Tuesday, march 29,2016 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Pro-democracy activist, Tunji Braithwaite dies at 82 Ayo Esan, Gbenga Ogunbunfunmi, Ebere Ndukwu and Robert Awokuse

The late Dr. Braithwaite

Vol. 6 N0. 1336

rontline human right and pro-democracy activist,

politician, lawyer and former presidential candidate of the oldest surviving political party in the country, Nigeria Advance Party, NAP, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite is dead.

NDLEA intercepts heroin-laden letter in Lagos

He died yesterday morning at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, aged 82. Braithwaite was born in 1933, the youngest son of eight children. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

P.10

Muhammad Abdallah

National Mirror Online @NationalMirror Tuesday, March 29, 2016 N150

Fayose poses threat to national security –APC A

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State yesterday said Governor Ayo Fayose’s conducts were threats to national security. It said the governor’s recent utterances and actions suggest acts of sabotage targeted at rendering national institutions ineffective to perform their statutory roles for effective government in a federal set-up. State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said this in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti. The statement noted CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

Fun-seekers at Magicland during the Easter celebration in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Fuel scarcity: Senate summons Kachikwu

Abducted Colonel: Military promises N1m reward on information

P.5 P.7

Fall in oil price: Buhari’s financial P.8 discipline’ll save states –Shettima Why Catholic Church suspends engagement with CAN P.42

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Photo

NEWS

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Members of Olowogbowo Fanty Association at Easter Monday celebration. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Fun-lovers at Heritage Park in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Cross section of the Choir/Orchestra of Apostolic Faith Church performing during the 2016 Easter Concert in Lagos.

Bit-Bit Cultural Dancers of Tangale Community Entertaining at the Civic Reception and Award Ceremony for Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mr Charles Iliya by the Kalmai Community Development Association in Billiri,Gombe State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Children having fun at a park in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA Children having fun at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, yesterday.

Children at Magicland Park during Easter Monday show in Abuja. PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA

Fun-seekers trooping in to a Park to have fun during the Easter holiday celebration in Abuja on Monday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Fuel scarcity: Senate summons Kachikwu

enate yesterday summoned Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, to appear before its Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) tomorrow, over lingering fuel scarcity in the country. Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Jibrin Barau, told newsmen shortly after an on-thespot assessment of filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, that the summon became necessary following the hardship on Nigerians. He decried that in spite of assurances from the ministry that the situation would be brought under control, it had lingered. “We have invited the minister of state to appear before the committee tomorrow to tell us about the fuel scarcity problem and the strategy he is employing to solve it. “We will expect him to give a date when the problem will be resolved permanently; this is the course of action we have taken. “We are not satisfied because this problem has gone unabated for too long; the situation is appalling and it is a major problem. “We gave the ministry enough time and space to put its act together to solve this problem,” he said. Barau assured that the Senate would take a position on the matter after hearing from the minister, who is also the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Meanwhile, some residents of the FCT have urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to end the lingering scarcity and turn around the economy. Mr. Felix Wodi, who resides at Abaji, FCT, said: “I did not enjoy this Easter at all because I have been on queue at petrol station for hours and there has been no power supply for more than a week in my area. “I am appealing to the Federal Government to find lasting solution to this fuel scarcity as soon as possible because it is tearing Nigerians apart gradually.” Mr. Saleh Abu, a resident of Kwali, also in the

FCT, said he had been on queue for a while to buy petrol in his bike, saying he was not happy with the present situation in the country. “I have been on queue since morning to get fuel for my bike but till now nothing; the pump metres have been adjusted but we have no choice. “The Federal Government is trying its best to ensure better living condition for the public but we Nigerians also need to pray more for the country.” The situation at Gwagwalada was not different as many motorists were seen at ASO filling station waiting for a petrol tanker to discharge fuel. A resident of Kuje, Mrs. Laraba Hassan, said she could not slaughter any chicken daring Easter because of the hardship she was facing at the moment. “It is quite frustrating that you can’t eat what you want in a festive period like this; I could not even afford a chicken to eat with my children. “Easter celebration

Widow of the late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Braithwaite (middle), being consoled by former Provost, Anglican Communion Cathedral Church, Marina, Lagos, Very Revd. Yinka Omololu (left) and Vicar of St. Paul Anglican Church, Breadfruit/Archdeocese of Lagos, Ven. Akinwande Odubena, at the residence of the late Dr. Braithwaite in Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN should be a time to have fun but as it is, it is looking miserable with the present economic situation. “I urge all Christians to use this Easter period to pray for the restoration of

peace and economic stability in our nation, Nigeria,” she said. Mr. Abraham Gado, an artisan in Kuje, said he and his family were celebrating Easter on a low key as they could not trav-

el to the village. Mr. Emeka Nonso, a businessman at Sauka in Kuje Area Council said the economic downturn with the fuel scarcity across the country made the holiday boring.

At the popular recreational spot in Kuje called ‘DHALZY POINT’, usually populated during festive periods, it was observed that only a few fun seekers were there yesterday.

Pro-democracy activist, Tunji Braithwaite dies at 82 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

When our correspondent visited the deceased residence yesterday, the atmosphere was calm, as family members and friends expressed sadness over the incidence. His son, Olumide described his father as a rear gem and special gift to Nigeria, adding that his demise was a big loss to the country. He noted the late legal icon contributed immensely to the development of the country’s democracy, which is being enjoyed today. “My father made a great contribution to the country. He was a rear gem, a special gift from God to this nation because he stood for integrity, discipline, restoration and many other virtues you can think of. He fought military dictatorship physically and legally. “I am proud of him because for someone like Gani Fawehinmi, of blessed memory, to call me and told me that Braithwaite made people like him what he is, I mean

what other accolade could be better said of one. He was a great man.” Braithwaite was educated at the prestigious CMS Grammar School, Lagos, entering the school’s Preparatory Section in 1946 and completing his education there in 1953. He proceeded to sit for his ‘A’ Levels at the London University at Kennington College in 1955 and enrolled in 1957/58 as a Law student at the Council of Legal Education, London. He was admitted into Lincoln’s Inn that same year and graduated as a barrister in 1960. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn and thereafter signed the Rolls of Barristers at the High Court of Justice, Strand, London before returning to Nigeria. His set at the call to the Bar included the late Ligali Ayorinde, the late Mrs. Omotosho (nee Sonola-Soyinka) and Fola Sasegbon among others. In March 1961, he was enrolled as a Barrister

and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was a lawyer and legal advisor to many organisations, including trade unions and international companies, before he diverted his attention to the socio-political malaises plaguing Nigeria. Braithwaite held the legal retainers of over 20 national and international corporate organisations and foreign missions and embassies in Nigeria. These included Swiss Airline (he got their landing rights increased to 3 during the period 196874); BASF; Hoechst; Witt Busch and Co; Universal Co. (Nig) Ltd; The Oro Development Company; Schroeder Electronics; and Julius Berger (he registered the company in Nigeria when they first arrived). He married his childhood sweetheart; Grace S. Falade in 1956 while they were undergraduates. They have five children and many grandchildren. Among his notable cases was the one involving State vs Fashoyin. This

was one of the most scandalous cases of its day. Fashoyin was prosecuted by the DPP in the High Court, Lagos (not a State Court at the time) by no fewer than 4 judges in different courts. Each set of the case had different counts and different witnesses. Tunji Braithwaite successfully defended Fashoyin in every one of the trials. Another of his notable cases was that of State vs Obafemi Awolowo & ORS. Braithwaite was one of the lawyers who defended Chief Awolowo in the celebrated Treasonable Felony trial of 1962/63. There was also the State vs Eyo case. In this case, he was lawyer to Chief Eyo, a political leader in the old Calabar Province. State vs Olabisi Ajala is another one, this case brought Braithwaite once more into collision with the prevailing military junta. Despite intimidation by members of the junta their acolytes, Braith-

waite remained firm in his determination to defend Ajala and once again triumphed in the courts. There was also the Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti vs AGF and Chief of Army Staff and ORS. In February 1977, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti instructed Braithwaite to represent the family and get Beko and Fela out of detention as well as take legal steps to redress the barbaric acts of the Obasanjo-led military junta. He fought the case through the High Court to the Supreme Court, leading a few other courageous and well-known lawyers. These were Mr. Alao Aka-Bashorun, Dr. Olu Onogoruwa, Oba Ayodele Kale, Mr. Tunde Sanu and Mr. Femi Delumo. This case was significant in entrenching the fundamental rights law enjoyed by Nigerians presently. As a politician, he founded the Nigeria Advance Party, NAP, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fayose poses threat to national security –APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that Fayose’s unguided serial statements had exposed him as a man fighting a lone battle against the Federal Government over alleged selfish motives. He said such motives were targeted at putting millions of Nigerians in jeopardy of instability in an already tottering economy. He cited the governor’s alleged death wish for President Muhammadu Buhari at a rally held at Fajuyi Square, Ado-Ekiti, over the weekend to welcome the detained member of the House of Assembly, Akanni Afolabi, to the state capital as a case study. Olatunbosun regretted that besides the governor inciting Ekiti people against the operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, he had also for umpteenth time, threatened to bring Buhari’s government down if any attempt was made to probe sundry alleged crimes levelled against him. “We have heard of reports of Governor Fayose inciting the people to stone the operatives of the DSS anywhere they are seen. “This is besides saying many unprintable things about the President, such as saying that he would soon die, and declaring the DG of DSS, Lawal Musa Daura, a personal non-grata in Ekiti State. “It is regrettable that Fayose cannot separate his personal views as a man constantly at war with the Nigerian law from the views of lawful Ekiti people, who are ready to submit themselves to the Nigerian law where the rule of law and good governance flourish,” the party said. Accusing the governor of running a government built on his personal image, APC said this misconception had “robbed Ekiti people the quality leadership with the right mindset to see governance beyond the prism of selfglorification. “This failure to see governance beyond personal appeal of the governor is costing our state good governance for the devel-

opment of our people and her deserved place of honour in this country. “That is why the governor is wasting state resources on helicopter charter to ferry an accused person, Akanni Afolabi, from Abuja to Ekiti after which he took six pages of several newspapers on frivolous adverts to publish court records on the accused’s bail application and topped it with the donation of a new car to same Akanni, who is still under investigation over several criminal cases. “Fayose has appointed himself national opposition leader just because he wants to help himself in his many criminal cases against the nation’s law,” it added. Neither the governor, nor his aides or the state government had yet responded to the APC statement.

Naval officers guiding some newsmen and stakeholders, at a shooting exercise during the 2016 Exercise Obangame and Sahara Express in Nigerian Water, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Pro-democracy activist, Tunji Braithwaite dies at 82 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

was a progressive political party during the Second Republic and it was registered for the 1983 elections. As the head of the party, he was known for his opposition and as a lawyer, the party was the only new political organisation allowed to field candidates for the 1983 elections and was composed of southern Nigerian intellectuals favoring a reformist government. He was also among the delegates at the 2014 National Conference which canvassed for a Confederal Constitution to replace the 1999 Constitution He had described the 1999 Constitution as Decree 24 which was presently destroying Nigeria and Nigerians calling for it to be thrown out and be replaced with either a Confederal constitution, with Nigeria operating con-federalism or a very loose federation. He said: “Let the word go forth that there are a number of brave, honest nationalistic persons in this conference that, hopefully would be able to reconstruct Nigeria in a way that the blessings, peace and prosperity rightly deserved by the peoples of this country would be guaranteed by a New Confederal Constitution.” He was among those who disagreed with former President Goodluck Jona-

than on 100 years celebration, saying the President got it wrong as Nigeria was only 54 years old, adding that Nigeria was still work in progress. Afenifere, Ambode others mourn Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere described Dr Braithwate as a principled man. Afenifere in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin said Dr Braithwaite throughout his lifetime was known for his principled stance on national issues and consistent defence of the rights of the oppressed people of Nigeria. He would always be remembered for his consistency, tenacity and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode expressed shock and sadness over the demise of the foremost nationalist. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said Braithwaite’s demise was a great loss to both the state and the nation. Describing the late nationalist as a detribalised individual, whose example is worthy of emulation, Governor Ambode said Braithwaite was a man of the people, a typical Nigerian who was consistent in saying things the way they are, not caring whose ox is gored. The governor recalled

that during the military era, especially that of late General Sani Abacha, when politicians were afraid to come out and contest, Braithwaite dared the odds and came out to slug it out against the late dictator at the risk of his life. “He was very consistent in fighting for what he believed was right and fair to every human regardless of their ethnic leaning or creed. He was not one to shy away from taking a position that he strongly believed in. “He was always consistent in creating independent platforms to fight for the interest of the common man,” the governor said. He said as a lawyer, Braithwaite stood tall among his equals, which earned him respect not only in Nigeria, but across the globe. Governor Ambode while commiserating with the family of the late legal luminary urged them to uphold the ideals he stood and fought for, saying the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times. Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, described the late Braithwaite as a patriot, fearless speaker, astute politician and an intelligent lawyer. “May his revolutionary soul rest in peace, as we

pray that the Lord should give his family the fortitude to bear the loss. “Dr Braithwaite has done his part and his legacy is rich enough for us to emulate and improve upon. “He has lived a fulfilled life and his contributions to nation building should win him a posthumous national award. “Indeed, the Federal Government should participate in the burial of the late sage,” the statement said. Centre for Change and Women Arise for Change Initiative in its reaction described Braithwaite’s death as a huge loss to Nigeria. In a statement by its President, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin, the group said: “The gap created by the demise of Dr. Braithwaite to us, would be near impossible to fill, as an organisation and as Nigerians, considering his immeasurable contribution to national development through participations in politics with his National Advance Party, and activism which he dedicated an unquantifiable number of his life and times to. “Dr. Braithwaite will forever be remembered for always being in the forefront of the struggle for a better country almost all of his life. “We cannot quickly forget moments of his fearless confrontation during the military era and his pas-

sionate and highly cerebral inputs to political situations.” A legal practitioner, Emeka Nwadioke in his reaction described Braithwaite as a great lawyer and patriot. In another condolence message, Dr Kayode Ajulo, a former National Secretary of Labour Party, described the late Braithwaite as a great and gifted lawyer, with rare technicalities. Ajulo, who is also the Chairman, Egalitarian Mission Africa, said Braithwaite family had contributed significantly to the socio-political, spiritual and economic development of Nigeria and Africa. “I was privileged to have appeared against the senior lawyer at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. “In spite of my fierce opposition during our arguments that went personal, after the court session, he extended a hand of fellowship to me. “He offered words of advice and heartily commended me. He was a good man. “Dr Tunji Braithwaite was a scion of the popular Braithwaite family. The family has contributed significantly to the socio-political, spiritual and economic development of Nigeria and Africa. May the Lord comfort and strengthen his family,” Ajulo said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Learn lessons from Boko Haram, Obasanjo charges Nigerians Inusa Ndahi Maiduguri

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to properly resort to researches, articulate and disseminate lessons of Boko Haram insurgen-

cy, so that such mistakes would not be repeated. Obasanjo, who made the call yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima at the Government House Maiduguri, as part of his official visit to University of Maiduguri, said the research became necessary so that

Nigeria and other nations will learn from the mistakes that led to Boko Haram insurgency. He said; “the more we have men of good will coming to Maiduguri the better, because people will start realising that things are changing for the better and the situation is improving.

Our military are ascending on the militants and whenever they recapture territories once occupied by Boko Haram terrorists, land mines planted by the terrorists should be cleared completely before people return to such communities.” While commiserating with the government and

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with wife of late Babatunde Salau, Mrs. Salewa Salau (2nd left) and a sibling of the deceased, Mr. Wale Salau (2nd right) during the launching of AMBSAM (Adewale Mogaji Bello Salau Agoro Mogaji Penu) Memorial Foundation at the Chalet, Epe, Lagos, yesterday.

Again, Nigeria scales ICAO audit Olusegun Koiki

he Nigerian aviation industry for the umpteenth time scaled the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, USOAP, which came to an end last weekend in the country. The country is however, expected to produce a Corrective Action Plan, CAP, which would give room for comments and observations within 45 days after the audit. A statement by the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, stated that the ICAO team led by Mr. Jean-Clude Waffo, expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of the country towards the audit. According to Adurogboye, each member of the team gave an individual assessment of all the delineated areas, which included

Legislation, LEG, Organisation, ORG, Accident and Incident Investigation, AIG, Air Navigational Services, ANS, and Aerodrome and Ground Aids, AGA. The ICAO team had spent 11 days in Nigeria assessing the nation’s aviation industry in compliance with global standards and best practices. Adurogboye added that the team however, identified some open items that needed to be closed by the aviation authorities, but were unanimously satisfied with the level of improvement in the aviation industry in the country. He declared that the final report of the audit would be produced and sent to Canada for review and final assent, stressing that this would only be done when comments on the draft report had been received from Nigeria. He quoted Waffo as saying that draft results would be produced 90 days after the

presentation, noting that the final report was only to be expected and produced after 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement of comments. He stated that at the end of the presentation, the auditors commended the Director-General, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, and all the other Chief Executives of the aviation agencies for their commitment towards the success of the audit. Earlier, Usman in his opening remarks expressed appreciation and acknowledged the demonstration of unparalleled dedication and CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EBikoma angEla EwErE, now wish to be known and addressed as john angEla EwErE. all former documents remain valid. general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

i, formerly known and addressed as ADELIYI ALABA OLUYINKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUYINKA ALABA ADELIYI OGUNSAN. all former documents remain valid. general public should please take note.

the high sense of responsibility with which the auditors acquintted themselves during the audit. Usman assured the auditors that all the open items would be closed forthwith, saying that this would be adequately communicated in the Corrective Action Plan, CAP, to be forwarded by the authority as required. He said; “All the lessons learnt from this exercise will be used to enhance the development, safety and security of aviation not only in Nigeria, but the whole of Africa.” CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ejims ProsPEr isaac, now wish to be known and addressed EjimonyE chinonso as BlEssing. all former documents remain valid. general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

i formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUMA HENRY AWAZIE now wish to known and addressed as IFEANYI CHUKWU HENRY NJOKU. all former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

people of Borno State, Obasanjo said the people of Borno and indeed the North East have suffered a lot due to the activities of Boko Haram through mass killing, abduction of single and married women, recruitment of child soldiers and wanton destruction of economic activities, adding that though Borno State and entire North East is not out of the wood, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He further stated that governments at all level should take agriculture with all seriousness it deserves, as agriculture is no longer an ordinary occupation, but a serious business, if Nigeria really wants to fight unemployment and stop depending on oil. Responding, Governor Kashim Shettima, said Borno State has seen hell, as women are abducted and raped, teenagers recruited into militants, but gradually, the situation is improving, as Nigeria’s the gallant military has recaptured almost all territories under Boko Haram occupation. He said; “Over one million private homes were destroyed, 5,335 classrooms, 201 health centres, 1,630 water sources, 665 municipal buildings all destroyed by

the insurgents in the state. We have now commenced reconstruction of houses and other public building and utilities in most of our liberated local government that are considered to be safe for people to return”. Shettima added that Obasanjo is the first former president to visit the Government House Maiduguri, saying that if it were during his (Obasanjo) regime that Boko Haram insurgency came up, he (Obasanjo) would have acted on time to nip it on bud, But it took 19 days after the abduction of the Chibok girls before former President Goodluck Jonathan called him. During the two days visit, Obasanjo would be honored by the University of Maiduguri, inspect and commission ongoing and completed projects, paid homage to Shehu of Borno before departing the state. The former president had visited the state some couple of years ago at the heat of the insurgency when he met with the family members of slain Buji Foi, a strong member of the insurgents who was allegedly executed by security operatives after he was captured alive in his farm at the outskirt of Maiduguri Metropolis.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE MUSIBAU ABAYOMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. BABATUNDE MUSIBAU ASHOGUN. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Railway Corporation. (PENSION DEPT), First Bank Plc. and general public to take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OlOwOYO OlAjUMOkE OlATUNMBI, now wish to be known and addressed as OlOMOlA OlAjUMOkE OlATUNMBI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MARY: Formerly known and addressed as MISS SAKA MARY CLARA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLABANJI LARA JEMINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

ALAO: Formerly known and addressed as AlAO AZeeZ AdIGun now wish to be known and addressed as AlAO AZeeZ AdIGun AmuSA. All former documents remain valid. general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUyORI ELIzABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUSOgO ELIzABETH AINA. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that IBRAHEEM OLAITAN SEUN is one and same person as IBRAHEEM RASAQ SEUN. Henceforth wish to be addressed as IBRAHEEM RASAQ OLAITAN SEUN. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc., UNION BANK Plc. and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IYABO: Formerly known and addressed as AKINSOOTO IYABO EBUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLAOYE IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKWU BLESSINg NgOzI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAIgWE BLESSINg NgOzI. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AyelA SundAy OmOkhAfe, now wish to be known and addressed as OjO TONy OMOKHAFE. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OyEWO jUMOKE FUNMILAyO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OzO jUMOKE FUNMILAyO. All former documents remain valid. general public should take note.

NEWS

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fall in oil price: Buhari’s financial discipline will save states –Shettima

Child with kidney problem, Miss Faith Andrew and her mother Evan, a widow, at the Specialist Hospital, Gwagwalada, begging for help from the public, yesterday.

Queens College: PTA wants parent of allegedly molested student to show up

ueens College Parent/Teacher Association said it is expecting a Visitation Panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Education to investigate the molestation claim by a parent on Wednesday, March 30. Chairperson of the association, Mrs. Beatrice Akhetuame, disclosed this at a news conference yesterday in Lagos. The panel is on a fact finding mission over an alleged case of molestation by the parent of a daughter at the institution. It would be recalled that claim that a male teacher had sexually harassed a JSS-2 student had gone virile on the social media, as well as other conventional media, but had since been refuted by key stakeholders of the institution. According to the chairperson, the panel has invited all concerned stakeholders on the matter to appear before it on the set date. “We as an association have received our own invitation letter and so have all other concerned persons. “The college management too has received theirs, as well as the accused and the blogger. “What we are now appealing for is for the wom-

an who gave her daughter’s name as Chinenye Okoye to come forward and collect her own letter of invitation,” she said. Akhetuame noted that the presence of the supposed victim would go a long way in ensuring speedy findings and recommendations on the issue. Akhetuame, however, expressed surprise that in the midst of the allegation and confusion, the said mother of the girl who is claiming assault on her daughter had yet to disclose her identity. According to her, it will be in the interest of the college, the management and all concerned to get everyone present before the panel, so as to tackle the issue once and for all. “I am the representative of parents of the college and therefore, I have the sole responsibility of defending the interest of parents and the welfare of the girls also falls on me. “I am a mother of five girls, two of them right here in this college. It will not be possible for me to ever have notice of such incidence and try to cover it up or do anything funny about it. “I know what it means to train the girl-child and I dare say at all times,

my attention is always focused on their activities or issues that concern them. “It is, therefore, wrong for some persons who do not have enough facts on the issue to go ahead and be casting aspersions on my person or that of the college management, concerning an alleged cover up.

“We are happy the panel is visiting and I pray that the truth behind the entire saga would be unraveled, but as far as we are concerned, no such thing ever happened, even as we await the supposed mother of the girl to come for her invitation letter and reveal her identity to us,” she added.

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State yesterday mmended President Muhammadu Buhari’s financial discipline, saying it would save many states from collapse in the face of falling oil price at the international market. A statement by Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication, quoted Shettima as giving the commendation at a wedding reception in the Government House, Kano. The reception was in honour of Amina, daughter of Governor Muhammad Abubakar of Jigawa State, who got married to Lawan Dahiru Mangal at the Umar bn Khattab Mosque. Shettima said: “The fall in price of crude oil to below $40 per barrel has threatened Nigeria’s main source of revenue. “Government in the 36 states will have been in serious trouble if not for the financial prudence of President Muhammadu Buhari. “When the price of crude oil was over $100 per barrel, Borno State was receiving around N4.5bn per month. “Today, oil price has grossly dropped to less than $40 per barrel which represents about 80 per cent fall in price. “Crude oil is our main source of revenue as a coun-

try; so ordinarily, states like Borno should have received 20 per cent of what we were receiving when oil was over $100. “This month, we received N2.6bn at a time when oil is below $40; this is more than 50 per cent of what we were receiving. “Our salary wage is N2.6bn but we still have to be grateful to Buhari because if not for his financial discipline, all of us here would be in soup now. “I am not here to play politics; I respect the fact that we are a mixture of people with different political affiliations; our brother, the governor of Gombe State is in PDP; so I am not playing politics. “But, we have a responsibility to explain situations to the public so that they understand the economic times we are in at the moment and Buhari has made things tolerable in the face of the bad situation.” Shettima also commiserated with the government and people of Kano and Kebbi states over the fire outbreak in two major markets in Kano and Birnin Kebbi, respectively. The wedding reception was attended by the governors of Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Imo, Katsina and Gombe states.

Nigeria loses N10bn annually, hosting domain names offshore

igeria is losing not less than N10bn yearly through hosting its country code Top Level Domain, ccTLD, dotng (.ng) domain names outside the country, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NIRA, said yesterday. President of NIRA, Mr. Sunday Folayan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. NAN reports that simply put, domain hosting is ‘renting a space’ on the internet to hold a website, so that anyone can find your website, by typing in your domain name. He said hosting of domain name was a pure business decision, which had both security and economic implications. According to him, just one per cent of the .ng domains registered by NIRA’s registrars, is what is hosted in the country.

“And if we estimate, hosting has the income of about five times to 10 times the cost of domain name registration. You will see that it is a lot of money we are talking about. “So 99 per cent of what NIRA has registered is hosted outside and NIRA has conservatively put what Nigeria is losing by today’s value of not less than N10bn, in terms of hosting from the .ng domain. “There are other .com domains that are also registered by NIRA, which could be more than five times the .ng registered. “So we are talking of not less than N50bn, plus the N10bn from the .ng, making a total of not less than N60bn,” he said. The president added that information put on the internet were not safe, as people from anywhere in the world could

hack into it. He said that such data would be better secured, if hosted within the country, than outside. Folayan decried the hosting of .ng domain names outside Nigeria, as it amounted to capital flight, and was not good for the economy. The president said NIRA had a total of 56 accredited registrars, who handled the actual registration of the domain names. He said of the 56 registrars, 79 per cent were Nigerians, while the remaining were from the UK, Germany and other countries. According to him, of the 19,649 domain names registered and hosted by NIRA’s registrars, only 1.33 per cent is hosted in Nigeria. “All the rest are hosted outside Nigeria. This is capital flight, it is something that bothers NIRA and we are looking at ways to mitigate that and help reserve

foreign exchange, particularly at this very tight time for the country,” he said. Folayan said .ng (like our currency, the Naira and the +234 for country code) was the official Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)-approved ccTLD for Nigeria. According to him, the availability of names is better on the .ng ccTLD than on the generic toplevel domain (gTLD) like .com, .org. “With the .ng, our primary Domain Name System (DNS) servers are secured and locally managed with multiple cast servers located around the world,” he said. Folayan added that hosting businesses on the .ng would help to support the Nigerian economy and provide jobs for local Information Technology (IT) professionals.

South West

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sijuade’s role in my ascension to the throne –Ooni Ogunwusi oni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, yesterday revealed the role played by his immediate predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuade, in his ascension to the throne of Oduduwa. Oba Ogunwusi, who became the 51st Ooni in September, 2015, after the death of Oba Sijuade in a London hospital same year, spoke at the renaming of Ife City Hall after the late Oba Okunade Sijuade in Ile Ife. The event which saw the three wives of the late Oba Sijuade making a public appearance within Ile Ife for the first time since the completion of his funeral rites in September last year, was also witnessed by the eldest son of the monarch, Prince Adetokunbo and some of his siblings. Oba Ogunwusi in his remarks said his predecessor played a major role in his becoming monarch through prayers, saying on few occasions he had opportunity of close interaction with Oba Sijuade, the late monarch in his prayers shown his clairvoyant abilities. “Oba Sijuade is not just our revered father, he was a special creature and demonstrated his ability to foresee future on few occasions I had interaction with him. I can confidently say he played a role in my ascension. On those occasions, he usually pray from his heart for me. “The honour we are doing him today can never be at par with his

contributions to the development of this land. His contributions to even this structure we are naming after him today was huge. Ife will continue to remember him for his great contributions to our development,” Oba Ogunwusi said. Speaking earlier, the President, Ife Development Board, Professor Muib Opeloye, said Oba Sijuade was being immortalised in recognition of the role he played in the development of Ife and empower ment of its people. Opeloye recalled that the late monarch initiated the project and contributed immensely to seeing it to fruition and commended the Chairman of Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare, for contributing a sum of N12.5m for the project. He said IDB was also using the occasion to honour some members of Ife Academia working in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, who have risen to the professorial cadre, explaining that in over 50 years of existence of the institution, no indigene had been made a vice chancellor, saying hope of achieving the feat is on the rise at the moment. Responding on behalf of Sijuade’s family, Prince Aderemi Sijuade, thanked the community for recognising the role Oba Sijuade played in putting Ife on world map and promised that the family will always be ready to contribute to the development of Ife.

the reality of the moment. The group, which canvassed removal of the Police pension scheme from PENCOM, said: “One factor militating against morale of the police is PENCOM. All efforts to remove police pension from PENCOM is being resisted by some powerful forces. Such forces are interested in their selfish ends and not what the po-

licemen stand to gain. Most policemen are not happy with this situation. “The IGP should also revisit the monthly pay of police pensioners and look into the sustenance of retired police personnel. For PENCOM to affect men and officers who had been in the service before its establishment is a retrogressive act,” it said.

Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

A cross section of passengers boarding Free Train ride provided by Osun Government from Osogbo to Lagos, after Easter Celebration at Railway Station Osogbo yesterday.

NDLEA intercepts heroin-laden letter in Lagos Olusegun Koiki

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has intercepted a letter laden with heroin in Lagos. The anti-narcotic agency disclosed that the letter which was sent from Bengaluru, India, on Express Mail Service, EMS, was addressed to Mr. Yunusa Amusan, 33, in Mushin, Lagos. NDLEA in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, declared that upon interception by the agency, about 480 grammes of powdery substance which tested positive for heroin was found inside the letter. He noted that the thin parcels of heroin were carefully hidden in the letter in a manner that made it difficult to detect, stressing that this was the first case of heroin letter intercepted by the anti-narcotic agency

in 2016. Commenting on the issue, the Chief Executive of NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah(rtd), said the interception was recorded following the diversification of the agency’s operations. Abdallahi insisted that drug control was an intelligence-led operation and vowed that NDLEA under his supervision would spread its tentacles to all possible areas of narcotic smuggling. He added; “We will not relent in taking deliberate and sustained efforts towards preventing drug trafficking under any guise in the country be it by air, land and water.” The NDLEA boss added that investigation revealed that the suspect who is now in its custody, allegedly connived with his uncle who lives in India to import heroin disguised as letters to Nigeria, emphasising that

their criminal plan did not materialise due to superior intelligence gathering capacity of the agency. He assured Nigerians that the agency would always work towards a drugfree society. Also commenting on the development, Director of Operations and General Investigation, NDLEA, Mr. Mabo Olugbenga, explained that the suspect was apprehended following surveillance report on his illicit drug activities. He said; “The illicit smuggling of narcotic drugs under the guise of letters was reported and closely monitored by the agency. It was confirmed that Mr. Yunusa Amusan was recruited by his uncle who lives in India to take delivery of heroin concealed in letters to avoid arrest by law enforcement agents. The suspect was arrested after collecting the letter and further investiga-

tion is on-going.” Yunusa who is a technician confessed to the crime, saying that he had been running errands for his uncle who lives in India. “I run errands for my uncle who lives in India. He used to send money and letters to me to give to his wives and friends. Sometimes he will ask me to buy foodstuff and sent to him in India and in return, he gives me money to take care and sustain myself. I am single and a native of Ogun State. “After my Junior Secondary School Certificate, I could not further my education due to lack of sponsorship. I later learnt how to repair television sets, but could not rent a shop to start my own business. The letter my uncle sent to me was opened in my presence and other officers and it was found to contain heroin,” he stated.

Group tasks Buhari on morale of policemen Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

group of professionals, Ondo State Liberation Movement, OSLM, has lamented the low morale of men and officers of the Nigeria Police in view of the attitude of government, the force and Nigerians to them. Coordinator of the

group, Mr Oladipo Ajidahun, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to as a matter of urgency; address the issues facing men and officers of the force to enhance their capacities. Ajidahun, told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the headaches of the

police personnel inhibiting their performance, which border on welfare, included the poor salary scale, pension issue and precarious liability among others. The group said: “The President should, with dispatch, look into the welfare of the police. Although the states are trying by donating vehicles and others materials to them, but the

morale of an average policeman is low. The IGP is trying, but the Federal Government that controls the force has to come to its rescue in the areas of equipment and improved welfare package”. It urged the president to revisit the salary scale of the police, saying what obtained in the force at present was not in tune with

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East 11

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Stop 13% oil derivation to states, Igbo group urges FG

group called Ndigbo Unity Forum, NUF, has appealed to the Federal Government to stop giving the monthly13 per cent oil derivation fund to state governments in oil producing states. The president of the group, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, made the call in an interview with the News

Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu on Monday. He said: “It is clear that this monthly allocation to oil producing states does not get to the communities and council areas where the oil and gas is being drilled. “Rather, most times the monies end up in the pockets of politicians at the state capitals; leaving the rural

communities where the oil and gas activities take place more impoverished.'' Chukwudum suggested that the Federal Government should rather, spend 10 per cent and three per cent of the fund in the provision of amenities to communities and councils where oil and gas are explored. “This is because even when Fed-

eral Government gives out such monies to the state governments, the communities do not feel the impact because the state governments do not use it for the good of the people. “That is why we are making this suggestion. “We hereby call on the National Assembly to ensure that communities and

council areas benefit from their God-given natural resources instead of causing environmental degradation for them and leave when the oil and gas well is dry.'' The president of the group said that when communities were given due

Oil reform: Don’t be distracted by Tinubu, NYCN urges Buhari, Kachikwu Chris Njoku Owerri

Guests at the ongoing 27th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ebonyi has created investment-friendly environment, says Umahi Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

bonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, yesterday declared the commitment of his administration in diversifying the economy of the state through promotion of the agricultural sector and harnessing of abundant solid mineral deposits in the state. The governor stated that his government had created enabling environment for investors in the state. Umahi, made the disclosure in his address during the Ebonyi State Special Day at the ongoing 27th Enugu International Trade fair. The governor, represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, said that as part of his administration's effort in boosting the agricultural

sector in the state for improved production, a delegation from the state was sent to Thailand to study modern rice production strategies, with a view of maximizing rice production in the state for both local consumption and export. He appealed to both local and foreign investors to avail themselves the

opportunity of the forthcoming Ebonyi State local trade fair, holding from April 16 to April 30. Earlier in her address, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ogbaga, stressed that the theme of the 27th Enugu International Trade fair, 'Diversifying the Nation's Economy: From Rheto-

rics to Coordinated Action', was in tandem with the work plan of the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry. She stated, "Ebonyi State is naturally blessed with numerous agricultural and solid mineral potentials capable of making the state a major economic destination in Nigeria."

sense of belonging, Federal Government property such as pipelines and other installations, would be protected jealously. “And this will further spur other communities and council areas to harness their natural endowment for national development,'' he added.

ational Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, yesterday warned Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to desist from lambasting the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, saying that his sponsored statement is a serious distraction to the current administration and ongoing reforms in the oil industry. The youth council said in a statement signed by its President Mr Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, that ordinarily the council would not have joined issues with a political leader like Asiwaju Tinubu and especially where the issue borders on fuel scarcity biting hard on Nigerians and affecting many youth start up enterprises, but “for the fact that the statement was a personal battle masked in the gab of altruism.” It read in part: “It is a fact that Asiwaju has access to the villa to lay his complaints; rather he chose to while claiming to stand for Nigerians, heavily sponsor his personally signed statement to make headlines in almost all national media. Otherwise, what will explain the headlines or is Tinubu’s voice louder than that of all Nigerians who are in pains daily and demanding for an immediate end to the fuel crisis.” The statement made avail-

able to National Mirror noted that the essence of Tinubu’s statement was not to help in any way to solve the problem, but to cast Kachikwu in bad light and put pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of State. “The reasons are not farfetched; Bola Tinubu vehemently opposed the appointment of Mrs. Onikepo Animashaun as the General Manager of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, by Mr. Kachikwu. The appointment was in Tinubu’s view done on the recommendation of Pastor Tunde Bakare and with the blessing of Babatunde Fashola who is believed not to be in Tinubu’s political structure any longer.” According to the statement “Asiwaju believes that for anyone from Lagos State to get an appointment in this administration, it would have to be with his express say so. Why should he play God when he is a man? Why must the minister and indeed the Nigerian petroleum sector face turmoil just because the minister refused to sack Mrs. Animashaun as demanded by Bola Tinubu. Asiwaju should know by now that he cannot always have it his own way.”

… 67 organisations participate in Enugu trade fair

o fewer than 67 organisations are currently showcasing their products and services at the on-going 27th Enugu International Trade Fair, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports. NAN also reports that the exhibitors are drawn from the public and private sectors. The fair, which is being organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, In-

dustry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, also has two international exhibitors. According to Reverend Ugochukwu Chime, the President of ECCIMA, this year’s fair aims to provide a more amenable atmosphere for interface between researchers, prototype, innovators and investors. Speaking to NAN on Monday, Chime said he hoped that the fair will enhance linkages to boost the

industrial sector. “I am pleased to highlight our resolve to ensure that we achieve better sector-wide allocation in order to create the necessary atmosphere for better business transactions and easy identification of exhibitors’ stands in our fairs. “We have also worked hard to ensure that we have adequate security during this fair. “Interestingly, since we

started hosting our fairs in this complex five years ago, we are glad to note that we have not had any issue with security during our fairs and this year, by the grace of God, will not be different. “The Enugu State Police Commissioner has given us assurance of 24-hours surveillance in addition to the proximity of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, to the fair complex.

“We, therefore, enjoin our exhibitors and visitors to go about their businesses as critical and strategic security network has been put in place,’’ Chime said. The 27th Enugu International Trade Fair, with the theme ``Diversification of Nation’s Economy: From Rhetoric to Coordinated Action’’, opened on March 25 and is scheduled to round off on April 4.

News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Tiunbu was born on March 29, 1952

hairman commends ban on sale of Forex to BDCs by FG Sokoto State Chairman of Bureau De Change, BDC, Operators Association, Alhaji Aliyu Yar-Abba, has commended the ban on the sale of foreign exchange to BDCs in the country. Yar-Abba told newsmen in Sokoto yesterday that the policy had greatly helped to sanitise the operations of BDCs. “The Federal Government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, deserves a pat on the back for implementing the policy. “Though unpalatable and highly criticised by some Nigerians, the ban is good and the government should not rescind its decision,” he said. According to him, only genuine operators will now remain in business. While calling on Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to remain resolute and committed, Yar-Abba also blamed the problems bedevilling the sub-sector on unpatriotic speculators. He, however, called on the Federal Government to accord foreign students

and genuine industrialists a special waiver. The chairman also appealed that companies with genuine outstanding goods due for importation should be given special consideration. Besides, Yar-Abba commended Buhari for refusing to devalue the Naira, saying that it would be detrimental to Nigeria’s economy. He also called for reduction in banks’ lending rates to enable more Nigerians to borrow for domestic investments. “CBN should consider reduction of its lending rate from the present 12 per cent. “Doing so will encourage industrialists to borrow money to revive dead industries and ailing ones as well as establish new ones. “This will help to reduce unemployment and restiveness as well as the attendant negative consequences on security, peace and unity. “I, therefore, urge the federal government to sustain its current efforts to improve the economy and the nation at large,” YarAbba implored.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N350bn stimulation fund: Expert tasks FG on proper planning

former President of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu, yesterday urged the Federal Government to specify strategic areas that the proposed N350bn stimulation fund would be injected into. Unegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that there must be proper planning before the injection of such funds in the economy, to avoid ex-

cess liquidity. He said there must be proper clarity and planning where the funds would be channelled into, for economy growth and development. Unegbu said government should work closely with Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to streamline fiscal and monetary policies. He explained that there must not be any disconnection between the apex bank and government in

policy management. Unegbu, however, expressed concern at the disparity between the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, and the Federal Government in the management of the economy. He stated that the major reason for increasing interest rate to 12 per cent from 11 per cent was to reduce excess liquidity. According to him, government should work

closely with CBN to avoid a policy somersault. It would be recalled that the Federal Government announced its readiness to inject N350bn into the economy in the next few months. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said that part of the money would help to offset the debt owed local contractors, who had laid-off their workers due to lack of funds.

Banks restates commitment to MSME growth

he banking industry has restated its commitment to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises, MSME, in the country. Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, said the bank had raised N30bn in corporate bonds on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. Okonkwo said the capital raising exercise was expected to enable the bank fulfill its promise to increase MSME lending to 50 per cent by 2017. He added that the bank had earmarked 80 per cent of the net proceeds of the bond to finance MSMEs, which have been peddled as the next cash cow. In a similar development, Heritage Bank Ltd said it had boosted its entrepreneurship support by the launch of N500m Young Entrepreneurs and Students, YES, Grant. Its Managing Director, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, said in Lagos that the initiative was a partnership with the Nigerian Youth Professional Forum, NYPF, to support students and young entrepreneurs toward socio-economic freedom. Sekibo said Heritage

Bank’s support for the programme arose from the fact that the initiative aligns with the vision of the bank, which is to help create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations. He added that the bank would also support the project in terms of training the beneficiaries, disbursement of the grant, monitoring and evaluation of the project’s milestones agreed with the beneficiaries. National Assembly, last week, finally passed the 2016 budget submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari. The N6.06trn budget was reduced by N17bn, to make it lower than the N6.07trn estimates presented by the President in December. The banking industry during the week also witnessed a policy decision that made the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to raise the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, an anchor rate for commercial banks. CBN, through the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, raised the MPR, the reference interest rate by 100 basis points from 11per cent to 12 per cent.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, performing the ground breaking of World Prayer City to be sited at Idu-Uruan, Uruan Local Government Area during a thanksgiving service of the outgoing chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Cletus Bassey, held at Destiny International Missions Inc., Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, yesterday.

Buhari greets Tinubu at 64 •He’s a formidable political force- Dogara Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 64th birthday today. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari believed that the rising political profile of Tinubu since he was elected a Senator in 1992 was a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness. According to the President, the same qualities had endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term governor of La-

gos State. As one of the pillars of APC, Buhari commended the visionary leadership style of the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for creating a formidable opposition party that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years. The President assured the national leader that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance, and his generous spirit would always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians. He prayed that God will grant him long life, good health, wisdom and prosperity as he steadfastly supports efforts to promote the

development of Nigeria. In the same vein, Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara described Tinubu as a formidable political force that brought changes to political landscape of Nigeria. Dogara said this yesterday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, in Abuja to congratulate Tinubu on the occasion of his 64th birthday. The speaker said the entire members of the House of Representatives used the opportunity to salute Tinubu for being a great leader who had attained milestones in Nigeria. “On this joyous occasion of your birthday, we in the House of Representatives, salute you, great leader, for

the milestones you have attained in Nigeria. “Your feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics. As a governor, you made sweeping reforms that till date, your successors are still building on and making Lagos State proud. “In politics, you have been a formidable force, helping to put together a great political party that won power at the centre in Nigeria. “You have proved to be a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed. “As you mark yet another year, my prayer for you is that God will continue to consolidate your efforts and crown them all with success,” Dogara was quoted as saying in the statement.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

SUPER TUESDAY

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

2016 Budget: Reps escape the trap, pass integrity test 14

Politicians with strong religious inclinations should be given appointments —Tambuwal Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

okoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday advised that politicians with strong religious inclination should be given opportunity to hold political appointments. Tambuwal said appointing into public offices politicians who recognized religion as a veritable tool

for peace, progress and sustainable development would solve the current problem of cohesion facing the country. Attributing the challenges of ethnicity and religious intolerance facing the country to the recurrence of ethno-religious conflicts plaguing country, Tambuwal while delivering lecture titled: “Religious Tolerance and Challenges of Democratic Governance”, during

CCT: Saraki’s trial is political —Kwara Speaker Wole Adedeji Ilorin

he Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. . Ali Ahmad has said the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT is borne out of a quarrel between him and some individuals. Not only that, Ahmad, a lawyer said Saraki’s ordeal in court is not for corruption but simply political in nature. Speaking at a forum in Ilorin, the Speaker who is an ardent political disciple of the Senate President, said; “the issue with the Senate Presidency and some of the people in the party is political and national. “Kwara and myself as a Speaker don’t have anything to do with it. But as a lawyer, I might have one idea or suggestion to make. As it happened in court, Kanu Agabi,SAN made his final submission. He said: my Lord, the parable of what is happening is like when two politicians are fighting on the street. One had an upper hand. And the other, having been defeated came to the tribunal asking it to assist him in beating his assailant. He also asked the tribunal to allow him to achieve what he could not have achieved.”

Holding a position that Saraki’s alleged sin is applicable to politicians he said; “that is what is happening. It is not about corruption trial. If you ask 99 per cent of politicians, there will be one infraction or the other regarding the filling of the assets declaration form. If you spot a mistake in something that was filled eleven years ago, which many politicians are guilty of, and you hold somebody in for trial immediately he defeated you, then it says a lot about the legitimacy of the war against corruption. It is a minus on the fight against corruption. “What surprises one is that things that were happening in the era of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are still happening. When you say you don’t want to intervene because it is a corruption case, it is wrong. I will compare this with what is happening in Kogi State. The same thing is being done and you keep quiet. That in itself is injustice” the Speaker added. “When you see a seemingly innocent person, who is being hounded to court and you say you don’t want to intervene...I would have expected somebody to say, ok take all the other politicians to the CCB. Why Saraki alone? Why his ordeal after he has defeated the President in the bid for Senate Presidency?

the 4th & 5th Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University, Osogbo, stressed that the phenomena of ethno-religious conflict has plagued and threatened the existence of the nation owing to bad leadership. He averred: “However, the soaring tides of poverty, unemployment, ethnoreligious crisis, poor infrastructure, environmental hazards, insecurity and particularly bad leadership have converged to deny the country the potential to reach the benchmark of development in the 21st Cen-

tury. “Irrespective of our differences, ethnic and religion, we must continue to understand one another for the benefit of all and our differences should not divide us, but rather strengthen the unity of this country, which is a country of many diversity and there lies our strength in diversity. “Muslim should continue to seek knowledge and understanding of the religion of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and was propounded on the basis peace. “Our prophet Muhammad accommodated the

Jews and non-Muslims even in his mosque to conduct their own services, so, we should continue to engage and respect one another.” Speaking further, the former speaker, House of Representatives, also blamed mismanagement of natural resources and misrule by elites from all divides for the impoverishment of majority Nigerians, “ saying since independence, religious and ethnic rhetoric has leveraged claims to political representation and opportunities. “Corruption and incom-

petent leadership have added another dimension to the ugly phenomena in not only preventing equitable distribution of resources and opportunities but in also making the politics of religious and the ethnic exclusivity more appealing. “The nation therefore needs to evolve a system of leadership selection and accountability, which produces the sort of leaders that would confront the challenges associated with our history, socio-economic inequality, and building viable institutions for democracy and good governance.”

Dignitaries at the APC National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, recently.

Lagos assembly charges MDAs on financial discipline

he Lagos State House of Assembly has insisted on the need for government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs to ensure strict compliance with the financial regulation guiding income and expenditure and other spending of public funds that would portray principle of accountability, probity and financial discipline. Chairman House Committee on Public Account,

Hon. Moshood Oshun stated this, as he tasked heads of government’s agencies and parastatals that appeared before the Committee to clarify issues raised by the office of the Auditor General of the state in relation to strict adherence to financial provisions and guidelines for all agencies. Hon. Oshun reiterated the need for all government agencies to show seriousness and adherence

to what the law passed by the Assembly on financial regulation stipulated while carrying out their duties and obligation. According to him, accountability, probity and financial diligence should be the watchword for all agencies as the Assembly would not condone any deviation or financial recklessness by any agency of government. He however reassured all Lagosians of the com-

mitment of his Committee and indeed the Lagos Assembly to various developmental projects of the state government in a way that would enhance the welfare of all Lagosians. The Chairman also implores the MDAs to forward their needs and challenges to the Committee with a view to finding solutions to their problems. The exercise is expected to last for three weeks.

Politics

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s future is bright with Buhari —Tejuoso Senator Lanre Tejuoso hails from Abeokuta North Local Government and represents Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly. He was also the chairman of the National Convention Committee of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) in 2011 that led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the Presidential flagbearer of CPC. In this interview with OLUBUNMI OMOOGUN, he says the future is bright under President Muhammadu Buhari. He also speaks on why Ogun State, particularly Abeokuta is a political hub in Nigeria among other issues. Excerpts. Now that the much awaited budget has been passed. From where you are standing as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, do you think it will meet the aspirations and hope of the masses in Nigeria? Yes, the budget has been passed and it is short of a very little percentage which I believe is an advantage to reduce the interest the country will be paying for a loan. I believe what is important in this budget is the operator of this budget who is a trusted President because it’s not the budget that is the real issue here, it’s who is going to operate it. So we have a President with integrity that we all believe in and we are confident that what he said he will do, he will achieve it. And that’s the most important aspect of this budget. It’s the operator that matters, it’s not the figures, we have different figures every year but nothing really to show for it. Now that we have a trusted President Muhammadu Buhari, we can be rest assured that the future is bright. In that wise, how will you assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in the last nine months in spite of the dwindling oil revenue and instability in the oil sector? I will want you to equate the present situation to a man building a new house, at the foundation stage nobody sees anything, because the foundation is deep down but now he is trying to build up to the stage that people will start to see the structure gradually shaping up in its true form and strength. The strength of a building stems from its foundation so that is the foundation we are laying down now and of course people that are desperate to have a roof over their heads will be eager to see the house completed. That’s just painting a picture of what we are seeing now. Ogun state have had loads of influential political figures and a Nobel Laureate, the first African to be honoured with such award. You must be very proud you are representing a state as Ogun? Ogun state, I will say is a blessed state with blessed people. Ogun is also a land of opportunities. Egba people formed the first government in Nigeria called the Egba United Government. For such a people to have created a government at that early stage even before Nigeria, you should expect that we were going to have a lot of successes. There was a strong tendency that Ogun state was going to be a rallying point politically in Nigeria. The current National Assembly seems to have found its rhythm after the initial mild storm. Should Nigerians now expect more bills and motions that will drive the change the masses clamoured for? Well, the situation where we have found ourselves in this country, it has no direct relevance whether we have bills or no bills. There have been so many bills that have passed through the National Assembly. What we need is making all the bills we have passed work and maybe reverse some of them for it to reflect the time and season that we are in. Of course, the yearning of the people, mostly economic and infrastructure improvement and issues that are related to the economic capability of the nation. So we just need to sharpen our economic team. We need to be more creative with our laws concerning improving the economy which I believe is more in the hands of the executive arm of government. We can just keep on pushing and letting the executive realise the cry of the people by clamouring for better deals for the ordinary citizens of Nigeria on the floor of the chambers.

Tejuoso

I will want you to equate the present situation to a man building a new house, at the foundation stage nobody sees anything, because the foundation is deep down but now he is trying to build up to the stage that people will start to see the structure gradually shaping up in its true form.

Human nature is key in addressing such problem as this Ebola crisis. Whenever there is report of some infection breakout, everybody is on alert and do the right things. When you send information out, it causes anxiety and people obey and observe all the precautionary steps to keep such crisis at bay at our airports and borders. Tell them to do their temperature checks at the airports, people are patient to observe them only when there is crisis. What we need is to ensure that people don’t wait until when there is crisis before they do the minimum needful. It is a continuous exercise to avoid the Few days ago news filtered in that Ebola crept back Sawyer case to repeat itself. We can’t say because we are to Guinea. If we remember the Sawyer case how he got Ebola- free, then we stop monitoring the health status of to Nigeria. As Chairman Committee on Health, should visitors coming into this country. So it is important we do the Nigeria be watchful at this time? right thing.

You served on the same cabinet in Ogun state with the current minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun. You are both at the national level representing different arms. Could this be attributed to leadership qualities that paved the way for the national assignment? Of course, I will give the credit to the Governor of Ogun state, His excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun for giving us the opportunity to serve the state at that point. The governor it must be said has an eye for good quality and you can see it. People claim that the state cabinet of 2011 to 2015 was the best in the country. We were good students of Senator Ibikunle Amosun. We worked conscientiously under him and you can very well see the successes.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

DPR seals 8 filling stations in Akwa Ibom

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Eket, Akwa Ibom, said on Sunday that it sealed eight filling stations in the state for operating without valid licenses. Mr. Bassey Nkanga, DPR’s Controller (Operations), in charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket. Nkanga told NAN that many filling stations in the state, including some owned by Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) members, were operating without valid licenses. According to him, only about 50 per cent of the filling stations had valid licenses. He said that the department had commenced “vigorous inspection” of filling stations with a view to identifying and sealing those operating without valid licenses. The controller of operations advised owners of the sealed stations to regularise their licenses to have their outlets reopened. He warned against operating without valid licenses and advised such dealers to desist from the act or face the wrath of the law. “Some of the filling stations in Akwa Ibom do not have DPR’s licenses. Henceforth any filling station without a license will not be allowed to operate,” he added.

Naval Officers and some newsmen, during the 2016 Exercise Obangame and Sahara Express in Nigerian water.

…NSCDC arrests 13 vandals

he Akwa Ibom Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday said it arrested 13 suspected vandals last Friday. The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Emmanuel Ojeniyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo that the suspects would be charged to court immediately the ongoing investigation was completed on the matter. ``On Friday, 13 vandals were arrested and brought to this command and we are investigating. ``As soon as investigations are completed by Tuesday they will be charged to court,” Ojeniyi said. He said that the collaboration of his men with other security agencies had led to reduction in cases of vandalism in the state. The state commandant warned vandals and other criminals that delighted in

adulterating petroleum products to desist from the act as the state would not be conducive for their business. He said the command would not relent on its mandate of protecting critical infrastructure belonging to government in any part of

the country. Ojeniyi also called on private security companies in the state that had not renewed their licence for 2016 to do so immediately. He said that the command would soon embark on inspection of private guard

companies and that those which were yet to renew their licences would be sanctioned. The corps commandant said that oil theft, petroleum products adulteration and vandalism of electricity installations would be eliminated in the state with the

cooperation of other security agencies. He appealed to Akwa Ibom residents to regard security agents as their friends and should volunteer useful information on the activities of criminals to the command for prompt action.

Calabar residents decry heaps of refuse

esidents of Calabar, Cross River State, have decried the heaps of refuse in the city, expressing fears that they could cause outbreak of diseases, if not cleared. The residents expressed their opinions during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Calabar on Sunday. They said the refuse had continued to piled up in the state capital, especially in Parliament/Akai axis, Ikot Ishie area, State Housing Estate, Marian Market and Chamley

area of the city. Mr. Umoh Edem who resides in Akai Street, said the heaps of refuse along the street had become a source of concern to the people. ``This is very disgusting and the authorities concerned should please evacuate them,” Edem said. Mrs. Grace Umanah, a trader at Marian Market, said the stench from the refuse in the market had become worrisome. Umanah said that it could lead to outbreak of cholera or

other diseases, if the heaps were not cleared immediately. She said: ``With the rain that has set in, the dump is becoming an eye-sore. Government should please do something urgently to avoid possible outbreak of epidemic.” An environmentalist, Mr. Edward Ayuk, described the emergence of heaps of refuse in the city as dangerous to the health of the residents. ``It is not healthy for the residents, especially now that the rainy season is beginning. Apart from polluting the en-

vironment, it breeds flies and other vectors that spread diseases”, he said. An official of the Calabar Urban Development Agency (CUDA), Mr Willam Henshaw, however, told NAN that the agency was doing its best to evacuate the refuse. Henshaw said CUDA was constrained by inadequate trucks to perform as expected. ``We do not have enough trucks for now, but we are working everyday and all the areas will be taken care of ”, he said.

A’Ibom to demolish illegal filling station in Uyo

he Akwa Ibom Government is to demolish one illegal filling station being constructed along Oron Road in Nyong Essien area of Uyo local government area of the state. Mr. Iniobong Essien, the state Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Monday. Essien said that the structure was illegal, adding that the environment was not suitable for the filling station in the area. ``There is a petrol station coming up somewhere in Oron road around Nyong Essien Street. ``We want to tell whoever is putting up the filling station to stop it because the building has already been marked for demolition,’’ Essien said. He advised the owner of the station that the state government would not allow the structure to be erected there. ``We want to appeal to the owner that any other thing could be suitable for the place but certainly not a filling station,’’ he said. The commissioner also decried the habit of building on gutters to obstruct the drains. ``Wherever you have illegal structures particularly on the waterways, those structures will go and if the construction of the buildings have no permit, government would not compensate the owners. ``We appeal to all concerned to go and get government permit and approval for whatever buildings they want to put up in order to avoid demolition in the future,” said Essien.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police pledge support for export/import industry

Chief (Mrs) Elemi Rewane (right) with Olu of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli during the Rewane Chieftancy renewal in Warri, recently.

he Police in Edo State have expressed interest in assisting the Organisation of Exporters and Importers of Nigeria (OREIN). Edo Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, gave this hint in Benin when the leadership of OREIN, Edo State chapter visited him on a courtesy call at the police headquarters in the state capital. Ezike enjoined members of the group to operate within the ambit of the law and use their good offices to develop businesses that would earn Ni-

geria more foreign exchange. He said: “We want to encourage you to tell your members to eschew bad things. If your members are known cultists, we are not going to partner with them. We will not work with you if your members engage in things that bring society down instead of bring society up. “You promote export and import activities. The time is obviously now where we are expected to export more and earn more foreign exchange, not only being dependent on

oil,” he said. The state Director/Coordinator, OREIN, Prince Cletus Agbaingbe, said the aims and objectives of the organisation was, among other things, to ensure job creation from the pool of unemployed youths with the support of relevant securities agencies in the state. He said the delegation considered it appropriate to “create a working synergy” with the state police for endorsement for a smooth monitoring operation in the state. Agbaingbe, who was accom-

panied on the visit by prominent members of the body, listed job creation for unemployed able youths and promotion of export activities as the core mission statement of the group. OREIN, is a Non-Governmental Organisation and nonpartisan group, which seeks to regulate the activities of Exporters and Importers in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring businessmen and women abhor acts that undermine public safety in Nigeria.

Esan Central Local Government Area the state. He explained that their interest in Odubu was to uphold the infrastructural and human capacity development of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He also revealed that his group had embarked on a sensitisation and awareness campaign in order to sustain the pace of development currently in the state, even as he said the support for Odubu was

‘total’ and that the group would do its best to bring his aspiration to bear. “The group will support Odubu to the end, before, during and after the primaries. We will do all that is humanly possible to see that his aspiration is achieved. “This state cannot afford to let those who are not intellectually competent, those who do not understand where we are now in terms of what has been

achieved so far in our developmental strides. “It is our firm belief that Odubu has been tested, has deep understanding of the various sectors in the state, has been a part of the successes achieved by this present administration, and so, will do better to improve on what’s on ground. “He is experienced, and has promised to look into agriculture, wealth creation, industrialization.”

Edo guber: Odubu gets more support as APC candidate

pan-Edo socio-political organisation, N’Edo Gheria, has expressed support for Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, even as he urged delegates to the All Progressives Congress, APC, party primary to elect and nominate him as candidate for the coming governorship elections. Coordinator of the group, Mr. Agene Patrick, made this known yesterday in Ujabhole-Uwessan,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Missing woman found dead in deep well

Fuel scarcity persists in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Four die in Ibadan auto crash Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ragedy struck in Ibadan in the early hours of yesterday as four people met their untimely death in an auto crash at Uncle Joe axis of the Mokola-Sango expressway. National Mirror learnt that the only survivor from the lone accident, a lady is presently on danger list in an undisclosed hospital with serious injuries and a broken leg. It was gathered that the five people, three boys and two ladies were coming from a night club together with oth-

ers in two separate cars. An eyewitness said the three cars were coming from the Dugbe axis of the road heading for Sango area with high speed during which the blue Corona car with registration number Lagos EKD 470BJ, lost control while trying to overtake the other cars in the convoy. The car reportedly collided with a concrete wall in the middle of the road with four of the five people in the car, a lady and three boys dead on the spot while the fifth person, a lady survived with serious injuries. The eyewitness stated that some bottles of sub-

stances suspected hot drinks were recovered from the car when the dead bodies of were being brought out of the car. It was further lear nt that it took men of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, the Nigeria Police and others about an hour before the four dead bodies could be recovered from the already mangled car. While confirming the incident, the Oyo State spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Oluwaseun Onijala, said three male adults died in the accident while a lady

who was critically injured was rushed to the state General Hospital, Adeoyo for treatment. While stating that the lone accident occurred around 2am, he declared that preliminary investigations have shown that the accident was as a result of speed limit violation and that the driver of the car was driving under influence of alcohol. The FRSC spokesperson added that the three dead bodies have been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital mortuary while the only surviving lady is also receiving treatment at the same hospital.

church’s headquarters in Lagos over the weekend. The Cleric said the bill which seeks to prohibit public preaching after 8pm daily, while also seeking to mandate preachers to obtain license before they could preach, is a ploy to gag Christian’s that are known for night vigil and crusades. He added that the proposed law, apart from offending the provision of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is also against the spirit of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which guarantee the freedom of worship

among other rights. Okafor, vowed that if the Kaduna State Government goes ahead with the bill, which he said might cause religious crisis in the country and set the people against each other, he would have no option than to seek redress in the law court to quash what he said is ‘’an obnoxious law aimed at gagging Christians.’’ The cleric called on other Christian leaders in the country to rise up and lend their voice against the proposed law now, adding that once it succeeds in Kaduna, it would be replicated in other

parts of the country. ‘’Today it is Christians in Kaduna State, but tomorrow it may be Christians elsewhere.’’ ‘’If we fail to act today, it may be too late to cry in future. Kaduna is a text case, it will definitely spread to other parts of the country,’’ he said. ‘’On my part, apart from crying out against the evil of the proposed bill in my preachings, I have made up my mind that if the state government refused to withdraw it, I will challenged the legality or otherwise of the bill in the law court. I am already preparing my lawyers for this,’’ Okafor said

Withdraw the anti-public preaching bill, Okafor urges El- Rufai G benga O gunbuf unmi

s controversy continued to trail the current bill aimed at prohibiting public preaching before the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry (a.k.a Liberation City), Pastor Dr Chris Okafor, has called on Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to withdraw the controversial bill in the interest of the country. Pastor Okafor made the call while speaking with journalists at the

41-year-old woman, Antinlola Adeyemi, declared missing for about four days by family members, has been found dead in a deep well on Monday in Lagos. Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Fadipe Rasaq, confir med this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. Rasaq said that the family had been looking for her for about four days before her lifeless body was discovered on Monday. “The family had been looking for her. Her body was discov-

ered in the well and we were infor med at about 9.30 a.m.; when we got there, she was already swollen. “It was only her back we were seeing. It was difficult to bring her out. At the time we brought her out, the corpse was handed over to Isheri Police Division police officers. “ T h e we l l is situ ate d in fron t of th e h ou se s al on g th e powe r l in e s wh e re il l e g al bu il din g s an d oth e r str u ctu re s we re de mol ish e d in Iko tu n are a n ot too l on g a g o,” Rasaq said.

Taskforce pledges total enforcement of traffic laws in Lagos

he newly appointed Chairman of Lagos Task Force on Traffic management, Mr Saheed Egbeyemi, on Monday pledged to ensure total enforcement of traffic laws in the state. He therefore urged the police and paramilitary officers to be more dedicated in service and proactive to duty. Egbeyemi, who is a Superintendent of Police, made the call while addressing police and paramilitary officers working with the agency. He also urged them to ensure the enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Laws of 2012. Egbeyemi, however, noted that there was a lot of work to be carried out. ``The agency will not relent in enforcing the Lagos Road Traffic Laws of 2012. ``We, therefore, urge road users across the state to always adhere strictly to regulations guiding conduct of drivers in Lagos. ``Any motorists caught disobeying the laws by either driving against traffic or causing obstructions on roads,by packing illegally or picking and

dropping passengers at un-approved locations will have his or her vehicle impounded according to the laws,’’ he said. On motorcycle operators, the chair man pledged total clamp down on those who either voluntarily or otherwise ply restricted routes across the state. He said that since he resumed office as chair man of the agency on March 14, no fewer than 57 ‘Okada’ have been impounded. According to him, 75 street traders have also been apprehended and charged to court accordingly. Eg be ye mi w ar n e d th ose h aw kin g fu e l in je r ry can s al on g h ig h w ays an d oth e r roads across th e state to de sist from doin g so. He war ned that henceforth anyone caught would be charged to court and also have his fuel confiscated. He equally war ned petrol attendants to stop dispensing fuel into jer ry-cans for their customers in order to discourage storage of fuel in homes which he said could cause fire outbreak.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Asiwaju BAT: The Change Agent @ 64 Joe Igbokwe

change agent is a patient and yet persistent visionary; he is knowledgeable and leads by example, and maintains strong relationships built on trust. A change agent lives in future, not the present. A change agent has a strong ability to self-motivate. And a change agent has the ability to continue striving toward high and challenging objectives regardless of the circumstances. He has the ability to convince and persuade others about the vision. He can touch minds and hearts and influence without authority. Now enter Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one of the greatest change agents in Nigeria today; the builder and the motivator of men. To document Asiwaju Tinubu’s exploits as change agent since the 90s will take more than a three thousand page book on a conservative estimate. His deep involvement in the struggle for the de-annulment of June 12 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola earned him a place of honor as a hero of democracy in my book,’ Heroes of Democracy’ published in 1999. In 1999, Asiwaju BAT became the executive governor of Lagos State and in eight years this avatar, this game changer, and great scholar in the finest tradition laid a solid foundation that has led Lagos to become the fastest growing city in Africa, whose economy

is bigger than those of Cameroun, Ghana, Cote de Voire, Senegal etc. When this icon set up a 40 man committee in 1999 to fashion out a template for Lagos State development, many did not know what was on his mind, but today we know better: Lagos has become a huge melting point in the face of Nigerian dwindling opportunities. In 2003, Lagos was the only state left for the progressives in Nigeria after the PDP finished its boisterous rigging in that year’s general elections. But with dint of hard work and power constructive engagement, Asiwaju led his large army of bridge builders to move from AD to AC, AC to ACN and ACN to APC. Today, APC is in control of the Federal Government and 22 states. Asiwaju BAT’s infinite capacity to lift great number of men and women across this country irrespective of tribe or tongue has made him a giant in Nigeria. He sacrificed his personal comfort, family comfort and the comfort of his extended family members by throwing his gates open to all and sundry, the rich and the poor at any given time without discrimination. Asiwaju’s impeccable character to forgive his adversaries and political enemies has put him thousands of miles ahead of his rivals. If anybody had told me that Asiwaju BAT will find a place in his heart to forgive some newspaper houses, AIT and others who preached hate (if you have an idea of what they did) in the

The story of Asiwaju BAT remains a

powerful testimony of a great builder…and change agent course of 2015 elections I would not have believed it. Only Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can show this kind of magnanimity and forgiveness. Asiwaju tried in 2011 with other like minds to build an alliance to dislodge PDP, but it suffered a great set back. PDP survived. In 2014 the bubble burst for PDP. How the Jagaban of Borgu managed to deploy his deep connection and extensive huge network to work with like minds across Nigeria to form APC will remain a case study for political science departments in Nigeria. Like earlier said, the story of Asiwaju BAT remains a powerful testimony of a great builder, giver, organizer, facilitator, motivator, and change agent. In doing his service for humanity, the Omenife Awka has made many friends, and has also attracted many enemies. While genuine friends celebrate their hero and pray to God to keep the man that has added values to their lives, the enemies look for ways to tear down the colossus. They hang every negative thing

on his shoulder. They blame him for bad weather; they blame him for political and economic setbacks. They blame him for every problem under the sun. Asiwaju’s meteoric political success has bred mortal enemies and petty jealousies, envies and deep seated fear amongst the political Lilliputians and minions, who kiss the dust in the midst of his many political victories. Today, Asiwaju is perhaps the most feared and dreaded political leader in the country. His enemies are consumed by petty envy at his giant political strides, but their fear-induced pettiness has neither bothered nor held back Asiwaju. For those haters,Asiwaju BAT has these words for them: “I set my goals and objectives in accordance with my vision. I study them and strategically execute them. My detractors discuss my successes and failure because they have nothing to execute. I am in the news more because I’m working; Nigerians discuss active men in the field. Mentioning any negative news about me will double the wealth of any news media that published it. My name today is a financial market for journalists. Not even elected politicians get the publicity I am enjoying…Even my weaknesses create wealth for vendors” Igbokwe is the Publicity Secretary of APC Lagos.

Rivers and its banal politics Destiny Isiguzo

These people do not

seek power to make

lections in Nigeria are generally defined by tensions, that is tensions from the fire stoked by Nigerian politicians. They ignite the fire and allow poor innocent and ignorant electorate to be consumed by it. The state of our economy, which has impoverished majority of our citizens, has made many Nigerians willing tools for political warfare. I am always in anguish most times I think political thugs are captives who are fighting for the benefits of their captors. They have forgotten that these people they file behind do not have their interest at heart. These bloody politicians are just there for their personal interests, nothing more, and nothing less! What the heck is wrong with these political thugs who have been recruited by political parties and politicians? What is happening in Rivers State? These ignorant thugs are suffering from chronic Stockholm syndrome, they are in love with and sympathetic to the cause of their captors. They have forgotten they do not have good roads or even drinkable water. No jobs and affordable quality education is an illusion for the poor. Are they fighting for PDP or APC or is it for Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike? Have they forgotten that these two were yesterday political associates, one a Governor, the other his chief of staff ? They were erstwhile paddies when they

us better; they don’t have our interest at heart had common interest. How can we forget so soon? Why are we suffering from collective amnesia? These people do not seek power to make us better; they don’t have our interest at heart. What caused their fight? Conflict of interest, betrayal, sheer ego, greed, inordinate ambition. What is the difference between APC and PDP, why are we fighting and killing each other for people who were yesterday’s PDP members and praise singers and have only changed their names to APC because the formal house can no longer guarantee their interest? Old wine in new bottles. We must begin to have this consciousness that we need not be willing tools of violence for Nigerian politicians. They divide us most when they want to rip us off. The other day, President Buhari said they would not give forex to Nigerian students studying abroad, insisting that only the rich who could afford foreign currencies at the parallel market should send their children abroad. What does that tell you? He is simply saying we should stay in Nigeria and vote them or “may be” carry arms and ensure they are voted into office, get enriched in the

process so that they would be able to sponsor their children abroad while our children go through the rotten on and off system of education we have in Nigeria. Yet most people keep shouting their voices hoarse and perpetrating violence to help put these captors that have put us in chains maybe for just few crispy naira notes while millions of dollars are stolen and starched in their houses and foreign accounts. More than five persons lost their lives with many others wounded in the inconclusive Rivers State re-run elections. I am not saying Nigerians should be indifferent to power, no! We must participate in politics by voting credible candidates without involving in any form of violence or bitterness. Our able bodied young men and women must resist being instruments of lawlessness. For Christ sake, these politicians and political officeholders have their children in schools abroad and when they come back, they take up the best jobs. Just look at the recent secret recruitment of the children of powerful people in Nigeria at CBN. What is then our lot? After all the political war, who gains at last? Not me, not you. Let me remind you, Nyesome Wike is the governor of Rivers State and Dakuku Peterside is the current NIMASA boss, what appointment did you get? The violence that marred the River State re-run elections must be condemned. These politicians directly

or indirectly instigate and support this violence and bloodletting. How come we don’t know that they are all the same kind of people? About 11 cabinet members of the APC Federal Executive Council were either in PDP as party chairman or chieftain, governor, minister, special adviser, or senator etc. The past PDP administration is termed corrupt, which seems to be true with the magnitude of corruption and loot discoveries that are jaw breaking. The present APC administration has touted this fact, but we know some of the black sheep of the formal administration are allies of this current government and that makes them also fraudulent and worst still clueless with the present economic situation of this country traceable to absence of sound and clear economic and fiscal policies. This is also the reality in Rivers State, where Amaechi and the likes of Peterside were members of PDP inner caucus. They have become saints and progressives over night for renaming themselves APC. Nigerians must begin to see through the smokescreens. Believe me very few of them have our interests at heart. We must wake up to this reality. Isiguzo is on the Arts Desk of this newspaper 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 March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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 BEN MEMULETIWON n ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI n 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

Fuel scarcity till May, perhaps beyond

inister of State for Petroleum Resources/Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, dropped a grim hint recently when he said the lingering fuel scarcity would persist till the end of the month of May this year. According to him, NNPC’s rate of importing refined petroleum products into the country had gone beyond the 50 per cent mark to 100 per cent. This is another way of saying the nation imports 100 per cent of her refined petroleum products’ needs, since all the country’s four refineries are virtually non- functional. Kachikwu said: “ … NNPC has moved from a 50 per cent importer of products to basically a 100 per cent importer. And the 445,000 barrels that were allocated (to local refineries) was to cover between 50 and 55 percent importation. So, it is quite frankly sheer magic that we even have the amount of products at the stations. The President and I discussed extensively on how to get more crude directed at importation. His Excellency will rather have less crude, but have individuals in the society suffer less with inconveniences, than have more crude and have them continue to suffer”. The long and short of Kachik-

wu’s take on the matter is that NNPC allocates 445,000 barrels of crude oil daily to Nigeria’s four refineries – two in Port Harcourt, one in Warri and the remaining one in Kaduna. But late last year, the allocation was halted because of the comatose state of the refineries, leading to the 445,000 barrels of crude meant for them being diverted to refineries abroad under an Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA); and crude oil for (refined petroleum products’) swap arrangements contracted by the NNPC. With the nation’s four refineries in a sorry state, government believes the OPA and swap alternatives are more prudent ways of putting the 445,000bpd meant for local refineries into gainful use. Kachikwu says the 445,000 barrels now take care of 50 to 55 percent of petroleum products imported into the country; and that when the country becomes strong enough in local refining capacity, locally refined products would be left unsold in the reservoir to boost supply and availability in times of scarcity, as is now the case in the country. From Kachikwu’s logic, it is clear that Nigeria would not be under the spell of persistent fuel scarcity at present had local refining capacity (both public and private) been beefed up before now. All through the period the

na-

Now that the

twelve and 18 months? What brought about the report that government has the Department of Petroleum realised its folly, it Resources (DPR) granted 25 private refinery licences to interis common Nigerians ested investors in the oil refinthat are already ing sector - 21 in the Licence to Establish (LTE) category; and bearing the brunt another four in the Approval to Construct (ATC) – category? tion returned to democratic For too long, Nigerians of all rule in 1999 to last year, when backgrounds have been lamentPresident Muhammadu Buhari ing the handling of both the nacame to power, the pervasive, tion’s upstream and downstream yet wrong impression governoil sectors. But the government ment advisers, including NNPC played it down because it allowed experts and their collaborators, NNPC to operate as a parallel dished out was that refining the government and the cash cow nation’s crude locally made no of a reckless political class. Now economic sense. that the government has realised Is it not quite intriguing that its folly, it is common Nigerians the falsehood has now been that are already bearing the exposed by no less a man than brunt, since the lingering fuel Kachikwu, who has been in the scarcity, disgraceful electricity NNPC system? If refining Nigesupply, high cost of dollars, plumria’s crude locally was as unvimeting value of the naira, slump able as the government made in the price of crude oil and a Nigerians to believe before now, largely disappointing private how come it is being calculated sector, have cumulatively shut up presently that if the country bethe inflationary rate and cost of comes strong in local refining ca- living astronomically. Therefore, pacity, locally refined petroleum as the government grapples with products would be left unsold in stabilizing fuel and electricity the reservoir to boost supply and supply, it should also seek ways availability in times of scarcity? of ameliorating the pains of What informed Federal Govordinary Nigerians and their ernment’s initiative with Joint ominous signs of mass disconVenture (JV) partners to end the tent with the grinding economic importation of refined petropains in the country. leum products between the next

ON THIS DAY March 29, 1999

March 29, 2010

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 10,000 mark (10,006.78) for the first time, during the height of the internet boom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, also called the Industrial Average, the Dow Jones, the Dow Jones Industrial, the Dow 30, or simply the Dow, is a stock market index; and one of several indices created by Wall Street Journal editor and Dow Jones & Company co-founder, Charles Dow.

Two female suicide bombers hit the Moscow Metro system at the peak of morning rush hour, killing 40 people and injuring over 100 others. Officials said it was “the deadliest and most sophisticated terrorist attack in the Russian capital in six years”, a reference to the Avtozavodskaya and Rizhskaya bombings in 2004. About 500,000 people were commuting through the metro system when the bombers struck.

March 29, 2014 The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales were performed. Same-sex marriage is legal in the United Kingdom, with the exception of Northern Ireland. Marriage is a devolved issue in parts of UK; and the status of same-sex marriage is different in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed by the Parliament of UK in July 2013.

Business

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Investors repatriate N58bn from Nigeria in two months 21

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tackling forest depletion crisis through legislative, proactive measures 24

Appraising alleged sharp practices’ implications for NAICOM’s roles in insurance industry

Ex-lawmaker urges Nigerians on Made-inNigeria goods 22 AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline

Last week, the public was shocked when workers of insurance industry’s regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), took to the streets in Abuja, protesting over alleged corruption, financial mismanagement and nepotism of the insurance industry regulatory institution. Rasaq Olalekan and Isaac Asabor, in this report, examine the implications of this development for the industry.

hen the workers of NAICOM embarked on strike and protested at the commission’s head office in Abuja last week over alleged corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and other due process infractions by the authorities of insurance industry regulator, it took many industry stakeholders by surprise. This was because the same regulator had sanctioned companies, in the past, for committing these abnormalities and in some cases, sacked their boards and took over

the management of such insurance companies Some of the companies sanctioned by the Commission over alleged mismanagement and nondisclosure of accounts and other infractions include, Goldlink Insurance Plc, International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc, Goldlink Insurance Plc, Alliance and General Insurance Company Ltd, A&G Life Assurance Plc, Fidelity Bond Insurance, Spring Life and Investment and Allied Insurance Plc Industry observers, who felt

A lot of insurance companies don’t pay claims, they try to shy away from claims. So, if the regulator is already bedeviled with

issues of corruption, mismanagement of fund, nepotism, and so on, they have no power to ensure that the insurance companies that have collected premiums pay the claims

jolted by the ugly scenario at the corporate head office of the commission last week, argued that if the allegations against the management of the commission were established, then this portends a major blow on the credibility of NAICOM as a regulator, especially, at a time the entire insurance industry is battling negative perception of the public, which could further lead to low insurance adoption, penetration, acceptance and profitability. An incident like this one, experts said, is worth bringing, to justice, the culprits to set example, urging the Federal Government, who is overseeing the affairs of the commission not to sweep the matter under the carpet, but to punish those found culpable, saying, inability to let justice reign is an invitation to setting a bad example to insurance operators the commission is supervising. The workers under the

aegis of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE) asked President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in order to curb the excesses of the executive management. They threatened that the strike could last for one week if no meaningful action was taken to address their grievances. The protesters carried several placards, some of which had inscriptions such as” Corruption in NAICOM’, N9m- NAICOM executive management bribe politicians; George Onakhena spent $70,000 on medical fitness’, Mismanagement in NAICOIM’, Nepotism, Favouritism in NAICOM’, Minister of Finance confirmed undergraduate as Director (Inspectorate) in NAICOM.” The staff equally took their grievances to the National Assembly(NASS) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, where they met with the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters, who promised to wade into the matter. AUPCTRE Chairman, NAICOM chapter, Comrade Ibrahim Abdulateef, had alleged that CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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

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

Business News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Appraising alleged sharp practices’ implications for NAICOM’s roles in insurance industry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 there had been gross mismanagement of funds by the executive management and lack of due process in staff recruitment. He said: “We also observed that the Deputy Commissioner (finance & admin), Mr George Onakhena has been working for the Commission and receiving remuneration without evidence of renewal of his appointment by Mr. President.” Abdulateef said that theworkers were particularly displeased over NAICOM’s non-adherence to government circulars and financial regulations, lack of transparency in staff recruitment and promotions, non-provision of working tools, failure to conduct 2015 promotion exams, and refusal to release 2014 promotion letters. He clarified further: “On non-adherence to government circulars and financial regulations, the Commission had consistently been violating government circulars such as the eight year tenure for directors and permanent secretaries and regulations on authorisations and payment” “The Commission with disregard to due process employed and confirmed the appointment of Mr. Barineka Thompson as Director (Inspectorate) and Mrs. Folahan Biyere as Assistant director (human resources). The Minister of Finance was not correctly briefed about the profile of the two persons before she appended her signature for the appointments,” he added. When contacted for response on this issue, Director General, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Sunday Thomas, said the incident is an internal issue that needs to be addressed internally, and that the body will not comment on an issue that does not directly concern the operators. However, an Insurance agent, who pleaded that his identity should not be in print, said the development was a sad one, because ‘a leader must lead by example and whenever a leader fails in this responsibility, then, his ability to lead is questioned.’ Stating that the insurance industry is currently suffering from negative public perception, he noted that the current development was like adding insult to injury. “ The industry is bedeviled with a lot of negative perception. Because of this, any right or wrong move, such as this, will have a direct impact on the confidence of the people towards insurance services. Because any problem that goes into the fabrics of insurance industry is going to affect all of us. “I don’t think it’s a development that the industry should take in light mood, it’s an issue that the whole industry should stand up and fight. The regulatory body, should not, by any means, be found of that allegations. Going forward, the regulator should ensure that he does everything right, so that it can have the

charisma to regulate and supervise the industry in the best possible ways,” he concluded. Speaking to National Mirror over the weekend on behalf of Insurance companies’ shareholders, the President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, said that if the allegations of the workers were found to be true, then it implies that the commission was indicted for the same offence it had punished insurance companies of committing in the past. He quipped: “That is why we are asking questions; who regulates the regulator? It is easy to regulate companies and filing penalties on them and making money through this means. The current issue is an eye opener now, coming from their staff accusing the management of NAICOM of reckless mismanagement.” He noted that some of the management staff of the commission have records of mismanagement in the companies they had managed prior to their new post, citing the case of George Onakhena, who he alleged, was responsible for the fate of Lion Insurance, and equally accused the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, for the way he managed NICON Insurance, when he was managing the firm. As a regulator, he said, the managers must be transparent and must not abuse the office they are appointed into. “How can you now regulate effectively, when the people appointed to manage the commission have become so reckless in the management of the fund kept at their disposal. There is no way you can penalise somebody for the same offence you too committed, because you are already compromised. A regulator must be a watchdog, somebody who can stand his authority because there is no skeleton in his cupboard,” he pointed out. While calling for the resignation of the current management staff of the commission, he stated that, “For that indictment, alł of them should resign. That is the only way. You need to bring somebody on the board, who can be called an authority to regulate. Somebody needs to take the blame for what has happened. NAICOM,

Buhari

Kari

as a body, needs to sanitise itself.” An Insurance Consumer, Mr. Lanre Sotunde, said that though the allegations were yet to be proved, but that if it is proven that the management actually they committed those acts, then it is sending wrong signals to the public, whose confidence in insurance products and services is still very low. Sotunde explained: “A lot of insurance companies don’t pay claims, they try to shy away from claims. So, if the regulator is already bedeviled with issues of corruption, mismanagement of fund, nepotism, and so on, they have no power to ensure that the insurance companies that have collected premiums pay the claims. It’s a structure that has really killed insurance companies and once there is corruption at the top level, it’s a big problem.” He said the management ought to have resolved these issues before it became a public knowledge, saying this could put the industry in serious shambles. The kind of confidence and trust we are going to have in the industry would be reduced and it going to take us back to the old days where people do insurance for doing sake, he stressed. Other insured, who spoke to National Mirror, said as consumers, they could not believe such things could happen to an

agency like NAICOM that has won the hearts of many through its restructuring initiatives in insurance industry, adding that the allegations raised must be quickly addressed before it turn insurance industry into turmoil. On his part, an anonymous Insurance Broker, who described the event as an unfortunate because NAICOM is the image centre of the Nigerian insurance industry, said this was the first time that such intra-conflict is taking place in the commission. “What has happened now is going to be a very distractive situation, if it is not curtailed on time and indirectly, it will affect the effectiveness of the commission to regulate because already as it is now, the commission is grappling with too many things as a challenge. Underwriters are grumbling underground, brokers are saying the commission is overarching, and now, you are having an internal fire,” he noted. The best thing, according to him, is for the leadership of NAICOM to resolve the issues on time and convey an industry stakeholders’ meeting where everyone will come and say everything in his mind and suggest ways by which the industry can move forward through effective supervision. Though, skeletal services resumed at the commission towards the end of last week, after a promise from the management of the commission to the protesting workers to address their agitations, experts said this was a development that should not have happened, in the first instance, to a regulator with such proven integrity. Other stakeholders, believe the labour protest is justifiable, taking into consideration, all the aforementioned allegations, stating that government must investigate the allegations and let the law takes its course on those found guilty. This, they said, could go a long way, to clean the already soiled hand of the commission, even though, the wounded skin cannot be like the unwounded skin.

What has happened now is going to be a very distractive situation, if it is not curtailed on time and indirectly, it will affect the effectiveness of the commission to regulate because already as it is now, the commission is grappling with too many things as a

challenge.

Underwriters are grumbling underground, brokers are saying the commission is overarching, and now, you are having an internal fire

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Investors repatriate N58bn from Nigeria in two months Isaiah Erhiawarien

nvestors in several sectors of the Nigerian economy were able to repatriate N58.20 billion out of the country in the two month period ended February this year as against foreign inflow of N27.95 billion. According to the monthly from the Foreign Portfolio Investment, FPI, this implied that Nigeria suffered a net deficit of 108 per cent in the first two months of the year, which means that for every dollar brought into Nigeria this year, more than $2 has been taken out The FPI report, which is coordinated by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and captured domestic investors, showed that FP outflow outpaced inflow by 108 per cent saying that

total foreign transactions of N86.15 billion represented 42.8 per cent. The report also showed that they invested N115.22 billion into the nation’s economy, representing 57.22 per cent of the total transactions during the period. In the period under review, the monthly analysis showed that FP outflow was N31.84 billion while inflow stood at N10.94 billion. In the same period last year, foreign outflow was N81.60 billion while inflow was N52.35 billion. The FPI January report indicated that foreign inflow was N17.01 billion as against outflow of N26.36 billion, representing a deficit of N9.35 billion. Further analysis of the FPI/ NSE for the period of January showed that foreign investors

had more appetite for Nigerian equities as suggested by the foreign inflow which was N48.03 billion in January 2015 as against outflow of N51.08 billion. For the January period of 2015, the FPI stated that total foreign transactions was N99.11 billion or 52.24 per cent of total turnover of N189.72 billion while domestic investors accounted for N90.61 billion or 47.76 per cent of total transactions. During the same review period, FPI observed that total foreign transactions were N43.37 billion while Nigerian investors accounted for N40.73 billion or 48.43 per cent of the total turnover of N84.10 bil-

lion. Previous report of 2013 and 2014 showed that the 12-month foreign portfolio investment report for 2014 indicated that foreign portfolio outflow was N846.53 billion as against inflow of N692.39 billion in 2014, representing a net deficit of N154.14 billion. Also in 2013, total foreign inflow was N531.26 trillion compared with outflow of N510.78 trillion, leaving a positive balance of N20.48 billion. The NSE stated: “The downturn from 2015 has already continued into the New Year. Accordingly, we anticipate

2016 to be a challenging year for the capital market and the domestic economy.” According to the NSE, the FPI report uses two key indicatorsinflows and outflow to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy.

The Exchange reported for that the foreign portfolio investment outflow include, sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE.

Uber launches transportation technology platform in Abuja Chidi Ugwu, Abuja

ber, an innovative transportation technology platform, has been launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), thereby making Abuja 400th city to join the list of smart transportation hubs in the World. The General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa for the company, Mr. Alon Lits, said that the launch in Nigeria’s capital followed the success of platform in over 70 countries across the world. Lits disclosed that the organization had pledged to create one million jobs globally, adding that it has enabled 1000 work opportunities since it was launched in Lagos and could easily produce 3,000 jobs in the coming year. According to him, Uber’s innovative platform connects drivers with riders in real time, at the touch of a button. “Whether you’re going to work or going out with friends, Uber provides an affordable, safe and reliable way to get across the city. Abuja is a place where entrepreneurs are born, it is a growing city in the heart of Nigeria. This is a reason why Uber loves Abuja, its people, energy, innovation and beauty really speak for itself. Uber is excited to launch its ride-sharing platform to the people of Abuja” he said. In his remarks, the company’s General Manager for Lagos, Ebi Atawodi, expressed excitement over the Abuja launch, adding that Uber offers the people of Abuja an affordable, easy and flexible choice to move around the city safely and reliably. “For those who don’t know, Uber moves around millions of global citizens every day offering affordable and reliable rides at the touch of a button. By offering a friendly and reliable complement to existing transport options, we can help improve urban mobility in Abuja, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time.” She explained further that the technology availed people get a ride at the push of a button stressing that with the Uber app, there is no waiting on the street or walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods to find a bus as it serves as the most convenient way to get a safe, reliable and affordable ride.

“No more street hails or waiting outside to find a ride. You can start the Uber app from anywhere and wait safely for your car to arrive. That means no standing on the street to hail a cab or struggling to find the nearest bus stop late at night. “Trips are no longer anonymous. When a driver accepts your request, you see his or her first name, photo, and license plate number. You can also check whether others have had a good experience with him or her.

L-R: Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Sherifat Balogun, Mr. Abiodun Oladipupo; Business Executive, Sterling Bank Yaba Region and Dr. Funmi Oboye, Educational Administrator, Caleb Group of Schools at the Parenting Workshop organized by Sterling Bank as part of its One Education initiative at the weekend

Anabel boss proposes options to financing 2016 budget Tola Akinmutimi

he President and Chief Executive Officer of Anabel Group, Dr Nicholas Okoye, has proposed four major sources by which the Federal Government can source international capital to finance the deficit in the recently approved N 6 trillion Naira 2016 fiscal budget. Okoye, a leading proponent of youth empowerment, advocated strategic approach towards exposure of the Nigerian youths to entrepreneurship training in order to address the problem of youth unemployment. Speaking on the implementation of the 2016 budget, Okoye explained that the Federal Government could source fund internationally through debt market, capital market, private equities and global venture capital. He noted that some banks in Nigeria had successfully raised funds by floating international bonds, hence, the Federal Government could deploy the platform to mobilize funds to address budget deficit

Okoye appealed to the government to accord priority to youth employment as part of the strategy to boost economic activities in Nigeria. He explained that Anabel Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in order to assist the institute mobilize youths to enroll for Diploma in Securities and Investment. The Anabel chief described the MOU as a great initiative by

the CIS to develop a financial inclusion master plan for the young Nigerians, adding that the initiative, which is consistent with Anabel’s Empower Nigeria Initiative, aims at overall development of manpower for the Nigeria’s economy and creating jobs for thousands of young people. According to him, many of the qualified youths will be supported by Anabel Group’s Empower Nigeria to set up their own Financial Planning Houses in communities across Nigeria.

2,652 Lagos retirees get N11.5bn pension benefits

o fewer than 2,652 retirees have benefited a sum of N11.5bn pension entitlement from the Lagos State Government between August last year and February 2016. The State Government had recently paid 243 retirees a sum of N904 million pension entitlement for last month. The benefiting pensioners are retirees from the Mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments, State Universal Basic Education, Teach-

ers Establishment and Pension Office and other parastatals of government. The Director- General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, while speaking at the presentation of the 24th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificates to the concerned retirees, advised them to be very careful of ‘unscrupulous elements’ who might want to deprive them of their entitlements through lofty business ideas.

Business News

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ex-lawmaker urges Nigerians on Made-in-Nigeria goods

..... empowers 500 unemployed youths in Ogun Femi Oyeweso, Abeokuta

former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ishaq Abiodun Akinlade, has advocated that the challenges of unemployment currently confronting the country would be drastically reduced only if citizens would begin to patronize made-in-Nigeria products. Akinlade, who advocated for the patronage of home made goods, also admonished well spirited Nigerians to partner governments at all levels by encouraging the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, in order to ensure that problems of poverty among the populace is drastically reduced. The ex-lawmaker made

the call while speaking during the empowerment programme organised for about 500 people held in Owode Yewa in the Yewa South Local Government area of Ogun as part of activities marking his 49th birthday. The three-term former lawmaker, who represented Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency member of the House of Representatives however, promised that he would continue to contribute his quota towards national development, even when he is not occupying political position. “I believe that the problem of unemployment and poverty can be tackled headlong if we politicians and people in the business world would deem it necessary to complement the efforts of the governments in addressing these

issues. ”We cannot afford to close our eyes and believing all is well,when the teeming populace are in abject poverty. We cannot fight crime, when our

people are idle. A programme like this will further bring hope to the people.” Akinlade explained that his decision to empower 500 men and women was borne out of the high level of poverty among the people in the rural areas, particularly in the Ogun

Japan’s firm to buy Dell’s IT services unit for $3bn J apan’s NTT Data Corp said on Monday it has agreed to buy Dell Inc’s information technology consulting division for over $3 billion to expand in North America and bolster its services business. The move will allow U.S. computer maker Dell to trim some of the $43 billion in debt it is taking on to fund its pending cash-and-stock acquisition of data storage provider EMC Corp, a deal worth close to $60 billion. The Japanese company said it would pay around $3.05 billion, an amount that excludes debt and unspecified advisory fees. The sale will also offer NTT Data, one of the world’s largest technology services companies, a

L-R: General Manager Corporate Services/ Company Secretary Total Nigeria Plc, Mrs Olubunmi Mordi Popoola, receiving the Business Day Top 25 CEOs Awards 2016 from Director -(IM), Samsung, Emmanouil Revmatas while Head Product Marketing (IM) Samsung, Jumoke Okikiola watches during the Business Day Top 25 CEOs Awards 2016 in Lagos recently.

Lagos govt restates commitment to waterways safety Isaac Asabor

he Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that security and safety is ascertained by the operators and users of the State waterways. The commitment was made by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs. Abisola Kamson who spoke at a stakeholders meeting which recently held at LASWA’s Yard. She reiterated that security and safety on the State waterways is key and that government will continue to collaborate with the marine police and other security agents in this regard. She noted that the State Government had donated two armoured boats to Rapid Response Squad (RRS)/Marine Police towards ensuring adequate security, adding that the Agency will continue to monitor and carry out its oversight functions on

West Senatorial district where he hailed from. He also said that providing these able bodied people with tools that could earn them a living would boost their economic and social well being, urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials given to them.

the waterways on daily basis through its Water Guards Corps. She disclosed at the occasion that over 1000 life jackets have been donated to students and boat operators in riverine areas across the state, and that LASWA has on several occasions donated life jackets to operators and users of the waterways, She explained that the agency is charged with the oversight functions of ensuring that boat operators are in compliance with extant rules and regulations as well as ascertain that standard life jackets and the right colour code are being used, stressing that the Authority usually seize fake life jackets from operators and replaced them with standard once at no cost. She added that one of the functions of the agency is that clearing of water hyacinth and debris from the waterways in its efforts at ensuring safety on waterways, adding that

wrecks on waterways are also being identified and demarcated for visibility to prevent collision. While urging operators and users to take note of weather reports issued by the Authority and adhere to them as the raining season approaches, she maintained that the commitment of the Ambode led administration to the development of water transportation as an alternative mode of transport in the State is in line with international standard and best practices. She added that the State is embarking on channelization of waterways to allow for passage of different size vessel and free movements of boat and commuters. Speaking on behalf of the United Water Ways Passengers Association, the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Oguntola Dayo charged the State Government, through LASWA, to be more proactive in holding boat operators responsible for their activities.

bigger foothold in the United States, where it is looking to expand in healthcare IT, insurance and financial services consulting. Dell has also made progress in syndicating $10 billion of its financing package for the EMC acquisition dubbed ‘term loan A’, people familiar with the situation said earlier. This is expected to be increased in size by $500 million to $750 million due to strong demand, with the extra money to be used to downsize some of the more expensive tranches of the remaining $33 billion in financing, the people added. The group of banks participating in the term loan A has been expanded from the original eight underwriters to 25, with more expected to join before the syndication is completed in the next week, the people said. Formerly known as Perot Systems, Dell’s IT services division is a major provider of technology consulting to hospitals and government departments. Founded in 1988 by former U.S. presidential candidate Ross Perot, it was acquired by Dell in 2009 for $3.9 billion. However, Dell has since divested some of the unit’s operations and integrated some others, which it is not including in the sale. Some of the unit’s capabilities were seen by Dell as redundant in the wake of the acquisition of EMC. Dell has also been speaking to private equity firms about selling Quest Software, which helps with information technology management, as well as SonicWall, an e-mail encryption and data security provider, Reuters has previously reported. Together, Quest and SonicWall could be worth up to $4 billion. Dell’s acquisition of EMC, which is backed by founder and Chief Executive Michael Dell as well as private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, is subject to approval by EMC shareholders. EMC is expected to hold a shareholder vote on the Dell deal in May, allowing for the transaction to be completed sometime between July and October. (Source – Reuters.com)

Jain leaves Credit Suisse as bank undergoes restructuring

ob Jain, the global head of Credit Suisse Asset Management, is leaving the Swiss bank to be co-chief investment officer at Izzy Englander’s Millennium Management, according to people familiar with the matter. Jain, 45, will help Englander, 67, manage capital allocations and risk amid rapid growth and an expansion in fixed income and commodities, said the people, who asked not to be named because the information isn’t public. The two will share investing oversight with John Anderson, Mike Gelband and Hyung Lee, heads of commodities, fixed income and equities, respectively. Jain is leaving Credit Suisse Group AG after two decades as it transitions away from its riskier securities businesses and toward wealth management. The bank is undergoing its second overhaul under Chief Executive Officer Tidjane Thiam, 53, who took over in July. At Millennium, which is based in New York, assets under management have almost tripled since the start of 2009 to $33.1 billion as of March 1. “Bob has had a tremendous impact across Credit Suisse, both as a business leader and as one of our true culture carriers,” said Iqbal Khan, global head of international wealth management for Credit Suisse. “We are grateful for his 20 years at Credit Suisse and are looking forward to working with him as a client in his new role.”

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tackling Nigeria’s unemployment crisis with cloud computing opportunities In most emerging economies, one industry that continues to offer socio-economic promises for governments to boost their economies is the Information and Communications Technology (ICT). In this analysis, ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN takes a critical appraisal of how the growing trends in cloud computing could help mitigate the negative impact of high rate of unemployment on the nation’s economy.

n untapped job opportunities in cloud computing may just have begun to stare Nigerians on the face unknowingly going by latest development, not only in storage in ICT but in other enterprise solution requirements. Indeed going by the recent clamour for the diversification of the economy amidst the crumbling fortune of the oil and gas revenue generation, and global statistics report, which indicated that undetected 66 per cent of cyber-attacks is prompting organisations to adopt cloud computing, suggest job availability in that area. Clouding Computing is a type of computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications. In cloud computing, the word cloud is used as a metaphor for “the Internet,” so the phrase cloud computing hence it is said that it is “a type of Internet-based computing,” where different services such as servers, storage and applications are delivered to an organisation’s computers and devices through the Internet. Managing Director, New Horizon Computer Training Centre in Lagos, Mr. Tim Akano said that the concept of cloud computing fills a perpetual need of IT, saying that it is a way to increase capacity or add capabilities without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Akano who offers training in Cloud computing said that it encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT’s existing capabilities. National Mirror investigations showed that cloud computing is no longer a new phenomenon in the ICT due to the presence of multinational IT companies like Vodacom, Oracle and Microsoft that offer big time cloud computing services. It was learnt that after reliance on the over 20 years old legacy applications on-premise IT operating model has now created a dilemma for chief executive officers of corporate organisations who now consider the model to be unsustainable because of the regular attack from cyber-criminals. According to the International Data Corporation, cloud computing will generate 14 million new jobs by 2015, with India contributing to nearly two million

Cloud computing machine

A survey by New York Times revealed that a new graduate with cloud computing experience can earn as much as

$125,000 a

year, which, going by the exchange rate of

N197 to a dollar, is about N24.6 million

with a possibility to increase in five years to

$300,000

of it. Though relatively new in Nigeria the quest for cloud computing specialist is on the high side and also comes with a good pay. Speaking to IT experts at a recent forum, Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Sanni said that the global trend in data storing is clouding because it mitigates cyber-attack and it cost less. What makes it the rave of the moment for job seekers according to him, is the fact that the business environment has produced a new set of competitors that requires chief executive officers to begin not only to look for new market but to step-up their game by embracing clouding. Another reason, he advocated for the embrace of clouding, which is subsequently creating job in that field of endeavour is the decrease in house IT technical capabilities and that is beside the fact that 80 per cent of budget on the average is spent on maintenance and integration instead of innovation and progress, which are alien to clouding. Sanni said that while system fail-

ures is increasing cyber security is also increasing yearly by about 10 per cent adding that latest updates in Cloud Computing solutions can help deliver the experiences customers expect, the talent to succeed, and the performance the market demands. Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne , Ms. Funke Opeke, said that the huge cloud computing market opportunities that exist in Nigeria is based on the current 6.8 to 10 per cent broadband penetration in Nigeria. According to her, development in the growth data centres in country is playing a great role in providing opportunities in cloud computing saying that IT organisations and multinational data outfits, at the moment, are faced with the problem of dealing with big data in relation to how these data can add value to individuals of clouding is the solution. It was gathered that MainOne is the first Nigerian company to offer cloud computing data base services with its new first Cloud service MDX-I, which launched in partnership with Microsoft,

and currently offers job opportunities to Nigerians. The MDX-i is positioned to meet the computing infrastructural needs of companies deploying private, public or hybrid clouds from MainOne Tier III Data Center. The opportunities for acquiring cloud computing skills are currently present in the country, and they are offered by Nigerian companies and foreign IT training centres such New Horizon Computer Training Centre and IIHT Training Centre. A survey by New York Times revealed that a new graduate with cloud computing experience can earn as much as $125,000 a year, which, going by the exchange rate of N197 to a dollar, is about N24.6 million with a possibility to increase in five years to $300,000. The growth of the online market such Konga, Jumia, Kaymu and Jovago. Com means an increasing demand for cloud computing experts. Amazon Web Services, which was launched in 2006 and is the biggest cloud computing service where businesses, nonprofits, and other organisations can pay Amazon Web Services to run their data and IT centers. What that means is that small businesses don’t have to spend time and money setting up their own IT infrastructure, since Amazon Web Services is often able to offer more secure data centers than the ones they would be able to create themselves. According to a Computerworld survey, cloud/software-as-a-service (SAAS) skills is expected to be one of the 10 hottest tech skills in 2016 saying that more companies are jumping into cloud computing and are looking for engineers who can handle and keep safe large amounts of data. A report from New York Times said that Microsoft and Oracle, which launched cloud computing services in 2010 and 2011, respectively, are stepping up to compete with Amazon Web Services and are looking to recruiting some Amazon employees to do so. According to the report, employees that work for Amazon’s Web Services may be receiving as many as “five to 20 recruiting offers a day” saying that recruiting engineers with cloud computing experience is even more challenging for young startups with less money to throw around.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Real Estate & Environment

Tackling forest depletion crisis through legislative, proactive measures

As the nation’s forests continue to deplete at amazing rate occasioned by increasing demand for forest goods and services, stakeholders in the environment sector have called for massive actions against degradation, including enacting appropriate legislation to back up effective implementation of the National Forest Policy, Olufemi Adeosun, writes.

t no time did the nation witness the current level of forests degradation than in the last three decades. Against the 25 per cent forest cover recommended by the UN agency, the Food and Agricultural Organisation(FAO), Nigeria can barely retain 6 per cent of its forest cover. According to environment experts, while those in authorities have chosen to look the other way, or have simply considered issue of environment, particularly, the state of the nation’s forest as undeserving of any serious attention, the onslaught on the God-given resources, has continued unabated with dire consequences on humanity. For instance, the National Forest Policy document(2006), said the rapid rate of deforestation in the country, put at 3.5 per cent per annum, translate into an average loss degradation of 350, 00h

Assessing stakeholders’ reservations over FG’s stance on national carrier project 28

to 400,00h of forest cover every year. The trends, the document, maintained, did not support the government policy of maintaining 20 to 25 per cent of the land area under forest cover.

The

Little wonder Nigeria seized the advantage of the International Day of forests(IDF) to reflect on the state of its forest with a view to creating awareness on the need to protect and preserve it. The UN General Assembly on November 28th, 2012, adopted a resolution to declare every 21st of March as an International Day of Forests. The significance of the day is to create awareness among the people on the need to protect the nation’s forest cover for the survival of humanity and other living organisms. The theme of this year’s IFD is, “Forests and Water.” Declaring the event open in Abuja last week, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, lamented the deplorable condition of the nation’s forest, saying that the indiscriminate log-

activities of timber merchants (both

indigenous and foreign), especially those involved in

illegal logging, continue to worsen the situation and on daily basis, hundreds of containers of wood are carted away from our forests across the country.

Currently, Nigeria’s percentage forest cover is less than 6% as against the FAO recommended 25% of total land area. This calls for urgent attention

ging for timber and fuelwood extraction across the states, in particular, was causing massive deforestation and forest degradation. She regretted that, while most states viewed forests as main source of revenue generation, there was little consideration towards replenishing them. She said,”Many states now see the forests as main source of revenue generation and yet little or nothing is being ploughed back for forestry development. The activities of timber merchants (both indigenous and foreign), especially those involved in illegal logging, continue to worsen the situation and on daily basis, hundreds of containers of wood are carted away from our forests across the country. Currently, Nigeria’s percentage forest cover is less than 6% as against the FAO recommended 25% of total land area. This calls for urgent attention. “ The minister, however, noted that federal government had perfected strategies to achieve mass action against forests degradation in the country. As part of the moves, she affirmed that ministry would soon convene an emergency Forest and Biodiversity Dialogue with relevant stakeholders such as State Commissioners of Environment, Directors of Forestry, Customs, Ministry of Finance, and relevant Non-governmental organisations. According to her, the forum will seek to review associated challenges of forest governance and legCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Tackling Nigeria’s unemployment crisis with cloud computing opportunities

Sustaining confidence in nation’s payment system regulatory regime 31

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tackling forest depletion crisis through legislative, proactive measures CONTINUED FROM 25 islations across the state with a view to coming up with appropriate recommendations for actions at the next National Council on Environment. In order to regulate activities in the sub-sector, Mohammed also explained that her ministry would champion the review of existing National Policy on Forests. She noted, “We shall pursue the review the national forest policy and consequently enact the National Forest Law. “This is to ensure, among other things, certification of wood and also to ensure that illegal loggers pay adequate and appropriate penalties for infractions. Government will resuscitate the National Forestry Development Committee (NFDC) in order to partner with the States to move the forestry sector forward. Indeed partnership is key in the preservation and conversation of our forest resources. While promising that the ministry would continue to interact with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria to ensure that they comply with the rules and regulations, the minister vowed to enforce the ban on export of round wood. Apart from that, she said, working with state governments, the ministry would map out strategies for curbing indiscriminate logging in the nation’s forests, adding that she would also undertake a comprehensive national forest and biodiversity assessment to provide the required data for sustainable forest management in Nigeria. On the federal government’s plans to increase the nation’s forest cover, the minister said, “In an attempt to gradually increase the national forest cover from the deplorable less than 6% to the internationally recommended 25%, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to embark on nationwide afforestation in the coming years. “Thus from this year, the ministry is having a collaborative partnership on afforestation with the NYSC. The programme is expected to deliver about one million trees annually through the participation of Youth Corp Members nationwide. Similarly, Government will strengthen the activities of the “Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project” (NEWMAP), the management of Nigerian wetlands ecosystems and the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) to enable them deliver greater and better outcomes.” As a means of reducing pressure on our forests due to fuelwood extraction, Mohammed explained that the ministry would partner with relevant agencies of government to work out the modalities for the provision of alternative sources of energy and improved wood stoves for the country rural population. “Government will intensify environmental education in schools and roll out a new public awareness programme on forest conservation and community

Ban Ki Moon participation,” she added. Commenting on the interrelatedness between forests and water, the minister noted that forests are key to the planet’s supply of fresh water which is essential to life, and the multiple links between forests and water sources. She added that while forests and wetlands depended on water sources, forest ecosystems sustained water quality and helped to mitigate the risks of water-related disasters. Also speaking, the Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi, lamented the state of forest in Nigeria, stressing that most of the trees that could have provided the needed cover, had been felled all in the name of industrialization. He said development and protection of the forest could co-exist with the proper understanding of the significance of forest to mankind. While calling on the Federal Government to declare emergency on the state of the nation’s forest, the DG also called for massive awareness campaigns with a view to making the people know its importance to the country. “Nigeria forest is in a terrible state and deserves emergency. The recommended forest cover for every nation, according to FOA, is 25 per cent, but in Nigeria, it is less than 4 per cent. Gov-

Mohammed ernment needs to do something drastic about it,” he said. He blamed successive governments for the state of the nation’s forest, adding that they had not done enough in the areas of policy formulation and programmes, stressing that “in the 60s the forest cover was around 60 per cent. It was a gradual descent, until we got to this sorry state. We need to come up with aggressive afforestation programme, in addition to stopping indiscriminate felling of trees. That is what we are trying to implement. If Nigeria can recover, at least 1 per cent forest cover consistently over the next 75years, then we can attain the recommended figure of 25 per cent. To discourage felling of tree, Karunwi urged governments at all levels to create source of livelihood for the people, noting that most community in Nigeria weave their daily activities around the forest. “Instead of people felling tree, let us build some eco-friendly stoves for them,” he said. In his remarks, the National President of Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Oyaleke Ademola, harped on the need by the federal government to develop the forestry sector in relation to the wood industry. Ademola who boasted that his association had over 16,000 members across the states of the federation, also expressed the readiness to cooperate

We need to come up with aggressive afforestation programme, in addition to stopping indiscriminate felling of trees. That is what we are trying to implement. If Nigeria can recover, at least 1 per cent forest cover consistently over the

75years, then we can attain the recommended figure of 25 per cent

with the federal government to check the depletion of the nation’s forests. He averred, “As an association, we are concerned about the rate of depletion of our forests and we are ready to collaborate with the government in its tree planting campaign programme. We are already making contact with some States Governments to give us land for tree planting . We want to do our business in line with government’s policies and programmes. We need technical support on the importation of wood processing machines to enable us concentrate more on export of fully processed wood instead of exporting raw wood. “This way we add value to our products, generate more employment nationally and earn more from our products. On our part, we pledge our support to the federal government in its quest to check any form of illegal felling of trees in our forests and embark on awareness creation among our members nationwide.” Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Phillip Bankole, explained that the best way to rejuvenate the nation’s forests was to mobilise the people for massive tree planting and forest conservation. Bankole, who deplored the attitude of the people to forest conservation, called for aggressive awareness campaign on the significance of forests to mankind. According to him, to regulate the activities of the people towards forest exploitation, the director urged the federal government to come up with legislations to strengthen the existing National Forest Policy. “We have the National Forest policy in Nigeria which is now due for review. And various governments, various departments at various states have their own forest regulations. But they are not strong enough, even the national policy need to be backed up by legislations for us to be able to enforce its provisions,” he noted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

OSGOF to partner College of Aviation on drone usage

MORTGAGE NOTES

Olufemi Adeosun,

with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja

Abuja

Email: Nike@MVPSolutionsinc.com https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=35277333

The Cost of Funds Dilemma A

s is usually the way things start with my column topics, I was speaking with a dear brother of mine, who is pretty established in the Nigerian real estate/ finance world about Affordable housing, which I expect will be the next big thing in Nigeria. He told me about a product his company is working on, which may possibly lead to a 10-15 million naira price point for the sale of some properties they are working on. I asked him what was affordable about a 15 million naira house, when the people that really need the affordable housing units cannot come up with that kind of money in the foreseeable future, especially with mortgage interest rates as high as 25% per annum. He proceeded to explain one of the biggest quandaries that the Primary Mortgage Banks face in Nigeria. The mortgage market is by its very nature a long term finance industry. In the international market, the biggest investors into such a market would usually be the Pension funds and Insurance companies. This is because they are looking for a stable financing opportunity, where they will make the highest returns at the lowest risk. In any such economy, the long term investors are driven to the mortgage industry because their rates are higher than government bonds, and they are usually good for a 30 year term. The mortgage players then take these funds in bulk money loan format, and offer piecemeal loans to their buyers, at a higher rate. The problem in Nigeria seems to stem from the rates at which the Federal Government issues its bonds to the market investors. I was incredulous to learn that the going rate for govern-

ment treasury bills is as high as 13% per annum!! I absolutely thought he had to be pulling my leg, but he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. I then did the math as follows: if a mortgage company seeks to obtain funds from the same Pension companies etc., they would be in direct competition with the government bills. The only way they could compete effectively would be to not only match the rates being offered by the government, but because the government bonds are the most secure asset the investors can buy, they would have to beat the rate by a margin large enough to induce the investor to give them the funds and take on the higher risk. In short, if the investors can invest funds in the low risk Federal Government bonds at 13%, they might probably look for at least an 18% interest rate from the Lenders. The mortgage companies would then have to loan the funds to homebuyers at an even higher rate, to make their own profit margin. This is the big problem with the Nigerian mortgage market, and this is why interest rates for mortgages are in the 23% range and up. I know the above paragraph may seem complicated or unwieldy to understand for some of you, and I apologize for that. The bottom line is this, as long as anyone can make 13% without having to lift a finger or worry about a default, it will be almost impossible to obtain funds at lower rates.....But wait...

Real Estate & Environment

Enter the NMRC. With the NMRC obtaining funds at interest rates as low as 0.75%, every mortgage institution should be beating their door down trying to gain access to their funds. This is because it would make absolute sense that the NMRC could not possibly offering bulk loans at interest rates anywhere near what the typical investor would. The NMRC should be seen as a major competitor in the market, and its operations should actually lead to a gradual decrease in the cost of funds to the mortgage industry. Of course, anyone interested in obtaining NMRC funds has to learn and implement the NMRC underwriting standards, which is a whole different story. At the same time, the Federal Government might do well to look at the more attractive sources of funding, with much lower interest rates. Until there is no longer a Government market for the pension funds etc to basically lodge their funds, the cost of funds in the private market will continue to be high, and the low income earners (who need affordable housing the most) will continue to be priced out of the market. 13%? No wonder the landlords are charging their tenants these unfettered sky-high rents. As always, please feel free to comment or ask questions, and make it a wonderful week.

ABOUT THE WRITER Fasanya-Osilaja a lawyer and mortgage expert has owned and operated Marvel Ventures Mortgage, Inc. (www.marvelmortgage.com), a Chicagobased Mortgage Brokerage Company since 2000 and has worked in the US Mortgage industry since 1996. She also consults and facilitates industryrequired activities, from set up of mortgage organisations to documentation, training and compliance.

he Surveyor-General of the Federation, Surv. Ebisintei Awudu, has sought the support of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria for the training of staff of the Office of the Surveyor-General (OSGOF) in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) usage for the purpose of acquiring geospatial data (digital aerial photographs) in difficult terrains, in its bid to contribute to the fight against terrorism. This is just as he said that with the present challenges of insurgency facing the nation, and the hazards involved in accessing some of the inaccessible terrains, there was an urgent need for the provision of maps and charts to empower the security operatives in its continued fight to stamp out terrorism and other criminal activities. Awudu who was represented by the Co-ordinating Director of the Office, Surv. Barde Jatau, averred that the introduction of the drone technology in the battle, would greatly ensure a win-win situation for the armed forces, saying that insurgents and other criminals would not have any hiding place, thus ensuring a

total eradication of insecurity from the country. Speaking when he received in audience, a delegation from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, led by the Head, Flight Simulator Department, Capt. Abbas Ambursa in his office, the OSGOF boss, said that the Office which was constitutionally charged with the responsibility of producing topographical maps, charts, for the country, expressed his readiness to send its staff on training for the acquisition of this new technology. Earlier, Capt. Abbas Ambursa, on behalf of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, noted that the Institution was involved in the training of pilots and would therefore require partnership with the Office on the possibility of acquiring flight values, operational and navigational maps for flight training purposes. A 5-man committee, headed by the Asst. Director, Geodesy, Surv. Yemi Adebomehin, was set up to examine the available charts and maps with a view to producing new ones in line with international best practice as well as explore other ways of collaboration for mutual benefits of the two offices in particular and the entire country at large.

196 countries to attend 2016 World Environment Summit

his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world environment summit would focus on environmental challenges as well as roles of leaders in solving the scourge. The summit, billed for Arizona, United States of America, from May 19-21, would draw 500 young leaders as well as experts from science, politics, arts and business. Tagged, Biosphere 2, the three day summit would be structured around creating collaboration around environmental solutions while using unique setting of Biosphere 2 to inspire fresh thinking as well as new ideas. Delegates would have the opportunity to make their own presentations and take part in workshops around the Biosphere. Organizers said the event would be an exhilarating discussion, debates and networking in order to empower young leaders to be the change they want to see in the world. Delegates would also learn from world experts about a variety of environmental topics with discussions about deforestation while a session on coral erosion would take place on the beach of the ocean area. The summit will build up to delegates going on to create their own initiatives and positive impacts in the environmental arena. After the summit, participants would have the opportunity to join a network of over 7,000 young world ambassadors, driving change in 196

countries. Previous attendants include President Bill Clinton, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Arianna Huffington, Jamie Oliver and President Mary Robinson among others.

EUROSOIL International Congress 2016 to hold in Istanbul

he European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS) and of 5th EUROSOIL International Congress will be held between 17 July and 22 July 2016. A letter addressed to potential participants by the President of the ECSSS, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mermut, indicated that the forum, was coming up following the successful 4th EUROSOIL Congress in 2012 in Bari. EUROSOIL 2016 will be a unique opportunity to provide an outstanding setting for all participants including young soil scientists, researchers, technical and Professional operators, company representatives and policy makers to share their projects, scientific experiences, innovations and ideas about the soil science. The choice of the keynotes and invited speakers who will be chosen from not only Europe but all continents of our globe will set high standard and new visions in the field of soil science.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Location, power influence premium homes investment –Expert BY SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

Lagos-based estate developer as well as property expert, Chief Larry Oke, has disclosed that premium home owners consider some major factors before investing in any property. Apart from location of the property, which is very crucial, investors also consider reliable and standardised electricity system in the area. Buyers or tenants, he noted do not mind paying premium on service charge in exchange for reliable and standardised electricity system. Oke, who also noted that tenants must find out whether there is a standby generator and how many hours of electricity being provided, aside

power supply from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN? ‘’They will also want to know whether there is a dedicated transformer for the property and whether each unit have a separate meter’’. He said, for premium houses with pools, gyms, and squash courts may cost more, saying they also want to ask of the facilities available, if they need to pay a premium. In addition, he said access to parking space also attract a premium, adding that aesthetics of an environment go a long way in keeping the value of a home intact. In addition, the infrastructural facilities are available in some residential areas in some metropolitan states like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Har-

court among others, saying these may increase the cost of serviced homes. Bills for bi-weekly or monthly collection of refuse

are also factored in the service charge. ‘’A professional agent, he noted would work effectively to ensure clients know what is covered in service charges

and to ensure all the facilities promised are delivered before paying or renting premium homes in the country’’, he added.

LIFE project wins coveted award for sustainable tourism promotion Climate change to affect flights, travellers –Study T Choice homes in an estate

he GeoparkLIFE project has won a National Geogrpahic Prize for its efforts to protect and enhance the pristine environment of Burren in western Ireland. The Destination Leadership award recognises the efforts made by the GeoparkLIFE project consortium to encourage the local tourist industry to embrace sustainable practices. The prize, one of National Geographic’s World Legacy Awards, reflects the project’s success in combining the goals of environmental protection and tourism development. Representatives of the GeoparkLIFE project received the accolade at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel and tourism convention. “The Destination Leadership Award is a category for destinations demonstrating environmental best practices, protection for cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local people and educating travellers on the principles of sustainable tourism. The recognition received from such a prestigious and well-respected organisation is a ringing endorsement of the work with our partners over a number of years,” says Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. She adds that, “this work includes facilitating the establishment of the Burren Ecotourism Network achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status, UNESCO site designation, providing environmental and business training, and most importantly linking high responsible tourism standards with economic benefit to the area and was a key component of attracting 2.2m funding through the EU LIFE programme to develop an international sustainable

tourism destination model,” Ms. Gleeson added. The Burren area of County Clare is famed for its dramatic limestone landscape. Burren and the nearby Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast attract close to one million tourists a year. The project’s partners – public authorities, national agencies and universities – conceived the GeoparkLIFE project to ensure tourism remains a motor of the regional economy but not at the expense of its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

limate change could impact transatlantic travel, making westbound flights longer as well as costing airlines about $22 million annually in fuel, which may lead to higher ticket prices for travellers. A study published in the Environmental Research journals said, jet stream winds may likely grow stronger, making

it more difficult and costly for planes to make the westward journey. The good news, however, is that flight from the U.S. to Europe would be around 15 percent shorter, since the jet stream is governed by the temperature differences that occur at high altitudes between tropical and polar regions.

oped countries should adopt more growth-friendly policies and avoid spillover effects from their policy ¬adjustments.” Li said eight years had passed since the last major international financial crisis, but its profound impacts had yet to be eliminated. “The recovery remains un¬even in emerging economies and sluggish in the developed ones,” he said. Faced with slumps in exports, growing debt and a continued economic downturn, the region was having a tough time, he said. The proposal for an Asian ¬financial cooperation association was first raised by China at a ¬regional meeting last year. Professor Li Yongsen, from the Finance and Securities Research Institute of Renmin University, said although China had played a bigger role in global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Interna-

tional Monetary Fund in recent years, its say did not match its growing impact. “The new organisation should better reflect financial activities in Asia today, as well as China’s position as the world’s second-largest economy and [its] impact in the financial market,” Li Yongsen said. He said the body should have fewer institutional limitations than the World Bank and IMF, but the same goal of seeking mutual benefits among member states. The premier said China had enough policy tools to keep the economy stable despite “deep rooted” structural problems and downward pressure. China would not devalue the yuan to boost exports, and was confident economic growth would stay within the target range of 6.5 and 7 per cent annually over the next five years, he said. In a meeting with business executives, Li proposed a re-

Chinese premier vows to stabilise the property market

remier Li Keqiang has pledged to stabilise the mainland property market, which has seen prices surge in megacities but excess ¬inventories grow in others. The authorities would take different actions for different cities to ensure a healthy market, Li said on Thursday at the Boao Forum for Asia, held annually on Hainan island in southern China. “In particular, [we will] attach great importance to those who have housing difficulties, and at the same time prevent high volatility in the property market,” he said. He renewed calls for Asian countries to set up a financial cooperation body to promote growth and avoid market turmoil. “[We should] have better coordination in terms of macroeconomic policies, oppose all forms of trade protectionism,” he said. “In particular, devel-

The change in those temperatures, according to the study could lead to an increase in jet stream flow. ‘’All in all, the change in winds will only tack on an average of about a minute and 18 seconds to each individual round trip, but when multiplied by many flights that make the trip every year, the fuel prices and environmental impact start would add up. An atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading, Dr Paul Williams told the BBC that, “”there is a robust increase in the round-trip journey time, which means planes spending longer in the air. When you add that up for all transatlantic aircraft you get an extra 2,000 hours of planes in the air every year with $22 million extra in fuel costs and 70 million kg of CO2.” The study also noted that record-breaking eastbound transatlantic crossing times would occur with increasing frequency in the coming decades. ‘’We also calculate that the probability of a westbound crossing taking over seven hours nearly doubles from 8.6 percent to 15.3 percent, suggesting that delayed arrivals in North America will become increasingly common.” “The aviation industry is facing pressure to reduce its environmental impacts, but this study shows a new way in which aviation is itself susceptible to the effects of climate change’’, he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Aviation

Assessing stakeholders’ reservations over FG’s stance on national carrier project Players in the Nigerian aviation industry say the suspension of re-establishment of national carrier for the country would negatively affect growth in the sector in particular and Nigeria in general. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

nalysts in the Nigerian aviation industry have expressed shock over the announced suspension of the national carrier project by the Federal Government. Industry experts spoken with by our correspondent on the latest decision of government on the project said that the failure of government to re-establish a national carrier for the country 13 years after the liquidation of the defunct carrier would further drawback the country and appealed to the government to have a rethink on its stance. They emphasised that since the government knew that the project would not be accomplished; it shouldn’t have wasted public resources in setting up several committees in the past, which sat in Lagos, Abuja and even travel abroad in search of technical partners with allowances and other expenses in the efforts to have a national carrier for the country.. According to most of the industry players, the inability of the government to come out with a policy that would usher in a new national carrier for the country would further add to the growing capital flights out of the country by foreign airlines. They pointed out that with the policy somersault that international carriers would continue to enjoy the several Bilateral Air Services Agreements, BASAs, the government has signed with numerous countries without reciprocity from Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Finum Aviation Services and a former engineer with the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, Engr. Sheri Kyari described the suspension of the project as a very big blow to players in the industry who had hoped that the return of the national carrier would boost technical expertise and generate more employment for the industry. Kyari declared that the return of the carrier would boost competition in Nigeria especially as foreign carriers are gradually taking over the domestic scene from indigenous carriers courtesy of the multiple entries they now fly into within the country. Apart from the financial loss the absence of a national carrier would have on the country, Kyari further observed that young graduates from various aviation schools across the country and beyond would not also be able to secure jobs in the sector. He opined that rather than suspend the project, the government could look at several models available to it in setting up a national carrier. He said, “We have been battling with foreign carriers incursion into multiple entries in the country and this has not been properly annexed to reduce capital flight. Everybody was looking at this national carrier as a tool to reducing capital flight out of the country and also to be used for development in the

The carcass of one of the Nigerian Airways aircraft at

Lagos Airport

If you must have a national carrier, you must also have a maintenance facility

first class, you must have flight training with simulator because that is what takes your money away.

And you must have a

good technical partner who will bring his expertise, knowledge, systems and also fund into the system aviation industry. “I want to appeal to the government to please reconsider its position and allow the project to continue and that is why some of us were saying that the committee that worked on the national carrier should have given government at least three different models of a national carrier. “The first should be whether the government would be able to finance the entire project while the second one should be looking for Nigerian investors to invest in the project and the third is the one that can have other multinational to get involved across the borders of this country. So, if government doesn’t have money, they should reconsider initiating this project and immediately placing it in the market to sell it to the public. I think that will do us a lot of good.” Besides, the Managing Director, Amecon Maintenance Organisation, Engr. Godwin Jibodu insisted that it was necessary for Nigeria to have a national carrier for the country, but noted that the liquidation of the former carrier did not go through the National Assembly as recognised by the law. He added that for the government to be successful in the formation of a new national carrier, it should embrace the specialists within the country, organise a forum and allow them to input their ideas on how the carrier would function.

Also, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren in a recent forum insisted that reestablishment of a national carrier for Nigeria was not impossible, but said the government must do it right to prevent the past mistakes, which led to the death of the former. Demuren called for good corporate governance, stressing that without this, the project would be a failure. The former NCAA helmsman also said that for the project to be a success, there must be a technical personnel and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities in place where all the categories of checks would be carried out, warning that without this, the entire project would collapse. “You can say ‘I am a Minister therefore that airline must employ my sister.’ Your sister is a feeding bottle lawyer, you made her the director of legal, we don’t operate that way, you won’t get it right. And that happens every day in Nigeria. “But, if you must have a national carrier, you must also have a maintenance facility first class, you must have flight training with simulator because that is what takes your money away. And you must have a good technical partner who will bring his expertise, knowledge, systems and also fund into the system. If you do that you can make it.”

Seven months ago, August 2015 to be precise, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the Ministry of Aviation to take rapid steps in re-establishing a new national carrier for the country. Immediately after the directive, the then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello set up a 12-man committee headed by the former Managing Director of Discovery Air, Capt. Mohammed Abdulsalam with the mandate of reviewing previous consultants’ submissions and recommendations on a national carrier, review the report on the failure of the defunct Nigeria Airways and other failed private airlines. The committee was given four weeks to submit its report to the government. By September 2015, the committee’s report was submitted to the Ministry of Aviation, which was reportedly immediately submitted to the presidency for perusal. But, the presidency kept mute on the report until March this year when President Buhari at a forum said formulation of a national carrier for Nigeria was not a priority of the government for now. Also, the Federal Government under former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan made fruitless efforts in giving the nation a new national carrier throughout his stay in office. The then Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah set up at least two committees to herald in a national carrier for the country, but suffered several setbacks till she left office. The government throughout the period suffered interesting and suitable technical and airline partners, inadequate equipment and improper framework among others, the identities of the investors were also shrouded in secrecy. Besides, the proposed national carrier also suffered different name change from ‘Nigeria One’ to ‘Nigeria Eagle’ among many others. Also, the coming of Mr. Osita Chidoka as a minister in the sector did not change the repugnant situation despite disclosing that the government was in talks with private investors on the possibility of re-establishing a national carrier for the country. Chidoka insisted that re-establishing a national carrier for Nigeria was salient for growth of technical personnel, stressing that the new national carrier would be commercially operated and handled by proven professionals. He decried that while countries like Ethiopia and Kenya have emerged as global players in aviation industry, Nigeria was yet to have a national carrier and vowed that the task would be accomplished under within his time. But, as they say, all is history as the task could not be accomplished with that government.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Capital projects key to aviation industry’s growth – Demuren Stories: Olusegun Koiki

R-L: Former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, Regional Head, Member & External Relations, Africa and Middle East, International Air Transport Association, IATA, Adefunke Adeyemi; Editor in Chief, Times Group/Aerospace and Moderator, Mr. Allan Peaford, and Director, General Aviation, NCAA, Capt. Sasegbon, at the 2016 Nigerian Business Aviation Conference “Sustaining Nigeria’s position on the African Business Aviation Landscape” held in Lagos recently.

country, the industry would have improved better. He insisted that for the country to be among the top economies by 2050, the government must invest heavily in aviation. He added, “We must not lose hope in Nigeria. These things can still be done, but for us to be among the top 50 economies by 20150, we can’t run away from maintenance facilities.” Demuren also decried policy summersault of govern-

ment, saying that this had slowed down developments in the country’s aviation industry. Other participants at the event also called on the Federal Government to ensure stability in its policies as it concerned aviation in the country. They also wanted the government to take aviation as a priority in other to grow its Gross Domestic Product from the paltry 0.4 per cent to about three per cent within two years especially now that the price of crude oil had nosedived in the international market.

Nigerian airports not insulated from terrorist attacks – Expert

n aviation professional, Engr. Sheri Kyari has warned the Federal Government that Nigerian airports are not immune from terrorist attacks, urging the government and respective authorities to put in place safety and security measures that would neutralise such heinous plans. Kyari however said that in the past few years, the government had put in place some security networks had had further improved security and safety in the system. He observed that the great-

Engr. Kyari

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Brussels Airport attack: Imagining it happens here

he former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren has disclosed that for Nigerian aviation to grow to its desires, the Federal Government must invest in capital projects in the system. Speaking at the two-day day Nigerian Business Aviation Conference, NBAC, 2016 with the theme ‘Sustaining Nigeria’s Position on the African Business Aviation Landscape,’ at the weekend in Lagos, Demuren said that capital investments like Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities and navigational facilities among others were necessary for the growth of the nation’s aviation industry. Demuren recalled that about three to four years ago, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation embarked on massive construction and remodeling of airports, but said that if 40 per cent of such funds were expended on establishment of MRO facilities for the

Airside

est threat to the nation’s airport is insiders’ connection and appealed to the necessary authorities to take necessary precautions that would put workers at the airports under surveillance. He said, “The only greatest threat to our airport is insider’s connection; people who work at the airport and know the in and out of the airport. Those are the immediate threats and if the authorities could take the necessary precautions to make sure they put workers at the airport into surveillance, I think we would be safer. “I want to believe that maybe because of the size of our airports, the volume of traffic; we are able to cover effectively a lot of places at the airport. If it is as complicated as some advanced countries, with the kind of security we have, we might not be able to cope, but the level of activities at the airports in our country, I think we are able to cope for now.” He advised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to acquire more advanced security equipment for

all the airports under its control no matter how small they maybe. He insisted that if the agency could do that, the industry would be safe and secure for all categories of users. “I thank God that we have been passing the security audits over the past few years. So, we should be able to stay well above that safety level we have now” he said.

ast week’s terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport in Belgium took the entire world by surprise especially the Belgian people and government who had never witnessed such carnage in their lifetime. Some said they had not experienced such bloodshed in their over 50 years of existence. But, less than 24 hours after the dastardly act, the Belgian authorities revealed the identities of the suicide bombers; right from when they gained entrance into the terminal with their luggage and till they detonated the bombs. All these were possible through the review of the Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, cameras within the terminal and the cooperation of all security agencies called to duty. The question on the lips of Airside is what if this carnage had happened in Nigeria, what would have been the response of the various security authorities? As it is, all the security agencies are not working in harmony in the sector. There is supremacy battle

among them. It is either the men of the Nigerian Immigration Services, NIS, is exchanging blows with the personnel of the Aviation Security, AVSEC, or officers of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, is entangled in crisis with the personnel of the Nigerian Police and vice-versa. That has been the situation in the industry. Rather than engulf in needless battles, Airside says the respective authorities should focus its attention on the activities of insider threats to safety in the industry as some personnel who have access to restricted areas are not adequately motivated. Some are owned several months of salaries by their employers, yet, they have access to aircraft and other equipment at the tarmac. To prevent this occurrence in any of the nation’s airports, Airside opines surveillance must be increased at all airports while all the security agencies must cooperate with one another and eschew supremacy battle.

When Med-View Airline walks the talk

ometime in 2015, the Managing Director of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole told journalists that plans were underway by the management to enlist the airline on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. Just some few weeks ago, the management of the airline visited the management of NSE in readiness of the airline being enlisted on the floor. Airside says Med-View is one of the forward looking airlines with proactive management in the Nigerian aviation industry. Bankole is probably the only Chief Executive Office, CEO, in the nation’s airline sub-sector today that grew in the system having spent about three decades with the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways in different capacities. So,

he’s the perfect example of a round peg in a round hole. Airside insists if there is any airline in the sector today that has consistently walked the talk, it is Med-View. When it said it would commence direct flight to Gatwick in London, it started as planned. Few months later, it began Lagos-KanoJeddah route as stated. Also, few weeks ago, Bankole promised to commence Lagos-Dubai route despite the obvious challenges, though some analysts are skeptical about the airline making a headway on the route, but, Airside and other optimist say because of Bankole’s track records, Med-View will in a couple of months be a force to be reckon with on the route.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines deploys B777-200 on Lagos route

ne of the major foreign carriers operating into Nigeria, KLM Royal Dutch on Sunday deployed its big aircraft, Boeing 777-200 on the Lagos-Amsterdam route. The aircraft according to the statement by the airline’s Media Manager, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ojesina features the new World Business Class, WBC, cabin, which was designed by leading Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. The statement hinted that the airline created an entirely new Business Class look and feel while uniting international allure with top Dutch design to emphasise a sense of pride in its Dutch heri-

tage. In addition to designing the interior, Hella Jongerius also shaped the full-flat seats. Customer comfort and safety always form the premise, harmonising well with KLM’s brand values. This also fits into the broader context of other successful KLM initiatives in WBC with top Dutch chefs and fashion designers. The General Manager, KLM Nigeria and Ghana, Jean-Raoul Tauzin, said that the revamping of the WBC cabin would further boost its passengers’ confidence and patronage while the clients would feel at home on board. He added, “KLM strives con-

stantly to safeguard individual comfort in amiable settings using innovations while putting emphasis on the best the Netherlands has to offer.” The new cabin is fitted with the new full-flat bed, which guarantees optimum comfort. The positioning of the new business class seats and other various smart design elements ensures privacy while sleeping or working. Features of the new World Business Class seat include sleeper seat at 190 cm long and 170 - 175 degrees reclinable and equipped with a massage unit, privacy canopy, personal entertainment system and in-seat power.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Insurance

Experts urge insurance firms on technology-driven operations Isaac Asabor

n the bid to ensure that the expected growth of the insurance industry is attained, the Managing Director of data centre company, Rack Centre, Mr. Ayotunde Coker, has urged insurance executives to leverage on technology to meet the rising expectations of their clients. Coker, who spoke at a seminar organized in Lagos by the Nigerian Insurers Associa-

tion (NIA) for industry players attributed the growth in the banking industry to the integration of technology which has majorly been utilized to grow the industry. He pointed out that going by the prevailing data explosion in the country, that the insurance industry cannot but maximize the growth with the aid of technology while also assuring that the insurance industry is set to benefit if the policy directive by the regulatory bodies is customer-inclusive.

Seven underwriting firms get approval to hold 2015 AGM Rasaq Olalekan

even insurance companies in the country have gotten the green light from the insurance industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), to hold their 2015 Annual General Meetings(AGMs), after their 2015 accounts were approved by the regulatory body. Director, Supervision, NAICOM, Mr Nicolas Opara, who disclosed this at the annual seminar organised by the commission for Insurance Correspondents in Abeokuta, Ogun State, noted that as at March 18, 2016, NAICOM had received a total of 12 accounts out of which seven have been approved, two accounts were queried and awaiting response, while three others just submitted to the commission and are currently undergoing review. Based on the approval, the seven concerned insurers can now go on to conduct their AGMs, where they will present their financial performance for 2015 financial year to their shareholders. Stating that the insurance companies still have up to June 30, 2016 to submit their 2015 accounts, he said failure to do so before the expiration of the deadline will attract monetary

penalty of N5,000 per day of default. He added that the commission do computes and send the monetary fines due to the affected company for payment, especially, for those that have failed to submit at all. Three months to the expiration of the June deadline given to all insurance firms to submit their accounts, about 46 of the 58 insurance firms in the country are yet to submit their 2015 accounts. Insurance industry, over the years, is consistently witnessing late submission of accounts to the regulatory authorities by insurance firms in the country, especially, after the industry transited to International Financial Reporting Standard(IFRS) in 2012. To this end, underwriting firms were made to cough out millions of Naira as monetary sanction to the regulatory bodies such as; NAICOM, Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria(FRC), and so on. This act, negatively affected the books of accounts of the affecting firms, such that they financially incapacitated to declare meaningful dividend or bonus to their teeming shareholders, a development that has rubbed off the credibility of the public in insurance services.

According to him, the beneficiaries of the approach are the insurance companies that must have integrated technology into their system of operations. In his contribution, the Executive Director, Sales and distribution of WAPIC Insurance Plc, Mr. Bode Ojeniyi, agreed with Mr. Coker that some underwriting companies needed to move beyond paper work given the increasing need to adopt technology primarily for customer service. Similarly, the Chief Information Officer of Guinea Insurance, Mr. Audu Oladokun, said from his experience that the application of technology had been observed to have raised his company’s customer base remarkably within few months.

FBNInsurance rewards outstanding staff Rasaq Olalekan

BNInsurance has rewarded its outstanding staff, comprising of Financial Advisors, Sales Managers and Senior Sales Managers for their outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties during the 2015 financial year of the insurance firm. The employees, who were recognised at the company’s Annual Retail Awards ceremony held in Lagos, hadcontributed to growth in insurance adoption among Nigerians, as they were instrumental to the sales of the company’s insurance products and services. In his welcome speech at the event, Head, Retail Distribution, FBNInsurance Ltd., Dr Odinakachi Umekwe, thanked the board and management of FBNInsurance for their continuous support and also congratulated all the Financial Advisors, Sales

Lloyd’s Insurers lead drive to sell legacy portfolios

he majority of Lloyd’s businesses (77 per cent) are considering legacy portfolio disposals, with more than half of firms based in western Europe (53 per cent) expecting to make at least one sale in the next three years, according to Willis Towers Watson’s most recent annual insurance M&A survey*. This represents a 42 percent rise in respondents interested in divesting operations compared to two years ago. “Changing market conditions and the rise of a handful of well-capitalized legacy business acquirers have continued to ramp up interest in portfolio disposals,” said Andy Staudt, director at Willis Towers Watson. “We are aware of six to eight sizable firms across Europe with capital

to spend, who are now in active competition for legacy deals.” Willis Towers Watson noted that these deals not only include portfolios that are in run-off, but also those that no longer complement the overall strategic direction of a business or where the long-tailed nature of the claims requires specialist management skills. “This competition, together with the upward trend in insurance M&A activity in the last two years, has created opportunities for firms with prospective legacy portfolios and shifted the focus in the legacy market on to disposals,” said Steve Mathews, director at Willis Towers Watson. “Supply-side push effects, such as the increased certainty about Solvency II’s impact on

Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

capital, seem likely to bring more deals to the table compared to recent years. Legacy portfolios also eat up a lot of capital for a relatively low return, which means putting a book of business into run-off is now increasingly a strategic choice,” he added. However, disposal may not offer the right balance of capital release, complexity, or cost for all insurers, and may even introduce other business risks, the company said. For those insurers considering disposal as an option, Willis Towers Watson recommended the consideration of all options “that maximize the value of run-off and non-core operations, such as outsourcing, proactive run-off and reinsurance.” (Source – Insurancejournal.com)

Managers and Senior Sales Managers for a successful and rewarding 2015. While encouraging the winners not to relent on their oars but to keep striving for better performance which will ultimately lead to better rewards, he explained that they “say the reward for hard work is more work. For us at FBNInsurance, when you work hard enough, you will be rewarded as you can see today with our overall winner (Financial Advisor’s Category) who will drive home in a brand new Hyundai Accent.” The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Valentine Ojumah, who presented the overall winner, Iyogwoya Roseline Pius, with the keys to a brand new Hyundai Accent, commended the retail team for commitment to corporate objectives and vision. “Without a virile Retail team, we won’t be where we are today. Thank you for a job well done. But we still have work to do. Insurance penetration is still very low in this part of the world, let’s go out there and do more. There is much more to be done”, Ojumah said. In her acceptance speech, Iyogwoya Roseline Pius, who won awards for the third consecutive time, thanked her manager for encouraging her and also thanked the management of FBNInsurance for the kind gesture. “I am so happy to be the overall winner. I thank my supervisor, Mr Mordi Valentine, for being a great Manager. I also appreciate all my fellow financial advisors, sales managers and senior sales managers for a job well done,” she said. In all, 17 employees of the retail team were presented awards at the event.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sustaining confidence in nation’s payment system’s regulatory regime In order to reduce fraudulent activities in the financial sector to barest minimum, the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, has threatened to sanction banks, microfinance banks , primary mortgage institutions, mobile money operators and other payments system providers for any infraction of payment system rules and regulations to sustain customers’ confidence in the financial system UDO ONYEKA reports.

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, knowing that many frauds in the financial sector are caused by industry players’ lack of commitment to observe payments systems rules and regulation, has threatened the wielding of the big stick on erring entities in its sustain efforts to curb abuses in the system. Some financial system analysts see the move by the apex bank as not unconnected with increasing rate of frauds in the financial sector. For instance the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, in its 2014 annual report said Banks recorded N25.61bn fraud in 2014. According to the report the rate of fraud in the banking sector rose by 182.77 per cent from 3,786 cases in 2013 to 10,612 cases as of December 2014 and the amount involved within the period under review increased by N3.81bn or 17.5 per cent from N21.8bn to N25.61bn. The report said that as a result of the increase in the level of the fraud in the industry, the expected/actual loss rose from N5.76bn in 2013 to N6.19bn in 2014. It attributed the fraud rate increase to the astronomical rise in online banking transactions including fraudulent transfers and withdrawals. “The Deposit Money Banks reported 10,612 fraud cases in 2014 compared with 3,786 cases reported in 2013, representing an increase of 182.77 per cent. “In the same vein, the amount involved increased by 3.81bn or 17.5 per cent from 21.80bn in 2013 to 25.61bn in 2014. “Also the expected/actual loss increased from 5.76bn in 2013 to 6.19bn in 2014. The increase of 7.57 per cent in expected/actual loss in fraud and forgeries was mainly due to the astronomical increase in the incidence of web-based, online banking, Automated Teller Machine and fraudulent transfer/ withdrawal of deposit frauds,” the report said. Corroborating the worrisome trend of frauds in the sector, Chairman of Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum ,NeFF, Dipo Fatokun, who is also Director of Banking and Payments System, CBN, noted that the number and size of frauds against organisations were increasing just as the volume and size of transactions are equally on the increase. Also, Head, Information System Security, Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement Systems, NIBSS, Olufemi Fadairo, said that 2014 was quite alarming in terms of fraud as it recorded very high volume of fraudulent transactions, noting that the unreported cases were far higher than the reported cases of frauds perpetuated in the system. Therefore to curtail this ugly trend the CBN in a circular dated July 29 and signed by Fatokun to all Deposit Money Banks,

Emefiele

Olufemi Fadairo

The apex bank further said that promoters of companies that engage in

e- payment operations without obtaining

CBN approval would be prosecuted and the companies closed down and that

non-compliance with any other

CBN

e- payment directive or circular shall attract fine of

N50, 000

Microfinance Banks, MFBs, Primary Mortgage Institutions, Mobile Money Operators, Switches and other payments system service providers said it would sanction erring banks /e- payment service providers for infractions of payments system rules and regulation. “Further to the provisions of section 47(3) of the CBN Act 2007, requiring the CBN to ‘prescribe rules and regulation for the efficient operations of clearing and settlement system’, the bank hereby stipulates the following applicable sanctions to erring banks and payments system service providers for infringements of extant guidelines, circulars, rules and regulation issued by the bank on all forms of electronic payments system”, the circular said. According to the circular, for the ATM some of the infractions and penalties include; non compliance with payment card industry data security standard, PCIDSS, attracts a fine of N250,000 and a penalty charge of N50,000 per week for as long as non compliance persists. Others are non compliance of ATM terminals with EMV levels 1 and 2 attracts fine and penalty as PCIDSS non compliance. “Failure to provide audit trails and journals for ATM transactions attract fine of N50, 000 with full refund to the customer. Downtime of ATM for more than 72 hours

per week

without cogent reasons attracts fine of N100, 000. Non availability or non functional help desk contacts attracts fine of 100,000 and penalty charge of N50, 000 per week for as long as non-compliance exists and Failure to respond to the customer/ CBN on ATM complaints within 72 hours attracts fine of 100, 000 per day”, the circular stated. The CBN said in case of Transaction Switching Services any infraction of the guideline attracts initial fine of N100, 000 and full liability for compromise due to noncompliance. It also said for bulk payments and ACH, any infraction attracts penalty stipulated on the guidelines on Electronic Payments of salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes in Nigeria. On the issue of card issuance, stored value/ prepaid cards and debit cards, the CBN said banks are to be fully liable for any fraud arising from the use of the card. And that disciplinary action would be taken on bank staff found culpable. “On Point-of –Sale, PoS fraud arising from non-compliance with transaction value limit, the scheme operator is liable for amount above set limit. Lack of inter operability and inter connectivity to other systems would attract directive to operator to disable the PoS. “On rendition of returns and late submission of monthly returns attracts fine of N50,

000m per day of delay”, it said. The apex bank further said promoters of companies that engage in e- payment operations without obtaining CBN approval would be prosecuted and the companies closed down, “ adding that non compliance with any other CBN e- payment directive or circular shall attract fine of N50, 000 per week of non compliance and full liability for any fraud arising from non compliance.” Also the circular said that the CBN would apply name and shame of responsible officers and entity, blacklisting of operator or service providers and removal from office of principal officers of operators and service providers in some cases. However, as part of efforts to nip the menace in the bud, Fatokun had said early this year that the NeFF forum has created an avenue for information exchange and knowledge sharing on fraud issues among key stakeholders to foster collaborative and proactive approach to tackling the challenge and limiting occurrences and losses. According to him, this will proffer solutions that restore public confidence on card usage and electronic payments in general. Fadairo, however disclosed that internet and ATMs remain the most popular channels for e-fraud while Point of Sales, PoS, terminals have been discovered to be the preferred channel of cash out for fraudsters. Taking polls on the last two years’ data of NIBSS; it appeared that in 2014 there was 1,461 e- fraud volumes, with attempted value of N7.8bn and actual loss value of N6.216bn. For the previous year, the fraud volume recorded was 855 with attempted value of N19.149bn, while actual loss value was N485.194m. Giving further analysis on the reported cases of frauds in the past two years, Fadairo explained that while there was a significant rise of up to 78 per cent in the volume of fraudulent cases in 2014, the value of attempted fraudulent transactions reduced, noting that there was a huge increase in the moneys that were actually lost to fraudsters. He said further analysis show that the percentage of actually lost value as against attempted fraud value increased up to 77 per cent from 35 to 80 per cent within one year. According to him, the fraudulent cases help to emphasise the need for more security measures in handling payment cards as individuals, and improved security practices as corporate bodies to help minimize fraud rates. Fadairo hinted that financial fraudsters were increasingly adopting sophisticated techniques in the approach and that stakeholders in the industry have to collaborate more and think ahead and creatively if efraud must be successfully tackled.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Boy, 12, lands in hospital over deadly machete cuts from brother A 10 year old boy, last Wednesday, nearly sent his 12 year old brother to early grave when he struck him with deadly machete blows on the head. The victim, Michael Ogbemudia, who is currently lying critically ill at Benin Central Hospital was said to have been attacked by his 10 year old sibling with a machete, when the attacker was fighting with another boy. The incident, according to National Mirror sources, happened at Ehonudin Primary School, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, in Edo State, when they both attend. The teary-eyed father of the boys, Paul Ogbemudia, told newsmen that Michael was attacked by his brother when he attempted to stop him from fighting with another boy, adding that the younger brother claimed that Michael joined others to fight him which was why he used the machete on him. Michael’s condition is however worsened by the inability of their father to raise enough money to carry out a brain scan to enable doctors treat him. Succour however came his way when Godwin Obaseki, a gubernatorial candidate in the state, offered to pay the

Dignitaries at the commissioning of vehicles donated to Isoko vigilante groups by Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor in Ozoro, recently.

medical bills including the brain scan. Obaseki also paid the medical bills of other patients, including Ahmedu Yusufu, whom doctors said his bones

were eating away. He explained that the gesture was part of his activities to mark this year’s Easter celebration. Over 25 patients benefited

Delta NOWA marks Easter with patients Elo Ogwara, WARRI

s part of activities to mark Easter festivities, the Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Delta Zone, yesterday embarked on courtesy visits to patients at the Central Hospital, Warri, and the Navy Hospital, Effurun, both in Delta State. The visit which saw the donation of gifts to patients at both hospitals was led by the NOWA Zonal coordinator and wife of the Flag Officer Commanding Logistics, Oghara, Mrs. Patience Ofik. While commending the Navy Hospital’s management for doing a good job in spite of its challenges, the group said, “Within the constraints and confines of what you have, you are doing a good job. There is need for expansion and improvement. We are proud of what you are doing.” Lt. Commander Elekwachi Ikwuagwu, a surgeon and representative of the Commanding officer of the hospital had in his welcome address explained that the hospital was facing mostly structural challenges and manpower shortage due to the large

number of patronage. At the Central Hospital, the group had visited the Male, Female, including the Maternal and Child Care wards with gifts donations to patients. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy

Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, has charged NOWA to continue to keep the home front going, as officers and ratings go about securing Nigerian lives. The Commander stated this while playing host, for the first

from the milk of human kindness of the governorship aspirant who paid over N1 million to settle their medical bills. Many of the patients that

benefited from the goodwill were those that have been treated and discharged but were held back at the hospital because they could not pay their medical bills.

time, to the women at the Naval Base, Warri, commending them for their concern in touching the lives of patients across hospitals. “This has shown that as mothers, they are taking care of the home front and civilians at large. “It has become difficult for

naval officers. We are seriously engaged that we can hardly find time to check on our families due to the security challenges we are having now. Continue to support us in prayers, we need you to keep the home front going,” Mohammed stated.

Indigenes decry govt neglect of Eme-Ora community Oarhe Dickson BENIN

he people and indigenes of Eme-ora community in Owan West local government area of Edo State have decried what they term a deliberate attempt by government to neglect their community. Chief E.T.O. Orhewere, head of Eme-ora community and the pioneer secretary general of Eme-ora progress union (EPU), on behalf of the community, stated this over the weekend in during the national convention of E.P.U; harmonisation of the union branches; award for past distinguished executive members and deserving sons and daughters including election/inauguration of the new national executive headed by the President General, Prophet Emmanuel Ojo Agge. Those elected are: Prophet E.O. Agge (national president general), John Olu Uduowan, Idumah Sylvester, and Emmanuel Emorinken (vice presidents), Barr. E. Alegbeleye (secre-

tary general), J.O Orhewere (asst. secretary general), Mr. M. Agbebaku (treasurer), Simire Anslem (financial secretary), Christopher Uduigwomen (P.R.O) and Ms. Bose Edgal (publicity secretary). Chief Orhewere expressed the displeasure on the part of the government by the people, saying it was hinged on the claim that the government had neglected the community by not providing her with social amenities and other deliverables of democracy in recent time to meet up with modern realities. Orhewere, however, assured that that could be resolved when the indigenes of the land forge a united front and place as priority the interest of Eme-ora. “We have a lot of work to do and the leadership of E.P.U should be seen taking up this responsibility by ensuring that Eme-ora gets the needed government attention and use every civil means to bring government to attend to the problems confronting the development of the community and uplift the living standard

of the people of the land,” he said. The indigenes regreted that the only grammer school in their locality pre-dated Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He said the road linking Owan West to other parts of the state was an eyesore. “We have no standard school for our children to learn, no viable industry, electricity conditions is poor, our people cannot access quality health care medication, the roads are bad and no one thing can be pointed as dividends of democracy being enjoyed by our people,” they cried out. The people are therefore demanding why government, both at the state and local council, including the federal government, should sideline Eme-ora community in the scheme of things and appeal to the government to pick up interest in Eme-ora by ensuring that potable water, electricity, security of lives and property, proper education, health care facilities and good road network be provided to the people

Capital Market

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary

MARKET REPORT Equities as at March 24, 2016 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Ekiti APC to Fayose: Reception, car gift for detained lawmaker, waste of resources Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

he All Progressives Congress, APC in Ekiti State has accused the state governor of wasting resources of the state on the Ekiti State House of Assembly member, Hon. Afolabi Akanni, who was recently detained for 18 days by the Department of State Servic-

es, DSS. APC State Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the governor’s alleged failure to see governance beyond his personal appeal “is costing our state good governance for the development of our people and her deserved place of honour in this country”. Olatunbosun said in a statement in Ado Ekiti

Dikwa’s apology to CAN on N7bn allegation not enough —Idahosa Robert Awokuse

eneral Overseer of God First Ministries International Inc. also known as Illumination Assembly, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, has said that the apology by Kallamu Musa Dikwa to Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, over the allegation of seven billion naira said to have been collected by CAN from the former President Goodluck Jonathan to support him during the last election is not enough. The clergy, who wept over the allegation, stated that though CAN had to forgive Dikwa for lying against it, he should be made to do more than rendering apology. It could be recalled that Dikwa during last year general election alleged that former president Goodluck Jonathan gave CAN president and some other clerics seven billion naira to help canvass support for him among their members. Reacting to Dikwa’s recent confession that the allegation was false and subsequent apology to CAN, Idahosa said: “Yes, he has apologized but the questions is, why now? It is not enough for him to apologize. What really happened? What did he stand to benefit? What instigated his hook up story? Who gave him the push? It is not enough for him to come and say am sorry but this thing must be definitely checkmated to avoid a repeat, so forgiveness can be granted but apology is not enough.” According to the overseer, the allegation was not good for the body, saying that measures must be taken by appropriate bodies to ensure that nobody rises up again to

speak what he knows nothing about all in a bid to run down the body. He called on Nigerians, especially Christians to learn not to believe every rumour they here against men of God, adding that such rumours sometimes are misleading. He said: “Those who in a hurry brought the idea and began to wine their mouth and accepted the fact that N7billion naira was collected by the body of Christ and fathers of faith in Nigeria and the like of my own spiritual father , Papa Ayo Oritsajafor must learn not to jump at issues. Let’s find out matters and be able to pray for one another in love. “Love is not easily provoked. That is why you see the way they responded, that is how fathers should respond to issue maturely. Why? Nothing of such happened. It’s high time we trusted what our spiritual leaders say because they have be proven, tried and tested over time and to those who believe in them, they will now see reason of believing in the leadership of Christendom. We must learn all the time to find out matters before we arrived at conclusion.” On the way forward for the country, Idahosa said that leaders must learn to dialogue. “One of the ways forward is to take into consideration the Constitutional Conference that was held last year. Doing that will go a long way to solving the present issues and future issues and we must see Nigeria as our country, love it and love the leadership. There are no perfect leaders anywhere. Until you are there, you don’t understand fully what you are about to face.

yesterday: “That is why the governor is wasting state resources on helicopter charter to ferry an accused person, Akanni Afolabi, from Abuja to Ekiti after which he took six pages of several newspapers on frivolous adverts to publish court records on the accused’s bail application and topped it with the donation of a new car to same Akanni, who is still under investigation over several criminal cases”. It would be recalled that the governor at the weekend presented a car gift to the re-

cently released lawmaker as a reward for loyalty while playing host to members of the state Assembly led by its Speaker, Hon Kola Oluwawole at the Government House. Reacting to the development, the APC alleged that the governor was overwhelmed with “promoting cloudy characters with several alleged crimes hanging on their necks far above Ekiti academic pride of the century, Ayodele Dada, who bagged the best graduating student award at the Univer-

sity of Lagos with a record 5.0 GPA. The APC accused the governor of conducting himself in a manner that threatened national security. It said the governor’s “recent utterances and actions suggest acts of sabotage targeted at rendering national institutions ineffective to perform their statutory roles for effective government in a federal set-up”. Olatunbosun said that “the governor’s statements had exposed him as

a man fighting a lone battle against the Federal Government over selfish motives to put millions of Nigerians in jeopardy of instability in an already tottering economy”. The APC spokesman regretted that besides the governor inciting Ekiti people against the operatives of the DSS, he had also for umpteenth time allegedly threatened to bring President Muhammadu Buhari’s government down if any attempt was made to probe sundry alleged crimes leveled against him.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debt, Sen. Shehu Sani (2nd l) during his visit to the Fulani Community in Rafin Roro Village in Kaduna yesterday. P HOTO:NAN

Dogara organises free medical services, target 5000 patients in Bauchi Ezekiel Titus Bauchi

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Hon. Yakubu Dogara has provided free medical services for people with different ailments across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi state This was just as the speaker said the programme is targeting at about 5000 patients suffering from various diseases. Making this known was the member representing Danbam/Misau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State , Hon. Ahmed Yerima while speaking at the flag

off of the programme at the Bauchi Teaching Hospital . According to Yerima, the free medical services was informed by the need to compliment government efforts as well as to fulfill the campaign promises made to the people in line with APC change mantra “Dogara is concerned with improved health delivery in the state and beyond and that inform his idea of mobilizing about 50 medical doctors to carry out health delivery on citizens of the state irrespective of their political, tribal and religious inclination” said Yerima Dogara had urged people from all walks of life to

come out enmass to benefit from the free health services saying a lot of programmes are under way to improve the living condition of the electorate in the state . Yerima said Dogara has been assisting the people of his constituency with similar gesture since he became a member of Federal House of Representatives in 2007 . Speaking earlier, the team leader of the medical team, Dr Haruna Kibo expressed appreciation for the rear opportunity given to them and thanked the people for ensuring the successful take off of the programme.

Kibo added that during the programme, operation will be carried out on people suffering from various ailments, while others with diabetes, lassa-fever among others will undergo medical screening. He commended the laudable effort of Dogara and described the step taken by the speaker as ideal apparently to rekindle the hope of the common man towards health delivery services. He therefore urged the people to avail themselves with opportunity given to them and support Dogara to succeed in his renewed commitment to improve the living condition of the people of the state.

Mail Mirror

Politics

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE HOUSE OF REPS with

Ubong UKPONG

08036017966, email: ubongpong@yahoo.com

2016 Budget: Reps escape the trap, pass integrity test

Lasun

Dogara

he 2016 Budget of President Muhammadu Buhari, to say the least, was a booby trap that would have severely damaged the integrity of the House of Representatives and indeed, the entire National Assembly. This was why I said in the last edition that it was an integrity test for the Reps, but reserved my ruling on the matter, even though I believed strongly that it would pass the test. Suffice it now to say that the House diligently escaped the trap and has passed the integrity test, having commendably passed the controversial Appropriation Bill. I said the budget was a trap set for the lawmakers because the excruciating hardship and economic downturn that has engulfed the country since the All Progressives Congress, APC took over government were already been attributed to the non-passage of the budget. Therefore, the lawmakers would not have been spared if they proceeded on recess for the Easter without the budget passed and transmitted to the presidency to alleviate the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sufferings. It was a trap, because in spite of the acknowledged fact that it was presented very late on December 22, 2015, it was even still not a good document as the lawmakers had to wait a longer time again before commencing work on it. This waiting was not their fault, because they could not work on the faulty document which was even engulfed by the controversy of been missing. There were serious allegations that the National Assembly did not want to treat the

budget and that, that was why the lawmakers hide it and claimed that it was missing, but event later proved that this could not be the truth. It was alleged that the President withdrew the document to rework on it, but he never accepted responsibility, rather it was made to look like the lawmakers were playing games with the budget. Until today, the question as to whether the president withdrew it has not been ans both Chambers. Well, another controversy arose in the House of Reps, with the glaring fact that there were two budget on ground to work with, as opposition said that the first should have been withdrawn officially and re-presented instead of using the back door to bring in the corrected version while the Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copy was missing and Reps said its copy was intact. However, in their wisdom, the issue of having two documents were discountenanced in the Reps, which went ahead to commence work on the budget. No one would have listened to excuses from them over the glaring inconsistencies and padding, which obviously could delayed or even truncate the budget. Therefore, it would have been simply said around town that the Reps, or even entire National Assembly have refused to pass budget and they would have been called all sorts of names. Kudos to the leadership of the House, the Speaker , Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who, apart from being filled with the wisdom is also

guided by the fear of God as he superintends over the affairs of the Green House. It was only this wisdom and fear of God that saved members from the budget processes that was capable of destroying their image. The House was very focused in assuring Nigerians that it would pass a workable budget before going on Easter break. This assurances had continued to come through its Committee on Media and Public Affairs, led by Hon. Abdulrasak Namdas. Namdas had never shifted from this position throughout the period, meaning he really knows the House he is speaking for. In spite of the date of Marc h 16 and 17 given by the Appropriation committees of both Chambers, Namdas came to the press centre and said he could not defend those dates but was sure that Easter would not meet the budget unpassed. Therefore on that Wednesday, March 23, the House made history and passed the budget which for the first time in the history of Nigeria was slashed. Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, having moved the motion that the House considers the report on the N6.08 trillion appropriation bill, it therefore dissolved into the Committee on Supply chaired by the Speaker, to consider the budget report. Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, took time out to give a synopsis on the report, as he hide nothing away from members as regarding the true state of the budget. The Speaker and Chairman therefore began considering line upon lines and clause upon clause. They were not devoid of controversies, as members interjected the Chairman at intervals to complain about noticeable problems with the budget as would be passed. At every point, the Chairman also directed Jibrin to furnish the committee with explanations on the grey areas, which even though they were unsatisfied, the Chairman of committee on Supply had no option than to hit his gavel in favour of the lines or clauses to carry them, since the budget must be passed anyhow. You could see it on the faces of members that they were not totally in tune with all that they were approving, which if they have had enough opportunities they might have corrected them, but now were almost arm-twisted or forced to approve them that way for the sake of peace and their integrity. Having passed the budget, the joint commit-

tees of Reps and Senate on Appropriation and Information and Public Affairs briefed the press on the journey towards passing the budget, stressing that, it was remarkable that the budget of N6.08 trillion was reduced to N6.060 trillion without tempering with the aspects that would directly impact on the welfare of citizens. They said that a lot of items in the overhead under recurrent expenditure were contentious and this was where they had the reduction to the final aggregate of N6.060trillion. While Senator Danjuma Goje of Senate Appropriation tried to manage his words on the state of the budget, Hon. Jibrin found it better to say it the way it was to protect the Green Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. integrity. He was categorical that the budget was brought late and also came in bad shape, which put them under unwarranted pressure. He said that for one full month, the headships of the two committees in the both Chambers had sleepless nights to fix the budget right. Jibrin admitted that although they took their time to cleanse the budget as passed, it was still not devoid of certain omissions which they would have loved to address but for lack of time . He said that there was no need to cause more controversies to a budget that was already controversial, so they had to let it go. The lawmaker advised the executive to work together with all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, so as to avoid the troubles of people coming to disown budget belonging to them in the National Assembly. He advised the President to always come very early with his proposals, to avoid the kind of pressure and fire brigade approach that followed the late submission of this budget. Reading his lips and body language, one could tell that they have all cooperated to pass the inconsistencies noted in the budget . After all said and done, the budget was passed, votes and proceedings approved and it has been transmitted to the President for his assent. The Presidency is happy with the budget as passed. Presidential liaison officer in the National Assembly, Senator Ita Enang, said that President Buhari was well consulted throughout the processes and that he is happy with the budget, so by this, there should be no further controversy. The Reps have proceeded on two weeks recess for Easter and would resume on April 12.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The N350b to boost economy

ligations. The Minister said the general consensus was that there was need to bring in more cost efficiency in the operations of the states. Adeosun said states were encouraged to look at the setting up of the efficiency units to rationalise expenditure and increase Internally Generated Revenue In order to ensure effective revenue generation, Adeosun said there was need to generate data, stressing that data was the basis of any revenue collecting efforts. Adeosun said the Federal and state inland revenue services need to collaborate to carry out joint audits to invest in relevant technology and efforts to improve collection. She also explained that there was need to develop incentives for both federal and state revenue generating agencies to ensure that there was an alignment of interest. “There is a focus at state level on property and consumption taxes to help in improving revenue in a fair manner. Tax payer education must be intensified and to expand the tax base and ensure that there is a buy-in in the revenue collection agencies from the populace. “State governors were encouraged where possible to rationalize numbers of commissioners and general political appointees and in addition introduce cost control measures to be identified and implemented on an on-going basis and there was a sharing of best practices from a number of states that could be applied elsewhere”, Adeosun said

he issue of fuel scarcity in the country has long been a major problem to the nation and the people, as it has become a major challenge that every successive government had to deal with. Considering the poor transportation system in the country where everyone rely on the use of the road, many Nigerians go through very difficult times as they have to stay long hours on fuel queues at filling stations to get fuel for their vehicles while many others sleep at the petrol stations to try their

When power situation is no laughing matter

ASO ROCK FILE with Rotimi FADEYI

or many Nigerians, their expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration are very high and therefore they want to see significant improvement in all sectors of the economy which would eventually impact on their lives. This situation has put government officials on their toes and made them to put on their thinking cap to find ways to ensure that the people feel the impact of government and benefit from its programmes. With ten months gone in the life of the present administration, there is no time to waste in taking bold steps which include the plan to inject a total of N350 billion to boost the economy before the implementation of the 2016 budget. The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who spoke at the end of an economic retreat held at the Presidential Villa last week, said the retreat gave an opportunity to highlight the processes that the Federal Government have put in place as well as safeguards to ensure that the money that would be released actually achieves the desired objective to stimulate the economy “From the Federal Ministry of Finance in anticipation of the approval of the budget, we have virtually lined up about N350billion which we would be pump into the Nigerian economy in the forth coming months”, Adeosun said. According to her, the government was already discussing with some of the contractors who would be paid these monies, stressing that the objectives from the overall criteria was how many Nigerians would be re-engaged. Specifically, Adeosun explained that government was looking at contractors who have laid off staff and how many Nigerians would be put back to work as a result of the money that would be released. Adeosun stated that the retreat also provided the opportunity to deliberate extensively on the drop in revenue particularly as it affects the state governments and their ability to pay salaries and ob-

Politics

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

espite the privatization of the power sector by the last administration under President Goodluck Jonathan, the sector is still faced with problems of power generation and distribution as there had not been stable power supply which was the aim of the privatization exercise in the first place. Though there was significant improvement in the supply of electricity shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari took over power from former President Goodluck Jonathan, it has dropped in the last few months while the problem persists. The expectation of many Nigerians was that with the recent hike in electricity tariff, there would be regular supply in electricity. Howev-

er, this has not been the situation . Last week at the Presidential Villa, the National Economic Council, NEC held a two-day retreat to brainstorm on the way forward for the economy. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 36 State Governors, Ministers and top government officials were in attendance. While declaring the retreat open, the President, in a keynote address, expressed concern over the power situation in the country and said it was no more a laughing matter even as he stressed that the situation requires urgent attention for the nation to witness transformation in its economy Buhari said his administration was ready to make significant impact in the power sector as the government plans to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity before the

expiration of his first term in office in 2019. The President said his government would also add 2,000 megawatts this year to the national grid. He explained that looking at the issue of privatization of the power sector, the government was facing the classic dilemma of privatization between public interest and profit motive. The President however said that since the process had already started, government must complete it. He stated that , “Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer a laughing matter. We must and by the grace of God we will put things right” Buhari noted that the sector had been privatized but has not shown any improvement in the quality of ser-

vice. He explained that the common public complaints include constant power cuts which was destroying economic activity and affecting quality of life, high electricity bills despite power cuts, and low supply of gas to power plants due to vandalization by terrorists. Buhari also said other complaints are obsolete power distribution equipment such as transformers, power fluctuations, which damage manufacturing equipment and household appliances and low voltage which cannot run industrial machinery. The President explained that though the problems have defied successive governments, the All Progressives Congress, APC government was determined to put a stop to power shortages.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Economic Council retreat held at the Presidential Villa, recently.

When Kachikwu couldn’t perform magic luck if they could get fuel. Commuters are left at the mercy of commercial vehicles who hike their fares in order to make up for the time spent at petrol stations and to be able to make daily delivery of money realised from their transportation business. Back at home and with the poor electricity supply, the situation is even worse as there is no fuel to power electricity generators, particularly in the night when the heat is more intense.

The situation had made many people to spend money not budgeted for and caused them a lot of discomfort and pains while many plans, schedules and programmes are disrupted. Last week Wednesday, the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu led officials of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG and Petroleum and Natural Gas‎

Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN to a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa. The meeting was to find

a lasting solution to the frequent fuel crisis and how to reform the oil sector to perform better in order to render quality service to the people.

Last week’s Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose 2. Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa 3. Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole 4. Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie- Oyegun 5. Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki 6. Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara 7. . National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), BolaTinubu 8. APC Deputy National Leader (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu 9. APC Deputy National Leader (South), Engineer Segun Oni 10. Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari

Features

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tackling the menace of open defecation Okon Edem Okon

aterAid, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), recently organized a sensitisation workshop on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Otukpo, Benue State. The workshop, organised in collaboration with WASH Media Network Sanitation Group, State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS) and National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), was aimed at sensitising Nigerians to the dangers of open defecation. Concerned citizens have been voicing their worry over the growing menace of open defecation, always underscoring the need for the government to initiate pragmatic measures to curb the unwholesome habit that could ignite an outbreak of diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), open defecation is the practice of people defecating outside and not into a designated toilet; thereby causing public health problems in such areas. Mr. Saheed Mustafa, WaterAid’s Advocacy and Partnership Manager, said that the attainment of an open defecation-free environment was the first step in efforts to achieve a hygienic environment. Mustafa, who noted that Nigeria’s position with regard to sanitation was regressing instead of progressing, emphasised the need for stakeholders to urgently work with relevant authorities to eliminate open defecation in the country. He moaned that the practice was becoming too rampant because of the lack of basic sanitation facilities across the country. He argued that the problems associated with inadequate WASH facilities in the country had negatively affected all the aspects of human development. ``We believe that basic sanitation service forms the first essential step in overcoming poverty and it is fundamental to human development. ``This is because good sanitation underpins health, education and livelihoods. ``Right now, Nigeria is going through what we consider as a sanitation crisis. ``For now, Nigeria’s position in global efforts to achieve open defecation-free environment is regression. ``Instead of progressing, we are regressing and any time we measure progress, we find out that instead of going forward, we are actually going backward,’’ he noted. Mustafa said that recent information on the state of sanitation in Nigeria revealed that as at 2015, more than 100 million people had no access to basic sanitation facilities, adding that about 40 million people still engaged in open defecation.

Defecating in the public ``Our sanitation coverage rates are actually falling; from 38 per cent in 1990s to 31 per cent in 2011 and at present, 28 per cent,’’ he said. According to him, Nigeria loses about 1.3 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to illnesses and deaths caused by dearth of basic sanitation facilities. Mustafa, therefore, advised the citizens to always keep their environment clean, while stressing the need for a positive behavioural change among the people towards the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

handle their menstrual periods. Akosu decried inadequate water supply and lack of sanitation facilities in schools, saying that the development had forced many school girls out of school due to the shame induced by their crude ways of managing menstrual cycles. Also speaking, Mr. Wale Elekolusi, WASH Media Coordinator in Abuja, said that sanitation issues were becoming more worrisome in Nigeria as a whole. He noted that several means and measures had been adopted

She, however, said that over 20,000 communities in 31 Local Government Areas of 36 states had benefited from CLTS programmes, aimed at stamping out open defecation in their areas. ``Efforts are being made to integrate CLTS data into the WASH Information Management System (WASHIMS),’’ she added. Speaking on the objectives of the workshop, Mrs. Oluseyi Abdulmalik, WaterAid’s Communi-

She emphasised that open defecation was an environmental and health risk to the citizens, adding that it was very harmful to the people’s well-being. In her contribution, Mrs. Wandoo Akosu, WaterAid’s Programmes Support Manager, stressed that open defecation-free environment could be achieved if the people were adequately sensitised to the importance of having toilets in their homes. Akosu, who noted that open defecation was rampant in the rural areas and in the slums of cities across the country, called for a synergy between all stakeholders in efforts to eliminate the unwholesome practice. She urged the STGS and the NTGS to live up to expectation, saying that their primary responsibilities should naturally include sustained sensitisation of people at the grassroots to the dangers of open defecation. Besides, Akosu spoke on women’s menstrual hygiene, saying that menstruation was a biological process which needed hygienic management, just like urination and defecation. She claimed that about 50 per cent of girls abandoned schooling due to their inability to properly

to tackle sanitation concerns; all to no avail. Elekolusi said that the implementation and enforcement of extant sanitation policies by relevant agencies would be instrumental to efforts to achieve the needed results in the anti-open defecation campaign. Mrs. Clarisse Baghnyan, the Coordinator of Regional Learning Centre for Sanitation, who presented a paper on ``Understanding Sanitation Matters and the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)’’, said that sanitation was posing a great challenge in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Baghnyan quoted UNICEF as saying: ``Only 29 per cent of the population in Nigeria has access to basic sanitation. Around 66,000 children die every year as a result of lack of sanitation facilities.” She noted that Nigeria was the giant of Africa in several areas, including culture, economic growth and modern cities, adding, however, that the country was still grappling with serious environmental challenges.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole cation and Advocacy Manager, vouched for the ability of the media to disseminate information on the importance of WASH to all stakeholders and the public at large. She said that WaterAid was working toward the achievement of the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which was specifically dedicated to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), in Nigeria. ``WaterAid is an international organisation working in 37 countries in Africa, Asia and Pacific region; it has been working in Nigeria since 1995. ``The organisation is working in 22 Local Government Areas across six states of the federation.’’ Abdulmalik solicited the media’s assistance in efforts to ini-

tiate discourse and create public awareness on the dangers of open defecation to public health. Ms. Blessing Sani, WaterAid’s Communication and Advocacy Assistant, said that existing data showed a steady decline in the number of people with access to improved sanitation facilities and an increase in open defecation. She explained that the purpose of the workshop was to create a platform, where different stakeholders in WASH could meet to proffer solutions to WASH issues, particularly the sanitation challenges facing Nigeria. She emphasised that open defection was an environmental and health risk to the citizens, adding that it was very harmful to the people’s well-being. In his remark, Mr. Linux Eze, a member of Media Network, Enugu, said that open defecation had become commonplace even in bigger cities across the country due to the lack of sanitation facilities. Eze, who attributed the development to inadequate public toilets in strategic locations, called for urgent, stringent measures to curb the aberration, saying that this would go a long way to eliminate certain sicknesses that were associated with open defecation. The consensus of opinion at the workshop was that curbing open defecation in Nigeria should be everyone’s concern, while there should be a sustained campaign to end open defecation in the country. The participants also advocated the establishment of sanitation enforcement agents across the country in a bid to achieve an open defecation-free environment. ``Government, at all levels, should also give the provision of sanitation facilities a priority attention,’’ some of the participants said. •Culled from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

he fact that the country is currently experiencing downturn in her economic activities due, largely, to the crash of crude oil which is the country’s major earner as other sector of the economy are totally neglected or under-performing owing to the long years of maladministration, official neglect, corruption and general apathy on the part of both the leaders and the citizenry alike. Coupled with the dwindling revenue accruable to government at all levels are the menace of insecurity, avoidable disasters, skyrocketing unemployment which has also snowballed into youth restiveness and social vices. It is on this note that the dual approach of revenue generation and tackling environmental issues, as adopted by the Kwara State government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry under the leadership of Otunba Taiwo Joseph (OTJ) is not only worthy of commendation, but emulation by his counterparts in other states of the federation. Penultimate Friday, February 11th 2016 when the raining season berthed in Ilorin the kwara state capital after an unending anticipation, owing to the scorching and moisture draining heat that had persisted for almost 3 months, the joy on the faces of residents knew no bound. However, this relief brought with it some challenges of flooding and rainstorm disasters which rendered many homeless, sadly has become the norm in some part of the state on a yearly basis. Ironically most of these are often times man-made albeit avoidable, with a little bit of restraint and zeal. OTJ, in a proactive move, on Saturday, February 11th as early as 7:30am went round the flood prone areas in Ilorin metropolis for a first hand assessment impact of the inaugural rainfall. While he expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of the government, he however enjoined residents to take precautionary steps like cleaning and clearing of drainages in their neighborhood. He frowned at the activities of some residents who have turned drainages and waterways to refuse dump sites, describing same as indirectly inviting disaster.

Rain: Kwara braces up to generate fund, prevent flooding As the raining season appears to have begun, the government of Kwara State have shown interest in tackling the environmental problems that often come with it. Through its efforts, according to DARE AKOGUN, the state may end up generating more revenue and create employment opportunities for the citizens.

A flooded area in Ilorin, Kwara State

He said: “As the raining season is gradually creeping in, we must all brace up and guide against flooding which often times leads to loss of lives and properties; dumping of refuse in drainages and waterways is one of the human (un)doings which aides flooding. “I am using this opportunity to advise Kwarans to desist from dumping of refuse in drainages and waterways, the dangers of so doing is too numerous. We have lost lives and properties worth millions of Naira to flooding in the past. “The government is working round the clock towards making sure all manmade causes of flooding and disasters are tackled with zeal and determination. I commend Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed who, despite the dwindling revenue accruable to the state from the federation account, have continued to embark on people-oriented projects, one can only pray that the revenue base of the state improves in days to come for more laudable projects,” he

added. The ministry has also mandated the compulsory clearing of all drainages in Ilorin metropolis, clearing of illegal dumpsites, especially on road medians at Judges Quarters, Fate Road, Taoheed Road, Asa Dam Road median, Kwara State House of Assembly Road, Coca-Cola setbacks and CBN quarters, all in Ilorin metropolis. The famed Flower Garden in Ilorin, is a shadow of its old self. Before his coming onboard, it was reported to be a safe haven for criminals and touts due to the cluster nature of the garden and lack of lighting. The place now wears a new look with some of the unwanted trees either outrightly felled or trimmed, with the provision of lights strategically fixed around the garden. These, to a large extent, has brought back the memory of the old ‘garden of flowers’, while moves are reportedly in the offing to turn it to a revenue generating edifice. Also, he gave the marching orders

The government is working round the clock towards making sure all man-made causes of flooding and disasters are

Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed of Kwara State

tackled with zeal and determination.

to the relevant government agencies to make sure the waste in the nooks and crannies of the state, especially Offa Township, Oro, are promptly and effectively disposed of. The ministry has also set machinery in motion towards making sure the forest reserves of the state is optimally harnessed while reducing to the barest minimum illegal felling of trees and deforestation. Penultimate Monday, the Commissioner toured some forest reserves in the state, with the aim of tackling encroachment, illegal felling of trees and fashioning out possible ways of optimising the revenue accruable to the state from them. Among the reserves are Arandun Forest Reserve, Olomu Forest Reserve, Isanlu Forest Reserve, Eleyin Forest Reserves among others. It is hoped that with the renewed interest shown by government, the private sector will be brought onboard to properly manage some of the reserves which can serve as the major supplier of rawmaterials for industries. This could also encourage the setting up of industries in some of these communities thereby also serving as a source of employment for the teeming unemployed, while the state will also increase its revenue base through the partnership agreement, company tax and payee payable by the workers of the firm.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Capital Market Firm launches market index Series to boost investors’ confidence Abolaji Adebayo

n investment company, SF Markets, has unveiled Scottfree Markets Nigeria Equity Index Series known as SFNG Equity Index Series, which is made up of SFNG Mid Cap 40 Index, SFNG Small Cap Index, SFNG Micro Cap Index, SFNG Broad Share Index and total Share Index. The company launched the indices after embarking on research across the country on the Nigerian Equity indices in other to make full data available for both local and foreign investors to guide them on their investment decisions in the various economic sectore in the country. Speaking during the launch of its website in Lagos, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Adebusoye Sotinwa, explained that the new platform can present detailed data about bonds and equities of all sector within the country. According to him, there is need to create the platform for investors to get

Stock Exchange building

detailed information about the business they are interested in investing on in the country instead of running

away for the fair of unknown circumstances. He said that the investors could

get indices about each sector as well as each business on the stock market on daily basis as well as weekly or monthly basis, or as demanded by the investors depending on what information and data requested. Sotinwa explained that the SFNG index series has been designed to provide an independent insight into the performance of Nigerian equity market, adding that the indices would serve as a neutral reference for bothe local and foreign investors to access the economic development of the Nigerian economy or certain segments of it. He stressed that it would provide component an index data to investors throughout the trading day (real-time) and after market close (end of day). “Investors can access these packages through various means which include File Transfer Protocol, FTP, email communications, directly from the SF Markets website, Solactive AG and select data vendors. Data files are available daily, monthly, periodically and as one-offs,” he said.

Stanbic IBTC Bank harps on Contract Commodities stocks drag European equities down Save benefits Johnson Okanlawon

tanbic IBTC Bank has reiterated the need for a strong savings and investment culture among Nigerians. The bank said it has developed a bouquet of products aimed at strengthening the savings and investment culture in the country. A statement by the bank said, Contract Save, a product similar to Esusu, Adashe or Ajo, an informal savings scheme common among market women, artisans and others across the country was introduced not only to encourage savings but also to help bring the low income groups into the formal financial services sector. It explained that Contract Save is a hybrid investment account that enables customers to save in a regular and disciplined way for specific goals and events. The bank said the product is targeted at current and savings account holders such as individuals and SME operators, High Yield Current Account (HYCA) holders, salary account holders as well as housewives who receive regular monthly stipends, traders, artisans, students, and others. The statement quoted the bank’s Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Mr. Babatunde Macaulay, as saying that the product was introduced to ensure customers achieve their savings and investment objectives in a disciplined and profitable way. According to him, in line with the retail

banking drive of the group and the financial inclusion policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank will continue to explore ways to develop financial solutions that are relevant to the financial and economic aspirations of Nigerians. “Contract Save is a product we developed to help customers achieve their savings and investment objectives in a disciplined and profitable way. The product is in line with the financial inclusion policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria and our retail banking drive. “The bank will continue to tap into the rich resources of the Stanbic IBTC Group to explore innovative ways to develop products and services that are relevant to the economic aspirations of Nigerians,” he added. He added that Contract Save account holders stand to benefit in several ways, including monthly credit interest and bonus payments, with the possibility of the bonus rising as high as 100 per cent of the credit interest earned over the tenor of the account. The product, structured like a fixed deposit account, has tenors ranging from six to 24 months with a minimum opening balance and minimum monthly payments of N5,000, respectively, required. Macaulay reiterated the group’s resolve to ensure Nigerians, particularly the informal sector, embrace a rich, rewarding and safe banking culture through the introduction of relevant products and services like Contract Save that speak to their everyday needs.

uropean shares fell for a fourth straight session yesterday, tracking losses on Wall Street and Asia, with a firmer dollar impacting commodity prices while hawkish comments from another Fed official put pressure on the market. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard joined a chorus of officials in highlighting the risk of at least two rate hikes this year, with the first perhaps as soon as April. Markets imply only one increase and dealers suspect an orchestrated attempt by the Fed to shift that thinking. The STOXX Europe 600 Basic Resources index fell 3.2 per cent, the top sectoral decliner, with shares in Anglo American, Glencore, Rio Tinto and Fresnillo down 3.6 to 7.0 per cent. The STOXX Europe 600 Oil and Gas index also fell 1.2 per cent. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down one per cent on the last trading day of the week, with volumes likely to remain thin ahead of the Easter holidays. Next fell 7.4 per cent after the British clothing retailer posted a five per cent rise in annual profit but cautioned 2016 could be the toughest it has faced since 2008 as it anticipates a more difficult economic environment. Meanwhile, shares rose in choppy trading as the dollar fell following weaker-thanexpected US economic data that cut expecta-

tions of a near-term interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve. The dollar reversed earlier gains and moved lower after US consumer spending data indicated a sluggish economy with weak first-quarter gross domestic product growth. Monday’s worse-than-expected consumer spending, as well as a downward adjustment to January’s numbers and weak readings for personal income and inflation, cast doubt on the prospect of the Fed raising rates at either of its upcoming meetings in April and June. The dollar had benefited last week from stronger-than-expected economic data and comments from some Fed officials indicating that policymakers think they could raise interest rates as early as next month. “Because we had softer (personal consumption expenditures) data and also the big downward revision in spending in January, that is causing a lot of the (dollar) long trades that many have put on to be cut back,” said Kathy Lien, managing director at BK Asset Management in New York. “Today’s report certainly raises the question of whether the Fed can pull the trigger in June.” Higher interest rates increase the strength of the dollar by making it more attractive to investors, but a strong dollar can weigh on the returns of firms that do business overseas, hurting earnings.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

World News Most of my comments are just mere “show off”. I care for women and I will not do a thing against them negatively. –US REPUBLICAN PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, DONALD TRUMP

War against terrorism: Pakistan PM, Sharif, urges coordination Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

akistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, yesterday urged better co-ordination between security agencies against terror, hours after a suicide bomb killed more than 70 in Lahore. At a meeting of security officials, Sharif said the nation’s resolve to deal with militants was growing. “Our resolve as a nation and as a government is getting stronger and the cowardly enemy is trying for soft targets,” he said, stressing, “I want more proactive co-ordination between law enforcement and intelligence agencies while provinces should speed up intelligence-based operations against terrorists.” A number of arrests were made and weapons seized in five raids by security forces, the Army said. Taliban splinter group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar said it carried

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif out the attack against Christians celebrating Easter. At least 300 people were injured, with officials saying they expected the death toll to rise. The area was more crowded than usual, as members of Lahore’s minority Christian community had gathered to cel-

ebrate Easter at a funfair in the park, although most of those who died in the attack were muslims. At least one funeral, of 11-year-old Christian boy Sahil Pervez, was held on yesterday. The bombing of the amusement park in Lahore on Easter

Sunday was the bloodiest on Christians in Pakistan since the 2013 Peshawar church bombing that killed more than 80 people. But many believe there may be a wider context to the latest attack was the March 27 deadline set by an alliance of more than 30 religious groups for the provincial government of Punjab to withdraw a new women’s rights law they oppose. And supporters of Mumtaz Qadri, a police guard executed last month for the 2011 killing of a provincial governor who advocated reform of the blasphemy laws, have also launched protests. They brought forward the customary 40th day mourning for Qadri by 13 days to coincide with March 27 and several thousand have now occupied a high-security zone in Islamabad to press demands which include the implementation of Sharia law.

Castro blasts Obama’s visit

uban leader, Fidel Castro, has broken his silence over President Obama’s Cuba visit in a damning letter published in state-run newspaper Granma. The elderly Castro, who handed power to his brother Raul a decade ago, said Cuba did not need any gifts from the United States which he described as “empire”. “Obama’s words of reconciliation are syrupy and could give Cubans a heart attack,” the old revolutionary said, reacting to admonition by Obama that

his recent visit signified time to bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas. In his 1, 500-word letter, Fidel also reminded readers of the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, in which a CIA-sponsored paramilitary force of Cuban exiles attempted to take over the island. However, the 89-year-old retired leader advised Obama to reflect instead of trying to develop theories about Cuban politics. Obama had invoked a “future of hope” for Cuba during his visit in an unprecedented live

Belgium frees terror suspect

Belgium PM Charles Michel

man known as Faycal C, the only person arrested and charged with involvement in the Brussels attacks, has been released for lack of evidence. Belgian media g ave his name as Faycal Chef fou and said he was suspected of being the mystery third man seen in CCTV footage of the bombers. Tuesday’s attacks on the air por t and the city’s met-

TV address delivered from the Grand Theatre in Havana. He told Cuban President Raul Castro that he did not need to fear a threat from the US nor from the voice of the Cuban people. He also called for the lifting of the 54-year old US trade embargo against Cuba, a remark which was met by loud applause. The embargo remains one of the main sticking points in USCuban relations but can only be lifted by the US Congress. Obama’s visit to Cuba was the first by a president since the Communist revolution in 1959.

ro system killed 35 people and injured more than 300. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant g roup. Police have blocked of f a Brussels square, Place de la Bourse, which saw clashes between police and nationalist protesters on Sunday. People were allowed to stay in the square, where

WORLD BULLETIN

Somalia ‘routs’ AlShabab militants At least 115 fighters of the militant Islamist group al-Shabab have been killed in heavy fighting with pro-government forces in northern Somalia, the regional government said yesterday. A further 110 militants were captured during the fighting, the Galmudug government added in a statement. There has been no independent confirmation of the claims. The al-Qaeda-linked militants have drifted north after losing ground in southern and central Somalia. Galmudug’s President, Abdikarim Hussein Galaud, said the security forces were determined to wipe out the militants, and to prevent them from establishing bases in stable parts of the north. The militants were defeated after four days of fighting along Galmudug’s border with Puntland, the government statement said, adding that a few of them managed to flee into rural areas although did not give casualty figures for pro-government forces.

Helicopter crash kills 12 A military helicopter has crashed in southern Algeria, killing 12 soldiers, the Defence Ministry has said. The Russian-made Mi-171 came down while on a reconnaissance mission in Tamanrasset region, some 2,000km (1, 200 miles) from the capital, Algiers. The helicopter apparently experienced technical failure, but the exact cause of the crash is yet to be established, the ministry also said. Critics however said Algeria has a poor aircraft safety record. In 2014, 77 people were killed in a military plane crash. Two military aircrafts collided during a training exercise in 2012, killing both pilots. The reason for the helicopter’s mission is not clear but militant Islamists are active in Algeria. In 2014, Vietnam grounded its entire fleet of Mi-171 helicopters after a crash near the capital, Hanoi, killed 18 soldiers.

Anti-dos Santos rapper jailed

Cuban leader Fidel Castro

mour ners have placed candles, wreaths and messages for victims of the bomb attacks. Of the 35 victims, seven have still to be identified, the country’s crisis centre said on Monday (in French). At least 12 of the victims are foreign nationals from the US, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ger many, France, the UK, Italy and China, it said earlier.

A prominent Angolan rapper, Luaty Beirao, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for planning a rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Beirao was sentenced by a court in the capital, Luanda, along with 16 other activists who were given jail terms of between two and eight years. The 17 were arrested in June after discussing a book about non-violent resistance at their book club. Beirao, also known by his stage name Ikonoklasta, has been an outspoken critic of the government, calling for a fairer distribution of the southern African state’s oil wealth. He embarked on a five-week hunger strike in September in protest at his detention.

North

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kano market fire worst in living memory –Masari James Danjuma KATSINA

The representative of Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep Ahmed Yerima (l) addressing eye patients during the Speaker’s Free Eye Medical Programme at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Why Catholic Church suspends engagement with CAN

Livinus Menedi YOLA

ishop of Catholic Diocese of Yola, Reverend Father Stephen Dami Mamza, has chided the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, for deviating from the original mission of the body. The Catholic Bishop who reiterated during the Easter celebration came out clear on why Catholics have chosen not to identify themselves with CAN. He gave insight on why the body suspended its participation in activities involving the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the umbrella body of Christians in the country. Bishop Mamza who spoke with journalists during the Easter celebra-

tion expressed dismay, with the leadership of Adamawa State chapter of CAN, describing the activities of its leadership as being more political than religious. He said: “The present administration of CAN in the state is a disappointment and a disgrace to Christianity because they are not living up to our own call as Christians”. While reprimanding those behind the body in the state, Bishop Mamza, noted that the body as it is currently constituted, has lost focus and deviated from its original vision. “The way I see it and the way things are going, CAN seems to be political than religious and even here in the state, in Adamawa, even the Christians here know that CAN is more political than even the politicians.

If that is the case, then why should I as a Catholic Bishop identify myself with such a group,” he said. Giving insight into the strained relationship between CAN and the Catholic church, the cleric however, made clarification, on the issue, adding that the Catholic church, one of the 5 blocs behind CAN, did not pull out from the body. He however, said Catholics only suspended participation in the activities of CAN. He noted that the Catholic Church has its limits with CAN, adding that if CAN is pulling the Catholic Church in a direction it knows to be wrong, it reserves the right to discontinue its association with CAN. It will be recalled that the Catholic Church an-

nounced its decision to pull out of CAN, under the leadership Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. The decision is believed to have been fuelled by disagreement over the posture and utterances of the Christian group, which in the view of the Catholics was patronising to the administration former President Goodluck Jonathan. He also described as condemnable a situation whereby CAN now goes to government Houses to collect money, and deviating from the past when churches were tasked to support the body anytime something needed to be done by the group. According to him, that order of doing things insulated the body from being partisan, but now he said, CAN goes to the government to collect monies.

stakeholders in Ilorin, the state capital where he said through the presentation of the BVN, salaries of local governments’ workers and teachers in primary and Junior Secondary Schools under the Universal Basic Education, SUBEB that had been a major problem would become a thing of the past. According to the governor, with the approval by the Debt Management Of-

fice, DMO, of the N20 billion Bond to be secured by the state, the tempo of the development of infrastructure in the state would be faster. Some of the projects tied to the bond, the governor said; include the expansion of some major roads in the state capital, construction of two new campuses of Kwara State University in IleshaBaruba and Osi in Baruten and Ekiti Local Government areas respectively.

“With increased internally generated revenue, youth empowerment and employment programme of this administration would also improve tremendously,” he promised. Ahmed called for greater unity among the people of the state, stressing that the “strength of the state is in our unity as it creates better understanding and development; indications that things will get better “.

BVN will help in timely salary payment –Ahmed Wole Adedeji ILORIN

wara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said the current Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, and the proposed Biometric data exercise of government workers in the state would end delay in the payment of salaries. He gave the assurances at a meeting with the All Progressives Congress, APC,

he recent fire incident that razed hundreds of shops at the Sabon Gari market in Kano State, has been described as worst in living memory. Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who stated this when he visited the scene of devastation, said impact of the destruction would be felt throughout West Africa and beyond. In a statement signed by the Governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Abdu Labaran, Masari lamented that the incident was “coming at the worst possible moment of the nation’s economic downturn.” The fire which reportedly started Friday night at about 11p.m lasted for 12 hours; it took combined efforts of fire service men, sympathisers and security personnel to put off the fire. Goods and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed while electricity surge was said to have been responsible for

the fire outbreak. However, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDC, has distanced itself from allegation. The market, also known as Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi market, witnessed a fire incident in December last year, of which over 200 shops were razed at the part hosting furniture-making. Masari, however, called on store owners and other victims “not to read any meanings into the incident,” but to see it as something that was divinely ordained. The governor in the statement assured that state government would team up with other governments in the North and willing benefactors to assist victims of the “incident both in cash and in kind.” Masari also called on the leadership, management and members of the Sabon Gari Market Association to put in place measures that would ensure equitable distribution and judicious use of any assistance that may come to them.

PDP, APC biker over alleged attack on Wada Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

ogi State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the recent attack on the immediate past governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada by suspected All Progressives Party, APC, thugs at the venue of the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja as barbaric, bizarre and worrisome. State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Ogunmola who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lokoja yesterday stated that activities of hired thugs are becoming unacceptable. Ogunmola pointed out that it is worrisome that state sponsored thugs could be mobilised to the venue of an election to harass innocent persons who have genuinely approached the courts to seek redress and justice,

noting that it is common knowledge that in four years that Captain Wada was Governor of Kogi State he literally cleaned up political space for thuggery, electoral violence and youth restiveness. The party spokesperson lamented that if this act it is not nipped in the bud, Kogi might well be back to full circle of the dark ages. Ogunmola further disclosed that the office of the governor is a respected office, adding that “we therefore expect its occupant or aspirants to conduct themselves with civil dignity and extend the same to their predecessor and fellow aspirants. He stressed that no amount of intimidation and rough tactics will dissuade the People Democratic Party and it standard bearer, Captain Idris Wada, from pursuing justice in courts of law.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Kikelomo wants last cap before retirement

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

The best doubles pair in the world is John McEnroe and anyone else –Peter Fleming (1990)

AFCON 2017

Decision day for Nigeria in Alexandria

...Eagles sought air space clearance for over 2hrs Everest Onyewuchi WITH AGENCY REPORT

igeria will be eliminated from qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if the Super Eagles lose away to the Pharaohs of Egypt in their Group G tie tonight. Results against group rivals, Chad, have been erased after their withdrawal last Sunday, meaning only the group winners will make it to next year’s finals in Gabon, as each country in Group G now plays a maximum of four matches. Nigeria now have two points and Egypt have four, while Tanzania have one. A win for Egypt in Alexandria would put them in a strong position to qualify but the Pharaohs could still be caught by the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. Mathematically, Nigeria and Egypt could both finish on seven points, although Egypt have a far superior goal difference and a 3-0 win over Tanzania from their match last June. Home win today at the Borg El Arab stadium will lift Egypt to seven points and put the Pharaohs out of the reach of the Super Eagles, who will have just one game (at home against Tanzania) left. But if the Super Eagles draw blood and win, then they would hold the upper hand, but would still need to win their last group game to make qualification doubly sure. Then defending champions, Nigeria, who won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, missed out on the last Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea, while Egypt have remarkably not competed at the finals since winning the last of three back-to-back titles in 2010. Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ chartered flight to Egypt was delayed for more than two hours yesterday so as to get an airspace clearance. The Nigerian delegation departure was held back for almost two hours as the chartered Arik Air flight sought clearance to fly across the air space of Sudan. Eagles were expected to have a feel of the pitch at the Borg ElArab Stadium in Alexandria last night. Alexandria is reputed to be the most beautiful city in Egypt in summer or in winter. The city is 225kms away from Cairo by agriculture road and 221kms by desert road. As this is winter, its maximum temperature would be 18 degrees while the minimum would be 9.1.

Etebo Oghenekaro scored for Nigeria in Kaduna last Friday

‘Eagles will take risks against Egypt’

gyptian coach, Hector Cuper, has revealed that the mentality of Super Eagles players is what worries him the most before today’s clash, adding that Nigeria will take risks tonight. Cuper told supersport.com that Nigeria has a very good squad that was better in Kaduna than he even envisioned. “They all play in Europe and have a good professional frame of mind. Their mentality is as solid as a rock and they do not want to let their country down,” Cuper said. “We played a good game in Nigeria but so did

they. We had some lapses and we will fix those before the next match. We need shots at their goal and have to get there quicker and more often.” he added “Nigeria will come to Cairo and they want all three points; this means they must take risks. We respect them but are also ready for them.” Earlier on the Ministry of Interior had approved allowing a total of 20,000 fans to watch the game as opposed to 10,000. On that the gaffer was happy saying “More fans will attend the game and that will be very good for us as we need all the help we can get”.

North

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arrest Senator Yusuf now, group urges IGP Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

A Medical Laboratory Technologist of Live Healthy Organisation (LHO), Mr Arinze Mbadike, carrying out malaria test on children at the Apa IDPS camp during Public Health Intervention Programme on Child Health in Apa Lga of Benue state yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Fulani group set up committee to fish out criminal elements Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

group, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has set up committees at local government levels to fish out criminals among the Fulani in Kogi State. The group expressed concern over the involvement of some Fulani in criminal activities, such as kidnapping and armed robbery in the state. The state chairman of the association, Mallam Jalido Abubakar, disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with security agents. Abubarka denied the accusations of crimes of kidnapping and armed robberies being levied against the Fulani in dif-

ferent parts of the country. He argued that Fulani were mostly victims of crimes in communities where they settled, rather than perpetrators. He urged the people of Kogi State to disregard the perception of Fulani as violent people. He said: “I will not dispute the fact that we do have bad eggs among us, but we had set-up committees at local government levels to fish out the criminals, we will get them arrested and would face the wrath of the law.” He commended the police and Department of State Service, DSS, for honouring their invitation to the meeting which was convened by

the association. He pledged that his period as chairman would end the nagging crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen, assuring that he will seek lasting solutions by promoting dialogue between the parties. “The Fulani herdsmen and farmers must acknowledge and respect the rights of each other and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said. Also speaking, representative of the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Danjuma Dangiwa Dantata appeals to the Fulani and their host communities to live together peacefully, urging the umbrella body to monitor the heinous crimes committed by young Fu-

lani men. Dantata warned that the state Police Command would not hesitate to deal decisively with anybody caught promoting violence. Also, representative of DSS, Mr. Zarma Yussuf urged Fulani and their host communities to shun acts inimical to peace and security. He commended the ingenuity of the present leadership of Miyetti Allah for organising the meeting to fashion out peace amongst the Fulani settlements in the state. Yussuf expressed the need for cordial relationship between Fulani herdsmen and host communities, even as he urged them to desist from criminal activities.

araba Renaissance Group, TRG, yesterday called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase to arrest Senator Yusuf over his earlier denial of the influx of Boko Haram elements in the state. President of the group, Ayuba Taku, made the call in Jalingo, while reacting to the confirmation of the arrest of two Boko Haram kingpins, Abdulmumni Abdullahi and Ali Audu (alias Dungu), in Bali and Tella towns by the state police command. Ayuba said when Senator Emmanuel Bwacha raised the alarm over the massive influx of strange faces into Taraba, Senator Yusuf countered him, saying no such thing was happening in the state. The group further alleged that if the senator was not behind the influx for selfish and other hidden agenda, he would not have been quick to come

Cleric predicts rapid economic growth for Nigeria

cleric, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, yesterday predicted an aggressive improvement for the nation’s economy, following the passage of the 2016 budget by the National Assembly. Owolabi gave this prophecy at a special Church service and prayer to mark this year’s Easter in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the cleric is the Prophet in-Charge

We are taking the challenge to rebuild our lives –Yobe IDPs

nternally Displaced Persons, IDPs, who relocated to their villages in Yobe State said they have taken the challenge to rebuild their lives as normalcy had returned to the communities. A returnee IDP, Malam Bukar Ali, told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Gujba, Yobe State that over 70 per cent of people who fled the village had returned. “The presence of sol-

diers in the village had given us a sense of confidence and security to resettle and rebuild our lives,” he said. Malam Mohammad Zanna, another retur nee, said the provision of food items and rehabilitation of boreholes by the state gover nment had cushioned the hardship of the retur nees. “When we came back, some of us were lucky to have our houses not

destroyed but our major challenge was food and water because we abandoned our farms for two years, while the boreholes were vandalised. “We are happy that the state government, through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has provided us with food items and rehabilitated the boreholes,” he said. The state government last Friday distributed

600 bags of rice, 300 bags of millet, 300 bags of beans, 400 cartons of Indomie noodles, 100 cartons of vegetable oil, 100 cartons of toilet soaps, 600 pieces of nylon mats and 200 pieces of blankets to the returning IDPs in Katarko and Gujba. NAN reports that the five boreholes vandalised by insurgents had been rehabilitated and were currently serving the people.

to the defence of the terrorists. “It’s on record that Boko Haram was started by politicians. So, IGP Solomon Arase should arrest Senator Yusuf over his denial that he called the state commissioner of police and the Director DSS and both security chiefs denied knowledge of influx of people in Taraba. “But days after, the Commissioner of Police, Shaba Alkali addressed a press conference and denied confirming such report to the senator. This is suspicious. “The damages caused by the insurgency in Taraba cannot be quantified, yet the state is not included in the rehabilitation programme of the Federal Government. “We are therefore calling on the Federal Government to urgently deploy security to Taraba to flush out the Boko Haram elements that are regrouping and also include the state in the rehabilitation programme,” Ayuba said.

Meanwhile, Malam Modu Wakil, a community leader, said the people were making preparations to resume farming activities as the cropping season would soon set in. He said: “We are mostly farmers; we abandoned our farms for two years. We are now prepared to resume farming activities to rebuild our lives as normalcy has returned to our communities.”

of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, along Omu-Aran-Iloffa Expressway, Omu-Aran. He called on Nigerians to continue to intensify prayers for divine protection, wisdom and guidance, especially for those at the helm of the nation’s affairs. Owolabi, who also predicted two-term tenure of office for President Muhammadu Buhari under the All Progressives Congress, APC, urged leaders in the country to close ranks for progress. He advised politicians, especially the leadership of the ruling APC to be more prayerful in order to remain united in the handling of national issues. Owolabi, however, warned that the expected development for the nation needed a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, through prayers and support, to become a reality. The cleric described the present administration’s efforts towards re-invigorating the economy; especially the fight against corruption and other vices as worthwhile.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports 45

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

ig-spending Manchester United must always continue their tradition of bringing through players from the youth academy, assistant manager, Ryan Giggs, has said. The 20-time English champions have endured a stuttering campaign by their high standards and sit sixth in the league, are already out of Europe but retain hope in the FA Cup ahead of a sixth round replay with West Ham United next month. United manager, Louis Van Gaal, has brought through a number of academy players this term, such as striker Marcus Rashford, but the Dutch coach has been tipped by British media to make way for former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, next season. Giggs said future United managers should respect the club’s history for promoting from within. “I think it will always be part of the club’s philosophy. It’s part of the history, it’s what sets us apart from other teams,” Giggs told the club’s website (www.manutd.com). “Yes, we can bring world-class players in from around the world but we want one of our own to be performing on that Old Trafford pitch... we need players to come through the ranks. That’s a massive part of the United history.”

Giggs

Giggs points to the future for Man United

Doping: Russia accuses U.S. of not testing athletes

here is a clear lack of drug testing in American sports leagues and organisations such as the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), Russian Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, has claimed. Mutko also insisted the number of athletes from Russia who will have tested positive for banned substances by the end of 2015 “will be the same as three or five years ago” and will not be “at the same level as in the United States, France or Italy”. The outspoken sports

minister, who has constantly defended Russian sport and dismissed suggestions of state-supported doping in the nation, launched a scathing attack on the doping testing system in the U.S, claiming American athletes are only tested once every four years before Olympic Games. “We are not the United States, or the NBA, or the NHL,” Mutko told reporters. “We all are open both in volleyball and in basketball. We are a different country. “Nobody does doping

Sharapova tested positive to melodonium

tests at those (U.S) leagues and boxing associations. They do doping tests once every four years, when coming to the Olympics,” Mutko added. “Everybody should be checked up before the trips. Certainly, we wish the system of doping control would be equidistant.” Mutko’s comments come after he warned the number of Russians to have failed tests for meldonium, including Maria Sharapova, the heart-attack drug added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list on January 1, could reach 30 in the near future.

Friendly: England loss to spur Germany against Italy

ermany’s commitment in friendlies will be under scrutiny when they host Italy today after the world champions slipped to a 3-2 home defeat by England last weekend. Forward Thomas Mueller raised eyebrows when he said the team’s display against England last Saturday was “typical of a friendly match”. “One has the impression with us that we fall

short of 100 percent when we are playing friendlies,” he added after Germany squandered a 2-0 lead. Assistant coach Thomas Schneider, facing a news conference yesterday, praised Mueller for his openness. “It’s to his credit that he expressed himself so honestly,” said Schneider. Midfielder Sami Khedira, who will again captain Germany today in the absence of injured Bastian

Ajax open Cruyff condolences book

he players and staff of Ajax paid homage to their former forward and Coach Johan Cruyff yesterday, describing him as their “all time great” and signing a book of condolences. The 68-year-old Dutchman died last Thursday after a brief struggle with cancer as the news provoked worldwide recognition of his foot-

balling legacy. Ajax have set up a register book of condolences in front of a life-size photo of the player at their stadium so that fans of the club can pay their last respects too. Having led Ajax to the European Cup three times in 1971, 1972 and 1973 he also led the national side to the 1974 World Cup final where despite losing 2-1 the Dutch won admirers the world over.

Cruyff

Schweinsteiger, said Saturday’s defeat could be a wake-up call. “Every two years we are in the same situation,” said Khedira. “It’s not as if we don’t care, if it had ended 2-2 or if we had won then the discussion would not be as big but it’s good that it has opened our eyes. “It shouldn’t happen because it’s an international game and you want to win. But if two or three percent is missing the opposition take advantage of that. “There are a lot of players who want to get themselves noticed and I hope that’s what we see tomorrow. We need a topclass performance against Italy,” said Khedira. Germany have played six friendlies since winning the 2014 World Cup, losing at home to Argentina, United States and England and away to France. They drew at home to Australia and won in Spain.

Sports

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kikelomo Ajayi (6) on international duty for Nigeria

Falcons

Kikelomo wants last cap before retirement

ormer Super Falcons Captain, Kikelomo Ajayi, has disclosed that she will retire from international football after the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWC) scheduled to hold in Cameroun, from November 19 to December 3. Ajayi, who disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Sunday, said she would be glad to play for the national team once more before her retirement. “I will retire from international football next year and I hope Super Falcons coaching crew can give me a chance to play for the team in the qualifiers and at the 2016 AWC in Cameroun. “I hope to win the trophy one more time for the country before I retire. “Florence Omagbemi, the team’s Head Coach, is always a winner and I believe she will win the trophy in her time as the coach. “Upon retirement, I will go to Europe and acquire a coaching license before I think of a team to manage, possibly a national team,” Ajayi said. She also told NAN that her plan to retire next year was to serve out a two-year

contract she signed with a Polish Premier League club side which terminates in 2017. According to her, Solomon Arase, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), is influential to the position she is currently enjoying in the Nigeria police.

“First of all I give thanks to God and secondly to Mr. Odion, who discovered me as a player. “I remember a match we played here in Abuja and he said Kike, let’s go to Lagos that there was ongoing recruitment in the police. “He bought my flight

ticket to Lagos and I submitted my credentials; thereafter, I was selected to play for the police team and from there I entered the national team. “The last Nations Cup I won with the team, I lifted the trophy as the captain and one of our sports of-

ficers said that we should take the trophy to the then IGP, Mike Okiro. “Immediately we got there, my present IGP (Arase) started telling Okiro that I am a star and that I have made the police proud; that was how I was given accelerated promo-

tion,” she added. Ajayi captained the Force Headquarters to win female football gold at the just-concluded 11th biennial Police Games tagged “Abuja 2016” at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Iyaye said the win was heart-warming, but warned that all playing and coaching staff of the club must continue to put their feet firmly on the ground as “the road to success is a long walk.” “I want to congratulate Rivers United for this hardfought victory over Ikorodu United but then the players and coaches at the club need to understand that it is not yet uhuru.

“I also want to use this medium to tell them that the Rivers State Government will continue to prioritise their welfare all through the season,” the commissioner said. Meanwhile, Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma, says his players will not get carried away by their 3-2 victory away to Ikorodu United. Eguma reckons the win in Lagos was important but

says his charges cannot be lulled into a false sense of security. “It is not yet time for us to celebrate. This (Rivers United) is still a team in progress. “Our sponsors and fans expect us to get (good) results and that is the objective of the players and coaches. “This victory (over Ikorodu United) will not get into our heads and we in-

tend to work even harder,” Eguma told supersport. com. Eguma played three strikers plus two attacking midfielders for the first time this season. “It was a game we wanted to win so there was no point playing a conservative formation.” Rivers United are currently in seventh place on the NPFL standings with 13 points from nine matches.

netted first half goals to condemn the Peoples Elephant to their third away defeat of the season. Rangers head coach, Imama Amapakabo, believes the win at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium has given his side a huge psychological push as they look to win their first

league title in more tha three decades. “I discussed with my players before the game how important it was for us to win against Enyimba. “That game against Enyimba was the game that was going to make us league champions.

“They scored first and we knew we had to dig deep because for us to emerge as league champions, we have to beat teams like Enyimba,” Amapakabo told supersport.com. Rangers stay top with 17 points from nine matches after the win against Enyimba.

NPFL: Iyaye lauds Rivers United, Eguma cool

ivers State Sports Commissioner, Mr. Boma Iyaye, has congratulated Rivers United following their impressive 3-2 victory against Ikorodu United last Sunday. Guy Kuemian, Chukwunonso Okonkwo and Wilson Andoh all scored in the first half as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ overcame Ikorodu United by the odd goal in five at the Onikan Stadium in a rip roaring match day nine NPFL contest.

Amapakabo eyes title with Rangers

E Eguma

nugu Rangers’ players now have the belief that they can win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title this season after last Sunday’s 2-1 win over champions, Enyimba, in Enugu. Bobby Clement and Chisom Egbuchulam

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

WORLD RECORD

Largest violin

The largest violin is 4.27 m (14 ft) long, has a maximum width of 1.4 m (4.5 ft), made by the Vogtland masters of violin and bow making in Germany, and completed on June 14 2010.

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1336 Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Lagos and the imperative for inter-modal transportation

agos has an estimated population of 15 million people, and according to the UN’s projection, the population will rise to 20 million in 2015, thus making it the thrd largest city in the world. With over four million cars and 100,000 commercial vehicles on the roads - the national average is 11 vehicles per kilometer - Lagos daily records an average of 227 vehicles per every kilometer of roads. One of the major fallouts of this scenario is the scary Lagos traffic gridlock. To address the situation, subsequent administrations have expanded and rehabilitated major roads across the State. Also, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme was developed to advance mass transit. Similarly, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was created for efficient management of traffic, while the first traffic radio station in

pain goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has said that he is keen to carry on racking up the international accolades after equalling the record for most caps by a European player but acknowledges he is closing in on retirement. The 34-year-old Porto keeper showed his class with a couple of

Guest Columnist

Tayo

Ogunbiyi

the country, Lagos Traffic Radio, came into being in May 2012. Equally, the Lagos Drivers’ Institute was set up in June 2008 to improve and moderate driving culture in the state. Presently, the Akinwunmi Ambode administration is working on other means to improve public transportation in the state. It recently held a stakeholders summit on the way forward for public transportation in the state. Equally, the scope of LASTMA’s operation in the area of enforcement of traffic laws has been expanded. An exercise aimed at recruiting more hands to strengthen the body has just been concluded. Mass transit development is also ongoing as evident in the recent commissioning of the Ikorodu BRT. And the injection of over 200 new buses into the fleet is an integral part of this plan. Also, ‘Operation Zero Tolerance for Pot Holes’, which has led to the rehabilitation over 280 roads across the state, is in progress. Similarly, more inner routes are being developed. It is, however, important to stress that public transportation could only become efficient and seamless in Lagos with an effective intermodal system. Intermodal transportation system pertains to the availability of more than one form of transportation - road, rail, air and water on a single journey. It centers on the movements of passengers or freight from one mode of transport to another, commonly taking place at a terminal specifically designed for such a purpose. For instance, a good model of intermodal transportation

Lagos daily records an average of 227 vehicles per every kilometer of roads should allow a commuter from Ikorodu to connect Lagos Island by water, while a commuter from Orile could connect same place vial light rail and others by road. Over reliance on inadequate network of roads has, over the years, been the bane of a developed transportation system in Lagos and Nigeria in general. A comprehensive policy of integrated intermodal transport programmes for Lagos was conceived in 1999 and subsequently reviewed in 2007 to become integrated multi-modal transport policy with strong commitment to developing all transportation modes such as road, water and rail and integrate them effectively and efficiently. Between 1999 and 2015, roads - Awolowo Way, Ikoyi; Itire-Lawanson-Ojuelegba in Surulere; Ikotun-Igando; Adeola Odeku; Kudirat Abiola Way, Olorunsogo-Mushin-Moshalasi, Akin Adesola and Ilupeju bye pass to Agege Motor road Bourdillon-Alexander-Gerrard; Ago Palace way in Okota; Commercial Avenue, Hughes and other roads in Ebute-Metta; Joseph Dosu in Badagry; Sunny Balogun in Abule Egba; Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo, CBD Ikeja; Eric Moore, Akerele from Alhaji Mashaa to Ogunlana Drive and Bode Thomas in Surulere, among numerous

others - represent evidences of this commitment. This is addition to the 62 kilometer 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway being built with Light Rail and BRT Corridor. For a long time, rail transportation was an exclusive preserve of the federal government. However, current realities show that the benefits of rail transportation needed to be greatly exploited for states with high commuter ratio as Lagos. Hence, in 2008, the state government commenced the implementation of the Blue Line Corridor as identified in the Lagos State Strategic Transport Master Plan. This is an ambitious projects designed to tap the vast potential of this mode of transportation for the benefit of Lagosians. Therefore, the ongoing construction of 27 kilometer Blue Light Rail tracks is yet another first by any state government in Nigeria. When completed, the Light Rail will transport over 400,000 passengers per day and reduce vehicular traffic along East-West Okokomaiko-Mile 2-Orile-CMS routes by about 30 percent. The implementation of the Red Light Rail Line is also at an advanced stage. The state government has equally invested in the establishment of enabling structure, processes and regulations for water transportation. The development of water transportation is to further ensure an affordable and high quality network of integrated ferry services with barrier free navigation access for the benefit of all waterways users. This is done in such a way that it offers more choices to individuals, communities and businesses while protecting, maintaining and enhancing the unique conservation status of the aquatic splendor which covers a total length of 180 km waterfront and water area of 777.56sq kilometers. On the whole, the need to embrace intermodal transportation mode cannot be overemphasized, given the complex and indispensable nature of the sector in Lagos. Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Sport Extra

I’m close to retirement – Casillas fine saves in his 166th Spain appearance, a goalless draw away to Romania last Sunday. The former Real Madrid keeper, who has not conceded a goal in 710 minutes for Spain, made his senior international debut on June 3, 2000 against Sweden when he

was 19 years and 14 days old. “The time of my retirement is getting closer and closer. It’s clear that time passes everyone and I am no exception of that,” Casillas told reporters. “But I have hope and I would like to be with this team full of

youngsters. I don’t know if it’s my last year with Spain, I only think about enjoying each day.” Casillas went level with Latvia’s Vitalijs Astafjevs in the continent’s record books after his 166th appearance in his 16th international season.

Casillas

Printed and published by Global Media Mirror Limited: Head Office, Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street Lagos; Abuja Office: NICON House, Central Business District Area, Abuja. Email:mail@ nationalmirroronline.net. MD/CEO: Sunday Olajide: 08060852080; Acting Editor Daily: Ben Memuletiwon 08050498541; Adverts Hotline: 07066178740. ISSN 0794-232X.