Leadership

03.09.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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No. 2,250

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Jonathan To African Leaders: We Have A Long Way To Go On Terrorism

By George Agba, Bayo Oladeji, Abuja And MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, told African leaders that the continent still has

a long way to go in the fight against terror groups, saying a more “action-oriented approach” against the activities

of terrorists was needed to stop the continued killings of innocent people across the continent.

“While both member states and the commission deserve to be commended for their commitment and efforts, nonethe-

APC Tackles PDP Over David Umaru’s Popularity > Page 8

less, much remains to be done.

The atrocities that continue to be committed by the terrorist groups active in the Sahelo-Saharan region -- Boko Haram, ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Suspected Ebola Case In Kaduna, 2 More In Rivers > Page 6

‘Nigeria Losing N16bn To Oil Theft Monthly’ 5

Figure was N47bn in January, says naval chief

Chew Lai Choo (centre), motherin-law of Malaysia Airlines pilot Eugene Choo, one of the Malaysians killed in the July 17 MH17 disaster, crying during a wake service at Eugene’s residence in Seremban, 75 kilometres from Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. photo

by AFP

Chibok Diary DAY 142

BBOG Group, BringBackJonathan Group > Page 2 Meet At Abuja Unity Fountain

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chibok diary 142

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets

@cheve1810 Are we still praying and expecting that the #chibok girls return alive?? *sighs* #BringBackourgirls @EiENigeria Sept 2 141 days since the abduction.

126 days of daily sit-outs in #Abuja.

100 days: "We know where they are!" - FG #BringBackOurGirls RepWilson No matter how many days go by, we will not rest until our girls are home. @obyezeks DAY141 of OUR #ChibokGirls WHAT are WE DEMANDING...? #BringBackOurGirls Now #BringBackOurGirls Now & Alive! ‫@‏‬gbengasesan Not everytime arm-and-aleg school fees Some times, scholarships that truly change lives We're as strong as our weakest #BringBackOurGirls ‫@‏‬EiENigeria We salute Flight Lt Akweke Nwakile. He died defending us from Boko Haram @jhinderaker Boko Haram murders 200, beheads 6 year old Christian boy.

Which reminds me: is #BringBackOurGirls still trending? @rescueourgirls 141 days since the #ChibokGirls were kidnapped. We ask all of you, continue to rally. We will not be silenced. @Abu_Aaid #Bama is the 2nd biggest Town in Borno after Maiduguri. It has been sacked! Will our govt #StopBokoHaram? #PrayForBorno Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

Members of #BringBackOurGirls advocacy group in a village square meeting unity fountain in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Situation Irony: #BringBackOurGirls And #BringBackJonathan Groups Meet At Unity Fountain

By Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike, Abuja It was an ironic situation yesterday when a group of people under the hashtag, #BringBackJonathan gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, where the #BringBackOurGirls Group has been holding its sit-out sessions to demand for the rescue of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram sect in April.

The group of people gathered at the location with musical instruments, playing and having fun, while shouting, “#BringBackJonathan!” just beside the gloomy looking #BringBackOurGirls Group.

Reacting to the situation, the BBOG Group said it was an insult to the Borno people, the Chibok girls and Nigerians at large, that a group of people would choose to ridicule their activities and their demand for the rescue of the abducted girls by creating a hashtag, #BringBackJonathan.

“It is a clear lack of empathy that with the current security situation in Nigeria and the fact that some of the Chibok girls are ‎still in the hands of the Boko Haram, some group of persons will come out to create a hashtag, #BringBackJonathan. This is mockery to this peculiar situation of people of Borno, Chibok girls and the North East in general,” the group lamented.

The group also said yesterday that as part of its activities to keep the issue of the abducted girls on the front burner of public awareness, it had visited the People’s Daily Newspapers office in Abuja, adding that the visit was a fruitful one.

“They told us not to give up on our struggle; rather, we should continue to speak on behalf of the Chibok girls. They promised to help put the issue of the girls on the front burner. The visit is giving us a special mileage that we have not got before. Any initiative that will keep us on the front burner should be encouraged,” the BBOG Group said.

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our stand Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Quest For Extra State In South-east

T

he clamour by the Igbo nation for an additional state has been a long-drawn battle that came to a head at the just concluded National Conference. People of the zone, in order to attract the attention of their compatriots to the situation that has far-reaching implications in resource allocation, representation in federal institutions like the National Assembly, the federal public and civil services as well as the military, police and other para-military agencies had used various fora to highlight the inherent marginalisation, just as they appealed to the conscience of the rest of Nigerians.

The chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Ochendo Theodore Orji, brought up the issue again, recently, at events marking the 23rd anniversary of the creation of Abia State. He stressed that the Igbo nation was so emotionally attached to the matter that it formed the core mandate given to the delegates who represented the zone at the conference.

As was to be expected, it generated a heated controversy that was eventually resolved when

the conferees decided in favour of it, in addition to 18 other states to be created. Even the 2005 confab recommended an additional state for the southeast. The Igbo have always argued that the fact that the zone has the fewest states among the six geopolitical zones has denied it some obvious benefits.

Leaders of thought in the zone point out that this policy skewed against it had resulted, invariably, in the zone having the fewest number of local government councils in the country. Even worse is the fact that revenues from the federation account are shared on state and local government bases, among other criteria.

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

It is, therefore, not difficult to see why the zone is far behind in resource allocation and also lags in infrastructure development.

Governor Orji was full of excitement at the prospect that the wrong done to the zone would, in no time, be corrected.

Another nagging issue that seems to be topical in the zone is how the proposed state would be carved out and where it would be located. But the SouthEast Governors’ Forum chairman maintained that this would not pose any problem as soon as other necessary processes and procedures are concluded.

As the Presidency considers the confab’s report and the National Assembly prepares to receive it, it is pertinent to point out to Ndigbo how internal wrangling made the zone lose out in 1976 when the Murtala/Obasanjo regime increased the number of states from 12 to 19. It is on this basis that we urge all interest groups to coalesce towards achieving this all-important goal.

It is hoped that members of the National Assembly will feel compelled to expedite action on the matter when the occasion arises.

It is high time this injustice was redressed.

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

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo APC Screening C’ttee Clears All Aspirants, May Settle For Consensus Candidate The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday concluded the screening of its seven aspirants at the state secretariat of the party ahead of the October 11 governorship race in the state.

The screening exercise, which started around 3pm on Monday, lasted till the wee hours of Tuesday as the aspirants took turns to be screened by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Committee.

Chairman of the screening committee, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, confirmed to newsmen that the exercise was hitch-free, saying that all the aspirants were very orderly and complied with the party’s rules and regulations.

He said the committee had interacted with all the aspirants and that they were all successful, adding that it would be sending the report to the national secretariat.

“All the 7 aspirants that appeared before this screening committee were cleared to contest as certified by the guidelines of our party,” Akeredolu said, noting that all the aspirants displayed absolute maturity and cooperation during the exercise.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Nurses Protest Non-enforcement Of Court Ruling, Threaten Strike Nurses yesterday took to the streets of Abuja to protest the non-enforcement of the National Industrial Court (NIC) judgement of January 2012 regarding the unified scheme of service for nurses and midwives in Nigeria.

The group which staged a protest in their hundreds to the secretariat of the Nursing Council said the cry against the discrimination by the group had been on since over 30 years ago.

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the protest, the national president of NANNM, Abdrafiu Adeniji, said: “ The bone of contention is the discrimination that the Council, among others, is doing against some nurses.

“The issue is about actualisation of professionalism in the nursing profession in Nigeria that is capable of ensuring adequate, safe, accessible and cost effective nursing care services of this country through the actualisation of professional scheme of service and professional growth and development that motivates workers into higher productivity.”

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

Heads of States and Governments of African Union at the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN.

Ikimi’s Allegations Against Me All Lies – Tinubu

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the allegations against him by a former chieftain of the party, Chief Tom Ikimi, as ‘a chronicle of falsehoods’.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his media office, also described the diatribe against him by Ikimi as nothing more than cheap blackmail which, he said, was Ikimi style, noting that his decision to respond to the allegations was aimed at setting the records regarding the issues raised straight.

According to the APC leader, Ikimi’s antecedents prevented him from clinching the chairmanship at the time the convention of the party was held.

“It was clear to practically everyone who had the interest of the party at heart that we simply could not have a man of Tom Ikimi’s antecedents as chair of the party.

“As chairman of the NRC, one

of the only two political parties in the country under the military transition programme, Tom Ikimi not only connived with the then military regime to annul the elections, terminate the democratic process and sell off his party, he became Abacha’s foreign minister, convincing the world that heinous state murders like the hanging of Ken Saro Wiwa were just acts!

“If Ikimi were the chair of APC, the party would have to sleep with both eyes open, lest its chairman sell off the party before day break .”

While stating that his philosophy as a politician was to ensure that the best materials are put forward for political offices, Tinubu said, “Such people are not noisy or able to gain attention by being loud, I believe my role is to do all I can to project them.”

The APC leader also debunked allegations of engaging in deals with the federal government through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to undermine his

party on the eve of the national convention of the party.

Describing the allegation as ‘absurd falsehood,’ Tinubu raised some posers bordering on the propriety or otherwise of the claim, saying it was impossible as he was busy trying to put things together for a smooth convention.

“What exactly would have been the point of such a meeting, especially on the eve of the convention? Was it to prevent Tom Ikimi from emerging as chairman of the APC? To what end? Of what value would it be to anyone except Ikimi himself? Besides, if this was so, why he is back to the same party that purportedly planned his down fall?” he queried.

Confirming the deal between the oil company mentioned by Ikimi, he wrote that it was not a patronage of any kind from the Federal government but that the involvement of the government at the centre was to formally consent to the sale.

“I was not involved and I have never been involved in any of Oando’s transactions,” he said.

While denying any wrongdoing on the part of Oando, he stated that the company had been investigated by South African and British authorities in the past 5 years as part of the process of listing the company on the stock exchanges of those countries.

He said, the series of investigations conducted have absolved him of any form of connection business wise with the company.

Regarding allegation that he traded away the presidential ticket of former chairman of the Economic Financial and other Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, he said that if such a deal were reached, all the party members across the states would have been formally informed about it.

“How could that have been done secretly? How do you tell hundreds of thousands of people not to vote for your own party without it becoming public knowledge?” he said.

Zaria Killings: Sheikh Zakzaky, Military’s Blame Game Continues

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Irked by the statement credited the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) through the Twitter handle of its spokesman, Brigadier General Christopher Kolade, the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has accused the military of killing innocent Nigerians at will.

Sheikh Zakzaky had, last Wednesday, alleged that soldiers were planning to attack him after killing 33 members of his group, including three of his children during the Quds Day in Zaria.

Zakzaky, who read out the

DHQ’s response before a large audience at the end of Nahjul Balagha study held at the Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, dismissed the statement from the military as ridiculous and baseless, adding that those with no plan to cause violence had no cause to fear.

He asked: “We want to know, what offence have we committed that on the last Friday of Ramadan 28, equivalent to July 25, 2014, soldiers opened fire on us in broad daylight? Was it not the military that did the shooting? Yet the person that masterminded the operation, Lt. Colonel S.O. Oku, is still going about freely as the Com-

manding Officer of FAR military battalion in Basawa Barracks. He killed my sons with his own hands, while his boys stabbed them with knives in public glare. We are not that foolish to accuse the whole military of the offence; it was executed by special a group of soldiers.”

He queried where it was written in the Nigerian constitution that a person in military uniform had the license to kill people at will and go free.

“These soldiers kill people at will, and they (Nigerian military) cannot refute or deny this obvious fact”,” he added.

Sheikh Zakzaky further revealed

the number of the dead from the Zaria incident had now risen to 34, as another man who shot dead, hitherto unknown, was recently discovered to have been buried by his people, while the number of the injured had reached 106.

“If the military wants to free itself from blame, let the murderers be punished. It is then we will know that soldiers are not murderers, and that the law did not give the military the license to kill at will.

Lt. Col. Oku committed murder in broad daylight, and even confessed that he was given list of people to assassinate; that he has on the list 13 more people to be killed.”

NEWS 5

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

‘Nigeria Losing N16bn One health tip daily To Oil Theft Monthly’

LIVING BE BE 100100 LIVINGTOTO

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Go Fish for the Omega If you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll want to make intelligent choices about the meat you eat. Of all animal products, fish is the healthiest, due to its high protein and low fat content. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish, along with other nutrients, protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce

inflammation, prevent high blood pressure, and help you maintain good respiratory health. Populations with a diet consisting mainly of fish, fresh fruits, and local vegetables experience virtually no cardiovascular disease and have a high percentage of healthy seniors.

Jonathan To African Leaders: We Have A Long Way To Go On Terrorism FROM COVER

the LRA, Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups -- bear testimony to the long road ahead of us,” he stated.

Jonathan, who is in that country for the 455th African Union Peace and Security Council meeting at the level of heads of state and government, spoke at the opening ceremony of the meeting with the theme “Terrorism and Violent Extremism in Africa” held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

Reading the speech of African Union chairman Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on the occasion, the Nigerian president observed that African Union had what it takes in terms of legal, political and normative instruments to deal with the rising sophistication of terrorists, even as he said the task ahead was to ensure the effective use of the instruments.

Jonathan identified social issues like poverty and unemployment which create the conducive environment for the breeding of terrorists, calling on leaders to address them squarely.

Lamenting over the growing spate of terrorist attacks unleashed on innocent Africans by terror groups like Boko Haram, Al-Shabbab and Lord Resistance Army (LRA), Jonathan implored African countries to fulfil earlier commitments such as legal measures, border control and exchange of intelligence as part of the joint efforts to put an end to terrorism on the continent.

He said: “The first (solution)

Jonathan

relates to the need for enhanced cooperation among member states and between the continent and the rest of the international community. Indeed, the problem we are confronting is global in nature. Terrorist and organised crime syndicates operate in networks that can only be defeated through concerted action and cooperation. The African Union and its various instruments and mechanisms provide the framework within which we should combine our efforts and pull together our scarce resources.

“The second point pertains to the need for action-oriented approach. We are now well equipped in terms of legal, political and normative instruments. The tasks ahead of us is to ensure their effective implementation. The countries concerned should take the steps required to become parties to the relevant African and interna➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibril, yesterday disclosed that the Nigerian Navy has drastically reduced the volume of oil stolen monthly from 2.6 million barrels valued N47.190billion in January this year to about 900,000 barrels valued N16.335billion by June.

This represents a decline of 65 per cent in the amount lost by the public treasury to oil theft over a period of five months.

Vice Admiral Jibril made the disclosure while receiving the new group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Joseph Dawha, in his office where both agreed to work together to ensure oil theft becomes unattractive to those doing it.

The menace of oil theft has become a great threat to the public treasury so much so that President Goodluck Jonathan had to literally reduce the terms of reference of any naval chief to “stopping the oil theft”.

Jibril stated that the Navy on his watch has recorded successes in the war against oil theft, while welcoming the NNPC helmsman to his office.

“In the last several months, I can safely say that we have recorded huge success particularly in respect to oil theft and piracy. In January, for instance, we lost about 2.6 million barrels of crude oil to theft but in June, based on the record we have here, it has dropped to about 900, 000 barrels of crude oil.

“Apart from the fact that some people steal our crude oil and take it outside the shores of this country, we have Nigerians getting involved in this illegality by establishing their illegal refineries,” he said.

He assured the new team of the NNPC of maximum cooperation of the Navy in the area of maritime security.

“It is our fervent hope that we continue to work in harmony, and strengthen the existing relationship between NNPC and the Nigerian Navy. On our part, we will support you and try and do our utmost best to ensure we maintain maritime security that will allow commercial activities unhindered.

“The consequences of some of these activities are environmental pollution, apart from depriving the nation of its revenue, and, of course, it paints Nigeria in a bad light internationally, as if we are all criminals; this we must check immediately.”

He continued: “We identified four key areas that we are

challenged in respect to maritime security starting with oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and then poaching, including illegal fishing in our waters.

“We have effective patrols around ships and anchorage positions, and today I can say that we have checked piracy within Lagos waters to the barest minimum. Piracy is not prevalent again. I want to believe that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC will attest to the fact that crude oil theft is on the decline”.

Speaking further, the naval chief identified the limitations of the force in the course of their duties and urged those involved to address them.

“For us to be able to do our job well, there are some other parameters that are required of some other agencies that work with us; a classical example is evacuation of arrested vessels and oil tankers.

“Once a ship is arrested one expects that the content is returned to either the nearest IOC tank farm – if it’s crude oil, for instance, just products should be returned. With respect to prosecution, one expects that a certificate be issued on returning the product which is then documented and given to the prosecution agency which can also be tendered in court as evidence.”

Earlier in his address, the NNPC chief disclosed that his team was at the Navy headquarters to appreciate the naval authorities “for collaborative relationship that has existed between our two organizations” and to “strengthen the close ties between the Nigerian Navy and NNPC for the socio-economic growth and stability of our fatherland”.

“Peace and security are essential ingredients for growth and prosperity of our nation. The Nigerian Navy is a major platform for realizing that noble objective, particularly in the maritime domain of our dear country,” he said. “The Nigerian Navy has been of tremendous support to NNPC and its partners in fostering and ensuring secure environment for our personnel, facilities and operations across the country.

This is largely attributable to your untiring support and leadership.”

The FMOH has confirmed 2 new cases of Ebola disease today in Port Harcourt. Total number of Ebola cases in Nigeria is now 18. Of these, 4 are in Port Harcourt. There has NOT been any new case in Lagos in the last 5days. Nationwide, there are now 8 survivors, 6 deaths; 4 cases are in isolation under medical care.

6 NEWS

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Suspected Ebola Case In Kaduna, 2 More In Rivers

By MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna and George Okojie, Lagos

A Law student of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was yesterday quarantined after showing traces of Ebola symptoms.

The Kaduna State commissioner of health, Dr. Thot Dogo Joseph, who confirmed the incidence, however, said that the blood samples of the student, who was on admission at the ABU Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), had been taken to Lagos to tests.

Dr. Joseph, who spoke to our correspondent last night following panic among residents of the state over the spread of the dreaded disease, said that only the test result from Lagos could confirm whether the student was suffering from Ebola, or not.

According to the commissioner, “The hospital (ABUTH) authorities alerted the ministry when it suspected that a student, who is a Law undergraduate of ABU, Zaria, started showing some signs of Ebola symptoms like high fever and rashes on his body after over a week he was admitted at the hospital.

“The blood sample of the patient has been taken to a laboratory in Lagos for tests the results of which, we hope, will come today. The outcome of the laboratory result will determine further actions,” he said.

Joseph, however, gave the assurance that the state government had provided the hospital management with protective equipment for its team of medical personnel attending to the patient.

The public relations officer of ABUTH, Mallam Bilyaminu Umar, who confirmed this to journalists, said the law undergraduate had been admitted at the ABUTH Specialist Hospital, Shika, Zaria.

He said: “I am presently not in town, but I can tell you that a law student, who has been ill for some time, has shown signs of the Ebola fever. But we are still studying the development.

He has already been quarantined. And all safety measures are in place. So there is no need for panic. I cannot tell you more than this”, he said.

The rumour of the Ebola virus in Zaria sent many residents of

the state into panic, however, the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, who is the chairman, Kaduna State Ebola Prevention and Control Committee, reassured them that the situation was under control and that there was no need for them to panic.

“Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, in his wisdom, has designated three Ebola quarantine and prevention centres in the three senatorial zones of the state, just for these kinds of emergencies. We have all the equipment and the personnel and two of the sites are ready.

Also, the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed two new cases of Ebola in Port Harcourt yesterday. This brings total number of Ebola cases in Nigeria to 18; Of these, four are in Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile there was panic yesterday among patients and doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, Lagos State, following the death of a patient said to have manifested symptoms of the deadly Ebola virus disease.

Our correspondent gathered

that the patient was brought in by members of the health authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, to the hospital on Monday.

It was further learnt that symptoms like vomiting blood and stooling, similar to that of an Ebola patient, manifested when the patient was admitted into the Accident and Emergency Unit, before he died in the early hours of Tuesday at the SpillOver ward of the hospital.

According to one of the doctors who was on duty then, “They rushed him to the Accident and Emergency Unit, and since he was vomiting and purging and he also had high fever, we quickly took his temperature; it was very high. We were all scared to take his blood samples because we were not wearing any personal protective equipment.

“We had to take him out of the Emergency ward to the other Spill-over ward to avoid any form of contamination. We also reported to the Lagos State government so that they can take him to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba for proper treatment. But he had started vomit-

ing blood by this morning, and a few hours after he died.”

The doctor who did not give his name added that the body had been transferred to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for testing and confirmation of the cause of death.

Confirming the death of such patient in the hospital, LUTH chief medical director Professor Akin Oshibogun said the death was still being investigated.

“We have been able to establish that this patient has no history of Ebola or any contact with a person that had Ebola. We are only trying to investigate the patient. If there is any new thing, we will let you know,” he said. “As long as we are in the hospital, from time to time, we will always have high index suspicion and, most of the time, these patients turn out to be negative. There is a difference between suspected or confirmed cases. We are only investigating the case to protect our people.”

He added that they had had such situations two times in the hospital recently, saying they will continue to announce such occurrence to protect the people.

Jonathan To African Leaders: We Have A Long Way To Go On Terrorism FROM PAGE 5

tional instruments. We should as member states fulfil our commitments and obligations, particularly with respect to legal measures, border control, exchange of intelligence and other related measures.”

Chairperson of the council Idriss Debby of Chad assured that it would leave no stone unturned in the fight against terror.

The host president, Uhuru Kenyatta, called on African leaders to provide the funds needed to fight terrorism to complement the support coming from outside the continent.

The summit is expected to adopt the recommendations of the African Union Commission on violent extremism and terrorism in Africa.

Boko Haram Sponsorship: Investigate Sheriff, Ihejirika Now, ACF Tells FG The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has literally asked the federal government to arrest and investigate former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff and former chief of army staff Lt.Gen Azubuike Ihejirika over the duo’s alleged involvement in the activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

Irked by the recent revelation

by Dr Stephen Davis, an Australian hostage negotiator who spent some time in Nigeria on the invitation of the Nigerian Government to try to secure the release of the Chibok girls that were abducted by Boko Haram insur-

gents on April 14, the forum said the federal government must show its seriousness by instituting an investigation into the allegation.

The ACF rose from its Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting chaired

by Mallam Adamu M. Fika, expressing disappointment with the inept attitude and leadership of the military in combating this menace that has resulted into the mass killing of innocent souls, destruction of property and displacement of many people.

A statement made available to LEADERSHIP by the ACF’s spokesman, Muhammad Ibrahim, reads: “ACF calls upon the Federal Government to urgently institute an investigation into the weighty allegations made by Dr Stephen Davies against the persons named in his interview with the international media in funding and sustaining the Boko Haram insurgency in the NorthEast region. Persons found to have been involved in such crime against the state should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”

According to the forum, a situation where insurgents took over some part of the country is grave and worrisome since there appears to be no counter action from the military.

ACF condemned the seizure of some local government areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states and the continuous capturing of more territorial areas of Nigeria by the insurgents.

While expressing disappoint-

ment with the military in combating this menace, the forum urged the military and other security agencies to review their strategy, share intelligence and cooperation with neighbouring countries, and use modern weaponry and tactics to reclaim Nigerian territories presently under the control of the insurgents.

The forum also called government at all levels to provide adequate rehabilitation materials to displaced persons located in various rehabilitation centres in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, while appreciating the hospitality of the neighbouring countries like the republics of Niger, Chad and Cameroon “that provided relief materials and accommodation to our people who fled to their countries”.

“ACF urges Nigerians to rise up and unite for good governance and peaceful coexistence irrespective of political, religious and other inclinations.

“ACF and other similar organizations including traditional and religious institutions have on different occasions expressed concern on the security challenges in the North and its devastating effect on the socio-economic and political life of the people.

The situation has escalated to the seizure of some portions of Nigerian territory by the insurgents without any resistance from our military and other security agencies,” the statement reads.

Jonathan Should Arrest Sheriff, Ihejirika Now – APC

President Goodluck Jonathan should arrest former governor of Borno State Ali Modu Sheriff and former chief of army staff Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika and take them to the International Court of Justice (ICC) for allegedly sponsoring the Boko Haram terrorists as claimed by the Australian negotiator, Dr Stephen Davis.

The call was made by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr John Odigie-Oyegun, while reacting to the interview granted by the Australian negotiator on Arise Television and Sahara Reporters last week.

Davis, who claimed he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to help secure the release of the over 200 girls who were abducted by Boko Haram on April 14, disclosed that both Sheriff and Ihejirika were among the sponsors of the terrorists and argued that, until the sponsors are arrested, the war against terror would remain unabated.

Although the two prominent citizens have denied the allegation, the APC leadership dismissed their defence as useless and urged Jonathan to bring them to book. It said the revelation has vindicated the party on the allegation that it is the sponsor of terrorism.

Odigie-Oyegun stated: “Now that the cat has been let out of the bag and the real sponsors of Boko Haram have been exposed, we hope President Jonathan will summon the courage to do the right thing: hand over

the identified Boko Haram sponsors to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.

“There is no doubt that Boko Haram has committed crimes against humanity in its scorchedearth campaign against unarmed citizens, and the most appropriate body to investigate and try the sect’s sponsors is the ICC. “According to Article 17 of the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, and to which Nigeria is signatory, the ICC is a court of last resort, expected to exercise its jurisdiction only if states themselves are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate and prosecute international crimes.

“In view of the fact that the alleged Boko Haram sponsors are either members of the ruling party or friends of the president, it is clear that the PDP-led federal government is unwilling and unable to try them, hence our call.”

Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke after allowing journalists to watch the video of the interview granted by Davis, assured the populace that the matter would not be swept under the carpet: “Nigerians can be rest assured that the APC will not allow this issue to be swept under the carpet. Now that it is clear that the PDP is behind Boko Haram for the sole purpose of winning next year’s presidential election, Nigerians must prevail on the PDP and the Presidency to urgently end this insurgency and the daily killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians!”

news extra 7

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Presidency Blames Policy Somersaults For Youth Unemployment The Presidency yesterday blamed youth unemployment in the country on years of policy inconsistency.

This was stated by the special assistant to the president on job creation, Mrs Josephine A. Washima, when she visited the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She, however, noted that President Goodluck Jonathan’s insistence on the completion of projects in the transportation, power, agricultural and textile sectors had created jobs for Nigerians.

“This government inherited most of the challenges of this country, and you don’t expect these challenges to disappear in less than three years, even in seven years. So, it is something that we have to look at very critically,” she said.

Washima also called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of government’s employment generating activities, pointing out that the right environment was being created for a private sectordriven economy in Nigeria as it obtains in many countries.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja.

Deputy British High Commissioner Slumps, Dies At Lagos Airport The deputy British high commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Parker, yesterday slumped and died at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Parker who flew into the county aboard an American Airline, Delta Air Lines, sources said, took ill while onboard.

The plane had arrived the country from Atlanta, Georgia, around 4pm yesterday.

A source close to the airport confirmed that the medical personnel attached to the terminal tried to revive him, but without success.

When it was confirmed that he had passed on, an ambulance was ordered to take him to the morgue.

At the time of filing this report, the identity of the morgue where he was taken to could not be confirmed.

Another account indicated that the diplomat, before dying, was seen clutching his chest and screaming “my heart” before slumping before the health officials could reach him.

By Kazeem Akintunde, Lagos

L-R: Chief consultant epidemiologist, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Akin Oyemakin; national president, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Dr Ayuba Wabba, and director of Community Health Service, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Emmanuel Odu, during the training of trainers workshop on the Ebola virus disease and launch of WHO infection, prevention and control centre in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Nigeria On The Verge Of Losing Borno

By Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

An notabe security group, Nigeria Security Network, has expressed fear that Nigeria stands on the verge of being split into two as Boko Haram makes lightning territorial gains in the north-east of the country.

In a report made available to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), it warned that Boko Haram was preparing to take over Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following an attack on Bama, another major town in the state.

Residents had claimed that Boko Haram had overrun the city and hoisted its flag in the

city centre.

The group with membership of former US envoy, John Cambell, said, “If Maiduguri falls, it will be a symbolic and strategic victory unparalleled so far in the conflict.

“A successful attack could be followed by a takeover of the whole of Borno State and possibly parts of Adamawa, Yobe, and neighbouring Cameroon,” it said.

The report said that unless swift action was taken, Nigeria could be facing a rapid takeover of a large area of its territory reminiscent of ISIS’s lightning advances in Iraq.

“We call on the Nigerian government to urgently reinforce Maiduguri to prevent it falling into enemy hands and regain

control over Borno’s network of roads to stem the insurgency’s advance,” it said.

It noted that low morale and inadequate equipment in the army were causing soldiers to refuse to counter-attack and flee from battle, urging the Nigerian government to provide them with adequate equipment and ammunition to confidently stand against Boko Haram in battle.

“Unless drastic action is taken, Nigeria stands to lose a large portion of its territory with an accompanying humanitarian crisis”, it warned.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave statistics that at least 20,000 persons living in Bama local gov-

ernment area of Borno State had fled into Maiduguri to escape ‘extra-judicial’ killings as Boko Haram captured the town.

The region’s NEMA director, Alhaji Muhammadu Kanar, told the BBC that the residents fled the troubled zone to Maiduguri seeking for safety.

“We have counted about 20,000 persons mainly from Bama where the sect attacked and hoisted its flags, though some of them were from Kawuri and Konduga,” he said.

“We made an arrangement already in collaboration with Nigeria Red Cross and the state government to take them to refugee camps,” he added.

E-Curriculum Will Curb Shortage Of Hard Copies – FG

BY Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The federal government has revealed that the application of the newly introduced e-curriculum will bring a lasting solution and curb the current problem of shortage of curriculum in public schools across the country.

Education minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, gave the assurance yesterday at the official launch of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in collaboration with SIDMACH Technologies Nigeria Ltd, in Abuja.

The minister said that, in achieving the objectives of the federal government’s policy in

education, the unique technological solution would no doubt take the nation’s educational system one step further towards the attainment of global competitiveness.

Shekarau promised that the Federal Ministry of Education will take appropriate steps to ensure that the Unity Colleges key into the effective use of the portal to enhance their studies.

This is even as he called on state governments, through their various commissioners for education and ministries, to ensure that access to the approved national curriculum through the new portal is facilitated for all schools, students and teachers in their states.

Earlier, the executive secretary of the NERDC, Professor Godswill Obioma, had described the digitised curriculum as an attempt to reduce the incidence of mass failures in public examination.

He said the e-teaching and learning platform initiative was in line with the transformation of the Federal Government and to make Nigeria education globally competitive.

Obioma attributed poor performance of candidates in public examinations conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO), among others, to inadequate teaching and learning.

He also maintained that the e-curriculum would add value to the quality of education delivery and thereby address the menace of poor performance in public examinations and students learning achievements.

Obioma explained that what the council had done was to convert the conventional 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum into digital platform in order to make it more accessible to both teachers and students.

The e-curriculum portal is developed in collaboration with an ICT firm, SIDMACH Technologies Nig. Ltd, in line with the federal government’s public private sector partnership initiative.

8 News north-central

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

APC Tackles PDP Over David Umaru’s Popularity

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Niger State government have engaged in war of words over the popularity of Barrister David Umaru and their expectations of next Saturday’s supplementary election.

The Niger State government had responded to the position of the APC in the state over last Saturday’s Niger East Senatorial byelection, which the government claimed could cause trouble, and asked APC to take responsibility for any violence in next Saturday’s re-run.

The chief press secretary to the Niger State governor, Mr Israel Ayegba Ebije, in a statement yesterday in Minna, refuted APC’s claim of rigging, but the publicity secretary of APC, Mr Jonathan Vatsa said that PDP members

short news Nasarawa Poly To Hold 1st Convocation In 13 Years Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia is due to hold its first convocation ceremony since the establishment of the institution in 2001, during which 12, 200 graduates are expected to be presented with their certificates.

The acting rector of the institution, Dr Silas Gyar, made this known yesterday while addressing newsmen at the institution’s Conference Hall.

He stated that the event would take place at the Engineering Complex ground in the institution on 6th September, 2014, noting that graduates of the institution had faced great challenges due to the institution’s inability to present them with their orginal certificates.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

were afraid because they were intimidated by the popularity of APC’s candidate, David Umaru.

Vatsa said, “If there is violence, it means that PDP and the government in their usual trademark took shortcut to get victory at all costs in their do-or-die bid to make sure that David Umaru did not come out victorious as desired by many people in the state.

“If PDP is doubting the popularity of APC and its candidate, David Umaru in the Niger East by-election, they should tell us why the governor lost his polling unit, ward and local government”.

Vatsa stated that violence had never been the trademark of APC and its candidate, David Umaru, which is why the thugs arrested by the police were not APC members but PDP members.

Ebola: Group Faults Jonathan Support Groups’ Campaign Rallies A civil society organisation under the auspices of Say No Campaign has faulted the campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan’s support groups around the country, saying it is a violation of the electoral law and an undue exposure of Nigerians to the danger of the dreaded Ebola disease.

The conveners of the group, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Awwal Rafsanjani and Jaye Gaskia, in a press conference organised in Abuja yesterday, condemned the campaigns and rallies being organised by the support groups, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan advised Nigerians against mass gathering due to the fight against the spread of Ebola, but failed to caution the support groups against organising campaigns, since their actions favour his political ambition.

The group also faulted the federal government established Victims Support Fund for victims of Boko Haram insurgency ravaging some parts of the North and the recent Ebola Intervention Fund, describing them as tactics by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to raise funds to wage the intensifying electoral battles in 2015.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

short news Jonathan Campaigners Task Opposition On Terrorism

Campaigners for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 yesterday stormed Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where they held the NorthCentral Town Hall meeting on security challenges confronting the nation.

The campaigners under the auspices of Jonathan Actualisation Movement (JAM) used the forum to plead with the opposition parties to stop playing politics with the problem of terrorism but to join hands with President Jonathan in fighting the menace.

The national coordinator of JAM, Otunba Bashirat Nahibi, however, expressed optimism that the nation will soon overcome the Boko Haram problem.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

L-R: Kwara State commissioner for women affairs Hajia Ramata Abaya, Kwara State governor Abdufatah Ahmed; chairperson, National Council of Women Societies, Kwara chapter, Hajia Baraqat Atunse and others during the presentation of a 14-seater bus to the group at Government house in Ilorin, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Ahmed Presents 2014 Revised Budget To Kwara Assembly

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, yesterday presented a revised 2014 budget of N115,601,272, 274 before the state House of Assembly for approval and passage into law.

Ahmed’s request was contained in a letter he sent to the House and read by the speaker, Mr Rasaq Atunwa during yesterday’s plenary.

According to the governor’s let-

ter, the review represents 11.3 per cent drop of the previous budget which was N130, 262,850,907.

The new recurrent debt in the budget now stands at N14, 083,759,839, the recurrent nondebt becomes N49,483,185 while the new total capital expenditure is now N52,517,029, 250.

The governor urged the House to approve the revised budget in good time.

The speaker, Mr Rasaq Atunwa

directed the Business and Rules Committee of the House to work on the revised budget and present it for first reading.

In another message, the governor requested the legislature to pass Education Law Amendment Bill 2014 into law.

The bill seeks to allow transfer of privately-owned schools to the state government to enhance the performance of the education sector in the state.

Residency Training Has Not Met Desired Target – FG

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

The federal government has said that the residency training programme for doctors in federal hospitals has not met the desired target in the past decade, with incessant strike actions by the resident doctors.

This was disclosed yesterday in Abuja at the one-day intensive appraisal of the residency training programme in federal governmentowned hospitals across the country.

The health minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, lamented that the events of the past few months have brought the issue of residency training into sharper focus for

Nigerians for a variety of reasons, both good and bad.

He said, “All the problems inherent in the current programmes over the years crystallised in the last few weeks into what is tantamount to a complete loss of empathy and concern for humanity and human life respectively by the professional group, which by both training and calling, sits atop the healthcare industry.”

Chukwu said what was needed was to fashion out a residency programme that would solve the problems of the current system which over the years, had derailed from its lofty initial ideals to a system which is drifting away from its set objectives. A working document

prepared by the director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Patience Osinubi, observed that the programme has been beset by numerous challenges, including poor performance and unsatisfactory conduct of the resident doctors.

She said other challenges militating against what she described as an otherwise seamless programme include inadequate funding of residency programme by the federal hospitals, lack of commitment on the part of the trainers and residents on the other hand to the programme, intermittent loss of accreditation by training institutions and lack of adequate training institutions.

Sports, Panacea For Societal Vices – Bago

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

The emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago III, has said that sports are the panacea for the numerous social vices underdeveloping the nation.

Speaking when he received members of Umaru Bago Football Club when they paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Lapai, Niger State, the emir, represented by the palace secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Lapai said that sports are

tools for fostering peaceful co-existence in the society.

He said, “The involvement of youths in sporting activities promotes peaceful co-existence and prevents societal vices.”

Lapai assured the delegation of the emir’s continued support to the club’s activities.

Earlier in his remarks, the director of the club, Mallam Sani Muhammed, said that the club’s management was paying homage to the emir, who is the proprietor

of the club, to express its appreciation, adding that the club recently qualified to represent the state at the third edition of Shekarau National Under 20 Football Competition billed for September 20, 2014 in Kaduna through the support and encouragement of the emir.

Muhammed further said that the club will justify the goodwill and support of the emir by lifting the trophy, adding that it would groom quality players for integration into the national team.

news NATIONAL 9

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Youth Group Harps On 30% Youth Representation In Government If the federal government is to make any impact in governance, then it must take notice of her capable young people and give them affirmative representation of 30 per cent in government.

This position was made known by the Peoples Democratic Party’s Youth Frontier (PDPNYF), in a communiqué it issued after its national executive council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

According to the communiqué, the nation’s young people have long waited in the flanks and are now ready to take up their rightful place in the polity.

The national coordinator of the group, Austin Usman Okai, pointed out that the nation is overdue to have young people at the helm of affairs.

2015: INEC Seeks Support Of Nigerians

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on Nigerians to cooperate with it to ensure a successful electoral process in 2015.

The director of Voter Registrar, INEC, Mr Emmanuel Akem, made the appeal at the Citizens Town Hall Meeting on the continuous voter registration and permanent voter card distribution organised

by Partners for Electoral Reform (PER) in Abuja.

Akem said that the commission has put in place quality structures that will ease all kinds of difficulties that may arise in the process of electioneering in 2015.

“We have good structures that will address all kinds of challenges. We are partnering with both government and non-governmental agencies and the goal is to achieve success and deliver to Nigerians credible election.

“Our structures cut across all the geo-political zones of Nigeria. We are at the grassroots and

are committed to our duties. We encourage citizens to collect their permanent voters card as that will aid INEC in discharging its duty,” he said.

Akem also said that the essence of the permanent voters card is to help INEC authenticate the voters during the election in 2015.

“Those who have not gotten theirs should go to their local government INEC office to collect theirs”.

He said that INEC frowns at those who disobey the guidelines of the electoral process.

“I want to stress that INEC frowns at persons who collect the PVC for others. It is a criminal offence for anyone to collect the card on behalf of others; it’s clearly stated in the Electoral Act. Report any case to INEC for proper action”.

On the claim that corps members are not paid, he explained “INEC has a way of paying its adhock staff. In the case of National Youth Service members, we pay directly to their office and they in pay them.

short news Inter-Faith Forum Condemns Media Propaganda

By Onukogu Kanayo Jubal, Abuja

Rep Elected As PAP President

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Igabi federal constituency of Kaduna State, Hon. Ibrahim Bello, has been elected the president of the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters during the Annual Conference of Speakers of Pan African Parliaments ((PAP) .

The committee is one of the 10 permanent committees of PAP which meets to oversee the work of the African Union.

Hon. Bello, who is one of the Nigerian delegates from the National Assembly described his election as a positive development for Nigeria as he would use his position to promote the principles of peace, security and bilateral relations between Nigeria and her African neighbours.

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Biafra Zionists Threaten To Drag IGP To ICJ Over Detained Members The Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) has threatened to drag the inspector-general of police (IGP) to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if he fails to release detained members of the group.

The group called on President Goodluck Jonathan to order the immediate release of its leader, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka and other members who have been in detention for the past two months.

The BZF members were arrested and detained after they had attempted to gain entrance into the Enugu State Broadcasting Service(ESBS) with the intention of making a live-broadcast.

The group stated this in a press statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Mr. Chiemeria Chibundu.

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu.

Stakeholders at the inter-faith forum organised by the National Orientation Agency ( NOA) have unanimously condemned the use of the media for religious propaganda.

Participants at the gathering blamed the act on L-R: Chairperson, House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a chat with the director-general, National Orienta- religious leaders tion Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, at NOA’s “Do The Right Thing: Campus Focus, a students’ re-orientation programme held at the and demanded the University of Benin, Edo State, Tuesday. immediate cessation of such acts.

The condemnation came in Benin at a meeting deBy ChriStiana Nwagu, Abuja signed by the NOA Yuguda, who described himself Jonathan and I will continue to bring closer as a die-hard supporter of Jon- to work with him even after he Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Isa athan wondered how he could might have left office as our presreligious leaders to Yuguda, has dispelled rumours have left him half way into his ident. achieve peaceful that he will soon defect to the presidency when he needed him coexistence.

“It is also a known fact that All Progressives Congress (APC) most to consolidate his position since Jonathan became presiThe director and blamed his opponents for on the political turf. general of NOA, dent I have been one of his most spreading the false information.

Mr. Mike Omeri, The governor pointed out that consistent supporters. What The governor, who stated this since Jonathan came on board as then am I going to do in APC as also frowned at during an interview with select Nigeria’s president, he had re- the tale bearers are insinuating? the development journalists in Abuja yesterday, in- mained one of his unrepentant while calling “Over the years, I have used sisted that he had never contem- supporters and would continue the solid political structures I on the media to plated leaving the Peoples Dem- to work for his success. reject any form of have developed to work hard for ocratic Party (PDP) for the APC, manipulation by He said, “Let it be known to Jonathan’s success in my state so as to be able to help President those who did not know that I and I will continue to work with religious bodies.

Goodluck Jonathan win his re- remain one of the unrepentant him in whatever capacity he deBy Patience Ivie election next year. loyalists of President Goodluck sires and nobody can stop us.”

Ihejirika, Abuja

I’ll Not Defect To APC, Yuguda Assures Supporters

Ember Months: Building Institute Launches Road Safety Guidelines

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

With the onset of ember months, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), a parastatal under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has launched the 2014 Road Safety Guidelines (RSG) to reduce fatalities on Nigerian roads.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Technical Advisory Com-

mitte and launch of the document yesterday in Abuja, the minister of works, Arc. Mike Onolememen, said the new guidelines can help to reduce carnage on the roads.

Onolememen said, “The new document has taken the issue of road signage and road marking to another level.”

According to him, “I took time to look at the documents and

what NBRRI has come out with will certainly reduce accidents on the roads if they are faithfully implemented.”

He also said the document would be useful to road designers and construction contractors as well as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in terms of enforcement.

He further called for a collaboration between the Works Min-

istry, NBRRI and the FRSC for a positive impact on the road sector and for the good of road users.

Earlier in his remarks, the minister of science and technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama, said that the document would serve as a reference document for engineering education and enforcement aimed at developing effective and safe road network system throughout the country.

10

stories of the Wednesday, September 3, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

MURDER: Wife Throws Inspector Down From Two-Storey Building

by Olushola Bello, Lagos

Tears flowed freely from the eyes of residents of Obalende area of Lagos State at the weekend when a woman pushed her policeman husband down from a twostorey building during a fight.

Although the cause of the fight is still shrouded in secrecy by the residents of Ije barracks where the incident occurred, a girl said the husband and wife usually fought in the barracks and that the fights were so common that people did not care anymore.

She also said police authorities ordered that the neighbours be arrested.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that as they were fighting, the mother of three lifted the police inspector identified as Kevin and he fell from the two storey building, landing on his head.

The source said immediately the man fell, the wife became alarmed, screaming while rushing down to see what she had done.

The girl explained that in the process, the woman mistakenly fell down on the step and sustained fracture in the leg. She said the woman was later rushed to an hospital. efore the residents could bring a vehicle to move the inspector to an hospital, he gave up the ghost.

Residents were said to have wept openly when they learnt that the man had died.

A police source said that, angered by the shocking death of the man, the police authorities quickly ordered the arrest of the adult neighbours for failing to stop the quarrel and make peace between the husband and wife before it degenerated to a fight.

Abandonment: Man Abandons Wife For Giving Birth To Twins

By Matthew Dike and Olushola Bello, Lagos

Residents of Idewu Street in Ajegunle area of Lagos were stunned to the marrow after a woman identified as Ekaite was abandoned by her husband for giving birth to twins.

Her husband, Akpan, on hearing that the wife had been delivered of twins who are both girls, abandoned her in the hospital and fled their residence, since on Thursday when she gave birth.

A man, who identified himself as Okon told LEADERSHIP that the neighbours had expected Akpan to rejoice on hearing the news, but were surprised to hear him hiss and abandon his home.

After waiting for three days for Akpan, relations of Ekaite settled the medical bills and packed her belongings from the husband’s house.

Okon said Ekaite and the twin girls have been moved to her relation’s house in Ajah area of the metropolis.

An orange seller conveying his goods along Arab junction in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

CANNIBALISM: Grandmother, 2 Others Slaughter Grandson

By Abu Nmodu, Minna A 55- year- old grandmother, Fatima Saraka Mohammed, has been accused of conspiring with two others to slaughter her nine- year- old grandson, eat the flesh and drink the blood to satisfy the members of her witchcraft cult.

The woman from Doso Village in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State is now with the men of the Anti-Homicide Squad at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Niger State Police Command.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Fatima Saraka Mohammed allegedly abducted her nine- yearold grandson, Mohammed Doko Mohammed for several days before slaughtering him.

It was learnt that Fatima was aided in slaughtering her grandson by Zhitsu Aliyu, a

38- year- old man and 65 years old Amina Wusa Mohammed who are now in the custody of the men of the SCID as her conspirators in the crime.

The three, a source closed to the police hinted, have confessed to committing the crime and that after slaughtering the 9- year- old boy, they collectively shared his flesh among them and drank his blood to satisfy their witchcraft spirit.

It was learnt that the three suspects had repeatedly told police that they regretted their action and blamed it on the spirit that pushed them.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation was still on into the matter and that the culprits had been arraigned before the court.

MISSING: Community In Search Of 67-year-old Farmer

by ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

There was confusion in Emure Ekiti, headquarters of Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State yesterday over the disappearance of a 67-year-old man identified as Mr. Ogunlokun Ogunloye.

Mr. Ogunloye, who is an employee of the Emure Local Government, was reported missing since on Sunday.

A prominent resident of the community, who does not want his name in print, said the old-man left home for his farm in the early hours of Sunday and has not returned home since then.

He added that his clothing and work implements were seen by the search party on his farm.

The source said, “Pa Ogunloye, who works with the Emure Local Government Area, has been missing since he left his house for his farm on Sunday morning. The search team was at his farm yesterday and found some of his clothes and farm implements at the spot where he usually keep them while working in the farm. It was reckoned that he was still working on the farm but the search team couldn’t find him after searching the nooks and cranny of his farm.

His disappearance since then has become worrisome.

“If indeed, he’s still in the farm, he ought to have returned since the evening of the day he went there. But that he’s still missing now and the search party hasn’t found him is quite worrisome, “ he said.

RAPE: Ex-NANS President Petitions Dame Patience Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oludare Ogunlana, has petitioned Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, over alleged rape of a female student of Ibadan Polytechnic, Eruwa Campus by a soldier.

The female student was raped by one of the men of “Operation Burst” for five hours.

According to the petitioner, the suspect is a soldier who is serving in the joint anti-crime security outfit of the Oyo State government.

“This criminal act took place within the premises of the agency located beside INEC office, local government secretariat Road, Eruwa. It is pathetic that the young lady has been left to her fate despite overwhelming evidence and oral confession by the randy soldier to have assaulted the lady, detained, molested, harassed, threatened her life to instill fear, and raped her mercilessly under the mango tree in the vicinity of the ‘OperationBburst’ office from 10.00 pm. to 3.00a.m.on Saturday 30th August, 2014.

“There is an ongoing attempt to silence the victim and deny her justice. Hence, the need for your urgent intervention,” he said.

He explained that despite the threat to her life, she was courageous enough to come out in the open to report the matter to the police on Saturday morning.

He said the suspect was identified among his colleagues and was arrested by the police, adding that the police claimed the suspect had been handed over to the Army authority for further investigation but refused to release his identity. “We are afraid that the army authority will not come out very soon to claim that the act was committed by the Unknown Soldier,” he said.

While he commended the effort of the police for the quick response, he said, however, the first initial medical evidence which would have supported the claim of the lady was deliberately subverted.

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

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Photo News

THEFT: 6 Factory Workers Arraigned for Stealing N24m Chemicals OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The police in Lagos yesterday arraigned six factory workers accused of stealing 24 drums of chemicals valued at N24 million before a Lagos Chief Magistrate Court, sitting at Oyingbo.

The factory, Mark Ekpo, 35, Gbenga Soyombo, 37, Akindolire Tobi,26, Emmanuel Emordi, 32, Ogunbayo Seyi, 47, and Bright Hassan, 27 were arraigned before the court by men from the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, of Lagos Command of Nigeria Police .

Also docked alongside the factory workers on a four- count charge are Kingsley Uchegwam, 26 and Christian Onyekaozulu, 40, who were alleged to be the buyers/receivers of the said stolen chemicals.

According to the police, workers who con-

sist of security men, store keepers, and drivers, had between July 2013 and June 2014, while working with N. N. FENS Industries Limited, located at Wemco Road, Ogba, Lagos, did conspire among themselves, to steal chemical known as Lanolin; and Menthol chemical valued at N24 million, property of the company.

They said the other two accused, Kingsley and Christian were alleged to have bought eight and one drums of the chemicals from Mark Ekpo, a store keeper with the company, at N8000,000 and N100,000, respectively, knowing that the products were stolen.

The prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George, who holds the brief of Corporal Cyraicus Osuji, informed the court that the offences are punishable under sections 409, 283(7) and 326 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Accident: 12 Die In Auto Crash

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

No fewer than 12 persons were said to have perished in a ghastly motor accident around Oghara Bridge, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Reports said that the victims were on their way back from Koko community headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area to Sapele, after they were hired to go and register for a multipurpose cooperative society.

According to sources, the bus conveying

the passengers entered into a pot-hole and somersaulted while descending the Oghara bridge.

It was gathered that the survivors, who are currently receiving treatment in a private hospital in Sapele blamed the accident on over speeding on the part of the driver.

Some officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who do not want their names in print, confirmed that corpses of the victims have been deposited in private hospital mortuaries while those who survived are receiving treatment.

Adamawa State acting governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, being greeted by supporters at the Yola Airport after he was cleared for the October 11 by-election in Yola, yesterday. Photo By Nan

Members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) protesting the non-implementation of their scheme of work at the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria office in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

VANDALISM: ‘Protect Pipelines From Vandals’

BY KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja

The National Coordinator of the Youth Coalition against Vandalism, Y-CAV, Comrade Roland Odih, has urged youths from Edo and Delta states to devise means of protecting petroleum and power pipelines installations in their areas from vandals.

While flagging-off a two-day sensitization programme organised for selected youths from Edo and Delta states, Odih charged the youths to be patriotic to their country by ensuring that its infrastructures are not

vandalised.

He urged the youth from the two states to work with the coalition, the government and all security and relevant agencies in preserving and protecting the various power projects and facilities within their domain.

While explaining the socio-economic, collective and individual benefits derivable from having the power plants and allied facilities functioning in full capacities across the country, he urged the youths to support government efforts at improving the well being of the people of their various states.

L-R: Executive chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon Micah Jiba; PDP chairman, AMAC, Hon Mamuda Mohammed, and chairman, Senate Committee on Power Senator Philip Aduda during Aduda’s distribution of motor vehicles as part of his empowerment programmes to some residents of AMAC in Abuja.

PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

Murder: Randy Pastor In Police Net

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The police detectives in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested one Pastor Jossy for alleged murder.

It was gathered that the pastor, who presides over one of the popular Pentecostal churches in Asaba, had allegedly been sleeping with female members of his church.

He was also accused of defrauding the church to the tune of N700,000.00 before his arrest.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the suspect

was arrested right inside the church last Sunday before the congregation by police detectives after he attempted to escape.

She said that the suspect, upon interrogation, confessed to many of his atrocities, saying that he was misled by the holy spirit after he had tried his hands on many businesses that failed.

Kalu said that the suspect, through his fake deliverance, had destroyed many women’s womb.

She said that the suspect is currently undergoing investigation and would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

L-R: Communication specialist, Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) Dr Thomas Adebayo; Federal Project Coordinator of NEWMAP Chikelo Nwaune and cimate change specialist Enrielta Alhassan during NEWMAP’s press briefing in Abuja. PHOTO by OKEKE JANE

12 news south-west Oyo LG Boss Warns Senator Against Attack On Gov The caretaker chairman of Ibadan North West local government area, Ogbeni Wasiu Olatubosun, has cautioned the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, against what he described as incessant media attacks on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to score some political points.

Olatubosun in a statement in Ibadan yesterday said that Senator Lanlehin has emerged the best apostle of double speak in the current political dispensation in view of his activities in the politics of Oyo State.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Princess Assumes Office As Ekiti Community’s Regent

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Indication emerged yesterday that Princess Ayooye Oyinlola Adegboye has assumed office as the Regent of Ikere Ekiti despite stiff opposition.

Princess Oyinlola and her elder sister, Mrs Adebisi Bello had been laying claim to the Ogoga Stool following the passage of their father, Oba Adegoke Adegboye, who died on August 22, 2014.

Mrs. Bello had claimed that she ought to be picked by the princes and princesses to assume the office being the first daughter of the departed monarch against the choice of her younger sister.

A palace source told journalists in Ikere Ekiti yesterday that Princess Ayooye had since assumed the Regency position following her endorsement by the five functional kingmakers of the town.

He said the choice of the princess received the blessing of five functional kingmakers adding however that they have been cooperating with her to attend to palace matters.

The source said, “The chiefs across the three quarters had been paying homage to her at the palace. The new Regent has been enjoying the supports of everybody in the town except her sister.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

2015: Akala Set To Declare Governorship Ambition

The immediate past governor of Oyo State governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala yesterday laid to rest the speculation over his gubernatorial ambition in 2015, as he said he would on Thursday, declare his intention to run against the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Speaking with a team of journalists that visited him yesterday at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, Otunba Alao-Akala, disclosed that he would be declaring his intention to vie for the position of the governor on Thursday at Watershed Events Centre, Ibadan.

This is sequel to pressure mounted on him by stakeholders to run as governor of Oyo State come 2015.

But Akala told them that he will consult and made declare his intention soon.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Students Charge Fayose On Youths’ Welfare

National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) has urged the incoming governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose to improve the welfare of students and youths in the state when he assumes office.

The student body also called for the reduction in the tuition fees payable in all state-owned tertiary institutions by 60 percent.

The newly inaugurated chairman of NANS/Joint Campus Committee, Ekiti axis, Comrade Musa Surajudeen, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti said job opportunities must be provided for the teeming unemployed graduates to curb the incidences of armed robbery and other crimes in the society.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala (second right), fielding questions from newsmen over his governorship intention in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

short news Bad Educational System, Bane Of Nigeria’s Development – Don A senior lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr Uthman Ibraheem, has attributed Nigeria’s problems to bad educational system.

Speaking during the 2013/2014 Recognition Day and 3rd Biennial Role Model Award of Mimbar Children School in Ibadan yesterday, the university don said that it was the bad education system in Nigeria that breeds bad leaders.

He added that the country needs a good education system to be able to move forward and compete favourably with other developing countries.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

30-man Special Squad To Rid Ondo Of Cultism

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

The Ondo State Police Command yesterday inaugurated a 39-man Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) to rid the state of cult activities.

The squad, according to the commissioner of police,Isaacs Eke, is saddled with the responsibility of fighting cultism and other related violent crimes in the state.

Addressing the officers and

men of the squad, at the Command State Headquarters, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the state capital, the CP directed them to go out there and flush out criminal elements operating under the guise of secret cults which he said has been a major challenge facing the command in the recent times.

Eke noted that though the command had been able to tackle the menace but with the coming of the special anti-cultism squad,

cult activities and violent crimes would be a thing of the past in the state.

Warning them against boasting as members of the squad, the police boss explained that the whole essence of the squad is to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the citizenry in the state .

He said, “You must go out there to fish out people of questionable characters and bring them to book. I don’t want to

hear that you are intimidating or harassing innocent people in the name of fighting cultism, or using this to extort money because I will deal ruthlessly with anybody trying to undermine the aim and objective of this organisation.”

The CP also disclosed that the state government has promised to support the command in the establishment of the squad so as to rid the state of cult activities and other violent crimes.

Pregnant Women Get SURE-P Cash In Ogun

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme(SURE-P) has given out cash support to over 2000 pregnant women in Ogun State.

This was disclosed yesterday by the chairperson of the board of directors of National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, Dr Abisola Sodipo - Clark, while presenting the

beneficiaries with money at the Primary Health Care Centre, Ifo, Ogun State.

According to her, the cash incentive for pregnant women is a way of encouraging them to register for antenatal and also to ensure they don’t compromise quality health care during pregnancy thereby reducing the incidence of maternal mortality.

“This programme is a federal

government initiative and part of efforts by President Goodluck Jonathan administration to drastically reduce infant and maternal mortality in the country.

It is therefore heartwarming to know that over 2200 women qualify for this round of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) payout. Today and throughout the four day programme various amounts will be handed out to

the beneficiaries who are in different categories,” She said.

She however advised the beneficiaries of the gesture not to divert the money to other purposes other than to take care of their body to ensure safe delivery”.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure that whatever amount of money is given out to them is expended on their individual antenatal and postnatal care.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

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14 news NATIONAL

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Obiano Makes Case For Economic Re-invention Of South East

By Pembi David-Stephen,

By millie ibe Abuja

Abuja

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has made a case for a more aggressive approach to the development of the South East in a manner that would ensure its survival as an economic block.

In an address at this year’s edition of the World Igbo Congress in Houston titled “Laying the Foundations of Hope”, Chief Obiano argued that as true sons and daughters of the

great Igbo ancestors who had mastered the art of democratic leadership long before the arrival of the colonial masters, Ndigbo must define the challenges of the present time and rise to them.

Chief Obiano who was represented at the Congress by his wife, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano further noted that the Igbo of the 21st century has evolved dramatically over the years to the growing acknowledgement of the attentive world but regretted

that in spite of the individual accomplishments of Ndigbo, Igboland has continued to suffer economic neglect.

Articulating his position on the least considered response to the threat of Boko Haram against Igbos and their businesses in the Northern parts of the country, Chief Obiano argued that the time has come to build the economy of the South East to serve as a safe harbour to Igbo merchants who face lifethreatening situations in

Fintiri Returns To Yola, Greeted By Big Crowd Following his clearance by the Appeal Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the governorship by-election in Adamawa State, acting governor, Hon Umar Fintiri returned to the state to tumultuous welcome and cheering by the crowd who had thronged the Yola International Airport in anticipation of his coming, yesterday.

According to the chief press secretary, Solomon Kumangar, an excited Fintiri waved his certificate to the jubilant crowd which accompanied

him and his convoy as they made their way to Government House, in company of the new speaker of the state House of Assembly and the secretary to the state government.

While addressing the crowd at the Government House, Yola, Fintiri thanked the people of the state for their prayers and support, pledging not to betray them.

He disclosed that his campaign organisation is working in consultation with other aspirants for the victory of PDP in the by-election which has been fixed for October 11, 2014.

Ebola: Health Workers Initiate Safety Measures Against Infection Given the vulnerability of health workers toEbola virus, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), yesterday conducted a oneday training for its members across the country, in a bid to prevent infection of health workers in the country.

The association also launched the World Health Organization’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for its members; to further help safeguard them against the killer virus.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent report, more than 240 health-care workers have been infected with 120 of the numbers dead.

In Nigeria, out of the six deaths recorded, three are health-care providers.

Addressing the participants in Abuja, President of the union, President, MHWUN, Dr. Ayuba Wabba said health workers are particularly vulnerable due to the nature of healthcare delivery.

According to him, the way Ebola virus is evolving, there is need for extra care on the part of health workers providers.

He said, “ while all health workers are at risk and should safeguard against infection, there are some cadres that that even more at risk due to the higher probability of their coming in contact with patients included those that might be infected with Ebola virus.

These include all our members working in the following departments: medical laboratory; health information; community health; laundry; nursing care; clinical services, and ; environmental health.

Ayuba noted that ,”there is every need for extra care to be taken by these cadre of health-care workers and indeed all health-care workers. WHO guidance booklet will be of immense value for this, which is why we are making copies available to all state councils and branches of the union. Access to this must be available to all our members.”

He said the workshop was carried out as a result of the need for the workers to have adequate knowledge on the characteristics and modes of transmission of the Ebola virus disease.

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

NEWS/BUSINESS 15

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

business news

Fidelity Bank Partners Sokoto On IGR Collection

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Fidelity Bank Plc at the weekend announced its appointment as the lead bank to Sokoto State Government on the state’s point of sale (PoS)- led internally generated revenue (IGR) project.

With this, Sokoto becomes the fourth state to appoint Fideli-

ty Bank on such project.

A statement from the bank said it pioneered the initiative in collaboration with the Abia State Government in January last year. This scheme has also been implemented by local governments as an easy and efficient tool for IGR collections.

According to the divisional

head, Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank, Mr Richard Madiebo, the bank had come up with several initiatives aimed at supporting the cashless policy of the federal government.

Fidelity Bank’s pioneering role in the PoS-led informal sector IGR collection is one of the strategies to support the cashless policy.

PIB: Total May Lose Deep Offshore Investments In Nigeria

By Chika Izuora, Lagos

L-R: Minister of state for trade and investment,Dr Samuel Ortum; chairman, board of United Cement Company of Nigeria Ltd (Unicem), Mr John Coumantaros; vice president, Namadi Sambo; minister of culture, Edem Duck, and deputy governor of Cross River State , Mr Efiok Cobham, during ground breaking ceremony for additional 2.5 million metric tones per annum cement line at the Unicem plant in Cross River State, yesterday. PHoto: Remi Akunleyan

‘Nigeria Remains Africa’s Preferred Investment Destination’

By Lanre Arotimi, Calabar

President Goodluck Jonathan, has said with the level of foreign direct investment in the country inspite of her challenges, Nigeria remains Africa’s preferred investment destination.

He stated this yesterday during the ground breaking ceremony of United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UNICEM) 2.5 million metric tonnes 2nd cement plant in Mfamosing, Akamkpa area of Cross River State.

Jonathan, who disclosed that the nation has experienced a phenomenal growth in the cement industry over the years,noted with delight

the country’s gradual but steady rise from a paltry 2million metric tonnes of locally produced cement per annum to the current capacity of 39.5million metric tonnes capacity.

While applauding the management of UNICEM for its operational efficiency and resilience, he expressed joy that with the current development, additional jobs would be created for youths in the country.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Jonathan said, “this new line will not only create additional jobs for teeming youths across the country and in particular in Cross River State, it will also contribute to our gross domestic product (GDP).

The President, who reiterated his

administration’s resolve to increase the current level of electricity supply in the country in order to boost industrial growth, promised that the 550 megawatt Calabar power plant would soon be commissioned. “ I would like to state here that very soon the 550 megawatt Calabar power plant would be commissioned,” he said.

This, the President stated even as he explained that plans were in top gear to actualise the Lagos/Calabar railway project.

“I am pleased to inform you that already the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the construction of a railway line from Lagos to Calabar has been signed,” he added.

France oil major Total, is no longer comfortable with high level politics which Nigerian authorities are playing with the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The company said it has ventured into major deep offshore investments at a very great risk, adding that most major investments were being developed alone without government putting a dime.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in an exclusive interview, Elizabeth Proust, chief executive officer of Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria (TUCN) noted sadly that the company however took the risk in accordance with the existing terms of the production sharing contracts (PSCs).

Proust disclosed that under the term, many people don’t realise that the company made all the investment with the federal government paying nothing, and expressed the fears that “if we didn’t find oil, then we lose everything without compensation or any recovery from the government.”

According to her: “We took the risk but on the other hand, when you take a risk you want your reward and the real reward is to be able to maintain our investment in Nigeria and our commensurate returns in line with the contracts.”

Speaking on the company’s projects initiative, the CEO said for the joint venture (JV) projects like Ofon 2 and OML58, the company was very close to concluding the development of those projects but for Egina which is a deepwater PSC project, the development was at a relatively early stages, but assured that the company would continue based on the actual fiscal and PSC terms which are known to it.

She said further that, “On other projects, I want to say that Usan is my baby. I was involved in Usan right from when I was in charge of project architecture and engineering for E&P at Total headquarters and I was happy that Usan was on-stream by the time I came to Nigeria as MD.” According to her: “We have discovered more fields like Ikike, Ubeta, and on the deep offshore we are conducting appraisal oil well. We still have a lot of projects in our portfolio. Some need to perform.

Some are undergoing appraisal, but I will say that my major objective as MD in Nigeria is to perform exploration.”

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

Regulatory Tussle Threatens Power Sector Reform

by Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The battle for the soul of the regulation of the nation’s fledging electricity industry is presently tearing the sector apart as the chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi, has insisted that the NERC remains the sole regulator mandated by law for the sector.

Amadi made the remark yesterday in Abuja, in reaction to a bill currently before the National Assembly for the setting up of a par-

allel regulatory agency for the power sector, during the opening of a public hearing on the commissions draft “Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards (NESIS) Regulation.”

The bill which has passed first and second reading at both the House of Representative and Senate is sponsored by the chairman, House Committee on Power, Patrick Ikhariale, and seeks to upgrade the Electricity Management Services Limited (EMSL) to Nigeria Electricity Management Service Au-

thority (NEMSA) and cede to it technical regulation of the sector which NERC said was part its responsibilities.

But NERC’s position was challenged at the hearing by the EMSL which claimed that NERC was trying to arrogate to itself function reserved for the Electricity Inspectorate Services (EIS) of the ministry of power which was transferred to EMSL in 2013.

However, in his presentation Amadi said: “It is pertinent to recognise that the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP 2000) and

the Electric Power Sector reform Act (ESPR) 2005, which are the guiding spirit for the power sector reform unambiguously, mandate the Commission as sole and independent technical and economic regulator of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“Today we are conducting public hearing on another very important technical regulatory instrument (NESIS) developed by NERC in fulfilment of its mandate to ensure effective technical regulation for reliability and safety in the NESI,” he said.

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Investors Exchanged 296m Shares

by OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), on Tuesday traded a total of 296.098 million shares worth N6.49 billion in 6,034 deals.

The volume represented an increase of 33.12 per cent over the 222.428 million shares valued at N2.27 billion exchanged in 4,455 deals on Monday.

However, investors appetite for equities remained low, as market capitalisation depreciated by N45 billion to close at N13.625 trillion against N13.670 trillion posted on Monday. Similarly, the AllShare Index, which opened at 41,398.05, dropped further by 133.40 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 41,264.65.

Top on the list of losers yesterday include Nestle, which lost N25.09 to close at N1,054.09 per share. Forte Oil

trailed with a loss of N2.99 to close at N227, WAPCO dipped

by N1.25 to close at N116 per share.

Ashaka Cement dropped by N1.05 to close at N32.42 and Oando shed 75 kobo to close at N26 per share.

On the other hand, Zenith Bank led the gainers’ chart with a gain of 59 kobo to close at N24.60 per share. It was followed by Guinness, which gained 50 kobo to close at N180.50, while Eterna and International Breweries inched by 38 kobo each to close at N4.47 and N28.38 respectively.

Dangote Cement gained 34 kobo to close at N225.50 per share.

Transcorp was the most active equity with 91.44 million shares worth N613.09 million. Skye Bank came second, accounting for 25.37 million shares valued at N73.50 million, while Sterling Bank sold 19.87 million shares worth N44.16 million.

SMEDAN, UNDP Train Women Cooperatives, Target CBN’s N220b MSME Fund

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have concluded the 2nd phase of their economic empowerment programme for women-owned cooperative societies drawn from selected states of the Federation, with hopes on leveraging the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) N220billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) fund recently launched in Abuja

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Over 60 women representing various cooperative societies from the north and south of Nigeria benefitted from entrepreneurship training held in Minna and Enugu respectively in August 2014, preparatory to facilitation of access to working capital. The

cooperative societies were drawn from six states, each representing a geo-political zone in the country.

The entrepreneurship training held in Minna drew participants from Gombe State (North-east), Katsina State (North-west), and Niger State (North-central) while the one held in Enugu catered for participants from Enugu State (South-east), Rivers State (South-south) and Ekiti State (South-west).

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the entrepreneurship training held in Enugu on Thursday August 28, 2014, the directorgeneral of SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, who was represented on the occasion by the director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mrs Justina David, confirmed that the agency would explore the possibility of securing funding for the women-owned cooperative societies from the N220b CBN intervention fund.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

NRC Awards Contract For Rail Tracks Linking Oil Tank Farms

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

In an apparent move to intensify haulage of petroleum products from tank farms in Apapa to other parts of the country using the rails, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has awarded contracts for the linking of major tank farms around Apapa Port, Lagos.

The contract, which is awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will connect the Oando, Total, A-Z Petroleum, Forte Oil tank farms and Lilypond Port among others to the railway grid and will be completed in three months.

The corporation is also currently changing the rail system from 60 to 85 poundage to carry heavier load, as the line going to the Apapa Wharf is currently under

rehabilitation.

“The passenger rail is currently being used for cargo evacuation.

We are still maintaining the narrow gauge until the standard gauge is built. For now, ICNL and the Flour Mills of Nigeria are our major customers,” NRC’s director for mechanical/electrical signal and telecommunication, Engr.

Fidet Okhiria, told journalists after a tour of the infrastructure yesterday.

“Tracks will be laid into the tank farms to avoid double handling.

Traditionally, the companies are supposed to link up their premises with rail tracks, but due to the priority that the government places on rail transport, it has gone the extra mile of doing this, as it seeks to meet up with the standard globally,” said Okhiria, who held brief for the

corporation’s managing director, Engr Adeseyi Sijuwade.

He noted that at the completion of the project and the rehabilitation of the sidelines, those oil companies on railway facilities would have no excuse to haul their products by road.

The train currently moves 900,000 litres of diesel a trip and could repeat the trip three times in a month, according to the director of operations, Mr. Niyi Alli, who was also on the tour of the rail facilities in Apapa yesterday.

Alli said the train also makes four trips of 600 tons of wheat from the Nigeria Flour Mills in Apapa to Kano in a month. “This is a load for 20 trailers, with each wagon taking 35,000 tons and there are 17 wagons moved. We are now targeting to go to Kano and come back within eight days.”

L-R: Representative of Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Salawu Zubairu; a former chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ifueko Omoigui-Okaura and acting FIRS chairman, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, at FIRS Stakeholders Engagement forum In Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

FG To Increase Milk Production To 1.1m metric tonnes

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

Nigeria is set to increase the daily milk production per lactation period of a cow from below 500 litres to 2, 000 litres and raise total national output to 1.1 million metric tonnes. The lactation period of a cow lasts an average of 250 days, producing an average of 5kg of milk per day and 1250 per lactation period. However, through artificial insemination with high productivity semen and feed supplement, some cow breeds can yield up to 2, 800 litres per lactation period.

The director Federal Department of Animal Production and Husbandry Services, in the Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development Dr. Ademola Raji disclosed this on Monday in Nasarawa State while declaring open a capacity building workshop for Dairy Value Chain Subject Matter specialists.

Raji, who was represented by a deputy director in the Ministry, Alhaji Adeola, said the workshop is aimed to equip the dairy specialists with the requisite veterinary skills needed to achieve this set milk production target.

“The aim of the workshop was to adequately equip the officers of the eleven states with the training on artificial insemination techniques and assessment at farm level, bovine reproduction and health in dairy animals and techniques for assessment of animal health and

production parameters.”

On his part, the desk officer of Dairy Value Chain, Mr. Ezenwa Nwakonobi, said the objectives of the value chain included the creation of structural shift in the dairy industry, which will turn Nigeria into a major player in local milk and milk products supply, thereby creating wealth for dairy farmers and jobs along the value chain.

He added that some goals of the value chain include linking private sector processors to domestic milk supplies, increase national milk output from 469,000 metric tonnes to 1.1 million metric tonnes by organizing small-holder milk producers’ cooperatives clustered around milk processors.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

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20 INTERVIEW /BUSINESS What is the status of the tourism industry in Nigeria?

Well, first of all, the tourism industry is a growing industry that needs to be properly developed. Going through that process and managing the security challenges in the country and now the Ebola scare has not been easy. Looking at all of that, you can imagine the impact these are having on the industry.

Tell us more about the impact of Ebola outbreak on the industry.

This Ebola thing is something new in Nigeria and the rumour was spread and that didn’t help.

People got the wrong information and stopped going out and even eating out. They almost treated it like an airborne disease.

It took a while to sensitise the people and make them understand the proper status of the disease.

And I think the government has done quite well in that. But from the beginning down to this day, it has affected the industry, it has cut down people’s movement and people were afraid to mingle with others, most times ignorantly.

But it surely did affect the industry to a great extent.

Did you hotel Obiefule experience any booked appointments?

Well sure in the beginning, a lot of people were in panic and some even quarantined themselves voluntarily until certain measures were put in place until people began to have a better understanding of the issues involved in the outbreak. So that first week, people were restricting their movement especially people coming from overseas into Nigeria. I had some guests that were coming from Europe and Latin America but they actually postponed their visit because they wanted to be sure of the outbreak will be. At first, it was ‘it is in Nigeria’ and people were scared that maybe it is going to spiral out of control and spread everywhere. So they were being a little bit cautious. But now, that

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

interview

Poor Electricity Supply Hurting Tourism More Than Ebola

With the Ebola health crisis taking its toll on lives and the economy, the Chief Executive Officer of Casalinda Hotel & Gallery Resort, Mr. Gandi Obiefule, in this interview with EZRA IJIOMA, talks about the challenge of managing the crisis in the tourism industry. He also spoke about other challenges facing the industry. Excerpts:

has kind of subsided because people have seen that Nigeria is making good moves to control it.

It is not as crazy as they thought and it’s not spreading as much as they thought. In the beginning, it really affected business.

What about the challenge of poor infrastructure?

Over and over again, that has always been the biggest challenge despite these other temporary challenges like the Ebola scare and insecurity. The infrastructure challenge is the key accelerating growth and development in the industry. The challenge of regular electricity supply, potable water, good roads, accessibility to places, and affordable transportation.

So these have always been the challenges of this industry. Most hotels spend enormous amount

experienced in the industry and they know that it is a national project. For Nigeria to prosper and properly develop, not only the oil industry but all the other industries must be developed.

And for all the other industries to be developed, there must be constant electricity supply and dependable critical infrastructure to support these industries. We cannot grow only from the oil revenue. Everyone knows what is going on in the oil industry.

In the next few years, we might not generate half of what we are generating today. So, we should look at other industries and to make these industries thrive, we must get the electricity industry and other infrastructure right.

What gives Casalinda the edge in

of their revenue to generate electricity. Ordinary, electricity should take only a small amount of revenue but here, you are spending up to 30 per cent of the revenue to generate electricity using generators. So it is a big challenge that needs to be addressed.

the hospitality industry?

Well, Casalinda is a new brand in the hospitality industry but the people behind it have much more experience than in some other brands in the industry. I’ve got experience in this industry from different parts of the world, the US, Europe and the Caribbean’s, which is the motherland of tourism. This gives us an edge despite the brand being new in the industry. We are cutting a different niche in the industry.

We are an all-in-one-place. This is the only small hotel you can come in and do a lot. There is great entertainment; the rooms are beautiful, good meals and wine, a complete gym where you can get a good massage, use the conference hall and business centre. We’ve got all the facilities available where you can work hard and have fun anytime. Also, it has one of the best locations in town.

How much support has the industry received from government? Also, has your hotel received any specific support from government in addressing these challenges?

Well, the infrastructural challenge is not just upon the industry but every other industry is affected and every personal life is affected.

However, businesswise, this affects us a lot. But there has been some improvements in this part of the country recently with the electricity supply improving. I have seen the new changes made in the electricity industry and those involved are

How has business been over the years?

It has been a roller coaster thing.

We started off well but when the last bombing in Abuja happened, it affected us very well. Nigeria itself needs to stabilise so we can have a steady growth. We have been going up and down, almost like a yo-yo. It looks good and then something happens to slow it down. We started coming up again and this Ebola thing slowed it down. But we are very optimistic that it can only get better. We’ve hit the rock bottom since this is the worst that can happen in Nigeria. I think after this, we can say ‘halleluiah’.

Sidmach Technologies Partners NERDC On E-curriculum Portal For Schools In a bid to help lift up the Nigerian education system to the mainstream of global digital revolution, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited has partnered the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to introduce a new software solution called NERDC e-Curriculum Portal. The new e-Curriculum portal, which was launched Tuesday in Abuja.

Expected to signal a new

era in Nigeria’s education development, the e-Curriculum solution is said to be a complete teaching and learning tool which makes teaching and learning easier, faster, better, anywhere and anytime. The solution provides an interactive, analytic and collaborative learning environment for teachers and students.

According to the managing director of Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, Mr. Hassan

Alao, the “E-curriculum is an electronic and accessible online platform for curriculum teaching. All of E-curriculum’s features are browser-based which allows schools, teachers, students and general public anytime-anywhere access to curriculum-based information depending on the role of the user.

We are creating a new culture of learning in Nigeria. I tell you, a teacher in front of 30 students

can’t penetrate individual student as much as technology will do.”

It is also affirmed that the E-curriculum portal solution makes the curriculum available in electronic format and provides downloadable curricula for schools. The e-curriculum also provides contents to aid teachers in preparing scheme of work, notes and lesson plan.

It makes structural contents available to teachers, students

We cannot grow only from the oil revenue. Everyone knows what is going on in the oil industry. In the next few years, we might not generate half of what we are generating today

and stakeholders. It will form a network of support for teaching and learning across the class levels and subjects.

Sidmach Technologies is known for bringing about innovations in service delivery in the educational sector. Sidmach started the e-Registration with WAEC and JAMB. The company is also working with WAEC and JAMB to stamp out impersonation in examinations using biometric technology.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Environment

Feature

News NMRC Will Increase Loan Tenure-ASO MD

NIOB Seeks Law To Enforce Building Code

Why Accurate Environmental Audit Is Pertinent

Ridding Environment Of Ebola Virus

Page 22

Page 23

Capital, Land Acquisation Bane Of Affordable Housing

22 HOMES & PROPERTY

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Why Accurate Environmental Audit Is Pertinent

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The relevance of an accurate environmental audit cannot be overemphasied. Apart from helping in making informed decision, it also updates environmental consultants on emerging environmental issues which goes a long way in safeguarding the environment.

An environmental audit is a tool which can quantify an organisation’s environmental performance and position. According to Wikipedia, an environmental audit reflects the various types of evaluations intended to identify environmental compliance and management system implementation gaps along with corrective actions. If such environmental audits are wrongly done, it will be impossible to make informed decisions.

Globally, environmental audit is used to identify environmental problems, provide baseline information to enable organisations to evaluate and manage environmental change, threat and risk, form the basis for initiating and monitoring the performance of environmental management systems, contribute to environmental management approaches which become integrated with environmental impact assessment and the management of predicted impacts, mitigation and monitoring measures, amongst others.

The regulating agency in Nigeria in charge of compliance monitoring is the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency (NESREA) and it takes environmental audit very seriously as it is also a key component of its mandate.

The director-general, NESREA, Dr Ngeri Benebo, during the agency’s recent induction exercise for accredited consultants explained that the environment and its resources were supposed to be nature’s blessings to mankind, however due to man’s quest for

development, his activities have inadvertently damaged the environment. As such, she said there was the need to collectively repair the damage that have been inflicted on the environment through man - made activities such as bush burning, indiscriminate burning of trees, carbon emission, oil spillage, amongst others. She therefore, urged the accredited consultants that as partners and vanguards of the environment, they should ensure environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement in their domain. She noted that the agency has painstakingly embarked on identifying and accrediting competent environmental consultants to carry out specialised environmental activities and services.

Explaining the content of the audit report, Benebo said that an environmental audit gives a baseline of the vegetation covered. “It will show any sensitive area in that place and again how has your activities impacted on those natural environment. The main thing is the environmental parameters,” she noted.

Benebo stated that the refresher course was to remind the consultants of the need for accurate environmental audit. She hinted that with the agency’s compliance monitoring and enforcement programme, a lot of people were becoming conscious of their environmental responsibilities.

The implication she said, was that there was an increased demand for consultants which made some of the good ones to employ younger people to do the job for them in order to meet up with demands. However she said sometimes, the younger ones were the ones that do not do the job right.

Commending the consultants for their performance, she described them as professionals but appealed to them to monitor the younger ones in order to avoid mistakes even as she added that

Environmental auditing

erring consultants would face monetary sanctions.

“Train them properly and make sure they attend this refresher course that we have for them so that they can do the job well. Often times, they quote obsolete regulations. The ones that have already been reviewed. It is just few of them. We want them to really be on top of their jobs. The forum aim to achieve to update the consultants on emerging environmental issues, share ideas and fashion the way forward in our relationship as partners in the protection of the environment and acquaint consultants with the agency’s activities.”

She also added, “Our consultants are very competent people because they were and painstakingly selected and accredited. We are bringing it to their attention so that they will supervise their staff closely. Our consultants are of international repute.”

She tasked them on the key role they have to play in promot-

ing green economy since it was predicated on environmental protection and sustainable development.

She expressed joy that some industries and businesses in Nigeria have begun to adopt good environmental practices and appealed to those who were yet to do so to quickly embrace good environmental practices.

While also tasking its accredited consultants on the major roles they have to play by advising their clients properly on the environmental implications of their operations in relation to the provision of these regulations,she advised them to avoid cutting corners.

“There is the need for consultants to earn the confidence of their clients by being proactive and advising them properly on all environmental matters,” she said.

One of the consultants present lauded the induction programme and said it was an avenue for them to learn from others and correct their mistakes.

She hinted that with the agency’s compliance monitoring and enforcement programme, a lot of people were becoming conscious of their environmental responsibilities.

HOMES & PROPERTY 23

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

11

the project ia an 11-storey building comprising a 5-star 89 apartments/ rooms and 23

2.2bn

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

Ridding Environment Of Ebola Virus GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

After a bleak assessment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently insisted that the current outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa could infect more than 20,000 persons.

This complicated threat which posed a fundamental disaster to continual human existence experts say calls for collective response, especially in the area of environmental accountability and safety.

Comprehensive solutions environmentalists believe can be found if the people refused to be silent or sitting on sidelines on environmental issues.

The spread of the deadly virus they affirmed, could be dealt with in different ways with different environmental methods, ranging from imbibing good personal hygiene, effective disposal of their refuse and waste of Ebola victims through a medical waste treatment plant.

From the point of personal hygiene, the manager, Multipro Enterprise Limited, Mr Jude Nzeata, said the first step to arrest rapid outbreak of EVD was to make the environment free from the virus.

He said his establishment has intensified a campaign nationwide to create awareness and also enlighten the public and hospitals on the use of bleach to kill germs and keep the environment clean.

According to him, “We visit houses, hospitals and public places and teach them how to maintain simple hygiene by washing hands clean, toilet washing even tiles too with hypo.”

The medical director of County Hospital, Dr Amos Azzun, also reasoned along this line when he stressed the importance of good

hygiene to the body and the environment.

He said, “It is very important that we cultivate the habit of cleanliness. We shouldn’t wait until there is an outbreak of disease like virus or bacteria before we do that.

“Sanitiser can do that and if that is not available, then a drop of bleach in the water can be used to wash hands and clean our surroundings because it is concentrated with sodiumhypochloride which can kill any germs like bacteria and virus.”

The physician who harped on the need to keep the environment clean in the face of current challenges posed by the Ebola outbreak pointed out that bleach cannot kill ebola and therefore urged anyone infected to quickly contact the ministry of health.

The Lagos State Government is also working in this direction and has been appealing to residents not to indulge in unhealthy habits that could spread the deadly Ebola disease in the state.

According to the state commissioner for environment, Mr Tunji Bello, the government has resorted to advocacy campaign on preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease. He said such proactive measures must be taken to save the country from rapid spread.

“We need advocacy. This is important, prevention is better than cure. Residents need to know how they can avoid contacting the virus.

“It is not until Ebola outbreak occurs in the state that the government will commence fire brigade approach. That is why we have commenced sensitisation across the states to give residents clear picture of the virus.

“One of the things we have told our residents was that they should clean their environment

Molecular model of parts of the Ebola virus

often, and stop open defecation and urination. These are one of the easiest ways to spread the disease. Residents of Lagos must stop these unhealthy acts now,” he said.

The commissioner added that as a responsible and responsive government, they would continue to be in the fore front of the campaign for a healthier and sustainable environment.

He urged Lagosians to support the government in its effort to contain the spread of the disease, saying that efforts should be further concentrated on the cleaning of drains, canals and fumigation of the environment, in order to completely eliminate the disease in the state. “ Over the years the present administration in the state have continued to educate Lagosians to desist from unhygienic acts like open urination, open defecation, cleaning of our environment and proper waste management as its consequences are grievous.

“Now that we have an index case of the Ebola virus disease in the state, this is now a wakeup call to all Lagosians to desist from unhygienic acts that could spread the disease,” he urged.

He said the ministry during the last environmental sanitation exercise in the state demonstrated some ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

The commissioner emphasised that the state government

has zero tolerance for acts such as defecating and urinating in the public, street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and constructions of structures along drainage alignments.

He stressed that efforts should be further concentrated on the cleaning of drains, canals and fumigation of the environment, in order to completely eliminate the disease in the country.

To show its readiness to prevent the spread of the disease LEADERSHIP observed that the state’s ministry of environment sealed off three houses in Lagos Island.

According to a director in the ministry , Mr Fola Adeyemi , the action was to prevent outbreak of the disease in the state.

While monitoring the environment, houses with numbers 42, 48 and 50 located along Vincent Street, Lagos Island were served abatement notices for discharging untreated human feces directly into public leading to offensive foul odour capable of instigating outbreak of epidemic.

“It was also observed during the monitoring exercise that, all the tertiary adjourning drains were completely filthy and silted with solid/fecal waste.

He said they have also trained environmental health officers and scientists across the state to educate members of the public on preventive measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

Over the years the present administration in the state have continued to educate Lagosians to desist from unhygienic acts like open urination, open defecation, cleaning of our environment and proper waste management as its consequences are grievous

24

news

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Capital, Land Acquisation Bane Of Affordable Housing

L-R : Permanent secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, John Obinna Chukwu , and former FCT minister, Aliyu Modibbo, during the commissioning of the ASO Grove Estate developed by ASO Savings Plc in Abuja. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

NMRC Will Increase Loan Tenure-ASO MD

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The managing director, ASO savings and loans, Mr Hassan Usman, has said the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) has the capacity of increasing loan tenure to 20 years.

Speaking during the commissioning of the ASO Groove Estate in Maitama, Usman explained that presently, the loan tenure has an average life of 10 years but noted that with the NMRC, mortgage could now be spread for over 20 years. He further disclosed that the currently, interest rate for mortgages was 20 per cent, but was optimistic that with the NMRC, in the next four months the rate would reduce by five per

cent or more.

Explaining why ASO Groove Estate was built, he noted that it was initiated in 2011 to support the FCT administration’s desire to provide housing for all strata of the residence of Abuja.

“The entire development cost about N7.5billion including the cost of the land. The exclusive estate is an expanse of 60 units of 5-bedroom detached deplexes. It has modern, world class recreation facilities including a club house, 2 gymnasiums, 2 tennis courts, a squash court and a basketball court.

“ASO is Nigeria’s leading primary mortgage institution. We have over the years contributed immensely in ensuring that the

federal government housing and commercial real estates are achieved through assisting over 15, 000 civil servants to own their own homes under the sale of federal government’s house programme, facilitating the development and sales of market in Wuse, Lugbe, Karu and Kubwa and generally funding developers across the federation.”

On his part, the minister, federal capital territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed that the housing sector was plagued with limited mortgage institutions which were supposed to drive the determination to reduce the housing deficit in the country.

However he said, the federal government has come up with

an initiative under the NMRC so that mortgage facilities could be accessed and quality houses could be provided at affordable rates.

Meanwhile, the chairman, ASO savings and loans, Mr Tunde Ayeni, noted that the mortgage sub-sector has been plagued with difficulties. However, he said ASO has been able to weather the storms over the years and currently have a mortgage assest of over N35 billion and a total asset of N89 billion.

“It is our dream to provide housing for the teeming population of Nigerians who currently reside in various forms of rented and informal housing.

Our goal is to provide an additional 500,000 housing units,” he said.

NIOB Seeks Law To Enforce Building Code

By Catherine Agbo, Abuja

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has called on the government to promulgate a law to enforce the National Building Code and has also urged professionals in the building industry to put social, environmental and economic sustainability of every project ahead of financial gains, power and compassion The institute has also advised construction professionals within the country to endeavour to collaborate with professionals outside the country in order to internationalise the construction process and output, as well

as collaborate in research and development activities among the academia in the building profession at home and abroad and that avenues should be created by the professional and regulatory bodies for experienced professional women builders in the industry to mentor the younger ones.

These were some of the resolutions in a communique issued at the end of the 44th Annual General Meeting/Conference of the institute held in Kwara State.

The communique signed by the publicity secretary of the institute, Danjuma Abalaka, also made a case for the employment of more female builders in the ministries, higher

Institutions and agencies a well as patronage of professional women builders via contract awards by the government.

It further emphasised the need for the formation of consortium of experts in the building industry in order to encourage and improve construction project delivery, that professional bodies and academic institutions should encourage and organise more seminars and workshops to educate members on the necessity and benefits of innovations/innovative practices as well as foster unity among the professionals in the building industry adding that green construction and energy efficiency

practices as well as training should be introduced so as to sustain the environment.

LEADERSHIP reports that the conference, chaired by the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatai Ahmed, who was represented by the commissioner for housing and urban development, Olabode Olayemi, and attended by over 1,000 delegates comprising professional builders, graduate builders and representatives of students from building schools across Nigeria and allied professionals, has as it’s theme:“Construction Industry Development:Collaboration, Innovations and Capacity Building.”

The president of the Real Estate Developer Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Olabode Afolayan, has fingered the process of acquiring land, cost of capital and raw material to be behind the high cost of housing.

Speaking to journalists at the commissioning of the UPDC housing estate, he noted that though the materials were available, because of poor infrastructures, it becomes difficult to access them, thereby hiking the price.

He also asserted that the high cost of housing was not unrelated to the fact that most developers provide the infrastructure for the estate. He however cautioned that instead of looking at government, developers could look inwards to source for cheaper alternative materials without compromising standards and quality.

For the three committees recently set up by the federal government which are the ministerial committee on presidential initiative on the delivery of 10,000 housing units under the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) housing finance scheme, ministerial committee on verification and audition of federal government lands and landed property in the 36 states and the FCT, and ministerial committee on national housing survey, he disclosed that the committees were working closely with stakeholders and policy makers adding that something would come out of it that would enable some of the challenges to be resolved .

When asked if affordable housing could ever be found in high brow areas, he responded that houses in such areas were not expected to be cheap because if it were, then the price of the land would have been undervalued.

“Each time you talk about the cost of building, you must also talk about the cost of location. This is much more of a very strategic location. If we want to talk about housing that will be affordable for a lower income earner , you will not expect this kind of location. We are looking at the satellite towns,” he said.

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

One of the newly constructed Aso Grove Estate photo by ogoh joseph

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

25

26 issues

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

National e-ID… The Game Changer

By Etim Imisim and Benjie Ihenyen

If the revolution being created in the country’s data management is anything to go by, then the country could soon solve the myriad of problems besetting it in the areas of security, business transactions, elections and the many others. This is premised on the tremendous work the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is doing.

NIMC’s revolutionary approach to data management concerning citizens and residents from other countries with the introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) has been credited as being world class.

The NIN is a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment. Enrolment consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of his ten fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all crosschecked against existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.

Once this process is completed, the data is stored with the unique NIN assigned to it. Once issued to a person, the NIN cannot be issued to another person, even if the original owner is dead. It is

the NIN that helps to tie together all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified.

NIMC’s focus on NIN is a sharp deviation from previous dispensations where emphasis was on ID cards. The defunct Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) placed huge emphasis on cards without creating real value for the holders.

This is what NIMC has solved.

The card has an embedded microchip that carries information represented by the NIN. Benefits of the NIN, according to the Commission are that it provides a convenient and simplified process for enrolment into the National Identity Database for the issuance and use of the NIN and the national identity smart card. It also protects the holder from identity theft and fraud by providing simple, reliable, sustainable and universally acceptable means of confirming the holder’s identity at all times and providing an easy and convenient means of proving his identity anywhere in the world, among other things.

This will aid the political process through easy verification and registration by the electoral body. It will help forestall criminal duplication and falsifying of

identities and provide a reliable confirmation process, especially for government workers. It will solve the problem of ghost workers, as no data will be available for non-existing persons.

NIN will help the financial system by aiding the optimal use of government resources and making tax generation easier for government agencies. It will also help the nation’s image laundering process, since every Nigerian will be able to provide his identity, once the scheme becomes operational.

Enrolment has commenced in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

As proof of its readiness to achieve success with the scheme, NIMC has massively deployed personnel and machines and also mobile enrolment vans (MEVs) in order to serve those in locations far from the enrolment centres.

The new card can be used as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card anywhere in the world, wherever a MasterCard logo is found, thanks to an agreement entered into with MasterCard, according to the Commission’s director of technical services, Mr Emmanuel Ogungbe. He explained that the card would also soon be able to be used as a travel card, making it possible for

people to travel within West Africa particularly passport-free.

The smart card has electronic payment capability as a pilot programme and is the largest rollout of a formal electronic payment solution in the country and the broadest financial inclusion initiative of its kind on the African continent.

On Access Bank’s involvement in the project, Aigboje AigImoukhuede, former CEO said, “Access Bank’s involvement in this project is testament to our ongoing efforts to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria. The new identity card will revolutionise the Nigerian economic landscape, breaking down one of the most significant barriers to financial inclusion - proof of identity,

while simultaneously providing Nigerians with a world class payment solution.”

August 28 2014 marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s history when President Goodluck Jonathan launched the National e-ID card. At the ceremony, the president said, “I am impressed with the quality of the e-ID Card and the work of the corporate partners that have made it possible. I commend especially the MasterCard Worldwide Corporation and Access Bank Plc, as well as the Commission, who followed all laid down procedures in achieving a world-class product.

The combination of intricate security features and other multiple functions in the e-ID Card, improving its functionality and versatility is also significant.”

Gani Fawehinmi, Activism And Democratic Governance In Nigeria

By Tunji Olaopa

Every nation needs a social conscience, and it resides in the availability of a fearless group of citizens who are dedicated to upholding the tenets of the social contract between the people and their government, with every sense of responsibility and unquestionable patriotism. In Nigeria, until now, the role of civil society has been viewed parochially as a mere antagonism to military regimes and the adversarial hangover on the one hand and impunity from the state on the other is still evident to some extent. Rousing governments to commit to fulfilling their constitutional mandates and electoral promises is the utmost concern of civil societies. This pertinent assignment often requires, as the Nigerian paradigm shows, a dedicated army of activists, selfless in their persuasions and unwavering in integrity.

The absence of such a group of activists, more often than not, has the consequence of allowing the flowering, sometimes inadvertently, of autocratic tendencies even in governments with democratic intentions.

The discourse of civil activism in Nigeria has evolved over time and through Nigeria’s interesting political history.

It was actually to the military intervention in Nigerian politics that we owe the maturity of civil society. Its first condition for existence derived from the conviction that the military is a political anathema, and that Nigeria needs a set of visionary leaders rather than soldiers however well-intentioned. For the civil society activists, there was really no difference between the military administrator who has no political acumen and a ‘democrat’ who is ignorant about the requirements of democracy and the singular fact of the masses as the central component of a democratic order.

According to John Dewey, the American philosopher, ‘Only by participating in the common intelligence and sharing in the common purpose as it works for the common good can individual human beings realize their true individualities and become truly free.’ While these words denote the courage required to engage a fearsome state in a battle for the soul of governance, one name jumps into our collective minds when we think of Nigeria’s civil society space: Chief AbdulGaniyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and, by popular acclamation, the Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM). In a sentence, Chief Gani Fawehinmi was a scourge; in

fact a Socratic gadfly that was constantly stinging the Nigerian society and its leadership to the awareness of their joint responsibility to the Nigerian masses. He was articulate, fiery, brilliant and brave. If Chief Fawehinmi hadn’t been a lawyer, I doubt if that would have reduced the strength of his conviction; law only gave him the required register and the sophistication to insert his teeth into the backside of corrupt governments. He went to prison, again like Socrates.

Unlike Socrates, however, he bounced back and unfazed by the power of the military. For Gani Fawehinmi, the Nigerian masses and their poverty are enough manifestos for a constant crossexamination of the democratic claims of the Nigerian leadership.

Chief Fawehinmi’s strident activism was also reinforced by civil society colleagues including Femi Falana, the late Chima Ubani, the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, the late Dr. Bayo Kumolu Johnson, Chief Olisa Agbakoba and Comrade Shehu Sani, with great brand enhancement by Laureate Prof.

Wole Soyinka. Together, these figures constituted themselves into a national squad at the forefront of the pro-democracy movement that protested the de facto state of emergency imposed by the military regimes. Their

collective brief was the advocacy of democratic leadership that enthroned popular interests and egalitarian benefits as true definitions of democracy and political governance. In the face of governmental intimidations, political brutality and constant inducement to compromise, these civil society activists were resolved, like the British statesman, William Gladstone, to always ‘back the masses against the classes.’ This resolve, for them, also had the backing of a solid foundation in legal crusading backstopped by the objective of constitutional inclusion, people-friendly policies and a constant rehabilitation of our political fortunes according to the dictates of good governance.

For democracy and it twinpartner, good governance, to succeed in a political context like Nigeria, Gani Fawehinmi and his colleagues believe ardently that there is a demand for a national conscience framework that would appropriate political and social activism as the instrument for keeping watch over the fate of the Nigerian masses. In demonstrating this readiness and the firm beliefs in political activism, Olisa Agbakoba once unabashedly reminded the senate leadership, and to all of us by extension: Civil Society is ready if you are, sir.

Is the civil society still strident with the demise of its irrepressible iconoclast? History and posterity will definitely have a critical opinion. In a time when it becomes imperative for all Nigerians to find means of ensuring that the national project does not collapse in the face of unbridled corruption, civil society activism constitutes a genre of national heroism that only the brave can dare.

Heroes and heroines aren’t gods; they are normal human beings with normal fear quotient. The difference, however, between them and us is that they do not only see the rot and social anomie, but they also see more: the point at which we missed the right path, and what we need to do to retrace our steps back there. The readiness of civil society to pursue this objective of national restoration becomes a crucial challenge that ought to recruit all Nigerians into the civil society agenda. It is a collective responsibility by which we either rise or fall together. Frantz Fanon aptly captures the role every generation must live up to with respect to its contribution to humanity when he says that ‘every generation must discover its mission and must seek to either fulfill it or betray it.’

— Dr.Tunji Olaopa wrote in from Abuja.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

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Interval E N T E R TA I N M E N T S P O R T s

Rita Dominic Now In A Relationship

Dominic

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Nollywood

diva,

Rita

Dominic has confirmed that she has been swept by the love bug and now is in a sizzling relationship.

The actress is on the cover of the Blanc Digital magazine. In the mag, the co-producer of award winning movie, 'The Meeting' had to confirm this when asked about her love life. She usually avoids questions bordering on her private life, especially relationship.

Rita Dominic, now 40 years, revealed that she is currently in a relationship and is very happy.

Speaking on her love life Rita said, "I feel grateful, thankful and excited as well. Not many have the opportunity to get to this number and for the most part, I have had a good life. Yes I am dating someone and I am in a happy place. I’m good."

She also hinted that her man is not in the entertainment industry.

We, her fans wish Rita the best of blissful relationship that 'll culminate in marriage.

No more heartbreak.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

I Love To Work With The Less Privileged – Binta Yahaya

'PMAN Will Never Fall Again'

LEISURE

Yemi Alade’s Rising Fame

Tee-A Hosts Stars In UK Special Edition

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Building on the success of his Lagos Special Edition of Tyme Out With Tee-A, ace comedian is gearing up tohost the UK edition of the show.

Holding on September 28, 2014 at The Broadway Theatre, CatFord in London, the best of comedy, music and stage appearance will be out to

Tee-A

thrill guests.

Ice Prince will showcase how hot his fire of Zamani is now while Chidinma and other artistes will bring great music to their UK fans.

Wow! Terry G’s Son Has Instagram Account

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

One wonders what exuberance will make Apako master, Terry G to open a social media- Instagram account for his two year-old son.

Terry G known for his crazy dance style with his bell wherever he goes has recently been teaching his son, Teerex how to handle the microphone and even how to dance the akpako dance style.

Terry G’s son may just be the first youngest Nigerian celebrity’s son to be on instagram. 2-year old Teerex was also seen operating his own instagram page on his father’s Android phone

Alade

By SAMUEL ABULUDE,Lagos

Talented singer and dancer, Yemi Alade surely has the spotlight on her, thanks to her rising profile.

The singer has got a grip on her fans with her hit songs, Johnny and she was the toast of multitudes of

music lovers recently in East Africa, as Yemi thrilled fans with her swag giving likes of Tiwa Savage and Sheyi Shay good competition.

The ‘Ghen Ghen Love’ singer has been announced as the new face of Nigeria premier online fashion jewellery and accessory store, Bland2Glam.

With her ‘Johnny’ gaining wide acceptance, Yemi Alade revealed another alluringg angle to her fans in the new Bland2Glam promotional video.

The hype of her video

by Youtube titled, ‘Yemi Alade’s Date With Johnny’ is trending and has more than a thousand views in just one week of release.

'Star The Winner Is’ Delivers Unbeatable Thrill On Episode 7

by SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH

Terry G’s son

which was recently opened @princeteerex with about 15 posts, 110 followers and 3 following.

Won't be surprised if other celebrities also try to outdo themselves and display expensive gadgets for their kids.

It was indeed a night of thrill and excitement on Nigeria’s first ever music game show ‘Star The Winner Is’ with contestants on episode 7 bringing to the table all the vocal skills all in an attempt to move a step closer to life-changing grand prize of 10million naira and a brand new

car.

Contestants Kelvin James, Blessing James, Damilare Anifowoshe, Roxy Oni, Ifu Ennada and Dehinde Okubajo with a fascinating mixture of musical genres, did absolute justice to performances, giving the jury members a very difficult task of deciding winners in every round.

‘Kai, Na Shameful Thing o!’

“What nonsense?” said a man who was turning the pages of a national daily, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Assuredly, everyone looked at him.

“If you keep getting worried about Nigeria, you could die before your time,” another fellow advised him, with a flick of his hand.

“Haba, but this country is our own now. How can we not be worried about our own country?

If we do not worry about this country, who will do so for us: The

Camerounians or the Ghanaians?

No na, somethings are too shameful na,” said the first man, almost at the point of tears.

“See, as far as this country is concerned,” began another close to him, touching his shoulder, “our leaders know…”

“Don’t tap my shoulder, because of Ebola,” interrupted the first man.

Laughter rippled through the bus.

“Sorry,” said the one who tapped him, ploughing on. “But I must tell you that our leaders know everything happening about this issue. Honestly, are you saying that President Jonathan has never been briefed about this Chibok Girls’ issue

since they were abducted? Are you saying that he has never asked himself how the nation’s military, one of the most efficient in the continent, has not been able to tackle the Boko Haram issue once and for all? Are you saying that the president has never asked himself how the girls are faring in the captivity?

Are you sure that the president has not dismissed the whole thing as the plan of some people to discredit him? Are you saying that the president is unaware of every funny thing that has been happening? Are you saying that the fact that these military men were chased to Cameroun by the Boko Haram people will be read by the president for the first

time on the pages of newspapers today?

“I am sorry, no one can deceive me into thinking that,” he finished.

“But one should think that these soldiers were trained to die in the service of the Motherland,” opined another to his morose seat-mate who nodded as if he understood any word of the debate.

“How can you die for a country that cannot even engineer the rescue of more than 200 girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram for nearly 140 days now?

I wouldn’t die for that country; not even in my sleep,” said a bispectacled fellow who looked like a school principal.

“It is shameful for a country’s soldiers to run away under any circumstances. It can make that country a laughing stock. Imagine what the Boko Haram sect must be thinking about the nation’s soldiers. It is such a shameful thing. If the chief of defence staff or the minister of defence does not resign after this shameful episode, then our leaders are just a band of puppets,” said the man who started it all.

As if on cue, the driver decided to put on the radio and the voice of one of the city’s OAPs started singing the national anthem in pidgin English.

“Oya, oya, check your busstop go find wetin your family go chop!” Bellowed the driver.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

I Love To Work With The Less Lady Privileged – Binta Yahaya Donli In The Music Scene

By Blessing Ukemena, Abuja

Binta Yahaya is one of the versatile stars of Kannywood.

Presently she has her cup full with all the activities on her plate. She acts in both hausa and English movies. Presently she has a new Hausa movie coming out titled “Mutun da aljan”. She also coordinates a Hausa series called “ Aladun Arewa” which is airing on Africa Magic and she is working on cooking program which will soon begin airing also on Africa Magic. And when she is not acting , Binta is busy helping the less privileged while working with the Rochas Okorocha Foundation.

She describes the experience as a blessing from God, “Working with the Rochas Foundation is my way of giving back to the society and God gave me that opportunity.

The foundation caters for more than 10,000 students. It gives free and quality education to the less privileged. Most of these children very poor backgrounds and I am glad to have the chance to impact lives. I am grateful to his excellency Rochas Okorocha for this opportunity. The foundation is like a family, we are all one Nigeria,” she said.

According to Binta it was while she was on a media duty in Owerri that Rochas Okorocha saw the passion in her and decided to make her a part of the foundation. She had previously worked with other foundations like the Youth Federation for World Peace. Presently she is handling the foundation school in Kano and she is trying to come up with ways to improve the foundation’s activities in the North. Her work with the

foundation does not affect her media duties, “ I still do my media program, infact we intend to open an office in Kano,”she stated.

Binta has acted in over 15 movies but her opinion the amount of movies she has featured in does not really matter, “I am not one of those actresses that believe in acting in 100 movies to make a name. these days all you need is one good job and you are made.

I don’t believe in quantity but in the quality of the movie. I act, I present my own program, I am working independently and very soon I intend to go into English programs” she said.

So far Binta has mentored some people into the entertainment industry. She explains, “Yes I have come across those I have been able to help. The truth is that the entertainment industry is not the same way people see it.

Success in this industry requires passion. Entertainment is not just about making money but it is really about the passion in you.

Life is all about ups and downs and there are times when you will not get even one naira but that is when it will show that you are really passionate about what you are doing” she said.

Speaking more about her work with the Rochas foundation she says that most people believe it was a political setup but Binta seems to think otherwise, “I don’t really care why the foundation was setup because I focus on the benefit to the less privilege. Some even think that the foundation is out to convert muslims to Christians but that is not true.

At the foundation there is no discrimination whatsoever about where you are from or

IT’S NOT

WEAVE

ORUMA AKOMOLAFE

quail eggs for health purposes, making carrot oil, selling soap for distributors, and I own a company of 20 departments, and I'm only 30 years old. I just opened a mentoring programme for men and women too!

See, all I do is not because I have extra energy, or I'm a "Jack of all trades". I do all I do because I have vowed to die empty. YES! I will exhaust myself before I'm 6 feet under.

I will explore all my gifts before I die, and the ones I couldn't attain, I would give my children an idea of what they are! Look, like Beyonce sang, "I was here".

For crying out loud, how can you come into this world, and

OVER OMENESA

BB Pin: 2B2DA0B0 08176324382 (SMS)

Recently, I have been on a dreaming spree. Yet, the best way to accomplish a dream is to "Wake Up". It's been amazing how many ideas I have had lately. God is so amazing. He has blessed us with thousands of talents (700), yet many of us have not even discovered ONE! I have been haunting in the island of my mind, searching, digging for all that have been bestowed upon me. It is amazing. There are so many things I do. From supplying Asoebi for weddings, selling

INTERVAL 31

By Aderibigbe Tolulope, Abuja

Binta Yahaya flanked by some schoolgirls in Kano

what religion you believe in. The foundation begins its sponsorship from secondary to university level and later helps graduates get a job. Sir Rochas relates to these children as though they were his own children not just people he is helping. Even I am one of his children. Some of the brilliant ones are already studying abroad.

We do not just give them an education, we guide them for life.

There are so many activities that we do at the foundation to engage the children like sports and after school clubs where we teach them craft. Like there are some of the boys that are presently training under FIFA. As for the girls they learn some craft. Knowing our culture in the north, girls may not be able to finish their education.

So with the craft they learn at the foundation, they will be able to help themselves. These days one cannot depend on salaries alone.

If only so many rich people could do what this foundation is doing.

However Binta’s dad recently passed away due to a heart attack.

leave without a trace? God forbid!

The grave is loaded with riches, dead bodies lying there, with no opportunity to express their gifts. I will not be the one.

You will not end up like that.

That thing that you've always wanted to do, do it!

I have had my share of tired days, raped opportunities, bruises and scars, leeches for friends, and even shady family members...there are some things you cannot control. But one thing you are in charge of is the "law of return". Yes! You are in charge of your success, and your harvest. But you can only make a harvest when you invest. You are in control of

Zainab Donli is an upcoming artiste making her marks in the entertainment industry. Also known as Lady Donli, she had the listening party of her Love or War mixtape over the weekend at the Platinum Lounge, Silverbird Galleria building.

The occasion was graced by notable politicians and personalities within and outside Abuja whoacknowledged the bundle of talents in her. They include former Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) governor, Abuja chapter, Collins Adeyemi, Pherowshuz, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria ( PMAN) deputy governor and Leadership newspapers’ Group EntertainmentEditor, Solomon Nda-Isaiah as well as Timi Usher.

The 17-year old sensation is setting a reputation for herself as one of the most talented youngest composers in Nigeria with a passion for writing about women struggles, politics and her personal experiences in life.

Her mother, a co-owner of the Platinum Lounge, Julie Donli said she was happy to be encouraging her daughter’s dream, pointing out that so far theyhad not encountered any challenge. As one of herstrong supporters, she said had made her daughterunderstand that education was also a major key of her life, adding by November,

what you receive. If you push, surely you will make head-way.

If you knock, the door will open.

If it does not open, you can jump in through the window like I do. Never take "no" for an answer. Can you supply water to an ocean? Yes! Do you know how to make afFish swim? Yes! Can you make the sky blue? Yes! Any opportunity you have to do something, do it; of course, you know to do it in Godly perimeters.

I must "PUSH" in spite of my circumstances. You and I have a lot of reasons to remain in bed.

God has not answered every one of our prayers, and we keep witnessing undeserving people, taste our dream-that’s

Donli

Lady Donli would go and complete her law degree.

PMAN’s governor, Adeyemi expressed happiness that another young promising talent has emergedfrom the Federal Capital Territory and urged the young generation to take over the administration of PMAN. Saying the older generation has failed promising artistes, he hinted that a new project calledentertainment village was being established for artistes to inhabit and work together to raise their creative level in the city. On behalf of theassociation, Adeyemi donated an undisclosed amount to encourage the artiste.

Lady Donli’s manager, Lawal said the turnout ofguests at the event was beyond their expectation, pointing out that both the invited and uninvited made it to the event, describing it as quite unusual in Abuja. He said Donli’s music was personal, adding“it is like the struggles of a young teen growing up, she explains things that parents cannot relate with, which is more of thongs we the young generation can inseminate and relate with”.

For Donli, her favourite track is Skeleton. “I like the song because it talks about the secrets in one’s life. Most times, people tend to hide behind a mask because they have so many secrets”, she said.

okay! If all your prayers were answered right now, trust me, you wouldn't know what to do with half of them. This "waiting" game is what makes life interesting. The haunt, the fight, the pressure...it will eventually make diamonds.

You have to keep pressing, moving, pushing. They got to taste it because they put themselves in a position to grab it. Why did you let that happen? Get up!

It is only when you start weaving that the thread will extend. As it extends, you'll create something beautiful.

Yep, it does not start with the thread. The thread is useless till you use it.

32 INTERVAL In every facet of life, where individuals eke out their livings from certain careers , there are organisations/associations formed who help protect, guide and promote such based on the careers such as teachers, doctors, engineers etc. And the musicians are not exempted.

PMAN is now back and alive as people are now aware of the part the organisation is playing towards making a change in the lives of Abuja performing artiste. It would gladden anyone's heart that just less than three months the new excos under the able leadership of Mr Collins Adeyemi got elected, he has been able to redeem and continue to rebranding the image of PMAN. For keen followers of the activities of this association, it must have been noticed that it's image had been damaged as a result of lack of activities, credibility, integrity and otherwise.

However with the coming on board of the new PMAN administration, the musicians and artistes whose interests the organisation are to protect, represent and take care of are getting the full support from the musicians. The artistes/musicians have seen the conceited efforts of the organisation in providing good leadership with focus.

According to the governor, PMAN, Mr Collins Adeyemi, part of what the association is trying to focus on membership drive.

As part of his rebuilding exercise, he is doing his utmost best to incorporate young musicians in the FCT and bring them into limelight. His association with Abuja night club owners, lounges and stake holders in the entertainment industry afforded him the opportunity to realise that there are some untapped talents in the capital city.

"One of our younger colleagues, Papi T entertainment came to approach me about a week or two ago he was planning a programme for young entertainers where all the young musicians in Abuja can gather under one roof exchange ideas and then perform. He approached me as governor of PMAN to see how we can support, of course we supported financially, and I was also the special guest of honour at that event. It was a well packaged event that gave me hope that the musicians are getting their acts together, because I saw a lot of promising young acts." he explained.

He also mentioned that because of the new leadership in PMAN and the new directions and ideas the organisation is revolving around, he is looking for young brains to come and be a part of association .

Mr Collins who has been in consultation with members of the association explained that being a musician does not mean one must be a rascal because it is a worthy profession to be a musician with a lot of dignity.

Apart from the rebranding of PMAN, the governor is also

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 perform at the event.

There are also two more events coming up also organised by PMAN. The first PMAN Abuja entertainment awards coming in December , where by every year, the association intend to celebrate and reward artiste that have done dutifully well during their career.

In addition, the first PMAN musical bands competition is in the pipeline. The association is set to bring back the culture where young musicians must learn to sing with the live band, just like it is abroad.

The competition will be held and whoever wins that competition will go home with a good amount of money. It will also help PMAN in terms of membership drive because people will pick up forms for a token fee of N5000 and we will get all their details.

PMAN courtesy vist to DAAR Communications

'PMAN Will Never Fall Again' The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is a body comprised of musicians and artistes, irrespective of genres, age, sex etc whose mandate is to protect, promote and guide its members. But in recent years, PMAN had been relegated to the background. With the last general elections that saw the coming of the new excos headed by the able inspiring governor, Mr Collins Adeyemi, the sky is just the stepping stone. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM writes on the recent activities of the organisation working on how he could change the attitude of musicians.

Some of the activities done so far Last week, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter paid some major courtesy visits to major media houses namely WAZOBIA FM, COOL FM, AIT etc... and they have agreed to partner with PMAN to see how they can help publicise some of its activities.

The association also took its train to AIT, and as everyone is aware, the TV station is a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria.

The governor commended AIT for being one of the pioneers in supporting the entertainment industry with its lot of programmes aired in support.

The visit has restored lots of confidence because one of the directors had earlier mentioned that when he heard it was PMAN coming he said ‘ no we don’t want to do anything with PMAN but when he realised the person of the incumbent governor, he stressed that 'we must receive the governor because I know who this person is.'

It's all about integrity, and how PMAN could bring back the trust people should see.

At the last press conference with the Displaced women and children foundation, PMAN made a deposit for a hall for an event scheduled to take place in October 16th at the Sheraton hotel. The association in

Aerial view of the proposed entertainment village

collaboration with the Displaced Women and Children foundation are going to have an event to help the displaced women and children of insurgency in our land.

At that event there will be an unveiling of what is called the relief ticket.

This relief ticket is priced at N100. You can just meet someone and ask for N100 and the person will put his hand in his or her pocket and give you as his contribution to help displaced in the society.

According to the PMAN governor, the essence is to raise money through that medium for the victims of insurgency and of course on that day there are funds expected to be raised from the guests that would be on hand.

"After we have realised the funds, we are going to have another event where we will

publicly show the relief materials that we have bought. Where we will actually give out to these people. You might ask me why PMAN is doing this. Part of my vision is to give the association a good face and I want it to be humanitarian driven.

"While we are singing, we are propagating through music for us to have a better society we also want situation where by we are doing what you call cooperate social responsibility, assisting our brothers and sisters who are in need. Already I think professor Jubril Aminu has already accepted to be the chairman of the day, because we have a very big line up of dignitaries that will be attending that event.”, he explained.

Information also have it that the event will showcase some of PMAN members, who would

PMAN Entertainment Village Before the end of the year, there would be a fund raising dinner for the PMAN entertainment village.

The architects have finished with the drawings web are processing the file at ages and the association hope to meet very shortly with the FCT minister , Senator Bala Mohammed ,who is the grand patron, to show him this designs and to appeal to him to see how a reasonable plot of land within the FCT could be acquire so that can befitting PMAN entertainment village could be built that will consist of accommodation for artistes and excos, secretariat , a mini hotel and then of course the music institute.

The FCT minister must be applauded for his contribution to the social lives of the people in Abuja also for making a change from the substantive administration.

Also towards this project and the one day conference where musicians are to sensitize the FCT residents and Nigerians with a theme song ‘music as a tool for national development.’

“Through music we want to advocate for peace and unity in our land, through music we want to discourage evil doers from coming into our land. And then finally, we are working in conjunction with some government parastatals on developing theme songs for some federal government programmes that are on-going. Through these theme songs, our artistes will be engaged, enumerated. “I must let you know that I applaud the presidents’ achievements as he has done a lot especially for the entertainments industry, the first president of Nigeria that has actually taken care of entertainers, musicians, artistes.

We also demand that president Jonathan should run for 2015 and as PMAN are ready to support him for his wonderful works. “He concluded.

The PMAN governor will be hosted on Friday with his entourage at the Platinum lounge tagged “a night with Mr Collins Adeyemi governor, PMAN Abuja chapter.” It is sure going to be worthwhile hangout.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 33

Ebola: Residents Raise Alarm Over Abandoned Refuse Dump

By Chika Mefor

As Nigeria continues to grapple with growing cases of Ebola, Kubwa 2 Extension residents in Bwari area council have raised alarm over an abandoned refuse dump in the area, saying it constitutes a health risk.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP, some of the residents said that the refuse has been abandoned for a very long time, stressing the need for speedy evacuation of the refuse to prevent the outbreak of air borne diseases in the area.

A resident, Ike Egbuna, said that not designed as a dumping placing, lamenting that the odour oozing out of the dump was unbearable.

Egbuna said, “the place is along the road. Most people living in this area pass that spot from time to time. The sight is not only disgusting; it constitutes a health hazard and defaces the vicinity.”

Another resident, Gonu Boku, urged the council to designate a dumpsite outside the residential area, saying that the dump may soon block the road if nothing is done. ‘’And when that happens, I don’t know what we will do; it is already happening and may block the road soon if it is not evacuated. We are calling on the council to help evacuate it before it gets out of hand,” he added.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP, Hassana Muhammed, said that the local refuse collectors popularly called ‘mai bolas’ contributed in aggravating the situation as they collect refuse, for a fee, from various parts of Kubwa and Dutse and simply dump it carelessly in the area, adding that there was need for the sensitization of the local refuse collectors on making use of designated dumpsites.

Aduda Commends LG Boss Over Infrastructural Development

By Igho Oyoyo

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, Senator Phillip Aduda, has commended the chairman of Kwali area council, Hon. Ibrahim Daniel, over his infrastructure developmental stride.

Aduda gave this commendation at an empowerment programme, yesterday, in Kwali, where six Jeep cars were donated to the six area councils and commissioning of other utility vehicles.

He said, “In my own assessment, I am delighted at the giant stride of infrastructures in Kwali within a short period of time. People have been talking about it but I have seen it with my own eyes today. I want to use this opportunity to urge the leadership of the council to do more for the benefit of Kwali residents.”

In his remarks, the chairman expressed satisfaction at the kind gesture of the senator, urging him to remain resolute in his people driven leadership.

“Aduda has been a great leader for us in the FCT and my people will continue to support his leadership. We truly appreciate him for his numerous empowerment initiatives towards FCT indigenes in the area which will assist them immensely to become useful to their communities,” he added.

FCT Cultural troupe displaying at the FCT Council of Art and Culture office. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

House On The Rock To Dedicate Abuja Community Development Structure

By Igho Oyoyo

House on the Rock, owners of the Capital City Community Development Centre, has said that the multi-million naira structure, which houses the church’s headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will be dedicated September 7, 2014.

This was disclosed by the church’s Senior Pastor, Goodheart Ekwueme, during a press conference on the Church’s forthcoming 15th anniversary celebration and dedication of the Citadel and Towers, a capital city community development project tagged, “the transformation center” billed to run from 5th to 7th September, 2014.

According to him, the vision of the church includes being a bridge of hope to the hurting and dejected in the society, to release the might of God’s power to the people who come in contact with them and also to stand as a voice of excellence to their generation.

Ekwueme said, “this selfsame vision has found expression in House on the Rock - The Refuge in its own unique fashion. My mind goes back memory lane to 1999 when it was decided in the church’s headquarters in Lagos that I would be coming to pioneer the Abuja mission of the church.

“I still remember the inaugural service with barely 80 people. As is evident, God has indeed been faithful to us as a people. The tiny seed planted in the city has experienced growth in various dimensions for which we remain grateful to God. What you see today at the Citadel and Towers did not just appear here, but certainly has been a process through which God has taken us progressively from one phase to another in the last 15 years and the journey continues.

“We commenced the building of what is today known as the Citadel and Towers on June 2007. This iconic structure though home to House on the Rock - the Refuge

was designed as a community development centre where several other initiatives that will benefit the city will emanate from.”

The clergyman further said that the church would continue to be a force for progress and development in its immediate environment and the society at large.

“The centre will plan and implement strategic initiatives designed to bring development closer to the citizens, to serve the under-served as well as reach the unreached with diverse social services; life skills and economic empowerment programmes.

“The centre is committed to social reformation, education, provision of health care and humanitarian services for the down trodden and disadvantaged. It is an initiative that will be driven by the church with strategic partnership with a robust governing council; board of faculty; renowned resource centre’s; facilitators; consultants, and volunteers,” he added.

Kwaita Community Wants Expansion Of Clinic

By Chika Mefor

Residents of Kwaita Hausa community, in Kwali area council, have called on the council’s chairman, Mr Ibrahim Daniel, to come to their aid by expanding the health care centre in the area to effectively carter for the health needs of the growing population.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, residents said that though the clinic was in good shape, there was need to expand it and make it more useful to the people.

A resident, Alhassan Kaura, said that the clinic also needs to be upgraded with state of the act equipments to replace the old and obsolete ones.

Kaura said, “our chairman has been trying a great deal on the issue of health, for which we are grateful but we want him to help in the expansion of our hospital; people keep coming to live around this area, that is why the expansion is necessary.”

Another resident, Mary Duoh, called on the chairman to intervene on the issue of accessible water by sinking

more boreholes in the area, saying that the ones on ground are not enough to carter for the growing population.

She said, “the council’s administration should urgently address the issue of potable water as people may be forced to return to the stream if they can’t access potable water.

“This may result to the outbreak of water borne diseases as the stream is unhygienic for human consumption. I urge the chairman to take rapid steps to forestall such a situation.”

34 OPINION

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

2015 Political Armageddon, A Fragmented Opinion Of Interests

by Ayegba Israel Ebije

The speed at which Nigeria’s sociopolitical events cascade from a bad turn to the next reflects on the collective temperament of an average Nigerian towards nationhood and at the same time measures the extent of political endurance within stakeholders in the business of politicking.

We all love to be Nigerians, yet we hate to relate as one united, indivisible nation. This unfortunate social maladjustment forms the nucleus of our flaking nationhood. A nation rabid with sectional calibration on ethno religious bases, secessionist based on resource fiefdom and polarised on political monarchial godfatherism.

Therefore, the resultant implication of our social, economic and religious rivalry is the skewed federalism, jinxed perception of resource control/ ownership, fragmented elites, which have all bred cyclical violence across the country.

Today, resources must be ‘owners keep it’ no longer ‘ours share it’.

What you hear Nigerians say is our amalgamation was a fraud. What if it was, is it worse than the slavery Nigerians, nay Africans where subjected to? We are presently passing through a second and deadly stage of colonialism or mental slavery and yet all we see is how wrong the concept of Nigeria is.

Sadly, Nigerians calling for the fragmentation of Africa’s most populous nation are only interested in their narrow-minded interests.

They don’t care about the result of their prayers, which will definitely have negative domino effect even in their own fragmented enclaves if their wishes are finally granted.

Jonathan

It is therefore not out of place for many “informed” Nigerians to expect political Armageddon in 2015 following traceable trepidations, forming huge craters of cracks on the wall of our nationhood on account of administrative impunity, political rascality and ‘organised’ terrorism.

The country Nigeria, regardless of its initial interest to aid the colonialist’s economic agenda is a country that has stood strong despite thunderous salvos of all forms of bombardments targeted at breaking the strength of its nationhood. At what stage then are Nigerians flattened in their resolve to keep the steam engine of the Nigerian project hooting?

They brought us together for ‘economic’ interest, they are now telling us we are incompatible – for same “economic” interest, now they are pushing it down our throats that Nigeria cannot survive beyond 2015.

We must rise to plug a wedge between those puppeteers and us before they succeed in marrionetting us to

It is therefore not out of place for many “informed” Nigerians to expect political Armageddon in 2015 following traceable trepidations, forming huge craters of cracks on the wall of our nationhood

fragments.

Despite the level of education and awareness in the society, Nigerians are gravitating towards the direction the ‘colonialists’ are heading them off to which is the cliff edge.

Regardless of the fact that there are traceable evidences on account of insurgency that we are heading off towards a collapse, what have Nigerians done beyond the sentimentbased saber rattling at the national conference?

It is sad that even the conference members are not sufficiently convinced of their imputs. Therefore, between the people, government and the Western powers, who is more involved in the so called ‘conspiracy theory’ of breaking Nigeria?

Interestingly the forthcoming election has been sensationalised, balkanised into North and South divide, where a ‘do-or-die’ agenda has been injected to set inflammatory agenda between the major ethno religious divide of the country.

While it is clear Nigeria has managed to find itself in the present position with its back against an unstable wall, while all the malaise from hades beguile it from all flanks, a projection from the crystal ball before us suggests a vicious circle of rumblings, regardless of who is in power.

As the struggle to claim or sustain grip on the feeding frenzy in the country’s measurable oil wealth continues, it is imperative to understand that the 2015 prediction of doom is a creation fueled by political interests, sponsored by greed and supervised by enemies of Nigeria.

–Ebije is chief press secretary to Niger State governor

Re: General Vote Of No Confidence by simon abah

Frequent attacks on public figures in the media, either constructive and schorlarly, or ridiculous and pedestrian is a common occurrence in a democratic setting. More often than not, when the ridiculous ones appear in the newspapers, they are ignored rather than dignified with a response The petty, ignorant and lowly publication, titled “General Vote Of No Confidence”, purported to have been written by a nonexistent association, Ankpa Federal Axis PDP Solidarity Group is not different from such pedestrian publications and ordinarily should be left unreplied. But it is equally good thinking to bring some people to their senses because

their reasoning, perceptions and representations portray them as people still living with the excesses of the dark ages. It is only for this reason that a few words will suffice in response to the sordid and infantile attempt to besmear Hon Mohammed Ibrahim Idris of Ankpa- Omala – Olamaboro federal constituency.

The points raised in that meaningless publication are from all indications figments of the imagination of people who thought that so doing will earn them some percentages of favour in the Lugard House.

Fair enough, there is nothing wrong in currying favours from an executive in power, but it is both depressing and despicable when it is done so whimsically, without fact and out of a blatant lack of information .

Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim is a man with a conscience, and true to his principles. At a time, in our political history, he had reasons to disagree with the executive governor of Kogi State, Capt Idris Wada. Situations like that are not unusual in democracies all over the world. As a matter of fact, in politics we agree to disagree and vice versa. Only cretins and hypocrites that hide under the faceless Ankpa Federal Axis PDP Solidarity Group do not know that. But let it be put to them that Hon. Ibro has since reconciled whatever differences with Gov Wada and both are focused on securing better conditions of life for their people in their respective capacities. The reference to Gov Wada then as caretaker governor was not meant to demean his person

or office. It was metaphorically used in reference to the wellknown Echocho- Wada legal battle of which Hon Ibro, in his characteristic frankness and candour, pitched tent with the former and wished for positive verdict as political affiliations are largely circumstances influenced.

Changes in allegiances or political alignments are an integral part of the democracy deepening progress. Hon Ibro has no issues with Gov Wada and wishes him success all the way.

Recently Hon. Ibro organised a town hall meeting where he used the forum to commend the executive governor for doing a good job and it was widely celebrated in the media the following day.

–Abah wrote in from Port Harcourt

Rights Watch Emmanuel Onwubiko www.huriwa.blogspot.com

2015: Delta State And Gender Mainstreaming

I

t has become increasingly imperative that the Delta North senatorial zone is allowed by the major political platforms to produce their governorship candidates in next year’s election. Already highly reputable sons and daughters from the zone are engaged in democratic consultations with the people of the grassroots and leading stakeholders from across the state to convince them on the need for equity and sense of fairnessb to be applied in the coming primaries of the leading political parties in Delta State in order to build upon the legacies to be left behind by the current administration of Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan. As a consummate party loyalist, Dr. Uduaghan is expected to support constitutional fairness and justice so the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate could emerge from Delta North senatorial zone which hasn’t done that since the creation of that state nearly twenty five years ago.

From the Delta North senatorial zones comes such heavy weight political players like Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme, Dr. Sylvester Monye, Representative Elumelu among other key players but majority of people who support democracy and the principle of equity are of the opinion that the only lady among the few immensely loyal members of the ruling PDP in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme stands many miles ahead and therefore should be supported to become the candidate of the party in the coming governorship election in the state.

Dr. (Mrs.) Olejeme is said to be a woman of many parts and an astute administrator. Ngozi by dint of hard work and resilience has achieved the academic and professional prowess as a consummate Finance and Insurance expert, an entrepreneur, management consultant, philanthropist, politician, social mobilizer, human rights activist, nationalist and devout Christian.

Reading through her biography, one could decipher the facts that she rose from a humble background to national prominence during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha between 1993-1998 when she fearlessly joined other progressive forces to raise a strong opposition against the military dictator taking cognisance of the fact that military incursion into politics is an aberration to democratic ethos.

An alumni of the university of Southern California in the United States of America, Ngozi is said to be an amazon with much piety and sagacity and has distinguished herself as an exemplary public officer who uses her skills, wisdom, and uncommon brilliance as the board chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and as the convener of Subsidy Re-Investment And Empowerment Program (SURE-P) on Public Works to steer the ship of these trust funds to enviable heights.

The civil society community in Nigeria are also campaigning that she should be given the opportunity to serve her state because that vibrant state needs such a professionally competent creator of employment opportunities given that the majority of graduates and school leavers from the state are in need of an enabling environment to become employers of labour. She has what it takes to industrialise that state and also be the much desired environmental vanguard that will be on the look out to ensure that multi national crude oil firms comply with global best practices and the international convention on human and peoples rights so as to save the environment from degradation and to restore the pride of place for agrarian revolution to take place. This is the view of Abubakar Umar Dankano who spoke with this writer as I was putting pen to paper.

ISSUES 35

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Lest We Forget: 142 Days Since The Chibok Abduction

By Usman Shamaki

Rose Kennedy once disagreed with the saying that time heals all wounds: “I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”

The heartbreak of having one or more of your children taken from you by marauding beasts can take more than a lifetime to heal. In fact, it can take generations for the pain to even begin to subside because, every time a child is born to the family afterwards, the pain rises to the surface as the event would have to be recounted as part of the family history. When such an inhumane, vile and unprecedented act affects about 219 families (57 girls have so far escaped from captivity) within the same town, then, the history of the town, the state as well as the entire country will have to bear the mark of this assault on humanity forever. In any other country in the world, an act of villainy such as this would have its citizens’ faces contorted with grief and completely shocked out of their wits to no end.

However, Nigerians being a people like no other have once again set another world record.

This time we have topped the charts as holders of the new and only world record in the shortest time taken for the citizens of a country to defy the inbuilt psychological programming of the human mind to completely get over the pain of a national tragedy of titanic proportions.

And all it took was 120 days.

Congratulations everyone! We’ve done it again! Did I hear someone ask if there is a prize that comes with achieving such an astounding feat? Yes, there is! However, we may want to replace the ‘z’ in prize with a ‘c’ as in price. The price that comes with achieving such a feat is that for each day that culminated

into the current 120 days since those poor girls were in captivity, we the people and the government all lost a shred of our humanity for 120 days.

It is believed that our humanity consists of our hearts and souls, but more of our souls. Considering the fact that the soul is an abstract object incapable of being seen, touched, measured or quantified, I’ll put it aside and focus on our hearts. Let’s apply a bit of elementary math to see just how much humanity we have left in us.

If the average human heart weighs between 250 grams (in females) to 350 grams (in males) and we are to subtract 1 gram for each day of the 120 days that have passed since the abduction, that will leave the ladies with a heart weight of 130 grams and the gentlemen with a heart weight of 230 grams. Ouch!

That’s not a lot is it? It seems we’re almost a few notches away from becoming quite literally heartless.

On a daily basis we are assaulted by the sickening whimsical horseplay that has become our reality. A reality where the government considers it far more important to deploy tens of thousands of soldiers to “maintain law and order” during elections rather than deploy them to the areas they are needed the most to protect and rescue the people to whom it owes a major constitutional duty, a reality where the impeachment of governors is the order of the day and serious discussions to reunite children with their parents is not even considered worthy of note. I cannot recall the last time I saw any news updates or briefings by government spokespersons about plans, if any at all exist to rescue the girls. Even if you don’t care or don’t have a plan the least you could do is fake it! Pretend to care!

Sometimes it would seem that it is a crime to be poor in Nigeria as the travails and troubles of the common man seem to carry

BringBackOurGirls Campaign Group

The fact remains that for as long as those girls remain in captivity, we are all captives of our conscience for our failure to act and for our failure to force the government’s hand into doing what is right no weight whatsoever on the conscience of the government.

I have no doubt in my mind if the abductees were children of highly placed individuals or those in government, there would be daily newspaper and television commercial advertisements with their pictures displayed, asking Nigerians to pray for their safe return while talks are held to negotiate their release. But as Chibok is considered a small town tucked away in a far corner of the country and those affected are not considered worth worrying about, there is no harm in forgetting about them and moving on.

We cannot be absolved of wrongdoing as well. We the people also form part of the government as such we have a duty to act as the government’s conscience.

Therefore, if the government forgets its primary responsibility and moves on, should we do the same? Perhaps it’s because we are not affected and we bask in the false security of thinking we are

immune to the same event.

A parent of one of the abducted girls said she would have preferred to have buried her daughter than go through such anguish. For those who died from the grief of losing their daughters and the anguish that comes with the buck passing, ineptitude and nonchalance of a government that failed them, some form of closure has come their way. For those still living every day, their screams for a government they placed their trust in to hear their pleas is met with deaf ears.

Amid the negativity however, there is some good news. An amazing group of individuals have for the past 120 days made their presence felt on every platform available to share the grief of these parents and to remind us all that despite whatever differences may exist between us, at the end of the day we all belong to one another and when children are involved, all differences should and must be set aside. They have been

undaunted by the harsh weather elements and the inconsiderate words of individuals who still bow to the primitive doctrine of dictatorial hero worshipping.

These amazing individuals are known commonly as the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group.

However, I call them Nigerians, for they are the true patriots who put aside all sentiments to stand together and in unison proclaim to the government to do what is right.

The truth is they can’t do it all alone. It’s going to take all of us because we are all in this together.

If after reading this you still find it difficult to relate to why it is important not to forget these girls or the plight of their parents, please try to put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Try this, shut your eyes. That dark, empty void that pervades you when you shut your eyes, that’s what these parents have been living with every single day. Our children are the light in our lives. When they’re taken from us in such a horrible fashion we can’t get closure, that’s all we see; a dense dark void. This little exercise is just a very minute approximation of what it feels like to lose a child.

The reality is much worse.

The fact remains that for as long as those girls remain in captivity, we are all captives of our conscience for our failure to act and for our failure to force the government’s hand into doing what is right. We are all captives for the cruel manner in which we wasted precious time politicising a matter that was of the utmost humanitarian urgency.

I shudder to think of what answer we’ll give our children and grandchildren when they ask us “what did you do when 276 girls were abducted? How on earth were you able to live with yourself despite doing nothing about it?’

–Shamaki can be reached at: uashamaki@gmail.com

Reverse The Closure Of Schools

by Fred Ohwahwa

Recently, the federal authorities announced that primary and secondary schools in the country will not re-open until October 13, 2014 for the new academic session.

Reason: the need to curtail the spread of the Ebola virus and prevent its spread by children.

While one understands the fear that the coming of Ebola into our country has engendered, it is difficult

for me to accept the panic mode many people have decided is the best way to respond to this health challenge.

The decision to close all primary and secondary schools in Nigeria is poorly thought out, and at best whimsical. Why close only primary and secondary schools? We should also close all tertiary institutions, market places, churches and mosques, offices, motor parks and all places where people are bound to

interact. That should be the logical step to take.

But we all know that that would an unreasonable thing to do. We complain that WAEC results are dismal and proceed to take decisions that will only worsen future results.

We take decisions that fail to take cognisance of the fact there are exams to be written by the students (both local and external) that will not make allowance for the four weeks or so that we will deprive the children of

instructions. We want our children to compete globally but fail to draw a link between poor performances and whimsical decisions.

The other time, that is 2010, schools were closed because of voter registration exercise!! And government officials who should know better were defending the decision.

Now, we are no longer satisfied that ASUU and allied unions routinely cripple the schedules of

tertiary institutions. We now want the young ones to see the closing of their schools for whatever reason as normal.

We are not in a war situation and the closure of our schools cannot be justified. The decision should be reversed, and all schools should be encouraged to put in place proactive measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.

–Ohwahwa writes from Central Area, Abuja

36 ISSUES

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Sule Lamido And The Message Of Unity

By Adamu Muhd Usman

“I have a history to protect, a reputation to promote, a heritage to maintain and an attitude to exhibit, failure is not part of us.”

---Sule Lamido on BOBA symposium lecture in Dutse Aug 3oth, 2014 In many parts of Nigeria, what are called “settlers” live in fear for their lives, their property and their citizenship rights. In many parts, that is, except in Jigawa State where Sule Lamido went out of his way to assure non-indigenes living in the state of their equal status as Nigerian citizens.

Alhaji (Dr.) Sule Lamido believes in national unity as a matter of political and ideological principle. He said on many occasions that peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, political stability and unity of purpose are necessary ingredients for the rapid progress of any state and of Nigeria as a whole. He told non-indigenes living in the state that their rights as Nigerian citizens would be protected as a matter of right and not as a special privilege (nepotism). Nigerians, he said, are free to live wherever they chose and their rights are guaranteed by the

constitution. While this right is sometimes abridged by authorities in some parts of the country using various forms of subterfuge, in Jigawa State it is guaranteed in theory and in practice.

Lamido spoke about the incident when non-indigenes were forced to register in some states.

He said those asking Nigerians to register in their own country were sending a wrong signal that was not healthy for the unity of the Nigeria. Leadership, he also said, about understands the people being governed with a view to protecting their dignity, lives and properties irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.

Sule Lamido said in order to promote peace and unity in this country; every Nigerian must have freedom of movement and to live anywhere he chooses to without intimidation, victimization, humiliation or deprivation. Lamido more than preached mutual coexistence; he felt these people need to feel at home, he then allocated plots of lands with cash donation to all non-indigenous groups living in the state capital, Dutse. The representative of the non-indigenous groups responded with encouraging words of his

own, thanking the governor for transforming the state in the seven years of his administration.

He said that indigenes and nonindigenes live in peace in Jigawa State and he assured that this will be sustained.

Lamido has given sense of belonging to all the Jigawa people; he has also open doors for all Nigerians to come, visit, interact, transact, work and live freely without fear of threats and dispossession. In Jigawa, you will see the Igbos, Yorubas, Angas, the Ijaws, Kanuris, Idomas, Tivs, Jarawas, the Nupes and the Jukun etc. This is a clear sign of selflessness, nationality and good leadership shown by Lamido and is a confirmation that, there is peace and unity in the state. Security, peaceful co-existence, equality, welfare and good salary packages made and attract Nigerians to resign from their various states to come and seek for employment in Jigawa state.

Jigawa State under Lamido has now become a rallying point for all Nigerians, in fact day- after- day, all sort of people are trouping in the state either for visits, meetings, Business, or even leisure.

For instance just recently, the

premier BAREWA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION (BOBA) was in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital from August 29th- 31st, 2014 for their 2014 Annual lecture and Dinner.

Though Lamido is alumnus of the collage, however, the choice of the Jigawa State for this year’s AGM by executive was to satisfy their curiosity on the success recorded by one of their own. All, left the state testified that the face of Jigawa State has been transformed in the seven years by Alhaji (Dr.) Sule Lamido. Throughout the meeting, the members were seen gaping with surprises that despite the lean resources of Jigawa state, Lamido was able to bring development to all sectors and the overall impact has been profound and felt the people. They commend him greatly for his dynamic administration in which he established schools and hospitals, Jigawa state television, constructed roads and water schemes etc. BOBA believes that, economic activities have received a huge boost and the foundations have been laid for rapid industrialisation. They saw a first class airport built by Lamido to facilitate the easy movement of goods and services and to facilitate the coming

of investors who are set to cash in on Jigawa State’s rich potentials on Agriculture and Minerals.

The association extol Lamido for establishing Jigawa State University at Kafin-Hausa in order to afford state indigenes more access to higher education opportunities. Half of eligible candidates of Jigawa origin who seek admission into higher institutions fail to get it due to lack of opportunities, hence the very warm welcome with which Jigawa citizens received the establishment of the state university.

Lamido prayed for a peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections and urged Nigerians to love one another. Some might say that these issues that he raised are self evident but they bear reiteration and emphasis from a man who saw it all due to present happenings in the country. Lamido’s message about unity of purpose should also attract more than a passing interest from Nigerian citizens.

This great stalwart of the old PRP and one of the PDP founding fathers knows what democracy and citizenship with a unity of purpose look like.

—Adamu wrote from Dutse, Jigawa State.

Saraki: A Lingering Dynasty

By Adewale Surajudeen

Two years after the death of Dr. Olusola Saraki, the patriarch of the Saraki political dynasty, his influence still hangs on the Kwara State political landscape like a necklace. Perhaps, only a few diehards would have believed Saraki’s influence would outlive him. There were very good reasons to think the death of Oloye, as Saraki was popularly known, would signal the end of his over four decades reign.

The last decade of Oloye witnessed the emergence of his son, Dr. Bukola Saraki in the political life of the state, when he was elected as governor on the back of his father’s support. Surprisingly, Bukola later led a devastating palace coup on his father’s leadership. It was a political battle that was fierce and furious.

At the centre of the battle was Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Oloye’s daughter and Bukola’s younger sister. Oloye had anointed her as successor to Bukola, for reasons that many believed have to do with Bukola’s deviation from the political orientation of his father.

Bukola was accused of bastardising the essence of his father’s political leadership. He had caused a shift from a people-centred political system that was instituted and superintended by Oloye for four decades. In its place, he had inaugurated what a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former close associate of Oloye de-

scribed as“wheeling and dealing, cash and carry” political machinery. Bukola’s two terms as governor had redefined popular participation. Unlike his father who opted for a simple and austere leadership, which placed higher value on popular support and inclusive politicsas against ostentatious lifestyle and riches, his son appeared to favour a winner takes all concept of exclusive politics where few lackeys feed on piecemeal political favours, leaving the majority as mere spectators.

GRS, as Senator Gbemisola Saraki is popularly known, was to be their father’s last dice to salvage his political system and refocus it to continue to serve the people. Bukola would however not hands back the control to his father. He wrestled Oloye to the ground, splitting the political structure down the middle. With the resources of the state firmly in his grip, he emerged as the new petty favour dispenser, luring not a few of his father’s associates to his side. The governorship election of 2010 provided the platform for Bukola to finally undo his father. He denied his sister the required support to emerge as governor under the PDP banner. The alternative platform provided by Oloye in the Allied Congress Party Nigeria (ACPN), lacked both the luxuries of time and resources to win election. Fatai Ahmed, Bukola’s anointed candidate, wonthe 2010 election and became the governor.

Gbemisola Saraki garnered enough

votes to show that her father still had a large political following. In the midst of this was the Action Congress of Nigeria’s, ACN, governorship candidate, Mohammed Dele Belgore, who made astrong showing, benefiting majorly from the traditional opposition voters.

In about two years later, Oloye passed on, putting to an end, an eventful political chapter in not just the political life of Kwara State, but in the political firmament of Nigeria. Oloye was a product of the old northern Nigerian political order, represented by the leadership of the legendary Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Their clan favoured inclusive political association. The cult-like mass following enjoyed by them was built on a well-oiled people-centred approach to politics, where loyalty to the group, rather than one’s social status determined who would be supported for political positions.

Their welfarist disposition meant they would have to deny themselves the luxuries of life. Like Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa, Oloye left neither mansions nor significant wealth behind.

For Bukola, politics of self-denial does not seem to cut. Kwara may not have become one of the most developed states in Nigeria in the last decade; it has certainly produced one of the richest ex-governors in Nigeria.

The political events since the death of Oloye have shown a clear departure from selfless approach

to politics.The new order shares no affinity with Oloye’s. It is a new study in politics that Kwarans are not used to. It is not surprising that Bukola has not been able to hold on to any significant freewill support. It is a common knowledge that Bukola’s relevance in Kwara politics would last till as long as he is able to hold onto the levers of power. While Bukola may not have the support of most Kwarans, he is still effectively in charge of the resources of the state with a pliable Fatai as governor. There is no evidence this will change before the next election. Meanwhile, the political landscape in Kwara, obviously, wouldn’t wait till election period. So much has changed in so little a time. With the departure of Oloye, and with Bukola’s apparent inherent character flaws, the once very powerful Saraki’s political structure no longer holds promise of guaranteed electoral victory as it did for over four decades.

The most significant change in the last two years is Gbemisola Saraki’s unexpected rise from being just Oloye’s beloved daughter to becoming one of the most formidable politicians around. Many are still wondering how come she is so adept at what she is doing. If her father’s dynasty is an heirloom, GRS has not only polished it, she has also been wearing it with so much gait and pride.

She has emerged as a consummate politician with unarguably the biggest and most widely spread

group within the PDP structure in Kwara State. GRS Movement as her associates would call it has continued to grow across the state. It is doubtful if anyone else in PDP can boast of quality representation and followership in every ward of the state as GRS. If there was such a doubt, it was put to rest when her group produced about 70 percent of the state executive members in the last PDP state congresses.

Oloye may have died, but in GRS he lives. You could see and feel him all around her. Like her father, she is most at home around the common people. Her bravery would dwarf many of the male politicians in the state. She is a consummate political bridge builder, who has built political alliances with many politicians that matter across the state.These are some of the qualities that stood her father in good stead for several years.

These are the attributes that attracted most of the politicians in Kwara to the Saraki’s political fold.

Only insignificant few can trace their political upbringing to anywhere other than Saraki. It would be almost a futile exercise looking for a former political office holder from Kwara State who didn’t pass through Oloye to get elected or appointed. It was a political structure that served many who would never have dreamt of political fortunes.

Oloye was truly loved for whom he was.

Surajudeen wrote from Offa in Kwara State

politics today Wednesday, September 3, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

The rampant declarations from different respected elders and stakeholders in the area on their firm resolve to support only the selected four candidates is enough to convince any doubting mind

Nothing politically serious has caused rude shock and confusion in the 2015 gubernatorial activities in Benue State like the recent pruning of governorship aspirants by the Tiv traditional institution. Within the past few weeks, the Tiv paramount ruler, HRH Akawe Torkula and Governor Gabriel Suswam have not enjoyed a steady rest as they have been receiving valid political reports and or convening varied meetings to resolve issues that have arisen because of speculated trimming of governorship contenders in the state.

Members of campaign teams and supporters of the various governorship aspirants that have been reportedly screened out of the race are obviously not only saddened but too weak to pull stunts because their livelihood now only revolves around four selected contenders. Although none of the aspirants has publicly announced withdrawal from the race since the news broke in the state, their body language has been telling the obvious like a handwriting on the wall.

While many political pundits have expressed doubts about the streamlining of the governorship aspirants from the favoured Masev, Iharev and Nongov entity, otherwise known as MINDA, where zoning is reportedly favoured, the rampant declarations from different respected elders and stakeholders in the area on their firm resolve to support only the selected four candidates is enough to convince any doubting mind. And if the perceived soft peddling of consultation activities by some aspirants is worth taking into cognizance, then the pruning of the MINDA governorship aspirants is truly the kingmakers’ decision.

At the onset, the traditional authorities claimed that the pruning of the aspirants from MINDA was because of their large number and that the decision was taken to enhance commitment and focus of the entity to the project which has not enjoyed the seat since the creation of the state. It could be that the traditional institution must have probably viewed some contenders with some weaknesses.

Before the crisis over the cutting down of aspirants was

Suswam

Benue 2015: Of Anointed And Struggling Aspirants The recent pruning of governorship aspirants has generated crisis among contenders for Benue governorship seat, even as the validated endorsement of four aspirants by Tiv traditional institution now seems to be the unifying force of political activities in the agrarian state, SOLOMON AYADO writes. triggered, more than ten out of twenty prominent sons of Benue from MINDA extraction had earlier declared their irrevocable decisions to run for the plum seat of the governor come 2015. They include a former registrar of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr.

Felix Atume, minister of State for Trade and Investment, Chief Samuel Ortom, a retired permanent secretary, Mr. Hinga Biem, former speakers of the Benue State House of Assembly,

Prince Terhemen Tarzoor and Barrister David Iorhemba, former commissioner of Justice, Barrister Alex Adum and his environment counterpart, Dr. Eugene Aliegba, as well as a resigned permanent secretary of Government House Administration, Dr. Tivlumun Nyitse and that of local governments, Mr. Andy Uwouku.

Others are a commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Prince Simon Aondona, an astute politician,

Mr. Basil Mbatsiantim, commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. John Tondo, state chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Simon Anchaver, among others.

Desirous of clinching the juicy position of the governor, they had earlier launched campaign offices in strategic locations in Makurdi, the state ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Benue 2015: Of Anointed And Struggling Aspirants ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

capital and had appointed and inaugurated campaign teams and procured expensive vehicles for the executive coordinating members of their units. Even though some may appear not qualified to run based on past records or antecedents, they had but blindly forged into the race because they own the constitutional right to aspire.

The grassroots consultation kick-started and the aspirants had commenced movement from one local government council area to the other. Even as the heinous invasion of suspected Fulani herdsmen rudely interrupted the political drive, many of the contenders were undeterred. They had, rather than evolve proactive measures to end the insurgency, utilised the ugly period to sneak in campaign motives during their distribution of relief materials to the displaced persons.

This was how many aspirants were scored below the margin and the decision to reduce their numbers emerged. A crucial meeting was reportedly held in Gboko, between the Tor Tiv and the all governorship contenders from the MINDA extraction, where consultation waiver was granted unanimously to only four aspirants: Engr. Felix Atume (Gwer West); Dr. Samuel Ortom (Guma); Mr. Hinga Biem (Gwer) and Prince Terhemen Tarzoor (Makurdi).

Many political analysts have stated that other governorship aspirants from the Idoma enclave have also geared up their consultation activities with the hope that the contenders from MINDA may divide due to the seeming crisis from the pruning and they would take the advantage. The likes of deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani and Mr. Sam Ode have intently stepped up their drive since the streamlining saga came to the fore. As it is, the four aspirants have been given waiver on critically imagined issues.

Even though some may appear not qualified to run based on past records or antecedents, they had but blindly forged into the race because they own the constitutional right to aspire

Engr. Felix Atume He has been in public service for a long time and virtually understands the dire challenges confronting the nooks and crannies of the agrarian state.

A consummate engineer, Atume has served as a former director general of Benue Rural Development Agency (BERDA), a former commissioner of works and president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and immediate past registrar of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

He is a lecturer of Highways and Civil Engineering in

the Federal University of Technology, Minna and Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi respectively. His choice among the four governorship aspirant is fetched from his iconic infrastructural development capacity and vast knowledge about problems of the state and how they can be best solved.

Atume

Ortom

Biem

Tarzoor

Chief Samuel Ortom A party man to the call, he does not segregate and notably never created a divide between the ruling and opposition political parties. Ortom started his political career as council chairman before becoming the state secretary of the PDP. He rose to the position of national auditor and had chaired the board of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) before he became a minister of the federal republic. He is picked among the four due his industrious nature and because Benue is lagging behind in functional industries, a situation which many believe he would transform if elected.

Hinga Biem An erudite journalist and astute public servant cum core politician, he has served as editor of the Voice Newspapers, published by Benue State government. His career as a civil servant steadily peaked him to rank of permanent secretary in various ministries including internal affairs and special duties among others. The choice of Hinga is not unconnected to his focused ability to deliver any responsibility entrusted to him creditably.

Terhemen Tarzoor The sail-through screening of this former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly is widely regarded by the people as a right step in the right direction. Fondly referred to as ‘Man wey Sabi’, he is a loyal party man, easy going and someone who is ready to sacrifice for the betterment of his people and it is believed that he will impact development.

At the moment, less than two months into the primary of the governorship election, the political sphere of the agrarian state is dicey . The aspirants are in a battle of wit but the selected four preferred by the people to run the race under the platform of the PDP and clinch the juicy seat have appeared endorsed.

They are now obviously enjoying a lively political environment while other contenders, believed to have being screened out are in serious state of chaos, not really sure of moving their consultation forward or backward.

POLITICS TODAY 39

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

APC Not Strong Opposition To PDP In Rivers – Walson-Jack Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State. Recently, the former national secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spoke to journalists on the 2015 general election and other matters. ANAYO ONUKWUGHA was there.

The leadership of PDP in Rivers State believes that you have not contributed enough to the growth of the party in the state to rescue the party from collapse.

Why do you think the party’s leadership will give you the gubernatorial ticket?

I have looked at the calculation in this Rivers State and frankly speaking, I don’t know where we are going to get those votes for APC

We belong to a political party that has a constitution and the obligation of members of the political party is clearly defined in the constitution; that is the difference between a democracy and any other form of government. This same problem of money politics was what Babangida, as head of state, tried to deal with many years ago. So, money has never been the determinant of who has the loudest voice in a political party. If that was the case, the Ubas would have ruled Anambra State for life. You will make a contribution to political parties in terms of material things if you are told that the party needs something. If you are not told that the party needs something, it is an arrogant display of wealth; you just carry money and throw around because you belong to a political party.

I want to assure you that never in the history of Rivers State and I am 51 years old this year, I have seen through politics of NPN, NRC, now in PDP; never in the history of Rivers State has the governorship of this state been determined by who has the highest or largest amount of funds. Never! I have been involved; I have worked with aspirants, who in those days did not have even N1 million while others had all the money and everything. So, money is not the issue and the Almighty God himself has created the world in such a way that he doesn’t put wealth and power in one hand. I am not afraid at all. I am a loyal member of the PDP; I hold the PDP membership and the rules of PDP are very clearly stated in the constitution.

I believe that at the appropriate time, the rules will be followed and I will contest.

Whether I win or not, that will be dependent on how the rules were followed. If the delegates and leadership of the party

believes that this is the way; this is how it should go and this is the person who should represent us better, you can’t stand against it.

Again, this issue of who has done what for the political party is like starting a football match in the second half without playing the first half because if we use measure of what you have done, then what of those of us who have done things for this nation?

We have served this nation, we put our lives on the line that democracy will be restored in this nation. We stood up against the military with arms at the risk of our young wives and young children. We have never one day stood up to ask the nation or the state anything because we were pro-democracy activists. It is simply cheap blackmail to say because you spent money. We paid people’s school fees, have we asked them to come and be our houseboys because we paid their school fees or trained them through universities? That is not the reason for being an aspirant or one of the qualifications of being the governor of the state.

If you are chosen as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, do you think you can stand the strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-bearer?

Whether or not I am the candidate, APC does not pose a strong opposition to the PDP in this Rivers State. You need to study the history and politics of political parties in Rivers State. We voted PDP, we did not vote APC; let us not be mistaken about that. It is not the individual that today is in a political party that people of this state voted for. They voted for the political party.

Elections in Nigeria are contested by parties and we acknowledge that by voting for PDP. So, APC has not contested an election in Rivers State; therefore, it cannot be said to be a strong party or opposition.

With the rate of former PDP members who went to the APC, returning to the PDP, do you really think that APC will survive up to the election? I am not talking about opposition; I am talking about even surviving

Walson-Jack

up to the election. People are coming back to the PDP where they belong. I don’t think that APC is an issue in this Rivers State; they can be an issue somewhere else.

The traditional philosophy behind APC is that if they merge the votes of the SouthWest with the votes of the North-West, they will win the presidency. They did not set out to win governorship in Rivers State or even chairmanship elections, they are aiming for the presidency. But now, with the result coming from the off-season elections, it should be clear to everybody that the calculation is wrong.

People in Nigeria don’t just vote ethnic; they recognise party loyalty that goes on in this country. A situation where a man who was acting president won an election when he had not done anybody any favour, never sited any project in any part of the country and has served three years moving into the fourth year as president, and you are telling me that a coalition of individuals, some of whom left the ruling party, would defeat the ruling party? No way. Politics doesn’t work that way.

Taking into cognisance that in 2011 the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) of General Muhammad Buhari came up and in just about 11 months of its existence was able get about 11 million votes, don’t you think that may replay in 2015?

He was able to do that but the point is did he defeat the ruling party? It is not only the Nigerian thing; for you to defeat a ruling party, you must first come up with a candidate who is better than the candidate of the ruling party because you will not market you party over and above the ruling party.

That is what happens all over the world. CPC came out and if you see, their performance was restricted to a certain part of

the country. But, when it got to voting for president, in the same state where CPC won the House of Assembly, what happened in the presidential election? That is the point we are making.

So, the merger of a good candidate with a party they know is what the people are looking out for. In fact, you can have a bad candidate in a party they know and they will vote for you, because you can be a good candidate and you go to one party in that area, they will not vote for you. I have looked at the calculation in this Rivers State and frankly speaking, I don’t know where we are going to get those votes for APC. Do a research and check, how many persons were registered? I am not talking about the figure the party officials quote. You go and look for the document yourself, how many people were registered as members of APC in the state? That will give you an idea of where we are going.

Are you sure that the PDP’s governorship ticket has been zoned to your area?

No, nobody is sure. The whole thing we are doing is argument.

Everybody is arguing that it should be my people. Riverine Ijaws are pushing forward; even among the riverine Ijaws, the Kalabaris are pushing forward their case, the Ogonis are pushing forward their case.

Even the Andonis are back in the race; across the party, in APC, the Opobo people are pushing forward their case. It is when we get to the decision point that the party will make a decision and once the party makes a decision, that becomes the operating rule.

When will the party make the decision?

Definitely, the party will make the decision before primaries.

Of course, we are advocating that it should go to the riverine Ijaw. That is what we are working and praying that should be the decision of the party.

40 news north-East, north-west

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

My Guber Clearance, Act Of God – Fintiri ``

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL,Yola

Acting governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has disclosed that the reversal of his suspension by the Appeal Committee of the PDP was an act of God which nobody could challenge.

While speaking to newsmen in Yola yesterday Fintiri said that he was surprised when he heard that people were so concerned about his disqualification that they trooped to the streets in protest.

“The reaction of the people when I was initially disqualified showed that the people of Ad-

amawa are with me. My ambition is Adamawa project.

“I feel happy and have cause to thank God that the Appeal Committee have cleared me to contest. I want to assure the people of Adamawa who trooped out to welcome me that we must all team up and work for the total liberation of the state”, Fintiri said.

He said that one of the cardinal reasons for his aspiration to govern Adamawa State is to entrench transparency in the conduct of government affairs adding that its shortage was responsible for the decay and underdevelopment dogging

the state for a long time. Fintiri noted that his desire to bring rapid transformation into the state could not be substituted for anything adding that if he becomes the substantive governor, Adamawa shall witness rapid transformation. He promised to make Adamawa State one of the developed states of the country.

He revealed that he was in touch with most of the other 13 aspirants on how to join hands to support a popular candidate so that the party could deliver. Meanwhile, one of the aspirants in the race, Amb James Barka, has dropped his

gubernatorial ambition in support of Fintiri.

Barka told newsmen that with Fintiri in the race, he has no reason to contest adding that he has confidence in the abilities of the acting governor to transform the state as he said they shared similar ideals with Fintiri.

He said: “When I heard that Fintiri was disqualified I was sad and felt I can give him my clearance. But when the appeal committee cleared him, I was overwhelmed with joy and decided that since Fintiri is in the race I should put my weight behind him.”

Yero Tasks Microbiologists On Genetically Improved Seeds The governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero yesterday tasked Nigerian microbiologists on investigating micro-organisms that would aid in developing genetically improved seeds to feed the rapidly increasing African population.

He made the charge at the opening of the 37th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM)) held at the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

The theme of the conference is “Microbial Biotechnology as Panacea for Sustainable National Development”.

Yero, who spoke through his representative, the commissioner for science and technology, Mr David Chadjiok, described science and technology as a path to attaining self sufficiency.

“I want to challenge microbiologists to come up with a solution to food scarcity, not only in Nigeria but rapidly increasing African population.”

By Aliyu Yusuf, Zaria

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko planting a tree at Gundunga Village in Kware LGA of Sokoto State, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

short news 70% Of Sokoto Prone To DesertificationCommissioner Sokoto State commissioner for environment, Dr. Jabi Kilgori, yesterday in Gundinga village of Kware LGA, said that about 60 to 70 per cent of the state’s landmass is prone to desertification.

The commissioner who decried the impact of human beings in desert encroachment recorded lately, also advised that afforestation programme of government should not be treated with laxity.

3 Killed, Scores Injured In Fresh Wukari Crisis

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Not fewer than three persons were reportedly killed yesterday in renewed fighting between Jukun and Fulani in Wukari local government area of Taraba State.

A resident of Wukari, Miss Peace Ibi, who spoke with LEADERSHIP on phone said that the crisis erupted at about 3am yesterday morning when unknown persons started sporadic shoot-

ing within Wukari town that killed three persons.

LEADERSHIP gathered that before yesterday’s attack, the Hausa-Fulanis from Wukari have been demanding for the return of their cows allegedly carted away by the Jukuns during the previous crisis in the area but their demand had fallen on deaf ears.

Before the soldiers and the police personnel stationed at Wukari could intervene three per-

sons were reportedly killed.

When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Joseph Kwaji confirmed the renewed attack, adding that the actual number of causalities were yet to be ascertain as at the time of filing the report.He noted that normalcy has returned to the area with the quick dispatch of security personnel to the area.

North West Varsity Eulogises Late Danbatta

BY Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The pro-chancellor and council chairman of Northwest University, Kano, Malam Sule Yahaya Hamma has described the death of late Alhaji Magaji Danbatta as a great loss not only to Kano people but to the country in general, considering his contributions to national development.

Malam Hamma who stated this when he led the governing council of the university on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, said the late

By Ankeli Danbatta was a man of credible Emmanuel, Sokoto

sense of responsibility who was very conscious of the need for society to be developed , structured and organised in such a way that there will be fairness, justice, democracy and respect for human dignity.

Malam Hamma explained that late Magaji Danbatta had contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria. “Even at the just concluded National Conference, he had exhibited such incredible commitment and concern as well as care”, adding that late Magaji Danbatta had given leadership to the delegates and had spoken

very strongly in the interest of Nigeria in gereral.

The pro-chancellor further said that late Danbatta was a nationalist and conscientious member of his society.

While praying to Allah to grant him Aljannah Fiddausi, Malam Sule Yahaya Hamma, called on the younger generation to emulate the life style of late Danbatta who had exhibited sense of duty and responsibility.

He urged the youths to live purposeful life and put less emphasis on the accumulation of wealth.

short news 2015: Group Urges Yar’Adua To Join Guber Race The Daura zonal branch of the APC in Katsina State under the aegis of Stakeholders’ Forum has urged Senator Sadik Yar’Adua to join the Katsina State gubernatorial race.

In a letter addressed to Senator Yar’Adua, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, the group insisted that its call was informed by the senator’s track records of achievement.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

2015: Power Shift Takes Centre Stage In Katsina The struggle by Southern Katsina natives to occupy Katsina State governorship position has recieved a boost with the floating of a consultative forum by senior civil servants from the zone.

The group known as Funtua Indigenes Civil Servants’ Forum has begun moves to secure more members as well as ensure adequate contacts with notable politicians, traditional and community leaders, wealthy individuals and public and private office holders from the zone.

It was gathered that the initiative was aimed at complementing the call for the endorsement of a candidate from the zone.

A member of the group, Saidu Sabuwa said the formation of the group was central to realising the life long ambition of the people of the area insisting that the time was ripe to have a governor from the zone.

“We will try our best but then of course we shall be guided by our believe in the fact that Allah gives power to whoever he wills, whenever he wills.”

Our correspondent reports that residents of Funtua zone are worried that since the creation of the state, the zone has not gotten the chance to produce occupant of the governor’s seat.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ebola: NLC, MOSOP Demand Screening Centres In Villages The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) have appealed to the Rivers State government to take proactive steps to prevent further spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), by setting up screening centres in the 23 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Chris Oruge, also appealed to the federal and state governments to give all health workers life assurance policy and provide necessary equipment to treat patients of EVD.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Delta Guber: Oyibode Pledges To Bridge Rich, Poor Gap A gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State, Chief Gabriel Oyibode has pledged to rid the state of social vices and bridge the wide gap between the rich and the poor, if elected as governor.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP on telephone in Abuja recently, Chief Oyibode stated that his decision to vie for the prestigious post of governor of Delta State was due to the clarion call of his people who have seen his efforts in human capacity development and his assistance to the less privileged as a philanthropist.

He said, “I’m pleased to inform you that my agenda is to make my people happy. I am on a rescue mission. I want to bring back the lost glory of Deltans and put smiles on their faces.

By Anthony Ada Abraham, Abuja

Ebonyi Factional Speaker, Deputy, 7 Others Boycot Sitting Despite Tuesday’s court ruling urging the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to return to status quo ante and the recognition of Rt. Hon Chukwuma Nwazunku as its authentic Speaker, the embattled factional Speaker, Hon Mrs. Helen Nwobashi, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Blaise Orji, the Leader of the House, Hon Sam Nwali, the Chief Whip, Hon Ogbonnaya Ikoro, the Minority Leader and All Progressives Congress APC arrowhead in the House, Hon Enyi Enyi and six other lawmakers boycotted yesterday’s plenary.

An Abakaliki High Court, presided over by Justice Chinyere KenEze had, in its ruling, in a suit brought before it by Hon Helen Nwobashi and 17 others urging the court to restrain Hon Nwazunku from parading himself as Speaker held that the status quo before the purported impeachment.

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

news south-South south-East 41

2015: ‘Ibori Meddling In Choice Of Delta Gov’

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Ahead of the 2015 elections, uneasy calm reigns in Delta State following reports of interference

by Chief James Ibori, the former state governor currently serving a jail term, in the choice of who becomes the governor after Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Sources said that Ibori is currently at war with key players of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the purported choice of the governorship candidate.

Although it is widely believed that it is the turn of Delta North to produce the governor, it was reliably gathered that the choice of Mr Tony Obuh, a permanent secretary in the Government House, Asaba, was rejected by the former governor who alleged that Obuh was yet to pass through the political mills.

Ibori was said to have vowed that an Urhobo person must emerge as the next governor of the state.

It was also gathered that the

former governor claimed that Tony Obuh is not a sellable candidate and has urged Dr Uduaghan to scout for an Urhobo candidate that will take over from him in 2015.

Ibori, who is said to be working for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of 2015, is allegedly working with the famous Ijaw nationalist, Chief E. A. Clark to make a credible Urhobo the next governor of Delta State.

However, those who spoke to our correspondent disagreed

with Chief Ibori’s political moves, insisting that it is the turn of Aniocha North senatorial district to produce the next governor.

Chief Igoyota Amori, Chief Monday Igbuya and a group called Delta North for Governor are currently mobilising for Tony Obuh, who is said to be the anointed son of the governor.

At present, posters and billboards of various persons aspiring to be the governor of the state have adorned every nook and cranny of Asaba.

short news Ebola: FUTO VC Counsels On Hygiene Vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Cyril Asiabaka, has advised Nigerians to improve their present level of hygiene as a measure to contain the deadly Ebola virus.

He gave the advice yesterday during the 2014 World Environment Day celebration in Members of the International Bio-Research Institute on a march for Life to mark their second international life conferFUTO. ence on Bioethics in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN The VC said Nigerians are concentrating on the secondary prevention of the

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo The national vice-chairman of and so the way of progressivism disease without the party expressed optimism cannot suit his political temperpaying adequate The national vice-chairman of the that come 2015, the party will re- ament”, pointing out that his deattention to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cord a huge success in the zone, fection from the party was long likely primary South-south zone, Prince Hill- calling on political leaders to see overdue. causes, adding that iard Eta, has said that the resig- participation in politics as a call According to him, it was wrong both the rich and nation of a former chieftain of the to duty. for Ikimi to allude that the prothe poor are guilty party, Chief Tom Ikimi would not Recalling the antecedent of cesses leading to the election of of this. affect the party’s chances of win- the former APC leader since the the national chairman of the parAsiabaka ning the South-south come 2015 advent of the present democra- ty were subverted as he was not pointed out general elections. cy in the country, Eta who took even physically present at Eagle that a situation Prince Eta, who spoke during over from Ikimi as the nation- Square, the venue of the convenwhere people an interview in Uyo, Akwa Ibom al vice-chairman of the party in tion, as a contestant for the office. indiscriminately State capital, urged members of the South-south zone, said: “He Eta who said Ikimi was a big continue to abuse the party in the South-south zone moved from ANPP to PDP and burden to the party stressed that their environment and Nigeria in general to remain moved from PDP to ACN and no vacuum is created by his withcan be worse than calm and focused, saying that from ACN to APC; one is not very drawal from the party, indicating the dreaded Ebola South-south zone remains the sure of his next destination”. that the loss of a member is not disease. battle ground of the next gener“By all estimation, Chief Iki- something for another party to

By Stanley Uzoaru, al elections. mi has never been a progressive, celebrate.

Owerri

Ikimi’s Absence Will Not Affect APC In S’South – Eta

2015: South East Protests INEC’s Distribution Of Polling Centres

BY PAUL UWADIMA, Abuja

The South East Revival Group (SERG) has accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, of setting up the 2015 general elections to fail, even as it raised the alarm that the commission is working to disenfranchise people from certain geo-po-

litical zones.

Coordinator general of SERG, Chief Willy Ezugwu, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, warned that the outcome of the elections may be widely rejected if Professor Jega and INEC do not correct the “glaring shortcomings” in the distribution of polling centres recently announced as it was obvious that the move was meant

to sabotage the polls.

The statement said, “It is baffling that Professor Jega can allocate as many as 5,000 polling units to the North-east where people are fleeing from because of the ongoing insurgency and in the same breath allocate a paltry 1,500 units to the South-east, which is playing host to a large number of those who fled back to their home states

because of the insecurity.

“We see this as a calculated attempt to disenfranchise people of South-east extraction. It is apparent from past elections that some people were unable to vote because of the large turnout recorded at polling centres in this area. Unfortunately, instead of addressing this problem, INEC is rather compounding it.

42 news Lagos First Bank Promotes Down Syndrome With Drama Series As part of its corporate social responsibility under its health initiative aimed at creating awareness, correcting negative societal perceptions and providing support for all forms of disabilities in Nigeria, First Bank Plc has partnered Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria to produce the Hope Rising Drama Series.

According to the bank, Hope Rising Drama Series is a First Bank initiative which focuses on highlighting the challenges of Down Syndrome, exploring efforts at combating the disorder and providing the platform for public enlightenment, so as to demystify it and encourage societal support and advocacy.

The 15-minute radio drama series which airs on Rhythm FM network every Tuesday from 9am to 9.15am with repeat broadcast on Rhythm Lagos on Fridays from 9am to 9.15am, focuses on a family coping with the entrance of a baby with Down Syndrome and tells a moving tale about Maryam who battles the society and her family for the sake of her son, Abah. It also tells of Abah’s rise above Down syndrome and negative perceptions of the condition.

It is one of First Bank’s new initiatives aimed at putting Nigerian communities first under its platforms of Education, Health, Economic Empowerment and the Environment.

In rewarding public participation, each episode ends with a quiz which comes with fantastic prizes for the first three correct answers. Responses to the quiz questions can be sent to an SMS short code to be provided after each episode or to FirstBank twitter or Facebook pages.

Speaking at a media briefing recently, FirstBank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney stated that FirstBank’s partnership with the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria is in demonstration of the Bank’s consistent and unwavering support for the welfare of persons living with disabilities. It is also in the bid to provide advocacy and public enlightenment for the Down Syndrome Disorder. As part of its CSR initiative, FirstBank is committed to bridging the gap between children/adults with Down Syndrome and the rest of the society which perfectly mirrors FirstBank’s commitment regarding the disability.

In supporting its communities, FirstBank has key CSR initiatives under Education, Health and Welfare; the Environment and Economic Empowerment platforms. These initiatives include Hope Rising drama series, FutureFirst Programme; Education Endowment Programme; Infrastructural Development Programme; and Youth Development Programme, Ani-Mumuney added.

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ebola: LASG Backs FG On School Resumption Date

By George Okojie and Taiwo Ogunmola, Lagos

Lagos State government yesterday threw its weight behind the new resumption date for schools in the country, urging parents and guardians to use the period to tutor their children on personal hygiene before they resume.

The state commissioner for education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye who stated this in Lagos applauded the federal government’s directive that all public and private primary and secondary schools in the country

should resume on Monday, October 13, 2014 and the suspension of all summer schools during the holiday.

According to her, this extension would afford all institutions, whether private of public, the opportunity to further ensure that the school environment is well equipped with all facilities necessary for the wellbeing of students and teachers.

Oladunjoye who allayed the fears of parents and guardians about the Ebola Virus Disease breaking out in schools said that the collaborative efforts

of government at all levels had brought the disease under control and ensured its proper management in the state.

She advised parents and guardians to seize the opportunity of the extended vacation to look after their children and wards who might be sick by taking them to the nearest Primary Health Centres for adequate and proper treatment before the new date of school resumption.

Oladunjoye emphasised the need for students to inculcate simple and basic habits of environmental and personal

hygiene, like hand washing with soap and water and clean toilets.

The commissioner pointed out that the importance of such measures cannot be overemphasised in the fight against the spread of any disease.

Oladunjoye also lauded the efforts of all health workers who had been involved in the treatment and management of the Ebola Virus so far in the state, adding that they had not only stood up to be counted when there was dire need for it, but had also helped in allaying fear among the citizenry.

short news Jumia Celebrates 1m Facebook Fans With Giveaways

Ikorodu zone commandant, LASTMA special traffic mayors, Capt. Adedayo Ogunleye (left) with the special adviser to Lagos State governor on transport education, Dr Mariam Masha, controlling traffic during special traffic mayors’ Ember month campaign in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Fire Outbreak Causes BBA To Suspend Show

By Samuel Abulude, Lagos

Fire yesterday engulfed the Big Brother House, the facility housing one of the most watched reality shows in South Africa, forcing the organisers to postpone the show which had been earlier scheduled for this Sunday.

The fire damaged two major equipment worth millions of naira. The cause of the fire outbreak could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report. Due to this sad occurrence, the organisers, M-Net and Endemol SA have decided not to go ahead with

this season’s BBA titled Hotshots. The BBA house is located at Sesani Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to a press release from the organisers, Big Brother Hotshots therefore, will not launch this Sunday. It read, “M-Net and Endemol SA advise that due to a devastating fire at the Big Brother house on September 2, 2014, Big Brother Hotshots will not launch this Sunday (September 7) as scheduled. The cause of the fire at this stage is unknown and investigations will commence as soon as it is safe to do so. At this stage M-Net

and Endemol are urgently looking for an alternative Big Brother house in which to film the production, however as this production has highly technical infrastructure, camera and edit requirements an alternative is not immediately available. Every effort will be made to find a solution as quickly as possible to ensure that Africa’s biggest reality show will continue.”

Big Brother House reality show is in its nineth season and is one of the most watched reality shows across the continent.

Having hit the one million Facebook fans landmark, Jumia, Nigeria’s largest online retailer, has said that it will be having special giveaways on the social network as a way of appreciating its fans and customers.

The managing director, Marketing and Sales of Jumia, Jonathan Doerr, said “It is amazing to have 1million Nigerians solidly standing behind us, showing their support online.

As we attain this milestone, we would like to thank all our fans on Facebook and across other social media platforms because we could not have gotten here without them.”

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

JAF Demands Reduction Of OOU Tuition Fees

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

The Joint Action Front (JAF) has called on Ogun State government to reduce the tuition fees of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye to N50,000 across board.

This was contained in a statement signed by the general secretary of JAF, Comrade Abiodun Are-

mu yesterday.

The statement reads, “We strongly support the demand by the students for the fees’ reduction to N50,000 across board in OOU and this should take effect from the current session.

“JAF is equally of the view that all the students who have lost their studentship on account of their inability to pay the outrageous fees,

which were effected by the infamous and deceptive government of Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) in Ogun State in February 2008, should be recalled immediately”.

The group also recalled that the OGD government had imposed increment of the fees on 1st February, 2008 through a coercive and fraudulent agreement signed by the government, OOU Students’

Union, the vice chancellor and registrar of OOU. JAF also insisted on adequate funding of the OOU and all other levels of education in the state, immediate and unconditional re-opening of OOU, academic freedom of the staff unions and students in decision making on academic standards and democratic running of the university.

news NATIONAL 43

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Rivers Releases N300m To Fight Ebola The Rivers State government has released the sum of N300 million to encourage the fight against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state, a fortnight ago.

This is as governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the country representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Rui Vaz have pledged to work together and join hands in battling Ebola outbreak in the state.

Amaechi, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, when Vaz paid him a visit, said, “Whatever it takes for us to overcome Ebola, please I will do it because it costs more if Ebola is on the loose than if it is contained. So we are happy that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is here to assist Rivers State.

We are happy that the WHO appreciates the danger of Ebola to our communities.

Ebola: Stopping This Disease Won’t Be Easy – Obama

By Ugochukwu Iroka, With Agent

Report

President Obama issued a video message to Africans struggling in their fight to stop the outbreak of the Ebola virus, particularly residents of Liberia, Si-

erra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria.

In a video released by the State Department, Obama took time to explain the facts of the Ebola outbreak, reminding viewers that it was impossible to contract the disease through the air, but was passed through

bodily fluids of an infected person.

“Stopping this disease won’t be easy, but we know how to do it,” he said assuredly, “You are not alone.”

Obama also warned Africans not to touch the dead bodies of

people infected with Ebola, referring to the widely practiced tradition of touching and kissing the body before burial.

“We can save lives and our countries can work together to improve public health so this kind of outbreak doesn’t hap-

short news

Ahmed Offers Volunteer Automatic Employment

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port

Ebola: NMA Faults Govt’s Structure On Control

Kwara state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has offered automatic The Nigerian Medical Associemployment into ation (NMA) has faulted the the State Road three tiers of government’s Traffic Managestructure and framework to ment Agency contain the Ebola outbreak in (KWARTMA) to a the country. young man, Mr The association gave the dis- National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief John Oyegun (left); National Publicity Secretary, Alh Lai Mohammed; Or- Akindele Opeyemi closure yesterday in a communi- ganising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunazo, and National Treasurer, Alh. Bala Gwagwarwa at a press briefing on the sponsors of Boko Taiwo . qué arising from its national ex- Haram in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI Taiwo, who ecutive council (NEC) meeting hails from Ekiti in Awka, Anambra State, over local government the weekend. area of the state In the communiqué signed had been carrying by the president and the secreout voluntary

By Our Correspondent, with agen2014 Jeep with a female pas- ku told the Albany Student tary of the association, Dr Kaytraffic control at cy report senger.

Press in an interview. ode Obembe and Dr Adewumi Lajorin/Town PlanThe case took an unusu“But God has judiciously afAlayaki, made to LEADERSHIP ning junction and Saratoga County prosecutors al turn when he identified forded me with the opportuin Abuja yesterday, they stated, Offa Road/Flower were baffled recently when himself to court officials as nity to be a young person who “It was observed that the essenGarden junction a man who received a traffic the Dein of Agbor Kingdom has to be heard.” tial structures and framework in Ilorin, the state ticket in Ballston described in Nigeria, His Royal MajesHis royal status came up for containing the outbreak on Capital. himself as Nigerian royalty ty Benjamin Ikenchuku Ke- during negotiations over how a national scale are yet to be in This positive deand an occasional resident of agborekuzi the First (Keag- to settle his minor moving viplace, particularly at the state velopment ensued Saratoga Springs. borekuzi I). olation because he comes in and local government levels.” yesterday along A county sheriff’s deputy He said the Guinness Book and out of the country, law enOffa Road/Flower ticketed Benjamin Ikenchuku, of World Records named him forcement officials said.

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Garden junction 37, for improper passing after the youngest monarch in the The king has an appearance when the Goverhe allegedly got into a minor world in 1980, when he was scheduled for Ballston Court nor saw Akindele accident while driving east on apparently crowned king of at 5:30 pm November 12. performing his Route 67 during the afternoon Agbor at the age of two.

“He hasn’t shown us any voluntary traffic of July 11. No injuries were re“Africa is a place where diplomatic immunity, and is Barring any last minute changes, control function. ported in the incident. young people are to be seen, being treated like anyone else,” the National Executive Committee Ikenchuku was operating a and not to be heard,” Ikenchu- a county official said.

(NEC) of the Peoples Democratic

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin Party (PDP) will meet next week.

It was gathered that the National Executive Committee, (NEC) will deliberate on and fix a date for the mid term convention of the party scheduled to hold in

By Abdulkareem Haruna, MaidHausa Service that the commer- of the town by Boko Haram even Maiduguri.

October. uguri Similarly, the officials of the cial border had been taken over though it was gathered that the Party sources hinted that the by Boko Haram terrorists. joint efforts of the Army and the Civilian JTF also granted a press national working committee of Borno State government and the Boko Haram had, on MonNigerian Air force had recorded conference on Tuesday where the party will at their ‎statutory officials of the Civilian JTF yesday, attacked Bama town and they faulted Senator Zanna’s heavy casualty on the side of the meeting today commence deliber- terday debunked the alleged seicaused thousands of the resiclaim that Bama had been takterrorists ation on the NEC meeting. zure of Bama town by Boko Ha- dents in the severally attacked en over by Boko Haram.

Borno State deputy governor The convention is among other ram terrorists, following fierce They said the Senator chose thing going to pass a vote of confi- battle with soldiers on Monday. town to flee to Maiduguri, the Zannah Umar Mustapha, in a state capital. to mislead the world because state broadcast called for calm, dence on Dr Adamu Mu’azu, as naThe denial came hours after a LEADERSHIP had not obhe had lost touch with reality even as he debunked the report tional chairman of the PDP. senator representing the state, tained official confirmation to that Boko Haram had overran in Borno after staying away from

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja Ahmed Zannah, told the BBC ascertain the alleged conquest Bama and may be heading to the state for nearly one year.

Nigerian ‘King’ Ticketed In Ballston

PDP NEC Set To Meet Next Week

Borno Govt, Civilian JTF Debunk Seizure Of Bama

44

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES POWERUP INITIATIVE FOR ELECTRICITY RIGHTS

ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH PHARMACISTS OF NIGERIA

24TH UNITYBOND WELFARE ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Adegbemle Adetayo Tolulope 2. Arc. Michael Izakpa 3. Dada Oludare Ebenezer 4. Barr. Dennis Ugbong

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To advocate and promote fair energy policies throughout the power value chain including generation transmission, distribution and consumption of electricity.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

The Trustees Are: 1. Prof. Fola Tayo 2. Pharm. Olumide Akintayo 3. Pharm. Elijah Mohammed 4. Prof. Cyriacus Azuka Oparah 5. Pharm. Mohammed Yaro Budah 6. Pharm. (Mrs.) Hafsat Olufunke Jimoh 7. Pharm. Ike Onyechi 8. Pharm. Azubike Okwor 9. Dr. Kenneth Anene Agu

The Trustees Are: 1. Oluwaseun Olayinka Oshinowo 2. Samuel Madaki Gaiya 3. Col. Carl Dalud Onalo (Rtd) 4. Isaya Gamgum Bauka 5. Daniel Arum Bako

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To coordinate and bring together the public health activities of pharmacists.

2. To promote access to quality healthcare for the community and population groups.

3. To promote access to safe efficacious and affordable medicines.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

GOD’S HAND APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for change of trustees and amendment of constitution under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

- Retained - Retained - Retained - Retained - Removed - Removed

The new Trustees Are: 1. Obioma Christian Onwurah 2. Goodluck Francis Chukwuemeka Onwurah 3. Prince Ezeana Anyibuofu 4. Prof. Jacob Adeleke Fayomi 5. Bolaji Olayemi Silva

- Appointed - Appointed - Appointed - Appointed - Appointed

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

The Trustees Are: 1. Elder (Dr) Obua Anthony 2. Elder Abel N. God’spower 3. Sis. Horsfall Charity 4. Sis. Daniel Blessing 5. Prophet (Major) James Patrick THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the word of God to mankind.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: BARR. VINCENT O. ENEMOSAH

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

YOUTH FOR CHANGE

The OLD Trustees Are: 1. Prince Offorma Onwurah 2. Dr. Tashiu Suleiman Gachi 3. Aisha Sambo 4. Agu Stella 5. Otuodunlola Babayemi 6. Prof. Nelson Onoba

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To cater for the general welfare of the members; society and the less privileged.

2. To fend for the collective interest of members.

3. To promote unity, peace, stability and sustainable development of its members.

G12 DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ISIALA MBANO The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Mr. Chinedu Ahamefule (Ksj) 2. Hon. Lordis Mbamara 3. Chief Aloysius Odubam 4. Chief Victor Mbagwu 5. Chief (Dr) Emma Nwosu 6. Dr. Charles Durueke 7. Ajaero Emmanuel Ikechukwu THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote unity, peace, stability and sustainable development of the people of Isiala Mbano and the society.

2. To promote and enhance development objectives in Isiala Mbano and the society.

3. To promote and facilitate the development of Isiala Mbano people and other rural communities.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANAMBRA URBAN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

GREAT WOMEN OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT ASSOCIATION

PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT ORGANISATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Ernest Ojimba 2. Chief Sir. Paul Okonkwo 3. Chief Charles Udeh 4. John Nsofor 5. Zeluibe Ezeanuna 6. Engr. Emeka Okafor 7. Cyprian Abasilim 8. Edwin Okoli 9. Ejike Oforegbu 10. Engr. Charles Mogor

- Chairman

The Trustees Are: 1. Rita Nneji Egbuta 2. Jamila Isah Baba 3. Mfon Solomon 4. Tina Veshty Istifanus 5. Magret S. John

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peaceful and harmonious co-existence among members.

2. To promote and advance the welfare of membes.

3. To empower the youth and women residents of the association by establishing skill acquisition centres.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To enhance the welfare of members of the association.

2. Secure their active participation, women development and social programmes.

The Trustees Are: 1. Ibikunle-Oladimeji Moses - President 2. Ibikunle Johnson Oluwole 3. Barr. Oyelere Adetunji 4. Aina Ogundele - Secretary 5. Bukola Ajide THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. For youth empowerment and development

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ZEREPHAT CHARITY ORGANIZATION

PELADE OLAYINKA EDUCATIONAL TRUST INITIATIVE

THE KING’ S HONOURABLE WOMEN FELLOWSHIP

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ORGANIZATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ASSOR PECULIAR E. 2. JOY OKOAH 3. SANDRA DANDYSON 4. BIYAI GARRICKS

The Trustees Are: 1. RT. REV. MONDAY CHUKWUMA NKWOAGU - CHAIRMAN 2. BARR. VICTOR OKECHUKWU ANYANWU - MEMBER 3. LADY CHARITY NWANYIEZE NKWOAGU - MEMBER 4. MRS. UJU OFOJEBE - MEMBER 5. VENERABLE JEREMIAH AGBO - SECRETARY

The Trustees Are: 1. Chief Mrs. Pelade Olayinka Oluwo 2. Abimbola Mojisola Tijani 3. Ibikun Olawunmi Oreoluwa 4. Oluwakemi Oluwaseun Oyeride 5. Otitokan Iretioluwa Bankole 6. Dondondawa Ifeoluwa Oluwa

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Provision of welfare and empowerment to widows, orphans and indigent persons. Scholarship award to deserving pupils and students; etc.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To provide quality education for indigent and offers scholarship

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create an enabling environment for fellowship and learning for christian women .

2. To enhance and build dedicated women to God. 3. TO equip the christian women to be able to stand up to her role in building her home, church and the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the 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 from this publication.

SIGNED: Bar. Daka Ibiye

Signed: SANDRA DANDYSON (SECRETARY)

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: BARR. EMEKA NWODE

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> augustine 08061602706

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

- PRESIDENT - TREASURER - SECRETARY - MEMBER

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

45

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 BEYOND THE REALMS FAITH MISSION (RC: 7222889)

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

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.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Iniobong Ndianabasi Asuquo Engr. Ndianabasi Asuquo and Mrs Nigeria Youth Corp Service Member Idaresit Asuquo Who died on the 3rd of June 2012

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Yusuf Lamido Tambuwal Amamatu Yusuf and Ahmed Yusuf House No. 12,211, Crescent, Gwarinpa, Tambuwal Abuja House No. 12,211, Crescent, Who died on the 26th of May 2014

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014. Abuja

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prophet John Munchin Nkanta 2. Pastor Ime Charlie 3. Pastor Udo Akpan Eshiet 4. Pastor (Mrs) Christiana Nkanta 5. Evangelist Enefiok Andy

-General Overseer - Secretary - Treasurer - Sunday School Director - National Adviser

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. Propagating of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

2. Establishment of schools for the training of children, adults, and preachers.

3. To own and keep property anywhere in Nigeria and beyong for the purposes of advancing the mission.

4. To sponsor missionaries to other lands to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

5. To found branch churches throughout Nigeria and beyond.

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 from this publication.

3 Limpopo Street, Suncity Estate

The father and mother of the said deceased.

Gwarinpa, Abuja The widow and son of the said deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LEGAL NOTICE

Sustainable Ecology Development Initiative

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Signed: PASTOR IME CHARLIE SecretarY

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Zakariya Kamilu Professor Habibu Sani Babura and FCT UBEB Junior Secondary School Jikoyi Barrister S. A. Aliyu Abuja Ahmadu Bello University, Kano Who died on the 31st August, 2010

The uncle and brother of the said

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014. deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

The Trustees are: 1. Giwa Ayowale 2. Giwa Adekunle The aims and objective: 1. Promoting Awareness on the effects of climate change.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Ate Akende James Ate Terhide Thomas, Ate Bem Office of Head of Service of the Federation Michael and Ate Victoria Sewuese , Abuja Block 1, Flat 2, Tassaoua Close, Who died on the 1st of July, 2014

Wuse Zn 5, Abuja

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014. The sons and widow of the said

deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed SECRETARY

LEGAL NOTICE

The Temple of God Sabbath Mission No. 5128

TRUSTEES OF ALMIGHTY CARES FOUNDATION

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for change of trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The above-named Foundation has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

The Old Trustees are: 1. Apostle E. A Uche 2. Elder Dr. J.M. A Mkpa 3. Elder J.O Agwu 4. Mother Peace Okike 5. Elder Otisi K. Onwuka 6. Pastor Paul K. Olu 7. Elder Azu U. Ndukwe 8. Elder Ozeh Okoro 9. Elder Ogba Enworo.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Ahmed Audu Yusuf Abdullahi and Dayabu LEA Primary School Alita, Abuja Abdullahi Who died on the 2nd March, 2014 Lugbe along airport Road, Abuja

the new trustees are: 1. Elder Mark Agu Jombo 2. Snr. Elder Gabriel Olo Ibe 3. Rev. Hezekiah Agbia Ukaike 4. Sis. Ruth Odim 5. Brother Okorie

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014.

The sons of the said deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

The Trustees are: 1. DR. DAWODU CLARA OLAKUNBI 2. UDOENOH ROBERT ALFRED 3. DIBIE IFECHIKWUNDE BENEDICTA 4. DAWODU BLAISE OLUBODUN The aims and objectives of the Foundation shall be as follows: 1. To provide a temporary surrogacy platforms for medical, social, physical, psychological, financial and emotional help and care for the disadvantaged in the society.

2. To provide medical assistance and free consultation to indigent patients 3. To provide structured counseling and workshops for youths with emphasis on the female gender.

4. To provide part – time paid job opportunities for the unemployed, particularly youths from the urban poor background and those in rural/blighted areas 5. To provide non-profit stipends to augment individual development. Project execution always subject to availability of resources, human, and financial.

The aims AND OBJECTIVE remains THE SAME Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed ANEKE& OSISIOGU 15TH Floor, Western House, Lagos

The Chosen Christian Life Church

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Nam-Okuo Edet Orok 2. Pastor Joseph Paul Bassey 3. Pastor Attah Jacobs Emah

-Chairman - Secretary - Member

The aim and objective: 1. To preach the word of God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Chairman

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of that the original copy of statement of result in favour of Sani Mohammed, registration No. 01351028 in Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance issued

by University of Abuja dated the 25th day of August 2006 cannot be located. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

Signed: Sani Mohammed

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Sharwanatu Abubakar guardian of Sharwanatu Abubakar guardian to Zubairu Abubakar FCT Universal Basic Education Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014.

The widow and son of the said deceased.

Deceased name and address Muhammed Abubakar FCT Universal Basic Education Who died on the 6th September, 2008

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Alh. Habib Musa Alasure Alh. Musa Hassan Alasure and No 5 Spring Boulevard Suncity, Abuja Abubakar Musa Alasure Who died on the 15th April, 2014

No 5 Spring Boulevard Suncity,

Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014. Abuja

The father and brother of the said deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF document This is to inform the general public of the loss of letter of allocation in respect of Plot 7 Area F corner shop Nyanya FCT Abuja, bearing Awanat Lola Shittu was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station.

General public should take note.

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BELONGING TO SUNNY MBILA. I. OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RE-CERTIFICATION COPY III. RECEIPTS OF PAYMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 73, CADASTRAL ZONE 0907, FULL BEACON FCT/MZIP/LA/99/AB 760 BEARING THE NAME MR & MRS SUNNY MBILA. All efforts made to trace this document proved abortive, if found, please kindly return to the nearest police station.

46

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE

REBASE FOUNDATION

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Whereas the person/persons whose names set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

Deceased name and address Shabinu Kure LEA Area Office, Karshi FCT Who died on the 26th July, 2014.

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Emmanuel A. Kure and Bulus A. Kure Opposite Fertilizer Store, Karshi Dated at Abuja this 2nd September, 2014. Abuja The sons of the said deceased.

SIGNED Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

UBASON

I formerly known and addressed as UNAMBA JOHNBOSCO CHIDOZIE now wish to be known and addressed as UBASON JOHNBOSCO CHIDOZIE. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

AMAEGO

I formerly known and addressed as AMADI CHISAA MARGARET now wish to be known and addressed as AMAEGO CHISAA MARGARET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

UMAHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NDUKWE COMFORT OLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UMAHI COMFORT OLA. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

EWUOSO

I formerly known as OGUNOLA TAIWO SULIAT now wish to be known as EWUOSO TAIWO ZULIKHA. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

FALEGBE

I formerly known as FALADE OYINLOLA MERCY, once changed and advertised as OLUWAFEMI OYINLOLA MERCY now wish to be known as MRS FALEGBE OYINLOLA MERCY. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

The Trustees are: 1. Umar Baba Isiaka - Chairman 2. Alexander Solomon - Secretary 3. Shittu Kareem 4. Zainab Baba Isiaka aimS and objectiveS: 1. To assist orphans, needy and vulnerable children.

2. To foster unity among the members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: secretary

OPARAH

I formerly known and addressed as MRS ALEOBUA CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OPARAH CYNTHIA DAPHNE. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

HAJARA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS HAJARA MUSA KAITA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS HAJARA KABIRU. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

OKPARA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ELUCHIE IHEOMA CHIENYENWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKPARA IHEOMA CHIENYENWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OFORNEKE

I formerly known as MISS MADUKA NKECHINYERE NMANMA now wish to be known as MRS OFORNEKE NKECHINYERE NMANMA. All former documents remain valid, NYSC general public to please take note.

OKE

I formerly known as JOSEPH MARIA PRECIOUS now wish to be known as OKE JOSHUA TEMITOPE MARIA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

OLADELE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAWALE MARY OLUFUNMITO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLADELE MARY OLUFUNMITO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

KEHINDE

I formerly known and addressed as KEHINDE MOROMOKE ALONGE now wish to be known and addressed as KEHINDE MOROMOKE AWORABHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OKONKWO

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MOLOKWU CHINELO STELLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKONKWO CHINELO STELLA. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

ASUNI

I formerly known as MISS AMINU JENNIFER ARONKE now wish to be known as MRS ASUNI JENNIFER ARONKE. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

FOLAYAN

I formerly known as MISS SULAIMAN BASIRAT OMOTOLA now wish to be known as MRS FOLAYAN BASIRAT OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

NDUKAIFE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EBERECHUKWU OTUOMASILICHI PEACE NWANKWO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDUKAIFE EBERECHUKWU PEACE. All former documents remain valid.

Central School, Awba-Ofemili Awka, Manus Comprehensive Secondary School Okpoko, Onitsha and the general public should take note.

terry

I formerly known and addressed as miss thomas mojishola now wish to be known and addressed as mrs terry mojishola florence. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

KOLAWOLE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IHEZIE NKIRU SHARON now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KOLAWOLE NKIRU SHARON. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ONYINYE

I formerly known and addressed as OGBONNA ONYINYE AUGUSTINA now wish to be known and addressed as ONYINYE AUGUSTINA KALU N. NWONYUKU. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

JOY

I formerly known as JOY AISOSA NORUWA now wish to be known as JOY NORUWAKORE. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of landed property and driver’s licence in respect of Plot No. D132 Titled at Kano District, Kuje measuring about 1943,446sgm with beacon No. P1003, PB 1004, PB 917, PB 918 located within Kuje Area Council, Abuja with Ref. No. KAC/FCDA/LP and S/K N278 and New File No. KN42952 dated 17th May, 2000 with Customary Right of Occupancy for 50 years granted by Kuje Area Council, Abuja and Driver’s Licence bearing Mohammed Fegge was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF ORIGINAL ALLOCATION OPEN SPACE PAPER WITH THE REFERENCE NUMBER PH.II.D/UUMIM/AMAC/2950 SPACE NO STC. 307 IN UTAKO ULTRA MODERN INTERNATIONAL MARKET, ABUJA, BELONGING TO DR. ROM. All efforts made to trace this document proved abortive, if found, please kindly return to the nearest police station.

ABUBAKAR

I formerly known and addressed as MUSA ABUBAKAR and MUSA ABUBAKAR BIRNIN KEBBI now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA ABUBAKAR ALKALI TANKO. All former documents remain valid. UDUS, WUFP B/K and the general public should take note.

CHINWE

I formerly known and addressed as CHINWE MADUKA now wish to be known and addressed as CHINWE OGONNA. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

judith

I formerly know as miss judith o. John now wish to be know and adressed as mrs judith omolegoh isiwele. all former document remain valid, general public, to please take note.

RHODA

I formerly known and addressed as MRS RHODA GRACE ODUMOSU now wish to be known and addressed as MS RHODA GRACE SAMANDE. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

ONAOLAPO

I formerly known and addressed as MRS FATAI FEYISAYO GLORY now wish to be known and addressed as mrs ONAOLAPO FEYISAYO GLORY. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

iremu

I formerly known and addressed as miss aiwu naomi now wish to be known and addressed as mrs iremu naomi. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

JOLAYEMI

I formerly known as MISS FUNMILAYO MARY AKINDOYIN now wish to be known as MRS JOLAYEMI FUNMILAYO MARY. All former documents remain valid, general public to please take note.

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

47

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

world

news ➐ ➊

➋➌➎

➍

➏

➎ Ukraine Conflict:

UN Says Million People Have Fled

More than a million people have left their homes because of the escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine, a UN official says.

In the past three weeks alone, the number of people displaced inside

Ukraine itself has doubled to at least 260,000, according to the UN’s Vincent Cochetel in Geneva.

Another 814,000 people have crossed the border into Russia this year, he says.

Pakistan’s parliament has closed ranks behind Nawaz Sharif, reaffirming support for his role as prime minister and for the country’s constitution, as protests against his government entered their 20th day.

Addressing a joint session of the national assembly and Senate on Tuesday, Chaudhry Nisar Ali, the interior minister, called on the parliament to jointly term the protesters “rebels”.

At least six people were killed in a US drone attack on a convoy believed to be carrying senior al-Shabab leaders in Somalia.

Adow, reporting from Mogadishu on Tuesday, said

details of the attack near the coastal town of Barawe on Monday night remained unclear but that the armed group did confirm they had come under attack.

➊ Egypt Security ➋ Saudi Arabia

Forces Killed In Sinai Attacks

At least 11 soldiers have been killed in an attack on an army convoy in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, according to local security and medical sources.

Two were killed by a roadside bomb and the others were shot dead as they tried to flee, the security sources said yesterday.

Armed groups in the Sinai Peninsula have stepped up attacks on policemen and soldiers.

‘Foils Al-Qaeda Attack Plot’

Saudi Arabia has said it has arrested 88 men suspected of being part of an al-Qaeda cell plotting attacks inside and outside the kingdom.

Tuesday’s announcement comes amid the advance of the Islamic State armed group in Iraq and Syria, which has prompted Saudi Arabia to take harsher measures against sympathizers who could threaten the kingdom’s stability.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

➏ Pakistan’s Nawaz

Sharif Backed By Parliament

2.3 Million

is the number of children who die of malnutrition related conditions each year

children with malnutrition stunted growth are 20% less likely to read a simple sentence by the age of 8

➌ Russia To Review

➍ Sudan Orders Iranian

Russia has said it will adopt a beefed up military doctrine over NATO’s plans to establish a rapidresponse force in the wake of the rebellion in Ukraine’s east, according a top Russian official.

The Russian reaction came a day after the NATO chief said that the alliance would respond by creating a “spearhead” rapid reaction force.

its cultural centres and given their managers 72 hours to leave the country, officials have said, as a diplomatic row threatens normally close relations.

Sudanese authorities summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires in Khartoum and informed him of the decision to close the three cultural centres.

Military Policy Towards Diplomats To Leave NATO Sudan has ordered Iran to close

➐ US Kills 6 In Attack On Al-Shabab Leaders

48 WORLD NEWS

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ebola Outbreak: West Africa Food Harvests ‘At Risk’

The Ebola outbreak is putting food harvests in West Africa “at serious risk”, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns.

It has raised a special alert for Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the three countries worst affected.

Rice and maize production will be particularly affected during the coming harvest season, says the FAO. The food shortages are expected

to worsen in the coming months.

The outbreak has killed at least 1,550 of the 3,000 people in four countries since March - the worst Ebola outbreak in history.

For months now, quarantine zones and restrictions on movement imposed to help contain the Ebola disease have severely hampered the transport and sale of food, the Rome-based FAO says.

Consequently food prices have

shot up, as panic buying and shortages have set in, and getting access to food has become a pressing concern for many people in all three worst-hit countries in West Africa.

The price of cassava, for example, rose 150% in the first weeks of August in the Liberian capital, Monrovia.

“Even prior to the Ebola outbreak, households in some of the affected areas were spending up to 80% of their incomes on food,” said Vincent Martin, head of the FAO’s Dakar-based Resilience Hub, which is co-ordinating the agency’s emergency response.

“These latest price spikes are effectively putting food completely out of their reach,” he added.

To meet short-term food needs, the FAO has jointly approved an emergency programme with the UN’s World Food Programme to deliver 65,000 tonnes of food to the estimated 1.3 million people affected by Ebola over three months.

—BBC

Wall Street Little Changed After August Rally

US stocks held near the unchanged mark on yesterday as investors digested the latest batch of solid economic reports on the heels of the strongest monthly performance for the S&P since February.

In the latest signs of strength in the economy, financial data firm Markit said its final U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 57.9 in August while a separate report from the Institute for Supply Management on the manufacturing sector rose to 59.0. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

In addition, construction spending rebounded strongly, as it increased by 1.8 percent to an annual rate of $981.31 billion, the highest level since December 2008.

“The market is probably pricing in stronger numbers on the economic side, but it’s still very much positive,” said James Liu, global market strategist at JPMorgan Funds in Chicago.

“We are expecting to see stronger economic numbers, the market is certainly expecting that, and as long we get them,

we can do quite well above 2,000 on the S&P 500.”

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 23.82 points or 0.14 percent, to 17,074.63, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 2.21 points or 0.11 percent, to 2,001.16 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 8.27 points or 0.18 percent, to 4,588.54.

In a note to clients on Tuesday, Morgan Stanley strategist Adam Parker said the U.S. economy could be in the midst of its longest expansion ever and the S&P 500 could reach the 3,000 mark should it have five or more years of growth left.

The benchmark S&P index gained 3.8 percent in August, its best month since a 4.3 percent climb in February. However, the monthly average volume of 5.24 billion shares traded was the lowest of the year, according to data from BATS Global Markets.

Merger activity continues to flourish. Dollar General Corp (DG.N) raised its bid for Family Dollar Stores Inc (FDO.N) by 2 percent to $80 per share, or $9.1 billion, and warned it may turn hostile and appeal directly to shareholders if the new offer is rejected. Family Dollar shares edged up 0.5 percent to $80.21 while Dollar General advanced 0.5 percent to $64.33.

Compuware (CPWR.O) jumped 12.2 percent to $10.49 after the business software maker agreed to be bought by private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo LLC in a deal valued at about $2.5 billion.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH.O) said it would buy Prestige Cruises International Inc in a $3.03 billion deal, including debt. Its shares climbed 11.8 percent to $37.23.

Select Income REIT (SIR.N) said it would buy office REIT Cole Corporate Income Trust in a $3 billion deal to expand its portfolio in the United States, as shares fell 5 percent to $26.51.

Halliburton To Pay $1.1bn For US Gulf Spill Halliburton says it has agreed to pay $1.1bn to settle a substantial portion of claims arising from its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The settlement announced on Tuesday would be paid in three installments into a trust until appeals are resolved over the next two years. It is subject to court approval.

Halliburton was BP’s cement contractor on the drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf in April 2010. The blast killed 11 workers and triggerred the largest offshore oil spill in US history with 4.9 million barrels of oil spilling into the sea.

Halliburton was responsible for the placement

of “centralisers” that help stabilise the well bore during cementing. It had earlier blamed BP’s decision to use only six centralisers - to save “time and money” - for the blowout.

The deal will settle claims assigned to Halliburton as a result of BP’s settlement in 2012 and punitive damages from the loss of property or commercial fishing activity resulting from the oil spill.

Rig contractor Transocean, which employed nine of the workers killed, agreed to pay $1.4bn in settlement last year, while BP has paid about $28bn so far.

Sotloff

ISIS: Video Shows Beheading Of 2nd American Journalist Steven Sotloff The ISIS terror group has published a video titled “A second message to America,” showing the beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff.

The video also threatens the life of British captive, David Haines.

Sotloff speaks to the camera before he is killed, saying he is “paying the price” for U.S. intervention.

The masked ISIS figure in the video speaks to U.S. President Barack Obama, telling him, “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”

Last week, Sotloff’s mother Shirley Sotloff released a video pleading with ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi not to kill her son.

“Steven is a journalist who traveled to the Middle East to cover the suffering of Muslims at the hands of tyrants.

Steven is a loyal and generous son, brother and grandson,” she said. “He is an honorable man and has always tried to help the weak.”

Sotloff appeared last month in an ISIS video showing the decapitation of another American journalist, James Foley. The militant in the video warned that Sotloff’s fate depended on

what President Barack Obama did next in Iraq.

Steven Sotloff disappeared while reporting from Syria in August 2013, but his family kept the news secret, fearing harm to him if they went public.

Out of public view, the family and a number of government agencies have been trying to gain Sotloff’s release for the past year.

Sotloff, 31, grew up in South Florida with his mother, father and younger sister. He majored in journalism at the University of Central Florida. His personal Facebook page lists musicians like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Miles Davis and movies like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Big Lebowski” as favorites.

On his Twitter page, he playfully identifies himself as a “stand-up philosopher from Miami.”

In 2004, Sotloff left UCF and moved back to the Miami area.

He graduated from another college, began taking Arabic classes and subsequently picked up freelance writing work for a number of publications, including Time, Foreign Policy, World Affairs and the Christian Science Monitor. His travels took him to Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey -- among other countries -- and eventually Syria.

BOKO HARAM: Nigeria To Host Ministerial Meeting On Security Nigeria is set to host a one-day Ministerial Meeting on security in Abuja tomorrow.

The Meeting is a follow-up to the earlier conferences held at the Summit level in Paris, France on May 17, 2014, the London Ministerial, on June 12, 2014 and the meeting on the same subject matter held on the margins of the recently concluded Africa- United States of America Summit in Washington DC The Abuja meeting is aimed at reviewing progress in the implementation of the outcome of these earlier meetings, especially

the extent of delivery of foreign assistance including efforts by the Nigerian government in the continued fight to put to rout the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Foreign Ministers of the following neighbouring countries; Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger have been invited to the meeting. In addition, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, China, France, UK, and the US are expected to attend. Also invited are the following international organizations; ECOWAS, AU, the UN, and the OIC.

Analysis 49

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ebola: Liberia Doctors Strike As Epidemic Spirals Scores of healthcare workers at Liberia’s main hospital have gone on strike over unpaid wages, complicating the fight against the world’s worst Ebola epidemic that the U.S. disease prevention chief said was spiraling out of control.

As well as the quickly mounting human toll, the United Nations warned the spread of the fever could lead to food shortages in West Africa, potentially further depleting the resources of governments frantically trying to contain it.

The World Health Organization and other international bodies are scrambling to support of fragile healthcare systems in some of the world’s poorest countries, but so far additional staff and resources have been slow to arrive on the ground.

More than 120 healthworkers have died during the Ebola outbreak amid shortages of equipment and trained staff in the region. That is nearly a 10th of the total 1,550

Health workers escorting an ebola patient.

killed by the disease, mostly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The strike at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) in Liberia’s capital Monrovia follows a oneday protest over pay and conditions at the Connaught hospital in Sierra Leone’s capital on Monday. Both hospitals have treated Ebola patients.

“Health workers have died (fighting Ebola), including medical doctors at ... JFK and to have them come to work without food on their table, we think that is pathetic,” George Williams, secretary general of the

Health Workers Association of Liberia, told Reuters.

Williams said healthcare workers at JFK, the country’s largest referral hospital, had gone unpaid for two months.

Staff at the main Ebola clinic at Kenema in eastern Sierra Leone also walked off the job last week, in protest at conditions.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden said on Tuesday the outbreak was accelerating very fast and urged more global support to combat the Ebola outbreak.

50 Analysis

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

L

At dawn every day, the talibé boys are woken up and forced into the streets carrying empty bowls.

They cling to passers-by to beg for food, money, and clothing

ike thousands of child beggars in Senegal, Abdou Kane, four, is always barefoot and carrying a bowl and clothes that he wears for weeks - even months without washing them.

Known as talibés - an Arabic word for pupil - an estimated 50,000 street children, as young as threeyears old are sent up to hundreds of kilometres away from home to big cities, including Senegal’s capital, Dakar, by their parents to gain religious instruction at “daaras” - but they end up begging on the streets.

Children spend years at the classrooms or “daaras” where “oustaz” or a “marabout” spirtual guide traditionally teach the children to read the Koran and to speak Arabic. In practice, the schools serve an additional purpose - to reduce the burden on parents caring for large families.

Many of the talibés even arrive from neighbouring countries: Guinea, Mali and Guinea Bissau.

However, in recent years, the “daara” have been receiving increasing criticism for their harsh living conditions and also for being forced to beg on Senegal’s streets.

“The children routinely sleep 30 to a small room, crammed so tight that, particularly during the hot season, they choose to brave the elements outside. During Senegal’s four-month winter, the talibés suffer the cold with little or no cover, and, in some cases, even a mat to sleep on,” a 2010 Human Rights Watch report states.

Poor living conditions In Senegal, the term daara is synonymous with harsh workhorse conditions. The same 2010 HRW report likens the child beggars in Senegal to modern-day slaves.

Many social workers, including Madam Aminata Mbengue, who works for a women’s cooperative in Keur Massar, 25km from Dakar, has described most daaras as “dungeons”.

They are mostly poorly ventilated wooden structures in the backyard of the marabout’s home, next to sheep and goat enclosures, with poor toilet facilities. As many as 45 children live there.

At dawn every day, the talibé boys are woken up and forced into the streets carrying empty bowls.

They cling to passers-by to beg for food, money, and clothing.

And, as fate would have it, the traditional practice of giving alms in Senegal also inadvertently encourages begging.

Almost every family has marabout who is frequently consulted and who in turn, requests families or individuals to offer sacrifices in multiform ranging from clothing, milk, cowrie shells, candles, biscuits and even money to the talibé.

Abdou Kane’s elder brother Ahmed, 12, said, “We can eat some of the food we are offered in the street, but we dare not touch the

Dakar child beggars.

Senegal Children Facing Modern-day Slavery coins … They are for the marabout.”

The marabout uses some of the money for his family upkeep and a portion of it to prepare dinner.

This routine leaves little time for marabouts to teach their pupils Arabic or the Koran.

Talibé girls, also unkempt and shabbily dressed, are kept within the daaras where they help with household chores and feed the goats and sheep.

Turning point Incumbent President Macky Sall has repeatedly condemned the practice.

“Strong measures will be taken to put an end to the exploitation of children under the pretext that they are talibés,” Sall said.

In an attempt to address the issue, Senegal - a signatory to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child - has entered into a partnership with multinational institutions to modernise the daaras across the country.

But the phenomenon of child beggars is complex and has remained a bone of contention between the government, the Islamic community and UNICEF, the UN children’s agency.

A Human Rights Report early in 2014 points to “inadequate progress” by the Senegalese government.

For their part, the marabouts with the backing of the Islamic community, blame the government for not offering viable solutions.

For almost a decade, April 20 has been marked as the National Day of the Talibé, a time to rally for their rights.

But pro-talibé activist groups, such as the Association Club Soxna in Dakar, also have been proliferating in different parts of the country in defence of the rights of talibés.

In March 2013, nine children in a daara in Dakar burned to death when a fire gutted the building hosting almost 45 children between six and 12-years old. That’s when the struggle for their rights reached a turning point.

The government soon after discovered that thousands of children who do not speak the local vernacular, Wolof, were being smuggled into Senegal from neighbouring countries by people impersonating marabouts, and using the kids to beg for their personal gain.

After the fire, President Sall and his then-premier, Abdoul Mbaye, announced the repatriation of all non-Senegalese talibés, and banned child begging on the streets and all daaras throughout the country.

But conflicts at the time in neighbouring Mali and Guinea Bissau forced the government to rescind the expulsion order.

Additionally, the abscence of child begging on the streets only lasted a few days though, because of pressure from the Islamic community.

As in the past, Islamic spiritual leaders - and particularly the Mouride Brotherhood to which most of the marabouts belong continue to exercise significant influence on Senegal’s political landscape.

Diverging viewpoints Abdou Hadre Cissosokho,

who also runs a daara, argues that Senegal - albeit secular - is a predominantly Muslim country, and as such Koranic education as vital.

He said many marabouts continue to give the children the education they deserve, but that the increasing number of kids placed in their care led to the begging and bad living conditions.

However, for Cheikh Hamidou Sow, another marabout, the debate is about basic child rights and not religion.

“It is not a good thing for children to suffer or to enslave children. That is against human and child rights in particular, but to say it is Islam or any religion that endorses illtreatment of children, is totally wrong and inadmissible,” Sow said.

Ibrahima Diallo, a sociologist from the country’s Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, said the problem can be solved through family planning methods, accompanied by a dose of legal measures.

He said that, since almost all of the child beggars are from the majority ethnic peulh tribe where early or forced marriages are common, it is imperative that family planning methods be instituted along with laws that will punish rape and outlaw forced or early marriages.

This will cut down the number of children who become talibés larger cities of the country, Diallo said.

“The issue of talibés will become a thing of the past when their parents are fully educated and engaged in family planning methods,” he said.

—Al Jazeera

for the record 51

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Tinubu’s Reply To Ikimi

I

ordinarily would not have responded to Tom Ikimi’s lengthy chronicle of falsehoods, cheap blackmail and abuse. My only reason for this response is that I know Tom Ikimi’s style. He subscribes to the view that no matter how unbelievable a lie may sound if you brazenly assert it and repeat it often enough you may persuade many that it is in fact true. I have seen Ikimi perpetrate this deviousness in his years in public life.

1. Regarding Ikimi’s bid for the Chairmanship of the Party. It was clear to practically everyone who had the interest of the party at heart that we simply could not have a man of Tom Ikimi’s antecedents as Chair of the party. As chairman of the NRC, one of the only two political parties in the country under the military transition programme, Tom Ikimi not only connived with the then military regime to annul the elections, terminate the democratic process and sell off his party. He became Abacha’s foreign minister, convincing the world that heinous state murders like the hanging of Ken Saro Wiwa were just acts! If Ikimi were the Chair of APC the party would have to sleep with both eyes open lest its chairman sell off the party before day break .No matter what anyone may say about me it is unlikely that I can be accused of supporting incompetent or

morally light-weight individuals for important political positions.

My philosophy is to put the best forward, men and women of competence and integrity, who can stand up to us politicians to challenge us and say no when necessary. Such people are not noisy or able to gain attention by being loud, I believe my role is to do all I can to project them.

Who in their right mind would compare the highly principled Chief Bisi Akande, or Chief Oyegun with a Tom Ikimi? Either of these two men are known for their no-nonsense styles, not once in their careers would you hear that they betrayed a cause or were anybody’s stooge.

2. Ikimi also concocts a story of a meeting he claims I had with Deziani on the Oando/ ConocoPhillips transaction on the eve of the APC Convention.

Only a Tom Ikimi can come up with the absurd falsehood that on the eve of the APC Convention when I was in crucial meetings practically round the clock I was meeting with the Minister for Petroleum! What exactly would have been the point of such a meeting especially on the eve of the Convention?

Was it to prevent Tom Ikimi from emerging as Chairman of the APC? To what end? Of what value would it be to anyone except Ikimi himself? Besides if this was so why he is back to the same party that purportedly

planned his down fall?

What is the Oando/ ConocoPhillips transaction anyway? For those who do not know this is a private sale of the assets of ConocoPhillips to Oando. It was not patronage of any kind from the Federal government.

The Federal government’s involvement was merely to formally consent to the sale. I was not involved and I have never been involved in any of Oando’s transactions.

Typically he plays on the fact that Wale Tinubu of Oando is my nephew. Oando has been thoroughly investigated by South African and British authorities in the past 5 years as part of the process of listing the company on the stock exchanges of those countries. Those rigorous and comprehensive investigations conducted by the governments and risk control investigators are to discover the actual ownership of shares in the company.

Politically exposed persons like myself are prime targets for those investigations. All these investigations have shown that I have no investments in Oando. My public position on the entire transaction is that if an indigenous Nigerian oil and gas entity run by young serious minded Nigerians raise money transparently in the international capital markets to purchase private assets of a multi-national the Federal government ought to give its consent. That it took so

Tinubu

long is shameful. The Conoco/ Phillips transaction was a $1.7 billion dollars investment in Nigeria that would create more jobs,witness the establishment of allied industries and make the Nigerian Economy more attractive. I would have been extremely proud to have made such a transaction possible.

3. Regarding the nonsense about selling out on Ribadu. I think common sense should dictate that if ever such a deal were reached we would have had to inform our members in all the States. How could that have been done secretly? How do you tell hundreds of thousands of people not to vote for your own party without it becoming public knowledge?

At the formation of the APC, a crucial debate ensued about what to do about persons like Ikimi who had done awful things in the

past, but who were now minded to align with the progressive tendency in Nigerian politics.

Should we forever blacklist them?

This would have been the easiest route, but it would have kept rancor alive. It would have made us slaves to the bleakest chapters of our past. Instead we opted to extend the hand of brotherhood, reconcile and put the past behind us. This would enable a broader political consensus, while also giving the likes of Ikimi an opportunity to atone for their grievous wrongs against the people and be rehabilitated.

We recognized that many leading Nigerians had committed acts of shame. Some for private profit, others who were otherwise decent people who had become prisoners to a terrible system.

Not surprisingly, Ikimi acting true to type abuse that magnanimity. He was never sincerely committed to the party. He was always playing out a PDP script. He only wanted the chairmanship of the party as a bargaining chip for negotiations with his benefactors. His defection purportedly on account of the loss of the chairmanship of the party is a mere subterfuge, once his ploy failed he had no other objective within the party, I knew he would go back to his sponsors. He is back in the company he deserves. And APC is better for it.

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu

New Analysis: How Much Has The Ice Bucket Challenge Achieved?

Pre-ice bucket, the MND Association would receive on average £200,000 a week in donations. From 22 to 29 August, it received £2.7m

The media is reaching saturation point in its coverage of the ice bucket challenge. But what has actually been achieved?

The format is simple - somebody has water, often full of ice cubes, dumped over their head. They then nominate people they know to undertake the same challenge.

There have been in excess of 2.4 million ice bucket-related videos posted on Facebook, and 28 million people have uploaded, commented on or liked ice bucket-related posts.

On image sharing website Instagram there have been 3.7 million videos uploaded with the hashtags #ALSicebucketchallenge and #icebucketchallenge. Justin Bieber’s has been the most popular - with about one million “likes”.

The stunt is typically intended to raise money and awareness for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association. Its British equivalent, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, has also benefited.

From 29 July to 28 August this year ALS received $98.2m compared with $2.7m donated during the same period last year.

Pre-ice bucket, the MND Association would receive on average £200,000 a week in donations. From 22 to 29 August,

Italian Horse Racing Jockey, Frankie Dettori and BBC presenter, Clare Balding taking the challenge

it received £2.7m.

In the UK, other charities have benefited with Macmillan Cancer Support raising £3m from challenges. Water Aid has seen a spike in donations, including £47,000 in one day - 50% higher than it ever received in a single day before. The money came in part from people bemoaning the water wasted in the challenges.

But the other purpose of the campaign has been in raising awareness.

“Do you think Anna Wintour, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham were talking about ALS a few months

ago? No, I very much doubt it,” says Shannon Murray, an actor, writer and disability rights campaigner.

“It’s been very celebrityorientated and it plays into our culture of putting everything about ourselves out there on social media.

Some people have chosen to do it in a bikini, some have chosen white T-shirts, some people have obviously done it to raise their profile and that’s up to them. Personally it makes me a bit uncomfortable, but actually the bottom line is that people weren’t talking about MND two months ago, and now they are.”

A crude measurement can be

found in Google searches. Searches for both ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease, an alternative name in the US, rose sharply from 13 August to a peak on 21 August. Since then they have been declining. The term MND rose sharply from 20 August, reaching a peak on 26 August.

From 1 August to 27 August this year, the ALS Wikipedia page had 2,717,754 views. This compared with the 1,662,842 people who had visited the page during the whole of the preceding 12 months, according to data company Dataviz..

Average daily visits to the ALS association website were about 17,500 before the ice bucket challenge, compared with the peak of 4.5 million visits on 20 August (of which 83% were new to the site). During the past month there have been about 30 million visitors in total.

Average daily website visits to the MND association have risen from 1,400 to 153,000 on its biggest day - 26 August.

And as of 29 August the ice bucket challenge had 4,483,726 Twitter mentions. ALS Twitter followers had increased from 8,975 in early July to 21,100, while MND had over 6,000 new followers.

52

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Keshi Replaces Enyeama With Obiazor Mikel appears with gloves for fear of Ebola

By Ishaku Kigbu, Abuja

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi yesterday surprised football followers and handed El-Kanemi goalkeeper David Obiazor a chance in the national team as replacement for Vincent Enyeama. Keshi said it was based on the keeper’s good performance in the Nigerian league. The move came as the camp of the Eagles in Calabar has swollen to 17 out of the 23 players invited in readiness for the crunch tie on Saturday against Congo. By late evening the team had a full house at the training session to the delight of the technical crew. But only nine players trained in the morning training session. It was all laughter when Chelsea star, Mikel Obi appeared with hand gloves for fear of the Ebola virus.

Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi,

Giwa

Enyeama

Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Sone Aluko, John Mikel Obi and stand in captain Austin Ejide arrived on time to have lunch with the rest of the team while Stephen Keshi opted for David Obiazor of ElKanemi as replacement for first choice keeper Vincent Enyeama.

Having the fear of Ebola in mind, Mikel who hit camp with hand gloves asked Coach Keshi if he needed some. “Coach I have up to four hand gloves and if you don’t mind, I can hand one pair to you”, he said jokingly with

the rest of the team reeling with laughter. According to the team’s media officer, Ben Alaiya, the spirit in camp is very excellent especially with the arrival of the superstars. Speaking with optimism, Keshi said he expects the best from the players on Saturday in the game against Congo.

Announcing the replacement of Enyeama with Obiazor, the national team head coach said he picked him based on performance having been following him on the Nigerian

disassociating himself from it.

“I only heard of it when well-wishers called me to congratulate me but I have since disassociated myself from the appointment. I must state that I am not looking for appointment neither did I tell anyone I was looking for any appointment. At this stage of my life I must not be seen as getting excited by any appointment. I was not officially informed or communicated, I was not consulted before the appointment and as chairman of the club owners association I deserve to be properly consulted for any appointment such as this where I could have given my candid opinion and advice.”

He said it was rather too late to reconsider even if properly communicated because he has disowned the appointment.

“Even if I am formally informed now, like I said I have already disassociated myself from the appointment so, I would only give my candid advice. I was not informed and should have been taken into confidence before such appointment because one has to be mentally and physically prepared for such. At this level I should have been consulted.” He concluded.

Giwa’s Faction To Appear Before Danladi Rejects Giwa League Appointment National Assembly Today

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

After failing to appear before the House of Representatives committee on sports hearing on the leadership crises rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the committee has asked the Ambassador Chris Giwa-led faction to appear before it today.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday after a three hour close door meeting with the Sports Minister and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Tammy Danagogo, the committee chairman, Geoffrey Ali Gaiya, said Giwa and his board members will appear before them today to present their own side of the story.

He said the committee is still

consulting all the parties in the crisis and other stakeholders before coming out with its position on the matter.

“We are still consulting. We had a very fruitful discussion with the Hon. Minister of Sports today (yesterday) and we will meet with Giwa and his board members tomorrow (today). When we are done with all the contending factions, the committee will be able to come out with a direction that will guide everybody.

“You should be patient, we are going to listen to Giwa group tomorrow (today) and thereafter, we make our position known to the public.

We will do what is right in this matter,” he said.

Arising from their purported first board meeting where some far reaching decisions were taken including the suspension of the League Management Company (LMC), headed by Nduka Irabor and appointment of a six-man committee to run the league, a member of the committee, Barrister Isaac Danladi has distanced himself from the appointment. Danladi who is the chairman of Nasarawa United and doubles as chairman of the club owners said he will not be part of the development because he was not dully consulted by the Giwa led faction before being appointed. He said as someone who holds a sensitive position of chairing a group such as the club owners, he must not be seen as getting excited over such appointment-hence he is

Danladi

Judiciary Games: Athletes To Undergo Ebola Virus Screening

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Ahead of the forthcoming 20th edition of the annual Chief Justice of Nigeria Sports Competition tagged ‘Judiciary Games’ in Warri, Delta State, organisers have declared that the participating athletes and officials will undergo screening for Ebola virus.

Over 1500 athletes from twenty nine judicial bodies and institutions are expected to participate in this year’s edition, starting October 23.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja yesterday ahead of the event, president National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ), Emeka Ndili, said athletes and the officials will be screened for the Ebola virus on arrival in Warri before being accredited and allowed to participate in the games.

“We wish to state that as a result of the ongoing Ebola virus crisis, all officials and participating athletes will be properly screened on arrival in Warri and proper clearance be

issued before accreditation,” he stated.

He said the competition which is aimed at enhancing a healthy workforce within the judiciary is open to staff of the nation’s judiciary alone, saying the fight against mercenary has been intensified. I wish to state categorically that this Judiciary Games is only meant for staff of the judiciary, non-staff are not welcomed as participants in the games. The war on mercenary is being intensified, and affiliate that engages in the use of

non-staff, commonly called “mercenary” will be heavily sanctioned, and the mercenary be handed over to the police for possible prosecution,” he said According to him, twenty nine judicial affiliates across the nation including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Federal High Court, the Sharia Court and Federal Judicial Service Commission will compete for honours in 11 different sports in this year’s edition.

The sports to be competed for

are football, chess, draft, table tennis, scramble, volleyball, handball, ayo, darts and athletics.

While commending the Local Organising Committee (LOC), headed by Chief Registrar, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs Celestina Dofe for working tirelessly to ensure a hitch free event, he said FCT and Nasawara States have been designated as possible alternatives co-host the games, in the event that Delta State cannot meet up.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 53

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Nigeria To Report Schalke For Non Release Of Obasi

Obasi

Nigeria will report Schalke to FIFA after the Germans refused to release striker Chinedu Obasi for this month’s 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Schalke blamed the issue on Obasi’s passport being held at an embassy while a visa application is processed ahead of their Champions League matches.

But Super Eagles media officer Ben Alaiya told BBC Sport: “We have two matches on Fifa approved dates.”The country has the right to our player Chinedu Obasi for the games.”

African champions Nigeria take on Congo on 6 September and South Africa four days later and Super Eagles officials have been angered by Schalke’s attitude over Obasi.

The Bundesliga club are keen for Obasi to play in their matches against Borussia Monchengladbach in the league and Chelsea in the Champions League on 13 and 17 September respectively.

Alaiya added: “Fifa regulations say that a player must report to his national team once international call-up rules are duly respected.”The team secretary has done the needful [by sending out the invite three weeks earlier] and we will report Schalke to Fifa for appropriate sanctions.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama has pulled out of the two Nations Cup qualifiers.

Giwa’s Group Defies FIFA, Maintain Stands

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Hours after the deadline by world soccer ruling body, FIFA to the Chris Giwa group to vacate the offices of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), four members of the disputed group led by the first vice chairman, Chief Obinna Ogba are still occupying the offices.

They met at about the same time the Sports Minister was meeting with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports in their ongoing inquiry into the crisis.

Others include Adama Yahaya (Kogi State FA Chairman) Sani Ferma (Yobe State) and Muazu Suleiman (Sokoto State).

Observers say the number is fewer than that which they claimed constituted the board and continued to show that some of the persons they claimed were with them such as Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu (Chairman of Enyimba FC), Otumba Dele Ajayi (Chairman of Ondo FA) Ayodeji Tinubu, (Lagos) and Rabiu Inuwa (Kano FA Chairman).

A report said they have been conducting their affairs with nonmembers like Rumson Baribote of Nembe City, Ben Agari, who voted as representative of Players Union and Gara Gombe, who recently resigned as Special Adviser to Kano State governor.

Ogba claims the FIFA letter was fake-hence refusal to comply.

Ogba said, “we maintain that our election is legitimate and we are here as the legitimate board to discuss the issue of the suspended league with the Referees. FIFA cannot take a decision based on one side; they will see reason with us at the end.”

Ogba was purportedly elected as part of the Chris Giwa board at the August 26 meeting at Chida Hotel which was on August 29 declared unacceptable by FIFA which warned them to vacate the NFF Offices. The FIFA letter signed by the Secretary General, Jerome Valcke had warned that non-compliance with the directive will result in Nigeria’s suspension from all organized football activity.

Germany Bids For Euro 2020 Germany will not withdraw its bid to host matches of the Euro 2020 tournament even though it could undermine the nation’s chances of getting the whole 2024 edition.

German football federation president Wolfgang Niersbach said on Tuesday at a news conference in Austria that landing the 2024 event was the priority, but that the DFB will wait for the selection of 2020 host cities set for September 19 by the ruling body Uefa.

“We will stick to this until the day it is decided. What happens

then remains to be seen,” Niersbach said, adding “It is our biggest wish to stage the whole Euro 2024 tournament.”

Euro 2020 is to be played in 13 cities across the continent.

Germany is bidding with Munich for a group stage/early knock-out stages package, and along with London for the semifinals/final package.

Germany’s chances of getting Euro 2024 are likely not good if Munich is chosen to host the 2020 semis and final.

Ivory Coast national team

Nations Cup: Ivory Coast Get Nod To Host Tie

Ivory Coast will play their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in Abidjan on Saturday after the government made a late U-turn.

The Ivorian government had initially ruled the game could not be played in the country because of fears over the outbreak of Ebola in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone is one of six African nations with cases of the virus and has banned football in its own country. Ivory Coast has been concerned Ebola could be imported by vis-

itors.

In an attempt to prevent Ebola getting into Ivory Coast the government ruled that it would not be hosting any international sporting events. But since the ban it has allowed a Confederation Cup match and African Under-20 Championship qualifier to be played in Ivory Coast. And it has now made another exception for the Nations Cup qualifier.

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, Sierra Leone have named a squad of

players based outside the country and given assurances that the coaching staff would be screened before travelling.

Last week Ivory Coast said they were looking at neutral venues or even the possibility of forfeiting the match. However, the Confederation of African Football had said that if Ivory Coast had forfeited the match they would have been disqualified from the Nations Cup qualifying campaign. DR Congo and Cameroon are the other two teams in Group D.

Telecom Games: Mtn Storm To 5-1 Win, Meet Etisalat On Finals Former champions, MTN produced a fantastic performance to achieve the result they needed with a 5-1 thrashing of LM Ericsson in a winner-takes-all last Group game on a day Etisalat made sure of their 100% record by also beating Alcatel Lucent 4-0.

The result saw MTN leap-frog Ericsson and Airtel to claim the remaining finals slot which will mean a 4th consecutive finals between the two since the inception of the tournament in 2011.

Aminu Jabar opened scoring for the Yhello Boys on 12th minute and prolific forward, Alichie Iheukwumere scored the first of his brace on 24th minute. Yusuf Abubakar made it three-nil on 44th only for Jabar to complete his brace six minutes after.

But Ericsson fought back and reduced the deficit through Saheed Adeoye and thereafter, MTN continued with more goals knowing their chance to play in the finals hung on goals superiority. They got the goals when Yusuf scored again on the full hour mark.

Etisalat routed Alcatel in another 4-0 thriller that made the Cup holders the highest scoring side having earlier pounced on

Team Nigeria gets ministerial handshake from Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo

MTN on opening day with a heavy score line. Sprints champion, David Ore and Taiwo Jamiu scored for Etisalat in the game which saw Yakubu Kasim netting a brace to end Alcatel’s poor season without a win.

The results condemned Ericsson and Airtel to the third place playoff on Sunday, September 7 and

offers MTN a chance to consolidate on the overall medals table.

Interestingly, it does appear Etisalat players were not comfortable with MTN’s return to reckoning after a poor start to the football event as they were heard whispering that the former champions are the only side they think can stop them.

54 sports

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

US Open: Murray Says He Is Near His Best Andy Murray who faces world number one Novak Djokovic today believes he is close to playing his best tennis after beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the US Open quarter-finals. The Briton won 7-5 7-5 6-4 at Flushing Meadows to set up a meeting with world number one Novak Djokovic today. Murray, 27, will go into that match on the back his first win over a top-10 player in 14 months. “I don’t feel like I’m that far away from playing my best tennis,” said the Scot, who is seeded eighth. “It’s still obviously a long way from trying to win the tournament, but it’s only nine sets now, three matches, and

Murray

I’ll just try and take it one set at a time. I may be five, six days away from potentially winning another Grand Slam. I know there is a lot of work to be done between now and then, but putting everything out there on the courts, the last Slam of the year, I hope I can play well.”

Murray had not beaten a top10 player since last year’s Wimbledon final until Tuesday, and had let a number of strong positions slip away in recent matches, including against Tsonga in Canada last month. “I hadn’t closed out those matches, whether it was against Jo or whoever,” said Murray. “It happened a few times this

year, but I have also won quite a few matches this year as well. It wasn’t like every time I stepped on the court I couldn’t close out a match. “It was just happening from time to time - and a few times too often this year - so it was nice to win another one with no stress. “Obviously winning matches does build confidence.

I played against some very good players this year and lost a few close matches.”

Murray will play Djokovic for the 21st time on Wednesday, with the Serb leading 12-8 and having won four of their last five meetings. However, Murray has won two of their last three matches

Senegal’s Striker Demba Ba Out Of Egypt Clash The Besiktas player is to miss Senegal’s first CAN qaualifier match with Egypt this Friday due to injury.

Senegal and Besiktas striker Demba Ba has been ruled out of Egypt clash in the 2015 African Nations Cup (CAN) qualifiers on 5 September due to injury. The Pharaohs will be hosted by the Senegalese team in Dakar on Friday evening in the qualifi-

ers opener.

According to reports in the Sengalese media, the former Chelsea hitman will not be available for CAN qualifiers against Egypt and Botswana, after picking up an injury in Besiktas’ Champions League play-off against Arsenal. Sangoné Sarr of AS Pikine was reportedly called up as a replacement for Demba Ba in Senegal’s squad. Egypt

coach Shawky Gharib — who won the CAN three times in a row (2006, 2008 and 2010) as an assistant to coach Hassan Shehata — is bidding for a return to the top. The team missed the last two editions in 2012 and 2013 under Shehata and American manager Bob Bradley respectively. In the 2015 CAN qualifiers, Egypt will play in Group G along with Tunisia, Senegal and Botswana.

Basketball W/Cup: Egypt Face Iran Today The Pharaohs who were dealt a heavy blow at the basketball World Cup in Spain by France 94-55 to give the Pharaohs their third successive loss at the basketball World Cup on Monday will today face Iran. France dominated the game’s four quarters, winning 23-15, 26-11, 19-10 and 26-19.

The Pharaohs’ best perform-

er was Youssef Shousha, who scored 7 points and made zero assists. The Egyptians lost 8564 to Serbia in Granada in their opening match on Saturday.

They also were defeated against hosts Spain 91-54 in the second matchday on Sunday. They lie at bottom in the six-team group with three points. Egypt next take on Iran on Wednesday.

Salem

Pitso: Uzoenyi Is Something Else Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is backing new signing Ejike Uzoenyi to succeed at Chloorkop, saying the Nigerian “is something else”.

Uzoenyi, who was formerly with Enugu Rangers, made his much-awaited Brazilians debut in the 2-0 win over AmaZulu in Pretoria on Sunday. Even though he only spent 15 minutes on the field, the speedy attacker showed flashes of brilliance.

“He is something else,” says Mosimane. “The liitle bit you saw, you can see what we have.

He is not fit yet but we had to give him a little bit of time to play against AmaZulu.

“When he gets fitter we will see something different. He is a player in his own class.”

‘Jingles’ went on to explain how Downs recruited Uzoenyi, who played in the recent World Cup in Brazil.

Ba

Sudan, South Africa In Historic Debut Cracker It is common knowledge that Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sudan are the founding fathers of the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) in Khartoum in 1957.

It is therefore strange that Sudan and South Africa have not met each other at the senior level, be it a friendly or competitively.

The two teams will faceoff for the first time on Friday, 5 September 2014 in the Group ‘A’ opener of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2015 qualifiers in Omdurman.

The two national sides will engage in this match with a historical worth because the outcome of the match will be out down in the records forever.

With the historical bearings

attached to the game, Sudan coach Mohamed Abdallah ‘Mazda’ is looking forward to the game.

“I wish this match would become an occasion for a historic game because of its exclusive nature as it takes place between two countries that have are the founding fathers of CAF, and also the fact that it’s the opening match of the group phase,” Mazda said.

The Sudan trainer has named a squad of young and experienced players of predominantly based for the double header against Sudan and Congo. The Desert Hawks will face Diables Noirs of Congo five days later in PointeNoire after the opener against South Africa.

World Cup Troubles Behind Us – Appiah

Uzoenyi

“I hope he adjusts,” Mosimane says. “He showed that he is experienced... he is not a small boy, he is an experienced player.

“He did well for Nigeria during the World Cup qualifiers before they went to the World Cup and he was in the starting line-up during the qualifiers.

“Maybe people only saw him during Chan but during the World Cup qualifiers that’s where we scouted him earlier and we have been following.

“When he went to Chan people thought they can sign him, but he was already signed with Sundowns... done and dusted.”

“We went through a whole lot of difficulties during and after the World Cup but everything is now behind us and what we seek to do now is to focus on the Africa Cup qualifiers and we are doing well with that,” Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has said as the Black Stars look ahead to their opening final group phase qualifier against Uganda on Saturday.

The Black Stars host a Cranes side that has not been to the Africa Cup for over 35 years but declared that they were unfazed about their visit to Kumasi and were looking forward to the match at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Ghana made what some commentators called uncomfortable

headlines at Brazil2014 but Appiah says his charges will walk on to the field with the World Cup troubles firmly behind them.

“Some of the players who featured for us at the World Cup are not a part of this team because some on them are inactive; others are out due to disciplinary issues while others are still trying to sort out issues with their clubs that has left them on the benches of their clubs.”

“We have a pool of good players and I’m thinking of building a team for the future with a lot of young players who are equally good. We have a lot of young players who are doing well since their leagues abroad resumed,” Appiah said.

sports 55

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

NNL Suspend League Matches

Super Falcons

AWC Camp Delay Worries Falcons Super Falcons head coach, Edwin Okon, has expressed deep concern over the delay in inviting the side back to camp for the upcoming Africa Women’s Championship (AWC) in Namibia. The six-time African champions were expected to resume camp on Monday, September 1 but the seemingly disquiet at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) house may have put off indefinitely the scheduled resumption.

Supersport.com gathered that the earliest time the senior national women’s side could be asked back to camp for the final phase preparations of the biennial football showpiece will be after the proposed September 4 NFF elections or to another time the crisis in football governance in the country would have calmed down.

Okon said each day that passes without the side in camp puts the nation’s campaigners at disadvantage as well as reduces their chance at excelling in the biennial football championship.

“I’m over worried that we’re yet to resume camp to commence final preparations for the Africa Women Championship coming up next month in Namibia.

“Each day that passes still outside the camp reduces our chances of doing well at the championship.”Time is quite running out on us, we scheduled to commence camp today (Monday) I learnt that won’t be possible any longer as the possible earliest time is next week or thereabout. “I thought if we had resumed today some skeletal work could have started leading to full blown training by the weekend. Now that’s wish-

ful thinking as we need time first to get letters out to clubs for the release of their players.

While we’re delaying resumption camp our traditional opponents, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Namibia, among others are already in camp playing top grade matches. I sincerely pray we quickly realise that we don’t have the luxury of time any more in our hands but act fast to see what can be achieved within the available time. The Namibia 2014 AWC will be hotly contested as it serves as qualifier for the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada and it’s our strongest desire to be at the championship as African champions,” said the head coach of Nigeria Women’s Premier League (NWPL) side, Rivers Angels to supersport.com.

‘Falcao Will Not Solve United’s Problems’ With Manchester United fans praying for much-needed defensive reinforcements and manager Louis van Gaal making a surprise deadline-day swoop for flamboyant Colombian striker Radamel Falcao on Monday, observers say the player is far from United’s defensive worries.

After the British record signing of attacking midfielder Angel di Maria, Van Gaal appears to be ignoring the burning issue of a porous and inexperienced back line which has struggled badly in the first three Premier League games of the season.

Stalwarts Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have left Old Trafford along with long-serving left back Patrice Evra. Although Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw have been signed along with versatile Dutchman Daley Blind, Van Gaal’s defensive resources look thin unless he opts to do more business before the deadline closes at 2200 GMT. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have struggled to adapt to Van Gaal’s preferred 5-32 formation and Van Gaal has been forced by injuries to play 20-year-old Tyler Blackett. He

Falcao

tried to recruit Arsenal central defender Thomas Vermaelen, who ended up at Barcelona, and United’s longstanding interest in Germany’s Mats Hummels came to nothing.

Compounding the problems at the back is a shortage of disciplined defensive midfielders. Spaniard Ander Herrera missed the last two games due to injury and Van Gaal has been forced to play Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley, a combination short of pace and genuine creative ability. The

signing of Di Maria for 60 million pounds ($99.7 million) will bring speed and invention to United’s attack led by Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. Mexican Javier Hernandez was loaned to Real Madrid and Falcao’s arrival also allowed Van Gaal to offload England’s Danny Welbeck.

The 28-year-old Colombian, who is joining United initially on a season-long loan, is a proven marksman. He netted 41 times in 51 games for Porto, scored 52 goals in 68 matches for Atletico Madrid and 11 in 20 appearances for Monaco before a knee injury ended his season early and ruled him out of this year’s World Cup. Fast and powerful, Falcao will give United another cutting edge but doubts remain about whether the forwards will get the service they need to show off their undoubted talents.

Van Gaal may move for Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman in January if he proves his recovery from a serious knee injury but by then United could be well adrift of the Premier League leaders and struggling to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.

Matches in the Nigeria’s second tier has been put on hold, according to the league body, the NNL. The Nigeria National League (NNL) announced in a statement made available to supersport.com that the decision became inevitable following the withdrawal of the country’s referees association from officiating matches in all tiers of the league.

The NNL stated that it is putting all its “remaining matches on hold” pending when the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) “restore their services to the league.”

“Following the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA)’s withdrawal of services over the weekend and its subsequent disruption of the scheduled matches, the board and management of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has put the remaining matches on hold,” the opening part of the statement from the National League organiser stated.

NNL secretary, Lawrence Kat-

ken, also confirmed the latest development to supersport.com on Tuesday. “Yes (NNL) matches have been put on hold temporarily till we resolve the matter with the referees, which will be soon,” Katken informed supersport.com. The latest development comes just five days after matches in the country’s top tier, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), was also halted indefinitely owing to the boycott by the referees body.

Over the weekend, matches in the NPFL, NNL, the NationWide League and the women’s leagues did not hold. However, the National League game between GoRound FC and Unicem Rovers took place on Friday which the former won 1-0 despite the referees’ strike. Nigeria’s football has been enmeshed in a governance crisis after the Fifa World Cup, which has led to two factions of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Gattuso Cleared In Corruption Probe

Former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been cleared in an investigation into the alleged fixing of some Serie A games, local media reported on Tuesday. Gattuso, 36, left Milan after 13 seasons in 2012, playing one more year with Swiss side Sion before ending his career. He currently coaches the Greek side OFI Crete.

A judge in Cremona was quoted as saying that the contacts Gattuso had with some people suspected of match fixing have no criminal relevance. The 2006 world champion was searched and placed under investigation in December.

Gattuso

English Clubs Spearhead Spending Spree In Europe Barclays Premier League soccer clubs spent a record £835 million on hiring players during the summer transfer window as they reinvested cash from the latest round of broadcast deals.

That total was almost double the £425 million paid out by teams in Spain’s La Liga, the next highest spending country, according to figures released by business services group Deloitte yesterday. The Premier League generates more money than any domestic soccer competition while Spain is home to Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two clubs who enjoy the highest revenues thanks to the way television cash is distributed.

Manchester United, English champions a record 20 times, spent around £150 million as new manager Louis van Gaal tries to ensure there is no repeat of last season’s disappointing seventh place finish. Teams in Europe’s main leagues had

until late on Monday to finalise their squads for the next few months, leading to frenzied trading in the final few hours of the transfer window. Clubs cannot buy new players again until January.

“We continue to see the increased resources that Premier League clubs enjoy, as a result of improved broadcast deals, translate into investment in players,” said Deloitte’s Dan Jones.

He warned clubs of the need to ensure they did not overspend in the quest for a place in the European Champions League or to retain their spot in the Premier League. “The key challenge remains pursuing their ambitions responsibly,” he said. “We hope that while increased revenues continue to allow the league to attract top players, they will also result in a more profitable picture across the league in the years to come.”

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

AMUSEMENT PARK

families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream

— George W. Bush

03.09.14 No. 2,250

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Hannatu Musawa

A

The government must take full responsibility and stop shifting blame

www.leadership.ng

N150

The Wednesday Column s I watched the campaign to #BringBackOurGirls take a life of its own on a global scale, I breathed a sigh of relief. At last the tragedy that had befallen Nigerians and over 223 families living in Chibok town, Borno State, was being acknowledged by a force greater than our government. After about two weeks of being shell-shocked over the Chibok tragedy, many Nigerians all over the world began expressing outrage over the lack of information about what efforts were under way to secure the girls’ release.

Our fury on the abduction of the girls was amplified by the perception we had that the authorities were not doing enough concerning the process of bringing back the girls safely to their families. So, out of frustration we united as one in a vociferous outcry, stood up in great numbers, took to the streets via protest marches in different parts of the country and abroad and used social media to get our story out.

And we managed to tap into a huge reservoir of public attention.

As the story went viral, reactions to it dribbled over from Twitter, facebook and blogs to the classic media, with basically all major TV stations picking it up. Finally, the world was aware of our missing girls!

The question is: what next?

How can our government and we as a people capitalize on the momentum and the awareness generated by this campaign to #BringBackOurGirls so that, like the Kony 2012 campaign, the impetus does not fizzle out?

Nigeria is literally melting down. The government’s attempt so far to stop the spread of terror, especially in the north-eastern part of the country, has not only exposed the defects within our security structure but has allowed thousands of innocent civilians to be butchered, massacred and executed by an irreverent group resolute in shedding the blood of innocent people. With all the turmoil we have seen and the innocent blood that has been

WEDNESDAY

#BringBackOurGirls hannatu@leadership.ng

shed, this violation where over 200 young girls are taken from their hostels by such depraved scum has pushed us to the very brink and we have completely reached the end of our tether. This has got to be the point in which we say “enough is enough”. This has got to be the beginning of the end of this insanity.

As a starting point, the government must take full responsibility and stop shifting blame by implying that the parents of the girls are somehow culpable, in that they have not been open in giving the identities of their missing children. I have spoken to a relative of one of the girls that is alleged to have been taken and I asked why they were not willing to cooperate with the government. What they told me was that they had been warned that if they pursued the girls or gave information about their children and the abductors came to know of this, their children would be killed. One can understand how, as parents, they would be sceptical of cooperating with a government that they believe does not have the will or capability of rescuing their children and protecting them.

A round-the-clock information source should be set up immediately to give out adequate information, which would not compromise the security operation that is being carried out to rescue our girls or ensure their safety. The whole world is increasingly becoming emotional over the abductions and people are desperate to know the true situation, efforts and measures that have been taken in ensuring that our girls are brought back home safely. And it is only through the responsible and steady flow of information from government that public anxiety will be reduced.

Though it has come under a lot of criticism, the recent pronouncement by the president setting up a committee to #BringBackOurGirls is, in my opinion, a step in the right direction. That committee must get to work immediately: get as

much information as possible from the parents of the girls, teachers in the school, residents in the village, witnesses to the incident and anybody that is directly connected to the incident.

The committee can humanize the victims of the Chibok tragedy by compiling the identities of the girls and ascertaining how many girls were taken and how many have returned so far. Let us know the exact number of girls that were abducted, the number that escaped and can be accounted for, and the number of the yetto-be-rescued girls, in addition to statements of what and where they were taken by the girls who managed to escape.

Amidst all this chaos, the silence from the Chad, Cameroun and Niger governments is so deafening one would not have thought that we have representatives and ambassadors in each other’s countries. Let’s not forget that Chad, Cameroun and Niger share a border with Nigeria around the area where these atrocities are taking place. In fact, several times in the past, accounts of bands of terrorists relocating to the neighbouring countries to remobilize and rearm have been reported. In order to rise to the challenge of our porous borders and cross-border insurgency, a multinational joint task force composed of soldiers from Chad, Niger and Nigeria was put in place.

For God’s sake, we should stop making this issue a political, ethnic or religious one at the expense of the lives of our Chibok teenage girls. Children’s lives are at stake here and every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic or religious differences should make every effort in unity, in seeking the rescue of these innocent teenage girls. There is a time and a place for everything and this is not the time for Nigerians to politicize or tribalize this issue. No matter one’s view or theories on all the sundry concerns that surround the awkward and mottled tapestry of Nigeria, this one matter has got to be about bringing our girls back home safely.

So, despite the fanatical rambling of a raving lunatic that has nothing to show for effort other than an out-of-control, trembling right hand, completely misguided ideology and sins that only Allah can adequately give dire punishment for, the kidnap of the Chibok girls is not about religion. In spite of veiled implications via an astounding public meltdown of a first lady, the mass abduction of young girls is not about a conspiracy against a president. Even with the finger pointing along political, ethnic and regional lines, we cannot allow the threat of the trafficking of 223 of our young girls to be manipulated in the interest of party, tribal or regional lines. By giving this atrocity a reason, we are acknowledging and giving an identity to it and playing right into the kidnappers’ arms. No, our focus has got to be about just our girls and on bringing them home safely.

Time is the merciless enemy.

And as the clock ticks, the plight of our girls grows ever more desperate. It is imperative for the government to step up and assert its authority against this horror. For those of us in the public bleeding inside, we will utilize every tool available to us including the awesome power of the media.

GHANA MUST GO Power supply to stabilise by October — FG

October 202020?

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