Wednesday 25th, may, 2016

Senate asks FG to recover N447bn from import waivers

geOrge Oji and ubOng ukpOng

Saraki

S

enate yesterday asked the Federal Government to set machineries in motion to recover N447bn illegally

awarded to individuals and companies on import duty waivers, concessions and grants between 2011 and 2015.

The waivers, concessions and grants were awarded for rice, sugar,

automobile and hospitality sectors.

The lawmakers also urged government to impose severe sanctions against companies found CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Metuh

Again, ill health stalls Metuh’s trial P.5

PDP slips into further crisis Vol. 6 N0. 1377

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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•Lagos, Port Harcourt courts give conflicting judgements •BoT refuses to call for truce

ObiOra ifOh, Wale igbintade and denniss naku

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he crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is far from over as two separate courts in Lagos and Port Harcourt, yesterday, gave conflicting judgment on the outcome of last Saturday’s National Convention of the party.

In Lagos, Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court nullified the Ahmed Markafi-led Caretaker Committee constiCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Marketers assure of decrease in P.3 pump price soon

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (right) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, during a courtesy visit on former Vice President at his residence, in Asokoro, Abuja.

INEC phases out manual conduct of election in 2019

Asset declaration: FG closes case against Orubebe P.7 CBN adopts flexible forex regime

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PDP slips into further crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tuted by the Port Harcourt convention to take over the affairs of the party from acting National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff.

In Rivers State, another Federal High Court in Port Harcourt directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise the caretaker committee.

Justice Buba in his ruling directed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, to enforce his order and also arrest whoever parades himself as member of the caretaker committee of the party.

The suit, which was filed by Sheriff as acting national chairman, Adewale Oladipo, as national secretary and national auditor, Fatai Adeyanju, asked the court to stop the national convention, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The respondents in the suit are PDP and INEC. Justice Buba had earlier granted an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the party and INEC from conducting any election into the offices of the National Chairman, National Secretary and National Auditor occupied by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs respectively, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The court also restrained INEC from monitoring or recognising election into the offices occupied by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs respectively, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

But the said orders were ignored by the respondents.

In the suit, the three national officers averred that their tenures of office were yet to lapse.

The convention had appointed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, as acting chairman, while a former Senator, Ben Obi, was appointed acting national secretary.

The party said the acting national officers would be in office for three months.

Justice Buba, in his ruling, however, ordered Sheriff to continue serving as the party’s chair-

man.

A sister court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris had last week ordered members of the party not to take any action that will void proceedings of court on the issue of the parallel convention.

The court gave the directive in two suits filed

by Adeyanju and Kamal Olorunoje, Jide Ladeinde for themselves and on behalf of the Lagos State executive committee of the party.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, in a ruling delivered by Justice A.M. Liman in Suit NO: FHC/PH/CS/524/2016, said: “Leave is hereby granted to the applicant herein to issue as ‘concurrent’ the originating summons and other processes in this suit are for service on the defendants/respondents herein outside the jurisdiction of this court at Abuja.”

The court also restrained Sheriff, Oladipo and other sacked members of the National Working Committee, NWC and National Executive Committee, NEC, from parading themselves as officials of the party.

The suit, filed by PDP has as defendants, Sheriff, Oladipo (sued as themselves and as representing national officers), INEC and Department of State Service, DSS. “Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Professor Adewole Oladipo, as members

President, Women Arise for Change, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin (4th r), with members during Peaceful Protest at the Oyo State High Court Premises in Ibadan against a Woman lawyer that killed her husband, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN of the National Executive Committee and members of the National Working Committee and members of the National Working Committee of the PDP who were removed from office by the National Convention of the PDP held on Saturday, the 21st Day of May 2016 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State be and are hereby restrained from parading/holding out or continuing to hold themselves out either individually or collectively as the Chairman, Secretary or National Officer or member of the National Executive Committee or National Working Committee of the PDP. “Nor do anything howsoever to negate or frustrate the decisions

reached at the said convention, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice,” the court further said.

The court also restrained INEC from accepting and considering nominations, names or documents submitted, signed or endorsed by Sheriff, Oladipo and any other member of the sacked NWC. Justice Liman ordered Sheriff, Oladipo and their sacked colleagues not to sign or endorse documents in such capacities as they were prior to their removal, pending the hearing or determination of the Motion on Notice.

Meanwhile, it was learnt yesterday that attempt to reconcile the Ma-

karfi-led caretaker committee and the Ibrahim Mantu-led Concerned PDP Stakeholders may be far from being a reality.

A highly placed stakeholder within the Mantu group told our correspondent that the only recognised organ of the party that could bring the factions together, the Board of Trustees, BoT, has so far refused to call for truce between the factions.

The source added that the two factions were supposed to have met yesterday, but insisted that the BoT was the only legally constituted body in the party that could convene such meeting.

The source said: “The only way the two factions can meet for a meeting

Senate asks FG to recover N447bn from import waivers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to have benefited from import duty waivers, concessions and grants but at the same time engaged in acts of economic sabotage by diverting some vessels to neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger Republic for the commodities to be smuggled into Nigeria through land borders.

The directive was a fall out of the recommendations of the report of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee report on import duty waivers, concessions and grants.

The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to sanction officials of relevant government agencies such

as the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that carried out due diligence prior to the award of the waivers, concessions, grants and pioneer incentives to the undeserving companies.

Regarding the waivers on rice, the committee recommended and the senate accepted that Olam International Limited, Popular Foods, a subsidiary of Stallion Group and Millan Group, should be made to pay the import duty demand notice in the sum of N24bn served on them by Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, for the exceeded quota.

This was as the senate

resolved that the case of Ebonyi Agro should be revisited by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development by consolidating the quota because they did not meet the criteria for granting the waiver.

Other companies that are to return money on duty waivers on rice include, Dangote limited (N1,031,038,848.00), Kersuk Farms (N1,927,800,.00), Bua Group (N3,704,126,328.00), Elephant Group (N1,501,627,680.00), Golden Penny (N284,602,399.20) and Milan Group (N1,855,263,312.09).

In the sugar sector, the lawmakers asked that Bua Group refinery

should pay the balance of 5 per cent duty and 45 per cent levy for 2013 and 5 per cent import and 65 per cent levy for 20142015, amounting to N33bn on the importation of raw sugar for obtaining waivers without backward integration programme.

In the automobile sector, the senate urged that henceforth, government should stop granting waivers for concessionary import of vehicles for international meetings and conferences as it leads to unfair competition.

Instead, it urged that locally manufactured vehicles should be used for such events to improve local capacity and con-

is for the BoT to convene such meeting.

“The BoT is the only legally constituted body in the party that can bring unity among the factions.

“When there is situation like this, it is the BoT that can take charge.”

It was learnt that the BoT chairman, Senator Waleed Jubrin, had vowed not to attend any meeting of unrecognised camp and had therefore refused to reach out to both the Mantu and Markafi factions.

Waleed could not be reached yesterday, but a highly placed source said the BOT chairman had chosen to see the outcome of the various litigations already flying about.

tribute to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. The lawmakers asked the Federal Government to conduct further investigations on the utilisation of concessions by eleven hospitality outfits with fictitious addresses.

Speaking with newsmen at the end of plenary yesterday, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume urged the Federal Government to go after the affected companies since they are still in existence with known addresses and directors to collect the illegal waivers and concessions for the benefit of the nation’s economy that is in dare need of critical funds for revival.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

INEC phases out manual conduct of election in 2019 ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

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hairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday hinted that the commission was planning to phase out manual conduct of elections in the country by 2019.

The INEC boss dropped the hint while receiving in audience, executives of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission, who paid him a courtesy call at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said the commission would, in place of manual process, introduce modern technology in the conduct of local elections throughout the country.

He said: “We can no longer continue to conduct elections manually in Nigeria; we must introduce modern technology as being done in other countries.

“Very soon, the use of technology for the conduct of local elections in the country will be mandatory.

“It will make the process transparent and very open as it should be. The use of smart card, otherwise known as card reader machine has come to stay.

“Though, it requires a lot of resources, we see we can do it because it adds value and more credibility to the electoral process in the country.

“Some states have been using it in the conduct of their elections; we are seeing how we can make it to go round.”

He assured of the commission’s adequate collaboration during his tenure as part of efforts to deepen democracy in Nigeria with the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

“We’ll continue to collaborate and cooperate with SIECs and other organisations in improving elections management in the country,” he added.

Earlier, the chairperson of the Forum, Mrs. Gloria Ukpong, who is also the chairperson of Akwa-Ibom State Electoral Commission, said members came around to remind the INEC boss of the good working relationship that existed with the Prof. Atahiru Jega-led INEC, which assisted in no small way in ensuring the conduct of credible elections at state level.

She said: “We all had great and beautiful memory under the former Commission and we want the relationship to continue. We can learn many things from the Commission under you and take them to our states.

“The introduction of card reader at the national level is a welcome development. Only Sokoto State had implemented it, it allows for more transparency.

“If we use the same voters’ registers to conduct elections at the state levels, why can’t we come together for discussion on how we can also be using the card readers.

“It requires a lot of resources which the states may not be able to bear the cost,” she said.

L-R: Under-Secretary for African Affairs, Amb. David Bala; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Akinremi Bolaji, and Under-Secretary for Regions and International Relations, Amb. Ade Ayoko, at a media dialogue on the One Year Anniversary of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration: the Foreign Affairs Perspective, in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Marketers assure of decrease in pump price soon

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ajor Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, yesterday assured Nigerians that pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise called petrol, will drop very soon.

Executive Secretary of the association, Mr. Obafemi Olawore stated this while addressing newsmen in Lagos.

According to Olawore, despite non availability of foreign exchange at official exchange rate of N197 to $1, major marketers are relying on their upstream divisions to get dollars to finance their imports.

“I’m assuring Nigerians that pump price of petrol will soon drop as against

claims that it will rise above the present band.

“Price won’t go up as long as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is bringing in products.

“Although, we are expected to source for dollars at the parallel market, but the good news is that we are getting dollars from our upstream divisions.

“Shell supports Conoil, Agip to support Oando, ExxonMobil supports Mobil Oil Nigeria, Total supports Total Nigeria, MRS and Forte get support from NNPC,” he said.

The executive secretary, however, said further that full deregulation was the answer to the challenges of

Senate asks FG to recover N447bn from import waivers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

He stated that as part of the oversight functions of the senate, the leadership of the red chamber had asked the various committees affected to report back the level of compliance and refund by the defaulting companies in the next three months.

House of Representatives, also yesterday lamented the yearly loss of over $2.9bn to tax incentives and waivers granted by the Federal Government to multinational corporations.

The House therefore, asked its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the incentives

that are currently being granted with a view to reducing them, abolishing unproductive ones and ensuring that those remaining are targeted at achieving specific social or economic objectives.

The lawmakers said the need to review the incentives granted foreign investors has become expedient as a result of the nation’s precarious economic situation.

They said the incentives that were granted initially to stimulate economic growth have failed to achieve that purpose.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion brought

by Segun Odeneye (APC,

Ogun), who noted that Nigeria recognises the value of Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, as a driver of economic growth and development as a result of which various investment laws and regulations were put in place.

The motion was supported by Minority Leader, Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), Garba Datti (APC, Kaduna), Nnenna Ukeje ( PDP Abia) and Herman Hembe (APC, Benue).

In his contribution, Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila said the fact that Nigeria need to explore all avenues for revenue regeneration makes its urgently neces-

sary to review the tax incentives regime.

He however regretted that past administrations made tax incentives the rule rather than as exemption as obtained in other countries.

He also urged the House to extend the scope of the investigation to cover local investors that have also enjoyed the incentives.

The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun.

The committees were given four weeks to carry out the mandate and report back to the House.

fuel scarcity in Nigeria.

“The solution to fuel scarcity is full deregulation.

“If there is no policy reversal, marketers will bring in products.

“The situation will encourage us to bring in more investment. We have invested in meters presently to ensure adequate metering.

“Others are doing their calculations in how to bring in investment in refineries and once we begin to refine domestically, it means we have attained full deregulation,” he said.

He denied the allegations that marketers were making abnormal profit

because they were selling old stock.

Olawoore said that announcement of new price would have been made on May 7, but it was discovered that marketers had plenty stock and would have made abnormal profit.

“So, government waited for the majority of our members to sell most of their old stocks before announcing new pump price on May 11.

“We have not been making much profit like that, what we have been doing is to continue in business since our fixed costs are always being recovered,” he added.

FG discovers 43,000 ghost workers through audit of security agencies payroll

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ead of the Continuous Audit team of the Federal Government, Mr. Mohammed Dikwa, yesterday said N50bn has so far been saved through the audit of security agencies payroll.

Dikwa said this in Abuja at a meeting between the Continuous Audit team, Minister of Finance and Heads of Para-Military agencies to discuss ways to clean up the payroll of the security agencies.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had set up the Continuous Audit team to look into the payroll of all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. The team had already embarked on the audit of

the military payroll and enrolling them on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS. “Since we started the continuous audit programme, we have saved about N50bn and over 43,000 ghost workers have been removed from the payroll of the Federal Government.

“And as we go on, we are very sure that we will continue to reduce the cost of Federal Government payroll.

“Please note the cost is not related to ghost workers alone but with allowances which we believe have to be trimmed down so that we can manage the cost of governance,” he said.

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Again, Metuh’s trial stalled following ill health DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

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gain, trial of the embattled national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday suffered another setback following Metuh’s ill health.

The matter was adjourned for the continuation of the evidence in chief of the fifth accused person.

However, at the resumed hearing of the proceedings yesterday, counsel to Metuh, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) informed the court that Metuh could not make it to court because he was on bed rest.

He presented a letter signed by one Dr. O.O. Oyeyele, a consultant neurosurgeon in the employment of the National Hospital, Abuja, and prayed the court to adjourned the matter to enable him adequate time

to recover and stand his trial.

Counsel to the second defendant, Destra Investment Limited, Tochukwu Nwugbufor (SAN), also supported the application, saying it is proper for the court to adjourn the matter as the trail could not proceed without the presence of the accused person.

On his part, the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, said although the application did not meet the requirements of section 266 (a)(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, which provides that an accused person must be present in court to stand his trial, he is not opposing the application because it bothers on the ill health of the defendant.

He urged the court to grant him an adjournment to enable him have adequate rest.

Justice Abang, in a short ruling held that even though the doctor’s

report was not helpful to the court because it did not specify the duration of the bed rest, it is however accord the defendant a good reason to be absent in court today.

“The medical report issued by Dr. O.O. Oleyele, a

consultant neurosurgeon, places a good reason for the defendant to be absent in court today.

“However, the medical report is not helpful to the court with regards to the duration of the bed rest; the doctor ought to have

provided the period for the sufficient and adequate bed rest of the defendant.

“I have been wondering if the omission in the report is in good faith because it leaves room for the court to speculate.

“Since the medical re-

port does not provide the duration of the bed rest, the court is enjoined to adjourn this matter in line with the provisions of section 306 ACJA. Accordingly, this matter has been adjourned to May 30, for trial,” Justice Abang held.

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa; Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Chairman Technical Committee on Railways Reform Bill, Engr. Chris Okoye. during the Technical Committee’s visit to the Senate President in Abuja, yesterday.

Death of candidate bill passes FG to enforce Cabotage second reading in House of Reps Act to encourage private investors

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inister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said the Federal Government would enforce the Cabotage Act to attract private investors into the nation’s shipping industry.

Amaechi, while fielding questions at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday, said the Cargo Vessel Financing Fund would be used to assist Nigerians who have vessels on the coastal line and want to take equity in the national carrier.

“At the last stakeholders’ meeting we had with maritime investors, we agreed that there is need to implement the Cabotage Act. “There is the need to enforce the law but what I don’t like is the emphasis on what do we do about the money.

“Just give us the money; and I won’t give it to anybody because the money

the Federal Government spent on aviation has not been recovered.

“There is no guarantee that if we give out this money we can get it back.

So, I told them I prefer to talk about the national carrier; we also talked about national carrier in the maritime sector.

“What we are doing in that sector is to say the Cabotage Fund will be used to fund Nigerians who would take equity in the national carrier.

“But we would have to look for foreign investors who would bring their own money and it will be managed by those foreign investors so that we don’t throw another asset away.

“It’s going to be that you are a serious investor; that you are a serious-minded person who has vessels on our coastal line; we can then encourage you by giving you a pay for your equity in the national carrier. That is how the Cabotage Act will run,” he said.

UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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bill seeking the amendment of Sections 136 and 181 of the 1999 Constitution yesterday passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsor of the bill, Asabe Bashir (APC-Borno) said the amendment intends to close the vacuum which exists in the constitution over the death of a candidate in an election before the process is concluded.

Recently, in Kogi State, the death of Abubakar Audu, who was governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2015 polls brought the process to an abrupt end.

Bashir said the bill would ensure that in such a circumstance, the running mate of the deceased should be constitutionally empowered to complete the process.

“Regrettably, there was a situation where a candi-

date’s death during election was not envisaged in the constitution or the Electoral Act and the lacuna was obvious during the Kogi State governorship polls in 2015.

“Having seen this gap, it is necessary to fill it and empower the running mate of a presidential candidate and governorship candidate to complete the race.

“There is no need to cancel an ongoing election and there is no need to go through a fresh election,”

the lawmaker said.

She further pointed out that the lacuna as experienced in Kogi State resulted in more expenses on the electoral body which had to conduct a fresh election as the only option.

The House unanimously adopted that the bill be read the second time.

Presiding officer, Deputy Speaker of the House, Yusuff Lasun, referred the bill to the Special Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution.

Reform of railways critical to economic revival –Saraki GEORGE OJI

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enate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated that the reform of the nation’s railways system is critical to the muchneeded economic revival in the country even as he reiterated the commitment of the 8th Senate to the passage of the National Railways Commission Bill before the end of the first session of the 8th Senate.

Chief press secretary to the Senate president, Sanni Onogu, in a statement in Abuja yesterday stated that Saraki spoke after receiving the report of the Technical Committee on the National Railways Commission Bill from the chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, in his office.

It said Saraki thanked the chairman and members of the technical com-

mittee for the timely completion of their assignment and said the report goes to show that the 8th Senate is committed to working with experts in the private sector to put in place necessary machinery to put the nation’s economy back on track.

Saraki said: “I believe everybody will benefit from the content of this report because no economy can develop without an efficient mass transportation

system. We all acknowledge that government alone cannot provide the funding needed to upgrade the rail infrastructure. Therefore, the bill will make provision that would allow the private sector to participate and subsequently take the burden of funding off government.

“There is no way we can address our mass transportation challenge without direct engagement with the private sector.

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L-R; Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Hon Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institution, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Senator Foster Ogola during the visit of the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Capital Market to the Minister yesterday.

L-R: Group Managimging Director Designate, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Group CEO, United Capital Plc, Oluwatoyin Sanni and MD, NBET, at the signing ceremony of the N50.59 Billion Bank Guarantee to Electricity Generation Copanies onbehalf of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading NBET Plc in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: General Counsel/Head of Regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Tinu Awe; Doyen, Willie Ndata; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar N. Onyema, OON; Managing Director/CEO, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Abiola Aderonmu and Executive Director, Akin Laoye, at the Facts Behind the Restructuring at the NSE yesterday.

L-R: Representative of the Director General, National Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mrs Fatyma Sa’adu; Head of Registration Unit, Mr Clement Edekor and Head of Library Unit, Mr Peter Ugar, at the save Internet Awareness Workshop for Youths in Abuja yesterday.

National News

CBN mulls dual forex window, retains MPR, others

Chidi UgwU, AbolAji AdebAyo, johnson okAnlAwon

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entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday hinted of plans to adopt a dual foreign exchange policy regime that will make forex procurement easier for users.

Specifically, the Bank said it would create a special window for critical transactions involving importation of equipment, machinery and other items for manufacturing of goods in which the country has above 90 per cent local content, while the autonomous window would serve other forex users in the economy.

This is even as it retained the Monetary Policy Rates, MPR, Cash Reserves Requirement, CRR, and Liquidity Ratio at 12 per cent, 22.5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively around asymmetric window at +200 and -500 basis points.

Giving these details at the end of the two-day Monetary

…BDCs to continue forex sourcing from autonomous market Policy Committee, MPC, meeting held in Abuja, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the decisions were taken in the best interest of the country in order to stimulate economic activities and ensure macroeconomic stability.

Emefiele, who said details of the new forex policy regime would be made public soon, pointed out that the economy continued to face critical moment due to several factors linked to local and external influences.

He said while the prolonged slump in crude oil prices at the international market remained a key constraining factor, the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget also adversely affected the economy.

He said: “One aspect that is largely contributory to the situation we find ourselves today is the delay in the passage of the budget.

“The delay in the passage of the budget has created a few distortions in the sys-

tem.

“You can imagine a situation where a budget that should have been passed in January or February latest was passed in May. The minister for budget and planning has committed that, it is going to be the last time this will happen. The important thing is to note that a lot of important things are predicated on the budget.

“When a budget is passed, the money is ready to be spent either for capital projects. Construction workers can get back to work. Roads begin to be reconstructed again. People will buy cement, gravel and sand. Labourers will earn money.

It will engender consumer purchases and what you find is that consumer purchases and other things consist about 85 per cent component of GDP. “It is a sad development for all of us, I am hoping that going forward we are working together to ensure that we are well coordinated go-

ing forward.”

Expatiating further on why the Committee opted for a flexible forex policy, the CBN governor said it was observed that while the bank has been working on a menu of options to ensure increased supply of foreign exchange, there was no easy and quick fix to the foreign exchange scarcity problem as supply remained essentially a function of exports and the investment climate.

“The committee is aware that a dynamic foreign exchange management framework that guarantees flexibility could not replace the imperative for the economy to increase its stock of foreign exchange through enhanced export earnings.

“Consequently, such a structure must evolve to provide basis for radically improved investment climate to attract new investments.

“The committee recognises the exchange rate as a very important macroeconomic variable, which must

be earned by increased productive activity and exports.

“Accordingly, MPC decided that the bank should embrace some level of flexibility in the foreign exchange market.

“Given the imperative for growth, the management of the bank has been given the mandate to work out the modalities for achieving the desired flexibility that is in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy and when the implementation of the new framework would begin.

“The Committee, in its assessment of the relevant risk profiles, came to the conclusion that although, the balance of risks remains tilted against growth; previous decisions need time to crystalise.

“The foreign exchange market framework, now ready, the MPC voted unanimously to adopt greater flexibility in exchange rate policy to restore the automatic adjustment properties of the exchange rate. “Consequent-

ly, all nine members voted to hold and introduce greater flexibility in managing the foreign exchange rate.

“The bank would however, retain a small window for funding critical transactions. Details of operation of the market would be released by the Bank at an appropriate time,” he added.

Emefiele said Bureaux De Change, BDCs, operators will continue to source their forex needs from autonomous market.

Meanwhile, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday said CBN need to clarify on what it describes as a special window for critical transactions for which preferential rates will apply.

In a statement signed

by Director General of the Chamber, Muda Yusuf, the OPS umbrella urged the apex bank to be considerate in its new policy to ensure transparency in the forex market to guarantees level playing fields for all investors.

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Asset declaration: FG closes case against Orubebe DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

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ederal Government yesterday closed its case against the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, who is facing a one-count charge of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, having called one witness.

The Federal Government is prosecuting Orubebe on a one-count charge bordering on false assets declaration, a charge to which the former minister had pleaded not guilty to.

The Federal Government had called its first witness, Samuel Madojemu, who testified at the

tribunal that the former minister did not declare his assets fully while in office.

He told the tribunal under cross examination that Orubebe failed to declare his property located at Plot 2057, Asokoro District in Abuja while in office between 2007 and 2011.

At the resumed sitting of the tribunal yesterday, the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, announced to the Danladi Umar-led panel that it was closing it case having called one witness as against the three it had earlier told the tribunal.

The defence counsel, Larry Selekowei, told the tribunal that they were taken by surprise with the development. He said

NEITI report: CISLAC decries unremitted funds by NNPC, others OBIORA IfOh ABUJA

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ivil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, CISLAC, has bemoaned the recurrence of damning revelations from the Audit Report of the NEITI 2013 which was released on May 23, 2013.

It urged the National Assembly, upon receipt of the NEITI audit report for 2013, to table it for debate in plenary and, in line with this, expedite the passage of the PIB. In a statement in Abuja, Executive Director, Auwal Musa Ibrahim said: “While we observe that the audit covers the period that predates this administration, we believe that government is a continuum and all governments owe the citizens of Nigeria the duty of recovering monies due to them and meant for providing them with services.”

The CISLAC said it is sad that the sum of $3.8billion and N358.3billion was recorded as outstanding revenues from NNPC and its sub-units in 2013. “Beyond the figures is that the unfortunate occurrence persists and is recurrent since the reports dating as far back as 1999-2005 and in spite of the existence of an IMTT of which the NNPC is a part,

the case of unremitted revenues still persist and they arise from unpaid consideration from the divested Oil Mining Licenses, cash call refunds from NAPIMS, and NPDC lifting from Joint Venture Agreements.”

The group finds it scandalising that up to $12.9 billion of the NLNG payments received by NNPC between 2005 and 2013 had not been remitted to the Federal Government or the Federation as at 2013.

“That the figure continued to rise in spite of previous audits and recommendations, again depicts the level of impunity that characterised the NNPC. We are worried that NNPC’s continuous retention of monies meant for the federation continues till date and in spite of the reforms initiated by the present NNPC leadership, there has been no clear demonstration to citizens that this practice has stopped.”

CISLAC considers the payment of only $100million out of $1.8 billion, by the NPDC from divested Federation Equity from 8 OMLs and nonpayment of a dime from 4 other OMLs and the payment of cashcalls by NAPIMS for already divested OMLs curious and unfortunate, depriving the national coffers,

they did not envisage the development before now, and prayed that in such circumstance he needed an adjournment to be able to prepare for their defence, subject to the convenience of the tribunal.

This prayer however did

not go well with the tribunal chairman, Umar; who lambasted the defence saying they should not use that as a ploy to delay the trial.

Umar however adjourned the matter to May 31, for the defendant to

open his defence.

It would be recalled that the witness had earlier in his evidence said Orubebe submitted five asset declaration forms to CCB between 2007 and 2011 within the period he served as minister. The first, he said,

was as Minister of Special Duties under the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs up till 2011, under the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

L-R: Governor of Central Bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr Sara Alade and Deputy Governor, Operations Dr Suleiman Barau, during a press briefing at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Buhari appoints Ja’afaru, Babandede CGs of Prisons, Immigration ADEOlA TUKURU ABUJA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Ahmed Ja’afaru as the Controller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, and Mohammed Babandede as the Comp-

troller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Bassey Okon Akpanyung, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Until his appointment, Ja’afaru was an Assistant

Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service at the Headquarters.

He replaces Dr Peter Ekpendu, who retired from the Service after the mandatory 35 years.

Until his appointment to head Immigration service, Babandede was a Deputy

Comptroller General, DCG, of the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters.

He replaced Martin Kure Abeshi, who retired from the Service at the end of his tenure.

The appointment of Babandede took effect from May 15.

Army arrests Ogoni traditional ruler DENNIS NAKU PORT HARCOURT

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traditional ruler in Ogoniland, Rivers State, HRH Barinaadaa T.D. Gbaranee has been arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

Gbaranee, who is the paramount ruler of Yeghe community in Gokana Local Government Area, was arrested for questioning by the military over security issues in his domain.

Spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, who con-

firmed the incident, said the royal father was only invited for questioning.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, COTRA, has expressed its displeasure and condemnation of yesterday’s arrest of the paramount ruler.

Chairman, Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Suanu T.Y. Baridam, made the condemnation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, alleging that he was kidnapped.

“We consider the abduction of Chief T.D. Gbaranee a desecration of the highly respected tradition-

al institution and strongly reject the humiliation of an Ogoni traditional stool by the Army.

“We demand the immediate release of Chief Gbaranee and expect that if there be any issue regarding his conduct, he ought to be treated with respect, decency and in a dignified manner with an invitation. If that fails, the issue should be brought before the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers; if that fails, the issue should be brought before the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, failure upon which further actions can be taken.

“We accuse the army of dubious intentions and alert the Nigerian people and the international community of clear genocidal intentions against the Ogoni people and particularly Yeghe people,” it said.

“We note that the actions of the Nigerian army in Ogoniland in recent times following the raids and killing of over 20 persons and subsequent raids on the peaceful and law abiding citizens of Yeghe, calls for serious questions regarding the credibility and intentions of the army’s presence in Ogoniland.”

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South West

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun Assembly, APC hail Aregbesola @ 59 Boladale BamigBola OSOGBO

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sun State House of Assembly and the state chapter of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, yesterday extolled the leadership qualities of the

state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, on his 59th birthday anniversary.

A statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said, “Aregbesola’s stewardship has touched lives of

the entire people of the state in spite of the economic downturn.”

Describing the governor as an amazing leader, the Assembly said with a governor like him, who cares about the welfare of the generality of Osun people with a vibrant

zeal, there are better days ahead.

It also described Aregbesola as a dogged, committed, diligent and forthright man who would fight hard to ensure the development of his state and the country at large, regardless of

the challenges coming his way.

The parliament said the vigorous effort of Aregbesola to place the state on a high pedestal through series of developmental projects, was a clear testimony to his commitment towards the betterment of his peoples’ lives.

The statement reads: “On your 59th birthday, we in the Osun House of Assembly salute you, a reputable leader, for the milestones you have attained in the development of our dear state. ”The feats you have achieved are exceptional and unusual, even in the

face of dwindling resources confronting our state.”

Similarly, APC in the state has urged the governor “to soldier on with courage, even at this difficult juncture when his political integrity is under mindless attack.”

The APC in a statement issued by the Directorate of Publicity, Research and Strategy, and signed

by Mr. Kunle Oyatomi in Osogbo, said: “No matter how difficult the political, social and economic situation under his watch in Osun may be at the moment, all indications are that Ogbeni will emerge triumphant.”

Waterways security: Ambode seeks collaboration among naval fleet Francis suBeru L-R: Deputy President,Nigerian Institutions of Surveyors (NIS), Oyegbola Akinloye Olufemi; President, Nigerian Institutions of Surveyors (NIS), (Barr.)Bern Omo Akhigbe and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at the 51st Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Institutions of Surveyors (NIS) in Osogbo, yesterday.

e-fraud crippling Nigeria – Researchers Kemi olaitan IBADAN

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esearchers at University of Ibadan have warned that pervasive electronic fraud in Nigerian banks threatens the adoption of cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The researchers, Dr. Oludayo Tade and Dr. Oluwatosin Adeniyi of the Department of Sociology and Economics, in University of Ibadan respectively, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in their study titled, ‘Dimensions of Electronic fraud and Governance of Trust in Nigeria’s cashless ecosystem.’ They stated that bank staff, both permanent and casual, as well as relatives of account holders such as wives, children and friends, make up the top fraudsters.

According to them, while the cashless policy was aimed at transparency, curb corruption/leakages and drive financial inclusion, the prevalence of fraud has created lack of trust for people to adopt the

cashless payment options.

The researchers in their study carried out in Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states among victims of fraud, identified different dimensions of bank fraud to include internal fraud exclusively committed by bank staff, external fraud and collaborative bank fraud involving bank staff releasing vital customer information to fraudsters.

They stated further that the current fraud strategies include that of ATM, dormant account, un-credited lodgement, fake job scam, fund transfer fraud as well as phishing mails and BVN fraud.

They said, “A man had received debit alert of N300,000 on his account and rushed to his bank. He told the bank staff he had his ATM card with him when the alert came. When the CCTV footage of the person who withdrew the money was played, it was the image of his wife. He then went out of the bank. This is what we have called lovers’ fraud. We also have cases of sons defrauding their fathers, and bank account

officers defrauding institutions where they are assigned to. There was one account officer in one of the new generation banks who collected about N90million from an eatery as their account officer and ran away.

He got married with part of the money and almost completed a four-bedroom flat when he was arrested

by EFCC. They were only able to recover less than N10 million from him.”

They maintained that banks whose customers experienced fraud on a daily basis with little help provided by banks and governing institutions to recover their funds are blamed for compromising their accounts.

While calling for financial literacy education for bank customers based on their peculiar characteristics, they warned that fraud will build distrust in Nigeria’s cashless ecosystem.

They also warned account holders in banks to keep their ATM cards safe from their family members and not to click on any fraudulent emails asking them to supply their bank

details or any strange callers asking them to supply their bank Biometric Verification Number, saying no bank will demand such as banks will identify their customers by name.

While accusing banks of failing to perform oversight function on their customers and supervision of their branches, the researchers said, “We discovered that due to their desire for reputational risk, banks do not want to externalise their fraud experiences.

“Banks expose their casual staff to occupy sensitive positions without adequate supervision.

These poorly paid casual workers are also versed in ICT. There was a case where the bank staff gave the woman sweeping the office of a Branch Manager Key logger to insert on the manager’s computer to extract sensitive information. When the bank staff and their external collaborators would hit the bank, they moved about N400 million into about 50 different accounts and this happened on a public holiday,” they added.

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agos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for the collaboration and cordial working relationship between the Nigerian Navy and their counterparts in other African countries, so as to address the security challenge posed by sea piracy on regional waterways.

Ambode, who spoke during the 2016 International Maritime Security Conference at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, noted that international waterways have been the main corridor through which commerce was nurtured among Africans and foreign countries.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said the recent attacks on commercial shipping activities off the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Republic of Congo, called for urgent collaborative efforts in order not to jeopardise the future of maritime business relations in the region.

He stressed the need for effective collaboration among various naval fleets since they are the custodians of security and safety on the high

seas and off- shore territorial boundaries of countries worldwide.

“This trend is becoming noticeable with attacks on commercial shipping activities off the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Republic of Congo. And unless we collectively tackle this challenge frontally, it would continue to affect the fortunes of merchant vessels and fishing trawlers negatively, with its consequent impact on commerce and trade development,’’ he noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral IbokEte Ibas, stated that the conference was aimed at finding lasting solutions to maritime challenges.

He noted that the security threats in the Gulf of Guinea and its attendant effect on the economic life of littoral states called for urgent attention.

He also noted that finding lasting solution to the current threat in the Gulf of Guinea and other areas facing similar security challenge called for international cooperation to guarantee safety and security of investors in the maritime business and guarantee successful maritime operations across the globe.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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Alleged N336m loan: Court dismisses NDIC’s suit against Capital Oil Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit filed by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, against Capital Oil and Gas Limited and its owner, Deacon Patrick Ifeanyi Uba. Justice C. J. Aneke, in his judgment held that NDIC failed to lead evidence on how it arrived at the debt balance of the alleged facilities.

NDIC had in suit No. FHC/L/CS/422/10 dated April 1, 2010 filed by its lawyer, Anozie Douglas Benson, alleged that Capital Oil & Gas Limited applied for and was granted financial facilities by All States Trust Bank Plc (inliquidation) in respective sums of N71,740,000.00 and N264,264,000.00.

The plaintiff further averred that the facilities were accepted and fully utilised by the first defendant (Capital Oil).

The plaintiff stated that the facilities granted to the first defendant were personally guaranteed by the second defendant (Uba).

But, the defendants in their statement of defence filed by their lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, denied the indebtedness.

Uba, through his lawyer, stated that the bank’s offer letters dated June 7, 2004 and August 3, 2004 were never disbursed by the plaintiff and that the defendants never drew down or utilised the facilities.

During trial, Dr. Nwobike argued that the bank indulged in irregu-

lar, inconsistent and multiple debt entries on the first defendant’s account which later resulted in the defendants lodging series of complaints on the irregularities.

In his judgement, Justice Aneke observed that during trial, the plaintiff abandoned the offer letter for N71, 740,000.00 which is the outstanding balance on the first defendant’s statement of account with the All State Trust Bank Plc, less N10.4 million paid by the defendants while the bank was in liquidation.

Besides, Justice Aneke also noted that during trial the plaintiff also abandoned the Offer Letter for N71,740,000 and concentrated on the offer Letter and Acceptance for the sum of N264,264,000.

Consequently, the court held that the only issue for determination is whether the plaintiff has been able to prove that the defendants are indebted to it in the sum of N177, 626,754.00.

The court stated that the plaintiff ’s lone witness (PW1), apart from tendering exhibit P7 (statement of account), did not give any explanation on how the debt balance contained in the bank statement was arrived at.

The court held that all onus of proof is on the plaintiff to prove the defendants indebtedness to it.

Consequently, the court dismissed the suit and awarded N20,000 as cost in favour of the defendants.

gangs along Idi-Arere, Oja’ba and Gege axes are what security operatives must resolve courageously once and for all.

The state police public relations officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Adekunle Ajisebutu, while speaking on the incident, said the situation has been brought under control.

He said: “The Com-

missioner of Police has ordered massive deployment of policemen to the affected area to forestall any breakdown of law and order. Normalcy has been restored even as the police are maintaining constant patrol and surveillance of the place.

The CP has also warned anyone fomenting trouble to desist or risk arrest and prosecution.

Wale igbintade

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L-R: General Manager, Marketing MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; General Manager, Sales, Akinola Salu; Head of Operations, MultiChoice Nigeria Hasiya Abdu and General Manager, SuperSport, West Africa, Felix Awogu, during the Euro 2016, Rio Olympics Media Fun Day at Inagbe Grand Resort and Leisure, Lagos, yesterday.

Ambode unveils N22.4bn plan to revamp Oshodi Francis suberu

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agos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday unveiled the plan for the regeneration of Oshodi which will see to the transformation of the rugged neighbourhood into an International Transport Interchange, with a total cost of N22.4 billion ($70 million).

The Oshodi Transport Interchange will lead to the construction of three world class terminals that will curb haphazard and indiscriminate parking and picking of passengers by commercial buses.

According to Ambode who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on Oshodi regeneration at the State House, Ikeja, although, buildings and structures might be demolished, such exercise is never meant to intimidate or

Kemi Olaitan, IBADAN

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alpable tension yesterday morning enveloped Idi-Arere area of Ibadan South East Local Government area as street gangs unleashed mayhem on one another, forcing residents to scamper for safety.

National Mirror learnt that while no known injury was reported, the crisis in-

oppress the people but for the development of the state.

Likewise, the governor said the ongoing demolition of buildings and structures in some parts of the state is not designed to deprive the downtrodden their means of livelihood.

The governor said his administration has intensified the regeneration process of transforming the state to reflect its status as African modern mega city.

Ambode said Oshodi is the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily, adding that Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day and about one million pedestrians.

He noted that 70 per cent of the area is dedicated to transport and relat-

ed activities, lamenting that the result of this was chaos, illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues and in recent tim,s serious security challenges.

Ambode said the Oshodi area as it is currently did not fit into the dreamed Lagos which is a globally competitive city that is clean, safe and prosperous.

The governor said the first terminal would be constructed at the Mosafejo Market axis and would be for Inter-state transportation, while the second terminal would be erected at the former Owonifari Market, and the third terminal is to be built adjacent to NAFDAC and would be for Intra-city transport activities.

He said these terminals would have standard facilities, including waiting

area, loading bays, ticketing stands; drivers lounge, parking areas and rest rooms, among others, adding that the development would include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link all the three terminals.

The governor said the regeneration of the Oshodi interchange would definitely redefine the economic outlook of the area, as government’s goal is to make every nook and cranny of Lagos economically viable.

Also speaking, managing director, Translink Capital Development Limited, Mr. Abiodun Otuola, the developer of the project, disclosed that it is expected to gulp $70 million.

Otuola added that the commencement date for the project is June 1, 2016, adding that the project would be completed within 13 months.

Area boys unleash mayhem in Ibadan volved a gang known as ‘One Million Boys’ based around Kudeti area.

An eyewitness said residents began to hear sound of gunshots few minutes to 7.00am while there were also suspected and targeted movements among the group within the vicinity.

A resident said he and the Okada rider who lifted him “had to run for safety when they were

hearing gunshots from all sides.”

He added that their attempt to run for safety led them to running through Idi-Arere/Kudeti road only to notice that the sound was louder and more constant at that end.

While the crisis lasted, broken bottles littered the roads just as policemen were drafted to the scene of the inci-

dent from a nearby division to restore peace to the area.

During a visit to the scene, the tense situation had been quelled by police presence but some residents who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the seeming peace could be tentative, stating that the age-long rivalry between the groups as well as internal crisis within some

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fear grips FMC staff over planned recall of MD Chris Njoku OWERRI

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orkers of Federal Medical Centre, FMC Owerri, Imo State, are now apprehensive following Federal Government’s move to recall the sus-

pended medical director, Dr. Angela Uwakem.

Uwakem was sent on suspension by the Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewale, who set up an interim administrative committee to oversee the hospital’s management while reviewing events that led to the industrial un-

NAFDAC seizes N3.5m fake drugs, cosmetics in Enugu

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ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, said it confiscated fake and substandard drugs and cosmetics worth over N3.5 million within Enugu metropolis.

Enugu State coordinator of the agency, Mr. Ikechukwu Okoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Enugu that the seizures were made in a four-day operation.

Okoye said some of the products have no NAFDAC registration numbers while some have fake registration numbers. ``We intend to carry out a similar exercise in Nsukka, Oji River and Awgu axes of the state very soon,’’ he said.

The coordinator reiterated that unwholesome drugs and cosmetics are injurious to health and urged the people not to patronise them.

Okoye said the agency is committed to ensuring that drug, cosmetics and food outlets stock healthy and wholesome product for optimal health of Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to be wary of what they buy and look at products and their packaging as well as information provided on them to ascertain their expiration and manufacturing dates.

NAN reports that the unwholesome products seized by the agency include Vego 100, Fair cream, olive oil gel, olive oil cream, Vitamin A, insecticides and hydrogen peroxide.

rest that shut the hospital for eight months.

It was learnt that the interim committee has concluded its investigations and found the medical director not guilty of the allegations levelled against her.

The aggrieved workers had accused the medical director in the petition sent to President Muhammadu Buhari of allegedly concluding plans to privatise and commercialise some key departments in the institution.

They alleged that having succeeded in privatising the mortuary, transportation, security and laundry departments, there were plans to privatise other departments, especially the laboratory and

pharmacy departments.

They subsequently called for the managing director’s removal, accusing her of financial misappropriation, high-handedness and victimisation of staff that were against her proposed privatisation.

However, National Mirror learnt from one of the members of the committee who pleaded anonymity that Uwakem was not culpable of the allegations, adding that the committee whose tenure has expired plans to recall her to complete her tenure which remains about two years.

“We had asked workers to come forth with evidence of the allegations or even writ-

ten document without any identity to enable the committee have basis to indict and possibly prosecute the managing director, but none of the workers forwarded the committee with any document to work upon,” he disclosed.

But our correspondent gathered from the workers’ union that the committee was provided with enough evidences that would have nailed the medical director.

“The committee is economical with the truth; it cannot say that it did not have enough evidence to prosecute or indict the managing director except that it decided to let her off the hook because she is highly

connected.”

According to the union, Dr. Uwakem “is guilty of the allegations against her; we are worried by the committee’s conclusion which we see as being contrary to the current administration’s fight against corruption.”

Meanwhile, there is palpable fear in the institution as workers were observed discussing government’s plan to recall the managing director to the centre which was riddled with crisis for many months.

They expressed fear that workers would be victimised particularly those who took active part in the protests that eventually led to her suspension.

Ebonyi pledges support for NDE women skill training

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bonyi Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has pledged its support to the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, in the training of women in the state in different skills.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Rebecca Ogbuewu, made the pledge yesterday in Abakaliki at the launch of an intensive training for 50 women in tie-anddye.

The commissioner said the acquisition of skills in tie and dye would empower women to become useful to their families and the society.

“The ministry pledges to support and synergise in anyway necessary to ensure continuity in the training of Ebonyi women,’’ she added.

Ogbuewu applauded the NDE for the programme and urged participants to pay attention during the training in order to benefit from it so that the director-

ate’s objective is achieved.

The state’s NDE coordinator, Mr. Marcel Igboanude, said participants were drawn from some of the most vulnerable areas in the state, noting that the gesture is to provide women with skills that would make them independent.

“Today, 50 women will commence a five-day intensive training in production of tie and dye clothing materials and we would ensure the trainees are given high quality basic skills to enable them to set up successful enterprises in the future.

“In pursuit of our job creation mandate, women will be accorded special consideration in employment and economic empowerment to contribute to growth of their families and the society,” he said.

Director, Small Scale Enterprise, NDE, Mrs. Henrietta Achiegbo, represented by Mrs. Carol Eleuwa, said the essence of the training is to end the era of women being just housewives.

L-R: FRSC Zone RS9 Commander, Mr Samuel Obayemi; representative of the CORPS Marshal, Mr Joshua Fanola; Enugu State Sector Commander, Mr David Mendie and Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers Gariki Enugu Motor Park, Comrade Joseph Ahara, during FRSC Tyre Sensitization Programme at Gariki Motor Park in Enugu, yesterday.

Enugu IGR hits N700m monthly, says commissioner

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nugu State government said its internally-generated revenue, IGR, has risen from N450 million to N700 million monthly due to improved collection system.

Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs. Eucharia Uche-Offor, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Enugu.

Uche-Offor said the increase in the IGR receipt manifested since the inception of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.

Her words: “There is an improvement in our IGR since His Excellency, the

Executive Governor is a finance man (with financial academic background) too.

“We have really improved on our IGR since the assumption of office of this present government.

“On assumption of office (one year ago), our IGR had nose-dived to about N450 million; however this administration has grown it to over N700 million monthly.

“And, efforts are still on to surpass this achievement.

“The state has enough hands in the IGR departments to deploy a lot of people to improve on this IGR. “What we are currently doing is to train them on the current revenue collec-

tion method.’’

The commissioner said the state has introduced some financial measures to check leakage of revenue and bloated government spending.

She said the introduction of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, streamlined IGR collection, payment of workers’ salaries through Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, just as the ongoing bio-metric capturing of the state work force would enhance financial discipline and savings in the state.

“Well, these ghost workers have been there; but now when this administration took over it noticed a huge wage bill, which can-

not be supported by this dwindling revenue from the federation account.

“Consequently, Enugu State decided to embark on bio-metric capture and anchored it on BVN in line with the decision taken at the Federation Account Committee, FAAC, meeting in Abuja, which I attended, whereby states were encouraged to key into the use of TSA and BVN-based verification of all workers, including pensioners.”

It would be recalled that the state government had earlier announced that it had saved over N1 billion with the deployment of the TSA financial system in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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Edo govt approves appointment of new Oba of Benin Onazena abbey and Oarhe dicksOn

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do State government yesterday approved the appointment of Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from April 29, 2016.

In a letter dated May 24, signed by Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, titled, ‘Appointment of HRH Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin” the government said: “It is hereby notified for general information that in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 19 (1) of the Traditional

... Erediauwa’s funeral rites begin today

Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, the Executive Council of Edo State Government of Nigeria has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from April 29, 2016.”

Meanwhile, the palace has announced 15 days funeral rites for Erediauwa exactly 25 days after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, announced his transition.

The rites begin today,

which is Ekioba market day and ends on Wednesday, June 8, an Agbado market day.

A statement signed by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, BTC, Frank Irabor, said other palace rites would be held on the 26th, 27th, 28th and then on Sunday May 29, when guests would be entertained.

According to the statement, palace rites would continue on Monday 30 to Saturday June 4 where there would be presentation

of gifts.

By Sunday June 5, palace rites would begin and culminate on Tuesday June 7, with Ikowia.

The statement said the performance of emwinekhua (royal funeral rites) is the sole responsibility of the Crown Prince.

“By the announcement of the funeral rites all burial ceremonies are prohibited across the kingdom.

“The BTC advises everyone to go about his or her normal business and

to stay away from places where traditional rites that are not open to the public are performed during ‘emwinekhua.’”

It also advised non-indigenes to show respect for the tradition and custom of the people during the period, saying the palace would work with security agencies to ensure safety of lives during the period.

The council however warned all trouble makers and their likes that may see the period as an opportunity

to foment trouble and cause disorder, “that we shall not tolerate such behaviour.”

BTC notified the public that during the period, “unfamiliar sounds which are intended to warn people, especially women to keep away, may be heard in such places. But these should not cause anxiety among us.

“As Edo people, we cherish the common history and heritage we share. Therefore it is our expectation that we should come together in common understanding of the things we must do throughout this period of mourning.”

A’Ibom govt to stop road construction in 2018 –Commissioner JULiUs OnWUma UYO

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ith over 350 kilometers in completed and ongoing road projects and many more to be done, the Akwa Ibom State government has disclosed that it will stop the construction of roads in 2018 and focus on road networking.

Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, made the revelation yesterday during an exclusive interview with National Mirror in his office, in Uyo. Inyang-Eyen explained that the networking of roads will help maximise the economic potentials of all existing roads and also help the government in properly linking up all the roads in the state.

The commissioner further stated that out of the 14 road projects flagged off by the current administration, nine have been completed and would be commissioned on May 29 by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He also said the government was dualising the Uyo-Etinan, Etinan-Ndon Eyo, Etinan-Eket, EketIbeno roads for easy transportation of goods from the seaside and from the proposed tank farms and refineries to be sited within the same area.

He said the 16.1km road being constructed by the government at Ikpe in Ini local government area to Arochukwun would open up the place to the people of Abia State, stressing that when completed it would enhance the patronage of the Ibom International Airport within the Arochukwu axis and other parts of Abia.

Inyang-Eyen also listed among factors influencing the choice of roads constructed to include its economic importance and industrial location.

He said other factors include the degree to which an area has enjoyed the dividends of democracy and when there is an emergency situation.

The commissioner revealed that despite the nation’s economic misfortune which is adversely affecting the state’s income, the Akwa Ibom government is still carrying out most of its road projects because of the willingness of most of the contractors to construct the roads without initial payment.

He stressed that the contractors were not perturbed they were not paid before working because they know that Governor Emmanuel is honest and transparent and would pay them as soon as money is available.

L-R: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru; Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman Presidential Amnesty, retired Brig.Gen. Paul Boroh, at the inauguration of a Technical Committee on Peace and Stability in the Niger Delta, in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

FG urged to resume N17,000 monthly stipend to Bakassi returnees richard ndOma CALABAR

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group operating under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Council, NDYC, yesterday charged the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to, without further delay, commence the payment of N17,000 monthly stipend which the previous administration paid to each Bakassi returnee.

The expected beneficiaries are the over 5,000 Nigerians who relocated from the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula after it was ceded to neighbouring republic of Cameroon.

National Coordinator for the group, Jator Abido,

•Raise minimum wage to N50,000 made the appeal in a chat with journalists in Calabar. He further stated that since the Bakassi people were relocated from their original habitation to Nigeria, after their traditional community was ceded to Cameroon based on the judgement meted out by the international court of justice at the Hague, the Nigerian government had outrightly neglected the returnees.

The group further accused the Federal Government of shifting attention to the war-torn North East zone as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency, thus abandoning the dis-

placed people of Bakassi for several years to their various fates without giving them any attention.

Leadership of the youth group maintained that while Federal Government considers paying N17,000 monthly stipend to each person displaced by Boko Haram insurgency, it was also pertinent to do same for Bakassi returnees for the sake of fairness.

Abido stressed that the group would not relent in the struggle until the Bakassi returnees get justice.

The group also appealed to the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers,

to refrain from the bombardment of the nation’s oil and gas installations within the Niger Delta. It urged the militants to embrace peace for the good of the country, stressing that destroying oil installations was not and would never be a solution to the problems but an impediment to the nation`s development.

The group however charged the Federal Government to review upwards the N18,000 minimum wage to at least N50,000. According to the group, such action is in sync with the present economic realities of the nation.

12

North

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our abductors demand Buhari, Ahmed phone numbers —APC chairman Wole Adedeji ILORIN

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wara State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani, has disclosed that his abductors demanded from him, the phone numbers of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Fulani and his party secretary, Chief Bode Adekanye, who were kidnapped and released last weekend said the abductors who said they were looking for money also demanded the phone number of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed from whom they expected good money would come.

They made this known in Ilorin, Kwara State, while recounting their experience in the hands of the kidnappers before they were rescued and taken to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

According to him, they trekked non-stop from 7.30 am to 8.00pm in thick forests without food or water while they were made to sleep on bare ground at night.

Balogun-Fulani said though the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solmon Arase, tried by deploying helicopters to carry out aerial

search for them the search crew could not see them because of the thick forest covering them.

The APC chairman said their abductors asked whether he was a Fulani man to which he answered in the affirmative but was told they don’t go for sentiments but money irrespective of who their captives were.

Also speaking, Adekanye, the secretary, said the kidnappers who disclosed that they were Fulani spoke in both Fulfude and pidgin English and were smoking marijuana and sniffing cocaine freely in the jungle.

He said another man from Ondo State was also by the kidnappers who appear like Special Anti Robbery Squad policemen with the clothes they wore and the AK-47 riffles they were holding.

Adekanye said the abductors talked to them for several hours in the bush, telling them that they were kidnappers and accused the captives of using their positions to kill Fulani herdsmen.

He said after they allowed them to get in touch with their relations on phone, the abductors warned that if they see any sign of soldiers at the point of paying the demanded ransoms, the captives would simply be wasted.

Fuel price hike: FG resumes talks with NLC today olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

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ederal Government yesterday said it would resume negotiation with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the increase in fuel price today.

This is even as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGANSAN shelved its planned nationwide strike.

PENGANSAN was expected to begin strike today (Wednesday) as the ultimatum given to the Federal Government elapsed yesterday night.

But the union said it is suspending the planned strike in deference to the interventions of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

A statement from the ministry in Abuja yesterday stated that apart from the issue

of fuel price hike, the vexed issue of Joint Venture Cash Call, JVCC, and its implications for Nigerian workers working in the international oil companies were also discussed.

Kachikwu explained that his ministry is restructuring the operational modalities of the Joint Venture Cash Call especially in view of the low oil price.

He assured the union, the JVCC partners and other stakeholders of positive and agreeable results when the meeting reconvenes in late June.

Meanwhile, the negotiation between the Federal Government and Comrade Ayuba Wabba-led NLC will reconvene today at 2.00pm.

NLC had on Sunday announced the suspension of its nationwide strike, citing interventions from prominent Nigerians.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai (second left), inspecting parade by members of Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTELEA), during their inauguration in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Why Buhari yet to appoint ambassadors —Onyeama GeorGe oji

F

oreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, said yesterday in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari is bidding his time to appoint ambassadors to the nation’s missions abroad in order to ensure that only those who understand and share the vision of his administration are given the opportunity to serve in the foreign missions.

While assuring that the list of the ambassadors would soon be made public by government, the minister stated that it is better to slow the process of the appointment than appoint wrong persons and later regret such appointments.

President Buhari ordered

mArcus fAtunmole ABUJA

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igeria has broken global record of nations obtaining free drugs for treating schistosomiasis, with the receipt of 34 million tablets of praziquantel – the only drug known globally for effectively treating the ailment.

The drug has arrived the country, according to a statement made available to journalists by the donor, Merck Group, at the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday.

The release said Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, met with the chairman of the

the sack of the nation’s ambassadors on July 11 last year, and since then, our foreign missions have been functioning without substantive ambassadors.

But responding to questions from newsmen yesterday at the headquarters of the Foreign Affairs ministry in Abuja during his second media dialogue, Onyeama assured tha, “work is in progress regarding the appointment of the ambassadors. It is being done. In a pretty short time, we will have the list out.”

According to the minister, “it is an approach of better to slow down than being sorry later. We want to be sure, very clear who we send out there.

We want to be sure we send out real representatives that will reflect the real vision of this administration.”

The minister also used

the event to explain why the process for the repatriation of the nation’s looted funds abroad back to the country is taking quite some time.

He stated that despite assurances and cooperation by some of the host countries, some legal issues as well as last minute change of mind by the looters as some of the factors clogging the wheel of the repatriation.

Besides, Onyeama explained that to ensure successful repatriation of the looted funds, both countries need to embark on some agreements on confidentiality and secrecy, such that would provide some level of confidence for the looters to enable them give their support and cooperation.

The minister particularly mentioned the about £300 million due to be repatri-

ated from the Jersey Island, which was aborted at the last moment, saying that “in the Jersey Island, we were almost done with the issue until at the last minute the owners raised objection.”

While noting that the looted funds remain work in progress, Onyeama mentioned the $320 million expected from Switzerland government, as well as some undisclosed amount being expected from the U.S. government as some of the looted funds being followed closely by the Federal Government.

The minister also revealed that while in the U.S. during the last trip of President Buhari, he met with the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, who pledged the cooperation of his government (which has expertise in this area).

Nigeria gets 34m doses of drug to treat schistosomiasis

Executive Board and chief executive officer of Merck, Stefan Oschmann, at the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, to appreciate the gesture, yesterday.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic condition and is one of the most common and most devastating parasitic diseases in tropical countries. It often affects human bladder and makes them urinate blood. It is estimated that 260 million people are infected worldwide and that around 200,000 die from it

each year. Flatworms transmit the chronic disease. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions where large sections of the populations have no access to clean water and sanitary installations.

Merck said Nigeria is the world’s most endemic country with the disease, and that the donation to the country resulted in giving more tablets to a single country than it did to the entire continent in 2012 (27 million).

Merck, a leading science

and technology company, said the Praziquantel Donation Programme had been done in partnership with the World Health Organisation since 2007, and that since then, more than 340 million tablets had been donated, with over 74 million patients treated, mainly school children.

The organisation said it would ensure children under six who could not use praziquantel have a drug they could take to further prevent the disease in all people.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics PDP’ll return to power in 2019- Oyedokun Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun is a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Inisha, Osun State born politician recently had a chat with our Osun State Correspondent , BOLADALE BAMGBOLA on the current happenings in his party, PDP and the way forward.

Excerpts:

household, it is normal. But that should not stop our congress or convention. After the whole thing, we will reach out to the aggrieved people and settle whatever the matter is.

W

What is your reaction to the recent increase in pump price of petroleum?

It is not different from what other Nigerians have been saying on the matter.

Moving from my house to another part of the town, I heard motorists cursing because of this increase. You asked for change, it can be positive or negative. People should decide what kind of change they want.

ith the successful conduct of your party’s Congress in Osun, what does the future holds?

We are going to have a strong and focus Osun PDP executives that will take over from Ganiyu Ola Oluwa. As you can see the atmosphere is peaceful. After everything , we will go out and make peace with some individuals who may be aggrieved.

Are you so comfortable with the events preceding the State Congress?

You know why I am comfortable? All these things you are seeing are signs that PDP is alive. I may not be pleased, but I am comfortable and the whole scenario gives me hope that people still love PDP. Had it been they don’t love the party, many people would have gone elsewhere. In spite of all odds , people are struggling to hold positions within PDP. They don’t want to go elsewhere. Even those that have gone are calling us to reorganize that they are coming. So I am very very comfortable. The situation is still within control.

In Osun PDP, there are still few individuals that have stayed off the party’s activities. What are you doing to bring them back to the fold?

As I said earlier, there are dissenting voices. Within

I have been sayIng It that

aPC Is not ready for

Amidst all these squabbles, are you so confident that PDP can pose serious threat or even take over power in 2019?

I don’t have any fear about that. I am confident and by the grace of God, that is what will happen. People are beginning to see the best of APC and sincerely, they are doing campaign for PDP already.

We are returning to power by 2019.

In some of your previous chats with newsmen, you always insist APC is not ready for governance.

Even with all the steps already taken by President Muhammadu Buhari. Do you still hold that view?

I have been saying it that

governanCe and the result of thIs Is the worsenIng CondItIon of lIvIng of

nIgerIans at the moment Oyedokun

APC is not ready for governance and the result of this is the worsening condition of living of Nigerians at the moment. Immediate aim of APC then was to take over power, chase Jonathan away. So they never prepared to rule. In fact , what they are using now is Buhari’s integrity. Secondly, the experience of PDP people who are our own finished products we second to them.

Inadvertently, PDP second them to APC. These people are the ones functioning in

APC government now. In the national assembly, those functioning now are the products of PDP. Why do you think the present administration is having all these challenges despite parading some of the best administrators around?

What is wrong with APC is simple. Before now, they were confined in small river but now they have found themselves in big ocean where

there are whales and sharks.

For PDP, the party is not ready to stay long as opposition. Take for instance, what is happening at the National Assembly shows that our party is responsible.

We are in the opposition, yet one can see spirit of cooperation. When we criticise, we are constructive in doing so not the destructive criticism then opposition did when we were in government. What the opposition did to us was that they destroyed the house because they wanted to chase us out. They painted Jonathan black because they wanted to chase him out. Now it is obvious they cannot do it better than him.

Presidential visit: Lagos PDP slams Ambode over expended N3.2Bn RobeRt Awokuse

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agos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has described as “wasteful and fraudulent” the purported N3.2 billion earmarked for the reception of President Muhammadu Buhari, who scheduled to visit the state last Monday.

The PDP revealed its stance in a statement issued and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani.

The reaction came following reports that the state government spent such amount on a visit which was eventually botched by the president, stressing that this showed the All Progressives Congress, APC “is too haphazard in governance, hence the total discon-

nect between the state governor and the Presidency, thereby causing the state not to know that the president had changed his mind on visiting the state at this time.”

The opposition, according to Gani further charged Governor Ambode to account for the money claimed to have been expended on the visit.

“We demand that the over 3.2 billion naira claimed to have been spent to welcome the president to Lagos must be accounted for. The beneficiaries of the contracts and the costs of the contracts involved in the ceremonies must be made public for Lagosians to know.

This is needless waste of public funds.

“The state governor embarked on hasty beautification of the city, particularly areas marked for the passage of

the president by placing flags and pictures of already known Governor Ambode and Buhari - things that can only last for the period of the visit. That is prodigal, especially because the president did not eventually honour the invitation.

“As a matter of fact, it is even wasteful for public funds to be allocated for reasons of inviting the nation’s president to commission ordinary rehabilitation of roads that are not more than seven in a state with over 7,868 roads.

“We however sympathise with the president for reasons given for refusing the visit now, but we also advise that the president should not condone mismanagement of public funds in the name of receiving a president”, Lagos PDP said.

14

Politics

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Delta youths must protect oil pipelines – Osanebi, Delta Dep. Speaker Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi representing Ndokwa East State Constituency is the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Having served as the Deputy Whip in the Fifth Assembly, his colleagues find him worthy and elected him to be the Deputy Speaker of the Sixth Assembly.

He recently had an interactive session with journalists in Asaba where he spoke on topical issues that affect his constituency, the state and in the national level, NOSA AKENZUA was there for National Mirror.

Excerpts:

because the 13 per cent we are benefitting today is basically our strength of production. The more our production increases, the more money we get as a state.

Y

ou were accused being behind the crisis in Ndokwa East Local Government Area that led to the suspension of the Council Chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwura.

What is your position on the matter?

This issue has been boiling for so many months and it is good to enlighten the people who do not know how these things work, I am a legislator representing Ndokwa East, the Chairman is the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government. She has Councilors and by the grace of God, there are 15 Councilors in the Local Government. For me, I legislate for the good governance of the state. As a house, we legislate and check and do our oversight functions. That is our duty.

Ordinarily, I don’t have business with the affairs of the council as it affects the chairman and the councilors.

When you are leading and you are in position of power, people normally accuse you and call you all sorts of names and ability to defend what you know about it; that’s what makes you a man.

The issue between the Executive and the Legislative Arms of the Council did not start today. When councilors get a total number of the votes and passes a vote of no confidence on a Local Government Chairman, automatically, it shows that that council chairman is not doing well.

And this is not the first time, I was thinking that you should have asked me’ how did I manage the crisis in that Local Government before today’. First, I believe that most of you people witnessed a shutdown protest carried out by the same councilors from Ndokwa East to the State House of Assembly.

They signed a petition asking the Local Government Chairman to leave.

And whether, you like it or not, if you want to give somebody a fair hearing, you must call for a probe. And what did we do as a house? We didn’t just wake up and suspend Mrs. Nkechi Chukwura. We are following the rules; 12 councilors called for impeachment; the first thing they did was to call for income and expenditure of the council and as a house we ought to investigate. You cannot prosecute somebody when you have not gotten a clearer picture of what she has done.

So, what is happening in the local

Osanebi

government is all about politics. I am thinking either the chairman is not being opened to the councilors or she is not carrying them along even though there is no money. I think everybody that worked with her deserves a view of what is going on in the local government. First I need to let you know that I don’t have a hand in what is happening in the local government; there is petition to the Delta State House of Assembly signed by 12 councilors that the council chairman should be impeached. We did not impeach the chairman, she is on suspension; the house is still investigating the matter and when the report is out, the report must be made public.

Recently President Muhammadu Buhari said he was going to treat pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta like Boko Haram. As a legislator from oil bearing community and one time National President, Ndokwa Youth Association, what do you think should be the role of the communities in protecting these pipelines?

First in Ndokwa east Local Govern-

ment Area, there is nothing like blasting of oil pipelines or oil installations. First, we would not allow the President to treat us like Boko Haram, because we are not one. And it is good since we have heard from the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is we here that will take the massage to our grassroots.

Blasting of oil pipelines is not the best way to get the attention of government.

We should not encourage oil sabotage because the blast at the forecast terminal is adversely affecting the state revenue allocation.

As a person, I must keep telling our youths in Ndokwa nation and other parts of the state that anything that will bring a negative effect on the lives of our people should be ignored; we should not go into it. So I want to call on all youths to shun any vices and destruction of oil pipelines in the state. It is our duty to protect what belongs to us. Let me use my community as an example. I know the more the company produces, the higher the benefit we will get from them. So, it is our duty to protect oil installation in our communities. We must protect what belongs to us

We must protect What belongs to us because the 13 per cent We are benefitting today is basically our strength of production.

the more our production increases, the more money We get as a state

From experience, we know that when a member is doing empowerment, he always limit his empowerment programme to his constituency but over time now, we noticed that when you are doing empowerment, you don’t limit it to Ndokwa East most time, but the entire Ndokwa nation.

There was this apprehension that you what to take over from the member representing Ndokwa nation in the national assembly? Why did you choose to go beyond Ndokwa East?

Sometimes, I started by using the word that power comes from God and He gives it to whoever, He pleases. By the grace of God they have elected me to represent the good people of Ndokwa East and I owe our people the duty of making laws and bring development (stomach infrastructure) to the people that have elected us so that at the end of the day, we can boldly say, ‘I have done well, where will I go to’.

That is one, two, there is difference between my Foundation: Friday Osanebi Foundation’ and politics. I know that there are some pressmen who know me when I was a youth leader.

I started empowerment when I was a young boy. I keep saying it, either because of my upbringing or because of the church I worship and that I believe so much that when you give to the less privileged, you received back from God. It is a principle that the poor should learn how to do; if you don’t give when you have billions; if a man gets N1million and he cannot given out N100,000.00; even when he gets N100million, he cannot give it out.

So, the principle of giving is in the receiving. So, when you give out to the poor; there are blessings that are attached to it.

The person that lured me into this pet project was my adviser – my Political aide on Media. And he told me something, saying: “”this thing you are doing, I was thinking that we should put it together and push further”. I said I know what people will start saying as a Deputy Speaker that anything I do will be capitalized upon and they will key in to demoralize your person. And there is something that I know, that who God has blessed, no man can curse. Whatever, thing I am giving out to the society today is to the glory of God put upon my life; and not necessarily because of politics.

My Foundation is to empower the less privileged. There are lots of people that go to school today, either by the end of the day; they don’t have money to pay their school fees. There are school dropped out and I said, ‘how will I reach out to these people” and the only avenue that I can reach out to these people so that politicians will not see it that you are overstepping your boundary is to via through Foundation. That was the major reason why I brought up this Friday Osanebi Foundation which by the grace of God is growing.

My brother today is not about discussing whether we are running for position.

We are been elected to do things and it is our duty to do things and to make sure that we do it and we do it well. And if you don’t know, there were news flying since few days back that I am going for Senate.

Now, it is no longer House of Reps; so, that is to tell you that people must always speak but the most important thing is that, when you are in the right direction, don’t be distracted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

15

Bayelsa Election: Traditional rulers testify at tribunal Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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raditional Rulers from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday testified to the credibility of the January 9, 2016 general election that produced Governor Henry Seriake Dickson into office.

The monarch who were subpoenaed by the Bayelsa State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja said that the election was free, fair and conducted in conformity with the electoral act 2010 and other relevant laws.

In their separate testimony before the Tribunal , the royal highness, Job David Darius, the paramount ruler of Emiwari community of Southern Ijaw told the tribunal that contrary to the claim of the petitioner that the election was marred with irregularities and violence, the election was peaceful and orderly.

The Monarch, who voted at

...say election free, fair

unit 4, ward 12, tendered his permanent voter card he used to vote in the election to substantiate his evidence that the election was free and fair.

In his own evidence, another Monarch, Ayawe Gomedi Dikko also collaborated the evidence of his colleague insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC performed credibly in the conduct of the election which was free and fair.

He also tendered his PVC to buttress the fact that he voted at polling unit 23 ward 4 of his community.

On his part, his Royal Highness, Mangiri Clifford Nange of Olugbori community of

Southern Ijaw also testified to the credibility of the January 9,2016 governorship election insisting that the election was peaceful, credible and without violence.

The monarch were led in evidence by the lead counsel to the governor, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and cross-examined by counsel to INEC, Adegboyega Awomolo, for INEC, and counsel to the petitioners Sebastine Hon. Earlier the tribunal overruled the objection raised by the APC governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva against the appearance of the traditional rulers on the ground that the subpoena issued on them was

wrong and unnecessary in law.

He contended that the monarch had already deposed to the witness statement on oath and ought not to make fresh evidence outside the earlier statement on oath.

It would be recalled that Governor Seriake Dickson opened his defence on Monday in the petition by the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Timipre Sylva challenging his election as governor of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. This was after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC closed its case before the State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday.

The electoral body had told

Edo 2016: Obaseki picks nomination form

Rep urges FG to reconstruct Sango-Abeokuta Expressway

onazena abbey BENIN

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olubunmI omoogun

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he member representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Isiaka Ayokunle Ibrahim has urged the Federal ministry of Power, Works and Housing to urgently reconstruct the bad sections of the Sango-Abeokuta Expressway which he said has been causing severe loss and pain to motorists on the busy road.

Isiaka said this yesterday in a motion titled ‘urgent need to rehabilitate the bad sections of Sango-Abeokuta expressway’ on the floor of the House, adding that the road is a feed link trunk A road that links Ogun and Lagos states and it is one of the most economically important roads to motorists who ply the route on business trips. `Some sections have failed considerably which affects the smooth flow of traffic on the road thereby causing severe loss of man and economic hours and most worrisome is the incessant carnages due to fallen tankers and other articulated vehicles that litter the expressway, he said.

He also said constructing this road with suitable drainages will bring succour to Ali-Ishiba community who have long been suffering whenever it rains in the areas affected.

the tribunal that the election that produced Governor Seriake Dickson was free, fair and was held in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act. Its lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) called two witnesses who testified to the credibility of the election.

In the testimony of Justine Adie, a civil servant who was the Electoral Officer in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the January 9, 2016 election was free, fair and in conformity with the Electoral law.

He told the tribunal under cross examination by counsel to Governor Dickson, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and that of PDP, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) that no report of violence was recorded during the election.

Adie further admitted that the agents of various political parties including the APC signed the results of the election.

L-R: President, Trade Union Congress, Comrade, Bobboi Kaigama; President, Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba; Edo State APC, Gubernatorial Aspirant/former President, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Peter Esele and APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, during the collection of nomination form by the Edo State APC, Gubernatorial Aspirant Comrade Peter Esele in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

APC North-East group urges IGP to caution mischief makers ezekIel TITus BAUCHI

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pparently miffed by the continued attacks on Governor Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State over the administration’s decision to conduct verification exercise to authenticate its workforce, the North-east APC parliament has urged the Inspector General of Police to beam its searchlight to the state to avert what may result to political anarchy in the state.

The Parliament’s Chairman, Kabiru Garba Kobi, Secretary, Bala Bogoro and Umar Akasa Asare, P.R.O respectively said it will not condone any further attack on the governor who has the ability to govern the state and rescue it from the shackles of PDP’s mess.

Kobi stressed that staff verification was carried out in all the states of the federation, yet such protest and attacks on their governors were not feasible.

He cautioned mischief-makers to toe a path of honour and desist from the nefarious acts capable of destroying the blueprints of APC administration whose idea is to effect positive changes to Nigerians.

The group urged civil servants in the state not to succumb to the influence of the opposition in their desperation for power ahead of 2019 by using innocent people against Abubakar.

The chairman maintained that staff verification exercise is not meant to witch-hunt anybody but is done to authenticate workers’ strength and detest ghost workers.

He therefore warned pro-

testers “not to further destroy the posters of our heroes who suffered to build the nation like Sir Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa of blessed memory.

He regretted the recent utterances of an House of Reps member for Misau/ Danbam, Ahmed Yerima and Senator Isa Hamma, where they cast aspersion on Abubakar for running exclusive administration in the state.

The group described Yerima and Hamma as unpopular politicians and errand boys who have lost the support of their immediate constituencies .

The lawmakers according to the group are acting the script of their sponsors who have no political roots in the state urging IGP to warn the lawmakers before it snds in a free for all.

ll Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirant, Mr Godwin Obaseki yesterday picked the nomination and expression of interest form for the gubernatorial election billed for September 10, 2016 The form was purchased on behalf of Obaseki by Edo State APC members at the National Assembly under the platform of Edo State APC Caucus led by Senator Domingo Obende who represented Edo North Senatorial District between 2012- 2015 Others are Hon. Pally Iriase, Hon. Peter Akpatason and Hon. Philip Shuaibu who are equally members of the House of Representatives representing Owan, Etsako and Akoko Edo Federal Constituencies respectively They said their decision to purchase the form was an aftermath of series of consultations with the people they represents who are clearly supporting the aspiration of Obaseki, adding that the Honourable members of the state House and National Assembly, party faithful , market women and artisans all contributed to raised the fund.

Senator Domingo stated “we have confidence in the ability of Mr Godwin Obaseki to continue the development of Edo State which he has been an integral part of. His experience in the economy is an added value that Edo State will benefit from. We will all return home to mobilise delegates of the party to vote for him during the primaries that is coming up on 18th June, 2016”.

Mail Mirror

16

Politics

From The Senate with

George OJI

R

ight from the very first day the bill was read on the floor of the senate on November 24 last year, the Frivolous Petition (Prohibition etc) bill 2015, otherwise commonly referred to by the media as the anti -social media bill, which was sponsored by the Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) was greeted with stiff public opposition, particularly by the social media. The opposition, which took various forms including direct attack of senators, particularly the sponsor of the bill, call for the dissolution of the senate, agitation for the occupation of the senate, amongst others, did not dissuade the bill from progressing to the second and third legislative stages.

It did not even matter to the public that there were some merits in the objectives that the bill were out to achieve. The objective of the bill included the prohibition of the use of print and electronic media or any medium to publish or cause to be published any allegation, statement or petition that are maliciously intended to discredit or set the public against any person, group of persons or institutions of Government.

The bill also intended the prohibition of the posting of false, inciting and abusive statement as tweets, whatsapps or through any social media.

It was however during the third stage of the bill, which involved public participation through public hearing that the final death nail was inflicted on the bill. It was instructive that out of about 17 groups and Government institutions that made oral presentations and submitted written memoranda at the public hearing, it was only two, the representative of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the representative of the Inspector General of Police that supported the bill, while the rest other institutions and groups, including the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Nigerian Law Reform Commission and the National Human Rights Commission (all Government institutions) opposed the bill.

Those who opposed the bill made the point that despite the seemingly laudable objectives of the bill, which is to prevent frivolous petitions, the passage and eventual implementation of the bill will unduly constrain or fetter the right of Nigerians to report crimes as well as fetter the discretion of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes and the internal administration mechanisms of government agencies generally.

There was also the point by the opponents of the bill that the requirement by the bill that a petition, statement or complaint should be accompanied by an affidavit, could be a disincentive, if not a discouragement to potential whistle blowers especially, having regard to the level of illiteracy in the country and the limited number and even location of State High Courts and Federal High Courts. This requirement by the bill according to the opponents could constitute a clog in the wheels of progress as regards the war against corruption, which is the major policy thrust of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Another grounds that the bill was attacked was that what it seeks to address, which is protection from libel has been sufficiently covered in the nation’s criminal laws.

Besides, the point was stressed by the stakeholders who opposed the bill that the implementation of the bill would entail constant monitor-

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How public pressure forced Senate to discard anti social media Bill The bill was also opposed as being in conflicT wiTh The

african charTer on human and people’s righTs

Ekweremadu ing of private conversations of citizens in the social media. This, apart from being expensive venture, will unduly constrain the right to privacy and freedom of expression of citizens.

Furthermore, the opponents of the bill made the point that the bill seems inappropriate in our present circumstance when useful information is required to address the various ills afflicting the nation, especially in the fight against terrorism, corruption, insurgency, security threats and other criminal activities.

The point was in addition made that anti -crime agencies have in the course of performing their duties, benefited immensely from reports, statement or information contained in unsworn and anonymous petitions, in the prosecution of crimes but that the passage of the bill will put a stop to that.

One of the major requirement of the bill of sworn affidavit as a precondition to the exercise of one’s right to freedom of expression and press freedom was attacked by the stakeholders as interfering with the citizens’ rights, which is enshrined in section 1(1) of the Constitution of the Country.

The bill was also opposed as being in conflict with the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which vest every individual with the right to receive information, which was domesticated by the National Assembly itself in 2004.

Finally, the point was strongly made by the opponents of the bill that Nigeria being the largest economy in the African continent and which has over 15 million face book users and its technology sector is expanding very rapidly, the passage of the bill will restrict, constrain and discourage innovations and research as well as deter foreign direct investment.

Even though their position was overwhelmed by the opponents of the bill, the two Federal Government offices, which supported the bill made the point that the main objective of the bill was to ensure that the public is given the correct information, free from bias, sentiments and ill motivation and also to ensure that objective opinions always prevail. This was as they stressed the point that the principle behind the bill was to safeguard innocent individuals, corporate or Governmental bodies against false accusations that could have lasting and damaging effects on

their integrity and performance.

For the proponents of the bill, the idea behind the proposal was laudable and auspicious because by the very use of the word, “frivolous,” connotes un-seriousness, ill-motivation and suggestive of bad faith which is within the contemplation of the constitutional provision of freedom of expression.

According to them, any measure aimed at curbing the excesses of frivolous petitions, is not intended to serve the purpose of denial of access to information, nor is it meant to do away with checks on the executive, legislative and judicial recklessness as well as accountability of stewardship in all facets of public office.

The report of the public hearing of the bill, which was conducted by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru (Niger East) in plenary last Tuesday. The two deferring parts of the arguments for and against the bill were explicitly presented before the senate by the committee. Following an extensive debate of the report, it did not take time for the senators to come to the conclusion that the bill was anti-people and subsequently withdraw it in line with the massive opposition expressed by the Nigerian people against the bill.

In his concluding remarks after the bill was withdrawn, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided at the day’s plenary noted that, “The most important thing is that there are already laws in our statute books that check these kind of complaints, namely the law on defamation, there is a law against false information to the police. So, we cannot continue to duplicate our laws, but people must be protected and their names must be protected by our laws.”

He disclosed that, “There are existing laws giving such protections. I do not think that there are needs to continue to multiply our laws. What we have seen today is the beauty of our legislative process. It is now clear to Nigerians that the fact that a bill is before us does not translate to the fact of passage.”

Ekweremadu urged that, “Nigerians must also give us the benefit of doubts to debate our bills, send it to the committees that will further analysis and consult with their people and make final recommendations for us to consider,” stressing that, “We will never be intimidated by any person or group of persons from running away from our responsibilities as provided for in the constitution.”

According to him, “What we owe our people is proper consultations before we take final decisions just as we have seen today. So, it is now clear that it is not every bill that comes here that automatically translates to passage. This is one of the things the public must also know.”

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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

17

Organised labour and the dilemma of change Tayo ogunbiyi

F

rom all indications, the strike action embarked upon by the Ayuba Wabba faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in protest against the recent increase in the price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 is not effective. Reports from across the country show that many workers defied the strike to report at their various places of work. In major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, etc, there were little or no signs of the strike action as normal activities were on. In Lagos, for instance, regular activities were in full swing as banks, markets, schools, petrol stations and other public institutions were fully opened for business.

Indeed, Lagos roads were characteristically busy as commercial vehicles operate as in normal days.

Though rallies were held by labour leaders in pockets of places across the country to garner support for the strike action, generally the strike has not enjoyed widespread acceptability. Many have described the current position as a reality check for labour leaders on the need to embrace change and creativity in their interface with government on critical national issues that affect the society at large.

What account for the flopped labour strike?

To start with, it seems labour is not presently getting its act together. The NLC in particular is fiercely factionalized and from all indications the factions do not seem to be on the

same page on the strike imbroglio. Watching leaders of the factions take to sharply divided stands on the strike is enough to know that things have fallen apart with organized labour.

Aside being factionalized, some of the groups that are critical labour stakeholders when it comes to organizing industrial actions have refused to heed the call for industrial action. Such groups include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, National Association of Senior Civil Servants, Nigeria Medical Association, among others. The non-involvement of these decisive groups in the strike action, to a large extent, partly accounts for its ineffectiveness thus far.

Perhaps, equally significance is the fact that the other notable labour body in the country, Trade Union Congress (TUC) is not with the NLC in the matter. This, of course, is quite curious because the two bodies usually provide the needed rallying point for labour on the issue of industrial action. According to some TUC leaders, the body withdrew from the planned strike because of the view that the action would be without any benefit to the workers.

It is also important to stress that over the years; organized labour seems to have overdrawn its credit line with the Nigerian people in terms of integrity and genuine commitment of its leadership to protecting the general interests of the average Nigerian.

many have

described The currenT posiTion as a realiTy check for labour leaders…

Up till now, many people are still insisting that it was the compromising stance of labour leadership that bungled the 2012 fuel subsidy protest.

Till date, the 2012 fuel subsidy protest remains, perhaps, the most well organized and widely supported in the annals of civil actions in the country.

Sadly, it was while the protest was almost achieving its objective that labour leadership abruptly called it off. This has, no doubt, done incalculable damage to the image of labour leadership in the country. So much so that rightly or wrongly, people tend to perceive labour leaders as people who delve into unionism to achieve personal and selfish goals.

Equally, many Nigerians perceive strike actions as mostly unrewarding as in the final analysis, nothing concrete often comes out of such protests. This, of course, brings us to the all important issue of the need for labour to change

its strategy in responding to vital government’s decisions or policies that it deems anti-people. In as much as strike option is universally acclaimed as a weapon for organized labour to exert pressure on governments to rescind certain decisions, the Nigerian experience, as it has been briefly analyzed above, has shown that the option is not necessarily potent.

Insisting on strike action, at this point in our national life only goes a long way in exposing the cluelessness of labour leadership. It is no longer news that the Nigerian economy is currently experiencing a downward trend. The current fall in global prices of crude oil, a major source of revenue for the country, has serious implications for the country’s economy.

Presently, the economic situation is biting so hard in some states in the federation as monthly receipt from the federal purse has sharply declined. Unconfirmed reports have it that some states got as low as N150 million as monthly allocation from the federal purse last April. And these are states that used to get as much as N6 billion a few while ago.

It is, therefore, from this perspective that one faults the present insistence of labour on industrial action. Labour has to be more creative in its response to critical national issues. The reality on ground now does not justify strike action as such would further worsen the economic situation of Nigerians.

The physically challenged and Lagos inclusive governance Rasak Musbau

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t a political rally in January 2015 organized for him by the physically challenged, Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, made a solemn vow to stand by the physically challenged if elected as governor. Today, true to his promise, Ambode has sent out a positive signal that his all-inclusive government has a special place for the physically challenged.

The governor is on record to have urged corporate organizations to collaborate with his government in his efforts to make life more comfortable for people living with disabilities. Delivering a goodwill message recently at the opening of a three day International conference on disabilities with the theme: “Creating an Inclusive Society for All” at the Civic Centre, Lagos, Ambode said that people living with disabilities should be recognized as part and parcel of the society, adding that such persons should be provided with the enabling environment to realize their full potential in all spheres of human endeavour.

It is, perhaps, in keeping to his promise of standing by the physically-challenged that the Ambode government has initiated Special People’s fund. The establishment of the people with disabilities fund is to create the right environment for them to live life more meaningfully. This is really an initiative capable of closing the structural nature of the wealth gap between those who are able bodied and

The governor’s example has, indeed, given hope To The physically challenged in The socieTy people living with disabilities.

Another show of care on the part of Governor Ambode is the order given to Bus Rapid Transit and LAGBUS operators on free ride for the physically challenged. In our clime, where it is difficult for the people to get on and off a bus, the governor has directed that all physically challenged should be picked and ride free on all Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and LAGBUS buses. Hitherto, they wait endlessly on the benevolence of good hearted compatriots to get into the bus. The newly introduced BRT buses have facility for the physically challenged.

Equally, the Ambode administration has strengthened the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), which was created “to safeguard people living with disability against all forms of discrimination. Through the Office, the governor recently awarded scholarships to 60 students of the School of the Blind, Oshodi.

The governor’s example has, indeed, given hope to the physically challenged in the society. What such people need is enabling environment and not discrimination. It is disheartening that in Nigeria, discrimination against the physically challenged persons has been prevalent.

Here, the reality of being physically chal-

lenged affects not only the physicality of a person but also how others judge them culturally, spiritually, financially and emotionally.

It is registered in the mind of an average Nigerian that once a person has one deformity or the other, such a person has nothing to offer the society again. This is notwithstanding the rare feats performed by some physically challenged persons over the years in various areas of human endeavour including sports, the academia, art, music, business and even philanthropy.

As it is, most persons with physical challenges remain materially and socially poor without access to transport, which is needed for business, social visits, going to school and vocational training centers, markets and finding and keeping jobs, where they are found. Most offices, shopping malls, banks and other public buildings are erected with little or no consideration for mobility impaired members of the society. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), in banks are built in such a way that those on the wheelchair cannot have access to them.

On the same page with the governor, his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has urged children without limbs and other physically challenged persons not to allow their situation to deter them from aiming high in life. She gave the charge at the presentation of cheques of N1.5million each to five pupils of different nursery, primary and secondary schools, as part of the Stanbic IBTC’s “Out for a Limb” corporate social responsibility project, to fix the limbs of some children amputees and those

with congenital limb defects. This coming from the Lagos First lady is a moral boost that when complemented by others in their social and political strata would yield a significant change in life and perceptions of people with physical challenge.

The point here is that we ought to learn from what a nation like America has achieved with its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Thanks to the Act, transportation, public facilities and many services in the United States are more accessible to all. Thanks to ADA, for example, many city buses and trains have lifts or ramps for wheelchairs, priority seating signs, handrails, slip-resistant flooring, and information stamped in Braille. Emergency call centers are equipped with telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs), and federally funded public service announcements have closed captioning. Most importantly, ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in job recruitment, hiring, promotions, training or pay.

At least, the law and the office created to implement it as well as special people fund established by the Lagos State government are stepping stones to achieving what exists in decent nations.

Musbau is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Violent demand for democracy dividends in Kano

T

he unbridle anger of irate youths in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State that went on the rampage and razed the country home and office, respectively, of two members of the National Assembly from the area is a classic example of the frustrating consequences of politicians and their broken promises to citizens. The protesting youths burnt Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya’s country home, as well as the campaign office of Rep. Abdullahi Mahmoud, a member of the House of Representatives from Gaya.

They also attempted to burn the house of the Chairman of Gaya Local Government Council, but for police intervention.

Over 10,000 youths involved in the violent march earlier took their grouse to their district head, lamenting the failed promises of the lawmakers after almost one year in office. But the protest turned violent when nobody was handy to pacify them at the residence of the district head.

Not yet done after torching Gaya’s house and Mahmoud’s campaign office, the protesters invaded Mahmoud’s poultry farm and killed his chickens, which they described as their own dividends of democracy. Essentially, the youths, among others, accused the lawmakers of having promised to provide their

communities with electricity and motor-able roads immediately after assuming office. Tanimu Sani Gaya, a youth leader, said before the elections, they sat down with all the politicians and agreed that they would solve their problems of roads, water, electricity and unemployment among others. But one year after, the people of the area were still trekking several kilometres to fetch water, while hundreds of youths roam the streets without jobs. He said the area had no power supply as well.

It may, however, interest the youths of Gaya that what they violently protested against is the common experience in the entire country, with very insignificant exceptional cases. Applying to most Nigerian politicians is the observation that promises are like babies which are easy to make but hard to deliver. Even the sacred oath they take is nothing but inconsequential words they discard with no qualms, since it’s the individual that makes the oath work and not the other way round. Indeed, only a handful of Nigerian leaders, if any at all, may be said to be living by the oath they swore to.

Remember that they usually swear with the Bible and Quran – two dominant Holy Scriptures in the country. Yet they live not by the oath they subscribe to in God’s/Allah’s name, but

After spending

heAvily to get into

office, the politiciAn feels cAmpAign promises hAd been fulfilled upfront by the dictates of their hearts’ desires. It is, therefore, logical that most Nigerian leaders do not fear God/Allah. Their deference to Him is mere lip service.

Eva Schuette, author of the book, ‘The Kingdom of the Wild Gootsies’, says when promise is involved, communication is essential and trust is paramount.

“Be completely honest and don’t make promises that you can’t keep… ”, she says. The real thrust of the matter is whether any Nigerian politician cares about being completely honest and restrained enough not to mouth empty promises usually kept in the breach. A onetime prominent member of the National Assembly and former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, three years ago (2013) fingered unfulfilled campaign promises as the bane of Nigerian politics.

Once elections are over, campaign promises take flight, and the winner is ferried about amidst tight security in speeding convoys out of the reach of the electorate, until the next election

year when the politician returns with another bagful of promises.

But there is the other side of the coin to the foolery. Hefty demands amounting to peanuts in the end are made by the electorate from political aspirants.

After spending heavily to get into office, the politician feels campaign promises had been fulfilled upfront and, therefore, settles for a prodigal lifestyle, while the voters groan in hopeless expectations and seething anger. This happens not only in Gaya. It is nationwide. Nonetheless, two wrongs do not make a right. Gaya youths, like other Nigerians deserve the dividends of democracy. This they can achieve lawfully by working hard to ensure non-performing politicians are denied future tickets. Not by willful destructions that infract the law. Positively, what transpired in Gaya exemplifies growing political awareness and buttresses the fact that the rich cannot go to sleep and snore away when the poor are awake. Negatively, it is primitive resort to self-help.

Still, it draws the attention of the electorate to the need to be less politically gullible and naïve. Voters should minimize their demands for peanuts from aspirants during campaigns. For only then can they possess the potent moral pedigree to press for the dividends of democracy.

ON THIS DAY May 25, 1997 A military coup in Sierra Leone replaced President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah with Major Johnny Paul Koromah. After the coup, Koroma was named Head of State and Chairman of the AFRC (Armed Forces Revolutionary Council). Koroma (born May 9, 1960) served as the of Sierra Leonean Head of State from May 1997 to February 1998. He received military training in Nigeria and Britain.

May 25, 2009 North Korea allegedly tested its second nuclear device and also conducted several missile tests, building tension in the international community in the process.

The nuclear test was nearly universally condemned.

The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1874 also condemning the test and tightening sanctions on the country. This was North Korea’s second nuclear test after that of October 2006.

May 25, 2013 Suspected Maoist rebels killed at least 28 people and injured 32 others in an attack on a convoy of Indian National Congress politicians in Chhattisgarh, India. A Naxal or Naxalite is a member of any of the Communist guerrilla groups in India, mostly associated with the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The term Naxal derives from the name of the village Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the movement had its origin.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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19

Health & Wellbeing

What you should know about Yellow fever 20

Trauma cases rising in Nigeria –Dr. Oluwole 22

More child brides developing VVF – experts Franka Osakwe

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atimah was only 13 year old when her parents gave her away in marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather. She recalled the excruciating near death experience she had while struggling to give birth to her first baby at her home town, Dalori, Borno State.

Her mum had insisted that she deliver at home, according to their tradition, but after two days of endless pain and pushing, she was quickly rushed to the General hospital at Maiduguri. By then, it was already too late. The baby had died and the prolonged labour left Fatimah with a fistula resulting in uncontrolled urination.

“The pain of labour was too much, it went on and on for days, I thought I will die”, she said with tears. Not only did her 60 year-old husband abandoned her, her home had also been destroyed by Boko Haram insurgent.

Today, Fatimah is one of the displaced young women at The Borno Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, undergoing surgery for Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).

Dr Laraba Bello, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, said that it had so far recorded and treated 28 severe cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) this year and many of them are displaced women between the age of 17 and 20.

Report from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) reveals that between 400,000 and 800,000 women in Nigeria are living with this problem, about 20,000 new cases occur annually while 90 percent of the cases go untreated.

At The National Obstetric Fistula Centre Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Consultant Fistula Surgeon, Dr. Yakubu Emmanuel, said only this year, the Centre has done over 40 Fistula surgeries.

During a visit to the Centre, 63- year- old Mrs Lucia Ofoeg-

The National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakiliki

bu, told National Mirror how she lived with fistula for 50 years following the still birth of her twins.

Like Fatimah, Mrs. Lucia Ofoegbu had also married at 13. After a prolonged labour and the eventual delivery of her still birth twins, she began to leak urine uncontrollably, an indication that she had developed Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF. “I was in labour for three days and my bladder ruptured just as I got to the hospital.

That was the beginning of the problem I have managed for almost 50 years now.”

Medical experts describe VVF as an abnormal hole between the bladder or rectum and the vagina characterised by continuous and uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces following childbirth.

They agreed that fistula has become a major public health concern in the country. According to Clinical Associate, Fistula Care Plus, Dr Suleiman Zakariya, out of about 12,000 new cases recorded annually, only 5000 of these new cases can be repaired every year collectively by the 12 fistula centres supported by Engenderhealth-an international organization that supports fistula surgery.

Blaming the high burden on the country’s poor health

system he said there is need for government to provide needed policies to reduce chances of women coming down with fistula.

“There is need to improve the health seeking behaviour of Nigerian women and access to family planning. Worldwide, two million women live with untreated obstetric fistula. A woman in sub-Saharan Africa has 1 in 16 chances of dying in pregnancy or child birth compared to 1 in 4,000 risks in developed countries” he added.

However, he stressed that proper child spacing will help to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.

“It has also been proven that when women have too many children over a short period of time they are exposed to life threatening complications. Fistula is one of them.

But when women adopt family planning they will have as many children as they want at minimal risk” According to World Health Organization (WHO), Up to 65 per cent of women with obstetric fistula develop this as adolescents. Because the pelvis of young girls is not fully developed, findings indicate that they are 15 times more likely to die in childbirth, and infant mortality increases to

Mrs Ofoegbu

60 per cent.

Explaining further, A Consultant Gynaecologist and the Immediate past president of Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON), Dr. Fred Achem, who spoke with National Mirror, said that teenage pregnancies are usually high risk and needs to be well managed, however, seven out of ten teenage girls do not get prenatal care, see a doctor, or go to a clinic.

“Issues such as VVF can arise due to unrelieved obstructed labour, accidental surgical injury related to pregnancy as well as to crude attempts at induced abortion.

For instance, when the girl is left to labour for long and the baby’s head is already very well down, this can push the bladder directly into the vagina and cause a tear. Because

many of them are poor, they do not have access to a specialist, they end up in traditional birth attendants’ home, and their pregnancy is not well managed”, he said.

Dr. Achem attributed the cause of VVF to unrelieved obstructed labour, accidental surgical injury related to pregnancy as well as to crude attempts at induced abortion.

Research found that the condition is fuelled by customs and tradition that supports child marriage. For instance, child marriage is often considered acceptable by Shariah or Islamic law, which is why in the Muslim northern States, Boko Haram and other religious fanatics have taken advantage of this law to abduct and force young girls into marriage.

A recent research, done by the Africa Health, Human & Social Development Information Service (Afri-Dev. Info) and Africa Coalition on Maternal Newborn and Child Health, reveals that nearly one in two girls under 18 years and one in five girls under 15 in Nigeria are married, making them susceptible to VVF and other complications.

In northern Nigeria, the research found that more than 50 per cent of girls are married off before the age of 15, which mostly accounts for the high incidence of VVF and its sister ailment, vesicorectal fistula in states like Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, some parts of Kaduna and Jigawa states.

Early marriage represents a major threat to a child’s well being, says Dr. Nafis Sadik, currently Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General with additional responsibilities as Special Envoy for HIV/ AIDS in Asia, and former head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

According to the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), girls who marry before 18 are more likely to experience domestic violence than their peers who marry later.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What you should know about Yellow fever Signs and symptoms nce contracted, the yellow fever virus incubates in the body for 3 to 6 days. Many people do not experience symptoms, but when these do occur, the most common are fever, muscle pain with prominent backache, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. In most cases, symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days.

A small percentage of patients, however, enter a second, more toxic phase within 24 hours of recovering from initial symptoms.

High fever returns and several body systems are affected, usually the liver and the kidneys. In this phase people are likely to develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the name ‘yellow fever’), dark urine and abdominal pain with vomiting.

Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach. Half of the patients who enter the toxic phase die within 7 - 10 days.

Yellow fever is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. More severe disease can be confused with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially fulminant forms), other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (e.g. dengue haemorrhagic fever), and poisoning.

Blood tests (RT-PCR) can sometimes detect the virus in the early stages of the disease. In later stages of the disease, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT).

Populations at risk Forty seven countries in Africa (34) and Central and South America (13) are either endemic for, or have regions that are endemic for, yellow fever. A modelling study based on African data sources estimated the burden of yellow fever during 2013 was 84 000– 170 000 severe cases and 29 000–60 000 deaths.

Occasionally travellers who visit yellow fever endemic countries may bring the disease to countries free from yellow fever. In order to prevent such importation of the disease, many countries require proof of vaccination against yellow fever before they will issue a visa, particularly if travellers come from, or have visited yellow fever endemic areas.

In past centuries (17th to 19th), yellow fever was transported to North America and Europe, causing large outbreaks that disrupted economies, development and in some cases decimated populations.

Transmission The yellow fever virus is an arbovirus of the flavivirus genus and is transmitted by mosquitoes, belonging to the Aedes and Haemogogus species. The different mosquito species live in different habitats - some breed around houses (domestic), others in the jungle (wild), and some in both habitats (semi-domestic). There are 3 types of transmission cycles: • Sylvatic (or jungle) yellow fever: In tropical rainforests, monkeys, which are the primary reservoir of yellow fever, are bitten by wild mosquitoes which pass the virus on to other monkeys. Occasionally humans working or travelling in the forest are bitten by infected mosquitoes and develop yellow fever.

• Intermediate yellow fever: In this type of transmission, semi-domestic mosquitoes (those that breed both in the wild and around households) infect both monkeys and people. Increased contact between people and infected mosquitoes leads to increased transmission and many separate villages in an area can develop outbreaks at the same time. This is the most common

O

Key facts

• Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The “yellow” in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.

• Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

• A small proportion of patients who contract the virus develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within 7 to 10 days.

• The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

• Since the launch of the Yellow Fever Initiative in 2006, significant progress in combatting the disease has been made in West Africa and more than 105 million people have been vaccinated in mass campaigns. No outbreaks of yellow fever were reported in West Africa during 2015.

• Large epidemics of yellow fever occur when infected people introduce the virus into heavily populated areas with high mosquito density and where most people have little or no immunity, due to lack of vaccination. In these conditions, infected mosquitoes transmit the virus from person to person.

• Yellow fever is prevented by an extremely effective vaccine, which is safe and affordable. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and life-long protection against yellow fever disease and a booster dose of the vaccine is not needed. The vaccine provides effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated.

• Good supportive treatment in hospitals improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. type of outbreak in Africa.

• Urban yellow fever: Large epidemics occur when infected people introduce the virus into heavily populated areas with high mosquito density and where most people have little or no immunity, due to lack of vaccination. In these conditions, infected mosquitoes transmit the virus from person to person.

Treatment Good and early supportive treatment in hospitals improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever but specific care to treat dehydration, liver and kidney failure, and fever improves outcomes. Associated bacterial in-

fections can be treated with antibiotics.

Prevention 1. Vaccination Vaccination is the most important means of preventing yellow fever. In high-risk areas where vaccination coverage is low, prompt recognition and control of outbreaks using mass immunization is critical for preventing epidemics. It is important to vaccinate most (80 % or more) of the population at risk to prevent transmission in a region with a yellow fever outbreak.

Several vaccination strategies are used to protect against outbreaks: routine infant immunization; mass vaccination campaigns

designed to increase coverage in countries at risk; and vaccination of travellers going to yellow fever endemic areas.

The yellow fever vaccine is safe and affordable and a single dose provides life-long protection against yellow fever disease. A booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is not needed.

There have been rare reports of serious side-effects from the yellow fever vaccine.

The rates for these severe ‘adverse events following immunization’ (AEFI), when the vaccine provokes an attack on the liver, the kidneys or on the nervous system, leading to hospitalization, are between 0.4 and 0.8 per 100 000 people vaccinated.

The risk is higher for people over 60 years of age and anyone with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes, or who have a thymus disorder. People over 60 years of age should be given the vaccine after a careful risk-benefit assessment.

People who are usually excluded from vaccination include: • infants aged less than 9 months, except during an epidemic when infants aged 6-9 months, in areas where the risk of infection is high, should also receive the vaccine; • pregnant women – except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high; • people with severe allergies to egg protein; and • people with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes, or who have a thymus disorder.

• In accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), countries have the right to require travellers to provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. If there are medical grounds for not getting vaccinated, this must be certified by the appropriate authorities. The IHR are a legally binding framework to stop the spread of infectious diseases and other health threats.

Requiring the certificate of vaccination from travellers is at the discretion of each State Party, and it is not currently required by all countries.

2. Mosquito control The risk of yellow fever transmission in urban areas can be reduced by eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites by applying larvicides to water storage containers and other places where standing water collects. Insecticide spraying to kill adult mosquitoes during urban epidemics can help reduce the number of mosquitoes, thus reducing potential sources of yellow fever transmission.

Historically, mosquito control campaigns successfully eliminated Aedes aegypti, the urban yellow fever vector, from most of Central and South America. However, Aedes aegypti has re-colonized urban areas in the region, raising a renewed risk of urban yellow fever. Mosquito control programmes targeting wild mosquitoes in forested areas are not practical for preventing jungle (or sylvatic) yellow fever transmission.

3. Epidemic preparedness and response Prompt detection of yellow fever and rapid response through emergency vaccination campaigns are essential for controlling outbreaks. However, underreporting is a concern – the true number of cases is estimated to be 10 to 250 times what is now being reported.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

21

One in six cases of TB identified in Nigeria –FG Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

O

ne in six cases of tuberculosis, otherwise known as TB, is discovered in Nigeria, while others are not presented for diagnosis and treatment, experts working on the disease have said.

The experts said at a National TB Conference, organized by Stop TB Partnership that failure of people to come out for diagnosis and treatment for the disease worsens the spread of the condition, which has been assumed to be killing more than HIV/AIDS. Experts added at the event that regardless of the fact that Nigeria is the leading country in TB disease in Africa and third in the world, government has secured aids from international partners among which is the Stop TB Partnership to offer free treatment to patients in the

country.

Besides, they explained that the World Health Organization, WHO, has developed new tools and drug that could guarantee faster diagnosis (within 20 minutes) and reduce time of treatment from about two years to about half a year.

They appealed to people in the country to ensure they convince anyone suffering from unusual coughing to come out and receive free treatment at about 5000 treatment centres available in the nation.

Chairman, Stop TB Nigeria, Dr Loveth Lawson, said at the event: “Nigeria has the highest burden of TB in Africa. We are number three in the whole world. So, you see, it can be you, if all of us don’t stand up together to try and make sure that TB is eradicated from the country. It will affect you one way or the other the way it way affects me.”

UN Chief laments humanitarian crisis in Lake Chad Basin Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

U

nited Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, has called for comprehensive solution to humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin.

He made the call when he visited the region recently, as part of his preWorld Humanitarian Summit tour to areas that are largely affected by crisis globally.

A statement made available to National Mirror by Head of Communications at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Nigeria, Kate Pond, said more than nine million people affected by the Boko Haram-related conflict across the Lake Chad Basin – 76 per cent of whom are in Nigeria – are grappling with dire conditions that will worsen if immediate humanitarian needs are not met.

Concluding his four-day visit to Niger and Nigeria, according to the statement,

the UN chief was quoted as saying the situation in the Lake Chad Basin is unique, and that environmental degradation, poverty, under-development and violent extremism are converging to create a complex and multi-faceted crisis in the Lake Chad.

He informed that only comprehensive coordination from humanitarian, development and security actors would deliver for people “who are suffering so terribly.”

The release noted that Mr. O’Brien visited a camp in Konduga locality which it said hosts some 1,600 displaced people. It added that around 20,000 internally displaced persons are living in communities close by, and that insecurity in the area means that people are unable to access humanitarian assistance, leaving them in desperate need of food, clean water, basic services and protection.

It stressed that venturing more than a few km outside the camp to fetch firewood carries the risk of attack or abduction by Boko Haram.

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Margaret Chan (C), addresses the 69th World Health Assembly which kicked off Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.

African health ministers urged to join hands against NTDS Franka osakwe

T

he Hon Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Folorunso Adewole has called on African Ministers of Health to work together in bringing the Neglected Tropical Diseases [NTDs] into the health agenda, create awareness around it and ensure that it is no longer neglected.

The Minister made the call on Monday at the launching of the Expanded

Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases [ESPEN] by the World Health Organization [WHO] Regional Office for Africa [AFRO] at the ongoing World Health Assembly [WHA] in Geneva, Switzerland.

ESPEN, which is a new partnership to help African Countries reduce the burden of NTDs, will provide national NTDs with technical and fundraising support to help them control and eliminate NTDs. Prof. Adewole , in his

statement, said “NTDs is a disease of the poor and such efforts at reducing the burden must include poverty reduction” he therefore called on his colleagues to take ownership of ESPEN, put it at the front burner and bring it under a robust domestic financing.

While acknowledging the dwindling resources globally, he encouraged his colleagues to look into the limited available resources and re prioritize its activities, work at getting better value for it and make more

money available to the programme through prudent allocation of funds to all health related activities.

He said Nigeria will situate NTDs within the Primary Health Centers which is being revitalized in the country in order to provide Universal Health Coverage to Nigerians. He added that UHC is one of the flagship projects [UHC] in the Change Agenda of President Mohammadu Buhari led administration in Nigeria.

… Delegates back actions against Zika virus Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

D

elegates from Africa will support all actions that will help defeat Zika virus at the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, National Mirror has been reliably informed.

The Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the organization. It is attended by delegations from all WHO member states. Its main functions are to determine the policies of the organization, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

WHO will consider, among other health issues, emergencies namely Zika virus, Ebola virus disease and Yellow Fever at its 69th meeting.

Zika virus, which has

spread fast in the Caribbean, South America and Asia was confirmed by the World Organization to have been imported to Cape Verde, in from America last Friday.

The agency said the strain of Zika virus in Cape Verde has been the same as the one in Asian and other parts of the world.

WHO’s announcement has sparked off concerns among the people of a re-

gion that has just been helped out Ebola virus crisis. It would be recalled Ebola virus killed about 11,000 people in Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Guinea in the past two years, and destroyed health care systems.

“We will support all efforts to prevent the disease (Zika virus) from further spread not only in Africa, but across the world at the meeting,” an official who

is participating at the meeting told National Mirror last Sunday.

The disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

Among others, Zika virus transmission results in congenital malformations, such as microcephaly, as well as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Franka osakwe

and international organisations, found that most of the cost savings came from eliminating illegitimate workers who were not really involved in the response.

Using mobile phones as “digital wallets” instead of cash ensured the right people were paid the right amount, and on time.

“Ebola response workers put their lives at risk every day. It was vitally important they received all the

money they earned, with no skimming or theft.

They got it immediately, as their families had no other income; and only legitimate workers got paid – no one else. Paying Ebola response workers directly into a digital wallet instead of cash met these goals, saved lives and over $10 million,” said Dr. Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Managing Director of The Better Than Cash Alliance.

Ebola: UN report shows digital wallets saved lives, money

D

igital payments to emergency workers was found to save time and more than $10m in costs during the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, a United Nations-backed initiative has found.

The study by the ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’ (BTCA), a partnership of governments, companies

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Trauma cases rising in Nigeria –Dr. Oluwole

S

ir, what is trauma?

Trauma is a bodily injury that usually has great consequences on both the anatomy and the physiology of the body. In severe cases, it leads to death.

What causes trauma?

Trauma in itself has so many causes.

The commonest cause now is the road traffic accident. Road accidents represent over 60 percent of causes of trauma worldwide. Other things are communal conflicts, domestic accidents, ethno-religious conflicts, terrorism, burnt, injuries resulting from wildfire, assault on people, armed robberies. Now, in this part of the world, we have people that are kidnapping, forceful adoption of people, all these ones can lead to trauma. Besides, inter-personal conflict, military actions are also major causes of trauma that we have around us.

Compared to other parts of the world, what is the rate of trauma in Nigeria?

Let me say that trauma incidence is increasing in Nigeria, daily. This is expected because our population is also increasing. So, the rate of inter-personal conflicts; technology is coming in, there are more cars on the roads and the roads are not properly maintained, while accidents occur. These would account for trauma incidents in the country. But, if you compare the number of trauma that occurs in Nigeria to places like United States or South Africa, we are still low down the ladder.

How soon can trauma kill?

It depends. There are three phases of peaks of trauma deaths. There is the one, especially in road traffic accident, that will happening and within a minute or two, the patient is dead; in which case there is major disruption of the heart, the vessel that takes blood away from the heart, the brain; those are the things that cannot easily recover when there is forced peak. The second and the third peak of death; the second peak of death is caused in the patients that have come into the hospital and they still have substantial injury but during but the process of being recovered, most of them would die if not being attended to. Then, the third are people that have already started recovering from their wound; this happens about the second or third week – they have already recovered from their injury – and, then, infection, multiple organ failures and other things now come to play on them and then kill them.

What population is at risk of trauma?

All of us are at risk, but the major population is the young population; 45 years old and younger, especially say – like age 15 to 45-46 years old – are much more at risk of trauma because these are the active young group. These are people that go out in the morning, they pursue their ambitions, they don’t want anything to go after their ambition; they are easily irritable. Those are the people; and they are adventurous group. They take a lot of risk; these are people that are more at risk of trauma. What are other disease conditions related to trauma?

Trauma is like a process. A lot of

Dr Olaomi Oluwole is a Chief Consultant, General/Trauma/Laparoscopic Surgeon at the National Hospital, Abuja. He says trauma incidence is increasing in Nigeria on a daily basis, just as the nation is faced with increasing cases of road accidents, inter-personal conflicts and other major causes of trauma. In this interview with Health Reporter, MARCUS FATUNMOLE. The trauma specialist says Nigeria must embark on public enlightenment of the citizenry to reduce the incidence of trauma. Excerpts:

Dr. Oluwole Olaomi things go with trauma. The whole body reacts to trauma. The extent of reaction depends on the extent of the injury; the more the injury, the more the body reaction to it. So, if you look at it from this way, a patient can bleed to death, which means he can bleed and die in shock, a patient can lose part of his members, the hands, the limbs or the eyes. If there is spinal injury, the patient might become completely paralysed, would not be able to control that part of the body again. He can have intestinal problems, in which he can lose one of his organs, such part may be shattered. This can lead to infections.

Trauma in itself, because there is a break in the protective covering of the body – the skin – tends to lead to infection. Germs and micro-organisms now have access to the inside of the patient.

So, infection is a big problem. Again, in the process of trying to bring the patient back by resuscitating him or do what we call definitive management, the patient can develop hospital-acquired infections, or treatment-acquired infections. Thus because of shock infections, organs such as the heart, or the kidneys can fail, the lung can have what we call adult respiratory distress syndrome. And, all these eventually will lead to death.

Even, when the patient recovers, some of them will have what we call post-traumatic stress syndrome. That is, it affects their psychology; they are fearful, they misbehave, they stay alone, they don’t want to stay where there is no light, their attention span is reduced. They need counselling to make them to come back and reduce the effects. If you remember, some of the people that had gone to war in Iraq, Iran, the American soldiers;

some of them are now coming back with a lot of abnormal behaviours. These are post-traumatic stress syndrome of what they had seen, what they had experience, the loud noise, they had seen many dead people and things like that and they are now coming out of war.

Does our body react differently to trauma when it occurs?

Our body reacts to trauma in a very particular way. This is what we call metabolic response to trauma. Even the normal surgery that we do on patients, giving them things that cause pain can react in other way. All these reactions are normally our body response to adjust to those traumas.

But, it can become so intense that it becomes injurious to the body. They are normal response of the body to help us cope with the trauma. But, when they are over-expressed, or the trauma persists, or the injury extent is very severe, then, the patient will eventually have the deleterious effect of these things. The body then destroys itself.

How can we prevent trauma?

The prevention is the mainstay in trauma. Trauma education or injury prevention education is one of the key things everybody should be aware of in Nigeria.

First is that people should know that injury kills. We should reduce inter-communal conflict or inter-personal conflicts.

People should realize that over-speeding kills. The drivers should maintain their cars properly; drivers should wear their belt, they should not exceed speed limit.

There should be speed limit and people should keep to the speed limit. Bumps on the roads in the areas that are crowded should be respected. People should not play around with guns. Guns are not

for children, guns are not toys. And, all these should be things that our people should bring so that people should know all these. They are things that our people should know.

As part of this, if you notice recently, we’ve now had an increased surge in collapsed buildings. These are part of causes of trauma in the nation. Nigeria has a building code and this should be adhered to. Once the buildings are properly built, supervised by good structural engineers, and the quality is assured, the risk of collapse is reduced. All these should be things that we should put in to reduce trauma.

The issue of Okada as a transportation mechanism is a social problem. Though, it solves the problem of employment but these people should be educated that wearing their helmets is not a luxury and the passengers should wear helmets.

They should stop overloading these motorcycles and even cars because the structure of engineering of these motorbikes limit the weight they can carry. And, they don’t have a body like the normal cars.

They should be educated. These are ways we need to go about preventing trauma in our nation.

How can a trauma patient be treated, especially the first aid treatment?

Again, unfortunately, the trauma system is not well established. Simply, the trauma system talks about pre-hospital trauma. Injury prevention should be the first thing. But, when it happens and because it will happen, there should be people around that community or around that area who can give proper first aid, educated, informed first aid. And, these patients should be transported in an ambulance, receiving treatment on their way to the hospital. If it is severe, it should be to the appropriate hospital so that there will be no delay in handing over such patient to appropriate medical officer who can treat well in the main hospital.

On their way, there should be information because when you get to the hospital and you have not informed the hospital before you arrive, they will not be waiting for you. Nigerians need to be educated on this. This is where you have the emergency number. It is important to have the emergency numbers which will link the Police, Fire Brigade, the Road Safety, the hospital, the community together so that everybody knows there is an accident, there is a trauma and a patient is on his way to the hospital and that it will take 15 minutes to get to the hospital. We don’t have enough personnel in the hospital covering all the specialities. Nigerians should understand this. If you call the hospital before you come and you have told them the nature of the trauma or the injury, they would have rallied round their own resources and would gather people that will receive you and will be ready to take you.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Arts Lounge

26

Stakeholders in the arts continue to posit that investments in art pieces could well be the way out for potential investors. Here are some guidelines:

Music in Nigeria mere celebration of rhythms –MOP 25

‘Letter to the President’ by singer, Big Slim

Boosting investment in arts, culture

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

I

t may not be as trendy as talking stocks and bonds.

It may lack the allure and direction of prospecting for mineral oil. It may also not be as time-regulated or serious as taking a plunge in estate, but dealing on prized pieces of art works could be equally rewarding, depending on some factors such as where, whom and when. The groundbreaking figures from the art world are a big testimony to this fact.

Aside the commerciallyviable names of Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne’s The Card Players which was produced in 1893 was able to get the attention of the Qatari royal family for a whopping $250m! Jackson Pollock’s No 5, 1948 was bought for $156m, while William de Kooning’s Woman 111, produced in 1953 got the attention of Steven Cohen at a staggering $154m.

Locally, Ben Enwonwu’s bronze work, Anyanwu, produced in 1953 was able to command as much as N28m in the global market, while his Dancing Boysproduced in 1981 on oil and board attracted N20m in 2010, in spite of the general belief that African art works are grossly undervalued in the global market.

This becomes more tangible considering that works of art have more tendencies to appreciate over time.

At a forum hosted by Ben Enwonwu Foundation to intimate the Nigerian art community on how art can be an alternative investment as articulated

by Giles Peppiatt, the director of Contemporary African Art at Bonhams, one of the biggest

Bruce Onobrakpeya at work art auctioning houses in the world, this was elaborately explained. With many stakeholders in art present, the panelists and participants sought to proffer tips on how investors could cash in on the hitherto untapped Nigerian art market.

The ethnic and cultural diversity which typify the Nigerian landscape has no doubt, made the country a haven for collectors and investors who want to reap from the blossoming art in the face of the exhaustible oil resources.

According to Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago, a producer and founder of Communicating For Change, CFC is fuelling the art venture in the United Arab Emirates, which is divesting her oil income into the area of arts, in recognition that oil wealth is exhaustible.

According to her, “Abu Dhabi is an art destination. It is because they know that while oil could run out, art will never run out. In Nigeria, we have such places as Osogbo, but what have we made out of it? We even have Fela, but we had to wait on people to bring us Fela on the Broadway. To say the least, investing in art, makes a long term financial

For the big time investors, who are looking For audited reports oF the past years,

this may be a great disservice, because they need to see these Facts.

sense”.

However, Giles Peppiatt, from Bonhams cautions that whosoever decides to go into the business of art must be driven by passion. “Art is usually bought to be enjoyed. It is a reflection of ostentation and anyone going into it must buy out of passion. You must buy what you like and must cultivate the habit of visiting galleries to know what they have.

You must know that the primary benefit of art is for enjoyment. In London, Lord Jeffrey Archer, who is an avid collector of art pieces is known to show off his collection when one comes visiting and requests to use the lavatory. He would direct you through his collection of works, so you see what he has.”

According to him, the business strategy to be employed by anyone investing in art should begin with knowing what to acquire and when to do so, by carefully watching the international interest in the art piece. “Subject is important, because that is what generates international interest in the piece. You should also endeavour to research the work you want to purchase to have an insight into what it is about, because that will throw light on whether it would appreciate or not. Some works also lose their value over time.

It is advisable to bear in mind that storage is important.

When you consider a work, take a critical look at the longevity, which is determined by the medium of the work. Gen-

erally bronze medium lasts longer and should inform you decision to invest in the work.

But whatever you have decided to buy, make sure it is what you like, and have passion for.

Make sure it is something you enjoy.”

For investment consultant and art collector, Folusho Philips, investment in arts could be properly harnessed in Nigeria, if there was a structured market for sellers and buyers at this time of Nigeria’s development. This according to him would be realised when there is a documentation of the sales being done in the sector, so that investors would have a proper perspective of what they are investing in. This view was corroborated by Ambassador Arthur Mbanefo, another avid collector of art works, who wondered bemoaned the situation where Nigerian artists sell off most of their works without issuing receipts. “For the big time investors, who are looking for audited reports of the past years, this may be a great disservice, because they need to see these facts. In most of the works, I have acquired, I can hardly recollect ever collecting a receipt”, he said. “Such documentation is important for data bases to be compiled”.

Yemisi Shyllon, an engineer who owns one of the biggest art collections in Nigeria, says he does not look at his over 6,000 pieces of art work as an investment but recognises that investing in art could have come handy for the pension funds in Nigeria, but for the lack of enabling laws in this respect. “I am not looking at the works I have as an investment. I am enjoying art and I derive so much joy by looking at them. But I keep wondering why Nigeria cannot invest pension funds in art like UK. But on a closer look, you will realise that the law does not support investing such funds in any place that does not have something to do with finance”.

In all, there seems to be a general consensus that art can be a worthwhile investment for those who have a long-term projection. But anyone with such desires must play by the rule.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

The danger of a single story (2)

Power

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

is the

T

his single story of Africa ultimately comes, I think, from Western literature. Now, here is a quote from the writing of a London merchant called John Locke, who sailed to West Africa in 1561 and kept a fascinating account of his voyage. After referring to the black Africans as “beasts who have no houses,” he writes, “They are also people without heads, having their mouth and eyes in their breasts.”

Now, I’ve laughed every time I’ve read this. And one must admire the imagination of John Locke. But what is important about his writing is that it represents the beginning of a tradition of telling African stories in the West: A tradition of Sub-Saharan Africa as a place of negatives, of difference, of darkness, of people who, in the words of the wonderful poet Rudyard Kipling, are “half devil, half child.”

And so, I began to realise that my American roommate must have throughout her life seen and heard different versions of this single story, as had a professor, who once told me that my novel was not “authentically African.” Now, I was quite willing to contend that there were a number of things wrong with the novel, that it had failed in a number of places, but I had not quite imagined that it had failed at achieving something called African authenticity. In fact, I did not know what African authenticity was. The professor told me that my characters were too much like him, an educated and middle-class man. My characters drove cars.

They were not starving. Therefore they were not authentically African.

But I must quickly add that I too am just as guilty in the question of the single story. A few years ago, I visited Mexico from the U.S. The political climate in the U.S. at the time was tense, and there were debates going on about immigration. And, as often happens in America, immigration became synonymous with Mexicans. There were endless stories of Mexicans as people who were fleecing the healthcare system, sneaking across the border, being arrested at the border, that sort of thing.

I remember walking around on my first day in Guadalajara, watching the people going to work, rolling up tortillas in the marketplace, smoking, laughing. I remember first feeling slight surprise. And then, I was overwhelmed with shame. I realized that I had been so immersed in the media coverage of Mexicans that they had become one thing in my mind, the abject immigrant. I had bought into the single story of Mexicans and I could not have been more ashamed of myself.

So that is how to create a single story, show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.

It is impossible to talk about the single story without talking about power. There is a word, an Igbo word, that I think about whenever I think about the power structures of the world, and it is “nkali.” It’s a noun that loosely translates to “to be greater than another.” Like our economic and politi-

ability not just to tell the story of another Person, but to make it the definitive story of that Chimamanda Adichie cal worlds, stories too are defined by the principle of nkali: How they are told, who tells them, when they’re told, how many stories are told, are really dependent on power.

Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person. The Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouti writes that if you want to dispossess a people, the simplest way to do it is to tell their story and to start with, “secondly.” Start the story with the arrows of the Native Americans, and not with the arrival of the British, and you have an entirely different story. Start the story with the failure of the African state, and not with the colonial creation of the African state, and you have an entirely different story.

I recently spoke at a university where a student told me that it was such a shame that Nigerian men were physical abusers like the father character in my novel. I told him that I had just read a novel called “American Psycho” --and that it was such a shame that young Americans were serial murderers. Now, obviously I said this in a fit of mild irritation.

But it would never have occurred to me to think that just because I had read a novel in which a character was a serial killer that he was somehow representative of all Americans.

This is not because I am a better person than that student,

Person but because of America’s cultural and economic power, I had many stories of America. I had read Tyler and Updike and Steinbeck and Gaitskill. I did not have a single story of America.

When I learned, some years ago, that writers were expected to have had really unhappy childhoods to be successful, I began to think about how I could invent horrible things my parents had done to me.

But the truth is that I had a very happy childhood, full of laughter and love, in a very close-knit family.

But I also had grandfathers who died in refugee camps.

My cousin Polle died because he could not get adequate healthcare. One of my closest friends, Okoloma, died in a plane crash because our fire trucks did not have water. I grew up under repressive military governments that devalued education, so that sometimes, my parents were not paid their salaries. And so, as a child, I saw jam disappear from the breakfast table, then margarine disappeared, then bread became too expensive, then milk became rationed.

And most of all, a kind of normalised political fear invaded our lives.

All of these stories make me who I am.

MEMORABLE READS Who is your favourite author?

It used to be Chinua Achebe, when I was much younger, but along the line, I discovered Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

His style of writing got into me, making him my favourite author. May be, I would discover somebody tomorrow; I don’t know.

Which of his books fascinates you?

It’s called ‘100 Years of Solitude’.

What makes the book tick?

It is a story running through generations, and it’s fictional. The book is one of his best, and was originally written in Spanish. But at the last count it has been translated into over thirty languages, and over 20 million copies of it have been sold. The story is about Colombia, but from a fictional standpoint.

How would you describe this book in one sentence?

GOZI OCHONOGOR Fashion Designer

Interesting characters, well—written, very bizarre ending.

Do you love African writers?

Yes. My best African author is Chinua Achebe.

What’s your annual budget for books?

I do not have.

You think it is not necessary?

No, I just buy. I am one of those people who believe that books choose you. The books that I have read actually chose me. I also think, I do not read as much as I would love to.

If you decide to write a book, what would be your theme?

It’s pretty easier for one to write about oneself. If I should write today, I would probably write about my travels. I have lived in three different continents. In my dealings in these countries, I always find myself in situations that are really interesting, some-times, I even get arrested, and these are things one would sit down eventually and laugh about.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

25

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Music in Nigeria mere celebration of rhythms –MOP

The present situation of the country as being felt in virtually all the strata of the society has caused many talented Nigerian youths to create messages surrounding unity, peace and security through music, drama, paintings and other platforms. A fast rising Nigerian gospel artiste, Michael Ola’ Phemmy, christened ‘Man Of Peace’ (MOP) is one of those.

H

e is one of the few upcoming Nigerian music artistes who believe that words are more powerful than sounds. He is Michael Ola’ Phemmy popularly called Man of Peace (MOP).

This creative young man who hails from Ondo State of Nigeria and studied statistics from Abia State Polytechnic is multitalented in the creative industry with his potentials ranging from singing, creative writing, acting, cinematography and directing. He is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. MOP with his vast potential has decided to leave the secular and focus on touching lives through gospel music.

On his sojourn so far in exploring his potential in music, he emphasised that his inspiration has always been from God, reality and nature.

According to him, “I started from the choir as an instrumentalist, but I started music professionally like a joke in 2008. I was editing a music video in a studio in Port Harcourt and I overheard a nice tune sounding from the audio studio, so I walked in, ‘freestyled’ on the beat that the producer was making, everyone became excited, and got grooving.

That was how I ended up using the beat for my first single titled

“BIG THINGS”. “BIG THINGS” became a HIT which took me to several Gospel Events, where I performed as guest artiste. After a while, I decided not to attend any programs with the song again because I wanted to trend like the secular artistes. Then I did a song in 2011 (unreleased). During the recording, the producer looked at me and said ‘no matter how you try to mingle, you are still a prophet’. I smiled and waved it off. It was that period that I did a remix of the P’Square song “Chop my Money, “which became a hit song.”

Unlike the conventional styles of music, MOP has created a special genre which he called ‘Centmigos’. He coined it from the words, “Centralised MotivaMotiva tional & Inspirational Gospel”.

The genre comprises motivationmotivation al, Inspirational and songs that are meant to effect a positive change in the society.

“Before now, people believed that for a song to be Gospel, you have to menmen tion JESUS or GOD. But you can actually preach the Gospel of Christ without mentioning Jesus or God, because “Gospel” means Good News” he emphasized.

When asked why he decided to leave the secular genre for gospel, he said, “I obeyed a divine instruction. It is almost a year after I did “Chop my money”

that God told me to go into ministry and evangelize through music”.

In assessing the Nigeria music industry, he concluded that the industry has been celebrating rhythm ahead of real message. “The music industry in Nigeria is a mere celebration of rhythms and Sounds, corrupting and misleading young minds. They need Christ” he lamented.

“National Tears”, is his single which has been released online and it is receiving great attention and downloads. The song addresses issues per pertaining to national unity and peace.

It is done in a reggae style with mature rendition. According to him, “National Tears was like a prophecy. I wrote the song in 2011. It was as if I saw into the future. The Idea behind it is the present rigor which Nigeria is battling with now. The message in it is based on the fact that we can only excel as a Nation if and only if in unity we face our problems; over-looking our individual, tribal, ethnic, political, personal interests and differences. One of my lines in the song says ‘Shun tribalism, Political games and face Reality’. If we trace it down the history lane, you will discover that we all are brothers and sisters” The Song was produced by Moneezy.

It appealed to a DJ in UK and the song is now

MIDWEEK JUMP

Submissions open for The Machinery

S

end your previously unpublished literary materials at mail.themachinery@gmail. com for consideration. Materials to send include: Flash Fiction – 300-1000 words. Anything from high school drama to high fantasies are welcome. Erotica and stories with gratuitous violence will have fewer chances of acceptance.

Poetry – Up to 3 poems in a single submission. Free verse, haiku, ballad, classical or anything else you can conjure. Bring it on.

How to submit – Mail 1 piece of flash fiction or up to 3 poems in a single document as an attachment or in the body of

the email to mail.themachinery@gmail. com with the subject ‘Submission’. Make sure you include a cover letter with your submission in the email. Also include a 3-4 lines bio along with your submission.

There are no hard rules for formatting but it should be readable for the editors. Entry is also free and closes May end.

Poetry in African language

rocking ChannelRadio in UK. In clear terms, he outlined his role models ranging from Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, My Mother, Pst. Donnie Mcclurkin, Don moen and Pst E.A Adeboye.

On releasing an album, he said,” Album is a capital intensive project, Without sponsorship, it is really not easy as I foot the whole bills myself. But seriously, I’m working on it” If MOP is not seen in the studio singing, he is either acting, shooting or editing music videos, blogging, doing callertunes for artistes and or cooperate organisations or biz ventures, most Importantly, “I preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ”, he added.

Album is A cApitAl intensive project. Without sponsorship, it is reAlly not eAsy

Art work submission at The ‘Patterns’ International

P

atterns are a natural or accidental arrangement or sequence. Patterns can relate to behaviours, visual design, occurrences in nature, methods, and more. It can be expressed in symbolic, literal, modern, traditional, abstract, and completely unique ways.

Share your interpretation of Patterns.

Works to be submitted include visual art – paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, digital, printmaking, installations, ceramics, fabric, jewelry, sculpture, and other 2- and 3-dimension-

al media – and written art – fiction, poetry, short stories and other written explorations (up to 900 words). Entry deadline is June 30th 2016.

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Arts Lounge

FAR AND NEAR

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

‘Letter to the President’ by singer, Big Slim NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

A

fter successfully releasing his first single, Ijele, renowned filmmaker, Ifeanyi Onyeabo is set with yet another, ‘Letter to the President’, scheduled to drop on 28th of May, 2016 on major music stores online. ‘Letter to the President’, which is a fusion of hip-hop, ragga and afro-beat comes laced with lyrics about the realities of life in Africa with advice on how to surmount such challenges. According to the Nkanu, Enugu State born filmmaker, he w o u l d

Big Slim

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

equally be releasing the videos of the two singles which are ready on major online and broadcast platforms.

To unleash the musical part of his talent, he says he would go by the stage name ‘Big Slim’. In a phone interview about this new venture, he reiterated that music has been a part of his upbringing since his childhood days in Jos, Plateau State, and would in no way mean he would abandon his calling in the art of filmmaking.

“Music has always been a part of me.

Right from my days in Jos, people would tell you that they knew me first as the guy who sings. But I noticed that my filmmaking efforts have kind of swallowed my music talent and I do not want that to happen. My music is a summation of my cultural experiences from the north, south and west, where I have cultural and social affinities to. I am from the south east, was born in the north and have spent business years in the south west. So, it is a great experience to impart to fans through music”

‘Letter to the President’, just like Ijele, according to him reflects these experiences and has been specifically composed to engender the spirit of democracy in Africa.

“So many stakeholders say our music has not been able to project our values as a people and this is what I am about to correct.

While it has tunes and melody someone can dance to, it is also filled with messages for the populace. For me, music is art and art is supposed to leave a legacy, while it mirrors the society”.

Onyeabor is the CEO of ‘Igo Motion Pictures and has won many awards for filmmaking, which includes: Best African Director (New York Film Festival) in 2000, ‘Best Art Director’ (AMAA), Best Overall Director ‘Golden Camel Award’ (Lagos International Film Festival) amongst others. He is known for successful movies like ‘Scout’, ‘New Jerusalem’, ‘James Town’ and the currently trending ‘Tribe’, which will come to the cinemas soon.

His music is coming under Alkebulan Records.

Yahya Jammeh welcomes AFRIMA

he African Union Commission (AUC) will unveil this year’s programmes and calendar of the annual continental awards, All Africa Music Awards tagged “AFRIMA 3.0” at an AUC-AFRIMA music/ cultural and media conference scheduled to hold on May 21-25 during the commemoration of the 10th African Union Youth Charter in Banjul, Gambia.

At the event, the AUC and the international Committee will reveal the dates and timelines for submission of entry and Guidelines, adjudication process, public voting and nominees’ announcement for the 2016 edition of the awards as well as dates for this year’s main AFRIMA Award ceremonies.

In a letter of invitation addressed to AFRIMA delegates from the African Union Commission (AUC) signed by Dr Marie-Goretii Harakeye, the Acting Director of Social Affairs, it states that the conference will bring together award winning music stars, creative/entertainment industry stakeholders,

cultural enthusiasts government officials, Islamic Republic of Gambia, His Excellency, corporate sponsors, and media practitioners Sheikh (Dr.) Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa; among others.

Vice President Dr. Isatou NjieSaidy; Minister There will also be a robust and intellec- of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh; tual session on the theme: “Using Music, Cul- Commissioner for Social Affairs, Africa ture and Entertainment as Tools for a New Union Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Africa”. It will be a forum for discussion on Kaloko; and President, Pan African Youth how to engage the values and spirit of Pan- Union, Ms. Francine Muyumba.

Africanism for greater collaborations in Others include Director, Culture Diviculture and music for sustainable desion, Africa Union Commission, velopment, in line with the AfriMs Angela Martins, Chief can Union cultural agenda for Brand Strategist, PRM peace, integration, democraAfrica and President/ cy, economic advancement Executive Producer, and social development.

AFRIMA, Mr. Mike The 10th African Dada; members of Union Youth Charter the International Conference featuring a Committee of AFhigh level roundtable and RIMA; Africa Union intergenerational dialogue Commission execuand cultural presentations tives, AFRIMA 2015 Executive Producer, will witness a convergence of award winners represenparticipants including President, AFRIMA, Mike Dada tatives that include Award

Winner in the Best Collaboration category in 2015, AKA (South Africa); Revelation of the African Continent, Adekunle Gold (Nigeria); Best African Rock, M’vula (Angola); Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall, Stoneboy (Ghana); Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, Tsedenia (Ethiopia); Best Artiste in North Africa, Ahmed Sultan (Morocco), and Best Artiste in Central Africa, Stanley Enow (Cameroon) among others.

Speaking on the event, Mike Dada said: “The cultural and media conference organised by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA holding during the 10th African Youth Charter in Banjul is to provide a platform for music practitioners, recording artistes, cultural experts, policy makers, corporate sponsors and media practitioners working in the creative and culture sectors to interface within Africa’s rapidly evolving music scene and contribute to its transformation narratives.”

Comedians embrace ‘Soccer Fans Nite Out’ T

he maiden edition of the monthly O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out will hold on Saturday May 28 at the open air section of O’jez celebrity restaurant, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos, at 7pm, during the UEFA Champions League final match between the two Spanish club sides; Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid.

The event according to Chief Executive Officer of O’jez, Chief Joseph Odobeatu, is expected “to attract over 2, 000 soccer fans and is designed to create a platform for brands to have a one on one contact with soccer fans, showcase the activities of the Nigeria Premier League as well international football, promote peace, love and unity among Nigerian soccer fans and to appreciate, honour and celebrate Nigerian ex-internationals, sports media personalities, corporate firms and entertainers for their contributions to the growth and development of football and entertainment in Nigeria.”

This maiden edition is dedicated to Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana), Mumuni Alao (Group MD, Complete Communications) and Gbenga Adeyinka. The event will feature various activities ranging from ball joggling competition, soccer game show, raffle draw, performances by top Nigerian artistes and presentation of awards to the recipients. Rufai will go home with the Soccer Personality Award while Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka walk away with Sports Media Personality and Entertainment Personality awards respectively.

“It will be a night of music, dance, comedy and football all rolled into one,” Odobeatu said adding, “Top comedian Elder O, the master of spontaneity and his side-kick MC Phrymzo alongside other fast rising comedians such as MC Bonus among others will be on call to make football lovers rock with laughter while the O’jez, Classic and Lilly bands will take turns to dish out soul inspiring music. Dancers such as Crazy Legs, the physically challenged dancer, Scatter ‘N

Sons, Ada Owerri, SDV among other dance groups will burn the stage that explosive evening. I can assure you that it will be an evening of high octane fun and entertainment,” Odobeatu submitted.

On the choice of Peter Rufai, Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka as recipients of the maiden O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out award, Odobeatu said they were carefully selected because of the roles they have played in the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria. “I do not need to remind you who Peter Rufai is, as one of the most visible and energetic and well as skilful former goalkeeper of our darling Super Eagles, Rufai brought joy and happiness to many Nigerians during his playing days. And he is still actively involved in the development of grassroots football as he organizes talent hunt competitions to discover young players.

Comedian Gbenga Adeyinka

Business

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Anti-graft war, panacea to macroeconomic instability –Lagarde 30

Local ICT start-ups ‘ll mitigate Nigeria’s unemployment problem –NITDA boss 28

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assessing consumers’ plight as electricity supply worsens nationwide

NERC slams N18m fine on Abuja Disco over electrocution …orders DISCOs on insurance cover Chidi UgwU

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to pay N18 million fine as regulatory sanction over the electrocution of a seven year old in Abuja.

It would be recalled that in November 2015, AEDC paid an N18 million fine after NERC found it culpable in the electrocution of eight year old minor in Gwagwalada, near Abuja that occurred last August.

The latest fine came in a directive signed by the Commission’s General Manager, Legal Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, which directed the Disco to pay N18million compensation to the deceased family within 30 days from May 5.

The Disco is also to pay N100, 000 as fine to the electricity market for its negligence and failure to report the accident as and when due. NERC said the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will get the N100, 000 fund in line with Section 88 (12) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

NERC said investigations found the distribution company culpable

for the incident for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in the area, even after residents had complained.

The Commission’s acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah also directed that the 11 electricity Distribution companies (Discos) to renew their comprehensive insurance as provided under the industry’s Health and Safety Code.

A statement by the Commission’s Head, Public Affairs, Usman Abba-Arabi, indicated that the directive was issued after an investi-

gation into the electrocution of the boy at Kabusa in Abuja under the Disco network in November 2015.

Akah said: “The directive for renewal of comprehensive insurance has general application to electricity distribution companies whose insurance policies have expired.”

He warned that stiffer sanctions await any Disco over electrocution or any established case of negligence within their networks even as he expressed worry over rising incidences of electrocutions.

Meanwhile, a former Minister

of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has blamed the rising incidents of electrocution in Nigeria on lack of proper installation of electric appliances.

He tasked the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, on technical enforcement, which he said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) lacked the capacity to address prior to the establishment of the latter.

Nnaji however advised the agency that the only way it can address the danger of electrocution is to ensure proper installation.

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AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00.

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr Waziri Adio; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Members, National Stakeholders Working Group (Nswg) On Neiti, Alhaji Lawan Hantewa and Mr Gbenga Onayiga, at the Public Presentation of 2013 Oil and Gas Industry Audit Reports in Abuja.

NANTA, IATA to strengthen relationship for enhanced operations OlUsegUn KOiKi

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he new executive members of the National Associations of Nigerian Travel Agencies, NANTA, have met with the International Air Transport Association, IATA, in order to strengthen business operations of their members.

NANTA said the meeting became necessary In a bid to proffer solutions to the current crisis in the Nigeria air travel industry.

Speaking at a meeting between the two parties at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos over the weekend, NANTA President, Mr. Bernard Bankole said the focus of the visit was to establish a better relationship with the management of IATA. The President also said it was important to work out ways of giving NANTA’s members the rights they deserved when it comes to business.

“We also want to tell you that we are interested

in visiting the regional office of IATA at Amman because there are certain things we have seen that we believe the people at the head office will be at a better position to explain to us”, Bankole said.

NANTA president complained about the current crisis between the travel agents and the airlines, which he said drastic decision taken by the airlines was detrimental to the travel agents, describing it as unhealthy for the travel business.

Bankole further declared that there is solution to every challenge and if such arises, the next point of action was a round table discussion to put things at the right perspective, than the airlines taking a unilateral decision.

In his response, the IATA, Area Manager, South West Africa, Mr. Samson Fatokun lauded the step taken by NANTA on the visit to its office.

He said, “NANTA’s visit falls within the IATA’s human touch move to give the best services to our partners in business.

“What IATA is concentrating on at present is co-operating with our partners in business, by creating a cordial business environment with agents to foster good relationships, which we call working with human touch. We assured our partners of prompt services and tried by all standards to fight for them at all times. We want the new NANTA to minimize conflict which can be achieved by close meetings with parties at any time there is crisis in the sector.”

Fatokun explained that in the travel business, IATA could be said to be at the middle, between the airlines and the travel agencies, adding that their role was to make sure that every partner in the sector had a level playing ground for a win-win deal.

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

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Local ICT start-ups ‘ll mitigate Nigeria’s

Information and Communications Technology, ICT, is globally recognized as a vital pillar in modern day economic development drive. For Nigeria, the journey of using technology to boost growth has been tedious, despite the nation’s strong and highly skillful human capital base. In this interview by Isaiah Erhiawarien, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Dr Vincent Olatunji, speaks on sundry initiatives being undertaken by the agency to use local ICT start-ups in leveraging Nigeria’s visibility in the rapidly eveloving global ICT space.

H

ow would you assess the present state of the ICT sector of Nigeria?

We are growing gradually, if you look at the worth of businesses in the ICT space in the country, and then also the enormity of investments coming into the country from every part of the world as well as the level of internet usage today, am sure you will agree with me it is far better than what it used to be about 20 years ago.

The level of awareness and the effective deployment of ICT in the public and private sector are far better than what we used to have a decade ago.

We have over 89 million users of internet today. In the Africa scene, Nigeria is now leading in terms of internet penetration in the Sub Saharan Africa. This is unprecedented. Yes, we are growing and there are rooms for improvement.

As an agency of government concerned with the development of ICT industry, with particular mandate to drive local content, how would you rate NITDA today?

We have a full-fledged office that is implementing the local content. It is The Office of Nigeria Content in ICT. What we intend to do is to ensure that we encourage production and manufacture ICT products.

We are passionate about making sure that locally manufactured products meets the global standards and best practice. We also ensure that the manufacturers imbibe the after sales service practice. We also need

to encourage Nigerians to produce because there is a ready-made market.

We want to use this office to position Nigeria as an ICT hub that will cater for ICT in Nigerian and the ECOWAS region. In doing that we used the advocacy strategy by encouraging Nigerians to post their ICT solutions online. It is our desire to grow this sector through capacity building, and we are putting together human capital, infrastructure and enabling environment for local content.

How are you changing the perception of Nigerians about local software patronage?

In this case, the issue of awareness and advocacy comes readily handy, and that is what we are doing at NITDA. We try to encourage the local players that they meet up with the global standards. The big names like HP and DELL started like this in small measure, and too had perception issues.

Years ago, the Chinese were producing sub-standard product but

Olatunji along the line, they improved and with the help of the Chinese government creating the enabling environment for them, today China is a global ICT powerhouse.

This is what we intend to do in Nigeria. We will create advocacy, we will ensure that the local content producers comply with global best practise and we will do our best to create an enabling environment for the stakeholders to thrive. We have guidelines for this.

What role would you say NITDA is playing in human capacity building in the ICT sector?

Yes we are. And indeed our involvement in the Graduate Internship Scheme is one such human capital development programme of NITDA. We are using it to creation job, empower the youths as well as creation wealth in the nation. What we are doing is training them, and let them have internship for a year.

Thereafter, we then place them on where they can work but that does not mean we don’t encourage them

`

We Want to use GIteX to promote nIGerIa and eXpose nIGerIan ICt start-ups to the Global CommunIty. We WIll also use the opportunIty to shoWCase nIGerIa Where people Can Come and look at What We have In nIGerIa and possIbly strIke deal WIth them

to be self-employed. In fact encourage them to be their own boss. And that is what we doing in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

We are already in Lagos State, and are certainly going to extend it to other geopolitical zones of the country. Indeed we hope to include two more states this year.

One major problem identifiable in our educational system is that Nigerian universities are too theoretical in their approach.

How do you think your agency can help to tackle this challenge through the one year internship scheme?

The problem is that our Nigerian universities are theory based. What we do is to provide IT infrastructure in selected universities and we are also working with Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Education and Research Council, Nigerian University Commission.

It is well known that NITDA is involved in GITEX. What would you say necessitated your agency’s participation in GITEX this year?

GITEX is a global platform and the biggest in Middle East, South Asia and African region. We want to use GITEX to promote Nigeria and expose Nigerian ICT start-ups to the global community. We will also use the opportunity to showcase Nigeria where people can come and look at what we have in Nigeria and possibly strike deal with them.

This year we are focusing on Start-ups. There is grant available

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

unemployment problem –NITDA boss

for start-ups about $1 Million and we want to expose them to global platform. Apart from GITEX, we are making arrangement to take Nigerian start-ups to CEBIT and others.

We want to spread the gospel that good things are coming out of Nigeria. We will basically showcase local software there.

In the last few years, Nigeria’s participation at GITEX has been gainful in terms of investment it has brought to the country and exposure it has given to our start-ups. It may interest you to know that two of our start-ups that showcased their innovation at last year’s edition of GITEX have been engaged by a Malaysian company.

We intend to continue in that regard because there is a need to take our start-ups to global platforms, so that they can be exposed to how things are done globally.

What are the selection processes for the 10 start-ups NITDA wants to support to GITEX for Start-ups Movement?

It’s online already; we have the criteria that will be used to select them.

We expect start-ups to apply and we will go through their application and select the best ten that have solutions in different areas that we can take to the international community.

We want to use this to showcase the potentials of Nigerians to the international community.

In the last few years, Nigeria’s participation at Gitex has been gainful in terms of investment it has brought to the country and exposure it has given our startups. It may interest you to know that two of our startups that showcased their innovation at last year’s edition of Gitex have been engaged by a Malaysian company. We intend to continue in that regard because there is a need to take our startups to global platforms, so that they can be exposed to how things are done globally. This year, about $1 million is up for grab for the winning start-up. We plan to promote a minimum of 10 startups that will compete with over 400 startups from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. More than 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors and mentors will be available to monitor them.

Why is NITDA interested in promoting startups?

We have always promoted startups, both in Nigeria and abroad, but this year’s Gitex Week is unique in the sense that it is featuring an innovation hub that is centred around the Gitex Start-up Movement, which is deliberately designed to house competing startups. The Gitex Startup Movement is one of the biggest global start-up gatherings, with over 30 countries represented. Nigeria

The major challenge people who live in The rural area have is access To The inTerneT and

icT Tools. whaT we have done is To geT The access To Them. now, They can go To local governmenT headquarTers and oTher cenTres where we have The faciliTy To check Their

jamB resulT and do some oTher Things like online Businesses and indeed NITDA cannot be left out because one of our mandates is to build capacity, especially among our youths. We believe that our youths have the wherewithal to excel anywhere in the world, what is needed is to build capacity in them and also give them exposure. Once that happens, Nigeria will begin to see more jobs being created.

Is your agency getting any support from ICT stakeholders and government for the programme?

What we normally do every year is to set up local organising committee besides the representatives of some key ministries and representatives of ICT professionals.

Last year ,Nigeria was a country partner and many African countries came and were impressed with Nigeria and how we represented the continent. This year they are saying that they will want to participate and that Nigeria should take the lead. So we are taking the whole of Africa to GITEX. About two weeks ago we inaugurated a local organising committee for 2016 GITEX. Sir, what is the objective of ICT investment forum?

The objective is to tell the whole world that the story has changed. It isn’t about negative things again.

It is about this friendly investment climate that we are creating. We in-

Olatunji

tend to use this form to tell the investors to come and invest in Nigeria.

We cannot do it alone; we are here to create an enabling environment.

We need everybody from the media to stakeholders; we invite the whole world to come to Nigeria to invest.

Will Nigeria be the country partner this year in GITEX? No, we will not be the country partner this year. GITEX looks for countries that they can work with and countries that have the potentials in the ICT space. That was why we were selected around 2014, but this year what we will do is that we will have our pavilion, showcase Nigerian ICT solution for the world to see and also try to attract investors to Nigeria.

Industry stakeholders are of the opinion that NITDA should be more strict about standardisation of local software. Do you think that Nigeria has the capacity to meet global standards in software?

We don’t need to have the capacity in house, which is why we outsourced it to other firms. We have our software testing facility in Lagos and we are setting many others in each zone in the country.

NITDA launched the training

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for 100 interns. What do they stand to gain?

The 100 interns will be trained for three months and will be engaged for nine months, making it one year; after that we are expecting that they will be able to set up their own businesses. We will also see how some of them who may not be able to set up their own businesses can be engaged

by ICT companies in Nigeria. This is just the beginning; we believe that by the time they spend one year with us, they will be able to get the prerequisite knowledge and skills expected to excel and compete with their peers globally. It’s a daunting challenge creating jobs for 14 million Nigerian youths who are unemployed. But like I said, we are starting this programme with employment creation on our mind. We are encouraging other partners from the private and public sector to work with us, so that we can be able to achieve our goal.

What is the impact of the Rural Information Technological Centres initiative of NITDA? The Rural Information Technological Centers have been able to give access to those in the rural area, where over 65 percent of the Nigerians live. The major challenge people who live in the rural area have is access to the Internet and ICT tools.

What we have done is to get the access to them. Now, they can go to local government headquarters and other centres where we have the facility to check their JAMB result and do some other things like online businesses. They can also check the price of Agricultural products. We are also extending this to the schools, where students can get hands-on practical experience of what they are being taught in class.

How would you describe the present level of commitment from the private sector on NITDA’s fund for the develop ICT sector?

I will say we are not there yet because the numbers of companies that are supposed to be contributing are not doing so. But what we are trying to do this year is to engage some people who will go after them to check their records to know who are paying and those who are not paying. For those who are not paying, we will bring litigation against them to ensure that they all comply because investment in this sector is really huge. And if you don’t have enough money to implement your mandate, you will just be scratching the surface. Apart from the one percent that we are supposed to be collecting, there are other initiatives that we are trying to put in place to make sure that we have more money to implement our mandate.

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Business News

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anti-graft war, panacea to macroeconomic instability –Lagarde Sylva EmEka-OkErEkE

T

he Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Christine Lagarde, has lamented the damaging impact of corruption nation’s economic developments, stressing that its fight would definitely ensure macroeconomic stability of any nation.

While noting that the direct economic costs of corruption are well known, she projected that its indirect costs may be even more substantial and debilitating, leading to low growth as well as greater income inequality in many countries.

Specifically the IMF boss, in her new paper titled ‘Corruption: Costs and Mitigating Strategies’, noted that the menace of corruption had a broader corrosive impact on society while undermining trust in government and erodes the ethical standards of private citizens.

“By vigorously reducing corruption, countries can improve economic stability and boost

growth and development’’, she said.

According to her, public corruption, as an abuse of public office for private gains, afflicts economies of developments, urging governments across the globe to address increased concerns over high corruption as evidenced by recent scandals in many countries, including Nigeria.

“Given the potential impact of corruption on macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth, the IMF has been actively engaged in helping our members’ design and implement anti-corruption strategies” she added.

She therefore noted that corruption impedes the conduct of budgetary and monetary policy while weakening financial oversight and ultimately hurting inclusive growth.

Largade noted that the economic costs of corruption could be substantial, estimating the annual cost of bribery at around $1.5 to $2 trillion, about 2 percent of the global Gross Domestic

G7 to examine economic risk, vow policy mix to spur growth

L

eaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies will examine potential risks to the global economy when they gather this week for their summit in western Japan, government sources told Reuters.

While the global economy was not at a critical stage, uncertainty was rising and the G7 leaders were expected to promote a combination of monetary, fiscal and structural policies to spur growth in their communique, the sources, who were not authorized to speak to the media, said.

“Uncertainty is rising. We are going to (discuss) downside risks to the global economy,” one of the two sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Finance leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies reaffirmed existing exchange-rate pacts, including not targeting exchange rates and avoiding competitive currency devaluation, an official summary released on Tuesday showed.

The G7 countries also reaffirmed their agreement that excess volatility and disorderly currency moves could hurt economic activity, the summary, released by Japan’s finance ministry, showed.

At the meeting, which Japan hosted on Friday and Saturday, central bankers agreed that monetary policy would continue to support the economic recovery consistent with their mandates, including unconventional policies, according to the statement.

The United States issued a fresh warning to Japan against intervening in currency markets at the G7 meeting. Japan also failed to win agreement that all G7 countries would shift to more expansionary fiscal policy to support growth.

The official summary that Japan’s finance ministry issued on Tuesday represents the G7 consensus and was similar to an informal statement it issued on Saturday after the meeting.

When Japan’s government issued the informal statement, it said the document did not represent the G7 consensus.

(Source – Reuters.com)

Product, GDP. “By harming the culture of compliance, corruption increases tax evasion. For instance, when tax exemptions are viewed as arbitrary, citizens’ have less incentives to pay taxes. As a result, the state collects less revenue and is

unable to provide public services with potential negative consequences for growths’’, she noted.

Also, by inflating costs in the public procurement process, Largade also said corruption undermines the quantity and quality of public

L-R : Osita Ede, Head, Mass Market Segment, Diamond Bank, Awodipe Olukemi Olubunmi, Area Manager, Diamond Bank, Ibadan, Daniel Gbuji, Area Manager, Diamond Bank, Abeokuta, Aishah Ahmad, Head, Consumer & Privilege Banking, Diamond Bank, Fashanmi Omotayo, State Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Council and Akinsoye Olawale of Consumer Protection Council at the DiamondXtra Season 8 draw held in Ibadan recently.

Experts urge govt on policy marketing DaviD auDu

F

ormer chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Ufot Udeme, has urged Nigerian government to embark on strategic communication in order to carry the people along when taking crucial decisions.

Udeme who is also the managing director of SO&U Communications gave the advice at the annual conference of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the weekend.

He said strategic communications will help clarify and paint a clear picture of the policy direction and overriding ideology of the government.

Citing instances of the removal of petrol subsidies, he said, what was required would have been a strategic communication programme that would shocks Nigerians into awareness of the damage subsidy have do to the economy, and engages them in conversations about the ideal future made possible by the redirection of funds into productive sectors.

“There is a serious and urgent need to educate and reorientate all those who may aspire to leadership positions in our country that communication is a most potent tool that can be used to inspire a people to greatness, or turn them to objects of global ridicule.

The communication expert

Trade expert advises exporters on quality

T

he Head, Collaboration Planning and International Trade, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Mr Chris Onukwuba, has advised non-oil exporters to do thorough researches on their products before exporting them to international markets.

Onukwuba gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that proper research on products and documentation would aid exporters to guard against disappointment which usually stemmed from rejection of their products abroad.

spending, hence funds can also be siphoned through off-budget transactions, which lowers resources available for public investment and other priority spending, thus aggravating infrastructure gaps and impacting on growth.

Cue in audio ``For export business, the first thing we advice people to do after you must have done the basic documentation, registering with Export Promotion Council, find out your market, go and look at your market. ``What does the market wants, that is the person you are taking the product to. What exactly does he want? ``You might need to take samples to him to analyse and say yes, this is exactly what I am looking for, because the species of ginger you are thinking about may not be the one he wants.

``So, he has to tell you exactly the specification of what he wants, (and) then you come back to Nigeria and source for that actual specification. ``You must know your market, you must the know the requirements, after that, then you come and look at the specification, what do I really need, what kind of moisture content should it be? ``How do I dry it, what kind of chemicals, does it require chemicals at all? ``You know all those are the procedures and the guidelines you need to know.’’

(Source – nannewsnigeria. com)

also advocated on the need to return Civics to the school curriculum and insist that all schools, no matter what curriculum they claim to run, must include Nigerian History in the subjects taught.

Besides, he urged Nigerians to identify national heroes in the context of growth as a nation, and celebrate them and let Nigerians be aware of their contributions to nationhood.

“Such stories must be used to inspire younger Nigerians, instill a sense of national awareness and pride in them and cause them to take ownership of their nation’s destiny, as a way to curb the prevalence of corruption” Earlier in his welcome address, the outgoing president of AAAN and the managing director of TBWA Concepts, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, noted that to achieve real national development the populace must be inspired. “But to inspire the populace, strategic communication methods must be engaged.

“This is why many governments all over the world retain the services of professional marketing communication partners to sell their policies.

Nwosu said their role as advertising professionals in national development goes beyond offering marketing communication services to the private sector.

“It extends to engendering proper understanding of government policies and revealing to our various publics ways by which they can participate, benefit and contribute to the growth of the economy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Business News

31

SON introduces practice codes for non-oil exports FRANCIS EZEM

T

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria SON, has introduced new standard codes of practice as part of its ongoing measures to checkmate the incessant cases of rejection of the nation’s non-oil exports abroad, especially agricultural and agroallied products.

This is against the background of the recent rejection of large export consignment of beans from Nigeria by the European Union EU, for not meeting the required standards, a development stakeholders considered a national embarrassment.

Acting Director General of the agency, Dr. Paul Angya, who made the disclosure in an interview, disclosed that the new codes, which cover 10 identified priority agric and agro-allied products such as cocoa, melon, rice and beans, which also covers the food chain from farm to table had become necessary to curtail the rejection of the nation’s exports.

This, according to him is in line with the vision of the Federal Government to diversify the econ-

omy, given the uncertainties in the global crude oil market.

He also said that the influx of cheap and sub-standard products has killed the nation’s real sector with the attendant closure of several manufacturing factories and loss of jobs, arguing that the nation’s area of strength lies in agriculture and agro-allied products.

It was however gathered that the new standards of practice for farmers also cover food production from soil preparation, soil composition, use of pesticides and preservatives, fumigation , seed improvement, harvesting storage, packaging and labeling etc.

“All these standards were developed in terms of codes of practice because sometimes, these products are rejected not because of the quality the product has but because of the pesticides and addictives that are used in terms of the kind of pesticides used and the mode of storing them”, he said.

As part of measures to ensure that the new standards achieve the desired goals, the agency has also taken steps to strengthen its

SMEDAN targets 1.5m jobs in six months

T

he Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, has said the agency would create 1.5 million jobs in the next six months.

Radda disclosed this when the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 Project Team, led by its Head, Project Management Office, Mohammed Suleyman, to SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja.

While noting that wealth and job creation remains major driver for economic growth, the SMEDAN boss said that 1.5 million jobs would be a great step in achieving the core mandate of the agency.

He described the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 project as a catalyst for national development and that it would strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector as well as galvanise the nation’s economy.

Earlier in his remarks, Head, Project Management Office of the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 Project Team said the project dealt with pension, MSMEs, insurance and mortgage among others.

Suleyman explained that the primary focus of the project was to transform the Nigerian economy into the fastest growing by 2020.

capacity for laboratory testing and certification of these products.

The DG said: “The problem we had before now was that these rejected products were not tested in the countries of export, it is only when they get there that they are tested and we do not have control over that because we do not have much of the facilities to do testing in Nigeria”.

To this effect, the agency is currently developing the National

C

need to balance increased tax revenue with continued employment and investment in new mining ventures. “One cannot separate mining tax revenue from mining investment, because it is the mining investment which ultimately produces the tax revenue,” he added. “A good tax is one which balances these two competing objectives.”

Regarding the organizations’ view of the new regime, Chishimba reflected that a royalty is “a tax on production, not profit. It is pegged at a relatively low rate.

Governments collect most of their revenue in times of commodity

longing to SON and the other to the National Agency, Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC., meant for testing food products.

The agency is also currently developing a large laboratory complex at Ogba, Lagos, which is over 85 per cent completed, when fully operational, would be able to test the standard parameter of all foods and food products from Nigeria to curtail rejection.

L-R: Group Executive Director, Lafiagi Sugar Company, Alhaji Kabir Rabiu; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Adegoke Bamidele and Special Adviser on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Anu Ibiowye, during the flag off of 2016 sugarcane plantation at Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area, yesterday.

CIS inaugurates 12 Committees to improve operations

I

n pursuit of its determination to enhance the operations of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), the Governing Council of the Institute has inaugurated 12 committees with 148 members.

The Committees which have been specifically set up to drive the activities of the Institute are: Education Committee, Research and Technical Committee, Membership Committee, Finance Committee, Programmes Committee, Continuing Professional Develop-

Zambian mining tax changes to boost govt revenue –Chamber

hamber of Mines President Nathan Chishimba has said that the changes to Zambia’s mineral royalty regime, which recently received parliamentary approval, “will enhance the collection of mineral revenue by the government rather than compromise it.”

He was reacting to a media statement issued by a consortium of civil society organizations advising the Government not to implement the new proposed royalty regime on the grounds that it will “not maximize revenue in times of commodity price booms.”

Chishimba praised the Government for introducing the new regime, noting that it recognized the

Quality Infrastructure, of which the testing laboratory is one of the major components of.

It is therefore expected that when the laboratories are available, these products can be tested and certified using the parameters and standards of the importing countries to reduce incidences of rejection.

Investigations show that currently there are only two of such laboratories in Nigeria, one be-

price booms from profit-based tax, which is much higher.”

Under the new legislation, which is retroactive to April 1, 2016, there is a system of variable royalty rates for copper production. The rate is four percent when prevailing copper market prices are less than USD4,500 per metric ton, six percent when prices are USD6,000 per metric ton or greater, and five percent for all prices in between. A flat mineral royalty rate of five percent is set for other base metals and minerals, except for a rate of six percent for precious metals and gemstones.

(Source – tax-news.com)

ment (CPD) Committee, Board of Fellows, Investigating Panel, Supporting Member Investigators, Disciplinary Tribunal, Nominating Committee, and Presidential Nominating Committee. The Committees have a two-year tenure.

Addressing the Committee members at the inauguration ceremony in the Institute’s Council Chambers yesterday, the President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe explained that their appointment was the outcome of a careful due diligence conducted by the Council to ensure that people who are fit and proper are given an opportunity to serve the Institute.

Abe noted that the Institute had many talents that were willingly ready to drive its array of activities.

According to him, the Committees’ performance shall be based on the quarterly implementation of their terms of reference which form the deliverables.

“The Council is of the strong view that the Institute must be developed in order to adequately meet the expectation of its stakeholders in line with the global best practices”, Abe said.

He urged the Committee

members to live up to expectation as the Institute places premium on their activities which are pertinent to the growth and development of the Capital Market in general.

Responding, one of the Committee Chairmen, Mr. Albert Okumagba, urged all members to support the Institute at this trying period of Nigeria’s economic development by working round the clock to implement their respective programmes.

Professor Taiwo Asaolu of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, pledged the determination of the members to live up to expectation.

A former Council Member, Mr. Mike Itegboje, advised the Committee members to always attend meetings and be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the Institute’s Programmes.

According to him, meritorious service at the Committee’s level is a pre-condition to becoming a Council Member of the Institute.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by the Institute’s First Vice President, Mr. Adedapo Adekoje, Second Vice President, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe and the Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr. Adedeji Ajadi.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Commerce & Industry

32

Exploring alternative power sources to boost real sector growth Constrained by the adverse effects of poor electricity supply, stakeholders in the real sector are bracing the odds by exploring alternative power source options to keep their entities afloat and ensure modest returns on their shareholders’ investments.

ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

I

n the Nigerian manufacturing sector, poor electricity supply remains one of the formidable challenges investors are contending with over the years with the attendant negative implications for the sector’s contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Curiously, all the efforts of the government to fix the problem had failed in view of the epileptic supply of electricity to manufacturing and other key sectors of the economy over the past decades.

Though there have been campaigns for the use of alternative sources of power especially the renewable energy by the real sector; this has not been achieved in Nigeria probably due to the high costs of deploying and maintaining such power generating sources.

It might also be the fact that the country has not advanced in that aspect.

For optimal productivity, the manufacturers must balance the need for a fast but affordable power solution against the ultimate goal of efficiency and the lowest cost of electricity.

The President and CEO of GE Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo said the power deficit in Nigeria required concerted cooperation of all stakeholders in the Power ecosystem. According to him, there is no foreseeable way of boosting manufacturing in Nigeria without fixing the power sector.

He said cheaper fuel solutions may require lengthy infrastructure projects that take years, or require equipment that sacrifices long-term efficiency and operating cost.

Speaking in a similar manner, the Chief Executive Officer of British American Tobacco, Mr. Chris McAllister, agreed that the provision of affordable, stable adequate supply of electricity would empower the manufacturing sector in Nigeria to effectively play its traditional role of employment generation and wealth creation.

The Vice Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, North west Zone and the Chairman, MAN Infrastructure Committee, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, who is an advocate

Solar panel

MAN President, Jacobs

NLNG MD, Babs Omotawa

NATURAL GAS IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE FUELS BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO IT. LOCALITIES WITHOUT INDIGENOUS NATURAL GAS RESERVES OR LACKING THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPORT LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS, LNG, HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH HIGHER PRICE OPTION SUCH AS DIESEL OR LIGHT FUEL OIL, LFO of alternative sources of energy, noted that there was insufficiency in the transmission of power. He said the power being transmitted was below the generation capacity of the country.

Despite this, Usman said the country urgently needed to diversify its sources of power to deploy other viable and sustainable sources such as coal, solar, water and fuel flexible technology to power the manufacturing sector.

He further urged the Federal government to create and promote scalable power distribution for the sector as well as SME cluster.

However, in their continual effort to find sustainable solutions to the power challenge,

stakeholders have come to term with a new alternative power source, which is relatively economical in terms of availability of fueling the machines that uses gas. Fuel flexible aeroderivative gas turbines, which are being used in other countries, provide an answer to both the goals of speed and efficiency.

The most logical conclusion to this important factor is that a power producer should seek the most affordable fuel for its power generation equipment. Natural gas is considered one of the most affordable fuels but unfortunately not everyone has access to it. Localities without indigenous natural gas reserves or lacking the infrastructure to import liquefied natural gas, LNG, have to make do with higher price option such as diesel or light fuel oil, LFO. Other options, such as heavy fuel oil, HFO, exist as well. While cheaper than diesel, HFO may not be the most economic fuel under certain conditions. This is because the total fuel cost of power plant is comprised not just of the fuel price, but also how much fuel is consumed. This fuel consumption is significantly impacted by the efficiency of the power plant.

According to manufacturers, the efficiency of HFO power generating equipment commonly suffers performance drops as a result of utilizing HFO fuel and, more significantly, has limited improvement from the addition of a steam cycle. However, there are other fuels that offer a more competitive solution than the HFO, when such fuels are considered with fuel flexible aeroderivative gas turbines.

Speaking on the fuel flexible technology, the Strategic Initiative Leader, GE Power and Water’s Distributed Power, a leading provider of power equipment and services, Daniel Tse explained that when considering the cost of producing electricity using reciprocating engine or gas turbine technology, the most important factor is the fuel cost.

He said the fuel cost can range from 50 per cent to 90 per cent of the total cost of electricity, adding that any difference in the cost of fuel would directly impact the cost of producing electricity.

Analysing the economic benefits of fuel flexible technology to the manufacturers, Tse said a broader fuel portfolio may allow the selection of regional produced fuels instead of diesel or heavy fuel oil imported from the major fuel distribution hubs. This localization enhances the energy security by shielding the project from price volatility, transportation distribution, or natural disasters.

He said that major infrastructure investment was typically required to import LNG, while sufficient demand must be present to justify the investment, adding that project development and construction times could also be significant.

However, he noted that fuel flexible generation equipment offered a much faster path to power, saying without having to wait for major infrastructure projects; fuel flexible generation could be installed as fast as the equipment could be made available in the case of mobile power solutions that could be mere months.

“In order to deploy power quickly, both fuel and equipment must be available and able to be installed fast. The aeroderivative gas turbines can be deployed very fast. Some of the machines can be deployed in as little as 30 days and some others in six months, however, some LM600s machines can be shipped in a simple cycle power solution in as little as three months depending on customer’s need and urgency.

“All these units can handle a number of liquid or gaseous fuels. These means that they can utilize available alternatives to diesel to gain incremental cost savings. If the equipment is deployed before the alternate fuel is available, then the temporary use of diesel can be considered.”

Meanwhile, he said the viability of any GTP technical approach would start with a value proposition. According to him, one of the key advantages of natural gas generation was its lowest capital startup costs than other comparative sources of electricity.

He said with a dollar per kilowatt basis, the capital cost of installing gas technology was one-half to one-fifth of the estimated cost of coal or nuclear plans for manufacturing sector.

In many cases, GTP projects are a quicker, economically-viable means to bridge the gap until larger centralized projects can be developed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Exploring alternative power sources to boost real sector growth 32

EITI boss tasks stakeholders on transparent reforms 35

33

Ogoniland clean up requires professional handling –Inyang 36

Assessing consumers’ plight as electricity supply worsens nationwide

Despite the promises of the Federal Government and the power generation and distribution investors to improve electricity over the past three years, power supply have worsened in all parts of the country, thereby suggesting that unbundling and subsequent sale of PHCNsuccessor companies are mere political charade designed to deceive Nigerians after all.

In this analysis, UDEME AKPAN reports that electricity supply remains too low to support businesses and national development agenda even as ordinary Nigerians continued to bear the cost of services not delivered by the DISCOs in form of monthly crazy bills.

W

hen the President Muhamadu Buhari took over from the former President Ebele Jonathan, power generation suddenly rose from about 3,000 mw to 3,729.39mw. Close observers who had expected continuous progress attributed it merely to the body language of the president.

Of the megawatts generated, 3,640.84mw was supplied while the balance was conserved to stabilise the system. Although the total supply was below the nation’s 12,800mw estimated peak demand, there were strong indications that many parts of the nation had experienced improved supply of electricity.

Many classes of consumers, including, households and commercial users had indicated that they experienced improved

supply. The Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf had attributed the development to increased rainfall. Yusuf had explained that increased rainfall culminated in increased use of hydro stations to generate electricity added that whenever it rains heavily, the nation always witness an improvement in power because of improved performance of hydro plants.

“There are indications that the coming of the rainy season has swelled the dams to generate more power than in the past. Consequently, the nation’s hydro stations have done better than they used to do in the early part of the year when there was not much rainfall.”

The Director General tasked stakeholders to ensure they sustain the relatively high level of supply, and even increase it

InvestIgatIons showed that many households and organIzatIons rarely have power supply In

recent tImes.

the reasons are not shrouded In

secrecy. It ranges from poor facIlItIes to Irregular

rehabIlItatIon and from vandalIsm to low gas supply, among others

further in order to meet the great expectations of consumers in the coming months.

This may be an uphill task as investigations showed that the sector is threatened by many challenges, including lack of funds, low gas supply, poor facilities, vandalism and inadequate meters.

But the situation has moved from good to bad in the past few months. Investigations showed that many households and organizations rarely have power supply in recent times. The reasons are not shrouded in secrecy. It ranges from poor facilities to irregular rehabilitation and from vandalism to low gas supply among others.

A few days ago, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC hinted that: “At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with water management issue. This has led to loss of over 2,000megawatts in the national grid. This situation is further compounded by the recent industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other sectors of the economy. Gas supplies to the thermal plants have been further constrained by the industrial actions of workers in the oil CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assessing consumers’ plight as electricity supply worsens nationwide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 and gas industry.”

“The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply companies and its licencees when two weeks ago discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order to increase power supply. Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this meeting as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company, disclosed of high incidence of vandalism in some areas that were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks.”

“The situation was worsened by the damaged done to Trans-Forcados pipeline in the western axis and ELPS gas pipeline in the eastern axis. NNPC had explained at the meeting that repair works are being intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained. In essence, what has brought about this development is the increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the control of the regulator and the industry operators. This situation is further compounded by the industrial actions declared by the oil and gas workers,” it disclosed.

It disclosed that the Commission would continue to engage with relevant authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants. The Commission said it would continue to engage with industry operators on how to improve electricity supply. The Commission promised to ensure that consumers are protected from undue exploitation.

But that is not all. The DISCOs also complained about huge consumer indebtedness which constrain them the implementation of projects and programmes, targeted at improving operations. Consequently, they had, for months, been groaning under severe liquidity constraints because of unpaid utility bills from residential customers to commercial, industrial and particularly, from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs across the three tiers of government.

The military and security agencies are similarly guilty of huge indebtedness to the distribution companies. Giving the hint about plans to disconnect the debtors any time from now, Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, Barrister Sunday Oduntan, disclosed that as at the end of April, total indebtedness of MDAs, military and security agencies stood at approximately N93bn.

A breakdown showed that the debt is made up of N39.1bn pre-privatisation and N39.5bn post privatisation as well as outstanding interest of N15bn, which the Bulk Trader charges Discos for late payment of plans to disconnect the debtors any time from now, Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, Barrister Sunday Oduntan, disclosed that as at the end of April, total indebtedness of MDAs, military and security agencies stood at approximately N93bn.

The debt is made up of N39.1bn pre-privatisation and N39.5bn post privatisation as well as outstanding interest of N15bn,

Jacobs which the Bulk Trader charges Discos for late payment of their energy bills arising from non-settlement of utility bills.

A breakdown of the unpaid debt showed that Abuja DISCO is being owed N18.6bn; Eko, N8.6bn; Kaduna, N8.2bn; Enugu, N7.2bn; Ibadan, N6.8bn; Ikeja, N5.9bn; Port Harcourt, N6.8bn; Benin, N5.8bn; Jos, N6.5bn; Yola, N2.4bn and Kano, N1.2bn.

Worried by the impact of the non-payment of utility bills by government agencies the DISCOs, last October, together with National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC. Despite the bad situation, the DISCOs disclosed that they have provided 3,283,402 million customers with meters, thus reducing the nation’s metering gap to 2.8million.

The companies said that they have carried out internal re-structuring and streamlining of operational costs to make the DisCos run more efficiently. The DISCOs said that the companies have improved meter rollout strategies at the customer level and the interface/trading points.

The companies indicated that the DISCOs were better at accounting for the energy they receive, which lead to (more) reasonable estimated bills. They disclosed that the companies have improved customer care centres and customer touch points. The DISCOs said that the on-going customer and asset enumeration exercise using GPS technology. They remarked that the companies have introduced a new billing system and IT applications to enhance operations.

They listed many challenges in the sector to include gas pipeline vandalism which

Ukaoha leads to shortage of gas to power stations; and poor transmission facilities leads to low distribution. The said that the DISCOS should not be blamed for poor power supply as they cannot give the electricity that they do not have. They maintained that the present state of affairs in the sector robs customers of the needed power supply and prevents the DISCOs from collecting sufficient revenues to maintain and improves the network. The companies pleaded with consumers to show understanding, especially through prompt payment of bill as well as report illegal activities to them.

They maintained that when customers don’t pay, the whole sector is affected. The companies who complained about some leakages, especially energy theft said tariffs did not cover full costs versus payment obligations, creating significant revenue shortfalls in the sector. They said the revenue shortfalls adversely impact the ability of the DisCos to make capital investments in metering, network expansion, equipment rehabilitation and replacement that are critical for service delivery improvement. The companies noted that industry shortfall is massive and growing, now about N300 Billion.

According to them, this is a cash liquidity crisis that threatens to completely undermine the electricity value chain and its ability to continue to serve its consumers.

They said that MDA debts plus interests now stands at N93billion and yet to be paid, thus affecting the survival of the sector.

The companies said that the ability of the industry to meet its service delivery obligation was severely constrained by the lack

We need to generate more electricity. government should honour the terms of the privatisation. consistency in regulation making is fundamental to commercial viability of the sector. government should alloW discos easy access

to foreign exchange. there is need for partnership amongst all the key stakeholders in the sector to resolve all issues in the poWer sector

of access to foreign exchange.

“We need to generate more electricity.

Government should honour the terms of the privatisation. Consistency in regulation making is fundamental to commercial viability of the sector. Government should allow DISCOS easy access to foreign exchange. There is need for partnership amongst all the key stakeholders in the sector to resolve all issues in the power sector.

Electricity is a commodity with a price and customers must pay for their consumption of this commodity” “Failure of customers to pay for electricity means that the DisCos cannot make the needed investment that will result in improved power supply; and theft of electricity by meter bypass/tempering or illegal connections increases the cost of electricity the cost of electricity for other legitimate consumers. This has to stop”, they added.

From all indications, the government does not appear to be resting in its oasis.

For instance, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader, NBET, and electricity generating companies, GENCOs, are said to have engaged with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to tackle a wide range of issues. A source in attendance said that that the modality for settlement of outstanding receivables was worked out. He noted that the government agreed to work on the arrangement of deducting the outstanding receivables for utility bills of approximately N71.6bn, from source and based on the terms of the agreement, the industry regulator, NERC deducted the outstanding receivables of the government from the collection loss component of the sculpted tariff.

But investigations showed that the nation’s power dilemma would not be fixed in a short term. It would need a medium or long term plan and massive investment to generate, transmit and distribute adequate power to all classes of consumers nationwide. This means that Nigerians would continue to live and pay for darkness in the next few years.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

35

EITI boss tasks stakeholders on transparent reforms UDEME AKPAN

T

he outgoing chair of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Clare Short, has tasked stakeholders to use transparency information to carry out reforms in their nations.

In the latest EITI report, Clare disclosed that publishing reports would amount to nothing if such information is not utilized to carry out reforms in different economies.

Clare indicated that using the information to change policy and improve the lives of citizens is surely our ultimate goal.

She said that recommendations in EITI reports often guide policy makers on how to make improvements to extractive sector management.

Clare maintained that experiences from Ghana and the Philippines show the impact that the EITI can have when the process does not stop at the publication stage.

The former chair said that in December 2015, the EITI Board decided to make beneficial ownership disclosure mandatory.

She remarked that the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries have already worked to identify the real owners – the ‘beneficial owners’ – of the companies that have acquired rights to extract oil, gas and minerals, who are often unknown and hidden behind a chain of corporate entities.

The former chair said that a significant strength of the EITI is the emphasis it puts on implementing country ownership.

She said that the implementing country voice is essential to how the EITI is shaped, governed and used, and the citizens themselves must speak louder.

Oil vessel

Clare noted that the EITI should go further in strengthening implementing country ownership.

She said that the EITI must also ensure that it has the funding needed to deliver the support it has committed to.

“As I step down from five years as EITI Chair, I reflect on what has been achieved and set four challenges for the incoming Board. In that time, the EITI has evolved into a more useful, relevant and robust effort. The scope has widened from a narrow set of rules focused on revenue reconciliation to a standard covering the wider governance of extractive resources.

Attitudes and practices on issues such as disclosing payments broken down by company, contract transparency, beneficial ownership and commodity trading, have rapidly evolved, and trust continues to be built between stakeholders.”

“My tenure as Chair has coincided with a period of high growth for the extractive sector. This drove a determination to confront the challenges of the sector. As I leave, the climate is different. In an era of low commodity prices, the need for good governance is stronger than before, as are the challenges. As well as avoiding economic meltdown in this period, resource rich countries need to be in better shape to take full advantage of the next commodity boom.”

“I commend the EITI Board and committees for all their efforts and hard work, and the continued commitment of the International Secretariat. I am proud to pass the mantle to Fredrik Reinfeldt. As Prime Minister of a Swedish coalition government during the financial crisis and chair of the European Council during some tough negotiations, he is more than equipped to meet these challenges,” she added.

DAPMA seeks FG’s intervention on forex scarcity CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

D

epot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) has met with the minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun to proffer solution to the current difficulty associated with accessing Foreign Exchange (FOREX) from deposit money banks to import the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country.

Leader of the group, Prince Dapo Abiodun told finance correspondents at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja that it became very necessary for them to meet with the federal government to discuss some salient issues affecting the downstream sub sector of the petroleum industry especially as it concern importation of refined product and its attendant challenges.

Abiodun lamented that the unavailability of forex from the Nigerian banks is posing a

serious challenge for their members and affecting their ability to flood the Nigerian market with the petroleum products, appealing to government to assist them to source for forex.

He said that they have their naira stashed in the banks but there were no enough dollars to exchange from the banks hence the need for the federal government to intervene quickly to avoid another quagmire.

The group also used the opportunity to commend the minister and the federal government for offsetting N48.2 billion outstanding debt owed by previous administration.

The marketers admitted that sourcing forex at 285 would put an end to the scarcity of petroleum product in the country; however, warned that the unavailability still posed a serious challenge.

Responding, the minister assured the marketers that the federal government has been working round the clock despite the challenges to ensure adequate and constant supply of

petroleum products across the country.

She explained that the recent payment was also to remove the bottleneck and fastract product supply.

“We inherited these problems and liabilities from the previous administration but we are doing everything to address some of the challenges you are facing. We would discuss with the CBN to find a better solution,” Adeosun assured.

According to the minister, everything the Federal Government needs to do to support the oil marketers and ensure availability of products would always be a top most agenda.

The DAPPMA President said that their association is the largest operator in the downstream and the largest employer of labour in the country, therefore government should give them the needed support.

It is recalled that the federal government had recently introduced a new fuel price regime stating that the product would now sell

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

48.64

+0.56

+1.16%

1:13 PM

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

48.72

+0.37

+0.77%

1:13 PM

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

31,940.00

+740.00

+2.37%

1:13 PM

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.00

-0.06

-2.82%

1:13 PM

Source: Bloomberg as at May 10, 2016

for not more than N145 a litre.

To this end, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) released a revised pricing template for petrol and pegged the rate at N298 to the dollar to limit the challenges associated with sourcing and accessing forex for the importation of petrol by oil marketers.

But analysts at CSL Stockbrokers Limited stated that they struggle to see how the new forex rate will work for petrol importers, given the widening margin between parallel market rates and N285/US$. Allowing the oil marketers to source forex independently has led to surge in demand on the parallel market as rates, which hovered around N320/US$ prior to the new pump price have gone up by about 10 per cent to between N350-N360 to a dollar.

“We do not know the depth of the parallel market (which petrol importers will be forced to access), but we do not believe it is large enough to meet the daily forex demand fuel imports. What we do believe, however, is that this development will continue to put depreciatory pressure on parallel market rates, barring a devaluation of the official exchange rate or some sort of relaxation of the tight forex situation,” they added.

36

Energy Week

Fashola tasks electricity consumers on infrastructure protection CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he Power, Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has appealed to Nigerians that it could only happen if the citizenry cooperate with the government by taking ownership of and protecting the various power supply facilities across the country.

The Special Adviser on Communications, Hakeem Bello, in a statement noted that the minister assured the nation that incremental, steady and eventual uninterrupted power supply is achievable in the country.

He said government has mapped out its programme to take the country to incremental power from where it intends to move to steady power and ultimately to uninterrupted power supply.

On why power generation had gone down, the Minister explained that the only way government could realize its programme was if those involved stopped some of the practices like cutting gas pipelines through which gas for the supply of over 80 percent of electricity to the whole country goes to the various gas plants across the country.

“But one of the things we should stop doing is to stop cutting gas pipelines and all of you (the media men and women) must sensitise all of those who are involved because that’s why supply is down”, he said He explained that 23 of the nation’s power plants are gas powered, stressing that it was important for those involved to stop vandalizing and cutting gas pipelines adding that it was also imperative that all those involved in the act be sensitized on the evil consequences of their nefarious act to the economy and the people of Nigeria.

Attributing the low power supply currently being experienced in the country today to the vandalism of some gas pipelines across the country, Fashola declared, “We are ready and willing to supply power but as I have said before, our power plants are no different from your generators at home, if you don’t have fuel you cannot operate the power plants”.

“The main source of about 23 of our power plants is gas, so when people break the gas line it’s like breaking the diesel tank or your petrol tank that supplies your generator at home and that’s why the power situation is currently this bad, so, as soon as we restore those gas pipelines, power will improve”, he assured.

On government’s plans concerning other renewable sources of power, the Minister disclosed that there are proposals that government is currently receiving especially from those who want to do solar and other forms of renewable energy adding that the major incentive for such investment was the market.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogoniland clean up requires professional handling – Inyang UDEME AKPAN

T

he cleanup of Ogoniland and other parts of the Niger Delta needs strategic planning and professionalism in order to achieve the desired result, Professor Hilary Inyang has said.

The academic, who is a Professor of Environmental Engineering and Science, said the different sites had to be properly identified and categorised, especially as they have different risks.

He said due processes, including the creation of a cleanup fund, contribution of the Federal Government and other stakeholders have to be made in advance.

Inyang who was instrumental to the emergence of Nigeria Oil Spill Clean Up Manual and the establishment of the National Oil Spill National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA said many parties, particularly

operators, communities and volunteers also need to be mobilised.

The distinguished professor said he would disclose more of the strategies and options at the 2016 IECL World Environment Day forum scheduled for the Nigeria - German Business Association House, Plot 1701, Violet Yough Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria on June 3, 2016.

He said the challenges that stare the region, and by extension the nation in the face are complex which call for appropriate diagnoses and execution in order to accomplish set objectives.

“I have undertaken several expeditions and studies in the region in the past few decades.

I have also been involved in other regions around the world and would like to share my thoughts with the audience.”

Indeed, there are a lot of things to place before the attendees and others at the im-

portant event. It would be good for anyone to miss this event,” he added.

The former Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele Williams said she has already accepted to attend the important event as Special Guest of honour because of the importance of the environment to the entire world.

She said that the environment remains a very important resource which should be utilised and preserved for future generations.

The minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr, Diran Fawibe would attend as Guest of Honour and Chairman respectively.

Other speakers lined up for the programme include professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Benin, who would speak on the roles of habits, hobbies and occupa-

Inyang

tions in the extinction of wildlife in Nigeria and other African nations.

While Mr. Deji Haastrup, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited is expected to speak on Conservation as Key to Protection and Preservation of Environment: Sharing the Nigerian Conservation Centre experience, Ms. Dorathy Bassey of the Department of Petroleum Resources would speak on Ecological Fund: understanding the issues, risks and opportunities.

NERC orders DISCOs on insurance of facilities UDEME AKPAN

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has directed the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs to renew their comprehensive insurance as provided under Part 5 Section 5.2 of the Health and Safety Code for the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

This directive was sequel to an investigation into electrocution of a seven year old minor at Kabusa, Abuja within the network of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Giving further clarification of the Commission’s ruling, the Acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah,

Transformer

said that the directive for renewal of comprehensive insurance had general application to electricity distribution companies whose insurance policies have expired.

He warned that “stiffer sanctions await any electricity distribution companies over electrocution or any established case of negligence within their networks” even as he expressed worry over rising incidences of electrocutions.

However, AEDC was found liable in the untimely death of the minor for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in Kabusa area of Abuja, even after residents had complained over the facility.

The Commission’s directives jointly signed by the acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, and General Manager, Legal Licensing and Enforcement,

Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, said that AEDC should pay N18million compensation to the deceased family and N100, 000 fines to the market for its negligence and failure to report the accident as and when due.

The Commission’s Accident Investigation Team that looked into the unfortunate incident discovered that AEDC failed in its responsibilities to respond to complaints by Kabusa residents that a snapped 0.415kV aluminium conductor was hanging precariously close to the ground not until the deceased minor accidentally came in contact with it and got electrocuted.

The investigators discovered that Kabusa area has “haphazard and unkempt network which constitutes manifest breach of the Electric Power Sector Reform, NESIS Regulations, Health and Safety Code besides other regulatory instruments.”

In the directive number NERC/ DRT/143, the Commission observed that AEDC “placed commercial gain above safety standard and specification by supplying electricity to sub-standard network.”

Attempt by AEDC to exonerate itself of any culpability in the incident by claiming its Fault Log Book showed no report was lodged by the residents was found unsustainable.

This is because there was evidence that staff of the Disco had worked on the faulty line and cannot afterward claim ignorance of the state of the facility.

Further claim by AEDC that it was impracticable for it to rehabilitate all its networks within two years of existence as a private entity was considered a contradiction of the company’s obligations as specified in its licensing terms and conditions which expects the distribution to upgrade its networks.

The Commission, therefore, directed that “N18 million compensation should be paid to the family of the deceased within 30 days beginning from May 5, 2015” when the directive was signed.

This is in addition to “N100, 000 fines for failing to submit a preliminary report of the incident within 72 hours in line with the Health and Safety Code.” The company is expected to submit compliance to the Commission.

The Company was, therefore, “directed to immediately begin renewal process of its comprehensive insurance policy; systematic and complete reconstruction of distribution network in Kabusa area; intensify consumer awareness campaign; carry out safety enlightenment campaign and provide contacts for its customers to report faults.”

Meanwhile, compensation is paid to the deceased family while fine is paid to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in line with Section 88 (12) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

From The Civil Service FG to strengthen links between research institutes, industries Regina OtOkpa AbujA

I

n its renewed efforts to reposition the economy through science technology, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to strengthen linkages between research institutes, industry and universities in the country.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnya Onu made the disclosure during a meeting with the cochairman of the West African Infectious Institute (WAIDI) and the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, in Abuja.

Onu who identified the poor linkage between the three important sectors as a ‘weakness’, stressed the important role of science technology in advancing every aspect of society.

He said: “Here at the Ministry of Science and Technology we discovered that one of the weaknesses that we had as a nation in utilising science technology for nation build-

ing has been the weak linkage that existed between industries, research institutes and universities and we have been working very hard to make sure that we strengthen that linkage.

“We are now working with a number of universities and we are also working directly with industries to commercialise research findings because we don’t want research findings to end up only in the laboratory; we want all the research findings to move into the market as product and services.

“By working with universities you would be able to share the knowledge which you generate through those universities to future leaders,” he added.

Earlier, Prof. John Idoko said WAIDI was an autonomous, multi-institutional and collaborative center of excellence in Nigeria to support and catalyze West Africa’s top universities, building health leadership in infectious diseases training and research.

The NACA boss noted that the aim was to share re-

NSCDC hails Buhari for creating office for disable adeOla tukuRu AbujA

T

he Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has eulogised President Muhammadu Buhari for his magnanimity in creating the office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, describing it as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The CG made this assertion when the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, Dr. Samuel Ankeli and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the NSCDC

national headquarters, Abuja.

In his remarks, Dr. Ankeli thanked the Commandant General for the warm reception given him and his team and pointed out that they came to intimate the agency with the need for welfare package for over 25 million persons with different disabilities in Nigeria.

Samuel thanked President Buhari immensely for creating an office to accommodate disabled persons in his administration, through which their plight would always be looked into and addressed.

The Senior Special Assistant noted that that was the Continued on Page 39>>

Ministry inaugurates cassava processing plant in Ondo

P.38

Out-Going Controller-General, Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr Peter Ekpendu (L); his wife, Lizzie, being pulled-out in Abuja. sources to all West African universities, add critical linkages and specialised infrastructure as needed and also produce world class research and educational initiatives to strengthen the ability of local governments to improve the health of the citizenry.

He disclosed that the institution would provide the opportunity to colocate with extramural research initiatives and expansion to other academic institution.

Meanwhile, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology was ready to support

any innovation and invention that would create Jobs and take Nigerians out of poverty.

Dr. Onu who made the pledge when the Chief Executive of Kanayo .O. Kanayo Mentoring Academy, Mr. Kanayo Kanayo called on him to seek partnership towards bridging the gap between the ministry and young students with innovative ideas.

Commending the initiative, the minister urged the renowned actor to use the academy as a platform to educate students on the importance of science and technology in the development of any nation.

Regina OtOkpa

ministry The minister who gave the advice during a meeting with National Association of Technology Incubation Entrepreneurs (NATIE) in Abuja, stressed the need for the association to strengthen synergy with National Agency for Sci-

Minister calls for synergy between entrepreneurs, science agencies AbujA

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he Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has advised entrepreneurs to pay more attention to developing stronger synergy with agencies under the

Continued on Page 39>>

NAFDAC seizes fake, cosmetics worth N3.5m in Enugu

P.39

He stressed that “the ministry is there for them, we are willing and ready to support them no matter how old the person is with any innovation that would help us to grow our economy.”

Kanayo, in his remarks, noted that the aim of the academy was to use his fame as a

successful actor to identify students who were innovators within the six geo-poitical zones of the country.

“We want to be a link between the innovators and government to assure them that whatever opportunity they can create for themselves will not go in vain,” he said.

Minister, police celebrate officer over promotion MaRcus FatunMOle AbujA

M

inister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and Commissioner of Police in the nation’s capital, Wilson Inalegwu, have honoured one of the newly-promoted police officers in the country, Ahmed Rasheed.

Rasheed is currently one of the security aides to the Minister. He was promoted from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP,

to Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP. Feting the officer at the FCTA secretariat in Abuja last Monday, the minister described him as one of the personnel that were giving the force a new face.

Bello noted that he had worked with the officer for six months, and had seen discipline, diligence and high level of expertise in him.

He also lauded the FCT police boss for elevation of officers in his command.

His words: “On behalf of Continued on Page 38>>

We’re doing much to help less-privileged –Minister P.38

38

Civil Service

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ministry inaugurates cassava processing plant in Ondo Chidi ugwu AbujA

A

s part of efforts at diversifying Nigeria’s economy, the Ministry of State in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, has inaugurated a cassava processing plant built at Igbotako community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

While inaugurating the cassava processing plant, the minister, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola, explained that the idea behind the conception and actualisation of the project was the need for the diversification of the nation’s economy from oil and gas to agriculture towards the sustenance of Nigeria’s economy.

According to a statement by an Assistant Director of Information in the ministry, Stephen Kilebi, the project was designed to provide sustainable food security, create jobs for the youths in the Niger Delta region among other things.

The minister disclosed that the cassava processing plant had the capacity to produce 1.2 tons of high quality garri , 1 ton of odourless fufu, 0.75 ton of composite flour for the bakeries and 0.5 ton of high cassava starch per day.

The minister noted that the traditional method of pro-

cessing cassava was unhygienic, labour intensive, time consuming, had low production output and lots of wastages.

He explained that the need to reduce wastages and add value to cassava necessitated the establishment of the modern cassava processing plants in the cassava-producing communities in the Niger Delta states of which Igbotako community was chosen as one of the benefiting communities.

The minister gave the assurance that more cassava processing plants would be put in place in other cassava producing communities in the Niger Delta region.

The plant which was constructed at the sum of N85m has the factory building, the processing machines, a borehole with an overhead tank, and a 40KVA generator.

The minister advised that the facility be jealously guarded, maintained and put into effective use by the host and other benefiting communities.

The minister commended the contractor, EFBEE Crown Bureaux Limited, for constructing the plant to specification and training the operators of the plant.

In his remarks, Oba Bajowa of Igbotako Community, Dr. Shedrack Gbadebo

HoS tasks public servants to pray for unity, peace AdeolA Tukuru AbujA

H

ead of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, has called on federal public servants in the country to continue to pray for peace, security and unity of Nigeria so as to pave way for social development.

Mrs. Oyo-Ita made the call today in a message at the official opening ceremony of a mosque located at the Phase II of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Yemi Adelakun, the Head of Service said further that Nigeria and its present leadership needed the support and prayers of all Nigerians in its present effort to reposition the various sectors of the economy, particularly now that the country is passing through various challenges.

In a press statement signed by the Assistant Director, Media Relations for HoS, Mo-

hammed Manga, she said that there was no better time than now for both the Muslims and the Christians to team up and unite together in prayers for peace, unity and economic development of Nigeria.

Earlier, the guest lecturer at the occasion, Sheikh Tajudeen Bello Adigun, Chief Imam Fouad Lababidi Mosque, Wuse Zone 3 and Chairman, Committee of FCT Imams, admonished workers to shun all forms of corrupt practices both within and outside their work environment as Allah would one day call them to account for it.

He added that workers and indeed the entire humankind should be conscious of the day of accountability when everybody wouldstand before the Creator to account for what they had done while alive.

He said that the Mosque that was commissioned was not just meant for offering the five daily prayers alone, but to check excesses of wrong doing among the Muslim community and that it was expected to further serve as a centre of unity between the Muslim workers and their Christian counterparts both within and outside the complex.

Bajowa, appreciated the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for establishing the cassava processing plant in his community and assured that the plant would be properly guarded and put into effective use.

The royal father noted that the project was a welcome development, adding that it would help reduce the high rate of unemployment and reduce other social

vices associated with unemployment in the Niger Delta region.

In order to facilitate the movement of goods and services within adjourning communities, the monarch of Igbotako solicited the assistance of the federal government to construct the Igbotako- Ode Aye Road and other feeder roads in the local government area.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Belema Wakama, thanked the contractor of the project for a job well done, the host community, traditional rulers and all other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion and inauguration of the cassava processing plant.

Madam Wakama said that

the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs would continue to monitor the operation of the plant to make sure the essence of establishing the plant was achieved.

She added that the successful maintenance and operation of the plant would encourage government to establish many more of its kind in other cassava producing communities within the Niger Delta region.

Cross Section of the newly appointed Judges and Kadis in Abuja. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

We’re doing much to help less-privileged–Minister AdeolA Tukuru AbujA

M

inister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator A’isha Jummai Alhassan, has pointed out that her ministry has done much and is doing much in up-lifting the status and values of families, most especially the lessprivileged ones.

The minister made this

known recently at an International Family Day event.

She added that the ministry had provided material assistance and income generating items such as grinding machines, sewing machines, carpentry tools among others to distressed families in different parts of the country.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, further stressed that the observance of the international day of families was proclaimed by

the United Nations General Assembly at its 112th plenary meeting held in 1993.

She added that the theme was linked to 2030 agenda for sustainable development and in particular to goal 3 which ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.

In a press statement issued in the ministry, she noted that financial assistance were given out for settlement of bills for some indigent families.

“The ministry had provided and is still providing

training for the poor families in the area of income generation and skills acquisition, to enable them become economically self-sustaining.”

Also, the Director, Social Welfare in the ministry, Mrs. Temitope Gbangboye, who represented the Permanent Secretary said the theme for this year’s international family day -“Family Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future” focuses on the importance of strong family lives for sustainable development.

Minister, police celebrate officer over promotion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

the FCT administration, I wish to first and foremost congratulate the Hon. Commissioner and his command for having very many officers under his command to be among those promoted recently. That is a sign of leadership. When people get promoted, a lot of the time, the attributes for the promotion are usually aligned with the persons who get the promotion, but the reality is that you may never be a good officer and excel in your career if you don’t have a good boss. We are very delighted that Ahmed is among those that have been promoted.

“We, also in the FCTA, are very happy and proud that one of us has been elevated.

Like you rightly said, he was among the crop of officers that, to a large extent, are the new faces of the Nigerian police - hardworking, dedicated and smart. From what I have seen, after I have worked with him for the last six months, I have no doubt, God willing, the sky is going to be the limit for this young officer.

For you Commissioner of Police, continue with your good work and training of officer, because as you know, we need more and more police within our communities,” he added.

He said that the FCT need-

ed improved security, even as he expressed hope that the recruitment being done by the force would give fair quota to the nation’s capital. Earlier in his remarks, the police commissioner had said he was glad to have the officer working under him, as according to him, Rasheed had exhibited courage and hard work.

“We thank God almighty for a reward for hard work.

ASP, a hardworking officer, consistently courageous, diligent in his assignment, and has so much love for his career. So, I am not surprised that he was considered suitable for promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent

of Police. When you do your work, you will think people are not watching you, but people watch, and they take note.

“His promotion is not just among the bar, he has really distinguished himself within the short period I have seen him. I have seen a very competent and capable officer that is dependable. And, I have the rare privilege to present before the minister, ASP Ahmed Rasheed for the decoration,” he added.

Ahmed told the gathering that he was inspired by the honour bestowed on him, including his promotion by the force, to give more to the nation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 39

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

NAFDAC seizes fake, cosmetics worth N3.5m in Enugu T

he National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has seized fake and sub-standard drugs and cosmetics worth over N3.5 million within Enugu metropolis.

The Enugu State coordinator of the agency, Mr. Ikechukwu Okoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu that the seizures were done in four-day operations.

Okoye said the products had no NAFDAC registration number while some had fake NAFDAC registration numbers. ``And we intend to carry out similar exercises in Nsukka, Oji River and Awgu axis of the state very soon,’’ he said.

The coordinator reiterated that unwholesome drugs and cosmetics were injurious and urged the people not to patronise them. Okoye said the agency was committed to ensuring that drug, cosmetics and food outlets stock healthy and wholesome product for optimal health of Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to be wary of what they buy and look at the products and its packaging as well as information provide in them to ascertain their expiring and manufacturing dates.

NAN reports that majority of the unwholesome products seized include Vego 100, Fair cream, olive oil gel, olive oil cream, Vitamin A, insecticides, hydrogen peroxide and USA vingra 100.

Bello sues for peace over Ibaji oil crisis MArcus FAtunMole AbujA

K

ogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has appealed to people of Odeke and Echenno communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state to remain peaceful over the controversy surrounding the ownership of oil discovered in the area.

Bello said as Federal Government is yet to come out with a pronouncement on ownership of the oil.

Peace in the area would enable the people benefit from the resources, according to a recent statement made available to National Mirror by Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of the state, Akor Sylvester.

Bello, according to the release, visited the purported boundary location between Odeke Village and Agulere community of Anambra State following crisis in the area over the disputed oil well.

The governor, which the release noted was represented by his deputy, Elder Simon Achuba, was quoted as saying following the crisis in the area, appropriate government’s agency was unable to do its work and come out with the resolution of the matter, even as he appealed to the communities involved in the dispute to give peace a chance for government to take position on the issue.

The governor added that resolution of such dispute couldn’t take place in the atmosphere of crisis.

He called on the communities to embrace peace until the determination of the issue by the appropriate authority.

“The governor commended the communities, especially the youths, for believing in the

present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari to find lasting solution to the crisis in the area.

He gave the assurance that the government would not disappoint them.

Speaking earlier, the Onu of Odeke, Dominic Unaneh, said the community was ready to welcome any sincere move by government to restore peace in the area.

He commended the Governor Bello-led administration of the state for its concern over the crisis in the area.

According to the village head, since the beginning of the crisis his subjects had been denied access to their farm lands by their opponents and as a result, they had started wallowing in poverty.

He called on government to come to their aid by providing food items and other relief materials to the people even as he said his people were law abiding citizens.

L-R: Governors Akinwunmi Ambode (LAGOS); Willie Obiano (ANAMBRA); Rochas Okoroocha (IMO) and Atiku Bagudu (KEBBI), at the National Economic Council Meeting in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Airports driven by existing economic realities–Minister

T

he Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has said that airports anywhere in the world are driven by the economic realities of a particular area.

Amaechi stated this when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

He, therefore, advised state governments intending to build airports to always take the economic realities in their areas into consideration. ``There is one airport that my former colleague was subsidising for passengers to use even though now the airport has picked up a bit. ``There are some airports in some parts of the country that only chartered flights go to. ``That is why I have said that it is economic realities that drive an airport.

NSCDC hails Buhari for creating office for disable CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

first of its kind in Nigeria, calling on other citizens not to, in any way, look down on persons with disability. He affirmed that they could meaningfully contribute their quota to national growth.

Dr. Samuel maintained that they were looking forward to be integrated into social activities nationwide.

He disclosed that the core reason for partnering with the NSCDC was to be able to address the problem of violation of the rights of persons with disability. He called for policies to be put in place sothat 10 per cent of PWD could be employed in both public and private organisations nation-

wide.

He highlighted that they also desired to partner with the NSCDC in the area of capacity building for the PWD. He posited that the PWD could excel in the intelligence gathering world, and they would not fail to deliver.

The Commandant General in his response, congratulated Dr. Samuel Ankeli for his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Persons with Disability.

At the same time, he expressed appreciation that Buhari include the PWDs in his administration which, according to him, was the first of its kind in any Nigerian government since inception.

``Dubai maritime activities is free because goods come and they act as a transition and when the goods come you come there, unload and transit to your country. ``So it is those economic activities that would help build an airport. ``Take for instance, my friend and former colleague, who was the governor of Delta State, I was like why did

you build an airport in Asaba when there is one at Benin? ``I told him that he could have used the money used on that airport to build schools and so on. ``He said the activities in Onitsha can fund that airport and that is complete. ``In fact, if by tomorrow they apply for international flight and I have the capacity to give them approval, I will do

that. ``Most of those who trade outside of Onitsha can export their products through Asaba and that makes economic sense.’’

Amaechi, said that payment for the use of trolleys at the airports was not peculiar to Nigeria.

He said it was the trend in a lot of airports across the world.

Joel AJAyi

istry in its resolve to amicably settle NYCN leadership crisis held series of meetings with all stakeholders that the several cases in law court should voluntarily withdraw to pave way for peace process to commence.

“While effort were still ongoing to resolve the crisis information got to the ministry that a particular group led by Bar. Ikenga was planning to hold another congress from 6th to 8th of August 2015 at Agura hotel in Abuja without the consent of BOT and ministry. Fortunately no congress was held; in this vein the

ministry cannot recognise the non-existing leadership of the NYCN. “For standing on the part of truth and justice, the ministry is paying the price of being taken to court by this illegal group. But rather than dampening our spirit we are more determined than ever before to repackage the NYCN to meet the aspiration of the Nigerian youth.

“We are going to work with all well-meaning stakeholders of the youth council to facilitate the rebirth of national youth body that will give desire to the total representation to the youth.”

Dalung vows to repackage NYCN AbujA

M

inster of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has disclosed that the ministry is determined and ready to re-package the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, to meet the aspiration of all Nigerian youths.

He stated this in Abuja when the Board of Trustees of the NYCN paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

The minister said the ministry was working hard to ensure the goal of making national youth council the authentic voice of the Nigeria youths is achieved.

Dalung maintained that the ministry was ready to work with well-meaning stakeholder of the youth council to facilitate the re-birth of NYCN. According to him, “your visit is an invitation that critical stakeholders of the National Youth Council in Nigeria have resolved to finding a lasting solution to the lingering leadership crisis in the NYCN and to properly reposition the body for effective youth representation as it is the case in all well-meaning societies” He said further: “The min-

Minister calls for synergy between entrepreneurs, science agencies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

ence and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, and the Project Development Institute which, according to him, had advanced technology, especially in areas of reserved engineering.

Onu promised to provide them with necessary machineries that would enable them migrate from small to medium and eventually become a

multinational companies to make the economy resilient and strong.

Earlier, the chairman of NATIE, Duro Kuteji, called on the minister to support the proposal that would induce all government agencies to patronise Made-inNigeria products and also accommodate them in the proposed Technology Park when fully established.

40

Capital Market

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Retention of MPR at 12% ‘ll boost stock investment – Analysts StorieS: JohnSon okanlawon

T

he adoption of a flexible foreign exchange rate regime and retention of Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 12 per cent will boost investment in stocks, analysts have said.

The Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, decided to maintain the MPR, Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR and Liquidity Ratio, LR at 12 per cent, 22.5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.

The Managing Director of APT Securities Limited, Alhaji Garba Kurufi noted that considering current inflation rate of 13.72 per cent, investors will prefer invest-

ment in stocks than money market instruments.

He said, “Some people investment in bonds at 12 per cent couple but the inflation rate is now higher than the interest rate, so investment in stocks is better.”

Also, analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited noted that trading in equities advanced on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday on the retention of MPR at 12 per cent.

The All Share Index appreciated 0.80 per cent to close at 27,231.50 points, while market capitalisation gained N74 billion to close at N9.35 trillion.

The appreciation re-

corded in the share prices of ETI, Transcorp, Access Bank, Nigerian Breweries and Dangote Cement were mainly responsible for the gain recorded.

The total value of stocks traded was N1.54billion, down 19.40 per cent from N1.91billion recorded the preceding day.

The total volume of stocks traded was 274.21million in 4,160deals, while the three most actively traded stocks were FBN Holdings, United Capital and Access Bank.

Vitafoam Plc led the gainers’ table with 30 kobo or 6.98 per cent to close at N4.60 per share, followed

by NAHCO Plc with 22 kobo or 4.82 per cent to

close at N4.78 per share.

Fidson Healthcare Plc appreciated 10 kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N2.20 per share, while NPF Microfiance Bank Plc added five kobo or 4.59 per cent to close at N1.14 per share.

Conversely, Learn Gainers Afand Losers Source: NSE Start Date 23/05/2016 through End Date 24/05/2016 rica Plc shed eight kobo Print Date 24/05/2016 or 9.41 per cent to close at Market indicators 77 kobo per share, while Gainers and Losers Start Date 23/05/2016 Date 24/05/2016 All-Sharethrough IndexEnd 27,231.50 points Cap Plc lost N2.00 or five Gainers for Equities Print Date 24/05/2016 per cent to close at N38.00 2016-05-23 2016-05-24 Market capitalisation 9.35trn S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) Gain(N) % Change per share.

1 VITAFOAM 4.30 4.60 0.30 6.98 2 NAHCO 4.56 4.78 0.22 4.82 Cadbury Nigeria Gainers 3 FIDSON 2.10 for Equities 2.20 0.10 4.76 Plc declined 86 kobo or 2016-05-23 2016-05-24 4 NPFMCRFBK 1.09 1.14 0.05 4.59 S/N Symbol Gain(N) Closing Price(N) 5 DNMEYER 0.79 Closing Price(N) 0.82 0.03 % Change 3.80 4.99 per cent to close at 1 VITAFOAM 4.30 4.60 0.30 6.98 6 UAC-PROP 4.12 4.27 0.15 3.64 2 NAHCO 4.56 4.78 0.22 4.82 N16.38 per share, while 7 ETI 15.12 15.60 0.48 3.17 3 FIDSON 2.10 2.20 0.10 4.76 8 UNITYBNK 0.77 0.79 0.02 2.60 Union Dicon Salt Plc fell 4 NPFMCRFBK 1.09 1.14 0.05 4.59 9 DANGSUGAR 6.60 6.77 0.17 2.58 5 DNMEYER 0.79 0.82 0.03 3.80 62 kobo or 4.95 per cent to 10 TRANSCORP 1.19 1.22 0.03 2.52 6 UAC-PROP 4.12 4.27 0.15 3.64 11 FIDELITYBK 1.24 1.27 0.03 2.42 close at N11.90 per share.

7 ETI 15.12 15.60 0.48 3.17

Tiger Brands’ earnings up 14% on divestment from Dangote Flour

S

outh African consumer goods maker, Tiger Brands said yesterday its first-half earnings rose 14 per cent, boosted by the sale of its Nigerian business, but projected that tough trading conditions would persist for the rest of the year.

Headline earnings per share (EPS) - including continued and discontinued operations - reached 974.6 cents from 852.9 cents a year ago, South Africa’s biggest consumer foods maker said in a statement.

According to the statement, excluding the sale

of Dangote Flour Mills headline, EPS was flat.

Tiger Brands sold its 65.7 per cent stake in Dangote Flour Mills last year after three years of failing to stem losses which were worsened by the oil price slump and export restrictions in Nigeria.

The company, which makes bread, breakfast cereals and energy drinks, bought the business as part of a plan to expand elsewhere in Africa to offset slow growth at home.

Inflation pressures, a scorching drought and slow economic growth in South Africa are expected

to continue to hurt demand, Tiger Brands said.

“The outlook for the balance of the year remains challenging, with downside risk to the macro-economic environment, both in South Africa and in a number of African markets, likely to add further pressure on consumers,” it said.

Most export markets were hit by local currency devaluations and foreign currency shortages in many African countries.

The company operates in Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, among others.

It said total sales rose nine per cent to 12.9 bil-

Japaul to raise capital to boost operations

J

apaul Oil and Maritime Services has said that it plans to raise capital either by way of rights, foreign investors, private placement among others.

A statement by the company indicated that it was proposing the capital raising, which to be tabled before shareholders at its Annual General Meeting holding in June.

It explained that to achieve profitability in the current financial year, the company plans to restructure its operation to focus on its core competences.

“In this regard, some of its equipment’s either underutilized or not functioning as a result of the business environment would be sold

and the proceeds plugged back into areas of its operations with better prospects for growth,” it stated.

The company stressed that the decline in the pace of economic activities and weak economic fundamentals in the oil and maritime industry has continued to hamper growth in the sector, resulting in underwhelming financial performance for industry players, including Japaul Oil and Maritime Plc. Analysis of the company’s financial statement showed revenue of N8.15 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, a drop from N10.57 billion in 2014.

The operating (loss) profit stood at N3.98 billion against N897.33 million profits in 2014,

12 8 13 9 14

ACCESS UNITYBNK NB DANGSUGAR DANGCEM

12 17

ACCESS LIVESTOCK

10 15 11 16

TRANSCORP NEM FIDELITYBK WEMABANK

5.10 0.77 125.30 6.60 167.09

5.20 0.79 127.61 6.77 170.01

5.10 0.99

5.20 1.00

1.19 0.73 1.24 0.74

1.22 0.74 1.27 0.75

0.10 0.02 2.31 0.17 2.92

0.03 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.10 0.01

1.96 2.60 1.84 2.58 1.75

2.52 1.37 2.42 1.35 1.96 1.01

lion rand. An interim 13 NB 125.30 127.61 2.31 1.84 18 NASCON 8.15 8.23 0.08 0.98 14 DANGCEM 167.09 170.01 2.92 1.75 19 GUARANTY 20.02 20.20 0.18 0.90 dividend of 363 cents per 15 NEM 0.73 0.74 0.01 1.37 20 SKYEBANK 1.13 1.14 0.01 0.88 share was declared.

16 WEMABANK 0.74 0.75 0.01 1.35 21 MCNICHOLS 1.39 1.40 0.01 0.72 17 LIVESTOCK 0.99 1.00 0.01 1.01 22 DIAMONDBNK 1.91 1.92 0.01 0.52 The Chief Executive, 18 NASCON 8.15 8.23 0.08 0.98 23 UBA 4.40 4.42 0.02 0.45 Lawrence MacDougall, 19 GUARANTY 20.02 20.20 0.18 0.90 24 OANDO 6.00 6.02 0.02 0.33 20 SKYEBANK 1.13 1.14 0.01 0.88 25 ETERNA 3.09 3.10 0.01 0.32 said the firm will re21 MCNICHOLS 1.39 1.40 0.01 0.72 view its operations in 22 DIAMONDBNK 1.91 1.92 0.01 0.52 23 UBA 4.40 4.42 0.02 0.45 its home market and Losers for Equities 24 OANDO 6.00 6.02 0.02 0.33 2016-05-23 2016-05-24 internationally, as the 25 ETERNA 3.09 3.10 0.01 0.32 S/N Symbol Loss(N) % Change Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) food producer looks for 1 LEARNAFRCA 0.85 0.77 -0.08 -9.41 2 CAP 40.00 38.00 -2.00 -5.00 growth after exiting a Losers for Equities 3 CADBURY 17.24 16.38 -0.86 -4.99 2016-05-23 2016-05-24 loss-making business in 4 UNIONDICON 12.52 11.90 -0.62 -4.95 S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) Loss(N) % Change 5 NEIMETH 0.95 0.91 -0.04 -4.21 Nigeria.

1 LEARNAFRCA 0.85 0.77 -0.08 -9.41 6 GLAXOSMITH 22.42 21.54 -0.88 -3.93 2 CAP 40.00 38.00 -2.00 -5.00 He said the firm was 7 CONTINSURE 1.08 1.04 -0.04 -3.70 3 CADBURY 17.24 16.38 -0.86 -4.99 8 HONYFLOUR 1.70 1.64 -0.06 -3.53 having a look at the role 4 UNIONDICON 12.52 11.90 -0.62 -4.95 9 CAVERTON 1.45 1.40 -0.05 -3.45 5 NEIMETH 0.95 0.91 -0.04 -4.21 of each of these portfo6 GLAXOSMITH 22.42 21.54 -0.88 -3.93 lios with an understand7 CONTINSURE 1.08 1.04 -0.04 -3.70 Page 1 of Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 8 HONYFLOUR 1.70 1.64 -0.06 -3.53 FGN Bonds ing of how they are go9 CAVERTON 1.45 1.40 -0.05 -3.45 ing to provide either Offer Bid growth or profitability Page 1 of Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © to our portfolio over the Description Price Yield Price Yield years to come.

15.10 27-APR-2017 1.08 105.02 10.05 105.17 9.91

while administrative expenses seen in the company, particujumped from N3.5 billion in larly the clean-up of its books 2014 to N6.36 billion in the year for profitability. under review as a result of impairment losses of N1.62 bilRate (%) lion and foreign exchange loss Inflation 12.77 of N2.43 billion.

12 The company’s loss before MPR tax stood at N7.89 billion in Crude oil price $42.41 2015 against N2.25 billion recorded in 2014.

Exchange Rates (N) The company however WAUA 270 reaffirmed its commitment to improve in its underlying USD 197.00 asset quality, cost efficiency, EURO 214 enhanced revenue generaCFA 0.32 tion and extracting synergies YEN 1.64 across the group.

It stressed that, already, SWISS 202 there are foreign investors FRANC that have indicated interest in POUNDS 293 the company and are ready to STERLING inject millions of dollars as a SDR 273 result of the intricate value

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.25

114.57

10.57

114.87

10.47

15.54 13-FEB-2020

3.88

112.93

11.31

113.23

11.22

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.83

120.16

11.53

120.46

11.47

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.96

109.78

12.24

110.08

12.18

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.82

100.55

12.39

100.85

12.34

Closing Market Prices of March 29, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

30-Jun-16

7.89

8.06

22-Sep-16

8.29

8.64

16-Mar-17

9.31

10.23

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

12.8333

1M

10.4872

3M

12.2247

6M

13.6227 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

4

4

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World New 41

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

EgyptAir 804: Stakeholders differ on crash cause

AfolAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

he search for EgyptAir Flight 804 continued yesterday, amid contradicting reports about the aircraft’s final moments.

Five days after disappearing en route from Paris to Cairo, some debris from the plane, which include life

vests, personal belongings and parts of wreckage, has been recovered.

“Small fragments of human remains have also been found, and officials in the Egyptian capital are trying to identify and match them to victims. Families of the victims have nearly completed giving DNA samples to help with the grim task,”

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to inform the general public that the Statutory Right of Occupancy with File No. NG 61576 Plot No. 659 located within F06 Abuja bearing Salamatu Awal, belonging to Habiba Kasimu Awal F is missing. All effort made to trace the said document proved abortive. Please if found return to the nearest Police Station PUBLIC NOTICE

OMEGA DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization applied to the cooperate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Anthony Gemonghonor Bassey - Chairman 2. Pastor Mrs. Nenka Anthony Bassey - Secretary 3. Elder Mrs. Mary Achi Alobi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ to all nations 2. To promote fellowship amongst believers 3. To assist the less privileged in the society Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Pastor Anthony Gemonghonor Bassey Chairman

EgyptAir’s Vice Chairman, Ahmed Adel, said.

“But it remains too early to determine from examining the remains whether or not there 41was an explosion on the flight,” an official at the morgue also said.

“Media reports suggesting otherwise are all speculation.

“Any high velocity impact leads to defragmentations, CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

AJAYI: Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI HAKEEM OLANREWAJU now wish to be known and addressed as IBIYADE HAKEEM OLANREWAJU. My correct date of birth is 13/07/1985 as against 13/07/1992. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

PETER: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS PETER SARAH MEKANI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NICHOLAS SARAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. FADAHUNSI ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUGBEMI ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKANNI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKANNI MOTUNRAYO BALQUEES now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KOLADE MOTUNRAYO BALIKIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss SOLANKE TAYO MARY. Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs DADA TAYO MARY. All former documents remain valid. And general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLANIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as OLANIRAN ALIMAT ROSEMARY now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIRAN ALIMAT ALEBIOSU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

GREEN CRESCENT HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named NGO has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 2004/ THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr Mohammed Audi (Chairman) 2. Dr Oreagba Ibrahim (Secretary) 3. Dr Salisu Ismail.

4. Mrs Naimatu Balarebe Musa 5. Dr Tajudeen Abiola AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To strive and educate against all harmful habits which cause damage to the young and to communities and technology addictions, as well as the addictions which destroy the physical and mental health of communities and the young, and substance addictions, in line with international norms and practices and the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2) To ensure mutual cooperation and coordination among its members at the highest level, and sets in motion the awareness, strength and resources of communities in order to strive against addictions in Nigeria.

(3) It will develop the necessary cooperation and joint working organizations with National public, private and non-government organizations in line with these aims.

Any objection shouldbe forwarded to the Registrar General. Corporate Affairs Commission. Plot 420 Tigris Cresent. Maitama, Abuja. Within 28days of this Publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

CHANGE OF NAME

DAVID: Formerly known and addressed as David Daniel now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Doughas Oyinkuro. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

ABOABA: Formerly known and addressed as ABOABA ENITAN ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as OTUBELA ENITAN OMOBOLANLE ELIZABETH All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS EVELYN UFUOMA IROIDORO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EVELYN UFUOMA ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that EMMANUEL CHINEDU KEMINUS, EMMANUEL CHINEDU UGWU, CYPIL CHINEDU UGWU and RAPHAEL CHINEDU NWANGWU refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL CHINEDU UGWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note

At the heart of the confusion over the final moments of the flight are conflicting reports from Greek and Egyptian authorities.

The flight was at 37, 000 feet when it lost contact above the Mediterranean, shortly before the aircraft was scheduled to exit Greek airspace and enter Egyptian airspace.

CHANGE OF NAME

BISI: Formerly known and addressed as Bisi .E. Saliu now wish to be known and addressed as Saliu Bisi Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

ALIMI: Formerly known and addressed as ALIMI AFUSAT OLAYINKA now wish to be known and addressed as ODULAJA AFUSAT OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as OMOTOSHO SHOLA instead of OMOTOSHO AISHA SHOLA. My date of birth was wrongly stated as 27/5 /1982 instead of 27/5/1985. Henceforth i wish to be known and addressed as OMOTOSHO AISHA SHOLA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADANG MAGDALENE AGET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS STEPHEN ROSEY MAGDALENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

Initially, Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos said that, upon entering Egyptian airspace, the aircraft swerved “90 degrees left and then 360 degrees” before plunging dramatically.

The head of Egypt’s National Air Navigation Services Company, Mohi El-Din Azmi, is challenging that account.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBEBE: Formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL OBEBE JEROME now wish to be known and addressed as OBEBE JEROME FOLORUNSHO All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

OLAYIWOLA: Formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABIDEEM ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABIDEMI ABIODUN All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

UGWUOKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUOKE MABEL NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS IBE MABEL OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLATUNJI SULEMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDARE SULEMAN OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANICHE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANICHE NONYELUM CHARITY, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS NWACHINEMERE NONYELUM CHARITY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

and this is not indicative of what caused the accident.

So, let us not jump to conclusions.”

Adel however said EgyptAir had no information about the location of the fuselage, adding that the multinational search team had focused on an area he described was about the size of Connecticut in the USA.

NWOBODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWOBODO NGOZI ANTHONIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS INYIAMA NGOZI ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the public that my name was mistakenly written as CHIWADE OBETA, instead of CHIKWADO OBETA. That henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as CHIKWADO OBETA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY MRS IBRAHIM ADIJAT OMOLARA NOW MRS IBRAHIM ADIJAT ADEBIMPE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

SPACE FOR SALE

This is to alert the general Public, friends and family of Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Unobe Tembo with regards to the publication of EFCC titled “DIVERSION OF FUNDs’’ dated October 26th 2015, in the Nation newspaper, that it is untrue, malicious, inconceivable and ambiguous.

The important question is “Why didn’t EFCC in the publication state the Source where monies was allegedly diverted from and the amount of money involved. Mary worked extremely hard for her erstwhile employer and established an autonomous engineering unit at its ebb to a profit center acquiring several contracts from blue chips companies close to USD100 Million for between 3-5 year term and rose to the rank of Executive Director with a stellar record before a major disagreement centered on her emoluments occurred between her and management of this Company. Her erstwhile employer took advantage of her ingenuity and nativity to build a fortune for themselves while promising verbally to remunerate her in future and cunningly refused to put these promised benefits due to her on paper and the officials of EFCC were well aware of this fact. EFCC did not state the other factor involved in the publication because this will expose EFCC as meddling in an Employer and Employee relationship.

This former employer of Mrs. Mary Unobe Tembo met a brick wall in a civil suit number LD/851/2011 which is presently on appeal as suit no CA/L/44/2013. Instead of amicably negotiating a disengagement settlement with Mary, they capitalize on their relationship with some of officials of EFCC who are supposed to be arbitrators but rather choose to side with the company for reasons best known to themselves. These officials were used to blackmail and coerce her to resign her appointment, take over her rights to a company in Cotonou, forcibly took her official cars from her place of abode with armed policemen without due civil legal procedures, as well as other items. All these ills were meted upon her despite EFCC awareness of the ongoing civil suit in a competent Court of Law, between Mary Unobe Tembo and her former employer involving these items.

Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Unobe Tembo’s erstwhile employer, in collaboration with some of these officials of EFCC subsequently resulted to this malicious advertorial declaring her wanted in 2015, though these officials were aware of her medical trip abroad vide a letter dated 22 September and acknowledged by EFCC. It is obvious that the aim of this advertorial was to discredit Engr. (Mrs.) Mary Tembo as well as bring harm to her career and her business endeavours. This action was also carried out to quickly prevent the course of justice of a fundamental right suit FHC/L/C5/03/15 instituted

by Mrs Mary Unobe Tembo against EFCC that was before Justice Idris of the Federal High Court which was transferred by the same Judge to National Industrial Court (NICS), on the basis that the issue was centered on Employer and Employee relationship. Hearing at NICS was fixed for April 26, but now rescheduled for May 30, 2016.

In order to correct the perception created by this malicious advertorial, the following steps have been taken: A letter dated 27th October 2015, requesting retraction of publication was sent to EFCC. A formal petition was sent to Mr. Magu the current EFCC Chairman in December of 2015 praying that he investigate among other things the malicious advertorial and the injustice being meted out on Engr.

(Mrs.) Mary Tembo by known Officials of EFCC in collaboration with her former Employer. Copies of these petitions have been sent to the Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption Commission., Police Service Commission and the Secretary of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

42

North

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

El-Rufai consoles Sani over mother’s death a za msue Kaduna

K

aduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday met with the senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, to condole with him over his mother’s death.

El-Rufai, who arrived Sani’s family house in Tudun Wada, Kaduna about 8a.m., was cheered by a mammoth crowd that hailed the governor for identifying with the bereaved lawmaker despite their political differences.

The governor was accompanied by some of his aides, including Samuel Aruwan, spokesperson; Bala Yunusa, Deputy Chief of Staff; Awwal Yahaya, Special Assistant on Youth Matters; Abdullahi Bayero, also a Special Assistant.

El-Rufai was received by Sani, who held the governor’s hand and went inside

the house for prayers and escorted the governor back to his car.

Before entering his car, the governor offered personal prayers for the soul of the Senator’s mother to rest in peace.

The mammoth supporters and mourners, who trooped out to catch a glimpse of the governor, chanted: “No more political fight between the senator and governor.”

It would be recalled that the All Progressives Congress, APC, had slammed 11 months suspension on Sani for alleged gross misconduct, disloyalty and antiparty activities and recently threatened to expel the senator if he continues attacking President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies.

However, Sani had accused el-Rufai of being behind his political ordeal, to which the governor did not respond.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man, 75, hangs self in Gombe Williams attah Gombe

P

olice in Gombe State have confirmed the death of a 75-yearold man, Baba Jigaw, whose body was found hanging in his provision store at the popular Kasuwan Katako (Timber Market).

Reports that filtered around the market area on Monday morning had it that one Mallam Muazu Garba had the previous day, about 09:35 hours, reported to the police about Jigaw’s body hanging in his shop.

According to the spokesman of Gombe Police Command, DSP

Ahmed Usman, the security agency deployed a team to the scene of the incident upon receipt of the report where photographs were taken.

Usman said the police brought down the body and took it to Gombe State Specialist Hospital where doctors confirmed Jigaw’s death. The police spokes-

man further stated that the body had since been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while investigations were ongoing.

Though no reason has been given as to why Jigaw may have committed suicide, Usman said police investigations would soon reveal the cause and get to the root of the matter.

Dwindling revenue: Al-Makura raises panel to review salaries igbaWase ukumba Lafia

F

ollowing the continual fall in the price of crude oil in the international market, which has continued to affect revenue accruals from the federation account to Nasarawa State, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday inaugurated a committee to review salaries of public and civil servants in the state.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Lafia, the governor said it has become incumbent on government to take pro-active measures to ensure that the delivery of government policies and programmes was sustained.

He stated that the salary situation was further worsened by the unfortunate oversight of the committee government constituted to work out the implementation of the Minimum Wage of 2011 in the state.

He said: “This oversight resulted in the wrong adoption of the salary structure which made Nasarawa State to pay the highest salary to its public and civil servants in the 19 northern states of the federation. This precarious situ-

ation has affected our determination to turn around the fortunes of the state to better the lives of the citizenry.”

The governor recalled that it was in this regard, among other issues, that government held a stakeholders forum recently with a view to coming up with workable solutions that will ameliorate the hardship occasioned by the economic downturn.

“After due deliberation at the forum, stakeholders expressed their opinion on the need for government to take a look at the implementation of the National Minimum Wage in the state once again for possible review. Accordingly, the forum advised government to constitute a committee that will look into the salary structure of the entire workforce of the state with the aim of reviewing it,” he noted.

It was against this background that Al-Makura constituted a 23-man committee to examine the implementation of the National Minimum Wage in the state and undertake comparative study and analysis of the wage implementation in the state in relation to some selected states across the six geo-political zones of the federation.

Chairman, Bauchi State Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Yakubu Isah (r) presenting Revenue Handbook to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu during the visit of Bauchi State Board of Internal Revenue Management team to the Emir in Bauchi, yesterday.

Fuel subsidy removal, best for Nigeria–Niger IPMAN Priscilla Dennis minna

N

iger State branch of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for partial removal of fuel subsidy.

It stated that Federal Government deregulating the oil sector would give room to independent marketers to source the products on their own, which

would help reduce queues in the country.

“Independent marketers are ready to give the products at governmentapproved price. With the partial deregulation, government has ensured that private sectors sell at the approved price. This is good for us.”

Briefing the press in Minna, Chairman of IPMAN in Niger, Adamu Erena, also washed the association’s hands off any marketer in the state that failed to adhere to the new

fuel price regime.

Warning members to desist from selling petroleum products above the Federal Governmentapproved price of N145 per litre, he stated that oil marketers in the state must adhere strictly to the directive or have themselves to blame, if caught.

“Anyone caught selling above the governmentapproved price should not call us. We must support the Federal Government; we will also use the task force on petroleum to

make them comply. Since, it is now a free market, market forces will even force the price even lower than the government approved price with time.”

At the time of filing this report though, filling stations in the state were yet to start selling fuel at the N145 per litre government-approved price.

Checks revealed that while the Federal Government Mega station sold the product at N143.3, others such as Rano filling station dispensed at N107 per litre in Minna.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Wike to score first goal at Yobo testimonial

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

43

Sport

Italian men and Russian women don’t shave before a race – Eddie Ottoz

46

Taiwo Awoniyi in action for Nigeria

Suwon invitational: Awoniyi, Okechukwu, others get arrival deadline

A

s preparations for the football event of Rio Olympics hot up, Coach Samson Siasia has handed down a warning to all the invited foreign based players for the Suwon invitational tournament to report to camp today or forget about making the team to the Games.

Siasia handed down the deadline after Monday evening’s training session at the FIFA Goal Project pitch, Abuja.

“It is annoying that these boys have not placed the same importance myself and other members of the technical crew have placed on the Olympics. I have information that aside one or two players who are involved in their team’s play-off games, the others have arrived the country but have just refused to report to camp,” Siasia said yesterday.

“If they don’t report to camp on time, how can I work on them to know their level of adaptability to my game plan? It’s frustrating sometimes. Except for Saturday Keigo who reported to camp on Sunday, the others have not bothered to report,” he added.

Siasia also warned that no foreign-based player was beyond being dropped from his list as he gave a final warning to Amuzie Stanley, Azubuike Okechukwu, Usman Mohammed, Sodiq Popoola, Saviour Godwin, Taiwo Awoniyi and Nathan Oduwa.The four-nation tournament to be played in South Korea as part of

preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympics will involve Nigeria, Honduras, Denmark and the host nation South Korea which will host Nigeria on June 2 at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.

The Nigerian side wil then face Honduras on June 4 at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, north of Seoul be-

fore rounding off the tournament on June 6 against Denmark at Bucheon Stadium in Bucheon, west of Seoul.

South Korea, which will make its eighth straight Olympic appearance, is paired with Mexico, Fiji and Germany in Group C at the Olympics.

Nigeria, the 1996 Olympics winner, is in Group B with Colombia,

Japan and Sweden. Honduras is lumped with Algeria, Portugal and Argentina in Group D, while Denmark has drawn host Brazil, South Africa and Iraq in Group A. Meanwhile, the Dream Team will play a friendly game with a local club tomorrow as part of its build-up for the Suwon event.

CCL: Zamalek, others don’t scare me–Aigbogun

E

nyimba Coach, Paul Aigbogun, says he is not losing sleep over a CAF Champions League group that pits his club with Zamalek of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa and Entente Setif of Algeria.

Confederation of African Football yesterday placed two time champion Enyimba in Group B of the 2016 Africa Champions League.

Enyimba and Setif have won the competition twice each, while Zamalek was champion on five oc-

casions.

Sundowns, yet to win this tournament, was re-instated to the group stage of the Champions League after AS Vita of DR Congo was disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifying rounds.

Group A has Egypt’s Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia’s Zesco United.

Enyimba will feature in what looks like the toughest group, but Aigbogun maintained he did not expect to play in an easy group.

“I think it’s an okay group,” he

said.

“There’s no group that is going to be easy at this stage, so for me the draw is okay.

“We have to respect all the teams but we shouldn’t fear any of them.”

The ‘People’s Elephant’ progressed to group stage of the competition after edging out Etoile Sahel of Tunisia on penalties in the last qualifying round.

Striker Mfon Udoh is the leading scorer in this year’s competition with seven goals.

Aigbogun

44

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Formerly known and addressed as MISS. AKINFIRESOYE VICTORIA TUNMISE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEEYO VICTORIA TUNMISE. All former documents remain valid. Ile-oluji and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Mrs. Jegede Christianah Abiola, now wants to be addressed Mrs. Akande Christianah Abiola. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB Osun State, Skye Bank PLC and general public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as SALAWUDEEN MUSA OLAJIDE instead of SALAWUDEEN MUSA OLAJIRE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIMASHAUN TAIWO FALILAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JIMOH TAIWO FALILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ORISS EZEKIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known and addressed as GRACE ROBERT REUBEN, now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE ADUKWU MICHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as VICENT CHIWETELA CHUKWU , now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU CHIWETALU VINCENT PETER. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Martha Ashilima Opia, now wish to be Known and addressed as Opia martha Hephzibah Obiajulu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Okanlawon Olasumbo Kadijat, now wish to be Known and addressed as Adekanmbi Olasumbo Adeleke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as WAIDI AJASA, now wish to be known an addressed as WAHEED AJASA SULAIMON . All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as KAREEM ENIOLA OLAYINKA, instead of KAREEM SHADIAT ENIOLA. All Former documents remain valid, public note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I hereby confirm that the person bearing John Ayanu is the same person as Ayanu Abraham Ayanu and that I now want to be known as John Ayanu.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL JIMMY UGBOAJA now want to be known and addressed as MICHAEL JIMMY EMEJULU All former documents remain Valid General public take note.

45

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public of loss of acknowledgement paper/letter of plot No 9. Festin Road Sabon Gari, Kano, issued on 30/3/2016 belonging to Suleiman Usman Olanipekun of Mai Kalwa Nalbawa, Kano. All effort to trace it proof abortive. If found please contact Ministry of Land, Kano.

CHANGE OF NAME

OZIOKO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZIOKO JACINTHA NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBO JACINTHA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OZOUGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKUEYINWA OBIAGELI OZOUGWU, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS AKUEYINWA OBIAGELI EZEH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOYEDE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUFUNMI ADEBOLA OLOYEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUFUNMI ADEBOLA AJIBADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATIN OF NAME

This is to confirm that I SALAKO DANIEL JOSEPH, is one and the same person as DANIEL JOSEPH. All for documents bearing the above names are mine and valid. General public and authorities concerned please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known and addressed as Egboh Isioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Isioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Oleh Faith Princess & Oleh Faith Ofure is one and the same person as Oleh Faith Titi.

All for documents bearing the above names are mine and valid. FBN, UBN and genaral public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olushola Rita Akinsehinwa, now wish to be Known and addressed as Uwemai Loretta Egbedi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Obasa Azeezat Olumide Nee Hassan, now wish to be Known and addressed as Miss Hassan Azeezat Olumide. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SOYEMI OLUWABUNMI RUTH, now wish to be known an addressed as FASORO OLUWABUNMI RUTH . All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as QUEEN NJIDEKA ONWUZURUIGBO, Now wish to be known and addressed as QUEEN MARYANN OBIANUJU OBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify that my correct name is SARDAUNA KEMI not SULE HELLEN FAMUYIWA. Henceforth my name will be spelt, called and addressed as SARDAUNA KEMI. Eco Bank. Plc, First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as RAPHAEL CHUKWUEBUKA OKEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as RAPHAEL CHUKWUEBUKA CHUKWUZUBELU. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Bar Association and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly NOSIRU OLASILE ADEMOLA Now wish to be called and addressed as JOSEPH OLASILE ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid General Public Take Note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

AGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as AGBO RICHARD JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBO RICHARD OSONDU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OZOIGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as OZOIGWE MATTHEW, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOIGWE MATTHEW ONUORAEGBUNAM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLAIDE: Formerly known and addressed as Olaide Simiat Yekeen now wish to be known and addressed as Ajiboye Sinmiat Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as FAUSAT SULAIMON now wish to be known and addressed as FAUSAT TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank/Access Bank and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Olakunle Ashiru, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ablodun Olakunle Ashiru-Balogun. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ERUOTOR: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Eruotor Hope Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Hope Blessing. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mitchelle Olamide Akinsehinwa, now wish to be Known and addressed as Mitchelle Vos. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Okolie Judith Ogochukwu, now wish to be Known and addressed as Adekoye Judith Ogochukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AGEZA GAMBO LUKMAN, now wish to be known an addressed as ADEZA GAMBO BABA . All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Enoch Etim now wish to be known and addressed as Enoch Etim Akwaruk.All former documents remain valid, general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly MISS OLADAPO ADUKE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OLUWAYEMI TOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IWUJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IWUJI HOPE NKIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU HOPE NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly MISS ADEBAYO FUNMILOLA JANET Now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. AFOLAYAN FUNMILOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MBAH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBAH NGOZI PROMISE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGU NGOZI PROMISE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI ANIKE now wish to be known and addressed as ANIKE SUNDAY PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SULIMON OLUDAYO OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEAGBO OMOLARA OLUDAYO.All former documents remain Valid, FIRST BANK PLC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abdullahi Ahamadu, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdullahi Ahamadu Danmadami.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mutiat Adejumoke Adebowale, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Adejumoke Florence Idowu. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS UFOMADU PRISCA CHISARA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EGEGBARA PRISCA CHISARA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Ogoluwa Sulaimon, now wish to be Known and addressed as Samuel Sulaimon Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Yekeen Ramat Gbemisola, now wish to be Known and addressed as Shokoti Ramat Gbemisola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Jeremiah Uimna Akem and Jeremiah Akem is one and the same person. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adejare Monisola Janet now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Afolabi Monisade Mariam.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ivoh Rosemary Amaka now wish to be known and addressed as Okoli Rosemary Nnaamaka.

All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANEG OF NAME

UWAKWE: I, formerly known and addressed UWAKWE MARY ALFRED UGO, now wish to be known and addressed as UWAKWE JANE MARY UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. FADAHUNSI ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUGBEMI ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Nweke Blessing Ngozi Angela now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Benjamin Blessing Angela.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly MISS ADEBAYO FUNMILOLA JANET Now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. AFOLAYAN FUNMILOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as RAHEEM FASILAT ABEJE, now wish to be known and addressed as RAIMI FASILAT ABEJE.All former documents remain Valid, Access Bank PLC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Amalachukwu Ikechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwanegbo Blessing Amala. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AWOKOYA IDOWU AFOLASHADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEREMI IDOWU AFOLASHADE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I Fomerly known and Addressed as Kareem Adewale Sulaimon, now wish to be known and addressed as Balogun Adewale Sulaiman. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Folasade Adenreti Oreoluwa Koya, now wish to be Known and addressed as Folasade Adenreti Oreoluwa Akinmusire. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ashogbon Oluwagbemi Christiana, now wish to be Known and addressed as Iro. Omo Funke Mariam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBIAJUNWA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DEBORAH OLUCHI GEOFFREY OBIAJUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DEBORAH OLUCHI FELIX KELVIN UKEACHU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adewuyin Felicia Ayobami now wish to be known and addressed as Fawole Felicia Abosede.

All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Aremu Ayobami Akintunde now wish to be known and addressed as Akinremi Ayobami Akintunde. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAMANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAMANI JULIET .N., now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE JULIET NJIDEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Oke: l formerly known and addressed as Miss Oke Bolanle Christianah now wish we to be known and addressed as Mrs Afuye Bolanle Christianah,all former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Osolu Sylvanus Ezinwa, Now wish to be known and addressed as Ezinwa Sylvanus Osolu. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IKE: Formerly known and addressed as IKA STANLEY CHIKA now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHIDOZIE STANLEY CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLANIRAN KEMI RONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEWALE KEMI RONKE. All former documents remain Valid, Dimond Bank PLC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNSUYI WAHEED BALE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNSUYI WAHEED ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Charity Subomi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Adebero Charity Subomi. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General Public and Relevant Authorities take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adam Taibat Abiodun, now wish to be Known and addressed as Etti Taibat Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWACHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as Nwachukwu Eberechukwu Chinwe now wish to be known and addressed as Adingupu Nkechi Chinwe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE DAUD, now wish to be known an addressed as OLAMIDE YUSUF DAUDA . All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBANJO OLUWABUKOLA OLAYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as BLAISE OLUWABUKOLA OLAYEMI. All Former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Nlewedim Ngozi Erica now wish to be known and addressed as Nlewedim Ugomma Blessing Ngozi.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abioye Basirat,now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Abioye Basirat Oyeronke. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BEKEE: I, formerly known and addressed as BEKEE STANLEY NZUBECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as BEKEE STANLEY URIEL NZUBECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

46

Sports

Mourinho opens talk with Man Utd

J

ose Mourinho’s representatives are meeting Manchester United officials as the Portuguese moves closer to becoming the club’s next manager.

Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, flew into London yesterday morning and is leading the discussions.

A deal is unlikely to be announced today but confirmation that Mourinho will take over is expected this week.

Louis van Gaal, 64, was sacked as United boss on Monday, two days after winning the FA Cup. The Dutchman could only steer United to fifth in the Premier League this season and failed to get them past the Champions League group stages.

Former Netherlands boss Van Gaal was also criticised for his lack of attacking play, with United only scoring 49 goals in the top flight this season.

Three key members of Van Gaal’s coaching team have also departed, but the future of assistant boss Ryan Giggs remains unclear.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wike to score ‘first goal’ at Yobo testimonial

Yobo

R

Mourinho

ivers State Governor Nyesom Wike will score the first goal of the Yobo testimonial which takes place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt this Friday.

Yobo, in whose honour the game is being played, said instead of the usual ceremonial kickoff, there will be a ceremonial penalty, to be taken by the Governor against former Nigeria goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama “Governor Wike is a man of

Naija Pro-Wrestling Fiesta holds May 29 IfeanyI eduzor

A

rrangement has been concluded by African Wrestling Organisation to hold a wrestling championship that will bring together some of the best wrestlers in the country to entertain Nigerians as they celebrate this year’s Democracy Day. Tagged “Wrestling Machine”, the championship which is billed for the Old Basket Ball Court of the National, Stadium, Surulere, Lagos will feature some dreaded wrestlers as; Jimmy Palm, Benbella Midget, Major Ariba, Golden Twin, Little Uche Midget, De Miser, Black Heritage, Super Apama, Big Seg , God Kiss, Lady Favour and De- Dalla slugging out to see who outwits the other on that day.

Coordinator of the championship, Jimmy Palm noted that the

organization is putting the fight together in order to keep wrestlers busy and prepare them for more challenges ahead even as he stated that it will be a regular tournament.

Jimmy Palm who is Africa Wrestling heavyweight champion noted that the gate is free for all wrestling lovers with an appeal to Nigerians to troop out in their thousands and see what their countrymen and women are capable of doing in the mats man game.

“We are organizing the championship to show Nigerians that we have quality wrestlers who can compete favourably with their peers from other countries of the World.

“The gate is free and we expect to see Nigerians troop out in their thousands to be part of the show and we promise that starting from now, there will be regular wrestling contests by the Federation”, he assured.

unique qualities, so it is only right that we give him the distinction of opening this special game in a unique fashion,” the former Nigeria captain said.

“Although he is great goalkeeper and a great penalty saver, I don’t think that Enyeama can stop that penalty.”

A host of international stars and former Nigeria players will be in Port Harcourt for the match, which follows last week-

end’s international golf tournament and Yobo says it is a credit to the Wike administration that the state is hosting major events without any incidents “High profile events and people are coming to Rivers State and it is a credit to the Governor that all these events are happening in peaceful circumstances.”

Joseph Yobo represented Nigeria at both U-20 and senior levels, captaining the Super

Eagles at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and featuring in six Africa Cup of Nations finals.

He won 100 caps for the senior team, with his last match being the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat by France in Brasilia in 2014.

His testimonial game will feature a “Team Joseph Yobo” (comprising of Super Eagles’ players of Yobo’s generation and a Rest of The World squad.

Ladipo proffers solution to Nigerian sports IfeanyI eduzor

P

resident General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has advocated for proper sports development as a panacea to arresting the country’s dwindling fortune in sports.

In a paper he presented to the Ministerial Committee on repositioning of Nigerian sports currently sitting at the board room of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Lagos, he expressed regrets that Nigeria which used to be the number one sporting nation in the continent is now struggling behind other countries; a situation which he said must be addressed.

“It is regrettable that Nigeria which ruled Africa in the area of sports in the past, is now struggling behind other nations.

“One may be tempted to ask; why is it the Super Eagles which was rated as the 5th best team by

Ladipo FIFA in the World in 1996 suddenly slumped to 67, an indication that something is wrong somewhere.

“When I look back, I remember that in the years past, the government took the issue of school sports serious and there were many competitions held monthly and quarterly where talents are discovered and we must go back to that before we can get it right,” he stated.

According to him, refusal of the country’s sports administrators to allow technocrats to handle the various Sports Federations as well as allowing various sporting facilities to deteriorate contributes to the country’s dwindling fortune even as he advocated for the involvement of genuine corporate organizations in the development of the country’s sports as well as timely release of funds by government for preparation of athletes for international competitions “It is absurd that the various Sporting Federations are not managed by technocrats who have what it takes to come out with blue print of how to move things forward.

“There is also need to encourage genuine sponsors to invest in sports because they will take it as business and make it what because of the profit they want to make.

Government on its part should ensure funds are released in phases and on time too for preparation of athletes, training tours and the competition proper as that is the only way to move the industry forward,” he concluded.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday , May4,25, 2016 Thursday September 2014

47

Table tennis: Union Bank targets more success ifeAnyi eduzOr

A

Fed Cup: Round of 64 matches begin today T

he Round of 64 matches of this year’s men Federation Cup competition, as well as the first round matches of the women competition, will begin across the country today.

While venues in Oleh, Owerri, Oshogbo, Lokoja and Benin will host the women’s matches, the 29 matches in the men’s competition will be spread round the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Makurdi, Lokoja, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Bauchi, Zaria, Ijebu-Ode, Jos, Oleh, Benin and Lagos.

All matches will take place today

Onigbinde, others pay tribute to Thunder Balogun’s wife

A

s members of Thunder Balogun family prepares to mark the 18th memorial service of their mother today, the cream of Nigerian sports administrators has continued to pay glowing tribute to late Alhaja Mulikat “Thunder Bolt” Balogun .

In his tribute, former Chief Coach of the Super eagles, Festus Onigbinde described her as a motivator to her late husband who during his life time was a great asset to the nation.

President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club described the late Mulikat as a great lover who played a noble role on her husband’s glorious football career while former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Sports, Opeyemi Bamidele remarked that late Alhaja Thunder Balogun rendered some assistance to various youth clubs especially in Lagos State for the development of the game that brought fame to her family.

In his tribute, former Chairman Lagos Island East Development Council, Alhaji Mufutau Kadiku noted that she will be remembered for heeding the appeal of then Premier of Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to persuade her husband to dump his British club, Queens Park Rangers and return to Nigeria and assist the West Rovers in their quest to win the challenge cup.

and tomorrow, with the exception of the women’s match between Sure Babes of Ilorin and Gift of Life Queens of Umuahia that will come up on Friday, 27th May. There will be 21 matches (20 men’s matches and one women’s match) today, and 13 matches (nine men’s matches and four women’s matches) tomorrow.

The Confluence Stadium, Lokoja will host a total of six matches (five men’s matches and one

women’s match). The Oleh Township Stadium in Delta State will host two women’s matches tomorrow. Area 3 Stadium, Abuja will host four men’s matches.

Kaduna will host three matches, just as the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri will host three matches (two men’s matches and one women’s match). Makurdi and Zaria will host two matches each.

Scouts invade Bishop Okonkwo tourney ifeAnyi eduzOr

T

he ongoing 14th Annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football competition has continued to attract football scouts from Europe who came in search of football talents that will later ply their trade in various European clubs.

This became noticeable last Saturday during the Match Day 3 of the tournament when scouts from Germany and Spain invaded the football pitch of the National Institute For Sports (NIS to watch some of the matches.

One of the scouts told National Mirror that he was impressed with the football artistry displayed by some of the players even as he commended the Presiding Bishop of “The Redeemed Evangelical Mission”, Bishop Mike Okonkwo for impacting positively on Nigerian

youths through the championship.

“I am highly impressed with what I saw in some of the matches. There are some great players here with good talent who can make it in future in the round leather game”, one of the scouts stated.

Meanwhile, in some of the matches decided last SaturOkonkwo day, Maryland United played a 1-1 draw with Odiah Fc while Staraf Fc and Synergy Ultimate Fc ended their game goalless.

Dream Achievers Fc recorded a walk over against Swift Fc who failed to honour the match just as Omoh Fc recorded a 2-0 victory over Simba Fc. The competition continues today with Omole Fc taking on SanSiro Fc while Sharmar Eleven will host Young Eleven Fc. Also Young Vessels Fc will lock horns with Eko Fc with FC Bethel International meeting Young Talent 99 Fc in the last match of the day.

NFF Tourney: Kaduna emerges North West champions AbdulgAfAr Oldimeji Kano

K

ano and Kaduna States has emerged winners of the maiden NFF U-13/ U-15 football tournament North

Pinnick

West Zone concluded at the Mahaha Sports Complex, Kano.

In the U-15 boy’s competition, Kano State defeated Zamfara 3-0 to be crowned champions while Kaduna state thrashed their Kano counterpart 3-0 to lift the U-13 tourney.

The first edition of the NFF organized U-13 and U-15 tournament held concurrently recorded the participation of the seven North West states in both categories.

Speaking at the finals, chairman Kano state Football Association, Sherif

Rabiu Ahlan disclosed that the purpose of organizing the competition was to fight against age cheating in Nigeria football as well as discover talents at the grassroots.

According to him, similar competition is being staged in other five zones of the country even as he lamented that age cheating poses a serious threat to the country’s football development.

The NFF member stated that, there is a strong resolve in the Glass House to take the fight against age cheating serious to pave way for Nigeria to return to its glorious days in football.

fter a successful campaign at the just concluded Nigeria Table-Tennis Federation organized U-16 Super league where her player, Augustine Emmanuel surpassed all oppositions to beat Michael Abayomi also from Lagos State 4-1 to emerge as champion, Union Bank table-tennis club players are craving for more action even as they almost claimed another victory at the just concluded international table-tennis world tour tagged Nigeria Open 2016.

Some of them got to the last 16, before succumbing to the superior fireworks of world class players that came for the tournament. They include Bello Ahmed who was beaten by Nigerian born Portuguese based player, Bode Abiodun.

The most interesting being the narrow defeat suffered by Rilwan Akanbi in the hands of the eventual winner of the 2016 ITTF world tour/Nigeria Open 2016, Benath Olah of Finland in the round of 32.

Parading over fifteen players at the Nigerian Open, head coach of Union Bank Table-tennis club, Samson Ajayi reasoned that the standard of the world tour was a little bit above his players, but stated that the exposure gained cannot be quantified hence his team needs more of such exposures.

According to him, Union Bank team have the materials that can beat any player in the world just the way Augustine Emmanuel did when he dusted all oppositions to win the U-16 league before coming back to emerge as champions of the 2016 U-16 Super league last week to make it a double crown for the bankers.

“Union Bank can boast of players like Bello Ahmed, Hassan Nurudeen, Akanbi Rilwan, Kazeem Monsuru, Wale Olaniyi, Alimot Ayinla, Bose Odusanya that won the 2015 Asoju Oba table-tennis title and sensational Augustine Emmanuel among others”, he concluded.

Milo Basketball championship: Bayelsa, Enugu advance to Q/final

S

t .Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State has booked their place in the quarter finals of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship Atlantic Conference holding at the indoor sports hall of the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu.

The Bayelsa girls were in ruthless form as they overpowered Holy Rosary International College, Owerri, Imo State by 32-5 points.

In the other game played in the female category, a close contest between Comprehensive Secondary School, Uturu, Abia State and Federal Airport Authority Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River State ended 15-7 in favour of the Abia girls.

In the boys category, defending champions St.Augustine Seminary Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State sealed their passage to the quarter -finals after beating Belary Group of Schools, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Imo state with 22-20 and 28-9 victories respectively.

Meanwhile, Ritman College Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State showed quality with a 30-19 win over Igwebuke Grammar School, Awka, Anambra State.

WORLD RECORD

Largest hairy family Vol. 06 No. 1377 Wednesday, May 25, 2016

N150

Not on this one, Buhari!

P resident Muhammadu Buhari was in faraway London to attend an Anti-Corruption Summit when the British Prime Minister, David Cameron said Nigeria and Afghanistan were “possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world”. The statement, which was not given to the press, but made in passing, somehow found its way into the media and made big headlines back home in Nigeria as usual taking different interpretations.

For several hours, the unfortunate statement trended on social media and as usual, no response from the President until I saw the full video of the incident.

The British Prime Minister truly made the statement, but was put immediately in order by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who said (about President Buhari): “But this particular president is not corrupt... he’s trying very hard”.

A

ndy Murray finally beat 37-year-old qualifier Radek Stepanek in five sets to avoid a shock first-round defeat at the French Open in Paris.

The British world number two trailed two sets to one when play was suspended on Monday because of bad light.

Guest Columnist

Victor “Larry” Gomez, Gabriel “Danny” Ramos Gomez, Luisa Lilia De Lira Aceves and Jesus Manuel Fajardo Aceves (all Mexico) are four of a family of 19 that suffer from Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis.

Olalekan W.

Adigun

Let’s not go further into the politics of it, but one thing I like most about the whole matter is the President’s maturity in responding to Cameron’s comment that he had no use of anyone’s apology on the incident, but for a refund of assets “stolen” from Nigeria now hidden in Western countries. I agree with Buhari on this one and others previously!

It was as though the drama was a ploy to distract Nigerians from what was to happen at home. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kashikwu, while his boss was attending the London conference, was busy doing his utmost to convince Nigerians of their new reality: officially purchasing PMS at N145 from the N86.50 per litre! As expected, the announcement was greeted with rude shock. On being told of the new price regime, I began calculating my daily expenses, which are sure to increase as a result of the new price of the product.

Let us get some clarifications before we continue. First, the government’s new policy is nothing new really. Some have blindly called it SUBSIDY REMOVAL. They told us in the peak of their passion that the subsidy regime was no longer sustainable, hence the need to REMOVE it. Second, there was never any subsidy in the first instance so there was nothing there to be removed. What just happened with the recent announcement was just FUEL PRICE HIKE, and not SUBSIDY REMOVAL. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a desperate attempt to defend the new policy,

There was never any subsidy in The firsT insTance so There was noThing There To be removed had said the Buhari administration has not REMOVED SUBSIDY. In his own words “…the real issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.” Again, even if the Vice President has come out to say that “there isn’t much subsidy to remove” some of us still have the suspicion as to whether the so-called subsidy is not just another way some persons are cutting their own portion of the national cake!

This leads me to my second point: What really does deregulation mean? If my understanding of the word is still relevant, the term simply means reduction or elimination of government control or regulation in a particular industry, usually enacted to create more competition within the industry. If then it is true that government is DEREGULATING the downstream sector of the economy, we then expect that bodies like the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and related bodies, whose existence would have become redundant would have been abolished by now. The fact that the same body, PPPRA, now fixed the price at N145 per liter of petrol tells me a lot about the so-called deregulation

the government is pursuing!

That equally reminds us that some of the arguments the governments, over the years, have made in support of deregulation and subsidy removal are just laughable. On the one hand the government will blame shylock businessmen and vested interests as the reasons why the refineries cannot work. They will tell us that only privately owned refineries can solve the problem of the oil sector. On another hand, as former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, once said that government had been an “irresponsible” businessman, government had no business in business.

Since government has no business in business, the economic royalists (as Franklin Roosevelt once called them) should do business at the state’s expense. The only thing left to be said is for the same government to come out to tell us something like: “Fellow Nigerians, the crisis in the oil industry is really not our fault. It is also not the fault of the independent and major marketers. The problem is that as a government we are irresponsible, clueless and reckless. As a result of these characteristics of ours, we are hereby surrendering our responsibilities to the royalists of the economic order to build and maintain refineries.” Though they have not been making frank statements as these, these have been what their defence of their inability to build and maintain the refineries look like!

Since 2003, it appears the government has not had a new argument save the same quotidian arguments in their rabid defence of failing policies like deregulation.

The fact that at one point, the Obasanjo administration justified the increase in pump price of petrol with the increase in international oil prices, how then does one explain an increase in oil price at a time when the international oil prices are at alltime lows?

Adigun, a political risk analyst and strategist, wrote via adgorwell@gmail. com

Sport Extra

French Open: Murray survives Stepanek’s scare Murray, 29, won the fourth set but was pushed hard by his Czech opponent before winning the deciding set to clinch a 3-6 3-6 6-0 6-3 7-5 victory.

Murray will now face French wildcard Mathias Bourgue, who

is ranked 164 in the world, in the third match on Philippe Chatrier Court today.

When play began on yesterday, Murray survived two break points in his opening service game before leveling the match by breaking.

But Stepanek, the oldest man in the draw, continued to frustrate the Briton with some inspired shot-making in a nervy fifth set.

Murray was two points from defeat when serving at 4-5 but held on and broke in the next game.

Andy-Murray

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