Binder1

Nigeria records N2.497trn drop in merchandise trade value TOLA AKINMUTIMI

I

n what seems a clear proof that Nigeria’s economy is going through serious fiscal and macro economic straits

Buhari

Vol. 5 N0. 1268

by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, indicated that at the end of the third quarter this year, the nation’s total value of merchandise trade dropped to N4,021.4bn. This rep-

over the last 18 months, the nation’s merchandise trade value slumped by N2,497.1bn year-on-year by the third quarter of this year.

The Foreign Trade Statistics Report published

Friday, December 18, 2015

We won’t watch Nigeria break up –CDS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

P.6

Olonisakin

National Mirror Online

N150

@NationalMirror

N10.48bn Abacha loot still left in account –FG Drop in oil prices puts pressure on Nigeria’s reserve –CBN

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

F

ederal Government yesterday said the balance in the account of the loot recovCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Ambode presents N662.58bn budget for 2016 P.8

L-R: Clerk, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Ganiyu Abiru; Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, delivering his speech to members of the House, during the presentation of 2016 Budget, yesterday.

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0 1

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1000

1115

0

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B737

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1355

1505

0

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

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1000

0

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1840

1

B737

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1830

0

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1500

1615

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1015

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2030

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2010

1

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0915

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1540

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0815

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1005

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2210

0410+1

0

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1505

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1710

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1710

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0

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SUNDAYS DESTINATION

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UPDATED 30/10/2015

2

News

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N10.48bn Abacha loot still left in account –FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ered from the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha stood at $26.389m and £19.033m as at last month.

This was disclosed by Benue State Governor, Sam Ortom, while briefing State House correspondents after the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting chaired by

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We were also briefed on update on Abacha loot in council. The Accountant General of the Federation reported that the dollar account as at November 2015 ending has a balance of $26,389m, while the pound sterling has a

balance of £19, 033m. That is where we are today,” he said.

Also speaking, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma said his ministry made presentation to the council on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and the Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP.

According to him, the reports highlighted government’s fiscal policy strategy and direction as well as revenue and expenditure projections for the next three years.

“We briefed Council about our view in terms of the global outlook and micro-economic frame work and the key assump-

tions underlining our projections,” Udoma said.

He explained that the presentation urged states to adopt MTEF and FSP, which has now been approved by the National Assembly.

According to him, the ministry also urged states to adopt the system as a basis for developing their

ECOWAS’ Distinguished Awardee and former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (left), being congratulated by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar iii, at the 40th Anniversary of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Nigeria records N2.497trn drop in merchandise trade value CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

resents 7.8 per cent less than the revised value of N4,359.5bn recorded in the preceding quarter.

The Bureau attributed the negative trend in the export-import trade to a decrease of N320.6bn, or 12.1 per cent, in the value of exports combined with a marginal decline of N17.4bn or 1.0 per cent, in imports value against the levels recorded in Q2, 2015.

The agency reported that when compared with the corresponding quarter of 2014, the value of the total merchandise trade decreased by N2,497.1bn or 38.3 per cent, linking the huge drop in value to

N132.4bn or 7.3 per cent ceding quarter’s value.

On year-on-year analand N2,364.6bn or 50.3 per ysis, the trade figures cent decline in imports showed that the country’s and exports respectively, imports decreased by relative to the correspondN132.4bn or 7.3 per cent. ing quarter of last year.

The country’s imports It clarified that quarter on quarter, the sharp by direction, showed that decline in exports and it imported goods mostly slight decrease in imports from China, United States, contributed to continued Belgium, Netherlands and fall in the country’s trade India, which respectively balance, by 32.0 per cent accounted for N459.4bn RU E Q GXUL QJ WKH (27.2 per cent), N160.6bn (9.5 per cent), N128.3bn quarter under review.

Expatiating further on (7.6 per cent), N101.8bn (6 the imports trend of the per cent) and N 97.4bn (5.8 foreign trade flow, NBS per cent) of the total value stated that value of Ni- of goods imported during geria’s imports stood at the quarter.

Import trade from AfN1,688.2bn, at the end of Q3, 2015, representing a rica stood at N65.4bn or decrease of 1.0 per cent or 3.9 per cent while imports N1,705.7bn from the pre- from ECOWAS region

amounted to N16.3bn.

When classified by Standard International Trade Classification and country of destination, Nigeria’s merchandise exports value totalled N2,333.2bn in the quarter, representing a decrease of N320.6bn or 12.1 per cent, over the revised value of N2,653.8bn recorded in the preceding quarter.

The decline was attributed to a fall in crude oil exports by N372.8bn or 18.8 per cent over the preceding quarter.

Nevertheless, the structure of exports is still dominated by crude oil, which contributed N1,611.5bn or 69.1 per cent to the value of total domestic exports

while natural liquefied gas recorded N265.2bn of the total export value during the period under review.

NBS reported that exports by direction showed that the country exported goods mainly to India, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and Brazil, whose values stood at N408.2bn (17.5 per cent), N245.1bn (10.5 per cent), N211.4bn (9.1 per cent), N192.2bn (8.2 per cent) and N169.4bn (7.3 per cent).

It stated further that Nigeria exported goods valued at N287.9bn or 12.3 per cent of total exports to the continent of Africa, while exports to the ECOWAS region stood at N140.4bn.

annual budgets.

He said: “We also emphasised the need for states to be guided by the assumptions of the MTEF and also the need for states to be conservative in their expenditure and their expenditure projections for 2016-2018, in view of the declining oil price.

“We also urged states to look towards enhancing their IGR and blocking financial leakages in the system and generally emphasised the need in planning for the economy for the federal and state government to work very closely with government because we are dealing with one economy.”

Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, in his own submission, said the Council was briefed on the Excess Crude Account, ECA. He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance was also working on the details of government agencies collecting revenue in dollars and remitting in naira, saying the details would be passed to the Council with a comprehensive report on the agencies that are involved which would later be made known to the public.

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal said the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, gave an update on monetary policy measures on foreign exchange strategy and challenges being faced by many countries as a result of the global economy recession.

Tambuwal said the CBN governor also reported that the drop in oil prices has caused serious pressure on Nigeria’s reserve which currently stands at $29bn.

According to him, the Council was also briefed on monetary policy, including the deduction of cash reserve ratio from 25 per cent to 20 per cent and the measure on forex market and Bank Verification Number, BVN, considering the introduction of debit card for travelers instead of cash exchange demands to reduce cash for illicit businesses and also looking at option to diversify the economy away from oil.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 18, 2015

3

Photo News

4

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 18, 2015

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (left) with Group Executive Director, Refinery and Technology, NNPC, Mr. Dennis Ajulu, during a world press conference on the activities of NNPC in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Deputy Inspector-General of Police (finance and administration), Mr. Dan’azumi Doma; I-G Solomon Arase, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (logistics and supply), Mr Mamman Tsafe, at the Commissioners of Police end of the year conference, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Africa Clean Energy Summit Group, Chief Operating Director (ACESG), Wale Akinwunmi; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Ene Essien; DG. ACES Group, Dr .Victor Fodeke and Chief Technical Officer, ACESG, Gbolahan Okanlawon Adedotun, at the first Post COP21 dialogue; Climate agreement theme: Success, Implementation and Implication for Africa and Nigeria, Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Vice Principal, King Ado Junior School, Mrs. Kuku; a teacher, Mrs. Ebhodaghe; Vice Principal, King Ado Senior High School, Mr. Adekomi; a teacher, Miss Banjo; Principal, King Ado Senior High School, Mr. Akindunbi and another teacher, Mr. Ogungbemi, during the school’s Christmas carol in Lagos, recently. PHOTO: ADELE ADEMOLA

National News

NNPC awards crude lifting contract to 21 off-takers

…as Kachikwu denies report of fuel selling for N97 per litre Chidi UgwU AbujA

N

igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,

yesterday announced 21 Off-takers

as

winners

of the open bid exercise conducted

in

October

for lifting the country’s crude.

The

exercise

wit-

nessed the unprecedented public harvesting of 278 bids submitted by indigenous and foreign firms seeking to secure contract for the sale and purchase of the 26 Nigerian crude oil grades on offer.

A breakdown of the 2015/2016 crude oil term contract off-takers for the 991, 661bpd Nigerian equity

crude

indicate

that 240,000 bpd, representing 24 per cent of the volume on offer is awarded to four refiners

classified as major cur-

about 10 per cent of to-

rent receivers of Nigeri-

tal crude volume on of-

an crude with capacity

fer. of

crude grades.

The Off-takers in this

Other this

Trading

to process all Nigerian

was allocated 45,000bpd.

Affiliates

International

Companies

consisting

Northwest

include

Petroleum

and Gas Ltd, 45,000bpd, Forte

Oil,

45,000bpd,

of

and

Oando PLC, 60,000bpd,

ates National Oil Coy,

Shipping SPA, TOTSA,

Sahara Energy Resource

ENOC, Indian Oil Cor-

Total Oil Trading SA,

Ltd,

poration, CEPSA Refin-

Exxon Sale and Supply

Rano Nig. Ltd, 45,000bpd,

ery, Madrid and Sara

LLC and Shell Western

Eterna

SPA Refinery.

Supply

and MRS Oil &Gas Coy

received

Trading

category

in

category include: Emir-

Each of the Off-takers

ENI

Oil

off-takers

and term

Trading alloca-

60,000bpd, Oil,

A.A.

45,000bpd

Ltd 60, 000bpd.

in this category was

tion of 32,000bpd each

awarded 60, 000bpd.

totaling128,000bpd, rep-

panies

Three notable Inter-

resenting about 13 per

32,000bpd and Duke Oil

national Trading Com-

cent of total volume of

Incorporated’s 90,000bpd

panies;

crude on offer.

account

for

off-take

of

Trafigura

PT

NNPC Trading ComCalson/Hyson’s

combined 122,000bpd,

Ltd, Mercuria Energy

Nigerian downstream

Trading SA and Vitol

players with wide expe-

representing

SA won the bid for the

rience in crude trading

per cent of total volume

lifting of 32,000bpd of

and large asset base ac-

on offer.

crude based on their

counts for 405,000bpd,

Apart from ensuring

pedigree as large scale

representing about 41

transparency, the compa-

buyers

per cent of total crude

nies were carefully cho-

volume on offer.

sen based on their track

of

Nigerian

crude with structure for short term freight inter-

In this category, Emo

about

12

records and trading ex-

Petrochemical

perience to ensure that

in

Coy/China Zhenhea- an

Nigerian crude cargoes

this category represent

NNPC long term trader

are not left unsold.

Oil

vention and storage.

The

off-takers

&

Meanwhile, Minister

Nigerians are insulated

of State for Petroleum

from the vagaries of the

Resources

global crude price.

and

Group

Managing Director of

“I did not say that re-

NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachik-

fined petroleum products

wu yesterday dispelled

will sell for N97 per litre

insinuations

some

next year. I said that be-

quarters that the Feder-

tween a band of N87 and

al Government has con-

N97 we are going to be

cluded plans to increase

looking at prices and to-

the pump price of fuel

day the prices are largely

from N87 to N97 per litre

close to N87. So, there is

from January 2016.

no need to change the

in

Speaking during a media parley at the NNPC

price,” he said.

The

minister

noted

Towers Abuja, Dr. Ka-

that to determine the

chikwu noted that the

price of petroleum prod-

discourse has long left

ucts in future, the Petro-

the realm of subsidy re-

leum Products Pricing

moval to a more scientif-

Regulatory

ic price modulation ap-

PPPRA, will undertake

proach which entails an

quarterly review of the

elastic price mechanism

crude market situation.

regime to be reviewed periodically

“I have not put a static

reflect

figure. PPPRA will have

the prevailing interna-

to do the calculation to

tional price of crude.

be able to announce what

He

to

Authority,

explained

that

price PMS will sell for

when operational, the

in January; but we do

novel price modulation

not anticipate any ma-

system will place a N97

jor shift because of the

per litre cap on the price

price of crude today,” he

of fuel to ensure that

added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, December 18, 2015

5

Senate urges FG to dissolve NDDC board GEORGE OJI ABUJA

S

enate yesterday passed a vote of no confidence on the current board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The lawmakers subsequently urged the Federal Government to reconstitute the board without delay.

It also directed its committee on Niger Delta to carry out a holistic investigation into the activities of NDDC so far with a view to determining the level of its impact.

The lawmakers in addition, tasked the committee to carry out a full audit of all development projects

by NDDC and ascertain if what has been done is commensurate with the amount of money pumped into the commission.

The decision of the senate followed the adoption of the recommendations contained in a motion by Senator Mathew Uroghide (Edo South), who expressed doubts about judicious application of the huge amount of money given to NDDC for the development of the Niger Delta region.

The lawmaker regretted that despite the billions in allocation, poverty has remained endemic in the region.

This was also as the senate yesterday, implored the Federal Government to urgently put machinery in place to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The Senate also advised the Federal Government to immediately commence the rehabilitation of rail line and dredging of the water ways linking Ajaokuta.

They argued that the move will create employment for local craftsmen, physically challenged and professionals in all fields.

The lawmakers also mandated its committee on power and steel development to henceforth undertake a holistic investigation of the reasons Ajaokuta Steel Company and other steel plants in Nigeria are not operational and consequently advance recommendations for their effective take-off.

According to Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), who moved the motion, the country has in the past nine

years spent a whopping N2.1trn to import steel into the country.

While lamenting that the steel sector spends over N500bn annually on steel importation, Melaye said if the sector is revived, it will have the capacity to rival the oil sector.

He further lamented that despite the huge sums expended on the steel development in less than a decade, the sector has continued to be bedevilled by multifarious challenges.

The Senate also yesterday mandated its committee on anti-corruption, financial crimes, drugs and narcotics to liaise with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, on how the legislature can best support the two institutions to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

The parliament also advised the anti-graft agencies to assert its independence from external influence to avoid being used as agents of political witch-hunt.

It also directed the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters to review all laws relating to economic and financial crimes and corruption to enhance speedy dispensation of justice on issues bordering on sleaze.

The senators also asked its committee on information and national orientation to embark on deliberate civic education for the citizenry as well as the youths from elementary to tertiary institutions.

The motion was moved

by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba South), who noted that corruption had done huge damage to the country’s image for decades and consequently inflicted hardship on millions of Nigerians.

Bwacha said the menace of corruption is not only restricted to the political class and public servants but has also been prevalent in civil service.

While noting the need to encourage President Muhammadu Buhari to continue in the fight against corruption, Bwacha advised the president to make the fight transparent, devoid of sentiment or politi-

cal witch-hunt.

Also yesterday, the Senate lamented the continued unchecked rapid population explosion in Nigeria and urged the Federal Government to urgently take steps not only to checkmate the development but also to ensure that the trend is reversed.

It also mandated the Committee on National

Identity Management Commission to liaise closely with the National Population Commission, NPC, with a view to articulating a clear policy on population to check the increasing growth rate in the country.

The parliament also advised the Federal Government to sensitise Nigerians on the need to embrace

family planning with the intention to check population explosion.

While moving the motion, Senator Isa Missau (Bauchi Central), recalled the United Nations Population Fund, UNPF, report of October 31, 2011, that world population had hit 7 billion with a projected increase of about 2 to 3 billion in the

next 50 years from developing countries.

Misau expressed concern that Nigeria with the estimated population of 167 million had remained indifferent to the danger posed by the trend.

The Senate also yesterday passed its first bill, with the conclusion and adoption of the “Electronic Transactions Bill 2015.”

L-R: Deputy Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr David Robinson; IMF Senior Resident Representative/Mission Chief, Gene Leon and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during their meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Bayelsa supplementary poll holds January 9 OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed the supplementary election in Southern Ijaw Local Government, Bayelsa State for January 9, 2016.

According to a bulletin issued in Abuja yesterday, the electoral commission picked the date after a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties who fielded candidates in the December 5 governorship election.

Accordingly, the governorship candidates and political parties involved have conceded to the January 9 date fixed for the polls.

INEC added that participants at the meeting agreed to decentralise the distribution of sensitive election materials in the election.

It added that they re-affirmed their commitment to the Peace Accord signed by

all contestants and political parties in Yenagoa on November 11 for the conduct of free, fair and credible election in the state.

“The meeting also called for the neutrality of security agencies and emphasised that the lead agency in the election should be the Nigerian Police.

“It appealed to INEC to ensure the functionality of the Smart Card Reader (SCR) to eschew glitches in the election,’’ the bulletin sated.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson said his party would work with INEC and also enlighten Bayelsa people on the need for them to come out and vote peacefully on the election date.

The governor, who believed that Bayelsa, including southern Ijaw is peaceful, expressed hope that the security situation during the supplementary election

would be better.

Dickson also expressed confidence of winning the election when concluded, saying so far from the INEC results; he has won in six out of seven local government areas of the state.

“PDP is ready for the election in the remaining one local government, perhaps our strong local government. We are ready to go,” he said.

According to him, it is not the number of registered voters that matters, but those who had collected their Permanent Voter Cards and turn out on election date.

All Progressive Congress, APC, candidates, Chief Timipre Sylva, also expressed confidence of winning the election when concluded.

“As far as we are concern, we believe that we have won the election and we should be declared the winner.

“But if in the wisdom of INEC, it is its decision we

should go for rerun, we are very ready for the election.

“We are very confident that at the end of the day, we will win,” Slyva said.

Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, candidate, Mr. Moses Siasia, said the utmost concern of Bayelsa people was that the election should be peaceful.

Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, National Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh said one of the concerns raised at the meeting was that in an isolated election like that of Bayelsa, there was no need for army participation.

Ameh said the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC had the capacity to provide needed security in the election.

PDP acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus also expressed confidence that the party would win the election having led other candidates with over 33, 000.

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News

Friday, December 18, 2015

NERC issues licence to 8 companies for 1,648.25mw Chidi UgwU ABUJA

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igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, yesterday licensed eight companies with a combined capacity to generate 1,648.25mw and a distribution company.

NERC in a statement in Abuja said the licences were a mixture of on-grid, offgrid, embedded generation and distribution of electric-

ity.

One of the licensees, Ossiomo Offistes and Utilities/ Ossiomo Power & Infrastructure, based in Edo State, will engage in electricity distribution and in embedded generation of 55mw gas power electricity.

Anambra State Independent Power Generation Company Limited, located in Onitsha, an on-grid gasfired plant, has the capacity for 528mw.

There is Cummins Power Generation, Nigeria Limited (NBC), Ikeja, with a capacity for a 3.5mw off-grid. The company also has licence for a 1.7mw to serve A&P Foods, in Agege, Lagos.

NERC licence to Sinosun Investment Limited, based in Jibiya, Kastina State, is for an on-grid, solar power generation of 100mw capacity.

In the same vein, LR-Aaron Power Limited, located

in Gwagalada, Abuja, has licence for 100mw solar powered electricity generation.

Also licensed is Lafarge Africa Plc for an on-grid, gas-fired 260mw in Ewekoro, Ogun State.

Azikel Power Limited has on-grid licence is for 500mw power plant, located in Obunagha in Bayelsa state. While Middle Band Solar One Limited from Kogi State, was granted an ongrid licence for 100mw.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We won’t watch Nigeria break-up —CDS Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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hief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin, yesterday, warned those clamouring for self-determination to desist, vowing that it was unachievable as the military would fight to keep Nigeria indivisible.

The CDS therefore, assured that the military would continue to ensure that Nigeria remains one.

Olonisakin was speaking when he received Commander of French Forces in Senegal, Brigadier General Pascal Facon, when he paid courtesy call at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, in furtherance of the French Government’s bilateral cooperation with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

General Olonisakin, who

maintained that no matter the several forces that are bent at entrenching disunity in some section of the country, the military was capable of ensuring that Nigeria will come out clean and even stronger.

Earlier, the French Forces Commander told his host that he was in Defence Headquarters in furtherance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s bilateral talks with the French President to collaborate in fighting insurgency in the North East.

He further applauded the Nigerian military for the successes made against Boko Haram terrorists and assured of his country’s readiness to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in the areas of training and intelligence to defeat the terrorists and other maritime criminalities.

Shi’ite leader not in Army’s custody —Buratai

C A cross-section of governors at the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Reps, Senate differ on Buhari’s MTEF proposal Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives yesterday failed to concur with the Senate over the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, proposal.

Consequently, the lawmakers constituted a conference committee to meet with the Senate to harmonise their differences.

The MTEF report was submitted by the House Committees on Finance, Appropriation, and Aids, Loans and Debt Management at plenary, which led to dissolution of the plenary to consider it at the committee on supplies, chaired by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

The committee at its session, had sustained recommendation number seven, therein approving the crude oil benchmark price of $38 per barrel for 2016 budget, as proposed by the president,

contrary to Senate’s approval of $39.

The committee further expunged the recommendation that the implementation of Treasury Single Account, TSA, with e-collection platform be sustained.

This followed a point of order 12, Rule 84, raised

by House Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who pointed out that the recommendation ran foul with their laws, as nothing about TSA was proposed in the MTEF document brought to the House.

Equally, Buhari’s bid to secure double arrears for 2015 fuel subsidy for domestic consumption as proposed in the MTEF could not be sustained as recommended by the committee.

It was expunged following a point of order raised by Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, who said that 2015 fuel subsidy arrears were fully provided for in the 2015 supplementary budget and as such, could not be approved again in the

MTEF proposal.

Twelve recommendations of the committee were approved.

One of such recommendations stated that the Federal Government should establish a data base and possibly, a single salary account for all its employees in order to streamline and reduce personnel cost.

In spite of a resounding shout of ‘no’ by some members, the recommen-

dation was allowed to scale through.

Dogara, who was the chairman of the committee, explained that there was need for members to expedite action in treating the report and not raise unnecessary amendments, considering the fact that there will be need to harmonise it with the Senate for passage in order to adequately accommodate the budget presentation on Tuesday.

hief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, said yesterday that the arrested Shi’ite sect leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zak-Zaky, is no longer in the custody of the Army.

Buratai said this when he met with a delegation from the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The army chief, who was responding to the request

by NSCIA to meet with the sect leader, said El-ZakZaky had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

According to Buratai, lawlessness must not be tolerated in the society, especially when a part of the country is confronted with terrorism.

“As a responsible and law-

66 drug addicts in Customs to go

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omptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), yesterday said 66 officers found to be hooked on hard drugs would be eased out.

Ali disclosed this while addressing officers and men of Plateau/Benue Area Command of the service in Jos. “We are now operating zero tolerance on the issue of drugs, because it is very

dangerous and inimical to our operations and to our success as a government revenue generating organ.

“These 66 identified drug-addicted personnel are as good as out of the system because we have no place for such persons in the service,” he said.

Ali blamed the existence of “bad eggs” in the service on the recruitment system, which, he said, had to be changed to rid it of unscru-

pulous and unwanted persons.

He charged the officers to be disciplined in order to serve the nation well and gain their promotions.

According to Ali, promotions from now must be earned and not got.

He told the officers to display the fear of God in all their operations and to be diligent in attending all the courses lined up for them.

abiding organisation, we will do all we can to always safeguard lives and property.

“As for the whereabouts of the Shi’ite leader, he is not in our custody; he has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution because we don’t prosecute.

“What happened was avoidable and unfortunate, we followed the rules of engagement as enshrined in the constitution, but what happened still happened,” he said.

Buratai dismissed claims in some quarters that the Army was after members of the sect.

He said that the army was only carrying out its constitutional duties.

He urged members of the public to disregard information and pictures contained in a section of the media, describing them as a false reflection of what happened.

Earlier in his remark, the leader of NSCIA, Prof. Daud Noibi, said the group was at the Army headquarters on a fact-finding mission.

Noibi expressed the concerns of NSCIA on the Zaria incident and reaffirmed the commitment of the council to return peace to the area.

Noibi said the NSCIA would make efforts to douse the tension that had engulfed parts of the North following Saturday’s incident in Zaria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Military/Shi’ite clash: Northern govs hold emergency meeting Saturday •El-Rufai sets up probe panel a za msue, KADUNA

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ineteen northern state governors under the umbrella of Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, yesterday summoned an emergency meeting to discuss the recent clash between the military and Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which claimed many lives and property in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who is also chairman of Northern Governors Forum, said the 19 governors would be holding an emergency meeting on Saturday in Kaduna.

The venue and time of the meeting has been communicated to members of the forum, Shettima said.

A statement issued Wednesday night by Shettima’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, said the decision followed consultations among the governors.

Shettima said the governors are worried by the development and resolved to wade into the matter with a view to addressing the problem.

The governors, however,

called on citizens and all parties associated with the incident in Zaria to exercise restraint, assuring that far-reaching steps would be taken to guarantee restoration of normalcy.

The governors also called on citizens to go about their activities peacefully and in obedience to the law.

The forum reaffirmed that governments across the 19 states would at all times take measures that would promote peace and public safety as well as justice and fairness to all citizens in line with constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Nasir elRufai has said a judicial commission of inquiry is to look into the recent clash between the Shiite and military in Zaria.

This was disclosed in a statewide broadcast by elRufai.

The governor said the composition and terms of 36 reference of the commission of inquiry will be announced within two weeks.

He assured people of the state that the government was committed to securing the state and upholding the rights of every citizen.

In an address to people of Kaduna State yesterday, el-Rufai provided an update on the Zaria clash, which he described as a tragedy.

He said: “We have witnessed sad events in Zaria.

There have been tragic consequences and needless loss of lives, and we extend our condolences to the families that have been affected.

“In this sober moment, the government has directed that steps be taken to address the humanitarian fallouts of the security operations.”

The governor stressed that “everyone has a fundamental right to their faiths and beliefs, but no one has any right to practice their faith in ways that diminish, distress or inconvenience others.”

He therefore, announced that “henceforth, no person or group, under any guise will be allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy public facilities or inconvenience citizens in Kaduna State.

Anybody that needs to march may do so, but they cannot take over public facilities or disrupt social services and commercial activities in Kaduna State.”

that the manufacturing company’s citing of the structure in Calabar was to strengthen the company’s local presence in Nigeria.

Entwistle, who was earlier at the American Corner in Calabar where he presented gift items like books and monitor, said it baffles him whenever people say Nigeria was poor, despite her abundant human and material resources. He maintained that Nigeria has enough potential to turnaround its economy.

He said: “I feel very strongly that what Nigeria needs are not handouts or development assistance.

What Nigeria needs is partnership.

“I often stress it publicly

with government officials that U.S. is not going to do anything for Nigeria; we are here to do things with Nigeria.

“When I look at the human and material resources in Nigeria, I see it as a tremendously rich country and not a poor country.”

Earlier, the company’s CEO, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, thanked the US Ambassador for the support towards the growth of General Electric investment in Nigeria.

He was optimistic that completion of the company’s site would create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and also become a power hub in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

Mirror Mongers

Nigeria not poor, says US ambassador RichaRd Ndoma, CALABAR

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nited States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has stated that despite declining economy, Nigeria is not a poor nation and requires no handouts but a partnership that works.

Entwistle said Nigeria’s immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, had in June 2013 performed a groundbreaking ceremony for General Electric, GE’s $1 billion service and manufacturing facility in Calabar, after a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the Nigerian government and the firm.

Entwistle spoke during a facility tour of General Electric on Wednesday evening at Calabar, Cross River State Free Trade Zone.

Sources close to the management of General Electric said the facility was expected to create 2,300 jobs when the project is completed.

Chief Executive Officer to General Electric, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, stated

News

Friday, December 18, 2015

VACANCY A top leading Steel Galvanized Roofing Trusses is urgently in needs of Marketers Qualification: Must have OND / HND Marketing.

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ILLEGAL RE-APPOINTMENT OF MRS FIDELIA NJEZE AS HEAD OF NEPAD NIGERIA

BY FORMER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, SENATOR ANYIM PIUS ANYIM Sir,

M

r President, may I humbly and formerly bring to your attention the obvious anomaly and total disregard of your presidential directive by Mrs Fidelia Njeze, a former Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on NEPAD who has refused to hand over and vacate her office along with her counterparts when her tenure of office ended with the tenure of the former President.

To this end, the staff of NEPAD openly protested against her illegal appointment as the new Coordinator/Chief Executive by the former Secretary to Government of the Nation Friday, April 4, 2014 Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim knowing that www.nationalmirro it is only the sitting President who has the right to appoint his Special Adviser on NEPAD. As has been widely reported in various newspapers and on the internet, the staff of NEPAD protested against Mrs Fidelia Njeze, when she refused to hand over as directed by the presidency but decided to stay behind in defiance of the official directive by obtaining an illegal appointment as NEPAD Coordinator/Chief Executive from the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim in order to retain her position in NEPAD. Your Excellency, it is most amazing that despite the fact that NEPAD is under the direction of the office of the Secretary to the Government and NEPAD staff had protested openly for her immediate replacement by the president, Mrs Fidelia Njeze is still earning her salary and allowances illegally in NEPAD as Head of the organization.

Mrs Fidelia Njeze cannot change her own appointment overnight when there is change in government in deviance to the President directive. It is therefore the expectation of Nigerians that the right thing be done against her and all her accomplices in line with the relevant statutes as a deterrent to others.

Thank you and kind regards,

Apply to:

TOPAWS GROUP OF COMPANIES LTD.

Ofiice: 473, Lagos Abeokuta Exp. Way, U Turn B/Stop, U.B.A Building, Abule Egba, Lagos.

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Donatus Musa Meikyerri

8

South West

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Economic downturn hinders Olubadan palace’s construction KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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resident-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Wole Akinwande, has raised alarm that the current economic downturn in the country has taken its toll on the construction of the new palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, on which work started last year.

It will be recalled that when the sod of the project behind the Ibadan House at Oke-Aremo in the hinterland of the ancient city was turned last year Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was then in the last year of his first fouryear tenure, had stated that the first phase of the project would be completed by April this year.

But, as at now, the project is still under construction, according to the president-general of the umbrella body of all the socio-cultural groups in Ibadanland.

He made the disclosure yesterday in Ibadan while speaking with journalists at a ceremony for the unveiling of the logo and lighting of torch for Ibadan cultural festival 2015/2016, which had in attendance High Chiefs Suleiman Adetunji and Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland and Asipa Balogun respectively.

Akinwande said though, work had reached appreciable level on the project as it has been roofed, plastered in and out, the CCII has been working round the clock to ensure that work did not stop on the site.

He lamented the economic crunch that had badly hit everybody, share of which the project has taken, adding that some of those who had pledged to donate were finding it difficult to keep to their promises, not out of unwillingness, but because they were incapacitated due to the bad economy.

He said CCII has been visiting all the critical stakeholders in Ibadanland to sensitise them on the need to appreciate that the Olubadan palace project “is our joint project and the response has been encouraging with all those visited showing enthusiasm and commitment towards its successful completion.”

At the unveiling of the logo which was performed by the managing director-designate of the First Bank Plc, Dr. Ademola Kazeem Adeduntan, the chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2015/2016, Very Rev. Ademola Moradeyo, said the annual festival would be historic because it would be the first time the programme is held with Okebadan festival.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Co-Creator, CC Hub Nigeria, Mr. Bosun Tijani and Harry Tom Davis, during the announcement of Social Innovation Fund by BoI, CC Hub and Omdiyar Network in Lagos, recently.

Ambode presents N662.58bn budget for 2016 to Lagos Assembly FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday presented the 2016 budget proposal of N662.58bn to the state House of Assembly for approval.

The budget christened, ‘The People’s Budget’ is more than that of 2015 that was presented by Ambode’s predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola which stood at N489.69bn.

The proposed 2016 budget comprises N383,678bn capital expenditure and a recurrent expenditure of N278,909 bn. This represents a recurrent ratio of 58.42 as against 51.49 in

2014 and 2015.

A breakdown of the budget revealed that Economic Affairs has the highest allocation of N211. 04bn, followed

by General Service with N120,508 billion; Housing and Community Amenities, N62.71bn; Education, N113.37bn; Health, N64.67bn and Environmental Protection, N53.04bn.

Others are Public Safety and Order, N28.55bn; Recreation, Culture and Religion, N4.636bn; and Social Protection, N4.025bn.

According to the governor, “the 2016 budget is the first full budget of our administration; it will

promote massive investment in security, transport/traffic management, physical and social infrastructural development and enhance job creation.

“We plan to use the 2016 budget to strategically build new infrastructure; while we continue to maintain existing ones.

Wealth and employment creation will receive a lot of attention as we commence the implementation of the Employment Trust Scheme which will set aside N25bn over a four-year period for job creation.”

He explained that his administration proposed a budget of N662.588bn for the 2016 fiscal year

Ondo State.

Ten persons also sustained severe injuries in the clash occasioned by leadership crisis in the branch of the union.

Sources said victims of the clash were rushed to the state Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where

medical attention.

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Olatunde Olawoyin, said while the injured were responding to treatment, the remains of the two dead persons have been deposited in the morgue.

It was learnt that

I’ve no regret kneeling down in Ondo NURTW clash claims 2, injures 10 church —Ooni Ogunwusi they are still receiving cal Government Area of BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, yesterday said he has no regret kneeling down in church during a thanksgiving service held to conclude his installation activities last Sunday.

A picture showing the monarch kneeling down during the installation thanksgiving held at St. Paul’s Anglican, Ile Ife, on Sunday, December 13, had gone viral on internet, attracting diverse comments.

While many that commented on the picture saw no wrong in the action of

the newly-installed monarch, many were of the view that the act desecrated the revered stool of Ooni.

But reacting in a statement issued in Ile Ife yesterday, the director of Communication and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Comrade Moses Olafare, said the monarch would never equate himself with God Almighty, saying no king exist when the Creator does not want him.

The statement described as “unacceptable and sacrilegious to equate Ooni’risa or any other king with the Almighty God,” adding that it is only God, the Creator of mankind that enthrones and dethrones as He so wishes.

OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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wo persons yesterday lost their lives in a clash involving members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, at Ikare-Akoko in Akoko North East Lo-

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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wo security men attached to a branch of a second generation bank in Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have been killed during an attack by men of the underworld.

2 killed in Osun bank raid During the raid, the robbers, said to be eight in number, sources said, ripped open the Automated Teller Machine, ATM, with several gun shots and carted away both the machines and money.

Sources in Ibokun told our correspondent that

the robbery operation lasted over two hours, adding that the robbers, before going to the bank, first went to a police station in the town and fired several shots into the building, leaving the policemen on duty scampering for safety.

which is 26 per cent higher than the budgets of 2014 and 2015 to enable his government focus on the challenges of security and traffic gridlock, including physical and social infrastructural development thrown up by new challenges being witnessed in the state.

The governor noted that total revenue estimate for the 2016 fiscal year is N542.873bn “which shows that the balance of N119.714bn will be funded through deficit financing that will be 0.41 per cent of the state GDP based on the 2016 budget alone and a cumulative debt to GDP ratio of about three per cent.”

NURTW members in the area wanted their chairman removed, a development that led to the fight.

Dangerous weapons, including guns and machetes were freely used during the intra-union clash, while commercial activities were disrupted for hours.

Military personnel in the area, however, prevented further breakdown of law and order as army officers hurriedly stormed the motor park and arrested some members.

Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, Musiliu Sogbade, confirmed the incident, saying normalcy has returned to the town.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, December 18, 2015

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Ekiti LG poll: CNPP doubts SIEC’s impartiality ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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onference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, in Ekiti State says it is not sure the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, can conduct free, fair and credible poll into local governments in the state tomorrow.

CNPP’s State Chairman, Prince Tunji Ogunlola, and Director of Publicity, Kunle Omotayo, said in a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday that they were planning to take the Justice Kayode Bamisile electoral body to court for allegedly exempting some political parties from participation in the election.

The CNPP alleged that 21 political parties collected and submitted their nomination forms, while SIEC only selected five political parties to participate in the coming election without following due process.

It accused SIEC of undemocratic approach towards the election, alleging that all other political parties were not carried along till date on the preparation for the election.

Bamisile had on Wednesday said five political parties - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African People’s Alliance

(APA), KOWA Party, United Progress Party (UPP) and People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN) that indicated interest to participate would partake in the election tomorrow.

The SIEC chairman had assured that the electoral body had made necessary logistics and security arrangements for the election to ensure credible election.

But CNPP disagreed with the SIEC chairman, alleging that Bamisile earlier said that only PDP candidates obtained nomination forms “only for him to say a day after that four other political parties also obtained nomination forms.

“This is a sign that the result of the local government polls had already been predetermined,” it stated.

The CNPP noted that the body language of the commission from inception and alleged refusal to call all other political parties indicate the election has been concluded before the real election.

The conference therefore called on security agencies to investigate the activities of the commission, which it said confirmed the earlier observation that EKSIEC cannot conduct a free and fair election.

L-R: Operation Director, Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Mr. Olanrewaju Ayinde; winners, a trip to Dubai, Ms. Olawoyin Olaoluwa, Elepac Generator, Mr. Kelechukwu Nwankwo, Motorcycle, Success Airiodion and MMF National Programme Coordinator, Mr. Niyi Onabanjo, during MMF’s 3rd Humanitarian Raffle Draw in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

WAEC releases Nov/Dec SSCE results

… 28,768 candidates’ results withheld TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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est African Examination Council, WAEC, yesterday released the results of candidates that sat for the 2015 November/ December West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE. New Head of Nigeria National Office of the council, Mr. Olutise Isaac Adenipekun, announced the results at the council’s

headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, saying 237,154 candidates comprising 124,512 males and 112,642 females, including 37 visually-impaired persons wrote the examination.

He noted that only 235,542 candidates, representing 99.32% have their results fully released, while 1,612 candidates (representing 0.68%) have a few of their subjects still being processed due to errors traceable mainly to them in the course of their

registration or writing the exam.

Adenipekun, a native of Ere-Ijesa, Osun State, who was appointed last week to replace Mr. Charles Eguridu following his retirement, stated that results of 28,768 candidates, representing 12.13% were withheld for further investigation for alleged malpractice during the exams.

He refused to give statistics of candidates who obtained credit passes and above in five subjects, including English Language

and Mathematics, which is the requisite subjects combination to secure admission into tertiary institutions in and outside the country.

He said that was not a criterion to judge those who passed or failed the exam because, according to him, most of the candidates use the results to complete their May/June edition of the exam.

He, however, asked the candidates to check their results on the council’s website in the next 24 hours.

‘Govt resolved on tackling graduate unemployment’ Facilities in Lagos meant for 4m ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ederal Government has restated its readiness and determination to continue to find alternative solutions to graduate unemployment in the country.

This is in view of the reality and concern that job opportunities are getting stiffer.

Project Director, Graduate Internship Scheme of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Peter Papka, admonished Nigerian graduates to realise that government jobs were no longer available, hence they must see how they can be employers of labour.

Papka, represented by a principal executive officer in the department, Mr Rilwan Usman, disclosed this

yesterday at the opening of a three-day exit training for 96 graduate participants of a oneyear skills acquisition programme organised for unemployed graduates of Ekiti State origin.

He urged graduates, who had acquired entrepreneurial skills from the government-initiated graduate internship scheme, to refocus their energies in being employers of labour rather than employee.

Papka said: “Graduates have to refocus their energies in being an employer of labour as against an employee.

Opportunities for being an employee of organisations are getting slimmer and more stiffly competitive.”

He described the grad-

uates’ internship scheme as one of government’s efforts at reducing graduate unemployment, saying government was not resting on its oars to ensure that the rate of unemployment is drastically reduced.

In a statement by the head facilitator anchoring the programme for the Federal Government in the state, Mr Kola Taiwo of Mabus Anice Consult, he explained that participants were shortlisted among several unemployed graduates that applied.

While noting that the immediate past government developed the idea, he added that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has embraced the scheme because of its strategic importance to the nation.

residents –Ex-commissioner FRANCIS SUBERU

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ormer Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos, Toyin Ayinde, has revealed that the facilities currently being used by 22 million Lagosians were originally meant to cater for four million people.

Ayinde, who was a guest lecturer at the 2015 annual general meeting and luncheon of Lagos State branch of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS, lamented that the facilities in Lagos are overstretched and that government and professionals must genuinely synergise in addressing the challenges.

The former commissioner, while recalling how

Lagos started as a small fishing and trading settlement, stated that the Ikorodu road was constructed in 1976 when the population of Lagos was around 4 million and that the road was now serving about 22 million people, hence the need for strategic urban renewal thinking, planning and implementation.

While stressing that the major solution to the challenges was good governance at all levels, Ayinde also challenged professionals to be more involved in politics and be ready to contribute to the development of the society.

He said the failure of any country is the failure of its professionals, and as such, Nigerian professionals must sincerely and genuinely commit to the development and advancement of

the nation.

On the master plan for developing Lagos, Ayinde said: “The truth is that, a framework has been laid. For us to make progress, once you have a framework, then you continue to fit into it.”

The new Chairman of Lagos State branch of NIS, Surveyor Alara Olugbenga, corroborated Ayinde’s view on the overstretching of facilities in Lagos, maintaining that such is an invitation for chaos and anarchy if left unaddressed.

On his plan for the institution, Olugbenga said one of his major areas of focus is the leadership mentoring initiative where young members of the profession are tutored on the history of surveying, the current practice and better standards, as well as morality of governance.

10

South East

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Biafra: Jubilation as court orders release of Kanu doosuur iwAmbe ABUJA

J

ustice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered the Federal Government to unconditionally release the detained self-styled pro-Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS, for over three months over allegations of terrorism and belonging to an unlawful assembly, approached the court for the enforcement of his fundamental human right.

Justice Ademola, while delivering his ruling on the application yesterday, held that the continued detention of Kanu without arraignment in a court of competent jurisdiction was contrary to section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Consequently, he ordered Kanu’s “unconditional release by the DSS.” “This court order of November 10, 2015 is hereby set aside.

“The applicant having

regard to confirmation made by the prosecution that the applicant has no charge before any court of law in this country, this court hereby releases the applicant unconditionally,” Justice Ademola held.

It would be recalled that Chief Magistrate Shauibu Usman at Wusa in Abuja had on Thursday thrown out a one-count criminal charge brought against the Director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.

The trial magistrate in the ruling on Thursday discontinued the trial of Kanu, following an application to that effect filed and argued by the DSS counsel, Mr. Moses Idakwo.

Usman’s ruling was in line with the request by DSS to drop the charges against the Biafra activist in order to enable them pursue his trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja that has original jurisdiction on terrorism.

The DSS had argued that the Magistrate Court lacked the jurisdiction,

since they had obtained the Federal High Court order to detain him for 90 days based on terrorism charges.

Before the case was struck out, Kanu had been put on trial for criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society and criminal intimidation contrary to Section 97, 97 (B) and 397 of the penal code.

The fact of the case, according to DSS report, was that the accused formed an unlawful society with the purpose of bringing into

being a Republic of Biafra.

He was alleged to have proclaimed himself as the leader of the Republic of Biafra and established a radio of Biafra.

Kanu was also alleged to have appointed himself Commander of the Loyal Forces of Biafra and broadcast to the world, what dire consequences the government and people of Nigeria will suffer should they attempt to hinder the actualisation of a Republic of Biafra.

In a motion on notice argued before Justice Ad-

eniyi Ademola, Kanu had applied for an order of the court admitting him to bail and also directing DSS to obey an order of the Chief Magistrate Court that had earlier granted him bail in the motion argued by his counsel, Mr. Egechukwu Obetta.

Kanu claimed that the order of the Federal High court that permitted the SSS to detain him for 90 days pending the investigation of terrorism allegation against him was obtained fraudulently by

the agency.

The grounds of Kanu’s application was among others, that the exparte motion dated and filed on October 26 by DSS and upon which the permission to detain him was granted, was an abuse of court process brought in complete bad fate.

The detained pro-Biafran activist alleged that DSS did not also reveal to the Federal High Court the pendency of a criminal charge it already brought against him in the Abuja Chief Magistrate Court.

Ebonyi Assembly passes N101bn appropriation bill into law AliunA Godwin ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State House of Assembly, EBSHA, yesterday passed into law the 2016 appropriation bill of N101.1 billion which was presented to the lawmakers last week by Governor David Umahi.

The budget was passed into law shortly after the submission of a report by the house committee on finance and appropriation headed by Mr Kingsley Ikoro representing Afikpo North/west.

It would be recalled that Umahi had last week presented a total of N101,154,646,300 appropriation bill for the 2016 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

The bill tagged ‘Budget of Divine Actualisation’ set aside N62,396,750,000 for capital expenditure representing 61.68 % of the budget outlay while N38,757,896,030 was set aside for recurrent expendi-

ture, being 38 % of the total estimate.

The N101.1 billion budget estimate is slightly above that of 2015 that was N96.52 billion.

Earlier, Ikoro, while presenting the report before it was passed into law, faulted the bill, stressing there were errors ranging from wrong use of title, citation, no table of content among others.

The House also screened a 5-man committee of the state assembly service commission headed by Mrs Roseline Obasi Nwode as the chairman, while other members include Francis Nwogbaga, Pastor Aloy Ogah, Nkama Nkama Ude and Barr ikuwa Omebe.

The speaker, Mr Francis Nwifuru, said passing the bill into law was to enable the governor actualise success in the 2016 fiscal year and ordered the clerk to make memo to the governor, informing him of the bill’s passage into law.

Brigade Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General Kay Isiyaku (right) presenting a plaque to Governor Okorocha when he visited the command, yesterday.

…Five IPOB members killed in Onitsha GloriA AnAeze

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oldiers said to be attached to the Onitsha Military Cantonment yesterday shot at Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB members who were jubilating over the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while 20 sustained various degrees of injuries.

The incident that occurred at the Onitsha end of the Niger Bridge reportedly caused panic among motorists and commuters who scampered for safety.

Members of IPOB, on learning of the favourable court verdict on Kanu yesterday morning, had gathered nearby the

statue of the late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu in large numbers for a procession in jubilation, but were frustrated by the presence of armed soldiers and policemen.

A timber trader at Bridge-Head Market, Onitsha, who witnessed the event but does not want his name in print, told National Mirror that trouble started when the jubilating IPOB members were asked to stop their march towards the Niger Bridge. However, the group refused, thus triggering off disagreement between the traders and IPOB members and later degenerated into violence.

According to the

source, it was at this juncture the soldiers started to shoot sporadically in the air, perhaps to scare away the intimidating crowd of IPOB members that the five IPOB members were hit by stray bullets.

As blood and corpses littered the road, motorists and commuters, who could not bear the heavy gunshots, jumped out of their vehicles and ran for safety as the jubilation turned soar.

Courageous IPOB members reportedly threw pebbles at the rampaging soldiers who retaliated by continuous shooting.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Fundamental Rights League International, FRLI, Com-

rade Mike Umezulike, said the protest by IPOB members was peaceful and wondered why the soldiers would shoot at them without their having committed any offence.

He regretted the action by the supposedly trained soldiers among the civil populace.

According to him, “Do you know that naval officers at Uga Junction always order civilians to frog jump whenever they commit any minor offence like crossing the expressway without using the pedestrian bridge?”

When contacted, Divisional Police Officer incharge of the area, Rabiu Garba, said he was not in town though he was told of the protest.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, December 18, 2015

11

‘Operation Pulo Shield’ parades 3 militant suspects

…seizes cache of arms, ammunition OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

A

s part of its continuous raids on suspected militant camps in Niger Delta creeks, troop of the Joint Force ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ yesterday paraded three suspected militants, pipeline vandals and a large cache of arms and ammunition.

The suspects, who gave their names as Mako Ajagidi, Godspower Alebi and Otiki Ariri, were apprehended at the Benin River and adjoining creeks in Itagbene, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Among the arms and ammunition recovered from them include one Light Machine Gun (LMG), five AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one LAR rifle, 20 AK-47 magazines, two LAR rifle magazine, 415 rounds of 7.62mm and 39mm special.

Others include 10 dynamites and bundles of detonating cords, 7.62 NATO am-

munition and 273 rounds of 5.65 ammunition.

Parading the suspected militants and vandals, Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Okunlola, said the continuous exercise was aimed at recovering illegally acquired arms that have found their way into the region.

While assuring of the commands renewed vigour and determination in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other related criminalities in the region, he urged the people to always furnish the command with useful information that could lead to more arrest.

He added: “Consequently, I call on the good people of Niger Delta region to key into our zero tolerance campaign against illegalities and also give useful information that will aid the troops and Joint Force to track and arrest miscreants.”

Rescheduled NASS poll: We’ll resist army, police intimidation in Rivers —Wike Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

R

ivers State Governor Nyesom Wike declared yesterday that any attempt by the Federal Government to use soldiers and policemen to rig the re-run National Assembly election in the state would be resisted by the people.

This is as he described the nullification of his election as a temporary setback, saying God’s will and the mandate of the people would prevail at the end of the day.

Addressing thousands of Rivers State people, who thronged the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive him yesterday, Governor Wike urged the people to remain peaceful as the state remains Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s, despite the contrived situation at present.

The governor said the PDP was ready for the National Assembly elections as ordered by the Appeal Court.

He said: “I want to warn; let nobody attempt to do what happened in Bayelsa State here. Since they said they have annulled the elec-

tions, let them come and conduct fresh elections.

“Let nobody think that he can use soldiers and policemen to intimidate us. We will resist any such attempt.

“We have maintained our cool for a long time.

Our calmness should not be mistaken as a sign of weakness.”

Wike stated that Rivers State people are peace-loving, but hate injustice and intimidation. He advised all PDP members in the state to commence unit to unit and ward to ward campaigns for the National Assembly elections.

He assured the people that his lawyers have already started the process of appeal to the Supreme Court, noting that after the Supreme Court, the PDP would work with whatever judgment emanates therefrom.

The governor, in a statement issued yesterday by his special assistant on electronic media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said his administration would continue to work for the people of the state and deliver good governance and projects.

A Philanthropist and Chieftain of APC in Edo, Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon (2nd-left), distributing Christmas gifts to Physically-Challenged persons in Benin, yesterday.

HIV drops to 0.5% in C`River, says NACA RichaRD nDOma CALABAR

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revalence rate of HIV/AIDS has drastically dropped by 0.5 per cent in Cross River State.

Director of National Agency for Control of AIDS, NACA, Dr. Marian Ezekwe, stated this at the flagged off of a four-day medical and HIV testing and counselling outreach by Ikom Council Chairman, Hon. Ayiba Ojong, held simultaneously at Ikom and Edor communi-

ties in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Ezekwe stated that Cross River State had earlier recorded a skyrocketed prevalence rate of 7.1 per cent in 2010, but later nose-dived from 7.1 to 6.6 per cent in 2014, an indication that the state was doing its best in the fight against HIV/AIDS. NACA director attributed reduction in the disease in the state to the high level awareness and the desire by the people to come out publicly and receive treatment

without fear of stigmatisation and discrimination as more people are now more open and forthcoming in checking their status.

The NACA boss maintained that the bill for stigmatisation has already been passed into law by the National Assembly as more positive development was being expected to reduce the virus in the state.

During a brief interview with journalists shortly after the lecture, the NACA boss stated that the aim of the exercise was to meet Sus-

tainable Development Goal, SDG, of putting an end to HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Also speaking, coordinator of Friends Forever Society, the vendor organisation that facilitated the programme in Ikom Local Government Area, with funding from SURE-P, Dr. Patrick Olisa, stated that NACA was tackling HIV/ AIDS differently this time as the organisation now maintains a holistic approach of also checking other diseases that are perceived to come alongside with HIV/AIDS.

NDDC hands over 522-bed hostel to Rivers varsity Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

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uthorities of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, have taken delivery of a 522-bed space hotel built by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. This is as the commission said the gesture was in furtherance of its determination to boost education in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at a brief but colourful occasion, NDDC Managing Director, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, said the modern hostel, which would accommodate close to 1,000 students, would raise the status of the university and provide the enabling environment for

students to perform well in their studies.

Dan-Abia said the relatively large number of students to be accommodated in the new hall of residence would contribute immensely to easing the overcrowding of existing hostels in the university.

The NDDC boss said apart from ensuring that the hostel was fully furnished, the commission would also provide a new electricity generating set as requested by the university, adding that it has raised the bar in the provision of modern hostel facilities for universities and polytechnics in the oil and gas-rich Niger Delta region.

He explained that the current funding challenges facing the NDDC would

not deter it from performing its functions as an interventionist agency, adding that of the 19 students’ hostels being built by the NDDC across the region, only one was completed at the time the fourth governing board of the commission was inaugurated on December 16, 2013.

In his address, Acting Vice Chancellor of RUST, Prof.

Blessing Didia, thanked the NDDC for coming to its rescue in alleviating the accommodation problems of the university.

The vice chancellor said the edifice handed over to the university by the NDDC went beyond the three-floor 174-room structure.

According to him, the complex houses other ancillary facilities such as

20,000-gallon capacity water works, cybercafé, shops and students’ lounge.

Chairman of the Students’ Union Government, Mr. Wealth Gospel, said the students were grateful to the NDDC for giving them a state-of-the-art facility that would save them from the dangers and difficulty of living outside the campus.

Acting VC RUST, Prof. Didia

12

North

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Army kills 49 terrorists, rescues 154 captives in Borno INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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o fewer than 49 Boko Haram insurgents were killed, while 154 captives were rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army in Lafiya Dole, Borno State.

Commander of the operation, Major General Yusha’u Abubakar, disclosed this yesterday

to newsmen at the operation’s media centre in Maiduguri.

General Abubakar said, “The Boko Haram insurgents laid ambush for our soldiers along Pulka, Bama, Maiduguri axes but they swiftly repelled the attack, killing 15 insurgents, while 10 AK-47 rifles, 1 RPG and ammunition were recovered. Also in their routine patrol, our

men killed 34 insurgents, recovered 15 AK-47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, along Jakana, Alagarno axis.”

He, however, lamented casualties suffered among the troops.

He said, “It is sad to announce the loss of one officer and a soldier while discharging their national duties. Also at a checkpoint at Mafa-Maiduguri

axis, our men intercepted three female suicide bombers trying to infiltrate Maiduguri, where one of them detonated her explosives, killing herself and a member of the civilian JTF. Four others were injured.”

He said his troops have degraded the Boko Haram insurgents, adding that the insurgents took the advantage while flee-

ing to unleash terror on soft targets in remote villages like the recent ones in Warawaa, Mangari and other villages. He, however, maintained that the Army was adopting new strategies to deal with such attacks.

The commander further stated that the Army was not only discharging its constitutional mandate, but also assisting Inter-

nally Displaced Persons, IDPs, with relief materials and medical services, and called on philanthropic individuals and corporate organisations to join hands in assisting them.

He stressed that security was a collective business, even as he solicited the support of all and sundry to successfully defeat Boko Haram in the country.

Buhari working to end poverty, says Minister JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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inister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, yesterday assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government is doing everything possible to end poverty and unemployment in the country.

Dalung spoke in Jos, Plateau State capital, during the graduation ceremony of 213 participants of citizenship and leadership training programme for Nigerian youths organised by Citizenship and leadership centre, Abuja, in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals.

Dalung described as rare privilege the opportunity given to beneficiaries of the programme, who were chosen out of the jobless millions of youths, saying they have been trained and armed to face their future meaningfully.

He advised participants not to yield to the temptation to sell the equipment given

to them by the centre, saying they stand the chance of becoming entrepreneurs as well as employers of labour if they make judicious use of them.

Earlier in his welcome address, Director-General of the centre, Michael Fawole, said though the centre, in collaboration with the MDGs Office, has been conducting training for various categories of Nigerians over the years, the 2015 programme was unique. Fawole said the programme’s uniqueness derived from its design, which is President Buhari’s administration’s commitment to providing meaningful employment to Nigerian youths through empowerment.

According to Fawole, it was on that note that the centre decided not just to train the participants, but to hand over to them equipment and working tools in the specific areas they trained. This, he said, is in addition to giving them financial grants to enable them start off life, not just as small scale entrepreneurs, but also as employers of labour in their own rights.

A cross-section of members of Nigerian Legion at the launch of 2015 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

‘Kano investors lost N150bn in 2015’ A BDULG AFAR O L AD IME JI KANO

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ersistent crashes in the country’s capital market has led to the loss of over N150 billion by Kano State investors

NEMA receives 1,187 Nigerian returnees from Cameroun GLORIA USMAN ABUJA

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ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has received 1,187 Nigerian returnees comprising men, women and children from Republic of Cameroun between December 14 and 16 at Fufore IDP camp in Adamawa State.

A statement made available by the agency’s Senior Information Officer, Sani Datti, said the returnees were thoroughly screened and profiled by security agents

before being registered

by NEMA and Red Cross officials, who were on ground to receive them after a successful registration.

The returnees were provided with food and basic needs, including mattresses, buckets, plates, cups, mosquito nets and soaps.

The statement said that about 15,000 Nigerians were expected to arrive at the Nigerian border with Cameroun through Mubi in the next few weeks.

So far, over 18,600 Ni-

gerians have returned and received by NEMA and other relevant stakeholders.

It would be recalled that thousands of Nigerian citizens that earlier fled to Cameroun as a result of Boko Haram activities have been returning home since August 2015 as a result of improved security situation in North East Nigeria and increasing concerns by the Camerounian authorities on their prolonged stay in the country.

between January and December 2015.

Managing Director of Kano State Investment & Properties Ltd., Dr Jubrilla Muhammed, yesterday said shareholders in the state have suffered tremendous losses in the capital market.

Muhammed attributed the huge loss to the dwindling capital market and lack of requisite knowledge on the part of some investors, who failed to understudy the nature of the business they invested their money.

He said this prompted the state-owned fir m to embark on mass sensitisation of investors in the state, adding that educating investors and stakeholders on the nature of the business would ensure better understanding, boost their income and enhance the nation’s economy.

He advised stake-

holders in the sector to always verify and thoroughly understudy the kind of business they intend to invest their money in to avoid venturing into a market that has the potential of crippling their investments.

In a related development, Kano State gover nment has tasked both conventional and Sukuk (Islamic) capital market stockbrokers in the state to come up with reasonable proposals that could address economic challenge in the state, so as to foster development.

Gover nor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje made the call at the state investment awareness seminar organised by Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd. He said following the recent acceptance of Islamic capital market otherwise called Sukuk by the state gov-

er nment, it had so far received three proposals from the stockbrokers on how the noninterest capital market (Sukuk) would be run to boost the state’s economy.

The gover nor, represented by Commissioner for Finance, Prof Kabiru Isa Dandago, decried the situation where shareholders that ought to be treated like kings were shabbily treated by companies. He therefore, enjoined investors to henceforth begin to monitor activities of companies they invest their monies.

He fur ther disclosed that the state gover nment has resolved to strengthen Kano State Investment and Proper ties Ltd. to enable it embark on enlightenment of investors on how to invest and manag e risk surrounding their investments.

Friday, December 18, 2015

What inspired you to politics?

Basically my desire to assist people made me join politics. But before then, I took those in politics as unserious people. Later I got to understand that if you are craving for changes in our society and you don’t partake in politics, who will then help remedy the decay in the society. On religious level, I have been looking at those in politics as ungodly people. But I discovered that for you to change the society you just have to join politics. I started politics in 1998 and since then I have been in politics full time, though I still run my personal business.

In 1998 I joined a political group within the then Alliance for Democracy, AD called Ideal Club in Mushin local government, led by former senator, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon. Solomon, Dr Muiz Banire, Seye Ladejo, Mrs Funmilayo Tejuosho, Kehinde Adepoju and many others were our leaders.

Whatever Allah gives you, you should be give back to the poor and the needy. And I have been doing that to my constituents. And that is what made them voted for me massively in the last election.

Recently, the Lagos assembly organised stakeholders meetings at various constituencies. On your part you made a lot of promises to your people. What have you done as regards this?

Without mincing words, a lot of people were in attendance at the meeting which indicates support from them and on my part I have not disappointed them. On the issue of road, we have called on the government to fix Mushin-Daleko road and the second day, the governor came to our aid. And beside the road, the issue of chieftaincy was brought to the front burner and we promised to look into it because there are some Baales that have been on seat for close to ten years and have not been recognised. So we promised them and we have started assisting them. We are facilitating how they will be upgraded and be recognised by the government.

And with time many of our promises will be met.

Mushin constituency has been known for its notoriety.

What are your plans to ensure that there is peace in the area?

We give glory to God. I tell people that it is not only in Mushin that we have notorious people. The issue of thuggery is a product of our society. But all we are trying to do is to have a kind of crusade informing and enlightening our people that they should not engage in bad act. And it’s really working, because if you indentify a problem, the solution is nearer. We implore those who are their leaders to talk to them to stop the acts of hooliganism . We have been preaching the gospel truth to them to desist from bad acts and that it doesn’t pay to engage in thuggery and they have been listening to us.

And we thank God that Mushin of yesteryears is changing for better.

What are your oversights on the committee you chair?

My oversight on Home Affairs is to oversee all pilgrims lifted to Hajj and Jerusalem. It has to do with the welfare of the people. I am to ensure that the pilgrims are well taken care of, that the Ministry of Home Affairs performs its duties and the needful. In addition, it is in my purview to carry out budgetary supervision of funds allocated to be expended.

What are your plans for this committee?

I want to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that security is put in place in Lagos state. It is a good idea that we want to have security checks at places of worship. This will be introduced

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Lagosians should be patient with Ambode –Olawale Hon. Olayiwola Olawale is representing Mushin II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly. He is also the Chairman, House Committee on Home Affairs.

He speaks with ROBERT AWOKUSE on his plans for his constituency among other issues. Excerpts:

take education as one of my cardinal programmes and that was what made me establish computer training institute which has been on for close to 14 years and we have graduated no fewer than 1500 people so far.

What advice do you have for Mushin youths?

My advice to them is to shun thuggery, shun violence and they should take themselves as one, God who created us knows the reason why he placed them in Mushin and it should be an advantage because we are many.

The number is an opportunity that should be taken to produce good things from Mushin. We should use our population for the betterment of Mushin instead of engaging in thuggery . We should have the thoughts of how we can move Mushin forward. And this leads us to organise Mushin Unity Walk, beside the Unity Cup that I introduced. Some crop of youths came together and said that we should be united so we had a walk which is organised quarterly and this is because we want to sensitise our people on the need to be united to achieve a common goal. And this goal is to move Mushin forward.

We have boxers, footballers and many others. Ebenezer Obey started his music from Mushin, Fatai Rolling Dollars is from Mushin, Idowu Animashahun had once lived in Mushin, Late Barrister Sikiru Ayinde also . So if these good people are from Mushin, why can’t we, today’s youth contribute to the development of Mushin.

We should emulate good things instead of bad things.

Olawale

It has always been my practIce to help people who are In need and

I have

been doIng thIs for a long tIme.

and besIde that, I

take educatIon as one of my cardInal programmes and it will checkmate the menace of insecurity in our places of worship. We also want to foster religious harmony. This is paramount to the ministry. Thirdly, the pilgrims must be protected, that is that when they go on pilgrimages they go and return safely. And the staff welfare is our concern.

How have you been able to impact on your constituents?

Well it is said that one should not judge oneself. But I believe one can still say one or two things that have been done in Mushin II constituency. One, the issue of unemployment is being addressed. I try as much as I can to assist youths in my constituency to get job opportunity, both at private and public level. It has always been my practice to help people who are in need and I have been doing this for a long time. And beside that, I

As a first timer at the assembly what is your experience like?

The experiences have been good because if you look at my background as a former school teacher we usually interact with our students and as a business man, I specialized in estate management. This experience has helped me in terms of my relations with people. So I deployed that and it has aided my relationship with them.

And I take everything the way it comes. From the leadership of the Rt. Hon Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa who has been piloting the affairs of the House very well and to others, it has been wonderful and cooperative. The PDP members also harmonise with the APC members, such that you can hardly differentiate us. We came in, forgetting our party affiliations and we are having a fantastic and robust relationship. We are one, because we know the project before us is enormous in order to move Lagos forward.

What is your advice to the government and Lagosians in general?

My advice for the government is to continue its good work. It is clear that our governor has a listening ear.

He listened to us by fixing the Mushin-Isolo road and Agege Motor road and many other roads. We urge him to keep doing the good work. Recently he introduced security gadgets in public places to checkmate insecurity in the state. For Lagosians they should be patient with our government because it has good plans for the people of the state.

14

Politics

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Court voids INEC’s deregistration of PRP, PPP,BNPP DOOsuur iwambe ABUJA

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L-R: Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)/Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Yari; former British Prime Minister, Mr.Tony Blair and Kwara State Governor Ahmed Abdulfatah after the NGF meeting at Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday voided and set aside the de-registration of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Peoples Progressive Party, PPP and Better Nigeria Progressive Party, BNPP by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The court in its ruling held that INEC was wrong to have de-register

Court of Appeal affirms Ajimobi’s victory Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday dismissed the applications filed by Senator Rasheed Ladoja and Accord Party challenging the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the April 11 governorship election and the judgement of the state governorship election petitions tribunal delivered on October 27.

The five- man panel of Judges in a unanimous decision, said the appeal lacked merit and that the evidence of the principal witness in the appeal, Bimbo Adepoju, tagged as PW1, is inadmissible.

It will be recalled that the election petitions tribunal had on October 27 affirmed the electoral victory of Ajimobi, but not satisfied with the ruling,

Ladoja approached the Court of Appeal for a redress.

His lead counsel, Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, in a suit number CA/IB/EPT/ GOV/31/2015, prayed the court to dismiss the judgment of the lower tribunal against his client on the basis that it excluded the evidence of the principal witness while Accord lead counsel in CA/IB/EPT/ GOV/31A/2015 in another brief, prayed the court to declare Ladoja the winner of the April 11 election.

The Court of Appeal judges were led by Justice H.M. Ogunjimiju, while others include Justices Haruna Simeon Tsammanani, Uchechukwu Oyemenam, J. Olubunmi Oyewole and M.L. Shuaibu.

The Judges in their ruling affirmed the victory of Ajimobi and dismissed Ladoja and Accord’s appeals on the ground that

the “the totality of evidence presented by PW1 is an opinion” and cannot be considered because it was not that of evidence.

They stated further that the principal witness is an interested party and such his evidence cannot be relied upon.

The court while citing section 68 (1) of evidence act, with reference to page pages 192,201,203 and 214 of the lower court judgment, submitted that PW1 evidence “does not contain statement of fact” because he is not competent to give such report.

All the Judges then agreed on the dismissal of Ladoja’s appeal and affirmed the victory of Ajimobi.

In their separate delivery, it was unanimously agreed that PW1 who was the main witness in the case because he is a card carrying member of Accord, an interested

person, queried why he should render an opinion when he is not an expert, as only an expert can make opinion in cases and will stand according to the constitution.

They also made references to inconsistency in the evidences which he could not explained under cross examination that lasted for five days at the lower tribunal.

The court even emphasized that the PW1 discredited himself during cross examination as he confessed to “wrong” at a point in time, submitting further that the claim of violence and manipulation in areas mention cannot be established.

In the second appeal CA/IB/EPT/ GOV/31A/2015, which was also dismissed, the judges further corroborated the tribunal’s position.

It said, “ Tribunal was right to state that the

the early callers at Ajimobi’s Oluyole, Ibadan residence to congratulate him on the verdict of the Court of Appeal Ibadan Division, which upheld his election victory yesterday.

He said the victory was well deserved and was an affirmation of the popular mandate given to the governor by the people of the state.

The former governor used the opportunity to confirm media reports of his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which, he said, was almost a done deal.

He said, “I am here to

rejoice with my brother for the judgment of today in the court. We already knew what the outcome would be; we had expected what we got today. So we are rejoicing.

“The governor has the interest of the people of Oyo State at heart. He should, therefore, be allowed to take care of their welfare and to let them have life more abundant. We are all one.

“When somebody is in the front, you must follow him; God has put him there.

Let us all help him so that he can also help the teeming population of Oyo State.

“I will advise the opposition or whoever is still aggrieved to please let us bury the hatchet and work together with the governor to move the state forward.’’

Speaking on his reported defection to the APC, he said “it has been on; we are still crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s. I am on my way to APC’’.

Ajimobi while addressing supporters and party faithful, who thronged his house shortly after the judgment, dedicated his latest judicial victory to the Almighty God and the people of the state.

…Akala, Ajimobi urge Ladoja to stop litigation Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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ormer Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday called on aggrieved contenders to stop litigations and join hands with Governor Abiola Ajimobi in moving the state forward.

Similarly, Senator Ajimobi advised the Accord governorship candidate, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, to stop further litigation over the April 11 election by not proceeding to the Supreme Court.

Alao- Akala was one of

document of pw1 was inadmissible” and that his evidence was a mere opinion.”

The lead Judge, Justice H.M. Ogunjimiju, further added that there was no proof that non-compliance to the guideline of election affected the outcome of election.

She also posited that the appellants “put all their eggs in one basket and the basket is a leaking one.”

Reacting after the ruling, counsel to the APC, Mr. Wole Aina, said the team is not surprised by the outcome of the appeal court ruling, stating “we actually saw it coming.”

However counsel to the Accord party, Prince Aderemi Olatubora, said the outcome was not what they bargained for.

According to him, the team thought that the appeal should go their way because the case in Oyo State is similar to that of Rivers State where the election of Governor Nyesom Wike was nullified.

He then disclosed that they are ready to prove that at the Supreme Court.

But in its own reaction, the state chapter of the APC, called on Ladoja to forget about his dream of returning to Agodi Government House with the outcome of the April 11, 2015 poll.

The APC in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Olawale Sadare, said it is high time Ladoja accepted the reality of his defeat at the polls and subsequent failure in various courts.

the three political parties without following the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

The trial Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola who delivered the judgment yesterday restored the three parties back to life in a suit filed by the three political parties against the INEC (1st defendant) and the Attorney General of the Federation.

The plaintiffs in their originating summons had specifically challenged INEC for de-registering their parties as political parties and as such, approached the court to seek redress.

INEC had relied on Section 78(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended to de-register the parties but in his judgment, Justice Ademola declared that “Section 78(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended is unconstitutional, invalid, null and void to the extent of its inconsistency and a violation of the provisions of Sections 1(3), 40 and Sections 221-229 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

More so, the court declared that the INEC cannot de-register the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs, being political parties except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the FRN, as amended.

Justice Ademola also declared that the purported de-registration of the plaintiffs by INEC on the basis of Section 78(7) (i) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended without affording the plaintiffs the opportunities of being heard amounted to gross violation of Sections 36 and 40 and Sections 221 and 222 of the Constitution of FRN. Consequently, he made an order nullifying and setting aside the purported de- registration of the plaintiffs as announced by the INEC in some national dailies in December 2012, as same is illegal, unconstitutional and null and void.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

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he governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Bayelsa gubernatorial poll, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday urges the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson to wait for the outcome of the election instead of dissipating energy on spreading falsehood, hypocrisy and deceit.

Sylva, who spoke through his spokesman,

Politics

Friday, December 18, 2015

Stop dissipating energy on falsehood –Sylva tells Dickson Doifie Buckkoribo, said those sowing fabrications about his withdrawal from the suspended governorship contest are engaging in a failed effort to save their principal, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, from “sure and imminent defeat.”

He said, “Dickson should wait for the outcome of the governorship

election and try to control his outbursts of fear and deceit, which cannot sway any Bayelsan, as the people already know better,” Buokoribo stated in a release.

The statement added, “The falsehood about Sylva’s withdrawal from the governorship contest that Dickson had tried to mar with his uncivilised vituperations and open

call to violence is part of the same strategy of deceit and violence, which Dickson and PDP have employed since the beginning of the election process.

“In lie after lie, which we have roundly exposed, Dickson has shown that he has nothing other than deception to offer the people of Bayelsa in the ongoing election. This latest

chicanery about Sylva’s withdrawal, like the others before it, will not give Dickson any reprieve from the sure and imminent defeat awaiting him.

“Sylva has no reason to withdraw from the election he is poised to win. In fact, the matter has gone beyond Sylva.

The people of Bayelsa State have bonded in a mass movement deter-

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mined to make Dickson’s maladministration history. The issue is now between Dickson and the mass of the people who have resolved to vote him out. Little wonder he resorted to sponsorship of violence during the election, knowing he cannot win a peaceful contest in the state he has misruled for nearly four years, the statement said.

Ekiti APC elders sympathise with Buhari over inherited rot abiOdun neJO ADO EKITI

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L-R: APC Governorship Candidate for Bayelsa, Mr Timipre Sylva; Party’s Deputy Chairman for South-West, Chief Segun Oni, and Director of Organisation, Mr Abubakar Kari, during INEC Chairman’s meeting with Leaders of Political Parties and Candidates for Bayelsa Governorship Election, in Abuja, yesterday.

… Sylva is day dreaming –Dickson OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

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overnor Seriake Dickson has responded to the jibes throw at him by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief Timipreye Sylva, insisting that that the former governor was day dreaming and that people of Bayelsa had spoken in clear terms that Sylva could not be their governor.

Dickson, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel IworisoMarkson, said everything he said about Sylva before the election had started to manifest that he (Sylva) is a merchant of violence.

He said it was unfortunate that Sylva had chosen to trivialize the judicial commission of inquiry set up by his administration to probe violence in the governorship election that resulted in the deaths of

“The world can see the difference between Dickson and Sylva that Sylva is a violent man. It confirmed our earlier fear that the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Sylva is not prepared for election but war. It is now clearer that Sylva is not a man of peace but a man of war”, Dickson said.

Bayelsans.

“Describing the judicial commission of inquiry set up by my government to probe cases of violence that resulted in the deaths of Bayelsans as a kangaroo is unfortunate and it shows how wicked and desperate he is.

“We encourage Bayelsans to make their submis-

sions and leave it to the commission to determine whether the panel is a kangaroo or not. If what happens on December 5 and 6 where people lost their lives and many are in hospitals because of injuries they got from thugs do not matter to him (Sylva), it shows the kind of person he is.

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$2.1bn arms deal: Group wants House member, Onyereri probed

he Change Ambassadors of New Nigeria, CANN have called for an investigation of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Jones Onyereri over his alleged role in cash withdrawals from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN during the arms deal saga that occurred during the last administration.

The group in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by its coordinator, Salisu Ibrahim, said Onyereri should have since cease to be the

Chairman of the committee.

The group alleged that the committee which he supervised refused to uncover the massive looting of funds perpetrated under him.

The statement said “It is simply immoral that Jones Onyereri showed no remorse for the fraud that occurred when he chaired the House Committee on Banking and Currency during the President Goodluck Jonathan years.

“A man who is truly with

honour would have ordinarily stepped aside given the magnitude of revelations that are making the rounds.

“The collapse of the naira against major currencies is partly a consequence of the failing of the House Committee on Banking and Currency to properly carry out its oversight functions as there is no record that the Onyereri -led committee made any effort to actively engage the situation before things got this bad.

he Elders Forum of Ekiti State All Progressives Congress, APC has expressed sympathy with President Muhammadu Buhari over the state of rottenness he inherited from the ousted Peoples Democratic Party, PDP administration.

Spokesman of the Forum, Dr Adebayo Orire, said: “We sympathise with him because he came to start the restoration process all over again, a situation which unfortunately may take some time for the damages to be rectified”.

Orire, who spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday in response to the criticism of the PDP that the expected change promised by the APC was yet to be seen, lambasted PDP for having the audacity to come out and criticize the Buhariled APC government.

The elders said: “God forbid, if it had been that Goodluck Jonathan won the election, the country would have been grounded to a halt. Are they trying to compare their evil, deceptive, and corruptridden regime with our own decent, transparent and most prudent government which has brought good and Godly change to Nigeria?

“PDP should cover their face in shame for the havoc they have wreaked on this country. Where do you want to start? Is it the corruption in the PDPled government which stopped at billions and trillions? They were just stealing and transferring billion and trillions, while

the masses are dying of hunger.

“The PDP government has driven the country to a situation whereby the governors can no longer pay salaries and they still have the mouth to talk after all the mess they have put the country in. They were even saying that probe should have begun from the APC government that did not partake in their government at the centre,” the APC elders stated.

They, however, praised Buhari for his “steadfastness, uprightness, transparency, and prudency for which he has been managing the situation.

“We are aware that the stolen money are being recovered, we are also aware that some among them are even begging not to be mentioned or publicized but promised to refund the loots, these are commendable efforts and sincerity of the President”, the elders said.

The elders also praised APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, for the achievements recorded by the party in the last one year, describing him as a man who had brought positive change to Nigerian politics with a lot of selfless sacrifice.

According to them, Tinubu is the real successor of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who they described as the one who came to lay the foundation for Tinubu to complement.

They said: “Tinubu is the heart and soul of APC and anything short of that, is like when removing the heart of a living thing, it becomes lifeless.”

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Editorial

Friday, December 18, 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 BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Justice for Ademola, 2012 subsidy protest victim

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Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, with Justice Olabisi Akinlade presiding, Monday, sentenced a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Segun Fabunmi, to 10 years imprisonment for manslaughter in connection with the death of Mr. Ademola Daramola in Lagos on January 9, 2012, during the fuel subsidy protests of that year. We recall, as has been the age-long tradition, that not a few Nigerians drew the curtain on the year 2011 with ‘New Yew Resolutions’ reflecting the high hope that 2012 would usher in fresh succour to their lives, homes, jobs or business endeavours.

But barely a few hours the clock ticked past 2012 and gave rise to 2013, not many Nigerians loved to flip back to 2012 were it to be a book page, unless forced to do so. Nigerians were literally ushered into 2012 with a gift of scorpion christened as fuel subsidy removal. This Federal Government hamper had shot the pump price of fuel up from N65 to N140 per litre, until it was reduced to N97 per litre following massive nationwide protests by organized labour and civil society activists. It was on that sad note that 2012 kicked off.

The effect of the fuel subsidy removal was pungent on ordinary Nigerians, with immediate hikes in transport fares and general cost of living. Many holiday makers who traveled to the country sides to join members of their families and loved ones in celebrating the Christmas and New Year were trapped by the fuel subsidy protests or the outrageous cost of returning to base. But one of the victims of the protests was the late Ademola, who was murdered at the Yaya-Abatan Junction in Ogba, Lagos. At the time of the killing, the convict - Segun Fabunmi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) – was the DPO of Pen Cinema Police Division in Agege. He was, indeed, accused of releasing the shot that killed Ademola when he led some of his officers and men to the Yaya-Abatan axis of Ogba in response to intelligence reports that there were disturbances in the area. Conflicting reports were tendered on how attempts were made to snatch the DPO’s rifle when they got to Yaya-Abatan Junction, as well as on who fired the shot that killed Ademola.

Also in contention was the claim that the shooting was an accident occasioned by the convict’s spirited attempt to

THE CONVICTION OF DPO FABUNMI SHOULD SERVE AS A LESSON TO ALL TRIGGER-HAPPY POLICEMEN ensure a mob at the scene did not dispossess him of his rifle.

Delivering judgement on the matter, however, Justice Akinlade ruled as follows: “The only conclusion that can be drawn is that the defendant recklessly shot his rifle; and in the process, the bullet hit the deceased. He definitely knew that shooting an AK47 can cause grievous bodily harm to anyone the bullet hit. The fact that he was on a lawful duty did not mean that he should have shot his gun sporadically”.

It is a piece of cheering news that justice has prevailed in the case of the unfortunate murder of Ademola.

We have had cause in the past to upbraid the cruelty and brutality of some uncultured police officers and men, despite the fact that they are charged with the protection of life and property of citizens, except on extreme occasions.

The police in Nigeria presently have proven to be no less as brutal and oppressive as

ON THIS DAY December 18, 1973 Islamic Development Bank (IDB) was founded. The IDB is a multilateral development financing institution located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1973 by Finance Ministers at the first meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), now called the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The bank officially began its activities on October 20, 1975. There are 56 shareholding member-states.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

December 18, 2005 A civil war broke out in Chad when rebel groups, allegedly backed by neighbouring Sudan, launched an attack in Adre. Since its independence from France in 1960, Chad has been swamped by civil wars between the Arab-Muslims of the north and the Sub-Saharan-Christians of the south. As a result, leadership and presidency in Chad drifted back and forth between the Christian southerners and Muslim northerners.

their counterparts in colonial times, though they claim being friends to the people. The wicked, extortionist, exploitative and repressive conducts of some of them can be bloodchilling; an indication that the change in the attitude of the police in Nigeria, which the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, is proud of sermonizing about is still far-fetched.

Quite recently, for instance, a gun-toting policeman guarding a hotel in Lagos shot and killed one Beauty Nwankwo, believed to be a single mother, at his duty post following a scuffle between him and the woman. The policeman serving at the Maroko Police Station on Victoria Island, reportedly had an altercation with Beauty, the mother of Angel Macleod, a 14-year-old tennis star, and hit her in the process. When an irate Beauty hit him back, the policeman drew his gun and shot her at close range. The police should invest their best in discouraging unrestrained deployment of arms; and should not shield reckless and erring officers from facing the wrath of the law. The conviction of DPO Fabunmi should serve as a lesson to all trigger-happy policemen.

x December 18, 2010 Anti-government protests began in Tunisia, beginning the Arab Spring. Arab Spring is a popular revolutionary wave of demonstrations, protests and wars occurring in the Arab world. To date, rulers have been forced out of power in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen; with civil uprisings in Bahrain and Syria; while major protests have broken out in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Sudan, among others.

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Boko Haram scourge in retrospect Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

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oday, the Boko Haram threat level in Nigeria is so diffused because of its mutually dynamic network structure within the W/African sub-region.

In the normal sense of it, some terrorist organisations operate primarily within a single country, thus having a limited reach, while others with international link such as Boko Haram operate across borders. In this global environment, actions of Boko Haram have global consequences, not only because it is a terrorist organisation, but for the fact that it has been indexed as the most deadly modern terrorist group since the 19th century. Such a group like BH and ISIS may profusely expand geographically if its ambitions and capabilities are allowed to grow unchecked.

Responding to the indiscriminate attacks of BH, our law enforcement workforce has for a long time embarked on national efforts against the sect. However, as we approach the sixth year of attacks by the dreaded sect, we can still look forward with confidence to reviewing our accomplishments against them.

Nevertheless, the sect’s modus operandi continues to evolve drastically since the inception of the current administration

despite some successes by Nigeria’s troops and its partners around the world. Our efforts in general have thwarted much of BH’s sophisticated and well organised leadership and weakened its organisation substantially as some of their members are gradually migrating to the hinterland, other states and countries to seek refuge or submit themselves to the authorities.

Terrorist organisations in general operate in a circles’ span, they change their modus operandi from time to time till their circle is completed. These include their deliberate efforts to inspire individuals to conduct attacks on their own or in factions like manners.

Whatever may be the case, our counterterrorism dimensions should maintain multidepartmental and multicultural efforts that go beyond traditional intelligence, military, and law enforcement functions.

By now, we should have been engaged in a broad and integrated campaign that may have harnessed every tool of our national power, such as the civilian partners and multilateral institutions. However, these efforts are better complemented with broader capabilities, such as diplomacy and the instrumentality of the private sector. Basically, failure to uphold constitutional authority of a nation at terrorism’s infancy stage often results in the emergence of no go areas dominated by the terrorist group.

That is the price we have been paying for nearly six years now.

Boko Haram is the result of extremism, which manifests in different forms. The ultimate sufferers of their acts are the inno-

THE ENDLESS BH ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY TO DATE HAVE CREATED AND DIMINISHED TRUST ON THE GOVERNMENT…

cent citizens, who have actually nothing to do with the complicated new extremist order. We Nigerians need to see our country as a predictable, orderly, and controllable place. The advent of terrorism was a concept outside the frame of reference of most Nigerians. Trying to come to grips with wide-scale Boko Haram terrorist events has triggered immediate and long-term repercussions for some individuals without doubt. If the fear of attacks becomes sufficiently crippling, the fright grows into a paralyzing sense of impending doom for innocent citizens; and the after effects can lead to dreadful vulnerability and despair.

Boko Haram effects include loss of home, valued possessions, community od individuals intense emotional and physical demands from fatigue or harsh weather due to homelessness. Irrespective of how tough we assume to be, some victims may still experience vivid flashbacks, nightmares and hyper-alertness that significantly affect their quality of life.

The endless BH activities in the country to date have created and diminished trust on the government of the day in some

quarters. Their actions have enhanced anger and resentment against the state apparatuses. BH activities have not only badly impacted on individuals, the entire social system suffers from the consequences. As a result of this menace, social split widens amongst the people. This split becomes the cause of significant social division, which harms the social fabric and unity of our nation.

Arguably, one of the most frequently asked question is how can BH be defeated?

We can become part of socio-religious class trying to decrease the causes of BH. This can be possibly achieved at personal, community and professional levels. Other ways include citizens engaging themselves in the war irrespective of their locations by denouncing the sect at personal and public levels; academic activities and general practice of social work. We can also become part of political system through participation in political processes, or as pressure groups by suggesting to the government to resolve the disputed matters at national levels.

Civil society groups, especially social workers, can play a vital role by initiating projects of inter-faith harmony at communities and national levels. The members of the civil society organisations and other groups should volunteer themselves in the activities of community development, peace and interfaith harmony. We require more approaches to dismantle and eventually defeat Boko Haram, its affiliates as well as its adherents to ensure the safety of our citizens and their properties.

Voluntary euthanasia: A taboo or blessing?

ADEKEYE VICTOR IFEDAYO

ANTI-EUTHANASIA ADVOCATES ARGUED

Continued from last Friday

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uman rights advocates have conflicting opinions on euthanasia.

The pro-euthanasia school argues that the right to life as guaranteed by Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution impliedly counters a right to die on persons, and that one is at liberty to decide to keep his life or do otherwise. They also argue that death is a private matter, and that if no harm is done to others, the state and other persons have no right to interfere and dictate “ life and death” to a citizen. They base this on the opinion that a person should have the right to determine when, in what way, what manner and by who’s hand he/ she want to die. To them, death is inevitable and it is advisable to regulate death.

They argue further that euthanasia is a better route to adequate healthcare as scarce health facilities are confined to individuals with great addition to the environment. Wesley J. Smith, a senior fellow of the Euthanasia Discovery Institute said that “...drugs used in assisted suicide cost only about $40, while it could take $40, 000 and more to treat a patient properly so that they don’t want the “choice” at assisted suicide...”

Anti-euthanasia advocates argued that euthanasia can be easily abused by medical practitioners, greedy family members,

THAT EUTHANASIA CAN BE EASILY ABUSED BY MEDICAL

PRACTITIONERS, GREEDY FAMILY MEMBERS, AND EVEN THE PATIENT REQUESTING IT and even the patient requesting it. They expressed fear that euthanasia will not be confined to terminally ill people as it could be abused and anyone can relatively define “terminal” illness to suit his or her situation. They fear that despite the process of regulation, euthanasia cannot be regulated, and that voluntary euthanasia will lead to involuntary euthanasia as consent could be fraudulently obtained.

In Nigeria, there are two dominant religions: Christianity and Islam. However, there is also the existence of traditional religion. Religious views totally oppose euthanasia. To them, God is the creator of life and he alone reserves the right to take it.

They argued that miracles happen and God fixes things, and no matter the condition of a person, a supreme being will fix it. Thus, it is argued, death is not the final resort.

Under Islam, the main source of regulation is the Quran, followed closely by the

Sunnah of the Prophet, the consensus of Ulama (Ijma) and analogical deduction (Qiyas).Quran 4:29 provides: “O you who believe ...And do not kill yourself (nor kill one another) surely, Allah is most merciful to you ...”

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) explained the above verse by saying: “...And if somebody commits suicide with anything in this world, he will be tortured with that very thing on the Day of Judgment...”

The above expressly states the stand of Islam on euthanasia which is prohibition, Ipso facto.

Under Christianity, euthanasia is also prohibited. The Bible states that life belongs to God, not an individual, and God is the only one that can and should take it.

Pope John Paul II at Evangelism Vitae in 1997 said: “Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person. True compassion leads to sharing another’s pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear...”

The Holy Bible in Exodus 20 v 13 provides that “you shall not commit murder.”

Other bible verses (Act 5:29, Job 33:4) also prohibits euthanasia. From the above, it is safe to say Christianity expressly prohibits euthanasia.

In traditional religion, euthanasia is also prohibited. The remains of anyone who commits suicide is usually buried outside the town or in an “evil forest” after several rites. It is also safe to conclude that eutha-

nasia is prohibited under the traditional religious practices.

Nigeria has three major tribes namely, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. Under the Igbo culture, euthanasia is a taboo usually tagged as Nso-ani, that is “sin against the earth itself”. The Yoruba culture tags it ‘Ewo’, and the Hausa culture which is grounded in Islam also prohibits suicide.

Therefore, the Nigerian culture prohibits suicide.

Over the years, there has been conflicting views and opinions on euthanasia from different angles and spheres of life.

However, the question placed in mind are, should euthanasia be legalised in Nigeria?

Is it a taboo or a blessing in disguise to the modern Era? Is it acceptable to let a patient suffer endlessly, or is it better to euthanize them? Is the negative effect of euthanasia on the society worth the risk of legalising it? Are we archaic for fighting against euthanasia?

Too many unanswered questions. You decide, I will let you be the judge.

Concluded Adekeye is a Lagos-based medical law practitioner.

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

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OOU: When strike is not an option

T Save Itire from Eko Electricity Distribution Company

here is no doubt that the Ogun State owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) has enjoyed relative stability under the current administration. Apart from the last national strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU),

industrial crisis has almost become a thing of the past in the institution. Just as parents are savouring the prospects of OOU becoming another University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), where industrial action has virtually become a taboo, then this sudden announcement of strike by

lecturers of OOU has come as a rude shock to many discerning people of the state.

From what we read in the media, the reason for the strike is purely pecuniary.

The lecturers want the state government to pay them the monetary allowance ASUU

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he hardship deliberately imposed on the residents and legal business operators in Itire community by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKDC) is evidently becoming highly unbearable. The community is situated in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos. The EKDC, citing unsubstantiated attack on its staff, completely cutoff electricity supply to the area since mid-November this year.

Consequently, socio-economic activities in the area have been brought to a standstill.

EKDC habitually imposes outrageous and estimated bills on the electricity consumers. Its staff, without any prior notice, also engages in indiscriminate and most times illegal disconnection of households and business premises, even of those with pre-paid meters. Most attempts by some leaders of thought from the affected community to dialogue with the management of the company in resolving the bill issue have hit the rock.

However, an unidentified staff of EKDC publicly assured that electricity would be restored to the community on Monday, December 7, 2015. The assurance came after a peaceful protest by some of the residents and business owners at the company’s premises at Lekki. Silverbird Television (STV), last week, aptly captured the protest and EKDC’s assurance during its primetime news bulletin.

Shorikwue Odiaka, Itire, Lagos (07034303174)

Hustlers in Lagos market.

Celebrating Senator Akpabio @ 53

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ver these many years that I have known, read, seen and heard about Barr Godswill Akpabio, I have admired him as a leader. First while he served as governor of Akwa Ibom State and now as a Senator representing Akwa Ibom-North-West (Ikot-Ekpene) Senatorial District.

As a private citizen, I like many others have been inspired and motivated by his leadership traits and increasing energy, relentless efforts, will and passion to lead and to improve the lives of others, and render self-

Another approach to holy pilgrimage

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ilgrimage to Jerusalem has always been for religious purposes, but recently in a bid to maximise the benefits of the exercise, the National Christians Pilgrims Commission entered into a partnership with the Israeli gover nment to establish an exchange programme that will focus on robust agricultural production and far m practices.

The activities of the Ogun State Pilgrims Welfare Board in capitalising on this partnership is worthy of

Letters to the Editor

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

commendation. The board has included a week empower ment training for youths in the July 2015 pilgrimage programme.

The empower ment programme for the youth will include intense training on Agriculture, Agro -Allied management and other relevant skills. At the end of training they will be issued a training certificate by the Hebrews University which will conduct the training.

Temidayo Oluwatosin, Laderin Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

less service to the masses of the state.

Birthdays are opportunity to reflect upon our lives, the years gone by and the ones ahead and ask what we have accomplished, and whether we have made impact in the lives of others.

December 9 marked Akpabio’s 53rd birthday anniversary. I dare say the good this great man has done in his lifetime is beyond measure. So what better way to celebrate this milestone than by showing him how his infectious enthusiasms and selfless work have inspired me in many several ways. I send in this piece to show how much I appreciate the Senator’s ever growing passion, will and selfless leadership in transforming lives in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and beyond.

Undoubtedly, Godswill Akpabio is a catalyst for my increasing interest in leadership. He has been an inspiration and motivation to me and several other youths. Senator Akpabio’s simple goal is to help people live their best life stories. Through his nonstop working activities as a leader, Akpabio is dedicated to unleashing and harnessing human potentials and empowering individuals to shape their futures. In what so ever capacity he is privileged to serve,

Akpabio impacts more lives. His leadership has a unique way of connecting with the people he represents by communication, especially in relationship to followers. His enthusiasms are tips for inspiration for upcoming young political leaders.

Digging deeper and dissecting his life proves that Akpabio is a treasure throne of inspiration and solid and practical positive influence that can keep your interest in him for a longer period of time as a conversation piece among many.

In the spirit of celebration, as Akpabio leads and continually leads in whatsoever capacity, I wish him more years of interesting and successful leadership.

Join me in wishing Senator Godswill Akpabio a very happy birthday as I believe this means so much in a way. At 53 much more are still to be done and Akpabio isn’t finished yet, he is not yet tired. There are more to do, more barriers to overcome, more communities to transform, more lives and people to impact on. And he is not slowing down anytime soon.

Many, many, more happy returns to come.

Udom Bassey, Lekki Ajah, Lagos (08076158749 & 08177070379)

negotiated with the Federal Government. Just as it is abnormal for workers in Ogun State to demand the same pay package with their counterparts in Lagos State, or Rivers State or the Federal Capital Territory because the cost of living in these states are not the same, it runs contrary to reason for employees of a state government to demand the same remuneration with those of the central government because the resources available to the two levels of government are not the same.

For instance, while the Federal Government receives a whopping 52 percent from the Federation Account, the entire 36 states share a paltry 26 per cent! This is anomalous, but that is the current situation in Nigeria. Since there is mobility of labour, a lecturer that is not satisfied with the conditions of service in one state or one level of government can move to another.

Given the current situation in the country, there is no way a lecturer in a federal institution will receive the same pay with his counterpart in the state. Exactly the same way students of a state university will not pay the same fees as students of a federal university.

Since the Ogun State government has been paying the lecturers of OOU regularly and there have been no complaints on that in the past four years, all the union can do is to appeal to government to consider payment of the said ASUU’s national allowance once its finances improve.

But to resort to strike over an agreement reached with the central government is liberty taken too far. Is the central government their employer?

However, strikes will always be attractive to workers once they know that they will be paid for the period of the industrial action after they return to work. But where does this leave our students?

Who will pay them for the lost years as a result of illegal and selfish strikes by their lecturers?

The management of OOU should do everything possible to ensure the university enjoys stability like the University of Ilorin. We are tired of these incessant strikes by unions within the university system, especially ASUU. Tomisin Onasanya, IjebuOde Ogun state

Send your letters The Editor reserves thethe right letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,or orour our Email: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.comand andinfo@nationalmirroronline.net info@nationalmirroronline.netoror08056180209, 08054103275,07033375481 07033375481(SMS (SMSonly). only).

The Editor reserves right to to edit and reject letters photographs.

Psuedonyms may used, must clearly marked such. edit and reject letters or or photographs.

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Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, December 18, 2015

Rehana Rossouw

Penny Busetto

The shorTlisTed wriTers will be rewarded wiTh a

sponsored mulTiciTy book Tour and

will also have 1,000 copies of Their books purchased by eTisalaT for disTribuTion To

schools, libraries and book clubs across The

conTinenT

WEEKEND STARTERS Trey Songz and Rhythm Unplugged 2015

SoundCity Urban Festival 2015

T

T

he 2015 edition which marks the 11th edition of the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged concert is scheduled to hold on Friday 18th December at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island by 7pm.

This year’s edition of the Nigeria’s biggest event is packaged to suit the enjoyment of the visitors, if you are looking for where to rock your body, the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2015 is the answer. The event will be hosted by the Popular Basket Mouth and Bovi. Of course, the popular American musician Trey Songz will be there too.

Tropical Life Saturdays

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s time to shut down the city of Lagos, as the door opens for individuals, artistes, fun lovers, high rollers at the Landmark event centre, Oniru, Lekki Lagos for the popular music festival; Soundcity Urban Festival. The Soundcity Urban Blast Festival has over 40 million viewers every year and also serves as a forum to showcase Nigerian and African talents. Some of the artistes to perform at this edition includes; Iyanya, Kiss Daniel, Davido, Victoria Kimani and Reminisce to mention of few. Event is scheduled to hold on Friday 18th December 2015, Door opens by 6pm.

ropical life Saturdays is an event embodied with chilling at the beach, listening to quality tunes, dancing, meeting beautiful people, watching and listening to performance from different artistes of your choice, winning and dinning.

The lifestyle event is set aside for lovers of the Tropical Life Saturdays Embodiments on the Saturday 19th December 2015, included in the activities is an opportunity to be exposed to natural life like water bodies, aquatic life and beautiful environment plus a 25minute-long boat cruise to the Tropical Island of Ilashe will makes you want to have more. Venue of the event is the Ilashe Private Beach Resort, Ilashe, Lagos.

P.20. 21

Fiston Mwanza Mujila

notions about new writing from Africa. They expand the field of literary engagement with themes of nationhood and the self. These are highly original voices whose works will charm and astonish new readers, through the Etisalat Prize for Literature, and deservedly so.

The shortlisted writers will be rewarded with a sponsored multi-city book tour and will also have 1,000 copies of their books purchased by Etisalat for distribution to schools, libraries and book clubs across the Continent.

NoViolet Bulawayo won the maiden edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature with her highly celebrated debut novel, We Need New Names, while Songeziwe Mahlangu emerged winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature competition with his novel, Penumbra The winner of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature will be announced in March and will receive £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen. The Prize also includes an Etisalat sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia, mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland.

The distinguished Patrons of the Etisalat Prize are noted the acclaimed writer Ama Ata Aidoo (Ghana), Pulitzer Prize Winner Dele Olojede (Nigeria), editor, critic and 2015 Man Booker Prize Judge, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, OBE (UK/Zimbabwe), writer and public intellectual Kole Omotoso (Nigeria), editor, writer, broadcaster, consultant and co-founder of Allison & Busby, Margaret Busby, OBE (UK/Ghana) and novelist, poet and playwright Zakes Mda (South Africa).

Arty News

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n spite of the reckoning of Nigeria in the literary circle, the country seems to have lost out in the final phase of the Etisalat Literary Prize 2015, as writers Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi and Chigozie Obioma failed to make shortlist.

Fiston Mwanza Mujila, Penny Busetto and Rehana Rossouw have been announced as the three shortlisted authors for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature. The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first panAfrican Prize that is open solely to debut fiction writers from African countries. Now in its third year, it is acknowledged as the most prestigious literary prize for African fiction.

The three books, selected from the longlist of nine, are: • Fiston Mwanza Mujila (Democratic Republic of Congo) Tram 83 (Deep Vellum) • Penny Busetto (South Africa) - The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself (Jacana Media) • Rehana Rossouw (South Africa) - What Will People Say? (Jacana Media) The shortlist was selected by a three-member judging panel: Professor Ato Quayson, Professor of English and inaugural Director of the Centre for Diaspora Studies at the University of Toronto (Chair of Judges); Molara Wood, writer, journalist, critic and editor; and Zukiswa Wanner, author of Men of the South and London Cape Town Joburg.

Chair of judges, Professor Ato Quayson, comments: “The variety

of styles and subject matter of the books on this year’s Etisalat Prize for Literature shortlist reveal the vitality of contemporary African literature. They contribute to our understanding of what it is to love, to laugh, to improvise, sometimes to despair, to know and yet be fooled by the assurance of such knowledge, to work for our ablution in the fate of another’s suffering, and ultimately to embrace life in all its bewildering complexities.”

Zukiswa Wanner adds: “This year’s Etisalat Prize for Literature shortlist showcases the varied voices emerging on the African literary scene, bringing something beautiful and unique to the reading experience.”

The third member of the judging panel, Molara Wood concludes: “The shortlisted books challenge ready

Inside FCT P. 28-29

Ngozi EmEdolibE

Critics P. 22-27

Etisalat Prize: Nigerians fail to make shortlist

P. 26, 31

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

Art Man

VOL. 4 No. 827

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Artman In The House

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why I left sciences for filmmaking –Teco Benson T ell us about your background, family and education?

Well, I was born in a family of nine. From childhood my parents identified something about me.

I was creative, adventurous, inquisitive, ambitious and restless.

My father was able to train and discipline me tuning down the restless part of me. But the creative part fired on. I could draw, I could sing, I could repair, I could just watch and replicate. Well that was it. From initial plan to study medicine, I ended up with Public Health. Today, I am unapologetic filmmaker having spent 20 years in the industry, and to further sharpen my communication skills, I hold today a masters degree in communication studies.

What made you go into the movie with a degree in sciences?

Destiny! So many plans are in a man’s heart, but only the will of God prevails in the end. I knew I was cut out for all these, but there was no film industry in my growing up days. So the available jobs determined the courses we chose. For me, it was medicine or nothing. But when JAMB cut off mark dealt a big blow to me, I ended up doing Public Health.

The release of Living in Bondage in 1992 marked a turning point in my life. I was excited that Nigeria could make her own films. In 1994, I attended an audition, where I got an opportunity to play a lead role in a film that eventually did not see the light of the day, but it kick-started my journey and my career. In 1998, I killed my acting career to concentrate on producing and directing which started in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

Have you ever participated in the course you studied in school?

Yes, I worked with the Health Department of the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency, before I was pulled out and made the Personal Assistant to the Sole Administrator of the establishment.

What inspires your films?

The desire to effect change in the society. Entertainment and educative elements are infused, but my primary inspiration is change. I saw myself as a change agent from the inception, so I see every movie as an opportunity.

Besides this, I’m inspired by intelligent, prophetic and uncommon stories. I am not attracted to stories that have been made into movies. I like to be original in every sense.

What are the challenges you faced when you first started?

When I started, my major challenge was the absence of books and training materials. Much as majority of the work were learnt practically in the field, I felt a strong push to study some basic theoretical frameworks of film making and storytelling. Eventually, this first challenge was overcome when I started travel-

With thrillers like Elastic Limit, False Alarm and Accidental Discharge, Teco Benson is one name that brightens the day of Nigerian film lovers. He talks about his work and life in this interview. Excerpts:

With wife

Teco in Egypt

Teco

Teco

WORK

ling outside the country to receive training and invest in books/ training materials. The second challenge was how to maintain the two jobs, film making and civil service. The salary from civil service, though never enough gives a kind of security and confidence unlike film making which means I have to be on my own. But in 1997, I overcame the fear and resigned, a decision I am so glad with till tomorrow.

Tell us about the challenges of directing Ikudoro?

Very challenging and inter-

esting. Yoruba is one language I’ve not been able to learn, but I love it. The good thing is that the script was in English, and I have a Yoruba assistant that monitors the dialogue for me. For acting, it has a universal language, so I was able to make a sound judgment and offer necessary direction and correction. I was able to give all the instructions in English, and pidgin as the case may be. The fact that I directed an Ibibio film called Mfana Ibagha and partly an Indian film in far away India gave me the necessary confidence.

The second challenge was how To mainTain The Two jobs, film making and civil service. The salary from civil service, Though never enough gives a kind of securiTy and confidence unlike film making which means To be on my own.

i have

You were introduced into the industry by Mrs. Helen Ukpabio?

You got it wrong. Recall, I came into the film industry in 1994.

Films like Scores to settle, Compromise, Suicide Mission, Abandon, Narrow Escape, Confusion, Waterloo etc were all produced by my very self. Apostle Helen Ukpabio was an Evangelist with a strong ministry and serious followership then in Calabar. In 1998, she asked God in prayers to give her the right director to film her expository series and my name came up. She felt that with the movies, her messages and ministry which was restricted to Calabar and its environs should be able to reach souls irrespective of their denominational, religious, ethnic or national inclinations.

She journeyed to Lagos where we met and discussed. I accepted to produce and direct for her and within 1998 and 2000, I did eight films for Liberty films before I continued with my own vision.

What is your relationship with her like?

Her film ministry has continued with the solid foundation we gave it, while mine has also progressed. Everybody has his own unique calling.

You were decorated with an MFR in 2012. What is the experience like to you? How did you feel hearing the news?

My heart really jolted. It was really unexpected and it taught me a very big lesson about life.

Whatever you find your hand to do, do it to the best of your ability.

Somebody, somewhere is watching and one day your reward will

come. Whether you are working for someone or a company, it doesn’t matter. Do it as if it is yours. It’s a good experience and it comes with a burden. You can’t afford to do things that will diminish the enormous honour thrust upon you and that include your professional and daily undertakings.

You produced Blood Diamonds in 2002 and Hollywood also did the same four years later?

They chose the same topic, shot in the same country and used the same title. We contemplated suing, but my attorney felt that we may not go far since the movie was not copyrighted in the USA. Tell us how you met your wife I lived in Onitsha during my civil service years. The next building to mine was owned by my wife’s father and she was just a beautiful young girl in secondary school. I really was fascinated about everything about her. 2 years down the line I spoke to her and that was it. But something on my inside, told me, this is your wife. I moved to Lagos later and forgot everything about her until 2001 when I wanted to settle down.

Do you have plans to go into politics like your other counterparts?

Well, I will say yes. I have the intention, but currently strategizing on the right direction and the best approach Your comeback movie, Accident garnered several awards and nominations. Did you envisage this when you were producing it?

Well, I put in my best during the production. I think it is an honour well deserved. Like you know, film making is team work.

We put in our best and I think we deserve what we got. I think the juries were also sincere enough, because we never canvassed for it. They are made up of renowned film scholars and critics. These people understand film. They understand film theory, film making and ingredients of a good film. So, if in their wisdom, they singled out Accident out of many other entries, who am I to question them? Accident emerged the best film made in Nigeria in 2014.

In the best overall films, only Accident was featured. Other films were from other countries, only Accident was made in Nigeria.

So, ideally, Accident became the best film in Nigeria. The film also won nomination in other categories like Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Editing …I’m happy.

What’s your advice to up and coming actors and directors?

They should be focused, determined, patient and hardworking How do you relax?

Browsing and researching, watching movies and playing with my wife and kids.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

W

hat is Chinese Film Festival all about?

The purpose of the Film Festival is to present the latest achievements of Chinese film industry, and help promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the people of Nigeria and China. 2015 is the tenth anniversary of the establishment of ChinaNigeria strategic partnership.

Over the past years, the two countries have cooperated closely and achieved fruitful results in areas of politics, economy, culture, military, education, agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunication and so on. There are many similarities between China and Nigeria in history, culture and social development.

The “Film Festival” consists of opening reception and the film show. The opening reception will be held in the evening of Friday (December 18), after which guests will watch the film “CZ 12” also known as “Chinese Zodiac”, a Chinese action film co-produced, directed and starred by Jackie Chan. Two free screening films will be shown on Saturday (December 19). One is “Confucius”, which tells the story of Confucius, the greatest thinker and educator in China’s over 5000 years history. The other is “The Monkey King” which is based on one of the most famous ancient mythic fictions “Journey to the west”. We’ve invited public from both Nigeria and Chinese community to attend the reception and the film show, and hope the audiences will, from the wonderful Chinese films, get a better knowledge of Chinese development, Chinese history and culture, as well as Chinese local customs and practices.

What similarities can you draw between the Chinese film industry and that of its Nigerian counterpart?

Chinese film industry has developed rapidly in the past years. Over the past 12 years, Chinese film box office revenue has grown 40 times from 25billion Naira in 2003 to over 1000 billion naira in 2015.

Also the number of cinemas in China has grown from 1140 in 2003 to over 6200 in 2015.

700 million Chinese people watched films in 2003 while the number reached 1.14 billion in 2015. Comparing with the past, Chinese-made films have been improved quite a lot in both quantity and quality, some of the films have reached international level, and the development of Chinese film industry is taking on good tendency in general.

Similarly, African film industry also developed tremendously in recent years.

Especially, the film industry in Nigeria has huge potentials considering its over 1700 million population. Over the

Artman In The House

Friday, December 18, 2015

21

How Nollywood can partner Chinese film industry –Liu Kan

The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Liu Kan recently spoke to journalists about the Chinese Film Festival which begins in Lagos today. MUDA OYENIRAN was there and brings: Excerpts:

Consul General Liu

past 20 years, Nigerian film industry witnessed a rapid growth; the well known Nollywood now produces over 2000 films a year which is remarkable in global film market.

Nigerian film industry has formed a unique development mode with all these years’ process, most of Nollywood films are low-budget with costs between15000 to 30000 USD, and marketing through DVD sales and online promotion.

Are there possibilities of collaboration between Nigeria Film Industry ( Nollywood) and the Chinese Film Industry?

First of all, I believe cooperation between Chinese and African film industries has broad prospects At the beginning of December, Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping participated in the 6th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Johannesburg. During the forum President Xi Jinping indicated that China will broaden and deepen the All-round cooperation between China and Africa, China-Africa cooperation should not only be driven by economic and trade relations but also by cultural exchanges. China-Nigeria cooperation in all fields is developing steadily, and cultural industry cooperation is also attracting more and more attention. I believe, as an important part of cultural industry, film industry will be a new area of cooperation we can develop.

What important lessons, can Nigerians emulate from the Chinese Film Festival or culture?

China and Nigeria are both

countries with long history and splendid cultures. In fact, there are many similarities between these two cultures, such as attaching great importance to education and emphasizing family interdependence, family affection and friendship.

Both Nigerian people and Chinese people are kind and peace-loving. The peoples from two countries can learn a lot from each other, which would help achieve common development.

At the same time, each culture has its own characteristics.

Chinese culture always emphasises the importance of common people, stressing “The people are the most important in a nation, the spirit of the land and grain are the next, the sovereign is the lightest.” Since reform and opening up, economic development has been the first priority in China, whose purpose focuses on the people’s needs. People oriented does not deny the importance of economic development and growth of GDP, but emphasizes that economic development and GDP growth should satisfy the people’s material and cultural need and guarantee man’s all-round development, which is the ultimate goal of development in China Chinese culture considers modesty as a virtue. It advocates self-discipline and low profile. It rejects showing off and self-displaying. Simultaneously, it encourages cultural diversification, respects the achievements of other cultures in the world, and absorbs valuable elements and

At the Imo State Government House

essences from other cultures.

Chinese people believe they have many shortcomings, they always find merits worth of learning from others, which offers Chinese people driving forces to make progress.

Chinese culture believes nature produces all things and does not claim them as its own. It does all, and yet does not boast of it; it presides over all, and yet does not control them. Human being should re-

spect, learn from and protect nature. The contemporary Chinese culture promotes the harmonious development between people and nature and the protection of natural environment.

These specific features of Chinese culture are all reflected in the films which will be shown during the Chinese Film Festival. All Nigerian friends are welcome to attend the festival and watch the Chinese films.

Also the number of cinemAs in chinA hAs grown from 1140 in 2003 to over 6200 in 2015.

700 million chinese people wAtched films in 2003 while the number reAched 1.14 billion in 2015. compAring with the pAst, chinese-mAde films hAve been improved quite A lot in both quAntity And quAlity

THEATRE

22

Critics

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A new NANTAP?

The 16th National Delegates Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) held in Lagos at the weekend.

Jerry ADesewo

I

Film

n line with the mood of the nation, the association according to its President, Mr. BabatundeObalana FTA resorted to what it called a low keyed convention intended to use as a springboard for the future ahead of the association.

He said that the 25th anniversary of the association will not go unmarked. “Today, December 12 is an important day in the history of our association and so, we shall be observing a yearlong anniversary activities beginning from today which shall Members of NANTAP culminate in a grand event in December 12, 2016.”

The National Delegate convention, which held attended by the National Executive Council and delat the Creative Arts department of University of egates from across the nation.

Lagos opened on Friday December 11 with retreat Two set of papers were delivered: ‘Life in the

21st Century’ by Distinguished Thespian Babatunde Obalana FTA and ‘Rebranding NANTAP for the next 25 years’ by Distinguished Thespian Israel

How to live one’s last day on earth

A new film by Obi Emelonye, Oxford Gardens opens in Lagos with the bold question: How would you live your life if today was your last day on earth?

IsIguzo DestIny

W

hoever thought Nigerians will see a day when we will sit down and watch films with positive stories that touch the crux of the complexities of life? Obi Emelonye’s Last Flight to Abuja, Mirror Boy, Onye Ozi, are good testaments to the creative ability and ingenuity of a man who is contributing to the “New Nollywood”. This creative ingenuity is very evident in Oxford Gardens, an emotional story that revolves around two young people, a woman diagnosed of cancer who has just a day to live and a man who is swimming at the dregs of his boxing career having lost interest because of guilt over the death of a friend.

The story is about life, love, survival, and determination told in a technique that suggests binary similarities and opposition: two persons, two stories, and two different issues; two similar resolve to life and determination in two different ways.

The script is brought to life with a wonderful performance from a Hollywood star and the most

downloaded man in the USA, Ngoli Okafor (Julius Caesar Okeosisi), a heavyweight champion, and a rising Nollywood actress, Ngozi Thompson Igwebike (Munachi), with London based Savanah Roy and others. What is thrilling in the film is how it is pegged to the question, “what will you do if you have just a day to live?”

M u n a ch i , a cancer patient was told she will die Oxford-Gardens having lived with Oxcancer since she was 17 years ford Garden is an unusual old. On the day she was expected extraordinary story that capto die, she escapes from the hos- tures a virgin and unexplored pital where she was being treat- angle of human experience as ed just to relish the last day of never been told in Nollywood. her life. She meets Julius Cae- The technique of narration is sar, a troubled ex-boxer with a such that Obi uses flashback broken relationship in a garden and binary opposition and simiat Oxford. Munachi impresses larity in revealing the lead casts’ Caesar to help her fulfill her experiences which suggests that bucket list after convincing him humanity is faced with different to go and see a daughter he has shades of conflicts sometimes not seen for many years. Both with himself and other times of them fall in love, hiding their with inanimate forces beyond innermost pasts and fears until his control as evident in Obi’s the movie got to a melting point thriller. the two characters reach out to The cast is good in delivery help each other face the worst of except in the scene of the hostheir fears. pital where Munachi’s parents

are agitated over Munachi’s disappearance. It seems Munachi’s father struggled with his delivery both in action and dailogue. He didn’t appear real and convincing in that scene.

The production is good with quality pictures and sound, better editing than what is obtainable in some movies in Nollywood yesteryears. The cinematography is also good and I must give kudos to the shooting of the scene where Munachi was lying in state. It was absolutely a nice shot.

The movie like all movies has faults too. The intimacy between Munachi and Julius Caesar happened too fast and Obi failed to show us how Munachi convinced Julius to accept her offer of friendship after the later clandestinely called her offer of friendship bluff. There is a scene with an inappropriate dialogue: Julius Caesar asks Munachi why she is helping? I will rather call it having interest. Apart from that, it seems quite odd that Caesar was familiar with all the activities in Munachi’s

OxfOrd Garden is a GOOd mOvie and if films are rated with army ranks,

i

will say the film is a five-star General.

bucket list, to the extent the exboxer was presented as a cow boy good with horses. The inscription of Oxford Garden as a tattoo on Munachi’s back for me appears unnecessary. I don’t see the rationale behind it though a colleague journalist I had a discussion with after the media screening of the movie argued it was the meeting point of the two lovers and thus, may mean a lot to the two love birds. Munachi’s adventure was a bit exaggerated, she did a lot of unconvincing things and in the scene of the car crash, Savannah Roy’s hair should be ‘flying’ since she stood through the open roof of a car that was on speed. The long hair wasn’t ‘flying’ enough in the wind; but that took nothing out of the realism the director brought in the accident scene.

That should be a benchmark in Nollywood where accidents mean the sound of screeching tyres and imposition of bloodied bodies. Another issue is in the scene where Julius Caesar accompanied Munachi to go and see Femi her ex-boy friend. Femi came back to his house, alighted from his car with his suit in his hand and then wore it even when he was entering into his house.

People remove their suits before entering their houses, and wear it when they alight from a car to attend a function or any official or public matter not the other way round. But like everything art, this could be debated too.

Obi’s Oxford Garden is a good movie and if films are rated with army ranks, I will say the film is a five-star general.

Friday, December 18, 2015

7 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

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

MSSN Lagos begins 100th IVC T …Urges Nigerian leaders to address injustice

Emir Sanusi for MPC he Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi (II) is expected to lead eminent personalities to the 3rd annual Muslim Professionals’ Convention, MPC, at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, Lagos.

The four-day convention,with the theme: “Unlocking the Potentials of Islamic Finance in Nigeria”, is organised by the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP).

The convention holds between Friday December 25 and Monday 28.

According to GMP Administrative officer, Aameenah Yunus-Ali, Emir Sanusi’s keynote address will focus on encouraging Muslim professionals to champion the cause of Islamic Finance not for private or corporate development alone, but with the overall national development.

Sekinah L awaL

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he Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit has concluded plans to hold its 100th Islamic Vacation Course, IVC, camp on the Human Capital Development Centre, HCDC, Epe between December 21st 2015 and January 1st 2016..

According to the President (Amir), Mallam Saheed Ashafa, the camp is expected to have no fewer than 5,000 delegates expected to be empowered spiritually and academically through soulinspiring lectures, motivational discussion on character building and memorisation of the glorious Qur’an among others.

He explained that the theme of the 100th IVC; ‘The Basis’, was selected because of the utmost need for Muslims and Nigerians in general to re-assess their actions for desired growth.

“Delegates will be impacted with Islamic teachings to aid the development of the nation at large.

“We will be streaming activities on the camp site live through our Youtube Channel.

To register, delegates are expected to purchase pin and then log on to camp.mssnlagos.net to complete their registration form.”

Ashafa reiterated the need for Nigerians to return to the basis

if the country must experience growth that would benefit the citizenry.

“Many problems confronting Nigeria today would have been a thing of the past if we return to basis by applying the teachings of Al-Islam to solve our challenges. What else are we not doing right? It is our relationship with God, both leaders and followers now act freely, forgetting that they will give account of their deeds to Allah.”

He further expressed concern over the increasing indecency and injustice in the country, noting that those things would continue to act as impediments if not addressed urgently.

He added, “The injustice in the Nigeria system will always affect our growth, if not stopped. You can imagine a state like Lagos State asking students to pause exam to hold Christmas Carol but insisted that Muslim students cannot willingly wear Hijab.”

“One would have expected that with the prevalence of religious institutions everywhere, there should not be so much corruption and wickedness in the country, but the reverse is the case. Immorality is regrettably increasing; infidelity and corruption are gradually becoming acceptable values in Nigeria.”

Al-Azhar College holds WalimatulQur’an for Huffaz

A

l-Azar International College will tomorrow hold her epoch-making Walimatul-Qur’an for Huffaz ( memorizers of the glorious Qur’an and those who have memorised some parts of the Qur’an).

This is taking place as AlAzhar College’s part time and full time programme have both produced new set of Huffaz.

The event will take place at Al-Azhar International College’s Multi-purpose Hall located on Zango-Dajji Road, Lokoja-Kogi State starting from 10:00am prompt.

Al-Azhar College is a place to be for our children to becoming custodians of the holy Qur’an as it is the best legacy we can bequeath to our children.

L-R: Naib Amir South West of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Alatoye; Division Police Officer, Ilaro in Ogun State, Mr. Lukman Adejumo, and Uzath Alli Akawugberu, during the Hafix Class graduation at Ilaro Ogun State.

Helping our youths to grow positively 24

Army/Shiite clash: Sultan calls for order 24

The Promised Messiah: Revelations and Companions (2)

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Call to Worship

7 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H. Friday, December 18, 2015

Helping our youths to grow positively

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s the 2015 Islamic Vacation Course, IVC, camp of our youths, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, is starting on Monday at the Human Capital Development Centre, HCDC, Epe till January 1st 2016, they must be truly encouraged to continue to grow positively on the straight path.

Yes, because they will be affecting many lives positively as over 5000 delegates will be impacted with the true Islamic teachings; morally, spiritually and academically, which will in turn aid the development of the nation at large.

For those in doubt, their activities can be followed live through their Youtube Channel: https://

goo.gl/cKHMGC. As the meeting point for all Muslim students in all higher institutions, secondary schools, graduate and post-graduates as well as Muslims, who attend technical institutions, the organisation has continued to adapt and respond to the challenges and needs of its members and the Nigeria Muslim community in general.

Apart from its membership that cuts across all the geographical and ethnic barriers, MSSN is promoting national integration and building bridges through its programmes and activities that emphasize the brotherhood of Islam, in particular, and mankind in general. The society has remained a

pressure group working for the advancement of the interests of Muslims and Islam. Indeed, past members of MSSN occupy leadership of virtually all leading Islamic organisations in Nigeria.

In order to truly achieve the positive change, our youths must have a sound and well-grounded understanding of Islam and its ethics.

Since parents are so busy to do this nowadays, one of the ways we can achieve that is through camping programmes like this.

As usual, the Amir made it known that during the IVC camp, there will be soul-inspiring lectures, motivational discussion on character building, Qur’an memorisation among others with the hope that del-

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THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

In order to truly achIeve the posItIve change, our youths must have a sound and well-grounded understandIng of Islam and Its ethIcs egates will leave the camp with increased fear of Allah, zeal for Ibadah, Dawah and better understanding of how to co-exist peacefully in a multi-religious country like Nigeria.

Our leaders should assist our youth in achieving one of the mandates of the society to inculcate leadership skills and management training in our youth in accordance with divine injunctions, by helping to develop its 10 acres of land in Epe. That is the Human Capital Development Centre, HCDC, comprising computer laboratory, functional library, classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, dormitories, vocational training centre,

recreational facilities, administrative building and clinics for youth development.

They just have some temporary structures on the land that will serve the camping purposes but the estimate for structures on the HCDC is 548.5 million naira. Ten percent (10%) of this sum is being contributed by members across the state.

Well-meaning Muslims can be part of dawah by donating towards this laudable project by paying into ECO Bank PLC, Account Name: MSSN Lagos State Area Unit Account Number: 2112115950. May almighty Allah bless you all as you do so.

Army/Shiite clash: Sultan calls for order

T L-R: A guest, Chairman, Ogun NUJ, Comrade Wole Shokunbi; Chairman, Ogun NAWOJ, Mrs. Remi Adebiyi; Hon. Hassan Olawale Alausa; NAWOJ Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Morenike Esan, and Lagos NAWOJ chairman, represented by her vice, Mrs. Eno Okon, at the Ogun NAWOJ maiden Xmas Carol in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

he Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for restraint and order as the body expressed shock by the current outbreak of deadly violence in Zaria.

“At a time Nigeria is facing serious challenges, the least expected is a confrontation between the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. The loss of lives and property is indeed unfortunate and such should have been prevented.”

In a release signed by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary-General, NSCIA, urged the authorities to exercise restraint. “The history of the circumstances

that engendered the outbreak of militant insurgency in the past, with cataclysmic consequences that Nigeria is yet to recover from, should not be allowed to repeat itself.”

“We urge the Federal Government to immediately constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly unravel the immediate and remote causes of the current mayhem. Besides, the Commission should also investigate the past incidents involving the Movement so that justice can be done.”

The sanctity of human life is inviolable in Islam and painstaking efforts should be made at all times to prevent bloodshed. In other words, life is sacred and the fundamental responsibility of Government is to guarantee the security of life and property.

Place your adverts here for optimal reach Olaseni Nasirudeen Olamilekan during his Walimotul Qur’an at Murkaz li ikmah li Ahlimi li Arobiyatu wali Islamiyatu.

He is flanked by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Olaseni Kamoruden at Muslimot Mosque, Agege, recently.

Zakat Is 2.5% of your total wealth, known as nIsab. after havIng fulfIlled all oblIgatIons, pay your Zakat

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Friday, December 18, 2015

The Promised Messiah: Revelations and Companions (2)

H

e is the only One Who knows everything and sees everything. Allah is with those who are righteous and fear Him and when they do a good deed, they fully carry out all its fine requirements. They do not perform good deeds in a superficial and defective way; rather, they satisfy their minutest details and do full justice to them. Such are the ones whom God helps, because they serve His favoured paths, treading them and guiding others to them.

We sent Ahmad—that is my humble self—to his people, but they turned away and they said: ‘He is a wicked liar, engaged in worldly greed’ that is, profiting from such tricks. They bore witness against him to get him arrested and they fell upon him like a fierce storm that comes down from above, but

he says: My Beloved is very near to me; He is near but is hidden from the eyes of His opponents.’ (Tadhkirah pp. 451- 453) Each time a court case was brought against the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) it backfired on the opponent. Hazrat Musleh Maud said the words of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which he had directly heard, resounded for him years later. He recalled how as a young boy he sat in the assemblies of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and heard explanation of so many issues.

Later, when he read the books of the Promised Messiah it felt that he had heard the subject-matter before. This was because it was the practice of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to give

Call to Worship

7 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H.

discourses in his evening assemblies regarding whatever he had written during the day.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used to say that miraculous belief protects one from stumbling. This is the belief which is based on observation and while one with such belief listens to opposing arguments, they fail to have any impact because one has seen God with one’s spiritual eyes.

Relating an account of Munshi Aroora Khan Sahib, a companion, Hazrat Musleh Maud said Munshi Aroora Sahib was told by many people that if he heard one speech of Maulawi Sana Ullah he would realise whether or not Mirza Sahib was truthful.

Munshi Sahib happened to listen to a speech by Maulawi Sana Ul-

25

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

lah and was asked if after listening to so many arguments Mirza Sahib could still be considered truthful? Munshi Sahib replied that he had seen the face of Mirza Sahib, therefore even if Maulawi Sana Ullah made speeches for two years before him he would say Mirza Sahib was truthful. He said even if he could not answer the arguments of Maulawi Sana Ullah he knew in his heart of the truth of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Perfect belief is not based on intellect rather it is based on observing. We should try and see God with our spiritual eyes and our belief in the Prom-

ised Messiah (on whom be peace) will also be complete when we will comprehend that God sent him for reformation and the time was crying out for him. Indeed, the condition of the world is a proof of his truthfulness that he came in this corrupt age, in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). His advent was the need of the time and each moment of his life was a proof of his truthfulness. This should always be remembered and we should strengthen our faith with reference to this fact. May others also be drawn to this fact!

AMJN begins education conference in Warri ...Calls for united stand against terrorism Sekinah L awaL

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Prof. and Dr. Akinloye Farinde during the Nikaah ceremony of their son at Tafo Event Center, Apata, Ibadan-Oyo State recently.

AbdulLateef Akinsola Farinde and Azeezat Kehinde Yusuf during their Nikaah ceremony at Tafo Event Center, Apata, Ibadan-Oyo State recently.

he leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, AMJN and members in the eastern region today began its eastern region Islamic education and moral training conference, Jalsa Tarbiyya, in Warri, Delta State till December 20th, 2015.

In a statement signed by the Deputy President of the Jamaat in eastern region, Dr. AbdulGani Enahoro, he revealed that leaders of various faiths will deliver lectures and goodwill messages at the 3-day event.

The theme of the conference is; “Religious Tolerance and Cooperation: A Catalyst for Peace, Unity and Sustainable Development,” is at the Federal Government College, Warri-Delta State.

He stated that because of the misinformation that terrorists and insurgents are propelled in their evil ways by the teachings of their religion, as Muslims, we owe it a sacred responsibility to debunk such fallacies and convey the true peaceful message of Islam to the world.

Dr. Enahoro noted that the conference was an important opportunity to show the real essence of religion, which is to worship the Almighty Creator. He quoted Qur’an Chapter 5 Vs 65 that: “Allah loves not those who create disorder”.

He recalled that during the last Eastern Conference in August 2014 and the follow up National Peace Symposium by the North-

ern Region Jama’at held in May 2015, at Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), religious leaders from various groups were in attendance and presented position papers on various perspectives of their religion, with emphasis on beliefs that unite all religions.

Delegations came from the Christian Association of Nigeria, National Council of International Society of Krishna Consciousness in Nigeria, Initiative for Progressive Judaism Development and Rabbi of El Melek Synagogue, Dr. Israel Abido also led 4-Man Jewish delegations to both conferences. Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Respected Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja Catholic Diocese and Most Reverend Oche Job of Methodist Church graced the Abuja Peace Symposium organized by the Jamaat.

All these dignitaries are also expected at the Warri Conference.

The Deputy leader of the Jamaat stated that insurgents exist in all religions as fake adherents or extremists. “They are our enemies and we must unite all the times to weaken their resolve. If we do anything otherwise, then they would have achieved their objectives”.

The National Head of the Jamaat, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola would lead a highpowered delegation of leaders, elders and National Jalsa Planning Committee members to the event paying a Courtesy Call on the new Olu of Warri, HRM Ikenwodi Godfrey Emiko.

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Arty News

Friday, December 18, 2015

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Stella Damasus, Ademinokan Oxford Gardens: Most downloaded African American host ‘Mon Afrik TV’ storms Lagos Ngozi EmEdolibE

Damasus and Ademinokan

REgiNa otokpa

N

ollywood actress, Stella Damasus, and award-winning filmmaker and director, Daniel Ademinokan has announced the launch and test transmission of their online television station ‘Mon Afrik TV January 2016.’

According to Stella, Mon Afrik TV is a blend of BET, MTV, E-ONLINE, NBC and CW Network all rolled into one but with 100% per cent African content.

She said, “that is what we have created and we want Africans all over the world to see this as their own medium of expression, not just another TV station,’’ Speaking, Ademinokan noted that Mon Afrik TV was conceived to fill a big vacuum, and also serve as respite for less content providers who can’t afford the fee of other television stations.

“We see no reason why a struggling

producer who could barely afford to raise the capital to make his or her TV show should also look for money to pay the TV stations for airtime.

“After that, they have to convince brands to place adverts on the show before they can start making any money.

That is extremely discouraging for independent producers.

“Mon Afrik TV is creating a platform where producers can showcase their works to the world and make good money for themselves without having to deal with the run-around from TV stations.

“This is not a Video-on-Demand platform for movies and is not trying to pry into an already saturated market’’, Ademinokan said.

The filmmaker stressed that “Mon Afrik TV is here to deliver world-class, premium entertainment content from and about Africa to the world.

“Africa has often been represented as a dark, isolated continent.

“Yes, Africa has issues, just like every other continent but there is more to us than starving children, gun wielding terrorists, arid lands and dilapidated buildings in remote villages.

“We have beautiful cultures, a vibrant entertainment industry and entertainers who have conquered the world on many levels and we want to showcase that to the world.

Meet Bari Jesus, Fuji Gospel exponent

L

ate Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the unarguably founder of Fuji Music was a practicing Muslim to the level of an Islamic Cleric, He transited to the great beyond a few years ago, buried admits pomp and pageantry

by Muslim missioners the world over.

Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister has come back to life and when he resurrected, God has decided to bring him back as a Christian Gospel Musician, called Bari Jesus.

Samuel Amubieya PMB Bari Jesus is the newest and wonderful discovery of Gospel Music; He does not just sing Fuji Gospel like a few others, Samuel Amubieya a Minister of God of the Pentecostal denomination sings exactly like Late Ayinde Barrister. The amazing part of his singing prowess is that, it becomes an understatement to call him a sing – alike, rather a photo – copy, scanning or cloning of the late Fuji Exponent.

Samuel Amubieya’s debut release, Reality of Praise, is an adaptation of Barrister’s popular album, “Fuji Dimension”.

Gospel words are creatively crafted into every line of the composition, with percussion and rendered in the exact voice of the one referred to as “Baba Oba Fuji”.

Listening to the song or hearing, Samuel performe the songs, bring a kind of curiosity as to how SIkiru Ayinde Bar-

rister could be singing Christian Music.

Meanwhile, Reality of Praise, which is backed up with full promotional video has received unprecedented review from God’s Generals and music critics. The authorities of the Redeemed Christian Church of God of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Winner’s Chapel of Bishop David Oyedepo and Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide were the first to endorse the music and the performer.

Asked for his objectives Samuel Amubieya who hails from Ondo State says, “I have been called to use this brand of Fuji to win souls and bring lovers of Fuji Music and other lost ones into the family of Christ”.

Bari

N

ollywood is agog as the most downloaded Black American model and actor, Ngoli Okafor is expected at the premiere of Oxford Gardens, his first Nollywood film. The event

Okafor

scheduled to hold at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas in Lekki holds on Friday, December 18.

Okafor, who is a two time Golden Gloves Champion in American has starred in several Hollywood films and played a boxer in the new Nollywood film produced and directed by Obi Emelonye for the Africa Magic Original Film series.

Describing how he attracted him to Nollywood, the producer of Oxford Gardens, Obi Emelonye said: “The cast is led by Ngoli Okafor. I was looking for an international actor that had professional experience in boxing to make the fight scenes real and believable. And he was perfect. He was Golden Gloves (height of amateur boxing in America) Heavyweight champion...twice. He is a Hollywood actor that has been in films with the likes of Catherine Zeta Jones. He is a super model and the most downloaded black male model online. And he is Nigerian and wants to bring his experience to Nollywood. He plays this ex-boxer, down on his luck and in search of redemption.

So you have a fresh, great-looking and imperiously competent leading man for Nollywood audiences to get their teeth into.”

The film also features acts like Ngozi Igwebike-Thompson, Savanah Roy, Iffy Chukwu, Princess Abiye, Frank Ani, Nnenna Ani and 8-year old D’Richy Emelonye.

Sade Oloso parades Fathia Balogun, Omolara Giwa

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opular Nollywood actresses, Fathia Balogun, Omolara Giwa, Joke Jigan and her colleagues has been caught in the act of prostitution in a new Yoruba thriller titled Sade Oloso.

The story is about a couple of university undergraduate girls who are involved in prostitution. The talented Delta State born actress leads an array of talented thespians in this suspense filled movie.

The girls who are undergraduates are seen having her fun with lot of men before they were finally caught in the act.

Before then, they have dumped a lot of men both young and the old. So it was a sort of relief for the community when the news of their arrest was announced.

Hold it! don t call Faithia for confirmation of the story, as what you read above is nothing but a story from a latest movie from the stable of FAD Productions, and marketed by independent Nollywood Distribution Company, the film is titled “ Sade Oloso” And according to Fidelis Duker , the executive producer and marketer of the film which has been released into the market Monday, 14th of December. According to omolara giwa who co starred and produced the film “It is a film we want people to enjoy for yuletide season, hence we released it before the Christmas. It a film that was based on

Fathia

true life experience” intones Omolara Giwa who played the lead role. It will be recalled that Fidelis Duker is also the CEO of Abuja International Film Festival, the longest running film festival in Anglophone country

Critics

Friday, December 18, 2015

The delegaTe convenTion Turned ouT To be an engaging deliberaTion Eboh FTA set the tone for a robust deliberation by the delegates with a view to highlighting the contribution of NANTAP to the cultural and creative art sector, the role of NANTAP to trade and national economic development and the role of culture in poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The delegate convention turned out to be an engaging deliberation which avails the association to assess its impact in the cultural sector, identify its shortcomings and postulate for the future of the association and practitioners.

On Saturday, it was the turn of the delegates to do the listening as the Guest speaker, Professor Patrick Ebewo of Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa delivers a paper titled ‘Breaking New Frontiers: The Theatre Industry in Post-Apartheid South Africa’.

The Nigerian academician who is the head of the department of Drama and Film Studies at the South African Universities challenged the association to engage with the government at federal state and local government levels, to ensure an enabling environment for the practice of theatre in Nigeria. “It is our duty to create a worthy legacy for the coming generation.

To do this, we have to begin to create awareness and engaging with the government of the day to ensure that the right cultural policies are formulated and executed.”

His paper took a cursory look at the thriving theatre culture in South Africa in the areas of theatre/arts education in the school curriculum (Primary and FET Colleges), theatre practice in higher education (Universities), the impact of the South African government in the area of budgetary allocations for the performing arts and theatre infrastructures, private sector funding/agencies, theatre companies/bodies and Networks among others.

Though the association boasts of one of the most detailed constitution by any professional body in Nigeria, the National delegates Council (NDC), chaired by Ogun State chapter secretary, Thespian Tuoyo Edward identified the need the review of the association’s constitution to meet up with the realities of the 21st century theatre practice and welfare of its members.

The NDC therefore elected a three member constitution review committee chaired by Distinguished Thespian Israel Eboh, a former Secretary General of the association. Other members of the committee are Ekiti state chapter chairman, Thespian Akeem Ogunmilade and the National Director of Productions and Screening, Thespian Jerry Adesewo.

Book

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Journey into the past

After twenty-two years of the criminal cancellation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election ostensibly won by the business mogul, the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola, Onyeisi Chiemeke, a lawyer and former student activist who was part of the de-annulment movement has come out with a book.

Chijioke Uwasomba

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t is true that this book is an attempt to reflect on how the Nigerian Left plunged itself into an otherwise bourgeois struggle which consumed it but it goes further to expose some of the secrets bordering on anti-democratic tendencies that were not known to a lot of Nigerians who were genuinely interested in the revalidation campaigns pursued by the June 12 strugglers especially the Campaign for Democracy (CD).

The Campaign for Democracy was formed in Jos, Plateau State, as a coalition of many forces interested in changing the status-quo against the background of the shenanigans of the Babangida dictatorship which kept dribbling Nigerians as manifested in its policies and programmes.

The Buhari-Idiagbon regime had terminated the corrupt and lackluster civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983, and imposed all kinds of harsh Decrees on the Nigerian people.

Some of the politicians were heralded into detention centres and prisons. In spite of the acclaimed well-meaningness of the regime, the harshness of its laws were so repulsive that Nigerians did not identify with it and Babangida and his cohorts cashed in on these sentiments and overthrew the regime. Babangida turned out a con man, designing and implementing all kinds of programmes and policies that ended up under-developing the country. His civil-ruleprogramme collapsed like a pack of cards with his annulment of the June 12 election.

The Campaign for Democracy given its emergence at this historical juncture in the affairs of the country took up the gauntlet after a series of exhaustive discussions on how to use the de-annulment campaigns to bring to bear a civilian government that would deepen the democratic process and turn the country around for the happiness of all. CD’s involvement, though very salutary turned out a huge failure occasioned by its own internal contradictions. This is basically the meat that Onyeisi Chiemeke is giving the reader to chew.

The introduction announces the essence of the book: “To tell the story of the CD within the period of 1992 to 1994, with an eye to its formation and disintegration in Ibadan in 1994 and by extension examine the impact of this collapse on the Nigerian Left Movement as the country transited to democracy in 1999” (vii). It goes further to forage into the past and the present in a dialectical process in querying the failure of the CD platform and the larger Left movement in Nigeria.

Chapter one which he entitles as “In the Beginning” explores the global system particularly in the 1980’s and early 1990’s when the so-called gale of demo-

cratic struggles swept through the Third World and Africa in particular. It is in this context that we can understand Ibrahim Babangida’s elaborate but dubious transition programme which the then National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had characterized as a package of fraud and diversion. There is no doubt that Babangida’s regime wasted the resources of the country with its un-ending transition programme allied by the neo-liberal economic agenda, Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). NANS fought those programmes to a standstill in spite of whatever tactical ideological errors it might have made by allying itself with the National Consultative Forum (NCF) which was making a call for a Sovereign National Conference. It is obvious from the accounts of this chapter how Bamidele Opeyemi, the then NANS’ President strategically used the NANS’ platform to arrange a better place for himself politically and materially.

In Chapter two, the author gives an account of how the NCF collapsed after the government of Babangida had stopped the group from holding its conference at the National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos. The author recalls that the stoppage of this conference led the Left elements and some emergent human rights groups into founding the Campaign for Democracy in Jos in 1991.

The author opines that in modern Nigerian history, the Nigerian Left could be divided into three broad historical epochs – the first group belonging to the colonial era transiting to the independence era – the Zikist Movement (Michael Imoudu, Eskor Toyo, etc.); the Left groups from the intelligentia at Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ife, University of Ibadan and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This generation of the Left suffered a great blow during the Ali Must God Students’ Demonstration in 1978 under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime as the latter blamed the former for the crisis. The third generation was also bred on campuses with students who belonged to various ideological cells and were inclined to challenge the status-quo with its orthodoxy and the theology of the market as championed by the Bretton Wood institutions. These groups founded the CD in Jos. Chapter three unveils the roles played by some palace court intellectuals in shoring up the military. Some of these intellectuals tried to invest the Nigerian military with what the latter does not possess.

It goes further to dwell on the weakness of the political elite in the march to democratization in Nigeria. This was clearly manifested at every stage of the involvement of

The change The auThor Talks abouT has noThing To do

wiTh The so-called change manTra of The currenT

aPc governmenT for There is no qualiTaTive difference beTween The

PdP and The aPc

the military in the politics of Nigeria. The author asserts that: “By the time Muhammadu Buhari and others (including Abacha and Babangida) came, the politicians were jubilating at the fact that the military had arrived like locusts to eat away the remnants of the green leaves of democracy” (35). These politicians timidly followed the models brought up by the military leaders.

Chapter four talks about the cancellation of the June 1993 election with Babangida’s broadcast of June 23, 1993, claiming that there were irregularities and “reports of election malpractices against party agents, officials of National Electoral Commission (NEC) and also some members of the electorate” (48). The tactics and strategies adopted by the CD and the character and content of the forces behind the CD are examined. It is noted that with all the noise of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), it did not have the capacity to organize a protest: “The first street protest against Abacha was organized by the United Action for Democracy (UAD)” (52). He contends that the import of street action in the success of a revolutionary change should be taken seriously and that the “CD started dying the moment it could no longer control the streets” (53).

In Chapter nine, Abacha’s coup is reported to have taken place. At this stage, it had become obvious that Abiola had so much faith in the ruling clique compared to the CD. But the CD kept on with its programme and campaigns and warned Babangida that the mooted interim government was not an option. With the declaration by the Lagos High Court presided over by Dolapo Akinsanya, that the Shonekan regime was illegal, the pressure on the regime had reduced as the CD had lost the street. Abiola is said to have opened up discussion with the military wing and an agreement that the military would be in power for only six months and transferred power to him had been reached.

A high ranking leader of the CD started having discussions with Abacha on how to restore Abiola’s mandate and sack Shonekan.

Oladipo Diya was the military pointsman who opened up the channel of communication. Beko and his hand-picked loyalists, having been assured of the realization of their agitation for the convocation of the SNC, agreed with the scheme as packaged

by Oladipo Diya and Olu Onagoruwa – coup.

This action opened up the simmering crisis that had been brewing in the CD for some time. Many members of the expanded leadership of CD were opposed to the schemings of the Beko group to get Abacha to remove the interim government. It should be noted that some of the supporters of Beko were of the Left tendency.

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Inside FCT

Friday, December 18, 2015

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Yuletide: FRSC deploys materials, men Chidi UgwU

U

nlike other periods of the year, excitement, stress and alcohol can create unexpected hazards during Christmas seasons hence a lot of precautions are usually put in place by relevant authorities to ensure not only hitch-free but also less hazardous yuletide.

According to records from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 120 persons lost their lives in road crashes across the country during the Christmas period particularly between December 19 and 28 December last year.

However, in order to forestall such ugly occurrences, the sector Commander of FRSC Abuja, Corps Commander Sunday Ogenekaro told Inside FCT that major steps are being taken to prevent accidents during the season Inside-FCT gathered that the Corps has deployed very well equipped officers in virtually all the nook and crannies of the capital city to ensure that motorists are well guided to safer driving.

A motorist, Rotimi Alajide told InsideFCT that he was impressed by the orderly manner with which the Corps officials approach drivers, adding that they seem to have been stationed at every Kilometer of the metropolis.

“I am very impressed by the orderly manner they conduct themselves in FCT this season. from Dei-Dei to Central area the seem to be at every kilometer” Olajide said.

However, speaking further on the preparation for the Yuletide by the FRSC, Ogenekaro called on the general public to be more careful in their driving, stressing that the emphasis on the ember month was not to arrest drivers as been speculated by road users, rather it was to re-enforce the activities of the corp making sure that they maintain the core mandate of the agency.

He explained that for the officials of FRSC, the ember months campaign was not basically punitive but corrective and to eradicate road traffic crashes and creating safer road environments in Nige-

FRSC men in Abuja

ria.

“Therefore, the Ember month campaign is to re-enforce all the activities of the Corps from the beginning of the year even up to the second week of the first month in the New Year” Ogenerk said.

According to him, over 223 traffic offenders that were arrested and prosecuted, 179 were convicted while 44 were discharged for various offences.

“In August we had 219 traffic offenders, 174 convicted and 49 discharged. In September we had 99 offenders 94 convicted while 5 were discharged, in October we had 227 offenders, 123 were convicted for various offences and 44 were discharged” “We have a total of 738 traffic offenders prosecuted in our mobile court of which 138 were discharged and acquitted” he added.

He explained that the essence of driving was to drive and arrive safely while advising all users to ensure safety on the roads by obeying all traffic rules and regulations

Therefore, The ember monTh

campaign is To reenforce all The acTiviTies of The

corps from The

beginning of The year even up To The second week of The firsT monTh in The

new year” he said The FRSC Sector Commander added that the reason for his men on the road was to maintain orderliness and not to arrest drivers as they perceive.

He to get to change the attitude of road users is through public education and en-

lightenment.

Ogenero said “Therefore, the Ember month campaign is to re-enforce all the activities of the Corps from the beginning of the year even up to the second week of the first month in the New Year.

“From research and the professional experience of the Corps it has found out that the main cause of road crashes is change in the attitude of road users and one of the ways to get to change the attitude of road users is through public education and enlightenment.

“These public enlightenments are carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and also the road users, in order to achieve these we work with critical stakeholders which include the NURTW, RTEAN, SECDA, NARTO, LUBON and a host of others”, he added Ogenero also disclosed that FRSC is to deploy 30,000 of its officials across the country to ensure safety on the roads ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Xmas: Abuja streets yet to twinkle Regina OtOkpa

W

ith few days to Christmas, the usual glow from colourful lightings and decorations on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are yet to appear unlike previous years.

In major streets of the city, only few public buildings and private companies are decorated with Christmas lights and attractive colorful materials that reminds one of the season.

For many residents of the FCT, they are yet to see the beautiful decorations and lightings that make the streets fascinating especially during the night at this season.

They are also surprised that the hustle and various activities that are usually witnessed during this period are not there to usher in the Christmas season.

Most of the residents told Inside-FCT that the prevailing harsh economic condition and the security situation in the country could be responsible for what is happening around the city.

“It seems this year’s Christmas celebration is going to record a very low celebration, the

mosT of The residenTs Told inside-fcT ThaT The

prevailing harsh economic condiTion and The securiTy siTuaTion in The counTry could be responsible for whaT is happening around The ciTy.

whole place is too calm” “A week to Christmas in past years, the whole place is always choked up but right now nothing seems to be happening especially here in Abuja.”, Precious Okonkwo told InsideFCT While lamenting that her family has not been able to to meet all their obligations for the season because of lack of money, Victoria Nnochiri said, “I am from Anambra State, since I came into Abuja far back 2001, this will be the first time my family will not be traveling to the village for the Christmas and New Year celebrations because we don’t have enough money to make the trip down.

“Even as everybody is lamenting no money, things are so expensive. It is unfortunate to note that about a week to Christmas, like myself, quite a number of parents are still strug-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, December 18, 2015

29

Prices of food items soar in Abuja markets Doosuur Iwambe

C

hristmas season is usually regarded as one of the most important period of the year which comes with a lot of celebrations.

Though Christmas is usually celebrated by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ but since the period is always close to the end of the year, many people take the opportunity to engage in shopping for items needed for the celebration of both Christmas and the New Year.

For most people and Christians in particular, shopping usually begins at about the last week in November and can last till the eve of Christmas.

However, during this period, prices of various items including foodstuffs and drinks usually go up while cost of of goods and services always reach the peak in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Onitsha, Aba, and Port Harcourt.

With barely a week days to Christmas, prices of foodstuffs in major markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have gone up. The markets include Wuse which is situated in the heart of the Capital city, Utako, Garki Model Market and Dutse Ultra Modern Market.

When Inside-FCT visited Wuse market, it was observed that proves of food commodities have slight increased ahead of the Christmas celebrations A trader at the market, Malam Adamu Ibrahim lamented that December period always come with the challenge of getting Onions at a cheaper rate because of the dry season.

He however noted that this the hike in food commodities would not be attributed to the dry season alone but other factors including the problem of transportation and scarcity of fuel that has persisted for a couple of weeks.

“I buy this onions from the North and I pay plenty money transporting the onions to Abuja because of the scarcity of petro. I bring am come, I go sell am make my money, that is why the onion I cost”, Ibrahim said.

For another trader, Mosunmola Ad-

Wuse market Abuja

ekunle-Daramola, who sells pepper at the Utako Market, lamented the high increase in price of pepper and tomatoes She noted that food prices usually go up at this time of the season as the yuletide period approaches, adding that the situation this year was particularly unusual because of the the current socioeconomic realities in the country.

Adekunle-Daramola said she does not know what fate of consumers would be this yuletide, as Harmattan season has uncharacteristically failed to bring foodstuffs like pepper, tomatoes and onions in abundance.

In the major markets, Inside-FCT also observed that prices of baby clothes and ladies shoes went up by at least 30 percent compared to previous prices same time last year.

A pair of baby shoes, which sold for N2,000 last year, has now gone up to N3,000, while a girl’s gown which previously sold for N3,000 went up to N5,000.

A meat seller, Idris Hassan, attributed the hike in prices of food items to transportation problems stressing that most drivers have increase the cost of trans-

portation following the fuel scarcity.

A business man who would not reveal his name but operates a super market in Dutse Modern Market attributed the rising cost of food items to various factors apart from the Yuletide season say-

She noted that food priceS uSually go up at thiS time of the SeaSon aS the yuletide

period approacheS, adding that the Situation thiS year waS particularly unuSual becauSe of the the current

gling to buy Christmas clothes for their children.

Another FCT resident, Kingsley Ajia said, “right now, there is nothing on ground but I believe in miracles so I am still waiting for a miracle to happen.

Though I have spoken to my children and I am glad they understand with me.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise our young couples and those who are planning to get married or start a family soon that Christmas is not a do or die affair and should never be treated as such.

“Most families have lost the true meaning of Christmas, some indulge in strange activities just to have a grand celebration.

“Christmas, for most families, has become a period to show off and It is totally wrong, it is a time of sharing, reaching out to show love and care to the hungry and down trodden with the little substance that we have, and not a time to flaunt our wealth or show how better off we are in front of friends and colleagues. I wish families can understand this.”

Also speaking on the situation, Bose Elegbede said, “to be honest, things are hard. I don’t see most people sticking to their Christmas traditions.

“In my church, we usually embark on visits to orphanages on the 26th of every December but I can authoritatively state that as I speak, we don’t have enough donations to be able to do that and so, we are looking at carrying over the tradition to Easter next year,” she added.

Typical Abuja street

Socio-economic

realitieS in the country

ing, “the usual end of the year rush and Christmas celebrations might not be ruled out but the situation is worsened by high cost of transportation to move the items from one part of the country to another.”

Also speaking to Inside-FCT, Msuur Tyough, a hairdresser said most ladies now make hairstyles that would still be in neat and decent till the Yuletide season to avoid the last minute rush.

“At the beginning of December, prices we charge for making ladies hairstyles such as braids, fixing of Kinkin and other weav-ons usually go up” “For instance, I fix kinkin (dreadlocks) for N1,500 but now that it is close to the Yuletide period, we charge between N2,500 and N3,000“, she said.

However, Inside-FCT observed that the prices of home decorations and kitchen utensils were not affected and have remained the same.

Meanwhile, a resident of the FCT, Agatha Agbo has appealed to the federal government to re-introduce the price control system in order to regulate prices, especially during the festive seasons.

Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

Daily Summary (Equities)

Capital Market

30

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Friday, December 18, 2015

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 2

Current Price

Quantity Traded 20

Value Traded 94.60

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UCAP

No. of Deals 44 7 26 6 58 141

Current Price 2.43 4.10 1.74 15.50 1.24

Quantity Traded 974,807 702,441 804,976 3,706,669 3,257,329 9,446,222

Value Traded 2,354,355.84 2,871,968.06 1,400,410.32 57,477,395.50 4,090,606.18 68,194,735.90

64,178,204

324,624,820.90

Quantity Traded 200,500 9,924,825 103,550 1,000 10,229,875

Value Traded 537,340.00 348,081,289.44 100,658.00 850.00 348,720,137.44

Stock exchange daily equities summary Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Equities as at December 17, 2015

Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC Daily Summary as ofSMITHKLINE 17/12/2015 CONSUMER NIG. PLC. GLAXO Printed 17/12/2015 MAY &14:32:15.015 BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 15 2 17

Current Price 28.34 32.50

Quantity Traded 188,000 5,032 193,032

Value Traded 5,298,188.60 171,691.84 5,469,880.44

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.36

Quantity Traded 197,443 197,443

Value Traded 267,055.89 267,055.89

390,475

5,736,936.33

Quantity Traded 200,000 5,267,346 3,396,014 8,863,360

Value Traded 130,000.00 7,888,861.84 69,392,234.40 77,411,096.24

8,863,360

77,411,096.24

25

Symbol AGLEVENT

No. of Deals 2 87 62 151

TRANSCORP Daily Summary (Equities) UACN

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 0.65 1.49 20.43

151 Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 0.50 14.46

Quantity Traded 53,000 50 53,050Page

Value Traded 26,500.00 687.00 12 1 27,187.00 of

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 39.70

Quantity Traded 23,053 23,053

Value Traded 946,767.47 946,767.47

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 6.03

Quantity Traded 31,056 31,056

Value Traded 186,327.60 186,327.60

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1 1 3

Current Price 100.00 45.22 10.00

Quantity Traded 10 20 5 35

Value Traded 1,000.00 859.20 50.00 1,909.20

107,194

1,162,191.27

Value Traded 25.00 25.00

Daily Summary of 17/12/2015 UNIONas HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Printed 17/12/2015 UPDC14:32:15.015 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

UPDCREIT

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts Activity Summary on Board EQTY DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto CONSUMER GOODS Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS PLC Published by The NigerianNIG Stock Exchange © INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC TIGERas BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Daily Summary of 17/12/2015 Food Products Totals Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Household Durables Published by VONO The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC Daily Summary as ofINSURANCE 17/12/2015 PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Activity Summary on Board Mortgage Carriers, BrokersEQTY and Services UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 50 50

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 6 71 4 98 179

Current Price 3.67 123.00 15.50 118.79

Quantity Traded 36,716,295 2,533,512 Page 4,132 591,473 39,845,412

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 182.00

Quantity Traded 81,461 81,461

Value Traded 14,825,841.30 14,825,841.30

Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON TIGERBRANDS

No. of Deals 17 58 17 19 69 180

Current Price 6.18 22.02 1.74 6.81 1.14

Quantity Traded 99,750 332,536 660,500 342,432 8,640,487 10,075,705

Value Traded 614,181.25 6,997,134.10 1,065,878.00 2,419,203.80 9,883,512.90 20,979,910.05

No. of Deals 20 (Equities) 40 60

Current Price 19.00 800.00

Quantity Traded 86,966 557,343 644,309

Value Traded 1,576,505.55 445,860,343.85 447,436,849.40

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 20

Current Price 4.70

Quantity Traded 565,981

Value Traded 2,650,304.64

Symbol VONO

No. of Deals 7 27

Current Price 0.72

Quantity Traded Page 1,843,100

Value Traded 12 31,299,769.00 of 3,950,073.64

No. of Deals 35 32 67

Current Price 29.69 45.50

Symbol CADBURY Daily Summary NESTLE

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

2,409,081

527

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK Daily Summary STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK

Value Traded 128,890,195.45 311,621,952.01 12 2 of 64,335.69 71,082,061.30 511,658,544.45

Quantity Traded 518,519 8,939,916 9,458,435

Value Traded 15,162,032.59 406,159,732.68 421,321,765.27

62,514,453

1,420,173,009.11

No. of Deals 71 29 14 32 217 84 (Equities) 11 101 21 25

Current Price 4.65 2.35 15.85 1.36 19.76 1.24 1.88 3.58 5.70 0.70

Quantity Traded 2,422,401 11,053,812 14,174 1,385,499 7,414,758 4,080,939 417,782 15,340,347 203,951 2,019,305

Value Traded 11,258,293.57 25,166,564.89 221,942.15 1,894,627.64 147,049,457.58 5,208,119.17 763,187.42 55,760,514.32 1,163,129.34 1,355,504.02

Symbol WEMABANK

No. of Deals 6 611

Current Price 0.90

Quantity Traded 16,332 44,369,300

Value Traded 14,535.52 249,855,875.62

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE EQUITYASUR INTENEGINS LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD NEM NIGERINS REGALINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 80 4 1 1 10 1 1 12 4 1 5 120

Current Price 0.91 1.10 0.50 0.50 0.74 0.50 2.76 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50

Symbol FORTISMFB

No. of Deals 3 5 8

Current Price 5.15 1.00

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 2

Symbol

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UCAP

Quantity Traded 974,807 702,441 804,976 3,706,669 3,257,329 9,446,222

Value Traded 2,354,355.84 2,871,968.06 1,400,410.32 57,477,395.50 4,090,606.18 68,194,735.90

Symbol ASHAKACEM

No. of Deals 15

Current Price 24.79

10,229,875

348,720,137.44

Quantity Traded 64,430

Value Traded 1,626,358.66

Page

6

of

Quantity Traded 170,835 170,835

Value Traded 275,297.68 275,297.68

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC.

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 50.93

Quantity Traded 27,852 27,852

Value Traded 1,347,758.28 1,347,758.28

2,769,521

103,434,416.39

Current Price 3.79

Quantity Traded 13,806 13,806

Value Traded 51,209.82 51,209.82

Packaging/Containers Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 Totals Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

97

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000 Page

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00 7 of 12

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 91 91

Current Price 5.46

Quantity Traded 1,610,562 1,610,562

Value Traded 8,592,843.20 8,592,843.20

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 10 48 18 1

Current Price 26.04 1.71 254.10 125.84 49.66

Quantity Traded 1,000 134,512 83,440 37,744 10

Value Traded 24,740.00 226,604.08 20,596,540.33 4,752,390.70 471.80

Symbol TOTAL

No. of Deals 6 84

Current Price 152.20

Quantity Traded 13,231 269,937

Value Traded 2,012,040.91 27,612,787.82

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 42 42

Current Price 203.00

Quantity Traded 16,936 16,936

Value Traded 3,559,434.00 3,559,434.00

1,899,435

39,766,065.02

3

CONOIL Daily Summary (Equities) ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Daily Summary of 17/12/2015 R Tas BRISCOE PLC. Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers©Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

No. of Deals 7 7

Symbol CILEASING

8

Current Price 4.20

Quantity Traded 368,000 368,000

Value Traded 1,548,330.00 1,548,330.00

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 45,355 45,355

Value Traded 22,677.50 22,677.50

Symbol Symbol TOTAL CAPHOTEL

No. No. of of Deals Deals 61 841

Current Current Price Price 152.20 4.07

Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 13,231 50 269,937 50

Value Value Traded Traded 2,012,040.91 203.50 27,612,787.82 203.50

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 42 42

Current Price 203.00

Quantity Traded 16,936 Page 16,936

Value Traded 93,559,434.00 of 12 3,559,434.00

Symbol REDSTAREX

Daily Summary (Equities)

218

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC FINANCIAL Totals Building SERVICES Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS GOODS Totals INDUSTRIAL Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PREMIUM Board Totals Building Materials Totals

PREMIUM Board Totals

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

Exchange Traded Fund

Name Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exchange TradedETF Fund VETIVA BANKING Name VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETFTRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exchange Traded Fund Totals

12

39,766,065.02

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 70,000 70,000

Value Traded 35,000.00 35,000.00

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 4.20

Quantity Traded 368,000 368,000

Value Traded 1,548,330.00 1,548,330.00

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 45,355 45,355

Value Traded 22,677.50 22,677.50

Symbol CAPHOTEL

No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals 4 7 11

Current Price 4.07

Quantity Traded 50 50 Quantity Traded 21,900 Page 254,330 276,230

Value Traded 203.50 203.50 Value Traded 12,045.00 9 210,007.30 of 12 222,052.30

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.21

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 200.00 200.00

No. of Deals 2 28 (Equities) 30

Current Price 1.90 3.58

Quantity Traded 6,055 331,758 337,813

Value Traded 11,238.90 1,143,359.31 1,154,598.21

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 2.47

Quantity Traded 15,000 15,000

Value Traded 35,550.00 35,550.00

Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 57 240 240

Current Price 13.91

Quantity Traded 1,112,498 14,822,900 14,822,900

Value Traded 3,018,611.51 207,515,646.51 207,515,646.51

Symbol Symbol FBNH ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals No. of Deals 198 240 198 240 438 No. of Deals 198 198 No. of Deals 25 438 25

Current Price Current Price 4.69 13.91

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 5,415,878 14,822,900 5,415,878 14,822,900 20,238,778 Quantity Traded 5,415,878 Page 5,415,878 Quantity Traded 395,008 20,238,778 395,008

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA

Daily Summary Symbol CAVERTON

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol FBNH Symbol DANGCEM

Symbol DANGCEM

2,017

25 No. of Deals 25 463 25

Equity Activity GOODS Totals Totals INDUSTRIAL Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

Exchange Traded Fund Equity Activity Totals

1,899,435

No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions Banking FBN HOLDINGS PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PLC Published by The Financial Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Institutions Totals Building Materials

Value Traded 35,000.00 of 12 35,000.00

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 Transport-Related Services Totals Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

EQTY Board Totals

51,209.82

Quantity Traded 70,000 Page 70,000

Symbol INTERLINK

Banking SERVICES Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Activity Summary Banking Totals on Board PREMIUM

13,806

218

Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 Specialty Totals Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015

Support and Logistics Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES

Value Traded 6 2,227,610.00 of 12 36,782,680.80 5,346,020.77 34,390.00 55,794,300.20 101,811,360.43

No. of Deals 3 3

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 1,626,358.66

Symbol BOCGAS

Daily Summary (Equities)

Printing/Publishing Totals

Current Price 2.43 4.10 1.74 15.50 1.24

38

Current Price 1.63

CAPITAL HOTEL PLC SERVICES Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © LEARN AFRICA PLC

No. of Deals 44 7 26 6 58 141

Value Traded 537,340.00 348,081,289.44 100,658.00 850.00 348,720,137.44

No. of Deals 9 9

Hotels/Lodging Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 5 of94.60 12

Quantity Traded 200,500 9,924,825 103,550 1,000 10,229,875

Symbol CUTIX

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Quantity Traded 20 Page

Current Price 2.68 35.00 0.96 0.89

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Current Price

No. of Deals 2 28 7 1 38

Quantity Traded 222,752 Page 978,258 690,244 10,000 605,150 2,570,834

OIL AND GAS Totals

No. of Deals 2

348,720,137.44

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price 10.00 37.60 7.77 3.58 92.44

Exploration and Production

Value Traded 94.60

10,229,875

Quantity Traded

No. of Deals 8 7 17 2 37 86

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 20

38

Quotation(N)

Symbol BERGER CAP CCNN PORTPAINT WAPCO

Building Materials BERGER PAINTS Published by The Nigerian Stock PLC Exchange © CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Employment Solutions

Current Price 4.97

324,624,820.90

No Of Deals

Quantity Traded 64,430

Employment Solutions Totals OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Hotels/Lodging TOTAL NIGERIA CAPITAL HOTELPLC. PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Hotels/Lodging Totals

12 4 of Value Traded 1,080,630.98 262,825.84 250.00 233.00 1,124,475.92 100.00 1,965.60 1,575,997.84 2,485,527.50 250.00 3,423.50 6,535,680.18

64,178,204

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 2.68 35.00 0.96 0.89

Current Price 24.79

Activity onPLC. Board EQTY C Summary & I LEASING

Value Traded 1,734.60 36,700.00 38,434.60

882

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

Page Quantity Traded 1,188,578 241,098 500 466 1,597,606 200 720 2,316,938 4,971,055 500 6,847 10,324,508

No. of Deals 2 28 7 1 38

No. of Deals 15

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Quantity Traded 354 37,800 38,154

NPFMCRFBK Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC

19

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

Symbol ASHAKACEM

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY MOBIL OIL NIG MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Company name

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKAGOODS CEM PLC INDUSTRIAL

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 OANDO PLC Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol DUNLOP

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 17/12/2015 DIAMOND BANK PLC Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY UNION BANK on NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

HEALTHCARE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

AGRICULTURE Daily Summary as ofTotals 17/12/2015 Printed 17/12/2015 14:32:15.015 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Sector

882

Current Price 0.55 0.81

Current Price 4.69 Current Price 155.05

Current Price 155.05

152,078,821

2,324,098,494.03

395,008 Quantity Traded 395,008 20,633,786 395,008

61,396,451.72 Value Traded 61,396,451.72 294,347,190.74 61,396,451.72

172,712,607 395,008

2,618,445,684.77 61,396,451.72

2,480 25

Daily Summary (ETP)

463

20,633,786

294,347,190.74

2,480

172,712,607

2,618,445,684.77

Daily Summary (ETP) No. of Deals Current Price Symbol NEWGOLD

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol VETBANK Symbol VETGOODS NEWGOLD VETGRIF30 VETINDETF

Value Traded Value Traded 25,435,092.51 207,515,646.51 25,435,092.51 207,515,646.51 232,950,739.02 Value Traded 25,435,092.51 12 10 of 25,435,092.51 Value Traded 61,396,451.72 232,950,739.02 61,396,451.72

1

2,048.00

No. of Deals 1 No. of Deals 1 1 1 5

Current Price 2.66 Current Price 7.04 2,048.00 12.28 20.17

Quantity Traded 55 Page Quantity Traded 500 Quantity Traded 200 55 5 100 Page 860

Value Traded 112,640.00 12 11 of Value Traded 1,330.00 Value1,408.00 Traded 112,640.00 61.40 11

2,017.00 of 12 117,456.40

ETF Board Totals

5

860

117,456.40

ETP Activity Totals

5

860

117,456.40

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday December 18, 2015

Actress and producer Tamara Eteimo started acting in 2011 after emerging as the winner of the popular Nigeria TV competition The Next Movie Star. In this interview with IMOLEAYO FATUNASE, she gives an insight into her personal and professional life. Excerpts: Since your entrance to the entertainment industry in 2011, how can you describe your experience?

I could say the experience has really been wonderful and great but at the same time stressful. Though some people do say that you must pay a price before coming in to the movie industry but in my own case, I will say I am a lucky person in the industry.

After studying theater arts in the University of Port Harcourt , I came to the industry under a platform after registering with Actors Guild which is an important key. I went into a movie reality show and I won in 2011 and since then I have been acting professionally, I don’t think there was ever a room for anyone to come to sabotage or tell me that he has to sleep with me or that I should pay a certain amount of money to get a role.

First of all, one thing I believe and say is that if you know what you are doing, and you’re doing it right, no one will come and manipulate you except you are d e s p e r at e.

Personally if I don’t merit a role there is no point paying any price. Acting is a lear ning process, If I have n o t been able t o get all

Arty News

31

Acting has been my passion –Tamara the roles I want, what I will do is to find out why I am not able to get them and then start working on my acting skills to get better in order to achieve what I want.

How was your childhood like and how did you find the experience after relocating to Lagos?

I grew up in Port Harcourt from a family of six children but lost one elder brother some years back, growing up was amazing because my parents are together by God’s grace, my family is just one big happy and they support any thing you do. My dad was so supportive throughout my education; he is always supportive all the time. Even at some point when I needed to change my school frequently during my secondary school. I went to lots of schools but officially graduated from the University of Port Harcourt.

Immediately after graduating from the University, I started singing and almost had an album, I performed in shows like Crack Your Ribs 2009, Miss Obaga, and one show organized by City People in River State in 2009 and some shows that I was making money from but singing was never my passion, as it has always been a passion to act so I decided Tamara t o

Dear Diary is a short Drama of about ten

minutes; it is a story of a family who just came back from

us

move to Lagos. All this was possible because I got support from my parents even though some matter arose at some stage but my family has always been supporting. Since when I relocated to Lagos in 2011, the story has been sweet, I kept my life private, relax most times at home watching movies and God has been faithful to me.

During the process of your formal training did you have it in mind to practice, or was it a childhood dream?

Well I have always seen myself as an entertainer even when I was still a kid because one thing I always do is whenever I watch a movie, I always rehearse whatever scene the person has acted in. Then there was a time I had to practice kissing with a wood because I saw it in a movie. I realized that Acting was my calling as I grew up, my passion for it became deep and deeper so I made up my mind that this was what I am going to study because I don’t want to study Engineering and later be in the movie industry, it doesn’t correspondent. I want to get used to my field right from the start till the last level so today, I am proud to be a product of Theatre Art. University of Porthacourt really helped me as a student, as an individindivid ual and as an Actor.

What motivates you professionally and how do you combine Fashion with your acting career?

I could say what motivates me is God and passion.

Whenever I get a script, the first thing I do is to develop an excitement in myself that will prepare me for the job that awaits me because I know that My profession demands that I be a different person as many times as possible. I read books once in a blue moon because I’ve got more rere sponsibility since I started producing but I still find time to read because it is very important to learn new things every day. When it comes to Fashion, I am not really a trendy person, what matters to me about fashion is you as an individual, I wear what makes me comfortable. I can proudly say that Nigeria designer are working hard bebe cause some of Nigeria designs can now compete with the ones in outside world.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a soap opera titled Dear Dairy and I’m playing the role “Zara”.

Dear Diary is a short drama of about ten minutes; it is a story of a family who just came back from US. It is a comedy skit but has a lot of meaningful messages to pass across though it is a diary written by one of the children concering his experience in Nigeria to show some of his friend whenever he returns to the US, I am also currently into many movie roles now and few series. What actually brought me to limelight was the role I acted in Super Story as Utoma, some other ones includes; Desperate House Girls, Finding Mercy, The Green Hide, Out of Ghetto, Separate Lives andUnblissful to mention but a few.

32

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Exploring waterways to mitigate Lagos gridlock Lagos state government says it is set to develop water transportation as a way of tackling the problem of traffic logjam in the state’s metropolis to mitigate residents’ hardship.

Adejuwon Osunnuyi writes

F

Passengers in a ferry

‘

Currently, there are over two million

people per month using the waterways in lagos. with terminals loCated at mile 2, osborne, ebute ojo, badore and ikorodu, the jetties inClude oworonsoki , sabokoji, agboyi – ketu, ekpeme, igbologun and ijegun egba – Floating jetty

ways authority (laswa) organized its first annual stakeholders’ Forum. the lagos state governor, akinwunmi ambode, however had cheering news for lagosians. according to him, government has put machinery in motion in developing water transportation as a way of tackling the problem of traffic gridlock across lagos metropolis and easing the stress of residents. speaking at the forum, ambode, who was represented by mr ade akinsanya, Commissioner for waterfront infrastructure said the water transport mode, which was a critical part of the intermodal transportation system of the government, would be developed with international best practices. he recalled that the state has perennial traffic gridlock, adding that such was a sign that the prosperity of the state was on-going, adding that it was at the heart of

‘

or kunle badejo, a banker living in ajah, going to his office in ikoyi and coming back home everyday had always been a herculean task. most times, as he recalled, he could spend more than three hours in traffic for a journey that should not have been more than 15 minutes. after receiving logs of queries from his office for coming late to work, last month, kunle thought of an alternative. beaming with smile, he revealed that he had been able to conquer the spirit of lateness to work. how did he do it, or what had been the solution that he applied? according to kunle, since he was introduced to using boat to go to his office, to his great surprise, he has been spending just 10 minutes instead of the usual three to four hours. kunle is not the only one having this heave of relieve. Currently, there are over two million people per month using the waterways in lagos. with terminals located at mile 2, osborne, ebute ojo, badore and ikorodu, the jetties include oworonsoki , sabokoji, agboyi – ketu, ekpeme, igbologun and ijegun egba – Floating jetty. on the average, the ikoroduFive cowries/marina route, which covers 45km, is said to be having 25 to 30 minutes travel time as against road travel, which is about two hours.

Coming oh the heal of kunle’s joyous experience, as well as other millions of lagos residents making use of water transportation, to position the waterway as a viable and safe transport option and encourage the public to use it as part of their daily journey, recently, the lagos state water-

the nation’s economy. the governor added that not only was there a growing influx of people into the state, but that lagos, just as other cities across the world, was facing the challenge of rapid urbanisation, and as such there was the need to ensure provision of infrastructure that extends beyond the present generation. “i am happy that the forum is taking place at a time when one of the critical challenges facing the state is how to move citizens efficiently and effectively and improve the capacity of the various modes of transportation for the benefit of the people. “just as other cities across the world, lagos state is facing the challenge of rapid urbanisation due to the growing influx of people into the state. “as such, there is the need to ensure provision of infrastructure that extends beyond the present generation.

Ambode

“to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous lagos state, there is the need for the establishment of appropriate standards and regulations in line with international best practices, towards the much needed implementation of water transport in the state. “these standards and regulations will be executed by laswa in terms of licensing, registration and enforcement of vessels plying the state’s waterways with a strict adherence to compliance,” the governor said. ambode urged stakeholders to come up with ideas on how to develop and maintain the waterways in line with best practices. in her remarks, mrs abisola

kamson, managing director of laswa, urged residents to embrace water transportation as it was cheaper, safer and faster. kamson said that laswa had decided to come up with water transport regulations and enforce them in line with international best practices. she said that this was in line with governor ambode’s vision to develop other modes of transportation. “water transportation is an integral component of the development of lagos state’s inter-modal transport system as the physical environment of lagos is wellsuited to accommodate water transport.” she noted. according to her, this is the major reason why water transport plays a major role in the economic and social development of the state. basically, the water transport is believed to have a lot of advantages over road transport. parts of the advantages include being faster and ease of determining time frames as well as being cleaner and safer. the water transportation is also believed to be environmentally friendly having less pollution and green mode of transport. while it is believed to be convenient and affordable, water transport is also said to be flexible in moving people and goods.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 18, 2015

33

NRC introduces special conference coaches

T

he Railway District Manager (RDM) North, Mr Akinwale Akintola said the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had introduced special coaches for groups, corporate, governmental and nongovernmental organisations willing to organise conferences while on-board.

Akintola said the essence of introducing the coaches was to give commuters the opportunity to discuss, deliberate and brainstorm on matters bothering them without hindrance.

He said, “Our customers can now comfortably seat as many as possible facing one another in a conference coach while still on-board.

“This will give them the op-

portunity to discuss whatever they want without any distraction.”

According to the RDM, other services provided by the NRC include container services, dry cargo services as well as freights wagon services.

Akintola commended the Federal Government for its support to the corporation and advised Nigerians to take advantage of the railway services to meet their transportation needs.

He observed that the rail system remained the cheapest and safest means of transport in Nigeria.

“In this period that the air transport in Nigeria is shaky, many flights are being cancelled on daily basis due to weather and technical constraints.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to re-double their patronage for railway services in view of its

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Stallion boosts Hyundai Brand image with 3s futuristic showroom

H

Adeseye Sijuade, NRC boss

safety, moderate fare and convenience.

“We run Kano-Lagos, Port Harcourt-Kano, Kano-Offa, Zaria-Kauran Namoda, KanoNguru, apart from intra-city town services in Kaduna and Lagos. All these are for the comfort and benefit of Nigerians,” he added.

Akintola said the NRC was determined to meet the transportation needs of individuals, groups, corporate, governmental and non-governmental organisations in Nigeria.

yundai Motors Nigeria Limited, authorised Hyundai manufacturer and product distributor has inaugurated yet another avant-garde showroom that depicts the Hyundai DNA, promising to integrate attractive pricing structure and riveting sales incentives with efficient service structure that can sustain the confidence of the motoring publics in the Korean engineered brand.

The Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni gave this hint in Lagos at a customer appreciation ceremony, remarking that the facility was fundamental to the harmonization of ideals and reassess-

ment of the Hyundai brand.

Located between the trio of Nissan, Audi and Porsche showrooms in highbrow Akin Adesola Street Victoria Island Lagos, the facility, according to Nadkarni, would ease access to Hyundai product range; sales and after sales service under a convenient atmosphere, Hyundai Motors Nigeria management assured.

“This ultramodern 3s showroom is borne out of Stallion Group’s commitment to the Hyundai brand and particularly her dedication to the Federal Government auto policy direction to make affordable vehicles available to the teeming motoring publics,” Mr. Nadkarni explained.

FRSC, Lagos govt to harmonise traffic data

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State government have agreed to harmonise their traffic data as a way of stepping up collaboration and ensuring efficiency in road traffic management.

This was the outcome of the meeting between the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi and Lagos State Commissioners for Finance, Dr Mustapha Akinkunmi as well as the state Comissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola at the FRSC National Headquarters Abuja.

According to Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, the Commissioner of Finance in his remarks described the investment, which the FRSC has made in technology towards ensuring efficient traffic management in the country as “massive, detailed and impressive.

Akinkunmi said he has not seen such a well packaged system in any public institution in the country of recent.

“We were indeed impressed with what we saw during the facility tour, and that shows the need for us to collaborate in harmonising and standardising our data for a more efficient traffic management in Lagos,” he stated.

Speaking further, he pointed out that the investment made by the FRSC towards tackling

the traffic challenges of the country is in the right direction, adding that Lagos state will tap into the infrastructural base of the Corps to share the knowledge for harmonisation and standardisation of Lagos state traffic data for improved road management.

Akinkunmi commended the FRSC for its commitment to road safety management, pledging that Lagos state government will partners with the Corps in finding lasting solutions to the traffic challenges of the country.

He assured that Lagos state will explore the possibility of tapping into the existing facilities of the FRSC for improved safety and revenue generation for Lagos state.

Speaking in same vein, the Commissioner for Transportation noted that the bane of transportation in Nigeria is data collation and its efficient

Oyeyemi

application, saying with proper data sourcing and application, the traffic challenges of the country could be effectively tackled.

Mobereola stressed the need for increased collaboration between the FRSC and Lagos state, noting that with proper harmonisation of data by the various stakeholders handling traffic data, a more efficient traffic management system could be delivered to the country.

The Corps Marshal in his remarks, acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos Governor on how to improve the transportation system of the state, noting that FRSC will ensure partnership that could adequately address the chaotic traffic situation of the state.

According to him, Lagos state accounts for the highest volume of vehicular traffic in the country, and FRSC is committed to partnering with to find enduring solutions to its traffic challenges.

Oyeyemi expressed optimism that if the traffic challenges of Lagos can be efficiently tackled, it would be a walkover in other states of the country.

Among those that accompanied the Commissioners on the visit were some senior officers of the Ministries including the Chairman of Lagos state Internal Revenue Board.

Hyundai showroom

Boulos launches Piaggio CP200 Van

I

n its promise to produce an all Nigerian vehicle, Boulos Enterprises Limited has launched the new Piaggio CP200 Van. Based on the world’s bestselling tri-cycle, the Piaggio Ape 200cc passenger tricycle, the new Piaggio CP200, which is a van version, was designed, fabricated and manufactured for commercial use in Nigeria by Boulos.

The entire rear section, including the rear floor platform, steel structure, steel or aluminium cladding (dependant on customer order), roof unit and all doors are said to have been fabricated and manufactured in the Boulos factory in Ikeja.

The CP200 van joins the ever expanding range of products produced by the all Nigerian workforce of men and women.

Joseph Fayose, the National Corporate Manager for BEL said: “I feel proud that we have launched a vehicle that is ideally suited to our philosophy of

“Transport Solutions for Nigeria.”

According to him, “this nippy, economical Piaggio van carries up to 400kg and is ideally suited to the streets and roads of Nigeria, in fact because it is manufactured by us, it is only available in Nigeria. It is tough, reliable and Boulos has ample parts stock to ensure the nothing is ever lacking for servicing the vehicle. As we manufacture the van, we can configure it for the needs of any business, it can have back doors for side streets or side doors for back streets”.

The new CP200 Van is said to be available from N520,000 including the rear body unit.

Boulos Enterprises Limited (BEL) was incorporated in 1964 by the Boulos brothers Anthony and Gabriel Boulos. The focus of their business initially, was trading and incorporation of general merchandise including some brands of motorcycles from Western Europe.

34

People In The Mirror

L-R: Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Abuja Branch, Mohammed Dahiru; Director of Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Prince Emmanuel Jeminiwa; Winner Of Fidelity Bank’s ‘Save-4-Shelta’ Promotion, Hajiya Kadija Suleiman; Executive Director, Shared Services, Fidelity Bank, Ugochukwu Chijioke, And Divisional Head, Retail Bank, Fidelity Bank, Richard Mediebo, at the presentation of keys of A 4-Bedroom Duplex won by Hajiya Kadija Suleiman in the Promotion, in Abuja

L-R: Wife of Nigeria’s Under-23 Football Ball Team (Dream Team Vi) coach, Mrs. Casandra Siasia; his Brother and PDM Governorship Candidate for Bayelsa, Mr. Moses Siasia and Coach Samson Siasia, during the Coach’s arrival at the Nnanmdi Azikiwe International Airport from Caf U-23 Championship Which Nigeria Won to qualify for Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Abuja.

L-R: Chief Host and President, Shaddaiville Ministries, Dr. Kunle Hamilton with his wife Taiwo; CEO, Matcom Ltd and Coordinator for Ondo State, Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele with his wife Bola; and Medical Director, Triumph Medical Centre, Dr. Deji Morenikeji

L-R: Director, Occupational Health/Staff Health Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health/representative of Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kubie Layeni-Adeyemo; Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Mrs. Shode Modupe; Chief Medicial Director, LASUTH/ representative of Hon. Commissioner for Health, Professor Adewale Oke; Assistant Director Nursing Services, Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Mrs. Dorothy Nyong and Commandant Nigeria Army College of Nursing, Brig. Gen. Toyin Ibrahim, during the LASUTH Nurses 10th Annual Conference, with theme: ‘Global Citizen, Global Nursing: Reshaping Nursing for the Future Needs of Citizens’ in Lagos. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on FCT Sen Dino Melaiye; Senate President, Sen Bukola Saraki and President, Women Arise Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin during a 2 Day Sensitization Meeting on the Implementation of the Guideline on Gender Based Violence and Young Person in Nigeria in Abuja..

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Best Performed Recruit of Course 34 Recruits, Oluwaniyi Opeyemi; Commandant, Grand Training Centre, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Abdulganiyu Olabisi and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadique Abubakar, at the presentation of souvenir to Opeyemi during the passing out parade of Nigerian Air Force Basic Military Training in Kaduna.

L-R: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Admin, Nasarawa State University,Keffi, Prof. Yakubu Ngwai ; Korean Ambassador, H.E. Noh Kyu-Duk and Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, during an interactive session with students of English and Literary Studies of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

L-R: Otunba Thankgod Ogedengbe; Commandant General, Riverine Security Coast Guard of the Federation, Commander Bibi Oduku and President, Policing Nigerian Awareness Initiatives, Chief Akparakwu Adun during a Press Conference on the National Security of the Riverine Area in Abuja.

PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

35

Promoting regional integration through strict CET implementation The Common External Tariff CET, which implementation came on stream in Nigeria in April, 2015 no doubt has the ability to unify and strengthen the economies of the 16-member states of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS. This is because the new tariff structure will enhance the competitiveness of the economies within the region in the global economic system.

But stakeholders have identified some challenges to effective implementation of the tariff, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

T

he approval by the Federal Government for the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Common External Tariff CET, covering between 2015-2019 came at the most auspicious time Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, had while announcing the new tariff structure, which also covers the 16-member states of ECOWAS, said that the implementation of the ECOWAS CET 2015-2019 and its Supplementary Protection Measures SPM and the 2015 Fiscal Policy Measures would occurs concurrently and take effect from April 11.

To underscore the importance of the new tariff not only to Nigeria but also to the region, the then Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko directed all the Customs Area Controllers to commence immediate the enforcement of the tariff provisions.

He had appealed to all the stakeholders in the supply chain to comply with the new policy directive in line with the ECOWAS Tariff in order to enhance trade facilitation within and outside the West African Sub-region.

One of the direct implications of the implementation of the tariff structure is that all goods entering into the Customs territory of any ECOWAS county will be assessed the same rate of Customs duty and ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme ETLS, which constitute the two main components of the ECOWAS Customs union.

Stakeholders have therefore observed that this trade uniformity among member states is an important step towards the establishment of the ECOWAS Common Market and subsequently an

ECOWAS Economic and Monetary union for the sub-region.

This is basically because it has become imperative for the region to foster a common front especially given contemporary global realities in the social, political, economic and technological spheres, which have continued to pose serious challenges to the developmental efforts of the region as an economic community.

About six months after the commencement of the implementation of the new tariff structure, there seem to exist major challenges that might erode the gains of the common tariff regime if not urgently addressed.

One of such challenges is economic issues that affect agricultural, manufacturing and industrial sectors and by implication the sustainable development of the region.

Another major challenge is the high level of infrastructural decay among most member nations of the region, which makes industrial production and agricultural activities very ineffective and therefore costly.

Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Mr. Chris Agba, who spoke in an interview, also believes that addressing these challenges is also key to realising the goals and objectives of the CET for the region.

According to him, no matter the

amount of protection that is provided to the industrial and manufacturing sectors, the region can only achieve sustainable development if these sectors are competitive in the global sense.

“In effect, ECOWAS as an economic community, and the private sector in particular must be able to strategically position these sectors and their products in a way that will make them competitive in the global market place”, he argued.

He also believes that he nature of the physical infrastructure in the ECOWAS region, particularly energy, roads, water for industrial purposes and telecommunications, among several others poses a major threat to the realisation of the goals of the tariff regime.

Inadequate infrastructural development in most member nations of the ECOWAS hasnegatively affected the growth of the industrial sector significantly and therefore push cost of production to very high levels. A strong infrastructural base is therefore needed in order to provide the necessary foundation for sustainable industrial growth and development in the region”, he also said.

Besides, experts believe that the availability of strategic management skills and competences

It has become ImperatIve for the regIon to foster a common front especIally gIven contemporary global charges In the socIal, polItIcal, economIc and technologIcal spheres, whIch have contInued to pose serIous challenges to the developmental efforts of the regIon as an economIc communIty

coupled with the ability to adopt management best practices have posed serious challenges Overall, maritime stakeholders are positive that the strict implementation of the CET holds more promises for the future of the region than her past, especially given that it would not only strengthen the economies of the member states of the community, it will also enhance their competitiveness.

Managing Director of KAMANY Nigeria Limited, an indigenous freight forwarding firm, Mr. Charles Okerefe, one of the stakeholders who commented on the new tariff structure, believes that the trade uniformity among member states brought about by the regime was good for the region.

“It has become imperative for the region to foster a common front especially given contemporary global charges in the social, political, economic and technological spheres, which have continued to pose serious challenges to the developmental efforts of the region as an economic community”, he also said.

According to him, the ECOWAS region to be competitive and to set itself on the path of sustainable development within the current global environment, it cannot continue to operate on the basis of the existing small and weak economies that characterise the region.

In view o this reality, ECOWAS member states need to strategically position their economies in a way that will not only provide for synergy but also strengthen their comparative advantage.

Stakeholders believe that it is by so doing that the region will create an enabling environment for eco-

nomic stability and growth, industrial development and investment within the sub-region, which have not been in place over time.

Another stakeholder and President of Shippers Association of Lagos State, Rev Jonathan Nicol, who spoke on the benefits of the regime, noted that the importers and exporters would be the greatest beneficiaries of the new tariff regime, which covers the entire ECOWAS community.

He also noted that, the new tariff structure would among other benefits bring about control and regulation in the imposition of tariffs by the different Customs Administration and other government agencies in the imposition of tariffs on importers and exporters.

“When countries meet under a system where there is control and a common tariff structure, members would be careful not to violate but where there is no such arrangement, many of them would impose all manners of tariffs, which would not be in the best interest of the cargo owners, the shippers”, Nicol, said.

According to him, in addition to facilitating the enthronement of a measure of control, the unified tariff structure within the West African Community would also reduce the cost of doing business, which the shippers have clamoured for over the years.

It is therefore expected that having addressed these basic challenges, the CET will create an increased competition within the region and therefore bring about increased efficiency and productivity among the member states if carefully and fatefully implemented.

36

Business Maritime

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Apapa gridlock: FG mulls 9% interest rate on loan for truckers STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

A

s part of the long term solution to the perennial gridlock and worsening carnage on the nation’s port access roads in Lagos, the Federal Government is planning a single digit interest loan facility for Nigerian truck owners to enable them acquire brand new trucks to replace their outdated and road

unworthy vehicles.

A source at the Federal Ministry of Transport hinted that the government had opened discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the National Automotive Council, NAC, to provide credit facility for indigenous truck owners at nine per cent interest rate to enable them acquire new trucks.

The Nigerian Shippers Coun-

cil NSC the nation’s commercial regulator for the port industry is to play the role of the middle man between the government and its agencies and the truck owners that would meet the conditions for the soft loan.

The source noted that e decision of the government to adopt this option follows the recent realisation that these indigenous truck owners, who are also critical

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Jauro, during the maiden facility visit by the ministers to NIMASA Resource Centre located at Kirikiri, Lagos, recently.

Crude tanker market outlook may worsen from Q2 2016 –Report

F

urther upside volatility is expected in the crude tanker market in 2016 as a result of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’, (OPEC’s), decision to effectively maintain oil output levels, Maritime Strategies International reported in its latest Tanker Freight Forecaster.

Average VLCC spot earnings for the Baltic Exchange’s ME-Japan voyage (TD3) have exceeded USD 100,000/day in the first half of December.

Over the six-month horizon of the latest report, upside potential remains high, with a combination of burgeoning trade and continuing low prices supporting global oil consumption and suppressing domestic crude production in North America.

MSI analysis shows that at the end of the first week of December, between 30% and35% of the VLCC fleet was not underway, being either moored or anchored.

“The decision by OPEC to keep the taps open implies that the inverse relationship between the crude price and VLCC rates will continue, presenting clear upside potential over the next six months.

A scenario in which crude oil prices are suppressed across 2016 could lead to a boom in tanker earn-

ings of comparable magnitude to 2007/8,” Tim Smith, Senior Analyst at MSI, said.

Due to the second highest annual level of tanker deliveries ever predicted in 2016, the MSI analysis cautions that fleet growth will start to impact the market through the second half of the year.

Other crude tanker segments are also performing strongly and MSI predicts they are likely to see more upside in December and into January as crude oil prices deteriorate.

Suezmax spot earnings gained in the second half of Q4 with both the Atlantic and Black Sea markets continuing their progress from October.

The West Africa – Europe spot earnings increased to an average of USD 59,500/day in November and have held close to that level in December, the report adds.

“Although these markets haven’t yet seen major gains, Suezmaxes in the Middle East were reportedly tracking increases seen for VLCCs, suggesting higher rates will spread across the market through December,” MSI said.

Aframax spot earnings also rallied in November, building on

gains made in October. As in the Suezmax segment, further upside has yet to be seen in December from November levels, although given the magnitude and timing of the rise in the VLCC market this cannot be ruled out.

Aframaxes are likely to see fewer benefits from strong Middle East output than their larger counterparts.

stakeholders in the supply chain in the country lack the financial muscle to acquire new trucks, which might not augur we with government’s plan to reposition the industry for enhanced revenue generation.

Under the new arrangement, the truck owners, who are to benefit from the loan would be registered by the council, which will also monitor the repayment plan.

It was gathered that the council is currently holding series of meetings with the various trucking associations, especially the Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN with a view to harmonising their activities so that they could speak with one voice.

The source further hinted that in addition to checking the growing carnage on the roads caused partly by these rickety, the Federal Government also plans to deepen the nation’s trans-shipment trade for land locked African countries, who have dumped the nation’s seaports since after the port reforms.

Under the scheme, the haulage firms are expected to harmonise their rates after the acquisition of the trucks and sign Memorandum of Association MoU with other Af-

TSA members propose rate hike in February

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rompted by ever depressing freight rates, member container lines in the Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement (TSA) have agreed on the need for an across-the-board increase in dry cargo rates, effective February 1, 2016.

“Declining Asian consumer and industrial demand, made worse by a strong dollar, has cut into U.S. ex-

I’ll seek Presidency’s consent on Cabotage policy review –Minister

S

trong indications emerged that the Federal Government might soon embark on a comprehensive review of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage policy, which took effect in 2004 following the enactment of the Cabotage Act, 2003.

The Act, which is protectionist in nature, seeks to promote indigenous participation in the shipping industry in the country, especially the coastal and inland region, provides that vessels to be used in the regional trade must be built in Nigeria, owned and crewed by Nigerians, among other provisions.

Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi, who fielded questions from newsmen shortly after a tour of the ports in Lagos, said there was urgent need to take a

rican truckers, especially on an agreed points where they would drop trans-shipment cargoes so as to forestall conflicts among truckers from other participating nations.

Investigations also showed that the NSC is currently talking with some terminal operators on the need to slash their rent charges and also increase their rent-free days to lure these shippers from the land locked African countries such as Niger and Mali, who now patronise Ports of Lome, Togo, Accra Ghana and Cotonou, the Republic of Benin.

The involvement of the NAC, the CBN and the NSC in the truck acquisition loan deal follows the failure of Multi-Trade, a member of the Dantata Group to consummate a similar truck acquisition contract with members of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN, and National Association of Road Transport Owners NARTO. Under the botched deal, MultiTrade was to supply members of the association a total of 2,000 units of brand new Mack trucks under a 25-year hire purchase scheme.

comprehensive look at the Cabotage regime with a view to assessing its successes and failures so as to take precautionary measures for future implementation.

He however hinted that he might need to consult with President Muhammandu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council FEC, the nation’s highest policy decision making body for the necessary guide on the best possible way to go about the review.

It was also gathered that the proposed review of the Cabotage policy is in tandem with the holistic audit of the entire maritime industry and the agencies in the industry, especially in terms of award of contracts and appropriation of funds as well as employment and placement of members of staff in these agencies.

port volumes and eroded U.S-Asia freight rates to the point where some dry cargoes are moving at levels which make them less attractive to carriers than repositioning empty containers,” TSA stated.

The recommended general rate increase (GRI) is in the amount of USD 100 per 40-foot container (FEU) for cargo moving via the U.S. West Coast, and USD 200 per FEU for cargo moving via the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The GRI will not apply to refrigerated shipments, which are rated separately.

TSA Executive Administrator, Brian Conrad, noted that westbound cargo volumes are likely to post negative growth for 2015, as orders have slowed overall, and as sourcing for many goods and raw commodities has shifted to countries with more favourable exchange rates.

“The market slowdown has been unprecedented, due primarily to weakening demand,” Conrad said. “Lines don’t envision sustained low rates growing the market, and see little benefit in growing market share at current rate levels. The challenge now is to generate sufficient revenue to maintain service levels and make a reasonable contribution to the round-trip sailing.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, December 18, 2015

37

World Bank to commit $500m to Northern Nigeria’s irrigation projects AbDUlgAfAr olADiMEJi, KAno

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he World Bank has earmarked $500 million for the revival of irrigation farming in Northern Nigeria through the rehabilitation of infrastructure in all parts of the region Kano State Governor, Dr Abdulahi Umar Ganduje confirmed this when he played host to the Task Team leader of the World Bank Assisted Commercial Agriculture Development Project, Dr. ElHadj Adama Toure, in his office The governor lauded the Breton Woods institution for

the intervention which he described as desirable in view of the potential benefits to Northern region’s economy and by extension, the nation’s development.

Gov Ganduje promised that his administration would sustain its collaboration with the World Bank as a strategic option for promoting commercialization of agriculture in the state.

He explained that in spite of the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account, his administration would embrace and promote commercial agriculture on a sustainable manner while

also assuring that the state government would provide its counterpart funds for the project soon.

“We must come back to the drawing board, we must till the soil and get what is coming out from the soil which is more reliable, more dependable and more sustainable”, he said.

The Governor, described the Commercial Agriculture

Development Project as timely in view of the importance of agriculture as the mainstay of the state’s economy and the Federal government’s plan to ban the importation of rice and wheat importation into the country.

Earlier, the Task Team leader told the governor that, Nigeria’s Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) was designed in 2009 to strengthen agricultural

production systems and facilitate access to markets for eight agricultural value chains in five pilot states.

He disclosed that $150 million intervention fund would impact on 50,000 small and medium commercial farmers in five Nigerian states including, Kano, while many households will benefit indirectly through farm access roads, energy and market spillover effects.

Akwa Ibom, Abia consumers top high fuel prices’ chart UDEME AKPAN

D

espite their proximity to oil exploration and processing operations in the country, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River and Rivers State residents paid highest prices for petrol in the three months ended November this year.

For instance, in Akwa Ibom, the product was sold at N118.50, N 92.75 and N187.50 per litre in September, October and November this year respectively.

According to the latest report of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Abia State consumers followed in the high cost chart of the commodity, paying N91.88, N92.56 and N146.59 per litre in September, October and November this year respectively.

The report placed Cross River State users on the third position in the chart, as they paid N99.00, N105.80 and N140.40 per litre in September, October and November respectively.

Benue State was fourth state with N94.00, N90.80 and N138.57 per litre in September, October and November this year respectively.

This is closely followed by Bayelsa State with N119.83, N111.00 and N130.00 per liter for the three month of September, October and November this year respectively.

The report also placed Bauchi and Ogun as States with the least fuel prices.

The Bauchi recorded N93.25, N87.00 and N91.33 per liter,

Ogun recorded N87.00, N90.71 and N91.33 per liter during the period under review.

The situation seemed to have improved in Bayelsa, one of the leading oil and producing States in the past three months of this year.

Despite its being an oil producing state, residents in Bayelsa State used to pay as much as N153 per liter of petrol.

Residents in the State which had paid the highest fuel price in the past seven months paid N110, N103, N101, N109, N109, N155 and N153 per litre in January, February, March, April, May, June and July, 2015 respectively.

The NBS which had indicated in its July, 2015 report did not provide reasons for the high fuel price.

But investigations had showed that despite their oil bearing status and proximity to two refineries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, most consumers had no access to filling stations because of the ‘riverine’ nature of the State.

It was learnt that it was difficult for marketers and others to supply fuel to communities in coastal and swampy areas of the state.

The Executive Secretary of Depot and Petroleum

Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMA, Mr. Olufemi Adewole indicated that Bayelsa state did not have many filling stations like some other state capitals in the nation.

L-R: Regional Director, Abuja & North of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Mustapha Lukman; Head, Admin of Abuja Metropolitan Area Council, Hajia Ramatu Ozigi; a winner of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, Mrs. Queenelizabeth Ayo-Ale and the Bank’s Zonal Head, FCT 1, Mr. Baldwin Onuigbo, during the Regional draws held in Abuja on Tuesday.

CISLAC, NEITI harp on contract transparency in oil sector JoEl AJAyi, AbujA

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he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, in collaboration with OXFAM Nigeria have restated the need for effective implementation of contract transparency in oil and gas sector in the country.

The CSOs pointed out the if government ensured this, it will promote accountability, good governance as well as democratic principles.

Speaking at one day policy dialogue on “Contract Transparency and Beneficial Ownership in the Oil and Gas Sector” in Abuja on Tuesday, a development analyst in the extractive industry and one of the resources persons at the meeting Mr. Dayo Olaide, disclosed that transparency in contract executed by government would provide information on all payments made to government.

He maintained that if this is heeded, it will assist in ensuring

that natural resources transform to benefit that will improved standard of living of every Nigerian.

According to him, the aim of this meeting is basically to interrogate issue of contract transparency and how can we make those massive contract about oil, about solid mineral between government and operators, how can we made them more transparent He said: “Government must disclose how much it’s receiving from operators or company and operator must equally disclose what they are paying to government.

“Now we have seen the benefit of that in the last ten years, Nigerian now know how much government earned and loses in the last ten years if you see the NEITI report it stated there “For example in 2012 the report actually indicate that Nigeria lost about $11 billion between 2010 and 2012 this are the some of the information that represent tangible benefit of implementing the NEITI report in Nigeria “Nigerian must know, bench

mark that guide computation contract including royalty, tax, signature and crude oil sales unless we begin to pay more attention to those things many Nigerian we still be grouping in the dark that is why we conveyed this dialogue.

“Because contract actually represent the big picture and it is high time we start looking at how much of those provision have been comply with and how many is effectively implemented how many remains.” He said.

In his remarks NEITI’s Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonaya Orji, said that his organization mandate was to promote accountability and transparency in the management of extractive sector.

Represented by Mr. Kashim Lami, the NEITI boss commended the present administration for the steps toward implementation of open contract in the sector urging them to do more “With the emergency of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian has begun to experience the desire change”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, December 18, 2015

37

Chinese firm plans $300m rice project in Nigeria

A

Chinese company, HellogJiang Pingyuan Rice Group, has unveiled plans to invest $300 million in rice project in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Group, Mr. Wang Jing Xin, disclosed this on Tuesday, when he led a delegation of the company to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja.

Wang said the company would start with 500 hectares of land and later invest 300 million dollars into agriculture in Nigeria.

The facilitator of the meeting, the Consul-General of Nigeria in China, Ambassador Ali Ocheni, said some states namely, Imo, Cross River and Akwa

Ibom had shown interest in the proposal which covers training of local farmers and transfer of technology, apart from making profits.

He urged the ministry to encourage other states to partake in the project to help Nigeria become self –sufficient in rice.

Ocheni also disclosed the company’s its intention to collaborate with the ministry in building a research institute, help local farmers to improve themselves and equally, provide job opportunities to Nigerians says, Ambassador Ocheni.

In his response, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, spoke on the need to take every step to ensure that states

in the country partner with the company on the proposed rice project, adding that an expanse of land earlier mapped out for rice production in Bayelsa State would be considered for the project.

The Minister, who said Kebbi, Zamfara and Ogun states respectively could be encouraged to collaborate with the company also requested the company to consider the production of vegetables.

Chief Audu Ogbeh also tasked the International Fund

for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to devise a new strategy to accommodate the new programmes of the ministry.

The Minister listed the need to minimize the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, expansion of the value chains, rural sustenance, conversion of cassava leaves into animal feeds, industrial starch production and production of small harvesting machineries in cluster communities, among the requests of the ministry. He assured IFAD of the strong com-

mitment of the ministry.

In his response, the Regional Director, Central and West Africa Division of IFAD, Mr. Ides Wilbrow, noted the excellent relationship between IFAD and Nigeria, adding that the cordial relationship should be strengthened for mutual benefits.

Ides commended Nigeria for taking the lead in the diversification from oil to agriculture and pleaded with the Minister on the need to have a well structured process for the implementation of projects for easy decision making.

Air safety crucial to flight operations –IATA Olusegun KOiKi

T

he International Air Transport Association, IATA, has identified air safety in flight operations as the major priority of the international airline body.

This is just as the organisation said that collaboration of stakeholders, especially industry professionals and regulatory authorities, was key for aviation development.

Listing these criteria during a chat with journalists in Lagos, the Area Manager, South West Africa, IATA, Mr. Samson Fatokun, pointed out that the major key issues in aviation were to continually improve aviation safety, increase value through partnership, protect the interests of the industry and reduce environmental impact.

On the IATA Operation Safety Audit, IOSA, Fatokun disclosed that there are a total of 392 airlines on IOSA registry, adding that of this number, 244 are members while 148 nonmembers.

He hinted that Nigeria has three airlines; Aero, Arik Air and First Nation as members of IOSA, which indicated their level of safety.

Fatokun revealed further that airlines that are on IOSA registry from available records had fewer accidents in 2014 when compared to other airlines that are not members.

Supporting his claims with official statistics, Fatokun cited the accident level in AfricaIndian Ocean, AFI, Region for non IOSA members that stood at 19.62, while the accident re-

corded in the same region for IOSA registered airlines stood at 1.95 per cent In Middle East and North Africa, MENA, region, the IATA official disclosed that the accidents from non-IOSA member airlines stood at 9.69 per cent while airlines on IOSA registry recorded 1.52 per cent in 2014.

Non-members of IOSA in the NASIA region recorded 5.95 per cent accidents while IOSA registered recorded 0.52 per cent On the whole, he stated that non-registered airlines recorded 3.37 while IOSA registered recorded 1.08 accident rate in 2014 Speaking on IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations, ISAGO, which he said was aimed at improving safety and cutting airline costs by drastically reducing ground accidents and injuries, Fatokun, said that ISAGO has 316 ground handling companies on registry with additional 172 Ground Service Providers, GSPs, in 203 airports across the world.

He said that the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCo, and Sky Way Aviation Handling Company, SAHCOL, are on ISAGO registry for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

On the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan( BSP),he stated that before IATA registration in Nigeria less than 100 Nigerian travels could sell international airlines ticket but that in 2014, through IATA BSP, over 700 Nigerian travel agents have unlimited access to international airlines tickets

L-R: Regional Director, Abuja & North of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Mustapha Lukman; Head, Admin of Abuja Metropolitan Area Council, Hajia Ramatu Ozigi; a winner of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, Mrs. Queenelizabeth Ayo-Ale and the Bank’s Zonal Head, FCT 1, Mr. Baldwin Onuigbo, during the Regional draws held in Abuja on Tuesday.

CISLAC, NEITI harp on contract transparency in oil sector JOel AJAyi, AbujA

T

he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, in collaboration with OXFAM Nigeria have restated the need for effective implementation of contract transparency in oil and gas sector in the country.

The CSOs pointed out the if government ensured this, it will promote accountability, good governance as well as democratic principles.

Speaking at one day policy dialogue on “Contract Transparency and Beneficial Ownership in the Oil and Gas Sector” in Abuja on Tuesday, a development analyst in the extractive industry and one of the resources persons at the meeting Mr. Dayo Olaide, disclosed that transparency in contract executed by government would provide information on all payments made to government.

He maintained that if this is heeded, it will assist in ensuring

that natural resources transform to benefit that will improved standard of living of every Nigerian.

According to him, the aim of this meeting is basically to interrogate issue of contract transparency and how can we make those massive contract about oil, about solid mineral between government and operators, how can we made them more transparent He said: “Government must disclose how much it’s receiving from operators or company and operator must equally disclose what they are paying to government.

“Now we have seen the benefit of that in the last ten years, Nigerian now know how much government earned and loses in the last ten years if you see the NEITI report it stated there “For example in 2012 the report actually indicate that Nigeria lost about $11 billion between 2010 and 2012 this are the some of the information that represent tangible benefit of implementing the NEITI report in Nigeria “Nigerian must know, bench

mark that guide computation contract including royalty, tax, signature and crude oil sales unless we begin to pay more attention to those things many Nigerian we still be grouping in the dark that is why we conveyed this dialogue.

“Because contract actually represent the big picture and it is high time we start looking at how much of those provision have been comply with and how many is effectively implemented how many remains.” He said.

In his remarks NEITI’s Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonaya Orji, said that his organization mandate was to promote accountability and transparency in the management of extractive sector.

Represented by Mr. Kashim Lami, the NEITI boss commended the present administration for the steps toward implementation of open contract in the sector urging them to do more “With the emergency of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian has begun to experience the desire change”, he said.

38

Business News

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chinese firm plans $300m rice project in Nigeria

A

Chinese company, HellogJiang Pingyuan Rice Group, has unveiled plans to invest $300 million in rice project in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Group, Mr. Wang Jing Xin, disclosed this on Tuesday, when he led a delegation of the company to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja.

Wang said the company would start with 500 hectares of land and later invest 300 million dollars into agriculture in Nigeria.

The facilitator of the meeting, the Consul-General of Nigeria in China, Ambassador Ali Ocheni, said some states namely, Imo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom had shown interest in the proposal which covers training of local farmers and transfer of technol-

ogy, apart from making profits.

He urged the ministry to encourage other states to partake in the project to help Nigeria become self –sufficient in rice.

Ocheni also disclosed the company’s its intention to collaborate with the ministry in building a research institute, help local farmers to improve themselves and equally, provide job opportunities to Nigerians says, Ambas-

sador Ocheni.

In his response, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, spoke on the need to take every step to ensure that states in the country partner with the company on the proposed rice project, adding that an expanse of land earlier mapped out for rice production in Bayelsa State would be considered for the project.

The Minister, who said Kebbi, Zamfara and Ogun states respectively could be encouraged to collaborate with the company also requested the company to consider the production of vegetables.

Chief Audu Ogbeh also tasked the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to devise a new strategy to accommodate the new programmes of the ministry.

The Minister listed the need to minimize the conflicts between

herdsmen and farmers, expansion of the value chains, rural sustenance, conversion of cassava leaves into animal feeds, industrial starch production and production of small harvesting machineries in cluster communities, among the requests of the ministry. He assured IFAD of the strong commitment of the ministry.

In his response, the Regional Director, Central and West Africa Division of IFAD, Mr. Ides Wilbrow, noted the excellent relationship between IFAD and Nigeria, adding that the cordial relationship should be strengthened for mutual benefits.

Ides commended Nigeria for taking the lead in the diversification from oil to agriculture and pleaded with the Minister on the

need to have a well structured process for the implementation of projects for easy decision making.

Air safety crucial to flight operations –IATA Olusegun Koiki

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bauchi State, Alhaji Yusuf Yerima representing the Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar; Executive Director, Fidelity Bank Plc., Mohammed Balarabe and representative of Emir of Bauchi, HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, Alhaji Baba Gidado, at the commissioning of the Blind Hostel, Special Education Centre,Yelwa, Bauchi State, renovated by the Bank on Tuesday.

I’ll rather subsidize agriculture than oil –Minister

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he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that government and the people would benefit much if the billions of naira being spent yearly on fuel consumption were channeled to agriculture.

The minster stated this on Tuesday at an interactive session with the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions at the National Assembly.

Chief Ogbeh said that it was time for Nigeria to do something about the importation of food and check the illegal trade in rice and polluted chicken along the Seme and Cameroon borders saying, “Nigeria should look after herself before thinking about other neighbouring countries.”

He expressed his readiness to ensure that all the agricultural Institutes that were erroneously moved out of the ministry are brought back with a view to making their functions relevant to the needs of the agricultural sector.

Chief Ogbeh said that the essence of the Colleges of Agriculture was to produce a new generation of young farmers to take over from the old ones, adding that all malfunctioning agricultural research Institutes would be fixed.

The Minister promised to es-

tablish Extension Offices to be manned by extension officers in all the Local Governments in Nigeria in the next four to six years, with Students of Colleges of agriculture involved in the new extension system.

This is even as he unveiled government’s plans to end normadic cattle grazing through the drilling of water boreholes and introduction of quality grasses from abroad, adding that “nobody roams around with cattle anymore.”

While noting that the proposed cattle breeding programme would be private sector-driven but fully supported by the ministry, the minister said government would plant 500,000 seeds of Ogbono (bush mango) targeting the high demand of it in the United States, while also considering same in cashew and shea-butter.

According to him, there would be an improvement in the quality of our export products.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, said a key weakness of all past agricultural intervention policies and programmes has been the neglect of research and education drivers that are the engine of pro-

ductivity in the agricultural sector. After raising some concerns in the unregulated extension subsystem, instability in the management of research Institutes, warehousing of agricultural research activities, the lawmaker said that the committee would to work with the ministry to urgently address the obstacles to agricultural modernization.

T

he International Air Transport Association, IATA, has identified air safety in flight operations as the major priority of the international airline body.

This is just as the organisation said that collaboration of stakeholders, especially industry professionals and regulatory authorities, was key for aviation development.

Listing these criteria during a chat with journalists in Lagos, the Area Manager, South West Africa, IATA, Mr. Samson Fatokun, pointed out that the major key issues in aviation were to continually improve aviation safety, increase value through partnership, protect

Yuletide: Shoppers blame economic lull for low purchase

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

L

agos state shoppers have expressed displeasure over the growing economic crunches in the country, disclosing that the situation is affecting their spending at supermarkets during this yuletide.

National Mirror visits to some popular shopping malls in Lagos, including, Actis Ikeja Mall, Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Ceddi Plaza and Silverbird Galleria, amongst others, showed that shopping in the malls was at its lowest ebbs.

In most of the super marts which used to be bubbling with shoppers’ traffic in the years past in Christmas and other festive seasons, it was discovered that shop-

pers were just trickling in and going out with petty shopping items, particularly, children necessities.

Investigation shows that shopping malls account for 45 per cent of supermarket spending in the run-up to Christmas period while open market spending accounts for 55 percent.

However, both have failed to increase their market shares this season with many of the malls losing serious patronage due to the prevailing economic situation.

Also, discount supermarkets have not fared better, as they were also reported drops in sales.

According to some shoppers as well as sales representatives of some shopping malls, the economic situation would adversely affect this year’s yuletide celebrations.

the interests of the industry and reduce environmental impact.

On the IATA Operation Safety Audit, IOSA, Fatokun disclosed that there are a total of 392 airlines on IOSA registry, adding that of this number, 244 are members while 148 non-members.

He hinted that Nigeria has three airlines; Aero, Arik Air and First Nation as members of IOSA, which indicated their level of safety.

Fatokun revealed further that airlines that are on IOSA registry from available records had fewer accidents in 2014 when compared to other airlines that are not members.

Supporting his claims with official statistics, Fatokun cited the accident level in Africa-Indian Ocean, AFI, Region for non IOSA members that stood at 19.62, while the accident recorded in the same region for IOSA registered airlines stood at 1.95 per cent In Middle East and North Africa, MENA, region, the IATA official disclosed that the accidents from non-IOSA member airlines stood at 9.69 per cent while airlines on IOSA registry recorded 1.52 per cent in 2014.

Non-members of IOSA in the NASIA region recorded 5.95 per cent accidents while IOSA registered recorded 0.52 per cent On the whole, he stated that nonregistered airlines recorded 3.37 while IOSA registered recorded 1.08 accident rate in 2014 Speaking on IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations, ISAGO, which he said was aimed at improving safety and cutting airline costs by drastically reducing ground accidents and injuries, Fatokun, said.

38

Business News

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yuletide: Shoppers blame economic lull for low purchase SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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agos state shoppers have expressed displeasure over the growing economic crunches in the country, disclosing that the situation is affecting their spending at supermarkets during this yuletide.

National Mirror visits to some popular shopping malls

in Lagos, including, Actis Ikeja Mall, Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Ceddi Plaza and Silverbird Galleria, amongst others, showed that shopping in the malls was at its lowest ebbs.

In most of the super marts which used to be bubbling with shoppers’ traffic in the years past in Christmas and other festive seasons, it was discovered

that shoppers were just trickling in and going out with petty shopping items, particularly, children necessities.

Investigation shows that shopping malls account for 45 per cent of supermarket spending in the run-up to Christmas period while open market spending accounts for 55 percent.

However, both have failed to

increase their market shares this season with many of the malls losing serious patronage due to the prevailing economic situation.

Also, discount supermarkets have not fared better, as they were also reported drops in sales.

According to some shoppers as well as sales representatives of some shopping malls, the economic situation would adversely affect this year’s yuletide celebrations.

A shopper, Lucy Nyong, said that when she visited Actis Ikeja Mall, otherwise known as Shoprite at Alausa, Ikeja, commercial activities were not as busy as expected, saying when she inquired; the sales representatives told her that the general economic situation affected all the sectors of the nation’s economy.

She said that from food sector to clothing and down to service sector, the verdict was the same-a balance sheet of low commercial activities.

Mike Oyifo, a shopper in Lagos state, said discount supermarkets offer a superior shopping experience through better customer service, a wider product range and discounts, which encourage shoppers to visit their supermarkets.

“It has been a very difficult year for major supermarkets, driven by price deflation and compounded by cash crunch, even promotional and discount activities did nothing to boost sales”, he stated.

Marketing experts believe that the supermarkets will have to raise their games in 2016 and be more creative when it comes to stemming the economic tide.

T

ing their functions relevant to the needs of the agricultural sector.

Chief Ogbeh said that the essence of the Colleges of Agriculture was to produce a new generation of young farmers to take over from the old ones, adding that all malfunctioning agricultural research Institutes would be fixed.

The Minister promised to establish Extension Offices to be manned by extension officers in all the Local Governments in Nigeria in the next four to six years, with Students of Colleges of agriculture involved in the new extension system.

This is even as he unveiled government’s plans to end normadic cattle grazing through the drilling of water boreholes and introduction of quality grasses from abroad, adding that “nobody roams around with cattle anymore.”

While noting that the proposed cattle breeding programme would be private sector-driven but fully supported by the ministry, the minister said government would plant 500,000 seeds of Ogbono (bush mango) targeting the high demand of it in the United States, while also considering same in cashew and shea-butter.

According to him, there would be an improvement in the quality of our export products.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, said a key weakness of all past agricultural intervention policies and programmes has been the neglect of research and education drivers that are the engine of productivity in the agricultural sector.

‘I’ll rather subsidize agriculture than oil’

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bauchi State, Alhaji Yusuf Yerima representing the Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar; Executive Director, Fidelity Bank Plc., Mohammed Balarabe and representative of Emir of Bauchi, HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, Alhaji Baba Gidado, at the commissioning of the Blind Hostel, Special Education Centre,Yelwa, Bauchi State, renovated by the Bank on Tuesday.

Smuggling, poor monitoring worsen fuel scarcity nationwide UDEME AKPAN

D

espite the promises by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to ensure end to fuel scarcity within weeks, the fuel situation has worsened in all parts of the country mainly because of smuggling, diversion and inadequate monitoring in the downstream sector.

Investigations showed that some greedy traders have cashed in on the scarcity to smuggle commercial quantities of the product across the border communities in order to make brisk businesses.

For instance, an Idi Irokobased source who confirmed the development indicated that there were also others who discharge it to their storage facilities in the town before retailing the product at higher prices to consumers that come to buy it from Benin Republic and other West African nations.

He explained: “It cost about N800 to buy four litres of petrol here. It is much higher than that across the borders” Consequently, some marketers did not have the product to sell to

their consumers in Lagos and its environs because of diversion and other reasons when National Mirror visited the stations yesterday.

A market survey by National Mirror showed that many marketers who have commercial stocks of fuel still used only few pumps to dispense to motorists and other users, thus leading to emergence of long queues.

It was observed that the marketing companies have also stopped selling the product to users who need to buy in jerry cans for their generators, thus worsening the plights of consumers.

Many consumers were seen taking fuel tanks of their generators to various in order to get the product which demand has also risen because of epileptic power supply in the nation.

Other sources indicated that the nation’s fuel scarcity would likely continue till next year except the Federal Government fulfill its promise to pay the marketers their outstanding debts.

The Managing Director of one marketing companies, who preferred not to be identified in print, maintained that it would be dif-

ficult to get the cooperation of oil marketing companies because the companies were highly indebted to various banks that funded their operations in the past.

He said that as a result of delay in the subsidy payment, the relationships between the companies and financial institutions had worsened in the past few years.

The managing director said the eventual settlement of the debts would enable them to re-pay loans as well as embark on new importation of fuel.

he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that government and the people would benefit much if the billions of naira being spent yearly on fuel consumption were channeled to agriculture.

The minster stated this on Tuesday at an interactive session with the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions at the National Assembly.

Chief Ogbeh said that it was time for Nigeria to do something about the importation of food and check the illegal trade in rice and polluted chicken along the Seme and Cameroon borders saying, “Nigeria should look after herself before thinking about other neighbouring countries.”

He expressed his readiness to ensure that all the agricultural Institutes that were erroneously moved out of the ministry are brought back with a view to mak-

UK mulls National Insurance reforms

T

he UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals to levy just one class of National Insurance (social security tax) on self-employed persons, by abolishing Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

Currently, Class 2 is paid if a self-employed person’s taxable income is GBP5,965 (USD9,049) or more a year. Class 4 is paid if a person’s taxable income is GBP8,060 or more a year. Class 2 is charged at GBP2.80 a week, and Class 4 is charged at nine percent on profits between GBP8,060 and

GBP42,385, and two percent on profits over GBP43,385.

Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NICs) currently provide the self-employed with access to a range of state benefits. Class 4 contributions were introduced with the aim of ensuring that the self-employed pay a fair share of the costs associated with providing contributory benefits.

According to the consultation, abolishing Class 2 NICs would require the introduction of a new contributory benefit test for the self-employed.

Friday, December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Nigeria’s tomato import bill hits $16bn in three years …farmers, processors vow to bridge local demand gap

StorieS: ABoLAJi ADeBAYo

T

he Tomato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, TGPMAN, have unveiled plans to revive the comatose tomato industry, which has been one of the most neglected valuechains in the agricultural sub-sector of the nation’s economy over the years.

The association promised to work towards reducing the importation of tomato, estimated at about $16 billion in the last three years.

Making this promise in his maiden remarks after being elected President of the association, Alhaji Abdullahi Ringim, said that for a long time, agriculture had been neglected and thereby turning Nigeria into a net importer of tomato.

He noted that as at last three years, statistics showed that Nigeria imported $16 billion worth of tomato.

Ringim elaborated further: “What people do not even realise is that there is no single tomato processing industry in Nigeria.

Wherever you see tomato, either in can or sachet, they are all imported. Most people are of the view that Gino produces tomato in Nigeria, but the fact is that it only cans the tomato, not produces it.”

According to him, the only tomato processing company that has the capacity of processing 1200 metric tons per day was the one being installed in Kano State by the Dangote Group.

The tomato businessman explained that

F

the company had no canning line, but only processing.

He also explained that the second was “our own company in Dadinkowa which has the capacity of producing 600 metric tons, but with a canning line.”

“I used the word canning because they hardly take out local tomato to process and sell. All they do is import tomato paste, and then can in Nigeria.

“Now, this is where our challenge lies, and it is a big challenge for the tomato

farmers, either from the Gworonyo or Dadinkowa cultivation stretch, who strive to produce tomato, through thick and thin with little or no governmental support”.

Ringim expressed concern the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policy to restrict importers from using the forex market to source funds for importation of some products; saying there are two dimensions to it.

He said that the good part was that it would help those with capacity to produce tomatoes in Nigeria do more, but hinted

that with the lack of adequate production, the problem would be compounded.

According to him, government has not technically banned the importation of tomatoes “but it has said that as importers of tomatoes, they are not adding value to the farmers, so they are to access their Forex from the autonomous markets, it is good because it now puts less constraint on our foreign reserves,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of FACAN, Alhaji Akin Gbadamosi, commended the members for their display of maturity and urged that they should cooperate to ensure the revitalisation of the sub-sector.

The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh,(right); Permanent Secretary FMARD, Dr. Shehu Ahmad, and Chief Executive Officer, HellogJiang Pingyuan Rice Group, Mr. Wang Jing Xin, when he led a delegation of hic company on a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.

FAFIN to finance oil processing firm

und managers of Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria, FAFIN, Sahel Capital, has announced its investment in Diamond Pearls Agro Allied Limited, a fast growing edible oil processing company in Nigeria.

In a release by its management, the company has a vegetable oil refinery, which refines crude palm kernel and palm oil to produce vegetable oil for industrial and domestic use.

Located in Kwara State, the company is strategically situated to satisfy the current vegetable oil supply gap in northern Nigeria, while still close enough to the south‐west to provide products to its growing market. It has also expanded to become one of the largest vegetable oil processors in its region, with major market share in the northern part of the country.

According to the Founder and Managing Director of Diamond Pearls Agro, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, the company was selected by FAFIN after a rigorous operational review of several edible oil processors across Nigeria.

“FAFIN’s team came at the right time

to help facilitate the achievement of our ambitious expansion plans and we are delighted to have them as our partner, as we position to become one of the largest edible oil processors in the country,” he said.

The release further indicates that with FAFIN’s investment, Diamond Pearls intends to procure equipment as well as augment its working capital.

Given the seasonality of raw materials in the edible oil sector, the investment will enable firm to better optimize its processing operations throughout the year as well as increase its capacity utilization to meet the large unmet demand for its products.

In addition, the company intends to develop and expand its oil palm plantation in order to strengthen its supply

chain; in line with government’s efforts to develop the local production capacity of the sector.

As part of the investment, Diamond Pearls’ Board of Directors has been reconstituted to include two independent directors with significant wealth of experience in the oil palm sector.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

desertification is one problem. Others are gas flaring and cutting down trees.

“By so doing, the sun rays become a direct plague to the soil. For example, you cannot compare the tomato you ate 25 years ago to what is being produced now. We are living on gun powder as far as global warming is concerned.”

According to him, the increased awareness on the importance of planting trees around homes and in the cities will go a long way to curb the increasing danger of global warming.

He said the first thing is orientation

from primary schools to tertiary institutions, so that every family and every child can grow a tree.

The soil expert pointed out that by growing a tree, more oxygen would be produced in the atmosphere, and by producing more oxygen, the sun rays would be prevented from touching the earth directly.

He further said that the government should make stringent laws that would restrain big industries, most especially in the southern region, from flaring gases.

Climate change depleting soil nutrients –Expert

A

n expert in agriculture and environment, Mr. David Emmanuel, said that climate change had been depleting the soil nutrients needed for the cultivation of high quality food crops.

He therefore warned that it was important for stakeholders to take concrete steps towards ensuring that Nigerian farmers are able to produce quality crops for future surplus.

He said: “Taking a look at global warming, Africa as a continent isn’t prepared for the disasters ahead. Like in Africa,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, December 18, 2015

40

CBN blames high forex rate on speculators Tola akinmuTimi

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday attributed the exchange rate pressure on the national currency to actions of speculators, who, it claimed, were taking positions on the naira with a view to making excess gain from currency trading.

Director, Monetary Policy Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Moses Tule, stated this in a television programme monitored in Abuja, said the currency speculators were determined to put se-

vere pressure on the monetary authorities expecting the apex bank to buckle and further devalue the naira.

According to him, the CBN had a responsibility for the economy and would not fold its arms while economic predators feast on the nation’s commonwealth through arbitrage.

While maintaining that the only rate in the currency market was N196.47/$1, he wondered why indigenous operators in the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the market chose to make huge profit at the

expense of customers in genuine need of the currency.

He lamented that while international operators such as Travelex traded at not more than N7 above the rate, indigenous operators preferred to make profits as high as N50.

The banker clarified: “We know what the fundamentals of this (Nigerian) economy are and we (CBN) will continue to take the right economic decisions on what to do and not when people sitting out there speculating on the currency think the naira should

be devalued, so that they could make profit out of it.

“No country quotes its exchange rate with reference to the BDCs rates.

The currency has a reference rate and that is the interbank exchange rate,” Tule added.

He urged Nigerians to be more patriotic in their dealings rather than engage in activities capable of undermining the integrity and value of the naira, adding that the media has a role to play in assisting the CBN to curb speculation on the naira.

Equities gain 0.02% on energy stocks’ rebound

Johnson okanlawon

T

rading in equities reversed its threeday losing streak on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as gains in industrial and oil and gas stocks lifted the benchmark index to close higher.

The oil and gas, insurance and industrial goods sectors finished higher, gaining 3.04 per cent, 0.82 per cent and 0.26 per cent respectively.

On the whole, the All Share Index appreciated 0.02 per cent to close

at 26,953.05 points, as against the decline of 2.33 points or 0.009 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,948.43 points.

Market capitalization gained N2 billion to close at N9.267 trillion, in contrast to the decrease of N1 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.265 trillion.

Unity Bank Plc led the gainers’ table with six kobo or 9.38 per cent to close at 70 kobo per share, followed by Continental Insurance Plc with seven kobo or 6.80 per cent to

close at N1.10 per share.

The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc gained 37 kobo or five per cent to close at N7.77 per share, while Forte Oil Plc appreciated N12.10 or five per cent to close at N254.10 per share.

Total Plc rose N7.20 or 4.97 per cent to close at N152.20 per share, while Okomu Oil Plc was up N1.34 or 4.96 per cent to close at N28.34 per share.

Conversely, Skye Bank Plc depreciated eight kobo or 6.06 per cent to close at N1.24 per share, while UACN Plc dropped N1.07

U

Georgia.

“As far as today, we are seeing some follow through from all that positive (reaction),” Lerner said.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 1.27 points, or 0.01 per cent, at 17,747.82, the S&P 500 was down 2.48 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 2,070.59 and the Nasdaq Composite index was up 8.22 points, or 0.16 per cent, at 5,079.35.

Eight of the 10 major S&P sectors were lower, with the consumer staples sector’s 0.7 percent rise leading the decliners.

Investors will now keep a weather eye on data to gauge the economy’s capacity to withstand higher rates.

Data showed jobless claims fell to 271,000 last week, below 275,000

estimated, while thirdquarter current account deficit expanded to $124.1 billion, the largest shortfall since the fourth quarter of 2008.

General Mills shares were down 2.8 percent at $57.59 after quarterly sales missed estimates.

Oracle was down 2.8 percent at $37.82 after its third-quarter profit forecast failed to impress investors.

Pandora was up 17.2 percent at $15.75 after the media-streaming company said new music royalty rates were “balanced”.

Fedex was up 4.5 percent at $155.42 after it reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit.

Avon was up 11 percent at $4.53 after the company said it would sell 80 percent of its North America business for $170 million.

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 26,953.05 points Market capitalisation 9.27trn

or 4.98 per cent to close at N20.43 per share.

Mobil Oil Plc declined N6.57 or 4.96 per cent to close at N125.84 per share, while Union Bank Plc shed 29 kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N5.70 per share.

AG Leventis Plc dipped three kobo or 4.41 per cent to close at 65 kobo per share, while May and Baker Plc was down four kobo or four per cent to close at 96 per share.

A total of 172.7 million shares valued at N2.62 billion were exchanged in 2,480 deals.

US stocks close lower a day after Fed raises rates

nited States stocks were down slightly in early trading yesterday, a day after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in almost a decade.

The central bank raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to between 0.25 per cent and 0.50 percent, signaling confidence in the strength of the world’s largest economy.

Global stocks surged after Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s assurance that further tightening would be gradual and heavily dependent on inflation, which remained firmly below the central bank’s two per cent target.

“The Fed really delivered exactly what the market wanted,” said Keith Lerner, chief market strategist at SunTrust Bank in Atlanta,

Source: NSE

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE by 1,369 to 1,321. On the Nasdaq, 1,427 issues rose and 841 fell.

The S&P 500 index showed seven new 52week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 23 new highs and 25 new lows.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNITYBNK

0.64

0.70

0.06

9.38

CONTINSURE

1.03

1.10

0.07

6.80

CCNN

7.40

7.77

0.37

5.00

FO

242.00

254.10

12.10

5.00

TOTAL

145.00

152.20

7.20

4.97

OKOMUOIL

27.00

28.34

1.34

4.96

ETERNA

1.63

1.71

0.08

4.91

HONYFLOUR

1.66

1.74

0.08

4.82

OANDO

5.21

5.46

0.25

4.80

FIDSON

2.56

2.68

0.12

4.69

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

SKYEBANK

1.32

1.24

-0.08

-6.06

UACN

21.50

20.43

-1.07

-4.98

MOBIL

132.41

125.84

-6.57

-4.96

UBN

5.99

5.70

-0.29

-4.84

AGLEVENT

0.68

0.65

-0.03

-4.41

MAYBAKER

1.00

0.96

-0.04

-4.00

UCAP

1.27

1.24

-0.03

-2.36

NB

121.02

118.79

-2.23

-1.84

STERLNBANK

1.90

1.88

-0.02

-1.05

DANGCEM

156.10

155.05

-1.05

-0.67

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.36

107.87

8.81

108.87

8.06

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.53

115.95

10.48

116.95

10.17

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.16

114.05

11.21

115.05

10.93

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.11

121.30

11.44

122.30

11.24

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.24

116.47

11.09

117.47

10.92

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.60 89.73

11.46

90.73

11.31

Closing Market Prices of December 17, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

17-Mar-16

3.26

3.28

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

30-Jun-16

4.20

4.30

EURO

214

01-Dec-16

5.07

5.32

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

1.0417

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

8.2338

3M

10.2644

SDR

273

6M

12.8630

NIBOR

CBN Clearing Rates of December 17, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, December 18, 2015

TUC seeks amendment of labour laws to enhance workers’ welfare JusTin Tyopuusu, JALINGO

T

rade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has advocated amendment of labour laws in the country to enhance social security and welfare of workers.

President-General of the union, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, made the union’s position known yesterday in Jalingo while speaking with journalists.

Kaigama noted that some of the existing labour laws are not friendly with Nigerian workers and

should be amended to properly cover workers in the course of their duties.

“Most of the existing labour laws in Nigeria do not guarantee social security and other welfare for workers.

“There is need for an amendment of these laws to properly protect Nigerian workers, especially from abuses from foreign companies and some private organisations in the country,” he said.

The TUC boss, who also spoke against the background of calls by some governors for a downward

review of the N18,000 national minimum wage, advised such governors to think of ways of improving their internally-generated revenue to pay salaries, or resign.

“The N18,000 minimum wage is a law and cannot just be changed by the governors overnight; they should think out of the box and stop depending on federal allocation for survival,” he noted.

The union leader commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the ongoing fight against corruption and insurgency,

saying the union would continue to support him in all possible ways to rid the country of such negative developments.

He called on all Nigerians to police their communities with a view to identifying criminals and calling the attention of security agents in order to restore peace in the country.

Kaigama assured workers that the union would continue to do everything within its powers to support the present administration in closing the 17 million housing deficit in the country.

41

We’re committed to harnessing our mineral resources –Masari JAmes dAnJumA, KATSINA

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing the more than 35 mineral resources found in the state.

Masari was speaking yesterday during a stakeholders’ conference on strengthening capacity to manage the mineral sector and enhance private investment in the state.

The conference was held to find alternatives to shore up the state’s revenue which has dwindled due to low oil price at the international market.

The governor said his administration is committed to having an “economy that is solid mineral-driven,” and to “strengthen governance and transparency in the mining sector.”

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mustapha Inuwa; Governor Masari said the state would try to understand operations

and challenges facing the sector with a view to solving them.

He said public and private partnerships would be applied in harnessing the mining sector, while efforts would be made to ensure laws guiding mining activities are followed, with remittances made as at when due.

The state’s Commissioner for Resource Development, Mustapha Mahmud, said more than 35 different types of minerals are found in council areas across the state.

Mahmud identified some of the minerals as laterite, diamond, topaz, emerald, sapphire and graphite, among others.

He however said inadequate geo-science data, unchecked illegal mining, inadequate funding and environmental impact are some challenges hampering effective harnessing of the sector in the state.

He said the conference would enable stakeholders put their heads together and come up with viable solutions to the issues.

CJ commends judges for efficient handling of election cases doosuur iwAmbe, ABUJA

C A cross section of 11 village heads during their turbaning at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi, yesterday.

Over 16m babies born into conflict in 2015 –UNICEF AdeolA Tukuru, ABUJA

U

nited Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF’s executive director, Anthony Lake, said more than 16 million babies were born in conflict zones in 2015, adding that the figure underscores the vulnerability faced by increasing number of children.

In a press statement issued yesterday by the chief of communication, Doune Porter, Lake explained that “every two seconds, a newborn takes its first breath in the midst of conflict, often in terrifying circumstances and without access to medical care. Too many children are now starting their lives in extreme circumstances - from conflict

to natural disasters, poverty, disease or malnutrition.”

He explained that in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen that are on perilous journeys to escape fighting, newborn children and their mothers face enormous risks.

“Pregnant mothers are in danger of giving birth without medical help and in unsanitary conditions.

Their children are more likely to die before they reach their fifth birthdays and they experience extreme or ‘toxic’ stress, which can inhibit their long-term emotional and cognitive development.

“In addition to conflict and poverty, the effects of

climate change and lack of opportunities are making children increasingly vulnerable and have pushed millions on dangerous journeys away from their homes.

“More than 200,000 children applied for asylum in European Union countries in the first nine months of 2015, adding to the 30 million children across the globe forced from their homes in 2014 due to war, violence and persecution.

More people are displaced now than at any moment since World War II. “More than a quarter of a billion children – or one in 9 – live in countries and areas in conflict and face enormous obstacles to their health, education and well-being. More than half a billion children live in

areas where floods are extremely common and nearly 160 million live in high or extremely high drought severity zones.

“The final months of 2015 have seen the world come together around tackling climate change and a new global development agenda. These ambitious agreements present a huge opportunity if we can translate our promises into action for the most vulnerable children,” said Lake.

“If we address the reasons so many families feel the need to uproot themselves and their children from their homes by resolving conflict, by addressing climate change, by expanding opportunity, we can make 2016 a year of hope for millions not a year of despair,” he added.

hief judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, yesterday commended judges of the court, saying they have handled efficiently election matters before and after the 2015 general elections.

Justice Auta who was speaking yesterday at the end of this year’s retirement and merit awards ceremony of the Federal High Court, noted that the judges have so far done well in the manner they handled cases in the previous election.

According to him, “there was no incidence of grant of exparte orders, injunction or any pronouncement which threatened the conduct of the elections, qualification and or disqualification of any candidate.”

The chief judge expressed happiness that election cases were handled with soundness of mind and the law, which he noted created a level playing field for all candidates, urging the judges to ensure

that all cases concerning the 2015 general election still pending are concluded.

He further assured that “the Federal High Court is ready to conclude all criminal matters, especially matters affecting politically-exposed persons within one month provided the prosecutors do their work efficiently and effectively.”

Auta enjoined all staff of the court to contribute to the development of the court - both in infrastructure and human capital development.

Earlier, the acting chief registrar of the court, Mr. Emmanuel Gakko, had said the court would take the welfare of staff very seriously, adding however that any act of indiscipline would not be condoned by the management of the court.

While applauding the chief judge for considering him worthy of appointment as acting chief registrar, Gakko added that he would not betray the trust and called on staff of the court to ensure better service delivery in the coming year.

42 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Friday, December 18, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that Josephine Chinweokwu Aboyim and Josephine Chinwe Aboyim belong to one and the same person. All documents bearing these names to remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and address as Mr. JOSHUA OKONKWO, now wish to be known and address as Mr. RUFUS JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid.

General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Edith Ijeoma Adigwe now wish to be known and addressed as Edith Ijeoma Madukwe. All former documents remain valid.

The general public, please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Michael Ife Grace now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs James Idowu Barakat. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adebayo Seun now wish to be known and addressed as Haruna Musa Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid.

First bank Plc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR MICHAEL SUNDAY EMI now wish to be known and addressed as MR OGUNBANWO MICHEAL SUNDAY, All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Obi Rose Alice, now wish to be known and addressed us Mrs Oraegbu Rose Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Obi~Okoh Ann Ngozi {nee Igbonazobi}, now wish to be known and addressed as Ngozi Annesthesia Okoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Afolabi Abiodun now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyeyi Daniel Adeleke. All former documents remain valid.

First bank Plc and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sunday Omorinola now to be addressed as Mr. Rufus Benjamin.

All former documents remain valid, all former documents remain valid, Eco bank PLC and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IFEHUKWUDE GLORIA OGUGUA now wish to be known and addressed as AJUFOH GLORIA OGUGUA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Madukwe Ikenna Victor now wish to be known and addressed as Innocent Ikenna Victor. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly Known and addressed as Adeboye Elina Olubusayo now wish to be known and addressed as Akinbode Elina Olubusayo.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Michael Abidemi Azeez now wish to be known and addressed as Mr James Abayomi Olusegun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS POPOOLA OLUWATOYOSI OLAYINKA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. FALOLA OLUWATOYOSI OLAYINKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Fadipe Charity Ekenma Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Uguru Charity Ekenma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Musa Olalere Kamorudeen, now wish to be known and addressed as Kamorudeen Musa Lekan. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abiola Bamidele, now wish to be known and addressed as Olushola Abiola Florence. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY ADDRESSED AS EJIKE JOSEPH NOW CHANGE TO EJIKE SUNDAY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UNITY BANK, ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Mbagwu Marilyn Amarachi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaneri Marilyn Amarachi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Daniel Anthony Ogenyi now wish to be known and addressed as Gabriel Ocheme Daniel Ochai. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Bamikole Ajisefinni , now wish to be known and addressed as Azeez Ajisefinni Alabi . All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nurat Abake Sodiq now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oguantolu Nurat Abake. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adio Iyabo Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Tijani lyabo Oluwatoyin . All documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Tawakalitu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Salami Tawakalitu. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladimeji Sabaina Oluremi Abosede now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolajaye Sabaina Oluremi Abosede. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

This is to certified that Bello Alli Ishola is the same one person as Bello Abayomi Alli Ishola, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Bello Abayomi Alli Ishola.

All former documents remain valid, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note .

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Elizabeth Sajuyigbe now wants to be addressed as Elizabeth Adepoju. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWONJO CHUKS OBINNA now wish to be known and addressed as ONISURU YUSUF OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aminu Latifat Oluwakemi now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Yinusa Latifat Oluwakemi.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known as Miss Bankyu Ruth Mbewushi, now wish to be known and called as Mrs Ruth Istifanus Shekwo.

Every other documents remain valid. General public take note please.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formally known as Bolarinwa Babatunde Waheed and also Yusuf Ridwan Aremu now wants to be addressed as Abolarinwa Alabi Waheed. All documents bearing the former names remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly know and addressed as MISS AKANDE ESTHER BUSAYO,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS THOMPSON ESTHER BUSAYO,all former document remain valid.

WAEC,NECO,NCE OYO,OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY(O.A.U)ILEIFE and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Otunuga Oluwaseni Temilade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunjimi Oluwaseni Temilade. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, Faidat Folake Adanlawo is one and the same person Faidat Folake Bakare. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Dare Akogun I formerly known as Simiat Arike Akinyemi now wish to be known and addressed as SIMIAT ARIKE BELLO. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I Andy Udiong Etuk is the same and one person as Etido Udiong Etuk. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ehiemere Chichetam Ugoeze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Paul Ohia Clara.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MOHAMMED CHRISTIANAH IYABO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ADEYINKA CHRISTIANAH IYABO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY ADDRESSED AS ESTHER SAMUEL NOW CHANGE TO MRS ESTHER DANLADI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UNITY BANK, ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adejumo Elizabeth Ifeoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adejumo Omolola Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta and General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as OKOLI OLUCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as Anaekwe OLUCHUKWU TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Abina Olasunkanmi Abike, now wish to be known and addressed as Dosunmu Olasunkanmi Abike.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY ADDRESSED AS UMARU YOMBE NOW CHANGE TO YOMBE DABAI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UNITY BANK, ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Olabode Felicia Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olaniyan Felicia Funmilayo. All documents remain valid. Oyo State Hospital Management Board and General Public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ANAYO ABUKA CONFIDENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUBIKO CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EDEAGU EMEKA JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH EMEKA ANI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS IYABO ARIKE ADEWARA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. IYABO ARIKE ADEOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I FORMERLY ADDRESSED AS AMINU AHMED AMBI NOW CHANGE TO SAIDU AHMED MAHUTA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK, ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as CHIMEX ONUNKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIMEZIE JOSEPH ONUNKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that I Clement Omosehin Ojomo is the same and one person as Clement Omosehin Ojomo and Omoniyi Ogunduboye Ojomo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewuyi Funke Fadeke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aina Funke Fadeke. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuji Lilian Ugochi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lilian Ugochi Orie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Olufemi Hephzibah Oluwatimilehim Abosede now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odueso Esther Abosede.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eunice Onyekwere Amadi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eunice Onyekwere Igiri Nnanna. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Maria Okocha, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Benjamin Okon Maria. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Afe Mercy Bosede now to be addressed as Asante Mercy Bosede. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Umar Abubakar, now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Abubakar Abutaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Balogun Lateefat Adeola Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Fasoranti mary Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adeyemi Tajudeen Olagunju now wish to be known and addressed as Akinpelu Alade Mustafau. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odugbemi Mary Oluremi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinola Mary Oluremi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ AKINLOYE now wish to be known and addressed as AZIZI AKINLOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that BAMIGBOYE TUNJI ISRAEL is one and same person as MR. BAMIGBOYE SUNDAY TUNJI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MR. BAMIGBOYE SUNDAY TUNJI. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa (UBA) plc, First Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Felix Azubuike Okonkwo Ogbuchi now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Felix Azubuike Okonkwo Obichukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Idowu Deborah Jaiyeola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbeleyi Deborah Jaiyeola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ODESOMI OLUWATOYIN OMOWUMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AJADI OLUWATOYIN OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. Voice of Nigeria and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Bashiru Sarah is the same one person as Bashiru Sakirat Sade, that henceforth wish to be called and known as Bashiru Sakirat Sade. All former documents remain valid, Wema Bank Plc, Ecobank Plc and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and called as Mrs Awe Deke Bola now wish to be known and called as Mrs Awe Radeke Bola. All former documents remain valid, GTB Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Omoyeni Kuburat Jimoh is the same one person as Omoyeni Kuburat Olawoyin, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Omoyeni Kuburat Olawoyin.

All former documents remain valid, General public take note

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Aworinde Oluwakemi Aweni now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Kemi Christiana.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Augustina Omage, now Mrs. Favour Augustina Silva Ogbeifun. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHRIS FESTUS FRIDAY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS CHRIS OSE FREDDY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known as ABIODUN GRACE TITILOPE now wishes to be addressed as OYEWUSI GRACE TITILOPE. Osun SUBEB and the general public should take note.

Formerly Miss Jide Mercy Poweikepiri now Mrs Obadua Mercy Poweikepiri. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly know and addressed as MISS ESTHER TOLULOPE OYEYINKA,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS ESTHER TOLULOPE ADETUTU,all former document remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGUNDARE OLUWAKEMIYE TOPE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SEGUNADEBAYO OLUWAKEMIYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly know and addressed as MISS GRACE DELE AKANDE,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS GRACE DELE OLORUNYOMI,all former documents remain valid.

ACCESS BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LOST OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that the Original Certificate of Occupancy with Registered No.16 at Page 16 in Volume 1994V dated on 8th day of Nov.,1994 at Land Registry Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos of property at Alakuko Village off Agbado Road , Lagos State, belonging to Mr. Clement Akinde is missing. The general public and Lands Bureau, Alausa please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and called Musa Adamu Muhammad henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Musa Muhammad. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MURNA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS MURNA KANTYIOK PETER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARGARET CHARLES. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name GEORGE AKWAJI and PATRICK SUNDAY is one as they appear in my documents, but now wish to be known and addressed as GEORGE AKWAJI. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

SUNDAY: Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY ONYIA now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU ONYIA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ROSEMARY: Formerly known and addressed as IFESINACHI UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as ROSEMARY UCHE IFESINACHI. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as LOLA ADEWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as LEAH OLUWALADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ozioma Nworie Emeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwankwo Amaka Benedicta. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addresses as Miss Chioma Osiri now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Martha Kalu Osiri. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALFA OSENI JUBRIL, now wish to be known and addressed as HASSAN TAIYE JUBRIL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adebayo Felicia Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Akanji Felicia Adejoke.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Dominic Cherish Paul , now wish to be known and addressed as Christopher Imafidon Cherish Paul . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Tochi Gabriel is same person as Tochi Chikwe Gabriel and now which to be known and addressed as Tochi Chikwe Gabriel. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AUDU: Formerly known and addressed as BABANGIDA AUDU now wish to be known and addressed as BABANGIDA ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MALIK BILIKISU ADUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL BILIKISU ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ADEBISI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS TAIYE SHOLA ADEBISI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TAIYE SHOLA KOLAWOLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADESHINA: Formerly known and addressed as MONSURATU AMUSA ADESHINA now wish to be known and addressed as MONSURAT HAMZA. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME SIMON: Formerly known and addressed as DAVID LYNDA SIMON now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID LYNDA MARY. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME AMINU : Formerly known and addressed as ABDULLAHI SADIQ AMINU now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA HARRISON. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note

PERPETUAL: Formerly known and addressed as AZUA PERPETUAL now wish to be known and addressed as MBAKASEV AZUA AWUA. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ALI: Formerly known and addressed as KABIRU ALI now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMED KABIR. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwatuyi Olanike Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinjide Olanike Mary. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS JUMAIMA UMORU OBA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JUMAIMA OWOTUNSE. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name JEHU KOROH and JOSEPH KOROH is one as they appear in my documents, but now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH KOROH. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EVER AMADI now wish to be known and addressed as MILLION PEREKPO DINNER. All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note.

ONUKWUBIRI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS VICTORIA OLUCHI ONUKWUBIRI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VICTORIA OLUCHI AZUKA. All former documents remain valid. NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL, KANO and General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI ADETOKUNBO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI SUNDAY ROTIMI.All former documents remain valid. Association of Retired Police officer,Nigeria, pension transitional Arrangement DepartmentAbuja,Wema bank and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ojoko Ovat Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Okweka Ovat Peter. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULSALAM EBUDOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI EBUDOLA KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikenna Rita Anurika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udenya Anurika Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ataviah Emegbeferu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ataviah Stephen Omadome Emegbeferu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS. BLESSING ADAKU AMADIEGWU. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. BLESSING ADAKU DIALAEME. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO FRANCIS, now wish to be known and addressed as NWIBOKO FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Ogunniyi Oluwasola John, am the same person as Ogunniyi Oluwasola Oluwadamilare, Ogunniyi Oluwasola Ishola and the same person bearing Ogunniyi Oluwasola John henceforth.

All former documents remain valid.

Firstbank bank plc,Access bank plc,NECO and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Sulaimon Titilayo Tamuriat, now wish to be known and addressed as Sulaiman Titilope Tamuriat, my correct date of birth is 17th September,1984. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKWE EZE MERCY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKWE COMFORT EJE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as 0gechukwu martyr ubah now wish to be known and referred to as 0gechukwu martyr Amandibuogu. All documents bearing former names to remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPHINE UMWENEI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOOBOH JOSEPHINE UYIMWENI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGUNNOWO FEMI JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNNOWO OMOTAYO SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as LATEEF OLAMILEKAN ISMAILA, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL ISMAILA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIJI OLASUNBO JULIANAH. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALABI OLASUNBO JULIANAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OBAZEE OTA FRIDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL UWENHON OZIEGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to confirm that am the same person bearing John Folorunsho and Folly John.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME NWANGWU : Formerly known as Nwangwu Ngozi now wish to be known and address as Ozoemena Cecilia Uloma. All former documents remains valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SAMUEL : formerly known as Samuel Joseph now wish to be known and address as Nyewenu Joseph.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Odedeyi Motunrayo Balkis now which to be known and addressed as Alarape Motunrayo Balkis.

All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . Formerly known and addressed as Ilerika Ibrahim Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajayi Ilerika Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Alimot Folashade Oyedeji,Idris Folashade Eniola and Meshioye Folashade Alimat now Idris Meshioye Folashade,former documents remain valid, general public note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Hamed Adejoke now which to be known and addressed as Odutola Arike Adejoke. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Bayo Taiwo now which to be known and addressed as Oriowo Morufat all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Onadeko Tolulope Bamidele now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Kehinde-Albert Tolulope Bamidele. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, EMECHEBE ORABUEZE SAMUEL is same person as ORABUEZE SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ismail Amdalat Omotola now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Amdalat Omotola. All former documents remain valid Skye Bank, UBA PLC and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Adams Helen , now wish to be known and addressed as Konjo Kahemen Helen. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Olubunmi Awhilawhi now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Grace Olubunmi Adetunji. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SAOAKIN NIGERIA LIMITED RC: 399591

PLOT 452 GWAMMAJA INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT KANO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS DECREE 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION

OF SAOKIN NIGERIA LIMITED (RC. 399591)

MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP (PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 457(B) & 464(1) OF CAMA 2004 At an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of Saoakin Nigeria Limited duly convened and held at the Registered Office on Monday, 14th December 2015 the following resolutions were unanimously passed: SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS: 1) That SAOAKIN NIGERIA LIMITED be wound up voluntarily.

2) That MR. UZAZUVIEMU GODWIN OGEKI, ACA, ACTI, MBA (Chattered Accountant) of Block 5, Alhassan Estate, Hadejia Road Kano with Phone number 07065441246; 08025101758 be appointed as Liquidator until the Company is wound up.

Dated this 14th Day of December, 2015.

By Order of the Board Taha Ali Ahmed Fathelrahman (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR)

43

Friday, December 18, 2015

Mohammadosama Osman Ahmed

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Somide Roseline Abosede now which to be known and addressed as Adekunle Roseline Abosede. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Olajide Quadri Kolawole is same person as Olajide Quadri Tiamiyu now which to be known and addressed as Olajide Quadri Kolawole all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Onyeanu Geraldine Chidimma is same person as Onyeanu Geraldine Chinonso now which to be known and addressed as Onyeanu Geraldine Chinonso. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Roselyn Zungwe now Roselyn Lawrence, former documents remain valid, general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nurudeen Kafilat Damilola now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Oba Kafilat Damilola. all former documents remain valid and general public take note .

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Friday Ben now which to be known and addressed as Benjamin Oguche .all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ademola Modinat Adejumoke now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Modinat Adejumoke .all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaoye Bukola Omolara now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Bejide Bukola Omolara. All former documents remain valid Access Bank, First bank and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Adegbuyi Adedayo Alice now which to be known and addressed as Ashaye Adedayo Alice. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

MISSING INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AIBUKI RUTH IBIRONKE . NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FASHOLA ROSELINE RONKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

The General public and relevant Authorities are hereby Notified of the Missing international passport of MR. IDOKO DONATUS, of No 2 Ladipo Street, Mushin Lagos. passport number: A04336827 All Efforts Made to Trace the Missing document has proven Abortive.

I formerly known and addressed as ANTHONIA EKONG Now wish to be known, called and addressed as ANTHONIA ANITA OLUSHOLA All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Uchendu Ann.A and Ezeayanwu Anulika Angela now Uchendu Anulika Angela,former documents remain valid, general public note

I formerly Helen Alao now to be addressed as Helen Donatus,former documents remain valid, general public note.

I formerly Jackson Aroture Akpocha now to be address as Jackson Aroture Oteri, former documents remain valid, general public note. I formerly Miss Ikoro precious Ogeri Ndidiamaka now Mrs Agbanye Precious Ogeri, former documents remain valid, general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Bala Waziri Pada now Pandak Dashe Sallah, former documents remain valid, general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Olaniyan Ifeoluwa Aderemi now Olaomo Aderemi Ifeoluwa, former documents remain valid, general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS NDUDIM ELIJAH ONYEKWERE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS NDUDIM ELIJAH EJIKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID .GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

44

Friday, December 18, 2015

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I hereby confirm that Edet Koko Edung Edet,Eka Koko is the same person as Edet Kokoeka Edung,former documents remain valid, general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ELOUFUN: Formerly known and addressed as ELOUFUN LAWRETTA now wish to be known and addressed as DOMINIC ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

TAJUDEEN: Formerly known and addressed as TAJUDEEN AYINDE WAHEED now wish to be known and addressed as TAJUDEEN AYINDE ALAMU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

NGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGWU NNEKA VERONICA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OJIELO NNEKA VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ONI ADERONKE CHRISTIANAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OJO ADERONKE CHRISTIANAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

EMEKA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EMEKA CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANICHUKWU CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AMU: I, formerly known and addressed as AMU JOHN ELOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OCHI JOHN PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBANI: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBANI NWEKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ANI DONATUS OGBONNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AKINTOLA OMOLARA OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO OMOLARA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as HENRY LEON, now wish to be known and addressed as HENRY IDONGESIT AMOS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

ABOSEDE: Formerly known and addressed as ABOSEDE SHOLA ALESHINLOYE now wish to be known and addressed as OLABISI ORISUNBARE ALESHINLOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME NOBLE: Formerly known and addressed as NOBEL SUSAN MODUPE now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU MODUPE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME SHEHU: Formerly known and addressed as SHEHU OLA LEKE MEMUD now wish to be known and addressed as OLASHEHU OYELEKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME AYATOR: Formerly known and addressed as AYATOR FELIX now wish to be known and addressed as MARCUS FELIX. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ILO: Formerly known and addressed as ILO KELVIN CHODUZIE now wish to be known and addressed as ILOEGBUNAM JOSHUA CHIDOZIE.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ABIODUN: Formerly known and addressed as ABIODUN OLUWASEUN RAPHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA OLUWASEUN RAPHAEL. . All former documents remain valid.

General public take

AMOO : Formerly known and addressed as AMOO MAGARET ABIMBOLA now wish to be known and addressed as AMOO MAGARET ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHIDINMA: Formerly known and addressed as CHIDINMA JOY EGBULE now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDINMA JOY MGBEFETA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as EDDY ARAZI, now wish to be known and addressed as CLARK JOHN MAKOBOR. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known, called and addressed as FRANCIS LUGAD, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OMOOVO OYEKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

INGWU : Formerly known and addressed as INGWU JONATHAN now wish to be known and addressed as ADAUMBE JOHN INGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NKWOR: I, formerly known and addressed as NKWOR KENNETH AFAM, now wish to be known and addressed as NKWO VALENTINE CHUKWUWIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ORUKPE: Formerly known and addressed as ORUKPE BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as OMOREGIE BLESSING. . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYI JESSY UKAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWUJA JESSY UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that ITIVE GOODLUCK OKAH is the same one person as ERIDHI GOODLUCK OKAH RHODA and ITIVE GOODLUCK. That henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ERIDHI GOODLUCK OKAH. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ENWERE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ENWERE CHIZOBA PEACE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKE CHIZOBA PEACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

MAFIMISEBI: I, formerly known and addressed as FAITH ALLEN MAFIMISEBI now wish to be known and addressed as ALLEN FAITH ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ASOGWA: I, formerly known and addressed as ASOGWA SIMON OGBONNA now wish to be known and addressed as ASOGWA CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY MISS ADEDIRAN OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH NOW MRS OJEWOLE OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY MISS BELLO TEMILADE ADEBOLA NOW MISS BELLO JELILAT TEMILADE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GT BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OJU: I, formerly known and addressed as OJU ETENG BAM, now wish to be known and addressed as EBRI MBANG ETENG. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EKEOCHA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKEOCHA CHIMAMKPAM BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZOCHIAWAEZE CHIMAMKPAM BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKEREKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEREKE CHIDIMMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMMANUEL PERPETUAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OYO: I, formerly known and addressed as OYO JANE IFUBUCHECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OYO JANE DABERECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME EJIM: I, formerly known and addressed as EJIM THANKGOD EJIOFOR. now wish to be known and addressed as EJIM THANKGOD NELSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWORIE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWORIE EBERECHUKWU JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWANI EBERECHUKWU JULIET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as OBISI MOSES EDEH, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH MOSES ANAYOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EDEAGU: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEAGU JOSHUA .O., now wish to be known and addressed as EDE JOSHUA .O. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU JOSEPHINE NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA JOSEPHINE NGOZI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ANOZIE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANOZIE JOYCE EBERECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKANDU JOYCE EBERECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OGBU: I, formerly known and addressed as OGBU OKWUDIRI PAUL, now wish to be known and addressed as OBISI OKWUDIRI PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OSI: I, formerly known and addressed as OSI GLORIA NDIDIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANGELE GLORIA NDIDIAMAKAA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHUKWUEZI: I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEZI EMMANUEL NDIBUISI, now wish to be known and addressed as UKACHUKWU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDE: I, formerly known and addressed as EDE EGBO, now wish to be known and addressed as MIKE EGBO. All former documents still remain valid. General public take note

ASSOCIATION OF IRRIGATION AND PERISHABLE FOODS FARMERS LUDA BAUCHI 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.

2. Inuwa Shayibu 4. Madaki Nuhu 6. Musa Danasabe 8. Ahmad Abdullahi 10. Adam Abubakar Ajiya

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To create awareness about irrigation farming 2. To provide assistance to the less privilege in the community in terms of education and health Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

ODOH: I, formerly known and addressed as ODOH UKAMAKA VELERIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODOH UKAMAKA JUDITH. All former documents still remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ANYANWU ADANMA HOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA PRINCESS ADANMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIDIOBI: I, formerly known and addressed as ANIDIOBI BONIFACE, now wish to be known and addressed as OMELDI TOBIAS OFORIGBO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONWUGHALU ANTHONY IKECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEMAECHI ANTHONY IKECHUKWU . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SEKINAT Bakare Tolani but now wish to be known as Tolani Olarinoye. General public please take note.

I Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Oyewole Abimbola Mabel now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Famojuro Abimbola Mabel.

All Former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, ESTHER OBOT is one and same person known and addressed as OBOT THERESA ANIETE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MISS. ZUWAIRA ISAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MUSA MUHAMMED ZUWAIRA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS OGU LORETTA NGOZIKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED, AND ADDRESSED AS OGU LORETTA BLESSING ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEDIEGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEDIEGWU CHIDIMMA MARY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKENEME CHIDIMMA MARY. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Salau Danjuma 3. Abdullahi Ibrahim 5. Haruna Ibrahim 7. Gambo Sarkin Yaki 9. Hassan Yakubu

CHANGE OF NAME

GODFREY: Formerly known and addressed as GODFREYMICHAEL OGOCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MADUBUGWU JOSHUA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ONYEANI JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as OGORU ABOYOWA ORITSEGBEYIWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKOLI NKEMJIKA CHINAEMELUM, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLI NKEMJIKA PETER. All former documents remain valid. Diamond bank and general public should please take note

OSUH: .Formerly known and addressed as MISS OSUH OBIAGERI PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NKEMJIKA OBIAGERI PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

ADENIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as ADENIRAN FAUSAT TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as AFUSA TEMITOPE AMEED YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CYRIL: .Formerly known and addressed as CYRIL THEOPHILUS OBAH now wish to be known and addressed as KINGSLEY EDIM OBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olayinka Victor Falana now wish to be known and addressed as Olayinka Victor Olushola. Former documents remain valid. General public to note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

DUTSE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DUTSE LILIAN ADOO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KPALADJO LILIAN ADOO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AHMED ABIOLA KUDIRAT , now wish to be known and addressed as SANNI ABIOLA KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid. NYSC General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONWUGHALU BONIFACE TOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEMAECHI BONIFACE TOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akadiri Bosede Mary now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunlade Bosede Mary .All former documents remain valid,Ekiti state university Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH)Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLATUNDE: I, formerly known and addressed as OLATUNDE OMOWUNMI RASHIDAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FAMUYIWA OMOWUNMI RASHIDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS AJIBOLA SALIU ADESOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS AJIBADE SALIU ADESOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME UWAKWE: I, formerly known and addressed as UWAKWE JOY OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as UJAM JOY OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEOTI CHRISTIANA ADEFUNKE ADELEYE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOTI CHRISTIANA ADELEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN FLORENCE KEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWANDE OLUWATOYIN FLORENCE KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Omojuwa Elphus but now wish to be known as SAMA Jephter Cliff. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNFOWOKAN: I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNFOWOKAN TINUKE MODUPE, now wish to be To known, called and addressed as MRS SOLU TINUKE MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 18, 2015

Lawyer docked for stealing documents, $40,000 Wale IgbIntade

A

25-year-old legal practitioner, Joshua Olomo, has been arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing documents and the sum of $40,000 belonging to Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Limited.

The defendant is facing five-count charge bordering on CHANGE OF NAME

SHOLESI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS SHOLESI KEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OGUNGBEMI KEMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should please take note.

conspiracy, felony and stealing.

In charge number C/105/2015, the lawyer is alleged to have entered into the office of Chief Financial Officer of the oil company, one Oluseyi Oladapo, with intent to commit felony.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector R. E. Odigwe, the defendant in the process stole the 40,000, property of Pan Ocean Corporation Limited.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant also CHANGE OF NAME

EGBEDEYI: I, formerly known and addressed as SAMSON AJADI EGBEDEYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAMSON OLUSOLA EGBEDEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

removed some official secret documents belonging to the oil company and transferred same to one Segun Fadeyi.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant committed the alleged offence between the months of January and December 9, 2015, at Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Limited, Vitoria Island, Lagos.

Inspector Odigwe told the court that the offence was contrary to Section 284 and punishable under section 310(c), CHANGE OF NAME

285(8) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The charge reads, “That you Joshua Olomo, between January and December 9, 2015, did steal the sum of $40,000, property of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Limited from the Chief Financial Officer and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 284 and punishable under section 285(8) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOSA: I, formerly known and addressed as NANCY NWOSA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NANCY NWAKAEGO ISAAC. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known as SHARAFA JIMOH MUSTAPHA now wish to be known and addressed as SHARAFA JIMOH KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, ARANMOLATE ADELEKE MOHEEB is one and the same person known, called and addressed as SAIDU ADELEKE. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

EZEKWME: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZEKWME PETER OLUCHUKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS EZEKWME HENRY OLUCHUKWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That on my bank documents, my name was wrongly written as PAULINUS PETER AKPAN with date of birth as 10th day of August, 1969 instead of PETER PAULINUS UDOH with date of birth as 14th April, 1968. That my correct name is PETER PAULINUS UDOH and my correct date of birth is 14th day of April, 1968. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as DAUDA SULAIMON OLA now wish to be known and addressed as LAMINA SULAIMON OLANREWAJU ESHINLOKUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UDUAK JUMBO, now wish to be known an addressed as UDUAK KINGSLEY OBA .

All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confurm that I, JANET IFEANYI JIDEONWO is one and same person known and addressed as JANET IFEANYI NSOLO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

AKEWUSOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ OLALEKAN AKEWUSOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KADIRI AZEEZ OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid and belong to me. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

This is to confirm that OMOYENI JOY BUKOLA, OMOYENI BUKOLA CATHERINE and OMOYENI CATHERINE INUMIDUN refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOYENI CATHERINE INUMIDUN. All former documents bearing the three ( 3) names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Abdulrahman. I formerly known and addressed as Kifayah Olajumoke Abdulrahman now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kifayah Olajumoke Adebayo.

General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly mr Obasanya Sunday Taofeek Ayinla now mr Sunday Taofeek Ayinla all former documents remain valid First Bank Plc and General public note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL DAMILOLA. now wish to be known and addressed as AUTA CHRISTOPHER DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, ABRAHAM EMMANUEL OGWUCHE is one and same person that is known, called and addressed as ABRAHAM OBIABO EMMANUEL. That on some of my documents my name appears as ABRAHAM EMMANUEL OGWUCHE, while on others it appears as ABRAHAM OBIABO EMMANUEL. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

“That you, Joshua Olomo, between January and December 9, 2015, on the same date, time and place did remove and disclose some official secret documents of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Limited and communicated same to one Segun Fadeyi and thereby comCHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KEHINDE OLAIDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. KEHINDE SOYINGBE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHAKVEN: I, formerly known and addressed as LOUISA NANRING CHAKVEN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as LOUISA NANRING BAMIDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as SULAIMAN MUSTAPHA now wish to be known and addressed as OLOKO ADEBOYE SULAIMAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOBORIOWO: I, formerly known and addressed as OMOBORIOWO ABDULAHI OLALEKAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEJARE ABDULAHI OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

45

mitted an offence punishable under Sections 59 and 60 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria”.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge against him.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY EUNICE BOLA USIOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EUNICE BOLA SAMUEL ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINED VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TAKE NOTE,

CHANGE OF NAME

ANYEBE: I, formerly known and addressed as ANYEBE SUNDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABRAHAM MUSA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as OYADEJI MATTHEW OLAITAN now wish to be known and addressed as OLADEJI MATTHEW OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS OYEWOLE OYETEJU OLAWUMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS ABIDAKUN OYETEJU OLAWUMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I, OMOJOLA FUNKE AJIBOLA is refer as the same person bearing OMOJOLA FUNKE AINA. All former documents bearing the two names remain valid. General public please take note.

SALIFU: I, formerly known and addressed as SALIFU SUNDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AUDU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OMOYAYI: I, formerly known and addressed as MOSES KENNY OMOYAYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDUL HADI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLADOTUN: I, formerly known and addressed as OLADOTUN JOHNSON OLUSEGUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADOTUN OLUWASAKIN AMOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

EKPO: I, formerly known and addressed as ITA EFEFIONG EKPO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ITA EFFIONG EKPO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Gambari:I formerly known and addressed as Miss Memunat Bola Gambari now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Memunat Bola Abdulrahman.

Lagos State General Hospital and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Daropale Titilola Theresa now Mrs Ojo Titilola Theresa. All former documents remain valid ,SUBEB Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SEKINAT BAKARE TOLANI, now wish to be known and addressed as TOLANI OLARINOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IJEBU - NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT P.M. B 1004,Ijebu - Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

AUCTION ! AUCTION. ! ! AUCTION ! ! !

There will be Public Auction of Unservicesable Vehicles of Ijebu - North local Government Council,Ogun State LIST OF ITEMS ARE : Toyota Camry Saloon Cars, Nissan Primera, Peugeot 504 Saloon Cars, Volkswagen Combi Bus, Mitsubishi Jeep, Nissan Altima, Datsun C20 Bus, Honda Accord and Nissan Tiida CONDITION OF SALES : 1) The highest bidder shall be the Purchaser 2) Payment is Strictly by Cash 3) Purchases Must be backed with Ijebu North local Government Council and Auctioneer Receipts 4) Removal of Vehicles Purchased is two Working days after Payment.

DATE OF INSPECTION : 18TH OF DECEMBER TO 29TH OF DECEMBER, 2015 DATE OF SALES : 30TH OF DECEMBER, 2015. VENUE : Ijebu - North Local Government Secretariat. Ijebu - Igbo ,Ogun State. TIME : 11.00am Prompt.

For Further information Please Contact Auctioneer No 08025762256, 08094663239

Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI FUNKE , now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWUNMI FUNKE. My correct date of birth is 12th March 1990.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, MR OKAFOR SAMUEL of king of kings street, Akiosha Quarters, Ugbe Akoko, Ondo State is the same person referred to as MR OKAFOR JOHN NWANKWO on the C. OF O. Registered as Number 1 in Page 1 at Volume 779 at the lands registry, Akure. Ondo State Ministry of Lands, Akure and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOWU : Formerly known and addressed as OLOWU RECHAEL AINA now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWU JULIANAH BOSEDE ( NEE OLOWU). All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ODUSOSE: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. ODUSOSE ADEOLA OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADEBAYO ADEOLA OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UMEH SUNDAY NDUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as UMEH SUNDAY SIMON. All former documents remain valid. That on my bank account, my date of birth was wrongly written as 20th day of March 1989, instead of 20th day of March 1988. That my correct date of birth is 20th day of March, 1988. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI AYOBAMI ALABA now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI AYONIMOFE ALABA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KOSOKO BARAKAT now wish to be known and addressed as MS ADAMU BARAKATU ALIU OMOSI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FADIPE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS TOLULOPE OLUWASEYI FADIPE wish to be known and addressed as MRS TOLULOPE OLUWASEYI OGUNLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, MR OKAFOR SAMUEL of king of kings street, Akiosha Quarters, Ugbe Akoko, Ondo State is the same person referred to as MR OKAFOR SAMUEL OZOEMENA on the C. OF O. Registered as Number 26 in Page 26 at Volume 906 at the lands registry, Akure. Ondo State Ministry of Lands, Akure and the general public should take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS OGU LORETTA NGOZIKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,CALLED, AND ADDRESSED AS OGU LORETTA BLESSING ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Uzoagba Nkeiruka , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Offor Nkeiruka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME PHILIP: Formerly known and addressed as PHILIP ORUKA now wish to be known and addressed as JEMINE PERETUN JUSTIN. All former documents remain valid.

UBA PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly MISS EMMANUEL EUNICE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDIDI EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as NWORAH AMARA JOY, now wish to be known and address as OBI AMARA JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ONI ADERONKE CHRISTIANAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN,CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OJO ADERONKE CHRISTIANAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the Certificate of Occupancy for (Land) Property at Isheri Ayobo Lagos State for the Plot No 6, Block No 23, Volume 54/54/20 belonging to MR BENJAMIN ABAYOMI ADEMOLA DAIRO was missing & presumed lost. All efforts to recover the said document have been exhausted and fruitless. If found return to the owner stated above. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Miss Talabi Teniola Oluwaseun now Mrs Babatunde Teniola Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid ,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Akinyemi Olayosade now Igbekoyi Bayonle Rasidi. All former documents remain valid ,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SHOM: I, formerly known and addressed as GWONG SOLOMON SHOM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GWONG SOLOMON SATI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MRS ADEWUYI RACHEAL OYERONKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADEWUYI RAFAT OYERONKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS EMIOLA ABIMBOLA BOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed MRS AJAYI ABIMBOLA BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

46

Friday, December 18, 2015

47

–Bayern Munich Coach, Pep Guardiola

Chelsea:

Abramovich

C

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, was sacked yesterday, thus ending his turbulent second stint at the Stamford Bridge, seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.

The 52-year-old Portuguese returned to the club in June 2013 and Chelsea finished eight points clear last season and won the League Cup, but have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation places.

Mourinho’s final match was Monday’s 2-1 defeat at leaders, Leicester City.

According to BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Juande Ramos and Brendan Rodgers have all been touted as possible successors as

s k c Sa

Mourinho again Blues owner, Roman Abramovich, begins another managerial search.

A club statement on its website read, “Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.

“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

“His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.

“But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

“The club wishes to make clear

Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.

“His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

“The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.

“There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made.”

Mourinho was previously sacked

by Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, in 2007, after a richly successful three-year spell in which he won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup.

Glo-CAF Awards: Buhari gets Platinum honour

T

Presidnet Buhari

Sport

Awogu explains gains of kiddies boxing

I don’t bother about the rumours of movement whether now or in the future. I am at Bayern and happy

Jose Mourinho gone

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced its plan to honour Nigeria’s leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, with a special Platinum Award at the forthcoming 2015 Glo-CAF Awards.

At a joint press conference by CAF, the highest football authority in Africa and Globacom, the sponsor of the annual CAF Awards, CAF said the investiture of President Buhari with the platinum award will be held during the Glo-CAF Awards Gala at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on January 7, 2016.

CAF said the decision to confer Bu-

hari with the award was in line with the tradition of CAF to honour the President of the country where the Glo-CAF Awards is held and to also show appreciation to Buhari for his passionate commitment to the development of football in Africa.

CAF and Globacom at a joint press briefing in Abuja last Monday announced the top three players competing for the prized crown of African Footballer of the Year and the top three finalists for the Africa-based ‘Player of the Year’ as well as nominees in other award categories.

Siasia hints on Musa, Ighalo for Rio Olympics

C

oach Samson Siasia has hinted he is looking at the possibility of getting Super Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa, and striker Odion Ighalo to feature at next year’s Rio Olympics as overage players.

The Olympics allow for three players outside the eligible age of 23 years to star at the tournament proper.

Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, has already declared his interest to play in Rio. Siasia said he hopes to draft players who are playing regularly for their European clubs for the Olympics.

“I’m still undecided on the areas that the overage players would be needed, but I’m happy that the likes of Ighalo (Odion), (Ahmed) Musa, are in top form now and I hope they will sustain it until the Olympics,” the Nigeria U23 coach said on a television programme.

The Olympics will be staged in August 2016.

NOC sees sports future at Bauchi Yankari Resort

P

resident of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, has advised the Bauchi State Government to build modern sports facilities at the Yankari Resort and Safari to attract more tourists to the centre.

Gumel also advised the state to give adequate publicity to the resort, saying the Yankari Safari, which “has some of the best collection of nature’s gift to humanity”, can generate huge revenue for the state.

Speaking during the NOC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Yankari Resort and Safari, Gumel said building a modern golf course and an indoor sports hall can bring tourists to the state, who will come to play their sports and at the same time enjoy nature’s gifts to Bauchi State.

According to Gumel, “The tiny Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius has two shuttle flight services each day from Dubai to the country. Each flight takes more than 400 passengers, who go there to savour nature.

“If you print brochures and distribute to all Nigerian embassies abroad, I want to tell you that in less than no time the Yankari Safari will start attracting visitors like other African tourist centres.”

Earlier, former international athlete, Falilat Ogunkoya, had suggested that Bauchi State could build a tartan track and camping facilities at the resort so that Nigerian athletes could use it as a camping site before major events.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NFF bars Taraba govt from owning club EvErEst OnyEwuchi

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Annual General Assembly (AGA) has barred the Taraba State Government from operating or being owner of any professional club in Nigeria.

This is the highpoint of the communiqué issued after the 71st AGA held in Abuja on Wednesday. The Assembly also expelled FC Taraba from participating in all Leagues and NFF

Gov. Ishaku

competitions until the state government pays the 11 months salary arrears of the players, their allowances and bonuses.

Meanwhile, FC Taraba players have continued their “sleeping strike” at the Government House in Jalingo for a five straight day as they continue to press for the payment of their salaries. Players of relegated Taraba are yet to be paid despite various promises.

They were only recently brutalised by soldiers during a peaceful protest and have now been camping out at the Government House since Monday for the Governor to address their plight.

A striker of the team, Stephen Adah told africanfootball. com, “We need the governor to address us before we will leave this place. The players have been falling sick, but no player is ready to leave this place. We need to get paid; we have laboured for 11 months, suffered but all to no avail.

“The Chief of Staff of the Government House has addressed us, but the man has been lying to us. Let the Governor come and tell us he will not pay us.”

Awogu explains gains of kiddies boxing ifEanyi EduzOr

O

rganiser of the just concluded 2nd edition of the Annual Kiddies Boxing Championship, Amaka Awogu, says her decision to embark on the championship was to build self-esteem and confidence in children, teach them the basic principles of self defence as well as help the National Sports Commission (NSC) discover talent at the grassroots.

Awogu who doubles as the Executive Director of Child Dignity Foundation told National Mirror that she was encouraged to embark on the second edition of the competition after one of the participants in the maiden edition got a scholarship from the Lagos State Government, promising that her oganisation will continue to partner with the sports ministry in discovering talent in the pugilist game.

“I am happy that we have used the annual tournament to complement efforts of the NSC in discovering talents at the grassroots.

“The first edition was such a success that one of our box-

Sports

Friday, December 11, 2015

ers got scholarship from Lagos State Government which encouraged us to embark on the second edition where we hope not only build self-esteem among the kids but teach them the basic principles of boxing,” she said.

The one-day kiddies tournament which was held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym under the supervision of Coach Jeremiah Okorodudu, assisted by other boxing coaches, attracted kids from the ages of five to 16 years.

Coach Okorodudu

MANDATE

THE

SylveSter Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

The Rio 2016 headache

T

he 2016 Olympic Games is all sport federations with medal fast approaching and, in- prospects where home truth deed, close. Most sporting should be told. Needless to adfederations must be having one vise Dalung, that only sports nightmare or the other due to with undoubted prospects for the level of preparations for the medals should be selected for games. the Rio games. The money to be If the recent world weight- spent on jamboree should be earlifting championship held in marked for the development of Houston, USA should be used spor tas a yard stick, then the night- ing famares of most of the sporting c i l i t y federations can be understood. to aid I dare say that the world h a s a n d gone far practically in e n all sports, leaving Nigeria far behind. Houston was an eye opener for the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation.

It was a stark reality o f how the world h a s moved far beyo n d the current reach of our level. New, powerful and pretty young weightlifters have emerged.

Lifters who are wellnurtured, lifters who are well-catered for, lifters who enjoyed well-laid out roadmap, planned and executed with commitment and dedication, lifters who have no excuse for failure and lifters who Dalung are ready to go. My brief interaction with some eggheads within the weightlifting family hance our future participation attested to this. in future games.

The world championship in Again, wait a moment, Hon. Houston was a needed lesson Minister. Is it not also right to and experience, not only for the call for the score cards of the Nigerian federation, but also for various boards with a view to other federations who may be determining the serious minddreaming big without working ed and dedicated ones among for it. No one should deceive any- them? My take here is that it body, it is either you prepare for is time to separate the boys an event and make a meaningful from the men. It will also help impact or you get boxed out of to monitor happenings within relevance. There are no two ways members of various boards. about it.

The score card will help to deExcept drastic efforts are termine who will possibly make made painstakingly to achieve a return leg or come back to the any meaningful impact at the Rio boards in 2017, particularly games, the outcome may be more among the federations’ presidisastrous than the London 2012 dents. I dare say some of the Olympic games from where Ni- current presidents are mere geria came back home with prac- loafers. Many of them do not tically nothing to show for the deserve to even be board memenormous resources expended bers, much less presidents. on the games.

It may shock the minister to The new Sports Minister, know that some federations Solomon Dalung, should call have not held any meaningful for a congress or conference of board meetings, safe for their

46

inaugural meetings after the national federations’ election of 2013.

For those of us who were at the 2012 London Games, it was a legitimate thought that four years should be good enough to prepare fully for a better outing at the Rio Games. But the reality on the ground suggests a direct opposite of what some of us had expected should be the situation by now. The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games should have been a further eye opener to what our preparatory agenda for the 2016 Olympic Games should look like. It seems we forget easily. I hope and pray that we are not a country without reference or records to fall back on. What makes a man different from other beings is the capacity to learn from the past. The capacity to recall events or record for analysis with a view of identifying loopholes and areas of defects makes the difference of who is an administrator is and who he/she is not.

I had made repeated submissions in this column, based on what I saw at the 2012 London Olympic and 2014 Glasgow Games, pleading for pragmatic administrative approach toward sports growth and development.

We should not be seen as a country of lamentation, year in and year out.

Apology I most sincerely tender unreserved apology to all readers of this column for my inability to serve you for the last two weeks. It was due to circumstances beyond my control. Call it flight mix-up from Houston to London which practically affected my humble effort. It was indeed a situation I could not help. I deeply express my profound appreciation for your love and concern and here is saying that I am back for good!.

Hard but the bitter truth There is a very clear wide margin between noise making and point making. Most people who are assumed to know better on issues of national interest are mostly noise makers pretending to be making points by defending the indefensible. The level of the prevailing wanton madness and insanity should be of serious concern to any sane and right thinking Nigerian. They should be in the classrooms of their grand children for better lecturing and for a well deserved tongue lashing. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Most cosmetic procedures

Vol. 05 No. 1267

Friday, Deceember 18, 2015

Cindy Jackson (USA) has spent $99,600 (£53,148) on 47 cosmetic procedures, including nine full-scale surgical operations since 1988.

N150

Abia since 1999: Straightening and strengthening history (II)

T

he magazine said Akomas’ part of the deal was to nominate Mascot Nsiegbe, also known as Mascot Uzor Kalu, as the deputy governor. Nsiegbe is Kalu’s younger brother who is based in the United States. The game plan was to ultimately see Nsiegbe taking over power after Akomas would have given way, either through impeachment or other means. Akomas, according to the agreement, was to be in power for 18 months, after which Nsiegbe, as scripted, would then step in as the governor.

Sources close to the governor (TA) reportedly dismissed this calculation as a figment of the imagination of political enemies. Some observers also argued that even if such a plan existed, it might be difficult to implement. They cited the case of Chris Ngige of Anambra State who, after swearing an oath of allegiance at Okija shrine, turned against Chris Uba, his political godfather.

Resorting to fetish rituals to extract loy-

F

ormer Cameroun captain, Samuel Eto’o, has been appointed interim playermanager at Turkish side, Antalyaspor.

According to BBC Sport, the 34-year-old striker, who joined the club on a threeyear contract last June, has

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) alty, the magazine said, was informed by the fact that somebody needed to cover his tracks in Abia. Allegations of corruption against the previous government involving billions of naira were being investigated by higher authorities, for instance. Cognizance should be taken of the fact that apart from drafting TA into the governorship race, his predecessor contested the April 21, 2007 presidential election. All these implied hefty expenditure for an outgoing governor. Of no less significance was the magazine’s reference to the political romance between the duo, which it said dated back to 1998, when TA’s predecessor was at the risk of crashing out of the case. Reports said TA assisted at the time in his capacity as INEC secretary in Abia to save his predecessor from impending disqualification from partaking in the 1999 general elections, a gesture many still believe earned him the job of Chief of Staff for eight years, after which he was elevated as the governor.

A revealing open letter to TA’s predecessor by the publisher of Hallmark newspapers, Prince Emeka Obasi, a man that served Orji Uzor’s government variously as Special Adviser on Research and Strategy; and subsequently as the Commissioner for Information before TA assumed office in 2007, dated August 22, 2014 - at a time when relationship had soured irretrievably across the board - in response to conflicting accounts of what has now become the ‘TA rebellion’, not only corroborated

THIS LATTER PART OF OBASI’S OPEN LETTER APPEARS NOTHING BUT THE WHOLE TRUTH some of the narratives of Tell magazine, but exposed a whole lot more concerning the rot that built-up and eventually ignited the parting of ways. Prince Obasi said at the time the former governor met him (TA), he was the Administrative Secretary of INEC. Their eventual partnership facilitated the emergence of Orji as governor. Obasi said TA became Chief of Staff as a reward for his assistance towards the emergence of his predecessor as governor, for instance.

That’s not all from Obasi. He disclosed, in addition, what he knew about how TA fared as governor under his predecessor’s ‘godfatherhood’. He said: “You (Kalu) allege that you don’t know what you did to TA. Are you sure? Search your conscience. You wanted TA to be governor only in name; while you and your mother continued to rule. So you appointed your brother as the Chief of Staff, gave TA only one commissionership slot which he filled with Okey Amaechi (SAN) as Attorney-General; and shared the entire 17 Local Government Chairman with your mummy. TA’s aides pleaded with you to allow him produce the chairman of his LGA, but you declined. You appointed ASP Okoro, your former orderly, as his ADC, and ap-

pointed one of your former drivers as his Chief Driver. You also tried to appoint the Government House cooks. When his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Odochi Orji refused and insisted that she had always cooked for her husband, you reluctantly conceded to her”.

Obasi continued: “You nominated companies fronting for you to be the main contractors of the government; and with your cousin and kinsman as Commissioner for Finance, their payments were always prompt… And for a season, TA was willing to oblige you. But Abia indigenes were not.

They had suffered grievously under your yoke for eight years and refused to continue in bondage”.

This latter part of Obasi’s open letter appears nothing but the whole truth when TA eventually decided resolutely to free himself and Abia as a State from proxy rule. Indeed, the titanic battle, both in the political field and at the law courts, which pitted TA and his arch opponent during and shortly after the 2007 polls, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, was to many not just a tussle for power meant to unseat TA, but a bitter fight to stave Abia away from the gluttony of rotten governance by proxy. Recall that the electoral dispute between TA, then of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA); and Chief Ugochukwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was finally resolved in favour of TA by the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, roughly two years after the election held in April 2007. The National Assembly/Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal, Umuahia, had a year earlier (February 2008) declared Ugochukwu the winner of the poll.

The difference in landmark projects in place in Abia, especially between 2011 and 2015 - TA’s second term - justified his rebellion and pacified a significant portion of agitated Abians. Any account of what has transpired in the state so far that falls short of these truths ought to be taken with a pinch of salt. For, God and posterity are the ultimate judges. (Concluded)

Sport Extra

Samuel Eto’o becomes coach been given three matches to impress at the helm.

He takes over from Yusuf Simsek, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent on December 7.

Antalyaspor will make a decision about whether

to give Eto’o the role permanently after the winter break.

Eto’o will be guided and assisted by Mehmet Ugurlu, who is the club’s technical director, as the Camerounian takes his first steps into

management.

The move is an unexpected one the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea player, who has been involved in a number of controversial and damaging disputes with his country’s football federation

as well as with team-mates, has taken.

One of his former international team-mates, Patrick M’boma, admitted he was “surprised Eto’o has gone into management so soon.”

Eto’o

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