Binder1

04.08.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MONday

No. 2,233

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

N150

Leadership Newspapers

@leadershipNGA

Yakubu’s Exit: Untold Story Of Shake-up In NNPC

By WENESO OROGUN, Abuja

Although the sack of Engr Andrew Yakubu as the group managing director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), at the weekend, took

him and his top management unawares, the Presidency took the decision when Yakubu’s successor was appointed group

executive director in April 2014, LEADERSHIP has learned.

Industry sources confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the working

relationship between the petroleum resources minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and Yakubu had been frosty for nearly

Recapitalisation: Bureau De Change Operators Get Lifeline > Page 13

Chibok Diary DAY 112

a year, leading to the recall of the new GMD from retirement to be appointed GED (exploration and production) in April this year.

“Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha was ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Security Threat: BBOG Group Moves Meeting To Private Residence > Page 2

as obama, jonathan, others meet on security, power

Gunmen Kill Monarch, Brother In Bauchi 5

Attack worshippers in Kaduna, kill 1

Taraba govt declares 24-hour curfew in Ibi

A man carrying an injured child following a military strike on a UN school in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, yesterday.

PHOTO BY AFP

Ebola: Rumoured Screening Of Jonathan’s Delegation Stirs Controversy

> Page 6

2

chibok diary 112

Monday, August 4, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets @omojuwa #ChibokGirls were abducted in April.

Fellow Nigerians, this is August and they are yet to be rescued #BringBackOurGirls" @obyezeks Wonder how many of you remember a hairstyle called “Let Them Say” ? Wear that style and KEEP THE FOCUS as WE DEMAND: #BringBackOurGirls!!! @The1stNigerian Everybody seems to have forgotten,but they are still in our thoughts..

Say a word of prayer for our girls today. #BringBackOurGirls @rescueourgirls 111 days since Rhoda Peter was taken from #Chibok. Will she ever come home? Never forget. #BringBackOurGirls @Abu_Aaid “@abusidiqu: I’ll Lead Nigeria To Defeat Boko Haram – Jonathan http:// dlvr.it/6VfzLM “ Does he really mean it! Then When? #StopBokoHaram @AishaYesufu Is this what happens when one is abducted?

SILENCE? AND MORE SILENCE? Our #ChibokGirls deserve better #BringBackOurGirls NOW & ALIVE @RefugeeHope @BringGirlsBack @ UncannyVal U did a lot but i feel the #World seems to have ignored our #kidnapped girls.

2day is me & 2morow is gonna be u!

Upcoming Event August 6 Washington DC Rally Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

Security Threat: BBOG Group Moves Meeting To Private Residence

BY Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike, Abuja The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Group has defied security threats to meet at a private residence in its continued clamour for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The group, which met at an undisclosed area in Abuja which for security reasons, insisted that despite the security threat its members are facing, they will continue to meet on a daily basis.

It also expressed fears about the continued stay of the Chibok girls in the camp of the Boko Haram, saying it will no longer be accepted because of the alleged fears that they may be used as suicide bombers as witnessed recently.

BBOG group also added that it was dangerous for the nation, for the girls to continue to be in the hands of their abductors and called on the government to intensify efforts to bring them back safely.

The group further said it will come up with new strategies to help pass its message across to not only the government but to the public who feels that it is anti-government.

“We have done a lot of activities. Some of which made people call us anti-government

Taraba Women To FG: Hasten Efforts To Rescue Schoolgirls

BY Andrew Ojih, Jalingo Thousands of women yesterday took to the streets of Takum local government area of Taraba State to condemn the abduction of over 200 Chibok school girls and demanded that the federal government should make urgent moves to secure the safe release the innocent girls.

The women, under the aegis of BringBackOurGirls, carried placards with many inscriptions including ‘ Bring Back Our Girls,’ ‘Stop Boko Haram,’ ‘ More Peace Less Widows’, ‘ We Love The Girls Bring Them Back Home’, among others.

They also urged the federal government to solicit for the assistance of the United States and other western countries in rescuing the girls, as well as tackling other security challenges in the country.

The team leader and the CEO of Youth Progressive Association in Taraba, Mr. Boniface Koson, urged Boko Haram to unconditionally release the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

He said the rally would send a signal to the terror group that Nigerians, irrespective of their diversities, were united against terrorism.

Koson, who expressed shock over yet another abduction of about 60 girls by the terrorists, urged citizens to always cooperate with security agencies and governments at all levels in the fight against terrorism.

Also speaking, the organiser of the walk, Mr. Goodman Dandahida, recalled that Boko Haram emerged 10 years ago and sought a strict Islamic shariah law in the country.

like the protest. But we are not. Our singular purpose is how to bring the girls back safe and alive. We are go-

ing to change our strategies to correct those misconceptions”, the group added.

Members of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Group during one of their sit-out sessions at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

CHOLERA

9 LOCAL COUNCILS AFFECTECTED IN KANO STATE

AFFE COMMCTED UNITIE S

Doguwa ada unw d u T a Wad

Dawakin Kudu Gar Wu ko, Ga Ran di, Ka ya o, S bo, um aila

58% 116

Persons infected

20

severe cases in Kafin Dalawa alone

Percentage of the Nigerian population that have access to pipe borne water and sanitation

six er than NO few ave died of h persons Kafin Dalawa in a choler in Tudunwada o Village council of Kan cal Wada lo State INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Monday, August 4, 2014

Ebola At The Door

N

ow that the Ebola virus disease has entered Nigeria, nobody should open the door for it. After the death of one Dr Sawyer in a Lagos hospital, the country can ill-afford to be indifferent to a “sub-regional control centre”. With their countries facing an Ebola epidemic, the health ministers of 11 neighbouring nations met in Accra recently to streamline a joint strategy to stem Ebola’s deadly advance. Nigeria should have been part of the summit but was not.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the current Ebola epidemic in West Africa “shows a mixed picture”. WHO reports that there have been 844 cases, including over 500 deaths in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The growing number of cases in these countries means that there is still a problem with active viral transmission, it suggests.

The response of the Lagos State health authorities has been impressive. Measures are now being taken to enlighten the Nigerian populace. Text messages and other channels of communication do not seem to have indepth penetration of the population because they do not target those communities that are more likely to be susceptible to the virus, owing to their lifestyles and means of likelihood. The govern-

ment has to be more pro-active by involving rural communities whose livelihood is very much connected to the forests and animals in them. These are the people that are most likely to come in contact with bats and monkeys that incubate the virus.

With signs that traces of the scourge are at our doorstep, it is better to step up surveillance and sensitization machinery to cover every nook and cranny of the country. How many hunters in the rural areas do those messages really reach? Not even television and radios jingles will suffice in this situation. We need to do more.

Ebola has gone endemic, with Sierra Leone and Liberia declaring it an emergency. The rest of the world is on the alert and international travels and travellers are under scrutiny at airports.

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

This is why we are calling on all security and health agencies at our borders to be committed and look beyond instant gratifications. Corruption must not come to play in this case.

Every citizen must be on the alert: children should be educated on the virus, and schools must be warned to keep their environments clean and protected.

Our local health inspectors and the state governments must be watchful, while our tertiary health facilities should be adequately equipped to deal with the threat in case something untoward happens. Minister of health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Nigerian Centre for Diseases Control should expand the enlightenment campaign for effect.

Ebola virus has no known treatment or vaccine. WHO warns that the virus is contagious and has a fatality rate of up to 90 per cent. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and fruit bats. It spreads in the human population through person-to-person transmission.

Hospitals and unintentional laboratory exposures are also conduits. Most patients develop severe hemorrhages, usually between days five and seven. Bleeding occurs from multiple sites, including the digestive tract, lungs, and gums. Death occurs within seven to 16 days.

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

Monday, August 4, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Osun Election: PDP Planning Massive Rigging In 10 LGs – APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that the PDP plans to massively rig the August 9, 2014, governorship election in 10 identified local governments in Osun State, in addition to seeking a pliable person as returning officer.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also said President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly told the security agencies that he wants victory for his party at all costs, an admonition that will definitely shape their perception of the election as a do-or-die affair. ‘’Nigerians from all walks of life desirous of a free and fair election on Saturday are reaching out to us with useful information on the plan by the desperate PDP to rig the forthcoming election, and we are taking the information very seriously.

“For example, we learnt that the PDP has identified Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Olurunda, Iwo, Ifelodun, Osogbo, Odo Otin and Aiyedade as places where they plan to perpetrate massive rigging.

“Two different results have allegedly been written ahead of the elections while three vice chancellors, one from the North Central and two from the South West, have been pencilled down to serve as a returning officer.

“The incentive for the returning officer who can announce the doctored results is N1 billion Naira,’’ it alleged.

The party said when these plans are put together with the massive deployment of security agencies to Osun State to harass and intimidate the opposition, “the huge amounts of cash being moved into the state via armoured personnel carriers, and the electoral malfeasance specialist-ministers who have landed in Osun, it is clear that the PDP is working hard to ensure that the forthcoming election is anything but free, fair and credible.”

It, therefore, called on INEC not to allow any unscrupulous person to serve as a returning officer for the election, and to pay a special attention to voting in the identified local governments where the PDP plans to influence the outcome of the election.

“No one will accept the result of an election in which the returning officer is compromised with filthy lucre.

“This is why were are calling on INEC to ensure that only a person of integrity can serve in that important post,’’ APC said, warning that its agents would not sign any false results of the August 9 election.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris (2nd left), Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji (left), Director, Centre for Disease Control, Professor Abdulsalami Nasidi (3rd left), Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello 2nd right) and Founder and General Overseer of The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet Temitope Joshua (right) during an awareness campaign on the Ebola Virus Disease to Prophet Joshua in his church by the delegation of the Federal Government and Lagos State Government at The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Ikotun, Lagos, yesterday.

Ebola: FG, Lagos Delegations Visit Prophet Joshua To Avert Spread

By George OKOJIE, Lagos

As part of efforts to prevent spread of the deadly Ebola virus disease into the country, a federal government and Lagos State health delegation yesterday visited the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet Temitope Joshua, to explore ways of averting the spread of the epidemic in the country.

In the meeting with the cleric, the delegation led by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, offered to work with the health team of the church in the areas of technical assistance, medical advice and training to ensure that no victim of the deadly disease came to the church from any of the affected countries undetected.

Idris said the delegation decided to pay the visit to the church because of the recognition that

the church is an International Christian Centre whose congregation comprise people from all over the world, including the countries of the West African sub-region where the Ebola disease is presently ravaging the populations.

He said the visit is one government’s strategy of sensitizing faith-based organizations on the need to cooperate with the government to prevent the spread of the disease in the country, by educating their adherents to report health issues to medical experts.

The commissioner explained that the federal and the Lagos State government are working hard on how to prevent a spread of the vi rus into the country Idris said the delegation felt that because the church had some people from the West African subregion as members and because of the influx and population of the congregation there might be

need to check and also raise the awareness level on the disease in the church.

He said, “We have our strategies that we intend to share with you. Again we need to know the resources you have here because whether it is one or two cases, if they are allowed to get out, it is a major problem. We are here to work together on how to contain this disease.”

Also speaking, the director, Centre for Disease Control, Professor Abdulsalami Nasidi, said that the visit was to inform the Synagogue leader of the deadliness of the Ebola virus and to ensure that it does not escape into the country.

He added that it had become such a big problem in the sub-region that it was already affecting the economies of the countries involved.

Nasidi, an epidemiologist and

virologist, described the visit as a ‘positive engagement mission’.

“We are here to engage you positively. We know the powers of this House and your powers and we are duty-bound to protect you and your congregation,” he said.

He particularly singled out the countries of the West African subRegion –Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Guinea – as the greatest worry of the Government at the moment because they are the countries that have already been affected by the deadly disease.

In his response, Prophet Temitope Joshua promised to work with the government to ensure that the disease did not spread into the country.

The cleric revered for his healing powers said he would put some measures in place to ensure that people from the already affected countries do not enter Nigeria.

Jonathan Felicitates With Anenih At 81

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has written to congratulate the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih on his 81st birthday, saying his steadfast dedication and commitment to peace, unity and progress in the country deserved commendation.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, noted that the president who felicitated with the PDP chieftain in a congratulatory letter on the occasion of his 81st birthday today, applauded the elder statesman’s leadership qualities, courage and forthrightness.

Abati quoted Jonathan as say-

ing, “On behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I extend very warm felicitations to you as you turn 81.

“Your uncommon leadership qualities, courage, forthrightness, and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation have seen you remain one of Nigeria’s most highly respected political icons over the years.

“You have constantly given unstinting support to our Administration and patriotic service to the Fatherland. For this, we remain eternally thankful,”

the President wrote.

He prayed that God Almighty will continue to bless Chief Anenih with many more years of fulfillment and enduring well-being.

In the same vein, the president has written to congratulate Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli on her 70th birthday, extolling her courageous life of uncommon accomplishments and selfless service to others.

In the statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday evening, Abati quoted Jonathan as telling Okoli: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I ex-

tend very warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your landmark 70th birthday anniversary.

“Your life of uncommon accomplishments, lived with unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of diligence, selfless service, courage, and abiding faith, is an enduring source of pride and inspiration to generations of Nigerians – male and female.

“I join your family and friends in thanking Almighty God for your life and praying that He continues to protect and prosper you, even as He blesses you with robust health and many more years of abiding fulfillment”.

NEWS 5

Monday, August 4, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily You Snooze, You Loose

Staying active and exercising regularly are the foundations for living a long and healthy life. It’s no surprise that caged animals have more health problems and a shorter life span than freerange animals. Research

with humans confirms that as a rule, the more active you are, the longer you will live. In one study, the group that burned more than 3,500 calories a week lived the longest. Being lazy can actually shorten your life!

Yakubu’s Exit: Untold Story Of Shake-up In NNPC FROM COVER

on terminal leave when he was recalled to take office as the group executive director, exploration and production of NNPC, in April 2014,” a source stated. The source further claimed that those who were privy to the goings-on were not surprised by Dawha’s appointment because they knew that Yakubu’s days as GMD were numbered.

NNPC staff and industry operators told LEADERSHIP that Yakubu’s exit may be connected to his principled stance on transparency and accountability in NNPC operations and his position on retaining the scarce trained manpower in the industry instead of prematurely retiring them. ĹEADERSHIP gathered that Yakubu disagreed with the minister over modalities for accelerating passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill. While the former GMD encouraged town hall meetings in Lagos and Abuja by civil society organisations, concerned citizens and industry experts to vigorously canvass quick passage of the bill, the

minister was reported cold to this approach.

The new GMD, Dawha, is from Borno State. He had also worked as the managing director of Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL), a subsidiary of the NNPC. Similarly, Muoneke , who is the new managing director of the NPDC, is from Anambra State. He recently resigned from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) where he served as the executive director, finance and administration.

Muoneke was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and has over 29 years’ experience at both local and international levels in the oil and gas as well as the energy and power sectors.

The erstwhile GMD, Yakubu, was appointed in June 2012 with a new group executive management team. He took over from Oniwon, who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 in 2011.

Yakubu was the 15th NNPC boss. He is a 1979 graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and joined NNPC 34 years ago.

Gunmen Kill Monarch, Brother In Bauchi ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York; Midat Joseph, Kaduna; Andrew Ojih, Jalingo; Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Gunmen have killed a district head and his brother in Bauchi and also attacked worshippers in Kaduna.

The hoodlums, suspected to be armed robbers, on Saturday killed the district head of Soro in Bauchi State, Malam Abdulrahman Baba, and injured two other persons.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Hausa Service, reported that the district head’s brother was also killed during the attack.

Bauchi police command’s spokesperson DSP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Sunday, said six gunmen struck about 7:45pm. “They carted away undisclosed amount of money from their victims and escaped to unknown destination.

“The entire surrounding had been cordoned off and efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said.

Mohammed also said that a 32-year-old man had been apprehended in connection with an improvised explosive device (IED) that was buried in a building site located at VIO Quarters in Azare town of the state.

On July 30, the Explosive Ordinance Unit of the state command recovered and rendered safe an IED concealed in a fire extinguisher and some assorted ammunition buried in the building.

The spokesperson stated that the man, a resident of Kofar Dumi area of Bauchi metropolis, had confessed to participating in bank robberies in Misau and Azare towns of the state.

Mohammed listed items recovered from the suspect to include three Barreta, two G3, and one K2 rifles, as well as one double-barrel gun.

Gunmen attack worshippers in Kaduna, kill 1 Unknown gunmen clad in black clothes yesterday opened fire on church worshippers in Kachia Local government Area of Kaduna State, killing one and injuring scores of people.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning at Ungwar Pau-Pau villages of Kachia in the southern part of the state.

Sources told our correspondent that the villagers had gone to church when the gunmen invaded the Catholic Church and started shooting sporadically.

An eyewitness, Kefas Ibrahim, told our correspondent that one of the youths guarding the

Jonathan

church was the first to be gunned down.

According to Kefas, the victim’s name is Reuben. The injured, he said, were receiving treatment at various hospitals in the area.

Kachia town had experienced religious turmoil in May this year following the destruction of a fence on a land owned by Kaduna State and used by Muslims in Kachia as Eid ground. Many people were killed while churches and mosques were also burnt.

An eyewitness said, “They came with sophisticated weapons, shooting. One person died instantly while several others have been admitted at various hospitals. Church Mass was going on when the gunmen came, shooting.”

Another resident, Timothy Gumel, told our correspondent, “Military personnel came and asked some of our youth to lead them to where the attackers followed. As I’m talking to you, they are combing the bush.”

Vice chairman of the local government Hon. Alfred Maisamari confirmed the incident, saying that “the gunmen killed one person”.

The command’s spokesman, Aminu Lawan, could not be reached.

Taraba government declares 24-hour curfew in Ibi Following the recent attack on Ibi local government area of Taraba State that claimed over 20 lives, a 24- hour curfew has been imposed on the town with soldiers and other anti-riot police patrolling to restore normalcy and order to the area.

The chairman of Ibi LGA, Alhaji Isiaku Adamu, who confirmed the 24-hour curfew to LEADERSHIP yesterday on phone, said that the crisis started on the strength of mere allegation of a roadblock mounted by unknown gunmen who attacked and collected the sum of N200, 000 from a man who was coming from Wukari ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6 NEWS

Monday, August 4, 2014

Gunmen Kill Monarch, Brother In Bauchi FROM PAGE 5

to Ibi. He noted that the unidentified gunmen had been terrorizing and tormenting residents of the community for a long period of time.

“At the moment, 11 people have been killed while several others sustained various degrees of injuries; we have transferred those with serious injuries to the state capital,’’ he said.

According the chairman, security personnel, including the police and soldiers, have since been drafted to the area, and normalcy has returned to the town.

The state government was yet to make an official statement on the recent violence that broke out in Ibi local government area of the state.

Boko Haram is not and will never succeed – Sultan As the nation seems to be counting the human and material losses it incurs almost on a daily basis because of the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condoled with Nigerians but assured that Boko Haram is not and will never succeed.

The Sultan, who spoke during a dinner with the 18th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in his palace, added that he is very confident that those with the ideological inscription and conviction of Boko Haram are already declining in number.

“Insurgents are not succeeding and they will not. And with the way things are going, I’m sure that the real Boko Haram are very small now; it’s just that some miscreants are using it as a franchise to commit a series of crime against humanity.”

The Sultan, who decried that offences in Nigeria will continue so long as the government is not ready to do the right thing, added

that Nigeria is a country that prefers sycophants to realists.

“People commit offences in Nigeria with impunity. And they will continue to commit it because they know they will not be punished for committing it. But the truth remains that, unless you punish an offender, nothing will change for the better. We must obey the law of the land. If we don’t do that, then, we will not have a country because a country where there is no law, then, there is no country.”

He stated that leaders in Nigeria at whatever position should endeavour to lead with the fear of God and exhibit justice in all their dealings. “Justice is sacrosanct to the wellbeing of any nation,” he said. “Justice is the foundation of any good governance.”

Advising leaders to strive and be upright in their dealings, not minding criticisms, the traditional cum religious leader said: “Leadership is a job that when you do something right nobody wants to remember but when you do anything wrong, the whole world would like to hear it.”

The Sultan commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the initiative of raising funds for supporting insurgency victims, admonishing Nigerians to be honest with themselves to facilitate collective achievement of our goals.

“Nigeria needs much more than we are getting in terms of truthfulness. And if we are not truthful to one another, we cannot get solutions to our problems. We therefore need to be more honest with ourselves to achieve the collective aim of having a nation which will be the pride of all.”

The Sultan lamented that the rancour between the Nigeria Police and the army is getting worse, warning the army against the use of force on civilians, just as he reminded them of the rule of engagement.

Decrying the recent incident in

terrorism and that the $1bn loan for the army will help in providing more arms.

Badeh

Zaria, Kaduna State, where the three sons of the Shi’ite Islamic movement leader, El-Zazaki, were killed, Sultan asked: “Is our military losing the training through excessive use of force or a way of defending itself? If things do not augur well for the country because of consistent clashes of soldiers, police and civilians, then we have a problem. We must find a way of reducing the friction between the military/police and the civilian as well. In those days, the military didn’t know anything like your religion, region or the rest but all they knew was rather you are a Nigerian.”

Speaking on the occasion, Flt Lt Mathias Ineke (rtd) observed that the replacement of merit with connection and nepotism is the major cause of the consistent clashes of the army and police down to the civilians.

Ineke said that until the nation goes back to recruitment based on merit, as was the case before, such clashes will be inevitable. A good number of those that were recruited through connections do not even know the rule of engagement, he said.

Former chief of army staff Azubuike Ihejirika and CDS Simon Ugomodiya admitted that there are bad officers on both sides, but said they would continue to work together for the good of the country. They further added that Nigerians must win the war against

Obama, Jonathan, others meet on security, power Security as well as regular power supply under “Power Africa” will top the agenda of the meetings that United States president Mr Barrack Obama will hold with President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders in Washington, DC, from today to Wednesday.

The White House will push initiatives like “Power Africa”, a privately funded plan to bring electricity to 20 million households across sub-Saharan Africa.

Six African countries have been selected for the project and Nigeria is first on the list.

Companies have pledged $9 billion, and the White House is likely to announce more support at the summit meeting.

The four-day meeting which is tagged “Investing in the Next Generation” will include a civil society forum with discussions on investments in health, women, food security and power. There would be a highoctane conference to stimulate trade and investments.

According to Professor Adebowale Adefuye, Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States, President Jonathan and his counterparts will be brought in contact with American companies’ chief executives to discuss investment opportunities in Africa and conclude deals.

Adefuye added that other activities on economy development were the discussions on the issue of re-authorization of AGOA, stressing that it was an American government system of preferential access to goods produced in Africa as a way of stimulating trade in the continent.

President Jonathan, who arrived in Washington yesterday with his delegation, is expected to

meet congressional and business leaders as well as the media. He will address members of the Nigerian community and will be hosted to a reception by the two leading American business conglomerates, the US Chambers of Commerce and the Cooperate Council for Africa, after the meeting of African leaders with Obama.

The strategic importance of Nigeria makes President Jonathan’s personal attendance important. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, America’s largest trading partner and the country described by Vice President Joe Biden as America’s anchor in Africa. America is actively assisting Nigeria in coping with its current security challenges.

According to Ambassador Adefuye, the Embassy of Nigeria has been able to effectively counter negative perception about Nigeria on government’s reactions and activities to contain Boko Haram and end the kidnap of Chibok girls.

He noted that the key stakeholders in business, politics, and think-tanks were now convinced that the government did all that it could to deal with Boko Haram and get the girls freed, adding that a series of well-coordinated actions to deal with the menace of Boko Haram in perpetuity was on.

According to the US national security adviser, Ms Susan Rice, the meeting is intended to build a deeper relationship with Africa based on mutual interests and mutual respect. In each of the sessions, there will be some very straight talks, and give and take.

Invitations were sent to 50 heads of state.

Also, American officials emphasized that it is not a meeting with the AU even though the chairperson of the AU is invited. This is the justification of the exclusion of some African countries with which America does not enjoy good relations for a variety of reasons.

Ebola: Rumoured Screening Of Jonathan’s Delegation Stirs Controversy

By George Agba, Abuja

United States President Barack Obama on Friday stated that the US did not wish to take risks from the deadly Ebola virus and that some participants at an Africa summit taking place in Washington will be screened for exposure, the Reuters reports.

Obama said, “We are taking the appropriate precautions. Folks who are from these countries that have even a marginal risk, or an infinitesimal risk of having been exposed in some fashion, we’re making sure we’re doing

screening”.

But controversy is now trailing Obama’s directive on participants coming to Washington for the US summit as the directive was said to have caused disquiet in certain quarters over the propriety of the screening of the high profile participants.

US Summit: Jonathan’s entourage not screened for Ebola virus – Presidency But the development has prompted The Presidency to deny media report alleging that those on President Goodluck Jonathan’s entourage

were tested and screened for Ebola virus on arrival in the US where he is attending a three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, who refuted the said report in his twitter handle yesterday, described the report as the handiwork of mischief makers.

He said the advance team of the president, with lower cadre of officials including journalists, that travelled earlier were not even screened contrary to the media report in one of the national dailies.

Meanwhile, Jonathan yesterday arrived in the US for the Africa-US Summit accompanied by aides.

He was received in Washington DC by US officials a few minutes before 2pm Nigerian time. He is expected back in the country on Wednesday.

Jonathan is listed amongst three out of over forty heads of states convening in Washington DC that will with meet US Vice President Biden for bilateral talks.

Jonathan is to join Obama and about 50 other participating African leaders

for discussions that are expected to lead to greater progress in key areas such as expanding trade and investment ties, promoting inclusive sustainable development and expanding cooperation on peace and security.

The Summit which, according to a statement

by Abati, is the first of its kind between an American President and African heads of state and government, is expected to greatly strengthen ties between the United States, Nigeria and other African countries.

news extra 7

Monday, August 4, 2014

Nigeria May Host 2016 World Schools Debate – FG National coordinator of Presidential Schools Debate, Nigeria, Dare Oritu has said that high level lobbying to enable Nigeria host the World Schools Debate in 2016 has commenced.

Oritu also disclosed that Nigeria had recently been elevated to become a member of the World Schools Debate Tournament Committee, where over 60 foreign countries are active participants.

“Nigeria was recently promoted to the rank of tournament committee membership, which I think gives us an edge. The tournament committee decides which country will host in 2016 and this has given us a lot of opportunity to lobby our colleagues because hosting the world school debate is by voting,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria is bidding against Germany in order to host the 2016 edition.

Meanwhile, federal government has dispatched its national contingents to participate in the 26th edition of the world schools debate taking place in Thailand between August 5-16, 2014.

Oritu who spoke to journalists in Abuja,before their departure to Thailand,said those representing Nigeria in the international competition were drawn from Ebonyi and Kaduna states.

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Rep Flays Lopsided Niger Delta Presidential Scholarship List

“

The final list of 254 beneficiaries of the Special Scholarship Programme released by the Office of Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta (OSAPND) has been faulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bassey Dan-Abia (Akwa Ibom/ PDP).

The federal lawmaker accused, the special adviser to the president on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku of nepotism in the selection of the beneficiaries. DanAbia said the programme was skewed against Akwa Ibom State while other states were unduly favoured.

The special scholarship scheme coordinated by OSAPND was put together to assist brilliant students in oil producing states to acquire university education. A key requirement for the special scholarship is a minimum cut off mark of 180 at the University Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Dan-Abia in a press statement issued yesterday queried how Akwa Ibom State, the biggest oil producing state in the country was allotted only three slots in the programme while other states like Ondo State, the home state of Kingsley Kuku, was allotted 43 slots.

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III (sixth left), former President Shehu Shagari (third right) and Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Wamakko (fifth right), with members of NDA Course 18 who visited Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTO

BY NAN

UUTH CMD Alerts Public On Measures To Avert Ebola Virus

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

Worried by the current spread of the deadly Ebola virus where over 729 persons were said to have been killed, an expert in internal medicine and chief medical director of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Professor Etete Peters has called for an urgent awareness campaign throughout the local government areas of the country.

Professor Peters who stated this yesterday while speaking with our correspondent in Uyo said that since a case of the

deadly Ebola Virus has been reported in some West African countries, there was the need for everyone to be extra vigilant to prevent spread of the virus because of its highly contagious nature.

According to the CMD, the scale of Ebola outbreak and the persistent threat it poses requires a prompt sensitisation across the rural communities where the disease is mostly ravaging.

He explained that the awareness drive became expedient because of the dangers posed by the virus and how to

prevent the spread among rural communities.

The sensitisation campaign, he added, should be carried out to complement other measures already put in place by both the federal and state governments to enable the people be abreast of dangers posed by the virus and how to prevent its spread.

He noted that , UUTH had set in motion a preparedness team to be able to handle any eventuality arising from an unexpected spread of the disease as isolated wards has be created in the hospital in

case of any emergency while he also advised health workers to embrace universal protection practice when treating their patients irrespective of the ailment.

Peters who said that Ebola can kill victims within days, causing severe fever and muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, organ failure and unstoppable bleeding, advised the people to avoid eating local bush meat if they can since bush animals have been confirmed to be the primary source of the killer disease.

Guber Poll: Report Lists Possible Triggers Of Electoral Violence In Osun – CLEEN

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

Prelude to the August 9, Osun State governorship election, an Election Security Threat Assessment report says “unwarranted” clampdown on opposition leaders as alleged in Ekiti State can be counter-productive and lead to breakdown of law and order.

The warning is contained in the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Brief (ESB) which was made available to LEADERSHIP. The report examines the security threats and mitigating factors as well as recommends measures to prevent electoral violence in the Osun election.

“Any perceived act of prejudice or bias by security agents in favour or against any of the contestants can resort to breakdown of law and order. Unwarranted clampdown on opposition leaders as alleged in Ekiti State and overzealousness on the part of the security agents can be counter-productive as the people may resist any act of molestation or harassment.” the report stated.

The report in its “key risk factors” category warned against unguarded, inflammatory and inciting comments by political gladiators in the state; late arrival of election personnel and

inadequate polling material; inadequate security personnel at polling units and biased and inaccurate media reportage of events around the election.

According to CLEEN Foundation’s report, the stakes are “very high” in Osun State, on account of the Ekiti loss by APC to the PDP. The Osun election will be a battle for dominance and supremacy, the report stated.

“The APC will be seeking to halt its reversal of fortunes and bolster the confidence of its members nationwide that it is still a force to reckon with, while the PDP will want to assert that its victory in Ekiti was not a

fluke but indicative of the wide acceptance of the party. INEC will also be seeking to consolidate on its successful outing during the Ekiti State election.”

The report said significant attention will be on security agencies especially with the massive deployment recorded in Ekiti, its attendant challenges, and the likelihood of a repeat in Osun.

In the “Synthesis of Security Threats” category, the report stated that vote-buying as is currently being alleged is an incentive to violence and a great risk factor.

The report also identified potential flash points in the state.

Tambuwal Disowns Presidential Posters

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, have disassociated themselves from posters on the streets of Abuja declaring their presidential and vice presidential ambitions respectively.

The posters, which had the picture of Tambuwal and Ihedioha on them, had the APC logo attached to it. Ihedioha has long declared his ambition to run for the governorship of Imo State.

In a press statement signed by the speaker’s special adviser on media, Imam Imam and made available to LEADERSHIP yester-

day, Tambuwal expressed worry over the timing of the posters saying it breaches Nigeria’s electoral laws.

While thanking those responsible for placing the posters for considering him fit for that high office, he advised them not to breach the laws of the land.

“While we thank them for

deeming the Rt Hon Speaker fit for future elective office in the country, let it be known that since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not given the go-ahead for those interested in elective positions to start mobilisation, it is inappropriate for any person or group to print campaign posters.

8 News north-central

Monday, August 4, 2014

Webometric Ranking: Unilorin Rated Best Varsity In Nigeria

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has expressed delight at the latest Webometric ranking of world universities which placed Unilorin as the best in Nigeria, describing it as the product of hard work and dedication to service of every member of the university community.

In the 2014 University Web Ranking conducted by International Colleges and Universities (4ICU) and released last Tuesday , Unilorin was also adjudged the 20th best university in Africa and 1,842nd in the world.

The 4ICU is an international higher education search engine and directory that constantly reviews accredited universities and colleges across the world.

For the latest exercise, it ranked about 11,307 colleges and universities by web popularity in over 200 countries.

short news ‘Why Kogi Scholarship Board Scribe Was Suspended’ The executive secretary of Kogi State scholarship board, Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Akpa who had been in a running battle with the chairman of the board, Dr (Mrs) Rekiya Abaji, has been finally suspended on allegation of insubordination.

LEADERSHIP checks revealed that in recent times, the chairman of the board had found it difficult to work with the executive secretary who, it was gathered, did not take directives from higher authorities.

This was said to have snowballed into open confrontation.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

A statement by the university’s deputy director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, quoted the vice-chancellor as being joyous over the new ranking, describing it as “one of the best so far by any university in Nigeria”.

Prof. Ambali, who congratulated the University’s Governing Council headed by Obi (Prof.)

Chukwuka Okonjo, all lecturers and other stakeholders “for taking us thus far”, pledged that the University would “strive to become the best in Africa by the next ranking.”

The vice-chancellor urged all academic and non-academic staff members to continue to put in their best in the service of the University.

The latest university ranking is a significant leap for the University of Ilorin, which has moved from its last year’s fifth position in Nigeria and 56th in Africa to first and 20th positions respectively.

Impeachment: Blackmail, Threats Won’t Save You, PDP Tells Al-Makura, APC The national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday advised Nasarawa State governor, Tanko AlMakura and his party, APC, to face their problems instead of blaming the Presidency and the PDP for their self-inflicted woes.

PDP’s spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, told the governor and the APC to realise that the issue at stake is not a matter of political sentiments and threats, and neither is it a matter of sponsoring protests and media propaganda “but that of democracy, accountability and the provisions of the laws and the constitution.”tressed that the governor should look inwards and find answers to his challenges as the chief executive of his state instead of promoting trite excuses of external influences, sponsoring of protests, threatening and unleashing thugs against the state legislators, steps the PDP said will not solve the problem.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

short news Boko Haram’s Anti-Western Education Stance Misguided – NSUBEB Chairman The insurgency in some parts of the north in the guise of fighting against western education by the Boko Haram sect has been blamed on the preference for Islamic education practice in Northern Nigeria and the wrong notion peddled that western education is anti-Islam.

This is the position of the executive chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mallam Abdulkarim Mohammed Abdullahi, at stakeholders’ forum with chairmen of local government areas and education secretaries at the weekend.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

L-R: United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, Nigerian Ambassador to US, Amb Ade Adefuye, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Aminu Wali, US Assistant Chief of Protocol, Gladys Boluda, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan at the Andrew Airforce Base, Washington, on his arrival for US-African Leaders Summit on Trade, Investment, Peace, Security and Good Governance in Washington, yesterday.

Niger APC Threatens To Drag INEC To Court Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has threatened to drag Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court for allegedly changing the date of the Niger East by-election against the constitution.

The chairman of the party, Engineer Mohammed Jibrin Imam told journalists at a news conference at the party’s secretariat Minna yesterday that the INEC Resident Electoral commissioner (REC), Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo, changed of the date of the election from August 16, 2014, to August 30, a move that came as a surprise to the party when on July 25, 2014, it had been resolved that the election would take place on August

16, 2014 Making the allegation that INEC was playing the card of PDP, Imam said that logistics problem, the reason given by the Dr Onucheyo as for the shift of the date, was not convincing.

The APC chairman said: Our great party, APC, believes that the reason for the change in date stated by INEC is a deliberate plan to adequately perfect its arrangement for the rigging of the election.

“If INEC fails to abide by the earlier date of August 16, 2014, the party will drag INEC to court.”

APC Allegation Has No Substance -PDP The Niger State Peoples Democratic Party PDP has stated that the allegations against Dr Onucheyo

that he is a card carrying member of the PDP in Kogi State and the 2003 governorship aspirant of the party in the state have no substance.

A statement over the weekend by the deputy chairman of the party, Tanko Beji, also described the threat by the state APC to boycott the Niger East senatorial by election based on the allegation as spurious, deceitful and an attempt to cover up the party’s lack of electoral value.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP observed that neither INEC nor the REC had came out to refute APC’s allegations against the REC: that he was a governorship aspirant of PDP in Kogi State in 2003 and that he is a card carrying member of PDP.

National Conference: Igala People Demand Own State

by Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

With the National Conference entering its final days, the Igala people of Kogi State, through a group, the Ukomo Igala Organization, have bemoaned the failure of the conference to address their request for the creation of the state of Okura, saying the state deserved to have a state carved out for the Igala speaking people.

In a press statement signed by the national leader of the group, Dr Haruna Alidu, and made available to journalists in Abuja at the

weekend, the group said the failure of the conference to recommend the creation of an Okura State, despite recommending the creation of 19 states, is a deliberate attempt to marginalize the Igala people and constituted an assault on their right to self-determination.

According to the group, instead of giving identity to some ethnic groups with sizeable population and land mass, major ethnic groups are proliferated into many states to give them undue advantage and representation, thus confirming the fears of the minorities

in the country.

It said: “This policy employed by the National Conference to create more states is not only inimical and threats to the country’s federation, fair play and objectivity but a complete violation of the rights of the minorities, who on aggregate, are in majority in terms of numerical strength of the country’s population.

“The Igala/Bassa people of Kogi State deserve a state and no one should stop the Igala Nation from being a unit of Nigeria’s federation.”

Ebola: Niger To Screen Incoming Corpses EAbu Nmodu, Minna

The Niger State Government is to screen all corpses entering the state through the borders to check that the dreaded Ebola disease is not spread to the state.

The governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, said over the weekend while receiving the State Traditional Rulers Council led by the chairman and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on

a Sallah homage .

Aliyu said he had directed professionals and staff of the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure corpses being brought into the state through the border towns were properly screened to ensure the dreaded Ebola disease is not spread to the state.

He described the Ebola disease as more dreadful than HIV/AIDS and called for urgent government action to stop it from spreading to

any part of the country.

The governor, therefore, sought the support of the traditional rulers to help in educating their people on the dreaded disease, by embarking on vigorous campaigns against its spread in their respective domains.

Meanwhile, he told the traditional rulers that government had acquired over 200 hectares of land owned by a radical Islamic sect which was dislodged in Lapai LGA recently for public use.

t r e

l

g y ; s

e n e

news north-East, north-west 9 Zamfara Borno APC Crisis: 312 Councillors Pledge Loyalty To Gov Shettima Drought: Might Record Low

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri for a second term given his land- Borno State, Governor Kashim priceless assets.

Yield–Gov Yari Prof Alkali died in his Maidmark achievements in the last Shettima’s landmark of people Monday, August 4, 2014

Ahead of the defection of some top members of Borno State All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), about 312 councillors under the Borno State Councillors yesterday vowed to remain in the APC and support the 2015 aspiration of Governor Kashim Shettima.

According to the councillors, Shettima is “eminently qualified

three years.

Speaking at a press conference led by the chairman of the Borno Councillors Forum, Hon Yusuf Markus Sawa, councillor of Gwoza local government and its secretary, Abdullahi Muhammed Sheikh, the 312 councillors said they represented APC members in the 3993 electoral units of Borno State.

“As far as 2015 is concerned in

oriented projects executed during this difficult period is his pass mark for another term”, said Sawa.

Late Prof Alkali’s eath, A Loss Of National Asset - Gov Shettima Meanwhile, Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, has described the death of Professor Muhammed Nur Alkali as a colossal loss of one of Nigeria’s

uguri home on Saturday after a brief illness.

The governor, in a statement issued and signed by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, expressed shocked over the news of the death of Professor Alkali, saying the former vice chancellor of University of Maiduguri would be missed, not only by Borno State alone but by Nigeria as a whole.

n r e .

r

Jigawa Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud (right) with Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Mahmoud during his visit to the emirate over flood disaster, yesterday PHOTO

d

BY NAN

short news Amina Sambo Tasks Women On Peace, Nation Building

The wife of the vice president, Hajia Amina Sambo, has called on Nigerian women to utilise their role as mothers to ensure that peace is enshrined at whatever levels of governance and contribute their quota to building a virile nation.

Speaking as the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the annual conference of the Northern Baptist Pastors Wives in Kaduna, she said women by their creation are natural peace lovers and peace makers and “are more sensitive, compassionate to the well being of others than their men counterparts.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Adamawa PDP Not Shopping For A Candidate – Madaki

By Mohammed Ismail,Yola

The chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki has flayed speculations that the party is shopping for an aspirant outside the party to stand as its flag bearer, stressing that the party has more than enough governorship materials within its fold.

Madaki, who made this position known over the weekend during a stakeholder’s meeting at Government House, Yola, commended the acting governor and members of the state assembly for recapturing PDP’s stolen mandate through the removal of the former governor, Murtala Nyako.

He said there was no iota of truth in the ongoing speculation because

there were so many qualified persons whose pedigree was not in doubt that they can fill the vacancy of the executive governor of Adamawa State and can even contest for the plum job of the presidency.

He said the PDP was a fully loaded party with experienced politicians who have held many national positions in the past just as he said majority of them were tested hands that will not disappoint the electorate.

“Adamawa State PDP is blessed with an array of qualified politicians and there is no need to bring somebody from outside the party to run its ticket for the 2015 race and those speculating were doing so to fan the embers of their pay masters,” he said.

Adamawa By -Election: Elite Group Endorses Zoning Meanwhile, a non political association, Adamawa Strategic Alliance (ASA) has endorsed zoning arrangement in the oncoming bye-election, saying that zoning is a necessary tool that will give a sense of belonging to all parts of Adamawa State.

The position of the group was contained in a communiqué read by Professor Alikidon Voh after the association’s meeting in Yola over the weekend.

The group urged politicians to shun ethnicity and religious tendencies during the gubernatorial campaign, urging the people to ensure election of people of integrity and proven track record as the only way of avoiding the mistakes of the past.

Groups Flays Jonathan Over Sack Of NNPC GMD

By Midat Joseph and Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

A Kaduna based group known as Kaduna State APC Justice Forum has described the sack of Engineer Andrew Yakubu as the group managing director (GMD) of Nigerian Nationa Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the height of betrayal and the fallacy of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) sense of fairness.

A statement issued yesterday by the secretary of the forum, Barrister Mohammed Musa Soba

in Kaduna, queried why the tenure of the director general of the National Emergency and Maintenance Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Sani Sidi was renewed for another four years while Yakubu was sacked even before the expiration of his first term.

According to the statement, “The Kaduna State APC Justice Forum views the recent removal of Andrew Yakubu as the group managing director of NNPC by President Goodluck Jonathan as the height of betrayal of the people of Kaduna State and particu-

larly the Southern Kaduna senatorial district that stood firmly behind the PDP since 1999.

“We are aware that Mr Yakubu had planned to organise a solidarity rally for President Jonathan in Southern Kaduna senatorial district last Saturday without involving the vice-president, Kaduna State governor and the senator representing Southern Kaduna senatorial district.

“The sack however came before the date of the proposed rally thereby bringing the rally to a terminal end.

short news Katsina Evacuates Waste Generated During Sallah The Katsina State Environmental Sanitation Agency (KTSEPA) has commenced evacuation of tons of refuse generated during last week’s Sallah celebration in different parts of the state.

Our correspondent reports that the evacuation exercise which was carried out simultaneously in major towns and cities in the state may not be unconnected with concerns raised by stakeholders on health and environmental implications of the refuse.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

The near drought of this year has the potential of affecting 30 percent of the expected annual total farm produce of Zamfara State farmers, Governor Abdullaziz Yari has said.

The governor who said this in Sokoto also lamented that the effect of the near drought has led to replanting of crops, thereby missing accurate timing for most crops, while adding that the state government has given the farmers fertilizers at 80 percent discount to help boost their morale.

Represented by the state commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Keta at the official flagging off ceremony of the federal government’s aerial war against quelea birds and other insects that could affect yield at Bakolori Irrigation Project, the governor said his administration is dedicated to ensuring stable yield.

“It is my conviction that pre-harvest and post-harvest programmes will go a long way to boost agricultural production not only for the farming population at Bakolori Irrigation Scheme, but also to contribute towards the realisation of the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda,” he said.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

2015: Support Atiku, Northern Youths Tell Buhari As the political race towards the 2015 general elections gathers momentum, a northern youth group under the auspices of the Northern Youth Voters Forum (NYVF), has appealed to former Head of State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Bahari to drop his presidential ambition and support former vice president, Abubakar Atiku, who according to them, has the ability to chase the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of government.

The youth group noted with respect that General Buhari has contested the presidency three consecutive times and was not successful and on that ground, averred that it was not wise for another opportunity to be afforded to him for fear that it may turn out like the previous ones.

Addressing newsmen at Arewa House, Kaduna, venue of the programme where the youth group who trooped out in their large numbers wearing tee-shirts and locally made caps with the picture of Alhaji Atiku printed on them, the national coordinator of the group, Comrade Idris Ibrahim said only Atiku has the political ability to chase out PDP government.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

10

stories of the Monday, August 4, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

Extortion: Lawyer Sues Immigration CG, Others

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

A lawyer has sued the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over allegation of extortion.

Chukwunonso Ogbe accused officials of the NIS of extorting about $110 while on his way to India for studies.

The lawyer, who filed the suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos, also joined the managing director of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) and FAAN as other defendants in the matter.

The lawyer said he had secured admission to study Comparative Law at the University of Delhi, India in the year 2011.

However, on getting to the Departure Wing of the International Wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, “The official of the 1st Respondent who attended to me at the Departure Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, asked me to pay her the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars) before she will allow me to board my flight. I inquired from the official of the 1st Respondent the reason why I am to pay her the sum of $ 100 (One Hundred United States Dollars) to which she responded that I will not be allowed to board my flight unless I paid her the $ 100 she asked for.”

The official of the 2nd Respondent informed me that I will never be allowed to move over to the Immigration Section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for my onward departure to India, without paying the $10 penalty he demanded from me and that he will not issue any receipt to me evidencing that I paid him the Ten Dollars as he demanded.

“The official of the 2nd Respondent in execution of his threat, kept me waiting at his duty post until about 1: 30 pm, being 20 minutes to my departure time.

I was left with no other option but to pay the official of the 2nd Respondent the Ten Dollars which he demanded from me. I made for the Immigration Section, being that of the 1st Respondent, after I was released from the room where the official of the 2nd Respondent who attended to me kept me in the course of my encounter with him.

“I booked the ticket of Ethiopian Airlines on the 9th day of June 2011 through which I boarded my flight to India. A copy of my travel ticket is hereby referred to and marked as exhibit “B.” I fulfilled all the requirements of the law needed for one to travel out of Nigeria to India.

On the 4th day of July 2011, I arrived at the International Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and observed all the rules and protocols as expected of all those travelling out of Nigeria to India.

Fulanis dancing during the offical visit of Galadiman Bauchi and District Head of Liman Katagum, Alhaji Ibrahim Jahun, to the district in Bauchi on Saturday. Photo

By Nan

Auto Crash: 5 Family Members Killed In Sokoto

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto It was a weekend of mourning for Alhaji Shehu Umar, the District Head of Dogon Daji in Tambuwal Local Government, as an auto crash along Shagari-Tureta road, claimed the lives of five of his family members, local and international authority confirmed.

The deceased persons, who were said to be on their way to Abuja before meeting their death, collided with a petrol tanker as confirmed by the family members.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Sokoto State command DSP Almustapha Sani, said, no fewer than five persons who were said to be members of the

same family lost their lives in an accident that occurred along Tureta road on Saturday.

Admitting that the incident was an act of Allah that must be tolerated, the bereaved traditional leader prayed that Allah should grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest.

Expressing shock over the tragic incident, Tambuwal Local Government Secretary, Mallam Abubakar Wurno, urged the district head to take solace in the Almighty Allah, even as he described the incident as a heavy loss to the entire people of the local government.

Those that died in the incident include, a son, daughter, two grand children of the district head as well as his 74- year-old, younger sister.

Kidnap: Police Kill 3 In Delta

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Determined to rid the state of all forms of criminal activities, a combined team of police and anti-kidnap squad operative in Ogwashi-Uku community near Asaba, Delta State, have smashed a gang of kidnappers, killing three, who were alleged to have abducted an octogenarian, Rangers Okafor, from his house around Idumu-Aku Quarters in the community about three weeks ago.

It was reliably gathered that the kidnappers met their waterloo around Ogbe-Ofor Quarters, Ogwashi-uku, at the weekend where they were said to have been holding the said Okafor hostage in an uncompleted building after abducting him.

Competent sources said that the police’s anti-kidnap operative, had laid siege

around the bush within the area the kidnappers had directed the children of the kidnapped victim to keep the ransom , unaware of the police strategies.

DSP Celestina Kalu, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed that while the kidnapped victim’s children were making frantic effort to drop the money as instructed at the point, the police detectives immediately swung into action to close in, on the kidnapped suspects; a situation that saw the kidnappers moving into their base, which resulted In a gun battle.

At the end of the battle, three kidnappers were killed withe three others arrested.

DSP Kalu said that the three suspected kidnappers are helping the police with further investigation and would be charged to court soon.

Cult Clash: 3 Killed In Rivers

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

At least three persons, including a woman, were reportedly killed during a clash between two rival cult groups in Bane and Kpaa communities of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was leant that two persons were killed in Bane community while a woman was shot dead in Kpae community during the clash.

Bane is the home-town of the slain foremost environmental activist and former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Kenule Saro-Wiwa.

The chairman, caretaker committee of Khana Local Government Area of the state, Mr.Hyacinth Nwiye, who confirmed the incident, said he personally went to the Bori Police Station in the area to see the corpses and even as he confirmed that there was a headless body amongst those killed.

Nwiye said; “When I heard about the incident, I quickly called the DPO to find out what happened. I went there myself also and when I got there, I discovered that the corpses have been brought to the police station.

“I went with them to the mortuary where the corpses were deposited. I later discovered that one of the cultists was shot dead and beheaded. His head was taken away.”

We went with the police to take the headless body to the mortuary.”

He explained that the motive behind frequent cult clashes in the area could not be ascertained and called on the Police to investigate the clash.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Mohammad could not be reached to confirm the incident.

day

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Monday, August 4, 2014

Photo News

BUNKERING: 176 Oil Thieves Arrested By kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Authorities of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Delta State says no fewer than 176 suspected oil thieves including persons with illegal petroleum products were arrested in 2013.

The command’s public relations officer, Felix Egede, told journalists at the weekend in Asaba, that officers of the command confiscated 140, 850 litres of petroleum products from the suspects; adding that upon interrogation, they confessed to have illegally stolen the product and were

exporting the products to other states.

Egede said that the products were seized from various locations; adding that the NSCDC also destroyed illegal petroleum products at four locations across the state According to him, “two Cotonou bound boats and 21 vehicles were also impounded by the officers and men of the command during the period under review, including 176 suspects, while six were arrested for allegedly vandalizing Chevron Nigeria Limited pipeline located around Muka Raba Flow Station close to oil well in the state.

L-R: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Asabe Ahmed, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Dangote Group, for N165bn investment in integrated rice project in Abuja, at the weekend.

Photo by OGOH JOSEPH.

Flood: Erosion Cuts Off Communities In Delta By kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Prevailing coastal erosion ravaging Burutu, Bomadi and Patani communities in Delta State, has consumed over 70 per cent of the houses, including residents’ farms in the areas.

While the erosion menace had also destroyed unspecified buildings in the affected communities, major roads linking other communities in the affected areas, have reportedly been cut off, leaving its residents in confusion.

A resident in one of the affected communities, Comrade December Gboro, said

the erosion menace portends bad omen for residents of the three communities; adding that since the coming of the rain, the situation had been conflagrated.

He called on the state government and well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid.

But the state commissioner for works, in his reaction, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon, said the state government was doing everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the affected communities, adding that the ongoing constructed bridges would help to alleviate the major problems of the erosion.

L-R: Former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufa’i; Managing Director of Elite Jets, Alhaji Ibrahim Wali, and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu during a condolence visit to el-Rufa’i over the death of his son, Hamza, in Abuja, during the weekend. Photo By Government House

Robbery: Niger Deputy Speaker’s House Attacked

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

A gang of armed robbers on Saturday night attacked the house of the Deputy Speaker of Niger state House of Assembly, Eng. Abdulrman Gambo Bala, carting away some valuables belonging to him and some members of his family.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the armed robbers numbering about four broke into the house located at Abattoir road, Minna in the night through the back fence with dangerous weapons.

It was learnt that the armed robbers also seized the mobile telephone set of the

deputy Speaker and Jewelries belonging to the members of his family.

A source told LEADERSHIP that the members of the gang who operated for about two hours also dispossessed the deputy Speaker and his family members of some undisclosed amount of cash.

As the armed robbers operated, it was learnt that the neighbors were not immediately aware but by the time they became aware, the armed robbers, who did not hurt anybody had already left the house.

It was learnt that the case was reported to GRA divisional Police office Minna but no arrest has been made yet.

The Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja (left), Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Opara and others during the Requiem Mass for NCPC boss’ late father, Nze Paulinus Opara at the Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja.

Arrest: Police Nab Robbers, Recover Weapons, Stolen Items ByGbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The police anti robbery team attached to Ajuwon Division of the Ogun State Police Command, have arrested some fleeing armed robbers in Akute area of Ogun State.

The arrest took place at the weekend after the robbers attacked their victim in his house at Olatunji Street Akute, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the robbery gang comprising six men, had invaded the residence of the victim in the dead of the night, when the police team received a distress call from the area and responded swiftly.

Adejobi said the team didn’t meet the robbers at the scene but gave them a hot chase before two of the robbers were arrested while some of their weapons and stolen items were recovered.

The police said the victim of the robbery operation had been injured by the robbers before they fled but was rescued and taken to a hospital by the divisional police officer in charge of the area and he is said to be responding to treatment.

The suspects, Opeyemi Ibiloye and Michael Sanusi ,are indigenes of the state.

Preliminary investigation done by the police revealed that the second suspect, Sanusi, is a son to one of the landlords in the area.

Some members of the Northern Youth Voters’ Forum from the 19 Northern states during a press conference to urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare interest in the 2015 presidential election at the Arewa House, Kaduna, yesterday.

12 news NATIONAL

Monday, August 4, 2014

What Will Happen To Us Between Now And 2015?

FROM BACK PAGE

Haram from the Jonathan government. President Jonathan has done nothing to reclaim the captured territories. Expectedly, the terrorists have become even more motivated by the president’s incapacity. They have blown

up one of the last remaining bridges linking Maiduguri to the rest of the country.

It is only a matter of time before they cut off all the roads leading to Maiduguri and declare Borno State a country of their own. Once Borno falls, Yobe State will follow within hours. If Borno and Yobe states fall, the

momentum will be on the side of the terrorists, and, by that time, other international terrorist groups which are more organised, especially ISIS that is desperately trying to carve out a country for itself from Syria and Iraq, may just start getting interested in Nigeria. And that would be

Jonathan Mourns Late Prof Alkali

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that he received the news of late Prof. Alkali, a national conference delegate, with sadness.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement, said although Prof. Alkali had sadly passed away before the conclusion of the work of the National Conference, the nation will always owe him a debt of gratitude for his worthy contributions to the conference.

Other areas Jonathan noted that the nation owes

Alkali for are his distinguished service on several other national assignments, including as Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri; Director-General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and member, Presidential Committee on Insecurity in the North East.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP reads in part: “President Goodluck Jonathan has received, with sadness, news of the passing away of eminent academic and National Conference delegate, Prof.

Muhammad Nur Alkali.

“On behalf of himself and

the Federal Government, President Jonathan commiserates with the Alkali family, the leadership and delegates to the National Conference as well as Nigeria’s Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which the late Prof. Alkali represented at the National Conference.”

He urged them to be consloed by the knowledge he lived a very fulfilled life of patriotic service to his community and country.

He also prayed that God Almighty comfort all who mourn Prof. Alkali and grant his soul peaceful eternal rest.

Terrorists, Give Peace A Chance – Mrs Mark

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Helen Mark has appealed to perpetrators of violent crimes and terrorism ravaging Nigeria to sheathe their swords and save citizens from needless agony.

Mrs. Mark, who said this at a church service to mark her 63rd birthday in Abuja yesterday, noted that violent crimes and terrorism pose serious challenges and

were impeding the peace, unity and development of the nation.

A worried-looking Mrs Mark stated: “The mood of the nation does not call for celebration. I wish that we live in peace in Nigeria . I am not celebrating the birthday because of the situation we now find ourselves . It is sad.”

In a press statement issued by chief press secretary to the Senate President Paul Mumeh, Mrs Mark said: “The security situation

is embarrassing. I wish that by next year,I will celebrate my birthday in a very joyous mood and in an atmosphere of peace and unity; not in this kind of sober mood.

“I sincerely join our compatriots and all well meaning citizens of the world to plead with the terrorists terrorizing us to sheathe their swords and let us come together. Let them state in clear terms what their grievances are and government would address them.”

the catastrophe. Let us just pray that, under President Jonathan, the UN will not have to send a multinational force to liberate Nigeria.

A president, any president, who can say with his own mouth that he did not see terrorism coming to his country, in today’s world that is defined by technol-

MAN Oron Constitutes C’ttee On Staff Condition Of Service

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

In line with his sustained drive to reposition the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, the rector, Mr. Joshua Okpo at the weekend inaugurated a 17-man committee to come up with an improved condition of service for the Academy.

Inaugurating the committee at the conference room of the Academy, the rector explained that the committee was set up to propose a new condition of service to the Governing Council for consideration and subsequent ratification by the Federal Ministry of Transport.

He charged them to ensure that the yearnings, dream and aspirations of the

The chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Committee in Ekiti State, Chief Femi Akinyemi, has disclosed that close to N1billion has been expended on the beneficiaries of the scheme in the state since 2011. The subsidy funds, he said, are being shared among the federal, state and local governments.

“The federal government under President Jonathan has been using the money to empower our youths and women groups in all

the communities in the 36 states and in Abuja,” he said. “But if the APC is saying that President Jonathan has not spent the money judiciously, then, the APC must explain how it has implemented its own in all their states and local governments. No state or local council has shown any commitment the way President Jonathan has done.

“In Ekiti alone, we have 3,000 beneficiaries who are being engaged in community services. So, indirectly, the president is improving and adding values to our local economy with the stipends being

institution were explored in the new condition of service, adding that he wished to see the staff of the academy happy even after their retirement.

The rector, who described the committee as very apt at this critical period, hinted that the Academy, as a special institution, deserved a better condition of service outside that of the public service.

He recalled that he came to see a backlog of staff who were not promoted for several years even when they were due for promotion, disclosing that his staff-friendly administration had so far cleared the backlog of such category of staff and were now senior lecturers, chief lecturers, deputy registrars, directors and acting directors.

ACFE Tasks CBN On Forensic, Fraud Investigation

BY Ugochukwu iroka, Abuja

As Nigeria struggles with corruption, financial and white-collar crimes, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, USA, (Abuja chapter) recommends that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, establish a forensic and fraud investigation unit to tackle the hydra-headed monster proactively.

“By establishing a forensic and fraud management unit, the CBN will be taking a proactive step to rid the financial system of the cankerworm of fraud that has eaten so deep into the fabric of Nigeria’s financial system,” said the President of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, ACFE, Mr. Ishili Emmanuel during its courtesy visit to the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The ACFE President further maintained that the CBN already had enough pool of Certified Fraud Examiners, CFEs, in its employ who could be used to jumpstart the unit, and explained that CFEs were trained

Ekiti SURE-P Beneficiaries Earn N1bn In 3yrs

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

ogy and terrorism, certainly has no business being president. So how is Jonathan supposed to foresee the grim picture I have just painted if he has no vision?

The question we should all be asking ourselves at this point therefore is, “What will happen to us between now and 2015?”

given to beneficiaries.”

Akinyemi said that the programme was initiated by President Jonathan for the empowerment of youths and women in the country.

The former speaker of the old Ondo State House Assembly also attributed the loss of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate Dr Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 governorship poll to lack of a strong political structure across the state.

Akinyemi, who spoke while being conferred with Award of Merit at the 2014 Usi Day Celebration at the weekend, dismissed the insin-

to conduct complex fraud examination from inception to conclusion.

According to him, deploying the skills of CFEs in establishing a forensic and fraud management unit would serve as a complementary corporate governance organisational framework.

He asserted that CFEs training in all aspects of fraud examination, financial examination and the more traditional investigative techniques gives them an edge over security personnel and auditors/accountants.

“A certified fraud examiner is trained to conduct a complex fraud examination from inception to conclusion. Fraud examination frequently presents special problems because they require understanding of complex financial transaction, as well as traditional investigative techniques. A CFE has training in all aspects of fraud examination and the more traditional investigative techniques,” he affirmed.

uation in some quarters that the SURE-P scheme was being used as drainpipe or instrument for political patronage by the Peoples Democratic Party.

He described the scheme as one of the potent poverty alleviation strategies of President Jonathan’s administration.

Speaking on the election, the exchairman of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission said: “Governor Fayemi lost to inexperience and incompetence. He has no viable structures in all the councils. He did not conduct local government election where people can

go to seek help.

“I just consider it laughable when these APC people were talking about photo or thermo-chromic rigging in an election that was transparent.

“He ought to know that they must put in place good structures that could match up the PDP that has people of means in virtually all the towns in Ekiti.

“Though he had never won any election in Ekiti. His coming to the governorship seat is through judicial manipulation. So, I am not really surprised that he lost the election.”

13

Monday, August 4, 2014

business news

AEDC Assures Of Transparent Billing Of Electricity Consumers

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has guaranteed the numerous consumers of electricity in its zone of a transparent and fair billing system with the successful handover of power metering facilities to it by the government.

The executive director, Commercial Services of the

company, Mr Ernest Mupwaya, gave the assurance during the formal handover of electricity trading metering points to various investors and other participants in the nation’s power sector by the minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mupwaya, who represented the managing director of AEDC at the event, said the handover of

the meters provided his company with the facility to effectively monitor access to energy flow statistics from the generating companies.

This, he said, was significant in improving the services that the company would render to its customers through better planning as well as equitable allocation of energy to its own clients.

IBEDC Plans Electricity Tariff Increase

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

The management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has assured customers of over 15 hours uninterrupted power supply as against the normal 10 hours, immediately it completes upgrading its transmission facilities.

The company had also called for review of tariff rates by 25 to 30 per cent increase to make it viable.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the knowledge sharing series programme organised by the company entitled: “Journey to Change,” held in Ibadan.

The managing director, Mr Fortunato Leynes, noted that, “Generating capacity should be at the 5000 megawatts, but what we

have when we took over was at the level of 4000 megawatts and went down to 3000 megawatts, but now it’s hovering around 3000 to 3500 megawatts.”

According to him, one of the greatest challenges facing the company over the last 11 months was that there was not enough power generating capacity to distribute to customers.

He added that the company did not generate enough revenue to support its business activities.

“We have put forward a tariff review proposal to NERC because the tariff system now is not sufficient for us to recover all our investment and generate the funds we need to make our service delivery efficient,” he explained.

Medical Lab Council Gets e-Payment Platform

By Kingsley Alu, Lagos

As part of efforts to ease the process of making payments and bring improved convenience to payers , the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), yesterday, officially took delivery of Remita, a modular e-Payments, e-Collections, e-Payroll, and e-Schedules solution on a single multibank platform developed by Systemspecs Limited.

The Remita platform presents individuals and organisations with a very simple and intuitive user interface for the processing of otherwise complex and intricate multi- party payment flows band, and was adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the payment and collections of funds on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and used by all 22 commercial banks and over 400 micro finance banks in the country.

At a formal handover ceremony at the MLSCN headquarters in Abuja, business development manager, Systemspecs Limited, Abuja and Northern Operations, Mr Iliya Musa, said the platform would provide the over 20,000 members of the Council with multiple channels for making payment as they could make payments to MLSCN at any branch of any bank that was listed on the platform.

He said part of the objective of the project was to improve administrative and operational efficiency of the organisation through proactive electronic invoicing of individual and corporate members, streamlining collection of fees and dues through multiple channels, ensuring prompt collection of funds into authorised MLSCN’s account, timely provision of comprehensive transaction reports for effective decision making and full compliance with FGN e-payment & e-collections initiative.

Also speaking,Head Collections, Systemspecs Limited, Jack Akpan, informed that the MLSCN clients could also use multi-channel collections platforms like banks’ Internet banking site, credit/debit card, pay by Remita (for registered Remita users), in addition to also paying with Mobile Wallets, Direct Debit/Standing Order and micro finance banks.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, presenting a certificate to the executive director, Commercial Services, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Mr Ernest Mupwaya, the representative of the AEDC managing director, at the handover of electricity meter grids to investors and other market participants in the power sector last week. Middle is the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Godknows Igali.

Bureaux De Change Recapitalisation: Operators Get Lifeline, To Retain Licences

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Although the deadline given to bureau de change operators in Nigeria to recapitalise closed last week Thursday, there are indications that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would not withdraw the licenses of BDCs that failed to raise enough capital before the stipulated time frame.

A source within the CBN told LEADERSHIP at the weekend that BDCs operators who could not raise enough fund to comply with the new requirements as at the time the deadline elapsed, would not have their licenses revoked, but would no longer be able to access the CBN window to source for foreign exchange.

LEADERSHIP had reported last

week that up to 70 per cent of the over almost 5, 000 BDCs in the country failed to meet up with the deadline of the CBN for them to be recapitalised. The CBN had in June raised the minimum capital base from N10 million to N35 million. It also increased the mandatory cautionary non-interest deposit from $10,000 to N35 million with an initial July 15 deadline.

However, interventions by the House of Assembly as well as series of meetings with the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) had prompted the CBN to shift the deadline to July 31, whilst adding interest on the cautionary N35 million deposit based on the banking industry savings account rate.

The CBN sells foreign exchange to banks and BDCs at its twice weekly auctions, a move it said was helping to deplete the nation’s external reserves.

According to the CBN circular on the extension, the apex bank would on the expiration of the deadline of July 31, 2014 cease to fund any BDC that fails to comply with the new requirements.

“Only BDCs that meet the new requirements will qualify to be engaged as agent by the licensed International Money Transfers Operators for inward and outward money transfer business in Nigeria, ” the circular said.

A CBN source noted that while the licences of those who could not meet up with the requirement would not be withdrawn, they would not be able to buy dollars at the CBN auctions.

Strike Action Averted in Aviation Industry

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The three major aviation unions under the aegis the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) at the weekend directed workers in the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) nationwide to commence an indefinite industrial action with effect from Monday by staying at their respective homes until informed by their leaders to resume work.

However, the strike had been shelved following a meeting with the management of NAMA which has agreed to meet the demands of the unions.

The unions, had in a notice dated July 31, 2014, entitled: “Notice of Industrial Action,” signed by the general secretary, NUATE, Abdulkareem Motajo, deputy general secretary, ATSSSAN, Captain N. Tarnungu , secretary Federal Organ, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical Recreational Services Employees AUPCTRE, Isidore Opara, and the general secretary, NAAPE,Abba Ocheme, said the action was necessitated by the

breach of the resolution reached at the end of the conciliatory meeting held at the instance of the minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu between the unions and NAMA. The meeting according to them, was held on March 4, 2014, adding that following the failure of the management to keep subsequent promises over same, the unions concerned directed all the workers of the agency nationwide to commence an indefinite industrial action as from August 4, 2014 by staying at their respective homes until they were informed by their leaders to resume work.

14

Monday, August 4, 2014

Monday, August 4, 2014

Abuja In-Market ads Post launch_Leadership NP 368x254.ai

1

7/23/14

11:12 AM

15

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Monday, August 4, 2014

FMBN Releases Guidelines For Diaspora Mortgage

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Lagos

Barring any last minute change in plans, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will soon commence the Diaspora mortgage model to avail Nigerians living abroad the opportunity to own homes in the country.

Managing director of the bank, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, who disclosed that the Nigeria Diaspora Loan Scheme was developed in order to broaden the delivery channels for mass housing through the National Housing Fund Scheme (NHF) as provided by its core mandate.

Kumo disclosed that the FMBN was presently concluding arrangements on securing an international payment gateway through which the funds would be channelled.

He said: “We want to carry everybody along once it becomes operational and that is why we are seeking to secure an international gateway payment means through Visa and MasterCard.Already, we have had two meetings with them and also liaising with the Central Bank of Nigeria for necessary assistance and approvals.” The MD said that the money from the product would be domiciled in the

CBN because it was foreign currency and also to give the FMBN the opportunity to use it as security to borrow internationally to fund the project.

Part of the guidelines for accessing the product Kumo disclosed, was that the Nigerians in Diaspora would be required to make monthly contributions of the equivalent sum of $100 over a minimum period of three years. The cumulative monthly contributions he said, contribute savings to the contributor which is refundable with interest upon exit from the NHF Scheme in accordance with the NHF Act.

The product is offered to Nigerians in the Diaspora who satisfy conditions of being above the age of 18 years, earn regular income and have evidence of the right to reside in their country of residence.

Explaining the rationale behind the introduction of the product, the MD said the product has become necessary given the large number of Nigerians in Diaspora who wished to own homes in Nigeria and also as a means of reducing the housing deficit in the country.

He said: “We realised that about 17million Nigerians are living outside the country

and most of them have plans to have houses and they have not been able to do so. We understand that over the years, people have been remitting money for the building or the buying of a house and has not been getting good results. Stories have followed this money.

“What we are trying to do is that by the time we develop the Diaspora mortgage model, it will be a model whereby Nigerians living abroad who want to buy houses can resort to FMBN and at the end of the day if they do not take the mortgage, they can get refund of their money with interest.”

NSE Indicators Appreciate By 1.86% In 7 Months

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Market analysts are of the view that the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is not likely to be in 2014 like it was in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The NSE which made a return of 35 per cent in

2012 and 47 per cent in 2013, so far has made a return of 1.86 per cent in seven months compared to a gain of 30.48 per cent at the end of July 2013.

For the market to be able to make a return or surpass 2013 performance, It would need an increase of 45.14 per cent and a market

capitalisation increase of N3.24 trillion to be able to match the capitalisation gain of N3.91 trillion in 2013.

The NSE-All Share Index which is the gauge for measuring aggregate growth in the capital market gained 768.27 or 1.86 per cent from

41,329.19 on January 2, 2014, to 42,097.46 points as at July 31, 2014.

Specifically, the market capitalisation of equities went up by N674 billion in the seven months to close at N13.900 trillion from N13.226 trillion at which it opened trading for the year.

The sectorial indices

review showed that except NSE 30 and NSE Oil & Gas, others closed on a negative trend.The NSE 30 and Oil and Gas went up by 0.33 per cent and 38.73 per cent respectively. While NSEBanking Index lost 4.54 per cent, Insurance fell by 3.34 and Consumer Goods with 12.11 per cent loss.

Etisalat Nigeria Stakes N5.42m For Software Innovators

BY Chima Akwaja, Lagos

Etisalat Nigeria is staking about N5.42 million ($35,000) for the best and brightest African innovators in the 2014 Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation.

The prize is awarded in two categories: The most innovative product/service and the most innovative idea. Winners will receive cash prizes of $25,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Director of brands and communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, explained that the Pan-African prize reflected the character of innovation that Etisalat is known for, by motivating Africans to showcase their creative talents for the overall socio-economic benefits of mobile telecommunications services consumers.

“A core value we pride ourselves of is that we are the leading cursor of innovation in the telecommunications industry. As a result, the Etisalat business is constantly developing innovative initiatives, products and services and to expose Nigeria and Africa in general to the opportunities that abound with broadband,” he said.

Labour Minister Unveils Banex Group’s Hotel In Lagos

BY Samson Echenim, Lagos

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu at the weekend commissioned a four-star hotel, Banex Hotel and Suites at Anthony Village, Lagos.

While commending the good intentions of the group for its committed efforts at internal investment and development of various sectors of the economy, Wogu said the new ultramodern hotel would create employment for several Nigerian youths, who have found a career in the country’s fast growing hospitality industry.

The Banex Group chairman, Rev. Victor Mbanisi, whose 55th birthday anniversary coincided with the opening of the 78-room hotel also observed his periodic charity deeds in which he gave out 25 wheel chairs and other accessories to people with disability.

An astute business mogul, Mbanisi, who is also the general overseer of the Victory Holy Ghost Mission, said he

was grateful to God for adding Banex Hotel and Suites to his ever-growing investments.

“We targeted to build a four-star hotel on the Lagos mainland. Banex is intended to be a luxury for Nigerians at a very affordable cost,” he said.

The chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, who also graced the occasion said Nigerian investors should emulate the Banex Group chairman, whose investments in the country cut across all sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and finance.

“Internal investment by Nigerians helps the country to retain resources and create new ones. Those who only chose to invest abroad are doing no good to themselves, their children and to Nigeria,” he said.

The chief executive officer of Pholax Hospitality Services and consultant to the hotel, Mr Lekan Olalemi, said Banex Hotel would provide direct employment to about 100 people, for a start.

“With 78 rooms and suites, three meeting halls, three restaurants, massage centres and three swimming pools, there could be more jobs to do. As we settle down, we would definitely have areas requiring more hands and the hotel already have immediate plans for further development,” Olalemi said.

The hotel has Ukrainian,Svetlana Alexandronvia, with over 20 years of hotel management experience both in Nigeria and overseas, as its general manager.

“We are poised to make a difference. We understand that we have got many competitors due to a kind of burst in Nigeria’s hotel business in recent years, but our strength would lie on our determined efforts at making Banex a home away from home for families and individuals who use would use our facilities. We are open to everyone who seeks luxury and the hotel is relatively very affordable,” she said.

money market/BUSINESS 17

Monday, August 4, 2014

Reserves Rise By 5.7% To $38.9bn Stories by Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Nigeria’s external reserves have continued to appreciate, rising by 5.7 per cent, from $2.1 billion, to $38.94 billion as at July 24, 2014, the latest figure, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), compared to the $36.8 billion which it was on June 2, 2014.

The reserves which opened the year at $43.5 billion had declined by 15.6 per cent within the year to a low of $36.69 billion as at June 4, 2014,

before it began a steady increase.

The Godwin Emefiele -led administration had expressed its resolve to grow the nation’s reserves so as to build a strong buffer against external shocks.

The steady increase in recent times, according to the CBN, is due to moderation in the rate of depletion to defend the naira as well as increase accretion. Although the reserves is still down by 10.5 per cent year-todate, it had improved month-on-month by 4.7

per cent and 6.1 per cent when compared to the lowest figure for the year on June 4. Year-on-year, the reserves were down by 17 per cent as it stood at $46.87 billion on July 24, 2013.

The naira has remained stable at around N161162 to the dollar on the interbank market and N155.75 on the official window on the back of support from dollar sales by some energy companies and offshore investors buying local debt. The Monetary Policy Committee of the

CBN had at its meeting last month welcomed the moderation in the rate of depletion in external reserves, noting that reserves accretion needed to improve much faster to provide a strong and more resilient buffer to fiscal operations.

The committee, however, noted that a gradual reduction in the country’s import bills through domestic production of some of the major food imports should be a key element in the overall reserves accretion strategy.

Access Bank Reiterates Commitment to Funding Entrepreneurs Access Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to funding small businesses in the country, advising entrepreneurs on steps needed in addressing funding challenges they face in their businesses.

Speaking at the Fifth Annual Young Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) Conference in Lagos, the head, Women Banking Unit of the bank, Titilola Familoni, stressed the need for entrepreneurs to keep proper records of

Arik Air, Now flying to Dubai Fly Lagos to Dubai via Abuja Spread your wings and discover a place where Arabian culture meets modernity and luxury.

Now servicing Dubai five times weekly from Lagos and Abuja.

Welcome to West Africa’s Leading Airline For more information, visit

arikair.com

fly world class a r i k a i r. c o m

their transactions and operations, noting that it would support their loan application process.

According to her, lenders approve loans based on statistics or information available to them as required by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). She also noted the need for entrepreneurs to put the right structure in place in their businesses, adding that proper accounting show seriousness on the part of the entrepreneurs.

Oyo, Kaduna Appoint Sterling As Bond Receiving Bank

Sterling Bank Plc has been appointed the receiving bank for the N15 billion and N5 billion bond issuances of Kaduna and Oyo states which are being raised by these state governments to generate funds to execute developmental projects in their states.

Sterling Bank’s head of Structured Finance, Mr Lanre Olalusi, told journalists that the choice of the bank may have been influenced by its track record in collections, adding that the bank collects Visa fees for the British High Commission, French Embassy, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

Similarly, he said that the bank collects school fees in conjunction with Interswitch, using the Paydirect platform.

Olalusi also noted that the bank’s adherence to rules as specified by the regulatory authorities, its antecedents of transparency and professional service delivery also stood it out as a financial institution of choice these states.

“The antecedents of Sterling Bank in this business is unparalleled.

This business is all about experience, deep understanding of the terrain, sincerity and trust and Sterling Bank has demonstrated all these qualities in similar transactions. The issuing houses also look out for banks with rich experience in the business and they are comfortable with Sterling Bank based on our past experiences,” Olalusi said.

18

Monday, August 4, 2014

Ebola Facts Protect Yourself and Your Family What is Ebola?

It’s Bloody

Ebola operates by making its victims bleed to death

It’s Contagious

Deadly

Ebola is transmitted by touching the body fluid of a sick person ONLY.

About 60-90% of people that catch Ebola will die from it.

Untreatable

Ebola has no cure or vaccination. Prevention is the way!

Symptoms of Ebola

Sudden, High Fever

Diarrhoea

Weakness

Stomach Pain

Headache

Vomiting

Joint & Muscle Ache

Lack of Appetite

Protect Yourself!

Wash Your Hands with Soap

Do this a lot. You can also use a good hand sanitizer.

Avoid unnecessary contact!

Protect Yourself

Use protective gear like latex gloves if you must care or go near someone you suspect has Ebola.

Educate Everyone Tell your neighbours, colleagues and domestic staff. You're safer when everyone is educated about Ebola.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BIG CABAL MEDIA

Disinfect Your Surroundings

The virus cannot survive disinfectants, heat, direct sunlight, detergents and soaps. Clean up!

Report

Report any suspicious symptoms in yourself or anyone else IMMEDIATELY you notice them. Don't delay!

Don't Touch Dead People or Animals Dead bodies can still transmit Ebola. Don't touch them without protective gear or avoid them altogether.

SPONSORED BY

If you see anything suspicious - or anyone displaying the symptoms of Ebola, call these numbers immediately.

You will save lives!

0802 316 9485 0803 308 6660 0803 306 5303 0805 528 1442 0805 532 9229

Monday, August 4, 2014

19

20 BUSINESS/insurance

Monday, August 4, 2014

Operating System Of Takaful Insurance Takaful industry has evolved over the years and a number of principles have being identified by expert in the industry to guide the operations of Takaful Companies. These principles include takaful key elements, fundamental guiding principle of takaful operations, takaful contract, basic models and the distribution of surplus.

Key Elements/Guiding Principles According to scholars in the industry, when drafting a Takaful frame work, certain fundamental guidelines/ conditions must be strictly adhered to. These can be outlined as follows: ‘Taawun’ or Mutuality/ Cooperative - The takaful company must function according to Islamic co-operative bases. The basic objective of Takaful is to pay a defined loss from a define contribution.

The loss or claim is covered with a fund contributed by Policyholders. Losses are divided and liabilities spread according to the community pooling system.

‘Tabarru’ or Donation - The concept of “Tabarru” or donation in Takaful Requires participant to voluntarily relinquish his right on the amount contributed to a common fund that is used to pay any member that suffers a loss.

Ownership of Fund Participants are the owners of the takaful fund and therefore entitle to its profits. The surplus or profit distribution depends on the sharing method adopted (different methods will be discuss later).

Management condition: This is intended to give participants adequate representation on the Board of Directors of the Company and a right to scrutinize its transactions and accounts. In practice the Company’s Advisory Council of Experts (ACE) performs this function. In addition to this, business must be conducted openly in accordance with utmost good faith, honesty, full disclosure, truthfulness and fairness in all aspects.

Investment Condition- all investment must be shariah compliant, which prohibits investments in ‘Haram’ (prohibited) industries and requires the use of non-interest based instruments.

Partnership condition: This confers upon the participant the right to co-operative risk sharing and the right to participate in surplus profits. In case of deficit in the underwriting fund,

focus on insurance

By Zubairu S Darazo

interest free loan from the shareholders may be used to correct the deficit which shall be written off against future surpluses and reserves. Only after exhausting these options recourse is made to increase the amount of contribution as a means of covering loses.

Takaful Contract According to the Sharia’ (Islamic law), contracts can be ‘aqd’’ bilateral (involving two or more parties) or “wa’ad” unilateral (a voluntary decision of a single individual). An ‘aqd’’ contract can be defined as the link between offer and acceptance that results in legal effects on a subject matter, which can be physical property or service. Any dealings Commissioner for Insura “tassaruf” in property nce, Fola Daniel or service needs participants a relevant contract that is to manage the scheme compatible with the purpose of professionally. The operator the dealings. The idea of having is expected to manage the contract is to align the interest underwriting of contributions of both parties to the contract. as well as payment of claims to To this effect, it is prescribed to participants that incur losses believers in the Quran surah al or damage. On the investment Al-Nisah verse 49 that “…Not side the takaful operator is to devour your assets among expected to use his expertise yourselves in vanity except in and invest the funds profitable trading by your consent”. on behalf of the participants.

A takaful scheme involves The reward of the operator two major parties: the takaful depends on the type of contract operator and a group of agreed between them, which participants or policy holders. can be as a consideration of There are also two aspect management fee, a percentage of contractual relationship share of investment or both. The between the two parties i.e. contractual relationship between the contractual relationship the takaful operator and the among the participants and participants can be outlined as the contractual relationship follows: between the group of • Mudarabah - The participants and the takaful Takaful operator acts as a operator. mudarib (entrepreneur) and • Contractual relationship the participants as rab ul mal among the participants (capital provider). The contract The contract among the specifies how the investment participants is the contract profit and/or surplus from the of ‘tabarru’. Tabarru refers to Takaful operation are to be as ‘donation’ whereby each shared between the Takaful participant agrees to relinquish operator and participants. a portion or all of his takaful Losses are borne solely by the contribution to a common fund participants as the providers that is used to indemnify a of capital on the condition that member that suffers a loss. the operator is free from any • Contractual Relationship misconduct and negligence, and between the Participants and in that case the mudarib is not the Takaful Operator to receive any compensation for In takaful scheme the participants are the insurers and his efforts.

Wakalah - Under this • the insured at the same time.

The operator is contracted by the model, the principal-agent

relationship is used for both underwriting and investment activities. In underwriting, the Takaful operator acts as an agent on behalf of the participants to run the Takaful fund. All risks are borne by the fund and any operating surplus belongs exclusively to the participants.

The operator does not share directly in either the risk or any surplus/deficit of the fund.

Instead, the operator receives a set fee called a ‘Wakalah’ fee for managing the operation, which is usually a percentage of contribution paid.

• Hybrid or Combination of Mudarabah and Wakalah - In this model, the Wakalah contract is adopted for underwriting activities, while the Mudarabah contract is employed for the investment activities of the Takaful fund.

This approach appears to be favored by international organizations. In all the models the Takaful operator provide interest free loan to cover any deficiency in the Takaful fund.

The loan has to be repaid from any future surpluses of the Takaful fund.

Fund Administration in Takaful Operations Takaful Company shall maintain and administer two Funds; one to be known as the participant’s Fund and the other the

Shareholders Fund; these funds shall not be comingled.

The Participant’s Fund The gross assets of the participants fund consist of insurance premium received, claims received from reinsurers, proportion of profit from investment, and any other reserve attributable to the participants as may be allocated to them by the general assembly on recommendation of the Board of Directors. Deductions are made from the participants fund on the following; Claims payable to the participants, Reinsurance costs, Technical and contingency reserves, Acquisition costs and administrative expenses if applicable (e.g. in the case of pure mudarabah model).

Shareholders Fund The gross asset of the shareholder’s fund shall consist of Paid-up capital and reserves attributable to shareholders, profit on the investment of capital and shareholders reserves, Management or Wakalah fees from managing takaful operations. Such proportion of profit generated by the investment of policy holder’s funds technical and other reserves; as may be allocated to them in their capacity as managing trustees (mudarib) of such funds by the general assembly on recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Company, and any other miscellaneous receipts.

Surplus Distribution Mechanism Takaful Companies have developed and adopted the following methods for distribution of surpluses.

Pro-rata method: The surplus is distributed to all participants in proportion to premium paid during the relevant year irrespective of whether a participant is paid any claim or not. The underlying philosophy is that each participant pays the premium as a donation to the common fund known as the participant fund which belongs to all of them collectively.

Selective Method: If a participant is paid a claim in respect of his insured property or interest, that participant will not be allowed to share in the participant’s surplus irrespective of whether such claim is higher or lower than the amount of premium paid.

Surpluses are distributed among participants who did not have a claim during the year of account, the distribution being in proportion to the premium paid by each of them.

BUSINESS/insurance 21 insurance REPORTS

Monday, August 4, 2014

NAICOM Intervention Resolves 26 Disputes With N128m Settled Claims

L-R: Executive director, Business Development, Abubakar Mahe; executive director, Operations, Hassan Usman and managing director (MD), Muhammad Nurul Islam, all of Jaiz Bank Plc during the demonstration of how to use the bank’s point of sale (POS) terminals by the MD at the bank’s Head Office, Abuja.

Global Air Disaster: 2014 May Be More Challenging Stories By Chika Izuora, Lagos

with agency report

Insurance experts have expressed fears that going by the trends in air accidents, this year may be more challenging for the industry.

They say the year is on track to becoming the costliest for the aviation insurance and reinsurance sectors since 2001, when the September 11 attacks occurred, according to reports by Forinsurer.

The insurance sector will have to pay $2 billion in compensation this year for total losses from air crashes, Forinsurer reported citing EuroNews.

Meanwhile, experts say that aviation insurance and reinsurance premiums are likely to increase due to the spate of accidents this year around Ukraine and Asia and this is a

much used corridor for longdistance flights between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Not passing over that conflict zone means flying a longer alternative route, which will be more expensive in terms of fuel and mean more time in the air.

Carriers could pass those higher operating costs on in the fares they charge passengers.

A commentator with Reuters BreakingViews, John Foley, said the problem is that many airlines are already under big financial pressure.

“They’re facing so many other problems that even the smallest shock can push them over the brink. Issues like (competition from) low-cost airlines, high and rising fuel prices and high levels of government ownership mean that airlines are reluctant to cut capacity, even when they really need to,” Foley said.

He added this could change the shape of the aviation industry, “Businesses everywhere are recalculating global risk; the world is getting riskier by the day.

But for airlines, this transition is particularly sharp and many airlines are going to be forced to think about exactly how much capacity they need and ask longer term questions like whether every nation in Asia really needs its own flag carrier at all.”

Experts say changing routes will mean planes burning more aviation fuel, but the airlines will probably just absorb the cost of that. A number of companies have said they will change their flight paths and no longer fly over Eastern Ukraine.

The insurance premiums that global airlines will have to pay are another issue. They are likely to have to shell out more to insure their fleets.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said it has resolved 26 disputes in the insurance industry.

The regulator also said the initiative resulted to the payment of claims in excess of N128 million to various customers in the first half of this year ended June 30, 2014.

According to the assistant director in charge of Corporate Communications at the commission, Mr Salami Rasaaq, the complaints bureau set up by the commission received 83 fresh complaints from insurance consumers within the last six months.

They were in addition to the 189 cases that the bureau was unable to treat last year, summing up to 273 cases in all. Out of these, the mediator was able to consider 215 cases while 26 cases were successfully resolved, leading to the payment of N128,004,828.31 to various customers between January and June this year.

He said some of the outstanding cases were at the analysis and investigative stages while the others were nearing closure.

During the period, 13 life, six motor, two bond, two fire, two marine and one aviation insurance claims disputes were settled as well as one nonremittance of premium case.

3rd Party Insurance And You Motor insurance is a compulsory component of vehicle registration in Nigeria as it is under compulsion for motorists to have motor insurance before using a motor vehicle on public roads.

Unfortunately, due to poor awareness most Nigerians buy insurance just to get cleared from law enforcement agents on the roads and they perhaps opt for third party motor insurance which is a lot cheaper than the comprehensive policy.

Consequently, because of the pre-conceived notions that third party policy is just to beat law enforcement agents, many don’t realise that a third party policy is actually legal and indemnifies the insured from third party losses.

Unfortunately, a lot of accidented vehicles which ordinarily would have been repaired by the insurance company are borne by the car owners. It is important to know that in a third party motor policy, the first party is you; the second party is the insurance company while the third party is everyone else. So third party motor insurance means that if you damage (crash into) someone else’s vehicle, the insurance pays the owner of that vehicle (the third party), or more importantly if you injure someone else with your vehicle, the insurance pays.

NAICOM Laments Breach In Financial Report Submission The insurance regulator, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has confirmed that only 40 insurance companies under its supervision are yet to secure approvals for their financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2013.

It said the failure is in breach of the June 30, 2014, deadline set for the submission and approval of financial reports for the preceding year as such monetary fines were being imposed on these companies accordingly.

Out of the 57 insurance and 2 reinsurance companies licenced by the NAICOM, only 19 have

had their 2013 financial reports approved by the commission as mandated by relevant insurance laws as at July 9, 2014.

19 others were at various stages in the approval process while 21 insurers were yet to make initial submission of their 2013 financials to the regulatory body as at July 7, 2014. The commission allows companies under its supervision six months into the preceding year to submit and get their financial reports for the past year approved even as stakeholders have made a strong case for this to be reviewed down to three months. Also, any

company that fails to meet the deadline pays N5,000 fine for each day it remain in breach of this rule. Likewise, stakeholders have asked the commission to raise the monetary fine significantly to ensure that operators comply.

The assistant director, Corporate Communications at the NAICOM, Mr Salami Rasaaq, made this known recently in a statement titled, “Submission Status of 2013 Financial Statements of Insurance Companies as at July 9, 2014.” As at that date, only 19 insurers have had their

2013 financials approved by the NAICOM, including the life and general subsidiaries of Custodian and Allied Insurance, Wapic Insurance and Zenith Insurance respectively.

Other insurers who have secured regulatory approvals for their 2013 financials Mansard Insurance, Leadway Assurance, AIICO Insurance, Niger Insurance and Continental Reinsurance Plc. The two life insurers, FBN Life Assurance and UBA Metropolitan Life Assurance, as well as general insurers, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Cornerstone Insurance, NSIA Insurance

(formerly ADIC Insurance), Regency Alliance Insurance, Law Union & Rock Insurance and Oasis Insurance, have had their 2013 financial reports approved by the commission.

The 2013 financial reports of two companies, Royal Exchange General and Royal Prudential Life are being reviewed by the commission. The reports of five other insurers have been queried and their responses are yet to reach the commission. They are Lasaco Assurance, Lasaco Life Assurance, Linkage Assurance, Nem Insurance and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.

22 CAPITAL MARKET/BUSINESS

Monday, August 4, 2014

CAPITAL MARKET REPORTS

Diamond Bank Posts N13.8bn PAT In 6 Months

Domestic Stock Market Participation Rises By 202% In 3 Months Stories By Olushola Bello

Domestic participation on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) grew by 202.42 per cent of total transactions between March and May 2014, while foreign portfolio investments (FPI) decreased by 29.64 per cent during the period.

The NSE disclosed this in its Domestic and Foreign Portfolio participation in equity trading for the month of May 2014.

As a convention, the NSE on a monthly basis polls trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments (FPI).

According to the NSE, domestic participation which stood at N92.30 billion in January, declined to N62.42 billion and N36.29 billion in February and March, while it made rebound to N45.64 billion in April and closed the month of May with N109.75 billion.

It noted that total transactions between January and May rose by 10.79 per cent which in value terms represent an increase from N181.97 billion in January to N201.61 billion in May. The NSE noted that domestic participation from January to May, 2014, grew by 18.91 per cent while the FPI rose by 2.44 per cent during the period.

The NSE observed, “In comparison to the same period in 2013, there was no change in the total FPI, whilst the total domestic transactions increased by 13.32 per cent. Overall, there was a 6.84 per cent increase in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2013.”

The NSE has said that more investors are returning to the capital market, increasing

domestic participation.

The executive director, Business Development, NSE, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, at the 2014 ‘Putting Investors First’ day recently, said that although the Nigerian Capital Market showed signs of improved investor confidence, the exchange still has work to do.

He said, “Year-to-date 2014, local investors participation in our market outweighs foreign participation. Recall that as at the end of the first quarter of 2013, local investors accounted for close to 60 per cent of transaction value in the Nigerian capital market, while foreign investors were responsible for about 40 per cent.

According to him, this turn of events contrasted sharply with the circumstances between 2009 and the first half of 2012 when local investors eschewed the market on account of losses they sustained in the aftermath of the near meltdown of 2008 with transaction values being controlled by foreign investors to the tune of 80 per cent in certain instances. Jalo-Waziri added that improved regulatory environment and performance of quoted companies from 2012 up until now had positively impacted on stock market prices and the overall market indices, while the average daily value of shares traded had also risen significantly.

According to the managing director of Dependable Securities Limited, Chinenyem Anyanwu, there is no doubt that investors’ confidence fell considerably during the financial crisis, evinced by a virtual wiping out of the retail segment of the market and explained to a large extent why a handful of foreign investors dominated the market

for a long time.

He, however, noted that confidence has returned to the market as can be seen from the data on the domestic and foreign portfolio participation in equity trading of January to May, 2014.

“The sweeping sanitisation of the financial services sector and the improved reporting standards and corporate governance has also helped in this regard. This is evidenced in the increased participation of the domestic investors in the market as foreign portfolio investors reduce their holdings,” Anyanwu said.

The managing director of GTI Capital Limited, Mr Tunde Oyekunle, said that the increase in domestic participation in the equity market is as a result of returning investors’ confidence in the market. He noted that domestic participation comprises of institutional investors, like the banks, saying how many retail investors we have in the market.

He added that “the market needs more participants whether foreign or domestic. The market should make efforts to increase the number of participants, especially the domestic participants. With a population of 160 or 170 million people, at least 50 per cent of that figure is supposed to be participating in the market.”

He said a lot of reforms and initiatives that have been put in place are geared towards achieving that objective of increasing the number of participants in the market, saying, “I quite agree that it is not whether they are foreign or local; but the more local investors we have, the less volatility we will have even when the foreign investors decide to move.”

Despite regulatory constraints, Diamond Bank Plc, in its half year performance scorecard, posted N13.8 billion in its profit after tax for the half year ended June 30, 2014.

A review of the financial result for the period released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicates that the profit represented a growth of 9.5 per cent as against the N12.6 billion declared in 2013. In the same period, the bank grew its total income from N11.9 billion in 2013 to N14.1 billion in the current business year, representing 19 per cent increase. The total assets of the bank stood at N1.7 trillion up 15 per cent from N1.5 trillion in December 2013, while deposits from customers rose to N1.3 trillion up eight per cent from N1.2 trillion in December 2013.

Speaking on the bank’s performance for the period under review, the group managing director, Mr Alex Otti, said, “We are pleased to release the latest set of results which demonstrate the bank’s ability to improve on our success in the previous years despite regulatory headwinds.”

According to Otti, “We continued to report healthy asset growth and maintained strong deposit growth, especially from the retail segment of the market. “The bank showed good appetite in funding the real sector as loans and advances to customers were upped by 10 per cent to N756 billion from the N689 billion the previous year.

Strong Earnings To Drive Market Performance

Capital market operators have said strong earnings from companies would influence the performance of the stock market this week and in the month of August with companies’ results coming into the market being below investors’ expectation as seen in market performance for last week.

The market capitalisation depreciated by N116 billion or 0.83 per cent to close at N13.847 trillion when compared with the N13.963 trillion posted the previous week. Equally, the All-Share Index decreased by 351.42 points or 0.83 per cent to close at 41,934.43 as against the 41,285.85 achieved the previous week.

According to the managing director of APT Securities Limited, Mallam Kurfi Garba, “We expect more companies to release earnings this week as this would continue to be the key driver of equity market performance.” Analysts from Cordros Capital Limited said that “after the two consecutive weeks of declines in the Nigerian capital market, we expect the market to recover this week, as we await results from highly capitalised companies like Dangote Cement, Guaranty Trust Bank and Oando.

Lafarge Consolidation To Boosts Investors’ Value The market needs more participants whether foreign or domestic.

The market should make efforts to increase the number of participants

Capital market operators have said the emergence of Lafarge Africa Plc would lead to better returns and benefits for the investors, the Nigerian capital market and the African cement industry.

They described the move as a synergistic strategic move that could change the game plan in the Nigerian investment market, the cement industry and African mergers and acquisitions.

Lafarge, on July 9, 2014, received overwhelming shareholders’ approval to consolidate its cement businesses in Nigeria and combine these with Lafarge South African operations to create a leading sub-Saharan building materials giant to be known as Lafarge Africa Plc. The consolidation is being done by transferring Lafarge’s assets in South Africa and Nigeria to Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc.

Monday, August 4, 2014

23

24 THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Ebola: FCTA Urge Residents To Be Vigilant

By Nkechi isaac

In the face of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever threat, the FCT Administration (FCTA) has called on residents of the territory to be vigilant and to report any suspicious case to a health facility nearest to them.

Recall that the disease which has killed thousands since its outbreak in Liberia was reported in Nigeria in July.

The disease which is caused by the deadly Ebola virus usually has an incubation period of two to 21 days before the onset of symptoms.

The call for vigilance among residents was made by the secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA, Dr Demola Onakomaiya, during an emergency meeting with the management staff of the secretariat on the preparedness of the FCT to tackle the threat of the disease and the steps taken to inform residents of the territory on the development.

He said that even though Ebola is clearly a severe disease with high fatality, it is also an infection that can be controlled with simple personal hygiene like washing the hands with soap.

Dr Onakomaiya added that infection in humans occurs when they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person, other contaminated objects/articles from infected persons, and consumption of “bush meat” infected with the virus and which has not been properly cooked or handling of dead animals.

The secretary further added that those at higher risk of the infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased persons.

He said that symptoms of the Ebola disease typically include intense weakness; sudden fever; aches; diarrhea; vomiting and stomach ache.

Additionally, people may experience rashes; red eyes; chest pain; throat soreness; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; impaired kidney/liver function and bleeding (internal and external).

Dr Onakomaiya said that the FCTA through its health and human services secretariat has already embarked on an enlightenment drive in the area councils to educate residents on the symptoms and dangers of the disease and how they can prevent the infection.

He further stated that the administration on its part was stepping up implementation of key outbreak containment strategies which includes community engagement and involvement; tracing of contacts; sensitisation of health workers at all levels both public and private sectors; provision of personal protective equipment; distribution of information leaflets and ensuring effective coordination of all response activities.

He emphasised that even though the Ebola virus disease can be devastating to families and communities, the infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures in clinics/hospitals, at community gatherings or at home.

Speaking earlier, director of the public health department, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, impressed on residents to make sure they strictly observe prevention strategies so that they can protect themselves and their families.

A statement by the head of public relations unit of the secretariat, Badaru Yakasai, the director said these measures has become necessary because an infectious disease in any part of the world can be in ones’ neighbourhood which is half a world away within a short time.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Garba Sues For Peace Between Gawu Farmers, Fulani Herdsmen

By Igho Oyoyo

The chairman of Abaji area council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon Yahaya Garba, has called on Gear I farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Gawu community of the council to live in peace with one another in order to achieve sustainable development.

Garba made this call during an emergency security meeting with the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa; security chiefs; traditional rulers and other relevant bodies

in the council.

The council boss made this call sequel to the clashes between Gwari and Fulani herdsmen in Gasakpa community of Gawu ward. He urged all the residents to be patient with one another, saying it was the watch word for peaceful co-existence.

He further advice traditional rulers in the area to sensitise and caution their subjects against taking the laws into their hands and disrupting public peace, urging them to begin the registration of visitors

into their community.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ona of Abaji, Alh. Adamu Yunusa, called on the herdsmen not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction in the rural communities, urging them to be agents for the maintenance of peace.

According to him, “peace and unity should be your watch words.” He called on residents to report illegal settlers, that are perpetrators of evil act to be in their midst, to the appropriate authorities.

Young Gbagyi cultural troupe entertaining the audience during an FCT Waka-about enlightenment programme at the Old Parade Ground. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

House Of Tara To Empower Over 150 Women

By Chika Mefor

A make-up studio and skin care company, the House of Tara International, has disclosed its intention to financially empower over 150 women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was disclosed by the founder of the company, Tara Fela-Durotoye, during the Tara beauty representative conference in Abuja.

Fela-Durotoye, who is also the chief executive officer of the company, said they would empower the women to be financially independent and self reliant, adding that participants would also be groomed to be leaders in their own rights.

She said, “the product has given us the platform. It has given us access to young women. For me, it is taking it to another level. It is not as if we will start looking for them. They are already in place in our beauty shops outlets. Some of them have been with us for a very long time.”

She revealed that the company,

through the platform they had already built with their sales representative, will organise a leadership programme to take the women to another level to enable them contribute their quota to the economic transformation of the nation.

According to her, “what we want to do now is to organise a programme for a selected number of them who have the leadership qualities in them. We are going to identify these qualities and bring it to bear. We want to develop them in terms of leadership and national development. We will pick them up and develop them for leadership and transformation of the nation.”

She said her passion was to transform the lives of women, adding that her passion was not only to build a company but to build and invest in people.

“The leadership value we want to instill in them will make them transform the nation, empower and influence people. It is all about leadership, influence, financial

independent and empowerment,” she added.

In her remarks, the commercial director of the company, Ada Iwugo, said the aim of the conference was to empower Nigerian women, adding that the conference provides women with an opportunity to learn how to grow and develop their businesses.

“The conference is all about empowerment.

We have representatives across the country and the number is still growing. We invite our reps to come together and learn about businesses and how to grow and develop them. Some of them do well while some needs coaching and guidance. They learn marketing and selling skills that will help them grow. They also learn about the new products that we have,” she stated.

Iwugo added that the company will also focus on corps members who are not earning much, to help them boost their income in a legal and honourable way, adding that they will also involve financial institutions that will finance their businesses.

25

Monday, August 4, 2014

!

DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds Issued in the NIGERIA

International Capital Market in Global Depository Note Format On Thursday July 31, 2014, Nigeria recorded yet another milestone in the International Capital

Market (ICM) by issuing Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds (FGN Bonds) in Global Depository Note (GDN) format. This Issuance of FGN Bonds in GDN format represents the first by any African country and was targeted specifically at foreign investors who would otherwise not invest directly in the Domestic FGN Bond Market. The Issuance also serves as a precedence for a possible re-opening of the Bonds in the ICM at a future date, whilst also providing a unique mechanism for the target foreign investors to invest in the domestic market on a continuous basis.

It will be recalled that FGN Bonds were first issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on

behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2003 for the purpose of extending the maturity profile of the Government’s domestic debt stock and resuscitating the domestic bond market. Since 2003, the DMO, through various strategies has created a vibrant domestic FGN Bond Market that has received international recognition through the inclusion of selected FGN Bonds in international Bond Indices – J.P Morgan’s Government Bond Index (October 2012) and Barclays Capital’s Local Currency Bond Index (March 2013). The emergence of a robust Bond Market supported by regular Bond Auctions, an active Two-Way-Quote Market backed by dedicated Primary Dealer Market Makers and a Sovereign Yield Curve extending to 20 years, have provided the necessary foundation for the emergence of domestic sub-national and corporate bond markets, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the domestic capital market.

In this initial Issuance which has opened a window for new investors to invest in FGN Bonds,

the DMO offered two of its Benchmark Bonds, the 15.10% FGN April 2017 (3 year benchmark) and 16.39% FGN January 2022 (7 year benchmark) and attracted a total amount of N8.647 billion.

The Issuance of FGN Bonds in GDN format is in line with the DMO’s strategy of diversifying the investor base for FGN Securities and encouraging more supply of funds to the domestic market, which has the added advantage of freeing up space for other domestic borrowers.

The ability to issue local currency Bonds in the ICM represents further affirmation by foreign

investors of the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy, Government policies and Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.

DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE The Presidency NDIC Building (First Floor) Plot 447/448 Constitution Avenue Central Business District P.M.B, 532, Garki, Abuja Website: http://www.dmo.gov.ng Email: enquiries@dmo.gov.ng

August 1, 2014

26

Monday, August 4, 2014

BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN

Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali CON

Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Former Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Former Director-General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos

With a heavy heart but with gratitude to Allah (SWT) and with total submission to His will, the government and good people of Borno State announce the passage of our distinguished son, Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali, CON an erudite scholar, astute administrator, accomplished leader of thought and a great Nigerian patriot, on Saturday 2nd August, 2014 in Maiduguri.

He was aged 68.

He has since been buried according to Islamic injunctions.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him abode in Al-Janat Firdaus.

Announcer: Borno State Government

27

Monday, August 4, 2014

Chief Tony

ANENIH’s 81st BIRTHDAY

On behalf of my family and the good people of the Niger Delta,I wish to congratulate my leader and mentor, H.E. Chief Dr. Tony Anenih CFR,Chairman,PDP Board of Trustees,the Iyasele of Esanland,on the occasion of his 81st Birthday.

Chief Tony AkhAkon Anenih Chairman PDP Board of Trustees (The iyasele of esanland)

My quintessential leader,your decades of selfless service to the Nigerian Nation shall remain a valuable point of reference in the annals of our political history.Over the years you have distinguished yourself as the rallying point for politicians in the country; you have been a stabilizing factor,a bridge -builder and a pillar CfR of support for successive governments of the federation.

For a good number of us who have benefited from your political tutelage,and have imbibed from you the virtues of humility,loyalty and service,we will remain ever grateful. I, in particular, owe you a lot of gratitude for your immense support in promoting my well -being.

For all these and more,my fervent prayer is that God should give you good health,long life,wisdom and prosperity to enable you to contribute more to National development,Congratulations!

HAPPY

Signed:

DR. STEPHEN ORISE ORU Honourable Minister Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs

Birthday

28

Monday, August 4, 2014

health

29

Monday, August 4, 2014

30,000

Nigeria is tracking 30,000 people at risk of contracting Ebola virus after the Liberian man died in Lagos

F E AT U R E S N E W S T I P S I N T E R V I E W

New Lease Of Life For Pregnant Women In Katsina

Top 3 Headline ➊ Mobile Health

Insurance Is Game Changer – Thomas

➋ Ebola Virus:

Why There Is No Vaccine Yet

➌ Rancour In

Health Sector Unfortunate – Adeyeye

In Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, an initiative by the member representing the area in the State House of Assembly, Nazif Bello Yusuf, called emergency transport scheme, is helping tremendously in reducing maternal and child mortality.

Access to health care delivery is

very important in reducing infant and maternal mortality. This cannot be achieved without prompt transportation. Getting pregnant women and sick children to hospital on time is a mirage without transportation.

In Mashi as in most council areas of the state, delay in conveying

The proportion of babies breastfed at birth has risen from 5 to 76 per cent

health@leadership.ng, 08116706845

Zulai Danlami holding her baby girl at Mashi Health Centre.

Nigeria is just about two per cent of the world’s population, but it contributes 10 per cent of the world’s maternal and infant mortality. Sadly enough, the north has the highest rate in the entire country. However, in Katsina State, succour is coming the way of pregnant women in a bid to reduce maternal mortality and hasten access to health care delivery. MUAZU ELAZEH reports on an initiative by a member of the state house of assembly which is making a huge difference in the lives of mothers, especially teenage mothers in Mashi council area of the state

76%

pregnant women to health centres is widely known to be among the key causes of high incidence of maternal mortality.

Residents of some villages in Mashi say the difficulty associated with transporting women in labour to health facilities often leads to high incidence of maternal death in their respective villages.

“Most times, we use either motorcycle or bull cart to transport pregnant women to hospital and this has led to the death of many women because of the delay in getting there. I recalled an incidence in which my younger brother’s wife died a few minutes after we took her on bull cart to hospital,” Muhammad Kabiru, a resident of Tamalu village, said.

Indeed, residents painted gloomy pictures of the situation prior to the introduction of the transport scheme by the state assembly member. They said transporting sick

persons to health centres was an herculean task prior to the intervention.

“Before these vehicles, some people had to go borrowing even to get money to transport their sick ones to hospital. But now, things have changed,”Ladu Kasanki of Kasanki village, pointed out.

To tackle the problem, the lawmaker, Nazif Bello Yusuf, provided three vehicles which he stationed at different communities to convey pregnant mothers, and, indeed, other emergency cases in the area to health centres.

He said the decision to introduce the transport scheme was informed by the need to halt the alarming incidence of maternal death most often brought about by the delay in getting pregnant women, especially those requiring urgent medical attention to health facilities in the area while also promoting the general wellbeing of the people. “It is also to provide relief to poor and indigent households who lack the wherewithal to transport their sick ones to hospitals,” he also said.

“I recall vividly having to visit five different families one day to offer condolence and all the deceased were women who, I was told, died during child birth because they were either not taken to hospital at all or were taken late due to the lack of means to do so.

“Since the incidence, I started thinking of what to do so as to reduce this menace. While I was doing that, an NGO invited us for training with members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on how to partner the NURTW in ensuring quick transportation of pregnant women and sick persons to hospital,” he explained.

Yusuf said the training by the NGO reinforced his determination to contribute his quota in reducing the high rate of maternal and child mortality in the area and his decision to purchase the three vehicles for use in this regard in the eleven electoral ward of Mashi council area.

On how the scheme is being run, Yusuf said the eleven wards were divided into three with each having one of the vehicles stationed at a designated village to transport nursing mothers and sick children in the area to health centres. The vehicles are stationed at Kasanki, Yarriga and Gallu villages.

He confirmed that he makes available the money for the fueling and servicing of the vehicles as well as the payment of allowances to the drivers such that the persons being transported do not have to pay anything.

Top 7

ways to prevent ebola

➊

Wash fruits

and vegetables thoroughly

➋

Avoid

shaking of hands hugging of people

Use gloves ➌ and protective gears while handling patients Avoid ➍ contact with bodily fluids like sweat, saliva or blood Prepare ➎ your foods by yourself Avoid bush ➏ meats and suya of questionable source Avoid rais➐ ing animals around the home

30

30 HEALTH/NEWSW

Monday, August 4, 2014

New Lease Of Life For Pregnant Women In Katsina 29

The vehicle stationed at Kasanki serves three wards of Birnin Kuka, Majigiri and Doguru ‘B’, the one stationed at Yarriga covers Mashi, Karau, Tamilo ‘A’ and Jigawa wards, while the one stationed at Gallu cover Gallu, Sonkaya, Doguru ‘A’ and Tamilo ‘B’.

Interestingly, each vehicle has the driver’s telephone number boldly written on it for effective communication should the need arise. People desiring the service of the vehicles normally call the drivers who respond immediately.

It is observed that in virtually all the villages, at least one resident has the phone number of the driver so as to make for effective communication when the need arises.

Investigations revealed that from the commencement of the scheme in late 2012 to date, many pregnant women and indeed, other sick persons have benefitted from it even as health personnel confirmed that maternal mortality has drastically reduced in the area.

However, according to records of persons transported to different health centres and hospitals from the inception of the scheme, over three hundred people have benefitted from the laudable initiative. The vehicles stationed at Gallu and Kasanki have records of persons conveyed, beginning from May 2013, while that of Yarriga has records that started from August, 2013.

From the records, it was observed that the vehicle stationed at Gallu transported 199 sick persons between May 12 and 15, 2013 to different health centres in Katsina, Mashi, Mani, Daura, Maiadua and Tasawa in neighbouring Niger Republic, the vehicle stationed at Kasanki transported 161 sick persons to health centres at Katsina, Mashi, Mani and Zaria, while that which is stationed at Yarriga carried 33 patients to health centres at Mashi, Katsina, Mani between August 2013 to April 15, 2014.

Scores of beneficiaries of the scheme who are mostly nursing mothers, confirmed that the scheme was indeed a source of relief for them as it has ensured their prompt transportation to health centres at no cost.

Hassana Mukhtar is among the women that have benefitted from the scheme. She said “when I had a problem with delivery, within a short time I was taken to the hospital in the vehicle,” noting that although she has had seven deliveries in the past, that was the first time she was taken to hospital.

Like Hassan, Hajiya Zulle Danlami of Yarriga village is one of the beneficiaries of the transport scheme. Holding up her daughter, she said “as a matter of fact, this vehicle has been of use to me. I was conveyed with the vehicle to Mashi health centre where I delivered this girl.”

Residents of Yarriga, Jigawa, Bamle, Kasanki, Birnin Kuka and Dindiya villages of the council area including traditional rulers confirmed the vehicle has been of immense help to them.

Usamatu Dauda Kasanki is the ward head of Kasanki village. He said the vehicle is assisting in no small measure in conveying sick persons to hospital, noting “any time we call the driver, he responds promptly and takes people to hospital at no cost.”

Prior to the commencement of the scheme, residents said they had to contend with paying high transport fares to commercial vehicle owners or even resort to using bull cart popularly known as ‘Keken Shanu’ to convey pregnant women to nearby health centres.

A resident of Kasanki village, Ladu Kasanki, in an interview, said “people use to incur debts to get money to transport sick ones to hospital but this vehicle has reduced that. We are indeed grateful.”

According to one of the drivers, Samaila Abdulhamid, the vehicle has been used to convey patients to not only health centres within the state but also neighbouring states of Kano and Jigawa.

He said: “I have been to different villages including Aminchi, Yarriga, Tamulo, Tauranke, Yarribibi, Karau, Garo and a host of others, to convey sick people and pregnant women to hospitals in Mashi, Mani, Katsina,

Kano and even Zaria.”

The officer in charge of Mashi Comprehensive Health Centre, the only referral health centre in the council area Mohammed Dikko Lawal confirmed that the hospital receives, almost on a daily basis, women who are brought in by the vehicles.

“These vehicles have been very effective in referral cases as we use to refer more complicated cases to hospitals in Mani, Katsina or Zaria and each time such happens, the patient is transported with the vehicles.”

Lawal confirmed that no fewer than two thousand, three hundred pregnant women have so far been transported at various times to and from hospitals, using the vehicles.

“The scheme has helped to reduce maternal mortality because the moment they bring patients to the clinic, we provide needed assistance immediately in order to save life. Without these vehicles, the patients may suffer or even die before reaching the clinic. From May 2013 to December, we recorded only one maternal death and from January, 2014 to date, we have no maternal death,” he said.

On the overall, the scheme deserves to be supported to ensure its sustainability. There is the need for more vehicles to be made available so as to make for effective coverage since having fewer villages to a vehicle will no doubt ensure increased access to all.

Ebola Virus: Why There Is No Vaccine Yet More than 600 people have died in the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, including even includes doctors caring for patients with the disease. But the question now is, why have we not developed a vaccine for Ebola? VICTOR OKEKE writes

He said “the vaccine companies of course, have to be driven by the economic considerations

Ebola is highly contagious, extremely fatal and totally incurable.

There is no known cure for it, and no preventative vaccine that can protect people from contracting the virus. So what will it take to get rid of this devastating disease?

Dr. Thomas Geisbert, a professor of microbiology told Josh Zepps on HuffPost that, “We do have several vaccines that have been extremely successful in protecting laboratory animals, including non-human primates, against the Ebola virus.

He said that developing a vaccine for humans is a very long regulatory process. “From the time to develop a vaccine for animals in a lab to protecting humans... it’s really just a lot of regulatory hurdles and red tape,” he said.

Dr. Stephen Morse, an epidemiologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, opened up about how economic factors come into play.

He said “the vaccine companies of course, have to be driven by the

economic considerations. It’s a terrible thing to say, but they have to be convinced that it’s economically… worthwhile to provide the vaccine.”

Dozens of patients currently being treated for Ebola are getting a bare minimum of care. No specific drug has been shown to help people infected with Ebola, so patients are given saline to replace fluids lost to vomiting and diarrhea; painkillers to reduce fever and to help fight the general misery the virus causes; and antibiotics to prevent what doctors call secondary infections.

According to Dr. Geisbert, “there are at least four vaccines that can protect against Ebola (in monkeys), but how do you take this to the next level when there is no there is no market in it.”

“Ebola is so unpredictable that it would be very difficult to find enough people at high risk to test it in. Diseases such as influenza and even HIV are common and it’s easy to test large groups of people. Not

Ebola virus victim

so with Ebola,” he said.

Responding, Dr. Adonis Princewill said that “to the Western researchers, Africa is so impoverished that it cannot buy Ebola vaccines when it is developed. Returns on investment take precedence over the advancement of human good.”

In the absence of effective treatment and a human vaccine, the Word Health Organisation (WHO) says raising awareness of the risk factors for Ebola infection and the protective measures individuals can take is the only way to reduce human infection and death.

It advised that animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. An-

imal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Close physical contact with Ebola patients should be avoided. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.

Pig farms in in our environment can play a role in the amplification of infection because of the presence of fruit bats on these farms.

Appropriate biosecurity measures should be in place to limit transmission, WHO warns.

Without these vehicles, the patients may suffer or even die before reaching the clinic

NEWS /HEALTH 31

Monday, August 4, 2014

Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii receiving I-Check equipment for testing iodine in salt from the Country Manager of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN Dr. Larry Umunna(M) and the Country Director of Micronutrient Initiative, MI, Dr.Oladipo Abiodun Rauf in Abuja on Wednesday

Mobile Health Insurance Is Game Changer – Thomas stories By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. ‘Femi Thomas has stated that the National Mobile Health Insurance Programme (NMHIP) is a game changer that would revolutionize the industry and establish the Scheme as the heartbeat of the health sector.

He stated this at the launch of the pilot run of the Mobile Health Insurance Programme in Lagos, recently.

Dr. Thomas said that the digitalization of the health insurance industry, which is currently being processed, is one of the latest initiatives to ease public access to the programmes of NHIS, as part of the overall focus on achieving and surpassing the presidential mandate of 30% coverage by 2015 and universal health coverage in the shortest time possible.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to LEADERSHIP by the Head, Media and Public Relations, NHIS, Ayo Osinlu.

The programme, the chief executive noted in the statement, is in collaboration with a cross section of stakeholders, including Salt & Einstein MTS Ltd as Mobile Technology Aggregator, the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), the National Communications Commission (NCC), Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) and Healthcare Facilities (HCF).

He said Mobile Health Insurance is a platform for the application of information technology in the operations of the NHIS, and it involves automatic online registration including choice of HCFs and HMOs. The NHIS boss stated that modalities are in place to eliminate fraud in the process, by facilitating identification, using telephone numbers, NHIS number or thumb print, as the case

may be, through a central Health Insurance Information Exchange that transmits all related transactions to relevant stakeholders.

The required equipment, which he said has been adapted to the local peculiarities of the people, is to be distributed free to over 7,000 accredited facilities nationwide when the programme is fully operational.

Thomas gave the assurance that the programme will leapfrog health insurance coverage, while eliminating the critical delays associated with operations in areas of registration, encounter data collection, referral, subsidy gap funding, monitoring and quality assurance.

Dr. Thomas hinted that an important component of this mobile scheme is what he described as ‘the Adoption Tree’, which provides opportunities for high net-worth individuals and leaders to pay for persons such as relations and vulnerable groups.

Unilever Donates N10m Worth Of Toothpaste To Red Cross

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

As part of Unilever Nigeria’s commitment to support the cause of fighting tooth cavity, it has donated over N10 million worth of Pepsodent toothpaste to Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS).

This donation was made during the, “ Smile Pledge” event organised by Unilever Nigeria, over the weekend.

Unilever Nigeria’s Brand Building Director, David Okeme, said in order to let kids get stronger teeth for the future, it is important to stay healthy and avoid oral care problems.

He noted, “The New Pepsodent Cav-

ity Fighter toothpaste integrates Active Micro Calcium and Pro-Floride Complex. This dual technology is proven to effectively fight cavity and fortify teeth in the long term.”

“Micro Calcium- helps repair tiny invisible holes before they become cavity.

Pro Fluoride Complex - protects teeth for longer,”Okeme added.

Receiving the donation, the Lagos State branch chairman of NRCS, Engr Mobolaji Onibudo, said its a unique product while expressing the hope that it would be widely accepted by the beneficiaries who are the various mother less homes under Nigerian Red Cross

Society.

He added that with the level of insurgency being witnessed in the country, there are lots of internally displaced especially with the various camps set up by the federal government.

He said, “ if you go up North and you know the level of the challenges they are having in these camps, I’m sure this particular product will find its way ther, and would solve the problems of a lot of children even adults alike because when you have your mouth very well cleaned, you would breathe well, and you will have fresh breathe and everything.”

NPHCDA’s Media Head Loses Mum

By Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos

The assistant director, Public Relations Unit, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Saadu Salahu, has lost his mother, Alhaja Ramatu Abake Salahudeen.

Aged 113 years ,Hajia Salahudeen died at her family compound in Okelele after a brief illness.

A statement addressed to LEADERSHIP, said the deceased is survived by many children, grand children and great grand children.

They include a Jos-based business woman and Native Doctor, Doctor Nafisatu Ola Iya, and an Assistant Director and Head Public Relations Unit, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, > Others, according to the statement, include, Alhaji Sheu Salahudeen of ilorin East Local Government, Alhaji Sidiq Salahudeen of Teaching Hospital, ilorin, Alhaja Hadijat Sheu Onitiro and Alhaja Aishat Baba Laule.

She has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

It is one of the very low calorie vegetables; provide just 15 calories per 100 g. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation, and offer some protection against colon cancers by eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.

It is a very good source of potassium, an important intracellular electrolyte. 100 g of cucumber provides 147 mg of potassium but only 2 mg of sodium. Potassium is a heart friendly electrolyte helps bring a reduction in total blood pressure and heart rates by countering effects of sodium.

Cucumbers contains unique anti-oxidants in moderate ratios such as -carotene and -carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. Their total antioxidant strength, measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC value), is 214 µmol TE/100 g.

Cucumbers have mild diuretic property, which perhaps attributed to their free-water, and potassium and low sodium content. This helps in checking weight gain and high blood pressure.

Breast Cancer Animated Guide

21m Twenty one million Nigerians are at risk of hepatitis killing over 1.4 million each year

1096

Over 1096 people have been infected with Ebola virus in Africa with about 700 killed

3

Alhaja Salahudeen

Health Benefits Of Cucumber

Open heart surgery starts in Lagos University Teaching hospital with three children having congenital heart problem.

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in Britain. Survival rates are better than ever, but the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Here is our at-a-glance animated guide to checking your breasts thoroughly.

Current advice is that women should ‘get to know their breasts’ and find out what’s ‘normal’ for them, rather than checking breasts in a regimented and prescriptive fashion.

Your breasts will go through perfectly normal changes throughout your lifetime. They are affected by hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the menopause (change of life) and weight loss or weight gain.

Breast awareness is about becoming familiar with your normal breast tissue and how it changes, for example before or after your period.

Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts from time to time.

32

Monday, August 4, 2014

33

Monday, August 4, 2014

for the record

The Time To Say ‘’No More’’

by femi fani-kayode

‘’We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us’’- Golda Meir, Prime Minister of Israel, United Nations General Assembly, 1972.

As it was in 1972 so it is today.

All those that love and support Hamas and that hate Israel should read the words of Golda Meir and meditate on them. All those that have condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza should read the words of Golda Meir, meditate on them and live with the fact that, according to a CNN poll, 86 per cent of the Israeli people support the activities and actions of the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza.

All those that have a soft-spot for the Arabs and the Palestinians should read the words of Golda Meir, meditate on them and appreciate the fact that the threat to Israel is existential.

All those that fail to understand what Hamas really stands for and that do not know that ever since the Gaza strip was handed back to the Palestinians by the Israeli’s in 1994 it has been used as a launching pad for rockets that kill and maim innocent Israeli civilians, women and children should read and meditate on the words of Golda Meir.

All those that believe that violence, carnage, murder and compulsion are a legitimate means of spreading their faith and imposing their will on others should read the words of Golda Meir and meditate on them.

All those that have sympathy for the Haramites in Nigeria and their secret political friends, associates and allies should read the words of Golda Meir and meditate on them.

All those that do not understand that there is a nexus between Hamas, ISIS, Al Nusra, Al Shabaab, Boko Haram, Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, Al Qaeda and all the other vicious islamist, salifist militias throughout the world should read the words of Golda Meir, meditate on them and understand that these terrorist groups ALL take pleasure in forcing others to slaughter their children by using them as human shields in order to gain sympathy and effect their purpose.

They should also understand that they ALL take delight in killing,

abducting, raping, butchering and terrorising the children and wives of others in order to spread their outdated, barbaric, hateful and anachronistic political and religious philosophies.

The other day ISIS ordered that all Christians that reside in the parts of Iraq that they control must either leave the country or convert to islam or be killed. Since then thousands of Christians have been butchered and crucified in public places in that country but the world has remained silent and turned a blind eye to the whole thing.

Today ISIS has ordered that all the women that reside in the parts of Iraq that they control must be subjected to female genital circumcision. Simply put ISIS has ordered that all women that reside in the parts of Iraq that they control must have their clitoris’ cut off. This would deprive them of ANY form of sexual pleasure for the rest of their lives. What could be worse than that?

Yet this is the sort of thing that the Haramites have in mind for the whole of Nigeria and this is what all the jihadist militias that exist throughout the world wish to impose on humanity. Sadly in many parts of the world they seem to be gaining ground and making progress.

It is time to say ‘’no more’’ and to stand up to them. It is time to stand shoulder to shoulder with the sons of David and the State Israel and to say ‘’no’’ to those that wish to wipe them off the face of the earth and to drive them into the sea.

It is time to say ‘’no more’’ to the offspring of Osama Bin Ladin who take pleasure in butchering the innocent and who seek to impose their will on the people of the world. It is time to say ‘’no more’’ to the likes of Abubakar Shekau who believe that our little girls should be abducted from their schools, raped from morning till night and from night till morning, sold in the market place like cattle and turned into sex slaves for the rest of their lives.

It is time to say ‘’no more’’ to those that slit the throats and drain the blood of our young boys as if they were slitting the throats of sallah rams and christmas turkeys. It is time to say ‘’no more’’ to those that torture and maim babies and that hack off the flesh, chop off the limbs and crush the bones of old men and old women.

Fani-Kayode

It is time to say ‘’no more’’ to those that show no mercy and have no compassion for the weak, the vulnerable, the young, the aged and the innocent.

It is time to stand with the rest of humanity and with the civilised people of the world against all forms of homicidal, sociopathic, oppressive and deviant behavior and the evil of religious fanaticism and islamic fundamentalism.

It is time to stand up against terror and those that believe in violent jihad and the establishment of a new worldwide islamic caliphate. It is time to stand up against the misogynists in our midst who regard women as nothing but worthless chattel and who take pleasure in sleeping with It is time to stand up to those that delight in blowing up and maiming others and who honestly believe that that is the only way to heaven. It is time to stop sitting on the fence and to say that enough is enough.

Permit me to enrich this contribution with the words of the beautiful Ayelet Shaked, the Israeli Member of Parliament who is one of the rising stars in Israel’s political firmament. Two weeks ago weeks ago she wrote the following on her facebook page. ‘’Behind every terrorist stands dozens of men and women without whom he/she could not engage in terrorism. They are all enemy combatants and their blood shall be on all their heads. Now this also includes the mothers of the martyrs who send them to hell with flowers and kisses. They should follow their sons: nothing would be more just. They should go, as should the physical homes in which they raised the snakes.

Otherwise more little snakes will be raised there’’.

The harshness of Ayelet’s contribution reflects the thinking of many in the world today who feel a deep sense of outrage about the atrocities of the jihadists and who are simply fed up with the bloodletting and the carnage that hundreds of thousands of innocents are facing at the hands of the terrorists.

Let those that support Hamas, those that call them ‘’freedom fighters’’ and those that endorse their evil ways and agenda of terror take a cue from this. If Hamas wants to impress us they should stop hiding behind women and children and they should come out and fight like men.

In the same vein if the Haramites of Nigeria want to impress us they should stop abducting the wives and children of others, they should stop using their own women and children as suicide bombers and they should come out and fight like the fearsome warriors that they claim to be.

Permit me to conclude this writeup with an insightful, profound, intellectually stimulating and historically accurate contribution from Mr. Akin Ajose-Adeogun who is a lawyer and a historian of great repute. On 28th July 2014 on his facebook wall he wrote the following: “In my opinion, the insidious role of religion in inflaming the ArabIsraeli conflict over Palestine has been underestimated. The truth is that religious bigotry blinds the Arab Muslim majority, and their coreligionists around the world, to the reality that the Middle East is a heterogeneous region of diverse peoples with different faiths, each entitled to self-determination and statehood. Almost 30,000 Jews lived in Palestine - mainly in the Jerusalem area - before the first wave of Zionist immigration in the 1880s, according to the census figures of the Ottoman-Turkish Empire, of which Palestine was then a part (See Prof. Benny Morris’ definitive work, 1948 : The First Arab-Israeli War). The creation of the State of Israel was one of the great events of the 20th century because a profound historic injustice, to a people who have greatly contributed to mankind’s progress, was, after much suffering, finally righted. That this has also, unfortunately, resulted in some injustice and suffering for the Palestinians, cannot substantially be attributed to the emergence of the Jewish State. As we can see, once again,

from the events in Gaza today, the primary cause of Palestinian suffering, even during the British Mandate, 1919 - 1948, is the egregious leadership shown by Palestinian leaders. Had there been a healthy response on the part of the Palestinian and Arab leadership to the stimulus provided by the increasing presence of their Semitic cousins in the land that is their joint inheritance, their people would have been far happier and prosperous today”.

Akin has hit the nail on the head and no-one could have put it better. Let all those that are still unable to appreciate or fathom the sheer complexity and profound nature of the enormous challenges and very real dangers that the State of Israel is facing from their Arab neighbors consider the words of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, spoken at the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) on August 17th 2006.

He said ‘’the truth is that if Israel were to put down their arms, there would be no more Israel. If the Arabs were to put down their arms, their would be peace’’. I need say no more.

May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Lord God of Hosts, the God of the Armies of Israel, the God of Heaven and Earth, the God of all Flesh, the Lord of the Universe, the Ancient of Days, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Man of War, the Lily of the Valley, the Blood of the Sprinkling, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the I Am That I Am, the Rose of Sharon, the Great Provider, the Lamb of God, the Holy One of Israel, the Lord of Mercy and Compassion, the Nazarene, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the El Shaddai, the Adonai, the Elohim, He that is more than able, He that cannot be resisted, He that is high and lifted up and He that is known as Jehova Jireh, Jehova Rapha, Jehova Nissi, Jehova Gibbor: the one true God and the God of the Holy Trinity strike down the Amalekites, deliver us from evil and defend His people and may His counsel alone stand in the affairs of the earth and in the nations of men.

I make these pronouncements in the name of He who died and arose triumphant on the third day, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Son of the Living God. –Femi Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Aviation.

34 OPINION

Monday, August 4, 2014

Kaduna Bomb Blast: Imagine If Gen Buhari And Sheik Bauchi Had Died By sunday onyemaechi eze

The mammoth crowd of Tijjaniyya Islamic sect and other Islamic faithful who thronged the Murtala Square, Kaduna in their thousands on July 23 to witness and listen to the closing ceremony of a Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi’s Tafsir had no inkling of the evil lurking at the corner on that fateful day. The sect and other Islamic fraternities as a ritual always converge some few days to the end of the holy month of Ramadan to deliver Ramadan lectures. The lecture is always an avenue to specifically and specially pray for Nigeria, admonishing those in government, members and the society at large to toe the path of truth and subjugate their wills to Allah. The religious ambience of the square gave the suicide bomber the unwarranted ground to maim and kill innocent, harmless, religious adherents.

On the other hand, General Muhammadu Buhari whose journey to Daura that same day probably to celebrate the Eidel Fitr festival with his kith and kin but was interrupted must have as well in his early morning Subh or As-subh implored Allah in prayer to protect him. Fortunately, Bauchi and Buhari were preserved, but we lost 85 Nigerians whose lives were cut short in the course of going about their daily businesses and their fervent zeal to supplicate to their God. Death is inevitable and a necessary end which must come when it will come but not a cold blooded one. The enemies of the Nigerian state were at their wit’s end and had perfected their

Buhari

heinous crime when like a pack of cards it fell flat on their evil faces not because they did not achieve their aims but for the fact that the major targets were left unscathed.

It was off prime targets to the glory of God. Both individuals are presently hale and hearty while it was reported that Sheik Bauchi has gone ahead to perform his Hajj to the astonishment of many.

Imagine the degree of implosion this dastardly act would have triggered off if the duo had died in this orchestrated evil machinations. God loves Nigeria and He says that the enemies will gather but if their gathering is not of Him, that gathering will be in vain. These two figures have thousands of dedicated followers who would have thronged out in large numbers in defiance to any security arrangement to register

Nigeria would have witnessed a conflagration that would have left a sour taste in the mouth and bad scare on the psyche of Nigerians

their displeasure. Your guess is as good as mine as to what would have been the outcome.

The nation which is already sitting on a keg of gun powder and waiting for any slightest provocation to explode cannot afford another pogrom in addition to poverty, lack and the defiant onslaught of Boko Haram insurgents. So much inconceivable bottled up animosities between the north and the south would have made a mess of the self-conceited unity in diversity. Of a truth, Nigeria would have witnessed a conflagration that would have left a sour taste in the mouth and bad scare on the psyche of Nigerians.

At least, Kaduna, the hub of northern economy and politics would have caught cold.

What we are witnessing now is only an icing on the crisis of the coming election year.

Politicians have succeeded in creating confusion and raising permanent suspicion among the north and the south in the course of achieving set political goals.

We should learn to confront the antics of politicians with nays.

Nigerians are weary of government statements, universal and monotonous condemnation of the attacks without concurrent pragmatic way forward. What of individuals who till today play politics with our lives by concealing the truth about Boko Haram. They have vowed to die with the truth lying underneath their belly but let them be rest assured that on the last day the secret act of many will be laid bare.

– Eze wrote from PHCN, Samaru Business Unit, Zaria

Dele Fatokun

Reasoning Together reasoningtogether2013@yahoo.com 08158594386 (SMS only)

Science And Faith In the olden days, sailors feared to venture far into the distant ocean because they thought the earth was flat as a table. They thought if they should reach the edge of the earth they would slip down and perish in the bottomless ocean. However, in 1519, Ferdinand Magallan and his crew embarked on the first voyage around the world and proved beyond reasonable doubt that the earth was spherical. This voyage lasted for three years. This would not have been necessary if they had believed the report of the Bible, the inspired word of God, which tells us that the earth is circular (Isaiah 40:22).

Rich Deam noted that the

early proponents (Nicholas Cop er nic u s , Johannes Kepler, and Galileo Galilei) of heliocentrism (the earth revolving round the Sun) were all Christians. In fact, Isaac Newton, in his famous scientific work Principia, stated: “the most beautiful system of the sun, planets, comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being”.

Many old scientists believed in God. Albert Einstein (18791855) was probably the best known and most highly revered scientist of the twentieth century, and associated with major revolutions in our thinking about time, gravity

and conversion of matter to energy (E = mc2). According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Einstein firmly denied atheism and expressed belief in God. A famous saying of his was ‘Science without (true) religion is lame, religion without science is blind’ Peter Pilt noted that the Bible revealed scientific facts hundreds and thousands of years before science learned about them. When Bible speaks of scientific matters, it speaks with complete authority and absolute certainty and accuracy.

Once in a while we hear about modern science disagreeing with the Bible. What should we do when this happens?

Be patient and give science time to catch up! Science has always needed to catch up with the Bible. For example, science believes in evolution instead of the Biblical creation. What should we do? Be patient with science to catch up.

There are many examples to buttress the fact that science cannot disprove the Bible, rather science keeps on validating its authenticity and impeccable nature in its discoveries. In 150 BC, an Astronomer named Hipparchus laid down his pencil and smiled, “it is done”! He believed he had counted all the stars in the sky.

1022! The number used in the universities for 250 years.

Every Monday With Ibraheem A. Waziri iawaziri@yahoo.com, 08035167963 (SMS only)

Manners Maketh The Man I came across this piece by SauRabh Gaur and I felt it is relevant for our social space, especially now that social networking sites and other online fora are full of bad speeches and unkind dispositions. Enjoy reading:

M

anners maketh the man is a very common saying in every culture found the world over. Manners form the basis for every person’s name and status in the society.

Manners also play a very important role and a major part of the person’s outlook.

Manners does not only mean the respect one gives to elders but also respect towards people of similar and younger age. Manners should be inculcated right from the time a person is a child.

This helps the child to respect others throughout his/her life. Apart from respecting elders, it also is in reference to ladies, children and every part and parcel of the society. It is a very common phrase – “Ladies First”, where the ladies are given the privilege to be first. And in case of children, their thoughts and views are listened to and analysed.

Manners and respect are a must if someone wants to go ahead in his or her life. When properly followed, manners help a person to gain respect and trust in his society. Manners are the critical steps in the ladder to success which guarantees an individual to reach a high position in life. It also brings a sense of gratitude and well-being in an individual and gives them a chance to express themselves. An important part of social etiquette can be seen at workplaces, as one tends to spend a lot of time at work.

With workplaces becoming global, the office environment is becoming more and more diverse and less formal. Unfortunately, the fallout of this has been that common courtesies like politeness and good manners have taken a back seat. They are deemed less and less important in our professional as well as personal lives. The workplaces of today are competitive and conflict-ridden, often giving rise to strong emotions. Is it any wonder then that traditional niceties and formalities have given way to contracted greetings and electronic wishes?

Writing letters or thank you notes have become past, unheard of almost.

Manners at the workplace are essential to retain the dignity and the professionalism in the organisation. The concept of civility encompasses social manners, personal grooming and dressing, communicating right, cell phone etiquette and of course good manners. Good manners help in building cordial relationships and provide for a healthy environment at work.

While introducing a person or addressing somebody using the appropriate title like Mr. Mrs. or Miss makes a lot of difference Saying ‘thank you’ or ‘sorry’ might go a long way in building relationships as does a smile. Such gestures are always appreciated. Do not gossip or talk ill of others at the workplace. Your workplace is not the right place to flirt or find a date.

If you are in the wrong, accept it graciously and do apologise. Don’t criticise others’ work or ideas in public. Never make lewd comments or use nasty expressions while talking. Always be neatly and formally attired for the workplace.

Such professional etiquette will only help one become a successful individual in life and society.

Being courteous to others will earn you respect and courtesy in return and shows that you have had a good upbringing. Manners help recognise an individual as a person of class earning one respect and awe of others in the society. Thus the term or phrase “manners maketh the man” is apt in every sense.

35

Monday, August 4, 2014

Niger Opposition And Matters Arising

By Ayegba Israel Ebije

The use of blackmail as political tool in Niger State has not only diminished the role of the opposition in the state, but casts negative inference on their authenticity as alternative political platform in the 2015 calculation.

Quality debate, analysis, and exploration of the ruling party by the opposition has fizzled off, paving way for desperate politicians who are constantly in the business of aping around, throwing banana peels to score cheap and callous points towards feeding their appetite of blackmail for money.

The Niger opposition party, blindly led on an errand of futile search for political relevance has dragged themselves to a flaking cliff edge where they will soon fall off straight to abyss where all their poisonous jives have always gone to.

While it is clear that making the slightest inference at the opposition will only glorify their emptiness, it is however important to use their disastrous political outings as a veritable case study on how best to fool around as an opposition party in Nigeria.

In Niger State, the opposition has always revealed its hands as people with diluted opinion situated on self-based interest of clog throwing platoons of people only instinctively disposed towards sniffing the behinds of the ruling party with personal agenda.

It is therefore very clear that from the unset, Niger State is blessed with an opposition party that is only interested in ‘ape banana relationship’. They only

Aliyu

The politics of patronage is a major factor that has affected the relationship between Nigerians and their leaders suddenly mind the ruling party when the next electioneering campaign draws nearer – isn’t that the very opinion of some David Umarus, the serial opposition governorship candidate whose sponsored writer called “the last man standing”?

Jonathan Vatsa, the spokesman of Niger APC wakes up every morning, looks at himself in the mirror, paces up and down in the

room like Mr. Bumble of the famed Charles Dickens book “Oliver Twist” breathes in and out, puffing out air from his larger than normal cheek and says to himself “now I have to blackmail some more to get patronage from the Niger State government”.

He then dashes off to seek help, as he stumbles off with a gait of a “Butruses” of our time into the dark like an alligator looking for

offal’s Boom. The next day, even to the surprise of his political platform, he conjures up a string of disjointed drivel – a sheer figment of his distorted imagination.

Interestingly, opposition in every government is to strengthen democracy, but today, being in the opposition is only a matter of time, circumstance and “unsettled elements”. Once the planets of good fortune align on a straight graph, the castigated rulings party becomes the new beautiful bride.

While scaling political party platforms is the penchant of some politicians, others no matter what happens will perpetually remain in the opposition to satisfy pecuniary and also very curious gain. The likes of Vatsa have come to realise that Niger opposition cannot win credible election hence they decide to hibernate in the opposition as perpetual losers and empty sounds in a leaking pot.

Interestingly, his serial adventure of blackmail has neither put a dent in the fertile image of the Niger PDP, nor brought together the already fragmented APC presently having not less than six factions.

While the author of this article begs the forgiveness of the reader for taking out a few paragraphs for a political leech, there is need to draw attention to workings of government and the need to properly educate Nigerians on what litmus test to judge incumbent leaders on.

At a time, it was okay for a governor to get away with almost everything and the next time that governor who on account of his “powerful” friends in a political corner has operated unhurt

regardless of the magnitude of offence now becomes impaled for being in the opposition.

Same applies to opposition party members who call the ruling party by all sort of names and the next split second take up appointments as ministers and just as the sheep starts to bleat, he wants to be part of the feeding frenzy at the center.

Its all about interests and it is time Nigerians pulled the veil off their faces to see clearly.

It is also instructive to note that nobody praises hard work much.

Mistakes remain remarkable yardsticks to situate leaders – and that accounts for why many people in the opposition throw clogs around physically and with the use of poisonous media to whittle the mettle of their opponents.

The politics of patronage is a major factor that has affected the relationship between Nigerians and their leaders. Many Nigerians have only positioned their minds on rating their leaders based on how much they can get from them and not how much dividends of democracy they provide. This lugubrious system of patronage has led to the systemic failure of the leadership system with its collateral damage on the system, the people and the image of the country.

For Niger State, the Chief Servant gave the people service, putting his feet to the ground against abuse of office and financial irregularities/ patronage where money politics was the only way to win the love of depraved politicians, pathologically interested in smiling to the banks with hard earned tax payers’ money.

– Ebije is chief press secretary to Niger State governor

How Cac’s 24Hrs Business Registration Thrills Investors

By Sadiq Abubakar

The World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA) recently hosted by Nigeria in Abuja has undoubtedly opened a new vista for foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country.

For instance, China alone is boosting the nation’s housing sector with $4 billion investments. This is just a fraction of the $68 billion Africa is projected to attract in investments as a direct consequence of the WEFA. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Africa Director, Elsie Kanza, a Nigerian company would invest about $16 billion over the next four years, which will create 180,000 jobs. Another company will invest $1 billion over the next 10 years and 20,000 jobs will be created. A total of $2 billion from donor agencies has been committed to improve electricity supply across Nigeria, and $700 million to the immunisation programme, she said.

Besides, many more participants

at the WEFA have offered to bring in billions more in dollars as investments in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. However, one key area of challenge is the bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with doing business with many governmental agencies in the country. But one federal government establishment that has stood out in significantly enhancing the present administration’s transformation drive is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), an organ of government that has consistently been working to ensure that the business environment in the country, which hitherto was beclouded by unnecessary delays, is dramatically altered for good.

The CAC, as a key agency of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, shouldered with the responsibility of registering business formations in the country, has its eyes fixed on the goal of achieving speedy service delivery.

The Commission’s main target is to

provide all its services electronically on-line to its customers via the web, thereby ensuring fast and efficient delivery of those services without the customer having to travel to any of its offices physically. To achieve this target, the RegistrarGeneral of the Commission, Malam Bello Mahmud recently launched a 4-point reform agenda to further reposition the Commission. Part of the goals of the agenda include, “Enhanced ICT infrastructure, decentralisation of operations, sensitisation of the public and development of human resource”.

The unveiled reform agenda was in line with the agency’sgoal of ensuring timely filing of annual returns and other statutory filings by all registered companies, Business Names and Incorporated Trustees.

Already, the Commission’s robust ICT infrastructure, we learnt, has significantly improved its network availability, and is expected to enhance the establishment of an effective e-payment system.

However, to boost customer confidence in its drive towards efficiency, the CAC, in the first quarter of this year, deployed a new software, which further reduced the registration period of companies to a maximum of three hours, in some of its offices across the country.

These include its head office and a Wuse Zone 5 office both in Abuja, its offices in Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, as well as its Lagos offices in Yaba and Alausa.

Our independent investigations have shown that three-hour registration scheme, officially launched by the Minister of

One federal government establishment that has stood out in significantly enhancing the present administration’s transformation drive is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, was not merely a wishful project. Numerous lawyers and even individual business operators who engage with the CAC on registration matters have given it a resounding applause in meeting customer expectations in that regard. For instance, one of the lawyers who spoke to us, Barrister Okpeh Ibrahim Shaibu said: “It takes me less than four hours to do search of names of old companies and less than 24 hours for new companies”.

Another lawyer who did not want his name mentioned said “the 24 hours service is still effective though occasionally faced with server challenges”. There are, no doubt, occasional hiccups resulting from unavoidable challenges to Nigeria’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure.

This periodically inhibit the agency from meeting the 24hr registration target in the designated offices.

– Sadiq wrote from Wuse 2, Abuja

36

Monday, August 4, 2014

Orji Uzor Kalu My Leadership Series okalu77@yahoo.co m

I

promised at the beginning of the year to always do a review of the performance of the federal government every quarter or biannually in order to continually evaluate how far it has gone in delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. I allowed one full month to pass before posting the performance assessment report in spite of the fact that the report was ready as early as the first week of this month.

It is important to point out early that the assessment was based purely on the day-to-day activities of government and how they affected the people within the period under review.

In reaching some of the conclusions, I took particular notice of the prevailing security situation in the country, with a view to placing the facts where they should be. Nevertheless, I observed something interesting, while reaching these conclusions: the government did not allow media reports on the real situation in the country to affect its vision. Government ensured that it kept faith with the transformation programme and at the same time working frenetically to tackle the threats to security from across the country.

It must as well be clearly stated that only a few administrations could have been able to successfully and tactfully manage the two extreme situations. Matters bordering on security are usually very delicate and contentious; and that explains the serious attention the government has paid to it. It is unfortunate that some critics have failed abysmally to differentiate between politics and the economy.

Both are asymmetrical, even though it is generally argued that one affects the other directly or indirectly.

Indeed, I have absolutely nothing against those who mix up the two.

But the point I push here is that politicization of topical national issues has often created the wrong impression about the government and its commitment to redressing the current logjam in our march to greater freedom and development. Painfully, what bothers many Nigerian politicians now is how to be reelected.

Only a few of them really work for the peace, progress and development of the nation. It is this negative attitude to national development that has accounted for the crises plaguing the nation.

The ability of any government to perform is hinged on the cooperation it receives from the political class and the populace. In our present circumstance, the political class has not lived up fully to expectation. The efforts by the government to develop the economy and restore normalcy all over the country have been sabotaged by some subterranean forces that have vowed

GEJ: Half-year Scorecard to pull down our democracy. On the part of the masses, they have demonstrated unusual courage by standing by the government in most of its fiscal decisions, even when such decisions bring pain upon them.

The Goodluck Jonathan administration assumed the leadership of this country at a rather precarious period - when militancy and other forms of insurgencies had taken root. Despite this obvious impediment it was not deterred in his determination to pursue its vision encapsulated in the transformation agenda vigorously. The transformation agenda is the roadmap of the administration to take Nigeria to a new height.

So, how far has the agenda been driven and how much impact (negative or positive) has it had on the masses? Attempting to answer the first part of the question takes us to another question: what factors have affected the effective and efficient driving of the agenda? This latter question has become important because of the many man-made problems the government has been made to encounter.

Truly speaking, the intention of the government in designing the transformation agenda in the first place was germane. More so, its capacity to transform our nation and its people has never been in doubt. It is agreed that the agenda would have achieved at least 60 per cent of its goals by now, if not for the activities of saboteurs and other enemies of the country who have been working tirelessly to clog the wheel of progress.

Looking critically at the key indices of the agenda it will easily be seen that the nation has fared well and the future appears great too. On the Health sector, there has been remarkable improvement in service delivery in most of our hospitals. The out-ofstock syndrome, which had constituted a huge problem to healthcare delivery in the past, is gradually giving way to sufficiency. The training and retraining of doctors has consistently been pursued, with a special focus on stemming the brain-drain that has hit the sector in recent times. The primary healthcare scheme has also undergone a systematic overhaul with a view to stimulating it to reach its target audience most pragmatically.

The national strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has not diminished the fact that healthcare delivery has taken the centre-stage in the overall developmental package of the government.

In line with the goal of the government to ensure a healthier citizenry, the government has embarked upon the reequipping, construction and reconstruction of health centres and general hospitals across the country.

The impact of the huge investment in the health sector will begin to manifest in a few years from now when all the projects initiated will produce the desired results.

Agriculture is one area the government has performed impressively. The days of Nigeria leading in cash crops production are gradually returning.

Massive investments in mechanized agriculture have taken the front burner in the revolution in the sector. So far, government has embarked on the massive production of rice and other grains to save the billions of dollars spent annually in the importation of the products. The same approach is being adopted in other critical areas to make Nigeria sufficient in food production, and possibly export. The dependency on food importation had been responsible in the past for the lack of interest in agriculture. It would have been disastrous if the government had not taken the bull by the horns to deal with some of the leakages that had impeded effort to develop the agricultural sector.

Education is the livewire of any nation. How far have we fared under President Jonathan? I think there has been some improvement, but more need to be done. The long ASUU strike of 2013 was a minus for the government. The issues that led to the strike should have been resolved long before the teachers went on strike. It does not tell well of any government to allow strike in the educational sector.

Apart from exposing the students to diverse social problems and risks it also retards growth in the sector. In terms of infrastructure and funding, the sector is witnessing some significant improvements. However, more resources need to go into the sector to bridge the yawning gap between the carrying capacities of our educational institutions and the amenities available to them.

It has been observed that many universities cannot afford decent accommodation for their students let alone meet the curricular requirements to develop them cognitively.

What then is the need sending a child to school without learning aids. This is why some students produced by our tertiary institutions cannot hold their own outside the country. I am happy the present administration is aware of this nagging problem and is working hard to solve it.

Providing employment for millions of our youth has remained an intractable problem. And how much has the Jonathan government done in this sector? The answer is simple: no government can provide all the employments we need. What successive governments had done was to establish some ad hoc programmes to try to address this problem. The Jon-

athan administration is no exception. Though it has gone a step further to do things differently, yet this has not changed things much. Unemployment can only be tackled frontally with the provision of adequate electricity to help the industrial sector increase productivity and provide more jobs. The large army of unemployed youth can also be trained in different skills to make them self-sufficient. And this goal requires steady electricity supply to attain.

This brings us to the issue of power supply and provision of other social amenities. This is one area the present government has injected enormous resources with intangible results to show for it. What we need to do, however, is to ensure that the process for the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria is strictly implemented. The Distribution Companies (DISCOs) are currently finding it difficult to operate.

They have had to face hostile customers and other exigencies that have made their effort to meet the purpose for which they were engaged difficult. In my estimation, the DISCOs have not taken any serious steps different what they inherited to transform the power sector. The government is therefore left with the option of managing what is available to it to sustain electricity generation. What has happened to the Public Partnership Projects (PPPs)?

The truth is that the infrastructure in the power sector is disused and requires immediate change. It is absolutely impossible to attain sufficiency in the power sector with the obsolete equipment that litters the whole place. Again, the DISCOs should be innovative by creating a new platform to speedy up their operations and make them consumer-friendly.

The only language consumers understand is effective service-delivery. It is gratifying to observe, nonetheless, that the Minister of Power and the Presidency have collaborated to drive the sector and, by so doing, stimulate economic growth.

On roads, the government, through the Ministry of Works, has performed creditably. Many of the roads that were once impassable have been fixed, while works are in progress on numerous others. But I must not fail to draw attention to the deplorable condition of some of the roads in the Southeast axis. Some of these roads have been in their present terrible state for a very long time. The Okigwe-Arondizuogu-Nnewi Road is an eyesore. In fact, it is completely impassable. Motorists travelling to Okigwe have to do a round-robin trip through Urualla, Osina and Isiekenesi before getting to Okigwe. The same situation is obtainable on the

Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene Road. Since Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road was cut-off motorists have found solace in the Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene Road. As you read this piece the road is almost impassable due to deep potholes caused by the rains and heavy traffic on it.

The aviation sector is another critical sector. The safety of passengers has been the focus of the Jonathan government. The administration of Stella Odua (who was removed in hazy circumstances) was the best in the history of the sector. She transformed the sector to such a level that international community has been excited to visit Nigeria more frequently. A trip round major airports in the country shows far-reaching physical changes. Air crashes which used to be a frequent occurrence have drastically reduced. It is heartwarming to note that since the onset of this administration there had been only one major air crash, involving DANA Airline passenger aircraft on June 3, 2012. The appointment of another seasoned administrator and performer, Osita Chidoka, as minister, to oversee the aviation ministry demonstrates the commitment of President Jonathan to achieve an accidentfree sector.

In truth, driving the economic sector and achieving other government developmental initiatives require the provision of adequate security.

The Boko Haram sect has continued to be a thorn in the flesh and slowed the wheel of progress. It is the biggest challenge the administration of President Jonathan has had to face. The declaration of state of emergency in the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa has not done much to stem the tide. Thousands of lives have been lost and billions of naira worth of properties destroyed, yet the ominous signs still hover in the sky. Kidnapping and other forms of brigandage have become a part of our national life. All these have made life brutish and development slow.

Let me state here that the causes of militancy in the north could not be blamed on Jonathan. In my opinion, it should be blamed on those who do not wish Nigeria well. After all, Boko Haram started its operations in 2009, even before Jonathan replaced the late Musa Yar’Adua. It has failed up till date to state the real reason behind its taking up arms against the federal government or what should be done for them to lay down their arms. All they have done is to continue to unleash mayhem across the country. To deal with Boko Haram insurgency requires the cooperation of every Nigerian. No amount of money can deal with the situation unless Nigerians begin to volunteer information.

politics today Monday, August 4, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Derivation Struggle Will Continue Even After Jonathan – Uduaghan

Uduaghan

In this interview with select journalists, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State bared his mind on national issues including the heightening political pressures, security challenges and the even the vexed issue of derivation that was not resolved at the national conference. DONALD OJOGO was there for LEADERSHIP. 2015 is fast approaching and the polity is getting heated up. As one of the leaders of the ruling PDP and a major stakeholder in the polity, what is your take on this?

We seemed to have been very comfortable up till now believing that we don’t have a major security challenge and so our funding of the military has not been as adequate as it should be

First, it is expected that the polity will be heated up towards 2015 because people have different interests; personal, party and of course, also regional interests and in expressing these interests, obviously, the political arena will be more active and more alive. So, it is expected that the polity will be heated up and we thought it will be worse than this by now.

Recently, a governor was impeached while some are being threatened with impeachment. Don’t you think this development is coming at a wrong time particularly when we are approaching 2015?

We must put the history of impeachment in proper

perspective, at least in this dispensation impeachment did not start with the governors.

You will recall that at the time APC was making moves to form the majority in the House of Reps and Senate, people were speculating that what was behind it was an attempt to impeach Mr. President.

That was the speculation and that is why I said it did not start with the governors.

Impeachment talk and all, even before the Nyako matter started, has been an issue.

But having said that, the ones that are happening now, unfortunately people are linking them with the national.

I think every state has its peculiarity.

What happened in Adamawa is peculiar to Adamawa and what is happening in Nasarawa is peculiar to Nasarawa.

Whatever will happen in Delta today is peculiar to Delta. Delta for instance in the last three months, the House of Assembly has

changed its speaker, so that is the peculiarity of what is happening in Delta. Edo has its challenges.

And sometimes, it is difficult for you that is not within the state to understand the kind of politics in the state that leads to change of leadership at any level. Like I said earlier, of course some people are linking it to the leadership at the centre, maybe because what is happening now are in states whose governors who are not in PDP but with majority of assembly members in PDP. Another issue on people’s mind of recent is the request by the president to access $1bn loan to fight insurgency. People are wondering why it took time for the government to realise that we don’t have the necessary military hardware and others to effectively counter insurgency.

Well, the way I understand

it, it is not just to fight insurgency but to improve on the capability of the military to deal with all security issues and I think we must put things in proper perspective.

Yes, we seemed to have been very comfortable up till now believing that we don’t have a major security challenge and so our funding of the military has not been as adequate as it should be.

But this current Boko Haram has opened our eyes to the fact that we really need to equip our military; army, air force and navy. And I think looking for this money to equip our military is not misplaced because it is Boko Haram today, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. We’ve had even some challenges from neighbouring countries and if there is a war between Nigeria and a neighbouring country for instance, do we really have the equipment to deal with it?

And like every other sphere of life, technology changes and changes by the minute, by the day and all that. I don’t believe that the military equipment used ten years ago is what countries like America and Israel are still using today so we must constantly follow up the changes that happen in every sphere of life. So, getting money to equip the military, I don’t think, is misplaced.

But is it not disturbing that the issue is taking a PDP-APC dimension in the National Assembly with the opposition party telling its members not to support the request?

This is not the first time the APC will be taking that kind of stand but I think at the end of the day reasons will prevail. It’s all part of democracy, you can ask for the head of anybody in the House but after debating and horse-trading, reasons will prevail.

Let’s come back to PDP Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Monday, August 4, 2014

Derivation Struggle Will Continue Even After Jonathan – Uduaghan ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Conference recommended the retention of 13% derivation principle instead of the 18% demanded by the South-South delegates.

What is your take?

politics as the ruling party.

It is facing some challenges like never before since its formation. Do you think it is still strong enough to retain the centre in 2015 and win more states?

Now that the people who are supposed to at least come out with a resolution are not able to do it, the problem now goes back to Mr. President; he needs to look at it and try and deal with the wishes of the oil-producing communities

Yes! Let me tell you something about the PDP. Since 1998 when parties were formed, I believe that the PDP is the only party that is still existing that has not changed its name.

Most of others have changed names or merged or gone out of the scene.

But PDP has remained PDP since 1998 and what does this mean? This means that between when it was formed and now, it has had a presence in virtually every ward in Nigeria. Now, if you go to every ward, in most wards, PDP is either number one or number two in terms of party presence and it is the only party that enjoys that kind of presence across Nigeria.

And winning the national election is based on the smallsmall votes that come from the various units across Nigeria.

So, in terms of structure to win national election, PDP, I believe, is head and shoulder above other parties in term of structure to win national election.

Yes! We must not forget that in winning national election, structure at unit level is very key; so also is the person standing for national election very key. Now, what has happened overtime is that the opposition has become stronger and we must acknowledge that. You know when the current democracy started, people still doubted; ‘will it succeed?’ So you have people who folded their arms and they were watching, they refused to take part.

Some people took the risk and took part in 1999. By 2003, we had more people and by 2015, a lot more persons are now in. So, over the last 15 years or so, a lot of capacities have been built and these capacities are now aggregating either for PDP or to remove PDP. Unlike APC, there seems to be a lull in the PDP two months to the kick-off of activities, particularly the presidential primaries, by political parties. Has your party zeroed on the president as its presidential candidate?

No, no. It will be unfair for anybody to stand on PDP platform now to say I want to be president when we have a

Uduaghan

big security challenge but it will eventually come.

But it is happening in APC…

Yes, because APC is opposition. The primary responsibility for controlling this security challenge rests on Mr. President and PDP and other parties and Nigerians.

So, the presidency must be at the forefront, including the PDP platform. The primary focus now is on how to handle the security challenges and handle it very quickly too.

Your state is one of the states where political activities are now heightened with pressure from people who want to succeed you. How are you coping with this challenge?

First, let me say that it is easier to manage when you are contesting.

When I was contesting, at least, the political terrain was easier to manage. I knew what I wanted to do, I knew the rules I wanted to make, I knew my opponents and others but now I am not contesting. I have to manage the state such that our first agenda, peace and security, is maintained such that the polity is not overheated. So that is the major challenge.

The second challenge is to

manage it in such a way that at least whoever emerges does not put aside what we have on ground and want to start a new race. That’s why I said it is a little bit tricky when you are not contesting but you have to ensure that all these things are properly handled.

There is agitation of zoning in your state. Is that not a major challenge?

No, it is not a major challenge because it has always been like that.

There is no election that a region will not come out with that kind of argument. So, it is not new and it is not strange but at the end of the day somebody will emerge.

As an outgoing governor, what is your idea of a likely successor?

For me really, I am praying and hoping that it is somebody who understands the current policies of government and when he or she comes in, does not throw it aside.

Of course, our major policy is developing an economy which we called ‘Delta Beyond Oil’. An economy that is not entirely dependent on oil. That person must also have that faith and belief and the knowledge of how to go about it.

Sir, the about-to-beconcluded National

It is unfortunate that the conference has come and gone and it was unable to resolve the major challenge in Nigeria which is the major issue; that is the issue federalism. Derivation is just one of the issues of federalism but the major issue is federalism and that is what the conference was unable to resolve.

In talking about federalism, there are many aspects of it. The issue of derivation is there even the main issue of responsibility because when you talking of federalism, you are talking of federal, states and particularly, who does what.

Some of us believe that the federal area is too heavy, carrying out too may responsibilities. Why, for instance, should the federal government be talking about primary healthcare and primary education? These are things that should be left for the state level.

So, I said it is unfortunate that the National Conference did not deal with the major issue. It dealt with a lot of other issues but the major one is federalism which can also be narrowed down to derivation was not dealt with.

Having said that, now that the people who are supposed to at least come out with a resolution are not able to do it, the problem now goes back to Mr. President; he needs to look at it and try and deal with the wishes of the oil-producing communities.

As one of the governors of oil-producing states, what steps are you likely to take in order to ensure that the president reviews the derivation principle upward?

We will continue to put pressure on him, he is the president and he has to do what he has to do. It should not be because he is from this area, he should not do it. Pressures were put on Obasanjo and he started the 13% principle which is the minimum. Unfortunately, the next president, Yar’Adua didn’t have time to receive pressures because his time was very short coupled with other challenges.

Now we have another president, we will continue to pile pressure until he does something and if he doesn’t do something when the next president comes, the pressure will continue.

39

Monday, August 4, 2014

THE LEADER is

81!

Your life has been exemplary.

You have inspired many and helped to build lives.

Over the years, you have emerged as a great patriot, a bridge builder, stabilizer and one of the fathers of modern Nigeria.

At 81, you have remained a moderating factor and a patriarch of our nation. History and posterity will hold you in high esteem for your numerous interventions in the affairs of our country at moments of national trials and challenges.

I join all men and women of goodwill across the federation to wish you well and pray God Almighty to graciously grant you more years of good health and strength for invaluable services to our Fatherland.

Chief Tony

Anenih Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees

Senator (Sir) Ifeanyi Araraume, KSJI.

40

Monday, August 4, 2014

Taraba STaTe GovernmenT

81 Happy Birthday

Chief Tony akhakon anenih Cfr Chairman PDP board of Trustees (The iyasele of esanland)

On behalf of the government and the good people of Taraba State, I congratulate the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Akhakon Anenih CFR, on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

Sir, your role as a trusted and tested leaders is acknowledged by all.

Signed: alhaji Garba Umar (UTC) Ag Governor, Taraba State

May the Almighty God remember you for good for your contributions to the development of our fatherland.

Monday, August 4, 2014

OLU MY LOVE

5 at

Every time I say I Love You… I am trying to say so much more than just those three little words.

And each time I whisper “I Love You”, I am trying to remind you that You’re the nicest thing that has ever happened to me

Happy Golden Jubilee Signed:

Boss Mustapha Amanda Mustapha Abba Mustapha Anna Mustapha Abalhti Mustapha

41

42

Monday, August 4, 2014

BAZE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

O

n behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management, Staff and Students of Baze University, Abuja I commiserate with the family of late Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali CON. Before he passed on he enriched Baze University with his wealth of experience and wisdom. He also provided valuable guidance and transparent leadership as the Chairman of the university’s Planning and Implementation Committe, and the university’s Mosque Management Committee.

He was a scholar of international repute, a man of integrity and a shining example to all who aspire to academic excellence.

We will miss his wise counsel, experience and dedication.

May Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannah Firdausi. Ameen.

Signed: Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Abubakar OFR Chancellor, Chairman BOT

Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali CON

43

Monday, August 4, 2014

BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT

Congratulations

Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha Group Managing Director (GMD) Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I wish to heartily felicitate with our son

Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha over his appointment as

Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

by His Excellency President

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. His Excellency Hon. Kashim Shettima Executive Governor Borno State

We will also like to place our profound gratitude to Mr President for finding our son worthy of this honour.

44

Monday, August 4, 2014 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY

Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

160th KANO STATE EXECuTiVE COuNCiL MEETiNG PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO • • • • •

Feeding – four (4) items = N5,255,000.00.

Operations – four (4) items = N550,000.00.

Graduation activities – two (2) items = N120,000.00.

Demonstration equipment – three (3) items = N930,000.00.

Logistics – one (1) item = N300,000.00.

Total = = = N10,815,000.00.

b) Presentation on and Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Monthly Allowances to the Five (5) Board Members (Chairman Inclusive) of Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (Sabon Gari) Market Co. Ltd:Council was politely reminded, through contents of this memorandum, of the appointment of the five (5) Board Members of the Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (Sabon Gari) Market Company Limited. Viz; ENGR. RAbi’u MuSA KwANKwASO, FNSE Executive Governor, Kano State

The Government of Kano State congratulates the entire Muslim Umma for completing the observance and worship in the month of Ramadan Kareem and celebration of Eid – El–Fitr for the 1435 Islamic Year after Hijrah.

In continuation with the delivery of impeccable services inherent in the execution of qualitative projects/programmes/policies across all sectors aimed at positive transformation of the lives of the citizenry in the State for the better, the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and sixtieth (160th) sitting today Wednesday 30th July, 2014 (4th Shawwal, 1435 AH) under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Thirty three (33) memoranda were submitted from seven (7) MDAs for deliberation of which Council approved thirteen (13) for execution with an expenditure of Four Hundred and Ninety Million, Six Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Seventy Kobo (N490,616,418.70) covering nine (9) projects while the remaining four (4) were on policy issues. Thus; 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT The Secretary to the State Government submitted twenty two (22) memoranda on behalf of the Chairman and some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Eight (8) of them were approved for execution as follows;

i. The Chairman – August, 2013 to July, 2014 (11 months). ii. Four (4) Members – April to July, 2014 (4 months).

Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implications on the accrued allowances to the tune of N1,030,000.00 which was requested for release to be disbursed to the Board Members.

d) Presentation on One (1) Year Top – Up Training at International University of East Africa (IUEA) Uganda:-

The Secretary to the State Government endorsed the cited request and presented it to Council for consideration.

The Kano State Ministry of Science and Technology submitted the cited presentation, which was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration.

The cited request was submitted in cognizance of the immense benefit of the programme to the trainees and the entire people of Kano State as modern fishing skills and craft technology are acquired. This improves the production capacity of the trainees as well as making more fish (food/protein) available for the people of Kano State and beyond.

Details of the requirements for the three (3) (3rd, 4th and 5th) sessions of training were presented to Council for consideration along with financial implications to the sum of N10, 815,000.00 which was requested for release by Council.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N10,815,000.00 to the Secretary to the State Government to enable the Senior Special Assistant Fisheries conduct the 3rd, 4th and 5th sessions of training to 360 fishermen at the Magaga Fisheries Skills Acquisition Center. The fund is to be utilized according to the details presented summarized as follows; • Training

– four (4) items

= N3,060,000.00.

Return Ticket Allowances Welfare Accommodation Consultancy Fees Balance Payment to the Consultant.

Council considered the details presented and the following approvals were granted; i. Council approved the release of the sum of $45,446.00 (equivalent to N7,725,820.00 at N170.00 to the dollar subject to fluctuations in exchange rate) as the verified balance payment to the Consultant for his services. ii. Council approved suspension of the claim of $79,200.00 for two (2) months by the Consultant. iii. That the Office of the Head of Civil Service should handle the case of Shitu Sunusi a sponsored Civil Servant while that of the Psychiatric patient be investigated by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Scholarship Board. f) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Registration Fees in Respect of 191 Kano State Indigenous Students Admitted for Studies at the School of Basic – Midwifery Kano, 2014 Academic Session:-

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved for the release of the sum of N1,030,000.00 from the fund available at the Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (Sabon Gari) Market Company Limited for The Kano State Ministry of Health submitted the cited request, the stated purpose. which was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and c) Presentation on and Request for Funds to Enable presented to Council for consideration.

Reimbursement of Incurred Expenditure by the Fact – Finding Committee and Evaluation of Various Projects Essentially, Council was notified that 191 Kano State Indigenous Students gained admission into the School of Basic Midwifery Kano.

Inherited from the Previous Administration:As such, the free education policy embarked upon by the present The Secretary to the State Government endorsed and submitted the administration instigated the Ministry of Health to submit the cited cited request for consideration by Council on behalf of the Fact – request for consideration by Council.

Finding Committee and evaluation of various projects inherited from Details were presented along with the request for the release of the the previous administration. aggregate sum of N3,525,750.00 to cater for the following; The Committee carried out its assignment commendably and saved i. Registration and indexing fees at N14,500.00 for 191 the incumbent administration a lot of unwarranted expenditure. The students (new intakes) = N2,769,500.00. activities of the Committee involved some expenditure to the tune of ii. Indexing fees and instructional materials for 50 students N5,000,000.00 which was requested and recommended for release that passed their weeding examinations at N15,125.00 =

by Council as reimbursement to the Committee.

N756,250.00.

Total = N3,525,750.00.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested.

a) Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of 3rd, 4th and 5th Batches of Training for 360 Fishermen and Fish Farmers at Magaga Fisheries Skills Acquisition Center:-

Relatedly, the Senior Special Assistant Fisheries notified the Council that, so far 240 fishermen were trained at the Center under the first (1st) and second (2nd) batches after which post training packages were distributed to the beneficiaries.

• • • • • •

Council was politely reminded of its approval for the sponsorship of 197 Kano State Indigenous Students that graduated with Advance Diploma from Kano State Informatics Institute and Jigawa State Institute of Information Technology, Kazaure for the cited training.

The 197 candidates are proceeding with their second (2nd) semester after successful completion of the first (1st) that lead them to the award of a B sc Degree in IT, Computer Science and Software Engineering.

In this vein, 163 Kano State Indigenous Students were screened as the second (2nd) batch for the same training.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved for the Secretary to the State Government to seek admission for the 163 students. e) Presentation on Issues/Challenges Raised by the Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Studies in Turkey and Cyprus:Contents of this memorandum presented seven (7) issues regarding the students sponsored for studies in Turkey and Cyprus. Viz; • Health Insurance

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N3,525,750.00 to the Ministry of Health for the stated purpose.

2. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Both memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Office of the Head of Civil Service were approved for execution as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of the 14th National Productivity Day Scheduled for 21st August, 2014 throughout the 36 States of the Federation and Abuja:The State Head of Civil Service politely notified Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the cited event premised under the main theme “Productivity and Creativity for Sustainable Peace and Security”.

The National Productivity Center provided the details involved on the activities that include symposium, exhibition of products/ manufacturing firms in the State, Award presentation to deserving individuals/industries and presentation of papers by resource persons.

The nine (9) items required estimated to cost the aggregate sum of N1,725,000.00 were presented to Council for consideration and granting approval for release.

Approval was granted for the release of the trimmed down sum of N1,000,000.00 to the Office of the Head Civil Service for the stated purpose.

news NATIONAL 45

Monday, August 4, 2014 b) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of the 3rd Batch (2014) Bereaved Family Allowance in Respect of 93 Families of Deceased Civil Servants:Council was applauded for the prompt release of the first (1st) and second (2nd) bereaved family allowances for the year 2014 most recent of which was the successfully disbursed sum of N2,850,000.00.

Relatedly, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N4,320,000.00 as the 3rd batch bereaved allowance for the year 2014 in respect 93 families of deceased Civil Servants.

Council commiserates with the bereaved families of the 93 deceased Civil Servants as approval was granted as requested.

3. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Only one (1) of the three (3) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry was approved for execution. Thus; Presentation on and Request for Funds to Enable Payment of 2014 Counterpart Funding to Leventis Foundation School, Panda:The School of Agriculture Panda is jointly funded by the Kano State Government and the Leventis Foundation with a 70%:30% formula respectively.

In the same vein, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N36,935,685.00 which was 70% of the approved budget for the School for the year 2014 while the Leventis Foundation was expected to provide the balance of N15,829,707.03 or 30% of the budgeted sum of N52,765,392.03.

Council acknowledged the details presented and approved as requested.

4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted two (2) memoranda for deliberation by Council.

Only one (1) was approved for execution as follows; Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Reinforced Concrete Overhead Pedestrian Bridges at Five (5) Locations in Kano Metropolis:Provision of qualitative infrastructure for use by the citizenry in Kano State is among the cardinal resolutions of the present administration in Kano State under the capable leadership of the second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. As such, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. Five (5) locations were identified for the project, which include; i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Fagge Primary School along Ibrahim Taiwo Road.

Ja’en Juma’at Prayer Mosque along Sharada Road.

Dan Marke Bus Stop along Maiduguri Road.

College of Arts and Science along Airport Road.

Independence Road by Police Barracks.

Each bridge is of 40M length and estimated to cost the sum of N78,138,777.94 to total up to the aggregate sum of N390,693,889.70 for the five (5) which was requested for release.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

5. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES The only memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Water Resources was an information MEMO. Thus; Presentation of Notification on the Return of N11,714,955.55 to the Kano State Government Treasury:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources notified Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the Office of the State Accountant General credited the Bank Account of the Kano State Water Board with the sum of N135,534,284.20 instead of N123,819,328.55. This was fund requested for the relocation/replacement of water pipes affected by the on – going construction of five (5) metropolitan roads. Details were presented for consideration.

Council was therefore notified of the fact that the Company executing the project on Independence Road already paid the sum of N11,714,955.55 to the State Water Board for the relocation of the affected water pipes.

As such, the sum of N11,714,955.55 was returned to the State Government Treasury by the Kano State Water Board as evidenced by Receipt No. A0499118 presented to Council for perusal.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 160TH KANO STATE EXCUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1. CONDEMNATION OF THE RECENT SUICIDE ATTACKS ACROSS THE STATE The Kano State Executive Council was dismayed by the recent suicide attacks across Kano Metropolis and condole the families of the innocent victims that died as a result of the attack by unknown individuals.

The State Government pledged to pay the medical bills of the injured victims as well as support/assist the families of the deceased persons. Further, Government will continue to collaborate with the Security Agencies and urge the citizens to report any suspicious person connected to the nearest Security agency.

2. MONTLHY SANITATION EXERCISE Council acknowledged the successful conduct of the monthly sanitation exercise for the month July, 2014 and commended all stakeholders and citizens for their co-operation during the exercise.

Signed:

Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

NMA Deadlocked Over Strike, Postpones Briefing By 48 Hrs

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) appears to be confused and divided on whether or not to suspend its strike or not which it embarked upon about two months .

This was apparent yesterday when a press briefing with journalis sheduled for 3pm yesterday could not hold as journalists were kept waiting till about 4:45pm when it was cancelled.

Journalists were told that they would be called upon within the next 48 hours.

The secretary-general of the association just came and apologized to journalists to “bear with us; we will

call you in 48 hours time.”

He added that the members were yet to conclude from the emergency meeting of the NMA leadership which kicked off by 3pm and was still going ongoing at press time. It had past presidents of the NMA, in attendance.

Among those at the meeting include three past Presidents of the association: its immediate-past President and delegate to the ongoing National Conference, Dr. Osahon Enabulele; another past President of the NMA and Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Omede Idris and Dr. Prosper Igboele.

Others who were said to be at the meeting are member, Board of Trustees of

the NMA and Emir of Songa, HRH Haliru Yahaya; Registrar, National PostGraduate Medical College, Prof. Wole Atoyebi and former chairman, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria who is also with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

The NMA had been on strike over some irreconcilable differences with the federal government.

A source said, “The NMA leadership is divided on the strike; while some led by its current President, Dr. Kayode Obembe, are pushing for the suspension of the action, others said they would not suspend the action when the federal government has not listened to them.”

Osun Guber: Why Omisore Would Win – PDP

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Barely days to the governorship election in Osun State, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday boasted that it s candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, is already coasting to victory citing his wide acceptance by the voting population, widespread political structure, and a track-record of abiding affinity and loyalty to Osun people as factors.

PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh who said this in a statement, also reiterated that the fact that the PDP allowed a free and fair primary which threw up the people’s choice as candidate also gave it an early mileage ahead of the APC as was the case in Ekiti State.

Basking in the euphoria of a successful grand rally

in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Saturday, the PDP said, “We have a very popular and hardworking candidate with very strong bond with the people of Osun State, a candidate with the most extensive political structure in all the nooks and crannies of the state with an unrivaled track-record of loyalty to the people who have now queued behind him ahead of August 9.

“Nigerians are witness to the fact that, based on his popularity, Omisore would have become governor in 1999 and 2003 respectively but sacrificed his personal ambition to accept the position of deputy governor out of humility and commitment to the stability of the state. On these two occasions, he obeyed his people and made reference to God’s appointed time.

“With the prevailing re-

ality on ground in Osun state, it is clear that the humility and statesmanship displayed by Omisore in the last 16 years have paid off as the people themselves have at last settled for him,” the PDP said.

Stating that its too late for the APC to catch up, the PDP said while the APC neglected the people and devoted its time and energy on chasing shadows - using media propaganda and bogus opinion polls, the PDP candidate used his existing structures to vigorously engage in all-inclusive campaign with very strong message which resulted in the current overwhelming followership in Osun State.

The PDP thanked the people of Osun State for their “iron-cast support and solidarity” and urged them to come out en masse to vote for Senator Omisore.

Group Tasks New IGP On Security Improvement

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

A political pressure group, the Mau’zu Support Group for greater PDP, has urged the new acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to ensure improvements in Nigeria’s security in the face of the security challenge in the country.

In a congratulatory message sent to LEADERSHIP by the national executive council of group, its coordinator, Aminu Bello, stated

that it was a well deserved appointment for Abba who had demonstrated immense professionalism in the process of doing his job.

He also noted that there is great trust and belief that with Abba in the helms of affairs of the Nigeria police force, there is every possibility for improvements in security in Nigeria.

The federal government had appointed Mr. Suleiman Abba as the new IGP after the retirement of

M.D. Abubarkar.

Mr. Abba who once served as Aide De Camp to the wife of Nigeria’s late dictator, Maryam Abacha, is from Jigawa State, and was until his appointment the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police in Charge of Zone 7, Abuja.

A former IGP, Mr. Mike Okiro, advised the new police boss to strive to rise to the challenges of his new post, describing him as a tested officer.

46 news NATIONAL

Monday, August 4, 2014

OAU Releases Post-UTME Results

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Less than four hours after the conduct of its post-UTME screening exercise for 14,648 candidates, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have released the results of the exercise with eight candidates scoring 300 marks and above out of the available 400 marks.

A release from the public relations officer of the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that out of the total number of 14,648 that participated in the screening, 7,779 candidates 200 marks and above.

According to him, seven

out of the eight candidates who scored above 300 applied to study Law while the eighth candidate applied to study English Education. One candidate scored 360, two candidates scored 352 each, and each of the remaining six candidates scored 348.

Among the top performers, Akinade Oladayo Felicia, scored the highest with 360.

Adeagbo Folakemi Olanike, 352, Koye-Ladele Mofehintoluwa,O, 352 Iloabuchi, Emerie Collins, 348, and Ayodele, Timothy Oluwaseun, 348.

Others are Odelami, Akintomiwa Akinleye, 348;

Ajayi, John Jesuferanmi, 348, and Ojo Isaiah Olaonipekun, 348.

The university’s spokesman, therefore, enjoined candidates, their parents and/or guardian to check their children’s and wards results on the University’s website.

Meanwhile, the ViceChancellor of the University, Professor Bamitale Omole, has applauded the academic and administrative soundness of the members of staff, whose dedication to duty was described as a masterpiece, particularly on the just concluded post-UTME screening exercise

Kano Informatics Institute Is World-class – Ugandan Don By abubakar salihi, Kano

The Vice Chancellor, International University of East Africa, Uganda, Prof.

Olubayi Olubayi has described Kano Informatics Institute as a standard Institute that is competing at the international level.

Prof. Olubayi, who in company of three other staffers of the university paid a courtesy call to Kano state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso at the Kano Government House on Saturday, added that they are very happy with the level of discipline the students have shown.

He said, “The main purpose of our courtesy visit is exactly to report that your Institute of Informatics is competing at an international level and we are very happy about this.

“We in Uganda we were not quite sure how they (Kano students) would perform because they do not have A levels, so as students of informatics academic they were given exact same tests and examinations as students from other 25 countries and I am happy to say that they have done extremely good.”

According to him, out of 197 students, only three students did not do well, 47 had first-class grade, 64 with second upper class and 36 with second lower class.

“The majority of them had shown extreme commitment to study; they have even pushed us to start some programmes that we did not have, like special programme in public speaking, and many of them have created ideas on projects they

liked to do.”

He said the university recently engaged an experienced professor of Science and Technology who was in USA for over 34 years in order to give the students the exact practical aspects of their courses, so as to encourage them to create companies and to employ other people.

Responding, Governor Kwankwaso said education had always been a priority of the state government “Kano Informatics Institute is one of the 24 institutes that we established in the last three years and coincidentally is the first,” said the governor, pointing out that the institute had graduated many students from and within and outside the state with diplomas and advanced diplomas.

Boko Haram: We Now Sleep With Eyes Open – Students

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The Nigerian students under the auspicies of National Association Polytechnics Students (NAPS) yesterday asked the security agencies in the country to intensify efforts to end the activities of Boko Haram insurgencies as they are taking a heavy toll on the nation.

The studends, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said they no longer sleep with theirs eyes closed while on campuses because of the spate of recent attacks on schools.

A statement signed by NAPS national president, Comrade Ogbonnaya Sunday, and made available

to LEADERSHIP, said the leadership of NAPS strongly condemned the activities of the Boko Haram, describing them as bloodthirsty and reckless.

He said: “It is no longer news that, as Nigerians, we now leave in fear of terror; we sleep without our eyes closed. What is now more worrisome is the deliberate attack on the future of this country - Nigeria students .

“Only recently we were greeted with the sad news of the death of scores of students of the Kano State Polytechnic who met their untimely death in the hands of persons now believed to be from the Boko Haram sect.

“We, therefore, call on the security outfits in the country to tighten their belt in the fight against insurgency.”

The student group also commiserated with the family of the deceased, the management of the institution and the government of Kano State on the irreplaceable loss of great Nigerians that represent the future of this country.

The students, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his commendable initiative in coming up with a fund raising programme to ameliorate the sufferings of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

KATSINA STATE

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD P.M.B. 2174 MUHAMMADU DIKKO ROAD, K.C.K. COMPOUND, KATSINA

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION TO TENDER FOR UBE 2014 PROJECTS IN KATSINA STATE Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board wishes to invite contractors to tender for Pre-Qualification registration for 2014 Universal Basic Education (UBE) projects in the state.

The Board desires that interested companies/firms execute these project for Early Child Care Development (ECCDE), Primary and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) components.

2. SCOPE OF THE PROJECTS i.

Construction/Extension of Storey Building on existing structure at: a. Dankama Pilot Primary School, Kaita LGEA b. Kayawa Primary School, Dutsi LGEA c. Burdugau Primary School, Kankara LGEA ii.

General rehabilitation of primary schools structures iii. Construction of Examination Hall iv. Construction of Computer Hall with Accessories v.

Construction of 3-classrooms with electrical installations vi. Construction 2-classrooms, office, store and 4 cubicles VIP toilets vii. Construction of 2-classrooms only viii. Constructions of 7 cubicles, 6 cubicles, 5 cubicles, 4 cubicles, 3 cubicles, 2 cubicles and 1 cubicle VIP toilets ix. Construction/distribution of 3-seater (all metals) pupils furniture x. Construction/distribution of teachers’ furniture xi. Construction of boreholes xii. Procurement of monitoring vehicles 3. PRE-QUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS It is expected that the contractors are reputable and technically competent with verifiable track record on similar projects.

All pre-qualification documents shall be subjected to strict technical evaluation as such interested contractors shall submit the following documents: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.

Evidence of incorporation with CAC or Business Name Registration Registration Certificate with Katsina State Tenders Board Certificate of Registration as Contractor with SUBEB Evidence of Tax Clearance for three years (2011/2012/2013) Evidence of company’s Financial Capability Evidence of Award and Completion of similar jobs in the past Company’s profile, experience and qualification of key personnel.

4. SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED PRE-QUALIFIED DOCUMENTS The pre-qualification documents MUST be submitted in sealed envelope(s) and clearly marked PRE-QUALIFICATION TO TENDER for each project in view as itemized in the (2) above and shall be addressed and delivered to: The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Katsina, P.M.B. 2174 Muhammadu Dikko Road, K.C.K. Compound, Katsina Not later than 12:00 noon, on Monday, 18th August,2014 The documents will be opened by 12:30 pm on the closing date at SUBEB, Katsina Conference Hall.

Please NOTE that: a. The Board reserves the right to reject any pre-qualification package that does not fulfill the Board Guidelines. b. This pre-qualification shall NOT entitle any claim. c. Only successful contractors after pre-qualification will be contacted for tender. d. Companies are advised to deal directly with SUBEB as NO agent or proxies have been appointed for this purpose. Any company or person(s) that does contract to the laid down instructions does so at his/her own risk. e. Further clarification can be obtained from the Project Manager of the Board.

Signed:

KABIR UMAR SAULAwA Public Relations Officer For: Executive Chairman

47

Monday, August 4, 2014

LASG Begins Survey Of Households Today Lagos State government will today commence households survey of the 57 local government and local council development areas in the state.

The director, Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Tayo Oseni-Ope who disclosed this to newsmen said the survey exercise which is billed to commence on Monday August 4, 2014 would last for 25 working days in the entire state concurrently.

According to him, the household surveys conducted by the Bureau is one of the tools used in gauging the public response to the socio-economic, infrastructure and services rendered by the state government to its residents.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Oba Oyefusi Dies At 83 Ogunmola Omilan, Lagos

The paramount traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Lagos, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi (Oguntade II) is dead.

Sources in the palace said he died on Saturday at the age of 83 in London around 7:30 pm on Saturday after he had gone to seek medical attention to his ailing health.

Though the personal assistant to

the Oba, Tunde confirmed that the Oba died on Saturday he refused to give details.

It was gathered that the frontline monarch had been sick since May of this year, but the nature of the ailment could not be ascertained.

Source said that is why he has not been functioning or receiving visitors in his palace.

Oyefusi was born on July 8, 1931. He was installed Ayangburen of Ikorodu in September 1971.

Details of his funeral would be announced by the palace later.

As at the time of filling this report the palace of the Oba is at the verge of issuing a statement to formally announce the demise of the monarch.

Meanwhile, the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has described the late Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Oyetade Oyefusi, as irreplaceable royal father who used his ancient

throne to transform the lives of his people and his community.

Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji made this known yesterday in a press statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo.

He said, “ The news of the sudden demise of our most revered royal father, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, is like a thunder strike at a time like this. It is sad, most unfortunate and very hard to believe. How I wish it is a fallacy.”

short news Osun PDP Rally, A Show of Shame – LG Boss

Lagos Lawmaker Calls For Effective Policing

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade has called for effective policing in order to ensure security of lives and properties.

He made the call at a special interactive session which took place at his constituency office in Ikorodu, Agunbiade said his intention for bringing together stakeholders was to create an avenue for residents in the local community to help to nip in the bud any security challenges.

The lawmaker was elated over the turn out of his constituents especially the Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Community Development Associations (CDAs’) chairmen and other officials who have just been elected into their various offices.

L-R: Director of Brand Building, Foods, Unilever Nigeria, Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe; guest speaker, Prof Adeyemi Olusile, category manager, Unilever Nigeria, Oral Care, Oiza Gyang, and director of Brand Building, Home and Personal Care, Unilever Nigeria, David Okeme, during the unveiling of New Pepsodent in Lagos on Friday. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

Collective Efforts Will Tackle National Woes – Fashola, LG Bosses

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and chairmen of the 57 local government areas at the weekend underscored the need for collective efforts to address the woes besetting the country.

Speaking at the grassroots empowerment programme organised by the council chairmen popularly known as Conference 57, the governor and the council bosses bemoan the failure by Nigeria to achieve socio-economic and political growth after over a decade of democratic governance.

Fashola who was represented at the empowerment programme held at the Adeyemi Bero Audi-

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Labour Minister Unveils Banex Group’s 4-Star Hotel In Lagos Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief. Emeka Wogu at the weekend commissioned a fourstar hotel, Banex Hotel and Suites at Anthony Village, Lagos.

While commending the good intentions of the group for its committed efforts at internal investment and development of various sectors of the economy, Wogu said the new ultra-modern hotel would create employment for several Nigerian youths, who have found a career in the country’s fast growing hospitality industry.

The Banex Group chairman, Rev. Victor Mbanisi, whose 55th birthday anniversary coincided with the opening of the 78-room hotel also observed his periodic charity deeds in which he gave out 25 wheel chairs and other accessories to people with disability.

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

torium by the state commissioner for transportations, Comrade Kayode Opeifa said the vision of the state and local government areas is to work together to grow the state to be the pride of the country.

He said, “We do not do poverty alleviation but grassroots empowerment. The council chairmen have done well in providing infrastructures for the citizens.

They have built roads, schools, hospitals; construct drainages, empowerment programmes and others. I must thank the council chairmen for taking care of the grassroots.

“The council have come together to do the biggest empowerment programme in the country.”

Harping on the need for the residents to be vigilant in the face of security challenges rocking the country, he urged them to continue to be security conscious in order to keep the state safe.

“I want to tell the residents of Lagos that the security of this great state is also their responsibility. We should not leave it for the government alone. We need to support the council chairmen in their programmes so that they can provide the dividends of democracy.

“We need to be steadfast and do not accept expired rice from some people who claim to love you. These are tactics from the opposition. And I do not want them to scare you with their strategies.”

The chairman, Yaba local council development area (LCDA) Hon. Jide Jimoh has described Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grand finale rally in Osun State as a show of shame.

He disclosed this to newsmen over the weekend saying the people of Osun will disappoint PDP and its leaders through their votes.

“It was obvious during the speech of Iyiola Omisore that he has nothing to offer the people.

I see nothing in his manifestos.

“I believe so much in the power of the people in the state of Osun as citizenry are battle ready against any act of rigging and militarisation in which PDP believes.

“Aregbesola is the man of the people, he carried along all the stakeholders in his programmes”, he said.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Ikeja Club Launches Wellness Centre

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Business Club Ikeja (BCI) has opened an International Wellness Centre valued at N22 million to improve the health status of members and the public.

President of the BCI, Suleiman Tella, disclosed this at the launch

of the centre, adding that his organisation conceived the idea of the centre to promote physical fitness of the people which will go a long way in enhancing their productivity.

Tella who spoke on the genesis of the centre said it was fully initiated by council members in July,2009 and followed by September 2010

meeting with a consultant, Shola Enitan and Co. to identify the best possible option for a befitting wellness centre.

According to him, the consultant proposed BCI International Fitness Centre and projected a total cost of N22million for the project He also said the consultant suggested an income to be based on

monthly subscription of N15,000 per member for a month.

He said, ’’I must not fail to sincerely thank the management of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, particularly, Dr Dele Makanjuola in his various capacity who has shouldered a very high responsibility towards ensuring that this Wellness Centre project came to reality.’’

48 news

Monday, August 4, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

Osundecides

Saturday, August 9

Urban Renewal Programme Can’t Jonathan’s Visit Solidifies Omisore’s VictoryHinder Rural Development – Aregbesola South-West Woman Leader

The ongoing urban renewal programme of Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State will not have adverse effect on the development of infrastructure in rural communities across the state.

The director of De Raufs Volunteer Group, a group championing the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Comrade Amitolu Shittu noted that Governor Aregbesola is committed to the development of rural communities.

Speaking at the door to door campaign for the election of Aregbesola at Araromi-owu and other surrounding villages that include Bembe, Odesilo, Odeyinka, Molausa, Orile owu, Araromi Owu, Idiroko, Mokore1,2 and 3, Amitolu noted that

the establishment of Mokore Farm Settlement is an indication of the commitment of Aregbesola to agriculture. He told the communities of the commitment of Aregbesola to create a conducive atmosphere to farmers through the provision of basic infrastructures that will check rural-urban migration.

Amitolu who sought the total support of the communities for the reelection of Aregbesola on 9th of August 2014 assured them of better life to every individual.

He urged them not to be intimidated by the threat of the PDP to bring Hausa speaking soldiers saying they are on ground to protect lives and ensure a hitch free election.

According to Comrade

Aregbesola

Amitolu, “Those who are declaring war against the people are enemies of progress, Aregbesola shows that only a participatory democracy can bring succour to the masses, and no army of occupation can change the will of the people.”

The door to door campaign took the group to the palace of AraromiOwu.

Few days to the conduct of Osun 2014 governorship poll, the South West women leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief (Mrs) Olawunmi Osinroluke-Ebua has said that last Saturday’s visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Osun State had solidified the much expected victory for the party’s candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Addressing PDP supporters at Osogbo yesterday, the woman leader urged the supporters of PDP never to look back so that the rescue mission embarked upon by Omisore could be realised.

She commended the support of all peace loving and industrious women in the PDP and communities for the electoral success of Omisore.

The woman leader, appealed to artisans, traders, civil servants not to be deceived by what she termed high-tech propaganda of the ruling party, contending that “their inglorious days are already over”.

She also affirmed that the mammoth crowd that received the president and the support of the people, coupled with blessings from traditional rulers, most especially the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Olanipekun would go a along way in boosting the electoral success of the PDP on August 9.

She said, “We are heading towards quick emancipation from oppression

Omisore

and slavery with collective resolve of the masses, who have demonstrated their unflinching backing for President Jonathan and Omisore ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election.

“The realisation of our dream and actualisation of high hope of a better and prosperous future for all Osun indigenes.

Stories by Joshua Dada, Osogbo

south-west

The Osun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against recruiting members of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, ‘O’YES for election duties on August 9.

The party said it has been informed that some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have infiltrated INEC and fraudulently listing ‘O’YES cadets for recruitment for election duties by the body.

A statement by the director of media and strategy of Osun PDP, Prince Diran Odeyemi, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, specifically mentioned a front line politician in Ede, accusing him of forcing INEC officials to recruit ‘O’YES cadets for election duties in his area.

The statement reads, “ Many APC chieftains were alleged to be involved in this desperate move to avert defeat and commit fraud through ‘O’YES cadets that are being recruited in place of NYSC members to work on the day of Osun governorship poll, but we can only confirm Adeleke’s involvement.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Clerics Extol Virtues Of Rasheed Durodoye At Fidau

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Death has been described as the servant of Allah saddled with the responsibility of transiting man to eternity that is supreme.

Speaking at the Fidau of Alhaji Rasheed Olatidoye Durodoye at Osogbo yesterday, the guest lecturer, Alhaji Kamil Jamiu said every living being should bear in mind that one day, they will give account of their stewardship on earth.

Quoting from the Holy Quran Chapter 18: verse 22, Alhaji Jamiu warned that every living being should be conscious of to-

morrow adding that tomorrow is an independent variable because death is inevitable and every soul shall taste it whether they like it or not.

Alhaji Jamiu posited that no matter how long a person lives on earth, it cannot be compared to eternity with Allah adding that the irony of it is that whatever we do on earth will determine where we go on the resurrection day.

He charged the congregation, particularly the children to emulate the virtues of Alhaji Durodoye who lived a selfless life of service to humanity before he left for the great beyond adding

that one day, people will gather in their remembrance to speak on what they did on earth.

Speaking shortly after the prayer, one of the children of the departed, Dr Kazeem Durodoye described his father as a honest, diligent and selfless person that devoted his life time to the well being of the people irrespective of their political, religious or tribal affiliations.

He said, “Twenty hours is not enough for me to talk on my dad, he was a politician who always put the people first, perhaps that was why he did not go far in politics.

Osun: Use Of Soldiers During Elections Not New In Nigeria – Ladoja

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

The national leader of Accord Party and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has said that he supports the use of military personnel to supervise elections, saying that it is not new in Nigeria.

Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, the former governor said those crying against the deployment of sol-

diers in Ekiti and Osun states might have forgotten that the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army gave evidences at the Elections Petition Tribunal in 2007.

He said politicians threatening fire and brimstones and violence during campaigns might have made deployment of sufficient security by the federal government a necessity to protect lives and properties.

He noted that the use of security gave the people a sense of security in Ekiti which could be said to have accounted for thehighest turn out of voters in the history of elections in the country adding that the electorate may not have come out if they were not sure of their security.

He however said the deployment of massive security in 2015 to states by the federal government will not be possible.

Inducement, Violence, Damage Quality Of Democracy – WARDC Boss

the

PDP Warns INEC Against Recruitment Of ‘O’YES Cadets As Ad-Hoc Staff

short news

Few days to the governorship election in Osun State, the Iyalode of Osogbo, Chief Alake Kolade has charged women to encourage their husbands to shun violence and warn their children against it to avoid sorrow in their families.

Speaking at the launch of Women’s Governance Accountability Platform and interface with political parties and women for peaceful election in Osogbo, Chief Kolade noted that women and children are more vulnerable to violence.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Monday, August 4, 2014

Delta APC Leaders Call For Cancellation Of State Congress State leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State have called for the cancellation of the Delta State congress, which they described as marred with riggings and gross malpractices, stressing that such fraudulent exercise can never produce the right results that would be embraced and acceptable to all.

This was contained in a fourpage communiqué issued at the end of the APC stakeholders and state leaders meeting held at the APC state headquarters in Asaba, and signed by the state chairman, Isaac Tobore Ajueshi and the secretary, Peter A.G.Ofili.

The group noted that only fake delegate lists were used during the congresses rather than the original lists submitted by the APC leaders in the state from the local government areas, which led to the disenfranchisement of many members.

They therefore passed a vote of no confidence on the leadership of Prophet Jones Erue and rejected the idea of Prophet Erue’s interim executive succeeding it as APC state executive without being formerly dissolved.

“The leaders of APC and their teeming members in Delta State will resist any attempt by people to impose themselves on the APC Delta State,” it said.

news south-South south-East 49

Imo Cultural Festival Turns Political Gathering

By Stanley Uzoaru,Owerri

The historical Oru-Owerre festival celebrated annually by the indigenes of Owerri municipal in Imo State at the weekend turned a political gathering as politicians in the state irrespective of their political parties battle to seek recognition from the crowd that attended the ceremony.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, was not left out in the political parade as he almost

stole the show with his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere as they received a rousing ovation from the people at the ceremony.

Other politicians, basically those who have political ambitions ranging from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) also tried to outshine and garner support from the cheering crowd.

However Governor Okorocha who appeared to have rep-

resented his party, APC at the cultural event turned political show gained the attention of the crowd when he mounted the podium to deliver his address.

He urged the citizens of the state to be wary of those who they give their vote to in 2015, stressing that the state cannot afford to grapple again in the hands of mediocres and those without the fear of God. “No 419 man or woman would govern the state in 2015, and no thief too will rule the state, and

indeed, a woman who beats her husband cannot be the governor of the state,” Okorocha said.

Earlier, the paramount ruler of Owerri, His Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Njemanze in his speech said that his people appreciate the infrastructural facilities the present administration has put in place, which he noted has given Owerri the state capital a new look that is incomparable.

“Your Excellency we thank you for the bridges across River Nworie.

short news Ohaneze Ndigbo Visits Imo Int’l Market

The apex social cultural organisation of Ndigbo, Ohaneze, Lagos State chapter at the weekend visited the proposed site of the Heartland Gateway International Market located at Mgbidi, Oru east local government

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba area of Imo State.

Addressing the over 200 of Works Mike Onolememen (middle) at the wedding of Esele Okpebholo and Oseremen Osebo at the Church members of the CRIB Raises Alarm Over Minister of God Mission in Uromi, on Saturday. organisation at Child Abuse In Nigeria the residence of the deputy A non-governmental organspeaker of the isation, Child Rights Brigade state assembly, (CRIB) has expressed dismay Donatus

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu over increasing rate of child championed by Yorubas and Movement.

Ozoemena, the abuse and neglect in the coun“One would like to start by Hausas means that there is CEO of Graceland The national publicity secre- saying that Edozie falls into nothing in the kitty for Ndigtry.

Channels Ltd, tary of the Conference of Nige- the category of Chop-Sand-Syn- bo; whether President GoodIt called on all and sundry to Pastor Nat rian Political Parties(CNPP), Mr join hands with it in waging war drome, found mostly among my luck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, Omoruyi disclosed Osita Okechukwu yesterday disagainst the ugly trend.

Igbo brothers, whose trajecto- is performing or not” he statthat plans are closed that the All Progressives The state coordinator, Mrs. ry is without scant regard that ed.Okechukwu, said if Presiunderway to Congress(APC) is the shortest Promise Oluchi, who spoke over Ndigbo like Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, dent Jonathan wins 2015 presacquire more route to president of Igbo ex- are prominent in their own idential election, the earliest an weekend during the formal inpiece of land traction in Nigeria. auguration of the Enugu State right in All Progressives Con- Igbo could be president would to beef up the Okechukwu stated this in his gress (APC), deliberately define be 2027.

Command of the organisation, already 28,097 reply to an article entitled “ Why the APC as Yoruba and Hausa said the present number of vulBut if APC wins, he stated, hectres already in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nerable children in the society the earliest for the Igbos would party. This is wrong. place. may win again” written by Mr. was worrisome.

“The Chop-Sand-Syndrome be 2023 because of the moral Edozie Okeiyi, director of me“Within the past few weeks in proponents in the South East, weight of “zoning convention

By Stanley Uzoaru, dia and strategy, Great Nigeria will tell you that APC being that is South-North primed”. our mapping and sensitisation Owerri activities, we discovered that there are many vulnerable children in this state (Enugu). Some cases of abuse at different levels have also been reported,” she By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba He commended Novena Uni- will promote academic discipline ta State. The event took place at stated the Amai Campus of the univer- versity for having an informative and resourcefulness in the proCRIB, she explained, was es- Delta State governor, Dr Em- sity. and educative magazine, noting duction of globally competitive tablished with a view to polic- manuel Uduaghan has said that Dr Uduaghan observed that that the magazine is of high qual- graduates. ing and protecting the interests private universities are playing private universities have provid- ity.

“It has always been our deand rights of the children in the vital roles in providing learning ed succour for Nigerian youths The chairman of council and sire to make Novena Univerneighbourhood state. facilities for Nigerian youths. who would have travelled out of pro-chancellor of the univer- sity an optimal institution for He appealed to members of The governor spoke through the country for studies as a result sity, Dr Chuks Ochonogor ex- students’career development the public to always report cas- his special assistant on enter- of lack of space in government- pressed hope that the magazine because we do note that learnes of abuse in their neighbour- tainment, Hon. Berkley Asiafa at run universities and challenged “Will showcase our academic ing goes beyond classroom works hoods to relevant agencies for the public presentation of Nove- the institutions to ensure good prowess and most importantly, and for this students are encouraction. na Vista, a quarterly magazine of academic excellence and charac- consolidate our mission which is aged to have freedom and motito be a dynamic institution that vation to think, design,” he said.

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu Novena University, Ogume, Del- ter in their students.

APC, Shortest Route To Igbo Presidency – CNPP

Private Varsities Providing Succour To Youths – Uduaghan

50

Monday, August 4, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES UGHIEDAH PROGRESSSIVE UNION LAGOS BRANCH

IGALA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION GWAGWALADA ABUJA

GOSPEL REVELATION BIBLE CHURCH WORLD WIDE

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 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 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. Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ekhasomi Momodu 2. Karimu Chiaba 3. Abu Omoaka Sado 4. Yakubu Iteliebe Musah 5. Alhaji Murtala Audu 6. Braimah Izuagie 7. Prince Ozelibe Momodu Musah

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abdul Umar 2. Ukwenya Gabriel 3. Alex Okpanachi Thomas 4. Onalo Solomon Egbunu 5. Abdul Paul 6. Idris Obaka

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Thompson Melchizedek 2. Bro. David O. Osahon 3. Bro. Paul Hosea Wuyah 4. Bro. Abraham Achemta 5. Bro. Markus George Peter 6. Bro. Jeremiah Hosea Ambi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To cater for the welfare of it’s members.

2. to work towards the unity of Igala at home and abroad.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the whole world.

Any objection to this change 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.

- Chairman

- Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster co-operation and spirit of brotherhood among the Ughieda Community resident in Lagos.

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: E. E. OKEME (08065336084)

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

GOSPEL CHARIOT CHURCH

EZE-EGO FOOTBALL CLUB OF NIGERIA

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 CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Pastor Jonathan Ogbeide 2. Rev. Ekeasi Paul Thankgod 3. Adams Adagbonyi 4. Ekeasi Kelechukwu 5. Edomwonyi Odemwingie Lucky 6. Obakpolor Donald Etinasa 7. Okojie Hubert Erayemen

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Mr. Ikenna Ejiagha 2. Mr. Valentine Anaeche 3. Mr. Chimezie Muogbo 4. Mr. Maduabuchi Orji 5. Mr. Emeka Ngwudo 6. Mr. Bright Okereke 7. Mr. Ikenna Anaduaka 8. Mr. Joshua Nweke 9. Mr. Emeka Obi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for the kingdom of God.

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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. Evangelist Patricia Dirisu 2. Pastor Roland Jibiri AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote welfare of registered 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.

ROYAL GRACE CHRISTIAN MISSION

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 registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: J. E. ANAEKWE & CO 08035855848

SIGNED: IRETI ODUTAYO

JEROM UBA FOUNDATION

HEALTHY FAMILY ACCESS AND SUPPORT INITIATIVE

SOUTH EAST YOUTHS CONVENTION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION 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 INITIATIVE 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 notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Dr. Humphrey D. Uba 2. Dr. Elizabeth O. Uba AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To making healthcare accessible to the needy especially the poor.

2. Maternal and child health care.

3. Public health education.

4. Aids awareness campaigns.

5. Community development (especially by encountering healthy commercial living).

The Trustees Are: 1. Dr. Folashade Oluronke Awe 2. Mr. Bolarinwa Ayodeji Awe 3. Prof. Samson Popoola Owolabi 4. Mr. Folarin Oluseyi Owolabi 5. Mrs. Afolake Oreoluwa Olubakinde Esq AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and or serve individuals, families and communities by developing and implementing appropriate health programmes.

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 Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: UDENYI GODWIN ESQ LEGAL ATTORNEY

Signed: DADO N. ISHAYA 08035893802

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Blessing Nkemjika Ogini 2. Barr. Obinna Donatus Okeke 3. Hon. Anigbo Roosevelt Nnamdi 4. Barr. Machie Chuka 5. Mr. Igwesi George Chika 6. Mrs. Udeagwu Amaechi Rose

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To ensure decency among our youths by public enlightenment and orientation.

2. To ensure youths imbibe decency rather than social vices through training and employment opportunity projects.

3. To provide youth employment and education through vocational and skill training programme.

4. To project and protect the ideas of a civilized society through youth education and orientation and orientation.

5. To organize leadership trainings and workshops for youths.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIOMA LILIAN NZEKWE N0. 5A, ABDOU DIOF STREET, ASOKORO, ABUJA; 08034839283

SONSHIP MANDATE MINISTRY

SALVATION WORD OUTREACH

CHRIST DOMINION GOSPEL CITY MINISTRY

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 notified that the above named MINISTRY 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 MINISTRY has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Maji Margret Iye - Chairman 2. Achemu David Ocholi - Secretary 3. Achemu Jackson Afenoko

THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Enimola Simon 2. Pastor Mrs. Enimola Grace 3. Evang. Uket Bam 4. Deaconess Ekpe Elizabeth 5. Deaconess Obeten Glory Irom

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Elder Christopher Nchekwube Ugbaja 2. Elder Diana Omerebre Mercy Ugbaja 3. Pastor Moben Chukwuka Joselp 4. Chukwubueze Ebube Ugbaja 5. Chinweike Okwuchi Ugbaja 6. Pastor Andrew Ejike Ochei 7. Evang. Philip Egbidi

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer - Financial Secretary - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of 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.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> augustine 08032325988

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To preach the words of God as in the Holy bible 3. To evangelise and win souls for God’s kingdom 4. To help the poor and the needy in the society.

5. Conduct deliverance, healing and breakthrough crusades and seminars in order to win souls for Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord and Savious Jesus Christ to the whole world.

2. To prepare souls for the kingdom of God. 3. To minister healing, deliverance and restore freedom to the captives.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: T. A. ADEUSI & CO. FLAT 9, GUEST HOUSE, AREA 1, ABUJA; 08030831113

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

51

Monday, August 4, 2014

VICTORIOUS CALVARY CENTRE INT’l

ZAMFARA INVESTORS & BUSINESSMEN ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named CENTRE 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 ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Chukwuemeka Julius Ndubisi Ogbonna - Chairman 2. Uchenna Christiana Ogbonna - Secretary 3. Rev. Emmanuel Okechukwu Oti - Member

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Alh. Lawal Muhammad Tsafe 2. Alh. Ibrahim Abubakar Dakingari 3. Alh. Aliyu Garba 4. Abubakar Muhammad 5. Alh. Nura Abubakar

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity among 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, Garki, Abuja within 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, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ASaba table tennis club 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 TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Unachukwu Emeka 2. Chukwunyere kester Efugh 2. Agbara Ekuwunife Willam 4 Umuze Raymond Eseoghene 5. Azubuike chukwu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote fitness and friendship amongst members.

2. To empower and promote the youth in sporting activities.

3. To build and maintain sports facilities like football pitch fields and other necessary facilities.

4. To enhance unity, peace and progress of 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: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

LINUS AGBAHIWE FOUNDATION

Displaced community disaster aid initiative

GWONG KENYEIT/NYENKPA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (MOTTO: “UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT”)

The above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the companies and allied matters act No 1 of 1990.

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 above named association which is duly registered with the ministry of youths and sports has on the 7th June, 2014 during her general meeting held in Barde, Nyenkpa Chiefdom in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State unanimously passed their Votes of “No Confidence” on the entire executive committee of the association that was under the Chairmanship of Comrade Luka Mallam for not piloting the affairs of the association base on the cardinal objectives, vision and mission for the period in office.

The trustees are: 1. Dr Austine Agbahiwe 2. Mrs Frances Agbahiwe 3. Agbahiwe Austine Chidera 4. Mr Reuben Nwankwo 5. Engr. Vice Onyempu

In the light of this, the association after her last meeting held in Gabi Kpadam District in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State dated 26th July, 2014, overwhelmingly inaugurated a wise caretaker committee under the Chairmanship of Dr.Yaki Katuka(Jakadan Gwong) and Mr.Ezekiel Iliya as the Secretary with three others as members with the mandate to manage the affairs of the association and also conduct a credible, free and fair elections soonest.

Aims and objectives are: 1. To train indigent youths in viable vocation/trades 2. To render economic assistance to widows and the aged.

3. To train youths in effective financial management 4. To assist in training youths in vocations and in acquiring basic tools.

5. To establish vocational training centres 6. To organize empowerment programes for youth, women and the disabled in the society.

THE TRUSTTES ARE: 1 Mr. Williams Ewa 2. Mr. Christopher Uwagbale 3. Mrs Monica Ewa 4. Miss Annabel Trakicowei 5. Hon. Collins Okongbo 6.Hon Suleiman Ismail 7. Barr. Innocent Ewa 8. Aisha Gazama 9. Barr Ego queen 10. Mrs. Agnes Hart

The general public and all her members are hereby notify that Comrade Luka Mallam and all his exco members seized to be the executive committee of GWONGKENYEIT/ NYENKPA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. SIGNED: DR. YAKI KATUKA( JAKADAN GWONG).

EZEKIEL ILIYA CHAIRMAN SECRETARY 08136337082

Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar - General , Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street , Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Dr Austine Agbahiwe

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help promote greater interaction and participation between community and government on disaster management.

2. To promote coherent and sustainable solution to disaster.

3. To save lives and livelihoods during disasters.

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

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA

MIGHT OF GOD APOSTOLIC CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

END TIME RESCUE CRUSADER MINISTRY

The general public is hereby informed that the above name Foundation 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 Association 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. ALAKIU AYODELE MICHAEL MUFUTAU 2. ALAKIU ADEOLA ADESOLA 3. ALAKIU OLUFUNMILAYO VICTORIA 4. ALAKIU AYOBAMI ESTHER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ONI EMMANUEL OLUSOLA 2. MRS ONI ODUNOLA OLUBAYO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. IFEANYI HENRY UKACHUKWU 2. DR. OMOLOLU IBITOMILAYO 3. DR. AKINFE FOLASHADE 4. DR. EMEKA EZENEKWE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote interventional radiology practice in Nigeria and provide training materials to medical doctors and Allied professionals 2. To promote interventional radiology by appropriate means 3. To support education and training in interventional radiology as well as to to provide National representation for interventional and Therapeutic Radiology and to recommend the standards of practice and training.

4. To foster the promotion of closer fellowship, collaboration and exchange of ideas among individuals with an interest in interventional radiology and related fields in Nigeria and worldwide.

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: TRUSTEES

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES WORLDWIDE 3. TO WIN SOULS INTO 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.

SIGNED: BARRISTER ADEWOYE ADEWALE OLUGBENGA 96, FAJUYI ROAD, ADAMASINGBA , IBADAN. OYO STATE. 07030170905, 08058485069.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE TRUE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO EVANGELIZE THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO PERSONS/ NATIONS UNREACHED WITH THE GOSPEL. 3. TO TRAIN AND EQUIP TEACHERS/PREACHERS/YOUTHS/YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN LINE WITH BIBLICAL INJUNCTIONS. 4. TO EMPOWER THROUGH SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND SYMPOSIUMS THE COMMUNITY WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE LESS PREVILEGED AND THE ABUSED AND ESTABLISH SHELTERS WHERE NECESSARY TO CATER FOR THE ABUSED, e.g. MOTHERLESS BABIES’ HOMES etc.

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

FOUNDATION FOR THE ELIMINATION OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND RURAL DEPRIVATION

CAPTAIN NWANKWO INNITIATIVE FOR PEACE AND UNITY

UNITED WIDOWS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP VWANG

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 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS AGAZIE CLARA. 2 DR EMMANUEL NWOSU. 3 REV FR DR HYCIENT ICHOKU. 4 REV FR DR OBAYI PAUL MARTIN. 5. DR VICTOR NWACHUKWU. 6. REV FR BONAVENTURE NWANKITI.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF CAPTAIN SUNDAY NWANKWO 2. BARR. NWUGHA THANKGOD 3. ANYANWU GODSON CHIDI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peace, unnity and understanding amongst the various tripes.

2. To promote the principels of equity, justice and love amongst Nigerians.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER UNITE AMONG MEMBERS 2. TO ENSURE GENDER EQUALITY 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 LINDA ONYEDIRE-08033523826

Chidinma

I formerly known as Miss Iheme Chidinma Aurelia, now wish to be addressed as Mrs Uhegbu Chidinma Aurelia. All former documents remain valid. The general public should note.

OLOLADE

I formerly known as MISS OLOLADE FATIMA SALAWU, now wish to be addressed as MRS OLOLADE OLANIRAN ADIMI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should note.

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - MEMBER

TINA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKABIE TINA CHIMENEM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWAKAMMA TINA CHIMENEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

FIDELIA

I formerly known as ZASHAAONDO FIDELIA SEWUESE, now wish to be addressed as MRS FIDELIA SEWUESE M. ERHAHON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should note.

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: CHIEF CAPTAIN SUNDAY NWANKWO (CHAIRMAN)

KETRAH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KETRAH AKUT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KETRAH DONALD SHELPIDI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note

ELIZABETH

I formerly known as ELIZABETH FATIMA OKEME, now wish to be addressed as ELIZABETH FATIMA AFAPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should note.

The TRUSTTEES ARE: 1. Mr Mwasara D. Cabala 2. Ngo Chundung Monday 3. Mr Pius Gyang 4. Mr John Garba 5. Mrs Nvou Daniel 6. Ngo Nvou Iliya 7. Mrs Sarah Ayuba 8. Mr Sati Lukason 9. Hon. Ayuba Jagaba 10 Hon. Mathias Dalyop

- Chairman - Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To promote the holistic development of widows and orphans 2. Working with the Church to help widows and orphans do well in Spirit and body to the glory of God. 3 John 2 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

ABIGAIL

AYAKURAI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADAMU EGOH ABIGAIL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGOCHUKWU EGOH ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as EGBADON OSA CLEMENT, now wish to be known and addressed as AYAKURAI CLEMENT EGBADON. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note

I formaly known as Esther Joseph Takwale, wish to be known as Esther Williams Kamale. All former documents remain valid. The general public should note.

I formaly known as Miss seikakere tuboulayefa sophia, wish to be known as mrs ogunleye tuboulayefa sophia. All former documents remain valid. General public should note.

Esther

sophia

Biyaya

I formerly known and addressed as Biyaya Gado now wish to be known and addressed as Biyaya Jatau M. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

Ayoyemi

I formaly known as miss Ayoyemi Jemima Olushola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayoyemi Jemima Oyekunle. All formal document, Nysc other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

52

Monday, August 4, 2014

zonal watch

EDO DELTA BAYELSA RIVERS AKWA IBOM CROSS RIVER

Nigerian Youths In Malaysia Write Jonathan’s Wife Over First Ladies’ Summit

by OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

Nigerian youths based in Malaysia, have called on the wife of the president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan not to allow the Conference of African First Ladies die due to lack of political will and finances, saying the sustained input of wives of African presidents will promote peace and security.

The youths said, although the summit was held in 2010 by the wife of the Malaysian president and with over 16 African First Ladies in attendance, the conference had highlighted the need to show

concern by politicians and other leaders over peace, security, and child rights protection in Africa.

In a letter dated July 23, 2014 and signed by the coordinator, Comrade Kelvin Franklin-Otele, the Malaysia-based Nigerian youths said the call on the Nigerian First Lady became necessary in view of the needed input of the African First Ladies in the rising security concern and peace in the continent.

It noted that the continent is currently facing serious challenges which has affected the hosting of the conference.

Rivers: NLC Denies Suspending Chairman

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State has denied media reports that its chairman, Comrade Chris Oruge, has been suspended from office and barred from engaging in all labour activities in the state.

The NLC, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, and signed by its press officer, Mr. Tonye Orabere, berated some Port Harcourt-based tabloids,

for spreading untrue, baseless and unfounded reports about the union.

The statement reads in part, “We categorically state that the reports making the rounds are untrue, baseless, unfounded and characterised with malicious tendencies and falsehood.

“The congress reaffirms that Comrade Chris Oruge remains the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State Council, and will continue to pilot the affairs of the council

until the end of his tenure in April next year.

“The congress further states that the misunderstanding between Comrade Oruge and his union, the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) is an internal affair of the NUT and does not have anything to do with his leadership of the NLC. Labour perceives the rumours as tacit demonstration of some politicians who are trying to drag NLC into politics in order to be relevant and gain cheap popularity.”

2015: Youths Are Determined To Return Jonathan – Presidential Aide

Heads FROM the ZONE

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

➔ Chief Godswill Akpabio Akpabio, the governor of Akwa Ibom State recently employed 5,000 new teachers to boost the number of teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state.

➔ Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson Dickson, the governor of Bayelsa State, recently successfully hosted the Bayelsa Business and Investment Forum, aimed at boosting the economy of the state.

➔ Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State, at the weekend announced the setting up of an endowment fund for the children of former NUJ president, late Ndagene Akwu.

Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Professor Wole Soyinka and Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt

Group Vows To Restore Dignity Of Farmers In South-South

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

A group, the South-South Apex Farmers Association of Nigeria (SSAFA) has vowed to restore the dignity of farmers in the South-South geo-political zone of the country, by ensuring that farming once again becomes a profitable means of job creation in the zone.

The group said it is also making efforts at ensuring that farmers in the rural parts of the South-South geo-political zone are integrated into the agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

National president of SSAFA, Pastor Sunday Essien, who spoke during the association’s meeting at the Regional

Office of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said farmers in the zone would work as a united front to ensure that the agricultural transformation agenda achieved its aims.

Essien listed the aims of the agenda, which is part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, to feed all citizens in this nation, create employment for the teeming population of the youth, men and women, as well as bring prosperity to all and sundry in the region in particular, and the nation at large.

He said, “The commitment to sustain farming rest on us, not them”. He added that SSAFA has come up to encourage the

transformation of agricultural sector; to create awareness; coordinate to restore and dignify the devastated image of farmers to their original status, if not better.”

Also speaking, the regional director, Agricultural Transformation Agenda, Mr. Martins Odey, appealed to members of SSAFA to ensure that people of the South-South geo-political zone become wealthy by encouraging them to go into farming, saying, “Let us keep farming until food is available, affordable for every citizen and resident in Nigeria and beyond.”

In his speech, chairman of SSAFA in Rivers State, Mr. Daye West promised to work for the betterment of farmers in the state.

Senior special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Student Affairs, Comrade Jude Imagwe, has commended the determination and commitment of youths in Nigeria in ensuring that President Goodluck Jonathan is voted back to power in 2015 general elections, just as he predicted the end to Boko Haram insurgent in parts of the North.

While calling on Nigerians to join hands with the federal government on the war against Boko Haram, he said the fight against the insurgents operating mainly in the North-East geo-political zone of the country, could only be achieved through collective action by all citizens.

Imagwe who spoke at Sapele, Delta State, during a rally organised by the Confluence of SouthSouth Youths in support of the second term bid of President Jonathan, noted that the challenges of restoring the country to the path of nationhood are daunting.

He expressed hope that successes are being recorded in the some key sectors of the nation’s economy such as aviation, education and transportation under the Jonathan-led administration, and appealed to the youths to support the government’s transformation agenda in consolidation of these achievements.

The presidential aide said, “What the Boko Haram is doing is not targeted at the North or the South nor a fight against Muslims or Christians. It is targeted at our identity and citizenship, it is targeted against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and every one of us must stand up and hold our country with strong faith. We must tell ourselves that enough is enough, because there is no country like Nigeria.

However, the challenges ahead maybe daunting, but no matter how difficult it may seem, Nigeria will prevail against the Boko Haram insurgences.

“Their plan was to cause disintegration when they begin to attack Churches so that Christians will be pushed to begin to attack Muslims but when we refused to fight they left the Christians and went to the Muslims and started attacking them in their Mosques to give the impression that it was the Christians that are attacking them. They have been put to shame; the only option left for them is now to begin to attack the soul of the country. It is for all of us, irrespective of religion, tribes, political divide to come together and confront our common enemy.”

WORLD NEWS 53

Monday, August 4, 2014

Goldman Group Set To Buy Message System

Wall Street firms led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc are close to buying a stake in chat and instant messaging startup Perzo Inc in pursuit of an alternative to a similar application from Bloomberg LP, sources familiar with Goldman’s plans said.

Banks are trying to cut costs as sluggish trading volumes and higher regulation weigh on

revenues. Bloomberg has dominated messaging on Wall Street for years, but its application is part of a data, trading and news terminal that costs about $20,000 a year. The Perzo applications are free.

Several banks and asset managers are considering an investment in Perzo, including Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank

of America Corp, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings PLC, BlackRock Inc and the hedge fund Maverick Capital Ltd, said two sources briefed on the matter who declined to comment publicly.

The companies, which have received term sheets for the deal and signed non-disclosure agreements in recent days, either declined to comment or

did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

Goldman Sachs spokespeople declined to comment on its Perzo investment, its plans to develop a chat program or its use of Bloomberg terminals.

Bloomberg declined to comment for this story.

Perzo is a Palo Alto, California-based startup founded by David Gurle, who declined a request for comment. Perzo’s application differs from Bloomberg’s in that it is “open-source,” meaning customers can plug it into their systems and alter it as they see fit, whereas Bloomberg customers have to buy the entire terminal, and can’t just buy the messaging system and adapt it.

British Airways To Continue Flying Over Iraq

British Airways flights will continue to fly over Iraq despite concerns over the threat of Islamic militants on the ground, its chief executive has said.

Willie Walsh told the Financial Times: “We fly over Iraq because we consider it safe. If we thought Iraq was unsafe we would not fly over Iraq.”

Qantas has become the latest airline to say it will divert planes

to avoid flying through Iraqi airspace.

BA said it would be reviewing its decision on a daily basis.

The airline said flights from the UK to destinations including Dubai and Doha would normally cross Iraqi airspace.

“Our flight plans vary depending on a number of factors but our highest and first priority is always the safety of our crew and

customers,” BA said in a statement.

Mr Walsh told the FT some customers would find it “confusing” that airlines had taken different positions on Iraq.

But he said airlines should be able to carry out their own risk assessments about flying over warzones because they had different operations and aircraft.

There is fresh focus on the routes taken by airlines following the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine last month.

British Airways has been avoiding the airspace over eastern Ukraine for several months.

The loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has focused attention on the decisions made by carriers when it comes to flying

over conflict zones.

Safety is always a top priority. No reputable airline would knowingly put the lives of its passengers in danger.

That said, diverting aircraft around a particular country can take longer and use more fuel, depending on the route taken and the weather conditions. Ultimately, that costs money.

Unless regulators step in, it is up to the airlines themselves to analyse the risks and decide whether a diversion is justified, based on their own information and the advice they receive.

Sometimes, they come to different decisions. However, after MH17 there will be a greater emphasis on caution than ever before.

BBC

Power Sector Privatisation: President Jonathan Has Done Well – Hagher

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

Though the situation of power in Nigeria remains laughable, president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan should be commended for the success of the privatization exercise in the power sector. This was the position of former Nigerian ambassador to Canada, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher when he gave a lecture at a workshop organised for the Ministry of Power by The African Leadership Institute USA at the University of Dayton USA. Professor Hagher, who is the executive director of African Leadership Institute, Dayton, Ohio, USA said, “The energy output of Nige-

ria is laughable, compared to other smaller countries however, the president of Nigeria must be commended for the success of the privatization exercise in the power sector. This is no mean achievement in a country bedevilled by corruption, vested interest and lack of transparency.”

He stated that the exercise illustrated president Jonathan’s ‘strong political will and dogged commitment to deliver on his promise to provide a highly improved electric infrastructure to Nigerian citizens.’

According to him, Nigerians spend about 1.6 Trillion Naira on importation and maintenance of private generators yearly, which represents an indictment on the

power sector.

He bemoaned the fact that the high carbon emission pollutes the Nigerian environment and puts the citizen’s health at risk.

Professor Hagher also noted that, “Like all government policies the devil is often in the implementation.

In this case also the privatization and liberalization of the power sector cannot be said to be successful if it is not equitable and does not reflect the interests, aspirations and welfare of the citizens. After all, the purpose of true leadership is to guarantee the greatest happiness to the greatest number of the people.”

He implied that the privatised power sector would

function best if there was minimal politicizing of its activities.

“I believe the real test for the privatized power sector will be how independent the regulatory commission is able to function without undue political interference or corruption, and how you the managers are able to address the employee concerns and the concerns of the Unions,” he said.

Professor Hagher urged that the interests of Nigerians be placed first. He said, “It must be borne in mind that the main purpose of the privatization exercise is not to enrich a few people. Ultimately the sum total aim of the privatization exercise is to make Nigerians happy.”

People walking among debris after the earthquake in Ludian

Earthquake ‘Kills 175’ In South-west China At least 175 people have been killed and some 1,300 injured after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck in southwest China, state media say.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 11km (7 miles) north-west of Wenping in Yunnan province at 16:30 local time (08:30 GMT).

A major rescue and relief operation is under way.

State broadcaster CCTV said the earthquake was the strongest to hit the province in 14 years.

The USGS said the quake struck at a depth of about 10km in a remote mountainous area in Yunnan province.

The tremor was also felt in the neighbouring provinc-

KHADIJAT

I formaly known as MISS KHADIJAT BOLANLE EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs KHADIJAT BOLANLE BASHIR BELLO. All formal document remain valid. Federal Ministry of Labour and the general public should please take note.

HAPPINESS

I formaly known as MISS NWACHUKWU HAPPINESS ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEPARIOYE HAPPINESS ESTHER. All formal document remain valid. General public should please take note.

es of Guizhou and Sichuan.

Chinese state broadcaster footage shows the moment the quake strikes Xinhua said about 12,000 homes had collapsed in Ludian, a county of some 439,000 people, north-east of Yunnan province’s capital, Kunming.

All of the casualties reported so far are in Qiaojia County of the Zhaotong region, which appeared to be the hardest hit.

Ma Liya, a resident of Zhaotong, told Xinhua that the streets there were like “battlefield after bombardment”, adding her neighbour’s house, a new two-storey building, had collapsed.

—BBC

LYNDA

I formaly known as EMERONYE LYNDA OBIANUJU now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE LYNDA OBIANUJU. All formal document remain valid. General public should please take note.

veronica

I formaly known as chiugo veronica osisi, now wish to be known and addressed as chiugo veronica ezuma. All formal document remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS DOCUMENT LOSS OF loss of DOCUMENT document

This is to notify the General Public of the loss of Document. Original letter of Offer o ststutory right of occupancy in respect of Bashir Muhammed Aliyu on Plot No 1071 Cadestal Zone B19 District KATAMPE EXT. If found please Contact M A Majia 08033299697,08034500049.

THE GATE OF SALVATION OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL 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 TRUSTTES ARE: 1. Rev. Effiong Asuquo Akpan 2. Elder George Samuel Uwatai 3. Pst Godwin Ukpong Akpan 4. Elder Damian Chukwuonye 5. Bro. Elijah Effiong Akpan

- General Overseer - Secretary - Member - Financial Secretary - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

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: BARR. OBINNA NNA MBUKO

54

Monday, August 4, 2014

Youth Olympics: 9 Beach Volleyball Players Camp In Abuja

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja Ahead of the Youth Olympic Games coming up in China, nine beach volleyball players have resumed camping in Abuja This was made known to LEADERSHIP Sports yesterday by the Chairman, Nigeria Beach Volley-

ball, Engineer Musa Nimrod.

According to him the players are in Abuja courtesy of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The players in camp are Morris Samuel, Kalu Idika, Akande Philip, Peter Ibrahim and Obayemi Ogushina.

Others are Hajara Audu, Jum-

mai Bitrus, Francisca Ikidia and Tochukwu Nnorogu.

He added that the players would be under coach C.I. Charkuma’s tutoring.

Speaking further, Engineer Nimrod was optimistic that the team will represent Nigeria well when the Youth Olympics begin.

Nestle Insists On World Class Facilities For The 16th Milo B’ball Championship

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja Nestle the leading nutrition, health and wellness Company has been playing a leading role in school sports development across the country. In 1999, some schools in the south west part of the country started the championship which today has become the nation’s major resource for the game of Basketball.

Most of the nation’s big names in the game at various levels are products of the Nestle Milo Secondary schools Basketball

championship.

At a press conference held in Lagos where the draws for this year’s finals were made, the MD/CEO Nestle Nigeria PLC Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon stated that using standard Basketball facilities at this level gives the players a good opportunity to showcase their skills and sporting talents thereby giving them world class exposure here at home.

Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon adds that Nestle believes that sports is a great platform for Nigerian youths to learn

positive values that set the foundation for a child’s future. Values such as respect, discipline and team work.

The grand finale of the MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship will be taking place at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium from the 11th to the 16th of August.

The qualifiers for these finals had emerged from keenly contested qualifiers held in 4 different zones across the country over a period of three months.

Milo Basketball action

Stakeholders Want NFF’s Electoral Committee Dissolved

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

I have my doubts about the electoral committee because if they cannot make forms available to every candidate to collect; it then means that they lack the capacity Anonymous, Former NFF board member

Football enthusiasts and some former members of the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have called for the dissolution of the NFF’s electoral committee for the August 26 elective congress, accusing the committee of conniving with some people to deny prospective aspirants of getting the election forms.

A former board member of the NFF, who spoke to LEADERSHIP Sports on condition of anonymity said a desperate group have hijack the electoral committee and have made it difficult for other intended aspirants to get election forms.

He appealed to the appropriate authorities to intervene in the matter so as to avoid a situation where qualified candidates are disenfranchised from contesting the election.

He said the committee should be compelled to provide a level playing ground for every candidate that feels they have something to offer to the nation’s football to contest the election.

“The body supervising them must look into this unfortunate situation so as not to allow this to continue and to avoid court cases after the election.

How come that aspirants cannot get forms to buy? It is absolutely unfair and it must be checked before things

Final Commonwealth Games Medals Table Country

Gold

Silver

get out of hand,” He said.

He noted that the latest development has raised the big question on the capacity of the electoral committee to organize credible elections.

“I have my doubts about the electoral committee because if they cannot make forms available to every candidate to collect; it then means that they lack the capacity to organize this election. I am of the opinion that a new electoral committee that would be fair and would have total control of the electoral processed be set up, and I can tell you that I am speaking the minds of so many of the candidates who have been deprived.”

Chief Mike Umeh

El-Kanemi’s Sarki Happy With Recovery From Injury

Bronze

Total

1 England

54

59

57

174

2 Australia

49

42

46

137

3 Canada

32

16

34

82

4 Scotland

19

15

19

53

5 India

15

30

19

64

6 New Zealand

14

14

17

45

7 South Africa

13

10

17

40

8 Nigeria

11

11

14

36

9 Kenya

10

10

5

25

10 Jamaica

10

4

8

22

11 Singapore

8

5

4

17

12 Malaysia

6

7

6

19

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja

a hard time staying without playing due to the injury I sustained in El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri a league match against Nasarawa no nonsense and reliable defend- United last season. I must thank er, Kabiru Sarki Adewale is happy the coaches and management of with his level of recovery after be- El-Kanemi for truly believing in ing laid off for some time follow- me while nursing my injury to the ing an injury sustained during a present state”. clash between his club and NasarThe defender said he is now fit awa United. He said with his re- and ready for action, pointing out covery premier league teams must that El-Kanemi has been reinforced stop thinking of getting away with and balanced after players were ineasy results in Kano the home of jected into the club at the end of El-Kanemi the first stanza. “The war is begun Warriors. in Enugu where we did most of the The player made this remark play. I assure our fans that they will when he resumed training last see a different El-Kanemi in our reweek in Maiduguri after return- maining matches. We were placed ing from an injury that sidelined twelfth at the end of the first half him for a long time. “It has been and I feel so bad.”

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 55

Monday, August 4, 2014

NFF Still Focused On Upcoming Programmes – Umeh

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Falconets

Acting President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh at the weekend assured Nigerians that the Federation is focused on the plethora of upcoming qualifiers and tournaments at hand and will not permit any distractions.

The U-20 Women National Team, nicknamed Falconets, will take part in the 7th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals starting in Canada on Tuesday, while the U-20 boys have a 2015 African Youth Championship final qualifying fixture against Lesotho this month.

There is the Super Eagles’ Head Coach’s matter to be sorted out, team’s preparation and we believe with the qualifying race for the that everything will work well for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations startthe team this time around” The ing early September, and the Sustatement added. per Falcons’ preparations for the According to the telecommunications company, the complement of new Falconets’ invitee, USA-based Courtney Dike will add value to the squad.

Courtney, an accounting student of Oklahoma State University also plays in the school foot- By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja ball team.”

First Bank Basketball club of Lagos Head Coach, Adewunmi Aderemi have anaround that the team will sell it nounced the 11th of August space in the national because of as the preferred date for the commencement of preparalack of funds.

“I don’t know where they tion for their continental asare getting such information, signment.

“We have been on break we came into this business besince we concluded the local cause of the love of it first, beleague on June 21st, so we fore profit making and it is easiare going to start our prepaer for one to make money when ration for the qualifiers of the your team is playing in a highAfrican Women Club Chamer league, so why will I want to pionship on the 11th of Ausell the space.”

U-20 W/Cup: Glo Urges Falconets To Make Nigeria

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Nigeria’s U-20 Women national team, Falconets have been tasked to conquer all opposition at the 2014 FIFA U - 20 Women World Cup scheduled to begin on August 5 in Canada.

Globacom in a press statement in Lagos yesterdaycalled on the team to do Nigeria proud at the tournament. The Nigerian team is competing in Group C and will

play its first game on August 6 against Mexico before meeting South Korea on the 9th and then England in the last Group match on the 13th. “Falconets have come a long way in this competition and we believe it is time for them to take their proper place by going all the way at the tournament,” Glo stated.

“We have also noted the tenacity that the Falconets’ technical crew has brought to bear on the

Adewumi Begins Preparation For Basketball Continental

Kaduna Bees Boss Commends Team On Promotion To NNL

By ONJEWU DICKSOn, Abuja

The proprietor Kaduna Bees FC a nationwide Div 1 side, Alh Abdulazeez Mohammed has applauded his players and officials for gaining promotion to the Nigeria National League, two matches before the end of the nationwide season.

Speaking after the team’s training, he said it showed how

determined they were to play in the higher league after missing promotion on the last day last season.

“I am really impressed with your performance this season, you really showed you want to belong in the big league, you have done your beat, it is left for us the management to reward your efforts.”

He refuted the rumours going

9th African Women Championship in Namibia to think about, alongside the responsibility of steering a seamless transition to a new NFF board.

“The programmes and activities at hand and those that are close by, are enormous. But we have everything within focus and we are making adequate arrangements for each of them,” Umeh said in Abuja.

The one –time Team Manager of the Senior National Team disclosed that he is in regular contact with the camp of the U-20 girls in Moncton, Canada and is impressed with reports of improved form of the players.

“I have been in communication with the team’s camp and the Head Coach (Peter Dedevbo) has spoken of his delight at the great form of his players.”

gust.”

Aderemi who is still not over the euphoria of winning the 2013/2014 Zenith Women League after many years of near successesexplained that preparations should have started earlier but could not start because of some logistics which needed to be sorted out.

“We were supposed to start on the 4th of August but because of some minor issues that we wish to sort out by next week, we will definitely start on the 11th.”

Bajoga Commends NB Plc Over Corporate Responsibility der that the brewery was adjudged the best amongst the over 50 breweries within the African continent and MidThe Deputy Governor of Kadle East when it won the AME duna State, Amb. Nuhu Audu Supply Chain Performance Bajoga, yesterday commended award in 2012 and the TPM Nigerian Breweries Plc, Kaduna Bronze Award for operational for staying focused and committed to being a preferred employ- excellence within the over 100 er of choice and a socially re- Heineken brewing plants worldsponsible organization that has wide in 2013.

While Ezema asked the Deputouched the lives of citizens in ty Governor to continue to look several ways including the sponinto the issue of multiple taxsoring of sporting activities. ation which is a key challenge The Deputy Governor stated to businesses, he commended this during his courtesy visit to the state government for proNigerian Breweries Plc Kaduna viding a conducive environment plant where the Brewery Manager, Engr. Titus Ezema, made a for businesses to operate, statpresentation to the Government ing that the administration team on the brewery business. should continue in this manAmb. Bajoga, who was taken ner so Kaduna can go back to on a guided tour of the plant, its glory days.

The Brewery Manager, said was highly impressed by the for a Brewery plant in its 50th company’s safety standard, inyear in the North, more glory ternational acclaimed brands, days are still ahead. He stated world class brewing process and that the business would continstaff quality, said it was no wonBy onjewu dickson, Abuja

Public Affairs Manager North, Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc Kaduna Mr. Danjuma John-Ekele (left) presenting a refrigerator and plaque to Mr. Ahmed Jibrin, the winner of the 29th Edition of Jaji Open Golf Tournament sponsored by NB Plc last year.

ue to provide quality products to consumers in the state and beyond.

On the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform, His Excellency was highly impressed and said Nigerian Breweries Plc is in a class of its own when it comes to touching they lives of people especially host commu-

nities and key stakeholders. He commended the company on its numerous schools, health and borehole projects while urging them to do more as givers never lack.

Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, was accompanied on the visit by Joshua Shekarau Uchissa, Honourable Commissioner for

Commerce and Industry, Ben Bako, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Honourable Edward Masha, Executive Secretary, Industrialization & Micro Finance Board and Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Hassan Moh’d.

The Brewery manager, Engr.

Titus Ezema, along with the Head Government Relations, Mr. Vivian Ikem, Public Affairs Manager, North, Mr. Danjuma John-Ekele and other Heads of Departments played host to the government team.

It would be recalled that NB Plc sponsors several sporting activities within Kaduna State annually. The activities include golf competitions at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Jaji and Zaria.

NB Plc also sponsors tennis competitions at the Kaduna Club and the Police Officers Mess.

Plot 1139, Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District

Come and dine at our Grand View restaurant with great views over the Abuja Skyline

AMUSEMENT PARK the best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does

— Anon

04.08.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MONDAY

www.grandtowershotel.com 09783 0946 | 080 66366557 reservations@grandtowershotel.com

.... Live in Style

No. 2,233

N150

Sam Nda-Isaiah sam@leadership.ng

M

any people who are scared stiff of the deadly direction the country is moving, including very influential friends of Nigeria in western nations, always talk about waiting till 2015 to solve the problem. The idea is that, in 2015, Nigerians would have to save themselves at the polls. That may well be true, but what will happen to us and our country between now and 2015? The disasters of the past weeks have made answers to that question more urgent than ever before.

In the past weeks, we have seen several teenagegirl suicide bombers. And we are now being told that most of them could be the kidnapped Chibok girls who might have been “bewitched” by their captors with funny substances. Last week, a new twist was added: a 10-year-old child was strapped with bombs by the terrorists and prepared for suicide bombing.

The president has been totally bereft of any idea to protect the Nigerian people and has left us at the mercy of those who want to kill every one of us. His main preoccupation now is to protect himself and his household. That is why he is not going to Chibok.

www.leadership.ng

Every other day, churches are bombed, mosques are bombed, emirs are murdered, ordinary Nigerians are killed, villagers are murdered, schools are bombed and burnt down, malls and markets are bombed; “gunmen” invade northern villages and forcibly snatch away people’s wives and daughters to use as sex slaves and nobody goes looking for them. And, these days, several brides are kidnapped on their wedding days in Borno, Yobe and Zamfara states and are kept as sex slaves.

The government has not even shown that it is aware of these horrendous hap-

What Will Happen To Us Between Now And 2015?

penings. Today’s Nigeria is certainly not the same one that Jonathan inherited as president.

To make matters worse and frighten us even the more, the president just told us that his government did not foresee terrorism coming. This is supposed to be an alibi for the egregious incompetence that has been displayed so far. That is shocking, because there was terrorism elsewhere in the world including parts of Africa long before he became president.

This government’s problem is not just a total lack of vision (of not foreseeing anything), it is corruption

that has made it impossible for the government to fight terrorism and other crimes. Our president obviously does not know the effect of corruption, especially the extreme type that his government has been associated with, on governments. It is that type of corruption that could conceivably make a nation send 200 guns to 400 soldiers as happened not too long ago in an army unit in the north-east because there was no money to buy enough guns, not to talk of other more sophisticated weapons. It is also that type of corruption that would make a country like Nige-

Who Wants To Be Diezani’s Next Ex-NNPC GMD? It is surprising that Andrew Yakubu lasted as long as two years as the group managing director of the NNPC. Shehu Ladan, one of his predecessors, lasted only the whole of four weeks as GMD under Diezani Alison-Madueke. Those who knew Yakubu well before he took over as GMD attested to his professionalism and seriousness, but I told them that those qualities would precisely be the reason he would not last under Diezani. You cannot be a serious person and last long as GMD as long as Diezani remains the petroleum minister, unless of course you are in the “shit” together (excuse my French). I was told that the first conflict he had with the minister was within days of his appointment when he refused to approve some major contracts to some

militants.

The newspapers are already reporting why Diezani and the president had to sack Yakubu. If, indeed, those are the reasons, then, the former GMD should be happy that he has been relieved of a heavy burden. Very many competent and steady hands have similarly been sacked by Diezani since she became minister four years ago. One of such people is Abiye Membere who was group executive director in charge of exploration. In four years, she has had four group managing directors. And she is now probably working on her fifth. If there is one person who should have been fired a long time ago from the oil industry, it is the minister herself. But Jonathan will not fire her. And we know why.

ria not have enough bullets to prosecute the war against terrorists, a war which the president himself has declared to be worse than the civil war. And in spite of the outcry, the situation worsens every day. The corruption is now such that the money that the country would make tomorrow gets stolen today. What that means is that the terrorism and mass murder we will experience tomorrow will be worse than that of today.

The coming calamity can only be imagined.

Even as I write this, the Boko Haram flag is still flying in Damboa and a few other villages in Borno State. These are territories that have been captured and confiscated by Boko ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

GHANA MUST GO Jonathan delegation to be screened for Ebola in the US

— News

They should be screened for dollars instead!

LEADERSHIP (ISSN 0331-328X) is published in Abuja by LEADERSHIP GROUP LIMITED, 27 Ibrahim Tahir Lane, Off Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way, Utako District, Abuja. Advert: 08107181220 (Abuja), 08033257681 (Lagos) News: 08038099089 P. O. Box 9514, Garki II, Abuja. Lagos Office: 34/36 Adegbola Street, Anifowose, Off Oba Akran, Ikeja. E-mail: info@leadership.ng, advert@leadership.ng, newsroom@leadership.ng