Leadership pages

10.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

thursday

No. 2,220

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Nigeria Tops Countries Most Plagued By Oil Theft – Report

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja with

agency report

With the theft of an estimated 400,000 barrels of oil per day, equating to a revenue loss of about $1.7 billion a month

Loses $20.4bn annually

and $20.4 billion annually, Nigeria currently tops the list of countries most plagued by oil theft in the world.

Following Nigeria on the top five list of countries most

plagued by oil theft according to a report by oilprice.com are Mexico, Iraq, Russia, and Indonesia.

Derivation: Confab Delegates In Rowdy Session > Page 8

Chibok Diary DAY 87

The amount lost by Nigeria annually represents 7.7 per cent of the nation’s GDP vanishing, or more than the country spends on education ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Chibok Girls: National Information Centre Bars BBOG From Attending Briefing > Page 2

adamawa impeachment

I Have No Plans To Resign – Nyako 6

Says he may seek Jonathan’s help if... ramadan timing Day 13 Abuja Magrib - 7.00 Alfijir - 4.58 Kano Magrib - 6.53 Alfijir - 4.52 Imam of National Mosque, Ustaz Musa Muhammad (middle) and other Muslim faithful, during the breaking of fast at the National Mosque in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo by oyedele omokagbo

Kaduna Magrib - 6.57 Alfijir - 4.57 Lagos Magrib - 7.12 Alfijir - 5.15 Sokoto Magrib - 7.07 Alfijir - 5.05 Full table on page 5

Langtang LG Poll: Plateau AG Lacks Basis For Legal Opinion - DPP Youth Wing > Page 5

2

chibok diary 87

Thursday, July 10, 2014

DAY

CHIBOK TWEETS @EiENigeria Mothers crying. Fathers wailing. #Chibok is a reflection of us.

We can't act as if our #ChibokGirls are dead. @freeman4all44 It's only an idiot you will tell that 60 people escaped from the hands of terrorists at once and he would believe u. @ogundamisi If our nation's army can't #BringBackOurGirls, we need the #Chibok hunters. @Uzopatriot Is Aunty @obyezeks aware that 63+30+34 abducted #Chibok girls/women have mysteriously escaped from Sambisa with 45 recaptured? @aligthebaptist Once upon a time in d land of #Chibok..... complete d story by urself #BringBackOurGirls #Sambisa #Shekau #PDP #APC #Terrorism #Nigeria #2015 @fidelisMbah 83 days are enough to radicalise the #Chibok girls to unleash terror on #Nigerians, yet the military is busy holding meetings, making excuses. @Sakoelabo Me too. The helplessness of the #Nigerian govt is pathetic. The silence from all others as well. @obyezeks The "advice" of some are to be ignored; some accepted & some should trigger the need to enlighten the "advisors". In ALL, #BringBackOurGirls!

We're neither governments, politicians nor the Army. Just people who care. But united we can be a special force.

COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

DSS Labels BringBackOurGirls Group 'Franchise'

BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja

The Department of State Security (DSS), yesterday, lambasted the BringBackOurGirls group, saying the group is becoming a security threat.

The spokesperson of DSS, Marilyn Ogar, who stated this while fielding questions from journalists during a briefing at the National Information Centre in Abuja, said that the group had become a franchise.

Ogar alleged that the group is planning a sponsored protest in the nation’s capital with the help of foreign media, adding that they are aware that the group is soliciting fund from notable individuals.

She alleged that members of the group had perfected plans with the help of experts flown into the country to tackle security operatives who might rise to be a stumbling block in their way.

“I think you are right to refer to the protesting group of BringBackOurGirls as a franchise; I remember when we started the fight against insurgency; we said it sever-

ally that the group is more or less a franchise; anybody can rise anywhere.

“As a tenant, if you don’t have money to pay, you may become a sect member, Boko Haram or you could also become a franchise and security forces know exactly what they are up to”, she said.

According to her, if it was an ordinary movement seeking to put more pressure on government and security operatives to release the girls, there would have been no need for the group to have a tag, insisting that their members must have a tag and be properly registered.

“We know that they have a bank account; we also know that they want to go to Asokoro Extension and simulate a protest march, where they will have foreign media and say that they are marching into Sambisa and Chibok.

“We also know that they brought in some experts from outside, to come and teach them how to beat security operatives when they are demonstrating; we are waiting to see whether those things will

Schoolgirls: Information Centre Bars BBOG From Attending Briefing

BY CHIKA MEFOR, EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

The National Information Centre yesterday barred the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group from attending its briefing, denying that there was any briefing going on in the building.

The group, which had sent some of its members to the centre to get verifications on many issues raised in the media concerning the Chibok girls, met stiff opposition by Mrs Juliet Akebe and Mr David, workers at the National Orientation Centre, who after proper scrutiny, prevented the members from attending the briefing.

According to a member of the group, Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye, Mrs Akebe had agreed that the centre was for information dissemination to the masses, only for her to bar them from entering after consultations with her bosses upstairs.

work.

“We also know that they have divided themselves into groups, giving each other specific assignments; if you are a genuine movement, when the late Funmi Ransome-Kuti started the struggle on the empowerment of the Nigerian women, I am not sure she was paying courtesy calls on money bags to solicit support; if she had to do that, I am not sure Oba Ademola II would have been dethroned in 1949 when he was asking women to pay taxes”, Ogar said.

She continued, “When there is a genuine struggle, it must be done transparently; there will be no need of asking people to register, so that you know who is a member or who is not and to pay monthly dues”.

Reacting in an interview on Channels Television monitored in Abuja yesterday, the convener of the BBOG group, Dr Oby Ezekwesili denied Ogar’s allegations, adding that the group will reply her at the appropriate time.

Improving Opportunities For Women Farmers In Africa EVEN THOUGH WOMEN MAKE UP A LARGE SHARE OF AFRICA’S FARMERS, THEY TEND TO BE LOCKED OUT OF LAND OWNERSHIP, ACCESS TO CREDIT AND PRODUCTIVE FARM INPUTS LIKE FERTILIZERS, PESTICIDES AND FARMING TOOLS, SUPPORT FROM EXTENSION SERVICES, AND ACCESS TO MARKETS AND OTHER FACTORS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR PRODUCTIVITY

20%

to

30%

If women worldwide had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30% and raise total agricultural output by 2.5–4%. Gains in agricultural production alone could lift 100 to 150 million people out of hunger, according to a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate

ALTHOUGH ALMOST HALF OF THE AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ARE WOMEN, PRODUCTIVITY ON THEIR FARMS IS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER PER HECTARE COMPARED TO MEN

How African Leaders Can Empower Women Farmers Strengthen women’s land rights Improve their access to hired labour

Provide community-based child care centres FISH

Give them adequate training

Report has it that productivity on women’s farms is significantly lower per hectare compared to men, ranging from

13% in Uganda to

Ease their access to loans

25% Members of the #BringBackOurGirls group in a Village Square meeting at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

in Malawi INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Thursday, July 10, 2014

Egypt, Free Al Jazeera Reporters

A

fter months of incarceration and trial in Cairo, an Egyptian court recently sentenced three Al Jazeera English journalists – Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed – to seven years in prison each for allegedly “spreading false news” and “aiding or joining the banned Muslim Brotherhood”. One of them, Baher Mohamed, also received an additional three years for having a used bullet casing in his possession at the time of his arrest.

A week before the jail terms were pronounced on the three journalists, an Al Jazeera Arab journalist, Abdullah al-Shami, was released, a move that raised the hope of many for their possible acquittal. But that turned out to be a forlorn hope: the journalists were jailed in their line of duty.

Expectedly, the court’s decision has provoked widespread condemnation mostly from media organisations as well as other responsible institutions around the globe. Curiously, the outrage is not reflecting in the Egyptian media. Some of them actually praised the court’s verdict, accusing Al Jazeera – a television station

that consistently covered the Arab Spring and Tahrir Square – of prejudiced reporting in favour of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Let us even assume for whatever it is worth that the Al Jazeera and its reporters skewed their reports; there is, still, no justification whatsoever for the draconian jail sentences handed down to the three journalists. In line with many international instruments, everyone has the right of freedom of opinion and expression. To be sure, freedom of the media is not a choice – it is an absolute right. The personal regrets of the newly elected president, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, over the outcome of the case were not

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

able to save the journalists from their jail terms.

Notwithstanding, we urge the Egyptian government to live up to its international commitments and obligation and release all local and foreign journalists in its detention camps. The right to report and write the news is enshrined in international human rights laws. It is a matter of utmost regret that Egypt is the biggest prison camp of journalists in the Arab world.

This is not something to be proud of. The media, in any civilised country, mirror the society. The journalists now being punished for the crisis in the land of Pharaohs did not create the crisis that led to their present predicament.

As has been extensively canvassed, President al-Sisi is in the position to intervene in the matter and set free the three journalists and others currently being detained.

We urge him to quickly grant them unconditional pardon.

There is no alternative to their freedom, especially when credible institutions that monitored their trial agreed that the process was flawed.

It is in Egypt’s best interest to listen to the voice of reason now.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Reps Probe Failure Of CCTV To Detect Abuja Bombings, Other Crimes Following recent terrorist attacks on the country’s capital, Abuja, the House of Representatives yesterday detailed its Committee on ICT, Public Safety and National Security to investigate the failure of the Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) installed in Lagos and Abuja to detect criminal activities.

The committee is expected to report back to the House in two weeks.

The resolution was a fallout of a motion by Hon Saviour Udoh (Akwa-Ibom/PDP), which was unanimously adopted without debate.

In lead debates, Udoh told the lawmakers that the contract for the installation of the CCTVs was awarded by the federal government during the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration at the cost of $470million.

He recalled that the federal government had also awarded a contract for the installation of 2000 digital solar-powered cameras - 1000 for Lagos and 1000 for Abuja, 37 switch rooms, MW backbone, 37 Coalition Emergency Response System, 38 Video Conference Sub-system, 37 E-Police System, 6 Emergency Communication Vehicles and 1.5 subscriber lines.

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Nigeria Has No Ambition For Territorial Expansion – NSA The national security adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) yesterday assured the neighbouring countries, especially Cameroon that Nigeria has no ambition to expand her territory in her quest for their co-operation over terrorism.

He gave this assurance in his speech while declaring open the Second Session of the Nigerian/ Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee held in Abuja, where he cited the peaceful resolution of the Bakasi Peninsula issue to buttress his point.

He said, “I wish to expressly state that Nigeria does not have any territorial ambition; the resolution of the Bakasi Peninsula issue is a clear attestation to this.

“The defeat of terrorism is going to be mutually beneficial; we should, therefore, look for every reason to collaborate rather than excuses not to.”

Dasuki said that the committee should objectively deliberate on how best to collaborate and secure the Nigeria and Cameroon borders through the implementation of the security agreement to ensure peace and progress in both countries.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

JSS III students at Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDJSS), Gubi, Bauchi State writing their third term examination at Gubi village, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Gunmen Kidnap Pro-Amaechi Lawmaker In Rivers

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port

Harcourt

Unknown gunmen on Tuesday kidnapped the member representing Etche II Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ngozi Golden Chioma, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Chioma, who is the chairman, House

Committee on Judiciary, and a diehard loyalist of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was kidnapped at about 8pm in Diobu, a densely populated area of Port Harcourt.

It was also gathered that the House of Assembly was expected to reconvene yesterday, after last Monday’s approval of Amaechi’s request to access a $280million loan from the African Develop-

ment Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank for water and sanitation projects, but it was postponed due to the unfortunate incident.

The abduction of Chioma occurred exactly a year after the July 9, 2013 fracas at the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly, which led to the closure of the complex.

However, the kidnappers of

the Etche-born lawmaker are yet to contact his family or make demands for ransom in exchange for his release.

When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the abduction of the lawmaker and said the police were making efforts to rescue him from his captors.

‘Top Politicians’ ID Cards, Party Materials Found In Boko Haram Camp’ FG vows to reveal names

By Patience Ihejirika, Abuja

The federal government yesterday revealed that identity cards belonging to some top politicians as well as party materials were found in the Boko Haram terrorists’ base in Balmo Forest in the Darazo local government area of Bauchi State.

It said that the items recovered

during the last operations carried out by security forces to dislodge terrorists from their forest bases had linked some politicians and political parties to terrorism.

The coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, disclosed this while briefing journalists on government’s efforts towards the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls.

Omeri, who was silent on the details of the development, however vowed that the federal gov-

ernment will reveal the names of the politicians and parties involved, as the matter is still under investigation.

Omeri further said, “Investigation is still ongoing to further unravel the identity of others that may have been involved and as soon as it is completed, we shall reveal the names of the culprits and the political parties.”

He said, “Some politicians are currently being investigated fol-

lowing their link with terrorist activities in the forest.”

He said that the government would not condone the involvement of politicians in security matters.

Speaking on the release of the abducted Chibok girls, Omeri said efforts are being made to bring the girls back safely.

He, however, said the details cannot be revealed for now owing to the delicate nature of the operations.

Former Gov Shekarau Emerges Education Minister As Jonathan swears in new ministers

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has assigned portfolios to three newly appointed ministers, with former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau emerging minister for education.

Mr Stephen Oru from Delta State has been assigned to head the Niger Delta Ministry. While Mr Abu Bulama is the new minister of Science and Technology, Mr Clement Adedeyi is minister of state for works.

Former minister of state for works, Bashir Yuguda has been

moved to occupy the position of the minister of state for finance, which had remained vacant since Yerima Ngama was removed.

Yuguda, however, is to remain the supervising minister of national planning and the deputy chairman, National Planning Commission until a substantive minister is appointed.

President Goodluck Jonathan, after swearing in the new ministers, urged them to be diligent in their respective duties if they must achieve specific goals.

He told them to have it at the back of their minds that they came into office at an injury time when the present administration is about to pack up, adding

that at such point, changing of players is aimed at scoring goals.

The president expressed the belief that with their backgrounds, it would not be difficult for them to key into their portfolios that require hyper activity.

Jonathan said, “Let me congratulate you on this appointment, but it is not an enviable appointment because in football match, when you get to the injury time and a player is brought in, you expect goals from the player. This government has less than a year to go and you have been brought in this time, so you know the reason why you have been brought in.

“You have no time to sleep, unfortunately for you, because

first, you have to learn how to climb the ropes, because maybe it is a different setting; no matter how experienced you are, if you go to something different you will need sometime to adjust.

“But from your background, we know that all of you are eminently qualified to be here and we know that it will not take you too many hours to settle down.

We believe that you will perform not just to satisfy Mr President but to satisfy Nigerians. You are not just serving the president as a principal aide, but you are serving our motherland and in this, we will expect the best from you especially at this time when there is global competition”.

nEWS 5

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Langtang LG Poll: Plateau AG Lacks Basis For Legal Opinion – DPP Youth Leader

ramadan timing Day 13 Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Abuja

7.00

4.58

Aba

6.56

5.01

Abakaliki

6.53

5.00

Abeokuta

7.10

5.17

Akure

7.03

5.09

Ankpa

6.57

5.03

Argungu

7.12

5.07

Auchi

7.02

5.07

Awka

7.03

5.02

Azare

6.50

4.45

Bama

6.39

4.31

Bauchi

6.51

4.50

Benin

7.05

5.08

Bichi

6.58

4.53

Bida

7.05

5.03

Birnin Gwari

7.04

5.01

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.13

5.07

Biu

6.42

4.38

Calabar

6.50

4.58

Damaturu

6.42

4.37

Daura/Kazaure

7.01

4.38

Dutse

6.52

4.50

Enugu

6.54

5.00

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.02

4.56

Gembu

6.47

4.44

Gombe

6.45

4.42

Gusau

7.01

4.59

Gwadabawa

7.12

5.00

Hadejia

6.50

4.45

Ibadan

7.14

5.12

Ife

7.09

5.09

Ilesha Baruba

7.11

5.08

Ilorin

7.07

5.10

Jalingo

6.42

4.42

Jere/Suleija

6.59

4.57

Jos

6.56

4.51

Kabba

7.04

5.03

Kafanchan

6.58

4.54

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.58

4.54

Kaiama

7.13

5.11

Kafin Maiyaki

6.58

4.51

Kaduna

6.57

4.57

Kano

6.53

4.52

Katsina

7.01

4.54

Kontagora

7.07

5.06

Lafia

6.53

4.54

Lagos

7.12

5.15

Lokoja

6.57

5.06

Maiduguri

6.35

4.35

Makurdi

6.54

4.53

Minna

7.01

5.04

Missau

6.47

4.44

Monguno

6.38

4.27

Mubi

6.37

4.34

Nguru

6.47

4.42

Ningi

6.51

4.49

Okene

7.07

5.04

Ogbomosho

7.12

5.12

Onitsha

7.00

5.07

Oyo

7.14

5.14

Port Harcourt

6.59

5.11

Potiskum

6.45

4.40

Saki

7.06

5.14

Shagamu

7.07

5.20

Sokoto

7.07

5.05

NSE Commends FG Over Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan

Umuahia

6.58

4.59

Warri

6.57

5.14

Wukari

5.45

4.54

Wurno

7.11

5.00

Yenagoa

6.39

4.37

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

Yola

6.36

4.37

Zaria

6.58

4.58

Cotonnou-Benin

7.16

5.17

Ndjamena-Chad

6.27

4.24

Niamey-Niger

7.22

5.16

Zinder – Niger

6.59

4.43

Younde-Cameroun

6.40

4.43

Garoua – Cameroun

6.34

4.36

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

The youth wing of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Plateau State chapter, has told the state’s attorney-general and commissioner of justice, Barrister Edward Pwajok, that has no moral or legal justification to proffer any legal opinion on matters between the DPP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

DPP youth leader Oscar Nanmwa, in a press statement he signed and made available to LEADERSHIP in Jos, noted that the attorney-general was a member of the PDP and that PLASIEC was an independent body, as such it was unjustifiable to seek legal opinion from a partisan attorney-general.

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Barkin Local Government

Council of the state, presided over

by Justice SP Gang, had struck out a mandamous proceeding filed by the PDP in respect of Langtang North local government election.

Our correspondent gathered that following the conduct of Plateau State local government election on February 25, 2014, the election officer of Langtang north announced the results of all the wards but one, while PLASIEC ordered a rerun for Jat ward.

The statement added that PLASIEC, by announcing Godwin Kumzhi Nanmwa as winner of the Langtang North Council election, had shamelessly lost any claim to independence and credibility.

“DPP’s result in Jat ward was reduced to 181 while that of PDP was increased to 787,” according to the statement.

New Wild Polio Virus Discovered In Kaduna

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

A wild polio virus has been discovered in a sewage along Kamacha bridge in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State by medical experts.

To this end, a group known as Journalists Against Polio (JAP) has alerted the community to be aware and take precautions against contacting the virus, in order not to stall the progress recorded in the fight against polio in the state.

The group stated this in a press statement signed by the head of communication, Mallam Lawal Dogara, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement added that the recent discovery of new polio case in neighbouring Tudu Wada local government area of Kano State called for proactive steps to check the spread.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended the federal government over the adoption of an integrated infrastructure masterplan, saying it will tackle the huge infrastructural deficit in the nation.

This was disclosed by the president of the society, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, when the body paid a courtesy call on LEADERSHIP Newspapers headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

Olorunfemi, who noted that different agencies of government in the areas of infrastructure are repeating efforts, also said the infrastructure masterplan would bridge the gap between such agencies for more effective impact.

“The infrastructure deficit in

“Aside the discovery of the polio virus in Kamacha, in Kaduna State, Ikara and Makarfi Local government areas also have boundary with Tundun Wada Local Government area of Kano State and the people interact at will and we are concerned that the new polio case may be imported to the state,” it said.

According to the the statement, as a preventive measure, the group in collaboration with State Primary Health Care Agency (SPHCA) and development partners, will embark on a house-to-house immunization campaign in 10 local government councils in the state , namely Zaria ,Sabo Gari, Igabi, Kudan Kubau Soba, Makarfi, Ikara, Lere and Giwa.

According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at boosting Population immunity and stop the spread of the polio virus.

Nigeria is huge in terms of housing, road etc; that is why we commend government on integrated infrastructure master plan which we want to believe that this government would push through and run with as time changes because you’ll find out that different agencies of government in the areas of infrastructure are repeating efforts, working at cross-purposes and not tying it together. We believe that the master plan would address that,” he said.

Speaking on the engagement of professional engineers by government at all levels, the NSE president said the present administration was utilizing professionals; he, however, tasked the government to involve core professionals at the corporate level by involving the professional associations.

(Source: Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna)

Recommended DU’A for Day 13 Pray a 4 Raka’ah Salaat, In every Raka’ah, after the recitation of Surah Alfatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 25 times. The recite this Du’a: ALLAAHUMMA TAHHIRNEE FEEHI MINAD DANASI WAL AQD’AAR WA S’ABBIRNEE FEEHI A’LAA KAA-INAATIL AQDAAR WA S’ABBIRNEE FEEHI A’LAA KAA-INAATIL AQDAAR WA WAFFIQNEE FEEHI LITTUQAA WA S’UH’BATIL ABRAAR BI-A’WNIKA YAA QURRATA A’YNIL MASAAKEEN. Meaning: O Allah remove from me, in this month, the impurities of soul immorality and tendency to turn from good with disgust; let me be calm and composed in the face of events and accidents that have to happen; let me attach myself to piety and make friends with the pious, through Thy assistance, O the Apple of the eyes of the docile.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

Ramadan Q and A

with Muhammad Usman musman@kindasa.com

Question: How should Zakat be calculated? When the wealth reaches the nisaab (the amount that determines whether Zakat is obligatory)? Or when a full year turns on it? If the amount I have when a nisaab completed was 10.000, but became 50.000 with the end of the year. On which amount shall I calculate the Zakat of wealth?

Tayyib Ahmad Sani Answer: Firstly: In order for zakaah to be due on money, two conditions must be met: 1. That it reaches the nisaab (minimum threshold) 2. That one year has passed since it reaches the nisaab.

If the money is less than the nisaab, then no zakaah is due on it.

If it reaches the nisaab, and one year has passed, i.e. a lunar (hijri) year has passed since the time when it reached the nisaab, then zakaah becomes due at that point.

The nisaab is the equivalent of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.

The rate that must be paid for zakaah is one quarter of one tenth (2.5%).

Secondly: If the money reaches the nisaab and it is 1000 for example, then at the end of the year it is 5000, how should zakaah be paid?

That depends: 1 – If this extra amount stems directly from the original amount, such as if the thousand was invested, and earned four thousand, then you should pay zakaah on the entire amount at the end of the year, because the profit on money is connected to the capital.

2 – If this extra amount did not stem directly from the original amount, rather it is money that was acquired by different means, such as an inheritance or a gift, or it is the price of something that you sold, and so on, then a separate year should be counted for it, starting from the day when you took possession of this extra amount. But if you want to pay its zakaah with the thousand, in advance, there is nothing wrong with that.

3 – This extra amount may come gradually, such as money that a person saves from his salary, so he saves 500 one month, and 1000 another month, until at the end of the year he has collected 4000. So you have the choice of paying the whole amount when one year has passed for the thousand, in which case you will have paid zakaah in advance for the money for which a year has not yet passed, or you can pay the zakaah for each sum separately when its year has passed, but this entails some kind of hardship, as you will be paying zakaah several times in one year.

And Allah knows best.

Question: I am still studying, and my father is spending on me.

I do not spend a lot, so, Alhamdulillah, I do not think that my wallet was empty of money for some time. I think more than a year passed, but I do not remember exactly how long. This money I have increases and decreases during the year. My father provides me with money every so often. Sometimes I have about 1000 Saudi Riyal, other times I have 5000 or more. Do I have to pay Zakat on this money, knowing that my father does not give in specific times or specific amounts?

My question is: In case I should pay Zakat, how shall I calculate it? Should I give it out to the Zakat treasury?

Another question: What is the nisaab of money (the amount that determines whether Zakat is obligatory if a full year turns on it; anyone who has more than this is obliged to pay Zakat)?.

Habeeb AlQadi Zakaah is due on cash if you have full possession of the nisaab (minimum threshold) and one full hijri year has passed.

The expenses that a father gives to his son is something that the son takes full possession of and disposes of as he wishes, so that is subject to zakaah.

Secondly: It is well known that cash in the form of bank notes was not known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but the scholars have ruled that it is subject to zakaah by analogy with gold and silver.

The nisaab for gold is 85 grams, and the nisaab for silver is 595 grams.

6 NEWS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily Natural Boost For Growth Hormone

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Lycium berry contains polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system and signal the pituitary to secrete human growth hormone. A good source of vitamins B and C, zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals, lyceum

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Nigeria Tops Countries Most Plagued

By Oil Theft – Report FROM COVER

Diezani

and healthcare combined, the report by oilprice.com noted.

The report maintained that “The numbers paint a harsh picture about the inability of the Nigerian government, and the multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta, to do anything about this rampant theft.”

It said that Shell’s head of communications in Nigeria, Philip Mshelbila, pointed to a sophisticated organization of people that have been working for years to steal oil from official pipelines.

With oil theft hitting record levels in 2013, the G8 has been reminded of its 2000 pledge to help Nigeria solve this crippling problem.

The federal government has repeatedly given assurances of its commitment to end oil theft with the help of the international community, but no visible progress has been made in this regard as the illicit business continued to thrive.

The Global Financial Initiative points out that “stolen Nigerian crude oil is transported on internationally registered vessels, sold to international buyers, processed by international oil refineries and paid for using international bank accounts.”

With one group of oil thieves reportedly admitting to profits of nearly $7,000 a day from their illicit activities, yet no workable strategy has been deployed to end the criminal trade.

Meanwhile, closely following Nigeria on this list is Mexico with an estimated theft of

between 5,000 and 10,000 barrels of oil per day.

The country’s then head of Pemex’s Exploration and Production subsidiary, Carlos Morales, last year, admitted that fuel theft was growing 30 per cent annually in Mexico.

The staggering 1,548 per cent jump in the illicit trade from 2000 to 2013 has been attributed to powerful drug cartels like the Zetas realizing the potential of the black gold being pumped through territory they control, fleets of tankers were now being stolen in the country.

For Iraq which came third on this list, it is difficult to estimate how much oil is being smuggled out of the country as its metering system is behind by a number of years.

However, the report noted that there had been substantiated reports of complex networks taking thousands of barrels right from the refineries and selling them illegally to Iran and Syria. In the chaos left over by the Iraq War, smugglers and terrorist elements have reportedly swooped in compounding the situation.

Russia which came fourth on the list has an ambitious target to attain an annual production of 535 million tonnes of oil by 2020 and with over 50,000 kilometres of pipeline, protecting them becomes a huge task.

In 2009 organised criminals stole an estimated 27,000 tonnes of oil from the pipelines.

This past April, the country ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Impeachment: I Have No Plans To Resign – Nyako

By George Agba, Bayo Oladeji, Abuja; Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako has said that he has no plans to resign from office, saying that he may seek help from President Goodluck Jonathan against the ongoing process by the state House of Assembly to impeach him when the need arises.

According to him, Jonathan would likely step in since the state had also been there for the President because he too would have to intervene when it matters.

The governor who stated this yesterday when he stormed the presidential villa in Abuja where he attended the inauguration of the steering committee of the Safe Schools Initiative by the president and is also a member of the committee.

Responding to questions by journalists whether he had been making attempt to get the president to intervene, Nyako said, “Not yet. It has not reached that crisis point.

We have supported him all this time; he has supported us and in situations like these when Mr. President’s support is required, we will seek it.”

Asked whether he might likely resign, he said he was not considering that yet, even as he said his chances of surviving the ongoing impeachment proceedings in the state were bright.

The governor noted that since the issue was before the court, it was expected that the House of Assembly members would obey the rules in anything they do.

“Well, it is in the court and the court said it was not well done.

We are hoping that if they want to do it, they will do it following the normal process in whatever they want to do,” Nyako stated, just as he claimed that the state was calm and peaceful. On whether some former Heads of State had spoken to the President on his behalf, the governor said, “That would be excellent”.

Asked to give insight into the root cause of the crisis, he said:” Adamawa is a very interesting place. If I tell you we have 87 ethnic groups and the two religions are fairly balanced, It means that being sensitive to each and everyone of us is very important.

“It is a place of intellectualism; everybody has his own point of view and you have a group of people who share a certain point of view. And until it changes, they will maintain that point of view. But we have been peaceful somehow and we will remain peaceful”, he pledged.

On whether he nursed the plan to defect back to the Peoples

Nyako

Democratic Party (PDP), Nyako noted that: “Quite frankly, you know how I joined the PDP and partisan politics in the first place.

It is not really my field. My field is known. You know what I was before. We are straightforward; have two distinctions: loyalty and disloyalty; two separate pieces.

“But one of the politicians told me that there are a lot of things in between loyalty and disloyalty which up till this moment I have not appreciated. So, for me, disloyalty with this type of attitude with Nigerian politics of today you are likely to step on toes of a few. “ The governor who was looking unruffled as he walked briskly into President Goodluck Jonathan’s office was also in Aso rock on Tuesday where he attended the council of state meeting.

Clad in a white Caftan and a black cap to match, Nyako who drove into the villa at about 2:00pm did not use his official car. He was driven into the place in a black Toyota Camry (Camry Muscle) with Gombe State number plate.

Confusion trails notice of appearance on Nyako, deputy Confusion is now trailing the notice of appearance served on Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy Bala James Ngillari by the 7-man Panel of Investigation set up to investigate allegations of gross Misconduct preferred against Governor Nyako and his Deputy by the state lawmakers.

The notices of appearance which were pasted separately at the gates of the Government House, Yola and the office of deputy governor, Bala Ngilari, invited the two leaders to appear before the panel on the June 11, 2014.

But while Nyako was to meet the investigative panel at the Usman A. Iya Medical and Health Workers Union Secretariat along Gibson Jalo Way Jimeta, the notice of appearance on the deputy governor was silent on the venue and time when the ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Jonathan

NEWS 7

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Impeachment: I Have No Plans To Resign – Nyako FROM PAGE 6

Deputy Governor was to meet the panel.

The development has caused many to suspect foul play as rumours going round the state have been suggesting that the Presidency was working to get the charges against Ngilari quashed in view of mounting pressures on the presidency by some high-brow Nigerians.

Nyako’s notice of appearance read: “Take notice this action or matter will be heard by this panel at Usman A Iya Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, at Gibson Jalo Road on 11th July 2014 at 9:00am”.

Commenting on the development, an APC stalwart Ibrahim Bappa Waziri says the development has justified their fears that the Presidency may be working to scuttle charges against Ngilari following mounting pressures by some organisations and individuals.

The committee had earlier pencilled Ribadu Square for the conduct of its exercise following its rejection by the management of the Hotel they were using for their activities as the management of the hotel said their presence disrupting their businesses.

Efforts by the panel to secure another hotel have proven

difficult as all the hotels they approached turned down request for the usage of their premises by the panel just as NUJ and NUT declined to release their premises for the exercise.

As at the time of filing this report, the panel was yet to make public announcement signaling the commencement of their exercise in line with the committee’s rules of procedures by the state House of Assembly.

When reporters stormed the Ribadu Square to get clarifications on the exercise, they were turned back by sternlooking policemen who said they were directed not to allow anyone including journalists into the premises.

We are against impeachment of Nyako, Ngillari – Religious leaders The move to impeach Nyako and his deputy has been condemned by religious leaders in Adamawa State saying it was an invitation to chaos.

Rising from an emergency meeting, the Muslim Council in Adamawa State urged the legislators to sheathe their swords and allow Nyako and his deputy to complete their remaining tenure in office, adding that the removal of the duo may spell doom for the state.

The National Chairman

of Jamaatul Izalatul Bid’a Waiqamatussunah (JIBWIS) Sheik Abdullahi Bala Lau, told reporters in Yola that the Council was unanimously against any move to impeach Nyako and Ngilari as he said it came at the wrong time considering the social insecurity bedevilling the state.

“Though impeachment is a constitutional matter, we plead with the lawmakers to sheath their swords and allow the leaders to finish serving their tenure.

Also commenting, Reverend Iliya Aguwa noted that Adamawa State was in dire need of peace, hence the need for politicians in the state to avoid overheating the polity saying that the impeachment move against the governor and his deputy was a bad omen for the state.

CJ’s vacuum stalls Nyako’s case However, the suit filed by Governor Murtala Nyako and the All Progressive Congress APC, challenging the impeachment process embarked upon by the Adamawa state House of Assembly was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of a substantive Chief Judge following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past holder of that office, Hon.

Justice Ambrose Mammadi, whose tenure expired on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

Following the resolution of the state House of Assembly to serve the Governor substituted charges through the print and electronic media, resulting from the failure of the clerk of the house to serve the notices personally on the two leaders, Governor Murtala Nyako has filed a case challenging the legality of the substituted charges at the Yola High Court.

The then acting CJ, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, has fixed Wednesday 9th July 2014 for the next hearing of the suit but his tenure in office elapsed on Tuesday 8th July 2014 and as such, the case could not continue as his tenure was not renewed.

While commenting on the issue, former Attorney General of Adamawa State, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, said once the office of the acting Chief Judge became vacant no case can be assigned to the court.

He said that was against the backdrop of such lacuna that it becomes compelling for all state chief executives to ensure that a substantive Chief Judge was always appointed.

He said Governor Murtala Nyako under the present circumstances was not status barred from nominating

the most senior judge in the state to the National Judicial commission to occupy the position.

Jonathan should call his attacking dogs to order – APC North-east A call has gone to President Goodluck Jonathan to call his attacking dogs, who are behind the on-going attempt being made to impeach Governor Murtala Nyako unlawfully to order.

The call was made yesterday in Abuja by the leadership of the North East of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were having their inaugural caucus meeting in preparation for the National Working Committee of the party.

Speaking through its National Vice Chairman, Babachir-David Lawal, they also called for the reopening of the Miaduguri International Airport and to bring back the abducted women which they claimed were not fewer than 1000.

Investigative panel secures venue The investigative panel set up to prove allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Murtala Nyako and Deputy Governor Bala James has finally secured Ribadu Square a public place for their sitting.

Boko Haram: FG Floats N30bn Victims Support Fund TY Danjuma to chair fund, with Fola Adeola as deputy Jonathan inaugurates safe schools initiative c’ttee

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan announced yesterday that the federal government has concluded plans to float a N30 billion support fund for victims of Boko Haram attacks across the country.

LEADERSHIP gathered that, while the victims support fund got the endorsement of the Council of State on Tuesday, the federal government would be approaching Gen. Theophilus Danjuma to chair the fund, with Mr. Fola Adeola serving as his deputy.

President Jonathan who confirmed the floating of the fund when he inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Safe Schools Initiative at the

presidential villa, Abuja.

He said, “We are also coming up with a package. Because we know that we need to intervene to cushion the effect of Boko Haram. So many people have been killed, we have widows and orphans. Properties have been destroyed, schools burnt.

Government is also coming up with what we call Victims Support Fund.

“We believe that government alone cannot cushion the effect.

We want to mobilise resources within and outside Nigeria just like we did during the flood of 2012. We are trying to get somebody that will head that fund. We are looking at the 16th of this month to formally launch the fund. Government will put something and individuals will do too”.

The Safe Schools Initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the international community led by the Rt.Hon. Gordon Brown, the

UN Special Envoy on Education and former British Prime Minister and a true friend of the nation.

Steering Committee for the Safe Schools Initiative inaugurated by the president yesterday is co-chaired by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Gordon Brown.

Other members include Governors of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Aliko Dangote and Nduka Obaigbena, Women affairs, Wike, rep of NSA, DG NEMA, NCWS, civil society After inuagurating the committee, Jonathan said in tackling insurgency, government was deploying a three-point strategy that focuses on security to enhancement the country’s intelligence and military capability”.

He added that the federal government is also “seeking political solution by working with local governments and communities as well as economic

solution through various economic empowerment and job creation programmes all directed at combating insecurity.

“The safety of our children and the security of their education must be paramount to all of us. Tragic occurrences like the kidnapping of the Chibok girls must not rise again anywhere in this country”, he noted.

Jonathan continued: “This country is passing through stress within this period caused by the excesses of the Boko Haram sect and our government has been approaching it from different fronts. We always insist that the defence or security does not end terror but we need to stop collateral damage on innocent people.

“For us to win the war, we need to look at it holistically: economic issues, educational issues, religious issues, socio-cultural issues etc. At the federal level, we have the Presidential Initiative in the North East (PINE). They are

TY Danjuma

looking at the totality of what the Federal Government can do in collaboration with stakeholders.

He said, “Some states are fairly okay with one or two percent.

But some states are as high as 70 percent. If the dropout rate of students at the basic level is as high as 70 percent, that means that only 30 percent only goes to school. That is terrible.

Nigeria Tops Countries Most Plagued By Oil Theft – Report FROM PAGE 6

threatened to shut down oil supply to Ukraine, saying that oil worth $63 million dollars had been stolen from its Prikarpat

Zapadtrans pipeline system heading to Ukrain.

Also on the top five list is Indonesia whose state of oil smuggling might seem insignificant when compared to

Nigeria, at just around 2,000 to 3,000 barrels per day.

However, the government seems to have awoken to the issue after a pipeline explosion in October 2012 killed at least

eight people, and injured dozens.

The explosion was caused by one of the hundreds of illegal taps on the pipeline networks.

The country’s national oil giant PT Pertamina, shut down one

of its main pipelines, TempinoPlaju, in July 2013, reporting losses of 17,500 barrels of oil within the first week of the pipeline’s exploration, oilprice. com reported.

8

Thursday, July 10, 2014

conference

BY JOE DUDUN, AMINA ALHASSAN AND BODE GBADEBO

South-West Delegates Reject Consensus Group’s Report

Plenary of the National Conference when it turned rowdy after the presentation of a Consensus Group’s report by Prof Ibrahim Gambari, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Derivation: Delegates In Rowdy Session As Consensus Group recommends 18% principle for N’Delta states Package for North to last only 5 years – Gambari Voting on final report holds today Again, the proceedings of the ongoing National Conference ended abruptly yesterday when delegates became agitated over set of recommendations presented to the plenary by select delegates under the auspices of Consensus Group of the conference.

Consequently, the deputy chairman of the conference, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, given the rowdy atmosphere, told delegates that the sitting had to adjourn to this morning when delegates will vote on the recommendations of the Committee on Devolution of Power, which was presented on Monday.

The Consensus Group had, in the last three nights and days, tried to come up with an acceptable resolution particularly on the derivation principle for the oil producing states of the Niger Delta, among others.

The Standing Committee on Devolution of Power had, in its report, recommended that the status quo of 13% be maintained. However, tempers rose during the debates on the report when delegates from the North and South expressed opposing views on the issue.

While delegates from the South demanded for an increase in the derivation of between 25% and 50%, most of their Northern counterparts spoke against the increment, saying the committee’s position was most appropriate.

However, at yesterday’s sitting, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who was introduced by General Ike Nwachukwu to present the report of the Consensus Group, disclosed that the group suggested that the derivation principle be jerked up from the present 13% to 18% and that the decision was reached after two straight days and several hours of meetings and negotiation between all the interest groups which extended beyond the leadership of the six geopolitical zones.

He also announced a 5% federal allocation for solid mineral development and another 5% each for stabilisation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the North-East, North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, a decision that enraged Southern delegates and applauded by their Northern

counterparts.

In an interview after the sudden adjournment, Gambari told LEADERSHIP that their action was to prevent voting on the issues that divide the delegates, adding that the package for the northern parts of the country is only for a maximum of five years.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, delegates took time to debate the modalities for the implementation of the confab’s report and at about 12noon, chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, handed over the presiding of the proceedings to his deputy, Akinyemi, in order to reopen and settle the contentious issue of Land Use Act by delegates.

Another consensus on the matter was also worked out by a group of delegates with the coordination of Hajia Aisha Isma’il, and their proposal was put to question to which the “ayes” favoured it, thus signaling the final adoption of report of the Committee on Land Tenure and Boundary Matters sequel to a motion to that effect moved by Barr. Dan Nwanyawu and seconded by Nafisatu Babajo.

Gambari told LEADERSHIP that their action was to prevent voting on the issues that divide the delegates

The South-West delegation to the ongoing National Conference has rejected the report of the Consensus Group of the conference on the derivation principle and others presented by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at plenary yesterday.

The delegation in a statement signed by its secretary, Dr. Kunle Olajide and obtained

by LEADERSHIP yesterday evening, said it took the decision after its caucus meeting, adding that the report gave a wrong impression of what the intervention funds recommended for the North were actually meant to achieve.

“The Yoruba delegates, arising from the caucus meeting, rejected the report stating that the report gave a wrong impression of what the intervention fund was set to achieve. The fund is aimed to serve the collective interest of the country and not a sectional interest as presented by Pro. Gambari.

“South-West delegates, however, view Gambari’s projection to amount to depletion of the federation account through nebulous funds to promote insurgency in the country. It also aimed at legalising the impoverishment of non-oil bearing states in South-West, South-East and South-South. As these states neither benefit from derivation nor the so-called intervention fund,” the statement said.

Earlier after the adjournment of the day’s sitting, some members of the group were seen telling Gambari that his presentation was not the true reflection of what transpired at their meetings.

Also, some SouthSouth delegates were seen surrounding their leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark over the turn of events.

Meanwhile, delegates may be set for showdown when they reconvene this morning over the voting that will take place on the contentious recommendations of the Committee on Devolution of Power.

However, LEADERSHIP gathered last night some meetings were ongoing ahead of today’s sitting in order to douse the tension raised today.

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 9

CONFERENCE MAIN SAY...

CONFERENCE FLAKES

If such awards and decorations are given by merit to recognise and encourage Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour, then it disturbs that we have never awarded a cattle rearer, a carpenter, a fisherman or any peasant. Are we saying that such people don’t excel or they are not nationals?’’

Mr Gaskiya And The Truth

He goes by the name Jaye Gaskiya, delegate on the platform of civil society organisations, and it was his turn to contribute on the report of the Standing Committee on Devolution of Power on Tuesday. He forthrightly bared his mind on sundry issues raised by the committee, necessitating applause from other delegates.

Conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, gave expression to the general feeling at plenary.

“Thank you, Mr. Gaskiya, you have spoken the truth.” General laughter, of course – gaskiya is the Hausa word for truth!

- Dr Talatu Nasir, calling for the inclusion of ordinary Nigerians in the National Honours list at plenary.

Of Ballot Boxes

Delegates at the ongoing national conference resumed plenary on Tuesday to see some ballot boxes strategically placed in front of the principal officers. Not a few quickly ascribed the emergence of the INEC boxes to the controversy the ‘voice vote’ had generated few days earlier. Justice Kutigi, however, drove the point home shortly after announcing a short noon break. Hear him: “I’m sure you may have seen some ballot boxes here, it is not intended to intimidate anyone… they have been provided just in case there is need to resort to them should the voice vote turn out to be inadequate.” Wise decision.

Delegates at plenary, yesterday.

‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’

Still on last Tuesday’s plenary. On resumption from the short noon break, a female delegate raised the tune of the old national anthem which was sung by the older delegates with much reminiscence.

“Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribe and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all Are proud to serve Our sovereign motherland.”

Most of the younger delegates simply looked on, not knowing a single word of the anthem.

Delegates conversing outside the auditorium after the adjournment of plenary, yesterday.

Behold, The Cicero Of 2014 Confab

Some of the members of the Consensus Group after adjourment of plenary, yesterday.

PHOTOS BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Deputy chairman of the National Conference and the brand new Haske (Light) of Adamawa Kingdom, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi is still basking in the euphoria of his conferment with a traditional title by the Lamido of Adamawa.

Yesterday, in the spirit of the season...no titles, Akinyemi conferred another title of “Cicero of the 2014 National Conference” on a delegate, who is a multiple high chief and legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

It was Ozekhome’s turn to comment on the debate on modalities for implementing the confab’s report and presiding Akinyemi announced the new deserving title for Ozekhome without any opposition from the rest of the delegates.

“I will call the Cicero of the 2014 National Conference, Chief Mike Ozekhome,” Akinyemi announced at plenary.

10

stories of the Thursday, July 10, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

terrorism: My Phone In Court’s Custody Is Calling My New Number, Ndume Tells Court

By Kunle olasanmi, Abuja

Senator Ali Ndume, who is standing trial over allegation that he is sponsoring Boko Haram yesterday told Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court sitting Abuja that his telephone line, which has been in the custody of the court for about a year is being used to call his new phone number.

Ndume’s lawyer, Mr Rickey Tarfa (SAN), told Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the strange development during the trial of the Senator yesterday.

A visibly shocked Justice kolawole said, “I don’t know much about technology but how can a phone that is switched off be able to receive and make calls? I think you should go to MTN for clarification and also confer with the prosecution counsel to know what to do”.

“Really, it is strange to me that a phone line that is not active can be used to make calls.”

Ndume said he was compelled to seek clarification from MTN communications.

In a letter to MTN, Ndume said he complained that he had been receiving strange calls from his previous number 08035998045, which is in the custody of the Federal High Court where he is standing trial for alleged sponsor of Boko Haram activities.

According to him, the first call to his new number was 9:56am on 13th June 2014 which cut off after few seconds.

“Then I got the second call from my former number 08035998045 which is supposed to be in the custody of the Federal High Court at 9:58am which also went off after few seconds.”

He said he was again called by 08035998045, at 10:07 am and when I asked who was speaking, the caller said he was George. “He asked me whether I got his text message and I said no,” Ndume added.

Letter to MTN reads: “When I tried to call back, I got the voice message that, ‘the number you are trying to call is not available at the moment please try again later.’ “I Immediately called MTN customer care centre using 180 and I was connected to one Juwairah Muktar, after lodging my complaint, she asked me to hold on, so that she could talk to her team leader Sybil Uwake. “She subsequently got back to me and advised that I should report the case to the nearest police station.

“I accordingly reported the case at Apo Police Station where I was made to write a formal complaint. “In view of this and the fact that I am currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in connection with the use of my phone and the seriousness of the case, I wish to request for the following information: (1) My call data record for 13th June, 2014, (2) Identification of the caller and the location where the call originated; and (3) the IMEI number of the phone used.”

The case has been adjourned till November 11. 2014.

Affected Emab bomb blast vehicles gathered at the VIO office in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

fraud: ICPC Arraigns Civil Servant Earning 2 Salaries

By Kunle olasanmi, Abuja The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related-offences Commission (ICPC), has arraigned a staff in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr. Adotse Odang Anthony, before an Abuja High Court, for allegedly, violating the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000, through corrupt enrichment and falsification of records.

Anthony was alleged to have manipulated records to fraudulently collect double monthly emolument from the Federation account to the tune of N353, 756.52.

He was slammed with a 10-count charge by ICPC before a High court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

ICPC counsel, Bar Gogodaye West, averred that the accused person, falsified his identity and personnel records, and used same, to make multiple registration on the federal government centralized payroll, called Integrated Payroll and Person-

nel Information Systems (IPPIS), punishable under ICPC Act 2000. IPPIS was recently introduced by the federal government to eliminate ghost workers and multiple payments of this nature.

The accused person, who is a pool staff in the OAGF, was deployed from the OAGF to the Federal Ministry of Works and Education, in the year 2009 and 2010, respectively, during which he committed the corrupt acts.

He allegedly used his insider knowledge of the workings of the IPPIS to override the security features of the IPPIS. He fraudulently altered and re-arranged the order of his name on the employment, transfer letters, and in the process, created another identity for himself by collecting double salaries which he was not entitled to.

Anthony allegedly procured the services of two mercenaries to have their bio-metric images registered at the IPPIS registration point as he was aware that the system would identify multiple bio-metrics.

INFERNO: Fire Consumes 3 Children, Goods In Delta

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

A mysterious fire outbreak has consumed three children in Tuomo community of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, while goods and property worth millions of naira, have been destroyed.

Reports said that the incident which occurred on Tuesday night, gutted the shanty house where the three kids were sleeping.

Eye witnesses said that the fire started at about 2:00am on that fateful day, destroying everything in its wake, leaving residents of the building in helpless situation.

Sources said that the fire started right inside one of the shops where no one sleeps and as the rescue team making attempt to put out the raging fire, it escalated and

overwhelmed the entire building, Narrating her ordeal, a victim who survived the inferno, Mrs. Deme Ezoukwu, expressed shock over the great loss and wondered why fire could gut a shop that was under lock and key.

She explained that she left for an allnight programme in her church that day, adding that upon her return, she discovered that her business premises has been razed down.

Her words, “I went to attend an all-night church programme that night, before I came back, I found that mysterious fire has gutted my shop and consumed all the things in the shop and it has left me with nothing. But I thank God I am alive”.

assasination: Ex Rep Survives Attempt On Life

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

A former member of the House of Representatives and current secretary, Okene Local Government Area, Koji State, Hon Abdulaziz Idris King, has survived an assassination attempt on his life, saying that the quick intervention of the police, saved the day.

Abdullaziz, who said he was a strong believer in the ominipotence of Allah, said, “It took the intervention of our creator for me to be alive again. I came face to face with death”.

Reliving his experience to newsmen yesterday in Lokoja, he said that the messengers of death, numbering three, came into his house around 1. 30 am when they tore down the security gauze of his window, after tying down the guards.

“They used mortal and grinding stone to break the window iron, which alerted my neighbour in the compound, who then alerted the police from E-division who quickly mobilised and came down”.

Abdulaziz said since he declared his interest to vie for House of Representatives seat in 2015, the political tune has changed in Okene, stressing that he had earlier applied for police protection before the recen attempt on his life.

While advising other politicians on the need to test their popularity on the field, Abdulaziz said eliminating people in the name of politics would do the entire community no good, urging individuals to apply courtesy in the game.

Although no arrest has been made so far, the police public relation officer, Kogi command, Mr Emeka Emeh, said efforts were being intensified to bring the culprit to book.

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Thursday, July 10, 2014

day

photo news

KILLING: Herdsmen Kill 2, Injure 2

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

Some Fulani herdsmen are alleged to have killed two people and injured two in Kotokarfe area of Kogi State.

The attack on a family of four brothers in Kpaereke area of Kotokarfe Local Government Area, led to instant death of two of the victims while the other two sustained injury as a result of the attack.

The police had, after concluding its investigations, arraigned Rabo Jafaru and Isiaka Jafaru at the chief magistrate court 1, Lokoja, Kogi judicial division.

The police prosecutor, Corporal Ganagana, on Tuesday informed the court through First Information Report ( FIR), that on June 23, 2014, the complainant, Hassan Sule, said his siblings were attacked.

He said Hassan Sule of Okpareke village

in Kotokarfe reported to the police that on the 23rd of June while he was in the market in Kotokarfe, he was informed that his children were attacked by Fulani herdsmen with two dead and two injured.

The police prosecutor stated that the offences were criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide which are contrary to sections 97 and 221 of the penal code law, noting that the attack led to the death of two victims Yusuf Hassan and Shehu Hassan, while Alhaji Yahaya Hassan and Yahaya Awo sustained varying degree of injuries.

After submission of report, the magistrate, Levi Animoka, quoting section 34(1) of the criminal code, corroborated the statement of the prosecutor that a person accused of an offence punishable by death shall not be granted bail.

CRIME: Police Kill 24 Robbers, Arrest 1,227 Suspects In 6 Months Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The gallantry of the men of Ogun State Police command has resulted in the killing of 24 robbers and arrest of 1,227 suspects for various crimes across the state within the last six months.

The command disclosed that a breakdown of the figures shows suspects arrested for robbery as 157 , while others were arrested for other offences like cultism, murder, stealing, fraud and rape.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated this yesterday, while giving the stewardship of the command between January and June, 2014.

Adejobi explained that the command had been able to arrest 26 suspected rapists, 57 cultists and killed 24 robbers within the period.

He also said that the command had recovered 90 assorted arms and 390 ammunitions, adding that 87 vehicles were recovered within the period under review.

The PPRO, however, disclosed that the value of property recovered within the period under consideration was over N77 million.

According to him, the command had charged cases numbering about 419 to court and had prosecuted 204 suspects within the last six months.

ACCIDENT: 2 Die In Auto Crash, 15 Others Injured OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

The acting Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC), Ebonyi State Command, Mr. Elemchi Ibekwe, yesterday confirmed the death of two drivers of Enugu Transport Company, ENTRACO and EMEM mass transit following an auto crash involving the two mass transit companies along the Ezillo axis of the EnuguAbakaliki express road.

Mr. Ibekwe said that out of the 17 passengers involved in the fatal accident, 15 were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at Felix Memorial Hospital, Abakaliki, and Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki.

The FRSC senior official who attributed the road crash to over speeding, dangerous driving and dangerous overtaking, adding that the accident would have been averted if the two drivers had exercised patience and considered the risk involved in such dangerous overtaking.

He said that the vehicles involved include, a Toyota bus with registration number, AFK

195 AA belonging to EMEM and a Hiace bus with registration number, XH 759 KTU belonging to ENTRACO mass transit.

He said, “Yesterday being the 8th of July 2014, at about 3.30pm along Ezillo farm axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki express road, our team at Nkalagu unit command on patrol got a distress call that a Toyota bus belonging to ENTRACO and a Hiace bus belonging to EMEM mass transit had a head- on -collision and immediately they rushed to the scene of the accident and were able to rescue some of the victims.

From their report, the two drivers died at the spot while the other 15 passengers who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to the Felix Memorial Hospital and Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki�.

When LEADERSHIP visited Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki were four of the passengers are currently receiving treatment, it was observed that the bus conductor, Mr. Ndubuisi Onuoha, and Stephen Nwankwuda were in a pathetic condition and needed further medical examination to save their life.

L-R: Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Geidam briefing State House correspondents after the inauguration of the steering committee on Safe Schools Initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), managing director/ CEO, Pharmalpus Nigeria Limited, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, and Chief Operating Officer, Society for Family Health, Wale Adedeji, during the inauguration ceremony of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in Lagos. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

L-R: Ag Executive Secretary of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr.Bamidele Dahunsi, Vice President of NSE, Engr. Magaret Oguntola and Deputy President of NSC, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, when they visited LEADERHIP corporate headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. photo by Ebiruku John Friday

L-R: Chairman, Association for the Poorest of the Poor Rehabilitation Centre, Arc. Ben Amanfoh, representative of the Director General of NACA,Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, and vice chairman, Association for the Poorest of the Poor Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs. Claire Olanpejo, at the review of NACA & MDGs Funding for the 2013-2014 Anawim Skill Acquisition Centre at Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

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business news

SME’s Operators Get N200m Loans In Edo By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The Edo State Government has disbursed over N200million to small and medium - scale business operators, under the Edo State Government and Bank of Industry loan scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises since 2009.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state commissioner for commerce and industry, Mr

Macdonald Obasuke, while issuing out over N45million cheques to beneficiaries.

He explained that the scheme which was jointly financed by the state government who contributed N250million and the Bank of Industry(BoI) N250million, was part of the efforts by government to assist small and medium- scale entrepreneurs in the state due to the high interest rates in the banks.

According to him: “The scheme is for serious and responsible minded business owners across the state whether you are an indigent or not.And we have over two hundred people who have benefited and the good news is that while few other states who operates the same scheme ask beneficiaries to pay interest, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said our own will be interest free.

BDCs Can Survive Without CBN Forex Sales- Gwadabe

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Contrary to the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that the activities of bureau de change operators contribute to the depletion of the nation’s external reserves, the president of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, has said BDCs could survive without CBN’s dollar sales.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Gwadabe countered the stance of the CBN that the activities of BDCs in the country were contributing significantly to the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves saying, “While indeed there are well over 3500 licensed BDCs,

the volume of dollar sales to the subsector could not be responsible for the depletion of the external reserves.

For example the annual and quarterly economic reports of the CBN show that out of the $26.82 billion dollar sold by the CBN in 2012, $5.55 billion representing 19 per cent was sold to BDCs. Similarly, out of the $33.3 billion sold by the CBN in 2013, $5.31 billion, representing 15.9 per cent was sold to BDCs. “Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2014, out of the $14.8 billion sold by the CBN, $1.7 billion, representing 11.4 per cent was sold to BDCs. Note that the percentage of dollar sales to BDCs has been declining since 2012.

CBN Raises Finance, Leasing Firms Capital Base To N100m

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) has given finance houses as well as leasing companies in the country up until September 30, 2014, to shore up their capital bases to N100 million.

The CBN had recently raised the capital base of Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in the country from N10 million to N35 million, giving an ultimatum which was extended on Monday to July 31 from July 15, 2014.

Finance and leasing companies as well as BDCs fall under the same department - Other Finance Institutions Supervisory Department (OFISD) - of the CBN. Speaking at the official presentation of the Revised Guidelines for Finance Companies in Nigeria, the director, OFISD of the CBN, Ahmed Abdullahi, said the shoring up of the capital base from N20 million to N100 million was to have strong and viable finance companies in the country.

“We want finance companies and other institutions in the OFIS sub sector to become strong, virile and able to perform the functions that they were set up for. Of course the objective of the finance companies and their shareholders is profit after tax but for us we are interested to have OFIs that are able to service the MSMEs sub sector and provide access to finance those businesses so that we can have economic growth and development in the country.

“The agenda of the governor is to have a people centred central bank; he wants to emphasise job creation, he wants to emphasise businesses having access to finance and so all these institutions that are operating in the financial sector in which we have purview are supposed to be strong virile and able to perform that function.

“We are concerned about finance companies performing functions for which they are set up and that is why they need to have increased capital, good corporate governance policies and risk management policies need to be put in place so that they will be able to function properly,” he said.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, chairman, SEC, Dr Suleyman A. Ndanusa and chief executive officer, Financial Services Commission (FSC Mauritius), Ms Clairette Ah-hen during a courtesy visit to SEC by a delegation from FSC in Abuja, yesterday.

Shareholders Okay N100bn Fresh Capital For Lafarge Wapco Olushola Bello, Lagos

Shareholders of Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc (Lafarge Wapco) has approved the creation of Lafarge Africa Plc, a Nigerian listed holding company that would consolidate all Lafarge’s shares in its businesses in Nigeria (AshakaCem, Unicem, and Atlas) and South Africa to Lafarge Wapco.

They also approved an additional capital of N100 billion through a public offer of debt and equity in the domestic and international capital market.

The consolidation transaction would be concluded through a cash consideration of N32.4 billion ($200 million) and the insurance of 1.4 billion Lafarge Africa shares

to the Lafarge Group making Lafarge Africa Plc to have a market capitalisation of N486 billion ($3 billion) and would be the 6th largest Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) listed company.

The newly created entity would have a combined production capacity of around 12 million metric tonnes (MT) comprising Lafarge Wapco (4.5m MT), Lafarge South Africa Holdings (3.6m MT), United Cement Company of Nigeria (2.5 millon MT), Ashaka Cement (1million MT) and Atlas Cement Company, an import operation with bagging capacity of 0.5million MT. The company has said that there were already projects underway to expand on this capacity and by 2017, Lafarge Africa would have installed

cement capacity of 17million MT. The inclusion of South Africa also provides operations in aggregates and fly ash.

Speaking at the company’s 55th annual general meeting, the managing director of Lafarge Wapco, Guillaume Roux, said, “The creation of Lafarge Africa allows the company to continue in its drive to be the best in the areas in which it operates. The broader geographic coverage means that Lafarge Africa will be better positioned to serve its customers more widely.”

He said that it also placed the company in a stronger position to be able to benefit from the economic growth and development opportunities available in both Nigeria and South Africa.

Jos Electricity Firms Invests N210m On Meters, Billing Platform

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Aura Energy Limited, owners of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has invested N210 million into its operations to address the challenges in order to curb inefficiencies in billing.

This was disclosed by the executive director, Operations Support of the company, Mr Umar Bello, when a team from the Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE) visited the company in continuation of its post privatisation monitoring activities of the newly privatised PHCN successor companies.

Bello disclosed that a customer audit

to ascertain the number of electricity consumers within its coverage area has been conducted.

He noted that the audit was carried out on its behalf by AF-Mercados EMI, a specialist consultancy firm that supports clients in liberalising energy sectors and promoting efficient sustainable energy markets, adding that it was necessary to reduce the inefficiencies within the system.

In disclosing some of the company’s future plans, Bello revealed that the company has initiated plans to explore embedded generation in each of the States within the Distribution Company (DISCO) coverage. Jos Disco covers four States namely

Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi and Benue.

He said that the energy supply that JEDC currently sells was between 5MW to 20MW, which is far below the ideal supply needed of 300 MW. He disclosed that JEDC intends to explore hydro-based electricity plants in Gombe State and gas-driven electricity plants in Yankari, Bauchi State in order to improve electricity supply within its DISCO areas.

He said from the consumer enumeration carried out during the exercise, it was discovered that Jos distribution company had about 400, 000 customers as against the 274, 000 initially indicated during the privatisation process.

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Agriculture Sector Needs Stable Policy Framework - NANTS

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), yesterday, said that apart from funding, there was the urgent need to pay attention to a stable policy framework for its umbrella body, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, that would guide the administering of extension services.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP in Abuja, the association’s national president, Mr Ken Ukaoha, argued that the sector’s quest to drive the process of job creation and inclusive growth in Nigeria would remain a mirage with the lack of financial commitment and the resultant non-performance of some structures.

According to him, issues relating to the autonomy of the ADPs, financing strategy, re-orientation and retraining of extension agents, organisational structures and coordination between the extension agents, farmers and research institutions, were

some of the areas the policy framework should address.

To achieve the objective of food security and poverty reduction, Ukaoha maintained that relevant stakeholders must recognise that farmers have the right to know what is happening in areas of improved seedlings, better methods of cultivation and fertiliser application, pest and weed control/eradication, new advances in livestock production and disease control etc.

The NANTS helmsman further stressed that with over 10 million farmers with active phone lines fully registered for the growth enhancement scheme (GES) of the ministry, extension services delivery could be taken a step further in collaboration with the telecom service providers by creating an agriculture call centre where farmers could call and get information on all their concerns about farming. This, he emphasised, would help boost information dissemination and feedback mechanism for effective research.

Bill For Oil And Gas Export Zone Scales Second Reading

By Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, passed for second reading a bill on the oil and gas export free zone.

The upper chamber also pushed the bill seeking to establish the National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA) beyond the crucial second reading.

The oil and gas export free zone bill, if passed, seeks to amend the oil and gas export free zone authority act to make consequential provisions to the act for greater effectiveness and efficiency.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Trade and Establishment for further legislative work.

Sponsored by Senator Odion Ugbesia, the bill also seeks the introduction of the right of

The House of Representatives has named a seven-man Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the country’s petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over the alleged illegal sale of the Oil Mining Licence (OML 29).

Presiding, the deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, constituted the probe panel yesterday sequel to a June 2, House resolution following allegations that Shell and other oil majors may have hidden under the cover of waivers, usually granted by the minister of petroleum, to embark on the sale of the OML 29 and others.

The seven-member committee chaired by Aminu Suleiman (Kano/APC)

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The federal government through the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, has said Nigeria would launch national crop insurance for farmers from 2015.

has Babatunde Adejare (Lagos/APC), Irona Alphonsus Gerald (Imo/PDP), Binta Maigari Bello (Gombe/PDP), Ismaila Ahmed Gadaka (Yobe/APC), Umaru Haliru Aliero (Kebbi/PDP), and Sunday Akpodiogaga Emeyese (Delta/ PDP) as members.

The Suleiman-led Ad-hoc Committee is expected to establish the validity of the transactions and report back to the House within two weeks.

Federal lawmakers reported that the OML 29 has been in the custody of Shell for more than 52 years and onehalf of the area of lease has not been relinquished to the federal government as stipulated by the Petroleum Act. Item 12(1) of the First Schedule to the Petroleum Act stipulates that 10 years after the grant of an oil mining lease, one-half of the lease shall be relinquished to the federal government.

Index Rises By 0.41%

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

The All-Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange appreciated by 177.64 points or 0.41 per cent to close at 43,039.42 yesterday, against the 42,861.78 achieved on Tuesday. Also, the market capitalisation rose by N58 billion or 0.41 per cent to close at N14.211 trillion, compared with the N14.153 trillion recorded on Tuesday.

Forte Oil led the gainers’ table, appreciating by N11.90 to close at N210 per share. Nigerian Breweries followed with a gain of N2.22, to close at N175.22

regulatory framework guiding the operations of free zones in Nigeria,” Ugbesia told senators.

He further explained that the most attractive feature of a free zone anywhere in the world is the tax holiday which investors enjoy as incentive and encouragement for investment and this amendment provides just that. Meanwhile, the bio-safety agencies bill seeks to address the national biosafety requirements and regulate the practice of modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMO) to ensure safety to the environment and human health.

In a lead debate, Domingo Obende (APC-Edo) said the bill would apply to safety administration of any activity of importing and exporting GMOs, and the products derived from it into and out of the country.

FG To Launch National Crop Insurance For Farmers

OML 29 Sale: Reps Name 7-member Panel To Probe Shell, Alison-Madueke

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

workers in the zone to join trade unions and bargain collectively which the principal Act abridged since inception of the free zones.

He stated that free zones all over the world are instrumental in boosting industrial and economic growth as a result of which the federal government established the Onne Oil and Gas free zones to, among other things, provide greater level of foreign direct investment, technology transfer, manpower development, employment opportunities and greater economic self-reliance.

“Our free trade zones are far from achieving the purpose for which they were established and there are serious doubt as to whether Nigeria has indeed benefitted from the Onne Oil and Gas free zone beyond the benefit accruable to an industrial area which is the result of weak

per share, while Lafarge Wapco gained N1.88 to close at N112.07.

Guinness chalked up N1.54 to close N197.53 per share, while PZ appreciated by 95 kobo to close at N36.75 per share.

Conversely, UPL topped the losers’ chart, shedding 20 kobo to close at N4.35 per share. Caverton trailed with a loss of 16 kobo to close at N6.89, while Zenith Bank declined by 10 kobo to close at N25.20 per share.

Dangote Sugar and Diamond Bank shed 9 kobo to close at N9.11 and N6.23 per share, respectively.

He also said: “The programme Farming with Peace is aimed at insuring farmers against shocks and losses from weather related events.”

The minister, who made the revelation at the launch of the “Water Management Solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria,”

a partnership between the FMARD and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Abuja, yesterday also said, “The federal government will also design and implement a flood disaster payment policy that will protect farmers, communities and states from economic losses due to floods.”

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Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Nigeria To Lead Africa’s Power Sector Reform Initiative STORIES BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

At the just concluded threeday Energy, Environment and Investment Forum (EEIF), notable world leaders took turns to give insight into various policy initiatives by key African countries toward addressing their energy crises.

The forum was hosted by the Rivers State Government to present to potential investors the country’s copious natural resources which could be harnessed so as to take the edge off the obvious energy crises.

The reaction of key stakeholders in the industry and notable former world leaders, mostly from Europe, indicated that Nigeria is yet to take action toward improving access to energy for her population.

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in his remark to declare the conference open clearly stated that the theme of the forum “Sustainable Energy: The Key To Africa’s World Integration” was a connection to the continuous search for a sustainable future because energy is the bond that

connects economic, social and environmental development.

Amaechi said the forum was a launching pad for economic growth and would play a pivotal role in any attempt to achieve sustainable development and noted that it is indubitable that no country can fruitfully condense poverty without satisfactorily addressing its energy needs.

Responding to issues with regard to access to energy in Africa, the former president of Ghana, John Kufour, said many African countries are

far-off from achieving the millennium development goal (MDG), an initiative that seeks to trim down poverty.

Kufour said a critical factor toward achieving the MDG objectives is access to energy which he said is deficient in Africa.

He disclosed that about 1.3 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity despite the 2015 date set by the United Nations for the actualisation of the MDG goals.

But he said, however, that in sub Saharan Africa,

only four out of about 30 countries in the region are on course in the provision of electricity and other aspects of the MDG goals.

Kufuor berated African countries for not doing enough to promote investment in the power sector and thereby denying many access to electricity.

The former president also noted that more than 2.7 billion people are forced to cope with using obsolete technologies and thereby trapped in the vicious circle of poverty.

According to him, “By 2008, in sub Saharan Africa,

the average electrification process was at 28 per cent and in the rural areas the average was less than 12 per cent.”

But he said African countries could still synergise using the team spirit of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and in collaboration with foreign investors to harness the potentials of the grand inga hydroelectric project of the Congo river, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The dam is reportedly the largest proposed hydro power scheme which takes the centre stage in developing continent wide power scheme.

Kufour said the project is estimated to gulp some $80 billion and would be generating 40,000 mega watts of power when completed and would allow African industrial and manufacturing sectors to successfully take off.

In other words, the project has the potential to power an unprecedented era of industrialisation in Africa and even have electricity left over for potential export to Europe.

He further stated that if such project fully came on stream, it will be the biggest manifestation of Africa’s integration into the new and evolving world order of globalisation, but for the power sector to fully establish, authorities should also focus much energy on renewable energy investment such as hydro, geo-thermal, solar and bio energy as well as technologies that include energy efficiency.

He said Africa is richly blessed with abundant renewable energy resources and the continent should, therefore, seek to ensure that the provision of sustainable energy will underpin its development.

“Africa has tremendous water and river systems each of which should be considered a candidate for hydroelectric power development,” Kufuor advised.

Also in his presentation, the former prime minister of Spain, Jose Luis Zapatero, underscored the significance of making generous investment in the energy sector even though he made reference to Nigeria’s on going power sector reform which he said is progressively creating opportunities for private sector investment.

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Nigeria’s Lessons For South Africa On Farming agric focus

News that Nigeria has overtaken South Africa (SA) to become Africa’s largest economy has raised more than a few global eyebrows.

But while politicians from Nigeria’s neighbouring countries rush to pat the new African economic powerhouse on the back, they would do well to take a leaf from Nigeria’s book and apply the many lessons it offers in successful economic turnaround to their own countries. And SA is no exception.

Granted that with a population of 170 million people, Nigeria is about three times bigger than SA and enjoys access to significantly more arable land (about 84 million hectares) than SA, but when one considers that Nigeria’s agriculture sector contributes about 22 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) while SA’s agricultural contribution is about 2 per cent, it is clear that Nigeria is doing something right when it comes to fully leveraging the economic potential its farming offers.

What makes this GDP contribution by the Nigerian agriculture even more impressive is that it comes following an extended period of severe neglect during which the country placed a much higher priority on its oil resources.

But as recently as 2011, the economic focus shifted back to agriculture with the launch of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which had as its primary goals the addition of 20 million metric tonnes of food to domestic supply by next year

and the creation of 3.5 million jobs in farm- and food-related industries. While these were obviously ambitious goals, Nigeria has largely achieved

By ZHANN MEYER them.

One of the main keys to Nigeria’s relatively astounding agricultural turnaround since 2011 was almost certainly political will. The Nigerian government recognised the immense potential that agriculture had to drive greater economic growth.

More importantly, it acknowledged that it needed to take proactive steps to drive the transformation that would allow the sector to fulfil that role. When politicians, policy makers, and the private sector put their minds to finding and delivering practical mechanisms to promote change and growth in this way, transformation happens.

The clue to Nigeria’s ability to take a holistic view of agriculture and the potential it has to not just drive economic growth, but also uplift the lives of the country’s people lies in the title of one political figure – Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria’s minister of agriculture. However, he is also the country’s minister of rural development.

Given the potential for small-scale farming not only to contribute Minister of Agriculture Ad significantly to overall esina Adewumi agricultural sustainability portfolios. and independence from impressive In a majority of developing imports but also to create results. The country nations, innovation and sustainable livelihoods for recognised that offering farming do not typically millions of people in rural subsidies is one thing, but coexist. Under Adesina’s communities, it makes these cannot be effective guidance, Nigeria has sense that the same political changed this paradigm – with unless they are made easily leader heads both of these

accessible to all farmers. To achieve this, it harnessed technology by developing an “electronic wallet system” that delivered subsidy vouchers to farmers via cellphones. So far, the initiative has enabled five million smallholder farmers to receive subsidised electronic vouchers for seeds and fertilisers.

Possibly, the most significant of Nigeria’s achievements in this area is the ability to deliver on its top millennium development goal by reducing the number of hungry people by half – three years ahead of schedule.

It is interesting that the South African agriculture was already in a much better position to deliver the same transformation than Nigeria was when it started the process in 2011.

Our country has world class mechanisms in place to access and capitalise on agriculture markets. Our infrastructure is generally highly advanced with the challenges of produce storage, cold chain management, processing and transport largely met. What is more, our government clearly recognises the importance of agriculture as a key economic growth and social change driver.

So, the solid foundations are in place, but to build our agriculture sector on them, we need to be willing to learn from the success of others, adapt to the lessons they offer, and diligently apply them to transform our country’s agriculture.

Arguably the most valuable of all these lessons is that it can be done. We just need to make the decision to do it now.

FAO, Others Partner FG to Develop Water Management Solutions

BY Ruth Tene Natsa

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Water Resources Data for Sustainable Development (WRDSD) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have jointly given their support to the federal government through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) to develop water management solutions.

In a good will message at the “lnception Workshop on Water Management solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture” with the theme ‘Turning Tragedy into Opportunity” which began in Abuja yesterday, the FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Loiuse Setshwaelo, said the partnership is aimed at looking at ways to manage and address the issues of water scarcity in the dry lands and during dry seasons.”

According to Setshwaelo, “We are all aware that agricultural production and food security in Africa are more

often severely compromised by extreme climate and weather events, further worsened by the impact of climate change which has increased these events.

Extreme weather conditions, floods and droughts do not only undermine progress in reducing poverty and food insecurity, they also undermine over all development efforts in countries including Nigeria.”

Recalling that in recent times unprecedented floods had ravaged many parts of the country, she asserted that “there are still opportunities to convert flood disasters into more productive output,

particularly in farmlands affected by floods and droughts.

The country representative is of the opinion that the partnership will ensure that strategic and targeted investment in agricultural water management, water storage, irrigation and flood control will be essential to turn tragedies into opportunities to benefit millions of poor smallholder farmers.

Speaking on the goal of the project, the director Africa, International Water Management Institute, Dr Olalekan Williams, said, “The

goal of the project is to assist the government of Nigeria to increase agricultural production and food security through sustainable water management which allows small-holder farmers to profitably engage in flood recession and dry season agriculture.”

He added that “the joint venture is aimed at being able to reduce the risks posed by flooding through accurate forecasting systems and enhancement of dry season farming through integrated agricultural water management solutions.”

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energy news

SPE Dismisses Fear Of Depleting Oil Reserves The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has urged the federal government to utilise the huge hydrocarbon reserves of the country to create wealth and stimulate the growth of the nation’s economy.

The chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Bernard Oboarekpe, who gave the advice in Lagos at a pre-event press conference

of the council’s 38th Annual International Conference and Exhibition also stressed the need for government to use the hydro carbon reserves to create wealth to enable Nigeria survive the global tune to alternative energy solutions.

He said there is nothing to fear about the depleting oil reserves, saying Nigeria has

LECAN Commends Schneider Electric For Effective Energy Mgt Stories by Chika Izuora, Lagos

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has been commended for the quality of its products in the Nigerian power market.

The commendation was made by the Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) during its event in Abuja where it conferred the National Merit Award on Schneider Electric.

The award is coming on the heels of the endorsement of company’s Isaac Boro Energy Training College at Grenoble, France, by members of the National Assembly Joint Committee

on Niger Delta who visited the facility recently.

According to the national president of the LECAN, Otunba Dele Akintola, the recognition was “predicated on the reports collated and received from the LECAN across Nigeria, approving company’s products to be of very high standards, after sampling other companies’ products.”

Akintola stated that in spite of the current global economical challenges, Schneider Electric has continued to provide the Nigerian power and energy sector with quality electricity products.

This, he said, has enabled the LECAN

members to sustain their business by retaining the confidence of their customers.

Commenting on the award, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Schneider Electric, English West Africa, Marcel Hochet, said, “We are very proud of this award and are motivated to continue to partner the LECAN to ensure electricity remains in safe hands.”

Earlier in the year, the company inaugurated the Schneider Electric Green Currents Loyalty Programme for electricians as part of its initiative to develop the electrical retail business in Nigeria.

L-R: The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo , receiving the 2014 African Role Model Leadership Award from a representative of the DirectorGeneral, Centre for Good Governance in Africa, University of Ibadan, Dr Idenyi Dickson, at the ministry in Abuja. On the right to the minister is the Permanent Secretary, Dr Godknows Igali

Nigerian Content: Indigenous Oil Firm Unveils Simulation Centre The Nigerian Content implementation has taken a commendable leap as an indigenous oil servicing company, PEM Offshore Limited, began to test run its Offshore Simulation and Innovation Centre (POSAIC) in Lagos.

The first phase has been set up and when other facilities are put in place, the centre will have a full suite of Offshore Anchor Handling Simulation Equipment, Dynamic Positioning, Power Management and Crane Simulation Systems and support the training of local and foreign offshore personnel involved in the oil and gas operations.

It will also meet the growing demand for highly competent and qualified personnel for the highly sophisticated and safety driven industry.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, the senior vice president, PEM Offshore Group, Mr Philips Eze Matthew, commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for stimulating investment in marine crew training facilities through the marine vessel utilisation scheme.

He also acknowledged the financing arrangement put in place by the board under the Nigerian Content

Development Fund (NCDF) model which provides 30 per cent guarantee on loans accessed and 50 per cent interest rate rebate and elongated tenure for loan facilities. All these interventions by the board made it possible for the company to come to this level, he confirmed.

Shedding more light on the operations of the POSAIC, Matthew explained that the company entered into an agreement with the Kongsberg Maritime, the original equipment manufacturer, for the supply and technical support of the simulation centre.

excesses of hydro carbon that can always replace the depleting ones.

On the nation’s refineries, he charged government to make concerted efforts to bring the assets back to productive capacity with a view to nipping in the bud the deluge of products importation into the country.

FG Insists On Attaining 6,000mw Wheeling Capacity By December

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The federal government has said that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will have no justification to fail on its expected target to wheel 6,000 megawatts (mw) of electricity by December, 2014.

This is just as the market operator (MO) of the Nigerian electricity market, yesterday, unveiled a central revenue settlement system for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Speaking in Abuja while commissioning the system, the minister of power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said that with government’s commitment to upgrade the operations of the TCN and its affiliates, the company will have no excuse for failing to upgrade its wheeling capacity by the end of this year when substantial amount of electricity is expected to be generated and transmitted for distribution across the country.

He said, “The leadership of the board of the TCN is focused and the new management of the TCN is also focused to make sure we move ahead. A lot needs to be done and we are deeply concerned about the capacity of the TCN to deliver the power that is generated.

“We keep getting reassurances that the capacity is there, but we will want to make sure that this is realistic, not just something done on paper but something we can really experience.

We have no excuse for failing to have enough physical, tangible, wheeling power of 6,000mws

by December this year.”

On the new revenue settlement system, the minister said, the power sector was gradually embracing needed changes that will ensure proactive operations in the sector.

The revenue settlement platform for all stakeholders in the electricity industry was initiated and developed by the MO in partnership with the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) of the Central Bank of Nigeria as an automated revenue lifecycle management system.

The system is expected to help the MO and other operators in the NESI to ensure equitable revenue collection and splitting amongst themselves. It will also give the MO the tools to regulate market price stability.

Remarking, the executive director of the MO, Jang Bangnall, explained that apart from the MO, the new framework will also provide the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) with the required tools for effective regulation of the sector while also giving the ministry of power effective insight to monitor the sector.

He stated that all market participants will have the needed transparency for mutual trust and increased efficiency from the new system which has three major components comprising of data capture and reconciliation, electronic invoicing and billing system as well as the payment settlement system, all of which leverages on the NIBSS Direct Debit Workflow.

commerce/BUSINESS 21

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

commerce REPORTS

Investment Commisssion To Support Institute Of Directors The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has promised to partner with the institute of directors in the identification of directors that may be used by investors in the course of setting up their businesses in the country or for the purpose of joint venture partnership (JVP).

The Executive Secretary of the NIPC , Mrs Saratu Umar, made this commitment when she received in audience, the president and chairman of the Board of Institute of Directors (IoD), Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, in her office.

While reiterating her commitment to make the commission a standard of excellence and international best practices, Umar commended the institute for its vision to host a conference on “Imperatives of Good Governance in Promoting Investment Opportunities” in Nigeria in October and promised the commission’s willingness to participate in the conference.

MITI Begins Training For Staff L-R: The Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Mrs Saratu Umar, discussing with the President and Chairman, Institute of Directors, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, when the institute visited the NIPC in Abuja , recently

Nigeria Imports 20m Pairs Of Shoes Annually–Report Stories by By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Nigeria imports close to 20 million pairs of shoes yearly despite its manufacturing capacity which could meet local demand and even produce for export.A subsector assessment of the Nigerian leather industry by Chemonics International Inc. has revealed.

The report also disclosed that the country’s neglect of this allimportant sector has seen her losing out on the $72 billion global leather industry and trailing behind less endowed countries on account of her dependence on oil.

It noted that with with longterm investment, Nigerian stakeholders could potentially share what may develop into a $104 million market for Nigeria over the next ten years.

“This increased market will be accompanied by a substantial increase in the industry’s employment level,” the report said, noting that increase in

disposable income was fuelling international demand for high quality leather shoes, jackets, handbags and upholstery and that the market .”

While observing that the market for leather products was growing steadily at three per cent per annum, the report pointed out that although developed countries are the major consumers of finished leather products, they export the bulk of raw hides traded globally to developing countries for processing.

“These value-adding developing countries, who are unable to keep up with the demand for tanned leather and finished leather products, are constantly seeking new sources of supply and are looking to West Africa as a potential source.

“Nigeria already has a thriving export market; the skin of Nigeria’s Red Sokoto goat commands a premium in the international market, especially from Italy. All of the resources for

With long- term investment, Nigerian stakeholders could potentially share what may develop into a $104 million market for Nigeria over the next ten years

tanning and producing leather products are available locally, including a large domestic and regional animal population. With strategic utilisation of these resources, Nigeria could greatly increase their market share of the global leather and leather goods market.”

“Nigeria also has a prosperous local food market for raw hides and skins, called “Ponmo,” which is considered a delicacy. Currently the demand for “Ponmo” competes and wins against the demand for tanning, receiving five times the price for products with fewer quality demands,” it said.

In conclusion, the report advised that the manufacturing industry needs more sources of quality inputs if it hopes in order to fully utilise its manufacturing capacity for leather products.

It also added that leather products industry has tremendous potential to generate foreign exchange and create employment, especially for women, in Nigeria.

Cement, Ceramics, Glass Manufacturers Get 91.48% Raw Materials Locally

by Olushola Bello, Lagos

Cement, ceramics and glass manufacturers collectively classified as non-metallic products sector get 91.48 per cent of their raw materials locally rather than from other countries.

This was disclosed by July to December 2013 Economic Review released recently by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

This represents an encouraging

improvement from 79.55 per cent reported in the first half of 2013 and 63.16 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2012.

In the cement industry, improvement in the local content was driven by backward integration policy, which has allowed companies to buy their suppliers, and consequently made the country largest manufacturer in the sub-Saharan Africa. Manufacturers source mainly limestone and shale from different parts of the country.

There are four key manufacturers of cement in the country, which include Dangote Cement, Lafarge WAPCO, the United Cement Company of Nigeria (UniCem), Ashaka Cement and the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria.

According to MAN, costs saved from improvement in the local contents were being used to answer other needs in the factories, including changing of machines and equipment, purchases of other production assets and working capital.

The ministry of industry, trade and investment, has commenced training and capacity development for its 345 members of staff.

The permanent secretary, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, who spoke during the introduction of the newly elected head of the Joint Negotiating Council on Staff Welfare for the ministry, in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that the training and capacity building exercise, which commenced early this month, would be in two batches.

According to him, with the expanded mandate of the ministry, the staff needed to be able to cope effectively with the high expectations, particularly with regard to the flagship policies on industrialisation and enterprise development.

Musa also stated that the era of indiscipline and lack of respect to rules and regulations, in addition to inadequate capacity development had gone for good.

“Members of staff must comply with rules and regulations and must be dedicated to work. If you abide by these rules, you’ll be motivated. But if you refuse to come to work, you will not be paid.

“I operate an open-door policy and the management welcomes suggestions. But we will not tolerate unnecessary dissent from anybody because you can cause dissatisfaction in the system,” he said.

NACCIMA Urges FG On Economic Competitiveness

by Olushola Bello, Lagos

National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated the need for Nigeria to align with the current global trend to enhance her competitiveness by re-focusing and re-strategising through diversification of her economic base away from oil to non-oil export products.

He stated this at the chamber’s 54th annual conference held recently, in Ogun State, saying, “the theme of this year’s conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Competitiveness in the Global Market: Panacea for Growth and Development of the Non-Oil Export,” was not only very apt but most relevant at this time considering the continued efforts by governments at all levels in respect of various on-going policies and programmes directed at growing and developing the national economy through the promotion and improvement of Nigeria’s competiveness in the global market place to diversify the economy away from a mono-product oil sector to the promotion of non-oil exports.”

22 BUSINESS/mines & steelW

Thursday, July 10, 2014

mines & steel REPORT

Get Legal Representation, Sada Advices Mining – Communities

Mining site

Stakeholders Call For Priority Attention To Mining

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja with Agency reports

Stakeholders on various platforms have called on the federal government to ensure the inclusion of the mining and minerals sector in its development agenda , Ruth Tene Natsa writes on their views With the near neglect of the nation’s mining and minerals sector, where not much is expected anymore, the federal government has again declared its intention to revolutionise the sector, but stakeholders are of the view that without the inclusion of the sector in the nation’s development agenda, it would remain a policy statement.

The abandoning of the multibillion dollar Ajaokuta Steel Plant investment has left doubts in the minds of many Nigerians to the seriousness of governments (both pasts and present) to revive the steel plant and subsequently the steel sector.

But the launch of the nation’s industrial revolution in February by the President Goodluck Jonathan, headed by the minister of Industry ,trade and investment Mr Olusegun Aganga, has given a new lease to the continual struggle of stakeholders who believe that revolutionalising the nation must include revolutionalising the steel sector and subsequently the mining industry.

For many, the revolution in the steel sector would be the solution to the problems of unemployment, wealth creation and industrialisation which is facing the country.

Earlier , President Nigerian Miners Association (MAN), Alhaji Sani Shehu, had called on the federal government to capture mining operators in its transformation agenda, saying, “Any sector captured under the federal government’s transformation agenda is seriously promoted and enjoys speedy development, such as those enjoyed

by the entertainment industry and the agriculture sector.”

Meanwhile the minister of mines and steel development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, had also asserted that the sector needs to find space in the new development plan of the government.

“Government is launching an industrial revolution plan that relies on creating value chains.

As you know very well, there is no sector that creates more value chain than the minerals sector.

As witnessed in current global trends, mining is now wholly a private affair. However, if you want to bring in the private sector you have to be sure of what you are presenting to them.

“There is a lot of work that the sector should do in generating the operating, legal, technical and institutional framework. Currently, to ensure that these frameworks are in place and institutionalised, the ministry is taking a lot of time to implement them with the hope of developing a fully functional system.”

Speaking on the many challenges facing the sector, he said, “The major immediate challenge now is to convince investors to come and invest in the sector. However this does not only rely on the sector itself but the general investment environment of the country.”

He recalled that “the current government had taken a decision to diversify the economy of the country and pay a little more attention to minerals sector, further stating that previous to that “all attention had been on the hydro carbon sector because government gets a lot of revenue

easily.

“A country that intends to develop cannot just look at the value of the resource but add value whilst exploiting the resources sustainably and responsibly,” adding that the exploitation and value addition cannot happen without the right skills and knowledge.

The minister noted that recent experiences had shown that lack of requisite skills and knowledge in any sector and more so in Africa could create adverse impacts.

A failure to address knowledge and skills gaps and just rely on foreign expertise and investors can stimulate uprisings when communities notice they are being left behind.

For a sector (mining) that has been left behind and not received the right attention for a very long time, the ministry is doing very well in relation to the various challenges.

“For instance looking at environmental issues, the previous minerals act did not ensure responsibility by operator for the impacts caused. This is what currently left us with a lot of legacy environmental issues. Most of the abandoned mines were as a result of operations done when operators had no responsibility. What we have done now in the new law, is to give the responsibility back to the operator.

“Before an operator gets a mining lease or immediately after, they have to submit an environmental impact assessment report as well as the remediation plan (environmental protection and rehabilitation programme),” Sada noted approved by relevant authorities.

To ensure that these frameworks are in place and institutionalised, the ministry is taking a lot of time to implement them with the hope of developing a fully functional system

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, has called on mining communities to get legal representation towards protecting their assets and interests.

In an interview with Journalists in London recently , he said as communities sometimes lacked understanding and appreciation of the value of what they hand over to mining companies, it was necessary that they seek legal representation to protect their rights.

“The ministry also advices communities to get legal representation because most of the areas where mining is done unfortunately belong to people who don’t appreciate the value of the minerals the ministry provide guidance. The ministry provides guidelines of how to value the resources and how to arrive at compensation “If we look at the community issues, an operator cannot get a mining lease now without a Community Development Agreement (CDA) This is a legal development that can make a miner lose his/her rights to mine if violated.

This again is a lesson from the oil sector; all the issues of percentages are simply because communities are not carried along.

“If communities are carried along, their rights are considered, you will not have problems. To bring communities effectively on board, in the mining sector, first when you are applying for a mineral title even for an exploration license, you must get land owners consent.

“One of the key areas of development in the sector is mineral title administration, which used to be part of the bureaucracy of government whereby the discretion was with the minister.

“The minister could give and take mining titles. What we did was to take this out from the minister’s responsibilities. To transfer this responsibility to the agency, the ministry created a law for it.

“There is a well-defined and informed process for applicants. For you to get a license you don’t have to see me, you get it through the process, it’s there and it advises you to seek redress if not satisfied with your application or case,” Sada said.

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job search Thursday, July 10 , 2014

INTERVIEWS NETWORKING PERSONAL BRANDING JOB SEEKER PROFILES Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest may be fun places to hang out, but did you know they’re also great places to grow — or completely ruin — a career? It’s true: a whopping 77 per cent of employers use social media to find candidates, while (perhaps more troubling) 20 per cent of them use these platforms to screen out candidates as well.

1. You Overshare (Or Don’t Share Enough) A good rule of thumb here is to think about what you would be comfortable saying to your boss or potential employers in person.

However, don’t let this advice scare you away from posting at all. In fact, regular updates are key to growing you’re following and building your expertise on social media platforms. Plus, you look plain out of touch when an employer stumbles upon your barren account, which hasn’t been updated in months. Don’t make an account unless you’re actually going to use it – and make sure to shutter any old social media accounts that you no longer use.

2. Your Friends Know No Boundaries Even if you’ve got your social media etiquette in order, your friends may not. That’s a big problem if they post inappropriate updates or photos and tag you, so make sure that your privacy settings are such that they can’t do any of this.

And while we’re on the topic of friends, on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s important to grow your following strategically for another reason, too: networking.

Joining interest groups, getting added to Twitter lists and engaging

INTERVIEWS

with people in your industry is a great way to establish your expertise and foster connections that might later land you jobs.

3. Your Posts Are All Over the Place This is a turnoff for followers, who may be interested in one of your favourite topics but not all of them, and it’s also a lost branding opportunity. Social media, after all, is a great place to establish yourself as an expert in your field — and you can only do that by focusing on the contents of your posts. If that’s too limited, you can always make, say, separate Twitter accounts for separate topics.

4. You Don’t Engage In Conversations Regardless of how it might sometimes seem, social media isn’t about you, you, you. If this is the mentality that’s guiding your posts, you’re likely turning off employers, as you’re not demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills. Again, this is also not ideal for growing your following or even establishing your expertise. Instead, participate in real, engaging back and forth conversations so that you can show fellow industry professionals and potential employers what you can do, rather than telling them.

5. You Don’t Have Your Privacy Settings Sorted Even if you keep everything PG, it’s generally a good idea to keep your privacy settings pretty tight, especially on Facebook, which tends to be more personal in nature. You might, for instance, create a list for work contacts so that you can restrict the amount of photos they see both overall

ways Profiles Are Killing Your Career

7 Ways Your Social Media Profiles Are Killing Your Career and as you select who you want to share each post with. 3’s privacy policies change all the time, so keep up to date on their latest changes to ensure once you’ve got this setup that your personal profile is still as private as you think it is.

6. Your Profiles Aren’t Searchable That said, when you are actively looking for a job, social media is a great place to get found. To do this, make sure you fully fill out your profile on all platforms, using career keywords as you go, and

ensure the essential aspects of your profile are publicly available to all who might seek you out.

7. Your Personal and Work Emails Are One And The Same If the email address you’re using to apply for jobs is the same as the one you used to sign up for your social media accounts, your employer will easily find this using job search software and can pull a fair amount of data right into their system. Again, keeping work and play separate, even at the level of email addresses, is essential for guarding your privacy.

1. You Don’t Engage In Conversations Participate in real, engaging back and forth conversations so that you can show fellow industry professionals and potential employers what you can do.

2. Your Profiles Aren’t Searchable Make sure you fully fill out your profile on all platforms, using career keywords.

3. Your Posts Are All Over the Place This is a turnoff for followers, who may be interested in one of your favourite topics

Get the Interview: 5 Tips For Leaving A Great Voicemail Too many times job applicants prepare phenomenal resumes but fail to secure a physical interview.

Often times, this is because of improper phone etiquette, poor voice presentation and bad voicemails.

Here are five things to improve interview rates and make a fabulous presentation over the phone using voicemail: 1 Never Underestimate the Power of the Phone In our digital age job applicants commonly tweet or text to stay in touch with friends. The telephone seems like a cumbersome and slow

form of communication. However, people over the age of 35 are much more comfortable using the phone and they will commonly use it as a screening tool for applicants.

Phone interview skills are essential across all employment levels.

2 Record and Listen To Your Own Voice Leaving an excellent voicemail begins by nurturing a good speaking voice. Speak slowly, clearly and correctly. Use Dragon software or even the simple record feature on your phone to cultivate a good phone voice.

3 Good Voicemails Begin with Details When leaving voicemail always leave your full name and the job title of the position you are calling about at the beginning of the message. Then leave the reason you are calling and your call back number including the area code.

Repeat the call back number and your name at the end of the voicemail.

The idea here is two-fold: Make an impression and help the person on the other end quickly identify who you are and your reason for calling.

5 Leave Enough Information, Entice the Interviewer Leaving too little information is a common mistake. In a voicemail there is room for at least one sentence after all the details to really leave an impression. Do not drone on! The idea here is to leave something for the interviewer that shows you are as interesting as you are interested.

4 Help the Interviewer Out Leave enough information in the body of your voicemail so that the listener can quickly separate you from the rest of the applicants. Compiled by Olujide Olusola

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

career happiness Career Fulfilment: Why It Matters Top 50 FRANCHISE IN 2014(1)

Everything changes when you love your career. It might sound dramatic but I know from experience. Of course, the degree to which career fulfilment (or “nourishment” as I like to call it) is important is different for each person. Some crave it more than others. Some need a successful career to feel whole while others can really take it or leave it.

But by and large, most people who work for a living want to experience career fulfilment and the reasons are universal.

Career Success Is a Significant Component of Personal Success Many of us are taught, in order to be viewed as “successful” individuals, we must attain a certain level of professional achievement.

Our selfworth has become tied to our professional worth. So, when we’re experiencing professional dissatisfaction, we believe it’s a deeper reflection of who we are and what we’re capable of, rather than recognizing that it’s a matter of circumstance that’s infinitely changeable.

We Spend a Large Percentage of Our Lives at Work From the age of 18 to 65, most of us work an average of eight hours a day five days a week. By my calculations, this totals nearly 100,000 hours spent working in an average lifetime. That’s a significant percentage of the time most of us will spend on Earth. So, if you aren’t fulfilled by what you’re doing, life can feel pretty empty.

Work Provides a Means for Survival for You and Your Family Ultimately, your career is what puts food on the table. It’s a requirement for basic survival and, thus, it’s a necessity. It’s not something that most of us can just walk away from. Because of this, an unsatisfying career can start to feel like a death sentence. It escalates your stress response and you’re constantly in “fight or flight” mode. Finding some kind of career fulfilment will inevitably create a more comfortable existence on the most basic level. Your perspective will broaden, shifting away from that of mere survival.

Career Is Closely Tied To Identity When you meet someone new, what’s the first topic of conversation? In most circles, nine times out of ten, people discuss their careers. “What do you do?” is the most common way to break the ice and get to know someone. If you’re not happy with your career, it can make parties an absolute nightmare. By the end of the night, you feel like a loser.

Why? Your career has been tied to you as a person. It’s not really “fair” but it’s a social norm. When you’re proud of the work you do, it shows. Others hear it in your voice and see it on your face. You feel good about yourself. You enjoy the conversation a heck of a lot more and so does the other person.

Career fulfilment can change your reality. If you want it, create it. But don’t try to deny it matters.

Send your profiles to olusola.olujide@leadership.ng and all profiles should not exceed 200 words

1. Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour health and fitness club.

The company operates over 2400 franchised locations in 19 countries. The gym facilities are open 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year.

2. Hampton Hotels Most Hampton hotels are independently owned and operated by franchisees, though a few are owned and/ or managed by Hilton Worldwide.

3. Subway Subway is an American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads.

4. Supercuts Supercuts is a hair salon franchise with over 2,000 locations across the United States.

The company was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1975,

by Geoffrey M. Rappaport and Frank E. Emmett.

5. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Jimmy John’s is a franchised sandwich restaurant chain founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, United States. In 30 years, the company has grown to more than 1,900 locations in 43 states.

3 Executive Resume Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make Struggling to convey your distinguished career in a compelling executive resume? If you believe your resume is disjointed and fails to tell employers who you really are, you’re probably right.

Here’s why: we’re taught to be good at what we do, but not to articulate our value proposition. You may spend many waking hours spearheading change, handling corporate strategy, leading large teams, or directing enterprise-scale projects – but not a single minute thinking about how to represent these accomplishments to others.

As a result, writing about your executive career can be a difficult task – particularly without a strategic plan for showcasing your personal brand. Read on for solutions to common challenges in developing a strong executive resume, with tips for improving your message – and simplifying your efforts: Challenge 1: You’re struggling to focus on what’s relevant from your career Ever read a long, rambling story where nothing in particular stands out? Perhaps you’ve made lengthy, bullet-point lists of the duties in each position, along with some highlights of revenue generated, projects completed, or costs saved.

This is how many resumes are constructed, making employers navigate through details of each job (often getting lost in a sea of text).

The problem with this approach? There’s no signature theme of your career evident to the reader.

Solution Start with the end in mind.

Answer these questions before even starting work on your resume: What is your desired title in the next job?

What do you want employers to know about you?

How has your work had an impact on the entire company?

What do others commend you for? What is your reputation among peers?

Now, write TO these answers, instead of starting with the detail. Put your target job title at the top (VP of Sales, CIO, Chief Audit Executive), then elaborate on the reasons you’re qualified for it.

Challenge 2: You can’t figure out how to show the impact of previous jobs Many people start writing their resumes in reverse chronological order, realizing

employers want to see their most recent job first. What you’re left with is a first page that touches on one or perhaps two jobs, without noting how you were promoted or where your unique experience originated.

While this is a great way to backtrack through your career, it’s also a more challenging way to assemble an executive resume. Often, the first page lacks context and shows only the scenarios from the past few years (which may not be sufficient at a leadership level).

Solution Shape the outline of your resume to show relevant (even if older) detail.

Consider adding sections to the first page of your executive resume to emphasize key achievements from throughout your career.

You can call this area Career Highlights, Examples of Executive Performance, or another title that tells employers why these accomplishments matter when sizing up your potential.

An added bonus: this style allows for easier navigation by hiring authorities, who’ll be able to see why you’re qualified at your target career level.

Challenge 3: You’re trying to fit your experience into a too-tight space The old rules of resume writing (particularly those that required a singlepage document) don’t apply anymore. Still, it can seem almost impossible to fold 20 to 40 years of hard-won experience and successes into even 2 or 3 pages.

Solution Use a format designed around both a “snapshot” view and the breadth of your career.

If you write an executive resume in straight chronological order, readers must wade through all of the pages to find out where you attended college, what positions you held, and whether your past employers were noteworthy.

Try creating a single-page summary sheet instead, with your work history laid out on subsequent pages. Shown in both this CEO resume and COO – GM resume samples, this approach lets you use the first page as a standalone document or Networking Resume, while presenting all pages to an executive recruiter or search committee.

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

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Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Medical Sales Representative In Miral Pharm Ltd, Zamfara BPharm: 1 - 3 years Email: 32b5a@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357706 Miral Pharmaceutical Ltd is a pharmaceutical marketing and distributing company in Nigeria. Due to our current business expansion, we need the services of a qualified candidate for immediate employment Requirements: • Computer literacy • Ideal person must be able to hold clinical presentations, detailing sessions, interview, etc on the company’s ethical products.

Candidates should: • Not be more than 30 yrs of age and possess a valid driver’s licence • Hold a minimum of a BPharm , BSC in Biochemistry or Pharmacology, or Microbiology or any other Biological Sciences with at least 2 years’ experience in Pharma products sales.

Skills: • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills Attitudes: • Can-do spirit • Attention to details • Customer focus • Motivated and result oriented • Pay and benefits Benefits: The successful candidate will get an attractive salary and performance bonus with good opportunity for career development.

Sales Representative In Agro Nigeria Magazine, Yobe OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 30cd4@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/349892 Agro Nigeria Magazine is a magazine that focuses on promoting the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy. We require the services of a qualified and experienced candidate for this position.

Job Summary: • Will be involved in the sales of agromagazines.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • Good sales skills • Must be sharp, intelligent • Good communication and organizational skills • Should be agile and motivated • Must be able to drive sales efficiently • The suitable candidate help to develop new sales outlook.

• Maintain customer and establish new customers • Must be sales driven

Freelance Marketing Executive In Wetclay Limited, Taraba OND: Entry Level Email: 328cd@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357053

Wetclay Limited, a branding and advertising firm requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Will get clients to patronize our services.

• Will introduce the right client from personal contacts.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • Entry level • Should have knowledge of the marketing industry.

• Should be smart, organized and knowledgeable.

• Should be able to communicate effectively.

• Should have customer service skills and contacts who are prospective clients.

NB: Remuneration will be based on commission.

Sales Executive Ok Foods HND: 3 - 5 years Email: 32a21@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357393 Ok Foods seeks to fill this position with the right candidate Job Description • Meet Monthly and Annual sales Target as set by the company • Meet customers regularly with focus on Customer Satisfaction • Work the Retail market daily and identify gaps and areas of improvement • Work with merchandisers and review daily, weekly and monthly sales with them • Effective utilization of POP/POS items in the market • Submit weekly and monthly sales reports • Understand the competition in the market and revert back with feedback and suggestions Qualification and selection criteria’s • A graduate from a recognized institution • Good Communication skills • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel • Passionate individual with a zeal for growth and learning • Team person

Primary Responsibility: Promote and sell business products and services; develop and grow the business in the area of the branch where he /she is assigned; grow transaction revenue from payment & remittances business and trade; execute sales strategies and tactics; achieve monthly targets; ensure top performance as per firm’s key performance standards.

Finance Manager In KANO CIS, Kano

Qualification and competence • Minimum of 2 years active sales experience • OND/HND/BSC in any discipline

KANO CIS is a transportation/logistics firm and they seek to fill this position with the suitable candidate

Sales Associate In House of Tara International, Kwara HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32931@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357153 House of Tara international is a pioneer beauty and makeup company with a vision of becoming a globally respected company of African origin. Our company takes pride in not just beauty consultation, but in empowerment, creating self-awareness as well as boosting self-esteem.

Responsibilities: • Act as field agent • Coordination and allocation monitoring • Tracking/monitoring of sales across all channels and customers • Reporting on sales bonus • Distribute timely price adjustment notifications • Strengthen end-consumer relationships through an optimized in–person customer experience.

• Stimulate and gather feedback on market intelligence Qualification and Requirements: • Minimum of HND or its equivalent in a relevant discipline • Minimum of 1 year selling experience • Achieves results–conveys energy, acts with integrity • Passionate about sales • Must be self-motivated and hardworking, with strong timemanagement, Communication and organizational skills

Marketing Manager In Young Media Innovative Ventures, Kastina

Emoluments As per industry standard

HND/B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32bc6@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357814

Direct Sales Executive OSS/DSE/13 In Workforce Management Centre, Niger

Young Media Innovative Ventures, an advertising agency requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position

OND/HND/BSC: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357190 Workforce Management Centre Limited is a Management Consulting and Outsourcing Professional Services Firm. Following its inception in July 2004, Workforce Management Centre Limited (Workforce) has built an enviable reputation as the leading indigenous management and professional services consulting firm in Nigeria. Drawing from its Deep Domain Expertise, in the area of organisational effectiveness and employee performance, the Company is positioned to assist businesses across diverse sectors of the economy in their quest to create sustainable value for their stakeholders.

Responsibilities: • Accomplishing marketing and sales human resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; planning and reviewing compensation actions; enforcing policies and procedures.

• Meeting marketing and sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/BSC in a relevant

field • 1-2 years’ experience

MSc: 7 - 10 years Email: 32850@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356928

Responsibilities: • This position will handle all the finance and accounting related aspects of the container depot in Kano • This position will also handle payroll Qualifications and Requirements: • Must have a minimum of a MSc degree • Must have a minimum of 7-10 years of experience • Excellent communication skills

Freelance Marketer In Lange & Grant, Kaduna HND: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357867 Lange and Grant is an indigenous owned company, with competence in the manufacturing of insulated sandwich panels and the construction of preengineered steel buildings. We also specialize in the construction of large prefabricated structures, pharmaceutical clean rooms, production factories, airport terminals/hangers, portacabins for site offices, labour camps and commercial housing developments, poultry hatcheries, cold rooms, abattoirs, telecom base shelters and warehouse structures.

Job Description We require the services of experienced, pro-active, motivated and passionate individuals to represent our organization as Executive Freelance Sales Representatives in Kaduna.

Desired Qualities • Minimum of HND in any engineering or construction courses.

• Must have a good use of English language.

• Must be familiar with Microsoft office suites.

• Must be ready to work independently.

• Preferred age is below 35 years

Computer Instructor In YB Ismail ICT Limited, Bauchi OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32941@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357169 YB Ismail ICT Limited, an ICT company requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Resolves user problems by answering questions and requests.

• Maintains operations by monitoring error and stoppage messages; observing peripheral equipment; entering commands to correct errors and stoppages; reloading paper; making adjustments in process; notifying supervisor for additional resources.

• Documents problems and actions by completing production logs.

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Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience

Thursday, July 10, 2014

• Must be licensed • Minimum of 2 years’ experience • Good communication skills

Business Development Manager In Synapse Services, Abuja

Zonal Managing Editor In Spectacle Prints and Digital Communication, Abuja

Degree: 3 - 5 years Email: Fast Apply Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357432

OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32a8b@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357499

A newly established company located in the heart of Abuja is presently in need of a Business Development Manager (brands) to manage its franchise businesses being introduced to Nigeria.

Spectacle Prints and Digital Communication, a printing and publishing firm requires the services of Zonal Managing Editor for an advertising magazine

Summary The primary role of the Business Development Manager is to prospect for new customers through strategic marketing plans. S/he is responsible for managing and growing existing business relationships. S/he must plan persuasive approaches that will convince customers to purchase the product/ increase sales.

Responsibilities: • To collate subscribers and advertising • To generate content and articles for the magazine • To generate news and events for the magazine • To supervise the circulation in the respective location

Duties: The Business Development Manager will • Oversee all functions of Sales, Marketing & Brand management for the product; • Prospect for potential new customers and turns this into increased business • Develop Strategic Marketing plans and awareness for the product • Work as a trainer and deliver training programs • Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by the sales team • Identify opportunities for campaigns, products and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND Mass com, business administration, computer, marketing • 1-3 years’ experience • Age range 25 - 40 years • Must be hard working, diligent and trustworthy • Must have a good command of English • The ability to work with little or no supervision and good communication skill is required.

• They must reside in the state of application • Graphics and designing skills is an advantage • Must be result driven

Requirements: The candidate should: • Have strong Brand Management knowledge and experience; • Excellent Business Development and Relationship Management skills • Good I.T. Skills; especially Power point and Excel • Strong Negotiation and Presentation skills • Experience creating, costing and implementing sales / marketing / advertising plans • Ability to work to targets / goals / deadlines • Should be outgoing, friendly and exceptional at building rapport.

Qualifications: • A first degree is essential, preferable in a marketing related course. Masters is an added advantage • Minimum of 5 years relevant working experience in Marketing or Brand management Method of Application Applicants should send their CV with a covering letter to using ‘Business Development Manager’ on subject area

Pharmacist In Ayglola Company Limited, Abuja Must be licensed: 1 - 3 years Email: 32a74@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357476 Ayglola Company Limited is seeking for a qualified candidate to fill in this role Job Summary: Administer drugs Qualifications and Requirements:

Finance Manager/Chief Accountant In AES Luxury Apartments, Abuja Degree: 7 - 10 years Email: 32ac3@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357555 We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join a senior management team. The role will have a specific responsibility for the accounts / finance / budgeting functions of this hotel and the role will report in to the General Manager.

The ideal candidate will have been working within a hotel accounts environment and have good working knowledge of hotel accounting systems as well as Microsoft Office products including Excel.

Duties • The role of the Finance Manager will be responsible for the smooth operation of the financial controls within the hotel, the preparation of the monthly management accounts and key performance indicator reports as well as Revenue management processes in conjunction with the hotel sales & reservations teams.

• The Finance Manager will be responsible for controlling all revenue and expenses, as well as hotel inventories. His or her mission shall principally be to keep the hotels accounts. The financial responsibilities both internal controls as well as external expenditure must be properly recorded and handled through high integrity and honesty. All financial related matter must be kept in accordance to internal and external regulation of the hotel and relevant authority respectively.

• Responsible for the day to day organisation, control, and management

of the finance functions in the hotel.

Ensuring the efficient running of the purchase and sales ledgers, and cash reconciliation and banking processes.

• The Finance Manager is responsible for the day-by-day-operation of the accounts department. His/her main scope includes administering accounting policies and procedures, preparing and interpreting financial statements and management reports, assisting in budgetary control and all contractual matters in different areas.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of a degree in relevant discipline • 7-10 years of experience is essential • Good communication skills

Psychiatric Nurse In Center for Psychological Medicine, Abuja B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32b70@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357728 Center for Psychological Medicine - Our “Center for Psychological Medicine” based within the Abuja metropolis is currently in need of a Psychiatric Nurse resident in the F.C.T for immediate employment.

Responsibilities: • Clinical duties which include assessing mental health needs, developing care plans for patients and helping clients improve their coping abilities.

• Monitoring treatment regimens by ensuring the correct administration of medication, including injections, and monitoring the results of treatment.

• Complete Nursing Assessments for all new clients: The nursing assessment needs to be done within 24-48 hours of admission.

• Must be willing to work on Shift basis and show flexibility when required.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Applicants be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or have a Bsc Nursing & be licensed to practice in Nigeria.

• Ability to form and sustain effective relationships with clients, and community health and social service providers • Ability to be flexible, manage time, resources, and client caseload • Demonstrate respect and appreciation for diversity (culturally relevant, antibias, and multicultural) • Demonstrate a willingness/ability to work with the interdisciplinary team to provide optimum care.

• Discusses case with OBSTETRICIAN to assure observation of specified practices.

• Instructs patient in diet and prenatal health practices.

• Stays with patient during labor to reassure patient and to administer medication.

• Delivers infant and performs postpartum examinations and treatments to ensure that patient and infant are responding normally.

• When deviations from standard are encountered during pregnancy or delivery, administers stipulated emergency measures, and arranges for immediate contact of OBSTETRICIAN. • Visits patient during postpartum period in hospital and at home to instruct patient in care of self and infant and examine patient.

• Maintains records of cases for inclusion in establishment file.

• Conducts classes for groups of patients and families to provide information concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and family orientation.

• May direct activities of other workers.

• May instruct in midwifery in establishment providing such training.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Must be a RN/RM • 10 years post qualification experience.

Real Estate Vendor In Wortheplus Limited, Abuja OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 329b2@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357282 Worthe Plus Limited requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.

• Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.

• Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.

• Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds and leases.

• Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.

• Act as an intermediary in negotiations between the company and buyers, generally representing one or the other.

RN/RM: 10 - 15 years Email: 329f5@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357349

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Must be intelligent, must be a good saleswoman, must be fluent in English.

• Must be resident in Abuja

Deda Hospital requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Senior Marketing Executive In Arbitration & ADR in Africa, Abuja

Responsibilities: • Provides medical care and treatment to obstetrical patients under supervision of OBSTETRICIAN, delivers babies, and instructs patients in prenatal and postnatal health practices: Participates in initial examination of obstetrical patient, and is assigned responsibility for care, treatment, and delivery of patient.

• Examines patient during pregnancy, utilizing physical findings, laboratory test results, and patient’s statements to evaluate condition and ensure that patient’s progress is normal.

B.Sc/HND: 3 - 5 years Email: 329af@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357279

Nurse/Midwife Deda Hospital

We are an International Service Provider in Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR]. We also focus on capacity building.

Responsibilities: • Identifying trendsetter ideas by researching the Arbitration & ADR Industry.

• Locating and proposing potential

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business deals by contacting potential clients.

• Discovering and exploring opportunities • Communicating new service developments to prospective clients • Writing contract proposals, presentations and meeting with potential clients.

Qualification and Experience: • Minimum 3 years work experience in relevant field.

• Minimum 5 credits including Maths & English • B.Sc/HND Marketing, Business Management and/or • MBA/M.Sc is an added advantage • Very Computer Proficient in all Microsoft Packages with a minimum of 250 words in 10 minutes

Principal In Nigeria Ghana International College, Abuja BSC/BA: 5 - 7 years Email: 31571@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/352097 Our client, Nigeria Ghana International College seeks qualified and competent individuals to fill this role.

Responsibilities: Will lead, manage and oversee all operations of the school including education program, office operations, budget, community relations, personnel and facilities in accordance with NGIC standards.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of BSC/BA-Education/Med in a relevant field • 5-7 years’ experience in a similar role • Must be responsible and hardworking.

• Good oral and written communication skills • Excellent knowledge impartation skills

Events Management/Marketing Executive In Tribe of Judah Studios, Abuja OND: 3 - 5 years Email: 3283c@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356908 Tribe of Judah Studios requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Coordinate logistics of event ticket sales.

• Supervise and coordinate with event contractors.

• Annually develop and implement marketing plans and materials.

• Write, submit and follow-up to ensure placement on press releases and stories to established contacts with local and regional media.

• Maintenance of website.

• Broaden social networking to benefit the organization.

• Establish and expand merchandise opportunities.

• Actively participate and staff committees as necessary and appropriate.

Qualification and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 3 years’ experience

Secretary In Workforce Management Centre, Abuja HND: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357207

Workforce Management Centre Limited is a Management Consulting and Outsourcing Professional Services Firm. Following its inception in July 2004, Workforce Management Centre Limited (Workforce) has built an enviable reputation as the leading indigenous management and professional services consulting firm in Nigeria. Drawing from its Deep Domain Expertise, in the area of organisational effectiveness and employee performance, the Company is positioned to assist businesses across diverse sectors of the economy in their quest to create sustainable value for their stakeholders.

Primary Responsibility: Provides business support to the Supervisor in the following ways: provides answers to routine inquiries and/or refers them to other personnel; screens visitors; assists in providing routine information to high level personnel and the public; maintains conference room calendar, arranges meetings and conferences as requested; transports confidential materials when necessary from location to location.

referral sources and interested parties, and by representing the agency in community events.

• Identifies opportunities for formal or contractual relationships with physicians, organizations, and payers.

• Works with office staff to ensure that new business successfully goes to start of care.

• Implements territory sales plan and coordinates with operational and clinical leadership to ensure extraordinary customer service.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of SSCE/OND in a relevant field • 0-1 year experience

Superintendent Pharmacist In Abuja B Pharm: 3 - 5 years Email: 32b0d@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357629

Qualification and Competence • HND in Secretarial study or a related discipline • Minimum of 2 years secretarial experience in a structured environment

We are a Nigerian organization unique in her divine foundation with a world class culture. In our Organisation, we do not believe in just providing the best of services and products, we believe in building a workforce that is highly professional and of international standard.

Business Development Officer In Bona Moh Ventures, Abuja

We require the services of a qualified candidate for this position

OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32853@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356931

Job Description: • Registration of premises with the Pharmacists council of Nigeria (PCN) • Facilitating businesses within the Pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria • Co-ordination of tenders for healthcare supplies • Co-ordination of clinical presentations and meetings with Private Sector clinics, Federal and State government Health institutions • Identify and manage risks to patients, the public and those employed • Set the overarching standards and policies for the pharmaceutical aspects of the business • Manage the keeping, preparing, dispensing and sale or supply of medicinal products by a registered retail pharmacy business • Ensure that all legal and professional requirements are adhered to • Respond appropriately to any systems failures or concerns that may arise • Make sure that the responsible pharmacist is supported to fulfill their professional responsibility and appropriate systems are in place to deal with concerns raised by the responsible pharmacist • In charge of the day-to-day running of the pharmacy and its branches.

An ICT/Telecommunications requires a Business Development Officer Responsibilities: • The role of a business development officer is very key and cardinal to achieving the company’s superordinate goals of profitability, growth and expansion.

• The business development officer would be solely responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies and tactics.

• The first and the last job of the business development officer is to meet and exceed sale targets as well as ensuring that the overall business objective of profitability and growth are met efficiently.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Should possess OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Good communication skill • Must be a go getter and ability to work with little or no supervision • Must be confident • Must be smart • If you have these qualities, please email your name, phone number, location and qualification to with your email subject as Job Application

Marketing Representative In Family Eye Clinic, Abuja SSCE/OND: Entry Level Email: 329a7@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357271 Family Eye Clinic requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Responsible to develop and implement programs to raise and establish community liaisons by conducting personalized visitations to all primary

Competence Requirements: • The individual must have a working knowledge of product registration and import and export control requirements with regulatory agencies • He/she must have a working relationship and or dealings with NAFDAC especially in the areas of product registration and importation • Be MS Office proficient and computer literate • Be willing to work as part of a team and able to work well under pressure with minimum supervision • Must have a good leadership qualities • Must have good communication skills Qualifications: B Pharm or Pharm D degree from any recognized institution

Minimum Experience Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a full time Superintendent Pharmacist in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment and be registered with the pharmacy council of Nigeria.

Note: Must have experience in retail

Music Teacher In Abuja B Ed/BA/BSc: 3 - 5 years Email: 32441@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355889 An International School in Abuja running an integrated British/Nigerian curriculum, purpose built school with an attractive child friendly learning environment.

Job Description • Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.

• Develops schemes of work, lesson plans and tests that are in accordance with established procedures.

• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.

• Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.

• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.

• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.

• Provide appropriate feedback on work.

• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development.

• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.

• Prepare required reports on students and activities.

• Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.

• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student • needs.

• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.

• Prepare classroom for class activities.

• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.

• Observe and evaluate student’s performance and development.

• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignment Qualifications and Requirements: • B Ed/ BA/ BSc with teaching qualification.

• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience preferably in a reputable or international school.

• Must understand differentiation and some experience of teaching the British curriculum.

• Must be willing to collaborate with colleagues to create a child friendly school where learning is accessible and interesting to young learners.

• Should be willing to contribute to the life of the school through supervision of cocurricular activities and Lerner support.

• Highly experienced NCE teachers will be accepted in the nursery section.

NB: Salary range depends on experience

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30 OPINION

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Promoting Regional Integration Through Trade

BY OFEM UKET

To complement the role of Nigeria Export Import Bank as a member of the Trade Facilitation Task Force, whose mandate is to improve Nigeria’s ranking on “Trading Across Boarders”, The bank partners with the Borderless Alliance, a private sector-led partnership in collaboration with USAID / West African Trade Hub and other stakeholders.

The aim of the Borderless Alliance is to promote regional integration and seamless Trade in West Africa by addressing the problem of non-tariff barriers through policy advocacy and effective engagement.

Exporters are provided with pertinent information to assist, and also act as collation center for trade data to support evidence-based research and policy advocacy. The Bank has continued to embark on a number of initiatives in support of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Obviously, this integration ought to have delivered on the purported mandate of the bank if goals and objectives in the public sector are pursued with utmost commitment and patriotism to boost the nation’s economy.

Perhaps, it is government business so its no body’s business, contrary to envisaged gains and consolidation on all trade agreements between Nigeria and

other countries, often times losses are incurred in the process.

In order to capture the huge informal intra-regional trade, the ECOWAS Trade Support Facility (ETSF) was introduced and designed toward improving the current trade level of less than 12% and deepening the volume of recorded formal trade within the Sub-region, as well as fostering the implementation of the Government’s Trade Policy and regional integration policies like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), among others.

Specifically, the ETSF Facilitates formal recorded trade within ECOWAS sub-region deepening intra-regional payment system.

There is increasing Nigeria’s trade flows within ECOWAS as the dominant trading partner from the current level of 8.5% of total non-oil exports. Broadening trade and market access for Nigerian goods and services, especially manufactured goods This also promotes the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) cross border traders and facilitating their integration into the formal sector of the economy, and in the process facilitating their access to credit.

In furtherance of government’s policy initiatives for strengthening the Creative Arts and Entertainment Industry, the Bank supported the industry through

funding intervention with lending commitments of about N1 billion in the Industry’s various value chains in the last three years. The Bank’s funding intervention in the sector is intended to address issues regarding the establishment of credible structures, attract investment in the development of content and infrastructure as well as facilitate improvement in production standards, distribution and marketing including exhibition standards.

The bank has at various times falling short of its corporate responsibilities and roles in terms of meeting set standards in the facilitation of loans for the development of businesses though its new thinking is at the verge of amends to recover from its lapses.

On its developmental role to support capacity building, the Bank had Commissioned The Indian Bank to undertake a study to review the Industry and recommend best financing programmes in line with global best practices, standards, which led to the development of the operating guidelines for financing projects in the sector.

Sponsorships of various capacities building programmes, events and film festivals such as Zuma Film Festival, BOBTV African Film & TV Programmes Expo, Eko International Film Festival, Nigeria Music Video Awards, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)

Stakeholders Forum on review of the Copyright Law Sponsorships of Nigerian Pavilions at Cannes International Film Festival, France in partnership with the Nigerian Film Corporation and DISCOP Africa, South Africa to showcase Nigeria’s creative talent and attract investment capital and partnerships. Partnerships with Federal Ministry of Culture and National Orientation on the 1st National Policy Dialogue on the Development of the Creative /Entertainment Industries in Nigeria, British Council on Creative Industry Expo and Mapping of the Industry Engaged in policy dialogues with development partners, relevant regulatory and statutory institutions in the entertainment value-chain on ways of improving industry framework / structures on issues relating to access to finance, monetizing intellectual property / copyrights and risk mitigating instruments Active collaboration and participation on the Federal Government’s Initiative of Advancing Creativity and Technology in Nollywood (Project ACT) .

Arising from the numerous challenges faced by traders in moving goods by roads within the sub-region, the Bank, as a Trade Facilitating Agency, initiated and is currently facilitating the establishment of a transnational

shipping companying collaboration with the Organized Private Sector Associations in west and central Africa in partnership with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FEWACCI) and Transimex S. A Cameroun. The proposed Sealink Project is aim at mitigating current non-tariff barriers and high logistical costs that has hindered the growth of intra-regional trade and competitiveness of Nigerian manufactured exports regionally.

Though initiated and largely being facilitated by the bank, the Sealink Project is essentially a Public Private Partnership initiative and the Private Placement for the raising of US$60 million is currently on-going, with application list closing on 30th June,2014, while the shipping company is expected to commence operations within the fourth quarter of this year. The Offer is being handled

by FBN Capital, Nigeria (Issuing House) and SGI, Benin Rebublic (Placement Agents). This laudable initiative has been endorsed by the ECOWAS Commission and is being technically supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, amongst others.

— Uket writes in from Abuja

education

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students were shortlisted for the final live competition

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

Students at an event on campus

Ending Harvest Of Strikes In Nigeria’s Education Sector

By Taiwo Ogunmola -Omilani

One of the worst hit sectors is education where stakeholders have become frustrated

For President Goodluck Jonathan, these are certainly not the best of times. It has been one problem after another, from security challenges to incessant strike actions embarked upon by various professional groups in the various sectors of the nation’s economy.

There is hardly any respite in many areas of the economy.

One of the worst hit sectors is education where stakeholders have become frustrated and agitated as a result of the numerous problems which are aggravated by bottled up anger arising from unfulfilled promises.

It is not surprising that the education sector in Nigeria is bleeding and stakeholders are accusing the government of being lackadaisical and insensitive in its handling of issues of misunderstanding as well as crises in the sector. Nothing underscores this better than the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) which has lasted almost ten months with

key officials of government who should be concerned still feeling unperturbed. Some of the students who enrolled in various skill acquisition programmes at the commencement of the strike have since completed them while others are about rounding up such programmes, yet the strike is still on. It is difficult to pinpoint what informed the decision to allow the current drift in the sector despite the consistently falling standard in education. It is indeed so when it is realised that all of these officials are people who should know but are refusing to for reasons people cannot make out. Speaking on the lingering strike, the president, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Salahudeen Lukman, accused government of not being bothered about the future of its youth who are tomorrow’s leaders. He said, “it is so pathetic that the meeting of the senate committee on education with Education Ministry’s officials and other stakeholders aimed at resolving the disagreement between ASUP and COEASU on one side and

FG on the other so that Nigerian students can return to school after losing a whole academic session suffered a setback for the second time due to the insensitivity and unpatriotic act of the supervising minister of education, Barr.

Nyesome Wike”. Pointing out that the minister failed to attend the meeting for the second time, Lukman said “it is on account of this that it is now clear to us that the FG is out to ruin our lives since their children are neither in public polytechnics or colleges of education nor are affected by the strike. That is why we have resolved to take our case to the president, commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. “We believe education is our right, not a privilege in any way as it is enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. If majority of them in government today have been treated like this, I am sure we won’t have had many people to take over the leadership of this great nation after the departure of our founding fathers. “Our gentility and diplomatic handling

of the issue so far is being taken as act of cowardice. It is on record that majority enjoyed free and qualitative education then in the early 60s and 70s. Today we are paying for our education and government is still denying us quality education which we are paying for. “We can no longer take this as it is a deliberate attempt to ruin our lives and destroy us so we would not be able to grow to challenge them (the old ones) in government.

Already, the government seems to have lost interest in the technological advancement of the nation and yet is talking about transformation which we all know is not realistic without technology. Students have become the most suffering group in this crisis,” he further pointed out. The NAPS’s president said it was certain that the suspended salary of members of ASUP would be released to them as soon as the issues at stake were resolved and questioned “who will pay the students for the loss of their valuable time, extended stay in school, frustration undergone and truncated future plan?” He

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Nasarawa Sponsors 6 Deaf Persons For Leadership Training In The US

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

Nasarawa State government has concluded arrangements to sponsor six persons to this year’s Grassroots International Leadership Training for the Deaf to be held this month in Washington D.C, USA. Addressing the contingent in Government House, Lafia, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura expressed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring that those living with disability are given fair opportunities to realize their potentials in life.

He stressed that it is in the same spirit that his administration has undertaken the construction of Pupils of LGEA Ogbondoroko, Kwara State, displaying books supplied by the MDGs. PHOTO BY Patrick Ebi Amanama special schools for those living with disability in the state, noting further that the state government is also partnering with renown specialized institutions in the United Sates towards ensuring that that his drive towards the provision of education is wholesome and without segregation.

The spokesperson for the By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja Wike, who was represented at the event He said the Commission would continue delegation Mallam A. Hudu by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. to interact with Professional bodies to expressed gratitude to the A meeting of experts in the education Julius Okojie, said that the conference ensure that quality was attained in all Nasarawa state governor for sector in Abuja has called for the review would enhance banking and finance university programmes. his tireless efforts towards of the curriculum for banking and finance education sub-sector.

Also speaking at the conference, the supporting persons living with education to make it more functional to In his remarks, Okojie stressed the need President and Chairman of the Chartered meet the demands of the society. disabilities. to re-structure university programmes Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, Otunba The experts made the call on Wednesday and develop students in core subject areas. Debola Osibogun, said 24 million jobs He commended Governor Almakura for supporting six at the National Conference of Educators The Executive Secretary also expressed were needed annually to bridge the well educated, deaf indigenes of in Banking and Finance jointly organised worry over the absorption of non unemployment gap in Nigeria.

Nasarawa State to participate in by the National Universities Commission professionals into the banking industry.

Osibogun said the Conference, with the the yearly Grassroots Advocacy (NUC) and the Chartered Institute of ``The fact that a young graduate is asked theme: ``Banking and finance education International Leadership Bankers in Nigeria. to get an account of N2 billion to build in Nigeria: the 21st Century Perspective, At the Conference organised to improve the capital base of a bank is worrisome was as there was a short fall in competent Training in the USA, stating that this would be the second the quality of banking and finance because that is the only reason they are manpower to drive the needed change in time the state would participate education in Nigeria, the Supervising offered the employment. the economic sector. in the international event for the Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom ``Any one who has not gone to school The Keynote Speaker, Dr Celestina deaf, with the first being in 2013 Wike said the platform would enable can equally provide N2 billion and so we Njoku, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, when two persons were billed to educators to exchange ideas and develop are warning that this practice portends Nekede, Imo State, advised the participate but only one made it strategies that would entrench effective danger for the industry and also our stakeholders to adopt curriculum that banking and finance education in Nigeria. graduates,’’ he said. due to Visa issues. would accommodate local content.

Review Banking And Finance CurriculumNow–Experts

Ending Harvest Of Strikes In Nigeria’s Education Sector 31

insisted that government had demonstrated, with its handling of the issues responsible for the prolonged strike, that it did not have the welfare and wellbeing of the youth of this country at heart.

A government that would allow its youth to remain out of school for this long period without showing much concern cannot be trusted and taken seriously, he said. While not denying that government has been making efforts at resolving the lingering crisis, Lukman wondered why no tangible agreement had been reached so far on the issues at stake if it does not border on lack of concern for the future and plight of the affected students. Perhaps a re-evaluation of the demands of

the union that led to the current situation will show that there is nothing ASUP is asking for that is out of place for a nation interested in the future of its youth and its development. One of the issues is that of dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates in job placements and career progression. The argument in this regard is anchored on the fact that university and polytechnic graduates should be assessed on the strength of their competence on job delivery and not the institution attended.

There is also the worrisome condition of state-owned polytechnics in the country, many of which are said to be of serious concern to stakeholders in the

94, 365

female secondary school teachers in Nigeria

sector. Others are the continued appointment of unqualified persons as rectors and provosts of polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology by some state governments.

Another issue is the refusal of most state governments to implement the approved salary packages (CONPCASS) for their polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology as well as the 65-year retirement age even though both state and federal polytechnics are regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and they operate the same scheme of service. The insistence of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to include

federal polytechnics in the IPPIS module as against the union’s protestations while other arms of the tertiary education subsector are allowed to maintain the status quo is another contentious issue. There is also the continued recognition of the NBTE as the regulatory body of Nigerian polytechnics as against the union’s repeated call for the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission(NPC).

The argument here is based on the fact that the universities and colleges of education are regulated by the National Universities Commission(NUC), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), respectively.

FEATURE/EDUCATION 33

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS

126 Winners Get Laptops,ipads In Essay Competition

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

L-R: Member, Board of Trustees, TETFUND, representing North Central, Prof. Patricia Donli with Col. Bamidele Michael of the Nigerian Army School of Education, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, during an interactive workshop on the Validation of TETFUND Guidelines for Accessing Intervention Fund at the Merit House, Maitama Abuja . PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE

FG Urged To Declare State Of Emergency In Education Sector

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Worried by the falling standard of education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has been called upon to as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency on the education sector as necessary measures to address the situation and safe it from further collapse.

A retired Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, Alhaji Sagir Hamisu stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after the 3rd year graduation ceremony of the FAMAKS International schools Kaduna.

According to Alhaji Hamisu who is the founder of the school and a 2015

governorship aspirant for Zamfara State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the government is trying her best but more needs to be done in the education sector to meet international standard.

He also attributed the lack of quality education to being a contributory factor to the insurgencies being experienced across the country, stressing that once the problems of education is adequately addressed and students are more engaged in schools than at home occasioned by recurring strike actions, it will be better off for the country.

He said, “If somebody is

educated even minimally, he can be trained to acquire skills and will be gainfully employed.

So when it comes to total quality education, then you are talking about excellent but less start from the basic education. Once we have that, I can assure you that there would be no insurgency.

“With education, you open the mind, create employment, create good citizens, you have good governance and every citizens will know his rights and privileges. And so there is no doubt that education should not only be the priority of any government or aspirant but mandatory for any government to give to his citizens” he stressed.

Deceased Headmaster Gets Al-Makura’s Best Teacher Award

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

The Umaru Tanko Almakura Best Teacher award for the year 2013 has been awarded to late Mr. Akunaza Anabe for his exemplary leadership while serving as the headmaster of Local government Education Authority (LGEA) primary school Dokan Daji in Agwada development area of Kokona local government.

The award which was presented to the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Esther Akunaza, by the executive chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic education Board (NSUBEB) Mallam Abdulkarim Mohammed and the state chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Mr. Jatau Francis Tete was in recognition of his selfless service towards the promotion of education and good neighborliness

as exemplified by his life while serving as headmaster.

NSUBEB chairman recounts that when the late Akunaza was posted to Dokan Daji LGEA primary school as a headmaster there was no single classroom and pupils were forced to attend school under trees. On assumption of office however, Mr. Akunaza made it a duty upon himself to purchase two bags of cement every month out of his meager salary with which he was able to mobilize workforce from the local community for the construction of two blocks of classroom in the village.

At a time when champions of ethnic and religious chauvinism are having a field day sowing seeds of discord and division Mr. Akunaza also stood out as a shining example.

Being an Eggon man he took no cognizance of the prevailing

atmosphere of mutual suspicion and distrust and build a school where the population is almost exclusively Hausa/Fulani.

In addition, Mallam Abdulkarim stressed, the community is also almost exclusively made of Muslims while Mr. Akunaza being a Christian, has touch on the lives of the locals like no one has done in the past.

Expressing their gratitude to the Nasarawa State government for taking cognizance of the contributions of their late husband and father, the wife and son of the deceased, Mrs. Esther and Naza Akunaza, said they would continue the ideals he stood for until his demise. They also encouraged members of the public to believe more in promoting collective prosperity of common humanity rather than being agents of division

A total of 126 students drawn from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the 18 local government areas of EdoStatewho took part in an essay competition received laptops and ipads from an educationist, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon.

At a colourful ceremony in Benin where the students were recognised and rewarded, Imansuangbon said the gesture was born out of the love shown him and the prayers offered by the people of the state for his speedy recovery when he had an accident last year.

Also, he said it had always been his desire to raise the standard of educationin the state and ensure the people received quality education to make meaningful livelihood.

NANS ZONE ‘D’ Raises Alarm Over Clampdown On Education

by JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

The National Association of Nigerian Students’(NANS) Zone D, South West Zone, has decried indiscriminate increment in tuition fees and unending strike of Polytechnic and Monotechnic lecturers in the country.

Rising from a stakeholders meeting held at, Osogbo, Osun State Capital, the association condemned in strong terms the increment in the tuition fees of the Lagos State University (LASU) and Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile -Ife. In a communique issued and signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Asefon Sunday and Secretary Obanobi Bidemi, the association threatened a joint effort by students across the zone to protest unwarranted increment as it obtained in the institutions or where any form of increment occurs.

The communique reads in part” the NANS Zone D leadership rejects in totality, the ongoing coordinated political class conspiracy to completely take away education from the children of the poor, despite the poverty in the land where hundreds of Millions of Nigerians according to World Bank are still leaving as destitutes.

Fg Urges Stakeholders Commitment In Entrepreneurial Education Implementation

by Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The federal government has called on stakeholders, particularly state governments to demonstrate more commitment in the implementation of the Entrepreneurship Education Project for senior secondary schools.

The Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike made the call at the second consultative meeting of stakeholders on the implementation of the Entrepreneurship Education Project for senior secondary schools held in Abuja.

Wike, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said that the call became imperative considering the importance of entrepreneurship education and training in tackling youth employment and the nation’s desire to be among the top 20 industrialised nations of the world by the year 2020.

The Minister, however, bemoaned lack of seriousness of states to key-into the project, noting that it was almost one year since the first consultation meeting was held, only very few states have expressed interest in participating in the project.

34

issues

By Obed Minchakpu

My dear Chibok sisters, It is now about two months since you were forcefully taken into captivity by your captors, the Boko Haram insurgents. I must say that your absence has been a very painful experience, not only for your families, but also for Christians and others in this country and in other parts of the world who love peace, fear God and have the belief that we are all created in the image of God. When I made the decision to write you this letter, I was fully aware that you may not have the privilege to read it. This is because I know that wherever you’re being held captive by these terrorists, you do not have the freedom and privilege to read newspapers, listen to the radio, or even have access to the television, not to talk of reading my letter.

However, the Spirit of God ministered to me that there is nothing that is impossible before God. So, it is out of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that I resolved to write you, believing that God can make a way for this message to get to you. Perhaps God will cause your captors to discuss the content of this letter and thus, the message may eventually get to you. Whatever it is, I have a deep conviction that this letter will get to you.

I know how painful it is for you to be forced to live in an environment that you are not used to.

There in Sambisa Forest, you do not have relations whom you can depend on for advice or even pour out your hearts’ problems to, but know that your God and your Lord is there with you. For the Bible says “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them.”

So, pour out your heart problems to God, through supplications and prayers, and he will see you through your trials and travails.

I recently had the privilege of interacting with one of you who escaped while you were being taken away to Sambisa Forest and what she told me about your experience on the night you were forcefully captured in your hostels made my heart bleed. I could not imagine how those who claim to be waging a war on behalf of a god they serve could mistreat you all in this manner. The god that these terrorists are serving is indeed a wicked god.

Otherwise, how could you, our sisters be violated and mistreated like slaves? The god they serve is a far cry from the Allah that real Muslims serve, who stands for peace.

In a video clip that your captors

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Letter To The Chibok Girls In Captivity

sent to media houses, you were shown to have been forced into a religion that is alien to you. You were forced to be chanting things that you didn’t even understand. But from what I saw, I knew that your bodies were only being forced to utter these things, but your souls and spirits were intertwined with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I know that you’ll be wondering why it is taking this long for our government to rescue you from your captors. We are as baffled as you are. We had thought that our political leaders will brave all odds and rescue you, but unfortunately, we have a leadership that is lame and incapable of protecting her citizens. The Nigerian political leadership does not have the political will to confront these insurgents in order to set you free. That is the reason I am writing to comfort you, pray with you, and urge you not to despair but to place your faith in the Almighty God that we serve.

Sometime ago, I read a book entitled: “The Ezekiel Option,” written

by Joel Rosenberg. The book discusses the end time and how wickedness will take over the earth and terrible and unimaginable things will occur. Some of the difficulties that will confront Christian believers during this period include the persecution of Christians, and the destruction of all they have. But in the long run, God’s manifest power shall prevail and the anti-Christ and his followers as exemplified by Boko Haram, your captors, shall be destroyed completely.

I know how painful it is for you to be forced to live in an environment that you are not used to. There in Sambisa Forest, you do not have relations whom you can depend on for advice or even pour out your hearts’ problems to, but know that your God and your Lord is there with you Rosenberg is not the first person to write about the end time. There are many others like Tim LaHaye and his co-author of the Left Behind Series who have also extensively discussed about happenings that will usher in the end time.

Rosenberg points out the prophecies of the Prophet Ezekiel on how evil forces shall in the end time, spread across the world with the devil and his agents in human governments working in concert to destroy the nation of Israel and those of us who have been grafted into the Kingdom of God. But the good news is that, God’s manifest power shall prevail and all believers in Christ shall be liberated from the clutches of evil.

These writers are only drawing our attention to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who over 2,000 years ago, taught that the world would hate us and persecute us his followers. All the teachings of Christ are contained in the Gospels and in the remaining portions of the New Testament part of the Bible. Matthew, a disciple of Jesus, quotes Jesus as saying in one of his teachings that: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against

you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you .”

What Jesus is telling you my sisters here is that your captors will insult you; they will mock you and say your God is powerless. They will violate your womanhood, your pride, and even turn you into sex machines, just to humiliate you and force you to embrace their religion.

But my dear sisters, if you stick to your faith, no matter the situation, your reward is a crown and a place with our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.

There was once a man named Paul. Before he became a follower of Jesus, he behaved like Abubakar Shekau. He went to all places, killing Christians and boasting about it. He did as Shekau is doing in Nigeria today. But one day, Jesus Christ arrested him on his way to Damascus to attack Christians, and there and then, Paul repented of his crimes against the Church and Christians. He became one of the greatest followers of Jesus thereafter, and wrote so many books about Jesus and his salvation to all of mankind. Paul too, on

becoming a follower of Jesus, was persecuted by others for this. But he never turned away from Jesus.

This is Paul’s message to you my sisters and all other Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

What Apostle Paul is saying here is that all who desire to live rightly, based on the teachings of Jesus, shall be persecuted. According to Paul, those doing evil shall continue to even do more evil things but those of us who have embraced Jesus as our Lord and Saviour should continue to follow Jesus just as we were taught about his works of salvation right from when we were still children. We are urged to become wise as we have been instructed from the word of God and continue to place our faith in Christ Jesus.

In the same vein, I want to urge you my sisters never to depart from the Christian faith you have been instructed while you were with your parents. No doubt, you will face difficulties and be humiliated, but don’t give up, as your salvation is on its way. The same Paul also says: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Therefore, my dear sisters, whatever Shekau and his followers do to you, count it all as a blessing as Jesus loves you and no man called Shekau can separate you from the love of Christ. Keep faith in Christ Jesus, and be still and see what your God shall do for you. These Boko Haram gunmen you see today, you shall see them no more forever after your deliverance; thus saith The Lord.

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Thursday, July 10 , 2014

online

reactions

10/07/2014

Voting: Confab Delegates Boko Haram Responsible For Attacks In 2 Weeks – UN Halt Proceedings Midway 18 Adam Ahmed Turaki attacks? Who are the sponsors

Adam Ahmed Turaki What are they discussing?

Are they not the ones bene-

fiting from the resources allocated to their respective states?

Schoolgirls will Be Rescued Soon – Council Of State Shuaibu Mohammed Garba Of course, they will be rescued; but not after they have been indoctrinated with Boko Haram ideology and converted into spies and suicide bombers. They government should act fast.

Oke’y Azubike And that will mean end of business for Abuja protesters!

Habbat Yahya If you know where they are, what are you waiting for?

Kamal Rimi

We hope so! We also hope that this time around the federal government means what they are saying.

Ahmad Sarki Easier said than done! When we have leaders that are interested in religious divide, what more can we expect but empty promises. Good or bad, one day your families will find themselves in similar circumstances. May Allah continue to guide and protect our country and bring back those girls safely to their families. Amen!

If Boko Haram claims to be Muslims, they will respect the holy month of Ramadan and stop attacking innocent people.

Both Islam and Christianity preach peace and abhor violence. Let us be wise, Nigerians!

Who are those behind these

PDP Can’t Intimidate Me From Contesting Vice Presidency – Oshiomhole Gabriel Oluwafemi Ai Abasiama My dear Oshiomhole, it is not even PDP that will stop you, it is Tinubu who will stop you and force you to become a local government chairman.

Abiodun Popoola Comrade, why do you want to die in office? Go and rest after your tenure as governor, and take care of your family.

Kelvin-Jed Inobemhe My governor, so that is what this is all about? Please, don’t contest because Edo people will not vote for a joint ticket with a northerner.

Nyako

Adamawa Impeachment: Hotel Evicts Nyako Probe Panel Murtala Sadiq This is good news for me!

Eweka Egie Is the hotel a government building where official assignments are carried out?

Anwar S Gimba They will not succeed by Allah’s grace!

Aliyu Dapellum Let them come to Ganye for their sitting!

Jamilu Sani Tsagero

That is good! They will never succeed in securing a venue to undertake their evil mission, and I wish the panel total failure in advance.

Hon. Sule Amoo Is it mandatory that they sit in hotels?

Kulime Hosea This is the beginning of Nyako’s end!

Abdul Chindo Nyako really deserves to be impeached as governor in view of his non performance.

Ekoigiawe Osas You talk too much; that is the problem with you.

Ekoigiawe Osas.

Talking is part of the game politics.

Ezekiel Malgwi What business do you have with PDP, when you are in APC? Oke’y Azubike Why not contest for Presidency if you are not afraid of Asiwaju or Buhari?

Ngene Emmy Charles I am disappointed at Oshiomhole for saying that nonsense.

The post of Vice President is not contestable in Nigeria.

Obadipe Oyedele

of Boko Haram? The way things are going, ordinary Nigerians will begin to arm themselves against Boko Haram attacks.

Dauda Hunkuyi O Allah, grant us peace in this country!

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

Minister Weeps Over Southern Kaduna Killing

Oshiomhole

Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Amaechi, Okorocha, all southerners, gunning for VP slot under APC. Who says they cannot vie for presidency, especially after making the tenure of a southern president ungovernable? It is glaring that APC does not have the interest of south at heart.

Shekarau Emerges Education Minister

Ekeke Sunny If Oshiomhole becomes VP, he will kill Nigerians with excessive taxes. Edo is a good example!

Chukwukere Okamigbo The dog does not smell feaces when in coma; Oshiomhole has ruined his career by associating with APC. Dan Isang Marcus Adams, please vie for presidency and VP; prove to us that you can lead this country, Nigeria.

Ayibaemi Nabodi He is not a member of the PDP, so they can’t stop him.

The only party that can stop him is the APC. Innocent Ekanem Are you that cheap? You don’t even know who will be the president and you are already agitating to become his VP? Chukwuemeka Osuagwu Of course, PDP cannot stop you if your party picks you, but who wins in the end is all that matters.

Subscribe to LEADERSHIP Newsletter today for your daily news highlight.

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36 NEWS /CRIME

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Police Arrest Cripple Over Missing Handsets In Delta

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

A 29 year old cripple got himself in police net in Delta State after police operatives linked him to some stolen handsets.

The suspect identified as Chinonso was arrested by the A” Division police station, Asaba,

over 15 missing handsets.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the suspect has been in police custody at different times for stolen handsets, a means of livelihood he alleged adopted to make ends meet after selling them to unsuspecting customers.

Police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on a tip-off to the police detectives attached to the A Division after series of complaints by owners of the missing handsets.

It was learnt that the suspect connects buyers to his room while his disciples are positioned by the door to ward-off any suspicious movement.

The police public relations officer said the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

A little girl presenting flower to InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar in Abuja. PHOTO BY Okeke jane

Child Theft: Security Agents Arrest Mother Of Four, Two Others

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Police security operatives in Delta State have arrested a mother of four and two others in Obonkpa community in Asaba, over alleged child theft.

LEADERSHIP sources said that cases of missing child, in the recent times, have created tensions in the community where its residents have called on the state government and the police authorities to come to their aid.

A twelve year old boy identified as Kelvin had been missing in the last four months in the

community. The community wrote a petition to the police CID department where the detectives swung into action to arrest the mother of four and two others as they were alleged to have had a hand in the missing child.

But the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu said that the suspects are currently helping the police with information following a petition from a member of the community who alleged they were involved in the act of the missing child.

While saying that a search light has been beamed by the police detectives in the where about

of the child, DSP Kalu explained that the suspects made useful statements to the police.

It was gathered that the missing child may have been used for ritual sacrifice as the community has been lamenting over alleged ritual activities by some unknown gun men.

Unconfirmed sources said that the community has been under siege of inexplicable activities by unidentified gun men especially herdsmen until the state government through security agents waded into the situation to bring to book those behind the nefarious act.

How Police Ensured Security During Ekiti Guber Election

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election, AIG Balla Nasarawa has given insight into the role of the police to ensure there was no disruption of the election.

According to Nasarawa, the prior knowledge of the history of violence associated with election in the region, prepared the officers and men deployed for the election for what they were likely to expect.

“May I recall that in the buildup to the election day, we gave that the Nigeria Police Force will leave no stone unturned, in

ensuring a very credible, peaceful, crisis-free and widely acceptable gubernatorial election in the state.

“As the election held in the 16 Local Government Areas that comprise the state, I will like to put on record, that the conduct of the election was orderly and peaceful across the entire state.

As we are mindful of the familiar

disruptions and occurrences that generally mar the conduct of similar elections.

“Our proactive approach in ensuring adequate security for the conduct of the election, made it practically impossible for hoodlums or criminals to break the law or violate the electoral process,” he said.

Senator Denies Murder Charges, Slams N20bn Suit On Accuser The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeany Okowa has slammed a N20 billion suit on a staff of Ika South local government council in Delta State, one John Agbe over alleged defamatory publication in a national newspaper.

In the suit filed at the Delta State High Court, Asaba, Senator Okowa who represents Delta north senatorial district is also claiming a retraction of the said publication as well as public apology from the defendant.

According to the writ of summons, the senator is seeking an order of “perpetual injunction restraining the defendant whether by himself and/or through his agents, proxies and privies from further writing, printing or circulating or causing to be written, printed or circulated or otherwise publishing of the claimant the said or any similar libel.”

The defendant, Mr. Agbe was said to have addressed a press conference in Abuja last week where he made allegations that assailants suspected to be members of Okowa’s killer squad were responsible for the murder of his son in 2003 at Agbor area of Delta State.

Meanwhile, solicitor to Senator Okowa, Peter Mrakpor, ESQ has raised the alarm that the life of his client was in danger following series of allegations that trailing him in recent times.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Police Arraign 10 Suspects Over Cult Related Activities Ten suspected cultists have been arraigned before a Sapele Magistrate’s court on a 2-count charge of membership of unlawful society and practicing as well as engaging in an unlawful society called Neo Black Movement of Africa aka, Black Axe. They were arraigned by the prosecuting police officer, Mr. Famous Erise, under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, and Section 64 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, respectively, both laws of Delta State.

The accused persons, Kelvin, Samuel Tivere, Arubi Uwaise, Moses Osasumwen, blessing Okorobia, Ochuko Okiti, Umukoro Kali, Eyegho Toju, Okosun Williams and Jude Omoike Ebosele, all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail to the sum of N50,000 each, a surety each who must be a relation of the accuser and must he resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

politics today Thursday, July 10 , 2014

37

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

representation, we begin to start to discriminate, but as politicians, we cannot discriminate against anybody who wants to vote for us.

So, we welcome anyone into our party but morality comes into play in terms of representation. The APC Constitution makes it clear, if you are bankrupt, or an ex-convict and you have not been pardoned, obviously, you would not be able to stand in for an election but as for the membership, everyone is welcome.

As for those who came from the PDP, I don’t see anything wrong in that. They did not come in as a group but as individuals. They didn’t come as a political party.

How would you react to the allegation raised by Tom Ikmi was that because he was formerly a chieftain of pdp?

Lawal

APC Will Present Its Best For 2015 Presidency – National Vice Chairman

Engineer Babachi-David Lawal is the national vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for the North East zone. In this interview with BAYO OLADEJI, Lawal expresses confidence that his party is waiting in the wings to take power in 2015.

What is your mission in politics?

It is to make a change for the better. You see as a Christian I have to be factual and fair. In Nigerian politics generally, I realised that fundamentally, there is something to contribute especially as regards the concepts of rule of law, justice, anti-corruption, and I thought I have something to contribute. In this regard, General Buhari was very instrumental in encouraging me to join politics.

Before the merger, that means you were a member of cpc?

Yes, I was a member of the CPC and as a member of the CPC, I was a member of the merger committee and subsequently I was a member of the interim NEC as an ex-officio.

I have been involved in the birth and the nurturing of the APC from the beginning as it were.

To some people, allowing some PDP chieftains to join apc has removed the purity of the party. how would you react to this?

Idealism in politics is good. But in Nigeria, politics is still going to be played by Nigerians. You would not bring people from the moon to play Nigerian politics. If you look at the CPC, even in its formation, we came out of ANPP to form CPC. I remember that ACN was also from AD. As long as you are a Nigerian, as you long as you are wanted to become a member of a political party, the constitution does not allow anyone to discriminate against you because of your tribe or your religion and other divide.

Really while idealism is good, the reality is we still need to play politics as Nigerians. And APC welcomes any Nigerian who wants to join our party; but when it comes to the politics of

Really while idealism is good, the reality is we still need to play politics as Nigerians. And APC welcomes any Nigerian who wants to join our party

Chief Tom Ikimi was a member one of the co-chairmen. Alhaji Mohammed Ghaji represented CPC, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau represented ANPP, Annie Okonkwo represented APGA, Chief Tom Ikimi represented ACN. He was gracious enough to host the merger committee meetings in his house. But we didn’t say Chief Tom Ikimi was from PDP, I didn’t even know he was from PDP. I thought he was from NRC, as the Chairman because he never let anybody forget that.

Now, when it comes to the issue that he was being denied, I tell you one thing; when the issue of who would be the National Vice Chairman for the Northeast came up, I was interested, when I went to the Convention ground, my name was not among the contestants and I had already purchased the form, I had undergone screening, and I was ready for election but they said the Northeast had settled for consensus and Alhaji Umaru Duhu was the consensus candidate but I refused.

I insisted there should be election, there was an election and I won. Now I don’t know the details of what Tom Ikimi went through, but if he had insisted, that he was going to contest like I did, I doubt it if anybody would have denied him. It was 10 minutes to the voting time when I saw that my name was not on the list.

I just saw a paper being circulated as consensus list and I saw that my name was not on the list, I insisted and I contested and by the grace of God, I am the national vice chairman. Anybody who said he was excluded or manipulated out of the position he desired did not have the determination to contest for the office.

Why do we now have crisis after the convention?

One thing I have known in politics, Nigerians are bad losers. They don’t want to agree that they have lost an election. And it is as a result of the sycophancy in our society.

People tell you what they think you want to hear. You are popular, you are this, you are that, even your wife who probably knows you are not going to win would not tell you, so when the result comes out, it shocks you.

In an election, only one person wins, if Nigerians could accept this as the bedrock of democracy, it would be better for us. I think from what I have just told you about my experience, it is evidence.

I learnt the man who lost the election against me petitioned that the election for the vice chairman for the zones should have been conducted in the zones. What a flimsy excuse. It doesn’t imply that the national vice chairman is also a member of the National Working Committee. The constitution does not indicate the type of the election and when the man lost, he has interpreted the constitution to suit his dream.That is a classical example of what Nigerians do when they lose election. They would not accept the result My good friend, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has given us a good example to follow. The election had been conducted, and he accepted the result, other things might still come up later that the result was wrong.

But when your party says it would challenge the outcome, is that not against the action of the governor?

No, no, no. Our party is challenging majorly the process of the election.

The militarisation of the election is one example; soldiers were not supposed to be involved in the issue of election, but they were overwhelmingly involved.

You would realise some of us were denied from entering Ekiti state for the final rally. The day before the election, even from Edo state, some of our members were not allowed to take-off at the airport. So these processes were not free and fair at all.

And if I understand it very well, my party wants to challenge the processes. Election is not just about what happened on the election day but what happened before, My party wants to challenge those processes and if there are other things that show that the what took place on the election did not make it free and ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

38 POLITICS TODAY

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Ikimi Did Not Show Enough Determination To Be APC Chairman ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

fair, my party would contest it for posterity. Our goal is leave election matters to the police.

But people are saying that if you can be having soldiers in every state of the federation because of the internal security challenges what is bad in using them to complement the police during the election?

Well, it is part of the violation of the constitution. Soldiers are supposed to protect the territorial integrity of the country; internal security is for the police. I remember during the Biafra war, the first people to be engaged, were the Mobile Police. That was why the Mobile Police were created.

When you get to a situation where you know the regular police are incapable, then you bring in the Mobile Police. You can train the Police to do that. All over the world, military by their training are not expected to be involved in the civilian matters, they are trained to face the enemies, using force.

You would never hear soldiers firing a rubber bullet to a crowd, soldiers don’t fire to warn, so when you begin to bring soldiers to mount road blocks, you are looking for trouble; what they did to Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not stop.

Imagine a captain telling Amaechi, if you don’t go back I would shoot you. It is not wrong, because that was how he was trained. He considered him as an enemy. No policeman would do that to Amaechi. If a policeman goes to an assignment with bullets he must give an account.

When Chief Fani-Kayode raised an alarm that there is a plan to sponsor a muslim-muslim tocket, but some said he was raising a false alarm. But Chief Ikimi and alhaji duhu who contested with you have also said it. is this muslim-muslim ticket real?

I remember as a member of the registration committee of our party, I think we printed about 16 million registration forms, as at now, I can say that this party has registered not less than 16 million card carrying members.

If in the process, let assume that 1000 of them, to the reason best known to them begin hallucination, because that is what I would call what they are doing, they have prime motive.

Fani-Kayode he has gone back to PDP where he rightly belongs, he was a political jobber. Alhaji Duhu has been talking of him and his Ali Modu Sheriff defecting to PDP, I begin to think that their sojourning in APC was to achieve a certain goal, which they have done and they want to return home.

I am a theologian, I am a trained pastor, I went to ECWA Seminary, I came with a degree in theology.

I teach Pastors in mission school.

I can tell you that, it was because of General Buhari that I came into politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been my friend since early 1990’s but on personal basis.

Nigerians should focus on getting the best, even as a Christian, if you have a good government, there is no Christian road or petrol station. During the last election, PDP made religion an issue especially in the Middle Belt, they were telling us in my church, Goodluck Jonathan is a Christian, we should vote for him. We voted for him, see where we are.

Today, there are road blocks on the road to my church, they would screen me before I enter the church, they would search my wife’s bag, but the Christian President they said we should vote for has failed to provide security that we need. The Christian President they said we should vote for has not improved the economy.

But he has a vice president who is a muslim

Yes, we are talking of a Christian President.

But we are also talking of muslim-muslim ticket sir; are you saying we don’t need to consider religion again?

If Nigerians can eschew religion as an issue in politics, in government and in business, we would be getting the best. However, our convention was on the 5th of June, we just formed a political party.

The next stage now is the issue of candidature, but we are yet to get to that level. A that, we will look at the credentials of the candidates, what do they have to offer our party and Nigerians in general; the party will then decide, whether or not they are muslimmuslim or Christian-Christian.

What I want to say is that we must work hard to make sure that Nigerians vote for our party.

We should be working to get the best, irrespective of religious persuasions.

But the party has never debated or considered the candidacy so far, at any level, I was at the Merger Committee, I was in the Interim National Executive Committee, I am now in the National Working Committee, there was never a time we have discussed it.

Some candidates who are interested have been going around building their own political structures but as a party, we have not decided on that. We have just had the first National Working Committee.

The Interim National Executive Committee was just mandated to register the party and conduct election for the substantive committee. We are drawing plans on how to move the party forward; nobody has the mandate to choose the candidate for now.

Does your party have a mechanism of reconciliation? i ask

the ruling party and the presidency, the governors in the affected states blame the president and vice versa.

The Federal government has abdicated its responsibility of security; for the governors in the Northeast, all their monies go to the security to compliment the Federal, the soldiers are doing their best.

I went to the Nigerian Military school, the riffles are old, they give them 60 bullets and Boko Haram came with bullets all over their bodies, the motivation is not there, their families are left unattended to, The people of Niger Delta are saying the North is instigating the Boko Haram because of Jonathan; they are saying they should be left to be killing one another. Are we going to instigate our brothers to be killing ourselves? People are no longer going to farm because of Boko Haram.

You think we can do that because we don’t like Jonathan? Let me tell you, one of those kidnapped girls is well known to me, she is a widow, she left her children behind, returned to school in order to help herself now what has become her fate?

But it has been politicised. Do you know we have two ministers from Adamawa state, the Minister of Women Affairs and the Minister of Youth, the EFCC Chairman is from Adamawa state, Bamanga Tukur is from Adamawa state, do you think we can all sit down and say let us bring this unto our people? It is not true.The Northeast is under siege. To travel from Kaduna to my village takes 22 hours because of road blocks.

Lawal this question because the body language of some apc chieftains is those who want to go should go. if they go, what would be the fate of the party?

Right from the congresses we held, we have set up various committees, Appeal Committees and Reconciliation Committees at various levels, now the convention has come up, at our first national caucus meeting, a committee has been set up to reconcile those who are aggrieved because of the convention.

I have just spoken with Alimodu Sheriff, Fani-Kayode has gone back, Chief Ikimi has not gone; those who are still with the party, we would talk with them and reconcile them with the party but there is nothing we can do about Fani-Kayode who has gone back to PDP. I know Chief Ikimi is not having problem with the state chapter, maybe he is having issues with one or two members at the centre, I don’t know, but as a party, we would reconcile with those who are angry or aggrieved.

We have more than one reconciliation committees. This is the very first Working Committee and we are looking seriously into the issue of reconciliation.

Just wait till the PDP do their convention, then you would see bigger crises.

Umar Duhu said nobody nominated you

Before we went for the convention, the man everybody wanted as the National Secretary was me. Go and investigate. I am so popular in the party because I want justice. I stand for justice.

Go and ask everyone in the party. People value my principles.

If he said the governors nominated him and the senators nominated him, why didn’t they vote for him?

What is the way out to the security challenges raging in your zone? your party blames

What is the way out?

First of all provide employment.

Go into a programme or project that would give the youths jobs and as well provide education for the youths. So if anyone comes and tells you if you die, you would make paradise. You hear 300 killed, 120 killed, these are our youths. Until these people get employed, they would not stop No

But did insecurity start today?

Then whose fault is it?

What I want to say is that we must work hard to make sure that Nigerians vote for our party.

We should be working to get the best, irrespective of religious persuasions

Our background as people is bad.

Between Minna and Abuja is a single route, people believed Minna has produced two presidents but the road is not good. Because people think the resources of government in your hands is first to make you comfortable, them your relations, then your areas.

That is not a good value; but we must bring back our value, people should stop cornering money to themselves. Let us not say the aberration is now the norm. These are things our party will instill from 2015; APC has already won the general election. As far as we are concerned, we are the government in waiting.

Interview 39

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

‘Commuters Need To Be More Vigilant’ The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO)’s head of marketing and communications, Tunde Akintola, sits with ONUKOGU KANAYO JUBAL, to talk about what the company is doing to safe-guard commuters’ lives and improve the transport situation in the FCT. AUMTCO is about 25 years old.

How has it fared with the population rise within the FCT, given that it was formed a t a time when the population in the FCT was relatively low?

Following that, we have instituted checks in most of our buses, by installing metal detectors.

Presently, we are working with the security arm of the FCDA to get bomb detectors and others aboard our buses. These measures are quite important; that is why they cannot be ignored.

First off, our primary goal is to provide the transportation needs of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at very affordable rates. We are into charter services and a number of things, but out major objective is to run an effective transport system within the FCT. Also, you must understand that running an effective transportation system anywhere in the world entails a lot. It is not different here, especially given that the challenge revolves around getting the required number of vehicles, proper maintenance, environment and a number of other factors. The bottom line, however, is that, despite the irregular existence, the company has come to stay. We have never had this kind of approach before now.

This AUMTCO’s 25th year and, given the new dispensation and the company’s make-up at for the past four to five years, the company has come to stay. We have added more to our fleet, increased the regularity of our maintenance and the minister of the FCT has always given us huge backing and support.

You have mentioned these challenges twice. Can you enumerate them?

For now, we have no challenges with the fleet, as we have almost 400 buses – the most for any single transport company operating in Western Africa. Recently, we have added a number of air-conditioned buses to the ones we have already.

The main challenge which we have is the environment. You see, since our buses are always stopping to let passengers board, we need a separate lane. However, I believe that this has not come to be, because Abuja is still developing and, in a little while, there will be a separate lane for buses coming to the city centre or conveying people back to their destinations.

Funding for the maintenance of these high-capacity buses is another challenge. The government is doing the best it can, but you know that these things do not cover everything and you have to use your resources wisely to cater for a wide range of

needs.

You say the company has about 400 buses. How has the company been able to utilise these buses to cope with Abuja’s growing population?

As for that, we are not the only operators in the city. There are other operators within the city.

If they do not have the required number of buses, it is going to affect the transportation system in the city. But as stakeholders, we are committed to doing a greater part to ensure that the residents of the city get a good deal. During the commissioning of the last batch of buses delivered to us (100 of them to be precise), the minister of the FCT promised residents of the city that the situation can only get better; which means that more buses will be added.

The evolvement of the transport situation is, therefore, an on-going thing. These new arrivals will now be deployed to the already existing ones and the short-fall which we experienced will now be reduced.

You mentioned ‘other operators’.

Who are these other operators and what is the AUMTCO’s relationship with these other operators?

We have the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDA) and a number of others who have been issued licenses to operate.

You can see their own buses with their stickers whenever you join commercial buses. However, we must bear in mind that running an efficient transport business is capital-intensive; therefore, it will not be easy for some of these associations to cope. For this reason, they may not have enough buses to ply the existing routes; so, in the end, everything comes back to the AUMTCO. As for the relationship, there is always a forum where we meet to discuss the way forward and how sky-rocketing fares are affecting the average passenger.

In places like Karshi, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji and other far-flung towns in Abuja, AUMTCO buses are almost rare. What is the company doing to take its services to these places?

Kuje has long been on the list, but we just commenced business on the Jikwoyi-Karshi route. We

Akintola

want to go as far Abaji and the rest, because we consider the six area councils of the FCT to be our primary assignment.

Our absence or so from these areas was as a result of the number of buses in our fleet, but, as it stands, with the recent additions, we have commenced business in all those places.

In places like Nasarawa State and environs of Abuja, some buses can be seen carrying the AUMTCO insignia. Did the company lease them out or were they sold off?

You cannot see any of our buses in that axis, for now. All the buses you see plying those routes are owned by individuals who own the buses who must have brought them in from Lagos or anywhere and had that name written on them.

Be that as it may, we are trying to extend our services to Mararaba, because people over there are complaining of our absence. In the light of that, we have reached an agreement with the NURTW to do something about the transport situation in the area. There are, also, plans to spread out beyond the FCT, not just to Mararaba in Nasarawa State, but to other areas, as well.

What precaution is the AUMTCO taking to ensure commuters’ safety, in the light of the security challenges which the country is witnessing presently?

The blasts which occurred in Nyanya on April 14 destroyed about 24 of our buses, so if anyone should be taking precautions, it should be us.

Following that, we have instituted checks in most of our buses, by installing metal detectors. Presently, we are working with the security arm of the FCDA to get bomb detectors

and others aboard our buses. These measures are quite important; that is why they cannot be ignored.

Also, we enjoin commuters to be more vigilant. Do not let other passengers leave their bags in your care or in the bus; you can never tell what they are carrying.

Sometime back, the media was awash with the news that most of the buses lying dormant in your parks had very minor problems, but were discarded because the company would rather sell them off than fix them…

(cuts in) First, we are grappling with keeping up with a credible maintenance culture; not just the AUMTCO, but the country, as well. But, between then and now, we have risen to the situation. Our engineers have been taking care of that angle and most of those buses are back on the road. As for the new buses, the manufacturers have sent their own engineers who will be with our own engineers for the next two years, to help them know everything they need to know about the handling and maintenance of this new fleet.

We are not saying maintenance will be 100 per cent; we are saying that our vehicles can be maintained to an appreciable level.

You can’t come to a place like this and not see vehicles which cannot be fixed right away. But we have to balance both sides, to ensure that the workshop can be free for incoming vehicles to be serviced.

I just want to plead with our customers to be patient with us and our ticket-sellers. We have perfected plans to sell e-tickets, via POS terminals and ATMs. When they do that, they can get tickets they can use for a long time. They can report any reckless driver or rude bus conductor via the phone numbers and e-mails on our buses.

That way, we can serve better.

40 DEFENCE FOCUS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Air Commodore Yusuf Anas Bids NAF Farewell

U

narguably, a new chapter has been opened in the history of the Nigerian Air Force as the officer whose name is synonymous with its face; Commodore Yusuf Anas is retiring from the service he has served meritoriously.

On Monday, it was Anas himself who broke the news to the Defence Correspondents in a solemn programme. Anas is giving way to Air Commodore Dele Alonge.

His tenure as the NAF spokesman was a time when the Force became more relevant to its responsibilities haven been in the moribund because of the prolonged military rule which ironically was everything but doom to the profession.

Anas played prominent roles in the history of NAF especially since the return of the country to Democracy when he first came into the office but he left briefly only to return to the same desk because of his effectiveness and hardworking. And he was always ready to tell the landmark story of the Force to the world through the media, which he regards his constituency.

A few of the successes recorded by the NAF with Anas as its Director of Public Relations and Information included but not limited to the following; aggressive effective and efficient training of aircrew and non-aircrew for the NAF, establishment of Air nautical Engineering Technical Support Services Limited to fast tract aircraft maintenance and assist Nigeria save scare foreign exchange, inter service cooperation and personnel motivation.

Currently, there is NAF aggressive involvement in the on-going counter insurgency operations in the NorthEast. The gallantry dedication of NAF pilots in support of ground troops and other security agencies have been wonderful in the face of daunting challenges. Above all successive administration have always praised democratic governance and is always grateful for democracy that has continued to provide good enabling environment for professionalism.

Finally, the NAF has for quite some time now been blessed with good, focused and sustainable leadership to move the NAF to greater height.

But who is this man that has served the Air Force under the watch of not fewer than six different Chiefs of Air Force from Air Marshal Isaac Alfa to Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, as DOPRI Chief?

Anas was born on 16 October 1960 to the family of Alhaji Anas Mohammed and Hajia Zuwaira at Bindawa, Katsina State. After his early education at L.E.A Primary Schools Kayelwa in Katsina and L.E.A Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna, and proceeded to Sardauna Memorial College, Kaduna from 1974-1979.

He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 27th Regular Course and was commissioned Pilot Officer on 4 July 1982.

Anas attended several military and civil courses. Some of the military courses include junior and senior division courses at the AFCSC, Jaji, Kaduna. Some of the civil courses he attended include Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian In-

defence focus

By BAYO OLADEJI

Amosu

stitute of Journalism, Lagos in 1984 and Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Jos in 1994. He also obtained a Diploma in Public Relations from the Senior International Public Relations Business School, Oxford University London in year 2000. He also obtained a Master of Science Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies (IRSS) from the Benue State University in 2003 and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan in 2010.

He is a fellow of the National Defence College, Abuja. He also holds a Certificate and award from the United States Africa Centre for Strategic Studies on Energy and Security in Africa as well as a certificate of Excellence from United States Department of

PROFILE: Air Commodore Dele Alonge

Alonge

Air Commodore Dele Alonge was born on 08 February 1963 at Okebukun, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of 36 Regular Combatant Course in September 1984.

Alonge has served in various capacities and at all levels. In January 1988 he was posted to 330 NAF Station Jos as the Station Information Officer. By October of the same year, he was posted to HQ Training Command and appointed the CPRO. In July 2000, he was posted back to

HQ NAF Lagos and appointed the Staff Officer1(SO1) Information.

The appointment he held until he was nominated for a United Nations Observer Mission in October 2001.

On completion of his senior course in 2004, he was appointed again as the CPRO at HQ Training Command between November 2004 and July 2007 when he was posted to HQ NAF Abuja and appointed the Deputy Director Of Public Relations and Information (DDOPRI). The appointment he held until he was appointed the Acting Director on 3 July 2014.

Defence.

The outgoing senior officer has served in several units in various capacities. Between 1984 and 1988 he was Staff Officer 2 Information (SO2) at the Headquarters Training Command (HQTC) and also held the secondary appointment of Aide-De-Camp to the Air Offer Commanding (AOC). He also served at the de-established Military Airlift Command, Ibadan from 1988-1990. From 1994-1996 he was the Command Information Officer (CIO) at Headquarters Logistics Command, Lagos where he also doubled as the Military Assistant (MA) to the AOC. Subsequently, he moved to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Lagos as Staff Officer 1 (SO1) from 1996-1997 and moved back to HQ TC Kaduna in 1997 as CIO. Between 1999 and 2002 he was Director, Directorate of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. That was the era of Air Marshals Isaac Alfa and Jonah Wuyep. Thereafter, from 2002-2004, he was at the Headquarters, Tactical Air Command as Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO). Air Cdre Anas also served at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja first as Assistant Director, Administration and then as Deputy Director Defence Information in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

Air Commodore Anas has conducted a BSc research project on “Peace Keeping Operations in Africa: A case study of

Anas

ECOMOG Operations in Liberia” in 1994 and in 2003 also researched on the topic “Conflicts in West Africa: Implications for ECOWAS Development” for his Master Degree dissertation.

He belongs to several national and international professional bodies, among which are Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Member Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(MNIPR), Member Federation of African Public Relations Association(MIPRA) and Member International Public Relations Association (AFPRA). He is decorated with Forces Services Star, Meritorious Service Star and Defence Service Star. He was also a recipient of the BEST MAN OF THE YEAR 2012 for outstanding pursuits and achievements in the field of Public Relations from the Prestigious American Biographical Institute, USA. He loves reading and traveling. He is happily married to Mrs Sadiya Aminu Zayyad and has three children. No doubt, his successor, Alonge was right when he said, he is stepping into a very big shoe and pledged to continue where he has stopped.

Top 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ Chibok Girls Will Be Rescued Soon-Council of State ➋ House in Rowdy Session Over Presidential Powers To Deploy Soldiers ➌ Boko Haram Responsible For 18 Attacks In Two Weeks.

Guest speaker, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, (right) addressing the gathering, at BringBackOurGirls speak out, at Marina Water Front in Lagos.

News north-central 41

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

30,000 Nigerians To Perform Pilgrimage To Jerusalem

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

No fewer than 30,000 Nigerians are to perform this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Israel, even as Niger state Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has admonished those performing the pilgrimages not to see it as jamborees but a way of spiritual upliftment.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Okpara who gave the number of those performing the pilgrimage yesterday while paying a courtesy call on the Governor, maintained that, he has started embarking on sensitization visit to states.

According to him, “pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual upliftment and not a jamboree”, while toeing the line of Governor Aliyu who had warned against seen pilgrimage as a way of jamboree and defection.

The Executive Secretary said

short news World Bank N78m Fund Intact – CISHAN The allegation of disbursement of N78 million World Bank intervention.

Fund to non-existing groups in Kogi state has been debunked.

The allegation was reported in some national dailies and online publications that the 78million Naira World Bank intervention fund was disbursed to nonexisting groups in the state.

At a press conference yesterday in Lokoja, the Chairman of CISHAN, Hamza Aliyu said the publication was not true adding that CISHAN which is the umbrella body of all the NGOs in the state was fully involved in the process put in place by Kogi State Agency

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

that to make the pilgrimage comfortable for the people, the federal government has agreed to pay pilgrims N151 to a dollar exchange rate to reduce the cost for the pilgrims.

Okpara told the governor that 700 slots had been allotted to Niger state for this year’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem adding that efforts were being made to ensure the pilgrims were airlifted to the Holy land from the Minna airport.

Dr Okpara further disclosed that the Federal government had reduced the cost for the performance of the pilgrimages by 9 percent which would make trip to Jerusalem to cost N364,000 while those going to Rome and Greece would pay N454,000.

Aliyu in his remark explained that performance of pilgrimage would strengthen the faith of the pilgrims and make them better people who would contribute more meaningfully to the development of the society.

Niger Assembly Gives Governor Aliyu Approval To Sack Commission The Niger State House of Assembly has approved the request by the Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to remove from office, the chairman and members of the state Local Government Service Commission.

The request for the removal of the commission members was contained in a letter sent by the Governor to the house and read by the Speaker Barrister Adamu Usman at the plenary yesterday.

It was stated in the letter that, the board of the commission was inaugurated on the eighth of March 2011 with five year’s tenure.

According to the Governor’s letter , the chairman of the commission is Barrister Halidu Ibrahim from Kontagora Local Government Area while Justin Magaji from Munya Local Government Area, Alhaji Mahmud Ndatsu from Lapai Local Government Area, Ahmed Abubakar from Chanchaga Local Government Area and Mohammed .F. Kolo from Wushishi Local Government Area were permanent commissioners one, two, three and four respectively.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

short news Kogi To Compensate Land Owners Over 500 Bond Housing Units The Kogi State Government has assured of adequate compensation to those who will lose their land and properties where the 500 Bond Housing Estate will be located in Ganaja and Crusher area of Lokoja.

Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor gave the assurances of the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada to owners of such properties when he inspected the extent of land cleared for the layout that would be handed over to the two contractors that would build the three, two and one bedroom units of bungalows.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

THE Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Kennedy Okpara making a presentation to the governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, during a visit in Government House, Minna.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Police Foil Assassination Attempt In Kogi

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Those on the trail of the life of Hon Abdulaziz Idris King, former member of the House of Representatives and currently the secretary of Okene local government have failed; police quick intervention saved the day.

A strong believer in the ominipotence of Allah, Abdulaziz said, “it took the intervention of our creator for me to be alive again, I came face to face with death”.

The messengers of death, numbering three, he noted,

came into the house around 1.

30 am when they tore down the security gauze of the window, after tying down the guard of the compound of six flats.

“They used rod mutter and grinding stone to break the window iron, the noise which alerted my neighbour in the compound to alert the police from E-division who mobilised others.”

Hon Abdulaziz who said since he declared his interest to vie for House of Representatives seat in 2015, the political tune changed in Okene, stressing fur-

ther that he applied for police protection before the recent attempt on his life.

While advising other politicians in the need to test popularity on the field, Hon Abdulaziz said eliminating people in the name of politics would do the entire community no good, urging individuals to apply courtesy in the game.

Although no arrest has been made so far, the police public relations officer of Kogi command, Mr Emeka Emeh, said efforts are being intensified to bring the culprits to book.

Jerry Gana Explains Inclusion Of Edu State Among Recommended States

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

A Member of the delegate conference, Prof Jerry Gana, has shed more light on the rumour over inclusion of Edu state among the states recommended to be created by the conference.

The Edu state is recommended to be created from the present Nupe speaking areas of Niger state.

Jerry Gana who is the Dan Hasken Nupe and a member at the on-going National Conference said contrary to insinua-

tions the proposed Edu State from the present Niger State is among the 18 new states recommended .

According to him in an interview with journalists in Bida, Niger State, Prof Gana said the proposed state by the Nupes was number 2 on the list of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, July3.

The former Minister of Information said other states were also recommended for creation with Edu State and that it was also recommended that the third

state to be created in the SouthSouth Zone will be named later, along with its state capital.

The Dan Hasken Nupe stressed that it was as well recommended that the new states should be economically viable.

According to him, “this development is in the spirit of reconciliation, justice, equity and fair play as there is need to give every Nigerian, irrespective of their religion, belief, location or ethnic affiliation to give a sense of belonging in the political scheme of affairs.

Kwara To Complete Road Projects By December

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara state government said it would complete all ongoing roads projects across the three senatorial districts of the state by December, this year.

The state’s commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Abubukar Kannike disclosed this in llorin while inspecting some ongoing road projects in llorin, the state capital.

Kannike who described good

road network as one of the indices that aid development said government was making effort to ensure completion of all ongoing projects by December.

He urged the contractors handling the projects to execute them in line with specification and meet the time frame for the completion of work on the projects.

He warned that government would not pay contractors who did shoddy job.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on some of the roads and urged the contractors to sustain the tempo.

He appealed to residents living around construction sites to exercise patience with the government and cooperate with the contractors to ensure that quality works were done .

Some of the road projects inspected by the commissioner included Coca Cola road,

42 news north-East, north-west

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Jigawa Signs MoU For Commercial Flight From Dutse Airport

2014: We’ve Spent Over N1b On Ramadan Packages – Gov Wamakko

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has said that his government has spent no fewer than N1.2billion on this year’s Ramadan packages on the people of the state.

Wamakko, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mallam Sani Umar, yesterday disclosed that the state

government however spent N154.6million on its Ramadan free feeding programme.

He added that the remaining money was spent on the purchase of grains and clothing which has been distributed to individuals as well as civil servants of the state.

Stressing that his administration is doing all that is humanly possible to enhance the living

standards of his people, Wamakko maintained that the welfare of the people of the state is his top most priority.

Wammako said, “The state government is doing everything to ensure that the welfare of the citizens is well catered for. Various agencies of government are given out Ramadan packages to ensure people fast with ease. Remadan feeding centres have been

strengthened and adequately funded for the less privileged in the state to fast with ease”.

Appreciating Islamic preachers and royal fathers for their doggedness in ensuring a peaceful Ramadan preaching since the first day till date, Wamakko urged them to ensure that they use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for both peace and development in the country.

L-R: State Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalist Kaduna, Comrade Dominic Uzu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newstime International Company, Chief Tony Oyatedo and Executive Director, Newstime, Evangelist Charity Gomba, during their press briefing at NUJ secretariat in Kaduna, yesterday. photo

by GBENGA ABIOLA

short news EFCC Arraigns Ex- Taraba Accountant General Over N1.5bn Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday arraigned the former accountgeneral of Taraba State, Joel Joseph Lengbang.

Lengbang is standing trial before Justice Donatus U. Okoronkwo of the Federal High Court, Jalingo, on an eightcount charge bordering on intent to defraud and masterminding the illegal withdrawal of N1.5 billion from the purse of the state government.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Minister Weeps Over Southern Kaduna Killings ByMIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Laraba Mallam yesterday wept at the grave yard of 160 people killed in some villages of Sanga local area of Kaduna State.

The Minister who was on assessment visit to some of the attack villages, described the killing of Women and Children in Sanga as barbaric and vicious.

The minister said the attacks was devastating with little children and women slaughtered.

“When we were growing up, their was no such things. Today, we wakes up and see villagers who are looking for daily bread peacefully are slaughtered on daily basis,”

Mrs Mallam said.

“The people said they know their killers and they mention them.

Government will look at all the issues and provide relieved materials to alleviate the sufferings of the people through the Emergency Agencies.

“There is need for more security in Southern Kaduna. The president is grieved about the situation each time it happened but he can’t be everywhere that is why he sent me to com,” the minister said.

The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Dr. Ephraim Goje told the people of Slattern Kaduna to be vigilant and rise to the occasion of protecting their communities.

While thanking the security agencies, Goje said there was need for more security in the area to support the people to go back to their farms.

“If not, there is a looming danger.

Over 150 houses have been burnt and we have some of the household that survived, NEMA and SEMA should come to their aid. Why is our hospitality been paid this way?

We don’t want the government to pay us back with the number of death we are seen today.

“The President and the Vice president cancel their meeting for a bomb last that killed 22 people in Abuja, why can’t they visit Kaduna South where hundreds of people are been killed,he added.

Gov Dankwambo Seeks Prompt Release of MDGs Fund

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kebbi

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, has called for a prompt release of all approved funds for the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs), saying because the MDGs was a special programme.

The governor who made this call in Gombe, when he received members of the MDGs Qualitative Review Team, recently, said because the programme was a special one that should not be

starved of fund, especially approved ones.

This, he said was due to the consequential implication of not fully funding the office of the MDGs, especially at the national level, which has direct impact on the lives of the rural people.

“I want to add my voice that, this programme is a special one, so that office should not be starved of any fund, because of the consequential implication of having start a project that people desire, and abandoned it in

between the way, so I will plead with federal government that all the 2013 amount that were approved for MDGs are released”.

He maintained.

He also called on the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President (OSSAP) on MDGs, to also ensure that fund belonging to benefitting states and local governments, are appropriately and promptly disbursed to them, so that they can commence implementation of approved projects.

short news Yero Appoints 46 Secretaries For Devt Areas Kaduna State governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has released the appointment of new secretaries for the 46 Development Areas in the state.

The present secretaries of the Development Areas have been appointed since 2004, however, many of the Development Areas are operating without substantive secretaries as some had either retired from service or transferred their service .

It became necessary to recall all the secretaries and appoint new ones as a means of reinvigorating the administrative machinery of the Development Areas, which were created to bring government closer to the grassroots.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

The Jigawa State government yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with airlines and other stakeholders in Nigerian aviation industry for the commencement of commercial flights from Dutse international airport on July 14, this year.

The state commissioner of Land, Urban and Regional Planning, Engr. Habibu Barde, revealed this while briefing newsmen after he had signed the MOU. He said the Jigawa State under Governor Sule Lamido was ever ready to partner with any individual, private company, government and non-governmental organizations for the development of the airport.

Barde added that the state government had spent huge resources in the construction of the fastest airport in Nigeria with aim of boosting agriculture and other commercial activities in the state.

The commissioner, however, revealed that those to partake in signing the MOU were Overland Airline, National Airport Management Authority (NAMA) and Moses Boutique Resources Ltd.

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Boko Haram Activities UnIslamic – Sheikh Bauchi Popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi has hosted Christian leaders and pastors to the breaking of fast at his Kaduna residence in the spirit of the Ramadan, and as part of efforts to foster inter-faith peaceful coexistence.

During the breaking of the fast, the revered Islamic scholar seized the opportunity to call on Nigerians to stop referring to the Boko Haram sect as Islamic jihadists, saying their activities were rather ‘unislamic’.

According to him, the activities of the sect were contrary to the laid-down Islamic teachings both in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith.

The Sheikh asserted that the five pillars of Islam were clear and “nobody can add or subtract from it”.

He also stated that the procedure of Jihad was clearly identified in the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

“Today, we learnt that some people came out, claiming that they are fighting the cause of Allah while they are destroying people who are also following the same Allah. As far as we are concerned, Muslims know the consequence of killing fellow human beings,” he said.

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

43

44 news Lagos Lagos Assembly Demands Probe Of by OLAOLU OLADIPO, OLUGBENGA Tank Farm SOYELE, Lagos

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Rights Activist Lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, Dies At 49

Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, to direct relevant agencies to look into an alleged illegal oil tank farm being operated at 86 Oduduwa Crescent GRA Ikeja.

Chief Whip of the House, Razaq Balogun, had raised the issue under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, saying the illegal tank farm posed danger which should be critically investigated for necessary action.

In his contribution, Rotimi Olowo, representing Shomolu I, said such illegality should not be condoned, adding that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should seal off the premises.

Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II) maintained that the dastardly act called for proactive measures just as he advised residents in the state to be proactive in reporting any suspicious movement.

He demanded that adequate step should be taken to forestall dangers capable of devastating the state.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed that such tank farm was an illegality that called for concern and urgent action.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who presided over the sitting, called on the state governor to wade in to prevent loss of lives and property.

A prominent Lagos-based human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, has died in Lagos at the age of 49.

Though circumstances surrounding his death were sketchy at press time, sources said that the late lawyer was preparing to travel to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for a case when he suddenly developed certain medical challenge in his residence in Lagos.

He was promptly rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUITH) in Ikeja, Lagos, where he was pronounced

dead.

Confirming the development to LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview last night, the President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said, “We have lost him. I was told that he died early this morning, as I am talking to you now, I am in shock.”

An indigene of Ondo State, the late Aturu was born on October 16, 1964 and studied law at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.

But the late Aturu shot into national prominence in 1988 during his passing out parade of

the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) when he refused to shake hands with the then Military Governor of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, having emerged as the He had cited the military as having caused great harm to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians as the reason for his action.

Upon the completion of his mandatory NYSC, Aturu joined other to establish a pressure group, the Democratic Alternative (DA), to pursue what the members termed “deep-rooted democratic principles.”

The late activist was nominated as a member of the ongoing

The late Aturu

National Conference to represent the civil society, but he rejected his membership, arguing that the conference as designed cannot meet the expectation of Nigerians.

short news Court Awards N.2m Against IGP, Others Over Rights Violation

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Party De-registration: Fresh Party Asks NASS To Prevail On INEC Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) has asked the President of the Senate David Mark to prevail on the Independnet National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the judgement of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which declared as illegal the de-registration of the party.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the court had on July 29, 2013, declared the de-registration of 28 political parties in the country by INEC as illegal.

The letter written by the legal adviser of the party, Dr Fred Agbaje, said that the party was worried by the move of the National Assembly to empower INEC to de-register parties that fail to win any election.

The party said, “The current proposed amendments, from all indications, is intended to annihilate political, democratic and constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and promote their interest. Hence, we see the proposed amendment as having great collateral damage to Nigerians.

“If a political party fails to win an election now, what is the guarantee that such a party will not win in subsequent elections?

By Kunle Olasanmi Abuja

Traffic gridlock on Funsho William Avenue, Surulere, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO B Y NAN

Ethnicity, Religion Not Conditions For Lagos Homes – Fashola

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday said ethnicity and religion are not conditions for benefiting from Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS).

Fashola disclosed this at the fifth raffle of Lagos HOMS held at Agidingbi area of the state where 102 new home owners emerged.

He explained that the scheme

“does not in any way discriminate on any grounds. It encompasses the diversity of our country.

From the draw, we can see that applicants from Igbo, Hausa and Delta among others duly participated in the scheme and won in the process.”

He emphasised that the scheme “does not ask religious questions. It does not ask ethnic questions. So, tell those who want to divide us by religion that they will fail. This housing

scheme has further bound us together.”

The governor also said the scheme had not been infected with bribery.

“It is free from bribery and man-know-man syndrome.

Applicants do not have to know any government official at any level to benefit from the scheme.

“I do not know any state in the federation in the country where 200 homes are put in the market every month.

A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, and a chief promoter of CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Ltd, Kelechukwu Mbagwu, to stop violating the fundamental rights of a couple, Uche and Anthonia Nnaji.

The court also ordered the three respondents to pay N200,000 as compensation for illegal infringement on the rights of the couple while mandating the Inspector General of Police (first Respondent) and Lagos State Commissioner of Police (second Respondent) to withdraw immediately, the charge against Anthonia (second applicant) pending at the Magistrate Court, Ikeja.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

LASU, ASUU Sign Agreement To End Trade Dispute

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Lagos State University Authority and the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities [ASUU-LASU] have signed an agreement that would signal the end of the strike embarked upon by the latter in May, 2014.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relation

Officer of the institution, Kayode Sutton.

In an exhaustive meeting which ran into the wee hours of Tuesday, July 8, 2014, the two parties reached a truce and put pen on paper on some of the issues, which led to the strike that partially grounded academic activities in the institution for several weeks.

The university management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa,

and the staff union led by Dr. ‘Kunle Idris, after the deliberations, resolved to sheathe their swords for peace to reign in LASU in the interest of the students and the entire university community. The meeting ended with the parties shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.

The meeting noted that the Lagos State Government had already taken action and the university authorities had effected the down-

ward review of the school fees regime.

However, ASUU-LASU observed that the new school fees regime is still on the high side and advised for a further downward review. The case was, however, rested as far as the strike action was concerned.

Part of the resolutions was that promotion is an ongoing exercise, and any academic staff meriting promotion, shall be so promoted, following established procedures.

45

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NITDA) FEDERAL MININSTRY OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY No. 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2014/2015 Sequel to the NITDEF Scholarship Scheme Aptitude Test conducted on the 11th and 12th June, 2014 at Chamms City, Garki, Abuja, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) hereby calls on the following successful candidates to come for screening exercise.

PhD Candidates: Name Ambore Stephen Mathew Hayatudeen Bello Lawal Abbas Agbo Cornelius Chidubem TebekaemiEniye Yusuf Abayomi

State GOMBE ADAMAWA KADUNA ENUGU BAYELSA OSUN

LGA Akko Yola South Zaria Igbo-Eze South Ekeremor Ilesha East

Region North Central North East North West South East South South South West

M.Sc Candidates Name Abubakar Abdulmuminu Ibrahim Ummi Kaltume Okereke Chinonso Emmanuel Amaraegbeni Chigozie Akujobi Yerima Samson Musa Ahmed Ibrahim Said Samson Imoh Nnamnso Willie Aniebiet Francis Ezeh Ejike ThankGod Ntube Nzube Stephen Ibrahim Muhammad Surajo Ahmed Kabiru Ekubo Ebiemi Allen Edih Peremobowei Elijah Adole Anthony Amodu Igwue Stephen Olibenu Ali Emmanuel Yahi Gana Nuruddeen Abba James Emmanuel Obogo Egbe Egbe Obie Humphrey Otovwe Eze Chika Victor Okpara Dennis Kelechi Okoh Pius Otu Agbonaye Osaru Inwumoh Jude Olutayo Tolulope Esther Adeniyi Joseph Omeke Godwin Kenechi Asogwa Emmanuel Chinedu Bello Habeeb Mohammed Fahid Rabiu Aliyu Kamilah Mohammed Fauzia Abdullahi Ahmad Sani Muhammad Auwal Sagir Muazu Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Abdul-Hadi Sanusi Yar-adua

State FCT FCT ABIA ABIA ADAMAWA ADAMAWA AKWA IBOM AKWA IBOM ANAMBRA ANAMBRA BAUCHI BAUCHI BAYELSA BAYELSA BENUE BENUE BORNO BORNO CROSS RIVER CROSS RIVER DELTA DELTA EBONYI EBONYI EDO EDO EKITI EKITI ENUGU ENUGU JIGAWA JIGAWA KADUNA KADUNA KANO KANO KATSINA KATSINA

LGA Kwali Kwali Bende Umuahia North Hong Yola South ObotAkara IbesikpoAsutan Aguata Nnewi South Katagum Tafawa-Balewa Southern Ijaw Sagbama Oturkpo Oju Chibok Guzamala Bekwara Biase Ethiope East Aniocha North Onicha Afikpo North Egor Etsako East Efon Ikole Igbo-Eze South Nsukka Giwa Ringim Zaria Kaduna North Nasarawa Kano Municipal Katsina Katsina

Tase Michael Umar Faruk Aruwa Mohammed Aminu Umar Ibrahim Enesi Balogun Hamed Olanrewaju Ajiboye Oluwaseyi Emmanuel Tokosi Babajide Edu Jide Samsudeen Abubakar Mustapha Amos Peter Bature Ali Ashiru Ahmed Usman Jamiu Muhammed Olatunji-David Folagbade Joseph Onobote Michael Makinde Mololape Nibaneye Obadun Ahmed Olasunkanmi Adewuyi Anuoluwapo Amarachukwu Owaboye Kayode Kazeem Popoola Saheed Olatunji Akanji Peter Oluwaseyi Kasai Barnabas Nyam Adeh Littbarski Mark Norman-William Belema Emily Luckyn Boma Josiah Matankari Maimuna Tani Mohammed Hafiz Usman Mboli Sechang Julius Adamu Ibrahim Suleiman Musa Bizi Lawan Garba Mohammed Bashir Jibril Rikiji Jafar Lawal

KEBBI KEBBI KOGI KOGI KWARA KWARA LAGOS LAGOS NASARAWA NASARAWA NIGER NIGER OGUN OGUN ONDO ONDO OSUN OSUN OYO OYO PLATEAU PLATEAU RIVERS RIVERS SOKOTO SOKOTO TARABA TARABA YOBE YOBE ZAMFARA ZAMFARA

Zuru Jega Idah Okehi Ifelodun Oyun Lagos Island Epe Doma Lafia Shiroro Kontagora Ijebu East Odogbolu Ondo West Akoko North West Boripe Ejigbo Ibarapa Central Ogbmosho South Jos East Bassa Ogu/Bolo Okrika Illela Sokoto South Sardauna Bali Bade Nguru/Potiskum Shinkafi Gusau

The candidates are expected to come along with original copies of the following documents: i.

Academic Certificates ii.

Certificate of LGA Indigene iii.

Letter from respective State Government confirming State of Origin iv.

Letter of Admission (If any)

The exercise is scheduled to hold as follows: Venue:Conference Room, NITDA Headquarters, #28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja Date: 30th - 31st July, 2014 Time: 10:00 am

Signed Management.

46 NEWS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES

Saturday, August 9

Aregbesola Reiterate Commitment To We’ll Ensure Prompt Payment Of Salaries Improve Health Status Of Osun People Of Workers, Allowances – Omisore

Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola has re-echoed his commitment to improving the health status of the people of Osun State.

Addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who thronged the ancient town of Ede for his re-election campaign rally in Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency, the governor disclosed that his administration has procured no fewer than 100 safe delivery equipment due for distribution to health institutions across the state.

Aregbesola, who gave assurance that he would complete most of the ongoing projects across the state by the end of the year, said he has successfully extended his developmental projects to ev-

ery part of the state.

While enumerating his numerous achievements in the last three and a half years, including road construction, building of modern schools, empowerment of over 2,000 youths among others, Governor Aregbesola urged the electorate to guard their voter cards jealously and desist from selling them to any politician.

On the moribund Cocoa Product Industry at Ede, Aregbesola disclosed that a Chinese firm has been commissioned to revive the industry with the assurance that the factory will go into full operation soon.

He charged the people of Ede federal constituency to come out massively to vote for him on August 9 for the good works to continue.

Aregbesola

Also speaking, the Osun speaker, Hon Folasayo Najeem Salam charged the people of the state not to be intimidated by the presence of security operatives on election day.

Salam said law enforcement agents are not out to intimidate the electorate but to protect them and their votes and ensure a hitch-free and acceptable election.

Exactly a month to the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore has assured of prompt payment of salaries of workers in the service of the state government.

Addressing party supporters in continuation of his door-to-door state wide campaign at Owode, Ede South local government of the state, Omisore said he would also ensure timely payment of allowances of the senior citizens of the state.

Omisore, who said it is wicked for any government to deny retired public servants their dues, noted that they have served the state meritoriously and deserve to be accorded the pride of place in the

scheme of things.

“Teachers, civil servants in the service of Osun State would get their salaries and emoluments as at when due when I become the governor of Osun,” he told the crowd.

Omisore equally assured the people that construction of roads, particularly rural roads will be one of his priorities to facilitate transportation of farm produce to the market.

Also speaking at the rally, PDP acting national secretary, Professor Wale Oladiipo enjoined the electorate not to be intimidated by the presence of security agents on election day, saying they will be on ground to ensure a hitchfree election.

He urged the people to cast their votes for Senator Omisore, who accord-

Omisore

ing to him, is known for his concern for the welfare of the people irrespective of political affiliation or religion.

Oladiipo urged those who have not collected their voter cards to do so as the INEC has said whosoever cannot produce his or her permanent voter card will not be allowed to vote.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Fayose Threatens Rebellious PDP Members In S/West

2015: Adeseun’s Defection ’ll Not Affect APC’s Fortune – Oke

The Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has threatened to deal with any rebellious member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) irrespective of his or her personality.

Speaking at what could be termed a ‘thank-you-rally’ organised for him in Ibadan by the party in the South-West at Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, where all the party’s governorship aspirants in Oyo State gathered to speak about their ambitions, he said the PDP would not hinder anyone willing to leave the party, but warned that it would no longer tolerate any of its members still claiming to be a member and disparaging it, no matter their present or past position.

“The other time I was fighting the party, I left it; I didn’t stay inside to fight it. So, whoever is aggrieved for whatever reason is allowed to leave, but to think you can claim to be in the party and be working against it will be met with stiff sanction; nobody is bigger than the PDP”.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter has said that the exit of the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Adeseun, will not affect its fortune in the 2015 general elections.

The party’s state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, in a statement yesterday, described his exit as the return of a dog to its vomit, saying the party was not perturbed by the defection of Adeseun to the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because “a dirty river would always find the gutters”.

Any discerning mind should con-

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

gratulate the APC for managing Adeseun this far. Here is a man who started his political career with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) before defecting to PDP under which he contested the House of Representatives elections in 2003.

“After spending two terms in the lower legislative chamber, he again found an abode in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where he was given the opportunity of becoming a senator. He is at it again, doing what he knows how to do best, that is, defection at the slightest opportunity.

“While we congratulate the senator for defecting to PDP which he vilified so much and took to the cleaners pri-

or to his defection to ACN ahead of the 2011 general elections, we make bold to say that his exit will further strengthen our great party rather than affect its fortune in the 2015 general elections. It will show Nigerians that some of these politicians see integrity as a non-issue,’’ the party said.

It described Adeseun as a politician who is only answerable to his personal interest, adding that his decision to close ranks with Adebayo Alao-Akala whose reign as a PDP governor between 2007 and 2011 brought serious retrogression to Oyo State was a testimony to the kind of person the senator is.

Ekiti Community Protests Call For Headquarters’ Relocation

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

The people of Igogo Ekiti in Moba local government area of Ekiti State yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest against the agitation by some towns that the headquarters of the newly created Ero local council development area should be relocated from the town.

The people who stormed the State House of Assembly to reg-

ister their displeasure were led by their monarch, Oba Sunday Adewumi, the Obasaoye of Isaoye and Oba Alaaye of Aaye Oja, Oba Moses Bamisaye and Oba Samuel Olatoye.

They contended that the Justice Akin Ajakaye-led Council Creation Committee made the right decision by making Igogo Ekiti the preferred headquarters, contrary to the positions canvassed by the people of Ikun

and Erinmope communities.

The people of Erinmope had last week protested against the siting of the council headquarters in the town, saying that Igogo never requested for the creation of local government.

Oba Adewumi also posited that grades of the traditional rulers was not part of the criteria used by the committee for the selection of the council headquarters.

SHORT NEWS LCDAs: PDP Threatens Legal Action Against EKSHA The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti has warned the State House of Assembly against taking further action on the bill sent to it by Governor Kayode Fayemi for the creation of additional Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs).

Threatening legal action in a letter signed by its legal adviser, Mr Kolapo Kolade, addressed to the speaker, Hon Adewale Omirin, the party said it will be contemptuous for the Assembly to pass the bill intended to create more LCDAs into law, when there is a pending suit in court against such policy.

By Alo Abiola, Ado Ekiti

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Rivers Guber: Group Insists On Riverine Candidate A group, Affirmative Bloc for Credible Democracy (ABCD), has called on the people of Rivers State to be vigilant and ensure that the next governor comes from the riverine part of the state.

This, the group believes, is the only way to guarantee justice and equity in Rivers State.

ABCD also advised the supervising minister for education, Nyesom Wike, to forget about running for Rivers State governor. It argued that a Wike candidacy would mean 16 years of back-to-back Ikwerre governors and an Upland hegemony of 24 unbroken years in power in Rivers State, a situation that is unacceptable to the riverine part of the state.

In a statement signed by Alatubo Harry, the group said Wike’s ambition is against public good and harmony in the state.

The statement said the people want a governor from the riverine area, adding that protest votes against the PDP in the gubernatorial election in favour of a riverine candidate will become inevitable.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

news south-South south-East 47

PDP Plans To Declare State Of Emergency In Edo – Speaker

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, yesterday raised the alarm that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the police had perfected plans to ensure that a state of emergency is declared in Edo State.

He, however, warned that the people of the state would not be intimidated by “the Federal Might as being boasted by the PDP godfathers and leaders”, just as he called on the police to stop the blockade of the Benin City Cen-

tre in the interest of the people of the state, saying that the situation has inflicted pains on road users and businessmen in the state.

Uyi Igbe, who was addressing newsmen, lamented that the suspended lawmakers and the leadership of the PDP are using the police to “perpetrate illegalities in the state,” warning that the 15 APC lawmakers will continue to obey the rule of law in the interest of the state.

He said, “These same policemen actively disrupted the renovation work currently going on at

the House of Assembly Complex and in the process sprayed teargas and/or other noxious chemicals on the speaker and other members of the House. It is instructive that in their arrogance and boastful manner, these renegade PDP legislators, actively supported rather unfortunately by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force have been cheered on by the PDP leaders and godfathers who have openly boasted of their federal might and presidential connections.

“As legitimate representatives

of the people of Edo State, as responsible lawmakers, and as peace loving citizens, we have no wish to see our state turned into a battle field where the PDP and their agents seek to gain by force, intimidation and threats the political victory they couldn’t secure in open, free and fair electoral contests conducted serially over the past seven years across Edo State.

“We wholeheartedly condemn the continuing display of naked aggression and power show by those who believe that they control the organs of state power.”

short news Alleged N169m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Delta Scholarship Board Scribe

SMEs Operators Get N200m Loans In Edo

The Edo State government has disbursed over N200million to small and medium scale business operators under the Edo State Government and Bank of Industry Loan Scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises since 2009.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state commissioner for commerce and industry, Mr Macdonald Obasuke, while issuing out over N45million cheques to beneficiaries. He explained that the scheme, jointly financed by the state government which contributed N250million and the Bank of Industry N250million, was part of the efforts of the state government to assist small and medium scale entrepreneurs in the state due to the high interest rates of banks.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Missing MASSOB Members: Police Confirm Location The Imo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the whereabouts of the 26 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who were arrested last weekend by soldiers in Owerri for wearing the Biafran uniform.

The state commissioner of police, AbdulMajid Ali, who briefed newsmen in his office, said that the 26 arrested members were charged to court yesterday and are presently cooling off at the Okigwe prison.

The state police public relations officer, Mr Andrew Enwerem had earlier denied knowledge of the whereabouts of the arrested MASSOB members.

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, Acting DirectorGeneral, National Pension Commission, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu and Chairman, Senate Committee on PenCom, Sen Aloysius Etuk, at the 10th anniversary of the Pension Reform In Nigeria in Abuja. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Delta Guber: More PDP Leaders Support Olejeme

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Asaba

More Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and faithful in Delta South and North Senatorial Districts of Delta State have thrown their weight behind the governorship ambition of the executive chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Juliet Olejeme.

Chairman of PDP, Burutu local government of Delta State, Deacon Ogeibiri Kenneth told the leadership of the Olejeme Van-

guard led by Ms Mirabelle Michael, personal assistant to Dr Olejeme, during a sensitisation tour of Burutu LG, that the local government PDP Exco will support her governorship dream because of her philanthropic gestures to the less privileged.

Deacon Kenneth said, “Dr Olejeme means many things to many people but for those of us in Burutu, she means transparent service to us; although we have many governorship aspirants in the contest, but Dr Olejeme stands out because

of her philanthropic disposition”.

Speaking at Patani, headquarters of Patani local government council of Delta State, chairman of PDP in Patani, Hon Omoniyi Godbless, said the PDP family is one and whoever emerges after the primary will be projected as the candidate of the party.

He said, “While we want to assure you of our support and prayers in making sure that your dream comes to reality, Patani as an LGA will do all it can to support your governorship aspiration”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former executive secretary, Delta State Scholarship Board, Mr Peter Anronamoh and the chief accountant, Eloho Otiede, before Justice Christopher Emifoniye of the state High Court in Asaba, on a five-count charge bordering on stealing and conspiracy.

Anronamoh, according to reports, was alleged to have abused his office by approving the sum of N36million above his official approval limit of N1million.

Otiede on his part was alleged to have fraudulently paid bursaries to ghost students and diverted sums of money into his personal account.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Review List Of New States To Be Created, MOSOP Urges Confab

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned the omission of Bori State from the list of new states to be created as recommended by the ongoing National Conference, and urged the leadership of the conference to review the list to include

Bori State.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, president of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, stated that the apex Ogoni socio-cultural organisation said it considered the development as “unacceptably inconsiderate and a biased approach by the majority and the privileged to perpetually consign the voiceless and

minority Ogoni under the suffocating squeeze of majoritarian vampires.”

Pyagbara said; “We are appalled by the development. MOSOP is aware that Bori State met all the requirements handed down by the Confab and had been listed initially, only to be de-listed afterwards in questionable circumstances.

Over 70% of the recommended

states are not viable and would as usual depend on resources from the Ogoni region for survival.

“With abundant mineral and other resources, Bori State in all ramifications stand a better chance of thriving and surviving than the ones considered. We thus passionately call on the Confab to rescind its decision and enlist Bori State.

48 news NATIONAL

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Police Insist On Ban On Issuance Of Firearm Licences

Impeachment: I Didn’t Meet Nyako Over Successor – Ex-UBEC Boss

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday insisted that the ban placed on the issuance of fresh licence for procurement of firearms in the country was still in force.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba, made the clarification in a chat with LEADERSHIP where he said the force imposed the ban following observed widespread proliferation of firearms.

Mba stated that in furtherance of the subsisting embargo, the Force has not, and does not intend to issue permits to any person, group of persons, organization or agency of any state government for the procurement or purpose of bearing firearms till after the 2015 general elections.

By George Agba, Abuja

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja and Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

Aregbesola’s Programmes Producing Results – Oyedepo The general overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, yesterday said the infrastructural renewal, particularly the education revolution in Osun State deserved global applause.

Oyedepo gave his assessment in Osogbo when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The cleric noted that any governance that was producing results and affecting the lives of vast majority of the people must be deeply appreciated.

The bishop strongly appealed to stakeholders to always be at the vanguard of peaceful coexistence, noting that there was nothing like living in peace, working peace and promoting peace.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Death Penalty: Lawyers Without Border To Engage NASS In Lawyers under the auspices of Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, France said there moves to engage members of the National Assembly for them to enact a law abolishing death penalty as capital punishment in Nigeria.

Ms Angela Uwandu, head of ASF France in Nigeria, who made this known at the fourth and final phase of association’s practical workshop for judicial stakeholders in Abuja, said that the reason for them to engage legislators was because death penalty has never served as a deterrent to crimes in Nigeria, that other options should be considered.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

The former executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Dr Mohammed Modibbo, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he held a meeting with Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako, to discuss who succeeds the embattled governor by the time he had been

impeached.

Modibbo is one of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State.

The former UBEC boss, who insisted that he had never related with Nyako since the governor left PDP for the All Progressives Congress(APC) noted that, while he remained a bonafide member of

the PDP, there was no way he would have met Nyako under any guise.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his counsel, Mr Sulaiman Usman, Modiboo maintained that the rumour that he allegedly met with Nyako was the handiwork of those trying to pull him down politically.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP noted: “There was a baseless report that our client had

a private meeting with Governor Murtala Nyako and struck a deal for Nyako to support our client in the race to succeed him. The said news item depicted our client as someone who is not a loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but a mole in the party who is placed to work against the interest of the party he laboured to build for many years.

short news Insecurity In Nigeria Is Spreading Gradually – Sokoto CP Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Gambo, said yesterday that the insecurity that started from north-eastern part of Nigeria some years ago was gradually but steadily spreading to other parts of the country.

The CP, who decried that terrorists now masquerade L-R: Newly Appointed Minister of Science and Technology, Abdul Bulama, Minister of Niger Delta, Stephen Oru, Minister of State for as cattle rearers Works, Adedayo Adeyeye and Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, during their oath taking of office as ministers, at the to kill, maim and wreak havoc Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.. in Nigeria, also warned that Nigerians have to take certain alize that the most important re- teachers, administrative personBy abubakar salihi, Kano measures to keep source is its young patriotic men nel and corporate security guards them away.

The United States Ambassador and women.I believe the ways to among others in order to revitalGambo, who to Nigeria, Mr James Entwhis- help the youth is education and ize the service. spoke during tle, has commended Governor employment.” an interactive Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, of Kano Entwhistle congratulated Kano To Ensure Literacy For meeting with State for his empowerment pro- the newly recruited workers and All By 2015 proprietors, grammes in the state . praised the state government for Meanwhile, Kano State goverprincipals as well Entwhistle made the remark giving them the unique opportu- nor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has said as management of during the presentation of let- nity to be useful to themselves that his administration was comschools in Sokoto ters of appointment into the Kano and to the larger society. He also mitted to ensuring that all the State On How Best State civil service to 1,000 youths pledged his country’s support to adults in the state became literTo Improve at the Kano Government House Kano State government in its fight ate before the expiration of his Security In School on Tuesday. against HIV/AIDS, Polio and drug tenure in 2015. and Colleges, “ said He stated that when he was in abuse.

He stated this while presentthat Nigerians the US, before becoming an amIn his speech, governor Rabi’u ing 11 cars and 50 motorcycles to must ensure that bassador, he used “to assume Musa Kwankwaso revealed that zonal and area officers under the the country was that Nigeria’s most important within the last three years, the state’s mass literacy campaign safe for all. resource was fuel but on arriv- state government engaged 8,000 programme at the Government

By Ankeli al in the country, he came to re- indigenes into its civil service as House, Kano yesterday.

Emmanuel, Sokoto

US Envoy Hails Kwankwaso Over Strides In Human Development

Jonathan, Nigeria’s Number One Enemy – APC

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described President Goodluck Jonathan, as Nigeria’s number one enemy because of his propensity to perpetrate impunity, abuse federal institutions and tolerate corruption, all in a clamour to win re-election at all costs.

In a statement issued in Osogbo yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,

the APC said under Jonathan’s watch, Nigeria has been thrown into unprecedented crisis that was manifesting in the opposition strongholds of Rivers, Edo, Adamawa and Nasarawa States and elsewhere across the country.

The statement stated further that the President has also abused national institutions perhaps more than any other president in Nigeria’s history, deploying the police and the army to intimidate and harass ordi-

nary citizens in general and opposition supporters in particular, as he did recently in Ekiti and allegedly planning to do in Osun State. ‘’Under President Jonathan, there is no longer the need to make any electoral promises or carry out people-oriented and quality of life projects. Just distribute bags of rice, expired or not, to a people already famished by a clueless federal government, and tuck in a few naira notes into the pockets of electorates

who have been deliberately impoverished. This is a clear subversion of democracy. ‘’It is also clear now what happened to the 20billion-dollar oil money that went missing, as well as the reason behind the massive oil subsidy fraud, the Malabo multi-billion dollar fraud, the pension scam, and finally why the President, whose body language does not abhor corruption, has redefined stealing as anything but corruption,’’ APC said.

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 49

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

FRSC Moves To Ensure Child Safety In Road Crashes

BY Ejike Ejike

In a bid to ensure the safety of children in road crashes, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formed a joint committee with the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) that is aimed at ensuring safer road environment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee at the FRSC headquarters in Abuja, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka said, “we have always maintained that ensuring safety on our roads is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders who must commit to the success of safer roads and fuller live campaign.

“Child safety is one area of roads safety campaign that has not been given prominence by some of our stakeholders. But if one considers the rate and vulnerability of children in cases of road traffic crashes, the need to shift public attention to that area with a view to creating the necessary attention cannot be overemphasised.”

He, however, noted that the inauguration of the committee was another positive step towards achieving the target of the United Nations’ Amalgamated Union of the Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Service Employee, AUPCTRE, Decade of Action for Road Safety: 2011-2020, protesting over the non-payment of their allowances by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, which places great emphasis on partnership with in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE relevant stakeholders.

Chidoka said, “the collaboration with the NSE will promote adequate preventive measures to prevent road traffic crashes because they don’t just happen but are caused and since their causative factors are well known, it means they can be prevented if adequate preventive measures are taken.”

Reps: N271bn FCT Budget Scales Second Reading

JTF Punctures Tyres Of Over 100 Cars In Garki

By Igho Oyoyo

The combined force of security personnel yesterday stormed Area 10 shopping complex and punctured the tyres of over 100 vehicles parked indiscriminately along the road by their owners.

When LEADERSHIP visited the area, it was discovered that the combined security personnel which carried out the operation consisted of the Nigeria Army, Police, Civil Defence, amongst others.

According to an eye witness, Zack Mohammed, JTF numbering over 20 stormed the area at about 10 am, without asking questions and went straight to cars that were parked along the road and started puncturing the tyres with small knives.

He said, “they did not even bother to ask for the owners of the vehicles on arrival, they just started stabbing the tyres of the vehicles with their military knives. Each tyre was stabbed up to three times.”

One of the affected car owners, Mr Humphrey Okon, lamented that he left his car for the car wash operators, only to find out that his tyres were among those that were punctured, when he returned.

“This is really painful because people have been parking here for a long time, but if the government wants to control the indiscriminate parking as a result of the security state of the country, they should have announced it or even put ‘no parking’ signs by the roadside to warn people not just to come and puncture tyres of innocent people,” he said.

Another affected car owner, Miss Lisa Sunday, said that she went inside the complex to print her wedding cards, but came out to find that her two tyres had been punctured, saying that she noticed that over 20 cars parked before her own were also punctured even before she got to her car.

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading the 2014 budget estimates of N271 billion for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a breakdown of the proposed FCT budget, N49, 200, 944, 858, is for personnel costs and N62, 891, 521, 857, is for overhead costs while the balance of N159, 032, 636, 920, is for capital projects for the financial year commencing from January 1 and ending on December

31, 2014.

Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Hon Emmanuel Jime (Benue/ APC), said no new project was introduced in the 2014 budget.

He, however, informed the House that there were some ongoing projects the FCT administration planned to complete before the year end.

The bill was referred to the committees on the FCT, FCT area council and Finance for further legislative work.

Also, the 2014 budget estimates of N322 billion for the Niger Delta

Development Commission (NDDC) scaled second reading.

A breakdown of the proposed NDDC budget shows N15, 080, 730, 000. 00, is for personnel costs, N10, 186, 820, 000.00, is for overhead expenditure and N2, 281, 280, 000.00, is for capital expenditure while N295, 051, 170, 000.00 only, is for development projects for service of the NDDC for the fiscal year commencing on April 1, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2014.

The House Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor (Delta/ PDP) in his contribution

during debates warned the NDDC against abandoned projects. He urged effective oversight of the NDDC by the supervisory house committee.

In another, Hon. Dakuku Peterside (Rivers/APC) accused the NDDC of lopsided distribution of projects in Rivers State.

The lawmaker accused the NDDC of siting 75 per cent of developmental projects in one local government area of the state. According to him, the local government in question accounts for only five per cent of the crude oil produced from Rivers State.

N143m Bus Donation: NUJ Absolves Minister Of Blame

By Nkeci Isaac

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has absolved the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed of any blame regardingthe donation of 22 buses valued at N143m to the Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently.

Recall that the Council recently issued a statement asking the minister to explain an issue that borders on donation of buses to the Bauchi State chapter of the

PDP about a fortnight ago.

The union has, however, absolved the minister of any wrong doing after investigations into the matter, saying that the buses were presented by people close to the minister.

This was disclosed by the Abuja council chairman of the union, Comrade Chucks Ehirim, when he presented a membership card to the minister in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, yesterday.

He said, “In this country, some people can even go to the extent

of printing posters or purchasing aspiration forms for those they feel should contest elective positions and our investigation proved just like the Minister explained to us that those donation did come directly from him.

“Having found out the truth we want to use this occasion to make it public that we took our first action based on our professional calling that even if he is one of us, if we felt that certain actions taken were not in conformity with what we believe, we

would still ask questions. Thus, we are calling on other professional bodies in the country to borrow a leaf from the NUJ.” Responding, the minister thanked the union for always being on the upright side and admonished the media to continue to uphold objectivism to make our society better.

He maintained that the membership card is very dear to him, as it has re-connected him with his umbilical cord; saying that journalism is his launching pad.

50 feature

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Road Safety: FRSC And Its Conquest Of Africa In carrying out its statutory responsibility of providing safer roads for the people, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has over the years demonstrated its uniqueness among other government agencies. In this report, Ejike Ejike writes on how the FRSC is conquering Africa despite the prevailing challenges.

A

“The world over, our tracking device in our monitoring room will stand out as one of the best.”

n adage in Africa says that a beautiful bride has no hiding place.

This has become the position of the FRSC in recent times as different countries in Africa have been coming to borrow a leaf from the vast knowledge of the commission. Countries like the United States of America, where Nigeria’s drivers’ licence is accepted in some states; Sierra Leone, where some officials of the FRSC are currently training their Sierra Leonean counterparts on safety tips are just a few countries where the commission has extended its tentacles in its efforts at ensuring safety for all.

The latest among these countries is Ghana, which recently sent a high-powered delegation, comprising the executive director, National Road Safety Commission, Ghana, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboa, who led a team of 10 officials to the commission’s headquarters to understudy some of the innovations that have helped the FRSC record success in the reduction of road crashes in recent times.

The itinerary of the delegates included a tour of the FRSC Gwagwalada number plate production plant, the FRSC print farm, the FRSC Zebra post to observe how patrol operations are carried out, and a visit to the International Road Safety Federal (IRF) Congress.

Welcoming the delegates and other stakeholders to the event, the corps marshal and chief executive of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka who was represented by his deputy, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that, “The world over, our tracking device in our monitoring room will stand out as one of the best.”

After setting the tone for the interactive session, the delegates were led to the corps’ Call Centre, where they were shown how the corps utilises the tools of information technology to manage its daily operational and administrative activities. Assistant Corps Marshal Janet Adepegba, the special assistant to the corps marshal who is in charge of the Information Technology Centre said, “Since this centre was commissioned in December 2008, FRSC’s operations have improved tremendously both in terms of rescue and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. And most of the things that were done manually before are now being handled electronically,” she stated.

“Before now, whenever a road traffic crash occurred, the reporter had to travel to the nearest command to report the incident to the commanding officer before rescue operations could be organised. But with the use of the tracking system

Chidoka

and toll-free emergency, such report can now be made directly to the centre from where the nearest patrol teams could be mobilised to the scene for prompt response. ” she further stated.

Also, the delegates were taken through a presentation by the head of Planning Advisory Unit (PAU), Corps Commander Clement Oladele, on the driver’s licence and number plate regime. The presentation dwelt on the nexus between campaign for the reduction of road traffic crashes and credible licensing system. He featured the measures that have been put in place to restore the integrity of the licensing system and make the road safer for all users.

Obiri-Yeboa, while addressing the press at the FRSC headquarters, stated that after the tour of the FRSC facilities by President John Mahama of Ghana, during his visit to the FRSC headquarters recently, the president decided that it would be in the best interest of his country to collaborate with the FRSC on safety tips.

She stated that from what she had observed from the FRSC facilities and other presentations made, the National Road Safety Commission of Ghana will be improved upon, as some changes will need to be made to ensure the harmonisation of some of the functions carried out by other safety agencies in her country as it is obtained in the FRSC. Speaking to LEADERSHIP in his office, Chidoka revealed that the FRSC has been able to record so much success because it can boast of the best tracking device that is capable of tracing a crash scene within a few minutes of the accident with the help of the officers in the monitoring unit. He also stated that his role as the president of the West Africa Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) has helped in the different collaborations of the FRSC with other safety agencies in Africa and the entire world, as the target of WARSO is to ensure regional integration and reduction in road crashes.

51

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

world

news ➋

➐ ➌ ➎

➍

➊

➏

➎ China’s President Urges ‘Respect’ As Kerry Visits

Confrontation between China and the United States would be a disaster and both must respect each others’ sovereignty, Chinese President Xi Jinping said as he opened annual talks between the world’s two biggest

economies.

The two-day talks being led

by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is likely to take in China’s currency and North Korea’s nuclear programme.

A UN tribunal has awarded Bangladesh nearly four-fifths of an area sprawling over 25,000 sq km in the Bay of Bengal, ending a three-decade old dispute over a sea border with India, officials of both countries

have said.

The verdict, binding on both countries, opens the way for Bangladesh to explore for oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal, the site of important energy reserves.

Russia has charged a female Ukrainian army pilot with complicity to murder two Russian journalists.

Nadiya Savchenko, 33, was reportedly fighting in a volunteer battalion against

pro-Russian separatists near Luhansk in east Ukraine.

Last month she took part in an attack on a rebel checkpoint where two Russian TV journalists were fatally wounded.

➋ Snowden Seeks To ➊North Korea ‘Fires More Projectiles Into Sea’ Extend Stay In Russia North Korea has launched two projectiles into the sea off its east coast, in an apparent continuation of a recent series of missile and artillery test launches, South Korean has said.

“North Korea fired two shortrange missiles presumed to be Scud-type ones ... from a site in Hwanghae province in a northeasterly direction,” South Korean spokesman Um Hyosik was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.

US whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to extend his stay in Russia, his lawyer has said.

Anatoly Kucherena told the AP news agency on Wednesday that Snowden applied to Russia’s migration authorities “a long time ago”.

His one-year permit will expire at the end of July.

Kucherena refused to say what kind of migration status Snowden was seeking, and said it was up to authorities to make the decision.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

➏ Bangladesh Wins Sea Border Dispute With India

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 Dozens Of Blindfolded ➍ Deadly Storms Rip Bodies Found In Iraq

Through Eastern US

Iraqi security forces have found 53 corpses, blindfolded and handcuffed, in a town south of Baghdad. Officials said that the bodies had been left in the mainly Shia Muslim village of Khamissiya yesterday, about 25km southeast of the city of Hilla, near the main highway running from the capital to the southern provinces.

A wave of thunderstorms with powerful winds in northern New York have killed at least four and left more than 70,000 people without electricity.

Four residents of the rural town of Smithfield were found dead after several homes were destroyed by the fast-moving storms.

➐ Ukraine Conflict:

Female Pilot Charged Over Journalists’ Deaths

52 WORLD NEWS/business

Thursday, July 10, 2014

BANKING Vatican Overhauls Scandal-hit Bank His successor, Mr de Franssu, said he saw it as a mission to “continue the efforts of transparency”.

The Vatican’s new economic affairs department will be headed

by Cardinal George Pell, who will oversee all the Vatican’s financial dealings and will report directly to the Pope. He was called to Rome as a result of a year-long attempt to clean up the Vatican’s accounts.

“Our ambition is to become something of a model for financial L-R: New head of Vatican bank Mr de Franssu and Vatican’s new economic management rather than cause for occasional scandal,” said Cardinal czar, Cardinal Pell.

Pell, the former head of the Catholic The entire senior management give up its investment activities to Church in Australia. team of the Vatican bank is to focus on serving religious orders The bank’s profits fell last year be replaced as part of extensive and charities. to 2.9m euros from 86.6m euros reforms of the Catholic Church’s Ernst von Freyberg was in 2012. central government.

Its precarious financial situation appointed by former Pope Benedict Pope Francis has sought to stamp just before his retirement in was revealed by the simultaneous out corruption and other abuses February 2013 after allegations publication in Rome of balance at the bank, which handles the were made that the Vatican bank sheets for 2013 of the Holy See, of Church’s funds. had been used by money launderers. the Vatican City state, a separate French financier Jean-Baptiste de However, attempts to create a entity, and of the Vatican bank, Franssu will take over as head of the more transparent banking system known officially as the Institute for for the Catholic Church will Religious Works (IOR). bank from Ernst von Freyberg.

The bank will also eventually continue under new management.

—BBC

Wall Street Gains Modestly After Two-day Selloff

Winner

of the day

➔ Bentley The luxury carmaker is on course for record sales in 2014 after a 23% increase in deliveries in the first half of the year.

LOSer

of the day

➔Ray Nagin The former New Orleans Mayor has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for bribery, money laundering and other corruption charges.

US stocks rose modestly yesterday, partially rebounding from a sharp two-day decline after an early read on earnings came in ahead of expectations.

Alcoa Inc (AA.N) was one of the S&P 500’s biggest advancers, up 3.6 percent to $15.38 a day after reporting adjusted second-quarter earnings and revenue that topped forecasts.

While the former Dow component is not considered a market-moving industry bellwether, the aluminum maker is sometimes viewed as setting the tone for the season by dint of being one of the first high-profile names out of the gate with its earnings.

Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) will report on Friday,

while the earnings reports of dozens of closely watched companies, including Dow components, will be released next week.

The S&P 500 is coming off its biggest two-day slump since mid-May, with small-cap and Internet names among the biggest decliners. With Wednesday’s advance, the S&P is 0.8 percent away from a record close hit last week.

“The market was encouraged by Alcoa, especially since we were arguably oversold in the very short term,” said Steve Sosnick, equity-risk manager at Timber Hill/Interactive Brokers Group in Greenwich, Connecticut.

“However, it’s hard to predict big moves ahead of all the news coming out next week, and there’s no reason to suspect we couldn’t pull back further.”

The profits of S&P 500 companies are seen growing 6.2 percent in the second quarter, according to Thomson Reuters data, down from 8.4 percent forecast at the start of April. Revenue is seen up 3 percent. Analysts are looking to the latest earnings for confirmation that the economy recovered in the second quarter from the impact of a harsh winter.

—Reuters

Reforms Shake Up Mexico Telecoms Giant Mexican telecoms reforms are forcing the break-up of billionaire Carlos Slim’s America Movil empire, Latin America’s biggest telecoms company.

Mr Slim, one of the world’s richest men, says he will bring America Movil’s market share below 50%.

Its Telmex fixed line subsidiary has 80% of the Mexican market and its mobile Telcel operation 70%.

The reforms would make America Movil in its present form a dominant player, subject to strict new rules.

They would include being forced to share infrastructure with rivals such as Spain’s Telefonica.

In a move aimed at avoiding this, it will present its restructuring to the country’s new telecoms watchdog, the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT).

The much-delayed legislation reforming telecoms and broadcasting is expected to

get final approval from Congress this week.

It was introduced by President Enrique Pena Nieto, who took office 20 months ago promising to boost competition in the Mexican economy.

The new rules will also affect Televisa, the world’s biggest provider of Spanishlanguage content, which has more than 60% of the free-to-air TV market.

Although America Movil has not yet said what it would sell off in order to reduce its market share, it has said it will split its infrastructure business and cellphone towers away from Telcel into a separate business.

Mexico’s Transport and Communications Ministry said in a statement: “This decision could transform competition in the telecommunications sector, with improved quality and better prices for services to end users.”

—BBC

Palestinians standing atop the rubble of a house which police said was destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, yesterday.

PALESTINIAN CRISIS Death Toll Mounts In Gaza Israeli air strikes shook Gaza every few minutes on Wednesday, and militants kept up rocket fire at Israel’s heartland in intensifying warfare that Palestinian officials said has killed at least 38 people in the Hamas-dominated enclave.

Missiles from the Iron Dome defense system shot into the sky to intercept rockets launched, for the second straight day, at Tel Aviv, the country’s commercial capital.

With cries of ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is great), Palestinians in Gaza cheered as rockets streaked overhead toward Israel, in attacks that could provide a popularity boost for Islamist Hamas, whose rift with neighboring Egypt’s militarybacked government has deepened

economic hardship.

Other communities near Tel Aviv in central Israel and in the south, closer to Gaza, were also targeted. In the longest-range attack since Tuesday, when Israel stepped up its offensive, a rocket hit near Zichron Yaakov, a town 115 kilometers (70 miles) north of Gaza.

No serious Israeli fatalities or serious injuries were reported and Israeli news reports hailed as heroes the military crews of the Iron Dome batteries, which are made in Israel and partly funded by the United States. The military said 48 rockets struck Israel on Wednesday, and Iron Dome intercepted 14 others.

—Reuters

TERROR: France Proposes Anti-terrorist Travel Bans The French government has proposed six-month travel bans to stop citizens travelling to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamist militants.

A new offence of creating an “individual terrorist enterprise”, designed to counter the threat of “lone wolves”, would also be established.

Government officials say that two or three young Muslims leave France every day to join Islamist groups abroad.

There are fears they will eventually pose a threat to France itself.

A French citizen arrested for the killing of four people at the Brussels Jewish Museum in May, Mehdi Nemmouche, had returned from Syria, after being

radicalised in prison.

Another French-born jihadist, Mohamed Merah, killed seven people in Toulouse in 2012 before being shot by police. His victims were three paratroopers as well as three children and a teacher at a Jewish school.

EU counter-terrorism coordinator Gille de Kerchove announced on Tuesday that interior ministers from nine countries had adopted an action plan to identify people travelling to Syria and stop them falling into terrorism on their return.

The countries that signed up to the plan are Belgium, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.

—

Sri Lanka Bans NGO News Conferences Sri Lanka has banned civil activist groups from holding news conferences and training for journalists, with the organisations rejecting the move as unconstitutional.

JC Weliamuna, a lawyer from the Civil Society Collective, an umbrella organisation, said on Wednesday that the defence ministry’s order was “absolutely unconstitutional” and violated the public’s rights of freedom of association and expression.

He called it a “continuation of threats on civil society.”

A defence and urban development ministry notice dated July 1 ordered nongovernmental organisations to desist from conducting “press conferences, work-

shops, training for journalists and dissemination of press releases,” saying such acts are “unauthorised” and “beyond their mandate.”

Groups received the notice on Monday, and the Associated Press news agency saw it on Wednesday.

Weliamuna told reporters that the directive was not based on any legal provision.

“This is a directive of some public servant and no one is bound by this,” he said.

Sudarshana Gunawardana, also from the collective, said, “We reject this announcement. It’s an illegal document made going beyond the mandate and hence we challenge it.”

—Al Jazeera

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

53

DAY

Top 5 Left-backs

29

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Argentina Book Final Place, Edge Netherland 4-2

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Alejandro Sabella

After 120 minutes of play, Lionel Messi inspired Argentina and Arjen Robben inspired Netherland failed to score, dragging the semi-final match into penalty kicks.

The match was characterized by anxiety from both teams as several attempts were made at goal.

Argentina’s game showed clearly that

Angel Di Maria was being missed as Messi provided several crossings that were not converted.

Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Garay, Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodríguez scored for Argentina.

Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt scored for Netherland while two shots were stopped

by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero who turned out to be the man of the match.

Daley Blind

Yesterday’s results Netherland 2-4 Argentina

Today’s Matches

Marcos Rojo

• Rest Day

Tomorrow’s Match • Rest Day

Ricardo Rodriguez

Top 5 Leftbacks • 1) Daley Blind (Holland) The 24-year-old currently starring as part of the impressive new era of young Dutch players, Blind has spent his entire career with his native Ajax – who he joined as an eight-year-old.

• 2) Marcos Rojo (Argentina) The 24-year-old Argentine has been hugely impressive for his country in recent times, playing as either a full-back or a centreback.

• 3) Ricardo Rodriguez (Switzerland He may not have had the best World Cup ,this 21-year-old fullback looks like a hugely exciting prospect.

• 4) Luke Shaw (England • 5) Fabio Coentrao (Portugal)

Lionel Messi of Argentina controls the ball against Arjen Robben of the Netherlands

W/Cup Fallout: FIFA Suspends Nigeria

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The FIFA Emergency Committee yesterday suspended Nigeria from its activities immediate effect, on account of government interference.

This was contained in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Sports, in which the emergency committee quoted Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes which obliges member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.

“The decision follows a letter sent

by FIFA to the NFF on July 4, 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date

for such a hearing. The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on July 5, 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes,” it stated.

It went on to explain that the suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.

Luke Shaw

Brazil Stars Struggle To Explain Shock Scoreline Brazil’s stunned football stars struggled to explain one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history after they lost their semi-final 7-1 to Germany on Tuesday.

“It is difficult to explain the inexplicable,” said 34-year-old goalkeeper Julio Cesar after the record

defeat.

“We had the worst game of our lives and Germany the best of their lives,” added stand-in captain David Luiz who was at the centre of the defence that crumbled.

“Until now everything had gone very well. We had been very strong. It is so

unexpected,” said Cesar. “Now we need to return home and be comforted by our families.”

After Thomas Muller’s 11th minute opener, Germany sealed their passage to an eighth World Cup Final with a stunning four-goal spree in six minutes just before the half hour .mark.

Fabio Coentrao

sports 55

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Alcantara Will Be Out For A While – Sammer

Brazil fans crying after Germany defeat. They will be looking forward to winning the third place match as a consolation

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has admitted that, while Thiago Alcantara’s knee operation went well, “it will take him a while to return”.

The Spain international was ruled out of this summer’s World Cup after suffering medial ligament damage during a Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim in March.

Sammer insisted that Thiago’s rehabilitation

is going as planned but refused to confirm if the midfielder will be fit for the start of the new season.

“The operation went well,” the former Germany sweeper told reporters on Wednesday.

“It will still take him a while to return, but we’re giving him all the time in the world.”

Thiago joined Bayern on a four-year contract from Barcelona last summer for a reported fee of €25 million.

NSSF President Hails Shekarau’s Appointment Suarez Ban Lacks Clarity –

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed has hailed the appointment of former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as the Minister of Education.

Commenting on phone, he told LEADERSHIP Sports that the appointment is hinged on Shekrau’s track records

in the development of school sports in Kano, when he was governor.

“As the president of NSSF I hail President Jonathan for his choice of the Minister of Education. The former Governor of Kano State developed sports at the grassroots while in office through the provision of equipment as well as general support,” he explained.

Mohammed add-

ed that while in Kano, sports thrived under Shekarau and development in the sector was even, a record that can be checked by anybody.

“We are hoping that the new minister will take the initiative that he used in Kano to revive schools sports nationwide. We will also be expecting the minister to follow up on the agreement that was reached at the Presiden-

tial Retreat on Sports, to further develop sports in the country,” he added.

The NSSF President commended President Goodluck Jonathan for choosing Shekarau, adding that the country’s vision of developing sports at the grassroots from schools will be realized soon, as a result of what he described as ‘the wise decision’.

Players’ Union The scope of Luis Suarez’s four-month ban “from all football-related activity” is still unclear, two weeks after the punishment was handed down.

The 27-year-old Uruguay striker was suspended after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in a World Cup match.

Players’ union Fifpro

argue the details “lack clarity” and a legal expert says the sanctions will be tough to enforce.

Football’s world governing body Fifa has refused BBC Sport’s requests to explain the details of the ban.

“The concept of being banned from all football-related activities is not defined”

Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Unity Cup Under Way

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Fair Play Sports International (FPSI) in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Dr Akanu Ibiam family has concluded plans to hold U-18 football tournament tagged ‘Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Cup in honour of the former governor of the Eastern Region, Dr Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam.

Briefing newsmen

yesterday in Abuja, the event coordinator and executive director of FPSI, Mr Jacob Onu, said the participating teams will be drawn from all the states of the former Eastern Region.

He said the aims of the competition to promote agegroup football competition and contribute to the curbing youth restiveness in the country and among other things promote the legacy of a man who lived and served the Nigerian

nation selflessly.

According to him, the programme which has since received formal endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the government of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and River States as well as the Ohaneze Ndigbo and the Akanu Ibiam family will be formaly unveiled next week Tuesday, July 15 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He said the unveiling of the cup will attract distinguished sons and daughters of the old Eastern Region, top Nigerian government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industries, exinternational and press. It will be hosted by the Hon. Minister of Sports and chairman National Sports Commission, Dr Tammy Danagogo and the nine state governors of the old Eastern Regions will serve as guests of honour.

Suarez

Newcastle Rekindle Cabella Interest With Fresh €12m Bid

Cabella

Newcastle United have lodged a bid in the region of €12 million for France sensation Remy Cabella, Goal understands.

The Premier League side have long been following the Montpellier midfield star and, having failed with bids in January, were also knocked back in their attempts to bring him to St James’ Park prior to the World Cup. Cabella was selected as part of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the finals in Brazil, although he is now back in Europe following France’s elimination at the quarter-final

stage of the competition.

Goal understands that Newcastle have come back in for the 24-yearold despite the continuos protestations of Montpellier president Louis Nicollin, who is adamant that he does not want to sell to the Tyneside club.

But Alan Pardew’s side are undeterred and Cabella is known to be keen on the prospect of joining the Anglo-French colony at St James’ Park that includes the likes of Yoan Gouffran, Moussa Sissoko and Hatem Ben Arfa, with Newcastle tabling an offer in the region of €12m for the star.

The Magpies hope to have the deal concluded by the weekend as they look to make Cabella their fourth signing of the summer following deals for Siem De Jong, Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez.

Pardew’s side are also considering a move for Olympique Lyonnais striker Aleandre Lacazette having missed out on top attacking target Pierre Michel Lasogga and Goal understands they are also looking for a replacement for Arsenal-bound Mathieu Debuchy, with Daryl Janmaat and Micah Richards in their sights.

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The Thursday Column

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

O

Dikko had no respect for military men who shot themselves to power. He referred to them as the “coup-star” generals

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Abba Mahmood

n Tuesday July 1, 2014, Nigeria lost one of its greatest patriots, Dr Umaru AbdurRahman Dikko, who died in a London hospital that day. Born on December 31, 1936, he was the third son of Alhaji Abdur Rahman Dikko, Turaki Babba of Zazzau Emirate, who was the great grandson of Sultan of Sokoto Aliyu Babba, the eldest son of Sultan Muhammadu Bello, that administrative and intellectual genius who consolidated the Sokoto Caliphate. The late Alhaji Umaru Dikko was therefore a direct descendant of Shehu Usman DanFodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Umaru Dikko entered elementary school in 1946 where, due to double promotions, he spent only two years instead of the usual four.

He proceeded to Zaria Middle School in Zaria from 1948 to 1949 and passed entrance examination into the famous Barewa College, Nigeria’s equivalent of the British Eton College, where he studied from 1949 to 1954, and passed the Cambridge School Certificate with Grade 1. From 1955 to 1958 he was at the Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology, now Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), with the intention of becoming an engineer.

In the same 1958, he changed his mind and left to join the BBC Africa Section (Hausa Service). Two months after arriving in London he revised his notes from Zaria and sat for GCE (A) Level in three subjects and got a distinction in two.

He left the BBC after five years and went to the University of London where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics. He returned to Nigeria in 1965 and took up employment just a few months before the January 1966 coup.

With the July 1966 countercoup and the subsequent creation of states, Dikko served as commissioner for finance, economic planning, trade and industry, North Central State, from 1967 to 1974.

He was commissioner for information and culture from 1974 to 1975. Dikko was elected into the Constituent Assembly that draft-

NO 7, Ex-Minister’s Quarters, Off Rabah Road, Near NDA Officers Mess, directly opposite Arewa House.

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ed the 1979 Constitution, 1977– 1978. He was a founding member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and its protem deputy secretary-general. The NPN won the 1979 elections and President Shehu Shagari appointed Dikko transport minister.

Alhaji Umaru Dikko turned out to be the most powerful politician in the Second Republic. Any task given to him by the government he delivered efficiently. He was appointed chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Rice. Within a short time, rice was available in all parts of Nigeria at a uniform price of N25 for a 50-kilogramme bag in any part of the country. He was accused of making billions from the rice importation and he asked how he could make billions from a mere hundred-million naira he was given for rice in the two years of the task force and yet rice was available everywhere.

Dikko was appointed directorgeneral of President Shagari’s reelection campaign organization in 1983. Shagari won the minimum requirement in all but three of the then 19 states that year. During the Senate screening hearing for his reappointment as minister in the second term that year, he was asked by a senator about this feat and he replied: “Yes, I promised Mr President 16 presidential states and I delivered nothing less. Go and tell the whole world that we have won from the desert to the Atlantic Ocean. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, one political party is controlling all the four former regional capitals: Benin, Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan.”

Alhaji Umaru Dikko was very cosmopolitan and one of those rarest of human beings who were both traditionalists and modernists. He was extremely confident and proud such that some people thought he was arrogant. He was a principled politician who, once convinced of the goodness of anything, went out for it. Dikko had no respect for military men who shot themselves to power. He referred to them as the “coup-star” generals. With Dikko, you knew where you stood as he

never stood on the fence. No wonder he became a victim of extreme negative propaganda in his time.

On December 31, 1983, three months into Shagari’s second term, the government was removed following a military coup that ushered in General Buhari as military head of state. Dikko escaped through Seme border to Cotonou from where he left for exile in London until his return in 1995. While in exile, he attended Holborn College of Law, as well as Middle Temple (Inns of Court) thus qualifying as a lawyer.

Dikko was the biggest thorn in the flesh of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime. It did not come as a surprise, therefore, when on July 5, 1984, he was suddenly snatched on a London street as he went for a walk.

The extraordinary plan was to kidnap Dikko, drug him, stick him into a specially made crate and put him on a plane back to Nigeria alive. The plot was foiled by a vigilant British customs officer, Charles David Morrow.

An Israeli and allegedly a former Mossad agent, Alexander Barak, was recruited to lead the kidnap team. It included a Nigerian military intelligence officer, Major Mohammed Yusuf, and Israeli nationals Felix Abitbol and Dr Lev-Avie Shapiro, who was to inject Dikko with an anaesthetic. They injected Dikko and laid him, unconscious, in a crate. The Israeli anaesthetist climbed into the crate as well, carrying medical equipment to make sure Dikko didn’t die en route.

Barak and Abitbol got into a second crate. Both boxes were then sealed.

The crates were taken to the cargo terminal of Stansted Airport, 40 miles north of London, where a Nigerian diplomat, Mr Edet, was anxiously waiting. Just then, there was an “All Ports Bulletin” from Scotland Yard saying that a Nigerian had been kidnapped and it was suspected he would be smuggled out of the country. The police had been alerted by Dikko’s secretary who had witnessed his abduction from a window in the house. The Nigerian intelligence officer and the three Israelis eventually received prison

sentences in the UK. Those who accuse Dikko of corruptly enriching himself never knew him. Dikko was never interested in making money. Money was just a tool for him. Dikko was only excited with the power game.

In this, he was impervious to obstacles, impatient with petty people and undisturbed by latent tensions. He was the embodiment of one of Jean Monnet’s maxim: “everybody is ambitious. The question is whether he is ambitious to be or ambitious to do.” Dikko was ambitious to do, and was passionate about Nigeria.

Dikko was restless with pretentious rhetoric. He sought no glory for himself. His impact reflected anonymous dedication. He was that rarest of the powerful ones who put people at ease, that most unusual of revolutionaries who overturned the prevailing order without alienating the upholders of existing institutions. How I wish he had written his memoirs! For Dr Usman Dikko was a living encyclopaedia of Nigerian politics, a master strategist and a great statesman. The vacuum he left will be difficult to fill. Our special condolences go to his family, friends and associates all over the world. May Allah forgive him his mistakes and grant him Aljannah firdausi. Amin.

GHANA MUST GO Rivers Guber Race: We have not shut our doors against Wike — PDP

But voters have shut the door against PDP!

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2

chibok diary 87

Thursday, July 10, 2014

DAY

CHIBOK TWEETS @EiENigeria Mothers crying. Fathers wailing. #Chibok is a reflection of us.

We can't act as if our #ChibokGirls are dead. @freeman4all44 It's only an idiot you will tell that 60 people escaped from the hands of terrorists at once and he would believe u. @ogundamisi If our nation's army can't #BringBackOurGirls, we need the #Chibok hunters. @Uzopatriot Is Aunty @obyezeks aware that 63+30+34 abducted #Chibok girls/women have mysteriously escaped from Sambisa with 45 recaptured? @aligthebaptist Once upon a time in d land of #Chibok..... complete d story by urself #BringBackOurGirls #Sambisa #Shekau #PDP #APC #Terrorism #Nigeria #2015 @fidelisMbah 83 days are enough to radicalise the #Chibok girls to unleash terror on #Nigerians, yet the military is busy holding meetings, making excuses. @Sakoelabo Me too. The helplessness of the #Nigerian govt is pathetic. The silence from all others as well. @obyezeks The "advice" of some are to be ignored; some accepted & some should trigger the need to enlighten the "advisors". In ALL, #BringBackOurGirls!

We're neither governments, politicians nor the Army. Just people who care. But united we can be a special force.

COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

DSS Labels BringBackOurGirls Group 'Franchise'

BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja

The Department of State Security (DSS), yesterday, lambasted the BringBackOurGirls group, saying the group is becoming a security threat.

The spokesperson of DSS, Marilyn Ogar, who stated this while fielding questions from journalists during a briefing at the National Information Centre in Abuja, said that the group had become a franchise.

Ogar alleged that the group is planning a sponsored protest in the nation’s capital with the help of foreign media, adding that they are aware that the group is soliciting fund from notable individuals.

She alleged that members of the group had perfected plans with the help of experts flown into the country to tackle security operatives who might rise to be a stumbling block in their way.

“I think you are right to refer to the protesting group of BringBackOurGirls as a franchise; I remember when we started the fight against insurgency; we said it sever-

ally that the group is more or less a franchise; anybody can rise anywhere.

“As a tenant, if you don’t have money to pay, you may become a sect member, Boko Haram or you could also become a franchise and security forces know exactly what they are up to”, she said.

According to her, if it was an ordinary movement seeking to put more pressure on government and security operatives to release the girls, there would have been no need for the group to have a tag, insisting that their members must have a tag and be properly registered.

“We know that they have a bank account; we also know that they want to go to Asokoro Extension and simulate a protest march, where they will have foreign media and say that they are marching into Sambisa and Chibok.

“We also know that they brought in some experts from outside, to come and teach them how to beat security operatives when they are demonstrating; we are waiting to see whether those things will

Schoolgirls: Information Centre Bars BBOG From Attending Briefing

BY CHIKA MEFOR, EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

The National Information Centre yesterday barred the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group from attending its briefing, denying that there was any briefing going on in the building.

The group, which had sent some of its members to the centre to get verifications on many issues raised in the media concerning the Chibok girls, met stiff opposition by Mrs Juliet Akebe and Mr David, workers at the National Orientation Centre, who after proper scrutiny, prevented the members from attending the briefing.

According to a member of the group, Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye, Mrs Akebe had agreed that the centre was for information dissemination to the masses, only for her to bar them from entering after consultations with her bosses upstairs.

work.

“We also know that they have divided themselves into groups, giving each other specific assignments; if you are a genuine movement, when the late Funmi Ransome-Kuti started the struggle on the empowerment of the Nigerian women, I am not sure she was paying courtesy calls on money bags to solicit support; if she had to do that, I am not sure Oba Ademola II would have been dethroned in 1949 when he was asking women to pay taxes”, Ogar said.

She continued, “When there is a genuine struggle, it must be done transparently; there will be no need of asking people to register, so that you know who is a member or who is not and to pay monthly dues”.

Reacting in an interview on Channels Television monitored in Abuja yesterday, the convener of the BBOG group, Dr Oby Ezekwesili denied Ogar’s allegations, adding that the group will reply her at the appropriate time.

Improving Opportunities For Women Farmers In Africa EVEN THOUGH WOMEN MAKE UP A LARGE SHARE OF AFRICA’S FARMERS, THEY TEND TO BE LOCKED OUT OF LAND OWNERSHIP, ACCESS TO CREDIT AND PRODUCTIVE FARM INPUTS LIKE FERTILIZERS, PESTICIDES AND FARMING TOOLS, SUPPORT FROM EXTENSION SERVICES, AND ACCESS TO MARKETS AND OTHER FACTORS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR PRODUCTIVITY

20%

to

30%

If women worldwide had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30% and raise total agricultural output by 2.5–4%. Gains in agricultural production alone could lift 100 to 150 million people out of hunger, according to a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate

ALTHOUGH ALMOST HALF OF THE AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ARE WOMEN, PRODUCTIVITY ON THEIR FARMS IS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER PER HECTARE COMPARED TO MEN

How African Leaders Can Empower Women Farmers Strengthen women’s land rights Improve their access to hired labour

Provide community-based child care centres FISH

Give them adequate training

Report has it that productivity on women’s farms is significantly lower per hectare compared to men, ranging from

13% in Uganda to

Ease their access to loans

25% Members of the #BringBackOurGirls group in a Village Square meeting at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

in Malawi INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Thursday, July 10, 2014

Egypt, Free Al Jazeera Reporters

A

fter months of incarceration and trial in Cairo, an Egyptian court recently sentenced three Al Jazeera English journalists – Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed – to seven years in prison each for allegedly “spreading false news” and “aiding or joining the banned Muslim Brotherhood”. One of them, Baher Mohamed, also received an additional three years for having a used bullet casing in his possession at the time of his arrest.

A week before the jail terms were pronounced on the three journalists, an Al Jazeera Arab journalist, Abdullah al-Shami, was released, a move that raised the hope of many for their possible acquittal. But that turned out to be a forlorn hope: the journalists were jailed in their line of duty.

Expectedly, the court’s decision has provoked widespread condemnation mostly from media organisations as well as other responsible institutions around the globe. Curiously, the outrage is not reflecting in the Egyptian media. Some of them actually praised the court’s verdict, accusing Al Jazeera – a television station

that consistently covered the Arab Spring and Tahrir Square – of prejudiced reporting in favour of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Let us even assume for whatever it is worth that the Al Jazeera and its reporters skewed their reports; there is, still, no justification whatsoever for the draconian jail sentences handed down to the three journalists. In line with many international instruments, everyone has the right of freedom of opinion and expression. To be sure, freedom of the media is not a choice – it is an absolute right. The personal regrets of the newly elected president, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, over the outcome of the case were not

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

able to save the journalists from their jail terms.

Notwithstanding, we urge the Egyptian government to live up to its international commitments and obligation and release all local and foreign journalists in its detention camps. The right to report and write the news is enshrined in international human rights laws. It is a matter of utmost regret that Egypt is the biggest prison camp of journalists in the Arab world.

This is not something to be proud of. The media, in any civilised country, mirror the society. The journalists now being punished for the crisis in the land of Pharaohs did not create the crisis that led to their present predicament.

As has been extensively canvassed, President al-Sisi is in the position to intervene in the matter and set free the three journalists and others currently being detained.

We urge him to quickly grant them unconditional pardon.

There is no alternative to their freedom, especially when credible institutions that monitored their trial agreed that the process was flawed.

It is in Egypt’s best interest to listen to the voice of reason now.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Reps Probe Failure Of CCTV To Detect Abuja Bombings, Other Crimes Following recent terrorist attacks on the country’s capital, Abuja, the House of Representatives yesterday detailed its Committee on ICT, Public Safety and National Security to investigate the failure of the Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) installed in Lagos and Abuja to detect criminal activities.

The committee is expected to report back to the House in two weeks.

The resolution was a fallout of a motion by Hon Saviour Udoh (Akwa-Ibom/PDP), which was unanimously adopted without debate.

In lead debates, Udoh told the lawmakers that the contract for the installation of the CCTVs was awarded by the federal government during the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration at the cost of $470million.

He recalled that the federal government had also awarded a contract for the installation of 2000 digital solar-powered cameras - 1000 for Lagos and 1000 for Abuja, 37 switch rooms, MW backbone, 37 Coalition Emergency Response System, 38 Video Conference Sub-system, 37 E-Police System, 6 Emergency Communication Vehicles and 1.5 subscriber lines.

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Nigeria Has No Ambition For Territorial Expansion – NSA The national security adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) yesterday assured the neighbouring countries, especially Cameroon that Nigeria has no ambition to expand her territory in her quest for their co-operation over terrorism.

He gave this assurance in his speech while declaring open the Second Session of the Nigerian/ Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee held in Abuja, where he cited the peaceful resolution of the Bakasi Peninsula issue to buttress his point.

He said, “I wish to expressly state that Nigeria does not have any territorial ambition; the resolution of the Bakasi Peninsula issue is a clear attestation to this.

“The defeat of terrorism is going to be mutually beneficial; we should, therefore, look for every reason to collaborate rather than excuses not to.”

Dasuki said that the committee should objectively deliberate on how best to collaborate and secure the Nigeria and Cameroon borders through the implementation of the security agreement to ensure peace and progress in both countries.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

JSS III students at Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDJSS), Gubi, Bauchi State writing their third term examination at Gubi village, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Gunmen Kidnap Pro-Amaechi Lawmaker In Rivers

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port

Harcourt

Unknown gunmen on Tuesday kidnapped the member representing Etche II Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ngozi Golden Chioma, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Chioma, who is the chairman, House

Committee on Judiciary, and a diehard loyalist of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was kidnapped at about 8pm in Diobu, a densely populated area of Port Harcourt.

It was also gathered that the House of Assembly was expected to reconvene yesterday, after last Monday’s approval of Amaechi’s request to access a $280million loan from the African Develop-

ment Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank for water and sanitation projects, but it was postponed due to the unfortunate incident.

The abduction of Chioma occurred exactly a year after the July 9, 2013 fracas at the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly, which led to the closure of the complex.

However, the kidnappers of

the Etche-born lawmaker are yet to contact his family or make demands for ransom in exchange for his release.

When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the abduction of the lawmaker and said the police were making efforts to rescue him from his captors.

‘Top Politicians’ ID Cards, Party Materials Found In Boko Haram Camp’ FG vows to reveal names

By Patience Ihejirika, Abuja

The federal government yesterday revealed that identity cards belonging to some top politicians as well as party materials were found in the Boko Haram terrorists’ base in Balmo Forest in the Darazo local government area of Bauchi State.

It said that the items recovered

during the last operations carried out by security forces to dislodge terrorists from their forest bases had linked some politicians and political parties to terrorism.

The coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, disclosed this while briefing journalists on government’s efforts towards the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls.

Omeri, who was silent on the details of the development, however vowed that the federal gov-

ernment will reveal the names of the politicians and parties involved, as the matter is still under investigation.

Omeri further said, “Investigation is still ongoing to further unravel the identity of others that may have been involved and as soon as it is completed, we shall reveal the names of the culprits and the political parties.”

He said, “Some politicians are currently being investigated fol-

lowing their link with terrorist activities in the forest.”

He said that the government would not condone the involvement of politicians in security matters.

Speaking on the release of the abducted Chibok girls, Omeri said efforts are being made to bring the girls back safely.

He, however, said the details cannot be revealed for now owing to the delicate nature of the operations.

Former Gov Shekarau Emerges Education Minister As Jonathan swears in new ministers

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has assigned portfolios to three newly appointed ministers, with former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau emerging minister for education.

Mr Stephen Oru from Delta State has been assigned to head the Niger Delta Ministry. While Mr Abu Bulama is the new minister of Science and Technology, Mr Clement Adedeyi is minister of state for works.

Former minister of state for works, Bashir Yuguda has been

moved to occupy the position of the minister of state for finance, which had remained vacant since Yerima Ngama was removed.

Yuguda, however, is to remain the supervising minister of national planning and the deputy chairman, National Planning Commission until a substantive minister is appointed.

President Goodluck Jonathan, after swearing in the new ministers, urged them to be diligent in their respective duties if they must achieve specific goals.

He told them to have it at the back of their minds that they came into office at an injury time when the present administration is about to pack up, adding

that at such point, changing of players is aimed at scoring goals.

The president expressed the belief that with their backgrounds, it would not be difficult for them to key into their portfolios that require hyper activity.

Jonathan said, “Let me congratulate you on this appointment, but it is not an enviable appointment because in football match, when you get to the injury time and a player is brought in, you expect goals from the player. This government has less than a year to go and you have been brought in this time, so you know the reason why you have been brought in.

“You have no time to sleep, unfortunately for you, because

first, you have to learn how to climb the ropes, because maybe it is a different setting; no matter how experienced you are, if you go to something different you will need sometime to adjust.

“But from your background, we know that all of you are eminently qualified to be here and we know that it will not take you too many hours to settle down.

We believe that you will perform not just to satisfy Mr President but to satisfy Nigerians. You are not just serving the president as a principal aide, but you are serving our motherland and in this, we will expect the best from you especially at this time when there is global competition”.

nEWS 5

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Langtang LG Poll: Plateau AG Lacks Basis For Legal Opinion – DPP Youth Leader

ramadan timing Day 13 Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Abuja

7.00

4.58

Aba

6.56

5.01

Abakaliki

6.53

5.00

Abeokuta

7.10

5.17

Akure

7.03

5.09

Ankpa

6.57

5.03

Argungu

7.12

5.07

Auchi

7.02

5.07

Awka

7.03

5.02

Azare

6.50

4.45

Bama

6.39

4.31

Bauchi

6.51

4.50

Benin

7.05

5.08

Bichi

6.58

4.53

Bida

7.05

5.03

Birnin Gwari

7.04

5.01

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.13

5.07

Biu

6.42

4.38

Calabar

6.50

4.58

Damaturu

6.42

4.37

Daura/Kazaure

7.01

4.38

Dutse

6.52

4.50

Enugu

6.54

5.00

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.02

4.56

Gembu

6.47

4.44

Gombe

6.45

4.42

Gusau

7.01

4.59

Gwadabawa

7.12

5.00

Hadejia

6.50

4.45

Ibadan

7.14

5.12

Ife

7.09

5.09

Ilesha Baruba

7.11

5.08

Ilorin

7.07

5.10

Jalingo

6.42

4.42

Jere/Suleija

6.59

4.57

Jos

6.56

4.51

Kabba

7.04

5.03

Kafanchan

6.58

4.54

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.58

4.54

Kaiama

7.13

5.11

Kafin Maiyaki

6.58

4.51

Kaduna

6.57

4.57

Kano

6.53

4.52

Katsina

7.01

4.54

Kontagora

7.07

5.06

Lafia

6.53

4.54

Lagos

7.12

5.15

Lokoja

6.57

5.06

Maiduguri

6.35

4.35

Makurdi

6.54

4.53

Minna

7.01

5.04

Missau

6.47

4.44

Monguno

6.38

4.27

Mubi

6.37

4.34

Nguru

6.47

4.42

Ningi

6.51

4.49

Okene

7.07

5.04

Ogbomosho

7.12

5.12

Onitsha

7.00

5.07

Oyo

7.14

5.14

Port Harcourt

6.59

5.11

Potiskum

6.45

4.40

Saki

7.06

5.14

Shagamu

7.07

5.20

Sokoto

7.07

5.05

NSE Commends FG Over Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan

Umuahia

6.58

4.59

Warri

6.57

5.14

Wukari

5.45

4.54

Wurno

7.11

5.00

Yenagoa

6.39

4.37

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

Yola

6.36

4.37

Zaria

6.58

4.58

Cotonnou-Benin

7.16

5.17

Ndjamena-Chad

6.27

4.24

Niamey-Niger

7.22

5.16

Zinder – Niger

6.59

4.43

Younde-Cameroun

6.40

4.43

Garoua – Cameroun

6.34

4.36

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

The youth wing of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Plateau State chapter, has told the state’s attorney-general and commissioner of justice, Barrister Edward Pwajok, that has no moral or legal justification to proffer any legal opinion on matters between the DPP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

DPP youth leader Oscar Nanmwa, in a press statement he signed and made available to LEADERSHIP in Jos, noted that the attorney-general was a member of the PDP and that PLASIEC was an independent body, as such it was unjustifiable to seek legal opinion from a partisan attorney-general.

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Barkin Local Government

Council of the state, presided over

by Justice SP Gang, had struck out a mandamous proceeding filed by the PDP in respect of Langtang North local government election.

Our correspondent gathered that following the conduct of Plateau State local government election on February 25, 2014, the election officer of Langtang north announced the results of all the wards but one, while PLASIEC ordered a rerun for Jat ward.

The statement added that PLASIEC, by announcing Godwin Kumzhi Nanmwa as winner of the Langtang North Council election, had shamelessly lost any claim to independence and credibility.

“DPP’s result in Jat ward was reduced to 181 while that of PDP was increased to 787,” according to the statement.

New Wild Polio Virus Discovered In Kaduna

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

A wild polio virus has been discovered in a sewage along Kamacha bridge in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State by medical experts.

To this end, a group known as Journalists Against Polio (JAP) has alerted the community to be aware and take precautions against contacting the virus, in order not to stall the progress recorded in the fight against polio in the state.

The group stated this in a press statement signed by the head of communication, Mallam Lawal Dogara, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement added that the recent discovery of new polio case in neighbouring Tudu Wada local government area of Kano State called for proactive steps to check the spread.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended the federal government over the adoption of an integrated infrastructure masterplan, saying it will tackle the huge infrastructural deficit in the nation.

This was disclosed by the president of the society, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, when the body paid a courtesy call on LEADERSHIP Newspapers headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

Olorunfemi, who noted that different agencies of government in the areas of infrastructure are repeating efforts, also said the infrastructure masterplan would bridge the gap between such agencies for more effective impact.

“The infrastructure deficit in

“Aside the discovery of the polio virus in Kamacha, in Kaduna State, Ikara and Makarfi Local government areas also have boundary with Tundun Wada Local Government area of Kano State and the people interact at will and we are concerned that the new polio case may be imported to the state,” it said.

According to the the statement, as a preventive measure, the group in collaboration with State Primary Health Care Agency (SPHCA) and development partners, will embark on a house-to-house immunization campaign in 10 local government councils in the state , namely Zaria ,Sabo Gari, Igabi, Kudan Kubau Soba, Makarfi, Ikara, Lere and Giwa.

According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at boosting Population immunity and stop the spread of the polio virus.

Nigeria is huge in terms of housing, road etc; that is why we commend government on integrated infrastructure master plan which we want to believe that this government would push through and run with as time changes because you’ll find out that different agencies of government in the areas of infrastructure are repeating efforts, working at cross-purposes and not tying it together. We believe that the master plan would address that,” he said.

Speaking on the engagement of professional engineers by government at all levels, the NSE president said the present administration was utilizing professionals; he, however, tasked the government to involve core professionals at the corporate level by involving the professional associations.

(Source: Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna)

Recommended DU’A for Day 13 Pray a 4 Raka’ah Salaat, In every Raka’ah, after the recitation of Surah Alfatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 25 times. The recite this Du’a: ALLAAHUMMA TAHHIRNEE FEEHI MINAD DANASI WAL AQD’AAR WA S’ABBIRNEE FEEHI A’LAA KAA-INAATIL AQDAAR WA S’ABBIRNEE FEEHI A’LAA KAA-INAATIL AQDAAR WA WAFFIQNEE FEEHI LITTUQAA WA S’UH’BATIL ABRAAR BI-A’WNIKA YAA QURRATA A’YNIL MASAAKEEN. Meaning: O Allah remove from me, in this month, the impurities of soul immorality and tendency to turn from good with disgust; let me be calm and composed in the face of events and accidents that have to happen; let me attach myself to piety and make friends with the pious, through Thy assistance, O the Apple of the eyes of the docile.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

Ramadan Q and A

with Muhammad Usman musman@kindasa.com

Question: How should Zakat be calculated? When the wealth reaches the nisaab (the amount that determines whether Zakat is obligatory)? Or when a full year turns on it? If the amount I have when a nisaab completed was 10.000, but became 50.000 with the end of the year. On which amount shall I calculate the Zakat of wealth?

Tayyib Ahmad Sani Answer: Firstly: In order for zakaah to be due on money, two conditions must be met: 1. That it reaches the nisaab (minimum threshold) 2. That one year has passed since it reaches the nisaab.

If the money is less than the nisaab, then no zakaah is due on it.

If it reaches the nisaab, and one year has passed, i.e. a lunar (hijri) year has passed since the time when it reached the nisaab, then zakaah becomes due at that point.

The nisaab is the equivalent of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.

The rate that must be paid for zakaah is one quarter of one tenth (2.5%).

Secondly: If the money reaches the nisaab and it is 1000 for example, then at the end of the year it is 5000, how should zakaah be paid?

That depends: 1 – If this extra amount stems directly from the original amount, such as if the thousand was invested, and earned four thousand, then you should pay zakaah on the entire amount at the end of the year, because the profit on money is connected to the capital.

2 – If this extra amount did not stem directly from the original amount, rather it is money that was acquired by different means, such as an inheritance or a gift, or it is the price of something that you sold, and so on, then a separate year should be counted for it, starting from the day when you took possession of this extra amount. But if you want to pay its zakaah with the thousand, in advance, there is nothing wrong with that.

3 – This extra amount may come gradually, such as money that a person saves from his salary, so he saves 500 one month, and 1000 another month, until at the end of the year he has collected 4000. So you have the choice of paying the whole amount when one year has passed for the thousand, in which case you will have paid zakaah in advance for the money for which a year has not yet passed, or you can pay the zakaah for each sum separately when its year has passed, but this entails some kind of hardship, as you will be paying zakaah several times in one year.

And Allah knows best.

Question: I am still studying, and my father is spending on me.

I do not spend a lot, so, Alhamdulillah, I do not think that my wallet was empty of money for some time. I think more than a year passed, but I do not remember exactly how long. This money I have increases and decreases during the year. My father provides me with money every so often. Sometimes I have about 1000 Saudi Riyal, other times I have 5000 or more. Do I have to pay Zakat on this money, knowing that my father does not give in specific times or specific amounts?

My question is: In case I should pay Zakat, how shall I calculate it? Should I give it out to the Zakat treasury?

Another question: What is the nisaab of money (the amount that determines whether Zakat is obligatory if a full year turns on it; anyone who has more than this is obliged to pay Zakat)?.

Habeeb AlQadi Zakaah is due on cash if you have full possession of the nisaab (minimum threshold) and one full hijri year has passed.

The expenses that a father gives to his son is something that the son takes full possession of and disposes of as he wishes, so that is subject to zakaah.

Secondly: It is well known that cash in the form of bank notes was not known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but the scholars have ruled that it is subject to zakaah by analogy with gold and silver.

The nisaab for gold is 85 grams, and the nisaab for silver is 595 grams.

6 NEWS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily Natural Boost For Growth Hormone

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Lycium berry contains polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system and signal the pituitary to secrete human growth hormone. A good source of vitamins B and C, zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals, lyceum

also has the highest concentration of carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, of any plant in the world and is thus a powerful antioxidant. The berry is traditionally used together with other Chinese tonic herbs to increase sexual potency and fertility. A wonderful feature of lyceum is that it is safe to use, with no known side effects. The healthgiving berries also taste good-use them instead of raisins in cereals and trail mix.

Nigeria Tops Countries Most Plagued

By Oil Theft – Report FROM COVER

Diezani

and healthcare combined, the report by oilprice.com noted.

The report maintained that “The numbers paint a harsh picture about the inability of the Nigerian government, and the multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta, to do anything about this rampant theft.”

It said that Shell’s head of communications in Nigeria, Philip Mshelbila, pointed to a sophisticated organization of people that have been working for years to steal oil from official pipelines.

With oil theft hitting record levels in 2013, the G8 has been reminded of its 2000 pledge to help Nigeria solve this crippling problem.

The federal government has repeatedly given assurances of its commitment to end oil theft with the help of the international community, but no visible progress has been made in this regard as the illicit business continued to thrive.

The Global Financial Initiative points out that “stolen Nigerian crude oil is transported on internationally registered vessels, sold to international buyers, processed by international oil refineries and paid for using international bank accounts.”

With one group of oil thieves reportedly admitting to profits of nearly $7,000 a day from their illicit activities, yet no workable strategy has been deployed to end the criminal trade.

Meanwhile, closely following Nigeria on this list is Mexico with an estimated theft of

between 5,000 and 10,000 barrels of oil per day.

The country’s then head of Pemex’s Exploration and Production subsidiary, Carlos Morales, last year, admitted that fuel theft was growing 30 per cent annually in Mexico.

The staggering 1,548 per cent jump in the illicit trade from 2000 to 2013 has been attributed to powerful drug cartels like the Zetas realizing the potential of the black gold being pumped through territory they control, fleets of tankers were now being stolen in the country.

For Iraq which came third on this list, it is difficult to estimate how much oil is being smuggled out of the country as its metering system is behind by a number of years.

However, the report noted that there had been substantiated reports of complex networks taking thousands of barrels right from the refineries and selling them illegally to Iran and Syria. In the chaos left over by the Iraq War, smugglers and terrorist elements have reportedly swooped in compounding the situation.

Russia which came fourth on the list has an ambitious target to attain an annual production of 535 million tonnes of oil by 2020 and with over 50,000 kilometres of pipeline, protecting them becomes a huge task.

In 2009 organised criminals stole an estimated 27,000 tonnes of oil from the pipelines.

This past April, the country ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Impeachment: I Have No Plans To Resign – Nyako

By George Agba, Bayo Oladeji, Abuja; Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako has said that he has no plans to resign from office, saying that he may seek help from President Goodluck Jonathan against the ongoing process by the state House of Assembly to impeach him when the need arises.

According to him, Jonathan would likely step in since the state had also been there for the President because he too would have to intervene when it matters.

The governor who stated this yesterday when he stormed the presidential villa in Abuja where he attended the inauguration of the steering committee of the Safe Schools Initiative by the president and is also a member of the committee.

Responding to questions by journalists whether he had been making attempt to get the president to intervene, Nyako said, “Not yet. It has not reached that crisis point.

We have supported him all this time; he has supported us and in situations like these when Mr. President’s support is required, we will seek it.”

Asked whether he might likely resign, he said he was not considering that yet, even as he said his chances of surviving the ongoing impeachment proceedings in the state were bright.

The governor noted that since the issue was before the court, it was expected that the House of Assembly members would obey the rules in anything they do.

“Well, it is in the court and the court said it was not well done.

We are hoping that if they want to do it, they will do it following the normal process in whatever they want to do,” Nyako stated, just as he claimed that the state was calm and peaceful. On whether some former Heads of State had spoken to the President on his behalf, the governor said, “That would be excellent”.

Asked to give insight into the root cause of the crisis, he said:” Adamawa is a very interesting place. If I tell you we have 87 ethnic groups and the two religions are fairly balanced, It means that being sensitive to each and everyone of us is very important.

“It is a place of intellectualism; everybody has his own point of view and you have a group of people who share a certain point of view. And until it changes, they will maintain that point of view. But we have been peaceful somehow and we will remain peaceful”, he pledged.

On whether he nursed the plan to defect back to the Peoples

Nyako

Democratic Party (PDP), Nyako noted that: “Quite frankly, you know how I joined the PDP and partisan politics in the first place.

It is not really my field. My field is known. You know what I was before. We are straightforward; have two distinctions: loyalty and disloyalty; two separate pieces.

“But one of the politicians told me that there are a lot of things in between loyalty and disloyalty which up till this moment I have not appreciated. So, for me, disloyalty with this type of attitude with Nigerian politics of today you are likely to step on toes of a few. “ The governor who was looking unruffled as he walked briskly into President Goodluck Jonathan’s office was also in Aso rock on Tuesday where he attended the council of state meeting.

Clad in a white Caftan and a black cap to match, Nyako who drove into the villa at about 2:00pm did not use his official car. He was driven into the place in a black Toyota Camry (Camry Muscle) with Gombe State number plate.

Confusion trails notice of appearance on Nyako, deputy Confusion is now trailing the notice of appearance served on Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy Bala James Ngillari by the 7-man Panel of Investigation set up to investigate allegations of gross Misconduct preferred against Governor Nyako and his Deputy by the state lawmakers.

The notices of appearance which were pasted separately at the gates of the Government House, Yola and the office of deputy governor, Bala Ngilari, invited the two leaders to appear before the panel on the June 11, 2014.

But while Nyako was to meet the investigative panel at the Usman A. Iya Medical and Health Workers Union Secretariat along Gibson Jalo Way Jimeta, the notice of appearance on the deputy governor was silent on the venue and time when the ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Jonathan

NEWS 7

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Impeachment: I Have No Plans To Resign – Nyako FROM PAGE 6

Deputy Governor was to meet the panel.

The development has caused many to suspect foul play as rumours going round the state have been suggesting that the Presidency was working to get the charges against Ngilari quashed in view of mounting pressures on the presidency by some high-brow Nigerians.

Nyako’s notice of appearance read: “Take notice this action or matter will be heard by this panel at Usman A Iya Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, at Gibson Jalo Road on 11th July 2014 at 9:00am”.

Commenting on the development, an APC stalwart Ibrahim Bappa Waziri says the development has justified their fears that the Presidency may be working to scuttle charges against Ngilari following mounting pressures by some organisations and individuals.

The committee had earlier pencilled Ribadu Square for the conduct of its exercise following its rejection by the management of the Hotel they were using for their activities as the management of the hotel said their presence disrupting their businesses.

Efforts by the panel to secure another hotel have proven

difficult as all the hotels they approached turned down request for the usage of their premises by the panel just as NUJ and NUT declined to release their premises for the exercise.

As at the time of filing this report, the panel was yet to make public announcement signaling the commencement of their exercise in line with the committee’s rules of procedures by the state House of Assembly.

When reporters stormed the Ribadu Square to get clarifications on the exercise, they were turned back by sternlooking policemen who said they were directed not to allow anyone including journalists into the premises.

We are against impeachment of Nyako, Ngillari – Religious leaders The move to impeach Nyako and his deputy has been condemned by religious leaders in Adamawa State saying it was an invitation to chaos.

Rising from an emergency meeting, the Muslim Council in Adamawa State urged the legislators to sheathe their swords and allow Nyako and his deputy to complete their remaining tenure in office, adding that the removal of the duo may spell doom for the state.

The National Chairman

of Jamaatul Izalatul Bid’a Waiqamatussunah (JIBWIS) Sheik Abdullahi Bala Lau, told reporters in Yola that the Council was unanimously against any move to impeach Nyako and Ngilari as he said it came at the wrong time considering the social insecurity bedevilling the state.

“Though impeachment is a constitutional matter, we plead with the lawmakers to sheath their swords and allow the leaders to finish serving their tenure.

Also commenting, Reverend Iliya Aguwa noted that Adamawa State was in dire need of peace, hence the need for politicians in the state to avoid overheating the polity saying that the impeachment move against the governor and his deputy was a bad omen for the state.

CJ’s vacuum stalls Nyako’s case However, the suit filed by Governor Murtala Nyako and the All Progressive Congress APC, challenging the impeachment process embarked upon by the Adamawa state House of Assembly was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of a substantive Chief Judge following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past holder of that office, Hon.

Justice Ambrose Mammadi, whose tenure expired on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

Following the resolution of the state House of Assembly to serve the Governor substituted charges through the print and electronic media, resulting from the failure of the clerk of the house to serve the notices personally on the two leaders, Governor Murtala Nyako has filed a case challenging the legality of the substituted charges at the Yola High Court.

The then acting CJ, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, has fixed Wednesday 9th July 2014 for the next hearing of the suit but his tenure in office elapsed on Tuesday 8th July 2014 and as such, the case could not continue as his tenure was not renewed.

While commenting on the issue, former Attorney General of Adamawa State, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, said once the office of the acting Chief Judge became vacant no case can be assigned to the court.

He said that was against the backdrop of such lacuna that it becomes compelling for all state chief executives to ensure that a substantive Chief Judge was always appointed.

He said Governor Murtala Nyako under the present circumstances was not status barred from nominating

the most senior judge in the state to the National Judicial commission to occupy the position.

Jonathan should call his attacking dogs to order – APC North-east A call has gone to President Goodluck Jonathan to call his attacking dogs, who are behind the on-going attempt being made to impeach Governor Murtala Nyako unlawfully to order.

The call was made yesterday in Abuja by the leadership of the North East of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were having their inaugural caucus meeting in preparation for the National Working Committee of the party.

Speaking through its National Vice Chairman, Babachir-David Lawal, they also called for the reopening of the Miaduguri International Airport and to bring back the abducted women which they claimed were not fewer than 1000.

Investigative panel secures venue The investigative panel set up to prove allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Murtala Nyako and Deputy Governor Bala James has finally secured Ribadu Square a public place for their sitting.

Boko Haram: FG Floats N30bn Victims Support Fund TY Danjuma to chair fund, with Fola Adeola as deputy Jonathan inaugurates safe schools initiative c’ttee

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan announced yesterday that the federal government has concluded plans to float a N30 billion support fund for victims of Boko Haram attacks across the country.

LEADERSHIP gathered that, while the victims support fund got the endorsement of the Council of State on Tuesday, the federal government would be approaching Gen. Theophilus Danjuma to chair the fund, with Mr. Fola Adeola serving as his deputy.

President Jonathan who confirmed the floating of the fund when he inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Safe Schools Initiative at the

presidential villa, Abuja.

He said, “We are also coming up with a package. Because we know that we need to intervene to cushion the effect of Boko Haram. So many people have been killed, we have widows and orphans. Properties have been destroyed, schools burnt.

Government is also coming up with what we call Victims Support Fund.

“We believe that government alone cannot cushion the effect.

We want to mobilise resources within and outside Nigeria just like we did during the flood of 2012. We are trying to get somebody that will head that fund. We are looking at the 16th of this month to formally launch the fund. Government will put something and individuals will do too”.

The Safe Schools Initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the international community led by the Rt.Hon. Gordon Brown, the

UN Special Envoy on Education and former British Prime Minister and a true friend of the nation.

Steering Committee for the Safe Schools Initiative inaugurated by the president yesterday is co-chaired by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Gordon Brown.

Other members include Governors of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Aliko Dangote and Nduka Obaigbena, Women affairs, Wike, rep of NSA, DG NEMA, NCWS, civil society After inuagurating the committee, Jonathan said in tackling insurgency, government was deploying a three-point strategy that focuses on security to enhancement the country’s intelligence and military capability”.

He added that the federal government is also “seeking political solution by working with local governments and communities as well as economic

solution through various economic empowerment and job creation programmes all directed at combating insecurity.

“The safety of our children and the security of their education must be paramount to all of us. Tragic occurrences like the kidnapping of the Chibok girls must not rise again anywhere in this country”, he noted.

Jonathan continued: “This country is passing through stress within this period caused by the excesses of the Boko Haram sect and our government has been approaching it from different fronts. We always insist that the defence or security does not end terror but we need to stop collateral damage on innocent people.

“For us to win the war, we need to look at it holistically: economic issues, educational issues, religious issues, socio-cultural issues etc. At the federal level, we have the Presidential Initiative in the North East (PINE). They are

TY Danjuma

looking at the totality of what the Federal Government can do in collaboration with stakeholders.

He said, “Some states are fairly okay with one or two percent.

But some states are as high as 70 percent. If the dropout rate of students at the basic level is as high as 70 percent, that means that only 30 percent only goes to school. That is terrible.

Nigeria Tops Countries Most Plagued By Oil Theft – Report FROM PAGE 6

threatened to shut down oil supply to Ukraine, saying that oil worth $63 million dollars had been stolen from its Prikarpat

Zapadtrans pipeline system heading to Ukrain.

Also on the top five list is Indonesia whose state of oil smuggling might seem insignificant when compared to

Nigeria, at just around 2,000 to 3,000 barrels per day.

However, the government seems to have awoken to the issue after a pipeline explosion in October 2012 killed at least

eight people, and injured dozens.

The explosion was caused by one of the hundreds of illegal taps on the pipeline networks.

The country’s national oil giant PT Pertamina, shut down one

of its main pipelines, TempinoPlaju, in July 2013, reporting losses of 17,500 barrels of oil within the first week of the pipeline’s exploration, oilprice. com reported.

8

Thursday, July 10, 2014

conference

BY JOE DUDUN, AMINA ALHASSAN AND BODE GBADEBO

South-West Delegates Reject Consensus Group’s Report

Plenary of the National Conference when it turned rowdy after the presentation of a Consensus Group’s report by Prof Ibrahim Gambari, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Derivation: Delegates In Rowdy Session As Consensus Group recommends 18% principle for N’Delta states Package for North to last only 5 years – Gambari Voting on final report holds today Again, the proceedings of the ongoing National Conference ended abruptly yesterday when delegates became agitated over set of recommendations presented to the plenary by select delegates under the auspices of Consensus Group of the conference.

Consequently, the deputy chairman of the conference, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, given the rowdy atmosphere, told delegates that the sitting had to adjourn to this morning when delegates will vote on the recommendations of the Committee on Devolution of Power, which was presented on Monday.

The Consensus Group had, in the last three nights and days, tried to come up with an acceptable resolution particularly on the derivation principle for the oil producing states of the Niger Delta, among others.

The Standing Committee on Devolution of Power had, in its report, recommended that the status quo of 13% be maintained. However, tempers rose during the debates on the report when delegates from the North and South expressed opposing views on the issue.

While delegates from the South demanded for an increase in the derivation of between 25% and 50%, most of their Northern counterparts spoke against the increment, saying the committee’s position was most appropriate.

However, at yesterday’s sitting, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who was introduced by General Ike Nwachukwu to present the report of the Consensus Group, disclosed that the group suggested that the derivation principle be jerked up from the present 13% to 18% and that the decision was reached after two straight days and several hours of meetings and negotiation between all the interest groups which extended beyond the leadership of the six geopolitical zones.

He also announced a 5% federal allocation for solid mineral development and another 5% each for stabilisation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the North-East, North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, a decision that enraged Southern delegates and applauded by their Northern

counterparts.

In an interview after the sudden adjournment, Gambari told LEADERSHIP that their action was to prevent voting on the issues that divide the delegates, adding that the package for the northern parts of the country is only for a maximum of five years.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, delegates took time to debate the modalities for the implementation of the confab’s report and at about 12noon, chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, handed over the presiding of the proceedings to his deputy, Akinyemi, in order to reopen and settle the contentious issue of Land Use Act by delegates.

Another consensus on the matter was also worked out by a group of delegates with the coordination of Hajia Aisha Isma’il, and their proposal was put to question to which the “ayes” favoured it, thus signaling the final adoption of report of the Committee on Land Tenure and Boundary Matters sequel to a motion to that effect moved by Barr. Dan Nwanyawu and seconded by Nafisatu Babajo.

Gambari told LEADERSHIP that their action was to prevent voting on the issues that divide the delegates

The South-West delegation to the ongoing National Conference has rejected the report of the Consensus Group of the conference on the derivation principle and others presented by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at plenary yesterday.

The delegation in a statement signed by its secretary, Dr. Kunle Olajide and obtained

by LEADERSHIP yesterday evening, said it took the decision after its caucus meeting, adding that the report gave a wrong impression of what the intervention funds recommended for the North were actually meant to achieve.

“The Yoruba delegates, arising from the caucus meeting, rejected the report stating that the report gave a wrong impression of what the intervention fund was set to achieve. The fund is aimed to serve the collective interest of the country and not a sectional interest as presented by Pro. Gambari.

“South-West delegates, however, view Gambari’s projection to amount to depletion of the federation account through nebulous funds to promote insurgency in the country. It also aimed at legalising the impoverishment of non-oil bearing states in South-West, South-East and South-South. As these states neither benefit from derivation nor the so-called intervention fund,” the statement said.

Earlier after the adjournment of the day’s sitting, some members of the group were seen telling Gambari that his presentation was not the true reflection of what transpired at their meetings.

Also, some SouthSouth delegates were seen surrounding their leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark over the turn of events.

Meanwhile, delegates may be set for showdown when they reconvene this morning over the voting that will take place on the contentious recommendations of the Committee on Devolution of Power.

However, LEADERSHIP gathered last night some meetings were ongoing ahead of today’s sitting in order to douse the tension raised today.

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 9

CONFERENCE MAIN SAY...

CONFERENCE FLAKES

If such awards and decorations are given by merit to recognise and encourage Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour, then it disturbs that we have never awarded a cattle rearer, a carpenter, a fisherman or any peasant. Are we saying that such people don’t excel or they are not nationals?’’

Mr Gaskiya And The Truth

He goes by the name Jaye Gaskiya, delegate on the platform of civil society organisations, and it was his turn to contribute on the report of the Standing Committee on Devolution of Power on Tuesday. He forthrightly bared his mind on sundry issues raised by the committee, necessitating applause from other delegates.

Conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, gave expression to the general feeling at plenary.

“Thank you, Mr. Gaskiya, you have spoken the truth.” General laughter, of course – gaskiya is the Hausa word for truth!

- Dr Talatu Nasir, calling for the inclusion of ordinary Nigerians in the National Honours list at plenary.

Of Ballot Boxes

Delegates at the ongoing national conference resumed plenary on Tuesday to see some ballot boxes strategically placed in front of the principal officers. Not a few quickly ascribed the emergence of the INEC boxes to the controversy the ‘voice vote’ had generated few days earlier. Justice Kutigi, however, drove the point home shortly after announcing a short noon break. Hear him: “I’m sure you may have seen some ballot boxes here, it is not intended to intimidate anyone… they have been provided just in case there is need to resort to them should the voice vote turn out to be inadequate.” Wise decision.

Delegates at plenary, yesterday.

‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’

Still on last Tuesday’s plenary. On resumption from the short noon break, a female delegate raised the tune of the old national anthem which was sung by the older delegates with much reminiscence.

“Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribe and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all Are proud to serve Our sovereign motherland.”

Most of the younger delegates simply looked on, not knowing a single word of the anthem.

Delegates conversing outside the auditorium after the adjournment of plenary, yesterday.

Behold, The Cicero Of 2014 Confab

Some of the members of the Consensus Group after adjourment of plenary, yesterday.

PHOTOS BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Deputy chairman of the National Conference and the brand new Haske (Light) of Adamawa Kingdom, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi is still basking in the euphoria of his conferment with a traditional title by the Lamido of Adamawa.

Yesterday, in the spirit of the season...no titles, Akinyemi conferred another title of “Cicero of the 2014 National Conference” on a delegate, who is a multiple high chief and legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

It was Ozekhome’s turn to comment on the debate on modalities for implementing the confab’s report and presiding Akinyemi announced the new deserving title for Ozekhome without any opposition from the rest of the delegates.

“I will call the Cicero of the 2014 National Conference, Chief Mike Ozekhome,” Akinyemi announced at plenary.

10

stories of the Thursday, July 10, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

terrorism: My Phone In Court’s Custody Is Calling My New Number, Ndume Tells Court

By Kunle olasanmi, Abuja

Senator Ali Ndume, who is standing trial over allegation that he is sponsoring Boko Haram yesterday told Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court sitting Abuja that his telephone line, which has been in the custody of the court for about a year is being used to call his new phone number.

Ndume’s lawyer, Mr Rickey Tarfa (SAN), told Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the strange development during the trial of the Senator yesterday.

A visibly shocked Justice kolawole said, “I don’t know much about technology but how can a phone that is switched off be able to receive and make calls? I think you should go to MTN for clarification and also confer with the prosecution counsel to know what to do”.

“Really, it is strange to me that a phone line that is not active can be used to make calls.”

Ndume said he was compelled to seek clarification from MTN communications.

In a letter to MTN, Ndume said he complained that he had been receiving strange calls from his previous number 08035998045, which is in the custody of the Federal High Court where he is standing trial for alleged sponsor of Boko Haram activities.

According to him, the first call to his new number was 9:56am on 13th June 2014 which cut off after few seconds.

“Then I got the second call from my former number 08035998045 which is supposed to be in the custody of the Federal High Court at 9:58am which also went off after few seconds.”

He said he was again called by 08035998045, at 10:07 am and when I asked who was speaking, the caller said he was George. “He asked me whether I got his text message and I said no,” Ndume added.

Letter to MTN reads: “When I tried to call back, I got the voice message that, ‘the number you are trying to call is not available at the moment please try again later.’ “I Immediately called MTN customer care centre using 180 and I was connected to one Juwairah Muktar, after lodging my complaint, she asked me to hold on, so that she could talk to her team leader Sybil Uwake. “She subsequently got back to me and advised that I should report the case to the nearest police station.

“I accordingly reported the case at Apo Police Station where I was made to write a formal complaint. “In view of this and the fact that I am currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in connection with the use of my phone and the seriousness of the case, I wish to request for the following information: (1) My call data record for 13th June, 2014, (2) Identification of the caller and the location where the call originated; and (3) the IMEI number of the phone used.”

The case has been adjourned till November 11. 2014.

Affected Emab bomb blast vehicles gathered at the VIO office in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

fraud: ICPC Arraigns Civil Servant Earning 2 Salaries

By Kunle olasanmi, Abuja The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related-offences Commission (ICPC), has arraigned a staff in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr. Adotse Odang Anthony, before an Abuja High Court, for allegedly, violating the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000, through corrupt enrichment and falsification of records.

Anthony was alleged to have manipulated records to fraudulently collect double monthly emolument from the Federation account to the tune of N353, 756.52.

He was slammed with a 10-count charge by ICPC before a High court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

ICPC counsel, Bar Gogodaye West, averred that the accused person, falsified his identity and personnel records, and used same, to make multiple registration on the federal government centralized payroll, called Integrated Payroll and Person-

nel Information Systems (IPPIS), punishable under ICPC Act 2000. IPPIS was recently introduced by the federal government to eliminate ghost workers and multiple payments of this nature.

The accused person, who is a pool staff in the OAGF, was deployed from the OAGF to the Federal Ministry of Works and Education, in the year 2009 and 2010, respectively, during which he committed the corrupt acts.

He allegedly used his insider knowledge of the workings of the IPPIS to override the security features of the IPPIS. He fraudulently altered and re-arranged the order of his name on the employment, transfer letters, and in the process, created another identity for himself by collecting double salaries which he was not entitled to.

Anthony allegedly procured the services of two mercenaries to have their bio-metric images registered at the IPPIS registration point as he was aware that the system would identify multiple bio-metrics.

INFERNO: Fire Consumes 3 Children, Goods In Delta

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

A mysterious fire outbreak has consumed three children in Tuomo community of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, while goods and property worth millions of naira, have been destroyed.

Reports said that the incident which occurred on Tuesday night, gutted the shanty house where the three kids were sleeping.

Eye witnesses said that the fire started at about 2:00am on that fateful day, destroying everything in its wake, leaving residents of the building in helpless situation.

Sources said that the fire started right inside one of the shops where no one sleeps and as the rescue team making attempt to put out the raging fire, it escalated and

overwhelmed the entire building, Narrating her ordeal, a victim who survived the inferno, Mrs. Deme Ezoukwu, expressed shock over the great loss and wondered why fire could gut a shop that was under lock and key.

She explained that she left for an allnight programme in her church that day, adding that upon her return, she discovered that her business premises has been razed down.

Her words, “I went to attend an all-night church programme that night, before I came back, I found that mysterious fire has gutted my shop and consumed all the things in the shop and it has left me with nothing. But I thank God I am alive”.

assasination: Ex Rep Survives Attempt On Life

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

A former member of the House of Representatives and current secretary, Okene Local Government Area, Koji State, Hon Abdulaziz Idris King, has survived an assassination attempt on his life, saying that the quick intervention of the police, saved the day.

Abdullaziz, who said he was a strong believer in the ominipotence of Allah, said, “It took the intervention of our creator for me to be alive again. I came face to face with death”.

Reliving his experience to newsmen yesterday in Lokoja, he said that the messengers of death, numbering three, came into his house around 1. 30 am when they tore down the security gauze of his window, after tying down the guards.

“They used mortal and grinding stone to break the window iron, which alerted my neighbour in the compound, who then alerted the police from E-division who quickly mobilised and came down”.

Abdulaziz said since he declared his interest to vie for House of Representatives seat in 2015, the political tune has changed in Okene, stressing that he had earlier applied for police protection before the recen attempt on his life.

While advising other politicians on the need to test their popularity on the field, Abdulaziz said eliminating people in the name of politics would do the entire community no good, urging individuals to apply courtesy in the game.

Although no arrest has been made so far, the police public relation officer, Kogi command, Mr Emeka Emeh, said efforts were being intensified to bring the culprit to book.

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Thursday, July 10, 2014

day

photo news

KILLING: Herdsmen Kill 2, Injure 2

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

Some Fulani herdsmen are alleged to have killed two people and injured two in Kotokarfe area of Kogi State.

The attack on a family of four brothers in Kpaereke area of Kotokarfe Local Government Area, led to instant death of two of the victims while the other two sustained injury as a result of the attack.

The police had, after concluding its investigations, arraigned Rabo Jafaru and Isiaka Jafaru at the chief magistrate court 1, Lokoja, Kogi judicial division.

The police prosecutor, Corporal Ganagana, on Tuesday informed the court through First Information Report ( FIR), that on June 23, 2014, the complainant, Hassan Sule, said his siblings were attacked.

He said Hassan Sule of Okpareke village

in Kotokarfe reported to the police that on the 23rd of June while he was in the market in Kotokarfe, he was informed that his children were attacked by Fulani herdsmen with two dead and two injured.

The police prosecutor stated that the offences were criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide which are contrary to sections 97 and 221 of the penal code law, noting that the attack led to the death of two victims Yusuf Hassan and Shehu Hassan, while Alhaji Yahaya Hassan and Yahaya Awo sustained varying degree of injuries.

After submission of report, the magistrate, Levi Animoka, quoting section 34(1) of the criminal code, corroborated the statement of the prosecutor that a person accused of an offence punishable by death shall not be granted bail.

CRIME: Police Kill 24 Robbers, Arrest 1,227 Suspects In 6 Months Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The gallantry of the men of Ogun State Police command has resulted in the killing of 24 robbers and arrest of 1,227 suspects for various crimes across the state within the last six months.

The command disclosed that a breakdown of the figures shows suspects arrested for robbery as 157 , while others were arrested for other offences like cultism, murder, stealing, fraud and rape.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated this yesterday, while giving the stewardship of the command between January and June, 2014.

Adejobi explained that the command had been able to arrest 26 suspected rapists, 57 cultists and killed 24 robbers within the period.

He also said that the command had recovered 90 assorted arms and 390 ammunitions, adding that 87 vehicles were recovered within the period under review.

The PPRO, however, disclosed that the value of property recovered within the period under consideration was over N77 million.

According to him, the command had charged cases numbering about 419 to court and had prosecuted 204 suspects within the last six months.

ACCIDENT: 2 Die In Auto Crash, 15 Others Injured OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

The acting Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC), Ebonyi State Command, Mr. Elemchi Ibekwe, yesterday confirmed the death of two drivers of Enugu Transport Company, ENTRACO and EMEM mass transit following an auto crash involving the two mass transit companies along the Ezillo axis of the EnuguAbakaliki express road.

Mr. Ibekwe said that out of the 17 passengers involved in the fatal accident, 15 were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at Felix Memorial Hospital, Abakaliki, and Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki.

The FRSC senior official who attributed the road crash to over speeding, dangerous driving and dangerous overtaking, adding that the accident would have been averted if the two drivers had exercised patience and considered the risk involved in such dangerous overtaking.

He said that the vehicles involved include, a Toyota bus with registration number, AFK

195 AA belonging to EMEM and a Hiace bus with registration number, XH 759 KTU belonging to ENTRACO mass transit.

He said, “Yesterday being the 8th of July 2014, at about 3.30pm along Ezillo farm axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki express road, our team at Nkalagu unit command on patrol got a distress call that a Toyota bus belonging to ENTRACO and a Hiace bus belonging to EMEM mass transit had a head- on -collision and immediately they rushed to the scene of the accident and were able to rescue some of the victims.

From their report, the two drivers died at the spot while the other 15 passengers who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to the Felix Memorial Hospital and Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki�.

When LEADERSHIP visited Christ the King Hospital, Abakaliki were four of the passengers are currently receiving treatment, it was observed that the bus conductor, Mr. Ndubuisi Onuoha, and Stephen Nwankwuda were in a pathetic condition and needed further medical examination to save their life.

L-R: Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Geidam briefing State House correspondents after the inauguration of the steering committee on Safe Schools Initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), managing director/ CEO, Pharmalpus Nigeria Limited, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, and Chief Operating Officer, Society for Family Health, Wale Adedeji, during the inauguration ceremony of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in Lagos. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

L-R: Ag Executive Secretary of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr.Bamidele Dahunsi, Vice President of NSE, Engr. Magaret Oguntola and Deputy President of NSC, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, when they visited LEADERHIP corporate headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. photo by Ebiruku John Friday

L-R: Chairman, Association for the Poorest of the Poor Rehabilitation Centre, Arc. Ben Amanfoh, representative of the Director General of NACA,Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, and vice chairman, Association for the Poorest of the Poor Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs. Claire Olanpejo, at the review of NACA & MDGs Funding for the 2013-2014 Anawim Skill Acquisition Centre at Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

12

Thursday, July 10, 2014

business news

SME’s Operators Get N200m Loans In Edo By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The Edo State Government has disbursed over N200million to small and medium - scale business operators, under the Edo State Government and Bank of Industry loan scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises since 2009.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state commissioner for commerce and industry, Mr

Macdonald Obasuke, while issuing out over N45million cheques to beneficiaries.

He explained that the scheme which was jointly financed by the state government who contributed N250million and the Bank of Industry(BoI) N250million, was part of the efforts by government to assist small and medium- scale entrepreneurs in the state due to the high interest rates in the banks.

According to him: “The scheme is for serious and responsible minded business owners across the state whether you are an indigent or not.And we have over two hundred people who have benefited and the good news is that while few other states who operates the same scheme ask beneficiaries to pay interest, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said our own will be interest free.

BDCs Can Survive Without CBN Forex Sales- Gwadabe

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Contrary to the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that the activities of bureau de change operators contribute to the depletion of the nation’s external reserves, the president of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, has said BDCs could survive without CBN’s dollar sales.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Gwadabe countered the stance of the CBN that the activities of BDCs in the country were contributing significantly to the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves saying, “While indeed there are well over 3500 licensed BDCs,

the volume of dollar sales to the subsector could not be responsible for the depletion of the external reserves.

For example the annual and quarterly economic reports of the CBN show that out of the $26.82 billion dollar sold by the CBN in 2012, $5.55 billion representing 19 per cent was sold to BDCs. Similarly, out of the $33.3 billion sold by the CBN in 2013, $5.31 billion, representing 15.9 per cent was sold to BDCs. “Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2014, out of the $14.8 billion sold by the CBN, $1.7 billion, representing 11.4 per cent was sold to BDCs. Note that the percentage of dollar sales to BDCs has been declining since 2012.

CBN Raises Finance, Leasing Firms Capital Base To N100m

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) has given finance houses as well as leasing companies in the country up until September 30, 2014, to shore up their capital bases to N100 million.

The CBN had recently raised the capital base of Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in the country from N10 million to N35 million, giving an ultimatum which was extended on Monday to July 31 from July 15, 2014.

Finance and leasing companies as well as BDCs fall under the same department - Other Finance Institutions Supervisory Department (OFISD) - of the CBN. Speaking at the official presentation of the Revised Guidelines for Finance Companies in Nigeria, the director, OFISD of the CBN, Ahmed Abdullahi, said the shoring up of the capital base from N20 million to N100 million was to have strong and viable finance companies in the country.

“We want finance companies and other institutions in the OFIS sub sector to become strong, virile and able to perform the functions that they were set up for. Of course the objective of the finance companies and their shareholders is profit after tax but for us we are interested to have OFIs that are able to service the MSMEs sub sector and provide access to finance those businesses so that we can have economic growth and development in the country.

“The agenda of the governor is to have a people centred central bank; he wants to emphasise job creation, he wants to emphasise businesses having access to finance and so all these institutions that are operating in the financial sector in which we have purview are supposed to be strong virile and able to perform that function.

“We are concerned about finance companies performing functions for which they are set up and that is why they need to have increased capital, good corporate governance policies and risk management policies need to be put in place so that they will be able to function properly,” he said.

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L-R: Director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, chairman, SEC, Dr Suleyman A. Ndanusa and chief executive officer, Financial Services Commission (FSC Mauritius), Ms Clairette Ah-hen during a courtesy visit to SEC by a delegation from FSC in Abuja, yesterday.

Shareholders Okay N100bn Fresh Capital For Lafarge Wapco Olushola Bello, Lagos

Shareholders of Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc (Lafarge Wapco) has approved the creation of Lafarge Africa Plc, a Nigerian listed holding company that would consolidate all Lafarge’s shares in its businesses in Nigeria (AshakaCem, Unicem, and Atlas) and South Africa to Lafarge Wapco.

They also approved an additional capital of N100 billion through a public offer of debt and equity in the domestic and international capital market.

The consolidation transaction would be concluded through a cash consideration of N32.4 billion ($200 million) and the insurance of 1.4 billion Lafarge Africa shares

to the Lafarge Group making Lafarge Africa Plc to have a market capitalisation of N486 billion ($3 billion) and would be the 6th largest Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) listed company.

The newly created entity would have a combined production capacity of around 12 million metric tonnes (MT) comprising Lafarge Wapco (4.5m MT), Lafarge South Africa Holdings (3.6m MT), United Cement Company of Nigeria (2.5 millon MT), Ashaka Cement (1million MT) and Atlas Cement Company, an import operation with bagging capacity of 0.5million MT. The company has said that there were already projects underway to expand on this capacity and by 2017, Lafarge Africa would have installed

cement capacity of 17million MT. The inclusion of South Africa also provides operations in aggregates and fly ash.

Speaking at the company’s 55th annual general meeting, the managing director of Lafarge Wapco, Guillaume Roux, said, “The creation of Lafarge Africa allows the company to continue in its drive to be the best in the areas in which it operates. The broader geographic coverage means that Lafarge Africa will be better positioned to serve its customers more widely.”

He said that it also placed the company in a stronger position to be able to benefit from the economic growth and development opportunities available in both Nigeria and South Africa.

Jos Electricity Firms Invests N210m On Meters, Billing Platform

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Aura Energy Limited, owners of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has invested N210 million into its operations to address the challenges in order to curb inefficiencies in billing.

This was disclosed by the executive director, Operations Support of the company, Mr Umar Bello, when a team from the Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE) visited the company in continuation of its post privatisation monitoring activities of the newly privatised PHCN successor companies.

Bello disclosed that a customer audit

to ascertain the number of electricity consumers within its coverage area has been conducted.

He noted that the audit was carried out on its behalf by AF-Mercados EMI, a specialist consultancy firm that supports clients in liberalising energy sectors and promoting efficient sustainable energy markets, adding that it was necessary to reduce the inefficiencies within the system.

In disclosing some of the company’s future plans, Bello revealed that the company has initiated plans to explore embedded generation in each of the States within the Distribution Company (DISCO) coverage. Jos Disco covers four States namely

Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi and Benue.

He said that the energy supply that JEDC currently sells was between 5MW to 20MW, which is far below the ideal supply needed of 300 MW. He disclosed that JEDC intends to explore hydro-based electricity plants in Gombe State and gas-driven electricity plants in Yankari, Bauchi State in order to improve electricity supply within its DISCO areas.

He said from the consumer enumeration carried out during the exercise, it was discovered that Jos distribution company had about 400, 000 customers as against the 274, 000 initially indicated during the privatisation process.

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Agriculture Sector Needs Stable Policy Framework - NANTS

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), yesterday, said that apart from funding, there was the urgent need to pay attention to a stable policy framework for its umbrella body, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, that would guide the administering of extension services.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP in Abuja, the association’s national president, Mr Ken Ukaoha, argued that the sector’s quest to drive the process of job creation and inclusive growth in Nigeria would remain a mirage with the lack of financial commitment and the resultant non-performance of some structures.

According to him, issues relating to the autonomy of the ADPs, financing strategy, re-orientation and retraining of extension agents, organisational structures and coordination between the extension agents, farmers and research institutions, were

some of the areas the policy framework should address.

To achieve the objective of food security and poverty reduction, Ukaoha maintained that relevant stakeholders must recognise that farmers have the right to know what is happening in areas of improved seedlings, better methods of cultivation and fertiliser application, pest and weed control/eradication, new advances in livestock production and disease control etc.

The NANTS helmsman further stressed that with over 10 million farmers with active phone lines fully registered for the growth enhancement scheme (GES) of the ministry, extension services delivery could be taken a step further in collaboration with the telecom service providers by creating an agriculture call centre where farmers could call and get information on all their concerns about farming. This, he emphasised, would help boost information dissemination and feedback mechanism for effective research.

Bill For Oil And Gas Export Zone Scales Second Reading

By Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, passed for second reading a bill on the oil and gas export free zone.

The upper chamber also pushed the bill seeking to establish the National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA) beyond the crucial second reading.

The oil and gas export free zone bill, if passed, seeks to amend the oil and gas export free zone authority act to make consequential provisions to the act for greater effectiveness and efficiency.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Trade and Establishment for further legislative work.

Sponsored by Senator Odion Ugbesia, the bill also seeks the introduction of the right of

The House of Representatives has named a seven-man Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the country’s petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over the alleged illegal sale of the Oil Mining Licence (OML 29).

Presiding, the deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, constituted the probe panel yesterday sequel to a June 2, House resolution following allegations that Shell and other oil majors may have hidden under the cover of waivers, usually granted by the minister of petroleum, to embark on the sale of the OML 29 and others.

The seven-member committee chaired by Aminu Suleiman (Kano/APC)

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The federal government through the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, has said Nigeria would launch national crop insurance for farmers from 2015.

has Babatunde Adejare (Lagos/APC), Irona Alphonsus Gerald (Imo/PDP), Binta Maigari Bello (Gombe/PDP), Ismaila Ahmed Gadaka (Yobe/APC), Umaru Haliru Aliero (Kebbi/PDP), and Sunday Akpodiogaga Emeyese (Delta/ PDP) as members.

The Suleiman-led Ad-hoc Committee is expected to establish the validity of the transactions and report back to the House within two weeks.

Federal lawmakers reported that the OML 29 has been in the custody of Shell for more than 52 years and onehalf of the area of lease has not been relinquished to the federal government as stipulated by the Petroleum Act. Item 12(1) of the First Schedule to the Petroleum Act stipulates that 10 years after the grant of an oil mining lease, one-half of the lease shall be relinquished to the federal government.

Index Rises By 0.41%

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

The All-Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange appreciated by 177.64 points or 0.41 per cent to close at 43,039.42 yesterday, against the 42,861.78 achieved on Tuesday. Also, the market capitalisation rose by N58 billion or 0.41 per cent to close at N14.211 trillion, compared with the N14.153 trillion recorded on Tuesday.

Forte Oil led the gainers’ table, appreciating by N11.90 to close at N210 per share. Nigerian Breweries followed with a gain of N2.22, to close at N175.22

regulatory framework guiding the operations of free zones in Nigeria,” Ugbesia told senators.

He further explained that the most attractive feature of a free zone anywhere in the world is the tax holiday which investors enjoy as incentive and encouragement for investment and this amendment provides just that. Meanwhile, the bio-safety agencies bill seeks to address the national biosafety requirements and regulate the practice of modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMO) to ensure safety to the environment and human health.

In a lead debate, Domingo Obende (APC-Edo) said the bill would apply to safety administration of any activity of importing and exporting GMOs, and the products derived from it into and out of the country.

FG To Launch National Crop Insurance For Farmers

OML 29 Sale: Reps Name 7-member Panel To Probe Shell, Alison-Madueke

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

workers in the zone to join trade unions and bargain collectively which the principal Act abridged since inception of the free zones.

He stated that free zones all over the world are instrumental in boosting industrial and economic growth as a result of which the federal government established the Onne Oil and Gas free zones to, among other things, provide greater level of foreign direct investment, technology transfer, manpower development, employment opportunities and greater economic self-reliance.

“Our free trade zones are far from achieving the purpose for which they were established and there are serious doubt as to whether Nigeria has indeed benefitted from the Onne Oil and Gas free zone beyond the benefit accruable to an industrial area which is the result of weak

per share, while Lafarge Wapco gained N1.88 to close at N112.07.

Guinness chalked up N1.54 to close N197.53 per share, while PZ appreciated by 95 kobo to close at N36.75 per share.

Conversely, UPL topped the losers’ chart, shedding 20 kobo to close at N4.35 per share. Caverton trailed with a loss of 16 kobo to close at N6.89, while Zenith Bank declined by 10 kobo to close at N25.20 per share.

Dangote Sugar and Diamond Bank shed 9 kobo to close at N9.11 and N6.23 per share, respectively.

He also said: “The programme Farming with Peace is aimed at insuring farmers against shocks and losses from weather related events.”

The minister, who made the revelation at the launch of the “Water Management Solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria,”

a partnership between the FMARD and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Abuja, yesterday also said, “The federal government will also design and implement a flood disaster payment policy that will protect farmers, communities and states from economic losses due to floods.”

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Nigeria To Lead Africa’s Power Sector Reform Initiative STORIES BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

At the just concluded threeday Energy, Environment and Investment Forum (EEIF), notable world leaders took turns to give insight into various policy initiatives by key African countries toward addressing their energy crises.

The forum was hosted by the Rivers State Government to present to potential investors the country’s copious natural resources which could be harnessed so as to take the edge off the obvious energy crises.

The reaction of key stakeholders in the industry and notable former world leaders, mostly from Europe, indicated that Nigeria is yet to take action toward improving access to energy for her population.

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in his remark to declare the conference open clearly stated that the theme of the forum “Sustainable Energy: The Key To Africa’s World Integration” was a connection to the continuous search for a sustainable future because energy is the bond that

connects economic, social and environmental development.

Amaechi said the forum was a launching pad for economic growth and would play a pivotal role in any attempt to achieve sustainable development and noted that it is indubitable that no country can fruitfully condense poverty without satisfactorily addressing its energy needs.

Responding to issues with regard to access to energy in Africa, the former president of Ghana, John Kufour, said many African countries are

far-off from achieving the millennium development goal (MDG), an initiative that seeks to trim down poverty.

Kufour said a critical factor toward achieving the MDG objectives is access to energy which he said is deficient in Africa.

He disclosed that about 1.3 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity despite the 2015 date set by the United Nations for the actualisation of the MDG goals.

But he said, however, that in sub Saharan Africa,

only four out of about 30 countries in the region are on course in the provision of electricity and other aspects of the MDG goals.

Kufuor berated African countries for not doing enough to promote investment in the power sector and thereby denying many access to electricity.

The former president also noted that more than 2.7 billion people are forced to cope with using obsolete technologies and thereby trapped in the vicious circle of poverty.

According to him, “By 2008, in sub Saharan Africa,

the average electrification process was at 28 per cent and in the rural areas the average was less than 12 per cent.”

But he said African countries could still synergise using the team spirit of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and in collaboration with foreign investors to harness the potentials of the grand inga hydroelectric project of the Congo river, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The dam is reportedly the largest proposed hydro power scheme which takes the centre stage in developing continent wide power scheme.

Kufour said the project is estimated to gulp some $80 billion and would be generating 40,000 mega watts of power when completed and would allow African industrial and manufacturing sectors to successfully take off.

In other words, the project has the potential to power an unprecedented era of industrialisation in Africa and even have electricity left over for potential export to Europe.

He further stated that if such project fully came on stream, it will be the biggest manifestation of Africa’s integration into the new and evolving world order of globalisation, but for the power sector to fully establish, authorities should also focus much energy on renewable energy investment such as hydro, geo-thermal, solar and bio energy as well as technologies that include energy efficiency.

He said Africa is richly blessed with abundant renewable energy resources and the continent should, therefore, seek to ensure that the provision of sustainable energy will underpin its development.

“Africa has tremendous water and river systems each of which should be considered a candidate for hydroelectric power development,” Kufuor advised.

Also in his presentation, the former prime minister of Spain, Jose Luis Zapatero, underscored the significance of making generous investment in the energy sector even though he made reference to Nigeria’s on going power sector reform which he said is progressively creating opportunities for private sector investment.

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Nigeria’s Lessons For South Africa On Farming agric focus

News that Nigeria has overtaken South Africa (SA) to become Africa’s largest economy has raised more than a few global eyebrows.

But while politicians from Nigeria’s neighbouring countries rush to pat the new African economic powerhouse on the back, they would do well to take a leaf from Nigeria’s book and apply the many lessons it offers in successful economic turnaround to their own countries. And SA is no exception.

Granted that with a population of 170 million people, Nigeria is about three times bigger than SA and enjoys access to significantly more arable land (about 84 million hectares) than SA, but when one considers that Nigeria’s agriculture sector contributes about 22 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) while SA’s agricultural contribution is about 2 per cent, it is clear that Nigeria is doing something right when it comes to fully leveraging the economic potential its farming offers.

What makes this GDP contribution by the Nigerian agriculture even more impressive is that it comes following an extended period of severe neglect during which the country placed a much higher priority on its oil resources.

But as recently as 2011, the economic focus shifted back to agriculture with the launch of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which had as its primary goals the addition of 20 million metric tonnes of food to domestic supply by next year

and the creation of 3.5 million jobs in farm- and food-related industries. While these were obviously ambitious goals, Nigeria has largely achieved

By ZHANN MEYER them.

One of the main keys to Nigeria’s relatively astounding agricultural turnaround since 2011 was almost certainly political will. The Nigerian government recognised the immense potential that agriculture had to drive greater economic growth.

More importantly, it acknowledged that it needed to take proactive steps to drive the transformation that would allow the sector to fulfil that role. When politicians, policy makers, and the private sector put their minds to finding and delivering practical mechanisms to promote change and growth in this way, transformation happens.

The clue to Nigeria’s ability to take a holistic view of agriculture and the potential it has to not just drive economic growth, but also uplift the lives of the country’s people lies in the title of one political figure – Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria’s minister of agriculture. However, he is also the country’s minister of rural development.

Given the potential for small-scale farming not only to contribute Minister of Agriculture Ad significantly to overall esina Adewumi agricultural sustainability portfolios. and independence from impressive In a majority of developing imports but also to create results. The country nations, innovation and sustainable livelihoods for recognised that offering farming do not typically millions of people in rural subsidies is one thing, but coexist. Under Adesina’s communities, it makes these cannot be effective guidance, Nigeria has sense that the same political changed this paradigm – with unless they are made easily leader heads both of these

accessible to all farmers. To achieve this, it harnessed technology by developing an “electronic wallet system” that delivered subsidy vouchers to farmers via cellphones. So far, the initiative has enabled five million smallholder farmers to receive subsidised electronic vouchers for seeds and fertilisers.

Possibly, the most significant of Nigeria’s achievements in this area is the ability to deliver on its top millennium development goal by reducing the number of hungry people by half – three years ahead of schedule.

It is interesting that the South African agriculture was already in a much better position to deliver the same transformation than Nigeria was when it started the process in 2011.

Our country has world class mechanisms in place to access and capitalise on agriculture markets. Our infrastructure is generally highly advanced with the challenges of produce storage, cold chain management, processing and transport largely met. What is more, our government clearly recognises the importance of agriculture as a key economic growth and social change driver.

So, the solid foundations are in place, but to build our agriculture sector on them, we need to be willing to learn from the success of others, adapt to the lessons they offer, and diligently apply them to transform our country’s agriculture.

Arguably the most valuable of all these lessons is that it can be done. We just need to make the decision to do it now.

FAO, Others Partner FG to Develop Water Management Solutions

BY Ruth Tene Natsa

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Water Resources Data for Sustainable Development (WRDSD) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have jointly given their support to the federal government through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) to develop water management solutions.

In a good will message at the “lnception Workshop on Water Management solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture” with the theme ‘Turning Tragedy into Opportunity” which began in Abuja yesterday, the FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Loiuse Setshwaelo, said the partnership is aimed at looking at ways to manage and address the issues of water scarcity in the dry lands and during dry seasons.”

According to Setshwaelo, “We are all aware that agricultural production and food security in Africa are more

often severely compromised by extreme climate and weather events, further worsened by the impact of climate change which has increased these events.

Extreme weather conditions, floods and droughts do not only undermine progress in reducing poverty and food insecurity, they also undermine over all development efforts in countries including Nigeria.”

Recalling that in recent times unprecedented floods had ravaged many parts of the country, she asserted that “there are still opportunities to convert flood disasters into more productive output,

particularly in farmlands affected by floods and droughts.

The country representative is of the opinion that the partnership will ensure that strategic and targeted investment in agricultural water management, water storage, irrigation and flood control will be essential to turn tragedies into opportunities to benefit millions of poor smallholder farmers.

Speaking on the goal of the project, the director Africa, International Water Management Institute, Dr Olalekan Williams, said, “The

goal of the project is to assist the government of Nigeria to increase agricultural production and food security through sustainable water management which allows small-holder farmers to profitably engage in flood recession and dry season agriculture.”

He added that “the joint venture is aimed at being able to reduce the risks posed by flooding through accurate forecasting systems and enhancement of dry season farming through integrated agricultural water management solutions.”

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energy news

SPE Dismisses Fear Of Depleting Oil Reserves The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has urged the federal government to utilise the huge hydrocarbon reserves of the country to create wealth and stimulate the growth of the nation’s economy.

The chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Bernard Oboarekpe, who gave the advice in Lagos at a pre-event press conference

of the council’s 38th Annual International Conference and Exhibition also stressed the need for government to use the hydro carbon reserves to create wealth to enable Nigeria survive the global tune to alternative energy solutions.

He said there is nothing to fear about the depleting oil reserves, saying Nigeria has

LECAN Commends Schneider Electric For Effective Energy Mgt Stories by Chika Izuora, Lagos

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has been commended for the quality of its products in the Nigerian power market.

The commendation was made by the Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) during its event in Abuja where it conferred the National Merit Award on Schneider Electric.

The award is coming on the heels of the endorsement of company’s Isaac Boro Energy Training College at Grenoble, France, by members of the National Assembly Joint Committee

on Niger Delta who visited the facility recently.

According to the national president of the LECAN, Otunba Dele Akintola, the recognition was “predicated on the reports collated and received from the LECAN across Nigeria, approving company’s products to be of very high standards, after sampling other companies’ products.”

Akintola stated that in spite of the current global economical challenges, Schneider Electric has continued to provide the Nigerian power and energy sector with quality electricity products.

This, he said, has enabled the LECAN

members to sustain their business by retaining the confidence of their customers.

Commenting on the award, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Schneider Electric, English West Africa, Marcel Hochet, said, “We are very proud of this award and are motivated to continue to partner the LECAN to ensure electricity remains in safe hands.”

Earlier in the year, the company inaugurated the Schneider Electric Green Currents Loyalty Programme for electricians as part of its initiative to develop the electrical retail business in Nigeria.

L-R: The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo , receiving the 2014 African Role Model Leadership Award from a representative of the DirectorGeneral, Centre for Good Governance in Africa, University of Ibadan, Dr Idenyi Dickson, at the ministry in Abuja. On the right to the minister is the Permanent Secretary, Dr Godknows Igali

Nigerian Content: Indigenous Oil Firm Unveils Simulation Centre The Nigerian Content implementation has taken a commendable leap as an indigenous oil servicing company, PEM Offshore Limited, began to test run its Offshore Simulation and Innovation Centre (POSAIC) in Lagos.

The first phase has been set up and when other facilities are put in place, the centre will have a full suite of Offshore Anchor Handling Simulation Equipment, Dynamic Positioning, Power Management and Crane Simulation Systems and support the training of local and foreign offshore personnel involved in the oil and gas operations.

It will also meet the growing demand for highly competent and qualified personnel for the highly sophisticated and safety driven industry.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, the senior vice president, PEM Offshore Group, Mr Philips Eze Matthew, commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for stimulating investment in marine crew training facilities through the marine vessel utilisation scheme.

He also acknowledged the financing arrangement put in place by the board under the Nigerian Content

Development Fund (NCDF) model which provides 30 per cent guarantee on loans accessed and 50 per cent interest rate rebate and elongated tenure for loan facilities. All these interventions by the board made it possible for the company to come to this level, he confirmed.

Shedding more light on the operations of the POSAIC, Matthew explained that the company entered into an agreement with the Kongsberg Maritime, the original equipment manufacturer, for the supply and technical support of the simulation centre.

excesses of hydro carbon that can always replace the depleting ones.

On the nation’s refineries, he charged government to make concerted efforts to bring the assets back to productive capacity with a view to nipping in the bud the deluge of products importation into the country.

FG Insists On Attaining 6,000mw Wheeling Capacity By December

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The federal government has said that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will have no justification to fail on its expected target to wheel 6,000 megawatts (mw) of electricity by December, 2014.

This is just as the market operator (MO) of the Nigerian electricity market, yesterday, unveiled a central revenue settlement system for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Speaking in Abuja while commissioning the system, the minister of power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said that with government’s commitment to upgrade the operations of the TCN and its affiliates, the company will have no excuse for failing to upgrade its wheeling capacity by the end of this year when substantial amount of electricity is expected to be generated and transmitted for distribution across the country.

He said, “The leadership of the board of the TCN is focused and the new management of the TCN is also focused to make sure we move ahead. A lot needs to be done and we are deeply concerned about the capacity of the TCN to deliver the power that is generated.

“We keep getting reassurances that the capacity is there, but we will want to make sure that this is realistic, not just something done on paper but something we can really experience.

We have no excuse for failing to have enough physical, tangible, wheeling power of 6,000mws

by December this year.”

On the new revenue settlement system, the minister said, the power sector was gradually embracing needed changes that will ensure proactive operations in the sector.

The revenue settlement platform for all stakeholders in the electricity industry was initiated and developed by the MO in partnership with the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) of the Central Bank of Nigeria as an automated revenue lifecycle management system.

The system is expected to help the MO and other operators in the NESI to ensure equitable revenue collection and splitting amongst themselves. It will also give the MO the tools to regulate market price stability.

Remarking, the executive director of the MO, Jang Bangnall, explained that apart from the MO, the new framework will also provide the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) with the required tools for effective regulation of the sector while also giving the ministry of power effective insight to monitor the sector.

He stated that all market participants will have the needed transparency for mutual trust and increased efficiency from the new system which has three major components comprising of data capture and reconciliation, electronic invoicing and billing system as well as the payment settlement system, all of which leverages on the NIBSS Direct Debit Workflow.

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commerce REPORTS

Investment Commisssion To Support Institute Of Directors The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has promised to partner with the institute of directors in the identification of directors that may be used by investors in the course of setting up their businesses in the country or for the purpose of joint venture partnership (JVP).

The Executive Secretary of the NIPC , Mrs Saratu Umar, made this commitment when she received in audience, the president and chairman of the Board of Institute of Directors (IoD), Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, in her office.

While reiterating her commitment to make the commission a standard of excellence and international best practices, Umar commended the institute for its vision to host a conference on “Imperatives of Good Governance in Promoting Investment Opportunities” in Nigeria in October and promised the commission’s willingness to participate in the conference.

MITI Begins Training For Staff L-R: The Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Mrs Saratu Umar, discussing with the President and Chairman, Institute of Directors, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, when the institute visited the NIPC in Abuja , recently

Nigeria Imports 20m Pairs Of Shoes Annually–Report Stories by By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Nigeria imports close to 20 million pairs of shoes yearly despite its manufacturing capacity which could meet local demand and even produce for export.A subsector assessment of the Nigerian leather industry by Chemonics International Inc. has revealed.

The report also disclosed that the country’s neglect of this allimportant sector has seen her losing out on the $72 billion global leather industry and trailing behind less endowed countries on account of her dependence on oil.

It noted that with with longterm investment, Nigerian stakeholders could potentially share what may develop into a $104 million market for Nigeria over the next ten years.

“This increased market will be accompanied by a substantial increase in the industry’s employment level,” the report said, noting that increase in

disposable income was fuelling international demand for high quality leather shoes, jackets, handbags and upholstery and that the market .”

While observing that the market for leather products was growing steadily at three per cent per annum, the report pointed out that although developed countries are the major consumers of finished leather products, they export the bulk of raw hides traded globally to developing countries for processing.

“These value-adding developing countries, who are unable to keep up with the demand for tanned leather and finished leather products, are constantly seeking new sources of supply and are looking to West Africa as a potential source.

“Nigeria already has a thriving export market; the skin of Nigeria’s Red Sokoto goat commands a premium in the international market, especially from Italy. All of the resources for

With long- term investment, Nigerian stakeholders could potentially share what may develop into a $104 million market for Nigeria over the next ten years

tanning and producing leather products are available locally, including a large domestic and regional animal population. With strategic utilisation of these resources, Nigeria could greatly increase their market share of the global leather and leather goods market.”

“Nigeria also has a prosperous local food market for raw hides and skins, called “Ponmo,” which is considered a delicacy. Currently the demand for “Ponmo” competes and wins against the demand for tanning, receiving five times the price for products with fewer quality demands,” it said.

In conclusion, the report advised that the manufacturing industry needs more sources of quality inputs if it hopes in order to fully utilise its manufacturing capacity for leather products.

It also added that leather products industry has tremendous potential to generate foreign exchange and create employment, especially for women, in Nigeria.

Cement, Ceramics, Glass Manufacturers Get 91.48% Raw Materials Locally

by Olushola Bello, Lagos

Cement, ceramics and glass manufacturers collectively classified as non-metallic products sector get 91.48 per cent of their raw materials locally rather than from other countries.

This was disclosed by July to December 2013 Economic Review released recently by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

This represents an encouraging

improvement from 79.55 per cent reported in the first half of 2013 and 63.16 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2012.

In the cement industry, improvement in the local content was driven by backward integration policy, which has allowed companies to buy their suppliers, and consequently made the country largest manufacturer in the sub-Saharan Africa. Manufacturers source mainly limestone and shale from different parts of the country.

There are four key manufacturers of cement in the country, which include Dangote Cement, Lafarge WAPCO, the United Cement Company of Nigeria (UniCem), Ashaka Cement and the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria.

According to MAN, costs saved from improvement in the local contents were being used to answer other needs in the factories, including changing of machines and equipment, purchases of other production assets and working capital.

The ministry of industry, trade and investment, has commenced training and capacity development for its 345 members of staff.

The permanent secretary, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, who spoke during the introduction of the newly elected head of the Joint Negotiating Council on Staff Welfare for the ministry, in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that the training and capacity building exercise, which commenced early this month, would be in two batches.

According to him, with the expanded mandate of the ministry, the staff needed to be able to cope effectively with the high expectations, particularly with regard to the flagship policies on industrialisation and enterprise development.

Musa also stated that the era of indiscipline and lack of respect to rules and regulations, in addition to inadequate capacity development had gone for good.

“Members of staff must comply with rules and regulations and must be dedicated to work. If you abide by these rules, you’ll be motivated. But if you refuse to come to work, you will not be paid.

“I operate an open-door policy and the management welcomes suggestions. But we will not tolerate unnecessary dissent from anybody because you can cause dissatisfaction in the system,” he said.

NACCIMA Urges FG On Economic Competitiveness

by Olushola Bello, Lagos

National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated the need for Nigeria to align with the current global trend to enhance her competitiveness by re-focusing and re-strategising through diversification of her economic base away from oil to non-oil export products.

He stated this at the chamber’s 54th annual conference held recently, in Ogun State, saying, “the theme of this year’s conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Competitiveness in the Global Market: Panacea for Growth and Development of the Non-Oil Export,” was not only very apt but most relevant at this time considering the continued efforts by governments at all levels in respect of various on-going policies and programmes directed at growing and developing the national economy through the promotion and improvement of Nigeria’s competiveness in the global market place to diversify the economy away from a mono-product oil sector to the promotion of non-oil exports.”

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

mines & steel REPORT

Get Legal Representation, Sada Advices Mining – Communities

Mining site

Stakeholders Call For Priority Attention To Mining

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja with Agency reports

Stakeholders on various platforms have called on the federal government to ensure the inclusion of the mining and minerals sector in its development agenda , Ruth Tene Natsa writes on their views With the near neglect of the nation’s mining and minerals sector, where not much is expected anymore, the federal government has again declared its intention to revolutionise the sector, but stakeholders are of the view that without the inclusion of the sector in the nation’s development agenda, it would remain a policy statement.

The abandoning of the multibillion dollar Ajaokuta Steel Plant investment has left doubts in the minds of many Nigerians to the seriousness of governments (both pasts and present) to revive the steel plant and subsequently the steel sector.

But the launch of the nation’s industrial revolution in February by the President Goodluck Jonathan, headed by the minister of Industry ,trade and investment Mr Olusegun Aganga, has given a new lease to the continual struggle of stakeholders who believe that revolutionalising the nation must include revolutionalising the steel sector and subsequently the mining industry.

For many, the revolution in the steel sector would be the solution to the problems of unemployment, wealth creation and industrialisation which is facing the country.

Earlier , President Nigerian Miners Association (MAN), Alhaji Sani Shehu, had called on the federal government to capture mining operators in its transformation agenda, saying, “Any sector captured under the federal government’s transformation agenda is seriously promoted and enjoys speedy development, such as those enjoyed

by the entertainment industry and the agriculture sector.”

Meanwhile the minister of mines and steel development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, had also asserted that the sector needs to find space in the new development plan of the government.

“Government is launching an industrial revolution plan that relies on creating value chains.

As you know very well, there is no sector that creates more value chain than the minerals sector.

As witnessed in current global trends, mining is now wholly a private affair. However, if you want to bring in the private sector you have to be sure of what you are presenting to them.

“There is a lot of work that the sector should do in generating the operating, legal, technical and institutional framework. Currently, to ensure that these frameworks are in place and institutionalised, the ministry is taking a lot of time to implement them with the hope of developing a fully functional system.”

Speaking on the many challenges facing the sector, he said, “The major immediate challenge now is to convince investors to come and invest in the sector. However this does not only rely on the sector itself but the general investment environment of the country.”

He recalled that “the current government had taken a decision to diversify the economy of the country and pay a little more attention to minerals sector, further stating that previous to that “all attention had been on the hydro carbon sector because government gets a lot of revenue

easily.

“A country that intends to develop cannot just look at the value of the resource but add value whilst exploiting the resources sustainably and responsibly,” adding that the exploitation and value addition cannot happen without the right skills and knowledge.

The minister noted that recent experiences had shown that lack of requisite skills and knowledge in any sector and more so in Africa could create adverse impacts.

A failure to address knowledge and skills gaps and just rely on foreign expertise and investors can stimulate uprisings when communities notice they are being left behind.

For a sector (mining) that has been left behind and not received the right attention for a very long time, the ministry is doing very well in relation to the various challenges.

“For instance looking at environmental issues, the previous minerals act did not ensure responsibility by operator for the impacts caused. This is what currently left us with a lot of legacy environmental issues. Most of the abandoned mines were as a result of operations done when operators had no responsibility. What we have done now in the new law, is to give the responsibility back to the operator.

“Before an operator gets a mining lease or immediately after, they have to submit an environmental impact assessment report as well as the remediation plan (environmental protection and rehabilitation programme),” Sada noted approved by relevant authorities.

To ensure that these frameworks are in place and institutionalised, the ministry is taking a lot of time to implement them with the hope of developing a fully functional system

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, has called on mining communities to get legal representation towards protecting their assets and interests.

In an interview with Journalists in London recently , he said as communities sometimes lacked understanding and appreciation of the value of what they hand over to mining companies, it was necessary that they seek legal representation to protect their rights.

“The ministry also advices communities to get legal representation because most of the areas where mining is done unfortunately belong to people who don’t appreciate the value of the minerals the ministry provide guidance. The ministry provides guidelines of how to value the resources and how to arrive at compensation “If we look at the community issues, an operator cannot get a mining lease now without a Community Development Agreement (CDA) This is a legal development that can make a miner lose his/her rights to mine if violated.

This again is a lesson from the oil sector; all the issues of percentages are simply because communities are not carried along.

“If communities are carried along, their rights are considered, you will not have problems. To bring communities effectively on board, in the mining sector, first when you are applying for a mineral title even for an exploration license, you must get land owners consent.

“One of the key areas of development in the sector is mineral title administration, which used to be part of the bureaucracy of government whereby the discretion was with the minister.

“The minister could give and take mining titles. What we did was to take this out from the minister’s responsibilities. To transfer this responsibility to the agency, the ministry created a law for it.

“There is a well-defined and informed process for applicants. For you to get a license you don’t have to see me, you get it through the process, it’s there and it advises you to seek redress if not satisfied with your application or case,” Sada said.

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job search Thursday, July 10 , 2014

INTERVIEWS NETWORKING PERSONAL BRANDING JOB SEEKER PROFILES Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest may be fun places to hang out, but did you know they’re also great places to grow — or completely ruin — a career? It’s true: a whopping 77 per cent of employers use social media to find candidates, while (perhaps more troubling) 20 per cent of them use these platforms to screen out candidates as well.

1. You Overshare (Or Don’t Share Enough) A good rule of thumb here is to think about what you would be comfortable saying to your boss or potential employers in person.

However, don’t let this advice scare you away from posting at all. In fact, regular updates are key to growing you’re following and building your expertise on social media platforms. Plus, you look plain out of touch when an employer stumbles upon your barren account, which hasn’t been updated in months. Don’t make an account unless you’re actually going to use it – and make sure to shutter any old social media accounts that you no longer use.

2. Your Friends Know No Boundaries Even if you’ve got your social media etiquette in order, your friends may not. That’s a big problem if they post inappropriate updates or photos and tag you, so make sure that your privacy settings are such that they can’t do any of this.

And while we’re on the topic of friends, on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s important to grow your following strategically for another reason, too: networking.

Joining interest groups, getting added to Twitter lists and engaging

INTERVIEWS

with people in your industry is a great way to establish your expertise and foster connections that might later land you jobs.

3. Your Posts Are All Over the Place This is a turnoff for followers, who may be interested in one of your favourite topics but not all of them, and it’s also a lost branding opportunity. Social media, after all, is a great place to establish yourself as an expert in your field — and you can only do that by focusing on the contents of your posts. If that’s too limited, you can always make, say, separate Twitter accounts for separate topics.

4. You Don’t Engage In Conversations Regardless of how it might sometimes seem, social media isn’t about you, you, you. If this is the mentality that’s guiding your posts, you’re likely turning off employers, as you’re not demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills. Again, this is also not ideal for growing your following or even establishing your expertise. Instead, participate in real, engaging back and forth conversations so that you can show fellow industry professionals and potential employers what you can do, rather than telling them.

5. You Don’t Have Your Privacy Settings Sorted Even if you keep everything PG, it’s generally a good idea to keep your privacy settings pretty tight, especially on Facebook, which tends to be more personal in nature. You might, for instance, create a list for work contacts so that you can restrict the amount of photos they see both overall

ways Profiles Are Killing Your Career

7 Ways Your Social Media Profiles Are Killing Your Career and as you select who you want to share each post with. 3’s privacy policies change all the time, so keep up to date on their latest changes to ensure once you’ve got this setup that your personal profile is still as private as you think it is.

6. Your Profiles Aren’t Searchable That said, when you are actively looking for a job, social media is a great place to get found. To do this, make sure you fully fill out your profile on all platforms, using career keywords as you go, and

ensure the essential aspects of your profile are publicly available to all who might seek you out.

7. Your Personal and Work Emails Are One And The Same If the email address you’re using to apply for jobs is the same as the one you used to sign up for your social media accounts, your employer will easily find this using job search software and can pull a fair amount of data right into their system. Again, keeping work and play separate, even at the level of email addresses, is essential for guarding your privacy.

1. You Don’t Engage In Conversations Participate in real, engaging back and forth conversations so that you can show fellow industry professionals and potential employers what you can do.

2. Your Profiles Aren’t Searchable Make sure you fully fill out your profile on all platforms, using career keywords.

3. Your Posts Are All Over the Place This is a turnoff for followers, who may be interested in one of your favourite topics

Get the Interview: 5 Tips For Leaving A Great Voicemail Too many times job applicants prepare phenomenal resumes but fail to secure a physical interview.

Often times, this is because of improper phone etiquette, poor voice presentation and bad voicemails.

Here are five things to improve interview rates and make a fabulous presentation over the phone using voicemail: 1 Never Underestimate the Power of the Phone In our digital age job applicants commonly tweet or text to stay in touch with friends. The telephone seems like a cumbersome and slow

form of communication. However, people over the age of 35 are much more comfortable using the phone and they will commonly use it as a screening tool for applicants.

Phone interview skills are essential across all employment levels.

2 Record and Listen To Your Own Voice Leaving an excellent voicemail begins by nurturing a good speaking voice. Speak slowly, clearly and correctly. Use Dragon software or even the simple record feature on your phone to cultivate a good phone voice.

3 Good Voicemails Begin with Details When leaving voicemail always leave your full name and the job title of the position you are calling about at the beginning of the message. Then leave the reason you are calling and your call back number including the area code.

Repeat the call back number and your name at the end of the voicemail.

The idea here is two-fold: Make an impression and help the person on the other end quickly identify who you are and your reason for calling.

5 Leave Enough Information, Entice the Interviewer Leaving too little information is a common mistake. In a voicemail there is room for at least one sentence after all the details to really leave an impression. Do not drone on! The idea here is to leave something for the interviewer that shows you are as interesting as you are interested.

4 Help the Interviewer Out Leave enough information in the body of your voicemail so that the listener can quickly separate you from the rest of the applicants. Compiled by Olujide Olusola

24 JOB SEARCH

Thursday, July 10, 2014

career happiness Career Fulfilment: Why It Matters Top 50 FRANCHISE IN 2014(1)

Everything changes when you love your career. It might sound dramatic but I know from experience. Of course, the degree to which career fulfilment (or “nourishment” as I like to call it) is important is different for each person. Some crave it more than others. Some need a successful career to feel whole while others can really take it or leave it.

But by and large, most people who work for a living want to experience career fulfilment and the reasons are universal.

Career Success Is a Significant Component of Personal Success Many of us are taught, in order to be viewed as “successful” individuals, we must attain a certain level of professional achievement.

Our selfworth has become tied to our professional worth. So, when we’re experiencing professional dissatisfaction, we believe it’s a deeper reflection of who we are and what we’re capable of, rather than recognizing that it’s a matter of circumstance that’s infinitely changeable.

We Spend a Large Percentage of Our Lives at Work From the age of 18 to 65, most of us work an average of eight hours a day five days a week. By my calculations, this totals nearly 100,000 hours spent working in an average lifetime. That’s a significant percentage of the time most of us will spend on Earth. So, if you aren’t fulfilled by what you’re doing, life can feel pretty empty.

Work Provides a Means for Survival for You and Your Family Ultimately, your career is what puts food on the table. It’s a requirement for basic survival and, thus, it’s a necessity. It’s not something that most of us can just walk away from. Because of this, an unsatisfying career can start to feel like a death sentence. It escalates your stress response and you’re constantly in “fight or flight” mode. Finding some kind of career fulfilment will inevitably create a more comfortable existence on the most basic level. Your perspective will broaden, shifting away from that of mere survival.

Career Is Closely Tied To Identity When you meet someone new, what’s the first topic of conversation? In most circles, nine times out of ten, people discuss their careers. “What do you do?” is the most common way to break the ice and get to know someone. If you’re not happy with your career, it can make parties an absolute nightmare. By the end of the night, you feel like a loser.

Why? Your career has been tied to you as a person. It’s not really “fair” but it’s a social norm. When you’re proud of the work you do, it shows. Others hear it in your voice and see it on your face. You feel good about yourself. You enjoy the conversation a heck of a lot more and so does the other person.

Career fulfilment can change your reality. If you want it, create it. But don’t try to deny it matters.

Send your profiles to olusola.olujide@leadership.ng and all profiles should not exceed 200 words

1. Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour health and fitness club.

The company operates over 2400 franchised locations in 19 countries. The gym facilities are open 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year.

2. Hampton Hotels Most Hampton hotels are independently owned and operated by franchisees, though a few are owned and/ or managed by Hilton Worldwide.

3. Subway Subway is an American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads.

4. Supercuts Supercuts is a hair salon franchise with over 2,000 locations across the United States.

The company was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1975,

by Geoffrey M. Rappaport and Frank E. Emmett.

5. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Jimmy John’s is a franchised sandwich restaurant chain founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, United States. In 30 years, the company has grown to more than 1,900 locations in 43 states.

3 Executive Resume Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make Struggling to convey your distinguished career in a compelling executive resume? If you believe your resume is disjointed and fails to tell employers who you really are, you’re probably right.

Here’s why: we’re taught to be good at what we do, but not to articulate our value proposition. You may spend many waking hours spearheading change, handling corporate strategy, leading large teams, or directing enterprise-scale projects – but not a single minute thinking about how to represent these accomplishments to others.

As a result, writing about your executive career can be a difficult task – particularly without a strategic plan for showcasing your personal brand. Read on for solutions to common challenges in developing a strong executive resume, with tips for improving your message – and simplifying your efforts: Challenge 1: You’re struggling to focus on what’s relevant from your career Ever read a long, rambling story where nothing in particular stands out? Perhaps you’ve made lengthy, bullet-point lists of the duties in each position, along with some highlights of revenue generated, projects completed, or costs saved.

This is how many resumes are constructed, making employers navigate through details of each job (often getting lost in a sea of text).

The problem with this approach? There’s no signature theme of your career evident to the reader.

Solution Start with the end in mind.

Answer these questions before even starting work on your resume: What is your desired title in the next job?

What do you want employers to know about you?

How has your work had an impact on the entire company?

What do others commend you for? What is your reputation among peers?

Now, write TO these answers, instead of starting with the detail. Put your target job title at the top (VP of Sales, CIO, Chief Audit Executive), then elaborate on the reasons you’re qualified for it.

Challenge 2: You can’t figure out how to show the impact of previous jobs Many people start writing their resumes in reverse chronological order, realizing

employers want to see their most recent job first. What you’re left with is a first page that touches on one or perhaps two jobs, without noting how you were promoted or where your unique experience originated.

While this is a great way to backtrack through your career, it’s also a more challenging way to assemble an executive resume. Often, the first page lacks context and shows only the scenarios from the past few years (which may not be sufficient at a leadership level).

Solution Shape the outline of your resume to show relevant (even if older) detail.

Consider adding sections to the first page of your executive resume to emphasize key achievements from throughout your career.

You can call this area Career Highlights, Examples of Executive Performance, or another title that tells employers why these accomplishments matter when sizing up your potential.

An added bonus: this style allows for easier navigation by hiring authorities, who’ll be able to see why you’re qualified at your target career level.

Challenge 3: You’re trying to fit your experience into a too-tight space The old rules of resume writing (particularly those that required a singlepage document) don’t apply anymore. Still, it can seem almost impossible to fold 20 to 40 years of hard-won experience and successes into even 2 or 3 pages.

Solution Use a format designed around both a “snapshot” view and the breadth of your career.

If you write an executive resume in straight chronological order, readers must wade through all of the pages to find out where you attended college, what positions you held, and whether your past employers were noteworthy.

Try creating a single-page summary sheet instead, with your work history laid out on subsequent pages. Shown in both this CEO resume and COO – GM resume samples, this approach lets you use the first page as a standalone document or Networking Resume, while presenting all pages to an executive recruiter or search committee.

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

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Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Medical Sales Representative In Miral Pharm Ltd, Zamfara BPharm: 1 - 3 years Email: 32b5a@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357706 Miral Pharmaceutical Ltd is a pharmaceutical marketing and distributing company in Nigeria. Due to our current business expansion, we need the services of a qualified candidate for immediate employment Requirements: • Computer literacy • Ideal person must be able to hold clinical presentations, detailing sessions, interview, etc on the company’s ethical products.

Candidates should: • Not be more than 30 yrs of age and possess a valid driver’s licence • Hold a minimum of a BPharm , BSC in Biochemistry or Pharmacology, or Microbiology or any other Biological Sciences with at least 2 years’ experience in Pharma products sales.

Skills: • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills Attitudes: • Can-do spirit • Attention to details • Customer focus • Motivated and result oriented • Pay and benefits Benefits: The successful candidate will get an attractive salary and performance bonus with good opportunity for career development.

Sales Representative In Agro Nigeria Magazine, Yobe OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 30cd4@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/349892 Agro Nigeria Magazine is a magazine that focuses on promoting the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy. We require the services of a qualified and experienced candidate for this position.

Job Summary: • Will be involved in the sales of agromagazines.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • Good sales skills • Must be sharp, intelligent • Good communication and organizational skills • Should be agile and motivated • Must be able to drive sales efficiently • The suitable candidate help to develop new sales outlook.

• Maintain customer and establish new customers • Must be sales driven

Freelance Marketing Executive In Wetclay Limited, Taraba OND: Entry Level Email: 328cd@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357053

Wetclay Limited, a branding and advertising firm requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Will get clients to patronize our services.

• Will introduce the right client from personal contacts.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • Entry level • Should have knowledge of the marketing industry.

• Should be smart, organized and knowledgeable.

• Should be able to communicate effectively.

• Should have customer service skills and contacts who are prospective clients.

NB: Remuneration will be based on commission.

Sales Executive Ok Foods HND: 3 - 5 years Email: 32a21@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357393 Ok Foods seeks to fill this position with the right candidate Job Description • Meet Monthly and Annual sales Target as set by the company • Meet customers regularly with focus on Customer Satisfaction • Work the Retail market daily and identify gaps and areas of improvement • Work with merchandisers and review daily, weekly and monthly sales with them • Effective utilization of POP/POS items in the market • Submit weekly and monthly sales reports • Understand the competition in the market and revert back with feedback and suggestions Qualification and selection criteria’s • A graduate from a recognized institution • Good Communication skills • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel • Passionate individual with a zeal for growth and learning • Team person

Primary Responsibility: Promote and sell business products and services; develop and grow the business in the area of the branch where he /she is assigned; grow transaction revenue from payment & remittances business and trade; execute sales strategies and tactics; achieve monthly targets; ensure top performance as per firm’s key performance standards.

Finance Manager In KANO CIS, Kano

Qualification and competence • Minimum of 2 years active sales experience • OND/HND/BSC in any discipline

KANO CIS is a transportation/logistics firm and they seek to fill this position with the suitable candidate

Sales Associate In House of Tara International, Kwara HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32931@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357153 House of Tara international is a pioneer beauty and makeup company with a vision of becoming a globally respected company of African origin. Our company takes pride in not just beauty consultation, but in empowerment, creating self-awareness as well as boosting self-esteem.

Responsibilities: • Act as field agent • Coordination and allocation monitoring • Tracking/monitoring of sales across all channels and customers • Reporting on sales bonus • Distribute timely price adjustment notifications • Strengthen end-consumer relationships through an optimized in–person customer experience.

• Stimulate and gather feedback on market intelligence Qualification and Requirements: • Minimum of HND or its equivalent in a relevant discipline • Minimum of 1 year selling experience • Achieves results–conveys energy, acts with integrity • Passionate about sales • Must be self-motivated and hardworking, with strong timemanagement, Communication and organizational skills

Marketing Manager In Young Media Innovative Ventures, Kastina

Emoluments As per industry standard

HND/B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32bc6@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357814

Direct Sales Executive OSS/DSE/13 In Workforce Management Centre, Niger

Young Media Innovative Ventures, an advertising agency requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position

OND/HND/BSC: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357190 Workforce Management Centre Limited is a Management Consulting and Outsourcing Professional Services Firm. Following its inception in July 2004, Workforce Management Centre Limited (Workforce) has built an enviable reputation as the leading indigenous management and professional services consulting firm in Nigeria. Drawing from its Deep Domain Expertise, in the area of organisational effectiveness and employee performance, the Company is positioned to assist businesses across diverse sectors of the economy in their quest to create sustainable value for their stakeholders.

Responsibilities: • Accomplishing marketing and sales human resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; planning and reviewing compensation actions; enforcing policies and procedures.

• Meeting marketing and sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/BSC in a relevant

field • 1-2 years’ experience

MSc: 7 - 10 years Email: 32850@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356928

Responsibilities: • This position will handle all the finance and accounting related aspects of the container depot in Kano • This position will also handle payroll Qualifications and Requirements: • Must have a minimum of a MSc degree • Must have a minimum of 7-10 years of experience • Excellent communication skills

Freelance Marketer In Lange & Grant, Kaduna HND: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357867 Lange and Grant is an indigenous owned company, with competence in the manufacturing of insulated sandwich panels and the construction of preengineered steel buildings. We also specialize in the construction of large prefabricated structures, pharmaceutical clean rooms, production factories, airport terminals/hangers, portacabins for site offices, labour camps and commercial housing developments, poultry hatcheries, cold rooms, abattoirs, telecom base shelters and warehouse structures.

Job Description We require the services of experienced, pro-active, motivated and passionate individuals to represent our organization as Executive Freelance Sales Representatives in Kaduna.

Desired Qualities • Minimum of HND in any engineering or construction courses.

• Must have a good use of English language.

• Must be familiar with Microsoft office suites.

• Must be ready to work independently.

• Preferred age is below 35 years

Computer Instructor In YB Ismail ICT Limited, Bauchi OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32941@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357169 YB Ismail ICT Limited, an ICT company requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Resolves user problems by answering questions and requests.

• Maintains operations by monitoring error and stoppage messages; observing peripheral equipment; entering commands to correct errors and stoppages; reloading paper; making adjustments in process; notifying supervisor for additional resources.

• Documents problems and actions by completing production logs.

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Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience

Thursday, July 10, 2014

• Must be licensed • Minimum of 2 years’ experience • Good communication skills

Business Development Manager In Synapse Services, Abuja

Zonal Managing Editor In Spectacle Prints and Digital Communication, Abuja

Degree: 3 - 5 years Email: Fast Apply Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357432

OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32a8b@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357499

A newly established company located in the heart of Abuja is presently in need of a Business Development Manager (brands) to manage its franchise businesses being introduced to Nigeria.

Spectacle Prints and Digital Communication, a printing and publishing firm requires the services of Zonal Managing Editor for an advertising magazine

Summary The primary role of the Business Development Manager is to prospect for new customers through strategic marketing plans. S/he is responsible for managing and growing existing business relationships. S/he must plan persuasive approaches that will convince customers to purchase the product/ increase sales.

Responsibilities: • To collate subscribers and advertising • To generate content and articles for the magazine • To generate news and events for the magazine • To supervise the circulation in the respective location

Duties: The Business Development Manager will • Oversee all functions of Sales, Marketing & Brand management for the product; • Prospect for potential new customers and turns this into increased business • Develop Strategic Marketing plans and awareness for the product • Work as a trainer and deliver training programs • Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by the sales team • Identify opportunities for campaigns, products and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND Mass com, business administration, computer, marketing • 1-3 years’ experience • Age range 25 - 40 years • Must be hard working, diligent and trustworthy • Must have a good command of English • The ability to work with little or no supervision and good communication skill is required.

• They must reside in the state of application • Graphics and designing skills is an advantage • Must be result driven

Requirements: The candidate should: • Have strong Brand Management knowledge and experience; • Excellent Business Development and Relationship Management skills • Good I.T. Skills; especially Power point and Excel • Strong Negotiation and Presentation skills • Experience creating, costing and implementing sales / marketing / advertising plans • Ability to work to targets / goals / deadlines • Should be outgoing, friendly and exceptional at building rapport.

Qualifications: • A first degree is essential, preferable in a marketing related course. Masters is an added advantage • Minimum of 5 years relevant working experience in Marketing or Brand management Method of Application Applicants should send their CV with a covering letter to using ‘Business Development Manager’ on subject area

Pharmacist In Ayglola Company Limited, Abuja Must be licensed: 1 - 3 years Email: 32a74@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357476 Ayglola Company Limited is seeking for a qualified candidate to fill in this role Job Summary: Administer drugs Qualifications and Requirements:

Finance Manager/Chief Accountant In AES Luxury Apartments, Abuja Degree: 7 - 10 years Email: 32ac3@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357555 We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join a senior management team. The role will have a specific responsibility for the accounts / finance / budgeting functions of this hotel and the role will report in to the General Manager.

The ideal candidate will have been working within a hotel accounts environment and have good working knowledge of hotel accounting systems as well as Microsoft Office products including Excel.

Duties • The role of the Finance Manager will be responsible for the smooth operation of the financial controls within the hotel, the preparation of the monthly management accounts and key performance indicator reports as well as Revenue management processes in conjunction with the hotel sales & reservations teams.

• The Finance Manager will be responsible for controlling all revenue and expenses, as well as hotel inventories. His or her mission shall principally be to keep the hotels accounts. The financial responsibilities both internal controls as well as external expenditure must be properly recorded and handled through high integrity and honesty. All financial related matter must be kept in accordance to internal and external regulation of the hotel and relevant authority respectively.

• Responsible for the day to day organisation, control, and management

of the finance functions in the hotel.

Ensuring the efficient running of the purchase and sales ledgers, and cash reconciliation and banking processes.

• The Finance Manager is responsible for the day-by-day-operation of the accounts department. His/her main scope includes administering accounting policies and procedures, preparing and interpreting financial statements and management reports, assisting in budgetary control and all contractual matters in different areas.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of a degree in relevant discipline • 7-10 years of experience is essential • Good communication skills

Psychiatric Nurse In Center for Psychological Medicine, Abuja B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32b70@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357728 Center for Psychological Medicine - Our “Center for Psychological Medicine” based within the Abuja metropolis is currently in need of a Psychiatric Nurse resident in the F.C.T for immediate employment.

Responsibilities: • Clinical duties which include assessing mental health needs, developing care plans for patients and helping clients improve their coping abilities.

• Monitoring treatment regimens by ensuring the correct administration of medication, including injections, and monitoring the results of treatment.

• Complete Nursing Assessments for all new clients: The nursing assessment needs to be done within 24-48 hours of admission.

• Must be willing to work on Shift basis and show flexibility when required.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Applicants be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or have a Bsc Nursing & be licensed to practice in Nigeria.

• Ability to form and sustain effective relationships with clients, and community health and social service providers • Ability to be flexible, manage time, resources, and client caseload • Demonstrate respect and appreciation for diversity (culturally relevant, antibias, and multicultural) • Demonstrate a willingness/ability to work with the interdisciplinary team to provide optimum care.

• Discusses case with OBSTETRICIAN to assure observation of specified practices.

• Instructs patient in diet and prenatal health practices.

• Stays with patient during labor to reassure patient and to administer medication.

• Delivers infant and performs postpartum examinations and treatments to ensure that patient and infant are responding normally.

• When deviations from standard are encountered during pregnancy or delivery, administers stipulated emergency measures, and arranges for immediate contact of OBSTETRICIAN. • Visits patient during postpartum period in hospital and at home to instruct patient in care of self and infant and examine patient.

• Maintains records of cases for inclusion in establishment file.

• Conducts classes for groups of patients and families to provide information concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and family orientation.

• May direct activities of other workers.

• May instruct in midwifery in establishment providing such training.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Must be a RN/RM • 10 years post qualification experience.

Real Estate Vendor In Wortheplus Limited, Abuja OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 329b2@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357282 Worthe Plus Limited requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.

• Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.

• Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.

• Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds and leases.

• Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.

• Act as an intermediary in negotiations between the company and buyers, generally representing one or the other.

RN/RM: 10 - 15 years Email: 329f5@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357349

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Must be intelligent, must be a good saleswoman, must be fluent in English.

• Must be resident in Abuja

Deda Hospital requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Senior Marketing Executive In Arbitration & ADR in Africa, Abuja

Responsibilities: • Provides medical care and treatment to obstetrical patients under supervision of OBSTETRICIAN, delivers babies, and instructs patients in prenatal and postnatal health practices: Participates in initial examination of obstetrical patient, and is assigned responsibility for care, treatment, and delivery of patient.

• Examines patient during pregnancy, utilizing physical findings, laboratory test results, and patient’s statements to evaluate condition and ensure that patient’s progress is normal.

B.Sc/HND: 3 - 5 years Email: 329af@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357279

Nurse/Midwife Deda Hospital

We are an International Service Provider in Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR]. We also focus on capacity building.

Responsibilities: • Identifying trendsetter ideas by researching the Arbitration & ADR Industry.

• Locating and proposing potential

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business deals by contacting potential clients.

• Discovering and exploring opportunities • Communicating new service developments to prospective clients • Writing contract proposals, presentations and meeting with potential clients.

Qualification and Experience: • Minimum 3 years work experience in relevant field.

• Minimum 5 credits including Maths & English • B.Sc/HND Marketing, Business Management and/or • MBA/M.Sc is an added advantage • Very Computer Proficient in all Microsoft Packages with a minimum of 250 words in 10 minutes

Principal In Nigeria Ghana International College, Abuja BSC/BA: 5 - 7 years Email: 31571@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/352097 Our client, Nigeria Ghana International College seeks qualified and competent individuals to fill this role.

Responsibilities: Will lead, manage and oversee all operations of the school including education program, office operations, budget, community relations, personnel and facilities in accordance with NGIC standards.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of BSC/BA-Education/Med in a relevant field • 5-7 years’ experience in a similar role • Must be responsible and hardworking.

• Good oral and written communication skills • Excellent knowledge impartation skills

Events Management/Marketing Executive In Tribe of Judah Studios, Abuja OND: 3 - 5 years Email: 3283c@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356908 Tribe of Judah Studios requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Coordinate logistics of event ticket sales.

• Supervise and coordinate with event contractors.

• Annually develop and implement marketing plans and materials.

• Write, submit and follow-up to ensure placement on press releases and stories to established contacts with local and regional media.

• Maintenance of website.

• Broaden social networking to benefit the organization.

• Establish and expand merchandise opportunities.

• Actively participate and staff committees as necessary and appropriate.

Qualification and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 3 years’ experience

Secretary In Workforce Management Centre, Abuja HND: 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/357207

Workforce Management Centre Limited is a Management Consulting and Outsourcing Professional Services Firm. Following its inception in July 2004, Workforce Management Centre Limited (Workforce) has built an enviable reputation as the leading indigenous management and professional services consulting firm in Nigeria. Drawing from its Deep Domain Expertise, in the area of organisational effectiveness and employee performance, the Company is positioned to assist businesses across diverse sectors of the economy in their quest to create sustainable value for their stakeholders.

Primary Responsibility: Provides business support to the Supervisor in the following ways: provides answers to routine inquiries and/or refers them to other personnel; screens visitors; assists in providing routine information to high level personnel and the public; maintains conference room calendar, arranges meetings and conferences as requested; transports confidential materials when necessary from location to location.

referral sources and interested parties, and by representing the agency in community events.

• Identifies opportunities for formal or contractual relationships with physicians, organizations, and payers.

• Works with office staff to ensure that new business successfully goes to start of care.

• Implements territory sales plan and coordinates with operational and clinical leadership to ensure extraordinary customer service.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of SSCE/OND in a relevant field • 0-1 year experience

Superintendent Pharmacist In Abuja B Pharm: 3 - 5 years Email: 32b0d@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357629

Qualification and Competence • HND in Secretarial study or a related discipline • Minimum of 2 years secretarial experience in a structured environment

We are a Nigerian organization unique in her divine foundation with a world class culture. In our Organisation, we do not believe in just providing the best of services and products, we believe in building a workforce that is highly professional and of international standard.

Business Development Officer In Bona Moh Ventures, Abuja

We require the services of a qualified candidate for this position

OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32853@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/356931

Job Description: • Registration of premises with the Pharmacists council of Nigeria (PCN) • Facilitating businesses within the Pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria • Co-ordination of tenders for healthcare supplies • Co-ordination of clinical presentations and meetings with Private Sector clinics, Federal and State government Health institutions • Identify and manage risks to patients, the public and those employed • Set the overarching standards and policies for the pharmaceutical aspects of the business • Manage the keeping, preparing, dispensing and sale or supply of medicinal products by a registered retail pharmacy business • Ensure that all legal and professional requirements are adhered to • Respond appropriately to any systems failures or concerns that may arise • Make sure that the responsible pharmacist is supported to fulfill their professional responsibility and appropriate systems are in place to deal with concerns raised by the responsible pharmacist • In charge of the day-to-day running of the pharmacy and its branches.

An ICT/Telecommunications requires a Business Development Officer Responsibilities: • The role of a business development officer is very key and cardinal to achieving the company’s superordinate goals of profitability, growth and expansion.

• The business development officer would be solely responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies and tactics.

• The first and the last job of the business development officer is to meet and exceed sale targets as well as ensuring that the overall business objective of profitability and growth are met efficiently.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Should possess OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Good communication skill • Must be a go getter and ability to work with little or no supervision • Must be confident • Must be smart • If you have these qualities, please email your name, phone number, location and qualification to with your email subject as Job Application

Marketing Representative In Family Eye Clinic, Abuja SSCE/OND: Entry Level Email: 329a7@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357271 Family Eye Clinic requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Responsible to develop and implement programs to raise and establish community liaisons by conducting personalized visitations to all primary

Competence Requirements: • The individual must have a working knowledge of product registration and import and export control requirements with regulatory agencies • He/she must have a working relationship and or dealings with NAFDAC especially in the areas of product registration and importation • Be MS Office proficient and computer literate • Be willing to work as part of a team and able to work well under pressure with minimum supervision • Must have a good leadership qualities • Must have good communication skills Qualifications: B Pharm or Pharm D degree from any recognized institution

Minimum Experience Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a full time Superintendent Pharmacist in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment and be registered with the pharmacy council of Nigeria.

Note: Must have experience in retail

Music Teacher In Abuja B Ed/BA/BSc: 3 - 5 years Email: 32441@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355889 An International School in Abuja running an integrated British/Nigerian curriculum, purpose built school with an attractive child friendly learning environment.

Job Description • Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.

• Develops schemes of work, lesson plans and tests that are in accordance with established procedures.

• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.

• Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.

• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.

• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.

• Provide appropriate feedback on work.

• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development.

• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.

• Prepare required reports on students and activities.

• Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.

• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student • needs.

• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.

• Prepare classroom for class activities.

• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.

• Observe and evaluate student’s performance and development.

• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignment Qualifications and Requirements: • B Ed/ BA/ BSc with teaching qualification.

• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience preferably in a reputable or international school.

• Must understand differentiation and some experience of teaching the British curriculum.

• Must be willing to collaborate with colleagues to create a child friendly school where learning is accessible and interesting to young learners.

• Should be willing to contribute to the life of the school through supervision of cocurricular activities and Lerner support.

• Highly experienced NCE teachers will be accepted in the nursery section.

NB: Salary range depends on experience

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30 OPINION

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Promoting Regional Integration Through Trade

BY OFEM UKET

To complement the role of Nigeria Export Import Bank as a member of the Trade Facilitation Task Force, whose mandate is to improve Nigeria’s ranking on “Trading Across Boarders”, The bank partners with the Borderless Alliance, a private sector-led partnership in collaboration with USAID / West African Trade Hub and other stakeholders.

The aim of the Borderless Alliance is to promote regional integration and seamless Trade in West Africa by addressing the problem of non-tariff barriers through policy advocacy and effective engagement.

Exporters are provided with pertinent information to assist, and also act as collation center for trade data to support evidence-based research and policy advocacy. The Bank has continued to embark on a number of initiatives in support of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Obviously, this integration ought to have delivered on the purported mandate of the bank if goals and objectives in the public sector are pursued with utmost commitment and patriotism to boost the nation’s economy.

Perhaps, it is government business so its no body’s business, contrary to envisaged gains and consolidation on all trade agreements between Nigeria and

other countries, often times losses are incurred in the process.

In order to capture the huge informal intra-regional trade, the ECOWAS Trade Support Facility (ETSF) was introduced and designed toward improving the current trade level of less than 12% and deepening the volume of recorded formal trade within the Sub-region, as well as fostering the implementation of the Government’s Trade Policy and regional integration policies like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), among others.

Specifically, the ETSF Facilitates formal recorded trade within ECOWAS sub-region deepening intra-regional payment system.

There is increasing Nigeria’s trade flows within ECOWAS as the dominant trading partner from the current level of 8.5% of total non-oil exports. Broadening trade and market access for Nigerian goods and services, especially manufactured goods This also promotes the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) cross border traders and facilitating their integration into the formal sector of the economy, and in the process facilitating their access to credit.

In furtherance of government’s policy initiatives for strengthening the Creative Arts and Entertainment Industry, the Bank supported the industry through

funding intervention with lending commitments of about N1 billion in the Industry’s various value chains in the last three years. The Bank’s funding intervention in the sector is intended to address issues regarding the establishment of credible structures, attract investment in the development of content and infrastructure as well as facilitate improvement in production standards, distribution and marketing including exhibition standards.

The bank has at various times falling short of its corporate responsibilities and roles in terms of meeting set standards in the facilitation of loans for the development of businesses though its new thinking is at the verge of amends to recover from its lapses.

On its developmental role to support capacity building, the Bank had Commissioned The Indian Bank to undertake a study to review the Industry and recommend best financing programmes in line with global best practices, standards, which led to the development of the operating guidelines for financing projects in the sector.

Sponsorships of various capacities building programmes, events and film festivals such as Zuma Film Festival, BOBTV African Film & TV Programmes Expo, Eko International Film Festival, Nigeria Music Video Awards, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)

Stakeholders Forum on review of the Copyright Law Sponsorships of Nigerian Pavilions at Cannes International Film Festival, France in partnership with the Nigerian Film Corporation and DISCOP Africa, South Africa to showcase Nigeria’s creative talent and attract investment capital and partnerships. Partnerships with Federal Ministry of Culture and National Orientation on the 1st National Policy Dialogue on the Development of the Creative /Entertainment Industries in Nigeria, British Council on Creative Industry Expo and Mapping of the Industry Engaged in policy dialogues with development partners, relevant regulatory and statutory institutions in the entertainment value-chain on ways of improving industry framework / structures on issues relating to access to finance, monetizing intellectual property / copyrights and risk mitigating instruments Active collaboration and participation on the Federal Government’s Initiative of Advancing Creativity and Technology in Nollywood (Project ACT) .

Arising from the numerous challenges faced by traders in moving goods by roads within the sub-region, the Bank, as a Trade Facilitating Agency, initiated and is currently facilitating the establishment of a transnational

shipping companying collaboration with the Organized Private Sector Associations in west and central Africa in partnership with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FEWACCI) and Transimex S. A Cameroun. The proposed Sealink Project is aim at mitigating current non-tariff barriers and high logistical costs that has hindered the growth of intra-regional trade and competitiveness of Nigerian manufactured exports regionally.

Though initiated and largely being facilitated by the bank, the Sealink Project is essentially a Public Private Partnership initiative and the Private Placement for the raising of US$60 million is currently on-going, with application list closing on 30th June,2014, while the shipping company is expected to commence operations within the fourth quarter of this year. The Offer is being handled

by FBN Capital, Nigeria (Issuing House) and SGI, Benin Rebublic (Placement Agents). This laudable initiative has been endorsed by the ECOWAS Commission and is being technically supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, amongst others.

— Uket writes in from Abuja

education

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students were shortlisted for the final live competition

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

Students at an event on campus

Ending Harvest Of Strikes In Nigeria’s Education Sector

By Taiwo Ogunmola -Omilani

One of the worst hit sectors is education where stakeholders have become frustrated

For President Goodluck Jonathan, these are certainly not the best of times. It has been one problem after another, from security challenges to incessant strike actions embarked upon by various professional groups in the various sectors of the nation’s economy.

There is hardly any respite in many areas of the economy.

One of the worst hit sectors is education where stakeholders have become frustrated and agitated as a result of the numerous problems which are aggravated by bottled up anger arising from unfulfilled promises.

It is not surprising that the education sector in Nigeria is bleeding and stakeholders are accusing the government of being lackadaisical and insensitive in its handling of issues of misunderstanding as well as crises in the sector. Nothing underscores this better than the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) which has lasted almost ten months with

key officials of government who should be concerned still feeling unperturbed. Some of the students who enrolled in various skill acquisition programmes at the commencement of the strike have since completed them while others are about rounding up such programmes, yet the strike is still on. It is difficult to pinpoint what informed the decision to allow the current drift in the sector despite the consistently falling standard in education. It is indeed so when it is realised that all of these officials are people who should know but are refusing to for reasons people cannot make out. Speaking on the lingering strike, the president, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Salahudeen Lukman, accused government of not being bothered about the future of its youth who are tomorrow’s leaders. He said, “it is so pathetic that the meeting of the senate committee on education with Education Ministry’s officials and other stakeholders aimed at resolving the disagreement between ASUP and COEASU on one side and

FG on the other so that Nigerian students can return to school after losing a whole academic session suffered a setback for the second time due to the insensitivity and unpatriotic act of the supervising minister of education, Barr.

Nyesome Wike”. Pointing out that the minister failed to attend the meeting for the second time, Lukman said “it is on account of this that it is now clear to us that the FG is out to ruin our lives since their children are neither in public polytechnics or colleges of education nor are affected by the strike. That is why we have resolved to take our case to the president, commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. “We believe education is our right, not a privilege in any way as it is enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. If majority of them in government today have been treated like this, I am sure we won’t have had many people to take over the leadership of this great nation after the departure of our founding fathers. “Our gentility and diplomatic handling

of the issue so far is being taken as act of cowardice. It is on record that majority enjoyed free and qualitative education then in the early 60s and 70s. Today we are paying for our education and government is still denying us quality education which we are paying for. “We can no longer take this as it is a deliberate attempt to ruin our lives and destroy us so we would not be able to grow to challenge them (the old ones) in government.

Already, the government seems to have lost interest in the technological advancement of the nation and yet is talking about transformation which we all know is not realistic without technology. Students have become the most suffering group in this crisis,” he further pointed out. The NAPS’s president said it was certain that the suspended salary of members of ASUP would be released to them as soon as the issues at stake were resolved and questioned “who will pay the students for the loss of their valuable time, extended stay in school, frustration undergone and truncated future plan?” He

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Nasarawa Sponsors 6 Deaf Persons For Leadership Training In The US

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

Nasarawa State government has concluded arrangements to sponsor six persons to this year’s Grassroots International Leadership Training for the Deaf to be held this month in Washington D.C, USA. Addressing the contingent in Government House, Lafia, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura expressed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring that those living with disability are given fair opportunities to realize their potentials in life.

He stressed that it is in the same spirit that his administration has undertaken the construction of Pupils of LGEA Ogbondoroko, Kwara State, displaying books supplied by the MDGs. PHOTO BY Patrick Ebi Amanama special schools for those living with disability in the state, noting further that the state government is also partnering with renown specialized institutions in the United Sates towards ensuring that that his drive towards the provision of education is wholesome and without segregation.

The spokesperson for the By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja Wike, who was represented at the event He said the Commission would continue delegation Mallam A. Hudu by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. to interact with Professional bodies to expressed gratitude to the A meeting of experts in the education Julius Okojie, said that the conference ensure that quality was attained in all Nasarawa state governor for sector in Abuja has called for the review would enhance banking and finance university programmes. his tireless efforts towards of the curriculum for banking and finance education sub-sector.

Also speaking at the conference, the supporting persons living with education to make it more functional to In his remarks, Okojie stressed the need President and Chairman of the Chartered meet the demands of the society. disabilities. to re-structure university programmes Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, Otunba The experts made the call on Wednesday and develop students in core subject areas. Debola Osibogun, said 24 million jobs He commended Governor Almakura for supporting six at the National Conference of Educators The Executive Secretary also expressed were needed annually to bridge the well educated, deaf indigenes of in Banking and Finance jointly organised worry over the absorption of non unemployment gap in Nigeria.

Nasarawa State to participate in by the National Universities Commission professionals into the banking industry.

Osibogun said the Conference, with the the yearly Grassroots Advocacy (NUC) and the Chartered Institute of ``The fact that a young graduate is asked theme: ``Banking and finance education International Leadership Bankers in Nigeria. to get an account of N2 billion to build in Nigeria: the 21st Century Perspective, At the Conference organised to improve the capital base of a bank is worrisome was as there was a short fall in competent Training in the USA, stating that this would be the second the quality of banking and finance because that is the only reason they are manpower to drive the needed change in time the state would participate education in Nigeria, the Supervising offered the employment. the economic sector. in the international event for the Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom ``Any one who has not gone to school The Keynote Speaker, Dr Celestina deaf, with the first being in 2013 Wike said the platform would enable can equally provide N2 billion and so we Njoku, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, when two persons were billed to educators to exchange ideas and develop are warning that this practice portends Nekede, Imo State, advised the participate but only one made it strategies that would entrench effective danger for the industry and also our stakeholders to adopt curriculum that banking and finance education in Nigeria. graduates,’’ he said. due to Visa issues. would accommodate local content.

Review Banking And Finance CurriculumNow–Experts

Ending Harvest Of Strikes In Nigeria’s Education Sector 31

insisted that government had demonstrated, with its handling of the issues responsible for the prolonged strike, that it did not have the welfare and wellbeing of the youth of this country at heart.

A government that would allow its youth to remain out of school for this long period without showing much concern cannot be trusted and taken seriously, he said. While not denying that government has been making efforts at resolving the lingering crisis, Lukman wondered why no tangible agreement had been reached so far on the issues at stake if it does not border on lack of concern for the future and plight of the affected students. Perhaps a re-evaluation of the demands of

the union that led to the current situation will show that there is nothing ASUP is asking for that is out of place for a nation interested in the future of its youth and its development. One of the issues is that of dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates in job placements and career progression. The argument in this regard is anchored on the fact that university and polytechnic graduates should be assessed on the strength of their competence on job delivery and not the institution attended.

There is also the worrisome condition of state-owned polytechnics in the country, many of which are said to be of serious concern to stakeholders in the

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female secondary school teachers in Nigeria

sector. Others are the continued appointment of unqualified persons as rectors and provosts of polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology by some state governments.

Another issue is the refusal of most state governments to implement the approved salary packages (CONPCASS) for their polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology as well as the 65-year retirement age even though both state and federal polytechnics are regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and they operate the same scheme of service. The insistence of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to include

federal polytechnics in the IPPIS module as against the union’s protestations while other arms of the tertiary education subsector are allowed to maintain the status quo is another contentious issue. There is also the continued recognition of the NBTE as the regulatory body of Nigerian polytechnics as against the union’s repeated call for the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission(NPC).

The argument here is based on the fact that the universities and colleges of education are regulated by the National Universities Commission(NUC), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), respectively.

FEATURE/EDUCATION 33

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS

126 Winners Get Laptops,ipads In Essay Competition

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

L-R: Member, Board of Trustees, TETFUND, representing North Central, Prof. Patricia Donli with Col. Bamidele Michael of the Nigerian Army School of Education, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, during an interactive workshop on the Validation of TETFUND Guidelines for Accessing Intervention Fund at the Merit House, Maitama Abuja . PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE

FG Urged To Declare State Of Emergency In Education Sector

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Worried by the falling standard of education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has been called upon to as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency on the education sector as necessary measures to address the situation and safe it from further collapse.

A retired Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, Alhaji Sagir Hamisu stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after the 3rd year graduation ceremony of the FAMAKS International schools Kaduna.

According to Alhaji Hamisu who is the founder of the school and a 2015

governorship aspirant for Zamfara State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the government is trying her best but more needs to be done in the education sector to meet international standard.

He also attributed the lack of quality education to being a contributory factor to the insurgencies being experienced across the country, stressing that once the problems of education is adequately addressed and students are more engaged in schools than at home occasioned by recurring strike actions, it will be better off for the country.

He said, “If somebody is

educated even minimally, he can be trained to acquire skills and will be gainfully employed.

So when it comes to total quality education, then you are talking about excellent but less start from the basic education. Once we have that, I can assure you that there would be no insurgency.

“With education, you open the mind, create employment, create good citizens, you have good governance and every citizens will know his rights and privileges. And so there is no doubt that education should not only be the priority of any government or aspirant but mandatory for any government to give to his citizens” he stressed.

Deceased Headmaster Gets Al-Makura’s Best Teacher Award

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

The Umaru Tanko Almakura Best Teacher award for the year 2013 has been awarded to late Mr. Akunaza Anabe for his exemplary leadership while serving as the headmaster of Local government Education Authority (LGEA) primary school Dokan Daji in Agwada development area of Kokona local government.

The award which was presented to the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Esther Akunaza, by the executive chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic education Board (NSUBEB) Mallam Abdulkarim Mohammed and the state chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Mr. Jatau Francis Tete was in recognition of his selfless service towards the promotion of education and good neighborliness

as exemplified by his life while serving as headmaster.

NSUBEB chairman recounts that when the late Akunaza was posted to Dokan Daji LGEA primary school as a headmaster there was no single classroom and pupils were forced to attend school under trees. On assumption of office however, Mr. Akunaza made it a duty upon himself to purchase two bags of cement every month out of his meager salary with which he was able to mobilize workforce from the local community for the construction of two blocks of classroom in the village.

At a time when champions of ethnic and religious chauvinism are having a field day sowing seeds of discord and division Mr. Akunaza also stood out as a shining example.

Being an Eggon man he took no cognizance of the prevailing

atmosphere of mutual suspicion and distrust and build a school where the population is almost exclusively Hausa/Fulani.

In addition, Mallam Abdulkarim stressed, the community is also almost exclusively made of Muslims while Mr. Akunaza being a Christian, has touch on the lives of the locals like no one has done in the past.

Expressing their gratitude to the Nasarawa State government for taking cognizance of the contributions of their late husband and father, the wife and son of the deceased, Mrs. Esther and Naza Akunaza, said they would continue the ideals he stood for until his demise. They also encouraged members of the public to believe more in promoting collective prosperity of common humanity rather than being agents of division

A total of 126 students drawn from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the 18 local government areas of EdoStatewho took part in an essay competition received laptops and ipads from an educationist, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon.

At a colourful ceremony in Benin where the students were recognised and rewarded, Imansuangbon said the gesture was born out of the love shown him and the prayers offered by the people of the state for his speedy recovery when he had an accident last year.

Also, he said it had always been his desire to raise the standard of educationin the state and ensure the people received quality education to make meaningful livelihood.

NANS ZONE ‘D’ Raises Alarm Over Clampdown On Education

by JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

The National Association of Nigerian Students’(NANS) Zone D, South West Zone, has decried indiscriminate increment in tuition fees and unending strike of Polytechnic and Monotechnic lecturers in the country.

Rising from a stakeholders meeting held at, Osogbo, Osun State Capital, the association condemned in strong terms the increment in the tuition fees of the Lagos State University (LASU) and Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile -Ife. In a communique issued and signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Asefon Sunday and Secretary Obanobi Bidemi, the association threatened a joint effort by students across the zone to protest unwarranted increment as it obtained in the institutions or where any form of increment occurs.

The communique reads in part” the NANS Zone D leadership rejects in totality, the ongoing coordinated political class conspiracy to completely take away education from the children of the poor, despite the poverty in the land where hundreds of Millions of Nigerians according to World Bank are still leaving as destitutes.

Fg Urges Stakeholders Commitment In Entrepreneurial Education Implementation

by Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The federal government has called on stakeholders, particularly state governments to demonstrate more commitment in the implementation of the Entrepreneurship Education Project for senior secondary schools.

The Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike made the call at the second consultative meeting of stakeholders on the implementation of the Entrepreneurship Education Project for senior secondary schools held in Abuja.

Wike, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said that the call became imperative considering the importance of entrepreneurship education and training in tackling youth employment and the nation’s desire to be among the top 20 industrialised nations of the world by the year 2020.

The Minister, however, bemoaned lack of seriousness of states to key-into the project, noting that it was almost one year since the first consultation meeting was held, only very few states have expressed interest in participating in the project.

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issues

By Obed Minchakpu

My dear Chibok sisters, It is now about two months since you were forcefully taken into captivity by your captors, the Boko Haram insurgents. I must say that your absence has been a very painful experience, not only for your families, but also for Christians and others in this country and in other parts of the world who love peace, fear God and have the belief that we are all created in the image of God. When I made the decision to write you this letter, I was fully aware that you may not have the privilege to read it. This is because I know that wherever you’re being held captive by these terrorists, you do not have the freedom and privilege to read newspapers, listen to the radio, or even have access to the television, not to talk of reading my letter.

However, the Spirit of God ministered to me that there is nothing that is impossible before God. So, it is out of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that I resolved to write you, believing that God can make a way for this message to get to you. Perhaps God will cause your captors to discuss the content of this letter and thus, the message may eventually get to you. Whatever it is, I have a deep conviction that this letter will get to you.

I know how painful it is for you to be forced to live in an environment that you are not used to.

There in Sambisa Forest, you do not have relations whom you can depend on for advice or even pour out your hearts’ problems to, but know that your God and your Lord is there with you. For the Bible says “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them.”

So, pour out your heart problems to God, through supplications and prayers, and he will see you through your trials and travails.

I recently had the privilege of interacting with one of you who escaped while you were being taken away to Sambisa Forest and what she told me about your experience on the night you were forcefully captured in your hostels made my heart bleed. I could not imagine how those who claim to be waging a war on behalf of a god they serve could mistreat you all in this manner. The god that these terrorists are serving is indeed a wicked god.

Otherwise, how could you, our sisters be violated and mistreated like slaves? The god they serve is a far cry from the Allah that real Muslims serve, who stands for peace.

In a video clip that your captors

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Letter To The Chibok Girls In Captivity

sent to media houses, you were shown to have been forced into a religion that is alien to you. You were forced to be chanting things that you didn’t even understand. But from what I saw, I knew that your bodies were only being forced to utter these things, but your souls and spirits were intertwined with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I know that you’ll be wondering why it is taking this long for our government to rescue you from your captors. We are as baffled as you are. We had thought that our political leaders will brave all odds and rescue you, but unfortunately, we have a leadership that is lame and incapable of protecting her citizens. The Nigerian political leadership does not have the political will to confront these insurgents in order to set you free. That is the reason I am writing to comfort you, pray with you, and urge you not to despair but to place your faith in the Almighty God that we serve.

Sometime ago, I read a book entitled: “The Ezekiel Option,” written

by Joel Rosenberg. The book discusses the end time and how wickedness will take over the earth and terrible and unimaginable things will occur. Some of the difficulties that will confront Christian believers during this period include the persecution of Christians, and the destruction of all they have. But in the long run, God’s manifest power shall prevail and the anti-Christ and his followers as exemplified by Boko Haram, your captors, shall be destroyed completely.

I know how painful it is for you to be forced to live in an environment that you are not used to. There in Sambisa Forest, you do not have relations whom you can depend on for advice or even pour out your hearts’ problems to, but know that your God and your Lord is there with you Rosenberg is not the first person to write about the end time. There are many others like Tim LaHaye and his co-author of the Left Behind Series who have also extensively discussed about happenings that will usher in the end time.

Rosenberg points out the prophecies of the Prophet Ezekiel on how evil forces shall in the end time, spread across the world with the devil and his agents in human governments working in concert to destroy the nation of Israel and those of us who have been grafted into the Kingdom of God. But the good news is that, God’s manifest power shall prevail and all believers in Christ shall be liberated from the clutches of evil.

These writers are only drawing our attention to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who over 2,000 years ago, taught that the world would hate us and persecute us his followers. All the teachings of Christ are contained in the Gospels and in the remaining portions of the New Testament part of the Bible. Matthew, a disciple of Jesus, quotes Jesus as saying in one of his teachings that: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against

you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you .”

What Jesus is telling you my sisters here is that your captors will insult you; they will mock you and say your God is powerless. They will violate your womanhood, your pride, and even turn you into sex machines, just to humiliate you and force you to embrace their religion.

But my dear sisters, if you stick to your faith, no matter the situation, your reward is a crown and a place with our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.

There was once a man named Paul. Before he became a follower of Jesus, he behaved like Abubakar Shekau. He went to all places, killing Christians and boasting about it. He did as Shekau is doing in Nigeria today. But one day, Jesus Christ arrested him on his way to Damascus to attack Christians, and there and then, Paul repented of his crimes against the Church and Christians. He became one of the greatest followers of Jesus thereafter, and wrote so many books about Jesus and his salvation to all of mankind. Paul too, on

becoming a follower of Jesus, was persecuted by others for this. But he never turned away from Jesus.

This is Paul’s message to you my sisters and all other Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

What Apostle Paul is saying here is that all who desire to live rightly, based on the teachings of Jesus, shall be persecuted. According to Paul, those doing evil shall continue to even do more evil things but those of us who have embraced Jesus as our Lord and Saviour should continue to follow Jesus just as we were taught about his works of salvation right from when we were still children. We are urged to become wise as we have been instructed from the word of God and continue to place our faith in Christ Jesus.

In the same vein, I want to urge you my sisters never to depart from the Christian faith you have been instructed while you were with your parents. No doubt, you will face difficulties and be humiliated, but don’t give up, as your salvation is on its way. The same Paul also says: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Therefore, my dear sisters, whatever Shekau and his followers do to you, count it all as a blessing as Jesus loves you and no man called Shekau can separate you from the love of Christ. Keep faith in Christ Jesus, and be still and see what your God shall do for you. These Boko Haram gunmen you see today, you shall see them no more forever after your deliverance; thus saith The Lord.

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Thursday, July 10 , 2014

online

reactions

10/07/2014

Voting: Confab Delegates Boko Haram Responsible For Attacks In 2 Weeks – UN Halt Proceedings Midway 18 Adam Ahmed Turaki attacks? Who are the sponsors

Adam Ahmed Turaki What are they discussing?

Are they not the ones bene-

fiting from the resources allocated to their respective states?

Schoolgirls will Be Rescued Soon – Council Of State Shuaibu Mohammed Garba Of course, they will be rescued; but not after they have been indoctrinated with Boko Haram ideology and converted into spies and suicide bombers. They government should act fast.

Oke’y Azubike And that will mean end of business for Abuja protesters!

Habbat Yahya If you know where they are, what are you waiting for?

Kamal Rimi

We hope so! We also hope that this time around the federal government means what they are saying.

Ahmad Sarki Easier said than done! When we have leaders that are interested in religious divide, what more can we expect but empty promises. Good or bad, one day your families will find themselves in similar circumstances. May Allah continue to guide and protect our country and bring back those girls safely to their families. Amen!

If Boko Haram claims to be Muslims, they will respect the holy month of Ramadan and stop attacking innocent people.

Both Islam and Christianity preach peace and abhor violence. Let us be wise, Nigerians!

Who are those behind these

PDP Can’t Intimidate Me From Contesting Vice Presidency – Oshiomhole Gabriel Oluwafemi Ai Abasiama My dear Oshiomhole, it is not even PDP that will stop you, it is Tinubu who will stop you and force you to become a local government chairman.

Abiodun Popoola Comrade, why do you want to die in office? Go and rest after your tenure as governor, and take care of your family.

Kelvin-Jed Inobemhe My governor, so that is what this is all about? Please, don’t contest because Edo people will not vote for a joint ticket with a northerner.

Nyako

Adamawa Impeachment: Hotel Evicts Nyako Probe Panel Murtala Sadiq This is good news for me!

Eweka Egie Is the hotel a government building where official assignments are carried out?

Anwar S Gimba They will not succeed by Allah’s grace!

Aliyu Dapellum Let them come to Ganye for their sitting!

Jamilu Sani Tsagero

That is good! They will never succeed in securing a venue to undertake their evil mission, and I wish the panel total failure in advance.

Hon. Sule Amoo Is it mandatory that they sit in hotels?

Kulime Hosea This is the beginning of Nyako’s end!

Abdul Chindo Nyako really deserves to be impeached as governor in view of his non performance.

Ekoigiawe Osas You talk too much; that is the problem with you.

Ekoigiawe Osas.

Talking is part of the game politics.

Ezekiel Malgwi What business do you have with PDP, when you are in APC? Oke’y Azubike Why not contest for Presidency if you are not afraid of Asiwaju or Buhari?

Ngene Emmy Charles I am disappointed at Oshiomhole for saying that nonsense.

The post of Vice President is not contestable in Nigeria.

Obadipe Oyedele

of Boko Haram? The way things are going, ordinary Nigerians will begin to arm themselves against Boko Haram attacks.

Dauda Hunkuyi O Allah, grant us peace in this country!

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

Minister Weeps Over Southern Kaduna Killing

Oshiomhole

Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Amaechi, Okorocha, all southerners, gunning for VP slot under APC. Who says they cannot vie for presidency, especially after making the tenure of a southern president ungovernable? It is glaring that APC does not have the interest of south at heart.

Shekarau Emerges Education Minister

Ekeke Sunny If Oshiomhole becomes VP, he will kill Nigerians with excessive taxes. Edo is a good example!

Chukwukere Okamigbo The dog does not smell feaces when in coma; Oshiomhole has ruined his career by associating with APC. Dan Isang Marcus Adams, please vie for presidency and VP; prove to us that you can lead this country, Nigeria.

Ayibaemi Nabodi He is not a member of the PDP, so they can’t stop him.

The only party that can stop him is the APC. Innocent Ekanem Are you that cheap? You don’t even know who will be the president and you are already agitating to become his VP? Chukwuemeka Osuagwu Of course, PDP cannot stop you if your party picks you, but who wins in the end is all that matters.

Subscribe to LEADERSHIP Newsletter today for your daily news highlight.

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36 NEWS /CRIME

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Police Arrest Cripple Over Missing Handsets In Delta

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

A 29 year old cripple got himself in police net in Delta State after police operatives linked him to some stolen handsets.

The suspect identified as Chinonso was arrested by the A” Division police station, Asaba,

over 15 missing handsets.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the suspect has been in police custody at different times for stolen handsets, a means of livelihood he alleged adopted to make ends meet after selling them to unsuspecting customers.

Police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on a tip-off to the police detectives attached to the A Division after series of complaints by owners of the missing handsets.

It was learnt that the suspect connects buyers to his room while his disciples are positioned by the door to ward-off any suspicious movement.

The police public relations officer said the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

A little girl presenting flower to InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar in Abuja. PHOTO BY Okeke jane

Child Theft: Security Agents Arrest Mother Of Four, Two Others

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Police security operatives in Delta State have arrested a mother of four and two others in Obonkpa community in Asaba, over alleged child theft.

LEADERSHIP sources said that cases of missing child, in the recent times, have created tensions in the community where its residents have called on the state government and the police authorities to come to their aid.

A twelve year old boy identified as Kelvin had been missing in the last four months in the

community. The community wrote a petition to the police CID department where the detectives swung into action to arrest the mother of four and two others as they were alleged to have had a hand in the missing child.

But the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu said that the suspects are currently helping the police with information following a petition from a member of the community who alleged they were involved in the act of the missing child.

While saying that a search light has been beamed by the police detectives in the where about

of the child, DSP Kalu explained that the suspects made useful statements to the police.

It was gathered that the missing child may have been used for ritual sacrifice as the community has been lamenting over alleged ritual activities by some unknown gun men.

Unconfirmed sources said that the community has been under siege of inexplicable activities by unidentified gun men especially herdsmen until the state government through security agents waded into the situation to bring to book those behind the nefarious act.

How Police Ensured Security During Ekiti Guber Election

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election, AIG Balla Nasarawa has given insight into the role of the police to ensure there was no disruption of the election.

According to Nasarawa, the prior knowledge of the history of violence associated with election in the region, prepared the officers and men deployed for the election for what they were likely to expect.

“May I recall that in the buildup to the election day, we gave that the Nigeria Police Force will leave no stone unturned, in

ensuring a very credible, peaceful, crisis-free and widely acceptable gubernatorial election in the state.

“As the election held in the 16 Local Government Areas that comprise the state, I will like to put on record, that the conduct of the election was orderly and peaceful across the entire state.

As we are mindful of the familiar

disruptions and occurrences that generally mar the conduct of similar elections.

“Our proactive approach in ensuring adequate security for the conduct of the election, made it practically impossible for hoodlums or criminals to break the law or violate the electoral process,” he said.

Senator Denies Murder Charges, Slams N20bn Suit On Accuser The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeany Okowa has slammed a N20 billion suit on a staff of Ika South local government council in Delta State, one John Agbe over alleged defamatory publication in a national newspaper.

In the suit filed at the Delta State High Court, Asaba, Senator Okowa who represents Delta north senatorial district is also claiming a retraction of the said publication as well as public apology from the defendant.

According to the writ of summons, the senator is seeking an order of “perpetual injunction restraining the defendant whether by himself and/or through his agents, proxies and privies from further writing, printing or circulating or causing to be written, printed or circulated or otherwise publishing of the claimant the said or any similar libel.”

The defendant, Mr. Agbe was said to have addressed a press conference in Abuja last week where he made allegations that assailants suspected to be members of Okowa’s killer squad were responsible for the murder of his son in 2003 at Agbor area of Delta State.

Meanwhile, solicitor to Senator Okowa, Peter Mrakpor, ESQ has raised the alarm that the life of his client was in danger following series of allegations that trailing him in recent times.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Police Arraign 10 Suspects Over Cult Related Activities Ten suspected cultists have been arraigned before a Sapele Magistrate’s court on a 2-count charge of membership of unlawful society and practicing as well as engaging in an unlawful society called Neo Black Movement of Africa aka, Black Axe. They were arraigned by the prosecuting police officer, Mr. Famous Erise, under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, and Section 64 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, respectively, both laws of Delta State.

The accused persons, Kelvin, Samuel Tivere, Arubi Uwaise, Moses Osasumwen, blessing Okorobia, Ochuko Okiti, Umukoro Kali, Eyegho Toju, Okosun Williams and Jude Omoike Ebosele, all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail to the sum of N50,000 each, a surety each who must be a relation of the accuser and must he resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

politics today Thursday, July 10 , 2014

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REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

representation, we begin to start to discriminate, but as politicians, we cannot discriminate against anybody who wants to vote for us.

So, we welcome anyone into our party but morality comes into play in terms of representation. The APC Constitution makes it clear, if you are bankrupt, or an ex-convict and you have not been pardoned, obviously, you would not be able to stand in for an election but as for the membership, everyone is welcome.

As for those who came from the PDP, I don’t see anything wrong in that. They did not come in as a group but as individuals. They didn’t come as a political party.

How would you react to the allegation raised by Tom Ikmi was that because he was formerly a chieftain of pdp?

Lawal

APC Will Present Its Best For 2015 Presidency – National Vice Chairman

Engineer Babachi-David Lawal is the national vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for the North East zone. In this interview with BAYO OLADEJI, Lawal expresses confidence that his party is waiting in the wings to take power in 2015.

What is your mission in politics?

It is to make a change for the better. You see as a Christian I have to be factual and fair. In Nigerian politics generally, I realised that fundamentally, there is something to contribute especially as regards the concepts of rule of law, justice, anti-corruption, and I thought I have something to contribute. In this regard, General Buhari was very instrumental in encouraging me to join politics.

Before the merger, that means you were a member of cpc?

Yes, I was a member of the CPC and as a member of the CPC, I was a member of the merger committee and subsequently I was a member of the interim NEC as an ex-officio.

I have been involved in the birth and the nurturing of the APC from the beginning as it were.

To some people, allowing some PDP chieftains to join apc has removed the purity of the party. how would you react to this?

Idealism in politics is good. But in Nigeria, politics is still going to be played by Nigerians. You would not bring people from the moon to play Nigerian politics. If you look at the CPC, even in its formation, we came out of ANPP to form CPC. I remember that ACN was also from AD. As long as you are a Nigerian, as you long as you are wanted to become a member of a political party, the constitution does not allow anyone to discriminate against you because of your tribe or your religion and other divide.

Really while idealism is good, the reality is we still need to play politics as Nigerians. And APC welcomes any Nigerian who wants to join our party; but when it comes to the politics of

Really while idealism is good, the reality is we still need to play politics as Nigerians. And APC welcomes any Nigerian who wants to join our party

Chief Tom Ikimi was a member one of the co-chairmen. Alhaji Mohammed Ghaji represented CPC, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau represented ANPP, Annie Okonkwo represented APGA, Chief Tom Ikimi represented ACN. He was gracious enough to host the merger committee meetings in his house. But we didn’t say Chief Tom Ikimi was from PDP, I didn’t even know he was from PDP. I thought he was from NRC, as the Chairman because he never let anybody forget that.

Now, when it comes to the issue that he was being denied, I tell you one thing; when the issue of who would be the National Vice Chairman for the Northeast came up, I was interested, when I went to the Convention ground, my name was not among the contestants and I had already purchased the form, I had undergone screening, and I was ready for election but they said the Northeast had settled for consensus and Alhaji Umaru Duhu was the consensus candidate but I refused.

I insisted there should be election, there was an election and I won. Now I don’t know the details of what Tom Ikimi went through, but if he had insisted, that he was going to contest like I did, I doubt it if anybody would have denied him. It was 10 minutes to the voting time when I saw that my name was not on the list.

I just saw a paper being circulated as consensus list and I saw that my name was not on the list, I insisted and I contested and by the grace of God, I am the national vice chairman. Anybody who said he was excluded or manipulated out of the position he desired did not have the determination to contest for the office.

Why do we now have crisis after the convention?

One thing I have known in politics, Nigerians are bad losers. They don’t want to agree that they have lost an election. And it is as a result of the sycophancy in our society.

People tell you what they think you want to hear. You are popular, you are this, you are that, even your wife who probably knows you are not going to win would not tell you, so when the result comes out, it shocks you.

In an election, only one person wins, if Nigerians could accept this as the bedrock of democracy, it would be better for us. I think from what I have just told you about my experience, it is evidence.

I learnt the man who lost the election against me petitioned that the election for the vice chairman for the zones should have been conducted in the zones. What a flimsy excuse. It doesn’t imply that the national vice chairman is also a member of the National Working Committee. The constitution does not indicate the type of the election and when the man lost, he has interpreted the constitution to suit his dream.That is a classical example of what Nigerians do when they lose election. They would not accept the result My good friend, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has given us a good example to follow. The election had been conducted, and he accepted the result, other things might still come up later that the result was wrong.

But when your party says it would challenge the outcome, is that not against the action of the governor?

No, no, no. Our party is challenging majorly the process of the election.

The militarisation of the election is one example; soldiers were not supposed to be involved in the issue of election, but they were overwhelmingly involved.

You would realise some of us were denied from entering Ekiti state for the final rally. The day before the election, even from Edo state, some of our members were not allowed to take-off at the airport. So these processes were not free and fair at all.

And if I understand it very well, my party wants to challenge the processes. Election is not just about what happened on the election day but what happened before, My party wants to challenge those processes and if there are other things that show that the what took place on the election did not make it free and ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

38 POLITICS TODAY

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Ikimi Did Not Show Enough Determination To Be APC Chairman ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

fair, my party would contest it for posterity. Our goal is leave election matters to the police.

But people are saying that if you can be having soldiers in every state of the federation because of the internal security challenges what is bad in using them to complement the police during the election?

Well, it is part of the violation of the constitution. Soldiers are supposed to protect the territorial integrity of the country; internal security is for the police. I remember during the Biafra war, the first people to be engaged, were the Mobile Police. That was why the Mobile Police were created.

When you get to a situation where you know the regular police are incapable, then you bring in the Mobile Police. You can train the Police to do that. All over the world, military by their training are not expected to be involved in the civilian matters, they are trained to face the enemies, using force.

You would never hear soldiers firing a rubber bullet to a crowd, soldiers don’t fire to warn, so when you begin to bring soldiers to mount road blocks, you are looking for trouble; what they did to Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not stop.

Imagine a captain telling Amaechi, if you don’t go back I would shoot you. It is not wrong, because that was how he was trained. He considered him as an enemy. No policeman would do that to Amaechi. If a policeman goes to an assignment with bullets he must give an account.

When Chief Fani-Kayode raised an alarm that there is a plan to sponsor a muslim-muslim tocket, but some said he was raising a false alarm. But Chief Ikimi and alhaji duhu who contested with you have also said it. is this muslim-muslim ticket real?

I remember as a member of the registration committee of our party, I think we printed about 16 million registration forms, as at now, I can say that this party has registered not less than 16 million card carrying members.

If in the process, let assume that 1000 of them, to the reason best known to them begin hallucination, because that is what I would call what they are doing, they have prime motive.

Fani-Kayode he has gone back to PDP where he rightly belongs, he was a political jobber. Alhaji Duhu has been talking of him and his Ali Modu Sheriff defecting to PDP, I begin to think that their sojourning in APC was to achieve a certain goal, which they have done and they want to return home.

I am a theologian, I am a trained pastor, I went to ECWA Seminary, I came with a degree in theology.

I teach Pastors in mission school.

I can tell you that, it was because of General Buhari that I came into politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been my friend since early 1990’s but on personal basis.

Nigerians should focus on getting the best, even as a Christian, if you have a good government, there is no Christian road or petrol station. During the last election, PDP made religion an issue especially in the Middle Belt, they were telling us in my church, Goodluck Jonathan is a Christian, we should vote for him. We voted for him, see where we are.

Today, there are road blocks on the road to my church, they would screen me before I enter the church, they would search my wife’s bag, but the Christian President they said we should vote for has failed to provide security that we need. The Christian President they said we should vote for has not improved the economy.

But he has a vice president who is a muslim

Yes, we are talking of a Christian President.

But we are also talking of muslim-muslim ticket sir; are you saying we don’t need to consider religion again?

If Nigerians can eschew religion as an issue in politics, in government and in business, we would be getting the best. However, our convention was on the 5th of June, we just formed a political party.

The next stage now is the issue of candidature, but we are yet to get to that level. A that, we will look at the credentials of the candidates, what do they have to offer our party and Nigerians in general; the party will then decide, whether or not they are muslimmuslim or Christian-Christian.

What I want to say is that we must work hard to make sure that Nigerians vote for our party.

We should be working to get the best, irrespective of religious persuasions.

But the party has never debated or considered the candidacy so far, at any level, I was at the Merger Committee, I was in the Interim National Executive Committee, I am now in the National Working Committee, there was never a time we have discussed it.

Some candidates who are interested have been going around building their own political structures but as a party, we have not decided on that. We have just had the first National Working Committee.

The Interim National Executive Committee was just mandated to register the party and conduct election for the substantive committee. We are drawing plans on how to move the party forward; nobody has the mandate to choose the candidate for now.

Does your party have a mechanism of reconciliation? i ask

the ruling party and the presidency, the governors in the affected states blame the president and vice versa.

The Federal government has abdicated its responsibility of security; for the governors in the Northeast, all their monies go to the security to compliment the Federal, the soldiers are doing their best.

I went to the Nigerian Military school, the riffles are old, they give them 60 bullets and Boko Haram came with bullets all over their bodies, the motivation is not there, their families are left unattended to, The people of Niger Delta are saying the North is instigating the Boko Haram because of Jonathan; they are saying they should be left to be killing one another. Are we going to instigate our brothers to be killing ourselves? People are no longer going to farm because of Boko Haram.

You think we can do that because we don’t like Jonathan? Let me tell you, one of those kidnapped girls is well known to me, she is a widow, she left her children behind, returned to school in order to help herself now what has become her fate?

But it has been politicised. Do you know we have two ministers from Adamawa state, the Minister of Women Affairs and the Minister of Youth, the EFCC Chairman is from Adamawa state, Bamanga Tukur is from Adamawa state, do you think we can all sit down and say let us bring this unto our people? It is not true.The Northeast is under siege. To travel from Kaduna to my village takes 22 hours because of road blocks.

Lawal this question because the body language of some apc chieftains is those who want to go should go. if they go, what would be the fate of the party?

Right from the congresses we held, we have set up various committees, Appeal Committees and Reconciliation Committees at various levels, now the convention has come up, at our first national caucus meeting, a committee has been set up to reconcile those who are aggrieved because of the convention.

I have just spoken with Alimodu Sheriff, Fani-Kayode has gone back, Chief Ikimi has not gone; those who are still with the party, we would talk with them and reconcile them with the party but there is nothing we can do about Fani-Kayode who has gone back to PDP. I know Chief Ikimi is not having problem with the state chapter, maybe he is having issues with one or two members at the centre, I don’t know, but as a party, we would reconcile with those who are angry or aggrieved.

We have more than one reconciliation committees. This is the very first Working Committee and we are looking seriously into the issue of reconciliation.

Just wait till the PDP do their convention, then you would see bigger crises.

Umar Duhu said nobody nominated you

Before we went for the convention, the man everybody wanted as the National Secretary was me. Go and investigate. I am so popular in the party because I want justice. I stand for justice.

Go and ask everyone in the party. People value my principles.

If he said the governors nominated him and the senators nominated him, why didn’t they vote for him?

What is the way out to the security challenges raging in your zone? your party blames

What is the way out?

First of all provide employment.

Go into a programme or project that would give the youths jobs and as well provide education for the youths. So if anyone comes and tells you if you die, you would make paradise. You hear 300 killed, 120 killed, these are our youths. Until these people get employed, they would not stop No

But did insecurity start today?

Then whose fault is it?

What I want to say is that we must work hard to make sure that Nigerians vote for our party.

We should be working to get the best, irrespective of religious persuasions

Our background as people is bad.

Between Minna and Abuja is a single route, people believed Minna has produced two presidents but the road is not good. Because people think the resources of government in your hands is first to make you comfortable, them your relations, then your areas.

That is not a good value; but we must bring back our value, people should stop cornering money to themselves. Let us not say the aberration is now the norm. These are things our party will instill from 2015; APC has already won the general election. As far as we are concerned, we are the government in waiting.

Interview 39

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

‘Commuters Need To Be More Vigilant’ The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO)’s head of marketing and communications, Tunde Akintola, sits with ONUKOGU KANAYO JUBAL, to talk about what the company is doing to safe-guard commuters’ lives and improve the transport situation in the FCT. AUMTCO is about 25 years old.

How has it fared with the population rise within the FCT, given that it was formed a t a time when the population in the FCT was relatively low?

Following that, we have instituted checks in most of our buses, by installing metal detectors.

Presently, we are working with the security arm of the FCDA to get bomb detectors and others aboard our buses. These measures are quite important; that is why they cannot be ignored.

First off, our primary goal is to provide the transportation needs of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at very affordable rates. We are into charter services and a number of things, but out major objective is to run an effective transport system within the FCT. Also, you must understand that running an effective transportation system anywhere in the world entails a lot. It is not different here, especially given that the challenge revolves around getting the required number of vehicles, proper maintenance, environment and a number of other factors. The bottom line, however, is that, despite the irregular existence, the company has come to stay. We have never had this kind of approach before now.

This AUMTCO’s 25th year and, given the new dispensation and the company’s make-up at for the past four to five years, the company has come to stay. We have added more to our fleet, increased the regularity of our maintenance and the minister of the FCT has always given us huge backing and support.

You have mentioned these challenges twice. Can you enumerate them?

For now, we have no challenges with the fleet, as we have almost 400 buses – the most for any single transport company operating in Western Africa. Recently, we have added a number of air-conditioned buses to the ones we have already.

The main challenge which we have is the environment. You see, since our buses are always stopping to let passengers board, we need a separate lane. However, I believe that this has not come to be, because Abuja is still developing and, in a little while, there will be a separate lane for buses coming to the city centre or conveying people back to their destinations.

Funding for the maintenance of these high-capacity buses is another challenge. The government is doing the best it can, but you know that these things do not cover everything and you have to use your resources wisely to cater for a wide range of

needs.

You say the company has about 400 buses. How has the company been able to utilise these buses to cope with Abuja’s growing population?

As for that, we are not the only operators in the city. There are other operators within the city.

If they do not have the required number of buses, it is going to affect the transportation system in the city. But as stakeholders, we are committed to doing a greater part to ensure that the residents of the city get a good deal. During the commissioning of the last batch of buses delivered to us (100 of them to be precise), the minister of the FCT promised residents of the city that the situation can only get better; which means that more buses will be added.

The evolvement of the transport situation is, therefore, an on-going thing. These new arrivals will now be deployed to the already existing ones and the short-fall which we experienced will now be reduced.

You mentioned ‘other operators’.

Who are these other operators and what is the AUMTCO’s relationship with these other operators?

We have the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDA) and a number of others who have been issued licenses to operate.

You can see their own buses with their stickers whenever you join commercial buses. However, we must bear in mind that running an efficient transport business is capital-intensive; therefore, it will not be easy for some of these associations to cope. For this reason, they may not have enough buses to ply the existing routes; so, in the end, everything comes back to the AUMTCO. As for the relationship, there is always a forum where we meet to discuss the way forward and how sky-rocketing fares are affecting the average passenger.

In places like Karshi, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji and other far-flung towns in Abuja, AUMTCO buses are almost rare. What is the company doing to take its services to these places?

Kuje has long been on the list, but we just commenced business on the Jikwoyi-Karshi route. We

Akintola

want to go as far Abaji and the rest, because we consider the six area councils of the FCT to be our primary assignment.

Our absence or so from these areas was as a result of the number of buses in our fleet, but, as it stands, with the recent additions, we have commenced business in all those places.

In places like Nasarawa State and environs of Abuja, some buses can be seen carrying the AUMTCO insignia. Did the company lease them out or were they sold off?

You cannot see any of our buses in that axis, for now. All the buses you see plying those routes are owned by individuals who own the buses who must have brought them in from Lagos or anywhere and had that name written on them.

Be that as it may, we are trying to extend our services to Mararaba, because people over there are complaining of our absence. In the light of that, we have reached an agreement with the NURTW to do something about the transport situation in the area. There are, also, plans to spread out beyond the FCT, not just to Mararaba in Nasarawa State, but to other areas, as well.

What precaution is the AUMTCO taking to ensure commuters’ safety, in the light of the security challenges which the country is witnessing presently?

The blasts which occurred in Nyanya on April 14 destroyed about 24 of our buses, so if anyone should be taking precautions, it should be us.

Following that, we have instituted checks in most of our buses, by installing metal detectors. Presently, we are working with the security arm of the FCDA to get bomb detectors

and others aboard our buses. These measures are quite important; that is why they cannot be ignored.

Also, we enjoin commuters to be more vigilant. Do not let other passengers leave their bags in your care or in the bus; you can never tell what they are carrying.

Sometime back, the media was awash with the news that most of the buses lying dormant in your parks had very minor problems, but were discarded because the company would rather sell them off than fix them…

(cuts in) First, we are grappling with keeping up with a credible maintenance culture; not just the AUMTCO, but the country, as well. But, between then and now, we have risen to the situation. Our engineers have been taking care of that angle and most of those buses are back on the road. As for the new buses, the manufacturers have sent their own engineers who will be with our own engineers for the next two years, to help them know everything they need to know about the handling and maintenance of this new fleet.

We are not saying maintenance will be 100 per cent; we are saying that our vehicles can be maintained to an appreciable level.

You can’t come to a place like this and not see vehicles which cannot be fixed right away. But we have to balance both sides, to ensure that the workshop can be free for incoming vehicles to be serviced.

I just want to plead with our customers to be patient with us and our ticket-sellers. We have perfected plans to sell e-tickets, via POS terminals and ATMs. When they do that, they can get tickets they can use for a long time. They can report any reckless driver or rude bus conductor via the phone numbers and e-mails on our buses.

That way, we can serve better.

40 DEFENCE FOCUS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Air Commodore Yusuf Anas Bids NAF Farewell

U

narguably, a new chapter has been opened in the history of the Nigerian Air Force as the officer whose name is synonymous with its face; Commodore Yusuf Anas is retiring from the service he has served meritoriously.

On Monday, it was Anas himself who broke the news to the Defence Correspondents in a solemn programme. Anas is giving way to Air Commodore Dele Alonge.

His tenure as the NAF spokesman was a time when the Force became more relevant to its responsibilities haven been in the moribund because of the prolonged military rule which ironically was everything but doom to the profession.

Anas played prominent roles in the history of NAF especially since the return of the country to Democracy when he first came into the office but he left briefly only to return to the same desk because of his effectiveness and hardworking. And he was always ready to tell the landmark story of the Force to the world through the media, which he regards his constituency.

A few of the successes recorded by the NAF with Anas as its Director of Public Relations and Information included but not limited to the following; aggressive effective and efficient training of aircrew and non-aircrew for the NAF, establishment of Air nautical Engineering Technical Support Services Limited to fast tract aircraft maintenance and assist Nigeria save scare foreign exchange, inter service cooperation and personnel motivation.

Currently, there is NAF aggressive involvement in the on-going counter insurgency operations in the NorthEast. The gallantry dedication of NAF pilots in support of ground troops and other security agencies have been wonderful in the face of daunting challenges. Above all successive administration have always praised democratic governance and is always grateful for democracy that has continued to provide good enabling environment for professionalism.

Finally, the NAF has for quite some time now been blessed with good, focused and sustainable leadership to move the NAF to greater height.

But who is this man that has served the Air Force under the watch of not fewer than six different Chiefs of Air Force from Air Marshal Isaac Alfa to Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, as DOPRI Chief?

Anas was born on 16 October 1960 to the family of Alhaji Anas Mohammed and Hajia Zuwaira at Bindawa, Katsina State. After his early education at L.E.A Primary Schools Kayelwa in Katsina and L.E.A Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna, and proceeded to Sardauna Memorial College, Kaduna from 1974-1979.

He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 27th Regular Course and was commissioned Pilot Officer on 4 July 1982.

Anas attended several military and civil courses. Some of the military courses include junior and senior division courses at the AFCSC, Jaji, Kaduna. Some of the civil courses he attended include Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian In-

defence focus

By BAYO OLADEJI

Amosu

stitute of Journalism, Lagos in 1984 and Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Jos in 1994. He also obtained a Diploma in Public Relations from the Senior International Public Relations Business School, Oxford University London in year 2000. He also obtained a Master of Science Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies (IRSS) from the Benue State University in 2003 and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan in 2010.

He is a fellow of the National Defence College, Abuja. He also holds a Certificate and award from the United States Africa Centre for Strategic Studies on Energy and Security in Africa as well as a certificate of Excellence from United States Department of

PROFILE: Air Commodore Dele Alonge

Alonge

Air Commodore Dele Alonge was born on 08 February 1963 at Okebukun, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of 36 Regular Combatant Course in September 1984.

Alonge has served in various capacities and at all levels. In January 1988 he was posted to 330 NAF Station Jos as the Station Information Officer. By October of the same year, he was posted to HQ Training Command and appointed the CPRO. In July 2000, he was posted back to

HQ NAF Lagos and appointed the Staff Officer1(SO1) Information.

The appointment he held until he was nominated for a United Nations Observer Mission in October 2001.

On completion of his senior course in 2004, he was appointed again as the CPRO at HQ Training Command between November 2004 and July 2007 when he was posted to HQ NAF Abuja and appointed the Deputy Director Of Public Relations and Information (DDOPRI). The appointment he held until he was appointed the Acting Director on 3 July 2014.

Defence.

The outgoing senior officer has served in several units in various capacities. Between 1984 and 1988 he was Staff Officer 2 Information (SO2) at the Headquarters Training Command (HQTC) and also held the secondary appointment of Aide-De-Camp to the Air Offer Commanding (AOC). He also served at the de-established Military Airlift Command, Ibadan from 1988-1990. From 1994-1996 he was the Command Information Officer (CIO) at Headquarters Logistics Command, Lagos where he also doubled as the Military Assistant (MA) to the AOC. Subsequently, he moved to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Lagos as Staff Officer 1 (SO1) from 1996-1997 and moved back to HQ TC Kaduna in 1997 as CIO. Between 1999 and 2002 he was Director, Directorate of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. That was the era of Air Marshals Isaac Alfa and Jonah Wuyep. Thereafter, from 2002-2004, he was at the Headquarters, Tactical Air Command as Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO). Air Cdre Anas also served at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja first as Assistant Director, Administration and then as Deputy Director Defence Information in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

Air Commodore Anas has conducted a BSc research project on “Peace Keeping Operations in Africa: A case study of

Anas

ECOMOG Operations in Liberia” in 1994 and in 2003 also researched on the topic “Conflicts in West Africa: Implications for ECOWAS Development” for his Master Degree dissertation.

He belongs to several national and international professional bodies, among which are Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Member Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(MNIPR), Member Federation of African Public Relations Association(MIPRA) and Member International Public Relations Association (AFPRA). He is decorated with Forces Services Star, Meritorious Service Star and Defence Service Star. He was also a recipient of the BEST MAN OF THE YEAR 2012 for outstanding pursuits and achievements in the field of Public Relations from the Prestigious American Biographical Institute, USA. He loves reading and traveling. He is happily married to Mrs Sadiya Aminu Zayyad and has three children. No doubt, his successor, Alonge was right when he said, he is stepping into a very big shoe and pledged to continue where he has stopped.

Top 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ Chibok Girls Will Be Rescued Soon-Council of State ➋ House in Rowdy Session Over Presidential Powers To Deploy Soldiers ➌ Boko Haram Responsible For 18 Attacks In Two Weeks.

Guest speaker, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, (right) addressing the gathering, at BringBackOurGirls speak out, at Marina Water Front in Lagos.

News north-central 41

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

30,000 Nigerians To Perform Pilgrimage To Jerusalem

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

No fewer than 30,000 Nigerians are to perform this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Israel, even as Niger state Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has admonished those performing the pilgrimages not to see it as jamborees but a way of spiritual upliftment.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Okpara who gave the number of those performing the pilgrimage yesterday while paying a courtesy call on the Governor, maintained that, he has started embarking on sensitization visit to states.

According to him, “pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual upliftment and not a jamboree”, while toeing the line of Governor Aliyu who had warned against seen pilgrimage as a way of jamboree and defection.

The Executive Secretary said

short news World Bank N78m Fund Intact – CISHAN The allegation of disbursement of N78 million World Bank intervention.

Fund to non-existing groups in Kogi state has been debunked.

The allegation was reported in some national dailies and online publications that the 78million Naira World Bank intervention fund was disbursed to nonexisting groups in the state.

At a press conference yesterday in Lokoja, the Chairman of CISHAN, Hamza Aliyu said the publication was not true adding that CISHAN which is the umbrella body of all the NGOs in the state was fully involved in the process put in place by Kogi State Agency

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

that to make the pilgrimage comfortable for the people, the federal government has agreed to pay pilgrims N151 to a dollar exchange rate to reduce the cost for the pilgrims.

Okpara told the governor that 700 slots had been allotted to Niger state for this year’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem adding that efforts were being made to ensure the pilgrims were airlifted to the Holy land from the Minna airport.

Dr Okpara further disclosed that the Federal government had reduced the cost for the performance of the pilgrimages by 9 percent which would make trip to Jerusalem to cost N364,000 while those going to Rome and Greece would pay N454,000.

Aliyu in his remark explained that performance of pilgrimage would strengthen the faith of the pilgrims and make them better people who would contribute more meaningfully to the development of the society.

Niger Assembly Gives Governor Aliyu Approval To Sack Commission The Niger State House of Assembly has approved the request by the Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to remove from office, the chairman and members of the state Local Government Service Commission.

The request for the removal of the commission members was contained in a letter sent by the Governor to the house and read by the Speaker Barrister Adamu Usman at the plenary yesterday.

It was stated in the letter that, the board of the commission was inaugurated on the eighth of March 2011 with five year’s tenure.

According to the Governor’s letter , the chairman of the commission is Barrister Halidu Ibrahim from Kontagora Local Government Area while Justin Magaji from Munya Local Government Area, Alhaji Mahmud Ndatsu from Lapai Local Government Area, Ahmed Abubakar from Chanchaga Local Government Area and Mohammed .F. Kolo from Wushishi Local Government Area were permanent commissioners one, two, three and four respectively.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

short news Kogi To Compensate Land Owners Over 500 Bond Housing Units The Kogi State Government has assured of adequate compensation to those who will lose their land and properties where the 500 Bond Housing Estate will be located in Ganaja and Crusher area of Lokoja.

Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor gave the assurances of the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada to owners of such properties when he inspected the extent of land cleared for the layout that would be handed over to the two contractors that would build the three, two and one bedroom units of bungalows.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

THE Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Kennedy Okpara making a presentation to the governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, during a visit in Government House, Minna.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Police Foil Assassination Attempt In Kogi

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Those on the trail of the life of Hon Abdulaziz Idris King, former member of the House of Representatives and currently the secretary of Okene local government have failed; police quick intervention saved the day.

A strong believer in the ominipotence of Allah, Abdulaziz said, “it took the intervention of our creator for me to be alive again, I came face to face with death”.

The messengers of death, numbering three, he noted,

came into the house around 1.

30 am when they tore down the security gauze of the window, after tying down the guard of the compound of six flats.

“They used rod mutter and grinding stone to break the window iron, the noise which alerted my neighbour in the compound to alert the police from E-division who mobilised others.”

Hon Abdulaziz who said since he declared his interest to vie for House of Representatives seat in 2015, the political tune changed in Okene, stressing fur-

ther that he applied for police protection before the recent attempt on his life.

While advising other politicians in the need to test popularity on the field, Hon Abdulaziz said eliminating people in the name of politics would do the entire community no good, urging individuals to apply courtesy in the game.

Although no arrest has been made so far, the police public relations officer of Kogi command, Mr Emeka Emeh, said efforts are being intensified to bring the culprits to book.

Jerry Gana Explains Inclusion Of Edu State Among Recommended States

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

A Member of the delegate conference, Prof Jerry Gana, has shed more light on the rumour over inclusion of Edu state among the states recommended to be created by the conference.

The Edu state is recommended to be created from the present Nupe speaking areas of Niger state.

Jerry Gana who is the Dan Hasken Nupe and a member at the on-going National Conference said contrary to insinua-

tions the proposed Edu State from the present Niger State is among the 18 new states recommended .

According to him in an interview with journalists in Bida, Niger State, Prof Gana said the proposed state by the Nupes was number 2 on the list of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, July3.

The former Minister of Information said other states were also recommended for creation with Edu State and that it was also recommended that the third

state to be created in the SouthSouth Zone will be named later, along with its state capital.

The Dan Hasken Nupe stressed that it was as well recommended that the new states should be economically viable.

According to him, “this development is in the spirit of reconciliation, justice, equity and fair play as there is need to give every Nigerian, irrespective of their religion, belief, location or ethnic affiliation to give a sense of belonging in the political scheme of affairs.

Kwara To Complete Road Projects By December

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara state government said it would complete all ongoing roads projects across the three senatorial districts of the state by December, this year.

The state’s commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Abubukar Kannike disclosed this in llorin while inspecting some ongoing road projects in llorin, the state capital.

Kannike who described good

road network as one of the indices that aid development said government was making effort to ensure completion of all ongoing projects by December.

He urged the contractors handling the projects to execute them in line with specification and meet the time frame for the completion of work on the projects.

He warned that government would not pay contractors who did shoddy job.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on some of the roads and urged the contractors to sustain the tempo.

He appealed to residents living around construction sites to exercise patience with the government and cooperate with the contractors to ensure that quality works were done .

Some of the road projects inspected by the commissioner included Coca Cola road,

42 news north-East, north-west

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Jigawa Signs MoU For Commercial Flight From Dutse Airport

2014: We’ve Spent Over N1b On Ramadan Packages – Gov Wamakko

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has said that his government has spent no fewer than N1.2billion on this year’s Ramadan packages on the people of the state.

Wamakko, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mallam Sani Umar, yesterday disclosed that the state

government however spent N154.6million on its Ramadan free feeding programme.

He added that the remaining money was spent on the purchase of grains and clothing which has been distributed to individuals as well as civil servants of the state.

Stressing that his administration is doing all that is humanly possible to enhance the living

standards of his people, Wamakko maintained that the welfare of the people of the state is his top most priority.

Wammako said, “The state government is doing everything to ensure that the welfare of the citizens is well catered for. Various agencies of government are given out Ramadan packages to ensure people fast with ease. Remadan feeding centres have been

strengthened and adequately funded for the less privileged in the state to fast with ease”.

Appreciating Islamic preachers and royal fathers for their doggedness in ensuring a peaceful Ramadan preaching since the first day till date, Wamakko urged them to ensure that they use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for both peace and development in the country.

L-R: State Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalist Kaduna, Comrade Dominic Uzu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newstime International Company, Chief Tony Oyatedo and Executive Director, Newstime, Evangelist Charity Gomba, during their press briefing at NUJ secretariat in Kaduna, yesterday. photo

by GBENGA ABIOLA

short news EFCC Arraigns Ex- Taraba Accountant General Over N1.5bn Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday arraigned the former accountgeneral of Taraba State, Joel Joseph Lengbang.

Lengbang is standing trial before Justice Donatus U. Okoronkwo of the Federal High Court, Jalingo, on an eightcount charge bordering on intent to defraud and masterminding the illegal withdrawal of N1.5 billion from the purse of the state government.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Minister Weeps Over Southern Kaduna Killings ByMIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Laraba Mallam yesterday wept at the grave yard of 160 people killed in some villages of Sanga local area of Kaduna State.

The Minister who was on assessment visit to some of the attack villages, described the killing of Women and Children in Sanga as barbaric and vicious.

The minister said the attacks was devastating with little children and women slaughtered.

“When we were growing up, their was no such things. Today, we wakes up and see villagers who are looking for daily bread peacefully are slaughtered on daily basis,”

Mrs Mallam said.

“The people said they know their killers and they mention them.

Government will look at all the issues and provide relieved materials to alleviate the sufferings of the people through the Emergency Agencies.

“There is need for more security in Southern Kaduna. The president is grieved about the situation each time it happened but he can’t be everywhere that is why he sent me to com,” the minister said.

The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Dr. Ephraim Goje told the people of Slattern Kaduna to be vigilant and rise to the occasion of protecting their communities.

While thanking the security agencies, Goje said there was need for more security in the area to support the people to go back to their farms.

“If not, there is a looming danger.

Over 150 houses have been burnt and we have some of the household that survived, NEMA and SEMA should come to their aid. Why is our hospitality been paid this way?

We don’t want the government to pay us back with the number of death we are seen today.

“The President and the Vice president cancel their meeting for a bomb last that killed 22 people in Abuja, why can’t they visit Kaduna South where hundreds of people are been killed,he added.

Gov Dankwambo Seeks Prompt Release of MDGs Fund

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kebbi

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, has called for a prompt release of all approved funds for the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs), saying because the MDGs was a special programme.

The governor who made this call in Gombe, when he received members of the MDGs Qualitative Review Team, recently, said because the programme was a special one that should not be

starved of fund, especially approved ones.

This, he said was due to the consequential implication of not fully funding the office of the MDGs, especially at the national level, which has direct impact on the lives of the rural people.

“I want to add my voice that, this programme is a special one, so that office should not be starved of any fund, because of the consequential implication of having start a project that people desire, and abandoned it in

between the way, so I will plead with federal government that all the 2013 amount that were approved for MDGs are released”.

He maintained.

He also called on the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President (OSSAP) on MDGs, to also ensure that fund belonging to benefitting states and local governments, are appropriately and promptly disbursed to them, so that they can commence implementation of approved projects.

short news Yero Appoints 46 Secretaries For Devt Areas Kaduna State governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has released the appointment of new secretaries for the 46 Development Areas in the state.

The present secretaries of the Development Areas have been appointed since 2004, however, many of the Development Areas are operating without substantive secretaries as some had either retired from service or transferred their service .

It became necessary to recall all the secretaries and appoint new ones as a means of reinvigorating the administrative machinery of the Development Areas, which were created to bring government closer to the grassroots.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

The Jigawa State government yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with airlines and other stakeholders in Nigerian aviation industry for the commencement of commercial flights from Dutse international airport on July 14, this year.

The state commissioner of Land, Urban and Regional Planning, Engr. Habibu Barde, revealed this while briefing newsmen after he had signed the MOU. He said the Jigawa State under Governor Sule Lamido was ever ready to partner with any individual, private company, government and non-governmental organizations for the development of the airport.

Barde added that the state government had spent huge resources in the construction of the fastest airport in Nigeria with aim of boosting agriculture and other commercial activities in the state.

The commissioner, however, revealed that those to partake in signing the MOU were Overland Airline, National Airport Management Authority (NAMA) and Moses Boutique Resources Ltd.

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Boko Haram Activities UnIslamic – Sheikh Bauchi Popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi has hosted Christian leaders and pastors to the breaking of fast at his Kaduna residence in the spirit of the Ramadan, and as part of efforts to foster inter-faith peaceful coexistence.

During the breaking of the fast, the revered Islamic scholar seized the opportunity to call on Nigerians to stop referring to the Boko Haram sect as Islamic jihadists, saying their activities were rather ‘unislamic’.

According to him, the activities of the sect were contrary to the laid-down Islamic teachings both in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith.

The Sheikh asserted that the five pillars of Islam were clear and “nobody can add or subtract from it”.

He also stated that the procedure of Jihad was clearly identified in the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

“Today, we learnt that some people came out, claiming that they are fighting the cause of Allah while they are destroying people who are also following the same Allah. As far as we are concerned, Muslims know the consequence of killing fellow human beings,” he said.

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

43

44 news Lagos Lagos Assembly Demands Probe Of by OLAOLU OLADIPO, OLUGBENGA Tank Farm SOYELE, Lagos

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Rights Activist Lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, Dies At 49

Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, to direct relevant agencies to look into an alleged illegal oil tank farm being operated at 86 Oduduwa Crescent GRA Ikeja.

Chief Whip of the House, Razaq Balogun, had raised the issue under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, saying the illegal tank farm posed danger which should be critically investigated for necessary action.

In his contribution, Rotimi Olowo, representing Shomolu I, said such illegality should not be condoned, adding that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should seal off the premises.

Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II) maintained that the dastardly act called for proactive measures just as he advised residents in the state to be proactive in reporting any suspicious movement.

He demanded that adequate step should be taken to forestall dangers capable of devastating the state.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed that such tank farm was an illegality that called for concern and urgent action.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who presided over the sitting, called on the state governor to wade in to prevent loss of lives and property.

A prominent Lagos-based human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, has died in Lagos at the age of 49.

Though circumstances surrounding his death were sketchy at press time, sources said that the late lawyer was preparing to travel to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for a case when he suddenly developed certain medical challenge in his residence in Lagos.

He was promptly rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUITH) in Ikeja, Lagos, where he was pronounced

dead.

Confirming the development to LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview last night, the President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said, “We have lost him. I was told that he died early this morning, as I am talking to you now, I am in shock.”

An indigene of Ondo State, the late Aturu was born on October 16, 1964 and studied law at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.

But the late Aturu shot into national prominence in 1988 during his passing out parade of

the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) when he refused to shake hands with the then Military Governor of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, having emerged as the He had cited the military as having caused great harm to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians as the reason for his action.

Upon the completion of his mandatory NYSC, Aturu joined other to establish a pressure group, the Democratic Alternative (DA), to pursue what the members termed “deep-rooted democratic principles.”

The late activist was nominated as a member of the ongoing

The late Aturu

National Conference to represent the civil society, but he rejected his membership, arguing that the conference as designed cannot meet the expectation of Nigerians.

short news Court Awards N.2m Against IGP, Others Over Rights Violation

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Party De-registration: Fresh Party Asks NASS To Prevail On INEC Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) has asked the President of the Senate David Mark to prevail on the Independnet National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the judgement of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which declared as illegal the de-registration of the party.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the court had on July 29, 2013, declared the de-registration of 28 political parties in the country by INEC as illegal.

The letter written by the legal adviser of the party, Dr Fred Agbaje, said that the party was worried by the move of the National Assembly to empower INEC to de-register parties that fail to win any election.

The party said, “The current proposed amendments, from all indications, is intended to annihilate political, democratic and constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and promote their interest. Hence, we see the proposed amendment as having great collateral damage to Nigerians.

“If a political party fails to win an election now, what is the guarantee that such a party will not win in subsequent elections?

By Kunle Olasanmi Abuja

Traffic gridlock on Funsho William Avenue, Surulere, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO B Y NAN

Ethnicity, Religion Not Conditions For Lagos Homes – Fashola

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday said ethnicity and religion are not conditions for benefiting from Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS).

Fashola disclosed this at the fifth raffle of Lagos HOMS held at Agidingbi area of the state where 102 new home owners emerged.

He explained that the scheme

“does not in any way discriminate on any grounds. It encompasses the diversity of our country.

From the draw, we can see that applicants from Igbo, Hausa and Delta among others duly participated in the scheme and won in the process.”

He emphasised that the scheme “does not ask religious questions. It does not ask ethnic questions. So, tell those who want to divide us by religion that they will fail. This housing

scheme has further bound us together.”

The governor also said the scheme had not been infected with bribery.

“It is free from bribery and man-know-man syndrome.

Applicants do not have to know any government official at any level to benefit from the scheme.

“I do not know any state in the federation in the country where 200 homes are put in the market every month.

A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, and a chief promoter of CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Ltd, Kelechukwu Mbagwu, to stop violating the fundamental rights of a couple, Uche and Anthonia Nnaji.

The court also ordered the three respondents to pay N200,000 as compensation for illegal infringement on the rights of the couple while mandating the Inspector General of Police (first Respondent) and Lagos State Commissioner of Police (second Respondent) to withdraw immediately, the charge against Anthonia (second applicant) pending at the Magistrate Court, Ikeja.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

LASU, ASUU Sign Agreement To End Trade Dispute

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Lagos State University Authority and the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities [ASUU-LASU] have signed an agreement that would signal the end of the strike embarked upon by the latter in May, 2014.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relation

Officer of the institution, Kayode Sutton.

In an exhaustive meeting which ran into the wee hours of Tuesday, July 8, 2014, the two parties reached a truce and put pen on paper on some of the issues, which led to the strike that partially grounded academic activities in the institution for several weeks.

The university management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa,

and the staff union led by Dr. ‘Kunle Idris, after the deliberations, resolved to sheathe their swords for peace to reign in LASU in the interest of the students and the entire university community. The meeting ended with the parties shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.

The meeting noted that the Lagos State Government had already taken action and the university authorities had effected the down-

ward review of the school fees regime.

However, ASUU-LASU observed that the new school fees regime is still on the high side and advised for a further downward review. The case was, however, rested as far as the strike action was concerned.

Part of the resolutions was that promotion is an ongoing exercise, and any academic staff meriting promotion, shall be so promoted, following established procedures.

45

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NITDA) FEDERAL MININSTRY OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY No. 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2014/2015 Sequel to the NITDEF Scholarship Scheme Aptitude Test conducted on the 11th and 12th June, 2014 at Chamms City, Garki, Abuja, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) hereby calls on the following successful candidates to come for screening exercise.

PhD Candidates: Name Ambore Stephen Mathew Hayatudeen Bello Lawal Abbas Agbo Cornelius Chidubem TebekaemiEniye Yusuf Abayomi

State GOMBE ADAMAWA KADUNA ENUGU BAYELSA OSUN

LGA Akko Yola South Zaria Igbo-Eze South Ekeremor Ilesha East

Region North Central North East North West South East South South South West

M.Sc Candidates Name Abubakar Abdulmuminu Ibrahim Ummi Kaltume Okereke Chinonso Emmanuel Amaraegbeni Chigozie Akujobi Yerima Samson Musa Ahmed Ibrahim Said Samson Imoh Nnamnso Willie Aniebiet Francis Ezeh Ejike ThankGod Ntube Nzube Stephen Ibrahim Muhammad Surajo Ahmed Kabiru Ekubo Ebiemi Allen Edih Peremobowei Elijah Adole Anthony Amodu Igwue Stephen Olibenu Ali Emmanuel Yahi Gana Nuruddeen Abba James Emmanuel Obogo Egbe Egbe Obie Humphrey Otovwe Eze Chika Victor Okpara Dennis Kelechi Okoh Pius Otu Agbonaye Osaru Inwumoh Jude Olutayo Tolulope Esther Adeniyi Joseph Omeke Godwin Kenechi Asogwa Emmanuel Chinedu Bello Habeeb Mohammed Fahid Rabiu Aliyu Kamilah Mohammed Fauzia Abdullahi Ahmad Sani Muhammad Auwal Sagir Muazu Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Abdul-Hadi Sanusi Yar-adua

State FCT FCT ABIA ABIA ADAMAWA ADAMAWA AKWA IBOM AKWA IBOM ANAMBRA ANAMBRA BAUCHI BAUCHI BAYELSA BAYELSA BENUE BENUE BORNO BORNO CROSS RIVER CROSS RIVER DELTA DELTA EBONYI EBONYI EDO EDO EKITI EKITI ENUGU ENUGU JIGAWA JIGAWA KADUNA KADUNA KANO KANO KATSINA KATSINA

LGA Kwali Kwali Bende Umuahia North Hong Yola South ObotAkara IbesikpoAsutan Aguata Nnewi South Katagum Tafawa-Balewa Southern Ijaw Sagbama Oturkpo Oju Chibok Guzamala Bekwara Biase Ethiope East Aniocha North Onicha Afikpo North Egor Etsako East Efon Ikole Igbo-Eze South Nsukka Giwa Ringim Zaria Kaduna North Nasarawa Kano Municipal Katsina Katsina

Tase Michael Umar Faruk Aruwa Mohammed Aminu Umar Ibrahim Enesi Balogun Hamed Olanrewaju Ajiboye Oluwaseyi Emmanuel Tokosi Babajide Edu Jide Samsudeen Abubakar Mustapha Amos Peter Bature Ali Ashiru Ahmed Usman Jamiu Muhammed Olatunji-David Folagbade Joseph Onobote Michael Makinde Mololape Nibaneye Obadun Ahmed Olasunkanmi Adewuyi Anuoluwapo Amarachukwu Owaboye Kayode Kazeem Popoola Saheed Olatunji Akanji Peter Oluwaseyi Kasai Barnabas Nyam Adeh Littbarski Mark Norman-William Belema Emily Luckyn Boma Josiah Matankari Maimuna Tani Mohammed Hafiz Usman Mboli Sechang Julius Adamu Ibrahim Suleiman Musa Bizi Lawan Garba Mohammed Bashir Jibril Rikiji Jafar Lawal

KEBBI KEBBI KOGI KOGI KWARA KWARA LAGOS LAGOS NASARAWA NASARAWA NIGER NIGER OGUN OGUN ONDO ONDO OSUN OSUN OYO OYO PLATEAU PLATEAU RIVERS RIVERS SOKOTO SOKOTO TARABA TARABA YOBE YOBE ZAMFARA ZAMFARA

Zuru Jega Idah Okehi Ifelodun Oyun Lagos Island Epe Doma Lafia Shiroro Kontagora Ijebu East Odogbolu Ondo West Akoko North West Boripe Ejigbo Ibarapa Central Ogbmosho South Jos East Bassa Ogu/Bolo Okrika Illela Sokoto South Sardauna Bali Bade Nguru/Potiskum Shinkafi Gusau

The candidates are expected to come along with original copies of the following documents: i.

Academic Certificates ii.

Certificate of LGA Indigene iii.

Letter from respective State Government confirming State of Origin iv.

Letter of Admission (If any)

The exercise is scheduled to hold as follows: Venue:Conference Room, NITDA Headquarters, #28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja Date: 30th - 31st July, 2014 Time: 10:00 am

Signed Management.

46 NEWS

Thursday, July 10, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES

Saturday, August 9

Aregbesola Reiterate Commitment To We’ll Ensure Prompt Payment Of Salaries Improve Health Status Of Osun People Of Workers, Allowances – Omisore

Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola has re-echoed his commitment to improving the health status of the people of Osun State.

Addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who thronged the ancient town of Ede for his re-election campaign rally in Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency, the governor disclosed that his administration has procured no fewer than 100 safe delivery equipment due for distribution to health institutions across the state.

Aregbesola, who gave assurance that he would complete most of the ongoing projects across the state by the end of the year, said he has successfully extended his developmental projects to ev-

ery part of the state.

While enumerating his numerous achievements in the last three and a half years, including road construction, building of modern schools, empowerment of over 2,000 youths among others, Governor Aregbesola urged the electorate to guard their voter cards jealously and desist from selling them to any politician.

On the moribund Cocoa Product Industry at Ede, Aregbesola disclosed that a Chinese firm has been commissioned to revive the industry with the assurance that the factory will go into full operation soon.

He charged the people of Ede federal constituency to come out massively to vote for him on August 9 for the good works to continue.

Aregbesola

Also speaking, the Osun speaker, Hon Folasayo Najeem Salam charged the people of the state not to be intimidated by the presence of security operatives on election day.

Salam said law enforcement agents are not out to intimidate the electorate but to protect them and their votes and ensure a hitch-free and acceptable election.

Exactly a month to the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore has assured of prompt payment of salaries of workers in the service of the state government.

Addressing party supporters in continuation of his door-to-door state wide campaign at Owode, Ede South local government of the state, Omisore said he would also ensure timely payment of allowances of the senior citizens of the state.

Omisore, who said it is wicked for any government to deny retired public servants their dues, noted that they have served the state meritoriously and deserve to be accorded the pride of place in the

scheme of things.

“Teachers, civil servants in the service of Osun State would get their salaries and emoluments as at when due when I become the governor of Osun,” he told the crowd.

Omisore equally assured the people that construction of roads, particularly rural roads will be one of his priorities to facilitate transportation of farm produce to the market.

Also speaking at the rally, PDP acting national secretary, Professor Wale Oladiipo enjoined the electorate not to be intimidated by the presence of security agents on election day, saying they will be on ground to ensure a hitchfree election.

He urged the people to cast their votes for Senator Omisore, who accord-

Omisore

ing to him, is known for his concern for the welfare of the people irrespective of political affiliation or religion.

Oladiipo urged those who have not collected their voter cards to do so as the INEC has said whosoever cannot produce his or her permanent voter card will not be allowed to vote.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Fayose Threatens Rebellious PDP Members In S/West

2015: Adeseun’s Defection ’ll Not Affect APC’s Fortune – Oke

The Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has threatened to deal with any rebellious member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) irrespective of his or her personality.

Speaking at what could be termed a ‘thank-you-rally’ organised for him in Ibadan by the party in the South-West at Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, where all the party’s governorship aspirants in Oyo State gathered to speak about their ambitions, he said the PDP would not hinder anyone willing to leave the party, but warned that it would no longer tolerate any of its members still claiming to be a member and disparaging it, no matter their present or past position.

“The other time I was fighting the party, I left it; I didn’t stay inside to fight it. So, whoever is aggrieved for whatever reason is allowed to leave, but to think you can claim to be in the party and be working against it will be met with stiff sanction; nobody is bigger than the PDP”.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter has said that the exit of the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Adeseun, will not affect its fortune in the 2015 general elections.

The party’s state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, in a statement yesterday, described his exit as the return of a dog to its vomit, saying the party was not perturbed by the defection of Adeseun to the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because “a dirty river would always find the gutters”.

Any discerning mind should con-

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

gratulate the APC for managing Adeseun this far. Here is a man who started his political career with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) before defecting to PDP under which he contested the House of Representatives elections in 2003.

“After spending two terms in the lower legislative chamber, he again found an abode in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where he was given the opportunity of becoming a senator. He is at it again, doing what he knows how to do best, that is, defection at the slightest opportunity.

“While we congratulate the senator for defecting to PDP which he vilified so much and took to the cleaners pri-

or to his defection to ACN ahead of the 2011 general elections, we make bold to say that his exit will further strengthen our great party rather than affect its fortune in the 2015 general elections. It will show Nigerians that some of these politicians see integrity as a non-issue,’’ the party said.

It described Adeseun as a politician who is only answerable to his personal interest, adding that his decision to close ranks with Adebayo Alao-Akala whose reign as a PDP governor between 2007 and 2011 brought serious retrogression to Oyo State was a testimony to the kind of person the senator is.

Ekiti Community Protests Call For Headquarters’ Relocation

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

The people of Igogo Ekiti in Moba local government area of Ekiti State yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest against the agitation by some towns that the headquarters of the newly created Ero local council development area should be relocated from the town.

The people who stormed the State House of Assembly to reg-

ister their displeasure were led by their monarch, Oba Sunday Adewumi, the Obasaoye of Isaoye and Oba Alaaye of Aaye Oja, Oba Moses Bamisaye and Oba Samuel Olatoye.

They contended that the Justice Akin Ajakaye-led Council Creation Committee made the right decision by making Igogo Ekiti the preferred headquarters, contrary to the positions canvassed by the people of Ikun

and Erinmope communities.

The people of Erinmope had last week protested against the siting of the council headquarters in the town, saying that Igogo never requested for the creation of local government.

Oba Adewumi also posited that grades of the traditional rulers was not part of the criteria used by the committee for the selection of the council headquarters.

SHORT NEWS LCDAs: PDP Threatens Legal Action Against EKSHA The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti has warned the State House of Assembly against taking further action on the bill sent to it by Governor Kayode Fayemi for the creation of additional Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs).

Threatening legal action in a letter signed by its legal adviser, Mr Kolapo Kolade, addressed to the speaker, Hon Adewale Omirin, the party said it will be contemptuous for the Assembly to pass the bill intended to create more LCDAs into law, when there is a pending suit in court against such policy.

By Alo Abiola, Ado Ekiti

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Rivers Guber: Group Insists On Riverine Candidate A group, Affirmative Bloc for Credible Democracy (ABCD), has called on the people of Rivers State to be vigilant and ensure that the next governor comes from the riverine part of the state.

This, the group believes, is the only way to guarantee justice and equity in Rivers State.

ABCD also advised the supervising minister for education, Nyesom Wike, to forget about running for Rivers State governor. It argued that a Wike candidacy would mean 16 years of back-to-back Ikwerre governors and an Upland hegemony of 24 unbroken years in power in Rivers State, a situation that is unacceptable to the riverine part of the state.

In a statement signed by Alatubo Harry, the group said Wike’s ambition is against public good and harmony in the state.

The statement said the people want a governor from the riverine area, adding that protest votes against the PDP in the gubernatorial election in favour of a riverine candidate will become inevitable.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

news south-South south-East 47

PDP Plans To Declare State Of Emergency In Edo – Speaker

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, yesterday raised the alarm that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the police had perfected plans to ensure that a state of emergency is declared in Edo State.

He, however, warned that the people of the state would not be intimidated by “the Federal Might as being boasted by the PDP godfathers and leaders”, just as he called on the police to stop the blockade of the Benin City Cen-

tre in the interest of the people of the state, saying that the situation has inflicted pains on road users and businessmen in the state.

Uyi Igbe, who was addressing newsmen, lamented that the suspended lawmakers and the leadership of the PDP are using the police to “perpetrate illegalities in the state,” warning that the 15 APC lawmakers will continue to obey the rule of law in the interest of the state.

He said, “These same policemen actively disrupted the renovation work currently going on at

the House of Assembly Complex and in the process sprayed teargas and/or other noxious chemicals on the speaker and other members of the House. It is instructive that in their arrogance and boastful manner, these renegade PDP legislators, actively supported rather unfortunately by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force have been cheered on by the PDP leaders and godfathers who have openly boasted of their federal might and presidential connections.

“As legitimate representatives

of the people of Edo State, as responsible lawmakers, and as peace loving citizens, we have no wish to see our state turned into a battle field where the PDP and their agents seek to gain by force, intimidation and threats the political victory they couldn’t secure in open, free and fair electoral contests conducted serially over the past seven years across Edo State.

“We wholeheartedly condemn the continuing display of naked aggression and power show by those who believe that they control the organs of state power.”

short news Alleged N169m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Delta Scholarship Board Scribe

SMEs Operators Get N200m Loans In Edo

The Edo State government has disbursed over N200million to small and medium scale business operators under the Edo State Government and Bank of Industry Loan Scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises since 2009.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state commissioner for commerce and industry, Mr Macdonald Obasuke, while issuing out over N45million cheques to beneficiaries. He explained that the scheme, jointly financed by the state government which contributed N250million and the Bank of Industry N250million, was part of the efforts of the state government to assist small and medium scale entrepreneurs in the state due to the high interest rates of banks.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Missing MASSOB Members: Police Confirm Location The Imo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the whereabouts of the 26 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who were arrested last weekend by soldiers in Owerri for wearing the Biafran uniform.

The state commissioner of police, AbdulMajid Ali, who briefed newsmen in his office, said that the 26 arrested members were charged to court yesterday and are presently cooling off at the Okigwe prison.

The state police public relations officer, Mr Andrew Enwerem had earlier denied knowledge of the whereabouts of the arrested MASSOB members.

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, Acting DirectorGeneral, National Pension Commission, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu and Chairman, Senate Committee on PenCom, Sen Aloysius Etuk, at the 10th anniversary of the Pension Reform In Nigeria in Abuja. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Delta Guber: More PDP Leaders Support Olejeme

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Asaba

More Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and faithful in Delta South and North Senatorial Districts of Delta State have thrown their weight behind the governorship ambition of the executive chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Juliet Olejeme.

Chairman of PDP, Burutu local government of Delta State, Deacon Ogeibiri Kenneth told the leadership of the Olejeme Van-

guard led by Ms Mirabelle Michael, personal assistant to Dr Olejeme, during a sensitisation tour of Burutu LG, that the local government PDP Exco will support her governorship dream because of her philanthropic gestures to the less privileged.

Deacon Kenneth said, “Dr Olejeme means many things to many people but for those of us in Burutu, she means transparent service to us; although we have many governorship aspirants in the contest, but Dr Olejeme stands out because

of her philanthropic disposition”.

Speaking at Patani, headquarters of Patani local government council of Delta State, chairman of PDP in Patani, Hon Omoniyi Godbless, said the PDP family is one and whoever emerges after the primary will be projected as the candidate of the party.

He said, “While we want to assure you of our support and prayers in making sure that your dream comes to reality, Patani as an LGA will do all it can to support your governorship aspiration”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former executive secretary, Delta State Scholarship Board, Mr Peter Anronamoh and the chief accountant, Eloho Otiede, before Justice Christopher Emifoniye of the state High Court in Asaba, on a five-count charge bordering on stealing and conspiracy.

Anronamoh, according to reports, was alleged to have abused his office by approving the sum of N36million above his official approval limit of N1million.

Otiede on his part was alleged to have fraudulently paid bursaries to ghost students and diverted sums of money into his personal account.

By Kola-Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Review List Of New States To Be Created, MOSOP Urges Confab

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned the omission of Bori State from the list of new states to be created as recommended by the ongoing National Conference, and urged the leadership of the conference to review the list to include

Bori State.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, president of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, stated that the apex Ogoni socio-cultural organisation said it considered the development as “unacceptably inconsiderate and a biased approach by the majority and the privileged to perpetually consign the voiceless and

minority Ogoni under the suffocating squeeze of majoritarian vampires.”

Pyagbara said; “We are appalled by the development. MOSOP is aware that Bori State met all the requirements handed down by the Confab and had been listed initially, only to be de-listed afterwards in questionable circumstances.

Over 70% of the recommended

states are not viable and would as usual depend on resources from the Ogoni region for survival.

“With abundant mineral and other resources, Bori State in all ramifications stand a better chance of thriving and surviving than the ones considered. We thus passionately call on the Confab to rescind its decision and enlist Bori State.

48 news NATIONAL

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Police Insist On Ban On Issuance Of Firearm Licences

Impeachment: I Didn’t Meet Nyako Over Successor – Ex-UBEC Boss

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday insisted that the ban placed on the issuance of fresh licence for procurement of firearms in the country was still in force.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba, made the clarification in a chat with LEADERSHIP where he said the force imposed the ban following observed widespread proliferation of firearms.

Mba stated that in furtherance of the subsisting embargo, the Force has not, and does not intend to issue permits to any person, group of persons, organization or agency of any state government for the procurement or purpose of bearing firearms till after the 2015 general elections.

By George Agba, Abuja

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja and Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

Aregbesola’s Programmes Producing Results – Oyedepo The general overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, yesterday said the infrastructural renewal, particularly the education revolution in Osun State deserved global applause.

Oyedepo gave his assessment in Osogbo when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The cleric noted that any governance that was producing results and affecting the lives of vast majority of the people must be deeply appreciated.

The bishop strongly appealed to stakeholders to always be at the vanguard of peaceful coexistence, noting that there was nothing like living in peace, working peace and promoting peace.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Death Penalty: Lawyers Without Border To Engage NASS In Lawyers under the auspices of Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, France said there moves to engage members of the National Assembly for them to enact a law abolishing death penalty as capital punishment in Nigeria.

Ms Angela Uwandu, head of ASF France in Nigeria, who made this known at the fourth and final phase of association’s practical workshop for judicial stakeholders in Abuja, said that the reason for them to engage legislators was because death penalty has never served as a deterrent to crimes in Nigeria, that other options should be considered.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

The former executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Dr Mohammed Modibbo, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he held a meeting with Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako, to discuss who succeeds the embattled governor by the time he had been

impeached.

Modibbo is one of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State.

The former UBEC boss, who insisted that he had never related with Nyako since the governor left PDP for the All Progressives Congress(APC) noted that, while he remained a bonafide member of

the PDP, there was no way he would have met Nyako under any guise.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his counsel, Mr Sulaiman Usman, Modiboo maintained that the rumour that he allegedly met with Nyako was the handiwork of those trying to pull him down politically.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP noted: “There was a baseless report that our client had

a private meeting with Governor Murtala Nyako and struck a deal for Nyako to support our client in the race to succeed him. The said news item depicted our client as someone who is not a loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but a mole in the party who is placed to work against the interest of the party he laboured to build for many years.

short news Insecurity In Nigeria Is Spreading Gradually – Sokoto CP Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Gambo, said yesterday that the insecurity that started from north-eastern part of Nigeria some years ago was gradually but steadily spreading to other parts of the country.

The CP, who decried that terrorists now masquerade L-R: Newly Appointed Minister of Science and Technology, Abdul Bulama, Minister of Niger Delta, Stephen Oru, Minister of State for as cattle rearers Works, Adedayo Adeyeye and Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, during their oath taking of office as ministers, at the to kill, maim and wreak havoc Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.. in Nigeria, also warned that Nigerians have to take certain alize that the most important re- teachers, administrative personBy abubakar salihi, Kano measures to keep source is its young patriotic men nel and corporate security guards them away.

The United States Ambassador and women.I believe the ways to among others in order to revitalGambo, who to Nigeria, Mr James Entwhis- help the youth is education and ize the service. spoke during tle, has commended Governor employment.” an interactive Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, of Kano Entwhistle congratulated Kano To Ensure Literacy For meeting with State for his empowerment pro- the newly recruited workers and All By 2015 proprietors, grammes in the state . praised the state government for Meanwhile, Kano State goverprincipals as well Entwhistle made the remark giving them the unique opportu- nor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has said as management of during the presentation of let- nity to be useful to themselves that his administration was comschools in Sokoto ters of appointment into the Kano and to the larger society. He also mitted to ensuring that all the State On How Best State civil service to 1,000 youths pledged his country’s support to adults in the state became literTo Improve at the Kano Government House Kano State government in its fight ate before the expiration of his Security In School on Tuesday. against HIV/AIDS, Polio and drug tenure in 2015. and Colleges, “ said He stated that when he was in abuse.

He stated this while presentthat Nigerians the US, before becoming an amIn his speech, governor Rabi’u ing 11 cars and 50 motorcycles to must ensure that bassador, he used “to assume Musa Kwankwaso revealed that zonal and area officers under the the country was that Nigeria’s most important within the last three years, the state’s mass literacy campaign safe for all. resource was fuel but on arriv- state government engaged 8,000 programme at the Government

By Ankeli al in the country, he came to re- indigenes into its civil service as House, Kano yesterday.

Emmanuel, Sokoto

US Envoy Hails Kwankwaso Over Strides In Human Development

Jonathan, Nigeria’s Number One Enemy – APC

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described President Goodluck Jonathan, as Nigeria’s number one enemy because of his propensity to perpetrate impunity, abuse federal institutions and tolerate corruption, all in a clamour to win re-election at all costs.

In a statement issued in Osogbo yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,

the APC said under Jonathan’s watch, Nigeria has been thrown into unprecedented crisis that was manifesting in the opposition strongholds of Rivers, Edo, Adamawa and Nasarawa States and elsewhere across the country.

The statement stated further that the President has also abused national institutions perhaps more than any other president in Nigeria’s history, deploying the police and the army to intimidate and harass ordi-

nary citizens in general and opposition supporters in particular, as he did recently in Ekiti and allegedly planning to do in Osun State. ‘’Under President Jonathan, there is no longer the need to make any electoral promises or carry out people-oriented and quality of life projects. Just distribute bags of rice, expired or not, to a people already famished by a clueless federal government, and tuck in a few naira notes into the pockets of electorates

who have been deliberately impoverished. This is a clear subversion of democracy. ‘’It is also clear now what happened to the 20billion-dollar oil money that went missing, as well as the reason behind the massive oil subsidy fraud, the Malabo multi-billion dollar fraud, the pension scam, and finally why the President, whose body language does not abhor corruption, has redefined stealing as anything but corruption,’’ APC said.

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 49

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

FRSC Moves To Ensure Child Safety In Road Crashes

BY Ejike Ejike

In a bid to ensure the safety of children in road crashes, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formed a joint committee with the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) that is aimed at ensuring safer road environment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee at the FRSC headquarters in Abuja, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka said, “we have always maintained that ensuring safety on our roads is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders who must commit to the success of safer roads and fuller live campaign.

“Child safety is one area of roads safety campaign that has not been given prominence by some of our stakeholders. But if one considers the rate and vulnerability of children in cases of road traffic crashes, the need to shift public attention to that area with a view to creating the necessary attention cannot be overemphasised.”

He, however, noted that the inauguration of the committee was another positive step towards achieving the target of the United Nations’ Amalgamated Union of the Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Service Employee, AUPCTRE, Decade of Action for Road Safety: 2011-2020, protesting over the non-payment of their allowances by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, which places great emphasis on partnership with in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE relevant stakeholders.

Chidoka said, “the collaboration with the NSE will promote adequate preventive measures to prevent road traffic crashes because they don’t just happen but are caused and since their causative factors are well known, it means they can be prevented if adequate preventive measures are taken.”

Reps: N271bn FCT Budget Scales Second Reading

JTF Punctures Tyres Of Over 100 Cars In Garki

By Igho Oyoyo

The combined force of security personnel yesterday stormed Area 10 shopping complex and punctured the tyres of over 100 vehicles parked indiscriminately along the road by their owners.

When LEADERSHIP visited the area, it was discovered that the combined security personnel which carried out the operation consisted of the Nigeria Army, Police, Civil Defence, amongst others.

According to an eye witness, Zack Mohammed, JTF numbering over 20 stormed the area at about 10 am, without asking questions and went straight to cars that were parked along the road and started puncturing the tyres with small knives.

He said, “they did not even bother to ask for the owners of the vehicles on arrival, they just started stabbing the tyres of the vehicles with their military knives. Each tyre was stabbed up to three times.”

One of the affected car owners, Mr Humphrey Okon, lamented that he left his car for the car wash operators, only to find out that his tyres were among those that were punctured, when he returned.

“This is really painful because people have been parking here for a long time, but if the government wants to control the indiscriminate parking as a result of the security state of the country, they should have announced it or even put ‘no parking’ signs by the roadside to warn people not just to come and puncture tyres of innocent people,” he said.

Another affected car owner, Miss Lisa Sunday, said that she went inside the complex to print her wedding cards, but came out to find that her two tyres had been punctured, saying that she noticed that over 20 cars parked before her own were also punctured even before she got to her car.

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading the 2014 budget estimates of N271 billion for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a breakdown of the proposed FCT budget, N49, 200, 944, 858, is for personnel costs and N62, 891, 521, 857, is for overhead costs while the balance of N159, 032, 636, 920, is for capital projects for the financial year commencing from January 1 and ending on December

31, 2014.

Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Hon Emmanuel Jime (Benue/ APC), said no new project was introduced in the 2014 budget.

He, however, informed the House that there were some ongoing projects the FCT administration planned to complete before the year end.

The bill was referred to the committees on the FCT, FCT area council and Finance for further legislative work.

Also, the 2014 budget estimates of N322 billion for the Niger Delta

Development Commission (NDDC) scaled second reading.

A breakdown of the proposed NDDC budget shows N15, 080, 730, 000. 00, is for personnel costs, N10, 186, 820, 000.00, is for overhead expenditure and N2, 281, 280, 000.00, is for capital expenditure while N295, 051, 170, 000.00 only, is for development projects for service of the NDDC for the fiscal year commencing on April 1, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2014.

The House Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor (Delta/ PDP) in his contribution

during debates warned the NDDC against abandoned projects. He urged effective oversight of the NDDC by the supervisory house committee.

In another, Hon. Dakuku Peterside (Rivers/APC) accused the NDDC of lopsided distribution of projects in Rivers State.

The lawmaker accused the NDDC of siting 75 per cent of developmental projects in one local government area of the state. According to him, the local government in question accounts for only five per cent of the crude oil produced from Rivers State.

N143m Bus Donation: NUJ Absolves Minister Of Blame

By Nkeci Isaac

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has absolved the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed of any blame regardingthe donation of 22 buses valued at N143m to the Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently.

Recall that the Council recently issued a statement asking the minister to explain an issue that borders on donation of buses to the Bauchi State chapter of the

PDP about a fortnight ago.

The union has, however, absolved the minister of any wrong doing after investigations into the matter, saying that the buses were presented by people close to the minister.

This was disclosed by the Abuja council chairman of the union, Comrade Chucks Ehirim, when he presented a membership card to the minister in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, yesterday.

He said, “In this country, some people can even go to the extent

of printing posters or purchasing aspiration forms for those they feel should contest elective positions and our investigation proved just like the Minister explained to us that those donation did come directly from him.

“Having found out the truth we want to use this occasion to make it public that we took our first action based on our professional calling that even if he is one of us, if we felt that certain actions taken were not in conformity with what we believe, we

would still ask questions. Thus, we are calling on other professional bodies in the country to borrow a leaf from the NUJ.” Responding, the minister thanked the union for always being on the upright side and admonished the media to continue to uphold objectivism to make our society better.

He maintained that the membership card is very dear to him, as it has re-connected him with his umbilical cord; saying that journalism is his launching pad.

50 feature

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Road Safety: FRSC And Its Conquest Of Africa In carrying out its statutory responsibility of providing safer roads for the people, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has over the years demonstrated its uniqueness among other government agencies. In this report, Ejike Ejike writes on how the FRSC is conquering Africa despite the prevailing challenges.

A

“The world over, our tracking device in our monitoring room will stand out as one of the best.”

n adage in Africa says that a beautiful bride has no hiding place.

This has become the position of the FRSC in recent times as different countries in Africa have been coming to borrow a leaf from the vast knowledge of the commission. Countries like the United States of America, where Nigeria’s drivers’ licence is accepted in some states; Sierra Leone, where some officials of the FRSC are currently training their Sierra Leonean counterparts on safety tips are just a few countries where the commission has extended its tentacles in its efforts at ensuring safety for all.

The latest among these countries is Ghana, which recently sent a high-powered delegation, comprising the executive director, National Road Safety Commission, Ghana, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboa, who led a team of 10 officials to the commission’s headquarters to understudy some of the innovations that have helped the FRSC record success in the reduction of road crashes in recent times.

The itinerary of the delegates included a tour of the FRSC Gwagwalada number plate production plant, the FRSC print farm, the FRSC Zebra post to observe how patrol operations are carried out, and a visit to the International Road Safety Federal (IRF) Congress.

Welcoming the delegates and other stakeholders to the event, the corps marshal and chief executive of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka who was represented by his deputy, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that, “The world over, our tracking device in our monitoring room will stand out as one of the best.”

After setting the tone for the interactive session, the delegates were led to the corps’ Call Centre, where they were shown how the corps utilises the tools of information technology to manage its daily operational and administrative activities. Assistant Corps Marshal Janet Adepegba, the special assistant to the corps marshal who is in charge of the Information Technology Centre said, “Since this centre was commissioned in December 2008, FRSC’s operations have improved tremendously both in terms of rescue and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. And most of the things that were done manually before are now being handled electronically,” she stated.

“Before now, whenever a road traffic crash occurred, the reporter had to travel to the nearest command to report the incident to the commanding officer before rescue operations could be organised. But with the use of the tracking system

Chidoka

and toll-free emergency, such report can now be made directly to the centre from where the nearest patrol teams could be mobilised to the scene for prompt response. ” she further stated.

Also, the delegates were taken through a presentation by the head of Planning Advisory Unit (PAU), Corps Commander Clement Oladele, on the driver’s licence and number plate regime. The presentation dwelt on the nexus between campaign for the reduction of road traffic crashes and credible licensing system. He featured the measures that have been put in place to restore the integrity of the licensing system and make the road safer for all users.

Obiri-Yeboa, while addressing the press at the FRSC headquarters, stated that after the tour of the FRSC facilities by President John Mahama of Ghana, during his visit to the FRSC headquarters recently, the president decided that it would be in the best interest of his country to collaborate with the FRSC on safety tips.

She stated that from what she had observed from the FRSC facilities and other presentations made, the National Road Safety Commission of Ghana will be improved upon, as some changes will need to be made to ensure the harmonisation of some of the functions carried out by other safety agencies in her country as it is obtained in the FRSC. Speaking to LEADERSHIP in his office, Chidoka revealed that the FRSC has been able to record so much success because it can boast of the best tracking device that is capable of tracing a crash scene within a few minutes of the accident with the help of the officers in the monitoring unit. He also stated that his role as the president of the West Africa Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) has helped in the different collaborations of the FRSC with other safety agencies in Africa and the entire world, as the target of WARSO is to ensure regional integration and reduction in road crashes.

51

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

world

news ➋

➐ ➌ ➎

➍

➊

➏

➎ China’s President Urges ‘Respect’ As Kerry Visits

Confrontation between China and the United States would be a disaster and both must respect each others’ sovereignty, Chinese President Xi Jinping said as he opened annual talks between the world’s two biggest

economies.

The two-day talks being led

by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is likely to take in China’s currency and North Korea’s nuclear programme.

A UN tribunal has awarded Bangladesh nearly four-fifths of an area sprawling over 25,000 sq km in the Bay of Bengal, ending a three-decade old dispute over a sea border with India, officials of both countries

have said.

The verdict, binding on both countries, opens the way for Bangladesh to explore for oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal, the site of important energy reserves.

Russia has charged a female Ukrainian army pilot with complicity to murder two Russian journalists.

Nadiya Savchenko, 33, was reportedly fighting in a volunteer battalion against

pro-Russian separatists near Luhansk in east Ukraine.

Last month she took part in an attack on a rebel checkpoint where two Russian TV journalists were fatally wounded.

➋ Snowden Seeks To ➊North Korea ‘Fires More Projectiles Into Sea’ Extend Stay In Russia North Korea has launched two projectiles into the sea off its east coast, in an apparent continuation of a recent series of missile and artillery test launches, South Korean has said.

“North Korea fired two shortrange missiles presumed to be Scud-type ones ... from a site in Hwanghae province in a northeasterly direction,” South Korean spokesman Um Hyosik was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.

US whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to extend his stay in Russia, his lawyer has said.

Anatoly Kucherena told the AP news agency on Wednesday that Snowden applied to Russia’s migration authorities “a long time ago”.

His one-year permit will expire at the end of July.

Kucherena refused to say what kind of migration status Snowden was seeking, and said it was up to authorities to make the decision.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

➏ Bangladesh Wins Sea Border Dispute With India

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 Dozens Of Blindfolded ➍ Deadly Storms Rip Bodies Found In Iraq

Through Eastern US

Iraqi security forces have found 53 corpses, blindfolded and handcuffed, in a town south of Baghdad. Officials said that the bodies had been left in the mainly Shia Muslim village of Khamissiya yesterday, about 25km southeast of the city of Hilla, near the main highway running from the capital to the southern provinces.

A wave of thunderstorms with powerful winds in northern New York have killed at least four and left more than 70,000 people without electricity.

Four residents of the rural town of Smithfield were found dead after several homes were destroyed by the fast-moving storms.

➐ Ukraine Conflict:

Female Pilot Charged Over Journalists’ Deaths

52 WORLD NEWS/business

Thursday, July 10, 2014

BANKING Vatican Overhauls Scandal-hit Bank His successor, Mr de Franssu, said he saw it as a mission to “continue the efforts of transparency”.

The Vatican’s new economic affairs department will be headed

by Cardinal George Pell, who will oversee all the Vatican’s financial dealings and will report directly to the Pope. He was called to Rome as a result of a year-long attempt to clean up the Vatican’s accounts.

“Our ambition is to become something of a model for financial L-R: New head of Vatican bank Mr de Franssu and Vatican’s new economic management rather than cause for occasional scandal,” said Cardinal czar, Cardinal Pell.

Pell, the former head of the Catholic The entire senior management give up its investment activities to Church in Australia. team of the Vatican bank is to focus on serving religious orders The bank’s profits fell last year be replaced as part of extensive and charities. to 2.9m euros from 86.6m euros reforms of the Catholic Church’s Ernst von Freyberg was in 2012. central government.

Its precarious financial situation appointed by former Pope Benedict Pope Francis has sought to stamp just before his retirement in was revealed by the simultaneous out corruption and other abuses February 2013 after allegations publication in Rome of balance at the bank, which handles the were made that the Vatican bank sheets for 2013 of the Holy See, of Church’s funds. had been used by money launderers. the Vatican City state, a separate French financier Jean-Baptiste de However, attempts to create a entity, and of the Vatican bank, Franssu will take over as head of the more transparent banking system known officially as the Institute for for the Catholic Church will Religious Works (IOR). bank from Ernst von Freyberg.

The bank will also eventually continue under new management.

—BBC

Wall Street Gains Modestly After Two-day Selloff

Winner

of the day

➔ Bentley The luxury carmaker is on course for record sales in 2014 after a 23% increase in deliveries in the first half of the year.

LOSer

of the day

➔Ray Nagin The former New Orleans Mayor has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for bribery, money laundering and other corruption charges.

US stocks rose modestly yesterday, partially rebounding from a sharp two-day decline after an early read on earnings came in ahead of expectations.

Alcoa Inc (AA.N) was one of the S&P 500’s biggest advancers, up 3.6 percent to $15.38 a day after reporting adjusted second-quarter earnings and revenue that topped forecasts.

While the former Dow component is not considered a market-moving industry bellwether, the aluminum maker is sometimes viewed as setting the tone for the season by dint of being one of the first high-profile names out of the gate with its earnings.

Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) will report on Friday,

while the earnings reports of dozens of closely watched companies, including Dow components, will be released next week.

The S&P 500 is coming off its biggest two-day slump since mid-May, with small-cap and Internet names among the biggest decliners. With Wednesday’s advance, the S&P is 0.8 percent away from a record close hit last week.

“The market was encouraged by Alcoa, especially since we were arguably oversold in the very short term,” said Steve Sosnick, equity-risk manager at Timber Hill/Interactive Brokers Group in Greenwich, Connecticut.

“However, it’s hard to predict big moves ahead of all the news coming out next week, and there’s no reason to suspect we couldn’t pull back further.”

The profits of S&P 500 companies are seen growing 6.2 percent in the second quarter, according to Thomson Reuters data, down from 8.4 percent forecast at the start of April. Revenue is seen up 3 percent. Analysts are looking to the latest earnings for confirmation that the economy recovered in the second quarter from the impact of a harsh winter.

—Reuters

Reforms Shake Up Mexico Telecoms Giant Mexican telecoms reforms are forcing the break-up of billionaire Carlos Slim’s America Movil empire, Latin America’s biggest telecoms company.

Mr Slim, one of the world’s richest men, says he will bring America Movil’s market share below 50%.

Its Telmex fixed line subsidiary has 80% of the Mexican market and its mobile Telcel operation 70%.

The reforms would make America Movil in its present form a dominant player, subject to strict new rules.

They would include being forced to share infrastructure with rivals such as Spain’s Telefonica.

In a move aimed at avoiding this, it will present its restructuring to the country’s new telecoms watchdog, the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT).

The much-delayed legislation reforming telecoms and broadcasting is expected to

get final approval from Congress this week.

It was introduced by President Enrique Pena Nieto, who took office 20 months ago promising to boost competition in the Mexican economy.

The new rules will also affect Televisa, the world’s biggest provider of Spanishlanguage content, which has more than 60% of the free-to-air TV market.

Although America Movil has not yet said what it would sell off in order to reduce its market share, it has said it will split its infrastructure business and cellphone towers away from Telcel into a separate business.

Mexico’s Transport and Communications Ministry said in a statement: “This decision could transform competition in the telecommunications sector, with improved quality and better prices for services to end users.”

—BBC

Palestinians standing atop the rubble of a house which police said was destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, yesterday.

PALESTINIAN CRISIS Death Toll Mounts In Gaza Israeli air strikes shook Gaza every few minutes on Wednesday, and militants kept up rocket fire at Israel’s heartland in intensifying warfare that Palestinian officials said has killed at least 38 people in the Hamas-dominated enclave.

Missiles from the Iron Dome defense system shot into the sky to intercept rockets launched, for the second straight day, at Tel Aviv, the country’s commercial capital.

With cries of ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is great), Palestinians in Gaza cheered as rockets streaked overhead toward Israel, in attacks that could provide a popularity boost for Islamist Hamas, whose rift with neighboring Egypt’s militarybacked government has deepened

economic hardship.

Other communities near Tel Aviv in central Israel and in the south, closer to Gaza, were also targeted. In the longest-range attack since Tuesday, when Israel stepped up its offensive, a rocket hit near Zichron Yaakov, a town 115 kilometers (70 miles) north of Gaza.

No serious Israeli fatalities or serious injuries were reported and Israeli news reports hailed as heroes the military crews of the Iron Dome batteries, which are made in Israel and partly funded by the United States. The military said 48 rockets struck Israel on Wednesday, and Iron Dome intercepted 14 others.

—Reuters

TERROR: France Proposes Anti-terrorist Travel Bans The French government has proposed six-month travel bans to stop citizens travelling to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamist militants.

A new offence of creating an “individual terrorist enterprise”, designed to counter the threat of “lone wolves”, would also be established.

Government officials say that two or three young Muslims leave France every day to join Islamist groups abroad.

There are fears they will eventually pose a threat to France itself.

A French citizen arrested for the killing of four people at the Brussels Jewish Museum in May, Mehdi Nemmouche, had returned from Syria, after being

radicalised in prison.

Another French-born jihadist, Mohamed Merah, killed seven people in Toulouse in 2012 before being shot by police. His victims were three paratroopers as well as three children and a teacher at a Jewish school.

EU counter-terrorism coordinator Gille de Kerchove announced on Tuesday that interior ministers from nine countries had adopted an action plan to identify people travelling to Syria and stop them falling into terrorism on their return.

The countries that signed up to the plan are Belgium, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.

—

Sri Lanka Bans NGO News Conferences Sri Lanka has banned civil activist groups from holding news conferences and training for journalists, with the organisations rejecting the move as unconstitutional.

JC Weliamuna, a lawyer from the Civil Society Collective, an umbrella organisation, said on Wednesday that the defence ministry’s order was “absolutely unconstitutional” and violated the public’s rights of freedom of association and expression.

He called it a “continuation of threats on civil society.”

A defence and urban development ministry notice dated July 1 ordered nongovernmental organisations to desist from conducting “press conferences, work-

shops, training for journalists and dissemination of press releases,” saying such acts are “unauthorised” and “beyond their mandate.”

Groups received the notice on Monday, and the Associated Press news agency saw it on Wednesday.

Weliamuna told reporters that the directive was not based on any legal provision.

“This is a directive of some public servant and no one is bound by this,” he said.

Sudarshana Gunawardana, also from the collective, said, “We reject this announcement. It’s an illegal document made going beyond the mandate and hence we challenge it.”

—Al Jazeera

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

53

DAY

Top 5 Left-backs

29

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Argentina Book Final Place, Edge Netherland 4-2

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Alejandro Sabella

After 120 minutes of play, Lionel Messi inspired Argentina and Arjen Robben inspired Netherland failed to score, dragging the semi-final match into penalty kicks.

The match was characterized by anxiety from both teams as several attempts were made at goal.

Argentina’s game showed clearly that

Angel Di Maria was being missed as Messi provided several crossings that were not converted.

Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Garay, Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodríguez scored for Argentina.

Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt scored for Netherland while two shots were stopped

by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero who turned out to be the man of the match.

Daley Blind

Yesterday’s results Netherland 2-4 Argentina

Today’s Matches

Marcos Rojo

• Rest Day

Tomorrow’s Match • Rest Day

Ricardo Rodriguez

Top 5 Leftbacks • 1) Daley Blind (Holland) The 24-year-old currently starring as part of the impressive new era of young Dutch players, Blind has spent his entire career with his native Ajax – who he joined as an eight-year-old.

• 2) Marcos Rojo (Argentina) The 24-year-old Argentine has been hugely impressive for his country in recent times, playing as either a full-back or a centreback.

• 3) Ricardo Rodriguez (Switzerland He may not have had the best World Cup ,this 21-year-old fullback looks like a hugely exciting prospect.

• 4) Luke Shaw (England • 5) Fabio Coentrao (Portugal)

Lionel Messi of Argentina controls the ball against Arjen Robben of the Netherlands

W/Cup Fallout: FIFA Suspends Nigeria

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The FIFA Emergency Committee yesterday suspended Nigeria from its activities immediate effect, on account of government interference.

This was contained in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Sports, in which the emergency committee quoted Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes which obliges member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.

“The decision follows a letter sent

by FIFA to the NFF on July 4, 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date

for such a hearing. The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on July 5, 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes,” it stated.

It went on to explain that the suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.

Luke Shaw

Brazil Stars Struggle To Explain Shock Scoreline Brazil’s stunned football stars struggled to explain one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history after they lost their semi-final 7-1 to Germany on Tuesday.

“It is difficult to explain the inexplicable,” said 34-year-old goalkeeper Julio Cesar after the record

defeat.

“We had the worst game of our lives and Germany the best of their lives,” added stand-in captain David Luiz who was at the centre of the defence that crumbled.

“Until now everything had gone very well. We had been very strong. It is so

unexpected,” said Cesar. “Now we need to return home and be comforted by our families.”

After Thomas Muller’s 11th minute opener, Germany sealed their passage to an eighth World Cup Final with a stunning four-goal spree in six minutes just before the half hour .mark.

Fabio Coentrao

sports 55

Thursday, July 10 , 2014

Alcantara Will Be Out For A While – Sammer

Brazil fans crying after Germany defeat. They will be looking forward to winning the third place match as a consolation

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has admitted that, while Thiago Alcantara’s knee operation went well, “it will take him a while to return”.

The Spain international was ruled out of this summer’s World Cup after suffering medial ligament damage during a Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim in March.

Sammer insisted that Thiago’s rehabilitation

is going as planned but refused to confirm if the midfielder will be fit for the start of the new season.

“The operation went well,” the former Germany sweeper told reporters on Wednesday.

“It will still take him a while to return, but we’re giving him all the time in the world.”

Thiago joined Bayern on a four-year contract from Barcelona last summer for a reported fee of €25 million.

NSSF President Hails Shekarau’s Appointment Suarez Ban Lacks Clarity –

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed has hailed the appointment of former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as the Minister of Education.

Commenting on phone, he told LEADERSHIP Sports that the appointment is hinged on Shekrau’s track records

in the development of school sports in Kano, when he was governor.

“As the president of NSSF I hail President Jonathan for his choice of the Minister of Education. The former Governor of Kano State developed sports at the grassroots while in office through the provision of equipment as well as general support,” he explained.

Mohammed add-

ed that while in Kano, sports thrived under Shekarau and development in the sector was even, a record that can be checked by anybody.

“We are hoping that the new minister will take the initiative that he used in Kano to revive schools sports nationwide. We will also be expecting the minister to follow up on the agreement that was reached at the Presiden-

tial Retreat on Sports, to further develop sports in the country,” he added.

The NSSF President commended President Goodluck Jonathan for choosing Shekarau, adding that the country’s vision of developing sports at the grassroots from schools will be realized soon, as a result of what he described as ‘the wise decision’.

Players’ Union The scope of Luis Suarez’s four-month ban “from all football-related activity” is still unclear, two weeks after the punishment was handed down.

The 27-year-old Uruguay striker was suspended after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in a World Cup match.

Players’ union Fifpro

argue the details “lack clarity” and a legal expert says the sanctions will be tough to enforce.

Football’s world governing body Fifa has refused BBC Sport’s requests to explain the details of the ban.

“The concept of being banned from all football-related activities is not defined”

Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Unity Cup Under Way

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Fair Play Sports International (FPSI) in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Dr Akanu Ibiam family has concluded plans to hold U-18 football tournament tagged ‘Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Cup in honour of the former governor of the Eastern Region, Dr Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam.

Briefing newsmen

yesterday in Abuja, the event coordinator and executive director of FPSI, Mr Jacob Onu, said the participating teams will be drawn from all the states of the former Eastern Region.

He said the aims of the competition to promote agegroup football competition and contribute to the curbing youth restiveness in the country and among other things promote the legacy of a man who lived and served the Nigerian

nation selflessly.

According to him, the programme which has since received formal endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the government of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and River States as well as the Ohaneze Ndigbo and the Akanu Ibiam family will be formaly unveiled next week Tuesday, July 15 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He said the unveiling of the cup will attract distinguished sons and daughters of the old Eastern Region, top Nigerian government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industries, exinternational and press. It will be hosted by the Hon. Minister of Sports and chairman National Sports Commission, Dr Tammy Danagogo and the nine state governors of the old Eastern Regions will serve as guests of honour.

Suarez

Newcastle Rekindle Cabella Interest With Fresh €12m Bid

Cabella

Newcastle United have lodged a bid in the region of €12 million for France sensation Remy Cabella, Goal understands.

The Premier League side have long been following the Montpellier midfield star and, having failed with bids in January, were also knocked back in their attempts to bring him to St James’ Park prior to the World Cup. Cabella was selected as part of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the finals in Brazil, although he is now back in Europe following France’s elimination at the quarter-final

stage of the competition.

Goal understands that Newcastle have come back in for the 24-yearold despite the continuos protestations of Montpellier president Louis Nicollin, who is adamant that he does not want to sell to the Tyneside club.

But Alan Pardew’s side are undeterred and Cabella is known to be keen on the prospect of joining the Anglo-French colony at St James’ Park that includes the likes of Yoan Gouffran, Moussa Sissoko and Hatem Ben Arfa, with Newcastle tabling an offer in the region of €12m for the star.

The Magpies hope to have the deal concluded by the weekend as they look to make Cabella their fourth signing of the summer following deals for Siem De Jong, Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez.

Pardew’s side are also considering a move for Olympique Lyonnais striker Aleandre Lacazette having missed out on top attacking target Pierre Michel Lasogga and Goal understands they are also looking for a replacement for Arsenal-bound Mathieu Debuchy, with Daryl Janmaat and Micah Richards in their sights.

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Dikko had no respect for military men who shot themselves to power. He referred to them as the “coup-star” generals

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Abba Mahmood

n Tuesday July 1, 2014, Nigeria lost one of its greatest patriots, Dr Umaru AbdurRahman Dikko, who died in a London hospital that day. Born on December 31, 1936, he was the third son of Alhaji Abdur Rahman Dikko, Turaki Babba of Zazzau Emirate, who was the great grandson of Sultan of Sokoto Aliyu Babba, the eldest son of Sultan Muhammadu Bello, that administrative and intellectual genius who consolidated the Sokoto Caliphate. The late Alhaji Umaru Dikko was therefore a direct descendant of Shehu Usman DanFodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Umaru Dikko entered elementary school in 1946 where, due to double promotions, he spent only two years instead of the usual four.

He proceeded to Zaria Middle School in Zaria from 1948 to 1949 and passed entrance examination into the famous Barewa College, Nigeria’s equivalent of the British Eton College, where he studied from 1949 to 1954, and passed the Cambridge School Certificate with Grade 1. From 1955 to 1958 he was at the Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology, now Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), with the intention of becoming an engineer.

In the same 1958, he changed his mind and left to join the BBC Africa Section (Hausa Service). Two months after arriving in London he revised his notes from Zaria and sat for GCE (A) Level in three subjects and got a distinction in two.

He left the BBC after five years and went to the University of London where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics. He returned to Nigeria in 1965 and took up employment just a few months before the January 1966 coup.

With the July 1966 countercoup and the subsequent creation of states, Dikko served as commissioner for finance, economic planning, trade and industry, North Central State, from 1967 to 1974.

He was commissioner for information and culture from 1974 to 1975. Dikko was elected into the Constituent Assembly that draft-

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ed the 1979 Constitution, 1977– 1978. He was a founding member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and its protem deputy secretary-general. The NPN won the 1979 elections and President Shehu Shagari appointed Dikko transport minister.

Alhaji Umaru Dikko turned out to be the most powerful politician in the Second Republic. Any task given to him by the government he delivered efficiently. He was appointed chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Rice. Within a short time, rice was available in all parts of Nigeria at a uniform price of N25 for a 50-kilogramme bag in any part of the country. He was accused of making billions from the rice importation and he asked how he could make billions from a mere hundred-million naira he was given for rice in the two years of the task force and yet rice was available everywhere.

Dikko was appointed directorgeneral of President Shagari’s reelection campaign organization in 1983. Shagari won the minimum requirement in all but three of the then 19 states that year. During the Senate screening hearing for his reappointment as minister in the second term that year, he was asked by a senator about this feat and he replied: “Yes, I promised Mr President 16 presidential states and I delivered nothing less. Go and tell the whole world that we have won from the desert to the Atlantic Ocean. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, one political party is controlling all the four former regional capitals: Benin, Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan.”

Alhaji Umaru Dikko was very cosmopolitan and one of those rarest of human beings who were both traditionalists and modernists. He was extremely confident and proud such that some people thought he was arrogant. He was a principled politician who, once convinced of the goodness of anything, went out for it. Dikko had no respect for military men who shot themselves to power. He referred to them as the “coup-star” generals. With Dikko, you knew where you stood as he

never stood on the fence. No wonder he became a victim of extreme negative propaganda in his time.

On December 31, 1983, three months into Shagari’s second term, the government was removed following a military coup that ushered in General Buhari as military head of state. Dikko escaped through Seme border to Cotonou from where he left for exile in London until his return in 1995. While in exile, he attended Holborn College of Law, as well as Middle Temple (Inns of Court) thus qualifying as a lawyer.

Dikko was the biggest thorn in the flesh of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime. It did not come as a surprise, therefore, when on July 5, 1984, he was suddenly snatched on a London street as he went for a walk.

The extraordinary plan was to kidnap Dikko, drug him, stick him into a specially made crate and put him on a plane back to Nigeria alive. The plot was foiled by a vigilant British customs officer, Charles David Morrow.

An Israeli and allegedly a former Mossad agent, Alexander Barak, was recruited to lead the kidnap team. It included a Nigerian military intelligence officer, Major Mohammed Yusuf, and Israeli nationals Felix Abitbol and Dr Lev-Avie Shapiro, who was to inject Dikko with an anaesthetic. They injected Dikko and laid him, unconscious, in a crate. The Israeli anaesthetist climbed into the crate as well, carrying medical equipment to make sure Dikko didn’t die en route.

Barak and Abitbol got into a second crate. Both boxes were then sealed.

The crates were taken to the cargo terminal of Stansted Airport, 40 miles north of London, where a Nigerian diplomat, Mr Edet, was anxiously waiting. Just then, there was an “All Ports Bulletin” from Scotland Yard saying that a Nigerian had been kidnapped and it was suspected he would be smuggled out of the country. The police had been alerted by Dikko’s secretary who had witnessed his abduction from a window in the house. The Nigerian intelligence officer and the three Israelis eventually received prison

sentences in the UK. Those who accuse Dikko of corruptly enriching himself never knew him. Dikko was never interested in making money. Money was just a tool for him. Dikko was only excited with the power game.

In this, he was impervious to obstacles, impatient with petty people and undisturbed by latent tensions. He was the embodiment of one of Jean Monnet’s maxim: “everybody is ambitious. The question is whether he is ambitious to be or ambitious to do.” Dikko was ambitious to do, and was passionate about Nigeria.

Dikko was restless with pretentious rhetoric. He sought no glory for himself. His impact reflected anonymous dedication. He was that rarest of the powerful ones who put people at ease, that most unusual of revolutionaries who overturned the prevailing order without alienating the upholders of existing institutions. How I wish he had written his memoirs! For Dr Usman Dikko was a living encyclopaedia of Nigerian politics, a master strategist and a great statesman. The vacuum he left will be difficult to fill. Our special condolences go to his family, friends and associates all over the world. May Allah forgive him his mistakes and grant him Aljannah firdausi. Amin.

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But voters have shut the door against PDP!

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