Binder1

Power supply drops, FG blames vandals P.6

Nebo

Vol. 5 N0. 1103

Military conceals identity of rescued Boko Haram victims P.4

‘PDP defectors will return with empty stomach’ Mu’azu, NWC not sacked –Metuh P.6

Jonathan

Friday, May 1, 2015

APC fights back

...says Jonathan’s ‘anger’ on transition misplaced

N150 OBIORA IFOH AND OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

A

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration of plotting to hinder a smooth handover CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Women and children rescued from insurgents by Nigerian troops in Sambisa forest, yesterday.

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Fuel scarcity: Marketers disown tanker drivers over N20bn

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We’ve paid over N500bn to oil marketers since December –FG

Lagos generates N2.43trn revenue in 8 years

P.5

News

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Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel scarcity: Marketers disown tanker drivers over N20bn TOLA AKINMUTIMI, UDEME AKPAN, KEMI OLAITAN AND CHIDI UGWU

T

he ongoing fuel scarcity appears set for the worst as major marketers yesterday said they would not be able to pay the N20bn owed tanker drivers, even after getting the N156bn part-payment of their outstanding fuel subsidy claims from the Federal Government.

Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Femi Olawore, confirmed during a telephone chat with National Mirror that the amount paid by government was too meager based on total indebtedness of N350bn.

He clarified that the N156bn was not paid to MOMAM members alone but also included claims by fuel importers.

Olawore said there was a great need for the government to state clearly when and how the balance would be paid to enable MOMAN members go into agreements with others, adding that without such commitment it would be impossible for MOMAN to negotiate with the National Association of Road Trans-

port Owners, NARTO and Petrol Tanker Drivers, PTD. He explained: “We have not been meeting or discussing with NARTO and PTD because there is no point discussing when we have no funds to pay them. We can only call them for negotiation when we are sure that there is adequate funds to settle their outstanding.”

However, both NARTO and PTD said they would not call off the strike until their N20bn debt is paid.

During a telephone interview, spokesman of the tanker drivers, Mr. Abdulkabir Garuba, vowed never to resume petrol lifting from any depot in the country

until the outstanding debt is settled.

Garuba said: “We will not call off the strike until the debt is paid. The leaders of our group have worked very hard and everyone has been mobilised for the strike.

Certainly, there is no going back.”

The Federal Government in a statement issued by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed that the N156bn promised the marketers has been paid.

Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, stated that the payment was in line with

the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritise payment to marketers in spite of revenue constraints.

He clarified the two components of the payment as consisting of the cash backing of the N100bn IOU which the marketers were given in March as well as N56bn in interest payments for the marketers according to the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, template.

According to government, the outstanding amount owed the marketers as certified by the PPPRA now stands at N98bn.

“The N156bn is the latest in a series of significant

payments made to the oil marketers within the last five months. These include over N300bn paid in two installments in December last year and N31bn in interest differentials recently. In all, oil marketers have received over N500bn within the past five months.

“The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance has urged the marketers to appreciate the efforts being made by the Federal Government to meet up with their payments and reciprocate with some understanding of the situation of Nigerians who should not suffer more. She urged the

marketers to sustain the distribution and supply of fuel to end the suffering of Nigerians at fuel stations.

“The Federal Government has made maximum effort, in spite of the wellknown fact that the fall in oil prices has significantly reduced national revenues, to prioritise payments to marketers. For the sake of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of fuel scarcity, the marketers should reciprocate in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation in which we have always tried to engage them,” Nwabuikwu stated.

Meanwhile, a market survey of the downstream CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Secretary General, World Customs Organisation, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya and other heads of customs administration in West and Central Africa, after their meeting with President Jonathan in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

APC fights back, says Jonathan’s ‘anger’ on transition misplaced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of power on May 29, as it is becoming apparent that it will not fully cooperate with the incoming government despite its public posturing in that regard.

APC in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also described as an act of hostility and a patently-misplaced aggression the unnecessary vituperation against the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration by the Jonathan government, ostensibly because of the terms of reference of the Buhari Transition Committee, but which in reality was part of an orchestrated plot to sabotage the transition.

Rejecting the continued blackmail of the incoming administration by the Jonathan government as a result of President Jonathan’s concession of defeat, APC wondered whether the con-

cession, gracious as it was, has now become a shield for all wrongdoings.

It said: “We are sick and tired of being blackmailed by the Jonathanians. General Buhari won the March 28 presidential elections fair and square, having satisfied both constitutional and other statutory requirements.

“We have no apology for our victory, and the concession of defeat – while it may have increased the political stock of President Jonathan – has by no means diminished the historic and emphatic victory of General Buhari and the APC.” Justifying its claim of plots by the Jonathan administration to hinder smooth transition of power, APC said while the outgoing government had earlier issued a memo to all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, to make sure their handover notes are ready by April 20, the

same government has now reversed itself and said the handover notes will not be ready until May 14.

Mohammed said: “With the new date, the Buhari Transition Committee will have little or no time to take a thorough look at the handover notes or seek clarification on knotty issues, effectively handing it (Buhari Transition Committee) a fait accompli as far as the handover notes are concerned. This does not augur well for a smooth transition and gives the impression that the outgoing administration has something to hide.

“By its dillydallying on the date for the readiness of the handover notes from the MDAs, the administration’s posturing that it is ready to hand over has been exposed as nothing but a smokescreen.”

APC also described as illogical and strange the claim

by the Jonathan administration that the President-elect is trying to set up a parallel government simply because he has set up his own Transition Committee and given it terms of reference meant to guide members on the discharge of their duties, wondering how on earth those terms of reference have become the concern of the outgoing Federal Executive Council, FEC. It said: “In case the FEC has forgotten, General Buhari of the APC was declared winner of the March 28 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. General is therefore today the President-elect and the APC the incoming governing party. It is therefore illogical to accuse the President-elect and the incoming government of setting up a parallel government.

“It is either the outgoing

FEC has something to hide or is bent on sabotaging the incoming government.

There can be no other reasons for the misplaced aggression that was exhibited in that ill-intentioned, unprovoked and vitriolic statement from the Jonathan government.”

It said that in order to put the matter beyond doubt, APC has decided to publish in full the terms of reference in question so that Nigerians can judge for themselves whether there is anything suggestive of intimidation or running a parallel government in the document.

Warning those it called Jonathanians not to overstretch the goodwill which the President has earned by his gracious concession even before INEC officially declared General Buhari winner of the March 28 poll, Mohammed said while it was momentous, it was not

unprecedented in Africa, where power has changed hands peacefully between ruling and opposition parties in several nations.

He said: “Are they now saying that because the President conceded defeat, the incoming administration can no longer ask legitimate questions or seek clarifications that may arise from the handover notes.

“We will not surrender to any blackmail, subtle or otherwise. We shall ask questions and ask for explanations and clarifications whenever and wherever we deem such necessary. We cannot run a transparently honest government or fight corruption if we are prevented from asking legitimate questions and seeking clarifications from the outgoing government during the transition process. Let the Jonathan administration not tie our hands beCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 1, 2015

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Photo News

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Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Daily Editor, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Seyi Fasugba; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Sunday Olajide; CEO, Med-View Airline Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; Head of Flight Operation, Capt. Geofrey Ogbogu and Head of Engineering, Engr. Lookman Animashaun, during a courtesy visit to the airline’s corporate office in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Chairman on the occasion/former Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Justice Olayinka Ayoola; Guest Speaker/Associate Dean Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Prof. Mariana Prado; Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe; her husband/Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) and Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, during the 2015 PANUKA Annual lecture in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN.

L-R: Manager, VAS and Data Propositions, Ademuyiwa Ashiru; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Olubayo Adekanmbi; General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Richard Iweanoge and Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing, Emeka Anasiudu, during the launch of MTN APPtitude campaign in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State, Mr. Kayode Opeifa; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Najeem Usman, during a joint Lagos mega rally on enduring safe road culture, yesterday.

National News

Military conceals identity of rescued Boko Haram victims …troops kill sect commanders, capture 13 camps UBONG UKPONG, INUSA NDAHI, DARE AKOGUN AND ADEOLA TUKURU

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he military yesterday concealed the identities of women and girls so far rescued from the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, even as it said its operations are not targeted at the abducted Chibok school girls.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, also disclosed that more victims of Boko Haram abduction were being rescued.

He said troops also killed several field commanders and foot soldiers, capturing 13 camps, including weapons and logistics of the terrorists

in the forest.

The DHQ had on Tuesday announced the rescue of 200 girls and 93 women from the forest, adding that the victims were undergoing thorough profiling to verify their identities.

Speaking yesterday, about 48 hours after their rescue, Olukolade claimed that the identities of the victims were still unknown to the military.

He said: “Whoever they may be, the important thing is that Nigerians held captive under very severe and inhuman condition have been freed by our gallant troops.

“The true identity of some of the rescued women and girls are yet to be ascertained.

“At the moment, what is uppermost and of priority is their movement to a conducive place where they are now

undergoing thorough profiling to verify their true identity; where they come from, how they found themselves in the forest, etc.

“Additional number of persons are still being recovered from the forest. Until such comprehensive profiling is done, nobody can confirm whether they are among the Chibok girls or not.”

Expressing great delight at the ongoing operations, Olukolade said the main objective is to decimate and clear terrorists from the forest which is their last bastion.

“Over 13 terrorists camps, including the notorious Tokumbere camp in Sambisa forest have been captured.

Other camps overran and destroyed by troops include, Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai, Jigide, Koto-

rima, Lagura Bello, Lagina Fulani, among others. ”Several field commanders and foot soldiers of the terrorist group have lost their lives, some armoured personnel carriers, Bufallo vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles were destroyed by troops.

“Also recovered from the fleeing terrorists were a number of anti-aircraft guns, General Purpose Machine Guns, GPMG, Rocket Propelled Grenades, RPG, and several AK 47 rifles. “Unfortunately though, we lost one soldier in the course of the operation, while 10 others have so far been wounded.

“The joy and sense of hope being expressed by many Nigerians on hearing about the rescue operation is therefore understandable.

“We would like to reassure them that the momentum of this operation will be sustained until that Sambisa forest is comprehensively cleaned out and all Nigerians held captive within the bowels of the forest are rescued.

“There is great hope for the recovery of more hostages of the terrorists.

“Already, the dislodged and disorganised terrorists are in flight on different directions and running helterskelter in the expansive forest.

“There is no longer any respite or sanctuary for them; they will be pursued and tracked down not minding the daunting challenges in the mission, including hundreds of land mines and difficult terrain of the Sambisa forest.

“It should be noted however that the essence of this operation is not to kill every-

body in sight.

“We encourage any of the combatants who is desirous to surrender to come out, as the forest will no more be tenable as a haven for their activities.

“In the same vein, innocent civilians among those in flight are also encouraged to report themselves to the troops.

“We will continue to treat civilians in the most professional and humane way,” he said.

Reactions have been trailing the rescue of the abducted victims, with Amnesty International describing the development as encouraging.

Amnesty, in a statement yesterday however said the rescue efforts is only a small step in securing the safety of the thousands of women and girls abducted by the armed group since 2014.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, May 1, 2015

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Lagos generates N2.43trn revenue in 8 years

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agos State government yesterday said it has generated N2,43trn since the present administration came into office eight years ago.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze, gave the figure at the 2015 ministerial news conference in Ikeja.

The commissioner explained that the total revenue accrued to the state from its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and other sources.

Akabueze, who also put the aggregate budget performance for the period at 79 per cent said the high revenue speaks of the fact that the state`s economy is stable and sustainable.

The commissioner dismissed the thinking in some quarters that the state is burdened by debts, saying only a negligible percentage of its annual revenue went into debt servicing.

He also allayed fears expressed in some quarters that the recent downgrad-

ing of the state`s economy from BB+ to BB by Fitch meant the state`s economy is weak, saying it was strong and stable.

Akabueze said the government, through sound financial budgetary and financial management had ensured that the state had the lowest poverty level in the country.

The commissioner said the state received N15bn in donor support for various Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and projects

within the period under review.

He said the total counterpart funding for its various programmes and projects from various sources was N27.2bn for the period under review.

The commissioner added that the state government, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, spent N6,89bn on no fewer than 657 projects during the period.

He said the projects cov-

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute; Minister of State for Defence, Col. Austine Akobundu (rtd); United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James Entwistle and Minister of Information, Sen. Patricia Akwashiki, during the inauguration of Ebola vaccine study and commissioning of Clinical Research Centre in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

ered areas in health, sanitation, water, education and others.

“The Federal Government contributed N3.7bn, the state provided counterpart funding of N2.5bn, while the local governments provided N520m for

the projects,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the government’s performance in the implementation of the MDGs projects, saying the goals of the UN development programme had been met by the state.

Buhari hails workers’ sacrifices in face of economic ordeals OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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resident-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has extolled the sacrifices of the Nigerian working class in the face of tough economic climate in the country.

In his May Day message to Nigerian workers, Buhari said he was fully aware of the hardships of the working class, which he said, was compounded by poor governance and large-scale pervasive corruption in the country.

According to him, the Nigerian working class is among the worst hit social group on account of poor living standards, a situation, he said was inconsistent with the country’s vast oil wealth.

The President-elect expressed dismay at the paradox of Nigeria’s oil wealth, characterised by rising pov-

erty, while a few corrupt officials are making themselves very rich at the expense of people’s wealth.

He also regretted the fact that honest labour has been relegated to the background.

He warned that a country that sacrifices honesty in favour of quick wealth by whatever means could not expect to achieve progress and respect in the eyes of other nations.

Buhari reassured workers that his incoming administration would be fully committed to boosting their morale in order to increase productivity and income.

He explained that productivity is directly related to the development of the economy, adding that his incoming administration would increase incentives for the workers in order to boost their income.

APC fights back, says Jonathan’s ‘anger’ on transition misplaced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

hind our back just because he conceded defeat after losing an election.”

To avoid any form of lopsidedness in the allocation of offices, the leadership of the APC is setting up a committee to review all allocation and distribution of appointments in Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The party has also laid to rest fears concerning zoning of political appointments, insisting that up till present, no position has been zoned to anyone.

Speaking with reporters at the Defence House office of the President-elect during a courtesy visit by leaders of the APC in the South East, Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, said: “Committee is being set up to review the entire zoning thing, there has not been any zoning at all; that is what I may call specula-

tion.

“It was not real because it (zoning formula) did not come from the APC or us; it was a mere committee reports. But right now, a committee is being set up to review all those allocation and distribution of appointments in Nigeria.”

Okorocha who was flanked by former governor of Abia state, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and Senator Chris Ngige, said the South East leaders visited, first to congratulate the President-elect for a well-deserved victory and to reassure him that the South East would be behind him through this administration and prayed for God’s wisdom and health to enabling him carry out the task of governance in Nigeria.

He said: “The South East played a very key role in the victory of General Buhari, considering what happened in 2011 when the Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP, returned about seven million votes; but this time, it is no longer possible; we were able to do the best we can to have returned 1.3 million from Imo, 1.4 million from Abia, 1.2 million from Ebonyi and 1.1 million from Anambra, and we reassure him that in the next dispensation the entire South East will be APC.” On what the South East would be looking forward to in an APC Federal Government, the governor who is also the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum said:, “Well, we know that the President-elect is a fair person.

He is a man who believe in justice, equity and fair play. The South East is one of the triphods upon which this nation stands and we believe that what is good for A is also good for B; it is not a specific thing but we know that in the South East we not be left out in the po-

litical equation of Nigeria in terms of distribution of infrastructure and federal appointments..

“It is too early in the day

to say anything; remember we are one party and our party is like a family. In fact, we don’t see the different in the ethnic groups; we see

ourselves as one. But we believe that what is good for one is good for everybody; we are not being specific about which demand.”

Fuel scarcity: Marketers disown tanker drivers over N20bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

operations showed that the fuel shortage situation has worsened in Lagos and its environs as well as other parts of the nation.

National Mirror’s investigations showed that there were long fuel queues in Lagos and its environs yesterday following awareness that the tanker drivers were resolute on sustaining the strike.

Our correspondent noticed that some illegal operators seized the situation to sell fuel at exorbitant prices along Western Avenue, Ikorodu Road and other areas.

For instance, four litres and 10 litres went for as high as N2, 500 and N5,000 respectively especially as there was no pres-

ence of officials of the Department of petroleum Resources, DPR, to enforce order.

In the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the scarcity took worsening dimensions with more filling stations which hitherto opened for business closing down.

Motorists are facing hard time with many who are unable to source the commodity parking their cars at home.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation reports that major stations which usually are the last resorts for motorists also closed shop yesterday.

The acute scarcity dominated major discussion in public places within the metropolis,

with many foreseeing more frustrations if the trend continues into the coming weeks.

A motorist, Chinedu Achianu said the situation has forced him to abandon his car in his office since last week, adding that the stress which the scarcity has created for many was better imagined than experienced.

Another motorist, Olayinka Adebayo stated that she spent thirteen hours on Tuesday in a queue without success.

“I spent a whole 13 hours under the scorching sun of Abuja on Tuesday only to be told later they have stopped selling. I will have to park my car if I exhaust the fuel in my tank,” she said.

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National News

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP defectors will return hungry –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who defected to the All Progressives Party, APC, would return to the party with empty stomach.

According to him, PDP is still the dominant party in the country despite the loss recorded in the March 28 presidential election.

Speaking during submission of report of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO, headed by Dr. Ahmadu Ali, the President insisted

…Ifeanyi Ubah weeps that PDP is the most organised party to which anyone could aspire for any position.

“I encourage our members to remain loyal to the party, not to be so disillusioned because we lost presidential election and decide to go where they think they will fill their stomachs or something.

It’s not easy, I have been here for five years plus; you hardly satisfy even 15 per cent of those who work for you.

“So, those already crosscarpeting will come back

on empty stomach because they will touch the primary members of their party before they get to you. They know you are coming because you are hungry, before it will get to you the food will be gone,” Jonathan said.

He charged members of the party to continue to bond together and work hard ahead of the 2019 elections as the party would become stronger.

He commended PDP members for the sacrifice they have made in the interest of the party, urging

that PDP should not be judged by the result of the elections.

Jonathan said it was imperative that the nation moves forward, stressing that political parties can only thrive in the atmosphere of peace and stability.

He told the party members that he never consulted anybody before calling General Muhammadu Buhari on phone to congratulate him on his victory in the presidential election.

While thanking members for the roles played

during the elections, he charged them to be more committed to the development of the party.

Earlier, Ali commended Jonathan for showing exemplary leadership and making the party proud despite losing to APC. He noted that Jonathan had helped the country avert a possible civil war by conceding defeat.

Yesterday’s submission of report by the PDPPCO attracted top members of

Power supply drops from 4,500 to 2,921mw …vandals kill six NSCDC officers, abduct three OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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L-R: Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman; Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Dele Alonge; his Navy counterpart, Commodore Kabir Aliyu and Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, during the update on counter-terrorism operations in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP govs didn’t demand Mu’azu, NWC’s sack –Metuh OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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ational Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says it is not in dispute with PDP Governors’ Forum or any other organ of the party.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said “NWC was never asked to resign by the forum of governors or any other organ of the party for that matter.

“For the avoidance of doubt therefore, the NWC states that at no time was the National Chairman of our great party, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu, walked out of

the meeting of the governors, neither was he in any way ill-treated at that meeting contrary to reports in some section of the media.

“To put the records straight, our national chairman upon invitation by the governors attended the meeting alongside our Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and National Legal Adviser, Barr. Victor Kwon, and left after a brief and fruitful discussion with the governors. He was not at any time asked to resign and nothing close to such was ever insinuated at the meeting.

“For purposes of clarification, the National Working Committee as a duly elected organ of the party

has a constitutionally guaranteed tenure which expires in March 2016. It is therefore focused on galvanising every organ and interests within the PDP with a view to re-engineering it for the task ahead.

“To this end, the NWC is currently working hand in hand with strategic stakeholders including PDP governors towards repositioning our great party and regaining power at the center by 2019.

“In this regard, the National Working Committee in its meeting on Wednesday April 29, constituted a special committee under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The committee member-

ship is drawn from all the key stakeholders of the party including members of the forum of governors.

“Furthermore, the NWC states that it holds the PDP Governors’ Forum in very high esteem, especially its chairman, Governor Godswill Akpabio, who has worked assiduously for the progress of the party.

“Finally, the NWC restates that it enjoys the confidence and respect of all our organs and structures across board, particularly the PDP governors who individually and collectively appreciate that the supremacy of the party is more important than anything else at this point in time.”

the PDP including Ifeanyi Ubah of Transformation Agenda of Nigeria, TAN, who wept at the event because of the party’s defeat at the polls.

Also in attendance were PDP Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, Tony Anenih; former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi; Special Adviser to the President on Political matters, Rufa’i Alkali, and cabinet ministers.

ederal Government has blamed the current dip in power supply on activities of economic saboteurs, saying while as at April 3, Nigeria had about 4,500 megawatts, the figure came to as low as 2,921mw yesterday.

Government attributed the development to the attack on some of its gas pipelines. It said unlike petroleum pipeline vandals, who criminally scoop the products for sale, the gas pipeline vandals were only out to sabotage the country by breaking the pipelines while the gas evaporates.

This was disclosed yesterday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dr Godknows Igali, at a meeting with the management of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as major stakeholders in the nation’s energy sector.

Igali assured Nigerians of government’s commitment to reverse the trend by extending greater support and collaboration to the security agencies and other stakeholders.

“Vandalisation of power sector infrastructure is becoming the most troubling form of terrorism against the sector in our country.

Privatisation of the sector is not the problem; the new owners when they took over, expanded their capacities. The distribution companies have done same too, but the challenge is that

while they are doing these, there are some unscrupulous elements that at night vandalise the gas pipelines.

“It is a form of sabotage as they do not even get any benefit, because the gas evaporates when they attack the pipelines unlike when they attack the oil pipelines.

“On April 3, the nearest reference point, we had 4,500 mw, but as at today (Thursday), it has gone down to 2,921 mw,” he said.

This came even as the NSCDC said no fewer than six of its personnel have been killed by vandals since January this year.

Also, three officials of the corps who were abducted by vandals within the period under review are yet to be found. Both incidents occurred in Lagos and Rivers states.

Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, who stated this, however announced that within the same period, 50 persons have been convicted and sentenced for engaging in acts of vandalism.

“As at yesterday (Wednesday), four persons were sentenced in Delta, two in Rivers. We are also taking some cases to courts in Lagos, Imo and Rivers,” he said. He added that the Nigerian Navy has also made useful arrests and handed the suspects to the NSCDC. He said in Port Harcourt, the corps was already auctioning not less than 100 trailers and another 100 smaller vehicles which were seized from vandals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, May 1, 2015

7

Why FG sacked former NPA Boss Francis Ezem

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trong indications emerged yesterday that decision of the Federal Government to relieve Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, of his post might not be unconnected with the just concluded general elections.

Competent sources close to the Federal Ministry of Transport hinted that the ruling Peoples Democracy Party, PDP, which lost its bid

to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan for another four years discovered that the former NPA boss worked against the success of the party at the polls.

According to the source, Mallam Abdullahi, who hails from Kano State, has remained a political ally of the incumbent governor of the state, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwazo, who is a stalwart of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. Kwankwazo had contested the APC presidential primary with the President-

elect, General Muhammandu Buhari, who picked the ticket alongside Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Sam NdaIsaiah.

It was gathered that the leadership of PDP believed the party would latch on the influence of the former NPA boss to garner some votes from the state, which is critical to the ability of the PDP to win the presidential election, being an APC-controlled state and the stronghold of General Buhari, who was a major contender

to President Goodluck Jonathan, who eventually lost the election.

The source also disclosed that it became obvious to PDP few days to the election that the sacked NPA boss was not working for the party, but by the time the party realised this, it had become too late to sack him, as that would send a very wrong signal to the Nigerian public.

“Left to President Jonathan alone, he was most reluctant to relieve him of his duty because of the alleged betrayal, but the party insisted he must go so as to serve

as a lesson to others who were alleged to have played similar roles or who might want to play such role in the future,” the source hinted.

The source said to assuage ill-feelings, the Federal Government had to appoint a replacement from Kano State so as to assure the people of the state, especially those that stood behind the party in the elections that the government has nothing against them.

Maritime industry, which also reacted to the sudden news of the sack of former NPA boss, expressed reservations, saying that change was the only constant thing

in life.

Abdullahi, who was executive director in charge of finance and administration, was appointed managing director of NPA, in August 2013 to replace Mallam Oman Suleiman, who was also on the saddle for about two years.

President Jonathan had following his sack, approved the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, whose appointment took effect from yesterday.

Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero is the first child of the immediate past Emir of Kano, late Dr. Ado Bayero.

May Day celebration: Osun workers divided over boycott Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO.

I

Traffic on Abuja-Kubwa Expressway at Gwarimpa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

No going back on LG election —RSIEC Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

R

ivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, yesterday said there was no going back in conducting the local government election schedule for May 23, 2015.

This came barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Lambo Akanbi adjourned till further notice on the matter seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing Voters Register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and the Rivers State government for the conduct of local government election in the state.

Reacting to the court’s judgment in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by RSIEC Commissioner in Charge of Legal Services, Kathryn Ajayi said the court did not make any order restraining INEC from releasing the official voters register to RSIEC, or restraining the commission from conducting the elections.

The statement reads: “It has come to the notice of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, that the public has been grossly misinformed about the ruling of the court in the matter between PDP and INEC, RSIEC, and three others.

“It becomes imperative for the commission to refute the claim. The commission therefore, wishes to set

the records straight for the avoidance of doubt.

“The general public and all stakeholders in the forthcoming council polls scheduled for May 23, 2015, in 22 local government councils of Rivers State are hereby informed that the Federal High Court did not make any order restraining INEC from releasing the official voters register to RSIEC, or restraining RSIEC from conducting the elections.

“Neither did the court make any ruling to that or similar effect,” it said.

It described the report in a section of media as a deliberate attempt to misinform Rivers people who are eagerly waiting for the opportunity to vote in leaders at the local government level.

Continuing, the state-

ment said, “We wish therefore to urge the general public and political parties to disregard the false information in the public domain and continue with the electoral activities as scheduled.

“27 of the 28 registered political parties have collected the expression of intent forms to take part in the election,” it said.

Jega

ndications emerged yesterday that workers in Osun State may have resolved to shun activities lined up for this year’s celebration of May Day today.

Although there were obvious moves by some leaders of labour movement in the state to mobilise workers for the celebrations expected to hold at Osogbo Government Technical College, Iwo Road, but investigations by National Mirror revealed that majority of workers rejected outright any form of celebration when they are being owed about five months salaries.

Another reason being advanced by workers, who spoke under condition of anonymity, was factionalisation of labour movement in the state, with the emergence of two different executives at the election into the state’s executive positions of NLC held recently.

Commenting, Chairman, Ayuba Wabba faction of the NLC in Osun State, Comrade Adekomi Babatunde, confirmed the decision of labour congress to have “a lowkey celebration” of May Day. He urged workers to exercise patience and assured that his administration had made prompt payment of workers’ salary its first priority.

Meanwhile, two rights groups, Democratic Socialist Movement, DSM, and Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice, CHRSJ, have

urged workers to declare total industrial action to press home their demands for salary from state government.

In separate press statements signed by DSM coordinator and Secretary, Alfred Adegoke and Kola Ibrahim, and CHRSJ Executive Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, condemned divisions within the labour union in the state, urging the body, especially NLC, TUC and the affiliate unions, to declare mass rallies, pickets and protests across the state to demand immediate payment of workers’ salary arrears and accumulated pensions and gratuities.

“We in the DSM bemoan the unprincipled division that is threatening the foundation of labour movement in the state and Nigeria in general. We believe that workers need a principled united front, based on the collective need to fight all anti-worker policies of governments and private employers, in order to achieve victory.

“Unfortunately, unwarranted divisions have crept into the labour movement leadership with the national and state elections of NLC leading to factional leaderships. Also, in the Trade Union Congress, TUC, two leaderships have emerged in the state.

“The only people who will gain from these divisions are the capitalist employers and governments, who are hell-bent on denying workers their rights” the DSM averred.

8

South West

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos Dangote refinery to cost $11bn FRANCIS SUBERU

L

L-R: Consultant Neurologist, Dr. Mayowa Owolabi; Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge and a survivor of the Ode Irele saga, Mr. Olorunwa Jero, during a news conference by management of UCH on the five patients that survived Ode Irele neurotoxicity saga in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Impeachment: Afe Babalola peace meeting begins •APC lawmakers stay away, allege insecurity ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ith a view to ensuring amicable resolution of the executive/legislators stand-off in Ekiti State, a peace meeting initiated by founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola, and some eminent Ekiti citizens began yesterday with far-reaching decisions.

Among others, Governor Ayodele Fayose expressed readiness to shift grounds on contentious matters that led to the crisis between him and 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

This is, however, based on condition that the APC lawmakers agree to attend the peace meetings brokered between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and APC lawmakers.

Participants, including security chiefs at the meeting, which held yesterday at the instance of Chief Afe Babalola, at ABUAD, resolved that there was no arrangement or suggestion that any of the 19 APC lawmakers would be arrested as they alleged.

The APC lawmakers plotting to impeach the governor, who had earlier

agreed to attend the peace meeting, backed out on Wednesday night, citing security reasons, including allegation that Governor Fayose had concluded plans to arrest them on their way to the meeting.

The APC lawmakers had in text messages by Dr Adewale Omirin on Wednesday night and yesterday expressed apprehension over their safety in Ekiti State and suggested rescheduling of the meeting to a neutral place like Abuja or Afe Babalola’s office in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The meeting attended

by Fayose, Babalola, former National Planning Minister, Chief Ayo Ogunlade; Chairman of Ekiti State Creation Committee, Chief Deji Fasuan; and former Secretary General of Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide, among others, held under heavy security led

by Police Commissioner, Mr Joshua Ibine, and Director of State Security Services, SSS, Mr Duke Fubara.

The meeting, which resolved that peace was paramount, also agreed to call on the Adewale Omirin-led APC lawmakers to return to base and attend further meetings, which would be adequately secured by the police and SSS.

Speaking at the meeting, Babalola, who said there could not be development in the state without peace, added that there were pressures from individuals and groups on the need to intervene to ensure lasting solution in the executive-legislature stand-off, hence the initiative.

The ABUAD founder, who said he had requested adequate security to ensure a hitch-free conflict resolution process, regretted that the APC lawmakers failed to turn up and harness the opportunity to restore lasting peace to the state.

In his speech, Ogunlade, who said the bedrock of conflict resolution was the spirit of give and take, charged parties to the crisis to embrace such with a view to moving the state forward, adding that Omirin and APC lawmakers should let the survival of the state be their priority.

According to the factional speaker of the House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi, the root cause of the plot by 19 APC lawmakers and their sponsors to impeach Fayose was their bid to have one of them in office as governor.

In his address, Fayose urged participants at the peace meeting to objectively find who were re-

ally responsible for the crises in the state, as he charged the elders to take a definite stand and call politicians to order with a view to protecting Ekiti State.

Fayose alleged that the action of APC lawmakers has shown that their motive was to consume the state.

The governor, who said he was willing to shift grounds on contentious issues, assured that “for me as a leader, I am ready to make the lawmakers happy,” he said.

Meanwhile, APC lawmakers in a statement yesterday by Wole Olujobi, media aide to Omirin, demanded immediate removal of all illegal structures that allegedly aid activities of miscreants in and around the Assembly, restoration of Omirin and other principal officers allegedly impeached, access to the Assembly complex and cessation of vendetta against APC members as condition for truce.

Babalola

agos State government has said the proposed 650,000bpd Dangote Refinery Complex and Fertilizer plant in Lekki Free Trade Zone, LFTZ, is projected to cost $11 billion.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Senapon Oworu, made the revelation at the annual ministerial press briefing in Lagos.

“As we speak, tremendous construction work is ongoing on the Dangote site,” she said, adding that the project is envisaged to create 20,000 jobs during construction and about 8,000 engineers would be required during construction, saying said the project would come on stream by end of 2016.

According to her, aside Dangote, other high profile investors have also indicated interest in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, which she said was currently bubbling with offices.

She said the state government has also provided standby 12 megawatts power plant to provide

steady electricity supply in the LFTZ. “Currently, a number of allocation requests are also being processed by the ministry,” she said, adding that 500 hectares of land was allocated to an investor for site and service development in Parcel B. According to her, the ministry also took steps to foster good relationship between the host communities and the LFTZ, adding that payment of N785 million was made to communities in Parcel A in 2009 and 50 per cent compensation was also made to Yegunda and Abombti communities in Parcel B and the balance of 50 per cent, comprising N541.5 million would be paid within the second quarter of 2015 by the state’s Land Bureau.

Mrs Oworu said excision of over 390 hectares of land to 14 communities in Parcel A has been implemented and that Certificate of Occupancy, (C of O) has been handed over to communities allocated land in Parcel A as per the MoU signed in 2006.

She, however, acknowledged that there were outstanding issues on enumeration and compensation.

Fuel scarcity: Ondo petrol attendants lock up two policemen OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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wo anti-riot policemen, who attempted to forcefully get fuel at a petrol station in Akure, Ondo State capital, were yesterday locked up by the station attendants.

Men from the state’s Police Command later came to arrest the two policemen and took them to ‘A’ Division Police Station in the state capital for interrogation.

It was gathered that the two anti-riot policemen entered MCR petroleum station at Oba-Adesida road, Akure, requesting for fuel.

One of the attendants was said to have politely told the policemen that the filling station had not been allocated stock for the past three months, adding that they would be willing to sell the product to them if they had it.

Not satisfied with the attendant’s explanation, the police sergeants were said to have demanded to check the filling station’s fuel dump, a request that was declined by the attendants.

The policemen were reported to have in the process beaten the attendants and injured them.

Angered by the policemen’s action, members of the public were said to have mobilised themselves and rescued the attendants, and in the process one of them used a padlock to lock the policemen inside the office.

Owner of the petrol station, Tope Omileye, confirmed the incident, saying it was true the filling station had not gotten stock in the past three months.

Omileye said one of his staff, Esther Abba, was admitted in hospital as a result of beating from the policemen.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, May 1, 2015

9

LASU students protest prolonged closure FRANCIS SUBERU

H

undreds of Lagos State University, LASU, students yesterday took to the streets, marching to Alausa office of Governor Babatunde Fashola in protest of continued closure of the Ojo main campus of the institution.

The protesters, who stormed the governor’s office at 1pm, demanded immediate re-opening of the school that was shut on March 16.

The placard-carrying protesters appealed to Fashola to address the lingering labour issues in the institution and stop using election recess as excuse for the closure.

Some of the inscriptions read: ‘Re-open LASU now; After election, wetin remain?’, ‘Fashola reopen LASU before you go’, ‘LASU students are ready to resume’, ‘We want to graduate o!’

It would be recalled that the state-owned institution was closed prior to

the general elections of March 28.

While the state government cited elections for the closure, there was also a brewing labour crisis that threatened peace in the institution.

The crisis, which was a faceoff between the Non Academic Staff Union, NASU, and the school management, led to the indefinite postponement of the 20th edition of the convocation earlier scheduled for March 18 and 19.

Stating that the general elections had been concluded in the last three weeks, the aggrieved student said it was no longer acceptable that the institution remain shut.

Last Tuesday, the student union body issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the management to reopen the school.

President of the Student Union Government, Wasiu Adeyemi, during the protest yesterday said the student had accepted the election excuse then because they thought it was only reasonable to

ICSAN charges inductees to drive change PETER EKANEM

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nstitute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, yesterday inducted 94 new members, 57 associates and 14 distinguished fellows, charging them not to be discouraged by the harsh economic climate and high unemployment rate in the country.

President/chairman of council, ICSAN, Dr Suleyman Ndanusa, who made the call at this year’s 14th induction ceremony of the institute in Lagos, noted that as rare birds, the inductees were assiduously trained to convert threats into opportunities, hence should leverage on their training to excel.

Welcoming the inductees, Ndanusa said, “Remember that you are rare birds. You are to maintain accountability and transparency in all your dealings. After all, you are trained to convert threats into opportunities.

“With the devaluation of the naira and high unemployment prevalent in our economy, there is

need to broaden your professional horizon as you have done today. A way to confront the current wave of unemployment is to create wealth and be an employer. You can achieve this through practice as a chartered secretary and administrator.”

While admonishing members to maintain integrity and shun all unethical practices capable of tarnishing the image of the institute and nation, Ndanusa reminded that ICSAN is a globally recognised platform charged with promoting corporate governance and public administration.

Similarly, Ms Bennedikter Molokwu, guest speaker in her presentation titled, ‘Challenges of professionals in nation building,’ urged the inductees to deploy their knowledge, skill and expertise in their organsiations and society, for the benefit of the country at large.

She said professionals play key role in nation building and must not be deterred as catalysts of economic growth, by the challenges conrnting the nation.

forestall election-related violence.

The students, in a position paper submitted to the governor, further appealed to him to wade into the NASU/management

faceoff to lay erstwhile agitations to rest.

The workers had been on warpath with the Prof John Obafunwa-led management over welfare issues. The issues border

on salary arrears, alleged high handedness, disregard and victimisation of union’s executive members.

While they sang and danced to Aluta songs

all afternoon, waiting for Fashola or his representative to address them, the students said they remain optimistic that the government would hear their pleas.

UNILAG VC tasks Buhari on needs assessment SAIDAT ALAUSA

V

i c e - C h a n c e l l o r, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, has urged the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to consolidate on the gains of higher education from the outgoing regime through implementation of the Needs Assessment Funding Programme.

Bullion van crushes okada rider in Ogun ....Police arrest culprit FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

He stated this yesterday at the convocation ceremony for the 2013/2014 session in the institution.

The VC also drew attention of the presidentelect to the need for a funding mechanism that would insulate higher education in Nigeria from fluctuations of the Nigerian economy.

He affirmed that this was the only way universities in particular could become stable and contribute maximally to the nation.

Congratulating all alumni of the institution, who were successful in the elections across the country, Bello said the achievement was typical of graduates of the university.

The convocation,

which was a three-day programme that ended yesterday, graduated 10,600 students comprising 5,836 undergraduates and 4,764 postgraduates.

To the graduates, the VC told them to evaluate what they can do as an individual to contribute to the growth and development of the country which stands on the threshold of a new era following the successful conduct of 2015 general elections.

Also at the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma rtd., former ProChancellor of the institution, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode and the General Overseer Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye were honoured with

honorary degrees of the university.

After his induction, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, in his speech titled, ‘Mathematics of greatness’ said God’s promotion is the only thing that can be permanent in an individual because when God promotes the sky is not the limit.

Using his life as an example, he said divine promotion brought him from a village which is not visible on the map of Nigeria to who he is today. He said he is privileged to have three degrees including the one given at the convocation ceremony.

T

ragedy struck yesterday afternoon in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, when a bullion van allegedly belonging to one of the first generation banks crushed a commercial motorcyclist (Okada rider) to death.

The incident, which occurred at Oke-Ilewo axis in the highbrow business area of the metropolis, drew the ire of other okada riders, who barricaded the area with their motorcycles and for about an hour, prevented motorists from accessing the road, in solidarity with their dead colleague.

The victim, who was identified as Gbenga Okesola, was said to be a carpentry apprentice riding his brother’s motorcycle when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Eyewitness told National Mirror that the bullion van dragged Okesola’s body for over 20 metres before halting to enable sympathisers remove the corpse and the motorcycle.

The gory scene of the okada man’s corpse, however, sparked off a nearviolent reaction from other commercial motorcyclists, who were ready to attack any vehicle in sight.

Is Asa desperate for relevance ?

KSA

inspires Russian soldiers

… copies Tiwa Savage … exposes her breasts

Celebrity I love TV – Nike Oshinowo

Why

Yvonne Nelson

is crying bitterly every day

Amaka Igwe one year after She made me everything I am – Funlola AofiyebiRaimi

x STealk 100+ 1 arousi arousing ing ffacts about sex

This column is x-rated

10

South East

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group tasks Ebonyi govt on water scarcity Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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he United States Agency for International Development, USAID, in collaboration with Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa, SUWASA, Eb-

onyi State project, Nigeria, yesterday called on the state government to ensure it tackles the increasing scarcity of water in the state.

The group disclosed this in Abakaliki during end of project workshop at the Abakaliki interna-

tional conference centre.

It noted that it was imperative for the incoming government looking into possible ways of improving water supply to people of the state.

Addressing the people, team leader of SUWASA Ebonyi project, Adedayo

Mark-Adeyemi, said the state government had spent billions of naira to construct three mega water plants in the three senatorial zones of the state, but failed to adopt wash policy in water management, adding that this poor attitude

of government affected water supply in the state.

He called on the government to enhance capacity for quick response to fix repairs and ensure there was computerised billing system. He also condemned the level of corruption among political leaders, stressing that setback in the supply of water to the people was due to corruption.

Adeyemi urged the state government through Ebonyi Water Corporation to introduce use of meter on every property they want to connect, such that it enables them recover their expenses and possibly ensure regular water supply to Abakaliki

residents.

Responding, Commissioner for Public Utility, Ben Okah, urged the group to continue to support activities and other polices of the government so as to ensure uncommon progress and success as it seeks ways of improving the standard of living of people of the state.

Okah assured of the readiness of the incoming administration to provide facilities and guarantee conducive environment for them to thrive, adding that government is about continuity and would ensure adequate sustainability of the legacies and projects of SUWASA in the state.

Abia election tribunal receives 10 petitions

The White man who flew the last plane that brought relief material into Biafra through Uli Airport under the auspices of Joint Christian Aids, Phili Philip (2nd left), who is 86, and wife, Jean Philip (2nd right), with former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi (1st left) and Dr. Tim Menakaya (1st right) in London, recently.

Unemployment: Graduates resort to street trading Chris Njoku OWERRI

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large number of unemployed graduates in Imo State have taken to open market trading to survive the prevailing economic hardship in the state.

Some of these youths, who possess bachelor degrees in various fields, resorted to selling secondhand clothing popularly known as “Tokunbo” at major entrance of the centrally located Ekeonuwa market in Owerri, the state capital. They told National Mirror that they took to open market trading to avoid getting involved in crime or any other vice.

One of them, Mr. Uchechukwu Nnadi, from Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state, said he graduated from Imo State University in 2008, having obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

He said a lot of unemployed graduates were wasting away and had no resource to even start busi-

ness such as he and other colleagues were doing.

Nnadi further said other unemployed graduates in the state had taken to driving tricycles (Keke NAPEP), pointing out that this ugly situation does not portray the state and country in good light.

He therefore, urged the incoming government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and the state government to look inward and fashion out good policy that would create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed graduates.

According to him, if nothing urgent is done to check the increasing population of unemployed graduates it might spell doom for the country.

Another graduate trader, Henry Chinoso Ukabila, who deals in secondhand ladies shoes in the same market, said he was not happy staying under the scorching sun doing such business as a graduate, while his certificate wastes away at home.

He said recently the Federal Government approved

the release of licence for establishment of more universities without creating employment opportunities to take care of the products of universities.

Ukabila cautioned against continuing the plight of graduate youths by not gainfully employing them, warning that the consequence in future might be unpalatable for the country.

He suggested that the incoming administration should do everything within its power to review downward the cost of governance so as to save fund for the establishment of small-scale industries that could engage these unemployed youths.

Further, he said government could save fund by reducing the number of political appointees particularly those who earn N500,000 and above a month, pointing out that N20 million to N30 million could set up cottage industries such as fruit juice companies and the like, that could gainfully employ more unemployed

youths in the country.

Also, he said this would be better than distributing motorcycles to empower some youths as a means of livelihood.

He maintained that Nigeria has enormous resources to take care of its citizenry because the country being blessed has not suffered any natural disaster that has taken the nation’s reserve.

One of the female graduates, who retails kerosene to survive, Oguchi Nnamdi from Ideato South council of the state and a graduate of economics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said: “It is very worrisome that a lot of us who are graduates today with good results have no job after several years in the university.”

According to her, more worrisome are the gimmicks being played by some state governments including that of Imo, with its ailing industries which she said the government keeps budgeting on annually.

E

lection Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia State capital, has so far received 10 petitions from some candidates who contested in the March 28 National Assembly poll in the state.

Copies of the different petitions, which were posted on the tribunal’s notice board, showed the petitions were filed against candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Senate and House of Representatives.

The petitions for the House of Representatives were filed by Dr. Ejike Oji of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, against Nkeiru Onyejeocha, PDP, and 30 others for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi.

Others were Nnamdi Oji (APGA) against Nkole Ndukwe (PDP) and 16 others for Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency; Kennedy Adiele (APGA) against Chief Uzoma Abonta (PDP) and two others for Ukwa East/Ukwa West.

Chinenye Ike of APGA also filed a petition against Darlington Nwokocha of PDP and 10 others for Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency.

Petitions for the Sen-

ate were filed by David Onuoha (APGA) against Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP) and 13 others for Abia North; Ahamdi Nweke (APGA) against Governor Theodore Orji (PDP) and INEC for Abia Central, and Chris Nkwonta (APGA) against Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP) and two others for Abia South.

The rest came from Dr. Orji Kalu (Progressives Peoples Alliance) against Ohuabunwa and eight others for Abia North and Iheanacho Obioma (All Progressives Congress) against Governor Orji (PDP) and four others for Abia Central.

An official of the tribunal told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Umuahia that the respondents had seven days to file their memorandum of appearance and 14 days to file their reply.

Orji

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, May 1, 2015

11

Court dissolves Delta APC exco, orders fresh election Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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L-R: Commander, NNS Warri, Comdr. Aliyu Sule; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and outgoing Commander NNS Delta, Commander Mus Gemu, during a visit to the governor in Asaba, yesterday.

Navy destroys 3,500 illegal refineries in Delta Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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utgoing Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore Musa Gemu, has disclosed that destruction of over 3,500 illegal refineries and 230 wooden boats laden with stolen crude oil were among top achievements of his 14-month reign in the creeks of Delta State.

Gemu stated this during his valedictory speech and handover ceremony at Navy Base, Warri, after a farewell parade organised

by men and officers of the command, yesterday.

He stated that although the journey was tortuous and challenging, his reign through the collective efforts of his men and officers, the command has been able to make the waterways free and safe for economic activities to thrive.

According to Gemu, his 14 months stay in the command witnessed reduction of illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism along the waterways.

“It’s on record that under my watch, NNS Delta arrested and destroyed more than 230 wooden boats lad-

en with crude oil.

“Similarly, five ships were equally arrested for crude oil theft and over 3,500 illegal oil refineries were also destroyed with over 34,000 MT of crude oil and other petroleum products in over 19 camps,” the former NNS Delta boss stated.

While speaking on internal crisis in Ugborodo, he said to truly bring peace to the smooth running of the Ogidigben Export Processing Zone displaced persons should be allowed to return to the community.

Gemu, who was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1988, said: “In spite

of these modest achievements, there are still lots to be done. I urge you all to remain steadfast in your resolve to achieve the objective of the Base in line with the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff.”

On his part, incoming Commanding Officer, Commodore Aliyu Sule, told newsmen he would build on the achievements of his predecessor by ensuring the waterways were safe for economic activities.

Commodore Sule is taking over from Gemu as 22nd Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Warri.

Court stops Rivers judicial panel on political killings Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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Federal High court sitting in Port Harcourt, has granted an interim order restraining the recently constituted Commission of Inquiry on political killings in Rivers State from going ahead with its activities.

National Mirror reports that the Professor Chidi Odinkalu-led Commission of Inquiry set up by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, was to begin sitting next Monday after it had received memoranda from persons.

Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of a Federal High court in Port

Harcourt in suit No. FHC/ PH/FHR/256/2015 filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, gave an order restraining the respondents from taking further steps in connection with the sitting of the commission instituted by Amaechi pending hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

“That in view of the urgency attached to this matter, time is of essence, the court has abridged the time for the respondents to file their response within three days upon service.

“That the matter is adjourned to May 6, 2015, for hearing of the motion on no-

tice for interlocutory injunction,” Justice Nganjiwa said.

The respondents are Professor Chidi Odinkalu, chairman of the commission of inquiry; nine other

members, Governor Amaechi, Attorney General of the state, Nigeria Police, Inspector General of Police and the state’s Commissioner of Police.

Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has dissolved the state’s executive chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ordering a fresh election to be conducted, as the process that brought Prophet Jones Erue-led executive violated the party’s electoral guidelines.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Chief Adolor Okotiebo-led parallel leadership of the party in the state.

Justice Matthew Nduka Obi in a judgment delivered yesterday upheld the prayers of the plaintiffs, saying the congress held on April 26, 2014, breached APC’s electoral guidelines, illegal, null and void.

The court also barred the Erue-led executive from parading themselves as Delta State executive members of APC, while also ordering INEC to stop recognising and dealing with them.

Justice Obi held that a fresh congress be conduct-

I’ll not dump PDP for APC, says Wike Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

R

ivers State governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, has debunked claims that he was planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Rivers State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Chris Fynebone, had in a press statement in Port Harcourt said it has uncovered moves by Wike to dump his party to ”obtain cover of APC and avoid a judicial dethronement”.

Delta SSG heads 22-man inauguration committee Amour Udemude ASABA

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elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has constituted a 22-man end-of-tenure/ inauguration committee with Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, as chairman.

Inaugurating the committee yesterday at the

Exco chambers, Government House, Asaba, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said the task of the committee was to plan and executive activities marking the end of his administration and to also liaise with Governor-elect, Ifeanyi Okowa’s committee for effective handover.

According to Uduaghan, a month ago, MDAs have been directed

ed to elect a new APC state executive.

In his reaction to the judgment on Thursday, Okotie-Eboh said: “I believe we have been vindicated because from day one we said the issue is that the congress was not properly done. Today, we are happy that justice has been done.”

On the conduct of a fresh congress, Okotie-Eboh said, “Naturally, one would have preferred that our faction be declared the authentic executive, but however, I am satisfied and we would go back to the drawing board.

A new congress would be conducted and we would be prepared for it; we are looking forward to that.

Speaking with our correspondent, Erue said: “We are definitely going to appeal. Our lawyers believe the judge erred in the matter, and until we get to the Supreme Court, nobody can say he has won a case.”

He insisted that the congress that brought him on board was conducted in accordance with the party’s guidelines.

to compile and put all finishing touches to everything with regard to handing over.

“The committee is not a foreclosed affair and the door is open for more advice and input from stakeholders.”

Responding on behalf of members of the committee, its chairman, Macaulay, assured the governor of a perfect job.

But the governor-elect in a statement in Port Harcourt signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said Wike was a committed member of the PDP, describing the claim as a figment of imagination of the author.

The statement reads:”Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Rivers APC in which they claimed that popularly elected governor-elect of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who will be swornin on May 29, 2015, is planning to defect to their party. This is simply a figment of their imagination and deliberate falsehood taken to comic proportion.

“Rivers State Governor-elect is a committed member of the PDP and has not entered into any negotiation with the APC with the aim of defecting.

“He got his mandate to lead Rivers State to recovery and redemption on the platform of the PDP and will exercise the mandate on this noble platform.”

12

North

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill 6 soldiers in Taraba JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

U

nknown gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, in the early hours of yesterday, ambushed and killed six soldiers on patrol between Amar and Kambari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Residents said the soldiers were on a routine patrol of the area, which shares border with Plateau State.

The soldiers numbering

nine were ambushed by the gunmen and six of them died instantly and their remains deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jalingo.

Confirming the development, chairman of the council, Bobbo Bello Bendu, said he had reported the attack to the appropriate authorities.

He said the attack had made many to flee the area for fear of reprisal by soldiers who many believe would come back some day to avenge the death of their colleagues.

He called on security

agencies to redouble their efforts to bring the perpetrators to book.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP. Joseph Kwaji, declined comment, saying he was not in a position to speak on issues relating to the military.

Chief security adviser to Taraba State acting governor could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, there was tension at the FMC and environs yesterday when soldiers and mobile policemen clashed.

The security operatives shot sporadically into the air at the hospital gate, causing pandemonium among staff, visitors and patients.

Trouble started when a mobile policeman on the team of MOPOL that came to remove the corpse of their fallen colleague from the hospital shot sporadically into the air within the hospital premises as a mark of solidarity.

Following the shooting, some soldiers who were also at the hospital to deposit the remains of their colleagues killed in Karim Lamido reportedly challenged the no-

ble police team for shooting within the hospital premises.

Our correspondent gathered that the mobile police team, instead of apologising, reportedly insulted the soldiers, a situation that led to a face-off between the two security operatives outside the gate of the hospital.

The soldiers, who were angered by the development, went berserk and blocked the mobile team at the hospital gate with their Hilux van.

Our correspondent reports that while at the gate, the soldiers also shot sporadically into the air and confiscated the rifle of the particular mobile policeman that earlier carried out the action within the hospital premises.

It was learnt that the development which lasted over 30 minutes caused tension within the hospital as patients and hospital staff scampered for safety.

The situation was however brought under control following the intervention of the hospital management and some spirited members of the public.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the FMC, Modibbo Yau, confirmed the incident, saying it was a clash between some soldiers and mobile policemen which took place at the hospital gate.

Taraba police’s spokesman, ASP Joseph Kwaji, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident that transpired at FMC when contacted.

Running free education expensive –Commissioner PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (2nd right), Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar (middle), Sarkin Zazzau Suleja, Alhaji Auwwal Ibrahim (3rd left) and Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Adamu Usman (2nd left), during the commissioning ceremony of Talba Housing Estate in Minna, yesterday.

WALE IBRAHIM AND JOEL AJAYI

W

orried by nonpayment of teachers and other civil servants’ salaries in Benue State, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has issued the state governor a seven-day ultimatum to pay all outstanding salaries or face mass protest.

NANS said it has concluded plans to relocate its secretariat to Makurdi, the state capital, to demand payment of all outstanding salaries before May 29 handover date.

It would be recalled that the lingering issue of nonpayment of salaries in the state resulted in the closure of public primary schools for nine months.

The state’s university and other tertiary institutions, which are currently on strike, also at a time

iger State government has noted in retrospect that implementing free education policy has been a very expensive project by Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu’s administration over the last seven years.

Commissioner for Education, Mallam Danladi

NANS gives Suswam 7-day ultimatum over unpaid teachers’ salaries *Labour rejects salary cut in Kogi stayed home for six months.

NANS gave the ultimatum yesterday in Abuja via a statement signed by its president, Comrade Tijani Usman. The association noted that the move became imperative to save education and the plight of students in the state and the nation in general.

The students’ body wondered why Governor Suswam would continue to maintain a deaf ear to issues relating to education in spite of its importance to the development of individuals and the nation.

He said: “Governor Suswam has unequivocally demonstrated his revulsion for education development over time. As chairman of

the Presidential Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to negotiate with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, over the protracted industrial actions, Suswam handled the issue with kid gloves, resulting in his removal before a headway could be made.

“He equally handled the state university’s ASUU chapter’s disagreements with arrogance when he shamefully ordered that the school’s gate be shot and its keys handed over to him,” the statement read in part.

NANS maintained that it would in few days mobilise its members from across the country for a protest in the state to make its position

known.

It added that, “injustice to one, is injustice to all; therefore, NANS will in few days from now mobilise all its members in all the higher institutions in the country for a solidarity protest with our comrades in Benue State. Enough is enough.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Joint Negotiation Council, JAC, in Kogi State have unanimously rejected the 40 per cent salary reduction announced by the state government.

This was contained in NLC/TUC/JNC Bulletin No1 of April, 2015, which was issued at the end of a meeting with the Head of

Service, Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, and the Director, Industrial Relations and Labour Matters, jointly signed by the state’s Chairman of NLC, Comrade Edoka Johnson Onuh; TUC Secretary, Kolawole J.O, and JNC’s Chairman, Aaron Akeji Y, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja .

The State Executive Council, SEC, of organised labour in Kogi State stated that the rejection become imperative because labour does not want idea as their colleagues in the local governments and basic education who are undergoing this experience are presently distressed.

Umar Abdulhamid, who stated this at a briefing in Minna, however, urged the incoming All Progressives Congress, APC, administration to continue with it because of its advantages.

The commissioner, who did not disclose the amount of funds already invested in the policy, said the free education programme assisted in increasing the enrolment of children in schools, provision of infrastructure and teaching and non-teaching staff.

He also revealed that the state government had set aside over N634.5 million for e payment of the West African Examination Council, WAEC, and the National Examination Council, NECO’s registration fees for students in public schools, adding that provision of school uniforms for the girl-child and supply of text books to pupils and students were a major components of the free education policy.

According to him, 34,957 candidates are to be assisted in payment of either the WAEC or NECO fees, while parents are expected to shoulder payment of other examination’s fee. In all, N1,034,043,962 is to be paid by both government and parents to the two examination bodies

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

We’ll probe Jang if there is need for it –Kwapnoe

14 As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the governorelect in the just concluded run-off election in Taraba State, JUSTIN TYOPUUSU takes a look at the challenges that lie ahead of the governorelect.

Taraba governor-elect and the challenges ahead

T

he 2015 general elections may be over, but the task of governance lie ahead of those who emerged victorious at various levels, from the federal down the states.

The electorate has played its part and has now thrown a challenge to those it defied the scouring rays of the sun and the cold hands of the rain in some places to vote.

In some states, Taraba inclusive, voters were forced to vote again in a run-off after INEC declared elections in such states inconclusive.

In Taraba, electorates questioned INEC’s decision to declare the election inconclusive after the cancellation of Donga Local Government result without any just course.

They however, complied and came out again on April, 25 and choose their governor.

Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was overwhelmingly voted for by Tarabans as their governor to pilot the affairs of the state in the next four years.

Ishaku believed by many as a candidate of General TY Danjuma was not very well known in the state until 2010 when he was called to serve the country as a minister.

The Taraba born, but Kaduna based architect heeded the call and served the nation as a minister in three ministries of Power, Niger Delta Affairs and Environment, with a lot of achievement to his credit.

Ishaku entered the 2015 Taraba gubernatorial race and within a spate of time, endeared himself to the people. He engaged in a spirited campaign, touring all the nooks and crannies of the state, proving to all the doubting Thomases that he is the right person for the Taraba top job.

After the April 25 run-off election, Ishaku won in 10 out of 16 local government areas of the state, polling 369,318 votes ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, who won in six local governments with 275,984 votes.

Challenges ahead The governor-elect during his campaign entered into a covenant and social contract with the people to serve them if elected. Peace, unity and development were the hallmark of his campaign and these he must not fail to provide.

At different fora during his campaign, he was quoted as saying: “Without peace, there can never be any meaningful development, my priority if elected would be to bring peace back to the state.

“My dream for a new Taraba in four years is to restore peace which has eluded the state for long. Taraba is a naturally endowed state in Nigeria, blessed with both human and natural resources; beautifully tucked amongst mountains, but without peace, we cannot harness these naturally endowed potential.

“Many have ruled the state at different times, leaving their marks. Yet, with all these efforts, Taraba State remains like a child needing more attention than it is getting; desiring desperately a sincere visionary leadership to harness its vast resources for tangible development.

“Taraba, like many states in the country, is potentially rich, yet have ironically remain endemically poor, recording the worse indices in almost every aspect in the whole of

Ishaku

North-East zone of the country, simply as a result of poor quality leadership, which is why it cannot afford anything short of its first eleven this time around.”

His blue print also touched on youth employment, industrialisation, tourism development, agriculture, education, provision of quality healthcare among others. These he must do to instill confidence in the electorates.

He must hit the ground running on assumption of office by first bringing the diverse religious, ethnic and political interest groups in the state together and above all provide an atmosphere for peace to strive in the state.

Taraba State in the past few years has been highly polarised along religious and ethnic lines, leading to the crises in central and southern parts of the state with its attendant negative consequences on the economic and socio-political activities in the state.

Political analysts have commended the governor-elect for

extending an olive branch to his opponents in the contest.

While receiving his certificate of return recently, Ishaku called on those who contested with him but lost to come forward with their programmes and policies and support his administration to move the state forward.

With this singular action, many are now looking at the insistence of the candidate of the APC in the election, Senator Alhassan to go to court as a confirmation of “her desperation to rule the state at all cost.”

To them, power belongs to God and He gives to whoever be wishes. She should therefore, heed the call of the governorelect, accept defeat and come forward with her programmes to help move the state forward.

Going to court according to those who belong to this school of thought is a waste of time as the elections conducted in the state were free, fair and credible and the courts will not find any evidence to overturn the mandate freely and willingly given to Ishaku by Tarabans.

They however, called on Ishaku to avoid been caged by politicians who would want to dictate to him how to govern the state, saying that he should take decision as a leader and stand by them.

The analysts are of the view that Ishaku should make real his promise to rescue the state from its present poor state of decaying infrastructure and dwindling economic profile by providing the needed atmosphere for investors to come in and tap the abundant mineral deposits in the state for the economic good of all Tarabans.

To them, the governor-elect should create jobs for the teeming youths of the state and set up an economic team to fashion out ways of developing and harnessing potentials inherent in the tourism and agriculture sectors to put the state on the path of economic prosperity and avoid over dependence on federal allocation, which is grossly inadequate to develop the state.

Tarabans are of high hope that giving the pedigree of the governor-elect and his purposeful stewardship in the Federal Executive Council as a minister of the Federal Republic; the state would be transformed under him.

But whether these high expectations would come true is what the people of the state and indeed Nigerians would be looking out for in the months and years to come.

Boni Haruna clears air on status of his case with EFCC

F

ormer governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, has cleared the air on the alleged N200 million fraud charge preferred against him.

He said the case had been struck off the docket of the Federal high court, Yola for want of competence.

National Mirror had erroneously included the now Minister of Youth Development on the list of former governors and

former ministers whose corruption cases are still pending in the nation’s courts.

Reacting to the report, Special Assistant to the minister, Dr. Samuel Akpan, noted that his boss had been discharged by the trial after the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC, which prosecuted him failed to establish prima facie case against him, adding that his boss was unjustifiably

charged to court.

He said: “The minister, after a long drawn legal battle, was lawfully discharged and acquainted by a competent court on January 16, 2014 by Justice Bilkis of the Federal High Court in Yola.”

He said since he was discharged and acquainted over a year ago, the judgment has not been challenged by anyone, adding: “The landmark judgment which so far has

been unchallenged and is very much available for verification unambiguously amongst others stated that no prima facie case was established against Haruna.

“This undoubtedly excludes Mr. Haruna from the ‘the roll call of ex-governors who were arrested and arraigned in court during Nuhu Ribadu’s era and whose cases are currently stalled in various stages in court’.”

14

Politics

As the campaign coordinator of President Elect, how were you able to convince Plateau people to vote for your candidate?

Plateau State is traditionally a progressive state and so, it was easy for Plateau people to succumb to persuasions that we must remain a progressive state.

With the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against all doubts, it was not difficult to convince our people not to listen to our detractors. They tried to brain wash them into believing that the Presidentelect is a religion extremist and we had to embark on awareness campaigns, debunking such wrong notions about the person of General Muhammadu Buhari. We also spoke with pastors and I recalled arranging a session between the Vice President-elect, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo and over a thousand pastors and himself being a Pastor helped in confirming what we had told them earlier on. This greatly assisted us in convincing Plateau people and today Plateau and indeed entire Nigeria is on the path of change and progress.

Why do you think Nigerians resisted intimidation and money inducement to vote for APC? It was easier for us to tell why Nigerians chose the path of change. The whole country was tired of the impunity being exhibited by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and there are examples. An instance was when it locked up the gate of the National Assembly on Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and members of the House of Representatives, thereby preventing them from carrying out their legislative duties.

There are a lot of such instances that all Nigerians are familiar with.

Rivers State is another clear example where the Police Commissioner became the governor of the state and in Plateau State, Nigerians all saw what was happening in the state. The case of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, where 16 suddenly became greater than 19, which to me was the beginning of the down fall of PDP when five PDP governors left the party for APC. Therefore, they have done so much damage to PDP itself beyond redemption. Therefore, it became very easy for us to defeat PDP. Some of us were founding members of PDP and we knew how it was formed and we thought the party was going to be a progressive party but when people like Jonah Jang became closer to President Goodluck Jonathan, they helped in destroying the party the more. These are people who don’t have mercy and forgiveness cannot be seen as Christians because they tried to use religious sentiment against Buhari, but I’m glad Nigerians saw the truth and rejected the unpopular and the hate campaign they embarked upon.

With the defeat of PDP, what do you think is now left for the party?

We encourage the PDP to regroup so that we don’t end up having one party because with the wave of defection from PDP to APC, we are likely to have one party system, which is not good for our nascent democracy. The electorate has the right to make a choice freely and even the APC, if we are going to mess up, the way PDP did, we should be kicked out to serve as a lesson for all our political parties that if they found themselves in government, they should deliver on their campaign promises.

The re-grouping of PDP is going to be difficult because it was a marriage of strange fellows, so everybody will find his or her way. You cannot predict what will happen next, but I can assure you that APC will wax stronger even beyond 2019, because I have the conviction that the President-elect will perform to the expectations of Nigerians.

How would you describe the victory of Plateau State governor-elect, Barr Simon Bako Lalong?

I think Lalong’s victory is an act of God, and the entire people of Plateau State. I was a contestant too and most of us the aspirants were from the Southern zone and that was in line with our zoning arrangement in Plateau State and none of us could be said to be a millionaire, because we were on the average

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’ll probe Jang if there is need for it –Kwapnoe Hon Alex Kwapnoe is the Plateau State coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Organisation. The former commissioner under the outgoing administration of Jonah Jang tells journalists in Bauchi that Jang would be probed for all the infractions that took place under his watch. EZEKIEL TITUS brings excerpts: the strategic committee of the APC in Plateau State.

Whatever mission and vision I have for the state while contesting for the governorship of the state, I have already shared with the party and whatever I have I will still share with him because we cannot all be governors.

I stepped down for him and if I were the governor I would expect him to support me and as such I will support him because that is what I would have expected from him. My duty is to ensure that he performs creditably well because we cannot reject impunity and replace it with impunity, we cannot reject incompetence and replace it with incompetence and to the best of my ability I will do everything possible to ensure that he walks and move on the right path by constantly advising him.

Kwapnoe

level. Most of us came out because there was nobody coming out, even in the PDP and I recalled that I had to print my posters and paste them myself at strategic places within the state capital. And so, it encouraged others to begin to come out because we can’t afford to succumb to Jang’s tricks so cheaply but in the end, the luck fell on Lalong and he was lucky. He met Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State governor, when they were Speakers and he (Lalong) was the chairman of the Nigeria Conference of Speakers. So, I think Lalong’s victory was an act of God and it a sign to us that democracy gives power to the people and that God gives power to whom He choses and at His own time.

Are there some of your blue print and vision that you will to give Lalong?

That is the party’s secret. I’m already a member of

WE CAN’T DO WITHOUT PROPER CLEANSING, BECAUSE IT IS ONLY A FOOL THAT

DOESN’T LEARN FROM HIS OR HER PAST.

WE MUST KNOW

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST AND WHY IT HAPPENED IN ORDER FOR US TO MOVE ON

Civil servants and pensioners have suffered untold hardship under the Jang’s administration, what assurance do you have for them that this administration would be better?

The first charge for any responsible government is workers’ salaries. I was a commissioner under the Jang’s administration and he made a promise that every 25th of the month, workers will be paid, but to my greatest surprise and dismay some workers are being owed 11, 13 and 18 months’ salaries.

The good thing is that Lalong and everybody in Plateau State is aware of that situation. We are also surprised that Jang is still borrowing monies here and there and is not even for the purpose of paying civil servants but to further worsen the financial situation of the state but I think with prudent and proper management of the state’s resources, we will immediately try to overcome this problem of workers in the state.

We will do everything humanly possible to make them happy and making them happy means sourcing for money and we are also lucky that the Presidentelect loves Plateau State and he was surprised at our victory and the kind of votes he got from here and I think that he will support Plateau for our efforts towards his victory.

The outgoing administration is accused of large scale embezzlement of state resources, mismanagement of SURE-P funds and many are advocating for thorough probe of the administration, do you also share this view?

We can’t do without proper cleansing, because it is only a fool that doesn’t learn from his or her past. We must know what happened in the past and why it happened in order for us to move on. For me, any money stolen or looted must be refunded into the coffers of Plateau State for the overall development of the state.

Please, don’t get me wrong, this is no witch-hunting, but just to get the stolen monies back to the coffers of the government to enable this administration to work for the good of the masses that massively voted for it.

Like I have said earlier that I was a commissioner during Jang’s first tenure and when we came, we set up a panel to find some of the wrongs perpetrated by the Joshua Dariye and late Michael Botmang’s administrations and EFCC helped a lot. We believed there are questions to ask and Jang should come forward and answer such questions concerning his administration.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, May 1, 2015

15

Impeached dep gov: Ondo PDP disowns media director over House commendation O ndo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dissociated itself from a statement issued by its Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, commending the state

House of Assembly over its impeachment of the state former deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.

In a statement issued and signed by the state PDP chairman, Dr Olu

Ogunye, on a story published by National Mirror on Tuesday, titled: ‘Ondo PDP commends House members on deputy gov’s impeachment’, PDP stated that it has not and did not

authorise Fadaka to make such or any statement on its behalf, saying that doing otherwise and without proper authorisation is “not only improper, but clearly distasteful and Mr

L-R: Members, House of Representatives, Hon. Babangida Ibrahim; Hon. Jagaban Adams and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during a press briefing by Dogara to announce his ambition for the Speakership position of the House of Representatives in the 8th National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

I will probe my predecessor –Ortom TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

B

enue State Governorelect, Dr. Samuel Ortom has promised to review the administration of his immediate predecessor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam on allegations of corruption and unaccountability.

The former Minister of Aviation, in an exclusive chat with National Mirror in Abuja, said in line with his policy of transparency and accountability, he will ask the outgoing government to make refunds of alleged pilfering of the State’s resources, if established.

“I have already said that I will rule the State with the fear of God, and we will ensure transparency, we will ensure justice, we will ensure accountability.

So if you have taken what is not yours, what are you supposed to do? You will refund it. There is no big deal there”, he said.

Dr. Ortom regretted that most employees of the State, were yet to receive their salaries, more than 6

months after.

He promised to make restitution on taking office, and institute a workerfriendly regime for an accelerated development of the 39-year old state.

He also bemoaned the predicament of the workers, pledging that his record with them will be unblemished.

“A Worker deserves his wages, and yet you are not paying workers. If you don’t pay them, what do you expect them to do? You want them to go and steal? How do you want them to continue to work without being paid? I am aware of cases where the husband, the wife and the child would be working for government”, he lamented.

According to him, “So if a government refuses to pay workers, how can such a family survive? It’s unfair and unjust and our government would not follow that line of denying workers their wages.

“I remember that when I was a Local government Chairman twenty three (23)

years ago, when the issue of minimum wage was out, I was the only local government Chairman that paid teachers and workers their salaries, and this led to a an award from Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and several other awards that were given to me”.

The governor-elect, also promised to institute new ways of shoring up revenue for the State.

“It is unfortunate we are where we are today, otherwise, globally, the private sector is very involved in driving economies, but unfortunately, the Benue economy is driven by government without privatesector input. There are no core commercial ventures.

There is a weak entrepreneurial foundation as a basis for building a strong and virile economy.

“If we want things to work for Benue and to build its economy, we must work outside the box. States that are making it today in Nigeria are doing so, as a result of the ideas they have

evolved to generate revenue internally. We must find new ways of generating revenue. We must shore up the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State”, he promised.

He added, “we must explore our potentials for revenue generation for the purpose of development.

Benue State is endowed with vast hectares of land, strong and young human capital and assorted crops for agricultural purposes and solid minerals. We have different kinds of crops and mineral types and all these things are being exported out of the country, and there is no way you can make profit.

“Any state that exports these primary products, is exporting jobs, it is exporting projects, is exporting opportunities; it’s exporting its potentials, and there is no way such a state can make progress or make profit. So for me as someone with a heavy privatesector background, I intend to industrialise the state, no matter the odds,” he added.

Fadaka is literate enough to know this, unless he is greedily lapping from the impunity posture of his governor.”

Ogunye said in the statement: “I know Mr Fadaka and I am thoroughly ashamed of him. He is a runaway civil servant currently on a N100,000 per month salary as PDP Director of Publicity. I believe his salary is currently being paid by his paymaster, Ondo State governor, Dr Rahman Mimiko, for whom he is now acting as a puerile pseudo propagandist. The man’s salary now most likely comes from the remnants of the largesse of the Jonathan/Sambo campaign lollypop.

“As the chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, I confirm that Mr Fadaka has not been authorised to make any statement on behalf of Ondo State PDP.” Ogunye said that many of them in PDP knew Alhaji Olanusi, whom he de-

scribed as “Mimiko’s harassed deputy governor” as a complete gentleman, who is too strong to fear and too noble to crawl.

He said: “We know him because he was once the state chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, until he made the unfortunate decision with the likes of good men like Prof Ajayi Boroffice, Dr Ben Enikuomehin, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, among others, to form the infantile Labour Party, LP, from where Governor Mimiko himself recently jumped ship.”

He therefore enjoined Fadaka to “stop behaving like charlatan and putting on the political garb which does not belong to him,” adding: “The same applies to one Mr Clement Faboyede and Banji Okunnowo, who on their necks is a subsisting injunction to stop parading themselves as what they are not, courtesy of Hon. Justice A.F.A Ademola of an Abuja Federal High Court.”

Senate Presidency: Youths group insist on Akume OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

S

enator George Akume’s bid for the Senate Presidency yesterday got a resounding boost, with the official endorsement of his candidature by a youth group of the All Progressives Congress, APC, under the aegis of League of Patriotic and Progressive Youths, LPPY. LPPY explained that it was supporting the Benueborn politician, unlike other contenders for the Senate top job, because Akume has a rich political background and has helped in solidifying the party in North-Central region.

LPPY leader, Dominic Alancha told journalists at a press conference yesterday in Abuja that as Minority Leader in the 7th National Assembly, Akume provided the needed leadership and helped nurture the party to its current enviable position.

He said: “We call on Akume to throw his hat into the ring by contesting

for the elevated office of Senate President. The 8th National Assembly needs a leader whose predegree is distinguished. Our call is not made in tepid kneeljerk reaction to the unfolding political scenario, but rather, based on detailed analysis and historical understanding of events.

“Nigeria’s political revolution calls for men and women of great understanding, sagacity, insight and conviction to be at the driving seat at this particular time. This is no time to experiment with trial and error. It is time to elevate men and women of conviction, industry, national acceptability and proven track record to stand guard at critical organs of government.”

Speaking on Akume’s role in breaking the strong jinx of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, domination of North-Central, LPPY recalled with nostalgia how Akume was mocked, abused, intimidated and harassed, but never wavered.

16

Editorial

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Another Workers’ Day, but…

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oday marks yet another Workers’ Day, the day Nigerian workers and their leaders file out and join their counterparts from other parts of the world to celebrate the dignity of labour, reflect on the successes or failures of their bargaining powers vis-àvis working conditions, reel out demands from the authorities and chart the way forward for workers and their struggles. The Federal Government had earlier declared public holiday today; and through a statement by the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, congratulated all Nigerian workers for their resilience and commitment in the face of the challenges of daily living. But as they leave their houses for the venues of the event today, many workers will be gnashing their teeth in pain, while others will look hopeless and forlorn, as there appears to be no end in sight to their work-place travails.

Just two days ago, the Comrade Ayuba Wabba-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned state governors owing workers to pay up on or before May 29 or face total industrial crisis in their respective states.

The union said it had already directed its members in the affected states to commence mass protests from May 1, when the Workers’ Day would be observed worldwide, till May 29, when the outgoing governors would hand-over to a new administration. Benue, Plateau,

Osun, and Ekiti states were listed among the states owing their workers between six and eight months’ salary arrears.

In the aviation industry, some labour unions in the sector - National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN), early in the week, threatened and proceeded to entangle the management of an aviation ground handling company, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd (SAHCOL), with a showdown over alleged sack of four of its members by the company. The unions alleged in a joint statement that while the leadership of the unions was negotiating with the management of SAHCOL over a brewing industrial crisis, SAHCOL’s management purportedly sacked and disclaimed some of the union leaders, namely: Chukwu Jude – Chairman, and Kingsley Ejiogu – Secretary of NUATE; as well as Aminu Kolawole – Chairman, and Immoto Lawson – Secretary of ATSSSAN. The country is replete with reports of work-place violations and dehumanisation, including physical abuses and wage exploitation through massive casualisation of staff, especially by Asian and Lebanese firms operating in a country that has failed immeasurably to strictly apply the law on expatriate quotas; as well as some other indigenous companies. Casual workers

WORKERS ARE FREQUENTLY HAVING RUNNING INDUSTRIAL BATTLES WITH THE GOVERNMENT OR

THEIR EMPLOYERS, ALL CENTRING ON POOR WORKING CONDITIONS are in no way better than the black slaves of old that rendered forced service to European and American plantations. Despite the harsh conditions under which they work, such employees are not entitled to annual leave; and if, for any reason, they are absent from work, a significant chunk of the handout they are paid is deducted as punishment for absenteeism. Worse still, they cannot protest their plight, since as temporary staff, they are not admissible as union members. Workers in the nation’s educational, health and other sectors likewise lament government’s failure to honour agreements it reached with their unions on improved conditions of service and other challenges scourging the sectors. This is better explained by incessant strikes by medical doctors and teachers in the nation’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, the judiciary and so forth.

The N18,000 minimum wage

ON THIS DAY May 1, 1956 The polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk was made available to the public. Two polio vaccines are used throughout the world to combat poliomyelitis (or polio).

The first was developed by Jonas Salk and first tested in 1952. Announced to the world by Salk on April 12, 1955, it consists of an injected dose of inactivated (dead) poliovirus. An oral vaccine was developed by Albert Sabin using attenuated poliovirus.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 1, 2009 Same-sex marriage was legalized in Sweden.

Same-sex marriage or gay marriage is marriage contracted between two people of the same sex. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the possibility to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters. The legalization of same-sex marriage is characterized as “redefining marriage” by many opponents.

introduced by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration has not been implemented by many states which rejected the uniform minimum wage set out by the FG on the grounds that they (defaulting states) had no resources to sustain the payment of the wage.

Indeed, the argument has been that workers who earn N18, 000 as minimum wage, now that the exchange rate is N225 to the dollar, will become four times poorer, since the said wage amounts to roughly $50 per month, as against $200 per month when the rate was between N80 and N90 to one dollar. Pensioners are not faring any better, too. It is, therefore, the least surprising that workers are frequently having running industrial battles with the government or their employers, all centring on poor working conditions and related hostile labour policies. But such crisis is often rooted in the undisguised demonstration of contempt and intolerance of the plight of labour by the government; or labour’s uncompromising position on contentious issues.

As workers celebrate today, therefore, let the government and other employers of labour go beyond mere congratulatory messages and sermons. Workers’ plights need to be addressed for industrial peace to reign; while they (workers) should know when to apply the breaks for the purpose of achieving the same goal.

x May 1, 2011 Pope John Paul II was beatified by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Saint John Paul II born Karol Jozef Wojtyła (May 18, 1920 April 2, 2005) was a Roman Catholic priest, bishop, and Cardinal who eventually rose to become the Pope. He was elected by the second Papal conclave of 1978, which was called after Pope John Paul I, who was elected in August after the death of Pope Paul VI, died after thirty-three days.

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Impact of genuine democracy in counterterrorism Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only)

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romoting democracy has long played a role in our foreign policy, but in recent years, has emerged as one of the country’s primary instruments of statecraft.

As an expert, I strongly opined that promoting democracy will help address the root causes of the Boko Haram within our region. The reasoning is simple: if the new president elect and his crew lack legitimate, peaceful outlets with which to allow the BH sect express their grievances, they are more likely to continue with their violence particularly the suicide bombing and hit and run in the urban areas.

The idea of spreading democracy as a means to reduce the violence of the sect has many supporters, in fact, is unsurprising.

It has profound intuitive appeal that could without doubt provide mechanisms for the peaceful redress of grievances and any society that supports them should forgo violence in favour of nonviolent political action. In other words, terrorism is a tool of last resort, used only in the absence of peaceful opportunities for political expression.

In order to understand how the BH sect in general might respond to genuine democracy or political access, the newly elect-

ed regime must root our theories without ambiguity of what motivated the BH to use terrorism in the first place. Accordingly, the effects of political access through these models of terrorist motivation suggest how groups will react if their opportunities to participate in politics expands.

Perhaps more provocatively, we must resist the impulse to assume a positive relationship between promoting democracy and eliminating the existence of the sect by the newly elected administration.

The prediction that follows from many approaches to terrorist motivation is not that democracy should promote an easy, inevitable lessening of the BH and its affiliates.

In many cases, the beneficial effects of providing this sect’s political access depend on a range of factors and particular characteristics of the group. Even more sobering, some approaches to motivation suggest political access could enhance incentives to engage in terror attacks, perhaps even against civilians, or to other variations in strategy. For instance; the development of political wings as adjuncts to BH terrorist group splintering and dividing into multiple factions including violent entities as we have experienced since 2011.

In short, we need to take care analytically and by implication in specifying the conditions under which democracy should lead to declines in BH attacks. The effects of political access may be contrary to that outcome, or tangential to it. Consequently, any unqualified advocacy of democracy as a panacea to the BH violence should

TERRORISM IS A TOOL OF LAST RESORT, USED ONLY IN THE ABSENCE OF PEACEFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL EXPRESSION be viewed with significant apprehension.

Rather, the goal should be to develop a more refined understanding of when democracy, or other forms of political access, may reduce violence or yield other undesirable outcomes. If the new president elect can face reality, involve the experts and uphold legitimacy from the onset as he promised us, then he will make good progress more than his predecessor on the issue of BH related offences.

Furthermore, the incoming administration must be willing to cease opportunities whenever they arises for example; the recent killing of a top commander of the group. When a top ranking officer or a terrorist leader is removed, either killed or arrested, it usually has a psychological effect and weakens the organisation to a reasonable extent.

The president elect and his administration, may have reiterated in principle the application of democratic strategy to unravel the BH menace however it is very imperative to avoid surrounding himself with those who do not have the best interest of our country at heart and neglect those who

can enable him take this country to a new height, particularly in the issue of security. No matter how brilliant and visionary this administration may be or intended to, creating some negative emotional associations such as; anger, sadness, anxiety, loss of confidence, fear and alarmism may still be the case if the public expectation is neglected.

Politicians must be effectively equipped to communicate about these images that link to strong negative emotions in order to modulate them and to keep us resilient. For instance; the perception that government is adequately prepared leads to a sense of confidence and mastery that despite the Boko Haram’s attacks government is prepared to respond well, with result oriented outcome, as opposed to bogus and unsubstantiated claims. The outputs of the government information with respect to attacks must be adequate, accurate, reliable, timely and to the point. An overabundance of information will only cause more anxiety and tension on the citizens.

If citizens feel they need information regarding the Boko Haram attacks and government efforts to unravel the situation, if is not being provided they become more anxious and less resilient.

In any given terrorist activity, the terrorists use specific tactics and methods (modus operandi). Understanding these specific tactics and methods may suggest ways to thwart their efforts. In some ways, terrorists are a distorted mirror image of intelligence and security personnel.

Scary news from the country of Mandela TAYO OGUNBIYI

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he images were frightening and at the same time mind-boggling. With the precision of a mad lion ready to tear its prey into pieces, these vicious looking men, clutching various weapons, pounced upon the ill-fated man, hitting him hard on every part of his body. Intermittently, the unlucky man tried to make an attempt to resist his attackers until he lost every strength in him. By now, he had resigned himself to fate as he lay down with blood gushing out of his body like water from a running tap.

The painted scenario is one in the series of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa! The chilling news from the rainbow nation, the country of the Madiba himself, has made nonsense of the hypothesis of freedom for Africans in Africa; at least not in South Africa, where brothers are still killing brothers. The hapless man in the scene described above is a Zimbabwean immigrant living in South Africa. The ferocious men who attacked him to the point of death are chauvinistic South Africans, who have been on rampage, pouncing on African immigrants living in their nation.

What complicates the whole matter, giving it a rather dangerous dimension, is the complicity of some South African security personnel. In the ugly scene described above, it is amazing to observe that all the security personnel that were around sim-

MANY HAVE ACCUSED THE ZULU KING, GOODWILL ZWELITHINI, OF USING THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION TO SPUR HIS PEOPLE AGAINST FOREIGNERS ply chose to look the other side while the humiliation and dehumanization of the poor Zimbabwean immigrant lasted. Could the indifference of these South African security personnel be considered as official approval of the dastardly acts of the heartless and crude South Africans?

Although the South African government has vowed to crack down on xenophobic violence, only a few would actually believe the sincerity of this declaration. Just a few days ago, its President, Jacob Zuma, visited a refugee camp in the port city of Durban after a fresh outbreak of anti-foreigner violence. While at the camp, Mr. Zuma told those who had fled the violence that it went against South African values and that he would bring it to an end. But, rather than applauded Mr. Zuma for this statement, he was jeered by some in the crowd who accused him of acting too slowly, just like his country’s security personnel.

Conservatively, more than 1,500 people

have been displaced after violence against foreign nationals flared up in the country’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, whose capital is Durban. The attacks soon spread inland to the country’s financial hub, Johannesburg, in Gauteng province. From official reports, the death toll in the latest wave of attacks has risen 12. This, perhaps, explains why the crowd did not take Zuma’s assurance to bring the situation to an end seriously.

Victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa are from various African nations, including Nigeria. The victims are already counting their losses. According to Nigerian Consul-General, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, the loss by Nigerians included looted shops, burnt shops, two burnt mechanic workshops, 11 burnt cars and two stolen cars, among others. Okeke put the loss at about 1.2 million Rand or N21 million.

The genesis of this current crisis could be traced to the issue of migrants, mostly from other African states and Asia, who have moved to South Africa in huge numbers since white-minority rule was terminated in 1994. Many South Africans have accused these immigrants of taking the available jobs in a country where the unemployment rate is 24 percent. Indeed, many have accused the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, of using the unemployment situation to spur his people against foreigners when he said at a recent gathering that foreigners “should pack their bags and

go”. Shortly after his comments, violence against immigrants erupted in the port city of Durban.

Sadly, the king’s comment and the ensuing violent reactions that followed it are contrary to the African spirit of brotherliness and hospitality. It is also contrary to the spirit behind the formation of the African Union (AU), which encourages freedom of movement and other related activities among African nations. According to the vision of the founding fathers of the AU, Africans should be able to seek legitimate livelihood anywhere in the continent.

Many analysts have claimed that the xenophobic attacks in South Africa are a reflection of the crisis of governance in Africa as reflected by the worsening poverty and unemployment rate in the continent. In Africa, the practicality of poverty is quite frightening as most Africans live on less than a dollar income per day. Perhaps more niggling is that with 34 out of a total of 49, African countries account for a greater proportion of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the world.

Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit Ministry of Information & Strategy, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

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Stop the xenophobic madness now

I Alao-Akala and Oyo election

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he just concluded governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Oyo State brought up an interesting wishful thinking in the university town of Ogbomoso, where a son of the soil in Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala contested on the platform of a relatively unknown party in the state, the Labour Party for the Agodi Government House.

In the five local governments that constitute the town, the ex-governor won with a landslide margin that his nearest opponent had no choice but to trail at a distance but alas the remaining 27 local governments in other parts of the state failed him where he had to settle for the third, fourth or even fifth position. Now, imagine if Ogbomoso were a state?

TAIWO, Israel T. AkoboOjurin, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ban alcohol use

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he three tiers of government have the responsibility to put measures in place to curtail and control the abuse of alcohol consumption in public. I watch with dismay where okada and tricycle riders assemble as early as 6am consuming “ogogoro” and other forms of alcoholic drinks on empty stomach. There should be a total ban on the sale of “ogogoro” in the public, and health workers should monitor motor parks and streets for full compliance. The state and local governments should also sensitise the public to the dangers of consuming alcohol on empty stomach.

Phone numbers should be given where the public can make anonymous calls and send text messages informing the government when and where the laws are broken.

Ngozi Chima, Morocco, Somolu, Lagos State.

was moved after watching the stabbing, stoning slaughtering and burning of Nigerians and other immigrants in South Africa by xenophobic South Africans. After watching some of the video clips of the barbaric xenophobic assaults of the South Africans posted on the internet, I realized the seriousness of the

WELCOME TO LAGOS: Internal immigrants arriving Lagos, yesterday.

I

Letters to the Editor

can government for its failure to approach this issue (xenophobic attacks) from the very beginning and allowing it to escalate to this level of slaughtering humans like animals.

Even as I write now, the government of South Africa is only condemning the xenophobic acts with words of mouth, instead of taking ac-

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

My 7 point agenda on South African xenophobic attacks

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et me first thank the Nigerian government for taking the first bold step by recalling its envoys in South Africa; it is a right step in right direction. But the appropriate response to the escalation of attacks need more than this!

Since South Africans believe they can live in isolation, then African leaders need to help them to achieve this evil dream and see who will cry at the end.

This is my suggested seven point agenda for African leaders to act on:

1.

Let every African country recall its envoy from South Africa!

2.

All Africa countries should evacuate their citizen from South Africa to avoid further attack and allow South Africans to live alone in their country.

3.

African Union (AU) should suspend South Africa membership.

4.

All African country should stop trade and other economic activities with South Africa.

5.

All other African countries

should make it known to world powers like China, US, the UK, Russia, Germany, Japan, France etc to choose between South Africa and the rest Africa in term of trade and relations.

6.

All South Africans in other African countries should be deported.

7.

All South African businesses in African countries should be nationalised.

What do you think?

Samuel Olanrewaju Bill, Lagos.

rights. There is no doubt Nigerians are very intellectually active and have a lot of works to show for this. However, I doubt if these hard working Nigerians in various spheres of life have secured dividends from their intellectually engagements. Go to bus stops in Lagos, Onitsha and other urban settings in the country and you will be shocked of the perfidy and impunity of dubious ‘entrepreneurs’, who are reaping from where they did not sow.

Nowhere is this more manifest that the nation’s film industry. Recently, Kunle Afolayan, one of our known best film producers, alluded to the fact that pirates were al-

ready feasting on his latest film, October 1. This claim is not frivolous.

In Oshodi, Mile 2 and elsewhere the DVDs of the movie and many other are being hawked publicly.

Piracy has always been the pain of every producer and maybe it seems not to have a cure. This is mainly the result of the overwhelming challenge faced by the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

I doubt if the Commission has the personnel to police the entire country. The other reason is the propensity of Nigerians to go for the cheap versions of intellectual things like music, books etc.

Deborah Akangbou, Asaba, Delta State.

War against piracy

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enultimate Thursday April 23 was the World Book and Copyright Day, a day set aside annually to celebrate literature and other intellectual works and protection of such

Task before President-elect Buhari shall be a very happy man, that by the time this incoming government is celebrating its first term in office, there is a bridging of the educational gap between the North and South, and a drastic reduction in the poverty level between the two geopolitical divides.

I do not think that Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari is a

development, and the need for global actions to stop it.

My anger is that the South African police and other security agencies in the country were watching how these xenophobic attacks, but not doing anything decisive to prevent these attackers from carrying out more assaults.

I must blame the South Afri-

product of the Northern elite. He is a product of the commoners, the talakawas of the North and Nigeria as a whole. He should not allow the deceptive affluence and opulence around him now to misguide him from his political and historical origin.

Ekojikoko Victor, 580 Ikorodu Road, Lagos State

tions that could put a halt to them completely. Let me at this point call on the world leaders to collectively take an action that could quickly end this ongoing chauvinism in South Africa, as well as prevent a future reoccurrence.

…Bravo Ecobank!

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feel very happy with the kind of services I am enjoying from Ecobank. I am one of the people that cannot keep quite when things are not done in the right way, but I do also appreciate people when they do what is right.

In the past, I was angry with the way some staff of Ecobank were treating the customers, and I did a write up against them in one of the national dailies, condemning their aggressive attitudes toward their customers.

After the write up, I have seen considerable improvement. I therefore, feel it appropriate to also appreciate the bank’s staff for being more accommodative and more responsive to the needs of their customers.

Last week, I got a text message from Ecobank, explaining the deduction of one hundred and five naira (N105) from my account. After reading that message, I was not satisfied. Thereafter, I concluded my plan to visit one of their branches and complain. Shortly after that, I got another message from the same bank, which is as follow; “Dear Customer, we apologize for the wrong SMS alert you received. Kindly be assured that your funds are secured. Thank you. Ecobank”.

Despite that, anytime I visit any branch of Ecobank for transaction, I do watch its staff with keen interest so that if any of them misbehave, I will have something to write about because of the negative tendencies I witnessed in some of the branches in the past. I am now happy because there are competent professionals in the banking sector. The relationship between the staff of the bank and their customers is very appealing and it has shown how sensible they are in addressing issues for the effective running of the bank.

Let me at this point thank the management of Ecobank for giving a global competitive professional training to their staff; and I urge them to keep it up so that their business would keep growing by leaps and bound.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja.

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Live Music, Spoken Word holds At Bogobiri

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he will be wonderful live music and spoken word poetry to hold this weekend at Bogobiri House. Music lovers will be entertained with live music from talented acts like Duro Ikujenyo, Age of Aquarius, Skata Vibration, Wale Ojo and Mendo Adetiwa.

The venue for the event is no 9, Maitama Sule street, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos. The date is on Friday, 1st May, 2015 at 8pm.

Laff Express holds at Ara Hall

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he maiden edition of Laff Express with MC Ayanfe and Simply Saka, Papa Ajasco, CeeY, Saco, Odogwu, Ist Born, Princewill, Calibird, BabaDeBaba, MC Coded, Still Ringing,GeeVee, Hilary Jackson, Bleach and others.

Victor-Essiet

Solomon Arase

The Rat race crooner, Victor Essiet has filed court action against the Police. How far will they go?

VICTOR ESSIET IN AN INTERVIEW WITH FRIDAY FLAVOUR AFTER THE COURT PROCEEDING,

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

ASSERTED THAT HE HAS VOWED TO FOLLOW THE CASE UNTIL JUSTICE IS GOTTEN

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ictor Essiet and the Mandators, one of Nigeria’s finest reggae exports, recently filed a case against the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr Ndah, Mr Morris Etim and two others for the violation of his human right. He charged them to the Justice Akinnugbe-led Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, through his attorney, Mr Charles Lambo on Wednesday, 29th of April, 2015.

Friday Flavour gathered that on the 29th of November, 2014, at the National stadium, Surulere, where Victor Essiet and his crew ought to hold the maiden edition of the much publicized concert, Africa Meets Reggae, the show was put to an abrupt halt as over twenty anti-armed robbery vehicles stormed the venue. They ransacked the ticket sales process, sending people away from the venue, giving the reason that there were armed robbers at the venue waiting to cause rancor as soon as the show commences.

Further investigations by Friday Flavour revealed that the mastermind of the rancour, whose name was disclosed as Mr. Morris Etim, in collaboration with the anti-robbery squad went further by abducting the Rat Race crooner and brutalised him,

leaving him in pains and agony. He almost lost his life in the process after losing over N200m which was the rough amount he spent in organizing the concert. He was hospitalized for three months owing to that traumatic experience.

The case was presented in the court and the Judge, Justice Akinnugbe adjourned it till Tuesday, 19th of May, 2015 for further hearing because the all the parties hasn’t been served yet.

Victor Essiet in an interview with Friday Flavour after the court proceeding, asserted that he has vowed to follow the case until justice is gotten.

“All the parties have been served, the police too. All of them are just playing hard to get. There is a process and we will follow it through. We live in a country where people’s rights are trampled. We want to try to see the possibility of reforming the country because afford to be treated like animals. I came from America to contribute to the economy of the country only to be violated with agony. But it’s our country. We can’t run anywhere else. We just have to strive to make sure we work it through to make it better.

“I have lost about N200m in the process. We are talking about promotion of our tourism just as it is done

in other countries like America and the rest. We are trying to create jobs for people in the country with tourism and some hoodlums are trying to stop it by treating us like animals. We as Nigerians need to see the importance of tourism as it boosts economic empowerment. This is what many countries are surviving with and Nigeria should not be an exception. ” When Friday Flavour asked him about the possibility of settling the case out of court, he explained that it might not be possible considering the damages that have been perpetuated.

“I can’t say anything about that for now. I don’t know. As a matter of fact, it is not right for us to just fold our arms and watch this kind of assault and disgrace sweep under the carpet. If we don’t stand up to fight against it, more people will perpetuate the same terrible act and the country won’t be better for it. The country will only become more lawless. That is why we have the court. We will continue in the hearing of this case to make sure that justice is given to whom it is due.”

In furtherance, his attorney, Mr Chris Lambo, also disclosed that the court proceeding will continue at the adjourned date adding that due process will be followed in the handling of the law suit.

“It’s a motion for violation of human rights and every defendant, including the police has been served. As you can see, the case is a fresh one and due process will be followed and justice will be made available to my client. We didn’t continue the court proceeding because the proof of service hasn’t been served. There is still need for acknowledgment by one the defendants that the received our motion.”

P. 32-33

Arty News

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he Enterprise Development Centre presents the recent works of mixed media artist Olumide Onadipe in an exhibition titled “Twist and Twirls”, on Saturday May 2nd 2015.

The exhibition starts on May 2nd 2015 from 10am to 6pm and continues on May 3rd to May 16th, 2015 from 10am to 4pm daily.

Twist and Twirls is an allegorical portrayal of relationships between gravitational energies and how it affects the human planet. A process of how the vibrations of thoughts, water, sound, stars, mountains, birds and animals among others are translated into human experiences.

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Victor Essiet sues IGP, others

P. 22-23

Assault:

Critics

WEEKEND STARTERS “Twist and Twirls” exhibition holds at the EDC

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

P. 20,21

Friday, May 1, 2015

Flavour

Artman

Your

FRIDAY

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Artman In The House

Friday, May 1, 2015

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Working with metal –Peju Layiwola

FACT FILE LE

Layiwola

Peju Layiwola is a professor of Art History and one of the few renowned female sculptors in Nigeria. She is a specialist in an aspect of sculpting that deals with metal, and also delves into installation, printmaking and jewellery. A scholar and an unusual artist, she doubles as a poet and social worker. In this exclusive interview with ISIGUZO DESTINY, she relates her passion in sculpting with metal, an area that is uncommon for Nigerian women. Excerpts: Sculpture appears to be men’s domain; how are you able to become a woman sculptor?

I will start by saying I didn’t study sculpture as an area of specialisation, I studied metal. Metal is all encompassing, it covers sculpture, graphics, and textile. It is bordering on learning all the application of two dimensional and three dimensional designs but the final outcome being metal. The most important thing is that the final outcome.

In order words I learnt metal casting. Metal here is a hard material and of course you liken such hard material to materials that should be used by men alone, women are more cut out in the traditional society, doing things like weaving baskets and associating them with metal is unusual. Working with metal at high temperatures of about 1,500 degree centigrade is not what most women will want to do. But I will say that I went into metal work because my mother is a sculptor and perhaps took after her because she is a sculptor and was the first woman sculptor in the University of Benin and also went back to study metal casting and was also the first woman caster in Nigeria Guild of

Casters. Her father was a King of Benin, she gave her royal prerogative to work with metals and went to the University to concretise what she have learnt. I will also say that the contemporary art are breaking new boundaries, artists are exploring media that they never worked with before and are not restricted with materials like before.

And are also exploringranges of topics that

•

Peju Laiwola is a Professor of Art History.

•

She is the daughter of Olowu Elizabeth the first woman sculptor and metal caster in Nigeria.

•

She is the founder of Wy Art Foundation.

•

She was the initiator of the Benin 1897, a very poplar art exhibition that was held in 2004.

•

She has served as facilitator at several art workshops.

The first was sponsored by the sculpture society of Ireland, Umba Aios in 1996.

Since March 2002, she has taken part in the annual series of the Harmattan workshops in Agbarha-Otor, Nigeria led by Bruce Onobrakpeya.

were taboo and so on. So I don’t consider it strange, it is a sharp contrast now but artists are working in varieties of art and there is no gender restrictions of materials now in this contemporary time.

Has being a female affected the level of patronage from art collectors or buyers?

I won’t say that the collectors will be biased, in terms of putting it into compartments if you are female artist you should be doing this kind of thing or that they shouldn’t be doing this kind of thing. I think they feel more challenged when they see that a woman is doing this kind of thing that men usually or ordinarily do, it is beyond their expectation. They are usually elated and I am always encouraged. I don’t think there is any kind of discrimination in terms of rejecting my work because I’m

I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY KIND OF DISCRIMINATION IN TERMS OF REJECTING MY WORK BECAUSE FEMALE.

I’M

YES, THEY

FEEL SURPRISED BUT

I’VE NOT HEARD OF

A SITUATION WHERE GENDER MATTERED Peju with fellow art icons

female. Yes, they feel surprised but I’ve not heard of a situation where gender mattered. Don’t forget the work must appeal to the person before they get to know who the artist is. Often times, my work have been hung on the wall and people say they want to see the man that did this work but they are not disappointed when they discover that I am a woman. They will only say oh I was thinking it was a man and that just it. I feel the first thing is the appeal of the work, that’s just what matters. They won’t boycott you because you are a female artist and there is nothing like a female art piece.

Does your gender influence your work or creation?

I do not think so, gender has not really... well I will say that I was brought up in a home that my mother will bring out food stuff from car and give it to her son to cook. When we were growing up we were just her children. I don’t see myself as just a female. I see myself first as an artist before seeing myself as a woman. And yes as a female, you have to be very responsive to those issues that relate to women and that cut across like most visual artists and writers. You have to be sensitive to those issues that relate to women and people think you must become a feminist because you are a female artist but that’s not always the case.

In my work you are challenged by the medium, yes; but I don’t see any kind of restriction. I am always challenged so I put all in my work in order to bring out my best so that at the end when your work stands at the gallery you don’t get to see whether the artist is a man or a woman because that will be very difficult to do. You will only see the quality of the work. So gender in terms of the themes, experiences etc. might look heavily on in some works because I try to capture some of the experiences women go through and that may direct the intention

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Artman In The House

Friday, May 1, 2015

n e m o w o t g n li a e p p a t o sn off th the art. t I may pick i k up those th topics t i and d bring them to bear in my work.

You said your mother was also a sculptor so can your skill be described as talent or something you were taught?

My mother is an artist like I told you which also she got from the traditions of artist, my grandmother was also in some sought of art and was also one of the wives of the King, and I would say the favourite wife. She was involved in making beads, and making and designing the regalia of the king. She had brothers and sisters who were in arts so I think that family is really enshrined in the arts. Coming out from that kind of family, I think I would say that I am privileged to have people around me who are known artist. I also was lucky to have grown up in Benin artist studios, galleries and artists. You turn to your right you see a wood carver, you turn to your left you see a metal caster. Anything you want to do in arts, you will see people already doing what you want to do in the environment so it became natural that you will want to do one of those things, imitating the artist before you and developing your own art.

But you were also taught through formal education?

Yes, I have three degrees, I studied got all my degrees in Nigeria except when I travelled out for my residency, exhibitions and workshops. My exposure and interaction with artists in Nigeria has widened my horizon.

You have mentioned several aspects of sculpting, and one of them is casting.

What is your view on what sculpting is all about?

Sculpture is an exciting art. It gives you an opportunity to work in different mediums. It can be very malleable like clay or very stiff like metal. You can form objects and we have what we call the additive or subtractive method. In the subtractive, you cut away from the medium like in the wood, you carve into the wood, and you don’t have the opportunity to add into the wood, you have to be thinking in the reverse condition.

But when you are working with clay, you add and also subtract so you have more flexibility. That is actually the main medium we use for sculpture. But when you are working with metal, you have to understand the physical, mechanical, chemical properties because you know metal is hard and is exposed to external forces or a lot of heat. You can use heat again to melt and hardened it, and you must know the temperate or the external factors that you will use to condition the metal. We have other materials one can use for sculpting like silicon and rubbers. It is a very interesting exploration to use your material and also being able to achieve your work in two dimension or three dimension as the case may be and gives you the opportunity to almost create an image that you can relate to but cannot but cannot put life into it but you can bring as close as being so naturalistic that people can think it’s real.

That opportunity in the art is what I find

very exciting. Using materials to create images you formed in your mind and creating an impression.

What particular ideology informs your work or when you set out to work, what do you think of?

Well I think I would say art has been transforming, at a point in my career, it was defined by medium. Like I will do everything and do it in metal but as I mature, I began to look at not just the medium but the concepts I want to push out. Beyond working with metal, I work with any other material that I think will bring out those concepts so I work with twine, cardboards, wood or terracotta. So what it means is that I’ve started looking very serious because

I’ve tried to define my arts for the purpose of academics. An artist must have a direction in which you are going and because I have a name from my maternal side, I have gone to explore the Benin art, culture and history. I use by work as a means of engaging the artefacts that were taken from Nigeria. So I use my own platform to discuss the ownership of cultural artefact, copy right issues and also create and history because I believe people should a proper understanding of their history. I don’t just create works that are just pretty but works that are topical, engaging people in discussion on how to move forward.

So one may not be wrong to classify your ideology as a socio-historical one?

Well you could but I don’t like to put my-

I HAVE THREE DEGREES; I STUDIED FOR ALL MY

NIGERIA EXCEPT WHEN I

DEGREES IN

TRAVELLED OUT

FOR MY RESIDENCY, EXHIBITIONS AND WORKSHOPS.

MY

INTERACTION WITH ARTISTS IN

NIGERIA

HAS WIDENED MY HORIZON

At work

21

self in a sought of compartment. I want people to look at my art and respond to it in different ways. I could look at religion or other aspects through my work. Some of my works praise names of God and so there are different layers to my work. I just want my work to provoke thought, to excite and provoke discussions. I want when people see my work they will begin to ask oh what is it all about.

How do you use your work to affect your society?

I have done it in two major ways academically by focusing on the culturally act culture of Benin and I have also do social and community works in the areas of art and craft since 2004 and I call it “the women and youth art foundation”. I train people for free on how to engage in arts like painting, photography and even cooking and baking in order to transform lives of people especially the women and the youths. I told you that my grand mum is from Benin and in that community where they do bronze casting, women are not casters. But my mum was the first female ever because of the prerogative of she got from her father but coming back to that community December 2014, we have the opportunity of having the works of the casters put aside my own. In so many ways it broke the gender barrier and a lot of boundaries showing that a lot of social changes are going on and that there is also a synergy between the artists that are academically trained and the ones that were trained in the streets and that they can come together to confront the society’s challenges.

Have you had any spectacular auction?

Auction? You mean the regular auction we have in this Lagos?

Yes, have any of yours been spectacular?

I am not an auction person. I don’t even the auction. I don’t believe in it, em ...how do I put it now? I believe I should make a meaning for my art. I do not prove my worth in auctions. I am not commercial in that angle. I don’t believe art should only have monetary value; it should also have a way of resonating people. Doing well in auction is not a true assessment of an artist. The message and the value is what matters.

How about exhibitions?

Yes. Sure that why I gave you my website to look at my works.

Which of your work is the most outstanding?

It is very difficult to say.

Why are artists always finding it difficult to choose the best of your works?

Well is because art production is a part of you. It’s like having children and asking which one is the best child. All my works have their particular uniqueness and are all dear to my heart.

What else do you do apart from sculpting?

I listen to music, travel, and swim. I read poetry? I read Chaucer, J.P Clerk, Soyinka.

I love poetry.

With husband

It seems literature appeals to you?

Yes, arts have a way of connecting to each other. I write poems and I love literature.

Critics

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Overcoming painful emotions

Debola Oni’s new, 209 page work kick starts the practice of self-help in practical emotional issues.

AYODELE TAIWO

T

o the beautiful, strong African woman this is your book. It is a tribute to you. At the same time it is a clarion call to the woman endowed with the rich ebony, chocolate, coffee and ivory colors of mother earth. Its essence is to let you know that you have great worth and value before your Maker. When He fashioned you, He ensured that you were woven with His grand wisdom, intricately designed with your assignment in view and carefully planted in the place of your significance. Part of the original plan for your life was to be strong in the knowledge of His love for you and to fulfill His purpose.

The plan becomes distorted by painful emotions and this book sets out in 209 pages divided into 3 parts to help women overcome a whole range of painful emotions in a clear and concise manner. Using case studies, Part One shows women how to step out of denial and understand the painful emotions raging within them. Part Two examines how to actually overcome these painful emotions and then Part Three goes a step further to discuss the elements of a new life and how to unleash your God –given potential. The workbook at the end of the book lends practicality to the whole process.

Overcoming Painful Emotions: A Guide is theologically accurate and yet a practical book with true to life stories that will touch your heart. It was written by Debola Oni, a Career Direct Consultant and lawyer and published in March 2015 by Dayspring Helps Ministry.

It is a self – help book and an indispensable tool for lay counselors.

There are no pretensions.

It is authentic in its flavor, written by a Nigerian for her African sisters, though with a universal appeal.

Don’ t allow

painful emotions to mar your future. These painful emotions drain your energy and distort your God- given vision. They are drawbacks and prevent you from maximizing your potential in Christ. The whole continent is awaiting you to step out of the doldrums into a life anchored solely on Jesus Christ. In spite of what has tried to put you under you can rise up and beat all odds! You can choose to walk in freedom from the effects of painful emotions and let the virtue tucked away in you ooze out like the smell of a rare and expensive cologne.

You can stop the darkness by switching on the light; not only for you to walk in, but for others to also bask in. Nothing can stop you unless you allow it. Enough of blaming the tradition, your shortcomings and the events and people in history who tried to drown you; you can succeed no matter how daunting it appears. You can win and you must win over anger, fear, guilt, bitterness, hatred and all other painful emotions.

In a statement credited to the author of this book stated that it is a companion and readership delight irrespective of religion, race, tribe, culture and belief.

YOU CAN STOP THE DARKNESS BY SWITCHING ON THE

LIGHT; NOT ONLY FOR YOU TO WALK IN, BUT FOR OTHERS TO ALSO BASK IN

MUSIC

BOOK

22

Something special fro

It’s something fresh from world-acclaimed Drake: ‘If You are reading This, It’s too Late’: SIMON LEVISNSON

I

s it an album? Is it a mixtape? Who cares? The 17 tracks that Drake released at midnight on a recent Thursday hit harder and hold together more cohesively than most big-budget event albums. There’s nothing resembling a radio single on If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, and not many of the seductively sung hooks that rocketed the Toronto MC to fame. Instead, there are lots of songs like “Star67,” a sullen chomp at the hand that feeds him: “Brand new Beretta, can’t wait to let it go/Walk up in my label like, ‘Where the check, though?’” It’s hard

to imagine the heads of Cash Money Records, who are currently embroiled in a financial dispute with Drake’s mentor Lil Wayne, shmoney-dancing to that one. But for fans of the singular aesthetic that Drake has developed in recent years, “Star67” and the rest are manna straight from heaven, or at least from Canada.

Musically, If You’re Reading This is a deep soak in the sound he staked out on 2013’s career-peak Nothing Was the Same and furthered on last year’s hit “0 to 100/The Catch Up.” Trusted collaborators like Boi-1da and Noah “40” Shebib weave together murky piano loops and wispy R&B samples that lurk in the background, leaving plenty of room for Drake to go off. Lyrically, he’s in pure stunt mode, using his star power to turn obscure slang into the height of style. (“Running through the six with my woes” sounds cooler than “Hanging out in Toronto with my friends,” doesn’t it?) The lower stakes

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Critics

Friday, May 1, 2015

23

FILM

Romance meets comedy The Meeting sure has high points that will remain a reference case for producers.

TOPE ALAKE

W

h e n eve r I watch a movie that I intend to review, am always keen on making sure that the first note I write is a good one. So was the case for “the meeting”, the opening music was kinda “sweet”, mood setting, I know it was a happy film. So I was happy so I lowered my defenses, but again I find it hard to watch a film and keep defenses lowered.

Lol, I sha will see something ni!

So, there was the establishing shot of Abuja, which happens to be the national central mosque

and the some big church in Abuja, #confusedlook……erhnmm what’s the title of this film again? I thought that was quite tilted “religiously, and there are tones of other monutmental building that will scream “ABUJA”, so I began to look for reasons why. Nothing till the end of the film vindicated that except that it was an attempt to sell the Federal Capital Territory, (which by the way was done well in the entire film).

Nice to see a lot of the actors take on roles that they seemingly are not known for. I think that was a fantastic effort from the Director. Good I must say, Seeing Femi Jacobs play a slightly older man, more composed, a little slower and contained Exec, was good, his comportment in being Makinde Esho was impeccable. Linda Ejiofore was just too hot, to be contained as she played a slightly younger, chicky (well that’s like her) corper. I would say she brought forth something to that role, I don’t know what to call it but it was a good thing. She seems

THE PICTURES WERE CRISP; FOCUS WAS ON POINT MOST

OF THE TIME, EXCEPT FOR A FEW MOVEMENT SHOTS

to be on the driver’s seat of her career.

Jide Kosoko, Basorge Tariah, Kate Henshaw, Chika Chukwu and Nse Ekpe were just on point. I was always fascinated whenever Kosoko appears on screen, that guy has some really awesome facial expressions. He needn’t said everything, he just looked it. Kate was just cool, with just a few lines for a the entire movie, but just on point, in fact in all kate had 20 lines.( 13 short lines in the minister’s reception, 3 on the stair way to the ministry and 4 at the airport), And that did not impede her from impacting us.

Talking about great acting on this film, I would like this to be an open letter to Rita Dominic who played Clara, the receptionist. This is the best of you so far. You are the very high point scorer for this movie. Her makeup was out of this world. Kudos to the make up team. Can’t remember a Nigerian film that has ever transformed a character that far from what we all knew her to be. Nice Job. and to Rita, all the while you’ve been rehearsing. (long rehearsal) “This is your first acting role”. this is true acting, not what we are used to in characterisation. Rita took that character, blended it into smoothie and drank the whole cup.

Her intonation and accent were wellplaced, not overly done. The comedian (receptionist) also sold drinks, OMG, (nice product placement) subtly done unlike other people like……erhm….. enm……..#justshutup Then she went: CLARA

m Drake for this project let him refine and focus his strengths; the brags are less humble, the threats more pointed. “Please do not speak to me like I’m that Drake from four years ago,” he sneers on “No Tellin’.” “I’m at a higher place.”

Drake has often been synonymous with emotional openness, but this is far and away the least vulnerability he’s ever shown on record — at least until “You & the 6,” a heartfelt, onesided conversation with the single mother who raised him. He complains

about the time she tried to set him up with her personal trainer; he pushes her to forgive her ex, his dad. It’s one of Drake’s best songs ever, but you might not notice it until the third or fourth listen because he plays it so cool. For the first time in his career, Drake doesn’t sound like he wants to be remembered as one of the greats. This time, he just is.

MUSICALLY, IF YOU’RE READING THIS IS A DEEP SOAK IN THE SOUND HE STAKED OUT ON 2013’S CAREERPEAK NOTHING WAS THE SAME AND FURTHERED ON LAST YEAR’S HIT “0 TO 100/THE CATCH UP

Drake

“Excuse me every body, i sell recharge cards, i cater for your needs as you wait, thank you” Rita found her character’s motivation right and “killed it dead” I’d like to also note (because of its big worth) the cinematography of this movie. Bishop (and team) did a great job. The pictures where crisp, focus was on point most of the time, except for a few movement shots. Aside that, we were cool. Bishop racked-focus a couple of time in the club scene, reception scenes, and the park scene in ways that were story driving and not just for the esthetics of it. Good stuff. The mirror shot of Makinde descending the stairs at the hotel was cool, nicely done.

Sadly in one of the reception scenes when the Igbo people came in, you crossed the 180 line so they went first from screen right to left, then was cut to when they went from left to right, then again was cut to where they walked from right to left. That was one confusing sequence. It’s a No. The lighting of the scene at Ejura’s room was cool, the choice of practical lights to light the scene was a good one, and needless to say it worked and looked good. The establishing shot of Abuja (night) with the “glo” billboard was done subtly too, I like. No over the top product placements. I mean….( thank you Mr. Sponsor, its still my film and not a 2hours advert for your product). On cinematography, my best shots where those at the National stadium. I love.

Though I think the hotel dry cleaner would need to use some of his own services, he should press his shirt when he picks it up from the line, yeah? Abi what do you think?)

The MD (Jide Kosoko) had one or two pronunciations obviously wrong, (and forgiven, which I wonder why) I thought that word is “briefing” ( | bri f |) and not “brieving”. There also was “izzues” instead of “issues” ( | (j) u , sju | ). A few more takes to get the right pronunciation won’t hurt anyone, (much) so I take off that blame from the actor and pass it to the Director.

One word for the sound department, I love what you did in the club scene, that was awesome, the balancing was good, people around this part of the word don’t shoot club and party scenes well (as per sound) but you did.

Except that you forgot to hide the gaffer tape well in Ejuras NYSC T-shirt in the first car scene. Plus lots of mic ruffles in the kissing scene at the mall, and when Makinde and Ejura walked her down the stairs in the hotel,(after the second visit) I thought that could be better, yea? Cool.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How Abuja received man who trekked from Lagos REGINA OTOKPA

I

t started as a rumour but gradually became a reality when a young man who had vowed to walk on foot from Lagos to Abuja if Muhammadu Buhari wins the March 28 Presidential election, finally arrived after 18 days of trekking.

Indeed Suleiman Hashimu became the talk of the town and the social media few days after he embarked on the journey to redeem his pledge, and had received a grand welcome upon his arrival by fans and multitude of people who doubted such feat could be achieved.

Kubwa Expressway was a fanfare as the crowd which came out to catch a glimpse of the traveler struggled to take pictures and to congratulate Hashimu who was shielded by military operatives amidst sirens.

According to him, he started the journey from Berger Junction in Lagos and passed through kwara and Niger states to reach Abuja, stressing that he was not bothered about what people would say of him, but what matters was being able to fulfil his promise to God and himself.

He said: “I made a promise because of the love I have for Mr. President that if Buhari should win the 2015 elections, I will trek from Lagos to Abuja which I have done. I thank God that I made a promise and I fulfilled the promise.

“I passed through Kwara and Niger states to Abuja. I was trekking from 6.00am to 6.00pm and anywhere re I find myself when it is 6.00pm, I pass the night there. I spent 18 days from Lagoss to Abuja.

“Once I found myself inside the bush by 6.00pm and I managed to continue the trek till 9.00pm to a nearby village.

“I made this promise two o years ago. I am based in Ibadan n and I started my journey from m Lagos because Lagos is the most st popular city in Nigeria and I started from Berger junction in Lagos.

“I am not bothered about what hat people think. It is a promise between me and my God. I don’t want anybody to believe me. I left Lagos agos because I made a promise. Right from Kwara state, I never walked alked

Suleiman Hashimu and General Buhari

alone for five kilometres. People always walk with me to the next village. I work with a construction company based in Ibadan.”

Sampling opinions across the Federal Capital Territory, residents however have continued to react to Suleiman Hashimu’s long walk which many told Inside FCT might have a “political undertone”.

Evelyn Orimoloye said, “It wasn’t a wise decision. If he had died, what would have happened? I think he is an illiterate because only an illiterate can venture into such mindless act”.

Collins Anyadiegwu in his fury stressed that “I am still trying to understand why someone would say if Buhari

wins he would trek all the way from Lagos to Abuja and really did. Is he expecting a ministerial appointment or 20 million from Buhari? Is it that the young man couldn’t think of a better way to break record? What if something sinister had happened to him along the road that would have marked the end of his life? I think he even came too early, he should have been strolling so that he would get here a day after the handover” Maxwell Sende told Inside FCT “I heard he started planning this journey about two years ago. This is madness at its peak. Why didn’t he start the journey from Katsina?

Does he even have a PVC? “I don’t trust this trekking business at all. There is something they are not telling us. I seriously think that this is political else why should someone just stand up and decide to start trekking just like that? We can’t call this one love for Buhari at all, there is something else going on” “I read that he left Lagos at about 5am and arrived Ibadan around 6pm. Is that possible? How many hours did he spend trekking along that Lagos Ibadan expressway alone? It is none of my business what the man did, his motive or if he is telling us the truth or not but personally, I don’t believe it” Beatrice Asuquo lamented the attitude of some spectators saying “the crowd is terrible, you need to see what people were doing just to catch a glimpse of him, record him, and take snap shots of him to post on social media and all that. I never approved of it from the very day I heard about it and I never will because he took a worthless risk. I also think there is more to it” Hashimu’s arrival in Abuja in the evening caused a massive gridlock which blocked the road from Berger to Ministers hill subjecting residents to much discomfort after a long day’s work.

Kabiru Hassan speaking to Inside FCT said “ I remember that evening I was heading to Banex from Berger to pick up someone but instead of using the banex bridge, I had to drive all the way to Nicon Junction because of the heavy traffic.

J

HAVE PEOPLE BEEN SEEING HIM ON THE ROAD?

WAS HE

EMITTING OFFENSIVE E ODOUR WHEN HE ARRIVED BECAUSE

HEARD IT IS THE SAME H CLOTHES HE WORE RIGHT FROM DAY.

DID HE HAVE HEAVY SORES ON HIS FEET

ja s to Abu om Lago fr g in k k Tre

Kubwa: Motorists bemoan indiscriminate parking ROTIMI FADEYI

W

hen the idea to expand the fourlane Kubwa road to a ten-lane expressway was muted by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the objective was to ease the traffic bottleneck in the road.

Considering the fact that Kubwa is one of the satellite towns that most of the workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) live because of the high rent paid on accommodation in the Abuja metropolis, the road is always very busy.

I

Before the expansion, the four-lane carriage way made up of two lanes in opposite directions, it was always a nightmare for motorists plying the road.

There is always heavy traffic on the road, particularly when workers are rushing to work in the mornings and when returning home in the evenings after the close of work.

The Kubwa road also served as one of the roads in the FCT that connects with Suleja in Niger State as well as Kaduna state and to other parts of the country through Lokoja in Kogi State.

Therefore the road is frequently used by

travelers on a daily basis to their different destinations.

With the new design and expansion of the road some years ago to accommodate a number of flyovers, street lights, pedestrian bridges and bus stops at designated areas, it was envisaged that it would ease the traffic pangs usually experienced by motorists on the road The thinking of government when the contract for the expansion of Kubwa road was awarded was that the road would serve as a model for other road expansion of such nature in the FCT. However, few years after the expansion

Gridlock in Kubwa

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Inside FCT

Friday, May 1, 2015

Challenges before IDPs camps GLORIA USMAN

A

new wave of challenges is confronting the Internally Displaced Persons settlements. Investigations by Inside FCT revealed that the supplies of relief materials by NEMA, non-governmental organisations and other faith-based organisations have attracted even more people posing themselves as IDPs to the host communities.

Inside FCT reliably gathered that some residents in the host communities often exploit the opportunities presented by some organisations that visit the IDPs to distribute relief materials to them, to pose as IDPs with the intent to hijack items brought for the affected victims.

Acccording to an IDP, “One donor organisation brought some relief items and called us to address us,when they started calling names of those registered IDP, and after sharing for about ten families some hoodlums and miscreants just from nowhere cover and snatched everything, for me as I see everywhere scattered including those who brought the good gesture to us everyone was running to safety it was like crises so I also rush to carry what I can carry and before a blink of an eye the place was empty. And I tell on that very day before the donor left some had already

sold their share of the items at N5000 per bag of rice. It was so sad situation to see none IDP’s getting away with what was originally meant for IDP’s and their families.”

Another IDP, John, said, “It is such a pity because most of us who couldn’t struggle for their share. It was like a plan attacked to snatch what was brought for us by the government. So like most of the other IDPs, I am now forced to look of sustaining my home to avoid any confrontation with the said mobsters.”

The extortionists, Inside FCT learnt, are often high on drugs and have succeeded in enlisted their names in the general IDP list and partaking in the sharing of items meant for the IDPs. Due to the fact that some of the IDPs were said to have relied on the extortionists to make the long journey to Abuja, they now face constant threats of ejection if they protest the unfair treatment being meted to them by those who hold the aces.

The resulting fracas that often ensues between the hoodlums and some of the IDPs is said to be straining relations between some members of the host communities who are not happy over the negative development.

Speaking to Inisde FCT, the leader of the IDPs in Waru community, Danjuma Ali blamed the hijacking of relief mate-

WITH IMPUNITY, THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS STOP AT VARIOUS POINTS ON THE ROAD of the road, some motorists, particularly commercial vehicles continue to cause problem for other motorists and pedestrians with the indiscriminate parking right on the road to pick up passengers.

25

IDP camp in Abuja

rials on poor coordination by the donors organisations who often insist that they will share the relief items by themselves.

“When a church brought items to us, some residents of this area, especially traders, invaded the place and snatched most of the items. Once they see any vehicle carrying the items to our area they will start following the vehicle to the field to invade and do away the items leaving the genuine IDPs with nothing for their survival. We often hear that relief materials were given to us in the pages of newspapers without seeing the items and we are really worried” he stated. He pleaded with government to provide a

training centre for IDPs, where they can acquire skills which will empower them to be self reliant and educate their children.

Baba Isaac, who is the leader of Adamawa state IDPs in the settlement, told Inside FCT that competing interests from two other settlements have made it difficult for the few relief materials meant for the real IDPs hard to get to their reach.

“The situation here is very bad that we fight always whenever anything comes from outside for us. This is the reality here, sometimes it turns really ugly and violent”, Isaac revealed.

When Inside FCT contacted the zonal coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), FCT, Mr Ishaya Chonoko Isah on the development, he said IDPs are settled in about eight areas within the FCT from, Area 1, Kuchigoro, Pegi, Nyanya and Karu, Waru, Wassa, among others. He said government has done a lot in terms of donations of food items, clothing, household utensils and even medication to the IDPs. He decried the high influx of people into Abuja without notice to the government which accounts for the setting up of camps for IDPs which amounts to duplication of duty when dozens of camps are already being run by the agency in the states where the IDPs came from.

The situation has become an issue of great concern to other road users as drivers of these commercial vehicles have continued to abuse the use of the road despite the fact that designated bus stops to pick and drop passengers had been provided on the road.

With impunity, the commercial vehicle drivers stop at various poinst on the road and not at designated bus stops to pick and drop their passengers and therefore obstruct the flow of traffic especially on the service lanes close to the shoulder of the road.

This situation is even worse during the

rush hours, particularly in the morning when workers and commuters are going to work and in the evening when workers are returning from work.

Sometimes officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on patrol try to enforce discipline, law and order on the road but once the officials are not in sight, the commercial drivers have a field day doing what they like.

One of the commercial vehicle drivers who simply give his name as Frank said they are always in a hurry to carry passengers and therefore don’t even bother to enter into the designated bus stops.

GOVERNMENT HAS DONE A LOT IN TERMS OF DONATIONS OF FOOD ITEMS, CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS AND EVEN MEDICATION TO THE

IDPS

Mirror Mongers

26

Friday, May 1, 2015

Shadimu’s long list of demands

Master-servant imbroglio in Awka

Obiano

W

hat goes around comes around indeed. Before now, it was coming out in hush tones that Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and his successor, Willie Obiano were not on good terms. But now the details prove it is very right.

Earlier in the week, Willie Obiano’s po-

litical adviser, and former Commissioner of Information, Joe Martins Uzodike descended on the fray to vent his angst at his master Willie Obiano with an acidic article, which captured every ugly detail between Obi and Obiano. According to Uzodike, Obiano was hibernating in US, where Obi went to bring him back to join politics. “After several days of prolonged meetings and intervention of the elders, it was agreed that Obi should nominate other neutral persons.

At this stage, he brought in Chief Willie Obiano and Tony Nnaecheta. Both were not members of APGA. After retirement from Fidelity Bank and with no job, Chief Willie Obiano relocated to the USA. His ambition, which he pleaded with Obi to help him realise was to be made a board member of Orient Petroleum. Obi paid for his trip back to Nigeria. and asked Mr. Lawrence Chinweuba, his former Special Adviser, to register him as an APGA member in his village.

Obi also got Arc. Callistus Ilozumba to go to Abuja and purchase forms for governorship election for him. He did exactly the same for Tony Nnaecheta. On his arrival to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Obi brought him and Tony Nnaecheta to the party. Eventually, as campaigns started, I was made the DirectorGeneral.

Chike Ike: Sex as a topic

Ike

N

ow sex sells. If you want to know how true this is, take a stroll into any sex shop…or better ask, Pete Edochie’s third son, who owns one in Lagos. Someone has

Qa

ONE-SECOND &

With

GUY IKOKWU

understood this and has sharpened her skills to key into this too. That person is actress Chika Ike. Yes, to attract audience for her reality TV show, the actress has made it public that ‘no water has passed under her bridge’ in the past five months…if you get the drift. In a lay man’s language, Chika Ike says she has not had sex this year 2015!

She revealed this in her latest Instagram post which read: “Hi Guys! I must say it’s not easy being celibate... Five months and still counting....wow!! I’ll be in bed all day, hugging my pillows.... Lol”.

But people are reading different meanings into this, from the reactions she got to the post which read: ‘An actress as hot as Chika Ike has not had sex this year?

Surely this must be a personal decision, because the actress wouldn’t be short of options’... ‘Let’s see how long the celibacy will last. We also hope she reveals who the lucky fella will be’… ‘Story abeg who will confirm it for us?’

MM notes that a critical analysis of the post also suggests that the actress is missing what she is denying herself of.

As PDP prepares to become the main opposition party in Nigeria as from May 29, 2015, a lot of suggestions have been made on how the party can bounce back. PDP chieftain, Guy Ikokwu, reacts to the issue:

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shodimu and supporters

F

ollowing the results of the just-concluded elections into the Federal House of Representatives, youths and all members of Oshodi Youth Coalition organised a special event to celebrate the winner for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1, Hon. Mutiu Shadimu of the PDP, who emerged winner after a landslide victory at the polls and other PDP elected candidates in Oshodi.

At the event, the leader, Comrade Olamilekan Muraino, on behalf of the entire members and youths of Oshodi-Isolo sent his best wishes for a successful tenure and urged the entire youths of Oshodi to em-

APC and fraudsters

N

igerians know how to create something out of nothing. Now, the campaign promises of the All Progressives Congress have become an industry. MM gathered that at the moment, a group has been flying a kite about mass recruitment going on in line with the promises of the party to empower Nigerians when they win. A number has been provided with which unemployed Nigerians can reach them in Abuja. Some who called the number said a lady would pick the call and direct prospective applicants to Abuja, after demanding that a token be paid to an account. By the way, is this very different from the scam that happened at the Immigration, which was precipitated by the quest to recruit people then? Time will tell.

venated?

How can your party PDP be reju rs that one erve t is the view of many obs mammoth a as of the lapses of the PDP critical isthe political organisation was lack of the is It sue of internal democracy. balthat es stat y internal democracy in man all/sm nter spli r kanized the party into othe our Lab , ord Acc er parties such as APGA, to formulate and so on. The new PDP has ne research ipli new tenets of political disc constituty’s par of the regulations of the c rights civi the tion and the observance of and bers mem and responsibilities of its be. may they ll stake holders however sma

I

brace peace and work together to move the constituency forward. Some of those who attended the event said it was the will of God and the people for Hon. Shadimu and other candidates of the PDP to win the election, and this will be the first time for Oshodi constituency to be in opposition to the Lagos state governing party.

The youths therefore advised the incoming elected candidates to ensure that they serve the people well and support the development of the constituency, while also promising to work hand-in-hand with the newly-elected leaders to achieve a better Oshodi for all.

Scammers target APC

Friday, May 1, 2015 12 Rajab, 1436

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Call to Worship On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

National Mirror is planning as usual, a special publication during the glorious month and we therefore wish that your esteemed organization should be part of this DAWAH. The special publication will run on a daily basis throughout the week days of Ramadan.

For further enquiries, p l e a s e contact: Assistant Editor, – SEKINAH L AWA L : Whatapp: 08055273292, call or text: 08055102994, e m a i l : sakinah207@ yahoo.com.

Leadership as Cultivation of Excellence

I

f God wishes people good he gives leadership in their affairs to the best of them. He also gives them those who will help them. Such leader would lead the community in the right path and put matters in correct places.

They would seek the advice of people who have ideas that are handy in solving problems. They would find powerful people, knowledgeable people and experienced people to help in their different spheres. They will value the prayer of pious people so that the com-

Improving accountability with U-Report 28

munity will fare well in every respect.

Such leaders would advance people who deserve promotion and hold back those who do not merit advancement.

As for Goodness (ihsan), it is the source of nobility of character. Since God know that not everybody prospers through justice alone, but also stands in need of goodness which is superior to justice, God has enjoined them both. To sum up, subjects stand in relation to the leader in three group – old, young and mid-way between the two. The leader must treat the old one

as a father, the middle one as brother and the young one as a son. Let him, then, be dutiful to his father, generous to his brother and affectionate to his son’.

Quoted from: Principles of Leadership According to the Founding Fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate Collated and edited by Hamid Bobboyi with the Compliments of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, LLD, Sultan of Sokoto

Will I witness Ramadan?

29

Qur’an 2:118 And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

Do not disclose the inner failings of others 30

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Call to Worship

12 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Improving accountability with U-Report

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994

A

s UNICEF and partners launched the U-Report, an innovative SMS-based platform that empowers Nigerians by enabling them to participate and engage in policy-making and governance and access real time information on key social issues, we can ensure accountability and true dividends of democracy in our communities.

U-Report, which enables those who voluntarily register – known as U-reporters - to speak-out on what is happening in their communities, provides a forum to amplify their voices through local and national media, sends alerts to key stakeholders about the issues their constituents are facing, and feeds back useful information to the U-Reporters, so they are empowered to work for positive change and improvements in their localities. The platform provides decision makers a forum to listen to millions of voices through simple messaging.

In the last one year with support from the telecommunication companies, the number of U-reporters

LET US CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF REPORTING HAPPENINGS IN OUR COMMUNITIES has rapidly grown to about 200,000 with thousands joining every month from all parts of the country. It is expected to top a million by the end of 2015.

It also means that we can use community journalism through communication technology, to help engender good governance, accountability, social change and improve health standards.

About 15 million text messages were sent out through the U-Report platform while the Country battled Ebola. The awareness messages and real time responses via sms and on the U-report Social media

platforms sent out during the Ebola outbreak were able to address mythical cures like bathing with hot water and salt , taking bitter kola to cure the disease .

U-Reporters were informed on how to identify the disease, and how to keep safe.

U-Report Nigeria has sent out more than 50 polls and 26 million messages over the past one year on Prevention of HIV/AIDS, unemployment, maternal and child health, safety and security in schools; child protection and security in general, electricity, water and sanitation hygiene, among others.

UNICEF strongly believes that through U-report communities can constructively contribute to the betterment of their standard of living and significantly contribute to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, which is key to development. To become a U-reporter in Nigeria text the word ‘JOIN’ to 24453. It is free.

Let us cultivate the habit of reporting happenings in our communities

For our young minds!

• Our beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sal’lam went on a miraculous night journey to Masjid al-Aqsa and to the Heavens. What is this journey called?

• What is the name of the horse-like animal which he rode on this blessed journey?

• When he reached Masjid-al-Aqsa who did he lead in prayers there?

• What gift did he bring back from Allah from the miraculous night journey to the heavens?

How many are the fundamental principles of Islam?

• What is the first fundamental principle of Islam?

• What is the second fundamental principle of Islam?

• What is the third fundamental principle of Islam?

• What is the fourth fundamental principle of Islam?

• What is the fifth fundamental principle of Islam?

• What is prayer?

• How many times a day do we need to perform obligatory prayers?

• What is Adhan?

• Can you tell the name of First Muezzin of Islam?

• In which language Adhan is recited?

• Can somebody recite Adhan in any other langugage?

• What is WUDU (ablution)?

• Do you require WUDU before offering your prayer?

• Do you need water for performing WUDU? • If the water is not available then how to cleanse the body to prepare for prayers?

• What should we recite when starting a good deed?

Don’t allow politics, religion to divide us –MURIC

T

he Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on all Nigerians to be united as one nation to face the challenges facing our dear country without allowing politics, religion or ethnicity to divide them.

This appeal was made in a release signed by MURIC’s Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, where the body commended the rescue of 200 girls and 93 women from the notorious Sambisa forest. “From our leaders, we

demand vision, courage and unshaken political will. We commend Nigerian troops for this heroic feat. We charge the soldiers to leave no stone unturned in their campaign to rid the whole North East of Boko Haram religious bigots.”

MURIC also appealed to the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to treat any other future insurgency with military dispatch before it gets too late.

L-R: Director, International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Deji Elumoye, Ag. Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council , Mr. Nnamdi Njemanze; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Tom Adaba and National General-Secretary of NUJ, Mr. Gbenga Bamidele representing Mallam Mohammed Garba, NUJ National President, at a seminar on assessment of media performance in the coverage of 2015 elections.

Watch out for special Ramadan package OH Allah! Lengthens our lives, increase us in Iman, Taqwa, Rizq and good health to be among those that will witness another set of 30-days full of Rahma, with a night equivalent to 83 years of worship.

As usual, your darling National Mirror Newspaper will be on ground to dish out the daily spir-

itual diets to our teeming darling readers. May we be among the partakers of the glorious month, Aamin.

Let the information keep flowing to all daddies, mummies, brothers and sisters in Islam.

May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly as you create this needed awareness, Amin!

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

Friday, May 1, 2015 12 Rajab, 1436

Will I witness Ramadan?

T

he month of Rajab is already going. Sha‘baan will soon start and usher in Ramadan 1436. May we live to witness it in a very good state of health and well-being. Ramadan teaches sincerity in a way that is unique. It makes man to voluntarily fast under the cover of the night when no one sees him.

The mere fact that you see somebody taking the pre-dawn meal does not mean that he will actually observe abstinence from eating and drinking till sunset. It is all a matter of personal sense of responsibility.

The drive to fast is a conscious resolution to obey Allah (SWT) and thereafter enjoy other values of fasting.

More than any other pillar or any means of worship, fasting in Ramadan teaches absolute sincerity to Allah (SWT). To attain the peak of this, one needs clear and correct knowledge of the spirit and letter ofRamadan.

Its physical aspect requires that you take a light meal at a particular time and thereafter abstain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, smoking and all that can vitiate fast. This serves as a preparation to condi-

tion the inner self for discipline.

Beyond this, it connects the mind of the fasting person with his Creator. As he feels the pain of hunger he remembers the Lord who has created him.

It makes him have feeling for the poor who is always in hunger. Living by this lesson therefore will make you pay attention to the need of the poor or anybody in need.

The commitment to be kind to others is a major lesson of Ramadan. So, if every man, leader or the led, husband or the wife, parent or their children, Muslim or non-Muslim, etc live by this teaching of Ramadan, our society will be in peace. But in a situation whereby the leaders because of their selfish interest, create problems for them to spend and siphon money, for them to win sentiments, for them to misinform the people, for them to tag a particular religion as being violent, it is totally against the spirit of Ramadan.

Their sincerity is in doubt and such leaders will not go unpunished, if not in this world but in the hereafter.

We need the spirit and the training of Ramadan to liberate

and salvage ourselves. When people are not conscious of the reality of afterlife, they misbehave and act satanically. Fasting in Ramadan conquers human propensity of obsession in materialism and self-desires. It makes you think constantly of the pain of the last day as you feel the pain of hunger.

Most of our problems reside with our so-called leaders. If they change for good, majority of the people will follow their examples. All Muslims must rise to the current challenges. Islamaphobia is changing headlines daily. Muslim countries are in wars. Our values are being eroded. When all these will end, only Allah (SWT) can tell. We have always suffered for being Muslims. And I think, Allah (SWT) is teaching us a lesson. We have not been true to our faith. We have preferred this world to the next.

Few Muslims at the corridors of power are to the extent of their ignorance of Islam they claim, disappointments to the Ummah.

They must remember that power and all its paraphernalia are nothing but fleeting phenomenon. It is time we all lived by the spirit of Ramadan. Let us be sin-

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IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com

WHEN PEOPLE ARE NOT CONSCIOUS OF THE REALITY OF AFTERLIFE, THEY MISBEHAVE AND ACT SATANICAL cere as Muslims. Let us translate the true meanings of Islam into practice. Then, it will expose the propaganda of the enemies and render their intrigues as naught.

We really need the arrival of Ramadan to rejuvenate our souls and minds. We need it to be steadfast in our faith and its defense.

We need it to apply patience in the face of international double standards of the enemies to keep propagating our religion with peace and confidence. We need it to remember how we must feel for our fellow men. We need it to renew our sincerity in worship.

We need to rethink the fleeting nature of this world. We need it to get prepared for death. Now, we are all expecting it. We have the idea of when it may start but we cannot be so sure that we will be amongst those who will witness it. Then, what do we do? We must repent of our sins.

Increase our deeds. Mend our ways. Return all trust in our custody. We must remember Allah (SWT) a lot in all that we do and keep on asking, “Will I still meet this coming month of mercy, forgiveness and shield from hell?”

Support office holders with prayers –Oyefeso A call has gone to Nigerians to support the elected office holders and appointees with prayers for divine assistance to enable them to succeed in the task of nation building.

In a statement issued by the National Amir of The Companion, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, and made available to National Mirror, the group saluted all the stakeholders ranging from the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, to political parties, contestants, observers, security agencies, the in-

ternational community and Nigerians in general including the electorates.

The Companion also commended both the outgoing and in-coming Presidents for the maturity they demonstrated in accepting the outcome of the elections. “We call on the newly elected political office holders to shun politics of hatred and division in whatever guise. They should reject arrogance and impunity and see all Nigerians as one regardless of religious, ethnic and party affiliation. The security, the welfare and prosperity of the citizens is per-

haps the most important reason for modern government and all elected office holders and appointees should work in this direction. They should implement their campaign promises.”

The group enjoined all citizens to assist and cooperate with the government at both state and federal levels in delivering good governance.

“Citizens (including government officials) must respect and obey the rule of law while government too must enact good laws based on wide consultations to meet the aspirations of the people.”

Executive members of Zumratul Islamiyyah Society of Nigeria with Alhaji Saliyu Adetunji, Bashorun Adinni of the society, Lagos Island Branch & Otun Balogun of Ibadan Land during the signing & presentation of the deed of assignment of the property donated to the society by Adetunji.

ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH, KNOWN AS NISAB. AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

Place your adverts here for optimal reach

Students of Al-Azhar International College, Lokoja-Kogi State displaying their customised e-tablet.

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Call to Worship

12 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 1, 2015

Do not disclose the inner failings of others H

azratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) said it is important to absorb all truths in order to progress as a community. It is not simply sufficient to accept death of Jesus (on whom be peace) in fact one should reflect over death of Jesus and try and understand why is it important to accept it! For one, the belief of Jesus being alive, is indicative of Jesus’ excellence over the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) although no Prophet of God had the glory of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).

So, this thought is against Islamic belief and a thought we cannot entertain for a minute. To accept that while the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be him) is buried below earth Jesus (on whom be peace) is residing on fourth heaven is great violation of Islam. Secondly the idea of Jesus alive in heaven affects the concept of Unity of God, His Oneness. Had these points not been there we would not have cared if Jesus (on whom be peace) was in the heavens or on earth. But how can we abide by irreverence towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and something that is contrary to Oneness of God. HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says it seems ordinary Ahmadi do not feel passionately when discussing death of Jesus (on whom be peace). He says he has seen the

IT IS THE WAY OF GOD THAT UNLESS AND UNTIL A PERSON HIMSELF CAUSES HIS FAILINGS TO BE DISCLOSED HE IS NOT CONSIDERED GUILTY enormity of passion felt by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) when he discussed the matter of death of Jesus. He would quiver with the strength of emotion he felt and his voice would be majestic as he explained that he had removed a huge impediment in the way to progress of the world. The world was in darkness and he was taking it towards light. Seeing the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in such fervour it felt that he was reclaiming the throne of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) from Jesus (on whom be peace).

When God grants a high spiritual station to someone He Himself guides them. They receive guidance which cannot be directly called revelation but it cannot be disassociated from being revelation either. This guidance is not based on words but is received in

the form of some action. It is as if God’s light descends on the person’s heart and unfolds matter to them. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used to say that when he comes across many people he appears to see rays of lights as if coming out from them which make him aware of the hidden failings or good qualities of the persons. But he did not have the permission to disclose this to the people. It is the way of God that unless and until a person himself causes his failings to be disclosed he is not considered guilty. It is in keeping with this that Prophets of God and people who come in their reflection (and follow them as closely as shadow follows a person) also do not disclose the inner failings of others unless people themselves cause the failings to become evident.

HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) writes that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) visited Lahore in 1904. He addressed a convention during this visit. There were some non-Ahmadi guests present at the convention who narrate that as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) spoke he saw a large column of

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya light as if emerging from the Promised Messiah’s head and heading skywards. He mentioned this to the person sitting next to him who also saw the column of light. This experience left a huge impact of them and they accepted Ahmadiyyat on the same day.

HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) writes that he remembers once someone wrote to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) saying his sister was possessed by Jinn and the Jinn say that they are ready to accept the Promised Messiah. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote back and said give the Jinn the message as to why are they bothering a woman. It they had to harass anyone, they should visit Maulawi Muhammad HussainBatalwi or Maulawi Sana Ullah!!! HazratMusleh Maud writes that of course the commonly held concept of Jinn is not correct. Of course people educated in the English medium would be convinced that there were no such things as Jinn.

However, a believer does not accept matters only through his power of reasoning but looks at the truth of the Holy Qur’an. If the Qur’an backs the commonly held concept of Jinn then we would say: We believe and we testify to the truth! However, if it is proven from the Qur’an that there is no other creation other than mankind, then this has to be accepted!

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used to narrate an incident that once on his visit to Lahore some friends insisted to visit a majzoob (mentally ill ascetic) who lived in Shahdara, a town just outside Lahore. Other friends were not keen on the idea of going because they said the majzoob utters profanities.

However, those in favour of going insisted that as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was a recipient of Divine revelations it would be interesting to see what the majzoob said. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) declined to go but friends somehow took him to see the man.

Answers to our young minds!

• Mi’raj • Buraq • All the Prophets, peace be upon them • Five times daily salah • The faith of Islam is based on five fundamental priciples • First is the belief that there is no God but Allah and Muhammd Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam is the Messanger of Allah • To establish the obligatory prayers (Salat) • To pay the Zakat (Poor-due) • To perform Hajj that is Pilgrimage to the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah if one is financially capable of undertaking the journey to Makkah • Prayer is the act of worshipping Allah acording to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam • To observe the fast during the Holy month of Ramadan • Five times • Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer • Hazrat Bilal Rady Allahu ‘Anhuma • Arabic Langauge • No, its not permitted • WUDU is the act of washing those parts of the body which are generally exposed • Yes, the worshipper must perform WUDU • Yes, fresh, clean and non-stagnent water is required for WUDU • Tayammum is the way when water is not available or somebody is sick then one can perform Tayammum • Bismillahi-r Rahmani-r Rahim

Group photograph of Majlis Ansarullah during the Annual Abuja Dil’a workshop at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Central Mosque, Abuja.

L-R: Zaim Alla, Abuja, Alhaji Musliu Atanda, Ansarullah Northern Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmad Sanusi and Nazim, Majlis Ansarullah, Abuja Dil’a, Bro.Abdulhamid Ajao during the annual Dil’a workshop at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Central Mosque, Abuja

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday May 1, 2015

Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Jerry Gana; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahaman Bello And Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Management Services), Prof. Babajide Alo, during the 2013/2014 convocation of PHOTO: NAN the institution in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Traditional ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu; President of ONICCIMA, Dr. Tim Anosike and Deputy President, Mr. Uche Apakama, during ONICCIMA annual general meeting in Awka on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Wife of Executive Director, Refocusing Nigerian Talents Organisation, Mrs. Manbyen Musa; Executive Director of the organisation, Mr. Abanka Musa and Editor-in-Chief, Character World Magazine, Mr. Victor Osadolor, during the presentation of an award to the Executive Director at a strategic advocacy and promotions of indigenous inventors, innovations for wealth and job creation in Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Mr. Gbenga Ekundayo, Mr. Henry Amami, Prince Adedamola Fakeye and Dr. Segun Akinlolu, during the official launch of the African Socio-Cultural Ideas Initiative, The Movement, at the EniObanke Arts Centre in Lagos recently.

People In The Mirror

31

L-R: Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Shuaibu Usman; pupils, Nwachukwu Wisdom and Hussena Momoh; District Governor, Rotary District 9125, Rotarian Tolu Omatsola and District Governor-elect, Dr. Mike Omotosho, inaugurating toilet facilities built by the Rotary Club of Abuja, Gwarimpa at the L.E.A. Primary School, Gwarimpa in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohamed Uwais; Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba and Senate President David Mark, during the 2015 Induction Certificate Course on Legislative Studies for new legislators in Abuja recently.

L-R: Representative of Police Health Maintenance Ltd, Mrs. Obianuju Williams-Udoka; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ani Alexander; author, Miss Ifeyinwa Udeh and Mrs Amaka Udeh, during the launch of the book, End of an Era, in Enugu recently.

L-R: Prof. Chiweyite Ejike and Wife, Nwakaego and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Mathew-Kukah, during a reception for the award of honorary doctor of PHOTO: NAN science by Ebonyi State University on Prof. Ejike in Abakaliki on Tuesday.

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Arty News

Friday, May 1, 2015

British Council announces ‘Shakespeare Lives’

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Students display artistic prowess at competition

FCT inter performance art Nelson

REGINA OTOKPA

Shakespeare Lives literature feast

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

T

he British Council on the 23rd April 23, 2015 announced Shakespeare Lives, an unprecedented global programme of events and activities celebrating Shakespeare’s life on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death in 2016.

Shakespeare Lives is an invitation to the world to join in the celebrations by participating in a unique online collaboration and experiencing the work of Shakespeare directly on stage, through film, exhibitions and in schools. The programme aims to reach over half a billion people around the world. The British Council and the GREAT Britain campaign are working with host of British theatres, museums, educators and artists on brand new productions of Shakespeare’s plays, film adaptations, public readings and educational resources for schools and English language learners of all ages in the UK and around the world.

A major highlight will be All The World’s A Stage, a mass participation project that will invite people from all over the world to upload and share clips of themselves performing lines from Shakespeare plays. It will culminate in a record breaking, crowdsourced performance and a new digital version of Shakespeare works.

Other Highlights of Shakespeare Lives include: A MOOC (massive open online course) aimed at intermediate level English language learners exploring the key themes and characters in Shakespeare’s plays and his continuing resonance around the world, a global short filmmaking competition in partnership with

straight 8 called ‘Bitesize Bard’ that invites budding filmmakers from around the world to reinterpret one of eight iconic Shakespeare scenes in a single take where the twelve best films will be selected by a renowned panel taken from the world of theatre and film with prizes awarded and a new education pack exploring some of the broad themes that run across his writing – themes that still have a resonance to people all over the world today will be distributed to all 25,000 schools in the UK and will be promoted around the world through the British Council’s school network.

Also, inspiring global celebrations of Shakespeare Day a downloadable toolkit will be developed in partnership with Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It will include a Shakespeare speech available in many world languages and fun resources such as a Shakespeare quiz, Elizabethan recipes and playlists. A touring programme of the best British Shakespeare films available to screen internationally in partnership with the BFI including everything from early silent films to new productions will be made available.

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, British Council said: “Power struggles, brutal politics, murder, love, passion, bitter feuds, human weakness and plain farce are universal themes as relevant now as they were when Shakespeare was writing. Shakespeare Lives will engage audiences overseas and in the UK with both the work of the Bard and with the best of contemporary Britain and will open up opportunities for UK institutions, businesses and organisations to work around the world, and for organisations around the world in the UK.”

I

t was a night of joyful screams for students, teachers and parents of Centagon International School and International Community School (ICS) , as they both emerged winners in the primary and secondary categories of the just concluded FCT interschool performing arts competition respectively.

The competition which was held in Abuja, comprised five schools in the primary category and another five in the secondary category, with six minutes each to showcase their artistic talents and creativity in music, dance and drama before the judges who were made up of Alice O’ Riley the cultural officer French institute,Robert Kerr the Director cultural affairs at the American Embassy,Golda ObI founder and artistic director Strauss School of music and dance and veteran ac-

tor Ramsey Noah.

Speaking to newsmen, the organiser and founder, The Studio Abuja, Olamidun Majekodunmi, said the objective of the annual competition was to engage in promoting the culture of performing art and exposing children and teenagers to the diversification of art.

She added that it was also a platform through which school managements and students within the Federal Capital Territory were motivated and encouraged to introduce and participate in extracurricular activities revolving around performing art.

“The competition is to promote the performing art culture in Nigeria, most people appreciate our art. Children work harder and that is exactly why we are trying to get them from young to do this art, encourage them to work harder and know the diversity in art”.

Reacting to the participa-

tion of one government school against nine private schools, Majekodunmi noted that subsequent editions would capture more government primary and secondary schools even as she was working towards ensuring that the competition would become a national event to give room for schools outside the FCT to participate and showcase their talents.

“We have reached out to a number of government schools but unfortunately we only had one in the competition but next year we will make more effort to bring more in”.

Ramsey Nouah in his remarks maintained that there was need to help youngsters master the act of performing art as they grow by exposing them to activities where they can showcase their hidden talents and creativity. “We actually can help them better to master the art as they grow. Entertainment is really strong basically it falls on every side, it is a reflection of what is happening in our tribes even in the work of art so the people who put this together should make sure they have more of this type of competition” Jumping all over with excitement, one of the students of ICS, Ekunda Wonodi, disclosed that “I am filled with joy, we didn’t really know what to expect it’s really fun and I am excited being here”.

Commending the convener of the competition, Wonodi maintained that it was a platform to “help the students so that they can be well-grounded in arts”.

‘Most Beautiful Model Nigeria’ set for auditions

Vangawa

REGINA OTOKPA

A

fter weeks of screening models at different locations across the country, the final audition for Most Beauti-

ful Model in Nigeria and African designers concert has been scheduled to hold tomorrow (Saturday) in Abuja.

In a press statement signed by Alex Nwankwo, the project coordinator and CEO African Designer

Concert, Mr. Samaila Vangwa had said the models contest would enhance global recognition that could empower women and youth in fashion vocations and also, aid in creation of additional wealth through direct foreign investments in the textile industry.

The statement reads “the event is designed to attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the socio-economic growth of the world garment and textile industry. The concert will involve music and comedy and is also a way of expanding the potential power of fashion by creating wealth through the empowerment of women and youths in various fashion vocation for global patronage”.

According to him, the audition would hold at Chillis Lounge, Area 11 on May 2nd while the grand finale would be on the 13th of June at Sheraton Hotels all in Abuja.

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Arty News

Friday, May 1, 2015

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My advice to female artistes in Nigeria There is no doubt, Patience Williams is a talented artiste. She has been singing since the early stages of her life. Patwilaa as she is fondly called, talks about her experience and challenges in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

did some couple of singles which made a lot of waves both audio and video.

You happen to sing more of love songs. Is there a particular reason for this?

The single I released connotes love, because I discovered that in this country there is no love to the love that existed in the days of our fore fathers. Like I always say, love is a beautiful thing and I discovered that most of Nigerian youths always want to hear about love, we all want to be loved that is the human nature. When I was writing the song, I had the picture of a wedding reception at back of my mind and that is why it is a song that can be sang during wedding celebrations, it can also be sang at home or anywhere else including parties, any day, any time.

Williams

How would you describe yourself?

My name is Patience Williams Lakpo.

Patwilaa is my stage name which I got from the combination of all my names. I am from Nassarawa state, the only daughter of my family in the midst of two brothers.

I grew up in Jos, had my secondary school education in Kaduna but returned to Jos due to the crisis. I hold a diploma in Mass Communication and a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos. How did you find yourself in music?

I am a musical artist; I discovered my musical talent at an early stage of my life.

Right from when I was young, I love singing and anytime I sang people commended me a lot, people say, I have very lovely voice and at a point somebody wanted to pick me up to sing with him, but my mother did not allow that because she wanted me to go to school so, I have to focus on my studies.

That didn’t stop me from singing in the church although I did that without my parents’ knowledge partly because I was a very brave child. I would squeeze a

paper and snick from where they sat, and the next thing they would see was me on the pulpit singing a special number during normal services or special programmes.

After my NYSC, I wanted to join the Navy but it didn’t work out, so I got employed with the National Film and Video Censors Board and after a while, I left for Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority How were you able to combine music with work and education?

It was not easy combining music, my job, and school. When I got the job with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, I had to focus more on the job, because I was a new person there, but everything boils down to time management because when you manage your time well you will be able to achieve a lot even though within the tightest schedule.

A lot of people have been lamenting I am killing my God given talent, some have even advised I face music as a career and so I decided to take the first step in 2011 with all kinds of jingles including political Jingles during the election and then later

Did you encounter any challenges with the production costs?

Yes, indeed, I told you that the song was shot in South Africa and it was during the winter it was so cold everywhere, I was frozen at a point and I was bringing out blood from my nose because the cold was much for me. This is one of the challenges. I have to go to location early in the morning and shot the video.

Why did you leave Nigeria to shoot the video in South Africa?

Actually, I did not go there solely be-

I LIKE USING MY TIME JUDICIOUSLY; I TRY A LITTLE HARDER NOT TO MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES MY WAY

cause I wanted to shot the video, I went there for just a holiday, leisure, shopping, and to have a feeling of the South Africa environment, because travelling is a part of learning and I love learning, that was what I went for. But as far as I am concerned, I like using my time judiciously, I try a little harder not to miss any opportunity that comes my way. It was a window of opportunity and so I simply used a stone to kill two birds. I know that we have a lot of talented producers in Nigeria that can actually shot a very good video. I must say that we are doing a great job here in Nigeria.

How supportive has your family been right from when you ventured into music?

I went into music fully after my university education and by then, I had already gotten a Job so I was the one supporting myself. My mother died a long time ago, she would have been supportive but death did not allow her to support me, so I am the one struggling and supporting myself.

I have a new song which I featured J Martins, I shot the video in Lagos and the song is everywhere, banging in all the radio stations in Abuja, Lagos and other states.

What advice do you have for female Nigerian artistes?

My advice to all greenhorns in the musical world is that, they should be very careful of who they entrust their funds, I am talking out of experience, because I entrusted my funds in some certain hand and it became an issue. They should be very careful, it is not easy to make money and for upcoming artist who do not have enough funds to support themselves, keep hope alive in God and keep doing what you love doing and the sky will be your starting point.

What would you love to change about yourself?

To be honest with you, I have nothing to change about myself. I love being me; I am comfortable in my own skin.

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Escape

Friday, May 1, 2015

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Economy

Tanzania:

Nation of heritage sites Two Masai giraffe in front of mountains in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

anzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa in the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern border is formed by the Indian Ocean. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in North-Eastern Tanzania.

The country is divided into 30 administrative regions: five on the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar and 25 on the mainland in the former Tanganyika. The head of state is President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, elected in 2005.

Since 1996, the official capital of Tanzania has been Dodoma, where the National Assembly and some government offices are located. Between independence and 1996, the main coastal city of Dares-Salaam served as the country’s political capital. It remains Tanzania’s principal commercial city and is the main location of most government institutions. It is also the principal port of the country.

Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged on 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On 29 October of the same year, the country was renamed United Republic of Tanzania.

According to the 2012 census, the total population was 44,928,923.

The under 15 age group represented 44.1% of the population

History It is believed that modern humans originate from the rift valley region of East Africa, and as well as fossilized hominid remains, archaeologists have uncovered Africa’s oldest human settlement in Tanzania. From around first Millennium CE the region was settled

by Bantu speaking peoples who migrated from the west and north.

The coastal port of Kilwa was established around 800 CE by Arab traders, and Persians similarly settled Pemba and Zanzibar.

By 1200 CE the distinctive mix of Arabs, Persians and Africans had developed into Swahili culture. Vasco da Gama sailed up the coast in 1498, and the coastal zone soon fell under the control of Portuguese. By the early 1700s Zanzibar had become a center for the Omani Arab slave trade.

In the mid 1880s, the German Carl Peters began exploring the region, and by 1891 the colony of German East Africa had been created.

In 1890, following its campaign to end the slave trade in the region, Britain made Zanzibar a protectorate. German East Africa was made a British mandate after World War I, and renamed Tanganyika.

The Tanganyika African National Union, TANU, came together to oppose British rule in 1954 -- they achieved internal selfgovernment in 1958, and independence on 9 December 1961. TANU’s leader Julius Nyerere became prime minister, and then, when a republic was proclaimed on 9 December 1962, he became president.

Nyerere introduced ujamma, a form of African socialism based on cooperative agriculture.

Zanzibar won independence on 10 December 1963 and on 26 April

Tanga and Pangani

The economy is heavily based on agriculture, which accounts for more than 25% of gross domestic product, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the workforce, 12.25% of the land is arable, but only 1.79% of the land is planted with permanent crops. Maize dominates much of the country, with cassava, rice, millet, sorghum and coffee also grown. In future, improved varieties of commercial sorghum may replace maize in areas where rainfall declines due to climate change. Tanzania has vast amounts of minerals including gold, diamonds, coal, iron, uranium, nickel, chromium, tin, platinum, coltan, niobium, natural gas, and others. Commercial production of natural gas from the Songo Songo Island in the Indian Ocean off the Rufiji Delta commenced in 2004, with the gas being transported by pipeline to Dar es Salaam. It was announced in February 2012 that the collapsed volcano Mount Ngualla, approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) north of Mbeya, contained one of the largest rare earths oxide deposits in the world. In 2011, Tanzania was the fifteenth-largest producer of gold in the world and the third-largest in Africa after South Africa and Ghana and just ahead of Mali. The value of the gold produced in Tanzania in 2011 was over US$2.5 billion, representing 10.5% of the country’s gross domestic product. The country is also known forTanzanite, a type of precious gemstone that is found only in Tanzania.

Cuisine

Chumbe Island

1964 merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. During Nyerere’s rule, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary State Party) was declared the only legal political party in Tanzania. Nyerere retired from the presidency in 1985, and in 1992 the constitution was amended to allow multi-party democracy.

Biodiversity The giraffe is the national animal. Tanzania has considerable wildlife habitat, including much of the Serengeti plain, where the white-bearded wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) and other bovids participate in a large-scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous move-

ment to find forage in the dry season. Tanzania is also home to 130 amphibian and over 275 reptile species, many of them strictly endemic and included in the IUCN Red Lists of different countries

Climate Tanzania has a tropical climate.

In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C (68 °F). The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C or 77.0–87.8 °F) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C or 59–68 °F). Annual temperature is 20 °C (68.0 °F).

The climate is cool in high mountainous regions.

One of Tanzania’s and other parts of eastern Africa’s, most common cultural dishes is Ugali.

It is usually composed of corn and is similar in consistency to a stiff paste or porridge, giving it its second name of corn meal porridge.

Mixtures of cassava and millet flours are locally used for ugali.

Rice and cooked green bananas are also important staples. Beef, goat meat, beans, yoghurt and a wide range of fish and green leafy vegetables all add nutrients to the dishes.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN TANZANIA Tanzania is a country which encompasses an extraordinary history and an abundance of natural wonders; therefore it is no surprise Tanzania has eight World Heritage Sites. These chosen sites are a fundamental reminder why interaction between people and nature must achieve a balance of preservation and conservation between the two.

Kilimanjaro National Park The Kilimanjaro National Park is located near Moshi, Tanzania.

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It is centred on the iconic and dramatic snow-clad slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, which covers an area of 753 km (291 square miles). In 1973, the mountain above the tree line was classified as a National Park and was opened to public access in 1977, but it wasn’t until 1987 UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site.

Kondoa Rock Art Sites The Kondoa rock art site is a series of caves carved into the side of a hill looking out over the steppe. The cave site is nine kilometres off the main highway from Kondoa to Arusha, about 20 km north of Kondoa. The site has a spectacular collection of images from over 150 shelters depicting elongated people, animals, and hunting scenes. Today many of the shelters are still considered to have ritual associations with the people who live nearby, reflecting their beliefs, rituals and cosmological traditions.

Stone Town, Zanzibar Stone Town or Mji Mkongwe in Swahili meaning ancient town is the old part of Zanzibar City.

The old town is built on a triangular peninsula of land on the western coast of the island and was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2000. Justification for the inscription, includes its rich cultural fusion and harmonization; its great symbolic importance in the suppression of slavery; and the intense seaborne trading activity between Asia and Africa, which is illustrated today in the exceptional architecture and urban structure of the Stone Town.

Selous Game Reserve The Selous Game Reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km (21,081 square miles) and is one of the largest fauna reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature. The reserve is home to typical savannah animals such as elephants, hippopotami, the rare African Wild Dog and crocodiles, which are all found in larger numbers compared to any

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other African park.

Serengeti National Park The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest park, and one of the world’s last great wildlife refuges, hence its World Heritage Site status. It is most famous for its annual migration of over one million white bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 200,000 zebra. The park covers 14,763 km (5,700 square miles) of grassland plains and savannah as well as riverine forest and woodlands. The park lies in the north of the country, bordered to the north by the national Tanzania and Kenyan border, where it is contiguous with the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara The remains of two great East African ports admired by early European explorers are situated on two small islands near the coast.

From the 13th to the 16th century, the merchants of Kilwa dealt in gold, silver, pearls, perfumes, Arabian crockery, Persian earthenware and Chinese porcelain; much of the trade in the Indian Ocean thus passed through their hands.

Serious archaeological investigation began in the 1950s. In 1981 it was declared a World Heritage Site, and noted visitor sites are the Great Mosque, the Mkutini Palace and some remarkable ruins. However, the ruins are also on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The list constitutes a call to improve their safeguarding and is designed to rally national and international efforts for their preservation.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) boasts the finest blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeological sites in Africa and is situated 180 km west of Arusha.

The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a large resident population of wildlife of up to 25,000 predominantly grazing animals. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro Division of Ngorongoro District. It covers an area of 8,288 km (3,200 square miles).

Escape

Friday, May 1, 2015

NATIONAL LAKES

Lake Eyasi The lakes of Tanzania are as dramatic as they are varied. On soda lakes like Lake Manyara and Lake Natron, wildlife gathers on the desolate salt flats and shimmering views take on a lunar landscape which at sunset descends into shades of various pastels.

Lake Manyara Situated inside Lake Manyara National Park, the lake is home to large numbers of flamingos, pelicans, storks and other plentiful bird life, as well as hippos that can be observed at close range. Hot springs trickle into the shallow waters and during the dry season the lakeshore retreats to leave striking white soda deposits in its wake.

ture off the beaten track.

Lake Nyasa Also known as Lake Malawi, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa borders the Livingstone Mountains and stretches out towards Malawi and Mozambique. The towns of Kyela, Itungi, and Matema make good bases from which to visit the lake, which contains almost a third of the known cichlids (a species of freshwater tropical fish) in the world.

Lake Tanganyika Travel to Lake Tanganyika is mostly centred around visiting Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. The lake’s dark waters form the world’s longest and second deepest freshwater lake, and the area is a regional centre for building dhow-fishing boats.

Lake Victoria By far the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s fishing industries and the agricultural land around its shores has made the area an economic centre of Tanzania.

For visitors, attractions include trips to Rubondo Island National Park and participating in various cultural tourism programmes on offer around the area. The lake has some spectacular varieties of freshwater tropical fish, many of which are exported to aquariums all over the world. Its shores are peaceful and pristine, and offer a quiet alternative to the constant movement and bustle of a safari itinerary. Gently sloping hills lead to the soft blue waters of the lake, as fish eagles swoop at dawn and dusk eager for the small fish that swim in Victoria’s rich waters.

Bird watching and fishing trips make popular excursions and boating trips and hikes can be arranged.

Islands in Tanzania: Safari Circuits - Ngorongoro Conservations Area, Chumbe Island, Bawe Island,Chapwani Island, Prison Island, The Islands of Zanzibar, Zanzibar (Unguja Island), Tanga and Pangani, Mafia Island, Bagamoyo Islands and Kilwa Island.

Entrance to kilimanjaro National Park

Lake Victoria

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara

NATIONAL PARKS Arusha National Park Gombe Stream National Parks Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park Katavi National Parks Kilimanjaro National Park Kitulo National Park Lake Manyara National Park Mahale Mountains National Park Mikumi National Park Mkomazi National Park Ruaha National Park Rubondo Island National Park Saadani National Park Serenget National Park Tarangire National Park Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Lake Natron A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adven-

Chapwani Island

Kondoa rock sites

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Friday, May 1, 2015

Red line Rail Corridor: Hope brightens as FG, Lagos’ political divide closes

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iven the dire need to reduce the logjams that typify Lagos roads, as well as to further enhance development, the Lagos state government had embarked on construction of urban rail-based systems covering seven major corridors of high commuter traffic demand within and beyond the metropolitan Lagos extending to border areas with States like Ogun and Oyo. The seven lines link the major population and activity centres in the state, as well as taking advantage, where possible, of existing transport corridors. The network is geared towards integrating with planned and existing water transport and BRT routes.

There is the Blue Line from Okokomaiko to Marina; the Red Line from Agbado to Marina via Iddo and Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA); the Green Line from Marina to Lekki (Airport) ; the Yellow Line from Otta to Iddo and the Purple Line from Redeem to Ojo. There are also the Orange Line from Redeem to Marina and the Brown Line from Mile 12 to Marina.

In this layout, there are the North-South corridor between Agbado and Iddo along the Nigerian Railway corridor; the Eastern corridor to serve the Lekki to Epe axis; and the western corridor to serve the Mile2 – Okoko-

A prototype of Agbado-Marina red line Lagos Light train axis

maiko axis.

Others are: Marina to Lekki axis, Redeem to Ojo, Otta to Iddo, Redeem to Marina and Mile 12 to Marina route. The seven corridors will be connected by a central ring road between Victoria Island and Lagos Island.

The Blue Line, a 27 km rail road with thirteen stations from Okokomaiko to Marina currently undergoing construction right in the middle of Lagos-Badagry Expressway which government is currently expanding and redeveloping into a ten-lane international gateway, is nearing completion with work already reaching about 96 per cent. Apart from rail, the infrastructure design also includes provision for BRT and multimode integration with NonMotorized Transport such as pedestrian walkways and overhead bridges for safe access by passengers to rail and bus stations.

The second line, the Red Line, is expected to run from Marina to Agbado in Ogun State. The line will share the existing 30 metre wide Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) right-of-way.

While the Blue Line (Okokomaiko -Marina) corridor is now reaching about 96 per cent completion, with expected test running commencing in the next two months, work on the red line had met a brick wall as the Federal Government has failed to respond to a request by the state government to allow it use the Federal Government’s right of way.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Babatunde Fashola had repeatedly stated that the red line light rail project has not commenced because the Federal Government has failed to respond to the application to allow the state government make use of the right of way from Iddo for the

‘

Our rail project, Blue and red lines are on course. While we are still expecting President Jonathan’s administration to release the red line corridor for implementation, I am proud to say that the Blue line from Mile 2 to Eric Moore is almost completed

commencement of the project.

Sharing the same view, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had also accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being hypocritical over his persistent claim of reviving the railway when he has bluntly refused to grant the necessary right-of-way approval to the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) for the construction of its redline light rail project from Iddo to Ifo in Ogun State.

According to the party, though investors were ready to invest over one billion dollars in the project, which is expected to carry about one million passengers per day, the federal government

Opeifa

‘

Since the conception of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) network in 2009, while work is about 96 per cent completion on the blue line, running from Okokomaiko to Marina, activities on the 47 kilometre red line light rail project had suffered serious setback due to the federal government’s failure to approve a request by the state government to allow it use its right of way.

But with in-coming political dispensation pitching the Nigeria’s commercial capital being in same political party with the central government, Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports that stakeholders have expressed optimism that Lagos residents are set to smile as the FG might soon give express approval to the project

had declined granting the approval, which has been pending since May 2013, because it sees Lagos as an ‘enemy’ state.

However, with the state now being in the same political party with the incoming administration, stakeholders have expressed optimism Lagos residents who live on the red line axis from Agbado to Marina might soon have cause to smile, as the project would be given express approval by the Buhari’s administration.

Speaking at the annual ministerial press briefing in commemoration of the eight year administration of the state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa stated that though Lagos State is still expecting President Jonathan’s administration to release the red line corridor for implementation, there is hope that the incoming government would not have any difficulty in cooperating with the state government.

“Our rail project, Blue and red lines are on course. While we are still expecting President Jonathan’s administration to release the red line corridor for implementation, I am proud to say that the Blue line from Mile 2 to Eric Moore is almost completed.”

According to Opeifa, while the Blue Line from Mile 2 to Eric

Moore (27km) is almost completed and will commenced test running this year bearing all odds on the arrival of rolling stocks, the extension project from Eric Moore to Marina is progressing and when completed will link the rail with water and road at CMS, making the state’s first rail, water and road intermodal integration.

Opeifa pointed out that the Lagos rail will generate employment and create more housing.

“The Blue Line (Okokomaiko -Marina) Light Rail Project will boost the state economy through the creation of employment and generation of economic activities. When the 27 kilometre rail project becomes operational, several industrial parks were bound to spring up and this would lead to the creation of many industrial estates and will reduce the travel time because at the moment, it takes about 3-4 hours from Okokomaiko to Marina.

So it will become 42-43 minutes and that is a huge improvement for the people that are living on that axis.

“Those going to work on the Island, schools, hospitals, and to other various places will benefit enormously from it. Beyond that, it is also going to generate economic development along that corridor.

It’s going to open up access to all those areas that will generate employment, that will create housing , that will create industrial development, hospitals, schools everything that is needed along that corridor.” He said.

The Blue Line is designed to carry 400,000 passengers daily with capacity increased to 700,000 passengers daily when the rail route becomes fully operational.

The state government said it had proposed Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) types of train, which are emissions free for its Blue Line Rail Project. These EMUs do not pose problems of environmental pollution usually associated with conventional diesel locomotives. They are also proven to be more efficient and easier to maintain than diesel locomotives.

Initially, the Blue Line will carry 400,000 passengers daily with capacity increased to 700,000 passengers daily when the rail route becomes fully operational.

To incorporate the use of EMUs, a depot including power generating plant has been proposed for construction at the final western most station, Okokomaiko. The depot will serve as train maintenance and repair yard, sidings, final train destination, office complex and power station.

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Friday, May 1, 2015

37

Chinese envoy commends CIG on GAC cars

K

an Liu, Consul General, Chinese Embassy in Lagos has described the GAC brand of automobiles, distributed in Nigeria by CIG Motors as high quality automobiles, which can stand the test of time anywhere in the world.

The Chinese envoy made this known when he paid a visit to the CIG Motors office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He was received by the Executive Director CIG Motors, Mr George Ejike Francis, Administrative Director of CIG Motors, Mr Felix Lee, and GAC Regional Sales Manager, Africa International Business Division, Mr. Simon He. According to the Consul General, Nigerians will enjoy the high technology and other feature offered by the GAC brand, which is among the leading auto brands in China. He explained that the brand is very known in China because of its quality and beautiful designs, adding that it will offer Nigeria a wide range

of choice of cars to select from.

Kan, who commended the Nigerian government on its new auto policy, said though he does not know the details of the policy, it would help develop the Nigerian auto industry. China, he said, would like to be part of the development of the Nigerian auto industry by sharing its technology with the Nigerian people. He also advised CIG motors representative of GAC in Nigeria to be good ambassadors of China with its products and services.

The envoy noted, “CIG is very famous and well known in China with its excellent products and services. There is no doubt they will abide by the laws of the land. CIG will develop the Chinese spirit and get along well with Nigerians to develop the Nigerian auto sector.”

Also speaking on their brand, Mr. Ejike assured that CIG would make the GAC brand a household name in Nigeria by offering excellent after sales services to customers.

According to him, part of their plan to take the brand to the next level, is the setting up

Ford recalls 554K cars for power steering, fuel pumps

F Liu

of an auto assembly plant in the country to produce both the saloon and sport utility vehicles models of GAC vehicles. CIG Motors market the GAC motor, Trumpchi GS5 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) that looks like the Lexus RX 350 SUV and the GA3 sport saloon car with outstanding design.

Also speaking at the occasion, Mr Lee said GAC position as a leading Chinese brand was demonstrated at the North America Auto show where the GAC was the only Chinese brand to take part in the show. He disclosed that the commendations at the show, where it competed with other world class products from Europe, Japan, Korea and America sent a signal to the world that GAC is the brand to watch.

resh after last week’s recall of nearly 400,000 latemodel Fords for faulty door latches, the Blue Oval is recalling another 554,314 cars in the U.S. for a variety of problems with fuel pumps, heat shields, steering gear, and parking lamps.

The biggest of the four new recalls affects the 2013-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Edge for bolts on the steering gear motor that can rust out, crack, and disable the power assist.

A total of 487,301 cars are included, and despite this corrosion problem surfacing across the national fleet, Ford is allowed by federal regulators to restrict the recall to vehicles that were ever sold or registered in 20 “salt belt” states and Washington, D.C. Ford has not reported any injuries or accidents. Dealers will replace the bolts, cover them in a rustproof

sealant, and replace any damaged steering gear.

Also on 2015 MKZ sedans: When the headlamps are switched on, the parking lamps are too bright under federal regulations. Dealers will update the software on 21,435 cars to dim the lights appropriately.

On 2014 Focus, Edge, Escape, Transit Connect and 2014-2015 Fiesta models, the fuel pumps have nickel plating that can loosen and plug the impeller— the rotor that spins and drives the fuel into the line—which can cut the flow of gasoline.

This means the cars may not start or may stall while driving.

Ford is aware of one crash due to the faulty fuel pumps, which were also used by at least three other manufacturers including Nissan, BMW, and Volkswagen/Audi. Those recalls are covered here. Dealers will replace the entire fuel pump assembly.

Fashola flags off 10th Lagos Motor Show, auto parts expo

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overnor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, of Lagos State leading other dignitaries from the public and private sectors has declared opened the 10th edition of the Lagos Motor Fair & 4th Autoparts Expo Nigeria.

The Fair, which kicked off on Thursday, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, is parading over 100 companies from Nigeria and abroad.

Mr. Ifeanyichukwu AgwuChairman of the Organising Committee of the Fair said that the event, which is organized

by BKG Exhibitions Limited and SENEXPO International Fairs Inc of Istanbul, Turkey underscores the seriousness of the Lagos State Government in encouraging and supporting all good efforts geared towards developing the automotive industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Agwu, who is also the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, noted that the presence of the State government goes a long way in reinforcing the aims and objectives of the show, which is fast tracking the development of the automotive sector of in Nigeria.

According to the head of the organizing committee, the Lagos Motor Fair remains the unparalleled gathering of established auto brands as well as

new entrants, ranging from passenger, cars, trucks, buses, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, to financials.

He added that the importance of continuously staging the show cannot be over-emphasized as all hands must be on deck to promote and support investments in the sector, as it occupies a strategic position in enhancing the economic development of Nigeria” Mr. Agwu revealed, “As part of our efforts in promoting investment into the automotive sector, all strategies have been deployed to ensure that the fair, more than ever before, receives the needed attention from participants, institutional, trade, professional and individual buyers as well as visitors.

Strategically, just like in the

Fashola

past three editions, we are laying emphasis on the Spare Parts sector in this edition. This is as a result of our guided intention to enhance the development of cottage industries in the spare parts sub-sector of the automotive business sector of the economy with the attendant multiplier effects on the economy of the nation. Our target is to attract many reputable Original Equipment Manufacturers of Spare Parts from across the globe to participate in this edition as well as in subsequent ones.

“In conjunction with our foreign partners: SENEXPO International Fairs Inc of Turkey, we have reached out to many of such companies and happily the response has been tremendous and we are expecting over 60 of them. Our intention in bringing them to Lagos which is the hub of automotive business in West Africa is to enable Nigerians and neighbouring West Africans engaged in auto spare business work out rewarding and lasting business relationships with the main companies engaged in the manufacture of auto spare parts,”he said.

These relationships which can come in the form of sole agencies, distributorship, manufacturers’ representatives amongst others will ultimately boost their businesses.

Ford Edge 2015

Polestar sets to offer factory tuning kits for Volvo’s new drive-e four-cylinder engines

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hen Volvo announced it was producing another run of its sporty S60 and V60 Polestar models to meet unexpected demand, it also mentioned that there were plans in the works to spread goodness from its racing partner Polestar to other models.

Just a few months later, Volvo has confirmed exactly what we wanted to hear: That it is rolling out a slew of tuning kits for models equipped with the automaker’s next-generation Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

For starters, fast Volvos are just inherently cool. But besides that, it is critical for Volvo’s proposed expansion of its production-car involvement with Polestar to include DriveE engines. That’s because, while Polestar currently offers a power kit for Volvo’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six— and modifies things slightly more for the full-blown S60 and V60 Polestar models—future Volvos will be powered exclusively by smaller engines.

Specifically, they will be powered solely by Drive-E three- and four-cylinder engines, so getting a head start on juicing more power from them now seems prescient.

So far Volvo has said only that the new “Polestar Performance Optimization” for the Drive-E engines will encompass the whole family, including the gasoline-fed T6 and T5 (both 2.0-liter turbo fours, only with different outputs), as well as the diesel D4 and D5 fours offered globally. (Confusingly, the old turbo inline-six is also referred to internally as “T6,” but as we said, its days are numbered.) Unlike today’s Polestar power kit, the Polestar Performance Optimization (PPO) not only adds power, but it also tweaks the transmission on automatic-transmission variants.

According to Polestar, the PPO is “optimized for engine performance, throttle response, gearshift speed, gearshift precision, and off-throttle response.”

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Cocktail

Friday, May 1, 2015

Massive extinct elephant bird egg for sale in London

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London auction house said a rare egg of an extinct elephant bird is expected to fetch up to $76,800 when it goes under the hammer.

The egg, scheduled to be auctioned this week, belonged to an elephant bird, an extinct flightless bird that was a cousin to New Zealand’s kiwi.

The Madagascar-native

birds, known scientifically as Aepyornis maximus, could grow to up to 10 feet tall and weigh up to 600 pounds.

The elephant bird egg measures nearly 12 inches tall and is 200 times larger than a chicken’s egg.

A similar elephant bird egg sold for $101,613 when it was auctioned in 2013 at Christie’s auction house in London.

Police feed suspect bananas to recover stolen necklace

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nil Yadav allegedly grabbed the gold mangalsutra necklace from a woman as she was walking home in Mumbai.

Police in India said a theft suspect is being fed a banana diet to help him pass a stolen necklace spotted in an X-ray image of his body.

Investigators said Anil Yadav, 30, grabbed the gold mangalsutra necklace, worth nearly $1,000, from a 52-year-old woman as she was walking home Monday in the Sion area of Mumbai.

“After the lady screamed for help, our police patrol

and members of the public gave him a chase and caught him,” police official Rahul Pawar told the BBC. “We searched him thoroughly in the police station but did not find the necklace. Then some people who had caught him told us that they had seen him swallowing something.”

Yadav was taken to Sion hospital, where X-ray images showed the necklace lodged in his food pipe.

Police said the necklace has since moved to the suspect’s stomach and he is being fed a diet of bananas and liquids to help him pass the pilfered item naturally.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

89-year-old former player scores in alumni scrimmage

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n 89-year-old former University of Kansas football player has gained fresh fame after making a touchdown run during an alumni scrimmage.

Bryan Sperry was all grins Saturday as he jogged toward the Memorial Stadium end zone during the scrimmage before Kansas’ annual spring football game, The Kansas City Star (http://bit.ly/1Gy1Tsk ) reported. His decades-younger opponents intentionally missed repeated tackles before showering him with congratulatory hugs and pats on the back.

“That was fun,” the Pittsburg resident said. “I didn’t know if I could run.”

Sperry was 17 years old when he first left home to play football at Kansas State, but World War II interrupted his schooling.

The process of returning soldiers home by boat after

the war took months, so the military sent Sperry to a university in England to wait. While there, he says,

he played 13 games on a team that was a mix of professionals, college players and high school graduates

Bryan Sperry, who lettered in football for both K-State and KU during the 1940s, scored a touchdown, recently.

with limited football experience.

Upon returning home in February 1946, he headed for a tryout, mostly for veterans, held by then-Kansas football coach George Sauer. He played “end” while at Kansas — offense and defence, Sperry said: “Well, we played both ways in those days.”

The Jayhawks finished 7-2-1 in 1946 and in 1947, with a team captained by KU legends Otto Schnellbacher and Don Fambrough, the Jayhawks went 8-1-2, their only loss coming to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Sperry finished his career in 1948.

“There aren’t many people that are lettermen of both KU and K-State,” Sperry said.

With his playing days behind him, he spent decades as a high school football coach and math instructor at Pittsburg State.

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

39

Ibaka Deep Seaport: Hope dims on port’s promises for import-export trade With just about 29 days to the end of the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration in Akwa Ibom, State, the inability of the government to take the Ibaka Deep Seaport project to a significant level has dimmed stakeholders’ hope on the port’s potentials for maritime industry’s growth, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

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erhaps, most maritime stakeholders would have to adjust to the painful reality that the Ibaka Deep Sea Port project, unveiled with so much pomp and pageantry by Governor Godswill Akpabio a few years ago may soon be added to the lists of failed projects in Nigeria, except the miraculous happens.

Stakeholders could not hide their excitement and sense of fulfillment when the outgoing administration sometime in 2008 made public its decision to build a stateof-the-art deep seaport in Ibaka, located in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

Given the potentials of the proposed port location, many were convinced that the new port facility, which was to set a new record in deep sea shipping was as good as realised.

For instance, the port, which currently serves as a hub for fishing activities in the area and water transportation using small boats for traders that shuttle between Nigeria and Cameroon, is a natural deep seaport of over 17 metres of draft without dredging.

It was also expected that the port, which was slated to commence full port operation in 2015, would have a quay area of over two miles in terms of length, which makes it a safe haven for mega vessels of over 10,000 Twenty Equivalent Units TEUs. With this natural endowment of the port location, most stakeholders therefore concluded that Nigeria’s quest of emerging a hub seaport status for the West and Central African sub-region was as good as achieved.

Unfortunately, six years after and just a few days to the end of the Akpabio administration, nothing has been done on the proposed site, not even any form of foundation has been laid.

Investigations showed that the highest step towards the realisation of the project was the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy by the Akwa Ibom State Government to NPA for a parcel of land covering over 5,580 Sq meters of land for the proposed seaport for over six years. This is an indication that the project may have been abandoned.

Stakeholders have argued that since the project was being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Transport under which the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, holds 20 per cent equity on behalf of the Federal Government, the incoming Minister of Transport might not be favourably disposed to the project.

It was gathered that the Ibaka community had waited for the Akwa Ibom State Government endlessly to commence the project, which had enjoyed wide publicity

Ibaka deep sea port currently used for inland transportation and fishing

over the years.

It however seems that the community and indeed the entire Mbo Local Government Area, who had high expectations of a transformation of the communities via the port project are gradually coming to terms with the reality that the project is probably a hoax.

But many of them have expressed fears that the failure of the project might deal a deadly blow to Nigeria’s hub seaport status dream.

But stakeholders have argued that since the project is being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Transport under which the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA holds 20 per cent equity on behalf of the Federal Government, the incoming Minister of Transport might not be favourably disposed to the project. President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, one of the stakeholders who commented on the issue, decried the poor handling of the project by Governor Akwabio. According to him, the project

raised hope of Nigeria’s attainment of a hub port status, which has been dashed, adding that some mega deep seaports are being built in some neighbouring West African countries, one of which might clinch the hub port status for the region. This, he argued is especially so given the obvious expansion problem faced by the existing ports, especially Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports both in Lagos..

“If nothing was done urgently to address these issues, in no distance time, Nigerian Customs brokerage agents or freight forwarders would start visiting these neighbouring seaports for consignments that will eventually be consumed Nigeria”, he said. “The Ibaka Deep Seaport, which has a natural draft of over 17 metres without dredging and strategically located, presents the best option for Nigeria to achieve the age long desire of becoming a hub port of destination for all consignments coming into the West and Central African Sub-region”, Amiwero also said. It was probably in realisation

THE IBAKA DEEP SEAPORT, WHICH HAS A NATURAL DRAFT OF OVER 17 METRES WITHOUT DREDGING AND STRATEGICALLY LOCATED, PRESENTS THE BEST OPTION FOR NIGERIA TO ACHIEVE THE AGE LONG DESIRE OF BECOMING A HUB PORT OF DESTINATION FOR ALL CONSIGNMENTS COMING INTO THE WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICAN SUB-REGION

of this fact NPA shortly after the completion of the prot reform programme commenced further dredging of the Apapa Ports up to 13.5 metres of draft, which facilitated the berthing of Maersk Calabar with about 25, 0000 Twenty Equivalent Units TEUs, with the attendant economies of scale for the shippers. This vessel remains the biggest vessel to berth in Apapa since it was built in the 19th Century. But Amiwero also noted that the Ibaka Deep Seaport, will on completion reduce the pressure on the already over-stretched port facilities in Lagos, as it will service importers in most of the South Eastern States, most of who still travels to Lagos to pick their consignments with the attendant huge losses occasioned by the destruction of some of such consignments while on transit, given the poor state of the roads. This also entails high cost of maintaining the roads, given that the rail transport system in not fully in place yet. President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Eugene Nweke, noted that for such lofty project, the change of government would not have affected the completion of the project. According to him, in other climes, government is a continuum, which is yet to attained in Nigeria, as most administrations even from the same party would embark on new projects instead of completing existing ones. He therefore charged the incoming administration both at the state and national level to take the project seriously, given its strategic importance to the nation’s economy.

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Business Maritime

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘New Common External Tariff ‘ll boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue’ STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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ontrary to fears that the newly introduced Common External Tariff CET would impose higher tariff on imported goods, the Nigeria Customs Service has said that the new regime would encourage production and therefore boost non-oil revenue of the country.

Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command, Comptroller Charles Edike, in an exclusive interview with National Mirror said that rumours that the new CET would impose more hardship on Nigerian shippers.

According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to introduce the CET, which covers the 16-member countries of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, was nothing new that would impose higher tariff on imported goods.

“The new CET is nothing new or strange. Every year the government reviews its tariffs, some go up while some come down and sometimes some goods are placed on the prohibition list and vice versa while some others are place under different HS Code as the case may be”, he said emphatically.

Edike pointed out that the new tariff would rather boost production within the region, as there would be increased trade because of the standardized tariff regime within the community, which would boost revenue of the members.

He noted that for a country like Nigeria, the new regime of tariff would encourage increased pro-

Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko

duction and export of goods such as Bournvita, plastics and plasticrelated products such as slippers, buckets and other allied products.

“The implication of the increased production activities and exports would lead to an increase in Federal Government’s non-oil revenue because instead of importing these products into the West African community from Europe, Asia and America, the importers would prefer to import from Nigeria, taking advantage

Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala

of the uniform tariff structure”, Edike said.

He insisted that the new CET would encourage and boost legitimate trade within the ECOWAS region, which will be of immense benefit to Nigeria given the size of her market and her production capabilities, which will open her up into the economies of other members of the community.

He also argued that since the new regime would encourage and boost legitimate trade, it would

Group seeks end to Apapa gridlock

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orried by the untold hardships brought upon seaport users and other resident of Apapa and environs, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has advocated the use of other storage facilities in other states of the federation other than those in Lagos to alleviate the problem.

The Chairman of the Southwest chapter of the union, Mr.

Tokunbo Korodo, who spoke in Lagos, said that that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC should cut supplies to its depots in Lagos to reduce the influx of trucks into the stage, which constitute over 60 per cent cause of the gridlocks.

“Effective distribution of petroleum products through the use of depots outside Lagos would reduce traffic congestion within Apapa and environs

Port congestion undermines MOL’s performance in Q1

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ue to the lingering effects of labour issues on the United States West Coast, both Asia – U.S. West Coast and Transatlantic services’ performance deteriorated further in January – March 2015, Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. MOL said in its On-Time Arrival Performance results.

The company decided to introduce the performance review for its major trade lanes as an effort of upgrading the quality of its services.

The scope of trade lanes included in the review covers EastWest Trade: Asia-U.S. West Coast, Asia-U.S. East Coast, Transatlantic, Asia-Europe, Asia-Mediterranean, North-South Trade:

also reduce smuggling since it will not make much sense to smuggle from Togo for instance into Nigeria or the Republic of Benin since the tariff is uniform within the community.

He therefore urged operators in the real sector of the Nigerian economy to take full advantage of the unified tariff regime to boost their manufacturing capacities so that they would produce more, part of which would be exported to neighbouring West African coun-

tries.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, had penultimate week announced that the Federal Government has approved the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS CET, which covers between 2015 and 2019.

The Minister had also said that in addition to the approval of the new CET, the government has approved the implementation of the 2015 fiscal policy measures.

According to her, the implementation of the ECOWAS CET 20152019 and its Supplementary Protection Measures SPM and the 2015 Fiscal Policy Measures occurs concurrently and will take effect from April 11, 2015 after the expiration of the 30 days notice required under the provisions of the ECOWAS CET. “ By this development, as from April 11, 2015, all imports arriving into the country shall be subjected to the rates contained in the CET 2015- 2019 and 2015 Fiscal Measures without recourse to the rates applicable before the coming into effect of the ECOWAS CET 2015 – 2019”, the Minister had said.

Asia-East Coast South America, Asia-Mexico/West Coast South America, Europe-Africa Intra Asia Trade: Intra Asia.

MOL’s performance of Asia – U.S. East Coast services improved due to various schedule recovery programs, including additional relief vessels and port omissions.

Overall Asia – Europe and Asia – Mediterranean services performance did not improve in January – March 2015 due to ongoing port congestion at Shanghai, Hong Kong, Europe Ports, and Port Said, plus low productivity in Singapore.

The on-time performance of MOL’s Asia – ECSA service (CSW) improved from 92% in October – December 2014 to 100% in

January – March 2015.

Although South African ports (Cape Town and Ngqura) were still generally facing strong wind conditions in January – March 2015, delays were avoided by securing appropriate berth windows and making schedule adjustments, MOL said.

The change of coastal schedule in response to Keelung’s port closure during the Chinese New Year period negatively affected the ontime performance of vessels operated by MOL on the Asia-WCSA service (CWL). However, overall performance of the service improved from 87% to 93% due to improvement upon Asia port congestion issue.

and relieve residents and other stakeholders of this harrowing experience”, he pleaded.

It was gathered that only three depots comprising Capital Oil and Gas, Ibeto Oil and Gas and Integrated Oil and Gas Tank Farms out of more than 18 located in Apapa currently have petroleum products.

According to him, the long queue, which characterize the area could degenerate into scarcity of petroleum products if not urgently addressed He also advised that now that the major oil marketers are not loading products due to the unpaid subsidy arrears,

the corporation should quickly use other depots to decongest Apapa roads..

“If all the tankers in the country come down to Apapa for supply, it will degenerate into scarcity of petroleum products because most of the truck drivers spend more than four days before they are able to lift products, which implies additional expenses on them”, he said emphatically He however called the Federal Government to resolve the disagreement with the major oil marketers over the unpaid subsidy claims as a matter of urgency to check the looming product scarcity.

Global summit makes case for ballast water mgt

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allast Water Management (BWM) was amongst the key issues discussed at the Global Water Summit 2015 which was concluded on 2 Wednesday in Athens, Greece.

At a session entitled “2015: the year for ballast water?” t IMO’s Antoine Blonce presented latest updates on the IMO BWM Convention and GloBallast Partnerships Programme, l

which aim to address the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water, thereby reducing the negative impact on marine ecosystems.

To date, the BWM Convention has been ratified by 44 Member States, representing 32.86% of world tonnage, with 35 per cent of world tonnage needed to meet the entry into force criteria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, May 1, 2015

41

Telecom operators lose N29bn yearly to excessive taxes ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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he Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya has revealed that mobile phone operators were losing about N29 billion yearly to arbitrary taxes, fees and charges imposed by the various tiers of government and their agents.

Ogunsanya, who spoke at a media forum in Lagos, said that two to three percent of Nigeria’s sites were affected by arbitrary shutdown and vandalism at any given point in time.

He also revealed that mobile phone operators’ fiscal problems characterized by incidence of multiple-taxation, manifested more in terms of revenue losses from idle or shut down base stations which represented the main source of negative impact of multiple taxation and network vandalism for the industry.

The industry chief estimated the increased operating cost and lost revenue costs to be about N9 billion yearly to the telecoms industry or about N20 billion if most of the arbitrary fees in some key states are upheld. .He therefore, called on the government to unify taxes under one code and also bring to

book vandals who deliberately destroy telecoms infrastructure.

The Airtel boss pointed out that the Nigerian telecoms market offered multiple growth opportunities, stating that with 78 percent mobile penetration as at December 2014, there is massive untapped market potential just as he also opined that broadband adoption is set to rise as demand for more stable Internet grows from the residential and business segments.

Ogunsanya projected that about 47 million subscriptions were expected to be added to the current subscriber base between December 2014 and December, 2019, saying that this demonstrates massive untapped market potential and continued strong total telecoms revenue growth driven essentially by mobile data.

According to him, Nigeria offers exciting opportunities for telecoms investors as a large population with rising incomes positions the country as one of the most attractive destinations for investment on the African continent. ` Ogunsanya noted that Nigeria had massive bandwidth capacity from the four undersea cables yet to be exploited and this would provide opportunities to domestic and international investors to

take advantage of in the growing broadband and data industry.

He however, said that key issues must be urgently resolved for the domestic telecoms industry to reach its full market potential.

Some of the issues include, spectrum availability and adequacy, government commitment to the National Broadband Plan, tackling the monster of multiple-taxation, reliable and costeffective power supply, protection of telecoms infrastructure from vandalism and resolving

restrictions on telcos’ activity in mobile money.

On spectrum availability, the Airtel CEO stated that due to explosive growth in mobile data traffic, operators require more spectrums to support this growth.

Though he commended the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for making inroads towards spectrum availability and adequacy, Ogunsanya however pointed out that there was an urgent need to expedite the release as well as

award of frequency to operators as this will facilitate industry development.

Commenting on the immediate implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), he explained that achieving the NBP would require possibly up to 50 percent more than the $3bn-$4bn Nigerian operators have been spending on CAPEX annually, an increment that would need to be justified by a material change in operating conditions that would improve investment confidence.

L-R: Customer Expence Partner, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Odili Ogwu; Product Manager, Mr. David Otukpe; winer, DiamondXtra Season 7, Mr. Onyeke Nnaji and Brand Executive, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr Echzona Okelue, during the prize presentation at Ladipo Market, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

World Bank provides $75m credit to Edo State TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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he World Bank Board of Executive Directors yesterday approved a US$75 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to boost better development prospects in Edo State.

The Bank stated that the approved credit specifically meant for ‘Edo State Fiscal Improvement and Service Delivery Development Policy Operation’ will be in the form of budget support to finance policy and institutional reforms that Edo State has undertaken to improve its public financial management, increase private investment in land, and significantly improve the quality of the State’s education system.

The Bank’s Country Director in Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, said the support was aimed at encouraging the state government to sustain progress made in the past few years in key areas of improved governance and service delivery, saying that it is expected that the credit will have a positive demonstration effect on other states.

She said: “We would like to encourage the Government of Edo to sustain the gains achieved to date by further improving governance and service delivery in Edo State. We expect that this budget support to Edo, like that granted to Lagos state earlier, will have a positive demonstration effect on other states in Nigeria by inspiring them to take on important reforms to build strong systems and institutions that will endure over successive governments,” This is the first in a new series of yearly development policy financing operations that support Edo state’s medium term strategic plan focused on bolstering growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

Edo State is strengthening its financial management information system for budget management, strengthening the alignment of the state’s annual budgets to the strategic priorities of the government as well and improving financial accountability through timely audits and the publication of the state government’s audited financial accounts.

The programme will also en-

between these institutions and the private sector to improve the relevance of TVET education in the state and ultimately the employability of the state’s youth population.

In his remarks, the Bank’s Task Team Leader for the Operation, Gloria Joseph-Raji, explained that “Development Policy Financing is an instrument which the Bank uses to support client governments to reduce poverty sustainably through a program of policy and institutional reforms.

sure professionalization of the state’s procurement function to improve the management of public procurement in the state.

Reforms to increase private sector access to land for investment will focus on establishing a new regime of more competitive land transaction charges to encourage investments in the state which will, in turn, boost growth and employment creation.

In the area of education, one key reform undertaken by Edo state is the strengthening of governance at the basic educa-

tion level through the involvement of the established SchoolBased Management Committees (SBMCs) in the monitoring of teacher and pupil attendance at schools.

Edo State Government, which has been working on improving the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the demands and needs of the employment market, is also protecting funding for such institutions. The Government is expected to establish partnership arrangements

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Arik Air suspends Dubai route

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arely nine months into the commencement of direct flight operations from Lagos via Abuja to Dubai, had Arik Air has announced the suspension of the service.

The airline in a statement by its Communications Officer, Chigozie Okereke attributed the suspension of the route to a challenging wider economic environment in Nigeria as well as increasing stringent travel regulations in the United Arabs Emirates, UAE. The decision to suspend the

route, Okereke noted was taken by its Executive Board, saying the suspension takes effect from May 4, 2015.

The airline had commenced direct flight operations to the Middle East country on Monday July 28, 2014.

The airline said then that the commencement of the route was part of its expansion plans, which would commence five times weekly with a plan to run a daily flight in the near future.

Prior to its planned suspension, it remained with the five frequencies weekly while Emirates

and Etihad Airways enjoyed 28 weekly frequencies into two destinations in Nigeria.

The airline in a statement yesterday said that it would continue to focus its attention to developing services in Nigeria and West Africa.

It added that its domestic network was fully developed with flights to most parts of the country, but emphasized that it would continue to review its frequencies and fleet deployment strategy to ensure “we continually match growing demand within and outside of Nigeria for air travel and also operate efficiently.

42

Business News

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CIS posts N64m surplus after years of losses ...as Okumagba steps down from office

TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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he Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, posted N64, 000,000 surpluses as against series of losses for six consecutive years.

The Institute, which held a successful 20th Annual General Meeting, AGM, also embarked on many initiatives to re-brand, grow membership and benchmark its

operations with the global standards while playing pivotal roles in the growth and development of the Nigerian Capital Market.

Generally, Stockbrokers commended the new administration for its outstanding performance within one year as well as its aggressive approach, which has put the Institute on the national consciousness.

In his remarks, the Acting President and Chairman of the Coun-

cil, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe urged the Stockbrokers to support the ongoing transformation by paying their membership and practising fees promptly. Abe implored them to show more interest in the Institute’s activities.

The Institute’s current Annual Report and Financial Statements read in parts, “From a financial perspective, the Institute recorded a surplus of N64 million, a significant landmark as it represents

L-R: Odunola Oyegade, Managing Director, Mopheth Nigeria Limited; Titi Osuntoki, Executive Director, Business Banking, Access Banking, Access Bank Plc; Clare Omatseye, Managing Director, JNC International and Ope WemiJones, Head, Inclusive Banking, Access Bank, during the workshop for women in healthcare, organised by Access Bank W initiative in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Healthcare Federation of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday

reversal of the series of losses recorded in the last six years. This is accounted for by four main factors-a massive debt recovery drive, which achieved modest results, higher income from selffinancing activities, efficient cost management and control, and receipt of grant from the Nigerian Stock Exchange” The Financial Statements also indicate that the Institute shall undertake a comprehensive rebranding to take its rightful place in the financial market, ensure revamping of its finances, and initiate a process through which it will be used as a platform to support knowledgeable professionals that would help deepen the financial inclusion in Nigeria.

On membership drive, the Institute has strengthened its Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment to create opportunities for the youths that are interested in pursuing a career in the financial market. By this role, the institute would supply the manpower requirement of the nation towards achieving the national saving strategy and financial inclusion plans.

“To this end, the CIS professional Diploma Examination has been re-designed as fully computer-based test holding every month as opposed to twice a year. This

is aimed at reducing our time required to complete certification thereby accelerating the process of training and certifying candidates”.

As a strategy to ensure effective marketing of the programme, CIS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with no fewer than seven organizations to mobilize students nationwide for the Diploma Programme.

The Institute, which has embarked on strategic creation of awareness of its operations through sustained media visibility, is also waxing stronger in partnering with other bodies and engaging regulators, operators and the government on the need to move the market to the next level.

Meanwhile, the Council of CIS has approved the request for the President and Chairman of the Council, Mr. Albert Okumagba, FCS, to step aside, pending the on-going oversight activities of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, at the BGL Group, where he is also the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

In approving the request, the Council also authorised the First Vice President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, FCS, to act in the capacity of the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute.

Aviation stakeholder tasks Buhari on sector’s growth OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema has called on the President elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, address the double digit interest rate in loans given to domestic operators by the financial institutions in the country.

Onyema lamented that unlike their counterparts in Europe and America, Nigerian carriers are made to pay double digit interests on loans accessed from commercial banks, saying that with this, the operators would find it extremely difficult to compete in the sector.

He insisted that such low interest credit window was better than mere intervention packages to domestic carriers that may not entirely address the range of their operational challenges.

He also called on the incoming administration to as a matter of policy, ensure that the indigenous carriers access land from the airport authority to set up aircraft maintenance hangar, which he said would not only create job opportunities for professionals, but would also reduce the cost of offshore aircraft maintenance.

He however accused the aviation agencies of frustrating efforts by domestic carriers to access land through lease option at airports nationwide, saying that the agencies not only delay in considering approvals, but also charge arbitrary fees .

He cited the N150 million charges awarded him by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for a parcel of land approved for the setting up of an aircraft maintenance hangar at the Lagos Airport as an example.

Onyema said the amount is not only too high, but a huge disincentive to efforts by a domestic carrier to improve capacity in aircraft maintenance and creation of jobs for teeming aviation professionals.

Onyema said the major challenge affecting the aviation sector was absence of good policies that would make it conducive for domestic carriers to run profitable operations.

Onyema also urged the in- coming President to appoint somebody with a business background, who would appreciate how the harsh operating environment was impacting negatively on airline operations.

According to him, the govern-

ment should also take a cursory look at the multiple charges levied airlines by aviation agencies, which he said was erecting a road block on the growth and development of the operators.

He decried that domestic operators are over-charged, maintain that the five per cent ticket sales charge collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, on behalf of other agencies was too high.

He explained that the operators do not make up to five per cent profit on their operations and wondered why government agencies would collect such from the operators.

Onyema canvassed the harmonisation of charges by all government agencies; NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA. Onyema said the amount is not only too high but a huge disincentive to efforts by a domestic carrier to improve capacity in aircraft maintenance and creation of jobs for teeming aviation professionals.

He explained further that the problem of the aviation sector was beyond the mere proposal of airline merger, but serious intervention policies that would

address issues bordering on the huge costs of airline operations, access to foreign exchange and multiple taxations among others.

“There has been a lot of talk about the aviation sector in Nigeria, which is mostly influenced by lack of knowledge about the sector by so - called experts. The bulk of the talk heaps blame on airline operators as being the problem of the industry, which is not true’’, he said, Continuing, he said, “What

is key in the industry is that operators are playing their role and doing their best, but with the existing structures in the industry the growth of domestic airlines cannot be sustained. No domestic airline will do well if the current policies that stint growth are sustained. The way out is for government to design appropriate policies that would create a conducive operating environment for operators.”

Delivery critical in e-commerce transactions, says DHL

A

s e-commerce continues to gain popularity across the African continent, more effort needs to be paid towards facilitating flawless delivery to customers.

This is further supported by the Global e-Commerce Logistics 2015(1) report which reveals that e-commerce logistics is rapidly changing to keep pace with this quickly evolving market.

This is according to Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Sales for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, who says that the delivery of goods purchased online is one of the most important ele-

ments to a customer’s e-tailing experience, and yet is often overlooked by retailers.

A recent report by McKinsey & Company(2) revealed that e-commerce could account for 10% of retail sales in the African continent’s largest economies by 2025.The birth of e-commerce is revolutionizing local logistics practices and physical distribution networks.

“Consumers are now able to access and purchase a range of products at a click of button, and are increasingly expecting immediate delivery, which makes logistics increasingly important.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, May 1, 2015

CDF raises fresh alarm over fraudulent charcoal buyers in Europe FRANCIS EZEM

T

he Cargo Defence Fund, CDF, has raised fresh concerns over the increasing activities of a syndicate, which specialises in luring Nigerian businessmen into exporting hardwood charcoal to some European countries, only for them to be defrauded in the process.

CDF, a non-profit making company limited by guarantee, is an arm of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, charged with the responsibility of helping Nigerian shippers (importers and exporters) to pursue their cargo claims.

National Mirror had reported exclusively that Nigerian charcoal exporters have lost the sum of N78.9 billion in the last five years to fraudulent charcoal importers in Germany, Spain, Netherland, Belgium and Italy, a development that has punctured the Federal Government’s efforts to promote non-oil exports.

Secretary to the Fund, Ms.

Azuka Ogo, who spoke in Lagos state, disclosed that the syndicate that specialises in organising free seminars and workshops to lure Nigerian businessmen and women into exporting hardwood charcoal, which is on high demand in Europe, is on the prowl again.

According to her, this fresh alert had become necessary because many Nigerian exporters have fallen victim of non-payment for several thousand tonnes of the commodity to such fraudulent charcoal buyers in Europe, after attending such free seminars and workshops.

It was gathered that the syndicate made up of Nigerians, who connive with these fraudulent foreign buyers, organise free workshops and seminars, where they tell the unsuspecting businessmen and women as well as retires that there are mouth-watering returns when they export hardwood charcoal to European countries.

“We have further observed that this trend has since continued because of fresh complaints we

have received recently. As at the last count, we received a total of 27 charcoal cases on behalf of Nigerian exporters and this figure has increased to 41 cases, despite the alerts we have issued in the past”, she lamented.

She also said: “The trend in these new cases is the same with the old ones in which a Nigerian businessman or newly retired public servant attend one of such seminars on export opportunities in Europe organised by some private interests, where they are fed with lies that they will make thousands of dollars, when they export charcoal to European nations” Investigations show that these businessmen or retirees without making further researches spend their life earnings to procure the commodities, export same to these fraudulent buyers on the basis of ‘open account’, which requires them to ship the consignment, after which the buyer pays on the receipt of the goods, which many of them have reneged on.

L-R: Marketing Manager, Smartphones, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Bolade Oyekanmi; Executive Director, Mobile Business Group, Lenovo Technologies Middle East & Africa (MEA), Mr. Shashank Sharma and Sales Manager, Smartphones, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Shadrack Otura at Lenovo’s inaugural breakfast meeting with the media and introduction of the Lenovo S90, Lenovo S60 and Lenovo P70 smartphones in Lagos

ITF spends N10bn yearly on trainings-DG SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

D

irector General, Industrial Trust Fund, ITF, Dr Juliet Onaeko has disclosed that the Fund spends about N10 billion annually to train youths in vocational skills.

Disclosing this during the inauguration of the new National Executive of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CICAN, in Lagos state, said such trainings require huge capital, adding that the Act establishing the Fund, stipulates that employers should contribute part of the funds while Federal Government gives subventions to ITF. Onaeko, also noted that the training is in line with its policy

trust to promote and encourage acquisition of skills in industry and commerce while generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower, sufficient enough to meet the economic needs of the country.

According to the ITF boss, about 70 percent of the ITF budget goes into training, adding that such train9ngs are capital intensive; hence the Fund needs financial supports from the public and private sectors of the nation’s economy. ‘’We are thinking of establishing vocational training centres in all the geographical zones of the country. We are trying and one day, we will get there. Funding is holding us back. Training of manpower is our major trust. We need to build capacity

for our nation. Every year, we spend about N10 billion in various training programmes in and outside the country’’, she stated.

Continuing, she noted that ‘’Training reimbursements are part of the returns employers can receive from the Fund. Others include general availability of trained and mobile manpower throughout the economy as well as access to wealth of information and expertise, which the Fund has built over the years.

She also noted that the Fund, which was established in 1971, has been consistently and painstakingly operated within the context of its enabling laws, adding that its objectives have been pursued vigorously and efficaciously.

43

Ericsson chooses Nigeria as Africa’s network operations hub ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

E

ricsson, a major telecommunications managed services company, has described Nigeria as a key partner in its expansion project and as such has selected it as the site for its network operations centres.

The company said that Nigeria was selected due to the availability of talent, infrastructure and connectivity in Nigeria, and will act as hubs used to manage networks across the rest of Africa.

Head of Region Sub-Saharan Africa at Ericsson, Fredrik Jejdling, who disclosed while presenting the February 2015 Ericsson Mobility Report to journalists in Lagos, revealed

that the new network operations centre will be sited in Lagos just as the company will be expanding the capabilities of its existing facility in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

He stated that the decision by Ericsson to site the centre was mean to better serve both operators and end users across the continent stressing that the capabilities provided by the network operations centres will include engineering, operations and customer experience management.

Jejdling said further that the facilities in Nigeria and Ivory Coast will help Ericsson’s customers in Africa make the transition from managing network performance to managing the quality of end-user services such as voice, web browsing and video streaming.

Smartphone penetration in Nigeria hits 30% ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

A

global PC firm, Lenovo has revealed that the Smartphone penetration in Nigeria has reached 30 percent mark, thus making Nigeria one of the fastest growing Smartphone markets in the world.

At a breakfast meeting with journalists in Lagos, the Executive Director, Mobile Business Group, Lenovo, Mr. Shashank Sharma said that the country represents huge growth potential for Lenovo.

He also noted that such prompted the introduction of a mix of three new stylish and powerful smart phones into the market, saying that Lenovo is over a year old in the country, having entered the country in February

last year.

According to him, the response has been overwhelming, noting that Nigeria is a vital focus for the organisation.

“In the past one year, Lenovo has made strong progress with its Nigerian consumers. We consider the region as a principal destination for investments, even as we continue to record robust growth in sales. Sustaining a solid incountry presence is very important to us from social and economic standpoints. We will continue to expand our business and invest heavily in this market”, he added: Sharma however said, Lenovo is building on the strong relationships that it has with Nigerians by meeting their demands for smart phones with first-class designs, smarter features and improved functionality with special focus on the latest range of mobile devices.

Bank of Canada Governor predicts brighter economic outlook

C

entral bank head Stephen Poloz said that the second quarter would see positive results after the economy suffered from the shock of low oil prices.

The bank expects an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent in the second quarter and 2.8 percent for the third quarter.

Poloz is going to have a hard time convincing investors and laid-off workers that the economy will fare better in the long run after the oil price slump. The oil dip spilled over into many other areas of the Canadian economy, such as construction, housing, engineering and the stock market. Consumer confidence has lowered, and employers have not hired at such a low rate since 2009.

The Governor expects that the

economic damage from falling oil prices should be behind Canada in the second half of the year. He alleviated concerns by stating that the price drop would not be a usual occurrence, while stressing that the economy adjusted accordingly.

He also dismissed the idea of further interest rate cuts to support the economy. The Bank of Canada cut rates by 25 basis points in January, with no sign of future cuts.

Forecasters lowered the bar for certain sectors, but GDP, retail and employment rates surpassed expectations, and inflation outpaced the central bank’s projected target of 2.0 percent. The export market continues to prop up the economy as exporters benefit from stronger U.S. growth and a weaker Canadian dollar.

44

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pesticides : WAPP cautions farmers on application of fake products STORIES BY ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

W

orried by the recent deaths associated with farmers’ exposure to pesticides, the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme, WAPP, has warned against the peddling and usage of sub-standard pesticides in the country in view of the grave dangers such products pose to lives and the environment in the country.

The advice was sequel to the findings from the baseline studies that were carried out in nine states on the present status of the use, registration and regulation of pesticides in Nigeria.

Giving highlights on the findings from the study carried out, National Coordinator of the World Bank assisted programme in Nigeria, Prof. Damian Chikwendu, disclosed that the country was exposed to uncontrolled market of outdated, sub-standard and unscrupulous pesticides, which he said were mostly peddled and used by people with no real expertise on their usage.

Out of the 360 farmers interviewed in 57 Local Government Areas across the nine states of Abia, Benue, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Oyo, the WAPP-Nigeria National Coordinator disclosed that about 92 per cent of them admitted the use of pesticides at varying proportion across the states.

Chikwendu said: “One noticeable trend is that most of the people who sell and use these pesticides have little knowledge of them. They don’t even know how to use them.”

Citing records from the result of the studies, he stated that not less than 74 per cent of the farmers purchased their pesticides from the open markets, disclosing also that only a paltry 8-12 per cent of them obtained theirs from farmer groups and cooperatives, government agencies, and NGOs. On how the pesticides are used, he said, “The result found that most of the applications were done by the farmers themselves, while a smaller fraction of them employ the services of hired applicators and farmers’ family members, respectively who use knapsack sprayer.”

A major finding from the study, as published on the WAPPNigeria website, shows that, “Across the nine states, 72 per cent of the farmers use pesticides to protect stored primary

Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia

Agric Minister, Mr Adesina

farm produce from storage pests,” in which case Chikwendu has raised alert of serious health consequences.

“These days we hear of cancers and all manners of health conditions, So many of these are related to the poor use of chemicals like pesticides. Many farmers use these chemicals to protect their beans and other crops, and the effects are obvious.”

On the level of impact trainings have had on handling of pesticides, the study found that, across the states, 49 per cent of farmers received training on the safe and effective use of pesticides, with some relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) giving advice with recommendations on synthetic pesticides to farmers for control of pests and diseases in their zones.

However, it was found that only about eight per cent of the MDAs were aware of the World Health Organization, WHO’s, classification of pesticides by hazards.

Speaking on why pesticides have been handled wrongly in Nigeria, Chikwendu said although, the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency, NESREA, was actively involved in ensuring safe use and management of pesticides in Nigeria, its major function of enforcing the regulation on pesticide use has been greatly hindered by the absence of a national pesticide legislation.

Meanwhile, as a way forward, the consultants involved in the studies have made major rec-

ommendations advising farmers to store pesticides in locked specially designated stores away from residential areas and out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.

They have also recommended that farmers must always dispose used or empty containers of pesticides as directed on the label. On occasions where no labels are provided, they advised that the containers should be punctured or shredded, burnt or deeply buried in soil.

“Alternatively, such containers or packages can be returned to the agro-dealers who will dispose of them in special disposal sites,” the experts recommended, adding that on no account should use pesticide containers be sold to the public.

They called for intense, regular, informative and widely distributed trainings of farmers and pesticide applicators, appropriate enforcement of regulation that requires that all re-packaged products bear the same label as the original product and that all pesticides retail and wholesale outlets, stores or facilities within the markets be located at a designated section for easy control and accessibility and safety control.

Meanwhile, they have also asked that a list of all banned and restricted chemicals used as pesticide be widely circulated in public and private sectors and that the Federal Government should facilitate the enactment into law, an Agricultural Chemicals (Pesticides) Regulation Law.

Ghana: MOFA takes delivery of farming equipment

T

he Government of the Republic of Japan has presented a source farming machinery and equipment worth 330.00 million Yen (US$3.3 million) to Ghana.

The items presented included seventy-seven (77) agricultural tractors with matching implements, forty-nine (49) power tillers, six (6) rice mills, twenty (20) rice threshers and eleven (11) rice reapers for sale to farmers on hire purchase and at a discount price.

The presentation of the equipment was done through the Japan Embassy in Ghana. The items were procured under the Grant Assistance for under privileged farmers through the 2KR 2013 programme with the objective of increasing food production in the country.

Presenting the machinery to the sector Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Fiifi Kwetey on Wednesday April 15, 2015, the charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, H.E. Shigeru Umetsu, lauded the efforts of Ghana towards increased food security in the country.

He said modernization of Agriculture is key to achieving poverty reduction and excavating growth in the economy, especially among the wide variety of agricultural products in the country.

Mr. Shigeru Umetsu noted the rice industry heavily depends on

imports whiles consumption is also increasing owing to population increase and urbanization.

He stated that the donation of the equipment was to strengthen the domestic rice production and distribution system which according to him are critical issues from the viewpoint of food security.

He indicated that the government of Japan has since 1981 responded to the request from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide assistance to the country to revamp the agriculture sector through the grant assistance for underprivileged farmers. He said the government of Japan regards the agriculture sector as a priority area in the cooperation between Ghana and Japan.

His Excellency Mr. Shigeru Umetsu mentioned that Japan has over the years sent many Japanese experts to Ghana and has also received many Ghanaians for training programmes in Japan. He also mentioned the technical cooperation projects Japan has provided to Ghana. These include products for sustainable development of Rain Fed Low Land Rice production as well as capacity building programmes on Agribusiness Support Divisions.

Mr. Shigeru Umetsu pledged his country’s continuous support in the area of agricultural development to Ghana as a critical area for national development.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, May 1, 2015

45

Index rises 2% as transactions boom …Transcorp posts N2.57bn pre-tax profit

STORIES: JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

he risk takers yesterday took position on equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange despite low confidence experienced during the week.

The All Share Index gained 1.93 per cent to close at 34,708.11 points, in contrast to the depreciation of 0.23 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34, 050.92 points.

Market capitalization appreciated N214 billion to close at N11.8 trillion, as against the decline of N27 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N11.5 trillion.

A total of 374.6 million shares valued at n3.75 billion

were exchanged in 4,694 deals.

Meanwhile, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria yesterday declared a group profit before tax of N2.57 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, while the company made a profit before tax of N761.35 million compared to the loss before tax of N573.95 million in 2013.

The group revenue stood at N9.92 billion which represents a slight drop of five per cent, from N10.54 billion recorded in the same period of 2014, while the company’s revenue increased by 39 per cent to N736 million from N528 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2014.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the group profit after tax for the period under review was N2.19 billion while the profit after tax for the company increased from a loss position of N626.75 billion in 2013 to N687.74 billion.

On the balance sheet, the group total assets rose three per cent from N170.76 billion for full year 2014 to N176.32billion for the first quarter ended 31 March 2015, while the company’s total assets appreciated three per cent, from N54.24billion for full year 2014 to N55.92bilion for the first quarter ended 31 March 2015.

Speaking on the result, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp, Mr.

Emmanuel Nnorom said the company performed relatively well in this first quarter despite headwinds faced by its power business.

According to him, the acute gas shortages have limited our production capacity while margins are depressed by delayed implementation of MYTO 2.1 tariffs despite increased gas prices.

He said, “The commencement of operations by the bulk trader and improvement of the security of gas pipelines will drive recovery in second quarter 2015. In addition, our hotel business is expected to benefit from improving security and political outlooks in the second quarter to provide an enabling platform to achieve its occupancy targets.”

Wapic Group reports N5.20bn premium in 2014

W

apic Group yesterday announced a premium of N5.20 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 38 per cent when compared to N3.76 billion recorded in the same period of 2013.

The group profit before tax was up 109 per cent to N58.6 million from a negative of N629.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, profit after tax rose from a loss position in 2013 to N237 million.

Further analysis showed

that solvency ratio stood at 171 per cent, which was significantly above the regulatory requirement threshold of 100 per cent.

Speaking on the result during the Annual General Meeting in Lagos, the group Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, explained that the group is now well positioned to deliver greater shareholders’ value in coming years.

He stressed that the company in the year under review attracted more customers and recorded progress in the implementation of corporate strategy.

He said, “With the compa-

ny’s professional workforce and their commitment to the corporate vision, we are able to record some progress in our strategy implementation achievements.

“While many initiatives were launched in 2014, we need to ensure their successful implementation and execution. I am confident, that as we build the necessary competency and capacity within our workforce, who remain very committed to Wapic’s vision and objectives.”

He noted that the insurance industry in the country is growing at the rate of 20 per cent and Wapic Insur-

ance is growing under 40 per cent, saying that the company is doing better than the industry.

“I am confident that by next year, we will pay dividend, as the company has committed to serve more customers and make more investments,” he added.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ashish Desai, pointed out that in spite of economic and industry challenges, the company is exceptionally positioned to strategically transform itself in its quest to achieve market leadership over the medium term horizon.

Lafarge Africa posts N8.6bn profit in Q1

L

afarge Africa yesterday announced a profit after tax of N8.6 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 and N14.6 billion cash from its operations.

The company that produces cement and building solutions, reported a revenue of N57 billion in the first quarter of 2015, which is 15 per cent higher than the preceding year.

A statement from the company explained that the Nigerian ReadyMix business expanded in the quarter to commence aggregate business in the country, noting that it is a remarkable step for our business in achieving our objectives of delivering innovative and quality building solutions.

It said that the board of directors of the company

granted approval for a Mandatory Tender Offer to all qualifying shareholders of Ashaka Cement Plc in 2014.

“Consequently, the Tender Offer is now concluded and regulatory approval has been obtained for the approval of the shares transferred. Lafarge Africa ownership stake in Ashaka Cement has increased to 82.46 per cent from 58.61 per cent. We expect final regulatory approval in the coming weeks.

The statement quoted the Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Olusegun Osunkeye as saying that the company has delivered a good performance in spite of the general elections and market uncertainty.

He said, “We remain highly committed to delivering a

strong result in 2015 in line with our ultimate objective of improving value to our shareholders”.

The Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Guillaume Roux, added that the company achieved stability in its operations, marked by solid performance.

According to him, the consolidation of our businesses and expansion projects presents an excellent foundation for future growth.

“Our management team is fully mobilized to deliver operational excellence whilst also leveraging on the strength of the Lafarge Group,’’ he said.

He stressed that South Africa and Ashaka recalibrated their production in first quarter with two cement mills in Ashaka becoming operation-

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira Market indicators All-Share Index 34,708.11 points Market capitalisation 11.79trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PRESCO

27.30

30.09

2.79

10.22

FIDSON

3.04

3.32

0.28

9.21

VITAFOAM

4.49

4.83

0.34

7.57

CONTINSURE

0.89

0.94

0.05

5.62

ABCTRANS

0.60

0.63

0.03

5.00

REDSTAREX

3.60

3.78

0.18

5.00

UPL

4.60

4.83

0.23

5.00

UNILEVER

40.30

42.31

2.01

4.99

OKOMUOIL

26.11

27.41

1.30

4.98

DANGCEM

176.00

184.50

8.50

4.83

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

CLOSING

FO

187.00

177.65

-9.35

-5.00

PAINTCOM

1.40

1.33

-0.07

-5.00

DANGSUGAR

6.43

6.11

-0.32

-4.98

UNITYBNK

4.09

3.89

-0.20

-4.89

7UP

170.00

162.00

-8.00

-4.71

NEIMETH

1.08

1.03

-0.05

-4.63

NAHCO

6.60

6.30

-0.30

-4.55

BERGER

9.50

9.07

-0.43

-4.53

COSTAIN

0.91

0.87

-0.04

-4.40

UAC-PROP

11.21

10.78

-0.43

-3.84

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

al again as of mid-February, and the South Africa kilns being overhauled in the same quarter.

US Dollar

$1

N197.00

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.30

98.84

14.01

98.99

13.88

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.99

101.71

14.09

101.86

14.00

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.16

106.00

14.03

106.30

13.94

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.75

109.65

14.11

109.95

14.04

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.87

100.64

14.06

100.94

14.00

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.23 68.07

15.51

68.37

15.44

Closing Market Prices of April 30, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

30-Jul-15

12.09

12.46

WAUA

270

15-Oct-15

12.49

13.25

USD

197

21-Apr-16

13.11

15.03

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

9.4583

1M

12.8783

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

13.9314

SDR

273

6M

15.1624

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 30, 2015

46

Capital Market

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 30, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror We ensure that our people, particularly the youths are not carried away by vice. It is part of the responsibility of Hisbah to ensure that our people engage in good deeds.

Kano State Governor – Rabiu Kwankwaso

Pipeline vandals on rampage at Arepo DARE AKOGUN

P

alpable tension as engulfed Arepo community in Ogun State as pipeline vandals protesting the arrest of one of them shot a pregnant woman and another person injured in the process.

Information available to Community mirror revealed that trouble started late on when a vandal was arrested by security men from Donyx Global Concepts Limited , owned by Otunba Gani Adams, one of the companies contracted by the Federal government to protect pipelines in the South western part of Nigeria.

Piqued by the actions angry colleagues of the arrested suspect, who said to have been handed over to officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation at

…Kill pregnant woman Mosinmi in Ogun State, came into the community shooting sporadically into different directions.

This action led to confusion in the community has shops were closed distrupting business activities and people scamper for safety.

It was reliably gathered by Community Mirror that the whole incident started on Sunday, when security operatives in the area handed over the protection of pipelines to the Federal government contractor.

The contractor reportedly swooped into action, arrested some vandals and recovering about 30 pieces of 50 litres jerry cans fully loaded with petroleum product.

The vandals’ it was revealed were reportedly transporting the

stolen products out of the community, when they were arrested one of them managed to escape.

Other members of the gang who are involved in the illicit trade reportedly returned on Tuesday evening and went on rampage, threatening to kill anybody, who stands on their way to the pipeline area.

There sudden appearance armed to the teeth scared many shop owners and residents, who were caught unaware by the crisis, forcing them to abandon their stalls and running for their lives.

They reportedly returned on Wednesday and moved to different part of the community, where they shot sporadically to scare away members of the Oodua People’s Congress, who were on guard of

some private estate in the area, an unidentified pregnant woman was hit by stray bullet in the process, while another person was injured.

A resident of Arepo, who simply identified himself as Taiwo said that “There was heavy gunshots from the pipeline area it lasted for more than thirty minutes, it was war -like the vandals were very brutal as they were armed to the teeth, and one woman was killed during the sporadic gun battle”.

“Since the crisis started no of-

ficials of the Ogun State Police Command or other law enforcement agents has visited the community to bring the situation under control.

However, when our reporter contacted the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said that he is not aware of the incident. Efforts to get across to the Divisional Police Officer of Ibafo Police Station was also futile as call put to his phone was not answered and he didn’t reply sms sent.

Man in court over N3m fish OLANREWAJU OLATUNBOSUN

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35- old man, Rasheed Anofi, has been arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing croaker fish worth N2, 777,050.00.

Police Prosecutor, Ajayi Emmanuel informed the court that the defendant obtained the fish from one Mrs. Rukayat Ajoke and promised to remit money within one month, a representation he knew to be false.

He added that the defendant committed the alleged offence on the 20 April 20, 2013 at onward area in Apapa area of Lagos State.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that the defendant obtained

the fish with intent to defraud the complainant.

He further stated that the defendant committed a punishable offence under section 409,312 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria.

He added that the defendant is facing a three count charge bordering on conspiracy felonious, fraudulent and stealing.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the allegations levied against him.

The presiding Magistrate K.O.Y Ariyo granted the defendant bail in sum of N1 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The matter adjourned till June 3, 2015 for mention.

Police arraign 67-year-old over theft A chicken seller along Abuja road, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Man electrocuted while attempting illegal connection BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

A

middle aged man, Opeyemi Ogundele has been electrocuted, while attempting to illegally re-connect, disconnected electricity line in Ilesa.

The deceased, said to be an electrician, it was gathered was contracted by the occupants of a house located at Oke Ayo, Ilesa, to

re-connect an electricity wire disconnected by the staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC over unpaid electricity bills.

According to eye witnesses, the deceased was given N1, 500, for the job, out of which he hired a ladder for N200 and proceeded to the house.

A resident of the neighbourhood, who pleaded anonymity, further explained: “We all helped him

put the ladder on the pole in front of the house. No one ever imagined that, that bizarre fate awaited him, as he claimed the ladder. The deceased mistakenly handled live wire on the electric pole and got electrocuted instantly.”

Sources near no J11, Oke-Ayo street where the incident happened said immediately the man fell off the pole, all occupants of house ran away for fear of being arrested by the police.

RAIMO OLUOKUN

S

ixty-seven years old man, Mr. Albert Oyebade has appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing building materials worth N56 million of one Alhaji Waheed Ogunbiyi.

Police prosecutor, Godwin Oriabure informed the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 13, 2015, at Bajujo Street, Balogun Lagos Island.

According to Mr. Oriabure, the defendant stole, Twenty tons of iron rods, Six hundred bags of cement, Aluminums and Zinc roof-

ing sheets, properties worth N56, 200,000.00 million naira.

The defendant who was being arraigned on two count charge bordering on misconduct pleaded not guilty.

The prosecuting counsel noted that the offense is punishable under section 409 and 285 of criminal law of Lagos State, 2011.

The presiding magistrate Mrs. Fowowe Erufiase, granted the defendant bail of five million naira, two reliable sureties that is landed properties in Lagos.

The residential address and office must be verified.

The presiding court Mrs. Erufiase has adjourned the matter till May 25th 2015 for mention.

48

Transition

Friday, May 1, 2015

Florence Ayeni

Abigael Obadeyi

A

bigael Adedola Obadeyi, nee Akintobi, was born in Apomu Ewekoro Local Government area, Ogun State on August 10, 1928. She attended St Michael’s Anglican Church Primary School, Arigbajo in 1934, Imo Girls High School in Abeokuta and thereafter Teacher’s Training School in Ifo, Ogun State.

She started her teaching career at UNA Primary School, Oyingbo, Lagos, and got married to her heartthrob, late Francis Obadeyi in 1952. Obadeyi taught

Beatrice Agwu

B

eatrice Obiageli Agwu, was born on January 23, 1943, Agwu spent most of her childhood in Kaduna. She started her primary education at Our Lady’s High School, Kaduna, before she proceeded to Sacred Heart College, Kaduna. She later went to Mary Immaculate College, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State for her Teachers Grade II TrainCHANGE OF NAME

MUSA: I, formerly known and addressed as Musa Faheed Sarki, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Musa Fahaad Sarki.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALABI: I, formerly known and addressed as Alabi Justinah Gbemisola, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Owoeye Justinah Gbemisola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEGBU: I, formerly known as Miss Okegbu Vivian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eze Vivian. All former documents remain valid. Fed. Poly K/N Zamfara State. The general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGWUMEZIE: Formerly known and addressed as Agwumezie George Obumneme, now wish to be known and addressed as Chimezie George Obumneme.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ORISAKWE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Orisakwe Chienyenwa Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agwulonu Chienyenwa Blessing.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODZIROR: Formerly known and addressed as Odziror Micheal Ogor, now wish to be known and addressed as Orim Micheal Ogor. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Udeh Patricia Nnenne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnadi Patricia Nnenne. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Patience Ilodi, now wish to be known and addressed as Patience Onwuzuruike. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ing in 1963. She took the Associate Diploma Course in Primary Education from the University of Lagos, 1979 and 1990. Agwu also obtained a National Certificate in Education from the University of Calabar. Her teaching career spanned over four decades and she taught in various primary and secondary schools until she retired in 1994.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOLADE: I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Omolade Iyabo Omolara, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Onikoyi Iyabo Omolara. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That Onyeabor Nnennaya Precious is the same person as Onyeabor Odii Nnennaya, that date of birth 10/04/1987 as written in my 2006 WAEC result is wrong Now wish to be called Onyeabor Nnennaya Precious, correct date of birth is 01/03/1991. WAEC, FEDPOLY NASARAWA, and public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKONKWO: I formerly known addressed as Miss. Okonkwo Ebere Lovate now wishes to be known and address as Mrs. Uzor Ebere Loveth. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGALIEGBULEM: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugaliegbulem Perpetua Loveline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukatta Perpetua Loveline.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYENDILEFU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyendilefu Vivien Ugonwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anene Vivien Ugonwa.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMONIGHO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omonigho Mercy Ebhotemhew now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Omonigho Isiakpana. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AMAIFE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaife Goodness Onyinyechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyewumi Goodness Onyinyechi.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Iruka Chidiebere Confidence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyema Chidiebere Confidence. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

in various schools including Jehovah Jireh Primary School, Surulere, where she later retired in 1978 to join her late husband in foodstuff contract services to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, and Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, Jibowu, Lagos State.

She died on February 11, 2015 at the age of 87 and was buried at the Ebony Millennium Private Vault, Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos on Thursday, April 16, 2015.

She is survived by children, grand children and a greatgrandson.

Agwu, a multi-linguist spoke Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa, Efik and English fluently became an active member of the sacred Cherubim and Seraphim church in 1976, and rose through the ranks to become a senior Mother-in-Israel, contributing immensely to the growth and development of the local chapter and the province, helping to form and nurture the

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Ganiat Olawunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Kalejaiye Ganiat Olawunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGUNYA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agunya Nneka Henrietta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinedu Nneka Henrietta. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KAMUCHE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Kamuchce Onyinye Jennifer, now wishes to be known as Mrs. Ikeanyi Onyinye Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoro Ndidi Augustina, now wishes to be known as Mrs. Aghodeaka Ndidi Augustina. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Ebere Gloria, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aneke Ebere Gloria. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ENWERE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Enwere Destiny Nkeiru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Achu Destiny Nkeiru. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ani Hannah Chiesonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeke Hannah Chiesonu. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adaba Kehinde Adedamola, now wish to be known and addressed as Adaba Solomon. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

T

he burial of Madam Deaconess Florence Alaba Ayeni, popularly called Iya Oniburedi, who died on March 9, 2015 at the age of 85, has been announced.

According to a release from

the family the burial ceremony will be held today at The Apostolic Church, Ogbon Titun, Ijebu-Ijesha, Osun State.

According to the statement, the burial ceremony will be preseeded by a lying-in-state on Thursday April 30, 2015, at her residence C10, Orudi, Odo-Oja street, IjebuIjesha, while Christian wake-keep comes up by 2: 00 Pm at the same address. Internment will be held at The Apostolic Church, Ogbon Titun Cemetery, followed by a Thanksgiving service, reception and entertainment of guest will be held at Ijebu-Ijesha Town Hall.

Eternal Sisters, a women’s group, in the church.

She died on January 29, 2015, five days after her 72nd birthday, she was buried on Saturday, April 18, her family compound in Umuariaga-Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government, Abia State.

She is survived by seven children and many grandchildren.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akande Oluwakemi Juliana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinyemi Oluwakemi Juliana. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ETINAGBEDIA: formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenetega Etinagbedia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Golagha Oghenetega. All former documents remain valid. General public should please

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEOBIDI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ezeobidi Chinazom Amarachukwu, now wishes to be known and address as Mrs. Ijeukwu Chinazom Amarachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYECHIRA: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Okoyechira Precious Njideka, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agwude Precious Njideka. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

PAUL: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Paul Joy Mbala, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oguda Joy Mbala. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKAFOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Ngozi Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikenna Ngozi Precious. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I Karachi Nnenna Obidiegwu hereby inform the general public that I lost land documents that bears my name Karachi Nnenna Obidiegwu.

Original offers of Statutory right of occupancy in respect of plot No: 1769 Cadastral Zone E02 Karshi District. I was in transit, when the documents got lost all effort made to trace the missing documents proved Abortive.

Signed: KARACHI NNENNA OBIDIEGWU

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oladipo Babatunde Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyebade Adenike Aina. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaaje Grace Ajenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaniyan Grace Ajenike.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IGBINOBA: formerly known and addressed as Miss Princess Oghenekobiruo Igbinoba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Princess Oghenekobiruo Ikechukwu.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EWUZIE: I formerly known as Miss. Ewuzie Blessing Chinelo now wishes to be address as Mrs. Nzekwe Blessing Chinelo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBEGBUNAM: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ibegbunam Christiana Chidimma, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igwemma Christiana Chidimma.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoye Uchechukwu Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ossai Uchechukwu Victoria.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NGWU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Ngwu Clementina Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeh Clementina Chinyere. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Christopher Thomas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Olatunde Olusola Adeyemi.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunbosun Nurat Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Badmus Nurat Damilola.

All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UMUKORO: formerly known and addressed as Miss Umukoro Esther now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Erute Esther.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ENEMUOKEKE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Enemuokeke Chisom Anastacia, now wishes to be addressed and known as Achilugo Chisom Anastacia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKORO: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Okoro Felicia Ifeoma, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzor Felicia Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IYI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyi Chineme Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odo Chineme Rita. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KALU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kalu Iregbu Oyediya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kalu Onwuka Oyediya Benedicta. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odetola Zainab Motunrayo now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Adesanya Zainab Motunrayo.

All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunyale Yetunde Adebowale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oke Yetunde Adebowale. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

Friday, May 1, 2015

This (presidential) system will not bear any resemblance to dictatorships under the same name in Africa and Asia.

–

Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan

Hollande vows no mercy to French soldiers if guilty of African child abuse PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

P

resident Francois Hollande vowed yesterday to make an example of any French troops found guilty of child sex abuse in Central African Republic as a judicial source said as many as 14 could be implicated.

The allegations, which came to light this week when Britain’s Guardian newspaper published extracts of an internal U.N. report, risks damaging the reputation of France’s peacekeeping operations in Africa.

A judicial source who requested anonymity told Reuters that an initial reading of the full report suggested 14 soldiers had been involved in alleged abuse between December 2013 and June 2014. Subsequent French inquiries identified some of them, the source said, adding that none had been questioned yet.

“If this information is confirmed ... the punishment will be proportionate to the deeds.

If they are serious, the punishment will be harsh,” Hollande told reporters during a visit in western France. “I will be implacable.”

Hollande is a strong advocate of using French military might

Hollande

to secure peace in ex-colonies such as Central African Republic or Mali, where he received a rapturous welcome in 2013 after France intervened to halt an Islamist insurgency.

France’s Defense Ministry said the abuse was alleged to have taken place at a center for displaced people at M’Poko airport in the capital Bangui and involved about 10 children. It

said it would take “all necessary measures” to establish the truth.

“It is unacceptable that kids less than 10 years old are raped like this by those sent there to protect the population,” Remy Djamouss, head of the local children’s rights agency CPDE, said in Bangui.

The judicial source said soldiers of other nationalities were

also implicated by the U.N. report, but gave no further details.

French prosecutors will ask for an internal French army report on the matter to be declassified, the source said. The Bangui public prosecutor said he had also opened an investigation.

France intervened in Central African Republic, a former French colony, some 18 months ago to stem violence between Christian militias and largely Muslim Seleka rebels who had seized power. It started withdrawing some of its 2,000 troops this year, handing over to U.N. peacekeepers.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon confirmed on Wednesday that the U.N. office for human rights in Bangui had conducted an investigation in late spring of 2014.

He said a U.N. staff member had admitted leaking an unredacted report on the investigation before it reached top management in the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“This constitutes a serious breach of protocol, which, as is well known to all OHCHR officials, requires redaction of any information that could endanger victims, witnesses and investigators,” he said.

UK court convicts Nigerian for murder

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man who sparked a five-year international manhunt when he fled following a stabbing has been found guilty of murder yesterday, following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, a press release from the British Commission in Nigeria has disclosed.

Jeffrey Okafor, 24 (05.3.91) of no fixed address was found guilty of the murder of Carl Beatson-Asiedu, 19 in 2009. He will be sentenced at the same court today.

The court heard how in the early hours of Saturday, 1 August 2009, Carl died in the street after being stabbed in the heart.

Carl and his friends were walking to their vehicle when they were approached by a

group of males, a few of whom were known to Carl and his friends. An argument quickly broke out between one of the men and one of Carl’s friends which led to an altercation, during which Carl and his friends became separated. Carl was fatally stabbed by Jeffrey Okafor.

Carl was discovered him in the back seat of a car suffering from a serious stab wound. Police officers provided first aid as well as calling the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. Doctors tried to save Carl’s life but sadly all medical assistance was unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem held at Greenwich mortuary gave the cause

of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

A forensic examination identified Carl’s DNA on a glove

Okafor

49

World News

Nepal earthquake: Two rescued after five days

50

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

that was handed to the police by Okafor’s girlfriend. Detectives attended Okafor’s home address in the early hours of 13 August 2009 but he was not there. Enquiries identified that Okafor went to Barclays Bank and withdrew all of the funds from his bank account. He then travelled to Barking where he stayed in a hotel for three days.

On the fourth day, 17th of August 2009, Jeffrey Okafor was captured on CCTV with his brother Junior Okafor at Heathrow Airport. The footage showed the two brothers together prior to swapping clothing and Jeffrey Okafor then leaving the UK using his brother’s passport on an Air France flight to Lagos.

WORLD BULLETIN

Human rights groups angry over Egyptian president’s Spain trip Rights groups slammed an official visit to Spain on Thursday by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, saying he should be shunned for his authoritarian rule rather than courted for business deals.

Spain’s King Felipe VI hosted the Egyptian leader to lunch at the royal palace after interior ministers from both nations signed an agreement to boost cooperation against illegal immigration, terrorism and organised crime.

The visit, the first by an Egyptian head of state to Spain since 2006, comes amid mounting concern in the West over unrest in the Middle East with conflicts raging in Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

“In these times of war and turmoil in your region, Egypt stands out as the key to stability and balance in the Middle East,” the king said during the luncheon for Sisi.

‘Kenya will not force Somali refugees out’ Kenya will not forcibly repatriate some 336,000 Somalis living in one of the world’s largest refugee camps, but the government intends to continue with its plans to close the camp within three months for security reasons, a government official said.

Following a major attack by Somali militants earlier this month, Kenya’s Vice President William Ruto gave the United Nations until July to relocate all the refugees from Dadaab camp.

Since then, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and international charities have urged the government to reconsider its decision, fearing refugees’ lives would be in danger if they are forced back to Somalia.

It is illegal under the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention to force refugees back to areas where their lives are threatened.

South African court grants man ‘right to die’ A South African court has granted a terminally ill man the right to die, in a landmark ruling for assisted suicide.

The Pretoria High Court ruled that Robin Stransham-Ford, 65, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2013, could allow a doctor to help him end his life.

Judge Hans Fabricius said that the doctor treating him could not now be prosecuted or face disciplinary action.

50

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Pakistan court jails 10 for Malala’s attack A Pakistani court has jailed 10 men for life for involvement in the attack on education activist Malala Yousafzai.

Yousafzai, who was 15 at the time, was shot in the head on board her school bus in the Swat valley in 2012, in an attack that shocked the world.

She was awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning for children’s rights, despite the risk to her life.

Officials said the 10 men, who do not include the man named as chief suspect, belonged to the Pakistani Taliban.

Ataullah Khan, a 23-year-old militant, was identified by a police report at the time of the shooting - but he did not appear in the list of 10 men convicted on Thursday.

It may be one of Pakistan’s most high profile court cases - but there is little information about it and the sourcing is shaky. Someone leaked the court ruling to a television channel, surprising journalists in Swat.

A press officer for the military first promised a statement giving details of the case, then backed out. Local lawyers declined to offer comments, and judicial officers feigned ignorance about when or where the trial had been held.

There was a similar lack of detail last September when the army first announced it had arrested the 10 men who have now been convicted.

It did not say when and where they had been arrested or how they were linked to the attack on Malala Yousafzai. Besides, their names did not include the ones the country’s civilian authorities had earlier identified as Malala’s attackers.

Boston bomber trial’s sentencing stalled by juror illness Testimony was suspended yesterday in the sentencing phase of convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s trial due to a juror’s illness, a federal judge said.

The trial will resume on Monday once one of the 12 jurors and six alternate jurors hearing the case recovers, Judge George O’Toole told the court.

The jury found the 21-year-old ethnic Chechen guilty this month of bombing the world renowned race on April 15, 2015. It is now tasked with deciding whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison.

Court is expected to open with prosecutors cross-examining Alexa Guevara, a 21-year-old college friend of Tsarnaev’s who sobbed as she told jurors on Wednesday that he was a kind person who encouraged her to go to art school, liked joking around, and was more decent than other college guys. Court officials said some of Tsarnaev’s relatives may also testify on Monday.

Friday, May 1, 2015

T

wo people have been rescued from the rubble of buildings in Kathmandu, five days after an earthquake that killed at least 5,500 in Nepal.

A 15-year-old boy told the BBC he survived by drinking water from wet clothes and eating clarified butter.

Elsewhere, a woman was pulled from a collapsed block where she had been trapped alongside three bodies.

Meanwhile, bad weather is hampering the delivery of relief to remote villages, a Nepali government spokesman said.

The government has been criticised for its response to the disaster.

Outside Kathmandu, the relief effort has relied heavily on helicopters, with mountain roads blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake.

Laxmi Dhakal, a spokesperson for Nepal’s home ministry, told the BBC that helicopters had been held back by “rainfall and cloudy conditions”.

In Kathmandu, rescue workers from Nepal and the US worked for hours to free the boy from the rubble of the building.

A huge crowd cheered as Pemba Lama emerged, blinking into the sunlight.

He was carried away with a brace strapped around his neck,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nepal earthquake: Two rescued after five days

Rescuers pull teen survivor from rubble 5 days after Nepal quake

and was taken to an Israeli-run field hospital.

He later told the BBC: “There were so many people around me in the rubble. They were screaming.”

The woman, called Krishna and in her 20s, was working as a maid in a Kathmandu hostel when the quake struck.

She was trapped in the rubble

of a lower floor with the bodies of three people, including her uncle.

One body had to be removed before she could be freed by rescue teams from Norway, Israel and France.

Indonesia executions: Brazilian was ‘unaware until end’

A

Brazilian man executed in Indonesia for drug smuggling did not know that he was going to die, said his priest.

Father Charlie Burrows has said that Rodrigo Gularte was hearing voices and did not understand that he was to be shot by firing squad until the end.

Gularte had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Seven foreigners and one Indonesian were executed on Wednesday, sparking a diplomatic outcry.

Father Charlie Burrows said he had tried to prepare Gularte for his execution but that the Brazilian had not realised what was happening to him until his final moments.

“With him, these voices were very real,” Father Burrows told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme.

“He said ‘No, I’m not going to be executed, I’m going to Brazil in a year’s time.

“I thought he knew what was happening, but when they took him from the cells and the wardens handed him over to police, he turned to me and said ‘Father, am I going to be executed?’”

One of Gularte’s last requests was that he be buried in Brazil so that “if he was resuscitated” he would be close to his family, a Brazilian diplomat who met him told the BBC. The diplomat said that this was further evidence of Gularte’s poor mental health.

A cousin who visited him regularly in prison said that Gul-

Rodrigo Gularte was killed by firing squad along with seven other people on Wednesday

arte was delusional.

She said his favourite topics were “his past lives in Egypt and other surreal stories that never happened”.

Gularte claimed that the water and food at the prison were contaminated and was constantly seen talking to walls and ghosts, the cousin said.

Ricky Gunawan, Gularte’s Indonesian lawyer, told the BBC that his execution was “outrageous”.

“Indonesia has closed its eyes and ears and just wanted to execute him regardless of the plausible evidences we had to avoid the execution.”

Brazil had asked the Indonesian government to spare Gularte on the grounds that he was severely mentally ill.

He was the second Brazilian to be executed for drug smuggling in Indonesia in four months.

UN envoy urges Palestinian unity, end to Israel blockade

T

he UN’s new Middle East peace envoy on Thursday urged Palestinian factions to unite and Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip, on his first visit to the territory.

“I strongly believe that it will hurt the cause of the Palestinian people if division, if the lack of unity, is not addressed as soon as possible,” Nickolay Mladenov, who was appointed in February, told reporters in Gaza City.

“I hope that the United Nations will be able to support the efforts to strengthen this unity,” he said.

Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis months after a devastating 50-day war between Israel

and Hamas, with the international community warning of further conflict without Palestinian reconciliation and a lifting of Israel’s blockade.

“We in the United Nations, along with our partners in the international community, have a responsibility to ensure that Gaza is not just being reconstructed... but that the blockade which stops access to construction materials, to movement of people, goods... is lifted,” Mladenov said.

The July-August Gaza war, which killed 2,200 Palestinians and 73 on the Israeli side, has left 100,000 people homeless in the tiny coastal territory, home to 1.8 million people

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, May 1, 2015

51

Borno CAN loses 7 IDPs, admits 2 in hospital INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

S

even of the registered 48,348 Christian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have lost their lives at various camps in

Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Also, two others are battling psychiatric problem and were admitted at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, where they were treated and discharged.

This was disclosed by Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno chapter, Rev. Father John Bakara, and the Christian camp coordinator, Mr. Daniel Garga, at a one-day stakeholders’ meet-

ing organised by Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi, at the Women’s Development Centre, Maiduguri, on Thursday.

The NEMA DG, who was

L-R: Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Hadi Birchi; Director, Asset Management Department, Malam Bashir Umar and representative of President of KADCCIMA, Malam Gimba Ibrahim, during the ongoing 36th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Stop patronising ‘wonder’ banks, NDIC tells Nigerians

A ZA MSUE KADUNA

N

igeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, yesterday called on Nigerians to stop patronising ‘wonder banks’, describing them as illegal fund operators without licence issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Delivering a speech at the 36th Kaduna International Trade Fair on NDIC’s Special Day, the

WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

T

he Oro Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday raised alarm over alleged clampdown on them on the orders of a former Inspector General of Police, IGP, leading the abduction of six of them to an unknown place for 12 days running.

At a press conference

corporation’s Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said such illegal fund managers, who offer extra-ordinary interest rates on deposits or investments only disappear after collecting customers’ money, leaving them in pains.

The NDIC boss explained that the advice became necessary in view of continued existence of illegal fund operators in different forms and styles in various parts of the country.

His words: “People often approach the corporation to seek redress after falling victims. For the avoidance of doubt, the corporation wishes to make it categorically clear that only depositors of institutions that are licensed to collect deposits

by CBN, i.e, deposit money banks, micro finance banks, primary mortgage banks, and non-interest/ Islamic banks are under the NDIC’s insurance cover.”

He said the corporation

was seeking more powers to facilitate prompt settlement of depositors’ funds irrespective of pending litigations filed by erstwhile bank owners “who in most cases were responsible for the collapse and failure of the affected banks.” Ibrahim, however, noted that other areas contained in the proposed amendments to the NDIC Act 2006 include building of the corporation’s general reserve fund to create a robust deposit insurance fund, among others.

chairman on the occasion, was represented by state Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammed Kanar.

The meeting served as a common platform for interaction and exchange of ideas to enhance synergy and effective collaboration among humanitarian agencies involved in emergency management in the state already ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency.

CAN therefore, stated that since the sacking of many communities by the insurgents last year, several Christian IDPs from Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa, Askira/ Uba, Kukuwa local government areas and Michika as well as Madagali council areas of Adamawa State were forced to relocate to Maiduguri. CAN has since being providing them with food and shelter in various churches like the Anglican Church, St. Hillary polo, CAN secretariat, EYN DCC Secretariat, Assemblies of EYN Church and Shagari Low Cost Housing Estate, among others.

CAN representatives also said that even though many of the association’s displaced brethrens had to take refuge with their relatives and church members

700 Katsina students benefit from foreign studies, scholarship JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

K

atsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, said his administration has sponsored more than 700 students to study sciencebased courses in foreign countries since 2008.

The students, Shema said, were also given full scholarships with over N800 million spent annually on the programme.

Kwara community accuses former IG of abduction addressed by president of Oro Ago Development Union, ODU, Chief Richard Olushola, on behalf of the community in Ilorin, narrated their ordeals in the hands of Fulani/Bororo settlers who attacked, killed and maimed scores of their people in an unprovoked bloody clash on April 13, 2015.

The clash (earlier reported by National Mirror) was perpetrated by the Bororo settlers, who carried guns, machetes, and charmed staffs to the Oro Ago market on the fateful day in defiance of the monarch of the town, Oba Johnson Olanrewaju Dada, to the effect that no one should carry arms to the market place on mar-

ket days.

Olushola said the Bororo herdsmen, when challenged by the community market guards/vigilante men, turned wild and instead of explaining or apologising, started inflicting machete cuts on the people after manhandling scores of them.

He said Oro Ago, through

in relatively safe places like Maiduguri and other neighbouring states of Gombe, Adamawa, and Abuja, much rehabilitation work needs to be done by both NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to cushion the hardship suffered by the IDPs. In his remarks, Secretary of Jama’atul Nasir Islam (JNI), Mallam Tijjani Modu, while commending NEMA for living up to expectations, also called on Borno State government through SEMA to construct additional toilet facilities at the various camps in the state, as according to him, shortage of toilets at the NYSC camps, Government College, Yerwa, Teachers Village and other IDP camps would pose more danger to their health, especially now that the rainy season was fast approaching.

Likewise most coordinators of the camps, who spoke on the occasion, commended NEMA and SEMA for their efforts at giving a sense of belonging to the IDPs; they, however, complained about lack of mosquito nets, bedding/mattresses, water and adequate security in the camps.

the Oba and head chiefs of 16 smaller towns making up the community, lodged complaints with the Police Area Command in Omu Aran, the Commissioner of Police in Ilorin as well as the state government in Ilorin, which reacted promptly by dispatching mobile policemen and soldiers to man the town till date.

He said benefiting students were sent to Sudan, Egypt, Jordan and the United States of America, and that their services after graduation would benefit both the state and country.

He was speaking when the first batch of medical students sponsored to Sudan by the current administration presented their certificates of graduation to him in his office.

He assured the medical graduates that adequate support would be given to enable them render medical services to the people.

He said another batch of sponsored students had last year submitted their certificates of graduation to him after completing their studies in Marine Engineering abroad.

Earlier, Commissioner for Education, Prof Aminu Kurfi, had said the students were made up of seven medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

52

Friday, May 1, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ISEMEMEH: Formerly known and addressed as Bose Aihielu Isememeh, now wish to be known and address as Bose Aihielu Ogidan. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

YUSUPH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusupy Rasheedat Omonike, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Muhammad-Jamiu Rasheedat Omonike. All former document remains valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

TASIEOBI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tasieobi Chiagozie Iheoma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezeilo Chiagozie Furstina. All former documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly called and addressed as Miss kayode Jumoke Victoria now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adejobi Jumoke Victoria.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Solomon Adenike Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Patrick-Ukpe Adenike Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid.

N..F.V.C.B, LASU and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

Formerly known and addressed as Anthony Shakirat Olaide, now wish to be known and addressed as Olaribigbe Shakirat Olaide.

All former documents remain valid.General public take note. formerly known and addressed as Miss Busayo Grace Oluwakemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onipede Grace Oluwakemi.All former document remain valid, and general public note.

AKPABUO: Formerly known and addressed as Akpabuo Patience Ashiebuokwun, now wish to be known and addressed as Akpabuo DivinePatience Ashiebuokwun . All former documents remain valid. NTDC and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IJERE:Formerly known as Miss Ijere Favour Ndionyenma , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke John Favour Ndionyenma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIEKEZIE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiekezie Ebere Maria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chilo Ebere Maria. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salam Kafayat Bolanle, now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs. Wahab Kafayat Bolanle.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Make-up Bukola Oluwayemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ologunja Bukola Oluwayemisi.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Nwankwo Philomina Omote, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss. Bright Philomina Omote.

All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Damilola Akinlolaju ,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Damilola Agbesuyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IYANDA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyanda Adewumi Temiloluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Ajibola Adewumi Temiloluwa. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank and the general public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME

OSIGBO: Formerly known as Miss Osigbo Geraldine , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Offor Geraldine Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DOMINION GRACE INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above-named mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ to the whole world 2. To minister healing and deliverance to the people.

Any objection to the application shall be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja Nigeria within 28 Days of this publication.

SIGNED: E.E AKUTUS ESQ. 08035952711 PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST THE PILLAR OF THE FULL HARVEST MINISTRY. The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission abuja for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

Prophet Motowon Felix Abayomi Motowon David Faduhasi Titilayo Ogunboye Deborah Funbi Gbolagun Sunday Akinleye Obilobukola

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIACHUSI: I formerly known as Miss Cynthia Chizoba Aniachusi, now wish to be known as Miss Nduka Cynthia Chizoba.

All former documents remain valid.

UNIZIK and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

- Superintendent General

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mudashiru Nafisat Folashade, now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs AbdulAzeez Nafisat Folashade. All fomer documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SARUMI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Sarumi Halimat Shadia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akande Halimat Shadia. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Evangelise Teach, and Preach the word of GOD and make Disciples.

Assist the Needed and Physically Challenged Establish Churches and worship Establish Publication and Distribution Centres for Tracts.

Any Objection to the registration Should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street Maitama District Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUNIYI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oluniyi Oluwafunmilayo Abisola ,now wish to be known andaddressed as Mrs. Sorunke Oluwafunmilayo Abisola.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Ayebameru Oluwabukola and Ayebameru Olubukola is the same one person as Ayebameru Bukola Folasade, that henceforth wish to be addressed and called as Ayebameru Bukola Folasade. All former documents remain valid, Osun Syate Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that Oladapo Jamalydeen and Oladapo Jamalydeen Olayin is the same one person as Oladapo Jamalydeen Olayinka, that henceforth wish to be called amd addressed as Oladapo Jamalydeen Olayinka. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alao Oluwatayo Roseline now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbemisola Oluwatayo Roseline. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

This is to confirm that I Adeyemo Rachael is the same person as Adeyemo Aderonke Adenike. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodele Modupe Sharon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babatunde-Yusuf Modupe Sharon. All former documents reman in valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Friday Oguche, henceforth wish to be known, addressed and called as Peniel Friday Oguche.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINGBADE : Former known and addressed as Miss Akingbade Oriyomi Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Folorunsho Oriyomi Modupe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBUNANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as Ogbunankwo Anselem, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogbu Anselem Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Odeseye Ayoola Falilat, now wish to be known and addressed as Olajide-Odeseye Falilat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHRISTOPHER: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Jane Ufedo Christopher, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jane Ufedo Christopher. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINDURO : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinduro Titilayo Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Daramola Titilayo Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AWUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as Oshosomi Awudu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oshosomi Obum.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agboola Funke Tolani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adejumo Funke Tolani.

All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOLD STANDARD AND INTEGRITY CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies & Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Mr. Chilaka Geoffrey Nwune Mr. Ebuka Callistus Ifeji Mr. Abuchi Sylvester Edeh Mr. Chinedu Joseph Igwe Mr. Ifeanyi Simeon Igwe Mr. Justus Tochukwu Odoh Mr. Ikechukwu Peter Akochi

- President - Secretary - Treasurer - Financial Secretary - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

a. To establish and promote love, peace, co-operation and progress among members. b. To act as a front and avenue for the dissemination of information and ideas that will facilitate the rapid growth and development of the members. c. To create a united front to champion the interest of members etc.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ATTA: Formerly Known And Addressed As Miss Atta Zainab O. T. And later Addressed As Mrs Zainab O. T Ifabumuyi now wish To Be Known And Addressed As Mrs Zainab O. T. Oyewole. All Former Documents Remain Valid. Nigeria Immigration Service And General public Should Please Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

‎ALANI: Formerly known and addressed as Hammed Kazeem Alani, now wish to be known and addressed as Hammed Daniel Olabamidele. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKORO: I, formerly known and addressed as Okoro Adedoyin Oyenike, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ogunmefun Adedoyin Oyenike.

All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bashiru Morufat Atinuke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olanrewaju-Bashiru Morufat Atinuke. All documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

UHUEZE WELFARE ASSOCIATION MANGU BRANCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To promote unity among members 2. To inculcate discipline and respect for others 3. To co-operate with lawful organizations in promoting in promoting understanding and unity among citizens of this country.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

CHANGE OF NAME

AGBI: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Agbi Prisca Umebei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ifeanyi Prisca Umebei. All other documents remained valid. FUTA and general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AJIBOYE: formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajiboye Mary Bosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adigbo Mary Bosede. All other documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKODUWA: I formerly known and addressed as Collette Okanebhen Okoduwa, now want to be known and addressed as Mrs Collette Okanebhen Olatunde. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwe Joyce Adah, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Augustine Joyce Adah. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

GLORY: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Stephen Edet and now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Glory Aramide. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWAFISAYO: Formerly known as Miss Oluwafisayo Motunrayo Ikotun and now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwafisayo Motunrayo Adebote. All former documents remain valid. General public please

CHANGE OF NAME

UKONU : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukonu Chinomso Suzan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Emmanuel Chinomso Suzan. All former documents remains valid.

Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UFELLE : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ufelle Gloria Chinyere now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okereke Gloria Chinyere. All former documents remains valid.

UNN, NYSC, ASUBEB Awka and public note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SHALOM HOPE INT’L MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate

Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Mr. Tony Agene Itsueli 2. Pastor Theophilus Ugwu 3. Peace Anulika Itsueli (Mrs) 4. Pastor Oyetunde Ojeniran 5. Pastor Babatunde Tokunbo Gboyinde

- Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer - Members - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. Inspiring Youths towards victorious living 2. Teaching people to understand the know how of the scriptures.

Any objection to this incorporation should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: MR. TONY AGENE ITSUELI – CHAIRMAN

SIGNED: CHUKWUEZUO NWOSU ESQ (SOLICITOR) TEL: 08023072365, 08076581702

1. Cosmos Nwobodoejim Ohagwu 2. Elijah Udeh Ogbonnaya 3. Chinedu Ogbonna John

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyebamiji Suliyat Oyedoyin, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Abdul-Ameed Suliyat Oyedoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesokan Rukayat Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shiyanbade Rukayat Adeola.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and University of Ibadan and general public should please take note.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1. Moses Ikhanede Eshemikiwini Garuba 2. Moses Angela Anurika 3. Ezenwoye Oscar Tochukwu 4. Joyce Agba 5. Tijani Abduker

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Doris Chidinma Abadom, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doris Chidinma Nnaemeka.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIVING FOUNTAINS MINISTRY INT’L

This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under part “C” of the companies and allied matters 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

Daniel Msasega Jam Pavtar Augustine Agir Rev. Terungwa Favour Akaa

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

2. To bring deliverance to all who are oppressed and bound by the powers of darkness.

3. To share the burden of the less privileged and uplift them through biblical principles.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguyi, Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the day of this publication.

SIGNED: DANIEL MSASEGA JAM.

Friday, May 1, 2015

I think I am in tip-top shape and can’t wait for the top level events to start and do what I know how w

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Bahamas 2015: Okagbare leads Team Nigeria

54

– Jamaican athlete, Usain Boltt

Federation Cup:

Enyimba begin title defence against Nasarawa

Kingsley Sokari

…grand finale on Aug. 30 PAUL EREWUBA

N

igeria Football Federation Cup champions, Enyimba, will start the defence of their title with a relatively easy tie against non-league side, Nasarawa Feeders.

In a draw ceremony that held at the FIFA Goal Project inside the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium yesterday, the People’s Elephant were drawn against Nasarawa United’s feeder team in a yet to be determined venue between the 13th and 14th of May. Enyimba won the Federation Cup last season after beating Premier League rivals, Dolphins 1-0 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Current League champions, Kano Pillars,

will start their Federation Cup campaign against another non-league side, Zara FC, while last season runners-up, Dolphins will play Inter FC. Former Federation Cup champions, Rangers and Heartland will play Kaduna United and Bizzi Cashless respectively.

Nembe City will battle Bayelsa United in a derby tie. Plateau United will face Shooting Stars SC while Inter FC are up against Dolphins FC among other interesting pairings.

The round of 62 matches begins from May 13th and 14th while the round of 32 will be held between the 8th and 9th of July and the final on August 30.

Winners of the Federation Cup which is a knock-out competition will represent Nigeria at the CAF Confederations Cup.

AAG qualifiers:

ions League Champio Buffles Enyimba vs Kano Pillars Malakia vs

N

V’ball teams depart for

Benin, B’Faso

igeria’s male and female volleyball and beach volleyball teams departed the country yesterday for the All Africa Games (AAG) qualifiers.

The vice president of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Ebenezer Morakinyo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that beach volleyball team left the country for the Republic of Benin, while the national

male and female teams left for Burkina Faso.

He said that the qualifying matches for beach volleyball would take place from May 1 to May 3 in Cotonou.

NAN reports that 11 teams will take part in the volleyball events of the All Africa Games scheduled for Congo Brazzaville in September.

Nigeria is grouped in zone three along with Ghana, Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire

in the beach volleyball. The winner will pick the sole ticket for the zone.

Morakinyo said the federation was confident of picking the zonal qualification ticket.

“They have been in camp for a long time now and they have been provided with good training atmosphere; the team is ready for the qualifier, so we are expecting them to grab the ticket,” he said.

The national volleyball male and female teams would also be in Burkina Faso for the zonal qualifiers of the AAG. Teams grouped along with Nigeria are: Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.

The zonal qualifiers will take place from May 5 to May

53

The draw Enyimba

vs

Nassarawa Feeders

Cardinal FC

vs

Remo Stars

Junior Spotlight

vs

Lobi Stars

Zabgai FC

vs

Tornadoes

Heartland

vs

Bizi Cashless

FRSC

vs

Sharks FC

Idah United

vs

Spotlight FC

Kurmi Market

vs

BJ Foundation

Kano Pillars

vs

Zara FC

Plateau United

vs

3SC

Binani FC

vs

Gateway

El-Kanemi

vs

Kwara Academy

Akwa Starlet

vs

Kwara United

ABU FC

vs

Ajiroba FC

Giwa

vs

Kukuruku Dragons

Kaduna United

vs

Rangers

Makwada

vs

Jigawa Stars

Nasarawa Utd

vs

New Vision

El-Kanemi Babes

vs

Abia Warriors

Caliphate

vs

Crown FC

Gabros FC

vs

Chuson FC

Nembe City

vs

Bayelsa United

Papilo FC

vs

Gombe United

FC Taraba

vs

Akampa United

J. Atete

vs

Sunshine Stars

Christ Ambassadors

vs

Prime

Akwa United

vs

Dallatu United

Peacemaker

vs

New Star FC

FC Abuja

vs

Wikki Tourists

Niger Tornadoes

vs

Shinkafi

Doma United

vs

Jalingo United

Inter FC

vs

Dolphins FC

54

Sports p

Friday, May 1, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bahamas 2015:

Okagbare

leads Team Nigeria

B

lessing Okagbare has arrived in Lagos is set to join Team Nigeria’s camp in Philadelphia, USA ahead of the 2nd IAAF World Relays holding in Bahamas tomorrow and Sunday.

The Nigerian team will depart Philadelphia for Bahamas today and will compete in 4x100m, 4x200m and the 4x400m for men and women.

Team Nigeria will be targeting the $50, 000 prize money at the event where the IAAF will

pay a total prize of $1.4 million for the men and women’s races.

The winner of any of the events will pocket $50, 000, while the second position attracts $30, 000.

Third position gets $20, 000, fourth ($12, 000), fifth position ($10, 000), sixth position ($8, 000), seventh position ($6, 000) and the eighth place will pocket $4, 000.

In addition, the IAAF has put aside the sum of $50, 000 bonus for any team that breaks a world record in the championship.

Okagbare

B’ball: Okpe shines in Zenith League PAUL EREWUBA

D

olphins’ Patience Okpe scored a team high 19 points and four rebounds, as the team maintained its unbeaten run in the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League with a 92-29 points victory over weeping team in Group B, Coal City

Queens of Enugu.

With a commanding start in the jump-ball, the 2014 league runners up led the double digits in each of the 4 quarters to send signals of their title ambition this season.

“Our aspiration this season is to go a step further than we did last year which is winning the title. Our team is built on hard

work and determination, and we are taught to play without any inhibitions,” Okpe said.

In other results, First Deepwater also maintained their 100 percent record in the 1st Phase of the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League with a 77-16 point victory over the Taraba Hurricanes.

It was Benue Princess 33-31 Immigration, Zamfara Babes 8-65

‘Prime ready for NNL battles’

M

edia Officer of Prime Football Club, Tunde Shamsudeen, insists the Osogbo side is prepared to meet any challenge in the Nigeria National League as it attempts to bounce back to the Globacom Premier League.

The Omoluabi Giants got relegated to the second tier league

seven seasons ago and Shamsudeen is convinced Prime’s form is good enough to secure the sole promotion ticket in its group.

“Each game is a different test and a different challenge, but we are ready to stage a return to the Premier League at the end of the season,” the spokesman said.

The State of Osun Government-financed club is pooled Group B2 alongside Crown FC, Abia Comets, Remo Stars, Ikorodu United, Ekiti United, Go Round FC and Bussdor FC. Prime will meet Ekiti United in the Week 1 of the 2014/2015 NNL season at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Sports Complex.

NWPL: Sule votes for Queens

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Sule

hairman of Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja, Mallam Abdul Sule, says he is optimistic of the team’s good outing against Delta Queens in Oleh tomorrow as the Nigeria Women Premier League kicks off.

“We are up to the challenge against Delta Queens, I know they are a good side but with the quality in our team, I’m

sure we will prevail,” the former Super Eagles defender said.

“We can play anywhere, be it at home or away from home.

The most important is for the players to put in their best and compliment management’s efforts.

“Our target this season is to be one of the best, if not the best.”

Oshoala

BBC honour:

Onyedinma hails

Oshoala MERCY JACOB

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hairperson of Nigeria Women’s League, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, has praised the current African Female Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, on her BBC World Player of the Year nomination.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board member, Oshoala has been handed the opportunity to take her place on the world stage.

“I feel she should win the award because the players

that were nominated with her are old players like Brazil’s Marta who has been there and has been nominated several times,” Onyedinma said.

“Asisat is the reigning African Women Player and I hope she wins the award,” she added.

Oshoala, who was nominated for the first ever BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside four other players, celebrated her feat by scoring Liverpool Ladies’ opening goal before setting up Norwegian Line Smorsgard as the Merseysiders defeated Manchester City 2-1 to send the side to third place on the log.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UCL: Heineken House hosts Geremi in Lagos AFOLABI GAMBARI

I

n furtherance of its recognition of Nigeria as one of the top global hotspots of football followership, Heineken’s worldwide interactive series has berthed in Lagos with the hosting of Real Madrid and Chelsea legend, Geremi Njitap.

The former Cameroon international was selected as a guest at the Heineken House, Lagos in the UEFA Champions League sponsor’s Champion The Match series, where a football legend interacts with a global audience in a live Twitter session.

“Being in Lagos with Nigerian

football fans brings me lots of emotion. I realize now that I’ve been in a great profession,” the defender who made 37 appearances in the Champions League said.

“There are very big clubs left in the tournament at this stage, the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. But I’m a big fan of Real Madrid, and I’m tipping them to lift the trophy,” he added, apparently recalling the quarter final goal he scored for the Spanish club against Bayern Munich in 2002.

On the excitement at the Heineken House, the 2000 Olympic gold medal winner sad: “I’m very surprised. When I got here, I wasn’t expecting to see all this.”

Geremi Njitap (facing camera) fielding reporter’s question in Lagos

Yakmut, not a neophyte –Oche AFOLABI GAMBARI

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hairman of Abuja-based Sisa International Sports Limited, Sonny Oche, has said that it is ignorant to describe the new Acting Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Alhassan Yakmut, as inexperienced.

Oche, who spoke yesterday against the backdrop of a declaration

by Ondo State Football Association (OSFA) Chairman, Akin Akinbobola, that the appointment of Yakmut to the top post was not the right replacement for the former NSC’s DG, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

“But for political consideration, Elegbeleye shouldn’t have been appointed ahead of Yakmut in the first place,” Oche, who is also a sports analyst, said.

“Elegbeleye is a politician while

Yakmut is not only an active sports participant, but he also rose through the ranks to become the director general.

“To put the record straight, Yakmut was a national volleyball player before joining the Sports Ministry and rose to the position of assistant director. He learned through the rope and his appointment as DG is but a confirmation of his stewardship as astute administrator.

Yakmut

Okpekpe 2015: Okaeben named Events Director

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ormer Edo State Sports Commissioner, Chris Okaeben, has been appointed the Events Director of the 3rd IAAF Okpekpe Road Race, while Stella Nwala serves as Secretary of Secretariat.

Okaeben, who was recently elected into the Edo State House of Assembly, will also coordinate all activities of the race in the state as well as interface between the state government and organisers of the race.

Director of Organisation, Zack Amodu, stated that the Organising

Sports

Friday, May 1, 2015

Committee would take the race to a level in tune with its bronze label recognition by IAAF. Meanwhile, the organisers have also decided to move the secretariat of the Race from Benin to Auchi after a world press conference on May 12.

Amodu, who directed coordinators of various departments of the race to deliver a world class event, also disclosed the Race Secretariat would move from Benin City to Auchi after the world press conference on May 12.

MANDATE

THE

SYLVESTER IKUEJAMOYE

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 94 4 (SMS (S SMS S only) onlly))

Pleading profusely for sports

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he in-coming Muhammadu Buhari government must be planning seriously by now to hit the ground running immediately after the swearingin ceremonies are concluded on May 29.

Let me say again that the President-elect is not unaware of the importance of sports in nation building. I should also not pretend not to know that the President-elect is fully aware that the country expended billions of naira on sports related matters on annual basis. It is only economically sensible and administratively reasonable to put an eye on this all important sector which has the unrivaled capacity for mass mobilization of the young and the old, the very poor and the very rich, the most powerful and the most powerless without any discernible barrier.

Part of the problems of the past was that government had spent stupendously on sports without close monitoring. I mean the annual budgetary allocation for sports has always been in billions. But there is no year our athletes will not cry foul play as most of them are self-made with little or no grant from the National Sports Commission to help their developmental programmes.

The feed-back mechanism expected from the new government should be such that can help to enhance the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. It is expected that the in-coming government should demand for a clear and unambiguous road map for sustainable sports developmental programme in the country. The era of last minute rush should be discouraged. It would be more expedient to prioritize our participation in international sporting outing in view of the dwindling income of government and also the competing demands for attention in other sectors of the economy.

The slogan of the in-coming government is ‘change’ and it presupposes that it would be all- encompassing in all its ramifications

including sports management and administration which has a lot of benefits and value for Nigeria and Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or culture if well administered.

That Nigerians are hugely expectant is not in doubt. They want an acceptable result commensurate with the enormous resources spent on sporting activities either by way of organizing sporting events or participating in major competitions.

In our resolved d e -

term i nation to excel, it is also pertinent to ensure that we put a round peg in a round hole. The distasteful past experiences of putting round pegs in square holes should be jettisoned and made a thing of the past.

This can only be achieved when we have the right character and caliber of a person appointed to steer the ship of our sports sector.

The clear and undiluted interpretation of this is that if the incoming Buhari administration must excel in the area of sports administration with result to show for it, it must do a thorough search for the right caliber of person to be so appointed as the Minister of Sports, rather than the perennial ‘Minister of Football’ that we have been saddled with. I should also think that we should do away with the attached title-“Chairman of the National Sports Commission”.

That title, with all intent and purposes, is meaningless. A commission without a board and commissioners is a bundle of confusion. I am aware that there is a bill before the National Assembly to streamline and perhaps to empower the smooth operation of the commission. Until when that is done, let us Buhari

55

have a more meaningful operational base.

I was earlier talking about the type and caliber of minister of sports expected to be appointed by the in-coming Buhari administration. For emphasis, he or she must have the needed experience in sports administration aside from having special interest and passion for sports. He or she must be competent, credible and honest. It is only natural to expect the appointee to also possess relevant qualifications in sports management. The era of appointing a “carpenter to head the motor mechanic workshop” should be discontinued. The sports sector is too important to be put into the hands of a minister whose mission and interest are different and at complete variance with our collective national interest. Nigeria deserves a manager of men and material as a minister. The sports sector can only boom with enviable result when you have a captain, a leader and a father figure, all in a minister. A minister that knows his onion with the capacity for crisis management locally and internationally. I’m certain that Nigeria is not in short supply of such men or women of impeccable character.

One ravaging ailment at the sports sector like in some other sectors of the economy is that of dog-eat-dog syndrome. The deft destructive move against one another has become endemic.

The professional “pull him down” exponents lurking around the corner are ever ready to do the dirty job. They are pretentious lions and scorpions in human form. The irony here is that sport is unique and does not need any of these negative traits. The in-coming Buhari government should give Nigeria a minister with sufficient capacity to create an enduring and conducive level playing ground for sports to thrive unhindered and not the one that will be instigating one official against the other. We need a minister who will have the interest of the athletes as upper-most in his or her heart. Nigeria needs a minister that will treat and give equal attention to all sports. Nigeria need a sports minister that can be truly called a sports minister in words, deed and in character. Our sports must not be allowed to suffer stagnation or backwardness, l plead, and profusely too, SIR.

Hard but the bitter truth It is only good for you to be yourself. Let people know you for what you are. Let no one think for you or be in doubt of what you are. It is not in your interest to be seen as a schemer, neither would it be in your interest to see yourself as too skillful. You are likely to be a victim of yourself. Don’t forget the common but wise saying that too much skill kills a monkey. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box

Vol. 05 No. 1103

Friday, May 1, 2015

N150

The fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box is 5 hr 54 min 52 sec and was achieved by Sid Keyte (UK) at the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon.

Slashing cost of governance: Can Buhari brave it?

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he cost of governance in Nigeria, as in countries elsewhere, can be dressed in different garbs: from the cost of having an itching finger as the overall captain piloting the ship of state, to the real expenditure lavished on maintaining other locusts – bloated executive and legislative arms of government especially, perhaps minus a judiciary that claims being underfunded – which ravage annual budgets, creaming off over 70 per cent as recurrent expenditure and leaving the remaining ridiculously remnant percentage for the capital expenses of the entire nation. One of the acclaimed itching fingers the world associates Nigeria with is the late General Sani Abacha, who served as a military Head of State from November 17, 1983 to June 8, 1998. Most Nigerians must have lost count of the exact amount of Naira and hard currency he laundered locally and internationally. As at June, 2013, reports said a total of 22.5 million Euros had been recovered;

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anchester United Manager, Louis van Gaal, has revealed he is not eager to take back on-loan striker Javier Hernandez from Real Madrid.

Hernandez has scored three goals in his last four games for Madrid

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) and later, another 175 million Euros, courtesy of confiscation order by the Supreme Court of Liechtenstein.

It was initially claimed that only $5b loot was established against General Abacha.

But shortly after, a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) said it had clues that his stolen funds still trapped in offshore accounts stood at N3.2 trillion. Over $550m and £95,910m in 10 accounts and six investment portfolios linked to the Abachas were forfeited in France, Britain, British Virgin Island and the United States, under the US Kleptomaniac Asset Recovery law about the first quarter of last year. Later in June 2014, the Nigerian government withdrew the criminal proceedings it instituted against the son of the late military ruler, saying the measure was necessary to facilitate the recovery of about $380m from the Luxembourg proceedings and $550m from forfeiture proceedings instituted by the US Department of Justice.

One’s guess, therefore, is that the additional $370m (roughly N7 billion) belonging to the late Abacha, which reports early in the week said was found in Luxembourg, has justified FG’s withdrawal of the suit it filed against Mohammed Abacha. How much of the stolen funds so far recovered can only be authenticated by the FG. Smarting fresh from the grapevine are also reports that the incoming General Muhammadu Buhari elected government is determined to plug all channels of finan-

IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING 70 PERCENT OF ITS REVENUE ON ITSELF AND LEAVING

30 PER CENT FOR THE PEOPLE, IS THAT A SENSIBLE SITUATION? cial waste through giving rough tackles to corruption and bloated cost of governance.

Some funds which probably wouldn’t have found their ways back to the nation’s coffers, had Buhari lost the last presidential election, were reportedly being returned to the nation’s treasury, et cetera. Indeed, if an iron cast will is deployed by the in-coming administration to halt corruption and the waste of public funds by the public sector, the Buhari-led government would muster more than enough resources in no time to make meaningful impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy during its first four-year term, even if it were to inherit an empty treasury from the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

But the question remains – with the cost of governance (recurrent expenditure) still shooting above 70 per cent of annual budgets, what difference can a Buhari make? One’s answer to the question is simple: not much of a difference. The news trend between 2012 and 2013 was that Nigeria’s 109 Senators and 360

members of the House of Representatives were the highest paid in the world; that while an American Senator earns $174,000; and a Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom about $64,000 per annum, a Senator in Nigeria earns N240m (about $1.7m) in salaries and allowances; and a member of the House of Representatives N204m (about $1.45m) a year.

In 2012, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, now the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the Nigerian constitution makes it impossible for economic development in the country; and is responsible for the huge recurrent expenditure in the various tiers of government. Sanusi said: “We cannot develop if we continue to spend so much of our resources on government…

Government exists to serve the people. Now, if the government is spending 70 per cent of its revenue on itself and leaving 30 per cent for the people, is that a sensible situation?”

He likewise canvassed the trimming of the nation’s public service by 50 per cent. Sanusi was, however, roundly criticised for holding such frank views.

One believes, however, that the former CBN boss was dead right. Ours is a country with a central government, 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) run virtually like a state; and an additional 774 local governments. The number of public officers (both elected and appointed; and their long list of aides) is outrageously bloated. Again, in August (2012), the Steve Oronsaye-led presidential committee, in its report, recommended the reduction of government’s statutory agencies from 263 to 161; the abolition of 32 agencies and merger of 53 others. Doing so would have saved the nation from huge costs. But the lack of political will stalled the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report. Now, can the renewed agitations of the Olisa Agbakobas, Shehu Sannis and Mustapha Bukars, among others, for tangible reduction of the cost of governance, challenge Buhari to do the needful?

In other words, can the in-coming president muster the political will to bell the cat?

Sport Extra Transfer: ‘Manchester United doesn’t need Chicharito’ after being handed a starting spot in the place of injured striker Karim Benzema, but the Dutch gaffer is still left unimpressed.

“Scoring goals as he has been doing for Real

Madrid doesn’t suddenly make him different,” Van Gaal said yesterday.

The Red Devils boss has all but shut the door on the Mexican’s return to Old Trafford, insisting that he cannot promise

him game time.

“I said the same as I said to Danny Welbeck: ‘You are again a substitute and I don’t think that is good for you or your career’,” he added.

Meanwhile, it remains

to be seen whether Madrid will make the striker’s move permanent, with Coach Carlo Ancelotti saying the player’s future will only be decided at the end of the current campaign.

Hernandez

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