Binder1

N6.8bn fraud: Reps probe NNPC, Swiss firm TORDUE SALEM AND PRISCILLA DENNIS

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he House of Representatives has initiated an investigation

Alison-Madueke

Vol. 3 N0. 721

Atiku, Anenih clash over PDM

into allegations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, conspired with Trafigura, a Swiss oil trading firm, to defraud the country to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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ormer Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and the Chairman, Board of Trustees,

BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, are set to clash over the control of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM. CONTINUED ON PAGE 48>>

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

N150

Strike: Ex-ASUU leader, Iyayi,

killed in gov’s convoy crash Union members in deep shock May suspend action on Saturday

EMMANUEL ONANI, JAMES ABRAHAM AND WALE IBRAHIM

F

ormer Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Prof. Festus Iyayi, yesterday died in an auto crash involving the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada along Lokoja-Abuja Road.

Iyayi and other members of ASUU, University of Benin branch, were on their way to Kano for a meeting of the National Executive CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

Ojukwu family’s bid to recover Ikoyi property suffers setback P.11

Lagos airport runway lightings fail

L-R: Managing Director, Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Co-chairman, Bill & Mellinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates and Chairman, VisaFone, Jim Ovia, after a meeting of Private Sector Health Alliance, in Lagos, yesterday.

Oyinlola vs PDP:

Battle shifts to INEC Reflect my reinstatement in your records, ex-gov to Jega Suspension is in exercise of our power –Party

P.4

Oduah

Family begs for kidnapped varsity don’s release

P.3 P.10

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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Oyinlola vs PDP: Battle shifts to INEC GEORGE OJI AND OBIORA IFOH

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he crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday shifted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with the embattled national secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola requesting for recognition.

But the leadership of the PDP wrote to the electoral commission notifying it of the suspension of Oyinlola and three others from the party.

The Bamanga Tukur-led leadership had on Monday suspended the factional chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, Dr. Sam Jaja, Oyinlola and Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure from the PDP. The suspended national secretary has written to INEC and the party to comply with the Appeal Court decision, which recognised him as the duly elected national secretary.

In a letter entitled, “Notification of reinstatement as national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party” and addressed to the INEC National Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, the embattled national secretary stated that the letter was to inform the commission of his decision to continue to perform his duties as the validly elected PDP national secretary.

“As you may be aware, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division, has nullified the January 11, 2013 judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which removed me from office.

“The directive of the court was implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which consequently struck out my name off its register and other documents as the national secretary of the PDP. “Following the nullification of the above stated judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which is a superior court of competent jurisdiction, which also ruled that I was wrongfully removed from office as PDP national secretary, this correspondence serves to inform you of my decision to continue to perform my duties as the validly elected national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Your records would reveal that I was validly elected into office as National Secretary at the national convention of PDP held on Saturday March 24, 2012.

“You are requested to kindly note this development and reflect it accordingly in your records, in compliance with the court judgement delivered on Wednesday November 06, 2013.

“A copy of the judgement is attached for your attention and further necessary action, please. Kindly note that in compliance with the constitution of the PDP, I am expected to sign all official correspondences emanating from the PDP national secretariat, to the Independent National Electoral Commission, in my capacity as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Similarly, Oyinlola told the PDP National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwom, to comply with the judgement and restore him to his post.

“As you are very well aware, the Court of Appeal by its judgement delivered on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 reinstated me as the national secretary of the party.

“This followed the nullification of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which is a superior court of competent jurisdiction which also ruled that I was wrongfully removed from office as PDP national secretary.

“You are requested to kindly note this development for immediate compliance by the PDP and all its organs, particularly the national chairman and members of the National Working Committee of our great party.

“Kindly note that in compliance with the constitution of the PDP, I am expected to sign all official correspondences emanating from the PDP

national secretariat as the Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer of the PDP.” The National Working Committee, NWC, in a letter dated November 12, 2013 and signed by the National Chairman, Tukur, informed INEC of the suspension on Monday of Baraje, Oyinlola, Jaja and Kazaure over alleged antiparty activities in violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution.

The decision of the NWC, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, was in exercise of its powers under Section 57 (3) of the PDP constitution, 2012 (as amended) and in the overall interest of the party and its members.

Metuh, while announcing the suspension

said it was long overdue but that the party leadership had tarried because it did not want to be seen as being hasty in taking disciplinary action on its members.

The party said their suspension was sequel to their contravention of section 58 sub section (1) (b), (g), (h) and (i) of the party constitution.

However, Oyinlola said that the suspension was an attempt to circumvent the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, former Kwara State governor, Senator Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central), has described the suspension of Oyinlola as an action taken in bad faith and urged the party to review the suspension for the good of the party.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) with some of the newly sworn-in commissioners at Governor’s Office in Ibadan, yesterday.

Strike: Ex-ASUU leader, Iyayi killed in gov’s convoy crash CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Committee, NEC, of the union scheduled to hold today.

The meeting is to enable the NEC receive reports of the congresses that held “simultaneously” in the universities across the country.

The accident occurred about noon at Banda village near Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, when an escort car in the convoy of the governor had a head-on collision with the bus in which Prof. Iyayi and the other members of ASUU were travelling.

Eyewitnesses told National Mirror that the ASUU team was travelling to Kano in a Toyota bus with registration number

ED 357 ASL. The remains of the late professor were said to have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, in Lokoja, while other injured victims, including the driver of the convoy’s Hilux pick-up van, were taken to the same hospital for medical attention.

Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Olakunle Motajo, who confirmed the accident, said preliminary investigation revealed that there was wrongful overtaking on the part of the governor’s vehicle.

Wada later visited the emergency unit of the hospital to commiserate with the victims and also

at the mortuary to see the remains of Iyayi.

The governor, who was shocked over the incident, however, told the management of the hospital to give the injured the best treatment.

In a statement later, the state government confirmed that an escort vehicle in the convoy of the governor was involved in a fatal accident at Banda Village, while the governor was returning from an official engagement in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi, stated that the convoy was on a speed of 80 kilometres per hour when a bus

collided with the escort van.

“Sadly, in the storm, it was discovered that a renowned academic and respected human rights advocate, Prof.

Festus Iyayi, who was in the other vehicle died in the accident.

There were other victims with varying degree of injuries from both sides,” the statement said.

Born in 1947 in Ugbegun, Ishan in Edo, late Iyayi obtained a Masters Degree in Industrial Economics from the Kiev Institute of Economics in the former U.S.S.R. He became a lecturer in 1980 at the Department of Business Administration, University of Benin.

Iyayi, who was the ASUU

president in 1986, was also a known author with four books to his credit.

The late unionist won the Commonwealth Prize for Literature for one of his books “Heroes” in 1988.

The title of other books to his credit are: “Violence”, “The Contract” and “Awaiting Court Martial.”

Meanwhile, reactions have been pouring in on the death of Iyayi.

President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness over the death of the former ASUU president.

A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, commiserated with the leadership and members of

ASUU on the tragic death.

Jonathan also expressed condolences to Iyayi’s family, his colleagues, friends and associates.

Senate President David Mark also lamented the death of the frontline academic.

Mark noted the giant strides of the university scholar, which had brought international fame and value to the nation.

He regretted that Iyayi was one of the leaders of ASUU dialoguing with the Federal Government on how to resolve the lingering strike by university teachers.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan also expressed deep shock at CONTINUED ON PAGE 48>>

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Photo News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L–R: Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House Assembly, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki; Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke; Commissioner for Culture & Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo and Prof. Ahmet Adil Tirpan of Turkey, during the first Africa Regional Meeting on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, yesterday.

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Godwin Ajakpo; President, Hallelujah Acres, United States, Dr. Paul Malkmus and his wife, Ann, during the 2013 Anniversary Health Conference and Reunion Dinner in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Deputy Coordinator, Know Your Budget, Mr. Bonet Emmanuel; Executive Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Aremu and President, Smallholder Women Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Sarah Yapwa, during a press conference on the National Development Strategies in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Former Sports Minister, Mr. Wale Fapohunda; President, Ibadan Business School, IBS, Prof.

Taoheed Adedoja; Mr Yinka Fasuyi and IBS Chairman, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, at the inauguration of the school in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National News

Lagos airport runway lightings fail OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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here are indications that the domestic runway (18 left) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos may have collapsed again.

The runway was taken over from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and handed over to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, in March last year by the Ministry of Aviation.

The equipment was installed last December by NAMA. It was gathered that the runway now accommodates only visual operations while aircraft are diverted to the international runway (R18R) for landing and takeoff.

Visual operations end at 6pm while night operations start from 6pm till

the early hours of the following day.

The inability of the runway to work at night has led to aircraft being delayed in the air as they land according to arrival at the airport.

A source close to NAMA confided in our correspondent that what was installed at the airport last December by the agency was a rechargeable airfield lighting, whose power depletes after few minutes of usage by airlines, especially in the evening.

According to the source, such airfield lightings are supposed to be used in airstrip and airfield with low traffic and not at a major airport like the Lagos and Abuja airports.

The source, however, said the pilots could not complain of the situation to the public for fear of their airlines being punished by the government, but insisted that the situa-

• Domestic airlines land on R18R tion had been like that for over six months now.

He said: “What we have at Lagos Airport is rechargeable airfield lighting, which is not good for an airport as busy as this.

This has been the situation for several months now and we don’t know what the government is doing about it.

“It is difficult for the pilots to complain of the sordid situation because if they do, their airlines would be dealt with by the government. So, they are keeping silent on the issue.”

NAMA had on December 28, 2012 delivered mobile airfield lighting to facilitate the landing and take-off of airplanes on the runway after dusk.

The lights had arrived on Allied Air, a cargo airline, on December 24.

For over five years, the runway operated without airfield lighting, costing domestic airlines some N20 billion on extra fuel, wear and tear on the aircraft, and delays both in the air and during taxiing to the domestic terminal, MMA2 or the General Aviation Terminal, GAT. The airfield lighting is remotely controlled and is in rechargeable trailer that is meant to last for 200 hours before it is due for recharge.

NAMA had said that the lights got the approval of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Annex 14 and it was also compliant with the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority’s regulations.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mr. Supo Atobatele, said in an

online statement that the deployment of the mobile airfield lighting had put an end to more than five years of flight restrictions placed on daylight operations at the local wing of the airport.

“The absence of the airfield lighting on the runway for half a decade had forced the domestic airlines to land after sunset at the international wing of the airport.’’

Atobatele said the development had compelled domestic aircraft at MMA to burn extra fuel for 15 minutes to taxi down to their various terminals before discharging their passengers.

He said: “This looks like a Christmas gift to the airlines, travellers and Nigerians in general.

It is made possible by the Federal Government’s

commitment to ensuring speedy clearance of passengers and their goods by the Customs at the domestic terminal of the MMA. “It is also due to the foresight of the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, who ensured quality service delivery at the nation’s airports.’’

Atobatele added that in all, 66 KALKIT brands of emergency airfield lights and additional two approach lights had been deployed by NAMA engineers.

KALKIT is the airfield lighting system that was certified by ICAO, the United States Federal Aviation Authority, FAA, and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, UKCAA. He said: “This means that the product is of international standard and safe for deployment in any part of the world.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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N6.8bn fraud: Reps probe NNPC, Swiss firm CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tune of $6.8bn (N1.1trn).

The motion to probe the issue was sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Abudu Balogun (Ogun-APC).

It was entitled: “Urgent need to investigate the alleged connivance of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with Swiss Oil dealers to rob Nigeria billions of dollars.”

While raising the motion, the sponsor drew the attention of the House to a

report indicting Swiss oil business interests in the country.

The report, entitled, “Swiss traders opaque deals in Nigeria,” details the schemes employed by the NNPC and foreign oil companies to dupe the country of over $6.8bn through some “Letter box companies.”

Balogun said his enquiries found that specific Swiss firms were involved in the alleged scam.

“I am disturbed that the Berne Declaration has described the Nigerian oil scam as the greatest fraud Africa has ever known and the report specifically mentioned Vitol and Trafigura commodity trading firms (NNPC partners) in the shady deals and how Nigeria loses billions of dollars as large volumes of oil are exported far below the market prices,” he said.

Balogun regretted that the “exclusive and non-

transparent” partnerships of Vitol and Transfigura with NNPC gave them over 36 per cent of the market share with the NNPC selling its crude at discounts”.

He regretted that: “Nigeria is the only major oil producing nation that sells 100 per cent of its oil crude to private traders rather than market it herself and benefit from the resulting added value with the greatest number of beneficiaries of export allocations.”

L-R: Interim National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande; former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and National leader, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the 5th anniversary of Oshiomhole’s administration in Edo State, yesterday.

Oyinlola vs PDP: Battle shifts to INEC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Saraki said it was an ill-conceived plot for the party to take the action when efforts were ongoing to reconcile the aggrieved members of the party, stressing that the suspension would not help the reconciliation process.

Fielding questions from journalists at the National Assembly yesterday, Saraki explained that the proper thing was for the party to take advantage of the Appeal Court ruling to conclude the reconciliation process.

“By doing this now, how are we going to help the reconciliation? It will surely not help reconciliation.

Some of us thought it was a golden opportunity to begin to reconcile. I think the party should review its action and give peace a chance because to suspend key members of a faction and still expect the aggrieved governors to be sympathetic to the cause of the party and be attending their meetings will be difficult and would not help the party.”

Saraki stated that the action taken by PDP to suspend the members

amounted to playing into the hands of those who did not believe in reconciliation, noting that in politics, “you win people to your side because you don’t gain anything from losing people.”

“When seven states representing one-third of states being controlled by the PDP are aggrieved, they should be taken seriously. The suspension of Oyinlola, a day after he was to resume in office was done in bad taste and this would not help the party at all.”

Commenting on the recently concluded local government elections in Kwara State, the lawmaker noted that there was evidence to support that the national executive of the PDP participated in the local government election and there were also documents to show that they were part of the process.

He stated that unfortunately, 24 hours to the election, the national executive got a lawyer to write a letter forwarding a new list of candidates for the election. Wondering how the new list emerged,

Saraki said: “These are some of the actions that we are seeing in the party and before it is too late, this action must stop.”

Also, in what was interpreted as an internal revolt, some concerned members of the Board of Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, have passed a no-confidence vote in the chairmanship of Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

They accused Baraje of dereliction of responsibilities, claiming that he had failed to promptly convene board meetings as prescribed by the NRC Act. In a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Audu Umar, dated November 6, 2013, they said it was statutory for the board to hold a minimum of four and maximum of eight meetings in a quarter.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained from a Presidency source, was signed by the Committee Chairman on Mechanical, Electrical, Signal and Te l e c o m m u n i c at i o n , Mr. Ehiozuwa Johnson

Agbonayinma.

The members of the NRC board are: Baraje (Chairman), Alhaji Suleiman, Hon. Gimi, Sqd. Ldr. Mukhtar Gambo Ashu (rtd), Mrs. Oyawoye, Hon. Abdukareem Saliu, Alhaji Umaru Liman Suru, Ogbu Emma, Wakili Aliyu, Ikwue Theresa, Mohammed Kabir Abubakar, Iguo Minima, Austine Nwachukwu, Chief Mike Ajinima, Agbonayinma, Abdullahi Jalo; Engr.

Ahmed Muhammed and B.B Gafai.

They expressed concern at the inability of the board under Baraje to meet the minimum requirements in the last quarter, and pointed out that the board was yet to have a meeting in the current quarter.

The core of their grouse, as contained in the two-page letter copies of which were sent to Vice President Namadi Sambo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, was Baraje’s “inability or refusal” to convene board meetings, as statutorily prescribed, which had stalled the board’s progress in the discharge of its duties.

The lawmaker tied the alleged fraud to the NNPC’s unwillingness to fix refineries and its deliberate policy of crashing prices of the product for fraudulent gains.

“I am worried by the sharp practices and deals in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, crude allocations to local refineries, which are not utilised but sold fraudulently at knock down prices to Geneva-based companies through letter box companies by SWAP arrangements.”

The lawmaker also accused the NNPC of “not publishing detailed financial reports since 2005” of this transactions.

He recalled that “several previous investigations and probes on the oil sector by the National Assembly with far-reaching recommendations and benefits to the nation, saved Nigeria billions of naira.”

The motion was adopted and referred to Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Justice, with the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, presiding.

But before the adoption of the motion, the Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos), suggested that the prayer be amended to include Public Accounts Committee as one of the committees to investigate the matter.

The Public Accounts Committee is headed by a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Lagos).

But the Deputy Leader, Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor (PDP-Delta), disagreed, insisting that according to the rules of the House, the issues raised in the motion did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Public Accounts Committee.

He argued that while the PAC was strictly about audits on expenditures, the case was about revenue loss.

Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, owed Nigerians explanations for the shortfall in funds accrued to the nation being witnessed from oil revenue in the last six months.

He explained that since the apex bank knew what

accrued to the Federation Account, it should tell Nigerians whether the deductions or the amount of money that accrued was the actual amount It will be recalled that NNPC, since May, has been remitting less than the actual oil earnings to the treasury which is meant to be distributed between the three tiers of governments.

Aliyu, who stated this while speaking at the third MBA International Literary Colloquium with the theme, “Creativity, youth and national development” to mark his 58th birthday, said though, Nigerians did not currently have the means of knowing the true position of the issue, soon the true story would be exposed.

“There has been a reduction in the revenue coming to the country from sale of oil. We don’t know how much we make but the outside world knows what we sell and how much we make.

“And since May, a lot of money has been deducted from the source and declaring only what the NNPC wants us to know. Therefore, we hold the CBN responsible because any money that comes in goes through the CBN. “CBN must be able to tell Nigerians whether those deductions or the amount of money being declared is the actual thing. But, we know that one day, the true story will come out.”

The governor stressed the need to provide good mentorship to the Nigerian youths by the older generation to enable them contribute meaningfully to national development.

He said: “We must, however, work towards reliving the period between 1960 and 1980 where Nigerian youths had considerable opportunities. The economy flourished, education was expanded, universities multiplied and school enrolment increased at all levels of learning while job opportunities were available for all disciplines.

“It is indeed our collective duty to provide compulsory and free education, create jobs, instil moral instruction in our youths from home and in schools and discourage desperate politicians from engaging youths in banditry and terrorism.”

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National News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fear grips OPEC over US oil export UDEME AKPAN

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ear has gripped the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as it becomes clear that the United States and other non-OPEC members would continue to export more crude oil to the global market.

OPEC stated in its a report released yesterday that world oil demand growth in 2013 had been revised up slightly by 34 tb/d from last month’s report.

It stated that the revision was based on actual and preliminary data for the first half of the year, generally coming from all OECD regions as well as some non-OECD countries, particularly in Africa.

The organisation,

which puts the world oil demand growth for this year at 0.9 mb/d, said: “For 2014, the forecast for world oil demand growth remains unchanged at 1.04 mb/d.”

OPEC estimated nonOPEC oil supply in 2013 to increase by 1.2 mb/d, representing an upward revision from last report.

The organisation said: “In 2014, non-OPEC oil supply is forecast to grow by 1.2 mb/d, also slightly higher than last month’s report.

“The US, Canada, Brazil, South Sudan & Sudan, Kazakhstan and Colombia are expected to be the main contributors to next year’s growth, while Norway, the UK, Syria, and Mexico are anticipated to see the largest declines.”

It stated that OPEC NGLs and nonconventional oils are seen averaging

5.9 mb/d in 2014, indicating growth of 0.1 mb/d over the current year.

The organisation maintained that in October, OPEC crude oil production averaged 29.89 mb/d, almost unchanged over the previous month, according to secondary sources.

The report which has it that the demand for OPEC crude in 2013 is estimated to average 29.9 mb/d, unchanged from the previous report, representing a decline of 0.6 mb/d from last year stated, “The forecast for next year was also unchanged at 29.6 mb/d, representing a decline of 0.3 mb/d compared to the current year.

While Nigeria and other OPEC nations continue to watch the volatile oil market, the International Energy Agency, IEA stated that the United States

would soon become self sufficient in oil.

The agency maintained that role of the OPEC Countries will recover in the middle of the next decade as other nations struggle to repeat North America’s success with exploiting shale deposits, the agency predicted.

It stated the United States moves steadily towards meeting all of its energy needs from domestic resources by 2035,” the Paris-based advisor to 28 energy-consuming nations yesterday.

The agency stated, “But this does not mean that the world is on the cusp of a new era of oil abundance. Light, tight oil shakes the next 10 years, but leaves the longer term unstirred.

It also added that, “Soaring shale output in the U.S. is helping the

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim; Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Supervising Minister of Defence, Mr. Labaran Maku and Senior Lecturer, Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr. Aibinu, at the Air Force Inter-Command and Most Innovative Research and Development Projects Competition and Exhibition in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Why I postponed 2014 budget presentation –Jonathan TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that he suspended an earlier plan to lay proposals for the 2014 budget before a joint session of the National Assembly because of “emergent circumstances”.

The President stated yesterday in a letter he addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

He said: “Sequel to my letter of 23rd October 2013

Reps consider emergency rule extension today

requesting that the Honourable House grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, 12th November 2013 to enable me formally address a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2014 budget, emergent circumstances have necessitated my having to request for a new date of Tuesday 19th November 2013 at the same time.”

Jonathan pleaded that his request for a new date should be granted.

Besides, the House may consider the application

by the President seeking approval to extend the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states today.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal read a letter by the President seeking the House’ approval of the request yesterday.

The President wanted the approval based on a report from the Chief of Army Staff.

The President’s letter stated that: “Pursuant to my letter requesting the Honourable House of

Representatives to extend the period of the State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, please find attached a brief report by the Chief of Army Staff on the current situation in the affected areas”.

But the Minority Leader, who came under Matters of Privilege, insisted that all members must be given copies of the report before the House would decide on whether to approve the extension or not.

world’s largest oil consumer achieve its highest level of energy independence in two decades, cushioning it against disruptions in Africa and the Middle East. The boom threatens revenues for OPEC’s 12 members, whose production is at its lowest in two years amid political unrest in Libya and theft in Nigeria.”

However, the Secretary General of OPEC, Dr. Ab-

dalla El-Badri said the organisation would continue to review activities in the market as well as cooperate with other stakeholders to realise market stability.

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Corporation, Engr. Andrew Yakubu stated that the fears were real and other market outlets would be exploited for the nation’s premium crude oil grades.

Ex-Nigeria Airways’ workers demand N70bn benefits OLUSEGUN KOIKI

W

orkers of the defunct Nigeria Airways yesterday appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to approve their outstanding N70 billion benefits.

The amount was part of the 20 years benefits to the former workers of the defunct airline as agreed between them and the Federal Government about nine years ago.

The formers workers decried that their colleagues in other countries had received their benefits.

One of the union leaders at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos where the former workers protested, Mr. Ibrahim Husseini, said the government would require about N70 billion to offset the outstanding benefits.

Husseini described the alleged government’s reluc-

tance to pay the former workers as gross insensitivity.

He many of the former workers had died died due to lack of funds for medical care.

Husseini insisted that their colleagues in United States, United Kingdom, Italy and Cote d’Ivoire, had collected their full terminal benefits.

Also yesterday, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Air Transport Senior Staff Services of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) petitioned Jonathan over the plight of the defunct Nigeria Airways workers.

The unions wanted the Federal Government to look into the plights of the former workers in the interest of peace in the aviation sector.

The petition signed

by Secretary General of NAAPE, Mr Aba Ocheme, urged Jonathan to intervene in the matter.

FG woos US investors on new tolling policy OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

T

he Federal Government yesterday asked a group of United States investors in Nigeria to take advantage of the new tolling policy underway to invest in the country’s roads and bridges infrastructure.

Speaking while a delegation of the United States trade mission visited him in Abuja, Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, told them that the Federal Government had identified some viable roads it planned to prioritise for concessioning.

The US delegation, comprising businessmen and women in various in-

vestment areas, was led

by Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilase, the Amb/Consula-General Atlanta and their mission is to inquire about possible investment areas in Nigeria.

Onolememen, who told the delegation that they had made the right choice in choosing Nigeria as the preferred investment destination, said the country has the population, the natural resources and the market needed to support any viable business.

He said that his ministry is poised to collaborate as well as provide the needed assistance to every willing investor, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

THE PRESIDENCY NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA) 8, ADEKOLA ADETOKUNBO CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA. PMB 357, GARKI – ABUJA

INVITATION TO TENDER 1.0.

INTRODUCTION: In compliance with the Federal Government guidelines on public procurement and award of contract, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) hereby invites interested companies to tender for the followings 1. Construction of accident and emergency centre along Ilesha- Benin Expressway, Ondo Sate, under the 2013 budget.

2. Construction of the agency North West Zonal Office in Kaduna 2.0.

TENDERING REQUIREMENTS: Interested and competent contractors wishing to carry out the project should submit the following documents 1. Evidence of registration/ incorporation with Corporate Affairs Commission 2. Evidence of current Tax Clearance for the past three (3) years.

3. Evidence of VAT Registration Certificate 4. Company Profile detailing experience/technical qualification of key staff.

5. Evidence of having successfully executed similar project in the past.

6. Evidence of financial capabilities bankers 7. Evidence of Company fulfillment of statutory obligations of its employees with respect to pensions in accordance with section 16(6) (d) of the public procurement Act, 2007 (for companies with five and above staff).

8. Evidence of statutory contributions to the Industrial Training Fund.

9. Bid Security of 2% of Bid sum in Bank Guarantee must accompany Bid. 10. Bids shall be valid for a period of 90 days after Bid Opening.

11. Sworn affidavit in line with the provisions of part IV section 16, sub section 6 (c, e & f) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

3.0.

COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS To collect Bid documents, a prospective bidder is required to purchase the Bid documents from the Procurement Unit NEMA Head Quarters Of fice after payment of non refundable fee of N20, 000.00. (In bank draft) 4.0.

SUBMISSION OF TENDERS: Tenders must be submitted in properly sealed and secured envelops clear ly indicating the “Proposed Accident and Emergency Centre Along Ile sha – Benin Express Road, Akure, Ondo State” and labeled appropriately address to: The Chairman, NEMA Tenders Board, National Emergency Management Agency, No. 8, AdetokunboAdemola Crescent, Maitama – Abuja Tenders must be submitted not later than six (6) weeks from today 12th November, 2013 thus the submission will be closed by 10:00am Monday 23rd December, 2013, while the opening of Bid will follow by 11:00am on the same date at the Agency’s Head Quarters.

4.1. NOTES: a.This advert shall not be construed to be a commitment from the Agency, nor shall it entail any bidder to make any claim(s) whatsoever and seek indemnity from NEMA by virtue of that bidder having responded to this advertisement. b. NEMA reserves the right to reject any or all the bid document

Signed Secretary, NEMA’s Tenders Board.

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News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Police disrupt Abuja FoI colloquium •Nigeria now a police state –Melaye OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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eavily armed policemen yesterday invaded Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja to disrupt the colloquium on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011.

The two-day colloquium was organised by the AntiCorruption Network (ACN), headed by a former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye.

The police officers, numbering over 50 and led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who declined to mention his name, stormed the hotel purportedly on the orders of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar.

Notable dignitaries billed to attend the maiden event were barred from entering the venue of the meeting.

Among those who were barred were: Alhaji Balarabe Musa; the former FCT

Minister, Nasir El-Rufai; Chief Audu Ogbeh; Gen. Ahmed Aboki (rtd) and the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri.

Others were; the representative of the Minister of Justice; the Chairmen of the ICPC, EFCC, other paramilitary organisations, resource persons drawn from the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, among others.

Even though there was

no official communication from the policy hierarchy as to why the event was not allowed to take place, reliable sources told our correspondent that the IGP may have acted on orders from above.

The former lawmaker, who is the convener of the event, has recently being so vociferous in condemning what he called lip service to the fight against official graft under the present administration.

Melaye, who later spoke with journalists on the development, also said that he was baffled that an event that was meant to

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collate a pool of opinions on the workings the FoI Act would be disrupted.

Balarabe Musa, the former governor of old Kaduna State, who was apparently bitter over what he described as a show of shame, alleged that the clampdown was ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking with journalists after the event was disallowed, Balarabe said; “All the relevant people in government have been invited and most of them have indicated their interest to be here. The conclusion we can get from this is that the President himself must have ordered that this

event must not take place.

“Since the government cannot justify that this campaign against corruption is a cover-up, the only thing they can do is to ensure that a function like this, which will expose the level of corruption in this country, doesn’t hold.

“This is stupid. No matter what happens, there is a limit to which you can do certain things. We will continue to expose corruption.

“How can the President transform the country when he cannot allow healthy deliberations like this to take place? Whoever stopped this programme is making a fool of himself. Policemen cannot stop us,” he said.

Extradition: PDP chieftain loses appeal to quash judgement WALE IGBINTADE

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L-R: Baba Omojola’s son, Akinola (2nd left); President, Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Baba Omojola’s daughter, Eyinade; Comrade Funmilayo and others during a candle light procession and solidarity speeches in celebration of Omojola from the Nigeria Labour Congress office, Yaba to Surulere, in Lagos, yesterday.

Okadigbo’s assets: Court fixes Feb 4 for judgement ISE-OLUWA IGE

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n Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama, yesterday fixed February 4 next year for judgement in a lawsuit over who manages the assets of late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo.

The trial judge, Justice Folashade Ojo, fixed the date after parties in the case adopted their briefs of arguments and adumbrated on the salient issues therein.

National Mirror reports that the former Senate President’s eldest son, Chaka and his brother Osagyefo, had approached the court for an order declaring that the deceased’s widow, Margery, a serving Senator, is not a beneficiary of the estate of her late husband.

The plaintiffs are also urging the court to direct Margery and Pharoah,

one of his sons, to account for the deceased’s estate as well as an order seeking the court to amend the letters of administration granted Margery and his other son, Pharoah by substituting Pharoah for Chaka as co-administrator with the widow.

The plaintiffs posited in an affidavit that Margery had failed to render account on the funds accruing from the late Okadigbo’s “bank accounts, stocks, shares in companies and royalty from published books and other properties.”

But Margery, who dismissed as balderdash the argument of the plaintiffs, submitted that the action before the court was improper just as she insisted that there was a letter from Chaka authorising his younger brother, Pharoah to commence the process of obtaining a power of attorney.

She said it was based on the strength of the letter that his brother became a joint executor of the estate.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ayo Kusamotu, having adopted his address, however, urged the court to grant his clients’ prayers.

Kusamotu recommended to the court a publication by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALs) - “Reinstatement of Customary Laws in Nigeria” - to support his argument that Margery was not entitled to benefit from Okadigbo’s estate under Igbo tradition.

On his part, Margery’s counsel, Tochukwu Nweke, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the ground of incompetence.

He stated that the suit was wrongly filed, adding that the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs were not grantable in view of the way it was couched.

According to him, the plaintiffs had failed to prove the Onitsha custom which disentitled Mrs. Okadigbo from being beneficiary of her late husband’s estate, arguing that the onus was on the plaintiffs to give substantial and compelling evidence that Mrs. Okadigbo was not entitled to benefit from the estate of the late Okadigbo.

On the plaintiffs’ prayer that Mrs. Okadigbo be ordered to account for her management of the husband’s companies, her lawyer urged the court to ignore the prayer.

According to Nweke, the plaintiffs as they alleged had failed to provide the list of the companies, shares and stocks which Mrs. Okadigbo should account for.

Nweke further argued that should such custom exist; it is repugnant to the rule of natural justice.

he Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has dismissed an application filed by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, challenging the judgement of the court regarding the purported attempt to extradite him to the United States by the Federal Government.

Kashamu had urged the court to set aside its judgement delivered on July 2, regarding the supposed attempt to extradite him to the United States.

Besides, he contended that while the appeal was pending, a petition was written accusing the panel of justices of alleged compromise in another appeal.

Delivering its ruling, a fresh panel constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal unanimously held that the appeal lacked merit and consequently awarded N50, 000 cost in favour of the Federal Government.

In his lead ruling, Justice Abdu Aboki (presiding), held that there was no complaint relating to the composition of the panel that heard the appeal as to the qualification of its members “except the vague and unfounded insinuation” against the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Justice Amina Augie.

Justice Aboki held that at the time of the assignment of the appeal to the panel that heard and determined it, the presiding justice was not incapacitated from doing so and that the appeal came before the

panel by due process.

The court held that; “A court is competent when it’s properly constituted as regards the number and qualification of members of the Bench. The subject matter is within its jurisdiction, no feature in the case prevents the court from exercising its jurisdiction and the case has been initiated by due process and in fulfilment of conditions precedent.

“Let me state that there is no iota of evidence in this application that as at the time the learned presiding Justice of Lagos Division assigned the appeal for hearing by a panel, she no longer possessed the lawful authority to do so.

“Despite the application’s thin attempt to link the presiding justice with the panel, what the presiding justice allegedly told Saulawa JCA, about this appeal was not stated so as to know how it might affect the proceedings and the judgement.”

Consequently, the court adopted the argument of counsel to the Federal Government; Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) that the panel was validly constituted and that the judgement delivered on July 2, 2013 was valid and legitimate.

Justice Aboki further held that since the applicant, (Buruji Kashamu), has appealed to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal lacks jurisdiction to entertain any application seeking reliefs on a suit pending before the apex court.

Two other Justices, Isaiah Olufemi Akeju and Ibrahim Shata Bdliya also aligned with the lead judgement.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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Misunderstanding of vaccines threatening polio eradication –Gates MURITALA AYINLA

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he co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, yesterday blamed incidence of polio on lack of understanding about Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in some parts of the world, even as he said that his Foundation had raised $6 billion to eradicate the disease in the next seven years.

Gates, who is currently in Nigeria on a polio eradication mission, stated this in Lagos when he visited Governor Babatunde Fashola at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja.

He said the scourge remains in some parts of the world due to unwillingness by some parents to make their children available for vaccination.

Gates cited the North-

ern part of the country especially Yobe State, saying: “in Yobe State, it appears we cannot even get half of the children” Expressing optimism on the eradication of the disease, Gates said his Foundation would continue to partner other bodies with a common goal.

He said: “Eradicating polio will be wonderful for the entire world. I am very optimistic we are going to eradicate polio. In Asia, we have it in two countries namely Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have not got zero. In Africa, Nigeria, of course primarily in the North, has not got to zero. Even in the South, we have the cases of polio.

“We also have the same issue in Somalia and Syria. As we said, a lot of people are misunderstanding the vaccine. We have been doing what we can do with

the traditional leaders and government leaders, who have people’s trust to help talk about the vaccine. We have issues getting the children in the North and in tracking the team to ensure that they go where they are supposed to go. In the last two years, it has been unrest in the NorthEast.

“We have been having many cases since last year.

We really feel about this.

In Yobe, it appears we can-

not even get half of the children. We have raised $6 billion to get it done in the next seven years. We should work hard to eradicate polio.”

Fashola, however, praised Gates for partnering with Aliko Dangote, saying it s disheartening that polio exists in Nigeria.

He said: “One of the initiatives I threw to the governors’ forum about four years ago was that gover-

nors should lead initiative of vaccination and in that way, hopefully we would demonstrate how important it is for us.

“Before then, we had left it in the hands of our wives. My colleagues were very gracious in seeing the necessity for this and some progress, as you remarked, have been made, looking at what we have done and what needs to be done, logistical issue, sustenance of the core chain,

issues not unconnected with infrastructure limitation, transportation, management of people entrusted with responsibility and some cultural issues “I think we are in the march towards eradicating the virus. We have not put the voices of the survivors in the forefront of the campaign and that the voices of the policy makers have drowned those of the victims themselves.”

Lagos approves new curriculum for public schools

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he Lagos State Government has approved a new curriculum for public Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said.

The approval is contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Spokesman, Mr Jide Lawal, yesterday in Lagos.

The statement quoted Oladunjoye as saying that in the new curriculum, students of SSS classes were expected to offer nine subjects.

The commissioner said that the nine subjects would include five compulsory core subjects made up of English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Biology and one trade subject.

She, however, noted that Civic Education was an optional subject for SSS 3 students in the 2013/2014 academic session.

She listed 10 trade subjects from which the students could choose as Catering Craft Practice, Garment making, Dyeing and Bleaching, Data Processing, Store Keeping, Book Keeping, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Marketing and Salesmanship.

Under the new curriculum, she noted that all SSS students were also expected to take three subjects from the various specialisation groups.

The groups are Science and Mathematics, Business Studies, as well as Humanities and Technology.

According to her, students will also offer one elective subject from any subject group other than the specialised subjects.

“Teachers in related subject areas are being encouraged to teach Civic Education and the Trade Subjects.

“The District’s Guidance Counsellors have already been informed about the guidelines in the new curriculum and the information has been communicated to school counsellors and year tutors.’’

Oladunjoye said seminars and workshops would soon be organised in all the six education districts in the state to educate teachers on the new curriculum.

She added that the schemes of work for Creative and Cultural Arts for Junior Secondary Schools would be streamlined at the next review exercise.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (middle) acknowledging greetings from his supporters and community leaders during a tour of Ayegbaju-Ekiti, on Monday.

Ajimobi seeks partnership for security provision

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yo Sate Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said that due to its expensive nature, no single government can shoulder the responsibility of securing a state.

Ajimobi, therefore, asked for continued private partnership with government in the task of maintaining peace and order.

He spoke yesterday while inaugurating the Board of Trustees of the State Security Trust Fund at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

The board, which had Mr. Olatunde Ayeni as Chairman, also had Colonel J. Ogbade, Dr. Ayo Abina, Mr. Femi Odumagbo, Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Owolabi, Olu Ajayi and Femi Oyedipe as members.

The governor said the vision of his administration was to turn things

around for better in the interest of the generality of the people and to evolve a consistent socio-economic development system that is free of apprehension.

Ajimobi added that in order to make the issue of security management institutional, the government established a Security Trust Fund conceived as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture, which was aimed at providing a proactive measure for the management and funding of security issues.

He said the Trust Fund was a partnership between the state government and key stakeholders in the private sector to provide funding that would equip the security services in the state.

The governor said: “The Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSTF) builds on the existing template of Ajumose (collectivity) in

resolving a key challenge to effective management of security challenges in the state. Through public private partnership, Oyo State would have an enabling environment for sustained funding of the security services, in return for credible management of all security threats.”

He pointed out that the Trust Fund would operate as an intervention agency for the mobilisation and provision of funds geared towards enabling a sustained and adequate operation of the security services in the state.

Ajimobi charged members of the committee to ensure adequate mobilisation of resources in both public and private sectors, which he said must be carried out very well to make the objective a reality.

The governor said that as part of effort to ensure security in the state, the government had estab-

lished a crime-fighting outfit called Operation Burst, which comprises the police, military and other security forces, stressing that the outfit to a large extent had ensured peace and tranquility.

Earlier in his remarks, chairman of the board, Mr. Ayeni, said the establishment of the Fund was a right step in the right direction, adding that the focus of the Ajimobi-led administration for involving private sector in the task of resolving security problem within the state was commendable.

He stressed that the establishment of the Fund demonstrated the commitment and resolve of government to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.

Ayeni urged private individuals and corporate bodies to support the state government in ensuring a safe environment.

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South West

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Family begs for kidnapped OAU lecturer’s release ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

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he family of a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof.

James Bolarinwa Olomo, who was abducted about three weeks ago has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to help locate him and bring him back alive.

In a statement issued in Osogbo and entitled: “Please Save Professor James Bolarinwa Olomo,” the family from Otan Ayegbaju of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State begged the kidnappers to have mercy on the victim and release him.

According to the statement signed by six family members, including the Risawe of Otan Ayegbaju, High Chief A. O. Olomo, the brother of the victim,

Olomo lodged into a hotel called Hotel Farlem situated at 8, Archibong Street, Afaha Ukwu in Eket on Thursday, October 17 before his disappearance three days later.

The statement reads in part: “The varsity don has remained incommunicado as his suspected abductors refused to pick his calls.

Though the matter has been reported at the Eket Divisional Police headquarters in Akwa Ibom State where police detectives have sworn into action to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance, but we, the family of Prof. Olomo, are worry over the ugly incident.

“James Bolarinwa Olomo, a professor of Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, undertakes safety advice for oil companies. He was in Eket for

one of such engagements as Radiation Safety Adviser, RSA, when this unfortunate incident happened.

“He flew into Calabar, from Lagos by Arik Air, on that Thursday and approached Eket by road. He was in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he lodged into a hotel called Hotel Farlem.

“The family, in conjunction with his employers, OAU, has made efforts to establish contact with him since October 20, 2013 without success.

“The matter has been reported at the Eket Divisional Police headquarters and all security agencies in the area have instituted an investigation into the incident, but the family is disturbed that, though authorities are working on the possibility of a kidnap, for three weeks now nobody has contacted the family neither has any news been

heard about him.

“Staff of Hotel Farlem told the police in Eket that Prof. Olomo told them in the morning of Sunday, October 20, 2013 that he is going out briefly to return later, but never came back to the hotel, nor were they able to reach him on telephone.

“By the time the family representatives went down on Saturday, October 26, 2013 to report to the police station in Eket, the police team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Sunny Digha, met his belongings at the hotel.

“It was believed that while in Eket, Prof. Olomo held meetings with some oil company officials whose identities were not yet known to the family who believe their son is alive.”

Olomo was earlier kidnapped on July 16, 2003 but was released on August 16 of the same year after spending 31 days in his abductors’ den.

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Don’t fall for tobacco firms’ tricks, stakeholders warn govt SINA FADARE

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takeholders in the anti-tobacco crusade have called on the government not to be persuaded by gestures from tobacco firms trying to divert the collective attention from the need for effective legislation to regulate the manufacture, distribution and marketing of tobacco products in the country.

Director of Corporate Accountability, Environment Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, Akinbode Oluwafemi, made the call at an interactive session with stakeholders in tobacco industry.

He said an urgent passage of the tobacco legislation was the panacea to the malady.

According to him, the British America Tobacco Nigeria, BATN, has hidden under the so-called Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to propagate its products and use it as a ploy to thwart legislation that will regulate tobacco production, distribution and marketing.

He said: “Some of its recent activities include donation of cottage industries to farmers in Ekiti

and Ogun states, allegedly build for N4.5 million each.

The visit last September of BAT Managing Director, Keith Gretton, to Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, was the height of attempts to pull wool over the faces of Nigerians, particularly the Lagos residents who are yet to get over BAT’s activities.”

Oluwafemi therefore enjoined all well-meaning Nigerians, who have the interest of the youths at heart, to join the crusade and mount pressure on the National Assembly to pass into law the National Tobacco Control Bill.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Africa Programme, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Mr. Joshua Kyallo, said it was unfortunate that Nigeria, a signatory to the UN Treaty on Tobacco, was yet to have a legislation to control the activities of the tobacco industry.

Kyallo argued that with the quantum of the people killed globally from tobacco-related diseases, it was necessary the National Assembly immediately pass the National Tobacco Bill, to avoid the looming epidemic which might be caused by the tobacco industry.

Broadcasters prepare for digital switch KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

N L-R: Sen. Babajide Omoworare; the late Mrs. Tejumade Alakija’s son-in-law, Dr. Akomolafe and wife, Mrs. Toyin Akomolafe; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), at the burial reception programme for Alakija in the state, recently.

Memorial: Ladoja’s presence disservice to Lam’s memory –Group

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he Oyo Patriotic Front, OPF, has condemned the presence of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja at the first anniversary of the death of former Governor Lamidi Adesina.

The Ibadan-based interest group said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Jare Adepoju, that this was in consonance with Ladoja’s politics of reaping from where he did not sow.

Ladoja and his former deputy, who also became the governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, among others, were at the Felele home of the late former governor to attend the remembrance

anniversary organised by the Adesina family.

Adepoju said Adesina would turn in his grave on his anniversary day if he looked back and saw his two greatest political foes, Ladoja and Alao-Akala, who, he said, were “stomping on Lam’s grave” and mocking the memory of the former governor.

He said: “The presence of those two men, who constituted a very serious menace to Alhaji Lam while he was alive, was the greatest pollution and insult on the memory of that great man.

“We cannot forget in a hurry how Ladoja harangued the life of Great

Lam continuously till his death. Ladoja was behind that unkind blow below the belt that was hurled on Lam where they said that the former governor was an Ebira man.

“Indeed, a few months before his death, Ladoja still hurled unprintable insults at Great Lam. To now allow this same man to grandstand on Lam Adesina’s grave is a great disservice to his memory.”

While urging the Adesina family not to allow those he called agents of destruction to reap where they did not sow, Adepoju urged the family to maintain the principle and phi-

losophy of Adesina who in his life time would not suffer fools gladly.

He said: “Ladoja was a sworn enemy of Great Lam. Apart from using a combination of political deceit and untruth to sow the seed of discord among Great Lam’s teeming loyalists, he never hid his hatred for Lam’s populist politics. The same goes for his deputy, Alao-Akala.

“Baba detested their conservative politics and believed that they would run Oyo State aground if we did not rescue the state from them. What they came to do at Felele on Monday was to literally dance on Lam’s grave.”

igerian broadcasters yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, agreed to acquire modern knowledge which drives digitalisation in other parts of the world.

They reached the consensus at the third Broadcast Media Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Yemi Sonde Entertainment in partnership with the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, at the University of Ibadan.

The Director-General, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, who set the tone for discussion on various topics that centred around switching from analogue to digital media and striking a balance between need for profit and professionalization, said the transition would open up many opportunities for Nigerian broadcasters.

Mba, however, said practitioners were not prepared in terms of skills

and the right attitude.

He said the digital media would open the entire media space to several more broadcast stations and media programmes thereby creating higher competition for practitioners, because digitalisation, according to him, helps practitioners to reach more audience through different channels at the same time.

Acknowledging that a “subtle conflict” exists between the need for profit and professionalism, the DG said the NBC would continue to regulate the practice to ensure a balance.

According to Mba, the digital media presents as many challenges as opportunities but only practitioners who update their knowledge and skills will be able to operate successfully.

He said: “In 2015, there will be a switch-off and the analogue will go off; all analogue transmitting stations will be turned off.

But it is doing the same things in different ways.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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Police clarify arrest of Imo govt official CHRIS NJOKU, OWERRI

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L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi; Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Gesila Khan and Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, at the Voters’ Sensitisation/Civic Education Workshop for Political Parties and Stakeholders in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ojukwu family’s bid to recover Ikoyi property suffers setback

WALE IGBINTADE

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he bid by Ojukwu Transport Limited to recover one of its properties, comprising a two-storey detached house at No 4, Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, suffered a setback yesterday as a Lagos High Court stuck out the originating summons filed by the company.

Delivering judgement in the suit filed by the company against persons unknown/the occupier of the property, Justice Olatunde Oshodi, held that going by the documents presented in court, the claimant ought to have commenced the suit by means of writ of summons and not by originating summons.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi directed the claim-

ant to commence a fresh suit by means of writ of summons as provided under Order 3 of the Rules of Court if it wishes to continue with the suit.

The court held that originating summon would only apply where there is no dispute on the question of fact or the likelihood of dispute.

“From the facts presented by parties, especially from the documents exhibited, it appears to the court that there is internal wrangling within the claimant, hence the need to go into full trial,” the court held.

Ojukwu Transport Limited had in its affidavit in support of its originating summons averred that the defendant whose name is not known to it (claimant) was found to be in possession of the property in dis-

pute.

The claimant stated that it appointed one Massey Udegbe of Massey Udegbe & Co as its agent to manage the property, among others.

It further stated that by a letter Reference No. MUC/ MAN.OTL/215, dated July 10, 2012, its agent wrote to the occupier of the property, informing it of its appointment and requested for a meeting to ascertain the status of the occupier but that the letter was ignored.

The claimant added that it published public notices in national dailies warning the general public as to whom any person interested in the property should deal with.

Besides, the claimant through its solicitor wrote a letter dated September 14, to the occupier and request-

ed it to vacate the property, but the defendant refused.

The claimant stated that despite the receipt of several letters and notices, the defendant still refused to deliver up possession of the premises.

The claimant valued the present rent to be received in the property at N40 million per annum and that it has found a willing tenant desirous of occupying the said property.

But, the defendant, Scott’s Cottage Limited in its counter affidavit, described the suit as frivolous, abuse of court process and urged the court to dismiss it accordingly.

The defendant added that it has regularly paid its rents to the claimant through their property managers, Omuojine & Associates.

Law to stop tax evaders’ access to public utilities coming CHRIS NJOKU, OWERRI

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mo State House of Assembly will soon enact a law that would make it difficult for persons who fail to pay their taxes have access to public services, including registering their wards in schools.

This was just as traditional rulers in the state vowed to become tax collectors in their resolve to assist government to generate revenue at the autonomous community level.

Making this disclosure was the Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly’s Special Committee on Internally Generated Revenue and a member representing Ideato North state constituency, Hon. Eudora

Igwe, in a special session with members of the state’s traditional rulers’ council in Owerri.

Addressing the council, Igwe said when the law is enacted it would be impossible for taxable adults to evade taxes in the state.

She called on the royal fathers to draw up nominal rolls of taxable adults in their respective communities to enable government access revenue at the grassroots.

Making his contribution, the Chairman of Ndieze in the state, Eze Samuel Ohiri, assured the government that the various Community Government Councils (CGCs) would support government to generate revenue at the

autonomous community level.

The royal father said that tax collection in the communities was one of the functions of the traditional institution in the past and commended government for returning the function of enumerating taxable adults and the collection of such taxes to Ndieze.

He, however, called for a piece of action from such internally generated revenue, adding that part of the proceeds generated be given to the Community Government Councils for their functions.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lilian Asuzu, de-

scribed tax as a historical civic duty of citizens, but regretted that the people are becoming passive towards such obligation.

Asuzu assured that as revenue from federation allocations dwindles, government is working hard to diversify the sources of its revenue to sustain the pace of the Rescue Mission infrastructural development programme in the state.

Also speaking, Ms. Bernadette Azorom, of the state Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) informed traditional rulers that certain categories of people like the aged and those who suffer from protracted illnesses should not be included in the nominal roll to be compiled.

mo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Katsina, yesterday gave reasons for the arrest and detention of the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Ifeanyin Anyiabaekwume in Owerri.

He said the general manager was operating a terror gang in the state.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital, the commissioner of police said the police had raided the home of the OCDA boss based on an intelligent report that he ran a terror gang while hiding under the instrument of the state government.

Katsina, who was repre-

sented by the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the command, Abanga Elvis, further disclosed that the police raided OCDA general manager’s Aladinma residence following a petition that he was in possession of offensive weapons and other dangerous items.

“Some of the allegations were confirmed to be true when the police paid Anyiabaekwume an unscheduled visit in his residence and purportedly found him smoking weeds suspected to be Indian hemp with his men.”

According to him; “We also recovered an automatic pump action gun, four live cartridges, police operational belt, police vest with crested logo and some bags of Indian hemp.

Obi presents N140bn budget for 2014

A

nambra State Governor, Peter Obi, yesterday presented to the state House of Assembly a N140 billion budget proposal for 2014.

The budget has 26.18 per cent increase over the N110.96 billion budget for last year.

He said N100.29 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N39.71 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

Obi said an estimated N100.29 billion was expected from capital receipts in 2014, showing an increase of 41.35 per cent over the budgeted sum of N70.96 billion in 2013.

He said the focus of the state government would be on poverty reduction measures with the economic sector having an allocation of 42.82 per cent of the total

capital budget.

The other sectors are social: 14.33 per cent, environment 17.21 per cent and general administration 25.64 per cent.

Governor Obi said the government was mindful of the need to make the capital budget more realistic and predicable in 2014 to get optimal results.

He added that the projected revenue earning for 2014 was N58.120 billion, including Internally Generated Revenue of N15.920 billion and state share of Federation Account N42.200 billion.

He said the recurrent expenditure was expected to decrease from the 2013 projection of N39.995 billion to N39.705 billion of 2012, representing a marginal decrease of N0.290 or 0.73 per cent.

Okigwe, Njaba people rally support for Okorocha CHRIS NJOKU, OWERRI

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omen and youths of Okigwe Local Government Area under the auspices of the Women for Good Governance, Okigwe (WGGO), Imo State, yesterday marched in their numbers to the Government House, Owerri, to express solidarity with the Rochas Okorocha Rescue Mission programme.

This was even as people of Umuamusa Autonomous Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State also declared their support for the Okoro-

cha’s administration. The traditional ruler and community leaders of Umuamusa made the declaration when they paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Works, Echie Norbert Okoro, in his office.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its President, Mrs. Irene Chukwu, expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Okorocha, noting that the Free Education Programme initiated by the administration, had provided a measure of relief for many families in the state.

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South South

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Confab: Anyaoku seeks true federal structure

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

F

ormer Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku, has said the proposed National Conference should be used as a platform to evolve a workable federal structure for the country.

Anyaoku said this in Lagos yesterday at the third Goody Jidenma Public Lecture, entitled: “The Practice of True Federalism in Africa, the Nigerian Experience and the Way Forward,” held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA.

• Dialogue won’t threaten constitution review –Ekweremadu He said: “The National Conference should offer Nigerians the golden opportunity to discuss an appropriate federal structure for the country.

“The conference should be made to focus on the required system of government.

“There should be a return to the six federating units, with each unit developing at its own pace.”

The former secretary general said such units would ensure equitable sharing of proceeds from the nation’s resources.

Anyaoku noted that Nigeria attained “faster development” when it operated regional structure of government.

He advised Nigerians against the syndrome of “it is our turn to produce the next president”, but to work collectively at achieving a united, peaceful and developed country.

The guest lecturer, Prof.

Jonah Elaigwu, President, Institute of Governance and Social Research, IGSR, noted that Nigeria, like other African countries, was yet to practice

true federalism.

He said: “No country has been able to meet with the characteristics of federalism so far.

“There is symmetrical federalism in Nigeria.

Even America is not a true federalism.”

Elaigwu urged Nigerians to jointly work to remove the federation challenges and create a federal system of government that would meet their collective needs.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has

promised that the National Dialogue would neither delay nor disrupt the ongoing constitution amendment process.

Ekweremadu gave the assurance yesterday while delivering a paper entitled; “Constitution Review Process: A Comparative Perspective,” at the ongoing African Legislative Summit organised by the National Assembly and other international partners.

He said that in view of the new provisions on how to enact a new con-

stitution already passed by the Senate and awaiting other steps to become part of the constitution, the ongoing constitution amendment process would rather help to provide the legal framework that would give life to the eventual output of the proposed National Dialogue.

The deputy Senate president, however, pointed out that the way forward for Africa was not necessarily in the abundance of laws, but the willingness and discipline to live by the dictates of the constitution.

Uduaghan releases N6bn for pensioners

G

overnor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has directed an immediate payment of pension arrears to thousands of retired civil servants being owed.

Uduaghan gave the directive after a meeting with members of the labour union.

Based on the order, government would, in the next four months, pay N500 million monthly amounting to N2 billion to gradually clear the backlog of pension arrears.

Also, the government agreed to release another N500 million monthly beginning from this month, amounting to N4 billion in the next eight months to offset outstanding counterpart funding of the contributory pension fund.

To remove any bottleneck that may arise, Uduaghan directed that the money be deducted at first line charge.

Besides, it was resolved at the meeting that another N500 million be released for payment to those who receive their pension under the old payment method.

Uduaghan, who was described by the labour unions as a friend of the workers, said he would continue to take the interest of workers seriously and promised a more robust relationship between government and labour.

Giving details of the delay in paying the pensioners, the governor explained that the state had been grappling with chal-

lenges of fund from the Federation Account but noted that the new pension scheme was problematic and hinted that the Federal Government might be forced to take another look at it.

As a further reprieve for retired civil servants who were asked to vacate their government houses, Uduaghan directed that they be allowed to stay and be given two months of grace after they had received their pension arrears.

Earlier, the state Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Williams Akporehe, in their presentations handed to the governor a six-point demand which included the settlement of pension issues, perceived excessive taxation of civil servants, implementation of the minimum wage, the National Housing Fund, new scheme of service, revaluation of the accounts of workers as well as the weigh in allowance for media workers.

They had complained that most retired civil servants were facing untold hardship owing to the delay in getting their statutory allowances after serving the government.

At the end of the meeting, members of the workers’ unions expressed appreciation to Uduaghan for handling the issues raised with brilliant dispatch.

Wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Imoke (middle), leading others in advocacy/sensitisation walk to celebrate the World Pneumonia Day in Calabar, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Development projects gulp N36bn –Oshiomhole

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do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that his administration spent N36 billion on the execution of various projects between 2008 and 2013.

Oshiomhole disclosed this yesterday in Benin while giving account of his stewardship during the period.

The governor said be-

tween now and December more than 100 completed projects would be inaugurated, adding that the inauguration would be carried out weekly.

He added that despite the shortfall from the Federal Allocation to the state, 85 per cent of its revenue was being spent on projects.

Oshiomhole said his administration was focusing

on the economic development of the state and was creating enabling environment for investment and for existing businesses to thrive.

The governor also said that the government would give greater attention to the improvement of security and assured the people that his administration would not take them for granted.

He said: “It gives me joy to see that what previous administrations in the state could not deliver to the people, the present administration is delivering it to them.

“Before now, the state used to be a one-party state, but today, it is no longer so and the people can proudly say that they are responsible for the election of their leaders.”

Tinubu, Buhari, others storm Edo for APC launch SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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eaders, chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stormed Benin, Edo State yesterday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The APC leaders included former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the interim National Chairman,

Chief Bisi Akande, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Chief Audu Ogbeh, the party’s interim Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, among others.

The fifth anniversary celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin also witnessed the launch APC in the state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Oshiomhole assured the people that his administration would focus on the economy in his second term in office

even as he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that kidnappers and other dangerous criminals were eliminated.

He said: “Every month, we pay contractors about N3 billon. Edo State devotes about 85 per cent of the federal revenue to capital projects that people can see. Our market women who were in the past used during election and abandoned, we have empowered them by giving them cash to rebuild their markets.”

In a good will message, Akande said the people of

Edo State had always wanted to be counted among the progressives.

On his own, Tinubu said Oshiomhole had made a change in the state.

Buhari, on his part, said the people of the state had witnessed five years of tremendous development.

He said the APC was determined to secure the country so that people could move freely, adding that his party was also determined to stop terrorism and kidnapping when it assumed power at the centre.

Wednesday November 13, 2013

No agreement can stop Jonathan’s re-election –Bio

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Confab, last effort to save Nigeria –Uko

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APC, INEC disagree over creation of extra polling units SINA FADARE

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has raise alarm over the creation of 1,973 extra polling units in Anambra State out of the existing 4,608 polling unit, bringing the total voting points to 6,581.

The party in a statement issued in Benin on Tuesday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the alert becomes necessary because the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not educated voters on the extra polling units, a few days before the election.

Mohammed said the development could either disenfranchise many voters or play into the hands of those who are already perfecting their rigging strategies.

The APC pointed out that it is necessary to alert voters because the said extra poll-

ing units together account for over 800,000 votes.

“INEC, apparently in order to facilitate the accreditation and voting process on Saturday, has created these extra polling units from those that have in excess of 500 voters. This action in itself may not have diabolical undertone, especially because the extra polling units are expected to be located within the same place as the original ones and presided over by Assistant Presiding Officers.

“But in a situation where voters are not aware of this development, there is the risk that some dirty INEC officials could collude with unscrupulous and desperate politicians to move these extra units away from the location of the original ones for secret thumb-printing, thus disenfranchising over 800,000 voters and paving the way for the appropriation of such votes by vote thieves,” The APC said.

The party therefore enjoined INEC to urgently give the creation of the extra polling units the necessary publicity; alert voters to the fact that the extra units will be at the same location as the original ones; ensure the deployment of adequate officials to man the extra units on Saturday and also make sure that enough voting materials are provided for them.

“INEC must be proactive, because lack of adequate personnel and materials for

these extra polling units will create chaos on voting day.

Therefore, adequate person-

nel must be trained to man the extra units, while voters must be educated so that they won’t be looking for where to vote on Saturday.’’

The APC called on its members and supporters in the state to spread the news on the creation of the extra polling units, as well as the fact that the extra units are located within the same premises as the original ones.

But INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Board of Directors of

the commission’s Electoral Institute, Prof. Lai Olurode, said voting points were created to reduce overcrowding in the existing polling units.

His words: “The commission has done everything to ensure that the election is successful. We created the sub-units (voting points) from polling units that had over 1, 000 voters and reduced each voting point to not more that 300 to 400.”He promised that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised in the election.

FOUR TOP GOVERNORSHIP CONTENDERS

Multiple registrations: Keyamo calls for Obiano’s prosecution KAYODE KETEFE

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agos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to prosecute the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Mr. Willie Obiano, on the grounds that he allegedly engaged in multiple voter registrations.

This call was contained in a petition dated November 12, which was sent to the Chairman of the electoral body by Keyamo, the All Progressives Congress, APC’s lawyer.

In the petition, a copy of which was made available to National Mirror yesterday, Keyamo noted that the commission had earlier failed to prosecute a single person out of thousands of people it caught for multiple registration in 2011, stressing that this shows nonchallant attitude to statutory responsibilities on the

part of the commission.

Keyamo made reference to section 2 and 3 of the Electoral Act, 2010, which criminalise multiple registrations with stipulated penalty of N100,000 or a term of imprisonment.

He, therefore, called on INEC to commence the prosecution of Obiano within 24 hours failing which he threatened to obtain order of mandamus to compel the commission to carry out its statutory duty.

The petition reads in part: “Find attached copies of documents evidencing the said double registration at Otuocha Ward 1.

“Also, it is now public knowledge that the said “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” had earlier registered at Ifako/Soluyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 060 - Junction of Ramot Oluwakemi Street, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. His Voter Identification Number (VIN) is 90F5B12B01296204172 while his serial number on the Voters’ Register is 416.

Ngige

Obiano

Uba

Nwoye

Olurode said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the sale of voters’ cards was unpatriotic and should be avoided by all Nigerians.

The commissioner was reacting to reports that voters’ cards were being sold in Anambra State for N5,000 ahead of the November 16 governorship poll in the state.

He noted that the INEC had on October 2, in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral System, carried out voter education in Anambra State.

He said that the exercise was to demonstrate the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.

“It is surprising that

people are still defacing and selling their cards. We are not going to use card reader in Anambra, but the features on the card, the photograph and the pin number will not make it possible for anybody to use the card unduly.

“We have trained our people to look very cleverly and patiently at the photograph on the voter card. We assure you that no other person can use a voter card in place of another because it will mean an attempt to erode the right of citizens to choose their leaders,” he said.

He noted that it would be criminal to buy and attempt to use another person’s card to vote.

He gave the assurance that purchased voter cards would not be used for the Anambra gubernatorial poll.

INEC announces restriction on movements ...Warns against sale of voter cards

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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Anambra on Tuesday said that movement of persons and vehicles would be restricted between midnight on Friday, November 15 and 10p.m. on Saturday, November 16.

This is contained in a statement signed by Prof.

Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, INEC Resident Commissioner in the state.

The statement stated that the restriction would affect movement in and out of the state during the period.

It declared that the restriction had become necessary for a successful and peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election in the state scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

It, therefore, enjoined anyone or group of persons passing through the state to find an alternative route on the said dates and time.

It also said that nobody would be allowed to move around the state with any security details no matter how highly placed urging all concerned to abide by the directives “Anybody who flouts this order will be arrested and prosecuted. These measures are geared towards a hitch free conduct of gubernatorial election in the state on the aforementioned dates,” the statement further stated.

Meanwhile, National Commissioner of INEC, Prof. Lai Olorode, on Tuesday said that sale of voters’ cards was tantamount to annulment of citizenship rights.

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Politics

Former Minister of Transport and one-time Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Isah Bio, believes that the seven aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party, governors are averse to reconciliation by their actions. In this interview with AYODELE OJO, he speaks on the PDP crisis, President Goodluck Jonathan and Kwara politics. Excerpts: As a stakeholders in Kwara politics, are you with Senator Bukola Saraki in the new Peoples Democratic Party, PDP? With all intent and purposes I am not with him and I am not going to be with the new PDP. I belong to the PDP and I don’t believe in the struggle or the ideals of the new PDP. I’m an ardent follower of Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the great Waziri of Ilorin and for the last 20 years, I have been very close to Baba Saraki (may his soul rest in peace). I believe in his leadership because it is genuine and transparent. You could see the zeal in what he was doing and you could see him being a good philanthropist, kind and focused. As a result, I became very close to him over the years and I was one of the people that he trusted and who were very close to him. Anywhere he went, I went with him.

By 1998, I was one of the people liaising for Kwara State for those people who are going to be in the PDP. But shortly after, I was almost neck deep in the PDP when we realised that Baba Saraki was going to join All Peoples Party, APP. So, most of us left PDP and followed him to APP. Unfortunately, in 1999, they denied him the presidential ticket in Kaduna and gave it to Ogbonnaya Onu, which metamorphosed to Olu Falae/Umaru Shinkafi ticket. But Baba Saraki did not revolt in Kaduna. He pleaded with us to stay calm rather than being violent. He left in the night to avoid violence. These are good qualities of a leader. In politics, you don’t win all the time. You lose some time and at other times you gain. That is the kind of philosophy I believe and agree with.

But the present leadership of Bukola Saraki that we have is the politics of elimination, politics of coercion and politics of me first before others. It’s no more politics of carrying people along. Leadership entails not just being or calling yourself a leader. You have to have the love of the people and the people must also love you in return. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Kwara State at the moment and some of us in the last two or three years have just stayed aloof to watch the events that are unfolding in Kwara State.

When they came up with the issue of the new PDP, I believed it was ill-timed, illconceived and very selfish. In every organisation, there are supposed to be grievances and misunderstanding; there are supposed to be some sort of disaffection. But you don’t tear an organisation because you are not getting your issues addressed. There are structured ways of addressing grievances in any organisation, including your house. If your child is aggrieved, he will go and tell his mother that daddy didn’t pay my school fees not that the boy will just get rid of you. I think they have taken wrong step because there are better ways they

Wednesday November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No agreement can stop Jonathan’s re-election –Bio

Bio

could have expressed their grievances and they could have been heard.

The crisis in the PDP has more to do with the 2015 presidency. Do you share this view?

Again, those people that are complaining or aggrieved most of them have presidential ambitions. I know the Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, has a presidential ambition. It is not a secret that Sule Lamido has presidential ambition. It is not a secret that Dr. Bukola Saraki has presidential ambition; neither is it a secret that Rabiu Kwankwaso has presidential ambition and they believe the best way to go about this is to first of all get rid of President Goodluck Jonathan who is the current President and the coast will be clear for them.

But it is clear that destiny played its part in Jonathan becoming President. President Yar’Adua died, under whom I served as a minister and nobody has life in his hand.

It is God. The constitution clearly spells out that if the President is incapable either by virtue of death or any other means that is enshrined by the Constitution, then the Vice President automatically becomes the President. With all the rigmarole, all the politics of cabalism and whatever, God has designed that this man will be the President and he is there. I believe people should accept it. If you want the party to survive and you want the Presidency to be honoured as the highest authority in the country, then people should respect that office and negotiate.

But in any case, whether we like it or not, President Jonathan is already there.

2015 is the hand of God. Who knows who will be alive in 2015? Who knows what will happen in 2015? You sit down with him and say Mr. President; you have already gone more than half way. If the constitution allows you to go for a second term, so be it; then we can renegotiate. After the SouthSouth has gone, let it come back to the North. But for people to say they must tear the party or disgrace the President I don’t

AN AGREEMENT IS A MORAL ISSUE. BUT A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT IS A LEGAL ISSUE. WHICH

ONE SUPERSEDES

THE OTHER? IS IT THE AGREEMENT THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE SIGNED IN A ROOM OR WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS buy it and I don’t believe it’s the right thing to do. I don’t think I should belong to that kind of arrangement. Even in the school, there are ways of addressing grievances.

In your family, there are ways of addressing grievances. The same goes for a political organization.

Saraki is with the seven aggrieved PDP governors who are discussing with the All Progressives Congress, APC. If the group defects to the opposition party, how do you see the power balance? Do you think it will spell doom for the PDP? Let me confess to you that the loyalty Baba Saraki commanded for 42 years, I don’t think Bukola Saraki has the capacity and wherewithal to command that kind of loyalty and support of the people. Wellmeaning people, well-meaning Kwarans and well-meaning politicians are not happy with the events in Kwara. For some of us, we just stayed aside and said let’s watch.

For instance, look at the local government election that took place in Offa. Everybody saw it and it is still in the internet. APC had about 11,000 votes and PDP had about 4,000 votes. Then, they went and changed it overnight and announced PDP with 25,000 and

made the APC 20,000 votes. That’s not the quality of good leadership and that is not a democratic culture in the state. People are aggrieved and people are not happy with that kind of thing.

People are fed up with the kind of system we are practicing. I believe PDP is the party that everybody wants to follow. Let them go to APC or any other party and you will be surprised that Kwara people will remain in the PDP. PDP will be the party that will win in Kwara. I can assure you that because I’m in touch with the people. All meaningful politicians don’t go to greet Bukola anymore. Baba Saraki’s place used to be a place where big minds in Kwara politics meet to discuss issues. Baba used to call everybody one after the other. But when you go there now, what you would see are people who are of no political value. Who are the people of political experience in what they are parading now? All the political gladiators that are well known people, good political gladiators that were Baba’s right hand men, I cannot count two or three that are in Bukola’s camp for now.

The major grievance of the G-7 governors of the PDP is that there was a certain agreement with President Jonathan not to re-contest. Are you are aware of such agreement?

The way the seven governors are going, if there was actually a written agreement, they would have published it by now. Commonsense would have prevailed on them by now with the level they are going, for them to have walked out of the convention; they would have produced that agreement to the press and to Nigerians to say this President is not a reliable person. He has signed an agreement and he is not able to keep to that agreement; and as the number one citizen, we believe he has no moral right to lead us.

If they have such an agreement, let them produce it. If there is any agreement whatsoever, they would have produced it by now to convince some of us who were not there.

Come to think of fit, an agreement is a moral issue. But a constitutional right is a legal issue. Which one supersedes the other? Is it the agreement they claimed to have signed in a room or what the constitution says. The constitution says anybody, either a governor or a President has the right to seek for two terms of four years and if Jonathan has just finished his first term, he has the constitutional right to go in for a second term. Is it the constitution that we are going to follow or the so-called agreement signed in a room? If they have it, let them produce it.

For me, I don’t even believe there was any agreement because at this stage, instead of causing the nation agony, confusion and breaking the nation into pieces, they should have been able to produce that agreement to say gentlemen, this is the agreement we had with Jonathan.

There have been several efforts to reconcile these aggrieved governors. Do you still think peace is achievable?

I am not going to hold fort for the PresiCONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Civil Service

15

IMMIGRATION RECRUITMENT: APPLICATION FEE NOT COMPULSORY –MINISTER P.16

Abuja land scam: NSCDC exonerates self OMEIZA AJAYI

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Representative of the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe (left) and the Ujah of Anaguta, Mr. Jauro Magaji, during the launch of NACA’s free medical outreach campaign in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday.

PHOTO: NAN

Racketeers hijack Yellow Card issuance MARCUS FATUNMOLE

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nsuspecting Nigerians are currently made to pay twice the official charge for the newly introduced Yellow Card at the nation’s borders by swindlers, National Mirror can authoritatively report.

Investigations showed that the popular Seme border between NigeriaBenin is most notorious for the illicit act.

Yellow card, more formally known as International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, is one of the instruments employed in international health to reduce the risk of vaccine preventable diseases. It may

be requested from an international traveller at entry points such as airports, seaports and land borders of countries if the traveller is coming from an area considered to be at risk of transmission of diseases, including Yellow Fever.

A Yellow Card is issued and signed by an authorized health worker bearing the official stamp of the designated vaccination centre after vaccination. Valid Yellow Fever vaccination is given at least 10 days before travel and valid for 10 years.

Nigeria significantly altered the security features and aesthetics of the old card shortly after its row with South Africa in 2012 when the latter deported scores of Nige-

Bayelsa LGs plan automated attendance register P.41

rians over allegations of yellow fever disease in Nigeria.

Currently, six security features are on the new card, which according to source, is printed by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Limited. The card is managed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The old card was sold for N500 while the new one goes for N1000, as stipulated by the Federal Government.

While the card is sold at Port Health offices in states of the federation and the Federal Ministry of Health secretariat, Abuja; international airports, seaports and ground crossing (land borders), payment for

the card is not receipted, thereby enabling handlers to help themselves with unholy profits made from hike in its price.

One of the victims of the act, who pleaded anonymiy, told National Mirror: “I was travelling to Benin Republic last week; when I got to the Seme boarder, some people who claimed to be health officials from Nigeria requested that I show them my Yellow Card before I could be allowed to pass.

They did same to others that were in the same vehicle with me. We told them we didn’t have the card; some even claimed they never heard of anything called Yellow Card.

“The ‘officials’ said we should pay N2000 for the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Planning Minister charges MDAs on service delivery quality, efficiency P.42

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has exonerated itself of any wrongdoing with regards to the recent land scam in Abuja involving some of its officers.

The Corps said although some of its personnel were involved, it has become necessary to explain that the NSCDC as an institution does not involve itself in any land deals.

It said sequel to insinuation making rounds in the media about the involvement of the Corps in land racketeering in FCT and Nasarawa State and subsequent seizure of 61 houses and 45 plots of land from NSCDC officials by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, its Commandant General, Dr. Ade Abolurin has again reiterated the fact that the organisation is not involved in sales of land and has never at any point in time delegated persons, organisations or agents to do so on its behalf.

According to him, the Corps does not have land for sale, neither does it have any housing estate in its name. Abolurin added that the mandate of the Corps as a paramilitary agency of government is to protect and safeguard the critical infrastructure of government and national assets, which include petroleum pipelines, power transmission equipment and telecommunication installations across the country among others.

“Therefore, we do not have business whatsoever with the purported land sales and any officer found culpable must be sanctioned according to the laws of the federation,” he said.

Abolurin said the Corps will like to make it unequivocally clear that the aforementioned 61 houses and other property seized by the ICPC does not belong to the NSCDC but rather to some indicted officers who are currently under investigation and prosecution by ICPC as the seized property are assumed to be acquired from the proceeds of the illegal land sales by the scammers.

According to the NSCDC boss, the Corps has a name to protect. “It is an organisation guided by integrity in service delivery, and thus cannot be blamed for crimes committed by individuals taking advantage of the good name the organisation has built over time to swindle unsuspecting Nigerians,” he said.

He said the public may wish to note that upon discovery of the illicit practice, he (Abolurin) personally took the case to the ICPC for an independent investigation and prosecution as part of his resolve to rid the Corps of bad eggs that may contaminate the system which was built over the years on an incorruptible foundation.

The Commandant General requested that indicted officers be investigated and prosecuted under the corrupt practices and other related offences.

Gombe to provide free medicare to women, children

P.42

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From the Civil Service

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Immigration recruitment: Application fee not compulsory –Minister OMEIZA AJAYI

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inister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro has again explained that the Federal Government has not collected any fee from applicants for the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, job.

He insisted that the ministry does not charge any fee for jobs.

According to the minister, the N1,000 charge for every applicant applying for a job in NIS, is the charge by the consulting firm to defray cost of accessing the website to fill the forms.

He, however, said the fee is optional as applicants can chose to submit hard

copies of their applications to the ministry or the immigration service.

He said the action is also intended to save the applicants the cost of travelling to Abuja to submit their application forms, as well as avoid other inherent risks, including activities of middleman and other abuses.

Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, George Udoh, told National Mirror that the action is also against the backdrop of an earlier exercise that was carried out some years ago during which applicants converged on a common place and there was a stampede which resulted in the loss of some lives.

He said the ministry had consulted widely with relevant government agencies

Moro

before embarking on the process.

“The minister has the greatest respect for the laws of the land and would not in any circumstance breach any provision of an existing law. The N1,000

charge was approved for the consultant after due consultations with all relevant government agencies. .

“With specific regards to the House of Representatives on issue of N1,000 processing fee, the minister had no reason whatsoever to disagree with the decision of lawmakers on the methodology to be adopted for the exercise.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the minister and members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Interior had a fruitful and robust engagement on the N1, 000 online application fee when the committee members led by its Deputy Chairman, Hon. Dan Asuquo, visited the Ministry of Interior

L-R: Supervising Minister for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike; Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr. Musa Babayo and Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, at the presentation of TETfund National Research Fund Intervention Project Award in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Racketeers hijack Yellow Card issuance CONTINUED FROM 15

card before we could be allowed to pass. We paid; they gave us the card but no receipt was given to us,” the victim who didn’t want his name in print said.

Meanwhile, at the Federal Ministry of Health Secretariat in Abuja, the Minister of State’s Conference Room is a beehive of activities as officials of the ministry struggle to cope with population of Nigerians who come for the card.

Mostly young Nigerians were seen hanging on

the corridor of the floor when our reporter visited the ministry yesterday.

Assisted by a young private security guard who keeps huge file containing the names of persons who have come for the card, our reporter noted the crowd faces less stress in getting the card.

Those with the old card only go into the conference room to change the information on the old card to the new one and do not pay for it.

Whereas, those who obtain the card for the first time are made to

pay N1000 only as against what obtains at the borders.

“Those with the old card only come to change them for the new one without any charge,” said one of the staff of the Port Health Services department who pleaded anonymity, adding that “whoever comes to get the card for the first will be requested to get Yellow Fever vaccination if he/she has not done so.”

The official also noted that “payment for the cards is not receipted.

The cards are then given

out to those who issue them at the ports, borders and airports. They are documented before given to them and the collectors sign. When they sell the card, they take the money to the bank themselves; those who collect the card only give them the N1000. If any mistake is made on the card, the issuer bears responsibility for the payment.”

It would be recalled that the old card was invalidated by the Federal Government late September this year.

on Tuesday, October 8, on oversight function,” he said.

He added that apart from the pronouncement to respect the decision of the lawmakers, the minister has continually told applicants that the online application was optional.

“So, if you want online

application for the purpose of processing your application for engagement into the ministry or its parastatals you go online, if you don’t, you submit your hardcopy application to the ministry or NIS. So, Nigerians are free to choose which option they think they want.”

Ekiti motivates civil servants with ICT training ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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s part of efforts to motivate its workforce, the Ekiti State government has organised a one-day Information Communication Technology, ICT, training for staff of the state Ministry of Justice.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, restated the Kayode Fayemi administration’s commitment to training and retraining of the workforce to hone their skills and as well ensure their effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery.

Fapohunda, who spoke during the one-day ICT training session organised for workers in its Registry Division, advised civil servants in the state to rededicate themselves to their duties and shun time wasting.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Mrs. Bolanle Awe, urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity provided by the state government to broaden their ICT knowledge.

The commissioner appealed to them not to see the time spent as a waste but to concentrate with all sense of purpose.

Responding, one of the participants, Mr. Kayode Adeleyimu, appreciated the Ekiti State government for putting up the session and urged the state government not to relent in its effort at organising such training sessions for them.

In a related develop-

ment, the state government has urged civil servants to be prudent with their resources in order to improve their standard of living.

The State Head of Service, HoS, Mr. Olubunmi Famosanya, urged the workers to tap all available and legal opportunities for prudent management of their resources, which he said were necessary for them to step up.

Famosanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Omobolanle Fakunle, spoke at a workshop organised in Ado Ekiti by the state government in conjunction with the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The workshop was targeted at sensitising civil servants in the state on the importance of making productive and sensitive decisions on spending their take-home pay.

The HoS stressed the importance of financial literacy which she described as the skill and knowledge needed to make informed and effective decisions with their individual financial resources.

In his remarks, the NSE branch manager in charge of Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states, Mrs Adejumola Bada, urged civil servants to inculcate the idea of saving for the future.

Bada, who promised to assist people interested in investing in the stock market, charged all potential stock brokers in the state to join the drive to make the NSE to be the leading Exchange in the continent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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Matters Arising on Egypt PUBLIC DOMAIN

DELE

SETEOLU

deleseteolu@nationalmirroronline.net (08033137577 SMS only)

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he deposed President of Egypt, Dr. Mohammed Morsi has appeared in court for trial on his role in the violent protest led by the Islamic Brotherhood against his overthrow in a military coup d’état led by the Army Chief, Gen. Abdel Fateeh Al-Sisi. Dr.Mohammed Morsi’s appearance in court became dramatic when he introduced himself as Dr. Mohammed Morsi, the President of the Republic. He claimed he was in court by force and against his will. He also insisted that the coup is a crime and treason.

Dr. Morsi struck a defiant tone when he shouted ‘down with military rule’ and called himself the country’s only ‘legitimate President’. We should recall that the military had toppled the elected government led by Dr. Mohammed Morsi for its decrees and perceived religious fundamentalism. The Islamic Brotherhood had won the Presidential election and two third of majority in parliament. The military usurpation of power occurred in the context of perceived Morsi’s inability to address economic difficulties and rising social tension confronting the polity.

It is, however, problematic to explain

how military coup d’état was considered a viable option to a democratically elected government and panacea to the country’s socio-economic crises. For clarity, the Islamic Brotherhood is not restricted to Egypt. It exists in Algeria, Tunisia and other states in the Maghreb. The brotherhood had intervened at non-state level in the region’s socio-economic crises and offered concrete interventions to alleviate the harsh fallouts of adjustment reforms.

The military has been alleged to serve western interest that is apprehensive of Al-Qaeda penetration into Egypt as a result of the leadership of Islamic Brotherhood, Freedom and Justice Party led by Dr. Mohammed Morsi. The coup has clearly divided the country and heightened sectarian tendencies. Egypt has been the worse for the crisis and Israel is stronger for it. The crisis in Egypt, therefore, has the tendency to alter the balance of power in the Middle East. The coup is not a viable response to terrorist threat. The Islamic Brotherhood has not been indicted for terrorist activities; and the military lack evidence of its link to Al-Qaeda. The current situation in Egypt is more likely to dispose the country to internal and external terror attacks intended to pressure the military junta to restore Dr. Morsi’s leadership.

This writer concedes to the right of Christian minorities in Egypt and their legitimate fear of domination by the Muslim dominated government. These fears are legitimate, but there should have been more pressure and time space to Dr. Morsi led government to deal with the various challenges facing the polity. Curiously,

IT IS TRAGIC THAT THE STATE IN EGYPT HAS BEEN CAPTURED BY FOREIGN POWERS IN ALLIANCE WITH THE MILITARY FACTION OF THE LOCAL DOMINANT CLASS the Egyptian society has not been at peace since the annulment of Morsi’s mandate.

The higher institutions have been replete with protests and violent demonstrations by students who insist on the restoration of Dr. Morsi led administration.

Meanwhile, the President of Egypt, Dr. Morsi appeared angry in court and interrupted the court session. The judge was compelled to adjourn the trial, which barely got under way to January 8, 2014. The opponents of the military coup had argued that the trial is part of a campaign to crush Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement and revive a police state reminiscent of Hosni Mubarak’s three decade of autocratic rule that ended in a 2011 popular revolt.

To Morsi, ‘his trial is illegitimate’. To his supporters, ‘the will of the people has been raped’, a reference to the army take over.

The foregoing suggests that the Muslim Brotherhood will not abandon the street protests to pressure the army to reinstate Dr. Mohammed Morsi. The heavy secu-

rity presence, however, in the major cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Ismael et cetera points at the army’s preference to crack down on protester and anti-military groups. It is pretentious of the West to ignore the killings of civilians by the Egyptian army. In the West, the populace cannot be mauled by security agencies. Similarly, the Egyptians have a right to freely express their legitimate right to speech and assembly. It is ironic that the army had equally called for anti-Morsi protests with state protection.

The role of army in the politics of Egypt suggests that it lacks a balancing role. The army has not grown beyond political struggles in the polity it hijacked to foster the strategic interests of the West. The Islam phobia in the West has further led to the pressure on Egyptian army to vitiate the mandate of a democratic leadership. The military in Egypt has not shown to be relatively autonomous in the power struggles. It is tragic that the state in Egypt has been captured by foreign powers in alliance with the military faction of the local dominant class. The foreign powers, however, would be satisfied with a weak, troubled and divided Egypt within the context of Middle East politics. For clarity, the trial of President Mohammed Morsi is illegal and outrageous. The states in Africa should discontinue diplomatic relations with Egypt till the Morsi administration is restored to power. The Egyptian experience signposts a negative trend in the de-democratization of the region and this should be curbed.

Anambra polls: Why Ngige is heading for victory TONY ICHEKU

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he odds now tilt in favour of Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for to emerge as next governor of Anambra State in the November 16, 2013 election emerging for different and strategic reasons peculiar to Anambra politics.

In Anambra, politics has always been robust and dynamic for the fact that everyone is a stakeholder and like the much vaunted Igbo traditional values, the society is egalitarian, as every voter makes open his or her candid opinion without minding whose ox is gored. This is because A the people are self-reliant and pragmatic.

As a politician, Ngige has weathered the toughest terrain of the country’s politics and had his baptism of fire when he earned the unenviable record of being kidnapped as a governor. He is therefore the proverbial cat with nine lives, whose Chi or God is always dictating his steps. For Saturday’s election, he is the issue, and the most central in all discussions and permutations of who succeeds Governor Peter Obi. Ngige practically took himself up the rungs of the ladder and emerged as governor, who won the hearts of his people and even beyond by declining to compromise with political godfathers, who like leeches have embedded themselves into the politics of the state. He turned the odds against them and emerged trium-

IN ABOUT THREE LIVE DEBATES SO FAR HELD, NGIGE HAS CLEARLY LED WITH SUPERIOR ARGUMENTS AND ENLIGHTENMENT ON HIS PROPOSED POLICY THRUST.

phant. His administration was transparent and accountable to the people.

Having incurred the wrath of the godfathers, it is believed that he was conspiratorially “booted out” by the court that installed Obi as governor. Obi is alleged to have no qualms with the cabal that threw away Ngige because he “settles.”

The masses that Ngige worked for since his 2006 exit have remained with him. He is said to have clearly won the 2010 election if not for the alleged rigging through the manipulation of voters’ registers. That faulty register has not improved much since then which is reason again the election is electrifying all stakeholders. Ngige later ditched the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of which he was a founding member and joined then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to fight for the sake of masses whose entitlements are allegedly mortgaged. He again emerged by

the popular will and trashed Obi’s APGA to win the Senatorial seat.

It is therefore discernable why he is indispensable in the fight to salvage the state.

He is not being accused of having qualms with people, even with the aristocrats, except for the cabal that see him as a threat.

In about three live debates so far held, Ngige has clearly led with superior arguments and enlightenment on his proposed policy thrust. In all, what shone through was his brilliance, erudition, political experience and administrative competence, making his rivals to shy away from subsequent debates.

What is regarded as a question for the triumph of Ngige is his party, APC, which his opponents through sheer propaganda label a Yoruba party. But having recently won his senatorial seat with the ACN such falsehood is now dead. There is no doubt that the brand new APC now has wide national spread with the states in the north and even in South-East and South-South.

The argument is that Ngige is first, an Igbo man before his affiliation with any political party; that he will resist any outside interference and thereby use the state’s money for the people; that the funds will obviously not be taken to any godfather. The argument on his political party, APC, affiliation is said to be so naive that only those who are not well informed will succumb to such falsehood inherent in the propaganda.

Other factors going for Ngige are the

recent tragedy at the ‘Uke Adoration Ground’, where no less than 28 worshippers died. Whereas, Obi accused Ngige of being responsible for the tragedy, the Catholic Church authorities exonerated him, saying he was neither at the venue nor sent any emissaries, unlike Obi who was there with his campaign team.

A clip of the video at the event indicates that Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obinma who was ministering by power of the ‘Holy Spirit’ had predicted that a new leader would emerge by November 16, which everybody will be proud of. Without knowing it, the Man of God mentioned ‘Onwa gaeti ozo’!, which is Ngige’s title. These revelations happened before the APGA campaign team at the church.

On how he hopes to transform Anambra State, Ngige has articulated a 12-point agenda which is a continuation of his blueprints which he insists is only 30 %been implemented by Gov. Obi . There is no doubt that by voting Ngige, Anambra will realise its potentials and take its place as one of the leading states, indeed live up to its motto: ‘Light of the Nation’.

Tony Icheku wrote this piece from Enugu 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.

Editorial

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Wednesday, Novemnber 13, 2013

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PDP crisis and the nation

he re-instatement of the erstwhile National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and the attendant appeal that is likely to follow it will of course add a new twist to the raging crisis in the strife-torn ruling party that prides itself as the largest party in Africa. Indeed, Nigerians have watched with consternation the gradual snowballing of the intra-party crisis in the PDP to a national crisis. A family affair, socalled, at the beginning, popular thinking had been that it would be resolved as such in no time. But the crisis is assuming different dimensions on daily basis.

Already, the apprehension is high that the acrimony would aggravate the socioeconomic crisis in the nation and retard good governance, which is already on recess.

This fear is not unfounded. After all, with PDP’s dominant control of state apparatus at the federal level and in most states in the country, no part of the federation seems safe from the putrid odour of the crisis. The implication is that, rather than managing public affairs to provide for the needs of the citizens, the attention of politi-

THE RULING PARTY OUGHT TO BE A

MODEL, NOT OF BITTERNESS AND RANCOR, BUT OF

TOLERANCE AND ACCOMMODATION cians and top government officials who are bent of clinging to power or its corridors will remain adrift until God knows when.

Managing the ailing PDP seems to be at the centre of governance, even when the country itself is acclaimed to be sick. What a tragedy for a nation, whose 53 years of political independence (most of which were usurped by the military) yielded more of corruption, incredible impunity and public immorality, than any tangible development.

Exactly 12 years ago, a critic had described the PDP and its members as an unholy alliance of old brigades, discredited politicians, crumb seekers, opportunists and confused elements in the nation’s polity. The tragedy of the party, the writer said, is that “majority of her stakeholders have no redeeming value in the na-

tion’s polity’’. The columnist had argued then that the crisis ravaging the party at the time was as a result of disagreements among the country’s core political elite as to who gets what and in what proportion. Today, the writer seems vindicated. Sadly, too, no credible opposition emerged to wrest power from the PDP, despite its visible sickness.

Presently, however, there is no contention that PDP’s chronic ailment has turned a national malaise which must be scrupulously managed to prevent Nigeria from slipping into further chaos. The country’s stability is sufficiently compromised already, even to the point of disintegration. The situation the country is now enmeshed in will help explain why we share the concern of the coalition of civil society organisations in the country, which recently implored President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP leadership to resolve the crisis rocking the party.

In a statement jointly signed by the coordinator of the group, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, and three others: Mesele Joe, Chidi Nwabufo and Adamu Hussein, the coalition warned that the crisis in the PDP, if not properly managed, could truncate democracy in Nigeria

or cause a major rift along ethnic and religious lines.

Also recall that a seasoned financial analyst and Head of Regional Research for Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, equally expressed the fear recently that Nigeria’s push for sustainable development and long term economic stability might be undermined by not just the high cost of governance, but by current political upheavals in the ruling party. Khan specifically noted that the current crisis in the PDP remained a potential risk to Nigeria’s efforts to boost economic activities in the oil and gas sector and the implementation of the 2014 budget (amid growing poverty levels in the country).

Many other eminent persons have sounded similar warnings.

We are no less concerned by the damage the self-inflicted crisis dogging the PDP is doing to governance, the nation’s psyche and most importantly, its inherent security implications. The PDP war lords should sheathe their swords in the interest of the nation. The ruling party ought to be a model, not of bitterness and rancor, but of tolerance and accommodation if the group is really on a mission to serve the country.

ON THIS DAY November 13, 1956 The Supreme Court of the United States declared Alabama laws requiring segregated buses illegal, thus ending the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, a seminal event in the US civil rights movement, was a political and social protest campaign against the policy of racial segregation on the public transit system of Montgomery, Alabama. The campaign lasted from December 1, 1955 to December 20, 1956.

November 13, 1974 Ronald DeFeo, Jr. murderred his entire family in Amityville, Long Island in the house that would become known as The Amityville Horror. Ronald Joseph “Butch” DeFeo, Jr. (born September 26, 1951) is an American mass murderer. He was tried and convicted for the 1974 killings of his father, mother, two brothers and two sisters. The case is notable for being the real life inspiration behind the book and film versions of ‘The Amityville Horror’.

November 13, 2001 In the first such act since World War II, former United States President, George W. Bush, signed an executive order allowing military tribunals against foreigners suspected of connections to terrorist acts or planned acts on the US. The War on is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign against terrorists begun in 2001 by the US and the United Kingdom, with support from other countries.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Health & Wellbeing Many women are still not accessing family planning methods-Study 20

Health benefits 20 of banana

Tackling mental health challenges of megacity How prepared are we?

SEKINAH L AWAL

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s Lagos and some others are struggling to attain the megacity status, the state government has been making efforts to make the city quite livable.

In this wise, there is need to learn from the experiences of other cities that have faced the megacity and rapid urbanization challenges. Lagos as a megacity faces some unique challenges such as a relatively tiny land-mass and a clustering of the population which leads to population density of up to 20,000 per square meter in the metropolis and 4,193 per square meter in the whole state.

As a result, it will be a good thing to always ask what it takes to live in a megacity and whether the inhabitants are socially and emotionally ready as it is widely agreed that one of the major health and sociological challenges posed by megacity status is the wide variety of stress placed on the people and the society.

As the state government will hold a conference to examine the implications of attaining a megacity status as well as focus on the health and social issues that characterize a megacity, it will do the citizens a lot of good to also start preparing emotionally and psychologically for a lot of the many challenges accompanying megacity status.

The Conference tagged; “The Livable City; Preparing for the Mental and Social Health needs of the Lagos Mega City� is expected to draw participants from all walks of life. According to the Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris,

the conference is scheduled to hold between tomorrow, Thursday, 14th and Friday, 15th November, 2013.

He stressed that the deliberation of the conference will involve participants taking stock of existing health and social infrastructure for dealing with the emotional well-being of citizens, critique of the plans and structure that are in process, and chart a pathway for development that comprehensively addresses the problems.

This objective will be achieved by involving sociologists, psychiatrist, psychologists and other social, scientist. It is expected that a document with a multi-sectoral strategy for integrated development of mental and social health needs of the Lagos megacity will be produced at the end of the conference while hoping too that the document will be adequately implemented for the benefit of all.

Dr. Idris added that the rapid urbanization and general infrastructural developments in communication technology, transport networks, and expansion of educational and employment opportunities in public and private organizations are among measures that are designed to improve the quality of life of people.

The Commissioner noted that one of the major sociological challenges posed by a rapidly urbanizing environment like Lagos is the wide variety of stress placed on the society adding that the effect may be logically anticipated to be deepening and expanding needs for social and psychological services as well as creating new needs and demanding the creation of services that were not previously necessary or anticipated.

Dr. Idris

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

ONE OF THE MAJOR HEALTH AND SOCIOLOGICAL CHALLENGES POSED BY MEGACITY STATUS IS THE WIDE VARIETY OF STRESS PLACED ON THE PEOPLE AND THE SOCIETY. Statistics have shown that one in five Americans experienced some sort of mental illness saying women more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness with men (23 percent of women versus 16.9 percent of men), while the rate of mental illness was more than twice as likely in young adults (18 to 25) than people older than 50.

Researchers drew the findings from nearly 70,000 surveys on mental health and addiction among children and adults. And the situation is not different here as the issues of

mental health in Nigeria are indeed multifarious and require very deliberate, specific, and concerted actions. Poverty and consequent stresses associated with poor infrastructure in Nigeria, lack of human rights protections among others make the situation critical.

Following World Health Organisation (WHO) recent estimates that about 20 percent of Nigerians suffer mental illnesses, coupled with the news that mental disorders account for 13 percent of the global burden CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nutrition for Health Chizoba Nwobu chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08065651922 (sms only)

Health benefits of banana

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banana or two each day keeps the doctor away because of its numerous health benefits.

According to nutritionist Michael Van Straten, author of The Healthy Food Directory, “bananas are very healthy because they can alleviate 14 medical conditions, including diarrhea, fatigue, heartburn, insomnia, nausea, menstrual problems, kidney problems, fluid retention, and circulatory problems”. All of these factors combined make the banana a “super food” that forms an integral part of a healthy daily routine.

The Banana is a seedless edible fruit that is loved by many all over the world.

People love this fruit because of its aroma, natural sweet taste, a great source of natural energy, a fruit that comes in a germ proof safety package, and easy to eat.

One important aspect of bananas is that it is cheap and readily available throughout the year unlike other fruits.

Banana belongs to the Musaceae family, with botanical name known as Musa paradisiaca of plants along with plantains. Edible bananas originated in the IndoMalaysian region reaching to northern Australia and other parts of the world. Commercially, it is one of the widely cultivated crops in the tropical and subtropical regions Bananas are natural performance enhancers and energy booster. A recent study, found that consuming half a banana every 15 minutes during a cycling time trial test was as effective as drinking a carbohydrate matched sports drink every 15 minutes. Bananas are a perfect fuel for athletes because they not only provide the carbs your muscles need, they also have the antioxidants that may help speed up recovery.

Banana fruit provides many important health benefiting anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, which is vital for protecting your eyes and normal vision and also lessens risk of night blindness. Vitamin C, which helps to increase resistance against infectious

diseases and scavenge harmful free radicals. Bananas are a good source of iron, which reduces symptoms associated with anemia including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat. Fresh bananas provides adequate levels of other minerals such as copper, which is responsible in the production of red blood cells; magnesium which is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac –protective role and manganese which is utilized by the body as a cofactor for antioxidant enzyme.

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, an essential mineral which maintains proper heart function and regulates normal blood pressure, neuromuscular function, suppresses calcium excretion in urine which can lead to kidney stones, and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. A further research by New England Journal of Medicine suggests that “eating bananas regularly in your diet can cut your risk of having stroke by up to 40%”.

Banana is high in vitamins B6 which regulates blood sugar levels and help your overall mood especially during menstruation. Banana serves as a good source of soluble dietary fibre that prevents constipation and diarrhea due to their richness in pectin, that can normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation. They prevent intestinal disorders like ulcers, because it contains compounds that seem to create a thicker protective barrier in the stomach against hydrochloric acid. Bananas have a chemical called tryptophan (a

mood regulating substance).

Daily consumption of bananas could help us overcome depression, reduces stress, improve our appetite and helps to regulate good sleep patterns as a result of this mood regulating substance.

The ripe banana is utilized in a multitude of ways in the human diet, from simply being peeled, mashed and incorporated into ice cream, or thinly sliced and cooked with lemon juice and sugar to make jam or sauce, or may be used in salad together with other fruits. According to H.K. Bakhru in his book: The natural way to good health stated that, “the flour prepared from dried unripe banana is three times much richer in minerals than wheat flour. It is also more digestible than cereals and an ideal food for infants and invalids”.

Banana skins have been used externally to treat skin conditions like acne, insect bites, burns, wounds, etc. It gives immediate relief. The skins or banana peals are also a good form of fertilizer in our gardens.

When storing banana, unripe bananas should not be placed in the refrigerator as this will interrupt the ripening process. If you need to hasten the ripening process, you can place bananas in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper, adding an apple to accelerate the process. For the most antioxidants, eat fully ripened banana fruit. The only downside with bananas is that some people may become constipated.

If this is the case, then maybe you can mix your bananas with other fruits like papaya and watermelon to loosen your bowels. Taking in lots of water also helps.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Spinal cord victim needs help

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or Mr. Fidelis Ekwenkwo Igbo, a native of Owaelu Uratta in Owerri North Local Government, in Imo State, his last three years on earth has been a living hell.

Coachito as Igbo is fondly called on account of his love for the round leather game, where he has groomed a few lads now plying their trade abroad, starts and ends his day on a mattress to which he has been confined, as a result of a spinal cord injury he suffered when he was knocked down by a truck in Lagos on Monday, December 13th, 2010. Worst still, he does not know when he wants to urinate or defecate, as a result of that, he has to be cleaned up regularly to minimise the unpleasant smell that oozes out from the corner of his hospital bed. He cannot move any of his two legs and he is always in agonising pain.

When his wife and other caregivers are temporarily away, he is on his own; completely helpless. Fate could not have been most unkind to this once active haulage contractor, who now needs help to perform the simplest of tasks. Gazing listlessly into space in his hospital bed at the Living Faith Hospital, 55 Tetlow Road, Owerri, where he has been bedridden for the past three years, a tearful Igbo recalled the sad episode of that fated Monday.

“As a transporter, December period is always a peak period of business and so on that fateful day I had resumed at my Kirikiri office at Olodi Apapa, Lagos, to perfect plans for a trip to the East, where I was expected to deliver some goods for one of my clients, when I was crushed by a truck. I passed out almost immediately only to wake up few days later in a clinic where I was told by relatives that I was rushed to the hospital by a Good Samaritan following the accident”, he recalled.

“This month makes it three years since I have been like this. Throughout this period, I have prayed for death but it refuses to come. And to be honest with you, when I think

Mr. Igbo

about my life, I ask God why I did not die in the accident so that by now, I would not be here making life terrible for my wife and loved ones. “There is absolutely nothing I can do by myself. I can neither crawl nor sit up from the mattress. Once anything is out of my reach, even for an inch, there is no way I can get it. The pain is with me throughout the day and I cannot sleep,” he said, sobbing.

Since then, he has moved from one convalescent home to another until he was finally brought to the present hospital, where Dr. Ngozi Osuji diagnosed him with spinal cord injury. He has since being lying paralysed on the hospital bed. According to Dr. Osuji, a preliminary Magnetic Radio Imagery undertaken at Me cure, Umuahia, from where he was referred to a hospital in India, shows Igbo requires a corrective surgery to restore his health back.

The consultant at Me Cure, Umuahia, in a medical report, wrote, “Examination at the emergency services confirmed an injury to the mid back shows complete loss of both motor and sensory sensations from below lumbar vertebra one. He also displayed associated difficulty in passing urine and in defecation.

Radiologic examination confirmed a burst of L1 vertebra body with attendant retrolisthesis on L2 vertebra.”

The surgery is expected to cost about N6million for the trip and other incidentals. For the once bubbling Igbo known for his philanthropy, painful agony has become a metaphor of existence as he desperately craves a lifeline of N6million for treatment in India in order to get his life back on an even keel.

Diamond Bank account details: 0021088002 Kingsley Ekenkwo. 08038177942

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Lifebuoy partners UNICEF on cholera AISHAT TITILAYO

L

ifebuoy commences another journey towards saving lives by partnering UNICEF with donation of Lifebuoy soap towards basic hygiene practice aimed at preventing the spread of Cholera in Nigeria.

Speaking during the donation of Lifebuoy to UNICEF, Corporate Relations Manager, Mr. Yemi Adeboye, stated the reasons for the donation, “We are aware of recent outbreak of Cholera in Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara, Gombe and Jigawa, which has led to loss of

more than 100 lives. More than 70 per cent of those who died are children below the age of five.”

He said there is consistent evidence that hand washing with soap at critical times – before eating of preparing food and after using the toilet – can reduce Cholera risk by 70 per cent and acute respiratory infections (ARI’s), by 50 per cent.

Hand washing with soap has been cited as one of the most cost-effective interventions to prevent Cholera.

“Lifebuoy has been promoting hand hygiene awareness in Nigeria since 2011. Every year, employees of Unilever Ni-

geria Plc go out to schools to promote hand washing. Since the launch of Lifebuoy in Nigeria, more than 500 Unilever Nigeria employees have reached out to children in cities and towns across the country.” he added.

Chief of UNICEF, Lagos Office, Mrs. Sara Nyanti, noted that UNICEF is happy to be partners in progress with Unilever in areas

of hand washing and other sanitation activities. The promotion of hand washing with soap has high impact in reduction of children deaths. The availability of soap will make a difference in hand washing and proper hygiene.

She added that UNICEF supports governments to fulfil the rights of children. “With this donation of Lifebuoy to UNICEF,

we will reach out to households to make them understand hand washing and its practice. This is the first step of a bigger picture of behavioural change.”

“Our aim is to improve and promote hand washing, the soaps are not for UNICEF but for schools, offices, house to house campaign on hand washing.

The soap will definitely get to those who need it. We are

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partners in progress,” she said. The Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria, Mr. David Okeme, said Lifebuoy is today the world’s number one health soap; this is the vision of the founder of Unilever to create a brand that saves lives.

The bigger purpose is providing consumers with the tools. Unilever is in the fifth year of the schools programme, to promote hand washing to make Nigeria a great nation, a disease and Cholera free country.

Tackling mental health challenges of megacity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 of disease, this conference cannot come at a better time.

Dr. Olufemi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, who is also a Consultant Psychiatrist said there are 20 percent Nigerians suffering from one form of mental ailment or the order.

With a population of 150 million, what this suggests, figuratively, is that about 30 million Nigerians are suffering from mental disorders.

Not to talk of water pollution, food pollution from pesticides and toxins, which are other causes of depression and anxiety in the same way air pollution causes depression and anxiety. Water pollution and food pollution also causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to depression and anxiety.

Though the health facilities and scope of services offered in Lagos are being expanded at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, and private sector involvement in the health sector is being fostered through a variety of government initiatives, the conference should be an avenue of making things to work better.

The conference is expected to focus on topics such as; “Society and Crime, Mental Health Services in a Mega City, Environmental Psychology: The Interface between Our Environment and Us and Social Services and Welfare: The Role of the Government”.

It will also afford the state

government the opportunity to have a clearer understanding of the emerging issues that come along with a megacity and how to implement short term and long term improvements in livability, in an emerging mega city like Lagos.

As the Commissioner as noted, it is hoped that implementation of deliberations at the conference will help chart a positive and realistic course towards making the evolving megacity of Lagos one of the most livable cities of the world while urging Lagosians to really prepare their minds for the challenges ahead.

These include traffic as spatial problems in megacities pose a special challenge for city planners.

These problems can only be overcome by designing unconventional structures, earthquake catastrophes have shown, however, that bridges and flyovers are often highly prone to losses.

About 280 million people currently live in megacities, and this gure is likely to rise to 350 million over the next ten years. More people are moving to megacities in search of work and prosperity and this is especially true of Lagos. We must not deceive ourselves, megacities are practically predestined for risks, whether the risks are natural catastrophes, weather, environment, health and others, megacities are more vulnerable than rural areas. Hence, we really need to plan very well.

Corporate Relations Manager, Unilever Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Adeboye; Chief of UNICEF, Lagos Office, Mrs. Sara Nyanti; Brand Building Director, Mr. David Okeme; and Category Manager, Skin Cleansing, Rotimi Oyesiji, both of Unilever Nigeria, at the donation of Lifebuoy to UNICEF in partnership against Cholera held in Lagos on Monday.

You need to know What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.

Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin.

Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly.

Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes around the world, and is largely the result of excess body weight

and physical inactivity.

Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes, but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen.

Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring in children.

Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is most often diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than reported symptoms.

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG)

What are common consequences of diabetes?

Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

• Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke).

• Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet

increases the chance of foot ulcers, infection and eventual need for limb amputation.

• Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness, and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. One percent of global blindness can be attributed to diabetes.

• Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure.

• The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes.

Prevention Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should: • achieve and maintain healthy body weight; • be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity is required for weight control; • eat a healthy diet of be-

tween three and five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce sugar and saturated fats intake; • avoid tobacco use – smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive blood testing.

• moderate blood glucose control. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin; people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin; • blood pressure control; • foot care.

Other cost saving interventions include: • screening and treatment for retinopathy (which causes blindness); • blood lipid control (to regulate cholesterol levels); • screening for early signs of diabetes-related kidney disease.

These measures should be supported by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.

KEY FACTS • 347 million people worldwide have diabetes*.

• In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of high fasting blood sugar.

• More than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

• WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030.

• Healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Many women are still not accessing family planning methods –Investigation SEKINAH L AWAL

I

t has been noted that a lot of women are still not accessing family planning methods owing to cost and some pre-conceived notions regarding safety.

Recent investigations by our Reporter with the sup-

port of Ipas, at the Island Maternity Hospital and Ibeju Lekki General Hospital alongside other hospitals in Lagos, during the monitoring of their antenatal and family planning programmes, indicated that a lot of women are still not accessing family planning methods.

In the interaction with some women who would like to remain anonymous, it was discovered that majority usually use the pills while they expressed their fear regarding family planning method using IUD and others that involves internal insertion because of cost and pre-conceived

notion on safety as some of them reported irregular bleeding.

In response to the number of those who normally turned up for family planning in comparison to those who attended antenatal, officers in-charge revealed that many of those they did antenatal together do not

L-R: President, Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria, Mr. Azoma Chikwe; Member, Board of Trustees, The Sunny Kuku Foundation, Chief Kunle Ogunade and guest lecturer and Managing Director, Medical Entrepreneur, Dr. Kunle Adeyemo-Doro at a media workshop organised to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day in Lagos yesterday.

H.E.W.S foundation offers free surgery

I

n furtherance of H.E.W.S. Foundation goal of helping poor people to live healthy lives, it will be holding a free Benign Jaw Disorders Mission at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Lagos.

This Mission is a collaborative effort of corporate and

individual donors as well as public health practitioners, healthcare professionals.

HEWS Foundation in partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital, with partial funding support from Folawiyo Energy Limited, through its Managing Director,

Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo, is offering the free surgery at LUTH from 13th to 15th November 2013.

This is the ninth Mission in the series of H.E.W.S. Foundation Free Surgery program in almost three years of her existence.

Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos State

benefitted in the first year, Oyo, Ondo, Gombe and Lagos State in the second year, Lagos in the third year with successful repair and reconstruction surgeries carried out for a total of 108 patients comprising of 68 children and 40 adults. The program will be declared open by Prof. Akin Osibogun, Chief Medical Director, LUTH and

Lagos holds conference on mega city status

A

s part of its effort to make the city of Lagos livable, the state government will hold a conference to examine the implications of attaining a megacity status as well as focus on the health and social issues that characterizes a megacity.

The Conference tagged The Livable City; Prepar-

ing for the Mental and Social Health needs of the Lagos Mega City is expected to draw participants from members of the State’s Executive Council and other policy makers, lawmakers, city planners, journalists, public opinion leaders, leaders of private industry, leaders in the Health, Education, Environment and

Social Welfare sectors, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the general public.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed this said that the conference is scheduled to hold between Thursday, 14th and Friday, 15th November, 2013 at the Ball Room, Lagos Oriental Ho-

tel, 3, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Said he “the conference will focus on topics such as Society and Crime, Mental Health Services in a Mega City, Environmental Psychology: The Interface between Our Environment and Us and Social Services and Welfare: The Role of the Government”.

HIV: Non-stigmatisation will encourage voluntary testing

M

ore Nigerians will feel free to undertake voluntary counseling and testing of their HIV status and when discovered to be positive, would come out openly to declare such status if they are sure others in the community would not discriminate against them, but give support, love and

care for them at all times.

Director, Ogun State Agency for Control of AIDS (OgunSACA), Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, made this submission in Ikenne while flagging off a free and voluntary testing and counseling programme of the agency.

Fatugase who asserted that the greatest challenge

in the fight against HIV/ AIDS particularly in the third world remained the twin problem of discrimination and stigmatization, explained that being HIV positive was not a death sentence but an opportunity for such people to make better choices and embrace healthy habits that would prevent fur-

ther spread of the disease.

He said when supported, shown love and care, people living with HIV could live active and productive life, would not lose purpose for living and be fatalistic about life, but take steps necessary to take care of themselves and prevent outbreak of full blown AIDS.

usually turn up for the family planning clinic.

Findings on availability of commodities and whether they are paid for indicated that the commodities are given free of charge most times but some of the women said that they still pay some stipends even though it would not be the same as paying for the commodities.

According to some of them, it is like when they bring their babies for immunisation, they still pay some amount no matter how small, though, the Matron on duty said their clients do not pay for any of the commodities.

On the issue of post-delivery care, the officer on duty as well as the women present confirmed that there are services after delivery. We also witnessed the fact that counselling were given to the women before delivery on the importance of family planning and advised to attend clinic six weeks after delivery in order to be checked and advised on the best family planning options for them.

Based on our findings, one can authoritatively say that Island Maternity is over-utilized.

Regarding feedback and complaints about the products, the officer on duty said some come with the complaint of irregular menstrual periods and excessive weight gain. The officer however said that in a situation like that, the client will be examined and probably change the method being used by the client to another one.

On the issue of monitoring of clients, some of the respondents stated that the officers at the centre monitor their progress and always tell them to come to the facility if they have complaints.

From our interaction with some of the women at the clinic, we discovered that many of them do not know the comparative effectiveness of the different birth control options. For instance, trying to know which one is the best for them whether abstinence, implant, pills, vaginal ring, sponge, exclusive breast-feeding as birth control, cervical cap, condom, diaphragm, save period

or fertility-awareness-based methods, IUD, emergency contraception, withdrawal, spermicide or sterilization.

Trying to get how knowledgeable they are regarding family planning, I ask some of them what they know about morning after pill and to my surprise, some do not know.

Some of their concerns include the cost, safety and effective of some of the commodities. And somebody asked; how soon after getting an IUD can I have sex? Some do forget to take their pill at the same time every day. Our findings also indicated that counseling is often done right at the ante-natal to get the mothers familiar with what some of the family planning methods are all about.

She explained that they ask about the client’s profile; whether they are married or not. They even ask them if their husbands are aware saying they attend to singles too, saying there are emergency contraceptives especially for new clients and if clients misplaces her pills but it is not usually encouraged.

At the Ibeju Lekki General Hospital, the Medical Director the hospital, Dr. Ishmael GaniKale, made it known that the facility is over-utilised and there is need for more nurses as only 35 are available and the structures on ground are inadequate while some patients complained about delay in services due to shortage of nursing staff.

“Post Abortion Care is available. Most of the pregnant women come from outside Ibeju-Lekki as most of the rural women patronise TBAs.” During Antenatal Clinic on a particular day, there were over 100 women and it was reported that they might be up to 250 pregnant women at times.

Some of the challenges have to do with the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) because most times, they do not realise when there is an emergency and respond appropriately.

Another challenge noticed has to do with late presentation while pregnant women were urged to register early for antenatal in order to prevent or give early attention and care to some complications associated with pregnancy.

Wednesday, June13 12,, 2013 2013 Wednesday, November

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23

Arts Lounge

I’m having intelligent fun when creating –Oladimeji

TERH AGBEDEH

T

he 15th edition of the Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF may have been slated to take place between November 15 and 17 but the events of the iconic Lagos event for the book and art have long since started.

As a preface to the fiesta with the theme: Nigeria’s Centenary – the Lagos Narrative’, Lanre Ogundimu read from his first book, The Tale of the Cowtail and other Stories from the African Diaspora as far back as September 28. The book is one of the texts selected for discussions at this year’s LABAF, which main events will take place at Freedom Park, Lagos.

This edition, dedicated to the late writer and teacher, Chinua Achebe, will feature 10 panel conversations around 21 fictional and non-fictional books on politics, art, romance, the economy, business and religion. There are book presentations, displays, a visual art exhibition, a jazz concert, live poetry and spoken word sessions, an art party, a film documentary for adults and lots of workshops, readings and excursions for children.

The programme released by the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, which organises the event, and signed by its Secretary General, Mr. Toyin Akinosho, has details of all the events. A Book Trek held at the British Council office in Lagos on Monday,, which featured readings from Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Kayode Aderinokun and Ogaga Ifowodo, among many others, while Aduke and Edaoto performed.

Also on Tuesday at the same venue a writers’ seminar titled: ‘How to get published, what publishers are looking for’ took place. The events heralding LABAF will continue today at the same venue with a one-day aspiring/emerging publishers’ workshop session – the launching of a new publishing house. It is for those who intend to set up a publishing house and is facilitated by the Managing Director of the UK-based Hot Key Books, Ms Sarah Odedina. Already, those to attend have been selected. Publishers will interface with the public from 5.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. when the pre-festival cocktail takes place. On the hot seat will be Ms. Odedina, India Wussow and Azafi Omuluabi. The last two are from the publishing houses, Wunderhorn Verlag and Parresia, respectively.

Tomorrow will dawn on the fourth CORA Publishers’ Forum which is to take place at the City Hall office of Goethe-Institut, Lagos. The German cultural institute is partnering CORA to bring together Nigerian publishers who seek to grow their markets. Those who attend will learn from the experience of Okechukwu Ofili of Okada Books, the duo of Kazeem Muritala and Moses Osunde of Malcolm and Wayne.

Also to share their experiences will be

Faces of Ezenwa shows at PAU

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The book is king at 15th LABAF THERE WILL BE DISCUSSIONS AROUND SUCH BOOKS AS:

OKONJO IWEALA’S REFORMING THE UNREFORMABLE; NASIR EL-RUFAI’S THE ACCIDENTAL PUBLIC SERVANT

Books on display

Toyin Akinosho and Jahman Anikulapo, the fire behind LABAF

Debola Omololu of Debonair Publishing as well as the Netherlands and UK-based Lanre and Joseph Ajuwon, co-founders of Afrelib.

The festival will open at 11.00 a.m. on Friday with Julius Agwu, the comedian and Nasir el-Rufai, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, headlining the festival, at the Freedom Park on Broad Street in Lagos.

Agwu, who has just published his biography, Jokes Apart – How Did I Get Here?, will open the Green Festival (children) segment of the three-day festival with a mentoring talk and performance skits to a throng of eight to15 year olds.

El Rufai, author of the much-debated book The Accidental Public Servant, a searing insight into governance in Nigeria, will be interviewed by Martins Oloja, editor of The Guardian.

The Crown Troupe of Africa will stage the opening performance: Yoruba Ronu,

a First Republic era classic by Hubert Ogunde. The Festival Colloquium with the theme: The Nigerian Centenary will also take place with a keynote address to the Colloquium: ‘Henry Carr in Lagos: A Narrative of Modern Nigeria,’ by Akin Adesokan.

This will be followed by readings, reviews and discussions around such books as: Okonjo Iweala’s Reforming the Unreformable; Nasr El Rufai’s The Accidental Public Servant; Alabi Isiama’s The Tragedy of Victory: On-The-Spot Account of The Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre, Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Obafemi Awolowo’s Path to Nigerian Freedom. Panellists include: Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo, Tolu Ogunlesi and Akin Adesokan.

Other features for the day are: Joy of Reading, Official Opening/Seminar on the Festival Visual Art Exhibition with the theme: Lagos – A City of Art and The

Festival Conversation 2, themed: ‘The Lagos Story’.

The Lagos Story conversation will feature Akin Adesokan (author of Roots in the Sky) and John Godwin & Gillian Hopwood (authors of Sandbank City) on the diverse stories that have shaped the growth of Lagos. Day one will close with a Jazz Night@Freedom Park when three bands hold a musical conversation produced by Ayoola Shadare of Inspiro Productions.

Day two, Saturday, November 16 will begin at 10.00 a.m. with the presentation of LAGOS_2060 an anthology of short fiction set in Lagos 100 years after Nigeria’s independence from British rule by DADA Books.

Another two books on travel will be presented on day three, Sunday, November17. Award-winning travel writer, Pelu Awofeso, will officially present his newly published travel books, Tour of Duty: Journeys Around Nigeria and Sketches of Everyday Life and Nigerian Festivals: The Famous and Not So Famous. Both titles were earlier published in electronic formats on September 27, to mark the World Tourism Day celebrations.

Other events for day two and three will include: ‘The Key to the Knowledge Economy’, ‘Wired Literature’, and ‘The Caine Prize for Nigerian Writing?’ Then there is ‘The Festival Matinee,’ ‘The Books of 2013,’ ‘New Writing,’ and ‘Theatre Night’.

The Festival Concert@Freedom Park to celebrate art patrons and artists who have clocked landmark birthdays in 2013, led by Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and including ‘King’ Dejumo Lewis. The concert will feature Ikenga band, Percussionist Wura Samba, Aduke and Edaoto, among others.

The festival will close with a Poetry Slam from on Sunday, but not before ‘Our Story, Our Country’. Also, the festival Stampede with the theme: ‘The Books of Nollywood’ will discuss key books released in recent times that chronicle the events that have shaped the Nigerian film industry like Charles Novia’s Nollywood till November.

24

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Emerging trends and opportunities in entertainment and media business FEMI ODUGBEMI

P

rogress in entertainment and media needs the intervention at every level of Women in Business, WimBiz. And we already have a good taste of the possibilities because many new and successful interventions in entertainment and media in Nigeria today are indeed driven and championed by very capable, confident and visionary women. There are many more who need to recognise the reality that entertainment and media is the new Oil & Gas and with Nigeria’s population there are loads of opportunities for so many an-

MUSINGS Helplessness of the gifted Elegy for wasted stars How many stars has the world seen Soar in splendour, yet sink a-sorrow?

Souls searching for peace Factories of masterpieces, Shredded to pieces Rich chest of ideas, And wide followership, Lacking in our creator’s fellowship At death empty as paupers What a rudderless ship!

Millions they give inspiration But Powerless over their passion As they’re driven by ambition Alive in many homes, in million’s hearts But in truth are orphans Their words and works, As scriptures ever green In others souls enduring, Uplifting and mending broken hearts and homes With sweet sensation and flowery singspiration What an irony!

In fullness of adoration, Empty of inspiration, Fail at rehabilitation In search of celebration, Embark on perdition Indulging in self-immolation, In cocktails of coke and cannabis, Lies their consolation Ending in destruction What a loss!

Weep for this class of honour, Finding no peace or succour In the open arms of our creator Falcons are they so graceful, Soaring so colourful But Deaf to the falconer’s Whistle As things fell apart In their giddiness of godlessness Betraying senselessness and recklessness They in loneliness and helplessness In vain are mourners’ lamentations For these dazzlers drugged to depression Divas and diamonds dragged to destruction What a pity! ©Abdulwarees Solanke

cillary businesses to prosper.

For those that were around in the 80s and up to the mid 90s, you could say that you witnessed the golden era of TV programming in Nigeria. Those were the days of Things Fall Apart, The New Masquerade, Cockcrow at Dawn, Behind The Cloud, Second Chance, Village Headmaster, Tales By Moonlight, Ripples, Checkmate, and many more. Audiences were treated to engaging content and quality culturally-relevant entertainment that are still memorable to this day.

But these were entertainment packages reminiscent of the old order of content consumption –you had to wait for it. If you watched Village Headmaster typically at 8.00 p.m. on a Thursday evening, you had to wait at least 168 hours before you could see the next episode!

Even NTA’s Network News was every 24hours... well, I guess not everything has changed.

By today’s standards, 24 hours is an eternity in media and entertainment programming and content deployment.

24 hours today is just about the time it takes for four billion videos to be viewed on YouTube. 24 hours is how much time about 400 million tweets go up on Twitter. In 24 hours, 350 million photos are uploaded to Facebook. In fact, if our Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, had been airing new contents everyday for 24 hours non-stop since the day it was established it still would not have as much content as YouTube does today.

In music video, D’Banj’s Oliver Twist has been viewed on YouTube alone almost 23 million times and PSquare’s Alingo has had 5.8 million views! Sir Shina Peters released a nationwide hit album (Ace) in 1989; the album was number one for close to a year and gave Shina Peters a career breakthrough. The popularity and success of Shina Peters’ Ace can in no way be compared to PSY’s Gangnam Style with over 1.8 billion views on YouTube.

So, how is YouTube able to have more content than NTA in just eight years, how does Facebook get over one billion users, and Twitter over 500 million users? Because new media connects to our innate tendencies. We can’t break away from our desire to see and be seen; over the years, conventional media has served that appetite with gross limitation. It served us our favourite programmes in piece meal, we could not choose what we wanted to see and how we would like to see it and most importantly, we were not allowed the chance to be seen (we really never got any chance at being a celebrity). What new digital media technology gave us is a chance to be active participants in deciding what we see and how we are seen.

The magic of the new media lies in two key trending factors – mobility and convergence.

When Cable News Network, CNN,

Odugbemi

WHAT NEW DIGITAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY GAVE US IS A CHANCE TO BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN DECIDING WHAT WE SEE AND HOW WE ARE SEEN says ‘Be the first to know’, or Channels Television in Nigeria says ‘The news at your fingertips’, they are simply expressing the unprecedented access that audiences now have to content with little regard for where they are. In 1993, if you missed the news of the June 12 Election Annulment as it broke (on any media), you would have to wait for almost 24 hours before you could get an update –that’s because you were not at the right place at the right time; you were not where your television set was.

In 2011, during the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protests, you need not be where your television or radio set was or at any of the protest venues; everything seemed to be happening on your Smartphone, even details that terrestrial broadcast stations missed out on were constantly being shared around on phones, beyond the borders of Nigeria. It would be very interesting to calculate the difference in the time it took for the news of General Sanni Abacha’s death to saturate Nigeria and the time it took for the ‘Oga at the Top’ video to saturate the country.

It might interest you to know that close to 80% of the people that saw the ‘Oga at the Top’ video, did so using a mobile phone – mobility.

As someone puts it, “…the social web is the modern version of Alice in Wonderland, where we are following not one, but many rabbits down innumerable rabbit holes”, that is quite true about our digital consumption pattern.

It is now commonplace to have a single programme being simultaneously broadcast in multiple versions to suite different devices and platforms – television (satellite and terrestrial), computers, tablets, Smartphones, game consoles (X-Box, Playstation), portable TV (Walka) and so on. So, you could start watching a programme in your living room, and if you need to leave the

house, you simply switch to a mobile device (Smartphone, tablet, or mobile TV) while in your car, should you get to your office, you switch to a computer, and all the while, you are tweeting about the programme on Twitter, sharing comments on Facebook or Google+, or you could download it and own a copy of your favourite programmes. About four billion people saw the opening ceremony of the London Olympics 2012 live, via all broadcast platforms at the same time –that is convergence.

Once we found a platform that allows us to see what we want to see, where we want to see it, how we want to see it and also to be seen, the ground was set for a media explosion as never seen before in human history. Mobility and Convergence are the two most important factors feeding our desire to see and be seen and voraciously shaping the trends in entertainment business today. If I cannot access your content or presence from wherever I am and on more than one device, you might as well count yourself out of the competition – you are not in the trend.

Content creation is no longer the reserve of some curator or producers or broadcast houses, it is in the hands of everyone who own one of the over 4.2 billion mobile phones around the world.

The thinking behind CNN’s iReport underscore this understanding, same with AL-Jazeera’s AJStreams, and several other audience-generated content that are now being broadcast on television.

When the Boston Marathon bombing happened in April 2013, many of the videos of the incident was fetched from uploads via mobile devices. During the manhunt that followed, residents of Watertown and surrounding areas were asked to stay indoors and the public transportation system and most businesses and public institutions were shut down, creating a difficult situation for broadcast stations to cover. Local ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5 got its coverage of the search from videos sent to the station by residents of the neighbourhood where the search was being carried out.

TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK A presentation by Odugbemi, filmmaker and CEO DVWorx Studios & Zuri24 Media, at WimBiz 12th Annual Conference held on November 5, 2013, in Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

I’m having intelligent fun when creating –Oladimeji The entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians appears to have kicked in with a vengeance as the entertainment/creative industry enters its boom era. One self-motivated lady, Odunayo Oladimeji, is not only carving a niche for herself in events planning and management, but she is also providing opportunities for others in the same way a prominent Nigerian comedian helped her rise. skills needed to survive and triumph in this industry. The 18 classes will be taken by five well-acknowledged facilitators and it would also feature live discussions with event vendors. So, people who see n the growing and competitive Nigerian creative industry, me as their role model shouldn’t just see me as that; but they must many talented people who are looking to add value to the in- get professional training, apprenticeship with people in the field dustry realise that being unique and dynamic is a quick way and work hard. For me, it has been a long journey and they should to rise to the top. One of such people applying this principle to remember that no labour comes easy”, she says.

The unrelenting Oladimeji also adds: “Personally, I just signed her three-year enterprise is Odunayo Oladimeji, the young CEO in for an international professional course. I’m attending the of Tziyon Nigeria Ltd. – a Lagos based creative company with course for the betterment of the industry; I want to bring value interests in event planning and management. to the creative industry as a professional –like doctors do for their A graduate of Mass Communication from the Olabisi Onabanindustry .

Our business is diverse and engages a lot of people bejo University, OOU, Ogun State, Oladimeji showed a go-getter spircause we are different in nature and we deal with differit and a flair for entrepreneurship while still in the university. ent clients and events.

To create decorations, I have to But, her enterprise was kick-started through an encounter sit with different people such as welders, carpenters with one of Nigeria’s leading comedians Tunde Adewale, and all, just to create something new, natural and popularly known by his stage name, Tee A. She began unique.

It is tasking and fun; I will say creativity is work in the comedian’s TimeOut Lounge located in having fun with my intelligence”.

Lagos and was eventually charged with managing the For her brilliant designs and concepts, Oladlounge and maintaining the appropriate atmosphere imeji has catered to the events needs of various where patrons could relax and socialise. high value companies and individuals, but beShe explains: “I never set out to do events at all, but in cause the industry is evolving and financially demy university days, I was opportuned to work with Tee manding, she grapples with challenges every other A; he exposed me to the event world. I worked with Tee A entrepreneur faces– funds. from 2006 to 2010 and with God and Tee A the inspiraShe reveals: “The first challenge every tion to start this business came”. other entrepreneur faces is funds.

In those years, Oladimeji picked up Mainly, bank interest rates are high practical skills and also developed and that is a challenge on its own. her knowledge of the event industry Again as a decorator, I have to use by participating in training proquality materials and of course grammes and learning more about I don’t have people producing the craft online. Although in 2010, the materials so I have to buy. she decided to launch out on her Decoration is capital intense own by founding Tziyon (an Heand also investment consumbrew word which means ‘Son of ing. It is expensive to get high Zion’), it was tough to leave the quality materials but I have employ of the comedian she had no choice than to present come to regard as her brother my clients with the best the and godfather. market has to offer”.

“Tee A is a boss like no other; However, the young ensome people think I’m his sister trepreneur is not fazed by because I was in charge of Timecompetition from other Out Lounge and I managed it well. event planners which she conWhen I wanted to leave, it was hard fidently points out: “Competitors for Tee A but he had to support me in are not a challenge so long as it is mine too. As a matter of fact, he gives me healthy competition; it makes me jobs and introduces me to people. I call him move ahead and aim higher”. my godfather because I cannot tell my stoOladimeji gives off the aura of ry without him”, Oladimeji reminisces. a confident and financially secure In three years of operation, Tziyon’s fobusiness owner and even alludes cus has expanded from events planning, to the juicy returns the event busimanagement and decoration to incorponess is fetching her.

Nevertheless, rate consulting and training. According to she attributes her success to God the CEO, the goal is to creatively organise and other people who have come and manage resources to bring about a sucinto her life to inspire her to business cessful execution of corporate and social achievements. events in other to make it memorable for “Yes, I make millions annually; I both the organisers and attendees. The comcan’t really give a round figure. It is a pany is also aspiring to set trends in the inprofitable business but the profit comes dustry and leave indelible marks by training over time.

God’s favour has been upon up-and-coming event planners. my life and business.

Then people like Tee “I aim to help people who are up-and-coming A, my family, clients, staff, and even some and train them to be professionals in the field. friends’ criticism have been of tremenNext Monday, our Eight-Day Master Class dous help.

Even importantly is the support training will start in Lagos to help those who and encouragement of my husband, Dr. Eyare in and those who are planning to come itayo Awofeko; I appreciate all of them”.

Oladimeji into this industry with the knowledge and

ADENRELE NIYI

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Arts Lounge

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MIDWEEK JUMP Ajai-Lycett for 11th Macmillan Literary Night

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enowned actress, Taiwo AjaiLycett will be the special guest at the 11th edition of the Macmillan Literary Night, taking place tomorrow at the Agip Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The theme this year is: ‘Fix it – the Nigerian Character’.

Mr. Yinka Olaniyan, Executive Director Operations of Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited, announced the event last Thursday in Lagos. He presented a speech on behalf of the company’s Vice Chairman and Chairman of its Literary Events Committee, Mrs. Francesca Y. Emanuel.

“The Literary Night platform has always been a veritable instrument in our hands as responsible corporate citizens to explore themes considered as important to our present and future as a country”, the speech stated.

Mr. Ben Tomoloju, a member of the company’s Literary Events Committee, said the special guest for this year will be renowned actress, Taiwo AjayiLycett, who will read one of the two prose pieces for the night, a material written by her. She will join actors Irhia Enakhimio, Joke Silva, Nobert Young, Tina Mba, and members of the Crown Troupe of Africa, to interpret the works –poetry, prose and drama. Also to participate are culture advocate, Jahman Anikulapo and poet, Jumoke Oke. Consultant to the company, Aremu Tope Babayemi, said that poet and essayist, Odia Ofeimun, as has always been tradition, will be resource person and compere.

Obiwon returns with Gold Water

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rban gospel recording artiste and music minister, Obiora Obiwon will on Sunday, November, 17, launch his new album, “Gold Water” with a 90-minute concert in Lagos. Scheduled for Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, guest appearances will be made by Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Nikki Laoye, ID Cabasa, Jodie, Soluchi, DVD, Alien Nation, Tochi and Victoria amongst others, with a special guest appearance by comedian Ali Baba.

Obiwon said, “This particular body of work literally took four years to make. Apart from the physical recording, the melodies, lyrics and messages have been authored through the inspiring, joyful and painstaking processes of my life and faith within the period”.

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FAR AND NEAR

Creative Industries Expo opens registration TERH AGBEDEH

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egistration is on for the third edition of the British Council Creative Industries Expo, the annual gathering of creative industry stakeholders, which will take place on November 26 and 27 at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Lagos.

‘Capacity -The Building Blocks for a Competitive Creative Economy’ is the theme for this year’s edition, which is free to attend. The expo will also dwell on the subthemes of Skills, Excellence and Leadership.

A statement from the organiser said

that industry feedback has signalled that skills development is a critical component for development of Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industries.

The Expo will therefore “explore opportunities, challenges, trends, case studies, best practices and different approaches to building professional, technical and business capacity across the broad creative sector”.

As usual, the expo will feature leading speakers from Nigeria and the UK, sharing knowledge and sparking interactive discussion about how to move the creative industries forward.

This year’s edition will also include break-out sessions to tackle certain

subjects in-depth, and the result of these discussions will be compiled in a communiqué that will be forwarded to industry, government, business, academia and other stakeholders.

The Creative Industries Expo is part of the British Council Creative Economy Programme that forges connections between the rapidly growing creative industries in the UK and overseas. By working with influential policymakers, entrepreneurs, leaders and creative practitioners, the British Council’s aim is to stimulate and positively impact cultural ecosystems, including professional networks, markets, communities and national policies. The 2013 Expo is produced by Enterprise Creative.

Faces of Ezenwa shows at PAU ADENRELE NIYI

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or three days, November 15 to November 17, the Pan-Atlantic University, Victoria Island, Lagos, will hold a private viewing of art works of contemporary Nigeria visual artist, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce.

Themed Faces of Ezenwa, the paintings shown in this collection cut across various media –oil, watercolour, acrylics, mixed-media, print-making and even sculpture. Ezenwa, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, Delta, is versatile in watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, gouache, print-making, ceramicsculptures and installations.

This multi-media artist is constantly experimenting with materials and methods; in her own words: “I have delved into different media in search of how best to express my art. My primary purpose is to produce art that will remain relevant and endure”.

A native of oil-producing Delta State, Juliet speaks about the in inspi-

“Moonlight” addictive mono print, 2012.

Maja-Pearce

ration behind her latest exhibition. “In producing the theme “Faces”, I like to capture the moment when the subject is not conscious of being observed and one can almost catch a glimpse of their inner thoughts as if they were tangible objects. This is the point at which the subject is at their most vulnerable – and most human!”, she enthuses.

The widely-exhibited artist has also been in the forefront of the campaign

“Colour Experiments” acrylic on canvas, 2012.

for upholding the rights of women and the girl-child in Nigeria. Her works on those themes were exhibited at the Female Genital Mutilation Exhibition in Canada, Germany, the UK and the US. She currently runs an NGO, FuturePerfect, which organises creative workshops and trainings for empowering women and young people and a gallery, Yemaja Art Gallery in Surulere-Lagos.

Christy Essien’s last album for launch

...family revives her foundation

ADENRELE NIYI

RMD, Ozorkwor for honour at 2013 NOPA NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

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ovie stars like Richard Mofe Damijo, (Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism) and Patience Ozorkwo are two of the artistes pencilled down for the 6th annual edition of the Nollywood Outstanding Personalities Award, NOPA, which is jointly organised by the Association of Movie Journalists, AMJ and Stanworld Media.

According to Stanley U. Okoronkwo, the chief executive officer of the event, the award ceremony instituted in 2007, will be unique as the organisers are leaving no stones unturned in their bid to surpass the high standards that has become the hallmark of the award. Aside movie stars, personalities who are primarily not often identified with the movie industry will also be honoured because of their silent but effective contributions towards the growth of the nation’s film industry.

Okoronkwo said: “In our usual tradition, NOPA will once more walk the long corridor of our industry history and peep into the core recesses of our mind and bring worthy individuals from the past to stand side by side with the present and the future of the Nollywood. Nigeria’s movie industry popularly known as Nollywood, has grown in the past two decades to become the pride of the black race and a veritable platform for National rebirth. We, the journalists who report the industry, are proud to be part of this success story, having been the major projectors and promoters of the industry from its cradle. We know all the industry players and their works.

We are the critics and that makes us most qualified to assess their persons and their works and that is exactly what we do at NOPA”.

The organisers said that the Screening College, made up of movie journalists, are the most qualified to give awards to players of the industry because they (reporters) are the real critics of those works and the persons behind them.

He also disclosed that NOPA which features the recognition of regular industry players will as usual have the Diamond Pen Awards, Special Recognition Awards, Grand Patron of Art Award (which is the highest of NOPA honours), the Evergreen Icon Award (the highest individual honour for industry player), the Industry Support Award for corporate bodies, and In-depth Coverage Award for the media.

The 2012 edition of NOPA which was chaired by former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyuli, honoured the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Dr Godswill Akpabio; Executive Vice Chairman & General Counsel, ExxonMobil, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko in different categories alongside top Nollywood stars and industry players.

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Late Christy Igbokwe with members of the physically challenged foundation she founded

his Sunday, November 17, media personalities, VIP guests, friends, associates and admirers of the late Lady of Songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe will converge at an event to hold at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, to celebrate her heart, her art and her style.

The highlight of the event will be the launch of her anticipated last album, All of a Sudden; a work which was due for release just before she passed. It will also feature the re-launch of Christy’s foundation which was focused on her passion for children.

It was called the ‘Essential Childcare Foundation’, but to preserve her legacy, the family is naming it ‘The Christy Essien Igbokwe Foundation’.

Left is a photo of her work with the foundation in her final days, released by her family to coincide with her 53rd birthday which would have been today.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RMD

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Senate to host Eaglets 29

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Eagles after their training in Calabar yesterday evening

Battle of Calabar: Flight hitches delay Eagles F

light hitches delayed some of the invited Super Eagles’ players who are already in Nigeria from arriving in the Calabar camp ahead of Saturday’s final leg World Cup play-off match against Ethiopia.

The flight hitches ensured that the Eagles didn’t have a full house when they had their first training session yesterday morning at the mainbowl of the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

“The players who are already in the camp include Mikel Obi, Bright Dike, John Ogu and James Okwuosa. All the home-based players are in camp,” Team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, confirmed.

“It is a normal process that players would not all arrive the camp at the same time, but arrangements are in place to welcome the Super Eagles today (yesterday).

“There is no cause for alarm as

…Camp opens with Mikel, Okwuosa, others all the players will arrive camp for the first training session at 4pm today (yesterday) at the U.J. Esuene Stadium,” Alaiya added.

South Africa-based central defender, James Okwuosa, was the first player to arrive at the Metropolitan Hotels, Calabar camp of the Eagles.

The Chippa United defence ace hit the town on Monday morning after arriving Lagos late Sunday and became the very first face in the erstwhile empty camp.

Okwuosa flew with the Super Eagles’ technical crew led by Coach Stephen Keshi in a local flight from Lagos on Monday afternoon.

Also on board the flight were Enugu Rangers’ goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, as well as his homebased Eagles’ colleagues, Sunday Mba and Azubuike Egwuekwe.

Nigeria have a foot in the finals of the Brazil 2014 Mundial with a 2-1 first leg advantage courtesy of Emmanuel Emenike double strike in Addis Ababa last month.

Eagles, with a handful of early arrivals led by Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, had their first real practice session yesterday evening.

Keshi led out his wards in the session which included ball work and tactical play. Obi led other arrivals like Israel-based keeper Austin Ejide, Nnamdi Oduamadi, South Africa-based earliest bird Okwuosa, as well as Liverpool winger, Victor Moses and Godfrey Oboabana.

Other players that took part in the afternoon training were US-based Uche Nwofor’s replacement, Bright Dike, home-based players Godfrey Agbim, Benjamin Francis, Solomon Kwambe and Sunday Mba.

I’m unfazed by my exclusion – Ike Uche

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n-form Villarreal striker, Ikechukwu Uche, says he is not concerned by his continued omission from Stephen Keshi’s Nigeria squad.

He is not part of Keshi’s plans for the second leg of their World Cup play-off against Ethiopia despite three goals in his last four matches in Spain.

“Sometimes it (snub) crosses my mind but I remain a fan of the Super Eagles,” he told BBC Sport.

“If I get another chance I’ll honour the call,” he added.

Bright Dike, who plays for Toronto FC in the MLS, has been called up by Nigeria as replacement for Uche Nwofor ahead of

Sport

“I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT A LOOPHOLE IN MY TEAM. ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT WE ARE READY FOR ETHIOPIA” –SUPER EAGLES COACH, STEPHEN KESHI

All eyes will be on Emenike

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

n-form Fenerbahce striker, Emmanuel Emenike, will again be one of the key players for Nigeria in Saturday’s World Cup play-off in Calabar.

Two second-half strikes

by Emenike earned Nigeria a crucial 2-1 win in Addis Ababa on October 13.

Since his brace in Ethiopia, the big centre-forward has rediscovered his scoring touch with his Turkish club, scoring four goals for ‘The Yellow Canaries’.

Like it was in Ethiopia, Ahmed Musa will again play a pivotal role for the African champions in Calabar on Saturday.

He did not score in Addis Ababa, but he saw his goal-bound effort crash off the post with the goalkeeper well beaten.

His blistering pace down the flanks troubled Ethiopia in the first game and he will again be expected to do same this

weekend.

Walya Antelopes are known for their sleek passing game and so will again rely on a crowded midfield to unsettle their hosts.

The energy and drive of Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi will therefore be key as he will be expected to battle for control of the engine room, while Chelsea star, Mikel Obi, is given a more attacking role from the middle of the pack.

Italy-based winger Nnamdi Oduamadi and Victor Moses were expected to fall back into midfield from their wide positions when the Eagles were defending, but they were very

Emenike

Kebede returns to Ethiopia, Mergesa hopeful

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triker Getaneh Kebede has returned to the Ethiopian national team for Saturday’s World Cup play-off second leg against Nigeria in Calabar.

The 21-year-old Bidvest Wits player missed the first leg, which ended 2-1 to Nigeria because of a knee injury Coach Sewinet Bishaw will be delighted to have his joint top scorer back as the

the match.

Injured Nosa Igiebor has pulled out of the tie as well as the friendly against Italy in London on November 18.

“Since I’m not in the squad I can only wish the team well. I’m very happy with my form, fitness and encouraging performance at Uche club level,” Uche said.

Walya Antelopes aim to make it to Brazil 2014 for their first World Cup finals.

Striker Saladin Seid and midfielder Shimels Bekele are also in the squad.

Getaneh trained on Monday along with his team mates, who are mostly home-based players.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian midfielder, Asrat Megersa, who was left distraught after his team lost 1-2 against visitors Nigeria Super Eagles last month still feels they could get positive results against Nigeria away in Calabar.

“Nigeria are a good side with very talented players, but in our first leg match in Addis we pushed them to the wall but crumbled late in the game despite the good game we played.

We have a battle in our hands in the return leg on Saturday, but I believe as footballers we cannot rule out a comeback at this stage as everything is possible in football,” he told supersports.com.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nigeria Premier Nig League with

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cricket

IIKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Sack looms for stay-away Heartland players

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eartland FC have issued stern warning to any player who fails to resume training by November 18, and would be assumed to have ruled himself out of the club.

Players of the team who fail to return by Monday, November 18, 2013 would be deemed to have left the club, according to a statement signed by Heartland spokesman Cajetan Nkwopara.

Heartland also dismissed rumours that they have hired a new head coach.

The Owerri based club disclosed that they have approved the programme of coach Ramson Madu and

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kwa United have asked all their players to go on break and announced that any player contacted through phone calls will be retained ahead of the next season which is expected to start this month, National Mirror can exclusively report.

One of the players told National Mirror that the management only paid them some percentage of last season’s entitlements and asked them to go on break.

“There’s a height of anxiety among the players because those of us who will eventually not receive phone calls will automatically be thrown into the transfer market,” the anonymous player

screening for new players will begin on Wednesday at the Old Stadium.

Last season, cash-strapped side finished 11th on the Nigeria Professional League table with 52 points from 38 matches.

Heartland were beset by a number of problems this past season ranging from financial difficulties to players threatening strike over non-payment of their entitlements. The players’ resentment got to a head when players matched to the government house to press for their unpaid wages on the eve of their road trip to Sharks.

Rangers deny signing Pillars’ players nugu Rangers have denied signing Pillars’ duo of goalkeeper Joel Afelokhai and midfielder Rabiu Ali ahead of the new season.

Rangers’ leadership has described as untrue and laughable the rumours linking the Pillars duo to the coal City Antelopes.

Media Officer Foster Chime told National Mirror that the said players had not set their feet on their training ground talk less of putting pen on paper for them this season.

“We have not seen these players and I can tell you categorically that we have not signed these players,” Chime maintained.

“We have not even entered into negotiation with the said players and I’m shocked to hear that they’re linked to us.

“The management of Rangers have to meet to deliberate on players they want and begin negotiation for signing them.

“I can tell you that there’s no such thing yet. We have not signed any new player yet as we have started receiving the old players who have started arriving in preparation for the new season.”

Meanwhile, Rangers’ target, ABS striker, Ajibola Otegb-

Akwa United keep players guessing

eye, is currently training with Enugu Rangers ahead of the 2013/14 season. The striker was one of hundreds of players who trained in Enugu on Monday.

Otegbeye and six other players were later shortlisted by the coaches of Rangers with newly-appointed head coach, John Obuh, absent during the session.

The ABS man will continue to train with the Flying Antelopes on Tuesday.

“Ajibola Otegbeye is one of the players training with us ahead of the new season. He came into Enugu on Sunday and trained with us today (Monday).

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu

lamented.

“We’re not even sure who will play at Akwa United this season because of this policy.

This has been in practice for some time and the players are not happy about it.

“We were not paid in full of our sign-on fees for last season and what happens to our outstanding fees should some of us not retained for this season?

“Some of the players who feel they won’t be favoured by this policy are scared and are thinking of looking elsehwre.”

Akwa United only missed the chop by hair’s breadth this past season and needed 1-1 draw against Kwara United to stay afloat.

Pillars drop foreign coach idea N igerian champions Kano Pillars have stepped down plans to hire a top coach ahead of next year’s CAF Champions League.

Pillars chairman Abba Yola had hinted they would strengthen the coaching crew with the appointment of an expatriate coach or former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia.

In a statement after the Pillars board meeting in Kano, it was disclosed that all plans for the club’s quest for the 2014

CAF Champions League have been put on hold and coach Mohammed Ganaru, assisted

by Abdu Maikaba, will continue to handle the team.

Pillars are also expected to finalise the signing of new players for the new season by November 25.

The team are now due to return to training on November 18 after several postponements on account of the fact that no dates have been fixed for the pre-season Super 4 Tournament.

Baba Ganaru

Taraba United toughen up with play-offs

N Rabiu Ali

ewly-promoted Taraba United FC plan to use this week’s Nigeria National League Play-offs to prepare for action in the top flight.

Club chairman Tijjani Babangida disclosed FC Taraba are not taking the competition as a must-win, but will use it to assess the team as they get set for action in the Nigeria Premier League.

“We are going to use the playoffs more like a pre-season. We are not desperate to win it, but want to assess our team with this competition and plan for new season,” Babangida said.

Abia Warriors, Crown FC, Giwa FC and FC Taraba will battle to determine the overall champions of the Nigerian lower league at the competition slated for Abuja this week.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

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Golf: Total’s Charity tourney tees off AFOLABI GAMBARI

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Senate to host Eaglets GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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he senate yesterday resolved to host the Golden Eaglets who beat Mexico 3-0 on Friday to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the United Arab Emirates.

The decision to host the footballers followed the consideration of the motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and co-sponsored by other 107 senators.

In the four paragraph resolutions passed by the lawmakers, the senators congratulated the team and its crew, all Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan and the Senate President, David Mark for their unflinching support.

In his remarks, the Senate President, David Mark stated: “Everybody forgot everything about our difference. Even those of us watching the games, in the selection, in the who got the ball, in the who passed the ball to who, we did not care about federal character.

“The problem is with we, the elders in this country and not with the youths and we pray that they do not copy from what the elders are doing because this lesson from them is very important.”

Tandoh harps on training YEMI OLUS

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agos State Director of Sports, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, says training of coaches and sports administrators in Lagos State will help the state to establish its status as the ‘Centre of Excellence’.

Tandoh, who was appointed to the post last month, says his office will work with the state’s Ministry of Youths and Sports to take sports to the next level.

“The plan being directed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wahid Oshodi is beginning to yield results and we can only build on them,” the DOS said.

“There is also a need for increased participation between the private and public sector on funds expended on sports programs.”

Tandoh, who was the Secretary General of the 18th National Sports Festival, disclosed that the state would not relent in its developmental programmes.

“We are keen on discovering athletes from the young ages and our focus is in the right direction,” he submitted.

he lush green course of the Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos will host the 2013 Total’s Golf Charity Tournament on Saturday.

National Mirror learnt yesterday that about 150 golfers from various parts of the country will contest in the one-day event sponsored by Egina Project, a major development in Nigeria’s deep offshore undertaken by Total and its partners, Sapetro, Petrobras, CNOOC and NNPC, with the beneficiaries being selected local charities.

Total’s annual golf tournament was converted to a charity competition in 2011 in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility.

The first and second editions were held at the IBB Country & Golf Club, Abuja in 2011 and 2012 while organisers said the 2014 edition will hold in Port Harcourt in what they described as a rotational policy aimed at spreading charities across the three districts of the sponsoring company.

Participants will, however, be expected to pay a certain sum as fee while the total amount would be added to a special fund set aside by Total and donated to selected charity organizations within the city.

The Egina project is developing the Egina field located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130 in deep offshore, Nigeria. The project is a major step change in Nigerian Content Development, with an ambition to achieve 21 million project manhours (70 per cent overall) during the development phase. When completed, the field is expected to add 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent to Nigeria’s production. The Final Investment Decision (FID) was signed in 2013 and the field is planned to come on stream in late 2017.

L-R: Director-General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi and President, Kick-Boxing Federation, Dr. Abubakar Ishola, at the inauguration of boards of the National Sports Federations in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Medal prospects ‘ll attract FG support–Minister JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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ports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday insisted that Federal Government will support only sports federations with medal capacity to any international competition.

Abdullahi, who made this disclosure at the inauguration of the 2nd batch of National Sports Federation in Abuja, said the era of jamboree was gone.

“We have switched from the era of mere participation to era of greater participation and inclusion,” he said, amidst applause.

The newly elected sports federations are Nigeria Aquatics federation, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Nigeria Cycling Federation, Nigeria Golf Federation, Nigeria Hockey Federation, Nigeria Kick-boxing Federation, Nigeria Rowing and Yachting Federation KungFu Federation, Nigeria Rugby Federation, Nigeria

Scrabble and ShootS bbl Federation F d ti d Nigeria N ing Federation.

“As a further step towards the full democratization of our sports, all federations are enjoined to encourage their associations to imbibe the culture of constituting their boards through democratic process as the practice of selecting people for sports association is against the norm of international sports federation.

The minister reminded the newly elected members that their election to the federations was a call to national service.

“I charge you to work as a team toxxxx gether,” he counseled.

Director-General of the NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who also attended the ceremony, said time had come for Nigerian sports to reclaim its lost glory.

“We must collectively give support and make necessary contributions that will positively transform our sports,” he said.

Asumnu apologises to AFN YEMI OLUS

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SA-based sprinter, Gloria Asumnu, has apologised to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) over her act of indiscretion which embarrassed the federation during the Moscow 2013 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

AFN’s Head of Communication and Media, Olukayode Thomas, said yesterday that Asunmu had regretted her action, saying she had not been intentionally disruptive or offensive.

“Not only did I comply with the request made at the said meeting to ‘clean up my social media wall’, but I also issued a public apology on my social media page,” Thomas quoted Asumnu as saying.

On her refusal to participate in the 4x100m relay, Asumnu said she had suffered a hamstring injury while competing in the 100m semi-finals race.

“I underwent examination and daily rehabilitative treatment in an effort to improve my readiness for the relay but did not progress as quickly as I hoped and as such, the final decision to withdraw myself from the relay was made

solely to avoid further injury,” the athlete further said.

Meanwhile, AFN’s Technical Director and Chairman of the Technical Committee, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, has urged athletes to make discipline their watch word.

“The federation will not hesitate to discipline any unruly athlete after fair hearing, while those that are good ambassadors of the federation and Nigeria will be celebrated,” Nesiama said yesterday.

Asumnu

30

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Business & Finance Inflation rate is coming down; we have strong reserves to underpin the economy, robust growth rate.

– Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

We are doing a lot to arrest the situation. We are sensitising Nigerians to know and stand for their rights. Once they notify us of a substandard product that they purchased, we immediately go into the matter.

– DIRECTOR-GENERAL, STANDARDS ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA, DR. JOSEPH ODUMODU

Nigeria, others’ Internet connectivity potential to reach $14.4trn by 2022 KUNLE A ZEEZ CAPE TOWN

E

xtension of Internet connectivity to more people and using the Internet to drive processes in Nigeria and other countries globally will result in economic value of up to $14.4 trillion between 2013 and 2022.

Global Information and Communication Technology firm, Cisco, disclosed this at the ongoing 2013 AfricaCom forum in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to the Senior Vice President at Cisco, Mr. Howard Charney, the Cisco is currently championing the concept of ‘Internet of Everything (IoE) , which has the potential to contribute $14.4 trillion in terms of economic value to economy around the work in the next 10 years.

Charney said to Cisco, IoE will be the ‘next big thing’ in the global economy, saying Cisco was passionate about championing the new idea.

According to him, globally, every sector of any nation’s economy is being driven by ICT, whose usage, he said, is being advanced by the Internet revolution which has moved from one phase to another.”

He said: “Evolution of the Internet has been from connectiv-

ity (simple emails, web browser search) to networked economy (e-commerce, sigital supply chain, collaboration), to immersive experiences such as social mobility, cloud and video to IoE, where everything is expected to be fully automated.”

According to him, adoption of IoE will increase efficiency and productivity, as it means there will be seamless internet-based connectivity between, people, data, machine, things and processes.

“We believe that the value that is obtainable by creating connections among all the people or everything people do is valued at $14,4 trillion dollar between 20132022. Also, IoE has the potential to grow global corporate profits by 21 per cent in aggregate by 2022.

“So, the implication of connecting the unconnected is huge and we believe that the next big thing is connecting everything together.

That is very next big thing and we think the connections will

ABUJA

T

he Federal Government yesterday asked a group of United States investors in Nigeria to take advantage of the new tolling policy underway to invest in the country’s roads and bridges infrastructure.

Speaking while a delegation of the US trade mission visited

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L-R: Managing Director, MediaReach, Tolu Ogunkoya; Acting CEO/Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher; Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye; and Chief Executive Officer, Megalectrics, Mr. Chris Ubosi, at a cocktail party organised for Etisalat High Value Customers, to mark the 5th Year Anniversary of Etisalat in Nigeria in Lagos, recently

FG woos US investors on new tolling policy OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

significantly increase country’s Gross Domestic Product of countries around the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cisco has launched the Cisco Network Convergence System, NCS, a network fabric family designed to serve as the foundation of a massively-scalable, smarter and more adaptable Internet.

The system, Cisco said, will help manage the rapidly- growing Internet traffic amid new waves of cloud, mobile, video and machine-to-machine applications.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

him in Abuja, Minister of Works Mr. Mike Onolememen informed them that in coming up with a new tolling policy; the Federal Government had identified some viable roads it would prioritise for concessioning.

The US delegation, comprising businessmen and women in various investment areas, was led by Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilase.

Onolememen, who assured the visiting delegation that they had made the right choice in choosing

Reps to pass new consumer bill before Dec 32

Nigeria as the preferred investment destination, noted that the country has the population, the natural resources and the market needed to support any viable business.

He said that his ministry, which is saddled with the responsibility of infrastructure development is poised to collaborate as well as provide the needed assistance to every willing investor, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development.

“My ministry is ready to col-

laborate with US investors on roads and bridges infrastructure.

Because the needed funding for infrastructure development in the country is so huge that government cannot bear it alone in view of all other competing needs, we are working with private individuals and organizations on a Public Private Partnership basis.

“For instance, we have developed a new tolling policy with a view to attracting investors into the road sector. As part of the policy, we have identified some viable roads for concessioning.”

Cashless: 78% PoS machines in Nigeria inactive

34

Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 KanoLagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

APCON not witch-hunting foreign investors but creating standard practice –Akinwunmi

46

32

Business & Finance

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps to pass new consumer bill before Dec OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

T

he Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday assured that the Consumer Protection Council Amendment Bill under review would be given accelerated hearing with a view to passing it before the end this year.

The bill is expected to give more power to the Council to deal with all market abuses.

Tambuwal disclosed this in Abuja when top officials of the CPC, led by the Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoke, visited the lower chamber of the National Assembly press for the quick passage of the bill.

According to the Speaker, the speedy passage of the bill becomes necessary since the protec-

tion of consumers falls within the purview of the legislative agenda of the House.

The public hearing for the bill was held in July and the bill seeks to amend the CPC Act No. 66 of 1992 to, among others, ensure clarity of its provisions and modify the Council’s composition and widen its functions and powers in order to provide for a broader and more effective Council.

Besides, It also seeks to codify consumer rights for the first time in Nigeria; make clear provisions for the enforcement of consumer rights; establish institutions for the protection of consumer rights; modernize Nigeria’s consumer protection law to be in tandem with current market trends as well as introduce administrative penalties for offences Tambuwal who commended the Council for bring-

ing consumer issues into the people’s consciousness, assured that House would continue to provide legislative support to the agency.

“I want to assure you that we as an institution will continue to do all that we need to do to improve quality of service and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

“At the public hearing, so many submissions were made on the need to have a law that would stand the test of time because consumer protection issues are issues that have the potentiality of generating cases that are in between jurisdictions.

“We are available and would continue to give you all the support about the issues you have raised. I assure you that here you don’t have any problem and very soon possibly before the year runs out, the House of Representatives would be

L-R: FADAMA Coordinator, Delta State, Mr. Tony Abanum; Director General, Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dr. Nteranya Sangiga and General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Abimbola Okoya, at the 1st NEPAD Business Group Nigeria Cassava Investment Forum in Abuja, recently.

T

he Nigeria Association of Information Technology Enabled Outsourcing Companies, NAITEOC, said Nigeria could create five million direct and indirect jobs from outsourcing in five years.

Outsourcing is the contracting out of a business process to a third-party, which sometimes involves transferring employees and assets from one firm to another.

The NAITEOC Chairman, Dr. David Onu, made the disclosure at the second National Outsourcing Conference with the theme ‘Empowering the Outsourcing Sector for Service Delivery and Job Creation yesterday in Abuja.

He said outsourcing could create jobs “if the necessary policy and infrastructure are put in place.’’

Onu said outsourcing had presently created jobs for more than 10,000 people as and contributed about one per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product, GDP. “With the right policy and nec-

Nigeria can create 5 million jobs from outsourcing –NAITEOC essary infrastructure in place, outsourcing has the potential to create five million direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria in the next five years,’’ he added.

The chairman identified the absence of legal framework, poor social and IT infrastructure and high tax regime as some of the challenges facing the development of outsourcing in the country.

He said that although government was working hard to develop the sector, more efforts and collaboration from the private sector was still needed for its development.

Onu stressed the need for government establishments and corporate organisations to embrace outsourcing.

He noted that a vibrant outsourcing sector would not only help to create jobs, it would also promote economic development and accountability in government.

In her remarks, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said the ministry would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and policy for outsourcing to grow in Nigeria.

Johnson, who was represented

by Mr. Tope Fashedemi, the Director of e-governance, said the ministry was providing necessary support to the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA. The acting Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Sani Daura, said the vision of the conference was to build a virile outsourcing sector that would drive service delivery and employment generation in the country.

He said “the outsourcing strategy is part of a broader ICT developmental effort that seeks to make Nigeria a regional hub by 2020.’’

done with the bill,”he said.

Speaking earlier, Atoke had availed the speaker with the inherent constraint in the existing CPC Act. Some of challenges, she further noted, included non-definition of consumers’ rights and inadequate provisions for their enforcement; lack of a specific institutional framework for the defence of consumers’ rights; undefined relationship with sector regulators leading to some confu-

sion as to the role of the agency.”

Atoke also pointed out the complete lack of provision for the protection of consumers who use the internet for their transactions; an over-bloated and unwieldy 43-member governing board as some of the flaws of the current law setting up the CPC. In order to enable d Council deal decisively with all issues pertaining to market infractions, she advocated for increased budgetary funding.

NATE calls on FG to revive Ajaokuta steel plant

T

he Chairman, Nigeria Association of Technologists in Engineering, NATE, Mr. Bartholomew Ukaegbu, Lagos Branch, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

Ukaegbu spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at the ongoing 2nd Annual NATEWEX Exhibition and Workshop in Lagos.

He said that local engineers needed steel that would be produced by the factory. “Engineering and steel go hand in hand.

“You have gone round our exhibitors’ stands and would have realised that the common denominator for most of them is that they all used steel as an input in their innovations.

“The shame there is that the steel they used were all imported; it has resulted in rise in cost of production which will result in an increase in the price of the innovations,” Ukaegbu said.

He said that Nigerian engineers looked forward to the government making available raw materials for local scientists and technologists.

“We want the government to look into areas that are not functioning in the economy and make them functional,’’ the NATE chairman said.

Ukaegbu said that more than 25 exhibitors were represented on the second day of the exhibition and workshop.

He expressed the hope that the five- day exhibition, which started on Monday, would be success.

According to him, more exhibitors from different parts of the nation have indicated their intentions to participate before the end of the event.

He said that the exhibition was an improvement on the first edition, which was held in Abuja in 2011.

Some participants, who spoke to NAN, said that the exhibition had given them more exposure.

Mr. Bartholomew Obeleagu, an exhibitor from the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, NAFRC, told NAN that more visitors were visiting exhibition stands.

Obeleagu said that the NAFRC had the opportunity to showcase woodworks, mini soap factory and brick molding machines.

Arik Air explains reasons for aborting Uyo-Lagos flight OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he management of Arik Air yesterday explained why its Uyo-Lagos flight of last weekend was aborted.

This is as the airline reaffirmed its commitment to adherence to international safety standards as stipulated by global civil aviation bodies such as Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, US Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, and others.

The airline explained that the flight, which was scheduled to depart to Lagos from Uyo was aborted by the pilot as a safety precautionary measure, saying that the snag was later fixed and the aircraft continued its normal operations.

An online statement made available to aviation journalists by the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Adebanji Ola emphasised that

the airline strongly believes in on- time departure of flights, but however maintained that safety would not be sacrificed at the altar of on-time departure.

He clarified that an aircraft returning to base after taxing or takeoff was a safety measure that should be commended not derided by anybody in the sector, stressing that such was neither convenient for passengers nor the airline, but noted that achieving safety comes with a price sometimes.

The statement added, “Arik Air understands the pains our guests go through whenever flights are delayed or rescheduled and sincerely appeals to the travelling public to exercise patience whenever such situation arises.

“This singular act demonstrates that Arik Air Pilots are safety conscious and are trained to always observe all safety procedure.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

FG woos private sector on multi-modal transportation FRANCIS EZEM

T

he Federal Government has said that the collective efforts and aspirations of not only the public sector but also other transport stakeholders in the private sector will lead to the transformation of Nigeria’s transport system into a multimodal transport system.

An inter-modal or multimodal transport system is a transport mechanism that envisages the connection of all the major means of transportation comprising of road, rail and sea transportation.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi, who spoke at the 2013 National Council on Transportation conference in Lagos, said that transportation and mobility are central to sustainable development as they enhance socio-economic activities, growth and improved accessibility.

According to him, such a transport system, which will seek to connect state capitals, seaports, airports, river ports, mining zones, industries and agricultural belts with the railway lines to complement the existing

road infrastructure will also support the achievement of better integration of all sectors of the economy while respecting the environment.

“The importance attached to the efficient movement of people and goods and access to environmentally sound, safe and healthy urban-rural linkages and productivity of rural areas cannot be over-emphasized”, the permanent secretary insisted.

He also said: “It is due to these facts that transportation has been accorded its rightful place in the Vision 20:20:20 and the transformation agenda of the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, the Federal Government is not only committed to the development of quality transport infrastructure but is also mindful of the fact that its resources are inadequate to meet and bridge the current huge infrastructure gaps without the participation of the private sector.

Emodi argued that this development informed the decision of government to initiate some reforms, including four transport reforms bills, aimed at providing the enabling en-

vironment for more participation of the private sector, state, and local governments in providing adequate and efficient transport infrastructure through Public Private Participation, PPP, strategy.

He disclosed that government is concluding plans towards the concession of the operations of the existing river ports and railway lines upon completion of their construction and rehabilitation with a view to attracting private sector investments that will make them more efficient.

He however expressed optimism that with appropriate transport infrastructure, Nigeria’s vast market will be a veritable ground for competitive local and international trade, which will boost social economic growth and increase employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who also spoke at the event, noted that transport accounts for more than 30 per cent of the value of delivered goods occasioned by inadequate and inefficient transport infrastructure in the country.

Opeifa added that the more efficient the trans-

Glo showcases new devices at technology fair

N

ational telecoms operator, Globacom, made a grand entry into this year’s West African Information Communication and Technology (WAFICT) exhibition in Lagos, with several new high-end and pocketfriendly offerings.

The operator introduced to visitors at the foremost technology exhibition one of its newest hi-tech offerings, the Asus Fonepadwhich combines two devices in one – a mobile phone and a tablet.

According to Globacom’s Head of Gloworld, Brenda Akhigbe, the new Asus Fonepad comes with 1 GB free data subscription. “Five hundred megabytes free data bundle is given on activation and 100mb is given subsequently for every N1000 plan purchased for the next five months”, she explained.

Also on display at the exhibition is the repack-

aged Glo Bolt MiFi router, which now comes at a reduced price and a total of 7 GB free data for one year.

Those who visited the Glo stand on the first day of the fair included the Director General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Emeka Mba; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo; Director Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Tony Ojobo and former Minister of State, Ministry of Communications, Dasuki Nakande among other dignitaries.

Participants at the fair also had opportunities to migrate to and experience two of Glo Mobile’s new tariff packages: Glo Bounce for pre-paid customers and Glo Infinitiser for Post-paid customers.

Glo Bounce allows subscribers to call other

Bounce customers at the heavily discounted rate of 5k per second and send SMS at the low rate of N3 per SMS. Bounce customers also stand to enjoy the Campus Zone (available in all tertiary institutions) call rate of 5k per second to any Glo line and a flat rate of 12k per second to all other networks.

Other benefits include 30MB free data bundle on every recharge of N200 and above, one free SMS for every SMS sent by the subscriber, free browsing on Facebook, free ringback tunes for one month and free night calls from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. for every subscriber who uses a minimum of N30 before midnight.

Glo Infinitiser on its part offers subscribers onnet calls free and off -net calls at 25k per second. Glo infinitiser also dangles free 1GB data bundle to subscribers.

33

Nigeria Airways’ pensioners urge Jonathan to pay N70bn pension arrears

portation network will lead to lower transport cost and therefore increase international demand for commodities produced in Nigeria.

It has been estimated that Nigeria loses more than 30 percent of her Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to poor and efficient transport system.

Experts also believe that this development is made worse by the lack of intermodality among the major transport modes, which induces over dependence on road transport, which accounts for over 98 percent of the movement of goods and persons in the country with the attendant high cost of maintaining the roads.

These experts believe that efforts by the government towards the growth and development of the economy might not yield the expected results if careful and sustained efforts were not made towards improving transport infrastructure, especially the rail and inland water transport.

R

etired workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways Ltd., NAL, yesterday appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to use his good offices to pay them N70 billion pension arrears.

The retirees made the appeal during a meeting at the secretariat of the Airport Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

The pensioners’ leader, Mr. Ibraheem Hussein, said that many of their colleagues had died, some hospitalised and others weak and frail because of their struggle for payment of their pensions.

He noted that since the liquidation of NAL on May 21, 2003, the Federal Government had only paid the retirees five years pension arrears out of 25 years pension arrears.

He urged the government to pay the retired workers the outstanding pension arrears.

He said that the govern-

ment owed the pensioners N70 billion as at January.

“We made several attempts in the past to seek audience with President Goodluck Jonathan; we wrote two correspondences through the aviation workers’ unions and the Trade Union Congress, TUC,’’ he said.

According to him, there were 5,700 NAL pensioners and workers at the time of its liquidation, but regretted that many of them had died.

Hussein noted that NAL was rated Number Four in the aviation world and had the best pilots and engineers.

Another NAL retiree, Mr. Andrew Inalegwu, said that the treatment being meted out to the pensioners was improper.

2NAL pensioners were not responsible for the airline’s liquidation,’’ he said.

He claimed that NAL employees who served in New York, Rome, London and other West African countries had been paid 25 years pension arrears.

TENDER NOTICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to N20,647,810,000, N25,000,000,000, and N54,290,668,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, November 21, 2013.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN TEMENOS INTERNET BANKING between 9.00a.m and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

Each bid must be in multiple of N1, 000 subject to a minimum of N10, 000. Authorized Money Market Dealers are allowed to submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, Non – Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced by 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, November 21, 2013, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00am on Thursday, November 21, 2013.

The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

34

Business & Finance

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Cashless: 78% PoS machines in Nigeria inactive KUNLE A ZEEZ

A

bout 127, 209 or 78 per cent of the total Point of Sales terminals deployed and connected in Nigeria to drive the nascent cashless economy initiative in the country are currently inactive, even as mobile payment transactions continue to gain steady traction, National Mirror has gathered.

The figured was arrived at following a nationwide audit by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlements Systems, NIBSS of the deployed PoS terminals so far deployed in the country as at the end of October, 2013..

Since the introduction of the cashless economy policy in 2011, an estimated 148, 431 units of PoS terminals had been registered.

Of the total, it was gathered that 115, 475, representing 72 per

cent of the total registered PoS machines have been successfully deployed and connected.

However, only 31,222, representing 28 per cent of the total connected PoS devices are inactive, leaving a whopping 127,209, representing 72 per cent of the total deployed PoS machines.

Confirming the development, the Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe, said, “In the last 2 months, NIBSS embarked on a data clean-up exercise of duplicate and idle PoS Terminals on our database and at merchant locations.”

The purpose of the exercise, she said, was to harmonise Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA) Industry Statistics in view of the deployment of new PoS terminals to other cashless locations.

According to her, “NIBSS Central Terminal Management Sys-

tem offers avenue for payment terminal transaction monitoring with steady growth in number of deployed terminals. Active terminals are estimated at 28 per cent of PoS deployed.”

Meanwhile, the 23 mobile payment operators licensed by the Central bank of Nigeria have been gaining steady growth s they have recorded about 8 million subscribers since they were ssued liceces by the apex bank.

It was learnt that while majority of the mobile payment operators have put up cheerless performance in their operations a few ones led by the banks and others such as Paga and E-Tranzact.

By the end of October, 2013, the number of mobile money agents across the country has reached 59, 595, though industry analysts say the country would need no fewer than 150, 000 mobile money agents for effective operations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Betalife promo: Enterprise Bank’s customers jostle to win trip to Brazil UDO ONYEKA

A

s the year draws to an end, more customers of Enterprise Bank Limited are determined to be among the lucky winners of an all-expensepaid trip to Brazil 2014, under the bank’s ‘Brazil 2014 BetaLife Promo,’ which started earlier in the year.

According to a statement by the bank and signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Olusola Longe-Okenimkpe, when the promo, which began in August 2013, was launched, the bank promised that five customers of the bank stand a chance of being in Brazil in 2014.

“We are recording more and more patronage from our customers as well as the general public.

We anticipated the surge and our

Elizade unveils business expansion plans TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

E

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Haruna Waziri; Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Suleman Barau and Chief Executive, Zephyr Management Inc., Mr. Thomas Barry, at the Charter Awards ceremony of CFA Society Nigeria in Lagos at the weekend.

Marriott to buy Protea Hotels business ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

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nited States hotel chain, Marriott International has agreed to buy the brands and management business of Africa’s largest hotels group, in a move that will nearly double the company’s rooms in the continent.

The deal involves 116 hotels that South Africa’s Protea Hospitality Group operates or franchises in South Africa and six other sub-Saharan African countries, Marriott said.

The two groups have signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate exclusively with each other, according to a Financial Times report. The expected value of the transaction was not revealed.

Marriott’s move to increase its presence in Africa reflects bur-

geoning investor interest. The continent is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. However, it remains underdeveloped and some African cities struggle to provide enough quality accommodation for the increasing numbers of visiting business people and tourists.

This has led to new hotels springing up in capital cities. The deal would accelerate its expansion plans in the “dynamic and growing African hotel market”, Marriott said, and give it more than 23,000 rooms in Africa.

“The development cycle for opening new hotels in Africa is typically long, due to the challenges posed by emerging infrastructure, so joining forces with Protea Hotels and their highly respected management team is the strongest way to jump-start Marriott’s footprint in Africa,” said Alex Kyriakidis, pres-

ident of Marriott International for the Middle East and Africa.

South Africa has by far the continent’s most developed corporate sector, and multinationals have been levaraging off companies there to gain exposure to and networks in the wider continent, FT said.

In 2011, Walmart agreed to pay $2.4bn for a 51 per cent stake in Massmart, a South African retailer with a presence across the continent, while the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) holds a 20 per cent stake in Johannesburg-based Standard Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets.

The majority of Protea’s hotels are three- and four-star operations in South Africa, but its network reaches across southern, eastern and western Africa as it manages hotels from Zambia to Uganda and Nigeria.

branches are coping with the anticipated rush. We wish all our customers hoping to visit and feel the land of soccer, samba and carnivals good luck.”

The statement said the promo is divided into three categories to make it possible for customers of different strata to participate.

Consequently subscribers of the promo for the Small and Medium Enterprises, SME, Elite and Individual Accounts of the bank are expected to be winners of the trip to the fun land, dream holiday destination.

“To qualify for the draw, customers of Enterprise Bank and prospects are to open either the SME Account with N150, 000; the Elite Account with N75, 000 or Individual Account with N15, 000 and maintain the corresponding amount in the account every month from August 2013 till March 2014.

lizade Nigeria Limited, the oldest authorised distributors of Toyota vehicles in the country, has been honoured with a service excellence award by the Nigeria Customers Service Awards, NCSA, amongst other nominees in the Auto Sales Category of the 2013 Edition of the awards ceremony held in Abuja.

Presenting the award to the company’s representatives led by the Deputy General Manager, Aftersales, Mr. Sayo Oluwaniyi, the organisers of the event said the award was given the company for its commitment to customer service excellence, a strong strength that has continued to position it at the leading edge of competition.

The National Project Manager of the NCSA, Aliyu Ilias, said

the company has “consistently demonstrated its commitment to sales of genuine vehicles and auto parts but also been identified with after sales services that customers testified as among the best in the auto sales industry globally.”

Speaking on the award and what it meant to the company, Oluwaniyi explained that with the befitting recognition, it means that the company was keeping its promise to customers in the auto industry and that the fact that the management was not contacted and no fund was solicited by the organisers before the award was given showed the credibility of the awards and those behind it.

He said: “It means that Elizade is keeping to its promise of excellent services and maintaining its leadership position in the auto industry.

Group urges FG to pay greater attention in IT, intellectual property development

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he President of Nigeria Internet Group, NIG, Mr Bayo Banjo, on Tuesday re-emphasised the importance of science, technology, innovation and intellectual property ,IP, rights in national economic development.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that science, technology and innovation were the major drivers of modern societies.

“Without harnessing its power, we will not be able to create a healthy, educated or inclusive society,” he said.

Banjo said that greater emphasis on science, technology and innovation was imperative toward a sustainable national economic development.

According to him, conscious leveraging and protection of in-

tellectual properties, IP, such as patents, copyrights and other peculiar rights remain the key factor of promoting socio-economic growth and national development.

“It will encourage innovation, invention and the development of new technologies.

“It will also promote both domestic and foreign investments, facilitate technology transfer and increase agricultural and industrial production,” he said.

Banjo said that IP was an indispensable mechanism for the translation of knowledge into commercial assets.

“IP rights create a secure environment for investment in innovation and provide a legal framework for trading in intellectual assets,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Energy Week

udemea@rocketmail.com 07031546994

Indigenous operators express worry as cost of oil theft hits N15.6bn Last February, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC stated that oil theft had reduced substantially in the nation. UDEME AKPAN, however, reports that such activity has increased again, thereby impacting negatively on the nation’s economy.

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any keen watchers of developments in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry were pleased when it was revealed that oil theft had reduced from 180,000 barrels per day, bpd to 80,000 bpd. The Group Executive Director, GED, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC in charge of Exploration and Production, Engr. Abiye Membere, who made this public in Abuja last February, attributed the development to the introduction of amnesty programme targeted at positive engagement and empowerment of former militants and improved monitoring of oil installations.

The situation was even expected to witness continuous improvement as Membere added that plans were under way to launch a major campaign to be tagged “Blood money“ before the end of 2013. The campaign, targeted at the major markets of stolen oil is meant to discourage those who patronize the trade from doing so because serious negative implications to Nigeria.

The GED said the major campaign being packaged by NNPC would involve key officials moving from one major buyers of the nation’s crude to another in West Africa and other parts of the world. As he puts it, “If we are able to discourage buyers from buying stolen crude and even the petroleum products that are processed from it, it would go a long way to tackling oil theft in the nation.

Contrary to such expectation, the situation seemed to have worsened in the past few months as the nation continue to record many cases of vandalism and oil theft in the nation. The volumes associated to the incidents are not small. In fact, the nation is said to have so far lost over $100 million (about N15.6 billion) as a result of illegal crude oil theft in 2013 alone.

The Managing Director Energia Limited, Mr. Felix Amieyeofor gave the estimate at the opening of this year’s pre-annual conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE in Lagos yesterday. He said that one of the major challenges confronting marginal field operators was crude oil bunkering and pipelines vandalism. According to him, “export line continuous vandalism has been a major challenge, for every barrel of crude pump through the lines about 25 per cent

Suspected oil thieves ferrying stolen petroleum products in a boat

to 30 per cent is lost before it gets to the terminal.

“We are still working with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on ways to find lasting solution to the menace. If we pump 3,500 barrels of crude oil and about 30 per cent is lost in the process through oil theft, it is a great loss to marginal field operators.

Amieyeofor said that the company lost over $72 million (N11.2 billion) in 2012 to crude oil theft while $100 million (N15.6 billion) was also lost in 2013. He said that the cluster group which comprises of Energia Ltd., Midwestern/Suntrust, Platform Petroleum and Frontier Company with production capacity of about 8,000 barrels of crude oil per day would soon increase its production capacity to about 45,000 barrels in 2014 when additional wells are added.

He said that the additional fields are located in the so-called “marginal field

cluster” in Nigeria’s volatile Delta State.

Amieyeofor said that access to funding, community issues and security and low productivity among others posed serious challenge to all marginal field operators.

It should be noted that it is not only the indigenous firms that are affected. Oil theft is the disease that haunts both the locals and multinationals. For instance, the nation’s oil output has dropped by about 140,000 bpd in March; this year as a result of the shutdown of Nembe Creek trunk line in Bayelsa State that delivers crude oil from Shell’s producing fields to Bonny export terminal.

Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, which accounts for half of Nigeria’ oil production, said in a statement yesterday that it had declared force majeure on Bonny Light export programme. The force majeure is meant to protect Shell from bearing any liabilities to crude oil buyers

THE VOLUMES ASSOCIATED TO THE INCIDENTS ARE NOT SMALL. IN FACT, THE NATION IS SAID TO HAVE OVER $100 MILLION (ABOUT N15.6 BILLION) AS A RESULT OF ILLEGAL CRUDE OIL THEFT IN 2013 ALONE.

due to the shutdown. The company explained that the closure became necessary after a leakage was noticed on the pipeline.

Shell’s spokesman, Mr. Precious Okobolo, who signed the statement, said that SPDC was mobilising a team to repair the line after the investigation. “The cause will be determined by a Joint Investigation Visit, which will be scheduled once the leak point has been excavated. “There has been a recent upsurge in crude theft activities on the NCTL, resulting in frequent production shutdowns and massive oil spills blighting the environment,” the statement added.

Okobolo also stated that between February 22 and 25, flow stations producing into the pipeline were shut down by safety systems three times due to oil theft.

The firm also stated it its report that, “It’s also impossible to know how much of the stolen oil is spilled once it is taken from our facilities. But we can estimate that 26, 000 barrels of oil were spilled in the area immediately surrounding our pipelines and other facilities in 2012, of which around 95 per cent was the result of sabotage and oil theft.

The report said stemming and reversing this menace requires coordinated action, both at the national and local level and at CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36

Energy Week

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigenous operators express worry as cost of oil theft hits N15.6bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 a regional and international level outside the country. It said the nation needs to do more to encourage investment in the power sector to ensure reliable electricity supplies to reduce demand for illegally refined local diesel. The report stated that the Niger Delta continues to be a challenging place to operate for many reasons, adding that there is a fundamental lack of basic infrastructure in many areas, with poverty, lack of employment opportunities, widespread criminality and other factors all contributing to the social and economic crisis in the region.

Shell cautioned that the theft of crude oil from its Nembe trunk line could threaten daily exports of 140,000 barrels of crude oil. The SPDC Corporate Media Relations Manager, Mr. Tony Okonedo, said in a statement in Port Harcourt that the theft was coming barely 16 months after the old trunk line was replaced due to repeated attacks.

However, the cost could be higher when its negative impact on the environment is also considered. In fact, the Federal Government has put the environmental cost of oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta at $1trn (N156 trn). The estimate included the direct impact on the environment and the cost of restoring aquatic life destroyed as a result oil spills arising from oil theft and illegal bunkering in the region.

The Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, gave the estimate at a conference on oil theft and illegal bunkering in Lagos yesterday just as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that the Federal Government will recover over N232 billion overpayments made to “fraudulent” oil marketers.

Kuku said: “While several estimates have been made regarding the cost of the national economy in revenue and pipeline repair, no one has calculated the cost to the environment and the livelihood of the people of the Niger Delta. No one has calculated the cost of restoring the environment; but extrapolating from the cost of restoring aquatic life in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Gulf Coast spill of 2010, the cost to the Niger Delta will amount to more than $1trn.

Kuku noted that the illegal activities had already undermined the nation’s social structures and if allowed to fester, will turn the entire Niger Delta region into ganglands. He said that already, people in the chain of oil theft were feared, revered or even admired as people who are doing well in some communities, and those at the top of the chain are probably considered as prominent international oil traders by an unsuspecting public.

He said, “Many vulnerable and impressive young people now aspire to join this growing but extremely dangerous and certainly illegal and immoral business”, he said adding that most of the commentary and literature on oil theft placed emphasis on the cost to the Nigerian economy, which is huge. By some estimates, at the peak of our losses, we lost almost 400,000 barrels per day to oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

It must be understood though that this fig-

Jonathan

Alison-Madueke

T HE

VICIOUS CIRCLE

OF VANDALISM ,

DETECTION , REPAIRS AND BACK TO VANDALISM IS WHAT RESULTS INTO THE ESTIMATED LOSS ; PART OF WHICH

WOULD , OF COURSE , BE THE ACTUAL

STOLEN CRUDE .

Andrew Yakubu

ure represents what the country is losing not necessarily what is stolen.

Kuku explained that oil theft invariably entails the destruction of pipelines and

once detected would mean the closure of the pipelines to effect repairs which cost a lot of money and take a lot of money and take a lot of time. He said, “The vicious circle of vandalism, detection, repairs and back to

vandalism is what results into the estimated loss; part of which would of course be the actual stolen crude. It is therefore difficult to correctly estimate how much is actually stolen. The bleeding of our economy must stop so that we earn more to fund development all over the country.

This bleeding must stop so that the Niger Delta people can fulfill their full economic potential, he said.

The Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Bata Debiro stated that his team has arrested and destroyed several vessels suspected to have been used for oil theft and illegal bunkering in the area.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi stated that oil has become a curse than blessing as a result of increased pollution occasioned by abuse of the product. He called for improved surveillance in order to ensure that perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

The communiqué issued alleged that the nation’s still lost commercial crude at the point of loading for export to the global market. Participants called for increased collaboration between government agencies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, international oil companies and security institutions to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and other vices in the industry.

They called for the early passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, into law in order to create and empower adequate structures to stimulate operations in the industry as well as increased funding of agencies, fast socio-economic development of the Niger Delta, sanction of culprits and relocation of the headquarters of oil firms to the Niger Delta in order to increase their commitment to tackling oil theft and illegal bunkering as well as efficient operations of the industry at minimum cost.

Some observers have also made strong case for improved monitoring of onshore and offshore areas in order to discourage vandalism and oil theft in the nation.

Chevron’s $8.4bn EGTL project reaches 95% completion

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he Chevron Nigeria Limited Escravos Gas to Liquid project has reached 95per cent completion, thus raising hope that it would come on stream this year.

The Chairman/Managing director of the firm, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop said at the 2013 operations and maintenance graduation of new professionals at Ogere, Oyo State that the project would assist to promote local content in the country.

He said, “Sasol Chevron is providing the project with the leading technologies of the two companies, Sasol’s proprietary Fischer – Tropsch technology and Chevron Isocracking technology.

Fawthrop who was represented at the event stated that with EGTL as the second project using its technology and technical expertise, Sasol Chevron (a joint venture between Sasol and Chevron) is working on the design and development of EGTL and is providing management, operating and

technical services to the project owners.

He said that Sasol Chevron will market products from EGTL. The $8.4bn EGTL projects is an integral part of the owners overall gas use strategy which includes domestics natural gas sales, regional natural gas sales through the West Africa Gas pipeline and international sales of GTL products.

Fawthrop stated, “The GTL plant will convert natural gas into premium environmentally friendly diesel and GTL naphtha products. Europe will be the primary market for all fuel products from the Nigerian plant, although some products may be sold in the USA.” He said, “The Escravos Gas to Liquid Plant is the plant designation of 85per cent of VTP4 trainees. Chevron Nigerian Limited (75per cent share) along with the NNPC (25per cent share) is constructing the 33,000 barrel per day Escravos Gas to Liquids Plant in Escravos, Nigeria (this

is expected to be expanded to a 120,000bpd capacity within 10 years of its completion.

Fawthrop said that in April 2005 the NNPC awarded the contract for the EGTL project to a consortium consisting of JGC of Japan, Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) of the USA and Snamprogetti of Italy.

He said that the Escravos site is located about 1000km South-East Lagos. The plant will receive gas from chevron-operated Escravos Gas Plant (EGP).

Fawthrop maintained that the GTL Plant is designed to process GTL products like low-sulphur GTL diesel, GTL naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas, thus eliminating the high incidence of gas flaring in Chevron Texaco area of operation.

Fawthrop who traced the training to 2006 said, “All this was way before the NCD and NOGIC Acts, and we had no doubt that it was going to be a success and a value adding proposition.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

37

EU, OPEC optimistic on oil market UDEME AKPAN

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he European Union, EU and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC have expressed optimism over the performance of the oil market this year.

Rising from a major energy dialogue, the two institutions said that was the tenth Meeting of the EU-OPEC Energy Dialogue since its establishment in 2005, a considerable achievement to the benefit of both sides.

The EU and OPEC there were represented by Jaroslav Neverovi, President of the EU Energy Council, Minister of Energy, Lithuania; Assimakis Papageorgiou, Incoming Deputy President of the EU Energy Council, Deputy Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Greece; and Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy, European Commission and Dr Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, Alternate President of the OPEC Conference, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya; Ms Nawal Al-Fezaia, Kuwaiti Governor for OPEC; and Abdalla Salem El-Badri, Secretary General of OPEC respectively stated in an authoritative report that the dialogue was successful.

The report stated that the event was supported by its roundtables, workshops and studies, the Energy Dialogue has resulted in productive joint activities on a wide range of issues, covering the oil industry, the energy sector generally and associated areas, such as sustainable development and environmental matters.

The parties said, “Both parties welcomed the recent more favourable news on the economic front. The outlook for the oil industry has improved since the previous

meeting of the Energy Dialogue in June 2012.

The report stated, “Indeed, for the first time in many years, OPEC has raised its long-term reference case projections for world oil demand growth. The more positive economic signals emerging from the EU, particularly the Eurozone, were also underlined. However, there was an air of caution about over-reacting to these positive trends, which were considered to be a gradual process.

It maintained that it was stressed that the Energy Dialogue was well-placed to address the common challenges facing the EU and OPEC. The report stated that there was an underlying recognition of the need for stability, both in the energy sector and in national economies, in the interests of steady, sustained economic growth across the world as a whole.

It stated, “OPEC gave the opening presentation on recent oil market developments and short-term prospects, highlighting the

fragile recovery of the global economy in 2013. After a sluggish first quarter, however, the momentum increased, fuelled mainly

by OECD economies, while developing economies largely saw a slowdown in their high growth rates of recent years.

The report stated that many risks remained, including the ongoing fiscal and monetary uncertainties in the USA, the continuing challenges facing the Eurozone, Japan’s uncertainty in lowering its debt-to-GDP ratio and an uncertain outlook for China’s financial system.

It maintained that the oil market continued to be well supplied, with sufficient crude production from OPEC Member Countries and a robust increase in nonOPEC supply, mainly from North America.

The report stated that healthy stock OECD levels and a continued rise in the non-OECD signaled that market needs were fully met. OPEC production capacity would provide an additional cushion for the market.

An oil vessel at anchor

Germany to boost Nigeria’s renewable energy with N6.3bn loan CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he German Government has presented a proposal to provide Green Credit Facility (GCF) for Nigerian small and medium scale enterprises to the tune of about $40million (N6.3bn) for renewable energy development.

This was disclosed at the weekend in Abuja during a meeting of the Federal Government represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali with officials of German KfW Development Bank.

Both countries at the meeting discussed the GFD proposal which when approved would provide additional $40m investable funds for the sector. This according to the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Press, Timothy Oyedeji,is aimed at promoting the development of renewable energy and en-

ergy efficiency in the country.

The Green facility when finalized would be utilized to provide low cost loans to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria in an effort to promote efficient use of electricity and the use of Renewable Energy by them.

With the handing over of assets of successor PHCN companies to private owners, the Ministry said it has shifting from conventional electricity supply to initiating renewable and sustainable energy that would be targeted at achieving rural electrification objectives of the present dispensation.

The initiative is expected to support current efforts at promoting Demand Side Management (DSM) in the electricity industry and increasing the proportion of Renewable Energy in the nation’s energy mix.

On its part, KfW of Germany assured the Ministry of Power of continued sup-

port for President Goodluck Jonathan’s Power Sector Reform through the provision of financing such as the proposed Green Credit Facility.

The Chief Architect, GoSolarAfrica and Co Founder/CEO of SMEFUNDS, Mr. Femi Oye said enewable energy resources, including solar have a lot of advantages.

For instance, the technology is relatively cheaper than others.

He said, “The low cost raises the possibility of equity participation for larger section of the people. As the technology is simple, it can be understood and operated with short and simple trainings.

He said they are isolated schemes and therefore can serve targeted areas.

Lightness of the equipment requires low transportation cost and therefore can be procured wherever one wants alternative means of transportation.

Oye said, “Low load demand of poor people matches with the small sized tech-

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Contract

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

95.07

-0.07

-0.07%

Dec 13

08:58:15

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

107.16

+0.76

+0.71%

Dec 13

08:58:15

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

63,730.00

+530.00

+0.84%

Apr 14

08:59:10

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

3.62

+0.05

+1.37%

Dec 13

08:58:28

Source: Bloomberg

Source: Oilprice.com

nologies; community resource mobilisation and community management of the decentralised energy system promote social integration.

He said renewable energy sources currently supply between 15per cent and 20per cent of the world’s total energy demand. It is dominated by Solar and PV technology especially in Africa.

He said, “By using solar energy as our future source of energy, we can certainly avoid both the two crises as well as meet Nigeria’s immediate energy needs. It can be reliable, local and sustainable source of energy, important for Nigeria with young and growing population.

Oye said, “Renewable can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It can be an important source of green jobs. Moreover, Nigeria Engineers, businesses and industries have skills and capital to produce mini grids at competitive costs.

38

Energy Week

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Efficient power supply ‘ll raise living standards –Nwokocha Despite various challenges, the recent hand-over of Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs to various concessionaires has been successful. In this interview with our South South Bureau Chief, SAM OLUWALANA, the Rivers State Commissioner of Energy and the Chairman of the 4Power Energy Limited, Mr Augustine Nwokocha, the umbrella body for the 12 core investors of the Port Harcourt Distribution Company, spoke on the issues that affect the power sector. substation project. We awarded Afam 1, and 11 to generate 180mw each. The phase stopped due to the challenges of transiting from public to private system, but it has restarted. So, the 360mw of Dr Odili and the 360 from Afam, we targeted 720mw. We spent over N100billion on this.

What are the implications of the recent hand-over of the power sector to core investors?

The way things stand, it appears the Federal Government has ‘conned’ the buyers, that is, the concessionaires.

The apex government first gave the buyers a deadline to pay 25 per cent and promised to handle Labour from the proceeds to enable the buyers access the plants. The arrangement also was that the buyers were to run the plants with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) staff on the ground to achieve synergy and a seamless transition, in what they called ‘shadow management’. Six months after, that did not take place. The next thing, the FG ordered everybody to, pay up the balance of 75 per cent, even without taking care of the disengagement of labour as originally agreed . Meanwhile, the workers stayed put and the investors were confused. However, we managed to source for funds and paid. Later, the Federal Government again said it would hand over on October 1, 2013, but on that day, what they did was paper handover, thus bringing discordant signals.

What plan did the Federal Government put in place to compensate states that invested in distribution?

The plan was that they will convert the value for each state and give them stakes in the rest 40 per cent equity.

The buyers were to pay for 60 per cent. Of the 60 per cent, states where the power is based are to have 8 per cent equity and the core investor will have 52 per cent. The states were to help with community issues. The Federal Government must wake up and do the needful. Power is a business, a big and sweet business. The major obstacle is the Federal Government. We must know that power empowers people. That is what is known as the power of power to empower the people. Power provides numerous opportunities for economic regeneration. For instance, if you have a refrigerator in your house, you can sell drinks to the neighborhood, and before you know it, you are self employed. Welders, joinery experts, etc, would spring up here and there. With power, neighborhood businesses would explode, value would be created and the gross domestic value of that community would jump up, and there would be positive shift in the standard of living due to upswing in the per capita income of that area. That is what an efficient power supply system can do to the micro-economy.

We must also understand that modern man needs power like human being needs oxygen. It is no more a luxury.

Industries apart, in our environment, we need fans and air conditioners to survive. Basically, stable power supply system will create a new economy while boosting the old one. It will transform the economy from agrarian to industrial one. That is how Japan, with sand and sea, grew to a world economic giant, not with natural resources. The rest is power of the mind. We have a huge population of un-empowered people. Most people depend on alms. With stable power supply, they can now earn income and acquire purchasing power. The greatest section of any society is the middle class.

The trick is to empower them because they will have the purchasing power that runs the economy. Continuous buying drives the economy. The 160million population we have is weak. Investment takes place where people are viable, and are thriving. Otherwise, you see our shops closing down because people cannot sustain purchase the power that drives the economy. The big retail corporations and mega-shops of old have closed shop, giving way to small shops and supermarkets, which are not even doing well. If you take a close look at the shops, you will see faded dresses and other outdated items, which an indication that all is not well with the selling business. A lot of time, they do auction sales and offload their goods and some shut down from there and change business lines. The way out is, to get our power situation right, relax some obnoxious laws that tends to slow down businesses especially in area of taxation, and a strong economy will emerge.

Nwokocha

What kind of power programme did your administration met on the ground at its inception?

We met an elaborate power scheme on the ground. Remember that Peter Odili was governor and Governor Chibuike Amaechi was the Speaker. I was part of that administration too, so we had a roadmap, a clear path to follow to deliver uninterrupted power supply in Rivers State. We were to work from generation to transmission and to distribution and create also a seamless system. We even had a plan to transmit to the creeks and waterlogged rural areas through submarine cable system. We planned to build a substation, gas turbine generating plants, etc and all of these were contracted out. The Omoku Main Gas Turbine Station was awarded for 150 mw, Trans-Amadi was for 36mw, and there was the Eleme station. Omoku completed on 50mw. When the Amaechi administration took off (October 2007), we took stock of what was on ground and worked to commission another 50mw in Omoku, making it 100m. We later completed the 150mw. Trans Amadi was for 36mw but only 24mw was functioning. We repaired the 24mw and later upgraded it to 100mw. Works on Eleme in progress, we are battling with that now.

What were the challenges posed by the approach of the former administration?

The former Governor, Dr Peter Odili gave all the jobs to one contractor (Rockson). The contractor was over loaded, especially as he accepted more contracts from the Federal Government. There were supposed to be seven substations but none was built. They were located at Ahoada, Abalama, Rumumosi, Ka, Bra Oba, etc. When we came in, we prioritized. For instance, when we saw that the Federal Government had built a substation at Ahoada, we moved ours from there to Rumuolumini to take care of more need in that axis. The Abalama project had community issues and the contractor pulled out. We are working on Rumuolumini

WE JOINED IN ACQUIRING THE PH DISTRIBUTION COMPANY IN THE JUST CONCLUDED

PRIVATISATION EXERCISE, TO ENABLE US TAKE OUR ENERGY DESTINY IN OUR HANDS

What was the objective of the state government in setting up the Sunmonu Committee?

The governor set up the Sunmonu Committee so as to know the way forward on how to meet the power needs of the state. This committee requested for N71bn, as what it would take to do all the things that would enable Rivers State achieve uninterrupted power supply. N30bn was released and we used it to enhance distribution and build 28 stations. We also used it to purchase 280 transformers, repairs power lines, so as to strengthen distribution network.

We completed Afam 1 and started the Elelenwo substation, etc. The problem now is that government is now skeptical because of so many failed targets. Each time His Excellency, asked a crowd of people if they are now enjoying adequate power supply, they would shout in the negative. To hit 24hour power supply, all things must work. Beyond the provision of infrastructure, you must manage it and ensure that flow is consistent. But, vandals would often ravage the lines and complicate issues. There is the issue of disruption of supply line to gas supplier to the power plants. So, if the government can do all that is listed to be done and security is guaranteed, Rivers State will have adequacy of power.

Why did your state invest in the Port Harcourt Distribution Company?

We joined in acquiring the PH Distribution Company in the just concluded power privatization exercise, to enable us take our energy destiny in our hands. However, we discovered that the workforce in the company is skilled but constrained. For instance, they cannot spend a dime in their Port Harcourt base. From the 1st to 20th of any month, the revenue is totally transferred to Abuja headquarters. After that, they trap the rest of the revenue to pay salaries. It means that if they need say N10,000 to change any minor thing, they cannot raise such fund. The matter will now deteriorate and cause total blackout. Power system is self destructive. It needs constant renewal, but the managers have no money run it. This leads to residents having to buy transformer, cable, etc and still pay the power officials to do their jobs. Over time, the residents become so used to electricity parts and facilities when they should only pay and allow the experts to know the rest. This is the sad aspect.

What does the recent hand-over of the power sector portends for the country?

The Federal Government has finally sold off power and the private businesses are about to take over the management and running of electricity. It will now operate on along business principles and methods. The business people will drive it and have hands-on. They will react to outages because that is where they get revenue from, and their lives depend on the revenue just as the consumers depend on availability of power to operate.

What are your government’s efforts to get transmit power to the rural areas?

We have awarded contracts that would transform the rural areas and the creeks, but funding is an issue. Rivers State is doing too many mega-scale projects at the same time. Besides, security is an issue. We cannot build independent power stations in the rural areas because you will not get gas to power them.

You will need to pass the gas through water and transport other equipment through water, at huge costs. That is why it is better to build power in some ideal places and pass the power through pipes and cables to the rural areas at far cheaper costs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

NCDMB, Amnesty office to collaborate on employment in oil industry

T

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme are to collaborate towards integrating ex-agitators from the Niger Delta into the petroleum industry.

This was mooted when the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Ernest Nwapa hosted the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku at the Board’s office in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State last week.

Nwapa said the plan was to upload the list of ex-agitators who had completed training in oil and gas service areas into the Nigerian Oil and Gas Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS)-the data base of choice for talent sourcing in the oil and gas industry.

He explained that the Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Board’s Governing Council, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke had directed the Board to pursue capacity development and employment initiatives that will support President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda in the oil and gas industry.

According to him, major operating companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation cannot employ more than 50,000 Nigerians as they had outsourced most of their operations, adding however, that the industry could create thousands of jobs through the execution of

Nwapa

its projects in-country and manufacturing of components used by the industry.

He regretted that Nigerians had for nearly five decades focused on the exploitation of crude oil and the revenue receipts while ignoring the value chain, thereby failing for too long to establish facilities, own hi-tech assets and manufacture components for the industry that can create jobs and retain spend in the country.

Nwapa clarified that the implementation of the Act had gradually reversed the trend and Nigerians have begun to invest heavily in facilities, own hi-tech assets and manufacture components for the industry.

Some of the capacities already developed for the Oil and Gas Industry, he said, are being used utilized in other sectors of the economy like power, telecommunication, construction and information technology.

He described various initiatives of the Board which had helped create and retain 38,000 jobs in the industry from year 2010 to date, adding that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industrial Park Scheme (NOGIPS) will unlock employment opportunities from the industry as it will elevate local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that produce industry standard high tech equipment for the industry under a shared service and resource optimisation model.

He explained that the Board was also set to start an artisan training programme that will produce qualified artisans who will eventually build the Board’s Headquarters Building in Yenagoa.

The Special Adviser underscored the agency’s relationship with the Board, explaining that both agencies were developing manpower for Nigerians.

He said, “we are doing a lot of vocational training programme that falls under the ambit of NCDMB so we needed to get advice from the Board on what is available and how we can tap into the opportunities.

We want the Board to help us in post training placements.

Experts task government on kerosene distribution UDEME AKPAN

O

perators in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, involving distribution and marketing of petroleum products have tasked the government to ensure kerosene get to authorized destinations in the country.

They contended that this would ensure the masses who desire the product for domestic applications are not denied access to the product.

Mr. Amos Akinfolarin, an independent petroleum marketers said, “I have consistently inform the Nigerian public that petroleum products subsidy on kerosene benefits only the rich to the disadvantage of the average man on the street.

He said, “There remains the issue of distribution because it is on record that Kerosene meant for the masses is diverted to some sectors, especially pharmaceutical, aviation, construction and manufacturing.

Akinfolarin said, “It is also known that some are directly smuggled across the borders. Others are still mixed with Diesel for the purpose of increasing the volume of Diesel used for fueling.

Mr. Gabriel Simpson, MD/CEO Interland Petroleum said that since the time of the government of late President Musa YarAdua and the confusion as to who pays subsidy began, NNPC has been bearing the burden of solely sustaining DPK supply to the Nigerian market as marketers have refused to bring in the product.

Simpson said that NNPC has had to solely bring in the product with some contributions from the Refineries due to its statutory obligation to make petroleum products available country wide.

According to him, for the records, NNPC has supplied 332,520,875 ltrs of DPK from January, 2011 – September, 2013 into the Nigerian market.

The marketer added NNPC with its visionary and hardworking Management staff, have worked tirelessly and continue to do so by restoring their pipeline network with a view to making products available at every nook and cranny of the nation.

Alhaji Sanni Adamu, Chairman Inua Venture, an independent marketer in the North said that the Management has been able to re-commission Kaduna-Suleja line, Kaduna-Kano line, Suleja-Minna line, Kaduna-Gusau line, Kaduna-Jos line and Port Harcourt-Aba line and Warri-Benin line.

He said that the Management has also re-commissioned Aba and Benin Depots

Kerosene queue

with DPK being pumped to these Depots with daily loading of the product. It is interesting to note that some of these Depots have not worked for over 15yrs. ``This is in spite of the numerous challenges facing the NNPC in maintaining these pipelines due to vandalism.

The successes achieved with the reactivation and rehabilitation of the above mentioned lines and Depots is rooted in the strong belief that the pipelines are by far the safest, most efficient, quickest, cost effective means to distribute products especially for a country as large as ours,’’ he said.

According to him, ``With the re-commissioning of Aba and Benin Depots, NNPC has been able to make DPK available through pipeline and loading from these Depots to Abia, Imo and Anambra States as well as parts of Akwa-Ibom States through the Aba Depot and Edo, Kogi as well as some parts of Ondo states through the Benin Depots.

39

FG pledges enabling for denvironment na airegiN ssorca m orf investors stnapicitraP y a d 3 e h t g n i d n e t t a e r a s e tatS detinU eht in power CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he Federal Government has restated its resolve to maintain an enabling environment for the electricity sector to work satisfactorily, in the post-privatisation era.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali made this known Monday, at the tenth International Conference on Power Systems Operation and Planning, holding in Abuja, a statement from the Special Assistant to the Minister of Power, Kande Daniel said.

This effort, he said, would entail a position of non-interference, while ensuring fairness and equity between investors and the consumers of electricity.

The Permanent Secretary assured that, in line with the resolve to create a conducive industrial environment for de-regulated power sector operations, government was speedily resolving the issues surrounding the financial benefits of about 2,500 casual workers of the PHCN, and about 4,000 staff who had biometric verification problems.

Recalling the challenges of Nigeria’s electricity sector since inception in the 1890’s, Ambassador Igali said the only option left for government was the decisive and bold step of privatization, especially in view of successes recorded in the banking, aviation and telecommunication sectors, among others.

Ambassador Igali said Government’s retention of the transmission component of the power chain was deliberate, and was intended to preserve the integrity of the system.

He explained that Nigerians could afford to look forward to positive changes, as the privatization exercise would usher in enormous positive value, including creation of jobs, at the primary and secondary levels.

Buguma community hails NDDC’s policy on quality jobs

C

hiefs and elders of Buguma community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have praised the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its uncompromising stand in demanding high quality performance from its contractors.

The community leaders, who had gathered at the Kalabari National College, Buguma, for the commissioning of three projects executed by the NDDC in the school, were informed that the planned hand-over would now take place at a later date because the contractor did not adhere strictly to specifications and laid down standards.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Daar George thanked the NDDC for insisting on high quality job delivery.

He said that much as his people, especially the students, were eager to take possession of the facilities provided by the NDDC, it was better to wait a little more for the necessary corrections to be effected by the contractor.

40

Energy Week

PHCCIMA begins grassroots content development summit

A

ll is now set for the eagerly awaited two day ‘Grassroot Nigeria Content Development Awareness Summit and Exhibition’ slated for November 26th and 27th 2013 at the Atlantic hall of Hotel presidential, Port Harcourt.

The event driven by Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), in collaboration with, TOTAL, Shell, AGIP, CNS Marine Nigeria Limited, Forum of South South Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines & Agriculture (FOSSCCIMA), and Price Water House Coopers International (PWC), is geared towards increasing awareness and impacting knowledge of the Nigerian Content Act. It is also targeted at grassroots business people who ordinarily cannot meet up with the soaring cost of the high profile Nigeria Content Development conferences organized in the past.

The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Emeka Unachukwu the summit will provide a better understanding of the act, increase participation and consequently improve the average performance in the implementation of the NCD Act. Observers have expressed disappointment over the continued flaws in implementation of the act in the country, adding that after 50 years since the exploitation of hydrocarbon started in Nigeria, the percentage of local content in the oil & gas industry is still pegged at only 5-15per cent.

They also analyzed the average amount spent annually in the petroleum industry, which they said averages about US $8Billion lamenting that only 5per cent is retained in Nigeria.

Signed into Law on April 22, 2010 by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act is designed not only to increase indigenous participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry but also act as a spring board to encourage technology transfer as well as drive government’s socio-economic development agenda.

Three years after passage, a comprehensive reappraisal of impact show very low success rate the legislation had increased the Nigerian content in the area of manufacturing of equipment used in the industry to about seven per cent.

According to the Director of Local Content PHCCIMA, Larry Azubuike the upcoming Free Grassroots Nigeria Content Development Awareness Summit/Exhibition 2013 is expected to complement the effort of government in enlightening the public and major indigenous players in the oil and gas industry about the Nigerian Content Development Act and unlock vistas of opportunities in the sector.

Theme for this year’s event is: “Leveraging on the Nigerian Content Development Act for Industrial Revolution” and is expected to be an annual event. It will feature highly rated resource persons as summit speakers like, secretary of the NCD, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, PHCCIMA president, Engr.

Emeka Unachukwu among others.

Also expected to speak are, Shell Petroleum Nigeria Limited NCD General Manager, Igo Weli, and Deputy Managing Director of Total E&P, Nicolas Brunet among others.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NIPCO begins station re-modelling UDEME A KPAN

N

ipco Plc, an indigenous integrated downstream operator has commenced a massive re branding of its scores of retail outlets across the country for better positioning and optimum service delivery to consumers of petroleum products Managing Director of the company, Mr. Venkatapathy Venkataraman who disclosed this on the sidelines at the Oil Trading & Logistic Expo in Lagos said the stations were being re modeled in line with international best practices in the oil and gas industry.

According to him, the exercise which had seen the company giving a general facelift to its stations were also aimed at providing some value addition services to motorist aside from the conventional product dispense.

The MD asserted that the feat which ultimately will increase Nipco share of the retail market currently at about 10per cent is also in line its corporate mission of meeting the needs of stakeholders in the sector.

He noted that the exercise which will be extended to the over 150 retail outlets of the company will make customers who patronise our stations to enjoy fuel and non fuel related services, a feat that could shore up the ratings of Nipco as a reliable marketing organization.

According to him, a full fledged department in the company charged with the remodeling will ensure that customers get value for their fuel purchase

Fuel attendant at work

and other services rendered at the stations through routine checks.

Venkatapathy further disclosed that in the new outlets a standard workshops and service centre are in place to make motorist have a one stop chop for all automotive related endeavours.

On Liquefied Petroleum Gas [LPG] skid, which is the latest technology in dispensing of gas with a dual purpose of re-filling for domestic cooking and auto for vehicles, the MD the company had deployed some acro0ss the country to bring gas close to the populace.

The skids, he noted have electronic filling machines and helps to deliver accurate quantity of gas ,a scenario that had made the company’s skid outlets customers delight .

He said in pursuit of promoting gas usage , Nipco has stock of all LPG accessories like cylinders ,burners ,regulators ,hose ,etc which are currently on

sold at very competitive rates across the nation .

According to him, one novel idea of the organization is the massive stocking of smaller size of cylinders with burners targeted at the low income group at reasonable prices to improve accessibility affordability by this group.

Venkatapathy counseled the populace to harness the growing benefits of using LPG as cooking fuel in view of the inherent benefits of being safe, faster, smoke- free and stress free when compared with other domestic cooking fuels.

He for the umpteenth time once again disabused the minds of some people on the safety implications of using gas as cooking fuel stressing that gas is very safe especially if all the safety precautions are strictly adhered to.

NERC endorses Lagos power initiative CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

N

igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi has commended Lagos State Government for initiating the Island Power Expansion Project (IPP2), saying the megacity is the fastest growing metropolis in the light of its efforts to curb epileptic electricity supply in the country.

Fashola

Amadi noted that Lagos State was fully aware of its energy needs as it is targeting intervention on areas that cannot be covered by the national grid.

He commended state’s Electricity Board noting that Governor Babatunde Fashola’s vision for an electrified metropolis would curtail criminality on the streets. ‘’ Lagos has the most innovative Energy Board in the country, no doubt Lagos will continue to be the centre of excellence’’ Amadi said.

According to him, the drive for energy security by the Lagos state government has come about through creative thinking worth emulating. The Managing Director and CEO, Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi on the occasion lauded the milestone which he noted took just two years to accomplish. So far, the plant has resulted in uninterrupted power supply and water availability across the state.

This is even as staffs of NERC led by the Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs division, Dr Abba Ibrahim visited Kuta in Shiroro local government, Kontagora and the historic town of Bida all in Niger state on a three- day enlightenment exercise.

According the spokesman of NERC, Maryam Abubakar, the exercise was in line with NERC’s policy on consumer enlightenment and education, geared

towards sensitizing the people on their rights and obligations as electricity consumers. It is also an avenue to inform the people about the different redress mechanisms set up by the Commission for their protection.

Abubakar said the first port of call was Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area, where Shiroro Dam, termed the best hydro-dam in the country is located.

Electricity Consumers comprising representatives of various trade unions all converged at the town hall to meet with the NERC delegation in the company of Business Managers of the distribution company and representatives of Consumer Protection Council, Royal fathers amongst others.

Abba urged the gathering to brace up for a new dawn in the power sector, in light of the sale of some aspects of the power industry. ‘’We are all set for a new dawn in the electricity service in Nigeria. Part of our responsibility is to ensure we pursue consumer protection for good service delivery’’. Abba said.

The meetings registered large turnout in all locations. Council Chairmen of the three area councils spoke in the same vein, requesting that the Commission impresses it on the Federal Government to increase efforts at making Shiroro dam function more effectively.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo LG commission reads riot act to LG workers HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

L

ocal government workers in Ondo State have been warned against any act of indiscipline that will hinder the development of the state and the local government commission.

This warning was handed down by the newly appointed Chairman of Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, LGSC, Mr. Marcus Adeoti who promised to recognise diligence.

Adeoti, who stated this while speaking with journalist in Akure, the state capital, said new ideas and policies to move the commission forward positively will be introduced to the local government system in the state.

The new chairman said any worker found guilty of any form of indiscipline, such as truancy, lateness, indolence among others would be shown the way out of the service.

Adeoti said: “We have come to create a legacy in the local government service of Ondo State, we have zero tolerance for indiscipline at work. So, any worker found guilty of any form of indiscipline will be shown the way out.

“The era of indiscipline has gone, we are in the era of no work, no pay. So, any worker who is not diligent will not be rewarded,” Adeoti stated that since the commission deals with personnel of the 18 local governments of the state, in the area of appointments, promotion and discipline, he pledged that the commission would provide more conducive environment for the workers across the state.

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he Federal Government has restated its resolve to maintain an enabling environment for the electricity industry, in the post-privatisation era.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, made this position known on Monday, at the 10th International Conference on Power Systems Operation and Planning, which held in Abuja.

This effort, he said, would entail a position of non-interference, while ensuring fairness and equity between investors and the consumers of electricity.

Recalling the challenges of Nigeria’s electricity sector since inception in the 1890s, Igali said the only option left for government was the decisive and bold step of privatisation, especially in view of the successes recorded in the banking, aviation and telecommunication sectors, among others.

He said government’s retention of the transmission component of the power chain was deliberate, and was intended to preserve the integ-

41

Perm Sec pledges equity in post-privatisation rity of the system.

He explained that Nigerians could afford to look forward to positive changes, as the privatisation exercise would usher in enormous positive value, including creation of jobs, at the primary

and secondary levels.

The Permanent Secretary assured that, in line with the resolve to create a conducive industrial environment for deregulated power sector operations, government was speedily resolving

the issues surrounding the financial benefits of about 2,500 casual workers of the PHCN, and about 4,000 staff who had biometric verification problems.

Participants from across Nigeria and the

United States attended the 3-day international conference on power systems operation and planning, which explored issues of privatisation and re-structuring in a competitive power environment.

L-R: Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Godknows Igali and Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Power, Engr. Dagogo Jack, during the sale of shares in ten gas-fired generation companies developed under the National Integrated Power Project in Abuja on Monday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI

NFF boss, others to bag national awards JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

T

he Federal Government on Sunday pledged to honour members of the Executive Committee and Management of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, with the much-coveted national awards, acknowl-

edging that the team has performed wonderfully since coming into office in 2010.

Jonathan disclosed this at the official reception for the Golden Eaglets that conquered the world for a record fourth time, at the just-concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

According to him, some

of the board members and management will be considered for the national awards for their selfless effort for the development of Nigerian football.

He said: “Indeed, the present board of the NFF has broken grounds in several areas, winning seven trophies, four from major competitions and three from high-profile

friendlies in the past three years and ensuring positive mention for Nigeria internationally all the time.

“In its 38-and-half months of existence, the Maigari-led team has played a total of 213 matches, winning 124, drawing 32 and losing 57.

“For the first time ever, Nigeria’s senior home-

based players have qualified to participate in the African Nations Championship, and this week, Nigeria’s ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals will be confirmed when the Super Eagles tackle Ethiopia in Calabar in the second leg of the final qualifying fixture, with a 2-1 advantage from the away leg.”

Bayelsa LGs plan automated attendance register EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA.

I

Mimiko

From the Civil Service

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

n a bid to reposition the local government system in Bayelsa State for effective service delivery at the rural areas, government has concluded arrangements to introduce the Automated Biometric Attendance Register at the respective councils.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, James Dugo, spoke in Yen-

agoa, the state capital, at a one-day enlightenment programme for management staff of the eight councils on the implementation of the Automated Biometric Attendance Register.

Dugo said major challenges under minding effective service delivery in the councils were overbloated wage bill, habitual absenteeism and late coming among staff.

He said: “When the Automated Biometric At-

Dickson

tendance Register is fully

implemented only staff who come to work and discharge their official duties will receive salary at the end of the month.”

The commissioner reminded that in spite of the huge wage bill of civil servants in the state, the present administration was not keen in sacking any staff.

Dugo advised councils’ staff to ensure that they participate fully when the electronic enrolment to capture the biometrics, commences in November

or risk being declared as “ghost” workers.

He affirmed that only staff who are ready to earn their pay would remain in the service of the councils.

Over the years in Bayelsa State civil service, majority of staff have indulged in truancy, but rushed to the banks for their monthly salaries.

Government has frowned at the truancy exhibited by the workers and even threaten to sanction offenders.

42

From the Civil Service

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Planning Minister charges MDAs on Council’s registrar service delivery quality, efficiency wants embargo on TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Supervising Minister of National Planning, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, yesterday charged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in the federal civil service to place higher premium on quality service as a strategic step towards the realisation of the broad policy objectives of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.

Specifically, the Minister said the National Planning Commission would continue to raise the standards of service delivery within and in all its parastatals to set examples for other MDAs in view of its crucial roles in planning for development in the country.

Yuguda, who gave the assurance at the inauguration of the Ministerial Service Committee of the Commission in Abuja, said there was no way Nigeria could con-

tinue to leverage on her competitiveness in the emerging global economic order if the MDAs failed to meet the expectations of foreign and Nigerian users of services being offered at all level of governance, adding that workers’ compliance to effective and efficient service delivery is the key to improved socio-economic and political transformation of the country.

He said the Commission was maintaining cordial relationship with development partners and other relevant stakeholders through its workers’ compliance to effective and efficient service delivery.

Yuguda, who recalled that the inauguration was in line with the circular dated November 29, 2012 from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, on the Federal Executive Council approval on implementation of SERVICOM, explained that the circular directed that there should

be a ministerial SERVICOM Committee in all MDAs to be chaired by the minister or the head of the agency with the nodal officer as the secretary.

The Minister said: “Servicom carries out surveys of the services provided to the citizens by the Ministries and Government Departments, their adequacy, timeliness and customer satisfaction.

National Planning Commission, (NPC) as a pacesetter and a key government agency involved in service delivery aims to stay SERVICOM compliant and is apt to Mr President’s drive for ensuring delivery of services to Nigerians through various initiatives.

“It is through this consciousness in the public service that the delivery of government programmes and projects to the citizens would be guaranteed”.

In his remarks at the forum, the Senior Special Assistant to the President and National Coordinator SRVOCM, Mr Sylbriks Obriki, stressed the need for the Commis-

sion’s staff to embrace the principles that promote the cultures of continuous service improvement.

While noting that part of the duties of the Commission’s employees includes reporting on the quality and effectiveness of service delivery to the different customer groups of the Commission, the Presidential aide said the SERVICOM Office believed that its roles “will bring about improved socio-economic development, leading to significant improvements in major indices of national development, as well as the overall quality of life for ordinary citizens” Obriki pointed out that as service delivery change agents, the Commission’s staff must remain at the vanguard of the collective drive aimed at entrenching the culture of continuous improvement in service delivery to the different stakeholders groups and by so doing, contribute towards achieving the commission’s mandate.

employment lifted

T

he Registrar, Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), Mr. Augustine Ebisike, has called on the three tiers of government to lift the embargo on the employment of environment health officers.

This is contained in a statement issued by the council’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kehinde Openibo, in Abuja on Monday.

The statement said that the call became necessary to enable the council to professionally solve numerous environmental health challenges confronting the nation.

It condemned the engagement of persons not trained as environment officers as members of sanitation task forces in some states in the country.

The statement noted that in Anambra, 124 of the 174 environmental health officers were over 50 years old.

It blamed the incessant outbreaks of cholera and

lassa fever in some parts of the country on the lack of good sanitation habits.

“Something must be done to ensure that more environmental health officers are engaged and their work done effectively to avert the loss of lives from these preventable diseases.

“The use of quacks in the execution of environment health services ensures the sub-standard execution of such environmental health services and a loss of colossal sum of money by government across the country,” it added.

While urging environmental health officers to ensure professionalism in the discharge of their duties, it noted that this was crucial in addressing the growing evidence of deviation from known norms of practice by some officials.

The statement also reemphasised that ethics defined a profession and stressed the need for practitioners in the sector to ensure integrity among themselves.

Gombe to provide free medicare to women, children

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L-R: Zonal Controller, Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority, Mr. Uche Molokwu; representative of the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okere Iragunima and Assistant Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, SouthSouth Zone, Mr. Godwin Tepikor, at the Post-Crash Development Seminar in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Oyo assures commitment to workforce KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

T

he Oyo State government has reiterated its commitment to at all times see to the welfare of its workforce especially those who unfortunately died in line of duty.

The state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, said this

at the presentation of N1m cheque to the immediate family of one of the police personnel attached to the state security and anticrime outfit, “Operation Burst”, Constable Kadiri Isiaka, who recently died while carrying out official duties.

The Operation Burst Commander, Brig-Gen. Laz Ilo, who made the presentation on behalf of the

governor, said the gesture was to alleviate the sufferings of the late officer’s family and also to motivate others still in service.

The cheque was presented to the wife of the police constable, Mutiat, at a brief ceremony held at the Operation Burst headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.

The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Indabawa, who was

represented by ACP Chris Owolabi, described the exit of the police constable as a painful loss to the state police command.

In her response, Mutiat expressed appreciation to Governor Ajimobi for his quick intervention to save her family from suffering.

She then promised to use the money for the education of her two children, Anifat and Habeeb.

he Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kennedy Ishaya, said the state government would provide free medical services for women and children during the Health Week scheduled for November 24 to 29.

Ishaya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday that a lot of packages would be offered to pregnant women and children under the age of five during the week.

According to him, the week-long activities were meant to provide special services that will reduce maternal and child mortality.

“It has been noted that pregnant women and children are highly vulnerable because quite a number of women die as a result of pregnancy.

Children also die as a result of lack of vaccine for preventable diseases.

Such deaths are unacceptable, considering the level of our development, hence the need for the week,” he said.

He said the services would ensure the protection of the vulnerable group, while free screening and treatment would be offered for pregnant women.

The commissioner also said children would be screened to identify those who missed the routine immunisation.

“This is because a child is supposed to have a full complement of immunisation before she or he reaches the age of one year. The immunisation is against six diseases: tuberculosis, whooping cough, measles, yellow fever and tetanus, among others,” he said.

Ishaya said nutritional services would also be given to children while malnourished kids would be attended to.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday November 13, 2013

National president of Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, Elliot Uko in this interview with FELIX NWANERI, expresses optimism that the proposed national conference will be a huge success despite the doubt by some stakeholders. He also speaks on the scandal rocking the aviation sector. Excerpts: The IYM has been a very strong advocate for a national conference. How do you see President Goodluck Jonathan recent setting up of an advisory committee in that respect?

It is not about IYM, it is about saving Nigeria. We all should remain prayerful until a new Nigeria is created at the conference and affirmed by a referendum. Until then, Nigeria is still tottering at the edge of a precipice. Only the upcoming national conference will save Nigeria and heal the land.

Nigerians want to save Nigeria; nobody wants the country to disintegrate.

How about the President’s position that the outcome of the confab would be sent to the National Assembly for ratification?

It is only proper that we support the Chief Femi Okurounmu committee to succeed, let us wait for them to finish their work. But I will add that the national conference is the best thing to happen to Nigeria. It will succeed. It will enthrone justice and equity. Nigeria will come out stronger and better.

There will always be mischief makers, ignorant and naive folks and the villains themselves who love to oppress and dominate others. But the truth is; Nigeria needs re-construction. This national conference will redesign Nigeria. The country will come out stronger and more united. It will afford Nigerians the opportunity to decide how they want to live. All those against it know that without this national conference Nigeria will have only but a very short time to live together. This actually is a last ditch effort to save Nigeria. I know it will be very successful. I know that even the pessimist will rejoice at the end of the day. This genuine effort to truly save Nigeria must not fail.

The opposition has termed it a ‘Greek gift’ and has even said it would not participate.

Won’t that affect the outcome?

It won’t, because 99 per cent of the population is in full support of the conference. It is painful and regrettable that some people have placed their personal political ambitions above the survival of Nigeria. That says a lot about the quality of leaders in Nigeria. It is quite unfortunate.

What of the claim that the President plans to use the national conference to divert attention from the myriad of problems plaguing his party and the nation in general.

I agree that the nation is sick and adrift.

That is not debatable, but every effort to save and salvage the situation should be supported and not sabotaged. Those who are afraid of the outcome of the conference are in the minority. Majority of Nigerians are excited and prayerful that this great opportunity to rebuild Nigeria must not fail.

Those who are plotting to shoot down the conference are so desperate that they even

43

Confab, last effort to save Nigeria –Uko

still rough and politicians are still living very provocative and offensive lifestyles.

It will be wrong not to acknowledge that Jonathan is trying his best. But we are still very far from the Promised Land although I know we will get there.

destroyed the reputation of a very likable governor by using him to disparage the conference. They know that the injustices they instituted while they ran the country as military despots will be dismantled at the conference. Their plot is to weaken or pervert the conference but I can tell you that they will not succeed.

Do you see the conference solving the economic, social and political troubles of Nigeria?

Our basic problem is corruption and misgovernance and both have everything to do with this unworkable military structure. This awkward structure encourages corruption; the centre is too attractive that some people can go to any length to grab power. Nigeria is artificially held together albeit temporarily by the greed of very corrupt ruling elite, sustained only by the oil wealth which will dry up in about 30 years, time. All our troubles flow from this very wrong and faulty foundation. Nobody is happy with the frightening youth unemployment, brazen oil theft, massive and mindless corruption, arrogance of those in power, insecurity etc., but Nigeria cannot survive unless we address the basics.

We must go back to the root cause of our dilemma, which is: a very wrong unitary structure, a very expensive system of governance that gulps over 68 per cent of our resources leaving only about 32 per cent to develop the country with. We will never succeed unless we face the reality. This 774 local governments and 36 states structure with a very strong centre has not and will never work. We need to tell ourselves the truth. Nigeria must be restructured for a more efficient system. Nigerians will have the opportunity to design a workable and fair constitution that will make Nigeria truly great.

Some Northern political leaders like Prof.

Ango Abdullahi supports a return to the previous parliamentary system, do you share such view?

Nigerians will decide on that at the conference proper. Nigerians expect bet-

Uko

THIS NATIONAL CONFERENCE WILL

REDESIGN NIGERIA.

THE COUNTRY WILL

COME OUT STRONGER AND MORE UNITED...

THIS ACTUALLY IS A

LAST DITCH EFFORT TO SAVE NIGERIA

ter performance, but you can’t perform magic when you are stuck with a perverted structure and system. The government is hamstrung. But this government hasn’t done badly. When people say Mr. President is not performing they fail to tell us: like who? Are they saying he is not performing like Abacha or IBB or Obasanjo or who?

In comparison, Jonathan is doing great things for this country but the problems are legion. We want to see Nigeria where things work. We have not got there yet.

They say our economy is growing. The average Nigerian can’t see or feel it. Life is

What is your take on the scandal rocking the aviation sector and calls for the minister, Stella Oduah, to resign?

She is clearly a victim of power intrigues. She is no saint, but she is also not the most corrupt government official today as her adversaries want Nigerians to believe. Nigerians believe those cars should be returned and the deal cancelled, but her traducers are going too far. The intensity of the vicious campaign to bring her down is unprecedented in this country. Internal power struggle in the cabinet amongst her colleagues of same gender, coupled with enemies she made in her attempt to reposition the aviation sector as well as folks who believe she is arrogant has compounded her problems. We feel bad about the recent political developments, especially as it concerns office holders from the South-East.

A man tried to reposition the power sector, the best brain for the job, entrenched interests complained, he resigned. Another first class brain was forced out over the concern he raised about the dirty and foul census figures of the past. Now entrenched interests in the aviation sector, who Princess Oduah dislodged for the good of the country are calling for her head. The strategy of demonising her and whipping up sentiments against her shows a well organised enemy stronghold determined to bring her down.

They have committed so much resources to harangue the Presidency and the populace.

While not supporting corruption, it is very important to note that if her enemies had anything else against her, they would have used it. The only armour in their arsenal is the purchase of the bullet proof cars. I know the panel will exonerate her, but the deal should be cancelled and the money returned. She has done wonderful things in the aviation sector, so her enemies should not be allowed to have their way.

No agreement can stop Jonathan’s re-election –Bio CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 dent and the governors. What is very clear is that for the governors to have planned to walk out on the national convention, they have already gone beyond reconciliation.

That is my own assessment. This is not a day’s plan. It would have been on for several months because they had already arranged a venue for live press coverage. That is not an accidental thing. They have already decided what to do.

I want to pay great respect to Baba Tony Anenih and other party members who have deemed it necessary to convince the governors to reconcile and also working on the President to reconcile. That is job of elder statesmen and I wish them well if they can succeed. But my opinion as a young politician and as a tactical strategist, it is apparent that they believe their grievances cannot be solved. Therefore, let us destroy the party and move to another party. That is the strategy I have seen.

Again, the court has ruled that nobody should bear new PDP. If they obey the rule of law and the constitution, the grand

norm of our existence, they would have mellowed down and by so doing, you will see that they want reconciliation. But they went to appeal. They are still meeting. They are issuing communiqués and statements.

Some of them are not reconciliation prone.

Won’t the exit of the seven governors from PDP devastate the party?

All of them came one after the other. All these governors who believe that they are very popular, I can assure you that if they take a census of the people in their respective states and they stand election without instruments of state coercion and resources, very few of them will be able to win their states again. They may be thinking now that they have their states, but I give it to them that they will have their say and Nigerians will have their way.

Power shift to the North in 2015 has been one of the issues the G-7 governors are talking about. Do you think power should shifts to the North in 2015?

Power shift or party arrangement or zon-

ing arrangement, either agreement with Jonathan, those are based on moral understanding and political ethics. But the issue of legality and constitutional power to contest, nobody can take that one from you.

The only person who can say okay power should shift to the North is Jonathan if he is not interested. But if he is interested, he has the rights and the constitution says he should contest if he so desires. So, the issue of power shift, zoning and rotation doesn’t arise, unless we remove the legal issue. But when the man says he is interested, it has overridden every other thing.

Personally, I don’t believe in the issue of power shift. Power shift and rotation does not give us room to produce good material and that is why we have the issue of godfatherism and selection in Nigerian politics. We don’t go for merit. We don’t go for people that are popular, the kind of leaders that people will go to sleep with them. We impose people based on certain criteria, either zoning or by virtue of power shift and that is why the country is not moving forward. Let Nigerians elect their leaders. That’s my own.

44

Politics

Hajia Talatu Nasir is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Katsina State. She is a member of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS) and Co-ordinator of Forum of African Women Educationalist (FAWE), Katsina State chapter. In this interview with JAMES DANJUMA, she speaks on Governor Ibrahim Shema’s efforts to give hope to Katsina women and other issues. Excerpts: How does your ministry key into Governor Ibrahim Shema’s agenda of transforming the lives of women?

Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs oversees everything that has to do with women. Whatever concerns women in any of the other ministries, be it agriculture, empowerment, education, be rest assured that the Women Affairs Ministry will be involved. This is because women are seen as the bedrock of the society. That is the reason Katsina is like paradise for women. Women are enjoying more here than men. When the governor was elected in 2007, he promised to uplift the image of women, he promised to support women and that is exactly what is happening now. The first thing the governor did, together with the Service to Humanity Foundation, SHF, run by his wife, Dr. Fatimah, we had trainings and workshops for women, because the First Lady felt that it was better to teach women how to fish rather than giving them fish all the time.

The Women Affairs Ministry also collaborated with the SHF and other NGOs like WOFAN to train women in different areas of farm produce so that they could stand on their own. Her Excellency gave out seedlings so that participating women could start planting themselves. They were also taught how to make powder and extraction of oil and other things. After this, government provided funds with which the ministry bought some equipment, one of which can extract one tonne of groundnut oil a day. And we distributed it free of charge including take- off grants. And that is why if you visit some villages, you see Moringa plants everywhere.

After that, we moved to arts and craft.

We started teaching women these skills because, as we all know, it is not everybody that wants to go into farming, just as it is not everyone that will go into arts and craft.

So, these women were taken to the state’s arts and craft village, which is a model for other states, to learn how to make bags, shoes. These bags and shoes are so good that they are in high demand.

What has been the response of people to this initiative?

Most encouraging. For instance, when the Minister of Information came here the other time on Good Governance Tour and saw the kind of bed sheets these women were making, he liked them and even took some home. When I saw him in Abuja recently, he was asking for more of the bed sheets. Many of our women now make the bed sheets for a living. There are some who are into perfumes, air freshener, children wears, gowns; you will think the wears are

Wednesday November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Katsina: Shema’s interest in women development unparalled –Nasir Women’s Day which is an initiative of the governor. It is only observed in the western countries. On this day, women are picked randomly and are given take-off grants. We have women centres across the state and what this centre does is making of confectionaries, pastries and all of that.

This is one of the ways these women make a living and even become entrepreneurs in the process. There is also the Kankia oil exploration centre.

Nasir

made abroad. There are some who were taught the engineering part of GSM, they can repair phones now; there are some who are into poultry, tie and dye. You will marvel at the adire clothes they make. They are also into painting.

And let me shock you, do you know that these women are part of those who paint government establishments? The Shema administration made it a policy such that these young able men and women produce the paint and it is this paint that we now use to paint government establishments. Go to the Government House, the paint you see on the wall was manufactured by these boys and girls. After all the trainings, they are provided with funds to start on their own.

Beyond that, this ministry also purchased equipment for them so that they can take off properly. And those who benefit more from this largesse of government are women in the rural areas. During the International Women’s Day celebrations last year, Mrs Shema invited the cooperative societies in all the 34 local government areas of the state and provided six tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP to eight groups in each local government area including those with HIV. On the spot, she also provided three kinds of machines for groundnut frying, grinding and oil extraction. She crowned it all with N50, 000 to each of them.

Now we have groundnut centre in each of the local government areas of the state.

When you are making groundnut oil, there is something they call slut which is more of waste product. Dr. Fatimah brought in experts who turned the waste product to wealth such that they could now make soap out of it. Maternal mortality is reducing because the ministry is actively involved in partnership with the SHF to see that all

the factors bringing about high maternal mortality are checked. Her Excellency introduced traditional birth attendants in the state. These attendants are making impact such that we have now reduced maternal mortality in the state. In the last two years, we have not recorded any complications arising from delivery.

There are those with sickle cell anaemia. Two sets of people are affected: children who are the direct victims and their mothers who bear the brunt. The Service to Humanity organisation established three clinics mainly for these victims in all three senatorial districts: Katsina, Funtua and Daura. They receive free drugs and crutches for those who are physically challenged.

This intervention of Her Excellency is even attracting victims to these hospitals especially from Niger Republic and the neighbouring states.

How is government tackling the challenge of VVF which is rampant in this part of the country?

Victims are mostly not from Katsina, they are from neighbouring states and countries. Government admits them and treats them free of charge. After they are cured, there is also a rehabilitation centre where they are trained in different skills.

This is for a period of nine months. They get N10,000 every month during training.

On graduation day, they are supported with equipment in their areas of skills and N50,000. In fact this year, it was N70,000 they all received. We graduated 100 women this year. Out of this 100, only 36 of them are from Katsina State. The rest are from neighbouring states like Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano and Niger Republic. In this state, we have what is called International Rural

WHEN HIS EXCELLENCY CAME IN, OUR BUDGET WAS NOT MORE THAN N300M BUT, LAST YEAR, OUR BUDGET WAS MORE THAN N1BN. SO, HIS INTEREST IN WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IS UNPARALLELED AND THIS IS DEMONSTRATED IN ALL SPHERES OF WOMEN DEVELOPMENT

How is the state government affecting the lives of females in the education sector?

In Katsina State, education, at all levels, is free. In order to improve the level of education of the girl-child, government established the girl-child school, separate from the conventional one, to accelerate the education of the girl-child. This is in line with MDGs policy that there should be exclusive schools for girls. There is one school each for girls in all the local government areas of the state which means the schools are nearer to them and has increased the enrolment of girls in the state. There is also the issue of scholarship for girls even to study outside the country. We have our girls in Sudan, UK and other countries, studying different courses. Beyond this, the government, once your admission is secured, provides money for tuition for the duration of your stay in the school. If it is a four-year course, the money is paid in full so that there won’t be any issue disrupting your studies.

Polio is still prevalent in the country. What are you doing in order to stop it in the state?

Our women are responding to this issue more than ever before. Unlike before, the issue of polio in the state has drastically reduced. This is because government co-opted other stakeholders in the drive to push out polio of the state. All our religious and royal fathers are now in the forefront passing the message across to our women to see the importance of visiting hospitals early and they are responding. There are mobile ambulances targeted at these women because we discovered that the distance between where they live and the General Hospital may be more than five kilometres long. The mobile ambulances go from village to village to attend to the medical needs of these women. And the governor has even gone a step further, apart from the 34 mobile ambulances, he says more should be provided that would go into the interiors of these villages. The Turai Hospital is specifically meant for the women and their children. In this hospital, surgical operation is carried out there free of charge and that is why the place is always beehive of activities.

What is your budgetary allocation to be able to do all that you have been doing?

Our budgetary allocation has been on the increase. And this is because of the governor’s interest in women and their development. In 2007, when His Excellency came in, our budget was not more than N300m but, last year, our budget was more than N1bn.

So, his interest in women development is unparalleled and this is demonstrated in all spheres of women development.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

45

Equities rise 1% as Conoil leads gainers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks.

The All Share Index gained 1.04 per cent to close at 38,293.59 points, compared to the increase of 0.7 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 37,898.30 points.

Market capitalization rose N127bn to close at N12.234TRN, HIGHER

THAN THE RISE OF N7bn recorded the preceding day to close at N12.107trn.

On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index was up 0.64 per cent to close at 1,783.40 points, while the Banking Index gained 0.29 per cent to close at 402.59 points.

The Insurance Index appreciated 0.56 per cent to close at 138.87 points, while the Consumer Goods Index increased 0.19 per cent to close at1,113.70 points.

The Oil and Gas Index appreciated 0.31 per cent to close at 274.26 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index

gained 0.22 per cent to close at 2,732.34 points.

Conoil Plc led the gainers’ table with N5.80 or 10.22 per cent to close at N62.55 per share, followed

by Transcorp Plc with 25 kobo or 10.08 per cent to close at N2.73 per share.

Forte Oil Plc rose N5.50 or 4.99 per cent to close at N115.64 per share, while Betaglass Plc appreciated 65 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N13.75 per share.

ABC Transport Plc rose four kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at 85 kobo per share.

On the flip side, Learn Africa Plc lost nine kobo

or five per cent to close at N1.71 per share, while NEM Insurance Plc shed three kobo or five per cent to close at 57 kobo per share.

Ashaka Cement Plc dropped N1.14 or 4.96 per cent to close at N21.86 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc dipped six kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N1.18 per share.

DN Meyer Plc declined eight kobo or 4.68 per cent to close at N1.63 per share.

A total of 357 shares valued at N3.26bn were traded in 5,054 deals.

Source: NSE

U.S. stocks drop as data, profits fuel fears of stimulus end

U

.S. stocks fell, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreating from a record, as corporate earnings and an improving economy fueled speculation the Federal Reserve will reduce stimulus next month.

NRG Energy Inc. slipped 4.2 percent after the power generator lowered its 2013 adjusted earnings target.

News Corp. dropped 1.2 percent as the publisher of the Wall Street Journal reported a decline in revenue. Dish Network Corp. rose 5.1 percent as the second-largest U.S. satellitetelevision provider’s earnings exceeded estimates.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.5 percent to 1,762.88 at 1:40 p.m. in New York after closing within a point of its all-time high.

The Dow lost 74.56 points,

or 0.5 percent, to 15,708.54.

Trading volume was 5.9 percent below the 30-day average at this time of day.

“The jobs report Friday that’s really what changed the idea that we could have a December taper, and ever since then you’ve had more and more comments coming out of the Fed that perhaps it is on the table,” James Paulsen, the Minneapolis-based chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management, which oversees about $340 billion, said in a phone interview. “Last night it was Fisher and now Lockhart.

What he came out and said today isn’t earth-shattering but it does add to the momentum to the idea.”

The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average have touched records this quarter as

the Fed refrained from curbing its $85 billion in monthly asset purchases, while better-than-forecast data and corporate earnings indicate the economy may be strong enough to withstand less stimulus.

“Some discussion of tapering could well take place” next month, Fed Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart said today in a Bloomberg Radio interview with Kathleen Hays. Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher said in a speech in Melbourne today that monetary accommodation “becomes riskier by the day.”

Economists forecast the Fed will delay tapering asset purchases until the March 18-19 meeting. Policy makers will probably pare the monthly pace of bond buying to $70 billion

at that time, according to the median of 32 estimates in a Bloomberg survey November 8. The group next meets December 17-18.

Investors will scrutinize economic reports this week on jobless-benefit claims and manufacturing in the New York area. Data last week showed the U.S. economy grew faster than forecast in the third quarter and hiring rose more than estimated in October.

There was no data yesterday and the U.S. Treasury markets were closed for the Veterans Day holiday.

The market may get some insight into Fed thinking when Vice Chairman Janet Yellen testifies before the Senate Banking Committee November. 14 during her confirmation hearing to succeed Ben S. Bernanke as chairman.

European shares dip as rally stalls on weak results

E

uropean shares edged lower yesterday as a fresh set of weak corporate results put the brakes on a rally that had pushed a key regional equity index to a five-year high last week.

Nevertheless, some investment management firms felt the outlook for equities remained positive.

Both Union Bancaire Privee and ING Investment Management felt equities would rise further given an improvement in the global economy, with the OECD on Tuesday saying the outlook for growth in developed economies had strengthened.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index, which hit a five-year high of 1,316.42 points on Novem-

ber 7, was down by 0.4 per cent at 1,292.66 points in late session trading. The euro zone’s Euro STOXX 50 index fell 0.2 per cent to 3,046.39 points.

The FTSEurofirst 300’s rally, which has seen the index rise by around 14 per cent since the start of 2013, has stalled over the last two weeks as some weak corporate results from leading European companies have weighed on the region’s stock markets.

German chip maker Infineon became the latest company whose results update disappointed investors, as its shares fell 6.3 percent after Infineon flagged a drop in revenue for the current fiscal quarter.

Results from around

half the companies on the pan-European STOXX 600 index to have posted quarterly earnings so far have missed profit forecasts, according to data from Thomson Reuters StarMine.

Nearly two-thirds have missed revenue forecasts.

“We expect a below-par earnings recovery next year, and earnings revisions have recently deteriorated,” said Morgan Stanley European equity strategist Matthew Garman.

UBP fund manager Rob Jones felt European equity markets would rise next year, however, while ING IM also said the outlook for equities was bullish.

Improvement in the United States economy has increased expecta-

tions that the US Federal Reserve will soon start to scale back or “taper” economic stimulus measures that have driven much of this year’s equity rally.

But some fund managers felt stock markets would not be unduly impacted given the improvement in the broader economy.

Jones, co-head of panEuropean equities at UBP, expects a stronger European economy to lift the region’s stock markets next year.

“We still hold to the view that European economies are showing the early signs of recovery and we believe that this recovery will drive equity markets higher over the next year,” he said.

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 38,293.59 points Market capitalisation 12.23 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

CONOIL

56.75

62.55

5.80

% CHANGE 10.22

TRANSCORP

2.48

2.75

0.25

10.08

FO

110.14

115.64

5.50

4.99

BETAGLAS

13.10

13.75

0.65

4.96

ABCTRANS

0.81

0.85

0.04

4.94

UTC

0.63

0.66

0.03

4.76

VONO

1.68

1.76

0.08

4.76

CUSTODYINS

1.76

1.84

0.08

4.55

STERLNBANK

2.28

2.38

0.10

4.39

WEMABANK

1.14

1.19

0.05

4.39

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

LEARNAFRCA

1.80

1.71

-0.09

-5.00

NEM

0.60

0.57

-0.03

-5.00

ASHAKACEM

23.00

21.86

-1.14

-4.96

RTBRISCOE

1.24

1.18

-0.06

-4.84

DNMEYER

1.71

1.63

-0.08

-4.68

CUTIX

1.94

1.85

-0.09

-4.64

NPFMCRFBK

0.88

0.84

-0.04

-4.55

PORTPAINT

4.62

4.41

-0.21

-4.55

UBCAP

1.36

1.30

-0.06

-4.41

NEIMETH

1.14

1.09

-0.05

-4.39

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

22,057.31

11.50

07-Nov-13

182-Day

30,000.00

11.59

07-Nov-13

182-Day

47,786.39

13.05

07-Nov-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178-Day

86,709.13

12.35

07-Nov-13

175-Day

95,368.69

12.35

07-Nov-13

-

-

-

-

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$350m

N/A

$343m

04-Nov-13

$400m

N/A

$399m

30-Oct-13

46

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APCON not witch-hunting foreign investors, The Nigeria advertising industry has witnessed transitions through several stages over the years, but recent trends have necessitated deep reforms to reposition local firms for competition in a globalised environment.

The Chairman of Advertising Practitioners’ Council, APCON and Group Managing Director, Prima Garnet Ogilvy, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, speaks with ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI on why the industry must be reformed, among other issues.

Excerpts.

Recently, the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, announced it was celebrating its 40th anniversary, what has been the journey so far?

Advertising itself is older than AAAN as an association.

It has been formally practiced in Nigeria since 1928. But in the last 40 years since AAAN came on, quite a few things have been introduced. One is that practitioners finally have the opportunity to become professionals. Initially advertising in Nigeria started with sign writers back in those days in companies like the UAC but from the time people like Mr. Moemeke and others set up AAAN, there has been a coalition of professionals and as time went on, advertising had the opportunity of being integrated into marketing and other allied professions, the opportunity for recognition in terms of contributions to the economy and the opportunities it afford practitioners to evolve various other skills beyond what the first sign writers had at the very beginnings. We now have strategists; we now have client service among others. Because it is a global industry, our people have had the opportunity to interact with clients and players in other markets and exchange ideas while learning new skills.

Advertising plays a major role in the economy. In every economy in the world, advertising is the main catalyst of business. I don’t think mention could ever be made of any successful firm or product in the world that made its successes without advertising. In the area of social communication, advertising has played very critical roles. Advertising played major roles for instance in communicating various government projects; from when we changed to Naira from Pounds; during the time we changed from right to left hand drive, when we changed to metric measurement, in all elections, just name them. Even when people are not aware of it, when they are not conscious of it, they being influenced and called to action by advertising messages. So to these extents, advertising has grown and has played major roles in our lives and will continue to play even more key roles in the future.

In terms of depth, how would you compare the creativity obtained when foreigners were in charge here and when Nigerians took over, especially after the indigenisation decree?

I was not around during the indigenisation. I was too young then. But because I worked in a big agency like Lintas, I met the after effect of when these white people were in charge. In fact, I met one or two white people in the industry. One of the things it has done for us is that when the whites were in charge, it helped to establish professionalism, thorough professionalism because we were working direct with London then. They were very professional.

They wrote briefs. They did research. Then nobody would do an advertising campaign without going through these necessary first steps. We did pre-tests and post-tests of campaigns. And then indigenisation came and if you are aware, the first schedule of that indigenisation was that advertising should not be owned by foreigners. And that also brought its own advantages because the cultural colonisation that went with consuming wholly foreign ads came to a stop. The type of messages in ads then became typically

Akinwunmi

ADVERTISING IS SO GLOBAL IN NATURE AND THERE IS NO CAPITALIST IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD THAT IS GOING TO IGNORE

NIGERIA

Nigerian; no one could replicate that elsewhere. We began to develop ads that are unique to us, one that speaks to us as a people. And from that several other creative areas and talents began to evolve. It will interest you to note that all what we have in the movie and music industry today started off from advertising; the cameramen, directors, scriptwriters, name them. They all started in this industry. Now we have what we can call ‘Nigerian Advertising.’ So I would say it was good during those days but then I must also note that afterwards Nigeria was able to develop what we can call the Nigerian advertising, one that is unique to us. See what is happening on radio, Nigerians have mastered the use and application of radio advertising more than any other country in the world.

Don’t you think globalisation has made ‘wholly Nigerianised’ advert nearly impossible?

That was 10 to 15 years ago. There is a new trend that is coming up and tests are beginning to show that even where you have a global campaign; they must be adapted for the local frames of reference. Because tests after tests have shown that a campaign that works in New York, that

works in Rio de Janiero might just not work here in Nigeria or some other parts of the world like Asia. So what international brands and their agencies are doing now is to retool the heart beat of their strategy and from market to market, they allow their agencies and local managers to adapt to local needs. The heart beat would still be the same.

It does not matter if it is Coca-cola, Nokia, and any other international brand. Local tastes and preferences are now being factored, instead of saying that, for instance, it is the same ad that ran in London that would still run in all other markets. In terms of choice of models, they for instance use local black models for environments like ours, the voicing is also done to appeal to our peculiarity but they retain the same heartbeat and strategy. This way you are sure you are talking to the people. If you are talking above them or you are employing imageries they are not familiar with, you might end up offending them and that means you are spending money and getting counterproductive results.

The opinion of people suggests that advert agencies in Nigeria are shrinking, do you agree?

The statistics you have presented might just not be accurate and I will tell you why. The number of agencies in AAAN six years ago when I was still president was 103. Today, the number of agencies has not reduced even though those within AAAN have reduced marginally. Outside the association, the number has increased significantly. Let me tell you what is happening now, because the industry is now very big, people are branching out and majoring in various aspects of the job. You can start out your own and major, for instance on strategy. That is one of the things the new APCON law allows people to do. So the number is actually

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Executive Discourse

47

but creating standard practice –Akinwunmi THERE IS A NEW TREND THAT IS COMING UP AND TESTS ARE BEGINNING TO SHOW THAT EVEN WHERE YOU

HAVE A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN; THEY MUST BE ADAPTED FOR THE LOCAL FRAMES OF REFERENCE

on the increase and I am speaking because I have access to registration as APCON Chairman. What I tell you now is that the number of members of these sectoral groups will shoot up soon because those who are not yet members are going to join because part of the requirements of the new APCON Code is for agencies to be members of sectoral associations as precondition for registration and licensing.

As APCON Chairman, explain what the 5th Code of Advertising was designed to achieve?

As you know, this is the 5th Code of Advertising here.

This means there have been the First, Second, Third and Fourth Codes. Every time a new council is put in place, it has the mandate to review the Code. Chris Doghuje was there before I became Chairman. He focused on debt and he did his best to resolve the debt issue. When I became APCON Chairman, I found that there was another group within the industry that was thinking about reform as much as I had thought since my days as AAAN President.

One of the key things we are looking at in this reform is that people who handle ancillary services, models, photographers and all had complained too many times that people who are producing commercials here are beginning to bring in models and shoot companies and all. So we spoke to them and factored their views and concerns. And then we went to the advertisers and discussed with them and they gave their own reasons. We took the matter to the agencies and they said clients are operating in house agencies and all that and we factored all these. We spoke to every segment of the industry and based on that we went to work to effects a reform that will protect this industry and ensure that practitioners earn the respect they deserve while ensuring ultimate good for Nigeria as a nation. The

reform was primarily designed to protect the profession of advertising but there have been some misinformation in some sections of the media where it was being suggested the reform was all about shutting out foreign agencies. But this is not so. In fact it is only in a small aspect of the Code that the registration and sphere of practice of Nigerian and foreign agencies was ever mentioned. We said you can register as a local agency or you can register as a foreign agency operating in Nigeria and this is not a new model.

They do it in China. ICAN does it. Nigerian Bar Association does it. It is a model that is common but even in our own, we are saying that you as a foreign player can own so much share in the agency. But if you want to own 100 per cent, then you have to operate within a give space. And this is what we believe was good for the Nigerian market and our government agrees which was why it has been signed and gazetted by the government as we speak. We have done what is within the powers of APCON as body and we are already looking at pushing advertising to the Schedule One in the constitution of the country, which means the Constitution of Nigeria will recognize advertising as a profession and protect it the same way it has protected oil and gas.

So we have approached the Senate to see how this could be made possible. But what these people that are spreading these falsehood do not want to tell Nigerians is that APCON is a licensing organization and although they may have registered their company with the CAC and have had all their approvals with other agencies, they must subject themselves to the licensing requirements of APCON as the industry regulator.

The issue of an APCON chairman being the head of an advertising agency has raised so much dust?

Government saw this way back in 1988 and that is why the APCON Chairman is a non-executive Chairman. For instance, I do not have an office in APCON. I only go there for council meetings. I do not sign cheques. I sit a table that approves the budget and then APCON runs. The only time we get to know what they do is when we have board meetings. So I operate in a non-executive capacity. It is a part time assignment. Government has said the only qualification for the post is that you must be a Fellow of Advertising. Tomorrow, government can pick a lecturer that is a Fellow for that position. So what I must say here is that there is no link with APCON in what is happening between Prima Garnet and Ogilvy. All APCON is doing is obeying a court order. By September when I am no longer there, APCON will still be obeying the order. In any case, the matter was not on when I became APCON Chairman. We have tried to explain this and fortunately people in government understand it.

How will you score success management and succession management in Nigerian agencies?

This is not an advertising thing alone. It is a “Nigerian” thing. Now tell me, where is Murphy’s Burger? Where is Terry’s Burger? Where are all these companies that were around 10 years ago? It seems that things are not carried from one generation to another in Nigeria. I do not know why. I was in London several years ago and met a family doing shoes there. A few years ago, I went back there and still met that same business still thriving. It is in every sector. There was a time we had more than 100 banks in this country. Where are they? Even ordinary petrol stations; as soon as the man makes enough money, he loses focus on the business and does nothing to hand it over to the coming generations. But even in our industry, we have done very well in managing success and succession. Lintas has remained since 1928. Insight has remained. So we are doing our very best in this regard.

What about the “crowded” outdoor environment?

It is better now compared to what it was in the past.

Many years ago, the advertising industry tried to regulate outdoor. But then OAAN members resisted. There are laws that prescribe the appropriate distance between boards in particular areas. Until Lagos State came up with LASAA, it was really bad here. And if you want to be honest, LASAA has done a fantastic job. It has areas of its weakness

in terms of managing its relationships with the outdoor companies but they have performed quite well indeed, especially in terms of environmental sanitation of outdoor signs.

What is the future of advertising in Nigeria in the face of global competition?

Advertising in Nigeria has no choice. We have to respond to the world. Advertising is so global in nature and there is no capitalist in any part of the world that is going to ignore Nigeria. So it is either we regulate it and lay a tradition for ourselves or foreigners will come here and do it. And this is part of what APCON is trying to avoid. Advertising will continue to grow because it is the catalyst for overall economic growth and expansion. You cannot for instance, invest N7 billion on something and keep quiet. It will not happen because you will lose money and the business will not be heard beyond the four walls of your company. At the end of the last century, Time magazine conducted a research and published the 10 most important professions of that era and advertising was number five, ahead of law and medicine. That is just how important the profession is.

Is the growing sub-field of digital marketing a threat to conventional advertising as we know it?

Eight years ago, I was the keynote speaker when Daily Trust launched its Lagos edition. There I warned those gathered of the coming digital revolution. I asked all to begin to think of going digital. I told then there was beginning to be a convergence. The phone you have in your hand is no longer a phone. It is a camera. It is a recording device. It is a mini PC. It is a newspaper and a vehicle to the world of Internet. I remember that day, one of them in the audience said “God forbid” when I warned of this danger. But it has happened. I give you an instance; Newsweek does not print anymore. They sell only online versions and you download and read. Back to your question, it can be a threat if you refuse to change. But you can also convert it to opportunity. Like in our agency, several years ago, we were this big because we had everything in-house. But we had a strategic rethink and had to shed weight. We separated Cutler from Prima Garnet. We separated Mind Share; we separated 141 and today they are specialized and are doing very well and growing in the respective niches. Same way with digital marketing. We will respond to the opportunities it will provide.

48

News

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Atiku, Anenih clash over PDM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PDM had been registered as a political party

by Atiku’s associates while Anenih and some chieftains of the PDP insist the movement is an integral part of the ruling party.

In a show of strength, the Anenih’s PDM is meeting in Abuja today to take a stand on the movement and denounce its status as a political party.

Chairman of the PDM (the association not the political party), Senator Abubakar Mahdi, insisted yesterday that the movement under his leadership “remains an integral part of the PDP.” Mahdi said that ahead of a meeting of PDM’s founding fathers and elders committee slated for today in Abuja, the movement worked with other political associations in 1998 to form the PDP. He stated that no decision had been taken by the movement to renounce its prime place in the historical evolution of the PDP, pointing out that how to maintain this enviable place would top the agenda of the Abuja meeting of the movement.

But a faction loyal to the former Vice-President has denounced the Anenih camp, insisting that it has since metarmophosed to a political party, warning that no one can stop it.

In a statement signed by

Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Alhaji Lawal Kaita and 41 others, the faction said PDM was not an exclusive club for the highly privileged and not the property of any individual.

Kwande and others said PDM was not an exclusive club for the highly privileged and certainly not the property of any individual, no matter how highly placed.

“As a registered political party, PDM is open to every Nigerian who wishes to join, including those who deny involvement in its registration out of cowardice.

“To be a political party had always been the dream of PDM’s founding fathers as opposed to opportunists who want to cling to the name and use it only when it serves their selfish interests.

Those who don’t want to join PDM are free not to but they should perish the thought of using us again to negotiate political appointments.

“Is PDM a secret club or is it only an instrument for feathering some members’ nest? Why is anyone afraid that PDM is now open to all Nigerians instead of to a very small group? Where were these self-appointed PDM leaders all this time when the organisation and its members fell on hard times? Why didn’t we hear their voice or see them meet before now, for over a decade?”

PDM warned that the PDP chieftains should not dabble into the affairs of the newly-registered party.

PDM said: “To now call a congregation of aggrieved PDP members who never spoke about PDM in the last one decade, other than when they seek favours in its name, to decide the fate of a political party other than the one to which they belong, is not only ridiculous but it is also arrogant.

“Those who wish to stay inside the PDP to pursue their political career and interests are free to do so but they must not impose their preference on everybody else. Those who wish to belong to the past are

free to do so but they must not try to hinder those who wish to move on. “As a political party, PDM is a legal entity registered under the law. PDP members have no right to congregate in order to decide its fate. The days of imposition are over. That is precisely why PDM and PDP had to part ways.

Meanwhile, while confirming that the meeting would issue a definitive position on the status of the movement in the nation’s political equation, Mahdi said that many leaders of the group in the zones and more than 25 state chapters had in the last three months dissociated themselves from the “misadventure of transforming the PDM into a politi-

cal party.”

Mahdi explained that “those who manipulated the PDM platform for the realisation of their selfish political ambition had resorted to panic measures in a bid to discredit the stakeholders’ meeting scheduled to hold tomorrow (today, November 13, 2013) in Abuja.

“Those who went behind well-meaning leaders and members of the movement to secretly register PDM as a political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are the ones who are afraid of the implications of their fraudulent action.

“Our genuine leaders and members are not afraid

of the PDM as envisioned and formed by the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in concert with other leaders; they, in fact, want the movement to grow from strength to strength as powerful pressure group, which it is currently doing in the PDP and indeed within Nigeria’s political space.

“Rather than make insinuations about respected leaders who mean well for the movement as a heritage left behind by Gen. Yar’Adua, those who danced to the dictates of ambitious politicians to register the PDM as a political party have not done credit to the memory of Gen. Yar’Adua.”

L-R: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and member of the British parliament, Mrs. Diane Abbott, at the Africa Legislative Summit 2013 in Abuja, yesterday.

Strike: Ex-ASUU leader, Iyayi killed in gov’s convoy crash CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the sudden death of Iyayi and called on players in the education sector, including the Federal Government and striking lecturers, to rededicate themselves to the pursuit of excellence at the tertiary level in honour of the deceased.

The governor in a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, said the highest honour that the late Iyayi deserved was the return to the pursuit of academic excellence in our universities and other higher institutions.

ASUU also mourned the death of its former President.

The President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge, said: “The sad news was broken to the union in the morning of November 12. I cannot say anything right now.

We have just lost one of our own, Festus Iyayi, who

was very dear to us. I am mourning.”

The immediate past President of the union, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, said the news came to him as a rude shock and was still in doubt if it was true.

Awuzie, now the ViceChancellor, Imo State University, said: “I know the NEC executives of the union should be on their way to Kano, but I am still expecting the details of the death.

“Until I get full details on the circumstances of his death, I might not be able to say much,” Awuzie said.

Prof.

Ahunna Okerengwo, the Chairman, University of PortHarcourt chapter of ASUU, says the death of Iyayi on Tuesday was shocking.

Prof. Damian Opata, the Head, Department of English, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said Iyayi’s death was

unfortunate.

“It is very sad coming at this time,” he said.

The Kano meeting is to deliberate on whether to call off the strike as the NEC receives reports of the congresses that held “simultaneously” in all the universities across the country.

Local chapters of ASUU had held their congresses on Monday to vote on the suspension or otherwise.

The said agreement, which necessitated the subsisting July 1 action, required that the Federal Government will, within a period of five years, release more than N1trn, to bridge the noticeable infrastructural deficits in the nation’s ivory towers.

Also, the Federal Government would have released N92bn, for what the union christened, “earned allowance.”

However, ASUU seems to have a moral burden now as the Federal Government said it had released over N30bn as part of the contentious earned allowance.

Last week’s meeting of the Fagge-led ASUU with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, prompted positive steps by ASUU towards ending the strike.

At the meeting, President Jonathan was said to have pledged government’s readiness to release N220bn in next year’s budget and in subsequent appropriations.

Already, chairmen of local chapters of ASUU are converging on Kano, preparatory to the meeting, from where a positive resolution is being expected.

Chairman of one of the federal universities in the South-South, who did not

want his name mentioned, said the strike “may be suspended on Saturday.”

“Many of the chapters are disposed to ending this strike, which has cost us all a full semester.

“As I speak with you, we (chairmen) are on our way to Kano for NEC meeting tomorrow (today).”

Asked if the strike would be suspended, he said: “I think so, judging by reports from the Monday congresses we held simultaneously. We may suspend the strike on Saturday or Sunday.”

He, however, admonished government to ensure that it honoured its promise so as not to return the university system to this “sorry past”.

This, of course, formed the basis for the Monday congresses and today’s “decider” NEC meeting.

Meanwhile, the

University of Jos, UNIJOS, chapter of the union explained its support for the continuation of the ongoing strike.

After considering the outcome of the meeting which the union’s national body had with President Jonathan, members of the branch had last Monday voted in favour of the continuation of the fourmonth-old strike.

The UNIJOS branch of ASUU said the meeting with the President achieved nothing, a position which had also been condemned by some stakeholders The Branch Chairman, Dr. David Jangkham, said yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that his members were compelled to take the stand because of the government’s insensitivity to their plight.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

Community Mirror Son butchers 67-year old mum

For any decision from any quarter to have the backing of the law, it must pass through the National Assembly.

50

KANO STATE GOVERNOR; RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO

Hoodlums brutalise 15-year-old over witchcraft TONY ANICHEBE UYO

A

15-year-old boy, Asuquo Edet from Akwa Ibom State was, last weekend, tortured to a state of coma over allegation that he used witchcraft to kill his father.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering

about ten, tortured Edet for four hours before axing him on the head Narrating his ordeal to newsmen, Asuquo, who hails from IkonEdikor, Udung Uko Local Government Area said he was reconciled with his parents few months ago by an Eket based Non-Gover nmental Organisation, the Child’s

Right and Rehabilitation Network, CRARN, having been thrown out by his father for allegedly having witchcraft.

He maintained that his father who had unknown health issue received him with open arms, before he died few days ago.

According to him: “My father was very happy to see me again

after abandoning me for more than three years on the streets because a soothsayer, brought by my stepmother, told him that I was a wizard and that I was responsible for his illness, the poverty and other misfortunes in the family.’’

The Junior Secondary School II student said he was at his father’s house,

mourning his death when the hoodlums, led by two of his stepmother’s brothers, Silas and Peter Inwang cordoned the house and started beating him with machetes, cables and iron rods.

He said they questioned him on why he returned home to kill his father; even as they threatened to kill him. According to him, he was beaten for four hours before he went into coma, saying the hoodlums only left him because he was presumed dead.

He said at about 7pm, he was woken up by a woman who frequently visits the area for business; adding that the woman advised him to immediately leave the house before those who attacked him discovered he was still alive.

Asuquo said he wobbled into the nearby bush where he hid himself for three days eating only raw cassava before he came across a woman who gave

him N500 to pay his way to CRARN home at Eket, about a 160km away from his hometown.

He fingered his stepmother who had ten children with his late father as the mastermind of the attack on him.

He said: “They beat me with wire, machetes, horsewhip, rods and spine-sticks. They even poured urine on me until I did not know what was happening to me again. I only found myself lying on the floor, overtaken by blood at the time a woman who visited our village, woke me up and asked me to leave immediately.”

A police source who pleaded anonymity told Community Mirror that investigation into the matter will commence when the victim’s health improves. He expressed worry over the new surge of child-witch related abuses in the state and reiterated the command’s willingness to stem the abuse.

Ikorodu Doyen Lions donates eye glasses to people

T Gridlock on Abuja-Lokoja highway caused by the closure of one lane of Ohono bridge near Kotonkarfe on Sunday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ifaki Ekiti seeks solution to robbery siege ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

A

community in Ekiti State, Ifaki Ekiti, has appealed to Ekiti State Government to step up security measures in the town to save residents’ lives and property, in view of the increasing rate of armed robbery incidents in the town.

Spokesman for the community, Chief Deji Ajayi, said upgrading the status of Ifaki Police Division to Area Command will go a long way in improving the

town’s security situation which he said has deteriorated over the years.

Ajayi who spoke during a town hall meeting with Governor Kayode Fayemi noted that the increasing wave of armed robbery in Ifaki Ekiti is not unconnected with the location of the town; saying the town is located along the highway that links the state with the neighbouring Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said: “You could attest to the fact that Ifaki is

a nodal town. It has many roads, particularly major ones joining it; hence, we are constantly under robbery siege. We will be glad if the governor can do the legwork for the conversion of the existing Police Divisional Headquarters to Area Command, so that more policemen could be drafted to Ifaki Ekiti”.

The spokesman also urged the government to work on Ero Dam to improve on the supply of potable water to Ero Local Government Area, comprising of Ido/Osi where

it presently belong.

In his reaction, Governor Fayemi promised to liaise with relevant authorities to ensure upgrading of the police division, saying his administration is averse to armed robbery and other anti-social activities that can have adverse effects on the populace.

Fayemi said: “I don’t have the authority to convert Police Divisions; but we are going to liaise with relevant government agencies to ensure that the request is met”.

he Ikorodu Doyen Lions Club, recently conducted its annual free eye screening, free cataract operations and free eye glasses distributions to members of the public at a ceremony held in the premises of Anglican Primary School, Offin, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Among those screened this year are tipper drivers at Offin tipper garage in Ikorodu while other members of the public were screened for high blood pressure and diabetes.

At the event, which was well attended by notable dignitaries in the community, President of Ikorodu Doyen Lions Club, Lion Olusegun Sanya, reeled out the achievements of the club since its formation in 1982.

He said: “Ikorodu Doyen Lions Club has completed various projects scattered all over Ikorodu and its environs. A lot of people have benefitted from these projects, particularly in the area of free cataract operations which the club has been sponsoring over the years.”

At the end of the exercise, 105 people were presented with eye glasses while 220 people were screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, and eye related illnesses.

A member of the club and Medical Director of Ajayi Medical Centre, Dr Ayo Ajayi, who was on hand with his personnel to attend to the medical needs of the people; slated 32 people for free cataract operations at a later date.

50

News

Son butchers 67-year-old mum esidents of Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been thrown into mourning, following a dastardly act allegedly committed by a 24-year old man who butchered his 67-year old mother, Mrs. Rose Jonny and buried her in a shallow grave.

Already, the suspect, Godsgift Jonny has been arrested and detained at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Yenagoa.

A source at Oloibiri told Community Mirror that the suspect butchered his mother in her sleep with

a machete, dragged her through the window and buried her at the back of their building.

It was gathered that the gory incident took place around 9.30pm, thereby generating tension in the community, as inhabitants of the area claimed the killing had defiled the land.

According to the source, the community would require proper cleansing through prayers.

Another source who claimed anonymity said Godsgift is suspected to be mentally deranged; adding that he had severally threatened his mother with death before finally carrying out the dastardly act.

He said:”At about 8.30pm, Godsgift was re-

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OKPE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpe Grace Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Grace Rimamnunra Nwunuj. All former documents remain valid. NMA and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INSPIRATION CHRISTIAN CENTRE

The general public is hereby notiÀed that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘c’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Dr. Gbenga Adebayo Mrs. ‘Funmi Adebayo Mr. Francis Mojoyinola Mrs. Jumoke Adegor Barr. Godwin Amadi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Chairman Vice-Chairman Member Member Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To empower men and women to live in dominion and above sin and oppression 3. To impact the world through the wisdom and power of God Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: GODWIN AMADI SEMPER FIDELIS ATTORNEYS & SOLICITORS (080356225678)

ported to have crept into his Mother’s room and butchered the woman in her sleep. He took her bloodied body out of the room through the window and dragged her to the back of the house. He dug a shallow grave and dumped her body inside. He later covered it with sand.

“The next morning, at about 7am, the deceased’s door was noticed to be locked from inside. Several knocks on her door were not answered. Worried by the development, another son of the deceased was

invited by neighbors who forced her door open, where they saw the whole room soaked with blood.”

It was learnt that sympathisers and Children of the deceased traced the drops of blood created by the movement through the window where they saw a shallow grave and the deceased body.

A family member identified as Godwin, declined speaking with Community Mirror when contacted on telephone, saying they preferred to keep the incident within the family.

CHANGE OF NAME t OKAGBUE: Formerly known and addressed as Okagbue Lilian Favour Amuche, now wish to be known and addressed as Anozie Lilian Favour Amuche. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME t This is to con¿rm that Amaka Agatha Okafor, is the same as Amaka Agatha Louis-Okafor.

All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Stock Exchange, UBA and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME t

CAVEAT EMPTOR We are solicitors to Mrs. Roli Eweli Agboke of No 10. Oduwobi Street, Ilupeju Estate, Lagos, and we do have her instruction to notify the general public that the original document of the property belonging to her and located at No.10, Oduwobi Street, Ilupeju Estate, Lagos have been found missing and the general public should beware of dealing in any transaction involving the said property in the above stated address as such will be null and void.

Signed: KUNLE JEGEDE ESQ (PP: KUNLE JEGEDE & CO)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST APOSTOLIC HEAVEN CHURCH OKE AYO.

The general public is hereby notiÀed that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘c’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Fashola Olumide Daniel.

2. Mrs Florence Yinka Taiwo 3. Fashola Testimony 4. Fashola Jumoke 5. Fashola Gbolahan

6. Fashola Apotieri Oluwa 7. David Fashola 8. Ife Oluwa 9. Micheal Fashola.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

NWAG doles out scholarships to students, orphans ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

A

Non Governmental Organisation, NGO under the umbrella of the Nigeria Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) has given scholarship awards to 29 female students and 10 orphanage homes across the country.

Speaking at the 11th NWAG scholarship award ceremony in Abuja, its National Coordinator, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, said the

award was to enrich and educate Nigerian women in order to foster unity in Nigeria.

She said:”In Nigeria, our primary activity is the annual NWAG scholarship award which is targeted at the Nigerian female students in Nigerian Universities.”

According to Nnaji, the recipients are only female Nigerians who have financial challenges and needs support to further their education.

CHANGE OF FAMILY NAME

We formerly known and addressed as Eunice Nneka Mmuo, Chukwudi, Chukwuemeka, Kenechukwu, Arinze Nwozor Mmuo now wish to be known and addressed as Eunice Nneka Obiora, Chukwudi Obiora, Chukwuemeka Obiora, Kenechukwu Obiora, Arinze Obiora. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OLADUNJOYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladunjoye Saidah Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dosumu Saidah Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. OOU Ago Iwoye, OTNPC and general public take note.

OGUNYEMI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunyemi Olubisi Olubukonla, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs SIfamuyiwa Olubisi Olubukonla. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, INLGEA Ijebu-Igbo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OSHOLAKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Osholake Sadiat Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinlolu Sadiat Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SANUSI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth Sanusi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth Alapotiowo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

ADEBIYI: Formerly now and addressed as Miss Adebiyi Oluwakemi Boluwaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aribisala Oluwakemi Boluwaji. All former documents remain valid Ekiti State Hospital Management Board (HMB) and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

ORUNGBEJA: Formerly now and addressed as Miss Orungbeja Oluwaseyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Elumaro Oluwaseyi. All former documents remain valid ENigeria Police Force and general public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE UNDERSERVED CITIZENS EMPOWERMENT CENTRE

The General public is hereby informed that above named ORGANIZATION has applied to the the Corporate Affairs COMMISSION for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adegbenro Wahab Oluropo 2. Oniye Abel Akinwande 3. Shittu Olutosin Olusegun 4. Dr. Arijesuyo Amos Emiloju 5. Victoria Oladuti Oniye (Mrs)

- Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Encouraging positive improvement and economic lives of the masses 2. Provision of comprehensive care and support for underserved citizens of Nigeria.

3. Provision of employment opportunities for the underserved citizens of Nigeria Any objection(s) to the registration to be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 8 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SAYSAF & COY 08036009883

PUBLIC NOTICE

RUMUODOMAYA GOAT BUTCHERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under the Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Chinedu Adiole 2. Mr. Etenyin Monday 3. Mr. Uchenna Eze 4. Mr. Oscar Opara 5. Mr. Onyebuchi Okoh 6. Mr. Onyekachi Nwanmo

– Chairman –Treasurer – Member –Member –Secretary –Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To enhance productivity, love one another.

2. To enhance the Association and achieve positive aims.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: MR. CHINEDU ADIOLE (CHAIRMAN)

Wednesday November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

World News

“By the time I was born, on 9 April 1980, my mother (Zindzi Mandela) knew how to strip and assemble an AK-47 in exactly thirty-eight seconds. She was twenty years old, trained in guerrilla warfare and already a full-fledged member of Umkhonto we Sizwe (the armed wing of the African National Congress).

–NELSON MANDELA’S GRANDDA

Egypt lifts state of emergency and curfew E gypt’s state of emergency and curfew have been lifted, the government has announced.

The move came two days earlier than expected, after a court ruling.

The state of emergency and the night-time curfew were introduced on August 14 after security forces forcibly ended sit-ins in support of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

The measures had been due to last a month, but the government extended them for two more months on September 12.

The state of emergency and the curfew were lifted with effect from 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT), an adviser to Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi confirmed to the BBC. This followed the ruling by the administrative court that said the decree extending the measures should only be effective for two calendar months.

The army-backed government said it would abide by the verdict.

The state of emergency and the 01:00-05:00 curfew had allowed the authorities to make arrests without warrants and search people’s homes.

Many people had also blamed the curfew for a fall in business

Egyptian soldiers on duty.

in Cairo - at a time when the government was trying to create jobs and revive the economy.

The measures were introduced after hundreds of people died following the clearing of the pro-Morsi camps in the capital.

Morsi, the country’s first democratically elected president, was ousted by the army in July following widespread demonstrations against his rule.

He is currently on trial for allegedly inciting the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

PHOTO: AP

Egyptians lived under a state of emergency - which gives extra powers to the security services for more than three decades, until President Hosni Mubarak was forced from power amid mass protests in 2011.

Even with Thursday’s moves, Egypt’s military-backed government will still be keeping a tight grip, the BBC’s Orla Guerin in Cairo reports.

The authorities say security forces will be deployed on main streets and in city centres across the country to tighten control,

our correspondent says.

And she adds that stringent new limits on freedom of movement are expected to be introduced soon, in a law regulating public protest.

Human rights campaigners say the proposals will give police the power to ban protests outright.

A draft legislation - currently being considered by Interim President Adly Mahmud Mansour - requires protest organisers to notify police in advance of any meeting of more than 10 people, in public or in private.

DR Congo refuses to sign M23 ‘accord’ in Kampala

T

he Democratic Republic of Congo has refused to sign a deal with the rebels it defeated last week, the country’s information minister has said.

Lambert Mende said the title of the Ugandan-mediated document was the problem, not its contents.

It should be called a declaration not an accord as that gave too much credibility to the rebels, he said.

Last week, the M23 rebel group ended its 18-month insurgency in eastern DR Congo and surrendered.

The two sides had been due to

The surrendered M23 fighters.

sign the document in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

But Mende told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme

29 dead in South Africa truck, bus smash

T

wenty nine people died and several others were injured after a bus collided with a truck in South Africa, the government said yesterday.

The accident happened in the country’s eastern Mpumalanga province on Monday night.

“Twenty nine people were killed and scores of injured pas-

sengers were taken to a nearby hospital,” the government said in a statement.

Road use is the primary means of travel in Africa’s largest economy, and the government has introduced tough laws to clamp down on reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles as it tries to curb an annual toll of 14,000 deaths.

that DR Congo’s delegation had now left the talks in Kampala.

He said the Ugandan mediators had refused to accede to DR Congo’s request that the document be titled “a declaration”.

By calling the document an agreement or an accord, “they are trying to give credibility to criminals,” the minister told the BBC. “You sign an agreement with a body that is legitimate and that exists. The M23 is not legitimate: on the contrary it is a criminal group - labelled as such by the international community.

“It was also a question of the

government’s credibility in the eyes of the Congolese people - it could not be seen to be signing an agreement on an equal footing with “criminals”.

“Militarily, we have finished M23 and what is more important for us is to maintain our credibility towards the Congolese people,”, Mende said.

Okello Oryem, Uganda’s junior foreign affairs minister, did not comment on the accusations, but said he expected it would take a few more days before any deal to be signed, the Reuters news agency reports.

At least 800,000 people fled their homes after the M23 took up arms in April 2012.

Eastern DR Congo has been wracked by conflict since 1994, when Hutu militias fled across the border from Rwanda after carrying out a genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

According the charity Oxfam, there are currently more than 30 other groups are operating in the east.

WORLD BULLETIN

Mozambique ‘child smuggling’ arrests at South Africa border

Mozambican police have rescued 27 children being trafficked to South Africa, a spokesman has said.

Seven people were arrested for attempting to smuggle the children, aged between one and seven years, across the border, the police said.

Parents often send their children to stay with relatives in South Africa during school holidays.

However, many of them end up in the hands of criminal networks.

The children risk being forced into prostitution, child labour, illegal adoption or used in witchcraft, our reporter says.

A mother of one of the children denied she had criminal motives when she sent her child on the minibus with the group who were later arrested.

“I always took my child with me to Johannesburg because she was attached to my now-expired passport. This time I could not secure money to get a passport for my child,” said the mother, who has not been named in the local media.

One of the arrested men said the children were going to South Africa to spend the festive season, and their parents had promised to pay him $50 (£31) each for taking them across the border.

However, police spokesman Emidio Mabunda said the police were confident that they were dealing with a child-trafficking case.

“We are talking about children who are not authorised to cross the border without being accompanied by a relative,” he said.

One killed after Tunisia police, Islamist militants clash

Tunisian police killed an Islamist militant and wounded two others on Tuesday, the Interior Ministry said, after clashes in a southern city close to the border with Libya, where authorities say Tunisian militants are being trained and armed.

Tunisia’s government has increased security operations after a suicide bomber blew himself up in the tourist resort of Sousse last month, the first such assault in more than a decade.

“The security forces killed one terrorist, wounded two others and arrested the rest of the group after a confrontation with militants hiding in a house in (the city of) Kebeli,” said Mohamed Ali Aroui, a spokesman for the interior ministry.

He later said eight people had been arrested and five cars seized, including one that he said was rigged up with a bomb.

Two members of the security forces were wounded during the clashes which took place at dawn on Tuesday.

Since an uprising ousted leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali nearly three years ago, Tunisia has faced a widening split over the role of political Islam in one of the most secular countries in the Muslim world.

52

Wednesday, November 13 , 2013

CHANGE OF NAME t OGUNNUGA: Formerly known and addressed as Ogunnuga Yemisi, now wish to be called and addressed as Animasaun Yemisi.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME t

OWOYALE: Formerly known and addressed as Onipede Abiodun Adebisi now wish to be known, called and addressed as Owoyale Abiodun Adebisi. All former documents remain valid. UK Embassy, US Embassy and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t UKO-OBONG: Formerly known and addressed as Uko-Obong Uduak Inyang, now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel John Uduak.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Uyo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t FADARA: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Fadara Bukola Bamidele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Oluwadara Joseph Oluwasegun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t AKINWALE: Formerly called as Miss Akinwale Kehinde Olubunmi, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Olafenwa Kehinde Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid, Osun State SUBEB and general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME t ADEGBITE: Formerly known and addressed as Azanat Omoladun Yakub, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Adegbite Omoladun Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t UBAH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnaji Oyinye Gloria. now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Ubah Oyinye Gloria. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t ADETUNJI: Formerly known as Faith Akpotor Adetunji now to be known as Oghenerukevwe Ruth Faith Akpotor. All former documents remain valid. Command Secondary School Ipaja Lagos and general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME t MICHAEL: Formerly known as Miss Victoria Michael, now to be known as Mrs Victoria Enemona Ben. All former documents remain valid. NOUN and general public please take note

ADDITION OF NAME t ONAJUSUEFENE: Formerly known and addressed as Egere Mary Abigail, now wish to be known and addressed as Egere Abigail Mary Onajusuefene. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

CHANGE OF NAME t ADEYEMO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemo Folasade Modasola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinsoji Folasade Modasola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AMANGABARA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amangabara Iyeneomi Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs MosesOleghe Iyeneomi Comfort. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Center,Abeokuta and General public please take note.

KEHINDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kehinde Olufunmilayo Temitope, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Oresegun Olufunmilayo Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

ADETOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adetola Risikat Mopelola, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Odede Risikat Mopelola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLAIFA: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Zacchaeus Abiodun Olaifa, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr Zacchaeus Abiodun Dokun Olajesu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

ODUAH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oduah Sandra Ngozi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Jagun Sandra Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME t SALAU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salau Amudalat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awodun Amudalat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADESINA: Formerly known and addressed as Adesina Adewole David, now wish to be known and addressed as Davies Adefolami Adewole. All former documents remain valid. Adekunle Ajasin University, Corporate Affairs Commission and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME t

CHANGE OF NAME t ALABI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Alabi Mojishola Afusat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawal Mojishola Afusat. Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME t UGWUEKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnenna Perpetua Ugwueke, now wish to be knonw and addressed as Mrs Nnenna Perpetua Sike. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t AYENI Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni Olaiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Michael Olaiya. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OYEYEMI: Formerly known as Miss Oyeyemi Omotokemi Moninuola, now known and adressed as Mrs Ogunjimi Omotokemi Moninuola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

ADEDAYO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedayo Damilola Esther, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Aroyeun Oluwadamilola Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ETEMIKU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Etemiku Evewero Happiness, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Agbragu Evewero Happiness. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

NWOGWUGWU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwogwugwu Chidinma, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Chinenye Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME t

CHANGE OF NAME t

JOSIAH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnenna Confidence Josiah, now wish to be knonw and addressed as Mrs Nnenna Confidence Benjamin. All former documents remain valid. Abia Poly, NYSC and general public should please take note.

ALOZIE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Alozie, now wish to be knonw and addressed as Mrs Mercy Ugochukwu. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Polytechnic and general public should please take note.

CLINTON: Formerly known and addressed as Miss John-Jumbo Ibitoru Clinton, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Ibitoru Festus Jumbo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t ONYILO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyilo Chioma Obianuju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezeilo Chioma Obianuju. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME t OKAFOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Chimeremma Serah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Orji Chimeremma Serah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

We are formerly known as Modil Family but now wish to be known and addressed as Nwasike Family. these are the family members; 1. Nwasike Ifeanyichukwu Obiora; 2. Nwasike Ikenna Chigoziem; 3. Nwasike Chinedu Raymond; 4. Nwasike Ifeoma Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OBABORI: Formerly known and addressed as Yejide Olasunbo Obabori, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olajide Olasunbo Nweke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE SACRED CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH OF NIGERIA AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION. The above named Church Organization and its Registered Trustees having Satisfied all conditions required for the amendment of its Constitution intend to register same at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The amendments include Increasing the number of Registered Trustees; recognizing some ranks already existing within the Church Organization and allowing the use of Administrative rules and Guidelines for the Church.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission,plot 420,Tigris Crescent,off Aguyi Ironsi Street,maitama Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

SIGNED: AKINLOLU AKIYODE ESQ LEGAL ADVISER 08033247994

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE REVEALED WORD BIBLE CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Pastor Efe Igbinoba 2. Pastor (Mrs) Abigail Igbinoba 3. Pastor Peace Nosa Osagie

- General Overseer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To preach the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES

MERENU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijeoma Kate Merenu, now wish to be knonw and addressed as Mrs Ijeoma Onyebuchi Inworogu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t

AGU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agu Chijike Grace, now wish to be known and addressed ass Mrs Grace Tamunosaki Whyte. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT t

This is to inform the general public of loss of Deed of Assignment belonging to Mr. Christian Uchenna Okpoko of No E42 Federal Low Cost Housing, Enugu. Registered as 32/32/1413 in land Registry Enugu. If found contact Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STROKE AWARENESS INITIATIVE NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Outreach has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

Yetunde Morolake Saliu Friday Patrick Saliu Adejoke Olayinka Ajayi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

2.

To reduce incidence and impact of stroke.

Education and services in stroke prevention and treatment.

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME

t

CHANGE OF NAME

t

OTUMALA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Otumala Megg Ohejuwa, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Ogah Marget Ohejuwa. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Civil Service Commission and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

t

OYELAYO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyelayo Igbagboyemi Anu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Durojaiye Igbagboyemi Anuoluwapo.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that Folorunsho Abosede Wunmi is the same person as Folorunsho Bose Deborah that henceforth, wish to be known and address as Folorunsho Bose Deborah. All former documents remain valid Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

t

CONFIRMATION OF NAME t This is to confirm that Oyebamiji Monsurat is the same person as Oyebamiji Monsurat Omolabake, that henceforth wish to be called and address as Oyebamiji Monsurat Omolabake.

All former documents remain valid; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OKAGBUE: Formerly known as Okagbue Lilian Favour Amuche, now known and adressed as Anozie Lilian Favour Amuche.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t EWENMA: Formerly known as Miss Ewenma Obianuju Lilian now known and adressed as Mrs Igweze Obianuju Lilian. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOSPEL EXODUS CHURCH INT’L Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to

the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Pastor Omoyajowo Moses Oluwale Pastor (Mrs) Adewumi Bolanle Yemisi Pastor Tijani Jimoh Deaconess Adu Felicia Aina Elder Omoyajowo Isiah Elder Ogundipe Kayode Josaiah Pastor Omoyajowo Sunday Kolawole Deaconess Omoyajowo Comfort Bolaji Pastor Omoyajowo Oluwafemi Olabanji Pastor Tijani Oladeji Isaac

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

MERCY LAND INTERCESSORY INT’L MINISTRIES This is to inform the General Public that the above named ministry has applied to the

Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of CAMA, CAP. C20 LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alice Effiong Okon - General Overseer.

2. Paulinus Patrick Udoh - Secretary.

3. Aniefork Jack.

4. Pastor Deo E. Douglas.

5. Prince Effiong Okon.

6. Imeobong Umoh Bassey.

7. Emmanuel Nwankwo.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and convert people to the almighty God as our creator.

2. To worship God in spirit and in truth.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

SIGNED: ALICE E. OKON (CHAIRMAN) NO, 67 AFIKPO STREET MILE 1 DIOBU, PORTHARCOURT RIVERS STATE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE KINGS MAKER POWER MINISTRY. This is to inform the General Public that the above named ministry has applied to the

CREATIVE ARTS FOR PEACE INITIATIVE This is to inform the General Public that the above named initiative has applied to the

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE:

Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of CAMA, CAP. C20 LFN 2004.

1. Rev. Adegbite-Victor Adeyemi 2. Pastor (Mrs) Titilayo Adegbite 3. Pastor Ughulu-Eyime Samuel

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach and teach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in parts of the world.

2. To set up Bible College in Nigeria and abroad.

3. To raise charity organizations for Orphans, Widows, poor, fatherless and motherless as directed by the Holy Spirit.

4. To seek affiliation with well established international Organizations or local bodies with similar objectives and articles of faith at the education level for the purpose of promoting the ideals set up herewith and in line with articles of faith of the ministry.

Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of CAMA, CAP. C20 LFN 2004.

1.Sylvester Andamowei Sede 2. Marvin Ukwuoma 3. Ijeoma Joy Sede 4. Austin Bisina 5. Berekumo Joshua

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

– Chairman – Secretary.

– Member.

– Member.

– Member.

1. To contribute to the social development of youths and develop local youth leaders.

2. To gainfully engage youths and bringing out the best in them through creative intentions, enlightenment, advocacy & capacity building.

3. To train and build the capacity of youths, driving them to be engaging and productive.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES.

SIGNED: SYLVESTER ANDAMOWEI SEDE (CHAIRMAN)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ewuga walks out of Al-Makura’s peace meeting IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

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asarawa State Governor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura’s efforts at reconciling with his former political allies of the Eggon ethnic majority failed yesterday as their political leader and senator representing the state’s northern senatorial district, Senator Solomon Ewuga, walked out of the governor’s peace meeting in Lafia.

The meeting, which was convened at the instance of the governor, was under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Zone Interim Management Committee, was to fashion out modalities that would put in place substantive leadership in the seven states in the zone.

As the meeting, which was held at the state APC secretariat along Shendam Road in Lafia, the state capital was about to begin, a former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal, directed all journalists to leave the hall, but for the immediate intervention of the governor.

South South

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

But as soon as journalists and others, including some state government cabinet officials were later asked to leave the hall for a closed-door session, Senator Ewuga, who is central to the reconciliation being sought out by Al-Makura, immediately, followed them out.

He jumped into his waiting black coloured Range Rover Sport and zoomed off to an unknown destination.

Consequently, the meeting which was envisaged to last long, did not as expected, but came to an end abruptly.

Nevertheless, it was gathered that Senator Ewuga, the ex-Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was not comfortable with the agenda which was to seek his cooperation to sheath his sword.

He was said not to be disposed to talking about reconciliation without some of his kinsmen and other Eggon stakeholders, who helped to enthrone the present government been present.

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Name PDP secretariat after Lar, group urges Tukur JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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group under the auspices of the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation yesterday called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its national leadership to name the PDP national secretariat after the late former National Chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Lar. The call came even as preparations for the burial of the late first civilian governor of Plateau State gather momentum. They insisted that the late elder statesman should be immortalised.

The group said the call has become necessary considering his contributions to nation building, especial-

ly his efforts to return the country to democracy Chairman of the youth organisation, Mr. Kassem Dawork Goma, made the call when he led members of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the family of late Chief Lar at his Jos residence.

He particularly called on the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bamanga Tukur, to name the party office after the former national chairman.

Goma regretted the exit of Chief Lar, whom he said has been in the forefront in the struggle for the emancipation of the Middle Belt region, adding that the vacuum created by his death cannot be easily filled by anyone in the state, the Middle Belt and indeed Nigeria

at large.

He also recalled that it was Chief Lar that took the risk of presenting to late Gen. Sani Abacha, a letter for him to give way for a democratic government.

“The death of Chief Solomon Lar is a lost to the whole nation. He is a nationalist and a de-tribalised Nigerian, who spent all his life working for the unity of the country.

“The vacuum created by his death will not be easily occupied, but I pray that those who have worked closely with him should be able to follow his footsteps in rebuilding the unity of Nigeria.”

Also speaking, a former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Publicity Secretary of the group, Hon. Emmanuel

Danboyi, condoled with the people of Plateau State over the demise of the elder statesman, whom he said lived a life worthy of emulation.

Mr. Gideon Lar, who received members of the group on behalf of the Lar family, said the death of the elder statesman should be celebrated, having worked for the emancipation of Nigeria.

He said the legacies and the achievements Chief Lar left behind should be what Nigerians should emulate and pray to God to raise people who will fit into his shoes for a better Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the burial committee, led by Prof. Jerry Gana, has fixed between December 7 and 15 for the funeral ceremonies of the elder statesman.

Damaturu residents want 12-hour curfew reviewed

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cross-section of Damaturu residents yesterday appealed to authorities in Yobe State to relax the 12hour curfew imposed on the state.

NAN reports that security agencies reviewed the restriction of movement order three weeks ago following renewed attack by insurgents on Damaturu.

A 24-hour curfew was initially imposed on the state capital and later relaxed to 12 hours from 6.00pm to 6.00am.

Alhaji Musa Audu, a commercial motorist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu that the curfew had affected commercial activities generally in the state.

“At times, we take the risk of speeding to arrive home before the 6.00pm deadline when the curfew starts.

“Many commuters also postponed their journey for fear of arriving late and spending the night at the city gate,” he said.

Another resident, Alhaji

Musa, appealed for an extension of the curfew, suggesting that it should commence from 9.00pm and end by 6.00am.

He said this would allow travellers arrive at their destinations instead of being forced to sleep on the outskirts of the towns as it is happening now.

Kakuri Usman, a provision store owner, said business activities now close by 4.00pm “because people are rushing home to beat the 6.00pm deadline.

“If the authorities will relax the curfew to commence from 10pm and end by 6.00am that will give us some relief,” Kakuri said.

Habu Bakura, a ‘Suya’ seller, complained that he had lost patronage substantially since the renewed restriction of movement order.

Many civil servants said they now close from office by 3.00pm order to beat the curfew order.

Similarly, some residents appealed for extension of the time to allow them perform their prayers in the mosque without fear.

Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (middle), cutting the cake to mark his 58th birthday anniversary. With him are members of the state executive council; the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Joshua Bawa in Minna, yesterday.

Fraud: EFCC can’t prosecute me, ex-Kogi gov tells court EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

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ormer Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has told a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the ‘competency’ to try him.

The former governor, who is facing a 36-count charge of alleged criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to defraud the government of Kogi State,

filed a preliminary objection, to dismiss or quash the charges.

In his preliminary objection through his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Audu argued that the EFCC “is not legally competent to prosecute” him, in view of the fact that; “The Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No: 62 of 1999 is not a statute known to law.”

In the face of this, the accused/applicant questioned the territorial jurisdiction of the court to try

him, having regard to the fact that the alleged offences were committed against the government and people of Kogi State.

He further argued that “the offences alleged against the first accused applicant were allegedly committed against the Kogi State government and not against the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Ozekhome maintained that his client could only be tried by the anti-graft agency or the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) if

and only when there exist a ‘fiat’ from the AttorneyGeneral of Kogi State.

To the extent that there is no such fiat, he submitted that; “The Attorney-General of the Federation is not legally and constitutionally competent to prosecute the first accused/applicant for offences over which the National Assembly cannot competently legislate on.”

While faulting the ongoing trial, Ozekhome noted that ‘economic and financial crimes cannot be equated to breach of trust.’

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Stop criticising Yero’s commissioner-nominees’ A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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group under the auspices of Southern Kaduna Youths for Progress and Development (SKYPD) yesterday asked its kinsmen to stop criticising the new commissionernominees list prepared by

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.

In a statement signed by the group chairman, Mr. Danjuma Bello Sarki, and secretary, Tanko Rossi Sabo, the group said the allegation that the governor did not consult stakeholders before preparing the commissionernominees list was mali-

cious and baseless.

The group, while disassociating itself from the publication against Yero’s nominees, called on Southern Kaduna and others not to take the author of the publication serious as he was seeking for political relevance.

The statement read in parts: “Our attention

has been drawn to a publication authored by one George Nchoka Asake, who tried to cast aspersion on the cabinet list to be submitted to the Kaduna State House of Assembly by Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.

“As youths who are concern with the overall progress and development

of Southern Kaduna, we totally disassociate ourselves from the publication and call on the general public to disregard it, as it is a figment of the imagination of the writer, in his quest to seek for undeserved relevance.

“It is mischievous and arrant falsehood for anyone to claim that the list does not favour Southern

Kaduna when all the nominees are bonafide sons and daughters of the zone.

“The list, if submitted to the state Assembly, will certainly demonstrate the sense of fairness of the governor for still maintaining the same nine nominees to be appointed from our area as done by his late boss, Sir Patrick Yakowa.”

‘Five states have latest data on mineral deposits’

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L-R: Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh; Chairman, Governing Council, Giwo Science Academy, Alhaji Bello Kirfi; Governor Isa Yuguda and Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Sani Burra, at the inauguration of Giwo Science Academy in Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Money laundering: Court adjourns suit involving ex-LG boss BABATUNDE ADEBAYO LOKOJA

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Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has adjourned the case of money laundering involving the former Chairman of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Daudu and former Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Albert Soje, who have been standing trial since 2010

The accused persons were sued by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in 2010 for alleged money laundering and conversion of property running into several millions of naira contrary to Section 14 of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004.

The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, yesterday adjourned the case till November I8 and 19 for continuation of the hearing.

In the charge sheet,

Daudu was alleged to have converted N15 million, being the property of local government, to personal use between 2007 and 2009.

He was also alleged to have embezzled N13 million between October and November 2008 and N334.7 million between 2008 and 2010.

As for Soje, he was alleged to have converted a piece of land belonging to the Rural Electrification Board to personal property.

He was also charged for abuse of office and subversion of due process while in office.

Leading in evidence by his legal counsel, Mr Yemi Mohammed, Daudu said that he was not lodging money in his account as alleged, adding that the lodgment was in respect the loan obtained from the Okene branch of UBA. Daudu also denied conversion of the local government property to personal use.

FG to declare two sites as national monuments in Borno

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he Federal Government is to declare two locations in Borno State as national monuments as part of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in 2014.

The Coordinator of the National Museum in Borno, Hajiya Aisha Jidda, stated this yesterday during a visit to Governor

Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Jidda named the sites as the first Shuhe Tomb at Kukawa in Kukawa Local Government Area and the Shehu Mohammed El Kanemi Prayer House at Ngala in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area.

She said: “It may interest you to note that since

1959 when the Rabeh’s forte was declared national monument in the state, no other site has been declared.

“Two important sites will be declared as national monuments to complement the 100 years of amalgamation of Nigeria in 2014.’’

Jidda said the enlistment of the sites would

boost the tourism potentials of the state.

“Your administration has, no doubt, recorded tremendous achievements in all spheres of human endeavour.

“The national museum would like to partner with you in exploring the tourism potentials of the state,” the coordinator said.

irector-General of the National Steel and Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Mr Alex Ohikere, yesterday said only five states had up-to-date data of mineral deposits available in their areas.

Ohikere said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that only Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Yobe and Jigawa states had proper data on mineral deposits that could attract investment.

The DG noted that the absence of comprehensive data was slowing down the exploitation of mineral resources in the country.

According to him, it would be difficult to convince investors to set up businesses in the mining sector when the basic information on available

mineral resources in the country is not available.

Ohikere, however, said that the agency was not discharging its responsibilities as it should due to paucity of funds and obsolete equipment.

He said: “Presently, we are underfunded; only 42 per cent of the 2013 appropriation of the agency has been released by the government.’’

The DG also said most of the agency’s exploration equipment bought in the 70s were obsolete, adding that only two of the equipment procured in 2010 were operational.

Ohikere said a recent study revealed that the nation had an estimated coal reserve of about 2.7 billion tonnes out of which less than 650 million tonnes had so far been proven.

Taraba Assembly approves six commissioner-nominees

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he Taraba State House of Assembly yesterday in Jalingo screened and approved six commissioner-nominees sent to the House by the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Umar submitted the names of Hajiya Batulu Mohammed, Musa Tende, Mathias Danazumi, Iliya

Ali, Ate Sale and Sa’adu Shehu to the House for screening.

The nominees were collectively screened and cleared for appointment as commissioners by the legislature.

The Speaker, Mr Josiah Kente, urged the nominees to be diligent and upright in carrying out their responsibilities to the people.

Sambo sympathises with Shema over father’s death JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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ice-President Namadi Sambo was among scores of personalities that visited Katsina State yesterday to sympathise with Governor Ibrahim Shema over the death of his father.

The governor’s father died on Monday at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 86.

Sambo was accompanied

by Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari and Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero .

Also accompanied the vice-president were Labour and Productivity Minister, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu, and Senior Special Advisor on Special Duties to the President, Isaiah Balat.

Mines and Steel Minister Musa Sada, who is an indigene of Katsina State, was also among personalities that sympathised with Shema.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

55

WORLD RECORD

FASTEST TIME TO EAT A 12” PIZZA

Vol. 03 No. 721

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Lagos: One year of ban on Okada

ometimes called the ‘Venice of West Africa’ due to its numerous canals and waterways, Lagos has also been a melting pot of cultures and ethnic nationalities. The reasons for this unique position are well known. Before the nation’s capital was officially transferred to Abuja in 1991, Lagos used to be the seat of federal administration and so attracted Nigerians from all parts of the country to its embrace in search of economic opportunities and even political glory. To be a successful politician, meant that a candidate must first establish a foothold in Lagos, and even cultivate the city’s goodwill and learn the intricate ways in which the political machine operates.

Even for the business class and social glitterati, the place to make the right connections and get rave reviews was Lagos, and only those determined to fail ignored this reality

W

N150

The fastest time to eat a 12” pizza is 41.31 seconds, and was achieved by Peter Czerwinski (Canada) on the set of ‘On The Road’ for the ‘Guinness World Records: OMG!’ YouTube channel at ‘Mama’s and Papa’s Pizzeria’ in Los Angeles, California, USA on 30 January 2013.

ith Sachin Tendulkar set to hang up his bat after the upcoming Test series against West Indies, some of the game’s greats have paid tribute to him.

From feared opponents such as Shane Warne and Brian Lara

Okay Osuji (okayosuji@nationalmirroronline.net) 08034729256 (sms only)

to their own peril. Moreover, the colonial administrations and subsequent post independence governments spent colossal sums of money to build mammoth infrastructures that still define the very essence of the metropolis and its magnet for thousands of people who daily troop to its embrace for various reasons. Though, Abuja has become the new watering hole for the political class, which in essence has opened new vistas of opportunities for professional politicians, itinerant lobbyists, hangers-on and even shady contractors and shifty businessmen, Lagos still remains one cavernous place for those who still do business and crave anonymity.

It is this lure to be part of its hectic pace that motivated all sorts of persons to live according to individual idiosyncrasies. In the process, it made the city one giant conurbation of licentious living, especially for those bent on defying all rules and regulations. One set of citizens that fitted this style of philistinism were the commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as Okada who not only were riotous, but wrote their own rules of engagement. That was before Governor Babatunde Fashola on August 2, 2012 signed into law the Lagos Road Traffic Bill. The law prohibits the operations of commercial motorcyclists on 475 roads in the state. While signing it into law, Fashola had reiterated that it was to check the rising cases of accidents, especially the ones caused by the commercial motorcyclists.

Besides, Okada operators were known to have been accomplices in various robbery incidents or other heinous crimes in which their vehicles were used. The reason for

THE BAN WAS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AND MASTER STROKE, THAT HAS NOT ONLY BROUGHT BACK SANITY TO

LAGOS

ROADS BUT ALSO SAVED INNUMERABLE LIMBS AND LIVES employing these motorcycles was for their nimbleness and ease with which perpetrators escaped from the scene of crimes.

Of course, the one that riled both innocent commuters and humble motorists was the ubiquitous manner in which these noisy contraptions spread fear and terror on the roads and street corners of the metropolis and even in the hinterland.

Probably, due to the quick financial returns which these machines brought to their operators, all manner of persons took to riding them for commercial purpose. In the end, Lagos became one huge relentless cacophony of noise and nuisance that any sane person could hardly find a quiet moment or corner for relaxation and reflections. The tragedy of the motorised hordes was that it imposed not costly externalities on the environment; it also brought deaths and destructions to riders, motorists and pedestrians alike. No single hour passed without people witnessing accidents scenes involving these daredevil kamikaze opera-

tors and other road users.

At a time, the state’s orthopaedic hospitals looked like they were operating in a war zone, where the influx of casualties was unending. Incidentally, most of the injured were young men and women in their productive years, who are confined to hospital beds for months as a result of infirmities that could have been avoided. Many of those who lost limbs were known to have sustained such injuries while riding on commercial motorcycles. Today, one cannot but look back at the decision of the Lagos State Government to ban these harbingers of death from major highways.

But like all such decisions, they were bound to have their critics of which my humble self was one. But one year on, it has dawned on everyone that even with its imperfections, the ban was a major achievement and master stroke, that has not only brought back sanity to Lagos roads but also saved innumerable limbs and lives that could have been amputated or destroyed without it. Come to think of it. The craze to operate an Okada at one time became so overwhelming that the vast majority of artisans abandoned their trades for the febrile world of motorcycling. It got to a stage that seeking and finding a plumber, vulcaniser, cobbler, auto mechanic, carpenter, electrician and even barber was like searching for pin in a haystack.

Sadly, no country has ever developed by turning a blind eye to the future of its youths who due to ignorance and lack of guidance substitute long term prosperity for the ephemeral world of fast money.

Incidentally, many state governments are now following in the footsteps of Governor Fashola to ban commercial motorcycles from their cities and other urban areas and evidences show that such moves are paying off, even to the acknowledgement of those who initially thought the act was to punish them. It is now left to the government to build infrastructure as it is now doing, to cater for those willing to make a decent living.

Sport Extra

Cricket: Tributes pour in for Pakistan great, Tendulka to respected team-mates Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, everyone has picked different features of Tendulkar’s greatness and found unanimity on one point, that there will

not be another one like the aspiring retiree.

West Indies great Lara, with whom he has often been compared, said Tendulkar was to cricket what Muhammad

Ali was to boxing.

“There are boxers with better records than Muhammad Ali, but if you mention the word boxing, you have to mention Muhammad Ali,”

Lara said at a Tendulkar farewell function.

“When you talk of basketball, you mention Michael Jordan. When you speak about cricket, I’d speak of Tendulkar.”

Tendulka

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