfpd was due to the increase in gas taken by the Calabar NIPP and Alaoji NIPP power stations as they increase their electricity generation into the power grid. The company reported that during April which saw an average of 105 MMcfpd, with daily deliveries reaching in excess of 130 MMcfpd as the demand from our customer base increases, adding that the completion of our Oron to Creek Town pipeline in the coming months will enable us to achieve delivery volumes of 200 MMcfpd within the next twelve months. It observed that the average gross oil production from the Stubb Creek and Uquo fields was 1,800 bopd for the period (Q1 2015: 1,000 bopd), with net entitlement to Seven Energy of 700 bopd (Q1 2015: 400

bopd), an increase of 66per cent. The company stated that liftings during the period totalled 106 Mbbls (Q1 2015: nil), realising an average oil price of $33/bbl. It reported further that during the first quarter of 2016 gross production under the Strategic Alliance Agreement between Seven Energy and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company from OMLs 4, 38 & 41 averaged 31,580 bopd. The company pointed out that as reported at the year end, the lower production in the first quarter of 2016 is due to the shutdown at the Forcados terminal and declaration of force majeure by Shell from mid-February. This is even as disclosed that the current expectations were that the force majeure will not be lifted before July 2016, saying that its average net entitlement from the OMLs for the first quarter of 2016 was 15,000 bopd (Q1 2015: 14,100 bopd).

The financial expert urged Nigerians not to be depressed because of drop in crude oil prices, saying that they don’t have any reason to be depressed just because crude oil

price is down but latch on the potential opportunities available to the country to grow the economy based on a well-diversified and sustainable manner.

Ikeja Disco advises consumers on rainy season safety precautions

keja Electric, one of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, has called on residents and consumers within her network to adopt higher safety precautionary measures during the rainy season, in order to prevent electricityrelated accidents. The rainy season, a period which is marked by increased rainfall, thunderstorms, high winds and floods, often witnesses an escalation of accidents in the electricity sector. Unfortunately many of these accidents become fatal where residents ignore warnings and electric safety guidelines. Speaking on the need to continue its sensitization campaign and create greater awareness, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Felix Ofulue maintained that the safety of its customers is paramount to the business at all times. He said: “As a responsible organization which is committed to the safety of its customers, it is pertinent to remind our valued customers of some basic guidelines that will help save lives at this time. We hope that our customers will in turn pass this information around such that more accidents are prevented and we will avoid loss of lives”. Ofulue advised consumers to avoid conditions that can compromise the safe use of electricity, such as using wet electrical appliances; citing that the dangers associated with electricity when it gets in contact with water, especially in this period of rainy season, is very grave. He further warned that where poles had been felled during heavy winds, that pedestrians MUST stay away from the area until help comes. He warned against ignoring exposed conduit wires which may result in electric shock if they come in contact with water.

Intra-Africa trade to play larger role in local GDP contributions

s growth in developed markets such as Europe, China and North Africa continue to stagnate, greater regional integration in Africa, amongst all role players, is needed to capitalize on the continent’s growth potential. According to Hennie Heymans, Chief Executive Office of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, when comparing intraregional trade statistics, Africa’s rates are amongst the lowest in the world, with less than 20% of what is produced in the region, remaining on the continent. “This, in essence, means that over 80% of what is produced in Africa is exported, mainly to the European Union, China and the United States. In comparison, over 65% of Europe’s trade occurs on its own continent, and in North America, the figure is around 50%(1),” says Heymans. According to the latest IMF April 2016 World Economic Outlook report, developing economies and emerging markets will continue to account for a large portion of the world’s economic growth in 2016, which is expected at a rate of 3.2%. The report also reveals that growth in sub-Saharan Africa is also expected to remain low this year, at 3%, down 0.4% from 2015. “Sub-Saharan Africa’s dwindling growth is influenced by factors such as slowed, moderate growth in advanced markets such as China, as well as the downward revision of growth for the region’s oil-exporting countries.” (Source- African Press Organization) Heymans says that intra-African trade has enormous potential to catalyze investment and foster growth on the continent. “To ensure that Africa is equipped to maintain and exceed its growth trajectory of 4% in 2017(2), business leaders, the government and the community need to work together towards making Africa an easier place to do business and to stimulate trade between the various African countries.”

Business News

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Seven Energy reports $14m profit drop in Q1 …as output rises to 101mscfpd

UDEME AKPAN

The financial expert urged Nigerians not to be depressed because of drop in crude oil prices, saying that they don’t have any reason to be depressed just because crude oil

price is down but latch on the potential opportunities available to the country to grow the economy based on a well-diversified and sustainable manner.

Ikeja Disco advises consumers on rainy season safety precautions

Intra-Africa trade to play larger role in local GDP contributions

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Jobs & Career

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FG to spend N5bn on job creation, others

DavID auDu

igerian President, Mohammadu Buhari, has restated that the federal government is resolved in its commitment to create job opportunities for Nigerian youths. The President, who gave the hint yesterday in his Democracy Day broadcast to the nation, said about Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the 2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key areas.

He listed the areas to include, providing job creation opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one hundred thousand artisans across the nation. The scheme will also include the conditional cash transfer scheme which will provide financial support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and complement the enterprise programme. He said the scheme will target up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural workers, nationwide. “The first steps along the path of

AfDB trains journalists on climate change trends Isaac asabor

he African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the Earth Journalism Network, EJN, hosted a Journalist Training Programme for a selected group of African journalists. With the Annual Meetings focused on the theme, Energy and Climate Change, the training programme was designed to help participating reporters deepen their understanding of the issues Africa faces in achieving climate-smart development, and make use of contemporary tools and techniques for enhancing reporting on these complex issues. The training programme was a multi-partner effort of AfDB’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, its Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and water and sanitation offices, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), together with EJN.

ADB President, Akinwumi Adesina

In his welcoming remarks to the group, AfDB Energy and Climate Change Director, Alex Rugamba expressed the bank’s strong commitment to the value of communications – for transparency, education, knowledge sharing, and allowing the fruits of our learning to blossom throughout the continent in the face of transformative aspirations for Africa. To select reporters for the training, EJN ran a competitive process in consultation with the Bank, using criteria related to applicants’ knowledge of climate change, reporting experience, media affiliation and country base. Ultimately, 11 journalists from nine AfDB member countries were selected from 144 applicants to take part in the training program as EJN Fellows. During the training, the 11 reporters took part in workshops on identifying priority issues and using open data and visualization for effective reporting on energy and climate change, a roundtable with experts on climate finance, and a panel on challenges African countries face to balance their urgent development needs with their commitments under the global climate change treaty and UN Sustainable Development Goals. “We decided to organize this training with EJN because of its obvious value to our work with African countries,” said Kurt Lonsway, AfDB Division Manager for Environment and Climate Change. “We understand that the evolving landscape of development and climate change, particularly now in the post-COP21 environment, is complex and requires careful and thorough analysis and access to welldocumented data.

self-sufficiency in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise, LIFE, will boost the economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted support”, President Buhari assured. He however expressed concerns about rising cost of foods such as maize, rice, millet, beans and gari, adding that farmers have been complaining about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence of extension services. The President disclosed that the federal and state governments were committed to tackling these challenges in their efforts aimed at increasing food production and ultimately food security. Besides, the president said his government will provide additional support for especially talented children through the education grant scheme. “We will encourage students studying sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics and lay a foundation for human capital development for the next generation”, he added. The President also indicated that under the scheme, about 5.5 million children were to be provided with nu-

tritious meals through the school feeding programme to improve learning outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates While paying tributes to the roles of women in national development, especially in revitalizing the agricultural sector, Buhari announced that the government has approved the launching of the national women’s empowerment fund which will provide N1.6 billion in micro-finance loans to women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the economies of rural communities, particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.

Min. of Labour Chris Ngige

…as youth unemployment rate rises to 42.2% Isaac asabor

he Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has reported that the rate of unemployment and underemployment of persons in the labour force between the ages of 15-24 and 25-34 years, which represents the youth population in the labour force, was highest in the labour market in the first quarter of this year. According to the Bureau, the latest NBS Q1 2016 GDP and Q1 2016 Unemployment/Underemployment Watch indicated that unemployed and underemployed youths in the labour market in the quarter accounted for 42.2 per cent of the labour force’s 78.48 million population. It stated: “The unemployment rate within the review period was typically highest for those within the ages of 1524 at 21.5% in Q12016 (56.1% using old methodology), up from19.0% in Q4 2015 and17.8% inQ3 2015, while the underemployment rate for those within the ages 15-24 increased slightly to 34.6%

in Q1 2016 from 34.5% in Q4 2015.” “For those in the labour force within the ages of 25-34 however, unemployment rose to12.9% in Q1 2016 (32.8% using old methodology), from 11.4% in Q4 2015, while underemployment remained at19.9% in Q1 2016 similar to Q4 2015”. According to the statistical report, 56.1% of Nigerians in the labour force, not entire population, aged between 15 and 24 years were either unemployed or underemployed in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 53.5% in the last quarter of 2015 while another 32.8% aged between 25 and 34 years were either unemployed or underemployed in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 31.3% in the last quarter of 2015. The Report also showed that out of a total youth labour force of 38.2 million (representing 48.7% of total labour force in Nigeria of 78.48mn), a total of 15.2million of them were either unemployed or underemployed in the first quarter of 2016 representing a youth unemployment rate of 42.24%

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Real Estate & Environment

Averting health, social crises in Shikira community after lead poisoning saga

Over 28 persons, mostly children below the age of five in Shikira, a small mining community in Niger State, died due to complications arising from lead poisoning. However, more than a year after the incident, environmentalists have warned that many more could still be in danger except Federal Government urgently carries out remediation of the affected areas. Olufemi Adeosun, writes

he lead poisoning incidence which led to the death of over 28 children, mostly children below the age of five, in Ungwar Magiro and Ungwar Kawo, two mining villages in Shikira, Niger State, has brought to the fore the often neglected environmental impacts of illegal mining in our rural communities across the nation.

Before the Shikira’s case, over 450 children reportedly died in Zamfara State in 2010 from complications arising from ‘lead’. While the affected communities in Zamfara was remediated in 2013, with normal life restored, hundreds of rural dwellers in Shikira are living on the edge of strong epidemic because their ravaged lands are yet to be cleaned more than a year after. According to environmentalists, apart from the effects of lead poisoning

FG to spend N5bn on Job creation, others 23

on children, it has also accounted for higher rates of miscarriages among adult women and impaired livelihoods and create health challenges for many people in the affected areas. While calling on the Federal Government to regulate mining activities in the country to avoid the concomitant environmental implications, they called on the Federal Government to

urgently carry out remediation work on the two affected communities in Niger State to protect the lives of the people living there, especially children. For instance, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development(CODE), Mr. Hamzat Lawal, who has been on community outreach to Shikira, called on the Federal Government to quickly come to the rescue of the affected communities to protect the lives of the

Remediation was due to begin at the end of octobeR 2015, diRectly afteR the last Rainy season. the window foR Remediation in shikiRa is closing Rapidly, if the pRocess is not staRted befoRe the end of may, it will be too late befoRe the next Rainy season. this could have disastRous consequences foR the communities, mostly vulneRable sick childRen – if the funds aRe not

Insurance: Industry experts rate industry low, chart roadmap to growth 31

people, particularly children who are more susceptible to ‘lead’. Warning that it was time to get the lead out of Shikira, Lawal said that CODE’s partner, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) / Doctors Without Borders had declared readiness to commence treatment of children, but could not do so until their homes had been environmentally remediated. He said,” Over one year after lead disaster that killed little children, nothing has been done to save other people living in the affected communities. Time is running out to solve the Niger crisis in Nigeria. “Shikira which harbours two villages (Ungwar Magiro and Ungwar Kawo) is reaching crisis point. More than one year after the lead poisoning disaster was first discovered in Niger state, over 300 hundred children below 5 years are still awaiting critical medical treatment. “Remediation was due to begin at the end of October 2015, directly after the last rainy season. The window for remediation in Shikira is closing rapidly, if the process is not started before the end of May, it will be too late before the next rainy season. This could have CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Money market: Challenging climes spur proactive strategies to boost earnings

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Averting health, social crises in Shikira ommunity after lead poisoning saga CONTINUED FROM 24

disastrous consequences for the communities, mostly vulnerable sick children – if the funds are not released now, doctors chances of treating leadpoisoning victims in Shikira is drastically reduced.” Lawal called on President Buhari led federal government to release the needed funds, estimated to be five hundred million naira ($2.6M) for remediation through the Ecological Funds Office under the Presidency to enable sick children get chelation therapy treatments and to help curb the spread of lead poison contaminations to other neighbouring villages. He also called the present administration to declare Shikira community a state of emergency in the country. Narrating her ordeals, Sefiya Ibrahim, a 27-year old, mother to Hafizu Ibrahim, told our correspondent in Rafi Local Government, Kagara that her 9-month child had been on admission in Kagara General Hospital for 16 days receiving treatment from lead poison. MSF, otherwise known as Doctors Without Borders, also confirmed it saying,” Hafizu has over 200 mg/kg Pb lead level in his blood stream and this are the cases of other children in Shikira below 5 years.” Safiya called for the intervention of the federal government so that she would not lose her child the same way she lost two children in 2015 due to the outbreak. ‘I’m begging our President to come and help us so we can see our children grow to become men and help us when we’re old,” she pleaded. Also, speaking during a town hall meeting hosted by CODE in Minna, the Emirate Council representative, Galadima Katako of the Kagara community, warned that except government quickly wade in, the situation in the affected communities could degenerate to a full scale health disaster. He said,”We are begging for quick actions on remediation so that our sick children can access free medical treatments by doctors on the ground ready to administer them. The issue has lingered on for a while now, and if the federal government does not provide a solution to it by July, then the situation will be critical. “I want the Federal Government to help put an end to this unregulated mining activities and provide alternatives to secure jobs for the villages, ranging from agriculture amongst others.” The Women Representative, Nuttu Shikira, complained about how life had become difficult for them due to the lead poison, lamenting that, “We have lost 30 children since the outbreak last year and we’re really worried so we don’t lose other children.” Tsema Okoye, Global Rights representative noted that in addition to remediating the affected communi-

Mohammed

Adewole

ties, government should enact laws that would regulate the activities of artisanal mining across the country. According to him, until such steps are taking, the likelihood of having a repeat of ‘Shikira’ phenomenon is rife. Also speaking, the Head of Mission, MSF Philip Aruna said that the mission had noticed positive development from the government, adding that,”we look forward for a prompt and timely remediation of these communities as it is the only way to prevent further health consequences of the population.” He said lead poisoning has far reaching implications on human bodies, especially growing children. According to him, the complications arising from the poison can later manifest in kidney failure, inability to give birth and display of criminal tendencies. In his words,”Lead is a poison, not an infection like malaria. Apart from causing deaths, this poison damages children’s bodies in a way we cannot see and over time some of the damage are irreversible. Young children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning because they are actively growing. In the future, these children

might have problems with not been able to have children, kidney failure and aggressive and criminal behaviour because of the poison.” While calling on government to speed up remediation work in the affected villages, Aruna explained that treatment would not be effective as long as the children still live in the conterminated environment. According to him, the poison is still much in the affected communities. “Lead poison is entirely preventable by stopping exposure to the poison, but it is very difficult to treat once the poison is inside the body. If children are still around the poison/contaminated environment, then the medicine does not work for long as the poison that leaves the body is immediately replaced by new poison. At the moment, the poison is still in the villages. The villages must be remediated in order to stop immediate exposure and to pave way for treatment,” he explained. In order to sustain the remediation project, he noted that all minerals processing activities must stop. According to him, the Federal Government, under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Environment, successfully

Lead poison is entireLy preventabLe by stopping exposure to the poison, but it is very difficuLt to treat once the poison is inside the body. if chiLdren are stiLL around the poison/contaminated environment, then the medicine does not work for Long as the poison that Leaves the body is immediateLy repLaced by new poison.

at the moment, the poison is stiLL in the viLLages. the viLLages must be remediated in order to stop immediate exposure and to pave way for treatment

carried out a large lead remediation projects in Zamfara State in 2013 and can also extend such gesture to the affected communities in Shikira without delay. At a meeting with environment stakeholders in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, expressed the commitment of government to the speedy remediation of the affected areas. She said the N300million voted for it in the budget was initially expunged by the National Assembly, adding that it had, however, been restored with the intervention of President Mohammadu Buhari. She said,”We are doing something about lead poisoning incidence that occurred in some villages in Niger State. We had a very big issue with the National Assembly initially. We pushed in money into it, but they took it out completely. When the President asked me what was the most critical issue in the environment budget I said it is the N300million budget for the Niger State lead poisoning. “We are very happy to announce that, the budget is back there again. It is very important to us. We are having a pre meeting with the Minister Health and Minister of Solid Minerals. This is not just an environment issue. We will agree on what we want to get out of it. Then the three of us will go there together, not only there, but that of Zamfara. She also explained that apart from fulfilling its obligations to some of the international treaties that Nigeria had signed, the present administration is poised to confront all the environmental challenges confronting the nation. The minister also restated the commitment of government to the Ogoniland clean up.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

BUHARI @ ONE

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Real Estate & Environment

Housing: Experts list sector’s downside, promising prospects

s Mohammadu Buhari-led government marked its one year in office over the weekend, experts from different sectors of the nation’s economy have expressed divergent views on the administration’s performance in housing delivery during the period. While some scored the government high due to its ant-corruption postures, others scored it low as no tangible achievements have been recorded in different sectors, perhaps due to the delayed passage of the budget. For instance, in the nation’s housing sector, experts after appraisals, said government had not achieved much in the sector, rather than laying a solid foundation for the growth of the sector. According to some experts, who spoke to National Mirror, the search has not yielded any remarkable achievement in the all-important sector; however, there appears to be a solution in sight. Chairman, Housing Developers Cooperative Society, HDCS, Chief Olabode Afolayan had noted that the nation’s housing sector was being positioned to take its rightful place, however, he said to achieve this, the Federal Government must reposition as well as fund the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, to be able to take the lead. According to him, there is no way the Bank can operate effectively and efficiently with N5 billion capital base mainly from the two and half percent of the National Housing Fund, NHF, contributions. “There are two options that can be considered to enable Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, perform effectively. First, we can raise the capital base in line with the present economic realities and second, the Bank can be encouraged to raise money from the capital market to fund mortgages. Except all these are done, the Bank may not be able to raise mortgages that will guarantee the desired positive impacts in the housing sector’’. Analysts believe that one year is enough to make a mark in different sectors of the nation’s economy, including the housing industry, expressing the fears that not much would be achieved in the sector. Corroborating, the Chief Executive Officer, Marvel Ventures Mortgage Incorporated, Mrs. Adenike FasanyaOsilaja told our correspondent that the nation’s mortgage institutions are not leaving up to expectations, describing them as being in their infancy.

Esin

Afolayan However, she advocated that they should be given enough time to grow, since they are still in their infancy. ‘’Sometimes, we tend to forget how they started. They need our supports. We need to be patient with those institutions and I can tell you that the sector will do much better than expected. We should continue to work hard and not give up as the housing sector would surely do better’’, she stated. According to Fasanya-Osilaja, public as well as the private sector should organize a home-buyer training to educate home-buyers on the potential in the sector and how to tap those potential to their advantage while rekindling their trust in home buying. Statistics, she disclosed, have shown that when home-buyers are properly educated prior to buying, about 90 percent of them would know that they can keep their properties and also make them successful home owners. ‘’So, we really need to bring that into the game. We want home owners to have a voice and also have a stake. It is not only enough to say, yes we want to build and whatever we can build, the homeowner should buy. No, it should not be so; the home buyer should be driving the transaction’’, she added. Already, government has noted that a lot is being done through the private sector to achieve its desired objectives, having realized that, the only way to achieve the housing sector of its dream is by encouraging the private sector to invest in housing programmes. Government has also noted that the

fastest growing economy of the world is being driven by the private sector; hence it is trying to collaborate with the private sector to ensure that the nation’s housing sector is taken to the next level. Even as Nigerians await the campaign promise of President Buhari to build 250,000 houses annually, government said it would focus on long-term solutions, rather than the number of houses to be built. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola had assured that government would not focus on number of houses to be built, but on long-term solution that would guarantee the future of Nigerians, whether this administration would be there or not. According to his statement, ‘’in a matter of weeks, we will finish and unveil our housing designs. We already have a budget, then we can start something to validate our concept and then we will expand next year’’. The policy, he said would also help small and medium factories, who make door handles, paints, nails, fittings, windows, and roofing sheets. They will know that the market is ready, so they can position themselves. ‘’We are planning and that is the hardest part. We will soon unveil a Nigerian housing model that will be suitable and acceptable to all Nigerians’’, he added With the Minister’s position, it appears the federal government is currently laying solid foundation for the sector to thrive and reclaim its mandate to provide affordable housing for the

There are Two opTions ThaT can be considered To enable Federal MorTgage bank oF nigeria, FMbn, perForM eFFecTively. FirsT, we can raise The capiTal base in line wiTh The presenT econoMic realiTies and second, The bank can be encouraged To raise Money FroM The capiTal MarkeT To Fund MorTgages. excepT all These are done, The bank May noT

be able To raise MorTgages ThaT will guaranTee The desired posiTive iMpacTs in The housing secTor

teeming Nigerians. Government’s housing designs; National Mirror gathered would be driven by civil servants as well as the private sector volunteers, who are presently contributing their quota. According to Fashola ‘’because this process is going to be owned and driven over a long time by the civil servants, I want as much of their inputs, as possible because I will not be there tomorrow because those who helped to build it, as long as they remain in the system, they will hand it over to others. When we say affordable, we are looking at the different cadre of civil servants we have and target them. For a low income per¬son that is on Level 3 to 4 that earns may be N20,000 in a month over a period of time, what kind of a home can such a person own through his or her own finance? So we are providing one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom apartments. We are providing also a studio apartment; portable one-bedroom apartment that a bachelor can stay in conveniently to do everything he wants to do. It is fitted with toilet/bathroom closet and kitchen cabinet and where you will lay your head. Explaining further, Fashola said ‘’we are looking at different cadres to come, and then, we now fix prices to fit into the different cadres at sub¬sidised costs. Why I say subsidised is because government provides the land free of charge and through the Ministry, we will do the different types of design, electrical, mechani¬cal, then bill of quantity and the cost of doing that will be on government’’. ‘’Apart from that, supervision, which is the most important thing to ensure that the standard is maintained, is also done by the professionals in the Ministry free of charge. So that takes off part of construction cost and at the end of the day, we will be left only with the cost of materials and may be the labour for the construc¬tion’’, he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, Mary 31, 2016

WaterAid expresses concern over Nigeria’s unhygienic environment StorieS by SyLVA eMeKA-oKereKe

igeria’s growing unhygienic environment has become a source of concern to a foreign environment group, WaterAid. The group had noted that Nigeria is one of a handful of countries around the globe, where access to basic sanitation is falling, rather than rising, with only 29 percent of its population having access to basic sanitation. It also disclosed that 25 per cent of the Country’s population practice open defecation while 31 percent lack access to improved water sources, stressing that about 68,000 children under the age of five die from water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases. WaterAid Country Representative, Dr Michael Ojo also noted that increased competition for water resources and climate change are exacerbating the crisis, stressing that they are responsible for the deaths of more than 68,000 children under five each year in the country.

“Worldwide, more than 2.3 billion people still do not have access to basic sanitation, with devastating results. Some 315,000 children unfortunately, cleanliness is not prioritised in Nigeria. The country is still characterised by unhealthy environmental practices like indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation and others. The international organization also noted that 50 percent of malnutrition cases are linked to chronic diarrhoea, caused by lack of clean water, good sanitation and good hygiene, including hand washing with soap. According to him, the positive impact of interventions in many areas is often undermine by lack of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. He therefore reminded government that the promises of the UN Global Goals on Sustainable Development, to eradicate extreme poverty and create a fairer, more sustainable world, includes Goal 6 to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water and access to safe, private toilets by 2030.

FG lists housing, infrastructure priorities in 2016

inistry of Power, Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola said he was allocated N456, 936,811,203 for the fiscal 2016 fiscal year

Some of the projects include, rehabilitation of LagosIbadan express road, which is in section I–N40bn; Construction of 1,973 blocks of 7,068 housing units in the 6 geopolitical zones and the FCT– N35bn as well as concession of 2nd Niger Bridge in Anambra and Delta states, including payment of compensation and consultancy N3, 136,816,518 Others are Kano-Maiduguri road- N13, 109,415,878; construction of Oju/Loko Oweto Bridge to link Loko and Oweto with approach roads N10, 000,000,000 and Rehabilitation of Sokoto-Tambuwal-JegaKontagora-Makera section in

Sokoto/Kebbi States c/no. 6161 N7, 154,860,840 The rest are dualisation of Odukpani-itu-(spur ididep itam)–Ikot Ekpene road in cross River\Akwa Ibom states–N6, 000,000,000; dualiasation of ibadan-ilorin section II in Oyo state contract no. 173a– N6, 000,000,000 as well as Enugu-Onitsha road-enuguanambra state N5,468,119,561 These are in addition to the pavement, strengthening and asphalt overlay of Ajebandelebeninshagamu road in Ogun state-N5,200,000,000 and rehabilitation; construction of Oshegbudu– Oweto road in Benue state-N4,200,000,000 and construction of Apakun-Murtala Muhammed International Airport road in Lagos state on dbfomt bases under ppp scheme new– N4,000,000,000

L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; 2nd Prize Winner, Miss Anabelle Adeyinka; Head, Consumer Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Aisha Ahmad and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, during the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Vision of the Child 5 2016 Edition of Painting and Literary Competition Powered by Diamond Bank Plc, in Lagos, recently.

We’re not responsible for rising housing costs –Surveyors

agos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Mr. Offiong Ukpong has denied insinuations that they are responsible for the huge housing deficit as well as high rent.

IMF targets ‘modern real estate tax’

nternational Monetary Fund (IMF) staffs have urged Italian government to look for additional revenue from property taxation. The IMF also noted that the government, in its efforts to promote the economic growth, has recently been looking to balance mediumterm fiscal consolidation with progrowth tax cuts. The introduction in 2014 of the EUR80 (USD89) per month income tax deduction and the inclusion of labour costs in the calculation of the regional tax on production in 2015 were followed this year by the elimination of local taxes on primary residences. The Italian Government is now

Jos Wildlife Park gets improved animals’ stock through exchange

os Wildlife Park said it has replenished its stock with more animals through exchange programmes. General Manager of the Park, Mr John Doy, who disclosed this in Jos said the animals were acquired through exchange with Audu Bako Zoo, Kano and Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno state/ “We acquired a pair of crocodile, red-fronted gazelle and male Equis Calabus through exchange programme with the two zoos. “The step is expected to repo-

sition the park for more revenue, which will be ploughed back to make the facility more attractive. “We are planning to further equip the park to meet the needs of modern researchers and compete globally with other Parks,” he said. The official said the park had recorded a breakthrough in captive breeding by effectively nurturing the Nile crocodile, Derby Eland and Dwarf cattle as a result of improved feeding and medication to the animals. He told NAN that with that devel-

He disclosed this while denying the claims by the Works, Power and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola’s that surveyors and valuers should be blamed for such problems. Ukpong, who led a delegation to visit Oba of Lagos, Oba

opment, the animals in confinement had bred younger ones and added to the park’s varieties and number, which could also be used for exchange programme with other parks. Doy said the park had initiated efforts to replace the lion killed earlier in the year when it escaped from its cage during feeding routine. He expressed satisfaction at the level of patronage despite security challenges in the state.

committed to cutting the corporate income tax rate from 27.5 percent to 24 percent in 2017, and to lowering individual income tax burdens in 2018. However, the IMF commented that keeping Italy’s fiscal deficit reduction programme within the targets set out by the European Commission, EC, while also “creating space to notably lower the still high labour tax wedge, may require difficult political choices and should be supported by policies that give greater priority to less distortive taxation.” In particular, it recommends that a “modern real estate tax,” together with a broadening of the tax base by rationalizing tax expenditures, “would be a move in the right direction.” The staff, who dropped the hint at the conclusion of their 2016 Article IV mission to Italy, also concurred with recent comments from the European Commission on the removal of property taxation from primary residences. The EC has previously stated that “recent decisions on housing taxation do not appear in line with achieving a more efficient tax structure by shifting the tax burden away from productive factors onto other revenue bases.”

Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, said surveyors and valuers were often accused of being responsible for several anti-tenancy activities, high cost of renting properties; tenants’ inability to pay rent; fixing of high rent and charging high fees. According to him, NIESV, which ought to have been a development partner to the government, is not treated as such by relevant authorities, considering that when major decisions are taken, the body, according to him, is not represented. “The cost of land, its preparation, taxes and levies paid are neither under our control nor advice. We do not determine accommodation density nor are we involved in the design of the building, yet we shall be managing it when all others exit. We are not involved at the construction stages, neither is our advice sought on areas of cost savings or elimination of dead spaces or unnecessary facilities. Our opinion is not sought on whether the housing provision is for social housing or investment considerations,” Ukpong stated. He said often estate valuers were called at the completion of a project to do the marketing and management, sometimes, at a predetermined rent. Besides, property owners, most times, shun the advice of valuers, who are easily relieved of the job if they advise anything to the contrary. He said in other countries, real estate development attracted 2 to 4 per cent interest rate per annum at a tenor of between 15 to 25 years.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Aviation

Mixed reactions trail aviation sector’s performance Olusegun KOiKi

ixed reactions have trailed the performance of the nation’s aviation sector under the President Buhari-led administration over the past year. While some players rated the administration very low over the near stagnancy of the sector in the past year, others see prospects for future growth of the industry in view of some steps being taken by the government. Those interviewed by our correspondent said that activities in the industry had been going on at snail speed since the government took over, but however attributed the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget by the National Assembly as the major contributing factor to the lull recorded in the sector so far. For instance, one of the nagging issues considered not too good for the development of the sector remained the persistent flight delays and sometimes cancellations by operators due to policy-triggered technical and economic factors. The President of Aviation Round Table, ART, Elder Gabriel Olowo, noted that technical snags on aircraft, poor fleet size of an airline, extremely poor weather and even Very Important Persons, VIPs, movement could cause delays or at times cancellation of flights. Olowo hinted that aircraft snags if not immediately known could hamper safety, which may lead to avoidable air accident, stressing that this could lead to flight delays or cancellations depending on the magnitude of the snag. While noting that a flight could be cancelled if the aircraft remained unserviceable after two to three hours 2-3 hours, the industry player also identified poor fleet size to replace unserviceable aircraft at any one time and late arrival of operating aircraft from previous service as some of the reasons why flights could be delayed or cancelled by an airline. He explained that it was pertinent for airline operators in such circumstances to constantly brief and update passengers to avert speculations and possible unrest among them. Olowo said: “There are also standard practices on what to do as delays get extended and may be eventually cancelled. This ranges from light refreshment after an hour or so to a full meal ( lunch or dinner depending ) after about three hours or to the hotel for overnight stay in the event of 24 hours delay with all layover expenses paid. “This may not be necessary at the point of flight origin if cancellation is determined in good time to allow passengers return home, but definitely so at transit points.” The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Centurion Securities, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd) in his own view said the regulatory agency, NCAA, was happy that someone was keeping tabs on the inadequacies and carelessness of airlines, but queried the efficiency of the agency to properly regulate

Aligbe

Minister of State Aviation, Hadi Sirika

Despite the slow pace of government to transform the sector, some inDustry analysts still expresseD optimism that

minister of state for aviation, sen. haDi sirika, portenDeD gooD omen for the inDustry, as he has the appointment of the

all that it takes being a professional to

work with experts anD by so Doing, move it forwarD the airlines. Ojikutu noted that the air travellers had not been protected enough by NCAA especially when theairline abruptly delay or cancel flights without notice. He also said that the regulatory body should, instead of rolling out figures, busy themselves with the cause of these delays and cancellations to aid in reducing them to the barest minimum, stating that some of the cancellations may be traced to safety. “Situations where the numbers of flight delays are more than 50 per cent of the total number of scheduled flights within certain period should be worrisome. So also are the delays, which are more than 10 per cent of the daily schedules. The regulator should worry more about the causes of these cancellations and delays than rolling out the figures, which showed an average of more than 2,500 cancellation every month or over 80 cancellations in a day. Reflecting further on the state of the industry in the past year, an aviation analyst, Mr. Ewos Iroro, said that since the government took over, the industry was yet to effectively take off as stakeholders and professionals in the sector were yet to see a clear vision of the government despite the myriad of challenges in the industry. He, however, explained that the last one year had been used to seek for core investors, but noted that despite the difficult economic climate, the construction of the new terminals across the country have been progressing gradually.

Iroro expressed the hope that the new terminals would be completed at the end of the year as promised by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, when he toured the facilities at the Lagos Airport last December. This is even as he believed that the recent Stakeholders’ Forum organized by the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika would help to address some of the challenges in the sector. He further urged the government to address the paucity of Jet A1 supply and distribution to the airlines as soon as possible, emphasizing that this if not checked, might lead to skyrocketing airfare increase. He explained: “The recent decision of the government to raise the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to N145 per litre might signal a possible increase also in the side of aviation fuel despite the fact that Jet A1 has been deregulated over the years. The current dollar-naira situation might be a major factor. We don’t know the impact this would have as we still import aviation fuel. “We however, hoped that with the renewed focused of the ministry of aviation, policies and strategies would be set in motion to try and address all these and other challenges.” Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Finum Aviation Services, Engr. Shery Kyari said that the government had only used the last one year to put structures together even without any budget to work with in 2015. He declared that it would be unfair to

assess the government’s performance at the moment, stressing that this could objectively be done towards the end of the year when the budget was expected to have been implemented to about 50 per cent. “Otherwise, I don’t think anybody in the true sense of it can assess the government’s performance in the last one year,” he said. Kyari however identified proper security of airport terminals and facilities as some of the areas the government could focus its attention to with the assent of the 2016 budget. Like Iroro, Kyari also appealed to the government to solve the perennial Jet A1 crisis being faced in recent time by the nation’s airlines, stressing that this had led to avoidable delays and flight cancellations in the industry. Besides, he admonished the government to as a matter of urgency to address the free fall of naira against the dollar, maintaining that the airlines would have difficulties in carrying out maintenance of their aircraft. He said: “The government should be thinking of having at least two good maintenance bases so that they can reduce the cost of maintenance by engaging local hands in the country. If they can do that they will be able to help the airlines. Despite the downside of the sector, one of the achievements of the government in the period under review, which nobody would sweep under the carpet, is that Nigeria was able to fulfill all the conditions set for validation of its aviation sector’s standards by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO. This came 10 years after the country passed the ICAO audit in 2006, when the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act was enacted. By passing the audit, industry analysts believed that Nigeria had shown consistency in maintaining and sustaining the ICAO safety standard over the past decade. This achievement was complemented by the visit of the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the world-revered body. Similarly, despite the slow pace of government to transform the sector, some industry analysts still expressed optimism that the appointment of the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, portended good omen for the industry, as he has all that it takes being a professional to work with experts and by so doing, move it forward. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Belujane Konsult and former image maker of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, Mr. Chris Aligbe, in an interview with our correspondent said that the ministry was quietly working to move the industry forward. Aligbe mentioned the crisis in the 2016 appropriation bill as one of the critical factors that had prevented not just the sector, but the entire economy from moving forward and assured that once the budget was put to work, some successes would be recorded in the sector in particular and the nation at large.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Our presence, to improve security at our airports – CP StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

he Nigerian Police, Airports Command has assured airports users and other industry stakeholders that it would consistently maintain peace and order at all the nation’s airports. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs. Victory Menta gave this assurance over the weekend at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos during the decoration of newly promoted officers in the command. Menta told airport correspondent that security of lives and properties remained a top priority of the command, stressing that it would continuously device new means to ensure total security within the command and its environments. She explained that some heinous people in the society would always want to jeopardise the security apparatus, but assured that the command was ready to tackle any security threat in all the airports across the country. She said, “There is no time there wouldn’t be security challenges around, that is why we are here. We are very much on top of the security challenges in Nigerian airports. The

The Commissioner of Police, Airports Command, Mrs. Victory Menta (Centre) and other principal officers of the command in a group photograph with the newly decorated Senior Police officers.

passengers and users of the airports are assured of their security in all our airports.” About nine officers in the command were promoted from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, to Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, while three were promoted from the rank of DSP to Superintendent of Police, SP. Speaking on the newly decorated officers, Menta charged them to justify their promotions by improving on their performances always. Menta was full of gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase for the high number of promotions witnessed in the command within the last one year. She said, “We are very happy

and grateful to the IG who approved the promotions. Everywhere you go within the airports command you see our men and officers jubilating over their promotions. To this, we want them to know that to whom much is given much is expected. “The promotion should be seen as motivation for everyone to work harder and justify the confidence repose on them.” She declared that with the promotion, the command now had more officers with greater responsibilities to discharge, positing that this would also ginger others who were yet to get their promotions to put in their best, knowing that their time would soon come. Also speaking at the occasion, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Airport Command, Mr. Joseph Alabi, commended Arase for approving the promotions for the command.

Dana Air, Talentcity partner on Nigeria’s sky seminar

ana Air said it is partnering Talentcity Billionaire College Limited for the pilot edition of the maiden sky seminar scheduled to hold in the country in June. A statement by the spokesman of the airline, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, quoted the Accountable Manager, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, as saying that the partnership between the two organisations was unique. Mbanuzuo noted that the seminar was the first- ever sky seminar that would be held in the country and that the airline was proud to be part of the event.’ Obi advised prospective candidates to take advantage of the opportunity that Talentcity would be offering them with the seminar. Skythought is a post Billionaire Christian Conference mentorship programme, designed to raise entrepreneurial giants, revive the unend-

Dana Air aircraft

ing business spirit among Christians and build a city that will ride above limitation: a city without poverty. Also, the President of the College, Mr. Olatayo Ajiboye, said, “We are taking 140 potential billionaire Christians to the sky for a sky seminar, in-flight inspiration and revelations. These participants will be selected through a rigorous screening exercise to enable us raise an army of Christian entrepreneurs in an unusual environment that will dominate the global economy with their wealth and wisdom through the power of God.” Olatayo informed that there would be a fundraising in May, while the sky seminar would come up on the June 10, 2016. He noted that the funds realised at the event, which would have top government functionaries, Kingdom giants, and captains of industry in attendance, would be channeled to-

wards the sponsorship of participants. ‘’Interested participants are expected to have leadership qualities, be interested in building organizations, developing global community, interpersonal relationship, and must have kingdom orientation and mentality,” he added.

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Much ado about airports’ concession

he plan by the Federal Government to concession some airports in the country has been in the pipeline for over a decade, but like most of government’s proposals, it remains a dream without actualisation. Recently, the government in Abuja again announced that it would concession the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja, Aminu Kano Airport, AKA, Kano and Port Harcourt Airport, PHA, in Rivers State after their rehabilitations in 2016. Airside says concessioning of the airports to private investors is the best solution to the disgusting services rendered by government agencies in the sector, but in doing this, there must be transparency on both parties. Also, before the government

eventually goes on with its planned concessioning, the brawl with the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, must be resolved as this would give proposed investor confidence that all his investments would not go down the drain or end up in controversy once there is a change of government. Airside recalls that the Nnmadi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja was towards the tail end of former President Olusegun Obasanjo eight years tenure was concessioned to a private firm for 25 years, but was reverse by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s short spell. So, for the dream to become a reality, all loose ends must be tightened by the government while documents concerning the agreements must be in the public domain. This is the experience outside the country.

EgyptAir: One crash too many

bout two weeks ago, an Airbus Aircraft A320 belonging to EgyptAir with 66 people onboard from Paris to Cairo crashed into the sea even without any distress call to the control tower. The crash was the third involving EgyptAir in less than 17 years and the sixth in the past 50 years! In October 1999, the first officer of a Boeing 767 of the airline deliberately crashed the plane into the Atlantic Ocean about 60 miles south of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, killing all 217 people on board. While in May 2002, the airline also experienced a fatal accident involving its Boeing 737, which crashed into a hill while on approach to Tunis-Carthage International Airport, killing 14 people. Also, in March this year, an

EgyptAir plane flying from Alexandria to Cairo was hijacked and forced to land in Cyprus by a man with what authorities said was a fake suicide belt. He was arrested after giving himself up. Airside says this last crash is one too many for a bourgeoning airline like EgyptAir. Airside insists just very few airlines can survive three crashes in 16 yearsand hopes EgyptAir will be one of them, but sincerely doubts this. Airside says the management of the airline should look inward and seek a way of improving their safety records. There is probably something the airline management is not doing right, which it should focus its attention on. The global aviation industry cannot continue to cope with avoidable deaths and accidents.

South African Airways sponsors tennis stars on training tour

outh African Airways recently sponsored two young tennis players and their coach to participate in a two weeks intensive training session in Florida, United States of America, USA. The airline stated that it provided a free Accra-Washington ticket for the two young girls and their coach to realise their dreams of training in the United States. Speaking on the gesture, South African Airways Regional Manager, North, West and Central Africa, Ohis Ehimiaghe, described the airline’s initiative as part of the broader corporate social responsibility strategy of South African Airways in developing human capacity. Ehimiaghe hinted that South African Airways was passionate not only about bridging the

gap between Africa travels and the rest of the world, but also take pride in harnessing and developing human capacity from all walks of life to reach their full potential. He added, “We are interested in supporting and encouraging local raw talents to develop into future champions, which is part of our social corporate responsibility. Tennis is a very popular and matured sporting activity in Nigeria and it is interesting to note that kids are getting involve in the game and growing to love the sport. “It is also a very good opportunity to promote our Accra to Washington flight direct from West Africa as SAA would have otherwise had to fly via Johannesburg to Washington. The SAA Accra direct to Washington flight started operating

effective 2nd August 2015.” The tennis youngsters, Venus Ubiebi and Toyin Asogba both 15 and 14 years old respectively the statement declared were full of gratitude to South African Airways for realising their dream of participating in a world class training in the United States. Both players who once represented Nigeria at the International Tennis Federation under-14 tournament in Togo in 2015 described the South African Airways Accra-Washington flight as very smooth with incredible food and in-flight entertainment. Ubiebi and Asogba explained, “It was our very first international flight. Aside the joy that South African Airways is helping us realize our tennis dream, we enjoyed very good food on board as we watch movies all through the flight.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Money

Money Market: Challenging climes spur proactive strategies to boost earnings As with other critical sectors of the economy, the banking sector faced sundry fiscal and monetary policy measure-triggered challenges caused by a combination of domestic and international factors over the past year. UDO ONYEKA and NIYI JACOBS report on how operators had been navigating the turbulent clime in order to secure, at least, their shareholders’ investments.

n the past year, the monetary authorities have come up with series of measures, including the Treasury Single Account, TSA and foreign exchange policy regimes that have consistently Set new operational parameters for banks in the country. As the government has said, though operators see some of the measures as harsh, the position of President Buhari and the monetary authorities has been that the fiscal and monetary policy measures were desirable for the country in the face of the fiscal straits the economy is going through now triggered by the crisis in the global oil market. Of all the measures, none has generated so much controversy as the forex policy regime with proponents and antagonists of naira devaluation taking consistently opposing stances on the benefits or otherwise of the policy regimes to the economy. As expected, the CBN has consistently been responding to the dynamics of the foreign exchange market with proactive measures, including the latest plan by it to adopt a flexible forex policy in the management of available foreign exchange at its disposal. Explaining the position of the apex bank at the end of the MPC Committee’s meeting last Tuesday in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, justified the basis for the proposed flexible forex policy regime. He clarified: “The committee is aware that a dynamic foreign exchange management framework that guarantees flexibility could not replace the imperative for the economy to increase its stock of foreign exchange through enhanced export earnings. Consequently, such a structure must evolve to provide basis for radically improved investment climate to attract new investments. “The committee recognizes the exchange rate as a very important macroeconomic variable, which must be earned by increased productive activity and exports. Accordingly, the MPC decided that the bank should embrace some level of flexibility in the foreign exchange market. “Given the imperative for growth, the management of the bank has been given the mandate to work out the modalities for achieving the desired flexibility that is in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy and when the implementation of the new framework would begin. “The Committee, in its assessment of the relevant risk profiles, came to the conclusion that although, the balance of risks remains tilted against growth; previous decisions need time to crystallize”. Recent annual reports of the banks showed clearly that the various fiscal measures have continued to raise the bar of risk

Emefiele

Sterling Bank MD, Adeola

The sTory as published is noT only false and baseless buT a figmenT of The wriTer’s imaginaTions. The Cbn hereby assures The banking publiC ThaT The nigerian banking sysTem is sound and all banks are in ComplianCe wiTh boTh The regulaTory and prudenTial requiremenTs management and other operational imperatives in order for them to continue to play their financial intermediation roles to the benefit of the economy as well as ensure returns on their shareholders’ investments. Broadly speaking, one of the fallouts of the policy stance in the past year is a run of unimpressive performances in the 2015 financial years and first quarter of 2016 by most of the banks, with many linking the TSA policy to their waning profitability over the months. Again, with the cost of doing business rising by the day as inflation sustains upward swing in the past few months, the capacity of banks to lend to critical sectors is dwindling as customers’ ability to borrow in the regime of high interest rate on credit also continues to vitiate. Despite all the challenges, the outlook of the industry remains bright as key players have vowed to sustain cost control, branch rationalization, commitment of more credit to critical sectors, great emphasis on corporate governance principles and other measures necessary for their entities to continue in business in the medium and long terms. Quite interestingly, the regulatory financial institution in its latest assessment of the state of the DMBs in the country reported that despite all the militating factors, the Nigerian financial system remains stable

and has all the potential for growth in the years ahead. In a recent statement by the then Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Mu’azu, debunking a report by Sahara Reporters, an online publication categorically stated, contrary to the publication by the medium, that No Nigerian bank is ‘experiencing stress’. “The story as published is not only false and baseless but a figment of the writer’s imaginations. The CBN hereby assures the banking public that the Nigerian banking system is sound and all banks are in compliance with both the regulatory and prudential requirements”, Muazu assured. The apex bank therefore urged all bank customers and the general public to disregard the publication as it is false, mischievous and aimed at throwing the banking public into unnecessary panic. Reflecting on the operating environment over the past year, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Mr Segun Agbaje, who admitted that the existing fiscal and monetary policy regimes had made doing banking business more challenging, explained that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had not adversely affected the bank’s deposit base. Agbaje, at the bank’s 26th Annual General Meeting held recently in Lagos reported

that the bank recorded a marginal year-onyear decline of 0.49 per cent to N1.61 trillion from N1.62 trillion in 2014. According to him, the bank’s balance sheet also remained strong with a 7.2 per cent growth in total assets rising to N2.52 trillion during the year up from the N2.36 trillion recorded in the preceding year. Recalling that in April 2015 became the first financial institution in Nigeria to fully implement the triple International Organisation for Standardisation Certification by the British Standard Institute as directed by the apex bank, added that “the certification attests that we have instituted internationally accepted process that guarantee the security of our customers’ information.” Similarly, speaking on the Sterling Bank’s outlook after reporting profit before tax of N2.8 billion for the first quarter this year, the Managing Director, Mr Yemi Adeola, said that the bank adopted a cautious, but progressive approach to business due to the challenging macro-economic conditions. According to him, the declining crude oil prices, persistent fuel and power supply disruptions and significant foreign exchange shortages increased the cost of doing business and heightening the pressure on household income with the attendant implications for monetary tightening measures. To mitigate the negative impact of the inclement climate, he said that the management of the bank prioritised balance sheet efficiency, cost efficiency and prudent credit risk management to ensure that non-performing loan remained flat below the regulatory threshold of five per cent. On the bank’s outlook, Adeola projected: “We are confident that our goals for 2016 will be met despite the subdued outlook for the Nigerian economy. Our optimism comes from the various investments focused on operating efficiency that the bank had made over the past year, which are now starting to pay off. “Our plan for the year is to prioritise operating efficiency, ensure moderate loan growth, while continuing to diversify funding sources as our retail banking strategy matures,” he added. With that possibly representing the official verdict on the state of the banking industry, it is only logical to say that although the past year had been very challenging for most banks, indications are that if they continue to adopt best global practices and strictly adhere to regulatory guidelines, the gains of the present sacrifices will accrue to their shareholders and the economy in the medium and long run.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Insurance

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance: Industry experts rate industry low, chart roadmap to growth A year after President Muhammadu Buhari took the oath of office, the impact of some of his policies has been rated differently by experts who believe policy adjustments would move the industry forward. ZAKA KHALIQ reports.

y the time President Muhammadu Buhari took the oath of office on May 29, 2016, the nation’s economy was heading towards recession. He was so unlucky that he had to inherit a volatile foreign exchange market, the price of crude oil, the nation’s major source of income, at its lowest ebb, dwindling foreign reserves, among others, leading to high inflation, thus, making the operating environment tough for everyone. Being an import-dependent nation, more Naira were pursuing fewer dollars, and to address this, the Buhari-led administration, through the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) restricted 41 items from accessing foreign exchange. The price of oil was selling below $50 dollar per barrel, thus, freezing revenues that ought to come from oil. This development did not leave insurance industry untouched, as insurance consumption of Nigerians drop drastically from last year to the current year, amidst cutting cost measures adopted by individuals and companies. And at a time insurance penetration ratio is at a meagre 0.7 per cent, the insurance industry is in for big trouble. This current trend is leading to low demand for insurance products and services, a development that means, Nigerians is cutting their insurance spending while the hard times last. The consequence of this is a light balance sheet, as insurers continue to struggle to accrue more premiums from both new and existing customers in battle to be sustaining and survive in the market. The fact that insurance doesn’t enjoy good ratings in the scale of preference of the people means, insurance budget is now the sacrificial lamb for Nigerians to survive in this turbulent period. And in a country where insurance acceptance is relatively low when compared with its huge population, experts said insurance firms should be prepared for the worse, although it is expected to get better as time progresses. Three months after Buhari took the oath of office, precisely in August 2015, he appointed a new Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, who had been the deputy commissioner for insurance before his appointment.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

Lady Isioma Chukwuma

The PresidenT should sTarT giving serious ThoughTs To sTraTegies for growing The

naTion’s economy Through The Provision of infrasTrucTure and creaTion of jobs in order To enhance qualiTy lives for

nigerians and by so doing, increase Their disPosable income, so ThaT PeoPle will have enough To budgeT for insurance cover Four months after Kari assumed office, 108 insurance brokers were delisted by the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria, NAICOM, the industry regulator, for failure to renew their expired licenses. Later, the commission asked each of the affected brokers to pay a total sum of N2.5 million to salvage their licences. On a negative note, the Lagos State Fire Service disclosed that 1,898 fire incidents were recorded in 2015 with billion of naira lost and 80 deaths. The records show that last year recorded 200 fire incidents over that of previous year, while most of these incidents were not insured. While operators had been lamenting the harsh operating environment, the major landmark of Buhari’s administration in insurance

industry was constituting the Consolidated Insurance guidelines review committee by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. The committee comprises of all arms of insurance industry, who are to come out with a harmonised insurance guideline that will be sent to National Assembly (NASS) for passage into law. The unveiling of the Insurers’ Committee, just like Bankers’ Committee was a step seen in the right direction, as this has led to commencement of the Corporate Governance code in insurance industry, with Risk Based Supervision expected to follow. Despite the Committee’s perceived relevance to sustainable growth of the industry , Nigerians are not finding it easy, as disposable

income continue to drop on a daily basis. Mr. Lanre Sotunde, an insurance client said the policies of the current administration have made life difficult for the common man, while the elitists too were affected, as people have little or no disposable income, hence have little or nothing to budget for insurance. He equally stressed that he was seriously considering suspending some of his insurances, although, he later weigh up the consequence of such decision to renew his insurances, saying, he has to deny himself of so many things to be financially capacitated to do it. While imploring government to weigh the consequences of their policies before making them, he added that the economy is currently regressing. President, Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria, ARIAN, Mr. Gbadebo Olameru, while speaking to National Mirror, said because what affects the economy affects every sector of the economy, the insurance industry is not isolated from the current financial crises. “The little money in the economy made people have less disposable income, and this is reducing the level of insurance businesses underwriters are currently getting. People don’t have money to purchase insurance cover, while the existing customers are not finding it easy to renew their insurances. Operators, agents and all insurance stakeholders are seriously complaining of the hardship in the economy,” he said. Since insurance is a business of integrity, he stated that the integrity of President Buhari, would in the long run, profit all sectors of the economy, including insurance industry, appealing to Nigerians to be a little bit patient with the current administration. Insurance operators, he pointed out, were optimistic that the industry will grow in leaps and bounds, because of the commitment so far displayed by the Buhari-led government. According to him, “Nigerians should just be a little bit more patient that the change they are clamouring for will soon go round the entire sectors and the insurance industry will be more active to participate in economic growth and development.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Capital Market

Investors lose N1.73trn under Buhari’s administration …analysts link loss to blurry fiscal direction, declining oil prices

Johnson okanlawon

hen President Muhammed Buhari emerged winner of the 2015 Presidential Elections on March 31, 2015, the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s All Share Index recorded a remarkable improvement with about 10 straight days of gains as investors basked in the excitement of a peaceful election and surprising acceptance of defeat by President Goodluck Jonathan. On the day the result was announced, the market gained a whopping 8.3 per cent and 3.9 per cent recorded the following day. But volatility in the market commenced thereafter, making both foreign and local investors fleeing in droves. The equity market had suffered decline in the past two years, 2014 and 2015. While the market declined by 16.1 per cent in 2014, it went down by 17. 4 per cent in 2015. The negative performance led to a massive depression in prices of stocks that offered attractive entry opportunity to investors. Despite the opportunity, many investors shunned the market due to the prevailing economic situation. As a result, the market depressed further in the first quarter of 2016. Specifically, the All-Share Index fell by 10.9 per cent in Q1 falling from 28,335.01 to 25,306.22. Similarly, the market capitalisation shed N1.1 trillion, falling from N9.8 trillion to N8.7 trillion. However, the decline in the value of investments in the first quarter did not come to many stakeholders and investors as a surprise given the state of the general economy. A blurry fiscal direction, declining oil prices, policy reversal by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, foreign exchange restriction, all contributed to keep many investors watching the market without investing among others. The Gross Domestic Product, GDP, for instance, fell to historic low of 2.75 per cent, a decline of 0.4 per cent from May 29 when Mr. President assumed power. Also, scarcity of foreign exchange has largely

NSE building

SEC DG, Gwarzo

NSE MD, Onyeama

Market analysts believe that the sixweek Market upswing has been on strong investors’ reactions to expectations of iMproved liquidity in the systeM based on the expected iMpleMentation of the

2016 budget to coMpleMent the latest Monetary policy regiMe of the cbn

crippled the private sector with N350 at the parallel market and N197.93 at official rate. Oil price dropped to $48.36bn, from $65.56 in the last one year. As at last Friday, May 27, 2016, the benchmark index closed at 28, 902.37 points, a decline of 15.76 per cent from 34,310.37 points recorded on May 28, 2015, while market capitalization shed N1.73trillion to close at N9.926 trillion from N11.658 trillion Commenting on the performance, a stockbroker and Chief Executive Officer of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri said the market declined because of lingering energy crisis rising inflation

and general low confidence in the economy. “However, dividend yield was quite high due to low prices of stocks,” he said. Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Quest Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Bayo Rotimi said the market was affected by the adverse economic climate characterised by declining oil prices, rising inflation, declining capacity utilisation and job losses in the manufacturing sector, uncertainties around devaluation of the naira and the delays to the 2016 budget. Data obtained from the CBN’s website showed that investors’ confidence weakened from 25.3 per cent to 41.5 per cent in the period under review due to deteriorating banks’ balance sheet due to rising non-performing loans. Also, there was sharp decline industrial sector, from 2.53 per cent to 5.49 per cent. Early in the year, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema had expressed optimism that with greater clarity on policy direction, they anticipated the return of investors who had remained on the sidelines throughout 2015. “This return is predicated upon return of investor confidence as a result of: effective implementation and communication of the government’s economic blueprint; credibility in monetary policy stance; relative stability in the macro economy (oil price stability above benchmark targets, increase in tax collection to gross domestic product among others) and improved security,” he said. Speaking on the focus of the NSE in

2016, he said the exchange would focus on executing its strategy in order to continue to provide a credible platform for financing the economy. “To this end, we intend to intensify engagement efforts with the federal government. We have also prioritised three initiatives for 2016 aimed at achieving the exchange’s three strategic objectives of increasing the number of new listings across five asset classes, increasing order flow in the five asset classes operating a fair and orderly market based on just and equitable principles,” Onyema added. Reflecting on the performance of the market in the past year, the President, Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Shehu Mikail, rated the market as not exhibiting its full potential due to inclement operating country’s economic stance, which had been very hostile in terms of policy direction. Mikail, who pointed out that the serious economic and financial challenges constituted major constraining hurdle for businesses and thereby resulted in activities being slowed down, in all sectors of the economy, including the capital market. Similarly, another investment expert and analyst at WSTC Financial Services Limited, Mr. Tola Oni, lamented that the efficiency of the country’s economy had been constrained by both monetary and fiscal policies with the attendant negative implications for the capital market’s growth’ He said: “Our concern is that this flexibility must mean flexibility in the whole sense of it. We’ve seen the capital market make progress recently owing to this. Any attempt by the government to interfere again could drag us back significantly.” Despite all its negative sides, the market last week witnessed a pull back, reacting positively to a combination of the recent passage of the 2016 budget into law and the decisions of Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee to hold the benchmark rate. Consequently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s Composite All-Share Index closed positively with returns of 0.91 per cent at the end of Friday’s trading, breaking three strong resistance levels to wipe out all the losses so far suffered and turning positive on year-to-date basis for the first time this year. It closed. Analysts believe that the six-week market upswing has been on strong investors’ reactions to expectations of improved liquidity in the system based on the expected implementation of the 2016 budget to complement the latest monetary policy regime of the CBN. Specifically, they noted that the prevailing high inflation rate of 13.80 per cent favoured the stock market, making a nonsense of other investment windows and their returns and thus attracting funds to equity portfolios to hedge against inflation.

Tuesday, May 31 , 2016

We injected N15bn to stabilize Rivers economy –Wike

Dennis naku

Port Harcourt

ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that his administration injected N15 billion to stabilise the state economy. He explained that this had helped in the strategic release of funds via payment of salaries and payment for key projects. Wike spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt during a stakeholders’ interactive session tagged: “Accounting for Governor Nyesom Wike’s Administration: One Year After”. The governor explained that he started with the renewal of infrastructure in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas because both towns supported majority of the population of the state. Meanwhile, the governor has offered automatic employment to three physically challenged persons at the town hall meeting, following complaints that they were not given opportunity, expressing delight that one of them is a graduate of Computer Engineering despite his challenge. “You can see this man went to school and read despite his condition. It is not enough to say because of my condition I cannot do anything. “The next thing is you go on the street and begin to beg. There is nothing like physically challenged. Bring out yourself. Identify what you can do and look for opportunities,” Wike admonished. He also assured the people of the state that every local government area of the state will execute key

projects in all the 23 local government areas, saying no local government area would be denied the impact of good governance. He said: “We have stabilised the economy of Rivers State since we took of the reins of leadership in the state. We achieved the stabilization of the economy by injecting N15 billion salaries and payment of contractors. “These funds have helped us to rebuild our economy which was badly damaged by the immediate past administration.” The governor said that no project would be abandoned by his administration. According to him, his administration would only award projects that would be completed within the life-span of his administration. He said the renewal of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas have enhanced the economy of the state as more investors are confident to invest in the state. He noted that 46 roads had been reconstructed under the Operation Zero Potholes, 15 roads abandoned by the immediate past administration completed and 27 new roads initiated by his administration had been completed and commissioned. He announced that the state government was building an ICT compliant security infrastructure to help fight crime and empower the security agencies to be more proactive. Governor Wike informed that measures had been put in place to tackle cultism across the state. He said: “When I met with the President, I told him that we will

tackle cultism and insecurity in four local government areas. They are Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas. “ He warned against the politicisation of crime, blaming a particu-

lar political party for claiming suspected cultists who murder others as their members. He said that the administration had started the phased rehabilitation of schools in three senatorial districts, completed the Faculty of Law, paid for science consumables

and restored NECO in the state. He said his administration would continue to subsidise education, but added that the people should be prepared to pay maintenance fees to assist the state government run the educational institutions.

Olu of Warri HRH.Godwin Toristseju Emiko Ogaime Ikenwoli (left) and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the celebration of Governor’s on year in office.

Calabar residents laud Ayade’s garment factory project, others

ome residents of Calabar have extolled Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River for benefiting from the dividends of democracy through various projects initiated by his administration within his first year in office. A cross section of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the projects were peopleoriented and enhanced their living standards. Mrs. Mary Edet, a public servant, described some of the governor’s projects as people oriented. ``I am particularly happy about the garment factory which is designed to provide

jobs for our women, especially the helpless widows. ``It shows how concerned the governor is about the plight of the poor and the vulnerable in the state,’’ Edet said. She said that employment generation should be the priority of every government, adding that that would reduce poverty in the state and country at large. Also, Mr. Thompson Agi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, praised the governor for the 260-kilometre Super Highway project linking Calabar with Katsina-Ala in Benue. He said that the project,

when completed, would open up the state to the rest of the country. ``It is a laudable vision. I know that when the project is completed, other parts of Nigeria will be within reach and our people can easily transport their farm produce to other parts of the country,’’ he said. Agi appealed to the Federal Ministry of Environment to expedite action on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) paper currently before it so that the contractors could move to site and commence work. Another resident, Mr. Joseph Alexander, also com-

mended the governor for his plan to construct the Bakassi Deep Seaport as an alternative to the Calabar Port. ``It has become very pertinent for the state government to construct a deep seaport to enable goods come into the state since the Calabar Port has not been dredged. ``I commend the governor’s vision in this aspect and urge him not to look back. ``He should do everything legally possible to ensure that the port becomes a reality in the life of his administration,’’ he said. Alexander said the construction of the deep seaport would increase the volume of

trade between Cross River and its neighbouring states. He also described the completion of the monorail project linking Tinapa Business Resort with Calabar International Conference Centre, started by his predecessor, as very gratifying. ``It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and one that befits the status of Calabar as a preferred tourism destination in Nigeria,’’ he said. Alexander, however, urged the governor to do more in the area of refuse collection in Calabar metropolis in order to restore the green and clean environment which the city is known for.

Capital Market

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Equities as at May 27, 2016

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Price List (Equities)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sector

Company name

Price (Equities) No OfList Deals Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

10,771,781

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

251

10,771,781

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

27,397

16,332,184

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

948,716 VOLUME

16.58

-3.04

251

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

156,503.48

4.36

-0.23

PRESCO PLC

S/N 7

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.03

467,794

896

111,765,557

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,100.00

0.50

27,682.47

29.02

42,639

36,500.00

36.50

2.21

1,500,000

1,542,639

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,280.00

1.14

-0.87

TRADES Page 105

VOLUME 23 of

5,724,522

105

5,724,522

120

7,267,161

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

CONGLOMERATES

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

5,250.00

1.25

7,370.87

0.50

200,000

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

6,422.50

1.54

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

5,664.87

0.50

505,000

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

3,095.70

3.17

0 2

705,000

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,072,318

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

91 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 93 S/N

DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

FCMB GROUP PLC.

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND Prices 95 for by Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed96 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 97

SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTHCARE PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE 100 EKOCORP PLC. S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS 101

UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,435.51

0.92

-3.16

142,886

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

55,700.15

1.37

-0.72

465

82,594,790

U A C N PLC.

40,146.07

20.90

-5.00

724,534

103

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

516

83,462,210

104

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

CONGLOMERATES

516

83,462,210

105

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

106 TRADES

VOLUME

107

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

ARBICO PLC.

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

PrintedS/N 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER 16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

748.44

5.04

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

ROADS NIG PLC.

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

S/N

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

UPDC REALTraded ESTATE TRUST Prices22 for Securities asINVESTMENT of 27/05/2016 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040TRUSTS (REITS)

S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 24 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS 25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

GUINNESS NIG PLC

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

S/N

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

97,606

TRADES Page 33

VOLUME 23 of 683,167

683,167

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,000.00

100.00

11,305.89

45.22

26,682.70

10.00

780,773

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

176

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

22,705.54

2.90

-1.02

1,181,000

231.34 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.85 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

165,361.58

109.81

-0.25

231,377

65,390.85

19.85

-0.65

579,134

1,125,932.33

142.00

0.94

2,751.58

2.81

MARKET CAP(Nm)

215

1,566,993

349,101

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

14,750.17

1.86

0.54

4,365,912

TRADES

VOLUME

23 of 1,430,267

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

1,861.25

0.50

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

5,100

-2.55

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price1,470.89 List (Equities)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

0 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.91 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

Page TRADES

6,741.29

2.67

1,252 1,259

970.92

8.99

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

796.88

1.61

IT SERVICES S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,348.03

0.50

21,042.00

5.01

7.28

S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

0 of 23 VOLUME

2,511

TRADES

VOLUME

PROCESSING SYSTEMS 118

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,519.67 MARKET CAP(Nm)

300,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ICT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

302,511

TRADES

VOLUME

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICES FOR MAIN SECURITIES 123 CEMENT CO.BOARD OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS 124 DN MEYER PLC. S/N FIRST BUILDING MATERIALS 125 ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 126

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

127

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 128 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 129

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

954.31

2.59

44,856.25

20.03

72,019

7.80

108,181

26,600.00

38.00

56,646

9,927.75

7.90

42,491

305.50

0.94

59,078

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,055.18

PRICE 0.50

%CHANGE -

TRADES 0

VOLUME 0

378,102.40

83.01

784.99

0.99

784.00

1.96

1,277.97

10.39

2,260.62 Price List (Equities)

BUILDING MATERIALS

Page 6

151,337

100,000

1,391.44

1.58

264

9,388,931

S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

132

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

133

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

134

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

Price List (Equities)

PRICE

36 Page 37

905,184 of 23 905,284

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

95,592

121,065.48

32.00

1.52

512,197

607,789

823

14,819,104

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities) 172,410.71

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5.96

-0.33

426

62,578,830

54,426.91

2.35

1.29

228

35,362,681

331,209.40

18.05

9.39

787,299

40,564.72 MARKET CAP(Nm)

1.40 PRICE

0.71 %CHANGE

115 TRADES

16,569,872 VOLUME

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

606,576.60

20.61

-1.86

186

4,589,038

SKYE BANK PLC

18,322.00

1.32

1.54

214

27,053,538

STERLING BANK PLC.

48,943.71

1.70

6,653

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

97,380.89

5.75

2.13

1,260,585

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

182,848.81

5.04

-2.89

243

28,374,007

UNITY BANK PLC

10,871.08

0.93

8.14

7,120,812

WEMA BANK PLC.

30,859.57

0.80

2.56

BANKING MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

9,953,310

1,623

193,656,625

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

5,613.47

0.81

24,360.00

2.32

4.98

3,000.00

0.50

11,410.02

1.10

4.76

1,129,820

Page 11

262,360

of 23 448,290

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

7,364.75

0.50

200

7,000.00

0.50

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

3,070.00

0.50

642.04

0.50

1,753.04

0.51

10,714

4,000.00

0.50

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

1 TRADES

200 VOLUME

0.82

2.50

Price List (Equities) 3,661.72

4,000.00 Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,330.01 3,869.74

0.50

2,759.15 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

32 Page 0

0 TRADES

1,353,203 23 of 0

0 VOLUME

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

3,334.38

0.50

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

4,170.41

0.50

12,100,000

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

5,996.59

0.50

1,000,000

3,070.54

0.50

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

1,291.15

0.50

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

6,933.33

0.50

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

27,397

16,332,184

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 PACKAGING/CONTAINERS Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 S/N TOOLS AND MACHINERY 135

NIGERIAN ROPES PLC

S/N

CHEMICALS

136 B.O.C. GASES PLC. SECURITIES PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD CHEMICALS NATURAL RESOURCES

S/N S/N METALS METALS 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. METALS S/N

MINING SERVICES

138 byMULTIVERSE AND EXPLORATION PLC Published The NigerianMINING Stock Exchange ©

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

991.76

1.45

21,613.79

43.23

393.57

9.23

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,966.97

7.46

Price List (Equities)

589,782 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,565.08

3.76

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

139

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

504

504 VOLUME VOLUME 00

MARKET MARKET CAP(Nm) CAP(Nm) 2,164.37

PRICE PRICE 9.84

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

TRADES TRADES 00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

2,130.97

0.50

Page 0

MINING SERVICES S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS NATURAL RESOURCES

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

CUTIX PLC.

21.66

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

131

PRICE

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

86,000.53

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

115

50,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

114

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

VOLUME

1,776.00

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA Prices45 for Securities Traded as ofPLC. 27/05/2016

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

TRADES

113

-1.89

S/N

%CHANGE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Published Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N by IT The SERVICES

4.95

4.66

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ICT 112 MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

0.50

4,857.44

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS OMATEK VENTURES PLC

11.87

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

S/N 111

616.69

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

of 23 2,728,532

PRICE

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

3,244.53

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES 75 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

110

MARKET CAP(Nm)

589,752

100

Published byFOR The MAIN Nigerian Stock Exchange © PRICES BOARD SECURITIES

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

VOLUME

354,899 VOLUME

70 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 71 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 72 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

Page 59

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 HEALTHCARE Printed ICT27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

112 TRADES

PHARMACEUTICALS

TRADES

PLC

17,716

%CHANGE

GUINEA INSURANCE Prices 67 for Securities Traded asPLC. of 27/05/2016 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY Printed68 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2,228,181

%CHANGE

29.78

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 64 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2.09

PRICE

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

4.50

0.93

PRICE

1,886.86

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

1.16

1,459.68

2,256.91

MARKET CAP(Nm)

1,136.80

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC.

20,257

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Published The Nigerian INSURANCE Stock Exchange 60 byAXAMANSARD PLC ©

10,000

366.17

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

121,508

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

233,391

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

0 VOLUME

130

AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

868,869

0 TRADES

2,319,682

0.30

%CHANGE

-0.36

S/N

1.65 PRICE

16.85

ACCESS BANK PLC.

251.09 MARKET CAP(Nm)

784.66

6,000

-4.32

8.40

31,647.70

48 DIAMOND BANK PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 49 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES 50 FIDELITY BANK PLC S/N BANKING

VOLUME

5.35

621,965.65

BANKING

TRADES

5.31

41 CADBURY PRICES FOR MAINNIGERIA BOARD PLC. SECURITIES 42 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS

S/N

%CHANGE

214.00

22,255.28

MARKET CAP(Nm)

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Printed4627/05/2016 14:32:40.040

6,000

PRICE

26,550.00

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

106,378

CAP PLC

3,521 3,521

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

VOLUME 0 VOLUME

122

12 12

Page 47

FOOD S/N PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

TRADES 0 TRADES

BERGER PAINTS PLC

-2.09

S/N

%CHANGE %CHANGE

0.50

121

-0.14

FOOD PRODUCTS

PRICE 3.54 PRICE

1,776.57

VOLUME

%CHANGE

U T C NIG. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,765.05 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

7.18

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

335,712,713

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

22.52

124,070,188

0.50

ASHAKA CEM PLC

PRICE

730 2,464

Price List (Equities)

2.12

119

59,097.82

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

59,820,785

20.50

120

86,160.00

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC

324

3,180.00

FOOD PRODUCTS

-0.42

24,515.47

3,558,504

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 36 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC.

331

S/N

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 31 byDANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

2.38

97,606

138.50

14,280.00

2,722,532

88,721.77

4,530,291

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

VOLUME

%CHANGE

-0.28

TRADES

PRICE

17.71

340,000

6.60

MARKET CAP(Nm)

177,100.00

45.00

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

165.00

Price List (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

103.24

MEDICAL SUPPLIES S/N

0 23

3,313.67

-4.62

59,400.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

102

1.86

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

56,330,527

3.62

VOLUME

0.48

S/N

320 0 Page

0.50

403.29

%CHANGE

0.58

552.20

556.71

4.22

1.71

411.91 2,572.69

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

TRADES

PRICE

33,862.64

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

7,253.12

316,267 0 VOLUME

109

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

7 0 TRADES

108

0.50

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

%CHANGE

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N byREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

-1.27

3.61 0.52 PRICE

PRICE

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

3.11

21,233.53 780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

542.19

Price List (Equities)

6,220.00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

9 10

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

Price List (Equities)

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

Prices86 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC Printed87 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

PRICE

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

175.13

AGRICULTURE 8

S/N

2,984,304.06

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N by LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL Published The Nigerian StockSPECIALTIES Exchange ©

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

CROP PRODUCTION

Value of Shares(N)

AGRICULTURE

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Quantity Traded -

Price List (Equities)

Prices Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 S/NforCROP PRODUCTION

0.50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Printed 427/05/2016 14:32:40.040 FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC

Quotation(N) 0.50

520,553.87

PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

1,000,000

5,996.59

0.50

111,297,763

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

No Of Deals

6,933.33

825

BUILDING MATERIALS

0 12,100,000

3,070.54

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

VOLUME

0 17

1,291.15

100,525,982

Company name

TRADES

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

VOLUME

100,525,982

S/N

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

0.50 0.50

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

TRADES

574

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICE

3,334.38 4,170.41

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

574

FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Sector

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

79 MARKET CAP(Nm)

BANKING S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

S/N

1st Tier76Securities REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

1st Tier Securities

VOLUME

0 23

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

127.60

0.58

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

NATURAL RESOURCES

504 VOLUME

OIL AND GAS S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

Prices141 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 OANDO PLC Printed 27/05/2016OIL 14:32:40.040 INTEGRATED AND GAS SERVICES S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143

CONOIL PLC

144

ETERNA PLC.

145 FORTE OIL PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 146 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. OIL AND GAS 147 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. S/N PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 148 Securities TOTAL NIGERIA DISTRIBUTORS Prices for TradedPLC. as of 27/05/2016

149

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

90,259.64

7.50

2.74

518

20,546,113

518

20,546,113

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

15,960.90

23.00

154,495

3.24

-4.99

702,494

Price4,225.43 List (Equities) 268,584.63

206.21

SERVICES S/N ADVERTISING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 150 AFROMEDIA PLC SERVICES ADVERTISING S/N APPAREL RETAILERS S/N APPAREL RETAILERS 151 LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. S/N

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS R T BRISCOE PLC.

3,291

%CHANGE -

12 TRADES 30

4,630 VOLUME 91,538

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

202,840.04

360.00

TRADES Page

144

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

154

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. HOSPITALITY

155

TANTALIZERS PLC HOTELS/LODGING

VOLUME 23 of 45,341

45,341

670

21,616,590

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

PRICE PRICE 3.00

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

0 TRADES TRADES 0

0 VOLUME VOLUME 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

588.18

0.50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,534.84

4.30

4.88

72,695

302.21

1.52

5.56

7 12

221,969

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,605.81

0.50

0 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

HOSPITALITY S/N

1,000,750

2,219.52

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) MARKET CAP(Nm) 210.49

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS 153

44,302

166.25 36.53 PRICE 170.00

APPAREL RETAILERS 152

59,948.96 9,278.21 MARKET CAP(Nm) 57,718.71

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS

24,386

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PETROLEUM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS Printed 27/05/2016AND 14:32:40.040 S/N by EXPLORATION Published The Nigerian AND StockPRODUCTION Exchange ©

24,386

149,274

Capital Market

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Equities as at May 27, 2016

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Price List (Equities)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sector

Company name

Price (Equities) No OfList Deals Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

10,771,781

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

251

10,771,781

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

27,397

16,332,184

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

948,716 VOLUME

16.58

-3.04

251

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

156,503.48

4.36

-0.23

PRESCO PLC

S/N 7

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.03

467,794

896

111,765,557

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,100.00

0.50

27,682.47

29.02

42,639

36,500.00

36.50

2.21

1,500,000

1,542,639

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,280.00

1.14

-0.87

TRADES Page 105

VOLUME 23 of

5,724,522

105

5,724,522

120

7,267,161

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

CONGLOMERATES

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

5,250.00

1.25

7,370.87

0.50

200,000

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

6,422.50

1.54

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

5,664.87

0.50

505,000

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

3,095.70

3.17

0 2

705,000

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,072,318

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

91 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 93 S/N

DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

FCMB GROUP PLC.

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND Prices 95 for by Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed96 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 97

SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTHCARE PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE 100 EKOCORP PLC. S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS 101

UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,435.51

0.92

-3.16

142,886

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

55,700.15

1.37

-0.72

465

82,594,790

U A C N PLC.

40,146.07

20.90

-5.00

724,534

103

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

516

83,462,210

104

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

CONGLOMERATES

516

83,462,210

105

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

106 TRADES

VOLUME

107

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

ARBICO PLC.

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

PrintedS/N 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER 16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

748.44

5.04

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

ROADS NIG PLC.

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

S/N

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

UPDC REALTraded ESTATE TRUST Prices22 for Securities asINVESTMENT of 27/05/2016 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040TRUSTS (REITS)

S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 24 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS 25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

GUINNESS NIG PLC

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

S/N

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

97,606

TRADES Page 33

VOLUME 23 of 683,167

683,167

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,000.00

100.00

11,305.89

45.22

26,682.70

10.00

780,773

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

176

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

22,705.54

2.90

-1.02

1,181,000

231.34 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.85 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

165,361.58

109.81

-0.25

231,377

65,390.85

19.85

-0.65

579,134

1,125,932.33

142.00

0.94

2,751.58

2.81

MARKET CAP(Nm)

215

1,566,993

349,101

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

14,750.17

1.86

0.54

4,365,912

TRADES

VOLUME

23 of 1,430,267

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

1,861.25

0.50

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

5,100

-2.55

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price1,470.89 List (Equities)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

0 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.91 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

Page TRADES

6,741.29

2.67

1,252 1,259

970.92

8.99

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

796.88

1.61

IT SERVICES S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,348.03

0.50

21,042.00

5.01

7.28

S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

0 of 23 VOLUME

2,511

TRADES

VOLUME

PROCESSING SYSTEMS 118

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,519.67 MARKET CAP(Nm)

300,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ICT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

302,511

TRADES

VOLUME

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICES FOR MAIN SECURITIES 123 CEMENT CO.BOARD OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS 124 DN MEYER PLC. S/N FIRST BUILDING MATERIALS 125 ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 126

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

127

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 128 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 129

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

954.31

2.59

44,856.25

20.03

72,019

7.80

108,181

26,600.00

38.00

56,646

9,927.75

7.90

42,491

305.50

0.94

59,078

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,055.18

PRICE 0.50

%CHANGE -

TRADES 0

VOLUME 0

378,102.40

83.01

784.99

0.99

784.00

1.96

1,277.97

10.39

2,260.62 Price List (Equities)

BUILDING MATERIALS

Page 6

151,337

100,000

1,391.44

1.58

264

9,388,931

S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

132

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

133

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

134

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

Price List (Equities)

PRICE

36 Page 37

905,184 of 23 905,284

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

95,592

121,065.48

32.00

1.52

512,197

607,789

823

14,819,104

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities) 172,410.71

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5.96

-0.33

426

62,578,830

54,426.91

2.35

1.29

228

35,362,681

331,209.40

18.05

9.39

787,299

40,564.72 MARKET CAP(Nm)

1.40 PRICE

0.71 %CHANGE

115 TRADES

16,569,872 VOLUME

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

606,576.60

20.61

-1.86

186

4,589,038

SKYE BANK PLC

18,322.00

1.32

1.54

214

27,053,538

STERLING BANK PLC.

48,943.71

1.70

6,653

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

97,380.89

5.75

2.13

1,260,585

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

182,848.81

5.04

-2.89

243

28,374,007

UNITY BANK PLC

10,871.08

0.93

8.14

7,120,812

WEMA BANK PLC.

30,859.57

0.80

2.56

BANKING MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

9,953,310

1,623

193,656,625

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

5,613.47

0.81

24,360.00

2.32

4.98

3,000.00

0.50

11,410.02

1.10

4.76

1,129,820

Page 11

262,360

of 23 448,290

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

7,364.75

0.50

200

7,000.00

0.50

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

3,070.00

0.50

642.04

0.50

1,753.04

0.51

10,714

4,000.00

0.50

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

1 TRADES

200 VOLUME

0.82

2.50

Price List (Equities) 3,661.72

4,000.00 Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,330.01 3,869.74

0.50

2,759.15 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

32 Page 0

0 TRADES

1,353,203 23 of 0

0 VOLUME

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

3,334.38

0.50

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

4,170.41

0.50

12,100,000

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

5,996.59

0.50

1,000,000

3,070.54

0.50

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

1,291.15

0.50

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

6,933.33

0.50

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

27,397

16,332,184

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 PACKAGING/CONTAINERS Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 S/N TOOLS AND MACHINERY 135

NIGERIAN ROPES PLC

S/N

CHEMICALS

136 B.O.C. GASES PLC. SECURITIES PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD CHEMICALS NATURAL RESOURCES

S/N S/N METALS METALS 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. METALS S/N

MINING SERVICES

138 byMULTIVERSE AND EXPLORATION PLC Published The NigerianMINING Stock Exchange ©

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

991.76

1.45

21,613.79

43.23

393.57

9.23

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,966.97

7.46

Price List (Equities)

589,782 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,565.08

3.76

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

139

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

504

504 VOLUME VOLUME 00

MARKET MARKET CAP(Nm) CAP(Nm) 2,164.37

PRICE PRICE 9.84

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

TRADES TRADES 00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

2,130.97

0.50

Page 0

MINING SERVICES S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS NATURAL RESOURCES

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

CUTIX PLC.

21.66

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

131

PRICE

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

86,000.53

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

115

50,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

114

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

VOLUME

1,776.00

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA Prices45 for Securities Traded as ofPLC. 27/05/2016

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

TRADES

113

-1.89

S/N

%CHANGE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Published Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N by IT The SERVICES

4.95

4.66

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ICT 112 MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

0.50

4,857.44

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS OMATEK VENTURES PLC

11.87

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

S/N 111

616.69

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

of 23 2,728,532

PRICE

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

3,244.53

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES 75 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

110

MARKET CAP(Nm)

589,752

100

Published byFOR The MAIN Nigerian Stock Exchange © PRICES BOARD SECURITIES

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

VOLUME

354,899 VOLUME

70 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 71 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 72 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

Page 59

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 HEALTHCARE Printed ICT27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

112 TRADES

PHARMACEUTICALS

TRADES

PLC

17,716

%CHANGE

GUINEA INSURANCE Prices 67 for Securities Traded asPLC. of 27/05/2016 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY Printed68 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2,228,181

%CHANGE

29.78

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 64 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2.09

PRICE

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

4.50

0.93

PRICE

1,886.86

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

1.16

1,459.68

2,256.91

MARKET CAP(Nm)

1,136.80

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC.

20,257

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Published The Nigerian INSURANCE Stock Exchange 60 byAXAMANSARD PLC ©

10,000

366.17

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

121,508

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

233,391

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

0 VOLUME

130

AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

868,869

0 TRADES

2,319,682

0.30

%CHANGE

-0.36

S/N

1.65 PRICE

16.85

ACCESS BANK PLC.

251.09 MARKET CAP(Nm)

784.66

6,000

-4.32

8.40

31,647.70

48 DIAMOND BANK PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 49 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES 50 FIDELITY BANK PLC S/N BANKING

VOLUME

5.35

621,965.65

BANKING

TRADES

5.31

41 CADBURY PRICES FOR MAINNIGERIA BOARD PLC. SECURITIES 42 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS

S/N

%CHANGE

214.00

22,255.28

MARKET CAP(Nm)

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Printed4627/05/2016 14:32:40.040

6,000

PRICE

26,550.00

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

106,378

CAP PLC

3,521 3,521

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

VOLUME 0 VOLUME

122

12 12

Page 47

FOOD S/N PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

TRADES 0 TRADES

BERGER PAINTS PLC

-2.09

S/N

%CHANGE %CHANGE

0.50

121

-0.14

FOOD PRODUCTS

PRICE 3.54 PRICE

1,776.57

VOLUME

%CHANGE

U T C NIG. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,765.05 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

7.18

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

335,712,713

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

22.52

124,070,188

0.50

ASHAKA CEM PLC

PRICE

730 2,464

Price List (Equities)

2.12

119

59,097.82

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

59,820,785

20.50

120

86,160.00

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC

324

3,180.00

FOOD PRODUCTS

-0.42

24,515.47

3,558,504

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 36 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC.

331

S/N

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 31 byDANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

2.38

97,606

138.50

14,280.00

2,722,532

88,721.77

4,530,291

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

VOLUME

%CHANGE

-0.28

TRADES

PRICE

17.71

340,000

6.60

MARKET CAP(Nm)

177,100.00

45.00

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

165.00

Price List (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

103.24

MEDICAL SUPPLIES S/N

0 23

3,313.67

-4.62

59,400.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

102

1.86

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

56,330,527

3.62

VOLUME

0.48

S/N

320 0 Page

0.50

403.29

%CHANGE

0.58

552.20

556.71

4.22

1.71

411.91 2,572.69

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

TRADES

PRICE

33,862.64

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

7,253.12

316,267 0 VOLUME

109

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

7 0 TRADES

108

0.50

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

%CHANGE

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N byREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

-1.27

3.61 0.52 PRICE

PRICE

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

3.11

21,233.53 780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

542.19

Price List (Equities)

6,220.00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

9 10

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

Price List (Equities)

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

Prices86 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC Printed87 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

PRICE

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

175.13

AGRICULTURE 8

S/N

2,984,304.06

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N by LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL Published The Nigerian StockSPECIALTIES Exchange ©

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

CROP PRODUCTION

Value of Shares(N)

AGRICULTURE

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Quantity Traded -

Price List (Equities)

Prices Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 S/NforCROP PRODUCTION

0.50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Printed 427/05/2016 14:32:40.040 FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC

Quotation(N) 0.50

520,553.87

PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

1,000,000

5,996.59

0.50

111,297,763

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

No Of Deals

6,933.33

825

BUILDING MATERIALS

0 12,100,000

3,070.54

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

VOLUME

0 17

1,291.15

100,525,982

Company name

TRADES

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

VOLUME

100,525,982

S/N

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

0.50 0.50

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

TRADES

574

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICE

3,334.38 4,170.41

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

574

FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Sector

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

79 MARKET CAP(Nm)

BANKING S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

S/N

1st Tier76Securities REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

1st Tier Securities

VOLUME

0 23

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

127.60

0.58

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

NATURAL RESOURCES

504 VOLUME

OIL AND GAS S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

Prices141 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 OANDO PLC Printed 27/05/2016OIL 14:32:40.040 INTEGRATED AND GAS SERVICES S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143

CONOIL PLC

144

ETERNA PLC.

149

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

90,259.64

7.50

2.74

518

20,546,113

518

20,546,113

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

15,960.90

23.00

154,495

3.24

-4.99

702,494

Price4,225.43 List (Equities) 268,584.63

206.21

SERVICES S/N ADVERTISING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 150 AFROMEDIA PLC SERVICES ADVERTISING S/N APPAREL RETAILERS S/N APPAREL RETAILERS 151 LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. S/N

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS R T BRISCOE PLC.

3,291

%CHANGE -

12 TRADES 30

4,630 VOLUME 91,538

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

202,840.04

360.00

TRADES Page

144

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

154

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. HOSPITALITY

155

TANTALIZERS PLC HOTELS/LODGING

VOLUME 23 of 45,341

45,341

670

21,616,590

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

PRICE PRICE 3.00

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

0 TRADES TRADES 0

0 VOLUME VOLUME 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

588.18

0.50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,534.84

4.30

4.88

72,695

302.21

1.52

5.56

7 12

221,969

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,605.81

0.50

0 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

HOSPITALITY S/N

1,000,750

2,219.52

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) MARKET CAP(Nm) 210.49

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS 153

44,302

166.25 36.53 PRICE 170.00

APPAREL RETAILERS 152

59,948.96 9,278.21 MARKET CAP(Nm) 57,718.71

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS

24,386

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PETROLEUM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS Printed 27/05/2016AND 14:32:40.040 S/N by EXPLORATION Published The Nigerian AND StockPRODUCTION Exchange ©

24,386

149,274

Capital Market

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Equities as at May 27, 2016

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Price List (Equities)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sector

Company name

Price (Equities) No OfList Deals Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

10,771,781

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

251

10,771,781

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

27,397

16,332,184

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

948,716 VOLUME

16.58

-3.04

251

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

156,503.48

4.36

-0.23

PRESCO PLC

S/N 7

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.03

467,794

896

111,765,557

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,100.00

0.50

27,682.47

29.02

42,639

36,500.00

36.50

2.21

1,500,000

1,542,639

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,280.00

1.14

-0.87

TRADES Page 105

VOLUME 23 of

5,724,522

105

5,724,522

120

7,267,161

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

CONGLOMERATES

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

5,250.00

1.25

7,370.87

0.50

200,000

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

6,422.50

1.54

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

5,664.87

0.50

505,000

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

3,095.70

3.17

0 2

705,000

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,072,318

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

91 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 93 S/N

DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

FCMB GROUP PLC.

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND Prices 95 for by Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed96 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 97

SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTHCARE PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE 100 EKOCORP PLC. S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS 101

UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,435.51

0.92

-3.16

142,886

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

55,700.15

1.37

-0.72

465

82,594,790

U A C N PLC.

40,146.07

20.90

-5.00

724,534

103

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

516

83,462,210

104

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

CONGLOMERATES

516

83,462,210

105

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

106 TRADES

VOLUME

107

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

ARBICO PLC.

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

PrintedS/N 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER 16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

748.44

5.04

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

ROADS NIG PLC.

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

S/N

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

UPDC REALTraded ESTATE TRUST Prices22 for Securities asINVESTMENT of 27/05/2016 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040TRUSTS (REITS)

S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 24 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS 25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

GUINNESS NIG PLC

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

S/N

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

97,606

TRADES Page 33

VOLUME 23 of 683,167

683,167

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,000.00

100.00

11,305.89

45.22

26,682.70

10.00

780,773

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

176

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

22,705.54

2.90

-1.02

1,181,000

231.34 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.85 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

165,361.58

109.81

-0.25

231,377

65,390.85

19.85

-0.65

579,134

1,125,932.33

142.00

0.94

2,751.58

2.81

MARKET CAP(Nm)

215

1,566,993

349,101

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

14,750.17

1.86

0.54

4,365,912

TRADES

VOLUME

23 of 1,430,267

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

1,861.25

0.50

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

5,100

-2.55

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price1,470.89 List (Equities)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

0 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.91 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

Page TRADES

6,741.29

2.67

1,252 1,259

970.92

8.99

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

796.88

1.61

IT SERVICES S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,348.03

0.50

21,042.00

5.01

7.28

S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

0 of 23 VOLUME

2,511

TRADES

VOLUME

PROCESSING SYSTEMS 118

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,519.67 MARKET CAP(Nm)

300,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ICT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

302,511

TRADES

VOLUME

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICES FOR MAIN SECURITIES 123 CEMENT CO.BOARD OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS 124 DN MEYER PLC. S/N FIRST BUILDING MATERIALS 125 ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 126

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

127

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 128 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 129

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

954.31

2.59

44,856.25

20.03

72,019

7.80

108,181

26,600.00

38.00

56,646

9,927.75

7.90

42,491

305.50

0.94

59,078

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,055.18

PRICE 0.50

%CHANGE -

TRADES 0

VOLUME 0

378,102.40

83.01

784.99

0.99

784.00

1.96

1,277.97

10.39

2,260.62 Price List (Equities)

BUILDING MATERIALS

Page 6

151,337

100,000

1,391.44

1.58

264

9,388,931

S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

132

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

133

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

134

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

Price List (Equities)

PRICE

36 Page 37

905,184 of 23 905,284

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

95,592

121,065.48

32.00

1.52

512,197

607,789

823

14,819,104

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities) 172,410.71

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5.96

-0.33

426

62,578,830

54,426.91

2.35

1.29

228

35,362,681

331,209.40

18.05

9.39

787,299

40,564.72 MARKET CAP(Nm)

1.40 PRICE

0.71 %CHANGE

115 TRADES

16,569,872 VOLUME

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

606,576.60

20.61

-1.86

186

4,589,038

SKYE BANK PLC

18,322.00

1.32

1.54

214

27,053,538

STERLING BANK PLC.

48,943.71

1.70

6,653

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

97,380.89

5.75

2.13

1,260,585

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

182,848.81

5.04

-2.89

243

28,374,007

UNITY BANK PLC

10,871.08

0.93

8.14

7,120,812

WEMA BANK PLC.

30,859.57

0.80

2.56

BANKING MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

9,953,310

1,623

193,656,625

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

5,613.47

0.81

24,360.00

2.32

4.98

3,000.00

0.50

11,410.02

1.10

4.76

1,129,820

Page 11

262,360

of 23 448,290

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

7,364.75

0.50

200

7,000.00

0.50

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

3,070.00

0.50

642.04

0.50

1,753.04

0.51

10,714

4,000.00

0.50

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

1 TRADES

200 VOLUME

0.82

2.50

Price List (Equities) 3,661.72

4,000.00 Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,330.01 3,869.74

0.50

2,759.15 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

32 Page 0

0 TRADES

1,353,203 23 of 0

0 VOLUME

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

3,334.38

0.50

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

4,170.41

0.50

12,100,000

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

5,996.59

0.50

1,000,000

3,070.54

0.50

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

1,291.15

0.50

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

6,933.33

0.50

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

27,397

16,332,184

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 PACKAGING/CONTAINERS Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 S/N TOOLS AND MACHINERY 135

NIGERIAN ROPES PLC

S/N

CHEMICALS

136 B.O.C. GASES PLC. SECURITIES PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD CHEMICALS NATURAL RESOURCES

S/N S/N METALS METALS 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. METALS S/N

MINING SERVICES

138 byMULTIVERSE AND EXPLORATION PLC Published The NigerianMINING Stock Exchange ©

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

991.76

1.45

21,613.79

43.23

393.57

9.23

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,966.97

7.46

Price List (Equities)

589,782 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,565.08

3.76

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

139

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

504

504 VOLUME VOLUME 00

MARKET MARKET CAP(Nm) CAP(Nm) 2,164.37

PRICE PRICE 9.84

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

TRADES TRADES 00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

2,130.97

0.50

Page 0

MINING SERVICES S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS NATURAL RESOURCES

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

CUTIX PLC.

21.66

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

131

PRICE

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

86,000.53

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

115

50,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

114

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

VOLUME

1,776.00

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA Prices45 for Securities Traded as ofPLC. 27/05/2016

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

TRADES

113

-1.89

S/N

%CHANGE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Published Nigerian Stock Exchange © S/N by IT The SERVICES

4.95

4.66

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ICT 112 MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

0.50

4,857.44

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS OMATEK VENTURES PLC

11.87

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

S/N 111

616.69

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

of 23 2,728,532

PRICE

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

3,244.53

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES 75 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

110

MARKET CAP(Nm)

589,752

100

Published byFOR The MAIN Nigerian Stock Exchange © PRICES BOARD SECURITIES

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

VOLUME

354,899 VOLUME

70 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 71 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 72 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

Page 59

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 HEALTHCARE Printed ICT27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

112 TRADES

PHARMACEUTICALS

TRADES

PLC

17,716

%CHANGE

GUINEA INSURANCE Prices 67 for Securities Traded asPLC. of 27/05/2016 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY Printed68 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2,228,181

%CHANGE

29.78

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 64 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2.09

PRICE

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

4.50

0.93

PRICE

1,886.86

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

1.16

1,459.68

2,256.91

MARKET CAP(Nm)

1,136.80

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC.

20,257

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Published The Nigerian INSURANCE Stock Exchange 60 byAXAMANSARD PLC ©

10,000

366.17

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

121,508

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

233,391

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

0 VOLUME

130

AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

868,869

0 TRADES

2,319,682

0.30

%CHANGE

-0.36

S/N

1.65 PRICE

16.85

ACCESS BANK PLC.

251.09 MARKET CAP(Nm)

784.66

6,000

-4.32

8.40

31,647.70

48 DIAMOND BANK PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 49 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES 50 FIDELITY BANK PLC S/N BANKING

VOLUME

5.35

621,965.65

BANKING

TRADES

5.31

41 CADBURY PRICES FOR MAINNIGERIA BOARD PLC. SECURITIES 42 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS

S/N

%CHANGE

214.00

22,255.28

MARKET CAP(Nm)

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Printed4627/05/2016 14:32:40.040

6,000

PRICE

26,550.00

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

106,378

CAP PLC

3,521 3,521

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

VOLUME 0 VOLUME

122

12 12

Page 47

FOOD S/N PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

TRADES 0 TRADES

BERGER PAINTS PLC

-2.09

S/N

%CHANGE %CHANGE

0.50

121

-0.14

FOOD PRODUCTS

PRICE 3.54 PRICE

1,776.57

VOLUME

%CHANGE

U T C NIG. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,765.05 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

7.18

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

335,712,713

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

22.52

124,070,188

0.50

ASHAKA CEM PLC

PRICE

730 2,464

Price List (Equities)

2.12

119

59,097.82

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

59,820,785

20.50

120

86,160.00

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC

324

3,180.00

FOOD PRODUCTS

-0.42

24,515.47

3,558,504

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 36 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC.

331

S/N

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 31 byDANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

2.38

97,606

138.50

14,280.00

2,722,532

88,721.77

4,530,291

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

VOLUME

%CHANGE

-0.28

TRADES

PRICE

17.71

340,000

6.60

MARKET CAP(Nm)

177,100.00

45.00

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

165.00

Price List (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

103.24

MEDICAL SUPPLIES S/N

0 23

3,313.67

-4.62

59,400.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

102

1.86

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

56,330,527

3.62

VOLUME

0.48

S/N

320 0 Page

0.50

403.29

%CHANGE

0.58

552.20

556.71

4.22

1.71

411.91 2,572.69

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

TRADES

PRICE

33,862.64

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

7,253.12

316,267 0 VOLUME

109

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

7 0 TRADES

108

0.50

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

%CHANGE

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N byREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

-1.27

3.61 0.52 PRICE

PRICE

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

3.11

21,233.53 780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

542.19

Price List (Equities)

6,220.00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

9 10

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

Price List (Equities)

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

Prices86 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC Printed87 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

PRICE

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

175.13

AGRICULTURE 8

S/N

2,984,304.06

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N by LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL Published The Nigerian StockSPECIALTIES Exchange ©

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

CROP PRODUCTION

Value of Shares(N)

AGRICULTURE

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Quantity Traded -

Price List (Equities)

Prices Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 S/NforCROP PRODUCTION

0.50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Printed 427/05/2016 14:32:40.040 FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC

Quotation(N) 0.50

520,553.87

PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

1,000,000

5,996.59

0.50

111,297,763

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

No Of Deals

6,933.33

825

BUILDING MATERIALS

0 12,100,000

3,070.54

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

VOLUME

0 17

1,291.15

100,525,982

Company name

TRADES

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

VOLUME

100,525,982

S/N

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

0.50 0.50

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

TRADES

574

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICE

3,334.38 4,170.41

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

574

FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Sector

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

79 MARKET CAP(Nm)

BANKING S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

S/N

1st Tier76Securities REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

1st Tier Securities

VOLUME

0 23

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

127.60

0.58

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

NATURAL RESOURCES

504 VOLUME

OIL AND GAS S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

Prices141 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 OANDO PLC Printed 27/05/2016OIL 14:32:40.040 INTEGRATED AND GAS SERVICES S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143

CONOIL PLC

144

ETERNA PLC.

149

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

90,259.64

7.50

2.74

518

20,546,113

518

20,546,113

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

15,960.90

23.00

154,495

3.24

-4.99

702,494

Price4,225.43 List (Equities) 268,584.63

206.21

SERVICES S/N ADVERTISING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 150 AFROMEDIA PLC SERVICES ADVERTISING S/N APPAREL RETAILERS S/N APPAREL RETAILERS 151 LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. S/N

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS R T BRISCOE PLC.

3,291

%CHANGE -

12 TRADES 30

4,630 VOLUME 91,538

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

202,840.04

360.00

TRADES Page

144

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

154

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. HOSPITALITY

155

TANTALIZERS PLC HOTELS/LODGING

VOLUME 23 of 45,341

45,341

670

21,616,590

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

PRICE PRICE 3.00

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

0 TRADES TRADES 0

0 VOLUME VOLUME 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

588.18

0.50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,534.84

4.30

4.88

72,695

302.21

1.52

5.56

7 12

221,969

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,605.81

0.50

0 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

HOSPITALITY S/N

1,000,750

2,219.52

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) MARKET CAP(Nm) 210.49

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS 153

44,302

166.25 36.53 PRICE 170.00

APPAREL RETAILERS 152

59,948.96 9,278.21 MARKET CAP(Nm) 57,718.71

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS

24,386

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PETROLEUM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS Printed 27/05/2016AND 14:32:40.040 S/N by EXPLORATION Published The Nigerian AND StockPRODUCTION Exchange ©

24,386

149,274

Capital Market

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Equities as at May 27, 2016

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

Price List (Equities)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sector

Company name

Price (Equities) No OfList Deals Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

10,771,781

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

251

10,771,781

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

27,397

16,332,184

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

948,716 VOLUME

16.58

-3.04

251

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

156,503.48

4.36

-0.23

PRESCO PLC

S/N 7

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.03

467,794

896

111,765,557

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,100.00

0.50

27,682.47

29.02

42,639

36,500.00

36.50

2.21

1,500,000

1,542,639

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,280.00

1.14

-0.87

TRADES Page 105

VOLUME 23 of

5,724,522

105

5,724,522

120

7,267,161

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

CONGLOMERATES

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

5,250.00

1.25

7,370.87

0.50

200,000

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

6,422.50

1.54

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

5,664.87

0.50

505,000

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

3,095.70

3.17

0 2

705,000

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,072,318

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

91 AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 93 S/N

DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

FCMB GROUP PLC.

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND Prices 95 for by Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed96 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 97

SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTHCARE PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE 100 EKOCORP PLC. S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS 101

UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,435.51

0.92

-3.16

142,886

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

55,700.15

1.37

-0.72

465

82,594,790

U A C N PLC.

40,146.07

20.90

-5.00

724,534

103

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

516

83,462,210

104

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

CONGLOMERATES

516

83,462,210

105

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

106 TRADES

VOLUME

107

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

ARBICO PLC.

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

PrintedS/N 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER 16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

748.44

5.04

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

ROADS NIG PLC.

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

S/N

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

UPDC REALTraded ESTATE TRUST Prices22 for Securities asINVESTMENT of 27/05/2016 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040TRUSTS (REITS)

S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 24 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS 25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. S/N BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

GUINNESS NIG PLC

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

S/N

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

97,606

TRADES Page 33

VOLUME 23 of 683,167

683,167

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,000.00

100.00

11,305.89

45.22

26,682.70

10.00

780,773

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

176

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

22,705.54

2.90

-1.02

1,181,000

231.34 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.85 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

165,361.58

109.81

-0.25

231,377

65,390.85

19.85

-0.65

579,134

1,125,932.33

142.00

0.94

2,751.58

2.81

MARKET CAP(Nm)

215

1,566,993

349,101

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

14,750.17

1.86

0.54

4,365,912

TRADES

VOLUME

23 of 1,430,267

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

1,861.25

0.50

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

5,100

-2.55

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price1,470.89 List (Equities)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

0 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.91 PRICE

%CHANGE

0 TRADES

0 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

Page TRADES

6,741.29

2.67

1,252 1,259

970.92

8.99

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

796.88

1.61

IT SERVICES S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,348.03

0.50

21,042.00

5.01

7.28

S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

0 of 23 VOLUME

2,511

TRADES

VOLUME

PROCESSING SYSTEMS 118

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,519.67 MARKET CAP(Nm)

300,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ICT Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

302,511

TRADES

VOLUME

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICES FOR MAIN SECURITIES 123 CEMENT CO.BOARD OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS 124 DN MEYER PLC. S/N FIRST BUILDING MATERIALS 125 ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 126

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

127

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

954.31

2.59

44,856.25

20.03

72,019

7.80

108,181

26,600.00

38.00

56,646

9,927.75

7.90

42,491

305.50

0.94

59,078

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,055.18

PRICE 0.50

%CHANGE -

TRADES 0

VOLUME 0

378,102.40

83.01

784.99

0.99

784.00

1.96

1,277.97

10.39

2,260.62 Price List (Equities)

BUILDING MATERIALS

Page 6

151,337

100,000

1,391.44

1.58

264

9,388,931

S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

132

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

133

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

134

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

Price List (Equities)

PRICE

36 Page 37

905,184 of 23 905,284

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

95,592

121,065.48

32.00

1.52

512,197

607,789

823

14,819,104

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities) 172,410.71

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5.96

-0.33

426

62,578,830

54,426.91

2.35

1.29

228

35,362,681

331,209.40

18.05

9.39

787,299

40,564.72 MARKET CAP(Nm)

1.40 PRICE

0.71 %CHANGE

115 TRADES

16,569,872 VOLUME

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

606,576.60

20.61

-1.86

186

4,589,038

SKYE BANK PLC

18,322.00

1.32

1.54

214

27,053,538

STERLING BANK PLC.

48,943.71

1.70

6,653

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

97,380.89

5.75

2.13

1,260,585

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

182,848.81

5.04

-2.89

243

28,374,007

UNITY BANK PLC

10,871.08

0.93

8.14

7,120,812

WEMA BANK PLC.

30,859.57

0.80

2.56

BANKING MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

9,953,310

1,623

193,656,625

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

5,613.47

0.81

24,360.00

2.32

4.98

3,000.00

0.50

11,410.02

1.10

4.76

1,129,820

Page 11

262,360

of 23 448,290

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

7,364.75

0.50

200

7,000.00

0.50

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

3,070.00

0.50

642.04

0.50

1,753.04

0.51

10,714

4,000.00

0.50

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

1 TRADES

200 VOLUME

0.82

2.50

Price List (Equities) 3,661.72

4,000.00 Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,330.01 3,869.74

0.50

2,759.15 MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50 PRICE

%CHANGE

32 Page 0

0 TRADES

1,353,203 23 of 0

0 VOLUME

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

3,334.38

0.50

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

4,170.41

0.50

12,100,000

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

5,996.59

0.50

1,000,000

3,070.54

0.50

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

1,291.15

0.50

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

6,933.33

0.50

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

27,397

16,332,184

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

2,629.63

1.15

-3.36

948,716

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 PACKAGING/CONTAINERS Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 S/N TOOLS AND MACHINERY 135

NIGERIAN ROPES PLC

S/N

CHEMICALS

136 B.O.C. GASES PLC. SECURITIES PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD CHEMICALS NATURAL RESOURCES

S/N S/N METALS METALS 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. METALS S/N

MINING SERVICES

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

991.76

1.45

21,613.79

43.23

393.57

9.23

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,966.97

7.46

Price List (Equities)

589,782 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,565.08

3.76

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

139

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

504

504 VOLUME VOLUME 00

MARKET MARKET CAP(Nm) CAP(Nm) 2,164.37

PRICE PRICE 9.84

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

TRADES TRADES 00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

2,130.97

0.50

Page 0

MINING SERVICES S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS NATURAL RESOURCES

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

CUTIX PLC.

21.66

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

131

PRICE

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

86,000.53

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

115

50,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

114

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

VOLUME

1,776.00

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA Prices45 for Securities Traded as ofPLC. 27/05/2016

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

TRADES

113

-1.89

S/N

%CHANGE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

4.95

4.66

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ICT 112 MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC S/N ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

0.50

4,857.44

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS OMATEK VENTURES PLC

11.87

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

S/N 111

616.69

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

of 23 2,728,532

PRICE

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

3,244.53

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES 75 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

110

MARKET CAP(Nm)

589,752

100

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

VOLUME

354,899 VOLUME

70 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 71 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES 72 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. S/N INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

Page 59

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 HEALTHCARE Printed ICT27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

112 TRADES

PHARMACEUTICALS

TRADES

PLC

17,716

%CHANGE

GUINEA INSURANCE Prices 67 for Securities Traded asPLC. of 27/05/2016 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY Printed68 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2,228,181

%CHANGE

29.78

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 64 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

2.09

PRICE

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

4.50

0.93

PRICE

1,886.86

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

1.16

1,459.68

2,256.91

MARKET CAP(Nm)

1,136.80

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC.

20,257

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

10,000

366.17

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

121,508

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

S/N

233,391

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

0 VOLUME

130

AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

868,869

0 TRADES

2,319,682

0.30

%CHANGE

-0.36

S/N

1.65 PRICE

16.85

ACCESS BANK PLC.

251.09 MARKET CAP(Nm)

784.66

6,000

-4.32

8.40

31,647.70

48 DIAMOND BANK PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 49 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FINANCIAL SERVICES 50 FIDELITY BANK PLC S/N BANKING

VOLUME

5.35

621,965.65

BANKING

TRADES

5.31

41 CADBURY PRICES FOR MAINNIGERIA BOARD PLC. SECURITIES 42 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS

S/N

%CHANGE

214.00

22,255.28

MARKET CAP(Nm)

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Printed4627/05/2016 14:32:40.040

6,000

PRICE

26,550.00

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

S/N

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

106,378

CAP PLC

3,521 3,521

VOLUME 0 VOLUME

122

12 12

Page 47

FOOD S/N PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

TRADES 0 TRADES

BERGER PAINTS PLC

-2.09

S/N

%CHANGE %CHANGE

0.50

121

-0.14

FOOD PRODUCTS

PRICE 3.54 PRICE

1,776.57

VOLUME

%CHANGE

U T C NIG. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,765.05 MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

7.18

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

335,712,713

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

22.52

124,070,188

0.50

ASHAKA CEM PLC

PRICE

730 2,464

Price List (Equities)

2.12

119

59,097.82

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

59,820,785

20.50

120

86,160.00

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC

324

3,180.00

FOOD PRODUCTS

-0.42

24,515.47

3,558,504

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Prices for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 36 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Printed 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC.

331

S/N

2.38

97,606

138.50

14,280.00

2,722,532

88,721.77

4,530,291

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

VOLUME

%CHANGE

-0.28

TRADES

PRICE

17.71

340,000

6.60

MARKET CAP(Nm)

177,100.00

45.00

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

165.00

Price List (Equities)

CONSUMER GOODS

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

103.24

MEDICAL SUPPLIES S/N

0 23

3,313.67

-4.62

59,400.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

102

1.86

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

56,330,527

3.62

VOLUME

0.48

S/N

320 0 Page

0.50

403.29

%CHANGE

0.58

552.20

556.71

4.22

1.71

411.91 2,572.69

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

TRADES

PRICE

33,862.64

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

7,253.12

316,267 0 VOLUME

109

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

7 0 TRADES

108

0.50

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

%CHANGE

-1.27

3.61 0.52 PRICE

PRICE

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

3.11

21,233.53 780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

542.19

Price List (Equities)

6,220.00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

9 10

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

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MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

Prices86 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC Printed87 27/05/2016 14:32:40.040 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

PRICE

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

175.13

AGRICULTURE 8

S/N

2,984,304.06

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N by LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL Published The Nigerian StockSPECIALTIES Exchange ©

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

CROP PRODUCTION

Value of Shares(N)

AGRICULTURE

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Quantity Traded -

Price List (Equities)

Prices Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 S/NforCROP PRODUCTION

0.50

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Printed 427/05/2016 14:32:40.040 FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC

Quotation(N) 0.50

520,553.87

PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

1,000,000

5,996.59

0.50

111,297,763

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

No Of Deals

6,933.33

825

BUILDING MATERIALS

0 12,100,000

3,070.54

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

VOLUME

0 17

1,291.15

100,525,982

Company name

TRADES

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

VOLUME

100,525,982

S/N

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

0.50 0.50

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC

TRADES

574

BUILDING MATERIALS

PRICE

3,334.38 4,170.41

UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

%CHANGE

574

FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Sector

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

79 MARKET CAP(Nm)

BANKING S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

S/N

1st Tier76Securities REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

1st Tier Securities

VOLUME

0 23

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

127.60

0.58

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

NATURAL RESOURCES

504 VOLUME

OIL AND GAS S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

Prices141 for Securities Traded as of 27/05/2016 OANDO PLC Printed 27/05/2016OIL 14:32:40.040 INTEGRATED AND GAS SERVICES S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143

CONOIL PLC

144

ETERNA PLC.

149

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

90,259.64

7.50

2.74

518

20,546,113

518

20,546,113

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

15,960.90

23.00

154,495

3.24

-4.99

702,494

Price4,225.43 List (Equities) 268,584.63

206.21

SERVICES S/N ADVERTISING PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 150 AFROMEDIA PLC SERVICES ADVERTISING S/N APPAREL RETAILERS S/N APPAREL RETAILERS 151 LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. S/N

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS R T BRISCOE PLC.

3,291

%CHANGE -

12 TRADES 30

4,630 VOLUME 91,538

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

202,840.04

360.00

TRADES Page

144

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

154

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. HOSPITALITY

155

TANTALIZERS PLC HOTELS/LODGING

VOLUME 23 of 45,341

45,341

670

21,616,590

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

PRICE PRICE 3.00

%CHANGE %CHANGE -

0 TRADES TRADES 0

0 VOLUME VOLUME 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

588.18

0.50

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,534.84

4.30

4.88

72,695

302.21

1.52

5.56

7 12

221,969

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,605.81

0.50

0 0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

HOSPITALITY S/N

1,000,750

2,219.52

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) MARKET CAP(Nm) 210.49

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS 153

44,302

166.25 36.53 PRICE 170.00

APPAREL RETAILERS 152

59,948.96 9,278.21 MARKET CAP(Nm) 57,718.71

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS

24,386

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PETROLEUM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS Printed 27/05/2016AND 14:32:40.040 S/N by EXPLORATION Published The Nigerian AND StockPRODUCTION Exchange ©

24,386

149,274

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Politics

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Politics, I’m still waiting on God- Al -Mustapha Ayo esAn

he Chief Security Officer to the Late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamzat Al-Mustapha, yesterday said he is yet to decide whether to enter into the murky water of politics or not, just as he said that the money stashed abroad and traced to his principal were money saved for the country saying that the money were not stolen.. He also said his proposed three-volume books which will be re-

…says Abacha’s loot were saved for Nigeria

leased after the Supreme Court case is dispensed with, will contain revelations on how Abacha and the late M.K.O Abiola died and the roles some prominent Nigerians played before, during and after the June 12 presidential elections. Al-Mustapha who was speaking to journalists at a media interaction in Lagos, Monday said he is still recuperating and under rehabilitation from the trauma he went through during his almost 15 years of incarceration.

Anti-graft war : Buhari has restored Nigeria’s glory, respect Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

ormer House of Representatives member, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, said yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari had succeeded in bringing back the glory and respect of the country from sabbatical with his manner of prosecuting anti-corruption war. Faparusi also lauded the President for “gradually entrenching fiscal discipline into the country’s body polity”. The former lawmaker said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that “Nigeria would have become history economically if the Peoples Democratic Party , PDP had won the 2015 presidential poll”. According to him, the multibillion naira corruption allegedly perpetrated under former President Goodluck Jonathan government was responsible for the economic recession being currently witnessed in the country. But the former lawmaker, who said although Nigerians might have not felt the economic advantages of what President Buhari had done in terms of better standards of living, assured that the story would soon change for better. “The fact that Nigeria now enjoys global respect, especially in the eyes of world super powers like USA, Britain, France, China, Japan and others goes to show that Nigeria now have a credible government being superintended over by President Buhari. “This was well accen-

tuated in the retraction of a derisive statement credited to the Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, branding Nigerians as fantastically corrupt people. The British PM wouldn’t have recanted the sarcastic statement if a corrupt person is in charge of our nation. “Self dignity is a sinequa-non prerequisite for any nation to develop. This is the first Nigerian democratic government the global community will perceive as steadfast and incorrupt. Little wonder, there is hope in sight for the repatriation of multibillion naira slush money lodged by past leaders overseas. “Now that we have a focused government under President Buhari, Nigerians will laugh in the end. There is hope of greater Nigeria. The pains of today will surely become the gains of tomorrow, if we are resolute, committed and unflagging in our supports to banish corruption from our land”, he said.

He said after completing his rehabilitation, he is putting everything in the hands of God saying though he has remained in touch with the grassroots; he is not a member of any political party. He also denied the insinuation that former President Goodluck Jonathan influenced his release from prison, insisting that the prosecutor has no case against him right from the beginning. On Abacha loot he said some of the money traced to the late Abacha were money his principal saved on behalf of the country. His words: “During Abacha’s four years and seven months regime, he had numerous attacks. Apart from the few that were mentioned, there was collaboration between some notable Nigerians and international powers to move him out of office. General Abacha is dead but those he stepped upon decided to revenge by smearing his name and till date they have not yet

forgiven General Abacha even at death. “Sometimes there were some threats upon Nigeria and the sustainability of the government then to my knowledge was a key thing. So, there was a decision at one point in time where some stakeholders of Nigeria; traditional rulers, politicians, businessmen from North and South, were invited to converge in Abuja when Chief Tom Ikimi was Foreign Minister. “When sanctions were threatened on Nigeria, at the request of some notable Nigerians, some modalities were taken to allow some money goes to some accounts abroad, so that when sanctions come, that money would be able to keep Nigeria afloat. That time oil was $7 or $8 per dollar. No money was taken to run Nigeria but policies were taken to run Nigeria including PTF so that Nigeria could grow. “Many people are rich in Nigeria today when you talk about money but

they are nothing but store keepers because they care less about humanity. They keep the money for white men to utilise and they left their home dry. These are worse than Abacha and they exist. They are in the North as well as the West. “At one time, from prison, I wrote a note to the late Abacha family and I said that in the name of God, they should not be couched down by pressure and the abuses you receive every day. I told them to go to the world and give details of the money. The date of that lodgement will show whether that money was kept in his name before he became Head of State and money that were kept in his name after he became Head of State. “I was very embarrassed in 1999 when we were being taken to Ikoyi prison and I first heard of ‘Abacha loot.’ I was embarrassed. Where was the money from and who kept the money? How much

was the money? When was this money starched out? How was it taken out? During his regime most of his travelling was within Africa because the initial powers he stepped on were vehement in kicking him out. “When Abacha was in government, loans were not taken even when oil was been sold for $7 per barrel and yet he was able to have left $9.732billion out of nothing and within 11 months the money disappeared”. On his perception of President Muhammadu Buhari, he said President Buhari is upright, sincere and committed to the progress of Nigeria. “He is a man who has well established character. He is an upright person. He was dragged into politics and he is transparent, sincere, committed and cares for the country. His love for Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be questioned by anybody; even if his enemies are sincere to God’s Almighty, they will say the truth that he really cares about the people,” he said.

L-R: APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Lawal Ahmed Shuaibu; former Vice President/Chieftain of APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Tolu Jinadu, at the APC Presidential Campaign photo exhibition organised by Jinadu at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, recently.

Group to facilitate support for Ambode

he South-West Professionals Forum, SOWPROF, has pledged full backing for the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode with a promise to facilitate international support for his administration by linking it up with global partners in his bid to transform Lagos to a real centre of excellence.

In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Segun Ajibulu , SOWPROF noted that the Lagos State governor had performed brilliantly in the areas of road construction, electrification, security and infrastructural development in the last one year adding that the development had indicated that he had the capacity

to transform Lagos to 21st century city of the dream of Nigerians. Ajibulu who had just returned from the United States where he chaired the international summit of SOWPROF said “We support the total transformation taking place in Lagos today. Professionals in the South-West stand by the Lagos State Governor,

Ambode. He has shown competence and rare spirit of dedication to duty and offered hope where there is despair.” “Ambode has become a living hope for the people of Lagos. He has renewed the framework for the transformation of Lagos. His past one year has proved to be a blessing to the people of Lagos and the

entire South-West region. He is the hero of our time”, he added. The group called on the people of Lagos to give him the desired support saying that if he continued the way he had done in the past one year, the state would have struck the cord in the next four years as the best destination for foreign investors coming to Africa.

Politics

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Herdsmen’s atrocities in Benue and Reps’ intervention

THE HOUSE OF REPS with

Ubong UKPONG

08036017966, email: ubongpong@yahoo.com

he atrocities perpetrated against the people of Benue state since 2011 by the Fulani herdsmen, took preeminence last week as the House of Representatives Committee investigating it with the hope of ending the crisis and settle the people of Benue. The committee chaired by Hon. Haliru Jika, had last Wednesday invited the suspects, victims, alongside all interest groups and relevant security agencies to testify, and the natives of Benue state, who are mostly affected by this attacks, were present but almost all key government and security agencies, as well as the herdsmen refused to appear. At the sitting, the people of Tiv nation in Benue state, under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv, MUT, captured the atrocities in a proper perspective in a 38-pages report with photographs of slain natives, presented to the committee. It was a shocking revelation to know that between 2014 and 2016 alone, over 984 Tiv people have been killed by Fulani herdsmen. In a report co-signed by the President General of the MUT, Edward Ujege and Secretary General, Azer Ukende, presented at the hearing, Ujege told the committee that over 29, 974 people have also been displaced across the state, with property worth over N40billion lost to the mayhem. The President General, who said he was speaking for Tiv people all over the world by the virtue of his office, accused the security agencies of neglecting their duties to secure the Benue people. He specifically accused the police of not carrying out a single arrest of the herdsmen since these killings started. He said that the police and federal government had often referred to the killers as unidentified herdsmen, dismissing it as a cover up, as the representatives of these acclaimed unidentified herdsmen were always meeting with the various authorities to absolve the herdsmen of alleged crimes. From his report, Ujege said that in 2014, 142 persons were killed in Guma Local Government Area, LGA, 6544 persons displaced with property worth over N128 million lost, while in Gwer East, 15 were killed, 253 displaced, over N53million lost. In West, he said 168 were killed, 4,543 displaced and over N592million lost, Katsina Ala, 20 killed, 1,679 displaced, over N4billion lost, in Kwande, 3,199 displaced, over N132million lost, In Logo, 54 killed, 4088 displaced, over N9billion lost, and in Makurdi, 484 killed, 3018 displaced and over N31billion lost. Ujege further stated that in 2015 and 2016, 28 people were killed in Buruku, 6,650 displaced and over N8billion was lost in two wards of Binev and Mbaya, and in four wards in Logo, 58 killed, with people displaced too and property destroyed, as well as in Tarka, where 15 people were killed and also in Ukum, where 101 were killed, 6650 displaced and over N8billion lost. He lamented that the way and manner these people were killed was barbaric as some were slaughtered and others hit with chemical weapons, causing them to vomit and pass on slowly. The President General of the Tiv nation alleged that all these killings and mayhems were highly coordinated as the killers were often aided by security forces . He lamented that this incessant attacks have impoverished his people as they no longer go to plant in their farms. Ujege said the Tiv people were now afraid to go back to farm seeing that the herdsmen have taken over their farmlands and were armed to teeth ready to kill them. He said the current food and tomato shortages were fully connected to the activities of herdsmen, who have made farmers unable to return to farm. This attack is perpetrated in 18 Local Government Areas, LGAs of the state and cut across the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups especially. Records are clear on the wickedness perpetrated by these herdsmen against the people of Agatu also, where hundreds of locals were slaughtered by herdsmen, who claimed that their cattle were also killed. Although the police, which says it is its constitutional duties to investigate and prosecute murder cases, claimed that only three persons were killed in Agatu mayhem, they were ridiculed at the committee by Civil Defence, which said 300 were killed and the Deputy Governor of the state, Benson Abonu and other interest groups, who affirmed that 500 persons were actually killed in Agatu. The committee has said that it would invite the Benue state Commissioner of Police and the Idoma nation for another hearing, when further startling revelations would be made and the Deputy Governor said he would be on ground and much more prepared to speak on Agatu killings. The Fulani herdsmen, who are always represented by

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dogara Miyati Allah Cattle rearers association, refused to appear at this committee, but they’d visited the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, where they claimed they had something to tell them, perhaps because of a certain presidential directive then to crush all threats to national security. At the DHQ, they opened wide their mouth without control, when they boldly told the DHQ that that they killed in self defence and would continue killing in self defence as they cannot watch helplessly their cattle being rustled or killed. Again, they’d appeared before Inspector - General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, where they boldly said the herdsmen killed the people because their cattle were killed and rustled. Now, what is annoying here is that murder is a capital crime and attract capital punishment and whoever walks up to police to confess to murder, could not just be allowed to take tea with a DPO, DCO or even an Inspector crimes at a police station and walk away freely, but these people were allowed to go freely, after they revealed with impunity their actions before a COMPOL, IGP and military Chiefs. The police by now should have extracted evidences from the Miyati Allah group, who affirmed the killings by their members, but the people of Benue and indeed, all Nigerians are pained that they are not taken based on their self confession, but the police say, “we have no evidence to prosecute them.” The IGP on Thursday, at the committee, testified that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute the Fulani herdsmen, who perpetrated all these killings in Benue state. The IGP, after much pressure, in what looked like a facesaving measure, claimed that 18 people were already in police net in connection with the killings. He said his professional calling would not allow him to reveal all he was doing in the case, but that he had engaged all the parties in the crisis with a view to achieving peace. “We have apprehended some persons, may be investigation is rather slow. You must be able to assemble sufficient

t is the opinion of nigerian citizens that cattle rearing is a personal business just like any other, and that the presidency should allow the fulani herdsmen to do their businesses and also, protect all citizens from their harassment, which is becoming unbecoming

evidence to prosecute them. I don’t just want to prosecute people without securing conviction”, Arase stated. These people that the IGP said he has no sufficient evidence against are well armed with assorted weapons, with which they perpetrate the killings, while the locals are unarmed. There are pictorial evidences of the killings perpetrated by these herdsmen, but none for the acclaimed killing of cattle has ever been presented to the authorities, yet the IGP said he has no sufficient evidence to prosecute them. These attackers are said to be well trained in modern warfare and highly motivated, and often carry out fierce and coordinated actions against the people of Benue along the riverine areas, yet the security agencies which duty it is to protect lives and property of these locals abandon their duties claiming no evidence to prosecute the perpetrators. Well, for the Tiv nation’s victims, they are asking for a compensation to the tune of N100billion, over the killings and destruction of property. Resuming his testimony on Thursday at the committee when the IGP and representatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, Interior Minister, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, appeared, Ujege insisted that the negligence of security forces and the federal government, which commands them, led to these colossal loss. He said that it was also the demand of the Tiv nation that the herdsmen be ejected from Tiv land, as well as asked the federal government to investigate the carnage and punish the perpetrators. Ujege stressed that the N100billion, which the Tiv nation was asking for, could not assuage the feelings of the loss but was needed. Of course this compensation and other demands are not directed at the National Assembly, but Presidency, which duty it is as the Executive to implement resolutions of the legislature directed to it. The House of Reps is making its own efforts to end the crisis and it can only stop at sending its resolution, but it is the presidency which is truly interested in protecting the people against fulani herdsmen? The Committee Chairman, Jika said, they would send their report to the House and the House would recommend to the executive for implementation, he is very correct, that would definitely be the end of it all if the executive refuses to implement. Given the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari over this matter, one is worried and constrained to believe that all actions are geared towards favouring the Fulani herdsmen and their interests are well protected by the presidency and executive. This explains why the IGP and military cannot conduct offensive and defensive operations, arrest and prosecution, but promoting dialogue with a group but calling them unidentified people, while their victims are still in tears and pains. Also, in the face of all these, the presidency is planning to seize lands from farmers and spend public funds to create grazing fields for private business of cattle rearing belong to a few and a segment of the country. The Fulani herdsmen have always been here and knew that they should carry out their businesses without disturbing others, but they appear to find so much favour now with this administration to get everything free to themselves, given the fact that Buhari is their member and grand patron. The President is interested in the controversial grazing bill, of which every state has sharpened its sword, waiting for its arrival to kill, and already, Ekiti state has made a statement. One has heard repeatedly, how the presidency is planning to take public funds to buy grasses from Brazil for Fulani herdsmen to feed their cattle. You could even see it evidently that the President has never, personally said anything since these killings by fulani herdsmen started. In his May 29, Democracy day broadcast, he condemned Boko Haram and militancy in Niger Delta, but neglected to speak on Fulani herdsmen killings, which is even considered worst crime than what the Niger Delta Avengers were doing. It is the opinion of Nigerian citizens that cattle rearing is a personal business just like any other, and that the presidency should allow the Fulani herdsmen to do their businesses and also, protect all citizens from their harassment, which is becoming unbecoming.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

with

FADEYI

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed that full details and status of stolen assets recovered by his administration be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically. In his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast which also marked his one year in office, Buhari confirmed that significant amount of assets have been recovered. The President had earlier promised to release details of the stolen funds recovered from treasury looters but was silent on the details and those who had returned money yesterday during his broadcast Though he admitted that the processes of recovery can be tedious and time consum-

ing, the President said his administration had engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets some of which are in different jurisdictions. “We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery” “Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be credited to the treasury

Buhari directs publication of recovered stolen assets

ASO ROCK FILE Rotimi

Politics

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

and be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects and the public will be informed”, he said. The President also vowed that those behind the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region would be brought to justice, saying

that it would be a great mistake if the militants and vandals are testing the resolve of the government. According to him, the recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations would not distract his government from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems.

He noted that the only way forward would be to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that affect the Delta communities, saying this would include re-engineering the amnesty programmes. He maintained that the government was committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Pro-

gramme report and advancing clean-up operations in the region. Buhari explained that the policy measures and actions taken so far by his administration should not be seen as some experiment in governance, saying the real challenge for his government has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state.

Self sufficiency, key to stronger economy

resident Muhammadu Buhari last week said that his administration was fully committed and determined to do all within its powers to achieve the rapid diversification of Nigeria’s economy in the shortest possible time. He spoke at a farewell audience with the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi. The President said he was convinced that with greater diligence, hard work and patriotic determination to achieve self-sufficiency, Nigeria can produce most of the items currently on its import list. “We made a terrible mistake by becoming a monoproduct economy hinged on oil and we are now in a volatile situation, due to the crash in oil prices. “We have seen the benefits of diversification which helped Iran to survive many years of sanctions and still come out strong. “We are now fully committed to economic diversification. Most of the things on our import bills can be produced here. And we are determined to achieve that self-dependency,” Buhari told the outgoing envoy. At a separate audience with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, the President gave an assurance that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to meet its

obligations under bilateral agreements with China for the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria. The President said that because of their importance to Nigeria, his administration would uphold contractual agreements with Chinese companies for the development of essential infrastructure which it inherited from past administrations, and work to ensure that the projects are speedily completed. Buhari reiterated his particular commitment to the completion of the Mambilla Power Project which, he said, was of great strategic importance to his government’s efforts to ensure that Nigeria does not become over-reliant on gas-powered electricity generation.

President Muhammadu Buhari with former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during his visit to the Presidential Villa.

Buhari assures access to quality education, healthcare

resident Muhammadu Buhari last week said that despite the current economic and funding challenges facing the country, his administration would continue to do all within its powers to achieve better living conditions and greater access to quality healthcare and education for youths. In his Chidden’s Day message personally signed by him, Buhari reassured children and youth that his government was fully committed to fulfilling promise of a better Nigeria for all. He reaffirmed his belief

that every Nigerian child has the right to have access to quality and affordable education as well as healthcare and other basic necessities for a good life, in a peaceful and secure environment. According to him, the good health and well-being of Nigerian children remain a top priority on the agenda for national development. He explained that his administration had demonstrated strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases

ECOWAS Commission gets Nigeria’s support

onsidering the leading position of Nigeria in the African continent, the new President of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Commission , Mr. Marcel Alain de Souza was at the Presidential Villa last week During his meeting with de Souza, President Muhammadu Buhari pledged that Nigeria would continue

to meet all its obligations to the ECOWAS Commission. Buhari assured de Souza that Nigeria would go on playing its leadership role in ECOWAS. The President told him that the Federal Government would also strive to show a good example to others by meeting all its financial obligations to the sub-regional organisation. In his remarks, de Souza commended Buhari for Nige-

ria’s recent successes in the war against terrorism and insurgency. He noted that with terrorist attacks spreading to countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire and others, security had to be accorded more priority by ECOWAS. “Without security, there can’t be development and progress,” the new ECOWAS Commission President stressed.

such as polio, measles and yellow fever. Buhari said other measures in the 2016 budget, such as the school feeding programme for children at a cost of N93.1 billion, would ensure that more children go to school and enjoy the fun of learning and growing together with their peers. In the message, the President stated that, “it is a thing of joy that on this year’s Children’s Day, we can also celebrate the safe return of one of the Chibok girls, Amina Ali Nkeki and many other abducted women and children who have been freed from the clutches of Boko Haram by our gallant troops. “I assure all Nigerians and friends of the country, once again, that my administration will not rest on its oars until the ungodly terrorist sect is totally eliminated

from our country. “As peace gradually returns to the insurgency-ravaged North-Eastern States, the Federal Government will continue to work diligently to ensure the rapid and full reintegration and rehabilitation of all internally displaced persons, including orphaned children in the region. “We will also sustain and strengthen ongoing actions to protect children more effectively from violence, childlabour, child-trafficking, forced marriages and other related offences. “In return, I urge you all to imbibe and exhibit in greater measure, the virtues of hard work, diligence, discipline, honesty, prudence, selflessness and patriotism which are essential for the actualisation of our vision of a truly great nation”, he added.

Last week’s Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. Former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme 2. Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie 3. Outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Saheed Koozechi 4. Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun 5.President ECOWAS Commission, Marcel Alain de Souza 6. Special Nigerien President Envoy, Albade Abouba 7. Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode 8. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bukar Ibrahim 9. Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami 10. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Taiwo Abitodun

Business Features & Finance

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Improving child immunisation in Nigeria NAOMI SHARANG writes on the importance of immunization and the efforts by government at different levels to improving it.

y most accounts, immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. `Ìmmunisation protects people against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and chicken pox, among others,’’ health experts say. The experts explain that vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to protect the person against an infection or disease. World Health Organisation (WHO) says immunisation is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases, adding that it is estimated to avert between two and three million deaths every year. `Ìt is one of the most cost-effective health investments, with proven strategies that make it accessible to even the most hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. `Ìt has clearly defined target groups; it can be delivered effectively through outreach activities; and vaccination does not require any major lifestyle change,” the global health organisation says. However, www.mamalette.com, a website treating parenting issues, explains that whenever babies are born, they inherit specific types of antibodies (substances produced by the body to fight disease) from their mothers. It says that these antibodies are also nature’s way of protecting the babies when they are most vulnerable to contracting diseases. The online publication, nonetheless, says that around six months of age, these antibodies start to diminish and almost completely disappear by the time a baby is one-year-old. `Ìn an ideal situation, babies, at this stage, should start producing their own antibodies: the beginning of their immune system, as they increasingly become exposed to the diseases which the maternal antibodies had previously protected them against. ``However, after access to clean water and breastfeeding, immunisation is the most highly effective intervention for protecting babies from contracting infectious diseases,’’ www.mamalette.com says. Nevertheless, the online publication says that vaccine preventable diseases account for approximately 22 per cent of child deaths in Nigeria, resulting in 200,000 deaths per year. As a result, the Federal Government recently launched the sixth edition of the African Vaccination Week (AVW) to reinforce its political will to attain universal vaccination coverage in Nigeria. Dr. Ado Muhammad, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), said that AVW was also a good platform to raise public awareness on the importance of vaccination in efforts to reduce child mortality. He said that the agency would also offer integrated health care services to the people in three local government areas in Oyo State and IDPs camps in Borno. Muhammad said that the services would include vaccination for both children and adults against vaccine preventable diseases, medical consultations and treatment of minor illnesses, among others. He pledged the commitment of the Federal Government and its development partners to having a polio-free Nigeria by 2017 and delivering potent vaccines to Nigerians. The executive director urged parents and caregivers to take their children and wards to healthcare facilities for routine immunisation against polio and other diseases. ``The fact that immunisation is effective, life-saving and free is a message that we should never stop communicating to our people. ``The onus is, therefore, on us as caregivers

Pupils being immunised in a school

The qualiTy of ouTreach ‘services has also indicaTed ThaT a loT needed To be done To close The wide gap on unimmunised children. to ensure that our families, especially our children, are protected from vaccine preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, pneumonia, measles and polio, among others. ``These diseases constitute a huge burden to our society and they are also a major cause of deaths in children below the age of five years.b ``Polio immunisation campaigns will continue, as we do not want any re-infection until we are certified a polio free country in 2017,’’ he said. Also, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, Country Representative of WHO in Nigeria, while commending the Federal Government for its feats in the fight against polio, however, warned that routine immunisation data indicated that some states still had a lot of unimmunised children. ``This scenario results into low population immunity, thereby increasing the risks for disease outbreaks,’’ he said. He, therefore, called for high-level political commitment and sustained funding for immunisation programmes at all levels of government until polio was totally eradicated, while infant mortality, caused by vaccine preventable diseases, was significantly reduced. Besides, Vaz urged the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies to scale up immunisation activities at Nigeria’s international borders so as to ensure that settlers in those areas had access to vaccines. However, Dr. Kabiru Getso, Kano State Commissioner for Health, said that the state had recorded an appreciable decline in the incidences of death from vaccine preventable diseases. He said that the state had also made a remarkable progress in all aspects of immunisation services. The commissioner said that there had been

’

considerable progress in the areas of cold chain and logistics as well as community mobilisation, while the coverage of ``Penta Vaccine’’ had been increased from three to 300 per cent. ``Despite the achievements, almost all local government areas reported measles cases and the data quality assurance surveys have shown consistent gaps across the levels of reporting. ``The quality of outreach services has also indicated that a lot needed to be done to close the wide gap on unimmunised children,’’ he said. Besides, Getso called for greater efforts at community linkage activities and accountability of health workers entrusted with service delivery, documentation and reporting of data. Similarly, Kaduna State Government has reiterated its commitment to achieving 100-percent anti-polio immunisation coverage in the state. Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who gave the assurance when he inaugurated the European Union (EU) Support to Immunisation Governance project, said that government would give priority to efforts to improve the health care system and revamp the education sector of the state. He stressed that his administration was committed to achieving 100-per-cent immunisation coverage and 100-per-cent penetration within the shortest possible time. Nevertheless, the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) says that almost two-thirds of unimmunised children live in conflict prone countries. A statement signed by UNICEF Chief of Immunisation, Mr. Robin Nandy, ranked South Sudan as having the highest percentage of unimmunised children in Africa with a total of 61 per cent. It added that Somalia occupied the second

Professor Isaac Adewole, Minister for Health position with 58 per cent. ``Conflict creates an ideal environment for disease outbreaks. ``Children miss out in basic immunisation because of the breakdown and sometimes deliberate destruction of vital health services. `Èven when medical services are available, insecurity in the area often prevents them from reaching children,’’ the statement said. It noted that measles, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and malnutrition were major causes of childhood illness and death, while in conflicts and emergencies, their effects could worsen. The statement said that less than one per cent of children who contracted measles in nonconflict settings died, adding that overcrowding and malnutrition, like the one experienced in refugee camps, contributed to 30 per cent of deaths from measles. `Òvercrowding and lack of basic necessities like food, water and shelter make children even more vulnerable to diseases. `Àreas in conflict also see the killing of health workers and the destruction of medical facilities, supplies and equipment; all of which have a disastrous effect on children’s health,’’ it said. All the same, experts insist that if tangible efforts are made to improve global vaccination coverage, over one million deaths will be averted every year. •Culled from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Exploring the benefits of forests Chidinma Ewunonu-aluko

y most accounts, forest resources contribute to a society’s food security, as both direct and indirect food materials are derived from the forests. Dr. Saka Jimoh, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, says that various aspects of forests contribute to income generation, both at the national and household levels. ``Foods like breadfruit, Ògbono’, Ìru’, Ùha leaf’ and walnut, among others, and even food additives or flavours like garlic and ginger are obtained from the forest. ``During harsh periods when regular food crops are not yet available in the farm, people in the rural areas resort to these forest foods. `Àlso, the sales of non-timber forest products like wild vegetables, charcoal, firewood, snails and even bush meat, poles, honey, chewing stick; all generate a lot of income,” he says. Jimoh says that the furniture industry also generates a lot of income at all levels, as owners of forest trees, sawmills and wood processing plants rely on proceeds from forest woods. ``Besides, whenever furniture is exported, government gets taxes and export duties from the products of the furniture makers. Government also gets income from sawmillers’ licences. ``There is money in the sale of gum Arabic, pulp and paper production, marketing and production of charcoal; and all these also generate employment at various levels,” he says. Jimoh, however, urges the Federal Government to urgently undertake a national forest resource survey, review forest management plans and develop new ones for existing forest reserves, where none exists, so as to harness the nation’s abundant forest resources. He advises the government to encourage public-private partnerships for the creation of forest plantations and the management of existing forest reserves. ``There should be establishment of forest reserve boundaries, we have over 1,000 forest reserves in Nigeria but they only exist on paper. There is also a need to review the Land Use Act to provide access to lands for farmers. ``There is an urgent need to pass the enabling law that will make the National Forest Policy operational; farmers should be given tree seedlings and be assisted to maintain their plantations,” he says. Sharing similar sentiments, Dr. Morenike Ojo, the Provost, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, insists that forests provide home for no fewer than 300 million people and contribute to the livelihoods of more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. She emphasises that apart from supporting the ecosystem, forests also provide livelihoods for man. Ojo notes that the products and services which forests provide are essential to every aspect of life, as forests remain the sources of resources such as timber, fuel, rubber, paper and medicinal plants. `Ìn many developing communities, more than 80 per cent of the total energy requirements such as fuel, wood and charcoal, which are consumed by people and industries, are derived from the forests. ``Trade in timber and other forest products are estimated at almost 330 billion U.S. dollars a year,” she says. According to her, forests also sustain the quality and availability of freshwater

Palm oil plantation in Nigeria

‘

Forests improve man’s health, longevity; people who live in

the rural areas where there are a lot oF trees don’t easily Fall sick because the air they breathe in is Free From pollution due to the nearby trees

’

supplies, as it regulates water for many of the world’s rivers and help secure water quality. She says that forests also help to reduce the impacts of landslides, storms and floods, while facilitating efforts to control erosion. Ojo, however, bemoans the fact that man’s activities are fast depleting the forests, stressing that deforestation and forest degradation account for nearly 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. She underscores the need for people to modify their lifestyles so as to protect the forests as much as they can. Ojo says that having realised the negative effects of man’s activities like bush-burning, overgrazing and mining, among others, on the environment, her college has, over the years, embarked on remediation research. ``The college, under Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), conducted research on different species of seedlings and their suitability in different ecological zones of the country. ``We raise seedlings that are capable of mitigating desertification in the North, erosion in the South East and deforestation in the South West. ``We establish plantations of both indigenous and exotic tree species and carry out tree-planting exercises ever year; we also practice agro-forestry for sustainable land use to maintain soil fertility,” she says.

Dr. Funmilayo Aderounmu, the Head of the Forestry Technology Department, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, insists that human beings ought to maintain a symbiotic relationship with plants, as the two cannot exist without one another. She stresses that the importance of trees cannot be overemphasised, as trees provide shelter, favourable environment, income generation and employment, while aiding efforts to assuage the effects of climate change. ``Many people, especially those in the rural areas, depend solely on forests for their livelihood; some people even survive on the collection of non-timber forest products like walnuts, mushrooms and snails. ``Forests improve man’s health, longevity; people who live in the rural areas where there are a lot of trees don’t easily fall sick because the air they breathe in is free from pollution due to the nearby trees. ``That’s why most people in the rural areas live longer than those in the urban centres,” she says. Aderounmu expatiates that unregulated tree felling, particularly in settlements, has led to a drastic reduction of the oxygen produced by trees, saying that the major reason behind the current climate change is deforestation. ``Clearing forests has led to a decrease of trees while population is on the increase. So, the quantity of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere has increased and there are scanty trees around to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by humans. ``The clearing of trees has, therefore, affected the ozone layer and the air we breathe is no longer clean; it is polluted,” she says. Aderounmu urges all stakeholders to encourage the planting of trees, especially multipurpose trees, and desist from tree felling, while ensuring that trees that are cut down are duly replaced with new ones. ``We are where we are today because there is no sustainable replacement of the trees we cut; we need to manage our forests well for the sustainability of our existence. ``The forest is already debased and the Sahara Desert is already encroaching into the south now. `Ìf the number of trees we cut has been replaced, this would have taken care of the gaps created by cutting down the trees; the change in our climate has now led to environmental emergencies such as flooding. `Ìce regions now melt because of the heat caused by excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,” she says. Beyond that, Dr. David Ladipo, a horticulturist, says that trees and flowers can be used to create beautiful tourism environment that can attract local and foreign tourists. Ladipo, the CEO of Cenrad Consulting, Ibadan, emphasises that the value of the country as to its high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can be determined by the extent of its forests conservation. `Òur GDP is totally dependable on a sustainable environment which is created by trees. Regional and national policies should be put in place to conserve the environment and prevent deforestation. `Ìf forest conditions are not good, they will affect agricultural products and genetic resources are also lost,” Ladipo says. All in all, ecologists underscore the need to protect and harness the potential of the Nigeria’s forest resources, as part of efforts to fast-track the country’s socio-economic growth. •Culled from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Capital Market

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSE delists Vono Products on merger with Vitafoam StorieS: JohnSon okanlawon

he Nigerian Stock Exchange has delisted the entire shares of Vono Products following its merger with Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. Before the delisting last week, the shares of the company had been placed on suspended from trading since March 21, 2016. The NSE had said Vitafoam and Vono Products had obtained Court’s sanction of their scheme of merger effective March 11, 2016. The exchange had explained that at the conclusion of the merger process, Vono Products Plc would be dissolved and de-listed from the Daily Official List of the NSE.

Vitafoam Nigeria had in August 2010 acquired majority shareholding in Vono Products and took over the board and management of the company. Vono Products in 2012 launched a N840 million rights issue to strengthen its operations and pursue expansion programme as part of efforts to emplace the company on the path of sustainable profitability. However, Vono Products Plc had reported a loss of N102 million for the year ended September 30, 2015, compared with a loss of N11.9 million in 2014. Also, the company ended the period with a negative working capital of N645 million, a development that made the company’s

auditors, Ernest & Young to raise doubt about its continuing as a going concern. Despite the poor financial state of Vono Products, the Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi said merger of the two companies would create better values for shareholders and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the larger company. According to him, the shareholders of the two companies voted in favour of the merger because of potential benefits such as economies of scale, cost savings and improved operational and administrative efficiencies among others.

“If we produce foam and Vono produces furniture, they are complementary. It is a strategic decision for Vitafoam to have Vono as a subsidiary. As you are aware, Gainers and Losers we have other subsidiarStart Date 26/05/2016 through End Date 27/05/2016 Print Date 27/05/2016 ies such as Vitabloom, Source: NSE Vitagreen and Vitapur. Each of them produces Gainers and Losers Market indicators Date 26/05/2016 through End Date 27/05/2016 distinct products. Start But Gainers for Equities Print Date 27/05/2016 All-Share Index 28,902.25 2016-05-26 points 2016-05-27 they have something in S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) Gain(N) % Change capitalisation 16.50 9.93trn common and this defines 1Market ETI 18.05 1.55 9.39 2 UNITYBNK 0.86 0.93 0.07 8.14 the unity of purpose,” 3 ETRANZACT 4.67 5.01 0.34 7.28 Gainers for Equities Adeniyi had said. 4 TRANSEXPR 1.44 1.52 0.08 5.56 2016-05-26 2016-05-27 He noted that the S/N5 MANSARD 2.21Closing Price(N) 2.32 Gain(N) 0.11 % Change 4.98 Symbol Closing Price(N) UNIONDICON 11.31 11.87 0.56 4.95 1 6 ETI 16.50 18.05 1.55 9.39 national spread of the REDSTAREX 4.10 4.30 0.20 4.88 2 7 UNITYBNK 0.86 0.93 0.07 8.14 group and its internaACADEMY 0.63 0.66 0.03 4.76 3 8 ETRANZACT 4.67 5.01 0.34 7.28 CONTINSURE 1.05 1.10 0.05 4.76 tional operations have 4 9 TRANSEXPR 1.44 1.52 0.08 5.56 MAYBAKER 1.11 1.16 0.05 4.50 510 MANSARD 2.21 2.32 0.11 4.98 positioned it to weather LEARNAFRCA 0.73 0.76 0.03 4.11 611 UNIONDICON 11.31 11.87 0.56 4.95 OANDO 7.30 7.50 0.20 2.74 tough operating environ712 REDSTAREX 4.10 4.30 0.20 4.88 WEMABANK 0.78 0.80 0.02 2.56 813 ACADEMY 0.63 0.66 0.03 4.76 ment and continue to NEM 0.80 0.82 0.02 2.50 914 CONTINSURE 1.05 1.10 0.05 4.76 deliver better value for PRESCO 35.71 36.50 0.79 2.21 1015 MAYBAKER 1.11 1.16 0.05 4.50 UBN 5.63 5.75 0.12 2.13 shareholders. 1116 LEARNAFRCA 0.73 0.76 0.03 4.11 1217 1318

CSCS gets A rating, promising outlook

he Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, has been upgraded from A- to A, which indicates ‘Low Overall Risk’ by Thomas Murray Data Services, the UK specialist custody rating, risk management and research firm. A statement from the clearing house explained that the overall rating of ‘A’ reflects a weighted average of seven risk components. It said that the rating for Asset Servicing Risk has been omitted from the Over-

all Risk Rating since CSCS takes no active part in the entitlement calculation or processing of corporate actions in the market. “The outlook of CSCS rating is ‘Positive’ owing to developments taking place in the course of 2016-17, with a positive impact on Counterparty Risk, Asset Safety Risk, Operational Risk and Financial Risk,” the statement stated. It quoted its Managing Director, Mr. Kyari Bukar, as saying that the upgrade from A- to A is a significant mile-

stone towards being a globally respected and leading central securities depository in Africa. He said, “The key upgraded areas further indicate that we made notable improvements in managing our market’s overall risks to low level in line with best practices. I am glad that the efforts made in this regard over the years are of significant impact due to the collective effort of all our committed staff.” Also, Chief Risk and Ratings Officer of Thomas Murray Data Services said the

European shares hit one-month high

uropean shares hit one-month highs yesterday, while the dollar index rose to a two-month peak after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen suggested that an interest rate hike in the United States may be around the corner. The Fed should raise rates in the coming months if growth picks up and the labour market continues to improve, Yellen said on Friday. The probability of a rate increase at the Federal Open Market Committee’s June 14-15 meeting rose to around 34 per cent from 26 per cent on Thursday, according to CME’s Fedwatch program. Bets on an increase at the July 26-27 policy meeting edged up to 60 per cent, more than double the level of a

month ago. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was up 0.4 per cent at 95.879, while the euro struggled near 2-1/2 month lows of $1.1097 hit in the Asian session. The euro zone’s blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 index was 0.1 per cent higher, while Germany’s DAX was up 0.3 per cent, hitting a one-month high. Trading volumes are expected to be thin as the London and New York markets are closed for a public holiday. While higher US interest rates would sap global liquidity, Wall Street and European investors took Yellen’s comments in their stride, as they suggested the world’s largest economy was strong enough to weather another rate hike, following from the December

1419 1520

hike. “The return to U.S. rate hike expectations have reopened the possibility of short-term outperformance for European stocks,” said Didier Duret, global chief investment officer at ABNAMRO Private Banking, adding investors were keeping an eye on the dollar for it to break recent ranges. The rise in European markets came after Japan’s Nikkei stock index ended up 1.4 per cent, as the yen weakened to a one-month low and expectations rose that the government would delay a sales tax hike scheduled for April next year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would delay the increase by 2-1/2 years, Masahiko Komura,

1621 1722 1823

SKYEBANK OANDO UNILEVER WEMABANK

DIAMONDBNK NEM NB PRESCO

UAC-PROP UBN CADBURY SKYEBANK DANGCEM UNILEVER

1.30 7.30 31.52 0.78

1.32 7.50 32.00 0.80

2.32 0.80 140.68 35.71 4.20 5.63

2.35 0.82 142.00 36.50 4.22 5.75

16.80 1.30 175.08 31.52

16.85 1.32 175.13 32.00

0.02 0.20 0.48 0.02

1.54 2.74 1.52 2.56

0.03 0.02 1.32 0.79

1.29 2.50 0.94 2.21 0.48 2.13

0.02 0.12 0.05 0.02 0.05 0.48

0.30 1.54

overall rating upgrade ac0.03 1.52 19 DIAMONDBNK 2.32 2.35 0.03 1.29 knowledges actions taken 20 NB 140.68 142.00 1.32 0.94 by CSCS over the past few Losers 21 UAC-PROP 4.20 for Equities4.22 0.02 0.48 years to mitigate risks, 22 CADBURY 16.80 16.85 0.05 0.30 2016-05-26 2016-05-27 Closing 175.08 Price(N) Closing 175.13 Price(N) S/N DANGCEM Symbol Loss(N) % Change 23 0.05 0.03 adding that it is as a result 1 UPL 4.89 4.42 -0.47 -9.61 2 UACN 22.00 20.90 -1.10 -5.00 of CSCS’s continuous ef3 ETERNA 3.41 -0.17 -4.99 Losers for Equities 3.24 forts toward adopting in4 PHARMDEKO 1.95 1.86 -0.09 -4.62 2016-05-26 2016-05-27 ternational best practices. TIGERBRANDS 5.55Closing Price(N) 5.31 Loss(N)-0.24 % Change -4.32 S/N5 Symbol Closing Price(N) NPFMCRFBK 1.19 1.15 -0.04 -3.36 1 6 UPL 4.89 4.42 -0.47 -9.61 The three risk compoAGLEVENT 0.95 0.92 -0.03 -3.16 2 7 UACN 22.00 20.90 -1.10 -5.00 nents upgraded are Asset ZENITHBANK 17.10 16.58 -0.52 -3.04 3 8 ETERNA 3.41 3.24 -0.17 -4.99 UBA 5.19 5.04 -0.15 -2.89 Commitment Risk from A 4 9 PHARMDEKO 1.95 1.86 -0.09 -4.62 NASCON 8.62 8.40 -0.22 -2.55 510 TIGERBRANDS 5.55 5.31 -0.24 -4.32 to AA-, based on the shiftFLOURMILL 23.00 22.52 -0.48 -2.09 611 NPFMCRFBK 1.19 1.15 -0.04 -3.36 ing of settlement value ra7 AGLEVENT 0.95 0.92 -0.03 -3.16 8 ZENITHBANK 17.10 16.58 -0.52 -3.04 tio in favour of OTC bond 9Nigerian UBAStock Exchange © 5.19 5.04 -0.15 Page -2.891 of FGN Bonds transactions, which Published over- by The10 NASCON 8.62 8.40 -0.22 -2.55 all have a shorter asset 11 FLOURMILL 23.00 22.52 -0.48 -2.09 Offer Bid commitment period than on-exchange transactions. Page Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Description Price Yield Price Yield1 of

vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, told reporterson Monday, echoing what a government source told Reuters on Sunday.

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.06

104.54

10.45

104.69

10.30

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.23

114.58

10.54

114.88

10.44

15.54 13-FEB-2020

3.86

111.91

11.61

112.21

11.52

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.81

120.62

11.43

120.92

11.36

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.94

109.79

12.23

110.09

12.18

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.80

100.32

12.43

100.62

12.38

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Closing Market Prices of April 4, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

30-Jun-16

7.59

7.73

6-Oct-16

8.37

8.74

16-Mar-17

9.40

10.32

Exchange

Rates (N)

WAUA

270

USD

196.95

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

4.2500

8.2420

POUNDS STERLING

293

10.1127

SDR

273

11.7162

NIBOR

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

World News I think what is important is we are not going to let Donald Trump try to normalize himself when he does not have an opponent. –US DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL FRONT RUNNER, HILLARY CLINTON

No Hajj 2016 for Iranians

WORLD BULLETIN

AfolAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

uthorities in Iran yesterday announced that the country’s citizens will not travel to Mecca to take part in the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage after accusing Saudi Arabia of failing to guarantee the safety of its citizens. Tensions between the two Middle East rivals have been particularly strained recently after Riyadh broke off diplomatic ties with Tehran when its Embassy was stormed following the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia. “Saudi officials refused to provide Iranian pilgrims with consular support or guarantee the security of pilgrims,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, said in an interview in Tehran. The Iranian Hajj Organization (IHO) said itself and the Islamic Republic of Iran put in every effort to honor the annual rituals, stressing however that ongoing talks with

File photo of Iranian Shia Muslim pilgrims praying in front of the Kaaba inside Mecca’s Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest shrine the Saudi authorities had been futile. “Our efforts have remained unheard by Saudis, since they would not issue visa for Iranians somewhere inside Iran, thus rendering it

impossible to use Iran Air flights to transfer the passengers,” the IHO statement said yesterday. Interesting, Head of the Public Court in Saudi’s Medina region, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdulrahman

bin Sulaiman Mohaimeed, said Iran had other motives. “The Iranian Hajj Organization’s refusal to sign the minutes of the Hajj arrangements shows an intent of distorting the rite of Hajj and politicising it before its own people and the world,” Mohaimeed said. Expected to take place in September this year, more than two million Muslims took part in Hajj last year, making the journey from Mina to the Plain of Arafat at sunrise. Known as the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj is an obligation upon every Muslim who has the financial means and the physical ability to perform it. The last major clash between Saudi and Iran at the holy site was in 1987 when more than 400 people, mainly Iranian Shiite pilgrims, were killed in clashes with Saudi security forces during anti-Western protests in Mecca.

Crime against humanity: Habre, ex-Chad’s leader, bags life jail

ormer Chadian ruler, Hissene Habre, has been convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life in prison at a landmark trial in Senegal. The judge convicted him of rape, sexual slavery and ordering killings during his rule from 1982 to 1990. Victims and families of those killed cheered and embraced each other in the courtroom after the verdict was given. It was the first time an African Union-backed court had tried a former ruler for human

rights abuses. “Today will be carved into justice as the day that a band of unrelenting survivors brought their dictator to justice,” Reed Brody from Human Rights Watch, who has worked on the case for 17 years and was in court for the judgement, said yesterday. Throughout the trial, Habre refused to recognise the court’s legitimacy, frequently disrupting proceedings. The ex-president denied accusations that he ordered the killing of 40, 000 people during

his draconian eight-year rule. The verdict will be seen as a major step forward by those who are campaigning for African leaders to be tried on the continent for war crimes. They have been pushing for a permanent African court of justice to be set up, believing war crimes suspects should be prosecuted on the continent rather than at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC). But some people were critical of the AU-backed court, set up specifically to try him. They argued that it was under Western

influence as it had been partly funded by the European Union and US.

he called well-educated future mothers, to not use birth control and to ensure the continued growth of Turkey’s population. A father of four, the president has previously spoken out against contraception, describing it as treason when speaking at a wedding ceremony in 2014. The Turkish Statistical Institute says that the country’s fertility rate was 2.14 children per woman in 2015, which is just above the replacement level

and half the rate in 1980. But despite this decline, Turkey’s fertility rate is one of the highest in Europe and the country’s relatively young population compared with other European countries is still growing. The population is just under 80 million. The United Nations Population Fund says Turkey has a substantial unmet need for quality family planning. One fifth of married women use abortion as a way of controlling their fertility.

Hissene Habre coming out of the court yesterday

Erdogan frowns at contraception use

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday called on Muslims to reject contraception and have

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

more children. “No Muslim family should consider birth control or family planning. We will multiply our descendants,” Erdogan, who became president in August 2014 after serving as prime minister for 12 years, said in a speech broadcast live on TV. His AK Party has its roots in Islamism and many of its supporters are conservative Muslims. Erdogan placed the onus on women, particularly on those

UN soldiers slain in Mali Five United Nations peacekeepers have been killed and another was seriously injured in an attack in central Mali at the weekend. No group has said it carried out the latest attack. The soldiers-who were from Togo -were travelling in the Mopti region when their vehicle came under fire before hitting a landmine. The area is known as a stronghold for the Macina Liberation Front, a jihadist group with suspected al-Qaeda links. The UN mission was set up in 2013 to stabilise Mali following a rebellion by Islamist and Tuareg fighters. In July that year, the UN force took over responsibility for security after the main northern towns had been recaptured. Militants have been mounting sporadic assaults on peacekeepers in northern and central regions.

Migrants crisis: British duo charged for abetting Two British men have appeared in court charged with immigration offences after a boat carrying 20 people was rescued off the Kent coast on Sunday. Robert Stilwell, 33, from Dartford, and Mark Stribling, 35, from Farningham, appeared at Medway Magistrates Court yesterday accused of people smuggling. Those rescued included 18 Albanian migrants, two of them children. An ex-chief immigration inspector said earlier people would die unless more were done to stop crossing attempts. Stilwell and Stribling were charged with conspiring to facilitate the entry of non-EU nationals, and remanded in custody to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on June 27.

Daallo Airlines bombers get sentences A military court in Somalia yesterday sentenced two men to life in prison for masterminding a bomb attack on a Daallo Airlines passenger plane in February. Eight other people, including a woman, were sentenced to between six months and four years in prison. The verdicts were the first in connection with the blast. The blast, shortly after takeoff from Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killed the bomber and left a hole in the plane’s fuselage. Somalia’s militant Islamist group al-Shabab said it carried out the attack, although it admitted at the time that it had failed in its attempt to bring down the plane.

North

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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Rustlers kill police inspector in Katsina James DanJuma KATSINA

Cross section of Bauchi State Standing Committee on Health being inaugurated by Governor Muhammed Abubakr in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Taraba NUT begins 3-day warning strike today

Justin tyopuusu JALINGO

igeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in Taraba State yesterday said primary school teachers in the state would begin a threeday warning strike today over non-payment of their three months’ salaries. Chairman of the union in the state, Alhaji Aliyu Mafindi, disclosed this

at a press conference in Jalingo. Mafindi said teachers in the state have not been paid since the past three months, a situation he said warranted the industrial action. “All teachers in Taraba State public primary schools should embark on a three–day warning strike, starting from May 31, 2016 to press home our demand for payment of

our three months’ entitlements. “You will recall that all civil servants in Taraba State have been paid their salaries for April, 2016, except primary school teachers who are being owed salary arrears for March, April and May 2016. “If nothing tangible is done to address our demands after the warning strike, the teachers shall

FG earmarks N600m for Zobe dam James DanJuma KATSINA

ederal Government has earmarked about N600m in this year’s budget to boost water supply and irrigation farming through the Zobe Dam in Katsina State. A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Danlami Kurfi (APC, Dutsinma/Kurfi federal constituency) who stated before newsmen yesterday, said of the amount, about N300 million would be used for irrigation at the dam to boost food production. Kurfi also said a contract for the supply of water from the dam to communities in Dutsinma and Kurfi would soon be awarded. He said substantial use of the dam for irrigation farming would help generate income for the unemployed youths in his constituency. He added that the Feder-

al Government also plans to establish two power substations in Dutsin-ma and Kurfi to boost electricity supply to the two areas. The lawmaker assured that he would continue to attract federal projects to the two areas to enhance the living standard of the people. He said he is working to

launch a poverty alleviation programme as part of moves to assist youths in two areas become selfreliant. He said part of the programme would include the distribution of empowerment items and cash assistance to the youths of Dutsinma and

embark on a full-blown indefinite strike with prayers and fasting,” Mafindi said. The union is also demanding the implementation of promotions of primary and post-primary school teachers, provision of instructional materials in the schools and payment of outstanding balance of minimum wage, among others.

Kurfi council areas which would help minimise current unemployment problems. The lawmaker said his constituency office has, in addition, introduced a scholarship programme to encourage youths to pursue education in higher institutions of learning.

overnor Aminu Bello Masari has confirmed the killing of a police inspector by suspected rustlers in Safana council area of the state. Masari made the confirmation yesterday during an interview programme marking his administration’s one year in office, which was aired by local television and radio stations. It was also learnt that the suspected rustlers had in addition to the police inspector, killed nine members of a vigilante group in the area. The incident was said to have occurred at the Rugu forest, an area that had been notorious in recent months, serving as haven for rustlers. It was gathered that the killing of the security personnel had led to confusion among residents of the council area, espe-

We’re forced to abandon card readers in Nasarawa by-election –INEC igbawase ukumba LAFIA

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said its electoral officials were forced by some of the electorate not to use card readers during the Toto/Nasarawa federal constituency by-election in Nasarawa State. Supervising electoral commissioner for the byelection, Habu Zarma, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital.

Armed robbers kill lecturer, Cameroonian in Gombe w illiams at tah GOMBE

olice in Gombe State yesterday said they are trailing eight notorious ar med robbers who ambushed and killed one Suleiman Umar, a lecturer with the Federal University, Kashere, in Gombe State. Gombe State police command’s spokesman, Ahmed Usman, a Deputy Superinten-

dent of Police, said the robbers, ar med with guns and sticks, robbed and shot to death Umar, a lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, in his Peugeot greencoloured car when they mounted a road block at Kashere junction, on Gombe – Yola road at about 11.45, Sunday night. He said the second victim of the robbery attack who was also

shot and killed inside a Golf 3 car with Registration Number MSA31PD by the robbers was a 30-yearold Cameroonian lady named Zainab Mamuda. He explained that a team of policemen from Akko Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police, Ali Anselm, rushed to the scene of the incident where the dead

cially those living close to the forest. A source in the area however said a team of security personnel, comprising the army, police, civil defense and vigilante members has since been deployed to the area. Speaking on the issue, Governor Masari said government would not relent in its effort at crushing the rustlers. He however lamented that the activities of rustlers have destroyed farming and related activities in affected communities, forcing many to flee their homes for safety. The governor said his administration spends N48 million every month as allowances, feeding and logistics on the team of security personnel patrolling the Rugu forest. He said the state is working with other states of the North West zone to fight against rustling, and that a joint funding is being adopted to combat the problem.

victims and survivors were helplessly waiting. He said e f for ts are al re ady on by th e po l ice to trail an d arre st th e ar me d rob be rs. Gombe – Yola road has recently been witnessing series of ar med robbery attacks where innocent persons are said to have been robbed, killed and maimed by men of the underworld.

The electoral commissioner said the development which took place in some units resulted in over-voting; hence the commission was left with no option than to cancel the result of the election conducted in such units. He said: “Due to attempts by few individuals to truncate the election in some units which resulted in over-voting, the commission had to cancel election in 51 units and consequently put the announcement of a winner on hold until the cancelled units are re-run.” Zarma concluded by disclosing that one of the electoral officials in the by-election was arrested in connection with the electoral fraud and is been detained by security operatives. On the protest by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the inconclusive by-election and their unpreparedness to participate in the re-run, the INEC commissioner insisted that the commission is ready to conduct the re-run election without the PDP.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Cricket can create jobs in Kwara, Nigeria –Indian

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Mexicans are always tough with lots of heart; Koreans raw and gritty; the poor British tend to stand up straight and take it on the chops, bleeding almost before the opening bell – Stephen Brount

Kenneth Omeruo ready for Luxemburg

Kogi gov commits ernor United, Q to ueens

Int’l friendly: Omeruo, Ndidi to start against Luxembourg ...Eagles to receive $4,000 bonus on return

EvErEst OnyEwuchi

igeria’s Super Eagles look forward to another victory when they take on the Red Lions of Luxembourg at the Stade Josy Barthel later today’s evening. A young and vibrant side prevailed over one of Africa’s strongest teams, Mali, at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France last Friday, with England-based Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the only goal 13 minutes from time. The team spent longer than the 40 minutes that was earmarked for Sunday’s first training session, shaking off travel fatigue and generally enjoying the atmosphere under a light rain shower. NFF said in a statement that yesterday morning, defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, arrived the team’s Alvisse Parc Hotel camp in Luxembourg City, bringing the number of players in camp to 21. Midfielder Babatunde Michael, who flew to Morocco after the clash with Mali to be on duty for his club, Raja Casablanca, was being expected in Luxembourg City last night.

Former U-17 and U-20 star, Ndidi, who helped his Belgian club, KRC Genk, to qualify for the UEFA Europa League following a 5-1 defeat of Charleroi on Sunday, could start in midfield alongside stand-in captain, Ogenyi Onazi and Shehu Abdullahi. Coach Salisu Yusuf and assistants are also likely to start Turkey-based defender, Kenneth Omeruo, in central defence, and South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, may start in place of Carl Ikeme as the coaches intend to take a look at all the players in camp. Ikeme, Musa Mohammed, Kingsley Madu, Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Shehu Abdullahi, Onazi Ogenyi, Etebo Oghenekaro, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi started the game against Mali, with Gbenga Arokoyo, Iheanacho, Raheem Lawal, Aminu Umar and Brown Ideye coming on in the second half. Luxembourg have scored only four goals in their last 10 matches, while conceding 20. But Coach Yusuf said his boys would not under rate the Europeans at the Stade Josy Barthel. “There are no longer small teams in international football. You could get a sucker punch if you underestimate any

overno r Y of Kogi ahaya Adoza Sta B adminis te has reiterate ello tration’s d his encour age su clubs, K ment for the pport and state ow ogi Un ited an ned Queens d C , w sides lift ith a view m onfluence the state aking b oth ’s imag Bello, w e . ho mad last Su e th e nda commit me Match to y in Lokoja at a No nt mark th v Day ce is y e ar’s Dem elty leb ocracy ministr ration, noted ati th cover ta on was determ at his adlen ined to disrank am t for Kogi Sta te to en ong the able it best in Soon aft Nigeria er he . the two state clu was presented with bs by th Mallam eir c Abdul promis Sule, th hairman, ed to e e gove nsu rn players and offic re welfare o or f ia the ls . “I will prioritis state,” e sports Bello s in the aid, ad local go ding th vernme at inter nt spor would b ts co e ernmen organised by th mpetition t in sele e state go cted eve v“I also nts. appeal to want to use th is occas indigen ion to calm a e s our a s of Kogi to re main dminis pared to tratio m he furth ake this state p n is preroud ag er said. ain,” Govern o r Bello’s the team team d led by h efeate mon Ac huba, 4 is deputy, Elde d -1 in the r Sithat wa n s witne ssed by ovelty game at the C a la on state ca fluence City Sta rge crowd pital. dium in the

team. We will go out there and play to win.” Luxembourg, coached by Luc Holtz, will rely on the fast breaks of winger Daniel Alves da Mota and the potency of Stefano Bensi in attack. Bensi scored 21 goals in the Luxembourg Premier League in the just-ended season. But there is also David Turpel, who netted 26 goals in 32 matches for Fola Esch in the Luxembourg top flight. The Red Lions have won only two of their last 10 matches, beating Macedonia 1-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier in September 2015 and Greece by the same margin in a friendly two months later. Their last match, a friendly against Albania in March this year, ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Lions. Meanwhile, broke NFF has informed the Super Eagles they will not be paid a bonus for the friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg until the team return to the country. AfricanFootball.com reports that each player is guaranteed $2,000 as appearance fee for a full international friendly, making it $4,000, but it is left to be seen whether this will be what will be paid the Eagles and whether the equivalent amount would be paid in the local currency when they return to the country this week.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

adesola Adebayo, the Canadian-based Nigerian marathoner, who began a 717kmlong trek against the spread of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, SJS, from Abuja on May 13 finished at about 1.30p.m., on Monday in Lagos. The marathoner, who ended his solo marathon at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, a suburb of Lagos, told newsmen that his efforts were bound to yield dividends to combat the SJS. CHANGE OF NAME

Marathoner completes 717kms trek against Stevens-Johnson syndrome Stevens - Johnson syndrome, a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis, is a life-threatening skin condition, in which cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis. The syndrome is thought to be a hypersensitivity complex that affects the skin and the mucous membranes. The most well known causes are certain medications (such as lamotrigCHANGE OF NAME

ine), but it can also be due to infections, or more rarely, cancers. Adebayo said: “My dedication and commitment to raise greater awareness on the effects of abusing drugs and the need for more efforts to battle SJS are the motivations for my finishing this trek. “The kind of media coverage that this project of mine has enjoyed CHANGE OF NAME

will go a long way to raise the necessary awareness about SJS.’’ The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Adebayo’s project is also in memory of his late older brother, Adeyosola, who died of SJS on March 20, 2012, in Lagos. The late Adeyosola, a UK-trained medical doctor, died of the syndrome while he was administering free community CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Taiwo Onishile, now wish to be Known and addressed as Taiwo Fawole. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ali Muniru Agbaje Adesheye Olatunde, now wish to be Known and addressed as ALI MUNIRU AGBAJE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Adeeye Owodunni Abiodun, now wish to be Known and addressed as Adeeye Raheem Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MEMUD IYANDA, now wish to be Known and addressed as SULE IYANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as EBUN TOBOSUN AZEEZ now wish to be known and addressed as SERIKI ADEYEMI WASIU. All document remains valid general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as KAREEM ENIOLA OLAYINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as KAREEM SHADIAT ENIOLA. All documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that DICKSON OGECHI COSTANCE, DIKE OGECHI COSTANCE, DICK OGECHI COSTANCE and IVENSO OGECHI COSTANCE refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as IVENSON OGECHI COSTANCE. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Industry Trade Commerce and Wealth Creation, Banks and general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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OLADELE: This is to confirm that Oladele Temidayo and Oladele Moses Temidayo refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as Adamu Ibrahim now wish to be known and addressed as Adamu Okur Ibrahim Victor.All former documents remain valid, general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as FREDRICK OREKWU, now wish to be known an addressed as FREDRICK MOSES OREKWU . All documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU CHRISTIANA OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed as ODOEMENA OGECHI CHRISTIANA All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN SAKIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN SHAKIRAT OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. Date of birth is 23rd June 1977.

Formerly known and addressed as NWUZOR JOSEPH GOODLUCK, now wish to be known and addressed as NWUZOR JOSEPH NWAKEGU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OLAWEPO JAMIU now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWEPO JAMIU AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That I am the same person bearing UDOH AUGUSTINE, FRANCIS AUGUSTINE and OBONG AUGUSTINE UDOH but I now want to be called and referred to as UDOH AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid, general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ILIYA NATHANIEL, now wish to be known an addressed as JOSEPH PATRICK WAFARI. All documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as MISS FABIYI OLUWANISHOLA FAUSAT ABENI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALONGE OLUWANISHOLA FAUSAT ABENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Akor Funmilayo, now wish to be Known and addressed as Akor Funmilayo Omolola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Chukwu Justice Nonso and Chukwu Justice Chinonso belong to one and same person. All documents bearing these names shall remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OGBUALI PIUS CHIBUEZE - Chairman 2. NWIGBERI JOHN - Secretary 3. AFIUKWA CHINASA ONUZU 4. CHUKWUMA SAMUEL OYOKE 5. ENYI JAMES 6. OBALI MONDAY CHUKWU 7. NOMEH SUNDAY OROGWU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To ensure availability of Apples and fruits 2. To ensure organized trade and promote self-employments. 3. To provide positive assistance to members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama , Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed NWEKOYO JAMES NNADOZIE NTE ESQ

33, OWOSENI STREET, UNITY ESTATE, IPAMESAN SANGO-OTA, OGUN STATE. The general public is hereby notified that the above-named Islamic Organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE NAME OF TRUSTEES – OFFICE HELD 1. USTADH QASIM ABDUS-SALAM – FOUNDER/CHIEF MISSIONER 2. MR. IBRAHEEM YA’QUAB – PRESIDENT 3. MR. MIFTAHUDEEN OGUNDELE – GENERAL SECRETARY 4. MR. ABDUL-HAKEEM GBADAMOSI – TREASURER 5. MR. QASIM OLATOYE – AUDITOR 6. MR YISA BALOGUN – MEMBER 7. MR. IBRAHIM BADMUS – MEMBER 8. MR. ALIMI TAIWO – MEMBER 9. MR. ABDULSEMIU ABDULGHANNY – MEMBER 10. MR. SA’ID DAUUD – MEMBER PRINCIPAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE ORGANIZATION 1. To raise an Islamic Organization that will propagate Islam in all ramification 2. To establish the basis of Islam (Da’wah) through love and care 3. To see to the welfare of members spiritually, morally and financially. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigirs Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Thank you. Yours faithfully, SIGNED: GENERAL SECRETARY

APPLES AND FRUITS DEALERS ASSOCIATION ENUGU STATE

MUASASATU FADLUL-LAHI AL-ISLAMIYAH OF NIGERIA

health services. “I covered a distance of 717 kilometres in 17 days. “I have trekked an average of 44 kilometres daily and that is why we have tagged this idea 17-in-17. “The awareness of SJS is a major instigator to raising funds to do research in the issue of diagnosis of the syndrome, ``he said. The marathoner, however, urged young Nigerians to dedicate themselves to humanitarian services that would fasttrack the eradication of poverty and killer diseases in the country. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Abiola Aina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Kore Ademola. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note. CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify that I, AYO EJIKE ODO, that my name was mistakenly written as ANTHONY EJIKE ODO AYO in my NATIONAL ADENTITY CARD. That my correct name is AYO EJIKE ODO. All former documents remain valid. FIDELITY BANK and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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The father of the marathoner, Dr Adesola Adebayo, told newsmen that he was inspired by the effort of his son against a life-threatening syndrome. “This is a project that many more young people should recreate against other life threatening farces in our society,’’ he said. Also, Mrs Abiola Adebayo, the mother of the marathoner, advised young people to influence progress and development of nations through inspired projects like that of her son. She added that dedication and commitment were values that teenage Nigerians should be imbibing to better their lives and that of the nation. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EKPA COLLINS INAH, now wish to be Known and addressed as INAH COLLINS INAH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Idowu Durojaiye, now wish to be Known and addressed as WASIU TAWAKALITU ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

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EDE: I, formerly known and addressed as EDE ARINZE NWONU, now wish to be known and addressed as ARINZE NWONU FRANKLIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as CATHERINE EJEH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CATHERINE IDOKO. ATBU and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ossai Kevin Bright now wish to be known and addressed as Enoch Kevin Bright. All former documents remain valid, general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

UMAR: This is to confirm that UMAR AHMED, AHMAD UMAR TAL and TAL AHMAD UMAR refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as TAL AHMAD UMAR. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OLADOGA: Formerly known and addressed as OLADOGA SHARAFA KUNLE now wish to be known and addressed as OLADOJA SARAFA ADEKUNLE. My correct date of birth is I6TH FEBRUARY I98I as against I4TH FEBRUARY I979. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

|Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Community Mirror It seems to me the time has come for us to re-examine the legal and constitutional framework for policing in Nigeria. – SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPS, HON. YAKUBU DOGARA

Police nab 59 suspected criminals in Lagos Dare akogun anD Patience ogbo

peratives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command over the weekend arrested 59 suspected social miscreants during a raid on criminal hideouts and black spots in the State. The raid, according to the RRS Commander ACP Olatunji Disu, was part of the command’s routine exercise to check criminal activities as well as restore orderliness in crime and violence prone areas of the state. He said: “The suspected criminals were picked up between 2400hr and 0200hr in Oshodi, Ojota, Oregun, Mile 12, LASU/ Iyana – Iba junction and Mile 2 after repeated surveillance of those areas by the RRS Intelligence Teams. “Out of 59 suspects picked from various parts of the metropolis from the raiding, 46 were released to their relatives after thorough screening by the RRS investigators, 13 suspects are confirmed drug addicts, pickpockets and with questionable source of livelihood have been sent to the State Environmental Taskforce for prosecution,” he added. In another development, the outfit is currently questioning two suspected cultists, who were arrested along with 12 other suspects raided in Oregun. The suspected cultists; David Seun (17) and Ahmed Sulaiman (17) have confessed to be members of 12 – man cultist gang terrorizing Oregun and Olusosun. David, a taylor stated that he was forced to join the cult gang by his friend, Sadiq. “He invited me out and I was initiated in Oregun High School, Oregun. He added: “Kehinde is the leader of the cult group “Eiye”. He lives in Ikorodu but I don’t know his house. He comes to our meetings occasionally. It has been long since I saw him. The group took all I had on me the day I was initiated. They took my money, N6000, my phone, wrist watch and my shoes. We meet at Ita Egbe in Oregun. Other members of the Eiye Cult group in Oregun are:

Ayo, Eyo, Bobo Olusosun, Last Born, Don Banny, Elewedu, Two Yansh, Pepper, Little 9 and Akube. We meet at 7:00 p.m.”. On his part, Ahmed Sulaiman, an orphan, who was on apprenticeship under David, said

The roving cobblers.

he was forced to join the group by his boss, David. Meanwhile, police are on the trail of other members of the cult gang in Oregun and its environs. Confirming the arrest, the

State Police Public Relation Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Damasus Ozoani, noted that the Police will leave no stone unturned to sanitize Lagos from the menace of social miscreants.

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Robbers sacks Delta community, cart away household items nosa akenzua ASABA

ampaging armed robbers terrorizing Ogwashi-Uku community, Asaba, Delta State, yesterday attacked residents in Agidiase Quarters of the community and allegedly robbed them of their household items and about N150,000. It was gathered that the armed hoodlums stormed the Quarters in the early hours and began to rob from house to house including old persons before security agents arrived. One of the victims, Osahor Felix who spoke to our correspondent, said the robbers allegedly gained entrance into his apartment after shooting the security guard on his legs, adding that they robbed him of his belongings and N50,000. Residents of the Quarters one of them Benson Okoh who also spoke to our correspondent Maintained that activities of the vigilant groups in the areas have not been helping matters, saying that robbers in the recent times operate unchallenged but Police Officers at the Ogwashi-Uku Police Division who did not want their in the print, confirmed that they were on the trail of the robbers and appealed for useful information that will help them.

Society must collectively stop child marriage, abuse –Ambode’s wife Francis suberu

ife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has urged all stakeholders to join the campaign to stop child marriage and domestic violence against children, saying here lies the greatness of any society. She made the call during the 2016 Children’s Day celebration, organised by the Lagos State ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), at the Police College, Ikeja. According to her, no nation looking to rapid development allows its younger generations to be subjected to abuse such as child marriage. While acknowledging that

much had been done in Lagos to protect the rights of children, citing the signing into force of the Child Right Law, Mrs Ambode, represented at the event, by Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, however, noted that much still needed to be done, and urged the society to join hands with the government. “The current administration in Lagos State deserves commendation for its efforts in trying to secure the future of the children. It has consistently placed priority on issues that have to do with children. “More schools are being built and existing ones upgraded. More primary healthcare centres and hospitals are also being built in the inner communities and the rural areas. “The Child Rights Law, which provides general cover

for the child against exploitation, abuse, and all forms of violence, has since been in operation in the state. “I commend the activities of various women and children-interest non-governmental organisations. They have done much in the area of promoting public awareness on child rights, as well as challenges facing them. However, I urge them to intensify efforts in the area of campaign against domestic violence and child marriage. These are unacceptable social vices that have refused to disappear from our society”, she said. Also, the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in her speech, lamented that violence against children causes physical and emotional harm to the growth and development of the child.

“This ultimately leads to permanent psychological and emotional trauma on the child,” she said. She disclosed that the choice of this year’s theme ‘protecting the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity; end child marriage” could not have come at a better time, when Nigeria is faced with so many challenges as a nation and the total break down of societal values coupled with the unrestricted social media vices. Speaking futher, Akande said that the state government was committed to promoting and protection rights of every Nigerian including children, as it is the primary responsibility as enshrined in the 1999 constitution and the Child’s Rights Act of 2007.

Sports

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Tuesday, May 31, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rain washes ongoing French Open

... Djokovic, Serena’s games rescheduled

eavy rain has forced day nine of the French Open to be cancelled, meaning top seeds, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, must wait to play their fourth-round matches in Paris. BBC Sport reported that yesterday’s play was delayed before being called off at about 12:45 BST. Djokovic’s match against Spanish 14th seed, Roberto Bautista Agut, has been rescheduled for 10:00 today. Williams then meets Ukraine’s 18th seed, Elina Svitolina, before Andy Murray’s last-16 tie against Richard Gasquet. All three matches are scheduled for Court Philippe Chatrier - the main show court at Roland Garros - with British number one Murray’s meeting with France’s Gasquet not starting before 1pm. However, more rain is forecast in the French capital today. It is the first time in 16 years the rain has caused a whole day’s play to be abandoned at the tournament.

Novak Djokovic

Murray, seeded second, is already through to the quarterfinals after beating American 15th-seed John Isner in straight sets last Sunday. Ninth seed, Gasquet, is the only home player left in either singles draw, reaching his first

Roland Garros quarter-final by beating fifth seed Kei Nishikori.

Ugbade joins Remo Stars as TA

Nduka Ugbade

he Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Remo Stars, have appointed former Flying Eagles assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade, as the technical adviser. Former head coach, Uche Ukagbue, is now the chief coach while the former general manager, Ekene Adams, goes as team general coordinator in the general re-organisation of the team. Remo Stars top shot, Kunle Soname, believes the former Nigerian strongman and MFM FC coach will use his wealth of experience to propel his team to gain promotion ticket. The former Golden Eaglets assistant coach has resumed duty and was on the bench when Remo Stars defeated Delta Force 2-0 in Sunday’s NNL matchday 1 clash. Ugbade has been given a mandate to secure promotion for the Sky Blue Stars at the end of the season. “I am very happy to join Remo

Stars. I am very excited about their approach to football and I feel at home already. “Remo Stars are forward looking, very ambitious and brave which are all attributes I share. I have seen the players, they are talented no doubt and all I can do is make them even better and work with them to gain promotion. “I actually see this as a great move for me; this is a hugely ambitious club. It is well run by intelligent people and all the structures even the so-called premier league clubs lack are all in place here. “I am definitely positive this is a good move for me and I am sure come end of the season when we gain promotion I would be proved right,” said Ugbade to supersport. com. Remo Stars next match will be on the road at Akwa Starlets in Uyo at the weekend.

New CAF club format adds quarters

he new-look CAF club competitions will include quarterfinals for the first time and have one less qualifying round, the African football body said yesterday. Starting next year, the group stages of the annual Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions expand from eight clubs to 16. After two two-legged qualifying rounds, the 16 Champions League survivors will be split into four groups with clubs playing their three opponents at home and away. Group winners and runners-up progress to the quarterfinals. After two two-legged qualifying rounds in the Confederation Cup, the 16 survivors play the Champions League last-32 losers for group places. The remainder of the competition - the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League - will be similar in format to the Champions League. CAF has not announced increased prize money, but rises are expected after the recent announcement of a $1billion 12-year TV and marketing deal. The 2016 Champions League winners will receive $1.5million and the Confederation Cup winners $660 000. Clubs have consistently complained that success does not pay in Caf competitions with travel costs soaking up prize money. Caf said 20 dates between March and December have been reserved for the 2017 club competitions.

Rashford commits to Man United till 2020

triker Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract at Manchester United which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2020 with an option to extend for a further year, the club said on their website(www.manutd.com) yesterday. The 18-year-old United academy graduate scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season, including two on his debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League. He followed up with two goals against Arsenal and scored the winner in the Manchester

derby against City in March. “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true,” Rashford said. “I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself. To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family.” The emergence of Rashford under former manager Louis van Gaal was one of few positives for United in a disappointing campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League. Left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2020, with an option of extending for a further year.

Rashford

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

, May4,31, 2016 ThursdayTuesday September 2014

Cricket can create jobs in Kwara, Nigeria –Indian

n Indian national, Shatia Sarimnajeh, has called on governments in Nigeria to support the development of cricket in the country as it is capable of creating jobs for the youths. Sarimnajeh, an Ilorin-based businessman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that his love for the sport was the reason he had been volunteering to teach some youngsters in Ilorin the rudiments of the game. He said the sport is the most popular sport in India and that the level at which the sport is developing, it could rival football in popularity in the near future. “I carry on cashew business here in Ilorin, but my love for the game is the reason why I am teaching these children how to play the game free of charge. “I find them industrious and I like teaching them the tricks of the sport.

“The future of cricket here is bright because these children are learning fast and they have the capacity to be the best,” Sarimnajeh said. The Indian urged governments at all levels to provide the children with training kits and put one of the pitches in the Ilorin Mini Stadium complex in good shape as the pitch they are currently using is completely neglected. Sarimnajeh explained that the present venue they are using for training is not conducive as it is an open field, where the ball could accidentally hit someone on the head. “Cricket can create jobs here; this is because it is a fast growing sport in the world today. “All that governments need to do is to provide equipment for them and they will travel all over the world to play this game, thereby earning money,” he said.

Supreme Court bubble for NNL new season

New set of kits designed by Owu Company for the season were also made AbujA public. At the occasion, Technical Advislayers of the Nigerian National er, Joachim Osuji, explained that the League (NNL) campaigners, Supreme Court FC of Abuja have ex- coaches were carefully selected and will pressed their readiness to go all out and deliver on their mandate. “I believe in the players we have, we fight for every point in the just-started have a very good team, and I believe by league season. “We need the whole three The NNL kicked-off last Sunday with God’s grace, we don’t have doubt about points at stake to maintain the 15 games. And despite not taking part in status quo prior to the points the opening matches on Sunday because deduction as well as stand on both the league body and NFF ruled that strong footing to challenge for their opponents, FC Taraba, had not been the summit,” said the Wikki ll matches involving FC Taracleared to feature in the current camTourists strongman to Supersba in the Nigeria National paign, Supreme Court FC captain, Hilary port.com. League (NNL) have been Nkaru, said his teammates are prepared Ibrahim however adjudged for action when they take on Kwara Unit- placed on hold following the inability his side as good performers in of the Jalingo side to settle outstanded this Friday. the outgone first stanza of the According to Nkaru who spoke after ing payments and arrears owed playongoing Nigerian top-flight. 27 players and technical crew were un- ers who featured for the club last sea“Compared with our posiveiled, including Chief Coach Hakeem son. tion at this stage of the league Secretary of the NNL, Mr. LawTaiwo, his assistant, Abdulrazaq Jibril last term I think we have perrence Katken, said until the manageand goalkeeper trainer, Patrick Okeleke, formed creditably well. ment of FC Taraba complies with as well as Team Manager, Cletus Nwaobi. “I think our score card in the decision the first stanza of the 2015 is quite impresAnnual sive and the General Ascredit goes to the sembly of management, the NFF on coaching crew payment of and the players,” backlog of said Ibrahim. salaries and Wikki garallowances nered 28 points to players, after points dethe club will duction with the play no part pending clash in the Nigeto spare against ria league. Enyimba. “FootFC Taraba players warming up without play ball is gov-

NPFL: Enyimba will be tough tomorrow –Wikki captain ikki Tourists captain and right back, Mustapha Ibrahim, has described as tough customers the Nigerian champions, Enyimba. The Bauchi outfit will host the People’s Elephant in tomorrow’s rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 11 clash at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) in Bauchi. Ibrahim said his side are preparing for the make-up NPFL epic clash against Enyimba as Cup final. “Enyimba have always given us a tough time each time they visited Bauchi that’s why we are going the extra mile to prepare for the rescheduled clash on Wednesday. “We are going to approach the encounter as Cup final which a win will see us lift the coveted trophy. “Already we have lost a whole three points no thanks to Giwa FC expulsion from the ongoing league season and the effect is quite negative on our position on the league table.

Nigeria national cricket team players

Joel AJAyi

the team. And our aim is to pick the premier league ticket,” Osuji affirmed. Team Manager Nwaobi assured that all necessary registration and other administrative steps had been taken in line with the rules guiding the game, while the General Manager, Tolulope Oguntimehin, expressed confidence that the only Abujabased side in the NNL would not perform below expectations.

...Taraba FC matches put on hold

erned by rules and rules are meant to be obeyed. We have no choice but to implement the decision of the Congress. We always have to ensure clubs in the NNL are ready to run because they move to the Premier League from the NNL. It behoves on us to direct them well,” said Katken. Katken said the Football Associations in Taraba State and that of the FCT, as well as management of FC Taraba and their scheduled opponents for the League opener, Supreme Court FC, were duly informed. Meanwhile, Chairman of the NNL Adhoc Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, is happy that the second tier league body has surmounted all odds to ensure the commencement of the 2015/16 Season. Akinwunmi, who is also 1st Vice President of the NFF, said clubs will no longer bear the burden of paying officials’ indemnities, noting that his committee is out for complete fairness in the league. “The League has come to stay. Our plan is to see that it grows better and all the clubs must ensure that they contribute to its success, so that a lot of sponsors and funds can roll in and everyone will benefit,” Akinwunmi said.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest time to burst three balloons with the back The fastest time to burst three balloons with the back is 12 seconds, set by Julia Gunthel, aka ‘Zlata’ (Germany), on 23 November 2007.

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1380 Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Man’s inhuman neglect of Nigerian lepers

overnors, obas, chiefs, ministers, commissioners, professors, pastors, farmers, artisans etc, would always drive past the colony of lepers at Iwopin, Osiomo, Ologbo and Eku etc with no palpable betrayal of human emotion and concerns. This writer, who is equally guilty of looking the other way would wonder and ask: What and who is man? Man, notwithstanding philosophical, archaeological, historical and scientific research through radioactive isotopes etc., still remains a mystery and prodigious myth yet to be unraveled. His chameleonic mien, evil disposition and idiosyncrasies monumentally attest to this assertion. How a man can walk past his fellow man, who is in lethal pains, without helping, remains the mother of all ‘unconscionableness’. The eighteenth century philosopher and poet John Arbutnot was flummoxed

ndrea Pirlo says he has no hard feelings towards Italy coach, Antonio Conte, after the veteran playmaker was overlooked for next month’s European Championship in France. Italy have been drawn in Group E with Belgium, Ireland and Sweden. The 37-year-old midfielder, who

Guest Columnist

Bobson

Gbinije

by the evil nature of man that in his poem Know Yourself, he asked: “What am I? How produced? And for what end? Whence drew I being. To what period tend? Am I the abandoned orphan of blind chance, dropped by wild atoms in disordered dance? Or from an endless chair of causes wrought? And of unthinking substance born with thought?” Leprosy, which is medically known as Hansen’s disease, remains as old as man. It is a dermatological defeat, which manifest initially in form of silvery dark parches on the surface of the human skin. If not properly diagnosed it is mistaken for other chronic conditions affecting the skin, such as tuberculosis, psoriasis, leukemia and scurvy. Truly, leprosy is caused by a rod shaped germ. The disease is of two distinct types, one largely affecting the nerves, and the other being found mainly in the skin. The skin type of leprosy, according to Dr. Clifford R. Anderson in his book Your Guide to Health, begins with small, light, red or purple, pimple-like lesions that spread in clusters, giving a lion like appearance to the face when found there. Small nodules may appear on the eyelids, and ulcers may occur inside the nose, causing occasional bleeding. The nerve type of leprosy may cause anesthesia or lack of feeling in the involved limb or area of the body. Sometimes there is a painful type of neuritis; at other times the hand or feet may be deformed. Ulcers may appear on the affected area, often leading to the loss of several toes, and

Lepers are Living in ghouLish heLL in

nigeria, as they are regarded as castaways…

perhaps a whole foot, etc. When the ulcer precipitates gangrene, the leper becomes a weird and grotesque being to behold. Lepers are normally quarantined and hermetically insulated, while undergoing intensive and good medical care in a clearly sequestered environment. But in Nigeria, lepers litter the streets. The few leper settlements that exist have been deserted by the lepers, because conditions in these settlements are worse than those in Nazi concentration camps and gulag. There are hand books from UNESCO, WHO and even the Nigerian government on leprosy control and management. But all these are empty papers; they mean nothing to the Nigerian government. Lepers are living in ghoulish hell in Nigeria, as they are regarded as castaways, grisly macabre creatures not fit for communal, societal and government assistance. They have come to the end of the road with none to help. The co0ditions of lepers in Biblical times are better than theirs. Millionaires, billionaires, NGOs, Christian organizations, oil companies, etc, all spend their time and monies on frivolities. Nobody cares about our lepers.

Lepers have families like every other person, but the fear of contagious spread of the disease has made them to be earmarked as taboos in our communities. Governments have now thought it wise and advisable to isolate them in colonies for treatment and rehabilitation, but this idea has become a mirage, as leprosariums are no more habitable. The situation is now so bad that lepers now roam every nook and crannies of our towns and highways. That milk of human kindness in us has been quelled by self- and society-induced programmed solipsism (I alone exist). Apart from the Presbyterian Church leprosarium in Itu, Akwa-Ibom State and the New Covenant Church Leper Settlement in Benin-City, Edo State, there is no other functional one in this country. The ones at Osiomo, Iwopin, Eku and Izekwe etc. have all been abandoned. This is further compounded by the failure to render any form of assistance. The churches, especially Pentecostal churches, do not feed the flocks as Christ and Prophet Jeremiah admonished them. The bishops and their pastors are busy taking and giving in marriages, acquiring vanity-oriented properties, while the true flock languishes in disease and poverty. The list is endless for we are all guilty! Government must with soldierly brevity and fire brigade urgency set up a taskforce to clear our highways of these our brothers and sisters. The leprosariums must be renovated and made habitable for them. The lepers should be taught a vocational trade, clinically furnished with drugs and adequate therapy. They should be given the courage to live-on by ethical re-orientation. The larger society must be enlightened to know that lepers are human beings that are not as dangerous as we ignorantly think. Finally, the Nigerian governments must set up a blue print for the prevention, cure and the consummate eradication of leprosy in Nigeria and the NGOs, churches, individuals and corporate bodies must resolve to assist our lepers. Chief Gbinije can be reached on 08023250378

Sport Extra

Euro 2016 exclusion: No hard feelings –Pirlo plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) club, New York City, has featured in every major tournament for his country since Euro 2004 but that run ended when he was left out of the provisional squad last week. “I have spoken to Conte and there is no disappointment on my part,” Pirlo

told Sky Sports Italia. “He knows what he has to do and what he should not do. “We had discussions during the season and both parties made their own decisions. He is the coach and it’s only right he makes his decisions and decides what is best for him.” Conte said last week that Pirlo and

Sebastian Giovinco, who plays for Toronto, had paid the price for their decision to play in MLS. Italy’s coach suggested in November that 2006 World Cup winner, Pirlo, should return to his homeland if he wanted to continue his international career.

Pirlo

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