Leadeship monday

11.08.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MONday

No. 2,237

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Stallion Group Delivers Made-in-Nigeria Hyundai

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Barely three months after delivering the made-in-Nigeria Nissan range of vehicles, the Stallion Group has delivered yet again on another promise -- the

manufacturing and assemblying of Hyundai range of vehicles.

The chairman of the Stallion Goup, Mr Sunil Vaswani, who broke

the news yesterday promised that the new vehicles “will be affordably priced,” in order to give Nigerians a break from the strangle-hold of

wholesale vehicle importers.

The made-in-Nigeria Hyundai vehicles are being assembled at the Hyundai motor plant in Lagos.

Ebola Vaccine For Trial Next Month – WHO > Page 7

Some of the Hyundai passenger cars which are priced between NGN1.5m and NGN1.9m are i10, Grand, Accent, Elantra and iX35, while in the truck and bus segments ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

APC osun victory

PDP’s Loss Is Painful, Says Presidency 5

Nigeria in political bondage, must be set free - Aregbesola Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, others congratulate governor-elect

Chibok Diary DAY 119

The building of a made inNigeria Hyundai in process at Hyundai motor plant, Lagos.

Chibok Girls: BBOG Group To Engage Stakeholders On Rescue Campaign > Page 2

2

chibok diary 119

Monday, August 11, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets 11 @ginnymooy Day 118 since #ChibokGirls were taken by #BokoHaram #BringBackOurGirls

@omojuwa #ChibokGirls may still be at Sambisa forest but they continue to hurt Nigeria's President Jonathan #BringBackOurGirls

‫@‏‬EiENigeria Day 118.

We won't forget. We can't forget.

Our #ChibokGirls stll missing. #Borno still under siege. #BringBackOurGirls

@EiENigeria "Government is expecting us to get tired. We will not be tired. We won't stop till our girls are back & alive."- @naijama #BringBackOurGirls

Members of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group in a village square meeting at the Maitama Amusement Park in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

Chibok Girls: BBOG To Engage Stakeholders On Rescue Campaign

BY Ejike Ejike and Chika Mefor, Abuja

@Abu_Aaid 118 miserable days since abduction of #OurGirls.. #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls #StopBokoHaram

@rescueourgirls 118 days since Maryamu Lawan was taken from #Chibok. Will she ever come home? Never forget. #BringBackOurGirls

@TutuUbuntu Standing proud with sisters of #SAfrica on #WomensDay remember

@BringGirlsBack #bringbackourgirls

Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

The #BringBackOurGirls group is set to engage key stakeholders in the country so as to rev up the campaign for the rescue of the Chibok students girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram sect on April 14, 2014.

The group which met at the Jabi Lake for its normal sit-out stated that it needed to reach out to political and religious leaders in the country as a way of stepping up its campaign for the rescue of the schoolgirls.

“It will carry more weight if we engage the stakeholdersl; it is very important. Our sit -out is necessary but we have to up our game by meeting necessary stakeholders to discuss the girls and how important the rescue should be expedited,” it said.

The group added that engagement of those stakeholders would also make the government and every Nigerian know full well that the group was not an enemy to them but a voice for the Chibok girls who have been in captivity for over 100 days now.

“We have to show them that we are not enemies of government or anybody but a voice for the Chibok girls. We have to be proactive. We have to do something. We must oil our wheels of being not a nuisance - as they call us - but a very useful nuisance for the system,” it said.

The group added that it would also engage the commoners in the streets and market places so that they would understand what the group stood for: for the government to facilitate the return of the girls.

“We need to get them involved. It is very important we involve everyone in this campaign,” it said.

DEPRESSION THE SILENT KILLER According to World Health Organisation, depression affects about 350 million people worldwide, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been cited as one of the leading causes of disabilities worldwide

WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION

US

7.1%

Brazil

9.8%

Brazil has the highest prevalence of adult who screen positive for MDD

5EU

6.9%

Russia

8.2%

In Japan, MDD sufferers are disproportionately female

Japan

4.58%

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Monday, August 11, 2014

PAN Deserves Support

P

eugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) was the leading automobile company in Nigeria in the 1970s through the early 1990s. It was one of the industries set up by the General Yakubu Gowon administration in response to the importsubstitution policy that was pursued by the then military administration. The objective was to establish industries to drive Nigeria’s development and propel her growth.

The bigger picture was to establish industries in the country that would start off as assembly plants and evolve into manufacturing plants, thereby propelling the process of industrialization. The end goal of the import-substitution strategy was to drive growth by empowering the population. It was also to enhance an enabling environment by providing the motivating factors for research and innovation by individuals and institutions that would have definite impact on employment and productivity.

Many senior citizens of today grew up with Peugeot products especially the “504” series. Between the 1970s and the early 1990s, “tokunbo” cars were not common; today they define many a “big man”. The ar-

rival of “tokunbo” cars marked a very significant turn in Nigeria’s economy. It signalled a downward slide that has continued to date. What a tragedy!

What an unfortunate poster exhibition of the mismanagement of our economy!

The federal government’s new automobile policy and the resurrection of PAN are a welcome development that call for our collective support. The revival of its production plant will most definitely have a downstream effect on the organization’s immediate economic environment and beyond. The commissioning of its “Auto Cluster Park” is an ambitious landmark in the history of the industry and a show of support for the National Automotive Development Plan.

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

The MD/CEO of PAN, Ibrahim Boyi, has explained that the bringing together of auto local content manufacturers under one cluster within a manufacturing outfit like PAN that has abundant capacity would accelerate the growth of local content output. We agree with him. The cluster idea will reduce overhead costs incurred on such amenities as power, security, logistics, and water because these costs will now be shared by all firms within the cluster.

PAN was established four decades ago to produce quality products of PSA standard, but the company did not survive the aftermath of the Structural Adjustment Programme and went into decline like many other industries then. The organization used to employ 4,000 workers in the 1970s/1980s but today it has just 300 employees. But that will soon be a thing of the past, as PAN is the only auto manufacturer that has the capacity to undertake full CKD in an environment that has been assessed by the PSA Group. We believe that with the present crop of leadership in charge, PAN will return to its former glory and contribute to the growth and development of the country.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Monday, August 11, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo 2015: Your Vote Is Your Weapon, Sultan Tells Nigerians The sultan of Sokoto and president general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar 111, yesterday in Sokoto called on the people of the state to ensure that they obtain the forth-coming permanent voters card.

The sultan who described the card as the weapon by which the people can decide who leads them also said that failure to obtain the card may have far-reaching negative consequences.

Represented by the district head of Sokoto North, Alhaji Buhari Abubakar, at the public sensitisation ceremony of the continuous voters registration and the forth-coming issuance of permanent voters card, held at the Sultan Maccido Institute of Qu’ranic and General Studies, the sultan admonished imams and other relevant organisations to sensitise the people on the essence of the card.While stressing that obtaining the permanent voters’ card is sacrosanct to participation in the 2015 general elections, the sultan instructed Islamic scholars across the 23 local governments of the state to help disseminate the message.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Greed, Selfishness Cause Of Insecurity In Nigeria – Sheikh Lemu The president, Supreme Council of Sharia, Sheikh Ahmad Lemu has blamed the challenges facing Nigeria on greed, selfishness and lust for wealth by those entrusted with the affairs of the country.

According to the sheik, greediness and selfishness have led to the present uncontrolled corruption and insecurity bedevilling the nation.

Sheik Lemu who received an award of King Fahd from the sultan of Sokoto and president Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar at the weekend in Kaduna added that it is time for the people in leadership to come to their senses and work with the fear of Allah.

“The current set of leaders has to do more to move the country foreword and this is only possible if they put away greed and selfishness from their mind and work sincerely for the people.

“I am an elderly man now and will not hide any fact from you because of my desire that you be better than me but the truth must be told. We have to change our way and stop hiding under religion and ethnic sentiment to commit evil.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from supporters who rejoiced with him after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s governorship poll in the state, at the Government House, Osogbo, yesterday.

PHOTO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Adamawa: Presidency, PDP In Dilemma Over Zoning I’m under pressure to run – Acting gov

By DONALD OJOGO, Abuja

Ahead of preparations for the selection of a governorship candidate for the Adamawa State byelection, strong indications have emerged that the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are in a dilemma over where the party’s candidate would come from.

The thrust of the concern, according to an impeccable source is whether or not zoning should be considered in the selection of the party’s standard bearer. This is bearing in mind that while one of the zones has not produced the governor of the state since its creation, there are other factors that are deemed ‘unavoid-

able in a political contest’, the source told a team of newsmen over the weekend in Abuja.

According to the source who pleaded not to be named, although President Goodluck Jonathan has not given any personal indication of preference for a particular aspirant, close aides of his and other top shots of the PDP have been engaged in discrete moves to either streamline the aspirants or go for an outright zoning formula to give any disadvantaged area the governorship opportunity. While both the north and south senatorial districts have had the governorship at various times, the central district has not governed the state.

“As things unfold, there is likely to be more moves towards har-

monising our positions on the issue of the governorship in Adamawa State. But the truth is that while there is this issue of opening the flanks for a disadvantaged area to take a shot at the governorship, we are losing sight of the fact that there are other areas with equally good aspirants whose wealth of experience the PDP can reap.

“In all, it is an issue that requires very careful consideration as we approach the period of the selection process because any mistake made in this regard will affect the party; it is on that note that Mr President has refused to show any preference for any of those in the race, not even on the issue of zoning because there are many unavoidable things in a political contest. It is an issue wehave to approach with care,” the

source told LEADERSHIP. At the last count, there are about eight governorship aspirants spread across the three senatorial districts of the state. They include Senator Abubakar Girei, Dr Idi Hong, Engineer Markus Gundiri and Alhaji Auwal Tukur from the central senatorial zone.

From the north are Alhaji Ahmed Gulak and Mohammed Buba Marwa while Dr Umar Ardo is from the south.

This development is coming as the state acting governor, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri disclosed that he was under pressure to run for the governorship of the state. He is from the north senatorial district.

Fintiri’s director of press, Solomon Kumanga, told LEADERSHIP on the telephone that his principal was not desperate to continue as governor.

Several Soldiers Feared Killed As Military Attempts To Recapture Gwoza

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Several soldiers were feared killed in a gun duel that lasted many hours between Boko Haram insurgents and Nigerian soldiers who made attempt to free Gwoza local government which was captured by the insurgents about four days ago, local and security sources said.

The operation to free Gwoza which was coordinated by the Nigerian Army 213 battalion, Operation Task Force Mike and 234 battalion, based in Mubi, Adamawa State, met a stiff resistance by the insurgents thereby making the soldiers to suffer many casualties and were forced to make a retreat as the insurgents proved insurmountable.

The attempt to free Gwoza came shortly after Damboa, another town in Borno State was freed by a combined operation involving the Nigerian air force and the Nigerian army.

The soldiers were reported to have been led into the battle byLieutenant Bayedi Martins and Lt. Colonel Agu of the 234 Battalion, formerly Special Operations Battalion (SOB), but their attempt to rescue the town was thwarted as the insurgents proved impregnable, a security source said.

“When the soldiers beat a retreat, the insurgents gave them a hotchase, catch up with them, killed many and seized one of their tanks as well as the driver of the tank.

“They then called the soldier’s

wife and informed her that her husband was in captivity,’’ revealed a top security source.

The defeat suffered by the Nigerian soldiers has finally sealed hopes that Gwoza may be freed any time soon, as the insurgents seem to have gained strength as they allegedly seized many weapons from the soldiers including a military tank.

The Boko Haram insurgents took over Gwoza in a ferocious attack which led to the dislodgement of all security apparatus in the local government as they killed more than 100 civilians and set many houses ablaze.

Local sources in Madagali said that following the encounter, some 30 Hilux pick up vans were used to bring back the wounded

and dead soldiers to Mubi in Adamawa State.

Army sources confirmed that Lt. Col Agu was yet to be found since the operation was carried out just as they said that about three military alpha jets have been deployed to the area to assist in the rescue of soldiers who might be trapped in mountains surrounding Gwoza.

7,000 residents of Gwoza settle in Adamawa Residents of Gwoza local government area of Borno State in their thousands have relocated to parts of Adamawa State and Cameroun Republic as insurgents continue their rampage on villages in the local government area.

Those that cannot escape were forced to take refuge on hilltops.

NEWS 5

Monday, August 11, 2014

LIVING BE BE 100100 LIVINGTOTO

One health tip daily You Snooze, You Loose

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

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

Stallion Group Delivers Made-in-Nigeria Hyundai FROM COVER

the 10-ton HD160, seven-ton HD 120, five-ton HD78 and threeton HD65 as well as 28+1-seater Hyundai County bus and 30-seater Stallion County bus are now being supplied to the market.

The West African conglomerate, the Stallion Group-owned multivehicle assembly plant, had in July announced the commencement of locally produced Hyundai range of vehicles having inaugurated and rolled out the first set of made-inNigeria Nissan automobiles in April.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) plant managing director Tokunbo Aromolaran said the vehicles are certified to the world’s highest automotive operating standard - ISO/TS 16949.

“ISO/TS 16949 is the highest automotive operating standard in the world and its benefits include improved quality processes at the facility along with streaming supply chains both leading to a better overall product,” he explained.

The plant had supported its ambitious growth plans by prioritising the need for a faster and more efficient environment to facilitate concurrent product development and support a rapidly changing requirement for a vehicle programme, Aromolaran affirmed.

He said: “Today we are glad to inform Nigerians that we have delivered on our promise to make available affordably priced vehicles – thanks to strong-willed President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the indefatigable supervisory roles of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment headed by Dr Olusegun Aganga.”

The plant director added that the

first phase of delivery, which has already begun, establishes a system of record for the complete vehicle programme which will gradually be expanded to meet the everincreasing demands for functional vehicles in Nigeria.

“Prospective customers can now walk into any of our dealership showrooms nationwide to buy value-driven made-in-Nigeria Hyundai certified vehicles. Hyundai i10, Grand, Xcent and Elantra are elegantly crafted functional cars with eye-popping styling, good fuel economy, and fantastic driving experience with modest starting price that is affordable to every desiring buyer,” Aromolaran assured.

Parvir Singh, group managing director, Stallion Automobile Division, who received the made-inNigeria Hyundai vehicles on behalf of the sale & marketing division of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, described the achievement as a milestone in the history of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

He later announced starting price of NGN1.594m for the Hyundai i10 and NGN1.990 for the Grand, urging customers to take advantage of the price and drive a certified made-in-Nigeria Hyundai car.

Mr Singh oversees the sales, marketing and dealer development arms of the Hyundai Motors Nigeria and he is responsible for creative and imaginative marketing strategies to develop new and existing customer sales and brand support.

Stallion Motors dealers in Lagos, Warri, Asaba, Anambra and Abakaliki have also commended the initiative, saying that this would expand customers’ options of below N2 million range of vehicles.

PDP’s Loss Is Painful, Says Presidency

By George Agba, CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Chibuzo Ukaibe, Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja; Joshua Dada, Osogbo; George Okojie, Olaolu Oladipo, Nkem Osuagwu, Lagos; Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin; Alo Abiola, AdoEkiti; Abubakar Salihi, Kano; Patrick Ochoga, Benin City; Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri; and Sola Adebayo, Warri

Though President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have congratulated Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola on his victory in Saturday’s governorship poll, the Presidency yesterday reflected on the loss by the PDP in the election to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and lamented that it was painful.

Special adviser to President Jonathan on political affairs Prof.

Rufa’i Alkali stated this while conducting a facility tour of the Goodluck 2 Goodluck (G2G) 2015 Project national headquarters in Abuja.

The presidential aide said: “Today we would have celebrated Osun victory; it is, however, a very painful day for us because the PDP candidate and the party had completed their home work and we know the people of Osun are tired of what is happening in the state, but here we are.

“I hope the APC, which is in the habit of complaining of having security agencies in ensuring enabling environment for election and is consistent in controversy and rejecting election results, will reject this Osun state gubernatorial election result.”

He notheless commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for the roles they played in delivering a credible election in Osun.

Ahead of 2015, however, the special adviser said, “Since assumption of office, we inherited 3,000 Goodluck support groups; some have been existing and some are new and we felt it is only those that are serious. And we know each and every one of them in faces, not only on papers; we know what they can do and how we can collaborate with them.

“We set up a committee to work on this and they have almost completed the assignment.”

Alkali said he was passionate about the efforts of the groups and called on them to step up their activities down to state, local government and ward levels and get people who are credible, women and youths, to lead the groups.

“A template for new organisations would be set up so that we know what they are doing, so they will be appreciated properly,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the national coordinator of G2G and former

Aregbesola

governorship candidate of PDP in Edo State, Charles Airhiavbere, vowed that President Jonathan would return in 2015, stressing that they were planning to mobilise 50 million Nigerians for Jonathan.

“Our target is 50 million volunteers to mobilise so as to ensure that President Jonathan wins in 2015,” he said.

Airhiavbere assured Alkali, whom he called the patron of the group, that “we are with you in this effort to let Nigerians know that President Goodluck Jonathan has truly delivered on dividends of democracy. Ours is to follow your directives to ensure that, in 2015, President Jonathan returns to Aso Rock.”

Nigeria under political bondage, must be set free - Aregbesola Newly re-elected governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said Nigeria is under political bondage and must be set free.

Aregbesola made the known yesterday in his electoral victory speech made available to LEADERSHIP, in which he said Osun state was unduly militarized in an unprecedented manner through criminal intimidation and psychological assault on our people.

“After an unnecessarily tense, tortuous and even traumatic process, the Independent National Electoral Commission this morning declared me as the winner of the Osun state governorship election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“Ordinarily, this should be a moment of joy and celebration consequent upon the hard earned triumph of the people’s will.

However, this election shows that democracy is still gravely endangered in Nigeria. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6 NEWS

Monday, August 11, 2014

PDP’s Loss Is Painful, Says Presidency FROM PAGE 5

“We witnessed gross abuse of power and, of due process before, during, and even after the actual voting process. It is so sad and unfortunate that what should be a normal, routine process was maliciously allowed to snowball in to a needless virtual war by the Federal Government and the PDP. “Osun state was unduly militarized in an unprecedented manner through criminal intimidation and psychological assault on our people. This election witnessed an abuse of our security agencies and amounted to a corruption of their professional ethics and integrity. “The security agencies were unprofessionally utilized in Osun state to harass, intimidate and oppress the people whose taxes are used to pay their salaries and provide their arms.

Hundreds of leaders, supporters, sympathizers and agents of our party were arrested and detained.

“Also, hundreds of other innocent citizens including women and the aged were harassed, brutalized and traumatized.

In spite of this condemnable repression and abuse of human rights, the unflagging spirit of our people triumphed,” he said.

Aregbesola however noted that the outcome of the election showed the unswerving determination of Nigerians to ensure that democracy triumphed in Nigeria.

Noting that re-election was a reward for his hard work and commitment to the welfare of the people of the state Aregbesola promised to work harder to ensure that the citizens of the state continue to enjoy the welfare.

“Let me assure the good people of Osun state that I appreciate that this victory is a reward for our hard work and commitment to the welfare of our people. I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all well-meaning people of the State of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.

“You can be assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our continued effort to transform Osun into a land of progress, prosperity and peace for all with renewed fervour. I realise that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people,” he said.

Jonathan congratulates Aregbesola, says election reaffirms FG’s commitment to credible polls President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday congratulated Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, saying his victory was a reafirmation that the federal government is committed to ensuring free, fair and credible

elections in the country.

A statement by presidential spokesman Dr Reuben Abati noted that the president also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and national security agencies “for ensuring that the elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful in keeping with the avowed commitment of his administration”.

“President Jonathan also applauds the people of Osun State who came out en masse yesterday in all the local government areas of the state to peacefully and freely exercise their democratic right, trusting in his assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety and the sanctity of their votes.”

Abati said: “While congratulating Aregbesola, President Jonathan expressed belief that “the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections has fully reaffirmed his administration’s determination to positively reform Nigeria’s electoral processes.

“The outcome of the election has also given the lie to the false, unfair and uncharitable allegations that measures put in place by the federal government for the Ekiti and Osun State elections were partisan and designed to achieve a favourable outcome for his party.”

Osun jubilates Following the declaration of Governor Aregbesola winner of the August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun State, goodwill messages have started pouring in from individuals, agencies, organizations and groups.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, earlier in the morning, yesterday through the governorship election returning officer, Prof. Bantale Omole, said Aregbesola got 394, 684 votes to win the election.

His closest opponent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, scored 292, 747 votes while the Labour Party flagbearer, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, scored 8, 898 votes to come third in the contest.

Prof. Omole, the vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, declaring the winner said: “Ogbeni Rauf A. Aregbesola of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, and scored the highest votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

The APC won in more than two thirds - 22 local government areas - of the state while the PDP excelled in only eight.

The incumbent governor recorded a landmark victory in Irewole LGA where APC won 18,328 votes against PDP’s 10,330 while in Ilesa, the governor’s country home, APC dusted PDP, winning Ilesa East and West 16,106 and 15,427 respectively as against PDP’s 5,912 and 5,449

in the same order.

Wild jubilation across the state greeted the declaration of Aregbesola as winner. People trooped to the streets in towns and villages across the state to celebrate the victory of the APC candidate.

The celebrations, it was gathered, spread to Ejigbo, Ede, Iwo, Ikire, Ila Orangun, Ikinyinwa Ijesa, as well as Ilesa, the home town of Governor Aregbesola, among numerous others.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the verdict was delivered, publicity secretary of the PDP in Osun State who was also its agent at the state collation centre, Prince Bola Ajao, said PDP leaders and its candidate would meet to determine the next line of action.

Also speaking, the director of publicity for Senator Omisore Campaign Organization, Prince Diran Odeyemi, while reacting on the outcome of the election said the PDP would not be deterred because of the development.

“What we lost is the Osun State gubernatorial election; we did not lose lives. We thank you Lord. In all situations, I will continue to give glory to your holy name. He knows best. Thank you Lord. I am still reflecting with no plan at all to defect.

“Falling is not new in politics; rising up is the strength of a good leader. We shall bounce back.

Congratulations to the people of Osun State -- we all won,” Odeyemi said.

Reacting, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Alhaji Akinbade, accepted the outcome of the election and congratulated the APC flag-bearer on his victory at the polls.

He however stated that his head remained unbowed as he did not regret partaking in the election as the standard bearer of the LP. In a statement by his director, media, Mr Kayode Oladeji, the LP gubernatorial candidate commended the process that eventually produced the winner.

“By and large, the whole process was fair and I congratulate the winner,Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In every contest, there must be a winner.”

Also speaking, commissioner for information, Mr Sunday Akere, said the victory of Aregbesola was well deserved and that it reflected the will and wish of the people of the state.

“Despite the money they disbursed, all the inducement they used to entice the voters, the shameless PDP could not go far because Governor Aregbesola is well loved by the people of this state,” he said.

Osun Development Agenda (ODA) also saluted the courage of the people of the state for trooping out to vote Governor Aregbesola despite the heavy presence of security agents.

Also, a release by the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group (COSEG) signed by its

chairman, Ifedayo Ogunlana, stressed that the victory should be dedicated to the good people of Osun who voted massively for the candidate of their choice despite intimidation and harassment.

In his congratulatory message, the speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, congratulated the people of Osun for braving all odds to freely elect Aregbesola “who throws himself into the good governance he was hired for”.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr Goke Butika, Hon. Salaam saluted the principled stance and doggedness of the electorate who credibly took their destinies into their hands when it mattered in the cloud of siege and unprovoked attack on their freedom.

While congratulating Aregbesola, Salam urged him to continue with his trend of development and humanity, noting that whoever works for humanity would never be let down.

The state chapter of the APC celebrated “an uncommon victory for democracy” with citizens of Osun who, “against monstrous odds, snatched victory from the jaws of the might of opposition of progress in Nigeria”.

The party in a congratulatory message through the director, media and strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, to its members, supporters and admirers who made Saturday’s victory possible said: “The APC luxuriates in the victory and thanks God with and for them.”

Meanwhile, Governor Aregbesola while addressing a crowd of his admirers in Osogbo shortly after his re-election attributed his victory to hard work, focus and dedication.

He stated: “Let me assure the good people of Osun State that I appreciate that this victory is a reward for our hard work and commitment to the welfare of our people. I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all people of the State of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.”

Aregbesola assured Osun people that he would leave no stone unturned in his continued effort to transform the state.

“I realize that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people. I pledge rededication of myself to the service of our people and the strengthening of democratic values in Osun and Nigeria generally.”

PDP congratulates Aregbesola, hails Jonathan The national leadership of the PDP has congratulated Aregbesola on his re-election in last Saturday’s Osun State governorship poll.

The party also commended its

candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, for his impressive outing which confirms that PDP commands massive followership in the state.

In a release issued by its national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, yesterday, the party commended President Jonathan for “creating the enabling environment for Osun people to freely and peacefully exercise their franchise without rancor or blood-letting”.

We have demystified federal might - Oyegun Chairman of APC Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State has demystified the federal might.

Odigie-Oyegun, in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP, said the people of Osun State displayed uncommon courage to resist the intimidation of the federal government.

Odigie-Oyegun, whose party’s candidate won the election, said the outcome of the election showed that the federal might was a nullity.

The APC leader said the leaders of the party feared that the ruling PDP wanted to rig the election until the INEC announced Aregbesola as the winner of the election.

Odigie-Oyegun, who said he was elated about the outcome of the election, praised Aregbesola and the people of Osun State for “resisting the intimidation by the federal government”.

“The leaders of APC were afraid that the real result of the election would be manipulated despite that the people of Osun state voted overwhelmingly for us until last night (Saturday night) when INEC did the right thing by announcing the result which reflected the wishes of the people of the state. Honestly, we feared that the election could be rigged because that’s the trademark of PDP,” he said.

Odigie-Oyegun said armed thugs were “brought into the state in droves by the federal government under the supervision of the minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

“Obanikoro moved about with these fake security agents. They were PDP thugs kitted in the uniforms of the security agents, military and civil defence. They used them to intimidate and threaten our leaders and members as well as eligible voters. They were all reeking in alcohol in their clean uniforms. All of them were decked in new uniforms”.

“We are ready for the federal government and PDP in February 2015. The federal government and PDP cannot muster the same strength in February 2015 because the governor and people of Osun State have clearly given the warning signal ahead of the February 2015 election,” Odigie➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

news extra 7

Monday, August 11, 2014

95% Of Damboa Ravaged

By Boko Haram, Say Community Leaders

““

As soldiers reclaimed the seized town of Damboa from the Boko Haram terrorists last week, leaders of the ravaged community said the agrarian town remains uninhabitable for now until government steps in to help would-be returnees to rebuild their homes and business premises.

Damboa has suffered repeated attacks by Boko Haram members for more than six times in the last two years, with the worst being the July attack which led to the sack of both military and civilian residents.

Concerned elders of Damboa felt the town and its over 15,000 wouldbe returnees need both local and international support to bounce back to life.

At a save-our-soul press conference organized in Maiduguri yesterday by the Damboa Forum, the chairman of the body, Comrade Modu Shettima, said at least 95 percent of the town was destroyed by the insurgents.

“Our people, who are still sleeping in displaced people’s camps, deserve special intervention from the state, federal and international donors.

“Our dear town, Damboa, had been a thriving farming and fishing community for many years which is now in ruins and its people in distress,” Shettima said.

By Abdulkareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Mimiko Collapses ‘Iroko Frontiers’ For Jonathan’s Re-election

“

Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko will, on Thursday, August 14, 2014, collapse his political structure, ‘Iroko Frontiers,’ for a new structure to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday, the national coordinator of the new political structure, ‘Believe Nigeria, Trust Goodluck,’ Mr Idris Usman, said the vision of the political group was borne out of Mimiko’s commitment to the promotion of good governance and visionary leadership.

According to Usman, Governor Mimiko has invested so much in building structures aimed at raising future leaders who can steer the leadership of the Nigerian state towards sustainable growth and development.

“It is not surprising, though, that Mimiko is in the Labour Party. He is throwing his political weight behind a candidate of the PDP. The governor is doing this because of his commitment to good governance and the Nigeria project,” Usman said.

The national coordinator further disclosed that ‘Believe Nigeria, Trust Goodluck’ would, after its inauguration this Thursday, swing into action through nationwide mobilisation, seminars, symposiums and townhall meetings.

By Ekele Peter Agbo, Abuja

Some natives of Gwoza LGA in Borno State protesting the increasing Boko Haram attacks on them, in Maiduguri on Saturday. PHOTO

BY NAN

Ebola Vaccine Set For Trial Next Month – WHO * Nigerian quarantined In Hong Kong * NCAA suspends Gambian airline * FG to equip health centres

By Abdullahi Umar, Ugochukwu Iroka, Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja with agency report

Clinical trials of a preventative vaccine for the Ebola virus made

by British pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, may begin next month and be made available by 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

In a statement on its website, the WHO’s head of vaccines and immunisation, JeanMarie Okwo Bele, told French radio at the weekend: “We are targeting September for the start of clinical trials, first in the United States and certainly in African countries, since that’s where we have the cases.

“We are optimistic about making the vaccine commercially available; we think that if we start in September, we will have the results by the end of the year.

“And since this is an emergency, we can put emergency procedures in place … so that we can have a vaccine available by 2015,” Jean-Marie said.

Several vaccines are being tested, and a treatment made by a

San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical, ZMapp, has shown promising results on monkeys and may have been effective in treating two Americans recently infected in Africa.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry has said that its national who died last week after returning from Sierra Leone had tested negative to Ebola virus, according to initial international laboratory results.

The ministry said that samples submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came back negative for the Ebola virus, adding that samples were also sent for testing to a laboratory in Germany.

Saudi Arabia is not issuing visas this year to Muslim pilgrims from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea as a precaution to avoid the spread during the hajj pilgrimage, which sees massive crowd of people from around the world.

However, a Nigerian man who was quarantined after he showed Ebola-like symptoms during a trip to Hong Kong has tested negative to the deadly virus.

The southern Chinese city government said in a statement yesterday that the man had “tested negative to Ebola virus upon preliminary laboratory testing”.

The 32-year-old arrived in Hong Kong from Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, via Dubai on Thursday, and was hospitalised

on Sunday after vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea.

A densely populated city of some seven million people, Hong Kong is particularly alert to the spread of viruses after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) killed almost 300 people 11 years ago.

On July 30, the Hong Kong government said it would quarantine, as a precaution, all people from Ebola-infected areas who showed any symptom of the disease such as fever, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Nigeria, along with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have been hardest hit by the latest epidemic, which the WHO has called the worst outbreak of its kind in four decades.

The most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria confirmed two new cases on Friday of the often fatal hemorrhagic disease, bringing the total number of infections to nine, including two deaths.

As a preventive measure, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Gambian national airline from flying into the country, alleging “unsatisfactory” measures by the airline to contain the spread of Ebola virus, officials told AFP news agency.

In a letter to Gambia Bird Airlines, it wrote, “NCAA has reviewed the measures put in place by your airline as contained in your letter of 30th July, 2014 and have found these measures

Sultan, Cardinal Onaiyekan Meet Over 2015

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

As part of move to ensure credible and peaceful electioneering ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, will this morning meet in Abuja to lead a comprehensive discourse towards responsible politics in the country.

According to a statement personally signed by the Sultan in Kaduna, the event is aimed at ensuring credible and peaceful electioneering process in 2015.

The deliberation will hold under the auspices of Inter-faith Initiative for peace under the leadership of the Sultan and Cardinal Onaiyekan.

The conference’s theme is ‘Interfaith Understanding and Coopera-

tion for Responsible Politics’.

According to the statement, “The conversation that it will generate is considered apt for setting the mood of the nation as we step into the threshold of another electioneering campaign.

“His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and I, as well as other members of the Interfaith Initiative for Peace, will be happy leading the conversation towards a

unsatisfactory.”

“Consequently, your flights into Nigeria have been temporarily suspended with immediate effect until such a time that you are able to put in place, acceptable and satisfactory measures,” said the letter, a copy of which was sent to AFP. The Gambian national carrier flies to Lagos twice weekly. It also flies to other African countries in the region: Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Senegal.

Meanwhile, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said it is to equip health workers in the primary health care centres on relevant information on the Ebola virus disease, and the right tools to work with.

The executive director, NPHCDA, Dr Ado Mohammed, disclosed this during the weekend during a sensitization meeting with chief executive officers and Zonal Coordinators, State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

He tasked the states’ health authorities to be vigilant and to quickly report any suspected case of Ebola virus to the national emergency operation centre.

Last week, the Minister of Health. Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, gave these numbers for the public to make enquiries 08023210923, 08097979595 and 07067352220.

better Nigeria.”

Participants of the conference that will end tomorrow are drawn from religion groups, academia, civil society, media and other critical stakeholders.

A communiqué is expected at the end of the conference, while a workable resolution will be adopted towards peaceful electioneering period ahead of the 2015 general elections.

8 NEWS

Monday, August 11, 2014

PDP’s Loss Is Painful, Says Presidency FROM PAGE 6

Oyegun added.

Be magnanimous in victory, Mark tells Aregbesola President of the Senate David Mark has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his victory at Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.

Senator Mark in the congratulatory message asked Aregbosola to be magnanimous in victory, saying that he surely needs all the stakeholders to move Osun State to the next level.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, he stated that the citizens of Osun state deserves good governance and dividends of democracy as rewards for their investments as expressed in their votes on Saturday.

“As the governor of Osun State, you are a father figure to all and a leader on whom the citizens of the state look up to. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to carry everybody along . You must strive to give everybody irrespective of religion or political affiliation a sense of belonging.”

Tambuwal, APC reps congratulates Aregbesola Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has congratulated Rauf Aregbesola over his re-election for a second term as Osun state governor.

Tambuwal praised the people of Osun State for turning out in their numbers Saturday for the election.

“The enthusiasm shown by the people of Osun in taking their destinies into their hands and determining who should lead them should be applauded. Nigerians should look forward to future elections with the expectation that their voice, through their votes, would be heard and respected by all,” the speaker said.

Also, the House of Representatives’ members under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his victory in the just concluded Osun state gubernatorial election.

The APC Caucus Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, saluted the people of Osun for standing against the oppression of external forces.

“His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. For you it is veni vidi vici. You came you saw and you conquered. In spite of the forces unleashed against you, your victory was sweet and swift just as it was inevitable.”

“On behalf of my APC colleagues in the House and all progressives, I congratulate you as you continue to lead the state and good people of Osun to the promised land for the next four years. Indeed God is with you and with Nigeria”, he added.

Aregbesola’s victory triumph

of truth over falsehood, intimidation - Fashola Lagos State governor Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday congratulated the incumbent governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on winning Saturday’s gubernatorial election, saying his victory is a triumph of truth over falsehood and intimidation.

Fashola in a press statement signed by his special adviser on media, Mr Hakeem Bello, said it is a well-deserved victory.

He also lauded the people and government of the State of Osun for a well-fought and won election in spite of intimidation and harassment by agencies of the ruling opposition party who sought to militarize the state during the election.

The governor emphasized that the victory of Aregbesola would remain a strong indicator of the victory of truth over falsehood, pointing out that, no matter the amount of pressure or intimidation to suppress them, the ultimate power rests on the people in a democracy.

Aregbesola’s re-election reward for good governance - Ahmed The Kwara State governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed, has described the re-election of Governor Aregbesola of Osun State as affirmation of the supremacy of the wish of the people and reward for good governance and purposeful leadership.

Ahmed said this in a congratulatory message to Governor Aregbesola, adding that the Osun State governor has in almost four years laid a solid foundation for socio-economic and infrastructural development of the “State of the Living Spring”.

“The people of Osun State have, through the renewal of Governor Aregbesola’s mandate for a second term, affirmed unequivocally that people’s will is supreme as it glides over the machinations of those desirous of drawing back the clock of progress,” Ahmed said.

Victory expression of people’s will - Fayemi Ekiti State governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated the governor of Osun State and candidate of the APC in Saturday’s election, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his re-election for a second term in office.

Describing the outcome of the election as an expression of the will of the people, Fayemi said Governor Aregbesola’s victory was well deserved in view of the positive impact of his administration on the lives of the people of the state.

He however said that the Osun electorate deserve even a much bigger congratulations for rewarding Governor Aregbesola’s exemplary and transformational leadership with electoral victory.

Fayose congratulates Aregbesola Ekiti State governor-elect Mr Ayodele Fayose has congratulated the Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on emerging winner of the governorship election in the state.

Fayose in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday said Aregbesola’s victory was good for the country’s democracy, which is an indication that they could conduct their affairs in a peaceful and orderly manner.

He lauded the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) for conducting a transparent election devoid of rancour despite initial fears in some quarters.

said: “I have seen a new lease of life for the people of the State of Osun over the past three and half years due to the radical improvements in the quality of governance you introduced. It is gratifying to note that you have restored a peopledriven governance, reminiscent of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige eras, thus placing you firmly in the pantheon of the greats to have come from that part of the country.

“The wide margin of the votes you recorded in your re-election victory over your closest rival is a clear testimony of your doggedness and the confidence reposed in you by the good people of the state in your ability to move the State of Osun forward and position it among the best in the country”.

Osun victory a true litmus test of democratisation in Nigeria - Former Kaduna governor Former military administrator of Kaduna State and chieftain of APC in Kano Brigadier-General Lawal Ja’afaru Isah (rtd) has said that the victory of Rauf Aregbesola under the platform of the APC is a true litmus test of democratisation in Nigeria.

In his response to the victory of APC in Osun, General Jaafaru argued that how Nigeria democracy works would be an example to other African countries who see Nigeria as symbol of strength and worthy of emulation.

He stated that the victory has proven that hope is not lost in the collective effort to deepened democracy in the country.

Osun election has ended rigging in Nigeria - Okorocha Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha has said that the reelection of Aregbesola has ended the era of election rigging in the country.

Okorocha stated this yesterday in his address to newsmen at the State House, Owerri, while congratulating Governor Aregbeshola on his victory.

According to Okorocha who lauded the courage and patience of the citizens of Osun by their resilience in standing by their votes after they were cast maintained that citizens of the country have now realized the importance of waiting and protecting their votes till results are announced.

Aregbesola’s victory shows Nigerians are in charge - Akerelodu Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has described the re-election of Governor Aregbesola in Saturday’s governorship poll in Osun State as a refreshing message from the people to those who turned the state to military and paramilitary camp that they alone decide who leads them.

In a statement he issued yesterday, the legal luminary noted that “the unmistakable message that the people of Osun have sent to Abuja and its hirelings is that no amount of intimidation will affect their determination to express gratitude to anyone who serves them in truth and in spirit”.

Oshiomhole hails Aregbesola Edo State governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has congratulated his counterpart in the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his re-election victory, saying the wide margin of the victory is a validation of the confidence reposed in the governor by the people to move the State of Osun to greater heights.

In a congratulatory message signed by his chief press secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole

Ooni congratulates Aregbesola, assures him of cooperation The chairman, Osun State Council of traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has congratulated Governor Aregbesola on his reelection as the governor of Osun State.

The monarch also congratulated Aregbesola’s running mate, Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori, and the leadership of the APC on the victory of the party in the poll. Oba Sijuwade who pledged to further support Aregbesola’s during his second term in office assured him that the peace reigning in Osun State will be sustained.

“Your Excellency, congratulations and there is nobody fighting in Ife,” the Ooni said in his message to Mrs Tomori.

One of the subjects of the monarch, Senator Iyiola Omisore had contested with Aregbesola in the Saturday’s governorship election.

Kalu congratulates Aregbesola Former governor of Abia State Dr Orji Kalu has congratulated the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his victory at the elections .

He noted that Osun State election has given Nigerians more confidence in President Jonathan’s

commitment to credible elections anchored on one man, one vote.

Kalu, who commended the electorate for the large turnout and peaceful conduct, described Aregbesola’s victory as a testimony to his good work and popularity among his people.

In a statement signed by his special adviser, Prince ‘Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu stated that in any contest a winner must emerge. ”I extend my goodwill message to all the contestants in the Osun governorship Amaechi hails Aregbesola Rivers State governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has hailed Osun State governor Aregbesola on his victory at the polls.

Amaechi also congratulated the people of Osun State and his party, the APC, on the victory.

ARG greets Aregbesola A Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has applauded the victory of Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The group in a statement released on Sunday by its publicity secretary, Mr Kunle Famoriyo, congratulated Aregbesola just as it charged him to renew his zeal for “welfarist” politics as exemplified

by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Osun PDP rejects results, may head for tribunal The PDP in Osun State has rejected the result of the August 9 gubernatorial election that produced Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the APC as the winner.

The party in a statement issued by its chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, said the leadership of the party had resolved to reject the result of the election.

Olaoluwa said after a careful study of the results released by INEC, the party discovered that the result was frauludent.

According to the PDP chairman, “the PDP in Osun State will not accept the results of the gubernatorial election held in the state on Saturday owing to fraudulent activities discovered by the party”.

“Osun PDP remains ever united and the party as well as the legal team of the party will meet on the way forward,” Olaoluwa added.

He also accused the APC of attacking PDP members in Osogbo, Olorunda, Isokan, Egbedore, Oriade, Ejigbo, Obokun, Ede North and Ede South local government areas of the state.

Olaoluwa however thanked the people of Osun State for voting for the PDP while urging them to be patient as, according to him, the party will soon recover its “stolen mandate”.

See analysis on pages 37, 38

news NATIONAL 9

Monday, August 11, 2014

If This Is What It Takes To Win Elections...

FROM BACK PAGE

sue the police and the Jonathan government for false imprisonment and claim huge damages. This kind of nonsense must not be allowed to go unchallenged.

This did not happen even in the elections conducted by military heads of state in this country and we must not condone it now.

There is no civilised country in the world where 250 people would be arrested on election day simply because they belong to the opposition party. Jonathan must be told that this is state-sponsored terrorism and his government must not push innocent Nigerians too far. The Nigerian president is obviously not a good student of his-

Gov Yero Wants Parents To Immunise Children Against Polio Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has flagged off the August 2014 sub- national immunisation plus days (SIPDS) in Saminaka, headquarters of Lere local government with an appeal to the parents to allow their children aged 0 – 5 years to be immunised.

Governor Yero explained that constant immunisation will greatly help towards the eradication of the disease in the country.

He said, “Our journey towards achieving this lofty goals has indicated that we are on the right track, as evidenced by the facts that Kaduna State has been free from wild polio virus (WPV) in the past 20 months now, and our lot quality assessments survey result have been improving steadily.”

Governor Yero who spoke through his deputy, Amb Nuhu Audu Bajoga, assured that as usual Kaduna State government is fully committed towards providing all the necessary support that is required aimed at achieving the desired result.

In his speech, the state commissioner of health, Dr Thot Joseph Dogo, called on local government chairmen to be more dedicated and proactive in addressing the remaining challenges and “work closely with all key stakeholders in ensuring we become a polio free state ”.

The executive secretary, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency (SPHCA), Dr Sifiyan Mu’awiyya Babale, informed the gathering that all necessary arrangements towards the successful implementation of the August 2014 SIPDS has been made.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

tory. Jonathan also needs to know that it is a crime that warrants impeachment and removal from office for any president to deploy the institutions of the state for personal use, as he has been doing so recklessly. Democracy must also be about the rule of law. And what makes democracy different from other forms of government is that even the president is not above the law.

And what is this thing about some policemen and military men dressed in masks? The pictures of these hooded military men are not different from those of similarly hooded Boko Haram operatives, especially since Boko Haram terrorists also dress in army uniforms. The only difference between the groups is that

one comprises Boko Haram terrorists and the other, state-sponsored terrorists. But they both behave the same way. They are terrorists. It is very difficult to tell between them. The assassins that nearly killed Senator Isiaka Adeleke, APC chieftain and the first executive governor of Osun State, in Ede on election morning were also hooded men in army and police uniforms. So what should we make of that? What is happening to us? If Jonathan had done the heavy deployment of soldiers and policemen that we saw in Osun State on election day in Borno and Yobe states, Boko Haram would not be flying their flags in several villages as we see today.

On one single day in Gwo-

za, just as the election was taking place in Osun, more than 100 Nigerians were killed in the town and the new emir’s whereabouts is still unknown as I write this.

Instead of Jonathan to deploy security agents to protect Nigerians, he is deploying them to help him manipulate elections. This has to stop for the sake of all of us.

Ultimately, we must congratulate Osun people on defying the intimidation and coming out en masse and also ensuring that their votes were not stolen. A few days to the election, many PDP people said the results had virtually been written, and they were probably right. There were even reports that more than 400,000 votes had al-

Osun Poll: INEC Restoring Voters Confidence – Aremu

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

The vice president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who doubles as the general secretary of National Union of Textile and Garment Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Comrade Issa Aremu, has commended the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, saying,

INEC’s performance is restoring voters confidence ahead of the 2015 general elections.

While congratulating the re-elected governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who has been declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election, Comrade Aremu further said that Governor Aregbesola rightly won the majority of the poll with 394,684 votes

against his closest rival, Senator Iyiola Omisore of PDP who polled 292,747 votes.

According to Aremu in a statement tagged, “we are all winners”, the election goes down as the most keenly contested in history, to the extent that all the registered voters of Osun had their respective democratic expression through the historic election, adding that “all Nigerians are indeed winners.”

Taraba: Umar Vows To Utilise State Resources To Improve Living Standard

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

The acting governor of Taraba State, Alh. Garba Umar has said that his administration would continue to utilise the resources available in the state to provide infrastructures and facilities that will improve the living standard of the people.

Umar, who stated this in Karim-Lamido during the commissioning of Dogon-Yali rural electrification and solar powered borehole projects, said

that the commissioning of the projects is a demostration of the sincere desire and commitment of the current administration to provide electricity and safe drinking water to the people.

He said that he would continue to ensure that all towns and villages in the state are adequately provided with necessary infrastructure, social facilities and services.

“These two projects commissioned here are just but a few out of the several dividends of

democracy we have earmarked for this area.

We are an administration that keeps its promises and I, again assure you that you will be seeing more good things here and in the neighbouring communities in the days to come,” he said.

He said that the projects was provided for the people of the community to enjoy and stressed maximum utilisation of the facilities through proper and sustainable usage.

Kebbi Guber: Gwandu, Argungu,Yauri Emirates Pledge To Support Zuru Emirate

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

As the 2015 elections draw closer, and the clamour for governorship slot intensifies in Kebbi State, Zuru emirate has declared that it has recieved the blessings of Gwandu,Argungu and Yauri emirates to actualise its efforts aimed at producing the next gov-

ernor of the state.

The emirate has also disclosed that it has set up a high powered committee with Yauri Emirate named, ‘Kebbi South Forum’ to meet Govermor Dakingari to solicit for his support to endorse a candidate from the area who will succeed him in 2015 .

These developments were re-

vealed during a meeting organised by Zuru Emirate Development Society (ZEDS) on Saturday at the Town Hall in Zuru, Kebbi State which was attended by hundreds of people including prominent politicians, civil servants, bussinessmen, religious and traditional leaders of the emirate.

ready been awarded to the PDP. In the week leading to the election, soldiers and policemen shot into the air sporadically almost on a daily basis and this was supposed to intimidate the people. But each time this happened, the people responded by bringing out their brooms with chants of “APC!” In the end, it was obvious that the PDP people could not implement their original plan for the election.

My candid advice to security agents who are going to be used against civilians and even possibly kill some of them during elections is to remember that there will be life after President Jonathan. They should ask Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Sergeant Rogers.

Kano Spends $1.2m On Training Of Medical Students Abroad – Kwankwaso Kano State government has committed about $1.2 million to sponsor 90 indigenes of the state to study health related degrees at Mansoura University and 6th October University in Egypt.

Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who disclosed this during a visit to the students in Cairo, explained that the aim is to address the shortage of medical personnel in public hospitals in the state.

The governor noted that 50 out of the 90 students are at the 6th October University, pursuing degrees in medicine, while the remaining 40 are studying for bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Midwifery at Mansoura University.

Kwankwaso also disclosed that on completion of their studies, the medical doctors will be deployed to public hospitals in the state while the nurses and midwifes will be posted to the new School of Nursing, Madobi and the College of Midwifery, Gezawa to teach.

He said his administration gave out full overseas scholarships to a total of 300 male and female secondary school leavers from Kano, to study medicine and pharmacy in different universities in Sudan, Egypt, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and India.

He said, “My visit to this place is to physically assess facilities, the general environment of your universities in addition to your welfare especially so as to justify the investment in your education. I want you to remain steadfast, loyal and determined to excel so as to justify the huge state resources committed for your training”.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

10

stories of the Monday, August 11, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

Arrest: Notorious Robbery Suspect Nabbed In Delta

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robber and recovered arms and ammunition from him.

According to a statement made available to LEADERSHIP at the weekend by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, stated that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the GRA Police Station, Asaba, S.P.Uzochukwu Ugwuanyi and his patrol men, acted on a tip off to nab the alleged armed robber, one Tochukwu Bright, who has been on the Police wanted list.

According to the release, items recovered from him include one bag and a German made revolver pistol with nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition.

The suspect had on June 26, 2014 at about 8:00am allegedly shot one Chinelo Okonkwo, of Infant Jesus area, Asaba and robbed her of her Honda car with Registration No.: NSR 273 AG. Meanwhile, the suspect is undergoing investigation while efforts are on to recover the stolen car.

JEALOUS RAGE: Woman Bites Off Rival’s Ear

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

A jealous woman yesterday bitoff the ear of her rival in Badore area of Lagos State, over a man.

The woman, identified as Iyabo, was said to have seen her rival, Kemi with her lover and challenged them.

Kemi told Iyabo to go to hell because she did not know her from Adam.

An eyewitness who identified himself as Tajudeen disclosed that Kemi mocked Iyabo that how could she believe she owned a man she has not married.

Tajudeen said immediately Kemi uttered the words, Iyabo held her blouse and all efforts by their lover, Adeyomi to appease her proved abortive.

He said Adeyomi told Iyabo that she was not married to him after all and wondered why she was disturbing his life.

The source said Adeyomi even warned Iyabo not to come closer to him again because he is in love with Kemi.

He said Iyabo became enraged and fell Kemi inside drainage.

He said before anybody could say ‘Jack Robinson’ she bit off Kemi’s ear.

Iyabo’s relations around were said to have pleaded with Kemi and wanted to take her to a private hospital but she refused.

They also reined insults on Adeyomi for causing the problem. Adeyomi allegedly took Kemi to a private hospital for medical attention, though Kemi threatened to arrest Iyabo after the treatment.

Children fetching water from an MDGs/CGS constructed Semi- Urban water scheme in Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.Photo

by Patrick Ebi Amanama

EBOLA: Octogenarian, 5 Children Hospitalised After Drinking Salty, Water

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi A women in her early 80’s and five children have been hospitalized in a Makurdi hospital (name withheld) for bathing with and drinking salt water to avert being stricken by the dreaded Ebola virus disease.

There was chaos in Makurdi and other communities of the agrarian state, weekend, when all residents woke up in the midnight to bathe with and drink the salt water solution, claiming that it could prevent them from contracting Ebola virus.

LEADERSHIP gathered from a relative of the affected persons who spoke on the condition of anonymity yesterday, that the aged woman and the children have started vomiting and purging out excreta immediately they consumed it.

The place where the incident occurred, according to the relative, is Logo 1 area of Makurdi, and that the people were quickly rushed to a nearby

hospital for urgent medical attention. He said the unhealthy situation was caused as a result of overconsumption of the salt.

This is coming barely 48 hours after the director of public health in the state, Dr. Joseph Kumba debunked the claim that Ebola virus disease could be averted by salt water solution.

Meanwhile, sellers of fairly-used clothes popularly called bend-down-select, yesterday in Makurdi, decried low patronage from customers.

The marketers opened for business every Sunday in Wadata, Wurukum and Northbank metropolis of the state capital.

A 45- year- old man who deals in fairly used clothes, simply called Uche, was met at the Wurukum market yesterday. He said, “there is no market because our customers have not come to buy goods and even, many people are saying they are afraid to buy the clothes because of Ebola disease.”

AREPO SHOOTOUT: Police Drag 2 Women, 18 Male Suspects To Court

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

The police have arraigned two females and 18 males suspected pipeline vandals before Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The suspects were said to be among the vandals who engaged the police in a shootout which led to an explosion at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Arepo area of Ogun State.

The suspects were arraigned on a 12 -count charge. Their names are; Felix Yayu, Ijoufaya Legbe, Yakubu Ebiwei, Augustine Ebiwei, Tamara Dembofa, Owei Atile, Agbara Tiewei, Rufus Godwin, Tierry Koiyetin and Ebis Sobijoh.

Others include, Ibori Lawrence, Eberebu Ibori, Atinuke Odewale, Fatai Bolaji Isho-

la, Ahmed Bashoru, Odewale Waheed, Susan Vianana, Tuesday Filatei, Yeiyah Yello and Ismail Abdullahi.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that on May 24, 2014, there was a shootout between suspected vandals and policemen attached to the Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism.

The shootout led to an explosion in which nine policemen were suspected to have been killed.

The policemen whose corpses are yet to be found are Inspector Oguntihemen Kolawole , Inspector Raymond Oriere, Inspector Usman Mohammed, Inspector Tijani Jimoh, Corporal Elogbamen Timothy, Corporal Yakubu Aliyu, Corporal Usman Abdukarim and Corporal Dauda Mohammed.

FORGERY: College Staff Bags 3 Years Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

An employee of Mufutahu Olanihun College of Education, Ibadan, Akinwale Babatunde Kabir, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for forging a Higher National Diploma(HND) certificate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The jail term was handed to him by an Ibadan Chief Magistrate court which found him guilty of forgery out of two count charge of conspiracy and forgery contrary to sections 516 and 467 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, volume 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

In a charge sheet made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday, Kabir had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Kabir was at the time of arrest, a staff of Mufutahu Olanihun College of Education, Ibadan, where he claimed to have a lower credit in HND Marketing whereas what he had was “pass” on the certificate.

Inspector John Agho, in his evidence in brief, told the court that the college authorities reported a case of forgery of Higher National Diploma certificate to the police, following which Kabir was arrested.

According to Agho, police investigation at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, showed that Kabir scored 2.16 which was a pass, following which he (Kabir) was charged to court.

The court was further told that authorities of the college were able to discover Kabir’s misdeeds when his HND certificate was forwarded to the Polytechnic, Ibadan for verification “as a matter of routine”.

The court also heard that the polytechnic discovered that Kabir actually did his HND Marketing in the institution although the certificate he presented to the Mufutau Olanihun College of Education was at variance with the record of the institution.

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STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Monday, August 11, 2014

Photo News

CRIME: Police Anti-robbery Squad Intensify Vehicular Search In Benue

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

Determined to nab criminals that have been terrorizing Makurdi, the Benue State capital and other major towns, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the state police command, has intensified search of persons and vehicles.

While the men of the SARS carry out the operation, ‘stop and open your car boot’ in the day, the combined force team also mount road blocks at strategic positions of major access roads in the state, searching commuters and vehicles thoroughly.

The exercise commenced few days ago

since the outbreak of unwarranted killings and dispossession of valuable property of residents became rampant in the state capital and other communities.

However, it has been observed that in the early hours of each day, commuters and motorists are aggregated to heavy traffic, just as commercial motorcycles drop passengers to cross the barricade points before proceeding.

But the situation has enhanced peace in the largely farming communities as residents now sleep with their eyes closed.

Public places where people unwind are also combed by the stern looking policemen.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle) And Chairperson, Northern Elders Council, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai (3rd from left), in a group photographs with members of the Northern Elders Council during a birthday felicitation to the Vice President at the Aguda House Presidential Villa, Abuja at the weekend. Photo by Remi Akunleyan

EBOLA: A/Ibom To Embark On Mass Burial For All Corpses In Hospitals

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

In its effort to contain the spread of the killer disease Ebola virus, to its citizens, the government of Akwa Ibom says it has concluded arrangement to decongest all public mortuaries across the state through mass burial for all corpses it its hospitals.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ememabsi Bassey, who made this known yesterday in Uyo, said the disposal of the corpses is one of the measures taken by the government to contain the spread of diseases associated with dead bodies.

He explained that in the next one week, all corpses in government hospitals in Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Oron local govern-

ment areas would be disposed of.

The action, according to the health commissioner, will be extended to other local government areas soonest in line with proper health management.

Bassey therefore called on members of the public whose relatives’ corpse are still being kept in government hospitals’ mortuaries to take immediate steps in removing them with immediate effect.

He said that henceforth, government will no longer accept any corpse from individuals in any of its mortuaries at the general hospitals noting that the measure is to ensure a safe and secured environment for the people in this Ebola crisis period.

L-R: National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi; chairman of the occasion and vice chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali; Grand Kadi, Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Saliu Mohammed and Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, during the IEDPU security summit in Ilorin at the weekend. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

CATTLE RUSTLING: Police Recover 29 Stolen Cows

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has recovered 29 out of the 30 cows allegedly rustled by yet to be identified rustlers at Wawar kaza village in Kankara council area of Katsina State.

Spokesman of the command, DSP Abubakar Sadik, told newsmen that the cows were recovered at Mada village in neighbouring Zamfara State following

search operations conducted by the police.

DSP Sadik said one Saidu Haruna had reported to the police that a gang of bandits rustled his cows noting that “police patrol team swiftly swung into action leading to the recovery of the rustled cows” He stressed that efforts had been on to trace and arrest the fleeing suspects even as he noted that investigation on the matter was on-going.

L-R: Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememen representing President Goodluck Jonathan, Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Chief Mourner; Odia Ofeimun during the burial ceremony of late Madam Onomonresoa Elizabeth Ofeimun; mother of Odia Ofeimun at the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo state at the weekend.

MURDER: SSS Parades 6 Kidnap Suspects Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

The Directorate of the State Security Service (SSS) at the weekend in Ebonyi state paraded 6 suspected kidnappers that masterminded the kidnapping and brutal murder of the former Coordinator of Okposi Development Center and Proprietor of Zenith International School, Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area, Hon Ihebunandu Okorie.

Hon. Okorie was kidnapped at the Presbyterian Church, Okposi by a gang 4 armed men. The kidnappers established contact with the victims family demanding for ransom of N50 million.

It was later reduced to N5million before they subsequently demanded for N500, 000 only.

However, Okorie was killed by the kidnappers even before the ransom was paid and the decomposing body of the victim was found in a forest at Nguzu Edda in Afikpo South LGA during a search operation carried out by the Command and soldiers from Nkwagu Military Cantonment on 26th March 2014.

Briefing Journalist at the Directorate Headquarters in Abakaliki, state capital, the State Director of SSS, Mr. La’asan Baba, gave the names of the suspected kidnappers as Ebere Ukpai Nnachi(aka Kill and Bury), 32, from Abia State, Odichimma Osuji, 30 also from Abia State, Chukwudi Nwamara, 32, from Abia state, Amos Obasi, 23 from Ebonyi State, Peter Nwanna, 30 from Anambra State and Adamu Suleiman from Kogi State.

L-R: Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu C.O.N., World Bank president Dr. Jim Yong Kim, after a meeting with Yong Kim on US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washighton DC.

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Monday, August 11, 2014

business news

Air France Makes Emergency Landing In Lagos

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

A scheduled Air France service from Paris - Lagos with 178 souls on board yesterday declared an emergency on approach to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,Lagos.

The general manager public affairs, Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA) Mr Fan Ndubuoke in a statement said the Air France aircraft with Registration no.F-GZCC according to the Captain noticed that the Left Hand Nose Tyre Pressure Indicator was on. This is an indication of faulty Nose Wheels.

Observing the Standard

and Recommended Practices (SARPs) which is a corollary to safe operation, the Pilot declared an emergency.

Ndubuoke said the aircraft which had a total of 178 souls on board with 168 passengers and 10 Crew landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

NAGAFF Wants FG To Release Customs’ N99.5bn

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

Freight forwarders under the aegis of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has urged the federal government to release the N99.5 billion balance of operational funds budgeted for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) between 2010 and 2014.

In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, entitled: “Re: Transformation Programme and Port Reforms of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,” a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, NAGAFF said as critical stakeholders in the maritime transport,freight forwarding and Customs facilitation sector of the economy, it had observed that the none release of the fund was downing morale in the

service which was hindering the transformation agenda of the current government.

The letter reads in part: “Your Excellency, it is in the public domain that between 2010 and 2014 (up to July) the approved budget for the Service may be N378,974,132,999.80. Our checks revealed that Nigeria Customs Service may have just received N279,423,858,602.50 leaving a balance of N99,550,274,397.30.

“We have observed that the morale of officers is very low because their entitlements are not being paid on time and most times, they are not attended to.

The anti-smuggling officers are facing tougher resistance from smugglers who have sophisticated arms whereas incentives like, leave allowances are not being paid while officers on transfer duties are not being catered for.”

Stakeholders Kick Against Privatisation Of BOI, BOA

By WENESO OROGUN, Abuja

The proposal by the federal government (FG) to privatise both the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA) , the two major development finance institutions (DFIs) in the country, has drawn the condemnation of stakeholders, LEADERSHIP learned at the weekend.

For example, the council of the LCCI which met under the chairmanship of Mr Remi Bello, premised its opposition on the view that development objectives of the DFIs would be compromised in the event of their privatisation because development objectives were often at variance with profitability objectives.

“The primary objective of a typical private enterprise is profit maximisation, while the worry of government should be development,” LCCI noted stressing that this constitutes the fundamental basis for government intervention in an economy. The global practice is for DFIs to be government owned because of the peculiarities of their mandates.

The umbrella body of business owners also said that the basic objective of development finance was to support the growth and development of the real sector and infrastructure in the economy which entails the provision of subsidised long-term affordable finance to investors in these sectors.

LCCI stated:“A privatised entity would not be able to deliver this mandate because of the economics of the enterprise. Therefore, real sector financing would suffer in the event that the DFIs are privatised. Such an outcome would have consequences for the capacity of the real sector to grow and create the much needed jobs.” It would be recalled that the federal government recently, attributed its plans to privatise the BoI and BoA to the need to allow them have access to private funds to enable them lend more to their target beneficiaries.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Deputy Director, Inspectorate, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Faruna Monday; Director, Brand Airtel Nigeria, Obinna Aniche; Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel, Maurice Newa; Group Managing Director, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Ganiyu Musa; Regional Expansion Manager, Africa Microensure, Kiereini Kirika, and Vice President, Segments, Airtel, Dinesh Balsingh, during Airtel/Cornerstone launch Insurance scheme for Airtel subscribers in Lagos. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

MTN, Etisalat To Cut Overhead, Sell 11,316 Telecom Sites

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

As the outsourcing of non-core services continue to spread globally, MTN Nigeria and Etisalat Nigeria, two of the leading mobile operators, at the weekend, said they would sell 11,316 telecom base transceiver station (BTS) sites and towers and reduce operational cost (Opex) by transferring the staff responsible for the sites/towers to third party telecom infrastructure providers.

MTN Nigeria intends to sell 9,183 BTS sites, while Etisalat Nigeria have

agreed to sell 2,136 sites/towers to IHS Holdings. This is coming as mobile network operators move to reduce overhead costs and focus on their core competency which is selling airtime and attending to customer service complaints while the back-end network is managed by third party service providers.

The MTN Group president and chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Sifiso Dabengwa, said the MTN Group “has advanced negotiations to sell its tower business in its operation in Nigeria, which includes 8,640

existing and 543 towers under development, to an entity that will be managed by a large mobile telecommunications infrastructure provider.”

MTN Nigeria has the largest telecom sites among Nigeria’s existing mobile operators. It also has the largest fibre optic broadband backbone as well as the largest terrestrial backhaul backbone.

MTN Nigeria intends to establish a telecom infrastructure operator to manage the BTS sites/towers that will be disposed.

$14bn Obama Pledge: US, Nigeria Begin Collaboration On Infrastructure Financing

BY Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Nigeria and the United States have commenced plans to leverage on US President Barack Obama’s $14billion investment pledge in Africa, for an effective financing structure for infrastructure in Nigeria.

The minister of industry, trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga, and the US commerce secretary, Penny Pritzker, agreed during a bilateral meeting at the just-

concluded US-Africa Summit that increased investment in the area of infrastructure would further improve the Nigerian business environment, noting that Obama’s focus on power was particularly encouraging.

While the two countries agreed to work on the financial structure for infrastructure within the next few weeks, Pritzker noted that US companies were eager to do business in Nigeria due to the ongoing reforms in critical sectors, adding that they

could also leverage on the US export assistance facilities scattered around the country.

Aganga, who spoke to journalists in Washington DC, during the Summit, said, apart from the investment commitments and MOUs that were signed during the summit, most investors agreed that Nigeria had the most robust, clear and friendly policies on power, which other African countries should try to emulate.

Monday, August 11, 2014

ADVERTISEMENT FOR SELECTION OF COMPANIES TO BE ENGAGED AS EVENT MANAGERS FOR THE 7TH NUPE DAY FESTIVAL CELEBRATION PRE-QUALIFICATION AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST A. BACKGROUND 26th June of every calendar year beginning from year 2009 has been set aside as a day to be marked for celebration by all Sons and Daughters of the Nupe Kingdom. This cuts across Niger, Kwara, Kogi States and the FCT as well as those residing elsewhere within and outside the country. This has partly been initiated to foster unity, enhance cultural identity and harmony.

Historically, this date back in the year 1896 marked the first encounter and defeat of the British colonial forces by the Nupe Calvary at Ogidi in the present day Kogi State under the reign of one of our great forbearers, HRH Etsu Bubakar (Abubakar) of blessed Memory. This feat immensely whittled down the initial British colonization affront on the then Sokoto Caliphate and what is today’s Northern states of Nigeria.

B. OBJECTIVE The 7TH Nupe Day Festival will • showcase traditional African Festival of Music, Dance and Arts • celebrate the individuality and unity of the Nupe people • celebrate the role of Nupe Day as the Unifier of Nupe people.

• educate and inform the world of the rich, culture and history of Nupe People.

• highlight Nupe land as safe and secure destination for tourism.

• showcase Nupe land as a community steeped in culture, history and modernity.

• be the vehicle for active promotion of the tourist attractions in Nupe land.

C. THE ASSIGNMENT In order to ensure the success of the 7th Nupe Day Festival, the Company will advise and work with the Nupe Day Festival Management Committee on: • Management and technical documentation of the Festival • Festival’s Objectives and Strategic Orientation • Festival Spectacle and Target Spectators • Mode and Style of The Presentation of the Festival • Level of Quality and Diversity To Be Expected • Framework of Management Issues of the Festival • Festival Management and Inter-Relationships • The Role of Festival Stakeholders and Their Needs • Dimensions of Festival Resource Utilization and Control • The Financial Imperative and Budgetary Control System • Security, Environmental Protection and Public Safety at the Festival • Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Requirements Nupe Day Festivals are normally characterised with the following events: i. Lecture Series on topical issues concerning Nupe history, Culture and Development ii. Nupe Foundation Merit Award to deserving individuals/Corporate bodies iii. Face of Nupe depicting an individual who personifies Nupe race iv. Agricultural show promoting Agric potentials of Nupe v. Nupe Turf showcasing the gallantry and sportsmanship of horse riders vi. Turbaning of deserving individuals with traditional titles by HRH vii. Boat Regatta at Patigi/Lafiagi viii. Fishing Festivals D. SUBMISSIONS WITH THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Interested companies are required to submit the following information: 1. Company profile with a copy of Certificate of incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association and Corporate Affairs commission Forms CAC-2 and CAC-7, 2. Curriculum Vitae of key staff who will be assigned for the conduct of the required services including qualification, individual experience in handling assignments and attestation if available.

3. Capacity profile 4. Evidence of experience in at least three (3) public events of similar nature and complexity executed within the last five (5) years with verifiable letter of contract award and evidence of satisfactory job completion Event Managers will be selected in accordance with the due process procedures. Clarification and further information on the subject matter may be sought through our official e-mail: info@nupefoundation.org and 08065860821 E. SUBMISSION OF THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST EOIs are to be submitted in three printed copies and 1 CD-ROM copy in sealed envelopes clearly marked Expression of Interest and delivered, not later than six weeks from the date of publication of this advert, to the address below.

The National Secretary Ninibo Nupe (Nupe Foundation) No. 6, Offa Close off Oyo Street, Area 2, Garki P. O. Box 1882 Abuja, Nigeria.

Or 155 Ahmadu Bello Way Opposite Modern Market Bida Niger State

Website: www.nupefoundation.org E-mail: info@nupefoundation.org, Mobile No. +2348033001274, +2348033343629

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Monday, August 11, 2014

FAC T S Valid For All Times For the first time in Nigeria’s economic history, the private sector has been enabled to access long-term funds from both the domestic and international capital markets.

They are now able to fund long-term real sector projects (agriculture, manufacturing, housing, mineral exploration and processing, infrastructure, etc.), for diversified and sustainable economic growth, towards employment generation and poverty reduction.

Between 2007 and 2013, as many as 22 Nigerian companies raised over N223 billion from the domestic market.

Between 2011 and July 2014, Nigerian companies have issued 9 bonds in the International Capital Market to raise about USD3.4 billion.

The SeCreT

As part of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whereby positive change is taking place in various facets of the economy, the Domestic Bond Market has been meticulously developed with appropriate products and institutional frameworks so that long term debt capital (Bonds) with tenor of up to 20 years can now be easily sourced in Nigeria.

The successful issuances of three Nigerian Sovereign Eurobonds in the International Capital Market – one in 2011 and two in 2013 – have opened the window for Nigeria’s private sector to raise required foreign currency funds.

His Excellency Dr. GOODLUCK e. JONAThAN, GCFr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria

DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE NIGerIA

His Excellency ArC. MOhAMMeD NAMADI SAMBO, GCON Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman, DMO Supervisory Board

Positive Transformation is taking place.

Let us sustain the momentum and make maximum use of the opportunity.

Patriotic Responsibility demands the commitment of all to continuation of the Transformation.

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

Monday, August 11, 2014

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16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Monday, August 11, 2014

FG To Shut Down Illegal Mining Operations

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The federal government has vowed to shut down any mining/quarry firm not operating in accordance with the Nigerian Minerals and Metals Act of 2007, Mining Regulations and any other extant mining laws.

The minister of mines and steel development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, said this was to ensure strict compliance to rules and regulations guiding mining operations in the country.

Sada disclosed this while receiving the 2013 Annual Report and

Audited Accounts of the Council of Nigeria Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) from the chairman of the council, Chief Chambers Oyibo, who led other council members to the presentation of the report.

The minister revealed that the last number of mining licenses revoked by the federal government was six hundred (600) as a result of non-compliance with the relevant laws guiding mining operations in the country.

Lauding the initiative of COMEG in relation to the issuance of practicing licenses to its financial

members as well as capacity training, the minister noted that, “No matter how much mineral resources a country has, if it doesn’t have the right human skills, the country will not develop.”

In his presentation, Oyibo said: “The presentation of the 2013 Annual Report and Audited Accounts of COMEG is in compliance with the provision of COMEG Act part (11) Financial Provision, section 7(3) where the council is required by law to prepare and submit to the minister, annual report and audited accounts of COMEG.”

RTEAN, NATA Partner On Automotive Sector Development

BY KINGSLEY ALU, Abuja

The Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria ( RTEAN ) weekend entered into partnership to complement the federal government’s efforts at ensuring the survival and growth of the nation’s automotive industry.

Receiving the leadership of NATA led by its national president, Comrade Michael Ajayi Omonayin, in his office in Abuja, the executive national president of RTEAN, Alhaji Shehu Musa Isiwele, noted that such partnership would enhance contribution of the industry to the national economy, especially in the area of transportation.

According to him, it would not only add value to both organisations, but also help the government in creating enabling environment for the manufacturing of local vehicles and spare parts in the country.

Isiwele said RTEAN and NATA would through the partnership ease the pains of Nigerians in transporting their goods and services, especially, “now that the federal government has launched the national automotive

policy aimed at making the nation self-reliant in the manufacturing of Nigerian made vehicles.

“The success of road transport business is hinged on the availability of professional skills of your members and the services provided as autoengineers which is cardinal to maintaining vehicles on the road,” he added.

He further emphasised that RTEAN’s robust nature and national spread with over 16million membership across the country, “stand us out as a viable and dependable destination fodder investments in road transportation business in Nigeria.

“More than any other association, either in the public or private sphere of our socio-political and economic development, RTEAN has promoted issues of affordable, quality, durable and sustainable road transport system.

“Today, it is not surprising that the association is adjudged as the best trade union in Nigeria in the recent performance rating of trade unions in Nigeria,” he said.

He however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the new automotive policy and the improvement in road network across the country, saying improvement

on national highways had improved road transportation and reduced accidents in the country.

Responding, NATA president, said the association sought partnership with RTEAN on “National Strategic Stakeholders Dialogue on Nigeria Automotive Industry,” to support the policy for the benefit of both organisations and the general public.

Omonayin emphasised that the partnership would enhance the implementation of the National Vehicular Emission Control programme scheduled to begin in January 2015 by the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) across the country.

He explained that the programme was to ensure that all vehicles plying Nigerian roads have installed emission reduction technology, adding that it would also improve the quality of vehicles and life of Nigerians while disclosing that NATA had commenced the training of its members in the repair and maintenance of automechanic and electronic vehicles that would be plying the nation’s roads.

Monday, August 11, 2014

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18 money market/BUSINESS

Monday, August 11, 2014

MSME Fund: CBN Urged To Monitor Disbursing Institutions Stories by Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Entrepreneurs and operators in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector of the country have stressed the need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to scale-up supervision of banks and finance houses in the disbursement of the N220 billion MSME Development Fund(MSMEDF).

The MSMEDF which was launched by the CBN in 2013 is expected to be made assessable to deposit money banks, finance institutions as well as microfinance banks for lending to MSME operators in the country.

The fear, according to the vice president of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) in the south west, Duro Kuteyi, was that Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) in the disbursement of the fund would charge borrowers more than they ought to.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, Kuteyi said some banks might not comply

with the intended single digit interest rate financing aim of the fund. Although, the CBN had initially said the fund would carry an interest rate of nine per cent, SMEs accessing the fund may be required to pay 15 per cent maximum interest rate. However, prompt repayment would fetch the SME a 40 per cent refund on interest rate which would see the total interest drop back to nine per cent.

The NASSI vice president urged that the apex bank would not slack in supervising the PFIs in the disbursement of the fund and in ensuring that the prompt repayment compliant SMEs got their refund as at when due. Like others in the sector who had always called for more financing for MSMEs in the country, Kuteyi applauded the fund, saying it would engender the growth of the sector.

He also commended the decision to appropriate 60 per cent of the fund to women entrepreneurs noting that women needed to be assisted in growing their businesses.

He however, noted that if

women did not take up the 60 per cent earmarked for them, the fund should be redirected towards male entrepreneurs who may be in need of it.

As part of the CBN’s drive to create capacity for women entrepreneurs in the country, 60 per cent of the fund, about N132 billion had been dedicated to the womenfolk.

The guidelines of the MSMEDF as released by the apex bank stated that “considering the peculiar challenges faced by women in accessing financial services in Nigeria, the Revised Microfinance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework in Section 4.2 (iv), provides that women’s access to financial services should increase by 15 per cent annually in order to eliminate gender disparity.”

However, only N198 billion of the fund would be available to the PFIs for on-lending to the PFIs. The guidelines stated that 10 per cent of the fund amounting to N22 billion was being earmarked to achieve social and developmental objectives.

money MARKET REPORTS

Stanbic IBTC Drives Awareness For Mutual Funds Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has unveiled an initiative to educate and empower Nigerians by launching a multi-media nationwide Investor Education Campaign to improve penetration and awareness of mutual funds.

The company in a statement said the initiative, which goes nationwide from today, August 11, 2014, was specifically aimed at publicising the unique benefits of mutual funds, while demystifying the erroneous impression that investment of this nature was reserved only for the wealthy.

According to the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr Olumide Oyetan, there were numerous benefits associated with investing in mutual funds one of which is the professional management of investors’ money. He specified that Stanbic IBTC’s experience and expertise were based on in-depth research that identifies unique opportunities designed to deliver on reasonable and consistent superior returns without taking undue risk.

“The concept of buying mutual funds allows investors to sit back, relax and outsource the management of their money to professional portfolio managers. The portfolio managers or fund managers then channel the money into investments in the appropriate assets class selected by the investor based on their investment objective, time horizon and tolerance of risk,” he said.

Some of the traditional asset classes that mutual funds invest in include Money Market, Bonds, Public and Private Equity among others.

“Put simply, a mutual fund is a pool of money provided by individual investors, companies and other organizations. A fund manager is hired to invest the cash the investors have contributed.

Monday, August 11, 2014

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Monday, August 11, 2014 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY

Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, Illegal / Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following number – 08091626747.

Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

161st KANO STATE EXECuTiVE COuNCiL MEETiNG PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

ENGR. RAbi’u MuSA KwANKwASO, FNSE Executive Governor, Kano State

During the presentation of 2014 Budget of consolidation to the Speaker Kano State house of Assembly, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State declared that the budget is intended to complete all ongoing projects already started while at the same time attending to the critically important new projects. The speaker along with other Honorable members worked assiduously to produce one of the most balanced budgets the state ever had, concurring with the Executive in allocating 75% in Favour of capital Expenditure while recurrent expenditure carried 25%. Despite the direct employment of 3000 fresh graduates into the state civil service this year this ratio continued to be maintained. To ensure compliance with the tenets of the budget in terms of timely completion of projects, His Excellency upon return from a meeting in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday August 5, proceeded to inspect various infrastructural projects going on within the city to physically ascertain for himself the progress of each project to ensure it is completed within the time frame. These projects include among others the Wuju-Wuju Way, Northwest University Permanent site, Flyover bridges at Ibrahim Taiwo, State and Murtala Mohammed roads with a combined costs to Government of over 23 billion Naira. The two bridges at State and Ibrahim Taiwo roads have reached 97% completion stage while others range between 50-70%.

Having satisfied himself that things are on course, Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE presided over the one hundred and sixty first (161st) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council today Wednesday 6th August, 2014 (11th Shawwal, 1435 AH).

Twelve (12) MDAs submitted forty three (43) memoranda for deliberation of which twenty seven (26) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Six Hundred Million, Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Twenty Kobo (N600,407,740.20) covering nineteen (19) projects while the remaining seven (7) were on policy issues. Thus; 1. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Presentation on the Current Status of the Established Garment Centers in each of the 44 LGCAs of Kano State:The presentation was submitted to Council for consideration.

Essentially, constructions and provision of required structures for the Garment Centers were completed in all the 44 LGCAs of the State. Council was further notified that, a stakeholders meeting was convened during which comprehensive review was made on the steps taken and progress made for the successful take – off of the Garment Industry across the State.

Consequent upon this, a Committee was set – up to deliberate and present appropriate recommendations for adoption on four issues which include the following; i. Estimate of required initial working capital for each Center for the overall estimated/budgetary requirements for the 44 Centers. ii. To provide scheme of service for the Garment Industry to enable Government facilitate recruitment, establishment of remuneration package and placement of personnel in the various Departments of the Industry. iii. To select five (5) persons with technical knowledge in Garment/ Tailoring Services from each LGCA as pioneers to train others in each Center. iv. To identify the type of products viable to meet the typical demand for profitability and sustenance of these Industries.

Further, the Stakeholders meeting recommended to Council to formulate a

policy that will back – up and sustain the programme by; i. Mandating all private/voluntary schools in Kano State to patronize/ purchase the products of these Garment Industries. ii. Government to purchase the products under the policy of providing uniforms for new intakes to our primary Schools.

Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation.

2. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Three (3) of the seven (7) memoranda submitted from this Office on behalf of the Chairman and some MDAs for deliberation by Council were approved for execution as follows; a) Presentation of a Proposal from Ahmadu Bello Foundation to Conduct a Four (4) Weeks Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition Programme for One Hundred (100) Women and Youth in Kano State:In line with the present administration policy towards the empowerment of its citizenry especially Women and Youths, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted the above request. Specifically, Council was notified of the following; i. The programme was intended to provide the necessary avenue for peaceful and harmonious co – existence among diverse groups concurrently encouraging the determination for self – reliance, wealth creation and general economic well – being especially among the women and youth. ii. The Ahmadu Bello Foundation will fully support the training financially including payment to the Training Consultants for the required training materials and daily transport fare. iii. The Ahmadu Bello Foundation requested the pleasure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to nominate the one hundred (100) participants (Youth, Men and Women) to be drawn from registered Women and Youth Organizations, Youth Groups and Cooperatives, etc.

Further details presented prompted Council to approve as follows; i. The 4 – Week training programme to be conducted at the Kano Entrepreneurship Development Institute Outreach Center (temporary site) 2nd floor Murtala Muhammad Library, Kano commencing from 28th August, 2014. ii. Gracing the occasion and declaration of its opening by Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. iii. Nomination of the one hundred (100) participants to be coordinated in liaison with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Directorate of Youth Development, Director NGOs and Leaders of participating groups. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Participation of Kano State Contingent at the 7th Edition of Annual National Sports Festival “Benue 2014” at Makurdi, Benue State (10th – 20th September, 2014):The request was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration on behalf of the State Ministry of Education.

Essentially, the request was prompted by a communication received from the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) through the Kano State Ministry of Education inviting the State to participate at the event.

Details on the genesis and requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implications to the tune of N5,445,800.00 which was requested for release for the stated purpose.

Council considered and approved as requested. c) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Outstanding Allowances to Two (2) Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Postgraduate Studies in Ukraine:This request was originally submitted from the Kano State Scholarship Board but was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration. The two (2) students are among the sixty (60) sponsored for studies in Ukraine under the 501 Postgraduate Studies Programme. Fifty eight (58) of them were relocated to other Countries in response to instructions received from the host Country while these two (2) opted to remain at the International Humanitarian University in Ukraine for their studies in Law. The Kano State Scholarship Board requested Council to consider and approve the following in respect of the two (2) students; i. The release of N300,000.00 to pay for two (2) one way tickets to Ukraine in respect of the two (2) Students. ii. The release of $14,000.00 for the payment of feeding allowance and Research Work/Laptop Computers to the two (2) Students.

Council acknowledged the request which is in line with the empowerment policy of the present administration and approved both items (i. and ii.).

3. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Presentation of Information Memorandum (IM) on the State of Preparedness and Preventive Measures Against the Ebola Virus Disease in Kano State:The Ministry of Health notified Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the current menace of the prevalence of the Ebola Virus Disease. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the six (6) measures initiated in preparation for the unexpected outbreak of the disease in the State. The measures include the following; i. The Multi – Sectoral State Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Committee, headed by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, was mobilized to coordinate response to any emergency on the Ebola Virus Disease. The Committee started work since April, 2014. ii. An Isolation facility was identified along Kano -Maiduguri road. iii. Acquisition and distribution of appropriate quarantine equipment. iv. Training and sensitization of relevant Health Care providers from ten (10) high risk facilities on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was conducted.

These included early identification and infection control. v. Some Personal Protective Equipment (PPES) for the protection of health workers within the health system were sourced. vi. The Ministry of Health collaborates with the Port Health Services available at Aminu Kano International Airport to screen passengers particularly those arriving from high risk destinations though with some shortcomings to do with lack of thermal scanner at the Airport which identifies passengers with high body temperatures efficiently and with minimal risk.

In this vein, Council was presented with nine (9) notations on the State of Preparedness and Prevalence Measures instituted against the Ebola Virus Disease in Kano.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Nusa Kwankwaso, FNSE delivered a press briefing to the State and the Nation at large on the issue.

4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT a) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of Students’ Hostel Block Phase I at the Permanent Site of the Northwest University, Kano:The Northwest University, Kano was established courtesy of the second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Provision of infrastructure at the permanent site of the University is in progress.

The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration by Council. Details were presented along with the request for the release of the sum of N231,687,073.01 to enable the construction of a befitting students’ hostel block at the permanent site of the Northwest University, Kano.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement and Installation of Brand New 350 KVA Perkins Model Electricity Generating Set at the Cabinet Office, Kano:The existing 350 KVA Perkins model electricity generating set at the Cabinet Office defies continuous attempts at repairs.

The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request as the most viable option to solve the problem. A reputable Contractor was identified for the project at the sum of N11,475,000.00 which was requested for release by Council.

Council granted approval for the release of the requested sum of N11,475,000.00 to enable execution of the stated project on Contractual Basis to be Supervised by the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. c) Request for Funds to Enable Completion of Nine (9) Blocks of Fifty (50) 2 – Bedroom Flats (Houses) at Enugu/Court Road, Sabon Gari, Kano:The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council, through contents of this memorandum, of its approval granted for the release of the sum of N99,606,797.23 to the Kano State Housing Corporation for the cited purpose.

Works are near completion but necessary adjustments were encountered estimated to cost the sum of N6,837,780.00 which was requested for release to bring the total cost for the project to the new Contractual sum of N106,444,577.83.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N6,837,780.00 from the revenue/funds available at the State Housing Corporation for the stated purpose. d) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lighting Along Mandawari – Aisami – Aminu Kano Way (2.20KM) Using New

21

Monday, August 11, 2014 Fabricated Poles:Cognizant of the resolve by the present administration to provide qualitative infrastructure for use by the citizenry in the State, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration.

In this respect the Taskforce Committee on the Installation/Repairs/ Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights assessed the scope of works required and estimated its financial requirements to the tune of N56,336,117.30.

Accordingly,, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N56,336,117.30 for the undertaking. e) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Brand New 150KVA Electricity Generating Set at the House Allocated to the Late Emir’s Family:Council was reminded, through contents of this memorandum that, a house at Gandun Albasa GRA was renovate for the Late Emir’s Family.

The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration by Council. Details were presented along with the request for the release of the sum of N7,250,000.00 for the stated purpose.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. f) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lighting Along Alu Avenue and New Race Course Road (2.60KM) Using New Fabricated Poles:The cited location was identified for the project as suitable in cognizance of the resolve by the present administration to provide qualitative infrastructure to deserving Communities. The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N34,526,708.50 which was requested for release by Council for the stated purpose.

Council approved the release of the sum of N34,526,708.50 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable Taskforce Committee on the Installation / Repairs / Reactivation of Street and Traffic Lights to execute the stated project. g) Presentation of Progress Report on the Installation of Meters at Seventy Eight (78) Power Sub – Stations within Kano Metropolis:In compliance with the directive issued to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to install meters at all Street Lights Power Sub – Stations supplied with diesel (AGO), the cited progress report was presented to Council for consideration.

Specifically, seventy eight (78) Street Lights Power Sub – Stations were installed with recording meters as directed. Details were presented and henceforth the diesel supplied to each Power Sub – Station will be recorded efficiently for transparency.

Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. h) Request for Funds for the Construction of Kofar Dan’ Agundi Kano City Gate:The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. Details on the scope of works required were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N17,090,787.52.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. i) Presentation on and Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Outstanding Balance to Contractors that Executed the Construction of Six (6) Houses, Boundary Fence and Renovation of MD’s Official Residence at KNUPDA Quarters, Gumel/WRAFF Road:The Kano State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport was instructed to evaluate the submission on the issue.

The Ministry inspected the site (Quarters) and conducted an Independent assessment and certified that a balance payment to the tune of N8,060,411.05 outstanding balance.

Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N8,060,411.05 to enable payment for the balance to various Contractors that executed the cited projects.

Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N8,060,411.05 for the commitments.

5. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES a) Request for Funds to Enable Outstanding Payment for Fifty Six (56) Metric Tonnes of Grains Supplied to the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources:The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources complied with the directive issued to the Ministry on the cited issue.

The project was confirmed as approved and executed in the year 2010 but the Contractor was owed the sum of N3,920,000.0 as payment for fifty six (56) metric tonnes of grains at N70,000.00 per metric tonne.

Council was requested to approve for the release of the sum of N3,920,000.00 to enable the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to pay the Contractor that executed the project.

Council considered and approved accordingly. b) Request for Approval to Allocate and Sell Recovered Assorted Fertilizer:The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources notified Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the Ministry is in possession of 2,559KG bags of assorted chemical fertilizer in good condition and 304 damaged 50KG bags which were all handed over by the Kano State Fertilizer Distribution Committee. Details were summarized and presented for consideration.

Further, the Ministry submitted the following for consideration. i. Council to consider, approve and direct the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to allocate and sell the 2,599KG bags of assorted chemical fertilizer to the farmers at N1,900.00 per bag. ii. Council to consider and approve releasing the sum of N1,620,000.00 to Hayam International Company Ltd. iii. Council to consider and approve the release of N352,000.00 to SSA (Food Security). Details presented. iv. Council to consider, approve and direct the Ministry of Finance to release

the payments of items (ii. and iii.) to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for onward payment to the beneficiaries.

Council noted and appraised the four (4) prayers forwarded and approved execution of prayers i. – iii accordingly,.

6. MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Electricity at Kano State Sports Institute, Karfi:The Kano State Sports Institute, Karfi is among the twenty two (24) viable Skills Acquisition/Training Institutes established courtesy of the capable second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The Ministry of Rural and Community Development identified the site for the project so as to enable full take – off of the Institute.

Details on the scope of works required were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N9,464,543.00 for the purpose.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Electricity at the Permanent Site of the Kano State Informatics Institute Kura:Provision of electricity was identified as amongst the cardinal pending requirements at the permanent site of the Kano State Informatics Institute.

Details of the requirements estimated to cost the sum of N8,738,487.00 was requested for approval by the Council.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. c) Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Relocation/Replacement of Electric Poles and Other PHCN Facilities Affected by the Construction of Rimin Kebe, Gayawa and Jaba Road:The road construction projects undertaken by the present administration is highly commended and appreciated by the Communities in the stated location of Ungogo LGA. However, some electric poles and other facilities of PHCN were affected in the execution of the road construction project.

Requirements for the relocation/replacement of the affected electric poles and PHCN facilities were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N11,426,515.00.

Council approved for the release of the sum of N11,426,515.00 to enable the Kano State Rural Electrification Board execute the project on direct labour.

7. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable General Renovation of the Hydrology/Hydrogeology Building at Challawa Water Works:The Ministry of Water Resources presented the request, through contents of this memorandum, for consideration by Council. Details on the requirements was assessed to cost the sum of N27,251,161.85.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approval was granted for the release of the sum of N27,251,161.85 to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement to be supervised by the State Ministry of Water Resources.

8. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING a) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of the Link Road from Hausa/Ibo Road to Airport Road:The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted the request for consideration by Council.

The Link Road from Hausa/Ibo Road to Airport Road is of 372M length but a vital link between the two (2) roads which helps in reducing the hardships experienced by road users. Construction of the link road will ensure smooth flow and accommodation of more vehicular traffic.

The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N109,716,396.86 which was requested for release to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement.

Significance of the project was considered as Council approved the release of the trimmed sum of N90,516,026.70 for its execution. b) Request for Funds for the Construction of the Link Road From Bank Road to Niger Street:The Link Road between Bank Road and Niger Street was identified as very vital to the hub of commercial areas of the Kano Central Business District serving not only in reducing traffic congestion in the axis of road network, but also an easy access to Abubakar Rimi and Singer Markets.

The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N63,001,609.27.

The details presented were considered as appropriate by Council and approval was granted for the release of the sum of N63,001,609.27 to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement to be supervised by the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. c) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Two (2) Structures/Properties Affected by the Construction of the Link Road at Sharada Near Dan’ Agundi Sub – Station:Execution of the above project is in line with the commendable policy of the present administration. In order to actualize the execution of the project.

A valuation exercise was conducted by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning which assessed the compensation value for the properties to the tune of N1,727,720.00.

The details presented were considered as appropriate and approved by Council. d) Presentation of Report from the Committee Established to Address Some Pressing Issues Occurring in Various Motor Stations and Parks Across Kano State:Contents of this memorandum applauded the efforts of the present administration

to sanitize the transportation sector by the establishment of various organs with a view to checkmating the unwholesome activities related to drug abuse vices and other immoral acts that occur in the various motor parks and stations across the State.

Council was notified of the establishment of a Committee to streamline the activities at the motor parks and stations across the State.

The Committee convened a meeting with stakeholders comprising the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning; the MD KNUPDA; KAROTA; the Honourable Chairmen of Nine (9) Metropolitan LGCA; Chairman NARTO and that of NURTW. Possible measures were articulated towards curtailing the lingering problems with a view to provide security and sanity in the motor parks.

In this respect the following recommendations were forwarded to Council for consideration. i. Council to direct KNUPDA to urgently collaborate with REMASAB and effect removal of all illegal structures, motor scraps and refuse heaps from the motor parks and stations. ii. Council to solicit cooperation of NDLEA and other related organizations to step – in and act to stop illicit drug trafficking and abuse as well as related vices in our motor parks and stations. iii. Council to direct all the nine (9) metropolitan LGCAs (D/Kudu Inclusive) to partner with relevant stakeholders on the issue. iv. Council to empower the Committee to ensure strict compliance with the objectives of the State Government on Security Matters.

Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. e) Request for Change of Contractor for the Projects of Upgrading/ Dualization of Yolawa Road; Niger Street; Lagos Street; Post Office and the Five (5) KM Road at Tsanyawa LGCA:The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning amply substantiated, through contents of this memorandum, the genesis for the request.

Initially, Costain West Africa Plc. was awarded the Contracts for the road construction projects but wrote to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning as the supervising Government Ministry, requesting for approval to Subcontract the projects to Messrs. TIAMIN MULTI SERVICES GLOBAL LIMITED. Details were presented for consideration.

The Ministry recommended to Council to approve the following in respect of the five (5) Roads Construction Projects. i. Full transfer of the five (5) Contracts to TIAMIN MULTI – SERVICES GLOBAL LTD. ii. Directing the Kano State Ministry of Finance to henceforth release all payments in respect of each of the five (5) road construction projects to Messrs. TIAMIN MULTI – SERVICES GLOBAL LTD. upon presentation of valuation certificate(s) as certified by the Kano State Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the execution of the two (2) items (i. and ii.) above.

9. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE a) Presentation of Notification for the Restructuring of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA):The Executive Council Extract Number CAD/EXCO/4/I/2558 dated 4th August, 2014 mandated the Kano State Head of Civil Service to study the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport on the restructuring of KARMA and submit observations and recommendations.

The Office of the Head of Civil Service submitted the following recommendations to Council for consideration. i. Council to consider and approve the creation of the Office of the Deputy Managing Director to supervise all the Departments at the instance of the Managing Director. ii. Council to consider and approve the creation of Department of Drainage and the deployment of Director and other field staff from the Drainage Committee who are Civil Servants by the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved items i and ii as requested.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 161ST EXCO SITTING 1. CONDOLENCE MESSAGE The Kano State Executive Council acknowledged the irreplaceable loss of Sheikh Isyaka Rabi’u’s senior wife and that of prominent Kano Businessman Alhaji Garba A. D Inuwa (Talban Kano). Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE was ably represented by the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at their funeral prayers. Council extends its profound condolence and commiserates with the members of the two (2) bereaved families. Prayers were offered for their souls to rest in perfect peace and may Allah (S. W. A] grant them eternal residence in Jannatul Firdausi, Amin.

2. PASSING – OUT PARADE OF THE FIFTY SIX (56th) BATCH OF CADETS FROM THE NIGERIAN MILITARY SCHOOL, ZARIA Council noted the passing out parade of the fifty six (56th) Batch of cadets from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. During the occasion, Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE was commended by the School management on his leadership, qualities, concern and representation. The Governor was presented with a beautiful Souvenir of the School.

Signed:

Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

www.kn.gov.ng/new

22 BUSINESS/insurance

Monday, August 11, 2014 and

insurance REPORTS

New Platform To Fight Cyber Insurance Threat Debuts

L-R: Executive director, Business Development and Investment, Premium Pension Limited, Mr Adamu Mele; and Director, Pension and Establishment, Zamfara State, Alhaji Yusuf Moriki, during a customers/retirees forum organised by Premium Pension in Sokoto.

Insurance Premium On Renewable Energy To Hit $2.8 bn By 2020 Stories By Chika Izuora, Lagos

with agency report

To make investments in renewable energy more attractive to these investors, projects must become less risky, all the way through from early stage construction to operation

The renewable energy industry may spend about three times as much on insurance every year by 2020 in a bid to mitigate risks to projects.

A new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance sponsored

by Swiss Re said that depending on the scenario, insurance premium volumes in these markets like UK, France and China could increase from $850 million currently, to anywhere between $1.5 billion and $2.8 billion by the end of this decade.

Based on current projections, the report said new renewable power capacity built worldwide between now and 2030 would account for more than $2 trillion in total investment.

“Of this, 75 per cent or 900GW of capacity additions will be in the solar and wind sectors, both onshore and offshore, and over half of this is attributable to Australia, China, France, Germany, the UK and the US,” the report stated.

The report further stated that the growing demand for insurance in these six markets comes as owners and developers

of renewable energy projects were seeking to tap into new sources of financing, including from institutional investors such as pension funds.

It however, noted that to make investments in renewable energy more attractive to these investors, projects must become less risky, all the way through from early stage construction to operation.

Commenting on the report, Juerg Trueb, head of Environmental and Commodity Markets at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions said, “New solar parks and wind farms require enormous investments.

Not only that, you are also asking investors to put their money into relatively new and sometimes less mature technologies. To reassure investors you really need sound risk management.

“Insurance is not a silver bullet. But by mitigating the risk in the construction phase and improving the consistency and surety of revenues during operation, insurance can help improve the return on investment for renewable energy projects.

“This, in turn, would allow

the sector to attract the scale of investment necessary to put the world’s energy mix on a more sustainable footing.”

Continuing, the report said, “Growing offshore wind deployment is another reason why insurance considerations are moving to the fore.

“Besides the technological complexity involved, offshore wind farms are exposed to adverse weather and operate in very difficult geographic conditions. Damage, delays and downtimes are not uncommon and can significantly reduce the expected returns on investment.

“Risk transfer products are available to manage risks associated with the development and operation of renewable energy projects.

Besides protecting against physical accidents or delays due to inclement weather, insurance can also help to reduce revenue volatility.

“It can do this by compensating for the periods when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow or when energy prices fluctuate in the market.”

Airtel, Partners Unveil Free Insurance Product Airtel, a leading GSM telecommunication company in Nigeria is collaborating with MicroEnsure and Cornerstone Insurance to launch its latest, free insurance product.

Chief commercial officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa disclosed this in Lagos last week, explaining that majority of Nigerians

especially the middle and low income earners in Nigeria cannot afford most available insurance policies due to income levels and complicated insurance processes. He said the Airtel Insurance plan on the other hand was designed to make affordable insurance available to everyone in a simple manner.

“In line with our vision to enrich the lives of Nigerians and offer them quality services, Airtel Nigeria collaborated with two very reputable insurance organisations to package this innovative product which guarantees our customers quality, affordable and accessible insurance services.

An Industry-leading cyber security technologies and services, has initiated a system to help brokers and underwriters gauge and minimise clients’ exposure to cyber risks.

MILPITAS the leader in stopping today’s advanced cyber attacks disclosed the emergence of Cyber Risk Evaluation and Threat Engagement (CREATE) programme to help address insurance brokers’ and underwriters’ critical need to gain visibility into enterprises’ exposure to cyber threats.

Lockton, Inc., the largest privately held, independent insurance broker in the world, will serve as the CREATE programme’s inaugural partner.

The CREATE

programme uses the FireEye Threat Prevention Platform technologies and services to help insurance brokers and underwriters assess organisations’ cyber defense postures against today’s threats.

In addition, CREATE will allow for insurers to quickly utilise the FireEye Threat Prevention Platform for breach assessments, managed services, and incident response services within their clients’ engagements.

“Cyber insurance is a growing, essential corporate reality as advanced, targeted attacks and nation-state sponsored cyber attacks continue to increase,” said Steve Pataky, of worldwide channels and

Experts Want Entertainment Industry To Embrace Insurance The Director- general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, has stressed the urgent need for those in the entertainment industry to take up insurance policies.

The DG, who spoke at the Nigerian entertainment industry first health insurance convention in Lagos on the topic, “The Health Implications of Celebrity Lifestyle,” addressed key sensitive issues and their attendant risks and challenges.

Orhii pointed to the fact that those performing in the industry were prone to many health risks largely due to their choice of foods, drinks and creams.

He said so many of them had adopted some of the above lifestyle all in an attempt to stay trendy.

Also at the event, the executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Femi Thomas, also offered tips on how they could stay healthy in his topic ‘The Benefits of Health Insurance.”

The session revealed the different plans available under health insurance and benefits attached to it and over 90 percent of the attendees indicated interest in the questionnaire to subscribe to health insurance.

The Lagos State commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris, who was represented by a director in the ministry Dr Bukola

Monday, August 11, 2014

23

24 CAPITAL MARKET/BUSINESS

Monday, August 11, 2014

CAPITAL MARKET REPORTS

Market Rebound, NSE Index Up By 1.58%

45% Quoted Firms File Earnings Reports Ahead Of Deadline Stories By Olushola Bello

As the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) moves to realise its quest of becoming the gateway to African markets, it is taking steps to ensure timely filing of earnings reports by quoted companies.

Data obtained from the NSE showed that in the first quarter of the year, 48.69 per cent of companies filed their results, while 51.31 per cent are yet to submit their reports.

For the second quarter results ending June, 2014, 86 companies have filed in their result, representing 45.03 per cent as at August 7, 2014. This is a good response as it showed that some companies are beginning to react to the post-listing requirements.

One of the post-listing rules of the NSE requires quoted companies to submit their earnings reports not later than three months after the expiration of the period. NSE’s regulatory filing calendar for companies with June as their second quarter indicates that the deadline for submission of the second quarter report for such companies will be September 30. Recently, the NSE has indicated its intention to delist 21 companies for failure to comply with post-listing requirements and has given the affected companies a threemonth statutory notice, up until September 2014, to comply or be delisted.

Over time, capital market operators and shareholders associations have called for stronger regulatory oversight for listed companies.

According to them, with shareholders having limited opportunities to interact with the management and boards of

companies in which they have investments, it is up to the regulators to ensure that the companies operate based on the highest standards.

The monthly NSE’s X-Compliance Report, a transparency initiative of the exchange aimed at maintaining market integrity and protecting investors by providing compliance-related information on all listed companies show fines or sanctions being imposed by the NSE to curb infractions by defaulting companies.

The managing director of GTI securities Limited, Mr Tunde Oyekunle, said, “We acknowledge the efforts of the present leadership of the NSE to enforce the rule on companies’ rendition of audited accounts. The zero tolerance and imposition of fine for default companies is in order. Strict monitoring and enforcement of the NSE rules have become expedient to act as a deterrent to intending offenders.

The crash of the capital market in 2008 and its telling effects on the economy ought to be a reminder that nothing should be taken for granted since the equities of the companies listed on the exchange constitute about 60 per cent of the stocks in the economy.

He pointed out that the current reforms in the capital market have aimed at strengthening corporate governance and transparency by all companies listed on the exchange, saying that there should be no laxity to ensure safety of public funds.

The president of Progressive Shareholders Association, Mr Boniface Okezie, said there was need for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NSE to do more in ensuring

that companies comply with corporate governance guidelines.

He said in addition to ensuring that companies complied fully with disclosure guidelines, the regulators should strengthen rules revolving around such issues as share buy-back and rights issuance.

He added, “If the activities of companies are not properly regulated, there will be problems in the market.”

According to a senior broker with Foresight Securities and Investment, Mr Charles Fakrogha, the NSE and SEC were guiding the market in the right direction. He, however, called for stiffer sanctions for companies violating guidelines.

For instance, he said while the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting standards introduced for companies was aimed at boosting transparency, it was unfortunate that not all companies had complied.

“I also want the regulators to review some rules to allow for the imposition of better sanctions for companies,” he said.

However, the chief executive officer, NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, recently said that the NSE had taken a tough stand on errant companies in recent times.

Onyema, who said fines imposed on listed companies in 2013 amounted to N61.2 million, noted that the figure showed that the NSE was not keen to letting companies get away with infractions.

Onyema, however, said the NSE was in talk with companies and relevant insurance authorities to fast track the resolution of the problems.

The Nigerian equities market reversed the bearish trend of the recent time as the NSE Index gained 1.58 per cent last week.

The All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 664.06 points or 1.58 per cent to close at 42,598.46 as against the 41,934.40 achieved the previous week.

Equally, the market capitalisation appreciated by N219 billion or 1.58 per cent to close at N14.066 trillion when compared with the N13.847 trillion posted the previous week.

Analysis of the price movement chart for last week indicated that Conoil topped the gainers’ table by 21.52 per cent or N13.41 to close at N75.73 per share. Courteville Business Solution came second on the activity chart with 11.76 or 6 kobo to close at 57 kobo while Parma-Deko appreciated by 10 per cent or 18 kobo to close at N1.98 per share.

On the other hand, Neimeth led the losers’ chart for the week by 10.74 per cent or 13 kobo to close at N1.08 per share. Continental Reinsurance trailed with a loss of 10.71 per cent or 12 kobo to close at N1, while Prestige Assurance dipped by 7.41 per cent or 4 kobo to close at 50 kobo per share.

A total of 1.430 billion shares worth N20.19 billion were transacted in 26,209 deals from the 1.345 billion shares worth N19.58 billion traded in 17,075 deals for the previous week.

Forte Oil Grows H1 Profit By 125.3%

Forte Oil Plc has declared a growth of 125.3 per cent during its half-year ended June 30, 2014.

According to the company’s results, profit after tax (PAT) grew by 125.3 per cent to N3.134 billion from N1.391 billion reported in the same period of 2013.

Revenue increased by 32.8 per cent to N79.606 billion in the first half of 2014 from N59.960 billion declared in the same quarter of 2013.

The chief financial officer of Forte Oil, Julius Omodayo-Owotuga, said, “Achieving 152 per cent growth in profitability in the company’s third year of transformation is a clear indication that the milestones set in its restructure programme are being met earlier than envisaged.

“Our half year results for 2014 which exhibits consistent and sustainable growth for both revenue and profits is an affirmation of the resilience of our businesses and a true test of our business transformation strategy despite the adverse impact of petroleum product scarcity experienced in the first quarter of the year,” he said.

CWG Partners SES To Boost Operation

If the activities of companies are not properly regulated, there will be problems in the market

Computer Warehouse Group Plc has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of its collaboration with SES (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) to launch a new digital TV platform for West Africa on SES’s ASTRA 2F satellite at 28.2 degrees East.

This independent and neutral TV platform in Nigeria will be the country’s first free-to-air DTH digital TV platform and provide the opportunity for broadcasters to reach millions of satellite homes in West Africa which are pointing their dishes to 28.2 degrees East. This will allow the broadcasters to be able to migrate from analogue to digital TV to meet the digital migration deadline in June 2015.

This new platform will also provide additional growth opportunities for local and international broadcasters.

Monday, August 11, 2014

25

26

Monday, August 11, 2014

appointment well deserved

W

e rejoice and congratulate you and your family on your appointment as the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

MR. OSITA CHIDOK

Honourable Minister of Avia

Your appointment is well deserved.

It is a fall-out from the quest for excellence and competence which you clearly stood-out and the disposition to continuity and stability in the running of the affairs of the Corps.

We rejoice and congratulate you and your family on your appointme Aviation by Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, the President, F

Your appointment is indeed a testimony of your exemplary leader We pray that Almighty God guide and service to the nation and humanity. protect you in the challenges ahead.

We pray that may Almighty God guide and protect you in Signed: Signed: Management Management

LIMITED PURE TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.

PURE TECHNICAL SERVICES L No. 5, Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki - Abuja.

Tel: 0709 850 4929, 0709 850 4930, 0809 523 6554 E-mail: info@puretechnicalservices.net Website: www.puretechnicalservices.net

MR. BOBOYE

OYEYEMI

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

Port Harcourt Street Off Gimbiya Way, Area II Gark 4/6 Shehu Crescent P. O. Box 3268, GRA Kadu Tel: +234 62 247875 E-mail: info@spdconsortiu

27

Monday, August 11, 2014

wishing you a

safe ight!

.

Your appointment is indeed a testimony of your selless service to the nation and humanity.

You had a good ride and we are now wishing you a safe ight as you pilot the Aviation Industry.

No. 5, Port Harcourt Crescent, O Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki - Abuja.

Tel: 0709 850 4929, 0709 850 4930, 0809 523 6554 E-mail: info@puretechnicalservices.net Website: www.puretechnicalservices.net

28 BUSINESS/insurance

Monday, August 11, 2014

Takaful Investment Considerations

One of the most challenging aspects of insurance business is how to manage money received as premium or contribution in relation to the time interval for paying out money as claims. Unlike the banking practice where a depositor is not normally expected to draw beyond his deposits, the insurance operator is on the contrary expected to pay back the policy holder an amount that is proportionate to the sum insured in favor of the agreed risk cover. Therefore, apart from maintaining liquidity similar to the banking operations, since claims administration and management is equally a daily routine in the insurance operation, the insurance operator is tasked with the job to match the maturity of his investments with the risk profile of the participants or policy holders in order to function effectively in the business industry.

This also means that a Takaful insurance operator is to strategically consider the maturity matching approach as an investment mechanism in dealing with liquidity issues of the business at hand.

Consequently, matching investments with risk profile of the Takaful participants requires that short term assets like that of general Takaful be invested in short term financial instruments and long term assets which consist of the family (life) aspect of Takaful be invested in long term financial instruments.

In matching investments and the profile of the participants risk fund, it also essential for the Takaful operator to bear in mind that there is nothing like short term or long term liability as far as risk crystallization is concerned. However, an operator may consider what type of risk is short term or long term based on the classes of the Takaful insurance business that has been duly underwritten under the each particular scheme.

This also suggest that Takaful operators requires the expertise of qualified asset or investment managers and proven Retakaful operators who will meet their demands whenever possible.

Again, unlike conventional insurance operators, Takaful operators face the challenge

focus on insurance

By Ahmad U. Kollere

in securing unrestricted asset and liability matching investments that guarantees their liquidity posture in the business environment.

But the good news is that the recent initiation of sukuk (Islamic bonds) and Shariah based mutual funds in the capital market as new types of investment opportunities, the potential Takaful operators are inclined to enjoy such avenues as Shariah complaint means to get returns at regular periods.

Therefore, it is required for both General and Family (Life) Takaful operators to match their risk profile with investment of funds in a manner that will meet their maturity obligations and at the same time Commissioner for Insura nce, Fola Daniel avoiding gratuitous loss of assets. This accrued type of approach is friendly in income from investments, maintaining the positive shape profit shares and less paid of the liquidity profile of the claims, underwriting expenses, Takaful business. However, operational costs and fees or just like any shareholder in the taxes. It is this total balance that business, a Takaful participant General Takaful participants also enjoys the privilege of share with the operator on knowing the nature and type of investments an operator is likely the basis of mutually preagreed ratio. Therefore, to be involved in and of course the issue of distribution of all investments are done with surplus in Takaful comes only ethical or shariah complaint after fulfilling or meeting products. the Shariah obligation of helping participants who have Surplus distribution and become victims of various risk Profit sharing in Takaful: crystallization.

Undoubtedly, the idea of Takaful insurance business surplus distribution especially in General Takaful and investment is normally expected to declare surplus from the risk fund if the profit sharing in all takaful following three key areas are undertakings presents another very striking difference between carried out with professionalism.

(1) Correct pricing of conventional insurance practice participants contribution (2) and the Takaful insurance. This Prudent Underwriting of risk (3) lead us to ask the question what Adequate Retakaful protection. does surplus means and how Surplus is always declared based does participants receive profit on the success recorded in these in Takaful operations. important areas of technical In Takaful business a surplus operations. The main contention is regarded as the overall on the principle for the sharing excess of funds in relation to of surplus is the donation or gift participant’s contributions,

(Tabarru) aspect of the General Takaful concept. That is the reason for various scholastic positions on whether sharing of surplus between General Takaful participants and operators is lawful or not in Islam. Scholars who do not subscribe to this surplus sharing argue that taking back gift is clearly forbidden in both Qur’an and the Sunnah of the prophet of Islam.

Nonetheless, according to Dr. Asyrafwajdi “a Takaful contract cannot be considered a pure Tabarrru contract but rather it can be qualified as a conditional Tabarru contract”. This idea of conditional Tabarru is further explained due to some reasons which is thus summarized as follows: (1) That a Takaful participant’s intention is not entirely for donation (Tabarru) rather but to gain eligibility in order to claim benefit from the scheme (2) That the right to claim benefit by a Takaful participant also qualifies the same participant to other

ancillary benefits attached to the scheme. Therefore, if invariably there is surplus in the risk fund all participants are naturally entitled to it since they are the rightful owners of that fund.

(3) That the idea of donation by paying contributions is done in order to satisfy the Shariah need for mutuality and communalism (Ta’awuni) enjoined in the Takaful scheme. (4) That even if Takaful Contributions are made based on 100% Tabarru, that does not suggest participant’s forfeiture of his rights on the whole scheme, moreover surplus is only shared after fulfilling the all the liabilities and obligations of the scheme. Since all these reasons can be lucidly explained as the rationale for rendering surplus to general Takaful participants and operators, one can comprehend the idea of surplus sharing especially in General Takaful operations as fit for the purpose of the Takaful scheme.

Therefore, it is in the light of all these arguments that, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) brought out a valid suggestions on adopting the principle of Iltizam bil Tabarru (pledge or commitment to donate).

This gives the participants the ownership rights over the scheme while still having the firm commitment of mutual assistance (Ta’awuni) on the premise that a balance, if any, will be returned by the fund manager for distribution between the donating participants or owners of the fund in proportion to their initial contribution.

Part of the surplus is sometimes agreed to create reserve for the going concern of the Takaful risk fund. It is interesting to indicate that annual surplus distribution in Takaful insurance scheme has become a normal phenomenon of Takaful undertakings especially in the Gambian and Kenyan business climes. This aspect of surplus distribution represents another unique and significant element of Takaful insurance which helps in boosting the business popularity and continuation of the Takaful operation as a viable economic entity in the financial service industry.

Insurance Industry Contribution To GDP Crashed In 2 Years The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has lamented low contribution of insurance to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last two years.

The commission blamed the declining performance to the rebasing of the economy. It

regretted that the sector had a lot to offer the economy, but the sector’s potentials are yet to be fully explored.

According figures released by the commission, insurance sector contributed 0.6 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product between 2012 and 2013

representing a drop of 0.1 from its previous contribution of 0.7 per cent.

Commissioner for insurance Fola Daniel said that fresh strategies and initiatives are required to strength the industry following the recent rebasing of the GDP which has reduced

the sector’s contribution to the economy from 0.7 per cent to 0.6 per cent.

According to Daniel, In the last four years, NAICOM has consistently initiated developmental policies aimed at strengthening and deepening insurance penetration in

order to enhance the sector’s contribution to the GDP through its Market Development and Restructuring Initiative.

He said time has come for all hands must be on deck to deepen insurance penetration in the country and raise the level of professionalism of operators.

Monday, August 11, 2014

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Monday, August 11, 2014

health

31

Monday, August 11, 2014

575

$200m

No fewer than 575 physically challenged persons in Kogi state have benefitted from free wheelchairs provided by The World Bank on Monday pledged as much as $200 million the Associated Resource Health Centre based in the in emergency funding to help three West African nations fight United States of America. the deadly Ebola epidemic following requests from the World Health Organisation and officials from the three countries.

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

health@leadership.ng, 08116706845

Top 7

Facts About Ebola

It seems ➊ to start in wild animals and bush meat After expo➋ sure, Ebola can manifest within 2-21 days

Regular Washing Of Hands Can Save You From Ebola Virus Since the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in some West African countries, particularly the death of its first Nigerian victim last week, the need for everyone to exercise utmost care to avoid contacting the disease should not be over stressed.

WINIFRED OGBEBO, in this piece, talks about how simple hand washing can save people from contacting the virus.

Top 3 Headline ➊ Experts Encour-

age Brushing Twice Daily

➋ New Study

Shows Aspirin Can Reduce Cancer Risk

➌ Rancour In Health Sector Unfortunate – Adeyeye

We are no doubt in a season of the deadly Ebola virus, which has taken out almost 1000 lives since its outbreak in the three West African nations of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia a couple of weeks ago.

It claimed its first Nigerian victim last week. As the world braces up to the reality of this disease, do you know that there are simple, easy, cost effective measures that could save one from it and indeed a number of other infectious diseases?

There is an abundance of evidence showing the critical importance of hygiene behaviour in reducing sanitation-related sicknesses and death.

The call for regular hand washing has re-echoed following the

outbreak of this disease.

According to experts, the main medical purpose of washing hands is to cleanse them of pathogens (including bacteria or viruses) and chemicals which can cause personal harm or diseases. This is especially important for people who handle food or work in the medical field and indeed everybody.

A medical doctor, Nelvin Eze, said, “people can become infected with respiratory illnesses such as influenza or the common cold, for example, if they don’t wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose or mouth. “ The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said “one of the most important measures for preventing the spread of pathogens

is effective hand washing. This hygienic behaviour has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of child deaths from diarrhoea (the second leading cause of child deaths) by almost half and from pneumonia (the leading cause of child deaths) by one-quarter which together are responsible for approximately 3.5 million child deaths every year.”

By washing hands with soap, families and communities can help reduce child morbidity rates from diarrheal diseases by almost 50 per cent.”

The chief medical director of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and an expert in Internal Medicine, Prof. Etete Peters, said people could live healthy by adopting the universal protective method, so as to prevent contacting the deadly disease.

He said hand washing with soap, particularly after using the toilet and before eating, could significantly impact health, survival, child mortality, and help reduce poverty.

To ensure that the hand wash campaign reaches the grassroots across the country, the federal

government , two years, ago flagged off the crusade in six tertiary hospitals selected from each geo-political zones of the federation.

Speaking at the one-day international event campaign on the need for habitual hand washing in Abuja, with the theme ‘Promoting hand hygiene, protecting national health and improving productivity,’ the Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said over 50 per cent of deaths in Africa and 31 percent of death in South-East Asia were caused by infections.

According to him, the fact that only five percent of such deaths are caused in Europe means that the Europeans are used to hygiene while the developing nations are battling to reduce their rate of infections.

“We live in a challenging era of numerous emerging communicable diseases with the potentials of causing high morbidity and mortality in human. The prevalence of these deadly diseases which results from poor hygiene can be drastically minimized through proper hygiene,” the minister

Ebola does ➌ not spread like flu as it spreads through droplets Ebola is ➍ highly contagious as spreads through contact with bodily fluids The symp➎ toms make prevention more difficult such as diarrhea, vomit, bleedings Ebola is ➏ contagious after symptoms stops or victim dies There are ➐ protective measures like wearing masks, keeping clean

32

32 HEALTH/NEWS

Monday, August 11, 2014

Regular Washing Of Hands Can Save You From Ebola Virus 31

added.

Speaking at the event, an American physician, Joyce Hightower, noted that dirty hands are as harmful as any disease anyone might be infected with.

According to her, failure by many people to wash their hands moments after they had contact with substances, use lavatory, or expose such hands to intangible things often lead to avoidable infections, which she said, could also be compounded at clinics when health providers too do not imbibe the habit of keeping their hands clean before administering medics on their patients. She said care givers could transmit more of infections if they were not hygieneconscious.

In her address, the manager, African Partnership for Patient Safety, Dr. Sylvia Kama-Kieghe said many people, especially children, do not wash their hands, which she noted could pose serious danger to their well-being.

Noting that water and soap are fundamental in hand washing, she counseled that alcohol-based or sanitized gel could be used to ensure human hands are clean to prevent infections such as cold, coughs and numerous preventable others.

The World Health Organisation’s guideline for washing of hands, identified when to wash ones hands with soap. These are: after using a bathroom (private or public), after changing a diaper,

before feeding a child, before eating and before preparing food or handling raw meat, fish, or poultry, or any other situation leading to potential contamination.

To reduce the spread of germs, WHO says it’s also better to wash the hands and/or use a hand antiseptic before and after tending to a sick person. “If your hands are not visibly dirty or soiled, washing one’s hands with a good hand antiseptic is the most effective overall way to prevent the spread of infectious disease; If your hands are dirty or soiled, washing your hands with soap and water followed by a good hand antiseptic is the most effective overall way to prevent the spread of infectious disease,” it further states.

A medical microbiologist, Yemi Gbadeyesin, said the application of water alone is inefficient for cleaning skin because water is often unable to remove fats, oils, and proteins, which are components of organic soil.

His words,” to remove pathogens, two gallons of water per minute is needed in washing hands using flowing water. Therefore, removal of microorganisms from skin requires the addition of soaps or detergents to water.”

With Ebola virus on the rampage, it behoves on everyone to take this simple advice of engaging in regular hand washing in order to escape the deadly virus.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure.

water, taken in moderation cannot hurt anybody

New Study Shows Aspirin Can Reduce Cancer Risk Though commonly prescribed as a pain reliever, new research studies are raising hope for aspirin use in preventing the development of various types of cancer. VICTOR OKEKE examines this.

A

Aspirin is showing promise in preventing certain types of cancer, but it’s vital that we balance this with the complications it can cause

n aspirin a day could dramatically cut people’s chances of getting and dying from common cancers, according to the most detailed review yet of the cheap drug’s ability to stem disease.

More than 130,000 deaths would be avoided over a 20- year period if 50- to 64-year-olds took a daily aspirin for 10 years, because the beneficial effects continue even when the aspirin is stopped, the authors say. However, to obtain the newfound benefits of the drug, people would have to take aspirin for at least five years and probably 10, the review said.

Aspirin was originally developed as a painkiller and treatment for fever and inflammation, but more than a century after it was first synthesised from willow bark, researchers have found more medical uses for it. It has been demonstrated to reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes as well as the chances of some cancers.

But the big question has been whether the benefits outweigh the harms, because aspirin can cause stomach bleeds, which could be potentially fatal in some people. Concluding that the benefits outweighed the risks, the researchers, writing in the cancer journal Annals Oncology, said that by taking low-dose aspirin every day for 10 years, bowel cancer cases could be cut by about 35% and deaths by 40%. Aspirin could reduce rates of oesophageal and stomach cancers by 30% and deaths from them by 35% to 50%.

However, taking aspirin every day for 10 years increases the risk

of stomach bleeds among 60-yearolds from 2.2% to 3.6%. In about 5% of those who have a stomach bleed, it could be fatal.

A second risk is stroke. Aspirin is already given to some people to reduce their risk of heart attacks or ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots, which it does by thinning the blood. But it is likely to worsen a haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain.

The study also shows that 10 years of aspirin reduces heart attacks by 18% and deaths by 5%, but although it reduces stroke numbers by 5%, there is a 21% increase in deaths.

All the cancers in which aspirin has a beneficial effect have some lifestyle causes – from smoking in lung cancer to alcohol in oesophageal cancer and obesity in all of them.

“Aspirin is showing promise in preventing certain types of cancer, but it’s vital that we balance this with the complications it can cause – such as bleeding, stomach ulcers, or even strokes in some people,” said Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at CRUK. Before aspirin can be recommended for cancer prevention some important questions need to be answered, including what is the best dose and how long people should take it for.

Aspirin also has a smaller preventive effect on other major cancers, according to the research paper. It could reduce the number of lung cancers by 5% and deaths by 15%. It could cut prostate cancers by 10% and deaths by 15%, and breast cancers by 10%, with a reduction in deaths of 5%.

Aspirin Tablets

HEALTH/NEWS 33

Monday, August 11, 2014

Director-General NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, Mrs. Irene Ajufo ( Rep of Hon Min of Women Affair, Ms Ifeoma Madueke( UNDP Rep), Mr Peter Mancha and Dr Yinka Falola ( Rep of DG NACA) while other guests look on during the launching of NAFDAC Gender Policy handbook in Abuja

Experts Encourage Brushing Twice Daily

By Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos

Professor of Dentistry at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Adeyemi Olusile, has said that brushing the teeth twice daily can prevent tooth decay.

Olusile, who spoke at the Smile Pledge event organised by Unilever Nigeria in Lagos on last week, added that the move would help

reduce mouth odour.

He said, “Bacteria have means of sticking to our mouth, and if we do not brush them properly in the morning and night, they cause holes in our teeth. Therefore, we must brush our mouth twice daily with calcium and fluoride filled toothpaste. It reduces bacteria in our mouth and makes it not to smell and lead to tooth cavities.”

According to him, tooth cavity is a bacterial infection that causes removal of mineral irons from the enamel and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.

Insisting on brushing twice daily, Olusile added that the move would ensure that food debris did not accumulate on the tooth surface.

The Brand Building Director,

Unilever Nigeria, Mr. David Okeme, also urged children to the campaign to brush twice daily as this would help them to develop good oral habits.

Okeme added that the company had presented N10m worth of Pepsodent toothpaste to Nigerian Red Cross Society for children in displacement camps across the country.

LUTH Conducts 3 Open Heart Surgeries

By Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), rising up as a flagship of tertiary health care, has carried out open heart surgery in three children with congenital heart problems and one renal transplant.

The surgery, which was carried out in collaboration with Frontier Lifeline, India, had 10 foreign medical experts from India, Turkey, Switzerland and Greece. The team also included medical experts from the LUTH. The exercise lasted about two days.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of LUTH, Professor Akin Osibogun during a press briefing said “LUTH has joined the league of Nigerian hospitals with the capability to perform open heart surgeries. The surgeries were conducted on three patients and all three of them

are in stable conditions in the intensive care unit of the hospital and are ready to go to their respective homes”.

Professor Osibogun who said “the patients include an 18months old girl who had congenital heart disease with multiple holes which have been closed, a 23years old undergraduate with a hole in the heart and tears in the heart valve also has a successful operation and is ready to go home and a 7years old boy with hypertrophy of the right ventricle which has also been corrected and has hope to live as long as any normal human being” The CMD also said that as the open heart surgeries were going on, a renal transplant was also going on simultaneously. “A 15years old girl who had a nephritic syndrome which led to the kidney failure was also operated upon, she had her parents’ cousin

donate a kidney to her and she is also in a stable condition”, he said.

According to Osibogun, these kind of surgeries will occur more regularly as this would reduce the incidence of medical tourism by providing such high standard surgeries to Nigerians at an affordable cost.

“Once the patients present, we will pull them together and we are able to do this on a regular basis. This has shown a renewed hope in patients who have been on the line. We are enrolling the patients now and soon, we will be doing more surgeries”, He said.

The cost of the surgeries according to the CMD is far cheaper than travelling abroad.

The cost of an open heart surgery is about two million naira while the cost of a renal transplant is oer two million naira bt less than three million naira.

Private Sector Provides 60% Family Planning In Nigeria

By Victor Okeke, Abuja

A new survey has revealed that the private sector is a major provider of family planning and other health services in the country as it provides sixty per cent of all family planning commodities.

The study which was conducted

by Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development

(USAID), stated that there are other ways in which the private sector may be better used to increase access to family planning and increase the quality of overall health care.’

‘SHOPS aims to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and provide high quality maternal and health services, ‘ Michael Harvey USAID Country Director said.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Health, represented by the director of family health, Federal Ministry of Health

Dr. Wapada Balami, said ‘government and SHOPS are presently working on an arrangement where public sector family planning commodities are given to SHOPS for distribution to private health providers at highly subsidized rates in states where the project is being implemented.’

According to the survey reviewer, Sikiru Baruwa, ‘the ratio of private health facilities to total population is substantially higher in Lagos than in other states.’

6m

Presently, tobacco kills nearly six million people each year with approximately 70 per cent of the deaths occurring in developing countries.

4,000

Nicotine is one of the 4,000 chemicals in cigarette and its smoke. It is the chemical that makes tobacco addictive or habit forming.

Among these toxic chemicals are over 50 others that are carcinogens (cancer causing agents)

N36, 000

Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has approved N36,000 yearly for medical bills of each civil servant.

Heat exhaustion

is a heat-related illness that can occur after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have become dehydrated Types of heat exhaustion Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.

Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Although heat exhaustion isn’t as serious as heat stroke, it isn’t something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Symptoms • Confusion • Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration) • Dizziness • Fainting • Fatigue • Headache • Muscle cramps • Nausea • Pale skin • Profuse sweating • Rapid heartbeat Treatment If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an airconditioned room. If you can’t get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.

Other recommended strategies include • Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol).

• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.

Affordable Care Act: Preventive Health For Women Whether you just want an annual physical exam or are having a baby, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurers to cover a wide range of preventive health services for women. Here’s a look at some of the services that are covered without copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. Check your policy’s benefits for details, because specific coverage is different from plan to plan.

Heart disease prevention -- You can get regular blood pressure and cholesterol screening tests for free.

If you have high blood pressure, you can also get screening tests for type 2 diabetes. You should get blood pressure screening tests at least every 2 years, starting when you’re 18. If you have high blood pressure, you will need to be checked more often.

34 HEALTH

Monday, August 11, 2014

Rancour In Health Sector Unfortunate – Adeyeye

Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye doubles as a medical doctor and lawmaker. He spoke with TAIWO OGUNMOLA OMILANI on the ongoing strike by the doctors and other related matters

short BIO OF Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye

Adeyeye is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and also a medical doctor

Dr Biodun Ogungbo MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc. Consultant Neurosurgeon

08122221616 (SMS only)

How To Get A Woman Into Bed?

The men I was listening to the radio the other day and the discussion was about how difficult it was to chat up and date Nigerian women. The callers were mostly men who felt that the women were too guarded and hardened. One said that the only word women appreciated was ‘Naira’. That Nigerian women were too materialistic and frustrating the men folk.

As a medical doctor and also a government official, how can the current strike of NMA be resolved?

The strike by the doctors is unfortunate. I am not happy when I see that hospitals are closed, particularly public hospitals in our own society where there are so many people who cannot access private healthcare. I want us to also look at why they go on strike. I don’t want to hold brief for NMA; I will limit my reaction to what we see on the electronic and print media. There is this unhealthy rivalry in the health sector, where you see that nurses, lab technologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and all the allied health professionals are on one side and the doctors are on another side. It is unfortunate.

I am a medical doctor and no matter how dispassionate I am, the average person listening to me is likely to still see it as a biased comment. The reality is that what we met when we were training and what we graduated to know was that doctors are the leaders of the health sector, it is not important whether a doctor graduated and he now has to work with a nurse or lab doctor that graduated 30 or 40 years ago, the moment he assumes the role of a doctor, he becomes the leader of the team.

First and foremost, everybody that leaves his house to the hospital comes to see a doctor, nobody leaves his house to see a nurse or a lab technologist or a physiotherapist, it is a doctor that will see you and decides that you need drugs, so go and see the pharmacists, he is the one that would say what you need is just an advice.

That was what we met on ground.

If you conduct a ward round, even as a house officer, when I conducted my ward round in LUTH, very senior matrons would follow me around, they are not following you because you are their boss, I was just on level 9 as an house officer, some of them were on level 16, it has to do with the profession, which I represent and the one they represent. If I am there and you are not there to hear my instructions, you are not likely to carry out the instructions to the benefit of the patient.

It is a profession that requires very rigorous learning and it is not something you just come about by the way. It is the only profession in the medical field, where you are taught everything, you are taught physiotherapy, nursing, pharma-

Surgeon’s Turf

The women Many women feel that the men were always hassling them and only interested in chatting them up for sex. Even married men with children, pester and molest women and girls old enough to be their daughters. That sexual molestation and assault was way too common and way too uncouth, unskilled and in your face: especially from ugly men who use their position, power to try and get sex.

So there is frustration on both sides. The following therefore is what women want and a blueprint of how to get a woman into a relationship.

Adeyeye

cy and others because you are supposed to know a little about everything on the field. You are even taught how to lay a bed because if they did not lay the bed very well, you would be able to tell them to do it well. I don’t know how they want non-allied professionals to head hospitals. I have said it many times that I have no problem having a non-allied professional being a commissioner for health or minister of health, it means nothing to me, but I probably would have a problem with the permanent secretary of the ministry of health not being a medical doctor because he would probably not know what he is doing and that is the truth.

What do you think about the effect of doctors’ strike on the society?

I have heard this question since I became a medical doctor, but I disagree with anybody that says I must not seek a livelihood. Yes, medicine is a profession, but it is the livelihood of those that are practising the profession; in everything you do, survival is number one, you must survive first.

Your wife goes to the same market like that of the doctors, your children attend the same schools like those of doctor, he would not go to another planet to go and rent houses, he still rents the houses that are available around. The reality is that many doctors cannot train their own children to become doctors because to become a doctor now, you have to go to a good secondary school to learn better and make the kind of grades that would allow you to study medicine. Unfortunately, our doctors have been impoverished such that they cannot afford

to put their children in the kind of schools that would make them gain admission to study medicine.

Intra-professional rancour is not a Nigerian thing, it is worldwide.

Elsewhere, they bring in administrators to manage the hospitals and you have a lot of things in the system, what do you say to this?

Professional rancour is not happening world over, I disagree with you on your submission. It is only in this part of the world that people do not believe in what they are practicing or are happy doing what they are doing. You have cleaners all over the world; a cleaner knows his job is to clean and if he doesn’t clean, you cannot do your job and he is happy doing it. He knows he is not a doctor and a doctor cannot also be a cleaner.

You find somebody who is a professional driver, you need him, if he doesn’t drive you, you cannot do your own job. You need to answer phone calls and read newspapers to know what is going on, so somebody has to drive you, he must derive satisfaction in driving. What I think we should be striving to get is that by being a driver, you should look for a society that can give you all what you want and be satisfied rather than envying another professional.

We need each other, we are inter-dependent; you are a reporter, we should just ensure that you are happy doing your job. That is the way the civil service is structured, you can find a cleaner, who is a level 10 officer and you can also find a doctor, who is a level 9 officer, and they are not reporting to one another.

The issue of consultancy, it is clear that nobody can be a doctor if you are not a medical doctor.

Be appreciative Women like to be complimented. Tell her she looks nice, beautiful or hot as the case may be.

Compliment her hair especially if she had spent time frying her head in the ‘microwave’ to make it straight (No, please don’t go sticking your heads in the microwave!).

Be Patient Take life easy and enjoy the moment, her company and the conversation. Understand who she is, where she is from and where she is headed in life. Show interest in her interests and the barricades will come down. Be awesome, patient and hot, and eventually things will happen.

Learn to flirt creatively Be subtle but use conversation to flirt. Use her words and innuendos to get messages across and get her thinking about afters. Sometimes when you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, the anticipation of seeing each other goes away. So recapture the spark by sending suggestive text messages, emails or sly touches of her favourite places.

Act and be in control Women like a man who is in control and takes charge. Plan dates from start to finish and make it happen as planned. Knowing you took the time to ensure you have fun times together outside the bedroom, gets women amped to have a good time in the bedroom.

Cook a meal Women love to feel spoilt and they know if you can cook, you can take care of them. So, pop to the market and select ingredients for your woman today. Cook dinner and add mood enhancers.

I’m talking about a clean apartment, good background music, maybe some flowers on the table with chocolate for dessert.

Learn how to kiss Almost everyone receives or gives a kiss at some point in their life. A kiss can be placed on any part of the face or body. You’ll give an acquaintance a peck on the cheek, a first date a lingering kiss on the lips, and your spouse a passionate French kiss.

Slobbering or suffocating your woman with your tongue is such a turn off. If you need help, try kissing a Coca-Cola bottle or a banana. It’s pretty much as simple as that.

35

issues Monday, August 11, 2014

By Olu Akanmu

If President Jonathan contests election against himself, without an opposition, essentially a national referendum on his performance, it is doubtful given his approval rating that he would win more than 50% of the votes. Public confidence in the government has been eroded by the perception of a weak commitment to fight corruption occasioned by series of corruption allegations and scandals.

Whatever is left of public confidence in the administration was further damaged by Chibok, the view that is held by many Nigerians that the administration failed to rise above politics at critical times to provide decisive, rallying and confident-building leadership in the war against terror.

Positive directional policy reforms of government in agriculture and the economy have been obliterated by corruption and Chibok. Social contract of the state with the citizen, that the Nigerian state would guarantee security of life and property for its citizens in exchange for their submission to the state, has virtually collapsed under the current administration. Nigeria is now officially rated the 15th most failed state in the world, in the same peer group with Yemen, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Somalia.

It is not a descent that we would have imagined ten years back. Watching Afghanistan and Iraq and their bombings on CNN a decade ago used to look so remote, so far away until the bombing of St Theresa’s Church in Abuja on Christmas day, 2011. Whatever political issues are around Boko Haram, the buck stops with the President as the leader of the country to fix them with the right combination of toughness and political dexterity, ensuring that no Nigerian citizen would be murdered in cold blood or kidnapped from fulfilling their life dream.

As we ascended on the failed state index to fifteenth position, we continued to descend to the bottom among the least transparent and most corrupt countries in the world. Nigeria was 37th from bottom among about 180 countries in the Transparency International Index in 2011, 35th from bottom

Nigeria’s Presidential Poll Permutations 2012 and 33rd from bottom 2013. At the current non-linear growth rate of corruption in Nigeria, it will only take us some few more years to sit firmly among the top ten most corrupt countries in the world.

The twin combination of corruption and the failure of the state to guarantee security of life and property for citizens could further accelerate the descent of the Nigerian state into a de-facto failed state like Somali or South-Sudan. While this may sound alarming, we only need to ponder whether we could have imagined this current state of the nation some years back. Anything is possible if the citizens do nothing about it or if they are constrained by the weakness of our political institutions from doing nothing about the current situation.

Given that currently, President Jonathan is not likely to win more than 50% approval for his presidency in a national referendum if he was contesting against himself, (assuming that there is full and high voter turn-out, for such referendum), one would have expected that the opposition would be guaranteed a victory at the next presidential elections.

This is not so especially with the state of the opposition.

While there is a significant and large disenchantment with the current administration, the opposition is failing to harness this disenchantment into a rallying movement beyond its members and its traditional loyal base.

A key feature evolving in the next presidential election is the emergence of a clear large independent swing political voting base, disenchanted with the ruling party but unconvinced by the opposition that it is any different from the ruling party by policy and character to win its votes. This is the base depending on how it votes or its apathy to the election that will swing the presidential elections assuming the elections next year are truly free and fair.

The opposition seem to be suffering from two major critical

Oyegun

A potential opposition victory is possible only if its internal democracy is strong enough to resolve its internal contradictions democratically and heal its fault lines problems that stand between it and electoral victory. First is the lack of a rallying clear and articulated governance value that stands clearly above any perception of politics of political exigency and opportunism.

While it is true, that there is no permanent friend in politics but permanent interests, it is also true that those who take this political principle too far cannot stand for any political value, as their politics become a cocktail of political self-interests and exigencies.

How come those who were in the vanguard of NADECO in the days of Abacha, with the highest of democratic values are in the same boat with those who will lay a red carpet to welcome from prison those who tormented and maimed

members of the same NADECO democratic opposition as field commanders of the Abacha junta?

How frightful it is that those who lay this red carpet are even contemplating picking up the opposition’s presidential ticket and will expect the old NADECO base to vote for it? The second problem of the opposition is the critical fault-line in its party between the Conservative North and its South Western wing. The Northern Conservative wing of the opposition seem to be in the politics of political exigency of returning power to the North by any convenient political alliance after learning in three election failures that the North is no longer politically homogenous.

Its conservative governance and right wing values seem to be anathema to the centre-left political origin and the values of its South Western wing.

These two related internal contradictions seem to be the bane of the opposition, affecting its homogeneity and delaying the emergence of a rallying presidential ticket to challenge the ruling party. How the opposition resolves these internal contradictions will largely determine the outcome of the presidential elections next year assuming that it will be free and fair.

There are two scenarios that could play out in the political opposition. They are the emergence of sectionally popular but nationally unelectable presidential ticket, or the emergence of nationally electable presidential ticket but with the widening and probable cracks in the fault-lines between its conservative North and South West wing which works to weaken its nationally electable Presidential ticket. In the first scenario, the independent swing voters feeling disenchanted and seeing no real alternative to the PDP may be apathetic towards the election. A presidential victory on a narrow electoral base, below 50% of registered voting base becomes a possibility, assuming a free and fair election. In the real sense, such victory will be unpopular and genuinely undemocratic as the large majority that became apathetic to the elections would be really expressing a clear lack of choice among the presidential candidates.

The institutional weakness of our electoral system with regards to party financing and its capture by a narrow elite, and weak internal party democracy would have conspired not to offer real choices to the people. With regards to the two scenarios, a potential opposition victory is possible only if its internal democracy is strong enough to resolve its internal contradictions democratically and heal its fault lines. In the absence of this, the kind of fault-lines that has emerged in its Ogun and Oyo state wings and how it could be potentially exploited by the ruling party at the centre might play out.

History beckons.

– Akanmu publishes a blog on Strategy and Public Policy on http://olusfile.blogspot.com

36 ISSUES

Right Of Reply

Monday, August 11, 2014

Of Impeachment And Juandiced Deductions

By Francis Ede

In a fit of partisan frevour, thinly disguised with the rhetoric of defending the nation’s fledgling democracy, The Guardian newspapers of Thursday, July 31, 2014 descended heavily on the members of Adamawa State House of Assembly for having the courage and boldness to impeach the erstwhile governor of the state, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), whose mind boggling corruption and reckless style of governance while in office was as odious and offensive as to make that impeachment inevitable.

The intention of that editorial was clear from the onset. While bemoaning the fate that has befallen Nyako, it went on to remind us that “it is now a matter of record that for the second time in his political career, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd) was removed from office following his impeachment by the State legislature on 16 counts. In its process and execution, it is doubtful if the exercise has served the cause of democracy or even that of Adamawa citizens. Power it seems has merely changed hands to be used for its own sake.”

And the two times removal record noted by the editors of Guardian, if one read them well will include the judicial sacking of Nyako on issues pertaining to irregularities in the governorship election that brought him to power and consequent upon a petition filed by the opposition party to which Nyako now belongs, and for which the editorial seems to have set out to defend?

The Guardian’s lengthy diatribe

Nyako

against the members of Adamawa State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could at least have been abridged at the point it had the grace to concede that “Nyako is not without guilt, of course.

Having refused to appear before the investigative panel to defend himself, he was found guilty of among other offences of fraudulent diversion of N2.3 billion of workers’ salaries for the months of September and October, 2011 and illegal deduction and diversion of N42 million of workers emoluments in May, this year, while he also expended extra-budgetary funds of nearly N2 billion on fictitious

aides.

He also breached extant Public Procurement Act by fraudulently awarding contracts worth about N8 billion to a company belonging to one of his wives, besides paying out monies for jobs not done.

And the former governor was also found guilty of cronyism, appointing family members and friends into government.”

But to the egg heads and bristling political analysts in The Guardian, these are not enough grounds for impeachment. And this is assuming that these are the only reasons for which Nyako was impeached. And they are not, for facts have since emerged that Nyako left a cumulative liability

for the state to the tune of N80 billion, out of which is N12.8 billion statutory deduction from the state allocation from the center to a bank with which the state has over 31 separate accounts. His media aide was being economical with the truth when he said that the said amount of liability is more than half of what the state earned within the period under review. The truth is that the state within that period got a statutory allocation to the tune of N420 billion.

It has also come to a full disclosure during the public investigation conducted by the Adamawa State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts that all internal revenues accruing to the state are being diverted and never paid into the State’s Consolidated Accounts.

That fund meant for purchase of drugs and equipments for the state’s hospitals and clinics were diverted. And that the National Housing Fund deductions made in the state was not remitted.

It also transpired that N2 billion realised by the government in rent from Adamawa Plaza Abuja, an edifice built by Governor Boni Haruna’s administration was never paid into the state account under Nyako. Nor can anyone reasonably discountenance the fact that the state Ministry of Lands and Survey under Nyako gave out over 2,000 plots of land and collected N50, 000.00 each without paying in a dime to the state coffers.

The logic that some of the offences that the legislators used to impeach Nyako were committed while he was a member of PDP and nothing happened is faulty both on

premise and on conclusion. First the legislators have always moved against Nyako giving his penchant to arbitrariness in governance and unbridled disposition to corruption. And in one of such instances in 2008, I have in an article in the now defunct Fresh Facts newspaper June 30-July 6, 2008, entitled ‘Between Nyako and the Legislators’, admonished them not to be taken-in by the pleas to let Governor Nyako be, in other to save our fledging democracy as the saying always goes.

“Those who are bold enough to hold the tiger by the tail, should be bold enough, courageous enough and cunny enough to tame it.

Otherwise they will be consumed by its ferocious outburst”. I wrote then. And among the charges then which was legion is the allegation that he borrowed $70 millon from foreign donor agency and placed same in personal accounts managed by his children.

Interestingly, Nyako survived that impeachment move and many more to continue his reign of terror on the people of Adamawa State and pushing all the political gladiators which the state has in plenty to distant spectators in the affairs of their state.

Is it surprising to anyone to note that unlike Nasarawa State where there are some skirmishes between the state legislators and Governor Tanko Al-Makura over his impeachment procedure, the protesting crowd whether real or hired, nobody in Adamawa lifted a finger to save Nyako, even his party overwhelmed by the enormity of evidence against him, made a tactical withdrawal.

– Ede, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Abuja

Dele Fatokun

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

Righteousness Versus Religion Religion is a particular system of faith and worship based on religious beliefs. History tells us there are over 2,000 religions worldwide. These religions teach their adherents the existence of a God or gods who created the universe and gave human beings a spiritual nature which continues to exist after the death of the body.

The popular religions of the world include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, among others.

But what do we mean by righteousness? Righteousness has been articulated variously by different scholars. Righteousness however, has been defined as the state of moral perfection required by God to enter heaven.

A righteous person can be described as an honest, upright, generous,

steadfast, courageous, merciful, and just person. A righteous person is pictured as the quintessential covenant keeper; one who is committed to God and living justly among His people. Righteousness itself is grounded in the character of God. He is righteous and all His judgments are righteous. His law is both holy and righteous and He alone can make any man righteous through His grace and power.

Man is not naturally righteous.

Righteousness is not native to him, but to God. Religion today seems to give more credence to cultic matter rather than ethical. Ethical has to do with care of the helpless in the society. This explains the observations in our society today. Africa is rife with religiosity. A man once remarked

through the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that Africans are incurably religious. The truism of this statement is unquestionable.

The BBC went further to show some documentaries of worship services in some churches in Africa. A major feature was drumming, wild dancing and praise worship. Hysteric mood pervades the environs. That was religiosity in action. One then is tempted to ask – How has this

As a nation let us remember that it is righteousness that exalts a nation not religion, but sin is a reproach to any people

religiosity impacted on Africans? Is it just a pointless exercise?

Righteousness we are told, exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people. Religion without righteousness smacks of godly character and morality. It rather promotes violence, oppression, brutality, treachery, pornography, lawlessness, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, pride, licentiousness and ultimately, death.

Just a quick reflection, our nation and indeed the whole world today is becoming very religious! But alas, the more we see wickedness and unrighteousness on the increase, this drives home the fact that a man can be very religious but far from the truth. Today, there is a religious group called “the Church of Satan” what an absurdity! What has Satan

got to do with religion or church?

These are the signs that we are at the end time.

The question then is this, how do we attain true righteousness? Is it by turning a new leaf or by making New Year resolutions? Of course not!

True righteousness has nothing to do with human struggle. All our righteousness are as filthy rags before the Almighty God. Simply admit you are a sinner, repent from your sins and believe that God loves you and that Jesus died for you.

Invite Jesus into your life through the prayer of faith and then God will impart His own righteousness – that true righteousness into you. It is a gift!. As a nation let us remember that it is “ righteousness that exalts a nation not religion, but sin is a reproach to any people.

politics today Monday, August 11, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Uduaghan

Why Aregbesola Sailed To Victory In Osun Deft political moves after the Ekiti debacle, Governor Aregbesola’s personality as a grassroots politician and the baggage associated with the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Iyiola Omisore, are some of the reasons incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was able to secure a second term ticket in Osun State, KAZEEM AKINTUNDE writes from Osogbo.

The Ekiti defeat was a wake up call for them that there could be fire on the mountain

F

rom his first day in office, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola had his sight firmly set on spending eight years in office as the governor of Osun State and every action he took during his first four year tenure was on how to turn the dream to a reality.

Aregbesola as a grassroots politician For almost eight months after being sworn-in, he refused to appoint commissioners, preferring instead to work solo. To many politicians, that would have been an albatross. But to Aregbesola, it was a plus as he was able to massively warehouse funds that

he later deployed towards serving the people. One of the first step he took was to set up the OYES cadets where over 20,000 jobless youths were provided employment as cadets with a stipend of N20, 000 paid to each of them monthly. By the time the struggle for second term ticket began, over 40,000 youths had been taken off the

unemployment market. Many of the cadets and their family members will remain grateful to the governor for ever.

For the elderly, he introduced a form of social security system where elderly Osun citizens are paid monthly stipends. In the area of education, he got a N10.4 billion sukuk bond to build 24 modern model schools. Each school, which will come with modern laboratories, power and sports facilities when completed, will accommodate 1000 students. He Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Monday, August 11, 2014

Why Aregbesola Sailed To Victory In Osun ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

also introduced 0MEAL where all students in public primary schools throughout the state are served complete meals every day while ensuring that the state government took the burden of providing school uniforms away from parents by giving uniforms for all primary and secondary school students in the state for free.

His intervention in the area of education also led to the introduction of Opon Imo,(tablet of knowledge) the first of its kind in Africa where text books of pupils were stored in a laptop.

Many of these projects endeared the governor to many people in the state and they did not let him down when he needed them.

Even though he was never convicted, the Ige stigma has never left him and it was a handy campaign tool for APC in the Osun poll

The Ekiti shocker Many APC leaders were in a state of shock after Governor Kayode Fayemi was defeated at the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. Many Ekiti people were said to be unhappy with Fayemi because of the way he ran the state and worked against his victory so in the Osun case, the Ekiti defeat was a wake up call for them that there could be fire on the mountain and so they went out of their way to rally support for Aregbesola.

The loss in Ekiti raised an alarm in the party as a dangerous signal to what could become of APC in 2015.

The loss was originally thought to be Fayemi’s problem but it soon dawned on the party’s strategists that it was not only humiliating, but also capable of sending a message to Nigerians that the party’s victory in the South West in 2011 was a fluke. All APC national leaders were summoned to Osun to work towards ensuring victory for one of their own.

As it was in Ekiti State where Fayemi was not in good terms with civil servants, students, okada riders and teachers, Aregbesola had problems in his state but quickly moved to douse the tension. He took a loan to settle two months arrears of staff salary, pension arrears and gratuities. Aregbesola also started holding meetings with top civil servants to calm frayed nerves and paid compensation to landlords whose houses were demolished to pave way for an urban renewal programme. He did not stop at that, he started making personal phone calls to APC leaders at the ward level to know their problems and how it could be addressed. Two weeks to the polls, LEADERSHIP learnt that the governor made an average of 50 calls every night to APC leaders at the ward level and prominent politicians in the state including those in the opposition parties.

His phone calls soon paid off as a former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke left the

Aregbesola and Omisore

PDP for APC in the heat of the party’s primaries. Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former secretary to the state government under Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, also left the party and went to join Labour Party whose flag he eventually flew in the election.

The decision by Adeleke to team up with Aregbesola was a political masterstroke, given that the man called “Serunbawon” is a very popular politician in Ede, one of the big political constituencies in the state. Aregbesola also got the endorsement of the power brokers in Iwo, where the Labour candidate comes from. And barely few days to the election, another former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was the erstwhile national secretary of the PDP, joined APC. Even though Oyinlola did not win his ward in Okuku, it was a public relations setback for the PDP, especially after President Goodluck Jonathan had met with him to help in Omisore’s campaign.

The failed tag of a religious fundamentalist After elected as governor, hardly did Aregbesola ever wear a suit. He is known for his native Dansiki and white cap and coupled with his small bead, he earned himself the tag of a Muslim fundamentalist.

He also did not help matters when he termed himself an “unusual governor”. Indeed, everything about him is unusual. He does not use siren, his carriage even among his fellow governors is more like that of a secondary school teacher but no one will take it from Aregbe that he is a first class master tactician. It was therefore not surprising when he was tagged a religious fanatic by the PDP as they pointed out several actions taken by the governor which were deemed either anti-Christian or pro-Muslim. One of such is the sukuk bond, N11.4 billion, which he took to build schools. He also incurred the wrath of many when he changed the motto of the state from “State of the Living Spring”

to “State of the Virtuous”, allegedly because Jesus Christ is also referred to as “the Living Spring” and declared the beginning of the Islamic calendar a public holiday, in addition to three other Muslim holidays: Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, Eid-el-Fitri and Eidel-Kabir. A similar holiday was declared for traditional religious worshippers.

The re-classification of schools which saw Muslim and Christian schools merged, also generated some religious tension in the state but he was able to manage all the crisis as the religious flag used by the PDP to gain support did not fly. Apart from the fact that there are probably more Muslims than Christians in Osun State, Aregbesola is from Ilesa, which is predominantly Christian. This gave him a double advantage.

Again, religion has never been an electoral issue in the South West where Muslims and Christians live together peacefully.

But accused of being a religious bigot, Aregbesola reached out to key Christian leaders, including Pastor E.A Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Ministries, who visited the state and said good things about him. This effectively doused the “tension” in the Christian community.

PDP flag bearer and his baggage Many of the PDP leaders at the national level who insisted that Senator Iyiola Omisore should fly the flag of the PDP in Osun State could be said to have been naïve of the kind of politics played in the South West. To many prominent Yoruba sons and daughters, Omisore was never going to fly as the opponent of Aregbesola, regardless of being backed by federal might. The biggest albatross on his neck was the December 23, 2001 murder of Chief Bola Ige, a former governor of the old Oyo State, who was then the minister

of Justice and attorney general of the federation. Before the murder, Omisore was engaged in a very public spat with Ige, openly insulting the respected politician.

Ige was humiliated at the palace of the Ooni of Ife by thugs suspected to be loyal to Omisore who removed his cap and threatened to beat him up. When Ige was eventually killed, fingers were pointed at Omisore, who claimed innocence.

He was detained in prison, tried and eventually discharged. Bola Ige’s murder remains unsolved till today and many prominent Yoruba politicians and even indigenes of Esa Oke where Ige came from never forgave Omisore.

Even though he was never convicted, the Ige stigma has never left him and it was a handy campaign tool for APC in the Osun poll.

Lesson learnt Now that Aregbesola has eventually secured the much desired second term ticket, more work still needs to be done by APC leaders at both the state and national levels as the 2015 general elections approaches. At the state level, Aregbesola still has a lot of work to do as the margin of his victory in some of the local governments is less than 5,000. His second term should not be a winner-take-all scenario and if possible, he should reach out to Omisore on how to move the state forward. Controversial policies should be looked at with a view of carrying many of his people along while he should endeavour to appoint a substantive commissioner for Works in the state. Holding on to the position does not augur well for his image.

Grandiose projects that would have little or no impact on the lives of his people should be jettisoned while township roads crying for repairs should be attended to. The state is also littered with heaps of refuse which compete with vehicles on the roads and must be addressed.

senate diary Monday, August 11, 2014

Ebola: Senate’s Rallying Cry To Striking Doctors

In the face of Ebola fever threat in the country, Jonathan Nda-Isaiah writes that the Senate has appealed to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), which has been on strike, to return back to work.

N

igeria is currently grappling with its worst casualty since the civil war as the fight against insurgency has claimed more than ten thousand lives this year alone.

People now live with apprehension and fear of not only when and where the next attack by insurgents will be, they also now have to contend with fear caused by the possibility if contracting Ebola fever which has slowly found its way into the country.

Already, the deadly virus has claimed its first victim last week, a nurse who came in contact with Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who became sick and later died of the virus in Lagos.

In the light of all this, president of the Senate, David Mark, has appealed to striking medical doctors to see the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in the country as a national emergency that necessitates the immediate suspension of their strike and return to duty.

Mark said in a press statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, that the doctors should be patriotic enough to put aside whatever grievances or misgivings they have with the government and return to their duty posts to save the situation.

Failing to hearken to this national call, he opined, is akin to sentencing citizens of Nigeria to untimely deaths, while noting that it will be a disservice to humanity and a total betrayal of their noble and revered profession to look the other way while people die due to their actions.

The Senate president reminded the doctors of the Hippocratic Oath they swore to during their graduation which stresses that the primary duty of the doctor is to save life far above other considerations.

Part of the modern Hippocratic Oath written in 1964 by Academic

Dean of the school of medicine at the Tufts University, Louis Lasagna, according to the Library guilds at the Johns Hopkins University states, “ I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. “ I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligation to all my fellow Human beings those sound of mind and body as well as infirm.”

Mark said, “Nobody is opposed to the doctors’ demands. They are genuine and I think they are reasonable. But what is paramount now is that there is an emergency that demands extra-ordinary measures to tackle.”

He expressed optimism that the federal government will do the needful and address their grievances, but “we need to be alive to be able to sort out the complaints.”

He also appreciated the huge challenges faced by the doctors and other health care providers in this trying times and urged them to rigidly apply universal precautions while attending to their patients.

In his advise to Nigerians on how to prevent spread of the Ebola virus, he urged all to constantly practice good personal hygiene in the homes, offices, shops, schools and other work places.

Senator Mark thereafter, directed the Senate Committee on Health to collaborate with the federal ministry of Health and other health institutions in the fight against Ebola virus disease.

He said that the National Assembly is taking the Ebola virus disease case as a national emergency and has in the mean time embarked on sensitisation programme on the matter.

West Africa has been badly hit with the Ebola fever notably in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, with close to a thousand deaths now recorded in these countries.

Nigeria has now been put on red

Mark

Chukwu

National Assembly is taking the Ebola virus disease case as a national emergency and has in the mean time embarked on sensitisation programme on the matter alert and state governments, especially Lagos and the federal government , have put some measures in place to prevent the

spread of the deadly virus. Large gathering in churches and mosques have been banned in Lagos.

Nigeria’s medical doctors have been on strike for five weeks over the non implementation of their agreement with the federal government and have been accused in some quarters as being selfish and irresponsible for continuing the strike in the face of the Ebola fever emergency. They are also fears that doctors may be the most vulnerable in the fight against the spread of Ebola fever in the country.

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Monday, August 11, 2014

news north-East, north-west 41

Monday, August 11, 2014

APC Faction Emerges In Kano

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

A new faction has emerged in the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, who claimed to be the authentic leadership of the party in the state.

The faction led by Alhaji Hussaini Isa Mairiga, has a one time gubernatorial aspirant, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Kyabo as

deputy chairman, Alhaji Bashir Kore, vice chairman, North, and Engineer Abdulkadir Sulaiman, vice chairman, Central and Alhaji Lawan Nayaya Fagge as secretary.

In a statement, the chairman of the faction, Alhaji Hussaini Mairiga said Hajiya Sadiya Abdullahi Bachirawa is the women leader while Tasiu Baliya will be the legal adviser and

Abbas A. Abbas is the public relations officer.

He said the new leadership reflects a better representation of the people’s will, adding that APC being a mega party should include all the legacy parties.

“The people of Kano are supporters of APC but want the party to be run as a merged party carrying everyone along, not being one sided”, he explained.

Mairiga revealed that the party’s secretariat will be opened soon to allow party activities and also enable members continue their plans for the forthcoming elections.

He also said the 44 local governments in the state will begin the inauguration of the 24 man local government executive this week with that of Dala local government area already in place.

L-R: Chancellor, Gombe State University, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, honourary degree awardee, Dr Babayo Musa and Vice Chancellor, Gombe State University Prof, Abdullahi Mahadi during the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th convocation ceremony in Gombe, at the weekend. PHOTO

BY OGOH JOSEPH.

short news 2015: Katsina Elders Inaugurate Forum Ahead of the much awaited 2015 general elections, a group of eminent citizens of Katsina State that cut across different political parties have formed a new group, Katsina State Consultative Forum, to help reposition the state.

Our correspondent reports that the forum held its maiden meeting yesterday, with prominent personalities including former Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdullahi Magaji, and former deputy senate president in the defunct second republic in attendance.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Jigawa Announces Minimum Hajj Fare

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced N701, 061.77 as the minimun hajj fare for 2014/2015 hajj exercise.

This was contained in a statement signed by the executive secretary of the board, Alhaji Sani Alhassan Muhammad and made available to LEADERSHIP in Dutse.

The statement explained

that N738, 561.77 is for the medium seat while the maximum seat is N816, 561.77.

The statement directed this year’s intending pilgrims in the state who have already paid initial hajj deposit to hasten up and settle their balances, noting that non compliance could result to the revocation of the seats.

The statement added thatcontact could be made with the local government or zon-

al pilgrim welfare officers for more clarification on the payment of the balance.

In another development, the state pilgrim’s welfare board has commenced the pilgrim’s daily seminar at the headquarters of the 27 local government areas.

The secretary of the board therefore, charged all intending pilgrims to be punctual and regular in the seminar for their own personal benefit.

Gov Lamido Lays Foundation Of State Varsity’s Senate Building

BY MUH’D ZANGINA KURA, Dutse

Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has over the weekend laid the foundation stone for the construction of the senate building complex at the permanent site of the State University, Kafin Hausa.

The contract for the construction of the edifice was given at the cost of N1.6 billion and would be completed within one year.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, Governor Lamido said, they established the university to provide more opportunity to students in the state and other parts of country to acquired advanced education.

Lamido added that the state was determined to ensure that the newly established state university at Kafin Hausa is up to

standard so that it can compete with any university in the world in terms of producing qualitative graduates, conducting research and coming up with innovations that would improve human life and dignity.

Also speaking at the occassion, the vice chancellor Bayero University Kano (B.U.K), Prof.

Abubakar Adamu Rasheed decried the dearth of state owned universities across the 19 northern states of the federation.

Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed who was the chairman of the occasion stated in his speech that out of the 129 universities presently in the country only 39 were owned by the states while about 50 are by private individuals and organisations.

The B.U.K. don said the establishment of more universities is

the only guaranteed way to ensure the country’s future among the world economic leaders.

He noted that the country spends huge chunk of its resources on trivial issues such as ECOMOG compared to what it is expending on its entire education sector.

He said, “It pays to invest heavily on the education sector, as it is the only tested and tried tool for economic development.”

Adding that, “ the step Jigawa has taken in the establishment of its own university is a sure way for the future of the state”.

In his welcome address, the stste commissioner for Education Prof. Haruna Wakili said the J.S.U would take off with 3 Faculties, 9 departments and 15 programmes that would be run concurrently.

short news Yuguda Urges Students To Develop Interest In Teaching Bauchi State governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, has charged Nigerian students to also develop interest in the teaching career just like they have passion for other professions.

The governor gave the charge over the weekend during the first graduation ceremony and 10 years anniversary of URAT Memorial Academy, Bauchi which held at Zaranda Hotels, Bauchi.

He was represented by the state commissioner of culture and tourism, Alhaji Adamu Lasi.

By Obed Minchakpu, Bauchi

Fulanis Not Behind Attacks In The NorthMyetti Allah The national president, Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Muhammed Kirwa Ardonzuru yesterday in Sokoto said that Fulanis are peace loving people and should not be described as terrorists for whatever reason.

Ardonzuru who stated that the Fulanis are not behind any of the attacks in the north, also maintained that they are sensitising their people on the essence of ensuring that the education of their wards is given priority.

Insisting that those behind such attacks are rather criminals and not Fulanis, Ardonzuru added that they will continue to sensitise their people on the need to be law abiding and stay away from any act that goes contrary to the law.

The national president who set up a 10-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Sokoto State chapter of the association pending an election in the next three months, also advised the committee to ensure that they carry everybody along without discrimination.

He further stressed that the association would continue to sensitive Fulani herdsmen.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Yero Tasks Religious Leaders Over Ebola Virus Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has appealed to religious leaders to provide accurate information about the Ebola virus to their members.

Speaking through his special adviser on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, at a meeting with some Christian leaders, the governor advised the religious leaders to seek adequate information on the Ebola virus before talking to their members about the virus.

The governor also appealed to religious leaders to work closely with government authorities especially the Ministry of Health to enable them pass the right information to the people.

He said the need to hold the interactive session became necessary in view of the fake rumours being spread to the state about the outbreak of the virus.

“It is important to interact with the religious leaders in the state because of their importance at the places of worship. We know they have a bigger role to play in terms of sensitising their congregation on the ebola virus.

“Our belief is in the fact that many lives will be saved if the right information is passed to the public. We do not wish people to contact the virus and later die because of lack of knowledge,” he said.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

42 news south-west

Osun: Saraki Woos Nigerians To APC, Congratulates Aregbesola

Senator Bukola Saraki has urged all progressive-minded Nigerians to come on board and join the train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the battle “to reclaim the mandate of our nation.”

Saraki made this call while congratulating Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola on his resounding victory in the Saturday’s governorship poll.

He said: “We can rescue Nigeria, however, like Osun has demonstrated today(Saturday), we have to work hard and work together”.

The leader of APC in Kwara State expressed joy that “in spite of the overwhelming pressure mounted by the unnecessary influx of over 70,000 armed personnel across the state of Osun, the illegal arrest and harassment of opposition members and the propaganda from the PDP, the great people of Osun have spoken with their votes.”

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Dare Donates Books To Journalism Schools

Monday, August 11, 2014

Ebola: Oyo Institutes 24-hour Surveillance Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of Ebola, the Oyo State government has instituted 24-hour monitoring and tracking of suspected cases in all the 33 local government areas of the state.

The Oyo State commissioner for health, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin said yesterday in Ibadan that emphasis was particularly placed on the border regions of Saki West, Iwajowa, Atisbo and Itesiwaju council areas.

He added that the tracking of foreigners coming into and leaving the state was also ongoing.

“There is also a strong collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, other South-

west Ministries of Health, World Health Organisation and University College Hospital, Ibadan on surveillance, tracking and case management of suspected, probable or confirmed cases,’’ he said.

The commissioner, who disclosed that there are no reported cases of Ebola virus disease in the state, said that an isolation ward was also being constructed at the University College Hospital (UCH) to take care of any confirmed Ebola patients.

He also said that the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had promised that despite the ongoing industrial action by medical doctors in the country, doctors in the state would be ready to render their services

during any emergency, including treatment of Ebola patients upon reporting to any public health facility in the state.

The commissioner advised members of the public to maintain proper personal hygiene like regular hand washing with soap and water, and to report any person suspected to be having fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes and bleeding or anybody who might have died due to causes not known, to the nearest health facility.

He said that government was particularly interested in those persons with the above listed symptoms who might have visited Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea recently.

short news Lagos Seeks Stronger Transportation System Lagos State government has highlighted the need for a vibrant transportation system in the country.

The state commissioner for transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa who said this at the 2014 annual public lecture of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos State Chapter, stressed the need for efforts to be made to ensure that the nation’s transportation sector is well developed.

Opeifa emphasised that the development of infrastructure in any area of the economy is a catalyst for socioeconomic growth.

He said, ”Like many economic activities that are intensive in infrastructure, the

As part of activities marking his 70th birthday, Prof. Olatunji Dare, The Nation’s editorial adviser and journalism professor at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, USA, has made book donations to Mass Communication faculties in some Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

The donated books are Public Intellectuals, The Public Sphere & The Public Spirit: Essays in Honour of Olatunji Dare (edited by Dr. Wale Adebanwi), presented on July 17 as part of his birthday; and Diary of a Debacle: Tracking NigeBy George Osogbo residents celebrating the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Saturday’s governorship election in Osogbo ria’s Failed Democratic Transition on Saturday. PHOTO BY NAN. Okojie, Lagos (1989-1994), authored by Dare himself and published in 2010.

The beneficiary institutions will each receive five copies of the two books.

By George Okojie, Lagos it in his Ikeja House located in ate globally, the federal govern- ture as the legacies of the Oil

By Millie Ibe, Abuja Alausa area of the state. ment should be able to invest Boom of the 1970s.

Lagos State governor, Mr BaFashola stated that the legHe reasoned that if well in- proceeds of the commodity batunde Fashola has urged the vested, the fund would help during boom times in endur- acies defined the period of the Osun: Aregbesola’s federal government to invest bridge the infrastructural de- ing infrastructure and services boom of the 70s, adding that Victory, Triumph Of the proceeds of the nation’s oil ficiency which has stunted the that benefit the larger society. since such funds are seasonal, in infrastructural development country’s economic growth.

Democracy – Ajimobi The governor added that the their enduring nature would across the country.

Fashola also called for a polgovernment would be able to depend on what is done with Oyo State governor, Senator AbiFashola made this call when icy framework that would en- point at such infrastructure them. ola Ajimobi has described the victhe Presidential Committee able intervention agencies of and services later as evidence “They are the kind of defining tory of Governor Rauf Aregbesfor Subsidy Reinvestment and the federal government such of its service to the people. things that you and I can look ola at the poll on Saturday as Empowerment Programme as SURE-P, to deliver enduring He cited the National Theback and say, ‘around the Year triumph of democracy and rule (SURE-P) led by its chairman, and long-term benefits across atre, the National Stadium 2014 when the SURE–P money of law.

General Martin Luther Agwai the country. and the Tafawa Balewa Square came, this is what we did with The governor’s Special Adviser (rtd), paid him a courtesy visamong other such infrastruc- it”, he said.

He said since oil prices fluctuon Media, said that his principla congratulated his Osun State counterpart, and noted that the wild jubilation that trailed the announcement of Aregbesola’s victory showed that the result was by ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti Oba Bobade, who spoke through tion and Socio-Cultural Organisa- a State festival, adding that grantrepresentative of the will of the the chief priest of the Ogun deity, tion on the need to grant the fes- ing it national status would further The Onire of Ire-Ekiti in Oye local Chief Gabriel Ogundana in Ire- tival a global recognition like the increase the frontiers of tourism people of Osun State.

He described Aregbesola’s vic- government of Ekiti State, Oba Ekiti at the weekend, added that Osun Osogbo and Argungun Fes- in Nigeria. tory as a well-deserved one, and Victor Bobade, has advocated na- such policy would enhance socio- tivals in Osun and Kebbi states reDescribing tourism as a veriattributed it to the governor’s tional monument status for the economic development of the state spectively. table alternative to oil resources, outstanding performance in his Annual ‘Ogun Ire’ Festival.

Oba Bobade, who was recently which the country solely relies on as well as the country’s global recThis, according to the first class ognition in the tourism world. first term as well as the love of the re-elevated to the position of a first as source of wealth, the monarch people of the state for the APC traditional ruler, would promote The monarch called on the feder- class monarch by Governor Kayode said “We appreciate the state govand the ideals which it stood for. culture and boost tourism in the al and state governments to liaise Fayemi, however, pointed out that ernment for taking over the festiwith the United Nations Educa- the festival had been recognised as val and according it recognition.”

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan country.

Fashola Urges Investment Of Oil Proceeds In Infrastructure

Monarch Seeks National Recognition For Traditional Festival

News north-central 43

Monday, August 11, 2014

Botched Impeachment Has Made Al-Makura More Popular – APC Chieftains

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

The botched attempt by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has made him more popular with the public seeing the move as an attempt by the political class to return the state to its former position of widespread poverty, underdevelopment and inertia.

This was the unanimous position of chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who in their separate submissions noted that the mass spontaneous rejection of the impeachment attempt by the lawmakers is an attestation to the fact that the electorate in the state are resolute to defend the wind of change they ushered in in 2011.

Alhaji Abubakar Gada Mohammed, an APC chieftain from Keffi, stressed that the impeachment move has provided a common ground for unity among the electorate, hence the inability of the members to stay anywhere in the state while the saga lasted.

He said, “The lawmakers have

short news Ahmed Cautions Politicians Against Using Youths As Thugs

Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on the political class to refrain from inciting youths to perpetrate violence in pursuing their political ambitions.

Ahmed made the call in Ilorin while declaring open a oneday Security Summit organised by the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).

The governor opined that the youths in the state need jobs and a secure future and not guns and machetes that could ruin their future.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

shot themselves in the foot and mobilised public support for AlMakura and I can assure that the masses would not allow anyone to sacrifice their collective aspiration on the altar of selfish political power play”.

On his part, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Sandaji, Turakin Lafia, said it is now a lose all situation for the PDP, adding that come 2015, the electorate would vent their disapproval by voting the PDP out of the Assembly.

“I can assure you that the people of Nasarawa State now know who their real enemies are and come 2015, they will get full retribution for their attempt to toy with the destiny of the Nasarawa people,” he said.

Alhaji Mustapha Galadima, from Doma local government area, is of the view that the impeachment move was a political blunder by the Assembly members who were blinded by their thirst for power not to recognise that the wishes of the electorate are of cardinal importace in changing a government theysuffered to bring on board.

2015: Kogi PDP Chairman Booed The Kogi State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Hassan Salau, was over the weekend booed in Idah over his pronouncement to impose the party secretary, Emmanuel Egwu as the House of Representatives candidate in Idah federal constituency in next year’s general election.

The incident happened in Idah local government area during the ‘thank you’ visit of the state governor, Capt.

Idris Wada in continuation of his tour of the 21 local government areas in the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the occasion was going on smoothly until the chairman of the party was called upon to make his speech, and he rather chose to raise the hand of the secretary, Emmanuel Egwu as the PDP’s consensus candidate for the 2015 Idah Federal Constituency election to the chagrin of party members.

The chairman was quoted as saying Egwu was an already anointed candidate and that all other aspirants should forget their ambition as there would be no primary election.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

short news We Must All Contribute To Education Of Youths – Okino

The chairman of Ajaokuta local government area and Kogi State ALGON chairman, Aloysius Okino, has called on wealthy individuals in the society to join hands with all tiers of government to advance the education of the populace for a secure future.

The chairman stated this at Adogo, headquarters of the council over the weekend, during the presentation of bursary awards to 200 indigent students of Ajaokuta origin in tertiary institutions across the country under his pet project, Aloysius Okino Scholarship Scheme.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu casting his vote during the PDP Niger east Senatorial Primaries, at the PDP secretariat, Minna, weekend. PHOTO: GOVERNMENT HOUSE

David Umaru Completes Documentation With INEC Abu Nmodu Minna, Mina

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Niger East Senatorial By-election, Barrister David Umaru has completed his documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Consequently, the commission has acknowledged the receipt of the nomination forms CF001 formally presenting David Umaru as APC candidate.

The acknowledgement of the receipt of the forms was signed

by Olawole Daudu, a legal officer of the commission.

The forms were received on

the 8th of August, 2014, based on a letter signed by the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the national secretary, Hon Mai Mala Buni forwarding the name of Barrister David Umaru as the candidate of APC for the Niger East Senatorial District By-election.

The letter indicated that the completed forms CF001, CF002, EC25C and E.C 4B (iii) were filled for the perusal of the commission, an indication that the party has met all the requirements for the Niger East By-election.

It was gathered that APC has decided to meet up with the earlier schedule of the By-election

for August 16th, 2014 before it was shifted to 30th August, 2014 by the resident electoral commissioner, Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

The publicity secretary of APC, Mr Jonathan Vatsa told LEADERSHIP that the party’s candidate has completed all the documentation, saying “Our candidate, David Umaru has done all the documentation; the party has met all the requirements; the rest is now left for the commission”.

On Wednesday night, Barrister David Umaru was elected as the flag bearer of APC after beating Hon Bala Kuta by 248 votes to 61 in a primary election held at Gidan Matasa, Minna.

Nigeria Is Bereft Of Progressive Leaders – NLC Chief

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Nigeria is short of progressive leaders that could actualise the dreams of its founding fathers, the vice president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu has said.

Aremu stated this while speaking on the theme, “The Search for Progressive Leaders” at a colloquim organised by the Leaders Institute in collaboration with TeamKwara held in Ilorin on Saturday.

The NLC chief, however, said the situation was not peculiar to Ni-

geria, saying that Africa and the world as a whole are facing leadership crises.

He cited the killings of innocent children in Gaza, shooting down of an aircraft in Ukraine without any concrete effort by world leaders to end the crises, as some of the aftermath of leadership crises in the world.

The labour leader lamented that the country’s current crop of leaders unlike past leaders who held leadership positions as service to the people, are “insensi-

tive, detached and unaccountable to the people”.

He said the demise of some of the nation’s founding fathers had led to “shortage of progressive leaders”.

“Yes, we have leaders, leaders who are so insensitive, so unconcerned and certainly un-progressive. May be the challenge is to reinvigorate ourselves. I think the missing link is that we are short of progressive leaders. They are so detached, so unaccountable”, Aremu said.

Niger East By-Election: APC Alleges Intimidation By Security Agents, Thugs Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Niger State, has alleged that thugs and security agents are being used against its members ahead of the forthcoming Niger East By-election scheduled for August 30, 2014 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Addressing some selected journalists yesterday in Minna, the publicity secretary of

the party, Jonathan Vatsa, said the legal adviser of the party, Barrister Khaleal Ibrahim, was on Saturday attacked by some hoodlums at Paiko.

He stated that the thugs who attacked the legal adviser forced him to shout PDP severally before he was left on the ground after seizing his mobile phone and some amount of money.

Vatsa also recalled that when some members of the party from Rafi local gov-

ernment were going back after the last primary in Minna on Wednesday, some people waylaid them on the road and forced them to shout PDP after attacking them with some dangerous weapons.

He stated that recently, he received a text message allegedly from the Department of State Security Service inviting him to come to their office, but the legal adviser went and “they insisted that it was me Vatsa they wanted to see”.

44 news NATIONAL

Monday, August 11, 2014

Confab Delegates To Get Final Report Today

Ebola: Health Workers At Great Risk – NMA

The delegates to the National Conference will this morning reconvene to receive the confab’s draft final report ahead of its debate and subsequent ratification at plenary later in the week barring last minute change of plan.

This is coming after four months of fireworks both at plenary and committee levels of the conference, which was inaugurated on Monday, March 17, 2014, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Initially, the conference, which was given three months duration by the federation government, later requested an extension of time due its inability to dispense with its workload by June 17, 2014 conclusion date.

Therefore, it was consequently extended to July 17, 2014, in order to give delegates ample time to conclude the onerous national assignment.

By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

By Isaiah Benjamin,Kaduna

Defection Of APGA Members Worrisome – Obi The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the defection of some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to other parties as worrisome.

Obi said this yesterday while answering questions from newsmen during the commissioning of the prayer ground he built in memory of the four children of Mr. Emmanuel Obiekwe in Awka-Etiti, Idemili- South local government area of Anambra State, at the weekend.

Obi said that recent development in APGA called for reflection on the part of party faithful on the way forward for the party.

He, however, noted that the defectors had the right to the personal decisions about their political future.

By Okechukwu Obeta, Awka

Strike Looms In Edo Tertiary Institutions Over Unpaid Salaries Academic activities in Edo Stateowned tertiary institutions may be grounded following the failure of the state government to pay the 16 months salary arrears owed workers at the institutions arising from the differentials in the implementation of salary structure of CONPCASS and CONTEDISS from July 2009 to October 2010.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the decisions by the Coalition of Unions of State Owned Tertiary Institutions to toe the path of strike was informed by failed attempts after several correspondences and meetings with representatives of government towards meeting the demands of the institutions, while Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma have had their arrears paid by the state government.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed fear that those in the health sector, particularly health workers in the hospitals, were at greater risk of contacting Ebola virus, stressing that Nigeria hospitals presently lack protective equipment for such workers.

Chairman of NMA, Kaduna branch, Dr. Muhammed Sani Ibrahim, who stated this while addressing a press conference in Kaduna at the weekend, disclosed,

however, that no case of Ebola virus had been recorded in Kaduna State.

According to him, “We wish to state at this juncture that health workers are at greater risk of catching Ebola if there is no protective equipment in all hospitals, and this can be a potential cause of spread to patients and their relatives within the hospital and to the community in general.”

Dr. Ibrahim also commended the proactive measures put in place by the Kaduna State Government.

“We wish to commend the proactive efforts of the Government of Kaduna State as well as Anambra and other state governments that are fighting to prevent Ebola from reaching their states and their preparedness towards managing any possible case that may arise.

“We, however, wish to encourage all state governments to do more especially at lower levels where information is most lacking,” he stated.

The union also praised the federal government and the Lagos

state government for their efforts since the first case of Ebola was discovered in the Country.

He, however, called on the public to beware of rumours and to get advice only from competent sources.

NMA is presently working with appropriate authorities to prevent Ebola from spreading in Nigeria.

“Ebola rapidly kills about 50 to 90% of the people that contact it, meaning that within a short time, it could kill up to 9 to 10 people who contact it,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.

short news Use Political Power To Serve The People –Dickson The Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson weekend urged those political office holders to shun excessive and irresponsible use of power while in office, saying such should be used in the best interest of the people.

Governor Seriake Dickson,who made the call during an interactive dinner in Yenagoa with his Returning Officer for Osun governorship election, Prof Bamitale Omole, displaying one of the documents containing results of the Rivers State Unielection at the INEC results collation centre in Osogbo, yesterday. PHOTO NAN. versity of Science and Technology classmates fondly referred to as ‘Class 92’, noted that noBy Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna the appellant, S.A Maisamari, by I.M. Samson, an Assistant Dibody could achieve dated January 16, 2014, sought rector in the state Ministry of power outside the Kaduna State Board of In- an order of the tribunal to com- Justice, presented a motion on benevolence of ternal Revenue (BIR) yester- pel the two respondents to pay notice, seeking an order of exGod and therefore, day dragged the management the outstanding tax liabilities. tension of time for them to file it should be used of Ahmadu Bello University The notice also gave the their motion out of time, and in promoting the (ABU), Zaria, and Kaduna Poly- grounds of appeal to include the second, deeming the origicommon good of technic before a Tax Appeal Tri- that the respondents had failed nating process in the suit as duly the people. bunal sitting in Kaduna over to comply with the demand no- filed and signed.

Dickson said: the non-payment of tax lia- tice served the two appellants, Counsel to respondents, M.A ”Leaders must bilities accrued to the sum of dated November 15, 2013.

Garba and Nathan Dandien for be ready to make N6.169,774,658.01 billion and The matter was mentioned at ABU and Kaduna Polytechnic sacrifices and someN3.436,864,461.06 billion re- the North-West zonal office of respectively, did not oppose the times take painful spectively by the institutions. the tribunal yesterday before its motion on notice. decisions.” to move The matter which was brought chairman, Bashir Abdullahi, and The case was however adBy Osa before the tribunal via a notice four other members. journed to September 10, 2014 Okhomina, of appeal filed by the counsel to Lawyers to the appellant, led for further hearing.

Yenagoa

Tax Evasion: ABU, Kadpoly Dragged To Tribunal

Lagos Police Kill 4 Armed Robbers In Shootout

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

Lagos State Police Command has shot dead four suspected robbers and arrested two after a shootout in the metropolis.

Policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, were said to have exchanged gunfire with the bandits in Ikeja at about 2am on Wednesday.

At the end of the gun duel, the

police had killed four of the robbers and arrested two. They also recovered four AK47 rifles, loaded with magazines, two locally made pistols with six expended cartridges and 19 live cartridges.

The police also recovered their operational Fanagon mini-bus, painted in Lagos State commercial colour.

One of the guns recovered from the robbers belonged to the Ni-

geria Police Force. The four guns were discovered in the operational bus of the bandits.

A police sergeant attached to the squad revealed that they received information that some armed robbers, operating in a Volkswagen fanagon bus, were planning to operate around Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

He said the officer in charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari, sent two

decoys. He said on approaching the suspects at Johnson Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikeja, the suspects sighted the policemen and opened fire and the detectives responded, killing four of the armed robbers.

One of the robbers managed to escape but the police arrested his gangmate, Saheed Mohammed, who was later used to arrest the fleeing bandit.

Monday, August 11, 2014

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Monday, August 11, 2014

47

48 news south-South south-East Enugu 2015: Ekweremadu Alleges Smear Campaign Deputy Senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has raised the alarm over plots by some persons to discredit his achievements in Enugu State.

There has been no love lost between Senator Ekweremadu and the governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, over claims by the governor that all the federal lawmakers in the state will not return in 2015.

In a press statement issued by his special adviser on media, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu said his attention had been drawn to recent publications aimed at bringing his person to disrepute.

Labelling the allegations as malicious and false, he stated that it is all about 2015, adding that all efforts to discredit his achievements will fail.

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Delta LG Primary: Olejeme, Ali, Others Shun PDP Oshimili South Election Top women politicians in Oshimili South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State, at the weekend shunned the party’s chairmanship primary election ahead of the forthcoming local government council polls in the state.

Eighty-eight accredited delegates out of the 110 delegates on the party’s list were Asaba women.

The chairman, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Dr Ngozi Olejeme; Dr (Mrs) Mariam Ali, PDP BoT member; Barrister Theodora Giwa-Amu, former women leader, PDP South-South; Transition Caretaker chairman, Oshimili South local government council, Hon (Mrs) Monu Olarewaju, amongst others were conspicuously absent from the scheduled PDP primary election.

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Imo 2015: Nzeribe Endorses Ihedioha Maverick politician, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, at the weekend endorsed the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, as the right candidate to pilot the affairs of the state in 2015 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made the disclosure when Ihedioha paid him a courtesy call at his country home, Oguta, as part of his ongoing consultation visits to the local government areas of the state.

Nzeribe, who disclosed that he had been urging Ihedioha to declare his interest to govern the state since 2008, averred that through Ihedioha, PDP would reclaim the seat it lost in 2011 to another party. He assured the lawmaker of his full support.

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Monday, August 11, 2014

Bayelsa Sets Up 103 Ebola Surveillance Centres In LGAs

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government has announced the setting up of 103 surveillance centres in all the local government areas of the state as part of measures to forestall any outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the state.

The state governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, while addressing the maiden meeting of an 18-member task force on Ebola Virus, assured the people that there was no cause for alarm, since the state has not recorded any reported case of the disease.

According to Dickson, though

the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus is yet to be recorded in the state, the state is ready and has the capacity to deal with it.

Dickson said with the high fatality rate associated with the scourge, there is need to treat it as a national security issue and government will provide all the support that the committee requires to function optimally.

Governor Dickson, who called on the people, particularly community and opinion leaders to be watchful for suspected patients with the Ebola symptoms, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the urgent steps taken to check the

spread of the dreaded disease.

He, however, advised the people against ingesting any unorthodox substances like drinking and bathing with salt water as two people have already died with some others hospitalised from such practices.

In his remarks, the chairman of the 18-member Bayelsa State Task Force on Ebola Virus, Dr Ayebatonye Owei, highlighted measures taken to include mass sensitisation of the people, public enlightenment campaigns in the rural areas, designation of Federal Medical Centre and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital as centres, with isolation wards prepared for

the management of the disease.

He said that help lines that are toll free have also been introduced: 09033107050, 09033148929, 08117168685 and 07010008755, while arrangements have been made for the procurement of tents and protective equipment for health personnel.

Also, the committee intends to map out a programme to train medical personnel on the management of Ebola, produce materials to be distributed to crowded places such as marketplaces and churches as well as direct all private health institutions on the need to have isolated wards for the disease.

short news 2015: House of Reps Minority Leader Declares For Senate The minority whip in the House Representatives, Hon Samson Osagie, has declared his intention to contest the 2015 senatorial election.

This is as the deputy governor of Edo State, Dr Pius Odubu said only the people would decide their representative in the 2015 general Rev Fr. Ralph Asika (left) administering the Holy Communion on a parishioner’s hand as a precaution against the dreaded elections.

Ebola virus disease at St Paul’s Catholic Church Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN. He said that just as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has always done, the people would

By Okechukwu Obeta, Awka UPP State Secretariat in Awka, ous in the presidential election. be given the Okorie stated that South East Citing Greece as an example, opportunity to The national chairman of United PDP leaders have failed their Okorie noted that there were infreely decide who Progressives Party (UPP), Chek- people and there is nothing stances where a party that did will represent was Okorie has scored the per- they can do now to attract their not have control of the Nationthem in various formances of the Peoples Dem- votes. al Assembly won the presidency, elective positions. ocratic Party (PDP) government He disclosed that UPP is tar- adding that UPP, being a mass Odubu stated in the South East geo-political geting the Presidency in the movement, would capitalise on this while playing zone low and declared that the election, and being the only par- Igbo support to upset the ruling host to Hon party cannot win in the zone in ty out of the 26 registered polit- party in 2015.

Samson Osagie at the 2015 general elections.

“UPP is targeting the presical parties in the country that his residence in Speaking at the weekend has declared that its presiden- idency of this country. PresiBenin. shortly after inaugurating the tial candidate must come from dent Jonathan is doing okay but newly elected Anambra State the South East, the party is at an a UPP President for Nigeria will

By Patrick Ochoga, Executive Committee of the advantage to come out victori- do better,” he said.

Benin City

2015: PDP Can’t Win South East – Okorie

HIV/AIDS Prevalence Drops In A/Ibom – SACA

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevalence rate has dropped in Akwa Ibom State.

Facts from the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Akwa Ibom State, which hitherto ranked second among states

most affected by the scourge, revealed that the current prevalence rate has dropped remarkably in recent times.

Before the recent development, Akwa Ibom was ranked second to Benue State in terms of the prevalence rate, forcing the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with SACA and other relevant health agencies to fight the scourge.

Speaking yesterday, the chairman of SACA, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Francis Udoikpong, attributed the significant drop in the prevalence rate to the commitment of the state government towards protecting the population from being endangered by health problems.

According to Udoikpong, the fight against the malaise was in line with the health policies and

programmes of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration which ensured that emergency cases were taken care of promptly.

Udoikpong, who took over from Dr Martins Akpan about two years ago, said the achievements were borne out of “intense fight to keep the population healthy for the growth and development of the state”.

interview 49

Monday, August 11, 2014

sufficiently equipped to carry out screening but we are working in agreement with health officials and the ports’ authority and, hopefully, we will be able to come to terms with the incidence of the Ebola virus. The whole attitude is to have a multi-sectoral approach to the issue of Ebola in Nigeria. To this effect, the Nigerian Immigration Service is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and officials of the World Health Organisation.

We hope that, when all is said and done, our efforts will prevent further spread of this disease.

On July 30, 2014, the president launched the e-passport. What its essence?

Yes, on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan graciously launched the 64-paged epassport and, as I said the other day, its introduction is demanddriven and is against the backdrop that Nigerians, especially frequent travellers, easily exhausted their 32-paged passport. Also, diplomats, traders and professionals were battling with difficulties of having to travel with about four booklets of the Nigerian Passport and, considering that they move around easily, they virtually exhaust their passports within months or within a year. Thus, if they have to travel with, for instance, a passport that contains a ten-year UK visa and they exhaust such passports within months, it means that they have to add the new passports to the old one which came with their visas. So, it is easy to find Nigerians in airports carrying three or four passport booklets which is cumbersome and, sometimes, suspicious. This informed the introduction of the new 64-paged e-passport booklet.

This passport will save the traveller the problem of having to carry more than a passport. Again, it enhances the capacity of the Nigerian economy and adds value to the Nigerian economy. These frequent travellers, professionals and businessmen are obviously ambassadors of Nigeria who interact with their counterparts in other countries, making contacts and attracting foreign direct investments to Nigeria. In addition, the passport cannot be forged now or in the long-run and it costs N20,000 (or its equivalent in any foreign currency) Anyway you look at it, either from the security or economic perspective, Nigerians and the country stand to gain from the introduction of this 64-paged e-Passport.

In some circles, it is whispered that the introduction of this passport is a means to tackle the current challenges currently witnessed by the nation. How effective can the passport be to that effect?

That it is not completely correct.

The full implication is that the new passport shows the determination of the government to ensure that all our borders are full-proof, in order to forestall the entrance of undesirable elements into the country. It is an addition to other security measures that have been taken by the present administration.

Specifically, it is targeted at a specific group – businessmen, traders, professionals and diplomats – though it is not ordinarily a paper that anybody can log onto the Internet and acquire easily. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Immigration Service [to do that] and I am sure that as it works with its database, the NIS is equal to the task. We must also note that the passports cannot be issued to people who still have the unused 32-paged.

Is the government contemplating the closure of Nigeria’s borders as part of these checks?

The isolated death of Patrick Sawyer on account of Ebola is not sufficient for this country to close its borders. Closure of borders is an extreme situation that has its own range of consequences and, unless it becomes absolutely necessary, we don’t intend to close our borders, as long as information comes to us indicating that Nigerian medical personnel, the Nigerian Immigration Service and all other health officials are striving to contain the situation. Essentially, there is no need to close our borders.

Earlier, you said we may not have the expertise to complete screening of immigrants. Is that not some sort of loop-hole?

Moro

Government Not Contemplating Closure Of Borders Over Ebola – Moro The minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro, in this interview, speaks on the incidence of the Ebola virus in Nigeria, the e-passport which was currently launched by President Goodluck Jonathan and a number of other issues. ESEBONU CHRISTIANA & ONUKOGU KANAYO JUBAL were there for LEADERSHIP Weekend Let us talk about Nigeria’s porous borders. What’s your ministry doing to ensure that carriers of the dreaded Ebola virus do not hop across our borders?

Well, it is unfortunate that what we thought would never be in Nigeria has come to Nigeria. True, after the death of the initial carrier, the Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, very few deaths have been recorded. However, we are working towards ensuring that it does not happen again before the expiration of the period of incubation (which is about three weeks).

Also, I want to add that, in line with each proactive attitude to issues of emergencies like this, the Federal Government has put in place a presidential committee to

address the issue of Ebola occurrence in Nigeria and I am happy to inform you that the Ministry of Interior is part of this committee and I am a member. We have been meeting frequently to update ourselves on decisions that have been taken and one of the decisions taken by the committee is that screening centres have to be set up, at various points of entry into the country – whether they are on land or on sea. To this end, the ports’ authority, health officials and others have been drafted to some of our ports of entry and the Nigerian Immigration Service have directed its officers at the borders to ensure proper screening in alliance with the ports’ authority and health officials.

As you are aware, we are not

When I said that the Nigerian Immigration Service does not have the capacity to screen Ebola virus carriers, I did not say that the Ministry of Health does not have the capacity to carry out the screening.

The Nigerian Immigration Service doesn’t have the capacity [to do that] because it is not a part of its training. However, the NIS and other Nigerian agencies involved in the screening exercise are being sensitised and educated on what to do in the circumstances, just as the Ministry of Health officials are doing all they can to check the spread of the disease.

Is the ministry likely to issue certificates to travellers coming into Nigeria to certify that they are or not carriers of the virus?

There is a universal approach to this development and you have to be aware that Ebola still defies some level of definition; true, symptoms have been identified, but there is no known cure. Even vaccines have not been identified. Under the circumstances, therefore, Nigeria is a global player and, in some circumstances, would not be able to take unilateral action by introducing certification.

If you must introduce certification, it means that you must know what you are out against. You must know that if you apply ‘this’ or that’, the person will be free of the virus.

The issue of certification, then, can be broached when everything about the Ebola virus has been examined, vaccines and cures identified for its eradication and all that.

Only in such circumstances can we say ‘okay, let us introduce some form of certification’.

We don’t intend to close our borders, as long as information comes to us indicating that Nigerian medical personnel, the Nigerian Immigration Service and all other health officials are striving to contain the situation

50

Monday, August 11, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES THE KEEP ON SERVING OUR REDEEMER FOUNDATION

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN WELFARE IN OIL & GAS PRODUCING STATES

DR. EDDIE IFEANYICHUKWU MBADIWE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named SOCIETY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Princess Nomwen Uhunuwangho 2. Nneka Esther Obi 3. Mrs. Baribuma Lucky-Badom 4. Joy Nneka Igboka 5. Mrs. Helen Effiong Owoku 6. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Amadi 7. Charity Sunday Ndubuisi 8. Mrs. Josephine Philip Odungide 9. Sarah Gbagbo

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Dr. Eddie Ifeanyichukwu Mbadiwe 2. Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Mbadiwe 3. Mrs. Nnenna Obi

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Akpapunam Felicia Kosor 2. Akpapunam Nnamdi Henry 3. Barrister Orogare Esi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Empowering the girl child economically and socially.

2. Welfare for orphans and widows.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower women to be self reliant, eliminate ignorance on developmental issues improve well being of women and children.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Providing quality education at all levels for our teeming youths.

2. Award of scholarship and research grants.

3. Primary healthcare development.

4. Encouraging youth interaction at the national level.

5. Partnering with other NGO’s local and international for exchange of ideas and programs geared towards creating a just and better society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: PASCHAL IHEBUZOR A&E LAW PARTNERSHIP, paschal@aandlaw.com

LEGAL NOTICE

GLOBAL LIBERATION SYNEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

OCTANTE OUTREACH FOR PEACE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is here by notify that, the above name INITIATIVE has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Eromosele Clement Ehinmare 2. Faith Oseahumen Aigbe 3. Perry Okundaye 4. Yusuf Isiaka 5. Bright Ossy Akhanolu 6. Destiny Onolememen

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Angel-Roli Ibeh 2. Austin Emeka Mbamah Esq 3. Umar Lawan 4. Ayodele Adefemi 5. Suleman A. Suleman

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT DR RILWANU LUKMAN RAMATU LUKMAN AND SALIHU LUKMAN

48 Kwame Nkrvmah Asokoro Abuja 48 Kwame Nkrvmah Asokoro Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 21st July , 2014. The daughter and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To enhance skills acquisition and self employment amongst the youth.

2. To promote economic development through direct and indirect investment in human capital formation.

- President - Vice President - Secretary - Financial - Pubic Relation Officer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To facilitate the fostering of peaceful and communal development amongst the youths.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. MARYAM T. LABARAN 08033739724, SOLICITOR

OTITOLOJU FOOD VENDOR’S ASSOCIATION EKITI STATE

INITIATIVE FOR THE SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT OF MEN, WOMEN AND YOUTH

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria cac for registration under part ‘‘c’’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Mrs. Bose Fasa Si - Chairwoman 2. Mrs. Funke Omotosho - Secretary 3. Mr. Adeyemi Fasanya 4. Mrs. Rosemary Mamah 5. Mrs. Salau Oluyemi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To bring members together.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Dr. Abraham Oba 2. Archbishop Prof. Leonard B. Kawas 3. Sir Dr. Barr. Mike Okiro 4. Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu Bakare 5. Princess Dr. Rebecca Ojinaka 6. Mr. Ezinna L. O Wyins 7. Pa Lazarus Oba 8. Mr. Innocent Oba 9. Prof. Mike Mbana So 10. Mr. Rotimi Adedeji

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

- Chairman - Secretay

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To develop and advance the lives of men, women and youth.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within –twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT DR RILWANU LUKMAN RAMATU LUKMAN AND SALIHU LUKMAN

48 Kwame Nkrvmah Asokoro Abuja 48 Kwame Nkrvmah Asokoro Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 21st July , 2014. The daughter and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: CHINENYE EBUBE (LEGAL PRACTITIONER)

PEOPLES ELEPHANT COMMITTEE OF FRIEND CLUB

EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1} EMMANUEL OKONKWO 2) PETER NWANKWO 3) IFEANYI OKWU 4) IGBO CHIMAOBU 5) IKECHUKWU UKATA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Samuel Kantoma Twan 2. Roseline Mailabari 3. Japhet Madaki 4. Abigail Mamman 5. Mamman Usman Twan Kumo

Aims and objective 1. TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS.

Aims And Objective 1. To promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities educationally, politically, economically and otherwise.

2. To create awareness and educate the public on disability and the potentials in persons with disabilities.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: EMMANUEL OKONKWO

SIGNED: B. Y. ATSEN, ESQ (08066070855)

For booking or inquiry call

Singed: STEPHEN OAHIMIJIE MABVOCATE LAW HOUSE JABI F.C.T ABUJA

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> augustine 08061602706

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT MOHAMMED SIDI MADAKI

Nigeria Custom Service Abuja

WHO DIED ON THE 8th April, 2013.

Ramatu Mohammed, Mohammed Sidi Ali. Zulaihat Adamu and Nafisat Mohammed No 2 Old Market Road Abaji Abuja The widows, son and daughter of the said deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

51

Monday, August 11, 2014 CENTER FOR GLOBAL EVANGELISM

MPOHO MBONG ATIP IBENO ASSOCIATION

PARDONED WAR VETERANS SOCIAL ASSOCIATION

This is to imform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

This is to notify the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act.of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ORI-JESU ANDREW 2. IFEDIORA ANTHONY ORITSEGBEMI 3. OKOTURO HELEN ORITSEMA 4. ORI-JESU EVELYN GBUBEMI 5. JONES ORITSEEJEMTE BAWO 6. EZENDUKA EMEKA KINGSLEY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Isuaudono Ita Okon - President 2. Chief Okon Paul Sunday Ukpo 3. Chief Inyang Eyo-Ita - Secretary 4. Chief Robert Ekpaldibe Ukot 5. Obong Anwan Eta Ibok 6. Chief Gibson Akpan Mkpa

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ossai Osita Emmanuel - Chairman 2. Okoronkwo Okoronkwo - Secretary 3. Jephther Duruji 4. Ambrose Ogbonnaya Ugwu 5. Akwamma Benjamin Chigozie

- PRESIDENT - SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity among Ibeno Chiefs.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

SIGNED: ORI-JESU ANDREW

Signed: Chief Isuaudono Ita Okon (President)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To uphold peace and unity among the war veterans.

2. To undertake and facilitate capacity building in our respective communities.

3. To enlighten and educate the citizen on the dangers of violence and wars.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ANYANWU EUSEBUIS (ESQ) 070360344507

LEGAL NOTICE

LIFEHOPE BIBLE MISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to notify the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act.of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Damian Udoh 2. Sis. Augusta Damian Udoh 3. Pastor Peter Eboro 4. Bro. Aniefiok Damian Udoh 5. Deaconess Agness Okokon Etuk 6. Bro. Nfonobong Damian Udoh 7. Bro. Ndifreke Edem Otu 8. Bro. Daniel Udosen

THADDUS UDUIMOH Rosemary Uduimoh grd to Emmanuel AIMS/OBJECTIVES: VLA/ECO BANK Uduimoh

Behind Lugbe Primary School, Abuja 1. To educate our citizen on the word of God. WHO DIED ON THE 16th April, 2014.

The widow and son to the said deceased.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off DATED AT ABUJA THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014

Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT SAMUEL DANLADI Sunday Danladi and Malam David CAPPA AND DAL BERTO PLC

Angwan Shuashua Tudun Wada Maraba, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 20th September, 2013.

The brothers to the said deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: Rev. Damian Udoh

LEGAL NOTICE

ELIOGBOLO CENTRAL MOSQUE PORTHARCOURT

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to notify the general Public that the above named mosque has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under the Part ‘C’ of Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT ATTOE INYANG WILLIAM Uguana William Attoe and Attoe Atim FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH Uguana

N0: 5 Ambo street Calabar, Cross Rivers WHO DIED ON THE 15th April, 2014.

The son and daughter to the said deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

THE TRUSTEES 1. Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabi Salahudeen 2. Alhaji Abdulwasiu Anifowose 3. Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo Deeti 4. Alhaji Moshood Agoro 5. Alhaji Isiaka Omotunde 6. Alhaji Tahiru Akanji 7. Alhaji Munirudeen Oyediran 8. Alhaji Kamoldeen Anifowose 9. Alhaji AbdulRazaq Alawe 10. Alhaji Musbau Akanji AIMS AND OBJECTIVES i. To bring members under one united body for the promotion of Islam. ii. To preach and propagate the tenets of Islam in accordance with the Holy Qur’an, Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhmmad (SAW) and Ijm’ah in all parts of Nigeria and around the world at large. iii. To ensure that members are law abiding and thus continue to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Islam and the MOSQUE, project the image of the MOSQUE with a proper decorum within and outside the shore of Nigeria. iv. To ensure that members always identify with the changing aspirations of the MOSQUE and the larger society from time to time.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.WITNESS THE GOSPLE OF JESUS CHRIST AS CONTAINED IN THE HOLY BIBLE. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT INNOCENT ANAMELECHI IGBONU ESCMS Limited

WHO DIED ON THE 3rd April, 2014.

Blessing Duru Amifor guardian to Kelvin Duru Ugochukwu Block 2 Flat 8 Lungi Barrack Maitama, Abuja The sister and Nephew of the said deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LEGAL NOTICE

- PRESIDENT - SECRETARY

AUDU REKIA Abdullahi Silifat and Abdullahi Hadiza OPP. ASO SECONDARY SCHOOL MARARABA, ABUJA Opp. Aso Secondary School Mararaba, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 28th June, 2014. The sisters to the said Deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014

Any objection to the above should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, FCT, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

HIGHER OIL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PST. PRESERVE BAKO 2. PAULINA BAKO

3. JAMES GARBA AMBAFI 4. EMMANUEL ZACHARIA

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

LITSAM YOUTH AWARENESS INITIATIVE This is to notify the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh Ahmed Kadiri 2. Barr. Aliyu Hamidu Alkali 3. Alh Muhammad Sani Maude 4. Alh Aliyu Barkindo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To campaign & research on HIV/AIDS 2. To provide grassroots empowerment 3. To reduce the level of poverty through trainings and skill aquisition 4. To support millenium development goals Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: SECRETARY

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Land document in respect of Plot N0 D115, measuring about 750 sqm in Mpape Layout in Bwari Area Concil bearing DEALONES ANNA IREMUAN AREGUAMEN with file N0.

BZTP/LA 2006/1412. All efforts made to trace the said certificate proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station or call the following Nos: 08033269491 and 08134539645.

General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Copy of his Certificate of Occupancy in respect of Plot N0: 287, of about 608.861sqm, in Kutunku IV extension layout bearing Habibu A. Danyaro was missing. All efforts made to trace the said certificate proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Re-certification and Re-issunace of C of O acknowledgement in respect of Plot N0: 797 of about 1117.235sqm located at Gwarimpa Annex (CO2) by Life-Camp originally allocated to ALASCO NIGERIA LIMITED but now in favour of one IBRAHIM HANIF SANI of 6212 behind Bauchi Road, Jos, Plateau State. (2) Original re-certification and re-issuance of C of O acknowledgement in respect of Plot N0: 1069 of about 1588.90sqm located at Gwarimpa (C2) in favour of UMARU SANI. All efforts made to trace the said certificate proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

52

Monday, August 11, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT AMAIZE MONDAY

Federal Ministry of Education

WHO DIED ON THE 9th December , 2013.

Amaize Augusta Ebun guardian to Amaize Peter Odion No 1 Grace St, Bariga Lagos State The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2012

LIGHT OF DESTINATION SPIRITUAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

THE ASCENSION CHARITY FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Prophet Awolola Femi Ayodeji - General Overseer 2. Evangelist Kolawole Odunayo Emmanuel - Secretary 3. Mrs. Awolola Grace Ojuola 4. Mrs. Ogungbade Christiana Kemisola 5. Mrs. Oguntifa Bosede Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Otoade Bolodeoku 2. Engr. Gbenga Osinowo 3. Mrs. Martha Giwa-Osagie 4. Mr. Ayoola Lawson 5. Mr. Olufemi Dosumu 6.Mrs. Abiola Fayemi 7. Mr. Oluwole Koya AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To finance the provision of medical assistance to indigent members of the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos including maternal and child health medical facilities to members who are unable to afford same.

2. To provide funding for food, clothing and shelter to less privileged and needy members of the church.

3. To financially empower needy members of the church by training them in trade, crafts and other small scale usinesses.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: KOYA & KUTI SOLICITORS

GARRI MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION OF BAYELSA STATE

LEGAL NOTICE

THE FEBRUARY 14TH INITIATIVE

This is to inform the General Public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of CAMA, CAP. C20 LFN 2004.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF PHILEMON SAMUEL 2. OKOBA TUESDAY ITARI 3. SOLOMON ONEMA 4. MRS. TERIA OMELEH 5. GRACE KOLLAR 6. GOLD AFEGHELESA 7. MRS. FELICIA JONAH 8. OKORO GODGIFT 9. MIKE ETUDUHOR 10. MIEDIEGHA FOSTER

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

- CHAIRMAN - VICE CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER - MENBER - MEMBER - MEMBER

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.To assist members financially .

2.To see to the welfare and protection of all members.

3.To promote harmony and love for all members.

4.To promote a united front and protect the integrity of the community.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

RICHARD UMUERHI Anthonia Umuerhi and Christiana Umuerhi FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

Phase 4 road 4 Nyanya, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 4th April, 2014.

The daughters to the said deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: SOLOMON ONEMA (SECRETARY)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Robert Terfa Swem 2. Dr. John Aember Tion 3. Dr. Chief Odepke Chukudi 4. Mrs. Nancy Uganden 5. Najia Aisha Musa Lawal 6. Aderinto Adefolami Ezekiel 7. Hajia Fatima Saleh 8. Dr. Harold Molokwu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster love, harmony and peaceful co-existence in the society.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TABERNACLE OF LAST JUDGEMENT

10 4 10 EVERY WOMAN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

LEGAL NOTICE

This is to notify the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act.of 1990.

This is to notify the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act.of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elder Udo Udo Thompson - President 2. Prophetess Esther Udo Udo Thompson 3. Pastor Ekefre Timothy Ekefre 4. Elder Morgan Linck - Secretary 5. Evangelist Ime Victor Akpan AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: Elder Udo Udo Thompson (President)

BUKOLA

I formerly known as MISS ADEAGBO GANIYAT BUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YISAU GANIYAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

RASHEEDAT

I formerly known as MISS SALIU RASHEEDAT ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YISAU RASHEEDAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

We, formerly known as Mr. Adeoye, Raphael Oladele and Mrs. Adeoye, Karakaraye Faustina duly married since 27th January 2005 with three children in line with the family decision wish to be known and addressed as MR. ADEOLUWA, RAPHAELOLADELE and MRS. ADEOLUWA, KARAKARAYE FAUSTINA respectively.

This change of Surname also affects the three children of the marriage. All our documents and certificates remain valid. ICPC, Unilorin, UI, UNAD(now EKSU) NBA, Supreme Court, and general public should take note.

JUSTINA

I formerly known as TYOPINE JUSTINA HEMBADOON, now wish to be known and addressed as CHENGE JUSTINA HEMBADOON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UBIEBI

I and my children formerly known as PHILIPS, now wish to be known and addressed as UBIEBI BENSON, UBIEBI JOLLY, UBIEBI JOHNBUU, UBIEBI CHRISTOPHER, UBIEBI ESTHER, UBIEBI ANNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ALAMEEN

I formerly known and addressed as WILFRED JOSHUA, now wish to be known and addressed as ALAMEEN MELJAY WILFRED. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hamza-Asad Sani Buhari 2. Aqibu Ibrahim Salim 3. Habiba Hamza Ahamad 4. Maimuna Bashir Abubakar 5. Cristy Ononye Nelson 6. Maryam Ado Kurawa 7. Asiya Hamza Marafa AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To enlighten and empower women and youth on environmental suitability.

2. To help the less privileged women and youth through charity and donations.

3. To develop a framework for economical development through entrepreneurship.

4. To create an avenue for infrastructures development within a given community such as, water sanitation, refuse dump on the highways, refuse sanitation and community development.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

IKYANYON ALUESHIMA ROSE David Tyowua A Ikyanyon Guardian to

Deborah Nguher Ikyanyon Flat 2, Didi Homes, Gwarinpa 2, Abuja

Flat 2, Didi Homes, Gwarinpa 2, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 25th April, 2014. The widower and daughter of the said

Deceased.

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: SECRETARY

JANET

I formerly known as MISS OCHICHE JANET IKWACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PETER JANET IKWACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IYABO

I formerly known and addressed as OLU IYABO OMOWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as SENIYI OLU IYABO OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. Kogi Poly, N.Y.S.C. and the general public should please take note.

HARUNA

I formerly known and addressed as HARUNA DANIYAN, now wish to be known and addressed as HARUNA DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

STELLA

I formerly known as MISS ONONIWU CHIKODI STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALAMIEYESEIGHA CHIKODI STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OYEDOLA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ENANG EDIDIONG ANDEM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYEDOLA JOSHUA EDIDIONG. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public should please take note.

YUSUF

GLADYS

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GLADYS NANSHIN DAKWAK, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GLADYS NANSHIN BARDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MABARUKA

I formerly known and addressed as MABARUKA LAWAL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MABARUKA MUSA YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the general public should please take note.

Nda

I formerly known and addressed as usman yakubu, now wish to be known and addressed as Nda Israel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS RABI YUSUF, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RABI YUSUF JAMAL YAHYA. All former documents remain valid. Petroleum Equalisation Fund (mgt) Board and the general public should please take note.

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE 2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

OGONNAYA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGONNAYA OKEREKE OKORO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGONNAYA EFUT MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 53

Monday, August 11, 2014

Ebola Scare: Abuja Catholic Archdiocese Omits Shaking Of Hands In Mass

Minister Assures Batch ‘B’ Corps Members Of Safety

By Chika Mefor

By Chika Mefor

Catholic faithful in the Abuja Archdiocese, yesterday, celebrated Sunday Mass without the usual shaking of hands, a symbol of ‘sharing a sign of peace’, which may be unconnected to the scare of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

It is characteristic of the minister, celebrating the

mass, to call for a sign of peace during the course of the service, and worshippers would then offer each other a handshake, share an embrace or other appropriate gesture of peace with those around them.

While celebrating mass at St Donalds Catholic Church, Sokale, Dutse, Bwari area council, Fr Mathew Zaah, read out a directive from the Archbishop of Abuja,

Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, where he instructed the omission of the sign of peace until further notice.

The message further instructed that the communion, which was usually search to parishioners by the minister, should now be collected by hand.

He also called for prayers from the Catholic faithful,

so that a cure for the virus will be found quickly, so as, to save the lives of those already infected by the virus.

Recall that medical report had revealed that people can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct physical contact with body fluids like blood, saliva, stool, urine, sweat etc. of an infected person and soiled linen used by a patient.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has assured the Batch ‘B’ corps members posted to the nation’s capital that necessary steps has been taken by the FCT Administration to ensure the safety of corps members.

Speaking to the corps members, recently, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Kubwa, Akinjide urged them to take discipline, hard work, corporation and accommodation as their guiding principles. She also asked them to take their swearing-in oath seriously, saying they would be held accountable for their actions during the national service.

She said that while the NYSC programme was an opportunity to imbibe leadership qualities and other virtues of adaptation to the socio-economic circumstances; the orientation camp is a platform to learn the strategies to confront the challenges.

Earlier, the NYSC FCT coordinator, Anthony Enweonwu, expressed confidence that the corps members would carry out the national assignment personnel to treat patients The PHCDB boss said with diligence and determination with severe malaria; that is that there are 1712 vomiting or has diarrhea suspected cases of Ebola and is bleeding, as possible virus worldwide, while EVC carriers and, as such, there are 922 people should protect themselves infected presently and before attending to such there are seven confirmed

By Igho Oyoyo patients until it is proven cases in Nigeria. otherwise.

He said, “the FCTA is prepared to fight the The chairman of the Association of Local outbreak of the virus, which Government of Nigeria (ALGON) branch of the is why we are organising Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Micah Jiba, has urged residents not to panic over the Ebola outbreak, training and sensitization saying that the recipe for preventing the disease was programmes at the grassroots to take care of the personal hygiene. health care workers. We are Jiba, who made this know while speaking with training and equipping them journalists on plans made by chairmen of the area with the necessary ways to councils to curb the spread of the virus, said that FCT health officials have been undergone various training protect themselves against and sensitisation programmes to help fight the virus. the deadly virus.

According to Jiba who is also is the chairman “Because, if a health care of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), he said worker does not protect that residents who make meal from bats, monkeys, himself and gets infected chimpanzees and gorillas are at risk of contracting his family will be infected if the virus. He urged residents to avoid meat from care is not taken his friends and others would be infected such bush animals, in order not to get infected by too, and before you know it the deadly virus, urging them to observe general the virus will spread.” hygiene such as washing of hands, properly before According to him, “we eating, and avoiding contact with fluids from any have to protect our health sick person. workers and their families “Also, our health workers should be alert and by controlling the spread have a high index of suspicion, and ensure the of the virus. That is why use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to suspected infected corpses; safe burial we are taking our time to protocols should also be followed by relatives of dead educate and make them people, because, it has been said that the health understand how the virus workers and people that use their hands to touch can be contacted.” the dead bodies of the relatives are more vulnerable Speaking to journalists, to this virus,” he said. director of the FCT Public He stated that the six area council chairmen have Health, Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, said that the FCTA met with health workers to ensure that adequate has taken measures both measures are put in place to ensure the virus does to prevent and contain the not spread in any of the community under their outbreak of the Ebola virus, watch, adding that meeting with health workers in case, the FCT becomes will be on a frequent basis. He adviced residents to report any suspected Ebola virus case to the nearest part of the global picture. health care centre.

She said, “sensitisation “As government, we will do our parts to protect our is one very important tool people. But, what we need most, presently, is prayers. in the containment of any We should all continue to pray for our country outbreak; people have to be and ensure that all professional medical advice on educated, if not then they the preventive measures is followed religiously. I cannot protect themselves sincerely believe that this deadly virus will soon be and their family. defeated by the grace of God,” he said.

Treat Severe Malaria As Ebola, FCT PHCDB Tells Health Workers

By Igho Oyoyo

The executive secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), Dr Rilwan Mohammed, has adviced health workers in the six area council of Abuja,

especially those at the rural communities to treat all cases of severe malaria as Ebola virus Disease (EVD).

Speaking during a training and sensitisation programme for health workers in the FCT, Mohammed urged health

Personal Hygiene, Recipe For Ebola Prevention – Jiba

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Monday, August 11, 2014

THE ELECTABLES On August 15th, 2014

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

This is a must read!

A

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLICATION

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Sports Is A Unifying Factor – Hussaini By nkechi isaac, Abuja The Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Dr. Hussaini Ibrahim, has said that sports is a unifying factor that preaches unity and brings people of different religion, culture and tribe

together.

Hussaini stated this at the official flag-off ceremony of the RMRDC internal walking/jogging exercise with the theme “jogging for improved productivity” organised by the council’s sports club at the weekend in Abuja.

The RMRDC boss, who lauded

the activities of the sports club, said that sports is the panacea for increased productivity, stressing that workers are more productive when they are fit and healthy.

He said, “I am proud to state that the activities of the sports club have brought a lot of fame to the council.”

NFF Suspension Out Of Ignorance – Gara

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja The recent suspension of two members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by the executive committee was done out of ignorance, football administrator, Alhaji Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has said.

Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP Sports in Abuja, he explained that the board members took the decision because they were ignorant of the NFF status.

“Instead of them to work towards stability, they are working towards destruction,” he added.

Gara-Gombe predicted that with the present state of things at the NFF, Nigeria’s football can never be the same again.

“It is no longer about Maigari because even if he is out today, espirit de corps has been destroyed, trust betrayed and individual confidence weakened,” he lamented.

“They are using their hearts more than their heads and therefore, it is jeorpadising the development of football in Nigeria,” he said.

He charged the NFF congress to do the right thing if the nation’s football were to make any progress.

“The congress of the NFF must rise to the occasion and save our football. The power lies with them if they can stand up and stick to their decisions, we can get out of this mess.

Gara

NFF Crisis: National Assembly Calls For Truce

By ISALIFU USMAN, Abuja

After careful observation of the recent happenings in Nigeria football, vis-a-vis the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Assembly is calling on the warring factions to sheath their swords

The National Assembly has called for a truce in the lingering crisis in Nigeria’s football, urging both factions in the power tussle within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of August 26 elective congress to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of football and the nation.

The legislative arm in a statement signed by the Chairman, House committee on sports, Hon Godfrey Ali Godfrey Gaiya, Chairman Gaiya, appealed to the two House Committee on Sports opposing camps and the various stakeholders not to allow the

crisis escalate further and force FIFA to impose sanctions on the nation.

“After careful observation of the recent happenings in Nigeria football, vis-a-vis the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Assembly is calling on the warring factions to sheath their swords in the interest of Nigeria’s football development.

We should not allow the crisis to escalate and force FIFA to set up harmonisation committee which may not be in the interest of Nigeria football,” Gaiya said.

The lawmakers also appealed to the electoral committee of the

2014 World Cup Superstars: Leighton Baines (England) NAME:Leighton John Baines Date of Birth: December 11, 1984 Place of Birth: Kirkby Club: Everton World Cups: 1 APPS : 2 Goals: 0

Baines

Leighton Baines must be hoping this is the World Cup where he finally gets to make an impression. The talented left-back looked likely to make the team for the 2010 World Cup, and even played in the two buildup friendlies, but when Fabio Capello’s squad was finally announced Leightons name was not there.

Even had he gone Baines would only have been cover for Ashley Cole, but

four years on things have changed. Despite his 100 caps Cole is unlikley to play much part in Brazil.

Baines has muscled his way to the front of the full-back queue with some scintillating performances for his club and has not Leighton’s a big music fan - he’s friends with Miles Kane of the last Shadow Puppets and went to Glastonbury festival with him last year Leighton Baines disappointed at international level since. He was many people’s man of the match when England demolished Moldova 5-0 in qualification, scoring his first international goal in the process.

NFF to ensure that all interested aspirants in the elections are treated with fairness and given all equal opportunity to participate.

He urged the committee to make the forms available to all for purchase, adding that the National Assembly would in due course invite all factions in order to find amicable solutions so as to end the crisis. “The election forms into the board of the NFF be made available to all in order to create a level playing ground and let the congress decide.

“The National Assembly would in due course invite all factions in order to find amicable solutions,” he added.

Umeh

2014 Yero Peace Cup Begins

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Sports after the goalless draw, Zonal Coordinator North-West, GarKagarko LGA played 0-0 with assroots Sports Federation (GRAKudan LGA in the opening match SOF), Hon. Babami Danlami said of the 2014 edition of the Alhaji that he was impressed with the Mukhtar Ramalan Yero Peace and standards displayed at the openUnity Soccer Cup at the Kaduna ing ceremony.

Township Stadium weekend.

He explained that the competition The opening match which was high- is being organized by GRASOF anly enterprising attracted the Ka- nually to consolidate on the state duna State Director of Sports, Mr. government’s efforts at ensuring George Desambo, as well as sever- peaceful co-existence in the state. al other dignitaries.

Speaking further, he said that this This year’s edition will feature the year’s competition will be bringing 23 LGAs in the state and would together youths from the 23 LGAs be played at four centres spread in the state who are expected to across the state. The centres are build relationship with each other Kachia, Saminaka, Kafanchan and throughout the competition.

Zaria, but the final is expected to It would be recalled that Chikun be played in Kaduna.

LGA beat Jaba LGA to lift last In an interview with LEADERSHIP year’s trophy.

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Sam Nda-Isaiah

If This Is What It Takes To Win Elections...

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T

he people of Osun State have spoken.

And they have spoken very loudly and clearly. Nigerians from all over the country have been rejoicing since the result of the election in Osun State was announced. Nigerians know exactly who they vote for in elections even though, occasionally, names other than the ones they voted for are announced as winners.

The celebration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s victory goes beyond the boundaries of Osun State. For now, we are all indigenes of Osun.

But beyond the euphoria and celebrations, we must not forget what every one of us had to go through to enjoy that elementary privilege of electing leaders of our choice in this democracy. I say “every one of us” because whatever affects one person affects every other person in a democracy.

Everyone assumes that the essence of democracy is the power to elect leaders of the people’s choosing. This ideal is taken for granted everywhere there is democracy, whether it is Ghana, Senegal, India or the United States. It is only in Nigeria that opposition politicians are told to protect their votes, whatever that means.

Sam Nda-Isaiah with Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a day before the election

Aregbesola’s victory yesterday was actually the victory of vote protection.

Voters learnt from the experience of Ekiti and they were ready to protect their votes with their lives. They defied the military intimidation and official acts of terrorism by the Jonathan

government. It was tedious, too tasking and too timeconsuming. That is not how democracy is meant to be. If this is what it takes to win elections in Nigeria, then, there is nothing to rejoice about. Nigeria is not yet a democracy.

First, before the election,

just like it happened in Ekiti a few months ago, many APC bigwigs were arrested – more than 250 APC members were arrested. And just as in the Ekiti election, not a single PDP member was ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 9 arrested. This act of official brigandage cannot conGHANA MUST GO tinue. Nigeria is not a junI was not sacked for incompetence

As The People Of Gwoza Threaten To Join Cameroun…

It is difficult to imagine what Gwoza people are going through at the moment. On a single day last week, Boko Haram killed more than 100 of their people. A few weeks earlier, their emir was killed by Boko Haram as he was travelling to Gombe. And now the whereabouts of the new emir remains unknown, several days after Boko Haram had ransacked the town. As at the time of

gle. Nigerians should not just sit by and watch this level of abuse of office by President Jonathan continue to happen unchallenged. In the case of Osun, the impunity was even taken a notch higher. Lai Mohammed, APC’s spokesperson, was arrested for doing nothing wrong. The police did not accuse him of doing anything wrong. Some jesters, obviously speaking on behalf of the Jonathan government, said he should not be in Osun on election day.

If that is the federal government’s reason for his arrest, then, that is a breach of his fundamental and constitutional rights to freedom of association and movement.

And I think Lai Mohammed and all those arrested without any other reason should

writing this piece, Jonathan’s government had not made any statement on this desperate situation.

Last week, a few of the leaders of Gwoza town threatened they would denounce their citizenship of Nigeria and merge with Cameroun if the Jonathan government failed to secure their homeland. But do they think Jonathan cares?

— Gulak

You were sacked for diarrhoea?

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