23rd December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,398

WEDNESDAY, 23 december, 2015

We won’t accept fuel price hike, subsidy removal —P2 —NLC

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Boko Haram forces 1 million children out of school —UNICEF —P45

Tribune wins three awards at 2014/2015 NMMA —P2

From left, Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo; former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade and the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, at the Uyo Township Stadium, venue of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Festival sponsored by Globacom.

At N6.08trn budget presentation

Buhari apologises to Nigerians on fuel scarcity, foreign exchange —P6

•Says fuel remains N87/litre for now •We won't stop until we recover stolen funds, he insists •Announces plan to offer free education to science students •2016 budget a big fraud —PDP Ladder saga: NCAA —P2 sanctions Aero contractors

2016 will be tough —P42 —Oshiomhole, Adesina

Kogi West —P42 elders meet Faleke over poll TRIBUNE AWARD WINNERS: From left, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Brand and Marketing Reporter of the Year; Miss Ronke Sanya, Most Innovative Reporter of the Year and Mr Adewale Emosu, Tourism Reporter of the Year, during the grand presentation at the 2014/2015 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) event, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Adeboye in Ibadan today —P3

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 2 news Ajimobi prioritises agric, education, infrastructure in N166bn 2016 budget By Wale Akinselure

T an estimated sum of N165, 097,845,486, governance in Oyo State will be focused on agriculture, education and human capital development, infrastructural development, peace and security, in 2016. The 2016 appropriation proposal, an upward review of about N21,989,184,786 from the 2015 budget, covers a recurrent expenditure of about N92.37 billion and capital expenditure of about N72.73 billion. Governor Abiola Ajimobi made this known when he presented the 2016 appropriation proposal, tagged “Budget of Renewed Commitment,” at the state House of Assembly, on Tuesday. The appropriation bill, which subsequently passed the first reading stage, comprises an estimated personnel cost of N44.77 billion, overhead cost of N12.29 billion and consoli-

dated revenue fund charges of about N27.81 billion. Estimated personnel cost is meant for issues of retire-

ment and non-recruitment of new staff, overhead cost will see to the restructuring of ministries and the

consolidated revenue fund charges will serve as pension fund for teachers and other public officers.

The balanced appropriation proposal indicates an expected income of about N48 billion from the Fed-

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left), presenting the 2016 budget to the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, at the House of Assembly Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU.

We won’t accept fuel price hike, subsidy removal —NLC Threatens to commence mobilisation Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rose from an emergency meeting of its Central Working Committee (CWC) on Tuesday night with a threat to liaise with civil society allies to mobilise workers and the Nigerian masses against any form of increase in the prices of petroleum products. Speaking after the meeting held at the Labour House, Abuja, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the Nigerian workers, led by the NLC, would not accept any fuel price increase. He pointed out that the position of NLC on the removal of fuel subsidy had not changed, adding that the Nigerian people were not responsible for the cur-

rent challenges the nation was going through. Wabba said government should rather focus on how to make all the local refineries work, rather than importing refined products from outside the country. He stated further that the congress would not accept any situation where the Nigerian workers would be made to pay for the decay in the system, pointing out

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed an applicable sanction on Aero Contractors Airlines, in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs). In a letter conveying the sanction, the DirectorGeneral of the regulatory authority, Captain Muhtar Usman, said the action of Aero Contractors Airline in allowing the use of a ladder to disembark passengers

the falling price of crude oil, but because we are an import-dependent nation, we are not benefitting. “Why must we continue to import and have subsidy in place? If we are not importing, by now, we should be paying lower. We remain consistent on those positions,” he said. Speaking on the N18,000 minimum wage, he said the governors did not have

the right to tinker with the workers’ salary, as it could only be done through the National Assembly. The national minimum wage, he said, was long due for review, pointing out that the labour would make presentation to the appropriate authorities for the review of the minimum wage which, according to him, ought to be done every five years.

Tribune wins three awards at 2014/2015 NMMA By Tunde Ogunesan THREE reporters from the stable of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles, on Tuesday, won awards in three categories of the annual Nigeria Me-

Ladder saga: NCAA sanctions Aero contractors Shola Adekola -Lagos

that the removal of subsidy on petroleum products was not the solution to the current challenges facing the country. He wondered why those who were part of the protest against subsidy removal in the last dispensation suddenly became its advocate, speaking in favour of it. “What we are demanding for, which is clear, is that we should benefit from

from a Boeing 737–500 aircraft in a non-emergency situation is contrary to its approved aircraft handling manual. “In view of the safety implications of your action, you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nig.CARs,” the letter read. In addition, the captain of the flight was similarly fined for failing to comply with the provisions contained in the aircraft manual.

dia Merit Awards (NMMA) 2014/2015, held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. Associate Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Adewale Emosu, won the 2014 Adamu Muazu Prize for Tourism Reporter of the Year, with his entry, "Bahia, even in Brazil, African heritage lives." Emosu, it will be recalled, won the CNN/Multichoice African Reporter of the Year (Culture Category) with the same entry. Business Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, won 2014 CocaCola prize for Brands and Marketing Reporter of the year. Senior Reporter on the Sub Desk of the Nigerian Tribune, Aderonke Temitope Sanya, won the award for "Most Innovative Reporter of the Year." The paper got nominated for other categories of the

awards, which were Editor of the Year; Editorial Writing of the Year; Newspaper Reporter of the Year; Education Reporter of the Year, Culture Reporter of the Year; Human Rights Reporter of the Year.

The organisers said a total of 1,043 entries were recieved in 51 categories for the edition. Each of the winners will receive N100,000 cash prize with the unique NMMA gong-man.

Appeal Court upholds elections of 6 Oyo lawmakers THE Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, upheld the victory of six members of the state House of Assembly. The appellate court, presided over by Justice Samuel Oseji, upheld the judgments of the legislative election petitions tribunal for Oyo on the elections. The court, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), held that the tribunal was right in its October 28 judgments, dismissing the respective petitions challenging the victory of

the lawmakers. The lawmakers, who were from Labour Party (LP), were Mr Gideon Aremu (Orelope), Mr Olagunju Ojo (Orire), Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba) and Mr Oyetunji Peter (Surulere/ Ogooluwa). The other two from All Progressives Congress (APC) were Saheed Badmos (Akinyele) and Mr Abiodun Muyideen (Oluyole). The appellate court held that the lawmakers were validly elected by the majority of votes cast in their respective constituencies.

eration Account, N76.6 billion as internally generated revenue and N40.42 billion from capital receipts. A sectorial breakdown shows that N39.90 billion is allocated to the economic sector, N13.60 billion for the social services sector, N8.10 billion to urban and regional development and N11.20 billion for general administration. Expatiating, Ajimobi restated the resolve of government to increase the monthly IGR by about 400 per cent from the current N1.2 billion to about N5 billion, by expanding the state tax net, facilitating more private investments, increased economic activities and MDAs restructuring. On an intensified revenue generation drive, Ajimobi noted government’s resolve to streamline public expenditure through prioritisation of projects based on the developmental and socio-economic empowerment needs of the state and its people. Priority, Ajimobi said, would be accorded the agriculture, agro-allied industrialisation, expansion of the rail sector, aimed at increasing employment opportunities for the people of the state. He maintained that the restructuring of MDAS would focus on maximum revenue generation and cost-effective operations, while noting the economy of the state was being reengineered to increase capital inflow through direct private investment or public-private partnerships. Ajimobi emphasised that government would continue to pursue a peoplecentred, empowerment-focused agenda, focusing on health, water, sanitation, peace and security. He announced that the 10,000 metric tonnes capacity silo in Oyo town would be completed in 2016. On education, he affirmed that all ongoing projects to include construction and furnishing of classrooms and model schools would be completed in 2016. In their contributions, Deputy Speaker, Honourable Abdulwasi Musa, Honourable Fatai Adesina and Honourable Peter Oyetunji, harped on the need for implementation when the bill is passed into law. Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, expressed optimism that Ajimobi would utilise his second term to the full advantage of the people of the state.

news

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nobody can reduce minimum wage —FG

Budgets N500bn for employment generation, poverty alleviation Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja

HE Federal Government has said nobody can reduce the national minimum wage from the present N18,000 because it is backed up the law of the land. This was disclosed on Tuesday as the government said it had budgeted N500 billion for job creation and poverty alleviation in the 2016 budget. Giving the position of the government at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said the governors were only playing politics with the issue of minimum wage. Rather than reduce the minimum wage, he pointed out that if there is money, government would want workers to be paid higher. He, however, added that labour were just heating up the system by joining the governors in talking about reduction or increment in minimum wage. “When the NLC joined

the governors in talking about minimum wage, with the governors saying we can’t pay N18,000 minimum wage and NLC saying it is time for us to ask for increase, these talks are heating up the system. “The NLC knows better that the governors are playing politics. This is one matter that you cannot play politics with, because it is a matter of rule of law. “The law in place now is the Minimum Wage Act enacted by the National Assembly and the National

Assembly derived its power from the exclusive list of the constitution, which gives it power to make laws on labour related matters, including minimum wage. “So, anybody who wants to talk about minimum wage should go to the National Assembly or ask the president to send an executive bill, which can be discussed and it will be a tripartite discussion, involving public hearing,” he said. The minister disclosed that the ministry was plan-

ning to review some of the nation’s existing labour laws which, he said, were too old and ask organised labour to make input into the new law. “As a ministry, we will look at all these laws and, with the Attorney-General of the Federation, we will make sure that we fasttrack some of these laws, so that necessary penalties commensurate with labour offences committed are meted out to the offending parties. We will be needing your input,” he added.

The president of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke earlier, said the national interest had always been behind the driving force of the congress. He stressed the need for

the government to respect collective bargaining process and commended the intervention of the minister on the issue of outsourcing of jobs and casualisation.

Pastor Adeboye in Ibadan today THE General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, will be visiting Ibadan today, to shower end of the year blessings on all Nigerians. The venue is The Redeemed Christian Church

of God, Covenant Sanctuary, opposite Zartech, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan. Nigerians who attend may be given an opportunity to ask for Christmas and New Year gifts from God. Time is 7.00 a.m.

Give them a gift that shines this season

Ghanaian president bans first class travel for public officials PRESIDENT John Mahama of Ghana has banned public officials from first class air travel, in a renewed effort to cut wasteful spending. The ban came into effect as the country implements an International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid deal to revive state finances, the government said on Tuesday. Ghana is preparing to hold presidential and parliamentary elections next year and, with the opposition accusing ministers of inflating contract sums, inappropriate spending would be a top campaign issue. The presidency issued the directive this week, asking all ministers and other top officials to avoid “unwarranted” foreign trips on the public purse, Communications Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, told media. Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, told the media on Tuesday that the cabinet was also discussing a financial accountability bill.

Better for You. Better for Your Family. For a list of LIGHTING AFRICA QUALITY VERIFIED SOLAR PRODUCTS, text LA, your town to 38321, eg. LA IBADAN to 38321

news

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 Wednesday,23 23December, December,2015 2015 Wednesday,

Kwara budgets N116bn for 2016 Biola Azeez - Ilorin

OVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has presented 2016 budget proposal of N116 billion to the state House of Assembly. Delivering the budget speech, christened ‘Budget of Sustained Expansion’ on the floor of the House, on Tuesday, Governor Ahmed said the budget showed a decrease of about N163 million of 1.3 per cent compared with 2015 budget. Governor Ahmed, who said that his administra-

tion was determined to improve internally generated revenue (IGR) and reduce dependence on federal allocation, added that the budget was prepared in line with economic reality in the country, thus, he said that tax administration would be strengthened to ensure that all eligible tax payers in the state perform their civic responsibility of paying their taxes without burden on people. He also said that his administration was committed to the provision of infrastructure for the socio-economic develop-

ment of the state welfare of our people, adding that the budget was christened Budget of Sustained Expansion in order toimplement programmes stalled by lack of funds in the outgoing year. “The main objectives of the budget are: . Revenue reforms that provide the fiscal space required for growth and stability of the state economy. Increase revenue and block leakages to free additional revenue required for the implementation of government programs and projects.

CJ frees 28 inmates from prison in Ekiti Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti

THE Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, has ordered the release of 28 inmates awaiting trial from the Federal Prison in Ado-Ekiti. Justice Daramola gave the order after reviewing cases of the 284 awaiting trial inmates in detention during his visit to the prison. A government statement on Tuesday said “14 of the inmates were unconditionally released by the Chief Judge, while the remaining 14 inmates were freed based on the advice of the State Director of Public

Prosecution (DPP) that they had no case to answer.” One other inmate was, however, also granted bail. The statement added that “after the exercise, the Chief Judge disclosed that the state judiciary was looking at the possibility of establishing two new magistrate courts that would sit within the precinct of the prison with a view to further fast-tracking the administration of criminal justice system in the state.” Justice Daramola, it said “restated his commitment to a speedy dispensation of justice in the state,”

and “also disclosed that the state judiciary would employ Hausa and Igbo interpreters towards solving the age-long problem of obtaining accurate evidence from witnesses and accused persons who were not proficient in English and Yoruba languages.” Justice Daramola, who commended the authorities of the Ado Ekiti Prison for the clean environment and the smart appearance of inmates in the prison, also lauded stakeholders in the judicial sector for their contributions to the dispensation of justice in the state.

Increase infrastructure development in order to boost socio-economic activities in the state through the completion of all ongoing projects in health, roads, energy, education, water, justice and to initiate new projects”, he said. He also said that the Ilorin water reticulated project, started in 2006, would be completed next year to boost water supply in the area by 25 per cent.

Governor Ahmed, who said that a total sum of N861 billion was voted for works and transport sector for next year, added that top priority would be accorded to the completion of ongoing road projects in order to sustain the progress already made in the past year. He said that adequate attention would be paid to the construction of new roads to link up with farm settlements, communities,

educational institutions, health centres, industries, tourist sites, adding that rural and feeder roads would also be constructed. The governor, who said that the state has the lowest HIV prevalence in the country, added that government had budgeted N5.7 billion to enable it continue the support on advocacy programmes aimed at reducing the transmission of the disease in the state.

news

Wednesday, 23 December, Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 2015

Nigerian Tribune

N18m dud cheque: Court issues bench warrant against oil marketer ByYejideGbenga-Ogundare

Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Igbosere has issued a bench warrant on an oil marketer, Clement Clinton Enenche, for failing to appear before the court to answer charges in a suit bordering on allegations of issuance of a N18 million dud cheque. Enenche, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LXG Ocean Global Services Limited, was dragged before the court in a suit delineated D/37/2015, bordering on allegations of issuing a dud First City Monument Bank cheques in favour of ORYX Oil Marketing Company Nigeria Limited. Enenche and his company, LXG Ocean Global Services Limited (represented by Clement Clinton Eneche), were arraigned for issuing two dud cheques of N9million each

Yuletide: FG declares Dec 24, 25, 28 public holidays The Federal Government has declared December 24, 25 and 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively. The Minister of the Interior, Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday, in Abuja, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung. “The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 24, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration. “Friday, 25 and Monday, December 28, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said. The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation. Dambazau wished Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations. Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

in a bid to partially offset a debt of N160, 000, 000 owed ORYX Oil Marketing Company, for petroleum products he purchased between September 2014 and March 2015. At the resumed hearing

of the matter before Chief Magistrate Ola Shonuga, the police prosecutor, DSP Raymond Akhaine, told the court that he was surprised that the defendant was absent in court despite the fact that he is on bail

and the case was the first after his arraignment. DSP Akhaine consequently made two applications before the court; he asked the court for the revocation of Enenche’s bail and also for a bench war-

34-yr-old businessman remanded in prison for jumping bail ByYejideGbenga-Ogundare A Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Apapa, has remanded a 34 -year- old businessman, Pius Ozumba, in prison custody, at the Kirikiri prison, for jumping bail that was earlier granted him by the court in a case where he is standing trial for allegedly specialising in sending fake bank alerts to unsuspecting businessmen and dispossessing them of large sum of money in 2013. Magistrate T. Abolarinwa, remanded Ozumba, who is standing trial over an alleged theft of goods worth N9.5 million in prison for being absent in court anytime his trial is scheduled to come up. At the resumed hearing of the matter, the police prosecutor, Inspector Tony

Idibe, informed the court that the defendant was first arraigned on January 3, 2013 and was granted bail in the sum of N300, 000 by the magistrate that first handled the matter, Mrs O. I Adelaja.

According to Idibe, Ozumba was granted bail with two sureties in like sum, but since he was released after perfecting his bail condition, he and the two sureties, Philip Ajayi and Iyanda Kudirat absconded and were not heard of.

Foundation fetes orphanage at Xmas party A Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lammie Foundation, has organised a Christmas party for about 500 children recently, at Felele, Ibadan, Oyo State. The NGO, whose aim is to put smiles on the faces of less privileged children, especially those in the motherless babies homes, had been organising such events for over five years According to the co-ordinator of the NGO, Princess

Bunmi Obasuyi, majority of the children present at the party were from orphanage homes, including the Living Word Mission, Ososami; Oyiza Home of Love, NTC Road; Winners Castle, Ayefele Road; King’s Kids, off Adeoyo Road, Ibadan. Obasuyi however, urged the children to “love God” and implored parents to ensure that their children achieve their goals in life.

rant to be issued on him, Enenche’s counsel, Mr Gbenga Ajala, objected to the application, he informed the court that his client was rushed to the hospital early in the morning and at the time of the court sitting, he is yet to have any information on the hospital where his client had been admitted. In his own argument, counsel to ORYX Oil Mar-

keting Company Nigeria Limited, stated that lawyers must endeavour to speak the truth as ministers in the temple of justice no matter how beautiful they wish to perfect their client’s brief, adding that shortly before the court sat, he overheard Enenche’s lawyer informing the prosecutor that his client was not coming to court without any justifiable reason.

news At N6.08trn budget presentation: Buhari apologises to Nigerians on fuel scarcity, foreign exchange 6

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

•Says fuel remains N87/litre for now •Announces plan to offer free education to science students

Jacob Segun Olatunji, Ayodele Adesanmi, Leon Usigbe and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

RESIDENT Mohammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, apologised to motorists on the scarcity of fuel which has resulted to the long queues at petrol stations across the country. Speaking during the presentation of 2016 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly, he informed that the current fuel scarcity is very unfortunate. He said “Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.” The president said that the government is working to diversify the economy, adding “we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies.” Subsequently, he added “I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per litre for now.” For a better funding, he stated that he had directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable the country to honour “our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields,” believing that “We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.” On fuel price, the president said “We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per litre for now.” According to him, the current scarcity of petroleum products is causing a “social dislocation” further describing it as unfortunate. “Government profoundly

apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. “Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country, “Buhari told the lawmakers. The president stated that the Nigerian economy needs to move away from depending on oil, adding that, “Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.” Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, said that the 2016 budget should be pragmatic, encouraging local production and made in Nigeria goods. He assured that the National Assembly will move swiftly and speedily to pass the 2016 appropriation bill, adding that, “we will not offer scrutiny on the altar of expediency.” The Senate President hoped that the Federal Government will respond to the National Assembly for clarification on the 2016 budget when they are called upon to do so. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, while thanking President Buhari for meeting the constitutional requirement for the presentation of the 2016 budget estimates, reiterated that a well crafted budget is not an end in itself. “The real meat of a budget is in its implementation. “While the National Assembly will endeavour to diligently scrutinise and pass the budget in good time to facilitate early commencement of its implementation. “In this regard, and in order to aid Mr President to execute and implement the budget, it may be necessary to take a second look at the constitutional definition of financial year. “Section 318 of the Constitution defines a Financial Year to mean any period of 12 months beginning on the first day of January in any year or such other date as the National Assembly may prescribe,” Dogara said. President Buhari also sympathised with Nigerians over the current hardship experienced in accessing foreign currency for their different transactions.

President Muhammadu Buhari (second left), presenting the 2016 appropriation bill to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, on Tuesday. Left is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang. At the presentation of the 2016 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly, on Tuesday, in Abuja, President Buhari said that the Federal Government was aware of the difficulties and was working towards easing off the pressure. “I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes. “These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. “I am, however, assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.” He said that the government was assessing the situation and in spite of that, was looking at ways of attracting foreign investors. “We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors. “But at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to a level that will not harm the average Nigerians. “Nigeria is open for business, but the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. “Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made, but this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians. “So, to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your

pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you.’’ He told members of the National Assembly that in spite of the global economic uncertainties; Nigeria must remain steadfast in its commitment to steer the country back to greatness. “By the grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever,” he said. Meanwhile, President Buhari on Tuesday formally presented to the National Assembly the 2016 budget of N6.08 trillion. A breakdown of the 2016 budget shows that N3.86 trillion represents the projected revenue and N2.22 trillion represents a debt profile which is 2.16 per cent per Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The capital expenditure showed an increment from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget, representing 30 per cent of the 2016 budget. For Capital expenditure, Power, Works and Housing will get N433.4 billion; Transport, N202 billion; Special intervention funds, N200 billion; Defence, N132.6 billion and Interior, N56.1 billion. For recurrent expenditure, Education sector will get N369.6 billion; Defence, N294.5 billion and Interior, N145.3 billion. President Buhari, while presenting the budget estimates and addressing a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives said, “These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to

support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy. “Indeed, the future looks bright and I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country. “In fulfilment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9 per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. “Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.” We won’t stop till we recover stolen funds – Buhari President Buhari has restated to the lawmakers his zeal to fight corruption, noting that the mindless stealing of the past caused the economic distress of today. “We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explain in part, the economic challenges we now face. “On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.”

Buhari announces plan to offer free education to science, technology students The Federal Government is developing a cash transfer programme which will include the provision of free education for science, technology and education students in tertiary institutions, President Buhari has said. The president announced the plan, aimed at addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable in the society in his 2016 Budget Speech at the National Assembly, on Tuesday. He said, “Through the Office of the Vice-President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer programme for the poorest and most vulnerable. “This programme will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. “In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. “Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.” The president also said the Federal Government would collaborate with states and local governments to tackle the “chronic shortage” of teachers in public schools across the country. Continues on pg 12

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Lagosmetro

Edited By Lanre Adewole

08037863902 | olanreade@yahoo.com

Ambode gives mechanics in Adekunle 7 days to vacate the area Bola Badmus

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode has revealed plans to transform Ebute-Meta and Alimosho to tourists havens. Ambode who said this during the commissioning of Ipaja-Ayobo and Ikotun-Ejigbo Roads ordered the rehabilitation of Igbehinadun and Inasa streets in Oshodi. The Governor pointed out that the plan to transform Ebute-Meta into a tourist haven will involve the establishment of a recreation park on the stretch of land overlooking the Lagoon, adjacent to the Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge. The Governor, however, lamented the state of the piece of land which he described as an eye sore from the bridge. He, therefore, gave the auto mechanics under the bridge seven days ultimatum to vacate the site and remove all abandoned vehicles for the development project to commence in earnest. He said all things being equal, the project would be completed before the end of May in 2016 when Lagos State would be 50 years-old. Governor Ambode, who expressed dissatisfaction about the refusal of the mechanics to vacate the site despite repeated notice, said it was important for them to appreciate that the land was needed for public interest. He also ordered traders in the area to move to the special sites prepared for them in Agbowa by January 2016. While at Ipaja, where he inspected the just-completed Ipaja-Ayobo Road, Governor Ambode promised to commence construction works on Ishefun-Ayetoro Road, just as he assured residents that Alimosho would soon become the new Victoria Island. “Three months ago, you will all recall that we came to this particular road and we promised the people of Mosan-Okunola that we

will deliver the Ipaja-Ayobo Road before Christmas, and it is on the strength of that promise that we are here today. Thank God, we have seen to the completion of this road; it has street lights beginning from Ipaja Round About to the end. “As much as we have kept our promise and delivered even before the projected day, the residents should also maintain good use of this road and cooperate

with the government as we extend development to this neighbourhood. I just want to assure the people of Alimosho axis that this government is right behind you and we would do everything possible to turn Alimosho to Victoria Island,” Ambode said. The governor also formally commissioned the Ejigbo Road and assured residents that street light would be installed on the road from Iko-

tun Roundabout to the Isolo Campus of Lagos Polytechnic within three months. He also inspected the ongoing construction work in the popular Brown Street in Oshodi where he was briefed by Mr Baha, the project Manager for Lobrics Construction Company. Governor Ambode said that the project, which commenced about six weeks ago, was now over 40 per cent completed, just as he

Nigerian Tribune

expressed optimism that the residents in the area would enjoy the benefits of the new road when completed. After being briefed by the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Adeola Olajobi Dawood, on the challenges of the adjourning Igbehinadun and Inasa Streets, Governor Ambode ordered the Public Works Corporation to rehabilitate both streets within the next seven days.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), Commissioner for Information & Strategy counterpart, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Executive Secretary, Mosan Okunola Local Council development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Opeyemi Akindele; Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and Managing Director, Laralek Ultimate Limited, Mr. Olalekan Adebiyi, during the commissioning of Ipaja-Ayobo road, on Monday.

7 men acquitted of brutalising police officer Seven men have been cleared of charges by an Igbosere Magistrate court that they allegedly attacked police officers on duty with dangerous weapons. The accused are: Bada Saheed, 29, Damilola Olayiwola, 23, Musibau Lateef, 18, Ajayi Tobi, 21, Tunde Lekan, 20, Seun Adeoti, 18, and Seun Tayo, 18. The men, whose addresses were not given, were standing trial on a one-count charge bordering on unlawful attack on policemen. During their arraignment on December 10, the prosecutor, Inspector Ingobo Emby, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on Dec. 8, at 11:30 p.m, at Obalende Motor Park, Lagos. He alleged that the defendants attacked policemen who were on duty with dangerous weapons. The offence, he said, contravened Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge. When the matter came up for hearing, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. F. F. George, struck out the case due to the absence of the complainants and the IPO. “Cases should not be dumped in the courts. If the complainant had no interest in prosecuting,” the Magistrate said.

Lawmaker vows to uplift health service sector in Lagos Chukwuma Okparaocha The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, has said he would do everything within his power to draw the attention of the state government to the deplorable state of many of the state-owned hospitals and health centres. Olulade who represents Epe 2, made this known

during an interactive session he had with media men and members of the Lagos House of Assembly Correspondents Association (LAHACA) in Lagos. Olulade when asked what he intended to do to help revive the state’s ailing health sector, especially the state-owned General Hospitals, many of which were reported to to be in short supply of basic medical infrastructure such as

adequate beds, water and other necessary amenities said: “You would recall that the first statement I issued as Chairman of the Health Committee had to do with efficiency in our health centres and our hospitals. Now, it will no longer be business as usual in the sector. We thank God for the Governor of Lagos State and the state government for this new budget, because it will

provide us infrastructure that would enhance health services in Lagos State. Olulade also stressed the importance of the state’s health insurance scheme, through which he said funds would be raised to enhance infrastructure and healthcare services. “I cannot have a one-man show, which is why we have not been as active as expected. But, we will swing into action soon and visit

some of the hospitals in the state. “Those who are not serious about being health providers should find their way out of the sector. I want to seek your (LAHACA)’s partnership and support, because will visit the hospitals together. Healthcare is what we cannot joke about, it is our collective responsibility and all hands must be on deck to ensure it works,” he added.

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Activist wants DPO who murdered fuel subsidy protester sentenced to death Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

From right, Commissioner of Local Government and ChieftaincyAffairs, Lagos State, Musiliu Folani, Federal House of Representing Member representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Honourable Jide, Chairman,All Progressive Congress, Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale presenting SecuritySearch gadget to the DPO, Adekunle Police State, Ernest Enang during the presentation of Security Search Gadget to Police Stations, Churches,Mosque andSchools donated by Honourable Jide Jimoh held at Yaba LCDA on Monday in Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa

Driver pleads not guilty over missing crates of beer Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A driver, Jude Okere, 42, has been accused of allegedly stealing 26 crates of Orijin beer worth N425,500. Okere, who resides at No. 11, Ogunmuyiwa St., Sango-Ota, Ogun, allegedly committed the act on October 7 at Cryslad Nigeria Ltd, located at Sakamori Camp, Agege. Okere was a driver with Cryslad Nigeria and was asked to take the crates of Orijin to a customer in Abia State. He loaded from Guinness Nigeria Plc enroute Aba on October 7, but did not return to Lagos until December 3, a trip that was meant to take five days. It was later discovered that 26 crates of beer were missing and Okere could not account for them. He also refused to give reasons why the journey took him so long. The offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 285 stipulates a three-year sentence for offenders. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Alexander Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with

two sureties in like sum. He said that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the La-

gos State government. Komolafe adjourned the case till February 10, 2016, for hearing.

A human rights activist, Adeniyi Sulaiman has strongly condemned the judgment of Justice Olabisi Akinlade of an Igbosere High Court over her tenyear imprisonment sentence given to the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Pen Cinema Police Station, Agege, Segun Fabunmi for killing one Ademola Daramola. It will be recalled that Lagos Metro had reported that the magistrate sentenced the former DPO to ten years imprisonment after finding him guilty of murder. Sulaiman, however, insisted that the judgment meted out on the former police chief by the trial judge was lower to the seven- count charge levelled against him. Fabunmi used his police assigned gun to shoot and murder a fashion designer, Ademola Aderintola Daramola during the 2012 fuel subsidy protest at Yaya Abatan, Ogba. Sulaiman who is the executive chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) alleged that the trial

Man arrested by NDLEA for drug trafficking Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 35-year-old man, Aniecheta Okoli, was yesterday charged before a

Federal High Court for trafficking heroin. Okoli was caught on October 5 by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

Tragedy averted as train hits truck in Lagos Tragedy was averted on Tuesday when an overcrowded Lagos-bound train from Ogun collided with a truck at the Shogunle Railway Crossing in Lagos. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent aboard the train reported that the incident occurred at about 8.00a.m. NAN reported that the refuse clearing truck had tried to rush past the railway crossing ahead of the approaching train, but was unsuccessful. The train driver, seeing the partial blockage of the track by the truck, reduced speed, an effort which reduced the impact of the collision and saved the train from derailing. NAN reported that in spite

of the speed reduction, the train hit the back of the truck which was still on the track, the impact of which injured some passengers. Following the impact, the truck hit the barrier at the crossing, which also hit a nearby electric pole. NAN reported that passengers aboard the train commended its driver for preventing it from derailing, as it continued to the Shogunle Station where some passengers alighted and others came on board. The Director of Operation, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Niyi Alli, later told NAN that the truck had been impounded by the corporation and taken to its headquarters at Ebute Meta Junction.

(NDLEA). He was arrested at the arrival hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja. A large wrap of heroin, weighing 45 grammes, was recovered from the him during the screening of passengers. Okoli was consequently arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the

charge, and his counsel, Mrs Lilian Omotunde, requested that he be granted bail. Justice Saliu Saidu, the trial Judge, in response, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum. The judge ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused. He adjourned the case till Febuary 25, 2016, for substantive trial.

Judge erred in her ruling over the murder case. He described the judgment as callous, ungodly and disheartening.

Teenager, accomplice arrested for robbing tricycle operator Olalekan Olabulo A teenage suspected armed robber and an accomplice have been arrested by the police. Seventeen-year-old Ibrahim Taiwo and his friend on Saturday allegedly robbed a tricycle operator around Iddo area of the state, after which they were arrested by policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad. The other suspect, Sola Adetona, was also arrested during a raid on an Indian hemp joint. The police at RRS described the arrest as a measure to forestall any breakdown of law and order, during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Ibrahim confessed to being the brain behind the robbery but claimed that it was his accomplice who used a jackknife to dispossess a tricyclist, Okeke Chibuike, of his two mobile phones, money and other valuables. The victim of the botched robbery operation, Chibuike, emphasised that it was Ibrahim that led the two – man robbery gang that dispossessed him of his belongings. The image maker in charge of the state police command Joe Offor confirmed the arrest of the suspects to Lagos Metro.

Lawmaker donates security gadgets to schools, churches, mosques Bola Badmus Following security challenges in the country, a member, House of Representatives, Jide Jimoh, on Monday, distributed about 200 security search gadgets to 66 schools, 66 churches, 40 mosques, among others,mp to complement government’s effort in ensuring safety in Lagos State. The lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, while

addressing dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Musiliu Folami, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Henry Ajomale, described the gesture as “adding my own initiative to all these laudable activities by lending a hand to public safety and security.” Folami hailed Jimoh for thinking in line with the state

executive council, insisting that security was a major challenge confronting the state presently. The APC chairman, Ajomale, in his own response, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for his efforts to improve the quality of life in Lagos Mainland and environs. “Some people have money but find it difficult to spend it and that is the more reason why I came to honour him,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 10 businessnews Banks to accept BVN, certificates as collaterals for N220bn MSME funds Chima Nwokoji-lagos

S part of efforts to create jobs for school leavers, encourage entrepreneurial ventures and new businesses in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed banks to accept school certificates and Bank Verification Number (BVN) as collaterals from enterprising young school leavers. This is contained in the reviewed guidelines for its N220 billion micro, small, and medium scale enterprises development fund (MSMEDF). The decision to allow business start-ups borrow from the fund is aimed at boosting graduate employment by encouraging banks to lend to graduates intending to set up businesses. The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, while addressing the just con-

cluded 7th annual Banker’s Committee Retreat, had announced that the apex bank would soon introduce measures to generate one million graduate employments. He said: “In 2016, the CBN is contemplating a programme that would support SMEs at concessionary pricing to our young graduates. We need to get more people to be employed. The Central

Bank would, over the next few weeks, work out the initiative to create employment for at least one million graduates in Nigeria in 2016. That would entail the support from Nigerian banks and our development partners.” The banking sector regulator stated that collateral requirements from start-ups by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) shall be educa-

tional certificates, such as SSCE, National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Higher National Diploma (HND), university degree (NYSC certificate, where applicable) and a guarantor. For the start-ups to access the MSMEDF, they must present their BVNs. Part of the 23-page new

revised guidelines that was posted on the CBN’s website stated that incentives would be given to start-ups that apply for the fund. In addition, the CBN also reduced interest rate it charges PFIs accessing the loan from three per cent to two per cent. “All PFIs shall access funds at an interest rate of two per cent per annum and on lend [to bank customers] at nine per cent

Shippers’ Council bars agents’ associations from collecting fees at seaports Tola Adenubi-lagos

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) said it has banned the collection of dues by all associations of freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents at the ports. Executive Secretary of NSC, Hassan Bello, who said this at a town hall meeting with stakeholders at Eastern Ports, Port Harcourt, said the proper place for such revenue drive is the secretariat of the associations. Represented by the Deputy Director, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, Cajetan Agu, Bello said the decision was sequel to stakeholders’ outcry at the ports against the practice. He also said that getting approved standard tariff for freight forwarders remained a high priority for the agency. Bello also said all the issues raised by the stakeholders at the meeting would be dutifully followed up with the Ministry of Transportation, expressing hope that the new minister of transport would address them accordingly. He specifically promised to take up the issue of several checkpoints along Port Harcourt –Aba and Owerri –Onitsha expressways, as well as the dormant nature of eastern ports with the Federal Government.

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Gov

Rotimi Amaechi, Transport Minister

per annum, inclusive of all charges. The interest rate chargeable under the MSMEDF may be reviewed by the Central Bank of Nigeria from time to time,” it added. It also stated that PFIs are expected to accept charges on fixed and floating assets of the financed projects as collateral for start-ups. Previously, only existing businesses could borrow from the fund through their banks. The new guidelines, however, removed this limitation stating, “Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) are required to fund start-up projects under the MSMEDF. To encourage Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), some incentives shall apply. According to the central bank, Venture Capital Firms (VCFs) that wish to finance start-ups in the form of equity participation shall be eligible to access the MSMEDF at two per cent for investment in start-up projects. The collateral for such facility to the VCF shall be bank guarantee. The CBN also said that banks and other finance institutions that lend to business start-ups under the fund would be allowed to access the fund at zero interest rate.

Access Bank rewards women savers with cars, household items Chima Nwokoji-lagos

IN another innovative campaign designed to encourage and motivate savings culture amongst Nigerian women, Access Bank Nigeria Plc has rewarded customers across the country who took part in the ‘Women Let’s Save 2015’ promo. At the final draw held at the premises of the bank’s

Ligali Ayorinde branch in Lagos on Tuesday, the star prize winner, Miss Ajani Damilola Moyosore, carted home a brand new Hyundai ix35 Jeep. When contacted on telephone, Ajani, who opened her ‘Women Let’s Save’ account at Ogbomoso South-West in Oyo State, said though her account is domiciled in Oyo State, she travelled to Lagos for

Christmas shopping. Speaking at the event, Mr Victor Okenyenbunor Etuokwu, Executive Director of Personal Banking at Access Bank, said due to the immense impact that a woman could wield when she is financially independent, Access Bank had provided a special place for them; adding that the bank had designed special products

to take care of women at every stage of their lives. According to him, women at times need an incentive to save, adding that saving is a key aspect of economic development and that a good savings culture has its rewards as exemplified by ‘Women Let’s Save’ reward scheme. “Women are the glue that binds society together and they manage household

NPA seeks better economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea Tola Adenubi-lagos

Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has called for a better economic cooperation that is mutually beneficial between Nigeria and republic of Korea. Mallam Abdullahi made the call while receiving the Consul-General of the Republic of Korea who paid him a visit in his office in Lagos. The managing director noted further that both countries have a lot to benefit from each other, especially in the areas of maritime trade and expressed optimism that the Korean visit would not only bring more business

enterprises to Nigeria but also strengthen the existing business relationship between the two countries. Earlier, the Consul General, Younghoan Lee, told the Managing Director that he had paid a visit to

express his country’s appreciation to the authority for the tremendous support and cooperation his country had enjoyed from Nigeria over the years. While expressing satisfaction with services of

the authority which he described as meeting international standards, he said the Republic of Korea anticipated continuous cooperation between the two countries.

31 ships laden with petroleum products, foods expected in Lagos Tola Adenubi-lagos

31 ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive at Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos between Monday and Jan. 2, 2016. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its daily publication made

available to newsmen in Lagos recently. NPA stated that the expected ships contained general cargoes, buck wheat, rice, bulk sugar, crude palm olein, bulk charcoal, containers, steel products, aviation fuel and petrol. The document noted that

seven other ships had arrived at the ports and waiting to berth with bulk rice, containers, bulk gas, petrol, and base oil. 13 other ships are at the ports discharging buck wheat, general cargoes, bulk fertiliser, bulk salt, bulk sugar, containers, petrol and diesel.

finances. When women save, they build a strong foundation for economic growth and development in Nigeria. We want to encourage every woman to save, fulfill their potential and grow. “As you save and manage resources in the home front and business, we want to encourage you to save. That is why we have put a programme in place to incentivize you to imbibe that hehaviour,” Etuokwu stated. While commending regulatory agencies: the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria and the Lagos Lottery Commission “who are witnesses to the transparent nature of the draw,” Etuokwu said the bank had a culture of abiding by the law governing every aspect of its banking business. Commenting on the star prize, Mr Oloyede Samuel from the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria, enjoined the winner to report any obstruction to her free use of the Hyundai ix35 Jeep to Access Bank or the commission because the vehicle has a complete three-year warranty.

Nigerian Tribune Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 11 businessnews Stopping gas flaring capable of generating $7.5bn —Minister Collins Nnabuife-Abuja

he Minister for Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, on Tuesday said that if Nigeria ends gas flaring and uses it for commercial purposes, it is capable of generating $7.5 billion worth of benefits. Mrs Mohammed disclosed this while briefing

Capacity building, solution to unemployment —GIS boss IT has been said that the lasting solution to youth unemployment in Nigeria is through capacity building as a viable means of stemming the tide among millions of Nigerian graduates. The Director of Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), Mr Peter Papka, made this remark during a three – day orientation and employability training for 100 interns which too place in port Harcourt, river State Capital recently. He also stated that “it is gratifying to note that training held for earlier interns ended up being a catalyst for a wonderful, guided and productive internship experience.” He said GIS exposes the unemployed and underemployed graduates to various internship opportunities that provide them skills and experiences relevant to the current labour market and enhancing their employability. Mr papka reiterated that since the inception of the scheme, many firms and graduates had joined, while the graduates were securing opportunities to develop their employability and business acumen, and many firms have partnered to mentor graduates.

journalists on the outcome of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) held in Paris, France, recently. She said that Nigeria is willing to take a regional lead by announcing a bold and courageous Intended National Determination Contributions (INDCs) that seeks to ensure that the nation’s economy continues to grow while reducing carbon emissions. According to her, “Nigeria’s ambitious INDCs aims at reducing emissions by 20 per cent by the year 2030 with support from the international community.

“By ending gas flaring and using the gas for commercial purposes, including power generation, we could generate as much as $7.5 billion worth of benefits.” She further said ending gas flaring will “create greener, more resilient and pleasant cities to live in. Nigerian cities are now adopting global best practices with low-carbon transport solution.” According to her, the World Bank estimates that far from increasing costs on the Nigeria economy, a combination of

low carbon activities could provide a boost to the economy as much as adding 2 per cent to its GDP. The minister further stated that the Paris agreement had created veritable global platform for President Buhari’s change agenda which

Justice Wasiu Animsahun of a Lagos High Court, on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by Guinness Nigeria Plc against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) till February 8, 2016 to enable the parties to meet for amicable resolution of the dispute. The judge adjourned the suit following submissions of counsel that a meeting was ongoing to resolve the matter out of court. NAFDAC had imposed N1 billion fine on Guinness Nigeria Plc as administra-

nancing, technology and capacity building, just as she enjoined the private sector and the civil society to partner with the government to unblock the opportunities provided by the agreement.

NSE market capitalisation increases by N66bn Transactions at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), on Tuesday, for the second consecutive day maintained an upward trend with the market capitalisation improving further by N66 billion. The News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation, which opened trading for the day at N9.189 trillion, rose by N66 billion or 0.72 per cent to close at N9.255 trillion. The All-Share Index also rose by 189.58 points or 0.71 per cent to close

From left, Director-General of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahatma; Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Ambassador Moses Essien and Group Chairman & Founder of Kasapreko Company Limited, Dr Kwabena Adjei, at the unveiling of the new factory in Ghana, on Wednesday.

at 26,918.22 against 26,728.64 posted on Monday. Forte Oil led the gainers’ table with a gain of N18.90 to close at N273 per share. It was trailed by Mobil Oil having garnered N10.20 to close at N130.20, while Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N5.80 to close at N121.80 per share. Lafarge Africa increased by N1.75 to close at N153 per share. Conversely, GT Bank topped the laggards’ chart, dropping by N1 to close at N19 per share. PZ lost 67k to close at N28.31, while Port Land Paint and Products dropped by 16k to close at N3.42 per share. Zenith Bank declined by 13k to close at N13.70, while Transcorp shed 12k to close at N1.33 per share. Also, the volume of shares traded closed higher with a total of 397.26 million shares valued at N2.64 billion exchanged in 2,683 deals.

Oando marketing offers free checks, services to motorists OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos

Oando Marketing has organised a free car diagnostic event for automobile owners in Lagos. The event, tagged ‘Oleum SYN Car Diagnostics’, had over 1000 vehicles pre-registered for free car checks and oil change services. The initiative was powered by Oleum, the premium auto-motive lubricant from the stables of

Oando Marketing. Recognising that road trips are common in the Yuletide season, the free car diagnostic day event was organised to promote car-care consciousness, ensuring fewer road accidents and mishaps due to mechanical and technical faults. The oil change session was carried out by Oando auto-care centers, wellknown for their profes-

sional auto-services, while the car diagnosis was performed by Oando Marketing’s technical partners, Automedics, a renowned automotive mechatronics outfit which specialises in vehicle diagnosis, repairs, maintenance and sale of spare parts in Lagos. They also run a school, where Oando Marketing is currently running a mechanic training programme

N1bn fine: Guinness, NAFDAC meet for resolution AyomideOwonibiOdekanyinLagos

focuses on a new road map with emphasis on green and inclusive growth at its heart. Mrs. Mohammed however, called on international communities to support Nigeria with fi-

tive charges for various clandestine violations of NAFDAC rules, regulations and enactments over a long period of time. The agency had in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, by the Head, Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Kingsley Ejiofor, requesting for the payment of the N1 billion as administrative charges for infractions such as the destruction activities carried out by the company without the authorisation and supervision of the agency. The agency also accused Guinness of revalidating expired products without

authorisation and supervision by NAFDAC, as well as failing to secure the gate of its warehouse as the raw materials used in the production of beer and non-alcoholic beverages by

the firm were permanently opened to intrusion and exposure to the elements and rodents, which invariably affect the integrity of the raw materials.

aimed at updating and upgrading skill sets of autotechnicians in Nigeria. Speaking on the free car diagnostics, the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Marketing, Mr Abayomi Awobokun, said the initiative was primarily focused on informing the public that Oleum cares about their cars. “Today, it’s more than generating awareness about our lubricants; it’s also about easing holiday travel for automobile users. So we organised this free car check for people to detect exactly what is wrong with their cars, get expert advice on the right auto-services and products best for their cars, as well as

interact on a personal basis with our team of experts. “It’s really many things in one but most importantly, we want to show our customers that it is not just about sales, we also care about their cars and their safety because we understand that the festive season is usually a cause of concern when it comes to road accidents,” he said. Also speaking, Oando Marketing’s Head of Lubes, Mrs Lilian Ikokwu, said the Diagnostic Day, which was the first ever in the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil industry, was aimed at creating awareness for Lagosians on the need to be more proactive about car care.

Airtel kicks off ‘5 Days of Love’ CSR campaign Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria has announced the commencement of its Christmas charity campaign tagged ‘5 Days of Love,’ to uplift the under privileged in the communities it operates and give them a reason to celebrate during the Yuletide season. The 5-day long programme, which com-

menced on December 18, and runs till 23rd of the same month, is part of the CSR interventions of Airtel Nigeria under its Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS). During the period, employees of the organisation will embark on series of humanitarian activities, including donations of items such as foodstuff, bedding materials, sanitary mate-

rials, clothing, and toys, among other items, to identified orphanages and charity homes across the country. As part of the activities, Airtel employees in the Western part of Nigeria will host children of Daniel Akintunde Model School for Children with Special Needs, Adigbe, Abeokuta in Ogun State, to a Christmas party. The

Airtel team also plans to make donations to the school. Airtel employees in Lagos will take the ‘5 Days of Love’ campaign to the Arrow of God Orphanage at Oke-Ira, Ajah, Lagos, to express love to the orphans by spending quality time and donating relevant items and supplies to enrich the lives of the children.

Nigerian Tribune Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 11 businessnews Stopping gas flaring capable of generating $7.5bn —Minister Collins Nnabuife-Abuja

nancing, technology and capacity building, just as she enjoined the private sector and the civil society to partner with the government to unblock the opportunities provided by the agreement.

Oando marketing offers free checks, services to motorists OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos

N1bn fine: Guinness, NAFDAC meet for resolution AyomideOwonibiOdekanyinLagos

focuses on a new road map with emphasis on green and inclusive growth at its heart. Mrs. Mohammed however, called on international communities to support Nigeria with fi-

authorisation and supervision by NAFDAC, as well as failing to secure the gate of its warehouse as the raw materials used in the production of beer and non-alcoholic beverages by

the firm were permanently opened to intrusion and exposure to the elements and rodents, which invariably affect the integrity of the raw materials.

news

Wednedsday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Buhari apologises to Nigerians on fuel scarcity, foreign exchange Continued from pg 6

He said that under the partnership, government planned to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders to strengthen basic education, especially in rural areas. Buhari also said his administration would partner states and local governments to provide financial training and loans for market women, traders and artisans through cooperative societies. “We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs,” he said. The president said that the budget proposal of N6.08 trillion was aimed at reviving the economy, delivering inclusive growth to Nigerians and creating a significant number of jobs. “We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37 per cent and managing inflation. “To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies,” he added. He reiterated the determination of his government to tackle the current rate of unemployment and underemployment among the populace, adding that the budget was a platform to put more Nigerians to work. “I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. “Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidised funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.” Senate amends 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Act THE Senate, on Tuesday, amended the 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Act and extended the implementation of capital component of the 2015 budget beyond the end of December 2015. The amendment was carried out by the lawmakers immediately President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2016 Appropriation Act. The amount involved in the amendment was N557 billion. However, with the amendment of the capital component of the 2015

budget, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government have been empowered to implement the budget up to March 2016. This was done to keep the government running before the approval and passage of the N6.08 trillion 2016 appropriation act. However, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has disclosed that the National Assembly is conscious of the yearnings of Nigerians for quick delivery of democracy dividends. Speaking during a joint session of the National Assembly before President Buhari presented the 2016 Appropriation Bill, Saraki informed that the National Assembly has a critical role to play, saying that “we recognise this role.” On the budget, he said “we are willing and ready to provide the scrutiny necessary to pass only a budget that can be implemented comprehensively to the letter. We are ready to move swiftly and speedily to pass the 2016 Appropriation Bill. The swift passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper already points to our commitment and resolve towards this.” Subsequently, Saraki promised that “We will apply same, but in the light of the great importance of this document, we will not short-circuit scrutiny on the altar of expediency.” Meanwhile, the Senate started a fresh process of further amending the 1999 Constitution, as the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, composed a new committee headed by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Ekweremadu, who headed the committee in the seventh Senate, would also lead 37 other senators to carry out the exercise as the chairman. Saraki said “With the composition of the committee, the Senate had set the stage for the activities leading to delivery to our people. The work already carried out by the Seventh Senate had made the jobs of the new committee easier.” He urged the committee to de-emphasise travelling across the country for facts gathering but should rather concentrate on the issues that would de-emphasise recurrent expenditure that had been substantially agreed upon by the last committee. Reps extend 2015

capital budget •Adjourns till Jan 12 The House of Representatives on Tuesday amended the appropriation act 2015 to allow its capital component to run beyond December 31. The House, at the committee of supply chaired by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and his Deputy, Honourable Lasun Yusuf, amended it. Before the approval of the proposal, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Bussiness, Honourable Oker Jev, moved that the House should consider “a bill for an Act amend the appropriation act, 2015 to give effect to the implementation of capital budget provisions beyond December 31, 2015 (HB 337).” Speaking further, he said there was need to extend the capital component of the appropriation act to allow proper implementation of the budget. The National Assembly, it will be recalled, passed supplementary budget of N465 billion. Meanwhile, the House has adjourned its sitting till January 12 to observe both Christmas and New Year celebration. 2016 budget will address infrastructure deficit – Statistician President, Nigerian Statistical Association, Dr Mohammed Tumala, has expressed optimism that the 2016 budget of N6.08 trillion will address infrastructure deficit in the country. Tumala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that the budget would also enhance inclusive growth. He said that the amount budgeted for capital expenditure would help to achieve sustainable development. NAN reported that capital expenditure takes about 30 per cent of the entire budget. The capital expenditure takes N1.8 trillion, marking a significant over 300 per cent increment from the 2015 vote of N557 billion. Tumala said that the budget was much clearer than the previous proposals in terms of ways to finance the implementation. “This is a budget of hope and the government is optimistic of implementing it. “The Federal Government has adopted the zero budgeting system; this is about prioritising the most important projects to achieve development. “This kind of budget will

minimise abandoned projects in the country when implemented,” he said. He also advised the Federal Government to adopt using identification to implement the N5,000 social welfare package for vulnerable Nigerians and the School Feeding Programme. He said that modality to implement the package could be challenging because of data to support the programme. Tumala, however, expressed hope that the programme was achievable with political will and enrolment of the right people. 2016 budget a big fraud –PDP THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, described the N6.8 trillion 2016 budget presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly as a big fraud and executive conspiracy tailored towards mortgaging the future of the nation. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party berated the Federal Government for trying to use its bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects as cover and conduit to syphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts. The party queried President Buhari’s decision to borrow N2 trillion, the biggest in the history of the nation, as the height of recklessness and deceit from a government that trends on propaganda. The statement reads, “It is obvious that this budget is an extension of the campaign promises of the APC government, presented as a manifesto filled with bogus promises which implementation will be inconclusive, thereby allowing the APC to once again deny their promises. “There has never been any known economy in the world where government deliberately mortgage the future of its nation by borrowing excessively to finance partisan interests while hiding under bogus welfare programmes. This is more important as the APC, in reeling out their bogus campaign promises, never informed Nigerians that they would mortgage their future through excessive borrowing. “We have it on good authority that this is the first in the series of APC borrowings which would leave the future generation of Nige-

rians under the burden of huge debts after four years.” The PDP said the budget clearly showed that after seven months in power, President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), were yet to differentiate between governance and campaign propaganda. “By all standards, the 2016 budget, the first major economic policy outing of this government, is completely unrealistic and duplicitously embellished with impractical predications, a development that confirms fears by economy watchers and investors that this administration is obviously illequipped for governance,” he declared. “We are indeed shocked that President Buhari and his minister of information have come up with two different reasons for the current fuel crisis in the country. While we appreciate the president’s apology, we think it is high time he called this minister to order as his excessive propaganda and blame game are ridiculing this administration and the image of the nation. “Furthermore, it is instructive to note the official endorsement of Mr President to the devaluation of the naira as against his campaign promise of firming up the value of our currency even to the much vaunted one naira to one dollar. “In future, there is need to regulate campaign promises so that we will not end up with a government that promises to climb Mount Everest with bare hands and end up mortgaging our future with orchestrated borrowings.” APC wants quick passage of budget The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday called for speedy passage of the proposed 2016 Budget. The party equally hailed the unprecedented N6.08 trillion ‘Budget of Change’ personally presented by President Buhari to a joint session of the 8th National Assembly. APC’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, while reacting to the presentation, assured that many of the promises made to the Nigerian electorate by the party in the course of the 2015 presidential campaign are contained in the proposed budget. Odigie-Oyegun stated that the present administration’s pro-people policies will be implemented fullest in the coming financial year. According to him, “In fulfilment of APC’s election promises to the Nigerian

electorate, the party welcomes the proposed Social Welfare Programmes contained in the proposed 2016 National Budget submitted to the National Assembly. President Buhari has proposed N500 billion to pay unemployed Nigerian graduates (post-NYSC grant) and feed school children, amongst other social welfare programmes in 2016. “A phased Social Welfare Programme created to cater for a larger population of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians upon the evidence of children’s enrolment in school and evidence of immunisation has also been proposed to the National Assembly. “President Buhari has also promised that 500,000 new teachers would be recruited. “Compared to the last 16 years of locust, Nigerians are getting a much better deal from the seven-month old APC-led administration. On the strength of these proposals, the future holds more dividends of democracy for Nigerians. “It is reassuring that the Federal Government has recovered huge sums from looters of our common wealth, which will be injected into the 2016 budget. “As the National Assembly considers the proposed 2016 National Budget, the APC calls on members of the Senate and House of Representatives to rise above political, regional and ethnic sentiments and pass the proposed 2016 National Budget which is propeople and in the overall best interest of Nigeria. “The APC hails the very cordial working relationship between the 8th National Assembly and the executive arm of government, specifically the president,” he stated. 2016 budget unrealistic —Fani-Kayode FORMER Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has written off as unrealistic the about N6trillion 2016 budget presented by President Buhari to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday. In a statement made available to the media in Abuja, he observed that the intention of government to borrow to fund part of the budget would throw the country into even greater debt. “We need far more fiscal discipline and seriousness than that if our government really wishes to improve the economy and better the lives of ordinary people,” he said.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING FOR FUNSO ADEGBOLA @ 55, TAMILORE IGE FOR BAGGING LLM DEGREE AND AYOTUNDE ADEGBOLA FOR HER CALL TO THE NIGERIAN BAR

The celebrant, Mrs Funso Adegbola (second left), Miss Oluwatamilore Ige and Miss Ayotunde Adegbola cutting the birthday cake assisted by Mr Gbenro Adegbola.

Group photograph of Ige and and Adegbola family.

Celebrant with the officiating ministers.

Professor and Justice Akin Mabogunje singing during the programme.

Mrs AdegboLa with Chief (Mrs) Dayo Kayode Eso.

From left, Mrs Aniola Durosinmi-Etti, Mrs Adegbola and Mrs Yewande Zaccheaus.

From left, Ambassador Ronke Adefowope, Mrs Taiwo Owoeye, Mrs Adegbola and Mrs Muraina Peju.

Mrs Adegbola (middle) with Mr and Mrs Asue Ighodalo.

Mrs Adegbola (middle), Dr Titi Akingbogun (third left), Mrs Tokunbo Ige (second right) and others.

Group photograph of staff of Vale College with the celebrant.

news FG directs issuance of single identification numbers to citizens 16

HE Federal Government has directed all agencies capturing the biometrics of Nigerians to urgently aggregate their records so as to provide a unique identity for each citizen. Director General of the

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

National Identity Management Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Aziz, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday. He said that the vice president gave the presiden-

tial marching order at the meeting. According to Aziz, all the agencies that are in charge of capturing biometrics are expected to aggregate all the data bases and subsequently give every Nigerian and legally resident persons a unique identification.

The director general said such unique identification number would allow every person to have a single identity and could be easily traced. “The number will also make it easy for government to reach the citizen with certain benefits that

would soon be provided. “Through the identification number, everyone will get his/her own share,’’ Aziz added.

No hiding place for looters of Plateau commonwealth —Lalong Isaac Shobayo - Jos

Ovation Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu (left), being assisted by the Chairman, Forte Oil, Mr Femi Otedola (right), to present a N1 million cheque to the proprietor of Abolarin College, the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin, supported by his wife, Olori Solape Abolarin, at the Glo sponsored 2015 Ovation Carol, at Eko Hotels, on Sunday.

Gunmen kill two in Taraba SylvanusViashima,Jalingo GUNMEN suspected to be Fulani terrorists, on Tuesday, killed two persons and injured several others during a night attack in Aungwan Agbadorough, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba. Fulani herdsmen have been terrorising farmers in central and southern parts of Taraba State, especially since 2013, forcing thousands to flee their ancestral homes. The incident, according to an eyewitness, Abel Kume, happened at about 2:30a.m. when the villagers were deep asleep. “We heard gunshots at about 2:30a.m. and we quickly rushed out and took cover. At daybreak, we discovered that the attackers killed two and left three others in their pool of blood and we called the police who came and evacuated the corpses and the injured. “The injured are currently receiving treatment at a private clinic in Bali. This renewed attack has raised a serious doubt about the security of farmers, especially Tiv farmers, in the central and southern parts of the state,” he said. Agbadorough village is

less than two kilometres to Bali town, headquarters of Bali local government area. The attack came less than 48 hours after irate youths

killed six persons in Bornon Kurku area of Bali local government, forcing people to flee for safety to neighbouring Dan-Anacha and

Jalingo, the state capital. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, could not be reached for confirmation.

Era of religious crisis over in Kano —Emir Kola Oyelere - Kano THE Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has assured residents in the state that the era of religious crisis was over in Kano, promising that his emirate would do all its best to ensure a cordial, harmonious and smooth relationship between Muslims and Christians, because no meaningful development would happen in any society characterised by anarchy and acrimony. This is just as the state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ransom Bello, said that the Christians in the state have unalloyed support for the Emir of Kano, because they see him as a dependable father who would always protect their right, property and lives. Emir Sanusi, who gave the assurance on Tuesday, in Kano, while receiving a delegation of CAN members led by Bishop Bello in

his palace, said as a leader, he had a duty of protecting lives and properties of the residents irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. Emir Sanusi said there was need for the two major religions to unite to build a virile society, urging people to shun any form of injustice in the state. According to him, being an Emir of Kano, it behoves on him to see to the safety of lives and properties of whoever is residing in the state, irrespective of religion or tribal affiliations because everybody is his subject so far he or she lives in Kano State. Commenting on the recent incident in Rogo council where he ordered the rebuilding of a Baptist church and pastor’s house burnt by hoodlums, the monarch told the CAN representatives that they should inform him if they realised that the level of the implementation of the ren-

ovation was slow, as such, he was ready to fund the project with his personal money. While citing some of the Qur’anic quotations which centre on the need for a leader to ensure justice at all cost, Emir Sanusi, urged the people of Kano to eschew violence and emulate the exemplary attributes of Islam which are love, tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Earlier, the state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bello, described the Emir as a symbol of peace following his swift intervention on Rogo incident and his several efforts towards sustaining peace in Kano and the entire country. His words, “Christians in the state see the Emir of Kano as a dependable leader,” who we hold in high esteem because of his fatherly role, his door is always open to listen to our complaints whenever we approach him.”

PLATEAU State governor, Mr Simon Lalong, a barrister, has said there was no hiding place for those who looted the people’s commonwealth, saying his administration was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that they returned the looted fund. The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Honourable Hitler Dadi, on the occasion of his investiture as Change Pathfinder Governor of the year 2015 by the Plateau State Social Media community, at the Hill Station Hotel Conference Hall said, the governor was working assiduously to ensure that all funds stolen from the state were refunded. Lalong promised to partner and identify with the media in all its activities, policies and programmes, by deliberately taking steps towards ensuring a continuous interface with the media and running an open and transparent government, in order to carry the media along. “I enjoin both the traditional and social mass media, to join hands with us to expand the frontiers of development in our dear state and my government would continue to cooperate with you at all times and this I would continue to do. “Government is not unaware of the fact that the social media platform which, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today commands an impressive figure of 140 million users, is without doubt, a very veritable and viable platform for multifaceted forms of online media interaction among the citizenry, especially the youths, which cannot be taken for granted.” He stated that the administration has assembled a team of media veterans, whose track records were second to none in the print, electronic, private, and modern multimedia generally, in order to midwife its information management gauntlet and one can only expect the best performances from them.

Nigerian Tribune

PSC approves promotion of 986 senior police officers THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 986 senior police officers and appointed Mr Emmanuel Ibe as its acting secretary. This was contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, in Abuja, on Tuesday. Ibe was the Director of Administration and Finance and Special Assistant to the former chairman of the commission. The statement said these decisions were taken at the commission’s 14th Plenary meeting held in Abuja. Some of the beneficiaries are CP Shuaibu Gambo who is now Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) while DCPs Jonah Mava, Olusola David, Titus Lamorde, Chika Maidama and Abdullahi Ibrahim are now Commissioners of Police.

UNESCO makes case for mass adult illiteracy in Nigeria Clement Idoko - Abuja THE United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has tasked the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to show more commitment to tackling the issues of high number of adult and youth illiteracy in Nigeria. The UN agency expressed concern that adult literacy has not received appropriate attention and resources from successive administrations in Nigeria. Dr Muhammad Alkali, UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, who spoke in a presentation he made in Lokoja, at a stakeholders’ meeting on harmonisation and review of policy on mass literacy and non-formal education in Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to adequately fund the agencies working on eradication of illiteracy in the country. The stakeholder’s workshop was organised by the National Commission for Mass Literacy and NonFormal Education (NMEC). Recent reports indicated that over 40 per cent of Nigerian adults are illiterates. It is also documented that Nigeria has 10.5 million, out of school children and a troubling level of rural poverty.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde

FUNOLOGY

• Dibu Ojerinde is Nigeria’s first professor of Tests and Measurement, an educational administrator and the incumbent Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.

CHURCH BOY

• The Igboho, Oyo Stateborn professor served as the pioneer Registrar/ Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO) for two terms, before he was appointed Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, a position he held for 5 years (2007-2012) and was reappointed on 10 April 2012.

SEGELUULU

• Professor Dibu Ojerinde was recently appointed Emeritus Professor of Education at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, becoming the second ever to attain that position in the university’s Faculty of Education, after the late Emeritus Professor Babatunde Fafunwa.

There are 10 differences in the cartoons below. the differences should be marked in b

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

18 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Govt should focus on eliminating gas flaring

IGERIA’s gas flaring re-emphasises the aphorism that we are rich in energy resources but poor in energy supply and management. The Associated Gas Re-Injection Act was

Keeping IBEDC alive SINCE the devolution of the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), on Friday, 29 November 2013, by the administration of former President Gooddluck Jonathan to new electricity companies, there has been remarkable improvement in the service of the company to the people. Electricity supply in many areas in Ibadan municipality, for example is now fairly regular and stable. The officials themselves, especially those handling technical faults now attend to people promptly immediately such cases are made known to them which deserves praise. Old offices now wear a new look through renovation and provision of requisite materials such as chairs, tables, electric fans, air conditioners, stationery materials to make workers feel more comfortable. To maintain a regular and stable electricity supply nationwide, to my mind, is not an easy task considering the enormous problems confronting the company now such as inadequate funding, essential materials like personnel, vehicles for express service to the people, electric wires transformers, ladders, gloves, feeder pillars with fuses, communication gadgets for efficacious transmission of messages and others. If the federal government can assist the company financially, I am sure, they will be able to perform better and people will enjoy more of their services. •Ola — Olaniyi Bamgbola, 53, Agheni Quarters, Ibadan

made as an Act to compel every company producing oil and gas in Nigeria to submit preliminary programmes for gas re-injection and detailed plans for implementation of gas re-injection. It made it illegal after January 1, 1984 to flare gas without the permission of the Minister of Petroleum. The targets to stop gas flares have since then moved from 1984 to 2008 and 2011. But gas is still being flared up to date. According to Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, Group Managing Director Oilserv Ltd, Nigeria flares about 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas a day (bcf/d), which could fuel about 7000MW of efficient thermal electric power, over 1,400 agroprocessing facilities, 350 textile plants, 70 fertilizer plants with opportunities for creating over one million jobs. This amount of gas flare represents 12.5 per cent of all globally flared gas. In 2014, Nigeria lost about $1billion as oil companies operating in the country flared a large

proportion of the gas produced from January to September 2014. According to data from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), about 295 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas was flared in the nine-month period. International oil companies and indigenous players burnt a total of 43.7billion scf in January, 50.1 billion scf in February and 38.3 billion scf in March. In April, 22.3 billion scf of gas was flared; 19.7 billion scf in May and 23 billion scf was wasted in June. In July, 29.1 billion scf was flared; 39.1 billion scf in August; 29.5 billion in September; and 44.37 billion in November. According to the NNPC’s Monthly Petroleum Information, in December 2014, Nigeria lost $133.716 million, which is about N26.743 billion to gas flaring, as oil and gas companies in the country flared 20.11 per cent of their total gas production. Specifically, companies produced 221.634 billion

scf of gas, utilised 183.78 billion scf and flared 44.573 billion scf. The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) put the average price of gas at $3 per unit of 1,000 scf, translating, to $133.716 million for 44.573 billion scf flared, and $551.346 million for 183.783 billion scf utilised. If 1.2 billion scf flared per day has the potential to generate up to 7000MW of electricity, the aggregate gas flared for 2014; about 376.41billion scf can translate into 21.97GW, in addition to its inputs in agro processing, textile plants, fertiliser plants, and the number of jobs created from the multiplier effect. Despite the penalties, oil and gas operators have continued to flare gas and regulators seem to have looked away. While there is need to interrogate the positions of penalty payments considering the joint ventures arrangements, there is also the need to revisit the issues of gas pricing and availability of gas infrastructure; else the question

will be the relative cheapness to flare gas than monetise gas. Efforts should be made to harmonise and reconcile domestic gas pricing across markets in Nigeria while seeking ways to attract and sustain foreign

investments and funding for gas infrastructure especially for the improvement of gas to power in Nigeria. •Ofoegbu Donald, Abuja.

We need more policemen in rural areas The spate of burglary in rural communities is compounding the problems of poor folks and the anxiety of city dwellers who have to lock down their village homes after each visit. Life never leaves one with an easy choice. If it is not one thing, it is another. Residents of Anambra State have been living happier since the excellent effort of Governor Willie Obiano to drastically cut down the high incidences of kidnapping. An atmosphere of security has since prevailed in the state. Of late, it appears criminals have reverted to old time burglary tactics. Efforts by government

to focus on wiping out kidnapping might have inadvertently opened a hole for burglars to sneak through. Perhaps, it is celebrating the success of reducing incessant kidnapping so soon that allowed security operatives to move their efforts away from vigilance on other crimes. For whatever reason, a reassessment of the process is needed for calibration of security measures in rural areas. The horrible experience of a woman in one of these communities draws the deplorable state of burglary to heart. She lives alone. Her children are grown up and living elsewhere. Her husband lives in the city where he makes a living driving Keke Napep (tricycle). The burglars visited her house twice within a four-day interval. They ransacked everywhere and littered her property on the ground. The vacuum in protecting the poor in rural areas is disturbing. Transition in many rural communities is bringing new residents who are not indigenes. The old method of the natives securing their villages is no longer effective. Most of the civil defence men are aged and not capable of surmounting the wave of burglary activities. It is scary that villagers have no one to protect them, especially, at night. I hope the government will increase community policing in rural areas. •Pius Okaneme, Umuoji, Anambra State.

editorial

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Declining standard of legal education

N July, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had hardly spent two months in the saddle as the nation’s second-in-command when he had cause to issue a heart-felt warning about the declining standard of legal education in the country. The Vice President, himself a successful lawyer (he was Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007) and fervent student of the law was speaking at the inauguration of the Sir Adetokunbo Ademola Dining Hall of the Law School, Lagos. After a careful survey of the country’s legal landscape, the Vice President ruefully concluded that the law profession was in imminent danger of losing its preeminent position. He therefore urged the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to “ensure that the necessary restructuring and reorganisation of the legal education sector is put in place to promote the Nigerian legal system until it is at par with international standards.” Last month, in his homecoming address to members of the Nigerian Law School Class of 1975 at the Lagos campus of the Law School, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Mr. Olanrewaju Onadeko, spoke in a similarly doleful vein. Specifically, the DG lamented the mismatch between the number of students and available facilities, and the quality of students being admitted for legal training, in particular the fact that the present crop of students do not seem to possess the bandwidth of attention necessary for concentrated reading, thinking, and careful analysis. The fact that the Director General of the Law School had cause to lament the falling standard of education being provided by the Nigerian Law School a mere four months after the Vice President had done the same is clear testimony to the seriousness of the situation. Suffice to say, a country’s system of justice is only as good as the quality of the lawyers who interpret its laws, and both the Vice President and the DG should be commended for being forthright about the nature of the problem that we presently confront. For his part,

the Vice President has put some concrete proposals before members of the Council of Legal Education. It is important, given the enormity of what is at stake, that the members act with dispatch. Having said that, the CLE cannot be expected to singlehandedly rectify a malaise with deep roots in the very fabric of the Nigerian tertiary system, if not the entire society. For instance, over the past five years, the Law School has consistently reported a higher than normal percentage of failures in its final examinations. In the 2013/14 Bar final examinations, 1,932 (33 per cent) of the 5,541 candidates flunked. Clearly, the problem here precedes whatever transpires at the Law School, for the truth of the matter is that, for some time now, the Nigerian university system has lost whatever capacity it once had to produce graduates with a basic ability to read, think, or write. The slightest acquaintance with a university graduate of any profession suffices to vouchsafe the truth of this claim. What this highlights is the need to look beyond the confines of the legal profession for the roots of the problems that ail it. If it is true that a country’s jurisprudence is as good as the quality of its legal minds, it is even truer that legal training can never be separated from the quality of tertiary instruction. In short, there is no escape from the difficult but necessary task of resurrecting our system of higher education, one that successive administrations, military and civilian, have left to rot. It is no longer news that the educational system itself had been compromised, right from the admission stage to examining and assessing the students through their years of study, up to their exit point from the tertiary institutions. Their lecturers have been known to go without pay for many months, while the infrastructure and instructional materials are simply lacking in all ramifications. The journey to a profound legal brief surely begins in a well-resourced classroom.

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opinion

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Addressing the inequality gap in Nigeria By Olapeju Olasunkanmi

HESE past decades, the Nigerian economy has experienced unprecedented growth. From the low 2.8 percent growth rate and a GDP of 74 billion dollars in 1999, the economy soared in leaps and bounds as a result of improved crude oil sales, and the success stories in the telecommunications and services industries, following the liberalisation of the economy. As of the last quarter of 2014, the economy grew at 7 percent, with the GDP reaching 574 billion dollars. Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa, and the 21st in the world, in nominal terms. While the reality of the growth must be admitted, it lacks inclusiveness. Nigeria is a paradox: a better economy does not equate a financially buoyant people. The increase in resources has further deepened the challenge of fair distribution. Nigeria still performs poorly says the new World Bank relative poverty estimate, which is 33.1 percent. This represents a drastic but surprising improvement from the more popular previous estimate of 60 percent. This new figure, still locates Nigeria below the poverty line. It reminds one that Nigeria remains one of the most unequal countries—with the inequality spanning the social, economic, political, and cultural—in the world. From the National Bureau of Statistics data for the first quarter of 2015, it is evident that while 6.5 percent of men in the labour force were unemployed, and 13.9 percent, underemployed; 8.9 percent of women in the labour force were unemployed and 19.6 percent, underemployed. Another UNESCO report, quoting from the NBS, reveals that Nigeria’s adult literacy spectrum runs variably across states (Lagos 92 percent and Borno 14.5 percent), regions (urban 74.6 percent and rural 48.7 percent), and gender (male 65.1 percent and female 48.6 percent). However, most studies on inequality agree that all dimensions of inequality are skewed against the poor. The poor are the most vulnerable of Nigeria’s multifaceted socio-economic challenges. The insurgency in the North affords a learn-

ing curve as it shows the connection between poverty and vulnerability. Daily, unemployed youths are recruited into terrorist groups with promises of money. It is therefore expedient that in addressing inequality of whatever thematic expression, there has to be a systematic approach to poverty alleviation. Corruption is a bane towards equality, and should be fought to a standstill. Nigerians must support the Buhari administration in clearing the Augean stable. However, tackling corruption alone will not leapfrog a nation from poverty to equitable prosperity. The economy has to be opened up. All vistas for unleashing potentials and creating new centres of development must be fully explored to raise revenues, create new capacities and facilitate new people-oriented investments. It is important for all hands to be on deck. But first, we have to diversify this economy. Diversification means looking beyond oil. The Federal Government needs to show its managerial creativity. Diversification also means looking beyond the national cake at the centre. It is time for states to become proac-

tive, inward-looking, leverage on their comparative advantages. Nations are as developed as the size of their budgets, global statistics show. A country like Norway with a little above five million people allocates over 200 billion dollars for its people, yet generates above 280 billion dollars as revenue; Nigeria currently allocates about 30 billion dollars as total expenditure, and runs a deficit budget for its 170 million population. But how can budgets and revenues be ramped up? How can citizens latch onto programmes that can improve their lives? What actions need to be taken to close the increasing income gap between classes? How can these be done in Nigeria, especially when the future looks bleaker with reducing oil prices? It may not be easy but actions must be swift. The Federal government should invest in massive development programmes in the areas of critical infrastructure development. Nigeria’s land laws need to be reformed to make lands more accessible for commercial farming. Agriculture should be used as a strategy for mass employment and wealth transfer to the poor citizens. And no, it is not enough to make policies, they must be executed and they must positively affect the farmers in the most rural communities. This will raise their purchasing power and create multi-sectoral ripple-effect in a manner that is assuring of inclusive development. Education is important. Girl-child literacy should be improved by providing opportunities for the over 10 million out-of-school children through access to quality public education. Adult literacy must be emphasised. Government needs to do more than mere lip service to education. Parents need to do more than enrolling their children in public schools. The success of Nigeria in building an inclusively prosperous economy will represent a growth pole for Africa. This will be a huge incentive to the continent’s collective aspiration of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. •Olasunkanmi is a chartered city planner.

Eskor Toyo: Exit of an activist par excellence By Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh

NE of Nigeria’s most erudite professors of Political Economy and one of the few remaining genuine great thinkers of the left – Professor Eskor Toyo, died on Monday, 7 December, 2015 in Calabar at the age of 86. He was a philosopher King, celebrated both here and abroad as one of the great Marxist exports from Africa in the mould of the late African greats such as Prof. Ikenna Nzimiro, Claude Ake, Comrade (Dr) Ola Oni, Baba Omojola etc. The marxist platform was the one which he used effectively in collaboration with others to interrogate neo-liberal philosophies that attempted and has continued to undermine development in Nigeria, Africa and other under-developed nations of the world. Eskor was not just a teacher or lecturer but had his early beginnings deeply rooted in social activism and anchored on the Labour dimensions with his committed participations in the trade union movement of those days and its activities. As a youth, he played active roles in the internal mechanisms of the various trade unions and their federations drafting the first communiqué of the All African Trade Union Federation in his teens. He was therefore at the beginning not just an ideologue of the popular struggle, but also that of the trade union movement where he truly cut his teeth and took his life’s trajectory and purpose. He was a highly principled, effective and forthright comrade who gave the various military regimes and dictators both here in Nigeria and abroad serious headaches. He had a very deep passion for Nigeria and the masses especially the downtrodden. His writings were vitriolic as much as it was incisive and assertive. He organised various platforms for interrogating and deeply dissecting the obsolete and backward development paradigms driven by Western philosophy and imperialism. Eskor as most of us called him, was a highly cerebral academic and international intellectual. A child-prodigy and an outstanding student in his growing up years at Oron and further schooling in Lagos, he earned a scholarship from Texaco overseas that saw him proceeding to the prestigious London School of Economics where he made history as the first Nigerian to make a first-class de-

gree in Economics from that prestigious institution. He was indeed an outstanding scholar that was well soughtafter, both in the academia and in the corporate world. Being a man who understood his destiny and goal in life, he rejected many mouth-watering job offers that came his way abroad and decided that he belonged to the people and masses of this great country Nigeria. He headed home to fulfil a destiny which he had crafted for himself and pursued tenaciously, which is to be a vessel for the creative and vigorous engagement of the occupying colonial powers not only in Nigeria but also throughout Africa and the rest of the developing world. His instrument of engagement was in sowing himself into the lives of the up and coming generation and engaging the opposing powers intellectually through several publications spanning the entire known spectrum. Many people may not know it, but one of the students and young minds that went through his tutelage was our own revered late Chief Gani Fawehinmi – the vibrant incorruptible social crusader. Eskor was Gani’s teacher at Victory College, Ikare, Ondo State from where they forged a bond of comradeship between a master and his pupil that lasted a lifetime. That was why unknown to many, Gani was always receiving ideological support and nourishment from this deep fountain of sociological thought. His teachings at the University of Calabar drew students from departments that were far apart from the Social Sciences department because of the character and contents of his thought processes as seen in his mastery

of the didactic craft including his uncanny ability to bring to life in the classroom the objective realities that confront Nigerians and Nigeria indeed. His presentations in workshops and seminars which I was privileged to have attended marked part of the deep and clear fountains from where I drank while a student at the tertiary level. I did not attend the University of Calabar but I consider myself one of his students and philosopher sons. I diligently followed his thoughts both in publications, seminars and workshops including seeking him out deliberately for mentoring – an objective which I never regretted ever embarking upon. The Labour movement as well as the Civil Society movement will not in a hurry forget his contributions to their ideological foundations and his prodding and participation both in the street and in the trenches for the emancipation of Nigerian people both from neo-colonialism and from internal oppression. Eskor Toyo was an unrepentant revolutionary and believes that “the shackles of poverty, underdevelopment and bad leadership that have engulfed Nigeria as a nation since attaining independence cannot be changed unless there is a total revolution in the country.” He died a fulfilled man. He died having fought gallantly for the emancipation of this nation. He died rejoicing knowing that he had sowed himself liberally in the hearts and minds of many young men who were already taking over the sociointellectual space even while he was alive. One of the lessons which his life has taught me is that a man of principle lives forever and that the best way to eternity is to sow yourself liberally and abundantly into others – affect lives. Finally, it is important that I speak to the remaining genuine apostles of the left, the Civil Society and the Labour Movement. Our attitude to our comrades must begin to change especially the infirm, aged and the weak. Eskor has played his own role. We must recreate many more Eskors for Nigeria to grow. Adieu comrade! My mentor and teacher; fare thee well! Soldier on, great one! Your thoughts and voice in me will never go silent! •Honourable Jimoh is the Deputy Majority Leader in Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Constituency II.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

anchor

ecoscope

Doyin Adeoye

m:08058130577 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

Noise pollution:

An underrated environmental issue

With the festive season fast approaching, noises from parties, worship centres, firecrackers and the environment at large are unavoidable. Although excessive sound has become a norm in many cities across the country, noise pollution is an environmental issue. DOYIN ADEOYE writes about this menace.

ith a population of over 170 million and an environment not free from mechanical, electrical and other forms of human generated noise, it is not unreasonable to assume that noise in Nigeria is increasing in relation to urbanisation, as well as noise sources multiplying at a faster pace. Noise pollution is an underrated environmental problem, as in fact, it does not even exist to many. What is pleasant to some ears, may be extremely unpleasant to others. From neighbours to worship centres; vehicular traffic noise from engines and pressure horns; construction and industrial noise, noise has become a very significant stress factor in the environment. Over the years, there has been an upsurge in the use of electricity generating plant, due to unstable electricity supply in the country. And this in turn has effects on both the environment and human health. The noise, coupled with the smoke emission has great effects on the ozone layer. Religious centres on the other hand, have also become sources of noise pollution, especially in residential areas. As there seems to be no effective policy in place as regards where worship centres could be, noise from mosques and churches, have become unbearable for many, especially with the use of heavy public address systems, not only during the daytime, but even throughout the night. Speaking with Ecoscope, an air quality

and noise specialist with the Environmental Engineering Research Laboratory, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Jacob Sonibare, noted that sources of noise in the country depend on the location of interest. “While automobiles are some of the major sources of noise in the cities, the major sources in the rural areas may be religious centres. In the bush where there is little or no human presence, base transceiver station (BTS) may be the source. Due to the present shortage of electricity from the national grid, privately owned electric power generators for electric power generation are major sources in some areas,” he said. According to him, most people living in urban areas of the country are living in noisy areas.

Nigerian Tribune

“Most people living in urban areas of the country could be said to be living in noisy areas due to several sources of noise present in those areas. Similarly, everyone living in industrial areas could be described as living in noisy areas. People living around most of our religious centres in the country can also be placed in this category.” The environmental and health effects of noise pollution in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. While noise often disturb sleep pattern for many, excessive exposure to it many times result in mood changes, slowness in task performance, as well as increased blood pressure. Impaired hearing sometimes, is another effect. Continues pg22

YALI members encourage greener life By Doyin Adeoye Over the past month, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network has continued to charge its members to embrace a greener life through its #YALIGoesGreen initiative, which is aimed at spurring climate change awareness and action. Challenging its members to support and spread the word about climate change, each member is to find a small aspect of climate change that affects their community the most and research solutions related to that issue. “Find an audience in your community who is interested in solving this issue or has the time and ability, convene those community members to discuss the problem and solutions you can take action on. Continue to work with these interested community members, until you turn your conversations into actions,” it stated in its YALIChat group. The members at the end of the programme would then earn a Green Champion certificate. In a three-day Facebook #YALIchat last week, community organisers from the YALI Network in Nigeria, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe fielded questions on how to mobilise and motivate their audience. The chat was focused on raising awareness about the need for adaptation and mitigation in the face of climate change. One of the members, Alf Sidibe of Mali, said: “What I did in my community was to take practical examples and then, I gathered people, especially community leaders, and we spoke with them on how the environment is being affected by our daily actions. It is important that people know the causes and the actions to be taken to protect the environment.” Speaking on engaging communities in rural Lesotho, an organiser, Obrien Makore said: “Rural dwellers usually respect their local administration institutions headed by a chief, so engaging chiefs to disseminate information will be key.” Established in April 2014, the YALI Network in an initiative that provides virtual resources and vibrant physical spaces to equip young African leaders with the skills and connections they need to foster change in their communities and their countries.

Akwa Ibom set to hold Climate Change Summit Akwa Ibom State will hold its first ever Climate Change Summit next year, the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has said. The governor made this disclosure in Lagos last week, where he pointed out that, against the backdrop of the recently decided Paris Agreement, the state has concluded plans to develop a State Policy on Climate Change and establish 10 Forest Reserves in the next four years. Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral

Resources, Dr Iniobong Essien, the governor, in a keynote address at the Post COP21 Dialogue that had ‘Climate Agreement at COP21: Success, Implementation & Implications for Africa & Nigeria’ as its theme, noted that the state would likewise establish Climate Change Desks in Line Ministries, while building the capacity of Ministerial / Line Ministries Staff, NGOs/CBOs and media on climate change-related issues. Director-General, Africa Clean

Energy Summit, Dr Victor Fodeke, in his remarks, said: “COP21 has become one of the most successful COPs in the history of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework on Climate Change), as it ushers in a new era of defining moment of global decarbonisation of our production and consumption lifestyle. The daylong event was put together by the Africa Clean Energy Summit and Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

ecoscope

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed

Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, inspecting Sharada industrial pollution site, Kano State.

FG will align INDCs with other policies — Environment Minister By Doyin Adeoye

inister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed has said that the Federal Government will align Nigeria’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) with other policies for consistence and coherency. She made this disclosure on Monday while having a tweet meet with Nigerians on her twitter handle @AminaJMohammed and the hashtag, #NigeriaCOP21. With the theme: ‘What does the COP21 deal mean for Nigeria,’ the minister reacted to questions raised by concerned Nigerians on environmental issues affecting the country, especially in relation to climate change. The INDCs is a phenomenon developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. And through it, all countries that participated in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris recently, stated their national contributions to the conference within the context of their national priorities and capabilities. “Many are not aware of the importance of the INDCs, but the emphasis now is to get everyone on board. Communications is key for INDCS,” she said. She also noted that the implementation of the INDC would be bottom up and top bottom. “There is commitment from COP21 and on the financial status agreed at COP21, this is a drop in

the ocean,” she said. On forest conservation, the minister said there is need to involve communities and provide incentives for them to protect the forest, while also noting that women are integral part of Nigeria’s climate action. Speaking on how the country can generate revenue from waste, the minister sad that she is really concerned, and hopes that soon, Nigeria can successfully transit from using plastic.

Plastic waste recycling is a promising money making venture, where only a few people are tapping into. Besides recycling, plastics are also excellent sources of energy in waste to energy incinerators. While reacting to a question on which ministries will be involved in enforcing the Paris Agreement in Nigeria, the minister stated that all ministers at the appropriate time will be briefed, because it is important.

Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed ,with her entourage at the Eko Atlantic City project site.

Environment Minister visits degraded areas across the country By Doyin Adeoye Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, last week, embarked on an assessment tour of some areas of environmental concern across the country. Determined to tackle environmental challenges such as oil pollution, coastal erosion, industrial pollution and desertification, faced by some areas across the country, the minister made this known when she visited affected areas in the Niger Delta, Borno, Kano, Lagos, and

Noise pollution: An underrated environmental issue Continued from pg21

“Noise, especially those emanating from factory machines is capable of causing distress, sleeplessness, fatigue, stroke, high blood pressure and physiological disorder, among other issues. This in turn reduces productivity, hence reducing the sighted economy boom. “This is however, not limited only to industrialisation, but also to some other urbanisation factors like generators, blaring of horns, as well as even noises that emanate as a result of overcrowding or overpopulation,” Emmanuel Awoyode, an environmentalist said. Perhaps this has continued to persist because there seems to be no recommended limits for noise levels, especially in standard residential areas, as well as effective implementation of environmental policies in the country. Reacting to this, Professor Sonibare said: “there are recommended limits for noise already in place by regulatory bodies like the

Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Institutions like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank also have noise limits in place. “The World Bank industrial area ambient noise limit is 70 dB(A) with 45 dB(A) and 55 dB(A) night-time and day-time ambient noise limits. So the issue we have on these limits in the country is implementation. While some states adhere strictly to these limits, others don’t. There are noise limits within which religious centres are expected to operate in Lagos State, and the recent forced closure of some religious worship centres in the state due to their violations of these noise limits is a good example indicating that some states in the country actually have laws regulating noise emissions in their cities,” he said. However, for Awoyode, there are unfortunately, weak or no laws in place to combat this menace.

“The United Nations Environmental Protection Agency (UNEP) propagated some standard level of noise pollution for residential area at around 75db and maximum for industrial area at around 90db. Yet people still emanate noise beyond this. In Nigeria for instance, before the advent of NESREA, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) was the only body ensuring and enforcing compliance to the environmental standards of the nation from federal level to local government level, as much as they could try in other aspect of pollution control, they failed woefully in the control of noise. “The inception of NESREA brought relief but not as expected, as not even in the federal capital territory of Nigeria is the control of noise in place,” Awoyode said. The Federal Government as a matter of urgency needs to review the existing noise pollution regulatory laws and ensure compliance with the activities put in place to control noise in living areas.

Yobe states. Among sites inspected by the minister and her team were the Challawa industrial area of Kano State, where the Challawa River is faced by a pollution menace particularly due to the industrial effluents; Baga town in Borno State, which has suffered series of attacks from insurgents, Boko Haram; as well as areas affected by oil spillage in the Niger Delta. The ministry, at the sand dunes in Yusufari, Yobe State, also reaffirmed its commitment to the issue of desert encroachment, noting that proper planning is the key. It also visited one of the Great Green Wall project site in the state, a programme aimed at establishing shelter belts to fight desert encroachment. The team also visited the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in the state. Leading a team of officers of the Ministry of Environment and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the minister inspected three impacted sites: Alpha Beach in Lekki, Kuramo Beach on Victoria Island and Makoko Community at Yaba, in Lagos State. With an advancement in the shoreline at the Alpha Beach in the last couple of years, coastal erosion have destroyed many houses in this area, with speculations that the recent flooding was caused by the dredging of the bar beach and the sand filling of some parts of the ocean to create the Eko Atlantic City. With just over a month in office, it is obvious that the new minister is committed to bringing the environment to the forefront of national discourse.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

By wale Ojo Lanre

he axiom, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well has proven to be a testament of excellence for excellence. An axiom for the wise and the prudent and an instructive behavioural task for men and women of quality, standard, decency and international acceptability. Whoever embraces or intrinsically imbibes this instructive axiom always end up in getting the best out of the society, the best for the society and attract the best for himself. This played beautifully well for Solution Media and Info tech the planter of Hi-Impact Planet, the brand new Funfair Theme Park located at Kilometre 20, Lagos –Ibadan Expressway opposite Mountain – Top University, Ogun State on Friday, 18 December, 2015 when it was officially inaugurated for business. The Theme Park which is planted on 185,000 square metres with over 65 amusement facilities which cater for all category of fun seekers both young and old and the physically challenged had a invited the Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunle Amosun on which territory the multi-billion naira first rated amusement park was planted for formal inauguration and patronage by the public. Governor Amosun who might have among other reasons probably thought that the High - Impact Planet is just one of the run–in–the–mill entertainment centre or who must have been bogged down by administrative and political dictate of the time sent his Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, to represent him Otunba Ashiru, a well travelled tourism enthusiast adequately represented the Governor and assured the management of Hi–Impact of the state’s collaboration and cooperation at maintaining the visibility of the first class world class entertainment platform in Ogun State. “We are happy that Ogun State has also once again proved to the world that it is a truly Gateway to civilisation, entertainment, business and cultural revolution by the location of this world classic fun platform in Ogun State by one of the most distinguished sons of the state, Prince Adeyanju Olumide Lipede who planted this magnificent all encompassing amusement park at the gateway of Ogun State from the Lagos borders”. Otunba Ashiru commended Prince Lipede for planting “a gi-

Prince Adeyanju Lipede, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Tunji Alapini at Hi-Impact Planet Park.

Hi–Impact Planet Park lures Governor Amosun on opening day! ant commercial centre which will not only offer platform of comfort and relaxation, but an employment generation venture which impact will be felt by the economy of the state and Nigeria”. Prince Lipede who invited thousands of Nigerians to the opening of the planet revealed that “It is the vision of Solution Media and InfoTech to offer Nigerians the opportunity of accessing world class and internationally rated fun park in Nigeria. It is our confirmed belief that Nigeria deserves the best in entertainment platform because if it could be found in other climes it should be accessible in Nigeria”. He revealed “Thus, we made sure that every item, every facility, every consideration here is aligned with international standards or classical benchmark you can get anywhere in the world whether in Paris, USA, Dubai, Brazil and Britain. Whichever area you think about, is it in terms of the rides which were procured from the best manufacturers of amusement facilities in the world? Is it in terms of carrying capacity according to how many people should occupy certain metres at a time? Is it in the over 90 conveniences spots, 45 for men and 45 for women and special ones for the challenged person each set with separate water system? Is it about safety, medical facility of a clinic, parking lot which caters for only 2500 cars, or security? All of these are of world standards”. Otunba Ashiru, who was accompanied by other delegates from Ogun State government including Mrs Funmi Ajayi, Special Adviser to Governor of Ogun State on Commerce and Industry were conducted on a tour of the facilities including the Luxury service apartments within the Hi–Impact Planet. Visibly impressed and overwhelmed by the state-of the arts facilities, the environment aesthetics of the Hi–impact Planet and the vision of the management, Otunba Ashiru disclosed “Seeing this gigantic and monumental economic and recreational edifice here, I will be unfair if I do not adequately relate what I am seeing here to my able and responsive Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. This I will do as a responsible servant of the state and lover of development. I must also commend the vision of Prince Lipede and I am sure that my Governor, Amosun will do everything humanly positive possible in assisting the growth of this memorable investment in our state”. As the multitude of invited guests, fun seekers and buyers of recreation were having a fulfilled day at the park about four hours after the Ogun State delegation left, a convoy of cars sliced into the park without the boisterous noise of the siren. Lo and behold! Senator Amosun alighted from one of the gleaming

jeeps which meandered into the planet arena. Prince Lipede welcomed the distinguished December visitor to the new planet on earth planted and installed in Ogun State. The appearance of Governor Amosun raised the festive mood of fun seekers and eminent personalities at the park as the governor ignored executive protocol and mingled with the tourists. Governor Amosun disclosed that he was held up in a meeting in the morning and that accounted for his inability to come earlier relating that he was however impressed by the report given by Otunba Ashiru. He commended the vision of Prince Lipede for adding value not only to the commercial activities of Ogun in Ogun State, but also by bringing to the door mouth of Ogun indigenes and Nigerians in general a world class and globally sought after amusement park . Governor Amosun said he felt great having such an internationally bench mark tourism site in his state calling on other indigenes of the state to emulate the vision of the Prince. He disclosed that Ogun State is a commercially and business friendly state which offers incentives and latitude of operation to investors. Governor Amosun applauded Prince Lipede for establishing an employment generating machine which sucked over 500 employable from the forest of unemployment. He assured the management of Hi–Impact Planet of the state government’s assistance, collaboration and support in any mutually benefitting endeavour. Otunba Tunji Alapini, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police who was there with his son’s ‘family and grand children commended Prince Lipede for offering Nigerians a “spectacular tourists site designed in line with internationally acceptable standards and description suitable for all and sundry to relax, recreate and banish off stress. It is worth noticing that everything here is done and fitted with touch of excellence and standard. This is a departure from what we used to get. It is a pointer to the fact that there are some Nigerians who think that Nigerians deserve the best”. Otunba Alapini however called on the park’s Management to “ensure a price regime that will cater for all bearing in mind the communities surrounding this wonderful Theme park. I mean the common people around these facilities should be able to partake of this luxury through a favourable or special fee for them. This will ensure its sustainability, generate community interest and cultivate savoury community protection. It is a memorable planet of fun”.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

tribunetourism The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, addressing the last batch of intending Pilgrimage in Abuja.

Miss Oyo 2015 beckons As 14 House of Rep members stand surety on December 27 “Oyo blazes the trail and others follow. Oyo will never tail behind. It is after Oyo path finds that others join. Oyo leads, others follow, “( ajisebi Oyo lari, Oyo o se bi baba enikan” This aphorism which is part of Oyo State attributes of value and inherited superiority in thinking, in dressing, in dancing and in appreciation has continued to be the brand of Oyo State. In Africa, Oyo happened to be the area where the first television station was It is also history that the same Oyo area of Africa harbours the first sky scrapper called Cocoa House, it is the same Oyo area where the first Olympic standard stadium was planted. Hence anything about Oyo is of quality, standard, setting the pace and historical. It is this tradition that Miss Oyo 2015 will not only ensure sustainability, but also add value of brightness and visibility. Thus, Miss Oyo 2015 which will come up on Sun-

Mayor Isaac Brown, promoter, Miss Oyo 2015

day, 27 December, 2015 at Premier Hotel is not just another hosting of a beauty pageant, but celebration of Evolution of Beauty. According to the chief promoter of Miss Oyo, Mayor Isaac Brown “Miss Oyo 2015 is a clear departure from the usual way of organising beauty pageant. What will be on parade on Sunday, 27 December, 2015 is what we called Evolution of Beauty. And that is exactly what people will see” He disclosed that “Miss Oyo 2015 is set out to stoke and galvanise the beauty of culture, beauty of the brain, beauty of sense of responsibility, beauty of dress sense in both African and cotemporary coutres, beauty of appreciation and beauty of the environment and beauty of beauty. That is why we tagged Miss Oyo 2015 “Evolution of Beauty.” Mayor Brown disclosed “It is going to be an evolution of the best beauty brains from the 14 Federal Constituencies in Oyo State. We have scouted for the emergence of rarest beautiful brains in Oyo State all of them will be on parade on Sunday 27 December 2015 at Premier Hotel. It is going to be the best of the best beauty celebration in Nigeria.” He pointed out “It is one beauty pageant which is being supported by all 14 House of Representatives members in Oyo State. All of the Honourable members are coming with their beauty from their constituencies. And this is the first time that such a beauty pageant will be hosted in Nigeria”. The programme which is expected to commence at 2 pm has the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as special guest of honour for his passionate interest in tourism and youth development while each of the 14 Honourable members of the Federal house in Oyo State is also expected to be at the venue with a Royal father from the constituencies. Major Brown revealed “None of the 14 contestants will go home empty handed. There are lots of gifts for them all. However, the winner will cruise home in a brand chauffer driven car”. He disclosed “Everything is being done to ensure that Miss Oyo 2015 which we tagged Beauty Evolution is the best among the best as you know Oyo leads others follow. Just come and witness the Mother of mothers beauty pageant. It is going to be the best gift to the eyes in the year 2015”.

2015 Christain pilgrimage:

ncpc boss enjoins intending pilgrims to be change agents

he Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara has enjoined the last batch of intending pilgrims to Israel to see themselves as change agents. He disclosed this recently during the official closing ceremony of the 2015 pilgrimage exercise at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. In the words of the NCPC boss “you are going to return as change agents”, he added, “no one can be with the Lord and remain the same”. Consequently he advised the intending pilgrims not to let the country down in their conducts. Mr Opara admonished the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the Holy Land, as they are the first image the outside world would see. The NCPC helmsman urged them not be distracted, but to use every experience they would gain to have an encounter with God, in his words, “it is a spiritual journey, an opportunity to pray for yourself and your families”. He further ad-

Radisson Hotels berths in Abeokuta By Olayinka Olukoya Park Inn Hotels and Suites, an arm of Radisson Hotels, a member of Carlson Rezidor, as berthed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to boost tourism and hospitality business in the state. The hotel, according to Mr. Marc Descrozaille, who is the Carlson Rezidor’s Area Vice-President, Sub-Saharan Africa, was the latest in the series of important hotel openings for the body in Africa. Descrozaille, also said that the decision to establish the outfit in Abeokuta, was borne out of the growth of Ogun State’s economy which had led to increase demand for hotels and that the choice of Abeokuta was strategic. Also speaking at a media chat, was the General Manage of the Hotel, Mr Kayode Aina, who revealed that the hotel located on the former Gateway Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, was renovated and transformed with a sum of N4 billion, under a concession agreement with the state government. Aina said “We are excited to open the first Park Inn by

Radisson in Nigeria and the first internationally branded hotel in Ogun State.” He added that the hotel had undergone a complete renovation of 173 rooms including six suites including free wireless high-speed Internet and 24-hour room service. The General Manager said the hotel billed for official commissioning sometimes in January next year, is still test-running. Aina noted that Park Inn has employed 102 Nigerians as members of staff and spends about N300,000 daily to procure agricultural produce and food stuffs used to feed and entertain its guests, adding that the brand could go extra miles to satisfy its guests and visitors. He added that every guest of Park Inn would be entitled to Club Carlson Membership which offers global discounts for every money spent at all 1,370 hotels owned and controlled by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Worldwide, saying “you as our guest, whatever we need to make your stay pleasurable and delightful, will be our core services.”

Front office of Radisson Hotels, Abeokuta.

monished them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari while in Israel and the peace of the country. He assured the pilgrims that the commission had put every necessary arrangement in place with the ground handlers in Israel to ensure that they are comfortable. The 2015 October-December pilgrimage was flagged off on 17, October, 2015 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and by the 27th of December 27, 2015, it is expected that all the pilgrims would have returned to the country. About 341 intending pilgrims from Kebbi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ebonyi and FCT made up the last batch to the Holy Land. The highlight of the official closing ceremony of the 2015 October— December pilgrimage exercise was a prayer session with the intending pilgrims led by the Commission’s Committee of Spirituality and Counseling.

The splendour of Crystal Suites, Akure By wale Ojo Lanre The conducive environment and ambience of peace engendered by the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Segun Mimiko in the state has continued to be a blessing to the people and economy of the state which has been blooming and growing in an unprecedented spiral rise. A state where there is peace and where the governor daily strives at improving the lot of the people will attract not only investors from foreign countries, but will stimulate investment from the indigenes in particular and Nigerians from other states which are battling with peace and insecurity . Since God planted Governor Mimiko in the saddle of power in Ondo State, the economy of the state has continued to expand while the wealth generation has increased tremendously. The hospitality sector has been the major benefactor of Governor Mimiko’s good government as the economically conducive atmosphere and ambience created by him has led to the springing up of hospitality ventures. It is on record that over 100 hotels, restaurants and bars have emerged since Mimiko came to power with employment generated estimated to be over five thousand. This estimate is not inclusive of the recently inaugurated Shopping Mall and the Dome, a seven-thousand capacity event and conference centre which alone has the capacity of employing directly 500 workers employed over. However, some smart economic and business visionaries have seized the initiative of the governor in planting supporting hospitality ventures which the Dome, the conferee and symposium participants will need and of utmost use to them. Realising the dearth of an international standard first class suites facility in Akure and believing that there are some unique and special dignitaries who deserve specialised and personalised hotel service, the management of Crystal International, a brand name in the hospitality service noted for its specialisation in establishing exotic suites and resorts has planted another wonder in Akure. Christened Crystal Suites, the 10-wonderful bedroom affairs is planted on Oduduwa Street, Ijapo Estate. Crystal Suites is laid and built in the tradition of the Crystal group with every detail to splendour, posh, luxury, quality and of excellent taste. Right from the electronic gate, to the bulb switch pads, to the furniture, fixture and fittings, apart from

being of the best standard obtainable anywhere are all placed in their rightful positions by experts. The suites are a three-bedroom affair with a large and opulently furnished sitting room and dining. Each has its set of electronics including a 40-metre-television. The bedroom is fixed with therapeutic bed on which parades linen beddings and soft pillows which puff down while accommodating the head and puffs up as soon as the head is off. The conveniences offer comfort both in setting and items. For instance, a guest needs not worry about taking along, bathroom slippers, bedroom suit, tooth paste and brush, jelly ointment, comb and many others. The chefs are recruited from a pool of internationally certified and experienced experts who have distinguished themselves in the art of culinary setting with experience in Intercontinental Hotels and Resort. The bar parades varieties of exotic drinks, wine, brandy and whisky as well as national drinks according to the taste of guests. At Crystal Suites, there is no room for open bar for it is not a mass – oriented suite, but created with all sense of luxurious splendour to give that personalised and private royal and regal services to buyers. The essentials of hotel, light, water and security are taken care to ensure regular and round the clock service and surveillance. According to Akin Babatunde, Manager, “Crystal Suites is a world of its own. It is a new deal in hospitality service. It is specially planted to offer the discerning guests the varieties of hospitality service unobtainable elsewhere in the state. We are here to offer you the value for the money. We may be upscale, but you have more than you bargained for. It is for you because you deserve the best, the good and most excellent. That is Crystal Suites, Oduduwa Street, Ijapo, Akure for you”.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

energy

Nigerian Tribune

anchors Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

2015: Oil, gas sector in retrospect The major issue which has been at the front burner since January 2015 is the subsidy removal. In this report, OLATUNDE DODONDAWA examined the year 2015 with respect to issue of subsidy.

ne of the major crises that hit the oil and gas sector in 2015 is fuel scarcity. In fact, there are strong indications that the scarcity may persist till next year due to non provision f fuel subsidy. Despite the fact that the then opposition party led Occupy-Lagos protest in 2012 against fuel subsidy removal, the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu, was quick to intimate Nigerians that the subsidy is a monster that must be removed. The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan apparently under-estimated the sensitive nature of the politics surrounding the pump price that it removed the entire subsidy element, increasing the price from N65 to around N140 per litre in one fell swoop. The organised labour and other civil society coalitions mobilised Nigerians into a one-week street protests and mass action that shut down the entire social and economic activities of Nigeria. It is believed that this singular decision tainted the popularity of the administration, as it raised doubts in the minds of the people on the sincerity of the government on issues concerning their welfare. The issue of petrol subsidy, which is the difference between the expected open market price (EOMP) of petrol and the official price came into national limelight when crude oil price rose to $100. With the resultant increase in the price of refined products at the international market, the claims arising from subsidy shot up to sustainable levels. It became a subject of legislative and executive probes in 2011 when N286 billion was budgeted but close to N2 trillion was paid. With the rising price of crude oil at the international market, all attempts by the federal government to reduce the subsidy element in the annual budget failed. Is crude price decline a blessing or a curse? Ordinarily, when the international market price of crude oil dropped from $115 in June 2014 to less than $50 as at June June 2015, with corresponding drop in the price of refined products it was a curse and at the same time, a blessing to the federal government. Curse, in the sense that crude oil revenue on which the country’s economy depends has fallen sharply, threatening the capacity of the government to fund the 2015 budget. Indeed, since the oil price began its free fall, the Federal Government has revised the 2015 budget benchmark three times, yet the falling price has already surpassed government’s projection in the latest revised budget, which was predicated on $65 per barrel. The falling price of crude oil is also a blessing for the federal government as it

has equally led to a drastic drop in the price of petroleum products, thus reducing the government’s huge subsidy burden, which has become unsustainable over the years. After series of controversial probes, and failed attempt by the government to remove it in January 2012, the government was forced to revise the 2012 budget, with N656.3 billion set aside for the payment of subsidy in 2012 and additional budget of N231.8 billion as outstanding for 2011, bringing the total budget to N888.1 billion. In 2013, the government set aside N971.1 billion for the payment of subsidy and retained the same figure in the 2015 budget, according to the first Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and fiscal strategy presented in September 2014. Even though the initial subsidy projection was reduced by half with the falling crude oil price, which necessitated the revision of the budget benchmark, the government will have no cause to pay huge subsidy claims in 2015. This is because before the recent reduction of the pump price, the difference between the official price and the expected open market was only about 90 kobo per litre, and this implies that the government was paying only 90 kobo as subsidy on every litre, as against N41 before the drop in the price of crude oil. To ensure that Nigerians enjoy higher subsidy in view of the drop in the prices of refined products, the federal government reduced the pump price of petrol from N97 a litre to N87 a litre, thus increasing subsidy to N10.90 per litre. Announcing this government’s rare show of magnanimity, the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Die-

Lack of policy statement on subsidy removal or its non removal has led to marketers suspending importation till next year hoping the government would be specific about the subsidy issue.

zani Alison-Madueke, said: “As you may be aware, there has been a lot of volatility in the oil market in the past few months and due to this the importation prices of our petroleum products have been impacted. “Therefore, with the approval and direc-

tive of Mr. President and by virtue of Section 6 clause 1 of the Nigerian Petroleum Act, it is my responsibility as Minister of Petroleum Resources to hereby announce a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) from N97 per litre pump price down to N87 per litre pump price, effective from twelve (12) midnight Sunday, 18th of January 2015,” she said. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has not shown any sign that it would remove subsidy; it has actually approved the payment of N413 billion subsidy to marketers to ease importation and distribution gridlock, which caused scarcity of the product. Lack of policy statement on subsidy removal or its non removal has led to marketers suspending importation till next year hoping the government would be specific about the subsidy issue. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu has directed relevant agencies to embark on special supply of petroleum products to ensure country-wide availability at Yuletide. Consequently, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) are to embark on renewed special supply intervention measures to make the product available across the country to eliminate the current queues. NNPC in a statement signed by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe said the special supply intervention mechanism which entails the ramping up of additional supply via massive truck-out to guarantee product penetration to the nooks and crannies of the country teed-off over the weekend. The Corporation stated that daily fuel truck out to locations such as Abuja, Ka-

duna, Kano, Enugu, Ibadan and Jos have been increased significantly to enhance free flow of products across the country. NNPC stated that it is consolidating its strategic alliance with some major depot owners and oil marketers with strong regional logistics outlay in those areas to ensure maximum infiltration of products, especially in the hinterland ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities. This stop-gap measure may be temporary until the government removes the subsidy and negotiate with the labour unions to support its stand on the policy. The National Leader of the All progressives Congress and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Kaduna, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately remove the subsidy on fuel, saying that it had overstayed its usefulness. Tinubu argued that since the ordinary Nigerians no longer benefit from it, the oil subsidy regime must go for the country to move forward. In a keynote address, entitled, “Towards the economic liberation of Nigeria, Bala Usman’s enduring relevance” delivered at the memorial conference organised in honour of the Late Dr. Bala Usman by the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training, Zaria, the former governor said his call for subsidy removal was not mere talk but a call to action for those in authority. According to him, there are too many demons in the system which need to be removed. He noted that to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, the government must as a matter of urgency embark on programmes benefiting the poorest in the country. He listed such programmes as transportation subsidies, school feeding, Continues on pg27

energy

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

2015: Dissecting the oil & gas sector Continues from pg26

improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor as well as provision of potable water to Nigeria. Conflicting policies on fuel importation and subsidy removal The business of fuel importation in Nigeria has become very complicated considering the recent scarcity ‘deliberately’ created by marketers in other to compel the Federal Government to pay their outstanding subsidy debt. Before Nigerians could heave a sigh of relief, the government was forced to pay N413billion to marketers. Ordinarily, processing of fuel importation takes a minimum of two month before delivery, but immediately the payment was confirmed to marketers, scarcity began to ease across the country. By implications, it means they had fuel in stock but collectively agreed to hoard the product for their payment to be settled. Last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, revealed that the country had spent an average of N1trillion per year on fuel subsidy in the last five years despite mounting debts and infrastructural deficit. According to him, “The total subsidy figure for 2015 when taken along with the NNPC will be in excess of N1 trillion. We can get this specifics but the point is largely that it does not involve NNPC because the agency takes its cut-off. “We will work towards taking those figures off our budget in 2016. They are critical issues. The current pricing work we are doing had shown that there shouldn’t really be subsidy. The government doesn’t need to subsidise. “There is energy around the removal of subsidy. Most Nigerians we talk to today would say that’s where to go. I have since left the dictionary of subsidy by going to price modulation which is a bit more technical. “Price of refined products today is N87. It was N97 before it was reduced and we really have to go back to that because we don’t really have the finance to remove it. There are lots of safety barometer between the N87 and N97per litre regime between which government does not have to fund subsidy. Yet the prices would be fairly close to what it used to be today. That is the first mechanism we are going to work.” However, the question is ‘will marketers genuinely support fuel subsidy removal?’ The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had few months ago announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company was ramping up capacity to about 60 per cent of the 210,000 barrels per day of crude capacity, while production from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company had been projected to hit 80 per cent of its installed 125,000 bpd capacity. The Manager in charge of the Production Programming and Quality Control, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, Shehu Malami, had reportedly said that the refinery would save about $5.33million daily for the country when it hits 90 per cent production capacity in the first quarter of 2016. But as at today, none of the four refineries are working. Nigerians have wondered why the refineries had yet to churn out products, particularly petrol, if actually they were operational as claimed. “Has any of the refineries stated the

quantity of products that they are actually churning out? It is already known that Nigeria consumes an average of 40 million litres per day; so, if the refineries are working, then you can now say maybe they are producing about 20 million litres per day and you can now subtract that from the imports. “We need to verify if indeed they have started churning out products, not just on paper. Recently, they gave letters of allocation to importers to bring in products to meet the third quarter consumption demand,” they said. The PPPRA put the the Expected Open Market Price at N92.15 per litre as at 17th December, 2015. It means the government is paying N5.15 per litre as subsidy as at today. Subsidy refers to the money paid, usually by the government, to keep prices below what they will otherwise be in a free market system. There have been calls in some quarters urging the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to remove fuel subsidy, which has been described as wasteful and prone to corruption. Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, relies on importation for most of its fuel needs as the country’s refineries operate below installed capacity. The sustained fall in global oil prices has triggered the decline in the landing cost of petrol as crude oil constitutes a major component in the pricing template. This week, the global benchmark Brent crude plunged below the $40 per barrel mark immediately Nigeria benchmark its 2016 budget at $38 per barrel. An Energy Expert, Engr. Kolawole Ashiru, told Nigerian Tribune that the decision to remove fuel subsidy by 2016 is a welcome development given the government fiscal position is significantly constrained by the drop in crude price at the international market. The easiest way out of these seasonal fuel crises that we face as a country would have been if we were refining our own fuel locally. Instead, we depend largely on fuel refined and imported from overseas. While the government set 2016 for sub-

sidy removal, President Buhari will certainly face a difficult task in removing the fuel subsidy. The issues the government will have to address included: 1. How ready are the refineries? With a refining capacity of over 450,000bpd that cannot even meet our domestic needs and operating at less than 30 per cent for decades, mostly due to machine failure, our refineries are just not ready for the task ahead. 2. Fraudulent oil marketers are benefiting from the process. Those who falsify/doctor their documents just to overcharge the government for subsidy, those who cause unnecessary delays in offloading petroleum products just so it can incure demurage, etc. All of them will come together to frustrate any attempt to remove subsidy or stop fuel importation just as generator sellers are doing to our electricity generation companies. 3. Risk of unemployment All those people directly or indirectly employed as a result of the fuel importation business will face the risk of losing their jobs. They are among those praying that we should continue to rely on fuel importation. 4. Labour position on subsidy removal The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to contemplate an increase in the prices of petroleum products. The congress warned the president to be wary of the likes of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, “whose sweet tongues on the issue of subsidy removal had derailed former presidents from achieving their lofty goals.” The NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, gave the warning, on Wednesday, at the occasion of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the death of Comrade Chima Ubani held at the Labour House, Abuja. Comrade Wabba said since the minister

had already given Nigerians the path the government of President Buhari wanted to go, the congress would meet and hold consultation with the civil society groups and other professional bodies to respond adequately to the development. According to him, “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to state without equivocation that Kachikwu represents the forces that have misled past governments on the issue of removal of subsidy and deregulation of the downstream operations of the petroleum industry. “While the position of congress on these issues clearly remains unchanged, we make bold to however caution President Buhari to be wary of the likes of Kachikwu whose sweet tongues on the issue of subsidy removal had derailed former presidents from achieving their lofty goals. “Now that the Buhari government may have, through Mr Kachikwu, sent the message to Nigerians on the path it wishes to take on the issue of petroleum subsidy, congress will meet in its relevant organs, hold consultations with civil society and other organisations and professional bodies and carry out the instructions as we will be mandated.” Conclusion While Nigerians are calling for subsidy removal because the masses whom the policy supposed to favor were at the receiving end when considering the ongoing fuel scarcity. An average Nigerian buys at above N87 per litre and would have to spend (waste) quality and productive time at filling station in an attempt to buy fuel. Most of our ‘comrades’ leaders never queued for fuel since assumption of office as labour officials, yet they are quick to embark on industrial actions whenever the government announces its intention to remove subsidy even though we all know it is due. If former President Goodluck Jonathan had removed the fuel subsidy when he was advised to do so around February this year, Nigerians would have been buying petrol at around N95-N100 per litre without stress and wasting productive time at filling station queuing for fuel.

energy

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

OPL 245: London stops release of Nigeria’s $85m to Etete Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa Lagos

Southwark Crown Court in London has refused to release N17 billion ($85 million) to Malabu, a company controlled by former minister of petroleum resources, Mr. Dan Etete, in proceeds of the corrupt deal for the Nigerian offshore oil block, Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245), which was sold to Shell and Eni for $1.1billion in 2011. The funds were restrained at the request of Italian authorities, who are investigating the sale of the block by Malabu Oil & Gas to the international oil companies. In refusing unfreeze as requested by Malabu, Justice Edis of the Southwark Crown Court declared that he was not sure the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan acted in Nigeria’s interest when it approved the transfer of the money to Malabu. “I cannot simply assume that the Federal Government which was in power in 2011 and subsequently until 2015 rigorously defended the public interest of the people of Nigeria in all respects,” the judge ruled. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under Goodluck Jonathan acted as a middleman in the deal, and the court received evidence based on wiretaps that prosecutors allege show that the then President, Goodluck Jonathan, was directly involved. The deal deprived the Nigerian people of a sum equivalent to 80 per cent of the country’s 2015 health budget. The $85 million was seized at the request of Italian prosecutors who are also investigating the deal. The money was the last part of the OPL 245 largesse not yet distributed. Sensing that the Muhammadu Buhari administration was yet to find its feet on international legal matters, Mr. Etete approached the British court and asked that the money be returned to him. In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Edis said that while he could not say for certain if the deal was fraudulent pending conclusions of investigations, it would be inappropriate to release the money to Malabu. “I am not making any findings of fact about misconduct by anyone. I am simply assessing the evidence before me to determine whether a restraint order should be discharged which was granted by way of MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance between the UK and Italy) to support an investigation by the Italian authorities,” the judge said. The judge also made reference to evidence provided by the Italian authorities that ex-President Jonathan was directly involved in the fraudulent deal. “The suggestion from the wiretaps is that “Fortunato” was implicated and I am told that this was a reference in code (not subtle) to

the former President of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan,” the judge said. At a two-day hearing that started on November 23, Mr. Etete’s lawyers argued that there was no fraud in the deal and asked that the money be released to him. Malabu’s lawyers told the court that freezing the money was an assault on Nigeria and questioned how the court could imagine that Messrs. Adoke and Ngama would be a party to a corrupt deal. The Jonathan administration controversially approved the transfer of $1.092 billion from Nigeria’s JP Morgan account in London to Nigerian accounts controlled by Malabu. The money was paid by global oil giants, Shell and ENi, for Africa’s richest oil bloc, OPL 245. The former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and the former Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, signed the documents approving the transfer to Malabu. The fraudulent deal, shaded in various layers of corruption, has been condemned by Nigerians and international transparency advocates and is being investigated by authorities in four different countries. A fictitious companies owned by Abubakar Aliyu, a man referred to as ‘Mr. Corruption’ by anti-graft officials, allegedly received over half ($532 million) of the total $1.092 billion. Mr. Aliyu was recently quizzed by EFCC operatives for the first time despite being a central character in the deal whose investigation was virtually stalled during

the Jonathan presidency. Simon Taylor of Global Witness stated in a reaction to the ruling that “Given the gathering pace of the EFCC investigation in Nigeria under new leadership and a call by the Nigerian House of Representatives to cancel the deal in 2014, investors in Shell and Eni should demand to know why they were exposed to such risk.” The UK based Global Witness, which has been at the forefront of the demand for transparency in the deal and other similar deals across the world said in a statement: “Court refuses to unfreeze funds from “smash and grab” raid on Nigerian oil block. Prosecutors

allege that “fronts for President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria” received $523million in proceeds of “smash and grab” OPL 245 deal. “In light of these allegations in a UK court the role of the senior Nigerian officials involved in this deal including Goodluck Jonathan must now be fully investigated,” said Dotun Oloko, a Nigerian anti-corruption campaigner. The statement read further: “Evidence from US authorities presented to the court and included in the judgement “shows payments following circuitous routes which total $523million and which arrived at Abubakar Aliyu. Aliyu’s companies are allegedly fronts for

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.” The Crown Prosecution Service, acting at the behest of the Public Prosecutor for Milan (PPM), described OPL 245 as a case of “grand corruption.” The OPL 245 deal is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor of Milan, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC have reportedly recently interviewed Abubakar Aliyu in connection with the case, and earlier this year interviewed Dan Etete.

From left, Head of Diagnostics, Automedics, Mr John Quincy; Head of Sales, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr Babafemi Olabiyi; CEO, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr Abayomi Awobokun and Head, Lubes Oando Marketing Plc, Mrs Lilian Ikokwu, during the Free Car Oleum Syn Diagnostics for car owners in Lagos ,at the weekend.

Nigeria drops Sinopec in fresh $13.5bn crude contracts The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has issued its 2016 crude oil term contracts worth $13.5 billion to 21 companies as it goes directly to international refineries, trading houses and local downstream firms. The absence of China’s Sinopec, and its trading arm Unipec, was notable, as it is a large buyer of Nigerian oil and was on the 2015 contract list. Oil industry sources said there was another list of so-called “government” contracts with Nigeria’s major partners yet to come, and many expected the company to be added at a later date. The contracts cover 991,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil, worth $13.5 billion at current crude oil prices, which is roughly half of Nigeria’s crude oil production of around 2 million bpd. The list includes refiners such as Spain’s Cepsa, Italy’s Saras, India’s IOC and ENOC of the United Arab Emirates, as well as trading houses Trafigura, Mercuria and Vitol and international oil companies ENI, Total, Exxon and Shell.

The others are Nigerian downstream and NNPC trading companies. In a statement, NNPC said: “Apart from ensuring transparency, the companies were carefully chosen based on their track records and trading experience to ensure that Nigerian crude cargoes are not left unsold.” The list is pared down from the final 2015 contract list, which comprised 43 companies and did not include any global traders. Many of the mostly local companies included then were criticised by international watchdog groups, such as the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), as “unqualified intermediaries” who added little value. During a televised launch of the contract process in October, when 278 companies submitted bids for crude oil contracts, NNPC officials promised to slash the number of winners and conduct business differently. “Things have changed in Nigeria,” said one oil industry source close to the contract negotiations.

“The process of tendering has been more transparent they want to work with more reputable companies.” Oil traders said the inclusion of Exxon and Shell was also unusual. “It is the first time for both,” one trader of West African oil said of direct contracts between Exxon, Shell and NNPC. It seems to tie up with the drive to partner with endusers,” said. Recently, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu told reporters that Nigeria is producing 2.1 million bpd and aims to boost output to 2.4 million next year. The Federal Government, the minister of state said, would focus on price modulation of petroleum products to ensure efficiency and provision of the products. He said the price modulation had nothing to do with the removal or existence of subsidy. “There is too much emotion around subsidy issue, but our focus is that the Federal Government should not spend as much as it spends every year on subsidy.

“First, it is an issue of irresponsibility; this year we have spent about one trillion and given the state of the finances, we have to save money from every means. What I am trying to do is to make sure that whatever we do, the poor people will not be affected. So whatever we are going to do will be intellectual,’’ he said. On the way forward, the min-

ister said that the NNPC would review the template of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and achieve reduction in the cost for clearing goods. According to him, foreign exchange provisions will be looked into, to ensure stability in the system. He added that efforts were being made to ensure more allocation to the oil industry to ensure certainty in the system. He said that Nigeria consumed below 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) per day, adding that a reduction in smuggled products would put the level of con-

sumption between 35 and 36 million per day.

tribunebusiness

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Fitness wears

new look with

Google app

Google Instructor demonstrating how the device works to participants at the event.

Known for novel innovations and technology, Google thrilled participants at a ‘Fit With Google’ workout with devices and app on fitness regimens, VICTOR OGUNYINKA reports on the importance of the device to an everyday life.

“

Ok Google, show me the picture of Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo,” and in a split second, pictures of the matriarch surfaced on my android phone. No, there’s nothing new in giving a voice command to your phone but when it involves a wristwatch, accessing all the applications on your phone, then, you will agree that some wristwatches tell more than time. The amusement behind the technology of speaking to a wristwatch and getting results both on your android phone and the wristwatch, was evident on the gestures and looks of the participants who attended a gym session organised by search engine giant, Google, themed ‘Fit With Google’ at Bodyline Fitness and Gym, Ikoyi, Lagos state. Staggering statistics showed that words like fitness and gym are least searched globally. The reason is not farfetched. A reasonable number of persons start the year with full vigour, loading their todo list for the year with prospective activities, pledging to lose weight and get fit, but many, after few weeks, find their resolves slipping. Gyms that were over flowing with people in the first weeks of the year became quite empty before March! Intimating participants on the dwindling exploration of fitness and gym, Google Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, called everyone’s atten-

tion to the fitness and gym trend globally. He explained that Google search trends indicated that globally, online searches for words like health/fitness/gyms peak between December and January, while in Nigeria, the trend revealed a quarterly pattern. “According to statistics, it has been established that most people search for words like gym and fitness just twice in a year; January when they make their New Year’s resolutions, which most people forget about at the end of the month and December when they realised that the year is coming to an end and they are well behind in meeting their set goals. “In Nigeria, statistics revealed that people use the gym more at the beginning of every quarter. The reasons why people don’t really take this serious could probably be attributed to pursuit of the issues of life. Technology has been designed to make life easier and with

believing that technology should be a part of everyday life, Google organised ‘Get Fit with Google’ to demonstrate how mobile devices can be incorporated in fitness regimens to improve the efficacy of workout sessions,” he said. The introduction of the device is

The android wear (wristwatch) is loaded with limitless android features connected to an android phone and a simple voice command of ‘OK Google’, the world is just a click away.

Google Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, speaking to participants at the event.

capable of enticing one to use the gym more often. With the device serving as a personal trainer, stop watch, fitness motivator, training partner finder among others, going to gym could in no time transcend into a routine. And because one’s fitness efforts extend beyond just cardio, Google Fit app presents a whole lot of smarter options when it comes to strength training. For instance, if you have an Android Wear watch, you can start a daily challenge and your timepiece will automatically detect and count each sit-up, push-up, squat and amount of calories lost. This info will also now be added to your daily activity, offering a more complete picture of your overall fitness. The android wear (wristwatch) is loaded with limitless android features connected to an android phone and a simple voice command of ‘OK Google’, the world is just a click away.

While showcasing the modus operadi of the device at a group session, Analytical Lead at Google, Mr Abdulsalam Abdullateef demonstrated how a variety of Android apps and Android wearable devices (wristwatch) could be used during exercise and how they could be used to make daily activities much easier. Activities like checking the weather news, asking for directions, surfing the internet, taking dictation among other functions, using apps like Tabata and Fit App, track my fitness, which works with an accelerometer on Android smart watches to measure distance walked, calories burned, heart rate, during workouts. Participants at the events also had the luxury of a firsthand experience of how the device works when they were put through their paces with aerobics exercises, including cycling and a Zumba session to keep fit.

Google Instructor demonstrating how the device works to participants.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the December 5 governorship election in the state was leading in the poll before it was declared inconclusive. He spoke in Abuja on what happened at Southern Ijaw, his chances at the rescheduled poll and other issues. Assistant Editor CHRISTIAN OKEKE, who was there, brings excerpts:

Nobody can intimidate Bayelsans —Dickson

INEC’s position was very clear. Thirdly, INEC needed our inputs on some polling units scattered across the state that were identified as units, where elections didn’t take place; some due to failure of card readers and late arrival of materials and so on and so forth so. It was agreed that all those elections be conducted same time as the Southern Ijaw election. For the reasons that INEC gave, everybody was in support; everybody agreed. What happened was a consensus around these issues and I am surprised that after that meeting, someone was still claiming that he has the results, but everyone knows the truth now. However, there must be consequences for misconduct. That’s the point I am making .

HE Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) has just fixed the rerun election in your state for January 9 after a stakeholders’ meeting. Was there actually a consensus to pick that date, especially as you had said that you won the election and did not want the re-run? INEC summoned a stakeholders’ meeting with political parties that participated in the last governorship election and then candidates, and we talked about three broad issues: the cancelled election in Southern Ijaw local government, which really was an election that never took place. Everyone knows what happened, how materials were hijacked; how hoodlums were sponsored and armed, and working with some rogue elements, diverted materials. So, there were no votes. As you are aware, some citizens and community leaders are in court for a declaration that they were wrongly disenfranchised by INEC and security agencies. So, what took place in Southern Ijaw was a charade and complete abuse of electoral processes and norms. I heard a guy somewhere is parading some papers, parading some figures even whereas what happened was a pure crime. Security agencies in a serious country ought to have taken action. Such people ought to be answering questions as to why they were figures and materials bandied about, not by INEC that organised the election but by some private persons and candidate. In the circumstance of that Southern Ijaw, we should be interested in asking some people; they should be explaining how they came about sensitive documents that are filled with allocated figures when everyone knows- observers, foreign and local- everyone knows that nothing like that happened and when people were actually killed in the process of moving materials. Now, we have seen how the materials were taken and why they were taken and INEC has taken the right decision by cancelling the charade called an election in Southern Ijaw when for the first time I have seen people made to vote at night, midnight, and accreditation done mid night. By 2.3am, people were still voting. That was what happened in my state. Government at the centre has not spoken to condemn it. They have not directed law-enforcement agencies to take appropriate actions, even in respect of those who killed, who maimed, who attacked and burnt down houses, and so on. And yet, the candidate of the ruling party at the centre,

Dickson with impunity even, has the guts to bandy about figures and say he has result, and I rightly ask that it seems to me that we are moving our democracy to a level, where if someone breaks into INEC’s strong room and steals electoral materials and takes them by force of arm by terrorist means and goes to fill the result, are we going to declare the person president-elect? It is as far as that! That has to be condemned

and appropriate actions taken. But unfortunately, things are the way they are. So, INEC having taken the right decision to cancel the election, needed our inputs in terms of the way forward and it was unanimously agreed that the January 9th date be adopted as the rescheduled election. So, the meeting agreed on the date, making it clear that nothing of electoral importance took place on that day by way of result so

Nobody should put INEC under unnecessary and undue pressure and make them to do things that will destroy their credibility and integrity because if the umpire doesn’t have credibility before the participants and before the local and international community, then we should wind it up.

Owing to violence and killings that characterised the last election, have you met with those in charge of security so as to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of such ugly incidents? Southern Ijaw wasn’t really a failure on the part of the people, the electorate, and it wasn’t a failure on the part of the parties which took part in the election except the gentleman and his party who are now elevating violence to a political act, in connivance with some elements on ground with their supporters in Abuja. It wasn’t even a failure on the part of INEC order than that when I gave that advice on Sunday morning after assessing the situation in Oporoma and I came and gave them that advice that look, with what has happened with the situation, demonstration going on, youth corps members protesting that they were not safe, five people had been killed earlier in the day and with what I saw, I advised the security agencies and INEC to postpone the poll, call a stakeholders’ meeting and agree on a date. If they had taken that well-intended advice, if they had not, especially the security agents, acted as if there was a pre-determined conclusion that they wanted this charade to produce, the story would have been different. You can imagine a situation where as late as 2 pm, materials were seeing being given out from a local government area, and from a local government area to the voting centres in our riverine place takes up to 2 or 3 hours by boat. I am building roads now in that place. Most of those major roads are still under construction. So by the time these materials got to these voting centres, it was 5 or 6 pm. Meanwhile, the card readers configured for elections by 8am had already stopped working. So when people are talking about figures, these are pure criminals who should be in jail honestly, and I am very surprised, very disappointed that our national security architecture has not identified what happened in Bayelsa as a potential time bomb for our democracy and for our country, where people by way of terrorist means, will take control of continues pg31

politics&policy

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

‘I don’t need violence to win’ continued from pg30

electoral officials and materials, put them under arrest and then force them to write purported results, meanwhile the voters are disenfranchised. That nonsense has to stop. We X-rayed all of these and that’s why we took the decision to go on the 9th of January. We have agreed that with the military, because of the few things that have happened, it is our own Nigerian military and military as an institution is a very critical national institution, I believe that we should strengthen our institutions. We shouldn’t destroy any institution, including INEC. Nobody should put INEC under unnecessary and undue pressure and make them to do things that will destroy their credibility and integrity because if the umpire doesn’t have credibility before the participants and before the local and international community, then we should wind it up. And putting pressure on them, either to tinker with officials or to accept results in a way and manner that some of the officials of the federal-controlled APC have been doing is simply to destroy INEC and they don’t care what happens to the country and INEC. All they want to achieve is to expand their political territory, to capture more states even at the expense of national security and stability, even at the expense of this national institution; they don’t care. I am very surprised seeing that. So, we talked about all of this and the way forward we have agreed on is for the national security system to look at those who have committed offences to show the majesty and supremacy of the law as against the rule of violence and force and then in moving forward, because elections are civil activities, the police, civil defence and other civilian arms should drive the process essentially, while the military should stay at the outer corridors to provide safe bufffer for electoral activities to commence. So, we have agreed on all of this. I hope that enough steps are taken by the law enforcements in terms of identifying culprits who attacked, who maimed, who kidnapped, who hijacked, who falsified figures, who are banding and parading wrong figures, who worked in collusion with others to disenfranchise people and to undermine the electoral process. I hope that those steps will also be taken so that going forward, these should serve as deterrent measures and I think these are necessary measures that need to take place between now and the next scheduled election. On our own part as a government, we are ready to support the law-enforcement community but like I said, Bayelsa cannot be intimidated. I and my government cannot be intimidated by any party and by anybody. The people of Bayelsa cannot be intimidated. That was why unarmed women came with youths with their bare bodies to block armoured personnel carriers that had military officers carrying electoral materials, with a view to diverting them to APC operatives. My state was under siege effectively for weeks, but we thank God for his mercies and for the resilience of the Bayelsa people. With the campaigns and enlightenment that we have undertaken, my supporters are not violent. Nobody, who is violent, has my support and backing. I don’t need violence to win any election. In Southern Ijaw local government, that is our stronghold; any day elections are conducted there, we are ready and the other party should be celebrating if they even get five per cent of the votes with all

the communities in that place. I hope that the security provisions that have been outlined would be followed. The inconclusive poll has been rescheduled for January 9. Are you going to accept the outcome of that election, no matter how it comes? I am a leading candidate and Bayelsans have largely spoken. If it were in some decent climes, by now, the APC as a political party and the candidate himself should have called to congratulate me because already, by the INEC results declared so far, I have clearly won. I have won six out of the seven results already declared and if you look at the average turn-out of voters in every local government, it was virtually 30-45 per cent. Southern Ijaw is not the largest local government. The largest local government is Yenagoa, state capital, with enlightened voters, enlightened population and with the intense campaign that everybody did there, as politically aware as that local government and its inhabitants are with registered voters’ strength of 139, 000 or so, it will be shocking to let you know that the turnout was less than 50 percent. That was it. So, there is no way in Southern Ijaw, which incidentally is my stronghold, community after community, if elections are held tomorrow, I will not win. Community after community; ward after ward, I will defeat them. There is no APC presence; there is no Sylva presence there. They know the difference between me and Timipre Sylva, they know what I have done in the past three and half years. What is on ground is verifiable; it is empirical yet I campaigned and I galvanised voters in every local government. In that local government, I spent three days going to all communities, connecting directly with the people. The chiefs are with me; the youths are with me, the women groups are with me, I have appointees there. Of all the councillors there, out of 17 wards, 16 are PDP. All were PDP but one was misguided and he defected. Chairman and vice chairman of the local government are PDP, with their appointees down the line with my own appointees. All the four members of the state House of Assembly are PDP, including the National Assembly member, commissioners and special advisers. They don’t stand a chance and that is why, in their desperation, they got gunmen. The supporters they have are few gunmen, four of five gunmen and those people were now empowered, assisted, supported by rogue elements to now hijack materials because that was the only way for them. They concluded to take over the process by terrorist means, and they wrote these results under military escort and protection, escorted these materials and handed them over so that it can wipe all the advantages and they can have a declaration. That has failed. The people resisted it. God is not in support of it and I am a leading candidate. How a process ends is very important. I am already the winner. It is out of respect for

Dickson INEC as an institution that I am not insisting that they declare me as governor-elect. But from all that I have explained, everyone knows that a guy who managed to win only one local government area; he couldn’t win me in Nembe, his own local government area; in Southern Ijaw which is my stronghold, the home of former Governor Diepriye Alameiyeseigha and in addition to all of this. That is my stronghold and the people know what I have done. So you conduct elections there any day, 100 times, I will still win. Therefore, if it is in a decent clime as I said earlier, my brother and friend, Timipre Sylva should have conceded defeat long ago and shouldn’t have allowed the people of Bayelsa to be put through this hassle in Southern Ijaw because the people of Bayelsa have largely spoken, and he knows. He may be telling people propaganda; he may be telling his party leadership other things, but everybody back home knows that that election has already been won and lost. I have already won that election, so that is it. What role do you emphatically want for the military in the re-scheduled poll, bearing in mind that it was the military that stood to push back the violence when other security agencies seemed to have disappeared? No, that narrative is wrong; it’s faulty. I don’t want us to be doing a post-mortem and apportioning blames and responsib-

In Southern Ijaw local government, that is our stronghold; any day elections are conducted there, we are ready and the other party should be celebrating if they even get five per cent of the votes with all the communities in that place.

ilities. I am more focused on moving forward. Even if I disagree and Bayelsans also disagreed and rightly so and are angry with some conducts of some military officials who hijacked the process and abused the process and created this kind of debacle, I don’t want us to denigrate or run down the military as an institution. That is one of the most important institutions in a country. The military is one of the ultimate guarantor of our constitutional democracy and in as much as a few things went wrong, I also know that generally speaking, a number of military officers are professional and mean well for our country and for their various services. But the correct narrative is this: the civil law enforcement agencies, and this is what we have agreed to ahead of the rescheduled poll, should take control of the process and then the military only gives support and create a safe zone, not to be in direct control and possession of sensitive electoral materials because by their training, they take orders. So, there are political influences that are not illegitimate but if by training of a soldier, he gets an order from a boss, they are trained to follow instructions. I am not saying that ‘A’ gave orders to do this or that; that will come out at the end of the inquiry within the military and within the commission of inquiry that I have set up. So, we should move ahead of that. The wrong thing was that they were allowed to hijack the process which should not have been. They should escort the materials; they should give support to the police and create a safe buffer zone so that these materials and documents and officials should be escorted to communities almost at the same time. That is an additional measure that we have agreed on. If they move to communities and materials get to the communities, they can stay back and watch so that people can vote without molestation and all of that. The security officials still need to meet to tidy up. But as a government, we are willing to partner to support this process.

32 politics&policy

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

The challenge to rebrand Kwara PDP BIOLA AZEEZ writes on some challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rediscover itself in Kwara State after the 2015 general election,

ATE radical lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi championed the cause that culminated in the plummeting of political parties in the country. He propelled a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court that further opened up the political space for more parties than the number that fielded candidates when Nigeria restored civil rule in 1999. So at a time, there were more than 50 political parties registered by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC). The figure has since tumbled, following the inability of most of the parties to make any meaningful impact during competitive polls. Today, only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Accord, All Progressive Grand Alliance and a couple of others are on the front row. A number of the parties have either been deregistered or only known on the pages of newspapers. In fact, only the PDP and the APC have greater presence in across the six geopolitical zone of the country. In Kwara State, both parties remain dominant in terms of spread and membership. While the PDP has had the misfortune of losing power in the state, the APC is trying to consolidate its grip on power. But, the leaders of the PDP say they are undeterred by what they regard as a temporary setback their party has suffered in the power game in the state. They believe the major task before them now is to keep the governing APC on its toes , as they try to rebrand the PDP in Kwara, as in the words of one the leaders, a vibrant opposition is critical to the survival of democracy. Their self-chosen task is notwithstanding some serious challenges facing the party at the moment. However, the question on the lips of many observers is if the PDP has so far been doing it right in Kwara as the main opposition party. The teaser is against the backdrop of the myriad of challenges confronting it in its desire to play the role of opposition. Some members, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told our correspondent that the party was facing some obstacles in its effort at rebranding. Some stalwarts of the party are said to be locked in a fierce supremacy tussle over the control of the soul of the PDP in Kwara. Another source said some of those scheming to hijack the party machinery lacked the necessary structure to convince majority of the PDP members that they were capable of making a difference and retuning the party to its winning path in future elections. However, the state leadership of the PDP is optimistic that the party would soon come out stronger. In fact, the state chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, said the party, which had ruled Kwara for consecutive 16 years, is doing it well in its status as the leading opposition party. He said the party, which lost to the APC in the March 2015 election had embarked on rebuilding PDP, expressing the belief that the party would bounce back in future polls in the state. The leaders appear to have gone back to the drawing board shortly after its dismal outing during the last general election. They said some fifth columnists colluded with some renegades to land the PDP in tis precarious condition as an opposition party. While speaking to our correspondent, Oyedepo put the lacklustre performance of the PDP in the election in a proper perspective. According to him, the loss of the March 2015 election by the PDP was due to the activities of the party’s ‘garrison commanders’

Uche Secondus

We went into an election and we failed; we failed because we were not united. We were fighting a sitting government and the weapon we could have used was unity of purpose. That we lost completely

and disunity among other members. He explained that candidates were too engrossed in the super power of the Presidency to clinch election victory for them, instead of going to the field to convince voters on the competence and eligibility. Coupled with that problem, according to another source, was the huge number of contestants, with most of them not ready to compromise or put the overall interest of the party above personal ambitions. Oyedepo gave a further insight: “We went into an election and we failed; we failed because we were not united. We were fighting a sitting government and the weapon we could have used was unity of purpose. That we lost completely. About 13 people wanted to be governor in our party. We made a lot of efforts to bring them together, provide a platform of unity, so that we would bring the most formidable of them to face the incumbent governor, but our people had a mentality that once you had the PDP ticket, you are already a success. So, all of them were struggling for this ticket; they never thought

that you could have a ticket and still lose the general election in PDP. “Well that might be excused, because PDP prior to that time had never lost in any national election. So, our people that wanted to be governor fought bitterly in a bitter struggle. The type that you will never envisage being in a family of a political party. We didn’t behave as a family. And when one eventually emerged, some of those contestants simply walked away. Some of them went straight back to APC as if they were sent to come and destroy the chances of the party. Some that didn’t go away pretended to be with us and at the end of the day, they urged their supporters to vote for APC in the election. Some were even following us among them with the belief that would be part of the presidential money that may come for election to recoup their losses during primaries. So, at the end of the day, it was like a party divided among four groups. I cannot see how such a party could have achieved victory. That’s the main reason we lost the election,” he said.

The PDP chairman also said that those that lost the governorship primaries behaved as they were already in government, alleging that they made reconciliation impossible. “When you ask them that you are not yet the governor, they were already thinking of what they would do against those that were against them in the primaries, even while we were still running election. So, how can you make it in such a situation? So, we lost the election,” he said. The PDP chairman, who said the task of rebuilding the party in the state was a Herculean one, added that the party comprised garrison commanders, who “hoodwinked some people in the party to be their followers, and they maintained that dedicated followership not because of their superior ideas, ideology or principle, but with material possessions. Money, clothing, rice, ram during Ileya and because of level of poverty, they were able to maintain that followership. So, you can’t move forward with that kind of people. That was my first hurdle. How do we tame the garrison commanders? They have influence, exposure, money and if you want to tame them they would react. So, that’s still the greatest problem.” Who are the garrison commanders? Majority of them are those that contested governorship election. They believe that having contested the election, they are political leaders in their own rights, even if they lack necessary structure. They act like they can pocket the party and the chairman, which I have resisted. So, they resorted to blackmail”, he said. The PDP in the state parades such eminent politicians as a former VC Unilorin, and former Federal Charter Commission, Proffessor Oba Shuaib Abdulraheem , former Sports Minister, Bio Ibrahim, Deacon John Darah, former ACN governorship candidate, Dele Belore (SAN), Senator Simeon Ajibola, fomer minister of National Planning, Sulyman Abubakar and Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq and Chief Joel Ogundeji. When confronted with the allegation that he favoured some contestants before primaries, Oyedepo said: “During the governorship contest, I had my preference, especially for Dele Belgore. It was not for any other thing but for the fact that even gauging public opinion, people thought that’s the person they could vote for. I mixed with people and know their views. I only wanted to win election. I didn’t manipulate for him. I didn’t change delegates list for him. And when Belgore couldn’t make it as it went to Senator Simeon Ajibola, I shifted to Ajibola. I even persuaded my friends to donate for his campaign. I couldn’t have worked against him like his so called friends did in the elections.” Meanwhile, the chairman says he has decided to take the party to the people in their local governments, selling a new idea of being financial members of the party, having regular meetings, formation of committees, stakeholders forum at wards, local and state levels at gathering people of influence, etc to move the party forward, particularly as local government lurks around the corner in the state. The PDP chairman said a weekly radio programme had commenced to explain issues on governance and politics to people, added that the programme among their activities had put the state government and officials on their toes. He said that other activities were being hampered by paucity of fund. “There’s practically, no money. That’s the problem. If we have money, in fact, I can tell you that this place will be too stuffy for the people in government,” he stated.

news

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Fuel subsidy removal inevitable —Oyegun Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Tuesday, said that the eventual removal of fuel subsidy is inevitable. According to him, the gradual removal of subsidy is necessary, in view of emerging and current realities. Odigie-Oyegun made the disclosure when he received a delegation of the APC National Coalition for Peace and Mobilisation (NACOPEAM), on a courtesy visit to him, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He said the current administration inherited an “infected system of subsidy” run by corrupt cartels, stressing that, “in one way or the other, subsidy must go.” He said a situation where government spent almost a trillion Naira yearly on the corruption-tainted subsidy regime is unacceptable and could no longer be sustained. He added that the oil cartels and their cronies resisting change, had continued to blackmail and sabotage government on the issue of subsidy, a development that he said, had resulted in the lingering nationwide fuel scarcities despite serious government efforts. He described the fuel scarcities the country is grappling with as a “national disgrace” Odigie-Oyegun said there is the need to restructure the country’s oil and gas sector, which according to him, has been marred by corruption and inefficiencies. He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven com-

ponents, might not necessarily result in increase in the pump price of petrol. The APC national chairman said the presidential directive to the PPPRA would†result in a more efficient and realistic pricing system for petroleum products and constant availability of fuel. Earlier, the NACOPEAM

national president, Comrade Ahmed Saleh, said the fuel scarcities impacted negatively on the Party. “The unbearable fuel queues along filling stations is indeed avoidable. The situation is impacting negatively on the integrity of the party and this noble administration of positive change.” he said.

Saleh also called for “total overhauling” of heads of Federal Government commissions, parastatals and agencies. “During electioneering, the APC went around the length and breath of Nigeria, informing the citizens on the ills and maladministration of the past regime. “However, there is need

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (fourth from left), cutting the tape to officially inaugurate the newly constructed Umuola road in Aba. With him, from left, are Abia State Commissioner for Works, Eziuche Ubani; former deputy governor, Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and former governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, recently.

Lack of service stalls proceedings in FG’s charges against Kanu It was at that point that the Sunday Ejike - Abuja

The inability of the registrar of a Federal High Court in Abuja, to serve the Federal Government with hearing notice on Thursday, stalled the hearing of the fresh charges filed against the founder of Radio Biafra and leader of the Independent People of Briafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. It will be recalled that the Federal Government, had last Friday, filed fresh trea-

son, felony and other related charges against the Biafran leader, at the Federal High Court. The fresh charge filed and signed by the Director, Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed Saidu Diri, for the Attorney-General of the Federation, comes barely a week after Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordered Kanu’s unconditional release, since there was no pending charges against him, about

two months after his detention in October. The matter which was assigned to Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed was on the course list of the court, but when Justice Mohammed, announced in the open court whether there was any more criminal matter on the course list, the registrar mentioned FG’s case against Kanu, but there was no counsel for prosecution, due to the inability of the registrar to serve them with hearing notice.

WAHO boss decries W/Africa’s poor health status Director-General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr Xavier Crespin, has called on governments of ECOWAS

member-states to assist professionals in the medical and environmental health sector, to improve the health status of the people in the sub-re-

gion. He gave the charge on Tuesday, at the inauguration and maiden congress of the West African Postgraduate

Sustenance of Nigeria’s unity, greatest challenge facing us —OBJ Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified the sustenance of the unity of Nigeria as the greatest challenge confronting Nigerians. Chief Obasanjo stated this recently in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, at a Gala nite organised in his honour by the state government during a visit to the state. According to him, it is

for total overhauling and new trusted heads of commissions, paratatals and agencies to be appointed for effective, efficient and result-oriented service to the Nigerian citizens. With this our noble observation, we believe the nation will move forward and the government will be free from administrative sabotage,” he stated.

by design that God put the various ethnic groups in the country together, warning that no man should scuttle God’s plan. He said that it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that the country remains united. According to him, the different ethnic groups we belong, should not deter us from keeping the challenge ahead of us, stressing that all Nigerians no matter where

they are born, should assist in keeping Nigeria one. The former president, who drew attention to the various challenges confronting the nation, however, said that what matters is the attitude of Nigerians and their reaction to these challenges In his remark, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu pledged to continue to embark on policies and projects that would attract commendations from people.

College of Environmental Health, held at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. While regretting that more than 30 years after the Alma Mater Conference Declaration and many health sector initiatives, West African states were still far from achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as health for all by the millennium, leaving development partners dissatisfied with the implementation process of primary health care systems. Dr Crespin blamed this on scant disregard and poor utilisation of professionals, who, according to him, were key to attaining success.

Judge admitted that there was no service of hearing notice on the prosecution, adding that he would fix another date for the arraignment of the founder of the Radio Biafra. Part of the charges against the Biafran leader reads: “That you, Nnamdi Kanu and other unknown persons, now at large, at London, United Kingdom, between 2014 and September, 2015, with intention to levy war against Nigeria in order to force the President to change his measures of being the President of the Federation, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation as defined in Section 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), by doing an act to wit: Broadcast on Radio Biafra your preparations for the states in the South- East geo-political zone, SouthSouth geo-political zone, the Igala Community of Kogi State and the Idoma/Igede Community of Benue State, to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and form themselves into a Republic of Biafra, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

Ohanaeze hails Buhari over Kanu’s release Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for heeding the pleas of Ndigbo and other progressive Nigerians in releasing the detained Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council ( OYC), Maxi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Secretary, Nnabuike Okwu, in a press statement issued in Umuahia, said the release of Kanu would go a long way in dousing the tension in the polity . According to the statement, Kanu’s final release from detention would restore the confidence of Ndigbo in the Buhari-led administration. The OYC said the release of Kanu would also end the orgy of protests by Biafra agitators, which had enveloped most cities in the defunct Eastern region. Ohanaeze, therefore, appealed to all pro-Biafra groups to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by discontinuing with further protests “ for the sake of peace and in the overall interest of the people.”

Senator Adeola hails Ambode’s ‘Peoples budget’ Senator representing Lagos West, Senator Solomon Adeola, has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the N666.59 billion budget presented for the 2016 fiscal year. While reacting to the presentation of the budget tagged: “Peoples Budget” by the governor to the Lagos State Assembly for passage into Appropriation Act, the senator said that it is a welcome development. He stated further that the first budget proposal of the governor increased the capital budget from about 51 per cent of previous years to 58 per cent. Adeola noted that it would bring the desired change that the All Progressives Party ( APC) promised in terms of provision of infrastructure to address the problems of the burgeoning mega city of Lagos.

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Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

We will secure our country, rebuild our economy, make Nigeria stronger

Budget of Change” delivered By 2016 Budget Speech, tagged: “The a Joint Session of the National President Muhammadu Buhari to Assembly, on Tuesday.

President Muhammadu Buhari PROTOCOLS am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here. I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years. From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the Northeast whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore as we plan for the future. By June 2014, oil prices averaged 112 dollars per barrel. But as at today, the price is under 39 dollars per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs. Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been. The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities; in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them. This budget proposal, the first by our government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians. In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.

2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security chal-

lenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84 per cent in the third quarter of 2015. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing. Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions. On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support states to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take. 2015 Budget Performance Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of 53 dollars per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the dollar. The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the Northeast, the government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that bill. 2016: Budget Assumptions After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of 38 dollars per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies. Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single

Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilised solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimise the impact of public expenditure. In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilisation of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinise the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralised for economies to be made. We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how government spends public revenue. 2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs. We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37 per cent and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies. As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses, as well as subsidised funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals. As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with state and local governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas. Continues pg??

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Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

We’ll partner with state, local govts to recruit 500,000 unemployed graduates, NCE holders Continued from pg??

We also intend to partner with state and local governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, through the Office of the Vice-President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer programme for the poorest and most vulnerable. This programme will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation. The 2016 Budget Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion. The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14 per cent of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3 per cent of GDP by 2018. In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues. Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now. The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country. I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows, as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves. To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30 per cent of our total budget. In future years, we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure. This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special

President Muhammadu Buhari

Intervention Programmes – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy. We will invest to safeguard lives and property. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques. We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival. Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country. In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9 per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programmes, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion. As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7 per cent, personnel costs by 8 per cent and other service wide votes by 19 per cent. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this government, counts. We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent ex-

Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies.

penditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, policemen, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings. I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena. These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure. We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians. So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned. Conclusion Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness. The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians. I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge. We will not betray the trust reposed in us. We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms. We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve. We as a government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organised labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country. This budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Edited by: ‘Gbenga Opadotun olojaekuro@gmail.com 08037149731

‘Kano to establish anti-corruption agencies in LGs’ Kola Oyelere - Kano

ano State Public Complaints and AntiCorruption Commission would soon open offices in all the 44 local government areas of the state. The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje stated

this at a ceremony organised by the commission to commemorate the World Anti–Corruption Day, at the Government House, Kano. He said the decision was part of efforts to uproot corruption from the grassroots, adding that unless Nigerians supported the

FG to partner with states, LGs on health sector reforms The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, said plans were underway to partner with states and local governments to take health sector reforms to the grassroots. Information about the plan was contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boade Akinola in Abuja. Akinola quoted the minister as saying that the plan followed the summit of international and local NGOs in Abuja. The director also quoted the minister as saying that the reforms were aimed at improving health facilities and welfare of health workers, as well as the health conditions of the poor in the society. Adewole said “the ministry will put up structures that will enable it to plan for short, medium and long term; this summit will enable NGOs to key into the

plan. “The plan is achievable by working together as a team in terms of having common objectives. “The ministry will be accountable and there will be no bureaucratic bottleneck in its dealings.” He explained that the process would be driven through Public Private Partnership (PPP), adding that PPP was key to solving Primary Healthcare (PHC) challenges like maternal and child morbidity, cancer and HIV. He said that the ministry and the NGOs would collaborate to achieve the objectives and vision of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the health sector. The Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehinare, was quoted in the statement as saying that PHC and health delivery was paramount to the growth of the country.

ongoing war against corruption at all levels, poverty, social deprivation and infrastructural deficiency would continue to pervade in the society. The governor added that plans have been concluded to establish a due process agency to ensure probity and accountability in public procurement processes, while a SERVICOM directorate had been established in the state civil service to improve governance and public service delivery. Governor Ganduje added that the state Board of Internal Revenue was reformed recently “with a view to blocking leakages and attendant corruption in tax assessment and collection”. He maintained that the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has detected cases

of corruption in both the public and private sectors, urging the people to cooperate with the agency to enable it successfully execute its mandate. In his remarks, the chairman of the commission, Malam Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who decried the damage done by corruption thanked Governor Ganduje for reinvigorating the commission and allowing it to function without political interference. On his part, the acting EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, represented by Mr. David Iloyanomon, stressed the commitment of the agency to extend its facilities to the state governments and local government areas as well as well-meaning individuals, in order to eliminate corruption.

LG boss tasks farmers, herdsmen on peace The Chairman, Kafin-Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Alhaji Bako Tamballe, has urged farmers and herdsmen to live in peace and harmony. Tamballe made the call while inaugurating the newly-constituted Local Farmers and Herdsmen Conflict Resolution Committee in Kafin-Hausa. He said it was imperative for farmers and herdsmen to imbibe tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence

in the society. The chairman stressed the need for farmers and pastoralists to embrace dialogue in resolving their differences and avoid taking the law into their hands. While urging herdsmen to desist from indiscriminate encroachment into farmlands, Tamballe warned farmers against encroaching cattle routes. “It is good to live peacefully with one another, because there cannot be meaning-

Ifako-Ijaye council plans to tackle substandard schools The Education Secretary of Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Jangbo Olalekan, said that the council was planning to stop the proliferation of substandard schools in the area. Olalekan told newsmen that the number of substandard schools springing up daily in the area had become a source of worry which the council planned to tackle headlong. He said that most owners of private schools were not educationists, but were only interested in running the schools as a profit-making business without regards for

standard. Olalekan said that the council would partner the state government to ensure that only qualified teachers or educationists were allowed to own and run private schools in the council. He advised owners of deficient private schools to upgrade their qualification in line with the state’s requirement in order to provide quality education for children in the council. According to him, adequate time will be given to school owners to upgrade their status to get the required approvals before the necessary sanctions will be

Gov Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State

met on erring school owners. He said that the council would after the period of grace, which would be decided by the state government, grant approvals to schools that meet the standard. “We want to ensure that only trained teachers handle schools and that will be the measure we will use to slash the number of mushroom schools. “If you are establishing a school, you must be a professional teacher or have the required qualification before we grant you an approval,” he said.

Olalekan also said that more classrooms were being constructed across the council to address the problem of overcrowding of pupils in classes in public schools.

ful development without peace,” he said. He said that the state government had adopted practical measures to end incessant farmer/herdsmen clashes in the state. According to him, the council was also working in collaboration with the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order in the area. The chairman said that the committee would be chaired by him, while Alhaji Sani Garba, the council’s Head of Agriculture Department, would serve as its secretary. Other members are; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), district heads and representatives of farmers and pastoralists associations. Also, the local government has set up ad-hoc commit-

tee to boost its revenue generation. Alhaji Tamballe, said at the inauguration of the committee that the task force earlier set up had been dissolved. He said that the new committee was mandated to explore ways to expand sources of revenues in line with the state government’s newly introduced revenue generation formula. The chairman said the local government could not meet its financial obligations due to decimal revenues. “The revenue portfolio is very low despite the high number of markets in the area. “We have also provided jackets to revenue collectors to check impersonation,” he said.

Argungu LG to train 250 unemployed youths The Sole Administrator of Argungu Local Government of Kebbi State, Alhaji Bashar Matawalle, said the council planned to train 250 unemployed youths on vocational skills to promote self-reliance. Matawalle made the disclosure in an interview with

newsmen in Argungu. He said that the youth would be trained on vocational skills such as welding, tailoring, weaving, leather works, carpentry and soap making. “We have registered 150 males and 100 females for the nine months training af-

ter which capital and equipment will be provide to the trainees who graduated,’’ he said. According to the chairman, the training will commence in the first quota of 2016 in various acquisition centres in the local government areas.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

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Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Kogi West elders to meet Faleke over guber poll Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

HE Elders Committee of the Western Senatorial district of Kogi State has been mandated to meet with the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, James Faleke, to withdraw the petition he filed against the election of Yahaya Bello as the governor of the state. A meeting of the Western senatorial district held on Tuesday, also tasked the committee to plead with Faleke to accept the decision of the party. A communiqué at the end of the meeting signed by Chief Richard Asaje, Migbole Samuel and Muhammed Musa, noted that the supremacy of the party was sacrosanct and should be accepted by all. The group said the West and Central senatorial districts should therefore abide and stand by the party’s decision.

The meeting therefore stated that the peace message would be conveyed to the grassroots of the district to enable the people at both

the ward and local government levels partake of it. The communiqué read, “That we accept the divine intervention of God for

GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ought to cover their faces in shame for not being able to conduct local government election in their four-year stay in power rather than “needlessly criticising the conduct of the election by his administration.” The governor also said the APC-led administration greatly short-changed the people of the state by running the affairs of the councils with caretaker committees while they were in government.

From Leon Usigbe and Banji Aluko GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole says Year 2016 would be tough going by the crisis in the economy, triggered by a sharp decline in the national revenue by more than 55 per cent. He, however, expressed optimism that his government would finish strong in spite of the economic indicators. Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial district on Tuesday, the governor said it was clear from all indicators that the coming year was likely to be very tough with the continued decline in revenue and rising expectation on

the part of the electorate. He said, “The level of strike activities in the economy is going to be very high and of course, the level of unemployment is already unacceptably high and it could get even

OGUN State House of Assembly said it is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to make available the required land for large scale farming. The lawmakers gave the assurance while hosting the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Ronke Sokefun, on the budget defence of the ministry in Abeokuta. They assured that they were committed to mass food production and stor-

emn and total support for the governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and ensure his success; otherwise his failure is ours and not his.”

The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, noted that “the claim by APC leaders that Saturday’s local government election was shunned by the people of the state was not only far from the truth, but a futile face-saving lie from the opposition party.” “If the APC boycotted the election, it is their own funeral. What surprises can they spring if they had not boycotted the poll? I defeated them totally in governorship, presidential, National Assembly and the state Assembly polls. They are afraid of another disgrace that is why they opted to stay away.

age for export with a view to creating wealth for the people of their constituencies. The lawmakers, in a release signed by the Assembly Head of Information, Mr Jamiu Lawal, pledged their commitment towards creating conducive atmosphere for agricultural practice, while calling on the management of the ministry to find lasting solution to the menace of Fulani herdsmen who terrorised farmers in the cause of finding grazing zones for their cattle. Responding, Mrs Sokefun

higher if we are not careful. Also, Nigerians have been warned to brace up for harder times in 2016 as the government begins the process of re-engineering the economy to put the

country on a better footing. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who made the declaration in an interview transcript he posted on his Facebook account on Tues-

day, said things would be tougher at least in the early part of 2016. He said as long as the country remained a monoeconomy relying on oil, things would remain difficult.

‘We want to prepare saints for Christ’s coming at this auspicious retreat —Kumuyi THE Deeper Christian Life Ministry has announced its national December retreat with the theme, ‘Readiness for Christ’s Return.’ The General Superintendent, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, said the focus this time around would be on preparing saints for Christ’s return, adding that it would also afford participants the opportunity of experiencing divine

“It is on record that the APC government never conducted local government election in this state. When we came on board in 2003 we inherited a caretaker committee and we subsequently conducted local government poll. During the administration of Segun Oni on the platform of the PDP, he conducted local government election too.” “The Ayodele Fayose-led administration promised to conduct local government poll and did that within a year despite the various attempts made by the APC not to allow that to happen. Those saying the turnout was poor are only deluding themselves.

Ogun assembly collaborates with agency on mass food production By Gbenga Olumide

of unity and hold on the two positions of governor and deputy governor bestowed on us by God. “That we declare our sol-

2016 will be tough —Oshiomhole, Adesina

LG poll: I don’t short-change people like APC — Fayose Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti

granting us the desired power shift or power rotation. “That the West and Central senatorial districts have agreed to stand on the path

said the ministry was committed to achieving selfsufficiency, improved security and increased foreign exchange earnings through agricultural practice, noting that government was tapping on the state’s agricultural potential and sustain its value chains. The commissioner said that 1,000 acres of land would be opened for the production of food and animals’ husbandry, cultivation of farmland, crop plantation, birds and fish for investors across the three senatorial districts.

intervention in their lives. Pastor Kumuyi stated that although the current socioeconomic challenges in the country may have so much agitated the minds of many citizens, he nevertheless urged Nigerians to lessen their apprehensions and fear about the coming year, urging them to place their absolute trust in God. The cleric’s assurances were contained in a statement signed on his behalf by Pastor Jerry Asemota, the Church Secretary, which

formally announced the national December retreat. Pastor Kumuyi remarked that although it is the will of God that people should enjoy economic prosperity, yet the preservation of men’s souls for eternal bliss remains God’s greatest plan for mankind. “At this time, we must emphasise, once again, the need for people to think beyond their existence here; we want them to know that there is a place far better than this present world. Whatever

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anyone may be enjoying here cannot be compared to what God has prepared for those who love Him in Heaven. Whether we eat or drink, we must, always, be conscious of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “The year has been challenging. It is not strange to us because we have been fore-warned that perilous times will come. It is against this backdrop that we urge everyone to come and experience Christ, the Hope of glory,” the GS added.

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I, formerly Miss Akabueze Vivian Amarachi now MRS AGWUNCHA VIVIAN AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly (Dr.) Miss Abieyuwa Oghogho Alohan now (DR) MRS ABIEYUWA OGHOGHO FAGBOHUN. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinbodewa Veronica now MRS AJISHOLA BOLA VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

43 CHANGE OF NAME

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olaniyi Sulaimon now OLANIYI SOLOMON OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Tijani Abiodun Afees now MR TIJANI ABIODUN ANIMASHAUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oluwakemi Adetayo Agunloye now MRS OLUWAKEMI ADETAYO OYEWUSI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Babalola Alexander Ayodeji now ABE ALEXANDER AYODEJI. All former documents remain valid. GTBank, Wema Bank, First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Rofiu Janet Oluwatoyin now MRS ILE-OWO JANET OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. C.A.C. Oke Ayo, Iseyin and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Omishola Funmilayo Afoyeke now MRS WATSON-OMISHOLA FUNMILAYO AFOYEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Rose Akpan now ROSEMARY EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abubakare Kewuyemi Ayinde now ABUBAKIR LUKUMAN OWOLABI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Martha Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aron Adegbe now MRS MARTHA OGUNLEYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kenechukwu Chibugo Ewuzie now MRS ONYEMA KENECHUKWU CHIBUGO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lasunkanmi Afolabi now TAJUDEEN BUSARI AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayodele Helen Mekwunye now MRS AYODELE HELEN KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

I, Mr Adeosun James Aderinto formerly known as Adeosun James Fabode now wish to be known and called MR ADEOSUN JAMES ADERINTO, 21/12/1948 is my correct date of birth and not 21/12/1949. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Eniola Ronke Roseline now MRS ADESEGUN EYIWUNMI RONKE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Ohaegbue Peter Sunday now OHNAEGBUE SUNDAY OKOLLE. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank, Zartech and general public take note.

I, Oyebamiji Abiodun Abayomi am the same person bearing Oyebamiji Mathew Abiodun. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OYEBAMIJI ABIODUN ABAYOMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take ote

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MRS FOLASHADE EMMANUEL am the same person as MRS WURAOLA FOLASHADE ABILEKO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Stanbic, EcoBank and general public take ote

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Lawal Lukmon Kolawole now LAWAL LUQMON WOLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Bello Oluwatoyin Sarah formerly known and addressed as stated above now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OJO OLUWATOYIN SARAH. All former documents remain valid. College of Education, Lanlate and general public take ote

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Baderinwa Ayobami Anthony now MR BADERINWA ADEYINKA AYOBAMI ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Jinadu Funsho now MRS JINADU REMI OMOLABAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Owhofasa Ovuakporie Sammy now OWHOFASA SAMSON OVUAKPORIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojo Motunrayo Olusayo now MRS ADELEKE MOTUNRAYO OLUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olopade Jimisayo Helen now MRS ADENEYE JIMISAYO HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ola, Foluke Janet now MRS AKINMADE, FOLUKE JANET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Joy Augusta Emah now JOY OFFIONG EMAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Jimoh Idowu now YEKINI ORIYOMI ADEBOWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Opiakise Monday now APIAKISE OWEIKEBI JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Nzeako Odochi Gift now MRS AKASIGBO ODOCHI GIFT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I, Prince Alfred Ayemi am the same person as Omoto Ayemi, but now wish to be known as OMOTO ALFRED AYEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeniyi Bimbo now OPAAJE ABIMBOLA FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olatunde Yinka now OGIDIGBO KEHINDE YINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly John Godwin and Namchi Godiya Y. now YOHANNA GODIYA NAMCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Smart Tunubu now MATTHEW OBED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Blessing John Egbelekumor now ONOME BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omowumi Opaaje now OMOWUMI ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Kolawole Bolatito Olubunmi now MRS AWODOLA BOLATITO OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajuwa David now USINO ALFRED ONORIODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ojefayo Olajumoke Omolola now MRS OGEDENGBE OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. School of Health Technology, Waheb and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olawuwo Sakariyau Mutairu Ishola now SAKARIYAU MUTAIRU ISHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Babalola Wasiu now MR WAHAB WASIU ABOLORE. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Salami Oladele Abosede now MRS ISHOLA ABOSEDE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olaniyan Bukola Dorcas now MRS ADEDOKUN BUKOLA DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State SUBEB, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Ajaawa and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojewumi Motunrayo Toyin now MRS OLANREWAJU MOTUNRAYO TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank, N.I.C.N. and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajibade Eskaya now AJIBADE EZEKAYA All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ahmed Baba now HAJI ISSAH. All former documents remain valid. Vital Foods Limited, UBA, First Bank Plc, Crusader Pen and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Okunade Adejoke Awawu now MRS OKUNADE COMFORT OYEBOADE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Pensions Board, Sec. Ibadan, Skye Bank Plc, Oyo and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, SOWOBI AJIBOLA OLUWATOYIN am the same person bearing SOWOBI AJIBOLA IBRAHIM. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly Buhamin Ogunmola and Baniamin Jimoh now OGUNMOLA JIMOH BULIAMIN OLALERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Funmilola Mabel Akinnubi now MRS FUNMILOLA MABEL OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Shangodare Olufemi Ayodele now OLADEJO OLUFEMI AYODELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olowe Mary Bosede now MRS AKINNUBI MARY BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. L.G.E.A. Ondo East, SUBEB, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME II, formerly Oyinyawe Monica Ebi now FRANCIS MONICA KAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Dada Folashade Adenike now MRS OGUNJERE ADENIKE OLUSHOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Owolabi Olusegun now OLUSEGUN OWOLABI SUNMONU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onibonokuta Gbemisola Tolulope now MRS MANUME GBEMISOLA TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Government Girls College, Oyo and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Animasaun Abiola Fatimo now ANIMASAUN OGUNLE ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo State SUBEB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ganiyat Adebanke Bamidele now MRS GANIYAT BAMIDELE OYERANMI. All former documents remain valid. LAUTECH, FCMB, Oxford Brookes University and general public take note.

I, Chibueze Samson Nnanyelugo are mistakenly written in my National identity card as Ibudialo instead of Samson. Now I wish to be known and called CHIBUEZE SAMSON NNANYELUGO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note

I, formerly Akagbisa Oyinmiebi Alex now ATIE EZOUKUMOR WILKINS. All former documents remain valid. Presidential Amnesty Programme and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Odogu Commander now COMMANDER EBITIMI KENDRIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Zipamone Christopher now NAMOKUMO SOLDIER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, Phoebe Oruva Osheimoh am the same person as PHOEBE OIZA OSHEIMOH. Now I wish to be known, called and addressed as PHOEBE OIZA ELIJAH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly Miss Julianah Olusola Olutoyin Falode now MRS JULIANAH OLUSOLA OLUTOYIN OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akinwumi Olatunji John now AKINWUMI OLATUNJI NASCO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Inaolaji Oyekunmi Abioye now MR JOSEPH OLUTAYO ABIOYE. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A. and general public take note.

I, Miss Osofisan Titilope Tomilola am the same person as Osofisan Titilayo Oluwatomisin. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MISS OSOFISAN TITILOPE TEMILOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adekunle Funke now MRS JACOB FUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Samuels Oghie Ailuogweme now SAMUELS ALBERT OGHIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Nwafor Chiemeka Valentine now NWAFOR CHUKWUEMEKA PAUL. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Shuaib Sulaimon now MR OLAJIRE WEMIMO OKE. All former documents remain valid. Aroma Foods and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogun Yetunde Ayomide now MRS ADENIYI YETUNDE AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. Jawa International Limited and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Egunbiyi Tosin Abiodun now MRS JOKANOLA TOSIN ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Obioru Okiemute Cordelia now OKAH NAVWODE CORDELIA OKIEMUTE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Romonke Samuel now MRS SAMUEL IBUKUN ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

OBADAKI: I formerly Miss Obadaki Vera Teniola now MRS SUNDAY FRANCIS VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. GTB, Stanbic Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ojo Oluwashola Oluwashegun now MAJEKODUNMI AFOLABI OLUWASHEGUN. All former documents remain valid. GTBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojuolape Lateefat Omowumi now MRS OLUGBADE OMOWUMI LATEEFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Isiaka Adesina now OLANREWAJU OLADIMEJI BRIGHT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Yayi Muslimat Idowu now MRS UMAR MUSLIMAT IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ebisire Nathaniel Seun now EBISIRE NATHANIEL FREEBORN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, PAUL EMEKA MAXWALL am the same person bearing PAUL EMEKA NWACHUKWU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Titus Oluwatoyin Holiday now MRS AKINNUBI OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank, UBA Bank, GTBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ibidapo Taiwo Ojo now OLUSEGUN OLUFEMI OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Raji Ishola Abuleshowo now MUSBAU ISHOLA RAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adefolaju Anike Adenike now BOLA OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Eco Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Makinde Soba Soba now MAKINDE SOBA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olatunji Jane now OKEKE JANE NNEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Kolapo Soliu Folorunso am the same person bearing Kolapo Saliu Folorunso. Now, I want to be known as KOLAPO SOLIU FOLORUNSO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly Miss Omotunde Mojisola Janet now MRS ALONGE MOJISOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Basic Education Board and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, TIMOTHY OLUWARANTI TEMILOLUWA am the same person bearing TIMOTHY OLUWARANTI TEMITOPE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTB, First Bank Plc and general public take note

I, formerly Adekunle Busayo now AMOS OLUWABUSAYO ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. Nursing Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Odofin Inumidun now MRS ADEYELU INUMIDUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Omoriba Folasade Juliet now MRS OGUNSEMORE FOLASADE JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Esther Oluwatosin Akinfemisoye now MRS ESTHER OLUWATOSIN OLAGUNDOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Omowole Adekunle now OMOWOLE AFOLABI AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Destiny Tonwerigha am the same person bearing Adaun Towel. Now I wish to be known and addressed as DESTINY TONWERIGHA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. EcoBank and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ugo Egbelo am the same person bearing Mujoh Ebi Erin. Now I wish to be known and addressed as UGO EGBELO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank, EcoBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abubakar Kayode Sanusi now GAMBARI SANUSI KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Kafayat Oluwabusayo Badmus now MRS KAFAYAT OLUWABUSAYO ADERONMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Fasola Adekunle Dada now OLUWASOLA ELIJAH ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Julian Paul Somadina now MGBENKA SOMADINA. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, OLAIDE MOJEED SULAIMON am the same person as SULAIMON MOJEED. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Odu Abayomi Ayobami now ODU-JNR ABAYOMI AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Rukayat Adufe Sanni now MRS RUKAYAT GBEMISOLA IYIOLA-OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, AMUSAN RASAKI OLUWASANJO am the same person as AMUSAN RASAKI. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as AMUSAN RASAKI OLUWASANJO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Akinyosoye Justinah Bamigbe now MISS ABADERU JUSTINAH BAMIGBE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ikudehinbu Adesida now MALUMI ASEYIHAN JOHN. All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Peters David Afolabi am the same person as Peters Efuntoye David Afolabi. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Opalade Olu Siyanbola now OPALADE OLUGBEMIGA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Saudat Folashade Aluko now ALUKO FOLASHADE PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Korode Atinuke Agnes now MRS OKUBANJO ATINUKE AGNES. All former documents remain valid. GTB, FCMB, The Polytechnic, Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ukulowei Peretory now ENAKERAKPO STANLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly AZEEZ FOLAKE MORUFAT am the same person bearing AZEEZ FOLAKE MARY. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank, First Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Atoyebi Zainab Oluwaseyi now MRS BELLO ZAINAB OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Karo Liberty now ABIGAIL UWUBITI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Rotimi Adeyemi Folake now MRS JINADU ADEYEMI FOLAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ojo Nosa Blessing now SUNDAYOJO OSAS BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oke Opeyemi Oluwaseun now OKE MUTIU OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME Agiridi Peter Tower, Account Peter Area, and Agiridi Account Peter is the same person, but now wishes to be known as AGIRIDI ACCOUNT PETER AREA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ekpo Famous now OLEKE FAMOUS. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Bamimore Olufunmi Abigeal now ADEWALE OLUFUNMI ABIGEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Amusat Durosomo now AMUSA DUROSOMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Isa Ismail now YISAU OMOBOLAJI AJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Opoola Haleemat Adebukola now ABDMALIQ HALEEMAT ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ajibowo Modupe Veronica now MRS ADENIYI MODUPE ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Popoola Olubola Dasola now POPOOLA DASOLA RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Umoru Sani now UMAR SANI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Access Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Isakunle Olamide Oyinlola now MRS ALONGE OLAMIDE OYINLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ganiyu Risikat Omolola now MRS ABDULHAKEEM RISIKAT OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr Hammed Mutiu Olaide now MR KARIMU MUTIU OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Abimbola Segun now MR ABOLARIN SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Patience Idemudia Onos now ELIMIMIA EFE PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, KAREEM RAHMON FOLOHUNSO am the same person bearing KAREEM RAHAMON and ABDUL-KAREEM ABDULRAHAMON. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Babalola Ganiyat Temilade now MRS OLAYEMI GANIYAT TEMILADE. All former documents remain valid. The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, formerly The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Saki Campus and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Magret Temenu now MRS MAGRET TEMENU LEMIKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Obe Oluwafunmilayo Grace now MRS OGUNDIWIN O L U WA F U N M I L A Y O GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Daniel Sinwah now AYEBI OTEGHA TRACEYLEE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adebayo Lateef Victor now ADEBAYO LATEEF AKANDE. All former documents remain valid. WAEC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Tajudeen Muibat Abiodun now MRS ADEDEJI M. ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oyagun Sunday now GBAMIRE JOHNBULL. All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Ebiniyi Modupe Mosunmola now MISS OSIYOYE MODUPE MOSUNMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Muyinat Asake Dauda now MISS MUYINAT TITILOPE LASISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Wanami Regina Iyekenimi now MRS SIKIRU REGINA IYEKENIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Nallah Ahmed Abdulrafiu now NALLAH ABDULRAFIU. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Raphael John Preye now ATELEMOH MIKE RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Taiwo Ayeni now MRS FUNMI TENNY AYENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Titilope Adebusayo Idowu now TITILOPE ADEBUSAYO AKERELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdullahi Lukman Arunge now ABDULLAHI LUKMAN ITOPA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Rhoda Micah now DORCAS KARAM JONATHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olowoniji Ajoke Priscilla now MRS ABIODUN AJOKE PRISCILLA. All former documents remain valid. N.S.C.D.C. and general public take note.

I, formerly Anolefo Ebuka Ephraim now UCHENDU DAVID CHIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Azeez Mariam Adewusi now MRS OLANIYI MARIAM ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Oyesiji Jonathan Ayinla now JAMES ABDULKAREEM AYINLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Emwiosa Steve now OHUNWU GODSOWN EMWIOSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Elutilo Rasidat Dupe now MRS OLUWAGBEMI RASIDAT DUPE. All former documents remain valid. OAUTHC, IleIfe and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Aminu Olanrewaju David Olatunde now MR OLANREWAJU DAVID OLATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Anaja Blessing now MRS IYAJI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Tararefa Esther Ebimoboere now TARAREFA ESTHER CLEMENT. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Osipitan Omotola Monsurat now MRS OWOLABI-OSIPITAN OMOTOLA MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeoye Omolola Christianah now MRS OJEDOKUN OMOLOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bello Zainab Oluwabukola now MRS OKUNLOLA ZAINAB OLUWABUKOLA F. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Yusuf Adenike Nimota now MISS OLADEJI NIMOTA ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. OYSG Local Government Staff Pension Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Edore Helen Imoisemen now MRS UJA HELEN AMU IMOISEMEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Rasaki Kafayat Olubisi now MRS TIJANI KAFAYAT OLUBISI. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Itohan Janet Abraham now MRS ITOHAN JANET A. OLORUNTOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Alonge Abimbola Gloria now MRS AWE ABIMBOLA GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Jimoh Ishaq Enesi now MOMOHJIMOH SIYAKA ENESI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, GTBank Plc and general public take note.

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Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Boko Haram forces 1 million children out of school —UNICEF

i o l e n c e and attacks against civilian populations in the North Eastern Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, have forced more than one million children out of school, according to the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF). The organisation said the number of children missing out on their education due to insurgency, adds to the estimated 11 million children of primary school age, who are already out of school in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, before the onset of the crisis. Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF’s West and Central Africa regional director, refers to the numbers as “a staggering one”. “The insurgency has been a huge blow for education in the region and violence has kept many children out of the classroom for more than a year, putting them at risk of dropping out of school altogether,” he said. “The challenge we face is to keep children safe without interrupting their schooling. Schools have been targets of attack, so ,children are scared to go back to the classroom; yet, the longer they stay out of school, the greater the risks of being abused, abducted and recruited by armed groups.” According to UNICEF,

across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, over 2,000 schools remain closed due to insurgency – some of them for more than a year – and hundreds have been attacked, looted or set on fire. In far north Cameroon, only one out of the 135 schools closed in 2014, has re-opened this year. In the North-Eastern Nigeria, UNICEF said it has supported 170,000

children back into education in the safer areas of the three states most affected by the conflict, where the majority of schools have been able to re-open. However, the organisation said many classrooms are severely overcrowded because “some school buildings are still being used to house the large numbers of displaced persons seeking shelter in the region”. “In

these areas, some displaced teachers, who themselves have fled the areas, are involved in the schooling and classes are often given on a ‘double shift’ basis to help more children attend school,” UNICEF said in a statement. “In other areas, however, insecurity, fear of violence and attacks are preventing many teachers from resuming classes and discouraging parents from sending their children

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (holding microphone), leading clerics across the state in a special prayer session, on the Government House premises, on Tuesday.

Court stops demolition of 85 houses in Ibadan By Tunde Ogunesan Reprieve came the way of over 85 residents of Alhaji Gbolagade Amoo Layout, Adedokun, off Ologuneru, Eleyele-Ido Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, when Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi, gave an order

restraining a defendant in suit 1/1002/03 from demolishing their houses. On Monday, October 12, 2015, over 80 residents at Alhaji Gbolagade Amoo Layout, Adedokun, off Ologuneru, Eleyele-Ido Road, Ibadan, were ejected from their abode on the order of the High Court of

14 October, 2014. series of After consultations, the respondents, 46 in number, in suit 1/1002/03, had approached the state High Court through their counsel, Akinyemi Akintayo of Olujinmi and Chambers, Akeredolu seeking an order of

Fayose gathers Ekiti clerics for prayers for state, self Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, gathered Christian clerics from across the state for prayers, in which he and the clerics prayed for the state, the state government, themselves and the country. On the occasion, Governor Fayose also announced that Ekiti people would decide his party’s candidate that’ll succeed him after his tenure in 2018. He prayed that all machinations against his government in 2016, would fail and also said “we must all pray for the unity of this country, because some events will happen in Nigeria in 2016 that will shake the country to its roots.” He also urged the clerics and Nigerians to pray that “whoever plots against me or my government should be disgraced. I never

back to school. In Nigeria alone, approximately 600 teachers have been killed since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency. “Together with governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other partners, UNICEF had set up temporary learning spaces, renovated and expanded schools, reaching 67,000 children.

knew how I came back to government for a second term, because I was down and out, but the power of God brought me back. “The Holy Bible made me to understand that if you want to conquer me, you should first conquer God and I know nobody can conquer our creator. So, whoever plots against me, either at the federal

or state level or wherever, shall be put to reproach.” He also charged the men of God to pray fervently for the state and country to recover from the current economic doldrums, saying “you know when the economy is sick, the church is sick as well. I received the worst allocation this December. The state got N1.3 billion, while we

need N2.6billion to pay salaries. So, I urge you to continue to pray for the country’s quick economic revival.” He said “people like you must hold we leaders accountable for whatever we do. I promise to be open and be transparent to you so that you can defend this government anywhere even if I am not there.”

Imbibe tenets of Christ, Akinosun tells Nigerians By Tolu Olamiriki President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, has admonished Christians and Nigerians in general to always imbibe the tenets of Jesus Christ for happiness instead of running after earthly possessions. Pastor Akinosun, made the submission during the 2015 Christmas Carol, held at the All Saints’ Chapel, CAC General Secretariat, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo state, on Sunday, with the

topic: “Jesus my Joy.” While saying that there is the need to thank God for the unquantifiable grace given us to see the end of 2015, inspite of the socioeconomic and political problems witnessed globally, he said that it is incumbent on all and sundry to thank God for the spiritual development of the church and its people. He said “Many people look for happiness instead of Jesus Christ during Christmas. If you receive Jesus Christ in your life, His present is assured for life”

“Jesus Christ becomes our joy because He controls the world,” he said. He charged Christians and Nigerians in general to cultivate the habit of giving, most especially, at Christmas period just like what the three wisemen did for Jesus Christ when they presented Him gifts as symbol for a unique king. Akinosun, However, lamented that today, many believers failed to invite Jesus Christ into their lives, hence, they missed loved and joy

court setting aside the judgment of October 14, 2015 and execution levied on October 12, 2015, on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction ab inito. The suit recorded Lamidi Idowu, Tiamiyu Alake (claimants) and Dr Adebayo Adeniran, Archbishop Alaba Job (executors of the estate of late Pa Emmanuel Adeniran (defendants/ respondents) and Anthony Idowu Francis, Mr Oyebola Abiodun Olatubosun and 44 others. They also sought an order restoring them back to their respective possession for habitation; an order mandating the defendants or anybody acting in their stead to unlock the various padlocks used in sealing the various homes and an order restraining the defendants or his representatives or anybody acting through them from demolishing completed residential buildings and uncompleted houses variously belonging to the claimants. In her ruling, Justice Aderemi, examined the originating process of the application whether it was initiated through due process as well as the jurisdiction of the court. She submitted that the originating process presented before the court by counsel to the defendant, Y. O. Anikulapo, was signed by Lasun Sanusi & Co, who “is not a legal practitioner recognised by law.”

Nigerian Tribune

Kano govt employs 729 extension workers —Official Kano State government has employed 729 extension workers to assist farmers to improve agricultural production in the state. Professor Mahmud Daneji, the Managing Director, Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), disclosed this in Kano, on Sunday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Daneji said that the government had also distributed 400 motorcycles to extension workers to solve their transportation problems. According to him, the motorcycles have been distributed to both male and female extension workers to enable them reach out to farmers, particularly, those living in rural areas. “Agriculture is the mainstay of economic activities and major employer of labour in the state, hence the decision of the present administration to make the sector its focal area of priority investment, “ he said.

NDLEA seizes 113,504kg Indian hemp, 500 grammes cocaine Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure National Drug The Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State command, on Tuesday, said the command has seized about 113,305.84 kilogrammes of Indian hemp in the state in the last 12 months The state Commander of the agency, Mohammed Sokoto, who disclosed this in Akure, Ondo State capital, also said about 500 grammes of cocaine was recovered in some communities in the state in 2015. According to him, a total of 210 suspects were arrested in connection with various drug -related offences, while 35 of them had been convicted in the year under review . Sokoto explained that cannabis were seized from the suspects, who were arrested in some of the communities within the state which include, Ogbese, Ita Ogbolu, Ifon, Owo, Ipele among others, revealing that no fewer than 21 cannabis farmland were destroyed by his men across the state .

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Kenyan Muslims shield Christians during militant attack

group of Kenyan Muslims travelling on a bus ambushed by Islamist gunmen protected Christian passengers by refusing the attackers’ demands to split into groups by religion. Two people died in the attack Monday in north Kenya’s Mandera County when gunmen, believed to be Somalia’s al-Shabab rebels, shot at the bus. Witnesses said some of the Muslim passengers gave non-Muslims head scarves to conceal their identities when the bus stopped, probably remembering a previous attack in the same region last year when alShabab gunmen killed 28

Kenyan security forces and others gather around the scene on an attack on a bus in November 2014 in north-eastern Kenya. PHOTO: AP non-Muslims taken from a bus. Local officials said the at-

tackers ordered everyone to get off the bus and form two separate groups of non-

Muslims and Muslims. But both groups of passengers refused, daring the extrem-

Ghana president bans first class travel for public officials Ghana’s President John Mahama has banned public officials from first class air travel in a renewed effort to cut wasteful spending as the West African nation implements an IMF aid deal to revive state finances, the government said on Tuesday. Ghana is preparing to hold presidential and parliamentary elections next year and, with the opposition accusing government ministers of inflating contract sums, inappropriate spending will likely be a top campaign issue. Reuters said the presidency issued the directive this week asking all ministers and other top officials to avoid “unwarranted” foreign trips on the public

purse, Communications Minister Edward Omane Boamah told Reuters. Ghana, a major producer of cocoa, gold and oil, began a three-year program with the International Monetary

Fund in April to fix its economy, which has been dogged by high deficits, a widening public debt and unstable local currency. Finance Minister Seth Terkper told Reuters on

Tuesday the cabinet is also discussing a financial accountability bill which would impose penalties such as dismissal or jail time for public officials who are found to violate it.

ists to kill them all. The militants decided to leave after the passengers’ show of unity. Kenya has experienced a wave of retaliatory attacks by al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, since it sent troops to Somalia to fight the extremists in 2011. Al-Shabab has said it will continue the attacks until Nairobi withdraws its troops.

Former Boko Haram captives take refuge in Cameroon Many of Boko Haram hostages recently freed by Cameroonian military are now living in an open air transit camp in the northern Cameroonian town of Kolofata, VOA reported. Heavy winds blow across this open air transit camp in Sabongari, a village on the border outside Kolofata. The camp is now home to over 800 people dis-

placed by the Boko Haram conflict.

Among them is 56-yearold Nigerian, Dada Amina-

Former Nigerian hostages held by Boko Haram who were recently freed by the Cameroonian military in Cameroon. PHOTO: REUTERS.

tou. She fled her village near the town of Banki, less than 20 kilometers away, during a raid by the Cameroonian military this month. She said Boko Haram wouldn’t let them leave their village. Their property and cattle were seized. She said the militants took the boys into the bush to their camps while she and other

Europe’s migrant arrivals top one million for 2015 THE International Organisation for Migration says the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe in 2015 has gone over the one million mark, the largest influx of its kind since the end of World War II. The Geneva-based organisation issued figures on Tuesday, showing 1,005,504 migrants from Africa and the Middle East have crossed into the continent by a combination of irregular land and sea routes, a four-fold increase from 2014. Refugees from Syria, which has been torn apart by a five-year-old civil war that has left over 200,000 people dead and millions more displaced, account for half of all those counted, followed by refugees from two other war-torn countries, Afghanistan and Iraq. The refugees have streamed into Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Malta and Cyprus during 2015, with a huge majority over 800,000 arriving by sea in Greece.

residents escaped amid gunfire during repeated raids by the Cameroonian military. She said some Boko Haram fighters escaped, while others were killed or arrested. Some village residents asked the military to take them to Cameroon for fear that Boko Haram would come back for revenge she said.

otherNEWS

Ex-Burkina Faso president wanted for killing Thomas Sankara Former President Blaise Compaore PHOTO: REUTERS

A brother of the late Burkina Faso President, Thomas Sankara said the family has come one step closer to getting justice for Sankara’s death during a 1987 military coup led former President Blaise Compaore. The new Burkina Faso government has issued an international arrest warrant for former presi-

dent Compaore for his alleged role in the killing of Sankara. Compaore fled into exile earlier this year after he was overthrown by a popular uprising and is believed to be living either in Morocco or Ivory Coast. Earlier this month, authorities also brought charges against General Gilbert Diendere, a former

Compaore chief of staff, for his suspected role in the death of Sankara. Paul Sankara, the younger brother of Thomas Sankara, said he hopes the government of Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara will extradite Compaore if he is in the country. The Sankara family has accused late Ivory Coast President Felix

Houphouet Boigny of complicity in the overthrow and assassination of Thomas Sankara. “It’s the question of the future of the two countries. The best diplomatic approach of the government of Ivory Coast should be to may be have a negotiations in order to keep the good relationship between the two countries.

Malawi drops sodomy charges against two, suspends anti-gay laws MALAWI has suspended antihomosexual laws pending a vote on whether to revoke the legislation, said Justice Minister Samuel Tembenu on Monday. Malawi suspended a law criminalizing homosexual acts in 2012 pending a parliament

review. That law, which lays out a maximum jail sentence of 14 years, was seen by some to be in conflict with a constitution that calls for “respect for human rights.” Because the parliamentary review never happened, law remained on the books and

was used to charge two men with sexual acts “against the order of nature” on December 7. Those sodomy charges were dropped Saturday, and the pair was released from police custody, sparking renewed debate as religious leaders and politicians accuse the government

of bowing to demands of the international community. “We are responding to the concerns that people have had that we have breached our international obligation, so people complained, especially the international community,” said Tembenu.

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika.

Wednesday, 23 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

CHAN 2016:

Ighalo is too good

EWCASTLE United and England legend, Alan Shearer has praised Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo for making his club, Watford become a force to reckon with in the English Premier League. Ighalo last Sunday

—Shearer

scored a brace in the 3-0 demolition of Liverpool at Vicarage Road to increase

his goal haul to 12 in the EPL and 32 in 2015, to become the highest goalscor-

er in the English’s football top four divisions. “Watford too strong,

Dalung warns NFF on illegal sale of players THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been barred from selling players of the national U-23 team to clubs in Europe and outside the country without following due process. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung gave the directive on Tuesday in Abuja, after receiving reports that illegal transactions of players took place regularly at the NFF. He warned that international transfer certificates should not be issued without serving the interest of the player. Dalung stated that it was unfortunate that the young players who had brought glory to the country after winning the African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, were being sold out to clubs without the players understanding the contract they were being made to sign. “It has come to my knowledge that these young players who are the source of our pride in the world of football are currently being subjected to harassments

and manipulation of signing for clubs without them even understanding the contents of the contract. “Therefore, I have directed the NFF which has the authority to grant licences of

these players to refrain from endorsing any of these slavery transactions without a clear framework that follows the due process required for such contracts. “It will amount to moral

suicide if we sit and watch the future of these young players not only being traded, but also negotiated in the interest and benefit of some selfish agents and football officials.”

too quick and too good for #LFC today (Sunday) @t_Deeney & Ighalo both superb,” Shearer tweeted. Ighalo scored 20 goals in the English Championship last season to help Watford secure promotion to the Premier League. The former Udinese striker rejected a mouthwatering deal from China to remain with Watford for the EPL challenge.

Eagles confirm another friendly with Angola BESIDES testing their readiness for the CHAN with warm-up match against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will also take on Angola in another friendly also in South Africa. Eagles spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye disclosed that the team have now arranged another warm-up with CHAN 2016-bound Palancas Negras of Angola. Angola eliminated South Africa to qualify for the 2016 CHAN. Nigeria has already confirmed a January 9 clash against CHAN-bound Cote d’Ivoire also in South Africa. The Eagles are due to set up a training camp in Pretoria early next month before they land in Rwanda for the CHAN, which kicks off January 16. They are drawn in the same group with Tunisia, Niger and Guinea and will play their opening game on January 18 against Niger.

Amsterdam, Reggie Babes win Ball off annual soccer fiesta SylvesterOkoruwa-Lagos AMSTERDAM FC last Friday at the Nigerian Children’s International School, Lekki dethroned Three Pillar Soccer Academy to win the fifth edition of the Ball off soccer fiesta. The Amsterdam boys triumphed via penalties after a goalless draw at regulation time, while Reggie Babes defeated Koko Babes 3-2 also via penalties after a 1-1 draw at regulation time to clinch the girls title. Amsterdam FC was rewarded with N200,000 prize money and N25,000 for entertainment at Lotus Bar, Victoria Island aside a giant trophy, while Three Pillar got N50, 000 cash

reward for their efforts as the female category’s winner, Reggie Babes earned N50,000 prize money and N25,000 for entertainment. Ten teams featured at the one-day soccer fiesta organised by Soccer Ball off Ltd.

Meanwhile, the cofounders of Soccer Ball off Ltd, Folajimi Ayodele, Bidemi Bamgboye and Deji Elebute told Tribunesport that the soccer fiesta is an annual Xmas soccer event organised in London and in Nigeria for five

years running. “It is a platform to unite youths in the diaspora especially in Nigeria. It is an initiative to also socialise and network and also give to the charity thereby helping to reduce crime in the society and bring about

From left, Field Sales Agent, MTN, Okoribido Ayomide; co-founder Soccer Ball off Limited, Deji Elebute; Chairman, ABS FC of Ilorin, Seni Saraki; co-founders, Soccer Ball Off Limited, Bidemi Bamgboye and Folajimi Ayodeji and the Brand Activation Manager, Dansa Foods, Mr Charles Onunka during the annual Xmas Soccer Ball off competition held at the Nigerian Children’s International School Lekki last Friday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

community development between youths in the diaspora and in Nigeria. The son of the Senate president and the youngest chairman of a professional football club in Nigeria, ABS FC, Ilorin, Seni Saraki a friend to the co-founders said that the event is aimed at bringing rewarding competitive soccer competitions to youths in Nigeria that would encourage them to have a passion for the game thereby helping them to grow in their soccer career. The co-founders later donated N30,000 to Echoes of Mercy and Hope Foundation to support the foundation’s forthcoming ‘Walk for Charity’ scheduled to hold tomorrow in Lagos.

SIDELINES

NO 16,398

WEDNESDAY, 23 DECEMBER, 2015

N150

Chelsea players sent Mourinho packing

EPL title not yet sure for Arsenal —Wenger

By Olaoluwa Olowoyeye

Chelsea star, Mikel Obi

—Ancelotti

ARLO Ancelotti believes that “a lack of motivation” among the Chelsea players cost Jose Mourinho his job at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho led the Blues to the Premier League title last season but they endured a shocking start to the 201516 campaign, losing nine of their opening 16 games, with a 1-2 loss at Leicester City last Monday proving the final nail in the coffin for the Portuguese coach. After the defeat at the King Power Stadium, Mourinho admitted that he felt “betrayed” by his players but Ancelotti - who was sacked by Chelsea in 2011, a year after leading the west London club to a domestic double says that it is never easy to keep motivation levels high within a squad coming off the back of a successful season. “That is the most difficult job for a coach because within a group, both one that is doing well and one that is doing badly, there are always problems to resolve,” the Italian coach told Goal. “When things are going well, there is a risk of re-

Uganda Police Commander, Kale Kayihura reportedly stripped a leading female opposition party leader, Zaina Fatuma naked publicly during the course of her arrest. If one may ask, was the mission of the police-team to make Fatuma’s shameful arrest serve as a deterrent to others or silence other women in the opposition once and for all?

laxation; when things are going badly, obviously there is a loss of confidence. “The coach must always keep a good balance in that sense, lifting the confidence levels particularly when things don’t seem to be working. “It’s a little of this that Mourinho paid for, the fact that the team had not started like last year, when they had a tremendous desire to do well after a bad year. “This year it was exactly the opposite; he paid for the lack of motivation among the players.” Ancelotti, of course, has confirmed that he will make his return to coaching next summer, having agreed to replace Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich boss. Succeeding the Catalan would appear to represent a daunting challenge, given the 44-year-old is bidding for a third successive Bundesliga title and gearing up for one final crack at the Champions League, with the Bavarians having suffered disappointment at the semi-final stage for the past two seasons. However, while Ancelotti has never coached in Germany before, the well-travelled Italian is neither intimidated by the prospect of following Guardiola - nor by the challenge of adapting to a new culture.

ARSENAL manager, Arsene Wenger says it is too early to declare that his team will win the English Premier League title at the end of the season. Wenger’s submission came on the heels of the Gunners 2-1 victory over visiting Manchester City on Monday night to move two points behind leaders, Leicester City. “It is too early to say we can win the league but the win over City strengthens our belief. You come out and realise you have earned your right to win these games. We have to be ready to fight like that in every single game and you do that quite often. “It is quite interesting on my side because there is real life in the team, real togetherness and real solidarity, so let’s take care of that,” Wenger said on the team’s official website, www.arsenal. com. The French tactician believes Monday’s victory was a product of excellent plan which would aid the Gunners to tackle the challenges ahead. “I’m not sure what sort of message that sends but for us it was a vital game. It is a game you come out very happy as we have shown all types of ingredients you need in these big games. Good organisation, strong solidarity, high work rate, moments of brilliance and moments where we needed to hang on because that is important as well,” he said. On why he played Theo Walcott out wide, Wenger said: “I change it a little bit game by game and see where he can be efficient because Theo is a decisive player.”

Ake warns Watford ahead Xmas fixtures WATFORD defender, Nathan Ake has urged his team-mates to remain focused ahead of Christmas fixtures against Chelsea and Tottenham. The Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool - in which Ake scored his first goal for the club - was the fourth straight in the league and lifted the Hornets to seventh on the table. The newly-promoted EPL

side faces Chelsea on Boxing Day before hosting Tottenham two days later and Ake insists Quique Sanchez Flores’ side must not change anything that has seen them to its lofty league position. “This season has been crazy. Our position is deserved because we’re playing well, we’ve worked really hard to be here and we just have to keep going.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence now but we can’t get too much confidence and play easy, like we’re a bigger team,” he said. Ake, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, will however, not play against his parent club on Boxing Day, but does not expect a recall from Guus Hiddink in January. “I don’t think that because the manager changes, suddenly

I have a chance to play. I think it’s just a m a t t e r o f yourself, how you’re playing, how you develop, and if you’re able to come back next season and perform,” Ake said.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 23/12/2015.

Ake