Binder1

Concessionaires tackle FAAN over hike in airport charges OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Chidoka

Vol. 4 N0. 923

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irline operators, ground handling companies and other concessionaires of the

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, may soon down tools.

Their grievances are based on what they described as “arbitrary increase in the charges� by

PDP Reps caucus in fresh plot against Tambuwal

FAAN. Investigations by our correspondent revealed that FAAN had recently increased its rates for ground rent, office rent, apron pass,

P.4

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Friday, August 22, 2014

N150

Ebola: Two US patients discharged from hospital ...make case for Liberian victims

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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he two US patients who were treated for Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, have been discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

They had been in an isola-

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) receiving the report of the National Conference from the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

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tion ward since their evacuation from Liberia early this month and were the first patients treated for Ebola on American soil.

An official at Emory University Hospital said that their release posed no public health risk, and Dr. Kent CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Dr. Kent Brantly, (left) who was treated for Ebola at Emory University Hospital was discharged yesterday in Atlanta.

Jonathan pledges to implement Confab final report P.2,6

...says dialogue has created a new Nigeria President departs for Germany

Nigeria records N1.7trn ATM transactions in 2 years

P.41

News

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Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan pledges to implement Confab final report OMEIZA AJAYI AND WOLE OLADIMEJI

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday formally closed the National Conference, having received a three-volume report made up of 600 recommendations from the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi.

The barely 40-minute event was the climax of months of debates, consultations, lobbying and political manoeuverings.

The conference was inaugurated by the President on March 17, 2014.

President Jonathan said Nigeria must steadily arrive at a juncture where strife, conflict and mistrust would become distant echoes of her past.

“It is the dawn of a new day in Nigeria and the new nation is at the door accompanied by these great men and women, young and old.

“All those who have predicted the disintegration of our country at the end of our first centenary would wish that they chose another country when the possibilities of the new visions for Nigeria are actualised.

“In place of disintegration we shall have integra-

tion; in place of bitterness and spilling of blood, we shall have sweetness and healing in our land. “Henceforth, our country has become like a running water that approaches a rock, rather than stop, it takes a different course and flows on,” he said.

He said that the discourse reflected Nigeria’s latest challenges, promising to send the relevant aspects with the recommendations to the National Council of State and, of course, the National Assembly.

Although, the President was silent on the issue of having a draft constitution, he said both arms of government would work together to make sure that “the report is transformed into our laws.”

“As I receive the report of your painstaking deliberations, let me assure that your work is not going to be a waste of time or resources. We shall do all we can to ensure the implementation of your recommendation which have come out of consensus and not by division.

“We are quite pleased that there was no voting and that is instructive because if 492 egg-heads and leaders of this country have come

up with this document, definitely, those of us in the executive arm of government and the parliamentarians will respect this report.

“In this regard, I appeal to all arms of government and the people of Nigeria to be ready to play the different roles that the volume of the report you have produced will be assigned to.

“It is my hope that with what you have done, our country is on the right road to getting the job of nationbuilding done,” he added.

The President also noted

that the report of the National Conference, coming 100 years after Nigeria’s amalgamation, promised to be a landmark in the nation’s history.

“I have always believed that dialogue is a better way of driving change in the community. I am convinced that this will be a major turning point for this great country.

“We have gone through many challenges in our first centenary and now is the time to hit our proper lane in the race of progress.

“Our moment for national rebirth is here. We have to rekindle hope not only within our country but in the entire African continent where collectively, our leadership is acknowledged.”

President Jonathan also reeled out some of his achievements, saying in every governance index, he was making reasonable progress.

“In 2009, our life expectancy was 47 but it has now risen to 52. We were spending over a trillion naira

importing goods four years ago; it is now down to a little over N600bn and still falling.

“The size of our economy has grown significantly.

We are improving on our infrastructure and we are now well on our way to selfsufficiency in energy and food security.”

Kutigi had earlier thanked Jonathan for the opportunity to serve the nation, saying the President had never interfered in the proceedings or the final report of the conference.

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Michael Ajisafe; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and member, Board of Trustees, ABUAD, Prof. Israel Orubuloye, at the presentation of the university’s packaged dry fish to the minister in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Concessionaires tackle FAAN over hike in airport charges Ebola: Two US patients CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

operational vehicle sticker and car permit among others by between 33 per cent and 500 per cent for all its clients.

Airports mostly affected by this new development include the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos; the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja and the Port Harcourt Airport, Port Harcourt.

Our correspondent’s findings showed that for instance, FAAN increased its ground rent by 33 per cent from N1,500 per square metre to N2,000 at the Lagos Airport.

Office rent for airlines, ground handling services and other concessionaires at the same airport was increased from N30,000 to N60,000 per square metre per annum, a 100 per cent increase.

Others are apron pass and H&C Terminal car sticker, which were increased from N50,000 and N7,000 per annum to N150,000 and N15,000 respectively.

At the Port Harcourt Airport, the situation is not different as FAAN’s clients are being compelled to pay new charges on ground rent, apron pass, car permit and operational vehicle sticker.

Investigations by our correspondent indicated that for ground rent at the airport, FAAN increased the fee from N500 to N2,000, a 300 per cent increase; apron pass from N250,000 to N1.2m per annum, which shows an increase of 380 per cent.

For car permit at the airport, clients are forced to pay N20,000 on each vehicle while N500,000 was imposed on each operational vehicle sticker. These charges did not exist before now At the Abuja Airport, apron pass for each vehicle jumped by 1,566 per cent to N250,000 from N15,000 per annum.

The findings also showed that the new charges were exclusive of the five per cent turnover the agency was collecting from most of its clients annually while it also

received about seven per cent surcharge on each kilogramme of cargo cleared for importation by ground handling services.

National Mirror, however, gathered that the stakeholders, under the auspices of Airport Operators Committee, AOC, comprising the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL; the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCo Plc; local and foreign airlines and other concessionaires were mapping out strategies to resist the agency from enforcing the new charges.

A source close to the committee, who did not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent that some of the old charges were introduced in 2012 and 2013.

The source wondered why the agency would want to increase the fees again barely 12 and 24 months after.

“We as AOC members have met several times with FAAN on these new charges

and told them that we won’t be able to pay them because they are so arbitrary that we can’t afford them.

“In other developed airports around the world, some of these charges are not paid by operators, but FAAN is forcing them on us.

“However, FAAN officials have been going round disrupting our operations and causing unnecessary delay to our clients especially at the tarmac.

“We have even written a petition to the Ministry of Aviation on this, but till now, we have not received any response from them. It is unheard of anywhere in the world that you increase charges annually especially in a sector that we are striving to survive,” the source said.

FAAN General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, could not be reached for his comment.

Also, a text message to his mobile line remained undelivered as at the time of filing this report.

discharged from hospital CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Brantly, 33, called it a “miraculous day.”

Brantly and his wife stood holding hands before he read from a written statement.

He choked up several times while thanking his aid group, North Carolinabased Samaritan’s Purse, and the Emory medical team standing behind them.

“Today is a miraculous day. I am thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family,” Brantly said at a news conference announcing his and Nancy Writebol’s release.

He spoke at a news conference after his release yesterday. Writebol, 59, was released on Tuesday, and her husband said in a statement emailed by aid group, SIM, that she was free of the virus but remained in a weakened condition and was recuperating at an un-

disclosed location.

Brantly said that when he and his family moved to Liberia last year, Ebola “wasn’t on the radar.”

But he recalled that on Wednesday, July 23, his life “took an unexpected turn” after he woke up feeling ill.

He went on to thank the people who cared for him during his illness, and to note the thousands of people who have been praying for him.

Growing emotional as he spoke, Brantly thanked the aid groups Samaritan’s Purse and SIM, along with the Emory staff, for caring for him and his family.

Brantly said he and his family would now spend time together in private to reconnect.

He also said he was glad his case might have attracted attention to the deadly outbreak.

“Please, continue to pray CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, August 22, 2014

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Photo News

Friday, August 22, 2014

L-R: Principal Partner, Etteh Aro and Partners, Rev. Etteh Ette; Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye and President, Nigerian Institution of Highway Engineers (NIHE), Mr. Isa Emoabino, during the 2014 National Conference of NIHE in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Chairman of occasion, Prof. Tola Atinmo; Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Mrs. Gloria Elemo and representative of the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr. Olufemi Olowookere, during a symposium on nutrition and health in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: FCT Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Israel Akanji; Minister of State for FCT, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Sen Philips Aduda during the presentation of the 2013 Pilgrimage Report and inauguration of the leaders of FCT Delegation for 2014 Christian Pilgrimage in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Perry Calderwood; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research, University of Lagos, Prof. Babajide Alo; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega and Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. John Obafunwa, during the Annual Conference of the Department of Sociology, UNILAG in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

National News OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that over 300,000 delegates from 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory will decide the fate of the party’s presidential aspirants at its national convention expected to hold in November.

The party also said that the recent defection of former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, where he is aspiring to govern Adamawa State, would not negatively impact on the electoral fortunes of the opposition party.

Speaking to the media shortly after the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, APC’s spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the party would adopt a delegate convention where over 300,000 delegates will decide the fate of the presidential aspirants, while

Presidency: Buhari, Atiku, Kwankwaso, others to face 300,000 delegates, says APC the state congresses will be through modified direct primaries.

Former vice president Atiku Abubarkar, former military head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), and Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are among the leading aspirants for

the party’s presidential ticket.

According to Mohammed, who said that the primaries will kick off as from October said, “we would want to ensure the participation of a large members of our people to what we called modified direct primaries at the

ward, local government and state primaries. We called it modified direct primaries even though we know the constraints of lining up members on a queue particularly in the northern states. But in the states, we are not going to use delegate primaries because we want to be sure

that we are different and show how transparent we can be.”

He said that it would accredit over 300.000 delegates for the presidential primaries as such number will make it difficult for anyone to manipulate.

Speaking on the defection of Ribadu, the party

spokesperson said, “the beauty of our politics is the freedom of association. Though, no party would want to lose its members, but since APC is a strong party in Adamawa, the departure of one person cannot affect the fortunes and we have moved on.”

Reps PDP caucus plots against Tambuwal TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Caucus in the House of Representatives is plotting to destabilise the leadership of the lower chamber on resumption from a six-week recess next month.

The PDP caucus, led

by Mrs. Mulikat AkandeAdeola, is said to be miffed with Tambuwal over his recent activities, pointing to a

possibility of his defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The caucus is also said to be unsettled by the speaker’s repeated and pointed criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership of the country, especially on security matters.

“If he is in the All Progressives Congress, he should make it clear to us after the recess. Because, for now, we really don’t know,” a member of the

PDP caucus from Ebonyi State said yesterday.

He added: “In politics, you are either ‘in or out’.

You can’t be ‘out and in’ at the same time, the way our amiable speaker is at the moment, from what we are reading in the papers. So we would have to insist on knowing where his allegiance is when he resumes.”

On the speaker’s criticism of the presidency’s handling of the affairs of the country, the lawmaker

said “it is uncalled for and it is most unfortunate to criticise a sitting president who is doing his best to move this country forward.”

Shortly before the house adjourned for a six-week recess in July, the PDP caucus, led by Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha and Mrs. Akande-Adeola, joined their fellow lawmakers in the Senate to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office beginning from 2015.

Tambuwal, though is yet to officially declare for another party, was, however, not present at the endorsement of Jonathan by the PDP leadership.

The lawmakers, National Mirror gathered, became a sore point of departure for the PDP plotters against the speaker.

But what may have worsened matters for Tambuwal is his recent statement that the country deserved a better leader than the incumbent president.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, August 22, 2014

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THE EBOLA SCOURGE

N200m grant to Lagos not from N1.9bn presidential fund –FG MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he Federal Government yesterday said the N200m it gave

to Lagos State to assist in managing the Ebola virus was not from the N1.9bn earlier approved by President Goodluck Jonathan to contain the virus.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Health, Dan Nwomeh, a copy of which was made available to National Mirror, also empha-

sised that more corporate bodies had made financial contributions to help government fight the virus.

“The N200m is a distinct and direct Federal Gov-

ernment support to Lagos State and does not preclude other assistance that may be rendered to the state through the Federal Ministry of Health,” the statement said.

It added that apart from the N152m earlier promised by the Dangote Foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation had also pledged a donation of N50m to support its containment efforts on the disease.

“The ANAP Foundation, founded by Mr. Atedo Peterside, informed the Minister of Health that the founda-

tion would be supporting affected private hospitals to the tune of N100,000 per bed space.

“He also disclosed to the minister that the First Consultant Hospital in Lagos where the index case was managed would be the first beneficiary and that the hospital would receive N4m since its bed capacity is 40,” the statement added Similarly, Shell Petroleum Limited donated an ambulance to the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre in Lagos, according to the statement.

Two US patients discharged from hospital CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Ministers: Chief Emeka Wogu (Labour and Productivity) and Chief Osita Chidoka (Aviation), during the National Productivity Day in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

UK, Wellcome offer $10m for emergency research

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n emergency research call has been launched to help fight the world’s worst Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with the British government and the Wellcome Trust medical charity pledging a combined 6.5 million pounds ($10.8m, N1.78bn).

Expert teams from around the world are being invited to submit research

proposals by September 8 for initiatives that can rapidly investigate new approaches to treating, preventing and containing the disease.

“The gravity of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa demands an urgent response, and we believe rapid research into humanitarian interventions and therapeutics can have an impact on treatment and containment dur-

ing the present outbreak,” Jeremy Farrar, Wellcome’s director, said in a statement.

Wellcome, the world’s second highest-spending charitable foundation, also announced a long-term investment in African science worth 40 million pounds on Thursday.

There are no proven treatments or vaccines for Ebola but the World Health

Organisation, WHO, has backed the use of untested products and is hoping for improved supplies of experimental drugs by the end of the year.

British scientists said earlier that up to 30,000 people would have so far needed such treatments or vaccines in the current outbreak, which has killed more than 1,300 people.

Minister berates doctors, lauds health workers MARCUS FATUNMOLE AND FRANKA OSAKWE

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he Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday faulted doctors in the country for failing to end their 53-day-old strike.

The minister, however, commended health workers for their support to patients in the public hospitals, especially during the time the nation was facing challenges from the Ebola virus disease.

Chukwu said in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dan Nwomeh, that the health workers had shown courage, compassion and sacrifice.

He gave the commendation in Abuja while declaring open the Annual General

Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, yesterday.

“The minister, who observed that nine of the 12 confirmed cases were either medical doctors or nurses, singled out the most senior physician that managed the index case, the late Dr. Ameyo Adedavoh, for her exceptional bravery, saying she paid with her life to ensure that many other Nigerians were not contaminated by the virus.

“Dr. Adedavoh took the brunt of physically blocking the patient from running away from the First Consultants Hospital, which would have not only infected more people but also make contacttracing difficult.

“I am confident that she will be honoured by Nigeria at the appropriate time,” he said.

“On the status of Ebola

Virus Disease in the country, Prof. Chukwu said the total number of confirmed cases still stood at 12, with five dead, five successfully managed and discharged, while the remaining two were currently undergoing treatment at the isolation ward in Lagos,” the release added.

He, however, noted that with a good number of secondary contacts yet to complete the 21-day incubation period, the possibility of two or three more cases could not be entirely ruled out.

While faulting the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Medical Association, Chukwu restated that the Federal Government had fulfilled over 80 per cent of its own part of the agreement with the association, adding that the process of resolving outstanding issues was already in progress.

He blamed the leadership

of the NMA in particular for the strike, and recalled that as the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, he once stepped aside and offered to resign his position rather than be pushed into an unnecessary strike by members over issues he was convinced could be resolved amicably through more dialogue.

The minster regretted that despite several protracted meetings with the NMA, including the intervention of senior members of the profession, the association had remained adamant.

He also disclosed that President Gooluck Jonathan personally met twice with the NMA without the minister of health being in the meeting in the President’s bid to get to the root of the matter, regretting that it was all in vain.

for Liberia and the people of West Africa,” he said.

After his remarks, Brantly made his way down the line of hospital staff behind him, hugging and laughing with them. As he left, many in the room gave him a loud round of applause.

Missionary Nancy Writebol was “declared virus-free and discharged from hospital Tuesday,” according to the SIM aid group.

After blood tests came back clear, Writebol was reunited with her husband, David, and they “have gone to an undisclosed location to rest,” SIM said.

“After a rigorous course of treatment and testing, the Emory Healthcare team has determined that both patients have recovered from the Ebola virus and can return to their families and community without concern for spreading this infection to others,” Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit, said in a statement provided by SIM. In his statement, David Writebol said Nancy “was greatly encouraged knowing that there were so many people around the world lifting prayers to God for her return to health.

“Her departure from the hospital, free of the disease, is powerful testimony to God’s sustaining grace in time of need.”

Brantly was flown out of Liberia on August 2, and Writebol followed on August 5. The two were infected while working at a missionary clinic outside Liberia’s capital.

Brantly and Writebol re-

ceived an experimental treatment called Zmapp, but it’s not known whether the drug helped or whether they improved on their own, as has happened to others who have survived the disease. The treatment is so novel that it hasn’t been tested in people.

The limited supply of Zmapp also was tried in a Spanish missionary priest, who died, and three Liberian health care workers, who are said to be improving.

The Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,300 people across West Africa.

There is no proven treatment or vaccine. Patients are given basic supportive care to keep them hydrated, maintain their blood pressure and treat any complicating infections.

Ebola is spread only through direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick people experiencing symptoms.

Yesterday in the Liberian capital of Monrovia, calm set in one day after residents in a slum that was sealed off in an effort to contain the outbreak clashed with riot police and soldiers.

World Health Organization officials were visiting two hospitals that are treating Ebola patients and struggling to keep up with the influx of patients.

The death toll is rising most quickly in Liberia, which now accounts for at least 576 of the fatalities, the WHO said.

At least 2,473 people have been sickened across West Africa - more than the caseloads of all the previous two-dozen Ebola outbreaks combined.

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News

Friday August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NNPC recorded 3,571 pipeline breaks in 2013 -Dawha

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, says it recorded 3,571 pipeline breaks in 2013, due to the activities of vandals and oil thefts in the country.

The Group Managing

Director of the corporation, Dr Joseph Dawha, disclosed this yesterday at the National Association of Energy Correspondents’ 2014 Conference in Lagos.

The theme of the conference was ‘Pipeline Vandal-

ism and its Socio-Economic Effects on the Nation’.

Dawha was represented

by Mr Francis Amego, the executive director, Commercial, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, Ltd., a subsid-

iary of NNPC. He said that the activity of vandals was first recorded in 1999 with 497 pipeline breaks, adding that it increased to 3,571 in 2013.

Dawha said that this had led to high cost of opera-

L-R: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule; Mrs. Olalesi Mamora; Governor Babatunde Fashola, and his deputy, Hon. (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, during the official flag-off of the Expanded Economic Empowerment Programme in Lagos, yesterday.

Boko Haram takes Buni Yadi, in Yobe

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oko Haram insurgents have taken control of Buni Yadi in Yobe State.

The town is the latest to fall into the hands of the Islamic sect, witnesses and a local official said yesterday.

Several residents, who fled the assault on Buni Yadi, said it began late last month, with the insurgents ultimately taking over the main government building.

They have reportedly raised their flag above the building and have carried out summary executions,

including that of two people who were caught smoking cigarettes.

Abdullahi Bego, the spokesman for Governor Ibrahim Geidam, could not confirm the executions.

But he told a news agency: “As I speak, there are no military presence in Buni Yadi and locals say that Boko Haram come and go as they please, and so many people from Buni Yadi have fled to the state capital, Damaturu.”

Residents said the rebels, who massacred dozens of students at a boarding

school in Buni Yadi in February and kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State in April, had set up roadblocks.

They were also robbing people as they tried to flee.

“I left Buni Yadi yesterday (Wednesday) because it was no longer safe for me and my family,” a trader, Surajo Muhammad, said.

The gunmen “shot dead two men for smoking and they also killed a known drug peddler.”

Tijjani Bukar, who also fled, reported the same executions.

“I couldn’t stay any longer because I came to realise these people have come to stay,” he said.

“I thought they would be there for a few days but from our understanding they have turned the town into their (territory).”

The United Nations has confirmed that Boko Haram had seized control of the towns of Damboa and Gwoza in Borno State in recent weeks.

There are indications that Damboa was retaken by the military in an offensive earlier this month but details are not clear.

Jega canvasses greater participation in elections TOYEEB OLAYINKA

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hairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has charged the citizenry to participate more actively in the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Jega spoke on the topic: ‘Stakeholders and the Electoral Process in Nigeria: Review of 2011 Elections and Projections for 2015’ at the annual conference organised by the

Department of Sociology, University of Lagos.

He said the need for greater citizen participation in the electoral process is crucial to the sustenance and deepening of the country’s democratic experience.

While commending the geometric growth in the involvement of stakeholders in the electoral process, Jega urged citizens to improve on their participation, adding that electoral management bodies across the world need an active citizenry to

complement their efforts at ensuring that elections are free, fair and credible.

“We at INEC have been prime beneficiaries of the support of the stakeholders in the electoral process in the past, particularly in the 2011 general elections.

We look forward to enjoying greater cooperation as we prepare for the 2015 elections,” he opined.

Also, giving insight into election restructuring, Canada High Commissioner, Mr. Perry Calderwood, decried the military intervention at

elections, adding that it only takes the role and commitment of other stakeholders to conduct a free and fair election as practiced in Canada.

“The primary stakeholders at every election are the citizens who the government collects taxes from to provide a wide range of facilities. One of the principal reasons for the success of our electoral system and indeed the stability and prosperity in Canada is the strong sense of oneness of the people.

tions and deterioration of the refinery system.

The group managing director added that the act had resulted in loss of revenue by the government and production capacity.

He urged the Federal Government to develop critical infrastructure and key resources protection in line with that of the United States.

Dawha said that there was need to reinforce the existing laws to allow for speedy prosecution of cases.

Contributing, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Atuwe, commander, Joint Task Force, JTF, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, said that the issue of vandalism should be tackled culturally, psychologically and economically.

Atuwe said that severe punishment should be meted out on oil thieves, adding that all such theft should attract a stiff penalty.

According to him, if this is done, it would deter others from acts of vandalism.

The commander said that there was need to address the challenge of unemployment, adding that establishment of more refineries would lead to creation of employment and more refined products.

He said that this would also bring more indigenes in oil producing areas into gainful employment.

Atuwe called for more collaboration among the security agencies responsible for protection of the nation’s pipelines.

Managing Director, Energia Company Ltd., Mr Felix Amieyeofori, said that oil theft caused distortion in oil prices at the international market.

Amieyeofori said only 30 per cent of the stolen oil was sold locally and the government needed to identify and proffer solution to the problem.

Stakeholders reject WAEC’s decision on sick candidates

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takeholders in the education sector yesterday frowned at the decision of West Africa Examinations Council, WAEC, not to allow sick candidates sit in the forthcoming November/ December examinations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WAEC had, on Wednesday, asked sick candidates to stay away from the examination centers.

It said barring sick students from writing the exams was part of its contribution to halt the spread of the deadly Ebola disease.

The WAEC also said that it would employ the use of hand gloves, masks and sanitisers at the centres.

However, a cross section of Nigerians who spoke to NAN in Abuja

said the announcement was uncalled for.

President, ParentsTeachers Association, PTA, Haruna Danjuma, said WAEC had taken a wrong decision as it had already entered into a contract agreement with the candidates.

Danjuma called on the council to put appropriate measures in place to check the candidates before the examination or ask them to come along with medical report.

He also advised the council to reconsider its decision, adding that it should take measures to avoid any legal issue with the candidates.

The Coordinator, Unity Colleges, Federal Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Emeka Okonta, said the decision

by WAEC was inappropriate.

Jonathan on private visit to Germany

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resident Goodluck Jonathan will early today leave Abuja on a private visit to Germany.

A terse statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Me-

dia and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President would be accompanied on the trip by some of his principal aides.

He is expected back in Abuja early next week.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, August 22, 2014

‘Nigeria leads the world in oil theft’ UDEME AKPAN

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he nation has emerged a leading environment where crude oil theft and other vices thrive in the world.

The Managing Director of Energia Nigeria Limited, Mr. Felix Amieyeofori, at a conference in Lagos, yesterday, said in terms of pipeline vandalism, $10-$12bn had been lost to crude theft from 2009 to 2011 alone.

The managing director, who noted that the figures would be higher when other years are considered, said 100,000 barrels per day, bpd, amounting to $5-7bn annually were also lost to sundry oil theft.

He said: “Nigeria is ranked worse than Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia on the top five countries most plagued by oil theft.

“About 75per cent of the stolen oil is being exported, with the rest being refined in illegal ‘artisanal’ refineries,” he

Petroleum Minister, AllisonMadueke

noted.

According to him, “Stolen crude goes through the creeks at night with the aid of small vessels that transfer into internationally-registered vessels, sold to international buyers, processed by international oil refineries, and paid for using international bank accounts.”

Amieyeofori said stolen Nigerian oil worth billions of dollars is sold every year on the international market, much of which proceeds are laundered in the world financial centres.

The managing direc-

tor’s words: “The money is deposited by using bulk cash smuggling, delayed deposits, shell companies, and bribing officials.

“Profits are laundered abroad in financial hubs, including New York, London, Geneva and Singapore.”

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan, who said in The Hague that the Federal Government had earmarked $1bn for the implementation of a comprehensive programme to check crude oil theft, vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure, and the apprehension and prosecution of crude oil thieves.

He said there was a need to engage all the communities and settlements in these areas in a dialogue to create a mutually beneficial solution which will include network of security and surveillance, as well as economic empowerment of the communities.

The Managing Director of Petroluem Products

and Marketing Company, PPMC, Mr. Haruna Momoh, said pipeline vandalism and oil theft had affected crude oil supply to the refineries, as well fuel supply to various parts of the nation.

He said manning of the pipeline network over the years started with community guards, vigilance groups, Nigeria Police, Army, Joint Task Force, JTF, and Special Task Forces, STF, all to no desired results.

Momoh said the government needs to develop a national plan for critical infrastructure and key resources protection similar to the United States’ National Infrastructure Protection Plan, NIPP. The Federal Government should likewise declare the pipelines as strategic national assets and set up a special force to protect them, he added.

The managing director said the laws against pipeline vandalism specified prosecution at Federal High Court.

7

N160m suit against First Bank: Court fixes Oct 7 for hearing ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has fixed October 7 for hearing in a N160m suit instituted by Victoria Ventures Nigeria Limited, VVNL, against the First Bank of Nigeria, FBN, over its alleged refusal to repay a fixed deposit lodged by a customer, with its interest.

In the suit filed at the registry of the high court, VVNL is asking for N10m and N15m as general and aggravated damages, respectively.

Before their relationship soured, officials of the bank were said to have convinced a VVNL director, Prof.

John Ayoade, of excellent returns on investments for depositors’ funds and the advantages of maintaining a fixed deposit investment with the bank.

According to the plaintiff, by October 2009, the sum of N30m had been deposited with the bank.

It was alleged that N20m of the money was used to

open another investment portfolio for Ayoade himself.

The plaintiff stated that one Imam Asiat, an employee of the bank, called Ayoade at various times to inform him of the maturity of his investment and same rolled over, but she did not send any documentation to relay the information.

Dissatisfied with the bank’s alleged failure to issue appropriate documents, the plaintiff stated that he requested for the liquidation of the investment.

The bank, according to the plaintiff, returned cheques of N32.3 m to VVNL and another N20.5m to Ayoade.

The plaintiff stated that it was at this point he was persuaded by the bank marketers’ advertisement and ‘smooth-talking’, as well as representation of a senior employee of the bank (El-Rufai Ibrahim), a biological brother of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai) and agreed that the cheques should be returned to the bank as fixed deposits.

8

South West

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashola slams FG over revenue sharing formula FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday slammed the Federal Government for “doing so little with the huge revenue allocations” it gets from the federation account.

Fashola, who said this at the flag-off ceremony of the Lagos State Economic and Empowerment Programme at Adeyemi Bero

Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that the Federal Government had failed to use the huge sum it gets monthly to better the lives of the citizenry.

According to the governor, the Federal Government gets 52 per cent of the total income of the federation while the 36 state governments in the federation share 26 per cent, lamenting that even with the huge share it

gets, the central government had failed in its responsibilities, especially in the provision of power and security.

Fashola said: “There are three governments in Nigeria family: The federal, state and local government. We get income from three major sources; there are other ones but this are the main sources. One is oil, the other is charges and import duties. Last year in Apapa alone, be-

tween January and June, the published income for the federal government was N1.4 trillion.

“We don’t collect taxes from companies. All the companies in Nigeria, once you declare your profit, certain percentage is paid to the Federal Government. What we collect is personal income tax on the employees of the companies. Yet the Federal Government has failed to provide electric-

ity. If there is power today, many companies would pick up.

“In Lagos, we are looking at an alternative to national failure, because we would soon start to hear a lot of stories. Remember that we used to have Berec; remember that at a time 35 per cent of the components inside Peugeot 504 used to be

Agric minister lauds investment in ABUAD, farms ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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L-R: General Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, and Consultant to the governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Julius Ogundipe, during a visit by NASU executives, in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Osun APC, PDP disagree over Jega’s comment BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State yesterday disagreed over the claim by the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that the August 9 governorship poll in the state was almost rigged.

The APC, in a statement issued by its Director, Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said that Jega’s claim was “sufficient inference to confirm what we had known all along that the PDP had a master-plan to hack into INEC’s database and corrupt the electoral register in order to disenfranchise thousands of voters.”

But the PDP, in a reaction by its publicity secretary, Bola Ajao, said APC only raised a false allegation against it, insisting that it was the ruling party that rigged the governorship poll.

Ajao said from information available to the party, APC perpetrated massive rigging of the governorship election, adding that the party was only making efforts to distract PDP from pressing ahead with its plan to challenge the result of the poll.

He, however, restated the readiness of the PDP to challenge the result of the poll before the election tribunal, saying “they are not only riggers, but are rumour mongers looking for means to distract us, but we would not be distracted.”

But APC, in its state-

ment, said: “We made these information public on several occasions, weeks before the election, but few people believed us. This was the reason they were buying up permanent voter cards.”

The party added that it had also informed the public that the PDP was planning to abuse and misuse the security personnel to arrest and harass APC supporters and leaders before the election.

“When we complained about hooded security officials, DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, in a very unprofessional outing, justified the deployment of such hooded security officials who almost killed our national publicity secretary, Alhaji LaI Mohamed,” he said.

The party, while commending INEC chairman

for publicly condemning the deployment of hooded security men, however declared that the development was unacceptable.

produced in Nigeria, why can’t we do that again?

Electricity,” he revealed.

The governor said with the huge resources in the coffers of the federal government, it could not perform its basic responsibilities, including provision of electricity, which has impoverished so many Nigerians.

griculture Minister, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, yesterday lauded the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, for his massive investment in the university and its farms.

The minister, who spoke at ABUAD Farms yesterday during his visit to the university, said: “This is bigger than what I think, but I am not surprised because anybody that knows Chief Afe Babalola would know what he stands for – excellence.”

He expressed delight in the combination of academic training and entrepreneurship by the university, saying products of the school, no doubt, received total education that would make them self-sufficient and employers of labour.

Adesina, who expressed delight at the Farms and

the initiative of Babalola, said the Federal Government would always partner with private investors.

He said: “The real driver of growth is private investment. Government only develops the policies and provides enabling environment. Obviously, for us as a government, we shall partner with Chief Babalola for the growth and development of the farms.”

Earlier yesterday, the minister, who said that the future of the country depended largely on agriculture, said that no effort would be spared to ensure that farmers got value for their products and become richer like their counterparts in Europe and United States of America.

He said that a sum of N3.5 billion had so far been expended by the Federal Government on the upgrade of facilities for small and medium scale enterprises to boost the economy and encourage entrepreneurs.

Fake DSS man in prison custody BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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ne Aladegbolu Victor was, yesterday, remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Osogbo, for claiming to be an official of Department of State Security during the last governorship election in Osun State.

The accused, who was arraigned before Magistrate Olusola Aluko, was said to have impersonated an officer of DSS at a polling booth in Ile-Ife, while election was going

on and attempted to disrupt voting before he was apprehended.

The prosecutor, Biodun Badiora, while addressing the court, stated that the accused conspired with others at large to commit the offence on August 9, at about 12:05pm, at Ife City Hall Area, Ile-Ife. He explained that the accused and others yet to be arrested, wore a dress with a police logo in front and an inscription of DSS at the back and told people they were officers of the agency.

Badiora also alleged

that the accused and others made attempt to disrupt the election in the neighborhood where he was arrested.

According to him, the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under sections 517 and 109 of the criminal code cap 34, vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge pressed against him.

The magistrate subsequently remanded the accused in prison and adjourned the case till September 12 for hearing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, August 22, 2014

9

Police gets new Secretary, PRO

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he Police Service Commission, PSC, yesterday approved the deployment of AIG Bala Hassan from Zone 10, Sokoto, to the Force Headquarters as the new Secretary.

This followed the elevation of the former Force Secretary, AIG Dan’Azumi Doma, to the next rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG. A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations in the Commission, Ferdinand Ekpe, said the deployment took effect from Tuesday, this week.

In a related development, the acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, as the new Force Public Relations Officer.

He is to replace ACP Frank Mba, who has been redeployed to the Lagos State Command as the Commander, Area J. Mba was the police spokesman from February 2012 to August, 2014.

At a brief hand-over ceremony yesterday at the Force Headquarters, Mba thanked the IGP for the new assignment given him, and urged the media and the public to extend maximum cooperation to his successor.

On his part, DCP Ojukwu promised to work to increase the tempo of good relationship between the police and the public, in line with the policy thrust of the Nigeria Police Force.

Until his new assignment, Ojukwu, was the DCP in charge of Force Criminal Investigations Department, FCID, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

Lagos APC lauds govt on empowerment programme

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he Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has lauded the state government on the successful inauguration of its Economic Empowerment Programme for the Unemployed in the state.

The party said the programme adds to a rich list of the laudable and effective programmes the state government was introducing to deal with the challenges of hosting the largest concentration of educated and illiterate youths, in the face of the aggravating poverty in the country.

In a release, in Lagos, signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, the party said by this welfarist attention to the plight of the unemployed

Gov. Fashola

and the disempowered, the government and the APC were demonstrating readiness to deal with the problems of poverty being exacerbated by the anti-people policy of the PDP-led Federal Government.

It said the state government would not shirk in its commitment to reducing the negative scourge.

“We are glad that the Lagos State Government has flagged off this epic programme that targets the downtrodden and unemployed Nigerians who continue to get disempowered and poor by the deliberate policies of the PDP Federal Government.

“We are aware that the World Bank ranks Nigeria as the country with the third largest population of poor people and have indeed projected that by 2015, Nigeria will become the country with the largest number of poor people in the world.

“We see this as a dreaded scenario and we are happy that the APC government is responsive to the plight of Nigerians who are increasingly targeted by the mass pauperisation policies the PDP has made the cornerstone of its governance for nearly 16 years,” the party said.

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Commissioner for Culture, Princess Adetutu Adeyemi, during the opening of World Sango Festival in Oyo, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Osun Osogbo holds, despite Ebola scare BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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n apparent reaction to the calls for its postponement, the organisers of ‘Osun Osogbo’ festival have stated that the grand finale of this year’s edition holds today.

Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MEDCAN, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo branch, had, in a statement issued on Wednesday, called for the postponement of the festival.

The association claimed that a large gathering of any kind should not be allowed at the moment in the state, when the country was still struggling to contain the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. But addressing a press conference yesterday in Osogbo, the chief consultant to the organisers of the festival, Mr. Ayo Olumoko, said the call for shift of the event was unnecessary, since both muslims and christians gatherings have not been stopped because of the rampaging Ebola disease.

Olumoko said there were also insinuations that the Federal Government might stop the festival to prevent the spread of the virus into Osun State, adding that while the Osogbo community would not defy any order by government aimed at containing the virus, it would be unfair to stop the festival after almost two weeks of activities.

He, however, added that though no agency of government had approached the organisers of the festival with the proposal to stop its grand finale, the Osogbo community would

cooperate with the government to ensure a hitch-free festival today.

As part of measures to educate the populace about the disease, he said leaflets detailing how Ebola could be contracted had been printed and distributed in the town.

While commending Governor Rauf Aregbesola for efforts to ensure that people live in hygienic environment across the state, especially in Osogbo, the state capital, Olumoko called for more education on how the Ebola virus could be contracted.

Group tasks FG on fighting terrorists KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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group in Oyo State, the Coalition of Human Rights Groups, yesterday called on the Federal Government to be more engaged in the fight against Boko Haram in the country.

The call, contained in a press release signed by the coalition’s Chairman, Comrade ’Laoye Sanda, and secretary, Yomi Dawodu, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, is coming against the backdrop of the statement by the spokesperson of the State Security Service, SSS, Ms Marylyn Ogar, linking terror bombing to the opposition party.

The group said such a

position clearly gave the government away as “one that does not have the grip of the challenges before it.”

It would be recalled that Ogar had recently said there was always a bomb blast anytime the opposition party loses election, whereas there would be no such whenever the ruling party wins.

While describing such a statement as “very unfortunate, condemnable and unbecoming of a responsible government organ,” it urged government to relieve Ogar of her duties for embarrassing it.

“If the government knows those behind the blasts, it ought to go straight and pick them up for necessary trial. It

is now over four months that almost 200 girls were abducted from a school in Chibok, only penultimate Tuesday, about 100 boys were also forcibly taken away by the same Boko Haramists in Borno State.

“Instead of government finding requisite solution to this embarrassing and heart-rending phenomenon, it kept looking for scapegoats in the opposition,” the coalition said.

It maintained that since security agencies of the Federal Government had been arresting Boko Haram members and interrogating them, it is incumbent on the government to go after the opposition members or anyone the terrorists mentioned as their sponsors in the

course of the interrogations.

The coalition stated that the statement by the SSS’ spokesperson was an indirect campaign to the people to no longer vote for the ruling party, as each time the ruling party wins election, there would be a bomb blast.

The human rights body regretted that the terrorists kept gaining grounds as the government kept looking for whom to blame, instead of confronting them headlong.

Drawing a parallel between Nigeria and Cameroun, the group said within three days of the abduction of the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister of Cameroun, the woman was freed, albeit forcibly.

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South East

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wake-keep for Akunyili Ebonyi Assembly seeks holds tomorrow in Enugu extension of voters registration T GODWIN ALIUNA ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State House of Assembly, EBHA, yesterday appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to extend the on-going voters’ registration exercise or provide more machines to enhance the exercise in the state.

The Assembly, in a session held yesterday, said the extension was necessary due to the several hiccups experienced in the exercise.

Ogbonnaya Nwifuru,

member representing Izzi West State Constituency and acting Majority Leader, said although the permanent voters’ cards, PVCs, collection exercise went well in his constituency, the continuous registration exercise was experiencing hitches.

“My people trooped out en masse daily but could not be registered because only one machine was being used for the exercise,” he lamented.

Also, a member representing Onicha East constituency, Obasi Odefa, said that over 3,000 PVCs in his constituency were

returned to INEC because they could not claimed.

“Those mainly involved are the elderly who have lost their temporary cards, as I expect them to be identified because they were registered bio-metrically.

Meanwhile, another member representing Abakaliki North, Oliver Nwachukwu, noted that he lent INEC officials his personal generating set to supply power to their machine, in order to function.

He moved a motion that the House tell INEC of its resolution that the exercise be extended while it

improves on the quality of machines and number of personnel used for the exercise.

Member representing Onicha West, Valentine Okike, seconded the motion while commending Governor Martin Elechi for providing enabling environment for the exercise to thrive in the state.

The Speaker, Chukwuma Nwazunku, urged the House clerk to communicate the resolution to INEC while commending the members for their efforts in monitoring the exercise in their various constituencies.

he funeral of former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof.

Dora Akunyili, begins tomorrow with a Christian wake-keep at her Enugu residence, No. 2A Bishop Onyeabor St., G.R.A. Enugu.

The vigil that begins from 4pm kicks off a weeklong programme of activities for the one-time NAFDAC Director-General, culminating in her burial on Thursday, August 28, 2014.

A Night of Tributes will hold on Monday, August 25, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 5pm. A Mass would be held for her on the next day at Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Abuja, by 10am.

After the church service, Dora’s body would leave for Enugu, where mass would hold at KSJ Temple at 4p.m. After a High Requiem Mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu at 9a.m. the next day (August 27), Dora’s body would be taken to UNCOMA Hall, College of Medicine, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, for Final College Assembly to start from 11:30 a.m. From there, the body would be taken to Awka for Anambra State

Akunyili

government activities, then to Dora’s father’s house in Nanka, before being returned to her husband’s house at Agulu for a vigil mass/wake-keep.

On Thursday, August 28, Dora’s body would lie-instate at John Chike Akunyili’s compound before leaving for Agulu Town Hall, then Madonna Catholic Church Agulu for a Requiem Mass at 10a.m.

Interment at John Chike Akunyili’s compound follows at 1:30 p.m.

A renowned pharmacist, pharmacologist and administrator, Mrs. Akunyili came to prominence as Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, from 2011 to 2008. She went on to further cement her legacy as Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010.

Police kill four robbery suspects in Imo L-R: Director, Women Affairs, Christian Enlightenment and Welfare Organisation, Mrs. Idiana Nwokike; Co-ordinator, Dr. Ajujungwa Joseph and General Secretary, Rev. Daniel Nzenwata, addressing a news conference in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Police summon Uwazuruike over MASSOB members’ death CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Police Command has invited the embattled leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, to explain his involvement in the fracas that led to the death of two of the movement’s members and left scores wounded yesterday at the group’s headquarters in Okwe, Onuimo local government area of the state.

It was learnt that armed thugs numbering over 5,000 invaded MASSOB Head-

quarters to dislodge the commanders who had earlier taken over the premises following alleged financial misappropriation by the MASSOB leader who the dissident group wanted to topple.

Addressing newsmen in Owerri yesterday at the Command headquarters, Owerri, Police Commissioner Abdulmajid Ali said Uwazuruike had a case to answer following his link to the fracas.

He said the MASSOB leader had issues on money sharing with his Onuimo MASSOB section, which feeling slighted he invited

Onitsha MASSOB sector to push out the Onuimo group.

This, according to him, resulted in the bloody clash among the MASSOB. According to him, in the ensuing fracas, two of the members were killed while others received different degree of injuries.

The commissioner disclosed that the police command had invited Uwazuruike for clarification on the incident, adding that “failure to report will result to his being declared wanted by the police.”

However, it would be recalled that the National Secretary of MASSOB, Com-

rade Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, had accused Uwazuruike of hiring thugs from Onitsha “to come and assassinate us because we challenged his style of leadership. Uwazuruike has turned the struggle into a personal property.”

He noted further: “Our crime is that we told him to reduce the dues collected from poor members of MASSOB who toil monthly to pay money into his personal account. As I speak with you, over N20 million is remitted to his account monthly, while those who died in the struggle are abandoned in the mortuaries without proper burial.”

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he Imo State Police Command has said that no fewer than four suspected armed robbers yesterday lost their lives, following an exchange of gunfire between the gang and security operatives at Area M Zone ‘E’ World Bank Housing Estate, New Owerri, in the state.

Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters in Owerri, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, explained that the shoot-out occurred at about 11pm, when the hoodlums emerged from their hide-out to unleash terror on a professor (names withheld).

He said that the police had received a distress call and responded. “On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums sighted the police opera-

tives and engaged them in a shootout.

“In the exchange of gunfire, four of the criminals were killed, one was arrested alive while others escaped,” he said.

According to him, “Information revealed that the target of the armed robbers was one professor at the World Bank Estate, Owerri.”

However, two police operatives sustained bullet wounds and are responding to treatment.

Enwerem, who explained that the suspects died instantly, added that the arrested suspect “is giving the police lead way to arrest those who escaped.”

While calling on the people of the state to avail the police with useful information, he warned others to refrain from criminal activity as the police would not hesitate to bring down anybody caught.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, August 22, 2014

11

IYC chides delegates over comment on proposed state OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has threatened that anybody or group of people opposing the creation of homogenous states for the Ijaw are threats to the existence of Ijaw people.

The group said it was ready to take any step to protect the existence of the Ijaw in the wake of such a position.

The IYC said it would no longer sit back and allow the Ijaw people to be politically and economically oppressed, as well as suffocated in the states they occupy - Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Ondo.

In a statement by its spokesman, Eric Omare, in reaction to a letter addressed to the Chairman of the 2014 National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, by the Akwa Ibom State caucus at the confab and published in the Vanguard newspaper and other national dailies of August 21,

2014, the IYC stated that the demand for the creation of Oil Rivers State predated the National Conference.

The Akwa-Ibom delegates, in the said letter, expressed their opposition to the recommendation for the creation of Oil Rivers State from the present Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, on the ground that Akwa Ibom stakeholders were not consulted.

The letter also stated that no part of Akwa-Ibom should be excised to from Oil Rivers State for the Ijaw people of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

Reacting in the statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, the IYC said, contrary to the position of some delegates from Akwa Ibom State led

by Obong Victor Attah, Chief Nduese Essien and others, the National Conference recommended the creation of the Oil Rivers State, consequent upon the request made by the Ijaw people of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

We’ll not compromise quality projects —NDDC DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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he management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has said that it would not compromise on quality in the award of contracts in any part of the region.

NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, stated this at the 2014 2nd Quarterly Dinner and conferment of fellowships of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, in Abuja.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs of NDDC, Ibitoye Abosede, said Omatsuli was one of the 12 engineers conferred with the NSE fellowship.

Omatsuli further said that the NDDC was working round the clock to complete all on-going projects, noting that the regular inspection and strict supervision of the contractors had made it difficult for projects to be abandoned or unduly delayed.

He described the recognition given to him and the

NDDC by the NSE as a call to greater service and greater accountability.

Among the 12 engineers conferred with the distinguished award of ‘Fellowship of Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE, at the 2nd quarterly dinner was a deputy director in the NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu Ohwavborua.

In his speech, the President, NSE, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, appealed to the Federal Government to always consider indigenous engineers when awarding contracts for development projects in the country.

He said: “We desire that the Nigerian professional must be given the due and deserved consideration and value placement in the industry and in governance.

“Government must, therefore, as a matter of policy, recognise that Nigerian engineers must be given priority consideration in job placements or contract awards if efforts to tackle our developmental challenges and build a sustainable capacity must be achieved.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Samson Parker (left) and Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mrs. Irene Inimgba, briefing newsmen on efforts to prevent Ebola virus in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kidnappers free captives, as police nab engineer over firearms THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he Delta State Police Command has rescued a woman and her three children, allegedly kidnapped by yet-tobe-identified gunmen, even as it arrested an engineer in a community over illegal possession of firearms.

National Mirror gathered that the victims were rescued on Monday, after they had been abducted by hoodlums last Saturday morning along Ugborikoko

Road, Uvwie local government area of the state, and driven away in the woman’s Honda CRV car to an unknown destination. Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Ugborikoko received information that one Mrs. Tokunbo Oruma and her three children - Bryan Oruma, 6, Gabriel Oruma, 3 and Wendy Oruma (10 months) were kidnapped and driven away in her car.

But acting on informa-

tion on the whereabouts of the victims, Kalu said State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS operatives, quickly started trailing the kidnappers through the phone numbers they were using to negotiate for ransom with the victim’s husband.

“However, on Monday, August, 2014, at about 0200hrs, the hoodlums, sensing that the police operatives were closing on them, released the victims unhurt and without ransom. Victims have been reunited with their family,” she revealed.

According to her, efforts were on by the police to apprehend the fleeing criminals were still on.

In a related development, the police spokesperson also disclosed that its division at Otu-Jeremi had arrested one Sijbenu Godwin, an engineer, over possession of illegal firearms, which he used to threaten and intimidate people at Ekrevwer Quarters, Ugevwughe community, Ughelli South.

Kalu said one Italianmade pump action gun and 44 live cartridges were recovered from him.

‘Vandalism, tariff default, limit Bayelsa power supply’ OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he management of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, Yenagoa branch, has identified some of the challenges facing it since inception in Bayelsa State, as vandalisation of facilities and non-payment of bills by consumers.

It lamented that vandals had stolen over 10 distribution transformers ranging from 200-500kva on the streets of Yenagoa alone, adding that among things vandalised by criminals were equipment ranging from the removal of copper cables, feeder pillars, poles,

Gov. Dickson

and draining of the oil that cools the transformers.

Other items vandalised include cutting of the earthing conductor and other miscellaneous items from the substation, as the Manager, Public Affairs, PHEDC, Yenagoa, John Onyi, said in a statement made available to journalists in Yenagoa.

He said the unwhole-

some criminal acts which impacted negatively on its service delivery to the public were perpetrated along Gwegwe street, Opolo Housing Estate, Ebis Mechanic, Ministry of Tourism, Bossy Water, Tombia and Abacha expressway.

He also decried the suffering PHEDC staff undergo as the hoodlums and youths manhandle them, assault and intimidate them while on duty.

Onyi appealed to community leaders and the police to assist in curbing the trend.

The manager equally said non-payment of electricity bills by consumers had negated business

growth in the company, just as the company had recorded a loss of about 65 per cent of revenue since its inception, due to energy theft.

He appealed to consumers to pay their power bills promptly, as prompt payment would enable the company to buy more energy from the generation and transmission companies to serve the public better.

On incessant power outages, Onyi likened it to the amount of business units receive from the national grid, saying that the units were not enough, thereby forcing the company to embark on load-shedding among the five 33kv feeder ones serving the city.

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Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police draft 3,569 officers for Niger east bye-election PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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head of next Saturday’s bye-election of the Niger East Senatorial district, the state police said at least 3,569 officers and men of the command would be drafted to the zone to en-

sure hitch-free polls.

The police stated that its officers and men, comprising the Department of Finance Administration, State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, as well as the Counter Terrorism and Anti-Bomb Squad team, would be dispatched to the 99 wards,

1,122 polling units and collation centres of the zone.

A statement issued and signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, explained that senior officers in all police formations in the state would play supervisory roles

during the election.

The command’s spokesman also stated that units of Police Mobile Force personnel would be on standby at the state command headquarters Minna, and at the affected Area Command headquarters.

“In view of the foregoing, adequate security

measures had been put in place, officers and men will be deployed to all vulnerable areas and polling units around the senatorial district. The command advises people in the nine affected local councils to maintain peace and caution their wards not to be used as political thugs,” he warned.

The statement said violators would be made to face the wrath of the law, hence proactive measures were being taken by the command to organise stakeholders meeting

with representatives of all the political parties participating in the election including the Independent National Electoral Commission’s officials in the state so that the people could be sensitised on the Electoral Act. Gambari further revealed that as part of preparation for the Senatorial bye- election, the command has organised a training programme for officers and men of the command on their roles and duties during the election.

NASACA to begin HIV awareness campaign IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

N L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Nathaniel Hayab; Acting Head of Service, Kaduna State, Mr. Habila Kyong and Governor Mukhtar Yero, during the National Productivity Day in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Police operations, a success in Benue’ HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

T

he Benue Police Command has revealed that it has effected the arrest and imprisonment of over 200 undesirable elements since its ‘Operation Stop and Search’ began several weeks ago in the state.

The state police public relations officer, Superintendent Daniel Ezeala, yes-

terday also told National Mirror in Makurdi that huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the hoodlums, adding that the purpose for the exercise has paid off, with the retrieval of unlicensed and unauthorised weapons from the dubious characters.

He said the exercise also witnessed the apprehension of no fewer than 20 killer squads, which,

in recent times, had been maiming and terrorising residents, leading to the killing of innocent citizens in the state capital and its environs.

According to the PPRO, concerted efforts of men of the command had brought down the alarming crime wave ranging from broad daylight armed robberies as well as clashes among cult group, stressing that all of these menaces was

gradually being wiped away since the introduction of the ‘Stop and Search’ exercise.

Ezeala further disclosed that investigation had commenced to ascertain the involvement of each of the suspects in detention against the charges preferred against them, saying as soon as it was completed the innocent ones would be set free while those indicted would face prosecution.

Shielding Boko Haram members is un-Islamic, unpatriotic –Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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hairman of Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida, has said it was unIslamic and a betrayal of the nation to harbour any member of the Boko Haram, adding that the terrorist group is at the forefront of the challenges confronting the north.

Governor Aliyu stated this when he received the ‘Peace and Development Award’ bestowed on him by the popular Zumunta Zabi Sonka Social Association, in recognition of his

Gov. Aliyu

peace and development initiatives in the country.

He said the activities of the sect had hindered socio-economic development in the north and should, therefore, not to be pitied, as anything its members do affect everyone, irrespective of religion or tribe, He stated: “No one prays

for another civil war; anyone that wants to cause it should be ostracised. And the north as a whole should unite against insurgency because no-one ever imagined this insurgency in the north could ever happen.”

The chairman also urged the region to reject the claim by some people that the north is a parasite in Nigeria, adding that the region has shown capability to make the difference in the country way before and after independence.

Aliyu challenged the people of the region to be more industrious by creating opportunities for employment and economic development of the states and the country.

“The north is made up of hard working and serious minded people who have contributed and are still contributing their quota to national development.”

Earlier, the National President of the Association, Ibrahim Jirgi Sokoto Aliyu explained that members of the group were waiting on the governor to direct them on whom to vote for in the 2015 presidential election.

He also said they would support any political aspiration of the governor, saying the association decided to honour Aliyu with the Peace and Development award because of his ability to keep the diverse people of the state peaceful.

asarawa State AIDS Control Agency, NASACA, said yesterday that it has concluded plans to embark on a 10-day intensive house-to-house campaign on comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and stigma reduction in the state.

Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Zakari Umar, stated this at a media parley in Lafia, the state capital, adding that the campaign would commence on August 25 in collaboration with Enhancing Nigeria Response, ENR, to HIV/AIDS. He disclosed that the campaign would take place in nine local government areas in the state, namely Lafia, Doma, Obi, Nasarawa-Eggon, Akwanga, Wamba, Keffi, Kokona and Karu.

Deputy Director of ENR, Abdulsamad Salihu, said at the media parley that the intensive campaign had become necessary as a result of the low level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the state among its populace.

According to Salihu, the 2012 National HIV/ AIDS Reproductive Health Survey, NARHS, report indicated that HIV/AIDS knowledge in Nasarawa State, which stood at 11.1 per cent, was the lowest in the country.

He said the report revealed that Nasarawa has a prevalence rate of 8.1 per cent, making the state the fourth highest in the coun-

try.

According to him, “the intensive house-to-house campaign is targeted at 414,882 sexually active persons across the nine selected local government areas in the state. The campaign is aimed at increasing comprehensive knowledge on HIV in the state; sustaining acceptable attitudes towards people living with the disease, and increasing uptake of Prevention from Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in the state.”

He further explained that the campaign is expected to gulp about N20 million and would involve stakeholders from the state AIDS Control agency, state Ministry of Health, the media, civil society organisations, local government service commission, traditional council among others.

However, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, challenged NASACA to develop a master plan to effectively curb the high rate of HIV prevalence in the state.

He urged that a robust research unit be created and corporate bodies be enjoined to partner with the agency in the fight against the scourge.

Governor Tanko Al-Makura

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

2015 and APC govs’ policy reversal

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15

More PDP aspirants join Adamawa guber race LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

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s the date for Adamawa governorship by-elections draws near, more aspirants have declared their intention to run under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, thus swelling the number of aspirants on the party’s platform.

Yesterday, Senator Abubakar Girei and former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong,

declared their aspirations to contest for the plum job.

Senator Girei said he was submitting himself for service because the state has fallen behind, adding that he has taken the last 12 years to develop a blueprint with which to develop the state if elected.

Dr Hong who met with party delegates from across the 21 local government areas of the state over his aspiration to govern the state, said he would never disassociate himself from Prof.

Jubril Aminu, over concern that his relationship with his political mentor could work against him, considering the fact that the Adamawa people are yet to forgive Aminu in the role he played in bringing in Nyako.

He said that apart from being his political mentor, Aminu was also like a father to him.

Explaining that he was also one of those who played major role in the emergence of Nyako, Hong absolved Aminu of any

Shettima wants to rope Sheriff into Boko Haram problem –Ex Info Commissioner

blame, saying that the elder statesman never envisaged that Nyako would turn out to betray their well placed trust in him by mis-managing the state as he did.

Speaking separately to the aspirants yesterday in Yola, state PDP secretary, Barr A. T Shehu, called on all aspirants, whom he said were now 14, to cooperate with the party and display good sportsmanship and abide by the outcome of the party primaries scheduled for September 6.

Voter registration: Bauchi youths move to sack community leader EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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here was a mild drama in Rafin-Zurfi, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis yesterday, when hundreds of youths moved to sack the community leader, Mr. Patrick Aliyu over alleged illegal relocation of a registration unit to Yelwa- Makaranta.

This was just as the youths have carpeted the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for irregularities in the exercise, citing provision of obsolete equipment and incompetent manpower during the exercise.

When National Mirror visited community, the angry youths threatened to deal with the community leader and INEC officials, for relocating the registration centre without due consultations.

One of the youths confided to National Mirror under condition of anonymity that the relocation

of the voter registration centre was a ploy to scuttle the voting exercise ahead of 2015 in the Christiandominated community, adding that the relocation will be resisted.

Brandishing dangerous weapons, the youths refused to be placated, pointing accusing fingers at some politicians in the area as conniving with INEC to deny eligible voters opportunity to register to vote in 2015.

Speaking to newsmen, the community leader, Aliyu said that the relocation of the registration centre was done in good faith to correct all the mistakes recorded in the past with a view to capture those that were unable to register in the previous exercise.

Newly appointed district head of the area, Alhaji Auwal Ahmed, said that the relocation was not done to disenfranchise anybody in the area, but to correct the abnormalities during the last exercise.

Lagos APC hails Fashola on developmental strides Abavo residents who could not register due to the malfuctioning of INEC Countinous Voter Registration capturing equipment at Ward 18 in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Jonathan critics are desperate to grab power’ EBERE NDUKWU

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agos/South West coordinator of Move on Nigeria, a grassroots movement rallying support for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, Dr Candy Onwura Okoye, has described the criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan by leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as desperate plot to grab power at all cost, advising Nigerians not to be deceived by the negative criticism.

Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, Okoye said that Move on Nigeria is a platform open to all Nigerians and every eligible voter, adding that it is time those who meant well

for the country rise and support the President’s reelection in 2015.

He said: “The major opposition party in this country has continued in their desperate plot to grab power by all means and cost. And to do this, they criticise the government negatively, forgetting the state this country was in before the coming in of President Jonathan.”

Accepting that everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, Okoye called on critics of the President to acknowledge some of the positive things has been able to achieve in the area of electricity, agriculture, infrastructure among others, calling on Nigerians to respect the office of the President,

encourage him and support him, “because some of the things they criti-

cise him about today, are problems that have been there before him.”

Ochei mourns Aziza OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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mmediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Victor Ochei, has condoled the Urhobo nation over the death of Major General Patrick Aziza, the President of the Urhobo apex sociocultural group, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU. In a condolence letter addressed to the UPU National Secretary, Ochei posited that the late Aziza’s transition become more hurting at a time

like this, when his patriotic candour, honesty and dedication would have been brought to bear on cementing the existing mutual inter-ethnic relationship within Delta State and Nigeria, as a mechanism for enhancing our nascent democracy.

Expressing shock at the sad development, he urged the Urhobo nation to grieve less but pray for the repose of the soul the departed, praying the Almighty God to avail the Urhobo nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

EMMANUEL EGHAGHE

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agos State All Progressives Party, APC, has hailed the developmental steps being taken by the Lagos State government in its bid to ensure capacity development and empowerment of the citizens.

In a press release by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the APC, after the flag-off of ithe state’s economic empowerment programme for the unemployed yesterday praised the Babatunde Fashola-led state government’s commitment to the welfare of Lagosians and undying fight against poverty in the state.

Stating that that is what APC government stands for, Igbokwe added: “APC is demonstrating its readiness to deal with the problems of poverty being exacerbated by the anti people’s policy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led Federal Government. Lagos State gov-

ernment will not shirk in its commitment to reduce the negative scourge.”

The party noted that this would help to take Nigeria and Nigerians out of the poverty zone, after the World Bank ranks Nigeria as the country with the third largest population of poor people and projected that by 2015, Nigeria will become the country with the largest number of poor people in the world.

Urging Lagosians to tap into the programme and other fruitful programmes of the party in the state and beyond by going to the different local councils in Lagos, where there are skill acquisition centres, APC said: “We are glad that the Lagos State government has flagged off this epic programme that targets the downtrodden and unemployed Nigerians, who continue to get disempowered and poor by the deliberate policies of the PDP-led Federal Government.”

14

Politics

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015 and APC govs’ policy reversal T

he June 21 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, which saw the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress, APC, humbly defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has been seen by political analysts as reasons for the u-turn in policies, which many APC governors in the South West, especially and beyond are embarking upon.

These policies u-turn, according to many political analysts, rages from the Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola’s reduction of tuition fees in Lagos State University, LASU, downplaying the ban on Okada to the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s new welfare package for civil servants, which include car and housing loans for civil servants in the state, reduction of fees in all state-owned tertiary institutions to that of Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole’s recall of over 200 teachers who were earlier dismissed from service, due to certificate discrepancies and age falsification.

Lagos State government had in 2011, increased LASU school fees from N25,000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education, while medical students were to pay N350,000. Despite the ensuing outcry from the public and protests from the students, the government insisted on its stand until the recent 19th convocation ceremony of the school, about a month after the defeat of the APC in Ekiti State, that Fashola ordered the immediate reversal to N25, 000.

Attributing the move to the initiative of the students in conflict resolution, Fashola said: “The students have reached out to me for a revision of their fee, which I have acceded to, in consultation with the state executive council for reduction of between 34 per cent and 60 per cent across board.”

But, Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, described the move as a political gimmick ahead of the 2015 election, adding that Fashola should not only apologise to the students whom he has deprived of education in the last three years, but should also ask God for forgiveness.

There is also this feeling among many residents of the state that the government is currently downplaying its ban on okada, as okada riders now freely operate, even in many of the roads in the state, from which they had earlier been prohibited from plying.

Some of the okada riders, who spoke to National Mirror, confirmed that police pursuit and arrest of okada riders in the state have come down from what it used to be, saying that maybe, the state government is only allowing them because of the upcoming 2015 elections.

There is also reliable information that Lagos State government is at present carrying out auditing of every civil servant in the state and is on the verge of increasing the salaries of civil servants in the state and considering the re-introduction of leave bonus which Governor Fashola stopped paying civil servants in Lagos State.

Like his Lagos State counterpart, Ogun State governor Amosun also recently slashed tuition fees in all state-owned tertiary institutions, as medical students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, who were paying N301, 610 would now pay

EBERE NDUKWU examines the policy somersaults of All Progressives Congress, APC governors, ostensibly to avoid the fate that befell the party in the Ekiti State governorship election, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Fashola

IT WAS THE FEAR OF THE REPEAT OF WHAT BEFELL IN

APC

EKITI THAT IS NOW

THE BEGINNING OF POLICY SOMERSAULT N176, 596 while Arts students had theirs reduced from N126,540 to N81, 112.

The state owned polytechnic., Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, had their fees reduced to as low as N22,300 and N40,000 for Higher National Diploma, HND, and National Diploma, ND, respectively from N71, 300. Students of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, also enjoyed a reduction of fees from N103, 435 for first year students to N75, 000, while returning students, paying N93, 465, would now pay N65, 000 as Higher National Diploma, HND, students of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, currently paying N118, 000, would now pay N46, 000.

The slash in school fees, followed the announcement weeks back of new car and housing loan welfare package for civil servants in the state. For the car loan, junior civil servants from levels 01 to 06 will be entitled to N500,000; while their senior counterparts from level 07 and above will be given 1million.

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela, while addressing a press conference on the fees reduction, said the decision was the consequence of extensive meeting between government, leadership of the various Students’ Unions and heads of the institutions.

Edo State governor, Oshiomhole, not minding that forgery is a grievous offence especially, when it involves teachers hired to shape the destinies of children; reinstated sacked 936 teachers caught with phoney documents and cancelled a planned competence test for the teachers.

This unfortunate sacking of 936 teach-

Amosun

Oshiomohole

ers owed its origin to a discovery in August 2013, when a female primary school teacher of 18 years, was unable to read her age declaration affidavit before a panel set up to screen teachers. Oshiomhole, who visited the panel at work, was shocked and vowed to sanitise the system as he wondered how a person, who was incapable of reading, could write on the blackboard for pupils.

He said: “We found that of all our primary school teachers, only 1,287, representing nine per cent, out of 14,484 teachers, had proper and accurate records in our system.

“We have too many quacks masquerading as teachers….and it was only natural that I had to find (the) courage to deal with this human element, which makes all the difference.”

He also alleged that some teachers ought to have retired 10 years earlier, but they reduced their ages in order to remain in the system.

But political analysts believe the sudden reversal of what is undoubtedly a sound policy on education, is unfortunate; and will definitely remain one of the dark spots of his tenure.

Defending his change of heart, Oshiomhole said the action was a product of “consultations” with various stakeholders, who in this case were the local branches of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC. Despite the various reasons these APC governors gave for making u-turns in their policies, political analysts believe and maintain that it was the fear of the repeat of what befell APC in Ekiti that is now the beginning of policy somersault, to prevent a more grevious and greater calamity in 2015.

There are those who likened it to the case of an Igbo adage, ‘agbisi gbaa otele ya amuru ako’, when an ant bites the buttocks, it learns to be careful while chosing a place it will sit. Already, there is a general perception that the APC leaders do not want to leave anything to chance in order to avoid the repeat of Ekiti State governorship election in 2015.

National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, unable to stomach the heavy defeat in Ekiti, it was gathered, hur-

riedly went into meeting with top members of the party to analyse the circumstances that led to Fayemi’s defeat and fashion out ways to prevent re-occurrence of such in subsequent elections, especially 2015.

National Mirror reliably gathered that the party realised that some of the policies embarked upon by Fayemi were part of the reasons Ekiti people rejected him for second term. These policies majorly affected civil servants and teachers in the state, despite the fact that Fayemi meant well by carrying out the cleansing exercise in the civil service, the masses seem unhappy about the whole process. They frowned at the policies that reversed existing policies that put some extra cash in the pockets of civil servants and teachers and were not happy with the service reclassification exercise, which saw tons of high school principals demoted to vice principals and vice principals moved back to class teachers.

It was learnt that the party, in its bid to avoid further defeat, had told its governors to tread softly and do away with some of the policies that made Governor Fayemi fail in Ekiti State, and that the recent change of policies by APC governors, was in compliance with decisions reached at the meeting.

Reacting to the policy u-turn by some APC governors, National Legal Adviser of National Conscience Party, NCP, Barrister Okiogbero Edhebru, said Nigerian political leaders are now aware that the electorate are wiser, adding: “Before the Osun State governorship election, the governor cleared the salaries of Osun workers, in Lagos and Ogun today, their governors have drastically reduced school fees of state owned tertiary institutions and Lagos State is welcoming motorcycles (okada) back. These are what the electorate are demanding.”

He said what happened in Ekiti clearly showed the implication of going against the wishes of the electorate and like a commentator said, APC leadership was shocked by the Ekiti defeat, hence the need to make necessary amends before the major elections in 2015.

How well this will reposition the party, however, is yet to be seen.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, August 22, 2014

15

Shettima wants to rope Sheriff into Boko Haram problem –Ex Info Commissioner Former Commissioner for Information in Borno State, Inuwa Bwala, in this interview reveals the story of an alleged plot to denigrate Ali Modu Sheriff, linking him with Boko Haram. INUSA NDAHI brings excerpts:

You have seldom spoken since your unceremonious exit as commissioner recently. How is life outside office?

As you may be aware, I have been in and out of political office since 2001.

Getting into or leaving office is not a new thing to me. Above this, I have an attitude to public office by always getting prepared to leave the moment I get appointed into it. I foresaw my sack long before it came, and was prepared for it.

It may sound denigrating the way it was announced, as if I committed one heinous offence, but those who knew what was going on will agree with me that the word sack was even mild, as they could have used harsher words to announce my exit. I have since put that behind me and I am pursuing other endeavors. As you can see, I look even fresher than when I was in office and I give God the glory.

When you handed over, you were reported to have said you nursed no ill will, but recently you were involved in altercations with officials of the state government, what went wrong?

I have restrained myself from doing certain things or saying some things, even though I think I have been sufficiently provoked. I know it is a great disservice to this country and to Borno State, for some of us to continue keeping quiet when we know we ought to be spilling the beans, so to say. I know enough about the state, the government and individual characters in government to write volumes and at the appropriate time, some of us will answer our names for certain things that went wrong under our watchful eyes. They talk about a newspaper I founded, alleging that I have been using it to expose certain things.

The question is not about using my medium to reveal issues, I think we should be talking about whether the things reported were true or not. I will not deny National Trail as my own newspaper and I do not need anybody to tell me its editorial direction. Those who owned newspapers and did not use it to advance their interests either do not know what they wanted or under estimate the powers of the media. If the paper is in a position to obtain reports that are in overriding public interest when reported, so be it.

What is happening between your two former bosses, Ali Modu Sheriff and Kashim Shettima?

I don’t think you have the space to

Bwala

GOVERNOR KASHIM SHETTIMA IS BEING

UNGRATEFUL, AND MOST UNCHARITABLE TO HIS MENTOR AND POLITICAL

GODFATHER,

ALI

MODU SHERIFF

capture the full story, but in a nutshell, I think Governor Kashim Shettima is being ungrateful, and most uncharitable to his mentor and political godfather, Ali Modu Sheriff. In his seeming desperation for a second term, he felt he needed to build his political machinery, and in doing so, he has to poach from Sheriff. In poaching he feel his benefactor must first taste the dust.

He surrounded himself with cheer mongers who urged him on to fight his boss and the rest is now history. Some of us have tried making peace between them in the past, but like the pig, Shetti-

ma goes back to the mud and attempts to undo his boss. From the start, he always made us understand that having left government, Sheriff is on his own, and those of us who served under him do not owe him any further loyalty or service. He gave me the impression that with the resources available to government we can join forces against Sheriff and push him into political oblivion. At every point, Kashim Shettima was planning to rubbish his benefactor. He started lavishing money on people, forgetting that politics transcends money.I cannot remember one incident at which Sheriff showed signs of fighting back.

What specific things did Shettima do that indicate he was fighting his boss?

From the early days of Governor Shettima’s administration, there have been plans to denigrate Sheriff. This is evident from Shettima’s romance with people who are believed to have one axe or the other to grind with Sheriff and bringing them into his government. He recruited habitual mischief makers to man strategic interests in government. I can give you two instances that affected me directly and you will understand what I am saying.

Governor Shettima personally called me and told me that I should never defend Sheriff in the media any time he was attacked, especially on allegations linking

him with Boko Haram. He mentioned it that he expects me to rather coordinate media propaganda defending his own positions, outside the normal schedules and N10 million was provided initially for some time and later stopped when I showed signs of reluctance. Several attempts have been made to convince me that I will be better off if I join the forces against Sheriff.

Unfortunately, the only issue they said we would use against Sheriff was to orchestrate his alleged linkage with Boko Haram. But then, I know, just like everyone of us in government knows that Sheriff had nothing to do with Boko Haram. I find it conflicting for the governor to say Boko Haram started more than 25 years ago, long before Sheriff became governor, only to go behind and push us to link the man as the initiator of the Boko Haram. In a rather curious development, provisions for funds were made for the office of the SA Media in the 2014 budget to the tune of N200 million, ostensibly for this job that I refused to allow my ministry’s votes to be charged for. I am aware of two senior military officers working in Maiduguri ,who I was to work with in trying to implicate Sheriff, by the plans. I will not mention their names, but the Army authorities know them.

They were to provide a security alibi, under which we were to anchor the campaigns against Sheriff. With the funds available now outside the statutory convention where the SA Media now draws funds directly without any legal vote and with me effectively out of the way, the stage seems set to continue with that plan. I was not surprised when I started seeing some advertorials with contents similar to what we were to use. From all indications, the plans to denigrate Senator Sheriff by linking him with Boko Haram is still on.

What is your advice on this blame game going on about Boko Haram?

Like I said earlier, I think there is a deliberate ploy to divert attention from the real issues at stake and from the real culprits in the Boko Haram saga. By always trying to point fingers, even when we know such may not be true, we are unnecessarily denigrating those who worked to address the issue. Look at this document, read through, it is a security report on the matter and it completely exonerates Sheriff from the blames. He is more a victim than a sponsor. His own blood brother was killed, not less than ten of his very close associates including the gubernatorial candidate he produced and his likely successor have been killed.

I think the Army needs to insulate its personnel from being compromised, as the two officers I told you about are being compromised. On our part, as stakeholders we must stop politicising this very delicate matter. I am sure the moves to batter Sheriff have more to do with politics than with finding solutions to the problem.

16

Editorial

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

SUNDAY OLAJIDE

DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

GENERAL EDITOR

BEN MEMULETIWON

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Students’ disturbing performance in WASSCE

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he Head of National Office (HNO) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Charles Eguridi, recently made public the disappointing report of the woeful performances of candidates that sat for the 2014 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). At a press briefing in Lagos, Mr. Egurigi said that compared to the 2012/2013 May/June SSCE, a ‘marginal’ decline was recorded in the general performance of candidates this year with a disgusting success rate of 31.28 per cent. The rate for 2012 was 38.81; and 36.57 per cent in 2013. Only 31.28 per cent made five credits, including English and Mathematics, meaning that about 69 per cent of the candidates did not meet the minimum requirement for admission into the nation’s universities.

A very high number of the result was also withheld as a result of candidates’ involvement in examination fraud. He also stated that the results of 145,795 candidates (8.1 per cent) were withheld to enable WAEC do a thorough investigation of their level of involvement in examination malpractices.

Details of the results showed that out of a total of 1,692,435 candidates that sat for the examination, 791, 227 candidates (46.75 per cent) obtained credit or above in six subjects; candidates numbering 982, 472 (58.05 per cent)

obtained credit or above in five subjects, while 1,148,262 candidates (84 per cent) obtained credit or above in four subjects. Another 1,293,389 or 76.42 per cent got credit or above in three subjects.

For the nation’s educational system and its managers the result is, to say the least, disturbing. It vindicates the outcry of stakeholders against the rapidly falling education standard, and their agitation to retrieve the sector from further slide. It also mirrors the deadly distraction ICT and the social media now constitute to students and the incorrigible complicity of parents, teachers and students to cheat in public examinations.

The National Parents Teachers Association (NAPTAN), in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, recently called on the government to stop paying mere lip service to educational development. It drew attention to the fact that the poor quality of educational services has led to the inability of students to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing. The teachers’ union said in many public primary and secondary schools across the country, between 150 and 200 students are cramped into one classroom. Also at a recent public lecture, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso of the Osun State University identified inadequate funding of education as the main reason the sector is suffering. Governments

THE GOVERNMENT HARDLY KEEPS ITS PROMISES OF IMPROVING BOTH EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF ALL CADRES OF TEACHERS at all levels have refused to follow the recommendation by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that 26 per cent of a country’s budget should be allocated to education, the don lamented. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also been having a running battle with the Federal Government; and had repeatedly embarked on strikes to protest the pathetic situation in the nation’s public tertiary institutions.

Since the country gained independence in 1960, the FG has not allocated up to 20 per cent of its yearly budget to education. The range has been oscillating between 8.4 and 10 per cent. The vote covers 40 federal universities, 21 federal polytechnics, 21 federal colleges of education and 80 federal government colleges, among others.

Large class size, low teacher-mo-

ON THIS DAY August 22, 1972 The defunct Rhodesia was expelled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its racist policies.

Rhodesia was, between 1965 and 1979, an unrecognized state located in southern Africa, in an area that in 1980 became the Republic of Zimbabwe. With its government based at the former colonial capital of Salisbury, its territory consisted of the former British colony of Southern Rhodesia.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

August 22, 2003 Alabama Chief Justice, Roy Moore, was suspended for refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a rock inscribed with the Ten Commandments from the lobby of the Alabama Supreme Court building. On November 13, 2003, the Alabama judiciary unanimously removed Moore from his post as Chief Justice. Moore’s supporters saw his removal as the suppression of his belief in the sovereignty of God.

tivation and shortage of laboratories and libraries in public secondary schools are some of the sordid results of the ridiculous funding of education in the land.

The government hardly keeps its promises of improving both educational services and the conditions of service of all cadres of teachers.

All this has led to the decadence in the nation’s education sector, as well as teachers seeking greener pastures in foreign institutions.

Educational tourism, led by the children of politicians, top bureaucrats and the rich, is also extremely high. Neighbouring Ghana has been a major beneficiary of this largesse.

The various governments should rethink their wishful thinking that private schools will compensate for the palpable weaknesses of public education in the country. It has been acclaimed that no investment is better than investment in education; and it is the social responsibility of the government to facilitate it, not passing the buck as has been the case. It is high time the government arrested the drift. Banning the children of public office holders from schooling outside the country, which is the major reason educational facilities have been left to rot, has become very imperative. What is required is a level playing field for all children to develop their potentials.

x August 22, 2012 Ethnic clashes over grazing rights for cattle in Kenya’s Tana River District resulted in more than 52 deaths.

Grazing rights is a legal term referring to the right to allow livestock to feed (graze) in a given area. The concept of such rights descends from the English concept of the commons, a piece of land over which people could exercise one of a number of traditional rights, including livestock grazing.

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Ade-Ajayi and the rest Africanists NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

“In default of true knowledge, we, too often make do with assumptions: the primary one, that Africans are backward; next, that they are all almost equally backward, even; that they are inherently and so permanently backward. Cut off, as most of us are, from any contact with Africans as individuals, we think of them or deal with them in the mass, accordingly to our various standpoints, as ‘natives’, or the native problem’, as ‘the heathen’, as hut and poll tax payers or as ‘native labour’. We see the strange, stupid or cruel things they do and ignorant of their motives, forgetting what we ourselves did yesterday, what alas! Christian nations are doing today’’.

With those words in the book titled, Ten Africans, Oxford University Professor of Government, Dame Magery Perham in 1934 debunked the common, usual, pervasive, denigration of Africans by European intellectuals, business and later political class. Perham who later in 1937 wrote the foreword to the late Obafemi Awolowo’s epochal book, Path to Nigeria Freedom, was trying to free Europeans from the age long perception of Africans as sub-human people who cannot cope with the wind of civili-

zation being supposedly blown around the world by the altruistic Europeans. For centuries, Africa was perceived by Europeans as the Dark Continent. Gimbattista Vico was one of those Europeans who believed erroneously that Africans cannot have history. If Africans cannot have history simply because Africans cannot write, it follows that Africans could not have any form of civilization. And so, Vico concluded that any study of Africa is a study of barbaric gyrations.

In effect, for Vico and his folks, Africans are barbarians. That is the source of the belief that Europeans needed to colonise Africans so as to expose Africans to civilization.

Going by that logic, colonialism is an altruistic movement in which the Europeans had to help Africa to get out of barbarism and embrace civilization. So the British, French, Portuguese embarked on the nineteenth century imperial conquest of Africa just to help Africans. The result is that for over a century Africa’s resources were carted away to Europe. The help that Europeans rendered to Africa manifested in the form of white minority rule and apartheid in the entire southern Africa.

Africans had to engage in armed struggle to free themselves from those who had claimed they were in Africa to help the Africans. By 1957, Ghana became free. And by 1994 apartheid was finally defeated. Today, Africa is still not free from neocolonial control of her economy. However, there is a better perception of Africa among Europe-

ADE AJAYI MADE IT CLEAR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT WE CANNOT BUILD A CROP OF PATRIOTIC

NIGERIANS BY DENIGRATING THE STUDY OF HISTORY ans and Americans of today. The improvement in the knowledge and understanding of Africa, which is noticeable in Europe and America today, did not come overnight. It is the product of the work of a whole generation of African scholars, nationalists, artists and businessmen. Foremost among this group are African historians who had to debunk the various negative theories which Europeans postulated to justify exploitation of Africa is the late Professor Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi.

In the fore front of intellectual decolonization is the post colonial school of African historiography. With specific reference to Nigeria, the Ibadan school of history is actually number one in this realm of the new body of knowledge. To quote Arnold Temu and Bonaventure Swai in the book titled Historians and Africanist History, A critique, “Post colonial Africanist histori-

ography was intended as an ideological answer to imperial mythology. Departments of History and Institutes of African Studies were established, conferences, held, and the results of scholarly enterprise published in learned journals”. The Ibadan School of History and one of its very key members, the late Professor Ade Ajayi belonged to this movement. They argued with empirical evidence in various publications that Africa had a history. History became a widely respected discipline through the efforts of J.F. Ade Ajayi and others. Following the late Professor Kenneth Dike, first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ajayi contributed to the scholarly improvement of the perception of Africa by the rest of the world.

He became a doctorate degree holder at the age of 29 in 1958 and went on to become a professor at 33 and later Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos at 43, Cultural Ambassador of the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and National Merit Award winner.

Ade Ajayi made it clear on several occasions that we cannot build a crop of patriotic Nigerians by denigrating the study of history. May be one day our leaders will bring back into prominence the study of history which is very vital to nation building. Hopefully, Nigeria will regain her lost heritage by revitalizing the study of our indigenous languages culture and tradition.

May history keep Professor Ajayi ever green in our collective memory.

Counter-terrorism: Requisites of a nation under siege ETHELBERT ONEY

T

he fact that terrorism is essentially communication and that the media are the battleground for communicating both the terrorist’s messages and implementation of anti-terrorist measures is supported with the argument that terrorism thrives on the oxygen of publicity. Modern terrorists make full use of the media to amplify their effects by broadcasting their actions far beyond the immediate reaches of their targets. This means that the terror event is not experienced as insurmountable and that the Boko Haram sect and Nigeria can adapt not only to this event but to threats and actualities of further terrorism events.

The concept of resilience implies adaptability and ability to bounce back in the face of Boko Haram’s attacks. Realistically, to be resilient we Nigerians must uphold flexibility, adaptability and functionality.

To lose any of these is to lose resilience and our faceless enemies will continue to triumph. When considering the repercussions of Boko Haram or to measure how successful they are in their attempts to pressure public opinion, it is important to realize that terrorism nowadays is essentially a media-experienced phenomena versus actual experience.

Relatively, victims are killed but the spectacular manner in which they are killed terrorizes millions who fear they could be the next victims. Perception of the risk of being injured or dead from terrorist attack is largely media driven, a fact which

ONE WAY TO MANAGE THE CONSEQUENCES OF TERRORISM IS TO TAKE A PROACTIVE POSITION places governments and entire country in the position of having to not only manage the actual threat and its repercussions but the imagined threat created via the media by the Boko Haram sect. However, media amplification may not be the only thing contributing to increasing perceptions of risk following a terror attack, a good understanding of the role of communications in the terrorism phenomenon and society’s responses to it is necessary. This particularly refers to the realization that the relationship between the media and terrorism is not static, it evolves over time, and changes depending on the way the whole political system works.

Amplification can also originate from the politicians who stood to gain by repeatedly emphasizing the threats continually thereby racketing up the perceived threat level and creating generalized anxiety throughout Nigeria. To promote resilience; Nigeria political leaders must not only understand how the Boko Haram achieves its media borne goal but also use the media responsibly themselves to serve our nation. Nowhere else had this phenomenon of terrorism played out on the mass media stage more clearly than Nigeria over the Chibok School Girls.

The image Boko Haram manages to put out on the media is experiential and showman show bravado, for creating strong negative emotional associations such as anger, sadness, anxiety, loss of confidence on the government, fear and alarmism. Politicians must be effectively equipped to communicate about these images that link to strong negative emotions in order to modulate them and to keep us resilient. Example: Government preparedness: The perception that government is adequately prepared leads to a sense of confidence and mastery that despite Boko Haram’s attacks government is prepared to respond well, with result oriented outcome, as opposed to bogus and unsubstantiated claims.

Extent of government information: The outputs of government information with respect to attacks must be adequate, accurate, reliable, timely and to the point. An overabundance of information will only cause more anxiety and tension on the citizens.

The public’s right to know: If citizens feel they need information with respect to the Boko Haram’s attacks and government efforts to unravel the situation, if is not being provided they become more anxious and less resilient.

In any given terrorist activity, the terrorists use specific tactics and methods.

Understanding these may suggest ways to thwart their efforts thus, the three Ds principle - deter, delay or deny them applies. In some ways, terrorists are a distorted mirror image of intelligence and security personnel.

Despite our best efforts at prevention, some terrorist acts still occur. Consequence management involves measures to limit the consequences of attacks and stabilize the situation in the aftermath of any attack.

One way to manage the consequences of terrorism is to take a proactive position.

We must take reasonable steps to make the general population less vulnerable to some of the effects of terrorism. This involves applying resilience. Resilience may vary from one person to the other.

Remember the law enforcement agencies gather intelligence and so do the Boko Haram terrorist group. In short, they face the same sort of challenges for effective cognitive and behavioural functioning that intelligence and security personnel do. After all, Boko Haram members are not from some alien species, they were born as human beings but later turned into heartless and inhumane creatures; it is time to add more reason to that list.

Do the media help build our resilience or do they rather encourage public alarmism, what do you think?

Oney, an Intelligence & Security expert wrote via ethelbertanabirio@yahoo.com 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.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

18

Mail Mirror

Friday, August 22, 2014

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For Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

S Re: Don’t use students for political battles

ir, first and foremost I congratulate you on your victory in the just concluded August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election in the State of Osun. Know that the battle has been won, but the task has just begun.

Politically, your transformation agenda in the state has being criticised in two different ways.

First, it is being said that Osun

will suffer and regret during your second term of four years.

Some of your first term economic policies are being described ‘heavy yoke’. Increase in tax rate, high motor vehicle tariffs and demolishing of houses, etc are listed as part of this ‘heavy yoke’.

This notion has been causing controversy among Osun youth.

Last Sunday, in Oko, a bound-

ary town between Oyo and Osun states, some ‘okada riders’ and supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘clashed’ over the argument of whether your re-election would be productive or counter-productive. There were serious arguments on the likelihood of you imposing new tariff policy

R

ecently, an education advocacy group, Education Access Project (EAP), cautioned politicians in Ogun State to stop using students to fight their political battles. The group’s chairman, Dr Henry Adetona, in a press release, condemned in strong terms the use of some students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) by some politicians to disrupt commercial activities in Abeokuta under the guise of fighting for further reduction in schools fees announced penultimate Tuesday by the state government.

The timing of the warning is very auspicious, coming very close to the 2015 general elections. However, I must say that our leaders must watch their steps, consider the social cost of some of their policies. Education is a social service which must be made accessible to everybody, poor or rich. Only in this way will the gap between the have and have none be bridged. Of late, the All Progressives Party (APC) has taken some anti-poor measures, especially the astronomic increase in the cost of education in the tertiary institutions of APC controlled states.

It took persistent struggle by students of Lagos State University (LASU) and the loss of Ekiti State to PDP before Governor Babatunde Fashola hurriedly beat a retreat and reviewed the exorbitant fees imposed on students of the university.

Whose says people’s power is not an effective instrument for social change?

Comrade Ade Thomas, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

A dangerous voyage.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

A moment for reflection

I

have never stopped being amazed at how fast we are going down as a people with the way we have developed thick skin to abnormalities and carry on as if it is normal. Too many things are wrong with our land; and how we all seemed unconcerned to societal issues is a source of worry.

My Bible tells me that “Can we continue in sin and the glory of God abounds?” Definitely no. We seem to live our life in this land in crisis, seeking answers to pertinent questions from our rulers who always bid time in order to shut out answers to our ques-

tions. But we must not despair if we sincerely hope to recover our land for posterity to speak well of us when we are gone.

We are yet to get answers to our missing $20 billion oil money despite assurances to this effect from Mr. President? Our daughters in Chibok, who were abducted over 115 days ago, are yet to be rescued despite assurances from Mr. President and the Chief of Defense Staff, who even told us that the abducted girls location had been found?

What is the next step forward for our medical care with the recent sack of resident doctors?

Ebola scaremongering and healing miracles

I

read with abated amusement the story of how some state officials visited Prophet TB Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) to prevail on him not to take in likely victims of the dreaded Ebola virus disease.

Though understandably one of the series of contain measures put in place by the authorities, I consider the gesture an affront on

Letters to the Editor

our ‘men of God’ as it cast ominous doubts on the healing powers of God. Is there anything too difficult for God? The answer is capital NO. A careful reading of the Holy Bible from Genesis to Revelation will reveal God’s infinite powers in the difficult and super natural miracles He perfor med through his servants.

What is Ebola before God

if not a satanic affliction sent to tor ment His children? Who has the conquering power over all afflictions if not God? Let our leaders never place premium over science above the things of the Holy Spirit, the awesome power.

Caution might be necessary, but not to the extent of limiting the powers of God. Sister Mary Jane Udoka, Abuja.

We must also not shy away from asking when did the DSS become an appendage of the PDP as attested to by its unprofessional and partisan conduct in the Ekiti and Osun states governorship election and confirmed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, who has turned the DSS which is our country’s secret police in the mould of KGB, FBI, Mi6, CIA, etc into an object of public ridicule by her public misconduct via a press conference lately?

Questions requiring response from the authorities abound in all aspects of our national life and we must not keep quiet, because like our people say, “If you don’t say here I am, nobody will say, where thou art?” So, speak out.

Until we all do the needful, our land will continue to be what it is, as a theatre of the absurd, because our people say that the child, who says the mother will not sleep, must also be deprived of sleep too. We need urgent, sincere and patriotic actions to reclaim the land so that it will be green again.

Ogundipe, Samuel O. Lagos, (234-818-949-4325).

which may be more precarious than the one we were previously exposed to.

Let me say, however, that I was short of words the moment I heard these vituperations and some other allegations despite the level of openness and transparency of your style of administration. I began to think within myself what would have provoked these voices of dissent in the debate divide. I later realised that majority of this sect of people are from opposition PDP and that their aim was to rubbish all your stellar achievements.

My second reason for this piece is to bring to your attention the fast spreading rumour that the State of Osun will be denied federal support during your second term. As a matter of urgency something must be done to correct this misconception.

Before I conclude this piece, let me remind Your Excellency of all your promises during the last electioneering. You must fulfill all of them within your capacity.

History will never forget both the man who turns a city into a bush and a man who turn a bush into a city during his life term.

To all who have challenged the transformation agenda of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in one way or the other, note that absolute justice is always our solidarity song in the State of Osun. There is nothing bad or wrong in been disciplined as it serves as the panacea to restoring utmost progress and justice to the society.

Comrade Afeez Adeyemo, Ejigbo, Osun State.

Urhobo nation mourns General Aziza

T

he demise of the President of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), General Patrick Aziza, is a socioeconomic cataclysm and political devastation to the Urhobo nation, Delta State and the entire Nigerian state. As we mourn the death of this distinguished patriot, we call on the UPU and Urhobo nation to shun acrimonious power tussle, schismatic curdmugeon and corybantic disunity in the light of the forthcoming 2015 general elections. Oh, what a loss for my countrymen!

May his soul find a cocoon in blissful nirvana, in Jesus name (Amen).

Chief Bobson Gbinije, Warri Delta 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.

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Your

FRIDAY

Abuja Makeup Fair at the Pearl Arena

Dr. Ongile (UN-Women) and Dr. Dadu (NFC) exchanging copies of the signed MOU

Ngozi EmEdolibE

The Make Up Fair series is the ultimate beauty event as it creates a conducive atmosphere for all beauty savvy professionals, fashion and beauty conscious individuals and prospective buyers. The highpoint of the event is the Maybelline Master Class by celebrity makeup artist/ Maybelline Makeup Artistic Director, Bimpe Onakoya.

Date is Saturday 23rd August 2014.

Venue is The Pearl Arena at Emerald Park, Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, Area 3 Garki, Abuja. Time is 10am – 7pm. Attendance is free.

The Lion and the Jewel holds at Terra

The Thespian Family brings to you one of Wole Soyinka’s best pieces – ‘The Lion and the Jewel’. The play is a comedy set in a village called Illujinle. It sets the stage for old and new The village chief who sees westernisation as a threat and the naive school teacher who accepts them without fully understanding them. Both are trying to woo the Jewel of the village who is left to pick one of them amidst the many strategies they employ to get her.

The date for the event is 23rd August at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos State

W

ith cases of violence against women on the rise in Nigeria, a synergy to address this through the agency of films has been forged. This is as the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of expanding mutual understanding, developing joint projects and promoting the advancement of the rights and opportunities of women.

Friday Flavour, gathered that the MOU signing ceremony held at the National Film Institute Jos, where Dr. Danjuma Dadu, NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive said that the partnership and collaboration between the UN-Women and his Agency would not have come at a more auspicious time than now considering the plight of woman and children as a result of insurgency in some parts of the country, with its attendant violent and abusive practices against women especially forceful abduction and rape.

Dadu, said the MOU signing is a historic engagement for the NFC and pledged the full commitment of the Corporation in actualising the tenets of the MOU. He stressed the NFC’s commitment to using the film medium as a veritable tool to expose negative anti-development practices against women, promotion of peace, unity, and gender equality. Dadu also expressed optimism that projects initiated by the UN-NFC will receive the support and goodwill of all stakeholders including state governments and the federal government.

The Country Director of United Na-

DaDu expresseD optimism that projects initiateD by the

un-nFc

will receive the support anD gooDwill oF the FeDeral government

tions Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Woman Dr. Grace Ongile spoke extensively on the various challenges faced by women in modern day and expressed satisfaction on the ability, capacity and willingness of the two agencies to address issues of the vulnerable woman in Nigeria.

Ongile highlighted that the film medium in Nigeria has grown over the years to become a veritable tool for entertainment, information dissemination, opinion-building and perception changing.

The potentials of the film industry in Nigeria to positively promote several development issues including Gender Equality, Women Rights and Empowerment or sustainable development the UN envoy said, prompted the partnership with NFC, a critical Federal Government agency for the development of Nigeria’s film industry.

Ongile called for greater support of all stakeholders in achieving the goals of the MOU stressing that the United Nations through the UN-Women is ever determined to address the daunt-

ing problems that militate the quest for giving women and children their rightful place in nation building in the African continent in general as well as in the three pilot states of Adamawa, Plateau and Gombe States where civil, religious and political unrests have adversely affected women and children in recent times.

The uniqueness of the MOU is hinged on the synergy that will have high impact value in the struggle for the promotion of the rights and dignity of the Nigerian Woman. It will set in motion positive actions and activities that will resonate with the struggles and challenges of not only the Nigerian woman but women across Africa and around the world where detestable practices persist. It will also entrench gender friendly practices in the psyche of stakeholders and the general public using the film medium for the benefit of women and girls particularly in areas where sustainable development, security and equal opportunities for girls and women is being challenged. UN Women and NFC are by the signing of this MOU committed to advance the rights and opportunities of women through the audiovisual medium.

At the MOU signing ceremony were top officials of the UN-Women Country Office Abuja, Special Consultant on Media for the UN-Women, Mrs. Moji Makonjiola, top government functionaries from Plateau State Government led by the Commissioners of Information and her Women Development counterpart, Barrister Mrs. Olivia Dazang and Mrs. Sarah Yusuf respectively. Others are: Hon. Mrs. Kaneng Gyang-Fulani, member, Plateau State House of Assembly, leaders and representatives of NGOs, female filmmakers and experts in gender issues.

P. 34

Arty News

From Eko with Love Series which aims to bring out the hidden artistic talents will still be on this weekend. The week long exhibition continues at the Nike Art Gallery and will feature amazing works from artists across the country. It promises to be an exciting period for visitors as there will be over 200 works on display at the event. Admission is free! Time for the event is from 4pm to 7pm

Inside FCT P. 24-33

NFC, UN partner on films harping women empowerment

P. 22-23

Nike Art Gallery hosts From Eko with Love Series

Critics

WEEKEND STARTERS

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

P. 20,21

Friday, August 22, 2014

Flavour

Artman

VOL. 4 No. 843

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Artman In The House

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GOSPEL music is not enjoying sufficient airplay in

Nigeria

As a gospel singer, Princess Anne Inyang has a unique story.

She quit a well-paying bank banking job to foray into the gospel scene, leading to her hit song, Akanam Nkwe done in Efik language, which is an anthem of sort in most Pentecostal churches. A multiple-award winner and United Nations Peace Ambassador, she is set to release a new video. She shares the story of her life in this interview with OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI. Excerpts:

Tell us the story behind the hit song “Akanam Nkwe” When my song “Akanam Nkwe” was released in 1996, people thought it was a South African song because they hadn’t heard a “Calabar” song with a calypso rhythm before. Usually, songs from that side would come with the “ekombi” rhythm, besides, there were very few songs from that region then because my people used to be ashamed of speaking their language. Even when you greet them in Ibibio, they would answer you in English. Anyway, things have changed now, we are proudly “Akwa Ibomites” thanks to people like us who blazed the trail of singing gospel music in our local language and introducing cultural dressing and dancing into the video. Thanks also to our dynamic Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who emphasises the need to teach children to communicate in their local dialect and for people to be proud of their language.

What brought about the song “Akanam Nkwe” (by the way, I titled it Imaobong when it was first released, but my fans

renamed it Akanam Nkwe so I flowed along with them). What actually gave birth to it was the break-up of my first marriage. The morning the song formed in my spirit was after reading the Bible 1st Corinthians 13 which enumerates the qualities of real love. I couldn’t help but compare what I was passing through with God’s kind of love. God’s love never ends. I am fond of the exclamation “woyo” or “sai” which you could translate “ehyaah, ewo and ha!, so after reading that scripture, I exclaimed “sai”, because indeed, there is no comparison! It was dur during the day while driving in Surulere, that the song started to form in my spirit. The chorus line simply means “I have never seen, I have never heard the love that can compare with God’s love”. Then I expanded the body of the song to enumerate the qualities of God’s love which includes the fact that “it is unconditional, endless, full of compassion, not self-seeking, does not select who to love, does not love because of money, beauty, ability to bear children, good character etc”. Today, the song has become an all-time favourite of the church, both locally and internationally.

A fan of mine, who is a Praise/Worship leader in his church, told me that when he observes that the atmosphere of praise is dull, he would immediately bring in the song “Akanam Nkwe” to charge it; because when the people hear “woyoooo….” They are ready to shout “saiiiii”.

What are the challenges facing the existence of gospel music in Nigeria?

The major thing I see as a challenge to gospel music is its relegation to the background by some radio and television stations in Nigeria, because it is played majorly on Sundays. As a result, secular music now dominates the airwaves. Gospel mu-

–Anne Inyang Don’t get me wrong, I Do lIsten to secular musIc

(of course that Is the major musIc on aIr so

I have no

choIce but to lIsten to It)

sic is not enjoying sufficient airplay in this country as it should unlike other African countries. I don’t know if this is a directive from Government or what? The result is that secular music is given more prominence on both radio and television and that automatically becomes the more “acceptable” music. When you keep listening to one type of music, pretty soon, you will find yourself

singing along.

Our children have no choice than to sing songs that have no moral contents and they feel that is the order of the day because they have no other options. Music videos are embalmed with hyper sexuality visuals with the guys fully clothed and the ladies with bra and pant – skimpily dressed, and lyrical contents reduced to vulgarity in most cases. Children are products of their environment, so when they begin to practice what they hear on radio and watch on television at very tender age whose fault is it?

On Children’s Day this year, I was invited by a TV station to perform for the children who were between 5 to 12 years of age, I watched in amazement as the younger female children between 5 and 6 years, were wriggling their waists to the songs played by the DJ before I performed – just the way they see it on television.

Don’t get me wrong, I do listen to secular music (of course that is the major music on air so I have no choice but to listen to it), but I have a choice to touch the dial of my television set and switch to something else if I do not like it. Same thing goes to the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, August 22, 2014

radio. So, why can’t gospel music and even Muslim music be played on a daily basis, let the people make their choice? Has the relegation of gospel music prevented the religious crisis in this country?

One thing people do know is that a good song is a good song, anybody would buy it whether they are Christians or not. A lot of people bought the album of Midnight Crew because of the track “Igwe”, same thing with Frank Edward’s track “Mma Mma e” and “Oghene Do”. Up till today, exactly 30 years after I wrote the song “Things are getting better”, people still use it as a song of consolation and in the church, a song of praise. Same thing goes to my evergreen song “Akanam Nkwe” – a good song remains a good song!

The second reason is that the Gospel Artiste in Nigeria is not as well paid as the Secular Artiste but, we have more platforms than the Secular Artistes. There are more churches than you can imagine both home and abroad, and most of them organize one programme or the other; so all things being equal, the Gospel Artiste has weekly engagements, depending on how popular he/ she is, and you know what?…. at

to do if I give my life to him. Today, I have been to about 16 States in America including Hawaii, England, Germany, Poland, South Africa, DRC, Ghana, and almost all the major churches and upcoming ones in Nigeria, to minister in songs. I have also performed in many corporate events and State events in Nigeria including Nigerian Navy annual get together, American Embassy Jazz night with Jazz Ambassadors, Cross River State Carnival music nights, annual Akwa Ibom State Carol nights, Rivers State Women’s events, annual Aso Villa thanksgiving to name a few.

How is it like managing your band, Saints Music Crew?

I have a 9-man band and a manager.

Some of them have been with me for almost 15 years because I treat them with respect and pay them well. That is what they do for a living. I pay them according to how much we are paid as a Band. I am not one of those sound track Musicians, in fact, I hate singing with sound track because it does not allow one to flow easily with the crowd. We get regular invitations to minister within and outside Nigeria. Not only in church o (laughs). Yes o! moWhat has been the most challenging mo ment of your career?

Majorly, it is my inability to get sponsors for my concerts. wants to No one

all, at all naim bad!

However, I believe things would change for the better soon and our churches will treat us the same way they treat the foreign gospel artistes.

You have graced many international stages with several gospel acts, did you know you will get this far when you started?

God is just amazing! I never even had any inkling that I would be a gospel singer. I am what you call grace personified! I had the most husky voice you can think of when I was a child. That was the major reason I loved singing jazz then because I listened more to jazz music when I was living with my aunt, so, even when I begun to perform in a Club, I did jazz music. This went on until I had an encounter with Jesus as a teenager in 1984! When I say encounter, I mean real encounter where He appeared to me and showed me what he would use me

sponsor gospel! I also still struggle to promote and market my works in this country because it is so expensive to promote. If you do not promote effectively, marketers would not accept to market your work. I am trusting God for the promotion of my latest work. I want my albums to reach people and I cannot only make sales only when I have a ministration somewhere.

I have also had a lot of challenges which caused some setbacks on my finances. One of it is my building at Alpha Beach, Lekki which was destroyed during that flood of 10th July 2011. I call it “Lagos tsunami” because it affected the whole of Lagos but worse at the beach areas. I had my studio there and I could not remove a pin when it happened, including my cars. I thank God that I had travelled abroad when it hap-

Artman In The House pened, otherwise, who knows if my life would have gone with the house as well.

It took three weeks after the incident, before I could gain access to the street where my house was because everywhere in that axis was still flooded.

What do you do as a United Nations Peace Ambassador?

I cannot begin to tell you how privileged and honoured I felt when I was nominated for that award. When I got the letter, I felt it was all these 419 people telling me I was nominated for the award, so I ignored it until one of the officials called.

Imagine people addressing me as “Your Excellency”, (she laughs) the thing never enter body, that is why I use the title sparingly. I am writing a peace song which will be released next year by God’s grace.

What project are you working on now?

I have been shooting my videos and will begin to promote my new tracks “Nyafun Nyafun” and “Cannot Stop” this month as the Lord helps me. So fans should watch out for them.

You decided to go into gospel music full time, when it was obscure, how was it then trying to be a ‘revolutionist’, changing the face of Gospel music in Nigeria?

Well, then I went into it because God called me to go all the way. I know I have a calling to Pastor but this was my first call.

I could not have left a well paid job in First Bank to go into the unknown if I did not have an inward leading. Remember, I have been doing music from my teens, so naturally I continued when I was working in the bank but it didn’t work out. Banking hours were tedious and I could not combine work and music so, one had to give way.

I recall in those days when we had invitations to minister, I would go with my band (then we were 13) dancand 12 danc ers. At the end of the day, no one would pay us. I had to be funding the band with my salary. Of course, you know that I could not keep up with that for long. My eyes opened when I travelled abroad gosand started relating with other gos pel music artistes who taught me how to administer the Lord’s business. Today, the story is different. The payment is still not up to our expectation and yes there are still those who feel that we should not charge fees because “it is a free gift”. I tell them the word of God is free but you have to buy a bible to read it. The gift of music is free, but the channel to communicate the gift to the world is very expensive. I know how much I pay to shoot just one video, not to talk about producing a full album. Now I have nine albums in all.

In your long years of ministering to people, which incidence really shaped your imaginations?

Several - one was when I travelled with a friend who is the Managing Partner of our NGO, Opal Awards to Poland for

21

FACT FILE •

She is a graduate of Banking and She is a graduate of Banking and Finance, but quit banking in 1998 to go into full time professional music.

•

She started off with The G-4, a group she founded alongside three of her friends in the 80’s. However, she became born again and switched to gospel music when she released her debut album ‘Things Are Getting Better’

•

Her popular evergreen song, Akanem Nkwe, which won her several awards was a big hit and endeared her to gospel music lovers.

•

Also an actor, Ann was in the cast of the now rested popular TV soap opera, ‘The New Village Headmaster’

•

She is the CEO of Saints Music and has nine audio and video albums to her credit including over 30 awards.

•

She has graced many international stages like the Black Music Festival in Detroit, Michigan and performed in 10 cities in U.S.A (including Hawaii), Congo, Poland, Germany, England, Ghana and South Africa, and has ministered with great gospel acts like Panam Percy Paul, Kingsley Ike, Hope Davies, Shirley Caesar, Kurt Carr, Donnie McClurkin, Ron Kenoly, Lionel Peterson, Fred Hammond, Rebecca Mhlope, Judy Jacobs, Cece Winans to mention a few.

World Dancing Competition with children to represent Nigeria, and we happened to bump into some Nigerian student Doctors who invited us to their church the Sunday after the show, as it was African day. I was invited to sing and I sang some English songs. This was not even an English speaking church. Suddenly, the Pastor asked if I could sing in our native dialect, and I felt, it would be too much for them to handle. I said, “well, I have a popular song in Nigeria which I wrote titled, Akanam Nkwe”, to my amazement, they starting clapping and telling me that they knew it. To prove a point, one of the white people sang it in the best way she could and I was like “wow”. Another one happened in South Africa where 10 armed teenagers entered a church I was ministering in at night in Port Elizabeth. It’s a long story, but they came to rob us at gun point, but the power of God hit them and they ended up giving their lives to Christ. I will not ever forget that incidence. Then I have also recorded a lot of healings taking place when I minister, that is why I know that there is power in anointed music. Music is much more than just singing, when it is spiritual music, you release the power of God. With all you have achieved, what other dreams do you wish to fulfill?

I thank God for bringing me this far but I feel I haven’t really achieved much. I have unfulfilled dreams which I pray God to help me achieve. My major hindrance is finance or sponsorship, for the kind of projects I have in mind, but I believe that when there is life, there is hope.

Apart from music, what else do you do?

I love fashion a lot and I am hoping to start my own clothing line soon. I also run a food delivery service – majorly our “Calabar” food. I am a very good cook. It started when people would come to my house in South Africa to eat, then they would wish they had such food in the refrigerator. I volunteered to cook for them at a cost.

During the world cup in South Africa a lot of Nigerians enjoyed my cooking. When I came back to Nigeria, I continued. We have orders weekly but I look forward to when I could start a proper restaurant.

Also, I write…..I have some unfinished books.

Critics

22

y e n r u o j n r e Mod t s a p e h t o t n i Book

OMEZUE: The Complete Achiever’ a book by Agada-Uyah expresses the aspirations of all male adults of the Uwa City State of the 1850…...

Egwu u Egwu

F

ollowing Ogo Democracy, oratory and pristine evocations, a decision was made to take the matter of Okoro’s presence and request to the entire Uwa Elders. The verdict was simple; let Okoro settled or he shall unleash the Ogbuisi warriors, slave raiders, kidnappers or head hunters on the entire people of Uwa. The decision to allow Okoro settle in Uwa was taken after many considerations, as would be expected: “Because of the great Oracle of the Aka Kingdom, the most powerful, most consulted and most dreaded oracle in the whole Igbo land located in the pristine most impenetrable sacred groves of Aka Kingdom” p.38. Conditionalities were attached to the permission for Okoro to settle in Uwa, namely that he must: Chapter 6: Okoro had accepted to join Okaomie’s Ikwu, but decided to belong to the Ebe Umunna, ostensibly because Isiali the founder of Ebe came originally from Isi village in Ako. Okoro is from Isi village of Ako Kingdom. Essa Isiali, a powerful but charismatic leader was the spokesman of Ebe Village, the opposite of Okaomie in Otutu Village. Spectacularly, as Okoro announced his membership of Okaomie’s

Friday, August 22, 2014

2

Ikwu; Mkpi (he Goat) disgracefully showed his resentfulness because he hated Okaomie. Okoro tackled Mkpi from the onset and hated him for hating Okaomie. Okoro was Okaomie by Ikwu; they were maternal brothers. Okoro had chosen Okaomie’s Ikwu because of his honesty and despite a horrible curse burden placed on the UGO NTA maternal family that barred their men from taking the OMEZUE TITLE, however qualified or wealthy.

Chapter 7: Okoro is inducted into the Essa Age grade of Ebe, his new Umunna or Umudi, and seven days (Orie day) after Okoro arrived at Uwa Elders gathered at Ogo Okpoota to enact the peace covenant with Okoro, with a woman priestess presiding. That all done, Okoro the Slave Merchant was off to Oru to attend a SLAVE FAIR, a big market where slaves were bought and sold. But before he departed Omezue Mmeriole of Ebe and Essa Olugu of Wowo had human wares (slaves) to sell to Okoro. Mmeriole sold Ohuu of Ugo Nta Ikwu; and Essa Olughu of Wowo sold Eni also of Okoro’s Ikwu, to him. Okoro did not know the boys were of his Ikwu, at this point. Later on, he will find out.

Writing style The novel is written with marvellous psychological insights into the minds of the Ages. The style is a times of brilliant

irony of twists and turns.

Mkpi who plotted to become a hero, and the predator, suddenly t u r n e d around to be the victim, the c ap t ive, and the shamefully defeated. Such juxtapositions, metonyms and transferred meanings are styles of sophisticated writers. There are several plots of mystical transportations and vivid imaginations; even holistic interpretations of events.

Like Okaomie’s seventh and last journey to the AKO Oracle to obtain permission to take the title; or Okaomie’s final outing at the Ogo Ebe; the jungle journeys in bush paths; the TOTEMS like the LIONS; the BABOONS; THE BEES; THE CROCODILES, the TREES; - all have their roles.

Very awesome!

Using cultural innuendos the drama of UWA historical existence has been and indeed can be re-fashioned. Yet there are traces of brilliant irony, the collusion of tragedies and comedies as well as clarity.

Using cUltUral innUendos the drama of Uwa historical existence has been and indeed can be re-fashioned. Yet there are traces of brilliant ironY, the collUsion of tragedies and comedies

Music

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Omezue Okaomie apparently lost two daughters to slave raiders (Mkpi’s relations) during the outing at Ogo Ebe. Emissaries are sent after them, but what are we served in the end? A plate of the two girls who are rescued and Mkpi’s relatives who turn out to become slaves!

The story of HAMAN in ESTHER of the HOLY BIBLE is repeated several times over for our conviction, edification and comf o r t .

What we sow, we reap. At all times let us have clean Hands, pure Hearts and clear Heads. Are there any evocative atmospheres of the real past? Plenty. The nights of the wars of the long knives during Ogo Initiation; Enyi Man carrying the BIG OMEZUE POT; the arduous task of visiting all the SHRINES of UWA (EHUGBO) in order to become an Omezue; the tapestry of weaving 36 chapter’s into a book!

As a woman, does she possess any real grasp of the chronological past of UWA; And the single page of Uwa history she has torn out and made into a novel? A wonderful writer must have profundity, wit; elevation of the mind; a grave and temperate irony. Anyone who reads this book and closes his or her eyes must be transported into the atmosphere of great and mythical evocation and concatenation. A powerful imagery of the past must overwhelm any reader of this novel; I bet you. ….. (Concluded) Professor Egwu U. Egwu, is a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

?

Ascension to musical glory

Most of us almost ran out of patience waiting endlessly for 2Face Idibia’s album. Now it is out, released under Hypertek Digital and 960 Music L anrE Etti

H

ow 2face and his advisers arrived at ‘Ascension’ is unclear to me. For ‘Ascension’ is the process of an upward movement. Perhaps, 2baba still has somewhere higher to be after christening his last album ‘Away and Beyond’.

Just like the album title, this album picture is similar to the picture used on his last album ‘Away and Beyond’. In fact, one might think both pictures were taken on the same day. The difference is that in the previous album, he buried both hands in his tuxedo, but on the Ascension album, he decided to leave one out and throw it in the air to make

a salute to his fans. He also decides to look up straight in Ascension rather than sideways in Away and Beyond. Also on the front cover is a faded picture of an old-school unknown car, perhaps, his vehicle to make the upward movement. On the album design, it is one of the pros of the album; the album cover looks beautiful on the front and back.

The design is impressive and completely banishes the ugly album covers churned out for 2face under Kennis Music. The tracks are well listed in a simple layout as well as nice choice of colours. The logo of Hypertek Digital and 960 Music Group also sits beautifully at the bottom right corner of the back cover. But the cons of this design is that, the list of producers and sound engineers are not linked to the tracks they worked on, which makes it hard to pin point who produced what track. In this age where intellectual property is significant in the growth of the music industry, I never expected to meet this error and it has also made my job harder when it comes to ascribing praise or blame. Who gets the blame for that? I’ll blame 960 Music Group.

Gone are those days when J.Sleek held

the monopoly over 2Face’s album, things have really changed now. Although it appears a discord exists between both, that explains why both of them don’t work like they used to (This is a topic for another day). Femi Ojetunde makes a comeback on ‘Ascension’, alongside Jay Sleek, Leriq and others, while Foster Zeeno leads the pack of mastering engineers.

Like I stated earlier, producers and engineers are not properly credited with their works. Thus any individual assessment is almost impossible.

With all due respect to the talents that worked on this album, I still don’t understand why 2baba can’t employ the services of top producers like Don Jazzy and Cobhams. These guys are Africa’s best music producers with impressive resume and experience required to add a perfect and unique style to the 2face brand.

They also have the real music qualities to help bring out the best of 2Face Idibia and help write songs just like OJB Jezreel did back in the days. All the same, I still hail 2baba for working with Masterkraft and Leriq, two of the best ‘new generation’ pro-

ducers, but the fact is both have produced far better beats than they delivered on this album. Listen to Masterkraft’s beats for Banky, EME, Timaya and others and check what Leriq did with Burna Boy, then you’ll understand my point.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, August 22, 2014

23

Video

The thing about Doro-video The song has become a hit alright, but what about the video to drive home the message?

Olawale Oluwadahunsi

W

hen a veteran journalist, Toni Kan, heaped praises on the hit single, Dorobucci, labeling it a ‘sound bite that has become a national anthem’ and extolling the musical ingenuity and dexterity of the producer, Don Jazzy, anyone would normally expect that the video will further complement the creativity of the song.

Of course, a person of Don Jazzy’s status is not new to this, as he was involved in the smashingly wonderful videos of D’Banj in ‘Tongolo’, ‘Why me’ and ‘Oliver Twist’; and the impressive video of Dr SID’s ‘Surulere’. It’s quite surprising that the Mavin Anthem didn’t follow suit even when he hired a more expensive service of a foreign director, Nick Molotov and shot in South Africa.

The issue with the video is that apart from Reedado Banks’ choreography, the golf ball played from Ikoyi, Lagos to Washington DC, USA, and maybe Korede Bello’s wink, there is nothing really creative about the video. The only element it has is its wonderful picture quality which is better than most Nigerian music videos. There is no story told, nothing extraordinary to behold in the video! The concept is what we have seen a million times. It’s actually not worth the hype it has been given.

The video begins by a cameo of golden high-rise buildings, in which Don Jazzy, playing the role of a boss holds an executive meeting with his business partners, which are all white men. A lady stands to give a presentation on the wall, which shows a repeated zig-zag curve, before its

arrow finally shoots up indefinitely.

This could obviously be describing Don Jazzy’s days as a beginner with D’Banj at Mo ‘Hits, even wanting to sell the record label for a paltry sum of five hundred thousand naira. With perseverance, the label later metamorphosed into one of Nigeria’s richest, signing and making stars out of Wande Coal, D’Prince and Kay Switch.

He starts singing with to the excitement of everybody, including his ‘statue bearers’, with the unveiling of several notes of dollars on the table, confirming his ‘dorostatus’. On getting to the lines of ‘Doro get the biggest label wey you know of course, Dor gather pass anybody for the gathering’, he flashes a customized XXL Mavin label design, further establishing the theme of the song.

Then enters Reekado Banks, introducing the chorus of the song in a playing field under a wonderful scene of the sun. He is accompanied by a choreographic display of dancers dancing round him as he sings his verse of the song. He dances with them in superlative successive steps, delivering his artistry in a beautiful fashion, giving

the video something creative to remember about.

From Reekado, the camera switches to Mavin’s first lady, Tiwa Savage who richly explored the Doro theme, diversifying her pitch, thus garnering the ‘best doro-vocalist delivery’ award. Her doro-status was interpreted with her sitting on a couch, with sophisticated make-up and a cleaner dancing in concordance. Apart from the endearing ‘Tiwa-touch’ vocal style of delivery, every other thing seems to be quite ordinary.

The ‘Dorosuru-Dorolere’ crooner comes up on a speed boat with some ladies, ‘driving home’ his doro-rendition. A cameo appearance of a lady giving a football dance was shot when the dentist cum musician mentioned Doro-messi and Doronaldo.

Something more innovative could be done to depict that line!, even though the speed boat idea was good.

There was no period of silence as Korede Bello practically captured the song before Dr SID finished his line and began his verse. This is simply another plus for the producer. The African Princess croon-

er was motioned in a shot proclaiming him to be a Doro-mega-super-star, with the mob sweating all over in excitement, just to have a touch of his skin. The sensational wink that summed up his scene added some colour to the video.

The scenes of Di’ja and D’Prince followed in succession. Di’ja in a solo cameo melodiously described the theme of the song repetitively. She simply allowed the ‘winds of the beat’ carry her sonorous voice to a succinct destination. Her gesticulations were her selling point. She played all through, while D’Prince scene was captured in a club, gambling with his eyes covered, amidst supporters. He won, further describing his doro-money, doroballer line.

In fairness, the picture quality of the video is one of the best, if not the best, the music industry has ever seen. Also, the costume and set design used are simply defines the status of the artistes in relation to the theme. However, these are just necessary ‘paparazis’ that should support the story or plot of the video, which was obviously absent.

All I know Is thAt the Album Is below pAr. hIs forAy Into other genre And InternAtIonAl outlook seems to be hIs prIorIty, whIch somehow brIngs somethIng new to the Industry

Likewise the mixing and mastering, it could have been better. An artist like 2Face Idibia who is regarded as the leading artiste in Nigeria should offer his fans the best of the best sounds. A minor blemish on the mixing of this album appears on track 4

which features Vector. It appears that Vector’s part was not properly mixed in the studio. How this was not noticed before the album was released is unclear to me. Apart from that, the rest sounds good.

2face Idibia has won a lot of fans with his

afro-pop/reggae style over the years, but it appears there is a deliberate ‘upward movement’ towards other genre. ‘Ascension’ contains songs with less 2face reggae style, but rather, he toed the path of Caribbean soca, afro beat and high life. While this can’t be counted as a success yet, 2face did well in the fusion. Some fans might be disappointed for not having much of the ‘traditional’ 2baba style but their love for the musician will override.

I have never known 2face to be the type that struggles with lyrics, but in this album, 2face obviously searched words to fill up some tracks. We all know 2face has his flaws as a musician, just like every individual, but Kennis Music had a way of concealing his weaknesses, which somehow shows again on this album.

From afro beat, afro-pop, rnb, soca to highlife and reggae, 2face Idibia has delivered his 6th studio album. This is no mean feat; so he deserves all the applause

and support. After paying $9.99 to purchase the album on iTunes, I can’t really say I am satisfied or disappointed. All I know is that the album is below par. His foray into other genre and international outlook seems to be his priority, which somehow brings something new to the industry. But there’s no cause for alarm, 2face is the only one that can get away with such ‘musical experiments’.

Another observation is that 2face’s best songs have come from his true feelings and life stories, when he sings from the heart- he sings perfectly. This explains how he struggled with words in track 8 ‘I Hate What You Do To Me’. After getting married to his long time lover, Annie Macaulay (who inspired many songs in the past) I was hoping for a song detailing how sweet and interesting his marriage to her has been.

Lanre Etti, an ardent fan of Idibia’s writes reviews for many distinguished platforms.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, August 22, 2014

Abuja football fans seek recreational facilities

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Training session

Seyi Anjorin

A

s football fans around the world prepare for the official kick off of the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga following the successful hosting of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Nigeria Premier League still remains in a limbo with various accusations ranging from corruption to government interference trailing it, thereby discouraging young talented players from plying their trade in the country.

Even with these insinuations, football fanatics around the country most especially in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in particular have always consistently strived in their efforts to gain the necessary fitness for the widely accepted round leather game, as they are seen out on their training pitches in the evening hours especially on weekends.

Some of these players have over time metamorphosed into local teams with various competitions outlined for them, in a bid to both seek more expertise, sponsors and possibly get foreign scouts’ attentions that could eventually change their dreams forever.

But with the efforts of this set of the Abuja residents to make a meaning out of their time, leisure hours rather than engaging in social vices, the FCTA administration doesn’t seem to be bothered with the encouragement of these populace which are predominantly youths, by making effectual use of the allotted green areas in the federal capital which were allocated for recreational purposes.

According to reports, the FCT FA chairman Alhaji Musa Talle recently inaugurated the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) football council with a bid to scout for prospective talents within the area, by organising grassroots football competitions. But unfortunately, the sporting aspect of the AMAC does not seem to be acknowledged due to non availability of sporting facilities for these young lads who hope to make a profession out of it.

Earlier, residents of Lugbe Federal Housing had woken up to see that the market located at the junction was demolished and cleared. While many of the residents are still in awe over the demolition, investigation has revealed that Julius Berger Construction Plc, a multinational construction company is expected to use the site for the construction of a modern football field as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Furthermore, ‘Inside FCT’ gathered that Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) had concluded modalities to engage former Super Eagle’s coach, Samson Siasia to handle the new football team raised by the board in Lugbe, even though the report could not be authoritatively confirmed, one would wonder what the environmental board has got to do with sporting activities in the FCT. Reacting to this development, Ugo Kenechukwu, Coach of the Rising Stars FC, a local football club based in Lugbe Across expressed his disappointment in the FCT administration, according to him, rather than praising the construction giant for the project, it only shows that the demolitions embarked upon by the Federal Capital Development Authority in the name of reclaiming green areas is just fallacy.

Driving through the umaru musa Yar’ aDua expresswaY, home to lots of slum areas in the

fCt,

it woulD not be so harD to see a lot of baDlY DevelopeD football pitChes

FCT FA Chairman, Musa Talle

Ugo who spoke in pidgin English said; “they were demolishing houses, they said it is suppose to be this and that and they were planting trees, when dry season comes, the thing will dry off instead of them helping us arrange the place very well so we can make use of it for our football. Some of us do not have anything we do other than this football and it is because we do not want to engage in anything criminal”.

Driving through the Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua expressway, home to lots of slum areas in the FCT, it would not be so hard to see a lot of badly developed football pitches being erected in the neighbourhood by some of the residents, worst of all is the use of the specified green area around the overhead bridge at Lugbe which have been converted to football fields by the fanatics.

In a chat with an aspiring professional footballer who simply identified himself as Ogodo, “when the government say they want to help us with our football career, they organise competitions, but when we do not have enough balls, field to train, most people here will not be encouraged.

“As you yourself know, we did this field by ourselves with our money that we contributed, we did the posts and the line, even the ball and we still bought our shoes and kits when are not even working. For me, it

Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister

is because I can’t go into anything that is not good, that is why I play football, some people even come here just to watch us when they don’t have anything much to do at home, and everybody feels okay”.

According to the Abuja master plan, about 1,260 hectares out of 7,076 hectares in the Phase 1 of the plan was reserved for ‘green’ development, and this includes open spaces, recreational facilities, parks, gardens, children playground, outdoor games, sport centres, national and district neighbourhood parks, green stretches along valleys, riverbeds, hilly patches and some incidental open spaces.

Unfortunately, while the FCTA is expected to stick with the master plan by making the environment liveable and accommodating for residents, it has continued relentlessly in its efforts to make the nation’s capital unaccommodating for the middle class residents Even with the development of various parks, gardens and recreational areas in the metropolis, it has been continuously marred with politicisation and worst of all, low patronage by individuals as most of these green areas do not seem to be for the middle classed resident, but for the elites who can afford to make use of such spaces.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, August 22, 2014

25

Auto dealers in Abuja react to new auto policy opeyemi Jegede

A

s uncertainty, trails the commencement of the New Automotive Industry Policy Development which focuses on promoting investment in affordable made-in-Nigeria vehicles, residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have continued to react to the policy given its many consequences.

While some residents who spoke with ‘Inside FCT’ lauded the initiative stating that it will increase foreign investment into the country, others flawed it saying the policy will only cause increased hardship on the citizenry.

Mr. Tunde Alabi, the Operations Officer, Kefiano Autos, said the policy will increase corruption in the country. According to him, inconsistency on the part of government will make this policy fail like others.

He said, “This is not the first time government is talking about automobile policy in Nigeria. The problem with this government is policy inconsistency and lack of adequate implementation framework, even on important issue that affects national development.

Alabi said: “This is not affecting the automobile industry alone but other sectors of the economy, because government can just come up and make a policy pronouncement today and tomorrow the same government will say something else or even act differently. Can the government come out to tell us what exactly happened to the automobile policy initiated over three decades ago in this country?” he added.

Another respondent, Mr. Yusuf Isa, said the policy will cause untold hardship on

the citizenry, adding that most government officials may not use these “so called” made-in-Nigerian cars.

“What I don’t understand about this scheme is whether government & her agencies will drive this made in Nigeria car, are the cars for only helpless Nigerians? Whether they start assembling cars in the country, these government officials will still buy imported cars. So how do they want us to buy this idea?” he said.

However, an Economist, Mr. Augustine Okafor, lauded the policy saying that it will help reduce the current high level of unemployment in the country by creating jobs for the teaming unemployed youths.

Okafor said: “The country is currently battling with the issue of unemployment.

If this policy is fully implemented, it will reduce this problem to the barest minimum because to assemble a car locally, we need about 2,500 different parts. If cars are made locally and sold in the country, that will encourage local manufacturing of these parts, thereby creating more jobs and wealth for our economy”.

“The policy will reduce the incidence of dumping in the country because most of the cars imported into this country are not road-worthy. These cars get into the country, after a short time, they breakdown and disposing them become a problem.

He advised that what the government needs to focus on at this point is on creating an enabling environment for these companies coming to establish automobile assembling plants to thrive.

“There is no place in this country where you can boast of 24hours nu-interrupted power supply. Will these companies run on generating sets like we do in our houses?

Poor road network and the current inse-

Nissan plant in Lagos

curity challenges are important issues the government must address before this policy kicks off ”, he stressed The New Automotive Industry Policy Development is aimed at putting a stop to the over $3 billion spent annually on the importation of cars, along with the adverse effects on the nation’s foreign exchange.

The policy is expected to cause about 70per cent increase on duties imposed on fairly used cars imported as a means of reducing the influx of cars coming into the country.

It would be noted that about 12 companies including Nissan and Peugeot, have signified their intention to participate in the scheme which will usher in made in Nigeria cars.

Rainy season: Hawkers bemoan low sales Joel AJAyi

W

hile other business enterprises are flourishing and their owners are smiling to their banks, the groups of traders without shops in the Federal Capital Territory are seriously lamenting the poor sales as result of daily heavy rains over the past one month, blaming the government of the territory for their predicament This category of traders on the road sides, market entrances, car parks, plazas, shopping centres, as well as traffic gridlock points on highways where they flaunt their products, usually contained in polythene bags or wrapped round their waists, trying to make sales through impulse buying by customers.

Like every other Nigerian, this group of peripatetic traders would naturally have preferred better means of livelihood but resorted to eking out a living in a most hazardous manner as their hope in government to create jobs had been dashed completely.

Rather than folding their arms and allow their destinies to rot away by their idleness, some of these traders with high good secondary and technical education certificates, decided to find a way of surviving in the highly expensive FCT, where, as experiences have shown in the past few years, the rich continues to rejoice as others languish under the throes of excruciating poverty and other socio-economic deprivations.

Their situation undoubtedly reflects the undying spirit of the true Nigerian that,

Hawkers displaying their wares

no matter the challenges in the land, with or without employment, laziness and idleness would not truncate their ambition to become great.

Unfortunately, a number of policies put in place by the Federal Capital Territory Administration few years back such as banning of Okada business and demolition of petty trading kiosks, shops, canteens, and war against the street hawking without creating social economic opportunities for the affected persons have no doubt led to the increasing army of youthful traders without shops.

Some of the traders who spoke with ‘Inside FCT’ lamented poor sales as 24 hours heavy down pour has worsened their means of livelihood, altering the immediate and medium term profitability projections

Muhammed Idris, from Adamawa state, who operates his business at Wuse Zone 3 Shopping Mall, explained that he resorted to the kind of job just for him not to become bandit or join wrong association.

He said: “Since demolition of my shop at Karimo, six years ago, things has not been good for me, that is why I started selling provisions and with this, things are getting better but the raining season is no doubt, had affect people like me, nowhere to run to when is raining, you have the fear of AEBP to beat, you also have the fear of rain, no market at all, at times half of my goods got spoilt.

“Before now, sometimes I went home with N2,000 to N3,000 depending on the market but these days, I barely make N500 to N1000.” He bemoaned.

As for a pure water vendor, Yahaya Gidado, from Sokoto state told our reporter

The policy will reduce The incidence of dumping in The counTry because mosT of The cars imporTed inTo This counTry are noT road-worThy

that he hardly sell one bag of pure water these day compared to the dry period that he do go home with a lot of profit.

“I hardly sell one bag of pure water in a day, people don’t drink water any longer because everywhere is cold, they are not thirsty and if people are not thirsty how you would sell? The market is dull but as a Nigerian I am hopeful, dry period is far approaching, I think things will change for good” , he predicted According to Mrs. Charity Ogbonna from Imo State, a roaster yam seller very close to NAFDAC office zone 7, Abuja, bemoaned the poor sales she disclosed that she experiences “ bad market, last week and this week, I lose a lot of my initial capital, there is no customers courtesy of bad weather, and heavy rainfall my money cut into pieces. But I will not blame God because he created seasons and times for good of human’s kinds.”

In Ibrahim’s case, another trader without shop in Maitama district Abuja, who sells Suya attributed his predicament to the activities of AEBP who extort the little profit he got from the business.

“Apart from the raining season, AEBP is a thorn in my flesh, I am a security here and my boss are living abroad and I decided to be selling Suya in the evening to get additional money, but activities of AEBP is not encouraging, they will come and take away all my Suya, I will be begin begging them with money, and if they don’t carry all your Suya, they will demand for money and the little profit I get, they always collect it but I will not stop because there is nothing like business of your own”, he vowed.

26

Mirror Mongers

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obiano’s new dance steps M Suleiman Abba

SOS to new IGP

O

ne would think the police officers are having it rough these days as video recording of their misdemeanours take centre stage in Nigeria, right? Already about four of such officers, caught on video extorting money from innocent Nigerians have been reportedly sent packing by the police authorities. But that has not deterred some of them from acting with impunity in this regard. Residents of Alagbole-Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun State are still bemoaning the activities of the policemen attached to their duty posts at some points on this route as they are in the habit of ‘obtaining money’ from motorists, especially ‘okada operators’. Pointing sophisticated weapons at the innocent bikers on a particular night, MM gathered that one of the policemen almost shot one of them who dared to bring out his camera phone to capture what was going on. Of course, some of the residents are ‘praying and wishing’ that the new Inspector General of Police, looks into this matter.

ay be someone is still basking in the impact of the scenes in ‘Things Fall Apart’. Or how does one begin to describe the style of the new Governor in Anambra State, Willie Obiano. He celebrated 100 Days in office the other day with far greater fanfare than any of the previous governors (according to his critics) and this seems to have sparked off a media frenzy that makes him a a part of all news bulletins and publications in the country.

Some people attribute that to his love for the media (or is it the love of the media for Obiano?).

But that is nothing compared to his love for the flute. Since he resumed as the Governor, he seems to have gotten the service of a flutist (Ogbu oja, according to Anambra people) and the ogbu oja usually announces his entrance and exit at events.

While inspecting the permanent voter registration process in the state last week, this entreaty was repeated and the bowler-hat-loving governor kept nodding

Obiano

his head to the beat.

Meanwhile the much talked about liaison office for Anambra State in Lagos has remained how Peter Obi left it four

years ago at the commissioning ceremony and the officials at the office still operate from a rented apartment in Victoria Island.

Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi…

I

t is noticeable that Eucharia Anunobi has been lying low since her ordination as a woman of God at the Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos, a situation that has availed her ‘Evangelist’. But while staying calm and minding her business and of course the Word, some people are up with mischief against the actress, sorry evangelist.

From the archives (when Eucharia Anunobi was in the world) some mischief makers have gone to unearth a

photo of a skimpily-dressed Eucharia, showing her necessary curves.

The photo which is trending online has brought a lot of admonition to Eucharia especially amongst ‘Children of God’, who are wondering why she should show off like that as a preacher. But Eucharia’s people are calling this ‘persecution frequently meted out to Children of Christ’.

Anunobi

ONE-SECOND Q & A

ONYEBUCHI CHUKWU As Nigeria intensifies efforts to contain the Ebola virus, several speculations have trailed some treatment options being peddled in some quarters. Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu reacts to the issue:

What about Professor Maurice Iwu’s thesis regarding bitter kola and Ebola?

Bala

Uncle Bala at Kuje

C

ertainly what goes around comes around. And this is true from the spate of demolitions and revocation of land particulars going on at the FCT at the moment, which some Abuja residents say has precipitated the cliché ‘Fear of Uncle Bala’. With hundreds of buildings penciled down for demolition, this is not the best of times for some landlords in Abuja, who have had to erect buildings from loans collected from banks. But the exercise is said to be hitting hard on some ‘big boys’ at the moment who are alleging political intimidation.

But the FCT Minister has also been criticised by residents of Kuje for citing the Ebola Quarantine Centre there.

According to a resident, “Since we have been begging this FCT for infrastructure, he refused to do it, but now it is Ebola people that he wants to bring to us in Kuje”.

One of the things we decided to focus on by setting up that committee is to streamline claims of possible scientific cure, not a situation where pastors and imams claim they can cure Ebola. We might even go to the extent of making laws to arrest people with such bogus claims. We would take every suggestion seriously. About Professor Iwu, we know that quite a number of Nigerians accessed his article through the internet. What Professor Iwu and his research team proved in America is that in the laboratory test-tube – not in an animal or a human being – bitter kola extract was able to hinder the growth of Ebola virus, that it was able to slow it down or kill it. That research was not concluded according to Professor Iwu himself and he says he is disappointed that the research was not taken to its logical conclusion. He is a distinguished worldrenowned professor of pharmacognosy; and he is someone we value in this country.

Cairins

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, August 22, 2014 Shaw’wal 27 1435 A.H.

27

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

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

IN HIS LIGHT

with

USTAZ

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

Y

ou should know that teachers are not angels, especially the male ones. The devil in some makes them advance sexually towards their female students.

They, of course, occupy a vantage position.

They teach you and could call you at any time. Only you will always know what he tells you, unless you inform others. There are many ways by which a corrupt male teacher can woo or lure you into illicit relationship. He will try to be natural with you, showing concern in your performance and advising you accordingly. He will always keep you around him, either to run errands or help in doing one thing or the other. He will often tease and make you laugh to enjoy his company. He could buy you snacks and drinks at times. He will greet and

shakes your hands and hug you too. It is a gradual thing that you would have gone too far before realising his intent. That is a corrosive method: gradual destruction.

If a girl does not play along, he could resort to threats and witch-hunting. What you need do is to tell your parents. This is why you have to be honest and not involve in any shady relationship that will make your parents not to trust you. This teacher is a human being. He sees you every day.

Every time he sees you, the devil whispers different thoughts in his mind. This is why you must desist from begging a male teacher to buy you things. Love saga can start anyhow. Beware of how you comport yourself before any male teacher. Help your teacher by being cultured and know the bounds of your proximity with him.

Some teachers would, however, do all these without any mind for sexual advancement.

But how do you know who is who? This is

Some of the dignitaries at the Shawwal Get-Together organised by The Young Muslims, TYM, Agege Zone, in Lagos last Saturday.

Hadith Rasulullah said, “He who does not show mercy to our young or show esteem for our elders is not one of us.”

(Al-Bukhari) ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT Free Palestinians – CIO tells UN

28

Ahmadiyya holds 48th Jalsa Salana 29

YOU MAY NOT BE

ABLE TO HELP IT, THEN CONSULT YOUR COUNSELLOR OR A CONFIDANT YOU CAN SHARE YOUR FEELINGS WITH why h you need d caution ti as a ffemale l student. t d t Most of you always prefer to be closer to the male than the female teachers but the reverse is better for your moral security.

Were it possible, it would have been better if all female students are taught at home while only the males are sent to school. But this is practically impossible as not all parents can successfully teach all the subject areas. Perhaps, the delicate nature of the girl child and special attention she requires led to establishment of girls’ colleges or secondary schools. Here again, all the teachers are not female; male teachers still teach some school subjects. Even if all the teachers in a girl school are female, that may not stop or prevent immoral acts; students will still go for short or long holidays. The periods are enough for them to engage in some indecent relationships.

What is needed is an all–round education that will make students morally conscious, be it at home or at school. Love affair does not only go on among male and female students; male teachers are also like the male students except that they are adults, more mature and are expected to treat female students as their daughters. In the modern times, the reverse is often the case. Everybody is affected by the sexually charged atmosphere through films, music, videos, the internet, provocative dressing, etc.

The background and moral control of a teacher will determine how he comports himself. The general school policy will also assist to a level. The problem of sexual advances is not always domiciled with the male teacher. There are several instances where the girl initiates it. She can

b always forcing herself to be around the by tteacher; she can by teasing him; she can by actually writing a note or letter to him; she a can, if not academically good, assault him c ssexually, to get passed or promoted; she can by giving him unusual gifts; she can by c buying suggestive gifts like underwear, etc; b sshe can by talking to him romantically; she can by blinking and rolling her eyeballs to c sseduce him; she can by going to his house; etc. There are a million of ways by which e a girl can tempt or woo her teacher into illlicit relationship.

But a disciplined, morally conscious and cultured teacher will always undera sstand when a girl is playing such pranks.

He will visibly read the handwritings on H the wall as an adult. He should call her to order and give her stern warning. He should expose her pranks and ask her to be penitent. Girls with bad thoughts up their sleeves will always avoid such teachers and cluster around the ones who are indiscipline and morally corrupt.

Most of our girls today are exposed and spoilt. They have watched films, stayed long on the social media, browsed pornographic sites and moved with big girls. So, they are like bottled up. They want to open up or explode; that is sexual explosion.

As a young girl, you could suffer infatuation. You may see a fine looking teacher and fall in love with him at sight. You may like his spotless dressing; you may cherish his to-match apparel; you may like his spoken accent and oratory power; you may even like his thick and tall gait; you may like the manner of his teaching; you may enjoy his jokes and humours, etc. There are several things you can like in him.

But they are not enough to make you fall lowly as to want to tempt him and go into bed with him. Do always see him as your teacher and your father or at least locus parentis. Do not entertain any romantic love for him in your mind.

However, it is possible, at times, you may not be able to help it, then consult your counsellor or a confidant you can share your feelings with. Rest assured that you will be properly guided. If such feeling is towards a fellow student, inform your confidant and you will be rightly-counselled.

Your classmate cannot offer the right guidance. They too need it.

Sack of Doctors: MURIC appeals to FG to revisit action

29

28

Call to Worship

Shaw’wal 27 1435 A.H. Friday, August 22 2014

Bringing development home I

t saddens my mind that most of our leaders are just travelling to other climes and fail to replicate all the good things they enjoy over there in their own country. More pathetic is the reality that many Nigerians seem not to be ready yet for the “IDEAL” probably due to poverty.

With the various challenges of controlling vehicular traffic in many of our major cities, some of our leaders keep bringing in policies to further compound the problems.

And where they try to do something better, those in charge of implementing

SPEND THE NATION’S WEALTH RIGHT BY HAVING ALL ROADS NEATLY TARRED INCLUDING ALL STREETS such policies always mess up the whole thing.

On some of the few occasions have had cause to enter the Lagos BRT for instance, many of those in-charge of the day-to-day running of the scheme are not behaving as expected.

You can be at a BRT terminal for hours without any explanation from those

who are supposed to give you information. How will one explain a situation whereby officials on duty will be telling you that they do not know whether a bus will still be available to carry passengers from Dopemu to Island for instance? This is in response to questions from intending passengers who have

bought tickets already and have been waiting for close to an hour trying to know either to wait or find alternative means.

In Britain for instance, if they said that British Rail or Coach leaves a particular spot for another destination every half an hour, that will be it. On arrival at any BRT terminal, those selling tickets are the first bunch of nuisance. Many of them lack good manners. Our noble Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Allah are those with the best manners. And that nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994 manners.”(Al-Bukhari). If you do not feel like driving for any reason and opt to take BRT, you might be in for a shocker.

Must we keep getting everything wrong in this nation? Instead of finding a means of decongesting our roads by ensuring that the most convenient method of travelling within our major cities is by using mass transit buses and underground trains, many of our “leaders” still seem bereft of ideas.

It would be a quite in-

teresting situation if our leaderswill spend the nation’s wealth right by having all roads neatly tarred including all streets. If things are well-planned, we can actually make driving through our major roads on week days attract Congestion Charges as obtained elsewhere.

Yes, this will discourage people from driving their cars on week days during the peak hours if only the mass transportation idea through buses and trains will work well.

Hajj: Obligatory on capable Muslims

H Some of the dignitaries at the Shawwal Get-Together organized by The Young Muslims, TYM, Agege Zone, in Lagos last Saturday.

Guests signing attendance register at the Parenting Forum organised by the Nurturing Fitrah Foundation, NFF, at the Abuja Central Mosque at the weekend.

Hajia Aminat Mohammed (Right) discussing with one of the guests at the Parenting Forum organised by the Nurturing Fitrah Foundation, NFF, at the Abuja Central Mosque at the weekend.

ajj or holy pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam and is undertaken to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim and his family who founded Mecca. It normally occurs in the month of Dhul Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the journey that every sane adult Muslims must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically fit. The money for this trip should be that of halal and not the one gotten through immoral value like lottery, stealing, betting, etc.

The holy prophet Muhammad (SAW) enjoins Muslims to embark on this trip when there is a means and good health so that both sin and poverty can be a thing of the past. Anyone who has the means of performing holy pilgrimage but fails to do so can be likened to one who observes solat daily and regularly but fails to fast during the month of Ramadan without falling under the exceptions clause spelt out in the holy Qur’an.

The holy Qur’an chapter 2, verses 197 states that “And complete the Hajj and the Umura for the sake of Allah; but if you are kept back, then make whatever offering is easily available and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. And whoever among you is sick or has an ailment of the head, should make an expiation either

by fasting or almsgiving or a sacrifice............................

And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in punishment.

The first house on earth is Kabba which is in Mecca.

It was built by prophet Ibrahim and his foot step while the building was under construction is still there and visible till date. Chapter 3, verses 96 – 97 of the holy Qur’an attest to this.

The most important thing expected of any intended pilgrim to the holy land is to have fear of Almighty Allah in whatever he does.

Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kaaba praising Allah together. It is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. In the Hajj, all are truly equal. This can be seen in Qu’ran, chapter 22, verse 27.

The hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. During the

hajj, the pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. Mecca is a place that is holy to all Muslims. They need to be in a state of Ihram and be making a statement of intention thus: “Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am at Your service! You have no partner. Here I am at Your service. All praise and blessings belong to you. All dominion is Yours and You have no partner”.

A pilgrim in the state of Ihram should not engage in marital relations, shave or cut nails, kill or hurt anything, fight or argue, women must not cover their faces, men should not wear clothes with stitching. Pilgrims are encouraged to ask for earthly blessings and heavenly positive rewards while in this state as stated in Qu’ran, chapter 2, verses 200 –202.

A man who has completed the Hajj is called a Hajji, a woman who has completed it is called a Hajjah.

In conclusion, going on holy pilgrimage has not guaranteed any Muslim paradise as this can only be made possible by adhering strictly to Allah’s injunctions and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Sheikh Abdul Ganiyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubulatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

Friday, August 22, 2014 Shaw’wal 27 1435 A.H.

29

Free Palestinians –CIO tells UN SEKINAH L AWAL

T

Executives of the Muslim Awareness International, MAI, Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO and the Muslim Congress, TMC at the solidarity rally with the people of Palestine in Lagos recently.

Ahmadiyya holds 48th Jalsa Salana

P

reparations are in top gear as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat holds her 48th Jalsa Salana United Kingdom 2014 which will Insha Allahu, be held on Friday 29th, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2014 in Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

According to the programme of event, the hospitality period is from today, Friday 22nd of Au-

gust to Saturday 6th September, 2014.

In his words, the Amir, Ahmadiyya Jammat Nigeria, Dr. Mashud Fashola made it known that the primary purpose of the convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits. “They may enhance their knowledge and - due to their being blessed and enabled by

Allah, The Exalted - their perception [of Allah] may progress. Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting will promote mutual introduction among all brothers and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within our Community.”

He said that it is essential for all those who can afford to undertake the journey to attend the Con-

vention which embodies many blessed objectives by disregarding minor inconveniences in the cause of Allah and His prophet (peace be upon him). “Allah yields reward to the sincere persons at every step of their way, and no labour and hardship, undertaken in His way, ever goes to waste. This is not an ordinary gathering but a blessed one.”

Government is not helping Nigerian youth –MSSN

T

he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, has accused Nigerian government at all levels of not doing enough for youths in terms of mental development in other to achieve its potentials.

In a release to mark this year’s anniversary of the International Youth Day and signed by its President, Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye, MSSN said it is a known fact that the government of this country has failed the youth.

“You will agree with me that being a youth in Nigeria at this moment is not just tough but thorny considering various challenges youth are facing especially in the area of unemployment and poor funding of education”.

The International Youth Day which is being celebrated worldwide on 12 August was designated by the UN

General Assembly in 1999. It is an annual celebration of the role of young men and women as essential partners in change, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth.

It will be recalled that the theme of the International Youth Day 2014 is “Youth and Mental Health” under the slogan ‘Mental Health Matters’ and it is aimed at raising awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth.

The students’ leader also charged parents to be watchful of what their children do daily.

“There are lots of happenings in our society today that can distract and derail the youth from being mentally healthy, therefore in achieving greatness, guidance and parents must ensure their kids spend less time on the internet, avoid too much of television

viewing, concentrate efforts on academic and goal-driven work and above all, be spirituallyconscious.

He further mentioned the battle that is currently going on between Nigeria Muslim Students and a state government in the country. “It is pertinent on a day like this to also mention some of the anti-human policies that is being practised by the some state government in the federation; Lagos State being one of them regarding the use of Hijab.”

The group in the press statement said the issue of hijab in Islam is fundamental to the personality of female Muslims. No female Muslim is complete without adding the divinely ordained hijab to her dressing no matter the time, place and circumstances she may find herself. “Hijab is a divine commandment of Allah. Education is key to national development

and for us to get it right our education sector must be right”.

he Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO and Muslim Awareness International, MAI, have called on the United Nations to prevail on Israel to free the people of Palestine and stop the senseless killings of civilians including children.

Making the appeal recently were the Center for Global Peace Initiative, CGPI, the Director, Muslim Awareness International, MAI, Engr. Luqman Balogun, the CIO and others also called for solidarity and prayers for the oppressed but courageous people of Gaza.

They went down memory lane saying; “On July 8th, 2014, the occupying forces of the Zionist regime in Palestine commenced the massacre of innocent Muslims and Christians children, women, sick and aged to the bewilderment of the whole world, callously killing defenseless civilians, in an enclave described as the only open prison in the whole world, having been under siege on the land, air and sea for almost a decade now. Not satisfied, the criminal entity decided to launch a land offensive on the 17th of July.”

By the time the first

72-hours ceasefire was brokered, one thousand, eight hundred and sixtyseven [1,867] Palestinians have been murdered over nine thousand [9,000] injured, two hundred and twenty two thousand [222,000] homeless and sheltered in UN schools while thousands of homes were destroyed and reduced to rubbles. On the Israeli’s side, sixty-four soldiers and three civilians had died.

This action, referred to, by many leaders of the world as massacre, genocide, terrorism and madness[UN Sec. Gen.] of the arrogant Zionist entity in the twenty-first century and the response of passivity by some governments, many EU member states and the outright support by the US, seriously undermines and questions the claim to civility of these people.

If civility truly means fairness, justice and the prevalence of reason over greed and desires, then, might will always be right only in the animal world.

They urged Muslims and Arabs to unite and assist the Palestinians against the onslaught of the Zionists. “Israelis products and that of all their supporters should be boycotted, political and diplomatic relations should also be severed.”

Sack of Doctors: MURIC appeals to FG to revisit action SEKINAH L AWAL

M

uslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has advised the Federal Government to revisit its decision to sack 16,000 resident doctors saying that if we sack 16,000 doctors, it leaves only 9,000 doctors to attend to 170 million Nigerians. “It is paradoxical coming at a time when the nation faces the Ebola saga. The decision to sack is therefore rash, reckless and ill-advised. The international community must be laughing its head off by now. We therefore appeal to FG to recall the doctors for the survival of 170 million Nigerians.”

In a release signed by MURIC’s Director, Prof.

Ishaq Akintola, it was stated that flexing muscles will not solve the problem at a time like this as it will not only complicate matters, it

will also endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The body also called on NMA not to abdicate its responsibility as the medical profession belongs to the humanitarian arena.

MURIC appealed to the NMA leadership to exhibit greater sense of sacrifice and patriotism too while urging all Nigerian exheads of State, the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Union, NLC and all other stakeholders to intervene in this crucial matter and save our country from imminent self-destruction in the interest of the common man. The sack affected about 16,000 resident doctors.

NMA complained that out of the total number of registered doctors which stood at 65,000 in 2013, only 25,000 are practicing in Nigeria and this is the number that attends to 170 million Nigerians. 40,000

qualified and registered Nigerian medical doctors are practicing outside Nigeria. “We regard this development as pathetic, unfortunate and appalling. MURIC is of the opinion that those who chose to stay behind for love of their country deserve better treatment.”

MURIC condemned FG’s poor response to the allocation and provision of sufficient funds for the health sector. “Whereas the 2001 Abuja Declaration stipulates that 15% of every African country’s budget should be devoted to the health sector, FG allocated a paltry 4% to the sector in 2011, 5% in 2012, 6.04% in 2013 and even reduced the allocation to the sector in 2014. The N262.74 billion budget for the health sector in 2014 represents a 6.7 percent decrease against the 2013 allocation of N273billion.”

30

Call to Worship

Shaw’wal 27 1435 A.H. Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Don’t blame religion for world’s problems (3)

T

he Holy Prophet’ssa agony and anguish was so deep and his state of anxiety and despair was so great, that in the Qur’an Allah addressed him directly, asking if he would grieve himself to death because they did not listen or heed his message.[1] However, God Almighty is He who listens to earnest and heartfelt prayers and so he answered those prayers of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. History testifies to the fact that those very people who were ignorant and uncivilised, drunkards, fornicators, gamblers, thieves and involved in all types of vices, came to rid themselves of all of these evils and replaced them with the most magnificent moral values instead.

Those very people were transformed.

Those very people developed an unbreakable bond with God Almighty. Never could any worldly power have brought about such a spiritual revolution.

In worldly terms the early Muslims were very weak, and even if the Muslims did gain any power, it was at a much later time. During that initial period they remained poor, destitute and without means, yet due to their passionate and sincere faith and their close relationship with God they were ever ready to sacrifice their lives for His sake. They developed the highest standards of sacrifice and such an ardent desire to serve mankind that they were ready to hand over all of their possessions and whatever they had in their homes for the sake of helping other people.

If we compare and contrast the lives of those people before and after they came to believe in God, there can be no doubt of the great transformation and metamorphosis that occurred in their hearts, which was entirely due to having gained knowledge and understanding of God. Those very people came to witness the clear signs of God’s Help. The spiritual revolution that occurred was not the result of chance or due to a desire to achieve any worldly goal; rather, they witnessed and saw for themselves that the sentiments of love in the heart of the Holy Prophetsa towards other people were unparalleled.

Even Islam’s most bitter and ferocious foes were compelled to accept this fact.

They were witnesses to the truth that the Holy Prophetsa responded to their brutality, hatred and vicious assaults with nothing but forgiveness, mercy and compassion.

They were witnesses to the truth that when the Holy Prophetsa gained victory over the sworn enemies of Islam, who in the past had left no stone unturned in their efforts to destroy the religion, he responded with peace and forgiveness by saying to them: “I have no personal enmity towards you. I do not wish to take any revenge for the cruelties and persecution that you in-

SEEING THE

The Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola; Alhaji M. B Odukoya; SadrHead Majlis Ansarullah –Elders’ Group of the Jamaat, Engr. Alli; former Principal, Ahmadiyya Science and Technical College, ASTC, Ilaro and Alhaji Dauda Raji, former Secretary, Brother Soliu Akewugberu; current Principal, ASTC, assisting the Amir to cut a tape of the new blocks of classrooms for the College in Ilaro, Owode Road, Ogun State.

EXAMPLE OF THE

HOLY PROPHETSA THOSE ENEMIES OF

ISLAM CAME TO

REPEATEDLY AND OPENLY PROCLAIM THAT THE LAW REVEALED TO HIM

Amir, teachers and school management board of the Ahmadiyya Science and Technical College in a Group photograph with the best students of the College at the school’s prize giving day recently.

WAS UNQUESTIONABLY TRUE flicted upon us in the past. As long as you guarantee that you will live peacefully you are free to remain in Makkah. You will not be treated cruelly or unjustly as a result of your religious differences or beliefs.”

When the countless enemies of Islam observed this incomparable example of benevolence, they had no option but to acknowledge it. To give just one example: Upon seeing the conduct of the Holy Prophetsa an opponent of Islam called Iqrama who had committed monumental cruelties against the Muslims, instinctively said that only a person who was truly from God and whose love for mankind was peerless could act in such a compassionate way.

Seeing the example of the Holy Prophetsa those enemies of Islam came to repeatedly and openly proclaim that the law revealed to him was unquestionably true and that the title the Qur’an had conferred upon him as being a ‘mercy for all mankind’ was entirely justified.

They acknowledged that from every organ, every pore and every fibre of his body gushed forth a spring of mercy and compassion for humanity. They openly affirmed that the Holy Prophet’ssa every act was an example of the very highest standards of mercy and proved the truthfulness of the Word of God. In light of these compassionate teachings one question or allegation could potentially be raised, and indeed, is regularly invoked by some non-Muslims. The allegation is that if Islam does teach Muslims to show love and sympathy towards others and if the Holy Prophetsa truly was the ‘mercy for all of mankind,’ then why were religious wars fought? To understand this question you must be acquainted with the true early history of Islam and keep in mind two important points.

Cross section of dignitaries at the Ahmadiyya Conference in Warri, Delta State, recently.

Pupils of Al-Bayan Montessori School during their cultural display tat the end of session gettogether in Lagos recently.

L-R: Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo; Amirah, MSSN, Lagos Area Council, Hajia Hafsah Badru; Director, Al-Wasi Secondary School, Hajia Zainab Ahmad-Taiwo and other guests with one of the pioneer graduates of the school during their graduation in Mushin, Lagos recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday August 22, 2014

Managing Director / Editor in Chief, The Niche, Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi (left), and President, Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adeshina, at the public presentation of The Niche Newspaper in Lagos, recently.

Emmanuel Maduebuchi (left), Brand Manager, Tenece Technology, Michael Joseph (middle), and Chukwudi Nweje at the public presentation of The Niche Newspaper in Lagos.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema (left) and Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa Plc at the company’s Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the Stock Exchange, Lagos.

L-R: Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Electoral System, Hon Jerry Manwe; Chairman, Nigerian Election Debates Group, Chief Taiwo Alimi; Representative of INEC Chairman, Dr Ishmael Igbani and Director, National Democratic Institute USA Matt Dippell during the International Debates Best Practices Symposium in Abuja. Photo: ROTIMI OSASONA

People In The Mirror

31

Cross Section of guests during the cutting of cake to unveil the paper at the public presentation of The Niche Newspaper in Lagos.

L-R: Country Manager, Malaria No More, Dayo Oluwole; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and customer, Ajayi Adekunle, at the Etisalat donation of Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), to mark the World Mosquito Day, in Lagos.

L-R: Former Vice-Chancellor, Catholic University of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu; District Governor-elect of Rotary Club International, District 9125, Mr. Mike Omotosho and Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, during the installation of the 6th President of Rotary Club of Abuja-Gwarinpa.

Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan (left) and Secretary, Sabiganna of Iganna, Oyo State, Oba Soliu Oyemola during the committee’s meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

32

Arty News

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lady Esther moves to Smithsonian Museum

D

iamond Woman, the innovative product of Diamond Bank PLC that celebrates women and their achievements, recently celebrated “Lady Esther”, a hand-painted dress that depicts the historical situations across Africa.

The dress will be displayed permanently at the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts, Washington DC, as the first ever of its kind to be given such relevance at the globally-recognised Smithsonian Institute.

The dress designed by Ms Patience Torlowei, a Nigerian designer, entered into the Earth Matters Fashion Competition in February 2014 and emerged the winner amidst stiff competition.

The dress named “Lady Esther”, is named in memory of designer’s departed mother and illustrates the historical situations across Africa, such as apartheid in South Africa, environmental degradation as a result of oil spillage in Nigeria and diamond mining in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo.

Speaking in Lagos at the farewell reception of the unique dress that has brought her international recognition as a designer, Torlowei said: “I named the dress in memory of my mum. I was inspired to do the painting of some misfortunes that had occurred in Africa. I am happy to have won the competition but I must confess my emotional attachment to the dress since I started making it.”

This is indeed a significant achievement for the Nigerian fashion industry as the Smithsonian Institute, founded in 1846, is a globally-recognised historical centre and is strategically located in the heart of the United States of America -- Washington DC. Dignitaries at the event included renowned accountant, Mr. Akintola Williams, Ms. EvelynOputu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Lilian Unachukwu, Mrs. Abba Folawiyo, Mrs. Maiden Alex–Ibru, Seni Williams, and many others.

Lady Esther on display in Lagos

MDA8 starts airing September

F

ollowing the successful completion of the regional auditions of the only family dance show in Nigeria, Maltina Dance All season eight (MDA8), over ten thousand contestants who participated in the dance show have applauded the brand for putting together fun filled and rewarding auditions which visited three major cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja.

The 2014 edition tagged “The Rhythm of Happiness” which chronicles a new dance style known as Rhythm of Happiness Dance (ROHD) produced 48 winners from the age grade categories who won various gift items and 28 winners in the “family representative” category. These 28 family representatives will perform alongside their families and after successfully scaling the medical and physical test hurdles they would then be admitted into the famous Maltina Academy where they would learn various dance styles from across the world. Only ten families would be admitted and they stand a chance to win the whopping N10million star prize.

An elated Bola Oguntola, a staff of National Bureau of Statistics who featured at the Abuja region, expressed her satisfaction with the audition and the opportunity to interact and bond with friends and families which the show has created for them. She added that, “it is a thing of joy to see different categories of people display their inbuilt talent and get rewarded, this MDA platform is one of the best in getting consumers from different social group to interact with each other. The atmosphere of happiness here makes you forget whatever problem you might have and just mix with the happy crowd.”

Divine Onyejide, the star of the day in the 5-12 category at the Abuja audition and proud winner of a generating was equally full of excitement and could not hide his joy.

Voicing his excitement and gratitude, he said “this is my first time in MDA regional auditions, am so grateful to Maltina for the gift and the opportunity to display my talent. With this recognition, I know I will go places in the future and I’m looking forward to it.”

Maua Ulugbe, a 31 year old media practitioner who was overall winner in the 30 and above category at the Lagos

MDA8 auditions

audition disclosed that Maltina idea of maintaining consumer relationship through the MDA is highly appreciated even as she expressed her satisfaction and gratitude for the generator she won.

Stanley Eze, a second place participant in the 5-12 categories in Port Harcourt also applauded the brand for the MDA innovation which “has been bringing consumers’ and families together for some time now. I’m grateful for the home theatre I won and look forward to participate in the 2015 edition.”

Wilfred Utere, who came first in the 20-29 age categories at the Port Harcourt region, was also filled with praises for the brand. “I have watched the show on television for some years now and seen how poor families have won millions of naira that has been beneficial toward solving

problems such as housing and school fees payment. I must commend Maltina for this initiative and encourage them to continue to do more for us, their consumers.”

The Senior Brand Manager Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji who was visibly excited about the huge turn out and quality of dance styles at the audition venues, applauded the zest and energy displayed by the contestants, commenting that the academy for the MDA8 will be a ground of wit and strength even as the show promote bonding and sharing of happy time with families.

After the conclusion of the regional auditions, Nigerians and fans of the show are set to witness the greatest dance battle of all time when the show begins in earnest in September.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, August 22, 2014

33 33

NTDC partners ABUCCIMA on domestic tourism Joel AJAyi

T

he Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) has vowed to form a strategic alliance with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to promote the Nigeria’s tourism industry, using domestic tourism as a catalyst.

Speaking in Abuja, First Deputy President of ABUCCIMA, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, who led the four-man delegation on a courtesy call on the Director-General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, lauded the exceptional feats of the NTDC boss since she assumed office in May 2013, adding that her efforts has put the Nigeria’s tourism industry, via domestic tourism, on the podium of rapid development.

He disclosed that; “Sally Mbanefo re-

ally need to be commended for the vast and unprecedented strides at promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria, aimed at creating wealth, employment opportunities for the people at the grassroots level, as well as encourage integration of culture within Nigeria.

“There is continuity in ABUCCIMA system of government, which will ensure that our alliance with NTDC is constant. We will ensure that we explore the good number of foreigners who participate in our trade fairs to promote the domestic tourism promotion initiative of the Sally Mbanefo led-administration.” He assured.

In her response, the Director General of Nigerian tourism, development corporation NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, noted that the aims and objectives of the corporation can be achieved when there is strong partnership between the private sector and NTDC. She explained; “we need the private sec-

tor’s participation in the development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria. We need the private sector to take over the ownership of the Nigeria’s tourism industry. We are promoting domestic tourism to create wealth and jobs at the grassroots level, to reduce urban migration, to encourage integration of culture within Nigeria and to encourage unity.

“We started the restructuring and repositioning of the Nigeria’s tourism industry from scratch.

We have started creating awareness on our rich domestic tourism, encouraging Nigerians to travel within Nigeria, and also foreigners to visit Nigeria and appreciate our fascinating tourist sites and crowd-pulling cultural festivals. Our goal is that in the next two years, we should be able to have developed at least one tourist site in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.” She revealed.

Mbanefo

Big Brother Hotshots promises excitement

I

t’s definitely going to be more swag, more glamour and more ‘Big Brother Africa’ action and excitement as the continent’s biggest reality show returns for its ninth season on Sunday, September 7, with the housemates competing for a massive prize pot of USD 300 000.

AfricaMagic revealed that the new season will be known as Hotshots. This season’s housemates have hidden talents; they adore the spotlight and will let nothing stand in the way of their pursuit of fame & fortune.

M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, says the viewers are in for almost as many surprises as the housemates. “We work hard to make each season of Big Brother Africa bigger than the last – and we’ve really upped the ante this year,” she says. “Big Brother Hotshots is going to bring viewers exciting innovations, heart-stopping twists and uniquely African glamour, 24/7 for 91 days. Both fans and housemates are in for some unmissable television!”

The housemates will start the game in two ultraglamorous houses which are built with magic, fun and mischief in mind. For 91 days, they’ll do their best to outshine each other in the hope of convincing Africa that they’re the continent’s biggest Hotshot. They’ll party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges – all while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists.

The logo for Big Brother Hotshots hints at the glamorous aspects of this season – but viewers will have to stay tuned 24/7 to see what Biggie has planned for the talented group of housemates!

What would Big Brother Africa be without a fantastic host to help give the housemates a chance to shine? Nigerian star IK Osakioduwa returns for his 6th stint as host and will taunt, tease, comfort and dance with the housemates on the Big Brother stage.

Produced by Endemol South Africa, ‘Big Brother Hotshots’ kicks off on 7 September at 19:00 CAT on DStv channels 197 and 198.

BBA hosts, IK (right)

Avant Garde: Book on Jimmy Jatt’s years as DJ

D

J Jimmy Jatt has celebrated his 25 years as a disc jockey. This was done on Sunday August 17, 2014 with the launch of a biography, ‘Avant Garde’, a book which captured his years as a disc jockey, authored

by Toni Kan Onwordi. According to the DJ, the book was designed to be an inspiring story for youngest aspiring to be like him. “I don’t think I deliberately set out to mark it. I think a lot of people around me managed to convince me to do it because a lot of people know I really don’t like people gathering because of me, like me having parties or something. The whole idea came up and I discarded it and then everybody felt like, you know, maybe you don’t understand what we’re saying.

It’s not 25 years of you just being a DJ. It’s 25 years of you being consistent and relevant in the music industry as a whole not just as a DJ. They said they had looked around and they couldn’t see that many people that they could point to. They also added that this was something that if I don’t do, I’ll look back in future and regret not doing it. And since I don’t want a situation where that would happen I decided let’s do it. But if we’re going to do it, it has to be, you know, really worth it.

Between 1989 and now I don’t think you’d discuss DJ-ing in this country and there won’t be a Jimmy Jatt. I don’t like sounding like that but there’s not one single year. So, pretty much that’s why I was convinced that I should celebrate.

Then in terms of the celebration itself, what are we now doing? Are we just going to be sitting down and saying it’s 25th anniversary. I’m one person that believes that things have to be rich enough and content has to be built. So in working towards this I had to hold off this whole thing which was earlier penciled for earlier in the year as I pretty much thought that the content wasn’t rich enough for all of us to just gather and say we’re celebrating.

So I felt that we might as well build some other content in addition to it, and I was already working on the idea of the book, but I felt the book needed a little bit of time to be developed, which is why we moved it from when it was originally meant to be to about this time.

And of course I was already working on the album project so I figured that we might as well just wrap that up so that’s why it’s now.”

DJ Jimmy Jatt

34

Escape

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Savour hospitality, warmth of Canada Sparring Polar Bears Churchill Manitoba, Canada

Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories and each flaunts something for every tourist.

Olawale Oluwadahunsi (with agency RepORt)

A

t 9.98 million square kilometres in total, Canada is the world’s secondlargest country by total area and the fourth-largest country by land area. Its common border with the United States is the world’s longest land border

shared by the same two countries.

The land that is now Canada has been inhabited for millennia by various Aboriginal peoples.

Beginning in the late 15th century, British and French colonies were established on the region’s Atlantic coast. As a consequence of various conflicts, the United Kingdom gained and lost North American territories until left, in the late 18th century, with what mostly comprises Canada today.

Pursuant to the British North America Act, on July 1, 1867 three colonies joined to form the autonomous federal dominion of Canada. This began an accretion of provinces and territories to the new self-governing dominion. In 1931, Britain granted Canada full

independence in most matters with the Statute of Westminster 1931. The Canada Act 1982 severed the vestiges of legal dependence on the British parliament.

Canada occupies a major northern portion of North America, sharing land borders with the contiguous United States to the south (the longest border between two countries in the world) and the US state of Alaska to the northwest. Canada stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west; to the north lies the Arctic Ocean. Greenland is to the northeast, while Saint Pierre and Miquelon is south of Newfoundland. By total area (including its waters), Canada is the secondlargest country in the world, after

Russia. By land area alone, Canada ranks fourth. The country lies between latitudes 41° and 84°N, and longitudes 52° and 141°W. A satellite composite image of Canada. Boreal forests prevail on the rocky Canadian Shield, while ice and tundra are prominent in the Arctic. Glaciers are visible in the Canadian Rockies and Coast Mountains. The flat and fertile prairies facilitate agriculture.

The Great Lakes feed the St. Lawrence River in the southeast, where lowlands host much of Canada’s population.

Since 1925, Canada has claimed the portion of the Arctic between 60° and 141°W longitude,[82] but this claim is not universally recognized. Canada is home to the world’s northernmost settlement,

Canadian Forces Station Alert, on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island – latitude 82.5°N – which lies 817 kilometres (508 mi) from the North Pole. Much of the Canadian Arctic is covered by ice and permafrost. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with a total length of 202,080 kilometres (125,570 mi); additionally, its border with the United States is the world’s longest land border, stretching 8,891 kilometres (5,525 mi).

Climate

Average winter and summer high temperatures across Canada vary from region to region.

Winters can be harsh in many parts of the country, particularly in the interior and Prairie prov-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Escape

Friday, August 22, 2014

Columbia

language minorities are guaranteed their own schools in all provinces and territories

Whistler, British Columbia, is a short trip from Vancouver by road, rail or air. The stunning landscape, pedestrian-only Village and genuine, down-to-earth mountain culture make Whistler an unforgettable year-round destination. Winters provide reliable snow for skiing, snowboarding and Nordic sports while golf, mountain biking and hiking fill the warmer months. Festivals, spas, restaurants and bars combine with endless outdoor activities to make Whistler the ultimate place to escape and unwind.

Tourist Cities

Vancouver, British Columbia Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums.

Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.

Parliament-Ottawa

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Toronto, Ontario

We’ve heard Toronto described as “New York City run by the Swiss,” and it’s true— you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

St. John’s Signal Hill National Historic Site

inces, which experience a continental climate, where daily average temperatures are near −15 °C (5 °F), but can drop below −40 °C (−40 °F) with severe wind chills.

In noncoastal regions, snow can cover the ground for almost six months of the year, while in parts of the north snow can persist year-round. Coastal British Columbia has a temperate climate, with a mild and rainy winter. On the east and west coasts, average high temperatures are generally in the low 20s °C (70s °F), while between the coasts, the average summer high temperature ranges from 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F), with temperatures in some interior locations occasionally exceeding 40 °C (104 °F).

Language

Canada’s two official languages are English and French, pursuant to Section 16 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Federal Official Languages Act. Canada’s federal government practices official bilingualism, which is applied by the Commissioner of Official Languages. English and French have equal status in federal courts, Parliament, and in all federal institutions. Citizens have the right, where there is sufficient demand, to receive federal government services in either English or French, and official-

Victoria, British Columbia

It’s still one of the most British cities in North America, but there’s more to Victoria than tearooms, antique shops and galleries (though there are plenty of those). Driven by the younger generation, the city has sprouted a collection of cool shops, authentic coffee bars and unique restaurants. It also has more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the picturesque location (and avoid an afternoon of antique shopping).

Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax’s rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax’s great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.

Tourist sites

Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is more remote than many of Canada’s most popular national parks, but worth the effort to discover this beautiful landscape of mountains and fjords. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring steep cliff walls, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations carved by the glacier-fed waters

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style.

A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of VieuxMontréal will give you a taste of European flavor. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

Quebec City, Quebec Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine-french fries with gravy and cheese curds

35

Vancouver’s Stanley Park

Vancouver’s Stanley Park

One of Vancouver’s greatest treasures is the 405-hectare Stanley Park, conveniently located on the west side of the downtown area. Situated on a peninsula, the park is surrounded by the ocean and home to huge red cedar and Douglas fir trees

Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Calgary, Alberta

The sophisticated city that grew out of the Canadian West, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm. For the full western experience, show up in time for the annual Calgary Stampede, complete with rodeos. Year-round you’ll find abundant shopping, dining and nightlife; a short drive away are some of Canada’s finest national parks.

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

In Canada’s wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake presents a well-preserved 19th-century village and its charms. Drive or bike through the area, stopping at wineries and Fort George National Historic Site. Ride along the Ni-

agara Escarpment on horseback or book a white-water adventure at nearby Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Once a destination for honeymoons and family vacations, Niagara Falls has really stepped it up as an action-packed vacation spot. The falls are literally the biggest draw – watching the frothy water tumble at alarming speeds can be mesmerizing. Throw on a poncho and hop aboard the Maid of the Mist to cruise close enough to the falls to be drenched by spray. Hit the main strip of Clifton Hill for flashy tourist attractions and restaurants galore.

Whistler, British

Few Canadian cities have done such a beautiful job of developing their waterfront area as Victoria and its Inner Harbour. This is a great place for strolling, relaxing, shopping, dining, and watching street performers all against the backdrop of the harbor. The centerpiece of this area is the historic Empress Hotel, one of the city’s most lovely buildings.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy, located in Eastern Canada in between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for its amazing tides.

While there are many ways to appreciate this natural wonder, some of the most popular locations and sights along the Bay of Fundy are the cliffs and rock formations at Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and Grand Manan Island.

Friday, August 22, 2014

36

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

2015

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Italian stallion takes the road for a ride

OLUS LUSEGUN L USEG EGUN U KOIKI

T

he Ferrari 458 Speciale is yet another Italian masterpiece, one loaded with improvements that an enthusiast would not have thought possible or necessary if one has driven the 458 Italia.

The Speciale shifts faster, turns in quicker, and stops shorter. Thanks to an additional 35 horsepower and 200 fewer pounds, it is swifter than the car on which it’s based, in a straight line and around a track.

Best of all, Ferrari has improved on the 458’s sublime chassis with a fresh dose of clever technology and engineering. This car amplifies your skills, strokes your ego, and stimulates your pleasure centre, all while possessing limits high enough to humble any driver.

The Speciale’s secret sauce is a piece of software: Side-Slip Control, SSC, an algorithm developed in tandem with the LaFerrari to determine the car’s slip angle in real time, set a target slip angle based on your driving style, and ad-

jjust ju st the st the agility agili giili lity lit ty or stability accord- ingly.

SSC alters the Speciale’s temperament by way of the electronically controlled rear differential (E-Diff) and traction control (F1-Trac). The computers reduce the differential locking torque during understeer to liven up the handling.

On oversteer, the different unlocks and F1-Trac cuts engine power to keep the rear end from overtaking the front. The beauty of the programme is that it is working even when you are not exploring the extremes of those scenarios—plowing towards the outside of the corner or wildly drifting around a bend.

SSC boasts the nuance and finesse to adjust your path when you enter a corner at a neutral tack and below the limit of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.

This car is much more than ones and zeros, though. The Speciale cranks up the crazy with a 4.5-litre V-8 that now makes 597 horsepower at its 9000-rpm peak. The increased power is made possible by a skyhigh 14.0:1 compression ratio, revised combustion chambers, new

pistons, shorter ssh horrte hor terr intake inta in take runners, runn ru nner ers, s, reshaped res esha hape ped d inin take take ta ke ports, por orts ts,, and and higher high hi gher er lift lif iftt on the the exhaust exha ex haus u t and d intake inta in take ke valves, val alve ves, s, along alo long ng with a new carbon-fiber manifold and airbox.

Pinning the throttle brings sensory overload akin to that of a Vegas gaming floor. Five LEDs at the top of the steering wheel flick to life as you near redline, the engine’s wail drowns out the world around you, and the concept of time disappears.

Rarefied Air Ferrari’s growing obsession with active and passive aerodynamics is on full display in the current edition of 458 Speciale.

Spring-loaded doors on either side of the prancing horse on the front air dam are pushed open above 105 mph, reducing the flow through the radiators and directing air across the grilles and through the turning vanes at each corner.

A horizontal flap just forward of the chrome steed sends air under the car to tilt the downforce balance towards the rear axle at high speeds.

At the back, the Italia’s three central exhaust pipes have been replaced with a more conventional layout: two doughnut-sized outlets

spread spre sp spr read apart a apa ap par a t and art and placed higher pla pl lac aced h igh ig h r in tthe her he he bumper. b bump umper er. This This accommodates acc ccom ommo moda date tess a taller tall ta l er underbody underbo ody diffuser dif iffu fuse serr that that works in tandem with a llonger onge on gerr an and d taller rear spoiler to generate gen ner erat ate e downforce. fo e It also als lso o makes make ma kess room room for for the the dragdra ragg reduction system, which is comprised of three motor-controlled flaps that drop from the diffuser tray to cut drag at the expense of downforce. Their operation is controlled by a logic that monitors your aggression, speed, and lateral acceleration to determine when the flaps should be opened or closed, although they will always be extended in their drag-reducing position to hit the estimated top speed of 202 mph.

Sharper reflexes come by way of quicker steering, 25-per cent-stiffer springs, slightly softer anti-roll bars, retuned magnet-orheological dampers, and updated carbon-ceramic brakes.

The cabin drives home the car’s hard-core intentions with yards of faux suede, carbon-fiber door panels, exposed bolt heads, and—as another nod to the LaFerrari—pushbutton transmission controls that are now mounted on a carbon-fiber phalange jutting out of the center tunnel.

There is an optional “advanced telemetry system” that records to a

USB US U SB stick stic i k or o passes passe sess se information info in form rmat atio ion n to o an an iPad iP Pad app app for for a coco odriver driv dr iver er to to analyse ana an alyse in real time.

Besides, mass, the Besi Be side d s,, to reduce redu cockpit does not cock co ckpi pitt of the 458 Speciale Sp contain cont co ntai ain an audio ssystem, navigation, tion ti on, cruise control, contro glovebox or armrests. armr m ests. The seats are covered in mesh fabric and the door panels are paper-thin carbon fibre. There is no carpet, with only coldly textured aluminum plates on the sills, kick panels and underfoot.

Also gone is the centre console, with its three obligatory transmission buttons now elegantly suspended on a featherweight carbon-fibre blade. The cabin is minimalist, yet it has lost none of its visual impact.

With a bit of justified arrogance, this Italian relishes attention, yet all it really wants to do is run free.

The driving position is low, but surprisingly comfortable and supportive considering that the formfitting seats only offer minimal adjustments. Practically every operating control that the driver needs, from engine start to turn signals and high beams, is on the multi-function steering wheel – its ergonomics initially appear haphazard, but everything is logically placed for immediate access.

A quick tug on the right columnmounted paddle engages first gear, and the Speciale waits for foot pres-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

Friday, August 22, 2014

Mirror Drive

Hyundai top s in quality, reliability

H

yundai Motors has been valued higher than its contemporaries in quality of any non-luxury brand and reliability according to a survey conducted by United States based vehicle analyst – CarMD.com.

The vehicle analyst stated that Hyundai had in two consecutive years finished second behind Toyota, but emerged top in the latest index of the vehicle analyst. Hyundai drove to the top of the list with its low repair frequency.

Hyundai according to CarMD. com “beat out every competitor to earn the distinction of “Most Reliable Manufacturer” in the 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Ranking.”

An online media statement by the auto company in Nigeria stated that the annual report provides a ranking of manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined “check engine” repair incidents and costs.

The Index also evaluates top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles overall, top vehicles by category and the most common repairs by make.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, CarMD. com, Mr. Leon Chen stated that the 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufac-

sure on the accelerator before it automatically releases the clutch and the two-seater pulls away.

Enthusiasts will recognise the Speciale from a distance. Its signature stripes are a dead giveaway, but so are its new front, side and rear fascias, all tuned to carefully balance downforce and reduce drag.

While keeping the coupe planted xx is crucial at circuit speeds, there are active motorised flaps in the nose and at the tail that reposition above 140 mph to reduce drag. Thus leaning the inside of a unburdened, the 458 Special will car is something that easrun to more than 200 mph. Even its ily can get overlooked betail has been sculpted a bit taller to properly manage the wind. Some cause people are mostly worried supercars are elegant, but this Fer- about how their car looks on the outside or they just want to save rari is purely, thrillingly savage.

It is difficult to not be infatuated some money when going to their with the 458 Speciale. As the world local car wash.

You can save the cost of a profesof supercars accepts all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrains as sional detailing by getting out the its norm, the Speciale is old-school vacuum cleaner and a few housetraditional – there is nothing else with a naturally aspirated powerplant and rear-wheel drive that can touch its specific output, track performance, on-road driving dynamics or sexy appearance.

It will never be accused of hiding behind the Prancing Horse on its nose, and a single drive proves that its astronomical pricing is completely justified.

turer and Vehicle Reliability Ranking looked at data that applies to more than 119 million vehicles, saying that earning the ranking was no small feat.

He commended Hyundai for its commitment to quality and to its efforts to minimise vehicle operating costs.

Hyundai had the lowest Index rating of all parent manufactures studied and the second lowest overall repair cost.

This year’s Index is based on more than 151,000 specific repairs performed on model year 2003 to 2013

vehicles from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.

In Nigeria, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited and brand custodian of Hyundai automobiles in Nigeria has applauded this accomplishment remarking that; “Hyundai strives to provide our customers with a worry-free car ownership experience by offering a lineup of vehicles that deliver on both quality and reliability, backed by the

most competitive protection program in the business.”

Head of sales and marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited - Jatin Nadkarni said: “Earning the first place title in CarMD’s Vehicle Health Index Report proves that Hyundai recipe for combining high value vehicles with longterm vehicle protection is a success.”

2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon debuts in Nigeria

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he Authorised General Distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep in the country, Weststar Associates Ltd, has announced the marketing of the legendary off-road Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in Nigeria.

The, the Manag-

ing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath told journalists in Lagos that the auto company is convinced that the Rubicon would prove to be a “big hit” among the lovers of the acclaimed SUV. He stated that the 2014 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited is a model of the Iconic, rugged Jeep- a popular American automobile brand division of Chrysler Group LLC, now a subsidiary of the Italian multinational automaker- Fiat SPA. He added that the Rubicon is easily identifiable by its fender flares, symbolic seven-slot grille and 17-inch polished mineral grey wheels, the Wrangler

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to clean a car’s interior

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37

hold products. Here are a few tips on how to detail your car’s interior.

First, remove the floor mats from the car. Shake them to remove any debris sticking to them. Then, using the hose attachment of a shop vacuum, vacuum all seat cushions, paying special attention to the crevices where cushions meet. Be sure to vacuum the bottom and back of the seats. Check beneath seats for trash before vacuuming.

Vacuum the floor of the car, including the area beneath the seats, still using the hose attachment.

Also, vacuum the floor mats. When finished, give the mats a final shake to remove any remaining debris, then return them to the car.

If any fabric seat cushions or carpets are stained, use a damp towel to apply a small amount of carpet

shampoo to the stain. Work the carpet shampoo into a light lather.

Sponge away the shampoo with a damp sponge and allow to air dry.

Don’t use carpet shampoo on leather. Besides, clean all the windows using a window cleaner and newspaper or paper towels.

Vacuum or wipe debris from the dashboard and doors. Spray a small amount of car-interior or vinyl protectant on a towel or rag. With the moistened rag, gently wipe the dashboard, door handles and all vinyl parts. Finally, allow to air dry.

Warnings Do not clean leather seats with carpet shampoo. It is too harsh and will take the colour out of leather.

Use a cleaner specially designed for leather car seats, available at an auto-parts store.

is stylish, fun and offers maximum comfort even whilst tackling rough terrains.

The Four-door Rubicon Unlimited version, which is designed in premium leather seats, offers notable features like the monotube shock absorbers which have low speed tuneable valve technology that's firm on the rocks and relaxed at higher speeds.

It also features standard Dana 44 front and rear axles which are equipped with Tru-Lok locking differentials and offer the ultimate in traction. In addition, the Rubicon has elevated height for better ground clearance- suitable for the Nigerian roads, and the front axle sway bar disconnect allows for better articulation off-road.The Wrangler Rubicon can be appreciated for its weather-resistant surfaces and its courtesy interior lights which illuminate the front footwells.

He said, “Like all other Wranglers, the Rubicon is fortified with standard safety and security features. Besides advanced multistage front airbags, which help provide occupant protection by matching airbag output to impact severity, there are also side-supplemental airbags with sensor detection.

“Hill Descent Control helps monitor throttle, speed and braking when travelling downhill, and the Hill Start Assist keeps your brakes applied for a short time after you have removed your foot from the brake to give you time to accelerate without rollback. Inclusive are on-road four wheel disc Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Brake Assist, high-efficiency round fog lamps comprising of chip-resistant polycarbonate plastic lenses with halogen bulbs that provide a low, wide beam of light, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Display System to enable them drive with the utmost confidence.”

38

Cocktail

Friday, August 22, 2014

Casino loses $21,000 cash left on roof of armoured truck

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asino officials and local authorities in New Jersey are investigating the disappearance of nearly $21,000 in cash after the security company responsible for transporting the money left it on the roof of an armoured truck.

On August 6, representatives from GradaWorld, a Boston-based security company, loaded cash from the Revel Casino Hotel into an armoured truck for secure deposit. A bag containing nearly $21,000 was left on the roof of the truck, however, and is now missing.

Survellience footage shows the truck pull out of Revel’s porte cochere

with the bag still on its roof, where it remained at least until the truck’s next pickup at Resorts Atlantic City just over five minutes away. Footage from Resorts’ security shows the bag still on the truck’s roof as it pulls onto Pennsylvania Ave. toward Route 40, its last documented whereabouts. It remains unclear where the bag eventually fell off.

“We are cooperating with the authorities in investigating this incident,” Joe Gavaghan, director of corporate communications for GradaWorld, told the Press of Atlantic City. “[We] cannot provide any additional details.”

Woman posts more than 12,000 selfies

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im Kardashian has competition as the queen of selfies.

Instagram user Mortao Maotor of Bangkok has posted more than 12,000 selfies on the social media website.

Mortao, which is not her real name, has 20,000 followers and snaps an aver-

age of 200 selfies per week.

She is not the stereotypical selfie-taking teenager but a married Thai woman in her 40s, Time reports. Mortao did not speak English but said through her husband’s daughter that her reason for the high number of self-portraits is “quite personal.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

‘Michael Jackson’ shot dead after eating fisherman

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n extremely rare albino-headed crocodile named for deceased pop legend Michael Jackson was killed in Australia after he ate a fisherman in front of his wife.

The 57-year-old victim was fishing in shallow waters in the Adelaide River, about 37 miles from Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. According to reports, the man waded into the river to untangle a fishing line when the 15-foot crocodile attacked, dragging him over 650 feet before chowing down.

Horrified, the fisherman’s wife fled in search of rescuers, but Michael Jackson had already eaten most of her husband by the time they arrived.

Hours later, wildlife officials tracked down the rare reptile and killed it before recovering the remains of the fisherman.

“They acted appropriately to shoot him but it’s a real shame they had to do

it,” Adam Britton, a crocodile researcher at Charles Darwin University, told the Sydney Morning Herald Britton described Michael Jackson as “wellknown” and “well-loved,” adding that “It was always a thrill when he appeared.”

Still, Britton explained, it

was necessary to execute the crocodile.

“If a crocodile attacks someone, particularly at a place where there’s a lot of tourism, and with people using boat ramps, it makes it more dangerous because that croc has figured out it can take someone and is

The late crocodile named Michael Jackson

more likely to try it again.”

Park officials believe Michael Jackson was between 40 and 60 years old. Roughly one out of every 10,000 to 20,000 crocodiles are born with white colouring. As only Michael Jackson’s head was white, he was even rarer.

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Business Maritime

Unending wait for Ibaka Deep Seaport About nine months to the end of the administration of Governor Godswill Akwabio of Akwa Ibom State, maritime stakeholders and indeed the Ibaka community are still in limbo as to the fate of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project, inaugurated about six years ago with fan fare and media hype. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

W

hen Governor Godswill Akwabio of Akwa Ibom State about six years ago, precisely in 2008 announced the decision of the state government to build a state-of-the-art deep seaport in Ibaka, many port stakeholders as well as indigenes of Mbo Local Government of the state, which houses the facility, could not hide their excitement.

No one was left in any doubt, especially given the quantum of funds at the disposal of the state, being one of the highest crude oil producing states in the country. This therefore means huge sums of monthly allocation; thanks to the Federal Government 13 per cent derivation policy for oil producing communities.

The project is being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, which is expected to maintain a 20 per cent equity on behalf of the Federal Government while the Akwa Ibom State Government in conjunction with its technical partners would hold the remaining 20 per cent equity.

It was believed that when fully operational, the seaport, which was expected to actualise Nigeria’s long dream of emerging the hub port of destination for the West and Central African sub-region, was also to set new standards in modern port operations.

To cap it up, the governor was also unequivocal when he also announced that the port would be operational by 2015, when he is expected to leave office at the expiration of his two-term of eight years in office.

The governor had also while issuing a Certificate of Occupancy for over 5,580 sq meters of land for the proposed seaport to the then managing director of NPA, Mallam Oman Suleiman early 2010, declared that the port project was slated to be completed in 2015 when vessels and cargo would be handled at the port.

According to the governor, the state was spurred to fast-track work on the surveying and parceling out of the proposed sight

Akpabio

for the port after the last visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the state when he pledged support for citing of project in an area that has comparative advantage not on the basis of ethnic sentiments.

The governor also noted that the infrastructure for a deep sea port is huge, saying the state is prepared to offer assistance to NPA at whatever point it will be needed to facilitate the commencement of port operations in 2015.

Surprisingly, less than nine months to the end of his tenure, the port has been left in the same state it was in 2008 when the government first visited the port location.

For many port stakeholders, the Ibaka Deep Seaport holds so much for Nigeria’s maritime industry, especially given her quest to emerge a shipping hub for all types of cargo from Europe, American and Asian countries coming into the West and Central African sub-region.

This is because the port is naturally endowed with all the elements that make up an ultra-modern mega deep seaport complex.

For instance, the port, which currently serves as a hub for fishing activities in the area and water transportation using small boats, is a natural deep seaport of over 17 metres of draft without dredging.

On completion, it is expected to have a quay area spanning over two miles in terms of length, which makes it a safe haven for mega vessels of over 10,000 Twenty foot container Equivalent Units TEUs, an indication that no seaport in the sub-region is currently as large as that.

Investigations shows that practically nothing has been done on the proposed site even as the Ibaka community is at lost as most other maritime stakeholders as to the reason for the abandonment of the project.

Umar

For many port stakeholders, the Ibaka deep seaport holds so much For

nIgerIa’s marItIme Industry, especIally gIven her quest to emerge a shIppIng hub For all types oF cargo From

europe, amerIcan and asIan countrIes comIng

West and central aFrIcan sub-regIon

Into the

It was gathered that the Ibaka community has waited for the Akwa Ibom State Government endlessly to commence the project, which they have read and heard so much in the newspapers and national television stations.

It however seems that the Ibaka community and indeed the entire Mbo Local Government Area, who had high expectations of a transformation of the communities via the port project are gradually coming to terms with the reality that the project is probably a hoax.

But many of them, who have also accused the Peoples Democratic Party PDP-

led government of marginalisation, are probably waiting for 2015, when another candidate of the party would come with the promise of building the same deep seaport in order to get their votes.

But port industry stakeholders have expressed fears that the failure of the project might deal a deadly blow on Nigeria’s hub seaport status dream.

The stakeholders have argued that part of the policy objectives of Federal Government’s port reform programme was to make the ports become a hub for the West and Central African sub-region.

It was also gathered that the argument was that with the coming on stream of private investors, there will be sufficient funds to develop both the superstructure and infrastructure of the ports to make them competitive.

National President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents CMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke on this development, noted that some mega deep seaports are being built in some neighbouring West African countries.

This is especially so given the obvious expansion problem faced by the existing ports, especially Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports both in Lagos.

According to him, if nothing was done urgently to address these issues, in no distance time, Nigerian clearing agents or freight forwarders would start visiting these seaports for consignments that will eventually be consumed Nigeria.

It was probably in realisation of this fact the government commenced further dredging of the Apapa Port up to 13.5 metres that facilitated the berthing of Maersk Calabar with about 25, 0000 Twenty Equivalent Units TEUs, which remains the biggest vessel to berth in Apapa since it was developed in the 19th Century.

Government has also realised that the port cannot be dredged beyond the current 13.5 metres or else, it might risk caving in, which will be disastrous.

This fact makes the Ibaka Port unique, in the sense of its location and current draft without dredging.

Amiwero argued that the Ibaka Deep Seaport, which is natural and strategically located, would have help Nigeria achieve its hub port dream.

But all hope is not lost, especially given that the Lekki Deep Seaport project is still very much on course, as it is expected to become operational 2007.

But the fact remains that Nigeria still needs the Ibaka Deep Seaport, which on completion will relieve the pressure on the already over-stretched port facilities in Lagos, as it will service most of the South Eastern States, most of who still travels to Lagos to pick their consignments with the attendant huge losses occasioned by the destruction of some of such consignments while on transit, given the poor state of the roads.

40

Business Maritime

Friday, August 22, 2014

Freight component of crude trade will grow Nigeria’s economy, says expert StorieS: FranciS ezem

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maritime expert has said that the development of a national fleet by the Federal Government would pave way for indigenous participation of the lucrative crude oil affreightment, which will in turn boost economic growth and development.

The Nigeria Ship Owners Association NISA, umbrella body for all indigenous shipping firms had recently estimated that at the current crude oil export of about 2.7 million barrels per day and at an estimated freight rate of $4 per barrel, Nigeria will save over $3.9bn annually from the freight component which currently goes to foreign shipping lines if Nigerians are allowed to participate in the trade.

Managing Director of Kamany Maritime Services Limited, a marine consulting, freight forwarding and logistics firm, Mr. Charles Okerefe, who spoke in an interview, noted that following the demise of Nigeria’s former national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line NNSL, which had over 27 ships on its fleet at a point in time, the nation does not have any vessel on its fleet, which is not proper.

He noted that following the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1959, the nation’s economy would have fared better if measures were put in place by successive governments over the years that would enable citizens actively participate in the affreightment of the crude oil.

Nigeria does not take part in the freight component of the crude trade more than 55 years after the discovery of oil and this is a big minus. Since 1959 when oil was discovered in

commercial quantity, if Nigeria had developed a programme of carrying the crude or involving indigenous carriers, by now the country would have been freighting over 90 per cent if not 100 per cent of the crude oil export and till date, foreigners earn all the freight that accrues from crude oil export”, he lamented.

While insisting that the nation’s maritime growth in terms of indigenous tonnage has been stunted, arguing that other oil producing nations, especially members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, have developed their crude oil carriage along side their national fleet.

He said: “Imagine a country like Iraq, even during the civil war with the Americans and the Western World; she was able to carry her share of the crude oil export in her own vessels, other wise her economy would have gone completely under. So, you can now imagine the importance of a national fleet.

“Having been in the industry for a long time, one finds out that there is need for a deliberate policy of the government for Nigerians to lift the country’s own share of the crude oil. The government should look in that direction now so as to do something very concrete because I know that indigenous operators have done everything possible to participate in the trade but have been frustrated.”

He pointed accusing fingers on the International Oil Companies IOCs operating in the country, who he said would stop at nothing in trying to frustrate Nigerian shipping companies in participating in the business, not even lifting refined petroleum products.

He however expressed optimism that the enactment of the

Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage, Act, 2003 and the Nigerian Content Act, 2010, both of which promote indigenous participation in the shipping as well as the oil and gas sector will go a long way in enhancing the participation of Nigerian operators in both critical segments of the nation’s economy.

While enjoining the government to keep tab on the activities of the IOCs as well as their Nigerian collaborators in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, even as efforts should be channeled towards the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been at the National Assembly for over three years.

“All of these brought together would give Nigerian operators a foothold in their areas of operation, especially in the development of national fleet and movement of her share of the crude cargo, not only petroleum products but also dry cargo, including containers”, he also noted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Activitis’ protest blocks unloading of Israeli cargo ship

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ctivists protesting Israel’s military action in the Gaza Strip converged on the Port of Oakland on Sunday afternoon in an effort to block the unloading of an Israeli cargo ship, the second such action in two days.

The activists formed pickets at several Port gates to prevent workers from unloading the Piraeus, a vessel from Zim Integrated Shipping Services, Israel’s largest shipping firm. The ship docked at 5 p.m. at the port’s Oakland International Container Terminal, and protesters communicating via Twitter said port employees were honoring their picket lines.

“It’s my understanding that labor did not report to work for the 7 p.m. shift at the Oakland International Terminal,” port spokeswoman Marilyn Sandifur said Sunday evening. “All other port operations are unaffected.”

With tensions still high between the Israeli government and Hamas, the Piraeus has become the focus of attention for Bay Area activists.

Organising under the motto “Block the Boat,” they first expected the ship to reach Oakland early Saturday morning. Word that the ship’s arrival had been delayed led activists to rally at the port Saturday afternoon instead, in a large procession waving Palestinian flags and signs reading “Let Gaza Live.”

Then, as the ship neared the Golden Gate on Sunday afternoon, tracked by the online service Marine Traffic, activists returned to the port.

Organisers describe the action as part of a larger international movement to boycott Israeli goods and force companies to divest from the country.

ILWU Coast Longshore Division had reported that after four days of delay due to a pro-Gaza protest at the Port of Oakland, Piraeus, a container ship operated by Israel’s shipping giant Zim Integrated Shipping Lines has remained unloaded.

The ship left the port Tuesday afternoon, heading for Los Angeles, but after a while at sea, it returned to a different part of the harbour.

ATR 32 Air Force Maritime surveillance aircraft shortly before the capability show

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

‘ATR 42 Maritime surveillance aircraft will complement NIMASA’s satellite centre’

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency that the ATR 42 (Aviation Transport Regionaire) Aircraft designated by the Nigeria Air Force for the surveillance of the nation’s maritime zone, would complement the already existing satellite centre in its drive to checkmate piracy, sea robbery, oil theft and other illegalities on the nation’s waters.

NIMASA, which recently launched a satellite centre, had on August 26, last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Air Force, which led to the designation of

ATR 42, a military aircraft for the regular air surveillance of the nation’s maritime zone to ward off these criminals.

The aircraft with registration number NAF 931, is equipped with EOST 45, which is made up of three Television cameras, which can bring images in colour and another long range cameras, which can bring images 160 nautical miles away closer. Underneath the aircraft is also equipped with a torret, containing three cameras consisting of TVC, LRTV and MFTI, used at night as well as a Radom, equipped with radar, which detects even vessels

that have switched off their Automatic Identification System.

Director of the agency, in charge of Maritime Safety, Captain Warredi Enosuoh, who conducted a capability show of the aircraft around the Lagos anchorage and Escravos in Delta, said in an interview that the operation of the aircraft will complement that of the satellite.

According to him, the import of the MOU and the subsequent designation of the aircraft is that apart from regular surveillance of the maritime space to ward off criminals, the NIMASA security operatives could

call for the use of the aircraft within very short notice, especially in terms of emergencies without recourse to the normal protocols associated with the release of the aircraft.

He noted that the public show of the capabilities of the aircraft to both indigenous and international media as well as a few stakeholders, was also to demonstrate the painstaking effort of the agency in bringing to fruition the letters of the MOU with the Air Force since last year.

“What this means is that having signed a similar MOU with the Nigerian Navy, provid-

ed platforms through another partnership with the private sector, the agency has built the required synergy with both public and private sector operators that will keep the nation’s waters crime free also with the aid of the satellite centre”, Enosuoh said.

A Nigerian Air Force crew on board the aircraft during the one-hour capability show, said in an interview on the condition of anonymity that the aircraft, which is capable of flying at 150, 000 feet above sea level can also fly as low as 200 feet depending on the circumstance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, August 22, 2014

41

Nigeria records N1.7trn ATM transactions in 2 years KUNLE A ZEEZ

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he value of transactions

by Nigerians on the various Automated Teller Machines deployed by the commercial banks across the country has hit N1.7 trn in the last two years.

Director, Payment Systems, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Dipo Fatokun disclosed this at the launch of a mobile money initiative led by Globacom and four financial institutions tagged ‘Glo Exchange’ in Lagos yesterday.

The financial institutions include FirstMonie, a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria; Ecobank; StanbicIBTC and Zenith Bank.

According to Fatokun, between 20012 and 2014, the number of ATM machines in the country increased from 10,727 in 2012 to 15, 000, saying with the same period, the transaction volume also move from N1.3 tn to N1.7 tn.

He also stated that the country has increased its Point of Sales, PoS, terminals, which was 21, 400 in 2012 to 135, 000 at as June 2014.

On PoS transaction volume, Fatokun said it has increased from N57.3 bn in 2012 to N138 billion by June this year.

Meanwhile, Fatokun has noted that over 46 per cent of Nigerian adults currently had no access to financial services, but added that CBN was working to bridge the gap through a well-formed national financial system.

He said the launch of the Glo Exchange will help in driving the policy and ensuring that more Nigerians use electronic means to transact businesses across boundaries.

Fatokun described mobile money as ‘the next big thing’, expected to transform the CBN’s cash-less policy.

“Mobile money is critical to our cashless policy drive because

it simply runes on mobile devices in a country where we currently have over 130 million active telecoms subscriptions in the country.

“The apex bank believe that such initiative like this will aid both telecoms and banking industries to further serve Nigerians better,” he said.

Speaking earlier at the event, Head of Glo, Prepaid Services, Mr. Kamal Shonibare, said the government, through the CBN, canvassed cashless revolution through relationship between banks and the telecommunications operators.

Shonibare noted that telecommunications operators were to create platforms that will drive and make the process a success, “which is what Globacom is doing.”

According to him, majority of the about 170 million Nigerians have no access to financial ser-

L-R: Assistant Superintendent of Police, Felicia Nwachukwu; retired Commissioner of Police, Umar Jalingo and Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, during the presentation of Police Mortgage Bank share certificate to Nwachukwu in Abuja recently.

Nigeria leads world in oil theft –Energia boss UDEME AKPAN

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he nation has emerged a leading environment where crude oil theft and other vices thrive in the world.

The Managing Director of Energia Nigeria Limited, Mr. Felix Amieyeofori at a conference in Lagos yesterday that in terms of pipeline vandalism $10-12 billion dollars was lost to crude theft between 2009-2011 alone.

The Managing Director who noted that the figures will be higher when other years are considered said 100,000 barrels per day, bpd amounting to $5-7 billion annually.

He said: “Nigeria is ranked worse than Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia on the top five countries most plagued by oil theft.”

“About 75per cent of the stolen oil is being exported with the rest

being refined in illegal “artisanal refineries” he said.

He said: “Stolen crude goes through the creeks at night with the aid of small vessels that transfer into internationally registered vessels, sold to international buyers, processed by international oil refineries and paid for using international bank accounts.”

The Managing Director said that stolen Nigerian oil worth billions of dollars is sold every year on international markets and much of the proceeds are laundered in world financial centers like the world.

“In the study done by Chatham House, it was found that the countries with the most imported stolen oil from Nigeria in clued the United States, several West African countries, Brazil, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Balkans. The thieves are able to import the oil through the

roles of commodity traders that work in the industry.” he said.

The Managing Director said: “The money is deposited by using bulk cash smuggling, delayed deposits, shell companies, and bribing officials.

“Profits are laundered abroad in financial hubs, including NewYork, London, Geneva and Singapore.

He commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who said in The Hague that the Federal Government has earmarked one billion U.S Dollars for the implementation of a comprehensive programme to check crude oil theft, the vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure, and the apprehension and prosecution of crude oil thieves.

The Managing Director said: “Since the hub of the illegal refining and illegal oil bunkering trade and the major creeks in which barges operate are known.

vices.

Quoting a report, Shonibare said only 20 million Nigerians were banked, while about 80 million were unbanked, saying most of the unbanked were those at the bottom of the social pyramid.

“Financial sector is yet to succeed in bridging the financial inclusion gap but initiative such as Glo Exchange will enable banks to provide mobile money to their customers and will would-be cus-

tomers on the Glo platform. So, the initiative will aid business growth across all sectors of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associate, Mr. Ayo Teriba, said though, mobile money has been on for years, the new fusion between Globacom and the four banks would jump start and expose the hidden benefits in the scheme.

Jonathan tasks Nigerians on productivity GOODNESS ADAOYICHE ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of productivity in all sectors they may find themselves engaged in the economy as a strategic option of positioning the country on the path of sustainable socio-economic advancement.

The President, who gave the charge in Abuja when he conferred on 16 Nigerians and three organisations the Nigerian Productivity Order of Merit,NPOM, Awards, noted that the awards were desirable now more than ever as it would help revive and inspire Nigerians to higher productivity Represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the President maintained that productivity was key to prosperity of individuals and enterprises globally as it enhances their competitiveness in the global markets.

Noting that development of a high productivity mindset leads

to enhanced welfare of the society, President Jonathan urged the citizens and organisations in the country to develop a high productivity mindset with a view to developing and institutionalising a culture that accelerates growth in all sectors of our economy.

He maintained that peace and security were essential ingredients for accelerated growth and development, adding that his administration remains firm in its resolve to fight terrorism According to him, despite the unprecedented security challenges the country is contending with currently, his administration had resolved to fight the evil forces of insurgency and win the war.

The NPOM award is aimed at institutionalising productivity consciousness and excellence in service among workers and organizations in both the public and private sectors in the country, emphasising on hard work, high performance, efficiency, discipline, dedication, humility and patriotism.

ACCA faults Nigeria on local content application KUNLE A ZEEZ

T

he Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, ACCA, a global professional body of professional accountants, has cautioned Nigeria to be wary of the way it interprets local content so as not to draw the country back in the global economy.

Head, ACCA Nigeria, Mrs. Toyin Ademola, gave the warning at an interactive workshop orgainsed for finance professionals and accountants at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos with the theme: ‘Future’s Project: Nurturing the talent of future finance.’

The aim of the workshop was to explore and distil the skills and competencies of accoun-

tants in 2017 and in 2020 more specifically. It was also part of a global series, in support to the project, Class of 2020: the future finance professionals.

The event, thus, brought together more than 200 finance professionals and experts in different areas to help future-proof the profession so that accountants and finance professionals remain vital for businesses and economies to continue to grow in the decades ahead.

In an interview at the event, Ademola, who noted that having ACCA certificates allow the professionals to be relevant anywhere in the world, said Nigeria should focus on how to build competencies for local professionals to compete favourably with foreign professionals in the country rather than focus on local content.

42

Business News

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thermocool spends N35bn on business turnaround DAVID AUDU

L

eading refrigerator manufacturer, Themocool, a subsidiary of PZ Cussions disclosed recently that the company has a turnaround business base of close to N35 bn annually in Nigeria.

Marketing Director, Thermocool, Mr. Vikramjeet Singh, disclosed this during a media chat to mark the companies 40years operation in Nigeria, on Wednesday.

He also said that Thermocool is currently commanding a market share of between 30 to 40 per cent in the refrigerator category, adding that though Nigeria is the hub of its operation, as most of the products are designed for Nigerian markets, the company

also operates in major markets across the West Africa sub region.

He said as category leader in the sector, Thermocool has brought a lot of innovation to bear in the manufacturing of its products and this has also impacted in the kind of respect and trust in the products.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of PZ Cussions and Thermocool, Mr. Christos Giannopoulos; said PZ Cussons’ history dates back to the 1800s, when the paths of two extraordinary people crossed and they decided to embark on a journey of exploration and opportunity.

In 1899, George Paterson and George Zochonis opened their first branch office in Nigeria.

Since the 1970s Nigerian consumers have trusted the Ther-

mocool brand and have selected it as their preferred choice for white goods.

The rich history behind these two brands - PZ Cussons & Thermocool has been responsible for the successes recorded over the years.

He said Thermocool further established its leadership position by entering into a joint venture with Haier, the world’s number one brand for major home appliances with 24 manufacturing bases and 21 industrial parks in Europe, North America, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Also speaking on the journey so far, Managing Director, Mr. Panos Katsis went down memory lane recalling that “When we started out in Nigeria in 1974, we knew there was potential in

L-R: Director, Enterprise Development Center, Mr. Peter Bamkole; Minister for Industry Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; Head, Business Segment, Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Bidemi Ladipo, and Director - General/ Chief Executive Officer, Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Bature Masari, during the Etisalat sponsored Market Access Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday.

FG targets 1.8million household on schools Agric programme ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

T

he Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Agriculture Programme, Dr Baraka Sani has disclosed that a total of 1,776,000 household members is expected to be impacted by the Federal Government through the Presidential initiative on Schools Agriculture Programme.

The Presidential aide made the disclosure at the Stakeholders consultative forum held in Abuja yesterday to harmonize strategies and brainstormed on the ways to sustain Agricultural development in Secondary Schools as a part of the effort to re-awake the interest of young Nigerians in agriculture business.

According to Sani, the expected outcomes of the Programme at

the conclusion of the Programme will see about 1,850 Students Agriculture Clubs established, 222,000 beneficiaries of these Clubs would have become equipped with vital ‘Skills for Life’ while the Multiplier effect on 1,776,000 household members would be recorded.

The Programme, with an expected life span of five years (2014-2019), and designed with an exit strategy and the institutional mechanisms to ensure sustainability on the State levels will also ensure that all Schools Agriculture Clubs, SACs are linked with umbrella associations for further development, major market and financial institutions.

She said that upon graduation from school, member students of the SACs have the capacity to establish agro-businesses, integrated into the mainstream transformation agenda as skilled Agribusiness men/women as well as

help ensure change of perception regarding Agriculture.

The programme will also ensure better understanding of one another through friendship thus promoting unity, hopefulness/ increased confidence of students, which will further promote patriotism, while the students would have also assumed better leadership roles.

According to Baraka Sani, the pilot scheme will commence in twelve (12) states of the Federation with two States from each geo-political zone, including the FCT. The selected States are FCT, Plateau State (North Central), Bauchi State, Gombe State (North East), Kaduna State, Kano State (North West), Ebonyi State, Enugu State (South East), Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State (South South) and Ogun State, Oyo State (South West).

the Nigerian market. We recognise the need and the desire of Nigerians to enjoy life; run their businesses and personal chores with relative ease.

As an innovative company, we sought to fulfil these needs by providing world class products that were technology relevant in that era and even surpassing it”.

Speaking further, he said,

“We are glad to have been able to satisfy our dear customers in Nigeria in the past 40 years.

It has been a journey of success and mutual benefits nurtured by our values as an innovative company and our understanding of the demand of our esteemed customers”. Further appreciating the Nigerian consumers.

BATN pledges support for Lagos Public Place Smoking Law UDO ONYEKA

B

ritish American Tobacco Nigeria, BATN, Limited has restated its commitment to the successful implementation of the Lagos State Public Place Smoking Law, which came into effect on August The company said that it would continue to support key stakeholders in the country to drive a fully compliant and well regulated tobacco sector in a transparent and responsible manner.

The statement came against the backdrop of a reaction to BATN’s recent sensitisation of officers of the Lagos State Police Command on the Lagos State Public Place Smoking Law. The company stated that it was surprised that a Lagos-based NGO would fault the sensitisation of enforcement agents on the recently passed Lagos Public Smoking law.

Area Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, BAT West Africa, Freddy Messanvi, said that the company believes that this was a task which such NGOs should spearhead.

Messanvi stated that help is needed from NGOs and other stakeholders to enhance understanding and appreciation of the

law, and not a time to engage in industry de-normalisation tactics.

Other issues requiring the urgent attention of all stakeholders include stemming the increasing tide of illegal trade within the sector and using the funding that the NGOs get from their international partners to build the capacity of agencies who work on tobacco control to ensure that there is compliance with stated laws and regulations.

He said that engagement with stakeholders such as the recent sensitisation event of officers of the Nigeria Police in Lagos was held in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, FCTC, Article 5.3. The sensitisation of the Police was done in public and the engagement was transparently conducted.

In a welcome development and quite contrary to the norm, Lagosians have in recent times been empowered to understand what exactly the law says. The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, which is tasked with enforcing the Lagos State Public Place smoking Law, had embarked on sensitising Lagos State residents on the provisions of the law which came into force on August 17, 2014.

New Petroleum ministry Perm Sec resumes, tasks staff on loyalty CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shu’ra Jamila has called for loyalty on the part of the management and staff of the ministry saying only loyalty, dedication and co-operation would achieve the set goals of the present administration.

According to a statement, signed by the Director, Information, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Kingsley Agha, Jamila made the call yesterday during her resumption to duty as the new perm sec of the ministry. Jamila took over the duties of Office from Mr. Dalnadi Kifasi, the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who is now

the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The new Perm Sec, who is an educationist solicited the support of the staff of ministry saying she is ready to learn as a new person in the petroleum sector.

She noted that with co-operation and dedication of the staff of the Ministry, the laudable achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration would be showcased.

In his response on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Igwe Eleke, Director (Downstream) pledged the loyalty, co-operation and the support of the entire staff to the new permanent secretary.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cashless: Medical Lab Council deploys e-payment platform KUNLE A ZEEZ

T

he Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, has migrated to the electronic payment platform in order to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy.

MLSCN said the decision to migrate to e-platform is part of efforts to ease payment processes and offer convenience to myriads of corporate organisations and individual members that make payment regularly.

MLSCN achieved this recently when it implemented Remita, a modular e-payment, e-collections, e-payroll, and e-schedule solution, on a single multibank platform developed by System Specs, and it would be able to collect all fees and penalties on the platform instantly.

At formal ceremony at the MLSCN headquarters in Abuja, Business Development Manager

Business News

Friday, August 22, 2014

of System Specs of Abuja and Northern Operations, Mr Iliya Musa, explained that the platform would provide the over 20,000 members of the council with multiple channels for making payment as they could make payments to the council at any bank branch listed on the platform.

This payments, he said, can be made through the bank’s Internet site, credit/debit card, Remita (for registered Remita users), mobile wallets or with direct debit/standing order.

Part of the objective of the Remita project was to improve administrative and operational efficiency of the council through proactive electronic invoicing of individual and corporate members, streamlining collection of fees and dues through multiple channels, and ensure prompt collection of funds into authorised MLSCN’s account.

“Timely provision of compre-

hensive transaction reports for effective decision-making and full compliance with federal government’s e-payment and e-collections initiative”, is part of the objective.

Head Collections, SystemSpecs, Mr. Jack Akpan, informed that MLSCN’s clients could also use multi-channel collections platforms like banks’ Internet banking site, credit/debit card pay by Remita (for registered Remita users), in addition to also paying with Mobile Wallets, Direct Debit/ Standing Order and micro finance banks Remita presents individuals and organisations with a very simple and intuitive user intricate multi-party payment flows band, and was adopted by the CBN for the payment and collections of funds on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and used by all 22 commercial banks and over 400 micro finance banks in the country.

Skye Bank unveils multipurpose card for NURTW JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

kye Bank Plc has introduced a Security Verified Identity Card (S-Vid) for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, as part of measures to build a reliable data base for the workers and integrating its members into the financial system.

The card, which was launched in Abuja yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, is a multi-functional card which includes features like insurance purse, mobile wallet and an identity card.

Minister commends Etisalat for promoting entrepreneurship drive OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

M

inister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr. Oluseguin Aganga has commended Etisalat Nigeria, Pan Atlantic University and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria ,SMEDAN, for consistently promoting initiatives aimed at the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.

This commendation was made in a keynote address delivered at the Abuja leg of the Etisalat sponsored Market Access recently held at Ibeto Hotel.

He noted that the one-day business networking and knowledge sharing session will afford small and growing businesses the oppor-

tunity to key into the value chain of large enterprises and help drive entrepreneurship spirit in Nigeria. According to him, Small and Medium Size Enterprises remain the backbone of the development for most economies around the world adding that the sector is currently has abundant growth opportunities.

“I must commend the partnership of Etisalat Nigeria, Pan African University and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency ,SMEDAN, for being consistent with the initiative. SMEs are the most economic sector in the country and it is my day to day goal to bring massive growth to this sector of the country. I am always inspired to attend events like this where stakeholders in the SME sector converge.” He said.

Addressing participants at the seminar, Head, Business Segment Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo, expressed delight at the turnout of participants at the session, noting that the attendance and testimonies of the impact of the seminar is encouraging.

“At Etisalat, we are passionate about the growth of growing businesses and entrepreneurs. We remain committed to providing them with every necessary support they need to thrive in their various industries. We recently awarded N2 million each to 10 entrepreneurs in our Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt scheme and I am delighted that some of them are present here in Abuja to share their experiences and how far they have gone in their businesses.” He stated.

A statement from the bank said it is working in partnership with other organisations like Globacom, G 3 Limited on the project.

It quoted the bank’s the Group Managing Director, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, as saying that the card is aimed at reducing financial crimes and identity theft.

According to him, the card will bear the holder’s photo, the logo of the holder’s organization, the s-vid logo and the bank’s logo.

Oguntayo who said the card would boost the cashless initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, also said it would serve as a useful tool of financial inclusion.

FG appoints new Director General for NACETEM REGINA OTOKPA ABUJA

P

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company(IBEDC), Mr. John Darlington; Managing Director, Mr. Fortunato c. Leynes and Vice - Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Isaac Adewole, during the inauguration of the joint committee of IBEDC and University of Ibadan on partnership initiative, in Ibadan, yesterday.

43

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Prof. Okechukwu Ukwuoma as the new Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management ,NACETEM. A statement issued by the agency in Abuja, stated that the appointment of the new helmsman was based on the recommendations of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

It reads: “In a letter dated August 8, 2014, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, communicated President Jonathan’s approval

of the appointment for five years with effect from July 21”, 2014”.

The new Director General of NACETEM hails from Obibe -Ochasi in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State and until his appointment, Prof Ukwuoma was President of the African Project and Programme Management Association ,APPMA, a position he assumed by election June this year.

Ukuoma is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Project Management Technology, he has 29 years of experience in the science and technology sector including serving as Head of Department of Project Management Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

NRC union leader emerges ARWU President OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he President-General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, NUR, Comrade Raphael Benjamin Okoro has been elected to as the President of Africa Railway Workers Union, ARWU. Okoro was elected into the exalted position at the just concluded 43rd World Congress of the International Transport Workers Federation, ITF, which was held recently in in Sofia, Bulgaria.

An online statement by the Secretary-General, NUR, Comrade Segun Esan stated that the election of Okoro was in recognition of his experience and exemplary leadership, which he had been giving at both local and international circles of trade union activities.

Esan stated that this election would significantly advance the prominence of the rail transport

sub-sector of the continent and that of the country at the centre stage of the world in general.

Prior to his election, Okoro was once the union branch Chairman of the Eastern District of Nigerian Railway in 1982, which was the beginning of his trade union activities.

He rose to the post of National Trustee in 1999. He became the President-General of the NUR in 2007 through a keenly contested election and returned un-opposed as President General of the NUR in 2011.

International Transport Workers Federation was founded in 1896 as a global union federation of transport workers’ trade unions. ARWU, African Charter of ITF, is the Trade Union platform through which ITF coordinates its numerous affiliate trade unions in Africa among which is Nigeria Union of Railway Workers.

44

Agribusiness

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AGRIBUSINESS

Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme extended till 2025 Tola akinmuTimi ABUJA

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has extended the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) by nine years, up from year 2016 to 2025 in furtherance of its strategic focus on agricultural sector lending for national economic growth and sustainable development.

Giving the hint at the just concluded 8th Annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Finance Conference/ Entrepreneurial Award in Abuja, the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said that the apex bank would focus on sectors that had the potential of creating jobs and help the country reduce its growing import bill to conserve much needed foreign exchange.

According to him, as part of the efforts of the apex bank to consolidate the achievements of the ATA, emphasis would be placed on value chains financing in four priority commodities including rice, fish, wheat and sugar.

He linked these commodities as accounting for a significant share of Nigeria’s food import bill over the years, adding that in order to reduce the food import bill and create productivity capacity at the domestic level, 60 per cent of the funds in

the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, CACS, would be targeted at improving local production of the commodities.

Emefiele explained that the Federal Government would be required to help in strengthening linkages between the local producers and major importers of these commodities under off-take arrangements to ensure excellent results from the government’s backward integration scheme.

On the CACS and moves to improve its impact on the agricultural sector, the CBN governor disclosed that the Board of the Bank had approved its extension from 2016 to 2025 to enable it fund more projects.

He disclosed further that the CBN was considering funding viable gas-to-power projects by collaborating with all stakeholders to find innovative ways of dealing with the legacy gas to power debt so that international oil companies and other producers of gas can significantly increase the production and supply of gas to power plants across the country.

To ensure transparent administration of the MSMEs credit Emefiele said the micro credit will be administered through private or state owned microfinance institutions, finance houses and cooperative finance agencies, but dis-

Osun promises support for farmers abolaji adebayo

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he government of Osun State has reiterated its commitment to the development of the agricultural sector in a bid to make it profitable to farmers and provide food for the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Wale Adedoyin, stated this in Osogbo during a meeting with members of farm settlers across the state.

He said the present administration will continue to support farmers by providing necessary farm inputs and agricultural facilities such as fertilisers, seedlings, chemicals and others at subsidised rates.

He added that the government has also reduced land use fees to one thousand naira, which will due after 24 years for arable crops and 49 years for cash crops, stressing that the agreement is renewable after the specified years of use.

The Agric commissioner however implored the farm settlers to henceforth ignore any issue that come to them without the authority of his ministry.

In his address, the Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Kola Ajisekola, enjoined all farm settlers to keep on abiding by the state government agricultural policy so as to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy which the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola will continue to deliver.

bursed through commercial banks.

The seasoned banker hinted that the funds would be disbursed equally to micro enterprises and SMEs by participating state governments and financial institutions at a maximum yearly interest rate

of nine per cent to end users, inclusive of all charges.

Emefiele said that to ensure that the funds get to genuine borrowers, participating Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and financial institutions will be required to obtain biometric information of borrowers

through a data base already created by the CBN to avoid multiple access by borrowers, while the CBN will be undertaking on and off site monitoring and evaluation of disbursement to ascertain veracity of the reports received by it.

Maize farm in Kwara state.

Expert sensitises youths to opportunities in agribusiness abolaji adebayo

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griculture, being a driver of national economic and societal development as well as a solution to the global issue of food security, has been identified as a viable platform for productive youth engagement and opportunity for the youths to be their own business owners.

The numerous opportunities along agricultural value chain, which have been lying untapped were the focus of discussions a workshop organised by the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre, MRDC, in Lagos, with the theme: “Revolution for Entrepreneurial Development, RED.” Speaking on the opportunities abound in agricultural value chain, the Co-founder / Director of AACE Foods, an

agribusiness and agro-processing company, Mrs. Ndidi Nwunelli, who through her works, has contributed to shaping agricultural strategy and policy in West Africa, encouraged those present to explore the available opportunities within the sector.

She harped on the need for entrepreneurship in Nigeria outlining the various business opportunities for SMEs in the economy with agriculture topping the list at 21 per cent.

Nwunelli’s presentation highlighted the role of agriculture and its impact in economic growth as the highest contributor to national GDP. She went on to draw attention to the opportunities that abound in the sector’s value chain from the farmer, right down to the consumer.

She revealed that innovative policies and business models have been evolved to make the sector attractive particularly

for youths – like the Fund for Agricultural Financing in Nigeria (FAFIN).

Speaking further, Nwunelli noted that 40 – 60 per cent of fruits and vegetables produced in Nigeria are wasted due to inadequate supply chains, lack of cold storage facilities, limited processing and poor transportation /distribution infrastructure. These challenges, she believed, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability.

Pointing out that while entrepreneurship is not for everyone given the several startup challenges such as supply chain issues, finding the right team/staff among others, she encouraged those interested in raising funds for their agricultural businesses to contact the Sahel Foundation, an organisation on whose board she serves as a Director.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, August 22, 2014

45

Bears linger as more blue chips shed weight JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

he benchmark index of equities dropped further on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, making it the third time this week.

The All Share Index depreciated 0.05 per cent to close at 41,767.33 points, same as the rate of decline recorded the preceding day to close at 41,789.56 points.

Market capitalisation shed N7bn to close at N13.791trn, compared to the decline of N8bn recorded the preceding day to close at N13.798trn.

Market analysts attributed the slide to the losses recorded in the share pric-

es of some highly capitalised stocks such as, Guaranty Trust Bank, Oando, Nestle, FBN Holdings and Dangote Sugar amongst others.

On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index dropped 0.10 per cent to close at 1,897.56 points, while the Banking Index depreciated 0.16 per cent to close at 432.75 points.

The Insurance Index gained 0.54 per cent to close at 144.37 points, but the Consumer Goods Index lost 0.17 per cent to close at 1,037.54 points.

The Oil and Gas Index fell 0.44 per cent to close at 483.50 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index added 0.02 per cent to close at

2,769.70 points.

The Industrial Index was up 0.42 per cent to close at 2,733.18 points. The Alternative Securities Market closed flat at 951.96 points.

However, 7up Plc led the gainers’ table with N11.78 or 10.24 per cent to close at N126.78 per share, followed

by Courtville Plc with four kobo or 7.55 per cent to close at 57 kobo per share.

Red Star Express Plc was up 22 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N4.64 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc gained four kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at 88 kobo per share.

Fidson Healthcare Plc appreciated 15 kobo or 4.72 per cent to close at N3.33 per share.

Conversely, University

Press Limited lost 22 kobo or 4.89 per cent to close at N4.28 per share, while Learn Africa Plc shed eight kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N1.56 per share.

Academy Press Plc dipped eight kobo or 4.68 per cent to close at N1.63 per share, while Costain Plc was down five kobo or 4.24 per cent to close at N1.13 per share.

Berger Paints Plc depreciated 39 kobo or 4.22 per cent to close at N8.86 per share.

On the whole, 26 companies added value to their stocks and same numbers shed value.

A total of 182.2 million shares worth N3.26bn were traded in 4,105 deals.

H1: Guaranty Trust Bank profit drops 7% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

hares of Guaranty Trust Bank were on offer on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as the bank’s profits in the second quarter weakened.

The bank’s shares fell 62 kobo or 2.10 per cent to close at N28.88 per share, though it declared an interim dividend of 25 kobo, unchanged from a year earlier.

According to the result presented to both Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges for the half year ended June 30, 2014, gross earnings up seven per cent

to N132bn, from N124bn recorded in the same period of 2013.

A statement from the bank attributed the decline to an extremely challenging business environment and increasing regulatory headwinds, noting that its profit dip due to loan impairment charged to the profit and loss account, during the period.

It said, “This impairment charge was as a result of a significant loan that we decided to provide for following the demise of the obligor; in line with our laid down corporate governance

practices.

“The bank’s loan book grew by 16 per cent from N899bn recorded in June 2013 to N1.04trn in June 2014 and total customer deposits increased eight per cent to N1.54trn, as at June 2014.”

The statement quoted the Managing Director, Mr. Segun Agbaje, attributing the half year result to the hardwork of its staff, commitment of its management team and more importantly, continued support from its customers.

He stated that the second half of the 2014 financial year will be a stronger

period during which the bank will make positive improvements in its market positions across its key products and business segments.

Agbaje said that the objective of the bank this year is to offer our customers greater convenience and accessibility to its services using internet and mobile solutions, saying that the bank have, to date achieved over a million downloads of mobile banking app and experienced a 25 per cent increase in active internet banking users.

Global stocks extend rally, S&P hits record high

G

lobal equity markets edged higher yesterday, with the Standard and Poor 500 hitting an all-time high, as United States and German data drove confidence on economic growth and helped extend a stock rally.

Data on German privatesector growth reassured investors about the outlook for Europe’s biggest economy following a soft patch, while a batch of US reports showed economic strength early in the third quarter.

Markit’s flash composite Purchasing Managers’ Index for Germany was 54.9 for August, well above the 50 mark that indicates economic expansion, a relief

after German GDP data last week showed a surprise contraction in the second quarter.

In the United States, home resales rose to a 10-month high in July, factory activity in the mid-Atlantic region hit its highest level since March 2011 in August, and a gauge of future economic activity grew solidly last month.

The benchmark S&P 500 rose as high as 1,992.65 points, topping the prior record of 1,991.39 set in late July, and European markets extended earlier gains.

The MSCI’s measure of global equity performance also rose, but its measure of emerging markets slipped a

bit.

“It seems that conditions reflect the best of all worlds - US economic growth that is neither too slow, which would put pressure on earnings, nor too fast,” said Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at US Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 71.54 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 17,050.67 points, while the S&P 500 gained 4.93 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 1,991.44 points and the Nasdaq Composite was flat, down 0.13 points, or 0 per cent, to 4,526.35 points.

In Europe, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top region-

al shares rose 0.67 per ent to close at 1,355.09 points.

While stocks might be a tad pricey, earnings growth will continue to support US equities, said Bernie Williams, chief investment officer of investment solutions at USAA Investments in San Antonio, Texas.

“Right now the latest consensus is eight or nine per cent earnings growth, I think that’s what propels the market going forward,” Williams said.

The German data helped the euro rebound against the dollar, rising 0.17 per cent to $1.3281. Against the yen, the dollar gained 0.11 per cent to 103.84 yen.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 41,767.33 points Market capitalisation 13.8trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

7UP

115.00

126.78

11.78

10.24

COURTVILLE

0.53

0.57

0.04

7.55

REDSTAREX

4.42

4.64

0.22

4.98

RTBRISCOE

0.84

0.88

0.04

4.76

FIDSON

3.18

3.33

0.15

4.72

PREMBREW

1.38

1.44

0.06

4.35

WAPIC

0.75

0.78

0.03

4.00

GLAXOSMITH

63.50

65.99

2.49

3.92

CORNERST

0.55

0.57

0.02

3.64

ROYALEX

0.57

0.59

0.02

3.51

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

UPL

4.50

4.28

-0.22

-4.89

LEARNAFRCA

1.64

1.56

-0.08

-4.88

ACADEMY

1.71

1.63

-0.08

-4.68

COSTAIN

1.18

1.13

-0.05

-4.24

BERGER

9.25

8.86

-0.39

-4.22

EVANSMED

2.06

2.00

-0.06

-2.91

CCNN

15.00

14.67

-0.33

-2.20

GUARANTY

29.50

28.88

-0.62

-2.10

SKYEBANK

3.01

2.95

-0.06

-1.99

PORTPAINT

5.09

4.99

-0.10

-1.96

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.99

103.25

11.18

103.40

11.09

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.68

108.95

11.13

109.10

11.07

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.86

117.55

11.20

117.85

11.13

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.44

122.20

11.81

122.50

11.76

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.56

112.30

12.00

112.60

11.95

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.92 84.70

12.20

85.00

12.15

Closing Market Prices of August 21, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

20-Nov-14

9.89

9.63

19-Feb-15

10.80

10.52

6-Aug-15

11.37

11.06

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

12.3750

1M

12.9939

3M

13.5016

6M

14.8103 The Fixings of August 21, 2014

46

Capital Market

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at August 21, 2014 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Friday August 22, 2014

Community Mirror By the time we add 40 megawatts to the national grid, it is going to complement the existing being generated in the country.

MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, MR. MOHAMMED WAKIL

Man defiles 7-year-old girl in Lagos DARE AKOGUN

A

29-year-old man, simply identified as Julius, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for having carnal knowledge of a seven-year-old primary school pupil.

It was gathered that Julius lured the little girl into his room and defiled her.

The victim’s mother, stated that when she came back from the mosque, she noticed that her daughter

could not walk properly.

On inquiry, the girl revealed she went to Julius’s room, where he allegedly asked that she remove her pants, while he climbed on her. The parents immediately reported the matter at the Ojodu Abiodun Police Division and Julius was arrested.

“She said the man asked her to remove her pants, and he put his organ into her, stating that he was just playing with her. I then asked her to repeat the same to her father when he came

back. But in the morning when we confronted Julius, he denied it. We then called the family nurse, who confirmed that our daughter was defiled.

We took her to a private hospital and the doctor confirmed the defilement. I observed she could not hold her urine, so, we reported the matter at the police station.

The medical personnel said there was damage to her private parts that needed to be treated. That was how she resumed treatment

at the hospital,”the mother said.

Confirming the report, the Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Lelma Kolle, said the suspect was arrested in connection with the defilement of a seven-year-old girl who had some injuries on her private parts.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department,SCID, Yaba for further investigation. The suspect is presently being detained,” he added.

Association lauded for developments in Cross River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

T

he Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, has praised the state Youth Movement for Transparency and Good Governance for the development of the state.

Addressing the group , Ricketts thanked God for the opportunity of interfacing with them , in order to further the course of good governance in the state.

He assured them of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate for a successful youth movement for transparency and good governance, especially in the area of information dissemination. He commended the governor for the various achievements in the state, adding, that the government has recognised the importance of youths in the society, by introducing several programmes to them in actualising their dreams.

He maintained that elec-

toral process in the state has gone beyond the point of insecurity, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has put in place a process to enhance effective security, while youths have been involved in the registration exercise. He assured the group that the doors of the ministry are always open to them.

Speaking, the leader of the youth movement, Mr. Praise Ntogha, said he was happy to interact with the Commissioner on the issues of development in the State. He stated that the programme was one of the most thought out schemes by his ministry.

Mr. Ntogha said the mission of the group is to embark on anti corruption crusade and promote the transformation agenda for rural development.

Present at the event were; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Freedom Ejom, Director of Archives, Mr. Felix Inah and Director of Public Relations, Mr .Denis Utang.

Council boss urges residents to obtain voter cards

T

People walking past a refuse heap on Enerhen Street in Warri, Delta State.

Cross River to implement EU funded projects

A

s part of efforts to promote good governance through improved public service delivery, the Cross River State Government will commence implementation of a new reform project known as State and Local Governance Reform project, SLOGOR, to be funded by the European Union, EU, and managed by the World Bank.

The project will be implemented from a grant of 60 million Euros.

To this end, all arrangements for the take off of

the project have been concluded, with the recent endorsement of all the requisite agreements between the state and the National Planning Commission, NPC. As part of these arrangements, the State Steering Committee, SSC and the technical committee of the project have also been constituted..

The SSC which is charged with the responsibility of providing oversight functions and other governance reforms in the state, comprises of

the commissioners and Special Advisers, including the state AccountantGeneral, Auditor-General, Head of Service, Head of the Bureau of Public procurement, two representatives from the Civil Society organisations, CSOs. SLOGOR which was officially inaugurated early this year by Governor, Liyel Imoke, has since commenced action. This was followed by the recent inauguration of the state technical committee comprising senior civil servants who are expected

to provide advice and support in driving the implementation process.

It will be recalled that Cross River participated as one of the three pilot states that implemented the World Bank-funded capacity building project between 2005 and 2011.

Following the successful implementation of the project, Cross River became eligible as one of the six EU-focal states to form SLOGOR. Other benefiting states are Anambra, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe.

he Chairman of Ogoja local government council, Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, has advised voters in the area to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, to enable them to vote in the forth coming general elections.

Hon. Ayim gave the advice when she received her card at St. Ben’s Primary School, IgoliOgoja. She said eligible voters will be required to show their cards in order to benefit from free health-care services and even for banking transactions.

She said that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC would use the card for future elections.

The council boss recalled that some years ago, people found it difficult to get good roads, pipe-borne water, health-care services, good schools, even as she attributed the transformation of the area to the massive support given to the administration of Governor, Liyel Imoke.

While thanking the people for massive turnout for the exercise, she enjoined them to always register in order to reap the dividends of democracy.

Hon. Ayim appealed to election officials to look into voters registers to ensure that no one was denied or disenfranchised.

48

Transition

Friday August 22, 2014

Patrick Aziza

M

ajor General Patrick Aziza was born in Okpe local Government Area in Delta State on 23 December 1947. He was raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He went to Ibadan for his secondary education before joining the army and participated in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

Aziza then attended the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, graduating in 1970.

He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant and promoted to lieutenant in 1970, and was posted to the 3rd Marine Commando.

In 1971 he was promoted to captain. He was appointed ADC to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General David Ejoor. In 1974 he attended the Advanced School of Infantry in Fort Benning, United States for a 12-month course.

Aziza was posted to Warri as a Battalion Commander, then promoted and posted to Kano as Brigade major. He attended the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1978–1979), and was then posted to Army Headquarters responsible for movement and planning. In this role he handled troop movement planning for the Nigerian contingent in the United Nations’ opera-

Julio Grondona

J

ulio Humberto Grondona was born in September 18, 1931.

He was an Argentine football executive serving as president of the Argentine Football Association (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino) for 35 years. He also served as Senior Vice-President of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Julio Grondona’s career in football began in 1956, when he and his brother Héctor founded Arsenal Fútbol Club, inspired by the homonymous English side, in Sarandí, Avellaneda, Buenos Aires. The team’s colours, light blue and red, were chosen as a combination of the two most important clubs in Avellaneda, Racing Club and Independiente.

He was president of the club for nearly twenty years, from 1957 to 1976, when he was elected president of Club Atlético Independiente. Under his leadership the club was pro-

moted from the lowest rank in the Argentine football league system, the Primera D, in 1962 and once again in 1964, when the team won the Primera C title.

While holding the Arsenal presidency, he also held positions in neighboring club Independiente, where he was elected as chair of the professional football subcommittee in 1962.

While he was in that role, the team won the 1963 Argentine Primera División, the Copa Libertadores in 1964 and 1965 and the Campeonato Nacional in 1967.

In 1970 his Lista Roja lost the club’s elections, and he left the club until his return as president in 1976, when he defeated the ruling José Epelbóim in the elections.

Under Grondona, Independiente won the 1977 Campeonato Nacional in Córdoba against locals Talleres with eight players on the pitch, and the 1978 Campeonato Nacional, beating River Plate in the final.

In 1979 Grondona was elected to succeed Huracán’s David Bracuto as head of the Argentine Football Association, immediately after Argentina’s 1978 FIFA World Cup win.

During his tenure Argentina reached three World Cup finals (all of them against Germany, winning in 1986 and losing in 1990 and 2014), three Olympic

tions, UNIFIL, in Lebanon.

Aziza served in the Provisional Ruling Council.

He was the Brigade Commander of the Amphibious Brigade in Calabar when he was appointed the first military administrator of Kebbi State, holding office from 28 August 1991 to January 1992, when he handed over to the elected civilian governor Abubakar Musa at the start of the aborted Third Republic.

He was a member of the group of officers that planned the coup in which General Sani Abacha took over power.

Aziza served as Communications Minister in the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

He was appointed Minister of Commerce and Tourism during the transitional regime of General

Abdulsalami Abubakar.

In October 2000 he appeared before the Oputa panel on violation of human rights sitting in Abuja, investigating the Special Military Tribunal that sentenced Obasanjo to jail over the alleged 1995 coup. He denied ordering torture in connection with the tribunal. In July 2001 the Justice Michael Edem Commission on the Cocoa Export Levy and Cocoa Buffer Stock Funds indicted Aziza for wrongly appropriating money while Minister of Trade and Tourism.

Aziza engaged in private business, and also a successful amateur golfer.

He was given the chieftaincy title of Ajaguna of Okukuland by the Olokuku of Okuku, Osun State, and was named a Commander of the Federal Republic.

Aziza died of cancer on 16 August 2014 at the age of 66.

finals (obtaining the silver medal in Atlanta 1996 and gold in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008) and won six FIFA U-20 World Cups (1979, 1995,

1997, 2001, 2005 and 2007).

Grondona died of an aortic aneurysm at the age of 82 on July 30, 2014 at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bankole Olubamise

O

lubankole Omotayo Olubamise was born on July 14, 1969, in Kafanchan, Nigeria, he held a BLS (Hons) from the University of Maiduguri in 1991, MSc (Sociology) UniLag in 1992, while he obtained his MA&PGD (Information & Library Studies) in University of Central England now BCU in (1996).

He died on Sunday, August 17, 2014, aged 45.

According to a release from the family, a wake keep will be held on

C

hief Mayodele Oladele Ayo was born on December 28, 1944 at Isanlu, though a native of Ejiba in Kogi State. He attended Isanlu Central school 1952-59 and provincial Secondary School Okene 1960-1964.

He proceeded to St. Paul College Zaria for his higher School Certificate from 1965-66, he was offrerd admission into the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study Medicine where he graduated in 1972.

Friday August 22, 2014 at his residence Blk 7, Philkruz Estate off Airport Road, Abuja, by 5:00 pm.

Interement will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Cemetery by Lugbe Divisional Police Station Barracks, Opposite Guardian Angels Catholic Chapel, Abuja, at 10:00 am.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chukwuedu Nwokolo

B

orn in April 1921 in Oraifite, Eastern Nigeria to pioneer Anglican Missionary parents, Nwokolo spent his early childhood in Missionary compounds in the old Owerri provinces, specifically in Amaimo where his parents were missionary teachers, and in Ezinihitte-Mbaise, where he began primary school, and later at the Mbieri Anglican School, where he lived with his school master uncle, Zeph Nwokolo.

He was the first specialist physician in the then Eastern Nigeria between 1953-1 962. In 1962 h e left Enugu to join the staff of the University College Hospital Ibadan (UCH) as senior lecturer in internal medicine. He served in various positions at UCH including associate professor, associate dean. He traveled on a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship with which he spent two years from 1963-1964 at the University of Minnesota, attached to Gastroenterology research. He was appointed Associate Professor of Medicine at UCH in 1964 On his return from a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in Minnesota, USA he founded the sub department of gastroenterology in 1964.

After the civil war he became the first professor and head of medicine at the University of Nigeria Medical School at Enugu Campus and thereafter, the dean of medicine when the first crop of medical doctors graduated. Under his leadership working with colleagues, the medical school gained international recognition and the institution was established as a Centre of Excellence and Research.

He was honoured by the

Chief Mayodele Ayo He served as the first house officer at the Ilorin General Hospital; he also worked with the University College Hospital, Ibadan as a lecturer in the department of physiology between 1975 and 1976, before proceeding to England for his post graduate study in Otolaryngology.

Upon his return to Nigeria he was appointed the Registrar of Otolaryngol-

ogy department, Ilorin, before serving as an administrator to the then Federal Capital Territory Administration in the health department in 1980.

He was devoted Christian and custodian of tradition loved by all and sundry. He was the Mayegun of Ejibaland during his lifetime. He is survived by wives many childrena and grandchildren.

University of Nigeria as its first professor emeritus and was conferred with the National Merit Award (NNMA) and the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

He received honorary Doctor of Science degrees (DSc) from the universities of Ibadan and Maiduguri.

He devoted his life to medicine, practicing, teaching, establishing medical schools and mentoring doctors all over Nigeria and beyond.

In 1996 he was honoured as a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Post Graduate Medical College. The association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas invited him to speak to their annual meeting in Chicago in 1997. This was a further recognition of how he touched the lives of Nigerian doctors all over the world.

In 2006, The Professor Chukwuedu Nwokolo Annual Lecture Series and Award of Prizes for Academic Excellence to stimulate research and scholarship was established in his honour at the University of Nigeria.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Njideka, seven children and 21 grandchildren.

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

“We will not forget what happened (James Foley’s murder) and people will be held accountable one way or the other”.

Erdogan names Turkish foreign minister as new PM

50

– US Attorney General Eric Holder

South Africa bans travellers from W’Africa •

Liberia gives food in slum sealed areas

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

S

West Point residents try to buy water, rear, in one of the areas were the Ebola virus has claimed lives in Monrovia, Liberia, yesterday.

from Liberia and Guinea, but the country has so far remained Ebola-free.

Johannesburg has one of the major transit airports, connecting southern Africa with the rest of the continent. Several airlines, including British Airways and Emirates Airlines, have stopped flights to some of the affected countries.

Hundreds of residents of a Li-

berian slum lined up to receive rice and water from government officials Thursday in their neighbourhood which was sealed off from the rest of the capital in an attempt to halt the spread of Ebola.

Security forces erected barbedwire wrapped barricades on Wednesday to cut off West Point.

Food prices inside the impoverished peninsula began to rise

almost immediately. Residents clashed with police and soldiers hours after their neighbourhood was sealed off, furious that they were being blamed and cut off from markets and jobs. But the situation was calm Thursday.

“The township was quiet last night but what we now need is food,” said Richard Kieh, a West Point resident Thursday morning.

Children used as soldiers in South Sudan, UN discloses

T

he use of child soldiers — teenage boys dressed in military uniforms and carrying assault rifles — is commonplace in South Sudan and will be the subject of U.N. Security Council discussions next month, the top U.N. official for children and armed conflict said yesterday.

South Sudan has suffered from decades of conflict, and the U.N. official, Leila Zerrougui, said the country had cut down on the use of children in combat until massive violence broke out in December.

Zerrougui said that when she visited the rebel commander David Yau Yau in June, there were child soldiers alongside him when he greeted her.

“We are seeing that the ongoing violation against children is a trend and is

‘Foley’s killers wanted $132m ransom’ GlobalPost CEO, Philip Balboni said the Islamic State (IS) militants first demanded money last year.

Foley was abducted in November 2012, and a video of his beheading was released by IS earlier this week.

In it, they threatened to kill another American if the US did not stop its air strikes against the group in northern Iraq.

US air strikes have continued near Mosul despite the warning.

The US has begun a formal criminal investigation into Mr Foley’s death, with Attorney General Eric Holder saying that the US has a “long memory and our reach is very wide”.

In the UK, police and security services are trying to identify the jihadist who appeared in footage of Foley’s killing.

PAUL ARHEWE

outh Africa has issued a travel ban against people who are non-citizens arriving from Ebola-affected areas of West Africa.

The health ministry said borders would be closed to all noncitizen travellers from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

South African nationals will be allowed to re-enter the country when returning from high-risk countries, but will undergo strict screening.

All non-essential outgoing travel to the affected countries has been banned.

Usual screening procedures are in place for those who travel between Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia, which have been defined as medium-risk countries.

Nigeria stepped up its airport screening procedures after a number of Ebola cases were confirmed South Africa has experienced two Ebola scares in recent weeks, involving passengers arriving

WORLD BULLETIN

committed by both sides,” she said.

She also said that the use of child soldiers in Somalia — especially by opposition militias like al-Shabaab — is high. She called the practice unacceptable and underscored the need to advocate an end to children in combat.

Human Rights Watch this week said South Sudan’s government used children in fighting this month in Bentiu and Rubkona. Witnesses told the group that they saw dozens of armed children in military uniform.

Human Rights Watch said members of the military and government in Bentiu acknowledged that their forces include children but those officials said the children have been seeking work.

“South Sudan’s army

Israeli air strike kills three Hamas commanders in Gaza Israel killed three senior Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip in an air strike yesterday and said it would continue to target the group’s armed leadership after a ceasefire failed.

Hamas, which dominates Gaza, named the men as Mohammed Abu Shammala, Raed al-Attar and Mohammed Barhoum, the three highest-ranking casualties it has announced since Israel started its offensive six weeks ago.

All three, killed in the bombing of a house in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, had led operations against Israel over the past 20 years, the Islamist movement said. Hospital officials said a four-year-old girl injured in the attack later died of her wounds.

The Israeli military and Shin Bet, the internal security service, confirmed it had targeted two of the men.

South African parliament collapses in chaos during Zuma’s grilling

A young South Sudanese soldier who appeared to be drunk reaches for a lighter for his cigarette at the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) headquarters in Bentiu, Unity State, South Sudan.

has returned to a terrible practice, once again throwing children into the battlefields,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Civilian and military lead-

ers should immediately remove all children from their ranks and return them to their families.”

The group said that it spoke to a 12-year-old boy who said that a govern-

ment soldier ordered him and other children in Rubkona to shoot at opposition forces. A 14-year-old said he was in battle and lay on the ground “whenever I heard shelling.”

South Africa’s parliament collapsed into unprecedented chaos Thursday as a group of radical lawmakers hijacked presidential question time, standing and yelling repeatedly at President Jacob Zuma: “Pay back the money”.

Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, led by firebrand Julius Malema, were not satisfied with Zuma’s response to questions over the $24 million of taxpayers’ money spent on “security upgrades” at his private residence.

Speaker Baleka Mbete ordered the group of around 20 lawmakers out of parliament but they refused to budge.

She then called on security for help and all MPs were asked to vacate the chamber while the EFF members were dealt with.

50

World News

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Erdogan names Turkish foreign minister as new PM

WORLD BULLETIN

UK Muslims blame jihadi subculture after beheading video

A British Muslim leader called yesterday for action to tackle a jihadi sub-culture after an Islamic State video showed a suspected Briton beheading U.S. journalist James Foley held hostage in Syria.

In Washington, Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.S. Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation into the death of Foley on the video, which featured a masked man speaking English with a British accent.

As Western officials tried to identify the man, the Muslim Council of Britain denounced Foley’s “abhorrent murder” and one of its advisers urged anyone who knows who the killer is to contact the police.

Horror at the video spanned from the West to Baghdad, where Iraqis asked why the United States and its allies had not cracked down on Islamic State fighters long before they captured large areas of Syria and Iraq.

Foley, 40, was beheaded by an Islamic State militant in the video that surfaced on the Internet on Tuesday, and officials in Washington revealed that U.S. special forces had tried unsuccessfully to rescue him along with other American hostages earlier this summer.

Ukrainian president talks tough ahead of meetings with Merkel, Putin Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Thursday he would call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to rein in pro-Russian separatists when the two men meet next week and told the Kremlin chief he had “a strong country, a strong army” behind him.

Poroshenko spoke as government forces, despite taking heavy losses themselves, thrust deeper into rebel-held territory in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east and kept the separatists whom they have battled since April on the back foot.

The Ukrainian battlefield successes, after a faltering start in April when government forces were humiliated, have alarmed some Western governments who fear they could box Putin dangerously into a corner with no way out to save face.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Kiev on Saturday to show her support for Poroshenko - but diplomats say she is also bearing a message that he should consider calling a ceasefire so as not to incur a backlash from Putin.

T

urkish president-elect Tayyip Erdogan named Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as his future prime minister yesterday and said a power struggle with a U.S.-based cleric, a Kurdish peace process and a new constitution would be his top priorities.

Erdogan said the ruling AK Party’s executive board had agreed to nominate Davutoglu as its next leader and, by default, his future premier. The decision must now be endorsed in a party vote next Wednesday, but is unlikely to be opposed.

“If delegates at the congress elect Davutoglu, then he will be the prime minister,” Erdogan told a news conference.

Erdogan’s victory in the country’s first direct ballot for head of Davutoglu state on Aug. 10 marked a turning point for Turkey, taking the Euro- that Mr Davutoglu has a high senpean Union candidate nation and sitivity in this respect,” Erdogan NATO member a step closer to the said after the AK board meeting. presidential system he has long He said Davutoglu’s determinacoveted. tion to battle the “parallel state”, He has made no secret of his a term he uses for Islamic cleric ambition to change the constitu- Fethullah Gulen’s network of foltion and bolster the powers of the lowers, had been a key factor in presidency, a move opponents fear his nomination. will herald an increasingly auErdogan accuses Gulen’s symthoritarian rule. pathizers of infiltrating institu“The new constitution is Tur- tions including the police and key’s primary concern. I know

judiciary in an effort to seize the levers of state power, a struggle which has weighed on his final months as prime minister and seen him purge thousands of police officers and hundreds of judges and prosecutors.

His actions have raised concern about judicial independence and drawn criticism from the European Union.

“Be it the struggle against the

parallel structure or the (Kurdish) peace process, do not doubt that I will be supporting Mr Davutoglu,” Erdogan said.

The peace process with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group, aimed at ending a three-decade insurgency, has been one of Erdogan’s biggest achievements in recent years, with hostilities largely dying down since a March 2013 ceasefire.

Indonesia court backs Widodo’s presidential poll win

I

ndonesia’s top court has upheld Joko Widodo’s victory in July’s presidential elections, rejecting an appeal against the result by defeated candidate Prabowo Subianto.

The constitutional court unanimously agreed to reject the appeal.

Widodo won the poll by a 6% margin but Subianto claimed widespread electoral fraud.

Hundreds of Subianto’s supporters gathered outside the court ahead of the verdict.

Subianto’s team said they would accept CHANGE OF NAME

Supporters of defeated candidate Prabowo Subianto gathered outside the court ahead of the verdict.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Aderanti Titilope O. is the same one person as Aderanti Titilope T. that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Aderanti Titilope T. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that Omoleye Tobi Ezekiel is the same one person as that Omoleye Ezekiel Tobi,that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Omoleye Ezekiel Tobi. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

That I and my family was formerly known and Addressed as Nwafor Ifeanyichukwu Jesse, Nwafor Loveth Ifeoma, Nwafor Love Chinenye,Nwafor Goodness Chisom and Nwafor Jesse Ifeanyichukwu.

That now we wish to be known and Addressed and called Ifeanyichukwu Jesse Ifeanyichukwu, Ifeanyichukwu.

Loveth Ifeoma,Ifeanyichukwu Love Chinenye, Ifeanyichukwu Goodness Chisom and Ifeanyichukwu Jesse Ifeanyichukwu. That all documents bearing OUR former Names remain Valid. General Public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Zakariyau Monsurat. now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Hussein Monsurat Romoke.

All former documents remain valid,State of Osun Universal Eductional Board and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Adeniji Rhoda is the same one person as Adeniji Rhoda Olamide that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Adeniji Rhoda Olamide. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic,Iree and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OJIYI: Formerly known as Philomena Ihuoma Ojiyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwachukwu Philomena Ihuoma.

All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Union of Teachers (N.U.T) and general public take note.

Formerly called and addressed as Usoro Emmanuel Udeme-Godwin, now wish to be known and addressed as Thompson-Usoro Emmanuel Udeme-Godwin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

the ruling of the constitutional court, which is the highest authority in the country.

Subianto is a former army general closely associated with the traditional elite, while Mr Widodo, a former furniture-maker who grew up in a small village, has promised a decisive break with Indonesia’s authoritarian past and better social welfare for the poor.

Widodo’s win was seen as heralding a new era for Indonesia, whose leaders have generally been drawn from the military and political elite.

CHANGE OF NAME

SHOKOYA: Formerly called and addressed as Shokoya Adebukola Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Sulaimon-Shokoya Adebukola Omolara. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Aduyemi Samuel is the same one person as Aduyemi Oluwabamidele Samuel, that henceforth wish to be kno0wn and addressded as Aduyemi Oluwabamidele Samuel.All former documents remain valid , Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that Adepoju Basirat is the same one person as Adepoju Basirat Olaitan, that henceforth wish to addressed and known as Adepoju Basirat Olaitan. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should take note.

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ADEDIRAN: Formerly called and addressed as Miss Adediran Suliat Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajibade Suliat Adejoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINWANDE: Formerly known and addressed as Akinwande Ronke, now wish to be known and addressed as Idiat Balogun. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AFOLABI:Formerly known and addressed Miss Afolabi Ruth Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akanji Ruth Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLANIKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabode Azeezat Olanike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebiyi Azeezat Olabode.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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OBI: Formerly called and addressed as Miss Obi Eucharia Mmesoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbonna Eucharia Mmesoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ATIENE: Formerly called and addressed as Miss Atiene Onome Roli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajadi Onome Roli. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINWOLE: Formerly known and addressed Miss Akinwole Fadekemi Omolola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adediran Fadekemi Atilade. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLATUNDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunde Olayemi Racheal, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olajide Olayemi Racheal. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, LAUTECH and general public should please take note.

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Friday,August 22, 2014

51

Nigeria loses N125bn to fish importation WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

A

ll Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has disclosed that Nigeria loses an average of N125bn annually to fish importation.

Its vice chairman in

charge of fisheries, Mr. Akinwale Aminu, who made this known while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, said such kind of ‘fish importation jamboree’ must stop if Nigeria was truly serious in transforming its agricultural sector.

Aminu explained that

if only half of the N125bn was used to empower farmers, fish farming would have recorded a better deal.

He said: “There is need for government at all levels to synergise with their farmers to make the agricultural sector vibrant, especially in the fishery

department. If government could fund the fish farmers with the N125bn, or half of it, the farmers would have been able to produce better than that.”

Aminu said Nigeria has the capacity to produce enough of fish for local consumption and export, stressing that it required

government will to meet up with the responsibility.

He added that apart from the benefit to the farmers, fish business could generate employment opportunities, reduce insurgency, as well as

Dankwambo assures civil servants of good working environment DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

G

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairmanship candidate for Dandume local government area in the forthcoming September 6 election, Alhaji Ya’u Nowa; Dantankari Ward councillorship candidate, Malam Hamza Dantankari and former House of Representatives member, Alhaji Abdulaziz Tijjani, during the party’s campaign in Dandume, Katsina State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Police recover cattle, sheep from rustlers JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A

bout 21 cows and several sheep have been recovered from rustlers by the police in Katsina State.

The recovery followed a midnight attack by the rustlers at the farmhouse of one Hari Tukur of

Bagoma village in Kankara local council area.

The rustlers, said to be numbering about seven, beat Tukur with sticks and cutlasses, inflicting injuries on him in the process.

The attackers then stole his 21 cows and several sheep, but the village head of the community,

on learning about the incident, rushed and informed police about what had happened.

The police, with assistance of vigilance groups, chased the rustlers and managed to recover the stolen animals, even as the rustlers took to their heels and escaped into the bush.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson in the state, Sadiq Abubakar, said the victim had identified the attackers.

Abubakar said those identified include Umaru Danlami, Suka Ori, Beti Tambai Mahure, Ahmadu Jabbo, Magaji Shade, Surajo Moba and Nura Maude Ori.

Gombe police nab 6 over murder of marshals DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

T

he Gombe State Police Command said it has arrested six persons in connection with last weekend’s gruesome murder of two marshals of the State Agency for Community and Social Development, behind the emir’s palace.

Though a police press release said it was one person that was killed, the Chief of Staff at the Government House, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, on Tuesday, called for calm in the face of the rising insecurity, occasioned by the activities of thugs in recent times, which claimed the two lives last weekend, accord-

ing to residents of the area.

The release, made available to newsmen and signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, said the suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, and were now helping the police to unravel the circumstances that led to the killings.

He gave the name of the suspects as Abubakar Adamu Ibrahim, Yasir Suleiman, Usman Abdullahi, Ukasha Ahmadu, Pappa Usman and Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The release stated: “The killing of one person behind the emir’s palace close to Ali Jiji’s house on 15/08/2014 was traced to

be an act of hooliganism between two rival state corps marshals.

“Those who participated in the unwholesome act leading to loss of life of one Usman Adamu, a marshal, have been apprehended,” it revealed.

It added that the rivalry witnessed among the hooligans, who were hitherto branded as Kalare, but now gainfully employed by the state government as marshals “are now seemingly engaged in acts of hooliganism between themselves on minor issues ranging from anti-social conflicts.”

The command promised that it would not relent in its efforts to continue in the provision of security and public safety for the people

of Gombe State.

It will be recalled that two weeks ago, a clash between two rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kalare thugs resulted in the admission of six seriously injured youths at the Kumo General Hospital, after a violent clash during a Sallah durbar, a development that is causing serious concern as the 2015 elections draws near.

Gov. Dankwambo

save foreign exchange.

The vice chairman, however, stated that AFAN was ready to work with government at all levels to realise the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State has promised to sustain his government’s efforts at creating a peaceful and conducive working environment for civil servants in the state.

He stated this in Gombe yesterday through his deputy, Mr. Thaanda Jason, at the occasion of the state productivity and merit award, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe.

The governor, who stated that the aim of the award was to honour those who distinguished themselves credibly in the performance of their duties in the public service and private sector in the state, said no fewer than 40 civil servants had been

honoured with awards of excellence for outstanding performance.

He added that the state government had invested a lot in training and retraining of civil servants, adding that salaries and allowances of workers were being paid promptly.

The governor stressed that the government had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Centre for Management Development, CMD, Abuja for the training of civil servants across the state, which has already begun.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Civil Service, HoS, Gombe State, Malam Aliyu Kamara, said the state government had been committed in encouraging civil servants to working hard in order to develop the state through improved working conditions.

Borno monarchs urged to fight gender violence INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

T

he Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, NSRP, has sought the support of monarchs against the rising wave of violence against women and girls in Borno State.

Speaking at a one-day workshop for district heads, security chiefs and women groups in Maiduguri yesterday, the Regional Coordinator of NSRP, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, said the programme was organised to embark on viable interventions and stop the escalating violence against women and girls in the society.

While giving an overview of the NSRP programme, she noted that from the study of the group, over 3,000 conflict-related deaths were recorded from 2006 to date, adding that the death did not include thou-

sands of under-reported ones in the state, in the wake of Boko Haram crisis.

According to her, the district heads, in particular, have a vital role to play in curbing violence against women in the society.

Earlier in her speech, the state coordinator of Healthcare and Development Focus Initiative, HCDFI, Mrs. Agnes Bashir, noted that women, girls and youths have continued to suffer hardship due to the precarious effect of insurgency which has remained a nightmare to well-meaning Nigerians.

According to her, the pathetic situation prompted six civil societies, in conjunction with NSRP, to embark on appropriate and viable groups who are women, girls and youthoriented, to scale through the daunting hardships in order to reduce violence against them.

52

Friday, August 22, 2014

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Onyirioha Gregory Ikechukwu is the same one person as Onyirioha-Ofoegbu Gregory Ikechukwu, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OnyiriohaOfoegbu Gregory Ikechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SALAKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salako Temitope Moyosola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogundalu Temitope Moyosola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADESEGUN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesegun Omolara Anuoluwapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Evbuomwan Omolara Anuoluwapo. All former documents remain valid.MAPOLY and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINTOMOWO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akintomowo Abiodun Edith now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Akinto Abiodun Edith. All former documents remain valid; management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UBIARU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Augustina Ubiaru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Augustina Chimezie. All former documents remains valid.

Nigeria Television Authority and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHUKWUEMEKA:Formerly known and addressed as Angela Chukwuemeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Angela Oboh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SALAMI:Formerly known and addressed as Salami Adeyemi Muhammed, now wish to be known and addressed as Salam Adeyemi Mohammed. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

RAMATU: Formerly known and addressed as Ramatu Abdullahi Ali, now wish to be known and addressed as Rashida Abdullahi Ali. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Talwo Green, is also known and addressed as Green Talwo Michael. all former documents remain valid.General public take note

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SIKIRU: Formerly known and addressed as Sikiru Wadud Adeshina, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdul-Kareem Abdul-Wadud Adeshina. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

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EMIEMERE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Emiemere Chioma Bertha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chioma Bertha Ezeigbo. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AJAO: Formerly known and addressed as Ajao Temitope Kubura, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oloyede Temitope Kubura.

All former documents remains valid.

Nigeria Television Authority and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLOWOMODE: Formerly known and addressed as Olowomode Idowu Johnson, now which to be known and addressed as Dahunsola Idowu Johnson. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Water Corporation and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALLINSON: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kemi Omotola Allinson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kemi Omotola Ajubiga, All former document remain valid.

General public take note

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MBADIWE: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Mbadiwe Lucy Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eigbe Lucy Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IKECHE:Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikeche Chekwube Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awoke Chekwube Edith. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF SURNAME ODO:We formerly known and addressed as Odo Gloria, Afamefuna Odo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ifeanyichukwu Gloria and Ifeanyichukwu Afamefuna. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EMOLE: Formerly known and addressed as Ugochi Emole, now wish to be known and addressed as Orindu Ugochi.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF SURNAME

CHANGE OF SURNAME

SUNDAY: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Abuchi Sunday Nwoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Abuchi Vitus Nwoye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINBOLBOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinbobola Mojisola Dunni now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omoseebi Mojisola Dunni. All former documents remain valid . HMB, Akure, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

CHANGE OF SURNAME

CHANGE OF SURNAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Risikatu Bolanle Bisiriyu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Racheal Risikatu Bolanle Bisiriyu. All former documents remain valid. Banks, Ministry and others take note

ONI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oni Olukemi Feyisola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Daniel Olukemi Feyisola.All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF CHRIST This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

Mr. Iliya Lumana (CSP Rtd) - Chairman Mr.Joseph Sabo Layara - Secretary Mr.Ibrahim Kadala (CSP Rtd) - Member Mr. Ilu Idi (ASP Rtd) - Member Mrs. (Mama) Hannatu Y. Gagare - Member Mr. Folisco Shalome (ASP) - Member Mrs. Elizabeth Benjamin - Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach and teach the Bible as truly the inspired and holy word of God 2. To feed the hungry, clothe the poor, support and enriched the needy both physically and spiritually 3. To Glorify God 4. To join hands with government in promoting moral and physical development of nation Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER G.E.KAKA, SOLICITOR

CHANGE OF NAME

OYENIYI: Formerly known and addressed as Oyeniyi Adewale Joseph, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oke Adewale Joseph. All former documents remain valid . General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FAYANJU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fayanju Olamide Josephine, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunrinde Olamide Josephine.

All former document remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

GIWA: Formerly known and addressed as Giwa Rukayat Oluwatoyin, now wishes to be known and addressed as Motajo Rukayat Oluwatoyin. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLADEINDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladeinde Folasade Yetunde Bisoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinsanya Bisoye Folasade.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

AKINTUNDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akintunde Olutayo Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bammeke Olutayo Esther. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

JAMES: Formerly known and addressed as Miss James Anthonia Anthony, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinola Anthonia Antony.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

COMFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Yesufa Babatunde Ganiu Adeola is my correct name not Yesufa Babajide Ganiu. All former documents remain valid. WAEC, MAPOLY, JAMB and the general public to please take note.

AKINDELE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akindele Esther Olujuwon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adelekan Esther Olujuwon. All former documents remain valid. National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) and general public take note.

OLANREWAJU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olanrewaju Bosede Alice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bamgbose Bosede Alice.All former documents remain valid.Ogun State TESCOM and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONWUEGBUSI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onwuegbusi Hellin Chizoba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chukwuka Hellin Chizoba.

All former documents remains valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWABUEZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Emmanuela Nwabueze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ifeoma Emmanuela Ndugbu. All former documents remain valid General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and adddressed as Lambert Uche Nwanyiriuba, now wish to be known and addressed as Chigozie Wisdom Chimeremeze.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take

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OGEDEGBE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogedegbe Patience Aibalegbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oguadinma Patience Aibalegbe, All former document remain valid.

General public take note

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OJIGWE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojigwe Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anyanso Nduka Grace Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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ALOHUN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alohun Titilayo Olatundun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Badmus Titilayo Olatundun. All former documents remain valid. General public taken note.

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AYENI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni Ayodeji now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayoola Ayodeji. All former documents remain valid. Federal University Oye and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Hephzibah Elizabeth Igbeare aAnd Hephzibah Elizabeth Edward-Umoren. now wish to be known and addressed as Hephzibah Elizabeth Christly. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBAJI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbaji Emelda Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunwa Emelda Nkiruka Uzoamaka. All former document remain valid. General public take note

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OZOKECHI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ozokechi Geraldine Akudinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ukomah Geraldine Nmachi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

KALU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Mercy Kalu, now wish to be known and addresred as Mrs Chinyere Francis Anyaogu. All former documents remain valid. B.C.A and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAMAGHINNA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwamaghinna Blessing Ezinne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikenna Blessing Ezinne.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLAWUNMI: Formerly known. and addressed as Mrs Oluwaniyi Felicia Bola Now which to be known and addressed as Mrs Dada Felicia Bola. All former document remain valid.Subeb Ekiti State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONUKAGHA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onukagha Ijeoma Julia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Echieh Ijeoma Julia. All former documents remain valid.

EHORECON, Federal Ministry of Health and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAKPUDOLU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwakpudolu Chinenye .B. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nnagbo Chinenye .B. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CYNTHIA:Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Cynthia Chioma Thomas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Joanna Chioma Thomas. Heritage Banking Company, Lagos State University and general public to take note

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ADELEYE: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adeleye Basirat Desodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Ms. Ayelotiti Basirat Desodun. All former documents remain valid; Ogun state office of the National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONWUBIKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Onwubiko Maryann Ifeoma, now Mrs. Oti Maryann Ifeoma.

All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBIEFUNA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Geraldine Adaobi Obiefuna, now wish to be known and addresred as Mrs Geraldine Adaobi Udeh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IGBALAJOBI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbalajobi Temitope Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Idowu Temitope. All former documents remain valid,Local Government Service Commission Ekiti State and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbetuyi Josephine Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akerele Josephine Temitope Peace.

All former documents bearing my formal surname is valid.Ministry of Education and Subeb Ekiti-State chapter and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAODU: Formerly known and addressed as Ifeoma Lawrita Nwaodu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ifeoma Lawrita Bassey. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBODO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbodo Benita Nkeiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eze Benita Nkeiruka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

COURAGEOUS PEOPLE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for the registration under Part “C” Of The Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Alhaji (Chief) Jubrin Olalmilekan Lukan 2. Olayinka Akibola - Secretary 3. Mr Lamidi A. Mulero 4. Mrs Olapeju Oyadiran Osoba 5. Dr Olurotimi Adeyemi Oyesola

- Chairman

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide assistance for people living with hiv/aids and other sexually transmitted infections (sti) 2. To help protect the right of people against opression and stigmatization

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST PRESENCE MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) Abuja for registration under part “C” of company and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Joel Igbekele Opeloyeoluwa 2. Lady Evangelist Joel Seyifunmi Deborah 3. Adekoya Oretade Saliu 4. Mrs. Victoria Dada

- General Overseer - General Secretary - Treasurer - Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To proclaim God and His Kingdom.

2. To Plant branches in order to reach everybody irrespective of race, colour and nationality.

3. To preach, teach and spread the word of Almighty God to all nations.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: APOSTLE JOEL IGBEKELE OPELOYEOLUWA

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS THE POWER OF VICTORY HEALING MINISTRY.

This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Johnpaul Mary Igwe Evangelist - Chairman / General Overseer.

2. Michael Igwe 3. Ali Pascal

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To preach the gospel of Christ Jesus and to worship God. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: JOHNPAUL MARY IGWE EVANGELIST CHAIRMAN /GENERAL OVERSEER.

Friday August 22, 2014

Far from losing anything, I really think I will gain a few things after my decision to retire

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

AFCON 2015: Obasi debunks injury reports 54

–Former Germany international, Per Mertesacker esacker

Jonathan hails Falconets ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Nigeria’s under-20 female football team, the Falconets, on

their qualification for the final match of the on-going FIFA tournament in Canada.

A statement issued yesterday

by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the Presi-

dent applauded the Falconets’ scintillating display which earned them a 6-2 victory in Wednesday’s semi-final encounter with North Korea as well as their very commendable performance in earlier matches.

As the Falconets prepare for the final match of the tournament against Germany on Sunday, the President urged them to put in their very best effort to win the under-20 Women’s World Cup for Nigeria and Af-

rica for the first time in the history of the competition.

He assured the girls and their handlers of the full support of the Federal Government and the prayers of all Nigerians for their triumph on Sunday.

Nigeria’s coach, Peter Dedevbo, showing his top striker, Asisat Oshoala, the way to beat Germany on Sunday

Nigeria will prove tough against Germany – France coach EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

F

rance coach, Gilles Eyquem, whose team lost 2-1 to Germany in the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, has predicted that Nigeria’s Falconets would prove tough against the Germans in Sunday’s Final at the Montreal Olympic Stadium.

At the end of their match which Germany won to face Nigeria that

earlier thrashed North Korea 6-2, the French coach said, “The last time we met (in the last four of the European finals), Germany played very well and we won. This time, it was us who played excellently and they who won.”

“It was a very good match but I don’t think it can be called the final before the final because Nigeria deserve to be there and Germany will find it tough against them,” Eyquem told FIFA.com.

Also speaking on Sunday’s

game, Germany coach, Maren Meinert, said he would not use the French defeat to assess his girls’ readiness for the Falconets.

“The game against Nigeria is not comparable and we will focus on that tomorrow (yesterday), but today we’ll just enjoy having made such a major step by qualifying for the final,” Meinert said.

For Nigeria, moments after Asisat Oshoala, wearing No.4 matched the number on her jersey with goals against North Korea,

and Courtney Dike and Uchechi Sunday completed the routing of the Koreans, Coach Peter Dedevbo sounded ebullient, “We had already played against Korea Republic and I was sure that Korea DPR were not better than them, so I was confident we would win.

Now we are in the final and, whoever our opponents will be, we are not afraid of them.”

Germany are the opponents, and the Final is on Sunday in Montreal, Canada.

Germany coach, Meinert

54

Sports

Friday August 22, 2014

‘Balotelli lands in Liverpool’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chinedu Obasi

I

ndications suggested yesterday that Liverpool has agreed to pay £16 million for the permanent move of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, amidst reports that the Anfield club has denied the deal.

The deal is being finalised with the player’s agent Mino Raiola, who landed in England yesterday, according to the earlier reports.

Balotelli is making his shock return to the Premier League, which he had left in January 2013 following a two-and-a-halfyear spell at Manchester City.

The Reds have been hunting for a top striker since losing Luis Suarez to Barcelona earlier this summer, but failed to attract prime targets Edinson Cavani, Karim Benzema and Radamel Falcao.

However, Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers may still be looking for a final striking addition to his squad, with former Chelsea marksman and free agent Samuel Eto’o a likely candidate.

At the moment, the Reds’ main attacker, Daniel Sturridge, has scored 36 goals in 50 games.

Balotelli often made the headlines for his actions off the pitch during a previous spell in the Premier League with Manchester City and he returned to his native Italy with AC Milan in January 2013 saying he was fed up with life in England.

“Mario is the Italian number one striker and you want to see good players here, just as Liverpool does need a striker,” former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, said yesterday.

AFCON 2015:

Obasi

Ayew nears EPL switch

F

rench club Olympique Marseille has offered attacking midfielder Andre Ayew to English Premier League side Newcastle United, according to reports.

The reports come in conjunction with Marseille President Vincent Labrune’s current visit to London.

Labrune is believed to be have offered the Ghana international to a number of clubs in the capital where Arsenal, West Ham, QPR and Crystal Palace.

It is certain that Marseille are ready to release their talisman for the right fee after it emerged that Inter Milan were ready to meet his asking price.

Ayew came off the bench in Marseille’s opening 3-3 draw at Bastia and handed a starting role last week at home to Montpellier.

But the 24-year-old was forced off the pitch early on in the second half due to a head injury and Marseille failing to pack an extra jersey for him.

debunks injury reports ADEOLU JOHNSON

S

chalke 04 striker, Chinedu Obasi, has said that claims that he was injured and could be out of the African Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Congo and South Africa in September are not true.

Obasi made the 23-man list of players invited by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after a long layoff from the national team.

The 28-year-old, who has not featured for the Super Eagles since the 3-1 loss to Argentina in a friendly held in Bangladesh in 2011, expressed dismay

at the injury claims. ‘’I am about going out for training now. I have tried to clear those reports that I am injured. I think they took an old story. I am not injured,’’ the former national U-23 star insisted.

Obasi participated in full training with Schalke 04 on Wednesday, effectively rubbishing the injury reports.

Asia Cup: Abdullahi makes semis pledge

A

Balotelli

l Qadsia of Kuwait midfielder, Shehu Abdullahi, has pledged to help his club reach the semi-final of AFC Cup, despite recording a 1-1 home draw with Al Hadd of Bahrain.

The former Plateau United player said they went for victory on Tuesday, but could only manage a draw.

However, he remains optimistic they will go all the way to the semi-finals after the second leg.

“I am not happy that we did not win the first leg but that

does not mean we are out,” the CHAN 2014 Super Eagles star said.

“We still have the second leg to play which I believe we will win and qualify for the semi finals.

“All we need do is to concentrate and be focused. I believe we will do it.”

Bader Al Mutawa gave Al Qadsia the lead in the fifth minute, before Nawaf Al Khaldi equalised for Al Hadd in the 47th minute.

The return leg will be played on August 26.

Abdullahi (right)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday August 22, 2014

55

Burnt NFF Glass House

Fire:

NFF to hasten relocation to Dankaro House JOEL AJAYI ABUJA.

F NPL: Coach nears Sunshine exit PAUL EREWUBA

T

he coach of Sunshine Stars of Akure, Henry Abiodun, has told his employers that he is considering leaving the club after Akure fans attacked him for drawing a match against Dolphins of Port Harcourt at home.

Narrating his ordeal, a team official who craved for anonymity alleged that Abiodun was not only manhandled by the gang of irate fans, his car was damaged before he was

whisked away to safety.

“I must tell you, Abiodun is afraid now and he fears that his life is no longer safe in Akure.

The same fans praised him to high heavens when his wards thrashed Kano Pillars 3-0.

“This is his first full season in the Nigerian league after spending many years in the United States. I think he needs more time to understand the Nigerian league”, he said.

The Akure Gunners as Sunshine are called by their fans are 11th on the log with 34 points and will on Saturday

Sunshine Coach, Abiodun

keep a date with Rangers international of Enugu in Akure.

Sado explains NNL return AFOLABI GAMBARI

K

ogi United FC’s central defender, Eric Sado, has explained the reason for his return to club football in Nigeria after a mixed experience in his first visit to the country.

The Cameroun import had in 2012 featured for the defunct Ocean Boys FC before leaving the side due financial chal-

lenges.

“Living is hard in Nigeria, but the reason I am here is for monetary value and recognition,” Sado said.

“Competitiveness is the same, but Cameroon league is stronger and there is no mustwin attitude,” the former Tonnere Yaounde player added.

Isaac Hele Hele (Kano Pillars) Medrano Tamen (Sunshine Stars), Ashu Kingsley (Lobi stars) and Joel Djondand

(El Kanemi) are Cameroonians that have established themselves in the Nigeria Premier League.

But the 23-year-old Sado still aims to wear his country’s colours soon.

“I couldn’t get the chance when I was called to Under-19 camp, but now that I’ve got more experience and power, I believe I could be the next Rigobert Song of Cameroon,” he submitted.

ollowing Wednesday’s fire that gutted its Glass House offices on Wuse Zone 7 in Abuja, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will hasten its relocation to its permanent head office building named after its late former chairman, Sunday Dankaro.

After 17 years operating from the rented complex it moved into in 1997 after Nigeria’s team won the football gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, the NFF would be moving into the Dankaro House built within the National Stadium, Abuja complex.

The building was commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan 13 months ago, precisely on 18th of July, 2013, but has remained unoccupied.

National Mirror reported sometimes last year that the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, said the federation could pack into its newlycommissioned headquarters because of unavailability of

funds to furnish it.

Musa said the federation planned to pack in three-phases, with the first phase to be completed by April this year, the second phase last May and the third and final phase in June before the last World Cup in Brazil. But the timelines were met in breaches.

And now, fire has razed the Glass House. Speaking on Wednesday, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, noted that the federation was considering the movement to Sunday Dankaro House.

“With this incident now, it will hasten the movement of the federation to the new NFF office. We have started consulting with the government as well as National Sports Commission (NSC) on how to move to the new NFF headquarters,” Maigari said.

The new complex is located beside the FIFA Technical Centre inside the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium. It comprises 27 rooms with six board rooms, a penthouse and 120-car parking space

...to hold elections in September

M

eanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that elections into its executive committee will no longer be held on August 26.

Chairman of the NFF’s electoral committee, Amoni Biambo, had stated that elections would be held on that day but the NFF has moved to distance itself from that declaration in a statement yesterday.

“The statement (by Biambo) must have been made in error.

As far as the NFF is concerned,

there will be no elections at the General Assembly on Tuesday, 26th August.

“There is a proposal that we are taking to the General Assembly (the supreme body of Nigeria football) for consideration and approval, with regards to the elections,” NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu was quoted saying in the statement.

In another statement later yesterday, the NFF announced that FIFA had approved its proposal to hold the elections in the second week of next month.

WORLD RECORD

Most valuable sundial

Vol. 04 No. 922

Friday, August 22, 2014

The most valuable sundial is the Yanggu’s gold sundial with an estimated value of 811,690,000 South Korean Won (£405,244.27; $667,225.08).

N150

Hoping always on Europe and America

O

ne of the boring pastimes of most Nigerians and their counterparts from other backward parts of Africa is to blame their woes on the misadventure called colonialism. They also scream blue murder at the slightest sign of neocolonialism. Some go as far as clamouring for reparations from the countries that colonised Africa. But at every turn that calamity strikes, leaders from the continent scurry to these same former colonial powers for succour. With their bottomless bowels, most African leaders beggarly head to Europe and the Americas or their Bretton Woods Institutions in search of loans, debt relief and other forms of assistance.

Take Nigeria, the mocked giant of Africa, as an example. In the heat of the last April 14 abduction of Chibok school girls by the Boko Haram sect, Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic

W

orld number one, Serena Williams, has been confirmed as the top seed for the US Open which begins on Monday at Flushing Meadows, New York.

Williams, who is looking to win her third consecutive US Open title

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) and Idriss Deby of Chad jetted out to Paris the following month to attend a security summit initiated by the United States, France and the United Kingdom. All manner of hopes were raised. Among them was the mantra on America deploying drones to assist in tracking the abducted girls. The meeting was allegedly convened

by France to enable Nigeria work handin-hand with its Francophone neighbours and come up with appropriate modalities to tackle Boko Haram and the rescue of the missing girls. It was also meant to bring Cameroon, Mali, Chad and Niger to work together against the likelihood of Boko Haram insurgencies spilling into their territories. But as has been rightly observed by critics, it is almost five months now since the meeting, still the abducted girls are being held captive despite the security consultancy the US, Britain and Israel has been offering to Nigeria.

When the now trending Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) struck Nigeria a couple of weeks ago, panic-stricken Abuja ran to Washington begging for a trial drug, which President Barack Obama initially turned down, according to reports. Fortuitously, however, news came thereafter that the trial drug had arrived, amid strong indications that the possibility of controlling the epidemic is no longer remote as was initially thought; following the incorporation of a patent (for the pro-

AT SOME POINT, WE HAVE TO STOP LOOKING SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR SOLUTIONS; AND YOU HAVE TO START LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS INTERNALLY duction and sale of anti-EVD medicines) by the American government.

Then came the recent US-Africa summit in Washington, which participants hailed as one of the outings that buttressed the relevance of Africa in global affairs, but which many critics have equally written off as a jamboree and a denigration of the entire African continent. One report said the summit secured commitment from President Obama to persuade the American Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for African exporters to the US market, which expires next year; new investments in electric power sector; and support for African entrepreneurs; among others. Indeed, President Jonathan was said to have sought greater support from the US for his administration’s efforts to make Nigeria’s economy more productive. The World Bank, US and Sweden were said to have voted $33 billion for Africa’s growth, etc.

But penetratingly instructive was the tongue lashing Obama gave African leaders before the summit in a speech the American leader delivered to mark the end of a six-week Washington Leadership Fellowship. President Obama literally told African leaders that they were the bane of Africa’s underdevelopment and not the huge debt the West imposed on Africa. He said: “At some point, we have to stop looking somewhere else for solutions; and you have to start looking for solutions internally… As powerful as history is, you need to know at some point in history and say, ok, we didn’t get a good deal then, but let’s make sure we’re not making excuses for not going forward”. This was a frank leader’s lamentation for Africa’s entire leadership’s woeful failure to move the continent forward for decades after independence.

A national newspaper aptly captured the shame when it wrote recently: “…it is not the activities of the colonial masters that fester the unbridled corruption that is the sweet nectar for African leaders; the single thing that seems to breed ethnicity, nepotism and divide and rule politics, and in extreme cases, dictatorship. It is instructive to note that Obama’s statement rather than being seen as an indictment should be (viewed) as a wake-up call on Africans.

There is nothing new in it, but we see food for thought there from. In order to develop the continent and its eaconomy, African leaders must shun corruption and stop promoting conflicts. Should we place value on the cost of the needless wars in the continent as against the cost of slavery and colonialism, there is no doubt that Africa has caused more harm to itself than the West.

It is shameful that in Nigeria after 53 years of independence, oil still remains the major source of income. Should we wait for the West or an Obama to tell us to look inward before we diversify our economy?

There seems… a bedeviling inferiority complex that afflicts African leaders before their white counterparts…”. How else can the truth be told to power?

Sport Extra Tennis: Serena named US Open top seed and has been named the top seed in the women’s draw, has been named top seed in 2002 and 2013 and won the tournament both times while also winning in 1999, 2008 and 2012.

The Americian is a five-

time Wimbledon and Australian Open champion and also lists two French Open titles among her 17 slam singles’ crowns.

Adding another trophy to her career haul after the Flushing Mead-

ows fortnight would put Williams, 32, level with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert as the secondbest all-time slam singles title winners of the Open era, behind Steffi Graf ’s record 22 titles.

Romania’s Simona Halep was made the second seed followed by Czech Petra Kvitova, who last month captured her second Wimbledon crown, and Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in fourth.

Williams

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