Binder1

20.08.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

WEDNESday

No. 2,242

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

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Leadership Newspapers

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Pension Administrators Transfer N300bn To Police

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Following the licensing of the Nigeria Police Force Pensions (NPF Pensions) by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), over N300 billion of police

pensions is expected to be moved to the newly licensed company from 20 pension fund administrators.

PenCom had recently granted operating licence to NPF Pensions as the 21st PFA in the country.

Consequently, all police pension

contributions amounting to over N300 billion being managed by other PFAs are currently being transferred to First Pension

INEC’s New Polling Units, Plot To Rig Out David Umaru – APC > Page 12

Custodian which has custody of the funds.

The fund is however being managed by NPF Pensions which was set up and licensed to cater ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Ebola: Sawyer’s Primary Contact Doctor Dies In Lagos > Page 5

We Won’t Fight Boko Haram With Bare Hands – Soldiers 5

Mutinous troops face execution, says COAS

L-R: Director of southern operations, LEADERSHIP Group, Ademola Oladesu; chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Hajiya Ireti Kingibe; group managing director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, and group executive director of LEADERSHIP Group, Kazeem Durodoye, during LEADERSHIP’s courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the bank in Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Benedict Uwalaka

Chibok Diary DAY 128

Nothing'll Stop Our Campaign For Rescue > Page 2 Of Schoolgirls – BBOG Group

2

chibok diary 128

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets

@EiENigeria "Our lives begin to end when we keep silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King @obyezeks DAY127 of our #ChibokGirls abduction.

WE refusing to allow that THEY be FORGOTTEN lift our VOICES & DEMAND: #BringBackOurGirls Now&Alive!!! ‫@‏‬rmajayi With #BringBackOurGirls & Boko Haram, I don't know why the #Nigeria Army's partnering with LASG to enforce BRT lanes @abdulhabiba12 Don't forget the #ChibokGirls 127th Days #BringBackOurGirls @AishaYesufu On this 127th Day of d abduction of #ChibokGirls we declare as always WE ARE ALL FRM CHIBOK based on our shared humanity #BringBackOurGirls @rescueourgirls 127 days since Glory Mainta was taken from #Chibok.

Will she ever come home? Never forget. #BringBackOurGirls @RepWilson No matter how many days go by, we will not rest until our girls are home. #BringBackOurGirls #travel @AishaYesufu On this 127th Day what hv our #ChibokGirls been forced to endure just to survive for daring to be educated #BringBackOurGirls NOW & ALIVE Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

Members of the #BringBackOurGirls Group (BBOG}during a village square meeting at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

'Nothing'll Silence Our Campaign For Rescue Of School Girls' CANCER: A Global Killer

By Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike, Abuja The BringBackOurGirls Group (BBOG) has declared that it would not relent in its campaign for the rescue of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted in April this year. Reviewing Monday’s street protest in Abuja at its daily sit-out session yesterday, the group said that as the world celebrated World Humanitarian Day, it would continue with its call for the rescue of the girls.

“Since we have made commitment that we will always stand with the girls, we will continue to stand. Nothing is going to silence our movement. We just have to continue.

“During the street protest on Monday, someone was asking if we are still meeting and the answer one of us gave him was, ‘Have the girls been found?’ This is our stand; that we will continue to stand until the girls have been brought back.”

Also during yesterday’s sit-out, the members of the group were reminded of their core values, summed up in the acronym HUMANITEDES, which stands for Hope, Unity, Motivation, Affability, Nationalism, Integrity, Transparency, Empathy, Discipline, Equity and Sacrifice, and urged not to compromise them.

The group noted that having become immune to insults and attacks, it was beyond disorganisation and would continue with its campaign until the end.

“The group is beyond the Chibok girls. It is the only group that is giving us hope that there is hope for Nigeria, a hope that there is still something like one Nigeria. In this movement, you have people from different backgrounds and tribes. It is a group that gives us hope of a better Nigeria,” it further said.

The disease accounts for 7.4million deaths worldwide in the past year.

It is the leading cause of death, causing around 13% of all deaths worldwide

Leading types of cancer and their mortality rates each year

Colorectal 639,000

Liver 610,000

Lung 1.3million

Breast 519,000

Stomach 803,000

The most frequent types of cancer worldwide

MEN

WOMEN

Mortality Rate

Mortality Rate

LUNG 31%

LUNG 26%

PROSTATE 10%

BREAST 15%

COLORECTAL 8%

COLORECTAL 9%

PANCREATIC 6%

PANCREATIC 6%

LIVER 4%

OVARIAN 6%

There are more than 100 types of cancer almost any part of the body can be affected

3

our stand Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Confab: Let Referendum Decide

F

resh concerns are being raised over the many controversies, misrepresentations and unfinished businesses of governance and lawmaking that the just concluded National Conference threw up. From indications, the report of the confab, in three volumes, will be presented to President Goodluck Jonathan at a ceremony tomorrow even with perceived flawed insertions, deductions and agenda for further actions.

Whether or not what is being submitted reflects the conclusions at the confab, we feel the delegates have done what three National Assembly sessions had failed to do. The confab reflected on the realities of the nation, using past and ensuing prognoses.

We believe, however, that the people of Nigeria have not surrendered their sovereignty to either the National Conference or the National Assembly. Indeed, in most cases, the National Assembly that is being bandied as the people’s representatives has, by its conduct, alienated its members from the same people.

So, asking them to pass the recommendations, even if not doctored, into law will amount to committing class suicide. They have, since the last election, jettisoned their sacred responsibil-

ity to the people for the lucre of self-preservation and perpetuation.

We are not unmindful of reported cases of “smuggled” items with serious consequences to our quest for a people’s constitution that may be inherent in the final report being sent to the president. Worried as we are about items wrongly added, deleted or omitted in the proposed constitution amendments, we feel that the secretariat, which has been asked to rectify the problems identified by some individuals and regional groups, will respect their place in history. The people of Nigeria never at any time surrendered their sovereignty; they know what they want in their statute book. If all corrections and observations made do not repre-

Editor Sadiq Abdullateef Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

sent the hopes and aspiration of the people, no matter what is submitted to the President Jonathan, they are bound to fail.

After several attempts and numerous hiccups at changing the military-imposed constitution, all stakeholders must give and take by allowing the people to decide. This is made more important as the conference itself side-stepped its Order 12(d-e) to reach consensual decisions by 70 per cent in its clause-byclause treatment of every issue and substituted them for voice vote. Our constitution-making process has to be methodical.

While we welcome this child of necessity, we hold that it should not be thrown away with the bath water. A National Assembly that could not midwife a “people’s constitution” should at least be willing to allow the outcome of the National Conference to be subjected to a referendum.

Other countries had gone through constitution drafting and amendment with the use of a referendum; therefore, we should not wrest the sovereignty from the people to ratify what they like and dislike about all the recommendations without exception, through a credible, fair and transparent referendum.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser Abdulhaleem Amin Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Ademola Oladosu Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

4 news extra

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo FAAN Reassures Passengers Of Safety At Airports, Security Beefed Up Security has been beefed up at the Lagos airport following the arrest of a suspected terrorist.

At the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters, visitors and staff going in and out of the premises were searched.

The suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber was arrested Monday morning at the entrance of Centrex, a facility belonging to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

Meanwhile, the spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, in a statement yesterday, assured air travellers of their safety, stating that adequate security measures are in place at the airports.

He, however, denied media reports that there was a bomb scare at the Lagos Airport following the arrest of the suspect.

He said,“The suspect, a man in his late 20’s was arrested at an area of the airport close to the church of the airport internal link road, leading to the Stakeholders/Limousine car park, a distance of about one kilometre to the international terminal. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was said to have been loitering around the said area all morning.”

By Nkem Osuagwu, Lagos

NTI Boss, Others Monitor Institute’s First Semester Exams The National Teachers’ Institute has, in the last five years, developed and mainstreams a five-point agenda aimed at repositioning the institute’s programmes across board.

One of the issues in the fivepoint agenda is the strengthening the quality assurance mechanisms of the institute’s teacher training programmes.

Towards the realisation of this point in its agenda, the directorgeneral/chief executive, management staff and other senior staff of the institute embarked on monitoring exercise of NTI’s programme of first semester examinations across the country. The management staffers were detailed to all the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Director-general/chief executive, Dr. Aminu Sharehu, who monitored some NTI’s examination centres in person, disclosed that though that was not the first time the institute had embarked on such monitoring exercise, this year’s own was unique because it was unannounced, and afforded the Institute the opportunity of extracting first-hand information of happenings across its over 400 centres across Nigeria.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, at the 8th Annual Micro, Small Medium Finance Conference and Entrepreneurship Awards in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

HURIWA Absolves NYSC Of Allegations Of N90bn Fraud, Ghost Corp Members

By George Agba, Abuja

A pro-democracy non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has given the management of the National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] a clean bill of health, saying based on its findings, there is no existence of any ghost participants in the annual youth scheme.

Accordingly, the human rights group said it had suspended its decision to drag the management of the NYSC to the coordinating minister of the economy and minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other relevant anti-graft agencies over allegations of fraudulent practices brought against it by some concerned petitioners working in the NYSC. Acting on a petition two weeks ago from some anon-

ymous insiders in the NYSC and relying on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FoI) alleging fraud and corrupt practices in the scheme, HURIWA had sprung into action when its team of investigators stormed Okonjo-Iweala’s office and the offices of anti-graft agencies to dig into the matter.

Specifically, the group’s mission was to establish the authenticity, or otherwise, of allegations bordering on fraudulent diversion of N90 billion unspent funds by the management of the NYSC and the existence of a properly coordinated scheme which conceals the existence of ghost corps members in the yearly exercise.

But, in a statement by HURIWA’s national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and media affairs director, Ms.

Zainab Yusuf, the group said it had found out that the allegations were not true as it was shown evidence of refund of unspent funds by the current NYSC management.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP reads in part: “Following intense investigation and full disclosure of relevant facts and documentary evidence sighted by us, we can, for the time being, state without equivocation that we are unable to trace the existence of any ghost participants in the annual national youth service scheme run by the management of theNYSC. “We approached the management of the NYSC in Abuja and we have since sighted some high profile authentic auditing information indicating that, in the last couple of years, some huge unspent funds were refunded

to the coffers of the federation.

It said that based on the above, the group had not seen any trace of the existence of ghost participants in the programme.

It further said: “We were also shown documentary evidence indicating that the participants are paid the correct feeding stipends as approved by the federal government of Nigeria.

“Except other superior information is made available to us, we can for the time being state that we have suspended our decision to so proceed with our mechanism of advocacy for a probe of these allegations.

“We will however continue to press ahead with our demand through the FOI for full disclosure to be made to us by way of documentary evidence and not just sighting of these official documents which were said to be classified.”

WASSCE Results: Nigeria Needs To Train 1,000 Teachers Daily – Expert

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja and Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

More reactions have continued to come from Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the education sector, concerning the recent West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) where mass failure was recorded.

The president of the American University of Nigeria, Prof Margee Ensign, yesterday advocated that 1,000 teachers should be trained on a daily basis to tackle the problem.

Students’ performance in the exam nose-dived from 70% pass

rate in last year’s performance to the exact opposite this year.

Ensign said that in order to tackle this mater of national importance, “Nigeria will have to literally train 1,000 teachers every day. And leaders must see to this as a priority, in order for the nation to move forward.”

She noted that the problem was partly due to Nigeria’s massive population, and said there were model countries that Nigeria could emulate. She expressed optimism that when this is done, the problem of mass failure will be a forgotten issue in Nigeria.

“Nigeria can take a cue from

Latin America and some Asian countries. They were once here and had same problems, just like Nigeria, but by prioritising education, they are today where they are, and so Nigeria can use them as models,” she advised.

On his part, another educationist, Abdul Ben Youssef, attributed the poor scholarship among students of today to the distracting impact of ICT on them.

“This is particularly salient at home where internet access could be a source of distraction because of chat rooms or online games, reducing the time spent

in doing homework or learning,” he said.

Youseff noted that this negative impact of ICT on learning depended on how it was used.

Another scholar, Mounir Dahmain, concurs: “This implies that the choice of what you use the device for depends entirely on you.

The reality is that every student living will in this age of information have the greatest opportunity to perform well.”

To him the internet is a mobile library and dictionary, where students can research more on all subjects taught in class without visiting the conventional library.

NEWS 5

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

LIVING BE BE 100100 LIVINGTOTO

One health tip daily

We Won’t Fight Boko Haram With Bare Hands – Soldiers

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu; Bayo Oladeji, Abdullahi Umar, abuja And Abdulkareem Haruna, Maiduguri with agency report

May the Life Force Be with You Qi, or life force, determines your energy level and optimum function. Thinking, working, and playing all require and consume qi from your body.

Traditional Chinese culture understands the need for

energy replenishment. Plants and herbs such as lotus seed, china root, longan fruit, pearl barley, ginseng, and forx nut have long been successfully used to strengthen digestion and boost qi.

Ebola: Sawyer’s Primary Contact Doctor Dies In Lagos

By Winifred Ogbebo, Ebriku John Friday, Victor Okeke, Kunle Olasanmi, Abdullahi Umar, Abuja With Agency Report; Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York; Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta; Midat Joseph, Kaduna; And George Okojie, Lagos

Minister of health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu yesterday announced the death of a senior female doctor who attended to the index case of the late American-Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyerr.

The minister stated this in a terse statement signed by his special assistant on media and communication, Mr Dan Nwomeh,

and made available to LEADERSHIP. The statement reads in part: “We regret to announce the death, this evening, of one of the primary contacts of the index Ebola virus disease case, the most senior doctor who participated in the management of the patient, a female consultant physician.

“With this unfortunate development, the total number of Ebola virus related deaths in Nigeria now stands at five. The other two patients currently under treatment in the isolation wards are stable and are being taken care of.” ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Pension Administrators Transfer N300bn To Police FROM COVER

for the personnel of Nigeria Police as a compromise to prevent NPF from exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Following the enactment of the Pension Reform (Amendment) Act 2011, which exempted the personnel of the military and intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police and other agencies brought heavy pressure to bear on the Presidency to also be excluded from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The federal government also decided that the Nigeria Police personnel should remain under the Contributory Pension Scheme, but with special administrative solutions to address the grievances

of their personnel within the framework of the Scheme.

The company is expected to operate like other 20 PFAs, within the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 and guidelines issued by PenCom. The pension assets are ringed fence as the contributory funds are kept or in the custody of an appointed pension fund custodian in accordance with the Act. The NPF Pensions is being run

by Dr Hamza Sule Bokki, a Fellow of the Chartered Pension Institute of Nigeria; member, Nigeria Institute of Management;former managing director, APT Pension Funds Managers; as well as former commissioner of Trade and Industry, Gombe State.

A group of soldiers in Maimalari Barracks, Borno State, have defied the military authorities, refusing to fight Boko Haram militants, saying that they would not fight with obsolete weapons.

A soldier who pleaded anonymity told the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that his colleagues numbering over 30 assembled their military vehicles along the Maiduguri-Bulabiri Road, complaining about lack of equipment to attack the Boko Haram sect.

“Our colleagues were ambushed last Monday by the sect and we have no weapons for counter-attack; soldiers are dying like fowl.

“The Nigerian Army is not ready to fight Boko Haram; soldiers were not being given enough weapons and ammunition to take them on.

“Not that we disobey them (senior commanders). Boko Haram are inside the bush, everywhere and the vehicles the soldiers were expected to use were old armoured cars that were not up to the job,” he said.

“There is war equipment in Maimalari barracks but the senior commanders deny us the weapons and we can’t attack Boko Haram in Alagarmo which is not more than 8 kilometres away from the barracks without weapons,” he added.

“We joined the army to defend our country, but you cannot defend it without being equipped to do so,” he said.

The Defence spokesman, MajorGen. Chris Olukolade, told the BBC that they did not take the situation as mutiny because it is a serious offence in the military if confirmed.

“We can’t just fall into conclusion that any decision of this kind taken by military personnel is a mutiny because it is a punishable offence.”

But the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt General Kenneth Minimah, has warned that any soldier or officer involved in mutiny would be court-martialed and sentenced to death.

He added that the army had no room for rebels, stressing that punishment for soldiers and officers involved in mutiny remained the death sentence.

Minimah, who spoke yesterday in Enugu during his familiarisation tour of military units in 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, further warned that soldiers caught sabotaging the ongoing war against insurgents in the northeast would be seriously sanctioned.

He said it was an offence for any soldier to sabotage the nation’s ongoing campaign to rid Nigeria of insurgency and terrorist elements.

Minimah said, “Of course, the issue of saboteurs which we

Minimah

experienced in the North-East where soldiers found it necessary to conspire, connive or colloborate with the terrorist elements, we are taking charge of that and very soon we will identify them and they will go through a field court marshal and executed in the theatre.”

He used the opportunity to warn the wives of soldiers in all the military formations in the country to desist from any form of protest against postings of their husbands to any part of the country to fight insurgents.

General Minimah insisted that soldiers’ wives have no right to carry out protest on behalf of their husbands because they were not enlisted into the army.

He stated that the authorities of the Nigerian Army would not hesitate to kick the wives of soldiers that would embark on any form of protest out of the barracks.

The COAS also disclosed that they had concluded plans to buy more arms and ammunition, assuring that they would arrive in the country, even as he expressed hope that Boko Haram would soon be defeated.

Our troops are brave - DHQ But in a swift reaction, the Defence Headquarters faulted the report and vouched for its troops that they are all brave and patriotic.

The DHQ’s director of information Major General Olukolade said all the claims are false and baseless.

“That degree of cowardice is not in the character of a real soldier of the Nigerian army. The series of lies contained in the alleged responses of the faceless person referred to as a soldier confirms the whole arrangement as another step of the mischief-makers working for terrorists.

“No soldier has been sent on any mission without being armed.

Each soldier answers for his action in terms of discipline.”

Speaking further, Olukolade said, “Anyone who knows the military reward for mutiny would not join anyone to try it. The overwhelming majority of the Nigerian soldiers remain as brave and disciplined as ever. They will certainly not join any renegade, coward, deserter or those trying to incite mutiny in the military to betray the nation ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6 NEWS

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Ebola: Sawyer’s Primary Contact Doctor Dies In Lagos FROM PAGE 5

But LEADERSHIP gathered that the name of the late doctor was Dr. Stella Edadevoh. Adadevoh was said to have died at the isolation unit of the Mainland Hospital in Lagos.

One of our correspondents learnt that Dr. Adadevoh, a renowned physician who worked at the First Consultants Hospital in Lagos where the late Sawyer that brought the disease to Nigeria was first treated for the symptoms, died yesterday evening.

Zmapp: Hope Rises For Ebola Treatment Three health-care workers who were given the experimental Ebola drug ZMapp in Liberia have shown “very positive signs of recovery”, the Liberian Ministry of Health said Tuesday.

Medical professionals treating the workers have called their progress “remarkable”.

The good news comes as the number of deaths from the outbreak in West Africa climbed to 1,229, according to the World Health Organization.

There are other small signs of hope amid the largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history. WHO has seen “encouraging signs” from Nigeria and Guinea that positive action can rein in the deadly disease. The current outbreak began in December.

The situation in Lagos, Nigeria, where the country’s first case was detected in July, “looks reassuring,” WHO said Tuesday.

“At present, the city’s 12 confirmed cases are all part of a single chain of transmission. Those infected by the initial case include medical staff involved in his treatment, a patient in the same hospital, and a protocol officer in very close contact with the patient,” the organization said.

No one on the same flight as the man who carried the infection into the country on July 20 was infected, despite him vomiting frequently on the flight and on arrival, it said. The man died July 25 and the 21-day incubation period has now passed, the WHO said.

Intensive efforts to track those at risk have not turned up any new cases outside the 12 identified.

One of those 12 has made a full recovery, the WHO said, which “counters the widespread perception

The late Adadevoh

that infection with the Ebola virus is invariably a death sentence.”

Evidence suggests early detection and therapy can help people survive, it said.

“The intensity of the search and monitoring effort raises cautious optimism that further spread of the virus in Nigeria can be stopped. The search for additional cases continues, as does the current high level of vigilance.”

In Guinea, the situation “is less alarming” than in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the WHO said, thanks to higher awareness and innovative efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Community leaders have persuaded 26 villages that were resistant to outside help to cooperate, it said. As a result there has been a surge in reported cases -- but these are cases that were previously concealed, so they should not be seen as surge in infections.

But despite the positive signs, the WHO warned that the outbreak is not under control and that progress is fragile, with a real risk of another flare-up and the continued spread of the disease.

Ebola: 7 out of 10 Nigerians express doubt over Nigerian hospitals ‘ability to manage disease - Poll Seven out of 10 adult Nigerians (72 per cent) are not confident in the capacity of their local hospitals to provide the needed care and manage patients with the Ebola virus.

This was the result from the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Poll Report carried out by an independent organization, NOIL Limited, in collaboration with EpiAfric, an Abuja-based public health consulting firm.

The poll aimed to gauge awareness of the outbreak of Ebola virus disease

(EVD); assess the degree of anxiety of Nigerians should the disease spread further in Nigeria; measure the awareness of Nigerians on how the virus spreads; determine how informed Nigerians feel they are on how to protect themselves from the virus; measure the confidence of Nigerians on the ability of the Ministry of Health and its agencies to deal with an outbreak of Ebola virus disease; gauge public perception of the capabilities of local hospitals in managing cases of Ebola; and identify how afraid of Ebola virus disease Nigerians are compared to some other diseases.

The poll further revealed that 82 per cent of those polled are currently more concerned about the Ebola virus disease than other infectious diseases such as HIV (8 per cent) and hepatitis (3 per cent); while the vast majority (91 per cent) of respondents is aware of the recent outbreak of the viral disease.

More findings revealed that 80 per cent of Nigerians expressed concern over the spread of the virus in Nigeria, with just over half (57 per cent) of the respondents having confidence in the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies to protect Nigerians from the impact of the virus in the event of further spread.

The three fresh cases of suspected Ebola virus disease from Lagos and Kaduna have been confirmed negative, says the project director, Nigeria Centre of Disease Control, Prof. Abdulsalam Nasidi.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday expressed concern over the threats and harassment of health workers in West African countries, saying that this act is developing into a worrisome element.

Reacting in a statement obtained by our correspondent in New York, director-general of the WHO Dr Margaret Chan said that doctors, nurses and other health workers must be allowed to carry out their life-saving humanitarian work free of threat of violence and insecurity.

She added that threats and harassment of health workers in West African countries had also been a worrying element of the Ebola virus disease outbreak, stressing that these professionals were taking personal risks to provide critical medical care, but have been threatened, shunned and stigmatized.

Dr Chan stated that any persons with an illness consistent with Ebola should not be allowed to travel by air, sea or land from affected countries unless it was part of a medical evacuation.

Meanwhile, as the number of cases reported by WHO as of August 13 reached 2,127 in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, with a total of 1,145 deaths, the UN health agency yesterday issued another update on travel and transport.

“Affected countries are requested to conduct exit screening of all persons at international airports, seaports and major land crossings, for unexplained febrile illness consistent with potential Ebola infection,” the update said.

Liberia finds ‘missing 17 patients’ Seventeen suspected Ebola patients who went missing in Liberia after a health centre in the capital was attacked have been found, a minister has said.

“They were traced and finally they turned themselves in” at a treatment centre, Lewis Brown told the media.

The government had previously denied they were missing.

The Liberian information minister said the missing patients were now at the newly expanded treatment unit opened over the weekend at the John F Kennedy Memorial Medical Center in the capital, Monrovia.

2 Guineans, 1 Nigerian under watch in Ogun Ogun State government has placed three individuals coming into Nigeria from Guinea under close observation as precautionary measure against Ebola.

Commissioner for health Dr Olaokun Soyinka said two Guineans and one Nigerian are now on Ebola virus disease observation list at Imeko Afon border area of the state.

He said this at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the preventive measures being put in place by the state government.

Kaduna quarantines Liberia returnee soldier, as residents panic The report of a fresh suspected case of the deadly Ebola virus disease in Kaduna yesterday sent residents panicking.

The Lagos State commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris, had told journalists in Lagos that “we have three new suspected cases. And one of them is a blood sample from Kaduna State while the two others are from Lagos, and they are primary contact. One reason for this was that they do not have the laboratory to test for the virus.”

But reacting, the Kaduna State commissioner of health, Dr Thot Dogo Joseph, said the state government only took a blood sample of a soldier who returned from Liberia with fever for laboratory test.

Ebola won’t spread during our conference - NBA The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that measures have been put in place to curtail the spread of the deadly Ebola virus disease during its Annual General Conference (AGC) in Owerri, Imo State.

There are concerns that the conference, which is a gathering of over 10, 000 lawyers, could be a ground for the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

At a pre-conference briefing in Abuja yesterday, president of NBA Okey Wali (SAN) said the conference would be safe for all participants.

Lagos seals off 3 residential houses over pollution As part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola in Lagos State, the Ministry of the Environment yesterday sealed off three houses in Lagos Island.

The state government, in a statement signed by Mr Fola Adeyemi, director in Ministry of Environment, made available to journalists said the action was to prevent the outbreak of Ebola and other epidemics in the state.

Germany quarantines Nigerian Ebola suspect German health authorities yesterday took to hospital and quarantined a 30-year-old Nigerian woman who showed symptoms consistent with the deadly Ebola disease, AFP reports.

Dozens of other visitors and staff at a Berlin employment office building were also stopped from leaving for several hours as emergency services sealed off part of the street.

We Won’t Fight Boko Haram With Bare Hands – Soldiers FROM PAGE 5

at a time like this, in the way that impostor told his interviewers. His claims are false.”

Controversy trails BBC’s Tuesday report on mutiny in Borno Members of the Nigerian security forces in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, were thrown into confusion following a report by the British Broadcasting Service (BBC) Hausa service that another mutiny

had taken place amongst the junior soldiers in the state capital.

LEADERSHIP’s investigation on the said report revealed that no such incident took place yesterday as reported by the BBC Hausa service.

Most military officials contacted by our reporter, including those who would ordinarily oblige such information to the press, denied any occurrence of mutiny yesterday.

Some of the soldiers who spoke, though on condition of anonymity, said that the only act that may be

mistaken for mutiny took place on Saturday, August 16, when some soldiers at the Maimalari Barracks of the 21 Armoured Brigade had to go on an operation in a village called Daiwa in Konduga local government area of Borno State.

“Some of our soldiers who were to go to Dalwa on that operation were later recalled back to the barracks and two of the armoured vehicles leading them were asked to withdraw and then the troops were asked to advance to Dalwa like that,” recalled a soldier who spoke

with LEADERSHIP in Maiduguri.

“That was what triggered our soldiers to anger even as they said there was no way they could go on that operation when the two APCs were withdrawn; and I guess they did not leave for that operation; maybe that was what was being reported by the BBC that it happened today (Tuesday); but the fact of the matter is that it actually took place on Saturday,” the soldier said.

The wives of soldiers had, on August 9, this year, mutinied

against the authorities at the Giwa Barracks where they barricaded the gates of the barracks to prevent the deployment of soldiers to Gwoza.

The women who staged the subtle mutiny with their children said the last deployment to Gwoza had caused the death of scores of soldiers who were buried on the same day of protest in Maimalari Barracks. They insisted that their men would not step out of the barracks until better munitions were provided.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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8 news extra

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

2015: Sokoto Govt Denies Allegation Of N3.6bn Loan To Finance Election Sokoto State commissioner for information, Nasir Danladi Bako and the senior special assistant to the state governor on media, Mallam Sani Umar have jointly debunked insinuations that the governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, sought N3.6billion loan to prosecute the 2015 election in the state.

Bako and Urmar, who spoke in Sokoto yesterday, insisted that the governor’s track record of good governance and a sellable candidate were all the governor needed to win Sokoto for APC come 2015 and not billions of naira as alleged by the state chairman of PDP. Assuring that the governor will not leave any debt behind, the duo affirmed that the said money was simply needed to complete ongoing projects across the state, since the governor had resolved not to leave any uncompleted project behind.

Bako said the state government is a very responsible and prudent government and has no reason to source for such funds for 2015 campaign.

On his part, Umar maintained that the loan had been reduced to N2.7billion after it was approved by the state House of Assembly, adding that the loan will be repaid

by March 2015.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

APC Warns Against Arrest Of Its Chairman In Borno The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned against the alleged plan by the DSS, acting at the behest of some politicians, to arrest its chairman in Borno State, Hon Ali Abubakar Dalori on trumped-up charges, saying such act is capable of precipitating crisis in an already volatile environment.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the situation in Borno is already very dire, therefore, no one should add fuel to a raging fire just because of scorchedearth politics.

It also warned the DSS to resist the growing temptation to dabble into politics, even while it is becoming very glaring that the agency is being compromised under the present political dispensation.

“The careless and clearly partisan statements being made

by DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar have shown all discerning Nigerians the direction in which the agency is leaning.

However, it must still exercise great caution in order not to spark a needless crisis in Borno.”

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

L-R: Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abdulkadir Oniyangi, chairman of the commission, Prof Attahiru Jega and speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, during a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act No. 6 of 2010 at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

2015 Elections: INEC Lists Conditions For Deployment Of Military * Forecloses Electronic, Diaspora Voting * Seeks 21 Days For Presidential Run-off Election

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Adesuwa Tsan and Chibuzo

Ukaibe, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday backed an amendment of the Electoral Act which constitutionally limits the role of the Nigerian Armed Forces in elections.

Also, the electoral management body foreclosed any hope of electronic and diaspora voting in the 2015 elections. Again, INEC asked the National Assembly to extend the time for conduct of run-off elections for the offices of President and Governor from seven days to 21 days.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), an association of all the 25 registered political parties in Nigeria, has called on the National Assem-

bly to outlaw “cross-carpeting” by politicians to other political parties after winning elections on a platform of the party.

The IPAC chairman, Dr Yunusa Tanko who doubles as national chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP) said the decision was unanimously taken after a meeting of the political parties.

The disclosures were fallouts of position papers presented yesterday by stakeholders in the Nigerian electoral system during a one-day House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters Public Hearing on the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act. On the deployment of the country’s armed forces in elections, INEC in its position paper presented by its chairman, Attahiru Jega backed the amendment of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act which inserts a new paragraph(b) that limits the role of the military to “securing the distribution and delivery of elec-

units across the country ahead of 2015, INEC has increased the existing polling units by 30,000.

With this addition, the total number of polling units across the country’s 774 local government areas is now 150,000 from the initial 119,973.

The creation of the additional polling units was contained in an INEC bulletin made available to newsmen which was signed by the director in charge of the commission’s secretariat, Ishiaku A. Gali.

The commission further put the total number of registered voters at 70,383,427.

On the timeframe for runoff elections, Jega said it will be “technically impossible” to conduct a run-off election in 7 days.

Jega said the INEC identified 23 Sections of the Electoral Act which required amendment.

He said the amendments if approved by the National Assembly INEC Expands Polling Units will provide a level playing field and enhance the Nigerian elecBy 30,000 In its bid to decongest polling toral process.

toral materials”.

The new paragraph(b) reads in part: “The commission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in the manner determined by the commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies.

On diaspora voting, Jega stated that while INEC was seeking constitutional amendments to allow for electronic and diaspora voting, it can only be adopted in “subsequent elections” from 2015.

“It will be difficult for INEC to prepare adequately for the process. There is simply no time to do that; we will not be able to do electronic voting in whatever form on or before the 2015 elections,” Jega told the Hon Jerry Manwe-led House Committee on Electoral Matters.

4 Killed, 1 Injured As APC, PDP Supporters Clash In Nasarawa

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

It was another round of violence in Nasarawa State as a vicious clash between All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Daddere town of Obi local government area left four persons dead and one in critical condition.

Trouble started on Monday when PDP supporters in the area took to the streets to welcome the member representing their constituency in the state Assembly, Hon Sidi Bako, who with other PDP members absconded from

their constituencies from the start of the ongoing impeachment saga.

This did not go down well with APC supporters who were said to have made efforts to frustrate the rousing welcome given to the PDP lawmaker and trouble ensued, leaving a PDP member with a severe cut on the arm who was immediately rushed to Sandaji Hospital in Lafia for treatment.

Men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) were promptly deployed to the area to quell the crisis and stop further escalation of the violence.

LEADERSHIP gathered from a reliable source in the area who did not want his name in print that the PDP supporters wanted to take immediate revenge but were deterred by the presence of soldiers and armed police officers drafted to keep peace in the area.

What started like a political feud, however, took an ethnic dimension yesterday as Eggon youths who could not avenge the injury inflicted on one of their kinsmen reportedly by a Gwandara youth due to security presence took the vengeance to the farms where they killed four Gwandara

persons on their farms in the hinterland away from security men.

A resident of the area, Mallam Shuaibu Abubakar, however denied insinuations that the crisis has any ethnic undertone, insisting that those killed were APC supporters which is the professed party of the Gwandara people since Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura is also a Gwandara man.

When contacted, the police public relations officer, Ismaila Numan, confirmed the incident, saying the police have recovered four corpses while one is in critical condition.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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stories of the Wednesday, August 20, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

THEFT: Police Arraign Technician For Stealing N720,000 Church Offering

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

Policemen attached to the Azikoro Divisional headquarters of the Bayelsa Police Command have arraigned a middle-aged technician over the theft of N720,000 offering belonging to a new generational church with headquarters along the Swali area of the state, before a magistrate’s court.

The accused, who is a member of the church, was reportedly apprehended by the resident pastor who hired him to repair a leaking roof in his office.

Eyewitness told LEADERSHIP yesterday that the technician, while left in the room by the Pastor to do the repair work, to allow him attend to other church matters, walked back into the office to discover the technician stuffing his pocket with bundles of Naira notes.

The pastor raised an alarm and other church members apprehended the technician and handed him to the Azikoro Police division.

All pleas by some other church members for mercy failed as the accused was handed to the police for prosecution.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State Police Command, Mr Alex Akhigbe, said the accused was arraigned before a magistrate court and subsequently convicted.

Theft: Pastor’s Wife Accused Of Stealing

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A popular Pentecostal church pastor’s wife (name withheld) in Agbor, Delta State, has been accused of stealing church fund.

Following the accusation, she was humiliated before the congregation.

It was reliably gathered that the pastor’s wife and two other members of the church were appointed as treasurers to oversee the church’s funds.

It was also gathered that shortly after Sunday’s service, and after counting the offering for the service in the presence of two other members of the church, she left with the sack containing the money and went into one of the rooms in the church, where she allegedly removed some amount and put them in her hand bag.

Unfortunately for her, the window of the room was open and one of the church members saw her putting the money into her bag and accosted her, leading to a confrontation.

While the quarrel lasted, other members of the church were said to have conducted a search on her and discovered that she stole over N8,000 from the offering.

Speaking to our correspondent, some church members, who do not want their names in print said, “Madam owned up to stealing the money when the husband threatened to beat her up.

Corn sellers waiting for customers at Area 10 Garki, Abuja, yesterday. photo by NAN

BIZARRE: Man, 20, Sleeps With Fowl Tope Fayehun, Akure A 20-year-old boy, Jelili Ogunole, has caused a stir in Akure, capital of Ondo State, for satisfying his sexual desire with an hen.

The incident happened at continental area of the town, with residents in wonder on what might have led the young man into such mysterious act.

Ogunole said he did not know what came over him and got him in the dead of the night to perform such a bizarre act.

He said he woke up to satisfied his sexual orgy, when a spirit came upon him to commit the evil act.

“I could not control my sexual feelings because my manhood was itching me before it erected. A spirit just came over me and I didn’t know what I was doing again untilI finished sleeping with the bird,” he said.

The boy, who confessed that he only gets sexual gratification from animals, also blamed devil for his misdeeds.

“Honestly, it is evil spirit and I now regret my action and won’t do it again”.

Jelili, a school drop-out, was an apprentice at

a welding shop close to the street and was said to have had a history of harming and having sex with animals.

A source said he had once been accused of sleeping with a nursing goat in his hometown before he was driven out by his parents, and he went to stay with his elder brother in the city.

The owner of the hen, Mrs. Stella Akintola, revealed that she was asleep when the clucking noise of the bird woke her up.

Akintola said she was disturbed and came out to see what was happening and noticed the door linking the backyard was not locked.

“I walked out of my room and noticed the door to the backyard was open and I searched to know who was outside.

“Immediately, I saw Jelili at the yard and I asked him what he was doing outside at the dead of the night but he told me he was having constipation”.

The woman added that after attending to him, she moved ahead to search for her hen and later found it dead in the toilet with blood over its body.

“I had wanted to shout to know the cause of its death when Jelili came to confess that he slept with the bird,” he said.

Frustration: Childless Couple Burns Holy Bible

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A couple in Asaba, Delta State, Benson Ogwu and his wife, who have been married for 16 years without a child, yesterday set ablaze their Holy Bible around Bonssac quarters.

While their action attracted hundreds of passersby, it was reliably gathered that the couple, members of a popular Pentecostal church in the area, were angry when their high expectations of making babies were shattered by a prophet who told them they had a delay in having children because they were far from God. Consequently, they claimed that God

has abandoned them, but an insider said that they were disillusioned after several prophets told them that the Lord was totally fed up of their Christian practice.

They were said to have sought the assistance of some native doctors, who allegedly lured them into serving his idol popularly known as “Onishe” where they were assured they would have children within three years.

Family sources said that the couple was married in the Catholic Church, which they dumped afterwards for the popular Pentecostal church where accusing fingers have been pointed to the pastor for raising false prophesies.

NABBED: Police Arrest Brigidi, 4 Others Over Armed Robbery, Car Theft

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

Policemen attached to the Akenfa and Yenagoa Divisional Command of the Bayelsa State Police Command yesterday arrested a notorious armed robber, John Brigidi, popularly called Timberland, and four others in separate security operations over alleged armed robbery, car theft and recruitment of youths for violent crimes in the state.

John Brigidi was arrested alongside Tamara Kuro Joseph and Udoka Nezedike during a raid along the Tenacious junction, Gamas and Tony Mas filling stations at Akenfa area of the state capital for allegedly robbing a couple, Felicia and Johnson Adejuwon at gun point.

The duo of one Kenneth Temiunsi, from Igbogene community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, and another unidentified youth were arrested with a locally made pistol and a stolen vehicle at Akenfa and Obele areas respectively.

The public relations officer of the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed the development, said the security exercise was an ongoing one targeted at mopping up arms to check the incidence of theft and robbery in some parts of the state.

According to Akhigbe, “Brigidi alias Timberland, was arrested at about 2:30am on the 16th of August, 2014, during a raid on the Akenfa area of the state following his identification by a couple robbed by the gang.

The couple was robbed at gunpoint at about 8:30pm by the gang.”

“On August 8, at about 5am, a gang of armed robbers operating in a Nissan Premiera Wagon with registration number, BY 37BB, was chased and apprehended by the police patrol team and some concerned individuals. When the vehicle was recovered, three suspected stolen car stereos were recovered,” he said.

day

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Photo News

pROTEST: Students Set Bus Ablaze Over Death Of Mate

BY MATTHIAS NWOGU, Umuahia

Students of Micheal Okpara Unversity of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) on Monday went on rampage and set ablaze an Akwa Ibom State commercial vehicle that crushed a female student of the university.

The first year female student was said to be going back to her hostel after the day’s lectures when the bus knocked her down in front of the university gate where she was standing.

Eye witness account said that the female student was waiting for a friend of hers who had gone across the road to make some purchases when the accident occurred.

It was alleged that the bus, which was on high speed, lost control and swerved towards the university where it hit the female student who was said to have died almost immediately.

Angered by the sudden death of their colleague right in front of the university gate, the students immediately pounced on the offending and set the vehicle ablaze. The driver of the bus was said to have escaped unhurt.

Some road users who commented on the unfortunate incident lamented the excessive speed and recklessness of the Akwa Ibom Transport Corporation drivers, which had led to many fatal accidents along the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road.

Some students called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the university authorities to erect speed barriers within 500 metres from the institutions to reduce the speed of reckless drivers and to avoid future occurrences.

When contacted, the public relations officer of the university, Mrs Onyinyechi Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident to journalists.

Reacting to the incident, the Abia State Police Public Relations officer, Mr Geofrey Ogbonna, confirmed the story and described the accident as unfortunate.

He said the police had waded into the matter to investigate the cause of the accident while the vehicle had been removed to stop it obstructing other road users and prevent another accident from happening if the wreckage was allowed to remain there.

MURDER: Court Remands 25-year-old For Killing Own Dad

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

A Jalingo Magistrate Court has remanded a 25-year-old, James Nicodemus Koknyom, of opposite Deeper Life Camp, Jalingo, for allegedly killing his father.

According to the first information report, the accused person, on August 1, 2014, intentionally knocked down his father, Mr. Nicodemus Koknyon, with a Toyota Hilux Van with registration No: DS 895GGE when the father refused to allow him to go out with the vehicle.

The FIR noted that on August 8, 2014, a case of culpable homicide was later transferred from the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters to criminal investigation departmen.

“He (James) knocked him down and marched his (Nichodemus’) head. As

a result, he sustained an injury on his head and was rushed to the state specialist hospital, Jalingo, where he later died while on admission,” the FIR said.

When the case came up for mention and the FIR was read to James, he said he understood the content of the FIR. But the court held that it had no jurisdiction to ask the accused person if he had committed the offence or not, stressing that the court was only holding the accused on remand proceedings.

The police persecutor, Sergeant Tyondon, asked the court to fix another date to enable the police to complete investigation into the matter.

The court granted the application of the prosecutor and adjourned the case to September 3, 2014, for further mention and ordered that the accused be remanded in Jalingo Prison till then.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Mr Kabiru Turaki (SAN); Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, and commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Hadiza Kangiwa, at the 2014 World Humanitarian Day in Abuja, yesterday. Photo By Nan

L-R: Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Gloria Elemo; former permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Power and Steel, Mrs Derin Awosika, and keynote speaker, Prof. Francis Shode, at a roundtable scientific meeting by FIIRO and Awosika Help Foundation in Lagos, yesterday. Photo By Nan

L-R : Executive Director, Project Alert, Mrs Josephine Effah; former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba; president, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, and country director, Ford Foundation, Prof Friday Okonofua, during national stakeholders’ meeting on gender-based violence affecting young persons in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Flood: 6,000 Rendered Homeless, 4 Dead

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

No fewer than 6,000 persons were yesterday rendered homeless and four persons killed following a torrential rainfall which caused heavy flood at Issele-uku community, near Asaba, Delta State, Reports said that apart from the houses that were destroyed, several persons were drowned in various gutters in the community as a result of the flood.

It was reported that the rain was the first of its kind since the beginning of this year after the 2012 flood disaster that wreaked havoc across the country.

Some of the victims who sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment

in private hospitals recounted their ordeal.

One survivor “the rain started in a very funny way and we thought it was going to stop after some time but it continued and resulted in heavy flood which trapped us midway while returning to our various houses. It was the first of its kind and we have never seen such rainfall since the beginning of this year 2014.”

Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Frank Omare, who spoke with our correspondent, expressed sadness at the unfortunate rainfall, and the destruction of life and property, adding that the state government was committed to providing solutions to erosion problems ravaging most communities in the state.

L-R: Speaker at the occasion, Mr Christopher Muo; director-general, National Mathematical Centre, Prof Adewale Solarin, and post-master general, Malam Ibrahim Baba, at a summit on Stamp Duties Act in Abuja, yesterday. Photo By Nan

12 News north-central

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

INEC’s New Polling Units, Plot To Rig Out David Umaru – APC

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the creation of new polling units in Niger East ahead of the senatorial by-election is a deliberate plot by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo, to rig out their candidate, David Umaru in the election.

APC publicity secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, who spoke to journalists yesterday in Minna, stated that it was unfortunate that the REC wrote for the creation of new polling units few days to the election knowing fully that the election was just a by-election.

Vatsa disclosed that the polling units in Niger East before was 1,122, but the party was surprised that few days to the election, the REC wrote to the INEC national headquarters and the polling units had been increased to 3,185.

He stated that the way the situation was going, the new polling

short news Niger Assembly Passes 36 Bills Into Law Niger State House of Assembly, 7th session, has passed into law 36 bills since its inauguration, the speaker, Barrister Adamu Usman, has revealed.

He announced this in his address to welcome back the lawmakers from recess.

Usman said, out of this, 32 bills had been assented to by the governor, four are awaiting assent and 15 other bills are pending with various House Standing Committees for further legislative work.

The speaker attributed the feat to the collective effort and commitment as well as unity of purpose among the lawmakers.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

units were created to facilitate the massive rigging against the APC candidate, Barrister David Umaru, because “they know that they cannot withstand the popularity of David Umaru.

“It is clear that David Umaru cannot be defeated in a free and fair election, hence they are devising various strategies on how to rig the election.”

While stating that the silence of INEC headquarters to their earlier call to change the REC, who was confirmed to be a card carrying member of PDP in Kogi State, smack of conspiracy, Vatsa noted that the party was ready to check all plans to rig the party out.

“This is a perfect way for rigging, if not how can you create new polling units few days to election. In fact is like the REC has turned himself to a consultant for rigging, whatever formula they have adopted.” he said,, whatever way they come APC is ready for them”, he said.

Kwara APC Chides Belgore Over Alleged Attack On INEC Staff, APC Members The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State yesterday criticized the alleged involvement of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), in the disruption of Permanent Voter Cards distribution exercise in Ilorin, the state capital.

The party, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, noted that the disruption of the exercise led to brutal attacks on an agent of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC members at Oke-Ogun ward in Ilorin South local government area of the state.

It called on the state police command to conduct a credible investigation on what led to the disruption of the exercise.

Belgore had since denied any involvement in the outbreak of violence at Ajanaku polling unit in Ilorin during the collection of the PVCs. APC said: “Horribly, not only that APC members were attacked by political thugs, the thugs were so berserk that they didn’t spare a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who was hired by INEC for the exercise who had to be rushed to the hospital.”

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

short news Kogi West Congratulates Senator Smart At 54

Indigenes of Kogi West senatorial district of Kogi State, under the auspices of Senator Smart Adeyemi Continuity Frontier, have commended the senator as he celebrates his 54th birthday with the less privileged.

Speaking on behalf of the group, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, the coordinator, Mr. Oladele John Nihi, said for the senator’s decision to celebrate his birthday in the orphanage and with the less privileged showed his level of humility and selflessness.

Meanwhile, Senator Smart has stated that the current situation of the country and the world in general current necessitated his celebrating his birthday with the less privileged.

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed displaying his voter’s card at the collection centre, at Share in Ifelodun local government area of the state. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI.

Saraki Urges APC Members On Continuous Voter Registration

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday urged party members who have not been captured in the permanent voter card exercise to troop out en masse to register in the continuous registration exercise that commences today.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will kick-start a six-day continuous registration of voters in Kwara State today.

Saraki, in a statement he personally signed, encouraged APC members who were yet to collect

their cards not to relent, but to ensure they get registered starting from today.

He commended members of the party across the state for turning out in their thousands to collect the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ahead of the 2015 general elections, saying that “this gesture evidently implies that the people are truly ready to participate in the forthcoming election fully and make the change we are all yearning for a reality.”

The statement reads in part: “Even though reports show that there are a few challenges in the collection of the cards at some polling booths in the state, I want

to encourage our members who are yet to collect their cards not to relent, but ensure they get registered starting from Wednesday 20th of August. I also task our members who have collected their cards to motivate others at all levels to ensure they get their cards.

“Generally, I must commend INEC for the good orientation given to corps members who have been very mature and committed in the exercise so far. I urge INEC to speedily look into the problems faced in some polling booths in Kwara and ensure the problems are fixed at the shortest delay in order to uphold the confidence the masses have in INEC.”

Why There Is Development Deficit In Nigeria – VC,IBB University By abu nmodu, Minna

The vice chancellor of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Professor Ibrahim Kolo, has identified one of the reasons for the slow pace of development in the country, attributing it to the absence of synergy between academic institutions and development agencies.

Kolo who spoke at the inaugural lecture of the university yesterday

said that researches in the universities were not being patronised by the industrial sector of the country for the economic development of the country.

He stated that the inaugural lecture presented by Professor Olusegun Olorunsanya of the Department of Animal Sciences and Animal Production of the university was a product of researches that could be patronised by the animal production industries for growth

and development.

While lamenting that many research works produced by universities had not been patronised by the concerned sectors of the Nigeria economy, he said that was why there has been development deficit in Nigeria.

According to him, “Ours is to make the research findings and it is left for the development agencies to put the research findings into use.”

Grand Mufti Of Ilorin Dies At 88

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Grand-Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sofiyullahi Kamaldeen Habibulahi Al-Aadaby is dead.

The renowned cleric died at his Oke-Imole, Ilorin residence on Monday night at the age of 88 and was buried yesterday (Tuesday) according to Islamic rite.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibra-

him Zulu-Gambari over the death of Al-Adaby.

Ahmed, in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, descibed the passage of the Mufti as a painful and monumental loss to the Muslim Ummah in particular and Nigeria in general.

The governor recalled that Sheikh Sofiyullahi Samaldeen Habibulahi Al-Adaby was a veritable pillar of support for his administration, and how passionately the Mufti prayed for him

and the state during the just concluded month of Ramadan.

Ahmed, who expressed condolences to the family of the eminent scholar, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, the Turaki of Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the entire people of the state over the death of the highly respected Mufti, urged Kwarans to use the next eight days to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the Mufti and other scholars who departed before him.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

13

14

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES, EFFURUN

Congratulations

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES, EFFURUN

appointment

well deserved!

I rejoice with you Mr. Anthony Muoneke over your appointment as the Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company.

I am not in anyway surprised at the attainment of this feat in your life, considering your track record in your personal and public life.

Dr. Steve Oru Honourable Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs.

I, Prof. John Etu-Efeotor, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurum; felicitate with you Dr. Steve Oru on the occasion of your appointment as the Honourable Minister of NigerDelta Affairs.

Over the years you exhibited humility, honesty, integrity, patience and courage; truly you deserve this elevation.

Once again, Congratulations!

I am confident that considering your innumerable record of positive achievements, this appointment would further drive you to foster the much needed peace, unity and overall development of the Niger-Delta region.

Once again,

Congratulations!

Signed:

Prof. John Etu-Efeotor

VC, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Signed:

Prof. John Etu-Efeotor

VC, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

NEWS/BUSINESS 15

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

business news

EDV- NNPC Health Facility Yet To Re-Open

BY Chika Izuora, Lagos

The health facility operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which was shut down penultimate Friday is yet to be re-opened.

Management of the state run oil company announced indefinite shutdown of its clinic

in the Muri Okunola area of Victoria Island, Lagos, following a suspected case of Ebola virus patient on admission at the clinic.

The company said it discovered that the patient had visited the First Consultant Medical Centre during the period the first Ebola case was

reported at that clinic.

Consequent upon the discovery, the Corporation took a pre-emptive step measure to safeguard health personnel in the clinic and thereafter reported the matter to the federal ministry of health as well as officials of the Lagos state ministry of health.

Second Niger Bridge: Dredgers Protest Exclusion From Compensation

BY OKECHUKWU OBETA,

Awka

The winner of N1million at the second First City Monument Bank (FCMB) 30th anniversary promo for the north region, Mr Ose Idasho (second left), receiving his cheque from FCMB’s zonal head, FCT 1, Mr Baldwin Onuigbo (first right), the branch manager of Bwari, Mr Haliru Garo (second right) and the bank’s retail cluster head, Mr Sunday Egele (first left), in Abuja , yesterday. PHOTO

BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

FG To Develop 5 Major Dryports

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

The federal government is working to develop five major dry ports of international standard in the country, minister of transport, Idris Umar, has said.

Speaking in Funtua, Katsina State, during the foundation stone- laying of the N3billion Funtua Inland Container Depot, Umar insisted that the measure was aimed at boosting transportation and strengthening economic growth.

The minister said the dry ports include those to be located in Aba (Abia State)Ibadan (Oyo State) Zawa-Cikini in Kano State, as well as those in Plateau and Borno States.

He said the Funtua Dry Port Station would, on completion, open up the vast hinterlands that would lead to the promotion of exports and imports, among other developments.

The minister hinted that plans were underway for the construction of seven additional rail lines that would allow for free movement of goods and passengers across the country.

Umar listed one of the rail lines as that of the Kano-Bichi-Jibia axis and that the effort was part of federal government’s ongoing massive construction and rehabilitation of railway lines.

In a speech, the dry port’s

concessionaire, Umar Mutallab, said the initial project cost stood at N3 billion , but that current estimate stood at N5 billion.

Mutallab said Niger Republic, states in the north-west, chamber s of commerce and other private investors have shown interest in investing in the port, even as he called on them to seep up payment for their shares for the project to succeed.

He however, appealed to the federal government to ensure speedy completion of ongoing railway rehabilitation and for the state government to construct roads leading to the permanent site of the port to facilitate movement.

Major streets in Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial hub were yesterday, blocked by aggrieved members of Dredgers Association of Anambra State(DAAS), who were protesting an alleged plot to sideline them in the payment of compensation by the federal government for the second Niger Bridge.

The protesters caused traffic gridlock for several hours in the commercial town, especially at the Habour Industrial Layout and Atani road in Onitsha.

Chairman of the association, Mr Gilbert Udemadu, alleged that an unknown group of persons have perfected plans to defraud the federal government by collecting the compensation meant for members of his association.

He said members of the association were invited to a meeting sometime in November, 2013, by a consulting firm, Aurecon Nigeria Limited, to deliberate on the modalities for paying compensation for their property that

would be affected by the construction of second Niger Bridge, only to be dropped by the government half way.

He said there was a list being circulated which did not contain their names, adding that the adopted list was made up of those whose property were not in any way near the place which the second Niger Bridge would pass through.

According to him: “After the first meeting with Aurecon Nigeria, there were several other meetings where we were informed that it was the federal government’s directive that any person that is affected or is likely to be affected by the construction of second Niger Bridge will be compensated.

“We were equally asked to submit the list of our members who were affected by the project. While we were still harmonising the list, one Gilbert Obi, who is also the chairman, board of trustees of Dredgers association swiftly went and registered another group and went behind us to submit the list to the consulting firm.”

Mobile Banking: Diamond Bank Leverages On CWG, MTN Platform

by Chima Akwaja, Lagos

In furtherance of the cashless initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Diamond Bank Plc is leveraging on MTN XaaS platform to power the Diamond Y’elloAccount. MTN XaaS runs on indigenous software from Computer Warehouse Group Plc designed to provide efficient cloud based banking services.

Diamond Y’elloAccount is a mobile banking product built on MTNXaas platform to enable MTN subscribers, including the unbanked and under-banked populace in Nigeria enjoy the banking services from Diamond Bank.

During the launch of this innovative service, the managing director and chief executive officer of Diamond Bank, Dr Alex

Otti, said the move was aimed at deepening the cash-less initiative, considering that only about 40 million out of the estimated over 150 million Nigerians have been banked.

He noted that the development would afford millions of Nigerians who have mobile phones but were alienated from banking activities due to procedures to seamlessly key into the formal banking system.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Summit On MDGs: ‘Nigeria Must Learn From MDG Setbacks’

BY Kingsley Alu, Abuja

At the ongoing Presidential Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Post-2015 Development Agenda, WaterAid Nigeria has stated that Nigeria needs to reflect and learn from its poverty reduction setbacks if it is to fully capitalise on the Sustainable Development Goals which are currently being negotiated globally to replace the existing MDGs. Speaking at the summit on the topic, “Addressing Socio-economic Inequalities: Key To Socioeconomic Transformation:

The Case for Water and Sanitation,” the WaterAid Nigeria Country Representative, Michael Ojo, said Nigeria has seen successes since the year 2000 through the MDG process, but the that the presidential summit was an important opportunity for reflection and learning.

“We cannot miss out this crucial step if as a country we need to make a success to the new Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite some growth, Nigeria’s access to water progress has been slow, and we are unfortunately not on track to meet our

MDG target. The situation on access to basic sanitation is even bleaker with Nigeria being among a handful of nations where levels of coverage are falling rather than rising.

If the current trend persists, access to basic sanitation is predicted to fall from 37 per cent in 1990 to just 26 per cent in 2015,” Ojo said.

He pointed out that despite the fact that the country has experienced increased growth in the last 10 years and today, is ranked Africa’s richest economy with a GDP of $522.6 billion at a growth

rate of seven per cent, it was ranked as a lower middle income country for a number of reasons including inequality, which he insisted was threatening the socio-economic transformation agenda and further questions the progress it has made as a nation.

“Unfortunately, the overall progress towards the MDG targets for water and sanitation has masked significant and growing disparities in access between countries, rich and poor, and urban and rural communities.

The lack of attention

FG Flags Off Training Programme For Shea Nut Stakeholders

BY Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The federal government has flagged off the Shea Nuts/Butter Season 2014 and the commencement of the international training programme for the grassroot stakeholders who are primarily involved in producing, processing, packaging, marketing and exporting shea nuts.

This was performed in collaboration with the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPPAN) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The minister of state for industry, trade and investment, Dr Samuel Ortom, who flagged off the event said it signifies the beginning of a new era in producing, processing, marketing and exporting of the

commodity.

Ortom stated that the FAO’s findings indicated that Nigeria’s Shea trees produced 57 per cent of the entire shea nuts across the Shea belt in Africa.

“It is, however, unfortunate to inform you that, Nigeria hardly processes five per cent of its shea nuts to butter neither do we pick nor export up to 20 per cent of the entire shea nuts produced annually in the country. The remaining 80 per cent is left to rot away unutilised. The output of the shea industry in Nigeria has the potentials of being equal with other agricultural commodities like cocoa, sesame seeds, soya and a host of others,” he pointed out.

Ortum said Nigeria’s affiliation with the Global Shea Alliance in the past made the organisation in

‘Encourage Local Production’

BY Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The managing director of Erisco Foods Nigeria Limited, Mr Eric Umeofia, has called on the federal government to encourage local manufacturers by placing a ban on the importation of foreign goods into the country.

Addressing a press conference after a facility tour of his company situated at Oregun area of Lagos State at the weekend, Umeofia said government at all levels should encourage local manufacturers, especially in the food sector, by introducing policies that will favour local manufacturers.

He said his company would have shut down its operation in Nigeria as a result of huge amount of money lost to government policies. He affirmed that government should come out with good industrial master plan that will engender growth of small businnesses in the country, adding that foreign goods are not better than indigenous ones.

“Government should also structure the tariff to encourage local production and discourage indiscriminate imports into the country and engender food security for Nigerians. We will save the nation millions of foreign exchange if the federal government put in place

January 2014 to conduct training programmes in Shea Cream and Shampoo production in Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that materials for the training programme have already arrived in Nigeria from the Global Shea Alliance headquarters in Accra, Ghana and would be made available during the training sessions.

In his contribution, the representative of the minister of state for agriculture and rural development, Mr Charles Ezinma, stated that Nigeria has lost $2.1 billion to activities of smugglers from the $3.8 billion expected per annum from foreign exchange, adding that his ministry was addressing the issues of long gestation of the crop, poor storage facilities and smuggling.

policies and legislation that will discourage dumping of packaged tomato products from Asia into our country.

“We are waiting for government to do the needful and if not we are ready to move our company away from Nigeria to Ghana or Dubai,” he stated.

Umeofia, who is a manufacturer of tomato paste, disclosed that they have lost $10 million to various government policies that is not favourable to them. He explained that his company provides employment for about 650 Nigerians, adding that with right policies, the industry will ultimately generate millions of jobs for the citizenry.

on reducing inequality is widely recognised as one of the major shortcomings of the MDGs,” he said.

If the post-2015 development framework is to be successful in eradicating poverty, then it is essential that it tackles inequality head on and that goals and targets have an explicit focus on progressively eliminating inequalities between poor and marginalised groups and the general population.

“One area of concern that has hampered socioeconomic transformation is access to safe water, improved sanitation and

hygiene which are crucial for good outcomes in health, nutrition, education and livelihoods.

“The inability of millions of women and children to access basic services like water and sanitation has not allowed some children to go to school; has made many girls vulnerable to physical and sexual violence on their way to unsafe toilets; meant that women lose productive time trying to collect water from very unsafe sources and girls are denied productive time in school because they have no safe place to clean up during their menstrual periods.

ICPC To Tackle Fraud In Car Insurance

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has expressed its desires to tackle systematic fraud in car insurance that is common with car dealers at the point of car purchase.

The chairman of the commission, Ekpo Ita, while addressing a team from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), expressed that after purchasing car from dealers and getting the insurance papers, he was shocked to find out that the papers he was issued were fake as the insurance agency stated on them denied knowing anything or having any business with the car dealer.

Ita further stated that it has become necessary for the commission to investigate this trend and streamline the jobs car dealers do to be only selling cars instead of dabbling into fraudulent insurance businesses.

17

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

11

the project ia an 11-storey building comprising a 5-star 89 apartments/ rooms and 23 Nos. office/commercial accommodations

2.2bn

the cost of the project has been estimated at N2.2 billion.

Restoring Confidence In Nigeria Mortgage Sector GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

With the huge deficit in Nigeria housing sector, amid high demand for home ownership in the country it is widely believed that financially strengthened mortgage outfits that could provide a robust facility will bridge the housing deficit gap.

Although mortgage financing has been in Nigeria for quite a while with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) established in 1956, known then as the Nigerian Building Society (NBS), a joint venture of the Commonwealth Development Corporation and the Federal and Eastern Governments of Nigeria its impact has not been felt in the sector compared to what obtains in advanced jurisdictions.

The industry all these years was state dominated until the arrival of the Federal government reform programmes of the early 2000s which liberalised national policy on housing and urban development in the country.

This development jerked the number to over 90 registered primary mortgage institutions (PMIs) in country ranging from the little known one-branch names to the more household multi-branch names.

The government in its move to restore confidence in the sector and make it more economically viable also mulled recapitalization of the Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs).

Whatever might have happened to that policy, mortgage financing all over the world is a multi-billion dollar industry and experts are of the views that Nigeria cannot play politics with this fact for too long.

Available statistics showed that Wells Fargo, a US based mortgage

bank and the biggest home-loan servicer, posted $2.9 billion in mortgage-banking income in the first quarter of 2012, while Lloyds Banking Group, the leading mortgaging financing institution in the UK, provided £26.2 billion of gross new mortgage lending in 2012 to its retail customers in UK. These facts in concrete terms translated into supporting over 55,000 customers in buying their first home, equivalent to one in every four first time buyers in the countries.

In Nigeria before the regulators again went into slumber they had implored all primary mortgage institutions (PMIs) to re-capitalise to the stipulated N5 billion minimum capital base.

Precisely, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) operational guidelines for the PMIs stipulated N2.5 billion as the new minimum capital base for PMIs operating at state level, and N5 billion for those wishing to operate at national level.

Despite the affirmations that the mortgage sector is the future of the nation’s economy and that recapitalization of the PMIs is expected to deepen the sector sentiments that it will take some firms out of business were grossly expressed.

According to the president of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Femi Johnson at the end of the process half of the operators would remain in business.

He said, “When I say half of them, it doesn’t mean that others will not be in business. It is just that the number will shrink by way of business combination. A lot of people are talking to one another; you find situations where three or more banks are talking

Ambassador Heights Rapidly Rising in Accra

of merger while some others are talking about acquisition and so, at the end of the day, the number will reduce which does not mean that some of the operators will fizzle out of business.”

Johnson said a lot of the operators have decided to operate at state level while a few others are ready to operate at the national level, adding that those who cannot make it to the national level for now can operate at the state and upgrade to the national level later.

If well implemented Walter Akpani, MD/CEO, United Mortgages Limited is convinced that the revised guidelines will bring a positive turnaround in the mortgage industry, hoping that it will, in the first instance, provide a level playing field for all operators, and engender confidence in PMIs. He points out that the revised guideline is an opportunity for the PMI’s to be more creative, envisaging that growth will be witnessed among those PMIs that are able to add value to their customers in terms of product offering and cost of doing business.

Lawrence Ovuehor , an Economist noted that the move will restore confidence in the sector saying the operators in the mortgage sector have been given enough time to know what to do.

He said, “They could mergers to meet up with the requirement with those who have scaled

through. Some could decide to stay as a state mortgage bank which is at N2.5 billion. So I strongly believe that they need to be well capitalised to move the sector forward.”

Other operators who bared their minds on the issue are quite excited about the ongoing re-capitalisation effort because of its immediate and long-term benefit and expected positive impact on housing.

Thus, most of the operators are strategising and/or negotiating business combinations in terms of mergers and acquisitions to raise the required capital, while only a few appears to have sorted out their capital raising business.

As issues of liquidity challenges cannot be ruled out, the PMIs have the options of raising capital through rights issue, private placement, public offer, business combination, mergers and acquisition, take-over or downscaling.

Until this is resolved experts feel no meaningful impact will be made in the housing sector as finance must be available to till the soil.

According to Akin Olawore , a frontline Realtor ,”What we have right now is a situation whereby the developer has to do infrastructure, he has to put things on the ground; if he goes to the bank; the bank will say bring collateral and bring committed off takers, so that the bank can be sure they will get their money back.

When I say half of them, it doesn’t mean that others will not be in business. It is just that the number will shrink by way of business combination

18

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Desertification: Great Green Wall Project Comes Alive In Katsina Facts about desertification

Desertification affects ➊ nearly 1 billion of the world’s population

Desertification can cause poverty

➋

Every year about 12 ➌ million hectares

worldwide are lost to land degradation and the rate is increasing

The Great ➍ Green Wall programme was created to stop desertification of the semi-arid sahel region in Africa

Some island nations ➎ risk the danger of

losing their freshwater supplies as sea level rise pushes saltwater into their aquifers.

The idea behind the GGW is to plant a giant green belt of trees that would span from senegal to Djibouti

➏

The belt is ➐ projected to be 15km wide Edited by Catherine Agbo

Katsina State has commenced the implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative which aims to ensure the building of shelter belts that will act as wind breakers to combat desertification. In this piece, MUAZU ELAZEH espouses the launching of the programme and observes that when sustained, it may well be an answer to the menace of desertification Recently, the Katsina state governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema launched tree planting for the Great Green Wall Sahara Shelter Belt in the state as part of measures to support the onerous task of combating land degradation and desertification.

DESERT-the menace of this six lettered word has continued to worry Nigerians most especially those in the Sahel savanna belt of the nation because of its seeming devastating effects on the lives of peoples and livestock in the region. The rate at which this monster of a phenomenon is approaching is quite frightening.

It has destroyed a substantial part of the land which peasant farmers, the lumpen proletariat and the poorest of the poor of this part of the country, use to fend for themselves.

Indeed, the Great Green Wall Programme which aimed to provide shelter belt across border villages and towns across the state was one of the numerous approaches to address the menace of desertification.

It is an established fact that desertification, itself an aspect of land degradation, is one of the key environmental challenges confronting northern states in the country.

Of course the menace has negatively affected agricultural production in the region consequent upon which economic activities are also negatively affected mindful of the fact that agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the region.

It was in a bid to address the menace of desertification that the federal government keyedinto the GGW programme so as to provide ample opportunities for the worst hit states to embark on the plantation of shelter belts that will act as wind breakers and reduce the devastating effect of land degradation.

Essentially, the Great Green Wall (GGW) was an initiative of the African Union which was conceived with the objective of improving the resilience of human systems, ecosystems and indeed, natural resources of water, soil, vegetation and flora.

The GGW programme is currently being implemented in the eleven frontline states that comprisesAdamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Zamfara, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa and Borno.

It was geared towards creating rural hubs for production and sustainable development as well as improving the livelihoods of over numerous inhabitants through employment generation, wealth creation and improved agricultural activit Mindful of the fact that Katsina state is one of the eleven front line state and conscious of the need to support efforts to combating the menace of desertification which remained one of the key environmental challenges confronting the state, Governor Ibrahim Shema led the crusade for the realisation of the GGW programme.

No fewer than ten local govern-

Tree planted under the GGW programme in Katsina

ment areas of Katsina state that included Baure, Jibiya, Daura, Kaita, Mashi and Maiadua, are participating in the GGWw programme.

Speaking at the formal launching of the programme, Shema who with call on citizens of the state to support aggressive tree planting said protecting the environment was the responsibility of all assuring that the Katsina state government would remain committed to the Great Green Wall action plan.

Gov Shema who spoke through his deputy, Abdullahi Garba Faskari said the state government has spent over N600 million on environment protection related programme. He disclosed that Katsina state has forty eight nurseries and raises over 2.5 million seedlings annually “all of which is distributed free to farmers”.

He said 10 council areas of the state are involved in the Great Green Wall programme and appealed for cooperation of border communities in ensuring it succeed.

Shema listed Katsina state government’s commitment to addressing desertification to include the planting of 28 kilometre shelter belts, the strengthening of forestry department and the employment of forest guards assuring that the state would not waver in its commitment to aggressively pursue programmes

and policies that would help make the environment friendly.

The Minister of Environment, Lawrentia Mallam said other components of the programme include establishing shelter belt and promoting agro-forestry, plantation of economic trees and supporting efficiency in the use of fuel wood and alternatives.

The minister who spoke through Afforestation /Capacity Building Officer in the Ministry,Saminu Ado said the programme covers 11 frontline states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa and Katsina adding that a contigous green belt will run from Northwest to Northeast.

According to the minister, other components of the programme included land rehabilitation and resource management and promotion/support to human livelihood activities.

She insisted that the launching offered an opportunity for stakeholders to explore ways of sustaining the programme even as she lauded the Katsina state government for contributing to the realisation of the programme.

While reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to sustaining the programme, Mrs Lawrentia stressed that “collaboration needs to be strengthened, information needs to be shared widely and activities of this nature need s to be done more frequently”.

In a bid to address the menace of desertification that the federal government keyed-into the GGW programme

news 19

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

International Inputs For 2014 Archibuilt Exhibition

L-R: Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Alhaji Gimba Ya’ukumo, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, the ministry permanent secretary, Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi and the acting managing director Federal Housing (FHA) Authority David Igbazua Kpue, during the interactive media session in Abuja, yesterday

Lagos Warns Against Open Defecation To Curb Spread Of Ebola GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello has urged the people of the state to desist from Environmental Pollution such as defecating and urinating in the public to avert rapid spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The commissioner said this at a “One-day Train the Trainers Programme” organized by his Ministry for Environment Health Officers in all the 57 Local Government/LCDAs and

Scientific Officers in the State Civil.

Bello at programme with the theme: Creating an Army of Advocacy to curb Ebola Virus through Effective Enlightenment at the Grassroots,” explained that the state government has embarked on series of actions to control the spread since the announcement of the outbreak in Lagos State.

According to him, “In order to complement other efforts of Government, the Ministry of the Environment has packaged

educative programmes for Lagos Residents starting with the “Train the Trainer” after which an army of these trained officials will embark on mass public enlightenment campaigns to markets, motor parks, Schools in all the 57 Local Government Council Development Areas to create awareness on how to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease.”

He pointed out that as the state with a population of over 21 million inhabitants constituted by diverse tribes across the

country is home for all.

According to him, the state government needs the support of the health workers who are professionally trained and Scientific Officers to act as health and environmental police to assist in maintaining hygienic environmental standard across the state.

Bello added that the residents must cooperate effectively with government and take necessary precautionary measures to contain Ebola Virus Disease in the communities.

FG Committed To Delivering 10,000 Low Income Houses – Minister

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The federal government has said it is committed to the provision of the 10,000 low income housing under the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) scheme.

This was made known yesterday by the minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi during an interactive session with journalist in her office while she stating that while the ministry of finance is handling the demand side of the provision of the mortgages, the ministry of lands is facilitating

action on the delivery of the housing units that the mortgage facility of the NMRC will support.

She further said that a ministerial committee under her chairmanship is responsible for the modalities for the delivery of the 10,000 units over the next few months, adding that, “Interim reports detailing out the priority actions for the realization of objective has been prepared and is to be considered and adopted in the next few days. We are encouraged by the positive response from the states governments in respect of the provision of unencumbered land

for the project.

Already we have identified availability of land in 14 states and the FCT for the take-off of the project.”

Mrs. Eyakenyi however explained that the emergence of the NMRC will not nullify the functions of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FBMN) but will serve as a clearing house for refinancing.

Admitting that the major constraint to affordable housing was the high cost of building, she disclosed that to ensure the total cost of construction is reduced, the government gives land free and that talks are ongoing with

stakeholders in the building material sector to make sure the prices of these materials are reduced. She disclosed that price range for the low income housing will be between N3.4 million to N6.5 million and will be spread for over a period of 20 years.

She said, “We are intensifying action on the completion of all housing units within the purview of the ministry and its parastatals including the prototype housing scheme, PPP scheme, FBMN funded housing scheme and the FHA housing scheme all targeted at the low and middle income earners.

As preparations for the 2014 Archbuilt forum and exhibition organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) slated to come up in the nation’s Federal Capita Territory, Abuja gathers momentum many international firms have joined the queue Speaking with Newsmen in Lagos, the Managing Director of Emel Group, Mr. Mahesh Asnani, a building materials firm in the country said they will unveil three new products at the exhibition.

According to Asnani, the group is set to showcase good building materials at the exhibition to prove its efforts to provide world-class, innovative and affordable building material products and services for the construction of residential and commercial buildings in the country.

The building material Asnani explained are, Stanley commercial hardware and security systems, associate decor chipboard, and Milano sanitary ware, which he said are internationally certified brands from Asia and the Middle East.

GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Building Collapse: Gov Ahmed Advocates Construction Policy To check the spate of building collapse in the country, Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has made a case for the enactment of a robust construction policy.

The governor stated this during the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), with the theme, ‘Construction Industry development: Collaboration, Innovations and Capacity Development,’ held in Kwara state, where he opined that only such a policy could eliminate the dangerous trend, which he blamed on untrained builders and unscrupulous developers who jeopardise lives and property while seeking to cut corners, and commended the NIOB for its determination to sensitise people on the need to avoid engaging quacks for building projects in order to avoid wastage and tragic loss of lives.

“Anyone who has recently constructed a building or visited some building across the country will indeed be disappointed by the low standard of work.

By Catherine Agbo, Abuja

20 INTERVAL

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Randawest Drops Nigeria's Version Of Pharrel William's ‘Happy’ Song

Nick B

Face Of Hope Foundation Stages Kiddies’ Pageant

By Anthony Ada Abraham

Come August 23, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Face of Hope Foundation will stage a pageant for children aged between 5 and 12 tagged ‘Face of Hope’.

A charity foundation of Grazee Stitches, an Abuja-based fashion line known for simple but stylish male, female and kid’s designs, aims to inculcate in the younger generation the act of giving, most especially helping the less privileged and also to promote Nigeria’s beautiful culture, behaviour, cuisine, language and lifestyle to the wider world in a very entertaining environment.

Creative director and CEO of Grazee Stitches and Collectibles, Miss Grace Ibironke Ojo told INTERVAL that the pageant was needful to curb western influences on Nigerian children who know little or nothing of the rich, diverse culture of Nigeria.

“Since Nigerian fashion is highly trendy and revolutionary, we find the latest designs and redesigns of styles and fashions waiting to be displayed. Our children need to imbibe this culture as against the overwhelming influence of the West by appreciating our uniqueness.

“Not only that, our children will be taught on promoting our behaviour, norms, values, food, etc in a more entertaining environment. The final event is a night of splendour, culture and exhibition of intellectual capabilities of young and promising kids.

Little Queen of Hope and Little

King of Hope will be crowned out of the participating delegates to represent other kids in giving back to the society. The main event was preceded by an audition that selected finalists who were groomed to be ambassadors.

“Face of Hope is primarily an advocacy programmme. The little queen and little king will engage student groups, focusing on encouraging other kids to take more interest in helping the less privileged as well as encourage their parents to do same,” she explained.

She also added that the pageant was motivated by the need to give back to society, pointing out that “our major aim is to give back to the society and to inculcate in our kids the spirit and nature of giving at an early age as God’s love is spread through showing love to the less privileged.”

This maiden edition will include such outfits as sports, evening outfits, casuals and traditional outfits all with the African touch aside the sport wear.

During the event, there would be exhibitions of designs by participating designers. A certain percentage of the proceeds will be given to charity, she further pointed out.

The grand finale of the event is scheduled to take place on August 23 at the Nicon Luxury with Red Carpet - 4pm and main event at 5pm. Winner of Project Fame Season 5, Ayobami Ayoola, Peter Rufia, Wiliwili of Wazobia FM, Dr. Ayuba, Nick B, Tope Sax and Moralmore will be featuring at the event.

By Anthony Ada Abraham

Agu

Nigeria’s afro-rock sensation, Omoruyi Rand Osas, popularly called Randawest, has released the Nigeria's version of the multiple award-winning global hit ‘Happy’ by American singer, Pharrel William.

Randawest, in this unique/ inspiring video took a brave plunge into the ever-busy and notorious Ladipo market, in Lagos to shoot the video. He also shot part of it in Festac town.

Speaking on what prompted his decision to cover Pharrel William's song ‘Happy’, he said: "I just decided to show more love to Pharrel William by doing a cover of ‘Happy’. Pharrel is one artiste I respect so much and I feel that one of the ways I could pay homage to him is simply by doing a cover of his song. We all need to be happy at this moment in our nation, continent and entire world as a whole. I want to use the song to send a message to Nigerians that as long as you are alive, you need to be happy.

Whatever the circumstances may be; diseases, terrorism and what have you, we must be happy. I also wanted to use the song and video to show Pharrel and other foreigners the other side of love in Africa."

Randawest also talked about how easy it was for him to shoot the video in the heart of Ladipo market and Festac without getting disturbed by hoodlums.

"I will tell you the truth, I was shown much love. The point is that the streets love me. I’m also from the streets and I represent the streets. They know me and I’m part of them. So they welcomed me when they saw me bringing such kind of video shoot to their environment. They even bought me drinks. Forget the fact that one is driving a big car and living large, we are from the streets.

Also, those guys know the original ‘Happy’ song by Pharrel William and they were so excited that I’m doing the cover of the song and bringing it to their hood. So I want to appreciate the people of Ladipo Market, Lagos and Festac town," he added.

Phyno, Akpororo, Others For Julius Agwu's Crack Ya Ribs

IT’S NOT

The Same Road

ORUMA AKOMOLAFE

underwear 5 days in a role, I mean I deal with ridiculous cases. Students freaking out about exams, inlaws asking for nieces and nephews...Craziness.

Though everybody carries a different cross, I found a common thread...

They are all walking down the same road. You see, life can be so confusing at times. We

OVER OMENESA

BB Pin: 2B2DA0B0 08176324382 (SMS)

I have had the opportunity of counselling many people.

Most of them wail over their husbands cheating on them, others cry about their wives nagging and wear the same

are faced with oppositions that frustrate us so bad, we forget that we solved a similar problem yesterday. Today's Math is not harder than yesterday's. It's still Mathematics, but a different topic. Stop freaking out! I repeated JSS 1 5 times due to fear!

You are on the same road, but the pot holes and speed bumps

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Come Sunday, August 24, the city of London will welcome a

host of celebrities and showbiz entertainers at the Crack Ya Ribs event.

Hosted by Julius 'the genius' Agwu, the London phase of the event promises to be bigger as an array of humour merchants from Nigeria and others will lighten up the atmosphere. Young and energetic comedian, Akpororo will lead a young generation of comedians to London as they compete favourably with established acts like I Go Die, I Go Save, Gadonki etc.

Musicians already confirmed for the Crack Ya Ribs show include indigenous rapper, Phyno, Patonrankin, Oritsefemi among others.

Asa's Bed Of Stones Drops On August 25

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

The numerous fans of Nigeria's 1st lady of soul music, Asa will have their thirst for her soulful melodies quenched and sated from Monday August 25, 2014 when the song compilation is officially released.

It has been a long wait for song bird, Bukola Elemide- four years since she dropped her sophomore album.

Though a pre-order for the album is on-going on international digital store, the France-based Nigerian soul singer goes public with her third album titled Bed Of

Asa

Stones by next week Monday.

Bed Of Stones contains a wholesome 14 tracks and they all are: Dead Again, How Did Love Find Me, Eyo, Satan Be Gone, Bed Of Stone, Moving On, Grateful, Society, Ife, Situation, New Year, The One That Never Comes, Sometimes I Wonder and Shine Your Lights.

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Timeless love song, 'All Of Me' composed by John Legend has to date spent an impressive 18 weeks in the UK Top Ten. And not only that, its popularity has surpassed the million sales mark.

Released under Columbia Records, All Of Me has serenaded Nigerian fans as well and it has reached the landmark last week after being downloaded 804,500 times and streamed over 21.1 million times since releaseequivalent to 211.082 downloads according to Official Charts Company Data.

The sales performance makes John Legend much richer and his song the most popular UK single so far, picking up Platinum status

are in different places than yesterday. The street lights may be dimmer, the curves may be more, the bends may be sharper, but believe me, it is the same road. The twists and turns may turn your journey into a roller coaster ride, but you will get to the end of this road. This may be more of an adventure than you bargained for, but you will cross

John

John Legend's All Of Me Reaches A Million Sales In UK since the Official Single Chart rules changed.

the finish line. The traffic lights may have broken, leaving you with no direction...but you will find your way. Remember, you are smarter than you think you are. We only doubt ourselves when we question ourselves.

It may be one bumpy road, but it's the same road, Honey.

This pot hole shouldn't change your destination. Keep trucking!

INTERVAL 21

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

‘Music Artistes Not Appreciated In Nasarawa ’ Usonka Ismail, a.k.a Centz, is an artiste manager responsible for the newest sensation in the Nigeria music industry, Ozee, who is currently making waves in the country, particularly his state, Nasarawa. In this interview with SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, he speaks on his journey so far in the entertainment industry.

How did you entertainment?

get

into

I actually never planned or thought to be a music manager. I met Ozee in school. He was a student of Mass Communications then. He was one year ahead of me. Then he was popular on campus, as there was no event he was not invited to. He did not attend all of them because of his academics which was most important to him then. He said after school he would take music more seriously. So when I heard his first single in school, I decided to look for him and we became friends. We would do night prep together and just hang out. So, after he graduated and left school, one day I just found a music video by him “Designer Girl” online and I called to congratulate him. Another day I saw him on AM Express on NTA and that was when I developed interest in entertainment. I wanted to be part of his talent and what he was doing. The talent I saw in him keeps growing each day. Ozee is born with music. Sometimes we would go somewhere without planning to sing and Ozee would be asked to freestyle and he would just flow. So I told him I wanted to be part of his career and that was how I became his manager. I learnt on the job and I thank God we are still here today.

So how do you feel on the success of the album launch?

I feel very fulfilled. I am proud to

be a part of team Ozee. I am very proud of him.

Ozee sang a song about Nasarawa, which is doing well in the state but there was no government presence at the album launch, why was that the case?

The song was done early in Ozee’s career. Ozee’s song Nasarawa touched every aspect of the state in the song, culture, language, food.

We even went to the palace of the Emir of Keffi to get one of the praise singers to feature on the song. After we did the song it became a hit or an anthem of sorts in Nasarawa state. There was no event where the song was not played in Nasarawa.

It was used as Nasarawa theme song at the Abuja carnival, but till today nobody contacted us on that song. We sent several proposals to the state ministries and even the government house but we have not heard anything from them.

I have copies of the proposal.

We even did another song about peace in Nasarawa state. It was during the Ombatse crisis that we released the song. We got some support from the radio and TV stations then and we were able to shoot the video for the song but that was all. Up till now Ozee is not recognised in the state. He is supposed to be a Nasarawa State ambassador. We even still had to pay radio stations to air his songs

but then as his popularity grew the stations did not have a choice because of the quality of his songs and because two of his songs were done for the state. We pray that the Nasarawa State government will eventually support us as we have made several attempts to reach out to them. During the album launch we got some support from other agencies and individuals, but none from the state government.

The DG of NOA Mike Omeri has been very supportive of us, he has tried to carry us along all this while but we hope that one day the state government will recognise Ozee.

Since this is his first album what is the vision for Ozee in the next two to five years?

This album is called rebirth and it’s the start of a new beginning for us. Ozee is focused on youth education and awareness. His songs focus on social issues like drug abuse, violence and unity, saying no to smuggling and the rest. He works with the Nigerian Customs service but music is his passion and his work does not stop him from expressing his talent. So from this album we expect in the next few years he would be made a youth ambassador to the federal republic of Nigeria because we are growing as time passes.

What is the greatest challenge you have faced so far?

There is a lot of challenge in the

Centz

Nigerian music industry as a whole.

First is the finance that is hardly available. Thanks to our daddy that has been supporting us or we would not have come this far. Then the media is also a challenge. They do not encourage upcoming artistes.

We always have to pay to get any airplay and interviews. After paying it is aired twice and then forgotten.

Also, the artiste himself has to know what he is doing so he does not turn out trash from the studio.

Sometimes as a manager, I have had

to stop a studio session for the way he is expressing his talent at that time. Music is a major job, not just the fun aspect. A track you hear for just four minutes may take about six months to work on. So most people may not know how much work it all involves.

Any last words on Ozee?

I would say that the public should watch out for him. He is still into music but it is coming out better than usual. We are growing everyday.

Enter Queen Jenax: The Multi-talented Entertainer

By BLESSING UKEMENA, Abuja

A new artiste has been born into the ever growing Nigerian music scene to justify the fact that the country is indeed endowed with great potentials in the field of music. Queen Jenax brought this to reality with the release of her five-track album and two videos titled Follow Jesus which will soon hit the market after the launch in September. Born Chinenye Jennifer and third in a family of five to ex-Police Inspector Akpaene, she is a product of Queens College Nsukka and Uwana Polytechnic Afikpo in Ebonyi State.

Her debut album features hit tracks like Don’t carry me, Knowing U, Ebonyi Nwere Madu, Cast Devil and the album title, “Follow Jesus”, a Gospel medley. Her flair for music blossomed as a child in her home town, Uburu in Ohaozara local government of Ebonyi State

Queen Jenax

where she participated in various entertainment programmes. She has been into full time music since 2004 and has done series of production and live shows as a versatile entertainer. She remains

the first and only female “papalolo” the pot bellied character and jester known as MC Techa No time.

Queen Jenax worked as an Igbo news caster with the Ebonyi State Radio in 2009, and later moved to

Federal Radio Station, Unity FM, Abakaliki, where she presented recorded programmes. In 2011, this multi-talented diva produced the campaign song for Governor Elechi and his deputy without reward; hence she relocated to Abuja in order to further her music career. On the journey so far, she said that it is not easy for an upcoming artiste like her because she has to work very hard to be recognised and that is exactly what she did by going to the studio to do her songs so as to join the league of recorded artistes. In answer to how she sees the entertainment industry in Nigeria, she asserted that the industry is not doing badly, especially with the number of talented recorded artistes whose songs rock our air waves now unlike when all the stations were dominated by foreign artistes to the detriment of local talents. Her advice to other up-coming artistes is that they should not relent in

their efforts to reach to the top no matter what may come their way because nothing good comes easy.

For the message she has for her fans, she expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported her in one way or the other and thanked them for believing in her dreams especially the great Kugbo entrepreneurs who have shown her sisterly love and appreciation.

She promised not to let them down as they continue to support and inspire her to excel in her entertainment career.

For the government, she advised that the entertainment industry is viable medium to promote peace and co-existence by all the citizens as music is the language of the world and also food for the soul.

She maintains that with music, people forget their differences and stick together as one family, hence no matter the language people dance to the rhythm even when they don’t understand the lyrics.

22 INTERVAL

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Happy family

Why We Must Return To Our Much Cherished Values

The family is the smallest unit of a society comprising the parents and the children. The family is the microcosm of the society. Family values are cherished by every responsible member and jealously guarded. But nowadays, family values are being eroded. In this piece, ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM looks at the causes and offers solution to the new development.

V

alue is the quality or worth of a thing.

Family value is also known as a traditional set of social standards defined by the family and a history of customs that provide the emotional and physical basis for raising a family.

Our social values are often times reinforced by our spiritual or religious beliefs and traditions.

Are traditional family values still in vogue? How does one determine his family values?

According to Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Alfred Martins, poor family values and weakened marriages are factors responsible for the growing rate of moral decadence in Nigeria. He is not far from the truth.

Archbishop Martins said everyone, including the church, should be concerned about the decadence which has led to the incessant and unwarranted killings, corruption, rapes and instability that the country is currently experiencing.

Emmanuel Onwubiko, a social commentator and head of the Human Rights Writers

wealth through donations from dubious sources have bought for themselves different choice jets and automobiles to a point that a famous religious leader in Nigeria has more than half a dozen choice jets that he is contemplating starting a commercial airline registered in his family name. Such is the high level of criminality and devaluation of our value system in Nigeria," he stressed.

Immorality All over the country, the societal morass paints a sorry situation of how Nigerian customs, traditions and culture are fast eroding and are being overtaken by Western civilisation.

In as much as there is nothing wrong in borrowing from a foreign culture or civilisation, it is difficult to come to terms with the way many Nigerians have pushed decorum and common sense aside and are perpetrating acts alien to the African culture.

Children are no longer in any mood to listen to their parents because they believe they are old fashioned. Some of our people have become copy cats and slave to the so called new trend with their dressing and appearance even in the public. While some young men are disgusting in their attempt to belong with their ‘sagging’ that exposes their underwear, the women, I mean many of them are now a sorry sight to behold. They wear clothes that expose their nakedness and debase womanhood. What a shame!

Association of Nigeria had counselled that Nigerians must go back to the value system in order to have a better future for the children.

He wrote that in the twenty first century, the devaluation of Nigeria's traditional moral values reached a new high when some new generation founders of places of worship of some of the foreign organised religions converted their positions as ones to amass material wealth even when most of their followers are deprived of essential services necessary for decent lives.

According to him, "some of these organised religious groups that set up higher educational institutions using donations raised from their members have made access to such institutions almost impossible for children of most of their members who are so economically deprived.

These members cannot afford the exorbitant tuition fees charged by some of these religious run private secular universities.

"It is a fact that some modern day religious leaders in Nigeria who hide under the cover of religion to Parental guidance raise substantial and stupendous

Family values are inculcated in the children and passed down from generation to generation.

Parents are very much after the image and honour of their families and in the past did everything possible to ensure the children are schooled in those values. Three basic tasks in life are given as work, play and love.

There are several activities that fall under these categories that define values. All of them are important and it takes work to balance these tasks. However, we often get caught up in work and other activities and neglect play and love.

Often times parents work hard because they are invested in their career goals, material things and financial rewards.

Yet without a balanced life of incorporating play and having loving relationships, lives become stressful, overwhelming and unsatisfying. Many people who say their families come first find themselves with very little time to spend their families. The result is that things have gone out of place in many homes.

Many parents have been murdered by their children, husbands killed by their wives and vice versa because of lost family values. There is hardly love and respect among siblings in various families. There should be a halt on all these.

We must go back to our family values. Parents must ensure that their children are well brought up and guided in life. They must take interest in what their children are doing all the time, particularly at the formative stage. Negligence on the part of parents is responsible for all that has gone wrong in the society today. It is time to correct these societal ills and give or children a new start in life. Parent should sit up and do what needs to be done to raise happy families and a better society.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

NASARAWA STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS C/o Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lafia

RESOLUTIONS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL OF CHIEFS MEETING OF TUESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2014 HELD AT THE MULTI PURPOSE HALL OF THE MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS SHENDAM ROAD, LAFIA. 1. The State Council of Chiefs at its extraordinary meeting of Tuesday 19th August, 2014 once again appraised recent events with particular reference to the feud between the Executive and the Legislature in the State and was deeply concerned that despite entreaties and well founded pleas from various quarters the unnecessary impasse has continued to drag on.

2. Their Royal Highnesses are deeply worried that this sad state of affairs not only casts our State in bad light but threatens the twig which binds us as a people as it has the potential of further smearing what is left of the time long solidarity, sense of fellow feeling and common purpose which hold us and which are key to the realization of the vision of our forebears for a State in which we all will feel a sense of belonging and where our individual and group goals are reachable.

3. Council therefore enjoined all who have been saddled with leadership of our dear State today either in Executive or Legislative capacities to submit themselves to the wise counsel that the interest of none of us is greater than the corporate survival and existence of our dear State and its people.

4. We must as leaders therefore, Council canvassed, always have it behind our minds that we have a compelling duty to always keep alight the dream of our forebears who gave their all so that we can have Nasarawa State.

5. In this connection, Council appeals to both the Executive and the Legislature to harken to the pulse of our people who are tired of the distraction caused by the threat to impeach the Governor.

6. Rather than bicker, leaders on both sides should strive harder to close ranks with a view to jointly moving our State to a fortress of plenty and a haven of sustainable growth and development as many both within and outside the State are convinced the present administration is doing.

7. Their Royal Highnesses awakened all categories of leaders in the State to the fact that the positions they are holding today are a trust for

which both near and distant posterity will hold them accountable.

Thus, while those who aligned with the people will be remembered in glowing terms those who pursued personal and self interests at the expense of the common good will be mentioned in ignominy and disdain.

Their Royal Highnesses are certain that our illustrious sons will not wish to be remembered with such distaste.

8. Their Royal Highnesses noted with delight that members of the State House of Assembly have resumed from their recess and viewed the development as a positive step toward amicable resolution of the debacle.

9. Much as the Honourable members are exercising their constitutional functions, Council implored them to put into consideration the interest of the generality of the people of Nasarawa State.

10. To provide conducive environments for all arms of government to work in harmony, cooperation and a sense of common purpose therefore, Council reiterates its earlier call that all forms of rallies in support of either side in the debacle and the threats to recall some members of the State Assembly in some constituencies should be stopped forthwith.

11. Their Royal Highnesses pledged to continue in both individual and collective capacities to spearhead the full return to ambiance and cooperation and therefore appeal to the good people of Nasarawa State to remain calm and peaceful as measured steps towards the restoration of lasting peace and understanding by all concerned are on course.

12. Thank you and God bless us all.

HRH Alh. (Dr) Isa Mustapha Agwai I, CFR, Emir of Lafia, Chairman State Council of Chiefs.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT KADUNA STATE TENDERS BOARD

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFIED/TENDER FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SURVEY EQUIPMENT (DIGITALIZED) The Kaduna State Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Country Planning, wishes to Pre-Qualify/Tender registered contractors who may wish to tender for the 2014 Capital Project in Kaduna State.

In view of the above, the Ministry invites application for the preQualification/Tender from competent and qualified contractors for the above Projects.

PRE-QUALIFICATION/ TENDER REQUIREMENTS:Interested contractors are invited to submit the following documents:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Evidence of company registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.

Evidence of current registration with Kaduna State Tenders Board.

Tax Clearance Certificate for the last 3 years.

Compliance with I.T.F. Compliance with PENCOM Audited Account for the last 3 years.

Any other relevant information that will be useful in determining the Company’s suitability for the work.

All pre-qualification/Tender documents should be submitted to the office of the Secretary, Kaduna State Tenders Board, No. 10 Yakubu Gowon,Way Kaduna not later than two weeks from the date of this publication in a sealed envelope.

COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Tender documents are available for collection at the State Tenders Board with the payment of Non Refundable Tender Fees of N50,000.00 payable to Pay Direct State Account No 0001173325. at Unity Bank PLC nationwide.

Receiving of submissions will be closed on Wednesday 3rd September, 2014 at 12.00 Noon. and opened by 12. 00 Noon the same day in the Conference Room of the State Tenders Board.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: a. It is important to note that the Kaduna State Government will verify claims of contracting firms and any false declaration/ documentation will attract instant disqualification of candidate.

Please also note that high diligence and care will be required in the submission of all documents. b.

This advertisement should not be construed as a Commitment on the part of the Ministry nor shall it entitle companies to make any claim whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from the Ministry.

SIGN: SECRETARY KADUNA STATE TENDERS BOARD, YAKUBU GOWON WAY, KADUNA.

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SOKOTO STATE GOVERNMENT SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF SOKOTO STATE, ALH. (DR) ALIYU MAGATAKARDA WAMAKKO (SARKIN YAMMAN SOKOTO), AT THE APC NATIONAL CONVENTION, HELD ON SATURDAY, 14TH JUNE, 2014.

NIGERIA AT THE CROSSROADS I feel profoundly honoured to stand here today, as a stake-holder in our nation’s transitional journey towards true democracy and good governance. The opportunity for me is heartening. It is indeed a great privilege to be among those to witness this fifteenth year of un-interrupted democracy in Nigeria, the longest we have seen, in our existence as a nation.

Our gains in politics democracy and governance are indeed the products of our historical experience as a people and country, we find ourselves in our unique position due to the inter-play of factors that shaped our socio-political destiny.

Suffice it to say, that what ever our accomplishments are, whatever milestones we have reached as a country are realized courtesy of the challenges and struggles of our past leaders and heroes. It was they, who braved the odds, withered the storms and made the sacrifice for us to count our blessings today.

The philosophical, idealism of Obafemi Awolawo’s West, the moralist pragmatism of Ahmadu Bello’s North and compromise of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s East; The nationalistic activism of the Isaac Boros of the South-South and Joseph Tarkas of the Middle Belt have nurtured in our nation a character that cannot be ascribed to any other country, on the globe.

Out of these historical exigencies and realities, emerged for our nation a tradition that views governance as a collective responsibility of all the multitudes of diverse interests and identities that engender the principle that the leadership of Nigeria is a franchise to which all the sectional, ethnic and religious components of the country have a right. This is the reality that we have come to accept, in spite of our diverse and a times, sharply divergent composition.

This coming to terms with the facts and realities of our corporate existence is the foundation for the sustenance of our nation. And the most critical by-product of this realization is the spirit of give-and-take that has so often, pulled our country back from the edge of the precipice.

I dare say, that Nigeria has never at any moment in its history, poised so close to the edge as it does now. At no time in our eventful existence have citizens had as much foreboding for our individual futures and the destiny of our nation. We, as a people, have not at any period looked up to the center for succour and reassurance and derived as little confidence.

These are without dispute, very trying times for our nation; a period when the strivings of citizens for self-actualization and the efforts of component parts towards development are lost to the center, much less supported by a central leadership that has all-but lost touch with the covenants and obligations of their mandate and turned its back on the nation, as citizens lose lives and livelihoods.

I again make bold to say that, this is the crux of the matter; the critical issue and the bane of all the problems with Nigeria and all the crises we are currently going through. Our country is grappling with serious distress in the economy. We are in an uphill struggle to revamp social services and infrastructure and lift the majority of citizens from poverty. And in a sinister worsening of our national predicaments, the innocent blood of our fellow citizens is being spilled routinely through an evil enactment in the name of insurgency.

The most bizarre feature of our nation’s ordeal is that while all these horrors are unfolding, the central leadership is too pre-occupied with schemes to retain power at all cost to provide any comfort or hope to their citizens. Yet, in a most transparent display of insensitivity to the plight of the people, the central government is exploiting the carnage to create political, ethnic, sectional and religious mistrust and division, with the aim of reaping electoral benefits from divide-and-rule tactics. As our nation tilts on the brink, it seems the only worth while endeavour for our central leadership is that of succeeding themselves in 2015.

I say however, all hope is not lost. The Divine forces that created Nigeria have not forsaken us. And from the good fortune that saw to the existence of this country, come the forces of good. Nigeria is once again rising above the bad tides, through the amalgamation of positive elements from across all sectional ethnic and religious

ALH. (DR) ALIYU MAGATAKARDA WAMAKKO GMON, MWML, NIIFE (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto) Executive Governor, Sokoto State divides. These are men and women, in whose hearts, those principles, on upon which our country was born are still firmly anchored. This is an ensemble of those who are inspired by the spirit of one nation, bound by peace, equality and justice to all citizens. Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow citizens, this is a party of yeomen, determined to stop our nation from going adrift to the perilous, uncertain waters that certain forces are steering it to. This is Nigeria’s rescue mission. This is the APC. I say, this is exactly why we are here today. The National Convention of the All Peoples Congress is a milestone in a long journey; an odyssey that sets out to rescue a nation in distress. This is a testimony to the fact that across all political parties and partisan groups, within all political enclaves in Nigeria, there are elements, for whom our nation’s destiny and fate are more critical than the acquisition and retention of personal power. And that is the founding principle of the APC. Here then, we are today poised against the over-bearing force of our detractors, who have spared no gimmick, left out no ploy and would stop at nothing to stop us from reaching our goal; stop Nigeria from making progress towards its desired destination; bug our nation down and mire it in avoidable but contrived crises, instead to moving forward.

This is the unfortunate position that some interests would wish for Nigeria. But this is what we in the APC, we in Nigeria must struggle to prevent with all legitimate, lawful means. We must stop the detractors of our nation in their tracks. We must do that with all our might.

For, we are indeed, at a cross-roads; a juncture in our existence at which we must make a choice; to opt for reason, rationale and compromise, so that Nigeria shall survive and even thrive or give in to irrational hold-on to power at all cost, including that of our corporate destiny. The choice cannot wait, the time to make it is now.

I am confident, just as we all are, at this gathering and among indeed among a larger number of our citizens that Nigeria is too huge a cost to pay for the whimsical wishes of a cabalistic few. Too much sacrifice has been made, too much of our individual aspirations and destines is tied to this union to offer it on the alter of the personal egos of a few.

We, in the APC, see clearly the folly of these raven elements, who feel our nation’s destiny, is tied to their personal interests; those who believe erratically that Nigeria should cease to exist, if they do not have their way. For, we have for long perceived a more integrated Nigeria of our citizenry, whose every day lives are so linked, as to defy all factors of division. The Nigeria we see is a nation, whose people are merging into one, through socio-economic inter-dependence. In our efforts to develop our administrative units we all recognize the extent of socio-economic interdependence and symbiosis among our different peoples and the fast track integration it entail. In the changing morphology of Sokoto that is caused by the process of opening-up the changing sky-line is the outcome of the private efforts of our people to transform their lives. The transformation of Sokoto into a modern city is a positive trend, for which we owe gratitude to enterprising Nigerians from all zones of our country.

On a much larger scale, our Federal Capital, the symbol of our national pride, has rapidly turned into a jewel, a great center for socio-economic self actualization that All Nigerians from all sections, religion and cultures have helped to build.

These features of integration are what we in the APC cherish and shall use, as the tools of unity and socio-economic strength for our nation This convention is therefore, only the start of a true and genuine transformation, which we shall spear-head and with the partnership of all citizens, we shall realize. It would certainly require courage and determination of all members of our great party, the support of all Nigerians and help and guidance of the Divine forces that say that Nigeria should live.

So I say, Long live APC, Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

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KAdunA stAte uniVeRsitY APPLiCAtion FoR Admission into tHe BAsiC And RemediAL PRoGRAmmes 2014/2015 ACAdemiC session This is to inform the general public that the sale of application forms for the 2014/2015 academic session into the Kaduna State University College of Basic and Remedial Studies for Kaduna and Kafanchan campuses has commenced.

Admission RequiRements Basic Studies Programme: 1. Candidates for this programme must possess not less than 5 O’Level credits which must include English Language and Mathematics. The other 3 credits for the SCIENCE programme should be in the following subjects: Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For the HUMANITIES programme, the other 3 credits should be in Economics, Government/History, Literature in English, Biology and Geography.

2. The 5 credits above must be obtained in not more than 2 sittings.

3. Candidates are expected to register for the 2013/2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with relevant subject combination and must obtain the minimum pass mark approved by the Federal Government.

4. All candidates in the Basic program that have successfully satisfied the conditions mentioned in (1-3 above) will not be required to write the Post UTME of Kaduna State University.

Remedial Studies Programme: 1. Candidates for the SCIENCE programme must possess a minimum of 3 O’Level credits in not more than 1 sitting in the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography.

2. Candidates for the HUMANITIES programme must possess a minimum of 3 O’Level credits in not more than 1 sitting in the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Government/History, Literature in English, Biology and Geography.

3. Candidates admitted for the Remedial Studies Programme are expected to register and pass the SSCE or NECO in the subjects they are deficient.

4. Candidates will not be allowed to register for subjects that have not been attempted at O’Levels.

5. Remedial students that will sit for the 2014/2015 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) must obtain the minimum pass mark approved by the Federal Government and will write the Post UTME of Kaduna State University. sale of scratch Cards This will commence on Thursday, 21st August 2014. Eligible candidates are expected to purchase a scratch card of N3,700.00 (Three Thousand Seven Hundred Naira Only) as follows: A. In Kaduna Town: Scratch cards will be sold at Diamond Bank, Ahmadu Bello Way (opposite NNDC Building) Kaduna.

B. In Kafanchan: Scratch cards will be sold at Diamond Bank.

C. In Zaria: Scratch cards will be sold at Diamond Bank, Sabon Gari Zaria.

D. Payment for the form should be made to: Account name: Account number:

College of Basic studies 0026281011

method of Registration • Prospective candidates MUST purchase a scratch card and use it to complete the online application form.

• After purchase of scratch card, click on the APPLY NOW button below; and enter your PIN Number as shown on the scratch card.

• All candidates are requested to complete all fields marked asterisk (*) on the application form.

• Your O’level results subjects must be entered. If you are awaiting for your O’Level results, indicate by typing AR against the subjects.

• Once the form is completed, click on the CONTINUE button to upload a scanned COLOUR passport photograph with WHITE or RED background in JPEG format which should not exceed 10KB in size.

• On uploading the passport, a candidate is expected to first to click on the UPLOAD PASSPORT button to preview the passport and then click on the PRINT FORM button to view/print his/her application.

• Make sure you fill all fields correctly as No complaint of wrong or blank picture or wrong information or results entered will be entertained after submission. important notes • Candidates offered provisional admission will be required to produce the original copies of their certificates at the point of registration.

• The University will not enter into correspondence on its decision with any candidate.

• Candidates are required to present bank tellers as well as PIN card at registration point.

Correspondence For any correspondence and enquiries on the Online Admission Application, send an email to: cbs@kasu.edu.ng quoting your Application Number and PIN Number.

Professor AB Ahmed director

33

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Communiqué Issued by the Northern Traditional Leaders' Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery (NTLC) at its 2014 Second Quarter Review Meeting and Debriefing of His Eminence , the Sultan of Sokoto , on Wednesday, 4th June, 2014 at the Sultan of Sokoto's Palace, Sokoto.

Preamble The Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery (NTLC) was formed by the Sultan of Sokoto in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in 2009 to address primary health care challenges in the northern part of the th country. NTLC had its second quarterly meeting on 4 June, 2014 at the Palace of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Saad Abubakar III. The meeting deliberated on Primary Health Care issues and polio eradication initiative (PEI) and debriefed the Sultan on progress made in the last five years, remaining challenges and the way forward.

In attendance was His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, the Chairman of NPHCDA Board Alhaji Bashir Aminu (Iyan Zazzau), and the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Ado J.G Muhammad, NTLC Chairman, His Highness, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, his deputy, His Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, Emir of Argungu and NTLC members from the 19 Northern States and FCT. Also in attendance were representatives of UNICEF(United Nations Children's Fund) and Rotary International.

Deputy Chairman of NTLC presented the status of the NTLC engagement in PEI in the last five years, Dr. Andrew Etsano gave an overview of the polio eradication programme, Dr. Nasir SaniGwarzo made a presentation on corrective surgery as a tool for rehabilitating polio survivors while Dr Mustapha Mahmud made a presentation on the rationale for the introduction of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).

The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan said the campaign to eradicate polio in the country is on track but lamented the poor participation of most local government Chairmen and waning support of most Governors. He commended His Eminence for his commitment and urged him to sustain his advocacy to political and community leaders at all levels to ensure the prioritization of polio eradication issues.

In his keynote address, the Sultan of Sokoto commended the NTLC for the progress made so far in polio eradication, which he noted is being acknowledged both locally and globally. He reiterated the fact that the NTLC is not just about polio but primary health care as a whole. He added that the committee need to be strengthened to enable it address other basic health issues and respond to emergencies. He then pledged to sustain his advocacy efforts at all levels.

His Eminence counseled that polio issues should be depoliticized and urged Governors and LGA Chairmen to support polio eradication activities in their States and LGAs to enable the country achieve the national goal of stopping the transmission of polio by end 2014. He charged the NTLC, government at all levels and development partners to evolve strategies for the rehabilitation of polio survivors across the country as a post eradication programme.

At the end of the deliberations, the meeting unanimously agreed as follows:  NTLC recognizes His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto's high level advocacy both locally and international that has attracted a lot of goodwill, material and financial support to the polio eradication program in Nigeria.  The success recorded in the last five years by NTLC in its partnership with government and development partners contributed immensely to the unprecedented reduction in

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polio cases by 96% compared to 2013.

NTLC recognizes the improved quality of the polio campaigns with over 90% of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) achieving over 80% coverage during the May 2014 campaign and about 96% reduction in polio cases compared to 2013.

NTLC recognizes and appreciated the innovative strategies evolved by NPHCDA and Partners to reach children in security challenged areas in the northeast and reduce the number of missed children.

NTLC recognizes the improved capacity of traditional and religious leaders at all levels.

Evidence abound that traditional leaders have continued to be pivotal in resolving cases of refusals in the communities and enhancing community ownership and acceptance In order to sustain the current success and address emerging challenges in PEI in Nigeria, NTLC will increase the tempo of its interventions especially at the operational level.

Evidence abound that distraction of political leaders, especially governors and LGA chairmen during electioneering period can result in upsurge in polio cases and reverse the gains made.

NTLC notes the need for a post eradication program to rehabilitate all polio survivors across the country and the need for NTLC and government to partner with the Usmanu Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital to perform corrective surgery on polio survivors.

The meeting noted that in spite of the successes being recorded, the PEI program in Nigeria is still faced with challenges including;  Poor access to children in security compromised areas,  Waning political support at state and LGA levels,  Poor accountability in some states and LGAs,  Poor attitude of health workers, and  Pockets of resistance to vaccination and anti-OPV campaigns.

In order to address some of the identified challenges and fast track the stopping of polio transmission by end of 2014, NTLC will take the following actions:  Sustain advocacy to political and religious leaders in their states and LGAs to ensure that polio eradication issues are prioritized.  Develop a plan for a sustainable rehabilitation programme for polio survivors and mobilize resources to implement the plan.

Signed this day, Wednesday 4th June 2014 on behalf of Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery (NTLC):

____________________________________________ His Highness, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi Shehu of Bama Chairman, NTLC

___________________________________________ His Highness, Alhaji Sama'ila Muhammad Mera Emir of Argungu Deputy Chairman, NTLC

34 ISSUES

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Transformation Of Nigeria Customs And Efficacy Of Ict In Trade Facilitation By mayowa ojo

The future of an ICT driven Customs administration in Nigeria, specifically in the context of inevitable modernisation and reform, has responded to the increasing demands for revenue optimisation, greater involvement in trade facilitation, enhanced security and enforcement of regulatory policies and practices through adjustment to both national and international imperatives to compete in the global arena.

The present leadership of Nigeria Customs under Dr Abdullahi Dikko Inde has excelled in this area by adapting to this change in order to transact effectively in an environment of international business standards, while it currently responds to developments in technology and communications that integrates supply chain, management and security in trade.

The Nigeria Customs Service is mandated to contribute to socioeconomic development with its revenue collection activities by, on the one hand, facilitating legitimate trade and, on the other, protecting national economies and societies against risks especially in the rising challenges of insecurity and terrorism in the country.

To respond proactively to the dynamic and rapidly changing environment in the 21st century, The Nigeria Customs Service saw the need to identify and understand the key international, regional and national strategic drivers thereby allowing the Comptroller General to create his six-point agenda for the Customs Service in line with the transformation agenda of the president.

Nigeria Customs Service, under the present dispensation of Comptroller-General Abdullahi Dikko Inde, has made progressive

efforts to facilitate trade while collecting the maximum collectible revenue for government.

Trade facilitation aims at making trade across borders faster, simpler and cheaper while ensuring its safety and security. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) defines trade facilitation thus: “Simplification and harmonisation of international trade procedures.

Trade procedures include the activities, practices, and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data and other information required for the movement of goods in international trade.”

By implication, it is not only the physical movement of goods that is important in the supply chain but also the associated information that flows from the relevant governmental agencies and the private sector.

As part of the efforts of the present Customs administration towards facilitating trade, the Service conducted a comprehensive feasibility study of the entire trade supply chain by engaging international consultants, Techno Brain West Blue Ltd (TBWB). The blue print and implementation road map developed have formed the backdrop of the technology initiatives such as the Nigeria Import and Export Process Manual, Nigeria Trade Hub – a trade information portal, the PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR), and a suite of risk management tools, which contribute to the ecosystem of the national single window. The feasibility study undertaken for the National Single Window covered the core areas of change management, stakeholder engagement, business process and data harmonisation, legal framework and ICT readiness assessment.

The pre-arrival assessment

Inde

The PAAR success story has been the brain behind the new face of Nigeria Customs Service thereby allowing other countries deploy same as a reference model for other Customs organisations report is a home-grown application initiated from design by the Nigeria Customs Service with the support of technical partners – Techno Brain West Blue (TBWB).

The Nigeria Customs Service is proud to say that the PAAR is first of its kind among WCO Customs administrations, utilising international best practices. The PAAR consists of the highly classed comprehensive national risk management system encompassing pre-arrival and cargo management which is deployed in a phased approach. The PAAR success story has been the brain behind the new face of Nigeria Customs Service

thereby allowing other countries deploy same as a reference model for other customs organisations.

Speaking at a recent FT forum in London, the Comptroller General of Customs stated “the improved revenue collection of the Service stemmed from the introduction and implementation of the PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR)” In addition, the Nigeria Customs Service developed the innovative web-based application known as the Nigeria Trade Hub Portal, simplifying access to information and providing guidance for would be and existing traders in the areas of import, export and transit trade.

Audu: A Man Was Here

by musa wada

Every generation is gifted with its own legends, Many known legends whom history beholds are created out of simple, ordinary but true qualities of distinction, in courage, sacrifice, honesty; commitment, knowledge, integrity and several other basic attributes of humanity.

A legend will leave footprints on the sands of time through life-changing values and accomplishments that reinforce the desirable qualities of our humanity.

Because the legend lives in the tangible present and does great things in simple, ordinary ways, not many are blessed with the wisdom to recognise his distinctiveness as

is proper until we find ourselves in a state of loss. For the legend, this is the natural order of things, for he is just living his life naturally and doing things the way he is wont to do, not for recognition or accolades but for the infinite pleasure of being human.

The way of the legend is similar to the course of a deep river. Whereas shallow brooks make the most noise, deep rivers flow with silent majesty.

The legend will silently coarse through our lives with particular prowess and passion leaving behind footprints in the sand they traverse hoping, indeed, that no one else takes notice but history fortunately (unfortunately) betrays them to the world.

Every sphere of life produces its own legends, some gifted with many, others with a devastating fewness.

It is a fact of history that only few, very few legends exist among the politicians and even so, the degree of legendary differs.

In Nigeria, as far as politicians are concerned, the crow is black, the cuckoo is black. Seemingly, there is no difference but when spring arrives, crow is crow, cuckoo is cuckoo. Now it is spring, and we can spot the differences among politicians. In actuality, they are not one and the same afterall. If lined up end to end, without the convenience of prejudice and bigotry, we can pinpoint some patriots, legends and

statesmen (women) in our political class.

Now it is spring, and we miss the magnificent presence of an outstanding man of the political class, Prince Abubakar Audu, a quintessential politician renowned for his uncompromising political principle and a man of reckoning in Kogi politics. He stands out because of his dogged principle of justice, a man who leads with the fear of the verdict of the court of his own conscience, and with this understanding, it becomes easy for any one to fathom the essential roles of his character, commitment and discipline in the story of the steady growth, sustained peace and

The portal, www. nigeriatradehub.gov.ng, a nonrestrictive online medium has achieved a record number of visitors, declaring how valuable, intuitive and interactive the platform is.

The most interesting feature of the portal is that from the comfort of their homes or office, would be, or existing importers and exporters, both within and outside of Nigeria can access relevant information from a central point. Through this portal, traders are enabled to find exact Harmonised System Codes (HS Codes) required, related tariffs and duties, documents, processing times and cost at their finger tips.

The complimenting mobile apps of the trade hub certainly puts the Nigeria Customs Service at the forefront of innovation in technology. The application has no doubt eased the burden of traders by intuitively guiding them via the classification tool, which presents a series of questions to the user until the right HS code for the product is found, thereby aiding compliance and discouraging corruption.

Before the introduction of PAAR and the Nigeria Trade Hub, trader compliance was low with one of the causes being the lack of readily available information and transparency of processes.

Traders had been faced with the frustrations of going from one agency or agent to the next in search of trade information to complete the importation or exportation process in Nigeria and at higher cost.

The introduction of the Nigeria Trade Hub has certainly contributed to the ease of doing business in Nigeria by reducing the cost and time expended on searching for information for import and export processes.

– Ojo is a media consultant and an associate of APCON

happiness in kogi when he reigned.

Kogi is a confluence state with an efficient administrative system fostered by the honesty, faith, love, and integrity of Prince Abubakar Audu,who sees the transformation of Kogi State as not just a moral duty, but a loyalty to the progressive legacies of strategic growth and coordinated development decision initiated by his government. Audu believes that development must of necessity begin with the core elements that make up a society and true to this frame of mind, he dedicated himself towards ensuring a vibrant administration.

– Wada sent in this piece from Abuja

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 35

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Rubochi Residents Want Basic Amenities

By Chika Mefor

Residents of Rubochi in Kuje area council have called on the council’s administration to alleviate the sufferings of the people by providing them with basic amenities.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the residents said that the issue of water has become a challenge for them as they only have one source of water which is not healthy for the people.

A resident, Mohammedu Kuka, said that the major source of water in the area was the unhygienic River Agudu, adding that people have to wake up early in search of water for domestic use.

“We really need intervention when it comes to getting potable water. We are pleading with the council’s administration to provide boreholes for us so that we will be able to get portable water in this area.

“The water we get from Agudu River is not healthy for drinking. So most of us go to Sarki Gbagyi’s Palace to buy water which we get for N20 per gallon,” he said.

Another resident, Ishaku Adamu, said that another challenge being experienced by residents was poor road network and inaccessible roads. “we are appealing to the chairman of the council, Hon Shaban Tete to help us to grade our roads.

This will help open the community to development.

Our roads need urgent attention,” he said.

2015 Elections: YIAGA Launches 10,000Volunteer Campaign

By Ruth Tene Natsa

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) has launched a 10,000 volunteer campaign towards ensuring a more effective Permanent Voters Registration (PVR) and Continuous Voters Registration(CVR).

In an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP at the launch in Abuja, the head of research policy and advocacy of the group, Mr Samson Itodo, said that the 10,000 volunteer campaign was YIAGA’s contribution to increasing voters education towards ensuring a more efficient electoral process.

He stressed that the aim of the volunteer platform was to support INEC in disseminating information.

Itodo said, “the 10,000 Volunteer campaign is YIAGAs contribution towards ensuring a more efficient electoral process. It is open to every Nigerian with no level of education barrier for intending volunteers, because we want it to be localised, the idea is for the message to get to the grass roots where we can effect change and ensure transformation.”

According to him, “previous elections has shown a low level of voter’s education. So, we want to mobilise 10,000 volunteers, who we will train and enlighten on the electoral process. We will have these 10,000 volunteers both online and off line for the effective dissemination of the PVR and collection of CVR data.”

According to him, “we have partnership with INEC who will provide all the necessary information based on our existing partnership, which we will then share with the volunteers who will go out and sensitise eligible voters.

Traders off-loading banana from a car at Gosa Market, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

FCTA Allocates 136 Mass Housing Plots In 4 Years

By Catherine Agbo

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed said his administration has allocated mass housing plots to 136 mass housing developers, comprising property development companies, cooperatives societies and associations in the territory from 2010 to date.

This he said is in addition to other measures including, policies such as the Land Swap Initiative, the social housing scheme, award of contracts for the provision of infrastructure in 10 districts namely; Jahi,

Kagini, Maitama Extension, Wuye, Mbora, Kyami, Guzape I & II, Wasa and Katampe all geared towards addressing the housing deficit in Abuja.

The minister stated this yesterday during the commissioning of 49 high luxury apartments christened “AICL Apo Dutse Housing Estate”.

Mohammed who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr.

John Chukwu revealed that the estate was constructed at the total cost of N3 billion within a period of two years, adding that the FCT administration through the

Abuja Investment embarked on these houses to tackle housing deficit in the territory in consonance with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

According to him, “I am glad to recall that two years ago, I had personally encouraged Abuja Investment to embark on the AICL Apo-Dutse Housing Estate and to deliver on record time. So, this is heart warming that the dream project has become a reality.

“The delivery of these houses clearly demonstrates the commitment of the FCT administration to meet the challenge of housing

confronting the residents of the territory, which is part of our comprehensive efforts to deliver the dividends of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Welcoming guests to the event, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Dr. Musa Ahmed Musa appreciated the support Abuja Investment has been receiving from the FCT administration and solicited for continuous support and cooperation from the FCT administration, stressing that Abuja investment is more than ever ready to take such strides to greater heights.

‘We are Working To Reduce Land Litigations Against FCTA’

By Catherine Agbo

The Director Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Tpl. Rahmon Ishola Salami, has said that the department i among other things, working to reduce the number of land litigations against the FCT administration in various courts in the capital city.

The director who stated this when he paid the chairman of the tribunal a courtesy visit in his office, in company with some management staff of the department, emphasised that if given the chance to perform its duty, the department has the capacity to address the many lingering court litigations against the authority.

He used the opportunity of the visit to advise developers against violating the Abuja master plan, saying there was the need for all stakeholders to come together to ensure

effective management of the aesthetic development and strict adherence to the master plan.

Salami further called on all residents to cooperate with members of the newly reconstituted FCT Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal in order for them to succeed, adding that adequate precaution should be taken to avoid unnecessary litigation.

He revealed that since assumption of duty as the director of the department about a year ago, he has pursued vigorously the dream of the founding fathers of the capital city to ensure that safety, convenience and beauty which is the basic tenement of any master plan is adhered to and therefore called on various government agencies, residents of the city and all stakeholders to comply strictly with the provision of the master plan as they strive to contribute their quota to the development of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

Receiving the delegation, Chairman of the tribunal, chief Oluwaseyi Balogun, assured that he and his team were doing their best to ensure synergy between the various agencies of the organisation charged with the responsibility of managing land related matters in the FCC. He noted that as the custodian of the master plan, for them to succeed, there was the need for them to work with the department to actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the authority.

He further revealed that part of their mandate was to do everything within their capabilities to avoid court litigation that has bedeviled the authority over the years, as well as relieve them of the burden this has brought to bear and called on the stake holders to bring up cases that will assist the board in the discharge of its duties even as he said they were relying on the expertise of the professionals to succeed.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

ADVERTORIAL

UNTOLD STORIES OF SIEGE LAID ON THE STATE OF OSUN BY FEDERAL FORCES Having taken stock of the siege laid on the State of Osun by masked men, who were obviously deployed for hatchet job, as touching the August 9, 2014 governorship election, the 26 members of the state House of Assembly, while reacting on the pre-election siege, had stories of horrible experiences in the hands of the masked men to tell across the 30 local government council areas including the Area office.

We could have settled for a silent legal battle the state parliament had mandated the state to take against the action of the federal government, but the partisan position of the spokeswoman of the Department of State Security (DSS), Ms. Marylyn Ogar, who labored so hard on national television to change the record of facts and figures, has compelled us to made some of the facts public.

3. Hon. Babatunde Komolafe Festus, representing Atakunmosa East and West State Constituency, reported how APC polling agents were arrested and detained for no reason by armed masked men, before his family house in Ifewara was vandalized by the same men, who were reportedly led by a PDP agent.

4. Hon. Oladoyin-Folorunso Bamisayemi, representing Ife South State Constituency, reported how the leaders and supporters of APC in Ile-Ife were hounded and arrested at random in the council area by armed masked men, a situation that offered the PDP opportunity to have a field day during the election, because most of the polling agents had been arrested. And the Chip whip, Hon. Ipoola Binuyo representing Ife North reported that his family members had to flee home when the armed masked men stormed his family house.

Let it be known that the parliament of the State of Osun and the government have no problem with the officers and men of the DSS among other formations of the security apparatus controlled by the federal government under the pseudo-democracy being practised in this nation, but what stunned us as the parliament was the way this federal institutions went partisan on the issue of grave concern, especially on the siege its men laid on Osun for reason that could not be divorced from the politics of “order from above”.

5. Hon. Olalekan Afolabi, representing Ifelodun State Constituency, also related how the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was also the first Speaker of the State House of Assembly, was arrested and humiliated while he made effort to secure the release of the Executive Secretary of Ifelodun Local Government Council Area and others who were arrested for no reason on the eve of the election in Ikirun.

Precisely a week before the governorship election in the State of Osun, men of the DSS were brought to Osun in 50 trucks and aside from the show of force displayed at some populated areas in the state capital, Osogbo; those men later became civil and professional, but three days to the D-day, the story changed, as men in mask and DSS fatigue began to intimidate innocent people on the streets, a prelude to what obtained at the dusk of a day to the D-day. Below were the few cases of a full-fledged siege laid on the state people of Osun:

The Deputy Speaker, Hon, Akintunde Adegboye representing Osogbo State Constituency reported that three councilors of Osogbo Local Government who are ward leaders given the money meant for the polling agents were arrested by soldiers and detained at DSS state headquarters for no reason; while the Leader of the House, Hon. Timothy Owoeye reported that four of his brothers and his driver were arrested when the masked men who stormed his residence could not locate his whereabout.

To start with: 1. Hon. Folarin Fafowora, representing Ilesa West State Constituency, was arrested and humiliated on the eve of election for no reason other than he was reportedly pointed out by a PDP chieftain, as a man to be withdrawn from circulation, if the mission to capture Ilesa West Local Government Council Area was to become a reality. He was detained and ridiculed by the masked men with inscription of DSS boldly woven at the back of their T-shirts for no offence and was released after the election and no charge has been preferred against him till date. Fafowora and other APC chieftains arrested with him were detained for four days before they were released.

The above stated facts are some of the incidences that took place before and during the governorship election which Ms. Ogar wanted Nigerians to praise his men for because the choice of the people prevailed against all odds and the siege laid on the state as a result of sheer determination of the people to make a statement.

2. Hon. Wasiu Adebayo representing Olorunda State Constituency reported that Madam Deputy Governor, who hails from his constituency, was arrested and humiliated during the election, while she was coming from the Commissioner of Police to complain about some of the supporters of the APC, who were arrested and detained for no given reason. It was gathered on good authority that the instruction to arrest the deputy governor with her immunity was ordered by a candidate of the federal ruling party. Besides, he told the House on how the entire Household of Senator Bayo Salami, who was the chairman of the governorship campaign committee of APC in Osogbo zone, was held to ransom by sporadic shooting of armed masked men, subjecting his wives and children to psychological trauma throughout the night.

As a result of the facts stated above about the siege laid on the very peaceful State of Osun, large number of the people, who could not withstand the intimidation, refused to come out to vote and substantially, the voting strength of the state was reduced. This is against the “make belief” free and fair attributed to the election. Yes, the election is credible and the result appears indisputable, but the atmosphere was far less than free and fair.

In the light of all these, we hereby appeal to the National Assembly to step-in on the matter and investigate the facts we have laid out to the public, so as to curb the abuse of federal institutions now and in the future and to further factor into the electoral act, practical measures that could provide conducive environment for elections without militarization.

Signed: RT. HON. NAJEEM SALAAM Speaker, State House of Assembly of Osun

politics today Wednesday, August 20, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

T

he acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri alongside former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have in the wake of the announcement of the October 9th Gubernatorial election, picked nomination forms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to participate in the forth-coming by-election.

Before Ribadu finally threw his hat into the ring, race, the state was been awash with speculations that the Presidency may have settled for the former anti-corruption czar to fly the flag of the party in the election which is expected to install a successor to former governor Murtala Nyako who was impeached by the state legislature.

Before he picked the form many political analysts in the state had dismissed the speculations about the likelihood of Ribadu jettisoning Girei Fintiri the party, the All Progressives Congress(APC) he worked assiduously to build and on whose back he rode to the presidential contest in the 2011 general election where he lost to the incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan. Their assumptions may have been predicated on the fact that Ribadu had variously described his new-found love, PDP, the most corrupt political party in Africa.

Ribadu appears unstoppable The political firmament of Adamawa State Chapter of Peoples though, his move to join Democratic Party (PDP) may not be the same again following two the PDP gubernatorial race unusual developments which took place in quick successions. was received by some PDP stalwarts with a pinch of salt MOHAMMED ISMAIL reports that these have tilted the wobbling as many believe that it was political equation of the party in the state. a re-enactment of the 2007 episode where Governor Nyako favour of Ribadu’s categorically people are now wiser than adding that as far as he was was single- handedly picked by denied such development and before. concerned, Ribudu is still a former President Olusegun even put a caveat that under no “The party has burnt its member of the All Progressives Obasanjo against nine other circumstance should the party fingers in many parts of the Congress (APC), adding that it aspirants who have been in the repeat the mistake of imposing country. We have been patient was ridiculous for anyone to candidates on others saying enough, but our patience should assume that a PDP aspirant jostle for the PDP ticket.

To this school of thought that they will vehemently resist not be taken for granted,” he will relinquish his ambition to said. another aspirant in opposition belongs one of the PDP any such move.

He said the party should not He said at no point in time party. aspirants Markus Nathina “The long and short is that I Gundiri who said the choice repeat the mistake of 2007 he disclosed to anyone that he of Ribadu to govern the state where no governorship primary has relinquished his ambition have not withdrawn from the gubernatorial race. I intend to was an evil machination of was conducted in Adamawa to Nuhu Ribadu wondering few individuals to ensure that State with Nyako being foisted how mischievous and fictitious declare my intention to contest the inglorious reign of former on the people as the party’s flag publications get their ways the gubernatorial race at the governor Murtala Nyako in bearer. He warned that such into newspapers without appropriate time. mistake will not augur well for recourse to the basic tenets of “Everyone can aspire for power continues.

Similarly, another PDP the stability of the PDP in the check and balance enshrined in the gubernatorial seat and we Journalism. welcome them. stalwart and gubernatorial state. hopeful in the state Hon. Awwal Tukur added he did not see “I don’t think people are ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Tukur has in the wake of media willing to accept imposition why he would surrender his reports which suggested that he anymore, whether in Adamawa ambition to someone that has jettisoned his ambition in or any part of the country as is in another political party Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

Adamawa By-election: New Twists Ahead Of PDP Ticket

The party has burnt its fingers in many parts of the country. We have been patient enough, but our patience should not be taken for granted,” he said

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Adamawa PDP: New Twists Ahead Of Governorship Poll ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

But Ribadu who picked the governorship form on Monday has distanced himself from insinuations that he was to be imposed as Adamawa governor by President Goodluck Jonathan

When I drop my ambition for Nyako in 2011 I came here to announce it,” he said.

But Ribadu’s decision to dump the APC, according to a source close to him may not be unconnected with what he called the party’s lack of concern for its members it times of trouble.

The source who pleaded anonymity said Ribadu was shocked when the APC stalwarts at the state and national level failed to save Nyako in the wake of the impeachment move against the former governor even as all efforts to rally the support of the APC stalwarts to save Nyako proved abortive.

Thee source also said, in the 2011 Presidential race in which Ribadu contested on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) (now an integral part of APC) against President Goodluck Jonathan, the party ditched him in favour of President Jonathan.

The source further disclosed that already Ribadu has lost confidence in the party as a result of which he accepted the overtures of the PDP which is another alternative platform to realise his ambition.

As if the incursion of Ribadu into the PDP was not enough storm for the party to whether, the acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri also went to the party secretariat to pick the gubernatorial ticket.

The development has added to the frenzy and mistrust in the party as many said the decision

by Adamawa state Acting Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to aspire for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for governorship by-election was morally wrong.

Speculations were ripe in the state that with the new development, the party may lose some of its members to other opposition political platforms as some aspirants are jittery that the party primary may be tailored towards producing the acting governor as the next candidate of the party.

Former adviser on political affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan Ahmed Gulak in a telephone interview said it was morally wrong for the acting governor to contest the election saying that his role is that of an overseer of the conduct of a free and fair election in the state.

“The acting Governor has no moral justification to contest the polls; he ought to act as an impartial umpire to monitor and conduct a free and fair election.

It’s on that note that I call on all the aspirants to make it known that all we need is a

Ribadu

Gulak

Ardo

Gundiri

level playing ground and equal opportunity,’’ he said.

Gulak said the aspiration of the acting governor was a clear move to use his advantaged position over other candidates adding “Fintiri is desperate; many thought that he will justify the confidence reposed in him by being neutral and imperial, only to turn and show his interest,”.

Also reacting a Yola-based lawyer, Sunday Joshua Wugira, said it is morally wrong for the acting Governor to join the race because it would amount to holding two positions of being the speaker and the acting governor at the same time.

Wugira said if the acting governor should contest, he must resign his position; “he has every right to contest as an indigene of the state, but the move is morally reprehensive and the issue is for him to put two things together by resigning, as the speaker of the state House of Assembly which gave him the enabling status to

become acting governor and at the same time trying to become the substantive governor. ‘’Although the constitution is silent about it we believe that it is not morally right. If he want to contest, he should resign as acting governor and go to the contest,’’ he said.

But Ribadu who picked the governorship form on Monday has distanced himself from insinuations that he was to be imposed as Adamawa governor by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ribadu who picked the expression of interest and nomination forms through an aide, Alhaji Hamidu Mahmoud at the PDP national secretariat, also disclosed that he had applied to the PDP national leadership to waive section 50 of its constitution to allow him contest the party’s primary election.

Mahmoud who said he has the mandate to speak for Ribadu said “We are not aware that the President wants to

impose Ribadu as governor of Adamawa State. It was some PDP chieftains who called on Ribadu to come and contest for the governorship of Adamawa. So, the question of the President wanting Ribadu does not arise in this case.”

He however allayed the fears of his supporters that the controversial waiver could impede his chances ahead of the contest saying the “PDP constitution did not insert the waiver clause in anticipation that Ribadu will join the party, having joined the race, he is expected to enjoy the waiver”.

Even though Senator Abubakar Girei, Engineer Markus Gundiri, Gulak, Mohammed Buba Marwa, Awwal Tukur and a few others have picked the form of intent, the most intriguing thrust of the race remains the interests of both Ribadu and Fintiri whose ambitions have subtly torn the leadership of the PDP, both at the state and the national levels along lines of interests.

POLITICS TODAY 39

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Elections: Military’s Role Complementary, Not Partisan– Abati Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, speaks to George Agba on the attacks being launched on President Goodluck Jonathan by the opposition over deployment of massive security forces, especially the military, during elections.

You must have stepped on toes knowingly or unknowingly in the course of discharging your duties. How do you intend to address this after all?

There is no job that you will do in this life that you won’t step on toes. As a journalist for more than 20 years, I stepped on many toes on a daily basis; here I am today.

As a presidential spokesman, I am not afraid to step on people’s toes.

If you are principled and you are committed and you are focused and devoted to your assignment, you will of course step on toes. The main thing is that as a person, if you have a job to do, you get the job done no matter whose ox is gored.

So, I don’t worry about people’s toes.

How would you assess the political situation in the country?

The same people who are talking about dictatorship, who are talking about military presence are the same people who in the lead up to elections threaten that there will be fire and brimstone

President Jonathan must be given due credit for what he has done since his assumption of office to deepen the democratic process in Nigeria. After the return to civilian rule in 1999, one popular phrase then was to refer to Nigeria’s democracy as fledging. Under President Jonathan, that phrase has disappeared and students of Nigerian politics should take special notice of this.

It has disappeared in part because under President Jonathan we have seen a consolidation of democratic rule. President Jonathan promised before he assumed office that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian, that he would do everything within his powers to ensure that elections are peaceful, free, and fair and indeed since he assumed office this has been the case. We have had the spectacle of the Peoples Democratic Party (his own party) losing elections in Ondo, Edo, Anambra States and most recently in Osun State. In all instances, we have had President Jonathan always being among the first set of persons to congratulate the winner from the opposition party. That is leadership. Maturity.

Sportsmanship. Statesmanship.

But some Nigerians don’t believe so

This president is committed to the rule of law. He has been consistent and his administration has not done anything to violate

the rule of law. When people make comments in this regard, they should do so with a historical perspective.

That is my first point. My second point is that the allegations of impunity and dictatorship cannot stand. One thing you must note about the opposition in Nigeria is that in an attempt to be overarticulate their selfish, malicious, hate-driven objections, they make all kinds of claims, including outrightly unreasonable ones to discredit the president, to promote and make themselves look like they are a better option to be in office and in power. But the truth of the matter is that their allegations are always wild and those allegations point to nothing other than their own partisanship.

On the issue of the use of the military during elections, you should note that the military has never been used by President Jonathan to conduct elections.

They don’t conduct elections.

The function of the military in the elections that have been conducted so far has been mainly complementary to that of the civilian authority that manages the electoral process. It has become imperative to bring out the military just to maintain the rule of law as well as maintain law and order, particularly in a situation whereby you are dealing with political actors who threaten fire and brimstone.

The same people who are talking about dictatorship, who are talking about military presences are the same people who in the lead up to elections threatened that there will be fire and brimstone.

They boast openly that the heavens will fall and that if they do not win, the whole place will collapse. These are the same people who give out orders that all their members occupying political offices or associated in one way or the other, in any part of the country, whatever may be their state of origin should mobilise heavily to another state where they are not required, where they have no stake, and enforce electoral victory. When people talk like that, when they preach doomsday and threaten a breakdown of law and order, the government of the day has the responsibility to ensure that they do not have their way.

That is it.

Abati Speculations are rife that with the House of Reps caucus of the PDP and some other groups coming to ask him to contest, the president is going to declare for the 2015 presidential race any moment from now. Is he declaring his ambition soon?

I don’t have any information on that as at this moment and I have no authorisation to make any categorical statement, but you know that in a political situation such as we are in, it is not just members of the House of Representatives and some other groups who have been commending President Jonathan for his sterling performance, for his quality leadership, for his visionary leadership, for the success of his transformation agenda and for the purpose-driven government that he has provided.

And the commendation is in order.

But in terms of declaring for 2015, President Jonathan has responded to this question on many occasions in the recent past and he has said that when the time comes, it will be his responsibility to address Nigerians on what his choice, his decision in the matter is. So, people should just wait for him to do so at his own time and not play games with what is clearly a simple matter. It is like a wedding proposal: You do or you do not?

But some Nigerians believe he is already declaring his intention subtly and indirectly through political groups canvassing support for him in sponsoring adverts and jingles in the media. The public perception now is that some of these groups are being financed by the presidency to project his presidential ambition.

Nobody is being funded by the presidency. The constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of thought,

and freedom of association and there are persons who on their own, if you listen to their jingles and adverts, have been expressing their support for this administration. They have been helping to draw public attention to the achievements of this administration.

I am surprised that we are complaining about groups that are advertising the achievements of this administration, but we don’t complain about those other groups who are heavily active on the pages of newspapers, the social media and the broadcast media, trying to pull down this government and trying to deny the achievements of this government, using all kinds of labels to criticise the government of the day.

The president just returned from the United States where he attended the US-Africa Leaders Summit. Some pundits are saying his going to the summit was a waste. What is your take on this?

Some of these your so-called pundits just talk because it is convenient and I keep saying it is not everybody that should be quoted.

People should be quoted based on the quality of their thinking, and not on the basis of the noisomeness of their contribution.

Mr. President’s going to the United States to attend the USAfrica Leaders Summit was well considered and the trip was not a jamboree and certainly not a waste of time. It was a decision well taken.

It was the first time that the US President will be meeting with African countries and about 50 countries had been invited to discuss issues of peace, stability, security, trade and investment and governance in Africa.

These are issues that are of clear and profound relevance to both the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people.

40

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

THE

ELECTABLES On August 30th, 2014

Who

Makes The List?

The best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the traiblazers; Nigeria ‘s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead.

This is a must read!

A

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLI CATION

news north-East, north-west 41

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Kebbi Govt House Gutted By Fire

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

A fire incident yesterday completely razed the Administrative Office of Kebbi State Government House, destroying all valuables, files, vouchers and other documents.

The fire which started around 5pm destroyed the office of the permanent secretary, Government House and one other office attached to it.

According to an eye witness who works in the Government

House, if not for the timely intervention of the Fire Service Department, the whole Government House would have been burnt down. ‘’I just saw thick smoke from the building and I quickly alerted other staff of the Government House who along with me made efforts to break the door of the office of the permanent secretary who was not around at the time, but to no avail as the fire kept us at bay’’, he said.

The source who spoke on con-

dition of anonymity also said the fire could have been as a result of an electrical spark.

When contacted on the matter, the chief press secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu Dakingari confirmed the incident and explained that the fire was prevented from spreading to other parts of the Government House, as it only destroyed the office of the permanent secretary with important government files.

Just last Saturday, the Gov-

ernment House was flooded following the torrential rainfall which destroyed many houses in the state, and this is the third fire incident in the Government House this year after the clinic and a portion of the house were gutted by fire.

The deputy governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu and other government officials have since visited the scene of the fire and expressed their sympathies over the incident. No life was lost during the inferno.

L-R- Chairman of the screening committee, Amb. Usman Sani El-Kudan, zonal coordinator of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Frontiers, North-west, Yusuf Dingyadi and Alhaji Maikudi Tela, at the screening/ evaluation of NGOs and support groups of PDP, Northwest Centre, Kaduna, yesterday.

short news PDP Elders Reject Imposition Of Candidates In Southern Kaduna Elders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State yesterday warned that any attempt to impose candidates on the people would spell doom for the party in the state.

The elders’ reaction was coming on the heels of rumours making the rounds in Kaduna that President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo were planning to impose gubernatorial and senatorial candidates on the people ahead of the 2015 general elections in the state.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

2015: APC Youth Group Endorses Tambuwal For Sokoto Governorship

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

A youth wing of the Sokoto All Progressives Congress (APC), Youth Mobilisation Initiative (AYOMI) has called on the speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to take the bull by the horns and defect to the APC, saying it endorses his candidature for the state governorship come 2015.

The group which disclosed that its membership cuts across the 23 local governments of the state also noted that its call and en-

dorsement of Tambuwal to contest the state governorship under the APC platform was premised on his excellent legislative prowess which he has exhibited at the national level.

A statement sent to LEADERSHIP by the state chairman of the group, Alhaji Nuraddeen Harande Mahe, said members of the group are convinced by Tambuwal’s track record of service to humanity that he is the right man for the job come 2015, adding that they unanimously endorsed his candidature for the

state’s number one job.

The statement reads in part, “AYOMI is a political organisation with branches in all the 23 local governments of Sokoto State and duly registered with the APC State Secretariat, Sokoto. Its state office is located along Eastern Bypass road, opposite Magatakarda Farms Ltd, Sokoto.

“Alhaji Nuraddeen Harande Mahe is the state chairman of AYOMI. We the APC Youths Mobilisation Initiative (AYOMI) have unanimously endorsed the candidature of Rt. Hon.”

Taraba Assembly To Investigate N10bn Road Projects

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

The Taraba State House of Assembly yesterday in Jalingo moved a motion to investigate the utilisation of the N10billion loan procured in 2012 for the construction of four-kilometre roads across the 16 local government areas of the state. Hon Charles Maijankai from Karim Lamido 1 constituency said in the motion raised during plenary that a loan of N10billion was approved by the Assembly in 2012 for the construction of four-kilometre

roads across the local government areas.

He noted that the roads were poorly constructed and asked the House to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the construction of the roads.

The sitting which was presided over by the deputy speaker of the House, Hon Tanko Maikarifi, agreed to carry out an investigation into how the road projects were executed.

The motion was seconded by Hon Muhammed Gaayam of Gashaka

constituency.

Maijankai stressed that the N10billion road projects across the 16 local government areas of the state were handled by the Taraba State Road Construction and Maintenance Agency (TARCMA) and PW Construction Company.

Commenting on the motion, the deputy speaker condemned the quality of work done on the roads by the constructing firms, stressing that they must give an account on how the N10billion was spent when the road projects were going on.

short news UBE: Katsina Jerks Up Counterpart Funding As part of measures to further reposition primary education, the Katsina state government has increased its counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) from N853 million to N1,030 billion (one billion, thirty million naira).

Executive chairman of Katsina state universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Aminu Danbaba who disclosed this to newsmen said the increase was for the 2013/2014 academic session.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Adamawa Guber: Lawmakers, Chairmen, Councillors Support Fintiri The gubernatorial ambition of Adamawa acting governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, yesterday received a boost as members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councillors declared support for his decision to contest the forthcoming governorship by-election in the state.

The chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Adamu Kamale and chairman of the state branch of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Sahabo Aliyu, in separate interviews with newsmen in Yola yesterday, reiterated their support for the aspiration of the acting governor.

Kamale said the House is fully behind the acting governor and would work for his success, noting that his leadership style stands him out among his contemporaries.

On his part, the ALGON chairman, Alhaji Sahabo Aliyu, said the action of the acting governor is in order, adding that council chairmen and councillors are fully behind him and would work for his success.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Adamawa Election: Group Declares Support For Ribadu A socio-political group, the Solid Political Group of Nigeria (SPGN), Adamawa State Chapter, has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State come October 11. In a press statement signed by Chief Medan Teneke (Sardauna Batta), leader of the group and former commissioner for special duties under former Governor Murtala Nyako, the group described Ribadu’s entry into the race as divine and in the interest of Adamawa people.

“Ribadu will provide the much needed sense of direction and progress lacking in the state. He’s brilliant, passionate, humble, accommodating and his career record towers over everyone eyeing the seat,” the statement said.

It also emphasised that Ribadu’s interest in serving the state was divine, particularly as Adamawa State needed someone capable of making it great again by bringing back smiles to the faces of the people.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

42 news Lagos DSS’ Bribery Allegation, Attempt To Discredit APC – Fafunmi Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ifako/Ijaiye constituency 1, Saka Fafunmi, has said that the recent allegation by the spokesperson of the Department of State Security (DSS), Marilyn Ogar that the All Progressives Congress (APC), attempted to bribe the DSS, was only meant to “call the dog a bad name in order to hang it.”

Fafunmi insisted that the DSS spokesperson’s allegation that the APC tried to bribe her agency to redirect the just concluded governorship election in Osun State, was only meant to tarnish the image of the APC. “I’m not at home with that allegation that my party the APC tried to bribe the DSS in order to redirect the just concluded governorship election of Osun State.

“Basically, the DSS by virtue of the law or the Act that established them, are not even to be seen or heard on election matters. They are just there to provide security”.

He said if anyone approached the DSS with an offer, they should have arrested the concerned party.

“Now that the election is over, she’s now accusing the APC. For me, its just a way to call the dog a bad name so as to get it hanged.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Scores Rendered Homeless In Lagos As Fire Guts Oko Baba Sawmill

Scores of residents in Mainland local government area of Lagos State were yesterday rendered homeless by fire incident that gutted Oko Baba Sawmill and other adjoining communities in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire that raged between Monday night and Tuesday destroyed many buildings comprising of five bungalows and several other shanties as well as sawmills.

Witnesses said the fire razed both the commercial and residential wing of the sawmill.

According to the Baale of Oko Baba community, Chief Musibau Jinadu, the fire lasted for several hours before it was put out.

He said, “Before I left the scene of the fire was around 2am. Imagine the number of machines destroyed by the fire. Gedu timber has never burnt like this before.

See the number of generators destroyed in the inferno.

“I have been hearing of fire disaster but this was too much. The fire spread from one street junction to the other. From Cole Street to Kadara and from Kadara Street to Water front and Cold Room Osholake street.

“They should not even talk about relocating us to Agbowa.

If they do so now, will vote them during general elections?”

By George Okojie, Lagos

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Lagos ‘ll Meet Water Needs Of Residents By 2020 – Fashola

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said the state will meet the demand of potable water supply to the residents by 2020.

The governor, who gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing construction work in the massive Adiyan Water Works, said the project was designed to put an end to scarcity of potable water supply to the residents.

The governor who defied

the heavy downpour and commissioned an 18-classroom block at Sonmori Senior Comprehensive High School located on College Road , Ifako Ijaiye, and First African Primary School, Iju–Ishaga urged the residents to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to continue to enjoy dividends of democracy.

Harping on the importance of the Ajiyan water works, he said, “The construction work on the Adiyan water works phase II is in

top gear. The contractor has showed that they could work at night and hopefully, this will speed up the construction of the water works.

“This is the third major water works in the state. The first was the Iju water works which was built at about 1910. There was no major intervention in the state until 1991 when Adiyan water works phase I was constructed. That is a long time and the population continued to grow in the state.

The state government has constructed so many mini and

micro-water works. The reason why this is important was that we started with the micro-water works and to resuscitate some of those that were built by my predecessors, and to add construct more as a short term measure in the first term.”

According to him, this is a medium term plan in the second term, adding that the long term plan is to have more if this being built in partnership with private sector to deliver more of such projects.

short news 2 Injured As Bus Crushes Okada Rider, Passenger

Scene of fire disaster at Oko Baba market in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

NHRC Commends FG, Lagos Over Control Of Ebola

By Kunle Olasanmi, Lagos

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended the federal government for the efforts put in place to prevent the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The executive secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, said the federal government and the Lagos state government should be applauded for taking urgent steps and involving major stakeholders in controlling the spread of EVD. This concerted effort, he said, depicts the government’s commitment

to protecting the human rights and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Angwe noted that the campaign going on at the various levels of government, exhibits seriousness to containing the disease.

He added that the commission would remain committed in playing its role to assist the government in controlling the spread of the disease especially in vulnerable areas like the prison.

He further stated that there is an urgent need to spare some thought on the dangers posed by the entry of ebola in the Nigerian Prisons that harbour persons deprived of their

liberties and freedoms of movement.

Angwe said the NHRC, in collaboration with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Human Rights, would on September 26 convene an emergency meeting of all zonal and state Controllers of Prison Health Experts and other stakeholders to adopt strategies to prevent the entry of the deadly ebola virus into Nigerian prisons and other detention centres.

In addition, Angwe gave kudos to medical personnel involved in the treatment of Ebola patients.

A commercial motorcycle rider and his passenger are critically injured as a hit and run commercial bus popularly called ‘danfo’ rammed into them.

The incident occurred yesterday at the Ojota end of the busy Kudirat Abiola Way, as the riders were making their way to Ikeja, the state capital.

A witness told LEADERSHIP at the scene of the incident that the riders were at top speed when the motorcycle they were riding on collided with a ‘danfo’ bus that was reversing into the Ojota end of the road at top speed.

“I was at the place when the accident happened.

The Okada rider was at top speed but was unfortunate to have collided with a danfo bus that was also at top speed,” he said.

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

Lagos Ranked Among Least Pleasant Places To Live

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos with agency reports

Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria and Africa’s largest city with an estimated population of over 21 million, has been ranked amongst the least pleasant places to live by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

An Economist Intelligence Unit poll ranked Lagos at the bottom of its list of pleasant cit-

ies to live in. Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre was ranked fourth after Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Damascus, capital of war-torn Syria which was at the bottom of the list.

The EIU’s survey assesses the liveability of cities based on a number of key factors, including stability and the quality of healthcare, culture, the environment, education and infrastruc-

ture.

Melbourne in Australia topped the ranking as the world’s most pleasant city to live in for the fourth year running, but an Economist Intelligence Unit poll also finds that turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East have pushed other cities down the list.

Vienna, Vancouver and Toronto captured second, third and fourth places in the list of

140 cities released yesterday. The Economist survey also includes a listing of cities whose “liveability” has declined most in the past five years.

Lagos’ liveability had declined by about 40 per cent between 2009 and 2014. The state is currently battling to curb the spread of deadly Ebola Viral Disease which has so far claimed the lives of three people including a Liberian envoy.

news south-west 43

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Ogun CJ Releases 39 Inmates Ogun State chief judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade has granted unconditional release to 39 inmates of four out of the five prisons in the state.

According to a release, the inmates were released from Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode prisons.

Justice Olopade explained that the exercise which was supposed to have taken place in July was shifted to August due to judicial workers’ strike.

“Even though the courts are on vacation, we would ensure the welfare of the inmates and decongest the prisons by setting free those inmates awaiting trial on the grounds of no case file and some inmates who have no charges against them,” she said.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Osun Guber: Group Petitions ICPC Over N14m Bribe Allegation By DSS

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A group, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has petitioned the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging the commission to probe the bribery allegations of the assistant director, media, of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ms Marilyn Ogar.

Ogar recently told a bewildered nation that some politicians offered operatives of the DSS the sum of

N14million to compromise their duty during the recently concluded governorship election in Osun State.

The statement issued on behalf of the group by its chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraj is urging the anti-graft agency to invite Ogar to substantiate her claims with a view to putting the issue to rest once and for all.

Suraj called on the commission to act on the issue, saying “Offer of bribe is an offence punishable under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

While faulting the approach of the spokeswoman of the agency as unorthodox, the group said the assertions made by her marked a turning point in the way the agency operates.

The group faulted DSS for politicising its operations, saying “The DSS director has severally exposed the agency to public opprobrium with her gaffes and politicisation of serious security issues in the country. This obviously is antithetical to the primary responsibilities of the agency.”

Self-Help Projects: Ondo Assures Communities Of Funds

short news MDCAN Condemns FG’s Suspension Of Residency Training The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has condemned the suspension of the residency training by the federal government.

The general secretary of MDCAN, University College Hospital (UCH) branch, Dr Adeoye Abiodun Moshood, said in a statement in Ibadan yesterday, that sequel to the suspension of the residency training in Nigeria as evidenced by the circular from the Ministry of Health, an emergency general meeting of the association was called on the 14th of August, 2014.

He said the meeting deliberated on the issue and resolved that the strike action called by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the meetings with government had not resolved the issues that led to the strike.

Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Ondo State government has reaffirmed its readiness to give additional funds to any community that manages its grants judiciously in the execution of its self-help projects.

Mr Clement Faboyede, the commissioner for community development and cooperative services, said this at Ala-Elefosan in Idanre local government yesterday.

Faboyede, who commissioned the staff quarters completed under ‘Kajose-Kajola’ at Ala Community Comprehensive High School, disclosed that government released its counterpart funds because of its confidence in the community.

He said, “The state govern- L-R: Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, his deputy, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, and the state’s chief judge, Justice Olasehinde ment decided to release the sum Kumuyi, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Akure Shopping Mall, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI. of N3.2million to this community because of its viability and readiness to execute the expected work”.

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo been set aside by the United six-point integral action plan The government enjoined

By Tope Fayehun,Akure Nations as the “Day for Indig- of the present government in all traditional religion worOsun State government yes- enous Religion” all over the the state. shippers to use the day to apterday declared today as a pub- world.

Traditional religion wor- preciate God for the peaceful lic holiday in commemoration The day was first observed as shippers usually set aside the conduct of the August 9 goverof the annual Isese (tradition- public holiday by Osun State week running to the 20th of norship election in Osun and al worship) Day. last year as part of efforts by August every year for celebrat- also pray for wisdom, strength A statement signed and the Aregbesola administration ing with their adherents, while and good health for the govmade available to newsmen to ensure equality among all the day features traditional ernor, Ogbeni Rauf AregbesSome traditional rulers and politin Osogbo by the state com- religions. ical office holders in Osun State prayers, parades, lectures and ola and members of his team missioner for information have called for maturity and dilIt was also designed to pro- display of traditional apparel in their second tenure so that and strategy, Hon Sunday mote communal peace and to attract tourists from other their goal of moving the state igence in the way elections are Akere stated that the day has progress which is one of the parts of the world. conducted in Nigeria. forward will be achieved.

The senator representing Osun East, Senator Babajide Omoworare; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi and the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Olayiwola Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta at the PDP state secretariat in tle for elective offices begins and Akinlade also expressed optiAdedeji made the call at the birthAbeokuta, the Ogun State capimism that he would defeat the urged members who might have day celebration of the senior spe- A House of Representatives incumbent Senator Amosun if tal, where he had gone to submit felt offended to bury their difcial assistant to the governor on member, Abiodun Akinlade has given the ticket to run on the ferences and come together to his letter of intent to vie for PDP community forum, Olatunbosun said that the Ogun State chapter platform of PDP. form a common front for 2015. gubernatorial ticket come 2015.

Oyintiloye in Ibokun. of the Peoples Democratic Party He recalled that in 2011 “In about two or three The federal lawmaker was Omoworare and Olabomi said (PDP) may not make any meanwhile in the then ACN durmonth’s time, it will be tough elected in 2003 to represent the militarisation of the August 9 ingful impact at the 2015 polls ing the build-up to the generfor all of us; whatever may be the Yewa South Ipokia Federgovernorship election in the state if party members fail to settle al elections, he stepped down al Constituency in the House of our differences, let’s bury them. calls for serious concern, won- their differences and work tofor Amosun three times on the Representatives on the platform Let’s set aside our personal indering why what should be a cel- gether as a unit in the interest advice of the party leaders, exof PDP. terests and unite to fight a comebration of democracy now had a of the party.

He said it would be tough for mon cause.

We must work if we pressing the confidence that this semblance of a warfront.

Akinlade gave the admonition the PDP members when the bat- want to win.” time, he would win.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Isese Day: Osun Declares Today Public Holiday

Lawmaker, Monarch Call For Maturity In Election Conduct

2015: NASS Member Counsels Ogun PDP Over Unity

44

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

KEBBI STATE GOVERNMENT

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE On behalf of the government and good people of Kebbi State, I wish to specially condole with the (Rtd) General Aziza's family, the government and good people of Delta State, on the demise of Late (Rtd) Maj. Gen. Patrick Aziza, the pioneer former Governor of Kebbi State.

As we mourn our departed General, we take solace in his legacy of service and exemplary life and will continue to be guided by his leadership and commitment to national unity, among others.

May the Almighty God grant the Aziza's family, the government and people of Delta State the fortitude to bear this great loss and the soul of our departed General eternal rest.

Late (Rtd) Maj. Gen

Patrick Newton Aziza Burial arrangement, as announced by the family SIGNED: His Excellency, Alhaji Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakingari Executive Governor, Kebbi State

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

2015: Rivers PDP Not Working For Jonathan –Ex-Commissioner A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and former commissioner for education, Professor Israel Owate, has accused the Chief Felix Obuah-led leadership of the party in the state of not working for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan come 2015.

This is as the PDP in the state said it is investigating the claims by the former commissioner, who is the national coordinator of Rivers Mainstream Coalition (RMC) to determine if he is a registered member of the party.

Owate, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, stated that the party leadership is not interested in the success of the party but their selfish interests and that of the leader of the party in the state and minister of state for education, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

news south-South south-East 45

Ebonyi Factional Speaker, Deputy Speaker, 12 Others Arrested

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

The factional speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly and member representing Abakaliki North state constituency, Hon. Helen Nwobashi, the deputy speaker and member representing Afikpo South East state constituency, Hon. Blaise Orji and 12 other lawmakers loyal to Hon. Helen Nwobashi were yesterday arrested by a team of policemen from the police Headquarters Abakaliki shortly after coming out from the court where a suit was instituted against Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku.

Others arrested and were seen

making statement at the Police Headquarters include the chief whip, Hon. Ogbonnaya Ikoro (Afikpo North West), Hon. Jerry Obasi (Ohaozara West), Hon Eni Uduma Chima, representing Afikpo South West, the minority whip, Hon. Joseph Nwobashi, the member representing Afikpo North East, Hon. Eloy Eloy and the former speaker, Hon. Ikechukwu Nwankwo among others.

The lawmakers, who were arrested at about 9:30am, were taken to the interrogation room of the State Criminal Investigation Department where a police officer took their statements.

Some of the lawmakers who

were shocked by the development described it as unconstitutional and a rape of democracy.

A police source revealed to LEADERSHIP that the lawmakers were arrested following a petition written and addressed to the state commissioner of police by the 10 lawmakers loyal to Rt. Hon Chukwuma Nwazunku, alleging conspiracy, breaking into the House of Assembly Chambers and threat to the lives of the 10 lawmakers.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, one of the lawyers to the 14 lawmakers, Barr. Luke Nkwagu expressed regret at the action of the police, adding that the undue interference in the House of Assembly’s

short news Abia Guber: Ngwa Royal Fathers Back Zoning

Ebola: Rivers Health Commissioner Appears Before Lawmakers Today Rivers State commissioner for health, Dr. Sampson Parker will today, appear before the State House of Assembly, to explain measures taken so far to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the state.

The House had during its sitting on Monday summoned Parker after the deputy leader of the House and member representing Ahoada-East 1 Constituency; Hon. Robinson Nname Ewor presented a motion to the floor.

Ewor, while presenting the motion said it is important that the commissioner of health appear to the floor of the House to explain measures and steps taken by the ministry to prevent the deadly disease in the state.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Ebola: Stand By Patients, NMCN Tells Nurses Despite the inherent risk posed by the deadly ebola virus, the board chairman of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria(NMCN) Alhaji Mustapha Jumare has urged the nurses to stand by the patients and others who require their services during this period he described as “trying times” in the profession.

He stated this yesterday during a workshop organised by the board for South-South and South East chapters of the council in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with the theme “Professional examination for nurses and midwives in Nigeria : prospects and challenges in a technological era.”

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

matters is a breach of the constitution.

Barr. Nkwagu further stated that the rights and privileges of the lawmakers were being infringed upon by the police and called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently call his men to order.

The police public relations officer (PPRO), ASP Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed their arrest, said the lawmakers were arrested following the petition written against them by the other 10 lawmakers, adding that the lawmakers were arrested on warrant as they would not be released without a court vacating the warrant.

Flooded area at Rumuola Junction on Aba-Port Harcourt road, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Community Protests 10 years Of Power Outage

By Bernard Tolani Dada,Uyo

The people of Ikot Unah in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday staged a peaceful protest over what they described as prolonged power outage in their community.

The protesters who are mostly youths and students on holiday matched through the streets to the palace of the village head condemning the present situation in their community.

The village head of the area,

Chief Jimmy Simeon Umoren told LEADERSHIP that for over 10 years, “There has been no sign of electricity from either the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) or the new undertaker Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution, PHED”.

He lamented that, “No government official both from state and local government council at Ukanafun have come to our aid, despite massive votes recorded for the ruling party in the area during the last general elections.”

“The state government, says it

has attained 85 per cent electricity coverage of the state through the Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Projects while records shows , that the Ministry of Rural Development has also electrified about 2,209 villages out of 2, 671 communities in the state to meet government target and vision of providing uninterrupted power supply in the state, but the same gesture accorded other villages in the state has not been extended to us at Ikot Unah of which we feel very bad”, he added.

No fewer than 28 traditional rulers from Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State have dissociated themselves from a purported rejection of the zoning of the governorship seat to Abia south senatorial zone by traditional rulers from Isala Ngwa, Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa south.

A section of the traditional rulers from the three local governments had in a meeting held at the palace of Eze Ukwu of Ngwa Ukwu in Isiala Ngwa, HRM Eze Benard Enweremadu passed a resolution recently rejecting the decision of the PDP to zone the 2015 governorship seat to Abia central.

By Matthias Nwogu Umuahia

LG Polls: Delta PDP Picks Candidates Amidst Allegation Of Extortions

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Ahead of the local government elections slated for the month of October 2014, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has started the selection of candidates to fly the party’s flag.

While the counsellorship and chairmanship aspirants were handpicked as candidates for

the elections, impeccable sources said that the crisis rocking the party may have deepened following what was described as imposition of candidates and alleged extortions.

For instance, the Egbema Radical Group (ERG) and Ijaw group in Warri North local government of the state, has threatened to disrupt the October 25, 2014 elections, ex-

cept the Itsekiri ethnic group cede the chairmanship seat to the Ijaws.

Spokesman of the group, Mr. Amin Dada said “Since Warri North was created, Ijaw man has never emerged chairman of the council which we are all stakeholders, Itsekiri people have taken the chairmanship as their birthright, so we have vowed that this must stop in

2014. We have made representations at different times and publish our stand in the media in the past few years, but the power that be in Itsekiri and Itsekiri government in power in Asaba will not want to hear us”.

But the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu said “The police are not aware of any threat to stop the elections in Warri North.”

46 news NATIONAL MDGs: FG, Taraba Spend N3.5bn

On Provision Of Water

Taraba State government and the federal government have expended about N3.5 billion to provide water to about 840 communities in the state from 2007 to date.

The state acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, who disclosed this at a session of the Presidential Summit on Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs) and post-2015 development agenda in Abuja yesterday, added that before the partnership between the state and the federal government on MDGs in 2007, the state government had drilled a total of 300 boreholes.

Umar explained that hand pump boreholes, solar powered boreholes, spring water development, infiltration galleries and rehabilitation of existing water supply schemes were provided by the government to meet the needs of the people.

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Waiver Application: PDP Decides Ribadu, Marwa, Others Fate Today

By Chibuzo Ukaibe,Abuja

Barring any last minute changes, the National Working Committee, NWC of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), will today meet over applications for waiver forwarded to the party by three of the aspirants ahead of the October 11 gubernatori-

al election in Adamawa State.

It was gathered that some of the aspirants whose applications for waiver will be deliberated upon include, former presidential aspirant, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, General Buba Marwa (rtd), a former military administrator of Lagos State and one other whose identity was not

immediately known as at press time.

A party source told LEADERSHIP that the “NWC would deliberate on the applications of the aspirants on merit” adding that it will then take “appropriate decision and give anticipatory approval where necessary on behalf of the party’s Nation-

al Executive Committee, NEC if they scaled through all hurdles in line with provisions of the party’s constitution.”

Ribadu had in compliance with Section 50 of PDP’s constitution applied for waiver from the leadership of the party to allow him contest the governorship primary election.

short news Buhari Condoles With Fayemi On Ade-Ajayi’s Death

Group Seeks Removal Of Indigene/Non-Indigene Status In Official Matters National Association of Non-indigene Welfare (NANWE) has added its voice to the growing clamour to remove indigene status in Nigeria and its replacement with residency status to totally remove the discrimination against citizens of the country resident in states other than their state of origin.

The organisation made the charge during its award ceremony in Abuja. The national president of the organisation, Comrade Sam Osarumwense Omoruyi stated that the acknowledgement of indigene-ship in preference to citizenship has brought about discrimination and the crises being suffered by many Nigerians dwelling or doing business in states other than their own.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

Adamawa Guber:

Umar Ardo Picks PDP Nomination Form Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Ardo yesterday joined the growing list of aspirants who have obtained expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the governorship election slated for October in the state.

Ardo, who is taking a shot at the gubernatorial race for the third time, said he was the candidate to beat and is more resolved not to be beaten this time around, having mastered the political terrain of the state and his party.

In a statement he issued yesterday, Ardo said, “This is to notify members of the public that I have obtained Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the contest the October 11 governorship election in Adamawa State.”

By Temitope Aderibigbe, Abuja

Vehicles and campaign posters of Senator Kabiru Gaya at his campaign headquarters along Katsina Road, Kano.

Violence Against Women: Na’abba Tasks NASS Over 14-year-old Bill

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Former speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, yesterday lamented that a bill designed to address violence against women has lingered in the National Assembly for over 14 years.

He however said the responsibility lies on the women, particularly the right to investigate why the bill has not been passed over the years.

Na’Abba stated this as chairman of a two-day national stakeholders summit on gender based violence in Nigeria, organised by Women

Arise for Change Initiative.

Na’abba who recalled that the bill emanated during his tenure as speaker said, “I felt embarrassed that a bill lying in National Assembly in the name of women has been lying there for the last 14 years that I served as speaker.

“I know that then a woman chaired the Committee on Women Affairs and that tradition has been maintained. And I wondered why a bill as heavy as that has not seen the light of day. This is not time to blame anybody but let me offer myself to you that where I will be of assistant in pursuit of wom-

en’s right don’t hesitate to use me.”

Former minister of state for defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, on her part advocated for more extreme punishment for serial rapists, particularly castration to serve as deterrent to others.

Obada while lamenting the high rate of such occurances said, “I want this forum to look at the punishment meant for these offenders. I believe input should be made to the yet passed law. The sentences should be heavy so as to keep them behind bars for long, perhaps they should also be castrated.”

Former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has described the late historian, Prof. Jacob Ade-Ajayi, as one of Nigeria’s greatest academics.

Buhari who commiserated with Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on the death of the former vice chancellor, University of Lagos, said Prof.

Ade-Ajayi contributed immensely to knowledge especially in the field of History.

The APC leader, in his condolence letter to the governor, said, “In the last 50 years, all primary, secondary and university students in Nigeria who read History would have been familiar with the great historian.

“He was a teacher to all of us and a major contributor to our store of knowledge. and scholarship.”

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

PSC Promotes 8 Police Officers To DIGs

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

The Police Service Commission, PSC, yesterday announced the promotion of eight senior police officers to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG. While six of the officers were promoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, two others were promoted from Commissioner of Police.

Assistant director press and

public relations, Mr Ferdinand Ekpe, made this known in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in which he said the promotions followed the decisions of the commission’s 6th plenary.

The officers promoted from AIG include Dan’Azumi Job Doma, Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, David O. Omojola, Solomon E. Arase, Christopher K. Katso and Salihu Argungu Hashidu while Hilary Opara and Sotonye L. Wakama

were promoted from commissioner of police.

Ekpe, who disclosed that the promotions took immediate effect, said the commission also reaffirmed its earlier decision that promotions from the ranks of ACPs to AIGs would only be done after its interviews with the affected officers.

He said the commission reviewed the time limit within which aggrieved police officers

can lodge complaints against punishment meted to them to 30 days from the receipt of the decision and also availed aggrieved officers the opportunity to appeal directly to the Commission where an action on its decision is not implemented by the Police authorities as directed by it.

Chairman of the Commission, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, enjoined them to see their elevation as opportunity to serve the nation.

47

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES ACCIDENT VICTIMS EMERGENCY RELIEF FOUNDATION

UNITED STEEL TRANSPORTERS ASSOCIATION

ORO BREAD SELLERS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Barrister Hypolitus N Ogoli-Egbune.

2. Barrister Chikwem Uche 3. Hon. Vincent N. Ugbelase.

4. Barrister Richard Okolocha

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ANYIKWA PRINCE IYKE -CHAIRMAN 2 NWANKWO CHUKWUDI SAMUEL 3 NZEKWE LOUIS EMEKA 4 IZUNWANNE UCHENNA CALISTUS 5 CHIEF EMUKAI OLIVER 6 CHIEF LINUS EZENKWU NDUBA 7 MR IKEANYIONWU OLUCHUKWU CALISTUS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To save lives by working to reduce the high number of road traffic accidents in Nigeria through rapid emergency care for injured victims.

2. To create community driven emergency response systems across Nigeria to fill the severe gap in Nigeria accident emergency response mechanism.

3. To undertake policy advocacy on road safety in Nigeria.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To seek to protect the interest of all its members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: ANYIKWA PRINCE IYKE

Signed: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Enyenihi Kponuko Enyinihi 2. Mr. Ita Ifiang Ifiang 3. Mrs. Afiong Etim Afahaeme 4. Mr. Effiong Edemekong 5. Mr. David Okon Bassey 6. Barr. Richard Bassey Ekung 7. Rt. Hon. Charles Etim Bassey 8. Christopher Effiong Emetuel 9. Bishop Eka Asuquo Etuk 10. Mrs. Affiong Etim Frank AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To cater for the welfare of members.

2. To foster peace and unity among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Singed: ENYENIHI KPONUKO ENYINIHI; 08039317307

-CHAIRMAN

strong tower christian outreach

SARKIN SHANU ADAMU YAKASAI FOUNDATION

UNITED HAULAGE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA CAC/IT/N0 69869

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

The general public is here by notify that, the above name FOUNDATION has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990 - Chairman

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for amendment of it constitution under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

- Secretary

THE TRUSTEES remain the same

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Charles Ugochukwu 2. Mrs. Helen Charles Ugochukwu 3. Elder Nwatu Jonathan C. 4. Elder Lanka C. Agiriga 5. Mrs. Chetachi C. Egbuchiri 6. Bro. Samuel Izu Iheyi

- Chairman (General Overseer)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro 2. Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim Yakasai 3. Alhaji Sarki Lawan Yakasai 4. Alhaji Muhammad Yakasai 5. Dr. Bala Ado Kofar Mata

- Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish churches worldwide.

3. To win souls into the kingdom of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. To embark on life transformation programmes.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRISCRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ALILIONWU, ONYEAKALAM O. ESQ ALILIONWU, ONYEAKALAM & CO SUITE 308B, DBM PLAZA, OPP. 1ST FORTY HOTEL, OFF AMINU KANO WAY, WUSE II, ABUJA onyealili@yahoo.com

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: POPOOLA GRACE ESQ; 07030889391

CALL TO LOVE INITIATIVE The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Akingbohungbe Omowunmi Morounkeji 2. Obakin Abiodun Mojisola 3. Akingbohungbe Olusola Adetutu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES remain the same

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote peaceful co-existence among its members.

2. To assist less privilege among its members

- Chairman

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To support orphans, orphanages and children wihtout families through financial endowments and academic support.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to this amendment should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Singed: POPOOLA GRACE ESQ 07030889391

HEAR-A-VOICE HEARING DISABILITY FOUNDATION

GREAT AND SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS CLUB ABUJA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named BODY has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named CLUB has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Mrs. Adaobi Osuji 2. Chidinma Okoye

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Paul Bisong Dakwan 2. Emmanson Monday Emmanson 3. Melfort Ekpang 4. Friday Edet Monday 5. Kenneth Onogwu

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To create awareness on hearing disorders and its accompanying speech problesm.

2. To help raise volunteer workers as primary ear and hearing care (PEHC) workers, who will help raise awareness on prevention and treatmentof ear diseases, identify these cases at grass-root or community levels and treat or refer them appropriately.

- President - Patron - Secretary - Member - Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and foster unity among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: LONA AAKO-ADEKWU DIEGBE, DIEGBE & ASSOCIATES SUITE 38, MANGAL PLAZA, AREA 11, GARKI-ABUJA

Signed: SECRETARY 08069533120

ODUA YOUNG STARS UNITED ASSOCIATION

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY CHIEF SECURITY WELFARE ASSOCIATION

THE SECURE AID RELIEF FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

This is to notify the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act. of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALHAJI LATEEF ELEPOARAN 2.ADEMOLA ADEBUSUYI 3.BABALOLA ADEMOYEWA 4.BARR. ATOLAGBE BODE-JOHNSON 5.MRS IYABO OTAN 6.AFUSAT AZEEZ 7.ENGR. BABALOLA RASHEED 8.MR ADEWALE ADEOGUN 9.ELDER ADEBAYO SADE

THE TRUSTESS ARE: Gabriel Ameh Isedeh Mohammed Nwabuenu Emmanuel Ioyrina Clement Mimako Sanchious David Kure Benson Onomivwori Bako Idris Peter adamu

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ALL THE MEMBERS. 2.TO SEE TO THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS.

1. To see to the welfare of the members of the association.

2. To have frequent meetings, to exchange and share incident happening in hospitality industries and to safeguard the nation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR.KINDNESS A.J 08187917504

SIGNED: BARR. Atule Stanley Suite A20 IBRO Hotel Abuja

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Patrick Chukwuemeka Nwadiani 2. Acp Bright Kakada (Rtd) 3. Dr. Fred Femi Akinfala 4. Mr. Augustine Agugua

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

> augustine 08061602706

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To assist the less privilege, orphans and children of military and para-military.

2. To promote the welfare of members and youths in our society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: AFAM ATUGBOKOH 08023044522

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

48

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE

G1 SOCIAL CLUB

RESURRECTION POWER FAITH SUPER ABUNDANCE MINISTRY

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to imform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

This is to imform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Akanji, Eliakim Adeshina 2. Lawal, Muhammad 3. Okoronko , Gebriel Chika 5. Okoroafor, Chimeze

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV. GOSPEL ANGEL BROWN - General Overseer 2. PASTOR ONENGIYEOFORI GOSPEL ANGEL BROWN 3. MRS. NENGI PROMISE FIYESIMA 4. MRS. ALAEREBO GOSPEL ANGEL BROWN 5. PASTOR KINGS OTUOLEM IBINABO

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Deceased name and address Dickson Ogozi FCT Primary Education Board Who died on the 18th May,2014.

Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014.

Applicant for grant Agnes Dickson Ogozi and John O. Ogozi Abbatoir by Agwan Gede Kuje, Abuja The widow and son of the said deceased.

(President) (Vice President) (Financial Secretary) (Secretary)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO ITS MEMBERS Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Akanji, Eliakim Adeshina (President)

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the resurrection power of Jesus.

2. To bring soul to Christ through the preaching of the word of faith .

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : REV. GOSPEL ANGEL BROWN

REBUILD THE ANCIENT FOUNDATION MINISTRY

LEGAL NOTICE

MBAISEDI ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 PST. DAVID OYEDELE OLATUNJI - GENERAL OVERSEER 2 LAWAL OLAJIDE ADELANI 3 TOYIN OLUWATOMI SUSAN 4 RUTH ENEBECHI 5 CHRISTINAH ADEOYE SUNDAY 6 OGBONNA THEDDUS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To preach the gospel of our Jesus Christ.

2 To evangelise and win souls for Christ worldwide 3 To administer the ordinances of Christian faith 4 To help the needy, plant churches, conduct marriages in accordance with Christian constitution Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Deceased name and address Hauwa Diggah LEA Bwari, Abuja Who died on the 20th September, 2013.

Applicant for grant Aminu Digga guardian to Victoria Digga No 45 Abacha Road Mararaba Nasarawa State Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014. The son and grand daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed: TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES 1. Mazi O.C.K. Unegbu 2. Engr. Geoff Nwaoko 3. Eze Prof. M A C Odu 4. Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (Rtd) 5. Jude N. Onyenwe AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To advance the socio-economic and cultural heritage of Mbaiseland.

2. To promote, encourage, maintain, improve and advance the welfare, interests and pursuits of members in their professions and businesses.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: UCHE AJURUCHI JOVINUS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

LEGAL NOTICE

ANAMBRA DAUGHTERS ASSOCIATION

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Deceased name and address Ojika Ben Emeka and Ojika Ojika Gospel Tamuno Jennifer Adamma Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja No 2 Bwari Street FCDA Qtrs Who died on the 9th July , 2014.

Bwari, Abuja Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014. The son and daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Rev. Mrs. Ugochi Uzukwu 2. Mr. Nnamdi Sam Uzukwu 3. Bishop Ugochukwu Newlife 4. Deacon Ernest Nwabike Ogakwu 5. Deaconess Kelechi Vivian Nduweze 6. Bishop Dr. Friday Uguru Okwey AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To reconcile soul for Christ in the body of Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. CHIJIOKE NZEKWE

SILEOLA

ELIZABETH

I formerly known and addressed as MRS BAKARE FUNMILAYO SEKINAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BAKARE ELIZABETH FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

-PRESIDENT -SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Jolayemi M. Kunbi Plot 237 Phase 1 Lugbe, Abuja The daughter of the said Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014. deceased.

Deceased name and address Oyegunle Dauda Oyebola Plot 237 Phase 1 Lugbe, Abuja Who died on the 16th October , 2002

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOVE FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL BIBLE CHURCH

I formerly known as MISS AKINBOBOYE SILEOLA now wish to be known as MRS DOUSUAH SILEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

TRUSTEES: 1. HELEN ODUEGWU 2. RITA ANOSIKE 3. PATRICIA OZOR 4. CHINWE OFOMA 5. GRACE NWOLE 6. NKEM ANELO

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SOUL COMFORTER GOSPEL MISSION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. Rev. Akomolafe Akinwumi 2. Rev. Agbola Oladipo Timothy 3. Rev. Apeku Njoye Alani Issaih 4. Rev. Mrs. Akomolafe Omolayo Regina 5. Elder Adegbite Oluwole Joseph 6. Elder Oyebanjo Oyesina Philip 7. Elder Soroye Oluwasesan Philip 8. Pastor Mrs. Arowolo Mofe Victoria 9. Elder Jacob Olufemi Samuel 10. Pastor Ajani Ariyo Johnson AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

3. To organize outreaches, crusades,seminars, workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: EZEJI GLORIA; 08038769236

MARIAN

I formerly known as MISS OBETOH OGHO MARIAN now wish to be known as MRS NWOGU OGHO MARIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MARY

I formerly known and addressed as MARY AJAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MARY AJAYI OGUNRINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

HAUWA

I formerly known as HAUWA ISHAKU JAFIYA now wish to be known as HAUWA DENEN IKYA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHINEMEREM

I formerly known and addressed as NATHALEY CHINEMEREM TOUITOU, now wish to be known and addressed as NATHALEY CHINEMEREM OKO-OZA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHINWE

I formerly known as CHINWE JENNIFER OGBONNA now wish to be known as CHINWE JENNIFER MADUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

FATIMA

I formerly known and addressed as JANET OZIOFU AJAYI, now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA OZIOFU YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MFON

I formerly known and addressed as QUEEN ASUKWU UYA, now wish to be known and addressed as MMAYEN MFON ODOHOFRE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

NNENNA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWACHUKWU NNENNA CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KANU NNENNA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IKHARIA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AJEVUAWA (JEVUS) ARUBASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJEVUAWA (JEVUS) IKHARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHIZOMAM

I formerly known and addressed as DR (MISS) CHIZOMAM WINNIE EMERIBE, now wish to be known and addressed as DR (MRS) CHIZOMAM WINNIE ARUOGU. All former documents remain valid. MDCN and the general public should take note.

49

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

PEARL GARDENS ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Halimat Sadiat Ojuolape Erinosho Ismail Alabi Erinosho Teslimat Suite 16, Landmark Plaza, No 1, Yedseram Tomiwa Erinosho Street, Maitama Suite 16, Landmark Plaza, No 1, Who died on the 25th February,2014.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Rev. Mrs Christiana Ogbuji Gospel Ike Chuks and Faith John Assembly of God Head Quarter Housing Jonathan State ACO, Airport road Abuja Assembly of God Head Quarter Who died on the 27th February,2014.

Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014.

Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014.

Yedseram Street, Maitama The widower and daughter of the said deceased.

Housing State ACO, Airport road Abuja The son and daughter of the said deceased.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. DONATUS IWUANORUO 2. MR. EMEKA OKOLI 3. MR. NONSO OMOKO 4. MR. EDWIN OBASOGIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote the welfare of Members.

2. To foster cooperation amongst members and provide assistance as required .

3. To ensure a collective adherance to the goals and design of the estate .

4. To provide support amenities to the estate to ensure good living and health standards.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

DYNAMIC CITIZENS ORGANIZATION OF UMUMAISIAKU

LOVECARE MOVING MINISTRY

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C 20, 2004

This is to inform the general public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The Trustees Are: 1. PRINCE ISDORE DIKE 2. PRINCE AMAECHI OBIOHA 3. MR. CHUKWUDI ANUMAKA 4. HON. PETER UGORJI 5. MR. VITUS DIKE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evans (Mrs.) Justina Asuquo Okon - General Overseer 2. Pastor Asuquo Okon Udo - Assist. General Overseer 3. Pastor Anthony Etim Ekpenyong 4. Deacon Bassey Udonya Abia 5. Imaobong Asuquo Okon

Aims and Objectives: 1. To foster unity amongst member 2. To improve social interaction amongst members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commissioner, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Prince Amaechi Obioha Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To teach christianity.

2. To train and develop leaders in religious and moral thought and work.

3. To encourage and assist the advancement of education in Nigeria.

4. Generally to carry out missionary and welfare work in Nigeria.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

SIGNED: ENG. AKIN BELLO

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Deceased name and address Mr Anthony Onyebuchi Edeh Ministry of Foreigh Affairs, Abuja Who died on the 3rd March, 2014.

Applicant for grant Mrs Ngozi Onyebuchi Edeh Block 2 flat 10 NIA Jnr FHA Lugbe, Abuja The widow of the said Dated at Abuja this 19th August, 2014. deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LOKPANTA YOUNGSTERS CLUB,ABUJA BRANCH

VISIONARY PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

OPEN BIBLE CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

The general public is hereby informed that the above named club has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named church has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named church has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ENGR.ODINAKA SUNDAY UWAEZUOKE 2.MR ERNEST UMEH 3.MR SIMON IGBO 4.MR STANLEY EZEH 5.MR CHINEDU OKEKE 6.CHIEF CHARLES NWATOR 7.MR JOHN NWANKWO 8.MR SUNDAY ONYEGBULE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. FESTUS OBULE GODSON 2. FAITH CHIOMA GODSON 3. AFOMA REJOICE OKENWA 4. JULIET EZE

5. JAMES ANOSIKE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV.OKON BASSEY OBOT 2. PST. MRS GRACE OKON OBOT 3. MRS INI OBIA IKIKA 4. REV.DENNIS IOREMBER AJEH 5. PST.UBI OTU ABAM 6. BROTHER IDONGESIT BASSEY ESARA 7. BROTHER ISIDORE UDO UDO 8. PST.DOMINIC UDO JOHN 9. EZE IKECHUKWU CHRISTIAN 10. DEC IME EKPENYONG INYANG

– PRESIDENT - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE PEACE, LOVE AND WELFARE OF OUR MEMBERS.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES WORLDWIDE. 3. TO WIN SOULS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR.NKECHI C.NWACHUKWU 08032660577

SIGNED: FESTUS OBULE GODSON PRESIDENT

ZIONGATE EVANGEL MISSION INT’L The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE USUNGUWEM SUNDAY CHARLES 2. MRS ESTHER USUNGUWEM SUNDAY 3. PASTOR JOSHUA ASUQUO AKPAN 4. PASTOR UBOM IME UDOM 5. PASTOR BENEDICTA ISANG TOMMY 6. SISTER UWAK-MFON PETER UMOH 7. DEACONESS BEAUTY FRIDAY ETIM 8. BROTHER ITORO FRIDAY ETIM.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: CHAIRMAN

FATIMA

I formerly known and addressed as FATIMA FANNA MAIRAMI, now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA FANNA MAIRAMISALMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Queen

I formerly known and addressed as miss Queen Oluchi Iheanyi Amadi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Queen Oluchi Eneokubo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IGBOANUGO IFEYINWA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADINNU IFEYINWA NGOZI MIRIAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

FASOYIRO

I formerly known and addressed as FASOYIRO OLUDOLAPO OLUWAYEMISI, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLE OLUDOLAPO OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

SIGNED: BASSEY ETUKUDO LEGAL TEMPLE AND TEMPLAR 08037045394

CONFLUENCE SHAREHOLDERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

CHANGE OF NAME

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

FROM : AKANU DEVELOPMENT UNION TO : AKANU-OHAFIA DEVELOPMENT UNION The general public is hereby informed that the above named Union has applied to the corporate affairs commission for change of incorporated trustee name (IT) FROM AKANU DEVELOPMENT UNION TO AKANU-OHAFIA DEVELOPMENT UNION under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FORM A BRANCH OF AKANU-OHAFIA DEVELOPMENT UNION(ADU)IN LAGOS STATE. 2. TO ABIDE BY THE CONSTITUTION OF ADU CENTRAL BODY Any objection to the above should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

IFEYINWA

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

AKANU-OHAFIA DEVELOPMENT UNION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ENGR.ORJI OKORO NWOSU 2. CHIEF UWAOMA NWOKE KALU 3. MRS UCHA AJIKE 4. MR CHUKWUMA UMA 5. MR OKONKWO UDUKA 6. MR KALU ORJI UDO 7. ENGR.IBE AKPANKU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI MOHAMMED SHAKIR ATANDA BOLAJI 2. MOHAMMED ABDULFATAI ODUNADE 3. YAHAYA YUSUF 4. MOHAMMED RILWAN OLALEKAN 5. MOHAMMED BABATUNDE AFOLABI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS. 2. TO UNITE MEMBERS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed BARR.FOLAKEMI OWOEYE 08034708305

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT loss LOSS of document

This is to inform the general public of the following documents in a stolen vehicle belonging to Olowo Oluwakayode of Area 1 section 2 Block 1 flat 7, Atani Close, Garki, Abuja: 1. Original Land Document with plot N0: KW 20104 2. Original Copy of Vehicle Particulars 3. DSTV Card N0: 4133604423 4. Uniform Passport All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive. If found, please kindly report to the nearest police station Authorities concerned and the general public to take note.

This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/ CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL WITH REF. NO. MFCT/ LA/92/AN 4119 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 2-M178179 LOCATED WITHIN WUYE DISTRICT ABUJA MEASURING ABOUT 2248.63M2 DATED 2ND SEPTEMBER, 1992, BELONGING TO PHILIP UMEADI OF INEC HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive.

If found, please kindly return to the nearest police station or to AGIS.

50

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 BINDAWA SOCIO- ECONOMIC FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE Re. 615091

COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2004 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

IN THE MATTER OF ANADARKO NIGERIA 1 LIMITED (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP C20, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004

NOTICE CONVENING FINAL MEETING

Of the company pursuant to section 468 of the companies and allied matters act, 2004 Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of Section 468 of the above Act, the final General Meeting of the above-named Company will be held at 3-5, Sinari Daranijo Street, Off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on the 30th day of September, 2014 at 11am for the purpose of laying before such meeting the account of the winding-up of the above-named company and of giving any explanation thereof.

NOTES: PROXY A member who is entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his/her stead. A proxy need not be a member of the company. For an appointment to be valid, a completed and duly stamped proxy form must be deposited at the office of the company secretary, 3-5, Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.

Dated this 11th day of August, 2014

This is to inform the general public that the above named organisation has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH. ALIYU MUSA DANGIWA - Chairman 2. PROF. MANSUR AUWALU - Member 3. DR. M. K. OTHMAN - Member 4. ALH. KABIR DAN’IYA - Member 5. ALH. IDRIS BALARABE - Member 6. ALH. LAWAL NABA’U - Member 7. ALH. MUHAMMAD GALI NALADO - Member 8. ALH. ALI ABDULKARIM - Member 9. MAL. UMAR HASSAN - Member 10. DR. YUSUF ZAKARI - Member 11. DR. ALMUSTAPHA ABUBAKAR BINDAWA - Secretary

POWER OF THE MIND FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named organisation has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Isah Yusuf Aruwa 2. Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed Nasir 3. Abubakar Yusufu Aruwa 4. Amina Abu Ali 5. Adegbola Adesola Thomas

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To assist and support needy people in the society such as weak, orphans, widows etc.

2. To promote, undertake and encourage philanthropic and charitable activities for the benefit of the immediate community in particular and country as a whole.

3. To develop economic empowerment of the needy, weak and downtrodden for community development.

4. To establish working relationship with similar associations and donor agencies for the purpose of achieving the Foundations’ objectives.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To render assistance including but not limited to the provision of scholarships payment of school fees, and the provisionof educational assistance to promising but indigent students.

2. To provide educatinal facilities and skill-acquisition centres and other infrastructure for the educational development of the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed SECRETARY

NKO WOMEN ASSOCIATION

DELIGHT GLOBAL FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF RUMUEKPELU NEW LAYOUT LANDLORDS ASSOCAITION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Tina Bassey Enas 2. Mrs. Mary Sunday Eteng 3. Esther Etta Obong 4. Mrs. Lydia Eko 5. Mrs. Justina John AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote socio-cultural activities in Nko Community and its environs.

2. To act as a voice for women and children in Nko Community and its environs.

3. To protect the interest of women and children in all its ramification.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: AKPAMA EKWE, ESQ 08033189613

FATHER MARTIN SOTERIA MISSION This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. FR. DR. MARTIN ONUKWUBA 2. PRINCESS STELLA ODUAH 3. MR. NDUBUISI ROBERT 4. BARR. LAWRENCE ONUKWUBA 5. REV. FR. DR. JOSEPH NWAKOBY 6. REV. FR. BARR. JUSTIN ILEKA 7. MRS. LILIAN ISA-OKEKE 8. UZOR UZOMA

-

President

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: a. To give life and hope to the helpless. b. To provide and create opportunities for the less privileged.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. LAWRENCE ONUKWUBA(Solicitor)

KHRISTEN

I formerly known and addressed as KHRISTEN OCHUWA UGBODAGA, now wish to be known and addressed as KHRISTEN OCHUWA AKINGBADE (MRS). All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONUOHA

I formerly known and addressed as ELEANYA ONUOHA EMEABA, now wish to be known and addressed as PETER ONUOHA EMEABA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. FRANCIS UDOKA OKPOR PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2. BISHOP (DR) EBIYE PHILIP TUAWERI 3. PRINCESS TINA AMUZIAM 4. HON. (DR.) OLUBUNMI USIM-W 5. MR KELECHI NWANKWO 6. FIDELIS .E. AKPOREHA 7. MR EMMANUEL SEGUN OLATINWO 8. DR. VIVIAN UCHE GOGOR 9. PRINCESS EMIKE UMOLE 10. DR. (MRS) RITA ONOME IDEMUDIA 11. MR KEVIN TUEBI EGBEGI 12. BARR. BEVERLY ISIOMA EKWEMUKA 13. HON. OMOLEHIN TIMOTHY OLORUNTOBA

The trustees are: 1. MR. EJIOFOR BENJAMIN 2. MR. OKONJI STEPHEN 3. MR. AREMU TOBA OLUGBEMI Aims and objectives: 1. To promote unity among the members 2. To ensure welfare and security among members 3. To promote development in the area

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster peace and unity and encourage the development of the communities.

2. To embark on empowerment projects, aimed at helping global youths, widows, widowers, aged group/less privileged people and physically challenged or disable people

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar –General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED BARR. FIDELIS .E. AKPOREHA SOLICITOR

Signed: ERIC CHIKWELU, ESQ. (solicitor) P.P: OKEY OWHONDA & CO 20, PEREMABIRI STREET D/LINE, PORT-HARCOURT 08034913662

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss of document We, formerly known as Mr. Adeoye, Raphael Oladele and Mrs. Adeoye, Karakaraye Faustina duly married since 27th January, 2005 with three children in line with the family decision wish to be known and addressed as MR. ADEOLUWA, RAPHAEL OLADELE and MRS. ADEOLUWA, KARAKARAYE FAUSTINA respectively.

This change of Surname also affects the three children (ANUOLUWAPO EMMANUEL, IYANUOLUWAPO GOODLUCK and IBUKUNOLUWAPO DIVINE) of the marriage. All our documents and certificates remain valid.

ICPC, Unilorin, UI, UNAD (now EKSU) NBA, Supreme Court, and general public should take note.

ONYECHE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EKPOMA ONYECHE GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OCHAI ONYECHE GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OMOSEBI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SANGOJINMI OLUNIKE RUTH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOSEBI OLUNIKE RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NGWAMDAI

I formerly known and addressed as NGWAMDAI PAUL, now wish to be known and addressed as NGWAMDAI AYUBA MAIJAMA’A. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Polytechnic Mubi and the general public should take note.

NANKYER

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NANKYER DAZWAM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NANKYER DENNIS. All former documents remain valid. Federal Staff Hospital and the general public should take note.

IFEOLUWAPOSIMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESEOLU IFEOLUWAPOSIMI OLADEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONARINDE IFEOLUWAPOSIMI OLADEJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

lucy

I formerly known and addressed as ghenehoro aboh, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs lucy moses. All former documents remain valid. Supreme Court of Nigeria and the general public should take note.

UMUILE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Barr. Onyekachi Ugwu 2. Bar. Kevin G. Abonyi 3. Mr. Solomon Ezugwu 4. Mr. Sunday Agbowo 5. Mr. Ignatius Ugwu 6. Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbeabo 7. Mr. Christian Asogwa 8. Mr. Ikerionwu Eze 9. Mr. Ikenna Ezema 10. Bar. Amaechi Ezugwu Aims and objectives: 1. To promote peace, unity and progress among Umuile indigenes of Opi Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

2. To assist in providing job to members, especially the youth.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar –General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication Signed: BARR. EMEKA AGBO

CYNTHIA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EDENBO CYNTHIA ALARI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS APAINGOLO CYNTHIA ALARI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

REBEKAH

I formerly known and addressed as REBECCA MERCY ODUNSI, now wish to be known and addressed as REBEKAH MERCY KIKELOMO A. ODUNSI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MORENIKE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KADARA SALAMA MORENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJUFO SALAMA MORENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

ROSEMARY

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAKE UGONNA ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IGBOAMAEZE UGONNA ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

51

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Ebola: Time To Close The Borders (2) FROM BACK PAGE

Lagos -- in setting up quarantine centres, creating awareness, providing the required equipment and constantly updating the public with information -- has been remarkable. If such a heavy burden and responsibility had to be imposed on any of our governments within the country, it is somewhat a relief that it lay on the most organized and competent authority in Nigeria.

For the future, African countries have got to try and improve the capacity of their various hygiene and medical systems to respond to all these health emergencies, whether it is Ebola, Lassa fever, Marbug, cholera or any other disease.

However, for now, sanitary gloves, disinfectants, sanitizers and face masks should be made available to people in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria in sensitive environments such as hospitals and laboratories to further help in curbing the spread of the virus. The basic protective gear, such as masks and gloves, will primarily benefit those in high-risk environments but it’s not necessary for everyday or domestic use.

Also, decisive action has got to be taken on some very worrying and emerging elements of this disease. Since news of Ebola broke, government authorities and medical experts have been battling misinformation and folktales with the capacity to worsen the situation. In one such incident, a prank about ‘salt’ having the ability to kill Ebola was started by an attention-seeking young woman who later sent a ‘salty’ confession to the media, if only to reinforce that desperation for attention. (Her gloating confession can be read on the following link: http://ynaija. com/site/this-lady-says-shestarted-the-salt-and-water-ebolajoke-read/). ‘But for’ the fact her antics allegedly led to the death of at least two people and 20 others’ hospitalization for consuming an excessive quantity of salt in order to protect themselves from the virus, she could have been known as a trifling-little fool. But now, she is something much worse.

And one would hope that she understands the high price that has been paid and the shocking tragedy that has come from her quest for her five-minutes of fame.

Government must clamp down on those promoting false theories on not just salt but bitter kola as well. Equally, the authorities must vehemently warn Muslim and Christian clerics and traditionalists from utterances that suggest an alternative to conventional medicine. Faith and spirituality is, no doubt, the most important component of any struggle and challenge, but we must ensure that it is

channeled in a way that will help our communities follow the instructions of medical experts to contain and eradicate the disease as opposed to hindering efforts to try and get it under control. All religious leaders and herbalists must be given the explicit order not to make public statements on Ebola that may have dire results.

Another necessary target group for the authorities to clamp down on comprises the people who continue to insist on hunting and eating bush meat, despite the stern warning of the danger it may carry. Handling uncooked bat with the virus strain and eating bush meat are some of the ways experts suspect that the Ebola virus has been transmitted from the animal world to the human one, after which humanto-human contact then becomes possible.

Here we are – in a race against time, trying to get under control a ginormous threat to humanity and there is the chairman of the Nigerian National Association of Hunters risking the lives of every single one of us just so that he and his hunters can enjoy a piece of unidentifiable animal part.

With this very epidemic, one hopes that we all realize the irrationality and danger of separating certain catastrophes with the faculty of affecting every one of us and pigeon-holing them as domestic and global. This is because one catastrophe can have a dire effect on the other.

In the same way that our girls’ kidnapping has affected the whole world, other issues that border on disease, persecution, natural disasters, war and genocide have a global domino effect. As part of the human race, we have a responsibility to collectively speak about them all, wherever they occur in the world.

Reports suggest that the United States Army Department of Defense is partly responsible for some of the funding going to the research of this serum. If that is the case, then, the American government was very much aware of its existence and progress and it was not some dark secret kept in the corridors of private pharmaceutical conglomerates.

But America never said anything about a possible serum when African governments were being overwhelmed and victims of Ebola were being ravaged… until two Americans became infected with the disease.

If America maintains that it had no idea what the effect of the experimental drugs would be on humans, one questions whether they really would have risked using an experimental drug on its citizens without ascertaining its potency first. Even if the serum was experimental, why wasn’t the experiment done on the hundreds of African Ebola patients who had been infected and succumbed to the disease?

There is no doubt Nancy Writebol and Dr Kent Brantly are global heroes and they deserve to live, but so do the hundreds of Africans who have fallen victim to Ebola.

The only plausible explanation one can presume, from the haste in which America flew the two American doctors back to the United States to give them ZMapp, despite the danger it posed to its citizenry and despite not knowing the effect of the administration of the mystery serum, is that the American authorities had ‘enough’ confidence in the drug to actually administer it, as a ‘first resort,’ to the American patients.

Why didn’t America have enough confidence to administer it to Africans who died?

Serious questions need to be asked about the availability of this Ebola serum, ZMapp, especially if it is later discovered that the Spanish victim was also given the serum. But, unfortunately, the opportunity presented by the just concluded US-Africa Summit was not fully utilized by the African leaders.

As their countries continue to cower under the threat of Ebola, the African leaders failed to vigorously demand a valid explanation from the Americans why the serum wasn’t and hasn’t been provided for Africans infected with the virus.

If anything, this Ebola mystery serum saga should be a wakeup call to Africa. A ferocious disease is devouring Africa and killing at an unprecedented rate; a potential cure is being developed in America but is never mentioned until the point that Americans become infected and it is given only to the Americans (and possible the Spanish). It is indisputably clear; Africa has got to get its act together… if only for its future survival!

If Americans can make the serum, then why can’t Africans? Typically with every pharmaceutical company, there has to be a financial incentive to invest in manufacturing new drugs. Owing to the drawn-out process and repeat trials that go into developing and manufacturing drugs, pharmaceutical companies have to invest an incredibly huge amount of money for each product. With only a handful of ‘low income’ countries stricken by Ebola and by the theory that once the disease is contained, there would be very low demand for the expensively manufactured drug, the pharmaceutical companies just don’t have a financial incentive to produce the serums.

And that may just be the mystery behind why the mystery serum has not been made available to Africa yet.

In the short term, all affected countries have got to put necessary and comprehensive

Health Minister Prof. Chukwu

measures in place. And the countries most affected, ECOWAS or the African Union, might think of putting enough funding together to approach the pharmaceutical company in charge of manufacturing the ZMapp serum in order to try and get the serum produced and delivered to Africa as soon as possible.

In the longer term, all African countries must focus on strengthening the capacities of continental and national health and sanitation systems so that we can respond to such emergencies whenever they arise. Every African country has enough indigenous scientists or can employ foreign expertise to build its scientific capability in drug development. In Nigeria, we have the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (NIPRD) and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). Government should enhance the support for these institutions in the experiment and manufacture of drugs.

This terrible plague has already ravaged enough countries and claimed enough lives. Decisive action must be taken in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Ebola, having an incubation period of up to 21 days, means that the symptoms do not necessarily show before then.

Once transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, meat or surfaces, a fever quickly degenerates into internal and external bleeding, vomiting and diarrhea, which all contain vast amounts of the pathogen. If the incubation period goes up to 21 days, then the government should consider closing the borders for, at least, the full duration of that period. That way, the authorities will be able to have a clearer idea of the true number of cases and an assurance

that Nigeria has not played a part in the link of passing the disease on.

Undoubtedly, if the government were to consider momentarily closing the borders, there would be harsh economic consequences felt across the board. The economic effect would be similar to what Nigerians have experienced in the past during strikes, natural disasters, curfews imposed by sectarian violence and the state of emergencies.

And despite the difficult effect of such a decision, were it to happen, Nigerians would need to keep in mind the alternative that happens to be – the deadly consequence of giving Ebola an opportunity to spread.

The real paradox of Ebola is that the same element that makes it so vicious and so much of a threat happens to also be its failing. The disease kills a high percentage of victims within a very short period of time. This makes it too potent to effectively extend itself broadly. However, that being said, unless we are able to completely eradicate it, the danger of it adapting to its host and mutating to become less virulent is a real scary possibility.

The very nature of the survival of viruses is constant mutation and adaptation. So, the longer Ebola is allowed to hang around, the more it will become the longterm public risk that the world cannot afford or control. It has got to be stopped.

As Nigeria comes to terms with the arrival of Ebola, every single one of us has to exhibit a stanch sense of urgency by being aware, taking precautions and following the proper instructions. And, as part of a coordinated international response, the government should act carefully and conscientiously.

Yes, Ebola has arrived in Nigeria. Close the borders…

NOW!

52

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

world

news ➎

➌ ➍➏ ➋ ➐ ➊

➊ Syria Chemical

➋ Iraq Army

The most crucial part of the operation to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons has been completed, the organisation charged with their destruction has said.

The Organisation for the Prohibition for Chemical Weapons said that 581 tonnes of a precursor for sarin gas and 19.8 tonnes of mustard gas had been destroyed aboard a US ship, the Cape Ray.

Iraqi forces have launched an operation to retake Tikrit, the hometown of toppled President Saddam Hussein, from Islamic State fighters.

According to media reports, the troops were advancing from the south and southwest and heavy clashes with the armed group were taking place 10km from the the city, capital of Salahidin province and located about 200km north of Baghdad.

New Clashes As Obama Urges Calm

US police say they have arrested 31 people during another night of angry protests in the town of Ferguson in the state of Missouri.

Unrest flared hours after President Obama called for calm

following the fatal police shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown on 9 August.

The US attorney general is due to visit Ferguson today to meet federal officials investigating the killing.

➏ Taliban Launches Major Afghan Offensive

Hundreds of Taliban fighters are battling Afghan security forces in Logar, a key province near the capital Kabul, local officials say.

Rebels have this summer mounted increasingly intense

assaults across several provinces, involving hundreds of fighters, as the country braces for the withdrawal of foreign combat troops after 13 years.

Israel has launched air raids on “terrorism targets” in Gaza and recalled negotiators from Cairo after three rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, as efforts to agree a permanent ceasefire appeared to

unravel.

The Israeli military said that rockets landed in open areas near the town of Beersheeva. Sources told Al Jazeera that they were fired from Shujayea in the Gaza Strip.

➎ Ferguson Unrest:

Destruction Enters Advances Towards Final Phase Rebel-held Tikrit

➌ Donetsk Shelled As ➍ Pakistan Deploys Army Ukraine Army Advances To Guard Parliament

Civilians in Donetsk are reported to be fleeing after the proRussian rebel-held city was hit by artillery fire during an advance by Ukrainian forces into the area.

Residents in the outskirts of Donetsk said that they witnessed shelling yesterday for the first time since separatists took control over the city. Clashes

Pakistan has deployed the army to guard the country’s parliament and the government “red zone” area in the face of a planned mass antigovernment protest.

The interior minister, Chaudhury Khan, made the announcement yesterday, as opposition politician Khan vowed he and thousands of his supporters will march toward the government quarter in the coming hours.

➐ Israel Strikes Gaza Targets After Rocket Fire

WORLD NEWS 53

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Russian Import Ban Leads To Hike In Food Prices

Food prices are rising in parts of Russia and experts say the state embargo on imports of Western food appears to be making things worse.

Since the ban was imposed on 7 August imported pork used in processed meat in Moscow has gone up by 6%, Russian business daily Kommersant reports.

In St Petersburg food prices have risen 10%. That inflation occurred even before the impact of sanctions.

Russia’s ban on many Western foods is retaliation for sanctions over Ukraine.

The St Petersburg government’s

economic policy chief, Anatoly Kotov, said the pork price had risen by 23.5% and chicken by 25.8%.

On Monday, Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said he did not expect the ban on food imports to lead to price rises or shortages in the shops. But he also said he hoped the ban introduced for a year - would not last too long.

Nina Oding, an economist at the city’s Leontief Centre, criticised “clumsy efforts by the state somehow to regulate price formation”. She said such efforts had failed in Soviet times, when

goods simply disappeared from the shelves, and in Russia in the 1990s.

“We’re heading for restricted choice, more monopolistic tendencies, prices will rise - and we’re already seeing the start of that process,” she told Russian business website RBK. In Russia’s far east - the Primorye region and island of Sakhalin - food prices have gone up more than in Russia’s big western cities since 7 August, Kommersant reports.

A regional agriculture official, Nikolai Borisov, said cheese prices had gone up by 10% and meat by 15% on Sakhalin. They were outstripped by the cost of chicken thighs, which rose by 60%.

In Primorye the cost of apples from China has reportedly risen by a third, while some meats have risen by 26% and fish by 40%.

The Russian ban covers a wide range of foods imported from the West, though there are exemptions for some categories, notably alcoholic drinks, baby food, pet food, coffee and olive oil.

—BBC

Wall St. Rises On Home Depot, Apple Data

US stocks advanced yesterday after solid earnings from Home Depot helped lift retailers’ shares and Apple touched $100 for the first time since its stock split this summer. Data on housing and inflation gave the market more support.

Home Depot Inc (HD.N) gained 6 percent to $88.66, marking the stock’s largest percentage gain since May 2009 and giving the biggest boost to the Dow. The world’s largest home improvement retailer reported earnings and revenue that topped Wall Street’s expectations. Home Depot also raised its full-year profit forecast.

The S&P 500 retail index .SPXRT shot up 2 percent, its biggest gain since Feb. 6. The index is up nearly 6 percent for the month so far.

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) returned to the triple-digit zone, hitting $100 for the first time since its seven-for-one stock split in June and giving the iPad and iPhone maker

a market capitalization that topped $600 billion. The rally in Apple’s stock was the single biggest force lifting the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 .NDX index on Tuesday. At midday, Apple was up 1.3 percent at $100.49.

“People have been looking to put a stake in the heart of retailers, due to a weak consumer and weak jobs market, relatively speaking, but they have been a ‘bend but don’t break’ group, which gives a comfort to those on the fence,” said Andre Bakhos, managing director at Janlyn Capital LLC in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

Housing starts rebounded strongly in July as groundbreaking surged 15.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1.09 million units to halt two straight months of declines and top expectations for a rate of 969,000 units.

In addition, the Consumer Price Index edged up 0.1 percent last month, in line with expectations, which could give the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates low for a while.

“All of these together are giving the market a good tone, shrugging off the recent dip related to geopolitical concerns,” Bakhos said.

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July meeting will be released on Wednesday. Investors will also closely monitor the annual meeting of top central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from Thursday through Saturday for possible insight into the path for monetary policy.

—Reuters

UK Inflation Falls More Than Expected In July The annual rate of UK inflation rate fell more than expected in July as the cost of clothing, footwear, food and non-alcoholic drinks eased.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell to 1.6% from 1.9% a month earlier.

But CPI remains well above average wages which grew by just 0.6% in the three months to June.

The Retail Prices Index, which includes housing costs, fell to 2.5% from 2.6%.

Economists had expected CPI inflation to fall to 1.8% in July.

The ONS said consumer price inflation for the three month period to the end of July was 1.7%.

It means the Bank of England remains under little pressure to raise interest rates in order to keep inflation at or below its target rate of 2%.

The pound fell against both the dollar - hitting its lowest point against the currency since April - and the euro following the release of the inflation figures.

Last week, Bank policymaker Professor David Miles told the BBC he believed inflation was likely to remain below target for some time to come.

—BBC

Smoke rising from the scene of the the crash. photo by BBC

Disaster Italy Tornado Fighter Jets Collide Near Ascoli Two Italian military jets have collided in mid-air during a training exercise in eastern Italy.

The aircraft crashed 30km (18 miles) from Ascoli in the Marche region on Tuesday, setting off raging fires in the forest below.

Four people are thought to be missing, including both the pilots and navigators.

Local reports had indicated that the two pilots had ejected, but they have not been con-

firmed.

No casualties have been reported on the ground.

“A giant ball of fire lasted for five seconds before slamming into the mountains”, Fabio Valeri, who witnessed the crash, told Italian news channel Sky TG24.

Residents in the nearby villages of Olibra and Venarotta described hearing a bang before the fire broke out on the ground.

—BBC

ACCIDENT Pope’s Relatives Killed In Argentina Crash Three relatives of Pope Francis, two great nephews and their mother, have been killed in a traffic accident in Argentina, police said.

The dead from Tuesday’s crash include a baby aged eight months and a two-year-old toddler, police commissioner Carina Ferreyra said. The vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a lorry, the police said.

Their father, the pope’s nephew Emanuel Horacio Bergoglio, was in serious condition, she told the media.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the pope had been informed about the accident and

was “deeply pained.”

“He asks all those who share in his pain to join him in prayer,” Lombardi added.

The accident happened on a highway after midnight in the central province of Cordoba.

For reasons that are under investigation the car hit a truck carrying grain from behind. Bergoglio is in hospital with multiple injuries. Official details of his condition have not been released.

The truck driver, a 60-year-old man, was not hurt.

Bergoglion is the son of Alberto, the pope’s late brother.

—Al Jazeera

Int’l Relations Nigerian Diplomats To Benefit From Foreign Affairs Guideline Book

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

Diplomats who are newly elected to ambassadorial roles to represent Nigeria in different parts of the world can now benefit from documented accounts of Foreign Service to enable them effectively carry out their various missions.

This is made possible, thanks to three books co-edited by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi and Professor Ehiedu Iweriebor.

According to the executive governor of Kebbi State who yesterday, chaired the official launching of the books in Abuja, the books are ‘a tool for any diplomat who is accredited to any country.’ He stated that experiences documented in the books will facilitate better rela-

tionships between Nigeria and the other country, which is the primary motive of diplomatic missions.

The books are titled; “Effective And Affirmative Representation Of Nigeria,” “The Affirmative Promotion And Administration Of Nigerian Foreign Policy,” and “Diplomatic Spouses As Co-promoters Of An Affirmative Nigerian Image Abroad.”

During a chat with journalists, co-editor, Prof. Ehiedu Iweriebor said that the books intended to provide, for the first time in Foreign Service, “documented account that can be used by newly appointed ambassadors as well as other Foreign Service officers with resources to equip themselves to undertake their works effectively with knowledge and not merely experience.”

54

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Leroy Fer Close To £8m OPR Signing Norwich City midfielder Leroy Fer is close to completing an £8m move to QPR. The 24-yearold Netherlands international had a medical with the Premier League side on Tuesday, BBC Radio Norfolk understands. Fer scored four goals in 32 games last season after signing from FC Twente, but was unable to

prevent the Canaries’ relegation to the Championship.

He scored for the Netherlands in the 2-0 group victory over Chile at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

And after a prolonged summer break, which included his honeymoon, he played his first 17 minutes of the season as a

Leroy

substitute in Norwich’s 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

Enyeama, 22 Others Invited For Devils, Bafana Clashes

By Ishaku Kigbu, Abuja

Nations Cup defending champions Nigeria yesterday called up 23 players, including goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama who made the nation proud as one the best goalkeepers at the World Cup for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Red Devils of Congo and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

The Nigeria Football Federation released a list that also included other World Cup stars, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and John Mike Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike.

France based Elderson Echiejile, who missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a result of injury, Nosa Igiebor who missed the final cut for Brazil

and Chinedu Obasi who was not considered for the tournament, are all back for September’s double header. Onazi, the midfield kingpin who sustained an injury in the Round of 16 defeat by France but now fully recovered is expected to marshal the midfield. Michael Babatunde, who was stretchered out against Argentina after a hand injury, unfortunately is left out.

From the home front, Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami and Gbolahan Salami who were part of Nigeria’s third place finish at the African Nations Championship in Cape Town earlier in the year have been given opportunity to return to Cape of Good Hope and shine.

To complete the home based list is Enugu Rangers’ marksman Christian Osaguona.

Nigeria play Congo’s Red Devils

who were restored to the race after Rwanda were found guilty of using an ineligible player. The encounter takes place in Calabar on September 6, before flying to Cape Town to take on the Bafana Bafana on September 10.

THE FULL LIST Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi

Enyeama

Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia);

Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers).

Falconets Ready For North Korea – Coach Dedevbo

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

We have to perfect our possession and control as well as make sure we get an early goal which will unsettle them

Falconets head coach Peter Dedevbo has assured that his girls are battle ready for crunch game against Korea today for a place in the final. He said Nigerians should be optimistic as there is no cause for alarm as the team tackles Korea DPR in the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup today at the Moncton Stadium.

Nigeria qualified for the round of four after a thrilling 4-1 win over New Zealand in the quarter finals played

on Sunday. Dedevbo said the team has prepared hard to face the Korean side. “The higher you go in football, the harder it becomes. I don’t want to leave any stone unturned in the match against Korea. I am very much aware that the Koreans are fast on counter attack and that is why the girls were not given a day off. We have to perfect our possession and control as well as make sure we get an early goal which will unsettle them” On the tactics to adopt, the gaffer said the first minute of the match will determine the tactics to be employed.

2014 World Cup Superstars: Kompany Name: Vinecent Kompany Date of Birth: 10th Apriel, 1986 Place of Birth: Uccle Club: Manchester City World Cup: 1 Appearances: 5 Goal: 0

Kompany

Kompany is the rock upon which success can be built. That’s certainly true at club level, where he helped pull Manchester City to their first top division title since 1968. Kompany brings cohesion, a singular purpose to a team; even the most gifted individuals play better when he’s with them.

What is it about Kompany that inspires others? He is a resolute defender, with an iron will. In 2013, while qualifying for the

World Cup in a match against Serbia, Kompany smashed face first into the Serbian goalkeeper while trying to head home a corner. He was left a bloody mess, writhing on the floor and soon taken off.

But Kompany returned to the field and played faultlessly for another 60 minutes, leading Belgium to a vital 2-1 victory.

After the match he was diagnosed with a broken nose, a broken eye socket and mild concussion.

Kompany is an assured, calm presence on the field too. Some commentators may doubt Belgium’s ability to perform well at this level, but as long as the Belgian side have their talisman Kompany beside them on the pitch.

“I don’t want to disclose my strategies, the game will determine how we play, but I want to tell Nigerians that the team is confident and ready to take on any team.”

Team captain said the players will not underrate the Koreans. “All we need is to study their style of play, discover their plans and then move in with our tactics. We have watched their clip and I know we shall send them parking.” Uchechi Sunday on her part noted that the Falconets are a strong side not ready to bow to any team at this crucial stage.

Falconets coach, Peter dedevbo

Women Impress In Rugby Exhibition Match Rugby has always been regarded as a men’s game. But women are making their presence felt not just as spectators but as participants too. The side attraction match staged last weekend by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between Police selected side and Lagos selected after the second South West league match provided fans the opportunity that Nigeria is actually developing the sport in all front.

The women did show great understanding of the sport with excellent run and torch-down skills they exhibited during the 7s test-match.

And in the build-up to the women exhibition match, two league matches were decided in week-7 of the South West Region league as Police Machines Rugby Football Club

showed no mercy when it crosses the line seven times to hand down a 35-0 stunning of Lagos Rugby Football Club.

Police Machine Adebambo Remilekun opened scoring before Captain Ramon Bakare and a host of others made their mark, in the second of the first stanza ending league Hawkster Athletics Rugby Football club was inspired by its full back, Stephen James to a 71 -0 win over Eko II Rugby Football Club.

Other matches decided on the first round ending games saw the Royal Stallions Rugby Football Club of Ilorin lost by 0-15 to Racing Rugby Football Club while league leader Cowrie Rugby Football Club of Lagos and hard fighting Gosar Rugby Football Club going for each other jogular in a keenly contested match.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 55

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Golden Eaglets Arsenal Star, Otele, Dazzles In Training

NFF Insist On August 26 Elective Congress …Lifts Ban On Ogunjobi

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

The executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday insisted that despite the uncertainty in the leadership of the federation, its elective congress earlier slated for next week, August 26 in Warri, Delta State will still hold.

Disclosing this after its meeting in Abuja yesterday, the board said in the spirit of fair-play, leading to the elections, all persons including former NFA general secretary Taiwo Ogunjobi, Adedapo Lam-Adesina, Chikelue Iloansi and Harrison Jalla banned for various length of time, are unbanned. The committee noted that the ban slammed on Ahmed Shuaib Gara-Gombe had long been lifted.

However, yesterday meeting was not without animosity, as Mike Umehled faction failed to turn up for the meeting. The

leader of the group, Umeh, who spoke to newsmen at the Glass House, insisted that Aminu Maigari remains provisionally dismissed, saying the position of the his committee in respect to its recent decision remains unchanged.

He advised the NFF president Aminu Maigari to follow normal procedure of aggrieved persons to redress his dismissal, adding that Maigari’s pretence of having returned to office on the Sports Minister’s advice is a direct call on FIFA to ban Nigeria for government interference.

“The process and procedures of aggrieved persons seeking redress is well established in the NFF statutes. The Hon. Minister’s intervention in this impasse earlier was communicated to FIFA as government interference by Aminu Maigari, this led to the initial FIFA Suspension slammed on Nigeria.

Therefore, Maigari’s pretence of having returned to office on the minister’s advice is a direct call on FIFA

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Maigari

to now ban Nigeria for government interference,” he said.

In a communiqué issued at end their meeting and signed by chairman, communiqué draft committee, Emeka Inyama, the board reiterated that the August 26 elective congress will be composed of the delegates to the 2013 General Assembly in Warri, including those from Plateau and Yobe State Football Associations respectively and advised all stakeholders to refrain from actions capable of causing divisions, rancour and acrimony in Nigeria’s football.

The committee also among other things, agreed to extend the tenure of the Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s League and the Nigeria Nationwide League for two more

I Will Bite No More — Suarez Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has repented from biting stating that he has talked to specialists about his behaviour and insists there will be no further biting incidents. Suarez is serving a four-month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup - his third biting offence. “I say to fans, don’t worry, because I won’t do that anymore,” he promised. “I spoke to my psychologist and he said I had to face it and say sorry.

I did - now I would rather focus on the present, which is Barcelona.”

The 27-year-old Uruguay striker, who said he was “really depressed” after the incident in Brazil, launched an appeal with

the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the ban.

Following the verdict, the former Liverpool striker is still banned from playing in competitive fixtures until late October and must also serve the remaining eight games of his nine-match international ban.

But Suarez is no longer excluded from “all football-related activities”, which allowed him to make his Barcelona debut as a 75th-minute substitute in the 6-0 friendly victory over Mexican side Club Leon on Monday. Addressing a media conference on Tuesday, he said of his behavioural issues: “I am speaking to professionals - the right professionals.

Suarez

But it is a private matter and I don’t want to comment further on that.” Suarez spent three years with Liverpool, during which he was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and suspended for a further 10 matches for biting Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea.

years, having noted that they only come into office in January 2012.

“Executive committee agreed that having only come into office in January 2012, the Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s League and the Nigeria Nationwide League have two more years to go before their elections, and this will be presented to the Congress of August 26, 2014 for approval.

“In line with the letter from world football – governing body, FIFA, of Thursday, 14th August, 2014, Members of both the Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee earlier removed will be re-admitted at the Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Congress to continue with their electoral duties,” part of the communiqué read.

With the remaining 30 invited players in Golden Eaglets’ training camp in Calabar jostling to make Coach Emmanuel Amunike’s final selection for next month’s U-17 African youth Championship qualifier match with Gabon, uninvited Arsenal of England starlet, Otele Porwei Philip has showed that he has a lot to offer the Nigeria’s national U-17 male team.

The 15-year old attacking midfielder who was allowed to train with the team after storming the team’s camp in Calabar dazzled fans at the training session. The World champions are intensifying preparations for the much anticipated African Youth Championship qualifier against Gabon in September.

The former SiaOne Academy star showed exceptional skills in all the team’s training sessions to the appreciation of the technical crew led by former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amunike.

Otele

Football fans in Calabars who have been trooping out in large numbers to watch every session of the team’s training have not been disappointed.

The London based teenager, because of his pace, movement and ball passes has been tipped by some football fans as the perfect replacement for Kelechi Iheanacho, who has graduated to the U-20 team, Flying Eagles.

Coach Emmanuel Amunike last Friday dropped five players from the list of 35 invited players in preparation for the match against Gabon, insisting that there was no room for complacency. “The party is over and it is about time we forget about what we had done recently.

Adeyemi Will Soon Be A Star — Solskjaer Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes new signing Tom Adeyemi will play a big part in the Bluebirds campaign this season. He said he is sure the player will soon be a top star player.

The 22-year-old signed from Birmingham on a three-year deal has played in the club’s draw at Black-

burn and 3-1 win against Huddersfield on Saturday.

“He wins the ball really well for us, switches the play and scores goals as well” Cardiff host Wigan in the Championship on Tuesday and Solskjaer has tipped Adeyemi to have a good season. “He’s going to be a top, top player for

us,” said Solskjaer. Adeyemi is a direct replacement for Jordan Mutch, who has completed his £6m transfer to QPR. Solskjaer said he had been tracking Adeyemi for the past five years since seeing him playing for Norwich City reserves against Manchester United reserves as an 18-yearold.

Fabregas Wants To Prove Self At Chelsea Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas is keen on demonstrating why Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was so keen on bringing him back to the Premier League. He orchestrated Monday’s 3-1 seasonopening win at Burnley in commanding fashion.

Fabregas spent seven seasons in England with Arsenal before making a move, three years ago, back to Barcelona, where he had been part of the youth system.

But with the midfielder never having quite established a prominent role for himself

at the Nou Camp, Mourinho made his move in June with a reported 30 million pound ($49.93 million) fee bringing Fabregas back to London.

It already looks like one of the best signings of the season.

Obiora Enjoying Life At Portugal Super Eagles midfielder, Obiora Nwankwo has revealed he is finally enjoying life as a professional footballer in Portugal after undergoing a difficult period. Obiora joined Portuguese club, Académica de Coimbra on a free transfer for Spanish side, Córdoba on July 31.

The midfielder revealed that the deal was basically down to his relationship with the Académica coach, Paulo Sérgio. “Paulo Sérgio was my coach while I was at (Romanian club), CFR Cluj.

He asked me if I would like to play for him at Académica and I said “Yes”. That was that,” Obiora told supers-

port.com.

The 23-year-old had joined Córdoba in January, 2014 but had a six-month spell to forget as his contract was cancelled by the Spaniards. It came to him as a shock as Córdoba had just been promoted to the top flight (Primeira Division) and he was looking

forward to life in the top flight.

He played just six league matches for the club as he had to nurse an injury for most of the period and that necessitated the romance between both parties to come to an abrupt end. “I had to leave Spain because of my injury. After

we got promoted, the club called me and said because I’ve been injured for four months and played only six games, they would have to terminate my contract.

“It was the most shocking thing I heard this year. I told them the injury wasn’t my fault but they had already made up their mind.

Obiora

AMUSEMENT PARK

My wife dresses to kill. She cooks the same way

20.08.14 No. 2,242

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

N150

The Wednesday Column Hannatu Musawa

— Henny Youngman

WEDNESDAY

www.leadership.ng

Ebola: Time To Close The Borders

hannatu@leadership.ng

W

Nigeria must appreciate the weight of the world to ensure the complete eradication of Ebola from within its borders that is presently resting on its shoulders

atching the news clip of the minister of health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, speaking at an interactive meeting between the Nigerian government and diplomats on measures to contain the outbreak of one of the world’s most lethal infectious diseases, I was frustrated and incensed.

As the minister spoke of the processes that the government had adopted in order to contain Ebola -- including intense training and public awareness of the disease and screening of outbound passengers at the ports -- he also announced that the Nigerian government had no intention of closing its borders.

Now, call me acerbic, but, after living for decades with a clear understanding of what common sense is, I am not prepared to lose rationality to the minister’s rhetoric when that rhetoric challenges reason and makes absolutely no sense. I am not prepared to follow that rhetoric like a fool at logic’s expense… at least not when the subject matter is a deadly virus epidemic of a magnitude never seen before.

Are you serious Mr Minister? Are you seriously trying to say that the effect of closing the Nigerian borders will only result in people going underground and out of your radar rather than containing the virus? Are you really trying to convince the public that wearing gloves may further aid the spread of the disease?

To get straight to the point, this issue is about death! Pointblank and period! Indeed, if this was Russian roulette loaded with a blank, as opposed to a real bullet, then, going with the flow, in the manner we often do in Nigeria, would be an option, despite what logic dictates. But this Ebola business is the real deal. It is not about party politics or an insurgency by raving lunatics; it is not about “my interest” against “your interest”, culture, religion or tribe. This issue is about a

ferocious disease of which the outcome cannot be predicted.

We should be able to learn from the haphazard manner in which Guinea and its border countries of Liberia, and Sierra Leone failed to contain and curtail the spread of the deadly virus. All the countries that have been affected with this virus need to seriously reflect on their lax response to the Ebola situation. Every single country in the world has had ample warning about Ebola. Since the first outbreak in Guinea back in March and the first case of a woman going into Liberia from Guinea, all countries should have taken preventive measures. It is a crying shame that it is only now, five months on and over 1,000 deaths later, that governments are declaring an Ebola emergency.

The closure of Nigerian borders until the disease is contained is not just for the purpose of protecting Nigeria from infected people coming into the country, it is also to protect the rest of the world from what Nigeria is taking out. Since Mr Patrick Sawyer made the conscious decision to come into Nigeria, after knowingly having contact with a family member who died from Ebola, he placed on Nigeria a burden, which has got to be completely offloaded. The Liberian government’s sheer incompetence and ‘uselessness’ in failing to stop the movement of Mr Sawyer and allowing him to travel abroad, having known

he was taking care of his sister, who was infected and later died of the virus, is astounding.

The Liberian authorities have admitted to being aware of Mr Sawyer’s medical condition.

He had, apparently, been put under surveillance by Liberian health authorities but escaped quarantine and managed to book and board a flight heading out of the country. Unbelievable!

In addition to the apology that the Liberian president has issued to Nigeria for her government’s incredible ‘inability’ to manage even the simplest of tasks of keeping ‘one’ man in quarantine, there should be an official apology and possible compensation for the families of the doctors, nurses and all those who have lost their lives or have contracted Ebola as a result of the direct selfishness and recklessness of both the late Sawyer and the Liberian government.

So, as we continue to groan and moan about the late Sawyer’s lack of good judgment in deciding to travel to Nigeria despite his infection and the Liberian government’s ‘worthlessness’ of letting a man who had been known to have contact with a victim of Ebola travel out, Nigeria’s lack of full-proof preventative measure is now posing to other countries the same threat Liberia posed to us.

The arrival of Ebola in Nigeria should be of great concern to every nation in the world. No

country deserves the curse of Ebola, but the one country in Africa that Ebola does not need to find a base is Nigeria. With a population of over 170 million people, with a community so overcrowded and clustered, with an environment so overwhelmed with pollution, with borders so porous that insurgents navigate it at will, with hundreds of international flights leaving the country weekly, Nigeria would be a most dangerous hub for Ebola to fester.

The Nigerian authorities must understand that, with such an epidemic, the domestic and global situation cannot be kept separate because any lapse we have domestically can have dire global implications. Nigeria must appreciate the weight of the world to ensure the complete eradication of Ebola from within its borders that is presently resting on its shoulders. The very nature of Nigerian communities and family structures, the overcrowding, lack of access to health care and our over-imaginative superstition – all provide a viral breeding ground for a disease like Ebola.

It must be said that the Lagos government has done an extraordinary job in trying to contain the virus. The rapid response of the authorities in ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 51

GHANA MUST GO I’ve been jobless since 2003 — Ghali Na’Abba

Go to Diezani!

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