Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday 13, February, 2013 Edition

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 33

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

. . . putting the people first

APGA part of merger, Okorocha bluffs Obi

ABU sacks registrar >> PAGE 2

Rabiul Akhir 3, 1434 AH

N150

UN declares attacks on health workers ‘unacceptable’ >> PAGE 6

My grouse with P NFF — Keshi >> PAGE 3

Jonathan’s convoy in Paris crash

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, with agency reports

Senate insists on indigenous coaches Jonathan fetes Super Eagles

By Patrick Andrew & Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he insensitivity of the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical subcommittee was the reason the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, tendered his

resignation some 24 hours after the Eagles were crowned African champions.

Keshi, who went on a live radio programme in South Africa to announce his resignation Monday, revealed this to the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, who sought reasons for his

shocking decision.

This is coming on the heels of a resolution by the Senate yesterday for indigenous coaches to be given upper hand in sports administration in Nigeria.

Also, President Goodluck Jonathan and other top government functionaries

received the victorious Super Eagles at a lavish party at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal were among Contd on Page 2

resident Goodluck Jonathan's convoy was yesterday involved in an accident in Paris as he was traveling with his aides to a meeting with the French President Francois Gerard Hollande, according to an online news portal.

Sources informed the online medium that the accident occurred 15 minutes away from the Elysee Palace, the venue of the official meeting with the French leader. “The car involved in the accident was the fifth car behind that of President Jonathan,” said a French police source.

Jamilu Waziri, a presidential liaison officer (PLO), was injured in the accident and had to be taken to a Paris hospital where he received treatment for a broken ankle. As a result of the accident, Mr. Waziri was unable to attend the meeting, the report said.

Mr. Waziri, the report said, later flew with President Jonathan who is due to arrive in Abuja shortly. The injured officer walked with aid of a pair of crutches, it said.

A French official said to have confirmed the accident said the large size of the Nigerian delegation meant that Mr. Jonathan's aides could not fit into the official vehicles provided by the French government.

According to the French source, a car rented by the Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

12th Feb., 2013

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.74 242.87 211.09 0.3029 41.25

SELLING 155.74 244.44 212.46 0.3229 41.52

PARALLEL RATES Super Eagles' Captain, Joseph Yobo, holding the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, after the arrival of victorious Super Eagles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, yesterday in Abuja from 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, in South Africa.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 208 254.50 42 157

SELLING 210 257.50 43 158

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

Property

24-27

Motoring

28

Doubts over Jonathan, Obasanjo reconciliation, Page 4

Arts

29-30

Int’l

31-34

Newsxtra

35

Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-46

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

My grouse with NFF — Keshi Contd from Page 1 those that received the team.

Keshi told the minister that the decision had been prompted by the technical committee’s deliberate attempts to undermine and frustrate his rebuilding efforts, failing which its leadership repeatedly threatened him with sack.

According to respectable sources, the minister had discussions with Keshi for some three hours on Sunday night soon after news of the resignation filtered into his ears. This piece of information was confirmed by the minister’s aide, Julius Ogunro, who said his boss had to intervene to save the nation of embarrassment of losing Keshi over a storm in a teacup.

A top official, who was in South Africa for official duties, also confirmed that the meeting did hold and that Keshi presented his grievances before the minister in the presence of the NFF officials.

“At the meeting, Keshi laid bare his grievances including all the threats and deliberate efforts to frustrate the rebuilding process by the leadership of the technical committee in the guise of supervising his technical programmes.

“In specific terms, he asserted that the technical committee had severally sought to undermine his efforts and authority through undue interference and insistence of certain ‘so-called established’ players making the team.

“During the Nations Cup qualifiers the committee consistently insisted on certain players and insisted on determining who should be called up and should not. In South Africa, especially after the first two matches, the committee pressed

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has removed the Registrar of the institution Dr. Mohammed Isah Abbas, for alleged gross administrative misconduct.

A statement signed by the Media Adviser to the Vice Chancellor, Waziri Isa Gwantu, said the removal of the registrar takes effect from 26th of January, 2013.

for a meeting with the executive committee of the NFF where clear sack threat was made,” the source said.

Though Super Eagles Media officer Ben Alaiya simply confirmed that there was indeed “some misunderstanding between ‘Big Boss’ and his employers, he declined to provide further insight.

However, Peoples Daily learnt that the minister in whose guise the committee had sought to force the hands of Keshi, pointedly dismissed ever directing the NFF to interfere or insist on who should or should not be called up for national service.

“That’s the prerogative of the coaches,” the minister, the source informed, was said to have told Keshi and subsequently directed the former Togo and Mali manager to report straight to him any threat to his job or whatever hindrance the committee or leadership and management of the NFF place on his path.

Peoples Daily recalls that Keshi had first threatened to quit after the Eagles played what was tagged ‘a lacklustre’ match against the tournament’s defending champions- the Chipolopolo of Zambia. That came following a meeting with the NFF whose leadership had insisted the coaching crew must ring some changes in the Eagles.

Keshi later confirmed. “When we qualified to face Cote d’ Ivoire in the quarter-finals, I learnt few daysafter the game that a return flight had been booked for us because it was feared that we won’t make it to the semi-final.

No, Nigerians don’t have patience, which is what we need to rebuild a formidable team,”

keshi said yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, even as he chose not disclose what had transpired in South Africa.

But he was quick to make reference to his media statement which reads part: "While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our participation in the AFCON which my team won by the grace of God, especially concerning my relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation.

“I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned. I am therefore pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday appealed to Keshi to rescind his resignation over the alleged interference in his job by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), saying that Nigerians are confident in his ability.

The upper legislative chamber, which observed a standing ovation for the Super Eagles for making the nation proud, commended Keshi for using domestic league players to prosecute both the qualifiers and the tournament proper. They lawmakers urged the federal government to reward the heroes handsomely.

The Senate subsequently called on the respective organs to re-invigoration of grassroots sports, saying it is the only way to move the sector forward.

Also, a major departure from previous posture, the Senate threw its weight behind the use of indigenous coaches in all the national teams.

The statement said the registrar was removed from office following initial allegations of gross misconduct leveled against him which include leaving office without appointing someone to act in his absence.

Other allegations leveled against him include recruitment

of different categories of staff without permission and due process, the statement added.

The statement further explained that following the allegations, the council, at its 150th regular meeting, set up a five-man committee to investigate the allegations and to report back to it

Though the use of indigenous coaches had been frowned at, the Senate observed that it was the trend even in developed economies which resorted to home-grown manpower and technology to develop their societies and wondered why Nigeria should be an exception.

They argued that it was a measure to develop and sustain the abundant sports talents in the country and must therefore be encouraged.

The motion to acknowledge the Eagles was sponsored by Senate Deputy President Ike Ekwerenmadu and others.

Ruling after the debate, the Senate President, David Mark, observed that while he was in South Africa to represent President Goodluck Jonathan, he realised that many countries in Africa are not the best of friends to Nigeria, pointing out that many of them did not want Nigeria to win the trophy.

Jonathan’s convoy in Paris crash Contd from Page 1

Nigerian embassy in Paris to convey some of the Nigerian delegates was involved in the accident.

Asked who was liable for any damages that resulted from the accident, the source disclosed that French authorities “would not be liable for injuries or damages from the car crash.”

Spokesmen of the Presidency could not be reached for comment last night.

ABU sacks registrar

at its 151st regular meeting where the report found the registrar guilty of various acts of gross misconduct.

It however, added that in line with the rules and regulations of the university, the Council ruled that the registrar be removed from office with effect from January 26, 2013.

2013 budget not for signing this week — Okonjo-Iweala

By Abdulwahab Isa

E

xpectations that President Goodluck Jonathan will append his signature on the 2013 budget this week have been dashed. Giving a fresh perspective on the seeming logjam that has trailed the budget, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala in a statement yesterday, ruled out the signing of the budget within the week.

She described as premature, postulations by some people that

the budget could be signed this week by the President as according to her, “whereas discussions between the Executive and the National Assembly are ongoing in a cordial atmosphere, it is not yet clear when they will be concluded as much work remains to be done”.

The Minister who made this known in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media, Paul C Nwabuikwu unequivocally declared that “reports stating that the President will sign the budget this week are therefore not realistic”.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 3

Three cops dismissed for criminal activities in Niger From Iliya Garba, Minna

I

L-R: Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Nassarawa state, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Almakura, Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Zamfara state Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the meeting the governors of the new party, All Progressive Congress, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

APGA part of merger, Okorocha bluffs Obi

G

By Lawrence Olaoye

Alausa to generate own power by Oct – Fashola overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, yesterday, said the 10.4 mega watts Alausa Independent Power Project, (IPP) that would provide power supply for the entire Alausa Secretariat would be ready

by October this year.

Fashola also said that the state government is almost completing the design of a broadband infrastructure for Lagos state, saying “the state is already working with two companies on the project.”

He said these at the commencement of the Lagos State Science and Technology, (LASTECH), Week, themed, ‘Promoting the development of science and technology through entrepreneurship education.’

Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Fashola said: “You can notice that in front of the state House of Assembly, we have dug that area to lay some cables. What we are trying to do is that by October this year, the whole of Alausa, will be off Power Holding Company of Nigeria, (PHCN). We are building our own source of power supply...”

…as APC gets mobilisation c’ttees

I

mo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday bluffed his Anambra state counterpart, Peter Obi, when he declared that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is part of the opposition merger plan crystallising into the new All Progressives’ Congress (APC).

Obi had earlier dissociated APGA from the alliance talks even when the Imo state governor attended a meeting of the opposition governors in Lagos

where the new party was born.

But Okorocha, who attended the second meeting of the Progressive Governors Alliance (PGA) at the Lagos House, Abuja, yesterday, said: “APGA is in the merger; we are fully, fully in the merger”. He insisted that the authentic APGA has always been part of the merger process disclosing that it was only PDP APGA and other non-committed members of the party that are left out in the talks.

Meanwhile, the APC yesterday arose from its second meeting to

Lagos Assembly moves to end hanging on moving trains From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

T

he Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Commissioner for Transport, the Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Nigerian Police to find ways of curbing the dangerous trend of passengers hanging on moving trains.

This resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Hon. Bisi

Yusuf (Alimosho Constituency I) who observes that the practice was antithetical to the image of the state and the nation and might hamper the efforts of the state government in transforming the rail system.

In the motion, the lawmaker also expressed worry that the practice has caused several deaths and permanent deformity of individuals.

announce that it has set up the zonal contact and mobilisation committees across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The PGA’s communiqué read by the Nassarawa state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-makura read in part “The overwhelming public support that has greeted the announcement of the merger compels us to announce the establishment of the Zonal Contact and Mobilisation Committees headed across the six geopolitical zones by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state (North-east); Governor Tanko Al-makura – Nassarawa (North-central); Governor Abdulazeez Yari – Zamfara (North-west); Governor Rochas Okorocha – Imo (Southeouth) and Governor Kayode Fayemi – Ekiti (South-west).

The communiqué continued “The committee would mobilize support for the party across political, social, religious, ethnic and professional interest groups in the country.

“We reiterate out clarion call on all Nigerians to understand and see this initiative as a credible process to deepen democracy and national renewal…” he said.

Unique identity number underway for bank customers

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

ll customers of commercial banks are to be allocated a unique identification number as from June, 2013, the Bankers’ Committee declared yesterday.

The unique identification number would be generated through a fresh customer data base that will capture

comprehensive bio-data of each bank customer. To ensure a hitchfree exercise, a technical committee has been raised and is currently on tour of at least four continents already adopting the system.

Managing Director/COE of Zenith Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefule disclosed the impending exercise to the media representatives yesterday in Abuja as one of the

resolutions of the committee.

The decision, he said, was a fallout of another committee on customer identity management set up by Banker’s’ Committee to review ways of boosting customers credit.

On return of the technical committee currently on tour, Emefule said a software producer would be engaged to design a database for the exercise.

He said that the exercise is designed to enable a seamless banking transaction as according to him “your bio-data is taken and a unique number is given to you

by Bank A. If you go to Bank B, automatically that enables you to transact with Bank B without further taking of details. A mere press of button by Bank B feeding your unique identity number automatically brings your data”.

n an effort to sanitise the police, the Niger state police command has dismissed three police officers for alleged involvement in criminal activities.

The officers – Sergeant Musa Isah, 34; Sergeant Victor Jatau (now at large); and Corporal Christopher Ejembi, 31, were allegedly involved in conspiracy, vandalisation and receiving stolen property.

The commissioner of police, Mrs. Desire Nsirim dropped the hint yesterday at a press conference held at the Police Headquarters.

She disclosed that proactive measures embedded in community policing in the state encouraged seamless flow of information which has helped to reduce crime to the minimum.

Nsirim however enumerated some of the achievements the command has recorded which include; robbery/recovery of five stolen vehicles from suspects identified as Ayodele Folorunsho, Olajide Adeniyi, Ikechukwu Amafor, and Hakeem Olajide.

It’s not only Christians that are killed in North – Sultan From Mike Etim, Uyo

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gainst the background of insurgency in the North which has seen many Christians killed, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, has emphasised that it is not only Christians that are targets of attacks as Muslims are also subject to such attacks.

The Sultan pointed to a number of incidents in various states in the North were Muslims leaders and top northern politicians have also been killed or attacked including the recent attack on the Emir of Kano Ado Bayero.

The Sultan who was speaking at the opening ceremony of a twoday meeting of the Nigeria InterReligious Council (NIREC), holding in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, said northern leaders have repeatedly denounced the killings in the North by the Boko Haram sect.

He said the nation must join hands to fish out the criminals perpetrating the various acts of violence and bombings.

The Sultan added that violence was not applicable to the North alone as there are cases of kidnapping and robbery in the southern states as well.

In his speech, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejofor expressed satisfaction that Muslim leaders were condemning the violence acts of the Boko Haram but urged them to step it up.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 13, 2013

Doubts over Jonathan, Obasanjo reconciliation

By Lawrence Olaoye

F

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo recently visited his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa where he danced with him at the cathedral. Obasanjo's surprise visit, as it was dubbed, could not be said to be altruistic. The meeting, ostensibly arranged by captains of industries who were very close to the corridors of power, came under questionable circumstances creating room for suspicion. This is even more worrisome considering the antecedents of the former president and how hard he could push for vengeance especially when his ego is bruised.

In the beginning, Obasanjo was Jonathan's benefactor but somewhere along the line, things fell apart between the godfather and his godson. The former President thereafter became the staunchest critic of his successor on crucial national matters ranging from insecurity to his handling of the nation's economy.

The disagreement degenerated further when aides loyal the duo started washing their dirty linen in public.

The crack between the two political associates came to the fore almost immediately after the presidential election when Obasanjo asked Jonathan to close the division in the ruling party by reconciling with all those that contested the primaries fiercely against him, especially those from the north. Jonathan, who had wanted to be his own man, refused to heed the advice. Again, it was learnt that Obasanjo warned the President to beware of his Ijaw kinsmen who have begun to feel that it is their turn to rule. The former President counselled Jonathan to see himself first as a Nigerian before descending to the ethnic cocoon. It was learnt that Jonathan again jettisoned the old man's counsel. It was gathered that Jonathan deliberately marginalised the South West in his appointments to spite Obasanjo and reduced his touted influence on his government.

Consequent upon this, there were stringent criticisms of Jonathan's government from the former president and those perceived to be close to him.

Obasanjo first rattled Jonathan when rumours had it that he had withdrawn his support for the President should he ever habour any ambition for a second term.

Although Obasanjo denied ever supporting the Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as Jonathan's successor, there are strong indications that he may not be favourably disposed to endorsing him for 2015.

Obasanjo also criticised the Jonathan's administration for wasting the country's $35 billion foreign reserve when he said, "We left what we call excess crude, let's build it for rainy day, up to $35

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

President, Goodluck Jonathan billion; within three years, the $35 billion disappeared. Whether the money disappeared or, like the governor said, it was shared, the fact remains that $35 billion disappeared from the foreign reserve I left behind in office. When we left that money, we thought we were leaving it for the rainy day...

But my brother said the rain is not falling now. But the fact is that when the rain is falling, we will have nothing to cover our heads with because we have blown it off.

The Chinese do not think that way."

Similarly, a former key cabinet member under Obasanjo's administration, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, had recently raised the alarm that Jonathan's administration had squandered $67 billion reserve he inherited.

Although Jonathan's men made spirited efforts to put a lie to the allegation, the former Minister had challenged the President to a public debate on the matter.

Obasanjo had equally criticized Jonathan on the alarming rate of unemployment in the country just as he berated the President on the way he was handling the nation's security during the climax of the Boko Haram insurgency in the country. He had admonished the President for being slow in action and slammed him for refusing to engage the insurgents in a dialogue so as to stop the spate of killings in the country.

The wedge between the godfather and the godson became wider when the President, obviously in response to Obasanjo's poser on his alleged indecision and slow action in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in the country, told the whole world that he would not adopt the Odi solution to the insurgency. Jonathan had said that Obasanjo's approach to the Odi issue was uncivilized and did not solve the problem. This position was further bolstered as reports

emerged that some victims of the Odi invasion have perfected plans to approach the International Criminal Court to seek redress on the matter. This indicates that the President may have engineered the folks to take the action in order to checkmate his excesses and expose him to international ridicule.

To further get at his benefactor, there are indications that the Jonathan's administration may have resolved to wreck the financial strengths of those perceived to be close to the Ota born General. The concession agreement on Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis entered into by the government and Chief Wale Babalakin's Bi-Courtney had been revoked. Although government explained that such was done because of non performance and the failure of BiCourtney to live up to expectations, not a few are of the opinion that it was done out of vendetta considering the close relationship between Babalakin and Obasanjo.

To further assert himself, Jonathan began to take over the control of the PDP's machineries by sidelining or removing outright those perceived to be close to the old General. Although the party leadership may not admit, several

political watchers believe that the former PDP National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is a victim of the power struggle between Obasanjo and the President.

Others close to the former President including Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim have been severally dealt with. They are perceived as suffering attack from government officials not on account of their personal failings, but because of their closeness to Obasanjo. It was equally rumoured of late that some other notable business mogul and a leading importer and manufacturer of cement in the country was about to get the butt when they rallied and prevailed on Obasanjo to make up with Jonathan before he ruined their business empires.

It was the make-up efforts that allegedly led Obasanjo to the Villa's Church where he prayed not only for the country but for President Jonathan himself. But with his antecedents and his perception as a man who would always take his pounds of flesh at the auspicious time, it would be foolhardy for

“

Obasanjo also criticised the Jonathan's administration for wasting the country's $35 billion foreign reserve when he said, "We left what we call excess crude, let's build it for rainy day, up to $35 billion; within three years, the $35 billion disappeared. Whether the money disappeared or, like the governor said, it was shared, the fact remains that $35 billion disappeared from the foreign reserve I left behind in office.

Jonathan to assume that all is well.

The President must watch out because Obasanjo does not forgive whoever crosses his path. If in doubt, the President should inquire from the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Audu Ogbeh, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na'aba to mention a few.

The robust relationship between former National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Obasanjo was ruptured based on their disagreement on the state of the nation especially on the political situation in Anambra state under former Governor Chris Ngige. Ogbeh incurred Obasanjo's wrath when he pointed out that the state was drifting under his leadership. Although frantic efforts were made to smoothen the rough edges between the two leaders, Obasanjo ensured that he not only took his pounds of flesh by ensuring his removal as the party leader, but ascertained that he was frustrated out of the party.

Going by his antecedents as an unforgiving leader and one who would protect his interest at whatever expense, it would be too early for President Jonathan to feel he has totally reconciled with the old political fox. This cosmetic reconciliation could as well pass as the beginning of another guerrilla war that may make the Ota farmer have the last laugh. As the 2015 Presidential election approaches, with indications that Jonathan may aspire to clinch the presidency again on the platform of the PDP, this is obviously the best time for him and his loyalists to watch out for further political mischief from the camp of his predecessor.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 5

2015: Aondoakaa plots Jonathan alliance

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

gain, campaign posters announcing President Goodluck Jonathan’s interest to contest the 2015 presidential election, yesterday flooded strategic locations in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

However, this time around, the colourful campaign posters designed in the colours of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had its umbrella trademark with the picture of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, as contender for the Benue state Government House.

The posters which were placed in the high brow areas of the Federal Capital Territory, did not however indicate the source or the sponsor of the advertisement.

It was not clear why the

sponsors of the message chose to place the former AGF’s picture side by side with Jonathan’s but a source claimed the ex-minister under the late Yar’adua presidency could be plotting a pact with Jonathan, with a view to achieving his governorship ambition for Benue, his home state.

The campaign posters have been spread across the major streets and bus stops including the popular Berger Roundabout, Deeper Life, including Wuse axis and the Central Business District, where major government and private business offices are located.

The message on the poster simply reads: “A Reconciled

...wants Benue guber as posters flood Abuja Nigeria” ‘2015’ Jonathan for President’, and “Aondoakaa for Governor, Benue state”.

It would be recalled that following the mysterious

appearance of Jonathan’s 2015 presidential campaign posters in Abuja at the dawn of New Year, the Presidency had immediately disowned the posters claiming

they did not emanate from the Presidency as “the President has not authorised anybody to print any campaign poster for him as regards 2015 elections”.

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

and mindless looting in Nigeria are plugged, the country will be able to implement social security programme to develop human capital.

ASUU also called for a social security scheme for the unemployed and marginalised in

Nigeria.

In the communique at the end of the meeting signed by ASUU president, Dr. Nasir Fagge, the union noted that the battle against corruption is being fought half-heartedly with ridiculous outcomes.

ASUU condemns corruption, wants social security for unemployed

A

cademic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), after its National Executive Council meeting at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife said if all avenues of corruption

Yero denies gunning for CBN job From Nasiru Mu’azu Isa, Kaduna

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overnor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna state has dispelled rumours of his interest in the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor at the expiration of the tenure Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, current CBN governor.

The denial was made through a press release issued by the Director General, Media and Publicity to Governor Yero, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki.

The release said: “While we may have ignored this insinuation as another handiwork of mischief makers, it is pertinent to put the record straight in the interest of providing accurate information to the people of Kaduna State and beyond, to save them from falling gullible to falsehood”.

The statement said Gov. Yero is completely devoted to delivering democracy dividends to the people of Kaduna State, to justify the mandate giving to this administration by the people. The Governor has no interest in taking up appointment at the CBN or any other institution.

Maiyaki reiterated Gov. Yero’s commitment and focus in providing purposeful leadership that will bring about rapid transformation of Kaduna State.

His preoccupation at the moment is how to draw up and execute comprehensive master plan that would improve the overall living conditions of the entire people of Kaduna State.

The Governor, Maiyaki opined remains resolute in his principle of putting the interest of the people above personal interest and cannot be distracted by these recent antics of scoundrels and political jobbers bent on creating confusion in the society.

Gov. Yero called on the people of Kaduna State to ignore such wicked rumours and join hands with the present administration to take our State to greater heights.

L-R: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Delta state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a board meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Resignation: Jonathan salutes Benedict XVI

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem Abuja & Nasiru Mu’azu Isa, Kaduna

…as Bishop urges African leaders to emulate Pope

resident Goodluck Jonathan has applauded Pope Benedict XVI for the “exemplary wisdom in his decision to voluntarily relinquish the Papacy because of his advanced age and growing inability to keep up with the physical and mental demands of the office”.

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan wished the Pope a very peaceful and restful retirement at the end of this month.

A statement signed by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, yesterday, said: “The President trusts that even in retirement, Pope Benedict XVI will continue to contribute to the spiritual wellbeing of the world in every possible way and that he will continue to offer prayers to God Almighty for global justice, equity, peace and progress. ”He prays that as they prepare

to assemble in the Vatican to elect a new Pope, God Almighty will grant members of the College of Cardinals the wisdom and divine insight they will require to bring forth a worthy successor to Pope Benedict XVI who will build on the outgoing Pontiff’s commendable achievements as head of the worldwide Catholic Church”.

In a related development, the Bishop of the Kaduna Catholic Diocese, Mathew Nda’goso, has said the resignation of the Pope is an enduring legacy and should be a lesson for leaders all over the world especially African leaders who have a sit-tight mentality when in leadership position.

Ndagoso who made this assertion during an interview with our reporter in Kaduna, said it was a huge shock to the catholic community because nobody expected the Pontiff to resign though the reasons given by the Pope show that his decision is in

P

the interest of the church.

He said the resignation of the Pope is valid and proper, stating that canon law allows for the resignation of a Pope.

He said: “Lovers of truth will miss him because he has been leading us for the past eight years and naturally we are losing our leader and that makes it a sad event for us”.

On the issue of sexual abuse in the church which the outgoing Pope has been accused of having not done enough on, Bishop Ndagoso said the resignation of the Pope would not stop investigations into the allegations and that the new Pope when chosen, will take up the mantle and continue from where Pope Benedict stopped.

“The Pope is not resigning with the whole Vatican, and moreover he is not personally handling those issues, as such work will continue and his

promise to make sure justice is done will be carried on by his successor, so people should not be worried. One thing about the Catholic Church is continuity and so things will continue to go on”, he observed.

On the choice of a successor he said there are a lot of cardinals, with Africa and Asia having 11 cardinals between them, Italy with 61 cardinals, Europe 29 cardinals and America with 16 and all of them are eligible to become Pope.

He observed that the idea of dying in power rather than resign is not good for any nation as it only weakens the nation rather than strengthen it.

As Lent starts tomorrow, Bishop Ndagoso called on all catholic faithful to pray for guidance during the conclave where a new Pope will be chosen as well as pray for peace in the nation.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

UN Chief declares attacks on health workers “unacceptable�

U

N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the killing in north-eastern Nigeria of three doctors from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Ban-moon called the attack and other recent incidents of violence against health workers "unacceptable".

The three doctors were

reportedly working at a government-run hospital in the town of Potiskum in Yobe state. They were killed over the weekend.

On Friday, nine female polio vaccination workers were also shot dead in northern Nigerian city of Kano.

Similar attacks on health workers have taken place in

Pakistan in recent months.

"Those killed were working selflessly to provide basic lifesaving interventions to the most vulnerable people.

"Such attacks severely limit health workers' access to the populations who need them most and could have devastating effects in the fight to improve the health of people everywhere.

"These acts of outrageous

violence toward health workers around the world are unacceptable", Ban's spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement.

The Secretary-General, however, encouraged all countries to protect health workers so that they could continue to better the health of populations and save lives.

(NAN)

L-R: Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; Minister of Work, Mr. Mike Onlememe; and Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, during a one day public hearing on Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Offa/Erin-Ile crisis: Afenifere faults LG chairmen's suspension From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

A

fenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has condemned the recent suspension of the Chairmen of Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara state - Prince Saheed Popoola and Ibrahim Omoniyi, over their alleged inability to curb the escalation of the communal crisis in their domains.

The chairman and secretary of ARG in Kwara state, Chief Joe Olarogun and Lateef

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

M

inister for Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo yesterday pledged to take the power sector to new heights, saying that by the end of the year, the sector would have recorded remarkable achievements.

Speaking after a meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NHDPC) at the Vice President's wing of the State House, Nebo said: "A lot is already happening; there has been a series of meetings. This one is not an exception. It is very likely that by the end of

Bamidele respectively, in a statement, urged the state government to "immediately reverse the obnoxious decision as it is reckless"."

Afenifere noted that the dissolution of the councils' executives and the appointment of sole administrators was not only unconstitutional, but an insult on the collective intelligence of people of the state.

"The step taken by the governor is nothing short of

buck-passing, seeking to divert people's attention from its incompetence and insincerity in the handling of the crisis.

"The state government claims that it exercised the power to dissolve democratically elected local governments under the Kwara state Local Government (Amendment) Law No. 4 of 2006.

If we may be permitted to ask, was this law not in force when there was a similar clash between Share and Tsaragi communities?

Were Ifelodun and Edu local

government councils dissolved then?

"For the days that this crisis lasted where was our governor who swore to an oath to protect lives and property of those who elected him. Up till now our governor has not considered it fit to visit the affected communities.

The accusation of the councils 'failure to protect public order and protect the welfare of the people' is not only flimsy but ridiculous", the statement declared.

My agenda for power sector - Nebo the year, there will be a remarkable improvement.

With regards to generation, Nigeria is moving ahead by leaps and bounds. What we have as a problem that is very significant is the transmission, to be able to evacuate what is being generated and what we anticipate will be an addition to the grid towards the end of the year".

He continued: "We are working on that and today's meeting is addressing some of those issues. It was a very brief meeting and hopefully by the time we meet

again, issues relating to NIPP and Niger Delta Power Holding Company will go a lot further in finding solutions to the problems that we have at the moment. What I can say is that yes we are forging ahead, the power agenda is on course and we intend to make Nigerians much happy as soon as possible.

"I don't have any fear, quite a bit of our problems are not insurmountable. The problems are very enormous, very challenging but we have the will, the dexterity and the support of

the President who is very keen on ensuring that the power sector issue is put behind us. So I believe that things are happening. For instance, in the past couple of months, we have been able to generate and put in the system the transmission much more power than in the past. We are continuing with that gradual growth and hopefully, when the whole issue of power transmission is addressed, there will be a sporadic increase in the amount of power available to our people."

Court hears police pension exdirector's bail application today

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Federal High Court in Abuja will today hear the application for bail of former Director of the Police Pensions Board, Mr. John Yakubu Yusufu, who has been being in detention at the Kuje Prisons in Abuja.

Yusufu had earlier been convicted by an Abuja High Court for stealing N23.3 billion belonging to the Police Pension Fund.

Shortly after paying the fine option of N750, 000 in place of two years imprisonment, Yusufu was re-arrested and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing N289 million belonging to the Police Pension Fund.

He pleaded not guilty to the fresh four-count charge slammed against him by the anti-graft agency.

His counsel, Mayaki Theodore, made an oral application for his bail which was opposed by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, and the trial judge, Justice Adamu Bello then told the defence counsel to formally file the bail application and ordered the remand of the accused person at Kuje Prisons till March 1 when the matter will come up for hearing.

It would be recalled that the EFCC miffed with the two-year jail term or an option of N750, 000 fine handed over to the convict who pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him, slammed a fresh four-count charge against Yusufu.

In the fresh charge No: FHC/ ABJ/CR/14/2013, Yusufu was accused of failing to make full disclosure of his assets and liabilities in SY-A Global Services Limited, a company owned solely by him and immediate members of his family, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 27(3) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, CAP E1 2004.

Count two on the charge sheet reads: "That you John Yakubu Yusufu on or about 14th February 2012 at Abuja, in the Abuja Judicial Division knowingly failed to make full disclosure of your assets and liabilities in the Declaration of Assets Form filled by you, by not declaring your interest in the N250 million you lodged in a fixed deposit account with the Zenith Bank in the name of SY-A Global Services Limited, a company in which you are the sole signatory to its account and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 27(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, CAP E1 2004".

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 7

Salem varsity advocates quality teaching, learning From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he management of Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State has designed a teachback training initiative meant to deepen the knowledge of the staff and global leaders (students) on the fundamentals of quality assurance in the University.

According to the university authority, such a step is paramount to building the capacity of its manpower, pursue its vision and subject self to

constant assessment, evaluation and review.

This was made known by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joseph Fuwape on the occasion of Quality Assurance lecture delivered by the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Prof. Olubemiro Jegede.

Prof. Fuwape stated that quality assurance is top on the University’s scale of preference and that the staff of the University had resolved to

steadfastly and consistently adopt Quality Assurance mechanisms.

The guest speaker, Prof.

Jegede in his lecture on: Quality Assurance in Nigeria’s higher education, stated that 21st century demanded new skills and attitudes, adding that Nigeria needs to change to be innovative, creative and future oriented in order to dominate the social and the economic sphere.

He noted that there was the need to continuously train and

refresh knowledge and skills, adding that “it was high time as a nation we do away with obsolete curricula and dilapidated infrastructure”.

He noted that the number of conventional universities in Africa had tripled within the past few years, but they could not cope with the demands for access by the teeming number of youths and had also remained unable to deliver flexible, affordable space and time-independent education.

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mac John Nwabiala; and Director Procurement, Malam Aliyu Shehu; during the minister's meeting with contractors, handling Girls Child Education and Federal Government Colleges, Library projects, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Corruption: Don’t ignore Ezekwesili’s allegation, NGO tells FG

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

G

rowth and Development Monitoring Initiative (GDMI), a nongovernmental organisation, has called on the Jonathan’s administration not to ignore the recent speech made by the former Minister of Education in the Obasajo’s administration, Obi Ezekwesili, concerning certain shoddy deal that took place after their tenure.

The former minister known for due process, recently shocked Nigerians when she revealed that the Obasanjo’s led administration left about $67 billion in the country’s foreign reserve.

A statement issued by the group’s President, Muhammed Musa Bagana, described the revelation as the stark reality in the country.

The statement also queried the response of the government through its Information Minister, Labaran Maku for accusing Ezekwesili of hypocrisy, urging the government to clarify the issue instead of shying way from addressing such issues of national interest.

The group also called for an overhaul of laws that are meant o tackle corruption, saying the recent judgement on a pension thief, only encourages corruption.

Kebbi supports community police, says Dakingari

N100bn textile intervention G fund saves 8,070 jobs

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

M

inister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, has said that about 8,070 jobs have been saved through the disbursement of the N100 billion Cotton Textile Garment Intervention Fund.

Aganga said this just as the Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress and General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Mr. Issa Aremu, confirmed that 38 textile firms had so far benefited from the Fund.

They spoke during the Stakeholders Retreat on the Cotton, Textile and Garment Sub-Sector of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan in Abuja yesterday.

The minister said that the stakeholders’ retreat was necessary because of the importance of a revitalised CTG sub-sector in the efforts towards achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.

“The is the beginning of an important journey. We want to

make this sector number one in Africa. It is just not just about talking. We will come up with actionable points here to kick-start the needed revolution.

“We are already making progress with the reforms that are in place. Figures by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria reveal that the capacity utilisation in this sector has increased significantly from 29.14% in 2010 to 49.70% as at 2011.”

Aganga added, “In addition, a number of hitherto moribund textile mills have been reopened, about 8,070 jobs have been saved while over 5,000 new jobs have been created.

“We cannot continue to be a raw material exporting nation because by doing so, we are exporting jobs, development and wealth. This is one area that the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan is trying to address.

“The textile industry is one of those areas we are looking at. We want to remove the barriers to increased productivity in this very important and strategic sector.

One of these barriers is access to

affordable finance. The Cotton Textile and Garment Fund, which the Bank of Industry manages at a very low interest rate, has achieved some remarkable success.”

The minister was optimistic that before the end of this year, the whole N100 billion should have been disbursed.

“But from what we heard today, we need more than N100 billion to be able to get to where we want to be because textile is one sector that creates significant amount of jobs globally. So, for Nigeria, investing in the textile industry makes sense both from the economic point of view and from the job creation point of view.”

Aganga explained that the Ministry of Trade and Investment was working with stakeholders in the textile industry to address the current challenges facing the sector in order to reposition it as the major driver of job creation and wealth generation in the country.

“We have started with the introduction of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan which is about industrialization. In this

regard, all our policies are geared towards industrialization.

We will have an implementation committee that will include each of these sectors, their job creation potential and then implement the decisions that will be made today”, he said.

Speaking during the event, Aremu said that there was a need for the Federal Government to increase the CTG Fund and make it easier for textile firms to access it at zero interest rate.

He said, “We are happy with the provision of the N100bn CTG Intevention Fund by the Federal Government. So far, 38 companies have benefitted from the Fund, and this has gone a long way in revitalizing some of the textile firms that had closed down.

“However, we want the government to increase the fund from the current N100bn to N500bn to enable more textile companies have access to cheap fund in order to boost their capacity utilisation. The government should also elongate the tenure of the fund and also make it possible for textile companies to access it at a zero interest rate.”

overnor Usman Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi state has called on Nigerians especially those from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states to support the proposed Police Community Relation committee [PCRC].

He made this appeal yesterday when the zone 10 committee member, led Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed Liyafa paid him a courtesy visit at Government House Birnin Kebbi adding that this would help the states to combat the high rate of crime in some parts of the country.

He pointed out that Kebbi state was crime-free as “all our emirs, stakeholders, elite involved in fighting the crime across the state”.

“I promise you that we we’re ready to intervene where is necessary’’ he added.

Dakingari also said his administration has set some money aside every month for the security agencies across the state to enable them reduce crime and urged them to work hard in order to record success.

In his remark, the chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee [PCRC] in charge of zone 10 comprising Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed said they were in Kebbi state to intimate the people of

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Sympathisers removing a Vehicle that had an accident, yesterday at OPIC roundabout, Oke-Ilewo area in Abeokuta.

L-R: Plateau state governor, Jonah Jang, congratulating the new Judge of Customary Court of Appeal, Patrick Sati-Dapit, during his swearing-in, yesterday at the Government House, in Jos.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (left), briefing House journalists, during his official visit to Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Government day secondary school at Kofar-Idi in Bauchi closed down due to strike

by Bauchi State Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), on Monday.

Traffic gridlock yesterday on Agege road, in Lagos.

Photo: Joe Oroye & NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 9

Hajj 2013: Group provides recipe on Muharram From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna civil society organization under the aegis of Independent Hajj Reporters, has said a unified online registration of Nigerian pilgrims will solve the problems that led to the deportation of women pilgrims by the Saudi Arabian authorities last year.

A statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad and publicity secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud, said the Saudi online Hajj visa form contains same information worldwide.

According to the statement, a situation where states fill in different information in the

A

Kogi disburses N139.5m to flood victims From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi state government has given out the sum of N139.5 million to the nine flood ravaged local government areas in the state in line with the Federal Government’s policy.

The councils which were categorised into three groups of A, B and C were given the fund to assist in post flood management.

Councils in category A got N20million each while those in B and C got N15m and N10 million each.

Councils in category A are Ibaji, Lokoja and Bassa; Kogi, Ajaokuta and Idah are in category B while Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu and Omala Local Government Areas are in category C. In a press briefing after a meeting by the adhoc committee on flood headed by the State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, the Commissioner for Information, Yabagi Bologi said the far reaching steps were aimed at providing temporary assistance.

Bologi described the steps as the first of its kind in affected states aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of victims since September last year, when a devastating flood swept through the state.

He said, aside the amount to councils, sectoral support aimed at building destroyed infrastructure, building of 1000 houses, schools, roads and other measures, would be pursued.

Muharam column could lead to avoidable problems in 2013 hajj exercise.

“NAHCON should liaise with states pilgrims’ boards whose responsibility is to request for visa on behalf of their pilgrims to create a centralized arrangement that will make it possible for all states to supply their pilgrims’ bio-data in unified format.

“ This will address the issue of muharram and also assists in creating hajj data bank that can be used by medical services, airlines and other services providers where prompt pilgrims information is required,” it said.

The group further stated that during the hajj 2012 post mortem conference held on February 4, at the National

Mosque Abuja, NAHCON commissioner of operation admitted that some states pilgrims welfare boards made mistakes when filling in the muharam column provided in the Saudi hajj visa request form. “ This is an indication that each state used different method in applying for its visa.

Such situation if allowed to

Court jails man for stabbing 16-year-old boy

A

Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta yesterday sentenced a 20-year-old man, Bidemi Jayeola, to one year imprisonment for stabbing a 16year-old boy.

The Magistrate, Mr. Matins Akinyemi, sentenced Jayeola after he pleaded guilty to the charge of assault filed against him.

Akinyemi, who did not give the convict an option of fine, said the sentence was with hard labour.

The magistrate said that the offence was classified as a violent crime.

He said that Jayeola inflicted

“serious bodily injury” on another person, therefore, he had to go to jail and think about his actions.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the offence was committed on Dec. 24, 2012, at about 8 p.m. at Olorunda village in Abeokuta.

He said that the convict stabbed one Yusuf Ojubanire on his neck, hand and ribs while on his way to church.

“The young boy and his brothers were on their way to church, when Jayeola accosted them and threatened to collect their belongings.

“When the boy refused to give

him, Jayeola stabbed him on the neck, hand and ribs, he ran away leaving the poor boy in a pool of blood.

“The boy was rushed to Ayetoro General Hospital by a passerby. Luckily, he survived the injuries,” he said.

The prosecutor also said that upon investigation, the convict was arrested at an uncompleted building where a cutlass and some charms, numbering 28 were found on him.

Eigbejiale argued that the offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun, 2006. Earlier, the convict had pleaded for leniency. (NAN)

continue, can create another problem in 2013 hajj exercise.” the statement added.

The organization also urged Saudi Hajj Authority to increase hajj seat allocation to Nigeria as it did to other countries.

“The seat allocated to Nigeria in 2012 is 98, 000 even though more than three million people are applying for hajj seats every year. For example, Pakistan was allocated 159,647 seats in 2011 but it was increased to 179,256 in 2012. India got 1, 350, 100 seats in 2012 as against 1, 240, 901 in 2011,” the group said.

“Unless there is an increase in hajj seats and a corresponding transparent system of sales of same, the dream of millions of Nigeria Muslims to fulfill the this pillar of Islam will never come to fruition” the organization said.

Nasarawa denies media report on casualties in latest skirmishes From Ali Abare Abub akar, Lafia

N

L-R: Benue state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, and Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Company, Mr. James Onotu, during their official visit to Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

asarawa state government has denied a recent report in a national daily suggesting that 50 people were killed in the aftermath of the communal clash that erupted recently in Kwandere, the country home to Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura.

The denial was made known via a press release made available in Lafia, signed by Malam Iliyasu Ali Yakubu, Director of Press to the governor.

The statement described the report as “totally misleading and a calculated attempt to further escalate the crisis”, with the writer “obviously ignorant of what is happening in the state”.

While stating that only three persons lost their lives during the skirmishes, as well as refuting that Fulani herdsmen attacked the area as claimed by the report, the DOPA cautioned journalists working in the state to show some sense of responsibility by always crosschecking their facts before writing their reports.

Ajimobi inaugurates bridge, vows to stop flooding in Oyo From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

G

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday, inaugurated the Secretariat-Bodija Bridge in Ibadan, with a pledge that his administration would put a stop to the wanton destruction of lives and properties occasioned by flooding.

The bridge, which is located

in the heart of Ibadan, was one of those washed away by the August 26, 2011 flood which claimed several lives and properties in the state.

The bridge had also earlier suffered similar fates in 1964 and 1980 and had since been neglected by past administrations.

While speaking at the occasion, Governor

Ajimobi, said that the bridge built at the cost of N485 million, was another testimony to his promise to the people of the state that he would offer them succour.

He recalled the unfortunate flooding which washed away the water channel, disrupted the socio-economic lives of the people and caused untold hardship, including deaths.

The governor, who rechristened the bridge “Restoration Bridge’’, said that after the disaster, his administration set to work in “a systematic and aggressive exercise of widening water channels and dredging of rivers, so as to allow for free flow of water.

“I am proud to announce that our vision of repositioning the state is being achieved daily as

this government marches on.

“Many governors had passed through; some wanted to do it, time did not permit them. Some also wanted to do it, but politics and other distractions did not allow them. Some others also wanted to do it; they dreamt about it but they have now woken up from their sleep; now, we dreamt about it, we woke up and we have actualized it,’’ he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 13, 2013

'Plea bargain encourages corruption' T

he Chairman, Labour Party (LP) in the FCT, Mr Peter Adejobi, has criticised the concept of plea bargain, and said that it encouraged corruption.

Plea bargain, according to legal experts is an instance

where an accused, who stole money agrees to return some of it for lesser sentence.

Adejobi said in Abuja that plea bargain was a prepared package for the rich to enable them get away with their loots.

He said, ``When ordinary

people start protesting, those who seek for plea bargain will say that after all, justice has been done. ``Then with plea bargain, people believe that they can always have their way and as such this legal term cannot help

to stem corruption in Nigeria.''

He said that accused persons should face the full wrath of the law to check corrupt tendency in the society, adding that plea bargain was synonymous with short cut to justice.

Adejobi, who said that justice

could not be compromised, called on relevant authorities to tackle all forms of injustice in the country.

On Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), he said that its practice should be discouraged in Nigeria, as the country was not ripe for it. ``Let us look at our sociocultural background before we can copy foreign ideas,'' Adejobi said.

He called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Human Rights Watch, NGOs and other outfits in the fight against corruption, ``to check the rot in the judiciary. (NAN)

Weak broadband: Lagos challenges FG From Gbolagade Adeyemi, Lagos

T

L-R: Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Formal Education, Mr. Jibrin Y. Paiko, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, representative of Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.O. Smith, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Chudi Nwandu, during the 3rd foundation session of the "Do The Right Thing: Patriotism and Ethics First" programme, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Gombe ministry threatens journalists

T

he safety of journalists in Gombe state has become an issue of concern following a threat by the state Ministry of Finance to take drastic action against journalists who may fail to capture the 2013 budget breakdown in their publications.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Atiku Mu'azu issued the threat while welcoming participants to this year's budget

Minister condemns killing of health workers in Kano

breakdown speech at the office of the Commissioner of Finance where 20 journalists were in attendance.

The Permanent Secretary who refused to disclose the line of action it would take, stated that the Ministry would show its anger against defaulting journalists.

Meanwhile, the Gombe state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Malam Hassan Muhammadu has defended the 62% performance of the 2012 budget in the state as spectacular.

Fielding questions from journalists on the 2012 budget

performance considering the financial management knowhow of Governor Dankwambo, he argued that performance would have been higher if not for the extended rainy season that slowed down civil works coupled with the late receipt of the proceeds of the bonds the state applied for. "The bonds proceeds came late in the year and cannot be budgeted for and the budget performance would have been higher if December was covered and trust me, a 62% performance is spectacular," he said.

As to whether government's cross over to 2013 with N 7 billion

from the previous year's budget amounted to under developing the state, the Commissioner explained that the crossing over with this amount to 2013 budgetary year became necessary in order to ensure prudence in the management of the state's finances.

He added that extending the 2012 budget for capital projects to March 2013, would translate to the delivery of more capital projects as it would run concurrently with the present budget.

HURIWA flays Obasanjo foundation launch in London

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

…Wants Jonathan to appoint defense minister

T

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

he Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, weekend, joined other Nigerians in condemning the killing of nine female health workers in Kano state by unidentified gunmen in Kano last Friday The Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media , George Udoh, described the attack on the health workers as senseless , shocking and appalling, adding that the attack was unacceptable under any circumstances since the unsuspecting victims were on a national and international assignment of saving the lives of the country's children from vulnerable diseases.

The recently launched foundation initiated by former president Olusegun Obasanjo in London has come under severe criticism from some groups in the country.

Human Right Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) while faulting such initiative by a former Nigeria's president in a foreign country described it as a clear manifestation of lack of faith and trust on the integrity of Nigeria, just as the group challenged President Jonathan to appoint a substantive Defense minister.

Obasanjo, it would be recalled, launched a foundation last Friday in London which was graced by President Goodluck Jonathan and other sub-regional leaders of ECOWAS. In a statement released by the association and jointly signed by the National Cordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Zainab Yusuf, the group lamented the unprecedented dimension that saw the president and vacated office and headed to the United Kingdom for an entire week for a "meaningless jamboree of launching a foundation introduced by Nigeria's two times

Head of State and Head of Government Chief Olusegun Obasanjo."

HURIWA then wondered how the former president who launched the foundation was yet to "answer basic questions of lack of transparency and accountability that characterized his government especially towards the tumultuous tail end of that government in 2007 when he allegedly sought to manipulate the constitutional amendment process to secure unlimited tenure of Presidential office which was scuttled at the National Assembly on the instigation of majority of Nigerians".

he Lagos State Government has challenged the federal government to come up with a combination of broadband policy and the adoption of local content development that will boost technological development in the country.

Lagos State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Fatai Mabadeje who spoke at a recent press conference in Lagos, to announce the Lagos State Science and Technology Week (LASSTECH), which opens this week, said the broadband policy should ensure its penetration across thecountry from a weak state.

According to the commissioner, the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology had made concerted efforts, aimed at creating awareness towards the development, deployment and utilisation of science and technology in the state, through the use of local content in developing new technologies.

Mabadeje said Lagos had gone ahead of the federal government to set up a broadband team with the mandate to develop a framework for the state's broadband policy.

"We are no longer waiting for the federal government before we roll out our own broadband policy to drive technology development, using local content in driving the technology growth, because we have seen the need for internet access," the commissioner said.

The commissioner said the initiative would foster healthy interaction and exchange of ideas towards the development and utilisation of science and technology for the overall development of Lagos andNigeria.

He noted that, if the United States (US) Government could spend billions of dollars to roll out fibre, then Nigeria should be able to invest in fibre to increase broadband penetration and access in thecountry.

According to him, the annual Science and Technology Week would display new technologies designed and developed from locally sourced materials by students of the state.

It is aimed at promoting an avenue and opportunity for various stakeholders such as students, inventors, innovators, researchers among others, to exhibit their products that are largely driven byindigenous technologies.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 13, 2013

Debt settlement may help I

f you are caught in the trap of high-interest unsecured debt but you now have a reserve of cash available, then you are in a position to negotiate a debt settlement with your creditors. Be aware that going this route is really for people facing overwhelming debt it is a better alternative than filing for bankruptcy.

In a debt settlement arrangement, your creditor agrees to accept a lump sum payment that is less than your outstanding balance. Once this is agreed on, your debt is then paid in full.

Debt settlement reduces the balance owed, not the interest rate, as occurs with debt consolidation. You can choose to negotiate a settlement on your own or opt to hire a debt settlement company. Before you decide which way to go,

look at the pros and cons of both.

Most debt settlement companies promise to get your creditor to reduce your debt by at least 50 percent. Check out the company before signing on, as there are fraudulent companies around. Remember that there is a charge for this service. Initially, monthly

payments are applied to the settlement of this service fee before the company starts negotiations on your behalf.

Once their fee has been paid, then funds remitted to them will start going towards a settlement fund. The company will then look towards settling with your creditors.

Assuming the company is an experienced one, then they will be able to negotiate a favourable arrangement with your creditors. Should the company fail to reach a resolution, you will be refunded the monies in the settlement fund. However, fees paid are non-refundable.

If you choose to proceed with debt settlement on your own then do some groundwork ahead of time. Check with your creditors to see if they would be amenable to a settlement.

Creditors are usually willing to negotiate a debt settlement if the account is gravely overdue and they think that there is likelihood that the debt will not be collected at all. Some creditors have been known to accept as low as 20percent of the balance being owed rather than lose the entire amount.

communicate with children as they grow about your value concerning money, introduce children to value of saving versus spending, when children are given an allowance, give them the money in denomination that encourages saving, take children to bank to open their own savings accounts, keep good records of money saved, invested or spent is another important skill young people must learn, use regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money, allow young people to make spending decisions, and alert children to dangers of borrowing and paying interest.

To Goddy Ikeh, chief executive officer of Fortworth Communications Agency, there is nothing wrong in teaching children about money. "Children will need money in their dealings and daily transactions in life. Most parents who cannot buy snacks for their children often give them money to buy them at school. Although it is not the

best practice, the child needs to have a fair knowledge of money in order to embark on such a transaction."

In some households, children at early ages do assist their parents who engage in one form of trading or another to sell within their premises, so for such children, it is necessary that they are exposed to the knowledge of money.

He believes that there should not be any age limit to expose children to the use of money. A child who can recognise numbers should be able to know the various denominations of the currency (money).

The actual knowledge of how to make money and manage money can be learnt by the child as he grows up and needs the knowledge to cope with the challenges of life, especially the need to save money for future needs and to donate money for charity, which is lacking in our society.

On the contrary, Alatise Yusuf, Managing Director/ chief executive officer of KC

Finance & Investment Limited, Lagos, said: "Morally, it is not wise; economically it is not also wise. If we expose them to money at tender age it might make them not to have respect for money; and economically, they will be demanding for more which will be telling on the family budget. Basic needs should be provided for them, like when they are going to school since they spend 75 percent of their tender age in school, one must ensure that they do not lack anything on the average. So why would they need money?

Child exposure to values of...

I

t is not too early to introduce a child of primary school age to values of money.

Teaching them essential concepts of money can help them make smarter financial choices as they grow older.

Experts say the first step for parents in the upbringing of children is to start talking about money issues at home.

They believe that a child should start knowing about money even when he is in primary three. They should know cost and effect of money. They should know that the clothes they wear and the food they eat are bought with money.

Adewale Adeleke, managing partner, WA Professionals, Lagos, said: "It is wise to teach children about money at early age, as early as when they can count. The children at that age learn fast by observation; therefore, conscious effort must be made to train them on the right attitude early."

He added that children can be introduced to money through the following means-

Once you have established that your creditor is willing to negotiate, make sure you have the lump sum payment ready.

In settling for less, your creditor will expect immediate payment. Also, be aware that opting for debt settlement will have a more negative impact on your credit score because the amount owing is not paid in full. This is not the case with a debt management plan where the full amount outstanding is paid over time.

Debt settlement should be undertaken only if your debt has reached the critical levels described above. Be aware that you will have to make some necessary financial adjustments to spending levels to prevent a re-occurrence. If the situation arose due to the use of high interest credit cards be aware that you will no longer be able to use them. Debt settlement can also be applied to department store charge cards, medical bills and other miscellaneous debts.

"In fact, we should not forget that when you give them money it might even be used for other purposes and these may lead to unwarranted freedom and easy access to uncontrollable demands."

As regards age limit, he said one cannot really give an age bracket, "but I think secondary school entry-level should be ideal, because at that age they are getting prepared for life at lower global perspective. So, they need to be exposed to the art of management."

Minimising your tax burden this season…a clue from income splitting

B

arely three weeks in to the new year, do you still envisage your household tax burden robbing you of the minimum standard of living for your family Again, have you been informed that the deadline for filing income tax returns is drawing closer and you are already worried again?

Now is the time to start

Quote I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well - Alan Greenspan

preparing to ensure minimal tax burden this season, as well as to start planning for a reduced tax burden and increased profit margin in the New Year.

Yes, you may likely be confronted by numerous tax/ revenue agencies when you start applying these tips but you can be more positioned to challenge them with the help

of uncompromising tax experts.

One of the ways to minimise your tax burden according to tax experts is by income splitting.

Income splitting is transferring income from a taxpayer in a high tax bracket to one in a lower bracket which allows you to reduce your family's income tax in a jurisdiction that employs progressive taxation.

For instance, in situations where one member of a household earns considerably more than another, they will likely be in a higher tax bracket, and thus have to pay more income tax.

A family with one person earning N1, 000, 000 per year and another who doesn't work is no wealthier than a couple where each earns N500, 000 per annum, yet the former will be taxed at a considerably higher rate due to progressive taxes.

Income splitting works by shifting some of the income to the lower earner, and thus shifting the higher earner to a lower tax bracket. It is the default behaviour in countries which allow or require spouses to file a joint tax r e t u r n . ( S o u r c e : www.moneyning.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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US drones in our backyard

ast month, precisely on January 28, the United States government signed a military agreement with Niger Republic, dubbed "Status of Forces," whose broad definition will give legal backing to US military to station a drone base in Nigeria's strategic northern neighbor. Though, negotiation for the agreement has been long, what seems to inform its hurried conclusion might not be unconnected with the French military intervention in Mali to drive out armed extremist groups that last year overran the northern part of that country.

Already, sources inside the government in Niamey, quoted by Reuters, have confirmed that "Niger has given the green light to accepting US surveillance drones on its soil to improve the collection of intelligence on Islamist movements." However, this deal which is broad in its framework and could be stretched further to accommodate whatever Washington considers its strategic interest in the region, could see even the deployment of aggressive drones in future for military missions far beyond containing extremists in the region.

Besides, the US has a tradition of stretching the definition of Islamism beyond what is conventionally acceptable. However, even US surveillance drones have left lethal consequences wherever they have been operated. According to London-based Bureau for

Investigative Journalism which has monitored US drones across the world, in Pakistan alone, the drones have conducted 362 strikes since 2004 and killed up to 3,461 militants and as many as 891 civilians. And because of US broad definition of militants, observers believe the number of civilian casualties might be much higher than recorded by the bureau.

Already US drone surveillance

“

Nigeria is a major regional power and could not stand by and watch an extraAfrican power plant a military facility that clearly undermines its own national security bases in Africa are in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Djibouti. The opening of a new base in Niger marks a clear stretching of the military dragnet which the US intends to throw around the region.

We hold the US partly responsible for the militarization of political Islam. Having generously backed Osama bin Laden and his militant accomplices to fight the Sovietbacked regime in Afghanistan, the militants turned their guns on former friends after finishing up their mutual

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adversaries. For much of the extremist resurgence in the West African sub-region, the sudden collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in Libya threw open the oversupplied arsenal of the former dictator to assorted groups who can pay. The fall of Gaddafi was a result of the thoughtless obsession of the West with regime change in Tripoli.

With Niger poised to host the deadly American military machine, Nigeria should not be complacent about this untoward happening in its backyard. Washington has argued that the paucity of its human intelligence in the West African subregion necessitates the deployment of surveillance drones. But these drones are not super proof against error. In Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen, where the drones are freely in use, a lot of civilians, including a mere wedding group, have been mistaken for military targets and bombed.

We share the global worry over the rising profile of violent Islamist extremism but we are clearly wary of the US solution of militarily running a ring across the region, especially with the establishment of a drone base in our neighbourhood. We urge Abuja to immediately engage with Niamey in order to get it to reconsider its military agreement with the US. Nigeria is a major regional power and could not stand by and watch an extra-African power plant a military facility that clearly undermines its own national security.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 13

A timeless fascination with scholarship

By Y. Z. YaĂş

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gainst the weight of time, there is certain timelessness in the Zaria years when I first made my acquaintance with Yusuf Bangura. It was in the early 80s and I was a graduate student, studying telecommunications in the Faculty of Engineering at ABU. Having been a member of the radical student movement in my undergraduate years, it was almost automatic that I gravitated towards the circle of the radical lecturers, mostly located at the famous Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at the time. FASS in those years was not only the centre of radical scholarship in the country but also a centre of intense ideological debates on the left. For a long time, Bala Usman, the descriptive historian with a peculiar rebelliousness was seen by many a young academics and students as a role model. This was the time when left wing rhetoric, if not activism, was almost like a fashion. The arrival of the young Yusuf Bangura, a brilliant intellectual with a sharp mind was unsettling to the established order.

Soon his analytical mind would remove the facade of radicalism on the scholarship that Bala Usman

was expounding and this, along with other disagreements, sealed the break between what was referred to as the BBB tendency and the Zaria Group.

By this time of course the authoritarianism that characterized the World Bank dictated Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) that the military junta had introduced from 1986 in the country had taken root and the government was busy emptying the universities of intellectual culture that was seen as dangerous to the SAP project. The universities not only suffered decline and decay but were directed by government to weed out radical scholars. Many academics were being forced out of the country and it was under this circumstance that Bangura left and eventually joined UNRISD. It was also the context in which a number of academics set up independent research outfits. This was how the Centre for Research and Documentation (CRD) in Kano was established by some members of the Zaria group and what could loosely be termed the Kano Group.

Bangura's personal collection donated to the CRD became part of the nucleus of the research library of the Centre which, till date, is

named the Bangura Collection and through that and his continuing contributions to the CRD and other intellectual undertakings; he has remained a major contributor to the development of social science scholarship in Nigeria.

There is something infectious about the Zaria experience. It has turned all those who went through it nostalgic which is why whenever any number of them meet at any international meeting, it is not only that in spite of being scattered across the globe, they tend to agree in most elements of their scholarship but even much more, they are sure to set up a mini conference, using the night as session to catch up with each other and clarify on new projects. This is most common in the CODESRIA meetings where you are sure to find many a number of them. From Kampala to Dakar, YaoundĂŠ and more recently Rabat these sessions were just as intellectually engaging as the main conference itself and Bangura was simply at his elements in those sessions.

I have followed the work of Bangura at UNRISD both through conferences such as those organized

by CODESRIA and by emails. He always seems refreshing and not afraid to raise controversy. When

we convinced him to join us at the last of a series of annual conferences on civil society that was organized jointly by Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House, Kano; the Centre for Research and Documentation, Kano; and the Politics of Development Group of Stockholm University, Stockholm, Bjorn Beckman and I schemed to get Yusuf to additionally speak on his rather last major work at UNRISD Combating Poverty and Inequality: Structural Change, Social Policy and Politics. We knew it was going to generate a lively intellectual debate.

At the seminar that Yusuf addressed at Mambayya House on 25 November 2010 he was simply cerebral, the facts on his fingertips, the logic impeccable while the arguments just flowing: drawing from the research of the UNRISD book, Bangura had argued that Nigerian democracy as it was (and still is) could not deliver development in the sense of poverty reduction. For Nigerians who have been recently been sold on democracy being the harbinger of development, there is the actual disappointment that 12 years since the return to electoral democracy, the country seems to regress but

there is the unyielding belief that surely democracy must bring development.

In the debate that ensued I could see the flicker of the Zaria years. In those years, the dominant tendency was that development could bring democracy. And development was only possible through the displacement of imperialist control over the local economy. Then we moved to the promise that democracy was the tool to bring democracy and this would happen only when foreign control of the economy is allowed unfettered freedom in the local economy. Bangura took the torrent of questions calmly and overall most contributors wanted him to be more explicit whether Nigeria's democracy would work but he sees a lot of difficulties that have to be surmounted for this to happen.

What this reinforced in me was that from Zaria to Geneva, Bangura is just merciless with facts and logic which was all the more reason why he had to leave Nigeria but happily he got hooked at UNRISD where there is respect for such scholarship. UNRISD will surely miss him but they are reassured that like Mkandawire before him, Yusuf Bangura has helped in uplifting the research profile of UNRISD especially in Africa where his works are well regarded.

Y. Z. Yau wrote in from Kano

Revisiting el-Rufai’s Accidental Public Servant W

By Charles Onunaiju

hen little men with modest imagination, originality and creative depth are transposed to high public offices they generally assume their idiosyncrasies to be existential social reality and consequently invade the public space with beguiled vanity and mediocrity.

Malam Nasir el-Rufai, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory has just published a volume of largely egomaniac treatise, feeding from the country's fractured political life in the past thirteen years. Had he invented characters and appropriately label his book a fiction; it would have been a blockbuster thriller. The vaunting ego out of Mr. el-Rufai tiny frame was present in every page of the book and what emerged at the end of it all is the indispensable el-Rufai, in such audacious manner that former U.S Secretary of State Ms. Madeleine Albright could her country "the indispensable nation".

El-Rufai's book reeks of not only malicious slander against most of the living but a banal and reckless insensitivity for the dead. Every line is dotted with ingratiating and fawning massage for his new friends in the opposition, but what I learnt early in life which is instructive even in politics is that those who tell you terrible things about others would tell other people terrible things about you. I do not hold forth for any of el-Rufai adversaries that he recklessly traduced, but every decent person should be assailed by the incongruent incoherence's and inchoate narrative that Mr. elRufai spurned as a masterpiece.

For the massive disconnect that would run through the 489 pages of the book, excluding end notes, appendix etc, I would examine few that are outstanding for its gross deficit of logic, coherence and common sense.

According to the author, after the America company, Motorola lost

the bid for the supply of equipment for the NITEL GSM, the U.S firm whom the author noted had "its annual sales well into the tens of billions of dollars, and doubted if a measly $38 million contract would be so important to any Motorola shareholder." Yet after losing the measly sum, the company was so concerned to hire a consultant to find out the reason for the loss, in addition to a diplomatic offensive launched by the U.S ambassador to Nigeria then, Mr. Howard Jeter.

According to el-Rufai's tales, the American consultant for Motorola after seeing former President Obasanjo, confronted him with the facts of what led to the loss of the contract to the European rival, Ericson. Among the reasons in the author's tale, the one that would have consequence for this short review is that the then vice president Abubakar Atiku has gossiped to the then president that el-Rufai's brother had 10% of the common stock of Motorola in U.S and therefore the Ericson win of the contract was a consequence of Atiku's witch hunt of the el-Rufai's family. The author who met Obasanjo over Atiku's alleged treachery and had it confirmed from the President wondered the reasons "Atiku was spreading falsehoods about me".

What would shock common sense and assail the most simplistic of logics in the author's narrative in the next chapter.

Notwithstanding that he threatened to resign instead of working with Atiku, the former vice president who has seen elRufai as enough threat as to gossip him with the president played the crucial role in getting the author to become the minister of the F.C.T. According to el-Rufai, Obasanjo has nominated him to the post to ostensibly do what he cannot find any other person to do, including checkmating the vice president, yet Obasanjo did nothing to help him through the cesspool of corruption that was the senate clearance for ministerial

nominees.

After a spell of encounter with former senate deputy president Ibrahim Mantu and Senate leader Jonathan Zwingina who demanded gratification of 54 million naira, Atiku intervened and got him cleared for the ministerial job after an alleged payment of 50 million naira as he was later told by a senior bank manager who was close to the former vice president.

According to el-Rufai, Atiku has earlier told him that Ibrahim Mantu is too greedy that he could go for a mere 1,000 naira in a lion mouth in spite of the obvious danger of been devoured, yet the same Atiku who was chummy enough to el-Rufai to narrate Mantu's legendry greed was not forth coming in telling him that he has paid off the duo of Mantu and Zwingina to get him cleared but rather told him that 50 million naira paid Zwingina was part payment for party work in the North East zone. Yet the saintly elRufai who did not believe the former vice president went ahead to sit in the office that was allegedly secured with illicit money. Yet this is the former vice president, who mortally feared the larger than life image of el-Rufia that he needed to gossip to Obasanjo about el-Rufai and his family connection to the American Motorola that led to the short-changing of the U.S firm in favour of European Ericson. It does not fit into common sense that the former vice president who was so perturbed by el- Rufai as mere director general of Bureau for Public Enterprise to the back biting him to the then president would play the key in elevating to federal minister. It does appear that mallam el Rufai did mean his memoir for any serious mind.

The most bizarre tale of el-Rufai in his book is the marabout story.

According to him, the former vice president has told him of a Cameroun marabout whose predictions about his political trajectory has been true all along

and has then predicted that Obasanjo would not complete his tenure and that the vice president would be soon be shooed-in into the presidency. I have absolutely no connection with former vice president to know his attitude to marabouts. But it seem obviously implausible that a man who is well known to groom, built and nurture the most thriving political structure across the country to which he ostensibly spends to much to maintain, have sufficient faith in the magic words of a marabout as confide in el-Rufai. As everyone knows after every election, politicians disband their campaign and political outfit. Only Atiku and probably a few others are known to maintain a permanent political and organisational structure, including a vigorous media office at a non-election season. A man as beholden to marabout as el-Rufai cleverly insinuates about the former vice president would not have seen the need for maintaining a costly campaign outfit. As a fairly young reporter, about twelve years ago, I had queried a friend of mine who was running for the chairman of Abuja Municipal Council why he had no campaign structure or bothered to open an office.

His answer was that he had assembled ten marabouts that were working on the option that every vote cast for his rivals would magically turn to his. I predicted right there that he would win only one vote, which would be his, and it turned out exactly so. Without providing any connect from when the former vice president who was his back-biter-in-chief turned a confidant, el-Rufia narrated how the vice president summoned him Dr. Usman Bugaje and publisher of ThisDay Newspaper, Nduka obaigbena to a meeting at a guest house in Aso Drive, Abuja. At the meeting Atiku narrated how he has been meeting two groups of politicians who have nudged him on, to contest presidency and shove Obasanjo aside. According to el-

Rufai, General Babaginda played the role of a political pimp, ensuring every detail of the meeting which he has held with Atiku and others was instantly relayed back to the then president Obasanjo.

It is very strange and rather callously imprudent that the author would choose such an open forum to lampoon the leaders of his region for stories that are, at best, conjectural and flow from his obsession to look different from others and be the only northern star. El-Rufai took the pursuit of ego and vaunting ambition to a new level. To launder and massage his ego, he wrote that the meeting of the trio with Atiku decided to send him to the U.S "because of my contacts with the U.S government and in Washington- friends in the U.S congress and Clinton administration, The World Bank and IMF". The same el-Rufai who was to write in later chapter how he was told of a Nigerian lady, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who was a director at the World Bank by one senator Ama Iwuagwu has prior to then, had numerous friends in the World Bank, IMF, U.S government and Congress and yet was later to be introduced to a high profile Nigerian in one the major organisation where he has circle of friends. The author seems, to me, an unabashed imposter and a name-dropper. In any case what does Atiku's presidential bid had to do with consultation with the U.S government, British government, German Chancellor Kohl and French president Mitterrand after the former vice president have had chances to secure the nod of his party through the national convention. If the meeting reported by the author allegedly convened by the vice president was not convened to work out a coup d'etat or other forms of illegitimate seizure of power, why would there be a need for international consultation.

Charles Onunaiju is a journalist based in Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 14

By Ahmed Tijjani

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s Nigeria is gearing up for the celebration of the country's centenary come year 2014, following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 that gave birth country now called Nigeria, we should not lose forget to also roll out the drums to celebrate the 40th anniversaries of these three landmark initiatives of the then military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

The Ministry of Finance, with the Central Bank as the lead agency, should begin preparations for celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Nigerian currency of Naira and Kobo, the Federal Ministry of Transport with such lead agencies as the Transport Department, The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) including the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) of the Nigerian Police Force under whose tutelage the Nigerian road traffic control was managed should combine strength and wisdom in celebrating the current driving system initiated 40 years ago, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development as the mother ministry to be led by the agency, the National Youth Service Corps scheme office has the great task of showcasing a marvellously befitting celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of the scheme.

The National Youth Service Corps scheme was created in the effort to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war. The unfortunate antecedents in our national history that was characterised by distrust, sectionalism and sentiments

By Jon Chikadibie Okafo

E

ver since Barth Nnaji was booted out as Minister of Power, I kept delaying the need to write something about the power situation in the country and the scandalous entity that is the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Well, I am furiously writing this now because I just received another crazy bill from the PHCN and my patience suddenly turned into anger, shock, disappointment and anguish.

There is really no point repeating the shame, rot, scandal and gargantuan personification of corruption that is the Power Sector of our economy; we have been treated to gory tales of maggotinfested faeces-like scam that is replicated in the industry by past governments. Billions of dollars have been sunk into providing reliable power supply to Nigeriansthe result is nothing but more darkness and dilapidated transmission and generation equipment while those entrusted with the task/funds suddenly became billionaires and recipients of National Honour/chieftaincy titles!

To bring the gist closer home, my monthly PHCN bills have remained on a steady rise since Barth Nnaji bowed out; under Barth as Minister of Power, I enjoyed a substantial amount of

Celebrating NYSC at 40 universities hinged on and later tribe, religion Polytechnics and region have been gave impetus Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text required to take to the messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written part in the establishment National Youth of the National contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 Service Corps Youth Service words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and ( N Y S C ) Corps by the a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed program for enactment of to: one year. This decree 24 of is known as 22nd May The Editor, n a t i o n a l 1973.

The Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, service year. It D e c r e e 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. is the process of unequivocally Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com orientation to states that the prepare the N Y S C SMS: 07037756364 youth for the programme is task of nation b e i n g established with a view to the people for good citizenship, building ahead. proper encouragement and young men and women who Corps members are posted to development of common ties would be the right materials for states far from their states of among the youths of Nigeria and mobilization in the service of the origin. They are expected to mix the promotion of national unity. nation through the National with people of other tribes, social Products of universities and Youth Service Corps Scheme. and family backgrounds, to other institutions of higher The scheme was so organized learn the culture of the indigenes learning that are training with a view to giving the youth in the place they are posted to. grounds for future leaders, and proper guidance and orientation This action is aimed to bring as institutions that are first and relevant to the needs of the about unity in the country and foremost committed to the country. Since the promulgation to help youths appreciate other advancement of learning and of the decree establishing the ethnic groups. knowledge as well as training of scheme in 1973, graduates of The NYSC has brought about

WRITE TO US

“

Therefore, going by the positive impact of the NYSC scheme on the political and socio-economic life of the country, the scheme should not only be celebrated as it clocks 40 on May 22, this year, but it should be further strengthened and if need be, expanded to involve more youths in and outside school system

developments in some poor and needy communities. Corps members have undertaken community development projects in many fields including education, health, environment, water, agriculture, etc. This is in addition to their primary assignments that have brought services by virtue of their professional callings to their places of deployment at little or no cost to their beneficiaries.

When monetised, it is indeed a quantum of substantial sum that the beneficiaries could under normal circumstances, ill afford..

Socially, the NYSC scheme is a bridge builder that has brought the various sectional and ethnic Nigerians together for better interaction and understanding.

This often culminated into marriages regardless of religion, tribe or regional affinity.

The NYSC scheme has also served as one of the veritable tools in social mobilisation in most national programmes and events. One can vividly recall the enormous contributions and commendable efforts of members of the youth service corps during the census period. They have also come handy in the country's electoral process both in voters' registration and during elections.

Therefore, going by the positive impact of the NYSC scheme on the political and socioeconomic life of the country, the scheme should not only be celebrated as it clocks 40 on May 22, this year, but it should be further strengthened and if need be, expanded to involve more youths in and outside school system.

Ahmad Tijjani wrote in from 80 Lagos Crescent, Garki I1, Abuja

PHCN: Witches, demons and crazy bills power supply sold at N22 per khz.

Incidentally, Professor Nnaji's efforts at sanitizing the industry ruffled some feathers, feathers that apparently benefit from the rot in the system, and he was sacked immediately. Ever since then, power supply has nose-dived and the bills more erratic and shocking-literally and otherwise.

In Surulere, Lagos where I live to Amawbia, my home town, the story is the same: power supply has dropped outrageously, while the

bills keeps rising, and rising, and rising! Welcome to the era of "estimated billing"-a period of time where evil-minded PHCN officials sit down in their ramshackle offices and concoct very demonic and weird bills just to jolt us hapless Nigerians to our early graves.

Gone are the days when NEPA officials went round the entire neighbourhood reading meters and billing accordingly.

Have you also wondered why it is now easier to find a saint in the

“

Have you also wondered why it is now easier to find a saint in the PDP than to acquire a "pre-paid meter" from PHCN? Well, in the beginning, it appeared to be easy getting the meter but suddenly, the PHCN in their bizarre way found out they were losing money rather too fast and decided to put a stop to the "pre-paid" madness

PDP than to acquire a "pre-paid meter" from PHCN? Well, in the beginning, it appeared to be easy getting the meter but suddenly, the PHCN in their bizarre way found out they were losing money rather too fast and decided to put a stop to the "pre-paid" madness. You now hear all sorts of stories if you dare ask for the meter. As a consumer, you only pay for power supplied, and because most times, PHCN prefers holding on to power, you will not be required to pay, and there won't be any case of "estimated-billing"! So, it now makes more business sense making pre-paid meters unavailable and charge customers wickedly, than allow them enjoy "pay-as-you-use" services.

When will Dr Sam Amadi (NERC) convincingly explain to us the reason why distribution companies charge us for power not supplied, and disconnect us if we dare complain? I was disconnected last month because I challenged a bill during a time there was no power supply for 7 weeks! PHCN's philosophy remains "pay now and complain later". From my investigations, I gathered that power supplied to any disco must be paid for irrespective of the technical losses encountered in the

course of transmission. Now, distribution companies charge customers for power not supplied or consumed just to meet up with their share of the already projected revenue. I challenge Dr Sam Amadi of NERC or any PHCN official to deny this.

This is the story all over Nigeria and our government is playing the ostrich and yapping about transformation...what bloody transformation are we talking about when the entire nation is in darkness? This is the height of wickedness; when the cost of electricity was hiked by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, he swore that there was a subsidy in place to cushion the shocking effects of the increase. What do we have today in Nigeria? A situation where the government sinfully continue to add money for fuel and generators in its budget while blowing hot air about revamping the power sector- well, the only revamping I see in the sector is a pocketful of cronies of the government smiling to the back while we continue to thank China for the power generators in our homes.

Jon Chikadibie Okafo is reachable on johnteddy@hotmail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 15

Could DIY culture be Nigeria's answer to nation-building?

By Bobby Udoh Many Nigerians who've lived in several Western countries would have observed the DIY culture. In these societies, it is common for a person to buy a house strip off & replace the wallpaper or paint; strip off the carpets and replace with a wooden floor; build the garden shed & replace the garden fence; build wardrobes, drawers, cabinets; fix new bathtub, etc. All that would be achieved without the person being an expert (a painter, gardener, carpenter or plumber).

This is common and it is called DIY - Do It Yourself. Generally, DIY means undertaking a task a paid expert would have done for you.

Of course, it may not include highly specialised task (like gas or electrical installation) but it still covers a wide range of activities.

In the 70s and 80s in Nigeria, it was more common to see families do several things for themselves sewing, doing the lawn, servicing the car, changing of car tyre. But now, it is worrying that many Nigerians are no longer undertaking these tasks because of the rise of organised society. The result is, a culture where many do not know how to undertake simple task nor utilise their brains.

Even more worrying is the fact that developed societies are extending the scope, depth and range of the DIY culture. It is no

longer just about undertaking domestic task or hobbies but it is becoming a culture that empowers the individual to seek & develop answers to problems they & their society face. It is also becoming a culture that says there is no set or established way of doing things.

Therefore, many programmes and platforms have been created to actualise it.

So, advanced societies are gradually moving from the era of organised shopping, organised domestication, organised religion, organised marriage, organised working hours & location, in summary an organised way of life.

There are benefits of this regimented & copycat lifestyle (like convenience) but it hinders innovation, discourages individuality and creates citizens with lazy brains. This has become the case in Nigeria.

However, the advent of the technology & information age, has led to the empowerment of individuals or groups, to encourage the employment of alternative approaches when faced with bureaucratic or societal obstacles to achieving their objectives. People can now design and sew the clothes they want, and if they can't sew, they can have control over the design, materials and colours. Some have chosen to 'home school' their children rather than send them to public or private school.

Innovations are emerging every day to enable us create the food we want, preserve our water, travel from place to place, create our own entertainment, work from home or completely transformed offices, buy finished products or buy in parts & we finish the products to our specification, marry the partner of our choice in our own time and in our preferred ceremonies.

There is a new wave of innovation, search for individuality and the questioning of the status quo. These are products

of the DIY culture and it produces a mindset that says if we want something hard enough, we can learn it and make it happen ourselves (or in a community of like-minds). Again, the growth in the availability of information & technology are key enablers and government can no longer be considered a major obstacle.

If we are honest enough, we will admit Nigeria is far from this trend.

So, there is an urgent need for us to open ourselves to the liberty & empowerment that comes from

“

There is a new wave of innovation, search for individuality and the questioning of the status quo. These are products of the DIY culture and it produces a mindset that says if we want something hard enough, we can learn it and make it happen ourselves (or in a community of like-minds). Again, the growth in the availability of information & technology are key enablers and government can no longer be considered a major obstacle

the DIY culture. This will enable us witness a transformed mindset.

Some other benefits will include a rise in personal responsibility for our lives and our nation; the development of a solution focused rather than a problem focused mindset; a hands-on approach to activities in our lives; more time committed to research to find solutions; the creation of innovative products and services that will address several of our national challenges, an educational system that produces graduates who can DIY rather than look for jobs, and many more.

It is true the internet is yet to make significant inroad into our rural areas but there is a sufficient number of citizens in urban areas with access to abundant & unprecedented tools (internet, information and technology) to enforce the DIY culture. We've been underdeveloped for too long and the only way out remains for a critical mass of our citizens to dedicate their resources (time and money), using the abovementioned tools, to generate and implement systems, products and services that will lead to the building of a developed Nigeria.

Nation-building powered by the DIY culture creates an environment of possibilities.

Would you adopt the DIY culture?

Bobby Udoh is on www.Twitter.com

Local government and people-centred governance

By Ade Dosunmu

T

he United Nations describes the local government as a political sub-division of a nation (or in a federal system, a state) which is constituted by a law and has substantial control of local affairs including the power to impose taxes or to exert labour for prescribed purposes.

The governing body of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected. A large chunk (over 70 per cent) of Nigeria's population inhabits the rural areas on daily income of less than $1. The Food and Agriculture Organisation in its study of decentralization and rural property taxation in 2004 noted that: "a problem facing many developing countries is that the central government [federal and states] does not already provide an adequate level of services uniformly throughout the country.

Instead, many government services are relatively easily available only to those living in the major cities, and there is a lack of presence of central government agencies in outlying regions [local areas]." What this implies invariably is that only a local system of governance with funding capacity and efficient administrative structure can close the existing gap. Bottom-top approach to development is strategic in getting Nigeria out of the serious governance challenges which incidentally have become negatively rooted at the local government level.

It is only a viable local government system that can complement any approach aim at fast-tracking and deepening development in all ramifications.

Within the context of stimulating

development through the participatory governance at the grassroots, autonomy therefore becomes very crucial to imbue transparency, accountability and necessary oversights for managing resources. Lack of transparency and accountability in resource management at the local government level also a direct consequence of lack of capacity amongst the people at the grassroots to engage the system for transparency and accountability.

Autonomy in relative sense would also translate into political engagement for the people because some semblance of democratic culture rather than the roguish emasculation of electoral process as manifested by the meddlesomeness of political overlords at the state level would have been significantly addressed.

For a country with a population in far excess of 120 million people, there is no way the

federal and states governments can make meaningful impact in the lives of the people without effective and efficient local governments. The British Colonial authority realized this very much, when it introduced the first Native Administration Ordinance No. 4 of 1916. The purpose is to bring governance closer to the people, aside other interest at that time. Although the importance of grassroots government is not lost on successive governments (military and civilians) in Nigeria, the challenge has been that of efficiency and service delivery.

Unfortunately, the local government system has been a shadow of it envisaged role; offering little or nothing to the overall development of the country. But a close look at the challenges and prospects of local government administration will show that nothing is fundamentally wrong with local government system in

“

Local government administration has not only derailed from its laudable objective but has over the years been worsened by the appendage status it acquired under the military which has subjected it to the whims and caprices of the chief executive of states. Ironically, our local government system has been going through its worst period in history since the restoration of civil rule in 1999

Nigeria, except that it lacked the political will and financial autonomy to perform its statutory functions, duties and responsibilities as stipulated by laws which also need to be revisited in the light of emerging realities.

Regrettably, local government administration in Nigeria which predates regional governments has not satisfactorily delivered services to the people after almost a century of its existence. Local government administration has not only derailed from its laudable objective but has over the years been worsened by the appendage status it acquired under the military which has subjected it to the whims and caprices of the chief executive of states. Ironically, our local government system has been going through its worst period in history since the restoration of civil rule in 1999.

The undermining of democratic aspirations of Nigerians which has so far manifested glaringly in the administration of local government under successive civilian administrations could well be traced to the political affliction which has stymied the local government system in Nigeria since the days of military rule. The introductory remarks to the farreaching 1976 local government reforms highlighted this problem when it observes that "the state governments have continued to encroach upon what would have been the exclusive preserve of local government".

There is no contention whatsoever that the local government system is a grassroots government and remains the closest to the people. That is why the ongoing process by the National Assembly to amend sections 7 and 162 of the 1999

constitution (as amended) to give the 774 local governments financial autonomy must be situated within the context of making the local government work for the people to significantly reduce poverty in the country and engender national development.

It therefore should be in the interest of all if all stakeholders see the granting of financial autonomy to the local governments as a national concern and genuine intervention in making the people feel the impact of governance at the grassroots. Since, there is no Nigerian without a local government status or origin, the federal and states government should support every modest effort by the National Assembly to free the local government from undue political interference and encumbrances.

However, it is instructive that the National Assembly should consider a more robust reform of the local government system that will guarantee political autonomy and efficient system than reducing the problem to "joint State / Local Government Account" regime and other financial entanglements as enshrined in Section 162. The implication of this is to also consider a review of the Fourth Schedule of the constitution outlining the functions, duties and responsibilities of the local governments. Making the local government financially autonomous must be complemented with stability to reduce distraction from any quarter to the barest minimum.

Dr. Ade Dosunmu is an expert in public administration and governance

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PHCN denies collecting money for special line Clergyman

T

he Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in NyanyaMararaba in Abuja denied knowledge of any service line on which customers paid N150, 000 to be connected.

The Business Manager, PHCN, Nyanya-Mararaba, Mr Mussani Nuhu made the denial in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

In his words: “Well, this is not the first time we have heard of this kind of allegation. Some

people come to get approval to install transformers in their places or their communities.

“As you know, government is not able to provide transformers to all customers.

So, when they install this transformer, they start to collect money from customers,’’ he said.

Some residents of the areas alleged that PHCN contractors were connecting customers to low tension lines, otherwise known as “24 hours”, and

charging N150, 000 per house and N10, 000 per room.

Nuhu said that PHCN management was not aware of this but vowed to stop it wherever it existed.

He stressed that when a person or community bought a transformer, it became government property as soon as it was energised by PHCN. He promised to disconnect any illegal lines from the network, especially from the 33KV line.

He said that the Abuja Zonal Office had recently declared that no approval would be given to customers to connect to the 33KV line.

“The absence of 11KV line in some places led to the concession given to contractors.

Contractors are now misusing this privilege.

“All our customers are given light. Anyone who has no light could be due to a fault either from their transformers or their lines.’’ (NAN)

advises youths to shun vices, engage in useful ventures

By Beauty Amaike, with agency reports

A

An accident scene on Abuja-Lokoja road at Gwagwalada, on Monday.

Photo: NAN

Abuja residents reiterate need to check indecent dressing S ome residents of Abuja have decried the increasing incidence of indecent dressing among females in the city.

Some of them, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called for the imposition of punitive measures to arrest the trend.

A secondary school teacher, Mrs Uduak Udoh who admonished everyone to be involved in the battle against indecent dressing, said: “it will degenerate if not quickly checked.

“This trend, which we think is fashionable, will lead us to a state of `Sodom and Gomorrah’ if it is not checked and the time to check it is now,’’ she said.

Udoh urged mothers to ensure they dressed decently to enable them look straight into the eyes of their children and tell them why they should also dress decently.

“You cannot give what you do not have. We should stop

encouraging evil in our homes, places of worship, work and social gatherings,’’ she added.

She said that indecent dressing, particularly among women, was contributing to incidence of rape in the society.

“Look at the rate of rape now, why can’t the women stop oppressing the men with their tempting dressing. Please we should find a strict way of saying enough is enough,” Udoh insisted.

Mr Enrest Chuka, an engineer, also cautioned women about their carriage in social gatherings, adding that “it determines the type of society we have.

“It is an obvious fact that the way you dress is the way you are addressed. It has got to a point when it is even difficult to differentiate between spinsters from married women because every one of them competes to expose her body more each day.

“When you properly look into

the lives of some women, they live in dirty environment because they spend all their time concentrating on wears that exposes their bodies,” Chuka said.

Dr Femi Ola expressed displeasure over the issue and urged people to develop a sense of decency to curb indiscipline.

“The government should in its part stop some products which pose negative effect on the citizenry from coming into the country, including foreign clothing.

“Let us try and promote our cultural dressing and from there improve on ourselves,’’ Ola said, and urged parents to ensure they monitored the dresses their children put on.

“Things should not continue this way; it must be checked or we have a people of no shame and a chaotic environment where everything looks unserious.”

Miss Sarah Edom, a student, expresses fear that indecent dressing was eroding morality in

some churches.

Edom said this was not acceptable because a place of worship should champion the cause of exemplary dressing.

“When this is done on campuses one would take it to be young people trying out some new ideas or new ways of dressing in this modern age.

“What I cannot comprehend is seeing that churches are not doing enough to stop women from indecent dressing, rather some churches are now the worst places to identify badly dressed women.

“How can we open our eyes and plunge ourselves into abyss; in short let us take this matter seriously if we are honest to be true human beings,” Edom stressed.

Mr Chudi Nwandu, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said proper dressing was ideal for promoting the country’s cultural heritage.

(NAN)

clergyman, Dr Godwin Danladi, on Monday advised young people to shun vices and promote excellence by engaging in useful ventures.

The Senior Pastor with the Salvation Victory Church,Danladi gave the advice in a speech delivered at a leadership award ceremony, organised by three Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja.

Danladi was conferred with the Peace Ambassador Award and the Leadership Role Model Award, alongside his wife, Mrs Uyosi Danladi.

He decried the increasing incidence of young people indulging in vices, such as drugs, watching pornographic films and stealing.

Danladi said that people were often vulnerable to vices in their youth, urging youths to ensure that they guarded against things that would lead to vices.

He also advised young people to use their time sensibly so that they could stay out of trouble.

“I advise the youth to shun drugs, stop stealing and avoid promiscuity because these are the most prevalent cases in the country now.

“If young people can use their time wisely and live purposeful lives, the future will be better.

“Youths are leaders of tomorrow; as future leaders, the youth should engage in useful things to ensure a bright future.”

The clergyman condemned the practice by some young people, who used violence as means of expressing their grievances.

He urged youths to pursue peace, saying “peace is key for uniting people’’.

Quoting the holy books, Danladi admonished the people to always seek peace.

He, however, promised to live up to expectations as a youth ambassador, while thanking the CSOs for the conferment of the award on him.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Mr Praise Musa, Director of Young Peoples Network, said that Danladi was the fifth person to be conferred with the award by the organisations.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Construction of all public buildings in FCT is our responsibility, says FCT minister

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

T

A woman preparing meal the African way at Federal Housing Estate in Lugbe Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Residents of Proform estate petitions Jonathan over demolition

By Adeola Tukuru

R

esidents of a mass housing estate in Abuja, under the auspices of Saraha Proform Estate Residents Association have petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over the planned demolition by the Development Control Department (DCD) of the N160 billion estates.

The residents in the petition signed by Oluwasegunotta Ojo and Barrister Maureen Ibikwe , the chairman and secretary of the association respectively dated January 4, 2013, said they bought properties at the estate between 2009 and 2012, through one Alhaji Kabiru, the chairman/CEO of Saraha Homes Limited and had long completed payment and taken possession of their houses without hindrance from anybody until recently.

“It would be important to inform you sir that at the commencement of our transactions with Saraha Homes Limited, we demanded to see the original allocation paper of the said plot. We were shown a copy of letter of offer issued in the name of Proform (West Africa) Limited.

“We were also made to understand that there was a partnership agreement between the said Proform (West Africa) Limited and Saraha Homes Limited. A copy of the said partnership agreement was also shown to us by the Chairman/ CEO of Saraha Homes Limited.

We were also shown a copy of a

letter of authority investing power on the Chairman/CEO of Saraha Homes Limited to manage and superintend the estate,” the letter reads in part.

The residents said searches conducted at the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and confirmed that the land was allocated in the name of Proform (West Africa) Limited and they were subsequently issued offer letters for their respective buildings by Saraha Homes Limited to take possession of their various buildings.

They said they were however surprised when a group in the name Winning Clause Limited came to paste quit notices on their buildings in November 2012 - claiming ownership of the said plot, adding, “Worried by the strange development we approached the Winning Clause Limited, through Mr. P I N Ikwueto (SAN), who claimed to be the chairman of the company in his office to find out why the notices were pasted on our buildings. We were then told that the allocation to Pro-Form (West Africa) Limited had been revoked and reallocated to Winning Clause Limited in November 2012.

“On December 3, 2012, some persons who claimed to be men from the Department of Development Control of FCDA came with bulldozers to demolish our buildings in the estate.

According to the Winning Clause Group, the men came at its behest. But in keeping faith with of observing law and order, we reached out to the chairman of

Winning Clause Limited, Mr P.I.N Ikwueto (SAN), who said to us that the only thing that could save our houses from being demolished is if every house owner pays N15 million to Winning Clause Limited via him.”

The petitioners also informed the president that the same Winning Clause Limited had initiated an action against Pro-Form (West Africa) in a court of law over the said Plot 67, Kafe District, Abuja and in spite of the subsisting suit in court, which has not yet been determined, the Winning Clause Limited through its agents had sworn never to allow them have peace and “They have consistently sent thugs to the estate to harass and intimidate us. We are no longer sure of our safety anymore. Our lives are in danger.”

According to them, through an earlier petition to the Director of mass housing department of FCDA, Engr Jibril Gambo Umar, it had been confirmed that Winning Clause Limited never applied for mass housing land through the Department of Mass Housing of FCDA just as no land was allocated to it through the department as there were no records to that effect.

In the petition which was also sent to the minister of the FCT, the National Assembly, the chief of army staff, inspector general of police and others, the residents also complained that on the morning of Thursday, January 31, 2013, they woke up to discover that about 60

armed soldiers with armed policemen numbering about 50, dressed in bullet proof vests had besieged the estate, cordoned off all the entrances to the estate and made sure nobody left or comes into the estate. ”The armed men threatened to shoot anybody who disobeyed them. We were later informed that the fearful looking armed security men were invited to the estate by the management of Winning Clause Limited and some senior officials of the Development Control Department with the evil intention of pulling down over 200 already completed duplexes.

“They however succeeded in demolishing three in order to force us to succumb to the huge financial demands of some questionable characters. The sight of these armed men inflicted great trauma on the residents which culminated to people fainting and some had instant cardiac arrest. We have cases of home owners suffering from stroke because of the trauma the Winning Clause Limited has inflicted us and the uncertainty of what may befall our houses.”

They therefore implored the president to come to their rescue by directing the necessary authorities of the FCDA, especially the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed to resolve the matter in their favour in order to save them from the trauma they are currently undergoing in the hands of Winning Clause Limited and the Development Control Department (DCD).

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has said the decree No. 6 of 1976 that created Abuja also simultaneously created the Federal Capital Development Authority with duty and responsibilities to plan, design, provide the infrastructure and construct public buildings as well as services to the entire 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory.

Bala made this declaration while responding to some media publications on N4 billion earmarked for the proposed building of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) as contained the proposed 2013 FCT Administration budget.

The Minister who responded through his Senior Special Assistant on Information Management Systems, Hajiya Jamilah Tangazah recalled that the African First Ladies Peace Mission was created in 1996 to promote peace and harmony in Africa after the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women and its subsequent declaration in Zimbabwe during which the Organization of African Unity (now African Union) keyed in.

Senator Mohammed remarked that since its inception in 1996, the organization has been debating issues of relevance to African women, children and youths as well as issues to do with social justice within the fields of population and development, the environment, and human rights especially gender equality.

The Minister said that as part of its remit to live up to its international obligation, the Federal Government accommodates certain international bodies- just like it is done across the globe; adding that every year, the cost of rent or accommodation for such bodies tends to be above one billion naira.

According to him, in Abuja this obligation is transferred to the FCT Administration and as part of its efficiency measure, the FCT Administration saw in the proposed headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission building an opportunity to save cost by using the AFLPM building to serve multiple roles in providing office accommodation as well as housing not just the African First Ladies Peace Mission but to other international bodies as well.

Senator Mohammed noted that from the foregoing, it can be seen that by proposing to build the AFLPM edifice- a public -listed building- the FCT Administration is only acting in accordance to its duty and responsibilities as envisioned by the law.

The Minister emphasized that the FCT Administration has submitted the budget to the National Assembly to debate on it and give its final approval based on requisite needs of the nation’s capital as dictated by local, national and international postulations.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 17

INSIDE FCT COURTS Man, 28, held for alleged criminal conspiracy, theft

By Beauty Amaike

O University of Abuja students protesting commencement of Second Semester Examination without accreditation of the Institution's Faculties of Engineering and Medicine, at Gwagwalada, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Son sues step mother, brother over father’s properties M

r Ugochukwu Okoye, a businessman, has sued his step mother and brother before a Garki Customary Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing his late father properties.

Ugochukwu told the court that on the night of his father’s death, his step mother ransacked the house and stole his late father’s document.

“My dad was in possession of his documents before his death. I was in my house at Nyanya and my step mother was living with my father.

“Immediately after my father’s death, my step mother called her son (my step brother) and ransacked the house and took away his documents. They did not even tell me that my father was dead; it was through my cousin that I heard of his death.

“When I got to the house the following day, I realised that they were already in possession of the entire document. I took my father to the mortuary immediately, paid the mortuary fee, and also paid for his embalmment.

“I soon realised that they have started selling some of his cars and houses, my step brother even went to tell my father’s tenants to starting paying rent into his account.

When I confronted him, he called his other brothers and beat me up.

It was by the grace of God that I survived it,’’ he said.

He told the court that as the first son of the family, he had tried to settle the issue but it seemed abortive.

“I reported the issue to my uncles, they called them but they refused

to come. I then reported them to our kinsmen. They were told to come to the village so that they could help settle the issue, yet they refused to come.

“Finally, I reported them to the king of our village, he summoned them, and they did not yield to the invitation ,’’ he said.

Ugochuwku urged the court to restrain his step mother and brother from selling his father’s properties, as well as to help bring justice into the issue.

On their part, Obinna Okoye, his step brother, said that Ugochukwu was not entitled to his father’s properties.

“He is not a legal son of my father, he is not entitled to any part of his properties, although we tried to compensate him by giving some of

my father shops,’’ he said.

Ugochukwu in his defence, said the shops given to him were those marked for demolition.

He also said that he had a good relationship with his father when he was alive and even after his death.

“My father saw me through my primary and secondary education, now am running a part time programme in the polytechnic.

Even the house I am presently living here in Abuja, was a gift from my father. The land on which I built my house in the village was also given to me by my father.

The Judge, Alhaji Suleiman Ismaila, gave the parties 19 days to present their witnesses and adjourned the case to February 25, 2013. (NAN)

Police arraign 3 men in court for abducting passer-by

T

he Police in Nasarawa state has arraigned three men, Musa AbdulKadir, Inusa Audu and Masubahu Sunusi , before the Chief Magistrates Court in Mararaba for abducting a passer-by.

The accused persons are between ages 18 and 20.

The prosecution said that the incident was reported by one Emmanuel Ikeibe of Battalion 3 Mararaba at the Sani Abacha Road, Police Station, Mararaba at 7 p.m. on February, 6, 2013.

The Police Prosecutor, Joseph Ahuwa told the court that Ikeibe was returning from hospital in Mararaba, where he went to see his sick wife when the first accused saw him approaching. ‘‘He suddenly raised an alarm as if he had seen him before,’’ he said.

Ahuwa said that, Sunusi started shouting and attracted the attention of the neighborhood, accusing Ikeibe of cheating him of N2,500 about three weeks ago.

He added that it was then that Musa, Audu and others now at large, joined and got hold of Ikeibe the road,

preventing him from going home.

The prosecutor said that the accused persons committed offences punishable under Sections 97,265,256,397,392 and 114 of the Penal Code.

However, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the

charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Habila Abundaga, granted them bail in the sum of N40, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to March 13, 2013 for further hearing.

(NAN)

ne Destiny Amadioha of Efekwuru Egbemo, 28, of Imo state has been alleged before an Upper Area Court in Karu for criminal conspiracy and theft.

Police Prosecutor, Sanni Yakubu told the court that sometimes in 2012 that the accused conspired with others at large and stole documents such as original certificate of incorporation owned by Chris Brown International LTD, ten million capital share and original letter of award for the development of two hundred and fourth six housing units by Federal housing authority belonging to Chris Amadi of No 3 Azikiwe Rivers Street, Portharcourt.

Yakubu said that the offence contravene the provision of Sections 97 and 287 of the Penal Code.

However the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Responding to the accused denial of the charges, Mrs. Osayi Omoshegwon , counsel to the accused made an oral application.

She said “in view of his denial the charges we rely on Section 34 sub 2 of the Criminal Procedure Code and section 36 sub 5 of 1999 constitution as amended.

Ordinarily the alleged offence is bailable and it is presumed that the accused is innocent so I pray to the court to grant the accused bail” Yakubu vehemently oppose the application made by the accused counsel.

He said: “Investigation has not been completed, he was arrested outside the jurisdiction of the court also other suspects are still at large.

“Also the alleged offence is sensitive because it has to do with document. And if the accused is granted bail, investigation will be prejudiced. So I pray to the court to refuse the bail of the accused”.

The presiding Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko said that he has given the police short number of days to complete their investigation.

Kagarko adjourned the case to April, 3, 2013 for hearing.

Police arraign three for allegedly setting building ablaze

T

he Police in Abuja have arraigned Tony Ameh, Christ Okeke and Segun Oyeledum before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for alleged arson.

The prosecutor, John Ijoga, told the court that on February 6, at about 10.30 a.m., one Mrs Tyna Ibe of Plot 1041, Ahmadu Bello way, Garki, Abuja reported the incident at the Central Police

Station, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

Ijoga told the court that Ibe alleged that the three accused conspired jointly and maliciously set her building which was under construction at Plot 1041, Ahmadu Bello way, Abuja, on fire.

He said that when the accused persons were questioned on how the fire started, they could not give

satisfactory answers.

Ijoga said that the offences of joint act and mischief by fire, were contrary to Sections 79 and 337 of the Penal Code.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.

After taking their plea, Senior Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Iyanna, admitted them to bail in N500,000 each and two sureties

each.

The magistrate ordered that the sureties must civil servants in the Federal Civil Service of not less than Grade Level 10.

He ordered that the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must have fixed and traceable address.

Iyanna adjourned the case to March 5, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

NRC resumes wheat haulage from Lagos to Kano From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced its recommencement of haulage of wheat freight from Lagos to Kano by rail.

The first consignment the corporation transported from Lagos to Kano comprised 525tons of wheat, conveyed with 15 covered hopper wagons for Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, for a journey that lasted 30 hours.

The Assistant Director of Public Relations, Mr. David Ndakotsu also told reporters that the Corporation would take delivery of six airconditioned passenger coaches and two sets of Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) before the end of the year.

It will be recalled that rehabilitation work on the Corporation’s 1126Km Western line, Lagos – Kano was completed last December and since then, the Corporation has continued in its quest to optimize its market share of freight and passenger traffic demand.

“We are also taking delivery of additional four locomotives in April this year, which will have a significant impact on the motive power base of the Corporation as well as its passenger carriage capability”, he told journalists.

The Corporation which says it also moves cement freight for Lafarge Wapco Plc from Lagos to Oshogbo, Ilorin, and Minna has also recommenced sand traffic from Makurdi to Otobi and movement of track materials from Apapa to Kafanchan for CGGC Ltd, one of the rehabilitation contractors working on the Port Harcourt - Maiduguri Eastern line.

Airtel honours 8 employees for a decade of service From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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eading telecoms company, Airtel, has honoured eight of its employees for putting in ten years of sterling service in the company.

The telecom giant showered the faithful workers with gift and special citations at its Employee Consultative Forum (ECF) held in Lagos.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, commended the awardees for their dedicated service to the company through the good and bad times over the past ten years.

The CEO, who also encouraged the staff to strive to achieve a healthy work-life balance, used the opportunity to re-assure the awardees and the rest of the staff of the company’s commitment to their welfare, affirming that hard work would always be matched with appropriate rewards.

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INSIDE

- Pg 21

Controversy trails tax collection in Edo

Mob: 08033644990

Sheffield UK to host 100-strong Nigerian business delegation

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heffield will host more than 100 Nigerian business delegates this week, as part of a relationship with Sheffield United football club.The event, at the city’s Copthorne Hotel aims to promote opportunities in power and manufacturing, and will detail Nigeria’s privatisation process.UKTI and South

Yorkshire Trade Centre are behind the event that will feature Nigerian and UK e x p e r t presentations.Prominent Nigerian businessman Jacob Esan of Nigeria has become a director of both Scarborough United Group plc (SUG) and Sheffield United Plc, prompting the relationship

building exercise.Mark Robson, UKTI’s international trade director for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “The interest in the visit has been remarkable and specifically the one day seminar on doing business with Nigeria where we have 95 representatives from firms from the Sheffield City region attending.“The business

community here has recognised that Nigeria is a rapidly growing and investing African economy rich in oil reserves that needs to source materials and support across a number of sectors.”The visit, from today February 13 to Saturday February 16, has attracted the attention of the Nigerian media. (Bdaily)

L-R: Guest lecturer, Dr. Austin Nweze, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Malam Mansur Ahmed, and President, Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, during an economic business roundtable on Budget 2013, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

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he National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said that ‘Arise News’, a new 24 hours international television news operation launched on February 5 by the C.E.O and Publisher of ThisDay newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena, does not have a licence to operate within the country’s territory.

Yomi Bolarinwa, DirectorGeneral of the NBC said: “Arise News has not applied to the commission for a broadcast licence and does not have a licence to operate in Nigeria’s territory.”

According to the NBC: “The Commission’s attention was drawn to the publication in Thisday newspaper of February 4, which said that the TV station would “soft launch on Feb. 5 following a two-day test broadcast.’’

“The said publication claimed that the broadcast would emanate from London, New York, Johannesburg and Lagos.’’

‘Arise News’ TV station is illegal in Nigeria - NBC

Bolarinwa said that the Commission has been inundated with enquiries on the legal status of the station since the news of the launch broke out, and stated that the TV station does not have a licence to operate in the country.

“The NBC wishes to draw the attention of the public to the fact that the said television operation has not applied to the commission for a broadcast licence in accordance with the provisions of the law governing the establishment and operation of broadcasting stations in Nigeria as provided in Sections 2(1) (b)(c), 2(2) and 11 of the NBC Act No. 38, 1999.

“Section 2(2) states that no

person shall operate or use any apparatus or premises for the transmission of sound or vision by cable, television, radio, satellite or any other medium of broadcast from anywhere in Nigeria except under and in accordance with the provisions of this Act. “Section 11 states that a request by a person for authority to own, establish or operate a radio, sound, television, cable or satellite station shall be by way of an application for a licence addressed to the DirectorGeneral of the Commission and in the form prescribed in the second schedule to this Act,’’ it stated.

Arise News and Arise News

Management Tip of the Day

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How to handle your conflict-averse boss

o you have a manager who won’t advocate for you or your team? Is she afraid to say no to requests from above? Here are three ways to get what you need from even the most conflict-avoidant boss.

Focus on problem solving. If you need to talk about a difficult issue with your boss, focus on the problem, not

people. Offer specific suggestions about how you might solve it.

Gather supporting evidence. If you want your supervisor to use her authority on your behalf, give her everything she needs to build her case: assemble data, write drafts, and zero in on how your request fits into larger unit or organizational goals.

Put it in writing. If your boss dreads face-to-face conversations, send him e-mails and brief documents outlining what you need. This will make it easier for him to engage in a productive conversation with you.

Source: Harvard Business Review

360, a sister channel are owned

by Nduka Obaigbena, owner and publisher of the fashion and culture magazine, ARISE, and the publisher of several other titles including one of Nigeria’s daily newspapers, ThisDay made its debut recently.

They are broadcasting from its main news centres in London, New York, Johannesburg and Lagos and supported by a further eight bureaux around the globe stretching from Beijing to Rio de Janeiro.

Obaigbena said: ‘We will attract a global audience interested in emerging markets, developing countries and evolving politics.

With headquarters and bureaux throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, we are ready to speak to our audience and give them a voice as well.

‘We are a new international network established to reflect the new world order not hardwired to the old and built to reflect the modern way news is consumed.

Nowhere is this more important than in the emerging economies.”

Obaigbena stressed: “There will be no state funding and no state agenda. Our coverage will be balanced, comprehensive and completely independent”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

Nigerian Eurobond

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igeria’s dollar-denominated borrowing costs rose to the highest in more than two months on speculation that a U.S. economic recovery will drive up the global borrowing benchmark rate.

Yields on the nation’s Eurobonds due 2021 climbed three basis points to 4.21 percent at 11:39 a.m. in London, the highest since Dec. 4, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The international bonds of Africa’s biggest oil producer declined 203 basis points, or 2.03 percentage points, last year as crude prices stayed above the West African nation’s $72 a barrel benchmark, boosting foreign-currency reserves 34 percent to $44 billion by year end.

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc

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lour Mills of Nigeria Plc, the country’s biggest miller by market value, said it will begin commercial sugar refining this month to boost revenue.

The Federal Government plans to end imports of packaged sugar from this year to boost local investment and become a self sufficient producer of the sweetener, Lateef Busari, executive secretary of the National Sugar Development Council have said.

Flour Mills has also said it plans to borrow between $400 million to $500 million to construct a new cement plant which will double its existing 2.5 million metric tonnes capacity.

Fortis Micro Finance Bank

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ortis Microfinance Bank has disbursed N4.5 billion as loans to operators of small scale enterprises in 2012, Mr Jero Omare-Ogah, the Chief Strategy and Implementation Officer of the bank, said on Monday.

Omare -Ogah said that the beneficiaries include farmers, self-help groups, associations and low-income salary earners.He praised the beneficiaries for a near 100 per cent repayment of the loan, saying: “we have hardly recorded any default in the loan repayment’’.

Fortis MFB and the NPF MFB are the two MFBs listed on the NSE out of over 900 MFBs licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Medview’s flight 214 and the furore over air returns in Nigeria Against the background of a Medview Airline's Boeing Airlines 737 400 which on January 27 made an air return to Lagos 15 minutes after take-off apparently for precautionary measures while on an Abuja flight enroute Yola, our Suleiman Idris, who sught experts opinions on the issue, examines the regulations governing such a situation and reports.

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n account of a passenger aboard the Medview Airlines aircraft which made a return flight to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal MMA2 in Lagos on Sunday, January 27,th 2013, 15 minutes after airborne had it that the man who had been recently recruited by his organisation in Lagos, and was on an assignment in Abuja, unfortunately was experiencing a normal incident in Nigeria's aviation for the very first time.

Source said when the man got to the office, in a typical Nigeria fashion, he declared a feast and call for celebration with cartons of beers of different brands declaring that God had saved his life from a plane crash.

One can safely say that other passengers will no doubt do likewise and may perhaps share mighty testimonies in churches the following Sunday.

Incidents of air returns are one of the tenets of aviation whenever the flying crew of an airborne aircraft notice any untoward occurrence in the course of the voyage, either from the machine itself or from the flying passengers that could endanger the lives of those onboard; hence pilots are required to alert the nearest aerodrome. As soon as they have an emergency they run through the check-list while diverting to the nearest airfield and see if they can fix the problem themselves or carry out checks, repairs or others measures they deem fit.

Experts and stakeholders have continued to express surprises at the rate at which such incidents are given prominence in our national discourse, especially in the mass media, whereas such a case in Europe, America and others with huge flight traffic will seldom attract any reportage in any medium.

The cases of two U.S.-bound flights which returned to London and Paris after suffering almostsimultaneous mid-air emergencies last October is a pointer to the Nigerian scenario.

The cabin of the Kuwait Airways 777 was filled with smoke as it approached the Irish Sea, off Wales in the United Kingdom, while the Air France Flight 010 was over the Irish Sea between Liverpool and Blackpool when it experienced technical problems in the cockpit.Both flights were heading to New York's JFK airport, having departed from Heathrow in London and the Charles De Gaulle in Paris respectively.

Passengers, who were in the region of over 500 were simply

Med-View aircraft on tarmac transferred to other planes to continue their journey while the incidents were investigated without any prominent publicity.

A similar occurrence in Nigeria will most likely shock the nation to a standstill, with virtually everyone calling for the heads of those in charge of our aviation agencies while emergency armchair analysts and critics will surface overnight to determine the cause and punitive measures to be meted out to such airlines without regards to international requirement, recommended standards and practices. Records has shown that anytime an incident happens in the Nigerian airspace, the position people involved occupy in the society will greatly determine the prominence such incident will get in the mass media, especially when such persons are political officers. They simply put a call to their media friends and contacts and narrate their experiences; sometimes usually exaggerated just to make the desire impact.

Captain Dele Ore, one time head of the Nigerian presidential fleet and Chairman of the industry's think- tank group, Aviation Round Table (ART) put it this way: "When an aircraft en-route Abuja, after having just taken -off from Lagos, made a precautionary landing back in Lagos, a local newspaper had reported that: "Pilot averts crash, lands plane with one engine."

Ore said, "This report was alarmist, uninformed and capable of eroding public confidence in the aviation industry despite every effort being made to ensure flight

safety. We need to set the records straight for proper education of a segment of the media as well and re-assuring the flying public."

The former pilot told journalists that "first and foremost, we commend the professionalism and airmanship exhibited by the crew of the aircraft. The capable handling of the situation makes the crew members to be an asset to the industry. When a single engine aircraft has lost the only engine, then there could be cause for concern but if one engine fails on a twin-engine aircraft there should be no alarm if the crew members have been well trained".

Elucidating the conditions for an air return, he said factors responsible for such include one or combination of factors which fall under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Regulations 2006 captioned: "Reporting of failures, malfunctions and defects which may occur after the aircraft must have been airborne."

The NCAA stipulates that owners or operators of aircraft over 5,700 kg maximum takeoff weight or of any aircraft used in a commercial operation shall report to the Authority any failures, malfunctions, or defects that result in failure or malfunction of more than one attitude, airspeed, or altitude instrument during a given operation of the aircraft.

The man at the helm of affairs of NCAA, the agency charged with the responsibility to oversee the safety of the country's airspace, Dr Harold Demuren told reporters that, "Air return is a standard industry practice that pilots embark upon, at any

point in a flight, they realise that during either due to weather, mechanical for safety reasons.

Such return may be informed by weather or mechanical reasons."

For Mr. Chris Aligbe, a contemporary of Dr. Ore and industry consultant "Air return is a normal development in the aviation sector. Travellers should not be afraid; it should not create unnecessary panic in the sector. It should not be viewed as a sign of lowering standards of air safety."

He opined that "In the last instance, when Medview Airlines had an air return, the industry reacted appropriately.

The reaction from the Federal Ministry of Aviation was spontaneous. Even the airline involved - Medview Airlines also responded to the issue.

Rather, I think the pilot should be commended for his professionalism. It was caused by power surge in one of the engines, which resulted in a bang. The pilot shut down the affected engine and initiated an air return. That is enough evidence of a knowledgeable and professional pilot.

Special Assistant Media to the Aviation Minister, Mr. Joe Obi equally pointed out that air return was a normal procedure usually applied by pilots and airlines all over the world whenever there was a compelling reason to discontinue the flight.

One thing is clear, as government aims to make air transport a darling of the citizens in the not-too-distant time, we simply cannot run away from such incidents; as such, the flying public must be informed that these are regular occurrences globally.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Controversy trails tax collection in Edo From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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ontroversy is trailing Edo state’s decision proscribing 18 Local Government Councils in the state from collecting log control and gaseous emission fees.

This followed the arrest of three suspected illegal revenue collectors, who are now in prison.

They were arrested in Ovia South-West local government area by officials of the state’s Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities and brought before an Evbuoriaria magistrate court presided over by Magistrate Francis Odiase, who ordered that the accused be remanded in prison on Friday.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Major Lawrence Loye (Rted), described the move as necessary to prevent Cabal from ripping off Commuters and block leakages to shore-up revenue for development.

…as court remands three revenue collectors in prison Officials of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo state chapter condemned the act, explaining that it’s an attempt to muzzle government at grassroots level the right to collect levies and rate as contained in section 7, 4th schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 48 of the Local Government Law 200 (as amended).

President Pat Okeranlen, led the NULGE officials in a peaceful protest to Edo state Government

House, Oba of Benin Palace and the state House of Assembly Complex, where the Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea promised to look into the matter dispassionately.

Okeranlen had appealed for unconditional immediate release of their members, failing which, local activities would be grounded.

In a swift reaction, Major Lawrence Loye (Rted), in an interview, said since January 30th this year, the ministry terminated all contractual agreements between the ministry

and contractors on revenue collection from logs, any form of stickers and control on woods and gaseous emissions, as directed by the state government.

He said, the proscribed revenue collectors increased their monthly revenue collection from each haulage commuter from N10, 000 to N25, 000 and remit N1.7million monthly to state government.

According to him, ‘’Those arrested are bandits in our society who have been milking the

government for years’’ and accused them of conspiring with some officials of the ministry over the years. He noted that the state Board of internal Revenue has now been mandated to collect the log fees.

He explained that the gaseous emission fee has been suspended until the ministry employ laboratory device that will help in the determination of the appropriate fee either at the point of vehicle Registration or other means

Nigeria has highest air safety in Africa, says Damuren

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule, with agency report

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mbattled Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Harold Damuren has said that Nigeria has the highest air safety standard in Africa, and as such, the country is currently assisting many African nations to achieve the highly coveted Category one (CAT 1) status.

Demuren, stated this at the weekend, during the BusinessDay In-house Briefing, and added that NCAA would not bend aviation rules for anyone, for any reason.

The CAT 1 is a safety certification awarded by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (US-FAA) to countries that have clean safety records and have met all regulatory requirements, as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

In 2010, it could be recalled, Nigeria achieved a Category 1 air safety rating from the U.S FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme.

This means that Nigeria complies with international air safety standards set by ICAO, the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aviation practice.

Demuren, while responding questions also observed that by 2015, Nigeria would displace some countries, such as South Africa, from being the countries with the biggest fleets of private jets.

This, according to him, shows the stability and trust Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations have put in place.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX), Mrs Margaret Orakwusi, President, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, and Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Ify Akerele, during a news conference, on Monday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Investors stake N24.7bn as Nigeria Stock Exchange’s turnover soars

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said it recorded a turnover of 3.56 billion shares worth N24.69 billion in 39,321 deals last week, just as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), appointed First Bank of Nigeria, FBN, as agent for its equities and bond transactions.

According to the NSE, investors traded with 2.81 billion

shares valued at N22.19 billion in 33,123 deals last week, with the financial Services sector remaining the most active as investors traded 2.53 billion shares valued at N16.34 billion in 23,085 deals last week.

The conglomerate sector sold 473.15 million shares worth N1.05 billion in 2,341 deals, while the NSE All-Share Index (ASI),

Arik offers Valentine special fares for customers

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule assengers of Arik Air, especially for economy and business class, are up for new and attractive fares across all domestic, regional and international routes for the Valentine season.

As part of the airlines’ “With love from Arik Air” special fare initiative to celebrate the Valentine season, passengers booking these flights will enjoy super savings over previously published fares on the applicable routes.

The airline’s Global Chief Executive Officer, Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, explained further that “we have always been a value based airline, offering good value for money without

P

compromising our safety and quality standards and ensuring a warm and exciting travel experience on board our aircraft.

“This year we wanted to give something back to our customers and reward them for helping make us Nigeria’s leading airline. We believe this offer will give more of our guests greater flexibility of flights at very attractive prices across our entire network.”

Arik air said customers can enjoy even greater savings when booking seven days or more in advance, through the airline’s website www.arikair.com.

In addition, customers will enjoy a 30% discount on the cost of the return leg fare of their journey when they book return domestic flights.

appreciated by 901.63 points or 2.78 per cent to close at 33,313.49 from the 32,411.86 posted in the preceding week.Also, the market capitalisation appreciated by 2.78 per cent to close at N10.66 trillion against the N10.37 trillion recorded in the previous week.

Some capital market operators attributed the ongoing rally on the nation’s bourse to declining yields from fixed income securities.The Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust Investment Company Ltd., David Adonri, said the expectation of impressive full year results was responsible for increasing demand for equities.

According to Mr. Adonri, the growth might be sustained if there was stability in the macro economy, adding that the rally might not stop if the high tempo of foreign portfolio investment continued.

For the Managing Director, Maxifunds Investment and Securities, Okechukwu Unegbu, the introduction of new products and initiatives contributed to the growth, adding that zero tolerance to market infractions by market regulators increased investors’ confidence in equities.

Meanwhile, SEC said on Monday, through one of its officials in Lagos that the appointment of First Bank was to help strengthen

market making activities on the nation’s bourse.Securities lending is the act of loaning stocks, derivatives or other securities to an investor or firm.The borrower (investor) is only required to put up collateral, either in cash, security or a letter of credit to obtain the facility.

According to the official, who would not want to be quoted as he is not authorised to speak on issue, apart from FBN, one other bank was still being considered.He said that the appointment of the second bank could not be announced immediately due to some issues, which needed to be addressed.

With the appointment, First Bank has joined United Bank for Africa, UBA and Stanbic IBTC, appointed in August 2012 as lending agents on the NSE securitiesThe NSE in April 2012 approved 10 stock broking firms out of the 20 firms that applied as market makers.The firms include Stanbic IBTC, Renaissance Capital, Future View Securities, Vetiva Capital and ESS/DunnLoren Merrifield.

Others are WSTC, Capital Bancorp, FBN Securities, Greenwich Securities and CSL Stockbrokers.Market making activities on the nation’s bourse commenced in September, 2012.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 22

By Robin Wiggleswort

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t is the ultimate in risk versus return.

Hunters of investment exotica are heading to Africa, where some of the world’s riskiest markets are enjoying big gains After trailing behind more mainstream markets for the better part of a decade, so-called frontier markets as defined by index provider MSCI have climbed more than 8 per cent already this year – outpacing both emerging and developed stock markets Vietnam, Dubai, Argentina and Kazakhstan have all enjoyed a robust start to the year, but fund managers argue that the real frontier market stars are Africa’s bourses “There is a second scramble for Africa under way,” says Richard Gush, head of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s South African operations The larger sub-Saharan markets have been the primary beneficiaries.

While some smaller markets, such as Namibia and Zambia, have languished, Nigerian stocks have returned almost 63 per cent in US dollar terms during the past 12 months, Kenya’s Nairobi All-Share index has returned 46 per cent and Ghana’s market has climbed more than 17 per cent That is quite a turnround.

Before the global financial crisis many frontier market investors favoured countries such as Vietnam, and regions such as the oil-soaked Gulf Nowadays, it is Africa that is the continent on investors’ lips, notes Zin Bekkali, chief executive of Silk Invest, a boutique asset manager. “When the frontier markets story started before the crisis people actually tilted away from Africa, but these days that is where they want to go above all,” he says Investing in the continent’s stock markets can be a turbulent ride, because of the underlying shares and the choppiness of exchange rates. For example, Namibia’s market is up about 8 per cent during the past year, but down 10 per cent in US dollar terms The economic gains of many African countries are also linked to commodity export booms.

Sceptics caution that if that unravels, growth – and investor prospects – will be dented The limited size and depth of the markets are also a challenge.

Ashmore estimates that, excluding the South African market, there are about 250 investable companies across 17 exchanges worth roughly $250bn. But this makes the overall market smaller than Denmark, and about the same size as the Philippines Trading volumes are woefully low by international standards. Even Nigeria’s stock exchange, the busiest in subSaharan Africa apart from South Africa, only sees $40m of shares change hands a day on average. Investors therefore face difficulty exiting larger investments. Even access can be

Investors start a new scramble for Africa

President Goodluck Jonathan a technical challenge in some markets Yet some fund managers are still attracted to African equities. While the developed world faces years of economic torpor and painful deleveraging, and in some larger emerging markets growth is slowing, many African countries are enjoying an economic renaissance Asset managers say African shares are cheap. Even after the recent run, most exchanges are only now trading at roughly

Minister of Trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga the same or slightly lower forward-looking price-toearnings ratios as emerging markets Julie Dickson, a fund manager at Ashmore, argues that the rally should be sustained by still-compelling dividend payments.

She estimates that the dividend yield is about 6 per cent on average in Africa, compared with about 3 per cent in emerging markets African markets also offer some diversification away from

“

the risk-on, risk-off forces that have dominated global markets Although frontier markets can be highly volatile, they largely move independently of events in the US or Europe – an attractive characteristic for many fund managers, points out Russ Koesterich, chief investment strategist at BlackRock In fact, the main driver of African exchanges recently appears to have been big global and emerging equity funds taking “off-benchmark”

Before the global financial crisis many frontier market investors favoured countries such as Vietnam, and regions such as the oil-soaked Gulf Nowadays, it is Africa that is the continent on investors’ lips, notes Zin Bekkali, chief executive of Silk Invest, a boutique asset manager. “When the frontier markets story started before the crisis people actually tilted away from Africa, but these days that is where they want to go above all,” he says

positions in local companies – not necessarily inflows into dedicated frontier and Africafocused funds These emerging market funds take small positions relative to the assets they control, but their size means bets can have a big impact Nigerian Breweries, for example, boasts a list of shareholders that includes Franklin Templeton, Oppenheimer and Fidelity, via their emerging market funds.

That has helped its shares rally almost 80 per cent in US dollar terms during the past year “There are definitely a lot of off-benchmark bets by global emerging market funds, which is a bigger story than dedicated frontier market funds,” says Richard Lacaille, global chief investment officer at State Street Global Advisors Nonetheless, history has shown that the appetite of international investors for frontier markets such as those in Africa is fickle. If appetite for risk evaporates again, money could pour out quickly Paradoxically, more international investment will also gradually increase the links between local bourses and global markets, lessening one of the big attractions of African stocks. Ms Dickson says the potential returns are worth it: “You just have to do your homework.

(Source: Financial Times)

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Report as at Tuesday, February 12, 2013

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07055652553 udennaorji@yahoo.com

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Designing with marble Marble is a natural stone composed of calcium carbonate; it's in the same stone family as limestone and travertine. Color variations occur in marble due to mineral impurities in the stone. Slabs, rather than tiles, are typically used for countertops. Find below some hot ideas on how you can use marble to create spectacular designs.

Veining as marble: Yet it has the same color scheme and also shows off the beauty of nature.

Solid granite same as countertop extends behind hood to ceiling

Marble and rich color wood floors The quintessential modern living room would not be complete without a dramatic all-white marble fireplace.

The marble look and the shower. Marble continues up and top of tub deck as alternate to cabinet panels. Nice layout and Marble Pattern Matching

Marble and steel - stainless steel countertop with marble backsplash

White kitchen with marble counters and tiled backsplash. Marble also has a beautiful patina over time as well. A great alternative to marble that is still a natural stone is Quartzite, a color called Super White resembles the white and grey veining of white marbles.

Marble shower walls. Granite and Marble shower seats are popular items.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Why real estate opportunities in Nigeria keep growing Stories by Udenna Orji

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nterestingly, despite the recent global meltdown and turmoil in Dubai where property prices are coming down, discerning investors, with eyes on the future are building more portfolios in real estate.

And following the approval of a new National Housing Policy and a new Urban Development Policy by the Federal Executive

Council last June, foreign capital has been flooding into the country for housing development under the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) through which the federal government intends to build one million housing units annually under the new housing policy.

The reason for the blossoming real estate sector in Nigeria, according to Seyi Oyetunde, Managing Director/Chief

Executive Officer, Continental Estates, is because “real estate cannot crash, it stabilizes.

Demand is higher than supply in real estate. I tell you there is nowhere else like real estate. The richest men in the world, if you look at their wealth, the bulk of it comes from real estate. I can’t remember exactly now but I know about 90 per cent of the world’s richest men thrive in real estate. Even when they do other

things, it is based on their stock of real estate. They own corner shops everywhere, corner shops that enjoy appreciation. Because they own their own shops, they don’t rent and if at all they’ve got to rent, maybe it’s out of compulsion. But 90% or 95% of their locations are out rightly owned. People whose wealth is phenomenal and will last about four generations without effort are in real estate. I tell you it is

homeowners.

The General Manager of the company, Mrs. Nkechi Ugochukwu called on intending homeowners to seize the opportunity of the ongoing sales discount on properties to own their own homes, adding that U.

D. Bond was committed to ensuring that majority of Nigerians become homeowners.

U. D. Bond has on offer various house types including flats, bungalows, terrace houses, duplexes and others in different districts of Abuja. There are

various payment options including mortgage assistance from reputable mortgage institutions. Also available for sale by the company are undeveloped and serviced plots of land for homes, plazas, factories and hotels.

U D Bond extends sales discount on properties

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roperty company, U D Bond Shelter Services Limited has extended its Christmas and New Year Sales Discount on properties. The company has announced that it is extending the discount sales to enable more Nigerians become

exodus syndrome that happens in Nigeria. With the direct foreign investment into the Nigerian market too, many shops are opened, so many people globally are beginning to realize that the local market in Nigeria is attractive for their various businesses. One of the first things they will need is commercial real estate and then maybe back it up with one serious luxury apartment for the CEO and then the other managers can be given housing allowances and the rest of them.”

Analyzing further, he said “Nigeria is a seriously emerging economy, the opportunities here are phenomenal. When I say phenomenal I mean it’s pretty huge. We have seen the impact of direct foreign investment into Nigeria in the past three years and there is a lot more to be said.

The capital market has witnessed its boom; it is right now in a depression and real estate which was neither here nor there for a long while is suddenly beginning to enjoy unprecedented gains too.

Those are the things that drove the likes of myself about four years ago to cultivate a new set of clientele, the billionaire’s club, people who have loads of money, intelligent people but with no wherewithal on real estates.

We’ve been able to cultivate and build serious portfolio for them and for all its worth, most of them can boast of not just having money alone locally or offshore, they can boast of owning an estate. When I say estates, we are not talking of one house or two houses or multiple of duplexes but holding huge chuck of real estate that over time has enjoyed serious appreciation. That is what I would want to say about ourselves.”

Bankers forecast growth for Nigeria’s real estate market

A

Industry operators propose strategies to boost affordable housing

R

eal Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has called for a national strategy to boost the development of low cost housing and social housing in Nigeria. Among its proposed options is the need for governments at the various levels to compel estate developers in high brow areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, Asokoro in Abuja, Port Harcourt to incorporate in their schemes, low cost housing for the

workers that are serving residents and owners of high end properties in these estates.

This means that ongoing and new developments in high brow areas must make provisions for the low and medium income groups with 10 per cent of houses in such estates set aside for the low income group, another 10 per cent for the medium income earners and the balance of 80 per cent set aside for the high income group.

To achieve this, REDAN is

facilitating a meeting of stakeholders, including the Minister of Housing, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). According to a REDAN official, Mr. Shola Enitan, the association is also canvassing support for social housing provision whereby people in distress can be temporarily accommodated in decent government houses before they are able to sort themselves out. “Except for the destitute,

there must be a place of temporary abode for a family, who may have accommodation crisis, either with their landlords or by other means. No Nigerian should be allowed to spend all his earnings paying house rent to landlords, either private landlord or government for ever, and in a situation by which government is the landlord, the tenants must have the opportunity to buying off the apartment at the long run without much sweat.”

new World Bank report says Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s foremost economic power, with an average GDP of six per cent per annum, buoyed by a young and growing population of 160 million.

Morgan Stanley, an investment banking institution, has also predicted that Nigeria’s economy would outperform South Africa’s by 2025 to become the biggest in Africa.

Both institutions say Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook is favourable. With an expected stable inflation rate, five per cent rural to urban immigration, and three per cent population growth, the financial institutions say Nigeria is a huge real estate market by all standards.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 27

“Nigeria’s housing deficit caused by poor mortgage development” – Ovesuor

T

he nation’s shortfall of over 16 million houses has been attributed to the deficient structures of the mortgage industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Elias Ovesuor a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Managing Partner, U.K.

Ovesuor & Partners who made this known said “mortgage financing as an instrument for home financing for now, I can say we are having problems with it because the Federal Government is trying to inject funds into the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) which is like a CBN to the

primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs). But the structures are still deficient and the people are not well organized, because of that, what the FMBN is supposed to do, it is not doing. So, as we are talking now, the things that are supposed to be happening in the mortgage sector are not happening.

Mortgage finance as far as I am concerned, is not functioning effectively in the country. Only a few people are benefiting from it as opposed to the spirit of the institution which makes it mandatory for a lot people to benefit. The housing shortage in the country is about 16 million

housing units, but in the last ten years, we have not provided up to half a million housing units. So, to get the 16 million housing units that are in shortage, you will then appreciate the problem at hand in respect of housing provision.

Mortgage in Nigeria, to be candid to you, is still as its infancy”.

What you need to know about mortgage tenure

By Udenna Orji

I

f you’re thinking about buying a new home or refinancing your current home loan, one big thing you’re probably contemplating is your mortgage term. So, what’s better, a 15- or 30-year mortgage plan? Unfortunately, there’s no right answer. There are pros and cons to both, but the secret to making the right decision is understanding your budget and financial needs.

So, depending on your financial situation, there are pros and cons to both a 15- and 30-year mortgage.

Keep reading to learn more...

Short-Term Loan (15 years) The Pros...

Paying Down Your Loan Faster: There has been a jump in the 15-year fixed-rate mortgages as more people choose to pay down their debts. This happens if interest rates are low as the monthly payment difference can be minimal.

Families who can afford the higher 15-year mortgage payment choose it so that they can own their homes sooner and avoid the pressure of payments if hard economic times are ahead.

Lower Interest Rate: Shorterterm mortgages -for example, a 15-year mortgage instead of a

Debating between a 15 and 30 year mortgage? Check out the pros and cons of each to help you pick the right loan for you 30-year mortgage - generally have lower interest rates.

Lenders offer a lower rate because they know you will pay it back sooner. The new mentality of the consumer is, ‘Let’s get ourselves into a better financial picture.’ A lot of people see this as a tremendous opportunity to get into a situation so that when they retire they’ll have minimal debt on their house or none.

The 15-year payments force people to spend their extra cash on their home and thus pay it off sooner and with less interest.

The Cons...

Higher Monthly Payments: The drawback to a 15-year loan for some consumers is that the payments will naturally be higher whereas payments stretched out over 30 years will be lower. This is typically the factor that determines which type of loan the homeowners will choose.

You have to make sure you have the ability to repay and know where that payment is going to fit into your budget. If the cost of the house is, say N25million, monthly payment is going to be quite a bit more than what it would be if it were

a 30-year mortgage.

If you can’t afford a 15-year loan right away, start off with a 30-year mortgage with the goal of refinancing (replacing the current loan with one that has different terms) later on.

It’s so much better if you can do a 15- or even a 10-year loan because of the savings you’re going to get.

Long-Term Loan (30 years) The Pros...

So if everyone agrees that a 15-year mortgage pays down principal sooner and costs less in interest, are there any reasons to even consider a 30year plan that will last longer and cost more? Plenty, it turns out.

Lower Monthly Payments: “Some people just don’t have the financial resources to make the higher payment. So the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been a tremendous saving grace to them. It allows them to drop their payment and get their financial house a little bit in order.

People who are approaching retirement might want a lower payment so they can have more spendable cash. Others who may benefit from lower

payments include people who have lost their job, or selfemployed individuals whose business has dropped.

If you’re thinking about refinancing, for example, the 30-year loan allows people to reset to a lower payment to get them through tough times. To some, it might mean the difference between keeping their home and not keeping their home, or the difference between having a lot of stress and breathing easier.

Extra Cash for Investments: Another positive of a 30-year mortgage is that a lower mortgage payment allows consumers to put any extra money they have into other investments each month. If there’s still money leftover, they can use it to make additional principal payments and still pay off their home sooner.

Inflation Agrees with a 30Year Mortgage: There’s one more reason a 30-year mortgage might turn out to be more desirable than a 15-year mortgage. One of the biggest concerns economists have is inflation taking off. If that happens, it’s good to have a

fixed-rate 30-year mortgage because you’ll be paying back the loan with diluted money money that buys a lot now but won’t in the future. The people who benefit during inflation are the ones who owe someone else money.

The Cons...

Years of Accrued Interest: The main reason to avoid 30year loans, if possible, is that you’ll end up paying a lot more in interest, and thus causing a home to cost much more than its selling price. What’s more, for the first few years, your payments will be going primarily to interest.

And while you’ll be able to write off your interest payments on your taxes, the amount drops off as the interest is paid down.

The Verdict When it comes to choosing the right loan term for you, the pros agree that there’s not one answer to fit everyone. The key is to examine your own situation - your earning potential, as well as your shortterm needs and long-term goals.

Once you’ve assessed your needs, then you can decide which solution is right for you.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Lamborghini Gallardo easy to live with T

he V10-powered 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo might be the little brother to the V12-powered Aventador supercar. But it'd be wrong to see the Gallardo as a major step down from all-out road-going supremacy because in some ways it's actually better than the Aventador, and not just in terms of performance.

In all likelihood, the Gallardo will turn just as many heads as any supercar. It's also a valid assumption that the so-called baby Lambo will deliver similar thrills behind the wheel, unless you have regular access to a racetrack. Where it figuratively pulls away is in how it behaves under normal conditions. With a smaller footprint, better visibility and conventionally hinged doors, the Gallardo is comparably easy to live with on a daily basis.

Much of this can be attributed to parent company Audi, which managed to exorcise

many of the demons of Lamborghinis past without diluting the potent solution that makes Lamborghinis so wildly desirable. This year sees only a few changes, as rumors point to a replacement model for 2014.

The Gallardo lineup receives a styling update to the front and rear of the LP560-4 models, and last year's Trofeo Stradale special edition has been replaced by the LP570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica.

So if you have a quartermillion dollars to spend on a car, there's no reason to overlook the 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo.

Even as it approaches the end of its production, we find it just as desirable as the Aston Martin Virage (or for that matter, almost any Aston), Ferrari 458 Italia and Mercedes-Benz SLS

AMG. Mild exotics like the Audi R8 and higher-end Porsche 911 models provide comparable thrills, but are notably less distinctive. In any case, if you're considering any of these exotics, consider us jealous.

The 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo is a midengine exotic sports car that is offered as the LP550-2 coupe and Spyder roadster, LP560-4 coupe and Spyder roadster and LP570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica coupe and LP570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica roadster. The "-2" indicates rearwheel drive while "-4" indicates all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on the LP550-2 and LP560-4 models includes 19-inch wheels, an automatically extending rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, power-folding outside mirrors, a nose-raising suspension for curb clearance, dual-zone automatic climate control, power seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel, a multimedia driver interface similar to Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player. The Spyder has a full power-operated soft top, while coupes receive a transparent engine cover and LED accent lights.

Options include upgraded alloy wheels, faux suede upholstery, fitted luggage, heated seats, a navigation system, a rearview camera and upgraded audio with iPod integration. Available packages include the Travel package (which adds a cupholder, a luggage net behind the seats and a small storage compartment near the steering wheel) as well as a pair of interior Carbon packages. The latter bathe the cabin in carbon-fiber trim -- you get less with one package and more with the other.

Lamborghini also offers its "Ad Personam" customization program, which gives the buyer extensive input into exterior and interior color combinations.

The LP570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica coupe and Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica roadster get carbon-

fiber exterior and i n t e r i o r components, a more powerful V10, a standard automated manual transmission, polycarbonate rear and side windows, lighter 19-inch wheels, a fixed and larger rear spoiler, carbon-ceramic brakes, faux suede upholstery and special colors.

Most, but not all, of the regular Gallardo's options can be added.

Powering all 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo models is a midmounted 5.2-liter V10. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted to the Gallardo LP5502. All other Gallardos receive a six-speed, single-clutch automated manual transmission (known as "e-gear"); it is optional on the "550" models.

The Gallardo LP550-2 models produce 550 horsepower and 397 pound-feet of torque and send all power to the rear wheels. More power is available with the LP560-4, which makes 560 hp and 397 lb-ft of torque that powers all four wheels.

Lamborghini estimates that these models will reach 60 mph in the mid-3-second range.

Finally, the LP570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica coupe and Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica squeeze even more power out of the 5.2-liter V10, with 570 hp and 397 lb-ft of torque on tap. All that thrust should be enough to get the car up to 60 mph in the low 3-second range.

EPA-estimated fuel economy checks in at 12 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined with the traditional manual and 13/20/16 with e-gear. Spyder models with the manual transmission drop by about 1 mpg in combined driving.

Safety Standard safety features on all 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo models include antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags with head protection. A rearview camera is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features The Gallardo provides a fairly livable cabin. Leather and softtouch materials adorn much of the interior, as one might expect, and the switchgear, gauges and multimedia driver interface are essentially pulled from the Audi parts bin. Some might bemoan this dilution of Lamborghini's traditional Italian character, but most will be thankful that everything actually works.

Further advancements can be found in the fundamentally sound driving position and the comfortable and supportive seats.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 13, 2013

PAGE 29

The accidental Public Servant,

FR OM THE FROM LIVE ST AGE STA

and accident of history BOOK REVIEW

By Agaju Madugba

A

summary presentation of The Accidental Public Servant, written by a former minister of the FCT, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, the publishers, Safari Books Ltd, describes it as a story of the author's almost one decade as a public servant and the successes, disappointments and frustrations that el-Rufai encountered in the process. But the book goes beyond that; it also has a lot to say about the author's early life and his rise to limelight. The book will be a delightful read to the few Nigerians who may not have known or heard of el-Rufai , like President Goodluck Jonathan who claimed he did not did not have the privilege of owning a pair of shoes until much later in life. This may not be unusual given the poverty and deprivations that characterized his upbringing, more so having lost his father at the very tender age of eight.

But somehow, elRufai was able to scale the challenges of life.

He went to the elite schools of those days like the still famous Barewa College in Zaria. His childhood dream was to become a policeman, a dream that vanished as he eventually ended up as a quantity surveyor, a chartered one at that, and rising to the exalted position of a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In fact, at a time, according to his account, el-Rufai became Nigeria's de facto Vice President, "replacing" the then Vice President Atiku Abubakar, towards the end of the Presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.

El-Rufai devotes a large chunk of the 627-page book to an account of the alleged third term presidential ambition of Obasanjo and how late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua on the scene after Obasanjo failed in his tenure extension bid. After his tenure as minister the FCT, a period that was enmeshed in much controversy, The Accidental Public Servant may not have come as a surprise as a veritable opportunity for el-Rufai to defend himself and at the end of the day, the reader may be forced to pronounce a verdict of "not guilty" on El-Rufai However, he may have gone beyond the realm of non-fiction as the author appears

to employ certain elements of drama and, in the process, certain presentations become questionable. In recounting his father's last moments, the young el-Rufai still remembers word for word what the old man said - word for word - and later as he recalls again, word for word, the encounters with his teacher and a certain bully in the primary school he attended and then his guardian. Paraphrasing the encounters would have rendered the accounts perhaps more credible.

When later as an adult and minister, el-Rufai relates a number of his experiences with Obasanjo and others in and out of government, using the conversation mode of presentation, he does not say say, however, whether he had a recording device, unknown to others.

For whatever reasons, el-Rufai

fails (deliberately?) to mention certain names in the book and but in some cases names other individuals. He refuses to disclose the name of a certain individual who Obasanjo had used to approach him "because you do not talk about the dead. " But he devotes a large chunk of the book to raining invectives on the late Yar'adua.

The intentions may be clear to a discerning reader and in spite of spirited efforts to always play the "saint" el-Rufai refuses to tell the reader why a mutual friend of his would undertake to fund the Ya'adua campaign to the tune of two million Pounds Sterling (free?).

But he names all those allegedly involved in giving and receiving N50 million each for the botched Obasanjo third term bid fund, along with other expenditures.

And when eventually his romance with the late Yar'adua apparently hit the rocks, el-Rufai attributes serious matters of national interest to rumour and "sources."

El-Rufai claims he declined to acquire shares in Transcorp based on ethical considerations but such ethical considerations did not come to play when he decided to buy Federal Government houses in the FCT. It is possible that Pastor Tunde Bakare who wrote a forward to The Accidental Public Servant could not have actually read the entire book which should not have indeed gone to press. ElRufai and the publishers will do gullible Nigerians a world of good by withdrawing it from circulation for indeed, it is an accident of history.

All said, warts and all, The Accidental Public Servant makes interesting read

“

El-Rufai claims he declined to acquire shares in Transcorp based on ethical considerations but such ethical considerations did not come to play when he decided to buy Federal Government houses in the FCT.

with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

Meeting With Rashid - Part one W

HAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? I was a photojournalist for 28 years covering hard news in Africa. I had worked variously with Agence France Press, Reuters and the alternative press.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? This refers to the anti-government press during the apartheid years.

This was until 1994 when Mandela was elected. I decided I had had enough. I then went into community radio and I was a radio station manager for 5 years then I moved to a jazz station as programs manager and had a contract for 18 months and decided to leave. This was in 1997 and I started planning to start the jazz festival.

THE JAZZ FESTIVAL BEGINNINGS The planning actually started in 1997 but the real festival started in 2000. The idea behind the festival started when I realized that there had been two major festivals in Cape Town in 1997 and 1998. One was run by American promoters while the other was run by British promoters. They both failed and this left Cape Town with no major festival and this was the beginning of the idea to start the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

There was another reason. During the apartheid years, there was a cultural boycott. No artistes were coming into South Africa and the entire country was practically locked in both economically and culturally. We needed to bring people together. Being music lovers we must realize that music has the possibility of bringing people together. Music has a common language that can bring people together across race, colour, creed and religion.

INITIALLY WHAT WAS IT LIKE? I had travelled to all the major music festivals first as a journalist and later as one just looking for excitement. In June 1998, I walked up to the festival director of the Northsea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands and asked him to help me to produce a festival. He asked me to send him a fax but I sent him instead of the fax a return ticket and a confirmation for hotel accommodation. We had the initial communication which led to this action. For me the air ticket and the hotel accommodation instead of just sending a fax telling him what we wanted to do was enough signal of our seriousness.

WHY THE NORTHSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL? The festival fit neatly into my idea of what we wanted to do. It was a festival under one roof with ten stages and ten different genres of music. And for me the easiest way to get into the business was to get a mentor and the Northsea festival

director was a perfect idea. Initially, for the first four years what later became known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival was called the Northsea Jazz Festival, Cape Town which was confusing but it was a good marketing tool. It meant that we were starting with a brand that was established, a brand that was 23 years old so the Northsea Jazz Festival was a senior partner especially and critically in the area of training.

AFTER THIS? Our contract ended with the Northsea Jazz Festival. We then renamed the festival the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

This was in 2004. This was also the year celebrating the 10th anniversary of South African democracy. The name change was aimed at repositioning our own brand and creating our own identity. We were also very strong in the area of personnel and we believed we could take it up on our own. The training under the Northsea Festival had yielded good fruits. This is why training is key to our success and we take this seriously. The training with Northsea was very eventful.

WHY CAPE TOWN? I live in Cape Town and Cape Town has always been the Jazz capital of South Africa. Musicians of all colours came to Cape Town to play during the apartheid years. The coloured and the black ones used to play behind a curtain while the apartheid years lasted before the curtains came down. Cape Town even during the apartheid years had always had a liberal policy towards the arts and artistes and musicians were no exception. The curtains put up to shield the colours of the performers fell apart in Cape Town long before the end of apartheid. The city was English speaking and it had a very welcome ambience to it. Also, there is a lot of tourism built around the city of Cape Town. Lots of people came to Cape Town so it was only natural for the festival to have roots in Cape Town.

AFTER 8 YEARS? Eight years down the line it has been challenging in all aspects.

With sponsorship, with trying to find the right venue, training people some of who stay and some who don't and trying to keep up with new technology. My basic belief has always been that everyone who comes to work in the festival must be paid and that is why I do not believe in the concept of volunteers.

You must be paid for the work you do. We might not break the bank to pay our workers but it is important that we pay them no matter how little. This I believe also gives them a sense of fulfilment for engaging in work that is important.

PAGE 30

BOOK REVIEW

By Dr. Usman Muhammad

I

NTRODUCTION: The Author takes us through the introduction of yet 2nd interesting book after the first "China and Nigeria in World Affairs" (2004), Which I also reviewed.

The author reminds us of the heightened interest of ChinaAfrica relations which is of recent, enjoying high visibility in public and academic discourse, but was quick to caution that, "however, sometimes, the passions of discourse overflows, obscuring the trajectories of China's own dramatic emergence to global stardom and the strategic component of its African dimension".

With historical references, the author took on excursion to the Berlin conference of 1888 where African continent was arbitrarily carved up by the then European powers soon after abolishing the obnoxious 100years of slave trade.

With China, he maintained, it came at a time of the beginning of the 21st century, where Africa's varied leadership sounds effusively up beat at the string-less large that flows from Beijing.

Creeping saliently into most Africa countries, China's international economic relations package has the critical components of aid which the author rightly pointed out that, Africa receives nearly half of all Chinese aid today, including a healthy dose of symbolic artifacts in the form of presidential palaces and ministry building to satisfy the vanities of its leadership! This the author said:- "The monopoly of western aid to Africa has been broken".

In summary, the author carefully pointed a very silent but powerful ingredient in international economic relations between China and Africa where he said "more aid is in the pipeline and the Chinese competitive political edge discounts some of the commercial virtues that western firms can offer. It has encouraged a "look east" policy in several African states and this has come from decades after the ideological welfare of Russia and pulling down of the Berlin wall which left the world so open to the manipulation of Western idiosyncrasies unlaundered, unchallenged and with no seeming rivalry.

China came to replace a huge vacuum in world affairs where Western firms offer monopolistic capitalist commercial virtues in oil, construction and environmental pollution services.

For those who think China has come to Africa with expansionist, missionary tendencies as it were with the Western powers, the author has an answer to that poser, when, he said: "As China grapples with domestic challenge to keep the safety valve of the prosperity of its population and with wider global obligation befitting of its stardom, she will be akin to engage in Africa less as an economic missionary, if she was any at all".

The author's resolve is that, from the glossy of China's activities in

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 13, 2013

China/Africa: Issues, Challenges and Possibilities(I) Africa, there is doubt about her colonizing weak(er) states. For example, it was from the Beijing summit of the forum ChinaAfrica (cooperation (FOCAC) in 2006 undertook among other measures to strengthen cooperation with Africa, to build a Conference Centre for the African Union at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It could be the Chinese acted in consonance with its traditional friendship with Africa and or for its self interest,

mine) roles witnessed in most of Asia and South America following similar demise of colonial rule or misrule.

The author's use of appropriate and palpable words to describe the desperate situation in Africa from the past to present has brought out his journalistic skills.

As he said: the inertia and atrophy (emphasis mine) fostered by inappropriate institutions of colonial domination and expropriation was at odds with the

but this indeed has not come from the Western Countries that have dominated the continent over 200 years. The author captured this reality when he said: "The nature of African politics and the structure of its economies deriving from the constraints of brutal colonialist intervention and distraction left the postcolonial Africa largely in the shadow of its colonial past".

Desperate strategies of the past leadership to transform Africa has remain very illusive for half a century without sound, reliable and dependable alternative and the expectations of indigenous political leadership to reinvent or challenges the colonial economic structure and orientation which essentially made satellite states slave economy became a mirage year in year out. Even the colonizing states did not sincerely linked up the satellite state's productive capacity with enabling reforms for newly independent emerging states of Africa to build internally integrated economy.

The author provided us with the answer thus: this did not happen for a fundamental reason that, the re-invent its structure, characteristics and role in a new social context. The categorical consequence was the objective constraint of the state system to crystallize into both transitional and transformation (emphasis

post-colonial indigenous synergy to redefine political and economic relations in a new social context.

Consequently, the dreams of Africa becoming a continent of peaceful democratic states quickly evaporated. More than seventy military coups occurred in the first thirty years of independence. By the 1990s few states preserved even the vestiges of democracy. One party state, president for life, coups, counter coups and prolonged military rule became the norm, resources were squandered as the elite accumulated wealth and the majority of Africans suffered.

Nigeria and Rwanda exemplify the nightmare; South Africa preserves a flickering hope of transforming dreams into reality?

Having narrated the trauma Africa went through and have been going through with the help of Western colonial powers, the author's interest shifted to noncolonial powers such as China, India, Turkey and Brazil. In Africa's renascent. The author presents his book as a modest effort that has focus in explaining issues that are shaping the contemporary impact of the colonial powers in Africa especially the People's Republic of China whose audacious involvement in Africa's economies is providing a new momentum and prospect for economic reconstruction,

recovery and development.

His chapter two enriched/ refreshed our memory and/or knowledge about the early contact of China and Africa, setting the historical facts right before our curious minds. A year after China's revolution (19491950). But formal contact between China and Africa started from the Afro-Asian conference in Banduing Indonesia in April 1955.

The then China's venerable Premier Zhou Enlai and Vice Premier Chenyi who also doubled as Foreign Minister held meetings with the then much respected and domineering leader of Egypt Gamel Abdel Nasser and representatives of Ghana, Libya, Sudan, Liberia and Ethiopia.

Egypt became the first independent African country to establish diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China on May 30th 1956, followed by the radical Guinea leader Ahmed Sekour Toure from the sub-sahara Africa. By 1979, a total of 44 countries have gone Chinarelations.

The author also avail us the economic component of international relations with China and African states. In terms of trade, cultural aspects, sports, education and military or defence spheres. The famous Chinese railway construction knowledge was earlier demonstrated in Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TZR).

But Chinese contact to Africa predates those diplomatic overtures. The Author made reference of how Chinese goods, vessels and African products were exchanged up till tenth and eleventh centuries through India.

By the Chinese visiting Buddists well through fourth century AD significantly, during the early part of the Ming dynasty (13681644) direct contact with Africa

by China became inevitable. By 1405, 1180 ships of various types and sizes have been built and between 1405 and 1433 seven fleets sailed to the Western Ocean under the command of Admiral Zheng. The Author made us to understand the Chinese expedition of about 63 large ships and 255 smaller vessels carrying a total of 27,800 men, including 95 commanders, 543 military officers, 868 civil officers, 180 medical officer and assistants, sundry ambassadors, secretaries, and servants and more than 26,000 soldiers. Admiral Zheng's expedition expanded from India to Arabia to the Red Sea to East Africa and up to Mogadishu, Malindi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dares, Salam and to kilwa. This avails us the evidence that the Chinese had their knowledge of superior ships and navigational instruments navigating up to around Africa at the beginning of the fifteenth century. The Chinese according to the Author drew the map of Africa continent as a triangle a century earlier before a similar shape of Africa maps were drawn

by Europeans.

POEM OF THE WEEK Title: The wounded

pilgrim

By Abigail George

W

hen I was a child I was afraid To speak to strangers; even then I felt estranged from the human Race, sought solace, a rare comfort In books and in between the neutral Spaces of the black letters of the Alphabet that spread itself across The pages I sought transition from Childhood to puberty; a word I am Still not very fond of; it meant growing Up behind closed doors, shutting out Dark voices; sensing there were no Clouds with silver linings only Cries of thunderstorms and lightning Streaking across the sky in the night air I was a good girl done badly by Not as bad as some yet still locked Inside a box with doll parts and the Garden of a blank canvas perfumed With the bright, still air of reality Children can only be fragile warriors But the canvas was uplifting and the words Could all fit, musings, brick by brick? The sun on its belly ripening even more Poetry with keys, something absurdly Supernatural in effect like the holier ark Trailing behind the titan machine of my Consciousness; sometimes the story Begins at the end with no middle or Beginning; sometimes not at all but it has Educated me on so many things that blood Is thicker than water and that families Are not pulled out of the air for nothing They exist to terrorise you, to bully you, To grow you up into a worthy citizen or not For the reasons that you think.

QUO TE UOTE When Wealth walks in the door, the Press Agent comes in through the window.

George Ade

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

DIPLOMATIC CIRCUIT

PAGE 31

isaochako@yahoo.com 08091700949

ECOWAS enters security pact with training institutions in Abuja T

he ECOWAS Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) with 10 training institutions on peace and security in the region, as part of efforts to strengthen the capacities of the institutions.

A key objective of the MoU is to strengthen the training pillars of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), ECOWAS Institutions, Member States and Civil Society Organizations for the prevention and resolution of conflicts in the region, and to develop a full range of training at all levels, cutting across a broad spectrum including Military, Police, Civilian and Humanitarian issues.

This is in line with the regional Peace Support Operations (PSO) Concepts and the need for effective capacity building, particularly with reference to the recommendation of the 4th Defence and Security Commission meeting of August 2002 in Cote d'Ivoire, calling for the establishment of Tactical, Operational and Strategic training facilities within the region.

The MoU seeks to create the modalities for enhancing demanddriven PSO training capacity building, operational relationship, coherence and coordination between ECOWAS and the Training Institutions for their efficient and effective functioning in support of the strengthening of the training pillars of ESF; According to the document, the Training Institutions are to operate as regional PSO Training Institutions for the strengthening of the ESF training pillars with support from ECOWAS in their staffing, curriculum development

L-R: Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Saeed Koozeachi, Senator Isiah Balat and Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Ambassador Deng Boqing, during the Iranian National day Celebration in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa and any other areas as needed.

The Training Institutions are mandated to develop their curriculum on PSO in consultation with ECOWAS, taking into account the National, ECOWAS and African Union priority training needs regarding the African Standby Force (ASF).

Where appropriate, ECOWAS shall provide technical inputs into the development of the curriculum in response to respond to regional needs, consistent with the Standardized Training Modules (STM) developed by the United Nations Department for

Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) Integrated Training Service.

The Project Implementation Agreement, on the other hand, equally takes into cognizance relevant provisions of the Regional Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, as well as the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance relating to the role of the Armed Forces, Police and the Security Forces in the democracy within the region.

It stresses the need to develop

British Council 2013 Education UK Exhibition opens in Lagos

T

he British Council annual education exhibition in Nigeria was formally

Participants at the exhibition

opened yesterday in Lagos. The 2013 event which is the 10th to hold, gives Nigerians the

opportunity to get first-hand information about the variety the UK has to offer in terms of

the capacities of the Commission and ECOWAS institutions, Member States, training institutions, and civil society organizations in the West African region in the promotion of Peace and Security and resolution of conflicts.

The purpose of the PIA is to set out the modalities for the relationship between ECOWAS and the Training Institutions with respect to the implementation, by the latter, of the European Union support to selected West Africa Training Institution Project, which aims to develop the capacities of the stakeholders on Peace and places to study; courses; teaching and delivery methods.

It is also an opportunity for students to discuss their future career prospects and their own individual education requirements face to face with representatives of UK institutions.

Over 60 Institutions are involved in the Exhibition taking place in Lagos and Abuja including Universities, Colleges and Boarding Schools.

They are here to promote their programmes including foundation, undergraduate and post graduate programmes and professional development options.

Also present are representatives from the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) and the in house exams team who are available to answer questions about the student visa application process, professional qualifications / exams and the ever popular IELTS exams.

The exhibition train will be in Abuja from the 14-15 February 2013.

Security matters.

The EU supported Project to the Training Institutions falls within the Africa Peace Facility under the 10th European Development Fund.

The project is being coordinated by the ECOWAS Peace Fund.

The Agreement defines the parameters for the disbursement and the utilization of the grant, the reporting procedures, the implementation by the recipients and follow-up actions.

Speaking on behalf of heads of Training Institutions after the signing of the MoU and the PIA, Colonel Guy Youga Thiaw, Commandant of Senegal's Centre for Advance Training of Mobile Gendarmerie, thanked the ECOWAS Commission and partners for their continued support. He pledged the commitment of the institutions to deliver on their mandate.

The signing of the MoU and PIA at the Commission's Abuja headquarters on 8th February 2013, marked the end of the twoday Joint Coordination Meeting (JCM) between officials of the Commission and the training institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Commission, VicePresident, Dr. Toga McIntosh, who presided over the signing ceremony, thanked development partners, especially the EU and the AU for their support and urged the heads of the training institutions to operationalize the MoU and the PIA, for the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

While declaring the meeting open the previous day, he stressed the need for stakeholders to strategize and coordinate their efforts in addressing the key challenges hampering collaboration with respect to capacity development on peace and security in the region.

The Vice-President enjoined the training institutions to take full advantage of the support provided by the project to construct a sustainable partnership which will take the region to the next level, adding that their areas of expertise should "help build a better West Africa, and a peaceful Africa."

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the Chief of Staff, ECOWAS Standby Force, General Hassan Lai, said the meeting could not have come at a more appropriate moment, when the region "is confronted with new forms of security challenges which require the reorientation of our security posture and the building of specialized capacities to confront them."

The AU representative Mr. Iyah Onuk and his EU counterpart Mr. Emmanuel Gorin, both commended the Commission for its peace and security initiatives and pledged their organizations' continued commitment and support to the initiatives.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Uganda 'deports' UK producer of gay play U

ganda has deported a UK theatre producer who ran into trouble over a play about the condition of gay people, a UK embassy spokesman has said.

David Cecil was arrested last September for "disobeying lawful orders" as it was performed without authorisation. The charges were subsequently dropped.

He was rearrested last week as proceedings to deport him began on the grounds he was an "undesirable person".

Homosexual acts are illegal in socially conservative Uganda.

Mr Cecil, who has a Ugandan girlfriend and two children in the capital, Kampala, was arrested by immigration officers last Wednesday.

A British foreign office spokesman told the BBC that Mr Cecil was deported on Monday evening.

"We are concerned that he was deported without being given an opportunity to challenge the deportation order through the Ugandan courts," he

Tunisia leader says unity government imminent

A David Cecil (m) said.

The play which caused the controversy - the River and the Mountain - told the story of a gay businessman killed by his own employees It was performed at two

theatres in Kampala last August.

Last month a court threw out the case against Mr Cecil because of a lack of evidence.

Gay people have faced physical attacks and social rejection in Uganda.

In 2011, activist David Kato was beaten to death but police denied this was related to his sexuality.

The Ugandan parliament is considering legislation aimed at increasing penalties for homosexual acts.

Zimbabwe court orders Mugabe allies off RioZim mine

Z

President Robert Mugabe

imbabwe's High Court has ordered allies of President Robert Mugabe, including the tourism minister, to leave a RioZim Limited gold mine that they invaded last month, state media reported on Tuesday.

RioZim went to court earlier this month to fight off two lawmakers, including tourism minister Walter Mzembi from Mugabe's ZANUPF party, who had taken control of its Renco gold mine, 300 km (200 miles) south of Harare, in January.

High Court judge Hlekani Mwayera ordered Mzembi and others to vacate the mine and

to stop interfering with its operations, the Herald newspaper reported.

Renco, formed in 2004 when Rio Tinto Plc sold most of its Zimbabwe assets, produced 11,000 ounces of gold in the first half of 2012 when it resumed operations after shutting down at the height of Zimbabwe's hyperinflation crisis in 2008.

RioZim said it had lost $150,000 in daily production during the stand-off and was unable to assert control over the mine.

In a statement issued earlier this month, RioZim said Mzembi had claimed he had

taken over Renco because the company had not complied with Mugabe's black empowerment laws, which seek to transfer majority shareholdings of foreign firms to locals.

The minister denied the charge, saying he had only been called in to resolve a wage dispute.

Major mining firms in Zimbabwe, including leading platinum producers Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum , have been forced to surrender majority stakes to local investors under the Mugabe-led black empowerment drive.

Mali 'hesitant' over UN peacekeeping force

T

he government of Mali is "hesitant" over the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force, a senior UN official has said.

"We do not have a clear green light from the government of Mali yet for a peacekeeping operation,'' said Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson.

However, he said other countries were increasingly in favour of that option.

Thousands of troops from France and African nations have been sent to Mali to oust Islamist militants.

They have recaptured the major towns in northern Mali, which had been under Islamist control since April 2012.

Most of the urban areas were taken without a fight, with the

militants said to have fled into mountainous areas of the Sahara Desert near the Algerian border.

But on Sunday, there was four hours of fighting in the region's biggest town, Gao. The town is now said to be calm but the BBC's Thomas Fessy in Gao says there are fears some fighters could be hiding among the population.

The city's main market remained closed on Monday, following the violence.

Two checkpoints in Gao were hit by suicide bomb attacks on Friday and Saturday.

The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao) has claimed responsibility for the weekend's violence.

On Saturday, Mujao

spokesman Abou Walid Sahraoui said: "We are dedicating ourselves to carrying out more attacks against France and its allies."

Mr Eliasson said UN peacekeepers would only be deployed after the "combat phase" of the operation was over.

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson.

n agreement is imminent on a new national unity government for Tunisia to resolve the political crisis brought on by the assassination of an opposition politician, the leader of the powerful Ennahda party has said..

Rachid Ghannouchi said late on Monday that a new government is expected to be announced in two or three days, as the country that kicked off the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings of the Arab Spring teeters on the edge of a political crisis.

"We are on the road to an understanding,'' he said. "We are moving toward forming a government of national union.''

Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki's secular party had earlier said it would remain in the ruling coalition, but demanded the resignation of two ministers amid deepening political uncertainty.

The centre-left Congress for the Republic (CPR) party had demanded the resignation of the justice and foreign ministers, who belong to Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali's Islamist Ennahda party.

"Two days ago we presented the resignation of our ministers, but we were contacted yesterday evening by the leaders of Ennahda, who replied favourably to all our demands," Mohamed Abbou, CPR party head, said on Monday.

Political tensions have escalated in the North African country after the assassination on February 6 of Shokri Belaid, a leftist politician and fierce critic of Islamist groups.

Tensions between liberals and Islamist groups have been simmering for months over the future direction of the once avowedly secular Muslim country, and stoked by a pro-Ennahda militia blamed for attacks on secular opposition groups.

Abbou stressed that the CPR opposed the planned formation of a non-partisan government of technocrats, announced by Jebali in the wake of public outrage at Belaid's assassination.

The killing led to three days of violent protests in which one policeman was killed and 59 others wounded, according to the interior ministry.

"We are against a government of technocrats as it would allow for the return of figures from the former regime" of the toppled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Abbou said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Asia and Middle East

N

orth Korea conducted its third nuclear test on Tuesday in defiance of existing U.N. resolutions, angering the United States and Japan and prompting its only major ally, China, to call for calm.

PAGE 33

North Korea conducts third nuclear test The North said the test had "greater explosive force" than the 2006 and 2009 tests that were widely seen as small-scale. Its KCNA news agency said it had used a "miniaturized" and lighter nuclear device, indicating that it had again used plutonium which is more suitable for use as a missile warhead.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-

un, the third of his line to rule the country, has presided over two longrange rocket launches and a nuclear test during his first a year in power, pursuing policies that have propelled his impoverished and malnourished country closer to becoming a nuclear weapons power.

U.S. President Barack Obama labeled the test a "highly provocative

act" that hurt regional stability and he and other states that are members of U.N. Security Council pressed for new sanctions on the isolated country.

"The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities warrants further swift and credible action by the international community. The United States will

also continue to take steps necessary to defend ourselves and our allies," Obama said in a statement.

The Security Council will meet later on Tuesday to discuss its reaction to the test, although North Korea is already one of the most heavily sanctioned states in the world and has few external economic links that can be targeted.

Death toll rises as Kashmir tension persists

A

North Korea's state media said the test was conducted in a safe manner and is aimed at coping with US hostility.

Afzal Guru's execution has prompted demonstrations on both Indian and Pakistani areas of Kashmir.

boy shot by security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir has died in hospital, taking the death toll to three during protests at the execution of a Kashmiri man convicted for his role in 2001 attacks on India's parliament.

Despite a strict curfew on Monday, protests and clashes between troops and demonstrators broke out at a dozen places in the region.

Afzul Guru's execution on Saturday has raised tension in the Himalayan region, where most people believe his trial was not fair.

In Watergam village, near the town of Sopore, which was Guru's home, a 12-year-old boy, Obaid Mushtaq, died early on Monday of injuries after police and paramilitary troops fired tear gas shells and bullets a day earlier to disperse an angry crowd, Aijaz Mustafa, a hospital official, said.

He said an 18-year-old boy injured in the clashes was on life support. At least two other people were also injured, police said.

In advance of the execution, authorities ordered people in most of Indian Kashmir region to remain indoors indefinitely in anticipation of anti-India protests.

Several rights groups in India, and political groups in Indian Kashmir, also questioned the fairness of his trial.

The number of police on the streets also increased on Monday amid fears of protests on the 29th anniversary of the execution of a separatist leader.

The February 11 anniversary of the death of Maqbool Bhat, a founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, is usually marked by large rallies and separatist groups called for a general strike on Monday.

Some of the few people

rinking large quantities of Coca-Cola was a "substantial factor" in the death of 30-year-old woman in New Zealand, a coroner has said.

Natasha Harris, who died three years ago after a cardiac arrest, drank up to 10 litres of the fizzy drink each day.

This is twice the recommended safe limit of caffeine and more than 11 times the recommended sugar intake.

Coca-Cola had argued that it could not be proved its product had contributed to Ms Harris' death.

The mother of eight, from the southern city of Invercargill, had suffered for years from ill-health.

Her family said she had developed an addiction to Coca-Cola and would get withdrawal symptoms, including "the shakes", if she went without her favourite drink.

She drank Coke throughout her waking hours and her teeth had been removed because of decay. Coroner David Crerar said her Coca-Cola consumption had given rise to cardiac arrhythmia, a condition when the heart beats too fast or too slow.

"I find that when all the available evidence is considered, were it not for the consumption of very large quantities of Coke by Natasha Harris, it is unlikely that she would have died when she died and how she died," Mr Crerar's finding said.

Finmeccanica at the moment and we will face up to it."

Arrest warrants have been issued for two people living in Switzerland.

India's foreign ministry said it had not been informed of the raid.

"We had asked the government of Italy through our mission in Rome for details of the investigation, but were told that it is a judicial process and the government of Italy is unable to share any information," said foreign

ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin.

"That remains the position even today."

For Italy, it is the latest in a string of corporate scandals including risky trades at the bank Monti Paschi di Siena and allegations of bribery at the oil services group Saipem.

Mr Orsi was in the process of overhauling Finmeccanica to try to make the company profitable again. The Italian government owns about 30% of the company.

authorised to leave curfewbound areas on Monday were tourists who headed to the airport after being confined to their hotels over the weekend.

Several activists tried to hold a procession in Butt's honour in Srinagar, the main city in the region, but police chased them away.

Coca-Cola 'linked to woman's death'

D

Italian aerospace boss held over India deal

T

Giuseppe Orsi (file photo)

he chief executive of Italian aerospace and defence firm Finmeccanica has been arrested on corruption charges.

Giuseppe Orsi has been under investigation for embezzlement for several months. He has always denied any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege he profited illegally from the sale of 12 helicopters to India.

Finmeccanica shares slumped in Milan after initially being suspended.

In a statement, Finmeccanica expressed solidarity with Mr Orsi and said: "Finmeccanica confirms that management activity and the initiatives it has undertaken are continuing in an orderly fashion."

Italy's Prime Minister, Mario Monti, said in an interview with Italian television: "Magistrates will do their work. I'm sure they will do it thoroughly and in the best way possible."

He added: "There is a problem with the governance of

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 34

Asia and Middle East UK government to hold horsemeat summit

U.S. presses Russia to "immediately" lift meat trade ban

T

E

nvironment Secretary Owen Paterson is due to meet food industry representatives for the second time in a week to discuss the horsemeat crisis.

Mr Paterson told the Commons on Monday that it appeared "criminal activity" had been at the heart of the scandal.

MPs will discuss the issue after Labour called a debate on Tuesday afternoon.

It comes after the meat in some Tesco Everyday Value spaghetti bolognese, withdrawn from sale last week, was found to contain 60% horsemeat.

Horsemeat has been detected in several branded and supermarketown processed meat products.

The summit will be the environment secretary's second meeting with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), supermarkets and distributors in a matter of days.

On Saturday, Mr Paterson held an emergency meeting to try to discover how products labelled as beef and sold in supermarkets in fact contained up to 100% horsemeat.

Retailers have agreed to carry out tougher testing of beef products and Mr Paterson warned that "more bad news" could come when the results are revealed on Friday.

The minister said there were plans to test all processed beef in the UK. Mr Paterson told MPs testing should take place every three months, and the FSA should be notified of the results.

The environment secretary is also expected to brief the cabinet on the crisis later.

Labour will urge the government to speed up testing in order to restore consumer confidence when MPs debate the issue in the Commons later.

Meanwhile, two Northern Ireland Assembly committees are holding a special meeting later on Tuesday to debate the issue of contaminated meat.

A consignment of meat at Newry firm Freeza Meats was last week found to contain about 80% horsemeat.

The horsemeat scandal was sparked last month when Irish food inspectors announced they had found horsemeat in some burgers stocked by a number of UK supermarket chains.

The crisis has spread all over Europe as details of the convoluted supply chain in the meat industry emerge.

Tesco became the latest firm to announce it was dropping French food supplier Comigel after DNA tests on the frozen bolognese were known.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk speaks during a news conference in Hanoi.

he United States on Monday urged Russia to immediately lift a ban on imports of U.S. meat products because of the feed additive ractopamine and to honor t h e commitme n t s it made last year when it joined the World Trade Organization.

"The United States is very disappointed that Russia has taken

action to suspend all imports of U.S. meat, which is produced to the highest safety standards in the world," U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a joint statement.

The ban, which went into effect on Monday, has been in the works for weeks. It stems from Russia's concern over the use of ractopamine, a growth stimulant used in U.S. beef, pork and poultry product to make meat leaner.

Some countries ban the additive out of concern that trace elements could remain in the meat and cause health problems.

However, the U.N. food safety body, the Codex

Alimentarius Commission, in July said the additive had "no impact on human health" if residue stays within recommended levels.

"Russia's failure to adopt the Codex standard raises questions about its commitment to the global trading system," Kirk and Vilsack said.

"Despite repeated U.S. requests to discuss the safety of ractopamine, Russia has refused to engage in any constructive dialogue and instead has simply suspended U.S. meat imports. The United States calls on Russia to restore market access for U.S. meat and meat products immediately and to abide by its obligations as a Member of the World Trade Organization."

Queen tops woman's hour power survey

T

he Queen, Home Secretary Theresa May and Santander bank boss Ana Botin have been declared the UK's top three most powerful women in a BBC survey.

A panel of judges compiled a list of the country's 100 most influential females for Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

Further down were author JK Rowling at seventh and Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at 20th.

One judge, journalist Eve Pollard, said the list highlighted the sectors where women were still underrepresented.

The Queen's granddaughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, did not make the list but the judges noted her potential to do so.

Ms Pollard said: "Most women on our list were judged

to have power because they had reached a place where they have control - of policy, of direction, of influence, of staff.

"The panel, a democratic group, also felt that we should include some women who have what we describe as soft power - not hire and fire or innovative financial decisions but the ability to transform the way we think about ourselves.

"Inevitably, not everyone will agree with the 100 we have chosen. There are some omissions.

For example, we had long debates about the Duchess of Cambridge. Is she influential? Hugely. Is she powerful? Not yet.

"What this list does is shine a light on those sectors where too few women are getting to the top, like politics, FTSE companies, the military and journalism.

"Our legacy, we hope, is that this list might change that."

D a v i d Cameron's speechwriter Clare Foges, singer Adele a n d broadcaster C l a r e Balding were a m o n g t h o s e outside the top 20 but on the full list.

T h e j u d g i n g panel also included Conservative MP Priti P a t e l , Labour peer Oona King and crime novelist Val McDermid.

Queen Elizabeth

Pentagon extends benefits to same-sex couples

T

he Pentagon has officially extended some military benefits to same-sex partners, but said provisions like medical coverage would not be offered to gay troops' spouses due to legal barriers.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, who is due to retire this month, said the decision stemmed from the repeal 17 months ago of a ban on openly gay recruits serving in the military.

"It is a matter of fundamental

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said the decision stemmed from the repeal of a ban on openly gay recruits.

equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country," Panetta said in a statement.

"Today, I am pleased to announce that after a thorough and deliberate review, the department will extend additional benefits to same-sex partners of service members."

The move, which defence officials had signaled last week, will provide same-sex partners with military identity cards, hospital visitation rights, access to youth and education programs and financial compensation in the event their military spouse dies, a Pentagon memo said.

"Extending these benefits is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure that all service members receive equal support for what they do to protect this nation," Panetta said.

The number of same-sex couples affected by the decision is about 17,000 in the armed forces, including 5,600 active duty service members.

Panetta acknowledged that federal law, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, remained an obstacle to extending the full array of military benefits.

"One of the legal limitations to providing all benefits at this time is the Defence of Marriage Act, which is still the law of the land," Panetta said.

"There are certain benefits that can only be provided to spouses as defined by that law, which is now being reviewed by the United States Supreme Court."

Medical benefits and housing allowances could not be provided to same-sex partners, because of the federal law, defence officials said.

PAGE 35

JTF steps up security in Potiskum

F

ollowing the gruesome murder of three South Korean doctors in Potiskum town, Yobe state last Sunday, the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state has stepped up security in the commercial town.

Speaking to our correspondent when contacted on phone, the JTF spokesman, Lt. Eli Lazarus, said they responded to the distress call and evacuated family members of the slain doctors.

Describing the attacks as unfortunate and condemnable, Lazarus said: "We have increased our patrols and security checks".

He said the situation brings to fore the need for greater support to security agencies by the people, through the provision of relevant and timely information that enables the force to checkmate such a senseless killings and make the state more secure.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Police uncovers fake navy recruitment syndicate in Benue

By Lambert Tyem

P

olice authorities yesterday in Abuja claimed it burst a fake navy recruitment syndicate last week in Benue state.

Police spokesman, Frank Mba said the feat was successful based on a tip off, and that a team of policemen attached to Benue State Police Command were immediately deployed and arrested three of the fraudsters, including one Emmanuel David Audu 'm', a dismissed naval personnel, residing at Block 'F' Room 20, Abacha

....arrests one ex-officer, two others

Barracks, Abuja.

Police said Audu has been identified to be the leader of the gang and two others; one Adegoke Musbahu 'm' and Idowu Abraham at Habibat Hotel, Old GRA, Makurdi.

"The three suspects capitalising on the gullibility of unsuspecting Nigerian youths, chose to pool the wool over the eyes of members of the public by claiming to be naval officers involved in recruitment exercise for the navy.

"At the time of their arrest, eleven persons already hoodwinked into believing they were on the verge of being recruited into the Nigerian Navy were found with them.

"Items recovered from them include: two laptops, three naval uniforms, one naval identity card bearing the name of the syndicate leader, documents capturing names of candidates and the sum of N100,000., which Emmanuel David Audu admitted he collected

from the victims at the rate ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 per candidate.

"The ring leader confessed that since he lost his job as a naval officer he took to illegal recruitment and racketeering as his main source of income and livelihood.

"The case is still under investigation at the State CID, Makurdi but would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed", the police spokesman noted.

Peoples Daily reporter to lead Kano Correspondents' Chapel From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

T

he Kano state Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has elected Edwin Olofu of the Peoples Dailynewspaper Kano Bureau as its new chairman.

Announcing the election result at the Kano state Press Centre, the chairman of the electoral committee, Salisu Ibrahim Fagge, declared that Edwin Olofu defeated his opponent Kola Oyelere of the Nigerian Tribune having scored 23 to 13 votes.

Fagge added that Ibrahim Shuaibu of Thisday newspaper emerged the secretary of the chapel by defeating Jacob Adeola Ajakaiye of the Business Day newspaper by 27 votes to 9.

Others elected were the vice chairman of the chapel, Bala Nasir of the New Nigeria who was unopposed, while Muhammad Tijjani Abdulsalam of The Vanguard defeated Kolade Adeyemi of The Nation by 20 votes to 16.

The electoral committee chairman thanked members of the chapel and the state council for their support in conducting the election.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Mr. Olofu said the elections mark a new beginning, pr o m i s i n g t o carry every member along during his tenure.

L-R: Head, Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Prof. Ademola Omojola, Director General, Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Olufemi Taiwo, and Social and Governance Policy Researcher, Dr. Felix Olorunfemi, during the monthly seminar series of Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Kogi Assembly Kano health workers killing: Reps urges the reduction of domesticates FG to compensate families accelerating maternal and child mortality in all

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives has condemned in its entirety the gruesome killing of nine female health workers while in active service to their fatherland, and has called on the Federal Government to compensate the families of the deceased for losing their bread winners while in active service to the nation.

In a motion read under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Munnir Baffa Danagundi (PDP Kano), he said the health workers were shot dead as they were dutifully engaged in polio vaccination to protect and save the lives of Nigerian children in Kano state.

He express concern that such dastardly act on patriotic health personnel could detract from the Federal Government's objectives of

parts of the country by mindless acts of terrorism.

He disclosed that the twin attacks which also left for other female health workers injured were executed by gunmen on tricycles in quick succession between 9am and 10am on the fateful day.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the House, which also called on the security operatives to put proactive measures in place for health workers especially in high risk areas.

Nasarawa crisis not religious - Al-makura

By Umar Muhammad Puma

G

overnor Umar Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa state has again debunked some media reports that the crisis in Nasarawa state has religious colouration.

The governor was speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Press Affairs, Alhaji Sani Musa Mairiga. Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Mairiga said the clarification became necessary in view of the fact that some people including some media outfits are beginning to drag religion

into the crisis, which would not augur well for the overall interest of the state.

"I want to disabuse the mind of those who are saying the crisis is religious; we have followers of both Islam and Christianity in virtually all the ethnic groups in the state, so it would be foolhardy to say the crisis is religious".

He said some disgruntled elements who are all out to tarnish the image of the governor and disparage his achievements want to use religious sentiment to achieve their selfish interest. He added that many Muslims and Christians have fallen victim to the criminal excesses of hoodlums and

called on the people of the state to disregard moves from some quarters to use religion as a yard stick to carry out their nefarious activities of unleashing terror and grief on innocent citizens.

He appealed to the people of the state to embraced peace because is the only panacea to the development of Nasarawa.

"We must be our brother's keepers and avoid acts capable of causing disaffection among ourselves.

Nasarawa is our state; we must do all within our strength to bring lasting peace and harmony", he admonished.

FOI bill

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he Freedom of Information Bill which has been pending in the Kogi state House of Assembly went through its third and final reading yesterday at plenary, and was passed into law.

By this development, Kogi state House of Assembly has become the second assembly to pass the Bill into law in the country after Ekiti state.

Hon Saidu Akawu representing Kogi/Kotokarfe state constituency and sponsor of the bill, opined that the law had become necessary to avail the people of access to information and to allow for transparency in governance.

Chief Akawu noted that in the present dispensation information hoarding was no longer in vogue stressing that it was inimical to good governance and shut the people away from getting the information which belongs to them.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

How to stay together: Write a report about the rows you have three times a year

By Fiona Macrae

C

ouples who want a happy marriage should do their homework.

A study found that those who wrote about their rows now and again were more satisfied with married life.

Just three seven-minute essays a year, written from someone else's perspective, made a difference.

Writing just three sevenminute essays a year from someone else多s perspective can make a difference to married life, according to Professor Eli Finkel of Northwestern University, Illinois A little homework also boosted feelings of love, passion, intimacy, trust and commitment, the journal Psychological Science reports.

It is thought writing from an outsider's viewpoint helped

people see conflict through fresh eyes.

Researcher Eli Finkel said: 'I don't want it to sound like magic but you can get pretty impressive results with a minimal intervention.'

British experts said the exercise could help a lot of people - as long as they don't bear grudges and are able to distance themselves from the situation.

Professor Finkel, of Northwestern University, Illinois, tracked the marriages of 120 couples for two years.

Some had been married for just a few weeks when the study began, others for more than 50 years.

In the second year of the study, half were asked to think about a recent row and write about it from the perspective of a neutral party.

They were encouraged to

Professor Finkel tracked the marriages of 120 couples for two years, some of whom had been married for just a few weeks when the study began, others for more than 50 years

Writing just three seven-minute essays a year from someone else多s perspective can make a difference to married life, according to Professor Eli Finkel of Northwestern University, Illinois write about how they could distance themselves in future.

Professor Finkel estimated each essay took seven minutes - adding up to 21 minutes over the year.

As previous studies have shown, marital satisfaction fell over the course of the first year.

In those who didn't do the writing task, it continued to drop during the second year.

But in those who did their homework, satisfaction stabilised. While they didn't argue any less, their rows

caused them less upset.

And there were other benefits. The professor said: 'Not only did the effect emerge for marital satisfaction, it also emerged for other relationship processes - like passion and sexual desire.

'These effects emerged whether people were married for one month, 50 years, or anywhere in between.'

He added: 'A high-quality marriage is one of the strongest predictors of happiness and health.

'From that perspective, participating in a sevenminute writing exercise three times a year has to be one of the best investments married people can make.'

Relate counsellor Paula Hall said: 'If you can step away from the emotion of an argument after some time has elapsed and maintain a sense of perspective, hopefully you can move on to see what you can do differently. Effectively, that's what counselling does.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Walking just 10 minutes a day can halve your risk of having a heart attack

By Leon Watson

W

alking just ten minutes a day can reduce the risk of heart attack by 50 per cent, researchers say.

Just a small amount of light exercise has a major effect on

those with sedentary lifestyles, say doctors ahead of American Heart Month.

Dr Martha Grogan, of Mayo Clinic, said in journal Healthy Heart for Life!: 'When I tell people that almost 80 per cent of heart disease is preventable, they are surprised.

'Better yet, there are daily things we all can do that can make a big difference in our effort to keep our hearts healthy.'

She said that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart attack almost as much as smoking and said simply

Researchers said that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart attack almost as much as smoking

Research has found walking just 10 minutes a day can half your risk of having a heart attack.

Pictured is a family walking along the coast to Lulworth Cove in Dorset

getting up from a desk to talk to a colleague rather than sending an email would help.

'Moving even 10 minutes a day for someone who's been sedentary may reduce the risk for heart d i s e a s e b y 5 0 p e r cent,' she said.

Fellow cardiologist Virend Somers pointed out that getting enough sleep was also vital.

He said: 'Sleep is a necessity, like food and water. It's not a luxury.'

And Dr Randal Thomas, also of Mayo Clinic, pointed

out the danger of high blood pressure, which in a 53year old male smoker increases the chance of heart attack by 20 per cent over ten years.

He said: 'There's a saying that heart disease is what nature gives you for breaking its rules.

'But you have a second chance. Healthy lifestyle habits can help you reduce a majority of your risks for h e a r t attack.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Kwara CPC ask IEDPU to reject Saraki’s bus gift From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

K

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Hon. Dakuku Peterside , House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande -Adeola , and Hon. Razak Adewusi, during the House Joint Committee on SURE-P public hearing on Subsidy Re - investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps calls for immediate construction of second Niger Bridge

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives has urged the government to engage the services of a competent contractor to commence the construction of a second Niger Bridge to support the one in use currently.

In a motion read by Rep. Ezenwa Onybewuchi, (APGA Imo state), the House noted that the

bridge which links the South- East, South- South and South-West and some northern states, is on the verge of collapse due to its age, over use and lack of maintenance.

According to him, ”There is evidence of corrosion and cracks to the structural members of the ridge, which has been stretched beyond its limits and capacity”.

He expressed worry that the eventual collapse of the River Niger bridge would lead to the death of

many Nigerians and motorists, adding that a lot of properties will be lost in the mayhem, while sections of the country will be cut off.

Onyewuchi further stressed that the collapse of the River Niger bridge would lead to the dislocation and disruption of commercial activities and government will be forced to channel all its energy and resources in cushioning the hardship and other effects

resulting from such collapse.

According to him, the promises of constructing a second Niger Bridge by the past and present administrations have been a mirage. The House therefore urged the Ministry of Works to immediately commence the reinforcement, repairs and rehabilitation of the River Niger bridge to avoid the dire consequences of its collapse.

Lagos Assembly summons Commissioner over non-payment of Vet. Doctors’ arrears From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

T

he Lagos State House of Assembly at its Plenary Session has summoned the Commissioner for Establishments, Pensions and Training, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase, to appear before it over allegation of non-payment of salary arrears to veterinary doctors.

Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet who raised the issue under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, recalled a resolution earlier passed

by the House on the arrears of salaries of some veterinary doctors in the State from 2003 to 2010.

The resolution was passed on September 16, 2012 and forwarded to the Ministry for necessary action.

The lawmaker, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on Establishment, Pensions and Training, informed the House on the update about the issue, saying that the Ministry wrote a letter to the Clerk of the House, informing the House that the matter had been

discussed at the Executive Council meeting and laid to rest.

Speaking on the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo and Hon. Rotimi Olowo described the Ministry’s attitude as worrisome.

He said that from available information, there is the need to summon the Commissioner to explain the reasons behind the nonpayment of the doctors’ back-log of salary arrears.

Reacting to the comments of Hon.

Funmilayo Tejuosho and Hon. Mubashiru Obasa, the Speaker said, “Lagos is known for moving fast so it will not be acceptable for any of our MDAs to work slowly”.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said there was no justification for the delay of the doctors’ salary arrears.

It would be recalled that this was the first Plenary Session of the House since Monday, 31st December, 2012 when the House went on break after the passage of the year 2013 State

Okorocha tasks Nigerians on patriotism, team work

I

mo Gov. Rochas Okorocha yesterday charged Nigerians to imbibe the Super Eagles' spirit of patriotism and teamwork that propelled the team to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Ebere Uzoukwa, the Governor's Special

Assistant on Media, in Owerri.

The statement quoted Okorocha as saying that ``the spirit of patriotism and team work is what is required for the nation to overcome its socioeconomic challenges''.

Gov. Okorocha noted that ``through hard work and dedication, the Eagles have

taken the nation back to its pride of place as the giant of the continent''.

He said, ``the unity of purpose displayed by the players during the AFCON final match between the Super Eagles and the Stallions of Burkina Faso suggests that Nigeria will certainly retrace its steps to the

path of progress''.

Nigeria beat Burkina Faso 10 at the final match of the 2013 tournament to lift the AFCON trophy for the third time on Sunday.

The country has won the trophy twice previously in 1980 (Lagos, Nigeria) and 1994 (Tunis, Tunisia). (NAN)

wara State Congress for P r o g r e s s i v e Change (CPC) has asked Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union (IEDPU) to reject an 18 Seater bus donated to the union by immediate past governor of the state, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Party state Chairman, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin noted that the gift was targeted to stop the union from antagonizing Saraki’s policies while in government.

The Chairman who appreciated IEDPU under the leadership of Justice Saka Yusuf said he has built an image of a communal group that was capable of inspiring, mobilizing and motivating the ordinary people to do some worthwhile things that symbolize its bond of brotherhood , without going cap in hand to politicians who are only interested in festering their nest and perpetuating themselves.

He said “Extra care should therefore be made not to draw back this modest achievement by enthroning a culture of dependency or self-denigrating helplessness that is capable of hoodwinking the group from standing up to the apparent complicity of the state in an unholy bid to mortgage the cultural and religious heritages of the people of the great city of Ilorin emirate and its environs.

“As a Party whose ideology centers prominently on probity, anti-corruption and discipline, we do not begrudge the IEDPU from accepting the bus gift, believing that like every other eligible members of the IEDPU, Dr. Saraki too has a moral obligation to lend his hand to the giant strides of the IEDPU. “What is however a little bit discomforting is the timing of the said ‘donation’. If Dr. Bukola Saraki truly has the interest of the IEDPU at heart, why delay the promised donation till now that the group is fiercely challenging Dr. Saraki’s godson policy misstep? “ At what time in the past, either before or after his tenure as the governor of the state did he ever give credence to the IEDPU, of which he is a natural member? Whatever the motivation for this sudden benevolence on the part of Dr. Bukola Saraki, we find it extremely disturbing that given the timing of the ‘gift’ and the kind of ‘gift’ involved, the act may amount to a disguised bribe that is capable of undermining the institution of the IEDPU that its founding fathers labored so hard to free from the shackles of government and its agencies.

“We equally fear that it might distract the IEDPU from its ethical values of justice, preservation of cultural heritage, the rule of law, equity and prosperity, thereby jeopardizing sustainable development,” the party stated.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 39

Ajimobi asks EFCC to refund Ladoja’s loot, expedite Akala's trial FromInumidunOjelade,Ibadan The Oyo state government has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release to it money and property belonging to the state confiscated from its former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as well as expedite the trial of former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala.

This decision, which formed part of the resolutions of the State Executive Council, was conveyed to the press on Tuesday in a statement by the State Commissioner for

Information, Mr. Taiwo Otegbeye. According to the executive council resolution, this was necessary for good governance.

The statement reads in part: "The Executive Council of Oyo State Government has passed a resolution urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite action on the trial of the two former governors of Oyo State and their coaccused persons facing trial for misappropriation of the state funds and resources."

While commending the EFCC for its giant strides in investigating, arresting and

prosecuting the two former governors for offences relating to misappropriation and conversion of the state funds and resources, the government noted that the trials of the former governors were yet to commence.

More specifically, in the statement, the state asked the commission to release to it the state government money and property, which included impounded vehicles which were purchased from the proceeds of the loot for some family members, that were recovered from the former governor and fellow accused persons.

Yari approves 459 political appointments in Zamfara from Feb. 1. ``Out of the 135 new

G

ov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara has approved the appointment of 135 additional Special Advisers, Directors-General, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants.

A statement yesterday in Gusau signed by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Alhaji Haruna Sallau, said the appointments took effect

Jigawa LG chairmen donate 54 motorcycles to police

C

hairmen of the 27 local governments in Jigawa yesterday donated 54 motorcycles to the policemen posted to their respective domains.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Salisu Ndarawa, made the presentation in Dutse on behalf of the chairmen.

Ndarawa said that the gesture was to assist the policemen to carry out their duties effectively at the grassroots.

He said the chairmen contributed money to purchase the motorcycles in order to ease the operation of the policemen deployed to their areas.

"From our calculation, each of the 27 local government areas will get two motorcycles," he added.

He said that security was paramount in human existence, adding that the chairmen's gesture would help to boost security in the state.

The commissioner commended the police for ensuring peace and harmony among the people of the state. (NAN)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yari had, about two weeks ago, approved the appointment of 233 Senior Special Assistants.

He also gave the approval for the appointment of 91 members of state and local governments' Project Monitoring Committees, to bring to 459 new political appointments in the state in 2013.

appointments, four persons were approved by the governor as Special Advisers, 10 as Directors-General, 37 as Senior Special Assistants and 84 as Special Assistants,'' the statement said.

Some of those appointed include Alhaji Umar Jibo, a former Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Council, as Special Adviser in the office of the governor. (NAN)

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZE IKECHUKWU PRESIDENT 2. OKAFOR GERALD SECRETARY 3. MOMOHJIMOH BELLO FINANCIAL SECRETARY 4.INIOBONG RABSON TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO REACH OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ESONU JUSTINA ESQ 07039822447

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 41

Eagles overwhelmed by rousing reception

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embers of the Super Eagles were overwhelmed by the rousing reception soccer fans accorded them yesterday right from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, streets lineup by school pupils and adults as well and the grand reception at the National Stadium Abuja.

About 10,000 dancing and singing fans received the squad when they touched down about 4pm local time on board of a chartered flight from Johannesburg, South Africa.

“We have done it. We asked for support and we got it,” said former Nigeria skipper Nwankwo Kanu, who is also the country’s football

Nigeria v Kenya fixture changed

F

ootball Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that the 2014 World Cup qualifier pitting African champions Nigeria against Kenya has been changed.

The development comes after Nigeria were crowned champions of the African Cup of Nations and will represent the continent in Brazil during Confederations Cup. “The World Football Governing Body Fifa has communicated to Football Kenya Federation on the possibility of changing the dates for the Kenya, Nigeria Brazil World Cup qualifier.”

“This has arisen due to Nigeria’s qualification to represent Africa in the FIFA confederations Cup to be played in Brazil from 15th to 23rd June 2013. The world cup organising committee has therefore requested Kenya to reschedule the return leg at least two days before the 10th of June that means the match be played between 6th or 7th of June,” the statement read.

Fifa is expected to hold an executive meeting on March 19th to decide on the exact dates.

FKF have also revealed that they will hire a new coach before they face Super Eagles but were keen to state that he will not be high profile like the predecessor as the team is expected to pitch camp in two week’s time.

“We are not going for a high profile coach this time round and the three have a good track record for working with African teams.”

A dancer welcoming the Eagels traditional with dance steps

ambassador.

“We’re top of the world coming back home with the trophy,” said Sporting Braga defender Elderson Echiejile on arrival.

“Look at how many people who have come out to welcome us because we put a smile on their faces,” added an appreciative Nosa Igiebor.

“We want to celebrate with the fans. This achievement is incredible,” said striker Ikechukwu Uche.

The African champions cruised from the airport into the city on a motorcade.

A reception at the Abuja National Stadium attended by several top government functionaries was broadcast live on national television.

The joyous fans who trooped to National Stadium Abuja Tuesday evening to welcome the African champions did not allow the event to hold.

The fans mobbed their heroes and blocked them from taking the red carpet laid for them.

The Eagles arrived the National stadium about 6.30pm in a Marcopolo bus and coach Stephen Keshi was the first person to alight from the bus as crowd shouted out his nickname ‘Big Boss’. He was followed by his assistants Daniel ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, Ike Shorunmu and Sylvanus Okpala in that order.

Only five Eagles dropped from the bus before the crowd scrambled to touch their heroes.

Mikel Obi was the fans toast as they sang his praise as soon as he was getting down form the bus. Other players who alighted from the bus were Elderson, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and best goalkeeper of the tournament Vincent Enyeama before they were ordered back into the bus by the coaches due to the uncontrollable fans.

Fans breach protocols, throng airport, stadium to receive Eagles

A

cross section of Nigerian soccer fans yesterday breached protocols and the tight security mounted by security agents at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to welcome the Super Eagles.

The fans, cheering and waving the national flag and other decorative items, stormed the airport in the early hours of the day and waited patiently until late in the afternoon when the Arik flight finally touched down with members of the victorious Super Eagles.

From there on the surging crowd defiled control as the throng forward to touch and shake hands with the players and other officials and accompanied that with praise songs and dances.

The players and officials arrived in Abuja at 3.25 p.m. and were decorated in Nigeria’s national colours as they came out of the plane. The excited fans stood up for the champions, singing and dancing.

In spite of the presence of security personnel, fans rushed to the 2013 AFCON champions to either have a hand shake or a hug, even some immigration and customs officers abandoned their duty posts to embrace the players as they walked through to the arrival hall.

The Nigerian Supporters Club sang and played their musical instruments to the delight of all.

Similarly, at the reception organised for the champions at the National Stadium, Abuja, fans turned out in large

numbers to appreciate them.

The FCT Minister, Malam Bala Muhammed, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, received the team, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) music band entertained the crowd.

Super Eagles' head coach, Steven Keshi (middle), acknowledge cheers from supporters, after the arrival of victorious Super Eagles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, yesterday in Abuja from 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, in South Africa.

PHOTO: MAHMUD ISA

The confession of David Mark

By Patrick Andrew

S

enate President David Mark yesterday confessed what is sounded on rooftops across the length and breadth of Africa: hatred for Nigeria by fellow African countries including those Nigeria expended so much in human and material resources to rescue from the claws of socio-economic and

political enslavement.

Hear him on the floor of the Senate yesterday: “While in South Africa to represent President Goodluck Jonathan, I realised that many countries in Africa are not the best of friends with Nigeria. Many of them did not want Nigeria to win the trophy,” the Senate President said while ruling on the motion to honour the Super Eagles.

Nigerians took the opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity of the country through their dances.

Groups, such as National Council for Women Societies, Abuja branch, People’s Democratic Party Women in FCT and the Isuikwuato Development Union were all represented.

The Umuobiala group from Abia carried placards that read, “we welcome our heroic son Sunday Mba’’, on the occasion.

Though poor officiating was general in tournament, the head of the federal government delegation to the Nations Cup observed that it seems even on the field of play some officials were determined to frustrate Nigeria.

Mark did not adequately buttress his observation, Peoples Daily Sports recalls that during the qualifiers in several supposed friendly countries including our

immediate neighbours and assumed political allies, Nigerian sports had been brutalised and humiliated even as responsible CAF and federations’ officials choose to turn blind eyes.

In Liberia, Malawi, Kenya and Mozambique in recent years, the Super Eagles were poorly treated, threatened even as other Nigerians were harrassed, humiliated and sometimes

physically assaulted.

In the light of the development, Mark stressed the need for Nigeria to become self reliant in every facets of activities and thus makes it impossible to be ignored.

He commended soccer fans, who in the face of extreme provocation, remained calmed and responsible and the members of the Super Eagles, who in the face of poor officiating and other forms of intimidation weathered the storm to clinch the prestigious AFCON trophy.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 45

Peoples Daily CLASSIFIED

Africa Cup of Nations surprises

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Super Eagles lineup Nigeria winning obody was probably more surprised than Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi that his side lifted the Nations Cup trophy. On arriving in South Africa Keshi was at pains to explain that his squad was a work in progress and that he was building a squad to compete at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He implored fans and the media to go easy on his team. He

N

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was talking as if failure in this competition was a given. Yet three weeks later, and after a slow start, the team were crowned champions, and deservedly so.

They improved with every game as the tournament wore on. Keshi’s ‘resignation’ is nothing more than a power-play, building an aura among the Nigerian public that he is indispensable and therefore giving him more leverage in his constant battled with the Nigeria Football Federation.

Burkina Faso The Stallions have been tipped as Dark Horses in a number of previous Nations Cup tournaments, but have exited meekly in the first round. This time there was little expectation on them, yet they managed to make the final and do so in some style.

They are a hard-working team laced with quality players such as Bakari Kone and Jonathan Pitroipa. But whether this is a brave new dawn for Burkina Faso football or just a good few weeks remains to be seen.

The pitches One of the key features of the competition before the start was supposed to be the excellent South African pitches that would allow free-flowing, attacking football. Nelspruit was a disaster, Soccer City not much better, Port Elizabeth cut up badly as it always does and Durban began to wear towards the end too. Perhaps it was only the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg that came out with any credit.

Cote d’Ivoire It seemed to be written in the stars that Cote d’Ivoire would give a big send-off to striker Didier Drogba by finally claiming the Nations Cup crown in this tournament. But they never really got out of first gear in the competition, playing nowhere near their best.

Player fatigue is a possibility, tactical naivety from coach Sabri Lamouchi. Or maybe they have retained too many players past their prime. Whatever the reasons, a limp quarterfinal exit at the hands of Nigeria was not in the script.

Cape Verde Should we have been surprised? Cape Verde came into the competition as the highest ranked side in their Group A that also included South Africa, Morocco and Angola. Nobody really seemed to give them a chance, though it is not entirely clear why.

They beat Cameroon over two legs to claim their place in the finals and their results in the build-up were decent.

Perhaps it was the manner of their quarterfinal qualification that surprised, a late injury-time goal sealing their passage.

They gave Ghana a game in the Last 8 as well before going down to a penalty and late second for the Black Stars.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR EDWIN KEREAMA BIAYEIBO CHAIRMAN 2. MRS EBI SHOLA HAMMED SECRETARY 3. DR. VICTOR EJIGE MEMBER 4. ENGR. SHOLA HAMMED MEMBER 5. MRS NGOZI BIAYEIBO MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Asamoah Gyan

Didier Drogba

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AYAHAY FOUNDATION FOR THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED

THE LIGHT OF GOD SAVING ASSEMBLY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.HON. JUSTICE AMINA A. AUGIE 2.HON. JUSTICE ABUBAKAR YAHAYA 3.DR. MUHAMMAD SAGAGI 4.HON. ABDULMUMINI JIBRIN 5.HAJIA ALAWIYA KULIYA-UMAR 6.AISHA AUGIE-KUTA 7.MARYAM ADAMU AUGIE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO ASSIT THE LESS PRIVILEDGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSEMBLY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR RAPHAEL EHIJIATOR OMOTESE 2.MR. JOHNSON OMOSIGHO EDWIN 3.MRS. ROSELINE OMOTESER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. 2.TO EVANGELISE AND WIN SOULS TO THE KINGOM OF GOD. 3.TO SUPPORT MISSION WORK IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENT WITH PLOT NO. 318 SITUATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE B02 DURUMI DISTRICT ABUJA, MEASURING ABOUT 1000SQM WITH FILE NO. RV 20009, BELONGING TO GEORGE ETOMI, IS MISSING. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID MISSING DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. AGIS AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

SIGNED: AISHA AUGIE-KUTA 07037001858

SIGNED: BARR. VINCENT ODJE TESTIMONY CHAMBER 08186560033

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS. ENE TINA (AUGUSTINA) CHINEDUM. NOW MARRIED, WISHES TO BE (MRS) OBIEFUNA OBIEFUNAUDEH TINA CHINEDUM. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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SAVE ALL SOULS FOUNDATION

CHIKE & CHINYERE ONYEKWERE FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.IMONIKHE OHIOMA INNOCENT 2.CHIEF GEORGE IZOBO 3.REV. FR. CHARLES BISHOP NASAMU 4.DR. FELIX NWANI 5.MRS. GOLD ONYEMA 6.MRS. OTSEMOBOR-IGANOI GRACE 7.BARR. AILOKPEDE MUSA 8.ENGR. ALFRED OBEMEATA IMONIKHE 9.MISS. AGNES AGBONS IMONIKHE 10.MISS. RACHAEL AMADASUN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGE THAT ARE LESS PRIVILEGED. 2.TO CARE FOR THE WIDOWS IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ZEST PARTNERS 08035910250

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATON HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHINYERE ONYEKWERE 2.CHIKE ONYEKWERE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO THE LESS PREVILEDGED AND INDIGENT IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ADEYEMO E. TEMITOPE (ESQ)

CHANGE OF NAME, AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION AND CTC OF CERTIFICATE

OLD: EZIASHI YOUTH CLUB OF NIGERIA

NEW: EZIASHI SOCIAL CLUB OF OGWASHI-UKU THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.JUDE OKORO 2.BEN AJIDUA 3.ALEX OKOLO 4.MATHEW OBI 5.MATHIAS EZIASHI 6.FRANCIS IWEUNOR 7.ELUE EZEDI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OGWASHI-UKU. 2.TO UTILIZE THE CLUB TO PROPAGATE AND PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE. 3.TO ERADICATE ALL FORMS OF SOCIAL ILLS WITHIN OUR PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. UGWUOKE MARTINS CHIJIOKE 08039228273

LECAL NOTICE

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GOMBE STATE NOTICE

ROYAL SAINTS ASSEMBLY

HOUSE OF TEHILLAH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION, GOMBE, GOMBE STATE WHEREAS the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column here under died in testate on the date and at the place stated in the column.

AND WHEREAS the person/persons whose address and claimed relationship to the deceased person/persons is set out in the second column hereunder has applied to “High Court of Justice, Gombe for grant” LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION” of the property/ies of the said deceased NOTICE is hereby given that “LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION” will be granted to such person/persons unless NOTICE TO PROHIBIT the grant thereof is filed in the probate Registry High Court of Justice, Gombe within twenty one (21) days of publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE DECEASED 1.DSC Usman Mohammed Bala of N.C.S Sokoto, who died on the 14th July, 2012 at Katsina 2.Malam Yahaya John Poloma of 34 Orji Housing Estate Gombe, who died on the 3rd January, 2009 at Gombe.

3.Ladi Yusuf Shu’aibu of Ministry of Education Gombe, who died on the 3rd January, 2013. at Billiri.

4.Ya’u Yusuf of Upper Benue River Basin Authority Dadin Kowa, Ya’u of Dadin Kowa. who died on the 18th July, 2007 at Dadin Kowa.

5.Shehu Dan’awaku of NPF Gombe, who died on the 21st August, 2012 at Gombe. Gombe.

6.Abubakar Burga of N.I.S Gombe State Command,who died on the 9th October, 2012 at Gombe.

7.Bitrus Jatau Buli of N.I.M.C Gombe, who died on the 13th January, 2013 at Lafiya Lamurde 8.Adamu Ali of PHCN Transmission Station Gombe, who died on the 6th June, 2012 9.Musa Kish of N.P.F Nasarawa at Gombe. State Command, who Died on the 18th January, 2009 at Nasarawa.

10.Adamu Idi of T/Wada Quarters Gombe, who died on the 6th November, 2012 at Gombe 11.Na’omi Ali of N.P.F Gombe, who died on the 19th September, 2012 at Gombe.

12.Hashimu Umaru of F.C.E (T) Gombe, who died on The 23rd January, 2012 at Gombe 13.Mohammed T. Zubairu of P.E.S Abuja, who died on The 25th October, 2012 at Gwaram Jigawa state.

14.Senator Mohammed Uba Ahmed of S 134T Dogon Karfe Jos, who died on the 17th November, 2012, at Germany.

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Mohammed Bala, Amb. Mohmammed Yahaya and Justice Aishatu R.D.Mohammed c/o Ashaka Cement Gombe. The Brother, Uncle and Cousin Sister of the deceased.

Barrister Bala Poloma and Haruna Poloma of Fed. Low Cost Gombe.

The Sons of the deceaed.

Isa Ezra Yunusa of Kalmai Quarters The Son of the deceased.

Gombe Mohammed Ya’u and Alhaji Auwal The Sons of the deceased.

Joseph Mendus Dan’awaku and Na’omi Dan’awaku all of Tumfure Quarters The Son & Daughter of the deceased.

Rahila Abubakar of Tumfure Quarters Gombe. The Daughter of the deceased.

Emmanuel Bitrus c/o Eng. John Audi of Tumfure Quarters Gombe. The Son of the deceased.

Rahanatu Adamu and Umaru Adamu of Checheniya Quarters Gombe.

The Widow and Son of the deceased.

Felicia Ibrahim of ECWA Goodnews Church Kumo Akko LGA. The Sister of the deceased.

Umar Idris of T/Wada Quarters Gombe.

The Brother of the deceased.

Viashima Longi Ali of Kekel Billiri LGA. The Son of the deceased.

Sale Hashimu of T/Wadan Shamaki Gombe. The Son of the deceased.

Mohammed Mustapha Tukur c/o Abubakar Haruna of Bajoga Quarters Gombe. The Son of the deceased.

Abubakar Uba Ahmed, Gaddafi Uba Ahmed, Rabi Uba Ahmed and Maimuna Uba Ahmed, all of Kaltungo Town, Kaltungo LGA .The Sons and Daughters of the deceased.

DATED AT GOMBE THIS 11TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2013.

PROBATE REGISTRY, HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE, GOMBE, GOMBE STATE.

Signed:- Moh’d Auwal Haruna Esq CHIEF REGISTRAR HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE, GOMBE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSEMBLY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. DENNIS AZANO WILLIAMS 2.REV. MRS. MARY MADINA WILLIAMS 3.COL. MORRIS OKORO IDEH (RTD.) 4.PROF. GREG AVWIRI 5.EVANG. MUSA MOSES 6.MRS. JANET EKHATOR 7.PROF. CHINEDU CHRIS CHUKWUEGGU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO THE LESS PREVILEDGED AND INDIGENT IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FELLOWSHIP HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR MICHAEL EDGAR 2.GLORY OGHOMWEN EDGAR 3.IDUSERI KENNETH EFOSA 4.IGBINEDION OSAHON SUNDAY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BORNO YOUTH FARMERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

JESUS GLORIOUS POWER INTERNATIONAL MISSION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.LAWAN ZANNA 2.SULEIMAN MUSA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO CREATE CO-OPERATION AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BORNO. 2.TO PROVIDE MASS PRODUCTION OF FOOD IN THE STATE. 3.TO CREATE AWARENESS AND ENLIGHTENMENT AMONG THE YOUTH FATERMS OF THE STATE THROUGH ORGANIZING WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTYEIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LAWAN ZANNA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MISSION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV./DR. FRIDAY HEZEKIAH NKANTION -(G.O/FOUNDER) 2.ELDER CLETUS NDARAKE 3.ELDER. GEORGE IMOH IBANGA 4.BROTHER EFFIONG JAMES UDOH 5.SISTER MERCY FRIDAY NKANTION -(WOMEN’S LEADER) 6.BROTHER MONDAY ISAIAH PAUL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2.TO PREPARE SOULS FOR HEAVEN AT LAST. 3.TO WIN SOUL FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTYEIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. EKONG O. EKONG 0824573737

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PAGE 43

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

SELEWU ESTATE CENTRAL MOSQUE

ECO EMPOWERMENT & SENSITIZATION INITIATIVE

OWA ALIDINMA INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1, OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. DICK, NDUKWE AGBAI -FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN 2.MRS. NDUKWE CHINDINMA FAVOUR -CO-FOUNDER & FIN SECRETARY 3.MR. DICKSON, OKPARA ACHULIKE -MEMBER 4.MS. DICKSON, EBERECHI LILLIAN -ASST. FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5.MR. AGWU OKOROAFOR GABRIEL -MEMBER 6.BARR. (MRS.) ADENUBI , GRACE -ASSISTANT SECRETARY 7.MR. OKORIE, FELIX CHUKWU -MEMBER 8.MR. IWO, CHINEMERE STEVE -MEMBER 9.DR. BROWN, MALACHI ELISHA -SECRETARY 10.ENGR. ADEWALE, IBUKUN DAPO -MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: TO ENLIGHTEN THE YOUTHS AND ENCOURAGE SKILL ACQUISITION, SELF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AMONG YOUTHS.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1, OF 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: DR. BROWN, MALACHI ELISHA (SECRETARY)

SIGNED: ENWEFA UNICE (SECRETARY)

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS UZOMA UZOIGWE IFUNANYA LOVE OKPARO NOW WISHES TO BE MRS. IFUNANYA FRIDAY OKPARA. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

PUSH AGAINST MALARIA HEALTH INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1, OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. SAKIRUDEEN AKANNI OWOLABI -CHAIRMAN 2.ALHAJI JAMIU AKANNI ODUNLAMI -SECRETARY 3.MR. WAHEED AGBEDOSOLA SALAUDEEN 4.MR. RASAKI ADELEKE 5.ALHAJA RAHMAT ALLIU - AMIRA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: A.TO PROPAGATE THE WORD OF ALLAH. B.TO ORGANIZE LECTURES AND SEMINARS ON ISLAMIC VALUES. C.TO TRAIN THE YOUNG AND THE AGED ON HOW TO STUDY THE QURAN. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY WITH FILE NO. LA60731 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 3822 WITH ABOUT 1711.50M2 IN CADASTRAL ZONE E27 OF APO. BELONGING TO ADEGOKE GBOHUNMI OGUNJOBI OF 1 VOITA STREEET, SUN CITY, ABUJA FCT. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR AGIS.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS DEBORAH JOSHUA NOW WISHES TO BE MRS. DEBORAH MICHEAL UDESHI F/NO. 020182 NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.RAPHAEL OKOCHA -PRESIDENT 2.EFEIZOMOR EMMANUEL -CORPORATE AFFAIRS ADVISER 3.ENWEFA UNICE -SECRETARY 4.MORKA CHUKWUKA EMMANUEL -TREASURER 5.BARRISTER ANDREW OKONTA NWADOZIE -MEMBER 6.OKOCHA RAPHAEL JUNIOR -MEMBER 7.UZOMA PHANUEL -MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: A.TO FOSTER UNITY, PEACE AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. B.TO RENDER HELP TO OUR MEMBERS IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTIES FOR MORAL UPLIFTMENT.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. OFFOH PAULINUS NNAEMEKA 2. MRS. OFFOH PRISCILLA OYINKWO 3. MISS. OFFOH PRISCILLA IFEOMA 4. MRS. OFFOH MIRACLE ONYEBUCHI VERA AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1.TO PROMOTE GENERAL EDUCATION ON MALARIA 2.TO PROMOTE AND CREATE A FORUM WHERE INFORMATION ON MALARIA CURE AND PREVENTION IS DISSEMINATED

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS UZOMA MARY NWOSU NOW MARRIED, WISHES TO BE UZOMA MARY OGBULANKWO. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS DAHIRU IBRAHIM NOW WISHES TO BE DAHIRU MADAKI. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GANJUWA L.G.A., BAUCHI AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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OYUN BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

OYUN BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLAYINKA OLANREWAJU CHAIRMAN 2. ABEGUNDE ADEWOLE SECRETARY 3. AJAYI OLUWAGBENGA 4. OBADARE LAYI 5. AWOLOLA KAYODE 6. OYELEKE MUYIWA 7. ANGO TAJUDEEN 8. ADEWALE ADEJORO 9. ADEGBOYEGA OLORIADE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO CONSTANTLY REMIND MEMBERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND LOYALTY TO THEIR ALMA MATER. 2. TO INFORM MEMBERS FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLAYINKA OLANREWAJU CHAIRMAN 2. ABEGUNDE ADEWOLE SECRETARY 3. AJAYI OLUWAGBENGA 4. OBADARE LAYI 5. AWOLOLA KAYODE 6. OYELEKE MUYIWA 7. ANGO TAJUDEEN 8. ADEWALE ADEJORO 9. ADEGBOYEGA OLORIADE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO CONSTANTLY REMIND MEMBERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND LOYALTY TO THEIR ALMA MATER. 2. TO INFORM MEMBERS FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: OGUNNAIKE ADEBAYO STEPHEN

SIGNED: OGUNNAIKE ADEBAYO STEPHEN

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

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GRACE ABOUND CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

GRACE ABOUND CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

PUSH AGAINST MALARIA HEALTH INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVENAMED ASSEMBLY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER “PART C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED ASSEMBLY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER “PART C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HEZEKIAH KOLAWOLE ONI …………………PRESIDENT 2.MARY OLUWAFUNMILOLA AYODELE ONI…….. VICE - PRESIDENT 3.CATHERINE KEHINDE OMOWOLE ………GENERAL SECRETARY 4.OLASUMBO OLUWASEYI AKANDE …. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 5. PETER ADEBAYO IDOWU ……………. TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD. 2.TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN ALL ITS RAMIFICATIONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED. DOYE ODUPITAN (LEGAL PRACTITIONER)

SIGNED. DOYE ODUPITAN (LEGAL PRACTITIONER)

SIGEND: NWAKAUDU OKECHUKWU PROVINCE ESQ

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HEZEKIAH KOLAWOLE ONI …………………PRESIDENT 2. MARY OLUWAFUNMILOLA AYODELE ONI…….. VICE - PRESIDENT 3. CATHERINE KEHINDE OMOWOLE ………GENERAL SECRETARY 4. OLASUMBO OLUWASEYI AKANDE …. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 5. PETER ADEBAYO IDOWU ……………. TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD. 2. TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN ALL ITS RAMIFICATIONS.

SIGEND: NWAKAUDU OKECHUKWU PROVINCE ESQ

THE CITY CLUB ADDITION OF TRUSTEES THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

OLD TRUSTEES: 1.ADE ODEDINA 2.WOLE ADEBOLA 3.DELE ALABI (DECEASED) NEW TRUSTEES: 1. ENGR (CHIEF) OLUSOLA OGUNSOLA 2.CHIEF ADEDEJI ADEKOYA 3.PROF. CHIEF ADEDOKUN ADEBAYO ADEYEMI AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION 1.TO GIVE ROOM FOR ADDITION OF NUMBER OF TRUSTEES FROM THREE (3) TO FIVE (5).

2.TO REDUCE THE TENURE OF OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE FROM 4 YEARS TO 2 YEARS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. OFFOH PAULINUS NNAEMEKA 2. MRS. OFFOH PRISCILLA OYINKWO 3. MISS. OFFOH PRISCILLA IFEOMA 4. MRS. OFFOH MIRACLE ONYEBUCHI VERA AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1.TO PROMOTE GENERAL EDUCATION ON MALARIA 2.TO PROMOTE AND CREATE A FORUM WHERE INFORMATION ON MALARIA CURE AND PREVENTION IS DISSEMINATED ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

THE CITY CLUB ADDITION OF TRUSTEES THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

OLD TRUSTEES: 1. ADE ODEDINA 2. WOLE ADEBOLA 3. DELE ALABI (DECEASED) NEW TRUSTEES: 1. ENGR (CHIEF) OLUSOLA OGUNSOLA 2. CHIEF ADEDEJI ADEKOYA 3. PROF. CHIEF ADEDOKUN ADEBAYO ADEYEMI AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION 1.TO GIVE ROOM FOR ADDITION OF NUMBER OF TRUSTEES FROM THREE (3) TO FIVE (5).

2.TO REDUCE THE TENURE OF OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE FROM 4 YEARS TO 2 YEARS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

YAM SELLERS ASSOCIATION KADUNA STATE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: MAL. HAMISU IDRIS -CHAIRMAN 1.DAUDA MUHAMMAD AHMAD -SEC GENERAL 2.IBRAHIM SAIDU -VC 1 3.ALHASSAN MAIDOYA -VC 2 4.HAJIYA LADI -VC 3 5.MUHAMMAD MAIGONA -TREASURER 6.MRS PHILOMINA UWADIA -FINANCIAL SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF EVERY REGISTERED MEMBER. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GREEN YOUTH INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. TAIWO BALOGUN –PRESIDENT 2. KEHINDE DACOSTA-LAWRENCE –VICE PRESIDENT 3. ITOHAN IRORO –SECRETARY GENERAL 4. OLUWABAMIKOLE OSILAJA –TREASURER 5. AKINYELE ABIOLA OLUFEMI –FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6. ISAIAH OLUGBOLA AFOLABI –PROGRAM COORDINATOR 7.ADELEKE IDOWU –MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO TEACH AND EQUIP THE YOUTHS TO UTILIZE ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL METHODS AND TO CREATE GREEN JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIVING. 2. TO HELP COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY, DEVELOP THE ECO-EFFICIENT AND ORGANIC FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLYGROWN FOOD IN VARIOUS COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATIONAL SECTORS ACROSS THE GLOBE.’” 3. TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME MORE SELF-RELIANT THROUGH DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE GARDENS AND FARMS.’” 4. TO ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT ON ITS ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAMS FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, SKILLS AND ACQUISITION PROGRAM. 5. TO SEEK SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS THROUGH INNOVATIONS TO GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATIC ISSUES.’” 6. TO ORGANIZE TRAININGS, CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND EXPOS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.’” 7. TO ASSIST THE WIDOWS; ORPHANS AND LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: HAZON SOLICITORS,37 ADENIJI JONES

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOODHOPE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

AFRICA GATEWAY GLOBAL FOUNDATION

CENTRE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF YOUTH TALENTS

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR PRINCETON OSARO UWAIFO-PRESIDENT 2.MRS VIVIAN ERIC -EXCO MEMBER 3.FAVOUR UWAIFO-SECRETARY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGES IN AREA OF EDUCATION, PROVIDES FOOD, CLOTHING AND TEMPORARY SHELTER. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEMILUYI ADESOLA ANTHONY 2. EMELOGU CHIBUZO 3. NWOKE UCHE CHRISTIAN 4. OKE KOLAPO 5. OHAJUNWA KINGSLEY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE CONSERVATIVE AFRICAN VALUE. 2. TO PROMOTE GOOD NEIGBOUR. 3. TO PROMOTE PRO-LIFE LAWS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

SIGENED BARR. IKE EKPELINWA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIDI JACOB - CHAIRMAN 2. ELISHA ATTAI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO DRIVE NATIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOMENT BY IDENTIFYING AFRICA’S BRIGHTEST TALENTS FROM ALL SECTORS AND PROVIDING NECESSARY SUPPORT TO DEVELOP THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS FUTURE LEADERS. 2. TO SEEK SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR AFRICA’S BRIGHTEST TALENTS. 3. TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIPS WITH RELEVANT AND LIKE MINDED AGENCIES, INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED CHIDI JACOB CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PERFECT REDEMPTION GOSPEL MINISTRY

GOKANA GOAT DEALERS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. LADY EVANGELIST BLESSING UYET - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. PST ENOBONG UYET - ASSISTANT. GENERAL OVERSEER 3. PST (MRS) HELEN UYET 4. PST EMMANUEL ITA 5. PST BENJAMIN MBRE 6. EVANGELIST INI-OBONG BASSEY 7. SISTER IME WILLIAMS - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE. 3. TO ORGANISE OUTREACH, CRUSADES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOP AND REVIVAL SERVICES FOR THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL. 4. TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED LADY EVANGELIST BLESSING UYET GENERAL OVERSEER

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BIRAGBARA DORNUBARI -CHAIRMAN 2. ASIGA KPITE -SECRETARY 3. SAAGBEREKPEE BARIDOO -TREASURER 4. NODUBON COURT 5. DAAWO MOSES KPELE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS. 3. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR. PAUL OSASMWEN EBOIGBE 08036886373

THE WORD OF GOD EVANGELICAL OUTREACH MINISTRY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

EZEAGU/UDI UNITED BROTHERS ASSOCIATION

EVANGELICAL LIFE BIBLE CHURCH

OYETUBO OYEMADE ROYAL YOUTH ASSOCIATION LAGOS

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR DR. EMMANUEL MADUIKE 2. EDWARD DICK 3. ELDER AUGUSTINE OKEKE 4. PASTOR DR. CHARLES ONYEMAECHI 5. ELDER ERNEST OKOAFOR 6. PASTOR DR. SYLVANUS NWAEZE DURUOHA 7. PASTOR NATHAN CHIKE UMEJESI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD AND TO WIN SOULS FOR JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ISMAILA OLAWALE AYINDE - CHAIRMAN 2. AHMED ABIODUN ADELAKUN - SECRETARY 3. AKEEM ADEBAYO BAJULAIYE 4. SAHEED ADEOYE BALOGUN 5. TAOFEEK TUNJI AYINDE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED SECRETARY

SIGNED CHAIRMAN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OBIORA MADUKAIFE 2. CHIJIOKE MAGBO 3. OKWUDIRI VINCENT 4. ELIAS OZOR 5. AMOBI ANEKE 6. ONYEKA EMENIKE 7. EZEKIEL ONYEAMA 8. ANIEKWE ONYEBUCHI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN TOGETHERNESS AS ONE BODY AND ONE BROTHERHOOD WITH MISSION AND VISION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. 2. TO HELP IN ENSURING CONFORMITY TO PEACE AND UNITY AMONG OUR PEOPLE. 3. TO CONTRIBUTE OUR QUOTA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FRAUD AND CORRUPTION. OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR. HYPOLITE OHANECHE ONITSHA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEBUKOLA FLORENCE ODUEKUN -PRESIDENT 2. TOLULOPE MARY FAKOREDE -SECRETARY 3. JOSEPH KAYODE OPATIMEHIN 4. OLAREWAJU BOLUTAYO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO PROPAGATE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD TO THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IBADAN IGBO TRADERS ASOCIATION

ROYALHILL INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTER

CHRIST OUR SHIELD OF FAITH MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. THOMPSON OLALEKAN AGBOOLA 2. BRO. OLUWAJUWON SAINT PAUL AGBOOLA 3. PASTOR AGUNBIADE ALABA 4. PASTOR NWANEGBU ROMANUS 5. DEACONESS OLUBUKOLA OLAMOUSU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP OLUSEUN OKERINDE CHAIRMAN 2. PASTOR TIMOTHY OLUKUNLE MEMBER 3. BRO. ALBERT OWOLABI MEMBER 4. DEACONESS JULIANAH ALABANLA MEMBER 5. DEACON OLUWASEYI KUTON SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. 2. TO TRAIN, OBTAIN AND LIENCE GOSPEL MINISTRIES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. 3. TO TRAIN, ORDAIN AND LIENCE GOSPEL MINISTRIES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR ANTHONY OBIAJULU 2. MR CLEMENT OBI 3. PASTOR CHARLES AMAH 4. MR VINCENT OJUKWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER COOPERATION AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO UNITE IGBO TRADERS AND MAINTAIN THEIR CULTURAL VALUES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. CHINEDU ODO

SIGNED: RUMI & ASSOCIATES 08022551973

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

INSPIRTOGOS SICKLE CELL PREVENTION FOUNDATION

GREEN WHITE GREAT INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IFUEKO FEX OGBOMO, AKA LADY INSPIRITOGOS 2. CHRISTINA OGBOMO OGAJE 3. MRS JOY ISA 4. DR. LUCY IDOKO 5. MR ONCHE R. UGBABE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EDUCATE THW PUBLIC ON PRESENTATION OF SICKLE CELL AAEMIA. 2. TO RENDER ASSISTANCE AND CARE TO PERSONS WHO HAVE SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INTIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL OKPE ONUH 2. AHMED BOLAJI SHOLAGBERU 3. UJU ETHEL ALIGWO 4. SUNDAY JAMES AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TRAINING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A MISSION TO DEVELOP THEIR TALENTS

AKARAKA FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ENGR. ENYINNAYA NWAFOR 2. DAME NNE GLADYS NWAFOR 3. CHIMAEZE DILE NWAFOR 4. DR. KELECHI ENYI-NWAFOR 5. BAR. JOHN CHIEMERIE NWAFOR 6. MR GINGER UCHENNA NWAFOR 7. ONUAGURUCHI INNOCENT NWAFOR 8. AKWAUGO DIAZY NWAFOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CATER FOR THE NEEDY AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE HOMELESS

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: OGBONNA NWANOSIKE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR DISEASE PREVENTION & RURAL HEALTH CARE PROMOTION

CHANGE OF NAME FROM: ASSOCIATION OF INVESTORS AND BUSINESSMEN OF TURKEY AND NIGERIA TO: ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESSMEN AND INVESTORS OF NIGERIA AND TURKEY

PRAY FOR ME CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ROSELINE UCHECHUKWU EDOZIE 2. LEONARDS CHIADIKOBI EDOZIE 3. JASON AZUBUIKE AKANO 4. CHINONSO CYNTHIA EDOZIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD ILLNESS 2. PROMOTION OF IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HIKMET COBAN RETAINED 2. AYDIN KURT REMOVED 3. IBRAHIM KARADAYI REMOVED 4. SINAN AGGUL REMOVED 5. SHEHU SANI DAUDA REMOVED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.YAUUZ ZEMHERI NEWLY APPOINTED 2.MEHMET AYGUN NEWLY APPOINTED 3.UTIBE ABASI ANIOBE ROBERTS NEWLY APPOINTED 4. ABDULGANIYU SULEIMAN NEWLY APPOINTED ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ISAAC AYODELE ADEELEKE 2. MRS ADEKEMI ADEBOLA ADELEKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ORGANISE PRAYERS CHARITY AND MISSION WORK FOR THE NATION. 2. TO ORGANISE VOCATION TRAINING FOR URCHINS 3. TO ORGANISE PRAYER AND FAMILY CONFERENCE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLORY TO GLORY CHRISTIAN CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

GARDEN OF VICTORY ASSEMBLY

UDUONYI ORO FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ADENIYI DAVID OYEDIRAN 2. MRS ADETOLA ELIZABETH OYEDIRAN 3. DEACON LUCKY SIADU GIROH 4. MRS OLUSHOLA ESTHER GIROH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO RAISE GLORIOUS CHRISTIANS TO FULFIL GOD’S PURPOSE AS COMMANDED IN THE BIBLE. 2. TO ORGANISE CHRISTIAN EDUCAFTION, WORKSHOP, SEMINAR AND TRAINING. 3. TO ORGANISE AND FIND MISSION WORK WORLDWIDE. 4. TO SPREAD THE GOODNEWS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH CRUSADES CHARITY WORK & BUILDING GLORIOUS CHURCH WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OSAMUYIMEN ORHUE 2. ITOHAN OSAMUYIMEN ORHUE 3. OSEMWENGIE DERICK ORHUE 4. ADESUWA NOSA-OBARISGBON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO SERVE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP FOR BELIEVERS IN CHRIST JESUS.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF OKON TOM OSUNG 2. PRINCESS FELICIA BASSEY 3. ROBINSON UWAK AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UDUONYI ORO COMMUNITY IN AKWA IBOM. 2. TO ADVANCE HOPE, HAPPINESS AND WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED AMONG THE ORO PEOPLE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR. IZE OMORUYI 08036568686

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Say what?

PAGE 47

Friday’s solution

SUDOKU

Some Interesting Facts •If you toss a penny 10,000 times, it will not be heads 5,000 times, but more like 4,950. The heads picture weighs more, so it ends up on the bottom.

•If your eyes are six feet above the surface of the ocean, the horizon will be about three statute miles away.

•In 1980, a Las Vegas hospital suspended workers for betting on when patients would die.

•In 1980, there was only one country in the world with no telephones - Bhutan.

•In 1983, a Japanese artist made a copy of the Mona Lisa completely out of toast.

•In 1984, a Canadian farmer began renting ad space on his cows.

•In 75% of American households, women manage the money and pay the bills.

•In Bangladesh, kids as young as 15 can be jailed for cheating on their finals.

•In England, in the 1880's, "Pants" were considered a dirty word.

•In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

•In every episode of "Seinfeld" there is a Superman somewhere.

•In Kentucky, 50 percent of the people who get married for the first time are teenagers.

•In Los Angeles, there are fewer people than there are automobiles.

•In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.

•In space, astronauts cannot cry, because there is no gravity, so the tears can't flow.

•In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not renumber the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1.

•In the great fire of London in 1666 half of London was burnt down but only 6 people were injured.

•In the last 4000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

•In the movie "Casablanca," Humphrey Bogart never said "Play it again, Sam." •In the White House, there are 13,092 knives, forks and spoons.

•In Tokyo, they sell toupees for dogs.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Balanced: This van driver and his passengers had a lucky escape when their vehicle was catapulted through the air before it wedged itself against a hotel.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Inter fined •15,000 for Balotelli’s racist chants

I

nter Milan have been fined •15,000 after their fans chanted racist insults about former striker Mario Balotelli last weekend.

Balotelli, 22, left the Nerazzurri for Manchester City three years ago but joined AC Milan last month in a move that left Inter supporters unhappy that he chose to cross the city wide.

Inter's fans made their feeling known during Sunday's victory over Chievo at the San Siro but some of the chants were of a racist nature and the club have subsequently been punished for the bahaviour of their supporters.

A statement on the Lega Calcio website read: "A fine of •15,000 has been issued to Inter Milan for having supporters who, in the 41st minute of the first half and the 42nd minute of the second half, directed expressions of racial discrimination towards the player of another club."

Inter President Massimo Moratti immediately came out to condemn the chants and has expressed his hope that Balotelli is not targeted again in the Milan derby at the end of February.

“I was told about it because I couldn't make out clearly what they were saying. I'm very sorry about that," Moratti said. "I'm very sorry and I really hope it doesn't happen during the derby.

Juventus were also fined •15,000 after their fans sang abusive songs about southern rivals Napoli, while the Partenopei themselves were handed a •15,000 fine after fans were adjudged to have shown a laser pen at referee Daniele Orsato during the 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mario Balotelli ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE We can’t continue to go abroad for medical treatment. We’ll need to save all that money and put in place facilities in the health sector. It’s not only the rich, even the poor do so...

— Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Chairman, Senate Health Committee

Tackling age-old question of leadership I

n a country of hagiography, where books are written to praise successful men and women, the recent publication of "Popular Participation and Democratization in Nigeria under the Fourth Republic" marks a significant departure in this and other respects.

I had once run a company with a publishing arm. As a government-owned company, it was set up with service, not profit in mind, and was mandated to help promote literary development at that local level.

But the publishing climate in Nigeria is driven by cash and nothing more. It was not surprising that not much was achieved in that regard.

Whoever has a manuscript that is not either recommended by the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, or the National Examinations Council, NECO, and is not the type that will pull a crowd of millionaires at its public presentation, no book press will be interested. Unless you are ready to put down your own cash, no publisher will collect your manuscript. They will just be tossing you up and down from Zaria to Ibadan, Lagos to Onitsha.

That this enormously enriching book written to address a concurrent problem has come out of the ABU Press is a major achievement and a contribution to the advancement of the discussion on democracy, violent conflicts, federalism, political leadership and corruption in the context of the country's effort at democratization.

Written by a combination of scholars of the radical hue from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), this book is a throwback to the days of the effervescent, left-learning and popular radicalist scholarship for which ABU in particular had achieved renown.

The African Research and Development Agency, ARADA, a non-governmental organization, had been challenged by a youth organization with an important question. They said that this country is bedevilled by a poverty of leadership and everyone is complaining about that. I was surprised on Thursday last week to read the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on the front cover of the National Mirror,

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Late Sir Ahmadu Bello saying that "Leadership failure is the bane of Nigeria's growth". So you can see that even the leaders themselves are saying that there is a leadership failure and that these young men are 100 percent right in their concern.

The youth group which believed that there is, in addition to other factors, an intellectual and ideological dimension to the leadership failure in the country had sought to be enlightened about how a solution to this problem could be found through "constitutional democracy, national unity and popular or

public participation".

It is important that this set of the country's youths are seeking solutions to the nation's problems on the basis of democratic constitutionalism at a time when violence has a more compelling appeal to the young ones all over Nigeria. The current violence in the country is mostly from young unemployed youth, North and South.

In reaction, ARADA set up a talkshop in collaboration with the youths. This led to a healthy union of the "town and gown".

Together with notable resource persons, politicians and other stakeholders, the groups rigorously interrogated the question of why and how our democracy has failed to remedy the problem of leadership failure.

They also sought to provide answers on the question of what could be done to change the unwanted situation.

The book resulting from this exercise has five chapters but the ones most interesting are the two additions designed to assist, inform and guide NGOs on activities that would increase their relevance in the effort to rid

“

It is important that this set of the country's youths are seeking solutions to the nation's problems on the basis of democratic constitutionalism at a time when violence has a more compelling appeal to the young ones all over Nigeria. The current violence in the country is mostly from young unemployed youth, North and South

the country of poor leadership.

The papers were delivered by a set of scholars and activists deeply involved in social organization and for whom there could hardly be a substitute. Dr. Sule Bello, radical ABU lecturer and a one-time Director of the National Council of Arts and Culture who is now the Director of ARADA; Professor Habu Mohammed, a former Director at the Aminu Kano Centre for Research and Documentation, Mambaiya House; Malam Dalhatu Sani Yola, a former Editor and now coordinating director of the Media Network Forum, an NGO interested in media ethics and governance and Mujtaba Ali Mohammed, a Ph.D holder in Public Policy and Administration, specializing in international non-governmental organizations who serves as the current regional director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

To complete the list is Malam M.M. Yusuf, a senior lecturer in Political Science, BUK who is an established scholar in the civil society area. He has written and edited several books in that regard.

The book "Popular Participation and Democratization in Nigeria in the Fourth Republic" addresses the burning national issue of failure of leadership under a democratic system of government. It is difficult for anyone to quarrel with the advocacy in this book. As a very large and diverse country, our political histories, idioms and language may differ from region to region or state to state. But any politician or political party; scholar or practitioner of politics who is desirous of understanding the complexities of Nigerian politics particularly with regards to the leadership question will find this book a must read.

If you have read the classical essays in Chinua Achebe's "The Trouble With Nigeria" and have a sense, as I do, that it offers a compelling therapy for Nigeria's failure to achieve greatness, you would, upon reading this new book, find out that this group has provided the talakawa (masses) a handle they could turn in order to upturn the unwanted social order for a more desirable one.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 805 727 9862. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141