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CBN harmonises CRR at 31%, retains 13% MRR TOLA AKINMUTIMI

Emefiele

Vol. 5 N0. 1116

onetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central

Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday rose from its two-day meeting in Abuja, where it harmonised the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, on deposits to a uniform 31 per cent

and retained the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 13 per cent. The CRR is a specified minimum fraction of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Adoke directs Bayelsa CJ to swear in Wike in Rivers P.4

Adoke

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

N150

NGF to Okonjo-Iweala:

GEORGE OJI, ABUJA

Account for $20bn excess crude fund ...Yari replaces Amaechi as chairman Shettima leads Northern governors

igeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, has asked Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to account for an estimated $20bn which accrued to the Excess Crude Account from June 2013 to April this year. The forum stated that the explanation became imperative because the funds were last disbursed in May 2013. The directive was contained in a communiqué issued by the forum at the end of over five hours’ meeting CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Air Force to drop ageing pilots, wings 11 ...32 others before Dec

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L-R: Niger State Governor Aliyu Babangida; Zamfara State Governor Abdulazeez Yari; Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio during the joint press conference between APC Governors Forum and PDP Governors Forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

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NLC urges Buhari to dislodge oil cabal

...seeks probe of $40bn spent on power

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Power generation drops to 2000mw

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May 29: Kerry to attend inauguration of new govt P.6

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Account for $20bn excess crude fund CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

which ended early yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. It was attended by 15 governors and deputy governors. The meeting, which was the first since May 2013

when the forum was factionalised, also reconciled its members and reunited once again as a single umbrella association of state governors, regardless of party or region. Governor Abdullazeez

Yari of Zamfara State emerged as its new chairman to replace Governor Chibuike Amaechi through consensus. Yari will however serve a one-year tenure - May 2015 to May 2016.

The governors also resolved to hold an induction programme sometime in June, for new and returning governors. The induction is aimed at equipping new and returning governors with knowl-

edge of global best practices in establishing and running their offices. In addition, the forum resolved to establish a governors’ forum academy to be christened, ‘The NGF Leadership Academy,’ which will

L-R: Vice-President of The Gambia, Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy; Interim President of Burkina-Faso, Mr. Michel Kafando; President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger; President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo; President Goodluck Jonathan; President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and others at the 47th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

NLC urges Buhari to dislodge oil cabal OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday urged the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to address the inherent corruption in the petroleum sector. NLC, which noted that the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country is deliberate, said a lasting solution to the problem lies in the incoming administration’s ability to dislodge the cabal in the sector which has held the nation to ransom for long. Nigeria has been experiencing fuel scarcity in the last two months with the price of petrol rising to N200 per litre, especially in Abuja and Lagos. NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke at an interactive session for delegates to the International Labour Organisation, ILO, conference in Geneva, Switzerland, also called for a probe of the $40bn so far spent on the power sector. He said it is unfortunate that in spite of the huge

resources deployed in the power sector in the last few years, the country has remained in darkness, with power generation going down to as low as 2,000mw. On the lingering fuel scarcity, Wabba urged the incoming government to deal ruthlessly with the cabal which prefers importing crude to local refining. He queried: “Every time there is a change of guard, the cabal would always come together to make life unbearable for the larger society. It is deliberate. We want government to address the inherent corruption in the system. Why is this happening at this time? Why is it that we have not experienced this in the last four years? “The prolonged issue of queue is deliberate. A few people in the sector have over the past years held all of us to ransom. And, we can’t get it right until the inherent corruption in the system is addressed and the cabal that has constituted itself as an obstacle to progress is dislodged.” The NLC boss stated that

all the agreements reached with governments in the past on how to liberate the sector from the hands of the hawks have not worked out. For instance, he noted that on assumption of office by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, an agreement was reached that all efforts must be put in place to make existing refineries work to full capacity as well as build modular refineries. According to him, while the state of the refineries has further degenerated, no single modular refinery has been built. “In 2011, when Yar’Adua took over power we had an engagement with him and the agreement we signed with them was that there would be a moratorium of four years and that they needed to put some structures on ground. “First, there was agreement that the existing refineries must be made to work at full capacity. Two, that modular refineries can be built within two years and that they are ready to commence building of the refineries. We both agreed

that in four years from then, we would be able to have the capacity to refine for domestic use. “But four years down the line, even when licenses had been issued, the clearing of the lands has not taken place. The reason for this is inherent corruption in the system. It pays the cabal to import crude than to build refineries. That is the issue that has led us to where we are today. “For us to get it right, this process must be unravelled. Those that have been benefiting immensely need to be dislodged. Without this, it will be a continuous circle,” the union leader said. Apart from addressing the perennial issue of fuel scarcity, he said thousands of jobs would be created if the refineries are made to work efficiently. Asked what would be the minimal request of labour from the incoming government, he said: “Part of our minimal demands is that they should do everything possible to fix our power sector, including investigation and prosecution of people

who have been benefiting from the system unduly. “We also urge the new government to, upon assumption of duty, commence sanitisation of our oil and gas sector. They should also work toward stabilising power supply. “If government has spent as much as $40bn on power and instead of improving, the output is going down, something urgent must be done.” In a related development, Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, IPMAN, Oyo State chapter, yesterday said the nation could overcome the challenges of the oil sector by developing local and functional refineries. The chapter chairman, Alhaji Rasaq Raheem, said in Ibadan that it is disappointing that Nigeria, one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world, still imports petroleum products. Petrol is still scarce in Ibadan metropolis, with independent marketers selling the little available at beCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

be overseen by the NGF secretariats and will be responsible for capacity building of governors and other officials holding public offices. At the meeting were Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbosola (Osun), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Ramallan Yero (Kaduna), Saidu Dankigari (Kebbi) and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta). The rest are Kashim Shettima (Borno), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Deputy Governor of Kano State and Governor-elect, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governorelect of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and his Imo State counterpart. Meanwhile, Governor Shettima has emerged as the new chairman of the Northern State Governors Forum, NSGF. He takes over from Governor Babangida Aliyu, while Governor-elect, Ganduje, is his deputy. The new leadership would be inaugurated in June or July with all former governors of northern extraction in attendance. Governor Aliyu said northern governors have resolved to address the Boko Haram issue in the region, even as he promised that the insurgency would soon be a thing of the past. He added that the governors also agreed to solve the problems of poverty, marginalisation and unemployment in the North. He said in collaboration with the office of the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the northern governors have concluded arrangements to revive the long rested New Nigeria Company in Kaduna. In his acceptance speech, Governor Shettima promised that with the new leadership, the body would act as one family in confronting the challenges of the North irrespective of religious differences. Present at the meeting were governors of Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Borno, Zamfara, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano governor-elect and Kogi State deputy governor.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Photo News

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Engr. Osawe Peter; President, African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Assistant Commandant-General, Zone A, (NSCDC), Mr. Osewegie Osara, and Director, Special Duties, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. George Okere, during ARSO Stakeholders and Media Launch in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Associate Head, Department of Agric Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, US, Dr. Joan Fulton; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and, Dean of Agriculture, Purdue University, Dr. Jay T. Akridge, at the conferment of Honorary Doctor of Agriculture on Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, recently.

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Executive Director, Marketing and Technology, Adeolu Bajomo and Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, during the Facts Behind the Figures of Fidelity Bank in Lagos, yesterday.

National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp Director, Belinda Faniyi, presenting a gift to Belinda Evbodaghe, winner of Miss Bold & Beautiful contest organised by Globacom at the orientation camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, recently.

National News

FG directs Bayelsa CJ to swear in Wike as Rivers State gov ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ttorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohmamed Adoke, SAN, has directed the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, to swear in Rivers State Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, on May 29. In a statement issued by his office and personally signed by him, Adoke said the request became necessary because of the existing vacuum in the Office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, as well as the Office of President of the Customary Court of Appeal in the state. He explained that because of the vacuum, compliance with requirements of section 185 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution under which Wike should be sworn in has been made impossible. Adoke noted that the directive to the Bayelsa Chief Judge to swear in Wike in accordance with Section 185 (2) of the constitution was to avert a likely consti-

tutional crisis in the state Adoke said: “Section 185 (2) of the constitution states that ‘the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office shall be administered by the Chief Judge

of the state or Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the state, if any, or President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the state, if any, or the person for the time being

respectively appointed to exercise the functions of any of those offices in any state. “The general public, particularly the government and people of Rivers

State, are hereby invited to take note of this development and appreciate the fact that the invitation extended to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to administer the Oath of Allegiance

and Oath of Office on the Governor-elect of Rivers State on May 29, 2015 is in accordance with the Constitution and should therefore be respected by all and sundry.”

Chibok girls might be living in bunkers –Borno elder

ecretary of Borno Elders Forum, Dr Gubio Bulama, yesterday said there was general suspicion that Boko Haram insurgents were hiding abducted Chibok girls in bunkers in Sambisa forest. Bulama stated this while presenting a paper at a Post-2015 Election Conference organised by the Savanah Centre for Diplomacy and Democracy in Abuja. He said the genuine fear in Borno was that the insurgents had built bunkers in the vast forest, where they may be hiding the girls. He urged the military to view that possibility with seriousness in its ongoing

assault on the insurgents in that enclave. He said: “The genuine fear which needs to be viewed seriously is whether bunkers might have been built within the vast forest. “It should not be forgotten that at the initial stage, the insurgents were able to build bunkers large enough to accommodate up to 500 people right inside Maiduguri, at Bulabulin Ngarannan Ward. “If they were able to do that in Maiduguri, when they find themselves in the forest without any disturbance, they can build bunkers and this is our genuine fear. “We are calling on the

military to look into the possibility of the Boko Haram having serious bunkers, and we are even suspecting that the Chibok girls are living in bunkers.’’ About 219 out of the more than 300 girls abducted from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, on April 14, 2014 are still missing. The military had confirmed that none of the girls was among the hundreds of female hostages recently rescued from Boko Haram’s stronghold in the past few weeks. Bulama said it was unfortunate that the insurgents were allowed to occupy the forest for a long time, which provided them

the opportunity to study and master its entire terrain. He added that the terrorists were also known to have dug tunnels to enable them move from house to house. “So, having been left unchallenged for such a long time, such possibilities cannot be ruled out, and this poses serious obstacles within the forest. “The insurgents use their bases in the Sambisa forest to launch deadly attacks and make quick retreat to their base. “This enabled them to capture and take over control of local government areas bordering Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad and Ni-

ger,” he said. The Borno elder said that Boko Haram almost succeeded in achieving their aim of encircling Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by cutting it off from all direction. According to him, they were within 20 kilometres to Maiduguri from all directions except the Maiduguri-Kano axis, “which they infested and unleashed horrendous ambushes from time to time.” He insisted that the Federal Government must first defeat Boko Haram by totally recapturing the forest from them before embarking on reconstruction and rehabilitation of the North-East.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

CBN harmonises CRR at 31%, retains 13% MRR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

total deposits of customers which commercial banks have to hold as reserves with the central bank of a country. The ratio affects money supply in the economy. One of the implications of the harmonised CRR is that Deposit Money Banks, DPB, could have more funds to lend to various sectors of the economy with the huge reduction in the public sector CRR from 75 per cent to 31 per cent. Briefing the media on key decisions taken at the end of

the meeting, CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the decision to harmonise the CRR was informed by the fact that the committee “considered that the current discriminatory CRR on public and private sector deposits (20 per cent for private sector and 75 per cent for public sector) have not only constrained the policy space but could also inspire moral hazard by private market participants.” Emefiele explained that members of the MPC recognised that while additional

tightening measures may not be appropriate now to avoid overheating the economy, a harmonisation of the CRR is imperative in order to curb abuses and improve the efficacy of monetary policy. According to him, based on current realities, they voted to increase the CRR on private sector deposits by 300 basis points to 15 per cent from 12 per cent in March 2014 and that since then the CRR has been changed several times, first with the private sector deposits and

subsequently, public sector deposits. The committee decided by a unanimous vote to retain the current tight stance of the monetary policy. “One member voted to increase the CRR on private sector deposits from 20 to 25 per cent and retain the CRR on public sector deposits at 75 per cent; while another member voted to retain the CRR on private sector deposits at 20 per cent and increase the CRR on public sector deposits from 75 to 100 per cent. Nine members,

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari (left) during a courtesy visit to Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabiru Usman in Katsina yesterday.

N1.5bn scam: I’m being persecuted, says ex-NIMASA DG

ormer DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Raymond Omatseye, charged with N1.5 billion contract scam, has alleged he is being “persecuted.” The accused, who was suspended as DG of the agency since December 2010, is being tried before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Omatseye, who opened his defence yesterday, told the trial judge, Rita Ofili-Aju-

mogobia, that he believed the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), was persecuting him. Omatseye, led in evidence by his counsel, Mr E.D. Onyeke, alleged that his trial came shortly after he declined a request by Adoke to discontinue a case NIMASA filed against the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG. Omatseye started his testimony by first craving the indulgence of the judge to allow him go into the back-

ground of his claim which would aid the court to appreciate his evidence. The former DG, who had been charged with an amended 27-count charge bordering on contract splitting and bid rigging to the tune of about N1.5billion, was granted leave by the court to background his allegation. Omatseye told the judge that 10 days after the phone conversation with Adoke, three operatives from the EFCC came to pick him up for interrogation.

He said he was taken to EFCC office in Ikoyi with the Director of Procurement and the Director of Finance of NIMASA. He said he called the Minister of Transportation, Yusuf Suleiman, to inform him of what was going on while on their way to the EFCC office in Ikoyi. He added that they were flown to EFCC office in Abuja the following day where he was confronted with a petition written against him by the Minister of Transportation.

Borno needs over $20m to resettle IDPs - Shettima INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

orno State government says over $20 million is needed to resettle about 22 local government areas destroyed by Boko Haram sect in the last one year. Governor Kashim Shettima disclosed this yesterday at the Government House when members of Red Cross Society led by its president, Peter Maurer, paid him a courtesy visit. It would be recalled that on Monday, Federal Government

has sent an assessment team who were already in the state to assess the level of destruction carried out by the Boko Haram insurgents headed by the Director Search and Rescue of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Air commodore Charles Otegbade. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Zannah Mustapha, said since the displacement of many communities by the insurgents, the state government has been shouldering the responsibility

of feeding the IDPs through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, even as he commended the effort of the Red Cross for its humanitarian assistance to victims of the insurgency. He said though military troops had liberated most of the communities under the control of Boko Haram in the state, government and the IDPs found it difficult to return to their homes due to security reports that most of the roads leading to the affected communities and

their farmlands were not safe as Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs and landmines were planted by the terrorists to cause more havoc. Earlier in his address, the Red Cross Society boss, Maurer, told the governor they were in the state to personally see the IDPs and hear from them, particularly as to their conditions, so as to enable the organisation to considerably increase its humanitarian gestures as a result of the renewed attacks and killings by the sect.

voted to harmonise the public and private sector CRRs at 31 per cent,” Emefiele said. He explained that the MPC also expressed concern about the weakening economic momentum but recognised the relative similarity in the condition for evolving the economic environment in virtually all oil exporting economies, suggesting the need for acceleration of various ongoing initiatives to diversify the economic base of the country. Emefiele confirmed that the committee was optimistic that the slow pace of economic momentum would reverse in the near term in view of the successful completion of the 2015 general elections and the progress recorded so far in the fight against insurgency. Commenting on the operations of the foreign exchange market, the financial expert noted that the stability and modest appreciation in the two segments of the market were largely due to the closure of the rDAS market and the modified two-way quote trading at the inter-bank segments of the market. “Gross official reserves rose from $29.34bn at endMarch 2015 to $30.05bn on May 15, 2015,” he said. The committee also harped on the need for

proactive measures to protect the reserve buffer to safeguard the value of the domestic currency and engender overall stability of the banking system. It would be recalled that analysts from FSDH Merchant Bank had noted before yesterday’s meeting that there had been changes in the global and domestic economies over the last two months which could justify changes in the regulatory banking institution’s foreign exchange management strategies. They predicted that increasing the policy rate and other reference interest rates might not address foreign exchange management challenges as reducing the rates could worsen the exchange rate situation. The FSDH analysts said they expected members of the MPC to vote to retain the policy rate, adding that a bold decision to allow the currency to move to its equilibrium level of around $1/ N215-N220 would stabilise the economy. This is just as they projected that the committee would likely increase the CRR on public sector deposits to 100 per cent as a strategic option of fully implementing the Treasury Single Account, TSA, for the various tiers of government.

NLC urges Buhari to dislodge oil cabal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

tween N120 and N150. Major marketers, however, still sell the product at the official rate. Raheem said the scarcity and high price were due to the overhead cost and other expenses incurred in the exportation of crude oil and the importation of refined products. “The importation of the products is the major factor affecting the price and availability of the products. “I am very sure that the repair of our refineries and the establishment of more local and functional ones will enhance the availability of the products and reduce the price drastically,” he said. He said the problem has persisted due to non-payment of oil subsidy.

The IPMAN executive said those still selling the product at the official rate of N87 were marketers who lifted the products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC. He said other marketers and retailers, who got the product through other marketers, could not afford to sell at the official rate, hence the difference in prices. The IPMAN chairman said the ongoing strike by the petroleum tanker drivers has further contributed to the non-availability of the product. Raheem said the Ibadan NNPC depot is functioning below its capacity, adding that though the depot has storage facilities, it allocates only a meager percentage of the products daily.

News

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Air Force to replace ageing pilots UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

he Nigerian Air Force, NAF, yesterday, said it was set to replace all ageing pilots in the Force with youthful and skillful fresh officers to carry on with prosecution of the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East. This is even as the Force winged 11 fresh pilots in addition to the 15 earlier winged on April 14, bringing to 26 the number of new pilots inducted into the Air Force aircrew to man its platforms. Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, told journalists after winging the new pilots at the Headquarters of Ni-

gerian Air Force, in Abuja, that 32 student pilots were currently in various flight institutions in Nigeria and the United States, who would be winged before end of the year. Amosu said the Air Force was turning in crops of pilots that would conveniently replace those that now deserve to return to the office for administrative positions. “We have ageing pilots already and some of us at the high echelon will soon be leaving. So, we need to prepare so that these young ones can take over from us. “A high number already, are ready to cross over to administrative position, so you need to prepare so that the young ones can take over.

“The pilots you have out there in Yola and Maiduguri, of course, we need to have replacements for them and we need to have some that will come up to be able to benefit from their experience. “Like I said, Air Force is about mentoring. So, the senior ones are there to mentor the young ones and it’s a continuous process,” he said. The CAS, who expressed satisfaction that NAF has done credibly well in discharging its duties in the ongoing ‘operation Zaman Lafiya’ in the North East, said “ the crops of pilots undertaking daring mission in the midst of real danger are testimonies of the qualities of training provided by NAF.”

He urged the newly winged pilots to be prepared for the higher task ahead, saying that they fit into the operational flying environment. Among those winged were two Group Captains, which Amosu said, was made possible by the newly introduced policy and programme to ensure that regular course officers at top levels also had a winging opportunity to rise to the to peak of their careers in the Air Force. However, the Air Force chief expressed joy that the service would be winging cadets, as arrangements had already been concluded at the level of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, to ensure that the regular course cadets are winged as pilots.

Nyanya blast: UK deported Ogwuche, FG tells court ISE-OLUWA IGE

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday heard that the suspected arrowhead of the Nyanya bomb blast, which claimed 75 lives and maimed several others, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, had a history of affiliation with foreign terror groups and was deported to Nigeria by the British Government in 2011 over membership of a banned terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom. A prosecution witness and staff of the Department of State Service, DSS, (names withheld) made the disclosure yesterday, at the commencement of the much-awaited trial of six suspected masterminds of the blast. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Ogunsesin Seun Biodun, now wish to be know and addressed as Mr Oluwasesin Seun Biodun.All former documents remain valid General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Sadiat Abayomi now wish to be known and addressed as Owoeye-Olawale Sadiat Abayomi. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to inform the general public of Land documents at Abakpa Nike Reg. as Private lease, Reg 87/87/1055.Power of Attorney Reg. as 94/94/1184. Power of Attorney Reg. 59/59/1225. Deed of Assignment Reg. 63/63/954. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

Ogwuche, who was arrested in Sudan three months after the bomb blast incident and extradited to Nigeria to face trial, however, kicked against the evidence on his deportation from the UK in 2011, saying it had no relevance to the terrorism trial he is currently facing in Nigeria. He said even if the evidence was relevant, he urged the court to discountenance it since proper foundation was not laid before the evidence was volunteered to the court. His lead counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), said that the court could only admit such evidence if the witness had produced in court, a copy of the deportation order where the reason for his deportation from UK was clearly stated. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibitoye Bosede Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinwumi Bosede Christianah. All former document remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABORODE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aborode Lydia Olufunke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Adelakun Lydia Olufunke. All former documents remain valid. Ogbomoso South Local Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINJISE: I, formerly known and addressed as Akinjise Oluwatosin Hannah, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oshinowo Oluwatosin Hannah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

All other accused persons in the case yesterday spoke in unison and urged the court to reject the evidence. The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, upheld Ogwuche’s argument, saying the witness having not stated that he was armed with the deportation order, could not orally give secondary evidence from the document (primary evidence) which was not before the court. Yesterday’s proceedings, however, was a major progress in the trial of the accused persons who have been detained for almost one year without trial. National Mirror reports that men suspected to be members of Boko Haram, had on April 14, 2014, struck in Nyanya by detonating multiple ImproCHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nzemeke Rita Nkeiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kudaisi Rita Nkeiruka. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

vised Explosive Devices, IEDs, at a highly populated bus station, killing 75 people, leaving several others injured. In the course of investigating the bomb blast, men of the DSS arrested six persons at different locations including Jabi in Abuja, Kaduna, Katsina and Sudan. The accused persons are; Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, Ahmed Abubakar, Mohammed Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu (alias Kofar Rama); Anas Isa, Adamu Yusuf and Nasir Abubakar. All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Federal Government while opening the trial yesterday said it would invite five witnesses and tender 37 documentary evidence against the accused persons. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaogwugwu Winnie Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osuji Winnie Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Adeoye Omobowale Lydia, now wish to be known and addressed as Adewole Omobowale Lydia. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Alogba Lamidi Opeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Ojomo Lamidi Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AFFIDAVIT FOR ADDITION OF NAME

AFFIDAVIT FOR CORRECTION OF NAMES

That i was formerly known, called and addressed as Salau Olawale Olayemi. That i now wish to add another name ‘SannI’ to my name. That i now wish to be known, called and addressed as Salau Olawale Olayemi Sanni. General public should take note.

That my surname was wrongly written at the bank as Odedina instead of Odediran and i equally want to include Aina because it’s part of my names. That my correct name now is Odediran Oluwatoyin Aina. General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kerry to attend Nigeria’s presidential inauguration

ecretary of State, John Kerry, will lead the US delegation to the inauguration of Nigerian president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja next week, the White House said Tuesday. Buhari will be sworn in on May 29 after defeating outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria’s first election that saw the opposition candidate defeating an incumbent. The White House said

other members of the US delegation would be announced in the coming days. A large number of African and Western leaders are expected to attend the ceremony. Kerry visited Nigeria in January in the run-up to the election and issued a clear warning that the strength of future US cooperation would be tied to the success of the polls.

Power generation drops to 2000mw CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, has disclosed that activities of pipeline vandals have forced power generation in the country to drop to 2000mw from 4500mw. Igali, who made the disclosure at NAPTIN programme for training on meter installation and maintenance to trainees under NAPSAS in Abuja, expressed optimism that Nigeria will get over the unfortunate development. “Nigerians are not happy because power supply is not enough, whereas, they have to pay for electricity. Why is the supply not enough? It is because some Nigerians go to destroy our pipelines. They don’t allow gas to get to our power plants. We were doing 4,500mw before, but now we are doing about 2,000mw. CHANGE OF NAME

OMOLADE : Formally known and addressed as Mrs. Omolade Modupeola Deborah, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adebusoye Modupeola Deborah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUJIOFOR: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogujiofor Nwanneka Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezennia Nwanneka Joy. All formerl document remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Mr Akor Joseph is the same person as Mr Akor Joseph Ocheme, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Mr Akor Joseph Ocheme. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Center, Makurdi and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Olabisi Febisola Toyin , now wish to be known and addressed as Miss. Fadamoro Febisola Toyin. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

But we are going to solve that problem. The nation will get over it. It is a phase and we will all get over it,” he said. Igali said the amount of gas available now can give the country more than 6,000mw of electricity, adding that most parts of Nigeria can have power for at least 16 hours with 6,000mw. According to the Permanent Secretary, there is a lot of anger among consumers who complain that they don’t get enough electricity, but are billed very high. “This is as a result of the estimated billing system. For what the power distribution companies do, is to guess, based on the size of a house and approximate and charge you. So the country is going to be embarking on a robust metering scheme. “The Federal Government is involved in this and it is working with private companies in the sector.’’

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Abdulwahab Adetayo Taiwo, now wish to be known as Abdulwahab Adetayo Hassan. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UMENZEKWE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Lilian Umenzekwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chioma Lilian Olike. All former document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHINWENDU: Formerly known and addressed as Onwuka Joy Chinwendu, now wish to be known and addressed as Joy Boniface. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bapakaye Etivie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igodo Pulovie Etivie. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps and general public take note

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News 7

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Court stops President from signing amended Oil & Gas Bill WALE IGBINTADE

Lagos Federal High Court yesterday restrained President Goodluck Jonathan from assenting to the bill for an Act to amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act. Justice Saliu Saidu in a ruling also restrained the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly from forwarding the Bill for an Act to Amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act. Cap. 05 to President Jonathan for assent. The orders were sequel to a motion ex-parte, in a suit number FHC/L/ CS/719/15, filed by Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun, on behalf of Nigerdock Nigeria Limited, Simco Free Zone Company and Nigerdock Nigeria Plc-FZE (plaintiffs), respectively. Besides, Justice Saidu also restrained the defendants their agents and privies from prohibiting the usage of the plaintiffs’ facilities at Snake Island

Integrated Free Zone for Oil and Gas cargoes destined for use in the free zone. The judge also restrained the National Assembly, its Clerk, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Transport, and the Nigeria Ports Authority. In an affidavit deposed

to by one Yusufu Abdullahi, a director of Simco Free Zone Company, the deponent averred that Nigerdock Nigeria Limited is a promoter of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, SIIFZ, and that Simco is a company saddled with the responsibility to develop, market, manage, operate, and administer SIIFZ. The deponent averred that SIIFZ was approved

as approved as a privately owned and managed Free Zone by presidential declaration in January 2005, and was duly licensed by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA in April 2005. And that SIIFZ is operated by Simco Free Zone Company, under the direct supervision and monitoring of NEPZA. He added that other regulatory agencies such

as Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and State Security Service, SSS, are present within SIIFZ to ensure due compliance with all laws and that appropriate security is maintained. The deponent averred that Section 5(3) of the Bill seeks to expand the powers

of OGFZA such that it can without further assurance take over and perform the functions hitherto performed by NEPZA. He stated that the Bill did not define what constitutes “oil and gas related cargoes” and that this will give room to situations where cargoes intended for SIIFZ are wrongly classified as oil and gas related cargoes.

N5bn fraud: EFCC arraigns firms linked to Nnamani WALE IGBINTADE

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned four companies suspected to be involved in alleged N5 billion money laundering offence against former Enugu State governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. The companies are Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, and Renaissance

University Teaching Hospital. The arraignment of the quartet was sequel to an application filed by the anti-graft agency, seeking separate trial for the former governor and the four companies that were his co-accused in the alleged money laundering offences, due to Nnamani’s frequent overseas medical treatment, which had delayed their arraignment for over seven years. At the last hearing of the matter, the court pre-

sided by Justice Mohammed Yunusa, had granted the anti-graft agency’s application. The four companies were alleged to have between February and March 2007, failed to comply with the lawful inquiry of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who was then EFCC’s Director of Operations, to investigate the alleged offences by not releasing their cash book, fixed assets, various vouchers and cheques; and failure to give a breakdown of their trade creditors and

showing their names and amounts from 2002 till 2006. The offences according to the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Kelvin Uzozie, are punishable under section 38(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004. The four companies, represented by their lawyer, Ricky Tarfa, SAN, pleaded guilty to the nine-count charges on their behalf. Following the plea, the EFCC prosecutor, Uzozie, urged the court to adjourn the matter for review of

facts of the offences. The companies’ lawyer, Tarfa, informed the court the he would inform the accused companies’ secretary to write a letter of undertaking to the alleged crimes and their plea. Consequently, Justice Yunusa adjourned the matter till May 27, for review of facts of the matter. It would be recalled that the court had earlier granted EFCC request to separate trial of Nnamani from his companies.

South West

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insecurity: Ekiti residents protest, petition police boss •NMA suspends clinical services ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ome residents of Ekiti State yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, demanding a return of the much-sought normalcy

and security of the state. The residents, including politicians, commercial transport operators, market women, students and artisans, said the new wave of crime in the state was making life unbearable for citizens as well as threatening socio-econom-

ic and other activities. Spokesperson for House of Assembly members-elect, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, charged the new Police Commissioner, Etop James, to end the “sponsored political violence, kidnappings, robberies and other crimes” in the state, saying “enough is enough.”

The lawmakers-elect appealed to the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers to join hands with the state government to move the state forward, rather than fan the embers of discord. Representatives of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN and market

L-R: Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Olusola Oguntimehin; Past President of ICAN, Balogun Bisi Omidiora, and ICAN President, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, at the commissioning of ICAN lecture theatre donated to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, yesterday.

Police invite Lagos lawmaker over forgery FRANCIS SUBERU

pecial Criminal Investigation Department of Lagos State Police Command has invited for questioning the representative of Lagos Island Constituency I, Hakeem Masha, over forgery allegation levelled against him by Wasiu Eshinlokun, the new representative of the constituency. In an invitation letter signed by ACP Omolara Oloruntola on behalf of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Criminal Investigation, the incumbent House of Assembly member is due to appear before the police at 10am today (Wednesday, May 20). Though the nature of the alleged forgery was not stated in the invitation letter sent to Masha, a copy of which was made available to National Mirror, investigations revealed that the allegation borders on forgery of the signature of incoming representative of the constituency, Eshilokun.

Eshinlokun had alleged in a petition to the police that Masha forged his signature to write a letter of withdrawal from the April 11 Lagos State House of Assembly Elections. Both are members of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The two are already in court seeking its interpretation on who was the legitimate candidate in the election with a pending appeal filed by Masha at the Court of Appeal, Lagos after a Federal High Court ruling gave the nod to Eshinlokun as the authentic APC flag-bearer. In the notice and grounds of appeal filed by Masha’s lawyer, Bonojo Badejo, it was stated that trial judge, Ibrahim Buba, erred by declaring Eshinlokun as the lawful candidate as he ignored fundamental issues raised by Masha while adjudicating on the matter. One of the grounds of appeal noted that the trial judge erred in law when he assumed jurisdiction to hear originating summons

when the first respondent failed to explore or exhaust the internal dispute remedy enshrined in the APC constitution before proceeding to court. The notice of appeal further faulted the judge on the issue of waiver as APC National Working

Committee or its National Executive Committee had at no time granted waiver to Eshinlokun to participate in the primaries because he did not resign from his position within the stipulated time by the party’s constitution.

women urged the new police boss “to bail the state out of the serious crisis it is in.” The trade unions said since the impeachment saga started, criminal activities including robbery and kidnapping had slipped into the state, making life difficult, and appealed for peace to guarantee development. Stressing that his mandate is to ensure peace in the state, the police boss said he would work with and listen to all legitimate groups with a view to addressing the security challenge confronting the state. “Any group that is legitimate is free to talk to me. I will use all information I have now and will listen to others. I am here to ensure peace. I was given only one mandate, which is to do police job. My duty is to ensure peace,” he said, and enjoined everybody to go about his or her lawful

NDLEA arraigns pastor for drug dealing

pastor, Adeleke Fajemisin, 48, yesterday appeared in a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly being in possession of 250 grammes of Indian hemp. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA prosecutor, Charles Ugwuja, told the court that the accused was caught

Assault on FAAN staff: NAF says probe ongoing

igerian Air Force, NAF Logistics Command in Lagos State yesterday said investigation was ongoing in the alleged brutality of a Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, employee by its officers. NAF Public Relations Officer, Sqn. Ldr. Joel Abioye, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ikeja. Abioye told NAN that investigation was being carried out by both NAF and FAAN to ascertain what really happened. “From what I was told, the FAAN staff, one Mohammed Shuaibu, parked in a wrong spot at the airport and was instructed to move his vehicle to a des-

ignated car park. “But he refused claiming he was a staff of FAAN. He should have known better considering the security challenge in the country. “Shuaibu confronted our men, struggled with them and acted violently, claiming he was a FAAN staff, and you know that NAF is a disciplined force that will not allow any form of indiscipline,” he said. Abioye emphasised that the alleged beating would be thoroughly investigated, adding that NAF officers are disciplined individuals. “Our men at the airport are being summoned to determine what hap-

businesses. This was as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA said it had suspended emergency services across hospitals in the state. The association said the move is to protest the kidnap of its members and continued receipt of threat letters by members of the association from suspected kidnappers who had abducted no fewer than nine members in the last two weeks. Those in the kidnappers’ den in the state included medical doctors, nurse and university lecturers. In separate letters to Governor Ayodele Fayose and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, dated May 18 after an emergency meeting of the association on May 16, the NMA bemoaned the increasing rate of kidnapping in the state, especially of its members.

pened,’’ he said. “The alleged beating will be investigated and if they are found culpable, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against them. “In NAF, we don’t condone any act of indiscipline,’’ Abioye said. According to NAN, the FAAN official was allegedly beaten by NAF officers in charge of traffic at the departure section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday. It was also alleged that Shuaibu, who parked in a wrong parking space, had an argument with the NAF officers which led to the alleged beating.

with the substance on March 21, at Atikankan Area of Ado-Ekiti. The charge sheet stated that Fajemisin, without lawful authority had on him 250 grammes of cannabis sativa (hemp). “You were also caught in possession of drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD.’’ Ugwuja said the offence contravened Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him prepare for the case. The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge. Counsel to the accused, Ayo Oguntuase, applied for the bail of his client, stressing that the accused, a pastor, would not jump bail. Judge Isaq Sani granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1,000,000 and one surety in like sum. He added that the surety must not be less than a level 10 civil servant residing within the jurisdiction of the court. The judge therefore adjourned the case till June 15 for hearing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

EFCC arraigns medical doctor over N13.5m fraud MATTHEW IRINOYE

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned a 62-year-old medical doctor, Obinna Monagor, before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over alleged fraudulent conversion of N13.5 million. The trial judge ordered that the accused be re-

manded in prison after he was arraigned by the anti-graft agency on a onecount charge of stealing by fraudulent conversion of another person’s money. Monagor, who resides at D1, Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere, Lagos, would remain in prison pending the perfection of the N5 million bail condition granted him by the court. EFCC counsel, Mr. Ademola Omeiza, informed the court that Monagor

had sometime in 2010 approached the complainant, Mr. Godwin Achi, that he had a three-storey edifice for sale. The lawyer said the property, located at 7, Tade Aromolate Close, William Estate, Surulere, Lagos, was offered to the complainant for N150 million. Omeiza said the complainant paid the first installment, but could not pay the balance following his inability to obtain a

credit facility from his bank. He said Achi finally got the loan in 2012, but discovered that the property had been sold to another party, Edscob Suites. The prosecutor said that following the development, the complainant demanded the refund of his initial deposit from Monagor. He said the refusal of the defendant to pay back the money one year af-

ter selling the property prompted Achi to petition the EFCC. Omeiza said investigation into the matter by the commission consequently led to Monagor’s arrest and the ongoing prosecution. According to him, the defendant’s action contravenes Sections 390 (8) (b) and (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003. Monagor, however, pleaded not guilty to the

charge. While ruling on the bail application filed by defendant’s counsel, Dr. Muiz Banire, the judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. The judge directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative while both should produce evidence of three years’ tax clearance payment to the Lagos State government. The matter was adjourned to June 24 for trial.

Poultry products: Nigeria loses $2.7bn to smuggling annually ABOLAJI ADAEBAYO

Students of National Institute for Sports at their matriculation in Lagos, yesterday

Glo restates support for African heritage …crowns 25-year-old graduate as NYSC Beauty Queen

ational telecoms company, Globacom, has re-affirmed its commitment to the promotion of African heritage and arts as the company was formally unveiled as the exclusive telecommunications partner and sponsor of the second edition of African Fashion Week Nigeria, AFWN, scheduled to hold in Lagos between May 23 and 24, 2015. The two-day show will be held at the Oceanview Marquee and the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. Globacom and AFWN, in a joint press statement in Lagos stated that AFWN would provide veritable platforms for promoting made-in-Nigeria designs while creating visibility and awareness for indigenous designers,

in addition to providing a forum for promoting the work of Africa and African-inspired designers and fine artists globally. The telecoms company described AFWN as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage and Nigeria’s fastrising fashion industry. It called on up and coming Nigerian fashion designers and others who wish to be abreast of fashion trends in the country to troop out to the venue of the event to experience the best of Nigerian designs. Meanwhile, the telecoms company has crowned Miss Brenda Evbodaghe, a 25-year-old University of Lagos graduate of Mass Communication as the Queen of the Lagos NYSC Miss Bold and Beautiful pageant

sponsored by the company. Evbodaghe who is from Edo State emerged winner of the pageant, beating other beautiful ladies who competed for the crown in the keen contest, which had many NYSC corps member and officials in attendance. It was anchored by the prolific humour merchant, Gbenga Adeyinka, the First.

The Miss Bold and Beautiful pageant was part of activities lined up for the night of fun and entertainment organised by Globacom to welcome the 2015 Batch A corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, where Adeyinka treated the audience to his scintillating and zestful performance.

igeria’s estimated yearly loss of at least $2.7 billion poultry products to smuggling poses great challenge to the growth of the poultry industry. President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, made this observation during the third summit of the association in Lagos yesterday. According to Oduntan, the annual poultry products consumption of the country amount to 8.8 kilogrammes out of which only 2.2 kilogrammes are produced in the country, while the remaining 6.6 kilogrammes enter the country through smuggling. He is of the view that if about 30 per cent of the smuggled products are stopped and their production done locally, they would help strengthen the poultry industry. Meanwhile, Oduntan has warned Nigerians to desist from consuming imported poultry products, explaining that they are contaminated and outlive their life span as most of

them were embalmed for more than two years before being released to the market. He declared the readiness of the association to embark on a nationwide campaign to sensitise consumers on the effects of smuggled chickens and turkeys, and why they should avoid consuming them and take to locally-produced ones. He said: “Over 1.2 million metric tons of smuggled poultry products - frozen chickens and turkeys - enter Nigeria on yearly basis. Nigeria cannot continue to be a subtle dumping ground for all kinds of poultry products. It has been proven that imported chicken had been stored with carcinogenic chemicals and thus heavy with bacteria due to broken cold chain.” He added that the industry could be further threatened by the negative effects of the Economic Partnership Agreements, EPA, signed by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in July 2014 in Accra, Ghana, and the coming into force of the Common External Tariffs.

Dangote Cement boosts CSR projects in 16 Ibese host communities …lists multi-million naira 19 projects

ndigenes of Dangote Cement Plc’s host communities in Ibese, Yewa and Ewekoro in Ogun State are in for better times as the company has announced the inauguration of 19 different corporate social responsibilities, CSR, projects for them. Seen as a major boost to the CSR profile of the lead-

ing cement manufacturer, the projects cover various social sectors, including water, education, electricity, roads, IT etc. It would be recalled that the company had some years ago instituted a scholarship scheme for indigenes of the host communities in higher institutions and secondary schools. Over 90 of them

benefitted from the scholarship scheme last year. Dangote’s management said yesterday that it is poised to make life more meaningful to members of the over 16 communities hosting the cement plant and that all projects would be targeted towards meeting the specific needs of each community.

Executive sirector, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communication, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, explained that the projects were agreed upon after careful deliberation and discussion with the communities’ monarchs, chief and youth leaders so that they (projects) could be relevant to their needs.

South East

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tanker crushes woman, three kids to death Chris Njoku OWERRI

ragedy struck on Sunday in Owerri, Imo State capital, as a tanker crushed a woman and her three children to death, who were on their way to church. Also, the commercial motorcycle rider who was conveying the yet-to-be identified woman and her children to the morning mass lost his life in the crash The crash occurred about 9am at the World Bank Housing Estate, Umuguma Road, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

An eyewitness told National Mirror that the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle when he found out that his steering suddenly locked, thus making it difficult for him to steer the vehicle to safety when he noticed the victims. “Immediately the crash occurred, the driver was said to have sensed danger and jumped out of his vehicle and ran to a nearby police station where he surrendered himself,” the witness said. At the time of filing this report on Tuesday, the tanker driver was still in the police custody while the deceased had been taken to the mortuary.

Elechi bans drugs sale at new International Market

overnor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State yesterday banned the sale of drugs in the newly inaugurated Ebonyi International Market in Abakaliki, the state capital. Elechi gave the order while laying foundation stone for the headquarters of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, in Abakaliki, which was named after him. According to the governor, all categories of goods would be sold in the market except drugs and various types of meat. ‘’Drugs must be sold at designated areas of the state where the PSN can have access to inspect the environment and examine the drugs to ensure they are safe for consumption,” he said. Elechi commended the society for not only naming

the structure after him, but making him its life patron. ‘’Government decided to change the site earlier allotted to PSN because it was not accessible as it wanted a site that could be accessed from any part of the town,” he said. He described the society as a unique body that do not seek personal benefits, but things that would enhance and save the lives of the citizens. ‘’This is why I am readily disposed to assist it in any possible way as such gestures would continue even when I leave office as the governor. ‘’Late Professor Dora Akunyili almost lost her life to bandits not because she was looking for personal gains, but for insisting that only quality drugs should be sold to save lives,” he said.

Onah becomes Enugu varsity V C

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has approved the appointment of Professor Dennis Onah Christopher as new Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT. This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday in Enugu by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Amechi Okolo. The statement added that the appointment followed the recommendation of the governing board of the institution. “Sequel to the recom-

mendation of the ESUT Governing Council, the governor and visitor to the university has approved the appointment of Prof. Dennis Onah Christopher as the new Vice-Chancellor of ESUT,’’ it said. The statement, which said the appointment was with effect from May 21, said the handover should be completed before May 22. Onah, who hails from Nsukka, was until his appointment, a professor of the Veterinary, Parasitological & Entomology Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.

Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi laying foundation-stone of the state’s headquarters of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Abakaliki, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Uwana Poly shut over dispute with host community Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

risis yesterday rocked the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, following a disagreement over land dispute between the host community and the school authorities, which resulted into shutting down the polytechnic. Announcing the closure, Rector of the institution, Professor Ogbonna Ibe-Enwo, said the school’s management took the decision to enable them secure the safety of students and lecturers, among other properties of the school. Ibe-Enwo regretted the action of the community,

adding that the matter can be settled through dialogue, rather than causing violence that may jeopardise the progress and development of the institution. He added that the school will be re-opened when normalcy returns, urging the students to leave the school premises for their safety so prevent further attack on them and the school properties. He further stated that the management of the school will soon dialogue with the host community to find lasting solution to the crisis, stressing that no society can progress technologically and educationally in the midst of crisis. Ibe-Enwo said security

has been beefed up within the school premise and that the police have taken control of the situation. It will be recalled that over 1000 angry youths from the community armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons invaded the school and started destroying the school properties attacking students, just as many were injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed. The youths were protesting what they described as invasion of their land by the school authority despite warning from the community. When our correspondent visited the school, stu-

dents were seen with their bags scrabbling for available taxi to move them out of the town, this is as heavily armed policemen were seen patrolling the community. One of the village head who spoke on anonymity, told National Mirror that the cause of the crisis was a disputed land which the school want to erect structure against the warning from the community that the land belong to them. He, however, said that instead of the school authority to dialogue with the community on the best approach to resolve the matter, they went on and started erecting the structure on the disputed land.

NEEDS: NPC to survey 24 clusters in Enugu Dennis Agbo ENUGU

ational Population Commission, NPC, in its ongoing 2015 Nigeria Education Data Survey, NEEDS, will visit 24 clusters in the 17 local government areas of Enugu State. The 24 clusters in the state are among the 30, 000 eligible households randomly selected across the nation the commission is using as case studies to ascertain reasons why certain children between the ages of 4 and 16 are not in school.

It is expected that 45, 000 people will be visited or interviewed nationwide within the three months duration of the exercise. Declaring the 2015 NEEDS open yesterday in Enugu, the state Director of NPC, Mrs. Ngozi Onyia, said that this year’s exercise is a follow up to the 2013 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey, NDHS, during which households with children from 4-16 years old were visited. She disclosed that each of the local government area in the state has one cluster each, except

for Enugu East, Enugu North, Igboeze North and Nsukka Local Government Area that have 2 each while Igboetiti has three clusters. Onyia noted that a total number of six NPC personnel drawn from Enugu and Abuja will conduct the survey within the stipulated period. Delivering the address of the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruihoma, state director said objectives of the survey is to provide policy makers with accurate and timely data to formulate courses of action designed to in-

crease enrollment, attendance and learning. She also said that the 2015 NEEDS will provide substantial amount of the household-based education data needed in Nigeria.

Chime

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rivers dep speaker faults Mark over comments on state legislatures DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State House of Assembly has denied claims by a ranking member of the National Assembly that states’ Houses of Assembly were appendages of governors. It would be recalled that President of the Senate, David Mark, in a recent comment, described Houses of Assembly as rubber stamps. But reacting to Mark’s claims yesterday, Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, said National Assembly is also guilty of the accusation, saying Rivers State House of Assembly has done its best. Kwanee, who spoke during an interactive session with newsmen in Port Harcourt, alleged that the National Assembly had faltered variously when Nigerians expected it to act. Kwanee said: “I listened to the Senate president when he said states’ Houses of Assembly are appendages of state governors. “Well, to some extent he

might be right, but there is a question mark. At various times when Nigerians expected them (National Assembly) to act, they shied away.” He said the legislature is critical to good governance, adding that it is superior to the other two arms of government (the executive and the judiciary) because of its critical role, especially in assessing the nation’s budget. “I have come to the conclusion that the legislature is superior to the other two arms of government. When it comes to appropriation, the budget is brought before the legislature for scrutiny and approval. That is a very important role,” Kwanee said. He explained that despite some challenges, the seventh Assembly in the state has made landmark achievements in the discharge of its functions, pointing out that the recent summoning of nine commissioners in the state and four heads government agencies to give account of their stewardship stands the lawmakers out.

Tribunal warns journalists in A/Ibom against sensational reporting

that the tribunal would not tolerate antics from politicians with the aim of slowing down its pace. He also advised the parties, their supporters and other interest groups to exhibit the highest degree of discipline as the tribunal would not fail to punish any wrongful act. “We are aware of the enormity of the job before us. We know the main parties before us are politicians who may carry over the nuances associated with politics to this place. “We shall appeal to counsels whose duty it is to direct and counsel their clients to assist us in the work of this tribunal. “We are all aware that the petitions before us are billed to be heard and determined within a period of 180 days from the date of filing.’’

Delta APC congress: Exco files appeal against High Court judgment BENSON EDJEWHOVBO

elta State All Progressives Congress, APC, and its executive committee led by Prophet Jones Ode Erue have filed an appeal against the judgment of Justice Nduka Obi of the High Court, Asaba, which

ordered the conduct of a fresh congress to elect new officers for the party. According to a press statement issued by the committee, counsel to the APC, Barr. A. M. Mukoro, in a Notice of Appeal, the party is asking the Appeal Court, Benin, to set aside the judgment of the High Court on ground that its

decision amounts to miscarriage of justice. According to Mukoro, the party also filed a motion for stay of execution of the judgment. Meanwhile, Erue, who is the Delta State APC chairman, has commended Nigerians for supporting the party and voting massively for the Presi-

dent-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). He said he is also extending a hand of reconciliation to all aggrieved members of the party, while expressing appreciation to the people of Delta State for supporting the party’s governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers Council, Mr. Opaka Dokubo; Manager, Elohim Consult, Mr. Peter Osanobi and Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, during inspection of new NUJ secretariat built by Governor Chibuike Amaechi in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Strike persists in CRUTECH despite suspension RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

overnorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo has warned journalists covering its proceedings to desist from sensational reporting. Ttribunal chairman, Justice Goddy Anunihu, gave the warning at its inaugural sitting in Uyo, yesterday. Other members of the three-man panel are Justices Raphael Aguwa and J. B. Olowosegun. Anunihu urged the media to give a fair and accurate reportage of the tribunal’s proceedings, warning that “there should be no undue sensationalisation of the affairs of this tribunal.” He appealed to lawyers to advise their clients against any untoward behaviour throughout the duration of the tribunal. The chairman reiterated

South South

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

orkers of Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH, yesterday, in Calabar vowed not to return to duty unless the state government implements recent agreement to pay part of the salaries owed them. It would be recalled that Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State was re-

ported to have met with leaders of the four warring unions of ASUU, NASU, NAAT and SSANU in CRUTECH two weeks ago where he appealed to the striking workers who had downed tools about five months ago. National Mirror gathered that the governor had in that meeting agreed to offset part of their outstanding salaries. A source in that meeting told our correspondent

that Governor Imoke specifically agreed to pay December 2014 and January 2015 salaries to the striking workers as part of the bargain. The source said based on that agreement, the striking workers reportedly suspended the strike, though they were said to have insisted they would not resume duty until they are paid the agreed salaries. It was also learnt that

several weeks after the meeting, CRUTECH staff are yet to be paid. The institution’s staff are said to be very aggrieved with the state government for not keeping to the agreement it voluntarily reached with them. A staff of the institution who pleaded anonymity, said the Cross River State government is insincere and insensitive to the plight of the CRTECG workers.

Court stops Delta Assembly from scrapping DESOPADEC THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

ollowing stiff opposition that greeted a bill by Delta State government, seeking to scrap and repeal the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, a state High Court sitting in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelii South Council Area of the state has barred the House of Assembly, from passing the bill into law. The court ruling restrained the Delta State government and the Assembly,

which are first and third defendants, from scrapping, repealing and decentralising the interventionist agency (DESOPADEC) pending determination of the suit. In a copy of the judgment made available to our correspondent in Warri, the trial judge, Justice Anthony Akpovi, ruled on May 14 that, “the Delta State government and the House of Assembly (1st and 3rd Defendants) are restrained from scrapping, repealing or decentralising DESOPADEC as currently constituted under the law

Cap D23 Delta State Laws till final determination of this suit.” The plaintiffs in the suit numbered HCG/20/2015 who are Chief Eric Obofukoro, Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, Chief (Maj.) P. Egone (rtd), Chief Ernest Juweto and 10 others, had prayed the court to declare and restrain the Delta State government, Attorney General of the State and the DTHA as defendants. According to the ruling, the court held that “as an ADR court, it is my further directive that the DTHA

made a public hearing on the matter in the interest of Deltans and an ADR meeting hosted by the Speaker be called immediately with stakeholders of all tribes involved to explain the content of the bill and why it is coming now which seems to be the question troubling the applicants.” However, June 10 has been fixed for the ADR report of settlement from the third defendant (DTHA) through its counsel, the Director of Civil Litigation for adoption of all written addresses.

North

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Lead poison: Senator-elect wants affected communities evacuated PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

enator representing Niger East district in the National Assembly, David Umaru,

has called for immediate evacuation of residents of Angwan Maigero and Kawo villages in Rafi Local Government of Niger State, where lead poison has killed 30 children.

He also noted the need to take blood samples of members of the communities for test to determine their level of contamination for adequate medical treatment.

Umaru, in whose senatorial district the disaster occurred, made the call during assessment and sympathy visit to people of the affected areas. According to him, con-

trary to claim that at least 250 persons had been evacuated from the areas, his assessment showed there were still some grounds to cover. The lawmaker further called for joint effort between the local government and traditional rulers in the area in educating members of their communities on the dan-

gers of washing mined stones in the river and to stop them, as the major means of controlling spread of the poison. While inspecting the Magami mining sites, he urged youths of the area to stop illegal mining and concentrate on more productive ventures that would not endanger their communities.

Plateau signs N29bn housing project for workers JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

P Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Plateau State, Mr. Jubril Bancir (right) addressing aggrieved workers during a protest at Plateau House of Assembly over non-payment of salaries in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Yero to face EFCC over N2.7bn SURE-P funds A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ll Progressives Party, APC Transition Committee in Kaduna State yesterday dragged Governor Mukhtar Yero to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged diversion of N2.744 billion Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P funds. In a petition signed by the state’s Transition Committee Chairman, Balarabe Lawal, the party said Yero had been putting the state’s legislature under tremendous pressure to approve utilisation of 50 per cent of the SURE-P funds for a road project, while the 23 local government councils would share the balance. Lawal added that coming from a government whose tenure expires in less than two weeks, the intensity of the lobby for the money indicates a certain desperation that is clearly not in public inter-

est. A copy of the petition addressed to EFCC chairman in Abuja which obtained by National Mirror reads: “I write to bring to your attention the elaborate steps being taken by the outgoing Kaduna State government to legitimise the misappropriation of N2.744 billion Local Government Sure-P funds, and to request that you exercise your responsibility of deterring crime by preventing this last-minute

looting of public assets. “The Kaduna State House of Assembly declined to appropriate the SURE-P funds in the 2015 budget, and promptly removed them from the budgets submitted by the 23 local government councils. The state legislators further resolved that the fate of the funds be left to the incoming administration. “I wish to therefore request that you urgently investigate whether the

SURE-P funds are still intact, or if they have been spent without appropriation thus necessitating a belated approval from the House of Assembly to provide a ‘legal’ means of retiring the funds. If, as it is widely believed in the state, the monies have already been spent, it is crucial to determine the projects, the contractors and the procurement processes that facilitated such a deliberate hemorrhaging of public funds.”

lateau State government yesterday signed a contract with Mamak Nigeria Limited to build 3,500 houses for civil servants in the state at the cost of N29,312,594,587.05. Commissioner for Urban Development, Sylvanus Dongtoe, signed on behalf of the government, while Odia Emeya and Prince David Yilbel signed on behalf of Mamak Nigeria Limited during a brief ceremony at Ray Field Government House in Jos. The commissioner said: “This is another milestone in the administration of Dr. Jonah Jang. It is done in accordance with the 2011 National Housing Policy. “One major challenge we face in Jos and environs is housing. Once this project is completed, it would be a lasting legacy. “I strongly believe that the incoming administration will continue with

this laudable project. In the next few years Jos would grow to be a mega city.” Dongtoe, who said the houses would be built under a public private partnership, noted that a lot of road projects have been embarked on by the outgoing administration, with the purpose of decongesting Jos and opening up its environs. “This would go a long way in actualising the Greater Jos Master Plan and would open up the city,” he stated. Director with Mamak Nigeria Limited, Yilbel, assured that they would deliver on their mandate. Yilbel said, “We are to build 3,500 houses, out of which 1,750 would be 3-bedroom flats and the balance 2-bedroom flats. “Of that number, 240 houses would be built in Rakifi in Bassa local council, 2,500 in Kwata and the remaining 760 houses would be built in Little Rayfield, all in Jos South local governement, at the cost of N29.3 billion.

Senate presidency: Ortom makes case for Akume TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

enue State governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has thrown his weight behind the ambition of Senator George Akume to become president of the 8th Assembly. Ortom also pledged to work closely with the Federal Government to fight insecurity in the country, even as he urged the pres-

ident-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to address the issue of clashes between nomadic cattle rearers and farmers in the state. He also told Buhari that the Senate minority leader, George Akume, deserves to be elected senate president based on his wealth of experience and enviable contributions to the growth of democracy in the country. Ortom, who made the plea while on a courtesy visit to Buhari in Abuja,

said: “No nation can develop in a state of crisis and insecurity hence (my) administration is prepared to partner with the new government at the federal level to end the spate of insecurity across the country. “As we all know, no country or state can develop without security. When we live in peace, we can then put in place strategic plans to boost our economic development. We are all too familiar

with the incessant clashes between pastoralists and farmers in many parts of the country. “From Benue to Plateau, Taraba to Zamfara, Katsina and elsewhere, several communities have been sacked by these people whose business is to spill innocent blood. For us in Benue, our people who are mostly farmers cannot even afford to go to their farms any longer for fear of these people. Our new government in Benue

will be happy to partner with the federal government to bring this menace to an end as soon as possible.” He told Buhari that his victory was received triumphantly. “Nigerians are excited with the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the president-elect of our beloved nation. In Benue State, we are particularly happy that we share a long history of affinity with you.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Politics

SUPER WEDNESSDAY

Know your lawmakers: Lagos Senator Gbenga Baheeru Asha-

fa Representing Lagos East senatorial district in the outgoing Senate is 60year old Senator Ashafa, who was reelected to represent the same senatorial district in the incoming 8th Senate. Born July 22, 1955, Ashafa is the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development and also a member of the Senate committees on Environment and Ecology, Federal Character and InterGovernmental Relations, Gas and Senate Services. He is re-elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for a second term and is currently treasurer of the APC Senate Caucus. Lagos East senatorial district consists of five local government areas of Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu and 11 local council development areas, LCDAs, of Agboyi-Ketu, Bariga, Eredo, Igbogbo- Baiyeku, Ijede, Imota, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Ikosi-Isheri, Ikosi- Ejinrin, and Lekki.

In the forthcoming National and State Assemblies, Lagos state, popularly known as the Centre of Excellence will have three senators in the Senate and 24 members in the House of Representatives. The State House of Assembly has 40 members. National Mirrorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU, ADELEKE ADESANYA and ROBERT AWOKUSE present Lagos lawmakers.

Ashafa

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Wife of former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oluremi currently represents Lagos Central senatorial district on the platform of the APC. An educationist, administrator, philanthropist and Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, she was the exemplary First Lady of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, during which period she founded the New Era Foundation; a non-profit organisation, dedicated to youth development, girl-child education, women empowerment and inspiring young persons to excellence. Over the years, this forthright role model has made tremendous impact in the lives of several people and institutions within and outside Nigeria. She initiated annual Spelling Bee competition to raise educational standards, and gave birth to the annual One-Day Governor programme, which has produced many First Class university graduates; she also founded the Alternative High School for Girls to help young ladies who dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, to complete their high school education among other laudable and notable contributions to national development in different spheres. As senator, she hosts a quarterly Town Hall Meeting with her constituents, to render accounts of her stewardship and obtain feed-backs on their developmental needs. To date, she has

Dauda Tinubu

Adeola

sponsored three bills: to provide Social Security for Elderly Citizens; seek the Amendment of the Labour Act, to enhance employment opportunities for women, and a Bill to provide Special Economic Assistance to Lagos State in view of its status as a former capital city and the commercial capital of Nigeria. Her constituency development initiatives include: Post-Secondary School Scholarship Scheme, PSSS, which saw the disbursement of N100,000 to 26 beneficiaries in four years, and 624 students of tertiary institutions receive N10,000 as book bursaries; grants to help 650 beneficiaries within her constituency to recapitalise their businesses; provision

of maintenance grants to alleviate the plight of the elderly, Elderly Citizen Assistance Scheme, among others. Through the Senate Committee on Education, she obtained federal support of N21 million for the rehabilitation of Jibowu Junior High School, Yaba, N20 million for Banjo Primary School, Otumara-Ilogbo, Ebute-Metta and N15 million each for Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute-Ero, Ansar Ud-Deen Primary School, Oke-Popo and Ire-Akari Primary School, OrileIganmu. Hon Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Born on August 10, 1969, Hon Adeola, a member of the outgoing 7th House of Representatives was elected senator on APC platform in the last general election to represent Lagos West senatorial district. He was elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003 under the

Diya

platform of the defunct Action Congress, AC to represent Alimosho state constituency 2 and again in 2007 under the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. In 2011, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives. A man of immense financial and political skills, he was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LSIRS, a legislation that catapulted the revenue of the state from N5 billion monthly to over N20 billion and was also part of the team that passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Public ProCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE13

curement Act of Lagos State. He found it easy to win nomination and election into the House of Representatives in 2011 under CAN, perhaps due to his sterling performance in public service of Lagos State, to represent Alimoso federal constituency. He is chairman of the only constitutional committee, the Public Accounts Committee of the House, a feat he achieved as first term member of the House and his performance in the regard in relation to exposing monumental corruption and sharp financial practices of government agencies has attracted national acclaim and made him a man to want as a true representative of the people. He is also a member of House committees on Aids, Loans and Debt Management; Emergency and Disaster Preparedness; Land Transport and Petroleum Resources (Up Stream). House of Representatives Hon Oyewole Babafemi Diya Hon Diya is a newly elected member of the House of Representatives, representing Somolu federal constituency of Lagos State, under the banner of the APC. Born August 20, 1960, Diya was a two-term member of the LAHA between 1999 and 2007. He chaired the House committee on Transportation between 1999 and 2003 and Commitee On Science and Technology, from 2003 to 2007. Olufemi Bandele Adebanjo Adebanjo, born January 1, 1961, will be representing Alimosho federal constituency of Lagos State, as an APC lawmaker, replacing Senatorelect Adeola. He hails from the Centre of Excellence. Hon Abayomi Dauda Kako-Are Representing Mushin federal constituency 1 of Lagos State, Kako-Are is a member of the outgoing House of Representatives. Elected in 2011 under the APC banner, he contested in 2015 under the platform of Accord Party and won his re-election. Born November 7, 1959, Kako-Are is married and has served in the House as vice chairman, House Committees on Information and National Orientation Agency and Interior. He is also member of House Committees on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Value and Defence. He was a member of LAHA between 1999 and 2003 Hon Joseph H Bamgbose Born January 1, 1963, hon Bamgbose is a newly elected member of the House, representing Badagry federal constituency of the Centre of Excellence. He contested under the banner of APC. Hon Babajide Hazeez Akinloye Hon Akinloye is a member of the outgoing House of representatives, re-elected under the platform of the APC, representing Eti Osa federal constituency of Lagos State. Born May 16, 1968, Akinloye was a member of LAHA for a two terms between 2003 and 2007. He served as

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Know your lawmakers: Lagos

Ayinla

Akinloye

member of the House Committees on Environment; Health; National Planning and Economic Development and Rules and Business. Hon Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla Hon Ayinla, popularly known as BYA, is a third term member of LAHA and is a newly elected member of the House of Representatives under the banner of APC to represent Mushi federal constituency 2. Said to be a grassroot politician who has touched the lives of his constituents while serving as a member of LAHA. Hon Ayinla would be remembered by his constituents for not joking with any health matter concerning any of them. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila The incumbent Majority Leader of the outgoing House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila represents Surulere federal constituency 1 as an APC lawmaker. Born June 25, 1962, Gbajabiamila is a lawyer of repute, he will be going to the House as a fourth term member. Gbajabiamila headed the House of Representatives ad hoc committee in-

Balogun

Gbajabiamila

Tajudeen

Tejuosho

vestigating claims by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, that N140.9 billion which was owed by Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and Forte Oil Plc, has been paid. The call for investigation of the reported payment was made by another lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola, who moved the motion that the House set up a panel to verify the claims by AMCON that the Femi Otedola-owned two companies have paid back the money which the Federal Government paid for petroleum products reportedly not delivered as agreed upon by the dictates of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fuel subsidy scheme. Hon A. A. Abdulkabir Coming to the House of Representatives as a newly-elected member, Hon Abdulkabir will be representing Ibeju Lekki federal constituency, flying the banner of APC. He was born on January 1, 1959. Hon Yaqub Abiodun Balogun Hon Balogun was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of defunct ACN in 2011, representing Lagos Island federal constituency 2. He was re-elected in the last general elections.

Born May 4, 1951, he was a former Head of Sertrvice, HoS, of Lagos State and served as a member of the House Committees on Air Force; Anti-Corruption; National Ethics and Value; Foreign Affairs and Public Service Matter. Hon Mutiu A Shadimu Born January 1, 1979, Hon Shadimu is one of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and newly elected member of the House of Representatives. He will be representing Oshodi/Isolo federal constitueny 1 of Lagos State. Hon (Mrs) Rita Orji Hon Orji, born on January 1, 1970, is a newly elected member of the House of Representatives on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. She will be representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency of the Centre of Excellence. Hon Elijah Olutayo Adewale Born January 1, 1951 is an APC is the APC member of the House of Representatives, representing Ifako/Ijaiye federal constituency of Lagos State. Hon Babajinmi Adegoke Benson Hon Benson, another newly elected CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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15 15

From The Civil Service We will sack pregnant women –NIMC P.42 FG refutes report on dissolution of FEC CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

L-R: Member, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) National Stakeholders Working Group, Mr. Dom Nwachukwu; Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and Deputy Head of NEITI, Mr. Eddie Rich, during NEITI’s Pre-Validation Workshop in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NAFDAC–approved products to sell in ECOWAS soon, says Orhii MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

irector-General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, yesterday assured that products registered by his agency would soon go on sale within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, without further registration processes in ECOWAS. Orhii said this yesterday when he received Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bruno Cabras, alongside the management of Italian company Ferrero Group, in his office in Abuja. Orhii told his guests

while urging the group to bring its company into the country: “We are undergoing a harmonization within the ECOWAS region which will ensure that products registered in Nigeria can go to any ECOWAS country. So instead of 170 million Nigerian, you have a market of over 300 million people.” The company’s agent in Nigeria, Tarek Chazli, who was seeking NAFDAC’s registration for products manufactured by the group in the country, informed that the company buys $30 million worth of cocoa beans annually in Nigeria for the manufacturing of its chocolate brands. Speaking further, Orhii said NAFDAC had made products registration available on the internet. He em-

Experts task Buhari on technology development

P.41

phasized that product registration was not a problem for companies that manufacture quality products and follow due process. His words: “We guarantee that if you initiate your registration process, file all the required documents and pay the required fees, within 90 days if you do not have your approval yet but the laboratory test of your product is good, I can give you administrative approval to go head and market your products… “We have given a fast track approval. The only requirement is that because we have to put up a special force to speed up action; we charge double for people who want to fast track their approval. Everything is straight forward,” he

stressed. According to him, NAFDAC had put measures in place to ensure registered products are not counterfeited by counterfeiters whom he said always target goods that had become successful in the market. “Nigeria is a major producer of cocoa beans and NAFCDAC has done a lot in sanitizing cocoa beans production. There was a time when our cocoa beans were rejected overseas because they said it contains a high pesticide residue. We held workshops with cocoa farmers and educated them on how to process their beans by using approved pesticides and by 2010; we had cleaned up the whole cocoa market in Nigeria,” Orhii told his visitors.

Minister lauds Nigeria’s health system Buhari

P.42

nformation Minister Sen. Patricia Akwashiki has refuted news report by a national newspaper which quoted her to have mentioned that President Goodluck Jonathan will dissolve his cabinet today, Wednesday, 20th May, 2015. The Minister said at no time did she speak to journalists on the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council by President Jonathan. Sen. Akwashiki is surprised that the news report, which initially quoted an unnamed Minister from the South West, ended up attributing the comments to her. The Information Minister therefore urges the general public to disregard the tendentious report as false and malicious, which only exists in the warped imagination of its authors. Meanwhile, reports have it that with the May 29 handover date beckoning, President Goodluck Jonathan and his family have practically packed out all their belongings from Aso Rock, the seat of government in Abuja. Sources say the out-going President has since moved on from his defeat in the Presidential election and has mapped out his postpresidency plans which includes playing the role of a global statesman by taking advantage of the huge boost in his ratings as a result of his conceding defeat by calling his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari before the final tally of the election results. His post-presidency plan, the source said, would commence immediately after he

hands over on May 29 to Muhammadu Buhari. “The President has not been a free man in the last 16 years. He is savouring his freedom. He has been working in the last 16 years from Deputy Governor, to Governor, to Vice-president and eventually the President of Nigeria with all the complexities. He is enjoying his freedom again. His itinerary as revealed include a tour of some African countries, earthquake devasted Nepal, a trip he is said to have planned before the earthquake and a medical check-up in Germany. “After the handover, he would rest for a week or two in his village, Otuoke after which he would return to Abuja to spend another week or two. “Thereafter, he would embark on some international trips to Mozambique, Nepal and South Africa. He is also expected to travel to Germany for medical checkup,” said the source. It was also gathered that Jonathan plans to document his experience in government, challenges and triumph. The source said the President would commence work on the book when he returns from the trip abroad. It was also gathered that when Jonathan returns from abroad, the rebuilding of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party will be top on his agenda. The President is also expected to devote some of his time to global peace initiatives using his experience as a model. “You should expect to see him in some conflict areas around the world trying to find solutions to the problems there,” said the source.

FCDA evacuates 81,000 tons of waste in 3 months P.16

FCT Minister, Sen. Bala

Civil Service

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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FCDA evacuates 81,000 tons of waste in 3 months OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

total of 81,950.17 Tons of solid waste has been collected and disposed at designated dumpsites in Abuja by the FCT Administration between the months of January and March 2015. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON) made this

disclosure after the FCT Operations Briefing Session in Gwarinpa district Abuja. The Minister revealed that in the month of March 2015 alone, a total of 23,865 Tons of solid waste was collected and disposed at designated sites. Senator Mohammed revealed that the total Healthcare and Special Wastes collected during

Japan, Switzerland donate N300m to fight insurgency MARCUS FATUNMOLE AND JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

overnments of Japan and Switzerland, in collaboration with United Nations on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, has donated the sum of 1.5 million US dollar (about N300million) to execute three projects aimed at supporting Nigeria’s fight against organized criminal acts. This is even as the donors revealed that security challenges caused by terrorist attacks in Nigeria have affected over 12 million civilians. The projects target strengthening national response to security threats through enhanced border control; support the fight against trafficking in persons in the country; and build the capacity of National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other related Matters, NAPTIP, through strengthening law enforcement response and victim support. Speaking during the signing of the three project documents by the Minister for National Planning Commission, NPC, and representatives of the donor countries, the country representative of UNODC Mr. Koli Kouame, noted the projects would make quick, visible and sustainable impacts on the country. He said: “I would like to thank the government of Japan and Switzerland for their timely and generous contributions totalling 1.5 million US dollar towards these projects in Nigeria. The projects have limited duration between 9 to 18 months and precise scope. “Over the years, UNODC has contributed its efforts to strengthening Nigeria’s

criminal justice especially by strengthening national capacity to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate cases in accordance with the rule of law and human rights. “The first project targets the North-Eastern geopolitical zone most affected by the ongoing insurgency with the objective of improving border control through modern technique for investigation, surveillance and inter-agency coordination corporation with Nigeria’s neighbouring countries. He added that the projects would also boost the fight against trafficking in persons in the country. “The third project that focuses on capacity building to NAPTIP will improve the institutional capacities of relevant law enforcement officers, councilors and social worker, which will also provide rehabilitation, empowerment and care facilities to victims and ensure the victim, have access to justice, he further stated. In his remarks, the Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, thanked the donors and informed that the project would go a long way in curbing terrorism and human trafficking in the country. “As we all aware, Nigeria has been faced with insurgency in the last five years with particular concentration in the Northeast. “I believed that the projects we are signing today will in no small measure complement the effort of the out-going president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to bring back sanity to affected areas. I wish to assure you that the National Population Commission will ensure that the projects are effectively monitored to attain desired results.”

the period January-March 2015 was 1,723.37 Tons. He remarked that in order to give full coverage to the 250 square kilometers of the Federal Capital City, his Administration has established new Enforcement Posts at Kado District, AYA, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Nnamdi Azikiwe Way by the Railway crossing. Senator Mohammed emphasized that this measure would no doubt, better the control of nuisances as well as enhance enforcement of all environmental regulations

across the entire City. He said “The FCT Administration has between January 1 and April 10, 2015 arrested and prosecuted 3,782 street traders/ hawkers in the Federal Capital City, Abuja”. Senator Mohammed used the occasion to further direct the Board to redouble its efforts to get rid of all environmental nuisances in the City. The Minister stressed that no stone must be left unturned in keeping the Abuja environment clean and healthy; warning, that Abuja is the window

through which the world sees Nigeria. On the environmental situations in the Area Councils and Satellite Towns, the Minister frowned at the altitude of Area Council officials and warned that the trend must be reversed. He said that it’s not enough to clean only the Federal Capital City; stressing that the entire 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory must be holistically cleaned. Senator Mohammed insisted that the Area Coun-

cils must fund solid waste evacuation in the Area Councils and cautioned them against nonchalant altitudes. The FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu; FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu; FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Adamu Ismaila; FCT Chief of Staff, Mr. Abubakar Saqiq; Mandate Secretaries and all the Directors of Operation Departments attended the meeting.

Nigeria Customs Service’s remodelled and re-equipped secondary care level hospital at Karu, Abuja.

PHOTO: NAN

WHO lauds Nigeria on polio eradication effort MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he World Health Organization, WHO, has commended the efforts of Nigeria in eliminating polio. Director-General of the agency, Dr Margaret Chan, gave the commendation at the ongoing 68th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. She said “the situation in Nigeria looks extremely encouraging, with no cases reported for the past nine months.” Chan informed that Afghanistan and Pakistan, the only global states that had faced the challenge with Nigeria, had both made great strides despite severe challenges. “We are now closer than ever to polio eradication,” she assured. Meanwhile, the WHO

boss announced the launch of a new $100 million dollars (about N20billion) to combat emergencies and drive her new plans. She said the fund would be raised by flexible voluntary contributions. Chan highlighted her new plan for the WHO to include creation of a unified WHO programme for health emergencies, accountable to her; establishment of a clear performance metrics for the programme, built on partnerships with other responders; establishment of a global health emergency workforce. Others are strengthening the core and surge capacity of trained emergency response staff of the WHO and development of new business processes to facilitate rapid and effective response. She expressed regret over the impacts of Ebola virus disease on its organization,

including other sudden catastrophes which she said overstretch its workforce and capabilities. She however assured that the agency was better prepared under her leadership to face emerging health and humanitarian crises across the globe. While informing the gathering of major crises faced the WHO, Chan said: “The world has changed dramatically since the start of this century, when the Millennium Development Goals were put forward as the overarching framework for development cooperation. “World leaders at the Millennium Summit sought to create what they called “a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world”. That did not happen as planned. “Terrorist attacks that deliberately targeted civilians became more deadly, dar-

ing, and common. Armed conflicts emerged to become the largest and longest experienced since the end of the Second World War The phrase “mega-disaster” entered the humanitarian vocabulary following record-breaking earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, droughts, and floods. “Warnings about the consequences of climate change got louder. Food and fuel crises that spread internationally revealed the costs of living in a world of radically increased interdependence. A financial crisis rocked the global economy, moving the outlook from prosperity to austerity virtually overnight. “The consequences of these crises proved highly contagious and profoundly unfair, hurting countries that had nothing to do with the causes.

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Nigerian military and the fight against terrorism OLALEKAN WAHEED ADIGUN

he news of the triumph of the Nigerian Army against the dreaded Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, is heart lifting. This is coming at the time when public support for and the confidence in the nation’s military is at an all time low. We can only pray for increased morale for these young men working day and night to defend our dear nation. Given this background, it is pertinent to remind us of the issues raised by Boko Haram activities in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. The memories of the over 10,000 lives lost to nefarious activities of this group are still with us. Over 200 Chibok girls are still with their abductors – members of this sect. We can still hear the cries of the internally displayed persons (IDP) from the region. What better time than now do we then have to have a national military debrief ? Holding a debrief is a standard military practice in advanced countries, even during a war. There was a national military debrief, in full public glare as recently as the 2006 Lebanese war following the kidnap of Israeli soldiers, and subsequent attacks on Israel by the group, Hezbollah. For some people, setting up a commission amidst fighting is a dubious, questionable decision given the distractions it portends on the military hierarchy. In Israel, a debrief is as important as the fighting!

Also, after the Iraqi invasion controversy in 2003, the British government set up the Chilcol Inquiry, also known as the Iraqi Inquiry to look at the role of the British Army in the debacle. Therefore, military debriefing is not an unusual affair, except if we decide to make it so. Last year, about 97 soldiers were court marshaled for various offences that could be classified as mutiny. While we agree that disciple, order, doctrine and combat readiness are the hallmark of the Nigerian military, we mustn’t turn a blind eye to the germane issues raised concerning institutional decay and corruption within the military High Command by these unfortunate fighters. One is left to wonder how foot walking local hunters in Michika, Mubi and many parts of north eastern Nigeria record more successes against the Boko Haram insurgents than the Nigerian Army. One is still left to wonder why the lesser trained Chadian, Cameroonian and Nigerien armies will have to come to the aid of the almighty Nigerian Army in the battle against Boko Haram. These issues should bother all patriotic Nigerians. A military debrief would have revealed all these and saved us the monumental embarrassment caused by the “exposition” of the helpless and hapless soldiers. We are aware some people will raise eyebrows about our proposal for a national military debrief at this time. These people will raise their most po-

MILITARY DEBRIEFING IS NOT AN UNUSUAL

AFFAIR, EXCEPT IF WE DECIDE TO MAKE IT SO tent argument - the debrief will distract the soldiers from their primary duties. It was this same argument that was used to justify the military’s unpreparedness for the last February 14 presidential election before it was shifted to March 28. But these same people did not find anything unusual in the court marshal of 97 soldiers in the heat of the military onslaught against Boko Haram. It was alright for soldiers insisting on military standards, professionalism and best practices to be executed, but the issues they raised are secondary. What a country! As against the familiar, if our proposal will be accepted, the Nigerian military must consider making some groundbreaking changes. It must consider changes in its orientation and doctrine. It must be willing to sacrifice discipline for flexibility; organisation for initiative; and predictability for innovations. These must also be included in the terms of reference for the proposed national debrief. In addition, we suggest our sailors, soldiers, and pilots should be kept busy either in peace or battle time. Idleness is lethargic. Use makes functions. Whatever is unsused is misused, underused

TETFund and the nation’s education sector ABDULFATAI IBRAHIM

ermit me to begin this piece with a quote from the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro: “We have antecedent in this country that when education is given premium, it will yield dividends”. It is worthy of note that tertiary education in Nigeria has gone through turbulent times; and it is against this backdrop that the activities of TETFund come to the fore. Needless to mention that tertiary education in Nigeria is bedeviled by a lot of pitfalls, such as poor and paucity of infrastructural facilities and weak of human capacity, just to mention but a few. All these notwithstanding, I have come to realise that the Fund is poised to institutionalizing reforms in the nation’s tertiary institutions and put them on the path of academic excellence and competitive standards. The focus of this piece is to take a critical look at the activities of the Fund and how they have remedied some of the inherent challenges faced by our higher institutions. There is no gainsaying that TETFund, since its inception, has spent much on lecturers’ capacity building as part of its academic staff development programmes. These programmes, to a greater extent, would help shore up intellectual capacities of the academicians, particularly for those who have gone rustic. Again, the move to acquire library books and e-

THERE IS NO

DOUBT THE MUCH EXPECTED CHANGE IN OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTION WOULD COME SOONER THAN EXPECTED resources by it is another welcome development. Besides, this drive will go a long way in reigniting the interest and enthusiasm in the use of libraries for reading and research purposes; deepen our institutions’ focus on academic content, quality and excellence. Strictly speaking, I am of the strong opinion that the managers of the Fund strongly believe that the investment in these libraries and e-resources would encourage research activities, which in the long run would impact positively on the nation. It is imperative to state here that the developed western nations hinge their economic growth and development on research and developmental studies. Abigail Adams ones said, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence”. When educating the minds of our youths, we must not forget to educate their hearts as well. The consolidation on infrastructures in our tertiary institutions nationwide

under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prof. Bogoro is another step in a right direction. This would not only facilitate teaching and learning, but also reduce the usual congestion of our lecture halls, thereby improving the quality of our education education. Health is wealth, so goes the popular maxim. The release of funds by TETfund to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), to commence the building of a specialist hospital for the university’s school of health sciences is worthy of commendation. This hospital, to a great extent, will not only serve as a hospital for the general public to access medicare, it will in addition serve as practical laboratories for medical students. Furthermore, the modern equipment provided would also enhance the training of medical personnel by the institution. Diagnostic procedures would improve especially for non- communicable disease like cancers, among others. The provision of surgical equipments would enhance treatment, especially when surgery is involved. This would boost the competence of the nation’s professional healthcare specialists, as fewer people would travel abroad for medical treatments. Telemedicine, which is part of modern medicine, would be available to potentiate treatment, among others. As TEFfund seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial studies in our tertiary institutions, the task ahead remains onerus, yet attainable. Moreover, the intention of Prof. Bogoro and his management in

or abused. In peacetime, our soldiers should be used for physically-demanding jobs like road construction, bridge building, farming in the rural areas and other socio-economically beneficial duties. Apart from the physical benefits these bring to our fighters, these tasks prepare our soldiers mentally for battle. They also boost good civil-military relations. This may appear strange to some people, but it was practised in Tanzania in the 1970s and it successfully kept the soldiers busy effectively after the unsuccessful 1964 mutiny in the army. This explains why Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa that never fell into military misadventure. No one needs to be told that the successful Tanzanian army invasion, which deposed Idi Amin’s dictatorial regime in Uganda in 1979, was owed to the excellent training and leadership in the poorly-equipped Tanzanian army. In order to have our military perform optimally and professionally, we must first insist on having a full national military debrief or a public commission of inquiry to trace the root causes of underperformance of the Army in recent times in the face of Boko Haram’s onslaught, leading to the loss of several thousand lives; rendering many homeless and permanently incapacitating millions. Adigun, a writer, philosopher and politician wrote via olalekan@olalekanadigun.com

setting up TETfund zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country for administrative convenience is highly commendable. This would further be an opportunity of providing employments for our teeming youths. On a lighter note, what is intervention without probity? I thus crave the indulgence of Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro to ensure that funds disbursed to schools are properly accounted for and mis application cut to its barest minimum. When this is done, there is no doubt the much expected change in our tertiary institution would come sooner than expected. Should this be so, the goals of setting up the agency would have been realised. I, therefore, entreat the Executive Secretary of TETFund to carry all the stakeholders along in the pursuit of this goal. As Henry Ford once put it, “Working together is success”. Our honourable Professor, key into Ricardo Honsham’s wisecrack: “Your goal is closer than you think. Stay focused, keep your eyes on the prize and follow your heart”. Abdulfatai Ibrahim is a public affairs analyst.

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Editorial

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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

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

Punishing sex offenders

he wave of sex-related offences in the country, especially rape, has attained epidemic proportions in recent years. About this time in 2013, news headlines were majorly on how young men aged between 18 and 22 made the raping of old women their pastime in Opi, an otherwise serene community near Nsukka, a popular university town in Enugu State. When one of the deviants, Nnanna Osondu (19), was arrested by the police while armed with sharp knives with which he cowed his victims to submission, the serial rapist confessed to indulging in the crime for pleasure. He even broke into the homes of some known victims at night in search of old women to rape. About 51 minors and 45 adults were raped between April and August 2014 in Enugu State alone, according to one report. From Edo State also came a report that sounded like a moonlight tale. The thrust of the report was how one Michael Aimufua, a middle-aged man, laid ambush for a housewife on school run, dragged her into the bush and raped her. In his hurry to escape, Aimufua was knocked down by a vehicle driven by the unsuspecting husband of the raped woman. In the process of

HARSH PUNISHMENT IS WHAT IS REQUIRED TO TAME CASES OF SEX

OFFENCES, PARTICULARLY RAPE IN THE LAND taking the unsuspected rapist to the hospital, the raped woman emerged, and the crime exposed. One thing led to another and the rapist bagged a two-year jail term last year. Reports are equally rampant concerning how paedophiles, including depraved pastors, rape and impregnate under-aged church members, while teachers rape minors put in their charge. Countless numbers of shameless parents, especially fathers, have also been associated with either raping or impregnating their daughters, or both. Such has been the level of depravity in the country. The Lagos State government said early in the month that at least 12, 120 rape and other cases related to sexual violence were reported in the state in the last four years with 140 offenders convicted. The Ondo State Police Command listed 45 rape cases in 2013; Edo, 96 cases (between January 2012 and August 2014) with nine convictions; and in Jigawa

State, an average of 10 rape cases were reported monthly in 2014, according to reports credited to the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Yakubu Ruba. Several socio-psychological, even traditional and spiritual factors, like poor and corrupt family upbringing, negative peer influence, indecent exposure to pornography physically or on the internet, drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as get-rich-quick rituals, have been fingered as driving rape. But viewing sexual offences from the prism of lack of self-restraint, which is fuelled by the general loss of moral values and moral degeneration in all facets of national life, seem more persuasive and convincing. Thus, battling the scourge from the roots through moral regeneration is the starting point in the search for solutions. Diligent investigation, prosecution and punishment for sex offenders, as have been witnessed in some states, are also inevitable to serve as deterrence. Particularly innovative is the Sex Offenders’ Register introduced by Lagos State, where the names of convicted sex offenders are infamously made available for public consumption and to the shame of the felons.

ON THIS DAY

It seems generally agreed, however, that the punishment for sexual offences in the nation’s laws encourages rather than control the crimes. For a crime that erodes the dignity and pride of victims and exposes them to trauma and the dangers of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS, what great lesson would a two-year jail term serve for an offender like Aimufua, the convict that raped a married woman in Edo State, for example? The Senate, since 2013, has been advocating stiffer penalties for sex offenders; and it later raised a bill which prescribes a minimum of 14-year imprisonment term for any convicted rapist; and where the act is committed by a group of persons (gang rape), culprits shall be liable jointly and severally to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine. The court shall also award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit. It is quite unfortunate that the 7th National Assembly may not complete work on the bill for presidential assent before the expiration of its life later this month. But such harsh punishment is what is required to tame cases of sex offences, particularly rape in the land.

May 20, 1989

May 20, 2006

May 20, 2014

The Chinese authorities declared martial law in the face of pro-democracy demonstrations, setting the scene for the Tiananmen Square massacre. The students’-led protests were triggered in April 1989 by the death of former Communist Party General Secretary, Hu Yaobang, a liberal reformer who was deposed after losing out in a power struggle with hardliners over the direction of political and economic reforms.

Dhaka wildcat strikes: A series of massive strikes involving nearly 1.8 million garment workers in Bangladesh began in the nation’s capital, Dhaka. During the period, especially from May 20 to May 24, when the revolt was at its peak, workers of nearly 4,000 factories stopped work. At least three of the workers were shot dead; 3,000 others were injured and several thousands more clamped into prisons.

More than 118 people were killed in two bombings in Jos, Nigeria. The first bombing occurred in a marketplace, and the second near a bus station. No group or individual claimed responsibility, though the attacks were attributed to Boko Haram. Christians and Muslims had several confrontations in Jos in years preceding the bombings, and the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram, was also active prior to the attack.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Health & Wellbeing Preventing congenital anomalies 22

NAFDAC threatens closure of food factories

Why more Nigerian women have anaemia “55 per cent of Nigerian women complain of tiredness and fatigue as part of daily life,” nutrition expert reveals

FRANK OSAKWE

t 26, Grace, a banker, could not cope with the rigours of her job. She was always weak and tired all day, making her to resort to heavy eating both in the office and at home. She ended up gaining more weight, became sluggish and so forgetful that she kept making mistakes in her work which eventually led to her sack. At the hospital, Grace’s case was traced to iron deficiency anaemia, a situation where the body lacks enough iron, an important micronutrient necessary for metabolic process such as oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, neural development and overall cell function of the body. Grace is however not alone. Recent statistics from the 2014 Global Nutrition Report revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of women of reproductive age in Nigeria have anaemia, 24.3 per cent have low iron stores and 12.7 per cent of them are iron deficient. These figures indicate that majority of the adolescent girls and women do not meet the iron requirements of 20

milligrams per day as recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and, the World Health Organisation (WHO). An analysis of the effect of iron deficiency anaemia by the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, showed that even mild to moderate cases of iron deficiency anaemia will affect cognitive function and work capacity. “This is one main reason why young women of reproductive age and teenagers in Nigerian complain of tiredness, explained Folake Samuel, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan during a symposium to end anaemia, tagged ‘Follow in My Green Food Steps’, organised by Unilever in Partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria in Lagos. According to her, “55 per cent of Nigerian women complain of tiredness and fatigue as part of daily life. They also complain of dizziness, pale complexion, which are all symptoms of anaemia. “One reason why women suffer more from anaemia is due to the chronic blood loss experienced during the

monthly menstrual cycles. This blood loss if not corrected by an appropriate diet, always leads to iron deficiency anaemia. “Also women have hormonal changes

Folake Samuel

21 in the body during the different stages of life such as adolescence, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. During all these phases, demand for iron and calcium is increased. If this increased demand is not fulfilled, they tend to suffer from chronic iron deficiency anaemia”, she said. “Teenage girls need 50 per cent more iron, than when they were younger, to cope with their body changes and during pregnancy, the amount of iron needed are tripled because the body needs extra iron for both mother and foetus. This increases the risk of becoming anaemic, with consequences such as low birth weight, premature birth, neonatal and maternal death”, explained Toyin Saraki, from the Well Being Foundation. The reason for this high rate of iron deficiency anaemia is not farfetched. Dr. Samuel, while presenting a report on ‘the prevalence and impact of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigerian women and teenagers’ said Research finding, published in African Journal of Biomedical, found out that Nigerian households consume food groups such as cereals and grains, roots, tubers, legumes, nuts and seeds which are high in phytate, known to inhibit iron absorption. She said, less than half of the households interviewed during the research, consumed iron- rich foods on a daily basis such as vegetables and iron-rich meats. To solve this problem, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, said promoting the consumption of iron fortified foods through behavioural change program would help increase the intake of iron and decrease the prevalence of anaemia in Nigeria. According to Mr. Nsarkoh ‘The Green Food Steps’ programme focuses on educating mothers and daughters on the importance of iron-rich diet through influencing their cooking habits “by incorporating leafy greens and the Knorr fortified stock cubes into recipes,” adding that the programme would help mothers improve the nutritional value of everyday recipes”. Nigeria’s Nollywood superstar, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who is also part of the initiative, described iron deficiency anaemia as a serious issue in Nigeria because many mothers and teenage daughters need more iron to meet up with the need of their body. “The Green Food Steps consists of three simple steps: toss greens into stews, stir them in, and crumble the Knorr iron fortified cube for a more nutritious dish. If we can persuade Nigerian women to make these small, yet powerful changes to their diet, there will be a positive impact on the well-being of not just themselves, but that of their family and ultimately Nigerian society in the long-term”, she said.

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08120807588 (sms only)

ost people pass through a lot as a result of protruded bellies. Why is it so very rampant despite engaging in dieting, starving oneself by eating very small food portions? Belly fats has been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder problems, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Therefore, there is need to consume the right foods with the right quantities, exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle pattern that works within one’s schedule is very vital. When we eat more calories than your body needs to perform the day’s activities, the extra calories would be stored as fat. If we do not take in enough calories to meet our body’s energy needs, our body will go to the stored fat in our body to make up the difference. But if we eat just about the same amount of calories to meet our body’s energy needs, our weight will stay the same. Hence, losing weight, gaining weight or maintaining weight depends on the amount of calories we take in and burn up

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Ways to burn belly fats

during the day. The ability to balance energy intake (calories in food) with energy output (calories expended through physical activity) can help you achieve your desired healthy weight in the entire body including belly fats. Starving oneself to loose belly fats is a very wrong idea to achieving a proper weight loss. The proper thing to do is to watch the kind of food consumed as well as keeping the calories consumed low by replacing the food consumed with fat burning foods like, whole unrefined foods rather than processed foods like sugar, cakes, burgers, etc. Consume complex carbohydrates (rich in fiber, vitamins & minerals). Examples are wheat bread, quaker oats, brown rice, corn, millet, plantain (green), etc. Fats or lipids are also source of energy, they are key components of cell membranes and they insulate the nerve cells and help our bodies perform necessary physiologic functions. Healthier fats that burn belly fats are: fish, like salmon and swordfish; nuts like peanuts, walnuts and cashew nuts, avocados, olives, etc all contain omega 3 fatty acid. Unhealthy

Chizoba Benson

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

fats that can increase belly fats are: fatty meats, butter, cream, bakery goods (doughnuts, pastries), fried foods, and full fat dairy (whole milk, ice cream). It is vital to choose more fish and plant sources of fat and limit foods high in animal fats. Proteins are involved in growth, repair and general maintenance of the body. Proteins that help burn belly fats are: fish, beans, soy beans, sea foods like sardine, crayfish, crab and crustaceans. Water acts as a solvent for other molecules to dissolve in. It is an inorganic nutrient that is vital to our survival. Drinking enough water balances fluid inside and outside of our cells, regulates nerve and muscle function, transportation of nutrients and excretion of wastes. Vitamins help us regulate our bodies’ processes. They also play important roles in bodily functions such as metabolism, immunity and digestion. Vitamin sources that burn up fats are plant sources like fruits and vegetables like (banana, lemon, watermelon, red and green peppers, ginger, garlic, onions, and broccoli), nuts, seeds and animal products like eggs. Minerals also aids maintaining ionic balances and many biochemical reactions. Exercise is another essential

therapy in burning off belly fats. Exercise helps ensure that stored fat, rather than muscle tissue, is used to meet our energy needs. Adding 15 minutes of moderate exercise, say walking one mile, to the daily schedule will use up 100 extra calories per day. (Our body uses approximately 100 calories of energy to walk one mile, depending on our body weight.) Maintaining this schedule would result in an extra 700 calories per week used up, or a loss of about 10 pounds in one year, assuming the person’s food intake stays the same. To look at energy balance another way, just one extra slice of bread or one extra soft drink a day - or any other food that contains approximately 100 calories - can add up to ten extra pounds in a year if the amount of physical activity we do does not increase. Exercise will help ensure that the weight gained will be lean muscle mass, not extra fat. Exercise is associated with the loss of body fat in both obese and normal weight persons. Adopting an active lifestyle such as recreational pursuits like gardening on weekends, family

outings, walking to the neighbourhood grocery store instead of using a car, walking up the stairs instead of using the elevator, etc. These little bits of actions when added together results in a sizeable amount of energy used over the course of the day. Avoid eating at least 3 hours before going to bed, if you feel the urge to eat, limit to a small snack because it is easier to burn that a large meal. Reduce alcohol consumption; manage stress levels because research has shown that, “increased stress levels have been linked with belly fats; form regular habits of consuming 3 to 5 servings of fruits everyday. The most effective approach to fat loss is to eat more (keep the calorie reduction small) and let the exercise burn the fat. You don’t have to starve yourself. You just have to choose the right food.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults

ello sir, I am writing you from the airport on my way out of the country for my honeymoon. I just got married and even though I am sexually active, I must admit I don’t have a lot of sexual experience. Please do you have any words of wisdom you can give me to help my new marriage? Thanks – George Dear George, congratulations on getting married. I hope you have a great honeymoon. As far as tips go, let me just narrow it down to three things. The first tip is that real life sex and pornography are not the same thing. Don’t be surprised if your wife is not interested in a lot of the sex acts you see couples do in pornographic films. Real life women have a totally different attitude and approach to sex. Find out what your wife is comfortable with and do your best to be great at those things. If she is slow at accepting a new idea or sex act, be patient. Remember that she is just a regular woman and not a porn star performing in front of a camera. The second tip is that you should not be too worried if you do not give her an orgasm every time you have sex. Very few women are able to climax through penetrative intercourse even when the sex is fun and lasts for a long time. However devote a sizeable amount of time to clitoral stimulation before and after intercourse. The clitoris is the key to female sexual satisfaction. And the third and final tip is that you shouldn’t be surprised if your wife has a vibrator. If she doesn’t have one, get her one. Don’t be intimidated by a vibrator. A vibrator cannot replace a real human being. Think of it the way you think of a calculator, a phone or a computer. It is just a tool that makes your job easier. So that is it.

You can learn more from our educational books and films on www.zeevirtualmedia. com . Happy married life – Uche I have been having quick ejaculation for a long time, infact, I cannot remember ever really enjoying sex. I also have weak erection and can only have erection during the first round of sex. I have pile and I don’t know if that is the cause. But please I want one of your products that can give me total recovery from these problems. Thanks – Tochi Dear Tochi, you don’t have weak erection. It is normal that men find it a bit harder to get a second erection soon after climaxing. But of course there are products that can help you perform better. Infact I will recommend a product that will stop your quick ejaculation, give you fast and hard erections for subsequent rounds of sex in addition to performance stamina and a larger penis. It is called X Again Platinum Enhancer and it is on a class of its own – Uche My wife is 44 years and you recommended the supplement Kangaroo for Her after we wrote you about her lack of sexual desire. Well, we had sex eight times this weekend and I have never seen her like this before. Thank you. She is also willing to watch an adult film for the first time in her life so we want to buy one – Solomon Dear Solomon, this is good news. Men and women need help with performance sometimes and I am glad you got to experience what a great result that can give. As for the movies, women like particular kinds of films. They want to see romance and a story line that feels real. So I recommend the movie Young Hollywood – Uche

Please can you recommend one vibrator that can give me peace and happiness – Julia Dear Julia, I can recommend a good rabbit vibrator that will give you a lot of joy and satisfaction. I don’t know if it can give you peace but it will put a smile on your face. Get the Hunni Bunny Rabbit Vibrator – Uche Thank you so much for helping me. At 62 years, I can no longer get an erection. This led to my wife having an affair and I knew about it. That Magic Mike tablet your told me to buy gave me an erection and I performed normally. I am grateful – Sam You are most welcome – Uche The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or

08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www. zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

NAFDAC threatens closure of food factories … if products fail micronutrient fortification test STORIES BY MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has threatened to commence the closure of factories of edible food producers in the country whose products

fails micronutrient fortification compliance test. Benue State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. Anikoh Ibrahim, stated this recently, when he lead officials of the agency to markets in the state, on an on-the-spot random testing for micronutrient fortification compliance in sugar, flour, salt and vege-

table oil products, being sold in the market, according to a statement signed and made available by Public Relations Officer of the agency, Dr Abubakar Jimoh. The statement informed that Ibrahim decried the level of micronutrient deficiency among Nigerian children between the ages of one and

five, and that the agency embarked on the nationwide exercise “because it has been discovered one in four children under the age of five in Nigeria suffers from Vitamin A deficiency while about 31 percent of mothers in Nigeria are iodine deficient.” He stated that consequences of micronutrient

deficiencies include malnutrition among children, the death of young mothers during childbirth due to anaemia and the poor learning ability of children. “This is the more reason why it is the right of every Nigerian to consume fortified foods to guard against diseases and untimely deaths; hence it is therefore important that consumers begin to demand for fortified staples. “I must therefore hasten to say that in the event of non-compliance to mandatory food fortification by manufacturers of vegetable oil, wheat/maize flour and

sugar, necessary sanctions will be applied which includes immediate closure of the concerned factories.” The NAFDAC State Coordinator added that the punitive measures would also include the payment of administrative fines, withdrawal of products from markets and destruction of same by the agency. He stated however that most of the products that were subject to the random test met the minimum fortification standards but added that manufacturers of products that failed the test would be notified accordingly.

China donates 12 ambulances to boost Nigeria’s health services

P L-R: Director, Project Management and Design Department, Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi, Dr. Patrick Irabor; Special Assistant to DG, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Elizabeth Awagu; Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara and Deputy Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Dennis Nwosu, during flag-off ceremony of the annual bread monitoring exercise and seminar organised by NAFDAC in Lagos, recently.

Primus hospital offers free services to religious bodies

rimus International Super Specialty Hospital, an Indian hospital based in Abuja, has offered free health care services to religious faithful at the National Mosque and a branch of Redeemed Christian Church of God, in the nation’s capital. Speaking with journalists during the programme recently, spokesman of the hospital, Alhaji Umar Jibia, said “the free health services is a systematically planned policy of the hospital management aimed at improving the health status of the Nige-

rian citizens. This is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).” He further informed that the free medical services was given to the nation’s citizens to help complement the effort of government in providing qualitative and affordable health care services to everyone in the country. Services provided included blood pressure checks, random blood sugar, eye screening, and free consultation including cardiology consultations. Jibia maintained that “As a responsible organization, we have seen the efforts of

both the federal and FCT governments to provide qualitative health care to the residents of capital city; hence, we feel we needed to support them to bring qualitative healthcare to the citizens. “We have been doing this since the past few years of our existence in Nigeria and we will continue to provide such free medical camps so that residents of the FCT will feel our presence and our impact in their health,” Jibia said. The hospital has conducted free medical services in many parts of the FCT in the past four years in conjunc-

tion with Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA. Benefiting communities have been Wuse, Garki, Deidei and Dudu market. It has also provided free consultation for services such as joint (knee and hip replacement), back pain (spine surgery), deafness (Cochlear Implant Surgery), ENT, gynecology (fibroid), IVF, cardiology, internal medicine and diabetes, general and laparoscopic surgery. Others include urology and kidney transplant, dialysis, plastic and cosmetic surgery, weight loss surgery, HIV, hemorrhoids, fistula.

Invest more in healthcare, expert tells government SAIDAT ALAUSA

rofessor of Economics, Stanford University, USA, Prof. Alvin Roth has urged Nigeria government to invest more in healthcare delivery especially in renal diseases. He stated this recently while delivering the keynote address tilted Kidney Disease in Nigeria, USA, the Possibilities of Cooperation and Mutual Aids,” at the 2nd Covenant University International Conference on African Development issues held at Covenant

University, Ota, Ogun State. According to him, investing in kidney transplant for instance, through provision of infrastructure and donor centres will not only save a lot of lives but boost the economy of the country. Prof. Alvin, a Nobel Prize winner in Economics Science in 2012 also noted that Nigeria only had 143 transplant in a decade compared to the 11,000 done in USA per year. He said the number of transplant in Nigeria was low, not because it had less cases but because it has few centres with most of them inadequately equipped.

The Emeritus professor therefore urged Nigeria government to divert some of the healthcare funds to renal diseases which is today rampant not only in Africa but in the world. Also at the event, a professor at the department of Economics, Covenant University, Prof. Gbolahan Oni said with the numbers of renal diseases in the country, Nigeria needs a place where recipients can meet donors. But he however said this might be difficult to sustain because in the past, the nation had failed to handle communicable and non communicable diseases which are less compli-

cated than kidney disease. Medical Director, Ace Medical Centre, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi in his remark said countries like America have done everything in winning war against kidney but with 143 transplants in a decade in Nigeria and 11,000 in USA, Nigeria has not started. Identifying lack of legislation on transplant, high cost and inability of majority of Nigerians who has the disease to afford treatment, Dr. Kukoyi said there is need for more awareness so that more people will be willing to donate.

ublic health services received a boost in Nigeria recently when the Chinese government donated 12 ambulances to the country. The ambulances, well equipped with life-support facilities, are part of the post-Ebola Virus Disease containment aid from China. The vehicles were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiao Jie, in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Minister of Health, Khaliru Alhassan, said that the history of Ebola virus disease containment in Nigeria would not be complete without mentioning the government of the Peoples Republic of China. Alhassan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Linus Awute, informed that the Chinese government was of immense help when the country was battling with the Ebola virus disease. According to him, China donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand gloves and sanitisers to Nigeria to help contain the disease. He said such gestures were a classical example of a working relationship in international collaboration. “We have every reason to commend China. The Life Support Ambulance is not just one of the things that China gave to us. The Chinese government had assisted to elevate the status of Federal Staff Hospital which used to be a Federal Staff Clinic. They also

supported in equipping the hospital. “We want to use this opportunity to thank the Ambassador who is the harbinger of good message to the government for this relationship. For us, we have a relationship to keep. By this we have to place this ambulances in a proper use.” Meanwhile, drivers of the ambulances would be specially trained in in the art of life support and lifesaving, according to the Minister. He explained that the drivers would be different from the conventional drivers of other ambulances who are qualified to handle their vehicles with just driver’s licence. “The truth is that this type of ambulance is different from other ambulances. This ambulance is a life support ambulance. It is manufactured to save lives. It is given to us for use in saving lives. Any driver who is going to drive this ambulance, the qualification is not just going to be drivers licence alone. He has to learn the art of life support. “The vehicles can be used for any kind of disease that needs life support, any disease that will require emergency will find this ambulance useful,” he stressed. Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador disclosed that the donation of the vehicles to Nigeria was a demonstration of the interest of the Chinese government in improving public health in Nigeria. He added that his country would continue to support Nigeria’s health system.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Preventing congenital anomalies C

ongenital anomalies are also known as birth defects, congenital disorders or congenital malformations. Congenital anomalies can be defined as structural or functional anomalies (e.g. metabolic disorders) that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally, at birth or later in life.

tion of congenital anomalies.

Detection

Causes and risk factors Although approximately 50% of all congenital anomalies cannot be linked to a specific cause, there are some known causes or risk factors. Although low income may be an indirect determinant, congenital anomalies are more frequent among resource-constrained families and countries. It is estimated that about 94% of severe congenital anomalies occur in low- and middle-income countries, where women often lack access to sufficient, nutritious food and may have increased exposure to agents or factors such as infection and alcohol that induce or increase the incidence of abnormal prenatal development. Further, advanced maternal age increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, while young maternal age increases the risk of some congenital anomalies.

Genetic factors Consanguinity (when parents are related by blood) increases the prevalence of rare genetic congenital anomalies and nearly doubles the risk for neonatal and childhood death, intellectual disability and other anomalies in first-cousin unions. Some ethnic communities (e.g. Ashkenazi Jews or Finns) have a comparatively high prevalence of rare genetic mutations, leading to a higher risk of congenital anomalies. Infections Maternal infections such as syphilis and rubella are a significant cause of congenital anomalies in low- and middleincome countries.

Maternal nutritional status Iodine deficiency, folate insufficiency, obesity and diabetes mellitus are linked to some congenital anomalies. For example, folate insufficiency increases the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect. Also, excessive vitamin A intake may affect the normal development of an embryo or fetus.

KEY FACTS

•An estimated 276,000 babies die within 4 weeks of birth

every year, worldwide, from congenital anomalies.

•Congenital anomalies can result in long-term disability,

which may have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems and societies.

•The most common severe congenital anomalies are heart

defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome. Environmental factors Maternal exposure to certain pesticides and other chemicals, as well as certain medications, alcohol, tobacco, psychoactive drugs and radiation during pregnancy, may increase the risk of having a fetus or neonate affected by congenital anomalies. Working or living near, or in, waste sites, smelters or mines may also be a risk factor, especially if the mother is exposed to other environmental risk factors or nutritional deficiencies.

Prevention Preventive public health measures delivered through health services decrease the frequency of certain congeni-

tal anomalies. Primary prevention of congenital anomalies includes: • improving the diet of women throughout their reproductive years, ensuring an adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, and particularly folic acid, through daily oral supplements or fortification of staple foods such as wheat or maize flours; • ensuring mothers abstain from, or restrict, their intake of harmful substances, particularly alcohol; • controlling preconceptional and gestational diabetes, through counselling, weight management, diet and administration of insulin when needed; • avoiding environmental exposure to hazardous sub-

stances (e.g. heavy metals, pesticides) during pregnancy; • ensuring that any exposure of pregnant women to medications or medical radiation (e.g. imaging rays) is justified, based on careful health risk–benefit analysis; • improving vaccination coverage, especially against the rubella virus, for children and women. Rubella can be prevented through childhood vaccination. The rubella vaccine can also be given at least 1 month prior to pregnancy to women who have not been vaccinated and do not have a history of rubella in childhood; • increasing and strengthening education of health staff and others involved in promoting preven-

Health care before (preconception) and around the time of conception (peri-conception) includes basic reproductive health practices, as well as medical genetic screening and counselling. Screening can be conducted during the 3 periods listed next. • Preconception screening can be useful to identify people at risk for specific disorders or at risk for passing a disorder onto their children. Screening includes obtaining family histories and carrier screening, and is particularly valuable in countries where consanguineous marriage is common. • Peri-conception screening: maternal characteristics may increase risk, and screening results should be used to offer appropriate care, according to risk. This may include screening for young or advanced maternal age, as well as screening for use of alcohol, tobacco or other psychoactive drugs. Ultrasound can be used to screen for Down syndrome during the first trimester, and for severe fetal anomalies during the second trimester. Additional tests, and amniocentesis may help in the detection of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities during the first and second trimesters. • Neonatal screening includes clinical examination and screening for disorders of the blood, metabolism and hormone production. Screening for deafness and heart defects, as well as early detection of congenital anomalies, can facilitate life-saving treatments and prevent progression towards some physical, intellectual, visual or auditory disabilities. In some countries, babies are routinely screened for abnormalities of the thyroid or adrenal glands before discharge from the maternity unit. •

Treatment and care Many structural congenital anomalies can be corrected with paediatric surgery and early treatment can be administered to children with functional problems such as thalassaemia (inherited recessive blood disorders), sickle cell disorders and congenital hypothyroidism (reduced function of the thyroid).

Source: WHO

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge ‘I see myself as a doctor’

‘Taste and Tell’ unveils ‘Ikim-The Wounded Messiah’

- Sylvya Oluchy

Building next generation of Nigerian writers While it may appear as if readership is under threat by technological gizmos, recent revelations show young Nigerian writers are increasinsgly indefatigable. ISIGUZO DESTINY

t was another feather added to Nigeria’s cap with the announcement of a Nigerian, Lesley NnekaArimah as the winner of Africa Regional Winner of the 2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize.Nneka’s Short Story “Light” came top on the shortlisted stories from the African region which the African judging representative Leila Aboula described as very long and “wide in range”. Lesley Nneka’s story, ‘Light’ is an incredible one that brings to the fore the complexities of parenting especially, single parenting and distance between children and their parents. The smooth lyrical language of the narrator sounds like that of a reporter but obviously is an omniscient narrator who builds the plot like a melodious music. The story which resonates around Enebeli’s daughter who is equally the main character shock readers when they discover that the writer never revealed the protagonist’s name. The story confirms that Nigeria has a sea of fine unsung writers who it may take only providence to discover because of so many things going wrong in this country. Confirming the mastery of Arimah’s tale, the African judging representative Aboulela said “the African stories on the shortlist range from satire on gender tensions to a meditation on bereavement; from internecine warfare to a comedy about childhood punishment, ‘Light’ is warm, beautiful and deeply felt. Fluid and delightful, its theme of parenting across continents will strike a chord with readers throughout the world.” With South African dominating the records of the winners of African region commonwealth prizes, Nigeria with her peopling population can be Africa’s writers’ village owing to the numerous talents who are unharnessed and have not found means of letting their creative pen-voices skilled and heard. Confirming the joys of most discovered talent, Nneka Arimah said, “I was delighted to hear that I won the regional prize. Writing sometimes feels like yelling into a void and this was the pleasant shock of having a voice shout back ‘I get what you’re doing and I like it!’ Especially with this particular story and it’s wry, tongue-incheekiness. It means a lot to me”she said, revealing the strong need for all other Nigerian undiscovered creative writers to be read.

A writers’ workshop in Lagos

Reacting to Lesley Nneka Arimah’s prize and the issue of Nigeria becoming Africa’s writers’ village, Dr.Amanze Akpuda, a poet, literary critic and a lecturer in Abia State’s University’s Department of English/Literature said “Nigeria has got talents in the writing business”. However, Akpuda was reserved in tagging Nigeria as Africa’s writers’ village because other country with their small population has won several awards and are also serious and are working towards the path of greatness in terms of creative writing. In a telephone interview, he insisted that for us to get to that level of making Nigeria the envy of the continent “we must have structures like the one Chimamanda Adichie and Promise Obiekwe has put up, platforms where writers are trained”. He said in clear terms that “those who are acclaimed writers are in the position to midwife such processes of making Nigeria the hot bed of African Literature”. Prof.AKachi Ezeigbo, the 2007 winner of NLNG’s Nigeria Price for Literature averred that Nigeria has the potentials of being the greatest in Africa in terms of creative writer. She declared Nigeria as the greatest in Africa due to the advantage of her population. According Ezeigbo , “Nigerians are being nominated all over the world

for different awards. Without being boastful, in reality, Nigeria is the best in writing and other fields like sciences because of her number. I am really happy with the young girl and I congratulate her. Nigeria in terms of quality writing ranks high among Africa with other countries like South Africa. I also believe that Nigerians wherever they are, are hardworking people and that Nigerian writers who are based in Nigeria are better than Nigerian writers based abroad. All we need are: people or institutions that will organize and harness these writers, enabling environment and necessary amenities then the sky will be our limit”. Light is the first known outing of Nneka Arimah. Before now, nothing was known about the young Commonwealth Short Story Prize, regional winner. The lady is based in USA where there are enabling environment for writers. It brings to bear the issue of Nigerian talented writers based in Nigeria who usually find their voices when they travel abroad and also Nigerians based abroad who are equally doing well in creative writing. In a recent exclusive interview the award winning poet Odia Ofeimun, told Art Lounge that he showed his frustration at the issue of so much unharnessed artists and agreed to the fact that Nigeria, especially Lagos can be turned into

LESLEY NNEKA’S STORY, ‘LIGHT’ IS AN INCREDIBLE ONE THAT BRINGS TO THE FORE

THE COMPLEXITIES OF PARENTING ESPECIALLY, SINGLE PARENTING

Africa’s writers’ village. According to Odia, “We have the largest collection of artists and writers in Africa and there is a sense in which this is where all Nigerians meet irrespective of the ethnic group, religion or ideological coloration. But more than that is that Lagos as a city, genuinely represents Nigeria in the way Nigeria is very representative in the whole of Africa in terms of cultural differences and cultural harmonies. A country that blest should learn to conserve and mobilize energy and canalise them into one serious, well defined goals. Nneka Arimah won the prize alongside other writers from other regions who equally won in their region. In Asia: Siddhartha Gigoo, an Indian won the prize with “The Umbrella Man”, Jonathan Tel from United Kingdom won the Canada and Europe region with the story “The Human Phonograph”, in the Caribbean, Kevin Jared Hosein, “The King of Settlement’’ won the prize, as he represented Trinidad and Tobago while from thePacific: Mary Rokonadravu from Fiji won with her story, “Famished Eels”. Commenting on their choices of winners from all the regions, the chair of Judges RomeshGunesekera, said “We had a strong shortlist of stories from around the world that excited the judges and provoked a lively, stimulating set of discussions,” Gunesekera reiterated that “The judges were looking for well-crafted stories that were compelling and original. With this Prize won by Lesley Nneka Arimah, there is hope that Nigeria can demonstrate her ingenuity and talent by leading Africa in terms of quality creative output which has been demonstrated by Wole Soyinka as the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature.

Arts Lounge

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

VOICES

Music, culture, entertainment as tools for new Africa (2) RITA RAY

first went to the Sautiza Busara festival in Zanzibar 12 years ago when it started. At that time if you switched on the radio most of the music being aired was American hardly any local music was played let alone music from the rest of Africa, and virtually no traditional music at all. The local youth aspired to make the music that they heard leading to pale imitations rapped in bogus American accents. Not many played instruments and running a band was expensive (it still is). The order of the day when it came to live performance was playback. Sautiza Busara – the sounds of wisdom set about their vision to revitalize the traditional music scene – from taraab to Musiki Wa Dansi and to nurture new music both popular and roots. They scoured the region and gave a platform to all sorts of bands, many that we would never have heard of. Also bringing in the local music academy giving the students access to virtuoso musicians and the opportunity to perform their trad music. The festival provided a space for collaboration and communication through enlightened programming and clever financial inducements that lured the local youth audience. They could get in to see their favourite bands at next to nothing but to do that they had to get to the venue early and experience good quality traditional music from the Swahili coast and beyond. Now the festival is 100% live music, no playback. Bongo flava Tanzania’s pop music rules the airwaves. Now even the big successful bands from the region, around Africa and Internationally clamour to play at the festival. An example is Alikiba huge star in Tanzania; he plays stadiums bigger than the Sauti Za Busara venue but he put together a band especially to perform at the festival. The Sautiza Busara festival takes place in February. But when the festival first started, it was low season for tourism; suffice to say February is now very much high season, audiences from all over the continent flock to attend. It now has an international profile and people from all over the world go to experience African music and culture under African skies. The Festival In The Desert was a great

but short-lived d example of how far audiencess will travel for a great location, n, story and cultural program. m. This was the story of how after decades of bitter unwinnable nnable conflict, the Touaregss and Malian army came to o a truce. The touaregs exchanged changed their Kalashnikovs for peace and culture and reinstated the traditional annual gathering which had been abandoned. Deep in the Essekane desert sert in the north of the he country Malian musicians icians of all persuasions ons met, performed communed ommuned in front of huge uge audiences that had ad risked the hazardous us journey to the witness the unique event. ent. There are many festivals on n the continent, from the grassroots sroots festivals that celebrate cultural ural heritage to the inter national style festivals als playing vital tal roles, expandding roots and d culture, givving platformss to new talent, collaborations and are breeding grounds for ideas and positively sitively impacting economic growth. ChaleWote Street Arts Festival a free festival that takes place in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Accra during the tra-

dit i o n a l Homowo harvest festival has a hi highlight the h grown to t become b hli ht iin th annual calendar. Timitar the Morrocan

THE LOCAL YOUTH ASPIRED TO MAKE THE MUSIC THAT THEY HEARD LEADING TO PALE IMITATIONS RAPPED IN BOGUS

ACCENTS.

AMERICAN

NOT MANY PLAYED INSTRUMENTS

AND RUNNING A BAND WAS EXPENSIVE

festival that promotes The Amazighren, traditions of this brings the little known tra the mainstream ethnic group into th through an inthrou t e r n at i o n a l ffestival. AFRIMA too is R a festival, and so much more with its part- w nership with the ne AU and potential political influpoli ence it is positioned to take the tione reins and orchestrate the way to music culture and entertainment can enterta shape a new Africa. was struck by a I wa passage in the CharAfrican Culturter for A Renaissance which al Renai stated: That any human community is necessarcommunit governed by rules ily govern principles based on and princip culture; and that culture should be regarded as distinctive linthe set of d spiritual, material, guistic, spirit and emotional intellectual a the society or features of th group, and that it a social group encompasses, iin addition to literature, lifestyles, art and literatu ways of living ttogether, value traditions and beliefs; systems, tradition We have a very youthful conbenefit from betinent that will be ing to introduced tto their culturmeaningful way al heritage in a me knowledge. to gain this knowle The AFFRIMA programme of activities which includes conferences on culture, the business of art, along with concerts in places of learning and entertainment will help our young people to understand where they’ve come from so that they can take their place in the modern global village which is our world.

Rita Ray is a member of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, jury and she represents the Diaspora (Europe) on the jury.

Memorable Reads How did you get introduced to reading? My parents had a lot of books lying around the house, and also ensured we went to the best schools where reading was promoted. There were always school libraries and the students themselves also shared books from their book-loving homes among each other. Who is your favourite author of

Myne Whitman

Writer and publisher

all time? I will feel too bad if I had to choose, but Cyprain Ekwensi comes close as does Khaled Hosseini. What is your favourite book? My second book, A Love Rekindled. How big is your library? Relatively large, but I have moved four times over the past

ten years and in the process, lost or given away a lot of books. I have been collecting again, but with the advent of Kindles and eBooks, almost half of my book buys are on my reading device. What is your annual budget on books? On my own books, I usually spend no less than $500.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

‘I see myself as a doctor’ – Sylvya Oluchy

Either Nollywood or stage acting, she brilliantly fits in! The Theatre Arts graduate shares the story of her burgeoning stardom

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

Oluchy

he dark skinned actress is the youngest of six children. Born as Ngozi Sylvia Oluchi Ezeokafor, but goes by the stage name but the name ‘Sylvya Oluchy’. “When I was a little girl I was very shy and socially awkward due to my unusually deep voice and glasses. I didn’t have many friends, so after school I would rush home and imitate my teachers to my mum using my toys to act them out and changing my voice for each one. My mother would watch and say “acting suits you, you are a good actor”. I never believed her because I didn’t believe that I was pretty. I grew up hearing this and gained confidence in my person. So when it was time to enter the university, despite my being science inclined, my mother said “try theatre arts”. I did and fell in love with the art of acting. I am a Thespian by training. My journey into acting started on stage” The soft spoken actress who just returned from the Art Institute of Dallas, Texas where she went to hone her skills reveals of further that her mother was her major inspiration into her journey into acting. “Even when my family said it’s not ideal, my mother kept encouraging me. She wanted to manage me and my career personally but unfortunately she passed away before I graduated from the university. Next was the woman who gave me my first lead role in a movie titled Bent Arrows. Mrs Isang Awah, I call her my fairy god mother. She looked at a Cinderella who had nothing to offer but talent and a B.A in theatre arts and took a chance on me. I won two awards for my role in that movie. What would she have been if not an actress? The award winning Sylvya discloses that science is her first love “Science is my first love. If I was not an actor, I’d be an Architect or an inventor. Both are another form of literally leaving a legacy behind, buildings and inventions remain with

us long after their makers are no more. A testament to humanity’s existence on earth, art does the same. “And in my acting career, I don’t think there is any particular challenging role. I put equal energy and dedication into all my characters. Even when I’m not acting, I constantly study books, films and people around me to increase what I call my “multiple personality catalogue” so when I get a new role, I mentally go there and retrieve the closest personality to the character and use it to act. (Laughs)” She once said she doesn’t have any boundaries because her body is her laptop, adding that she doesn’t have any problems what so ever on the concept of nudity. Has she gotten any nude role due to that statement? She has this to say. “I haven’t done it yet. If I’m offered such a role, I’ll make my decision based on the script and director” When asked about how she rates the movie industry, she opines that Nollywood is growing in leaps and bounds and opening up job avenues for thousands. “We contribute about 3 percent of the nation’s GDP, I believe. That being said there is always room for improvement. I personally feel more education and training is needed’’. The Alan Poza screen goddess also disclosed that the most memorable moments in her acting career are whenever fans thank her for brightening their day with her craft. “When I win any of my awards or whenever a fan thanks me for brightening their day with my craft. Because as an actor, I see myself as a doctor. A doctor is responsible for cheering people’s moods up and reprogramming people’s minds by teaching moral lessons. This will enable people to live positively which is the key to living a balanced life” And where does she hope to be in 10 years? “I hope to be a mother, wife, entrepreneur and producing my own movies”, she grimaced.

EVEN WHEN MY FAMILY SAID ACTING IS NOT

IDEAL, MY MOTHER KEPT ENCOURAGING ME

MIDWEEK JUMP

Sharpband Live Music Performance and Comedy Show

hursday 21st May of April is a special day at SS Lounge, as you will be thrilled with Sharpband as they give you a melodious dose of Live Music. There will be other aspects of enmake you end the week on a light note. tertainment as a live comedy show The event will hold at SS Lounge, 7, Sapawill be added to music so you laugh ra Williams close, off Idowu Martins Street, and leave with new vigour that will Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Comedy and Live Music Performance

he Veentage Live Band will be performing today Wednesday 20th May 2015 at MVP Lounge. They will be performing for your listening pleasure, so rush down to MPV Lounge to get thrilled and also get a mid week comedy entertainment. Event starts by 7pm. So come with your friends and colleagues, it’s a good time to hang out and have a pleasurable time and relaxation. The event holds at MVP Lagos, Plot 16, Block 46, Bisola Durosinmi, off Admiralty, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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FAR AND NEAR

‘Taste and Tell’ unveils ‘Ikim-The Wounded Messiah’ D espite losing his right leg in a car accident years ago, Nwanbu Nwanem has danced his way into the hearts of many especially in South East Nigeria. Performing at the Gofi Premium Lounge, venue of the Taste and Tell in-bar activation in Awka, Anambra State recently, Nwanem entertained lovers of Legend who had gathered for the unique consumer reward activation. He hopped and lept, turned and twisted as admirers and well-wishers in appreciation showered him with praises and cash. Popularly known as Ikim-The Wounded Messiah, he performed alongside Pammy Udu Bunch, a local cultural troupe. According to him, a devastating car accident severely damaged his leg during his childhood days prompting it to be amputat-

ed. Born into poverty with no money for school fees, he said he took to dancing after receiving instructions in the dream. “My parents did not have money to send me to school but after the accident, I saw myself dancing in the dream in a big way. From that day, I went into dancing. I have been to

people have supported me. Initially I thought my world had ended when the accident happened but I thank God that I decided to move forward and my life is better today”. With deft and acrobatic moves, The wounded Messiah held the audience spellbound as he swung swiftly from one end of the podium to the Nwanem at Taste and Tell other. Asides the oneK a legged wonder, it turned out to be duna, Lagos, Jos and even a big night for Unegbu Chigbo, a Ghana to dance and I thank God 24 year-old final year Psychology for that”, he said. student of Nnamdi Azikiwe UniNwanem said since he started versity, Awka who won for himdancing several years ago, many self a generating set. Chigbo who have supported and encouraged was excited at the win said he had him in various ways to turn what been a long time consumer of Legwould have been a misfortune into end Extra Stout. He admitted that a goldmine. “I can’t remember the win will further strengthen exactly when I started but many

an already existing bond between him and Legend Extra Stout. Chigbo alongside Chinedu Okonkwo, and Ikemefuna Onwudijo, while participating in the ‘Taste and Tell’ competition, were able to correctly identify Legend Extra Stout from three unmarked glasses containing different stout drinks. Onwudijo, a civil servant and winner of a brand new refrigerator said he was elated, boasting that he knew he would win if selected to play the game. On his part Chinedu Okonkwo, a businessman and winner of a brand new LED Television set expressed happiness at winning the prize, pledging to remain loyal to the Legend brand. Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager Lager and Stout-Nigerian Breweries Plc had stated that the event was organised to create fun and excitement for Legend consumers.

Korean Centre: Exploring children’s creativity JOEL AJAYI

Cannes Film Festival 2015

Cannes Film Festival kicks off

n the film that opened the 68th Cannes International Film festival last Wednesday, Catherine Deneuve plays a French judge who must rule on the fate of a sometimes violent juvenile delinquent. The jurors for the festival competition this year seem to be taking a softer approach. “I know how important it is for any filmmaker to get recognized,” the Mexican director Guillermo del Toro said Wednesday at a news conference here with other members of the jury. “I know we’re not a panel of stern judges who’ll say what’s good and what’s bad.” He added: “It’s a guideline from a group of people rather than a sentence of freedom or prison.” For her part, Ms. Denueve said at another news conference that opening the festival with “Standing Tall,” a tough and decidedly unglamorous film by the French director Emmanuelle Bercot, was “a response to a difficult year in Europe, especially in France.” Attacks by Muslim extremists that killed 17 people in January at the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a kosher supermarket have rattled the country — and also led to heightened security at this year’s festival. “Standing Tall,” which is not in the official competition, is

only the second film directed by a woman to open Cannes, after “A Man in Love,” by the French director Diane Kurys, in 1987. At the news conference with Ms. Deneuve, Ms. Bercot played down the significance of this milestone. “It’s the selection of the film that’s an honor,” she said. “I don’t at all feel like a minority.” She said that in France, female directors can’t say that “they suffer discrimination,” adding: “I know it’s different in other countries.” This year the French director Agnès Varda will receive an honorary Palme d’Or award, given to a director whose work has never won the festival’s top prize. And this year’s festival poster features the luminous face of Ingrid Bergman, whose daughter, the actress Isabella Rossellini, is presiding over the jury of the festival’s Un Certain Regard section this year. Ethan and Joel Coen are cochairs of the competition jury, which will award the Palme d’Or and other prizes to the 19 films in competition. Over the years, the Coen brothers have won many Cannes prizes, including the Palme d’Or in 1991 for “Barton Fink” and the Grand Prix second prize for “Inside Llewyn Davis” in 2013.

ive years ago, when Korean culture in Nigeria came alive, many people thought the centre will fade away like other foreign cultural centres, but the reverse is the case as the centre has been contributing immensely to the development of culture in Nigeria. The centre has consistently organised programmes that highlight the cultural similarity of the two countries as well as breeding creativity amongst children and youths. The centre has also not left out the teachers who have been carried along too, as the centre organises workshops for teachers aimed at deepening their appreciation of children’s formation. As part of activities lined up to mark the 5th anniversary of the Centre in Abuja over 60 Nigerians which includes children artists, and teachers across the Federal Capital Territory FCT, were empowered in different capacity courtesy of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria KCCN titled “Lets Play with Yoo”.

An expert in children’s play from Korea, Mr. Yoo Hong Young was on hand to take the children through series of play during a workshop aimed at not only boosting their intuition but also to correct physical defects they may have gotten from bad postures. The joyous event will for a very long time be fresh in the memories of school aged children. Declaring the programme opened, Director of the Centre, Mr. Kwon Yong Ik said the programme was aimed at increasing understanding about the benefits of play to children’s education and development, and help children find happiness in life through the games they play with their friends. “Today, you will be given an opportunity to enjoy a theatrical play that a group of our beautiful children has rehearsed for quite a while. Experts believe that a theatrical experience helps children to express their views more actively, improve their communication skills, and ultimately establish a more positive relationship with the community they belong to”, Yong Ik stated. Guests could not hold their

happiness with the performances of the kids. For Mr. Seyi Womiloju, a director in the Fesderal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Abuja has benefitted immensely from activities of the centre. According to him, Korean culture was no longer strange to many children and youths in Abuja through sustained activities of the Centre. He therefore, called for incorporation of some Nigerian artists in future programmes. Also speaking, Dr. Lizi Ben Iheanacho, Director National Council for Arts and Culture, expressed satisfaction that children who are future leaders were receiving attention from Korean Cultural Centre saying the ingenuity of the centre will help in the development of the children. Similar workshops were held for teachers and artists where the participants were given opportunity through a lecture and questions and answer session to deepen their understanding of why children need play, what effect play has upon children’s education, and how to teach children to play.

At Korean Cultural Cemtre

Business

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Nigeria needs investments in minerals processing R&D for growth 28

Global access to electricity drops to 1.1bn - World Bank

Stakeholders chart course for unlocking solid minerals potential

Nigeria loses N250bn yearly to overseas ship maintenance FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Association of Master Mariners NAMM has said that Nigeria loses in excess of N250 billion due to the total absence of ship repair yards with dry dock facilities in the country. NAMM, which was inaugurated 1987, is the umbrella body for retired Ship Captains, Chief Engineers and Engineers. President of the association, Captain Ade Olopoenia, at the weekend noted Nigeria accounted for that more than 70 per cent of the foreign vessels that call at seaports in West African countries. He also said that oil and gas activities in the country also attracted the presence of large number of tanker vessels of different types servicing these oil and gas operations. According to him, the significant marine presence requires that ship repair yards with dry docks of varying capacities be available to cope with the maintenance requirement of these vessels. It was also gathered that classification society rules and good maintenance of ships requires that ships be dry docked every 30 months on the average for routine surveys. Experts also say that special surveys are required at every alternate docking that is once in five years and as the age of the vessel increases, so does the amount of repair works it requires.

He however regretted that none of these vessels whether cargo or tanker vessels is neither maintained nor dry docked in the country due to the country due to the total absence of such facilities, through Nigeria loses well over N250 billion annually “Aside from routine dockings, vessels need to come into ship repair yards periodically owing to accidental operational damages to propeller and ship hull, or damage caused by ropes or debris, and also mechanical breakdowns. Sadly, the ship repair industry in Nigeria in underdeveloped and its potential untapped”, he lamented. Olopoenia blamed this rather ugly development on the failure of successive governments in the

country over the years to pay any attention to the ship repair and dry docking segment of the shipping industry. The NAMM-boss noted that as a result of this lack of adequate ship repair facilities, most of the vessels operating in Nigerian waters were usually taken neighbouring countries for scheduled dry docking and other routine maintenance works. “This is at huge financial loss to the country, while at the same time denying employment opportunities to Nigerian youths”, he further lamented. He therefore called on the government to take special interest in the establishment of ship repair and dry dock facility to check the

incessant cases of taking ships operating on Nigerian waters to neighbouring West African countries for routine maintenance and dry docking. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, is currently building a ship yard and dry dock facility located in Okerenkoko in WarriWest Local Government Area of Delta State. The agency believes that on completion, the facility in addition to providing job opportunities for the nation’s youths, would also check the increasing capital flight occasioned by the repair and drying docking of vessels trading in Nigeria in foreign countries.

he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has openned for sale the 10.5GHz frequency spectrum for regional operators in eight geopolitical zones of the country. The regions are, South-South, South-East,North-East, NorthCentral, North-West, South-East, North-East and North-West.

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily L-R: Director, Custodian And Allied Plc. Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, Director, Dr. S Oso; Company Secretary, Mr. Adeyinka Jafojo(representing Custodian Trustees); and the Chairman, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos

NCC offers new frequency for sale ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

Document obtained from the NCC website and signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, indictated that each slot will be licensed on regional basis. According to Juwah, each of the slots to be licensed is on the 28MHz bandwidth of the 10.5GHz frequency spectrum, adding that “Interested applicants should download Wireless Local Loop, WLL, application form from the Commission’s

website and complete it in triplicate and submit to the Commission on or before August 30 this year. Received applications will be processed further after this deadline.” The NCC also said that it was mandatory that interested bidders satisfy conditions including, rollout for each of the regions requested indicating the number of states targeted by year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in each region applied for. They are also to provide evi-

dence of technical competence to deploy the licenses, including as the case may be, firmed relationship with technical partners noting that evidence of financial capacity to support the roll out target. The Commission said that prospective bidders were to provide evidence of financial capacity to support the rollout target, stating that it is in addition to a business plan as well as technical and financial, among others.

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Nigeria needs investments in miner Ceramics production is one of the sub-sectors of the economy that over the years has not enjoyed serious focus in terms of supportive policies required to attract investments, despite its huge economic benefits. In this interview with ABOLAJI ADEBAYO, the President, Ceramics Professional Association of Nigeria, CERAPAN, and chief Executive officer, Epina Technology Limited, Prof. Patrick Eguakhide Oaikhinan, said it behoved the country to prioritise R&D investments in minerals processing for national development. Excerpts: What is the state of the ceramics industry as a major source of national economic development? As one of mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest industries, the ceramics industry is a strategic and future-oriented sector. Through its continued commitment to innovation, the ceramic industry has demonstrated its willingness and ability to contribute to the development of a competitive and efficient Nigerian economy in the coming decades. With its wide range of applications, from construction to consumer goods, industrial processes and cuttingedge technologies, the ceramic industry constantly develops innovative and highvalue solutions that improve our quality of life and facilitate vital progress in downstream sectors. Indeed our products play an essential and very often indispensable role for energy and resource efficiency in other sectors. By enabling resource and energy efficiency in all these sectors, ceramics play an essential role in our society. Ceramics will continue to play an exciting and critical role in the 21st century in many novel applications. The ability of ceramics to withstand extremely high temperatures, as well as their durability, strength and non-corrosive properties make them essential for a number of specific applications required in metallurgical processes, glass production and many other key processes across all industries. Gears used for steel making or quarrying often include advanced ceramics because their wear, corrosion and thermal resistance offer significantly longer life compared to conventional metal gears. The functionalities of technical ceramics and refractories meet critical needs in steel, aluminium, cement, glass, the chemical industry and environmental applications as well as for energy generation, all of which create some of the most corrosive high-temperature environments in industry today. They take advantage of

Oaikhinan

the improved energy efficiency, productivity and metal quality that refractories and technical ceramics bring to handling smelting, melting and molten materials processes. Sir, production level of ceramics is low, what do you think could be done to improve on this? Ceramic manufacturing business was among the greatest and earliest achievements of Nigerian businessmen in the 80s. There were notable ceramic industries that include Richware Ceramics Industry, Ilupeju Lagos; Nigergrob Ceramics Industry, Abeokuta; Quality Ceramics Industry, Shagamu; Modern Ceramics Industry, Umuahia; Ceramics Manufacturer Limit-

ed, Kano; and another located at Ifon, Ondo State. Today, Nigeria ceramics import is over N130 billion ($600 million). There are no local well equipped laboratories and institutions to offer help in acquiring the necessary skills required in mineral processing and process technologies. Inadequate number of trained personnel, access to capital, lack of appropriate technology and machinery has made captive industries unpopular in Nigeria. In particular, the absence of skilled manpower and industries to process raw materials needed for the production of ceramics in Nigeria has prevented the growth of the industry. This has forestalled the creation of more than 5 million direct and indirect jobs that could be created from local manufacture

THE ABILITY OF CERAMICS TO WITHSTAND EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES, AS WELL AS THEIR DURABILITY, STRENGTH AND NON-CORROSIVE PROPERTIES MAKE THEM ESSENTIAL FOR A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS REQUIRED IN METALLURGICAL PROCESSES, GLASS PRODUCTION AND

MANY OTHER KEY PROCESSES ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES

annually. This enormous challenge means we need to build on our current know-how and expertise (if any) and of course, new breakthrough technologies will be needed. We need significant R&D investments in mineral processing and characterisation techniques, as well as in the establishment of clusters of universities and research centres working in ceramics. Government and multinational/financial organisations should invest in developing skilled and trained employees for the ceramic industry. There is an urgent need for adequate, stable, and economic sustainable mineral supplies development strategy essential to national security, economic well-being, and industrial production. Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, should help the ceramic industry to provide sustainability Development Strategies needed for the development of action plans to identify new mineral resources, secure supplies and develop materials recycling; to acquire geological and mineralogical data of mineral resources as well as a keen understanding of the markets; and to conduct research on the processes involved in the characterization and use of materials, minerals and waste materials of every kind. What is the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response so far to the development of ceramics production in the country? We have not had direct contact with the government at the centre but most of the federal agencies we have contacted are

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

rals processing R&D for growth very much willing to collaborate with us in pacing ceramics manufacturing business in Nigeria. There are various intervention funds for development of key sectors of the economy. Has ceramics industry benefited from any of these? Economic growth is not the only solution to curbing unemployment in Nigeria, as the official statistics illustrate that previously unemployment did not always decline with the economic growth. It has been suggested by various groups that the provision of right skills to the people will help them to tackle their unemployment problems and lead a more prosperous life. Creative thinkers have reasoned that activities might help to reduce unemployment and generate employment in the Nigerian economy such as sports in schools, evening clubs that teach kids to play football, computer training schools and clubs that specializes in teaching programming software, digital photography, and video editing, language schools teaching foreign languages like French, Spanish, and Chinese, setting up of provisional work agencies, which provide temporary staff to small companies. People with good web and programming skills can think of starting the following projects in order to deal with the problems of unemployment a project to structure a complete phone directory of all Nigerian phone numbers, online map project of major Nigerian cities, and project which can provide sufficient information about everything in Nigeria. Other projects such as building solar powered water pump for use in rural areas, solar powered streetlights, hybrid powered generators using solar and battery power. In all these measures, ceramics manufacturing business is conspicuously absent. With the present economic situation, what is the outlook of ceramics industry in the next five years? Presently, Nigeria occupies the 9th position among the top eighteen emerging economies for ceramics trade, and is also the only country in the world without ceramics export. The existing domestic ceramics industries (less than five in number) are not able to contribute significantly in this direction. The absence of skilled manpower and industries to process raw materials needed for the production of ceramics in Nigeria has prevented the growth of the industry. Process industries, including ceramics, take raw materials and transform them into highly value added products. The projected ceramics trade in 2018 is $408 billion or N81.6 trillion. As earlier mentioned, ceramics manufacturing business can play a leading role in the development of agriculture, oil and gas, communication, financial services, infrastructural development including energy, roads, railways, ports, etc. Can we really address the infrastructure problems; promote economic growth and wealth creation; promote a more efficient and effective use of our resources for increase productivity and competitiveness; build a productive, competitive and functional human resource base; or develop a knowl-

ceramic industry in Nigeria.

TO TACKLE A WIDE RANGE OF TRADE AND NONTARIFF BARRIERS, WE NEED TO RESORT TO ALL AVAILABLE TRADE POLICY INSTRUMENTS, BOTH IN A BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL CONTEXT, INCLUDING NEGOTIATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

edge-based economy without the contribution of ceramic materials and products? We need a paradigm shift in ceramics development in Nigeria. Ceramics Skills Acquisition Centre will provide a golden opportunity for Nigerians to learn ceramics manufacturing business. What would you like the incoming government to do for the ceramics sector? The global economy is currently in transition with austerity measures being taken at home and abroad. And yet, with the right policy framework, we see the future Nigerian ceramic industry being an even more innovative and world-class industry with increasing employment, a strong supply chain and enhanced skills to meet current and emerging market needs. In line with other sectors, CERAPAN in collaboration with Epina Technologies Limited are calling on policymakers to create a supportive regulatory framework to keep ceramics manufacturing competitive in Nigeria and to help us make the CERAPANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives on smart, sustainable growth and competitiveness a reality. As you are aware, ceramics industry is world-leading yet the Nigerian ceramic industry predominantly is a local one, with low employment and a big gap in local supply chains. In developed nations, a

Oaikhinan

large number of ceramic companies are SMEs; this industry provides sustainable employment as well as leadership in innovation. The Nigerian ceramic industry is affected by international market access issues and trade barriers. To tackle a wide range of trade and non-tariff barriers, we need to resort to all available trade policy instruments, both in a bilateral and multilateral context, including negotiations and enforcement procedures. Strong action must be taken by the in-coming government against all unfair trade practices including counterfeiting, infringement of intellectual property rights, dumping and subsidies. In the context of the ongoing modernisation of the Trade Defence Instruments, TDI, it is essential that the Nigerian government preserve an effective regulatory framework on Trade Defence Instruments such as anti-dumping and anti-subsidy. Ceramics are made from a wide range of materials, from locally-sourced clay to natural or synthetic high-quality industrial minerals. As these industrial minerals are to a large extent are locally available in Nigeria, secure and fair access to these raw materials is vital. Eliminating WTO infringements on procurement and reducing red tape as much as possible are therefore prerequisites for a competitive

Sir, could you give some insight into what your association is doing to enhance the production and utilisation of ceramics in the country? A more efficient use of resources has become the key element in allowing industry to develop in a sustainable way, meeting the expectations of future generations and the low-carbon economy. Improving energy efficiency, reducing inputs and reliance on increasingly scarce raw materials, minimising waste, reducing the amount of refractories consumed by downstream industries and increasing recycling are some of the solutions Ceramics Professional Association of Nigeria, CERAPAN, will contribute to. The global economy is currently in transition with austerity measures being taken at home and abroad. And yet, with the right policy framework, we see the future Nigerian ceramic industry being an even more innovative and world-class industry with increasing employment, a strong supply chain and enhanced skills to meet current and emerging market needs. CERAPAN in collaboration with Epina Technologies Limited (a pioneering company in ceramics engineering and technology skill acquisition programmes) are currently seeking for the assistance of foreign organizations for their support in pacing ceramics manufacturing business in Nigeria. How would you access the outgoing governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts in the development of ceramics industry? Although the out-going government had in place laudable programmes for the promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises, MSMEs, in Nigeria, the Nigerian ceramic industry was never in the equation. The reason for this non-inclusion was due to the wrong nomenclature given to ceramics as pottery pots in Nigeria. If the 20:2020 targets of making this nation an industrial one are to be achieved, we need to make a large-scale move away from this neglect. The ceramic industry needs to be assured of a sustainable, uninterrupted and appropriate support by government. Target-setting should be accompanied by financial support to facilitate the transition. Developing necessary breakthrough technologies requires a supportive research and innovation policy framework from the government. Sometime before the last election, CERAPAN was supposed to be inaugurated but this did not take place. What happened to the plan? Ceramics Professional Association of Nigeria, CERAPAN, was registered in 2014 by CAC Abuja. It was not possible for the out-going Minister of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to inaugurate the Committee due to uncontrollable circumstance. However, the Ministry indicated the willingness to inaugurate the Committee but for communication problem it was aborted. We are waiting for the incoming government for the inauguration of the National Ceramics Promotion Committee, NCPC.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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NAC records N18bn capital inflow in three years SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ank of Industry, BoI, has disclosed that the total capital inflow from the National Automotive Council, NAC, in the last three years stood at N18.1 billion. The fund, being managed by the BOI, was designed to develop the nation’s automotive sector through project financing and also used to finance annual budgetary approval for Capital and Recurrent Expenditures of the NAC. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, who made the disclosure during the annual media parley in Lagos, said the Fund is being managed for a fee of 5 percent per annum, payable quarterly and deductable from the balance of the Fund. According to him, NAC receives the management fee of

2 percent per annum on investable fund, payable quarterly and deductable from its balance, adding that NAC’s loans for projects, are granted at 7.5 percent and 10 percent per annum on loan terms as well as working capital loans respectively. Olaoluwa however noted that the NAC Auto Technicians Support Scheme, NACATSS, represented the sum of N1.00 billion set aside from the main NAC Fund for capacity building, repair and maintenance of artisans, craftsmen and technicians. The scheme, National Mirror noted, is being provided at 7.5 percent per annum through the MFB partnership and 10 percent per annum to final beneficiary. He said that the Vehicle Purchase Credit Scheme, VPCS, was designed to encourage patronage of home-made goods. Already, the BOI deals with vehicle purchasers or fleet operators individually through

NAICOM dissolves International Energy Insurance Board MESHACK IDEHEN

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has announced the dissolution of the Board of International Energy Insurance Plc. Head, Corporate Affairs of the regulatory institution, Rasaaq ‘Salami, in a statement hinted the Commission had appointed a three-member Interim Board to oversee the affairs of the company while necessary investigation are being conducted on the operations of the company Salami stated that as part of the intervention, the Chief Executive Officer and some key officers will proceed on leave to facilitate a thorough investigation of the affairs of the company. Members of the Interim Board include, the former Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mallam Muhammad Kabir Ahmad, who will serve as its Chairman; a former Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Daisy Ekineh; and a one-time Acting Managing Director of Societe Bancaire Nigeria Ltd (now Unity Bank Plc in Consolidation), Mrs. Bridget Ibiyemi Adeyinka. The Board is mandated to conduct forensic investigation into the affairs of the company and identify factors and persons responsible for the

erosion of shareholders’ value. The appointment which takes immediate effect shall be for an initial period of six months, subject to renewal, if necessary. The company remains a going concern with capacity to continue to underwrite all types of general insurance business. According to the statement, the regulator’s action is pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the enabling laws to intervene in the affairs of the company as a result of financial reporting failures, allegations made against some of the Directors, and Board squabbles all of which necessitated the action in the interest of policyholders and other stakeholders of the company.

selected banks as well as other financial institutions. On the nation’s economic outlook in 2014, the BoI boss said, the nation’s economy was ranked 26th in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product, GDP, pointing out that this

represents economic progression, when compared to last three years, whenthe country was ranked 30th based on rebased figures. The BoI chief explained further that the structure of the economy was now better

captured and well diversified; having shifted from an industry-driven to a service-driven economy, adding that the key drivers for such increase were telecommunication, retail as well as entertainment industry among others

OAAN to curb impunity in outdoor advertising DAVID AUDU

resident of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, Mr. Charles Chijide has promised to stamp out impunity in outdoor political campaign in future elections. Chijide, who disclosed this on Monday in Lagos, noted that outdoor business practitioners in the country were seriously challenged during the just concluded Nigerian general election. He admitted that the reign of impunity was so bad that other agencies members had to come out to complain. So, it was not only in outdoors, it happened in

every sector of advertising during the election. Chijioke said: “We are trying as much as possible to put a structure in place to ensure that what happened during the recent general election does not repeat itself again. We do not want impunity; we want professionals to handle anything that have to do with election advertising so that things will work out well “We are learning every day. We pray that when we get more educated we will go about it in a more professional manner. Everybody will be moderate in their thinking. We should advertise moderately and we should do it with professionals. “If you remember, before the

election in Abeokuta, I urged politicians to play according to the rules, that they should engage professionals out of homes members to get their adverts on the bill board. But you know in Nigeria, people do not respect laws, they do things with impunity, using their position to oppress other people”, he added The OOAN chief, who is also the Managing Director of Charella Nigeria Limited, noted that people used outdoor very well during the political campaign, and that it shows the relevance and the role it play in our national and economic life. On what accrued to outdoor during the election in form of revenues, he said the collation on ad spend will be done soon.

L-R: Founder, IOpenEye Production Company, Ifeoma Fafunwa; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; his with wife, Deborah, and Director, Brands and Communications at Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, during the Ankara night of the second edition of the Etisalat Sponsored Hear Word in Lagos, recently.

Unicem commits N9bn to road project in C`River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

he United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, UNICEM said it was committing about N9billion for construction of 20-kilometre concrete and asphalt paved road to link two federal roads in Cross River. Accrding to the company, when completed, the project which consists of two bridges and other adjoining culverts which includes the Etamkpini bridge and the Great Qua bridge would facilitate easy evacuation of cement in the Line II cement plant in the State.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Olivier Lenoir disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Line II evacuation road project embarked upon by the company. Lenoir listed the roads under construction to include, the Calabar-Oban road and the CalabarOdukpani high way and stressed that the what the company did was to provide an excellent opportunity to test and perfect the use of cement in Road Pavement as a more sustainable alternative to asphalt. The Unicem boss pointed out that the project, which was initially estimated at a cost of N5bn commenced in September 2010

and scheduled for completion in December 2012, but was later reviewed for extension till 2016, thus bringing the total cost to about N9 billion. He attributed the review to some hitches including, the inclement weather and large amount of swamp on the major areas among others. “The Review in Scope of the project, challenging alignment of the road due to vast swamp and limestone rocks deposit on the right of way and Inclement weather due to excessive rainfall experienced in Cross River State have been the major limitations to

early completion of this project”, he said. On the current position with respect to the levy charged by government on the AtimboCalabar road, Lenoir clarified that “government has been collecting the levy of N12, 800 per truck since 2013 September. He, however, the company understood what the collection was meant for, adding that “we expect accordingly that the proceeds from the levy will be utilized in that regard. It is Government’s responsibility to do so and not UniCem. We were demonstrating goodwill when we did the rehabilitation in the past before 2013

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Business News

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

AIB boss harps on AIS’ automation, NAMA on training OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali, has said that the implementation of Aeronautic Information Service, AIS, automation by the government was long overdue. Abali also stressed the need for aviation professionals in the country to raise the standard, ensure professionalism and efficiency of AIS. Delivering a speech at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital to mark the world AIS day over the weekend, Abali informed that measures were being taken by the government to actualise the automation of AIS in the country, stressing that safety delivery was a huge responsibility that AIS professionals required to rededicate themselves towards the provision of a quality assured aeronautical data. He insisted that the role of effective and efficiency of air navigation could not be over-emphasised in the industry, hence the need to comply effectively. He observed that all over the world aviation sector was undergoing a rapid transformation and becoming more technical in-

tensive and technologically driven, adding that Nigeria could not operate in isolation of developments in other climes. He said, “There is a growing need for the proper integration of man and machine, including training for effective operation in a seamless environment of zero tolerance or delays in safety critical Aeronautical Information dissemination.” He further appealed to the managements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, to train and motivate all AIS staff in their establishments for effective delivery of the risk ahead of them. He insisted that capacity development was a vital solution to the growing cases of human factors, which accounted for most of the accidents and serious incidents in the aviation industry. He stressed that safety remained the primary concern of the aviation community worldwide including military, civil, scheduled and non-scheduled flights operations, chartered flights or commercial aviation using any form of aircraft. Also, the Managing Director,

NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam at the occasion acknowledged the pivotal role being played by members of AIS. He said their activities were essential to NAMA. Represented by the Director of Human Resource, NAMA, Dr. Uwem Akason, Abdulsalam said data managing and pro-

cessing were vital to airspace users, which made the activities of AIS critical to the entire industry. He assured that in order to build capacity, NAMA would continue to ensure constant training of AIS and other technical personnel in the agency, maintaining that the agency

was fashioning out ways of increasing its internally generated revenue to meet its internal requests from staff. While assuring of the minister’s resolve on the completion of AIS automation, the NAMA boss stressed the need for teamwork among staff in order to uplift the agency.

Chief Executive Officer of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. Reid Whitlock, (middle) flanked by representatives from the World Wide Web Foundation, United Nations, African Union Commission and the Africa Development Bank, during the Data Revolution meeting held at Heirs Place, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

CAC moves to boost Nigeria’s corporate competitiveness OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, has said that the need to improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness rating in the area of ease of doing business necessitated the introduction of its Corporate Citizens Award. The Registrar-General, Mr Bello Mahmud, who stated this while briefing journalists on the forthcoming Corporate Citizens Award programme in Abuja, explained that the move would also help to foster innovation and transparency in the ways firms conduct their

businesses in Nigeria. According to him, the Commission has shortlisted 26 companies out of the over 800 companies that were nominated for the awards. Bello who stated that the short-listed companies were selected by Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, further explained that for a company to be selected, it must impacted positively in the industry it operates. He said out of the companies that were selected, nine of them would emerge winners from five categories. While throwing more light on the award programme, the CAC boss who refused to dis-

closed the identity of the nominated companies, explained successful firms would be announced on Thursday. Besides promoting competitiveness, Bello said the culture of statutory compliance in the Nigerian business environment as well as promotion of best practices would be improved through the process. According to him, in selecting the companies, the commission considered the quality of financial management, work place environment, and management of stakeholders’ relations. Others cretaria, he added, include innovative ness, corporate

PENGASSAN urges FG to reposition PPMC MESHACK IDEHEN

etroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) said the intractable and inefficiency in the distribution and supply of petroleum products throughout the country, can only abate, if the Federal Government repositions the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC). According to PENGASSAN, unless the government resolve

some of the challenges confronting the operations of PPMC, it may be difficult for petroleum products to be available in all parts of the country and at relatively the same prices. In a statement by its President, Mr Francis Johnson, the union stated that PPMC was not only crucial to the distribution of refined petroleum products, but also to efficient and effective performance of the refineries as it supplies crude oil, which is the feedstock for the refineries’ operations.

He stated the company had depots in Port Harcourt, Enugu, Calabar, Aba, Gombe, Yola Ibadan, Ilorin, Makurdi and other major states’ capitals throughout the federation, saying most of the pipelines lack petroleum products due to vandalisation. The PENGASSAN president argued that if the company is repositioned and the pipelines are functioning as supposed to be, there will be more jobs and reduce pressure on Nigerian roads.

social responsibility, industry leadership as well as corporate governance. He said, “The award is to recognize performance and reward corporate excellence in all sectors of the Nigerian economy. “It will celebrate achievements in business and entrepreneurship as well as stimulate economic objectives thereby improving Nigeria’s rating in the global competitive index of doing business. “The measure

will further contribute in facilitating the domestic economy and its integration into the global market. “About 26 companies made the final list from over 800 companies that were nominated for the awards this year out of which winners would emerge.” The Commission had last year inaugurated a panel of judges headed by the revered technocrat, Christopher Kolade, for the award.

Greece seeks loan deal by end of May

reece has said it wants to reach a loan deal with its international creditors by the end of this month. With the country seemingly close to running out of cash, government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis said a deal was “required immediately”. Greece has to make a payment of 1.5bn (£1.09bn) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 5 June. Last week , the government raided its IMF reserves in order to pay 750m in debt interest on its existing loans. “A deal is required immediately, this is why we are talking about the end of May, to resolve these critical liquidity issues,” Gabriel Sakellaridis said. The Greek government, EU

and IMF have been locked in negotiations for four months over economic reforms the IMF and EU say must be implemented before the latest 7.2bn tranche of the country’s bailout fund is released. The deadlock has created fresh fears that Greece will run out of cash. Issues still to be resolved are thought to include pension reform, deregulation of the labour market, and the re-hiring of 4,000 former civil servants. There have been suggestions Greece could default on loan repayments as early as the next 1.5bn payment due to the IMF. Greece faces a stringent repayment schedule in the coming months, and also needs to continue paying salaries and pensions.

Business News

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Global access to electricity drops to 1.1bn - World Bank SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

orld Bank has said that global access to electricity in the last two years, declined from 1.2 billion to 1.1 billion, a rate much faster than 1990 to 2010 periods. At the same time, 222 million people gained access to electricity during the same period, which is higher than the population increase of 138 million people. According the multilateral banking institution, these gains are concentrated in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in urban areas. The global electrification rate increased from 83 percent in 2010 to 85 percent in 2012. This is the second time in its series, the global apex bank, is tracking the progress toward universal energy access, doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency as well as the share of renewable energy in global energy mix. While the first edition, released in 2013, measured progress be-

tween 1990 and 2010, the latest edition focuses on 2010 to 2012. Senior Director of the Bank’s Energy and Extractives Global Practice, Anita Marangoly George said, “We are heading in the right direction to end energy poverty,” saying it is still far from the finish line. We will need to work a lot harder, especially to mobilize larger investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Leveraging public finance to mobilize private capital is imperative in achieving these goals.” George said that there was less progress on access to clean cooking fuel with 2.9 billion people still using biomass fuels like wood and dung, most of this population clustered in rural areas of SubSaharan Africa, South Asia, and eastern Asia. On the positive side, the share of modern renewable energy from sources, including hydro, solar and wind energy) grew rapidly at 4 percent a year during the tracking period. Modern renewable made up 8.8 percent of total global energy consumption in 2012. Still, to meet the

2030 SE4All objective, the annual growth rate for renewable energy needs to be closer to 7.5 percent. During the 2010 to 2012, energy intensity fell more than 1.7 percent a year, more than the annual rate during 1990 to 2010, still slower than the SE4All objective of an annual 2.6 percent drop in energy intensity between 2010 and 2030. “Progress Toward Sustainable Energy: Global Tracking Framework 2015” discovered that 1.1 billion people in the world still live without electricity and almost 3 billion still cook using polluting fuels like kerosene, wood, charcoal and dung. While picking up steam, renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements need to improve. Annual global investments in energy will need to scale up from roughly $400 billion at present to $1trillion-$1.25 trillion. Of that, between $40 billion and $100 billion annually is needed to achieve universal access to electricity. Universal access to modern cooking fuels, by contrast, requires just $4.3 billion a year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Niger’s GDP rebounds to 6.9%

espite a deteriorating security situation in African region, the real gross domestic product, GDP, in 2014 rebounded to 6.9 percent from 4.6 percent in 2013. The growth was driven by agriculture and services. Average inflation receded to negative 0.9 percent in 2014 to improved food supply due partly to government’s food aid programme, which helped to attenuate the increase of prices of food stuff. International Monetary Fund, IMF, mission led by Cheikh Gueye visited Niamey last week for the sixth review of Niger’s financial and economic programmes supported by the Extended Credit Facility, ECF. The discussion covered the implementation of the programme as well as economic and financial developments in 2014, the first quarter of 2015, the medium-term outlook and the policies needed to consolidate macroeconomic stability while fostering inclusive growth. At the conclusion of the mission, Gueye said, “Niger’s overall macroeconomic performance has been generally satisfactory. Weak revenue collections, unanticipated security expenditure and a shortfall in external budget assistance adversely impacted fiscal outcomes and, as a result,

most of the programme’s fiscal targets for 2014 were missed.” Although, the real GDP growth is expected to recede to 4.3 percent in 2015, but average growth is projected to 7 percent during 2016 and 2018, as a result of the expansion of extractive industries and increase in public investments. He said, inflation would remain below 2 percent, below the 3 percent convergence criterion while the medium-term prospects remain substantial, including negative externalities of regional conflicts and country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.” The fiscal shortfalls in 2014 and continuing economic pressures in early 2015, including the regional security situation, complicate the budgetary execution in 2015. The budgetary framework will need to reflect the new priorities on security and human capital development needs while improving efficiency in public investment and preserving fiscal and external sustainability. The Extended Credit Facility, ECF, is the IMF’s main tool for medium-term financial support to low-income countries. It provides for a higher level of access to financing, more concessional terms, enhanced flexibility in programme design, and more focused, streamlined conditionality.

OCP Group flags off Phosphate Industry forum in Morocco

O L-R : Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Maureen Ifada presenting the ticket for Dubai Trip to Winner of the Three Crowns Milk Mother’s Day Campaign, Mrs. Olamide Olaleye, at her residence in Lagos on Saturday.

World Meterology Day: SON harps on benefits of meterology UDO ONYEKA

s the Standards Organisation of Nigeria ,SON, for the first time joins other national standards bodies to mark the World Meterology Day today, the agency has promised to demystify meterology with a view to enabling the country explore its opportunities for national development. Making the promise on Monday, the organisation’s Director General, Dr Joseph Odumodu said that SON and the Weight & Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade

& Investment would partner in celebrating May 20, 2015 World Metrology Day through a workshop in Lagos with the theme ;Measurements in National Development. Head, Department of Metrology, Engr Obiora Manafa, who represented the Director General, said that speakers at the workshop include a senior official of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, Mr Shaukat Malik, retired head of the metrology department of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, KEBS, Mr Joel Kioko, an official of the Department of Weight & Measures, Engr Olayinka Sikuade, among others , while Odumodu will de-

liver the keynote address. “The promotion and deployment of accurate measurements delivers safety, value and fairness to consumers and other stakeholders and will always be a huge advantage for any company or nation in trade whether local or international”. He lamented that Nigeria neglected metrology for too long, but that SON under Dr Joseph Odumodu the director general, has arrested the ugly trend by investing in metrological infrastructure. He said: “In the past we had just a metrology unit and the equipment were hardly there. But today, a lot of new equipment has been installed.

CP Group flagged off third International Symposium on Innovation and Technology in the Phosphate Industry (Symphos) on Monday in Marrakesh, with the theme “Innovation to serve sustainable agriculture”. This year’s event will bring together over 1200 participants from the phosphate industry from all corners of the world, representing over 45 countries. Symphos 2015, a forum for meetings and discussions between the major international players in the phosphate and phosphate derivatives industry, will build on the previous events, with greater focus on innovation to serve sustainable agriculture. In particular, this year’s event will cover themes regarding industrial processes, elements of value, fertilizers of the future and slow & controlled releases. The event has become an international benchmark in the sector, offering a forum that promotes diversification, modernisation and development of the phosphate industry and support for the development needs of worldwide agriculture. Aware that innovation is the primary tool for rational and sus-

tainable exploitation of phosphate reserves, OCP Group uses Symphos to highlight its commitment to sustainable and prosperous agriculture throughout the world. By bringing together the global phosphate community to share expertise, skills and experiences, Symphos aims at contributing to the emergence of the ideas of tomorrow, and taking up the major challenge of soil and resource conservation for sustainable agriculture. Symphos examines new techniques and technologies to improve production systems in the phosphate industry and to conserve resources. This involves considering the future of the phosphate industry in the context of a sustainable development and clean technologies approach, discussing phosphate-based raw materials, intermediate products and finished products. Special place will be given to the Moroccan model of industrial management and innovation development in the phosphate industry, in particular in the areas of mining, beneficiation of phosphates, adding value and fertilizer production.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Global oil demand to rise by 1.18 bpd in 2015 35

Abuja, Kogi to benefit from Dangote plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 37

Electricity generation rises to 3,381.47mw 38

Stakeholders chart roadmap to unlock solid minerals potential Despite its huge endowments in solid minerals, not much has been invested to harness solid minerals for domestic use and export. CHIDI UGWU reports that the President Muhummadu Buhari-led administration should ensure the sector is developed because of its huge potentials.

PortHarcourt refinery

ining is one of the oldest economic activities in Nigeria, dating back to prehistoric times when man crudely exploited iron and clay, and other metals, for the production of implements. Prior to the discovery of petroleum, Nigeria depended largely on agricultural produce and few solid minerals such as coal, tin, aluminium, columbite, gold and others to finance its developmental programmes. For instance, coal met fully the needs of the railway system and electricity supply while tin yielded substantial foreign exchange earnings for the nation. Despite its huge value-adding potentials,

UP TILL THE LATE 1960S, COAL WAS THE SOURCE OF THE ENTIRE ENERGY REQUIREMENT FOR THE

COUNTRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WHICH INCLUDED

NIGERIA RAILWAYS, NATIONAL ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY AND NIGERIA CEMENT COMPANY, NKALAGU the discovery of oil and its production in commercial quantity relegated the solid minerals to the background in national economic policy formulation and imple-

mentation. But in view of the economic potentials of solid minerals, stakeholders in the sector have urged the incoming ad-

ministration of President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts toward the sustainable development of the important sector. They are of the opinion that solid minerals sector holds major potentials for job creation and indeed, the opportunity for economic diversification, in view of the reality of the dwindling fortunes of the petroleum industry. Analysts said that the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari must take up the challenge of developing the mining sector if it must succeed in tackling many challenges unCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders chart course for unlocking solid minerals potentials CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 dermining national development, especially unemployment and capacity building in critical sectors of the economy. The President, Miners Association of Nigeria, MAN, Alhaji Sanni Shehu maintained that all relevant policies are already in place to move the sector to the desired growth level, urging the incoming administration to ensure strict implementation of the policies. He stated that the sector needs proper funding to enable operators acquire modern mechanised machinery for safer and environmental-friendly mining operations, stressing that today’s mining is highly mechanised. Shehu indicated that if the sector is to grow and realise its full potentials, government must assist in building the capacity of operators, especially, the small scale and artisanal miners. However, some analysts argue that in spite of some commendable initiatives of President Jonathan’s administration, all the mining sector offers Nigeria are potentials. The potentials for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, domestic production and consumption, tax revenue and diversification of economy from dependence on oil. It can contribute up to 3 percent of GDP and employ at least a million people, all but potentials. The contribution of the solid minerals sector to the Nigerian economy collapsed from about 1 percent at independence to about 0.3 percent of GDP in 2010, and it employs only a few thousand people. The industry is grossly under-developed, leading to a situation where the country imports minerals such as Barites, Salt and Iron Ore which it can produce. This is a sharp contrast with developments in other well-endowed nations, especially South Africa. In 2009, mining directly accounted for about 9 percent of South African GDP. It accounted for one-third of the total capitalisation of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and employed 500,000 people. In South Africa, mining contributes another half a million indirect jobs in addition to direct jobs, focused on only a handful of minerals! Nigeria has huge reserves of 34 solid minerals, and virtually no jobs. In USA, mining provides about 670,000 direct jobs. Also, in Australia, about 320,000 direct jobs are attributable to the mining sector and in Canada it provides employment for about 200,000 people. Globally, available data showed that mining industry has enjoyed strong economic growth for the past decade. Demand for solid mineral resources from rapidly growing nations like China and India is on the rise, while Canada supplied minerals with a total estimated value of $45.3 billion in 2008. It is on record that mining accounts for 3.5 per cent of Canada’s GDP. This means that Nigeria is losing huge amounts of foreign exchange that it could have earned considering the tremendous growth in the demand for minerals in the global market. This is notwithstanding the fact that some proven reserves of 34 solid minerals are widely spread across 450 locations in

Buhari

Okonjo-Iweala

THE INCOMING GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE STRENGTHENING OF THE

MINING CADASTRE

OFFICE AND ITS FREEDOM FROM MINISTERIAL AND POLITICAL INTERFERENCE, STRESSING THAT SUCH MOVE WILL GIVE CONFIDENCE TO INVESTORS

most of the 36 States of the federation and FCT. Investigations showed that most of the solid minerals are of very high quality. For instance, Nigeria’s coal was highly valued for its low levels of sulfur and impurities. There are 22 coalfields spread across 13 states with proven reserve of 639 million tons, and reserves of 2,750 million tons. Up till the late 1960s, coal was the source of the entire energy requirement for the country’s industrial sector, which included Nigeria Railways, National Electric Power Authority and Nigeria Cement Company, Nkalagu. The Ministry of Mines said coal export or usage for electricity generation is capable of earning or saving Nigeria up to $6 billion per annum. According to Engr. Mike Acholonu, the Executive Director of Enertronigizer, applying coal to generate electricity would yield 7,000MW which can be the national base load, supplemented by other sources for the next 30 years. He maintained that the Nigerian Coal Corporation was a state-owned monopoly established in 1950 to engage in the exploration, production and marketing of coal. Acholonu indicated that it was successful until the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war. He said it never recovered from the years of mine closure and was privatized via liquidation by the BPE in 2007. He indicated that none of the resulting investors has started production since then. “Due to uncertainty about commodities, currencies and stocks as stores of value in the global market, the price of gold has multiplied manifold in the last five years and remains at its highest

level. Gold is another mineral Nigeria has in commercial quantities in Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna States. Between 1933 and 1943 when production peaked, Nigeria exported some 3.2 million ounces of gold! With the privatization via liquidation of the Nigerian Mining Corporation in 2007, it is gratifying that some domestic and multinational companies that acquired some of its mining leases are pursuing gold mining opportunities, supplementing the efforts of indigenous small scale, artisanal miners.” “Tantalite is a rare metal needed by high technology and aerospace industries. Nigeria has the second largest reserves of tantalite in the world, occurring as Tantalum-Niobium, and available in a belt stretching from Nassarawa State and FCT across to Ilesha in Osun State. Nigeria has huge deposits of Lead and Zinc in Benue, Kogi, Ebonyi and Nassarawa States among others. Large deposits of Iron Ore, reputed to be the largest in Africa have been found in Zamfara State as well,” he maintained. Acholonu maintained that Nigeria has bitumen and tar sands equivalent to 13 billion barrels of oil in a belt stretching from Lagos and Edo to Ogun and Ondo States. He indicated that each of these minerals is worth billions of dollars in revenue annually and hundreds of thousands of jobs. The director said that the incoming government would work hard to ensure that these licenses are not just lying idle but are put to use for employment generation and other economic benefits for which they were issued. He maintained that the country is

Sada

also endowed with large deposits of a Limestone, Kaolin and Gypsum that L can be processed to meet the cement c rrequirement of the African continent ffor the next two decades. Specifically, Acholonu indicated that there are large A deposits of talc spread across the cound ttry that have the potential to earn about $$3 billion annually. Acholonu has it that the enabling law and fiscal regime are excellent, on paper a but challenge is to translate policy, legb islation, regulation and intentions into the right attitude and practice, charging the incoming administration to ensure strict enforcement for the needed revival of the sector. Also, a lawyer and social commentator, Barrister Salhu Adamu noted that Federal Government should not only license private sector participants but also provide more accurate geological information about the country’s mineral resources. According to Adamu, while the effort of the Ministry through its Geological Survey Agency to invest more in this area is commendable, private companies must be regulated and made to comply with the best environmental standards. He said the mistakes of the oil industry must not be allowed to reoccur in the solid minerals sector, stressing that the recent death of over 100 people in Zamfara from lead poisoning arising from unregulated artisanal mining is unfortunate and must be prevented in future. The National Coordinator, Peoples’ Rights Watch, Mr. James Nwabueze, said the incoming government should consider the strengthening of the Mining Cadastre Office and its freedom from ministerial and political interference, stressing that such move will give confidence to investors. Nwabueze advocated the recognition that small scale, artisanal (and often unlicensed, illegal) miners, especially as they account for about 90 percent of the nation’s output. He also made a strong case for the establishment of the Solid Minerals Development Fund in order to make more funds available for investment in solid minerals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Global oil demand to rise by 1.18 bpd in 2015

Energy Week

STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

he global oil demand is projected to rise at a slightly higher 1.18 mb/d, compared to growth of 0.96 mb/d in the previous year. The latest report of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC maintained that the slight upward revision to the 2015 growth figure mainly reflects expectations of uptick in oil requirements in America, just as it also indicated that projected increase would be based on expected increase in socio-economic acidities during the period under review. In addition, it puts non-OPEC oil supply growth in 2015 is expected to grow by 0.68 mb/d, compared to an increase of 2.17 mb/d in the previous year. The report showed that it that in April, OPEC crude oil production increased by a marginal 18 tb/d to average 30.84 mb/d, according to secondary sources. “Strong gasoline demand ahead of the US driving season lent support to crack spreads at the top of the barrel; however, middle distillates were pressured by higher refinery runs in the US Gulf Coast amid increasing inflows from Europe.” “In Asia, margins fell due to weakening market fundamentals across the barrel, as increasing supplies outweighed strong regional demand. Dirty vessel spot freight rates dropped m-o-m as a result of limited tonnage demand mainly in the Suezmax and Aframax markets, while VLCC rates rose 17per cent compared to the previous month,” it disclosed. The report maintained that both OPEC and global spot fixtures declined by 4.2per cent and 2.9per cent, respectively, on the back of lower fixtures for eastern and western des-

Oil vessel

tinations. It indicated that In April, OPEC spot fixtures averaged 11.13 mb/d and OPEC sailings averaged 23.35 mb/d. “OECD commercial oil stocks rose by 16.0 mb in March to stand at 2,745 mb. At this level, inventories were 98 mb higher than the fiveyear average. Crude saw a surplus of 99 mb, while product stocks remained almost in line with the five-year average. In terms of days of forward cover, OECD commercial stocks stood at 61.0 days, 2.8 days higher than the fiveyear average.” “Demand for OPEC crude in 2015 is expected at 29.3 mb/d. This follows a slight upward adjustment from the previous month and represents a gain of 0.3 mb/d over the estimate for 2014 of 29.0 mb/d. Recent data from various economies has shown that 1Q15 did not turn out to be as promising as initially

forecast,” it added. It stated further that some projections had been revised down, leading to adjustments to the short-term outlook for countries that had been expected to contribute to the improvement in overall global growth. The report noted that in the OECD countries, the US – as in the previous year – has seen unexpectedly lower growth in the first quarter, which is now seen growing by only 0.2% in the quarter. It maintained that if the latest information regarding the increase in trade deficit – released after the 1Q15 GDP growth – is taken into consideration, growth in the first quarter is likely to be revised even lower. A closer look at the details showed that the key factors behind lower 1Q15 growth were cold weather, the West Coast port strike, and the strong appreciation of the US dollar.

a day (boe/d) was stolen from the SPDC JV network in 2014, with an additional 110,000 boe/d of production deferred due to illegal interference with pipelines and other illegal activities such as theft of well head equipment.” “A key priority for Shell globally is to achieve the goal of no spills. Regrettably, in addition to spills caused by criminal activity there were 37 operational spills of more than 100kg in volume from the SPDC JV network during 2014, compared to 30 in 2013,” it disclosed in its report. The company maintained that the volume of oil spilled in operational incidents was reduced to 0.3 thousand tonnes in 2014, from 0.4 thousand tonnes in 2013. It maintained that to reduce the number of operational spills, the SPDC JV is focused on implementing a work programme to appraise, maintain and replace key sections of pipeline.

The company has it that the SPDC JV pipeline network is covered by surveillance contracts to ensure that spills are discovered and responded to as quickly as possible. It maintained that there are also regular overflights to detect new theft points. In 2014, the SPDC JV signed a series of agreements with communities in Ogoniland – which has seen some of the highest rates of theft in recent years – using the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model through which the majority of SPDC JV social investment projects have been delivered since 2006. “Under these Ogoni GMoUs the JV provides funding to support unarmed community patrols which report pipeline incursions and suspicious activity directly to the security forces. SPDC meanwhile works with communities and civil society across the Niger Delta to build greater trust

Shell re-opens Bonny Light export pipeline

hell has reopened the Trans Nigeria pipeline that feeds Bonny Light crude oil to the export terminal, a spokeswoman said on Monday. Reuters indicated that the pipeline, which has the capacity to carry 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was closed on May 12 following a leak caused by attempted theft. The agency maintained that there were four to six days of delays on the pipeline, traders said, which could cause some June-loading cargoes to be deferred to July. Shell maintained that crude oil theft, sabotage and illegal refining are the main sources of pollution in the Niger Delta today and were the cause of 75per cent of spill incidents from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Joint Venture (SPDC JV) pipelines in 2014. “An average of 37,000 barrels of oil equivalent

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

59.79

+0.10

+0.17%

15:43:09

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

66.44

-0.37

-0.55%

15:41:26

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

49,300.00

-160.00

-0.32%

14:59:59

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

3.02

0.00

0.00%

15:41:28

Source: Bloomberg as at May 19, 2015

in spill response and clean-up processes.” “Representatives of the principal NGO coalition in the Niger Delta, National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta (NACGOND), are invited to join all joint investigation visits (JIVs), by which the cause and extent of oil spills is assessed. SPDC is the only oil and gas company operating in Nigeria to publish its spills data online,” shell added. The company disclosed that when a leak is identified production is suspended and efforts made to contain any spilt oil. It indicated that in line with government regulations, a JIV team visits the spill site to establish the cause and volume of oil spilt. “The team is led by the operating company and includes representatives of the regulatory bodies, police, the state government and impacted communities. The SPDC JV cleans and remediates the area impacted by spills from its facilities, irrespective of cause. In the case of operational spills it also pays compensation, as stipulated by Nigerian law. Once cleanup and remediation are completed, the work is inspected, approved and certified by regulators.”

Energy Week

FMC Technologies, UNIPORT partner engineers’ devt

MC Technologies, Inc and University of Port Harcourt have initiated plans to boost the development of subsea engineers in the nation. The collaboration would culminate in the establishment of the first Master of Science degree in Subsea Engineering offered in Nigeria. Program curriculum will be developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure students are prepared for work in the offshore oil and gas industry. The University will be accepting enrollment applications for this new program starting in 2015. “FMC Technologies is dedicated to developing its Nigerian workforce so that an ever-increasing number of technical, leadership and management roles in Nigeria can be performed by Nigerians,” said Michael Hunt, Country Manager, FMC Technologies. “This collaboration represents a major milestone in furthering the development of a highly skilled Nigerian workforce. These students will play a key role in the future of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ajienka, expressed his gratitude and described the event as a major milestone, not only for the University of Port Harcourt, but also for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. “We are very pleased to cooperate with FMC Technologies in this effort. Given the facilities and experience of FMC Technologies, we are confident that a Master of Science degree in Subsea Engineering will add tremendous value to our services,” he added. Upon graduation, program participants will have expanded opportunities to work in the energy industry, including potential employment with FMC Technologies in Nigeria. FMC Technologies has been contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry for more than 16 years and currently employs approximately 250 personnel in country. More than 2000 jobs have been created, including its employees and supply chain. Nigerian employees have received more than 70,000 training hours since 2012 to expand their skills and increase the number of job functions that can be executed in Nigeria by locals. In addition, FMC Technologies is currently providing over 80per cent of subsea production systems in country. FMC Technologies traces its roots to 1884 when inventor John Bean developed a new type of spray pump to combat San Jose scale in California’s orchards.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Seplat to produce 300mscf gas by 2015 UDEME AKPAN

eplat Petroleum Development Company is set to produce about 300m standard cubic feet of gas by the end of 2015. In a statement made available to National Mirror, the company maintained that gas production rose from an average of 90MMscf/d to a current level of around 200 MMscf/d with a target of 300 MMscfd by the end of 2015, adding that the increase had been driven by an over $300 million investment in gas development over the tax holiday period. It disclosed that oil production has grown from a daily average of 14,000 barrels in 2010 to the current daily rate of over 70,000 barrels. The statement added that its royalty payments have gone up from an average of $40 million per annum in 2010 to US$147 million in 2014”.

The Company stated further that it had continued to fund the NPDC/SEPLAT Joint Venture to drive these outstanding growths in oil and gas production despite being owed substantial sums in unpaid cash-calls from NPDC. Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has responded to recent press coverage suggesting that the Company benefitted from improper tax waivers in relation to its grant of pioneer tax incentive by the government of Nigeria. The company declares it followed the prescribed process to apply and the incentive has helped in quintupling oil production, creating over 300 new jobs and in funding a robust community development. “SEPLAT, in 2013, applied for pioneer status incentive through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, NIPC as the government body responsible for investment promotion.

The Company followed the prescribed process for application and provided all the information and documentation required in support of the application”, according to a statement signed by Austin Avuru, Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer. Seplat, according to the statement, was one out of fifteen oil and gas companies that were granted the pioneer tax incentive. “SEPLAT believes that it is an excellent example of the whole purpose of establishing the pioneer incentive scheme”, Avuru explained. “The Company has fully reinvested the tax savings from the grant and has delivered verifiable results thereto. SEPLAT is now a key supplier of gas to the domestic market which is the direct outcome of the pioneer incentive granted to SEPLAT and aims to continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the

Austin Avuru

Nigerian economy.” Avuru noted that the grant of pioneer status has made it possible for Seplat to boost oil and gas production, provide employment opportunities, impact on their communities and help grow the Nigerian economy.

Petrobras gross $ 5.3bn in first quarter

etrobras posted a net income of R$ 5.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, earnings that fell short by 1per cent compared to its income in the corresponding period of last year. It attributed the shortfall to increase in the company’s net financial expense, especially due to the higher depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. Operating income totaled R$ 13.3 billion, 76per cent up on Q1, 2014, chiefly due to the expansion in oil and gas production, higher margins from

Oil rig

the sale of oil products and lower expenses with the government take and imports. In addition, the first quarter 2014 result was impacted by the provisioning for the Program to Encourage Voluntary Severance (PIDV) (R$ 2.4 billion), which did not occur in 2015. First-quarter adjusted EBITDA amounted to R$ 21.5 billion, 50per cent up year-on-year, fueled by the increase in diesel and gasoline prices in 2014, as well as the higher operating income

mentioned above. Investments totaled R$ 17.8 billion, 13per cent less than in 1Q14, mostly allocated to the Exploration and Production segment in Brazil, which absorbed 79per cent of the funds, mainly allocated to projects to increase capacity. Petrobras ended the quarter with a cash position of R$ 68.2 billion. Petrobras’ oil and natural gas output in Brazil and abroad grew by 11per cent over 1Q14, averaging 2 million 803 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed). In April, the company reached record monthly oil production in the pre-salt area, of 715 thousand barrels per day. In 1Q15, the company launched the operation of the anticipated production system in the Búzios filed (Santos Basin); in P-61, in the Papa-Terra filed (Campos Basin); and in the Hadrian South field, in ultra-deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico (USA). In Refining, oil product output totaled 2 million 119 thousand bpd, 8% down on the same period in 2014. The lower domestic production reflects the scheduled

stoppage of the Landulpho Alves Refinery (RLAM), in Bahia, partially offset by the contribution from RNEST’s output. The company maintained that, “We have upwards of 135 production platforms, 15 refineries, 31,000 kilometers of pipelines and more than 8,000 service stations. Our proved reserves are around 16 billion barrels of oil. We have built a track record of overcoming challenges since 1953, when the company was created.” It indicated that, “The main one was developing technology to explore and produce oil in deep and ultra-deep waters, where upwards of 90per cent of our reserves are nestled. Petrobras’ Research Center is the biggest in Latin America, and is in constant growth.” “We undertake our activities with socio-environmental responsibility, and that is why we are among the world’s most sustainable corporations. We have been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2006, with the spotlight on the ongoing improvement of the corporate governance practices and on the adoption of international transparency standards,” it added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Abuja, Kogi to benefit from Dangote plant’s surplus power CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), in collaboration with the Kogi State government, is exploring the possibility of accessing the excess power being generated by the Dangote Group at its Obajana cement plant in Kogi State. The Group is said to be currently generating electricity in excess of the requirements for its cement production plant located in Obajana area of the Confluence state. According to the spokesman of AEDC, Ahmed Shekarua, at a meeting held in Abuja mid last week, the AEDC management and the Kogi government resolved to work together towards getting the Dangote Group to sell off the excess energy to the Disco, in order to help boost power supply to various parts of the state. Both the AEDC and the Kogi government were hopeful that such surplus energy, once accessed from the Dangote Group, will help significantly

to enhance electricity supply in various parts of Kogi State. Croucher used the opportunity of the meeting to reassure the government and people of Kogi State that the AEDC does not bill its unmetered customers arbitrarily. While revealing his company’s plans to roll out its mass metering project for its customers in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the AEDC boss urged those who cannot wait for the company’s metering plan to take advantage of a scheme put in place by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) called CAPMI. The CAPMI-Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation-is intended to speed up the metering project nationwide by allowing customers to advance money to the Discos to meter their premises, while the latter reimburse such customers in various installments. Earlier in his remarks, Jegede extended Governor Idris Wada’s appreciation to the management of AEDC for delegating a high-powered team led by

Transformer

an executive director, to an earlier meeting held with representatives of the state government in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. At the meeting held in Lokoja, various issues of mutual interest between the state government and the company were discussed, with a resolve to review progress made in implementing resolutions passed at that forum after one month. Those that attended the meeting include, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Neil Croucher, while the Secretary

to the Kogi State Government, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede led the state government’s delegation. Others at the meeting include Engr. Abimbola Odubiyi, Executive Director, Regulatory and Stakeholders Affairs, AEDC; the company’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Andrew Atterbury, and its Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Joe Chiyassa, while Prof. Jegede was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State governor on Power, Dr. Paul Attah.

North East 1 prospect on the Uquo field, containing 15 MMboe gross contingent resources (“2C”) within the licence block, with additional upside as well as secured substantial acreage in the Anambra basin region in OPLs 905, 907 and 917 with significant gas resources in close proximity to an underdeveloped gas market opportunity. “The gross oil production from OMLs 4, 38 & 41 averaged 61,200 barrels of oil per day bpd in the fourth quarter, resulting in full year average gross production of 52,500 bpd,” it maintained. It has it that 1.7 million barrels of oil were lifted during the fourth quarter, bringing total oil liftings for 2014 to 3.7 million barrels per day. The company stated that Total gas deliveries averaged 22 million standard cubic feet per day in the fourth quarter, resulting in full year average gas deliveries of 23 million barrels per day. It maintained that the company commenced gas supply to the Unicem cement factory utilising our own gas production in November from the Uquo marginal field. “Calabar NIPP commenced precommissioning of the gas pipeline to the Calabar NIPP power station

from our East Horizon gas pipeline, with the 21km 24 inch pipeline pressurised to 30 bar; Uquo wells 7 & 8, located in the Uquo marginal field, within OML 13, were successfully completed in October 2014,” it maintained. It has it that during the first quarter 2015, these wells are fulfilling combined gas deliveries of up to 85 MMcfpd, with expected combined production from the two wells to be greater than 140 MMcfpd. The company maintained that Accugas Limited, Seven Energy’s gas marketing and Distribution Company, entered into two new gas sales agreements with Alaoji Generation Company Limited and Notore Chemical Industries PLC in January 2015. Seven Energy’s FUN Manifold project secured approval to introduce hydrocarbons into ExxonMobil’s Qua Iboe terminal in February 2015, allowing oil sales from the Stubb Creek and Uquo marginal fields to commence. It stated that successful drilling of the North-East 1 prospect, located in the Uquo marginal field, in February 2015, encountering oil and gas deposits.

Seven Energy to produce 200 mscfpd

even Energy, a major operator in the nation’s oil and gas industry has concluded plans to produce 200 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The company has commissioned Train 2 of the Uquo gas processing facility and completed the Uquo-7 and Uquo-8 wells to increase production and processing capacity to 200 MMcfpd; “Completed connection into the Nigerian Gas Company (“NGC”) owned gas pipeline at Ikot Abasi, expanding the reach of our distribution network westwards into the Port Harcourt area and providing

Oil workers

an additional distribution route to Calabar in the east.” “Completion of tie-in to ExxonMobil’s Qua Iboe terminal (“QIT”), allowing first oil production from the Uquo and Stubb Creek oil fields in Q1 2015; increased gas off-takers from two to five, with gas now being delivered to four of them: Ibom Power, Calabar NIPP, Notore Chemical Industries and United Cement Company (“Unicem”). Deliveries to Alaoji NIPP expected imminently,” it maintained. The company indicated that it has successfully drilled the

NDPHC Oke-Aro 330/132/33kv station to boost Lagos, Ogun power transmission

agos and Ogun States are set to witness an improvement in electricity transmission following the completion and commissioning of the Oke-Aro 330/132/33kV power transmission infrastructure. The Vice President, Engr. Namadi Sambo who commissioned the project over the weekend said the project will decongest over-loaded Egbin power lines and Ikeja West to ease power transmission to Lagos and Ogun States. He said that the Oke-Aro project is one in the series of power projects completed by Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC under National Independent Power Project, NIPP’s, aimed at boosting economic and industrial development of the nation. Sambo who was represented by the Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo maintained that Lagos alone account for over 40 per cent of all power consumed in Nigeria due to its commercial nature. “Prior to the advent of Oke Aro substation, there were only three 330/132/33kV substations in Lagos. One of these three, is Ikeja West 330/132/33kV Substation which was the major marshaling point for all power plant that flows its generation into Lagos. This development had thrown the State into a state of great congestion with limited space for safe expansion of capacity for increased flows into Lagos and environs.” “All the 330kV power lines from the Benin and Oshogbo 330kV hubs of the national grid – which were also serving as evacuation lines for NIPP new power plants at Omotosho as well as Olorunsogo, terminated there. Even 330kV evacuation lines for older major power plants such as Egbin in Lagos also terminated at Ikeja West,” he said. He said, “It was evidently clear therefore that appropriate engineered relief substations that could provide substantial decongestion for Ikeja West in particular as well as the other two older 330kV substations in Lagos located at Akangba and Aja respectively was necessary. Sambo noted that, “Oke Aro substation was therefore conceived with this need in mind and eventually sited in this community which lies between the border of Lagos and Ogun states to interface between Egbin Power plant and the Ikeja West substation.” He said Oke Aro 330/132/33kV substation, one of NIPP’s several interventions within Lagos and Ogun states in this regard was equipped with large capacity 2 numbers 300MVA 330/132kV transformers, making the station the first of its kind in the grid with a total transformation capacity of 600MVA at the 330kV level. A 75MVAR 330kV shunt reactor was also installed for effective grid voltage control.

Energy Week

NDDC provides free healthcare services to communities

any oil-producing communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local government Area of Rivers State have benefited from the seven-day free medical programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in conjunction with Global Hands Medical Foundation. The free medical services took place at the Maternity and Child health centre in Ogbe Ukwu, Ndoni. The Chief Medical Director for the programme, Dr. Titus Antai, said he was very impressed by the massive turn-out of the people to take advantage of the free health care, with over 500 patients in attendance within the first two days of the one one-week programme. “We have performed many major surgeries for fibroid, ovarian cyst, hernia, as well as caesarean sections. We have also performed cataract extraction for some patients with impaired vision,” he said. Antai highlighted the benefits of the NDDC free medical programme, noting that it was very useful for the poor and less privileged people. He said that many people in the rural areas find it difficult to access medical services on account of poverty, citing the case of two women whose delivery were delayed because they could not raise the money for a caesarian section in a private clinic. He said: “The people complain that medical services in their communities are very expensive because they are seen as coming from oil-producing areas. The private clinics here are very expensive for the people. So, without the free health programme of the NDDC, most of them are more or less helpless.” Elder Ita Onukak, the Vice Chairman of Global Hands Medical Foundation, said that he was pleased that the people of Ndoni and the neighbouring communities came in large numbers for the free health mission. “I am very happy with the set up and the people have testified that they were well treated by the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel,” he said. One of those who benefitted from the free health programme, Mrs. Chigozie Isaac, was delivered of twins, a boy and a girl. Although the boy died at birth, the Ndoni woman was still full of praises to God and the NDDC for the surviving girl. The popular Free Health Care Medical Programme, which covers different communities in the Niger Delta region, is part of NDDC’s commitment to enhance better healthcare delivery to the people. Also, the immunization of children against Hepatitis B infection and typhoid has commenced in primary schools across the 15 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Electricity generation rises to 3,381.47mw

lectricity supply has increased from 2,853.68 mw to 3,381.47mw showing increase of 527.79mw. The current generation remains over 6,000mw below the nation’s 10,000 estimated national demand. The Presidential Task Force on Power which confirmed the generation level indicated that 3,312.19 mw was made available for consumption while the balance was preserved to stabilise the system. Investigations showed that power generation had been largely hampered by inadequate gas supply to the power plants. Consequently, many households and companies have resorted to independent power generation at higher costs which have in most cases been passed to final consumers. In other words, the costs of basic items have witnessed a significant increase in recent times as producers move to recover costs and make profit. The development was not expected as the Minister of Power; Professor Chinedu Nebo had said that the commissioning of Egbin and Olorunsogo was targeted at boosting supply in the nation. “Power generation in the country today has improved tremendously with NIPP power stations playing an increasingly significant role in the adding to the generation mix to Nigerians. Actual generation capacity

consistently hovers around 5000mw with NIPP contribution rising daily as more units are synchronised into the grid system,” he said. The Minister said that NIPP contribution to the national grid stands at about 2,500mw on regular basis as efforts are being made by privatised generation companies to revamp their generation units, increase available generation capacity with a view to achieving a more robust power generation profile for the country. He said the ability to wheel this power from the generation stations to the distribution companies rests with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, which has been strengthened by the private sector participation of the Canadian Manitoba Hydro International, as the management contractor. Nebo said TCN has been delivering on the twin mandate of upgrading the existing transmission infrastructure and embarking on new transmission projects, thereby expanding capacity nationwide. “The handover of the privatised generation and distribution assets to the new owners is another pointer to the commitment of your administration to the growth of the power sector. The wisdom in the dogged determination of His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to go through with the privatisation of the genera-

Power plant

tion and distribution assets is now beginning to yield results to the benefit of the Nigerian electricity consumer. Ughelli Power Plant, which before handover to new owners, was barely able to generate 160mw, is now capable of generating 610mw, with a target of 850mw by end of 2015,” he said. Nebo said the new owners of Egbin have recorded a major feat by bringing the plant back to its original installed 1,320mw capacity. The Minister who noted that similar successes are being recorded by other IPPs such as Ughelli Power Plant, where the capacity now stands at 610mw, up from 160mw at handover, with a target of 850mw at end of 2015 said the hydro power stations are also hard at work to revamp capacity at Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro. He said the achievement of these

and other milestones in the power sector have culminated in improvements in power generation and system stability. The Minister remarked that power generation has improved tremendously with actual generation/transmission capacity consistently hovering around 5,000mw, up from 2,800mw in 2011. He said Nigerians should expect steady improvement in power delivery, as Government beefs up the war against infrastructure vandalism through digital surveillance. He also spoke on steps taken so far, to diversify energy sources, by adding coal and solar to the mix, while embarking on large hydro plant projects that had been in the pipeline for decades before the Jonathan administration.

troleum. On Wednesday, the Lagos state government, in its bid to address the traffic gridlock in Apapa and other parts of the state, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to truck owners and drivers. In the ultimatum, it mandated the truck owners/driver to remove their trucks out of Lagos until the availability of petroleum products is restored in the tank farms situated in Apapa and its adjoining areas. Reacting to the order, the unions said, “The implication of the vacation order to the truck owners/drivers will have devastating effect on the nation’s economy. However, as law abiding organisations, we call on all our members (owners/drivers) to comply with the vacation order while the two organisations are working with government and other key stakeholders to ensure free flow of traffic within Lagos and its environs.”

They stated that for close to a month Nigeria had been hit by serious petroleum product shortages arising from the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and major oil marketers to ensure adequate supply of the product to the market. “As Nigerians, we regret that this situation still persists,” the unions said. NARTO and PTD, according to the statement, said, “We saw and heard from electronic media that NNPC pumped 1.2 billion litres of petrol into the market, only six depots out of the 54 loading depot facilities has petroleum in the Lagos area. “We therefore concede to Lagos State Government the right to take any action they deem fit to restore public order and ensure environmental safety. We are worried that even the loaded trucks cannot move out of Lagos due to traffic gridlock.”

Tanker drivers flaw Lagos order to vacate metropolis

he vacation order and ultimatum issued to truck owners/drivers by the Lagos State Government will have devastating effect on the Nigerian economy, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and its sister union, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, have said. According to the unions, the order may worsen the state of

Fuel tanker

fuel scarcity in various states across the country, as they stressed that they would abide by the order. The National President, NARTO, Mr. Kassim Bataiya, and his PTD counterpart, Mr. Salimon Oladiti, in a joint statement made available to our correspondent in Abuja, stated that only six depots out of the 54 loading depot facilities in Lagos had pe-

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Industry & SMEs

Again, SME operators decry constraints to improved productivity Despite sustained appeals by Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to government on the need for a more conducive business environment for the subsector to thrive, the challenges of the operators appear to have compounded in the past few months, particularly in the face of the current nationwide fuel scarcity and reluctance of banks to grant them loans. Despite these constraints, the operators are intensifying their drive towards optimal performance of the subsector. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

espite its role and potentials to improve the economic status of the country, performance of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, have fallen short of expectations due to low investments in infrastructure, government’s insensitivity to the clamour for low interest rate credit regime and elimination of other operational constraints that undermine their optimal productivity. This low-performance has not only elicited serious concerns among stakeholders, but has heightened the fear on whether SMEs are will actually attain its rightful status in the development of the nation’s economy as the practice is in other countries. Operators have complained several times that the reason for its underperformance was due to the facts that many of them were denied the growth facility benefits, while the environment also constrained them from expending their capacity. They further argued that the SMEs depended mainly on importation of finished products, disclosing that such attitude would continue to impact negatively on the nation’s economy. While they did not conceal the fact having serious challenges, measured by the rebased GDP, they also declared that the federal government has not done much to assist them to grow as a result of poor infrastructural facilities. They noted that their challenges were tied back to some economic variables as well as the prevailing problems that characterised the nation’s economy. At a forum recently, SME operators reiterated the need for the address some of the challenges including lack of finance, low industrial capacity, inconsistent government policies as well as inadequate infrastructure. Others include, lack of research and insecurity of business climate among other challenges. Issues of low level entrepreneurial skills, poor management practice, inadequate equity capital and lack of adequate information among others.

Garri processing machine

Aganga

FIIRO DG, Gloria Elemo

THEY WOULD RATHER GIVE LOANS TO THOSE WHO DEAL IN DISTRIBUTION, IMPORT AND EXPORT, KNOWING THAT WITHIN TWO TO THREE MONTHS, THEY WOULD HAVE RECOVERED THEIR MONEY Experts said reinvigorating SMEs with redirection to the manufacturing sector would be a turning-point in facilitating the recovery of the SMEs. The Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi ,FIIRO, Dr. Gloria Elemo said unavailability of affordable technology and machines for the SMEs operators is also one of major challenges facing the operators. She explained that most entrepreneurs in Nigeria do not have required funds to establish the manufacturing industries as they cannot access funds, hence, they venture into distribution of goods imported from other countries. Supporting FIIRO’s boss argument, the

General Manager, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Joseph Babatunde explained that the banking sector in the country has not been helping the SMEs, noting that none of the banks is ready to finance a long-term project. “They would rather give loans to those who deal in distribution, import and export, knowing that within two to three months, they would have recovered their money,” he said. Those entrepreneurs who want to venture into manufacturing sector, he said could only be attended to through venture capitals, which is only a financial support for risky enterprises. Babatunde also said such manufacturing enterprise may not be financed at initial stage of production, if such production lacks innovation due to high risk involved. “Financial institutions would only come in to support such entrepreneurs at commercial stage of the business, when such entrepreneurs would have validated their businesses,” he said. He further stated that for non-risky enterprises, there is need for innovation in productions, adding that financial institutions look for innovation in production before venturing into financing of such businesses. Apart from funds, The FIIRO boss also noted that Nigeria has deficiency in developing its technology. She said until the country embraces techno-enterprise, invest in research and development would be a serious challenge, emphasising more on the importance of training and retraining of the personnel. Elemo, who wants research institutes like FIIRO to be involved in the scheme for the provision of required equipment and machines, tasked government to partner with organised private sector ,OPS, in the training aspect, based on experience.

She further stated that despite the huge endowment in Nigeria, the SMEs have not assumed their rightful place in the nation’s economy, attributing it to industrial growth inhibitors. Equally speaking on the need for the manufacturing-entrepreneurship to develop the economy, the Director, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Willie Siyanbola said the country must shift from commercial entrepreneurship to production-driven ventures, if the country must develop economically. He said only manufacturing-enterprise can create enough jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. Siyanbola, who observed that the SMEs are more into distribution business than manufacturing, pointing out that the reason why SMEs sector has not developed is that they were neither encouraged nor exposed to manufacturingentrepreneurship. The Vice President of National Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurship, NASME, Prince Orimadegun Agboade said inconsistent government’s policies has greatly impacted on the manufacturing sector, just as he fingered high tax rate as another big challenge to the sector. He explained that while some entrepreneurs are still struggling to keep their manufacturing active, others have been forced out of production due to high tax rates as well as infrastructural challenges. Director General of National Centre for Technology Management, NACETEM, Prof. Okechukwu Ukwuoma said low performance of SMEs has further exacerbated poverty, hunger, unemployment and low standard of living of the people. He said the current problems of hunger poverty and unemployment have undermined the capacity of the economy as well as the small and medium scale enterprises. “Unfortunately, SMEs have not been able to propel economic growth and development, which are quintessence of mitigating the effect of poverty, hunger, unemployment, and low standard of living in the country. Ukwuoma said, if Nigeria is to achieve the millennium development goals by 2015, one of the sure ways is to enhance the capacity of its SMEs. According to him, the core issues identified by the millennium development goal such as hunger, poverty, literacy, maternal and mortality rate would not be achieved unless the problems of SMEs are clearly tacked. Meanwhile, Ukwuoma said in spite of these problems and challenges, the current economic reform process in Nigeria is aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment and strengthening of basic institutions and sub-sector of the economy. He therefore canvassed for the inclusion of tertiary institutions in the development of technologies useful for manufacturing various products within the country.

Cocktail

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Brain injury gives woman affinity Oddities for art, poetry, math

former Colorado rancher who lost all memories of her life with a 2009 traumatic brain injury said her new interests include art, poetry and high-level math. Leigh Erceg, 47, said she has no memory of her life as a ranch worker in Maybell, Colo., before falling into a ravine in 2009. “I don’t know what type of fall it was but it must have been pretty dramatic,” Erceg told ABC News. “I just remember them saying ‘Leigh, keep breathing.’ I remember it was a sheriff, and

he said, ‘Leigh keep breathing.’ There isn’t pictures, there is just words, ‘Leigh keep breathing.’” She said her memories left her completely when she suffered seizures following her accident. Erceg said she lost her ability to feel emotion, a condition doctors call “flat effect,” and she also discovered an affinity for art, poetry and high-level math, which lifelong friends said was out of character for the former NASCAR fan with a degree in physical education.

Lion feels grass for the first time after 13 years in a cage

he Ranchos dos Gnomos sanctuary said Will the lion was kept in a cage for 13 years before coming to the sanctuary, where he felt grass for the first time. A Brazilian animal sanctuary shared video of a lion’s first joyful encounter with grass after spending 13 years in a circus cage. The Ranchos dos Gnomos sanctuary in Sao Paulo said the lion was kept in a cramped cage by a circus

for 13 years before coming to the sanctuary, where keepers filmed the big cat’s apparent joy at feeling green grass for the first time. The sanctuary said the lion, named Will, came to the sanctuary in 2006 and passed away in 2011, but they decided to share the video this month to raise awareness of their work and help raise funds for a plan to relocate the sanctuary from Sao Paulo to a more rural area.

Man rescued after four days trapped in Nashville storm drain

irefighters in Nashville broke through a cement pipe to free a man who spent four days trapped in a storm drain. Brian Williams said he was with his family Sunday at the Centennial Sportsplex when they heard a voice calling for help from a storm drain about 12:30 p.m. “We used our flashlights from our cellphones and we could see him, but he was back in the pipeline a good ways, probably about 10 feet,” Williams told WKRNTV. Firefighters dug into the ground and broke through a concrete pipe to free the man in a rescue operating lasting nearly an hour. “He said, ‘Praise God. Thank you. I have been down here forever.’ And he was just very happy at that point,” Williams said. Nashville Fire Department officials said the man spent about four days

trapped in the storm drain near the Sportsplex’s tennis courts. They said he apparently climbed into the drain on a nearby street Thursday for unknown reasons and became trapped due to a bend in the narrow drain pipe.

Firefighters said the man suffered cuts to his body and was dehydrated. He was taken to TriStar Centennial Medical Centre for evaluation and treatment. “If we had some rain, you

know obviously he was in a storm drain, so it could have ended very badly for him. I think he had a guardian angel overlooking him and he was able to get out of there alive,” Williams said.

The Nashville Fire Department said the rescue at the Centennial Sportsplex involved breaking through a concrete pipe.

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Civil Service 41

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Experts task Buhari on technology REGINA OTOKPA

cientists under the auspices of Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS) and Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) have tasked the presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to establish a national science council (NSC) to develop the science, technology sector. Speaking during the just concluded national science summit in Abuja, the president of the academy, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, maintained that establish-

ment of the council would do well for the growth and organised coordination of science and technology activities across the country. According to him, the establishment of the council would not clash with activities of institutes under the science and technology ministry but rather, coordinate and foster cooperation between the ministry and sister ministries, to harness a complementary work force. The president of the academy also implored Buhari to revisit recom-

mendations of the National Conference and implement some of its decisions which he noted were complementary to national development, as it affects the development of science and technology. He said: “I was a member of the National Conference, although I don’t agree with a few of things we did, but there are certain issues that should be considered; I hope they will be revisited, take out the good ones and implement them. “The issue of science and technology was very

well dealt with. The focus of our science and technology is the life of the people, everyday life, that is how to use science and technology not only for the economy but the basic living of the people,” he added. Tomori further added that “part of the suggestion that was made, because there are different types of funding, TETFUND, is not coordinated, we need to coordinate these funds and spend the money well as scientists. Then we can advise the government that if the

little amount invested in the sector is well utilized it will directly impact on the people and change our economy.” He advised that the council which would be spear headed by the president or a well-grounded scientist would be in charge of coordinating the gap between science institutions scattered across the nation for rapid development. “There is also need to coordinate science related institutes unlike what is currently obtainable where various science-

related organizations are scattered in various ministries. Someone needs to coordinate them. “Countries that are well advanced in science have what is called the national science council where the president or a wellgrounded scientist as the chairman coordinates all the activities of science in the country, which include all the funding, research and industries and is able to give the government a clear direction on science and technology development,” the seasoned scientist added.

Sultan of Sokoto charges FRSC on road safety campaigns CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

L-R: North–East Zonal Director, National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Alhaji Abdullahi Bindawa; Gombe Head of Operation, NEMA, Ahmed Minin and Chairman, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Muhammed Inuwa, during NEMA Workshop on Pre-Flood Campaign Towards Early Warning and Early Action in Bauchi.

House of Representatives to merge committees WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

oves by the management of the House of Representatives to merge the committees and reduce it from 92 to 50 is sending jitters into the spines of some committees clerks especially those that are not competent. Committees’ clerks are the civil servant in charge of day to day running of committees activities which happen to be one the process of law making in the legislative arm of government. Following the complaints of some committees’ clerks that the House of Representatives management is poorly funding the committee activities unlike what is obtainable

in the senate. In the House, the committee activities is at its lowest ebb due to poor funding for instance it was reliably gathered that the senate committees are given N4 million per quarter to running the committee but in the House, committees are given N750,000 per quarter to the committee. Many of the committee clerks found it pretty difficult to work with this meagre amount and this was evident in the report submitted by some of the committees. For a period of four years, some of the committees meant once a year, meaning that the committee met four times in four years. It was difficult for some of the committees saddled with the responsibility of conducting public hearings to submit report because

there was no money to organise such public hearings. Some the committees that tries to come up with something were able to tax the ministry and parastatals and agency they were to investigate. So without the help coming from the executive nothing could be done by the House committee in terms of collating views that would shape the kind of legislation they would come up with. The management of the House and the leadership of the House are proposing the merger of some of the committees with the sole aim of reducing the committees from the 92 to 50 committees. The argument is that the committees are too many especially with the meagre amount coming to the House. That if those com-

mittees are merged to together, it would reduce the number of committee and invariably there would be enough money to fund the committees. One of the management staff allay the fear that civil servants may lose their jobs because of this decision, nobody is going to lose his or her job it is for administrative convince and nothing more. Civil servants are not pleased with this decision because if there is a merger, there is possibility that some of the clerks would be rendered jobless and the little they are getting from the committee would be stopped. It was reliably gathered that machinery is being put in a motion to work out modalities on how to go about the merger without affecting the legislative process.

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar111 has charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to sustain its current campaigns against road carnage in the country, stressing that road safety is a collective responsibility. The Sultan gave the charge over the weekend while receiving the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi in his Palace. According to him, part of the challenges facing the campaigns against road carnage in the country, is how to mete out appropriate punishment to those that violate traffic rules, pointing out that this has created room for people to commit traffic offences without suffering appropriate punishment. Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar further emphasised that no society can function properly without the people obeying law, adding however that for people to obey the law, there must be appropriate sanctions to be strictly imposed on the violators to serve as deterrence to others. “We must obey all our laws, including the traffic laws,” he stated. “Offenders of traffic offences must be apprehended, tried and punished. Nobody should be above the law of the land,” he added. On the use of crash helmet by motorcycle riders and passengers, the Sul-

tan reiterated his earlier admonitions that motorcyclists must be made to appreciate the safety benefits of using crash helmet while ridding, to protect them against head injuries in the event of a crash. He dismissed the cultural augment held by some people that the prevalent use of turban in the North is a hindrance to use of crash helmet, insisting that life is too precious to be taken for granted. He therefore called for more aggressive public enlightenment through the community leaders to create adequate awareness on the safety benefits of the crash helmet to both the rider and the passenger to avoid death and injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes. “There should be away of properly educating members of the communities of the benefits of using crash helmet through their leaders,” he stated. “The problem with our society is that people don’t want to obey law, but it is our duty to obey the laws. Even if it means creating a special mobile courts to try traffic offenders, you should do it, because precious lives are being unnecessarily wasted to road crashes,” he further stated. Speaking on the menace of speed-induced crashes, Sultan Sa’ad warned motorists to desist from speed violation, pointing out that every driver must learn to adhere strictly to the speed limit regulations.

Civil Service

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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FG cautions media over stigmatisation of IDPs JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

L-R: Programme Director, New Horizons Aid Development Initiative, Ebi Owoubiri; Prevention Focal Person, HIV/AIDS Programme, SURE-P, Dr. Uduak Essen and Executive Director, Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Francis Magaji, during the National Agency for the Control of AIDS/SURE-P free medical outreach in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

ederal government has warned Civil Society Organizations CSO’s as well as Nigerian media to guard against exposing victims of domestic terrorism to stigmatization by showing pictures of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to the public. FG, through Director General of National Orientation Agency NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, in a statement issued recently, noted the caution had become necessary following the result of a recent appraisal by the Intelligence Community Committee (ICC) of reports on the status of women and children rescued from the terrorist

camps in Sambisa forest. According to him, the appraisal proved that exposing the faces and the plights of these victims of terrorism could undermine the efforts being made by relevant government agencies to rehabilitate and eventually reintegrate the victims within their communities. “While we appreciate the efforts of the media and Civil Society Organizations to draw attention to the plights of these IDPs and raise public sympathy and support for them, there is need for utmost care to avoid exposing the full identities of victims of terror to the public as this is capable of subjecting them to stigmatization from members of the public; and that would be counter-productive”.

Minister lauds Nigeria’s health system FTAN tasks FG on tourism dev’t MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Minister of State for Health, Eng Fidelis Nwankwo, has said determination of Nigerian government to promoting public health is responsible for accolades it had garnered in recent time. Nwankwo stated this while addressing delegates at the 68th World Health Assembly currently holding in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a statement made available to National Mirror by Director of Information in the ministry, Mrs Ayo Adesugba. The Health Assembly is the supreme decisionmaking body of the World Health Organization WHO.

ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

irector General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Barrister Chris Onyemenam, has vowed to sack pregnant women with falsification of service records during recruitment exercise in the commission. Chris while giving clarification during a press conference recently in Abuja, of some pregnant staff who claimed they were not given maternity leave after delivery, said those affected staff hide their pregnancy during the recruitment exer-

The Minister, the statement said, used the opportunity to appreciate the WHO and its leadership for its work and especially for its handling of the various global health challenges. He observed that the efforts of the World Health Organization are in line with Nigeria’s own national goals and objectives. He informed the Assembly that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which was established in 2012 had been expanded and strengthened to provide infrastructure and capacity to respond to public health threats. He stressed in the statement that it was Nigeria’s expectation that the Centre could be further adapted to serve as one of the hubs

of the African Centres for Disease Control that would provide the requisite system that could respond to any threats to public health in the African region. “The Minister used the occasion to highlight some of Nigeria’s achievements in the health sector, recalling that although Nigeria was one of the countries that were affected by the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, it was however, the first country to be certified EVD free by the World Health Organization on October 20, 2014. “He maintained that the success the country recorded in containing the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak remains a remarkable feat, pointing out that political leadership, a command and control structure, multi-

sectoral engagement and support of development partners were all critical to Nigeria’s success. “He noted that Nigeria extended similar solidarity and support to its neighbours who were contending with the Ebola epidemic by sending over 250 volunteers to Liberia and Sierra Leone, which he observed, was the largest contingent of the African Union mission to help support Ebola containment efforts,” the released said. He however informed the assembly that though Nigeria had been certified Ebola free, “it is not resting on its oars but rather, it is maintaining up-most vigilance, has stepped up research into the disease and is implementing a Post Ebola Containment Plan.

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

ederation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN has urged the federal government to focus attention on developing the tourism sector as alternative revenue source in view of the drop in the price of crude oil in the international market. The President of the association, Mr Tomi Akingbogun made the call recently, in a chart with National mirror, he maintained that Nigeria should start paying greater attention to the tourism industry in anticipation of generating more revenue from there. Akingbogun noted that,

there was the need to step up investment in non-oil sector such as tourism, hospitality amongst other that will contribute to the country’s economy. “The Federal Government should invest more in tourism to create more employment and revenue generation opportunities,” he said. He added that, adjustment of naira could work in the interest of the tourism sector. “The adjustment of the naira will make visiting of Nigerian tourist sites more affordable to international tourists. Tourists can come to Nigeria and have greater value for their money; that will encourage other tourists to visit the country”.

We will sack pregnant women –NIMC cise and are expected to be given maternity leave rather they should be sacked. “Of course during the recruitment exercise women are required to disclose their status and in such a woman desperate to get the job did not disclose that she is pregnant and given the appointment is enough basis for sack because such falsification negate the integrity of NIMC” He said “Management has not behaved with impunity nor did it disobey any Court Orders. All due processes were followed and appropriate approvals

obtained as necessary by NIMC Management in the discharge of its duties,” he said. The DG explained that the reason why the commission delayed the sack of the 406 of its staff was because it decided thread on the line of caution. “It is not true that NIMC has planned to sack or retrench 1,000 workers. However 406 senior members of staff who falsified their service records and thus have been profiting from that fraud, have been formally reported to the appropriate offices for further action,”

he stated. On embezzlement of N30 billion, the NIMC said “again is misunderstanding of the facts that has been interpreted to suit the presenter’s purpose. In September 2011 government approved N30.066 billion from the procurement of cards and the accelerated expansion of the back end. And within budgetary constraints, we are very proud of the support we have received” He revealed that the said money was meant for a period of three years and the commission has already

received N17.2 billion out of the 30 billion, adding that N940 million was spent on the redundant staff sacked in 2012. The DG noted that, “management has ensured that all annual accounts of the NIMC are audited and approved by the Board before submission to the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation as required by law. It is also published on our website as part of an annual report on the NIMC for each year. The 2014 Accounts that has just been approved by the Board will be published shortly.”

“All due processes were followed and appropriate approvals obtained as necessary by NIMC Management in the discharge of its duties. Management has ensured that all Annual Accounts of the NIMC are audited and approved by the Board before submission to the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation as required by law. It is also published on our website as part of an annual report on the NIMC for each year. The 2014 Accounts that has just been approved by the Board will be published shortly.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE14

lawmaker on the platform of APC, born in 1973, will be representing Ikorodu federal constituency of Lagos State. Obasa Tajudeen Adekunle Born on August 29, 1970, Obasa is one of the newly elected members of the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP, representing Ojo federal constituency of Lagos State. Tasir Olawale Raji Raji is an elected member of the House of Representatives flying the APC banner. He is 59 years old.

Know your lawmakers: Lagos

Members of 8th Lagos state House of Assembly Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso Tejuoso is a member of the outgoing 7th Lagos State House of Assembly, serving a third term representing Mushin 1 state constituency. She holds the record of being the only woman to be elected member of the House for the fourth time consecutively. A lawyer and human rights activist, Tejuosho was first deputy Speaker of the House between 2007 and 2009. She was again elected Deputy Speaker in 2011. She was Deputy Chief Whip, LAHA, between 2003 and 2007 and also chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA. She sponsored the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill into Law (as a Private Member Bill) in the 5thAssembly and is klnown as an articulate and active lawmaker. She is currently the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and is a member of the House Committees on Economic Planning and Budget; Judiciary; Human Rights and Public Petitions and WAPA. Hon. Rotimi Lateef Abiru The Deputy Whip, LAHA, represents Somolu state constituency II and is a scion of late Justice Mubashiru Akanbi Olatunji Abiru, who was also a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 3rd Republic. He was re-elected in the last general elections. He became a member of LAHA in 2007 and will be returning for a third term and has contributed immensely to the House activities as well as provides dividends of democracy to his constituents.

Ogundimu

Abiru

Layode

Ademola

Jimoh

Oduntan

Agunbiade

Hon. Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh Hon Jimoh is returning to the House for a second term on the platform of the APC, representing Apapa state constituency 2. Hon Yinka Ogundimu Another re-elected member of LAHA on the platform of APC currently represents Agege state constituency 2. Hon. Olowo Rotimi Hon Rotimi represents Shomolu state constituency 1 on the platform of the APC , Somolu (Re-elected)

platform to LAHA represents Alimoso state constituency 2 and has been known to deliver to her constituents dividends of democracy. Hon David Setonji Hon Setonji is one of the newlyelected members of LAHA on the platform of APC, representing Badagry state constituency 2. The engineer-turned politician is a native of Ajara, Badagry, who has contributed immensely to major road constructions and rehabilitations work in Badagry and in Lagos.

Hon Olanrewaju Layode Another APC re-elected member of LAHA representing badagry state constituency 1. Hon. (Mrs) Omotayo Aramide Oduntan Hon Oduntan, re-elected on APC

Hon. Alimi Kazeem Ademola Born on the July 3, 1967, Hon Ademola is another APC member re-elected to represent Eti-Osa state constituency 1 for a second term, having come into the House in 2011.

Olowo

Setonji

Hon. Sanai Oyeniran Bolanle Agunbiade Born on October 25, 1964, Hon. Agunbiade, is a re-elected APC lawmaker, representing Ikorodu state constituency 1. He is a third term member of LAHA. Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi Hon Ogunyemi, born on February 22, 1963, was re-elected in April into LAHA for a second term to represent Ojo state constituency 2 on APC platform. According to him, the essence of his representation is â&#x20AC;&#x153;to robustly, qualitatively and intellectually raise the bar of legislation and representation in such a manner that will meaningfully impact on the overall yearnings and welfare of the people of Ojo constituency 2.â&#x20AC;?

Ogunyemi

Politics

ADO Abiodun EKITI

Nejo

ouse of Representatives member and Labour Party, LP, gubernatorial candidate in the June 21, 2014 elections in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday led LP members in Ekiti State to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Bamidele said they took the step in a bid to rescue APC from the brink of collapse, occasioned by the

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bamidele leads Ekiti LP to APC defeat it suffered in recent polls. Speaking at a press conference attended by the LP state chairman, Hon Akin Omole; LP’s Elder Forum; members of the State Working Committee, SWC; members of Ekiti Bibiire Coalition and teeming LP members at Iyin Ekiti, bamidele said that with their return to the APC, “we are

going to ensure unity, stability and work together with those already in the party to ensure new phase of APC in the state.” Bamidele, who promised to “ensure that the party will not remain the APC that was rejected at the poll”, urged all LP members in the state and Ekiti Bibiire Coalition to go to their wards and register as APC members.

Bamidele and his Ekiti Bibiire Coalition, who had defected from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, CAN, to LP following differences with former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2013, described the return to APC as “continuation of our journey”. He said: “Today, by the special leading of Almighty God and after due

consultation with my immediate family, friends, confidants and political associates within and outside Ekiti State, I, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, the lawmaker representing Ado/Irepodun-Ifelodun federal constituency, hereby wish to declare my intent to decamp to the APC as from today, Tuesday, May 19.” Bamidele who said he

believed in progressive politicking, said: “This was the more reason I felt comfortable to be part of the movement for the realisation of the Buhari/ Osinbajo project despite my membership of the LP then.” He praised APC national leaders, General Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief John OdigieOyegun, for their resolute belief in him despite his defection to LP.

NYPF chairman calls for peace over Abia guber petition Ebere Ndukwu

L-R: Olorogun Ogbarode Ogbo; Delta State APC gubernatorial candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, and President elect, Muhammadu Buhari , during Delta APC visit to the President elect in Abuja, recently.

CSOs to APC: Don’t interfere in election of NASS leadership Gloria Usman ABUJA

igeria Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, yesterday called on the All Progressives Congress, APC, not to interfere in the election of principal officers of the National Assembly. Speaking at a meeting of National Assembly Petition Committees in Abuja, the convener of the Civil Society Situation Room and Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, said that Nigerians need leaders with high level of integrity. Commending the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, for deciding not to interfere in the choosing of principal officers of the National Assembly, Nwankwo however, called on APC to follow suit by allowing members of the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly choose their leaders. Nwankwo called on the in-coming members of the National Assembly not to

go into an ally with the executive arm; rather they should know that they are to protect the interests and rights of citizens who voted them into power. Highlighting the duties of the Petition Committee, Nwakwo stated that it is the closest to the masses, even more than the courts, as it has the power to ex-

pediently hear and determine complaints against individuals or government agencies. He noted that the present committee received 85 petitions so far, out of which 55 had been dispensed off and 30 are still on the table for the incoming committee to attend to. He said: “Though some

members of this committee are not elected officers, they are staff of the National Assembly. This will enhance continuity in the job of the committee.” He also noted that several Nigerians are suffering injustice, but are not aware of the functions of the committee which can bring them succour.

Senate Presidency: Group adduces 10 reasons to back Akume George Oji ABUJA

etwork for Positive Change in Nigeria, NPCN, a non-governmental organization, has listed 10 reasons why the group believes that Senator George Akume should be given the opportunity to steer the leadership of the 8th Senate. NPCN, in a statement in Abuja yesterday and signed by its Executive Director and National Secretary, Barrister Morris Odeh and Olusegun Folorunso respectively, among other reasons said Akume has the

zeal, energy, educational qualification, competence, charisma and political sagacity for the job. It said as a former governor, Akume is not a green horn in executive and legislative relationship and the in-coming administration of Muhammadu Buhari will benefit immensely from those experiences. Besides, the group recalled that Akume has been tested in both majority and minority political waters in the past and he never betrayed in character, humility and ability. It observed that Akume “deployed his God’s given talents, energy and re-

sources to ensure total victory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the North-Central geo-political zone, which hitherto was an enclave of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the just concluded general elections, despite harassments and intimidation from powers that be.” This was also as the group said it hopes an Akume Senate Presidency will assuage the minority tribes of both Southern and Northern Nigeria, since the President-elect is of the majority tribe of Hausa/ Fulani while the Vice President-elect is of the Yoruba tribe.

hile the Election Petitions Tribunal tries to unravel what went or did not go wrong in the Abia State gubernatorial election, South-East chairman of Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, NYPF, a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Chima Anyaso, has called on the people of the state to remain calm pending the outcome of the suit. Anyaso stated this during an interaction with journalists in Lagos, advising Abians to trust the judicial process and be prepared to accept as their governor whoever at the end of the day emerges victorious. Dr Alex Otti, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate in the election is challenging the victory of Dr. Okezie

Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, claiming that he was the winner of the poll, which was concluded with a supplementary poll on April 25. Frowning at some irregularities recorded in the state during the polls, Anyaso said the legal tussle would have been avoided if there was a level playing ground during the poll, urging the people to see the suit as part of the electoral process and be ready to accept its outcome. He said: “Irrespective of political leaning, all of us from Abia State have to remain calm and believe in the judiciary. There is nothing to be afraid of in the matter as we believe that the judiciary will ensure justice at the end of the day. We also appeal to all parties in the matter to accept the outcome of the suit.”

Bayelsa PDP: In-fighting, wrong candidates, led to dismal failure Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Disciplinary Committee, set up to probe alleged anti-party activities of some political appointees and elected officers in the state, was yesterday told that in-fighting, wrong choice of candidates and mistrust were responsible for the party’s dismal performance in some parts of the state. Majority of those summoned to appear before the committee, headed by Hon. Cleaopas Moses, said sponsorship of opposition candidates against PDP candidates and refusal to work for the party during the last

elections, and unsettled crises among PDP members before, during and after the polls were responsible for the failure of the party in parts of the state. Former deputy to former Governor Timipre Sylva, Hon. Seibarugu, led a commissioner in the State House of Assembly Commission, Barr. Ikoko Philip Mark, Special Adviser to the Bayelsa governor on Local Government Matters, Hon. Robinson Utolor, PDP chairman in Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area, Beinor Concliff Feibar and Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Transport Matters and Logistics, Engr. Efeibor Ikemoye to the tribunal.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Buhari may succumb to Eurobond lure as yields plummet JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

rally that drove yields on Nigerian Eurobonds to sixmonth lows has created an opportunity for Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari to tap international markets soon after he is sworn in on May 29. Rates on Nigeria’s $500m of securities due July 2023 fell to 5.45 per cent this month, the lowest since November 4, Bloomberg reported. Yields have dropped by more than 300 basis points since reaching a record high of 7.83 per cent on February 11. Nigerian dollar debt has returned seven per cent this year, compared with the 2.8

per cent average for peers in Africa and the Middle East, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration mostly issued local-currency bonds, a budget deficit that’s widening as low oil prices starve Africa’s biggest crude producer of cash means new sources of funding may be needed. Lower dollar yields make Eurobonds more enticing than naira debt, according to Yvonne Mhango, an economist at Renaissance Capital. The West African nation has sold Eurobonds twice, most recently in July 2013. “Nigeria will have to pursue the external financing option more so than they’ve

done previously,” Mhango said by phone from Johannesburg on May 14. “That’s because the financing gap will be much bigger than before. Also, yields have come in nicely. That’s an opportunity for them to go that route.” Whether Nigeria’s debt rally continues will depend on crude prices and Buhari’s success in carrying out his pledges, including a vow to boost transparency and production in the oil industry, according to Brett Rowley, a managing director at Los Angeles-based TCW Group Incorporation. “Investors hope he will make good on campaign promises to crack down on corruption and implement

CBN auctions N110.9bn T-bills today ...Index drops 0.2%

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is scheduled to hold a Treasury Bills Primary Auction today, as T-Bills worth NGN110.94bn will mature, while an equal amount will be issued in 91day, 182-day, and 364-day instruments. The CBN is expected to auction N32.44bn, N22.82bn and N55.68bn in the 91-day, 182day and 364-day instruments respectively. Activities in the T-Bills market have been bearish since the last auction on May 6, 2015, as yields have appreciated significantly across ten-

recorded the preceding day to close at 34,781.46 points. Market capitalisation ors by an average of 1.75 per shed N26 billion to close at cent. N11.79trillion, in contrast to the Research analysts at Meririse of N121 billion recorded stem Securities Limited, an investment firm, said,” We an- the preceding day to close at alyze the current yield environ- N11.82trillion. Beta Glass Plc led the gainment in light of the outcome of ers’ table with N3.38 or 10.24 the previous auctions on the per cent to close at N36.38 per respective instruments.” share, followed by Skye Bank Meanwhile, the equity Plc with 23 kobo or 9.66 per cent trading ended its four-day bull to close at N2.61 per share. run on the Nigerian Stock Vono Products Plc added Exchange yesterday, thereby eight kobo or 8.89 per cent giving back some of the gains to close at 98 kobo per share, from the preceding rallies. while May and Baker Plc rose The All Share Index de10 kobo or 5.95 per cent to close preciated 0.21 per cent to close at 34,706.93 points, as against at N1.78 per share. Wema Bank Plc appreciated the increase of 0.99 per cent

structural reform, particularly in the oil sector,” Rowley, who helps oversee $160 billion of assets including Nigerian Eurobonds, said by phone on May 15. Nigeria would benefit from its low debt levels if it did tap international capital markets, according to Razia Khan, head of Africa economic research at Standard Chartered Plc. The ratio of debt to gross domestic product is 10.7 per cent, according to Barclays. That compares with 67 percent for Ghana and 44 per cent for South Africa. Foreign debt amounts to 1.7 per cent of GDP, compared with nine per cent for nairadenominated borrowings, according to Barclays Plc.

five kobo or five per cent to close at N1.05 per share. On the flip side, Caverton Plc dipped 35 kobo or 9.46 per cent to close at N3.35 per share, while AG Leventis Plc dropped eight kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at N1.54 per share. Portland Paints Plc fell 17 kobo or 4.67 per cent to close at N2.47 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc lost four kobo or 4.35 per cent to close at 88 kobo per share. Total Plc was down N6.39 or 4.07 per cent to close at N150.51 per share. A total of 357.2 million shares valued at N4.15 billion were traded in 4,700 deals

average rose 24.76 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 18,323.64. Earlier it hit an all-time intraday high of 18,351.36. The S&P 500 lost 0.36 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 2,128.84 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.70 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 5,073.74. The S&P had closed at record highs on Friday and Monday after a stream of weak economic data suggested that Fed would wait to see more strength in the economy before raising rates. The S&P is trading at 17.1 times forward earnings, compared with its 10-year median of 14.7, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine. Five of the 10 major S&P 500 sectors were up, with financials up 0.6 per cent. Wells

Fargo was up 1.27 per cent, contributing the biggest gains to the S&P.The energy index was down 1.25 per cent. Oil prices fell as the dollar strengthened and on evidence of ample supplies of Middle Eastern oil despite wars in northern Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Wal-Mart’s shares were down 4.08 percent at $76.66 and were the biggest drag on the Dow and the S&P 500 after the company reported lower-thanexpected U.S. same-store sales growth. Take-Two Interactive rose 15 per cent to $17.56 per cent after its profit handily beat market estimates, helped by strong digital sales of “Grand Theft Auto V” and “NBA 2K15” titles. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 1,839 to 1,161, for a

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

1.58-to-1 ratio on the downside; on the Nasdaq, 1,529 issues fell and 1,202 advanced for a 1.27-to1 ratio favoring decliners. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,706.93points Market capitalisation 11.79trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

BETAGLAS

33.00

36.38

3.38

10.24

SKYEBANK

2.38

2.61

0.23

9.66

VONO

0.90

0.98

0.08

8.89

MAYBAKER

1.68

1.78

0.10

5.95

WEMABANK

1.00

1.05

0.05

5.00

UBCAP

1.49

1.56

0.07

4.70

NEM

0.74

0.77

0.03

4.05

UNITYBNK

2.26

2.35

0.09

3.98

VITAFOAM

6.24

6.48

0.24

3.85

NAHCO

6.00

6.23

0.23

3.83

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CAVERTON

3.70

3.35

-0.35

-9.46

AGLEVENT

1.62

1.54

-0.08

-4.94

PORTPAINT

3.64

3.47

-0.17

-4.67

RTBRISCOE

0.92

0.88

-0.04

-4.35

TOTAL

156.90

150.51

-6.39

-4.07

INTENEGINS

0.55

0.53

-0.02

-3.64

DIAMONDBNK

4.65

4.50

-0.15

-3.23

CHAMPION

7.00

6.80

-0.20

-2.86

DANGFLOUR

4.64

4.52

-0.12

-2.59

WAPCO

98.20

96.17

-2.03

-2.07

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Stocks mixed as Wall St. eyes healthier economy tandard and Poor 500 wavered yesterday afternoon as Wall Street digested US housing data that some saw as hopeful for an economy struggling to grow. US housing starts jumped to their highest level in nearly seven and half years in April and permits soared. Some investors interpreted that as a promising sign that a slow economy may be gaining steam, instead of as a reason for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates sooner than expected. “It continues to be this Goldilocks scenario of slow modest growth and low inflation,” said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York. The Dow Jones industrial

Source: NSE

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.24

99.08

13.83

99.23

13.69

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.94

102.16

13.78

102.31

13.69

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.11

106.98

13.71

107.28

13.61

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.69

112.38

13.51

112.68

13.44

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.82

103.00

13.60

103.30

13.54

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.18 68.00

15.54

68.30

15.47

Closing Market Prices of May 19, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

13-Aug-15

11.99

12.34

WAUA

270

12-Nov-15

13.61

14.58

USD

197

05-May-16

13.27

15.21

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

53.6667

14.7283

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.6718

SDR

273

17.0153

NIBOR

The Fixings of May 19, 2015

Capital Market

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 19, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “As governor-elect, it is my duty to caution every official involved in these last minute deals that the incoming government will ensure there are consequences for illegal conducts, breach of trust and stealing of public assets” Governor –elect of Kaduna State– Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

Youths protest illegal acquisition of community lands in Asaba AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

ouths numbering over a hundred thousand from different communities in Asaba took to the streets of Asaba, Delta state capital, to protest against the state government over what they called illegal acquisition of their family’s lands. Leading the protest yesterday, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluakan of the Ezenei (Umuezei) commu-

nity, the Chairman of Ezenei Executive Committee, Ogbueshi Pat Ikemefuna, the OpkalaUkwu of Ezenei and Ogbueshi Agboh-Agaju S.N called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to as a matter of urgency and importance return all their lands illegally acquired. The youths while accusing the governor, government officials and the state house of Assembly of illegally acquiring all their lands for their personal use and to their girlfriends,

wives, women friends and cronies, vowed that unless something is done the protest shall continued. In the same vein, another group known as Delta State Youth for Good Governance (YFGG)/ Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum yesterday during a protest in Asaba accused the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of allegedly embezzling over N228 billion meant for the Delta State Oil Producing Area Commission

(DESOPADEC) and skimming to scrap the commission before leaving office. The group in their protest letter signed by its National President, Comrade Prince Joe Kpokpogri also accused the governor of allegedly borrowing N40 billion bond allegedly approved solely by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya on behalf of other members of the house. The group also noted that the Asaba-Warri flyovers which allegedly cost the state govern-

ment N7.6 billion was a scam, stressing that the valuer say the two flyovers are not supposed to be as expensive as that, owing to the length and others taken into consideration. Addressing the protesters who besieged the House of Assembly complex, the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya however assured the protesters that the house would look into their plights and called on all aggrieved persons to wait for the outcome of report of the committee in charge of the land matter.

Religious leaders tasked on peaceful coexistence

Overloaded vehicles from Geidam boundary market in Yobe, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

eligious leaders have been challenged to use religion as a veritable tool to prevent religious and ethnic violence in the country. The Chief Executive officer of the Strength in Diversity Development Centre, Lagos a Non Governtal Organisation, NGO, Imam Abdulkareem Shefiu Majemu made this call at the just concluded international workshop on Religious Conflict Prevention and Good governance, held at the Religious Literacy Centre, Harvard University United State of America. He stated that the training was designed to build the capacity of participants in the critical areas of Religious understanding. Imam Majemu told religious

leaders in the country to direct their sermon on peace that the two major religions practiced in the country preaches. The cleric noted that the centre and the Islamic platform Society of Nigeria decided to collaborate with Harvard University in America to train selected leaders on their responsibility so that they could preach to their followers the necessity for peace and harmony in the country. In his remarks the Executive Director of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Tajudeen Hussamot noted that the role played in the just concluded election in the country was enormous and there is need to take care of such situation to prevent future occurrence.

Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom picks new monarch Niger Delta farmer groups access THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

year after it announced the demised of its paramount ruler, the OgbeIjoh Warri kingdom traditional council in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the emergence of a new monarch. The new paramount ruler, Hon. Couple Matson Oromoni will succeed His Royal Majesty, King Isreal Sele Okoh Gbenebode, Oduwor III, who died last year. Oromoni, who is to be addressed as Moben III, Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom defeated

two others who also contested to ascend the throne in a secret ballot votes casted by the 12 representatives drawn from four quarters in the kingdom. Of the 12 votes casted, Oromoni (Pere-elect) polled 8 votes to defeat Chief Johnny Aribougha who scored two votes and Chief David Pere, who also polled two votes. Regent of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Chief Samson Mamamu, who announced the name of the new monarch after selection/succession committee instructed to pick a new traditional ruler submitted it report before the council of chiefs, the apex decision making organ of the kingdom. Speaking with newsmen after

the presentation of their report, the chairman of the Selection/ Succession Committee, Elder Anthony Jolomi noted that the traditional stool is rotated among the four quarters that made up the kingdom and it was the turn of Perebiri ruling house to produce the new monarch. Elder Jolomi added that the committee was inaugurated October 30, 2014 and three persons who were former chiefs resigned their position to vie for the royal seat. On his part, the Pere-elect, Moben 111, Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom assured the people that his reign would usher in peace and rapid development to the area.

N54.3m credit –Coordinator

enefitting farmer groups under the Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme, CBNRMP, have accessed N54.3 million worth of credit facilities since the inception of the programme. The National Programme Coordinator, Mrs. IreneJumbo Ibeakuzie, made this known while presenting the overall programme implementation progress report at the ongoing 17th Supervision Mission in Port Harcourt. Giving a breakdown of the figures, Ibeakuzie said that Abia attracted N8.5 million,

Akwa Ibom, N3 million; Cross River, N8.4 million; Delta, N7.4 million; Edo, N25 million, and Imo, N2 million. According to her, Bayelsa, Ondo and Rivers were unable to attract credit facilities from rural finance institutions due to complacency, lack of the culture of taking loans, among other factors. “The total income recorded from all agriculture-related production of both processed and unprocessed products was N2.3 billion, while the total savings by the beneficiaries stood at N58 million,” she said.

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Community Mirror

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Kinsmen threaten to sue Fayose, monarch over demolition of family house ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

amily of the late Pa Omotosho, whose house was demolished in Afao Ekiti, the hometown of Governor Ayodele Fayose, has threatened to drag the monarch, the Alafao of Afao Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ademi-

lua; and the Alafao-in-Council to court to seek redress. The family, who spoke through the eldest son, Pastor David Omotoso, said the demolition of the family house was conspiracy to deprive them of their family house. Omotosho said in Ado Ekiti at the weekend that the community pulled down his father’s old

building and the house under construction behind it to pave way for the expansion of the Palace of the monarch without the consent of the family or informing members. He described the demolition as political victimization against the family allegedly by the governor because of their membership of the All Progres-

Participants at International workshop on Religious Conflict Prevention and Good Governance, held at the Religious Literacy Centre, Harvard University, United States of America.

sives Congress, APC. Omotoso accused the governor of complicity of encroachment on the family land during his first term in office to ensure the construction of the palace of the monarch. The governor had, however, denied any involvement in any plan to grab the land from the family to give way for the expansion of the palace, which was situated directly behind the onestorey building. The community, speaking through the Afao Development Council, had said recently that the dilapidated one-storey building was demolished for safety reasons as it had become a death trap especially to pupils of two nearby primary schools who take shelter there and as well hideout for criminals. The community said it had requested the demolition of the building after entreaties to members of the family to do something about the “neglected building failed”. But Omotoso said the family was never contacted by the community prior the demolition, alleged that the excavation of the rubble and his forebear’s tombs

Road block: Delta police set up taskforce to enforce ban

Ikorodu residents applaud police T over crime reduction

ome residents of Ikorodu on Tuesday applauded the efforts of Lagos State Police Command in reducing crime in the area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the residents had said they were usually robbed in daylight, particularly at the roundabout and at Benson Bus stop in Ikorodu during traffic jams. Some of the residents applauded the decline in the crime rate and confessed that they had been able to sleep in their homes at night without fear of robbery attacks. However, some said that armed robbery attacks were still going on in their neighbourhoods. Mr. Babatunde Oyesola, a business man, said that the presence of policemen in the area had help to scare hoodlums in the area. ``The crime rate in Ikorodu

has reduced, especially with the presence of policemen everywhere. ``Robbers have stopped attacking residential houses or shops at nights. I believe it is because of the active police presence everywhere,’’ he said. A teacher, Mr. Olatunji Samuel, said that the collaboration of vigilante groups and the police had helped in checking crime in the area. ``The high crime rate in the area has reduce drastically with our vigilante and neighborhood watch helping the police ``We can go to sleep with our two eyes closed now,’’ he said. Reacting, the command’s spokesman, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed to NAN that the people appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force in fighting crime and thanked them. ``We thank the people of Ikorodu for appreciating the

work of the police. ``The major thrust of our new I-G is to ensure that all states are free of crime. ``I can confirm to you now that Ikorodu is one of the most crowded places in Lagos, but the crime rate has reduced in that area. ``No environment is free from crime, but the command is doing its best to reduce crime to the minimal,’’ he said. Nwosu said that the command had set up a six-man committee to investigate the allegation of police officers collecting bribe from motorist, tricycle and motorcycle operators in the area. ``I assure you that any officer found to be guilty of the offence will be prosecuted and punished accordingly,’’ he said. He added that by the police stop and search, police officers we able to arrest two suspects and had transferred them to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigation.

from the portion at night after demolition gave room for suspicion that it was intended to take over the land and erase the family from history. He said the family would sue the monarch and seek compensation for the colossal damage done to their artifact and other valuables, which could have been protected if they were carried along. “This house was built in 1953 but it was blown off by wind about two years ago. The administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi intervened and assisted the family with N10, 000 to reroof the building which we did. “It was when we realized that the house was weak that we decided to build a new one behind it. The land belonged to our forebears and about six tombs and other artifacts were inside which they destroyed in the cause of demolishing it. “But it was disheartening that we were not given any notice before carrying out the act. There were many dilapidated houses in Afao which they did not demolish.

he Delta Police Command has set up a special task-force to enforce the recent directive issued by the Force Headquarters banning roadblocks in the country. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that the Acting-Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, recently directed that all police roadblocks nationwide should be disbanded. The Commissioner of Police in Delta, Mr Usman Alkali, told NAN on Tuesday in Asaba that the command was determined to ensure full compliance with the directive. “The IGP has maintained that roadblocks remain banned. `` But there is a difference between roadblocks and stopand-search, so police visibility on the road and stop-and-search operations are allowed,’’ he said. The commissioner said the command would continue to adopt the stop-and-search method of crime prevention as there had been complaint on this. “It is only when you see roadblock being mounted, that

is, when they block a portion of the road or that there are obstacles that would force you to stop, that amounts to roadblock. “We have a special task force put in place to enforce compliance. We call it X-4. `` We are monitoring, but we cannot be everywhere. We still require assistance from members of the public,” Alkali said. The police boss, however, admitted the possibility of exploiting the stop-and-search method by bad elements in the Force to extort members of the public. ‘’ We expect the people to be vigilant and report any of such incident to the police authorities. “Where the stop-and-search turns to extortion, that is where there is a problem, but for the police to stop you on the road, search your car booth and allow you to go, it is a routine crime prevention method, ‘’ he said. Alkali said that the command was determined to check corruption among its rank and file.

Wednesday, May20, 20,2014 2015 Wednesday August

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World News

Iran violated sanctions by purchasing aircraft, says Israel 50 Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

outh Africa intends to select this year an international partner to build a series of nuclear power reactors that would end the regular electricity blackouts that have hobbled economic growth, the energy minister told parliament yesterday. Five nations -- Russia, France, China, the United States and South Korea -- have been chosen to compete for the controversial contract to build eight nuclear reactors worth up to $50 billion (45 billion euros). “We will commence with the actual nuclear procurement process in the second quarter of this financial year to select a strategic partner or partners in a competitive, fair, transparent and cost effective manner,” Energy Minister Tina JoematPettersson said. “We expect to present the outcome of this procurement process to cabinet by year end.” South Africa has one nuclear power station but relies heavily on coal for electricity generation by the state-owned power firm Eskom. The company has been struggling to meet electricity de-

South Africa has signed various inter-governmental agreements or IGAs, laying the foundation for cooperation, trade and exchange for nuclear technology as well as procurement – South African, Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson

S’Africa to select nuclear power partner this year

South African ruling party African National Congress supporters hold signs as they take part in a march against South African power supplier ESKOM and to protest against power cuts, recently

mand, and rolling blackouts have become a feature of daily life, crimping economic growth. The reactors are expected to add 9,600 megawatts of generating capacity in Africa’s most industrialised economy, with the first unit to be ready 2023. They would add nearly a third to the country’s current capacity of 30,000 megawatts. The project has been attacked

by critics for a range of reasons -- from environmental concerns to fears that the cost could cripple the economy and that the procurement process could be open to corruption. “South Africa has signed various inter-governmental agreements or IGAs, laying the foundation for cooperation, trade and exchange for nuclear technology as well as procurement,”

Joemat-Pettersson said. “These agreements describe broad areas of nuclear cooperation and they differ on emphasis, based on the unique needs of each country.” South Africa has started a skills development programme and has already sent 50 nuclear trainees to China with plans for another 250 in the future, she said.

Burundian police teargas, beat anti-president protesters

A policeman arrests a protester during protest against Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza, and his bid for a third term in Bujumbura, Burundi, yesterday

policeman detains a protester during a protest against Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza and his bid for a third term in Bujumbura, Burundi May 19, 2015. Burundi police fired teargas and beat protesters demanding President Pierre Nkurunziza end his bid for a third term, in a resurgence of unrest that has stoked fears of ethnic conflict in Africa’s Great Lakes. A Reuters photographer said at least eight of the flag-waving and chanting demonstrators were dragged off by police yesterday. Some in the crowd responded by pelting officers with stones and rocks. Separately, shots were fired at the offices of the European Union’s representative in Bujumbura, prompting the mission to demand the government step up its security. The EU gave

no more details. Rights groups say at least 20 people have died in three weeks of clashes between security forces and protesters who say Nkurunziza’s ambitions violate the constitution and a peace deal that ended an ethnically fuelled civil war in 2005. Laying the same charges against the president, a group of renegade generals tried and failed to overthrow him last week. The government said late on Monday it would treat any future demonstrators as accomplices in the failed putsch. But crowds gathered again in the suburb of Nyakabiga on Tuesday, shouting: “We will not stop until he gives up the third term.” The longer unrest continues the more chance that a conflict, which up until now has been larg

WORLD BULLETIN Egyptian authorities using sexual violence on ‘massive scale’ Egyptian security forces are using sexual violence against detainees on a massive scale, according to the International Federation for Human Rights. A report by the organisation suggests men, women and children are being abused “to eliminate public protest”. Many are subjected to virginity tests, rape and gang rape after arrest. Egypt’s Interior Ministry said it would not comment until it had studied the report. The study notes a surge in sexual violence after the Egyptian military takeover in July 2013. The perpetrators are rarely held to account and the impunity points to a “cynical political strategy aimed at silencing all opposition”.

Guinea Bissau sidelines top brass in bid to end coups Relaxing in flip-flops in a shady corner of his farm near a pile of freshly-raked cashew nuts, the former head of Guinea Bissau’s army General Antonio Indjai says he has turned in his weapons and his days as a coup leader are over. For many, Indjai is a symbol of all that went wrong in the former Portuguese colony that is one of Africa’s most fragile states. Since 1980, Guinea Bissau has suffered nine coups or attempted coups, including one led by Indjai in 2012 that led to two years of public looting and a surge in drug trafficking. Until his dismissal in September by a newly-elected president, Indjai was the most feared man in the country of 1.7 million people, protected by guards with rocketpropelled grenades.

Ethiopia’s newest party takes on ruling juggernaut The leader of Ethiopia’s newest opposition party hopes discontent among urban youth will win him support in a weekend election that could otherwise be a clean sweep for the ruling party in Africa’s most populous nation after Nigeria. Over 36 million people have registered for the May 24 polls, the country’s first election since long-serving leader Meles Zenawi died in 2012. His Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has been in power for almost a quarter of a century, and faces no reasonable prospect of defeat - the current 547-seat parliament has just one opposition member.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

US police call for motorcycle gang truce Police in Texas are calling on members of rival motorcycle gangs to stop fighting after a deadly weekend shoot-out in Waco left nine dead. Sgt Patrick Swanton said: “There has been enough tragedy and there has been enough bloodshed.” Seven people remain in hospital and 170 are in custody. About 50 weapons were recovered from the scene. Sgt Swanton said the fight may have started when someone’s foot was run over in a car park. There was also anger that an uninvited gang had shown up at a meeting between other gangs, hosted by the restaurant Twin Peaks. Yesterday morning, police continued to pore over the multiple crime scenes - the restaurant areas, the bar, the toilets and the car park. Police are keeping members of the rival gangs in different parts of the jail, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported. On Monday night, they began removing motorcycles and other vehicles from the area. Tow trucks are requiring a heavy police escort when they move the vehicles away from the scene. Around 80 cars or pickup trucks still need to be carried away. The restaurant meeting was meant for a coalition of invited bike groups and the organisers had requested the outdoor seating area for the event.

France teachers strike over government reforms Teachers across France are going on strike against government reforms to the education system. Trade unions representing 80% of teachers at French middle schools are leading the action against the plans. The government wants to reduce teaching of Latin and ancient Greek, scrap an intensive language scheme and change the history curriculum. Reports have shown increasing inequality and declining performance in French schools. But the unions say the reforms would only serve to increase inequalities and class separation. Teachers are expected to hold protests in Paris and dozens of towns and cities around the country on Tuesday. The action follows weeks of strongly-worded dispute between Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem and her critics. Ms Vallaud-Belkacem recently described opponents of the history programme as “pseudointellectuals” after they said it would deprive pupils of vast chunks of France’s cultural heritage.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Iran violated sanctions by purchasing aircraft, says Israel

senior Israeli official took a swipe at the United States on Tuesday over Iran’s reported purchase of second-hand civilian aircraft, saying the acquisition violated international sanctions and went ahead despite a tip-off from Israel. Iranian Transport Minister Abbas Akhoondi was quoted on May 11 by the Iranian Students News Agency as saying Tehran bought 15 used commercial planes in the last three months. He did not say who sold them or how they had been acquired. A long-standing ban on the export of aircraft spare parts to Iran was eased under an interim nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in late 2013, but the sanctions regime continues to restrict sales of planes. “Israel learned from intelligence sources about this very significant breach of the sanctions in advance of it occurring,” the Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. “We flagged the issue to the U.S. administration,” the official said. “Unfortunately, the deal still went through and there was

Netanyahu

no success in preventing it.” In Washington, a U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Obama administration was aware of the report and “if there is sanctionable activity, we will take action”. He said that while the export to Iran of U.S.-made spare parts needed for safe operations of Iranian civilian airliners was now permitted with a U.S. Trea-

sury Department license, the sale of U.S.-origin aircraft was not. Iranian officials could not immediately be reached for comment. But the Iranian state news agency IRNA said on May 12 that Iran’s Mahan Air -- which is blacklisted by Washington -- recently acquired nine used Airbus commercial aircraft. Airbus, a European consortium,

Amnesty International warns over torture practice in Morocco

oroccan authorities still use torture widely despite a ban on the practice, the Amnesty International rights group said in a report Tuesday documenting the abuse. Despite the ban and statements against torture by King Mohammed VI, law enforcement authorities still abuse protesters, rape detainees with

objects and beat confessions out of suspects, it said, detailing 173 cases of abuse and torture since 2010. “For real and tangible reform, we need more than just words, because there is a huge gap between theory and practice,” Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa director Philip Luther told journalists. The Moroccan government

Abderrazak Jkaou describes to reporters how he was tortured and beaten by police for demonstrating in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday

rejected the findings, calling into question the credibility of Amnesty’s sources. Morocco is a popular vacation destination for Europeans and a close U.S. ally. It ratified the U.N. convention against torture 21 years ago and is presenting itself as a stable country respecting human rights. The report recommended that lawyers be present during interrogations, allegations of torture be investigated and those reporting abuses be protected — all measures present in the penal code but rarely implemented. Abderrazak Jkaou, a 26-yearold former student activist arrested in 2012, said he was beaten unconscious by police before he was detained at the police station, where the beatings continued. Jkaou said he has pictures of the marks the poundings left on his body. “They practiced the worst kinds of torture,” he told The Associated Press. “They handcuffed and they beat me.”

does not sell planes to Iran, and IRNA did not identify who supplied the aircraft. The Israeli official’s comments appeared to be an attempt to portray the United States as being lax in enforcing current economic restrictions even as it promises to reimpose them if Iran fails to honour terms of a nuclear deal now under negotiation with six world powers including Washington. Israel views the United States, its main ally, as the lead Western player in the talks and as a watchdog over international sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic. Officials in Israel, Iran’s arch regional adversary and widely believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear power, say Tehran cannot be trusted to honour a nuclear agreement.

ISIS prepares to defend seized Iraqi city

slamic State militants are preparing to defend the Iraqi city of Ramadi, witnesses said, as Iranian-backed militiamen gather east of the city. Residents said IS fighters had set up defensive positions and laid landmines after capturing the city on Sunday. Militants were also going door-to-door looking for government sympathisers and throwing bodies in the Euphrates river, residents were quoted as saying. Thousands have fled the city and the UN has warned of a humanitarian crisis. It says some 25,000 people have left the city, only 105km (65 miles) west of Baghdad, in recent days, adding to a flood of people already displaced from the area. Many were sleeping in the open. The UN says it is trying to meet the needs of those displaced, but funds are low and supplies have almost gone. The loss of Ramadi, capital of western Anbar province, is a blow for both the Iraqi government and US strategy in the area, says the BBC’s Jim Muir in Beirut. Retaking it is a massive challenge to the Iraqi government, which has had to appeal to the Shia militias despite risks of a sectarian backlash from sending them deep into the Sunni heartland, our correspondent adds.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Aliyu, lawmakers face-off doused PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

risis between the executive and legislative arms of government in Niger State appears to have been resolved as some requests of the lawmakers have been

met by the executive. Source in the House who don’t want his name in print said each of the lawmaker got N17 million as part of allowances owed them since February this year. It would be recalled that crisis engulfed the Assembly two weeks ago,

leading to impeachment of the House leadership, Adamu Usman, and the election of Isah Kawu by members. The impeached speaker was accused by members of non-implementation of House resolutions, staff and members welfare and non-release of statutory

allocation to the assembly for months, hence his removal. Afterward the impeachment, there was also allegation of plots to sack Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu. This forced Aliyu to secure an interim injunction from a state High Court to

forestall the move when a peace parley between him and the new house leadership met a brick wall. As a result of the development officers and men of the state police command were stationed at the assembly gate, barring lawmakers from entering the complex to perform

their legislative duties. With the N17 million given to each member as part of their welfare and the pledge by the state government to meet their other demands, there are indications that the lawmakers may have sheath their swords and calm restored to the house.

NDLEA arrests 2 with cocaine worth N15m ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam (seated) signing 2015 Finance and Appropriation/Finance Bills passed by the House of Assembly into law. With him are Assembly Speaker Adamu Adamu (right), Commissioner for Budget, Dodo Kakawo Karage (second left) and Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Babagoni Machina (third from left) in Damaturu, yesterday.

Faking drivers’ licence, a criminal offence –FRSC boss CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

orp Marshall and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, has urged motorists across the country to obtain the new drivers’ licence from the appropriate authority, saying that faking of drivers’ licence was a criminal offence. Oyeyemi, who gave the advice yesterday at a oneday training workshop on the new drivers’ licence and number plates, said whoever is caught with fake drivers’ licence will be prosecuted. He disclosed that more security features have been built into the new licences to make it difficult to be forged or duplicated, adding that with the new arrangement, nobody can obtain the licence by proxy without undergoing biometric data and physical capturing. According to him, “those giving out passport pho-

tographs and money for people to process licence for them are wasting their time. Drivers’ licence today is N6,350 and I see no reason why you have to give between N10,000 to N15,000 for licence. “I am glad to state that despite all the challenges we encountered in our attempts to achieve the goal of a credible licencing system for Nigeria, our determination remains unwavering. “It is a general knowledge that competence has not only been incorporated into the process for acquiring new licenses, driving schools across the country are being certified and linked to FRSC database to monitor the number, the curriculum and competence of the students they give driver training to. “For the avoidance of doubt, our insistence in maintaining due process has paid off, as Nigeria driver’s license now enjoys international recognitions and acceptance in some states in the USA and

other European countries. Moreover, new license now serves as a source of identification, which banks rely upon to do business with their customers. “With these successes, it is important for all security agencies in the country to key into the system and be on the same page in its technicalities and applications, so that collectively, they can use it as a tool for fighting forgery and parallel production by fraudsters and touts who benefit from its distortion” he said.

Speaking to newsmen at the workshop, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Ijabani applauded the FRSC for the initiative, saying that the new drivers’ license will go a long way in solving other problems. Representative of the Vehicle Inspection Officer, VIO, who is the Head of Motor Registry Department, Mrs. Mathhilda Avaan, denied allegation that VIO produces fake license, saying that the entire license issued in their office are genuine.

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, intercepted and seized 2.7 kilograms of substances believed to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of N15 million. The NDLEA Commander in charge of MAKIA, Ambrose Umoru, revealed that the two passengers apprehended had arrived Kano aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight Number ET 99 from Nairobi-Addis-Ababa-Kano. Ambrose said: “During routine inward screening of passengers, we arrested two suspects with 2.7 kilograms of substances suspected to be cocaine on May 5, 2015. “The first suspect is David Ikechukwu, 32 years old, who hails from Orlu, Imo State. He was nabbed with 60 ingested wraps of suspected cocaine substance weighing 1.250 kilograms. “While Patrick Otaka, 48 years old, an indigene of Abriba, Abia State, was arrested for ingesting 72 wraps weighing 1.450 kilograms.” He further disclosed that the seizure recorded was a fruit of the synergy between NDLEA and the Narcotics International Intelligence Network.

He warned drug couriers to shun the use of Kano Airport as the conduit of their illicit trade, saying that eagle-eyed operatives under his command were on red alert to fish out offenders who attempt to ferry dangerous items and hard drugs through MAKIA. Patrick Otaka said he was lured into the business by a friend who resides in Togo. According to him, he joined the trade to have financial relief following the collapse of his business. “I was living in Togo before, I was an importer, my business went down, the only money remaining I used it to travel to South Korea, where I was deported because I did not have sufficient funds to enter their country. “Things went bad, my wife is pregnant, my children are at home they cannot go to school, as there is no money to pay their school fees, then my friend in Togo introduced me to this business as a way to help me,’ Patrick said. The arrested drug courier disclosed that he was under directive to board a bus from Kano and proceed to Onitsha, where he is to deliver the illicit drugs on a promise that he would be rewarded with a token sum of 500 dollars, before nemesis caught up with him at the airport.

Corps member arrested over fake call-up letter ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

26-year-old man, Zahradeen Alhassan Dalhatu, has been apprehended by the police for enlisting in the National Youths Service Corps scheme through fake documents. Kano State police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majiya, made this known

yesterday while parading the suspect. Majiya stated that Zahradeen was arrested at the Kano NYSC orientation camp in Karaye Local Government Area. “On May 10, 2015, about 1200 hours, one Zahradeen Alhassan Dalhatu, male, of Number 1 Dalhatu Close, Unguwar Mu’azu, Kano State, was arrested at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Kusalla Dan Karaye Lo-

cal Government Aarea. “He was arrested with a forged NYSC certificate format, NYSC camp corp member registration slip, NYSC batch ‘A’ 2015 call up letter with which he was parading himself as a corps member,” the police stated. According to the police, the impostor confessed to committing the crime, adding that, he carried out the alleged act to showcase

to his parents, that he had acquired university education. Speaking to newsmen on his travails at the state police headquarters in Bompai, Kano, the suspect said he is an HND 2 student with Kaduna State Polytechnic. Zahradeen said he clone all the forged documents found in his possession, using his knowledge in computer sciences.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

ARABOJIE: I, formerly known and addressed as Arabojie Blessing Osaren, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Omorodion Blessing Osareninoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Oga Oluwaseyi Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ademosu, Seyi-Oga Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. Agboyi Ketu LCDA and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDOCHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Udochukwu Benjamin Ndubuisi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Michaels Ikechukwu Meshach. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Obehi Joy Amarhese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obehi Joy Jasanya. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOSU: Formerly Known And Addressed As Nancy Uchenna Nwosu, Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Nancy Uchenna Ejike-Offor . All Former Documents Remain valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Isitoah O., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugiagbe Patricia O. A. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWORGU : Formerly known and addressed as Mr Nworgu Arinze Miracle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Okechukwu Arinze Miracle. All former documents remain valid. Fed Poly Oko and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEAKPU : Formerly known as Miss Udeakpu Kosisochukwu Marycynthia, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Stephen Kosiso Marycynthia. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDABOR: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Udabor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Ugiomoh. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Wasiu Jelilat Aderayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adegoke Jelilat Aderayo. SUBEB Osun State and general public note. All former documents remain valid.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS CHRIST FAITH MISSION ABA

The general public is here by informed that JESUS CHRIST FAITH MISSION ABA has applied to the corporate commission Abuja for registration under part C of the COMPANIES AND ALLIIED MATTERS ACT (CAMA) CAP C 20 LFN 2004

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Nwogu Jonathan Okechukwu 2. Jonathan Emmanuel chinwendu 3. Ibeawuchi Stanley Onyebuchi 4. Nwaogu Auguatina Chibuogwu 5. Eleh Sunday Emmanuel 6. Ugorji Ikechukwu Emmanuel

- President - Vice president - Secretary - Treasurer - Financial secretary - P.R.O

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To promote peace on earth as in Heaven 2. To promote Evangelism of the gospel 3. To promote sound preaching and teaching of the Bible. 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: BARR. FELIX O. NWAOGWUGWU

PUBLIC NOTICE LIVINGSPRING COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the above named religious institution has applied for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Osisanya Olumide John Babatunde 2. Akinfala Olatunde Ayoola 3. Ola Olabode Olawale AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To preach the truth of the gospel of Christ 2. To do all such other things as are incidental to the attainment of the above objects. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within (28) twenty eight days of this publication to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission.

SIGNED: THE SOLICITORS PUBLIC NOTICE

EYN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN LEGACY FOUNDATION The general publıc ıs hereby notıfıed that the above named organızatıon has applıed to

the Corporate Affaırs Commıssıon for regıstratıon under part C of the Company and Allıed Matters Act ,1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Hon.Justıce Clara Bata Ogunbıyı 2. Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha 3.Mr Zıra Maıgadı 4. Mr Afakırya Aduwa Gadzama AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Harnessıng resources for the growth and development of crıtıcal areas of human needs i.e. youths, women, etc. 2. Empowerment by way of traınıng ın skılls acquısıtıon, capacıty buıldıng, educatıonal and humanıtarıan support. Any objectıon to the regıstratıon should be forwarded to the Regıstrar-General, Corporate Affaırs Commıssıon, plot 420,Tıgrıs Crescent, Off Aguıyı-Ironsı Street, Maıtama Abuja wıthın 28 days of thıs publıcatıon

SIGNED: A.A MADAKI ESQ. AZI,MADAKI,NYAKO & ASSOCIATES; BLOCK 4 ROOM 222 JMDB. SHOPPING COMPLEX, OYEWUMI STREET, JOS.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Hajara Francis Jabwa, now wish to addressed as Hajara Gidado Sakati. All my former documents remain valid. The public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnenna Helen Enyinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnenna Helen Nwakanma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amarime Grace Ngozi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iyawe Grace Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ODEGIE : I, formerly known and addressed as Eric Odegie, now wish to be known and addressed as Eric Ugiagbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamigboye Grace Titilayo, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Iberuoluwa Grace Titilayo. All former documents remain valid and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as Agu Emmanuel Chioke, now wish to be known and addressed as Agubinanjom Emmanuel Chioke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKONKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Amaechi Francis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke Amaechi Francis. All former documents remain valid. Pharmacist Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MUSTAPHA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mustapha Toyosi Teslimat, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Aremu Toyosi Teslimat. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Margaret Bosede A. Sanni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Margaret Bosede A. Akinlade. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Awos Folasade Titilope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lugboso Folasade Titilope. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eziukwu Chioma Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iyere Freedom Chioma Jennifer. All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunleye Josephine Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbeje Josephine Funmilayo.All former document remain valid. Saint Micheal Primary School Ilawe Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Nwakaego, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwobodo Nwakaego Roseline. All former documents remain valid. Enugu South and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ITUMO: I, formerly known and addressed as Itumo Adanna Ojon now wish to be known and addressed as Kalu-Mbah Ezinne Adanna All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!! ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT Akomoje, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

There will be Public Auction of Unservable of Vehicles and disused Store items (Scraps). ITEMS : Peugeot 505 Car, Peugeot 406 car, Rover car, Pontiac Space bus, Tricycles (2) and Scraps items. DATE OF INSPECTION : Wed, 20th of May 2015 to 26th of May, 2015. AUCTION DATE : Wed, 27th of May, 2015. TIME : 10 :00 Am VENUE : Local Government Secretariat CONTACT : Auctioneer Number 08025762256.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyanda Olanike, now wish to be known and addresse4d as Mrs Olaniran Deborah Olanike. All Former Documents Remain Valid And General Public Should Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oluwayemisi Akande Racheal, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Racheal Oluwayemisi Idoghor. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Polytechnic , NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Musa Y.Baba now wisht to be known, called and addressed as Musa Daniel Baba. All former documents remain valid. NECO and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Amarachi Blessing Ejirika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amarachi Maduka. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Olofintumehinti Florence Ayodele now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs (Deaconess) Oluwayemisi Florence Ayodele .All former document remain valid.EkitiI-state water corporation and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONODUGO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onodugo Ebere Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ilediagu Ebere Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYIGBUO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Onyigbuo Lucia Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezieke Lucia Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

FORWARD LOOKING ELITE CLUB

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

(1) Owolabi Fuad Kolade (2) Kaka Olalekan (3) Ogunrinde Sharafa Adio

- President - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To promote togetherness & unity of purpose among members. 2. To propagate qualitative, responsible and meaningful leadership among the youth. Any objections to the registration of this organization should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maintama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: FOLORUNSO ILORI & CO. (SOLICITORS) 11, BASHIR OWEH STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS. 08023026529

PUBLIC NOTICE

TABANACLE OF GRACE AND FAVOUR

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named church 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.

Pastor Akinlolu Ayodeji Agboola Mrs Ikeola Omobonike Agboola Professor Dennis Ndububar Barrister Tunde Gade Barrister Gabriel Olusayo Ajewole Deaconess Olarewaju Florence Deaconess Buraimoh Oladunni

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. To bring salvation, deliverance, healing and freedom to the lost souls. 3. To raise extra ordinary people who live the divine life naturally with the extra ordinary life of God. 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: BARR. GABRIEL OLUSAYO AJEWOLE. SAYO AJEWOLE & CO. G141B OKE ALAAFIA JUNCTION,IROJO,ILESA, OSUN STATE.

CHANGE OF NAME

‎ALERAIYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Deborah Olufunke Aleraiye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Deborah Olufunke Momoh. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Lasisi Toyin Wakilat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abdulateef Toyin Wakilat. All former document remain valid Ogun Waterside Local Government. Abigi and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Falegbe Oluwaseun Hannah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anselm Oluwaseun Hannah. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AMEH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ameh Eucharia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Yakubu Eucharia. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edeh Amarachukwu Jenniffer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chijikwu Amarachukwu Jenniffer. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ENEH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eneh Ann Ifeyinwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikedinma Ann Ifeyinwa All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original Certificate of Occupancy BN 9918 in the name of GEORGE KORGBA which was assigned to TSENONGO ABANCHA and later processed and assigned to Hon. TERKAA TOM MAMWOO by the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Makurdi over plot No. BN9918 situated at Makurdi Urban Area is missing. All effort to trace same proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest police station.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied for registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

CHANGE OF NAME

‎GRACE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Anavami Ohikere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Grace Anavami Omanku. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AYORII PROGRESSIVE FORUM

This is to inform the general that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under the Part C of Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Fasina Temidayo Sunday Awe Atanda .A. Oloyede Adetona Adekunle .M. Olootu Adekanye Abdulahi Kabir Oladapo Yomi Issa Rotimi Tunde Ajibesin

-The President - Vice President - The General Secretary - Financial Secretary - Public Relation - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To serve as a platform to liaise and relate with the Federal, State and Local Governments in Nigeria for the benefits of members. 2. The association is purely non- political 3. To promote love, unity, peace and mutual understanding among members. 4. To defend the integrity of our Association. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 108, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY. PUBLIC NOTICE

POWER OF ZION ASSEMBLY CHANGE OF TRUSTEES

It is hereby brought to public notice that the following person(s) ceases to be trustees of the above mentioned Assembly: Dr. Hope Abitare Mr Obed Nyam THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Joseph Edeoghon 2. Mrs Gloria Edeoghon 3. Mr Audu Obaike 4. Mr Kenny Thomas Okoro 5. Dr. Mayowa Okonoda

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations and kingdoms. 2. To nurture member of the body of Christ to maturity 3. To engage resources for empowerment of members of the church 4. To be involved in community development initiatives. 5. To train pastors and provide quality educational services. 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: CHAIRMAN

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

T/ tennis: Quadri makes French league switch 54

Sticking my neck for the Bafana will be tough. But they will come good in the AFCON 2017 race –Former South Africa international, Lucas Radebe

Enyeama

coach sac ’s ked S

World Cup:

Falcons captain, Nwabuoku

Falcons’ captain, Ordega misses Toronto flight

Mercy Jacob

uper Falcons captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku, and striker Francisca Ordega did not fly out last night with the team to Toronto, where the team will begin final camping for next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. The two players were not allowed by their clubs to team up with team mates before they flew out. Nwabuoku plays for the Kazakhstani top division, Biik Kazygurt FC, while Ordega laces boot for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, Washington Spirit. In the duo’s absence, African

football queen, Asisat Oshola, led the squad out of the country for the 7th FIFA women’s World Cup in Canada without a single grade A friendly match to get them in tune for the competition. Coach Edwin Okon led team who are bent on making history amidst inadequate preparation had their normal training in the morning before flying out through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja aboard an Air France aircraft at midnight, and arrived in Paris this morning before connecting another flight to Toronto, Canada. Coach Okon and 10 other officials travel led with 26 players,

while skipper Nwabuoku and Ordega are expected to join the team at the training camp in Toronto. Nwabuoku, who scored a screamer in the 8-0 demolition of Mali in an All Africa Games qualifier in Abuja last month, has recently been hooked by Kazakhstan women league champions, while Ordega, who also netted a brace in that match, plays for Washington Spirit in the USA. Okon last Sunday dropped eight players, namely Chisom Henry, Yetunde Adeboyejo, Chioma Wogu, Onyinyechi Okeke, Gladys Akpa, Ramatu Abdulkarim, Winifred Eyebhokia and Chinaza Uchendu from the squad.

The Falcons have played in all previous six editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in the United States of America in 1999. According to the NFF, already confirmed for the African champions is a friendly against the Senior Women National Team of Canada on May 25. On the same day, Okon will name his 23-woman squad to represent Nigeria at the finals. Falcons will campaign in Group D together with the Scandinavian giants, Sweden, Australia and former champions, USA. Nigeria will play Sweden in their first match in Winnipeg on June 8.

uper Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama’s club, Lille, have parted ways with Coach Rene Girard, the northern French Ligue 1 club announced yesterday. “Lille and its coach Rene Girard will put an end to their collaboration at the end of this 2014-15 season,” the club said in a statement. “This decision was made by mutual agreement between the two parties, after two years of good cooperation. “At a time for planning and working on the next project, Lille and Rene Girard took the decision not to extend their relationship beyond this season.” Also departing with the 61-year-old Girard will be his assistants Gerard Bernardet and Nicolas Girard, with the club expecting to name a new coach before May 30. Girard’s last match in charge of Lille will be against Metz on Saturday, the final match of the season. Lille, who notably suffered a 6-1 rout away at champions Paris Saint-Germain last month, currently sit eighth in Ligue 1 on 53 points. It means the club will miss out on European football next season, Girard having led them to a third-placed finish last season.

Enyeama

Sports

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Ribery

Transfer:

Wenger

gets injury boost

silent on

Sterling A

rsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, has refused to be drawn on whether he would make a move for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling. Sterling, 20, was reported yesterday as ready to tell Reds Manager Brendan Rodgers that he desired a move out of Anfield this summer. “We will bid for people in the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sterling

summer but at the moment we are not in transfer mode at all,” Wenger said yesterday. “If I say that I will buy Raheem and and I don’t do it, then I have lied.” “Liverpool owner John W Henry will not be bounced into a sale, bullied by requests to leave or held to ransom by Ster-

ling and his representative Aidy Ward. Nor should he be.” Arsenal faces Sunderland today knowing a point will all but secure third place in the Premier League. The Gunners will also bid for a second successive FA Cup win when they play Aston Villa in the final at Wembley on May 30.

ayern Munich forward, Franck Ribery, is frustrated by his injury woes but says his condition is improving. The 32-year-old has been sidelined since March after damaging his ankle in a Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk. “My injury has been causing me problems for a long time now,” Ribery said yesterday. “But I visited Doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt this week for a check-up and he says I am on the mend. “Everything is feeling just fine when I don’t p u t any pressure on my foot, although it still hurts when I am walking.” The France international has scored nine goals in 23 a p p e a rances in all competitions for the Bavarians this season.

Ribery

Modise hangs Banyana boots S Modise

outh African women football’s most capped and record goal scorer, Portia Modise, has called time on her career. The 31-year-old announced yesterday that she would now assist the South African Football Association (SAFA) in developing women football in the country.

Modise achieved a century of goals for the Banyana Banyana by netting a brace in a 5-1 win over Algeria at the African Women’s Championship in neighbouring Namibia last year. She became only the 13th female footballer, and the first from Africa, to achieve the feat and leaves the game having netted 102 goals for

South Africa, a landmark that may not be matched in the near future. “Portia has scored more than 100 goals at international level and we are proud of her,” SAFA President, Danny Jordaan, said yesterday in his tribute, stressing, “We will really appreciate her new role of guiding young players.”

NIKE threatens to part ways with NFF Joel Ajayi ABUJA

eneral Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, yesterday disclosed that a series of negative and false publications by a section of the sporting media on the recent kitting deal the federation entered into with NIKE, may force the American sportswear manufacturer to pull-out. At a press conference he addressed in Abuja and attended by the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, the secretary solicited the media and other stakeholders’ support, saying the NFF went through a difficult situation to

...over media scrutiny get the sponsorship and Nigeria should not allow false publications to thwart the partnership. Sanusi revealed, “Just this morning I received a call from Nike saying they are embarrassed with the false and negative publications from some section of Nigeria media. “They said they will get back to us on that matter. We don’t know what they would do tomorrow; they said they are embarrassed with what they saw on the pages of the newspapers. I just want to appeal to you to please verify whatever thing you are giving out in the interest of Nigeria’s football.”

The NFF president, who was apparently worried about the matter, urged the media to sheath their sword and work for the interest of Nigeria. “I want us to understand the implication, and NIKE is a corporate organisation, if they discover all these they may pull out straight away. For NIKE to even say yes, it was like tug of war,” Pinnick said. Asked what would be the retainership fund from NIKE in the $750,000 partnership for the first year, Pinnick declined, but urged Nigerians to be patient, promising that the NFF would give account of every money it received from any sponsor.

Pinnick

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

T/tennis:

Quadri Aruna (left) with JOOLA Managing Director, Michael Bachtler, during the signing of an improved contract in Frankfurt, Germany recently

Quadri makes French league switch

igeria’s Aruna Quadri has signed for Jura Mrez TT in the lucrative France Table Tennis Federation-organised Elite League. The deal was formally concluded during a recent trip by Quadri to Paris, where he met with the management of the team and inspected the club’s facility. Quadri, who started

‘We’ll whip Leopards in Warri’

Paul Erewuba

Aigbogun

can do to reverse the score in our favour,” Aigbogun added. Wolves were unbeaten in the competition until the trip to Congo, having scaled the hurdle mounted by Racing Club BoboDioulasso of Burkina Faso, MK Etancheite of DR Congo amd Dedebit FC in Ethiopia.

NWFL takes World Cup break

he board of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has announced the commencement of a World Cup break for all the clubs with effect from today. Secretary of the board, Isaac Ajisafe, said in a statement that the shift had become expedient after what he called due consultations. “The League will resume after the Super Falcons returns to Nigeria,” Ajisafe said, adding, “We want to allow stakeholders to actively support the Super Falcons’ quest to win the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Canada. “The fact that the Falcons’ team has players in the league also makes the postponement imperative.”

his professional career in Portugal in 2010 and thrice named the best player in the Portuguese League, has enjoyed tremendous rise in status in recent months. Before joining GD Toledos in 2013, Quadri started with AR Novelense and with the two Portuguese clubs he won the League, Super Cup and the Mediterra-

nean Trophy. French league is ranked as among the best in the world and has some of the best players like World number 10 and Portugal’s Marcos Freitas. Jura Morez TT emerged champion during the 2013/2014 season in Pro B to gain promotion to the top division and retains its place in the elite

league. Quadri joins compatriot and Africa’s most decorated player, Segun Toriola, who has plied his trade in the French league for eight years. Meanwhile, Quadri has returned to the ITTF World Tour in Zagreb to participate in the Croatia Open which served of yesterday.

CBN Tennis: Top seeds eye q-finals ticket

CAF Cup fallout:

igeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves, believe they can overturn a 3-0 deficit of their first leg play-off against AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville when they clash again on June 7. Wolves Coach, Paul Aigbogun, who blamed the 3-0 loss of his team on what he called poor refereeing, says it is not over for the Warri side. “It is far from finished,” the gaffer insisted yesterday. “We have to see all that we

Ajisafe enjoined Nigerians to pray for the Falcons, saying they players were determined to break their quarter final duck this year.

Ifeanyi Eduzor

cting Director of the National Institute for Sports, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Obajimi, has advised newly admitted students of the institute not to involve in examination malpractices or other acts capable of destroying their future, even as she assures the new intakes that the institution is making efforts to ensure conducive academic environment. The NIS matriculated over 100 students yesterday at the insti-

op seeds in the on-going CBN Open Tennis Men and Women’s Championship at the National Stadium, Lagos will fight for the quarterfinals ticket today as the event gathers momentum. In the Men’s Singles, top seed Clifford Enosoregbe lived up to his tournament rating, when he outclassed Sani Adamu with a 6-3, 6-3 win, while Nonso Madueke defeated Aliyu Umar 6-1, 5-1 retired. Enosoregbe faces Christopher Edward in one of the second round games as Sunday Maku engages Samuel Akagha while Augustine Nwokedi engages Henry Atseye and Umaru Balami goes up against Ikechukwu Iloputa with Chukwuma Abba battling Monday Igbinovia to decide. Meanwhile, Women’s defending champion and tournament top seed, Christy Agugbom, beat Rita Obasogie 6-0, 6-0 to also ad-

vance to the second round while Angel Mcleod defeated Oluchi Ozurumba 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 as Aanu Aiyegbusi beat Bukola Olowu 6-2, 6-0. CBN Tennis Open Championship Women’s number 2 seed, Sarah Ad-

Atseye

egoke will meet Russian-born Nigerian star Ifidzhen Mellissa in today’s second round game.

Adegoke, who said she was focused on the

trop hy a n d N700, 0 0 0 prize money, got to this stage by defeating Ebere Fortune 6-1, 6-1, while Mellissa also out-smashed Henrietta Ogude 6-1, 6-1 to book her second round ticket for today’s meet.

NIS boss tasks fresh intakes tute for the 2015/2016 academic session. According to Obajimi who described the institution as the only one in Nigeria wehere coaches are trained, the NIS has the vision to a first class institute that would transform the Nigeria’s sports with a view to sustaining it as a world leader in sports. “It is also important that I remind you that the institute holds paramount the 75 per cent lecture attendance which is prereq-

uisite for allowing you to sit for examinations throughout your stay here,” she said while assuring that management and staff would strive to impact knowledge on the intakes. Abrakassa Sampson, who represented the students at the occasion, appealed to the Federal Government to lift the state of facility in the institute, especially the one that directly benefitted the physically challenged students. A new intakes comprised 74

students for Advanced Certificate in Coaching, 15 students for Diploma in Coaching, 12 Higher Diploma in Coaching Students and 11 Higher Diploma in Sporting Management.

Obajimi

WORLD RECORD

First bicycle Vol. 05 No. 1116

N150

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The earliest machine propelled by cranks and pedals with connecting rods was built in 1839-40 by Kirkpatrick Macmillan (1810-78) of Dumfries, Scotland.

Buhari and the challenge of unpaid salaries

resident-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, no doubt, has a huge burden upon his shoulder. Nearly every sector of the country is in predicament. The 16-year reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been a matter of one step forward, two steps backwards. In particular, President Goodluck Jonathan’s six years reign has been a huge disaster. It is obvious, from all indications, that President Jonathan ran a clueless and visionless government. The economy is currently in a comatose; the nation’s foreign reserve has been recklessly depleted; and to worsen things, inflation and unemployment is at an all-time high. Like never seen before, corruption has become pandemic. When the president of a country affirms on national television that “stealing is not cor-

Guest Columnist

Raji

ruption”, you don’t need to be a prophet to know that such a country is in trouble. The truth, however, is that Nigeria is actually in trouble. Nobody should envy incoming President Buhari. The Nigeria that President Jonathan is leaving behind for his successor is in a complete mess. One of the very daunting tasks General Buhari and his team would have to tackle, and in earnest, is the unpaid salary syndrome ravaging the country. In the last 16 years, the norm in budgetary planning, formulation and execution has been for recurrent expenditure to be excessively higher than capital outlay. This is not, in any way, peculiar to the Federal Government (FG) alone as nearly all the state governments operate a similar unproductive budgetary planning. The consequence of this is the poor state of social and physical infrastructures across the country. Almost all federal roads are in terrible conditions. The inept PDP-led Federal Government, after I6 years in power, could not fix the nation’s refineries, relying on shameless importation of refined petroleum products. This is what happens when a nation fails to prioritize its developmental needs. No nation in the world, not even the almighty United States of America, could develop via the kind of budgetary system we have been operating in the past 16 years. High wage bills, as well as escalating cost of governance, remain a major threat to the survival of democracy in the country. Presently, aside the various Fed-

FIFA opens probe over Qatari arrests

orld governing body FIFA said yesterday that it will investigate the arrests in Qatar of a group of journalists reporting on migrants’ working conditions in the nation billed to host

Lateef

the 2022 World Cup. BBC crew members, who included four journalists, were incarcerated for two days after being arrested by security forces. The quartet, accused of trespassing, has initially been

EACH STATE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO EMPLOY AND PAY ACCORDING TO ITS CAPACITY eral Government agencies and parastatals that are being owed various degrees of salaries and emoluments, about 26 states are owing their workers in arrears of months. The State of Osun readily comes to mind here. It has been singled and become target of media attacks on this issue as if it is the only state in this dire financial strait. The Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was, in fact, the first person to call national attention to this financial disaster in 2013, when he alleged that the FG had declared war on the state as allocation dropped to 40 percent. It will be difficult to query his record as a workerfriendly administrator. In some states, in order to ensure workers go home with something each month, salaries are paid in bits. My lawyer friend told me this was a breach of contract. Expectedly, in most of the states, workers are threatening to go on strike in a bid to press home their demands for prompt payment of their wages. Things are not looking up at all. At the time of writing this, the April allocation has not been disbursed. With this stark reality, it has, therefore, become highly imperative for the incom-

ing Buhari administration to take a holistic view of the whole issue with a view to saving our fledgling democracy from an imminent collapse. Bureaucracy is meant to help drive the pace of development in a democracy. In any nation where bureaucracy has become the problem rather than the solution, democracy would certainly become endangered. This is where General Buhari and his team need to take decisive steps to save the country from what has become a chronic and nagging problem. As a stop-gap measure, one is actually canvassing that the incoming Buhari administration bails out the states that are owing excessive workers’ wages by offsetting such and give them enough to pay pensions and gratuity. We have done it before. Unpaid salaries have always plagued civil administration in Nigeria. Military regimes had always been the quick fix, but with their recurring nature, it’s obvious we have not found the solution. The idea of the Federal Government entering into wage negotiation on behalf of states stop since the revenue bases of states differ. It would be inappropriate for both the FG labour unions to force state governments to pay worker’s wages paid by the Federal Government. Each state government ought to employ and pay according to its capacity. Equally important is that labour unions must desist from the incessant act of demanding for an arbitrary wage increase. While the work force deserves better pay packages, government has responsibilities to the larger society through the provision of social amenities and infrastructures. In the same vein, governments across the land need to cut all avenues that open the door for wastes in governance. We have taken the issue of taxation too lightly in this country. We must start emphasizing our tax systems to make governments and citizens more fiscally responsible. Raji is Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Lagos State.

Sport Extra

invited by the Qatari Prime Minister’s office to tour new accommodation built for construction workers. “Any instance relating to an apparent restriction of press freedom is of concern to FIFA and will be looked

into with the seriousness it deserves,” FIFA said in a statement. Mark Lobel, one of the apprehended journalists, told BBC’s ‘Today’ programme: “They had actually photographed my every

move since I had arrived. “The worrying sign of this is that it might be a crackdown on the media to deal with the problem at the same time that other parts of the government are trying to change their image.”

Blatter

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