Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 22, February, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 40

Friday, February 22, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Rabiul Akhir 12, 1434 AH

N150

ACF wants probe of Adamawa: ‘Decision of NASS set to override Jonathan military recruitments, PDP NWC to recall promotions ousted chairman illegal’ over 2013 budget >> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 4

>> PAGE 2

FG signs transaction pact with PHCN successor companies

T

he Federal Government yesterday signed transaction and industry agreements with successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to kick start full commencement of

reform of the country's electricity supply industry.

The endorsement of the transaction agreement which marks the actual handover of the unbundled PHCN companies to core investors is coming a day after

President Goodluck Jonathan approved a total of N384billion for the settlement of all outstanding benefits of PHCN staff.

The PHCN workers had insisted on payment of their full entitlements before government

hands it over to the different successor companies that emerged in the privatization process.

Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday at the State House, Vice President Namadi

Sambo, who is also the chairman of the National Council on Privatization (NCP) said the first set of the agreements is on power purchase signed between the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Contd on Page 2

Jonathan’ll return in 2015, says PDP Ruling party no respecter of agreement-CPC

By Lawrence Olaoye and Joy Baba

I

ndications emerged yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have perfected strategies to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan returns to Aso Rock despite the claims by a governor on the platform of the party that he promised in 2011 to rule for a single term.

This disclosure was made by the PDP Woman Leader, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, at the presentation of 'PDP Women in Power 2013 calendar' in Abuja.

Chikwe who commended the Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

19th Feb., 2013

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.74 239.72 206.11 0.2954 41.26

SELLING 155.74 241.27 207.44 0.3154 41.52

PARALLEL RATES EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 208 254.50 42 157

SELLING 210 257.50 43 158

L-R: Lagos state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chairman, Eko Atlantic City, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, President Goodluck Jonathan, former American President Bill Clinton, and Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, during the dedication of 5,000,000 Sqm Eko Atlantic City, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange S/Report Islam Int’l

23 24-25 26 27-30

How Alakija, richest black woman in the world, made her money, Page 40

Strange World 31 Revue

32-33

Feature

34-35

Digest

36

Politics

37-39

Sports

41-45

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

Adamawa PDP: Decision of PDP NWC to recall ousted chairman illegal - Tukur

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he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has declared that the action of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reinstate the Kugama-led exco loyal to Governor Nyako was illegal and cannot stand.

Tukur also declared Joel Madaki as the legitimate Chairman of the party in the state, adding that the members of the NWC who took the illegal decision have already tendered their apology to the

national headquarters of the party.

The national chairman made the remarks in an interview with newsmen at his Dougirei residence in Yola, Adamawa State.

Bamanga also eulogized the people of the State for their insistence in ensuring that the caretaker committee appointed by the NWC to conduct the party congresses succeeded in its assignment from the ward level up to the state an exercise that produced Joel Madaki as the legitimate Chairman of the party

in the state.

"I must congratulate the people of the state who conducted themselves peacefully during the conduct of the Congresses which turned out legitimate leadership in the state" he said.

The National Chairman also said that the appointment of the Sule Lamido reconciliation committee to reconcile aggrieved parties was a welcome idea as his leadership is poised to promote peaceful resolution of impasse.

"When I came on board as the

National Chairman of the party, I said let us embrace reconciliation. I said we should embark on all necessary reformations needed in the party without confrontation and to conduct our affairs based on the philosophy of equity and fairness".

A tumultuous crowd had welcomed the national chairman at the Yola international airport a few minutes after the governor alongside Kugama left the state for Abuja, leading to suggestions that that the rift between the two factions in the state was not yet over.

Jonathan’ll return in 2015, says PDP Contd from Page 1 President for involving women in politics said PDP women have perfected plans to vote enmasse for his emergence as the nation's president in 2015.

The PDP woman Leader said the purpose of the launching was to raise funds for the women grass-roots tours and other projects.

While recognizing Jonathan's efforts in appointing more women into his cabinet, Chikwe who is a member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) told the gathering that the women would not be fulfilled until they elect 35 percent or more of women into the legislature in the country by 2015.

She said: "We are even more confident that when President Goodluck Jonathan returns in 2015, women would be talking about 50% and no longer 35%.

As we give him unequivocal, undiluted, unreserved and unlimited support and as we march to 2015, PDP women will

reach the promised land."

She added that "We need to start moving fast to prepare women for future elections. Until we elect 35% or more of women in the legislature, the impact of our progress will not be complete.

We know of course that next dispensation will attract possibly PDP female governors and more deputy governors.

"We appeal to the First Lady and the SGF to convey our deep gratitude to our Father of the Day, President Goodluck Jonathan. Tell him that PDP women, whether young or old; beautiful or ugly; tall or short; small or big are chanting: All we are saying, give us Goodluck."

Responding to the declaration

by Chikwe, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) spokesperson, Rotimi Fashakin stated that "this statement credited to Dr. Kema Chikwe, a former minister, is not only unfortunate but sorely pathetic.

It shows that the PDP gang do not believe in showing respect for

agreement. It is the reason that even the simple declaration by PDP public holders -to defend the constitution- is never respected!

"Without any scintilla of doubt, it is in their DNA to break agreement without any scrupples. Should that not explain why Nigeria is tottering under PDP's rule?" the CPC spokesman asked.

Meanwhile, the Founder and President of the Odua People's Congress, (OPC)Dr. Frederick Fasehun has urged Nigerians to allow President Jonathan enjoy his democratic rights by giving him the opportunity to contest for the presidency come 2015.

Fasehun stated this when he led a group of prominent Yoruba leaders on a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the president on Niger Delta, Mr Kinsley Kuku in his office in Abuja.

The OPC leader said Jonathan has brought peace and has encouraged progress and growth in the economy and therefore should be given another chance

to build on what he has started.

He also said the President is not a magician that can fix all Nigerian problems in a day noting that he needed more time build on the good work he is doing at the moment.

"These things have accumulated; I do not believe that Jonathan is a magician; if he was, he would be able to fix all these problems in one hour. He has been there for just two years; I think Nigerians should just allow him, without committing himself to be a magician but serving Nigerians truly. Let us give him a try," Fasehun said.

He however urged the President to build on his current achievement in production, transmission and distribution of electricity which has improved tremendously.

Fasehun further said that part of his visit was to consult on how to find lasting solution to pipeline vandalism which he assured would soon be wiped out in the South West.

FG signs transaction pact with PHCN successor companies Contd from Page 1 Company limited "Bulk Trader" and six legacy power plants.

NBET is a transitional institution designed to provide a credible and credit worthy offtaker of power pending the attainment of sustainable liquidity of the distribution companies.

Sambo who was represented by the Minister of power, Professor Chinedu Nebo said NBET also yesterday signed vesting contracts with all the 11 distribution companies.

Some of the Distribution companies include, Kann Cosortium handling the Abuja power plant, Vigeo Power consortium (Benin), West Power $ Gas (Eko), Interstate Electric ltd (Enugu), Integrated Energy for ( ) and NEDC/KEPCO incharge of Ikeja.

According to the Vice President, another section of the agreements was the gas supply and aggregation between Geregu, Sapele, Ugheli power plants and their respective gas suppliers.

The agreements signed also included that between Generating companies and the Transmission Company of

Nigeria PLC which is expected to pave way for compensation to providers of services such as black start, spinning reserve and frequency support.

Among the generating companies recently approved by the NCP are Amperion handling Geregu, Mainstream for (Kainji), North South (Shiroro) Transcorp/ Woodrock (Ughelli) and CMEC/ Eurafric for Sapele.

In his remark at the event, chairman of the technical committee of the NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside said the successor companies are expected to within 15 business days after the signing of the sale and purchase agreement of the shareholder's agreement, whichever is earlier, make down payment of 25 percent of the share purchase price.

Within 90 days after the signing, the successor companies are also required to pay the outstanding 75 percent of the share purchase price to complete the transaction.

Acting Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki explained that all the successor companies would meet with the bureau to finalize an arrangement that

gives them comfort without their taking over before full payment.

He assured that government was also making concrete arrangement to ensure adequate funding of the TCN to improve its

capacity to evacuate power in order to give the generating companies and distribution companies as well companies the confidence that to operate effectively.

Preferred bidders for the Discos as approved by the NCPC: For Discos: Kann Consortium, for Abuja Successor Company $164 million Vigeo Power Consortium, for Benin $129 million West Power & Gas, for Eko $135 million Interstate Electrics Ltd, for Enugu $126 million Integrated Energy, for Ibadan $169 million NEDC/KEPCO, for Ikeja $131 million Aura Energy Ltd, for Jos $82 million Sahelian Piwer SPV Ltd, for Kano $137 million 4Power Consortium, for Port Harcourt $124 million Integrated Energy Distribution & Mktng, for Yola $59 million For Gencos: Amperion, for Geregu Plant Mainstream foe Kainji Plant

-

North-South, for Shiroro Plant

-

Transcorp/Woodrock, for Ugheli Plant CMEC/Eurafric, for Sapele Pant -

$132 million $50.76 million (plus commencement fee of $237,870,000) $23.60 million plus commencement fee of $111 million) $300 million $201 million

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 3

Market, houses burnt, as suicide bomber targets JTF in Borno

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. Charles Onocha, and the project contractor, Chief Seargent Awuse, during the minister's scheduled inspection visit of the Federal Government Special Girl Child School under construction, yesterday at Ikot Ekang in Abak local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

Photo: Justin ImoOwo

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

V

NASS set to override Jonathan over 2013 budget

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives said yesterday that the National Assembly is exploring all constitutional provisions in a bid to override President Jonathan's veto on the 2013 appropriation bill.

Chairman House committee on media and Public Affairs, Rep Zakari Mohammed (PDP Kwara state) said this at a weekly media briefing in the House of Representatives.

"Right now as we speak, the leadership of the National Assembly are interacting with Mr. President about the 2013 budget

and by next week, if nothing has been achieved, we are going to apply the constitution that gives us powers to override his veto.

"We are not afraid to take that decision, we must explore all means available before taking a decision.

We still have time before we go into that, the national assembly will act at an appropriate time".

On why the President refused to sign the budget, Zakari said so far there are three contentious issues delaying the signing of the budget: the issue of benchmark which has been lingering for a while, the unresolved issue of the director general of security and exchange commission (SEC), and

the issue of rollover of the 2012 budget.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives denied the security and exchange commission (SEC) votes in the 2013 budget, and insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan must remove the director general of SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh before SEC could be provided for in the budget.

"We have agreed that the 2012 capital budget component will roll over to April 2013. This means that even the fourth quarter allocation that was done a few days ago would definitely be utilised properly because the implication is that if

we end the budget by December 31 it means that some money may have to be returned to the treasury and as the case with some MDAs, the monies because of the rush getting their records together might even be misapplied".

He debunked rumours that the house will shift ground in order to reach a compromise. Zakari said "it is criminal to change anything, unless the house reconvene and deliberate on it before taking a decision".

When asked when the national assembly transmitted the budget to the President and on what date will the 30 days ultimatum as stipulated in the 1999 constitution as (amended) will expired, Zakari said " the constitution demand 30 working days, as far as we are concerned, it is not yet time".

Fear grips FCT community over oil spillage

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

F

ear and anxiety have gripped residents of Lamo village in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over crude oil spillage from the Kilometer 407.05 of the Nigerian National

Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the area.

Already, the spillage has covered large portions of farm lands, forming a stream and flowing into the river, the only source of water supply for the residents.

Eyewitnesses said the spillage

started about a week ago, and according to one of them, Yello Sarki, "it poses a great danger to us because it can cause fire incident and as you can see, the spillage has destroyed our farm lands and polluted the only source of water that we have.

"We want government to take

urgent measures to address the situation before it consumes our community.

"Since the spillage started, we have been using the polluted water to cook and drink despite its effects on our health and this is because we do not have another source of water supply."

iolence continued to ravage the troubled city of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, yesterday afternoon as over 100 shops and several houses in the famous Gamborou market were burnt down, after a suspected suicide bomber targeted a moving patrol vehicle of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF).

It was gathered that the latest renewed violence, allegedly being perpetrated by the insurgents, were meant to support the ceasefire denial made by the spritual leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau.

The attack also came barely 24 hours after a similar incident in which three persons were killed when another suicide bomber blew up himself along the Post Office road.

Although Spokesman of the JTF, Lt- Col. Sagir Musa, declined comments on the incident, witnesses said the attack occurred when the JTF operatives, who were reportedly on a routine surveillance, drove in the customs area at about 2.30pm.

The soldiers reportedly narrowly escaped death as the vehicle was partly damaged due to the effects of the improvised device, (IED), which was allegedly detonated by the bomber, leaving some of them wounded.

Shortly after the incident, many soldiers arrived the area and chased away residents as well as traders, before cordoning the entire area.

The troops allegedly went on the rampage and set a section of the market on fire.

It was alledged that hundreds of shops, stalls, buildings and a petrol stations, were affected.

The state Governor, Kashim Shettima, broke the news of the incident amidst tears while hosting the Northern Governors' Forum, (NGF) Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security, who paid him a courtesy call at the Government Houses, in Maiduguri.

"As we are talking right now on how to put heads together to end this low level insurgency bedeviling us, Gamborou market, about five kilometres from here is on fire as a result of an attack", Governor Shettima said.

NJC recommends compulsory retirement of two erring judges

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of two High Court Justices.

The Council, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar made the recommendation at n emergency meeting held on February 20, 2013.

The two Jurists are Justice C. E. Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos and Hon. Justice T.D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State.

A statement yesterday by the

Acting Director of Information of the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye said Justice Archibong was recommended for compulsory retirement to President Goodluck Jonathan, pursuant to the "Findings" by the Council on some complaints levelled against him.

The statement said Justice Archibong dismissed the grievous charges against an accused person without taking his plea, that he refused to release the Certified True Copy of his ruling to the Lawyers and that the Judge also issued a bench warrant on some officials of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for contempt even when the counsel who was

directed by the Court to serve them filed an affidavit that he had not been able to serve the contempt application.

The dismissed Judge was also accused of making unfounded and caustic remarks on professional competence of some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and that there were glaring procedural irregularities which showed that Justice Archibong did not have a full grasp of the Law and procedure of the Court.

Archibong, the statement said was accused of granting the leave sought for in the originating summons that had no written address of the parties and without

hearing both parties in the originating summons after he had earlier on overruled the preliminary objection.

In the same vain, Justice T. D. Naron of High Court of Justice, Plateau State was recommended for compulsory retirement to Governor David Jonah Jang sequel to the 'Findings' by the Council that there were constant and regular voice calls and exchange of mms and sms (text) messages between him and one of the Lead Counsel for one of the parties to the Suit in the Osun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal contrary to the Code of Conduct

for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide Section 292(1((b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council has in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, suspended the two Judges from office with immediate effect.

The Council also set up a 'Fact Finding' Committee to investigate the allegations leveled against Justice Abubakar Talba of FCT High Court in the Police Pension case of EFCC vs Mr. John Yusuf & Ors.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 22, 2013

Don't take bribeKano CP warns officers From Edwin Olofu,Kano

T

L-R: Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

ACF asks govs to probe military recruitments, promotions

By Jamila Nuhu Musa

T

he Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on northern governors to investigate the controversies surrounding recruitment and promotions in security agencies as they affect the north with a view to ensuring that the region is not short changed.

In a communiqué at the end

of the group's National Working Committee (NWC) in Kaduna on February 19, the ACF urged the governors to use their commissioners in the Federal Character Commission to probe the allegations towards achieving this objective.

The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Anthony N. Z. Sani, signed the communiqué which also noted that group viewed the

development "with serious concern."

The communiqué also condemned recent attacks on the convoy of the Emir of Kano and the killing and kidnapping of foreigners in parts of the north and called on the perpetrators to lay down their arms and embrace peaceful means of addressing perceived grievances.

It indicated that such acts can

scare potential investors from Nigeria as a result of the emerging violent culture that had hitherto been alien to the north.

The ACF Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, who is also the Dan Iyan Misau, presided over the well attended meeting even as the communiqué explained that deliberations on the national issues were borne out of concern for the people in the region.

Media practitioners oppose restriction on social media

By Etuka Sunday

T

he question of whether government should apply restriction on the use of the social media in Nigeria or not, met with stiff opposition from a cross section of media practitioners yesterday in Abuja as they described the move as an exercise in futility.

The practitioners who made their position known at the ongoing "Social Media and 21st Century Journalism," a seminar

organized by Seismonaut Africa, said it would be difficult for the government to restrict social media use in Nigeria and contended that government has not been sincere in the dissemination of information to citizens.

According to them, the argument being advanced by the government that social media distract the government and promote half-truth and negative stories does not hold waters as government has been leaving the

people in the dark about some sensitive issues and happenings around its corridors of governance.

They argued that attack on personalities was not the fault or problem caused by the social media, but the laws of the country, adding that social media creates a forum for equality which the leaders hate because they want to stay at the top and rule over all.

Speaking however, the News Editor, African Independent

Television (AIT), Imone Amarere, said that the social media must borrow an attitudinal approach of the traditional media of verifying facts properly before reporting such for public consumption, saying that the truth must be upheld at all times.

He concluded that abusive languages used in the social media should be minimized and users should also try to be responsible in their usage.

Defence Minister urges stakeholders in oil and gas to unite

By Joy Baba

T

he Minister of Defence Erelu Olushola Obada, has urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to speak with one voice concerning the security of the nation's oil and gas assets in the maritime sector.

Obada stated this yesterday at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja during a meeting between the Nigerian Navy and some stakeholders in the oil and gas

sector.

According to the Minister, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, piracy and other criminal activities have become a menace to the economy of nation noting that the recently organised "Operation Farauta" by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) has yielded great results as some ships belonging to the oil thieves were apprehended.

She further said this action by the CNS has sent a clear

message to the oil thieves operating in the Gulf of Guinea and Niger Delta that it is no longer business as usual.

"All the stakeholders have to be on the same page to agree on terminologies and agree on exactly what we think is stolen, what is shorten so that anytime anybody ask any of us about what is going on, we will say the same thing" Obada said.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral

Dele Ezeoba, said cases of illegalities in the maritime environment have become a source of concern to well meaning Nigerian as it constitute to a threat to our national unity.

Ezeoba added that the meeting of the stakeholders in the industry and principal staff of the Federal Executive Council was designed to provide formulation of functional and effective strategies towards improved security of oil and gas assets.

he new Kano state Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, has warned that officers of the command caught collecting bribe would be dealt with.

Daura who issued warning yesterday while decorating 17 superintendents of police promoted to the rank of chief superintendent and 25 assistant superintendents promoted to the rank of deputy superintendent respectively, said he would not condone any form of corruption in the system.

He said under his leadership the command would work assiduously to fight corruption, therefore would not spare any of his officers that is found wanting.

He asked promoted officers to see their elevation as another challenge for them to fight crime in the state and make sure they rid the area of criminals.

The CP further warned criminals in the state to either repent or leave the state because they the state will no longer be conducive for them to operate.

Daura solicited support of the government and the people of Kano state in the renewed war against criminals arguing that without cooperation of the people of the state, efforts of the police at combating crime would be in vain.

Suntai not incapacitated, says Taraba govt

T

araba state government has debunked news reports that Governor Danbaba Suntai who is receiving medical attention in a German hospital is incapacitated.

Suntai was flown to Germany last year following injuries he sustained when his aircraft crashed near Yola.

The Commissioner of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, said in a statement that contrary to a report in a newspaper (not Peoples Daily), the Governor has responded tremendously to treatment and will soon return to the country.

"Governor Danbaba Suntai is recuperating fast in Germany and he is getting well, contrary to a report in an Abuja-based newspaper," Bello said.

The Commissioner faulted claims by the report that the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, who recently visited Suntai in Germany had concluded that he was in a state of incapacitation.

According to Bello, "for the avoidance of doubt, the Acting Governor never said Suntai could not recognize him.

"The Acting Governor has since refuted that wrong quotation in the media. Repeating the error is mischief by mischief makers because Suntai is doing fine.

"For a man who survived a plane crash, recovery is not an easy thing. Pictorial and video evidence also abound to refute any opinion that Suntai is incapacitated."

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Adoke lists gains of bill on data protection

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice , Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, has assured Nigerians that the draft bill on Personal Information and Data Protection is a demonstration of the Nigerian government towards providing a sustainable identity infrastructure for citizens.

According to him, it will also provide opportunities for decent, robust and crime-free environment, in line with the provisions of the Commission's Act. Adoke spoke yesterday at a stakeholders' workshop on, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on the proposed bill on Personal Information and Data Protection.

He noted that the bill seeks to establish rules to govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in a manner that recognizes the right of privacy of individuals.

As he put it, "by virtue of section 2(1), this Act applies to every organization in respect of personal information that the organization collects, uses or discloses in the course of the organization's commercial activities.

"It is about an employee of the organization and that the organization collects uses or discloses in connection with the operation of federal work, undertaking or business."

Earlier, The Director General of NIMC, Chris Onyemenam, stressed the need for a legal and regulatory framework for the implementation of the identity authentication components of the identity management project.

He said the Personal Information and Data Protection Bill if passed into law would aid the implementation of five components of the identity management system.

He listed the five components as provision of database infrastructure and implementation process and generation of identity numbers in such a way that no two individuals can possess the same number.

He said the bill would further seek to harmonize and integrate identity base in both the public and private sector as well as develop a sustainable identity sector in the country.

L-R: Regional Director for Africa, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Emir of Bama,AlhajiKyari Umar El-Kanemi, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad,Zamfara StateCommissioner of Health/Chairman Committee of Health Forum, Hon. Mohammed KabirJanyau, during the 9th meeting of Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

FG re-affirms determination to eradicate polio virus

By A'ishaBiolaRaji

I

n spite of the recent killing of nine medical workers on routine administration of polio vaccine in Kano, the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication has reaffirmed its determination to continue the campaign against the eradication of the crippling disease in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the 9th meeting of the task force, its Chairman who is also the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, said

that, "we will continue to communicate and explain to our people, the importance of getting children immunized and the protection that is needed for our health workers that are out there doing very good work and to continue to encourage the health workers not to be cowed into submitting to the effort of those who attacked the health workers in Kano."

According to him, the task force has received tremendous support from governors, traditional leaders, members of civil societies groups and

other stakeholders arguing that the attack should not be enough reason to exit the anti-polio campaign programmes in the country, adding that, "there is need to continue to communicate to the people in order to open their eyes to the importance of polio immunization."

In his remarks, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad, said that it was heartwarming that the attacks on health workers in parts of the north received widespread condemnation

from a cross section of Nigerians.

According to him, "we have come far and we have begun to gain some mileage. We are making progress and we cannot afford to be distracted at this time.

"This incident should teach them a lesson as it has afforded the whole world to speak on the good quality of the polio vaccine."

Also present at the meeting were the WHO Regional Director, Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo and Alhaji Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, Chairman northern traditional leaders committee on polio.

indiscriminate dumping of vessels, polythene sheets and bag The legislators explained that they are worried by the environmental hazards that these indiscriminate dumping can cause to livestock and the ecosystem at large.

The committee has four weeks to report back to the House.

Presenting the motion earlier, Mohammed Shamsudeen Ango Abdullahi (CPC Kaduna state), argued that due to improper disposal of waste both in the urban

and rural areas, the environment looks very untidy giving a negative outlook of the Nigerian environment in the eyes of the international community who live in the country.

He contended further that polythene bags and scrap metals do not decompose and block the soil's restructuring processes which are important for all living organisms.

As he put it, "the scrap metals on the roads have claimed lives, polythene bags have claimed a lot

of livestock and abandoned vessels scraps have through rust affected the ecosystem in the airways which have direct effect on the economy of the country.

"A lot of revenue is lost from the operations of scrap merchants across the country knowing fully that Nigeria does not have the technology to recycle scrap metals and this has given room for the export of these scrap metals without proper procedures that can attract excise duty."

Reps frown at indiscriminate scraps dumping

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday mandate its committee on environment to liaise with the Federal Ministry of environment and the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to provide a detailed well-documented format that is functional in a public private partnership to address the volume of abandoned scraps and

Nigeria's Peace Corps gets ECOSOC recognition

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Peace Corps of Nigeria has been granted a special consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Dickson Akoh has said.

Speaking yesterday at the opening ceremony of the first quarter joint meeting of the Board of Trustees of the National Executive Council and

National Council of Commandants of the Corps held in Abuja, Akoh said the Corps was given that international recognition at the 2013 regular session of the United Nation's Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations held last month at the UN Headquarters at New York City, USA. According to him, "the 19-member committee on NGOs drawn from the seven continents of the world, after thoroughly scrutinizing our application, all voted unanimously in favour of this

organization during its session, thus, leading to our application being considered and approved."

Akoh described the consultative status with the UN as the highest peak any organization can attain, adding that, "it is an accreditation framework that affords an NGO the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience and to contribute to its agenda."

He appealed to the Federal Government to accord the organization appropriate support and patronage to

enable it contribute meaningfully to national creativity, peace and youth development.

Akoh urged the National Executive Council and the National Council of Commandants to renew their commitment to the ideals and philosophy behind the establishment of the Peace Corps in the country, just as he called on the youths to discountenance all ethnic and religious barriers that have torn the country apart.

He said, "the transformation agenda

of the present administration avails us a solid and promising platform for the nation to take a giant leap towards sustainable development. "This will remain an utopian dream if as Nigerians, we refuse to allow the bond of unity and brotherliness to bind us.

"The Peace Corps will use its numerical strength and structures across the country to promote the virtues of peace and campaign against violence of all dimensions.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 7

Maku’s good governance tour fraudulent- ACN From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called for the stoppage of the ‘’Good Governance Tour’’ currently embarked upon by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, and a retinue of people describing it as a huge scam and an illegality.

It also wants those behind the tour to account for the public funds they have collected in the process.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National

Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for rejecting a multi-millionnaira proposal from the Minister asking the state government to bankroll the Edo leg of the tour.

It said such a tour across the country was an illegality in a federalism, which Nigeria is running, because it gives the impression that the Federal Government is a supervisor of the various states. ‘’Under our federalism, no state is subject to any control

from the Federal Government, and no Governor is mandated to report to the President. To now have a team assembled by the Federal Government inspecting the projects being carried out by the various states is not only fraudulent and illegal, but amounts to a blatant waste of public funds. It is a carryover from the days of military rule under which Nigeria was governed as a unitary state. ‘’It is also a case of double jeopardy for the states, whose projects are made to look like they are being executed by the Federal

Government, while at the same time they (states) are being made to pay for the meaningless tour. ‘’We say, unequivocally, that this tour fits into other fraudulent schemes concocted by this Federal Government to swindle the people, enrich a few and pad its war chest for the 2015 elections, and we are talking here of SURE-P as well as the oil subsidy and the pension fund scam. This jamboree must end today!’’ ACN said.

The party asked whether the Federal Government that initiated the tour has allocated

Catchment area for varsity executives is wrong- Minister

By Maryam Garba Hassan

M

inister of Education Prof.

Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, has said that the erroneous idea that Chief Executives or any principal officer should come from its locality is alien to the education sector and should not be allowed to becloud the decision of the newly inaugurated Governing Councils of Universities.

The minister who made the assertion yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Governing Councils (GCs) of four federal Universities, said merit should rather be the guiding principle.

She said the GCs should address the issues of educational

PASSAGE

programmes in their respective universities in line with the core mandate of the institutions to meet national and international standards and ensure that only accredited courses and programmes by relevant regulatory agencies and professional bodies should be allowed to run.

Ruqayyatu however urged the Councils to comply with statutory guidelines in the performance of its supervisory functions and encourage responsible unionism in their institutions as well as arrest the problems of cultism and drug abuse by students through early detection and eradication of such social vices.

The minister charged the

Mudi Spikin: NEPU's poet passes on

Councils to implement the report of the Visitation Panel as it concerns their schools.

According to her, as a developing country, Nigeria’s drive for social progress and economic advancement depends largely on the progress it makes in research and technology through Universities and similar institutions of learning.

Ruqayyatu said for the Governing Councils to be more effective, they should be concerned with policy issues and monitoring of institutional projects and getting more funding outside government to improve the facilities and infrastructure that would promote teaching, research and learning.

She said the Governing

Councils for the Universities became necessary because of allegations of poor governance of the universities as well as total disregard for due process.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije expressed confidence in the eminent Nigerians in the Governing Councils to reposition the Universities.

The chairmen of Governing Councils are Professor Jerry Gana, University of Lagos, Prof. Rowland Ndoma Egba, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Sen. Bob Dickson Effiong, University of Benin and Prof. Anya O.Anya, University of Agriculture, Umunike.

INTERVIEW Governors' forum is enemy of Nigeria's democracy —Activist

CO VER COVER Ghost w or ker s: wor ork ers: Nigeria's unending nightmare?

any funds to it, adding: ‘’If this answer is yes, why are states being asked to cough out millions of naira for it. And if the answer is no, why must states be made to pay for a Federal Governmentinitiated tour?’’

Home owners sue Plateau govt, STF over buildings demolition From Musa Pam, Jos

R

esidents and land owners at the East of Bauchi ring road layout in Jos North LGA of Plateau state have sued the State government, Special Task Force, police and others for demolishing their homes and other property.

The case which was mentioned at the state high court of justice, Barkin Ladi division, before Justice E. Dabup, has the plaintiffs Muhammad Auwal Tahir and three others for and on behalf of all owners of plots at the layout, challenging the Chairman of the City task force renewal committee, Brig. General Musa Gambo (rtd), including other members of his committee, the state government, Attorney General of the State, Commander of the Special Task Force, Maj. General Henry Ayoola, as well as the State Commissioner of Police.

PERSONALITY

The Shettima of Ilorin, Maitabarau

PAGE 8

L-R: Director-General, National Identity Card Management Commission, Mr. Chris Onyemenam, Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, and Director, Solicitor Department, ministry of Justice, Mrs Olusola Moore, during the stakeholders workshop on the draft personal information and data protection bill, yesterday in Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

L-R: Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr. Sam Otom, Chief Edwin Clark, and newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Grace Clark, during the reception in honour of Mrs. Clark on her recent appointment, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

L-R: Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara,Chaplain, Aso Rock Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba,Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo,and President Goodluck Jonathan during prayers at the breaking of fast by the president, on Wednesday at the State House,in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Those who enjoyed the free medical check-up inspired by the Parish Priest of St. Sylvester Catholic Church, New Nyanya, Nasarawa state, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Anyembugu, yesterday in New Nyanya

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo (right), assisted by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad I Sule (left) to decorate the governor’s ADC, Musa Hamma with his new rank of DSP, yesterday in Gombe.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 9

Sokoto flags off MDGs programme From Mahmoud Muhammad, Sokoto

T

he Sokoto state government said it has spent about N200 million for each of the 23 local government areas, under the Millenium Development Goals programme as part of

measures to eradicate poverty in the state.

The Commissioner for Local Governments, Alhaji Farouk Malami Yabo, said this at the flag off ceremony for MDGs first phase development programme initiative in Binji local government council of the state.

According to him, the joint funding idea was an indication of government’s determination to alleviate the suffering of the people at the grassroots.

According to him, each local government would contribute N100 million, the state government N60 million while

the MDGS would give N40 million.

The state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, told the communities to safeguard the property as government would not shoulder the responsibility of taking care of such property after providing them with their needs.

L-R: Legal Adviser, Mr. Joseph Ujomu, Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, Chief Beks Dagogo-Jack, Chairman, Main Stream Solution, Colonel Sani Bello, and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer AMNI International, Chief Tunde Afolabi,during the signing of transaction and industry agreements for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he former President Court of Appeal and pioneer Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Crimes(ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi has lamented the high number of corrupt people in Nigeria.

The retired jurist, who expressed his displeasure over the high rate said its eradication should be the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

Speaking at the presentation of book “ Appreciating Criminal Law in Nigeria”, by John Koni

Nigeria has many corrupt people, says ex ICPC boss

Ifeolu Esq, a legal practitioner in Ilorin, Justice Akanbi said “ there are too many corrupted people in this country, we have to fight them as a team.

“We must read because reading makes a man. I just want positive change in this country,”.

The former ICPC boss urged lawyers and youths to fight

corruption at all levels to redeem the nation’s image.

In his remarks, the grand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice Idrish Haroon agreed that the level of corruption was high in the country but only collective role could change the trend.

The Grand Khadi noted that Nigerians must be more courageous to say the truth and

do good deeds irrespective of the situation stressing that those behind embezzlement of public funds could not bring honour to the country but shame.

He added, his 19 years in the classroom had exposed him to discipline, honesty pointed out that the book launcher had contributed positively to the nation’s development.

Grants to flood victims in Kogi begins soon, says Wada From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has assured that his government will soon begin the disbursement of funds to victims of last year’s flood in the area.

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

R

esidents of Lamo village in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over the failure of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to stop the crude spillage from its Kilometer 407.05 NNPC pipeline in the area.

The spill which eyewitnesses said occurred about a week ago, has so far covered large portions of farmlands and flowing into the only source of water supply in the village.

Speaking on the effect of the

Speaking in a message he sent during the submission of the final list of the affected persons from across the nine local government areas in the state, Wada dismissed as untrue, reports that government had already spent

the grant from the Federal Government for those concerned.

Urging them to be patient, Wada who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, said that, “the process towards the

disbursement of the grant to the flood victims may be slow but the state has never witnessed such magnitude of flood, thus making it necessary for a thorough assessment so that only the genuinely affected will get assistance.”

NNPC abandons oil spill in FCT spillage to the community, a resident of the area, Yello Sarki, said it has polluted their only source of water and farmland, adding that it poses threat to the community in terms of fire disaster.

Authorities of the Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed that crude oil which has been spilling for the past seven days, has not been attended to by the NNPC. “We want government to take urgent measures to address the situation before it consumes

our community.

“Since the spillage started, we have been using the polluted water to cook and drink despite its effect on our health because we do not have another source of water supply”, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin said.

Abolurin who took newsmen round the scene of the incident, expressed shock, saying it should not be allowed in the country where majority of its citizens are wallowing in abject poverty.

Abolurin noted that the corps got information on the disaster through members of the community, saying that the corps has always been on ground to monitor oil vandals and other unscrupulous elements who might use the opportunity for crime. “ We will not condone such act because it is not an excuse.

However, it is always appropriate for appropriate authorities to do their work whenever they are required to do so”, Abolurin said.

…Appoints new HOS From Mahmoud Muhammad, Sokoto okoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, on Wednesday inaugurated Alhaji Bature Shinkafi as the new Head of Service (HOS).

Until his appointment, Shinkafi was Permanent Secretary (Political) in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He replaced Alhaji Abdullahi Wali who has retired after six years as HOS. During the ceremony at the Government House council chambers, a new Permanent Secretary (Political) Malami Ladan, was also sworn-in.

In his remarks at the occasion, Wamakko described the appointment of the HOS as “another milestone victory” for the people of the state.

He noted that Wali began his career as a civil servant in the state in 1971, describing him as an honest and cool headed gentleman who propelled the standard of the civil servant in the state to a greater height.

According to the Governor, the coming of the new HOS would be another history to reckon with as he had served in various capacities from being a teacher to position of Permanent Secretary.

Born on May 12, 1958 in Kware local government council of Sokoto state, Shinkafi was at a time the Sole Administrator of Illela local government.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English/political Science from Bayero University, Kano.

S

Katsina CPC chieftain cautions members on loyalty

T

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) from Funtua/ Dandume Federal Constituency of Katsina state has pledged its support for the Hon. Farouk Adamu-led leadership of the party in the state.

Speaking yesterday in Kaduna when he led a delegation of party supporters from the area on a visit to the party’s leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Hon. Lawal Kabir Dan Hanse, noted further that CPC members in the area were also solidly behind leadership of the party at the national level and warned that they would not condone any acts of indiscipline.

According to him, any member found wanting in his loyalty to the CPC, would be dealt with in accordance with party regulations.

He explained that the recent decision of the party to sack some erring members of the CPC from the area was a unanimous resolution of the national working committee of the party.

Hanse said that, “Katsina state is the strong hold of CPC and as loyalists of Gen. Muhammad Buhari, we will go to any length to protect the constitution of the party with a view to achieving the desired objectives.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Bauchi sues secondary school staff over industrial action From Ahme Kaigama Bauchi

T

Chairman, Elumelu Foundation, Chief Tony Elumelu (right), briefing journalists on the power sector reform in the country, during his official visit to the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Police arraign 2 Indians, 3 others over oil theft

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he police yesterday arraigned two Indians, three others and a company before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged involvement in the vandalisation and theft of petroleum products in Okene, Kogi state.

The two Indians, Kamal Sharma and Ashok Agarwa were arraigned along with Fatai Afolabi, Emmanuel Igbokwe, Tukur Mohammed and Prism steel Mill Ltd, a company owned by the Indians for allegedly conspiring and "dealing in petroleum product without appropriate authority or license and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act Cap M17 Laws of the federation of

Nigeria 2004".

Fatai Afolabi, Emmanuel Igbokwe and Tukur Mohammed, the first, second and third accused persons in the charge were accused in the 3rd and 4th counts of damaging the oil pipeline in Okene and also interfering with the free flow of petroleum product thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1 (17) (a) and (b) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act Cap M17 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004".

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge against them by the police, setting the stage for trial.

Counsel for the first accused person, Daniel Alumun and R. A. Lawal Rabana (SAN), representing the 4th to the 6th accused persons moved application for the bail of their clients.

Rabana told the court that even though the 4th to 6th accused persons are arraigned alongside the other accused persons, the circumstances and the charges are different, pointing out that the 4th, 5th and the 6th accused persons were only charged for dealing in petroleum product without appropriate authority or license.

Rabana asked the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, adding that the 4th and 5th accused persons have chronic hypertension.

He further assured that the accused persons would not tamper with police investigation and would make themselves available for trial.

Opposing the bail application, the prosecution counsel, Friday T. Ibadin told the court that the accused persons could jump bail

in view of the severity of the offence.

Ibadin who admitted that 4th and 5th accused persons are hypertensive told the court that the police have been managing the situation.

"An applicant pleading illhealth must support his assertion by placing materials before the court that the type of ailment he is suffering is the type that cannot be managed", he said and urged the court not to admit the accused persons to bail.

He added also that it would be difficult to produce the 1st accused persons to face his trial if granted bail because he has no visible place of abode.

The trial Judge, Justice Abubakar Mohammed adjourned to February 25, 2013 to decide on the accused persons bail request.

Benue pledges revival of ailing industries From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mr. Terfa Atoza Ihindan has assured of government's determination to revive ailing industries in the State.

Mr. Ihindan who said this yesterday during a chat with journalists in his office, said that government has injected over N79

From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

O

ver 200 households affected by last season's flood from Ringim local Government area of Jigawa state have relocated to Kano in search of accommodation.

The Yakasawa village which was flooded by water was earlier resettled on a virgin land but the conditions for acquiring accommodations were very stiff for the victims that some of them resorted to migrating from the

million into the Taraku Mills for turn around production.

He added that plans are underway to construct an earth dam at the mills to address the problem of water shortage facing the company.

The Commissioner also said that Otukpo Burnt Brick Company has been advertised for prospective investors, adding that work on the abandoned Wannune Tomato Fruit juice company will resume

soon.

"The Italian company handling work on the Fruit Juice Company is expected to resume construction work on it. Same too, for the Cassava Processing Plant. The Indians working on the Igumale Cement Company would be bringing machineries in March.

Government has already paid it lease agreement of over N20 million just as we plan to lease out Benue Plastic Company, BENKIMS to

Oracle business Ltd. Government wants to privatize or out rightly sell some of the industries and invest into other meaningful and profitable ventures", Terfa stated.

On Small and Medium Enterprises Development, SMEs, he said government has made its contribution of over N500 million to the Bank of Industry, BOI for disbursement of loans to SMEs in the State which would be done next month.

he Bauchi State Government has sued the executive members of Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS) for embarking on an "illegal" industrial action last month.

The state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Alhamdu Rufai'I Sabo and the Bauchi State Ministry of education filed the suit against the ASUSS leader, Abdullahi Mohammed Tanko and 13 other executive members of the association.. They told the court that "sometimes in February, the accused criminally conspired and operated illegally and closed government public secondary and primary schools under the state ministry of education.

The accused purportedly closed schools by harassing and intimidating some teachers not willing to join them, with physical violence.

The state counsel told the court that the accused was not a registered trade union and thereby operating contrary to section 96,100c, 104, 114, of the penal code and section 267 of the Bauchi State laws.

The government asked the court to restrain the accused from parading themselves as leaders of ASUSS and to ask teachers to go back to their classes as well as direct the accused not to assemble or issue any directive to teachers pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Counsel to the academic staff, Barrister Joseph Terwese Kuleve filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

He said, only the national industrial court, could handle the case against the accused, adding that the strike complained of, was a lawful exercise of fundamental right of assembly as enshrined in the constitution and asked the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

In his ruling the Presiding Chief Magistrate Yau Abdullahi Kundak granted the prayers of the government and adjourned the suit to March 6 for hearing on the preliminary objection.

Jigawa flood victims relocate to Kano area to Biyamusu town in Ajingi local government area of Kano state.

According to the village ward head, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo who spoke to our reporter at the new settlement, "indeed about 200 households have migrated from the area out of annoyance that they were refused adequate compensation and land to accommodate them and their

families".

Alhaji Nadabo pointed out that "I am just returning from the Emirs palace to report the new development in the area but I could not see him because of his other engagements".

According to the ward head, government moved to relocate the flood victims by collecting farmlands from owners and re allocate them in pieces of plots He

said out of 255 victims planned for resettlement at the village, only about 50 families have so far raised structures to settle down.

Nadabo accused some of the victims of selling off their new plots and opting for free settlements in Kano state.

According to one of the residents at the new resettlement, Malam Dauda Illiyasu ." they have collected our farmlands from

us the original owners and promised to allocate a piece of plot from the land to us which they did but they never compensated us for our farms that our livelihood depends on for generation", he said.

When contacted, the Ringim Council chairman, Alhaji Murtala Abubakar said he was aware of the situation but added that the people could well migrate to Lagos not even Kano.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY,FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

10 tips to create strong brand identities online By: Subhash Chandra

T

he Oxford dictionary defines rapport as "a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well." Almost all marketing experts agree that rapport is essential to a business' success online and this cannot be achieved if a company does not have a strong brand identity.

It's this simple - if you don't know who you are and what your brand represents, how would your target audience relate to you and establish a connection with your brand? Further, if you don't know how to represent who you are online, your audience will find it difficult to see what role your brand can play in their lives. You may have a great looking web design, but does it strengthen your unique selling point and your value proposition for your market?

If you think your brand is suffering from a mistaken identity, a weak identity and any other identity crises, here are ten tips to help you.

1.A logo is NOT just an icon One of the biggest mistakes you can commit in brand identity building is seeing your logo design as a mere icon. Your logo is your brand's fingerprint - it should be unique to your identity and when done right, it should serve as a powerful imagery that surmises

who you are as a business and as a brand. A great logo design should take into consideration the mission, vision and values of your company and summarizes all these into one impactful beacon.

2.

Make your logo flexible Do you notice how Google's logo changes on its home page depending on the occasion? From Halloween to Christmas to Valentine's Day, Google's logo exudes playfulness and fun while still being able to represent what the brand is all about. Strive for something like this. You never know when you would need to adapt your logo according to the situation so it would be great if you're logo would remain recognisable despite possible alterations.

3.

Know who you're speaking to This is kindergarten marketing, You cannot design a brand identity if you don't know who you're talking to, what matters to them, what they are looking for and what makes them tick. If you don't take time to know your audience, rest assured that the disinterest would be mutual.

Thou shall know your audience let this be your first step in anything and everything you do in terms of marketing.

4.

Create a memorable and appropriate tagline Just do it. Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. Think different. Without mentioning

other clues, you already know which brands these taglines represent. Next to your logo design, your tagline is arguably the second most important element for you to effectively design a brand identity. Keep it short and sweet. In three to seven words, you have to communicate what your brand can offer.

5. Use a healthy dose of wit and humor One of the main flaws of many businesses is they forget to humanise their brand. Sure, you have to maintain a certain level of professionalism, but at the end of the day, you're dealing with humans and humans like to talk to humans, not cold-hearted corporations.

Whenever appropriate, feel free to inject a healthy dose of wit and humor into your marketing executions. For example, as you are designing a website, maybe you can allocate a space wherein you can feature a day in a life story of one of your employees. Be witty all the time and be funny if the opportunity presents itself.

6.

Elicit emotions It's a given fact that people will take into consideration rational things when making the decision to trust a brand or not. But what will ultimately tip the scale are the emotional factors.

As such, a good practice when you design a brand identity is to take what your audience might be feeling when they're looking for something that can be provided

by your business. Is it a desire for luxury? The need to be secure? A craving to be entertained? This is extremely important when creating a web design. The look and feel of your site should invoke these emotions in order for you to have a strong rapport with your audience.

7.

Be consistent Brands with multiple personality disorders are prevalent and more common than you think, yet there are more brands who are committing the fatal mistake of having a schizophrenic brand identity. Do you think the most established brands of today will be where they are if they kept on changing their visuals, typography and colors?

No. Frequently changing these crucial brand identity elements will weaken your identity. From your logo design to your web site design, make sure that these elements are consistent all throughout.

8.

Create your own visual niche An art connoisseur would know whether a painting was made or influenced by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, etc. without looking at the signature or doing research. This is because the great painters are known for their signature visual aesthetics.

Creating your own visual niche or specialty is a great way to design a brand identity. This can be done by looking at what everyone else is doing and exploring those that

haven't been done yet.

Let's go back to the example of Google and how it manipulates its logo. This is an example of a visual niche. In this case, Google owned the niche of altering its logo tactically depending on an occasion or an event.

Create a brand 9. rulebook Sometimes, a brand loses its identity because different people in the organisation have their own take on how to interpret this identity online.

By having a brand rulebook listing all the do's and don'ts in terms of your brand identity, your entire organisation will be guided properly and everyone will work in the same direction to strengthen just a single brand.

10. Know who you are Lastly, it would be a herculean task to come up with a logo design or a web design or even talk about how to design a brand identity if you yourself don't know where you fit in. Without a crystal clear definition of what your business is, what your products are, what sets you apart, what benefit you bring to your market and what your vision is, brand identity building would be next to impossible. In psychology, selfawareness is the first step to selfrealisation and it's no different when it comes to online marketing.

Stocks are cheap, will logic say otherwise?

S

ome investing pros are arguing that stocks are cheap, but the numbers are sending mixed signals. The question now again is: Is it true that stocks are cheap "when compared with bonds"? Okay, if you haven't heard it from your broker yet, you will. Warren Buffett, recently making the case for stocks, argued that they looked a lot more appealing to him than gold or bonds. Indeed, in a recent report, some investment strategists from big brokerages, in their enthusiasm for stocks, argued that they were at record lows compared with bonds.

The comparison according to most personal finance experts doesn't come out of the blue.

Experts believe that the argument is pretty appealing to many, especially now, when bond yields are low with price rise. On the other hand, the stock market

today is low and investors want to put the market behind them.

"They said stocks are low. Yes they are. I was advised to put more money. I went ahead to do so.

A recent example is a stock which I bought for N3.50kobo which now trades at N1.42kobo. I have lost almost half of the money I put in less than one year. Are you still saying stocks are cheap?

What is the logic when cheap stocks keep falling and no sign of rise? Are you looking at it from when I invested in the stock or when another person is investing in the stock? What it means is that while I cry for losing, another person is gaining for entering low," an investor told BDMoney recently. There is no doubt that at one level, you can compare the price of any investment with another, but what you cannot afford to ask is whether timber is cheaper than farmland?

A wedding was scheduled to hold two weeks ago and when it was time to cut the cake, the couple was seen running helter-skelter; reason is that the cake prepared for the wedding had broken into pieces. At the end, no cake was presented.

While some saw it as a bad omen, others said it was a huge insurance claim. But unfortunately, no insurance was on ground.

Disastrous wedding mishaps have long been a comedy staple, probably because so many of us can relate. What bride- or groom-to-be hasn't had nightmares about

hurricane-force winds blowing over the reception tent or a drunken cousin falling into the wedding cake?

Besides, the potential for embarrassing memories, there's a lot of money at stake. The average wedding in 2012 will cost nearly N500, 000.00, not including the honeymoon - about what you'd pay for a well-appointed new car.

According to Jason Alderman, director of Visa's Financial Education Programmes, just as you wouldn't drive off the lot without car insurance, so you

might want to consider buying wedding insurance. It usually costs only a few hundreds of naira but could save you tens of thousands if horrendous weather, sudden illness or a bankrupt vendor ruins your day.

Many insurance companies now offer wedding insurance.

Typically, policies will reimburse you for deposits and charges you've paid to wedding vendors, as well as travel costs and other expenses incurred, if you need to cancel or postpone the wedding for a covered reason.

Experts still query if one can make a direct mathematical comparison between the earnings yield on stocks and the yield on bonds? In summary, Andrew Smithers, a respected financial consultant and the author of "Valuing Wall Street," has a fourword reply: "It's a con job." His conclusion: It isn't supported by history, economics or logic.

"It's almost impossible to see how anybody who was in his right mind could hold that there was any validity to it," he says, before adding, "Unless, of course, he was trying to sell you shares." Hedge fund manager ,Cliff Asness, who has published research on the topic, agrees. People follow the model, he says, "but they do so in error."

Coverage options, costs and limitations vary widely, so read the fine print carefully. When comparing policies, pay attention to deductibles, maximum coverage limits, exclusions and deadlines for purchasing various options.

Probably, the most important coverage is personal liability insurance. Many venues require liability insurance and either include it in the rental cost or require you to submit a certificate of insurance from your own policy. ( S o u r c e : www.moneyning.com)

For your wedding‌ get that insurance I

t has become necessary that people take precaution against the unexpected, and for that event they have put in so much money and time to plan.

Quote : The money power preys upon the nation in times of peace and conspires against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy. It denounces, as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw light upon its crimes.

--Abraham Lincoln

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 13

Effect of idleness on youth

By Muhammad A. Dabo

S

urely idleness on the part of our youths is the source of the major problems facing the society today and this demands urgent and serious attention from all stakeholders, particularly governments at all levels. Idleness among youths is not only a security problem but also a political, social, economical as well as spiritual problem. And this is the generation that is supposed to be productive and that will impact positively to our economic growth as well as national development.

This is because the youtt are a working generation; it is a generation of power, capability, skillfulness and experience. The youth, socially and economically thought or is thinking on how to improve his condition especially the graduates and the able-bodies ones some of these youths are creative, intelligent, able and skilled yet they are suffering from idleness due to their government's and/or families' slackness and carelessness. The graduates among this teaming youth spend the most important part of their life in schools or on the streets.

Statistics show that the youth number millions in populations and a great number of them are jobless.

Meanwhile despite suffering from poverty, deprivation, needs, bad condition of health or lateness in marriage and their inability to sustain their families, another scientific statistic shows that idleness has its own bad effect on their spirit due to the effect it has on the body's health. A greater number of thejobless that enforce idleness on the youth showed signs of lost spiritual

By Ezeh Fred

I

t has been so unfortunate and pathetic how the Nigerian nation has had to contend with politics and corruption in virtually all facets of the nation's life, including throwing merit to the wind and embracing mediocrity and injustice, just to satisfy some disgruntled interests temporary in the corridor of power.

Apparently, the weeping child in this bad and deadly case of politicking and corruption that has, and continues to, cripple or rather kept us (Nigeria) moving at a snail speed, has been the best hands and brains (professionals) in Nigeria, say, Engineers, Doctors, Academicians, Architects etc, who have in one way or the other refused to soil their hands in the bad or mocky waters of the Nigerian politics for the sake of their integrity and reputation, thereby leaving them with no option than to seek for alternative way of doing their professional jobs which is travelling abroad and selling their knowledge to the outside world.

Research shows that Nigerians has continue to loose its manpowers to the developed nations who has by virtue of their determined drive to continue to dominate the world activities through scientific, technological and innovative research and development via their various research institute as well as

esteem, frustration, feelings and feeling inferior to others.

The statistics also show that youth have been overpowered by weariness and are also deprived intellectually and bodily. Idleness which obstructed the spiritual growths of the youths is also responsible for compelling youth to commit suicide which sometimes forced them to lake away their own lives as a result of trying to escape debts.

It has been found that 69% of those committing suicide are jobless ones. And the increase in percentage of crimes such as manslaughter, robbery, kidnapping, violence and aggression as well as political thuggery increase in the ranks of jobless persons as a result of spiritual tension and strain rising from frustrations.

Idleness is the fundamental cause of emigration thereby leaving the family and the community in the lurch. This problem between the jobless people is poverty and lack of life's sustenance. In fact, idleness has

crippled the capability and experience of youth who have no means to survive; their capability will be forced to turn into a disaster that will cause problems not only for them but to the community at large.

Not only that, idleness has become a major complication and may even pull down governments due to demonstrations and rebellion against the rulers, even as this has led to dethronement in some countries. The rulers and financial and political administrators in those countries were accused by the jobless as responsible for their idleness and unemployment, thereby leading to uprisings that unseat the governments of the day.

The problem of idleness and poverty is well treated by Islamic religion spiritually as well as materialistically: the Holy Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) is reported to have said that: "A soul (spirit) becomes steady when it attains its power" and Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq said: "A soul defiles its owner if it does not have what it needs to stand

“

idleness has become a major complication and may even pull down governments due to demonstrations and rebellion against the rulers, even as this has led to dethronement in some countries

on, but if it gains, its power becomes steady".

Scientific analysis confirms this in the relationship between the spiritual side of man and material sufficiency and its effect, "paripasu": steady and spiritual calmness and that lacking and poverty cause's anxiety, grief and unsteadiness and health problems like hypertension, digestive tract disease, bodily pain, etc.

It is this view of poverty, insufficiency and deprivation mainly caused by idleness that Islam calls on people to work and discourages them from idleness and laziness it also necessitates work in order to sustain life with necessary needs for himself and those under his care.

To control idleness, Islam calls for the learning of professions like business transactions, tailoring, farming, mechanical works and others, it is related in a prophetic tradition that: "Allah loves an honest professional". The Holy Qu'ran calls on people to work and seek wealth, thus it says "therefore go about in the spacious tracts thereof and eat of his sustenance, and to him are the return… Holy Qu'ran (Dominion 67: 15) "But when prayer is over, then disperse abroad in the land and seek of Allah's grace…" Holy Qu'ran (Friday 62: 10). And prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) regards work as Jihad in Allah's cause. He is reported to have said: "A hard worker for sustaining his family's needs is like a Mijahid (Islamic warrior) in Allah's cause".

Indeed, the prophet, the Holy Imams and the pious servants have manifested these principles practically, because they used to raised animals, practice farming, transactions, tailoring, carpentry

and other legal business transactions. These kinds of work had been practiced by prophets, messengers, ministers of state as well as pious servants. And this is the scientific solution to the problems of idleness.

All these works give awareness to the youth vis-a-vis the importance of work and the danger of idleness, it discourages idleness and laziness. Work earns respect, personal honour and material capabilities to the worker.

Idleness is a serious challenge to our society today. It seems to be the root of most criminal activities.

Therefore, government should raise to it feet to address unemployment.

Well meaning members of the society too have a role to play in this direction. They can establish at least small scale industries that could provide job to a considerable number of youths in their own localities to stem down the rate of the jobless.

These well to do can equally provide that are soft loans for the youths to start farming, trading, koala, fishing and a host of other pity business or services such as shoe making, carpentry, blacksmithing.

Women could also be given incentives such as soft loan to start frying Ankara and sell of plantain to earn a living otherwise the rate of armed robbers, prostitutes, fraudsters, dupes, hired killers and pipe vandals would uncontrollably increase to an alarming propos ion that would compel the leaders to sleep with one eye open.The youth, on their part, should despite all odd, not get discouraged, they should embrace self reliance for they could get to the Promised Land one day.

Muhammad is a student of mass communication of Taraba State University, Jalingo.

Who will rebuild NASENI?

commercialisation, thus, providing a conducive working environment and economic boost.

Nigeria, having been identified as a potential world leader in science and technology, considering its abundant mineral deposit and great people with potentials and zeal to climb high to the top of technology in the world.

Achieving this feat requires great planning, coordination and execution by visionary leaders who has the interest of Nigeria at heart, disregarding their own selfish interest which will definitely lead the nation to no where.

This has become the case at the National Agency for Scientific and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) which was established in 1992 by the IBB administration with a clear mandate of conducting a developmental research and work in the area of manufacturing as well as coordinating the proliferation of technologies developed either within or outside of its centers, including also, ensuring that technologies developed in the areas of spare parts component and systems engineering are transfered to entrepreneurs for the production of goods and services for both local

consumption and foreign exchange.

NASENI is "armed" with about 9 research institutes positioned at strategic places in Nigeria that has the capacity of transforming Nigeria into one of the world leading technology nations, competing with the likes of China, Japan and US has been facing leadership tussle leading to the paralyse of activities in the agency.

The leadership tussle which apparently was as a result of the immediate past Director-General, Professor Adewuoye trying to

cover-up his incompetences and mismanagement by ignoring both the lay-down procedures and moral justification in appointing his successor which ordinarily must be the most senior and experience director in the Agency, rather he chose to pick a less fit candidate who he thinks can cover up his tracks to man the position.

Investigations reveals that despite the warning by the members of the national assembly and other top executive members, the minister of science and technology, professor Ita okon

“

The minister should live up to his reputation and integrity as a renowned scientist by allowing and supporting transparency and due process that will lead to emergence of best and competent candidate to become the substantive DirectorGeneral of NASENI

bassey threw caution to the wind and approves the appointment of a less fit candidate as an Acting Director-General of NASENI, literary going contrary to the lay down rules of appointing the most senior and qualified candidate to man the leadership of NASENI perhaps giving consideration to sentiment and personal interest.

This he succeeded in doing by first, imposing a compulsory sabbatical to those senior, experienced and competent directors who he thought will be barrier to him achieving his unjust objectives.

But a reliable source revealed that the minister of science and technology professor Ita okon bassey whose the Agency is under his supervision had compromised the game plans leading to the appointment of the DirectorGeneral, surprisingly going to the highest bidder.

The question on the lips of everybody is, who will rebuild NASENI and restore its lost value?

In my opinion, the minister should live up to his reputation and integrity as a renowned scientist by allowing and supporting transparency and due process that will lead to emergence of best and competent candidate to become the substantive Director-General of NASENI.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 14

Reflecting on good governance

By Charles Chikezie

C

an good governance, like beauty, just be said to be in the eye of the beholder? Or put differently can it be likened to a good product that an Igbo adage says 'advertises' itself?

Beauty is the reflection of exquisite niceness, the overwhelming dominance of attraction or appeal arising from what is seen and cherished of a person, thing or situation. It derives from a feature which could be a nature-given endowment or an acquired or made-up status. In either case, beauty must be nurtured, maintained and even showcased, to remain meaningful.

Every one cherishes a thing of beauty and never wishes it to go bad. That is why there is repugnance and livid expression of discontent when such negativity happens, and scorn towards anyone who has wilfully let the thing of beauty to degenerate and decay. That scenario could be said to be the case with Nigeria in the not distant past when public institutions, infrastructure and utilities, by collective commission and omission were left to breakdown and even decay.

The resultant effect was

has carelessly a p a t h y , been left cynicism, unattended. recession of O u r c i v i l i s e d Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text endowments behaviour, messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written are obvious, our d i p p i n g contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 a b i l i t i e s n a t i o n a l abound, and consciousness, words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and our renowned detachment a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed resilient spirit is from those in to: our strength. authority and The key to growing social The Editor, restoration of and political Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, the nostalgic rebellious 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. 'good old days' is spirit. It was Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com to yield to the thus ironical SMS: 07037756364 full imperatives that Nigeria o f with its vast transformation human and natural resources, and easily one was an easy take unlike today that President Goodluck of the nations of the world with when we are subjected to every Jonathan's administration is the greatest potentials for growth kind of indignity seeking visas. canvassing and which we have and economic well-being, found Apparently piqued by what now embraced. itself besieged on all sides with a we have gone through over the The evidence of multitude of challenges. years, and realising that 'those we Transformation should reflect in Let us not forget that 'beautiful started the race with have left us our positive mannerisms, Nigeria' was besotted of everyone. behind', Nigerians soberly look in changed attitude to work, inter With a large and active the direction of Malaysia, India, personal relationships, ethical population of very warm and Brazil, South Africa etc. and business conduct, high level friendly people, and with lament how far they have gone integrity, unquestionable expansive business and while we totter. Lamentation, commitment, unalloyed investment opportunities, it was though, cannot be the answer but patriotism and national common place to see Nigerians go would instead compound the consciousness, amongst other about their pursuits all over the woes. visible and intangible virtues. In world with their heads raised Incidentally Nigeria has now that way we will become once high. Our economy was strong come to the realisation that we more a people with high selfand we could spend, so the process must move forward. Our worth and the cossetted beautiful of obtaining visas to other lands inherent beauty is not lost but bride, well received and respected

WRITE TO US

wherever she appears.

Of all considerations, good governance is the most potent ingredient for achieving civil contentment and having a peaceful polity that sees itself as partner in progress with government. It will throw up real 'servant leaders' as well asinspire accelerated national development, bolstered image and tremendous goodwill at home and abroad. The climate of good governance will lead to sustainable attraction of foreign investment, wealth creation and value addition to the lives of the people.

Good Governance will be the panacea to the challenges we have faced and the key to a resurgent or renascent Nigerian nation that we will all be proud of: land of peace, great potentials and equal opportunities, the giant of Africa and a respected major player in world affairs.

Nigeria's leaders of today realise the imperatives for good governance as a culture that will sustain our development, peace at home and stature in the comity of nations. They are learning to be accountable to the people to whom they must report back on their stewardship. That is the point that the National Good Governance Tour drives in.

Charles Chikezie is the Director, Public Communication, Federal Ministry of Information.

Unemployment: We are 'walking' on the solution

By Ojaje Idoko

I

n 2006 I started a programme for young women. It was a self awareness and development programme to instill in the young women the culture of hard work and self reliance. I had realized that women in that category had the propensity to believe that no matter your income, a lady would still need the financial support of a boyfriend or sugar daddy to fulfill all her financial needs. It was to make them realize that with your hard work, a woman could genuinely make enough money and even give loans and support to other persons. I had invited persons with such stories as resource persons who were willing to share their experiences, and their experiences taught a lot. One woman's testimony in particular caught my fancy.

She was a lecturer in the weekend programme of the State University and her husband was gainfully employed with a construction company. They lived fairly well within their means.

Immediately they relocated to that town, she noticed abundance of variety of fruits that were brought into the town from the villages for sale.

Many of these fruits get wasted because the demand was lower than the supply. She decided out of curiousity to buy N50 worth of oranges. She also bought a

hand held orange squeezer at N100. She took them home.

After supper, while the family was watching the evening news on the television, she squeezed the oranges and got six bottles of one and a half litres each. She refrigerated them over night. In the morning, she took them to the construction site where her husband worked and she quickly sold them, making a profit of N400. On her way back, she bought oranges for N100, did the same that night. The following day she made a profit of N700.

She continued to improve on the quantity and customer base day by day such that after two weeks, she was able to stabilize to a daily profit of N1,500. She said, with that, she was able to feed the family daily and their

salary was saved for some other things. It was not time wasting, energy sapping nor cumbersome.

When Prof. Dora Akunyili was the Director-General of NAFDAC, she was quoted to have said that she took a trip to South Africa to inspect the factories from where the many brands of fruit juice and assorted wine were imported to Nigeria. She lamented that while she looked forward to being taken to big orchards and farms where these fruits are harvested and made into juice, she discovered to her chagrin that none of such large farms existed. What we drink in this country as packed fresh fruit drinks are nothing less than any brand chemical. How are they able to break into the market in

“

Benue state is considered the food basket of the nation but the indigenes of the state are not reaping the fruit of their hard work that has earned the state that enviable title. What agro-based industry do we have in Benue state? If only a viable fruit juice making factory was operational in the state, Nigeria would have been drinking real fresh juice, not the chemical concoction from foreign countries

Nigeria, pumping chemicals into our systems while our fruits are wasting away along the streets and in our farms? What happens to the many fruit farms all over the country?

I am an unapologetic, unrepentant advocate of graduate self employment. I desire and promote our graduates (polytechnics, colleges of education, and universities), taking into such one man business venture. The raw materials are available. The environment is conducive.

Imagine many of our children making this fresh fruit drinks, flooding our supermarkets and shops, daily distributing them to offices, eateries and recreation centres, what will make a Nigeria chemicals dumping ground for the foreign drink companies? It will take care of unemployment to some extent, the fruits will no longer be wasted and more farmers will get the pay for their hardwork.

The government at every stratum has a good role to play.

For instance, Benue state is considered the food basket of the nation but the indigenes of the state are not reaping the fruit of their hard work that has earned the state that enviable title.

What agro-based industry do we have in Benue state? If only a viable fruit juice making factory was operational in the state, Nigeria would have been drinking real fresh juice, not the chemical concoction from foreign

countries. Every year, drive through the state ministries of Agriculture, Trade and Industries doing more than purchasing of fertilizers, herbicides and tractors, and recently telephone handset for farmers? What happens to the produce of the farmers when these have been used? Even if the federal and state governments do not know what to do, how much does it take to set up a simple cottage fruit juice factory by a local government council or a joint venture by a group of local government councils within a certain zone? What is the reason for the existence of the Association of Local Government Councils of Nigeria (ALGON) apart from purchasing security vehicles for DPOs who simply use them to protect the interest of the local government council chairman?

The discovery of petroleum has done much damage to the other sectors of the economy and social life. We have not been able to appropriate the green vegetation of our nation's landscape. Every minister, government and local government chairman in Nigeria waits anxiously for the end of the month federal monetary allocation, 90 percent of which comes from petroleum and remaining comes from taxes.

Idoko is the Director, Pastoral Affairs, Catholic Secretary of Nigeria, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

By Sam Soji Aduragbemi

M

ay I be permitted to make my own few points on the issue of sending beggars to prison by Governor Fashola. The Bible recorded in Deuteronomy 15:11 thus, "For the poor shall never cease out of the land, therefore I command thee, saying thou shalt open thine hand wide into thy brothers to thy poor, and to thy needy in thy land".

Helping and to be favourably disposed towards the poor and needy is mandatory. Now can we ask this question: Are these beggars Nigerians or foreigners?

Are they gainfully employed or are they in the reformative homes and absconded to the street?

In our December 2012 Prayer Summit in Ilorin, we prayed a particular prayer-point that God should grant our leaders courage to look unto the Holy Hill of God so that they will receive godly, divine and people-oriented programmes and policies.

The beggars consist the blind, the lame and the jobless; even people of unsound mind. Has the government of Governor Fashola put into consideration that despite their state of nothingness, they have dependants, those who were being fed by the proceeds of their

By Theophilus Ilevbare

T

here is a need to provide a credible alternative to the electorate, a radical change borne out of the growing discontent of Nigerians with the failure of the PDP led government that has held power at the centre since 1999, to transform the countries' fortune despite multi-billion dollar oil revenue frittered by successive government - $67billion in foreign reserves in the last few years deflating any hope of a breath of Jonathan's 'fresh air," for these, the leaders of the coalition, saw an exigency in salvaging the beleaguered Nigerian people from the present socio-political and economic downturn as an impetus for the merger.

And so much was the euphoria that greeted the announcement of the All Peoples Congress (APC), that it sent jitters across the political divide. The coalition of ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA to form the new alliance is an audacious bid to unseat the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. Two recent events gave fillip to the merger. First, was the meeting of 10 governors from opposition parties to endorse the coalition. Secondly, the formation of contact and mobilization committee to expedite alliance talks. Both moves couple with a new name, has helped to silence the sceptics who described the merger as a political jamboree that will soon go the way of the previous attempt to form an opposition party in 2011.

The political landscape has been dogged by the absence of credible and formidable opposition.

The new party on the block, has a lot to prove to Nigerians; do they have something different from what the PDP has to offer? Can they prove that they are not the same with the PDP? From their respective states, senatorial districts and other areas they

PAGE 15

Can this policy be godly? begging?

When the poor, who were made poor by the bad performance of our leaders who are still impoverished by the corruption of people in high places.

For instance, many of our pensioners are beggars on the street because the PENCOM high benchers embezzled and converted their money to personal extravagance mode of living. And in return, these set of people are carted to prison for begging. Their God will ask our leaders: What is the sin of people who meritoriously served this nation and are subject to this double jeopardy.

These corrupt, wicked, reckless

and oppressive men and women are living in opulence in places such as Maitama and Asokoro in Abuja, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Garden in Lagos, enjoying their ill-gotten wealth, even as their victims are now carted to prison is a big oppression.

So we need more prayers in this nation for God to intervene so that the poor may live.

This policy is against the verse of the Bible quoted at the beginning of this comment and it undermines the fundamental rights of the needy affected as entrenched in Chapter IV Section 33(1): "Every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived

“

The poor and needy are the heartbeat of God. Let no man add to their problems.

This is sheer oppression of the needy and poor in Lagos let there be a reconsideration of this policy to wear human face

intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a count in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria. Section 34(1) a, b of Chapter IV also forbid guaranteed the dignity of these persons".

If beggars who cannot afford their daily means of livelihood become criminals in the face of a law to make Lagos neat and clean, it is not godly, it is not peopleoriented. It is an oppressive law. It is a contravention of their fundamental rights as citizens of Nigeria.

Government should first take palliative measures, let there be food on the table of every citizen without stress, give them quality education, good shelter before meaningful progress can be made in the direction of making Lagos beautiful and decent. It cannot be achieved in the face of hunger and lack of shelter.

If Governor Fashola could not tolerate the sight of the needy, poor and beggars, on the street of Lagos he should inquire further their origin and send them back to their country or states. This law is draconian.

The holy Bible says in Proverbs 31:9: "Open thy mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy".

Proverbs 9:18 states, "For the needy shall not always be forgotten the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever".

One day God will arise for the needy in this nation el-Rufai as much as I adopt some of his policies but it was a popular statement accredited to him that Abuja is not meant for all, so the poor should return to their villages.

The poor are not privileged to live in a decent environment.

Umaru Dikko of the 2nd Republic said since the poor have not started eating from the dust bin, they are yet poor enough. Is the essence of governance to impoverish the poor? NO! The poor are crying, says Psalm 40:17, "But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me; thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying O my God". The poor and needy are the heartbeat of God. Let no man add to their problems. This is sheer oppression of the needy and poor in Lagos let there be a reconsideration of this policy to wear human face.

Pastor Sam Soji Aduragbemi wrote in from Abuja

2015 and opposition merger represent, can they genuinely say that they have fared better than the party they oppose? These and more will determine if they will be taken seriously by Nigerians and how far they will go.

The political will demonstrated by the ACN and CPC so far must now be translated to persuasion with renewed optimism and enthusiasm to convince the indifferent factions to be part of the merger. The leaders of the parties in the coalition must be ready to further shift ground in the sacrifice of personal and regional ambition for the merger to come to fruition.

The APC must rise above the debate on issues such as the logo, which many observers believe is trivial. Technical and ideological differences like the constitution and manifesto must be given priority as this is the basis for which the opposition party will be weighed with the PDP. There is no merger where the dissolving bodies remain adamant on their ideologies. A sound ideology will surely boost the APC's acceptance and penetration. It can learn from the PDP's lack of internal democracy that has led to incessant wrangling and animosity among its members.

The jostling for the allocation of offices among various political parties in the alliance will be the litmus test of how the APC will deal with the selection process for the candidates before the general elections. It will be interesting to see how the parties will shift ground to concede ideological differences in the larger interest of the new party.

The merger between the ACN and CPC alone might just be enough to see out the PDP, as a school of thought will have us believe. No, it is a political miscalculation. The PDP has

gained cult followership over the last 14 years in most rural areas where they have a preponderance of votes cast. A cursory look at the outcome of election since 1999, indicate, the incumbent seldom lose election. The odds are always against the opposition. The PDP had boasted sometime ago, that the merger of all the opposition parties will not be enough to upstage them.

No surprise. Over the years the ruling party has enriched a lot of Nigerians who can spread a few billions around the country to win votes from an electorate, a greater proportion, living below the poverty line.

The merger must be consummated on time to allow the APC put proper structure across the geo-political zones to consolidate what the parties already have on ground.

Immediate mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate, down to the grassroots, on the manifesto of the new party must commence.

In the North, the CPC and ANPP has got four states governors, the ACN is well grounded in the SouthWest, capturing five out of the six states, they can also count on votes

from Edo state in the South-South.

A faction of APGA led by Imo state governor, and a good structure in other states of the South-East. It is still a far cry from the 23 states the PDP control across the country, but with the merger, the APC can consolidate by retaining those states and hopefully win a few more. The consummation of all four political parties as part of the merger, will give it a national spread and outlook.

The APC must guard against surreptitious tactics by the PDP to stymie the new party using the factions of ANPP and APGA not part of the merger. Effort must be made to woo these disaffected factions who are indifferent to the coalition. The APC must beware of smear campaigns against the drivers of the opposition alliance.

With the storm always rocking the PDP boat, the APC should prevent aggrieved members of the PDP from cross-carpeting to the APC, as the aftermath could be grave.

The applecart in waiting for the APC will be the jostle for the nomination for their presidential aspirant and other candidates seeking ticket for various political

“

The merger must be consummated on time to allow the APC put proper structure across the geo-political zones to consolidate what the parties already have on ground

offices. One that is most likely to generate controversy is the Presidential ticket. General Muhammadu Buhari has in recent time expressed his interest in contesting the 2015 election. His antecedents does not make him popular in the South but his followership in the north puts him in strong position. There is the agitation from the South-East for an Ndigbo presidential aspirant in 2015, the APGA faction will definitely want a look in that direction, even if they have to settle for a VP slot.

The South-West have been in and around the corridors of power, Bola Tinubu, still very much in contention. Most Nigerians want a clean break from the old brigade like the PDP has done; preference for younger breed of outstanding politicians from the APC, the likes of Babatunde Fashola, Nasir Elrufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Oby Ezekwesili and a few others have been muted. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the upcoming months.

There is ample time for the alliance to put its house in order and mobilize well ahead of the general elections, sensitising Nigerians across the nook and cranny that they are a credible alternative to the PDP government. Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan's lacklustre performance in office will give the opposition a real chance at the polls if they put their acts together. Gauging the pulse of Nigerians, many are discontent with his leadership. Whoever the APC presents as presidential aspirants, might be given serious consideration at the polls by the electorate.

Ilevbare, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Abuja via theophilus@ilevbare.com

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

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INSIDE

- Pg 20

CBN sees fiscal consolidation as key to lower interest rates

Mob: 08033644990

PIB’s delay is holding SPDC’s $30 bn Deepwater Investment

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria’s challenging business environment and the delayed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) have stalled the execution of two Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) investments worth $30 billion in the country.

Mutiu Sunmonu, Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria and SPDC’s managing director, gave this hint yesterday, while participating in a panel discussion at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas conference (NOG) in Abuja.

This is just as the Group Executive Director Exploration and Production of the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Abiye Membere has disclosed that Nigeria’s total crude loss to bunkering activities has dropped from 150,000bpd to 80,000bpd as at late last year.

Sunmonu however did not disclose these projects when he spoke yesterday on strategies to move Nigeria’s oil and gas sector forward at the ongoing 13th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG-13) conference in Abuja but said that SPDC will rather wait for stable and right conditions before it will commit finances to the projects.

While regretting the country’s seeming loss of revenue and investments from such uncertainties as the

awaiting passage of the PIB, crude oil theft and bunkering as well as insecurity amongst others, Sunmonu explained that perhaps, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry may been slipping into the era when it took Mexico about 50 years to recover from such challenges in its oil industry.

Sunmonu said: “I recall the Mexican story, it took them 50 years to recover from that loss in oil production and my worries is that we are slipping into that; even today if we produce a modest allowance of 3mbpd and just assume a modest decline rate of 10 percent that leaves us with 2.7mbpd.

What this means is that for us to maintain that level of 3mbpd, we must produce

additional 300,000bpd; it means that we need at least two deep water projects every year and then you are talking about additional $30 billion investment every blessed year for us to remain at that level but that is not going to be easy.”

He further explained: “If we look at our onshore today, it is nowhere near the capacity we have today, most of what we have today comes from our deep offshore operations but there is a lot more that we can get out of onshore but that is the place that has serious financing challenges.

The chairman further stated that the amount of money required to drive growth in the oil industry would need a

L-R: Director of Eurafic Energy, Mr. Onoriode Ojagba, Special Assistant to the Managing Director of Eurafic Energy, Queen Moses, Managing Director of Eurafic Energy, Mrs, Heather Onoh, Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, and General Counsel of BPE, Mr. Joseph Ujomu, during the signing of transaction and industry agreements for PHCN, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

different kind of approach in terms of funding, adding that key financial institutions must begin to see how they can come in to provide funding measure that would further the growth of the sector.

NCC, telecom operators and service providers disagrees over AOL fees

By Chris Alu here are indications that another crisis will soon erupt between Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), operators and nonoperators over 2.5 per cent Annual Operating Levy (AOL) fees.

NCC said that the 2.5 per cent AOL, which operators and Non operators have been paying for over 10 years is non negotiable, but non operators which are provider services such as bandwidth transporters, interconnectors, transmission distributors and dealer commissions both of them are issued operational license by NCC and they all pay the same AOL fees.

Speaking at the public inquiry on Annual Operating Levy Regulations organized by the commission at its headquarters today in Abuja, the Executive ViceChairman Eugene Juwah stated that the regulations are aimed at providing an effective and efficient administration on the annual operating levy regime which specify modes and methods of running the AOL. According to him the regulations would complement the Act and respect all licenses issued to operators by the commission and will also removed any ambiguities in respect of the AOL regime as well as consider other fees and charges paid by operators.

T

Sapele plant undergoes thorough rehabilitation

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Federal Government yesterday went a notch further in its quest to guarantee adequate power supply, by mid-wifing, signing of transaction and industry agreements to ease supply of gasto-existing power plants in the country.

Sapele Power plant, one of the plants concessioned recently by the Federal Government will undergo thorough rehabilitation to prepare it for un interrupted power supply, the plant’s new concessioner , CMEC/Eurafric disclosed.

Managing Director/CEO CMEC/Eurafric, Mrs. Heather Onoh, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said rehabilitation work would be completed on the plant

within six to 12 month time frame.

Onoh’s firm had emerged successful bidder for sapele power plant staking $120 million. She spoke yesterday with journalists in Abuja at the execution of transaction and industry documents for power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies that had power sector stakeholders

....as FG signs transaction agreement including officials of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in attendance.

She said the plant had been badly managed and requires a comprehensive rehabilitation to guarantee un-interrupted power supply.

The execution of transaction and industry agreement is envisaged to eliminate hitherto encumbrances associated with supply of gas to respective power plants.

Speaking at the occasion, organised by the Bureau of

Management Tip of the Day

D

When delegating, let go of the how

elegation can improve your team’s productivity and build skills. But if you’re prone to micromanaging, you may not reap the full benefits of passing on work to your direct reports. It’s important to realize that other

people won’t do things exactly the same way you would.

Focus less on how they should approach a task and more on the what and the why. For example, explain why the project is important, the key problems they need to resolve, and with

whom they might collaborate.

Don’t hand over a project plan or specific instructions unless you’re delegating to more inexperienced staff.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Public Enterprises (PBE), VicePresident Namadi Sambo, represented by Minster of Power, Prof. Chinedu Osita Nebo reiterated government’S commitment to meeting Nigerians’ yearning for improved power delivery.

Speaking at the occasion, Acting Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Benajim Dikki said the signing ceremony was not an end itself but a beginning of a voyage, as according to him, “there is still a need for route charting, navigation and steering in the right direction”.

Speaking on the prospect of transmissions, the BPE boss assured all bidders of TCN’S funding in order to improve its capacity to evacuate power, which he said was receiving adequate attention at the highest level.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Olive Microfinance Bank

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he Managing Director, Olive Micro-finance Bank, Eniola Agbesoyin, says the organisation will launch its Olive Gas Account by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Agbesoyin said on Thursday in Lagos that the scheme was in partnership with the Lagos State Clean and Green Environment Project.

He said that the programme would afford customers the opportunity to acquire potable gas cylinders of various sizes at affordable costs.

The managing director said that the prices would range from N6,500 to N12,000 depending on the size of the gas cylinder and payment would be spread over six months.

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) believes that fiscal consolidation would have a greater impact on lowering interest rates and unlocking credit than easing monetary policy in the medium term would.

The CBN led by its governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, kept its benchmark monetary policy rates (MPR) at an elevated level of 12 percent throughout 2012, after hiking rates by 5.75 percent in 2011.

“CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi does not think lowering the MPR alone will spur lending. He believes that absent structural reforms, the increase in bank lending will be limited”, Yvonne Mhango, Renaissance Capital’s sub-Saharan Africa

CBN sees fiscal consolidation as key to lower interest rates economist, said in a note released on Wednesday.

“The government’s plan to lower domestic borrowing through the redemption of some bonds and to keep foreign borrowing at 2 – 3 percent of GDP will help moderate interest rates.”

Some measures of fiscal consolidation are already beginning to take place.

The 2013 budget deficit may come in smaller than the 2.2 percent of GDP target, at 1.8 percent, according to Finance Minister, Ngozi OkonjoIweala.

While domestic debt accounted for 86 percent of public debt at year end 2012, the policy target is 60 percent, Okonjo-Iweala said.

Mhango notes that the building up of fiscal surpluses, as Okonjo-Iweala did in the 2004 – 2006 period, partly explains the drop in the 91-day Treasury bill yields from 15 percent to 7 percent then.

“This alongside an increase in reserves would allow for a substantial fall in interest rates now.”

Credit growth last accelerated in Nigeria in 2007

C

Coral Blue Seafood Restaurant

S

undry Foods Limited, an integrated food services company with presence in major cities across the country, has added another brand to its growing bouquet offerings, with the opening of the Coral Blue Seafood Restaurant in Lagos.

NNPC

M

inister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has disclosed that Nigeria is seeking Britain's help to put an end to multi-million dollar oil theft business which is spear headed by international crime syndicates.

The Minister, who made the disclosure at the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference, 2013 said ''the products from bunkering are not sold in West Africa, neither are the financial outputs laundered in West African banks; they are ending up in far flung international fiscal institutions'' .

NERC inaugurates Consumer Forum members

...task them on regulations

Celplas Industries elplas Industries Nigeria Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of packaging nylon, coolers, chairs, and classic ball pens, says it has concluded arrangements to expand its operation in northern Nigeria.

To this end, the company stated that the expansion would entail boosting the production of some of the new products it recently launched into the Nigerian market to make them available to consumers in the region.

Isah Mohammed, regional head of sale operations of the company made this disclosure, during an award/dinner ceremony organized by the company for its distributors, and consumers in the commercial city of Kano.

and early 2008, when it approached 60 – 100 percent growth year-on-year and driven largely by margin lending.

In the six years prior to this period, year-on-year credit growth averaged 28 percent.

Credit growth only increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year in 2012, according to CBN data.

By Etuka Sunday

T

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Energy, Mr. Scott Aitken, Moderator, Richmond Osuji, Director, Corporate Banking, Diamond Bank, Mr. Samuel Ebube, Chairman, Mart Resources inc., Mr. Wade Cherwayko, Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, NNPC, Mr. Abiye Membere, and Managing Director, Oildata Xenergi Group, Mr Emeka Ene, during a panel discussion on the Nigeria oil and gas conference and exhibition, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

SMEs remain under-represented in Nigeria, global economy

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

E

xperts have said that small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) still remain under represented in both Nigeria and the global economy and that change in this respect may be slow to happen.

They say while SMEs typically contribute around 50 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and 60 percent of employment in national or local economies, most evidence suggests they contribute only about 30 percent of exports, and even less of international investment.

According to them, SMEs which are internationally active tend to be larger than the average SME. They say the average SME employs less than 10 people, whereas the bulk of SME exports and international investment comes from SMEs which employ more than 50 or

100 people.

A recent study also found that SMEs only contribute between one quarter and one third of manufactured exports and account for a very small share, usually less than 10 percent of foreign direct investment (FDI).

It is suggested that in addition to a number of factors such as rapid changes in information and communication technology and access to the world wide web, which appear to make it easier for small businesses to move across borders, other factors are at play which may be contributing to impede SMEs access to the global economy, including access to finance, business support, skills and networks. ‘‘SMEs are small in scale and size and so, by extension, are constrained to participate more actively in global markets due to limitations in intellectual

capital, global networks and financial capital,’’ Ayodeji Adewunmi, co-founder, Jobberman, stated. ‘‘These are key ingredients for any business without restriction to geography or industry for going global.’’

One of the major challenges that have curtailed the growth of operators of small and growing businesses (SGBs) in Nigeria is access to competitive markets locally, regionally and globally, and several deliberate interventions in the past have not had any significant and sustainable impact, Olusegun Aganga, minister of trade and investment was quoted as saying in June 2012 during the Market Access interactive session organised by the Enterprise Development Centre of the PanAfrican University.

Aganga added that a new impetus must be generated to expand the market horizon of Nigeria’s SGBs.

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday inaugurated members of Nigerian Consumers’ Forum, in line with its developed customer complaints redress mechanism for handling customers’ complaints, and tasked them to work assiduously for the benefit of all electricity consumers in the country.

The Commission, in accordance with Article 3 of the Customer Complaints Handling Standard and Procedures, allows for the establishment of Customer Complaints Units (CCUs), which is dispute resolution platform set up by the Distribution Licensee (DISCO).

Every DISCO has the mandate to establish a CCU within its locale, which shall be responsible for receiving and resolving customer complaints.

However, the Forum which was set up by the Commission as contained in the Consumer Complaint Handling regulation and akin to an appellate court was to handle complaints emanating from the DISCO. According to the setting, “Any dissatisfied customer who still feels that he or she has not gotten the desired attention, or are dissatisfied with the outcome as addressed by the DISCO, can then appeal to the Forum, being the next level of redress in the system.”

Speaking to newsmen, the NERC’s Chairman, Sam Amadi said that the Forum has been given a special judicial function as regulators, in line with the Commission’s cardinal stand to protect electricity consumers, and therefore would enjoy a certain level of independence.

He however added the Forum would be feeding the Commission with information about their proceedings and reports and that people whom they are handling their cases, if not satisfied, could report to the Commission or the conventional courts.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Self assessment can drive tax growth in 2013

By Frank Obaro

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any tax jurisdictions now rely on selfassessment as the major means of tax collection; it has become a tax modern administration trend. Indeed it is now a measure of how up-todate a tax authority is.

By way of definition, it is a tax regime whereby the taxpayer is granted the right, by law, to compute his own tax liability, pays the tax due (at a designated bank, as is the case in Nigeria) and produces evidence of tax paid to the Tax Office, at the time of filing tax returns, on due date.

On the part of the tax authority, it accepts the tax returns as filed, subject to completeness, and carry out audit in due course. Very much unlike an administrative assessment were the tax authority raises an assessment where a taxpayer has failed to file returns and pay taxes due on or before the due date or where there is an understatement of tax in the returns filed.

With the taxpayer's assumption of the role of assessing self, an obligation arises for the tax authority to ensure that the taxpayer understands the procedures involved in tax administration and how to compute tax liabilities and complete tax returns (if the option is selfservice). In addition to taxpayer enablement, it is the responsibility of the tax authority to ensure compliance with all tax administration processes especially accuracy of declarations made and the timeliness of tax returns.

In Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) introduced the self assessment regime in 1992 following the enactment of the appropriate law in 1991. The FIRS Board in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 61 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

FIRS Headquarters, Abuja (Establishment) Act 2007 with the approval of the Minister of Finance gazetted a Regulation dated 19 December 2011 modifying the processes and procedures for self assessment returns. The Regulations cover tax returns under the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA), Education Tax Act (ETA), Petroleum Profit Tax Act (PPTA), Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), National Information Technology Development Act (NITDA), and Value Added Tax Act (VATA).

However the method has not been as successful as envisaged.

Many will argue that risk based audit which is a major feature of self assessment has not been not been fully optimized. Risk based audit assist in risk identification, analysis, assessment, evaluation and prioritization, with the pre-determined risk ratios drawn from a risk

framework, every tax return is subjected to risk analysis and assessment.

This in itself is a departure from the government assessment of best of judgement where time and capacity impeded 100% audit. Under risk based audit, resources are applied to areas of risk in the order of the weight attached.

Fundamentally, automation of the filing process will encourage taxpayers to file their returns independently instead of using the outdated administrative assessment or best of judgement. In this regard the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) project being undertaken by the FIRS will play a key role. FIRS will need to fully exploit technology to endear efficiency in the process of SelfAssessment.

Also for the benefits of Self

Assessment to be fully optimized a more robust mechanism whereby compliance checks are conducted through risk based case selection for audit; In which case, all Tax returns have equal chance of being selected for audit.

This approach is a demonstration of transparency in tax administration and is expected to encourage self disclosure and clearer disclosure benchmarks also need be to put in place. Another key driver will be to have a strong Audit and Compliance department that can ensure the validity of disclosure.

Using the Australian Tax Office (ATO) as a global case study of the self-assessment system, the claims a taxpayer makes in their tax return are accepted by the (ATO), usually without adjustment, and an assessment notice is issued. Even though we may initially accept the tax return, the return may still be subject to further review.

To ensure the integrity of the tax system, the law provides the ATO with a period where it may review a return (and make sure all income has been included) and may increase or decrease the amount of tax payable. The ATO has powers to amend an assessment up to two years (or four years for taxpayers with more complex tax affairs) after tax become due and payable under the assessment.

Where anti-avoidance provisions apply, the period is four years.

Where the avoidance is due to fraud or evasion, there is no time limit on amending the assessment. If the FIRS can push such laws through it will certainly ensure and endear voluntary and honest filing of returns.

Generally speaking, the adoption of self assessment principles reflects a desire to move away from in-house administrative assessment

procedures in favour of more comprehensive and targeted approaches to providing help and assistance to taxpayers, and to the systemic verification of reported tax liabilities through risk-based desk and field audits and computerized matching of income reports.

In countries where selfassessment has been adopted, it has generally been initiated with the objective of improving overall compliance with the laws and increasing operational efficiency by collection of tax revenue on time, streamlining the system of returns processing and reducing the incidence of disputed assessments.

Self-assessment ultimately reduces administrative costs for tax authorities and aided by modern technology, most economies have adopted the principle to drive down cost and ensure timeliness in filling return and Nigeria can benefit from this trending revenue collection system.

SelfAssessment also reduces the discretionary powers of tax officials and reduces opportunities for corruption.

However, self-assessment needs to be properly regulated and implemented, with transparent rules, an automated reporting process, and penalties for noncompliance and risk based assessment procedures for audit procedures.

Also the FIRS need to embark on media sensitization campaigns to achieve a change in behaviour of both taxpayers and tax officials in favour of a taxpaying culture through strict application of sanctions.

This way non-compliance will be dealt with timely and will be deterred. Internal and external stakeholders' engagements will key in implementation and success of Self-Assessment regime.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 22

FG warns agency boards against undue interference

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he Federal Government yesterday inaugurated the Boards of four parastatals under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

They are the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Oil and and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).

The CAC’s 10-member board is led by Mr. Funsho Lawal, while other members include Prof. Adedeji Adekunle and Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, among others.

For the NEPC, its 11-member board has Mrs. Grace Clark, as Chairman and Ambassador Asalina Mamuno, and Alh. Salisu Umar as members, among others.

OGFZA’s 14-member board is led by Barr. Chris Asoluka,

while other members include Gen. Geofrey Ejiga (retd.) and Barr. Mrs Mary Mbu, among others.

For SON, its 10-member board has Alh. Abubakar Mustapha as Chairman, with Engr. Abubakar Magaji and Mrs. Roseline Ekun as members, among others.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said members of the newly constituted board comprised men and women of integrity, knowledge and experience in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The minister, who was represented by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said, “The Ministry and all its parastatals

share a common mandate anchored on creating the enabling environment to stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign direct investment into all sectors of the economy and making Nigeria the most preferred investment destination; facilitating trade in goods and services and maximizing the benefits of international trade through functional bilateral and multilateral trade relations with other countries.

He added that the ministry is also responsible for boosting industrial development and enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the engine of economic growth.

While acknowledging the important role of board members in formulating good policies that will drive the

operations of the parastatals, the minister said they were not to interfere in the day-to-day running of their respective parastatals.

He said, “Boards of Parastatals are responsible for setting out broad economic, financial, operational administrative guidelines and targets for their various agencies. They are concerned with policy issues, monitoring of institutional projects/ programmes and ensuring that the parastatal’s mandates are realized.

“You are therefore enjoined to adhere strictly to the provisions of the enabling Acts of your agencies as well as financial regulations and guidelines on administrative procedures.

While congratulating you on your well deserved appointment,

may I emphasise that your appointment is on part-time basis only. As such, you are not expected to interfere or participate in the day-to-day running of your respective agencies.”

He added, “I must stress at this juncture, that no Chairman or board member is entitled to an official vehicle on permanent basis. Same goes for office or residential accommodation. In addition, you are enjoined to comply with the provisions of extant circulars governing your tenure/appointment, especially circular No. SWC/S/ 04/S.310/105, dated 10th June, 2010 issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which specified your allowances and frequency of meetings.”

The minister, however, charged the new appointees to ensure that their activities are geared towards the actualization of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

Local content law will promote business opportunities in oil producing communitiesDickson

By Etuka Sunday

B L-R: Deputy Registrar, Finance Credit International Business, Mr. Tade Fadare, Director, Legal Services, CBN, Mr. Simon Onekutu, and Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Department, CBN, Mrs Umma Dutse, during a workshop on Bonds, Indemnities and Guarantees, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

‘Global economy to grow by 2.6% in 2013’ From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Director, Africa Economist, Citi, London, Mr David Cowan yesterday projected a 2.6 per cent global economic growth rate for 2013.

Cowan gave the projection at the 4th Annual EuroFinance Conference on Treasury, Risk and Cash Management in West Africa in Lagos.

He, however, predicted that the Euro area would remain in recession in 2013 and 2014.

Cowan, who spoke on “Global Economic update: Europe casts a long shadow”, said that the growth would rise to 3.2 per cent in 2014.

He called on the Nigerian government to address the challenges affecting private sector development such as poor credit availability and heavy fiscal drag.

Cowan said that the Fiscal Cliff in the U.S., though avoided, would still have effect on the global economy due to the cut down in U.S. government

spending.

He said that the emerging markets, especially Nigeria, would experience high influx of foreign funds in 2013 due to its growth potentials.

Cowan called for diversification of the Nigerian economy with less emphasis on crude oil as weakening oil prices might put pressure on the currency.

Dr Fabian Ajogwu, a Senior Partner, Kenna Partners, London, who spoke on: “Rethinking Corporate Governance”, said

that good internal audit was very important for effective corporate governance.

Ajogwu said that the current financial and economic crisis had put the issue of sustainable development of enterprises at the centre of economic growth and development strategy.

He also called for the amendment of laws on dealing on corruption to global best practice, adding that regulators should concentrate on behavioural regulation instead of technical regulation.

Biometric capture delays transfer of pensions by contributors

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

new personal i d e n t i f i c a t i o n mechanism that will ensure effective databank for over five million pension contributors using biometric capturing system would further delay take-off of the pension transfer window.

The pension transfer window

is meant to transfer contributors’ contributions from one pension administrator to another at least once a year if the contributors have reason to do so.

The transfer window, a provision in Pension Reform Act, which gives contributors who are dissatisfied with their pension administrators the right to transfer their contributions to their desired

administrators have not been exploited due to the absence of biometrics and profiling of contributors.

The window, which was expected to have commenced since December 2012, after about eight years of the pension scheme may be delayed, as the industry operators and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) are yet to conclude on

adopting biometric capturing as the way out for data collection and collation.

The implication of the delay is that contributors either for reasons of poor service delivery or rate of returns on investment or have been attracted to a particular PFA for some unique reasons, cannot make the change so soon until the data capturing is sorted out.

ayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday said there was need for the expansion of the boundaries of Nigeria’s local content law to give more business opportunities to residents of oil producing communities.

The Governor, who stated this while speaking to newsmen at the Nigeria Oil and Gas strategic conference in Abuja, said the impact of the law on those it was meant to benefit should be properly assessed.

Dickson said, “The local content is one framework that I wish the people from this (Niger Delta) region can benefit from with respect to its various legal business opportunities. So we have to further expand the frontier of the local content law.

“Not only in theory as it is, but we need to continuously examine how it is working and the extent to which that has impacted on the wellbeing of the people in the communities.”

The Local Content Bill. which was signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 seeks to stimulate massive job opportunities for Nigerians in the oil and gas industry and ensure proper local participation in the industry.

The law, if properly followed according to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, is capable of creating one million jobs in the next five years, thereby helping to reduce poverty and unemployment in the country.

PEOSPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Report as at Thursday, February 21, 2013

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Mainstreaming Nigerians living and working outside in nation building effort B

y most accounts, migration issues have become a critical feature of international politics and power play.

This, according to observers, is because integrated markets, emergence of transnational networks and rapid growth of c o m m u n i c a t i o n technologies have contributed to the increasing movement of high and low-skilled personnel, families, tourists, students, among others.

Since migration is viewed as the right to leave one’s place of birth or abode in search of new opportunities and better life, appropriate authorities have given

migrants a priority attention in the scheme of things.

This is the background against which the Meeting of Experts on the Definition of the African Diaspora took place in 2005 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was here that the African Union (AU) defined “the African Diaspora”.

According to it, the African Diaspora consists of peoples of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality, and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the AU. The AU pledged that it would invite and encourage the full

participation of the African Diaspora in efforts to develop the continent.

At the national level, there is a growing recognition of the need to involve Nigerians living abroad in national development efforts.

For instance, there is a standing committee of the House of Representatives that is overseeing issues relating to Nigerians resident in overseas countries.

The House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s Committee on the Diaspora is chaired by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and it has been calling for the establishment of a commission to look after the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

At the Nigerians in the Diaspora (Europe) Investment Summit held in Osogbo last year, DabiriErewa underscored the need to create the commission that would address all issues relating to Nigerians living abroad.

The lawmaker stressed that many Nigerian experts in various fields of human endeavour were resident in countries across the world, developing the countries’ economies and promoting the wellbeing of their citizenry.

She noted that it was paradoxical to note that Nigeria was still deficient in expertise in various sectors, while its citizens were busy developing the economies of other

countries.

“This is why it is time for us as country to consider this commission which will look at the issue of Nigerians in the Diaspora and how their contributions can be harnessed to save the country from its present predicament.

“Many of our people are doing very well; they are respected in their chosen fields such as medicine and engineering, among others; the academia is not left out, Nigerians stand out wherever they are,’’ she said.

In the light of this, the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), a department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation, is specifically mandated to mobilise Nigerians in the Diaspora to make contributions to the country’s development. Established in 2002, the department is empowered to implement the government policy on the engagement of Nigerians abroad, while specifying the framework for their effective mobilisation and engagement for national development. To boost the Nigerian initiative, the European Union (EU) is funding “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria’’ project with about 11 million Euros (about N2.3 billion).

A workshop on the project was recently

organised by the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Abuja and its participants commended ongoing activities and support for efforts to engage Nigerians living overseas in national development strategies and efforts.

Mr Charles Kwenin, the IOM Senior Regional Advisor of Sub-Saharan Africa, said that the workshop discussed how to develop a roadmap for effective and sustainable engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national development activities.

He, however, noted that globally, millions of people were constantly on the move, adding that half of the migrants were women, while a significant number of them was made up of children.

“This mass movement is what the IOM DirectorGeneral, Amb. William Lacey Swing, refers to as a mega-trend of the 21 st Century.

“It is driven, in the first instance, by the information and c o m m u n i c a t i o n revolutions. In 2000, no fewer than 300 million people were connected to the Internet, today; the number has risen to about two billion.

“So, you have one out

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

of every seven persons on our globe in a migratory status and one out of every three people connected to the Internet.

“The two are linked in the sense that anyone who has Internet access can know at anytime, from anywhere in the world, what is going on anywhere else in the world.

“

“If it is these revolutions that fuel this particular movement, then, other trends will make sure that it lasts well into our century.

“Migration is humanity’s oldest action against poverty – the powerful manifestation of an individual’s desire for development, dignity and

Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), a department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is specifically mandated to mobilise Nigerians in the Diaspora to make contributions to the country’s development. Established in 2002, the department is empowered to implement the government policy on the engagement of Nigerians abroad, while specifying the framework for their effective mobilisation and engagement for national development. To boost the Nigerian initiative, the European Union (EU) is funding “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria’’ project with about 11 million Euros (about N2.3 billion) SGF Senator Anyim Pius Anyim

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

a decent life – even if it means doing the dirty, difficult and dangerous jobs; jobs that the domestic workforce often shun “One of the main challenges before us now is how to formulate and implement humane and equitable policies that will deploy the development potential of the people in the Diaspora for the benefit of their countries of origin and countries of destination,’’ he said.

To make things easier for Nigerians living abroad, Mrs Omolara Duke, the Assistant Director (Department of Research), Central Bank of Nigeria, said that Nigerians living overseas could now open Nigerian bank accounts anywhere they were.

She said the “Nigeria Diaspora Account’’ would alleviate the burden of Nigerians living in repatriating money home for national development.

All the same, participants at the workshop resolved that the NNVS, in collaboration with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), should develop a pragmatic roadmap for the engagement of Nigerians living abroad for specific national development plans.

They noted that the collaboration should foster the evolution of trust between Nigerians abroad and the Federal Government.

They also called for increased advocacy for the formal adoption of the Draft National Migration Policy.

The participants asserted that the creation of investment products such as “Diaspora Bonds’’, among other incentives, would stimulate Nigerians living in overseas countries to partake in national development projects.

(NANFeatures)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 27

Nigerian citizens living in Kuwait are contributing to its many successes – envoy INTERVIEW

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On the eve of the 52nd anniversary of the State of Kuwait, its envoy, ambassador H.E. Mr. Saad Al Asousi met with the media and highlighted among other issues the prospects for an improved bilateral relation between his country and Nigeria. People's Daily was at the briefing, Excerpts.

our Country is celebrating the 52nd Independence anniversary and the 22nd Liberation day, so what does that signify to you?

Alike every year, the State of Kuwait will proudly celebrate the 52nd Independence day and the 22nd liberation day, expressing all the positive steps the government of Kuwait has achieved, that include developmental and advancement plans for the Kuwaiti society. We hope from God to continue the confronting bliss of Stability and security to the Kuwaiti people under the wise leadership of his Highness; the Amir of the State of Kuwait.

will promote effective results. I must point out here about the immense support we always receive from both countries' authority and Leaders which pave the way towards the realization of our mutual goals.

I would also like to state that we have more than 350 Nigerian Citizens living in Kuwait that are contributing many successes in all domains.

We, at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, work according to well-articulated programs encouraging Kuwaiti Businessmen to explore investment opportunities that are currently available in Nigeria. Consequently, an invitation has been submitted to the director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to pay a cordial visit to the State of Kuwait and Meet with the Kuwaiti foreign investors to apply a study for any available opportunities to invest in the Nigerian Market.

We also target our goals towards increasing business trades in all fields between our two friendly countries that will boost the bilateral relations in higher levels of economic advancement, Educational status and cultural trades, benefiting both societies.

Your Excellency, Can you express to us the feelings and the concerns of the Kuwaiti People as you are celebrating this anniversary?

Kuwaiti People are well known worldwide of their hospitable and preservative customs and culture. They are also very keen to provide suitable education and knowledge to the new generation under the generous care of the Government of the State of Kuwait. The on-going attention of the Government also puts under his umbrella the responsibility to provide Medical care and treatments for the Kuwaiti Citizens along with essential needs and daily requirements to offer a dignified worthy life to the Kuwaiti People. On the Other hand, the Kuwaiti People feel gratitude and are proud of their country and its fair leadership, and strive to live on the peaceful coexistence principle with all the other citizens.

Would you please explain to us some of the aspects of the democratic process in your country?

The State of Kuwait established a Constitution that lasted more than 50 Years, and based on this constitution, Civil Rights and Obligations have been implemented on the Citizens that include parliamentary Elections every four years. The Newly Elected Parliament obtains exclusive rights to monitor governmental programs of the executive sector. In fact the State of Kuwait holds a unique democracy strategy in the Middle East.

Can you please explain to us the Relation between Nigeria and the State of Kuwait?

I can firmly assure that the

H.E. Mr. Saad Al Asousi bilateral relation between the two countries is in on-going improvement based on well calculated steps to strengthen the ties, by building firm bases

that benefit both parties. The Embassy of the State of Kuwait works profoundly to consolidate this mutual relationship by providing

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required legal frames and bilateral agreements.

Accordingly, the citizens through their approval and enforcement of these actions

I would also like to state that we have more than 350 Nigerian citizens living in Kuwait that are contributing many successes in all domains.

Your Country will be hosting this year the ArabAfrican Summit; would you. please explain to us the arrangements made so far for this summit?

We are proud to host all the representatives of the Arab League and African union in Kuwait for this important Summit that is expected to boost the cooperation between Africa and the Arab world in such important areas such as trade and investment, economic partnership and issues pertaining to peace and security.

A preparatory Committee is selected to make the necessary arrangements for this important summit. In fact, the State of Kuwait is eager to prepare the required agenda in order to calibrate the essential timetable for the participating countries.

Therefore, the State of Kuwait will put all its efforts and implement the adequate preparations to achieve a fruitful outcome for the success of the Summit. Accordingly, we highly expect full attendance of all the representatives of the Invited countries. Much to our credit, this Arab-African summit will further demonstrate concern for promoting economic prospects of fellow countries and establish a strategic partnership between the Arab world and the African Continent.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Pistorius murder case detective replaced

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he head of South Africa's police has appointed a new lead investigator in the murder case of Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, after murder charges against the original officer in the position were reinstated.

Hilton Botha, the officer in question, is facing seven counts of attempted murder along with two other police officers for having opened fire on a minibus containing several people in October 2011, officials said on Thursday.

Botha is due to appear in court to face those charges in May. "We recognise the significance, the importance... and the severity of the matter," police commissioner Mangwashi Phiyega said, announcing that the case had been assigned to a lieutenant general.

The prosecution said that it was unaware of the charges when Botha had been put on the stand at a bail hearing on Thursday to explain why Pistorius should not be given bail.

The third day of Pistorius'

bail hearing was adjourned on Thursday without a decision being made on whether he would remain in custody during his trial. The court will reconvene on Friday.

Police Brigadier Neville Malila said that police learned on Wednesday, the same day

that Botha appeared in court to oppose Pistorius' bail application, that the charges against Botha and the two others had been reinstated by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The charges had been initially dropped after the shooting incident.

Hilton Botha (M) is facing a seven count murder charge

Medupe Simasiku, the spokesman for the prosecutors charging Pistorius with premeditated murder, said he could not say how the charges against Botha would affect their case against Pistorius.

It was clear that they could undermine it, however.

"The [Pistorius] prosecutors were not aware of those charges [against Botha]," Simasiku, of the National Prosecution Agency, said.

Al Jazeera's Tania Page, reporting from outside the courthouse in Pretoria, said the charges against Botha have brought many issues to the forefront.

She said that the developments have "done nothing to bolster the public's confidence" in the police investigation in the case.

On Wednesday, the prosecution case against Pistorius began to unravel with revelations of a series of police blunders and Botha's admission that authorities have no evidence challenging the doubleamputee Olympic athlete's claim he killed his girlfriend accidentally.

Muslim worshippers killed in eastern Kenya

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even people have been shot dead in an attack on a mosque in a village in north-eastern Kenya near the border with Somalia, officials have said.

Villagers said that 10 gunmen opened fire as people were leaving the mosque after early morning prayers.

Five men were killed and then two women who heard shots and came to investigate were also shot dead.

The attack comes less than two weeks before elections in a

region where security is a problem.

Residents of Malaley 1 village said nothing was stolen and the gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, then fled.

Garissa county commissioner Maalim Mohammed told the AFP news agency that two people were also wounded in the shooting.

"Heavily armed men stormed a mosque and shot at people indiscriminately," he said.

"The two women had

responded to the screams from the mosque when they were shot."

The village is about 45km (28 miles) north-east of Dadaab refugee camp, which houses some 500,000 people who have fled years of conflict and drought in Somalia.

In the past year, the region has also been prone to attacks blamed on al-Qaeda-aligned Islamist militants in Somalia.

The Somali al-Shabab group vowed to take revenge when Kenya sent troops into Somalia in October

2011 to help the UN-backed government seize territory from the militants.

Banditry is also a problem in the arid and sparsely populated area.

Bashkas Jugsodaay in Garissa, the region's main town, says tensions are also running high because of the upcoming polls - the first general election since the disputed election of December 2007.

More than 1,000 people died in the violence following that vote and 300,000 people fled their homes.

Controversy over French hostages released

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he French foreign ministry has denied reports that a French family kidnapped in Cameroon this week, have been freed.

Their supposed release dominated French media reports on Thursday, after a Cameroonian military source said they were "safe and well".

A French minister confirmed the

news - but then was forced to backtrack.

France's government believes the family of seven, including four children, may have been taken by the violent Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram.

The family - a couple, their children aged five, eight, 10 and 12, and an uncle - were snatched on Tuesday in northern Cameroon by six gunmen

Detectives examine the car which the family used.

on three motorbikes, the French news agency AFP reports.

They had been returning from a visit to Waza National Park - which is described as a beautiful landscape, trodden by giraffes, elephants and antelopes - where they had spent the previous night.

The family are reported to live in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde,

where the father worked.

The French government has said it believes they were taken across the border into Nigeria following their abduction, probably by Boko Haram.

Yesterday morning, French media began to report that they had been found in Nigeria.

"They were found abandoned in a house in Dikwa" in Nigeria, about 100km [60 miles] from the border with Niger, a senior Cameroonian officer told AFP. "They are in the hands of the Nigerian authorities."

The French veterans minister Kader Arif confirmed the news, but then backtracked, saying there was no official confirmation.

Cameroon's Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary then said: "It is a wild rumour. If this was true, the Cameroonian government would have already given the information to France," AFP reported.

After some hours, the French foreign ministry said in a statement that it formally "denied the information that the French hostages had been released".

On Wednesday, France urged its citizens to leave north Cameroon "as quickly as possible".

Town hall clashes in Mali city

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alian troops are battling Islamist fighters near the town hall in Gao, the main city in northern Mali, an army spokesman has said.

The fighting has left the town's main courthouse in flames, according to reports.

It is not the first time a group of militants have infiltrated Gao since French troops recaptured it last month.

There are also reports of a car bomb near a French military camp in Kidal, the most northerly town in Mali.

France intervened last month to help the Malian army oust Islamist militants who seized the north of Mali last year.

Thousands of soldiers from African countries have also been deploying since then.

Heavy gunfire was heard overnight in Gao - and the fighting has reportedly left the streets largely deserted.

Six Malian military pickup trucks have been deployed in the city's Independence Square and had opened fire with the heavy machineguns, Reuters new agency reports.

Gao's mayor Sadou Harouna Diallo said he was hiding inside the town hall and could hear the shooting outside at around midday.

Malian army spokesman Diaran Kone told the BBC between 20 and 40 militants had infiltrated the city on Wednesday night between 23:00 and midnight.

Three of the rebels were killed overnight by members of the African intervention force in Gao, he said.

The BBC's Maud Jullien in the capital, Bamako, says the courthouse was the headquarters for the Mujao Islamist group when it was in control of Gao. A Mujao spokesman, Abu Walid Sahraoui, told AFP its fighters had entered Gao on Wednesday.

Gao's mayor Sadou Harouna Diallo

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 29

Car bomb kill dozens in Damascus

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t least 42 people, most of them civilians, have been killed in a powerful car bomb targeting the ruling Baath Party headquarters in central Damascus on Thursday, state media and activists say.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UKbased anti-government rights group, said the attack took place

in the central Mazraa neighbourhood on Thursday, and left at least 42, including nine members of government forces and many civilians, dead.

It said that dozens of the wounded were in critical condition.

Syrian state television reported that at least 53 people had been killed and 237 injured.

It described the bombing as as a

"terrorist attack". Syria's main opposition group, the National Coalition, also denounced those responsible as "terrorists", saying that the opposition was not responsible for the bombing.

The pro-government TV station al-Ikhbariya showed images of what appeared to be at least four dead bodies on the ground and cars on fire.

Cars caught in the blast up in flames.

The footage shows firefighters trying to douse cars on fire and lifeless bodies lying on the grass of a public garden.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said a car had exploded at a security checkpoint between the Russian embassy and the central headquarters of the ruling Baath party of President Bashar alAssad.

Ambulances rushed to the scene of the blast, which also shattered windows and sent up a huge cloud of smoke visible throughout much of the city, eyewitnesses said.

"It was huge, everything in the shop turned upside down," one local resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution for speaking with foreign media.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the opposition National Coalition stressed that "any acts targeting civilians with murder or human rights violations are criminal acts that must be condemned, regardless of the perpetrator or the justification".

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin, reporting from Beirut in neighbouring Lebanon, said the explosion took place in a heavily fortified area.

Deadly blasts hit India's Hyderabad

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t least 11 people have been killed and 47 people injured after two bomb blasts struck the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, Indian officials say.

The blasts on Thursday were about 10 minutes apart and occurred near a cinema hall and a bus station.

It is believed that one of the explosions went off as people were leaving the cinema, Sohail Rahman, Al Jazeera's South Asia correspondent, reported from New Delhi.

He said quoting local media that as many as 15 people might have died while the injured were being taken to nearby hospitals.

"The devastation is pretty

armed group Lashkar-e-Taiba in recent days.

widespread. This part of the city is a very popular bazar area, very popular with young people when they are going out in the evening," he said.

Local police said they were trying to determine the cause of the explosions.

Nilanjan Chowdhury, reporting from New Delhi, said local media had reported a threat two days ago.

"Two days ago there was an alert from the intelligence agencies, and it was sent out to all the states in India, but there was no specific intelligence as to what might happen," he said.

The situation in India has been tense, with trade union strikes entering their second

Some of the injured get medical attention.

up a security alliance between the two countries that goes back decades.

Ties were strained somewhat under the previous Democratic Party (DPJ) administration amid a row over the relocation of a US military base in Okinawa.

But Mr Abe, who heads a Liberal Democratic Party administration, has spoken out about the need to prioritise the Japan-US alliance amid a changing regional dynamic.

Ahead of his visit Mr Abe gave an interview to the Washington Post newspaper, saying that improved ties with Washington were top of his agenda.

On the bitter row with China over disputed islands in the East China Sea, he said US support was key.

"It is important for us to have

them recognise that it is impossible to try to get their way by coercion or intimidation," Mr Abe said, referring to China.

"In that regard, the Japan-US alliance, as well as the US presence, would be critical."

Both Beijing and Tokyo have ships in waters around the islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China - leading to fears of a clash. Japan controls the islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan.

The US has urged restraint from both sides, while Chinese state media has warned the US against taking sides in the dispute.

On North Korea, both sides back action against Pyongyang in the UN Security Council in the wake of its third nuclear test, on 12 February.

Economic ties are also expected to be on the agenda for the meeting.

day and the arrest of several suspected members of the

Asia and Middle East Russia warns of 'mutual destruction' in Syria

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ussia has urged the warring sides in Syria to halt their almost two-year conflict and start talks, warning that both sides risk "mutual destruction."

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, said on Wednesday that Moscow was working to encourage dialogue between the rebels and the regime of President Bashar alAssad.

"Neither side can allow itself to bet on a military settlement as this is a path to nowhere, a path to mutual destruction," he said, following a meeting Arab League chief Nabil el-Araby and other top Arab diplomats.

Lavrov, who on Monday is due to host Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem for crucial talks, said: "There are signs of positive tendencies, signs of tendencies for dialogue both from the side of the government and the opposition."

But he said it was up to the two sides to decide what kind of dialogue might take place and at what level.

"It is important that they do not come out with any conditions for each other, and say that I am going to talk to this person but not that one," Lavrov said.

Russia is also expecting a visit in March from opposition Syrian National Coalition leader Mouaz alKhatib, who has previously been unwilling to visit Moscow due to its support for the regime.

"We are agreeing a date of a visit here by Mr Khatib, which will probably happen at the start of March," Lavrov said. He said the diplomacy was aimed at "creating the conditions for the start of direct dialogue" between the regime and opposition.

Moscow still keeps close ties with Assad, and has so far refused to halt military cooperation with

Japan PM heads for Obama talks J

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is heading to the US for talks to fortify a key security alliance between the two nations.

Mr Abe, who was elected in December, meets US President Barack Obama on Friday in Washington.

Both tensions with Beijing over a territorial dispute and North Korea's recent nuclear test are expected to top the agenda.

Economic ties, including an Asian trade deal, will also be discussed.

Mr Abe is the fifth Japanese prime minister that Mr Obama has met in office. Mr Abe is serving as Japan's top leader for a second time, after a brief period in power in 20067.

His visit is seen as a bid to shore

The two leaders are expected to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a proposal for a free-trade agreement between countries in North America, Asia and South America.

Japan has discussed becoming part of the TPP over the years. But this has been met with opposition from farmers, who say that tariff removals will have a negative impact on their industry.

Mr Abe (L) is scheduled to meet Mr Obama today

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 30

‘US drones killed 4,700 Russia-US tensions rise in strikes’- Senator

Europe and Americas over adoption row

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he US ambassador to Moscow and a top Russian lawmaker have traded over the death of a Russian child adopted in the United States, in a row that threatens to overshadow upcoming talks between Russian officials and the US secretary of state.

The emotionally-charged exchange on Thursday came after US ambassador Michael McFaul refused to show up in the Russian parliament's lower house to answer questions about recent deaths of Russian children adopted by American parents.

"By refusing to come to the State Duma to discuss the deaths of our children the US ambassador has shown that they are not ready for a serious dialogue on this problem," Alexei Pushkov, the head of the Duma committee on international affairs, wrote on Twitter.

McFaul countered that he was "always happy" to meet Russian officials to discuss adoptions but would not do so in parliament.

"As a norm, US ambassadors to not participate in hearings of foreign parliaments," he tweeted.

"Do Russian ambassadors?"

Since Putin's return to the Kremlin for a third term in May, Russia and the United States have been at odds over a growing number of issues.

Late last year, Russia banned all adoptions by American parents, a measure that came in reprisal for US legislation that targets Russian officials deemed to have committed rights abuses.

Tensions flared again earlier this week over the January death in the United States of a 3-yearold Russian boy, Maxim Kuzmin, with Russian investigators saying the boy was murdered by his adoptive American mother.

The boy's death will be among key topics of a meeting next week between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and new US Secretary of State John Kerry, the foreign ministry's human rights envoy Konstantin Dolgov told Russian lawmakers on Thursday.

If the ongoing investigation proves that the US parents murdered their adoptive Russian son, they will be severely punished, he said in comments posted on the website of the ruling United Russia party.

"They will not be released in court as it happened before, it will not be a five or two years' suspended sentence. It will be an adequate, severe punishment," Dolgov was quoted as saying.

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US senator has said that an estimated 4,700 people have been killed in America's secretive drone war, the first time a government official has offered a total number of fatalities caused by nearly a decade of drone strikes, local media reported.

Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of the drone raids, revealed the figure in a speech on Wednesday in his home state of South Carolina.

"We've killed 4,700," Graham was quoted as saying by the Easley Patch, a local website covering the small town of Easley. "Sometimes you hit innocent people, and I hate that, but we're at war, and we've taken out some very senior members of al-Qaeda," he told the local Rotary Club.

Graham's office did not dispute his reported remarks, but said that he had not divulged any classified information.

A spokesman told the AFP news agency that the senator "quoted the figure that has been publicly reported and disseminated on cable news."

US officials have sometimes hinted at estimates of civilian casualties, but never referred to an actual total body count.

"Now this is the first time a US official has put a total number on it," said Micah Zenko, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

If there was an official death toll estimate, it would be classified as secret, he added, raising the prospect that Graham could have broken secrecy laws.

Several organizations have tried to calculate how many militants and civilians may have been killed in drone strikes since 2004 but have arrived at a wide range of numbers.

The figure cited by Graham matches the high end of a tally by the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism. It says the number killed in drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia is between 3,072 and 4,756.

The Washington-based New America Foundation says there have been 350 US drone strikes since 2004, most of them during Barack Obama's presidency. And

Senator Lindsey Graham the foundation estimates the death toll at between 1,963 and 3,293, with 261 to 305 civilians killed.

US intelligence agencies and the White House have refused to

divulge details about the strikes, which are officially termed classified, but officials have suggested that few if any civilians have been killed inadvertently.

EU and China stumble towards solar trade war

Employees examine newly-made solar panels before boxing for shipment at a factory of Yingli Solar in Baoding, Hebei province.

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hina's leadership transition is complicating talks to resolve a multi-billiondollar dispute with the European Union over solar panels, pushing

both sides closer to placing punitive tariffs on each others' exports and risking a trade war.

The newly appointed chief of China's Communist Party Xi

Jinping is set to take over the presidency at a national congress in March. But the full line-up of government officials is not yet in place and China's current commerce minister is likely to step down after what some have said was a political snub at the Party's congress in November.

EU leaders want to avoid following the United States' decision last year to impose duties on Chinese solar power products, aware that Europe needsChina to help it emerge from three years of economic crisis.

But EU officials and diplomats say they have made little progress, accusing the Chinese of "stonewalling", and are unable to get beyond the outgoing commerce minister, Chen Deming. They complain of a limbo in the ministry that will

not end until after the March congress.

"There is no clarity on what the new leadership thinks about trade," said a senior EU official involved in talks with China.

"They are stonewalling and the window of opportunity for a solution on solar panels is closing."

China's commerce ministry spokesman Shen Danyang told reporters in Beijing this week that officials are "conducting consultations and relevant response work with the concerned parties," but did not comment on any impact China's leadership transition is having on negotiations.

Germany, the United States and China are the world's biggest solar markets and companies are in a race to win contracts as countries seek to limit pollution and global warming.

Bulgaria parliament accepts gov't resignation

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ulgaria's parliament has accepted the resignation of prime minister Boiko Borisov's government, which stepped down after a series of nationwide protests over high energy prices turned violent. The move opens the way for an early general election.

President Rosen Plevneliev will now ask parliament's three biggest parties if they want to form a government to rule until an election due in July.

But both Borisov's GERB party and the main opposition Socialists have said they have no interest in participating in a caretaker cabinet, and analysts say that means Plevneliev could schedule

an election by as early as April.

"Only a parliamentary election can show the will of Bulgarians," outgoing deputy prime minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov told the chamber before the vote.

Borisov stepped down after more than a week days of nationwide protests against high power prices and falling living standards. Tens of thousands of people staged daily rallies across the country, shouting "Mafia!", "Garbage!" and "Resign!"

Demonstrations continued after the announcement on Wednesday night, when around 2,000 people marched towards parliament, separated by policemen from a group of Borisov

supporters who called for his return to power.

The mass demonstrations were sparked by soaring electricity

prices but quickly changes focus onto wider frustration with high unemployment, low salaries, corruption and power monopolies.

Boiko Borisov (left) greeted supporters outside parliament

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 31

Texas City to impose “Crash Tax� for car accident help

"Rare" Mc Jordan BBQ sauce sells for nearly $10,000

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ow much would you pay for a piece of Michael Jordan history? Not a game ball or a signed jersey.

A circa-1992 plastic jug of McJordan BBQ sauce from the Bulls star's namesake burger at McDonalds.

The one-gallon jug was marked sold Tuesday on an eBay auction for $9,995.

The "unused, unopened, undamaged item" was billed a once-in-a-lifetime

chance to own "the rarest of rare Michael Jordan and McDonald's collectible."

The seller also touted the burger topping as the potentially last one left in existence, and someone put the money where their taste buds are.

To jog your memory, the 1992 McJordan burger was comprised of a quarter-pound beef patty, cheese, mustard, onions, bacon and, of course, barbecue sauce.

Missouri City, Texas, will charge a fee of up to $2,000 for service for first responders.

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f you are planning on driving through Missouri City, Texas, be cautious.

The Houston suburb has implemented a "crash tax" that requires drivers to pay a fee for their wrecks, according to KHOU 11 News in Texas.

The fee is meant to cover the cost of first responders who handle auto accidents. The charge can cost drivers a couple thousand dollars.

Missouri City's Fire Department will begin charging for traffic accident service on March 1.

All drivers involved with the incident will be charged, even if they didn't phone for help.

The amount of the charge depends on how severe the accident is, ranging from $500 to $2,000, according to KHOU 11 News. The fees target drivers responsible for accidents, but not

everyone feels the fee will be effective.

Fire Chief Russell Sander told KHOU the new fee will help cover the city's budget deficit.

When asked to address concern over the charge, he said bills will be sent to insurance and shouldn't concern drivers.

Micheal Jordan

Mother rushed to hospital with severe back pain discovers she is pregnant and gives birth 24 hours later

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mother who was rushed to hospital with severe back ache was stunned to discover she was actually nine months' pregnant.

Kelly Gadsby, from Tamworth, woke up early one morning in agony, having worked a long shift as an assistant bar manager the day before.

Within 24 hours, she had become a mother for the second time after the arrival of her son Frankie.

Ms Gadsby had been taking the pill daily and had periods as normal, but as her agony increased enroute to hospital, she claims noticed a bump appear on her stomach.

Baffled doctors decided to give her a pregnancy test, which came back positive. Frankie was born just hours later, weighing 8lb 5oz.

Ms Gadsby says she had no idea she was pregnant,. In fact, friends had even told her she had lost weight. Alongside working 14-hour shifts, she had fallen down the stairs at her home three months before.

She said: 'It's come as just a little bit of a shock, to say the least.

Ms Gadsby had been

taking the pill daily and had periods as normal, but as her agony increased enroute to hospital, she claims noticed a bump appear on her stomach 'I think the biggest surprise is that I didn't have a clue I was pregnant.

I felt nothing at all, there was no morning sickness and I was just getting along with work and everything else.

'For a few days I felt extremely tired, but I put

it down to working 40 to 50 hours a week.'

After finishing work the night before at 11.30pm, she woke up with severe backache and called her sister when the pain got worse.

Ms Gadsby, 32, who also has son Joel, 11, from a previous relationship, said: 'The aches were getting worse and worse.

She asked me how I felt and I said it was as though I was in labour.

Shock: Kelly Gadsby was suffering from extreme back pain and had no idea she was pregnant. Her son Frankie was born just hours later.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 With Tobias Lengnan Dapam 07036990957

D'banj commensurate with Esiri’s family T

he Koko master, popularly known as D'banj has joined other celebrities in the movie industry to sympathise with the Family of the late Nolly wood actor, Justice Esiri, Nigeriafilms.com has said.

Esiri, who reportedly died on Tuesday night at the age of 71, due to complications

resulting from diabetes at an undisclosed Hospital in Lagos.

The Koko master said it is unfortunate that the industry is thrown in to confusion after the dead of Goldie.

"This is a dark moment for entertainers in the movie and music industry. Not long ago, we lost a musician and now one

of the Nollywood finest is gone.

This man has contributed so much to the movie industry from "Village Head Master" he will be missed by a lot of us who used to watch him as children".

He called on entertainers in the country to unite and work together so as not to create enmity among themselves.

Nielsen agrees to expand definition of TV viewing

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he Nielsen Co. is expanding its definition of television and will introduce a comprehensive plan to capture all video viewing including broadband and Xbox and iPads, sources have revealed to Hollywood reporter.

It added that the decision to expand beyond traditional TV ratings measurement came out of a meeting in New York on Tuesday of the What Nielsen Measures Committee, a group that has been meeting for nearly a year. The committee is composed of representatives from major TV networks, local TV stations, cable TV networks, advertising agencies and some big brand advertisers.

The decisions made by the committee are not binding but a source at one of the big four

networks was ecstatic at the prospect of expanded measurement tools.

The networks for years have complained that total viewing of their shows isn't being captured by traditional ratings measurements, adding that this move will be aimed at correct that.

Hollywood reporter further said that by September this year, when the next TV season begins, Nielsen will have in place new hardware and software tools in the nearly 23,000 TV homes samples, saying those measurement systems will capture viewership not just from the 75 percent of homes that rely on cable, satellite and over the air broadcasts but also viewing via devices that deliver video from streaming services such as

Netflix and Amazon, from socalled over-the-top services and from TV enabled game systems like the X-Box and PlayStation.

While some use of iPads and other tablets that receive broadband in the home will be included in the first phase of measurement improvements, a second phase is envisioned to include such devices in a more comprehensive fashion. The second phase is envisioned to roll out on a slower timetable, according to sources, will the overall goal to attempt to capture video viewing of any kind from any source.

Nielsen is said to have an internal goal of being able to measure video viewing on an iPad by the end of this year, a process in which the company will work closely with its clients.

Autopsy report reveals Goldie died as a result of an “Intracerebral Hemorrhage”

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Goldie

he autopsy report for Nigerian music star Susan Oluwabimpe "Goldie" Harvey has revealed that she died as a result of an "Intracerebral Hemorrhage" caused by "Hypertensive Heart Disease", Nigeriafilms.com has said.

It added that Goldie's autopsy was carried out at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja and the report was signed by Dr. O.O Oyewole.

Creative and boundary-pushing artiste Goldie died on the 14th of February 2013, just hours after she arrived from Los Angeles where she had gone to experience the Grammy Awards.

According to the New York Times health section, when an intracerebral hemorrhage occurs, "Death is possible and may occur quickly despite prompt medical treatment."

Justice Esiri

‘New Girl’ album to costar in Mandy Moore’s ABC Comedy ‘Pulling’

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une Diane Raphael, who had a scene-stealing role in Fox's New Girl and stars on Adult Swim's NTSF: SD: SVU, has been tapped to co-star in the network's adaptation of Pulling, the Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Based on the British series of the same name, Pulling tells the story of three dysfunctional women in their 30s living their lives the way they want, even if society tells them they should have it all figured out by this point.

Raphael will play Donna, a s h a r p w o m a n who seems to have it all -- an editor gig at a publishing company and a loyal fiancé. But h e r promotion w a s actually a computer error, and h e r boyfriend bores her to death.

She'll cos t a r opposite M a n d y Moore in the singlec a m e r a

comedy from ABC Studios.

Moore will play Louise, Donna's best friend.

Bad Teacher's Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky will pen the pilot and exec produce alongside Aaron Kaplan, British series creator Sharon Horgan and Dennis Kelly. Jason Moore will direct the pilot.

Repped by UTA, the Collective and Peikoff Law, Raphael's credits also include features Bride Wars, Zodiac.

June Diane Raphael

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Casey Affleck joins Independent Film Festival Boston as Creative Advisor

C

asey Affleck has signed on as creative advisor of the Independent Film Festival Boston, contributing to programming decisions and reaching out to talent and filmmakers. He'll also help coordinate the festival's local charitable efforts, among other duties.

Affleck and his brother, Ben Affleck, grew up in Cambridge, Mass., part of the Greater Boston area, and have strong ties to the city.

"I look forward to helping the festival showcase new, exciting work," Affleck said. "The independent film community has given me the opportunity to experiment as an actor and a filmmaker and to find an audience for films that I am deeply proud of. I hope I can help IFFBoston continue its growth as a world-class film festival."

"I would also like to work with IFFBoston to find new ways of integrating itself year-round into the Greater Boston arts community; bringing the festival into schools and neighborhoods that might benefit from it," he continued.

IFFBoston has shown two of Affleck's films in previous years; Steve Buscemi's Lonesome Jim and Michael Winterbottom's The Killer Inside Me. "Casey has exemplified the kind of artistic and risk-taking choices in his work that we strive to champion each year at the festival, and we are very excited to welcome him into the IFFBoston team," IFFBoston program director Adam Roffman said. "As we enter our second decade as a festival, we believe Casey's experience, connections, and insights will prove invaluable to the growth and vitality of our organization."

As part of his duties, Affleck will make a personal appearance at the festival. This year's edition runs April 24-30.

Affleck's acting credits include Ain't Them Bodies Saints, which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. IFC Films has snapped up U.S. rights to the indie pic.

Casey Affleck

PAGE 33

Bill O’Reilly signs to write ‘Killing Jesus’ B

ill O'Reilly, the Fox News anchor and author, has signed to write "Killing Jesus": A History, as a follow-up to his best-selling books Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot and Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever.

Hollywood reporter said that the book will be published on September 24, 2013 by Henry Holt and Co. Martin Dugard, O'Reilly's co-author on the Kennedy and Lincoln books, also will serve as co-author on this project.

In Killing Jesus, O'Reilly

"will recount the seismic political and historical events" that made the death of the "beloved and controversial young revolutionary" known as Jesus of Nazareth inevitable.

"Jesus Christ has not walked among us physically for more than 2,000 years, yet his presence today is felt the world over and his spirit is worshipped by more than 2.2 billion people, O'Reilly said in a statement released

by Holt. "His teachings, his legacy, his life as a fleshand-blood man and his death created the world in which we live."

O'Reilly's previous two Killing books have been huge best-sellers, with more than 3.2 million copies of Killing Lincoln in print and 2.4 million copies of Killing Kennedy.

Killing Lincoln, published in 2011, has spent 73 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and Killing Kennedy, published in 2012, has spent 20 weeks.

O'Reilly is best known as the longtime host of the Fox News program The O'Reilly Bill O’Reilly Factor.

Latvian Capital Riga to host 2014 European Film Awards

T

he 27th EFA ceremony will be the second in the Baltics, following Tallinn, Estonia in 2010.

It will mark the second time the EFAs, Europe's leading film honor, will be held in the Baltic states, following the 2010 event in Tallinn, Estonia. The European film gala will tie in

with a series of events being held in Riga next year as part of the capital being named a European capital of culture.

The EFA ceremony alternates between Berlin and another European city every year. The 2012 event was held in Malta and this year's gala will return to the German

capital.

The European Film Awards are presented by the European Film Academy and EFA Productions.

The 2014 event will be organized by Foundation Riga 2013 with financial backing from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the

Riga City Council, as well as German Federal Film Board, the German State Lottery Berlin, the German State Minister for Culture and the Media, the EU's MEDIA program, the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and event sponsor, parcel delivery company GLS.

U.K.’s ITV wins three TV Journalism Awards for Jimmy Savile coverage

U

.K. TV network company ITV has won three Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards for its coverage of the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse acandal, Hollywood reporter has said.

Its documentary Exposure: The Other Side of Jimmy Savile, which first made public allegations of abuse against young people in the fall and kicked off a range of investigations by police and the BBC, won two awards at a ceremony Wednesday night.

They were for the scoop of the year and best domestic current affairs report. ITV News also won a third award for its overall Savile coverage in the "news coverage - home" category.

The honors put the spotlight on ITV, which in recent years has sometimes been criticized for losing its edge in its news coverage.

Following its Savile documentary, London police launched an investigation into allegations against the late former host of music charts show Top of the Pops and concluded that he was the worst pedophile in British history.

While overshadowed by

ITV's night,

success Wednesday BBC News, which

Jimmy Savile

traditionally has a presence at the

strong Royal

Television Society honors, won an international news coverage prize with its reports on the political situation in Syria and the specialist journalist of the year honor for Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen.

CNN International was honored as news channel of the year. The awards jury praised the network for "its distinctive coverage and energetic and vivid reporting." It added: "They were ahead of the curve in Pakistan, interviewing Malala, the young woman who was shot by the Taliban, before she was injured; and their interview with FIFA president Sepp Blatter became a major news story revealing racism in [soccer] at the highest level."

Meanwhile, Channel 4 News earned a record six awards, including for daily news program of the year and best national host Jon Snow.

The Royal Television Society is a forum for TV and related media. Its awards celebrate "creative and excellent journalism in U.K. news and current affairs, both by organizations broadcasting in the U.K. and by companies, which supply U.K. news broadcast.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 34

Wither Nigeria on social justice?

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

T

he UN General Assembly in November 2007, adopted Feb. 20 of every year as World Day of Social Justice. The celebration took effect from 2009.

The day is set aside to emphasise the need to eradicate poverty, unemployment, exclusion and any other forms of discrimination.

In Nigeria, analysts and human rights' activists say the socio-political and economic systems have not promoted social justice.

They cite the lopsided nature of wealth distribution, high level of unemployment, and endemic corruption, among others, which they say are impediments to social justice delivery in the country.

Mr David Adzenda, the Secretary, Public Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, however, says that the commission has not been celebrating the day officially, but recognises it. ``We have not been marking the day officially but we recognise it because we are concerned about infringements on social rights of our people. ``We receive complaints of denial of employment based on sex, tribe or sometimes, inability to bribe for it. ``However, we have not been able to do much about it because employment is not a justiciable right, you cannot take the government to court because of failure to give one a job. ``All these are issues of social justice which must be captured in our Constitution,'' he says.

Mr Eze Onyekpere, the Director, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) an NGO, says the Federal Government should put sustainable measures in place to protect the social and economic rights of Nigerians. ``The greatest human rights violation in Nigeria since the return of democracy, is the inability of the government to tackle corruption which affects social and economic rights of Nigerians.''

He wants government at all levels to do more to fight corruption in all ramifications with stronger political will as well as Nigerians to hold government accountable.

Politicians should also deliver on their electioneering promises to the people, he demands. ``We should avoid politics of tribalism or religion and hold our leaders accountable to ensure justice and fair play,'' he adds..

Mr Maxwell Opara, a legal practitioner, says social justice system in Nigeria is faulty.

According to him, the system still favours the rich in all aspects, especially access to justice. ``Look at EFCC; if you

Mohammed Bello Adoke report to them that somebody defrauded you of N100, 000, they will tell you they don't handle any fraud case below N1million. ``They discriminate against citizens based on their social status; they invariably tell you that their services are for the rich,'' he claims.

Opara also claims that government agencies hardly obey court orders, while the judiciary passes ridiculous judgments, especially when highly placed members of society are involved.

Mr Jaye Gaskia of End Impunity Now Campaign, an NGO, says Nigerians should defend their rights, as the constitution guarantees some basic rights of citizens. ``Civilians must organise, mobilise and demand for their fundamental human rights which are enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ``The nation's constitution has guaranteed some rights to the citizens which require the people to defend their rights violation through legitimate means,'' he says.

Gaskia says that if citizens can stand up and hold government accountable, it will check incessant human rights abuses.

A legal practitioner, Mr Agbons Erim says there is the need to reform the judiciary system in order to ensure fairness and quick justice

Justice Aloma Mukthar delivery. ``Looking at it generally, I will say that to a large extent, there is justice in our judicial system, but there are some areas we still have to reform with a view to ensuring that there is justice to the common man.''

Erim states that issues of frivolous adjournments and stringent bail conditions especially for the poor, should be addressed.

Prof. Christina Okogie of the Department of Economics, University of Benin notes that social justice can be promoted by addressing the challenges faced by women.

Women must be treated with fairness and equity in their work places, and they should not be discriminated against in terms of access to education, access to loans and exclusion from decision making.

``Do women employees benefit from training programmes and promotions?

What proportion of women secure loans from financial institutions?

Who are contractors and distributors? Do women benefit from scholarship programmes,'' she asks..

The National Human Rights Commission says there is also the need for state ministries, departments and agencies to evolve an action plan for the actualisation of human rights in their various workplaces.

Mr Iheme Richmond, the Assistant Chief Investigation Officer (Monitoring), says that all hands must be on deck in the implementation of human rights policies.

Richmond says it is important for all sectors to participate in the development and implementation of a

“

National Action Plan on human rights ``because one's rights relates to the other''. ``Look at the rights as they are itemised -- civil, economic, social and political rights of women and children, among others,'' Richmond says..

He says taking a critical look at the respective rights will go a long way in addressing the challenges hindering their actualisation.

As the world marks social justice day, observers say the relevant UN agencies should step up efforts at monitoring social justice situations in all countries..

They say issues bothering on equitable distribution of resources, human rights, wealth creation and national integration in Nigeria should not be treated with kid gloves.

Source: NAN

The National Human Rights Commission says there is also the need for state ministries, departments and agencies to evolve an action plan for the actualisation of human rights in their various workplaces.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 35

Sustaining the use of mother tongue

By Folasade Folarin

Henry and his sister, Ebiere, are often challenged when occasions call for interaction in the dialect of their parents' community, Okrika, in Rivers.

The reason is clear. More often than not, whenever they visit the community, the residents habitually communicate in the dialect, which unfortunately, Henry and his sister do not understand.

The people are often bewildered by the inability of Henry and Ebiere to respond intelligibly during interactions in their native language.

The reasons for this are not farfetched. Their parents, Mr and Mrs Dagogo, are in the habit of speaking only English language at home, in spite of the fact that they are both from the same community.

The story of Henry and his sister is, however, not extraordinary; as there are several similar cases in which children could not speak or understand any other language apart from English.

In contrast, however, there are also cases in which the use of mother tongue as the mode of communication in the home is encouraged by the parents.

For instance, Ogbonnaya and Kate speak Bini language because their mother, who is from Benin, communicates with them in her language, while their father, who is an Igbo man, communicates with them only in English language.

The man explains that the reason behind his decision to speak only English language to his children is because it might be somewhat cumbersome for them to pick all the three languages at the same time.

However, the situation is strikingly different in Dagogo's family, as the parents never deemed it fit to converse with their children in their mother tongue.

What then is the raison d'ĂŞtre behind this decision? ``We decided to communicate with our children only in English language because we were more concerned about their proficiency in the language,'' says Mrs Dagogo.

Nevertheless, Mr Audu Oloyede, an English Teacher at Starlite Secondary School, Ibadan, insists that children ought to be exposed to their mother tongue, particularly in the home setting. ``The mother tongue should be the primary language in the home; it is the first language which a child acquires right from the parents,'' he says.

Language experts then wonder why most young Nigerians could no longer speak their native language flawlessly.

They lament that the situation has reached a frightening dimension, as it signals the gradual extinction of several local languages.

Alarmist as such views tend to be, they are quite logical, as various organisations share a similar viewpoint.

For instance, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says that if nothing is done to reverse the situation, over half of the 6,000 languages, currently spoken across the world, may

controlled culture; so, you can't know a culture without first knowing the language.''

Ishola urges parents to always strive to converse with their children in their mother tongue, adding that mothers should also

stresses that ``language expresses the worth of a person and his or her psychological wellbeing. ``It is also an avenue to showcase the pride and potential of an ethnic group, community or nation.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i

disappear before the end of this century.

Linguists also believe that with the disappearance of unwritten and undocumented languages, humanity will lose immense cultural wealth and ancestral knowledge, which are embedded in indigenous languages.

As parts of efforts to forestall the extinction of more languages, the UNESCO launched the International Mother Language Day, and the day is observed throughout the world on Feb. 21 every year.

The celebration is designed to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education, while highlighting the importance of mother tongue education.

Linguists say this is a good development because language has become the basic and versatile medium of communication which strengthens the foundations of a community.

This is because language does not only build relationships; it also builds people, especially when it is their native language, they add.

They also argue that the mother tongue is a preserver of culture, as it is capable of strengthening culture, traditional norms and values.

Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola, a professor of Yoruba language, says: ``Language is important because it is the storehouse of culture and knowledge. ``That is the centre of

endeavour to sing lullabies to their babies in their mother tongue.

He says that such actions will enable the children to pick up the language in the home setting. ``Also, broadcast stations should be encouraged to air more programmes in indigenous languages. ``We also hope that governments, both at the federal and state levels; will make the learning of mother tongue compulsory from pre-school level. ``That is where it is needed because the children will always remember the language while growing up,'' Ishola says.

Sharing similar sentiments, Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO),

``Nigerians must not allow our local languages to die because if they do, it could lead to a loss of cultural, historical and ecological knowledge of the people,'' he adds.

Nevertheless, Mr Onwuorah Aghility, the Chairman of the Abuja chapter of Actors' Guild of Nigeria (AGN), believes that the decline in the use of the mother tongue is due to the people's false values and their propensity to behave and act like people from the Western world.

He, however, insists that the Igbo language is more at risk because ``we travel wide, go to places and can settle anywhere; we learn other languages easily and fast. ``At the end of the day, we drop our own mother tongue to

“

Whatever reasons adduced for or against the use of mother tongue, linguists believe that since culture is strongly connected with language, the mother tongue should be a veritable means of promoting Nigeria's diverse cultures.

adapt to the lifestyle of the people of our host community and we speak English language, which is more universal,'' he says However, Aghility believes that watching local movies with native languages will invariably promote a greater use of local Nigerian languages.

However, highlighting the importance of mother tongue to education, Jim Cummins of University of Toronto, Canada, says that bilingualism typically confers linguistic advantages on children.

In a publication -- ``Bilingual Children's Mother Tongue: Why Is It Important for Education?'' -Cummins insists that use of mother tongue should be encouraged in schools so as to develop the children's ability to learn other languages. ``Bilingual children perform better in school when the school effectively teaches in the mother tongue and, where appropriate, develops literacy in that language. ``By contrast, when children are encouraged to reject their mother tongue, the language's development stagnates, while the children's personal and conceptual foundation for learning is undermined,'' he says.

Cummins suggests that parents should establish a strong home language policy, while providing ample opportunities for children to expand the functions for which they use the mother tongue.

In the light of this, observers, therefore, recommend that the use of mother tongue should be encouraged, even in schools.

However, there is a growing consciousness about the need to promote greater usage of mother tongue because of its myriad benefits.

Chief Tanko Zhimiko, the Ward Head of Galadimawa in Abuja, stresses that leaders should encourage the younger generation to take pride in speaking indigenous languages and view them as part of their cultural identity.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Deji Ademuyiwa, a Yoruba man who is married to an Igala lady, emphasises that parents have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that their children speak their indigenous languages. ``My children picked more of Igala but we both speak to them in our languages while they reply in English; they're learning to speak Yoruba and Igala as they grow up. ``Teachers can also encourage the children to develop a greater interest in the use of mother tongue; they can do this by communicating to them strong affirmative messages about the value of speaking additional languages,'' he said.

Whatever reasons adduced for or against the use of mother tongue, linguists believe that since culture is strongly connected with language, the mother tongue should be a veritable means of promoting Nigeria's diverse cultures.

Source: NAN

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

More than two mugs a day coffee linked to birth of smaller babies

By Fiona Macrae

M

others-to-be who have a couple of mugs of coffee a day risk having an underweight baby, research suggests.

Coffee may also make pregnancy last longer - but only by a matter of hours.

The observations come from researchers who studied detailed records of almost 60,000 pregnancies from a ten-year period in Norway.

The records included information about how often the women had foods or drinks containing caffeine, from tea and coffee to chocolate sandwich spread and bars of chocolate.

Comparing this with details of their baby revealed a clear link with caffeine and birth weight, with 200 to 300mg a day raising the odds of the child being classed as small for the length of the pregnancy by up to 62 per cent.

A mug of instant coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine, and a mug of filter coffee, around 140mg of caffeine.

However, some drinks sold in high street coffee shops contain as much as 300mg per cup.

In Britain, as in Scandinavia, pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake to 200mg a day.

Coffee, specifically, was found to be linked with increasing the length of pregnancy, with a daily mug of instant coffee lengthening the time the baby is in the womb by eight hours.

Unlike some previous studies, the research did not make a link between caffeine and premature birth.

Researcher Dr VerenaSengpiel, of the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, said that caffeine may hurt the growth of the unborn baby by slowing the vital passage of nutrients from mother to baby via the placenta.

Writing in the journal BMC Medicine, she added that coffee may make increase the length of pregnancy by a matter of hours by interfering with the chemical signals that occur around the onset of labour.

Dr Euan Paul, of the British Coffee Association, said: 'The UK Food Standards Agency carefully analysed and thoroughly reviewed the effects of caffeine during pregnancy and Caffeine link: Mothers-to-be who have two or c u r r e n t l y more mugs of coffee a day risk having an recommends that underweight baby, research suggests pregnant women

moderate consumption to an upper safe limit of 200mg / day - two to three cups of coffee.

'Switching to decaf during pregnancy is also an option for those who wish to continue drinking coffee.

'We welcome more research into this important area so that the associations found in this study can be further explored.'

Annette Briley, consultant midwife for the baby charity Tommy's, said: 'Being born small can lead to catch-up growth and this in turn can lead to obesity, diabetes and certain cancers in adult life.

'While women do need to be mindful and remember that caffeine is found in tea, chocolate, other sweets and soft drinks - as well as coffee - we would suggest further research into the effects of coffee is required.

'Additional care should however be taken when buying coffee in retail outlets as the caffeine content varies between m a n y companies. If women are worried, they should seek advice from their GP or Tommy's

midwives for the best advice.'

In 2011, Glasgow University researchers warned that pregnant women could unwittingly be putting their the health of their unborn baby at risk by drinking coffee from high street cafes.

Their analysis of espressos from 20 coffee shops found huge variations in the amount of caffeine, with the strongest having more than six times as much as the weakest.

Drinks from four cafes had more than the 200mg daily limit recommended for pregnancy and one coffee contained more than 300mg.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Limit intake: Coffee was found to be linked with increasing the length of pregnancy, with a daily mug of instant coffee lengthening the time the baby is in the womb by eight hours

Why having a beards is good for your health

By Cara Lee

Y

ou'd be forgiven for thinking a beard was de rigueur at the Baftas.

From Ben Affleck and George Clooney to Hugh Jackman, Sam Mendes and Joaquin Phoenix, it seemed every celebrity male has joined the beard brigade.

The look that was first spotted on hipster twentysomethings has been taken on by their dads' generation.

Many women won't want to put up with a scratchy-faced partner.

But think twice before you tell your man to reach for a razor, because beards and moustaches might be beneficial for men's health.

This is still, it has to be said, an emerging field of thinking but here, with tongue half in bearded cheek, we reveal the health upside of men's facial hair...

Protects against the sun A fuzzy face offers significant protection against sun damage and skin cancer, according to a recent study from the University of Southern Queensland published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry.

The researchers found that the parts of the face covered by beards and moustaches on

average had a third less exposure to harmful UV rays compared with hair-free areas.

The study was conducted in the Outback sun with mannequins and stick-on beards (1.5in and 3.5?in long), with a clean-shaven mannequin used as a comparison.

The researchers used dosimetric techniques, which measure the amount of rays or

radiation absorbed in a given time.

Their results showed the beards appeared to offer 90 to 95 per cent protection against the sun, depending on length of hair.

Generally hair offers good protection against the sun, says Dr Nick Lowe, a leading Londonbased dermatologist.

That's why women have much less sun damage if their

Beards at the Baftas: Ben Affleck (left) and George Clooney (right) have joined the beard brigade

hair covers the back of their necks and the sides of their faces.

'It's also a question of the thickness of hair,' he says. 'It's similar to an SPF factor - the higher the hair density and thickness, the higher the SPF. 'I frequently see the classic example of this when I work in southern California.

'A balding, bearded surfer will have more sun damage and precancers on their heads than they will on the top of their faces.'

Another theory is that coarse, curly beard hair breaks up the sun's rays, says Iain Sallis, a consultant trichologist.

'Light travels in straight lines, but when it hits curly hair the light waves refract, or break up, so they hardly ever reach the skin underneath.'

It also depends on how long the beard has been growing.

Sun damage can also occur when it reflects off surfaces below the face - such as pale sand or water - so hair growth on men's faces will add to the protection under the chin and neck.

However, Dr Lowe recommends men with facial hair use a thin sun lotion or spray that isn't too greasy over the hair because a lot of beards are not very dense.

May prevent asthma

attacks Men whose asthma is triggered by pollen and dust could find facial hair -- or more specifically, a big moustache -helps reduce their asthma symptoms.

Moustache s t h a t r e a c h the nasal area may stop allergens going up the nose and being inhaled by the lungs, says Carol Walker, hair medical expert and owner of Birmingham Trichology Centre.

Dr Rob Hicks, a Londonbased GP, thinks it's only pollen - which is sticky - that might be trapped this way, preventing it getting into the airways.

'Dust particles are microscopic,' he says.

Even if moustaches did trap dust, then a downside, according to Dr Hicks, is that it can build up and it just takes one wipe or knock before it goes into the nose.

'In theory, a moustache could stop things that trigger asthma entering the airways, but it would have to be a big one,' says Dr Felix Chua, a consultant respiratory physician at the London Clinic, Harley Street.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 37

Uduaghan confirms clashes between Fulani herdsmen, farmers

G

L-R: Commissioner in Charge of Political Party Affairs and Legal Services' Rivers State INEC, Mrs Ngozi Ajayi, Commissioner in charge of Logistics and Transport, Mr Eddy Adiele, and Commissioner in charge of Media and Publicity, Mrs Ibiso Dakoru, briefing newsmen on the forthcoming rerun election in Rivers, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

APC promises power devolution

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday disclosed that when the party finally gets power in 2015, the Federal Government will only serve as a monitor to other component units, saying that powers will be devolved on the centre.

The co-chairman of the merger committee, Tom Ikimi, who disclosed this while reading the term of reference to the three committees inaugurated by the APC to handle issues of manifesto, party constitution, INEC, legal, and constitutional compliance, also enjoined the members of the

manifesto committee to draft it in a way to define clearly, steps to be taken towards credible process of diversifying the revenue sources of the country, in addition to ensuring an acceptable balance between the recurrent and capital expenditure in budgeting.

He said that agriculture must be given priority, in addition to social services such as education, health services, water supply, power, amp g others.

Speaking further, he urged the committee to note that industrialisation, agriculture, poverty alleviation, should be tackled and promoted by creating an enabling environment.

He charged them to monitor

the prevalent social, economic, and political situation in the country, and its impact on the people, and ensure that the party’s manifesto addresses these challenges.

While decrying the security situation of the country at the moment, Ikimi said the party’s manifesto should provide the framework through which the party will sanction corruption of government officials.

However, the constitution committee was charged to examine the constitutions of all the merging parties in detail, and examine the political party constitutions from successful democracies with a view to

adopting some suitable provisions.

Meanwhile, while all the committees are expected to submit their reports to the original merger committee within two weeks, each of them are expected to elect chairman, deputy chairman, secretary from among the twenty members in each of the committee.

While constitution committee has Senator Chris Ngige and Attahiru Bafarawa as members, manifesto committee has Audu Ogbe and Echike Udenwa as members, while Kashim Shetima and Gorge Akume are members of committee that will ensure compliance to INEC guidelines and general constitutional compliance.

PDP chieftain welcomes formation of APC

A

PDP chieftain in Adamawa, Mr Peneas Elisha, says the formation of All Progressives Congress (APC) is a welcome development that will put his party on its toes.

Elisha told newsmen yesterday in Yola that lack of credible opposition was responsible for some of the internal crises in PDP. “The formation of APC is a welcome development to Nigerians and to us because when you don’t have a credible opposition outside, then it will come within the party itself. ”That is what is happening in PDP now. People feel that once you are nominated in PDP, you are as good as elected.

“Now with the formation of

APC, you will find out that we in PDP have to be on our toes.”

Commenting on Adamawa PDP leadership crisis, Elisha said the Kugama-led state executive was the authentic body.

He said that although the executive was dissolved in October 2012, it was later reinstated in January by a resolution of 10 out of the 12

National Working Committee (NWC) members of the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Murtala Nyako recently told newsmen that the leadership crisis in the state chapter of PDP had been resolved.

The governor added that with the resolution, the re-instated Kugama-led state executive had

been legalised and remained the authentic leadership.

However, on Wednesday, the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, told Journalists in Yola that the new state executive, under Chief Joel Madaki, was the authentic party.

NAN reports that the development has created two factions in Adamawa. (NAN)

ov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has said that lives have been lost in recent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the State.

Uduaghan made the confirmation when he received the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, and members of the National Good Governance Team on a courtesy call on him in Asaba yesterday.

He described the development as another challenge currently confronting the state.

He contended that the end of militancy in the Niger Delta engendered the challenges of kidnapping, illegal bunkering and other criminal activities in the region.

In spite of the problems, he said the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme for former militants had yielded tremendous result.

According to him, most youths have been gainfully engaged just as much peace has returned to the area.

“For the identified vices, however, we are working out strategies to tackle them. The desired peace will begin to reign soon in the state.’’

Earlier, Maku said the future of youths in Niger Delta lay in peace and security of the zone and urged them to support the federal and state governments in this regard.

He commended Uduaghan’s security efforts in Delta and charged governors of Niger Delta states to work together to strengthen their security capacities.

Maku held that Delta had moved on greatly from the time it was created to the present day.

“Delta has been really transformed.

“I was on a working visit to Asaba shortly after Delta was created. From the Delta I saw then and what I have seen recently and I am seeing now, so much positive things have happened.’’

He said the Asaba Airport was grandiose in modernity and that it had diminished the old generation airports.

“I must commend the governor for his transformation effort and I call on all citizens to support him.” (NAN)

Adamawa Assembly to conduct public hearing on domestic violence

T

he Adamawa House of Assembly on Wednesday gave its Committee on Women Affairs two weeks to conduct public hearing on a bill for a law to protect victims of domestic violence.

The deadline followed the submission and adoption of an

interim report on the bill at a plenary session of the house, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Kwamoti Laori.

The bill, which has scaled through second reading in the house, was sponsored by Mrs Wilbina Jackson (PDP-Guyuk).

The bill, when passed into law, is expected to enhance the rights of the child and check domestic abuse.

It will also eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in line with the UN convention.

Another bill, which passed the second reading at the session, was

aimed at making a law to grant financial autonomy to general and cottage hospitals in the state.

The bill is sponsored by Alhaji Abubakar Jarengol (CPC-Mubi North), who is also the house Committee Chairman on Health.

(NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

Obi charges Nigerians to challenge their leaders over good governance

R-L: Akwa Ibom state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, discussing withAnambra state Governor, Mr Peter Obi,during the meeting of Nigeria Governors'Forum on recent killings of health workers in Borno,Kano and Yobe states, on Wednesday night at Rivers Lodge, in Asokoro, Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Odi: It’s time to probe Obasanjo-Southern groups From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

F

or various extra judicial killings that characterize former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime,the Federal Government has been urged to institute a public inquiry into strings of human right violations perpetrated during the eight year.

The Southern Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Alliance, (SONENA) a statement signed by its coordinators Dr Abiodun Alaba and Mr John Magaji stated that the time is ripe to probe the former President’s eight years rule for gross human rights abuse and disregard for United Nations and African Union conventions. issued on Thursday.

According to the group which is made up of several ethnic nationality groups in Southern Nigeria, former President Obasanjo represent a naked symbol of

repression, corruption and unpardonable misdeeds against basic human rights in Nigeria. The group recalls that in June 2000, 19 members of the O’odua Peoples Congress, (OPC) were killed at Mushin by the special police force at the instance of the former President.

“The Obasanjo years witnessed murder, killings and outright disappearances of people. The former Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige was murdered in cold blood.

Former leader of the opposition, Chief Amasiori Dokibo was murdered in cold blood. Dr Daramola, former consultant ssto the World Bank was also gunned down.

The astonishing thing was that the former President did nothing against such chilling atrocities committed by the former leader’s regime.

The group stated “We are appalled that this man is walking the streets of Nigeria in spite of the horrendous violations of human rights that were carried out under

his 8 years of iron fist rule. He ordered the invasion of Odi, a community of 20,000 people. That invasion led to the death of over 100 people including women and children. He ordered the invasion of Odi Oma in Bayelsa state leading to the death of over 50 people including women and children,” the statement signed by by Dr Abiodun Alaba and Mr John Gbagi stated.

The ethnic groups said probing the years of Obasanjo will assuage bruised nerves and calm several souls that were brutalized by the government of the former President.

SONENA accused Obasanjo of being egocentric and that the former President is not comfortable with a situation where he is not in a situation to control and manipulate the country for his own selfish reasons, adding that the present campaigns of the former President against the country were aimed at undermining democratic institutions.

NGO plans grassroots enlightenment campaign on budget monitoring

T

he Network for Civil Societies on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (NEWSAN), an NGO, has set out plans to enlighten local communities on how to monitor budgets allotted to them.

The Programme Manager of the organisation, Mr Shem Adah, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the enlightenment would promote accountability for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) funds allocated to communities.

He also said the organisation would embark on advocacy on capital projects such as water installations and increment in WASH budget.

Adah said that the sector was critical to the economy of the country.

"We are looking at building local capacities in terms of community mobilisations and community engagement through citizens' engagement; we need to educate members of communities to be able to

demand their rights.

"Some of them are not even aware what budget is all about therefore they don't know what amount of resources comes to their community, their LGAs they can't be able to track.

"If you do not know what is giving to you, you can't speak out so we are empowering communities, LGAs to be able to like this is the budgetary allocation for Water Sanitation and Hygiene in your community.

"And your representative at the community level are held responsible if this money does not come down if this said project does not come down to your community.

"Also we are looking at the area of budget advocacy and budget tracking, the area of capital project, if you look at the 2013 budget the capital project had the minimal.

"We are also advocating that capital project should be looked into, in terms of water installations and all of that not the

one that has to do with programmes, travels and all of that.''

According to him, though Nigeria is off track in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the organisation is still focusing on how to meet the water sanitation and hygiene target in Nigeria.

He said that the target could be achieved through resource mobilisation and effective implementation of programmes and projects by involving citizens and proper monitoring and tracking of budgets.

Adah said that the monitoring and tracking effort would help determine how the resources mobilised to the sector were used.

He said that the monitoring effort would also confirm whether or not the resources allocated were enough, what had been achieved in the past years and what it aimed to achieve.

Adah said more attention should be given to monitoring efforts for effective delivery.

(NAN)

Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra said that Nigerians should learn to challenge their leaders to provide them with good governance.

Obi stated this late Tuesday night in Lagos at the Champion Newspapers Manof-the-year award given to Princess Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation.

"Let the leaders know your needs for them to perform creditably in office, because leaders are elected to provide service to the people," he said.

The governor, who was the chairman at the occasion, lamented that most people he met daily only told him what he wanted to hear, rather than challenging him on areas of deficiency in the state. ``Only children tell me the truth today in Anambra State, and they always bring such areas to my attention. ``So, that is why whenever I visit any community, I ask the children what challenges such a community is facing,'' he said "Nigerians should summon the courage to always stop their governors, councillors and religious leaders, and challenge them on areas they feel they are not doing enough," Obi said.

The governor said that he often challenged religious and community leaders on why they honour elected leaders or give them traditional titles after they had found out that they had not served well.

The Minister, in her acceptance speech said the award would spur her and the aviation team into doing more for the country.

Kogi Govt to enact law on PPP

M

r Suleiman Rajan, DirectorGeneral, Kogi Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, says the state government is to enact a law to support Public- Private Partnership (PPP) initiates.

Rajan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Wednesday that the chamber had had series of meetings in its effort to fine tune the bill. ``We are currently working on the theoretical framework of the partnership that will boost trade relations in the state.

"We intend to submit the bill to the Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, who will to convey it to the governor,''he said.

Rajan also said that the chamber had been directed by the state government to organise the first Kogi Investors Forum.

He said that the chamber was working hard to ensure that relationship between the state government and the private sector was improved to boost trade in the state. ``Both parties have a lot to gain from such relationship, especially when the enabling environment is created,'' he said.

Rajan said that the state government had appointed the president of the chamber of commerce as a member of the committee on Sure-P, which he said, was a good development. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 39

Yuguda promises to reposition state-owned media outfits

G

ov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State on Wednesday expressed his determination to reposition all state-owned media organisations to enable them to participate effectively in the transformation of the society.

Yuguda gave the assurance through his Principal Private Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Alkali, at the 35th Anniversary of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation (BRC).

"As we celebrate the 35 years of Bauchi Radio Corporation as broadcasting outfit, let me reiterate the resolve of my administration to reposition all media houses and to place them in good stead to be active participants in societal transformation.

"We are mindful of the media digitisation policy and for this reason I wish to inform you that Bauchi State Government has placed order for the procurement of two 20 khz FM transmitters complete with modern studio equipment for the Azare Station.

"The headquarters of Bauchi Radio Corporation as you can all see at the moment, is undergoing rehabilitation and renovation; similar rehabilitation was carried out at the Yelwa Transmitting Station.

"And in April last year, I commissioned the first Community Radio Station in Kafin Madaki; there are ten such stations in the state which I have commissioned some of them, while the rest will be commissioned soon.

"We are not also relenting in our efforts to ensure the completion of the Bauchi State Television Station so that the state is adequately covered by the station.

"I want to assure all media organisations in the state, information managers and all media related bodies that we will continue to make sustain efforts and equip them to deliver effective and excellent services to the people.

"However, responsible journalism and credible information dissemination should be your guiding principles and not propaganda and power glorification."

Earlier, the Managing Director of the corporation, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, said that the station was establish in 1977 under the umbrella of Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) now FRCN. Abdullahi said that the station was transferred to the state government in 1979 and later named Bauchi Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) but later changed to Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC).

He said that the station initially transmitted on one10kilowatts AM transmitters and later two-20kilowatts transmitters FM and AM were stalled. (NAN)

L-R: PDP National Women Leader, Dr Kema Chikwe,First Lady,Mrs Patience Jonathan, wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim, during the launch of PDP Women in Power Calendar, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

PRP may transform to national movement or merge with parties, says Balarabe

T

he de-registered Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) may transform into a national movement or merge with political parties of the same ideology, its National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, said.

Musa said in Abuja on Thursday that the plan, which would be realised within the provision of the 1999 Constitution, became necessary in order to effect a change of baton at the federal level in 2015.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that PRP was also consulting with many of the de-registered political parties that were still willing to be registered.

According to him, the constitution allows that 3 months after de-registration of political parties, the parties can apply for registration as new party.

He said that in aligning with such option, PRP was also considering a little modification in its name.

“We are ready for alliance

with any party interested in creating an understanding and form a unified block to promote transparent, free and fair elections.”

He said:“Mind you, we are not doing this for the first time, PRP did it in 1984 when it was de-registered by the military.

“In 2002, we came up with the same name PRP and we were registered, but this time with modification in the name.

“There is nothing to stop us doing the same thing again, it can be done with little modification like Native-PRP or register as PRP with socialist in bracket.”

Balarabe said that all members of PRP were consulting on the options with the hope of meeting very soon to arrive at a decision that would fashion the way out for the party.

NAN recalls that PRP was one of the 28 political parties deregistered by INEC early in December 2012. (NAN) Odi: It’s time to probe Obasanjo-Southern groups Ayodele Samuel,Lagos For various extra judicial

killings that characterize former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime,the Federal Government has been urged to institute a public inquiry into strings of human right violations perpetrated during the eight year.

The Southern Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Alliance, (SONENA) a statement signed by its coordinators Dr Abiodun Alaba and Mr John Magaji stated that the time is ripe to probe the former President’s eight years rule for gross human rights abuse and disregard for United Nations and African Union conventions. issued on Thursday.

According to the group which is made up of several ethnic nationality groups in Southern Nigeria, former President Obasanjo represent a naked symbol of repression, corruption and unpardonable misdeeds against basic human rights in Nigeria. The group recalls that in June 2000, 19 members of the O’odua Peoples Congress, (OPC) were killed at Mushin by the special police

Ekiti Assembly confirms 18 Commissioner-nominees

T

he Ekiti State House of Assembly refused to confirm one Commissioner-nominee by Gov. Kayode Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti yesterday due to absenteeism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the legislature, however, confirmed the nomination of 18 others.

The Majority leader of the House, Mr Churchill Olubunmi, told NAN that Mr Debo Ajayi, who was absent, would have to be screened on Tuesday.

“The information we have is that Ajayi could not be here due to logistic reasons.

“We hope that he will be here on Tuesday next week for screening,” Churchill said.

The majority leader added that the commissionernominees had to pass through rigorous scrutiny because the House wanted the best for the State.

The effort, he said, was to complement the efforts of the present administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to Ekiti people.

Those cleared included: Mr Wale Fapohunda, Mr Remi Olorunleke, Mr Kehinde Ojo, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, Mr

Oluwole Ariyo, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, Mr Dapo Kolawole, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and Mr Funminiyi Afuye.

Others are Mr Paul Omotoso, Mr Folorunso Olabode, Mrs Eniola Ajayi, Mr Olusola Fasuba, Mr Apalara Adewumi, Mr Jide Arowosafe, Mrs Fola-Richie Adewumi, Mr Kayode Olaosebikan and Mr Sola Adebayo.

Six new Commissionernominees were ratified, while the remaining 12 were Commissioners before their dissolution on Jan. 9. (NAN)

force at the instance of the former President.

“The Obasanjo years witnessed murder, killings and outright disappearances of people. The former Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige was murdered in cold blood. Former leader of the opposition, Chief Amasiori Dokibo was murdered in cold blood. Dr Daramola, former consultant to the World Bank was also gunned down.

The astonishing thing was that the former President did nothing against such chilling atrocities committed by the former leader’s regime.

The group stated “We are appalled that this man is walking the streets of Nigeria in spite of the horrendous violations of human rights that were carried out under his 8 years of iron fist rule. He ordered the invasion of Odi, a community of 20,000 people.

That invasion led to the death of over 100 people including women and children. He ordered the invasion of Odi Oma in Bayelsa state leading to the death of over 50 people including women and children,” the statement signed by by Dr Abiodun Alaba and Mr John Gbagi stated.

The ethnic groups said probing the years of Obasanjo will assuage bruised nerves and calm several souls that were brutalized by the government of the former President.

SONENA accused Obasanjo of being egocentric and that the former President is not comfortable with a situation where he is not in a situation to control and manipulate the country for his own selfish reasons, adding that the present campaigns of the former President against the country were aimed at undermining democratic institutions.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

How Alakija, richest black woman in the world, made her money 6

1-year-old billionaire business woman Folorunsho Alakija owner of FAMFA Oil Limited who is estimatedto be worth $3.2billion started her journey to become a millionaire as a secretaryfor International Merchant Bank of Nigeriain the 80s. She later left the now defunct bank to study Fashion Design in London and later started fashion designing before she ventured into oil business.

Supreme Stitches Designing Company patronised by a large base of wealthy clients grew and from thereAlakijastarted selling designer clothing to military wives and socialites where she made millions of naira at the same time it provided her with the platform to move to oil.

Alakija who is quite the fashion plate made her mark in the fashion industry as one of the pioneers of Nigerian fashion and one of the members of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FDAN).

The well-heeled businesswoman and philanthropist made the switch to oil in 1993 and the rest is history. But when you have out-earned the Queen of All Media by approximately $500 million, you are allowed to

Folorunsho Alakija and her family during her birthday party

wear whatever you want.

Reports have shown that Alakija owns at least $100 million in real estate and a $46 million private jet may eclipse Oprah's by half a billion dollars or more, who lost her place as the richest

Folorunsho and her husband Modupe

black woman.

Though Forbes lists the 61-year-old oil tycoon's worth at $600 million dollars, her properties can be valued between $3.3 and $6.44 billion. Despite the fact that she made the bulk

of her fortune through oil, Alakija has worked in a number of different industries, being called "one of the foremost pioneers of Nigerian fashion."

In 1993, Alakija applied for an Oil Prospecting

License (OPL) through her company Famfa Oil. The Nigerian granted Famfa a license to prospect on a 617,000 acre block of land in the Niger Delta. Famfa's oil properties, now known as OML 127, eventually came to be worth billions, with Alakija holding a 60 percent stake.

When the Nigerian government discovered the full value of the land in 2000, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) seized OML 127 illegally, without paying Famfa Oil for the forced acquisition of 50 percent of the oil reserves.

Alakija spent years in court fighting the illegal seizure, but in May 2012 Famfa was finally granted control of the other half of its property from the government, propelling Alakija back into the category of the worst's highest earners.

Alakija also participates in philanthropic work, having founded the rose of Sharon Foundation, a group that offers grants to widowed women in Nigeria.

Her husband Modupe is the chairman of Famfa Oil, and runs the company along with her children.

S o u r c NaijaGist.com

e

:

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

PAGE 41

Police Games: Lagos State Command swimmers target 8 gold medals

T

he Lagos State Police Command swimmers say they will clinch at least eight of the 15 gold medals on offer at the Nigeria Police Force Games in Port Harcourt.

The Games planned for Feb. 24 to March 3 will now hold between March 1 and March 10.

In separate interviews yesterday in Lagos at their training session at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, they said that they were ready for the competition.

They said that lack of

facilities and training kits as well as grants would not deter them from wining at the 10th edition of the bi-annual competition.

Cpl. Yellow Yeiyah, the team’s captain, said that they had trained hard and were in high spirit to excel at the Games. Yeiyah said that the postponement of the competition would help them to improve on their training.

“We are in good form and high spirit and will win nothing less than eight gold medals out of the

12 at stake at the competition,’’ he said.

Cpl. Ademola Ayenuwa, who lamented the lack of training kits and grants, said it would not deter him from doing his best to win at the competition.

He said that the NPF should ensure adequate kits and grants in subsequent competitions to motivate them to excel.

“We did not get any training kits or grants but this will not deter us, the NPF should take note of this in subsequent programmes,’’ Ayenuwa said.

Cpl. Gabatomini Williams also said that in spite of lack of facilities, the team had managed to train hard for them to soar high in the competition.

She appealed to the NPF to promote the officers who win gold at the competition rather than monetary reward.

Cpl. Ebinga Enanma said that athletes with outstanding performance should be given international exposure for them to represent Nigeria at international competitions.

“I learnt that other countries

will be participating, this will make the competition to be highly competitive but I appeal that outstanding officers should be given international exposure,’’ Enanma said.

No fewer than 20 swimmers, including 10 males and 10 females will represent the Lagos State Command at the Games.

They will feature in 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, butterfly and 4x100m, 4x200m individual medley and relays.

Akinyombo emerges champion of Airtel Indian Cup Golf tourney

G

benga Akinyombo has emerged the winner of the 2013 Airtel sponsored Indian Cup golf tournament held at the Ikoyi Golf Course, Lagos.

At statement released yesterday by Airtel, sponsors of one-day Golf tournament in Lagos, indicated that Andrew Odiri was placed second while Udoh Uwem was placed third in the event.

The winner, of the top prize, Akinyombo was also presented a business call ticket and an allexpense vacation to New Delhi, India.

The statement also said that in the women category, Alaba Adetunji, a corporal from the Nigeria Police Club was adjudged the winner of the guest category, followed by Folashade of Micom Club, who was placed second while Oyome Evelyn won in the gross category.

Nkechi Obini, who emerged champion in the net category, was followed by Gloria Joel.

According the statement, the Indiana Cup is aimed at promoting the game of golf in the country, while rewarding the players by the sponsor.

It also added that it was an initiative of Airtel to highlight its leading role in sports development in Nigeria. “It is the oldest community golf cup in Nigeria’’.

It quoted the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria Deepak Srivastava as stressing during the prize presentation ceremony that the company was committed toward the development of sport.

“The company recognises the nationwide passion for sports and would work with identified strategic partners to contribute to sports development across spectrum in the country,’’ it also said.

Members of the Super Eagles mob Emmanuel Emenike after his superb drive open the score sheet against the Elephants of Ivory Coast

WC qualifier: Keshi optimistic over Emenike’s recovery

By Patrick Andrew

A

lbeit, medics say Emmanuel Emenike’s hamstring injury would require at least eight weeks to heal, Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, remains optimistic the player will be available for selection against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on March 23.

The Eagles will clash with the Stars in a 2014 World Cup qualifier at the UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar, and the disclosure penultimate day that Emenike’s injury, picked up during the AFCON semi-finals against Mali, has ruled him out of the game. Reacting to media report yesterday, Keshi expressed confidence over the player’s recovery stressing that perhaps media report may have been

exaggerated and added he would expect the final word from Spartak Moscow’s medics.

“Emenike is a very important component of our national team set up and we have to be concerned if he is in form, injured or otherwise and that is why we are a bit concerned about reports that he will not be available for the game against Kenya.

“We can never give up about such an important player and we wish him the quickest of recoveries no matter what the medical team anywhere is saying”, Keshi declared.

The Super Eagles supremo praised the consistency of the top striker, declaring that even when he has several other options for Emenike, he’s also hoping that the player makes it on time to the set up ahead of the Kenya World Cup qualifier duel, as he’s trying to build a team that has started to gradually take shape.

Chukwu tasks NFF over Eagles

F

ormer Nigerian manager, Christian Chukwu wants the executive committee of the NFF to organise top grade international friendly matches for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

The Super Eagles will host the East Africans in a 2014 World Cup qualifying game at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on March 23.

Chukwu said after the Eagles emerged champions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South

Africa the side have become the team to beat and cannot afford to enter into any contest illprepared.

“It’s now Super Eagles must be adequately prepared for competitions.

We’re African champions, others will want to make history by doing everything to beat us.

“I think we should halt celebration over the AFCON victory and return to work immediately. We don’t have to relax. I’ll suggest we play one or two top friendlies before the encounter against Kenya on

March 23,” said the former Harambee Stars coach to supersport.com.

The former Nigerian defender said if the Super Eagles do their home work very well the Harambee Stars will not pose a hard nut to crack.

“We’re not playing the Kenyans for the first time, we’ve played them severally. Kenya like any other East African side are full of energy capable of playing 120 minutes because of their altitude.

“We must not underrate them. I’m aware they just

recruited a new manager. I don’t expect him to perform magic between now and the time we play them.

“I don’t see them troubling us not now that the Super Eagles are more than ever motivated and riding high after the AFCON win,” said the former Green Eagles’ captain.

Chukwu will want to see new players to further strengthen and inject competition in the team.

“Of course, there is need to bring in new players in the area that is still leaky. I think the move will further add to the competition already in place and make the team stronger,” he said.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. RAPHAEL MMUOH 2. CLEMENT ANI CHAIRMAN 3. DANIEL OKAFOR 4. JERRY UWADIKACHI IFEJIKA SECRETARY 5. IFEANYI PIOUS OKOYE 6. ONYEKACHUKWU OJIAKOR 7. FERDINAND ONYEMACHALU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2. TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES, PARASTATALS, AGENCIES AND CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA OF EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN ANAMBRA STATE AND BEYOND 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.

Top athletes may shun Kenya’s high-attitude training centre

T

op foreign middle and long-distance athletes have reservations about possible violence in Kenya during next month’s Presidential Elections and may shun Kenya’s high-altitude training in Iten village.

Britain’s world women’s marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe and double Olympic champion Mo Farah are among the elite runners who have pounded the dirt tracks criss-crossing the lush green hillsides perched some 2 400 metres above sea level.

However, fears of a repeat of the bloody unrest that followed the last presidential election in 2007 and forced the evacuation of some foreign athletes is scaring international runners away.

“They won’t confirm (hotel bookings). They are saying ‘we would like to come but we will wait and see’,” said Wilson Kipsang, Olympic bronze medallist and 2012 London Marathon winner, who also owns the newly-

opened Keellu hotel in Iten.

Hotel owners say the number of elite athletes booked in for March are down by around half compared with 2012 when runners from Britain, the United States and Scandinavia descended on Iten in the runup to the London Olympics.

“Foreign clubs are often sending us e-mails inquiring about elections and safety,” said Simoens Peter, who runs Iten’s popular Kerio View hotel.

Peter said elite athletes from Belgium, Sweden and Norway were among those who have reserved a space at the hotel but were unwilling to pay the customary 50 percent deposit.

“We have no other choice but to accept it,” Peter said. “We just had a German running club cancel. They have one group here now and another was due to come in March but they pulled out.”

The Rift Valley was the epicentre of ethnic clashes that followed opposition

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABIODUN SALAMI CHAIRMAN 2. OLARENWAJU AKINYEMI SECRETARY 3. OKEOWO OLASIMBO 4. ADETOMIWA ADEDEJI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ENGAGE IN CHARITY WORKS 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

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Mo Farah claims that President Mwai Kibaki’s re-election was a sham. Mobs from the rival Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities set up roadblocks, burned houses and killed with stones and machetes.

Local athletes were also caught up in the violence that killed more than 1 200 people nationwide.

Lucas Sang, the 1988 Olympics 4x400 relay finalist, was killed during a mob fracas in Eldoret, while marathon runner Wesley Ngetich was shot by a poisoned arrow near the Maasai Mara game reserve. Training was disrupted for nearly two months.

Western diplomats and political analysts say violence cannot be ruled out this time. Frontrunners in the presidential vote Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta are running neck-and-neck in the polls.

Luke Kibet, Kenya’s 2007 world marathon champion and friend of murdered Sang, was knocked unconscious and concussed by a stone thrown during riots in Eldoret on New Year’s eve in 2007.

A few weeks later he was forced to fire his pistol in the air when a mob a road and approached him with machetes.

“I think we will be safe this time around,” said Kibet, who gave refuge to women and children in his house during Kenya’s worst outbreak of violence since independence in 1963.

Kibet’s optimism is shared by fellow Kenyan champions. They who say the authorities are

watching out for intertribal hate speech in the runup to the poll and plan to bolster security force numbers in potential flashpoints.

“It has really put people at ease,” said Kipsang. In a vote of confidence, he said, most Kenyan athletes, many of whom have amassed personal fortunes beyond most Kenyans’ dreams, were staying put rather than training abroad.

Deep-seated tensions, primarily over land ownership, have simmered since independence between the local Kalenjin tribe and the Kikuyu community, who obtained tracts of Rift Valley land when the British colonial masters left.

In a country where political support tends to follow ethnic lines rather than ideology, those animosities occasionally flare up, notably around elections.

This vote, though, may be different in the Rift Valley. Uhuru Kenyatta, a prominent Kikuyu, has formed an alliance with Rift Valley favourite William Ruto, a Kalenjin.

Both men face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, accused of masterminding the postelection violence five years ago when they backed rival candidates.

“I don’t hear any fears expressed by the athletes that things are going to get out of hand,” said Brother Colm O’Connell, who coaches Olympic 800 metres champion and world record holder David Rudisha.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED “ORGANISATION” HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED “ORGANISATION” HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1. FAGBEMI FATAI -CHAIRMAN. 2. BAZUNU LUCKY WELLINGTON -SECRETARY. 3. ODOMOKWU SIMON YUSUF. 4. IBE – EKWE CHRISTIAN. 5. ANU OBINALI HYGINUS. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO BRING TOGETHER OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF PALM CRESCENT ESTATE AND PROVIDE FORUM TO DISCUSS AND ADDRESS MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST. 2.TO ENSURE GENERAL AND PROPER MAINTENANCE, ALONGSIDE PURSUE THE SECURITY OF THE ESTATE. 3. TO DEFEND THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGES OF OWNERS/ RESIDENTS OF PALM CRESCENT ESTATE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET 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, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE:1. ONILUDE WALIU DAMILARE - FOUNDER/PRESIDENT. 2. FATAI AZEEZAT - GENERAL COORDINATOR. 2. KASUMU ENIOLA - GENERAL SECRETARY 3. SARAFADEEN AJIBADE - FINANCE COORDINATOR. 4. AJIBOLA KILLA - FOUNDING FATHER. 5. ONILUDE ADIJAT - FOUNDING MOTHER. 6. HAMZAT YUSUFF - STATE COORDINATOR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO IMPROVE STANDARD OF LIVING AMONGST MUSLIM YOUTHS. 2. TO UNITE AND TEACH MUSLIM YOUTHS THE NOBLE BOOK AL- QURAN. 3. TO PROMOTE MUSLIM AS A RELIGION. 4. TO PROMOTE PEACE IN ALL MUSLIMS NATIONS WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN {28} DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: MERITIOUS NIGERIA LIMITED. {0806-4531159 & 0802-3276088}

SIGNED: A & A REHOBOTH LIMITED . 10 ARIYIBI OKE STREET OFF AGEGE MOTOR ROAD, BOLADE OSHODI LAGOS TEL: 0806693 3337, 0812222 2162, 0805514 1597.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.GENTRY OLUMUYIWA AKANBI- CHAIRMAN 2. AJIMO OLA GEORGE 3. KOLAWOLE MOSES OLUDARE- SECRETARY 4. OYEBADE BABATUNDE TIAMIYU 5. ADEJIMI GBENGA SUNDAY 6. MUYIWA OLAGUNJU FRANCIS 7. OLADELE OLADAPO AYODEJI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO FOSTER COOPERATION AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN {28} DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. (SIGNED BY BAR. CHARLES AWOYELE)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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CHANGE OF NAME

OGO OLUWA COMMUNITY MOSQUE GBAGADA

COMMUNIONHOUSE OUTREACH MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI SUARA SANUSI. 2. ALHAJA SIMBIAT OGUNDELE. 3. MR. ABDUL GANIYU AKINGBADE. 4. MR. SIKIRU BABATUNDE JIMOH. 5. MR. ABDULFATAI SHOKUNBI. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE ISLAMIC TEACHING AND AWARENESS. 2. TO FOSTER ISLAMIC UNDERSTANDING THROUGH TRAINING PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION. 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 INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED “ORGANISATION” HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. OSIGWE MARACHI JANE, NOW WISHED TO BE ADDRESSED AS MRS. OKEREMETA MARACHI JANE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTICE.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR DAVID OLUWATOSIN OLADIPUPO 2. PASTOR ABIGAIL TITILOLAOLUWA OLADIPUPO 3. PASTOR VINCENT IBHAZE 4. PASTOR DANIEL NZENWA 5. DEACONESS OLUYEMISI OGUNDIPE. - SECRETARY 6. BRO. BAYO OLUYAMO 7. BRO. SANMI AINA ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN {28} DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: PASTOR DAVID OLUWATOSIN OLADIPUPO

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL COPY OF RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R/ O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO 1227 HAVING AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1329.00 SQ.M LOCATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE B02 OF DURUMI. DATED 12/08/04 BELONGING TO GARBA YOLA OF C/O P.O.BOX 44 JALINGO. NIGERIA IS DECLARED MISSING. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATE.

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ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AGIP LABOUR CONTRACTORS

GENERAL OWOYE ANDREW AZAZI FOUNDATION

HOME OF FAVOUR INT’L CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHIEF INIBIO INENGIBO CHAIRMAN 2.EMEKA NKWEKE VICE CHAIRMAN 3.SIR CHIKE OKWU EX-OFFICIO 4.DANIEL ODU SECRETARY 5.KEVIN AMADI ASST. SECRETARY 6.CHIEF HON. ASOR OWHONDA FIN. SECRETARY 7.IFEANYI OSANEBI ASST. FIN. SECRETARY 8.NOAH AMADIKE TREASURER 9.BENJAMIN ABALI P.R.O. 10.CHIEF OGIDI BRIGGS (JP.) EX-OFFICIO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, PEACE AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.MR. KENIWENIMO EDWARD ETETE 2.MRS. ALERO PATRICIA AZAZI 3.MR. OLAIYA PHILIPS 4.MRS. AKPO-OLADE OKORO 5.BEENA YOUDEOWEI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PROVIDE THE PLATFORM WHERE THE LESS PRIVILEGED YOUTHS IN THE SOCIETY WILL BE ENCOURAGE TO EXTEND THEIR INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY AND ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIALS. 2.TO RENDER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SOME INDIGENT YOUTHS IN THE SOCIETY WHO DESIRED TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION EVEN UP TO HIGHER INSTITUTION. 3.TO PROMOTE, INCULCATE AND TEACH MORAL VALUES TO THE YOUTHS WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE NIGER DELTA, TO ENABLE THEM MAKE POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSIONS’ WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

MR. RUPECT ATEBE (CONSULTANT)

SINED: SECRETARY

SINED: TRUSTEES

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CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

GARDEN OF GOD PRAYER MINISTRY

BRIDGE CROSSERS INTERNATIONAL CLUB

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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.JOSEPH ELOHO ADIA -CHAIRMAN 2.AMBASSADOR, PRINCE VICTOR RICHMOND FAKAH 3.OGHOGHO JOY EMENI 4.ENGR. PROSPER ERAH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, PEACE AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMOTE CONTRACTS IN NIGER DELTA AND ITS ENVIRONS. 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. MR. RUPECT ATEBE (CONSULTANT)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PROPHET BOWOFOLA OMOLEWA CLERGY 2.MRS. OLUWAKEMI OMOLEWA TEACHER 3.MR. SOLOMON ADELEYE PUBLIC SERVANT 4.ELDER ALFRED FOLAYAN PUBLIC SERVANT 5.ELDER SHOLA OLORUNDARE BUSINESS MAN 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: MRS. AFE: 08033343837

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. REV. LUCKY ONAIWU -PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2.PASTOR (MRS.) JANE ONAIWU 3.MARGARET USUNOBUN-JOHNSON 4.ELLIS IYONMONA 5.REV. FESTUS AKHIMIEN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO TAKE CARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED (ORPHANS) AND TO CARE FOR WIDOWS IN THE CHURCH. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSIONS’ WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.BARR. OLUMIDE ADEOLU ADEREMI 2.BARR. YETUNDE KOLAWOLE 3.ENGR. DAVID ADEMOLA OGUNBANWO 4.OBA ADENIJI ADEREMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.PROMOTION OF MEMBERS WELFARE AND DIGNITY. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSIONS’ WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SINED: SECRETARY

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JESUS DISCIPLES ENDTIME INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

NURUN NISA FOUNDATION

RELIEF HEALTH CARE AWARENESS AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION

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. EVANGELIST AISHA BETTY LAWAL PRESIDENT 2.ANTHONY EZEANYIKA SECRETARY 3.JORDAN KUNLE ALADUN 4.MR. BRIAN ESEMA 5.MRS. SUZANE OGBA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH, TEACH AND PROPAGATE THE TOTAL UNADULTERATED AND UNALLOYED GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY. 2. TO AVAIL THE PROPHETIC, HEALING AND DELIVERANCE, PROVISION OF GOD TO ALL MEN INCLUDING THE MEDICALLY INCURABLE AILMENTS THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROCLAIMED IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 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 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.HAUWA BALA 2.JAMEELAH HASSAN EL-RUFAI 3. HADIZA ALFA MUHAMMED 4. KHADIJAH IDRIS 5. ASMA’U ABDULLAHI LIMAN 6.FATIMA SHEHU GIWA 7.FATIMA USMAN 8.MAIJIDDA MAITAMA YUSUF 9. AINA’U IDRIS 10.AYEESHA SANI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROVIDE SKILL ACQUISITION TO THE WIDOWS AND SUPPORT THEM WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS, DEPENDING ON THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES. 2. TO REACH OUT TO CHILDREN IN NEED IN ANY CAPACITY WE CAN 3. TO PROVIDE LEARNING MATERIALS OR FACILITIES TO SCHOOLS ATTENDED

BY THE DOWNTRODDEN 4. TO PUT A SMILE ON THE LIPS OF THE VULNERABLE MUSLIM WOMEN 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 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.MR. JAMES ONSACHI CHAIRMAN 2.MISS. UTITOFONIDARA UMOREN SECRETARY 3.MR. EZEKIEL GABRIEL OTOHINOYI 4.MR. KAMALDEEN UMAR BALOGUN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO CREATE HEALTH 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. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

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PLATEAU CENTRAL CONCERN YOUTHS FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

DAVID ZACHARIAS FOUNDATION

THE FOUNDATION FOR HELP AND AID FOR THE LESS OPPORTUNED

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. DAVID ZACHARIAS 2. PASTOR DAYO SAMUEL OLUTAYO 3. PASTOR MRS BOLU OLUTAYO 4. COMRADE GODWIN OBAJE 5. MOMOH RILWANU 6. MRS JULIANA DAVID 7. ENGR. TAIYE ADETOBI 8. MR. PETER PAUL OGBAJE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP THE POOR AND NEEDY AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO HELP ORPHANS AND WIDOWS. 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 ISHAYA SAMMANI RABO 08024043876

SIGNED MAYDALINE ADESINA SOLICITOR 08036143697

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. MRS OLUFUNKE KARIM 2. PASTOR NOMTHI ODUKOYA 3. MISS OLUWATOBILOBA DAIRO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FACILITATE HEALTHCARE FOR THE LESS OPPORTUNED IN NIGERIA. 2. EDUCATION FOR LESS OPPORTUNED IN NIGERIA. 3. TO PROVIDE FOR THE WELFARE OF LESS OPPORTUNED WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN NIGERIA. 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 OZIEGBE EKHATO 8C, BISKRA STREET, WUSE ZONE 4, ABUJA 08052736839

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CLUB 2010 OF ABUJA

CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE FOUNDATION

CENTER FOR INTERGRITY DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE 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. MATHEW DOKDANG - CHAIRMAN 2. MUHAMMED MAGAJI RABO 3. CHIEF MAHAN DAVID 4. JAMES JOEL DESHIKAT 5. DASHMAN DAWAKI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO UNITE PLATEAU CENTRAL FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES. 2. TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS PEOPLE. 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 CLUB 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. MR. MICHAEL IMOLOAME - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. IPUOLE WILLIAM IYAJI - SECRETARY 3. BASIL OKPALA 4. RICHARD OGAR OKONI 5. STEPHEN ELLAH 6. DANIEL OBODO 7. TERKURA NENGWAR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE LOVE, UNITY AND CO-OPERARTION AND MORAL HELP AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF THE CLUB. 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 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. DR. (MRS) DERE AWOSIKA -PRESIDENT 2. DR. OLUBAYODE OLUGBENGA AWOSIKA 3. HON. LANRE LAOSHE 4. DR. (MRS) LYNDA OSARIEME ERIBO 5. TOLA AWOSIKA - SECERTARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGE AND VULNERABLE PERSONS IN THE SOCIETY ATTAIN FINANCIAL CAPABILITY THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES. 2. TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEDGE TO ACQUIRE & DEVELOP SKILLS TO BECOME ECONOMICALLY VIABLE. 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 CENTER 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. YAKUBU JOSHUA ABDULLAHI - CHAIRMAN 2. JULIANA EUNICE YAHAYA - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. CULTIVATING RIGHT ATTITUDE AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA. 2. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SUSTAINBLE GROWTH & NATION DEVELOPMENT. 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. FREDERICK AJEDE 08034828279, 08056582894

SIGNED N.A. WEYINMI & CO 08033544839

SIGNED CHAIRMAN

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VICTORY OF ZION MINISTRY

THE LAND OF GOLD AND HONEY MINISTRY

AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION

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. PASTOR EDIOMI ELISHA AKPAN 2. HAPPINESS EZIKIEL UDO 3. PATIENCE OKON UKPONG 4. SAMUEL DAVID 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 CIGAK ASSOCIATES

SIGNED BASSEY ETUKUDO ESQ LEGAL TEMPLE AND TEMPLAR WUSE, ABUJA 08037045394

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. PASTOR PROPHET JOSHUA EFFIONG OKON 2. MRS PRECIOUS JOSHUA OKON 3. ANDEM ANDEM BASSEY 4. MRS IYO EDET 5. MISS HELEN OKON ANSA 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 BASSEY ETUKUDO ESQ LEGAL TEMPLE AND TEMPLAR WUSE, ABUJA 08037045394

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GOD’S GOODNEWS MISSION

SICKLE CELL COHORT RESEARCH FOUNDATION

THE VICTORIOUS RECONCILATION REVIVAL MISSION

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.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR SUNDAY BASSEY ETIM 2. ELDER ITUMA JACOB EJE 3. EVANG. MRS GLORY SUNDAY BASSEY 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 BASSEY ETUKUDO ESQ LEGAL TEMPLE AND TEMPLAR WUSE, ABUJA 08037045394

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PAGE 47

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. EKUNDAYO EZEKIEL AJEDEGBA PRESIDENT 2. PAST. UGO GREG OBIAJUNWA INSTRUCTOR 3. CHINWENDU GOODNEWS SECRETARY 4. REV. STEPHEN OSITADIMMA(CRP) 5. REV. JOHN MAXWELL UCHE DIRECTOR EXAMINER 6. PASTOR EZECHIEL ADMIRABLE JESUYON (CRI) 7. PASTOR EMMANUEL OBINNA UKARIE TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO TEACH THE WORD OF GOD AND RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICE ACCORDING GOSPEL 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.

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PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER GENERAL SECRETARY

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THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH. AUDUN KALLA RETAINED 2. ALHAJI GURUNA MALIMA RETAINED 3. KABIRU MODE RESIGNED 4. ALH. ALI ALPHA 5. ALH. GARBA YARO SULEIMAN RETAINED 6. ALH. MOHAMMED GONI RETAINED 7. ALH. BUKAR GADUNE RETAINED 8. ALH. MOHAMMED YA’URI RETAINED 9. ALH. AMADU DAN TAMBUWAL RETAINED 10. ALH. ISAH MADU RETAINED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH. DANLAMI NA SARKIN PAWA APPOINTED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. IDORO OCHUKO MAXWELL PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN 2. DR. ROSEANN ABEI IDORO MEMBER 3. IZUCHUKWU PETER UDOKWU (DR) SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROCLAIM THE OUTSTANDING GREATNESS AND VIRTURE, OF THE FATHER TO THE WORLD. 2. TO PRACTICALLY DEMONSTRATE GOD’S LOVE TO THE WORLD AND OUR AVAILABILITY AS THE ARM OF THE FATHER. 3. TO PENETRATE THE RACIAL, GENDER, SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BARRIER TO SHOW FORTH THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS AND LOVE OF THE FATHER TO THE WORLD. 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.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR NATHANIEL IDAHOSA 2. PASTOR BEATRICE IDAHOSA 3. MR ERHABOR OMORODION CURTIS 4. MRS NWAEKE FIDELIA 5. MR THOMAS IKHIFA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO SERVE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP FOR BELIEVERS IN CHRIST JESUS. 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: IZE OMORUYI ESQ 08036568686

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. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE If, contrary to our prayers, Governor Suntai does not return to continue in office, it means that the acting governor will have to continue — A member of Taraba state House of Assembly

SPORTS INTRODUCING YOUNG VOICES LA TEST LATEST

Ogunbote makes case for indigenous coaches

F

ormer Sunshine Stars handler, Gbenga Ogunbote, has lent his voice to the increasing call for more respect for indigenous coaches in the country.

Speaking against the backdrop of Stephen Keshi's achievement and issues that led to his sudden resignation from the Super Eagles' top job, Ogunbote insisted football authorities must show due respect to the coaches.

Ogunbote, who took the Akure side to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League last season, asserted that Nigeria have some of the best coaches in Africa and wondered why administrators do prefer to work with mediocre coaches from Europe.

He said all that the indigenous coaches to need to excel just like Keshi did at the just concluded AFCON tournament is motivation and an environment conducive to work.

He was also the coach of outstanding defender Godfrey Oboabona who shone brightly at the tournament in South Africa where the Super Eagles emerged winners.

"I have always known that we have good coaches in the country.

Nobody gave Stephen Keshi a chance to do well at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation. But he showed that he has come of age with the way he handled the team all through the competition.

"And when you look at the home-based players at the tournament, you will realised they have also gone through good coaching at their clubs.

There might be constraints, but we have proven that the odds we face have not derailed our desire to do the best we can.

"I know that we still have a lot to learn in the art of coaching. But the relevant authorities should also give us the needed encouragement to always do well," Ogunbote said.

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Our fourth young voice this year is 31 year old Biodun Shaiban, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is an integrity engineer by training. He has huge interests in the Nigerian polity and understands the need to contribute enormously to help Nigeria truly develop.

NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

finding 'credible' people from the south or even the south-south to contest at their presidential primaries; they may as well be ready to stay in the opposition till 2019. As it stands, with some manipulations of votes in the North and most votes in the south, you can be sure Jonathan will win the elections.

Due to our unnecessary sentimental and emotional attachments, you will frequently and still hear 'just leave him alone', 'he is our son', 'it is our turn' etc. A lot of people in the south still believe power has stayed too long in the north, and they will never reason

What time is it 'twittering collective children of anger'?

By Biodun Shaiban

A

rticles upon articles, day after day; I have read a lot of them and I am beginning to get apathetic. Though, I have found a lot of the articles fascinating and interesting, especially with the fanciful use of words and grammar, I sometimes wonder if they are having the desired effect.

I believe too much time is spent on social media, much more on reading and writing articles because most of the articles harp on the same point - deficiency of competent and upright leadership.

These articles appear monotonous, result in reader apathy and only a minute amount of Nigerians end up reading the whole length of articles anyway. I am not sure if any article will be read by more than a hundred thousand people (this is a very generous estimate because only very few political personalities on social media have such a huge followership) out of a population of over 150 million people. That is less than 0.07% of the Nigerian population. You can then begin to appreciate just how many people out there we are reaching with the 'change' message.

Nigeria is a country where common sense is not so common.

That is why you see most spiritual leaders live in opulence and extravagance and still continue to be supported and worshipped by their congregation even though majority of the worshippers are struggling financially. That is why you see a community consisting of men and women engaging in extrajudicial killings in broad daylight.

It is also why the 'Stockholm syndrome' is prevalent here too.

Yes, most people will sing and dance to praises of our past and present rulers. I still wonder till this day how on earth our president got to garner so much support and votes during the 2011 elections especially in the south of the country given the knowledge of his poor charisma in the public domain.

His refusal to participate in a debate with other presidential aspirants said it all. Besides, here is

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a man who always carried on with business as usual when he was deputy governor, governor, vice president and acting president before he became Nigeria's number one citizen. He was in the public eye for most of the time, but the electorate still could not properly vet him. This is a man who had been tested several times and whose performances have been abysmal and a joke at best.

How on earth did you expect him to change overnight once he won a fresh term? Nigerians chorused: 'We voted for Jonathan and not the PDP'.

But since Nigeria practices what could pass for a democracy, no matter how ridiculous and unreasonable the system may seem, whoever gets the majority vote becomes the leader, or so we were taught in high school.

This is a sad fact the enlightened minority has to deal with. Which is why the onus is on the few enlightened ones to work tirelessly to show most of the populace 'the light'; otherwise Nigeria may never get the change she needs. The minority will go about this by reaching out to other Nigerians outside the social media stratosphere, especially those at the grassroots (the bus drivers, keke napep drivers, okada men, cab drivers, market men and women, welders, vulcanizers, farmers, carpenters, tailors, cattle rearers, teachers, lecturers, students, traders, barbers, petty goods sellers etc in all the nooks and crannies of the nation).

Most of the people at the grassroots are not on social media and unfortunately they are the majority. Most of them do not even read newspapers because they cannot afford to. A few listen to radio and sometimes watch TV depending on factors such as electricity and affordability.

Therefore, the masses need to be reached physically on the streets, rural areas, work places, farms, motor parks etc. I will admit that reaching out to them will not be an easy task especially because it involves huge funds, but that is what needs to be done: advertising,

personal selling, direct marketing and public relations.

There is a need for effective communication between the politicians/activists and the grassroots (who are the majority).

The message must not necessarily involve a lot of noise. There is too much noise on social and print media already! Majority of Nigerians are almost always on the go and battling with the necessities of life and don't have the patience to read articles with hundreds or thousands of words. The messages have to be tailored to each target market, audience or area. All regions need to be reached out to by the opposition parties. I am not sure if CPC or Buhari set foot or significantly reached out to the south-south during the last presidential elections. I am not sure if that can be justified.

The people should be galvanized and forged into a major force for election purposes because the enlightened ones amongst us all agree that for Nigeria to be much more progressive there should be a change of the party calling the shots at the federal level. If anyone thinks the PDP will ever change its selfish and sinister ways, the person needs to get his/her head examined. I also believe that the opposition parties, especially the ACN and CPC have a lot of shortcomings they need to work on. At least one of them should nevertheless be better than the PDP. The opposition should learn to turn problems into opportunities.

Since most Nigerians are sentimental or emotional, that could be an opportunity. If most Nigerians are yearning for any particular religion, tribe or ethnicity, why not encourage people from such backgrounds to vie at the party primaries and let there be true internal democracy and no imposition of candidates?

I am not sure if the opposition parties can figure out by now that Jonathan will definitely impose himself on his party in 2015 and run in the presidential elections. If they are not looking at mirroring his candidacy by now, I mean

that it is better for a credible person from the north to take over from Jonathan especially when he is yet to complete his '8 year tenure birthright'. For those thinking there would be no manipulations of votes because of the recent Edo and Ondo elections, I think they are deluded.

It is easy for the opposition to deploy their resources and monitor one single state election in a single day but the presidential elections will hold simultaneously in all states on the same day. In this case, I am not sure if the opposition has the human and financial resources to monitor and checkmate the PDP in all 36 states and the FCT on Election Day. Reports have it that even opposition party officials, including CPC took money from PDP officials to look the other way round during the 2011 presidential elections. A single election day would be overwhelming for the opposition.

Now, only myopic people/ parties will have their views fixated on only one candidate and will say he is the only one who can 'fix' Nigeria. There are other 'credible' people from all parts of the country.

I use the word 'credible' because the reality is that there is no successful politician anywhere in the world who is completely honest and not tainted. That is just one of the numerous facts we need to deal with.

As mentioned earlier, I do not expect majority of Nigerians who are pivotal to the outcome of the 2015 elections to read this article because of course it is too long and will only find its way into social and print media-channels only a handful of rural folks have access to. I think it is time for the 'twittering collective children of anger' to leave the comfort of their offices, homes, cars and reach out to the grassroots if they desire genuine change. I expect the opposition politicians and activists to prepare adequately ahead of the 2015 elections. We have very little time on our hands to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.

You can engage the writer on twitter via his handle @beeshaiban

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