March 28, 2016

Nigeria needs N25bn to fence 22 airports –FAAN Olusegun Koiki

Dati

Vol. 6 N0. 1335

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ederal Government would require at least N25bn to construct perimeter and op-

erational fences across all the 22 airports owned by it.

This is as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, assured airports users of absolute

Pope urges world to use ‘weapons of love’ to fight terrorism

security and safety of humans, cargo and equipment at all times.

General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati in

P.5

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National Mirror Online @NationalMirror Monday, March 28, 2016

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Looted funds can’t be made public now –Presidency ...to begin town hall meetings soon

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residency yesterday said litigation hurdles associated with the looted funds would have to be scaled before Nigerians were availed of the figures.

The government also assured Nigerians that the recovered money is intact, stating that a special account has been opened with Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, where the loots were being kept.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

An orchestra of the Deeper Life Bible Church performing at the National Easter Retreat of the Church in Suleja, Niger, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Colonel kidnapped in Kaduna P.5

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Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Looted funds can’t be made public now –Presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

said the money cannot be made public for now because it has to be used as evidence against the looters.

According to him, since President Muhammadu Buhari promised to recover the looted fund and prosecute those involved, the money so recovered must be used as evidence in court.

“The issue of how much has been returned has been there. The money retrieved has to be used as evidence in court. The President said two things; we will recover and we will prosecute. So as it is now, you don’t go and bring all these millions returned out.

“I am aware that there is an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, where some of these funds are been kept and are evidences for a judge to see. It is not for public display. I think that is the challenge we have at the moment,” he said.

Shehu also disclosed that the Presidency will soon begin to hold town hall meetings with Nigerians to furnish them with information.

According to him, government decided to embark on such meetings because it has realised the importance of information communication to the people at the grassroots.

“I know that there is a plan that the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo would start town hall meetings in zones.

“It would then be broken down to states and so on.

“Government realises that there is a need to take information to the people and there are steps that are being taken in order to ensure that is done,” he said.

Shehu criticised the National Orientation Agency, NOA, for being indifferent to the Federal Government’s change mantra.

“We have an agency like NOA with 773 offices nationwide.

“Each has not less than 5 to 7 staffs and well-equipped, but you

L-R: Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos/Dean Emeritus Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Adebola Ademowo; Chancellor, Diocese of Lagos, Justice George Oguntade (rtd), and Deputy Chancellor, Diocese of Lagos, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, after the church service to mark Easter Sunday at the Cathedral Church, Marina, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

know also, sometimes democracy has its own dark side.

“The President came and he wanted to really be fair to every Chief Executive. If he wanted to fire people on assumption (of office), he would have done it and he would not have violated any rule.

“He decided to give everyone a chance to see whether they would imbibe the change mantra, to see whether they were prepared to go along (with him).

“I will say with all sincerity that NOA was a source of worry for us in government; the people and the leadership never believed in what we are doing.

“They never believed in change. They just folded their arms and watched us for the period of 8 to 9 months that they were there.

“I believe the new leadership would begin to formulate things for agencies like that,” he said.

The presidential aide praised Nigerians for steadfastly supporting the present administration, especially during a period most people considered to be difficult.

Shehu congratulated Nigerians on the

achievements the President had recorded fighting insurgency and explained that the military have tagged their success against Boko Haram a “technical victory” because no city is presently under curfew.

He said with the passage of the budget by the National Assembly, the next phase for the President would be to rebuild damaged facilities and infrastructure.

He said that with the Central Bank of Nigeria realising more than N3trn through the introduction of the Treasury

Single Account and the passage of the budget, a lot of activities would pick up.

“So in effect, money available will be spent from the moment the budget is signed. I believed that those who have fasted can now begin to enjoy. I mean money would be unleashed into the economy and there would be a lot of activities that would go forth the moment the budget is sign,” he said.

The presidential spokesman refused comment on allegation of secret recruitment by

some agencies of government, especially CBN. He said: “I think that if you will allow me, I would stay out of this because I know that the parliament is investigating this and I believe we should wait for the outcome of the investigation by the House of Representatives.

“I have been approached by a number of people who say can you give me a note to so so so agency? A lot is happening in this country and I keep saying that Buhari’s government is not

a government of notes.

I guess that whoever is found doing that would get himself in trouble.

He is not a nepotist and I think you know that.

“So, I think that the parliament should be allowed to look into it. I myself have personally called one of these agencies mentioned and I say is it true that you are recruiting and he said no, but the parliament can call for any documents and testimonies from anybody and they can determine whether it is true there is something like that.”

Nigeria needs N25bn to fence 22 airports –FAAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

an interview with our correspondent at the agency’s headquarters yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos said a recent survey carried out by the authority indicated that to properly fence the 22 Federal Government-owned airports, FAAN would need the massive sum.

According to Dati, each of the 22 airports is about 50 kilometres long and would require serious investments for all of them to be properly fenced, according to International

Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, recommended practices.

Apart from the four international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt that are partially fenced, other 18 airports owned by the Federal Government are not fenced, a situation, which has led to encroachments by some indigenes.

Investigations by our correspondent indicated that the 22 airports across the country occupy over 500 kilometers land mass ICAO security guidelines prescribe that all airports must be secured

with double perimeter fences.

Dati, however, explained that there are other safety measures FAAN has put in place in line with international best practice to boost security and safety within the airports.

He pointed out that the agency had introduced the perimeter patrol, built perimeter towers, which enables Aviation Security, AVSEC, personnel and other security agencies to have a full overview of the airport environment and installed latest technologies in strategic locations

to increase surveillance.

He also maintained that most of the leakages observed in the past by analysts and other aviation stakeholders had been closed, stressing that this had made it possible for FAAN to scale the American Transportation Security Administration, TSA, security audit carried out earlier this month at the Lagos Airport.

“It would be recalled that about two months ago, we invited a team from Airport Council International, ACI, to carry out security audit of our CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Monday, March 28, 2016

Good Health

Prolonged daily sitting may harm your health –New Study …linked to 3.8 per cent of all-cause deaths

Sam Eferaro

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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new study has restated the harmful effect of sedentary lifestyle, especially prolonged sitting for more than three hours per day.

The new study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that sitting for more than three hours per day is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths. Investigators also estimate that reducing sitting time to less than three hours per day would increase life expectancy by an average of 0.2 years.

In order to properly assess the damaging effects of sitting, the study analyzed behavioral surveys from 54 countries around the world and matched them with statistics on population size, actuarial table, and overall deaths. Researchers found that sitting time significantly impacted all-cause mortality, accounting for approximately 433,000, or 3.8%, of all deaths across the 54 nations in the study. They also found that sitting had higher impact on mortality rates in the Western Pacific region, followed by European, Eastern Mediterranean, American, and Southeast Asian countries, respectively.

“It was observed that even modest reductions, such as a 10% reduction in the mean sitting time or a 30-minute absolute decrease of sitting time per day, could have an instant impact in all-cause mortality in the 54 evaluated countries, whereas bolder changes (for instance, 50% decrease or 2 hours fewer) would represent at least three times fewer deaths versus the 10% or 30-minute reduction scenarios,” explained lead investigator Leandro Rezende, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine.

“Although sitting is an intrinsic part of human nature, excessive sitting is very common in modern societies,” commented

Rezende. “Sedentary behavior is determined by individual, social, and environmental factors, all strongly influenced by the current economic system, including a greater number of labor-saving devices for commuting, at home and work, and urban environment inequalities that force people to travel longer distances and live in areas that lack support for active lifestyles.”

The results of this analysis show that reducing sitting time, even by a small amount, can lead to longer lives, but lessening time spent in chairs may also prompt people to be more physically active in general. “Although sitting time represents a smaller impact compared with other risk factors, reducing sitting time might be an important aspect for active lifestyle promotion, especially among people with lower physical activity levels,” emphasized Rezende. “In other words, reducing sitting time would help people increase their volumes of physical activity along the continuum to higher physical activity levels.”

Scientific analysis of prolonged sitting has shown that while a brief period of sitting here and there is natural, long periods of sitting day-in and day-out could seriously impact individual’s health and shorten life.

DID YOU KNOW?

Active social life associated with well-being in life

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taying active socially despite healthrelated challenges appears to help lessen the decline in well-being people often experience late in life, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

“Our results indicate that living a socially active life and prioritizing social goals are associated with higher late-life satisfaction and less severe declines toward the end of life,” said study lead author Denis Gerstorf, PhD, of Humboldt University. The research was published in the journal Psychology and Aging.

Gerstorf and his colleagues analyzed data from over 2,900 now deceased participants in the nationwide German SocioEconomic Panel Study (48 percent women, average age at death 74). The German SOEP is a nationally representative annual longitudinal survey of approximately 30,000 adult residents in former West Germany from 1984 to 2013 and former East Germany from 1990 to 2013. Participants in the SOEP provide information annually on household composition, employ-

ment, occupations, earnings, health and satisfaction indicators.

In this study, the researchers compared well-being (as measured by answers on a scale of 0 to 10 to the question, “How satisfied are you with your life concurrently, all things considered?”), participation in social activities, social goals (how important they found participating in social or political activities) and family goals (how much they valued their marriage or relationships with their children) during the last few years in life.

Source: Science Daily

For instance, investigations by Dr. James Levine, co-director of the Mayo Clinic and the Arizona State University Obesity Initiative, and author of the book “Get Up! Why Your Chair Is Killing You and What You Can Do About It,” show that when you’ve been sitting for a long period of time and then get up, a number of molecular cascades occur.

For example, within 90 seconds of standing up, the muscular and cellular systems that process blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol—which are mediated by insulin— are activated. This may result in the damage of different organs of the body.

“When you sit, blood flows slower and muscles burn less fat, which makes it easier for fatty acids to clog your heart. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, for instance, showed that women who sit for 10 or more hours a day may have a significantly greater risk of developing heart disease than those who sit for five hours or less.”

Dr. Levine also analysed the effect of prolonged sitting on the pancreas. According to him, the body’s ability to respond to insulin is affected by just one day of excess sitting, which leads the pancreas to produce increased amounts of insulin, which may

lead to diabetes.

“Research published in Diabetologia found that those who sat for the longest periods of time were twice as likely to have diabetes or heart disease, compared to those who sat the least. Sitting for more than eight hours a day has also been associated with a 90 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

“Excess sitting may increase your risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancers. The mechanism isn’t known for certain, but it could be due to excess insulin production, which encourages cell growth, or the fact that regular movement boosts antioxidants in your body that may eliminate potentially cancer-causing free radicals.”

Findings presented at the 2015 Inaugural Active Working Summit also found that sitting increases lung cancer by 54 percent, uterine cancer by 66 percent and colon cancer by 30 percent.

“Sitting down after you’ve eaten causes your abdominal contents to compress, slowing down digestion. Sluggish digestion, in turn, can lead to cramping, bloating, heartburn, and constipation, as well as dysbiosis in your gastrointestinal tract, a condition caused by microbial imbalances in your body.

“Your brain function slows when your body is sedentary for too long. Your brain will get less fresh blood and oxygen, which are needed to trigger the release of brainand mood-enhancing chemicals.

“It’s common to hold your neck and head forward while working at a computer or cradling a phone to your ear. This can lead to strains to your cervical vertebrae along with permanent imbalances, which can lead to neck strain, sore shoulders and back.

“Sitting puts more pressure on your spine than standing, and the toll on your back health is even worse if you’re sitting hunched in front of a computer. It’s estimated that 40 percent of people with back pain have spent long hours at their computer each day,” the analysis further reveals.

Long-acting injectable protects against vaginal HIV transmission

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aginal transmission accounts for the majority of new HIV infections worldwide. Forms of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) such as vaginal gels and vaginal rings designed to prevent HIV transmission have encountered poor efficacy in human trials due to problems with adherence.

In an effort to minimize obstacles to adherence and prevent vaginal HIV transmission, researchers from the division of infectious diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and collaborators from Merck demonstrated the effectiveness of a new long-acting formulation of the HIV drug raltegravir in animal models.

These results were published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

“Raltegravir is a well-tolerated drug with a strong track record of use for the treatment of HIV,” said Martina Kovarova, PhD, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases. “Changing its form from an oral pill to a subcutaneous injection produced a longacting release of the drug that can be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis.”

Kovarova and her team found that two weeks after a single injection of raltegravir, animal models had the same levels of the drug in their system as humans who take PrEP orally twice a day.

After a single injection of a long-acting formulation of raltegravir was found to result in a strong suppression of viral load in both plasma and cervicovaginal lavages, researchers used a validated model of vaginal HIV transmission to evaluate this formulation’s effectiveness over a period four weeks. During that time, the long-acting raltegravir provided significant protection against multiple relevant strains of HIV that were introduced to the model in a series of high-dose challenges.

Source: University of North Carolina Health Care

Photo

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Monday, March 28, 2016

NEWS

L-R: Assistant Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Folasade Adam; representative of Commissioner of Police, DCP. Fimihan Adeoye and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, during the Easter Celebration Service and Lagos State Police Command Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of the Police-Week Celebration, at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday.

Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Diocese, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin leading a procession to mark Easter Sunday Service at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral Oke Padre, Ibadan yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Bishop of Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd Timothy Yahaya; Cathedral Chaplain, Rev. Samuel Fayomi and Youth Pastor, Rev. Canon, Victor Aghahowa, at the Easter Sunday Service in Kaduna, yesterday.

L-R: People’s Warden, African Church, St. Paul’s Parish, Ilupeju, Lagos, Bro. Tunde Olorunyomi; Vicar, Ven. James Akinwande; Curate, Rev. Muyiwa Shoji and Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Gbeleyi after the Easter Sunday Service at Ilupeju, Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Muslims, Christians, foreigners in FCT celebrate Easter with pomp

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hristians, Muslims and foreigners resident in Federal Capital Territory thronged the Magic Land Amusement Park, near the City Gate to celebrate Easter in splendour with friends and loved ones.

In a separate interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Abuja, the fun seekers said the season called for the expression and show of love and togetherness with neighbours, friends, and family regardless of their religious backgrounds.

They were of the feeling that the atmosphere of togetherness would erase the misconception that Christians and Muslims cannot live in har-

mony.

A Muslim woman, Malama Abdukadiri, who was to the park with her three children, said they were there to have fun in the spirit of Easter.

“I am a Muslim, but in the spirit of the Easter Day celebration, I decided to bring my children to play and have fun in the park,” she said.

Mrs. Abdukadiri said being a Christian festive period did not mean that she should not celebrate with Christians in the spirit of peace and oneness.

Another fun seeker, Mrs. Aisha Ahamdu, said to her mind, it is not a sin for children to

come together to play and have fun.

Ahmadu, a Muslim, who was at the park with her four children, said the togetherness between Muslims and Christians would foster peace, love, and harmony in the country.

She added that it will allow her children to relate with other children.

“It is not good for children to be alone at home, because it could be boring; but coming out to see and play with other children would make them happy and learn.

“As you can see, everybody in the park is having fun and my children are not left out; we thank God for every-

thing,” she said.

A motor spare parts dealer, Mr Orji Okafor, said Easter was the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind.

He noted that because Easter symbolises love and sacrifice for one another, it is not out of place for people to be happy and to celebrate.

“I believe it is just a matter of time and everything will be okay in this country; and people would be happier.

“However the situation now, I want Nigerians to thank God for everything, because it could have been worse, but thank God we are still alive,” he said.

A Turkish citizen,

Adem Abdallah, said he was at the Park with his wife and two children to have fun and enjoy themselves.

He said the park, decorated and festooned with a variety of playthings for children, was good enough for them to have a wonderful celebration.

“That is why I brought my family here; and as you can see, we are having a good time with other people in the park,” he said.

Zuberu Khan, an Indian also said that he was at the park with his son to have a good time.

Khan said the public holiday had given him the opportunity to bring his son to the park.

“This celebration is good; we are having a

good time in this wonderful park; I love it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malam Yahaya Idris, Manager of Arewa Suya Spot in the park said business was thriving although not like during other festive periods such as Christmas and New Year.

“I believe by the time the budget implementation commences, there will be improvement and many people will patronise us in subsequent celebrations,” he said.

A photographer at the park, Tunji Segun, said patronage was high but not as he had expected.

He said he was able to make brisk business at the park since the festive period began.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, March 28, 2016

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Colonel kidnapped in Kaduna

•ASUU demands unconditional release of abducted member Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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igeria Army yesterday confirmed the abduction of its serving senior officer, Col. Samaila Inusa, in Kaduna.

The abduction of Inusa was contained in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna.

The statement, signed by Col Usman Abdul, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, said Inusa was a serving officer at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The statement said his abductors kidnapped him at Kamazo Chikkun Local Government Area near NNPC junction, Kaduna.

It said his abductors dropped off his wife and left with him in his car and headed towards Abuja.”

“They are in a Mercedes Benz GLK Black colour with registration number Abuja, KUJ 154 TZ. “This happened at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 26 March 2016,” it said.

The statement pleaded with the public with useful information or assistance to assist in tracking the abductors by calling 08033865572, 08030489203, 08023445961, 07038025282 and 08058130703.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Ibadan chapter, Dr. Deji Omole, yesterday called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase, to ensure the unconditional release of an academic staff of the university, Dr. Beatrice Fabunmi, who was kidnapped in Ondo State.

Fabunmi who is a member of ASUU, worked at the Kenneth Dike Library of the university.

Our correspondent learnt that she was kidnapped at Oba-Akoko on her way to see her mother at Ibilo last Friday during which her husband, Prof.

Martins Fabunmi, was released after sustaining gunshot wounds.

It was gathered that the kidnappers are demanding N5m before she can be released.

But Omole in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, while describing the kidnapping as uncalled for, stated that academic staff in Nigeria

L-R:, APC National Legal Adviser, Dr Muhis Banire; Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Ibie Sekibo and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, at the Dance Drama ‘Fused with the Rich Cultural’ Heritage of the Okrika People, by Heritage Bank in Lagos on Saturday. deserves total protection as a vulnerable group of people poorly paid.

He urged the IGP to deploy the anti-kidnapping squad of the police force to ensure her release unhurt; adding that the university community is already in bad mood.

He said: “Where will ordinary Nigerians pass that they will be safe? Our roads are death traps and since we cannot afford the airfare, we endure the hardship only for us to be kidnapped again!

“This is evil and must be stopped. The inspector General of Police needs to track down those kidnapping kingpin in Ondo State and other adjourning states.

“We in ASUU are demanding the unconditional release and safe return of one of our own. The state must guarantee the

security of its members.

President Buhari must talk to the security agencies to ensure the release of our member within 24 hours.”

Omole, said although the case has been reported

to the police, it was not being treated with the utmost attention it deserves.

“If big men or their children are kidnapped, all the newspapers will be awash with the news getting front

page, but when the poor man is kidnapped, he becomes another victim in the hands of law enforcement agents.

“The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dam-

Pope urges world to use ‘weapons of love’ to fight terrorism

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ope Francis has urged the World to use the “weapons of love” to combat the evil of “blind and brutal violence”, following the attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

This was contained in his Easter message yesterday at St Peter’s Basilica, after a week of sombre religious events commemorating Jesus’ death.

Francis, while speaking under tight security for tens of thousands of people, spoke of violence, injustice and threats to peace in many parts of the

world.

“May he (the risen Jesus) draw us closer on this Easter feast to the victims of terrorism, that blind and brutal form of violence which continues to shed blood in different parts of the world,” he said.

The pope mentioned recent attacks in Belgium, where at least 31 people were killed by Islamist militants, as well as those in Turkey, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Iraq.

“With the weapons of love, God has defeated

selfishness and death,” he added.

The 79-year-old Argentine pontiff urged people to channel the hope of Easter in order to defeat “the evil that seems to have the upper hand in the life of so many people.”

He condemned the Brussels attacks several times during the past week, including at a Good Friday service where he said followers of religions who carried out acts of fundamentalism or terrorism were profaning God’s name.

Pope Francis expressed

Nigeria needs N25bn to fence 22 airports –FAAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

airports and they identified some gaps, which needed to be closed and we were able to close those gaps.

“That is why when TSA came calling about two weeks ago, we were given clean bill of health

bazzau should step up his acts and check this insecurity and not force Nigerians to rise in self defence if their security cannot be guaranteed by the state,” he stated.

because all the loopholes have been closed.

“Insider’s threat is another area that we are looking at. We profile anybody that works within the terminal or in the terminal in line with global standards. It is after passing that we issue them the

On-Duty-Card, ODC. “Even at that, the ODC also have some levels of restrictions such that it is not every holder that has access to every part of the terminal. We have different levels and colours based on the level of clearance you have received,”

he said.

Dati said airport, as an enabler to the nation’s economy, contributes about $1bn annually, while also providing more than 300,000 jobs, stressing that the government would continue to ensure growth in the sector.

the hope that recent talks could resolve the conflict in Syria in order to end the “sad wake of destruction, death, contempt for humanitarian law and the breakdown of civil concord.”

He urged Europe not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, including many children fleeing from war, hunger, poverty and social injustice.

The European Union and Turkey have agreed to stop the flow of migrants to Europe in return for political and financial concessions for Ankara.

Turkey and The Aegean islands have been the main route for migrants and refugees pouring into Europe in the past year.

Francis called for dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, and resolutions to conflicts and political tensions in Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Ukraine.

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NEWS

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC seeks more international support against terrorism

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ational Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has called for greater cooperation between the international community and Nigeria towards defeating terrorism.

Odigie-Oyegun’s call is contained in his Easter message made available to newsmen by Mr Edegbe Odemwingie, the APC

Deputy Director of Publicity in Abuja on Sunday.

The APC national chairman urged Christians in the country to pray for peace, development and prosperity of the country as well as emulate the humility, tolerance and selflessness of Jesus Christ.

He also urged the Christian community, especially religious lead-

ers, to always promote religious harmony between and among various religious groupings.

“In the wake of the recent gruesome March 22 Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek Metro Station terror attacks in the Belgian capital, Brussels and the March 25 stadium suicide attack in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, the need for greater interna-

tional cooperation in the fight against global terrorism is reinforced.

“No country is insulated from the global terrorism threat. Our best chance is to come together as a unified front to defeat this global threat.

“I call on all Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic, and political affiliations to support government in the fight against

violent extremism, abductions, mass killings, politically-motivated killings, and other criminal activities.

“Also, the public should remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against all criminal activities.

“While we salute and pray for our armed forces, the police, and other security agencies fighting to restore peace and normalcy in Nigeria’s North-East, let us rest as-

sured that the end to the Boko Haram-led insurgency and other forms of terrorism by the extremist sect is near.’’

He assured of the commitment of the 10-month old APC-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to delivering on the Change Agenda it promised Nigerians.

“The 2016 National Budget recently passed by the National Assembly provides ample framework to deliver on these promises,” he said.

Bello charges MDAs on service delivery

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L-R: Senator Oluremi Tinubu; National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at a Novelty Football Match as part of activities to mark Asiwaju’s 64th Birthday at the Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, yesterday.

Enrollees cry out over non-collection of identity cards

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ome Nigerians yesterday called on the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, to issue them with national identity cards years after enrolling for it.

The registrants expressed dismay over the delay in getting the cards during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

The NIMC has commenced issuance of electronic identity cards to Nigerians and legal immigrants who enrolled with the commission since 2014.

The commission sent SMS to registrants whose cards were ready directing them to visit collection centres with their slips for biometric verification to get their cards However, many of those invited were disappointed as they could not collect their cards from the com-

mission.

A civil servant, Mr Peter Amanze, who received text message, said he was disappointed at the inability of the commission to give him the card.

Peter, who registered with the commission in 2013, complained that he was yet to get his card despite several visits to the collection centre.

“I registered on January 2, 2013; up till now, I cannot get my card,’’ he lamented.

Mrs Mary Chinedu, who works with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, said the processing and collection procedures were poor.

She urged the commission to improve on the processes to enable people that registered to collect their cards with minimum delay.

“I registered on August 14, 2015, I got enrolment slip but cannot get the

card,” she said.

A businessman, Ahmed Sanni, who collected his card last week, however complained that he could not identify himself anywhere in the card as a dried fish seller.

Ms Latifat Adenitire, NYSC member, who also

collected her card last week, commended the commission for issuing the card to her in Abuja.

Adenitire said although she registered in Calabar in 2014 and deployed to FCT for the national service, she was able to collect the card in Abuja.

overnor Sani Bello of Niger State has called for attitudinal change in ministries, departments and agencies in the state.

He said this would bring about effective service delivery in the state.

Bello made the call in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Ndace, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Minna.

He decried the lackadaisical attitude of some government officials to work which, he said, did not reflect the administration’s goal of change.

The statement directed the state workforce to brace up in their service delivery to ensure that government met up to the yearnings of the people.

“We promised our people change and we cannot continue to operate like before if this change must be made real.

“We promised the peo-

ple based on the mandate given to us to positively affect their lives and we have no excuse not to deliver.

“We want to see a new Niger State where everyone can access qualitative and affordable basic amenities, such as education, health, good roads and security.

“I strongly believe that with determination and commitment of all of you here today, we shall not only deliver on our promises, but take the state to higher heights.

“Despite our dwindling resources, government cannot afford to slow down. We must improve our pace. We must be ready to do our work with caution and within the time frame.

“I want our work to speak for us and let God judge us. Whatever we decide to do, it must be in the interest of the people,” he said.

SMEDAN trains 3,450 retirees on vocational skills

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mall and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, said it trained 3,450 retirees on Vocational and Entrepreneurial Skills Training, VEST, from 2013 to 2015.

SMEDAN’s Director of Enterprise, Development and Promotion, Mr Wale Fasanya, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday that the agency had strategised to provide its services to more Nigerians in 2016.

Fasanya said VEST was a flagship programme developed to equip participants with the necessary skills for

starting and running an enterprise successfully.

He said the programme involved the provision of vocational skills in specific enterprises such as poultry, fishery, catering services, GSM repairs and ICT, liquid soap making and air freshener production.

He said the training, which ran for two weeks, was done in three phases, namely: vocational training, entrepreneurial training, and workshop on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

“The vocational training was done in the first week and

it was dedicated to practicals on the specific enterprise in addition to field trips conducted for the participants.

“Entrepreneurial training is where the skills learnt are merged with business management skills to enable them to compete globally and equip them with the requisite knowledge required to run a successful business.

“The workshop on SMEs is where the trainees get to meet the relevant stakeholders in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) subsector.

“The stakeholders put

them through the legal and regulatory requirements of running an enterprise,’’ he said.

Fasanya said the programme also provided a oneon-one business counselling for the trainees to ascertain their level of preparedness to start an enterprise.

He added that counselling session offered the stakeholders the opportunity to counsel the trainees on how to generate business ideas, source for finance, how to locate an enterprise, how to source raw materials and access the market for their products.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

7

NEWS

Monday, March 28, 2016

Boko Haram: FG begins reconstruction of schools, police stations

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ecretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, David Lawan, says the Federal Government has commenced the reconstruc-

tion of schools and police stations destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.

Lawan disclosed this yesterday in Hong, Ad-

amawa State, during the graduation of 500 students trained by Buba Industrial Village.

The training was part of the youth empower-

ment programme introduced by Yusuf Buba, the member representing Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency.

He said the recon-

L-R:, APC National Legal Adviser, Dr Muhis Banire; Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Ibie Sekibo and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, at the Dance Drama ‘Fused with the Rich Cultural’ Heritage of the Okrika People, by Heritage Bank in Lagos on Saturday.

‘Renewable energy’ll address power supply deficit’

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power expert, Mr Abiodun Ganiu, on Sunday advised the Federal Government to invest in renewable energy to address the deficit in power supply.

Ganiu, who is the Managing Director, Seecof Nigeria Ltd., gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

He said that with the right infrastructure, renewable energy would be deployed to help Nigeria solve its power challenges.

The power expert said renewable energy would serve as an alternative and that Nigerians would not witness the kind of challenges they faced today with it.

He advised President Muhammadu Buhari to consider providing infrastructure for renewable energy development.

“Businesses and various sectors of the economy have been adversely affected.

“Hence, the need for corrective measures of combating such has made experts to

seek solutions to redress recurrent issues of the power lines.

“Prevailing economic condition in Nigeria has projected new challenges including innovative ideas, especially in the energy and information technology,’’ he said.

Ganiu said that Nigeria had abundant sunshine to power household and corporations and advised government to key into energy solutions to mitigate challenge of power outages.

He said that experts championing the use of alternative energy were concerned about the disposition of electricity consumers and had raised questions on whether it should be imposed on consumers at this stage.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had set a target of10,000 megawatts of power in the remaining three years of its administration.

“In the three years left for this administration, we have

given ourselves the target of 10,000 megawatts distributable power.

“In 2016 alone, we intend to add 2,000 megawatts to the

Ekiti raises 228,000 seedlings to regenerate forest reserves Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

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kiti State government has raised about 228,000 seedlings as part of efforts to regenerate forest reserves and boost afforestation in the state.

Commissioner for Environment, Bisi Kolawole, said it had become crucial for states to explore alternative sources of revenue in the face of the current global recession and the dwindling revenue from oil.

Kolawole said the Fayose administration intended to utilise the heavily endowed forests that abound in the state to improve its internally generated revenue (IGR).

He said that government

Sokoto lawmaker rallies support for Buhari

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member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Sani Yakubu (APCGudu) has urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its ongoing war against corruption.

Yakubu gave the advice on

Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Sokoto.

He said: “All Nigerians should render their total support and cooperation to ensure the success of the ongoing war against the socio-economic monster, corruption.

“This should be done by all

national grid.

“This sector has been privatised, but has yet to show any improvement in the quality of service,” he said.

of us irrespective of our religious, ethnic, or political differences.”

The lawmaker expressed confidence that the efforts the Federal Government will ensure that it succeeds in the recovery of public funds stolen by government officials.

would no longer allow indiscriminate felling of trees which he noted, had been depriving the state of its much needed revenue.

The commissioner cautioned that any forestry officer or guard caught colluding with timber contractors to commit illegalities would be made to face the wrath of the law alongside their collaborators.

Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, condemned the unwholesome acts of some unscrupulous timber contractors that attacked Forest officers and Forest guards in the course of performing their official duties.

He urged the concerned government officials to always abide by the civil service rules while enforcing compliance with the state’s forestry law and assured them of their safety.

According to him, anybody that attacks any government official in the course of carrying out his lawful duties would henceforth be thoroughly dealt with in line with the law.

struction of the region was part of the election campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The SGF stressed that the aim was to bring lasting solution to insurgency and rebuild destroyed infrastructures in the area.

“Federal Government has begun reconstruction of schools, police stations among other buildings destroyed

by Boko Haram in the North East.

“The present APCled government is determined to guarantee peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and ensure that Nigerians irrespective of their locality or belief benefit from the dividend of democracy,” Lawan said.

He berated opposition parties for what he called campaign of calumny during the last general election, which linked the All Progressives Congress, APC, with a particular religion and Boko Haram insurgency.

Lawan said President Buhari and APC-led government would never discriminate against

any Nigerian on the basis of religion and any other affiliation.

“President Buhari believes in integrity; and before him all Nigerians are equal,” he said.

On youth empowerment, Lawan said Federal Government had excellent programmes for the employment of youths.

He commended the lawmaker for initiating skills acquisition programme for the youth, describing the gesture as a “landmark achievement” worthy of emulation.

According to him, the programme is the first of its kind in the area since the inception of democracy in 2009.

In his address, Buba said the gesture was part of the promises made during election campaign.

“During my election campaign I promised my constituents that if elected, I will bring change through youth empowerment programmes.

“And today, this is the second graduation where over 500 youths were trained in various skills and assisted with free equipment to start their businesses,” Buba said.

Adoption viable alternative to abortion, says lawyer

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n Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mrs Maureen Ajogo, has said that giving up an “unwanted” child for adoption is a better option than having an abortion.

Ajogo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bwari.

According to her, abortion is a deviation from the moral norm of the sanctity of human life.

The legal practitioner said no civilised society should permit a human to intentionally take the life of another human.

“It must be punishable.

However, adoption is a viable alternative to abortion.

“There is no such thing as an unwanted child.

Look around you today; you hear of families travelling to remote places just to either conceive or get a child they can adopt,’’ she said.

Ajogo explained that

abortion could result in complications later in life with the person terminating the pregnancy at risk of experiencing ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

She identified rape victims as persons at risk of becoming pregnant with an ``unwanted’’ baby.

According to her, if a situation like that should arise, the victim should be given proper medical care to ensure that she does not get pregnant.

“This is how the excuse for the act of terminating the pregnancy begins because we say it is unwanted.

“Abortion punishes the unborn child, who has committed no crime.

“It is the perpetrator who should be punished.

Abortion should not be used as another form of contraception,” Ajogo said.

8

Easter

Monday, February 22, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Christians, Muslims pledge to uphold religious harmony Francis Suberu

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uslims and Christians of various denominations gathered on Saturday in Lagos to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Nasrulah Fatiu Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, and members of the two religions pledged their commitment to peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the country.

The celebration which started with a ‘walk for religious harmony’ witnessed the congregation of followers of both religions (Islam and Christianity) who walked together in love from Mobolaji Bank – Anthony to the Lagos State Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, where they all converged

and pledged to live and work together for the progress of the country.

Speaking after the walk, general overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, commended NASFAT for extending invitation to representatives of various churches in their celebration, noting that NASFAT’s preaching of mutual love and religious tolerance has continued to strengthen religious harmony and peaceful coexistence among Christian and Muslim faithful in the country.

Adeboye who was represented at the event by a senior aastor from RCCG, Pastor Michael Lawson, noted that there is no reason for religious disharmony or discrimination as both religions

preach mutual love, kindness, justice, tolerance of one another, unity and good behaviour to fellow human beings, adding that both religions set these as necessary criteria for those that believe in God and have respect for the last day of judgement.

In the same vein, pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Ketu branch, Pastor Godwin Elabor, stated that the gathering of the representatives of both religions to celebrate NASFAT at 21is an indication that there is religious harmony and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state.

He said he was encouraged to attend the programme because NASFAT in all its activities and preaching has clearly dem-

onstrated that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony.

Similarly, president of the Muslim Congress, Dr. Lukman Ibrahim, commended leaders of the various churches that came to celebrate and identify with NASFAT which he noted, was an indication that there is an understanding and mutual relationship between Muslims and Christians in spite of the security situation in the country.

In her remarks, the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who received representatives of both religions expressed happiness at the large turnout of Christians at an event organised by their Muslim counterparts, noting that such a relationship and peaceful coexistence would help government implement its develop-

Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Gwagwalada, Rev. Fr. Rowland Nwakpuda (l) sprinkling holy water on Parishioners at the eve of Easter Sunday on Saturday night at Gwagwalada in Abuja.

Holiday-makers besiege tourist centres in Badagry

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ourists from different parts of the country yesterday visited various tourist sites and museums in Badagry as part of activities marking the Easter celebrations, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

NAN reports that Christians from Nigeria joined their counterparts from the rest of the world to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after he was crucified on Good Friday.

Ahead of this celebration, most Christians had observed a 40-day season of lent when they restrained themselves from sins and other worldly comfort, and involved themselves in charity, penance, prayer and fast-

ing throughout the period that ended on holy Saturday.

Also, Federal Government had declared May 25 (Good Friday) and May 28 (Easter Monday) as public holidays for Nigerians to celebration the Easter season.

A correspondent of NAN who visited the Badagry Heritage Museum, the first storey building, Seriki Abass Museum and the slave market, observed several tourists and fun seekers at the sites.

Mr. Olumide Adebayo who came to see the first storey building in Nigeria located in Badagry, noted that the Easter holiday had afforded him the opportunity to see the historic building.

"I have heard so much about the first storey build-

ing in Nigeria but I have not had the time to visit the place until now.

"The holiday has given me that opportunity and I'm overwhelmed with what I have seen here today.

"Everything has been preserved so that the building can continue to retain its originality and I'm happy to see such a wonderful and historic building," he said.

Mrs. Seyitan Badejo who visited the Seriki Abass Museum in Badagry could not contain her excitement at what she saw.

"I was lost for words when I saw one of the rooms that the slaves stayed in back in the days.

"Seeing the rooms, the marks on the walls, the

chains of the slaves and other things, made me lost for words.

"These are memories I'm going to cherish forever," she said.

Also, Mrs. Funmi Akano who came with her three sons, expressed pleasure at visiting the Point-of no-return site.

"My sons and I were so amused with what we saw at the Point-of-no-return site.

"I'm really amazed at the monuments and tourist sites in Badagry and I will definitely be here the next time I have the chance," she assured.

A tour guide, Mr. Anago James, said no fewer than 157 tourists visited the site, adding that he is still expecting more.

ment plans with ease.

Dr. Adebule who was very excited at the large turnout of representatives of various Christian groups, stated that with the large presence of followers of both religions,

“a memorandum of understanding for permanent peace and religious harmony has been signed and sealed

by Muslim and Christian communities in the state.

Archbishop urges Nigerians to show love, forgiveness

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rchbishop of Anglican ArchDiocese of Enugu State, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has enjoined Nigerians to show love and forgiveness in order to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous nation.

Chukwuma said this in a homily at the Chapel of Light Church, Enugu, during a special Easter Holy Communion service yesterday.

He noted that Nigerians would easily overcome the present hardship when they carry out their jobs and sell their wares with love and the fear of God. “The desire for sin, greed, revenge and hate should be jettisoned.

“What we need now is to queue behind the government and see how we can join it to move the country forward and overcome the temporary hardship we find ourselves.

“Easter, which is the res-

urrection of Christ, has come to resurrect Nigeria and Nigerians from the clutches of poverty, lack and economic stagnation, among our people.

“As we have prayed during the Lenten season, everything that brings backwardness and hardship to Nigeria as a country would be rolled away by the power of the Most High,’’ he said.

The cleric also called on political office holders to show commitment to their job and put the country first in all their decisions.

Chukwuma, however, prayed for God’s wisdom and guidance for President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the service was attended by the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, and top political office holders in Enugu State.

Cleric urges Nigerians to take solace in God Livinus Menedi Yola

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atholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Rev. Father Stephen Dami Mamza, has called on Nigerians to take solace in God as the country passes through very difficult times.

The bishop who made the call in his Easter message, while speaking with journalist in Yola yesterday as part of activities lined up by the church to mark this year's Easter celebrations, urged Nigerians not to be hopeless in the face of the difficulties they are experiencing, especially with the economy in turmoil and a fuel crisis that is still persisting.

The catholic bishop, in his message, noted that nobody expected things to be the way they turned out to be, adding that it is the ordinary mass-

es who are really suffering the economic backlash of a rising dollar and acute fuel scarcity.

He suggested that it is time President Muhammadu Buhari sits down with his economic team to tackle the economic crisis.

He equally tasked the new administration on the need to convince Nigerians that things could be better and that things would be better, in view of difficulties being experienced.

He also urged the administration to balance this by walking its talk so that "when they say something people should be able to know them by what they say."

According to him, what is urgently needed for the country to get out of the woods is for the President Buhari to get to work with a team of experts that could help him tackle the troubled economy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, March 28, 2016

EASTER CELEBRATION

Imo deputy gov charges Christians on unity, sacrifice Chris Njoku OWERRI

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Fun seekers arriving millennium park, to celebrate Easter Sunday in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Cleric urges Nigerians to keep faith with Buhari Tyopuusu Justin JALINGO

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atholic priest, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Kamai of Jalingo diocese, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the leadership of the country.

According to Kamai during Sunday Easter mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Takum local government, Jesus Christ’s resurrection three days after his death on the cross signifies

hope for humanity.

“Some people believe it was not Jesus that was nailed on the cross and that it was Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross; this is a totally wrong notion of Easter.

“Jesus Christ was crucified, died and rose on the third day. This signifies daybreak in the life of Christians and Nigerians in general. And I urge Nigerians to keep faith with this administration,” he said.

Kamai said because of the risen Christ, Christians all over the world have faith in the resurrection, adding that the resurrection of Christ is the reason for Easter.

“With the death and resurrection of Christ, believers no longer die, but now sleep in the Lord,” he said.

He therefore advised Christians to know that though challenges may come, with Christ their challenges are overtaken.

“Although we may suffer

as Christ did, we are sure of glory at the end.”

He also cautioned Christians against unseemly preaching of prosperity, since Christ himself suffered death and humiliation for the sake of humanity.

“Why should someone say you are not supposed to die, suffer pains or diseases? Such people are not true apostles of Christ or preachers of the gospel.

We must watch out for these prosperity preachers,” he cautioned.

Economy: Kwara speaker sues for prayers Wole Adedeji ILORIN

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igerians, irrespective of religion and ethnic backgrounds, have been charged at this critical time, to do something meaningful in moving Nigeria forward.

Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who made the call in his Easter message that was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said Nigerians should use the opportunity of being alive with the freedom to optimise their God-given potentials, to make life more meaningful for their less-privileged neighbours.

He also urged Christians and other Nigerians to pray fervently

for peace and economic stability of the country in the face of dwindling allocations and called on Christians in particular to imbibe the virtues of forgiveness, selflessness and perseverance learnt during the 40-day fasting and prayers as well as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which is a great sacrifice that Easter celebration teaches.

Similarly, the House of Assembly Speaker, Ali Ahmad in his Easter message in Ilorin, enjoined Nigerians to be strong in the face of several challenges facing the country. He noted that with unity of purpose Nigeria would soon overcome the crises.

He congratulating Christians for the Easter

celebration and admonished them to imbibe the teachings and doctrine of Jesus Christ to be their brother’s keepers, preach peace at all times and show love to people around them, especially adherents of other religions.

The speaker further admonished them to use the festive period by praying fervently for God’s intervention in the affairs of Nigeria with a view to ending the series of crises being experienced in the nooks and crannies of the country.

I gbawase U kumba

ings of Jesus Christ and make sacrifice for the state to attain greater heights.

The governor stated this in a statement issued to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, by his special assistant on media and publicity, Ahmed Tukur.

He said people of the state should seize the opportunity of the Easter holiday to reflect

s Christians all over the world mark Easter, Imo State deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere, has enjoined them to learn from the lifestyle and sacrifices of the son of God. Madumere made the call in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa, over the weekend.

The deputy governor stressed the meekness of Christ, who despite being the son of God, came in the flesh to live among men and to teach them the true ways of God. He said despite all the ill treatment meted out on Christ, he still stooped to pay the ultimate prize on the cross of Calvary with a view to saving humanity.

Madumere further called on Christians to learn from the humility of

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overnor Umaru Al-Makura has called on people of Nasarawa State, in the spirit of Easter, to exercise restraint and perseverance as Nigeria goes through its trying period.

Consequently, the governor urged the people to emulate the teach-

Christ and seek to live in peace with all men, an act he said is important for a progressive society.

The deputy governor noted that sacrifices for fellow humans do not mean lowly life but a convincing way of showing love and care to one another, which he said is the burden everyone has to bear to uplift each other and make the society a better place for all.

He also encouraged Christians and people of other faiths to follow the footsteps of Christ and use the season to reflect and mend their ways, while calling for concerted efforts in catering for the less privileged in the society.

He called for unity of purpose, which Christ preached and represented while urging all to be patriotic citizens, as such will uplift Imo State and make Nigeria a more unified and progressive nation where peace will reign among all men.

Collectively, we’ll overcome our challenges –Bello Priscilla Dennis MINNA

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iger

State

governor,Abubakar Sani Bello, has expressed optimism that with collective will of Nigerians, the country will rise above its current economic challenges.

The governor in an Easter message at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Minna yesterday said against this backdrop, the people must put the nation first and also see themselves as Nigerians.

Speaking through the

Al-Makura calls for perseverance

LAFIA

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deeply on what more they need to do as a people to ensure that the striving for positive change across the nation is achieved, so the country can move towards a better future for all its citizens.

He also called on people of the state to be their brother’s keeper and reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, Bello also called on Nigerians to draw lessons from the selfless lifestyle of Jesus Christ by making the necessary sacrifices to move the nation forward.

“The spirit of Easter is that of sacrifice; the change we are talking about is all about sacrifice. Just as the way God sacrificed His only son for us, we must all sacrifice to move this country forward and no amount of sacrifice is too much.

“Let me wish Nigerians a merry Easter celebration. I call on Christians and Muslims to avail themselves in sacrificial duties for the common good of Nigeria. We must eschew self, we must view issues from a collective bargain point of view, we must see ourselves first as Nigerians no matter the circumstance, we must place country first,” he charged.

He called on Nigerlites to be patient with his administration in order to achieve the desired change, while stressing the need to be security-conscious during the Easter period.

10

South West

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why Islam ridiculed, by Sultan Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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Beneficiaries of free train ride from Lagos to Osun sponsored by the Osun State Government in commemoration of Easter celebration, at Iddo Terminal in Lagos at the weekend.

Ondo guber: I’ll crush Mimiko, PDP – Alasoadura

Ojo O yewamide AKURE

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ll Progressives Congress, APC gover norship aspirant in Ondo State, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, has said only a credible and strong candidate can win for the party in the forthcoming election in the state.

He advised the party not to make the mistake of giving its ticket to an aspirant that does not have all it takes to defeat Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his party in the election.

Alasoadura, who represents Ondo central senatorial district in

the National Assembly, spoke in Akure at the weekend while officially informing the State Executive Committee of his intent to contest the election on the platform of the party.

The lawmaker warned against complacency among APC members, saying its major opponent, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is still alive in the state.

“Members of our party need a General to lead them to the battle. I now offer myself to lead you in the battle. I am going to crush Mimiko; I am going to crush his party if given the APC ticket,” he promised.

He noted that Ondo would not have been in the league of states in serious economic crisis today if the Mimiko-led administration had not veered off the path of development charted by the immediate past government of late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Alasoadura promised to industrialise the state as well as make youth and women empowerment a priority of his government.

He said: “Late Agagu was a visionary leader.

Being a geologist, he realised that a time would come when petroleum would no longer bring much money.

That was why he made efforts to industrialise the state.

“If Olokola Free Trade Zone had not been abandoned by the present administration, it could have employed more than 100,000 youths. If I get APC ticket and eventually the mandate of the people, I intend to use Agagu’s policy paper and partner stakeholders to revive moribund industries in the state and create new ones.”

The state chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke, said there would be a level playing field for all the aspirants, urging Alasoadura to work hard for the party ticket.

Osun combats water-borne diseases with ceramic filters Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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sun State government has unveiled plan to roll out Ceramic Water Filters as part of measures to stem the tide of water-borne diseases in the state The Director-General, Office of Economic Development and Partnership, OEDP, Dr. Charles Akinola, disclosed this during an inspection tour of facilities at the Atamora Ceramic Water Filter Factory at Atamora via Ikire.

Akinola, who was accompanied by former Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources and Rural

Development, Mr. Kunle Ige and others, stated that efforts were being made to use potters to produce water filters.

The ceramic water filter project, christened “Amu Osun”, which he said began three years ago as an initiative of Mr. Rauf Aregbesola-led government, is set for formal launching.

Ceramic water filter is a globally-acknowledged effective innovative technology that filters dirt and bacteria from impure water, thus providing clean drinking water.

Akinola stated that through the project, the state was now leading the way in deploying indigenous technology to

combat the ravaging tide of water-borne diseases, which is known to be the cause of over 60 percent diseases in the sub-Saharan region.

He assured that with the level of readiness seen at the factory during the tour and the certification of the effectiveness of the filter christened Amu Osun by the state’s ministries of health and water resources, the filters will soon be rolled out.

Akinola equally disclosed that the project which had enjoyed grant from the American Embassy and the goodwill of the renowned American ceramist, Professors Richard Wukich, is on the verge of brokering

partnerships with Rotary International alongside three American universities.

According to him, the partnerships would cover training for women and youth and as well provide ceramic training and research centres to develop the pottery potentials of the state and the country in general.

Curator of the project and the master potter, Atamora Pottery, Mr. Ibukunoluwa Ayoola, said with the government’s support, the initiative would not only fight water born-diseases among rural dwellers, but also reduce unemployment significantly in the nation.

ultan of Sokoto and the President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday urged Muslims in the country to work very hard towards sanitising the religion.

The royal father, who spoke in Iwo, Osun State, while commissioning a central mosque built in the premises of The Wings Schools, said bad attitude of a few was being used to judge the religion, thereby turning it into an object of bashing.

He said the notion of holding religion responsible for the misdemeanor of an individual is making Islam a “bashing boy” and urged Muslims to work with a common goal to endear the religion to more people.

Abubakar said: “Our religion is becoming bashing boy because people hold it responsible for the misdeeds of

few individuals. Don’t pretend, you can’t afford to be lazy; work for this religion and be peaceful. People should know that an individual’s attitude cannot be used to determine what a religion is.

“We must henceforth separate behaviour of few individuals from what our religion stands for because if an individual is bad, religion should not be held responsible.

An individual is an individual while religion will always be separate.”

However, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, demanded from Islamists a Jihad of love, urging them to shed all acts that could discourage people from embracing the religion.

He said the visit of the Sultan was significant and will further cement North/South relationship, which will in turn help in promoting peaceful coexistence of people from different parts of the country.

Ado poly counsels new intakes against cultism A biodun N ejo ADO EKITI

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ederal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti has warned the 1,760 fresh students for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes at its Continuing Education Centre, Ado Ekiti against involvement in social vices.

The Rector, Dr Theresa Akande, said: “Any student caught engaging in any of the social vices ranging from cultism, rape, hooliganism, assault, examination malpractice to internet fraud otherwise known as Yahoo etc, would be handed over to security agencies for prosecution, in addition to expulsion from the polytechnic.”

Akande, who spoke at the matriculation ceremony for the 1,617 ND and 143 HND students for the 2015/2016 session at the centre, charged them to seize the opportunity of their admission to attain higher laurels that would prepare them for

productive life and the challenges ahead in the larger society.

According to her, the institution has put in place certain programmes and facilities to ensure the students receive sound education to enable them meet the challenges of life.

These, the Rector said included entrepreneurial programme; sporting and relaxation facilities; ICT Centre; additional classrooms; well-equipped library; and health centre annex.

While urging the students to take the advantage of the institution’s stable calendar to attain the “golden fleece,” the rector warned them against willful damage of school property, keeping bad company and indecent dressing that could expose the ladies to sexual harassment.

The occasion also witnessed distribution of prizes to excelling returning students in the various departments to serve as encouragement for others to strive toward excellence.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Monday, March 28, 2016

11

Nigerian aviation roadmap designed to revolutionalise sector –FAAN

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ederal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, on Sunday explained that the aviation road map was designed to revolutionalise the industry and increase revenue.

This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, and given to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

The statement added that the road map entails institutionalising worldclass safety and security standards, through institutional reforms and development of infrastructure in Nigerian airports.

It said FAAN, under the leadership of Mr Salem Dunoma, had remained committed to upgrading infrastructure in all the airports to make them conform to international standards.

“Recent figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics attest to the fact that Nigeria has grown appreciably in recent years, from

13,891,677 passengers in 2010 to 14,899,958 passengers lifted in 2013.

“Surely, this growth is the outcome of deliberate strategic transformation by the government in the sector and indeed, a key performance indicator that the reforms are yielding positive outcomes.

“A further boost of confidence came earlier this week when the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which has just completed a security assessment tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, gave the airport high marks.

“The US team also commended FAAN for what it called consistency methodology in the implementation of TSA Security procedures which are of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” it said.

According to the statement, Lagos airport has benefited from the upgrade of Air Naviga-

Ojokoro LCDA to rescue minors from hotels

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ducation Department of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State yesterday vowed to rescue underaged girls on menial jobs or prostitution in hotels.

Head of Education department in the LCDA, Mrs Abimbola Whenayon, made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

She said officers of the department would begin the rescue and rehabilitation exercise in April.

The officer said many underaged girls had been lured into menial jobs in hotels or as sex workers by their relatives who brought them to the state under the pretext of better life.

She said the girls would be reunited with their parents and subsequently enrolled in schools to become better citizens.

She said many underaged girls were deceived

and brought to Lagos by close relatives with the promise that they would be enrolled in schools or work.

“When I was in Surulere Local Government, we rescued some girls, rehabilitated and enrolled them in schools.

“I am new in this LCDA, but by April, after the holiday, I will start going into it fully to rescue the girls who are being exploited.

“We will get a place for them, rehabilitate them, send them to school and even seek partnership with private organisations to train those who are not interested in school.

“We will train them in vocational skills that will make them very responsible citizens instead of becoming sex workers or bar girls.

“After a while, we will link up with their parents or family anywhere in the country so that we can reunite them.

tional Services as well as aerodrome and ground aids, enabling a fine mix of technology and human interface.

The statement said it had received massive improvements with security scanners installed at various passenger processing and baggage han-

dling points that could detect liquid explosives and other potentially offensive materials.

“New access control and monitoring systems, with tighter access control procedures have been put in place to keep away unauthorised persons from sterile areas of

the airport.

“The new Close Circuit Television, CCTV, systems have also been installed to enhance security at the airport with perimeter fencing reinforced to keep out unwanted access to runways.

“FAAN has increased

motorised perimeter patrols, and installed remote electronic intruder monitoring systems and security tower observation.

“The parameter access road has been reconstructed in order to facilitate patrols and enhance security,” it added.

Dilapidated classroom blocks at Ihenweorie Secondary School, Ahiara Mbaise, Imo State yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Ghanaian exhibitor urges Nigerians to patronise local fabrics

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Ghanaian exhibitor at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair, Mrs Celestina Bonsu, has urged Nigerians to patronise locally-made fabrics and

artifacts to accelerate economic growth.

Bonsu made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday at the 27th edi-

tion of the fair.

She said West African countries were being affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations due to over-dependence on foreign made goods.

Sokoto sets aside N30m for wedding of 100 couples

S

okoto State government says it has set aside N30 million for the organisation of the wedding of 100 couples in the area.

The mass wedding is being coordinated by the State Sunnah Mediation Council.

Chairman of the council, Aliyu Kofar-Rini, told NAN in Sokoto that the wedding would be conducted before the commencement of Ramadan.

By the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is expected to begin in June.

He said the council would pay the bride prices of all the female partners

- N30,000 for spinsters and N20,000 for divorcees.

“The brides will also be trained in skills like knitting, sewing, pomade and detergents making, among others.

“The brides will be assisted with working tools and capital,’’ Kofar-Rini explained.

The chairman of the council further said that each couple would receive N75,000 to enable them settle down properly to marital life.

He said all the intending couples would be verified by the ward, village and district heads of their respective areas of resi-

dence before the final approval of the council.

He recalled that the state government spent N30 million in the organisation of the first phase of mass wedding of 125 couples in January 2014.

According to him, 15 of the 125 couples have since been divorced.

“The remaining 110 couples are still married and have produced 45 children, with the latest being twins, born on March 24.

“The council has set up a reconciliation committee, which routinely visits the couples to help resolve all misunderstandings,’’ he added.

The exhibitor said the Ghana Export Promotion Council was sending exhibitors of made-in-Ghana products to Enugu International Trade Fair for the first time.

Bonsu, who is the Director of God’s Wisdom Artifacts, Ghana, said indigenous goods, especially fabrics and artifacts, were of top quality and reflected African tradition.

“We can change our economies by buying more locally produced goods such as fabrics and artifacts and save Africa from the clutches of foreign domination,” he said.

Bonsu commended organisers of the fair for the security and electricity provided at the fair ground.

“Yes, I am impressed by the arrangement, especially as it concerns availability of water, electricity and tarring of the fair ground,” she said.

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South South

Monday, March 29, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chevron’s GMoU has benefitted Niger Delta –Stakeholders Ojo Oyewamide, Akure

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he Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) pioneered by NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture has been described as a unique collaborative initiative that has contributed to the development of the Niger Delta Region.

This, it has done through sustenance of peace and the rule of law for economic growth.

This was the opinion of stakeholders at the signing ceremony of the renegotiated GMoU by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, Delta and Ondo state governments as well as Egbema-Gbaramatu and Ilaje commu-

nities.

Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola, used the occasion to applaud the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture for collaborating with government to bring sustainable development to the region through the various agreements with communities.

While urging the people to continue to uphold fairness and transparency in the projects and programmes implementation, he pledged the commitment of the Niger Delta Ministry to advancing the development efforts of the Regional Development Committees.

Also, Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor, and the Focal Person, Policy Planning in the office of the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Pastor Edmund Akintunde, praised the efforts of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in consistently providing funds for community development through the GMoU. “Chevron has continued to demonstrate social responsiveness in areas of its operations.

The accomplishments through the GMoU testify to the company’s commitment to the development of communities where it operates in the Niger Delta region,”

they stated.

Chief Michael Johnny and Prince Henry Patrick Ehinmola, chairmen of Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation and the Ilaje Regional Development Committee respectively, also took turns to applaud the GMoU and implore all stakeholders to adopt it as a vehicle for socioeconomic development of Niger Delta communities.

Johnny said: “If the government partners with reputable community-based organisations like ours that reach out directly to the oil producing communities, much will be achieved in terms of development

and providing peaceful environment for oil exploration activities.”

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrup, said the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture had spent about N17bn on over 600 development projects and programmes in the past 10 years.

According to him, the projects and programmes were in health, education, economic development and local capacity building, which include scholarships in which over 40,000 benefited, agriculture, medical centers and supplies, school buildings, water projects, bridges, town halls, housing units, jetties, drains and roads.

He also said the shift to GMoU was to engender business development, income generation and economic empowerment as well as third party partnership and collaboration that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. He said: “The vision of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture is that the GMoU should be owned by all stakeholders in the process and, as such, it would welcome contributions – monetary, technical and administrative - that could come to all the Regional Development Committees, both in the East and West of the Niger Delta, from the government, their agencies, NGOs and wellmeaning individuals.”

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curity agencies had led to reduction in cases of vandalism in the state.

The state commandant warned vandals and other criminals that delighted in adulterating petroleum products to desist from the act as the state would not be conducive for their business.

He said the command would not relent on its mandate of protecting critical infrastructure belonging to government in any part of the country.

Ojeniyi also called on private security companies in the state that had not renewed their license for 2016 to do so immediately.

He said the command would soon embark on inspection of private guard companies and that those were yet to renew their licenses would be sanctioned.

The corps commandant said oil theft, petroleum products adulteration and vandalism of electricity installations would be eliminated in the state with the cooperation of other security agencies.

He appealed to residents of the state to regard security agents as their friends and should volunteer useful information on the activities of criminals to the command for prompt action.

NSCDC arrests 13 vandals in Akwa Ibom

L-R: Admin Officer 1, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Calabar Chapter, Ebri Onen; Regional Manager, South South 2, Skye Bank Plc, Nseobot Willie; Admin Officer 2, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Calabar Chapter, Eta Ebikaboere and Group Head, Retail Banking , Skye Bank Plc ,Nkolika Okoli at the Bank’s “Reach For The Skye” reward draw held in Watt Market, Calabar in Cross Rivers State recently.

DPR seals 8 filling stations in Akwa Ibom

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epartment of Petroleum Resources, DPR, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, has sealed eight filling stations in the state for operating without valid licenses.

DPR’s Controller (Operations), in charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross River state, Mr. Bassey Nkanga, disclosed this in Eket yesterday.

Nkanga said many filling stations in the state, including some owned by Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, members, were operating without valid licenses.

According to him, only about 50 per cent of the filling stations had valid licenses.

He said the department had commenced “vigorous inspection” of filling stations with a view to identifying and sealing those operating without valid licenses.

The controller advised owners of the sealed stations to regularise their licenses to have their outlets reopened.

He warned against operating without valid licenses and advised such dealers to desist from the act or face the wrath of the law.

“Some of the filling

stations in Akwa Ibom do not have DPR’s licenses. Henceforth any fill-

ing station without a license will not be allowed to operate,” he added.

kwa Ibom State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, yesterday said it arrested 13 suspected vandals last Friday.

State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Emmanuel Ojeniyi, said in Uyo that the suspects would be charged to court immediately the ongoing investigation was completed on the matter.

“On Friday, 13 vandals were arrested and brought to this command and we are investigating.

“As soon as investigations are completed

by Tuesday they will be charged to court,” Ojeniyi said.

He said collaboration of his men with other se-

Immigration Service repatriates 25 illegal immigrants

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igeria Immigration Service, NIS, yesterday said it repatriated 25 illegal migrants from Rivers State.

Comptroller, Rivers command of the service, Mr. Ishaka Haliru, disclosed this in Port Harcourt.

He said the affected migrants were citizens of ECOWAS member states and four others who breached immigration laws.

He said the command was ready to curb the influx of illegal migrants in the state.

Haliru urged Nigerians who planned to travel to any neighbouring country to obtain ECOWAS Passports to avoid illegal entry or embarrassment by the immigration service.

“We recently repatriated 25 illegal migrants from ECOWAS member states. The majority of

them are Togolese and four others from non ECOWAS states.

“It is only a person who has regularised his stay within 90 days that is permitted to either establish a legal business or work in the country. This is in line with Immigration’s focus treaty,” he said.

Haliru said officers of the command had displayed high level of vigilance to tackle passport racketeering.

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Economic Summit should be convened as soon as possible —Wabba

2018: Chieftain seeks dissolution of Ekiti APC SWC

Abiodun Nejo do Ekiti

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ll Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in Ekiti State, Mr Olusegun Osinkolu has canvassed expeditious dissolution of the party’s State Working Committee,SWC in Ekiti State for the current efforts at concretizing the party to really materialize.

Osinkolu, who said that the Chief Jide Awe-led SWC members were handpicked, added that it would be tantamount to illegality for such structure to be retained till the next election in 2018.

The former APC senatorial contender, spoke in Ayede- Ekiti at the weekend while addressing his supporters.

He took a swipe at the state governor over “unnecessary criticism” of the President Muhammadu Buhari government and advised him to face the task of governance rather than dissipating energy on “a President, who has been working assiduously to make a tremendous positive impacts on the lives of Nigerians”.

The APC chieftain praised the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinu-

bu, for cautioning the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on how to address Nigerians on the issue of fuel scarcity.

Osinkolu, who said Tinubu’s statement was in the best interest of Nigerians and the APC government, explained that it should not be mischievously misinterpreted to mean existence of crack within the ruling party.

He dispelled the insinuation milling rounds that Kachikwu was not competent to handle the Ministry having said he had no magic to perform over the present oil scarcity pummeling the country.

Supporting Tinubu’s outburst against Kachikwu, Osinkolu said: “Nigerians who are at the receiving end of the hard-biting scarcity expected pro-active action

from government in line with the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and that Kachikwu’s response was not the best way to assuage Nigerians’ feelings.

He advised the minister “to learn how to manage the public. He should try and understand the mood of the people. How can a minister be saying that he is not a magician under this cir-

cumstance? I don’t think it is right.

“This is not the first time Nigeria will be experiencing fuel scarcity, but President Muhammadu Buhari represents change and this must reflect in our deeds and actions in APC. “So, I want to thank our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, for mustering the bravado to speak even against someone who is in his own party,” he said..

Dogara , Wakili extol late district head’s virtue Ezekiel Titus Bauchi

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he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Ali Wakili have extol the virtue of late District Head of Dull in Tafawa-Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state, Alhaji Abdullahi Hassan This was just as they have urged the bereaved family to emulate the late district head in his role as a peace maker in the area .

Senator Ali Wakili delivered the condolence message on behalf of the speaker in Dull Village when he led a delegation to the family of late Alhaji abdullahi Hassan who died after a protracted illness.

“We are here on the delegation of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara as part of his campaign promise to carry along people especially during trying and tragic moments like this.”, Wakili said.

Dogara had described the death of the monarch as a colossal loss not only to Dull community, but the entire nation at large where his royal contribution is dearly needed.

The speaker urged the

family to eschew bitterness and forget their differences in an attempt to produce the successor to the late district head saying however that they should ensure that a credible person is appointed.

Wakili said the decision of Dogara to have sent the delegation followed the cordial relationship between him and the late royal father .

The speaker, therefore urged the family of the deceased to bear the irreparable loss with a view to seek Allah’s blessing and pray for Aljanatu firdausi in favour of the deceased.

While speaking on behalf of the deceased family, the Village head of Mball, Alhaji Isa Usman expressed satisfaction with the delegation of Hon. Yakubu Dogara describing the speaker as an exemplary leader worthy of emulation.

According Usman, the family will continue to sustain the good rapport between the late district head and Dogara. “ We promise to remain grateful to the speaker, Senator Wakili, present and former state assembly members including Dauda Dada, SSA to the speaker as well as other important members of the delegation” Usman said.

Chairman, Board, PDP Zamfra State Elders Forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Garaba (L) with founder, PDP Mass Supporters Forum, Mr Simon Leshe, at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Jigawa govt to build 1,330 low cost houses Saidat Alausa

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igawa State Governor , Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has disclosed plans to build at least 1330 low cost houses across the state.

He said under the programme, each local government would have 40 houses while the five emirate headquarters will get additional 50 houses each.

Governor Badaru made the disclosure recently, when he received the Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji

Gimba Yau who visited him in his office.

The governor said the house would be built considering the huge shelter gap and also to assist especially civil servants to own houses at their villages and towns.

The governor said, while each of the five emirate headquarters would have 90 houses, Dutse is targeted to get higher number considering the high concentration of the beneficiaries in the state capital.

He therefore charged the Federal Mortgage Bank to collaborate with Jigawa State Housing Corporation

to come up with a design plan for houses that their cost would not exceed between seven hundred thousand to one million naira so that civil servants can afford them.

The governor also said that he is ready to partner the bank to achieve the targeted number of houses at lower cost.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Gimba Yau said the bank is pleased to take up the challenge by providing affordable houses in the state.

He said Jigawa state have

special recognition by the bank because of its consistency and loyalty to the bank pointing out that no concession would be too much to do for the state.

Yau said when this project takes off, Jigawa state would be a model for other states.

The MD maintained that the bank has also come up with house renovation loans for civil servants adding that it was meant to address the grievances of contributors of mortgages across Nigeria.

He commended Governor Badaru for the initiatives, saying it would go a long way in addressing the housing deficit in Jigawa state.

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Politics

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Economic Summit should be convened as soon as possible —Wabba is facing serious challenges?

Comrade Ayuba Wabba is the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. In this interview with journalists he speaks on the state of the nation.VICTOR UDOH brings excerpts.

What is your reaction to the nation’s present state of economy which has taken a downward turn?

The present poor state of the economy has been a source of concern to everybody.

The organized labour, the populace and other stakeholders are all worried. And everybody believe that something must be urgently done by the federal government to improve the situation. What has made things worst was the slump in oil prices which has now dealt a serious blow on our economy.

For many people, wha t we should be discussing now is the way out of the quagmire. That is fine, but while attempts are being made at proffering solutions, we must not forget to ask ourselves the question, how did we get here? And could this situation have been avoided or less biting if the right things have been done?

To answer these questions, I strongly believe that this present situation would not have been serious like this if we had done the right thing in the past.

For instance, there was a time crude oil was selling for about 140 dollars per barrel, and money was coming in to the nation’s treasury. But when this money was coming in, our leaders should have known that they need to save for raining days.

Life is not a bed of roses, it is full of ups and downs. Other countries that were wiser, they were saving during this period of boom in oil sales. Even during the Biblical era, in the time of plenty, people were wise as they ensure that they saved for the raining day, and eventually when famine came, the people didn’t suffer as they had gathered enough to take care of their needs.

Nigerians should blame the leadership that failed to do the right thing during the time of surplus.

Now what do you think is the way out?

There is no problem without a solution, and that is why I’m happy with the idea of the Economic Summit that is being canvassed.

I support the idea. Let all the stakeholders including government and the organized labour meet and proffer solutions that will help to make naira strong again.

The economic summit should be convened as quickly as possible. Again, I believe that government should have a strong economic management team which will be advising the federal government from time to time on issues relating to the economy and welfare of Nigerians.

Government should also create more job opportunities. When industries are established, it promotes local production, and also boosts exports. Exporting products will also help to boost naira.

Wabba But some state governments are still owing workers despite receiving bail-out from the federal government, what is the NLC doing to make the governors pay the workers?

Twenty-four hours of the day, the NLC leadership has been moving round the country to hold dialogue with the governors on the need to pay these outstanding wages, and they are cooperating with us. But for those who want to prove stubborn, we set time limits, after which we will then mobilize against them. A labourer as the saying goes deserve his wages, and Nigerian workers are not going to be an exception.

Do you support the call for a reduction in the salary and other emoluments of

National Assembly members?

It is shocking that our lawmakers at the national level – Senators and Members of the House of Representatives – would continue with the bizarrely ostentatious standards they have set for themselves.. For instance, the planned purchase of 496 exotic cars costing several billions of naira, after getting car allowances, is not only outrageous but a mark of the manifest insensitivity of our legislators in the period of severe famine in the land.

How can we, poor working people, millions of the unemployed and the poor masses, be expected to tighten our belts, while those supposedly elected by us to manage and provide succor for our collective wellbeing intend to live like emperors at a time that our economy

Now that there is slump in oil price, how do you think federal government can generate revenue?

The fall in the prices of crude oil provides a unique opportunity for our country to go back to the basics, to diversify and make governments at every level to look critically at areas of its comparative advantage and concentrate efforts to make the difference.

Virtually all parts of our country are blessed with one form of agricultural produce or the other. Our governments need to invest in modern agricultural infrastructure so that we can bring back the groundnut pyramids, the cocoa and palm plantations of the First Republic. In Ikeja Industrial Estate and the Apapa Port in Lagos, the infrastructure built to handle bulk export of cocoa are still lying waste. These can be revived.

In the same vein, our business elite and multi-national companies are notorious for evading paying taxes. The federal and states revenue services need to step up identifying those that had not been paying taxes and get them to do so efficiently. Government needs to impose property tax on the several hundreds of flashy estates and other structures in Abuja and several state capitals across the country. Some of these structures have lied unoccupied for years, making us to believe that they are properties developed with laundered funds.

It is such a big national shame that Ajaokuta Steel Company conceived to be the foundation and cornerstone of our industrialization has been willfully neglected and abandoned all these years after over $5 billion had been sunk into the construction of its huge and vast edifice. Additionally, Ajaokuta was also meant to produce the steel we need as a country to replace our obsolete rail lines with modern standard gauge rail lines. On a recent visit by a delegation of congress leadership to China, and following discussions with top officers of the ruling establishment there, they shows a clear readiness to partner with Nigeria to make functional our steel development sector, which the western world has over the years conspired with our unpatriotic elite to prevent from functioning.

I believe that we should take up the Chinese offer to help revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company. Its revival will help to strengthen our ailing economy.

IPAC enjoins Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ

Adeola Tukuru Abuja

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he Inter-party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC yesterday felicitates with Christians on the occasion of Easter celebrations.

IPAC enjoins Christians to emulate the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ who was crucified on the cross for the redemption of mankind.

In a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, IPAC ,Chief Ogbuehi Dike, said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the essence of Christianity and the reason for the season.

“IPAC urges Christians to use the occasion

of this year’s Easter celebrations to pray for peace, unity and economic recovery of the country.

“IPAC further urges Nigerians to be patriotic and support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the task of building a strong virile, progressive and prosperous democratic nation.

“IPAC commends the National Assembly for the passage of 2016 budget, it is hoped that the holistic implementation of the appropriation bill will cushion the effect of the current economic meltdown and improve the people’s standards of living.

“We urge the Buhari government to be sensitive to the plight of the masses and pro-

vide abundant dividend of democracy and avoid the mistake of previous governments that recklessly looted the public till whenever budgets were passed as the ongoing probes revealed.

“IPAC strongly condemns the violence that marred the legislative rerun elections in Rivers state. It was a giant step backward in our electoral process. IPAC condemns do-ordie politics and insists on one man, one vote.

“The will of the electorate must prevail as power resides in the people”, IPAC said.

The body further urged the gladiators in the Rivers state election violence to desist from this cowardly act that has further tarnished the image of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, March 28, 2016

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As Buhari, Okotie agree on the Nigerian economy Numan Al Hassan

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n about two months, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government will mark one year in office. It will be a time to reflect on the trajectory and achievements of the change mantra which ushered the opposition party into government, and which afforded Nigerians the rare opportunity to have a peek into the nefariousness of the PDP looting machinery that had been subsumed under a whitewash of political propaganda, grandstanding and cronyism. The inevitable fallouts of that era is the unfortunate hardships that the realignment of the economy is taking on Nigerians, especially in the face of floundering global economics and falling oil prices which accounts for over 75 percent of Nigeria’s income.

That is why, President Buhari’s economic agenda, which revolved around five key priority areas, namely power, agriculture, manufacturing, housing and healthcare, and unveiled at the recent National Economic Council retreat, presented the opportunity for concerned Nigerians to have an inkling into the mindset of the President, and offer candid advice where necessary, or key-in, in order to bring to fruition the purposes and intents he enunciated.

This agenda was in congruence with a Facebook post by Rev. Chris Okotie’s stating his perspectives on the economy, which he posited during a recent Fresh Democratic Party’s (FRESH) caucus meeting over the weekend. He said; “…

our party, therefore, advises that the economic summit seriously deliberates on what we consider to be the three key battle grounds - Agriculture, Power and Human Capital Development. Nigeria needs quality manpower to develop her economy, so, we must modernize our educational sector and its moribund curriculum, by investing in infrastructure, training, research and development.

“Every sector of the economy needs quality manpower to develop programme initiatives that could drive the economy towards self sufficiency, rather than import dependency. No nation survives if it cannot feed itself, so our agriculture, more than any sector; apart from power generation, requires holistic, new and revolutionary policies that would ensure food security on the short-term and turn Nigeria into a major food exporter on the long-term…”

These views strike a chord with President Buhari’s opinion of the place of agriculture and power in the future of Nigeria, and his acknowledgement of challenges are the first step towards rectifying the imbalances: Access to foreign exchange, inadequate power, roads, security, high interest rates, lack of long term funding in manufacturing, high rents, unaffordable prices for prospective buyers, red tape, corruption and public service inefficiency in housing, inadequate equipment’s, poorly trained nursing staff, overcrowding in the health care sector, are challenges confronting us.

In agriculture, the President noted the lack of meaningful credit facilities, lack

From the inception of his presidency 10 months ago, Buhari gave Boko Haram fighters a run for their money

of visible government impact, rising food prices, cost of fertilizers, pesticides and labour, and the perennial challenges posed by subsidized food import, poor storage and agro-processing. Like Rev. Okotie believes, he must not ignore sectors like infrastructural development and education, the bedrock of adequate manpower in today’s highly cerebral world.

His emphasis that the current power challenge which the nation is facing was unacceptable, cannot be over-emphasized, yet, to make manufacturing a priority drive, the 2000 megawatts before the end of 2016, and 10,000 megawatts targeted for 2019 are still measly, compared to the tens of thousands which some other African nations generate and hundreds of thousand megawatts which industrialized nations generate to power their entire national operations. That being said, to accomplish the said targets in itself would be an inspiring feat, if this government accomplishes it.

For the promised change to evolve on the economic landscape, there must first be a general reorientation of the conformity of our national psyche and a divorce from the aberrations embedded in our

Aremo Olakunle Azeez Adewale: One year after Kayode Jackson

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arch 28, 2015 has found its way into the political anal of Nigerian history. If anything, the date reminds us of the first ever political revolution, one that asserted people’s will, their struggle and triumph. It was the date Nigerians for the first time removed an incumbent President (Goodluck Jonathan) and replaced him with an opposition candidate (Muhammadu Buhari) through the ballot. One year after that historical feat, the thrills and excitements are dying off as Nigerians seem to be marching on with keen expectations now being directed in the administration they have helped put in place.

While it is expected that Nigerians, like every other citizens elsewhere, trudge on after attaining a milestone, of greater importance is the need to keep celebrating efforts of individuals, who at large, medium or smaller scales, contributed in bringing about the much desired “change”- the anchor on which the current administration secured entry to the office. Although the number could be too numerous to mention, dead or alive, these personalities must not be forgotten in a hurry.

Within the league of such heroic men and women is Prince Azeez Olakunle Adewale, a former Deputy Director in the Lagos State civil service. Adewale, the heir apparent to Olu of Epe royal stool, lost his life alongside that of five other Nigerians, who chose to

Adewale…was such a selfless leader, who will give anything to ensure that peace prevails in his domain

leave their comfort zones for the riverine communities of Epe to help mobilize and coordinate residents in the civic responsibility of electing leaders they can trust.

Other who lost their lives in the boat tragedy included, Muiz Bello, a former staff of Chevron and a chairmanship aspirant of Epe Local Government Council, Bello’s Personal Assistant, Shamsideen Agoro, a former public servant with the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority, Gbolahan Mogaji and his brother Olawale Mogaji, a consultant with Lagos Eko Education Project.

The narration of their deaths, according to eye witnesses accounts, was that after they had completed their accreditation process in their respective areas in Epe, the deceased decided to embark on a mobilisation and monitoring exercise at the riverine community of Ereshe. It was while returning from communal-driven effort that their boat ran into turbulence and capsized.

It will not be out of context to described Prince Adewale and others as the silent heroes in the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria as they paid the ultimate price for the

needed change. Any death recorded for a cause one seriously believes in qualifies one as a martyr. For instance, despite being a Prince and Deputy Director at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adewale never for once abdicated both traditional or communal responsibilities. And for friends and relatives who knew him, he was such a selfless leader who will give anything to ensure that peace prevails in his domain.

Born on May 20, 1967, Adewale attended Monluka Nursery and Primary School before proceeding to Government College Ketu; Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School and Anwar-ul-Islam College, Agege for his secondary school education.

Between 1985 and 1989, the late Adewale attended Lagos State University (LASU) for his first degree. He bagged Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the same University between 1991 and 1993.

He joined the Lagos State civil service in 1991and put up a cumulative 24 years of working experience before his demise.

Within the period, he rose through the rank and eventually became Deputy Director at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Since his demise, not a few have described Adewale’s death as an irreparable loss for the community he served so well and the ministry where he once called the shot. Today, one year after the gory incident that claimed the prince’s life and that of others, the tears, pain and anguish still linger in the hearts of many. Though the

political genes. It is also worthy of note that the while economic drive is of utmost importance, it must not relegate the ongoing twin battles against corruption and insurgency to the background at this time, otherwise if the cabal are allowed to reconstitute their machinery’s, it would make nonsense of any economic gains that this government accomplishes.

Also, if Nigeria socio-political landscape must change, passivity and takingsides, which discolour the views of hardline paradigms like the anti-corruption and anti-terrorism battles, need to give way to patriotic and wholesome acceptance of any necessary surgical operations government initiates within the ambit of the law to rid the nation of every appearance of anti-growth in our socioeconomic life.

Just as he is doing with the unveiling of his economic agenda, President Buhari began this onerous process of purging the top echelons of politics and government of anti-economic tendencies. From the inception of his presidency 10 months ago, Buhari gave Boko Haram fighters a run for their money, and inaugurated his highly successful anti-corruption war.

The process must trickle down from every sector of public life and the MDAs, where corruption oils the wheels and machinery of government, to the nooks and crannies of the country. Then only can we begin to attain the Nigeria that the founding fathers and every well meaning Nigerian envisioned.

Numan Al Hassan wrote from Zamfara State.

tears, will neither bring back Adewale nor any of the other deceased to life, nonetheless, their memories will linger for a long time to come.

In his sermon at the Fidau prayer organised for Prince Adewale on Saturday April 4, 2015 at Popo Oba Ground, Epe, the Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly and a current Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Abdulateef Abdulakeem, described death as “human inevitable end.” Abdulakeem urged the people not to despair too much over the departed souls as it is a reminder to all and sundry to live a life worthy of emulation. He reminded them that death is a necessary end for all but the day and manner it will come are unknown to humans.

So, as relatives and friends mark a year anniversary of the departed souls after the tragic event of March 28, 2015, we can only pray that the family left behind Adewale - his wife and three children - are adequately taken care of by the Lagos State government in particular and the Buhariled Federal Government in general.

Jackson is a Lagos based public relations practitioner.

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

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

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FG’s land borders’ rice ban

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he Federal Government has banned the importation of rice through all land borders nationwide, says the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) some days ago.

National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, said the ban came on the heels of the realization by the Customs Service that revenue made by the country from rice imported through land borders was dwindling despite the large volume of rice ‘handled in ports of neighbouring African countries’. Reports indicated that the government, in October last year, relaxed the restriction it placed for over five years now on rice coming into the country through land borders, ostensibly believing that the decision would translate to more Customs revenue streaming into government’s coffers.

But available statistics revealed the contrary. Between October, 2015 and March, 2016, when the restriction order was relaxed, 24.992 metric tonnes of rice valued at N2.4bn was reportedly imported through the land borders; and a total of N1.7 billion generated as revenue for the Nigerian government from the consignment; an amount considered disappointing by the authorities when compared with projected revenue yields from the relaxation of the import restriction. The quick reminder here,

nonetheless, is that smugglers are having a field day across the length and breadth of the country’s land borders because the borders are not only poorly policed, they offer corrupt NCS officials the get-richquick leeway. Ours is a country where Customs officials shut the stable door when the horse has bolted. They prefer ransacking shops in the city in search of imported contrabands, when they are officially kitted and maintained to keep the gate and stop the consignments from coming in, in the first place.

It is, however, not quite strange that the FG has banned rice import through land borders. Indeed, it is baffling that the government did not place a blanket ban on both the importation of rice through the sea ports and land borders, considering the decision reached at a meeting the Presidency held with governors from rice-producing states about last November to fashion a new policy on sustainable food production in the country.

Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the meeting, according to the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, deliberated on how best to boost rice production in the country and the requisite policies government needed to put in place to facilitate rice importation ban. “We have

What happens

henceforth to poor

rural roads’ network, incentives to genuine and committed rice

farmers… will make a great difference

the potential; we have the human resources; we have the arable land to grow rice. In the next two years, we will not need to bring rice from outside Nigeria. We are going to ban it…”, Yari told the media after the meeting.

About 2012, the FG, under erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, also threatened to ban rice import effective from 2015 and impose 100 percent extra tariff on top of the bill rice merchants were already paying.

The then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, said the N350 billion the country was spending annually on rice import was an imprudent option that created jobs in rice fields overseas, whereas Nigeria was blessed with enormous fertile land; and her youths in their millions were roaming the streets as a result of large scale unemployment. Indeed, research says all the six geopolitical zones in the country have enough fertile land to produce 48

ON THIS DAY March 28, 1968 Brazilian high school student, Edson Luís de Lima Souto, was shot dead by the police in a protest for cheaper meals at a restaurant for low-income students. Edson was one of the first students killed by the military dictatorship. The aftermath of his death marked the beginning of a turbulent year for the regime, which ended up with the enactment of AI-5, a decree restricting most of the basic human rights guarantees.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

March 28, 1979 The British House of Commons passed a vote of no confidence against James Callaghan’s government, precipitating a general election. Reputed to date as the only politician in history to have served in all four of the “Great Offices of State”, Callaghan (March 27, 1912 – March 26, 2005), was a British Labour politician and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1976 to 1980.

varieties of rice. So popular in the country presently are also the Ofada, Ekpoma and Abakaliki rice varieties confirmed to be of better nutritional value than most brands of imported rice. So what has been the problem with Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in local rice production?

Again, Adesina pointed out one of the major setbacks when he said for 12 years, the governments led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua relied on greedy and selfish domestic riceimporters to lead the campaign for local rice production. “The same companies that are importing rice are the same companies you are relying on… No! That is asking the cat to look after the milk”. Therefore, nothing seems new about government’s realisation of the need to grow rice locally. In short supply over the years, unfortunately, are leaders that truly appreciate the urgency and possess the political will to make it happen at the federal and state levels. What happens henceforth to poor rural roads’ network, incentives to genuine and committed rice farmers, construction of rice mills, policing smugglers and dealing with Customs officials that compromise their beats and aid smuggling, among others, will make a great difference.

x March 28, 2006 At least one million union members, students, and unemployed took to the streets in France in protest against the government’s proposed First Employment Contract law. The law was pushed in the spring of 2006 in France by Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

The employment contract would have made it easier for the employer to fire employees by removing the need to provide reasons for dismissal.

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A3 19

Cover

CBN building, Abuja

Excess bank charges:

Stakeholders seek effective monitoring to curb abuses Bank customers have for many years been groaning under the burden of excessive charges by banks operating in the country, but with the recent refund of N6.2 billion to customers as overcharged cost of transactions in 2015, analyst believe that with sustained efforts by the CBN, customers’ rights can actually be protected against the fleecing propensity of the banks. Udo Onyeka reports.

I

t is no more news that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, compelled Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, to refund N6.2bn to customers they over charged as cost of transactions in 2015, but what many stakeholders are saying is that financial sector regulators ,especially the CBN as the industry regulator, should closely monitor activities of financial institutions.

Indeed, many banks for so long have short-changed their customers through unauthorised and multiple charges.

For instance, there have been many complaints by bank customers about fleecing which became the rule than the exception. These charges come under several descriptions such as management fees, processing fees, interest charges, commission on turnover, card maintenance fees, account maintenance fees, deposit, withdrawal and transfer telephone alert fees and ATM fees. Sometimes in one transaction, some banks send more than two or three text message alerts and at the end charge for all messages.

In year 2015 alone, the CBN investigated ‘over 6000 complaints from banks’ customers and compelled banks ‘to refund the sum of over N6.2bn to affected customers’.

The apex bank however did not state the total amount claimed by customers, whether or not the affected customers were satisfied or not with the amount refunded and whether the culprit banks were sanctioned.

Such information according to analysts would have shown what was claimed and what

was refunded and perhaps the feelings of the claimant customers about the final outcome of their complaints and the CBN’s ‘resolve’ to continuously enforce the provisions of the Revised Guide to Bank Charges.

A Lagos based financial analyst, Jude Nzeribe, said the excess charges were unauthorized and that if left unchecked could engender distrust in the banks or the banking industry, which could adversely affect the CBN’s financial inclusion programme.

According to him it would be better make sure the issue

of excess charges is addressed seriously than making refunds after the deed has been done.

“CBN should, however, know that not everyone who has been fleeced by banks has complained or even has the capacity to complain to it. It is likely that those who complained are Continued on pg A4 UDO ONYEKA, EDITOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

Global Media Mirror Limited

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Monday, March 28, 2016

Cover Continued from pg A3

Ogubunka

are in a hurry and would allow customers to fill certain forms. Some of the banks are not transparent in their dealings with customers. For the CBN should engage in serious awareness campaign to enable customers of banks know when their banks are not being forthright with them and the steps they may take to protect themselves”, she said.

Corroborating Modupe,Ezeala tasks the Consumer Protection Council ,CPC, the government organ set up to protect consumers, to seriously focus on the banking industry where consumers are cheated on a daily basis.

She said CPC should wake up to its responsibilities.

According to many experts the responsibility of ensuring that CPC fulfils the expectations of the citizenry according to the law of the land resides on the Ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry. They say it is very important for the minister to take interest in the performance of the council in order to save consumers of banking services from the excess-fee-charging banks.

According a commentator while excess, illegal and unauthorised charges by banks should be seen as part of regulatory failure on one hand and impunity on another, it should also be classified as a serious financial crime by banks against their customers, which should not be allowed to continue. Director, Corporate Communications, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Ibrahim Mu’azu said the apex bank is always ready to checkmate banks and protect customers from illegal, excessive charges.

“The Revised Guide to Bank Charges clearly specifies allowable charges for all banking services; the CBN does not in any way condone the fleecing of banking customers under any guise.

“It was in the quest to provide a strong voice to banks’ customers and moderate the arbitrary charges that the CBN in 2012 established a Consumer

Salako

Protection Department.

The CBN said any case of infringement should be reported to enable it investigate and apply sanctions on any erring banks, adding that complaints should be forwarded to Director, Consumer Protection Department; email:cpd@cbn.gov. ng.

Mu’azu said the Banking industry is one of the most regulated industries in Nigeria and “the CBN has been known to enforce its rules and apply sanction where applicable. You have got nothing to lose”, he said.

Concerning timely resolution of complaints from consumers of financial services against financial institutions under its regulatory purview, the CBN fixed a time limit of six years, effective within which complaints against financial institutions can be lodged.

But many stakeholders have argued on that contrary.

According to them to Sections 57 (1)(a) & (b) and Section 58 of the Limitation Act, which provide that time does not begin to run in the case of fraud or mistake of the defendant, until the plaintiff has discovered the fraud or mistake. They argued that the CBN’s six-year timelimit for complaints and claim of refund for overcharging implies that except bank customers discover the fraud or mistake of banks in not complying with their obligations and overcharging their customers within six years, the bank customer will lose its right to complain and the bank can keep the money overcharged the customer.

One of the stakeholders and a leading investors’ rights activist, Mr. Gbadebo Olatokunbo, warned that the central bank

Emefiele

should not place any time limit as this would not be in the interest of customers.

“The issue of time limit should not be there as most bank customers don’t even know when the banks are overcharging and deducting their money. Putting any time limit is uncalled for; once a customer discovered overcharging or excessive deduction, then the customer should be able to get refund no matter how long, even if it is 12 years,” Olatokunbo said.

Olatokunbo also argued that when any bank unlawfully debits the customer’s account and takes away money thereby depriving the customer the use of it, it amounts to stealing, stressing that the action amounted to an economic crime that the EFCC should investigate.

“For any pecuniary benefit of such government officials, it will amount to aiding and abetting a crime.

“Therefore setting a time limit like CBN has done is really dangerous and it will shelter, encourage and protect the perpetrators of these crimes – bankers and government officials – because we all know that some elected officials have two terms of four years each, that is eight years”, he said.

Perhaps in response to stakeholders call on the increasing wave of bank excessive charges,the apex bank penultimate Friday sent a circular to banks and others financial institutions intimating them on its plan to review the extant guide to bank charges.

In a circular titled “Exposure Draft on the guide to charges for banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria” and signed

by Director Financial Policy and Regulations Department, CBN,

‘

Setting a time limit like CBN has done is really dangerous and it will shelter, encourage and protect the perpetrators of these crimes – bankers and government officials – because we all know that some elected officials have two terms of four years each, that is eight years

‘

few among the multitudes that have suffered this terrible injustice.

“There might have been customers whose accounts witnessed high volume of transactions and excessively imposed with huge amount of charges.

Customers who are charged amounts as little as N40-N200 may not complain considering the little amount involved,” he said.

President of CAFON, Mrs. Sola Salako, who recently rallied consumer advocacy groups for a NoBankingDay protest, said banking customers should expect more shocks as the CBN is a about to release banking charges for the next three years.

She said from the draft copy published on CBN website, the annual card maintenance fee has now been reintroduced as monthly fee.

“I plead to Nigerians to take time out to study the draft and start a conversation about it.

This is the time for all of us to stand up against these,” she said.

The Chairman of TPT, a public relations agency, Mr. Tokunbo Modupe, in a forum in Lagos recently said the current trends of multiple and excessive charges has become worrisome to corporate and individual banking customers alike.

According to him both the CBN and the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, have failed to protect the banking public.

“The government agency set up for the protection of consumers seems not to be interested in the plight of the bank customers. Should we then call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to spare us some time from chasing politicians and help investigate and prosecute officials of banks on this obvious financial infraction? Or should we go to church like we usually do, to pray to God to save us from the evils of Nigerian banks, he queried.

But on his own ,a former Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN and President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Uju Ogubunka, said banks should not be blamed for excessive and multiple charges. While saying he is opposed to spurious chargers, he said customers should be blamed because they don’t take their time to read the guidelines before transacting any business with banks.

“The problem is with customers. Most people don’t know there is a guide to bank charges but they all know when they are overcharged”, he said.

According a business woman and a bank customer, Chief Mrs Rose Ezeala, the CBN and the banks themselves should enlighten their customers on their activities especially as it concerns charges.

“Many times it is as if banks

Kevin Amugo, the apex bank said it is reviewing the extant guide to bank charges which came into effect on April 2013.

According to the CBN the review, this is in line with the philosophy of periodically ensuring that the provision of the guide accord with current realities, also seeks to address complaints from customers of financial services, requests for clarification on provisions of the Guide and absence of a tariff regime for other financial institutions in Nigeria.

“The “Guide to Charges” provides a standard for the application of charges on the various types of products and services Deposit Money Banks, DMBs and Other Financial Institutions, OFIs, in Nigeria offer to their customers - individuals, corporate organisations and Governments, Federal, State, Local and their Agencies.

“Wide consultations with relevant stakeholders were considered in arriving at the charges prescribed in the Guide. The intendment of this Guide is to enhance flexibility, transparency and competition in the Nigerian economy”, the circular said.

The apex bank said where a charge is stipulated as “negotiable”, DMBs and OFIs are required to appropriately draw the attention of their customers to its consequence and the two parties should mutually agree on the applicable interest and charge.

It said all commissions, charges and rates stated in this Guide are subject to relevant taxes. Although the Guide provides for charges on various products and services of DMBs and OFIs, it is not exhaustive.

Banks and OFIs are mandated to present any new product, service and charge(s) not covered by this Guide to the CBN approval.

“This Guide to Charges for Banks and OFIs which replaces the Guide to Bank Charges issued in 2013 would take effect from 2016, and may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changes in the business environment”, the CBN said. BC

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News NAEE lauds NAMA on air traffic engineers training

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he President of the National Association of Air-Traffic Engineers, NAEE, Engr. Ebenezer Makanjuola, has commended the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, for its determination in building capacity of critical personnel within the agency.

Makanjuola particularly noted with delight that in the year 2015 alone, over 100 of his members benefited from various professional trainings in areas such as Air Traffic Safety Engineering Services, ATSES, Course, Linux Appreciation Course and Microwave Link, stressing that another 70 Air Traffic Engineers from various zones in the country also attended workshops and seminars organized by the agency within the same year.

While appreciating the agency for the recently concluded Runway Safety Workshop held in Lagos, Makanjuola also canvassed for more training of his members across the country in Thales/ Navaids Manufacturer Equipment Course to meet the standard requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO. The NAEE president also expressed satisfaction with the report of the recent calibration exercise prior to the ICAO audit, which certified the nation’s Instrument Landing Systems ,ILS, Localizers and other navigational aids as highly serviceable, noting that “such a favourable report shows that NAMA Air Traffic Engineers can stand their own anywhere in the world.”

He enjoined members to be selfless and dedicated to their duties, even as he tasked them to maintain high professional standards and etiquettes, in line with the noble tradition of the organization.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Emma Anasi, who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Mrs Mojisola Dokun, noted that role of air traffic engineers remains critical in ensuring that navigational aids perform optimally at all times.

L-R: Jovita Okeahialam , Zonal Business Head, South East, Ecobank Nigeria, Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Lady Uzoho Okwuchi, Principal, Girl’s Secondary School (senior), Akwakuma and Mrs. Okonkwo Ngozi Principal, Girl’s Secondary School (junior) Akwakuma, during the Financial Literacy Day hosted by Ecobank at Girls Secondary School Akwakuma, Owerri, Imo State.

Agency NIMASA, has said that the agency will work towards harnessing the vast natural potential that will ultimately make the country emerge a maritime hub not only in the West and Central African sub-region but also within the entire continent.

The Federal Government had penultimate week appointed Dr. Dakuku Peterside as the new Director General\CEO of NIMASA, who declared that he acceppted the plum job to serve Nigeria and humanity.

The new DG, who spoke during an official handover by the outgoing DG, Mr. Haruna Jauro in Lagos, pledged that the agency under his watch would work towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes the hub of maritime activities in Africa.

This, according to him apart from making her a reference point in African the continent, will also make her a force to be reckoned with among major maritime nations of the world.

He stated that this could be achieved by effectively deploying the agency’s competent personnel to drive its mandate.

“We will harness the vast potential available in the agency in order to make Nigeria a maritime hub in the West and Central Africa sub-region”, the new DG said emphatically.

It was gathered that the new management plans to achieve these by strictly implementing all relevant international laws and conventions would ease

FG‘ll turn Nigeria into hub of maritime business in Africa – NIMASA DG Francis Ezem

T

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety

Peterside

doing business in. The nation’s maritime industry.

He also said: “The management under my watch will also ensure increased enforcement of the NIMASA mandate and build the necessary capacity for indigenous operators by leveraging on the the provisions of the Coastal and Inland Shippping Cabotage Act 2003”.

While describing the former acting Director General of the agency as an ambassador of NIMASA to the Federal Government, he also called on him to continue to support the agency whenever his services are needed.

Takaful insurance needs more awareness – Stakeholders

C

onsumers of insurance products and services are seeking increased awareness on Takaful insurance, as a strategic option of increasing insurance patronage and penetration nationwide.

To achieve this, the consumers urged the National Insurance Commission,NAICOM, to assist in this regard, pointing out that, most Nigerians are still unaware of this product.

While some noted the efforts by the industry regulator towards increasing insurance participation in the country, including the introduction of Takaful, they canvassed improved enlightemtn on the product to enjoy its benefits for the economy.

Some consumers, who betrayed little awareness about Takaful , pointed out that it was important for the public to be educated on the importance and advantages of policies and programmes instituted by the government and its agencies.

Takaful is an Islamic insurance based on the Quranic principle of mutual assistance.

It is a non-interest form of insurance adopted to drive

insurance penetration in the country and increase the contribution of insurance to the national Gross Domestic Products, GDP.

NSE, ASEA to host ‘Building African Financial Markets’ seminar

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, in conjunction with the African Securities Exchanges Association, ASEA, will host the 5th Building African Financial Markets, BAFM, seminar next month and ASEA’s executive board meeting by the month end.

The BAFM seminar themed ‘Addressing Liquidity Concerns in African Capital Market’ will bring together representatives from stock exchanges, regulatory bodies, stock broking firms and other financial market stakeholders from several African countries.

A statement issued by NSE indicated that the seminar was open to senior representatives from the capital and financial markets sector in the fields of product development, regulation and policy, information technology, investor relations, trading, clearing and settlement.

“Also representatives from stock broking community, investors, government officials and organizations, who contribute to the overall capital market eco-system are expected to attend.

“This is the first time the capacity building seminar will be hosted outside of South Africa, and ASEA plans to bring this important capacity building seminar to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa”, it said.

According to Chief Executive Officer, NSE and President African Securities Exchanges Association, ASEA, Oscar Onyema, the BAFM seminar

is designed to promote growth in African financial markets, and presents an opportunity to enhance the capacity of African capital market participants and exchanges to compete effectively on the global stage.

“The seminar aims to accelerate dialogue, capacity building and collaboration amongst participants to drive the growth of Africa’s capital markets and build collaboration on issues of shared interest in order to present the African continent as an attractive investment destination”.

“As African economies reposition themselves following the significant impact of global headwinds that have challenged the continent’s growth prospects, African securities exchanges must step up their efforts at driving liquidity in their markets in order to help finance the continent’s infrastructure and capital requirements.

Initiatives such as this form an integral part of the continued development of sustainable economies within the continent bearing in mind peculiar strengths that we could leverage individually and collectively as we press forward”, the statement added.

FG, South Korea partners on $8.56m e-Govt project Isaiah Erhiawarien

T

he Federal Government has entered into a partnership with South Korea on an e-Government Project that involves the investment of $8. 56m.

The deal was the result of a recent visit by the Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, to South Korea to seek assistance on how technology tools can be effectively used to drive productivity in governance.

According to the contents of the agreement, Korean Government will enhance Nigeria’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance, with its attendant benefits trickling down to the masses.

Shittu, who lead a 14-man delegation to this year’s 10day high level capacity building for e-Government in Nigeria Benchmarking invitational Program, said that the Invitational Program, designed for senior government officials was put together by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA. The Korean global agency will be investing $8.56mfor the implementation of the project which covers the establishment of an e- Government Master Plan, Capacity Development Programme and the establish-

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News ment of an e- Government Training Center in Nigeria.

According to the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Victor Oluwadamilare, the expectations of the Federal Government is geared towards ensuring that Nigeria makes the best use of the opportunity of e- Government to increase the nation’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.

He said that it is in tandem with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, in his desire to turn around the fortunes of the country in laying a new and enduring foundation for a better future for the masses of our people.

The Minister while addressing the course participants, congratulated them for their doggedness in the service of their father land admonishing them on the need to take a full advantage of the Korean Government’s gesture in taking new initiatives that will impact the way our people are governed and propel Nigeria to greatness that will give the needed impetus to the change agenda of the present government.

Customers commend Sterling Bank’s global ranking

T

he rating of Sterling Bank Plc as one of the top 100 banks in the world, number three in Africa and the Best Bank in Nigeria by Lafferty Group, an international rating Agency has attracted commendation from customers of the Bank who described it as a recognition of excellent service delivery and support for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

The rating is based on key quantitative and qualitative criteria such as strategy, culture, customer care, brand promise and financial performance.

A cross section of the Bank’s customers who spoke with our reporters in Lagos, noted that the rating would further reinforce their confidence in the Bank as it has become a major player globally in terms of provision of customer oriented products and quality service delivery.

They also noted that the activities of the Bank in the Education sector, Sports, Agriculture, Environment, support to the growth of small businesses to mention a few may have influenced the high rating of the Bank.

A customer who is a major player in the automobile industry but spoke on the basis of anonymity noted that the rating of the Bank among the top global financial institutions and the best in Nigeria did not

trialize Africa, and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa) would certainly open up investment opportunities for companies determined to do business in Africa.

NESREA raises concern over noncompliance of regulations

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Staff of Diamond Bank Plc, and Cross section of students of Government Science Secondary School, Gwadabawa , Sokoto during the Financial Literacy Day as part of activities to mark this year’s Global Money Week recently.

come to many as a surprise based on the value the Bank has brought to bear on the sustainable growth of businesses owned by their customers.

“Since l started banking with Sterling Bank, l have seen a lot of difference in terms of value addition to my business and l was convinced that the Bank will go places. Apart from providing funds, the Bank goes a step further to provide free professional advisory services that is second to none in the industry just to ensure the growth of the their customers’ businesses,” the customer said.

Another customer who spoke at the Adeola Odeku branch of the Bank stated that with the rating, Sterling Bank has established the fact that provision of quality services is not about size “but on how resourceful your personnel are and what you can bring to the table to support the growth of your customer’s business.

Sterling Bank offers personalized services that you cannot get in most financial institutions in the country and l am happy that this has been recognized by an international rating agency. ” Mr. Gbolahan Bello, an entrepreneur who took part in the first Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) Workshop organized by the Bank in Lagos noted that “a

Adeola

Bank that deemed it fit to organize a workshop to train small business owners on how to grow their businesses cannot be ignored because small businesses all over the world are the bedrock of the economy. So the rating is well deserved and Sterling Bank must be commended for this feat”.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Yemi Adeola , while commenting on the rating said: “Our Bank has remained resilient in a turbulent operating environment; and Lafferty Bank Quality Ratings has provided an objective view on the fundamentals of our business, by rating us 10th in the world, top 3 in Africa (after Capitec and Barclays Africa) and the top bank in Nigeria.

In spite of both regulatory and macroeconomic headwinds, we have maintained strong capital and liquidity positions.

I am pleased that an external and independent party has validated the Bank’s reputation as a well-run, sustainable institution which further lays credence to our valuation in the equities market relative to competition”.

AfDB woos Japanese investors to Africa

T

he President of the African Development Bank Group, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, last week began a two-day visit in Tokyo where he applauded the government’s support to the Bank and underscored the need for more Japanese private investments in Africa.

Leading a team of senior Bank staff, Adesina met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda; the President of Japan International Corporation Agency ,JICA, Shinichi Kitaoka; the Chair of the Sasakawa Group, Jiro Hanyu and the Executive Vice President

of the Japan External Trade Organization ,JETRO, Katsumi Hirano, as well as several other business leaders.

He commended the government for the immense support to the AfDB and to Africa, noting that the Bank will continue to count on the country in the forth-coming replenishment of the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the Bank Group established in 1972.

Japan is the third largest shareholder of the AfDB after Nigeria and the United States in the first and second position respectively; as well as the highest contributor to the ADF. For instance, JICA, which is Japan’s bilateral agency for official development assistance, has been forthcoming in the Bank’s co-financing programmes contributing US$2 billion to the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa ,EPSA and Official Development Assistance to the tune of US$ 15 billion in 2014. It provides concession loans and technical cooperation grants through its 92 overseas offices, 26 of which are located in Africa.

Cooperation between Japan and Africa can only grow stronger as the continent continues to demonstrate resilience to internal and external shocks while posting an appreciable 4.5% growth projected to even rise further above global trends despite the fall in commodity prices and other difficulties.

AfDB President said the Japanese private sector stood to gain by investing in quality infrastructure that Africa badly needs at this point, especially in the energy, agriculture and even health sectors, adding that the Bank would play a supporting role by buying down some of the risks associated with the African private sector.

The implementation of the Bank’s High 5s priorities (Light up and power Africa, feed Africa, integrate Africa, indus-

he National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, last week-end expressed concerns over the non-compliance of the agency’s rules and regulations guiding the citing of base stations by telecom operators.

This is contained in a statement signed by, the agency’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sule Oyofo in Abuja.

The statement said that telecom operators should ensure that Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, procedure was followed in the citing of their base stations.

It said that the operators are promoting environmental health hazards in the country if procedures were not properly followed. ``I am deeply concern about the likely negative environmental and safety impacts of telecom operations, EIA procedures is not properly carried out before the citing of base stations,’’ it said.

It explained that one of the objectives of EIA was to ensure that environmental factors are considered in the decision making process.

The statement added that EIA will ensure that possible adverse environmental impacts were identified, avoided or minimised.

It said that the agency collaborated with the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, to improve partnership and promote service delivery.

It added that the essence of the collaboration was for the experts to share ideas and keep all communication lines open for effective dissemination of information.

It said that the agency was committed to ensuring that it achieved environmental protection as well as improving the environmental health across the country.

According to the statement, it is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Environment to supervise the conduct of EIA procedures, including the issuance of an Environmental Impact Certificate. ``While it is the statutory responsibility of NESREA to ensure that the issues identified in the Environmental Impact Statement, EIS, are complied with. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

A7 23

Companies & Markets

CIIN, LBS partner to promote insurance’s roles in economy Udo Onyeka

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he Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, has partnered with the Lagos Business School, LBS, to organise an international seminar where experts dialogued on how to effectively use insurance as a solution to the current economic quagmire in the country.

The seminar, which was held in Lagos at the weekend, with the theme: ‘Key Economic and Strategy Imperative for the Nigerian Insurance Industry in 2016 – The way forward for Insurance Business in A Challenging Economy,’ provided an avenue for insurance operators to brainstorm on how to keep their operations afloat amidst the downturn.

The gathering was designed for the top echelon of the insurance industry and the financial services sector, to appreciate and analyse the changing structure in the Nigerian economy.

It equally allowed participants to periscope the challenges of the industry; analyse the new political/fiscal landscape as it affects the industry; developed strategies aimed at driving the industry’s business in a turbulent economic environment

and adapt and innovate to ensure growth and stability of the growing insurance business.

“With the planned cut in budget of most states, the Federal government planned financing of the 2016 budget with an estimate deficit portion of N2.2trn, the continuous downsizing

and employment cut done by most firms heavily exposed to exchange rate risks in Nigeria, the insurance sector is no doubt exposed to a likely risk of decline in gross premium in 2016. “As we await the approval of the 2016 Nigerian appropriation bill, there is urgent call for

a paradigm shift in the insurance industry,” it said.

The one-day executive seminar, designed for insurance leaders, provided an opportunity to gain insights on likely approaches to repositioning the industry in a challenging economy. BC

Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside flanked by former Acting Director General of the Agency, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro (L) and the Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services of the Agency, Barrister Calistus Obi Nwabueze at the formal handing over at the headquarters of the Agency in Lagos.

DStv suspends price review plan Isaiah Erhiawarien

T

he plan by digital pay television company, MultiChoice to increase its bouquet price across countries in Africa where it operates have been jettisoned following protest from consumers, particularly in Nigeria, where it has the largest customer base.

When the news came that it planned to increase its bouquet price list, there was protest on the social media and with consumers dragging the company to court and the Consumer Protection Council.

But barely few days to the commencement of the price increase, MultiChoice jettison the idea, which it said was based on drop in commodity and oil prices, as well as significant devaluation of local currencies.

As a result many customers have struggled to pay subscriptions, according to the company, and this has prompted the decision not to increase the price of its bouquets in April.

The company said it does not anticipate any increases for the remainder of the year. South African DStv subscribers, however, were notified of a price hike beginning in April.

Although the office in Nigeria is yet to make a statement on

that, yet it said that its Premium package for South African customers remains.

Multichoice Zambia Acting General Manager, Ngoza Kasunga said in a statement that most of the company’s costs are incurred in dollars and this forced a price increase in 2015.

“We are pleased to announce that there will be no price increase on DStv subscriptions this April on any of the bouquets. Barring any further external economic shocks, we do not anticipate any price increase in

2016. This means that from next month, DStv subscribers can fully immerse themselves in exciting world of DStv entertainment at no extra cost,” Kasunga said.

In Zambia, a full bouquet cost about US$90 while compact plus bouquet cost about US$55 per month and the company attributed the high cost of subscriptions to the devaluation of the local currency, the Kwacha.

A year ago, Zambian authorities, through the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dr. Joseph Katema

warned the company to reduce DStv subscription or risk facing the continued illegal access of the service’s satellite channels.

Local law enforcement are reportedly on high alert amid allegations that free-to-air decoders run with manipulated software are being used to illegally access DStv signals in the country.

In 2014, Multichoice had also issued “warnings” to Zimbabweans who illegally purchased South African DStv packages in order to watch channels not available in Zimbabwe. BC

Forte Oil wins best governance award

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orte Oil plc, a leading indigenous, integrated energy company in Nigeria involved in petroleum marketing, power generation and upstream oilfield services, has won the Best Governance Award, Oil & Gas category, for Africa by Ethical Boardroom.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Mr Akinleye Olagbende Group Head, Corporate Services and Chief Compliance Officer.

The Ethical Boardroom “Best Corporate Governance” award recognises and rewards outstanding leadership from

boards of public companies who have raised the bar to ensure strong corporate governance in protecting and enhancing long term value for all stakeholders.

The award which looks to elevate corporate governance standards globally comes at a time when Forte Oil is building its long-term vision of a successful company that will be the investment of choice.

Ethical Boardroom is the premier, subscription based magazine and website that is trusted by influencers for its unparalleled track record in

delivering Forte Oil Plc is a leading indigenous, integrated energy company in Nigeria involved in petroleum marketing, power generation and upstream oilfield services. With more than 450 retail distribution outlets for petroleum products, the company holds approximately eight per cent market share in the downstream oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Forte Oil was incorporated in 1964 as British Petroleum, BP, Nigeria Limited with the marketing of BP petroleum products as the main focus. BC

Firm partners Audax on coding programme

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s part of its One Education initiative, Sterling Bank has announced its partnership with Audax Code School, an e-learning, training, and assessment solutions company for the 2016 Coding programme.

The programme is designed to improve digital literacy through coding in a fun and collaborative environment for primary and secondary school students in Nigeria.

While disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, the Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola noted that the objectives of the exercise are to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria; empower children and teachers in both rural and urban areas; foster creativity and creative thinking skills through information and communications technology learning and encourage careers of underprivileged youth through Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics,STEM Education Atilola stated that the Bank remains committed to the Code School initiative and other similar projects by like-minded institutions who continue to advance the development of human capital especially among the youth in the country.

“We are particularly delighted to support this project. It would be recalled that the Bank had in the past, partnered with the company to organize the Computer Science Education Week ,CSEdWeek, Hour of Code and a free Boot Camp for kids and adults to spread awareness of the need for computer science education among the youth.

“The children who took part in the programme “raised our hope that we still have a crop of children with potential to be among the best in the world in the area of information technology if given the right exposure and encouragement”, he said.

Meanwhile, AUDAX Code School in a statement said the company in its two-year lifespan, has achieved modest milestones that underscore its potential with the right partnerships.

Some of these notable milestones according to the school include the 2014 Google Rise Award Winners for Computer Science Education; Ambassadors In Nigeria for Africa Code Week (Ambassadors are your local anchors for Africa Code Week event orchestration and support and the training of 2000 children in private & public schools, orphanages and NGOs. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brand Watch

79% marketers embrace ‘Program’ ad buying Stories by David Audu

P

rogrammatic ad buying is becoming more and more prevalent in the marketing world, with 79 percent of respondents to a recent Association of National Advertisers, ANA, and Forrester survey buying programmatic ads over the past year, a figure that has more than doubled in the past two years.

While the use of programmatic is on the rise, with 31 percent of respondents expanding their in-house capabilities to handle programmatic activities, there are still concerns about transparency on inventory and costs.

“One reason for lack of transparency is that marketers are overwhelmingly using outsiders,” according to Marketing Land.

“Agencies are employed by 77 percent of the respondents for buying media programmatically, and agency trading desks by 49 per cent. Only 16 percent use an in-house programmatic buying group.”

The survey showed that 62 percent of respondents are requesting more detailed campaign guidelines and measurement from agencies, while more than half, 51 per cent, are aggressively updating blacklists of untrustworthy publishers and advertisers and focusing on whitelists, 45 per cent.

A total of 42 percent have purchased online ad inventory through private marketplaces that media companies have created, while 40 percent have created new language in insertion orders focused on increasing transparency.

Liodice

“While programmatic buying indeed offers benefits, it suffers from complexity and a lack of transparency,” Bob Liodice, president and CEO of the ANA,

said in this Media Post article.

“And that is wasteful. The industry and marketers in particular, would greatly benefit from a rethink of the entire digital supply chain.”

With bot fraud and cost and inventory transparency jumping out among respondents as key concerns, programmatic advertising is more popular than ever—and there’s a reason for that.

“According to the survey, it’s because of such benefits as better targeting, real-time optimization, managing buys across multiple channels, ad personalization and the ability to target customers at multiple points along the purchase path,” according to Marketing Land. As more marketers take the process in-house, those concerns could be lessened. BC

BAT boss emphasises shared value in 2015 sustainability report

A

2015 ssustainability report of the British American Tobacco, BAT, emphasises the company’s commitment to shared value and to delivers promise to partners.

Chief Executive of BAT, Nicandro Durante, commenting on the report said the concept of shared value is one thathe believes, adding that it is based on the premise that business can deliver value for its shareholders without this coming at a ‘cost’ to society.

“This is why it forms the foundation of our approach to BAT as a sustainable business, and has done for many years.

“As a business working in a complex industry, operating in over 200 markets around the world and with an agricultural supply chain, we face many different challenges and issues.”

Speaking further, he said what

Roy

the report demonstrates is continued commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate conduct and transparency wherever BAT operate, and working to address these challenges in order to grow business for the

shared value of both shareholders and society.”

The report shows the company’s strategy on how it will continues to invest in a sustainable future for the business and for society and provides updates and progress on three key areas, including harm reduction, sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods, and corporate behaviour.

A summary of the report shows that within each of these three key areas, the report sets out clear commitments to research, develop and commercialise less risky products to regular cigarettes, work to enable prosperous livelihoods for all famers who supply our tobacco leaf and operate to the highest standards of corporate conduct and transparency.

To demonstrate its commit-

ment to openness, collaboration and engagement the report include an expert view introduction from three independent external stakeholders, namely, health policy advisor and key opinion leader on tobacco harm reduction, Scott Ballin; a leading British environmentalist, campaigner and sustainability advisor, Tony Juniper, and Research Director at the Institute of Business Ethics, Simon Webley.

According to BAT, the entire report, which is open to public view, also includes a question and answer session withthe Managing Director of Next Generation Products,Durante; the Group Operations Director, Kingsley Wheaton; and Group Legal and External Affairs Director Alan Davy and Jerry Abelman, in which they respond to challenging questions. BC

Alibaba building virtual shopping experience

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hinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has introduced its own virtual reality research lab.

Dubbed GnomeMagic Lab, the space will work with Alibaba’s shopping businesses with intent of integrating virtual reality into the shopping experience.

The Lab will also explore other applications such as video with Youku Tudou and entertainment via Alibaba Pictures, reported TechCrunch.

According to Zhao Haiping, a former Facebook engineer now on the GnomeMagic Lab team, virtual reality could enable customers to shop virtually on New York’s Fifth Avenue while sitting in their homes. On a practical level, Alibaba wants to help merchants to use the technology to sell on its sites. Alibaba says it’s already created visuals for hundreds of products on its site.

Other retailers are also experimenting with virtual reality. For example, AT&T recently announced a partnership with Samsung Electronics. As of February, 133 AT&T stores in 37 states have a Samsung Gear VR by Oculus that lets users virtually experience a Carnival Cruise.

In another example, Lowe’s showed off a Holoroom at the International CES in January. The home improvement retailer is using a virtual product platform to help shoppers connect smart home devices. BC

Telecoms firm tackles ‘African Time’ syndrome with TAMS summit

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s part of efforts to sensitize Nigerians on the virtues of time consciousness and its benefits, SB Telecoms & Devices will host the inaugural edition of its time management meeting tagged ‘TAMS Summit’ in May 2016.

Speaking on the need for the summit, Chief Executive Officer, SB Telecoms & Devices, Mr. Afolabi Abiodun said in today’s Nigeria, the African Time Syndrome has become the norm rather than the exception.

“It has devotees across all sectors of the economy with institutional and national inefficiency as the visible output.

“As a people we have always

excused this away by blaming the unreliable public transport system, poor road networks or traffic jams. The goal of the TAMS Summit, which was inspired by the acceptance and success of our TAMS application has solved this same problem.

He said for over 1000 organisations, it is to question the status quo. “We believe this will be the significant first step required to make Nigerians more time conscious thereby improving our national productivity level.”

Abiodun added that the summit will bring together senior business leaders, government

functionaries, eggheads from leading global institutions and other influencers, providing a robust platform for them to review and proffer solutions to the embarrassing ‘African Time’ malaise that is causing both the public and private sectors of the economy a huge loss in revenue and productivity.

Explaining further the rational for the summit, he said it is inspired by the success and acceptance of the company’s Time Attendance Management System, TAMS, software.

“TAMS is a robust cloudbased time and attendance management application that allows organisations to cen-

Ndegwa

trally monitor the attendance of their employees across multilocations from any part of the world”.

The Summit scheduled to hold at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, will bring leaders of thought from reputable global institutions of learning as well as the public and private sectors of the economy to address our curious national devotion to the African Time syndrome.

With the theme “FROM AFRICAN TIME” “TO ON TIME”- a Paradigm Shift” the summit the organisers say will focus on the virtue and value of efficient time-management. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

Analysing collaborative efforts at refocusing CTO Isaiah Erhiawarien

T

here are indications that beginning from this year, there may be changes that will refocus the global private/ government led regulatory body, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, CTO. This is because the Council of the CTO has approved a new Strategic Plan for the organisation that will run for four years spanning the period between 2016 and 2020.

The new plan is in line with the vision presented to the Council by the Secretary-General of the Council, Mr. Shola Taylor when he assumed office in September 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya and which is aimed at transforming the CTO for enhanced value for its membership.

The approved four-year Plan, which was first endorsed by the CTO’s Executive Committee in February, is an ambitious drive to make greater use of the CTO’s status as an intergovernmental organisation, its strong historical position as a platform for consultation, and its wide member and partner network across five continents to enhance value for all its members.

As a result, the new mission statement of the Organisation is to provide result-focused ICT leadership in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Speaking shortly after Council’s approval, Taylor said that this new Strategic Plan is the result of wide and thorough consultations with all our stakeholders, including for the first time all employees of the Organisation saying that he is most grateful for “the input we received from members during this three months planning process; the Plan is designed to assist them as well as the global community in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals adopted last year, and I am confident that our new strategic goals reflect our members and partners’ expectations.”

According to him, ICTs provide the underpinning for our members’ socio-economic development efforts, just as health or education, and the CTO is ready to move in the direction set out in the new Plan in full support of all members.

Taylor disclosed that the introduction of Member Action Plan is to be effective from April this year, as the main mechanism to respond to members’ needs saying that as part of this new approach, Member Account Managers have been appointed from the existing staff to maintain regular engagement with each member of the Organisation supplementing the dedicated membership division.

The new plan is structured around six goals and 26 strategic objectives, which include enhancing the value of the CTO membership and expanding the CTO’s membership base as well as increasing CTO membership from Commonwealth countries, non-Commonwealth countries and the ICT Sector.

It is also expected to raise funds for development activities to support members through the Development Assistance Programme, promote SouthSouth and North-South cooperation among Member Countries, promoting enabling regulatory environments and reviewing and strengthening the CTO’s capacity building programmes.

According to him, ICTs provide the underpinning for our members’ socio-economic development efforts, just as health or education, and the CTO is ready to move in the direction set out in the new Plan in full support of all members.

The Nigerian-born engineers said, “this new Strategic Plan is the result of wide and thorough consultations with all our stakeholders, including for the first time all employees of the Organisation. I am most grateful for the input we received from members during this three months planning process; the Plan is designed to assist them as well as the global community in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals adopted last year, and I am confident that our new strategic goals reflect our members and partners’ expectations.”

According to the London-based ICT regulatory body, the key changes in the CTO plan include the introduction of Member Action Plans to be effective from April this year, as the main mechanism to respond to members’ needs.

Also as part of this new approach, Member Account Managers have been appointed from the existing staff to maintain regular engagement with each member of the Organisation supplementing the dedicated membership division.

The changes is also making it possible for governments of non-Commonwealth countries, as well as Academia Membership to take part in the Organisation’s work, a development, which the CTO said was designed to encourage universities and tertiary educational institutions of nonmember countries get involved in the CTO. The CTO said that it plans to launch what it called Development Assistance Programme to support members’ ICT development efforts adding that a new Technical Support and Consultancy division to identify, and to

Technotalk

A9 25

with Esther Ozue (ozueesther@nationalmirroronline.net) 08059234648 (sms only)

Tips to increase online sales

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ne of the core values of most companies is “test everything; assume nothing!” That’s because you can’t just figure out what strategy or angle is going to work best for you until you test it. This applies even to your star-performing strategies because there’s always room for improvement.

The bottom line is, testing is the only way to discover what works and what doesn’t on your website, and it’s the best way to start increasing your sales exponentially.

However here are few tips to help increase online sales:

Taylor

respond more directly and more effectively to members’ needs will be created while an Associate Consultants registration scheme open to qualified and experienced individuals as well as consultancy firms who will support the Secretariat in responding to members’ needs.

The new strategic plan beyond promoting enabling regulatory environments is also designed to promote South-South and North-South cooperation among Member Countries.

The CTO in the next four years, will be promoting, encouraging and facilitating the development of modern regulatory frameworks including ICT licenses, spectrum management, quality of service, digital switchover and Over-the-Top operators, aimed at creating an enabling environment for investment and development.

Also in the quest of the development plan is the promotion of affordable universal and highquality broadband connectivity, the adoption of enabling policies, technologies and regulatory measures to facilitate the rapid rollout of broadband infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the CTO leader, has disclosed that working with member countries on making cyberspace safer and resilient remains a top priority for the London-based organisation over the next four years.

Taylor told participants at the just ended annual Commonwealth Cybersecurity Forum 2016 in London, that the decentralised nature of cyberspace had empowered individuals, fostered innovation and driven development but has also presented dangers for its users.

He listed such cyberspace security threats to all players in the ICT industry, saying that with the experiences shared at the forum, experts and Commonwealth member-countries are now better positioned to confront the menace headlong and by so doing, mitigate its risks to member-countries’ socioeconomic and political developments. BC

1: Feature different benefits in your headline.

Your headline has a huge impact on your sales. It’s often the first thing visitors to your site see so it must grab their attention and compel them to read your sales letter.

A successful headline should highlight a problem your target audience faces and stress the main benefit of your product or service in solving this problem 2: Establish a problem in your copy and show how you can solve it.

In the first few paragraphs that appear on your home page, you need to go into more detail about the problem you introduced in your headline showing your audience that you relate to them. (Only when your audience feels you understand their problem will they feel confident that you can solve it.)

Once the problem is established, you can then begin introducing your product or service as the solution to this problem by emphasizing exactly how your product or service will solve your reader’s problem, you’re guaranteed to see a boost in sales.

3: Add credibility to your copy and enhance your visitors’ trust in you.

It’s vital that your sales copy establishes your credibility: It’s through this process that your visitors come to trust you and feel comfortable enough to buy from you.

You can build credibility by including customer testimonials in your sales letter and by adding a section to your copy that outlines your credentials, experience and any background information that makes you qualified to solve your target audience’s problem. Your aim should be to effectively convince readers that you are the best person to offer them a solution to their problem.

4: Focus on your site visitors not yourself.

The most successful sales copy focuses on the reader.

Too often, business owners neglect this simple golden rule. Look carefully at your sales copy. Is it filled with references to “I,” “me” and “we”? Instead of using sentences like “I designed my time-management software with the busy homeowner in mind,” try “Your new timemanagement software will free up hours of time for you to spend with your family.” So try searching for “I,” “me” and “our” in your sales copy and replace them with “you” and “your.”

5: Instill urgency in your copy and convince readers they need to buy now!

It’s very important that your sales copy instill a sense of urgency in your visitors, compelling them to buy now.

The best place to do this is toward the end of your sales letter, near the call to action (when you ask for the sale).

You can achieve this by offering a limited-time price discount where visitors must buy before a certain date in order to qualify for the discount and offer additional bonuses for free if visitors buy within a certain time frame.

Finally, following up with existing customers is very important because it helps you develop profitable, longterm relationships with them and allows you to offer BC BC BC “backend” products relating to their original purchase.

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Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Leo Stan Ekeh:

Nigeria’s ICT trail blazer He read economics for his first degree and bagged a post graduate degree in risk management but today, his career path has taken him outside the realm of economics into computer engineering where he is not just a player but a force to be reckoned with. This is the story of Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Technologies and his pioneer exploits in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

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ll things being equal, a multimillion dollar digital plant, Africa’s largest digital computer assembling plant would take off in Nigeria in February 2012.

The IT manufacturing platform from which the rest of Africa would be supplied is a product of the entrepreneurial spirit of an individual whose passion appear to be more than being contented with profit making as a business person, but more by a commitment to transform the technological landscape of Nigeria. That project, the idea which Business Courage learnt had been in the works for about five years and which was being held back by the poor state of electricity in Nigeria is Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, a trained economist and risk manager’s contribution to the technological transformation of the country.

If the feat is achieved, as it is expected to, the digital plant would undoubtedly be a major breakthrough and a dream come true for a man who, even at infancy, had always seen himself as a big player. As a teenager, Stan Ekeh had a big dream, but that dream was not in the information technology realm. He had wished to own the biggest transport company in Nigeria and that possibly informed his decision to read economics and risk management.

But his ambition changed as he grew up and today, he does not

own the biggest transport company as envisioned in his dream but he is nonetheless about the biggest player in a different field; Information technology.

Stan Ekeh now sits atop one of Nigeria’s biggest and best multibillion information technology group with tentacles sprouting up in many West African countries.

Born on February 22, 1956 in Ubomiri, Imo State to a middle class family of four, Stan Ekeh attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri for his secondary education. After his secondary education, the young Ekeh proceeded to India for his university education, where he received a bachelor’s of science degree in economics from Punjab University. Not satisfied with first degree, Stan Ekeh left India for the Republic of Ireland and got admitted at the Cork City University, Ireland and later transferred to Nottingham University, UK where he earned a second degree in risk management.

However, as it turned out, his educational sojourn outside the shores of Nigeria, particularly in India must have had tremendous impact on his career. In fact, Stan Ekeh himself once admitted that studying in India was the turning point in his life because, as he puts it, he found the Indian economy ‘realistic’ unlike what obtains here in Nigeria. Being an IT hub, Stan Ekeh’s interest in information technology sprang out from his

Ekeh

days in India and was therefore, not surprising that shortly after returning home, he established his first company, Task Systems Limited, an ICT Solutions company. The company was incorporated in 1987 but did not commenced business until 1989 and for over two decades, Task System has remained industry leaders, with the implementation of various information and communication technology, ICT projects in the oil and gas, banking, telecoms, manufacturing and government sectors.

The company was involved in the implementation and support of robust and major platforms like Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC’s Group Infrastructure Desktop (GID), Total Elf’s STEP Software deployment and management, Chevron’s Global Information Link (GIL) projects, Access Bank Blade Server Expansion Project and UBA IT Infrastructure Expansion Project.

Other major deployments and installations the company has been involved in include the National Population Commission’s

Storage Works Project, Abuja Stock Exchange Clustering Solutions Project and various capacity building initiatives of the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

Task Systems Limited pioneered desktop publishing and computer graphics in Nigeria and is believed to have helped computerized 95 percent of the print media, publishing houses and advertising agencies in Nigeria Today, Task System has a large bouquet of ICT solutions including networking solutions, convergence solutions, software development solutions, security solutions, enterprise application solutions, managed support services, power solutions, imaging and printing solutions.

Easily the most capitalized, most visible and most structured Nigerian ICT solutions company, with a network of branches, sister companies and a large customer base, Task System partners world class, global IT companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs like HP, Microsoft, Cisco, NetApp, Dell, Acer, APC, Bit de-

fender, Zinox, and Oracle to deliver best in class products and services.

Outside Task Systems, Stan Ekeh also established Technology Distribution, TD a firm that is fast emerging as number one ICT distribution company in West Africa, consistently winning highest industry awards and recognitions for market penetration, revenue, and preferred partner status to become the most decorated ICT Distributor in West Africa.

However, what appears to be the most outstanding contribution of Stan Ekeh to the ICT sector in Nigeria came with the establishment of Zinox Technologies in 2001. Zinox Technologies was established to manufacture Zinox Computers, Nigeria’s first internationally certified branded computers which was formally launched on October 9, 2001.

Zinox is a partnership between Stan Technologies of Nigeria, Mustek South Africa and Alhena Ventures of France.

Incorporated in 2000 by a group of information technologist mainly to structure a way

of empowering local IT entrepreneurs, STAN Technologies is the promoter of the local manufacturing initiative.

Mustek, the second partner in the Zinox configuration which was founded in 1987 has remained the largest assembler, marketer and distributor of personal computers, data processing devices and allied products in South Africa. The group was listed in Johannesburg Stock exchange in April 1997 and has since made fundamental progress through acquisitions and diversifications towards becoming a leading facilitator of ICT. Mustek is the manufacturer of MECER brand of personal computers, Laptops, Servers and UPS. MECER brand controls over 29 percent of the South African market.

Alhena Ventures, the last of the Zinox musketeers is a French investment company with a large exposure in the communication industry in Europe and USA. The partnership with Zinox Technologies was her first step in investing in Africa.

Indeed, the story of Zinox is that of a spiritual mustard seed that is destined to challenge capitalist structures of the 20th century by promoting a knowledge economy through digital democracy. At inception, Zinox Technologies won the loyalty of many private organisations and entered into agreement with the Federal Government in training staffers of Federal Ministries and supply of Information Technology equipments to the Ministries and Parastatals to facilitate computer literacy in Nigerian Schools and among civil servants.

Today, Zinox Technologies has grown into an internationally recognized brand with its products actively deployed across West Africa. It has supported many landmark events such as the Commonwealth Head of Government Mission, CHOGM in 2003, All African Games, Abuja 2003, FASUBauchi 2004, 17th African Union Summit, Banjul – Gambia 2006, and the INEC rescue mission in December, 2006 when it provided 12, 000 systems for voters’ registration exercise.

Perhaps, what today remains the most outstanding contribution of Stan Ekeh’s Zinox to the Nigerian project is the Computerize Nigeria initiative, CANi, a Non Governmental Organisation, NGO set up in August 2000 by the board and management of Zinox Technologies to sensitize and encourage human capacity development and e-learning. The scheme was designed to make available desktop computers and laptops at prices significantly below the prevailing market prices for people and offer bank financing for the purchase of PCs to be

Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

repaid at affordable rates over a period of 24 months.

Several other such initiatives of the company include building and equipping centres with thousands of computers and also empower academic and non-academic staff with laptops are currently going on in different parts of the country.

Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, private and public sectors are expected to take advantage of the scheme to own personal computers and accessories with flexible and instalment payment system.

The computerise Nigeria project, in Ekeh’s reckoning, is a way of giving back to the society, sensitizing Nigerians about computers, giving his firm belief that for Nigeria to play an important role in today’s globalization, the country should be “technologically driven because a technologically driven society is a decent society. It makes people to be focused or driving towards a positive ambition because if the country has more scientists, the tendency is that they will pay more attention to research most of the time.”

Instructively, while it is apt to say the coming of Zinox further raised the bar of national and international recognition for Ekeh, the name Zinox almost became his major albatross.

Owing to business politics and the Nigerian factor, the introduction of Zinox brand of computers and its vast acceptability almost turned the tide against the hard fighting Ekeh as critics alleged that most of his products were inferior and were a mere product of media hype.

Those close to the company admit that the situation then created serious image problem for the company and almost undermined its corporate existence. Not one to be easily defeated, Business Courage gathered that while the controversy rages, Ekeh and his team at Zinox mere retreated, went back to the drawing board and later came out with more computer components that were to later prove cynics wrong that local other equipment manufacturers, OEMs could indeed, compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

Zinox has over the years introduced specialised products to address specific Nigerian issues. The Zinox Whizkid Professional for instance is a notebook mini designed for the educational sector with content aimed at eliminating poor performance in WAEC, JAMB, and NECO examinations with commitment to refund candidates who failed.

The Zinox Legacy is another notebook designed as a souvenir, wrapped in a national symbol, running on 2.0Ghz, 2MB Ram and 320GB, while the Zinox Prestige is a notebook for professionals running on Core i7 processors, 4 MB Ram, and 500GB hard disk.

‘

The computerise Nigeria project, in Ekeh’s reckoning, is a way of giving back to the society, sensitizing Nigerians about computers, giving his firm belief that for Nigeria to play an important role in today’s globalization, the country should be technologically driven

The import of how Ekeh is well grounded in the business of ICT however came to fore when the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC opted for the use of direct data capturing, DDC machines for the conduct of the 2011 general. Zinox, like several other companies bided for the supply of the machines but only three, including Zinox won the contract. Of the three successful winners, Zinox was the only indigenous company in the list that had international players like the Haier Electrical Appliances Corporation of China and Avante of United States.

Again, the emergence of Ekeh’s Zinox as a winner in the highly competitive and rigorous bidding exercise was an attestation to the strong character, drive and vision to play in the big league. Zinox supplied 80,000 DDC machines, an effort considered an awesome accomplishment for an indigenous firm.

The INEC contract remains one of the most daring business decisions ever taken by the company. In winning the bid, each company had to present huge bonds to INEC before the contracts could be released.

In the case of Zinox, it presented N750 million for the 80,000 units of the machines before it was allowed to sign the contract. It took Haier a long time before it could sign for its 20 units.

The bond, according to a financial expert, could in most cases liquidate a business if the body giving out such contracts suddenly withdraws the contract or the supplier could

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

not cope thereafter. The bond is non- negotiable because the bank would not seek for advice of such a company before taking necessary steps for its money. “It was a great risk and even this type of bond is usually for business men with guts,” and analysts said.

Indeed, those close to the Zinox boss admit that the INEC deal was very tasking, noting that Ekeh was exasperated during the period as he fully understands the implication that if the business went sour, he would lose everything he had ever worked for. “Chairman became jittery at a time but the support he got from his wife also helped him stood his ground to present that bond to INEC. I can authoritatively tell you that his weight dropped within a short while and he became sleepless because it was like going to hell without dying,” the source said.

Those close to Stan Ekeh says he is a humanist and philanthropist per excellence who devotes about 60 percent of his annual earning to charity and educating the poor.

Ten years after establishing Zinox Technolgies, the flagship of his business concern, Ekeh says that it has been ten tough years of struggles, but admits that the company has been able to succeed. ”We have gone through the storm of economy, we have passed through three different governments, and we have achieved a lot by adding value to the ICT world, which has no doubt strengthened the realm of knowledge.”

Ekeh however insists that the company has not achieved what

A11 27

it set out for: to make about 50 per cent of Nigerians computer literate.

While assuring that he, in his capacity will continue to pursue his agenda for an enlightened country, Ekeh wants the Federal Government to create digital activity, by putting as many states as possible on subsidised wireless rates, and brand its own USBs, so that students can also benefit. “It’s a knowledge economy, we need to expose our people to the world, they need to see hope, we need to confront the issue of youth unemployment,” he said.

He maintained that if the government provide subsidized internet access across the country, it would in turn create a remarkable networking opportunities for the poor especially the youths therefore leading to greater digital activities which would no doubt generate employment for the people and opportunities for the country in terms of direct foreign investment and income.

Stan Ekeh’s contribution to the development of ICT in Nigeria has not gone unnoticed and unappreciated. In fact, the ICT trail blazer as he is often called by his admirers has bagged over 60 awards. In October 2002, about a year after Ekeh’s Zinox launched Nigeria into the digital world through the launch of its brand of computers, former President Olusegun Obasanjo while honouring him with the national honour of Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR, also awarded him the title of Icon of Hope..

Stan Ekeh is a fellow of the Nigerian Computer Society, FNCS and was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) Imo State University, Owerri and Federal University of Agric, Makurdi. Federal University of Technology, Owerri also bestowed on him, Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) while University of Jos, Plateau State awarded him Doctor of Science (Honorary). He bagged the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award 2002/2003, an honour bestowed on him by the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

Ekeh is also a fellow of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic, Idah and Nekede, Owerri, Imo State. He is distinguished Fellow of the Nigeria Law School and was the 2003 Nigerian Science and Technology Achiever of the Year. The computer icon is also a bagged the Life Membership award of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

Last year, a group called Spirit of the True Nigerian Entrepreneur (SoTNE) invited Ekeh to Abuja to unravel his business mystery and wizardry to over 1000 prospective entrepreneurs’ on ways of achieving the truly Nigerian successful integrated companies. BC

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Business Courage

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, March 28, 2016

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs KLINIC

With Mamora Victor Mamora is a system thinker and advisor whose belief and activator leadership strengths are directed towards improving workers perspective for city and enterprise development.

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

H

appy Easter Monday to you and I wish you what it symbolises; that is, sacrifice of leader for empowerment of the followers. In business, people empowerment is important.

I learnt a profound leadership lesson both from story of Henry ford shared by JC Maxwell and by personal experience as volunteer in one of the world largest faith based organisation in Nigeria.

It is the lesson of people centre leadership. The challenge that badly affected the Ford motor in the later year of her founder is still around but I hope business leaders will experience paradigm shift with this article.

Objectively, Henry Ford is the revolutionary of automobile industry and a legend in automobile business history.

“I will build a motor car for the multitude”-Henry Ford Yes! Henry Ford executed his vision with Model T and by the year 1914, Ford produced about 50 percent of all automobiles in America.

The Ford story soon became stale as there was no significant improvement in Ford motor business for about two decades because Henry Ford undermined his leaders and didn’t believe in their capability to redesigned Model T automobile.

History revealed that Henry became the exact opposite of an empowering leader. It was so bad that he created a sociological department within the company to close up on his employees and direct their private lives.

After consistent loss of revenue, Henry finally stepped down for his son as the president of Ford Motors yet Henry undermined him. Ford motors within this period lost many of its best executives and market leadership in the industry. There dream to expand business was eating by insecurity.

Dear business leader, it is worthy of note that your business responsibility shift to people the moment your

idea develops and attracts people to work in the enterprise. Your new responsibility will then become discovering, empowering, and leveraging on other peoples strength to, significantly, improve the enterprise financial bottom line and market expansion.

For a business leader to serve the interest of her business then providing policy that encourages workers to be equipped with relevant knowledge and supporting them to succeed.

To empower business executives for business success and expansion there are four responsibilities of a business leader.

One: Empower the entry level workers.

The word empowerment is more than putting people in the classroom for executive coach to speak to them. Empowerment, truly, is a process of supporting business executives to realise and claim personal power for effective participation in corporate mission. Part of the process is teaching and another crucial one is correct placement.

Two: Place the inexperience worker rightly In the year 2009, I had the

Insecurity can eat dream for lunch

‘

it is worthy of note that your business responsibility shift to people the moment your idea develops and attracts people to work in the enterprise. Your new responsibility will then become discovering, empowering, and leveraging on others

‘

BUSINESS

opportunity to facilitate service improvement for a Medical Hospital located in Ijebu Ode south west Nigeria. It was a time of crucial conversation and presentation for the executives and the medical director. While the executive conversation session ended, the team members gained confident to give helpful feed back to one another and to their medical director on individual weaknesses and how it affect the medical services.

The core problem they discovered was wrong placement among administrative staff.

We became conscious that people who were recruited into office that conflict with their temperament or personality slowed down business activity. An example was a sanguine front desk officer who naturally talks and playful that she usually forgets to direct patients to the medical doctor’s office at the right

time. She rather would entertain patients with movies.

This affected the numbers of patients the medical staff could attend to per day until they proffered solution to wrong placement.

Three: Lead the experienced workers effectively “Great leaders gain authority by giving it away” James B. Stockdale The experience workers find it easier to leave an organisation especially where they felt their talent is underutilized. They may also leave for lack of self-fulfillment on the job. Experienced workers, other than remuneration look forward to qualitative leadership and respect from a business leader.

The grandson of Henry Ford known as Henry Ford II made this leadership mistake when he took over as the president of Ford motors with his best hired Eric Breech

Motivational Business Quotes

I

t’s through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we’ve always mapped our path at Dell. There’s always an opportunity to make a difference. – Michael Dell If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you’re doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours. – Ray Kroc Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating. – Denis Waitley Management is nothing more than motivating other people. – Le Iacocca Motivation is the art of getting people

to do what you want them to do because they want to do it. – Dwight D. Eisenhower The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers.

The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question. – Peter Drucker Why did I want to win? Because I didn’t want to lose! – Max Schmelling To succeed in business, to reach the top, an individual must know all it is possible to know about that business. – J. Paul Getty To win without risk is to triumph without glory. – Pierre Corneille BC

who is an experienced General Motors executive. Breech was hire to turn Ford motors around and he succeeded in good time record. The success of Breech and the team he brought along to Ford motor made Henry Ford II to worry about his position as the president of the company.

What was Henry Ford II solution? He began pitting one top executive against another until many executives were fired from the company.

The good way to lead experience workers is to enlarge their experience opportunity and stretch their ability with responsibilities. Gaining their respect through a good judgment and wise decisionmaking goes a long way to influence and retain their loyalties.

Four: Empower the experience workers Business leader must come to term with a reality that we are in an age that people generate value with their minds more than with their muscle.

An average experience worker has a capability or knowledge that he brings into the business. He has his means of production, which is knowledge, and it is important to find out what really matter to an experience worker on your team. One of common interest of experience worker is career improvement and fulfillment. An average experience worker wants to see good career progression and perhaps establish a personal business. Only a self-secured leader can engage resourceful experience executive in crucial conversation on life beyond employment.

Dear friend, it is my desire that you expand in businesses by helping your business executives win every day.

People will care to support your business dream when they know that you truly care about them. Your business expansion dream is bigger than you so don’t allow insecurity eat it for lunch. Be courageous! BC

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Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Hawking moin-moin into global relevance This is the success story of Ayodeji Megbope, who after nine years as secretary at Corona Primary School, left to with the intention to start a playgroup. After a six-month Montessori programme Megbope abandoned it to hawk moin-moin (bean cake). Today, the business which she started with about N1,000 has brought her fame and fortune far above the shores of Nigeria market.

As sales improved, Ayodeji faced the challenges of accounting for the sales, expenses and profit. She had no proper financial account but luckily for her, she realised this as a major shortfall early enough and decided that, for her to succeed in her business, she needed to build her capacity. Coincidentally, it was at that time that she came across an advertisement about the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 women programme in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of the PanAfrican University. The idea of the programme was to invest in women entrepreneurs with little or no business. It was tagged: Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (CEM) programme.

To qualify for the programme, an essay was required from interested applicants about their businesses and growth potentials. Ayodeji participated in the essay, wrote on what she was doing - selling and hawking moinmoin in front of a school. She was shortlisted and awarded a scholarship for the five-month programme. Indeed, the programme opened her eyes to the fact that she needed to put her finances together, and properly structure her business to ensure her sales and expenditure are clearly spelt. Another aspect of the programme that really transformed her business was the customer service aspect; reason being that prior to the CEM Programme she was not sure of her business career. There, she also recognised her good communication skills.

After the programme, she claimed that her story took a different turn. She was like a bird ready to fly. She simply became unstoppable and was determined to run the business truly like a business. She opened a bank account for the company

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Megbope

and started setting up business structures. The company had moved from one single product company (Moin-Moin) to a full catering outfit, where catering for 1,000 people was no longer a big deal. Despite the emerging success, Ayodeji jealously guarded the humble mustard seed - Moin-Moin. Today, Moinmoin now has a full-fledge department in her new outlet.

As narrated by those familiar with the story, the contribution from the Moin-moin department in one week was enough to pay all of the Ayodeji’s staff monthly salary. In less than one year of being a Goldman Sachs scholar, she had saved enough money to buy her own delivery vehicle, giving her more control on service delivery. She has moved her business from her “Home” to “Office” thus enabling her to take on multiple jobs.

At the initial stage of her business growth, Ayodeji had staffing issues but the human resources module (people make it happen) she attended during the CEM programme reportedly sorted her out. She set up a proper staff structure and started to delegate duties. But as she grew, she found out that as long as the business is tied around the owner, the business cannot grow. Following the management concept that emphasises trust, delegation and empowering people as strong requirement

We are now able to take up more and larger orders, employ more people and also get our jobs done faster and deliver promptly, which is key to our business

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F

or Ayodeji Megbope, her current status is, perhaps, what she least expected in life. A trained confidential secretary, Ayodeji worked at Corona Primary School for about nine years before she resigned her appointment in 2006. After leaving Corona School, her immediate option was to start a playgroup but for her to actualize this ambition; she had to enrol for a six-month Montessori programme. However, at the end of the six-month of that programme, something snapped and Ayodeji lost interest in pursuing the ambition.

With the Corona School job out and a bungled ambition to run a playgroup, Ayodeji suddenly found herself doing virtually nothing. As time ticked and the urge to get busy grew, she decided to hawk moin-moin (bean cake), a popular Nigerian dish. One night, at a dinner party in her house, she cooked a delicious moin-moin wrapped in banana leaves, and her sisterin-law, said to be a very busy career woman, immediately placed an order. Like in droves, she got orders to supply moin-moin by other family and friends who loved her version.

With sustained patronage, minimal though, Ayodeji decided to turn it into a business and christened it “No Left Overs Nigeria Ltd”.

In three months of selling to a few family and friends, the turnover of the business she started with N1, 000 grew to between N30, 000 and N40, 000. With this stream of income, Ayodeji felt the compelling need to take the business more seriously and at that point, she realised that the best way to achieve success in her newly found career path was to have a high turnover. The first question that came to her mind was how to get a bigger market for her business?

Corona, the school she had previously worked became the immediate option. Not minding how she would be perceived, Ayodeji’s focus was on how to expand the scope of her business. So, at Corona, she hawked moin-moin for sale and in no time, it opened her up to larger

for business growth and realisation of targets, Ayodeji started handling multiple chores at the same time and so, the business exploded with higher capital.

From a humble beginning of N1,000 as a moin-moin hawker, to a business owner with a turnover of about N50 million a year within a short period, Ayodeji said that for young entrepreneurs out there thinking of starting their own businesses, the most important message is “Never to be afraid to start small and never to be afraid to start with any amount.”

She admitted that the journey to the top was not smooth all the way, as the zeal to acquire so much set in at a point and this really set her back at a time. Learning from her personal experiences, however, Ayodeji says it is very critical for the young entrepreneurs to have a good business plan because it helps with proper planning and projection. “That would help the business to know when to make the next move, when to expand and how to expand,” she counselled.

Today, the Moin-moin maker has gone places. Ayodeji who runs No Left Over Nigeria plc has been invited to New York to address the Annual General Meeting of Goldman Sachs with satellite links to other viewing centres of the bank around the world. She was also invited by former President Bill Clinton to his annual Clinton Global Initiative. In 2011, Ayodeji was on a panel at the Turkish Prime Minister’s Global Summit on Entrepreneurship through the invitation of the Turkish Government in Istanbul, Turkey along with other panellists including entre-

preneurs from different parts of the world.

She attributed the success of her business to the application of the under listed principles, which she says are vital to her catering company’s rapid growth: •Believe in Yourself: Whether she’s catering a luncheon for 2,000 people, training employees to take on more responsibility or negotiating prices at the marketplace, she says none of it would be possible without self-belief. “The [10,000 Women] program has made me daring,” she says. “I used to be very timid and unsure of myself, but now, I see the great potentials in me not just to succeed, but also to lift up those who feel there is no good in them.”

•Manage Your Money: During her company’s first year in business, making money wasn’t the problem. Instead, she struggled with managing her money. “The money I made went into my purse, and from there, I would spend it,” she says. “I kept no record of sales, expenses or profits.” The first thing she learned from the program was the importance of having a bank account for the business. Now, she is able to better manage cash flow, make projections of how much is necessary to sustain growth, and invest in supplies and equipment.

•Make Wise Investments: It wasn’t long before she realized that the money she spent renting utensils and transportation could be better invested in purchasing her own equipment.

As a result, Megbope saved her profits to purchase utensils and a delivery truck. She was also able to move the company’s operations from her home into a bigger facility. “We are now able to take up more and larger orders, employ more people and also get our jobs done faster and deliver promptly, which is key to our business,” she says.

•Employee empowerment: When it comes to a company’s most important asset, any successful business owner will agree that employees top the list.

Creating a strong culture, developing other leaders and training employees for new roles are crucial to managing growth. A good leader doesn’t try to do everything themselves and they listen to everyone’s ideas. For Megbope, learning to delegate was necessary in order to manage all the jobs the company was taking on, which ranged from corporate luncheons to weddings. “I was so deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the business, that I realized it was going to be necessary to train people to run things when I wasn’t there,” she says. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Commerce & Industry

OPS, marketers lament fuel scarcity, renew deregulation campaign Abolaji Adebayo

A

gainst the backdrop of the persistent challenges faced by investors in the downstream petroleum sector and the recurring fuel scarcity, a stakeholders’ forum was organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI petroleum downstream group to review the key issues and proffer solutions. Participants at the forum include major marketers, Depot Owners and Independent marketers.

The stakeholders expressed concern over the state of the petroleum downstream sector in Nigeria and the implications for investors in the sector; the various disruptions to the operations of other enterprises in the economy, especially the SMEs and the hardship suffered by the citizens as a consequence of the recurring fuel scarcity.

Issues raised included lack of clarity on the deregulation and liberalisation of the sector, which has put many investments in the sector at risk. The centralisation of petroleum products supply driven by the NNPC was identified as a major cause for concern for investors, especially the inherent entrenchment of the dominance of the NNPC to the detriment of private investors in the sector.

The forum noted that the downstream petroleum sector currently suffers from overregulation, which has a profound negative consequence for growth and job creation in the sector.

There was the worry about the gross underutilisation of the marketers’ depot in which huge sums had been invested by depot owners and the marketers.

Marketers lamented the challenges faced in the sourcing of foreign exchange for the importation of petroleum products, saying it has crippled the operations of many investors in the sector.

Concerns were expressed

Fuel queue

about the persistent vandalism of pipelines, perennial fuel scarcity, ambiguity and overlapping roles of the DPR and the PPPRA, poor LPG utilization and prevalence of fake lubricants.

The forum identified that high exchange rate risk exposure by depot owners and marketers as matured letters of credit (LCs) of over $1 billion were yet to be honoured, creating a major credibility problem for the fuel importers, adding that many of their offshore suppliers have not been paid while some have lost their credit lines.

Other issues highlighted included the inefficiencies in the downstream resulting largely from the state of the refineries, operating at an average of 20 per cent over the past ten years; absence of rail system for the haulage of petroleum products; state of the roads, low draft at the jetties and the ports, high demurrage paid in foreign exchange or naira equivalent at parallel market rate.

Marketers also noted the

confusion that characterized the deregulation of kerosene.

They claimed that NNPC had access to foreign exchange at official rate to import the product, whereas the private investors did not have this access. They maintained that this was an issue for the marketers as the products were meant for the same market.

However, the stakeholders acknowledged that the Dangote Refinery would provide a considerable relief when it comes on stream.

They called on the government to urgently deregulate and liberalise the downstream petroleum sector for unfettered private sector participation and investment, subject of course to an appropriate regulatory framework. They wanted a level playing field for all operators, including the NNPC. This model, according to them, would put an end to the perennial problem of fuel scarcity in the country and the hardships suffered by citizens to fuel scarcity.

This would also attract more

investment, generate more jobs and reduce the pressure on foreign reserves.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders stressed the need for the role of the NNPC to be clearly defined, saying it should not be an operator and still have regulatory influence in the sector. It stated that an arrangement that would allow for a level playing field should be adopted for all players including the NNPC. The stakeholders expressed concern over transparency issues in the management of the foreign exchange allocations. They therefore urged the CBN to ensure a more transparent process in the allocation of foreign exchange.

They also urged the government and the Central Bank to ensure the payment of matured LCs to their offshore fuel suppliers. This was estimated at over $1 billion as at 2015.

The communiqué stated, “The roles of the DPR and the PPPRA also need to be better defined as there are

often instances of overlapping and duplication of responsibilities.

“The nation’s refineries should be made to run as commercial business entities. Stakeholders recommend that the NLNG model should be adopted for the refineries to improve efficiency and reduce the burden of the refineries on the nations’ treasury.

“The nation’s pipelines should be concessioned for a more efficient management and reduction of road haulage for fuel.

“Government should put incentives in place to promote the utilization of LPG. Manufacturers of cylinders should be incentivized to reduce the cost of cylinders.

Public enlightenment is also recommended to reduce the reliance on kerosene and wood as source of domestic fuel for cooking.”

The forum therefore called for regular dialogue between policy makers and the investors in the sector to ensure the desired progress for the sector and the economy as a whole. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

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Stock market last week Equities A turnover of 1.552 billion shares worth N10.453bn in 14,994 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 11.907 billion shares valued at N18.338bn that exchanged hands last week in 19,508 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.187 billion shares valued at N7.298bn traded in 10,457 deals; thus contributing 76.49 per cent and 69.82 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 160.334 million shares worth N1.547bn in 2,167 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 79.549 million shares worth N122.754m in 527 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Zenith Bank International Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and United Capital Plc.(measured by volume) accounted for 536.253 million shares worth N5.852bn in 4,735 deals, contributing 34.55 per cent and 55.98 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

ETPs: Also traded during the week were a total of 118,976 units of Exchange Traded Prod-

NASD OTC REPORT

NSE trading hall

ucts (ETPs) valued at N1.267m executed in 20 deals, compared with a total of 294,047 units valued at N3.209m transacted last week in 42 deals.

Bonds: A total of 91,918 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N100.479m were traded in 7 deals compared to a total of 12,470 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N14.348m transacted last week in 8 deals.

Index Movement: The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.80 per cent to close the week at 25,899.91 and N8.909trn respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the

NASD OTC MARKET REPORT

week, with the exception of the NSE Main Board Index, NSE 30 Index, NSE Banking Index and the NSE Consumer Goods Index that increased by 1.68 per cent, 1.47 per cent, 1.37 per cent, and 4.96 per cent respectively.

Summary of Price Changes: Twenty-two (22) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than twenty (20) equities of the previous week. Thirtyeight (38) equities depreciated in price, lower than forty-one (41) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and twenty nine (129) equities remained unchanged higher than one hundred and twenty eight (128) equities recorded in the previous week. BC

WEEK 8

1 OUTSTANDING OFFERS AND BIDS ON NASD OTC Outstanding deals for Febuary, 2016.

Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

Offers Industry Oil & Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrials Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods

Nominal value (₦) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 0.50

Offer Date 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16

Bids

Volume offered Last Offer Price 400,600 0.35 983,905 2.16 848,862 2.57 128,149 63.00 100,000 6.10 -

SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC

Consumer Services

0.50

26-Feb-16

SD FREE RANGE FARMS PLC

Consumer Goods

1.00

-

SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC

Consumer Goods Industrials Financials Financials Financials Oil & Gas Financials

26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 -

1,294,500 8,014,270 517,217 243,151 -

SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

Financials Technology Industrials Financials Technology Financials Consumer Goods

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 10.00 1.00 0.50

26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16 26-Feb-16

1,140,300 933,000 241,940 -

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC TP VITAL PRODUCTS PLC

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.50

1,000,000 -

2 DEMATERIALISATION AND CUMULATIVE TRADE IN OTC SECURITIES 26-Feb-16 Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC SD FREE RANGE FARMS PLC SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC TP VITAL PRODUCTS PLC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 24-03-16 All-Share Index 25,899.91 points Market Capitalization 8,917,676,879,197.35

Industry Oil and Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrial Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Consumer Services Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Industrial Financials Financials Financials Oil and Gas Financials Financials Technology Industrial Financials Technology Financials Consumer Goods

Introduced by Meristem Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Mega Equity Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Nigerian Int. Securities Ltd UBA Stockbroking Firm Greenwich Securities Limited Anchoria Investment & Securities Limited Capital Bancorp Plc Stanbic IBTC stockbrokers limited CSL Stockbroking Limited Integrated Trust & Investment Limited Icon Stockbrokers Limited Sterling Capital Market Limited Greenwich Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited FCSL Asset Management Co. Limited Cordros Capital Plc APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Primera Africa Securities Limited Signet Investment and Securities Limited Prominent Securities Limited CSL Stockbroking Limited

Company Registrars CardinalStone Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Unity Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Nnenna Ejekam Associates First Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc GTL Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc United Securities Limited Meristem Registrars Limited First Registrars Limited EDC Registrars Limited Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited United Securities Limited Centurion Registrars Limited

Year end 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Mar 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec

0.70 -

Bid Price 0.55 5.70 9.80 113.00 -

Volume Bidded Last Bid Date 600 26-Feb-16 250,000 26-Feb-16 1,000,000 26-Feb-16 45,172 26-Feb-16 -

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0.47 0.10 1.41 127.30 0.72

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0.48 0.78 -

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TRADE INFORMATION (JAN 2016) DEMATERIALISATION INFORMATION Total Share Capital Volume % DEALS VOLUME '000 Dematerialised Dematerialised 66,704,146 2,000,000,000 3.34% 9 38,700 606,000,000 5,785,673,000 10.47% 49,884,038 1,900,000,000 2.63% 6 8,275 66,963,602 1,249,000,000 5.36% 29 25,681,134 9,628,657,533 12,000,000,000 80.24% 2,692,664 196,875,000 1.37% 779,359,719 5,000,000,000 15.59% 121 32,347,119 6,753,333,334 0.00% 185,791,314 976,335,936 19.03% 177 2,061,124 110,811,770 5,650,000,000 1.96% 2 1,100 872,307 519,999,631 0.17% 69,369,303 1,200,000,000 5.78% 568,235,594 4,257,668,000 13.35% 4 93,100 252,655,056 1,170,324,536 21.59% 1,023,194,820 14,231,238,000 7.19% 10 42,370,600 321,247,809 11,829,700,000 2.72% 7 808,783 20,603,435 181,408,000 11.36% 20 534,283 125,000,000 1,762,500,000 7.09% 210,821,244 2,875,595,000 7.33% 1 400 520,000,000 2,576,686,039 20.18% 2 200 1,726,264,230 0.00% 7,138,199,210 0.00% 1,539,242,000 2,705,378,000 56.90% 129,097,505 10,945,334,000 1.18% 4 900 1,823,084,076 0.00% 106,454,595,992 16,277,203,859 15.29% 392 103,945,718

VALUE (₦) 13,920.00 17,874.00 4,373,618.22 185,047,284.29 257,649,389.93 825.00 48,367.00 5,050,765.00 1,252,959.03 56,021,348.60 328.00 96.00 621.00 509,477,396.07

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Adejuwon Osunnuyi

L

ast week, the Big Apple played host to the world debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza at the New York International Auto Show.

The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.

“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking, aggressively handsome looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.

“Everything you see and touch in the Cadenza’s cabin has been improved, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”

The second-generation Cadenza is set to go on-sale in late 2016, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

Elegant and Confident Exterior Designed at Kia’s California

design studio, birthplace of the unforgettable Track’ster and GT4 Stinger concepts as well as the iconic Soul, the Cadenza’s precision-machined exterior exudes confidence, with clean lines offset by expressive details. It all starts with Kia Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer’s oft-quoted philosophy focusing on “the simplicity of the straight line,” which is defined by a single gestural contour that spans the length of the car, creating a sleek profile. This lineation visually links matching Z-shaped lighting signatures in the headlights and LED tail lights, affording the all-new Cadenza a more distinctive road presence, day or night.

The overall impression is one of modernity and power, which is achieved by visually shearing away surface area to create a more angular form.

Head on, the Cadenza is more expressive thanks to the newly designed front fascia. While the signature Kia “tiger nose” grille is still an unmistakable design trait, it has evolved into a new hexagonal shape that emphasizes the Cadenza’s visual width with lines extending underneath the headlights. But the more substantial change to the grille is its distinct concave form, which curves in toward the engine bay, giving the Cadenza its handsomely chiseled face.

Unlike other cars in the segment, the Cadenza is available with two different grilles. Lower

trim models will come with the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille that features the same threedimensional pattern as several siblings within the Kia lineup, but has its own unique appearance thanks to the concave shape. Higher trim models will come with the “Intaglio” grille, featuring vertically oriented, faceted blades.

LED technology inside the “piano key” taillights helps create visual depth while also complementing the Z-shape lighting signature. Other thoughtful details include the chrome garnish that extends through the trunk lid, accentuating the Cadenza’s wide stance, and tasteful chrome accents on the side mirrors and rear quarter windows.

Exterior styling is further enhanced by optimized dimensions.

While the new Cadenza has the same overall length as the outgoing model, it’s slightly wider and lower in height. The wheelbase has been stretched slightly, contributing to nearly a half-inch of increased legroom for rear passengers. Achieving Cadenza’s sportier profile was achieved by extending the roofline rearward more than two inches, while maintaining rear headroom and slightly improving trunk space.

Exquisitely Comfortable Interior Space The interior is thoughtfully redesigned with even higher quality materials than the preced-

ing model and higher levels of craftsmanship throughout. Like the exterior, the Cadenza’s soft interior contours are offset by sheared surfaces. Kia designers visually widened the Cadenza’s interior space with a wraparound dashboard that flows into the door panels and features real stitching. The door panels themselves have been adorned with higher quality soft-touch materials, while soft leather envelopes the Cadenza’s cabin space.

Nappa leather is available with quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond shaped stitching that dresses up the Cadenza’s already attractive cabin.

For 2017, buyers have greater opportunity to customize their Cadenza, as a dark brown interior color has been added, bringing the total number of color combinations to four. Like the outgoing model, the White Package remains an option, but it has been upgraded with a new black wood-grain-style trim finished with a pearlescent sheen.

Improvements were made throughout to ensure a more pleasant driving experience. The driver’s seat has been lowered for a sportier and more stable feeling, while engineers extended the seat cushion slightly and developed an innovative cushion extension mechanism that slides and rotates, making it easier for drivers to find their comfort zone behind the wheel. The heating elements used for the seat warmers have

been reengineered to more evenly distribute warmth, and as a Kia first, the seat heaters now utilize a smart control system to automatically lower the heater operating mode after a certain period of time.

The Driving Experience The 2017 Cadenza is built upon a strong foundation with a body structure composed of more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) — more than twice the amount used in the outgoing model. Engineers are targeting an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A driver’s knee airbag helps in this regard and brings the total number of airbags in the vehicle to nine.

The first Kia to be sold in the U.S. under the DRIVE WISE sub-brand, the Cadenza offers cutting-edge driver assistance features[i] such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control with stopand-go functionality, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Another Kia first is the Smart Blind Spot Detection System which senses unintentional drifting toward an adjacent vehicle and automatically brakes the opposite side front wheel to help maintain the vehicle’s intended course. BC

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Every citizen in this country has a right to go to court and present his case and it must be left to the court to decide he is a mere busy body or not.

—Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, retired Justice of the Supreme Court

xx

Presidency can’t win anti-graft war with weak institutions —Okeke 34 AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

Gender equality bill unnecessary —Layonu, Quakers How boardroom crisis tore Saraki, Kotoye apart 37

The recent failure of the ‘’gender equality bill’’ to scale through the hurdles of the Senate has continued to generate reactions among legal minds in the society. While some criticized the lawmakers for the fate of the bill, others agreed with the legislature that the proposed law was unnecessary, writes WALE IGBINTADE.

F

Two Chinese men bag 70 years sentence for ivory smuggling 38

ew weeks ago, at its plenary session, the Senate rejected a bill seeking to empower women politically and economically, as well as grant them equal opportunities with men in diverse human endeavours. The bill sponsored by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South) was entitled, the bill, titled “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women”.

The bill, which was scheduled to pass second reading, initially received the support of some senators but suddenly suffered a setback and was finally knocked down on the floor of the upper Chamber as the debate progressed.

The argument of those who opposed it was that it would con-

tradict the provisions of the Sharia Court of Appeal which is part of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Others who opposed the bill argued that most of its provisions were in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

According to the proponent of the bill, Mrs. Olujimi, the bill was to seek equal rights for women in marriage, education and job. She said if the bill was passed, a widow in Ni-

geria would automatically become the custodian of her children in the event of the death of her husband, and would also inherit his property.

But, the Senate Majority leader, Ali Ndume, criticized the bill, and urged Nigerians to stick with either religious or traditional marriage.

Also condemning the bill, Senator Sani Yerima from Zamfara State argued that it was in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution. He said the bill negates the principles of the Sharia law, which the Constitution recognizes.

However, since the proposal was thrown into the waste bin, the Senate has been condemned for rejecting it. For instance, the Chairperson of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) Mrs. Funmi Falana faulted the vote by the Senate shooting down the Gender Equality Bill.

Her group in a statement said that the decision of the Senate was

I believe that it is a bill that is totally unnecessary, in the face of the provision of the constitution.

an assault on the collective rights of Nigerian women.

She said, “Those who voted it down claimed that the Bill is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and the major religions in Nigeria. This Bill sought to protect Nigerian women from violence and provide them with equal marital rights as their male counterparts including the rights of widows to inheritance. It also emphasises that women should have the right to fully participate in political activities including the right to vote and be eligible for public offices without restriction and marginalisation.”

She added, “In line with the provision of the Constitution several statutes and customs which discriminate against gender equality have been struck down by our courts in several decided cases.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which has been domesticated by the National Assembly has equally outlawed gender inequality.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Article 18 of the African Charter has recognised all international conventions and treaties which protect the rights of women and children. Accordingly, the ConCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

34

Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Presidency can’t win anti-graft

Collins Okeke, a Legal/ Programme Officer at Human Rights Law (HURILAWS) has 12 years’ post-call experience. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the anti-graft war and the (Fourth Alteration) Bill now under consideration at the National Assembly among others. Excerpts:

The Senate has set up a 38-member committee to commence a fresh process for the amendment of the 1999 constitution amendment. What is the position of HURILAWS on this?

It has become very clear that we have challenges in this country. We have economic problems and political problems. A case in point is what is happening in Rivers State.

You ask yourself, why are people unleashing this degree of violence? Why is there so much desperation in the country? Whichever part of the country you looked at there is always one form of breakdown of law and order. All these are happening because we have not been able to look at the critical questions confronting us as a nation.

The constitution is like a backbone and we all know that any injury that involves the spinal cord is always a very serious injury. If it’s not fatal, it will require very serious medical attention. It has become very clear that we have challenges in the country. We are faced with economic problem and political problem. When you look at the country you will see that there is breakdown of law and order in one part of the country to another, and infighting across the country. The problem is that we have not been able to address the critical questions in the constitution.

There are divergent views on how these problems facing the country could be addressed. While some people have called for a National conference, others have called for sovereign national conference but the National Assembly has resolved to adopt a piecemeal approach to alteration of the contribution. In other words, they have decided to amend the constitution in bits and pieces.

Anytime I listen to the President he talks about the economy and fighting corruption but you cannot have a vibrant economy if the constitutional issues are not addressed.

You see that anytime the Federal Government has a problem, the entire states are affected because the economy of the state is tied to what happens at the federal level.

Again, the president cannot win the fight against corruption if the institutions that are to help him in that fight are weak. So, if the EFCC is weak, if the ICPC is weak, if the Code of Conduct Bureau is weak, then we cannot effectively talk about fighting corruption.

If you have taken a look at the 4th alteration, there is an attempt to address the issue of devolution of powers. Taking powers from the executive legislative list, there is an attempt to split the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation from that of the

Okeke

The president cannot win the fight against corruption if the institutions that are to help him in that fight are weak.

Minister for Justice, there is also an attempt to make the office of the Auditor-General independent, which for me is very important.

So, it is important that we insist that the national assembly focuses on these critical issues.

In fact, HURILAWS has written to the National Assembly for the introduction of Declaration of nullity. We believe that, the way section 1 of the Constitution makes a proclamation of supremacy is not enough. Section 1 says the constitution is supreme and that if any Act is inconsistent with the constitution that Act is to the extent of it inconsistency is a nullity.

The section should contain a declaration of nullity clause i.e. the Constitution shall declare unconstitutional acts null and void. It is not enough for the courts alone to declare nullity. Evidence of violation of

constitutional provisions should be enough for acts to be considered null and void. The Courts would only play a narrow role of declaring invalid, any breach of the constitution. Section 1 of the principal Act should be altered by inserting immediately after subsection (3), a new Subsection “1(4)” that state ‘’If any act is inconsistent with the constitution, that act shall be null and void. So, it should be expressly clear whether an act is a nullity.

Many of your colleagues have said that the 1999 Constitution is not people oriented hence it should be jettisoned.

How will you react to this?

The fact of the matter is that we have a constitution. What we are trying to do is to make it work for us. Of course, there are issues as to how the 1999 Constitution evolved

but the question you need to ask yourself is that, which of our constitutions has ever emanated from the people? If you look at our constitutional history from 1914 till date, you will see that there is some external influence.

It’s more than a year now that Justice Ademola Adeniyi of an Abuja high court ordered that funds for the Judiciary arm of government be released to the heads of courts, yet that judgement has not been implemented. What do you thing is wrong?

Well, section 81 (1) & (2) of the Constitution gives the impression that budget estimates of the Judiciary is part of the Appropriation Bill. This needs to be clarified. The Federal High Court in Olisa Agbakoba vs.

Attorney General & 2 others Suit FHC/ABJ/ CS/63/2013 has decided that the Executive cannot appropriate for the Judiciary. The court held that the appropriation bill relates to only the executive, it does not extend to the judiciary and even the national assembly.

That is why the National Assembly prepares their own budget which a lot of us have been advocating that they make it public. What we are saying is that the budget of the judiciary should not form part of the ap-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

35

war with weak institutions —Okeke

propriation bill that the President Present to the national assembly. This seems to violate the principle of separation of powers, so if it is the executive that determines how much money the judiciary get and it gets it, then we cannot be talking of judiciary being independent. We have made some proposals that Section 81 of the principal Act should be altered by inserting immediately after subsection (2), a new Subsection”81 (2) A & B”.

To read as follows “81 (2) (A) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), estimates of the revenues and expenditures of the Judiciary are not part of the Appropriation Bill” “81 (2) (B) The National Judicial Council shall cause to be prepared and laid before each House of the National Assembly at any anytime in each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditures of the Judiciary.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), J. B. Daudu SAN in an article said Justice Ademola’s judgement may be difficult to implement. Do you agree with him?

With all due respect, I do not agree with Daudu. If the national assembly can give itself financial autonomy and remove their budget from that of the executive, why should it be difficult for the judiciary? If the national assembly is able to appropriate for itself, why can’t the judiciary do the same thing? I know where his argument hangs.

It is not that the federal government has the money kept somewhere and when the budget is passed the money will just be handed over to the judiciary.

We know that the money coming into the purse of the Federal Government comes in bit and pieces and over a period of time. Hence, there is no way the judiciary can get its money in one sum, which makes a lot of sense. But the thing is that, there should be some understanding that in the process of sharing the judiciary should be represented. What normally happens is that all the other arms of government meet together in the process of sharing; it is only the Judiciary that is not there when the

money is being shared.

When the money is been shared, local Government will come and collect their own, the state governments will collect their own, and the national assembly will also collect theirs. It only the judiciary that is not there to collect, that to us is not fair.

The jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and that of Investment and Securities Tribunal seems to overlap. What is your view on this?

The Federal High Court and specialized administrative tribunals like the Investment and Securities Tribunal and Tax Appeal Tribunal seem to share jurisdiction on some subjects, although this has been contested up to the Supreme Court because of the provision of s 251 (1) of the Constitution. The Constitution needs to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and these specialized tribunals to avoid conflicts. The international best practice is to encourage specialized administrative tribunals because they have technical expertise, flexibility and speed.

The regular courts tend to lack skills and are overcrowded. We propose two options: Option one, is to make jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in section 251 (1) concurrent.

Section 251 (1) of the principal Act is altered by deleting from Section 251 (1) the words “to the exclusion of any other court”. Option two, is to clearly delineate jurisdiction of the Federal High in relation to specialized tribunals. This will require alteration of Section 251 (1) (a)-(s) of the principal Act. However, we think that it is better for people to use administrative tribunals to resolve disputes than the regular courts. We will advocate that national assembly should encourage the existence of these tribunals because they are faster in resolving disputes. One of the key things that determine competitiveness of any country is how fast disputes are determined and these tribunals are effective in speedy resolution of disputes.

Do you agree that many of the nation’s institutions are weak?

Okeke

It is better for people to use administrative tribunals to resolve disputes than the regular courts.

We have recommended that Section 153 of the Constitution establishes National Institutions that by nature are like executive agencies. Some of these institutions include the Code of Conduct Bureau, Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria Police Council, Police Service Commission, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission among others. These institutions are critical to our democracy.

We have suggested that these institutions should be insulated; there should be some forms of protection for these institutions so that they will deliver on their set objectives.

For instance, these institutions have no practical constitutional guarantees for independence and effective functioning.

There is no security of tenure, guaranteed funding, insulation from political interference etc. It is of absolute importance that there should be some guarantees that make them independent and free from interference. We should borrow a leaf from Chapter 9 of the Constitution of South Africa titled – “Institutions Consolidating Democracy”. It is suggested that Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution should replace our Section 153 or our Section 153 should be amended to strengthen INEC, Police, ICPC, Accountant General, Attorney General,

CBN, National Human Rights Commission, EFCC, Public Defender and Code of Conduct Bureau. They should be recognized and made vital National Institutions.

They should be entitled to first charge on the federation account and other necessary guarantees by the constitution.

If you have been following what is going on in South Africa. There is an allegation that President Jacob Zuma used some money from the state to develop his country home and the President for the past six months has been trying to get himself out of the grip of the Office of Public Defender.

So imagine a situation in Nigeria, where an institution of government will accuse a sitting President of misappropriation of funds.

What are the main objectives of HURILAWS? The objectives of this initiative is to encourage popular participation in the democratic process in Nigeria; enhance the role of civil society in the democratic process in Nigeria; contribute positively to the debate and conversation on the review of the Nigerian Constitution and facilitate, mobilize and coordinate views and opinions of civil society groups across Nigeria on the constitution review debate.

36

Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

It’s assault on rights of women —Group CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

vention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women was upheld in the case of Mojekwu v. Ejikeme (2000) 5 NWLR (PT 657) 402. In the light of the foregoing, those who voted against the Bill on gender equality are living in the past. We commend the senators who sponsored the Equality Bill.

“They should not be disappointed as the struggle for gender equality continues. We are compelled to call on all Nigerian women to defend the right of equality of men and women, which has been recognised by the Constitution and a number of international human rights instruments which have been ratified by Nigeria.”

But some senior lawyers have expressed contrary opinion arguing that there was no basis for the bill.

According to Dr Abiodun Layonu, SAN ‘’the first issue are there extant laws that provide for those rights? If yes; then no need to have new legislation. If not, what are the new rights to be provided? Has there been sufficient awareness campaign and stakeholders’ education and promotion? Mere sentiments will not do it. The Nigerian Constitution prohibits discrimination on various grounds including gender discrimination and also promotes equality of the sexes. I did not think sufficient work was done in promoting the Bill, hence it suffered a setback. It can and should indeed be re-examined and represented as submitted above.

In the same vein, Mr Norrison Quakers, SAN said ‘’ for me, I believe that it is a bill that is totally unnecessary, in the face of the provision of the constitution. The Nigerian Constitution, Section 1 (1) says the Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons

Funmi Falana

Dr.Layonu, SAN

Quakers, SAN

’’The decision of the Senate was an assault on the collective rights of

Nigerian women. throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sub section (3) says if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Therefore, the Nigerian constitution recognises equality of sexes. Under the social objectives of the constitution, section 17. (1) (a) says every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law. Even when we have anointed that the fundamental objective of government is unenforceable. It is unenforceable in the sense that you cannot go to court to seek redress for yourself. But, you can go to court to compel government. As far as the constitution is concerned there is no gender inequality. So, why should a group of

Bar

Jokes

Stupid attorneys A lawyer was on his cell phone, calling a locksmith.

“I locked my keys in my sports car!” said the nervous lawyer.

“No problem, I should be there in about an hour,” replied the locksmith.

“Do you think you can make it a little sooner?” pleaded the lawyer. “My top is down and it’s starting to rain

Consultation fees

A lawyer’s dog, running around town unleashed, heads for a butcher shop and steals a roast. The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, “if a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?” The lawyer answers, “Absolutely.”

“Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.”

The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50. The butcher, having a feeling of satisfaction, leaves.

Three days later, the butcher finds a bill from the lawyer: $100 due for a consultation.

Lawyer’s funeral

A man is at his lawyer’s funeral and is surprised by the turnout for this one man. He turns to the people around him. “Why are you all at this man’s funeral?” A man turns

persons now approach the national assembly to make another law when the constitution itself does not recorgnised inequality?

Any Nigerian female who feel aggrieved, where there are unfriendly policies can approach the courts for interpretation particularly as regards discrimination. If a man physically brutalises his wife, it is a criminal offence. She can first report the matter to the nearest police station. In order words, we have enough laws that cover the field. Any Nigerian woman who desires to become anything in this country, the law recognises that right. Your religion cannot stop you, social or cultural beliefs can’t stop you in the face of clear and unambiguous provision of the constitution, So my position is that, it not necessary to pass a gender equality law, when the

towards him and says, “We’re all clients.” “And you ALL came to pay your respects? How touching.” “No, we came to make sure he was dead.”

How much was the roast?”

A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbour of his. The neighbour happened to be a lawyer.

Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his neighbour and said, “Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the cost of the meat?” The lawyer replied, “Of course, how much was the roast?” “$7.98.”

A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $7.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150 .

Too interested in money

“I’m beginning to think that my lawyer is too interested in making money.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Listen to this from his bill: ‘For waking up at night and thinking about your case: $25’.”

Smartest Man

A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble.

In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down. Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and bailed out.

Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining.

The doctor grabbed one and said “I’m a doctor, I save lives, so I must live,” and jumped out.

The lawyer then said, “I’m a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live.”

Culled from Cool Funny Jokes: Lawyer Jokes

constitution itself which is the grundnorm recognises the fact that all are equal before the law.

In a text message, the former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu SAN described the rejection of the bill as ‘’very unfortunate’’.

In his view, a Lagos- based lawyer, Anthony Atata said ‘’I am a supporter of women Rights; however, I do not believe that we need a separate law to safeguard those rights.

Women rights are basically human rights.

Passing a bill on it will amount to proliferation of our laws. We already have constitutional safeguards that provide for the protection of anybody from discrimination on the basis of sex.Again, any act giving women special privileges different from the ones already recognised by the law may end up tilting the balance against the male gender. It will amount to robbing Peter to Pay Paul. I believe there is a sufficient Legal framework within which women can bring their case rather than passing a new bill’’.

legal tips Understanding the remedy of injunction in Nigerian legal system

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njunction is an equitable remedy and is therefore, discretionary. It is a particularly useful remedy in contract to restrain a breach, in tort to prevent the continuation of a nuisance, in family law to control domestic violence, and in administrative law to prevent public authorities from acting unlawfully. Breach of an injunction is contempt of court. *The preservation of the subject matter ‘res’ in dispute or the maintenance of the ‘status quo’ is achieved through the judicial process of the equitable order of injunction.

The Black’s Law Dictionary defines an Injunction as “a court order prohibiting someone from doing some specified act or commanding someone to undo some wrong or injury”.

It may also be defined in the words of Karibi-Whyte JSC (as then was) thus: “...an equitable order re-

Bar

straining the person to whom it is directed from doing the things specified in the order or requiring in exceptional situations the performance of a specified act”. * TYPES OF INJUNCTION Injunction can be classified based on the how long the order is to last i.e. the duration of the order. In this wise, we have (i) interim injunction (ii) interlocutory injunction and (iii) perpetual injunction.

Another basis for classification is the nature of act to be prohibited or to be done.

In this category we have mandatory and prohibitory injunction.

Written by Francis Famoroti, Head, Judiciary. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationamirrorlaw@ yahoo.com

Jokes

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

37

How boardroom crisis tore Saraki, Kotoye apart FAMOUS CASES

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econd Republic politician, Dr 0lusola Saraki and Chief Nathaniel kotoye, were close friends. Their friendship began several years ago and it blossomed to an extent that they became business partners and associates. They were also co-coordinators of the defunct Societe General Bank (Nigeria) Limited and they purportedly held substantial shares in trust for each other.

However, some years later, their relationship went sour and it affected their business interests. The boardroom crisis between them became an issue litigated upon in the court for judicial determination.

In one the suits filed at Lagos High Court in 1987, Saraki and his wife, Florence Morenike cited as first and second plaintiffs had asked among others for; *A declaration that the 2, 400.000 shares and the bonus, scripts and other shares attached there to standing in the in the name of the defendant (Kotoye) in the register of shareholders of Societe General Bank (Nigeria) Limited is held by Kotoye in the trust for the plaintiffs (or alternatively) for the plaintiff; *An order directing an inquiry into the amount of any dividends which may have been received by the defendant as holder of the afore-mentioned shares up to the date of the judgement herein; An order of injunction restraining the defendant from holding or dealing with aforesaid shares otherwise than an trustee for the plaintiff and accordance with the lawful direction of the plaintiff or the appropriate authorities An order for rectification of the registrar of shares to give effect any judgement delivered herein.’’

In ‘’LD/938/87,the plaintiffs further prayed the court for among others for following reliefs: An declaration that the 4,579,460 shares standing in the name of the defendant in the register of the shareholders of SGN limited is held by defendant in the trust for the plaintiff.

Two separate suits were initially filed and Kotoye counter-claimed against Saraki and his spouse in the consolidated suits thus ‘’LD/845/87.’ *The defendant by way of counter-claim claims against Mrs. Saraki the sum of N730, 000.00 being money advanced to her on request. *The defendant also claims interest thereon at the rate of 15th day of May, 1986 until payment.’’

In the second suits ‘’LD/938/87, he also sought as follows: *A declaration the of the 6,876,840 shares standing in the first plaintiff (Dr. Saraki) name in the register of members of SGN limited 2,783,483 thereof are not held by the plaintiff beneficially but upon trust for the plaintiff and the defendant for the disposal as

About 29 years ago, the Second Republic Senate Leader, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki and his erstwhile friend, late Nathaniel Kotoye had pitted against each other at a Lagos High Court over disagreement on the shareholding structure in the defunct Societe Generale Bank. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary recalls the controversial issues between the parties.

The late Dr. Saraki

Saraki contented that Kotoye was jobless and his legal practice was not yielding sufficient income for his needs but

Kotoye replied that Saraki was

not in a position to provide financial assistance to him at the time they shall both agree to deserving Nigerians of their choice. *An injunction restraining Dr. Saraki from dealing with the said shares as if were sole beneficial owner.The suits were consolidated.

The hearing of the consolidated suits was still in progress when Kotoye filed a motion on notice to strike out the suits on the ground that the court had no jurisdiction to continue to entertain same and or allow the proceedings to be maintained.

At the hearing, Saraki engaged the services of Chief. F.RA Williams, SAN while Chief G.O.K Ajayi, SAN and Mr. Tunji Ayanlaja, appeared for Kotoye. Along the line, Kotoye challenged the jurisdiction of the lower court and he lost. He appealed to the Court of Appeal, which arrived at the conclusion that the High Court had jurisdiction to continue the consolidated suits and dismissed defendant’s appeal with costs.

Aggrieved by the decision of the Court of Appeal, Kotoye further appealed to the Supreme Court.

The apex court in its verdict delivered on Friday, July 29th 1994, concluded that the appeal fails and accordingly it was dismissed.

Justice Idris Lagos Kutigi, who read the lead judgement said ‘’I hold that the two lower courts; the trial high court and the Court of Appeal, were right when they respectively came to the conclusion that the high court has jurisdiction to continue with consolidated suits herein. .The plaintiffs are awarded costs assessed at one thousand (N1, 000) Naira against the defendant.’’

In another interlocutory application between the parties which reached the Supreme Court, the main issue was on the declarations relating to the shares standing in Kotoye’s name in SGN (Nig) Ltd,alleged to be held in trust for the plaintiffs or (alternatively) for second plaintiff.

Indeed, in the statement claim filed at the lower court, Saraki claimed that his wife and himself rendered financial assistant to Kotoye.

The late strongman of Kwara politics claimed that he knew Kotoye following his release from detention after the 1966 military coup. Saraki contented that Kotoye was jobless and his legal practice was not yielding sufficient income for his needs.

The ex-Senate leader said this against backdrop; he gave his financial and other assistance from time of time up to and including the period when the Bank was established to do banking business in Nigeria in 1976.

The politician said at all the times material to investment of funds in the bank, Kotoye had no surplus earning or loan facilities to enable him make any investment and the understanding between the parties was that he alone would fund the investment.

According to Saraki, ‘’it was in the contemplation of both parties that the investment was to assist the plaintiff in his efforts to continue giving financial assistance to the defendant. The plaintiff also intended that, depending on the level of dividends he would donate a reasonable percentage of the shares to his close friends including the defendant and the remainder to other shareholders.’’

But Kotoye in the answer to the above averment pleaded in his further amended statement of defence and counterclaim as follows; (i) The defendant who had, in the First Republic, been successively, a private legal practitioner, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, came to meet the plaintiff after release from detention in 1968 whilst the plaintiff was then struggling to build a private medical practice.

Kotoye said he neither needed nor did he receive financial assistance from Saraki as had returned to his legal practice (on his release from detention in 1968) in the firm of Kotoye and Oluwa of which he was a senior partner. He said at the time, he owed a Duplex building which was yielding rent, two cars (a Mercedes Benz 220 S and a Peugeot 403) and resided in a four bedroom house.

He averred that he had even during the period of detention and thereafter been able to meet his financial commitment from his own resources.

Kotoye therefore said Saraki was not in a position to provide financial assistance to him because the plaintiff (Saraki) was still struggling to put together a private medical practice. Besides ,he stated that Saraki was not even in position to provide himself with an appropriate or comparative standard of living as he was even then only able to manage to live in a one–bedroom apartment with a wife, two children and an aunt-in –law and went about in a battered 403 car which he had purchased second -hand.’’

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Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

A Russian court sentences Ukrainian pilot to 22 years jail term

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Russian court has sentenced Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko to 22 years in jail after finding her guilty of involvement in the killing of two Russian journalists during the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.

According to the Reuters,Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said his country would never recognise the verdict of what he called a “kangaroo court” and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to send Savchenko back home to Ukraine.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has subsided since a fragile ceasefire was agreed, but Savchenko’s trial showed the depth of bitterness remains.

Savchenko, 34, is a national hero in Ukraine but many in Russia see her as a Ukrainian nationalist with the blood of civilians on her hands.

The sentence is likely to prompt protests from the European Union, which has

RUSSIA

Russian President, Vladimir Putin called for Savchenko’s release.

Savchenko, who was elected a member of the Ukrainian parliament while awaiting trial, was defiant as the verdict was read out.

Mr Poroshenko said after the verdict: “Ukraine will never recognise either the kangaroo court of Nadezhda Savchenko, nor its so-called sentencing.”

He said Mr Putin had promised him some months ago that he would return Savchenko to Ukraine once the trial was over.

Brazilian Judge won’t lift ban on Silva taking Cabinet post BRAZIL

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Brazilian Supreme Court justice has rejected a government appeal to let former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva assume a Cabinet job, a posting that would make it harder to prosecute him.

The justice acted as police made more detentions in a sprawling corruption scandal at the state-run oil company that has already ensnared dozens of top politicians and has circled closer to Silva.

According to the BBC News, Justice Rosa Weber denied motions by the government to overturn a de-

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cision by another Supreme Court justice who blocked Silva from becoming chief of staff for his successor, President Dilma Rousseff.

A final decision on whether Silva can assume the Cabinet post is not expected until the full Supreme Court convenes.

Meanwhile, police targeted one of the hemisphere’s largest construction companies as part of the investigation centered on the alleged kickback scheme at the state oil giant Petrobras.

Police carried out a wave of searches and detentions linked to Odebrecht, one of the companies at the center of the Petrobas case. Investigators allege corruption ran so deep in the Brazilian company that it had a specific office in charge of disbursing bribes.

Prosecutors said they detained more than a dozen people, including company executives, as part of the “Car Wash” probe.

Tanzanian court has sentenced two Chinese men to 35 years each in jail for ivory smuggling. This latest conviction of Chinese nationals is a drive to stamp out poaching.

According to BBC News,the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam sentenced Huang Gin, 53, and Xu Fujie, 25, after they failed to pay a fine of 54.35 billion shillings ($25 million) each.

The two were arrested at a house in Dar es Salaam in 2013 with 706 pieces of elephant tusk and have been in custody since.

“Considering the evidence adduced in court and the huge loss that the nation has suffered for the killing of 226 elephants, it is obvious the accused are a real threat to the elephant population,”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two Chinese men bag 70 years sentence for ivory smuggling TANZANIA

Chinese President Xi Jinping The East African country relies heavily on revenues from safari tourism and new

President John Magufuli has pledged to root out poaching as part of a wider war on corruption.

Poaching has risen in recent years across subSaharan Africa, where wellarmed criminal gangs have killed elephants for tusks and rhinos for horns that are often shipped to Asia for use in ornaments and medicines.

In Tanzania, the elephant population shrank from 110,000 in 2009 to around 43,000 in 2014, according to a census released in June, with conservationists blaming “industrial-scale” poaching. There are also far fewer rhinos and they are endangered.

In October, Tanzania charged prominent Chinese businesswoman Yang Feng Glan, 66, dubbed the “Ivory Queen”, with running a network that smuggled out tusks from 350 elephants.

She is under arrest and facing a separate trial.

A court in southern Tanzania sentenced four Chinese men to 20 years in jail each in December after they were convicted of smuggling rhino horns.

Tanzania denied a report in 2014 alleging that Chinese officials bought large amounts of illegal ivory during a visit by President Xi Jinping a year ago and smuggled it out in diplomatic bags aboard his plane.

French appeal court refuses to recognise third gender FRANCE

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French Appeal Court has overturned a landmark decision that recognised a third gender for a person born with both male and female genitalia.

A lower court ruled in August 2015 that an intersex plaintiff who was designated male at birth, could use the term “neutral gender” on personal official documents.

However, magistrates at the Orleans appeals court south-west of Paris has ruled that to accept the plaintiff’s request “would require recognising, in the guise of a simple rectification of his personal records, the existence of another sexual category.”

According to BBC News, Mila Petkova, a lawyer for the plaintiff, said her client, who

French President, François Hollande has asked to remain anonymous, was “very disappointed” with the court’s decision.

“This is an additional violence inflicted on my client,” she said, adding she would take the case to France’s court of last resort and if necessary to the European court of human rights in Strasbourg.

According to his doctor the plaintiff, 64, was born with a “rudimentary vagina” and a “micropenis” but no testicles.

He approached the courts as he did not want such an “unequivocal” designation as male or female.

The prosecutor who appealed the initial decision said he did so not because he fiercely opposed it but because he felt a higher ruling was necessary in a case that has “collided with current laws”.

The appeals court said it was necessary to find “a fair balance between the protection of the state of persons, which is a public issue, and respect for the private lives of people with a variation of sexual development.

“This fair balance would

allow either for personal records which mention no sexual category, or the modification of the gender which has been assigned to them when it is not in line with their physical appearance and social behaviour.”

The magistrates said that as the plaintiff was married and he and his wife had adopted a child, a request to change his civil status “contradicted his physical appearance and social behaviour.”

In an interview with the daily newspaper 20 Minutes last year, the plaintiff said he felt he was “neither a man nor a woman.”

Several countries including Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal officially recognise a third gender on official forms.

American court confronts Obamacare challenge

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he United State Supreme Court will consider appeals by Christian groups demanding full exemption on religious grounds from a requirement under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law to provide health insurance covering contraceptives.

The court was set to hear a 90-minute oral argument on seven related cases focusing on whether nonprofit entities that oppose the requirement for religious reasons can object under a 1993 U.S. law called the federal Religious Freedom Restoration

USA

Act to a compromise measure offered by the Obama administration.

The 2010 Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, was passed by Congress over unified Republican opposition.

It is considered Obama’s signature legislative achievement. Conservatives have mounted numerous legal challenges to the law, with the Supreme Court in 2012 and 2015 issuing high-profile rulings leaving it intact.

Among the groups challenging the requirement is a Colorado-based order of

US President Barack Obama Roman Catholic nuns called the Little Sisters of the Poor that runs care homes for the elderly.

The case will be heard by eight justices, with the court one short following the Feb-

ruary 13 death of Antonin Scalia. The court is now divided 4-4 between liberal and conservative justices without Scalia.

The Christian groups object to a compromise first offered by the Obama administration in 2013. It allows groups opposed to providing insurance covering contraception to comply with the law without actually paying for the required coverage.

Groups can certify they are opting out of the requirement by signing a form and submitting to the government. The government then asks insurers to pick up the tab for the contraception.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, March 28, 2016

39

Legal Issues in Regulating E-Commerce Sub-sector Ayokunle Akinpelu

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he advancement of internet technology in the twenty-first century has transformed the world from a global village to a global spot. Internet technology has changed mode of communication, transformed traditional modes of business transactions and radically reshaped the commerce of nations around the global. This immense transformation has brought the world to a spot; nevertheless, it has raised new challenges of regulations and legislation. Particularly interesting is the integration between technology, commerce and law.

Prescription of law is essential for the guidance of the society; this can be achieved by either promulgating laws to curb conducts or promulgating laws for social engineering. Laws promulgated to curb conducts, lay emphasis on sanctions and penalties; while laws promulgated for social engineering, lay emphasis on building of institutions with little emphasis on restrictions. Unfortunately, while law lives in the relics of time, commerce is severely affected by technological turbulence. The technological turbulence on the e-commerce subsector places immense pressure on law to respond by either curbing conducts or engineering societal changes.

Nigeria has certainly benefitted from this new global order of e-commerce transactions and has witnessed exponential development of certain industries through the adaptation of the technology. However, the regulation of the ecommerce subsector has practically been left to the architecture of the internet and the ingenuity of the investors and technopreneurs, without any precise focal law to govern transactions and business behaviours on the internet. The regulation of the e-commerce subsector of the Nigeria’s commerce is fundamental to the national and economic development of the country. Regulation of this subsector ensures that key players are properly guided as to the required ethics; consumers are assured of a regulated service, while government generates the needed revenue to invest in the economy. It is obvious that the regulation of the e-commerce subsector by the traditional laws of the offline community is fundamentally inadequate to deal with issues that are on the rise

the courts must be adequately equipped and ensure that this budding subsector is adequately protected by proactively applying the inadequate laws of offline contractual transactions.

in the e-commerce subsector. Protection of consumers from exploitation and an unregulated electronic banking system; and legal status of companies providing traditional services by technology are issues that must be addressed by a proper regulatory framework.

The principal legal framework for consumer protection in Nigeria is over two decades old, the Nigerian Consumer Protection Council Act, 1992 Cap C25 Laws of the Federation 2004. The thrust of this legal framework is the provision of a council to act as a mediator, negotiator and a conciliator between consumers and service providers. Despite, the merit of the Act, it is undisputedly clear that the Act cannot meet the challenges of ecommerce transactions. Regulation of the e-commerce subsector especially as to the protection of consumers cannot be effectively achieved by placing supervisory duties on a council. Consumer protection in the e-commerce subsector should place a duty on the service provider to provide services in accordance with the provisions of the law. In Europe, the Electronic Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC and the Consumer Rights’ Directive 2011/83/ EU which are the principal legislations on electronic commerce, places duties on the service provider that specifies the intended level of protection. In providing protection for consumers, the law must make concrete rules to govern commercial communication, formation of online contracts, liabilities of internet intermediaries and distance and/or off- premises contracts.

In providing concrete regulations within these subject matters, emphasis should be upon the service providers to provide their services in line with the requirement of the law. Thus, consumers are better assured of their rights in cases of

breach, the Consumer Protection Council can then act as an arbitrary tribunal for persons who opt for the alternative dispute resolution mechanism and also as law enforcers. In ensuring that the rules are clear, consumers who hitherto have been jittery of the service delivery of the e-commerce providers would be more open to transacting with the e-commerce service providers, as their rights are now easily ascertainable and no more within the wills and caprices of the service providers or the architecture of the internet.

Core of e-commerce transactions are carried out with the involvement of the various financial institutions. By the nature of e-commerce transactions, these financial institutions have taken up roles as intermediaries, who now provide services beyond traditional financial services. These financial institutions should become liable for the losses recorded by a consumer arising from the improper functioning of their technologies. Contracts drawn up by financial institutions to exempt obligations for the malfunctioning of technological induced losses should be strongly regulated by the law.

These financial institutions should be liable not just because they make revenues from such transactions but because they also have the wherewithal to prevent losses to the consumers. Intermediary liability is becoming a universal concept around the globe as technology has created new intermediaries who can help protect consumers through their business models, L’Oréal SA and Others v eBay International AG and Others C-324/09.

In regulating the e-commerce subsector care must be taken to ensure that the emphasis is not only on contracts concluded by the internet but all contracts concluded by the use of electronic devices. The validity of a contract with-

Group renders free legal services to detainees Wale Igbintade

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ustice for All has introduced a Legal Advice Scheme to ensure suspects and victims have access to free legal advice and support.

According one of the facilitators of the group, Nathaniel Ngwu , the body in partnership with the Nigerian Government and the UK Department (DFID) is committed to reforms in the justice sector.

He stated that the group main objective is to improve public confidence, transparency and police accountability

in the treatment of suspects and victims in police stations.

He stated that, Justice for All offers free legal advice through a cadre of local lawyers who are willing to provide pro bono services and regular visit police stations.

Besides, the group ensures the protection of legal entitlements and human rights through the provision of this legal advice and establishing a state-wide scheme that covered all police stations. ‘’The scheme was instituted to improve the treatment of suspects at Police Stations as the lack of transparency and accountability in the treatment of suspects

and certain victims in police stations has affected public confidence in the police’’. ‘’The situation is worsened by reports of violations of the legal entitlements and rights of detainees/suspects which are contrary to international human rights standards. The widespread poor public perception of the police has a damaging effect on police and community relations and can undermine the development of a constructive partnership in communities’’.

He added that Isokoko Police Station Agege was used as a Model Police Station.

The statement further stated that Iso-

in the e-commerce subsector must be clearly defined and the conditions must be ascertainable. As a guide, it would be advisable that confirmation of contractual terms be required to be sent to the offeree before the consummation of the contract. Hence, the basic requirement of offer and acceptance as applicable in offline contractual transaction becomes offer, acceptance and confirmation in ecommerce contracts. The failure of conforming to the requirement of confirmation could be the unenforceability of the contract in the court.

While progress has been achieved in the Evidence Act 2011 Cap E14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 with regards admissibility of electronic generated evidence, this in itself cannot achieve the intended drive for a regulated e-commerce economy. Therefore, the Electronic Commerce (Provision of Legal Recognition) Bill 2011 must be passed into the law. The passage of the bill would give validity and lend stronger credence to e-commerce contracts while also ensuring that contracts are better governed by the instrumentality of the law and not by the architectural form of the internet.

It is advisable that before the passage of the “Electronic Commerce (Provision of Legal Recognition) Bill 2011” a position is taken as regard arising liabilities from the hacking of any certificate authority who verifies electronic signatures. This would ensure adequate protection is provided for the consumers.

Finally, the courts must be adequately equipped and ensure that this budding subsector is adequately protected by proactively applying the inadequate laws of offline contractual transactions. The courts must read the spirit of the law in interpreting the various applicable laws which governs offline transactions but are being transposed into the e-commerce subsector as the law would never be ahead of technology. The court is saddled with the responsibility of bringing the law up to date with e-commerce transactions.

The tripods of government must therefore work together with the sole aim of regulating the e-commerce economy in order to achieve economic development and ensure a minimal level of certainty for e-commerce contractual transactions and also the protection of the consumers.

Akinpelu, a Nigerian lawyer writes from Netherlands

koko Police Station, Agege was used as a model police station, adding that lawyers have visited the station regularly, and at random times, to provide free legal advice to suspects. ‘’Following the success of the scheme at Isokoko, the programme has been extended to Lion Building Police Station – Area A, Mushin Police Station – Area D, Ojo Police Station – Area E, Ikeja Police Station – Area F, Pen-Cinema Police Station – Area G, Bariga Police Station – Area H, Ajah (Ajiwe Police Station – Area J, Ishashi Police Station – Area K, Idimu Police Station and Ikorodu Police Station’’.

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Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

When thefor come to come It seems to me the time has come us to, come re-examine the everybody will sit up in this Ministry.

Rev. Chris Okotie, speaking legal and constitutional framework for policing in Nigeria. on the state of the nation

49

HON MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES,ALIISON MADUEKE – SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPS, HON. YAKUBU DOGARA

Court exonerates Tejuosho Market director of forgery charges Francis Suberu

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Lagos State High Court sitting in last Thursday exonerated the Director of Stormberg Engineering Company Ltd, the developer of Tejuosho Ultramodern Market, Mr. Olaide Omotola, of the forgery allegation leveled against him.

The court, which was presided over by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, declared in its ruling that the Lagos State Government could not establish a prima facie case against the accused person.

The judge also declared that the accused person was not served notice of the trial, indicating that there was nothing again the prosecution could not prove to move the matter further.

Taiwo identified discrepancies in the legal advice, which formed the basis of the prosecution, noting that the statement of the petitioner was written March 5, 2012, while the petition was approved March 7, 2012.

The judge noted that the petitioner had finished writing his statement “before his petition was approved,” thereby describing the entire process as a premeditated prosecution.

Omotola, a partner in the development of Tejuosho Ultramodern Market and leading equity contributor for the market, had been accused of forging signature to become a director in Stormberg Engineering Company Ltd. He explained that he was accused of forgery when he discovered some discrepancies in the redevelopment of the market, which he said, compelled to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into it on my capacity as a director of the company.

Omotola explained that when the EFCC was investigating the petition on the alleged discrepancies, his partner, Mr. Dolapo Atimo and some other people decided “to petition to Special Fraud Unit (SFU), claiming that he forged

Onlookers at a scene of soft drink public advertising in Oshodi, Lagos.

signature “to become the director of the company.”

The embattled director explained that the bid was “to negate the petition that was already at EFCC so that it would have no stand. On March 22, 2012, the SFU people came to my house and took me to SFU on the charge of forgery and that I stole N20million from the account.

“After they investigated, they could not establish any prima facie against me in the matter. My passport was seized and later returned back to me. In the course, we petitioned the IGP that SFU is taking a biased position and the

matter was transferred away from SFU. “But unknown to us, they had hurriedly gone to court on the matter which was unknown. When Mr. Dolapo Atimo died, as it was obvious that I had the controlling share of the company, they also wrote another petition to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“But CAC called my attention to the request. I told them to write a letter so that we can see the petition and what the issues are. This was when we now knew that there was a secret trial going on at a Lagos High Court, Igbosere without

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

our attention being called to it,” Omotola explained.

On this ground, Omotola said he wrote office of the Attorney-General through his lawyer, Mr. Olarenwaju Ajanaku “for a review of the legal advice which was drawn and was never shown to him.

In the course of legal review, they discovered discrepancies in the first legal advice.

“We went by way of preliminary objection to the court that this thing cannot stand as a result of the fact that, even looking at the petition of the complainant, it preceded the day the petition was approved.”

Easter: Ex-Gov. Daniel felicitates with Christians

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s Christians celebrate Easter, the immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has enjoined Christians to rededicate themselves to God and reflect on the significance of Easter, which is the bedrock of the Christian faith.

In his message to the people on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Otunba Daniel called on Christian faithful to use the period to show love, peace, selfless service and total submission to the will of God as exemplified by our Lord, Jesus

Christ.

He also urged Christians and the generality of the people to let the story of Easter give new meaning to their lives and remind ourselves that no matter who we are, how much we achieve or how highly placed we are, we shall give account of our activities on earth before Almighty God. In the same vein member representing Mushin Constituency 11 at the Lagos State House of Assembly urged Nigerians to be full of prayers for an end to the various chal-

lenges confronting us as a nation and guide our leaders on the right path.

He called for the continous support of the government of the day as changes at any particular time in one’s history is not sudden but rather a gradual process that involves a long period of planning.

He equally called for the continued peaceful coexistence of the Muslims u may and the Christians as espoused by the two holy books which is the guiding principle of existence of the two religion.

Assault: Victim accuses police of complicity

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commercial tricyclist, Wasiu Bamidele who was allegedly attacked by hoodlums over council ticket has accused the Ojodu police division of complixity by not reacting a free r the incident was reported to them Wasiu who claimed to have lost a tooth during the attack alleged his tricycle was also destroyed by the hoodlum. The incident happened around Ojoduberger area of Lagos state.

The victim also told the Lagos Metro that the police at Ojodu Police Station are not helping matter ,after the incident was reported at the station .

The victim told community Mirror “ I was working on that day ,when the stopped me and demanded for the #120 council ticket “ . “ I told them that I did not have it but I promised to get it after that trip but they refused and insisted impounding my bike “ Bamidele said that “ the council officials descended on him and removed one of his teeth in the process before going away with his tricycle .

He identified the council touts as, Sugar ,the leader of the gang , Anjorin ,Emma ,Babalola and Baba Kabiru .

There was more trouble for Bamidele as the council touts crashed his tricycle on the way to their office .

“One of them rode the tricycle ,while the others joined him and on their way the Keke was involved in a very serious accident “ the victim said.

He added that they took the tricycle to a side of the road but the police later came and the five of them were arrested but released that same day. “ They have spoilt my tricycle and the damage is much I want a new one but they are adamant that the best they can do for me is to repair it,” he said .

“Please help me, I bought that tricycle on instalmental purchase and with the damage on it now, it won’t last again I need to balance the payment,” he pleaded.

Bamidele

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, March 28, 2016

41

Borno monarch wants 2.6m IDPs returned to communities Inusa Ndahi Maiduguri

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hehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, yesterday urged the Federal Government to return Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in camps to military-liberated communities in the state, following the return of peace to 22 formerly insurgencyaffected local government areas of the state.

The monarch made the call yesterday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Mar-

shall Sadiq Baba Abubakar, paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri.

Garbai El-Kanemi also disclosed that as peace has returned to the insurgency affected council areas of Borno State, the over two million IDPs in various camps in Maiduguri and Biu are eager to go back to their respective liberated towns and villages.

His words: “Let me use this opportunity to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to expedite action on the return of all our displaced persons

in camps to their homes.

The 22 affected local governments are experiencing the return of peace; restore the ‘Home of Peace’ status in Borno State by relocating IDPs from many camps to their respective communities in this state.”

He however noted that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have assisted the Nigerian Armed Forces in liberating many of these communities and villages before peace returned to Borno State.

“The civilian JTF has sacrificed the lives of its mem-

bers by working day and night with the soldiers to restore peace here in Borno.

I also thank you as the Chief of Air Staff, for taking your time to visit this palace in Maiduguri, and ensuring that Borno State regains its ‘Home of Peace’ status in the country,” said Garbai ElKanemi yesterday.

Responding, Air Marshall Abubakar assured the monarch that the military would not fail the people of Borno State on the restoration of peace. He said this would enable all the displaced persons in various resettle-

ment camps return to their respective communities, within the shortest possible time.

He thanked the Shehu of Borno for sensitising other traditional rulers and his people to fight the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism since the last five or six years.

In a related development, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, last Thursday said no country want to have IDP camps perpetually.

Director general of NEMA, Sani Sidi, also said most of the affected communities in Borno State

have been liberated by the military.

"The IDPs in camps are so anxious, so eager to go back to their various communities. Therefore, the humanitarian dashboard is fast changing from Emergency Phase to Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Phases," said Sidi, on return of displaced persons in camps.

He however warned: "Nobody will be forced out of the camps, except and unless and until those communities are safe for return.

We'll never allow anybody to leave camp - from safety to harm - as far as NEMA is concerned."

Sokoto asks workers to submit BVN or risk losing salary

S

Welding equipment presented at buba industrial village during graduation of trained youths under youth empowerment programme by rep. Yusuf buba member representing gombi/hong federal constituency in hong lga of adamawa, yesterday.

Two-year-old, 6 others die in Benue auto crash Henry Iyorkase Makurdi

T

ragedy occurred yesterday as seven persons lost their lives in a fatal motor accident involving a Toyota Sienna bus and a truck near Abinsi, on Kilometer 24, Makurdi - Gboko road, in Benue State.

An eyewitness account by the caretaker chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Martin Ujo, who was at the scene, said both vehicles had a head-on collision in an attempt to dodge potholes on the ever-busy road.

Said he: “The victims were those coming back from the Easter break and

were mostly civil servants returning to their respective locations when their journey was short-lived."

In his assessment, seven persons, including a twoyear-old baby, perished on the spot while others were unconscious and sympathisers trooping in to assist in evacuating the bodies and possibly identity the de-

ceased.

National Mirror gathered that frantic efforts were being made by the sympathisers to convey the bodies of the deceased to the mortuary while the unconscious ones were later rushed to an unknown hospital for prompt medical attention.

It took several hours to disperse the surging crowds

Bello vows to develop Igalaland, others Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

K

ogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has pledged to accelerate development in Igalaland and equitable distribution of projects to all part of the state.

Bello who made this pledge while speaking at the third anniversary of

the ascension of Dr. Idakwo Micheal Ameh Oboni as the Attah Igala at Idah in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State at weekend, stated that the state is tottering from mistakes of the past.

The governor explained that the bane of Nigeria and Kogi State is that "we have had people at the helm of affairs whose only thought is

about their own belly," noting that the result has been disastrous “as you all know and at the centre the nation is wobbling from the misgovernance of yesterday.”

Bello also registered his heartfelt condolence with His Royal Majesty and the Igala people over the sudden and tragic fall of some of the great people in his kingdom.

The governor congratulated Attah Igala on the third anniversary of his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, saying "today is your day.

We celebrate you."

He said the last three years have been eventful, adding that the royal father has proven himself as the father of all in Kogi State and beyond.

okoto State government has instructed all workers to submit their Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, before they could be paid their April and other salaries.

This is part of efforts to sanitise the state civil service and permanently tackle the menace of ghost workers, according to a government statement in Sokoto yesterday.

The statement was signed

by Malam Imam Imam, the spokesman of Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

The government said in the statement that ''submission of the BVN forms part of the ongoing verification

of staff and the update of records of all employees in the state civil service.

It said the directive also affect workers at the local government level.

The statement said the state head of service has been instructed to ensure prompt compliance.

This, it announced, was to enable all workers update their records.

The statement added that the ongoing verification exercise at the local government level has led to saving of substantial amount of money. ''The effort will continue until the payroll is completely sanitised,'' it concluded.

Police arrest 100 persons for looting in Sabon Gari market —CP

N

o fewer than 100 suspected looters were arrested by security agents during a fire outbreak which gutted the famous Sabon Gari market in Kano on Saturday.

The state’s commissioner of police, Mr. Muhammad Katsina, disclosed this when Governor Abdullahi Ganduje visited the market yesterday.

He said the suspects were apprehended by security personnel deployed to the market to ensure security of lives and property following the fire outbreak.

Katsina said the suspects were arrested in different locations of the market while trying to escape with their loots.

He said they would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

“The suspects are presently in our custody and as soon as investigation is concluded, they will be charged to court,” Katsina said.

In his remarks, the governor said the state government has taken measures aimed at preventing future occurrence.

Ganduje commiserated with the victims of the disaster and commended security personnel for ensuring adequate security during the incident.

He also thanked various private companies who supported the state Fire Service in putting out the fire.

42

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

I think we know who ISIS is. We know those people who are planning attacks against our European allies and against ourselves.

–US DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, BERNIE SANDERS

Protesters, police clash at Brussels memorial Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

US Naval officer bags jail term Police warding off protesters from the Brussels Square yesterday earlier reported.

Some of the hundreds-strong group wore balaclavas and anonymous masks. Many wore black clothing. Some reports described them as football hooligans.

Assad hails Palmyra capture

S

yrian President, Bashar alAssad, has commended the recapture of Palmyra from the Islamic State, describing it as an important achievement in the war on terrorism.

A monitoring group has backed the Syrian government’s claim that the city was recaptured overnight by the army.

Military sources said the Syrian army now had full control after it had gained ground for several days, supported by Russian air strikes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Assad, a Kremlin spokesman said yesterday.

“President Assad knew the capture would have been impossible without Russia’s support,” a statement said.

Palmyra is situated in a strategically important area on the road between the capital, Damascus, and the contested eastern city of Deir al-Zour.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said there was still gunfire in the eastern

Lahore blast toll hits 50 A suicide blast in Pakistan’s southwestern city of Lahore has killed at least 50 people, a health official said yesterday.

Some 200 others were injured, Health Adviser for Punjab Province, Khawaja Salman Rafique, said.

Officials said the blast was from a suicide bomber, and happened at the city’s Gulshan Iqbal Park.

The explosion ripped through the heart of Lahore on Sunday evening, at a time when many families were at the park.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, has strongly condemned the blast, expressing grief for the victims.

B

elgian police fired water cannon yesterday to disperse a large group of demonstrators who stormed a central Brussels square.

They invaded the Place de la Bourse as people paid tribute at a makeshift memorial for victims of last Tuesday’s deadly attacks.

Riot police intervened to try to restore order after the group confronted Muslim women in the crowds, made Nazi salutes and chanted.

A “march against fear” planned for yesterday was called off after the authorities said it would strain police resources for the investigation.

Belgian police also carried out 13 new raids and took more people in for questioning on Sunday as part of investigations into the attacks.

A man already in Belgian custody was reported to have been charged in connection with a foiled attack in the Paris region.

Reports in Brussels said the group involved actually call themselves Casuals against Terrorism, not Fascists against Terrorism as

WORLD BULLETIN

part of the city, but the bulk of the IS force had pulled out and retreated further east.

Backed by Russian war planes and Shia militias, government forces gained control over the ancient city and are now close to securing a vast area of the country.

But residents and observers cast doubts on why Assad’s

One of them, called Andres, said: “We are football hooligans, we don’t have anything to do with politics.

We are here for the victims and to pay our respects.”

Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Min-

ister and the city Mayor have strongly condemned the behaviour.

“I am appalled by what is happening, to learn that such thugs have come to provoke residents at the site of their memorial,” Mayor Yvan Mayeur said.

forces pulled out from Palmyra in the first place, allowing ISIS militants to get in to the city.

In May 2015, hundreds of ISIS fighters drove hundreds of kilometres across the desert to reach Palmyra, almost uninterrupted, while government forces were dropping barrel bombs over opposition areas full of civilians.

Syrian President Bashar alAssad

Detained journalist gains freedom

A

Chinese journalist, Jia Jia, who has reportedly been investigated over an online petition calling for the resignation of President Xi Jinping has been released.

A lawyer for Jia, who was taken

Jia Jia

away by police earlier this month, said the columnist had been freed, had met his wife and could return home anytime.

Jia is said to have been detained as part of a high-profile inquiry into a letter urging Xi to quit.

The letter appeared briefly on a website linked to China’s government.

Signed by “Loyal Communist Party Members” and dated March 2016, it criticised Xi for various political, economic and diplomatic decisions, as well as for creating a personality cult.

“We don’t think Comrade Xi Jinping has the ability to lead the party and the country into the future,” it said.

Jia’s family, however, denied he had anything to do with it.

Friends told media outlets they believed Jia disappeared because he warned an editor friend, Ouyang Hongliang, after the letter was published on Hongliang’s news site Watching, also known as Wujie News.

The website was set up last year to promote China’s economic plan to develop trade routes through central Asia.

China has seen a recent spate of censorship incidents amid a crackdown on dissidents, journalists and lawyers.

But even as President Xi tightens control, opposition voices are finding a way to be heard.

A high-ranking US Navy captain, Daniel Dusek, has been sentenced to nearly four years in jail for passing classified information to a Malaysian defence contractor.

Dusek , who is the highest-ranking officer to be charged in one of the US military’s worst bribery scandals, provided the information in exchange for luxury hotel stays and the services of prostitutes.

He was also ordered to pay a $70, 000 (£50, 000) fine and $30, 000 in restitution to the navy.

Sentencing Dusek in San Diego, California to 46 months in prison, Judge Janis Sammartino said: “It is truly unimaginable to the court that someone in your position with the United States Navy would sell out based on what was provided to you-hotel rooms, entertainment and the services of prostitutes.”

Dusek, 49, who pleaded guilty in January 2015 to conspiracy to commit bribery, told the court he would never forgive himself for his actions.

Four detained over Italian’s death Egyptian prosecutors have ordered the detention of four people in relation to the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, officials said yesterday.

They are relatives of an alleged criminal gang which officials say was behind the killing. All the gang’s members died in a shoot-out.

But Italian officials have questioned this claim amid suspicion that security forces had involvement in the case.

Regeni’s body was found with signs of torture, dumped beside a road.

Italian authorities have long complained about a lack of transparency from Cairo in the investigation.

The 28-year-old Italian, who was a student at Cambridge, had been researching trade unions, a politically sensitive subject in Egypt. His body was found onFebruary 3, a week after his disappearance in Cairo.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

43

Monday, March 28, 2016

Sport Every match in the Premier League is a battle.

Five points is nothing.

NPFL: Rangers stun Enyimba to retain top spot

47

–Claudio Ranieri

Nigeria in trouble as Chad withdraws from AFCON

N

igeria may yet miss another opportunity to play at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon as the quest suffered a huge setback following the withdrawal of Group G opponents, Chad, from the qualifying series.

Chad informed the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Sunday of its inability to continue with the remaining matches after suffering three defeats so far. In its letter to CAF Chad informed that it was withdrawing due to financial constraints for their decision. They will therefore not honour Monday’s reverse leg match against Tanzania on account of their financial problems.

An official statement by Chad signed by FA general secretary, Moctar Mahamoud, said the country would not be in Tanzania for Monday’s AFCON qualifier due to the global economic crunch, which has also affected their participation in other international competitions.

With the latest development, the Super Eagles are now condemned to win against Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday to stand any chance of qualifying for the Gabon fiesta.

A win in Egypt will push the Nigerians close to Gabon after failing to qualify for the last AFCON in Equatorial Guinea, but a draw or lose will likely end

Eagles’ ambition.

Nigeria on Friday drew 1-1 with the Pharaohs in Kaduna as Mohammed Salah’s last minute goal cancelled Oghenekaro Etebo’s 60 minute goal.

CAF in a statement on Sunday in conformity with article 61 of the regulations of the competition says: “If a team withdraws from the qualifying phase organised in groups, all its results shall be annulled (points, scored and conceded goals). Nigeria defeated Chad 2-0 in their only victory of the series.

“Hence, the matches of Chad of the first three days of Group G matches are cancelled and their results will not be taken into consideration.”

Also at a CAF Executive Committee meeting in January 2015, it was agreed that any group reduced to three teams following a team withdrawal will only qualify the first team of that group.

Furthermore, in conformity to article 59 of the regulations of the Competition, CAF said: “The Chadian Football Association is suspended for the up-

coming edition of the AFCON and must pay the monetary fine of $20000.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation have stated that the Super Eagles have no other option but to win their remaining two AFCON qualifiers including Tuesday’s clash in Egypt to qualify for Gabon 2017 in the wake of the shock withdrawal of Chad.

“We don’t have an escape route than to win our remaining matches, then we will be home and dry, and this includes

Ikeme out of Battle of Alexandria

S

Ikeme

uper Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers of England shot-stopper Carl Ikeme is out of Tuesday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria.

Ikeme is feeling unwell and the coaches have decided not to risk him in goal on Tuesday during the all important encounter against the Pharaohs.

Super Eagles team doctor Ibrahim Gyaran told thenff.com that the goalkeeper has stomach upset which has kept him out of training since Friday’s game in Kaduna.

“After the game last Friday, Carl has been struggling with some stomach upset and it has not allowed him train with the rest of the squad,” Gyaran disclosed.

beating Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday,” said NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire.

Super Eagles handler, Samson Siasia says beating Egypt on Tuesday is a task that must be done. “We had just two days of training before the Kaduna match and we did so well dictating the pace of the match,” Siasia said. “We are not bothered by Chad’s withdrawal as we have prepared better for the match in Alexandra. We are condemned to winning the match.”

“He is stable but needs a lot of rest to be back in 100% shape for the kind of high profile game that we have on Tuesday. Considering the amount of travel involved as well, it is best we give him a break,” he added.

Reacting, Head Coach Samson Siasia has allayed fears that the absence of the goalkeeper will hamper the team’s chances of victory on Tuesday.

“We will surely miss Carl but the good thing with our team is that we have capable replacements in every department. Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are still here and any one of these two will help us get the job done in Alexandria,” Siasia concluded.

44

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OHANAEZE NDI IGBO ORGANISATION WORLDWIDE This is to inform the General Public that the above named Organisation has applied for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH Igwe Justice Eze Ozobu rtd OFR (Enugu) 2. Chief Dr. Dozie Ikedife (Anambra) 3. Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu (Rivers) 4. Colonel Joe .O. G. Achuzia rtd (Anioma Delta) 5. Prof. Joe Irukwu SAN (Abia) 6. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwa (Imo) 7. Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey (Ebonyi) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To serve as a focal point of reference, direction and collective leadership in matters affecting the interest, solidarity and welfare of Ndi Igbo (2) To promote, develop, preserve and advance Igbo language and Culture.

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Saraki commiserates with victims of Sabon Gari market fire

S

enate President, Bukola Saraki, has commiserated with the victims of Saturday’s fire disaster that destroyed the popular Abubakar Rimi market in Sabon Gari, Kano.

Saraki’s condolences are contained in a statement released by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja yesterday.

The senate president expressed regret over the increasing rate of fire disasters in markets across the country.

He urged the management of markets across the country to always employ modern means of preventing and combating fire disasters to ensure that traders are not subjected to harrowing loss. xxxxxxx ADDITIONAL NAME Formerly OMOSULE TAIWO BUSAYO now wish to be known, called and addressed as AYODELE TAIWO BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid.

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News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the popular Sabon-Gari market in Kano was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Saturday, with goods and properties worth millions of naira burnt down.

“The continuous loss of merchandise and properties in many commodity markets in the country, and Kano in particular, to fire disasters has reached a worrisome level that requires urgent measures to combat the trend.

“These fire incidents have deprived our hard working and determined traders the means of livelihood and survival and these traders are expectedly breadwinners of their families.

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“This is most unfortunate to the economy of Kano State, more so, coming after the destruction of the Kurmi market, the oldest market in Kano by fire, and the recent inferno at the furniture section of the Abubakar Rimi market “The Senate is pained by the loss, and I seize this opportunity to underscore the need for adequate preventive measures against fire disasters in our markets.

“All markets in the country must be built with the plans to prevent outbreak of fire and equipped with fire-fighting equipment.

“Also, market women should be trained in fire preventive measures and drills,” he said.

He urged the state government to carry out thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the cause and to forestall recurrence.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to Certified/Confirm that Miss Subuloye Yemisi Omolara and Tijani Zainab Oluwayemisi, is the same one person as Mrs Tijani Yemisi Omolara that henceforth wishes to be addressed, known and called as Mrs Tijani Yemisi Omolara. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGIH: FORMERLY known and addressed as AGIH SHEHU JOSEPH NOW wish to be known and addressed as AGIH SHEHU . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IKWE: Formerly known and addressed as IKWE MARK ADIKPE now wish to be known and addressed as IKWE SUNDAY OKO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS AYANWALE MOJISOLA TAIWO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGUNLANA MOJISOLA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ACHEJE: I, formerly known and addressed as ACHEJE VICTORIA LADI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OBAKA VICTORIA LADI . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME xxxxxxx

CHANGE OF NAME

xxxxxxx ADDITIONAL NAME USMAN: FORMERLY known and addressed as USMAN OVANJA AIBISI NOW wish to be known and addressed as USMAN OJO AYIBISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

xxxxxxx ADDITIONAL NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Awokusibe Ayoolu Titilayo, now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Olasunkanmi Ayoolu Titilayo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

ADEMU: FORMERLY known and addressed as ABDULMALIKI MUHAMMED NOW wish to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN ADEMU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AFOLABI: Formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI RONKE ABIMBOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MISE RONKE ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to inform the general public and the authority concern that my names are MARK FRIDAY AMINGBO and MARK FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AHMED: Formerly known and addressed as SIMON AKAANGEE AKASAWUA NOW wish to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN AHMED AKASAWUA . All former documents bearing SIMON AKAANGEE AKASAWUA remain valid. General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

O

utstanding performances by three attacking players in England’s 3-2 comeback win over Germany on Saturday has sparked renewed debate about where injured captain Wayne Rooney fits in for the Euro 2016 finals.

After Roy Hodgson’s team fell 2-0 behind to the world champions in Berlin, the Premier League’s two leading scorers this season, Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, brought England level with superb goals.

Many observers, including Germany’s former World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus, made teenager Dele Alli the man of the match in what Hodgson called his best night as England manager.

Alli, 19, played in the ‘No 10’ role just behind the main striker, which is arguably Rooney’s most effective position.

When playing as a lone striker, the Manchester United captain has often looked isolated and become frustrated by a lack of involvement, tending to drop too deep to seek the ball.

Before injuring a knee against Sunderland on February 13 Rooney was on a good run, but still has only seven league goals this season like Alli, compared to Kane’s 21 and Vardy’s 19.

“I am a big fan of Wayne Rooney, but today we didn’t miss him in the game,” Matthaeus said during live television coverage.

Geoff Hurst, whose hat-trick won England the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, believes Vardy could be a surprise package in the European Championship finals in France.

“He’s come from nowhere, a very good levelheaded guy who’s very sensible, very intelligent,” Hurst said.

“Either Harry Kane or Vardy definitely deserve their place with the season they’ve had. “And Alli has made an impact not just at club level but in internationals.”

Under-achievers at recent international tournaments, England have often been criticized for taking players who were not 100 per cent fit including Rooney at the 2006 World Cup.

Golf: Oyefule wins Ikeja Captain’s day tourney Pius Anakali

T

he 2016 edition of the annual Ikeja Captains day tournament; a weeklong competition put in place to mark the end of tenure of Commodore Tokunbo Ajomale (rtd), came to a thrilling end on Saturday with Femi Oyefule emerging the winner of the competition.

To emerge victorious, Oyefule shot a score of 67net, leaving Henry Okpe with a net score of 71 in the second position. Former club captain, Kunle Ogunleye placed third in the competition while Ebiyemi Pinnick, also a former golf captain at golf section of Ikoyi club came fourth.

Las Ali Shobande won in the veteran category with a score of 72-net while another former captain at Ikeja Golf club, General Olayinka Sule duck in the second position.

The prize staked in the guest men category went to Ayo Fagbemi while

Sports

Monday, March 28, 2016

Tope Melodi was runnerup.

In the Ladies event, Chichi Alamu emerge winner after a net score of 65, leaving Lola Mamud in the second position.

Other winners in the keenly contested event include, Ruth Oluwatosin, Magdalene Quaye, Queen Adam and Maria Asuni.

Others are Toyin Akinola, Uche Dimgba, Omini Ofem, Yomi Egbe, Uche Nwokocha and Tolani Ilesanmi.

Impressed with the turnout at the occasion, the Captain Ajomale thanked every member of Ikeja Golf Club for the opportunity to serve them.

While saying his vision for the club has been largely achieved, Ajomale promised to continue to contribute to the development of the club.

Newly installed Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi was the special guest at the event closing ceremony.

Ooni Ogunwusi led a team of other Yoruba Obas and prominent Yoruba sons and daughter to the closing ceremony.

45

Rooney

Rooney faces battle to regain England place Messi dismisses Ronaldo’s comparison

B

arcelona star Lionel Messi has reiterated that he does not care about comparisons with Real Madrid counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo as he is only focused on his own performances.

The Argentina international’s achievements are often contrasted to those of the Portuguese star, with the duo dominating individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or over the course of their careers.

But Messi remains unperturbed by such talk on who has enjoyed more personal success and says he is only thinking about helping his team to silverware.

“The press is always looking for comparisons and those kinds of things,” the 28-year-old told MBC. “The only thing I care about is helping my team and to keep on improving each season.

“I am not comparing myself to Cristiano Ron-

Messi

aldo or to anyone else. I am only thinking about myself and my team-mates and winning games.”

“Real Madrid has some great players. They have

always had some impressive stars and are one of the best teams in the world,” he added.

“They are always a complicated rival for Barcelo-

na. They always make life difficult for us in the race for the Liga title. There is a lot of competition and we always try to do better than them.

penalties in a round of 32 game decided at Agege stadium, Lagos.

The pulsating round of 32 game had ended goalless at full time before Synergy Ultimate Strikers beautifully netted four of their resultant penalty kicks as

against 2 of 36 Lions funded by another player agent, Alhaji Gafaar.

Synergy Ultimate Striker’s boss Chinedu Ogbenna dedicated the win against 36 Lions to their ex star, Victor Osimhen now set for a professional career at

German Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg.

As the club celebrated at their Oregun base, Ogbenna said his team was inspired by exploits of Victor Osimhen who won the FIFA U- 17 world cup with the Golden Eaglets.

Lagos FA Cup: Synergy Ultimate halts 36 Lions

L

agos FA CUP debutants, Ultimate Synergy F.C Saturday zoomed into the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

The pet club of players Agent, Chinedu Ogbenna defeated 36 Lions F.C 4-2

46

Monday, March 28, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, March 28, 2016

NPFL: Rangers stun Enyimba to retain top spot

Action during the match in Enugu, yesterday

E

nugu Rangers stunned champions, Enyimba, 2-1 in Enugu on Sunday to retain top spot in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

The Peoples Elephant took the lead in the 14th minute when Joseph Osadiaye fired home spectacularly from 20 yards at a frenzied Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The goal merely stung the Flying Antelopes into action as Bobby Clement and Godwin Aguda combined brilliantly in the 21st minute with the latter firing unerringly to level matters.

Rangers continued to play with frightening pace and penetration, eventually going 2-1 up in the 37th minute with Chisom Egbuchulam profiting from yet another Clement assist.

Clement was sent off late on for retaliation but the Flying Antelopes held out for a famous win.

The Enugu-based club closed out the win and thus remains top of the pile with 17 points from nine matches.

In Akure, Sunshine Stars won 2-1 against Shooting Stars in the southwest derby.

The home side took the lead in the sixth minute thanks to Dele Olorundare effort but was pegged back by the visitors who hit back through Tope Orelope before Okiki Afolabi’s late goal sealed the points for the Akure Gunners.

El-Kanemi Warriors overpowered Nasarawa

United 3-0 with Yakubu Auta scoring in the 11th minute.

Daniel Japhet scored the second three minutes from time while Chinedu Ohanachom added the third at the

death to secure maximum points for the hosts.

MFM FC continued to punch above their weight and remain at the coattails of Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars in first and

second place respectively.

MFM put in another impressive performance at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos as they drew 1-1 with hosts, Plateau United.

Pepsi stages Gidi Fest’s Corporate Beach Soccer

P

epsi, a brand synonymous with football development in Nigeria, provided an exciting variety to the Easter celebration as top Nigerian professionals from different walks of life displayed artistry at beach soccer tournament at the weekend.

Organized by Pepsi as part of the events for Gidi Fest 2016 at Eko Atlantic Beach, Lagos enabled the corporate players to exhibit skills to soccer

enthusiasts beyond their engineering, creative art, marketing and law, among other fields of endeavour.

The three-team beach soccer featured corporate executives like construction engineer, Luciel Kancel; creative industrialist, Emeka Okocha; and Partner KPMG, Teierry Mbimi, among others.

The NTDIL team beat Thursday Night Life 5-4 in a penalty shootout at the opening game and the team which lost by 1-0 to

L-R: Manager Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, James Adah and Brand Manager Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Segun Ogunleye (5th left) with winners of Pepsi Corporate Beach Soccer NTDIL team at Gidi Fest held at the Eko Atlantic Beach, Lagos at the weekend.

Pepsi’s team in 2015 also defeated Golden Stars 3-1 at the final on Saturday amidst fascinating dribbles, penetrating passes and crunchy tackles to the admiration of spectators at the venue.

Head of Marketing Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, said Pepsi was pleased to partner with Gidi Fest to excite the youth during the holiday period.

Thurston, who was represented at the occasion by the Brand Manager, Seven Up Bottling Company, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, implored the youth to be the best in their endeavours.

“Pepsi has provided platforms for the Nigerian youth to attain their potential in football, entertainment and education, among others,” the marketing chief said.

Captain of the winning team, Mr. Emeka Okocha, said he was excited with the improved performance of his team.

“I thank Pepsi for creating fun through my team at the Gidi Fest,” Okocha said.

47

GOtv Boxing Night 6: Fijabi wins N1m jackpot Ifeanyi Eduzor

B

oxing rave, Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos won the N1 million cash prize for the best boxer at the sixth edition of the GOtv boxing night. Fijabi, a second time winner of the prize, defeated Djamiou Ekekpo of the Republic of Benin via a technical knockout in the sixth of the 12round West African light welterweight title fight.

Fijabi whose aggression and speed gave him victory told National Mirror that his next target is to become African champion.

“I am not yet satisfied. I feel like punching on and on. Ekekpo couldn’t take my punches. Whoever is holding the African light welterweight title should now that I am coming to claim it” he said.

In other big fight, Nige-

ria’s Abolaji ‘Afonja Warrior’ Rasheed knocked out Adjei Sowah of Ghana in the third of their 12-round contest to win the West African middleweight title.

Former best boxer of the GOtv boxing night Otto ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph made light work of Hogan Jimoh Jnr. whom he knocked out in the first round.

In the other fights decided, , a graduate of the of the GOtv boxing Next Gen Search, Michael “Show” Rolland, was knocked out in the fifth round of their national lightweight challenge bout by Nwoye “Lion” Prince. Another product of the GOtv boxing NextGen Search, Matthew “Wizeman” Obinna defeated more experienced Yusuf “Koste” Moshood just as Saidi “Attacker” Lawal was defeated by Samuel “Godspower” Elegbede in the super middleweight challenge bout.

Tinubu honoured with novelty match

Ifeanyi Eduzor

F

ormer Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was yesterday at the Campos mini Stadium, Lagos Island, Lagos honoured with a novelty football match as part of activities marking his 64th birthday celebration which comes up on Tuesday, March, 29, 2016.

Organised by Lagos Sports Family, the entertaining match was played between ex- internationals and members of the Lagos State executive council.

Some of the ex- internationals who were handled

by Coach Joe Erico and Dosu Joseph includes former Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, Yisa Sofoluwe, Gbenga Okunowo, Henry Nwosu, Mike Dominic, Tajudeen Disu, Bremner Alada, Mutiu Adepoju, Raymond King, Peter Rufai, Ike Shoromu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Godwin Okpara, Wasiu Ipaya, Emmanuel Iyorogbe, Mike Onyemachara amongst others while the Lagos state exco team was led

by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports/ Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu.

Both teams entertained the crowd with their good

skills with Henry Nwosu and Godwin Okpara scoring two goals for the ex- internationals while former Golden Eaglets player, Festus Ogini pulled one back for the governor’s side to end the game 2-1.

Speaking at the end of the match, Tinubu expressed gratitude that Lagos State found it worthy to celebrate him through the novelty match promising that he will always support youth development through sport.

Governor Ambode while describing Tinubu as a visionary leader and mentor commended the organisers for making the match a memorable event.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the match, Prince Falade Oyekan told National Mirror that the match became necessary in order to celebrate an icon and political guru who during his tenure laid good foundation for sports development in Lagos State.

Tinubu

WORLD RECORD

First people to reach the north pole

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1335 Monday, March 28, 2016

The first person to reach the North Pole has long been a matter of controversy and debate between two American explorers, and their supporters

Think South South, think Nigeria!

I

begin this discourse with this observation contained in the Electoral Reform Committee Report submitted to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008: The politicians, in Nigeria, have over the years become more desperate and daring in taking and retaining power; more reckless and greedy in their use and abuse of power; and more intolerant of opposition, criticisms and efforts at replacing them”.

The long awaited Rivers national and state legislative rerun elections have come and gone; however, the outcomes still reverberate across the four corners of Nigeria, nay the world. The disturbing political tendency underlined by development is that as it was in Bayelsa, so it is in Rivers. And by way of extrapolation, I dare add that so shall it continuously be in the humongous collectivity called the Niger Delta region.

Like in Bayelsa governorship election

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (sms only) anthonykila@mail.com of last December and the supplementary one a month later, the Rivers rerun was bloody; at least five people reportedly lost their lives. Further signs of the do or die madness include accusations and counteraccusations of attempted assassination; deployment of illegal arms; all manners of chicaneries aimed at influencing the outcome of the elections; and maniacal contestation of the outcomes of the elections!

For sure, the same reasons are responsible for the now common unconscionable conduct of politicians of the region. Unarguably, South South political bigwigs have very big ego problem. As far as they care, everything begins with them and ends with them. Everybody wants to colonise the political space and by extension, expropriate the spoils of such engagement.

The painted scenario is reflective of the uncanny reality of the political life of a geopolitical region that is increasingly turning itself into a killing field. The Niger Delta is Nigeria’ new Wild, Wild West. The region has been ‘anomied’ by the proliferation of politicians’ private armies and by well armed insurgent bands established by some of the region’s angry, non-conformist and ambitious youths with eye for the good things of life.

Very confounding is the fact that unholy alliances exist among the region’s numerous political strongmen and emergent lawless warlords that populate it. So, in every election, the coalitions of strongmen and warlords reduce the simple political

Let Governor Nyesom Wike know he might have won the

battle; he is yet to win the war contest to a mutually assured destructive war, where only the last ones standing expropriate all the spoils. It is a zero sum game contest.

During both the pre election and the election proper, Rivers State was reduced to a one activity enclave. Everything began with the planned rerun elections and ended with the rerun. The state government, the ruling PDP, the opposition APC and the entire people of the state had only the elections – their conduct and outcomes - in their minds. The larger Nigerian state was not immune to the expectation and apprehension; even the international community showed more than a passing interest in the development.

The expressed fears were, afterall, well founded. The concomitant implosion was bigger than anticipated. Rivers State, nay Nigeria, is still reeling from the aftermath; there is confusion everywhere as Abuja and Port Harcourt engage in a blame game.

Once again Professor Mahmood Yakubuled INEC is receiving the heat.

President Muhammadu Buhari must

now remain clear headed more than ever before. He has the golden opportunity to burnish his credentials as a statesman. To succeed in this exploit he must rise above partisan politics. The first step to take is for him to shield INEC from the feuding political hawks in the opposing camps.

Nigeria has a rich gamut of laws governing elections. The extant Electoral Act is there, so also is the 1999 Constitution. The apex electoral body should be allowed to finish the Rivers rerun job by releasing all the results. Any unsatisfied party with the outcomes should have recourse to the tribunals and later the courts. This is the due process that we all know. It has never failed us, and I think it will not fail us this time around if all the parties are open-minded about it. The independence of INEC would be undermined by any suspicion that it is amendable to dictates from Aso Rock. It is our collective interest to protect the independence of INEC. However, diligent investigations of the shenanigans that played out during the conduct of the rerun elections must continue.

Murders were committed; the masterminds and their foot soldiers should be fished out, investigated and prosecuted where prima facie cases are established against them. Attempted assassination is a felonious crime, investigation must be done and the guilty party or parties prosecuted. The nation has rich laws covering illegal bearing of legal arms; there are also laws covering impersonation. The full force of the law must be brought to bear on the felons.

Let Governor Nyesom Wike know he might have won the battle; he is yet to win the war. I doubt if he acquitted himself creditably well in the face of the daunting challenge of holding together Rivers State during the days of rage. He should appreciate the fact that he rules over large and variegated constituents of friends and foes.

Demonstrating the capacity to manage the opposition for the peace and cohesion of his state is a task for Wike. Only that way can it be said that he has won the war.

Sport Extra

w

EPL: Lukaku hints at Toffees’ exit

E

verton striker, Romelu Lukaku, says he wants to play Champions League football next season, signaling that his future is no longer at the Goodison

Park.

The Merseysiders are unlikely to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition as they are 13 points shy of fourth-placed Manchester City with nine matches left.

“That is the next step for me. I am 23 next summer and I think it would be nice to play in the Champions League from next season,” Lukaku, who has netted 25 goals this season, said yesterday.

The Belgian’s father has urged his son to leave the Toffees for either Manchester United or Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign.

“That is my dad’s point of view as I think those are the

teams he likes. It means people are keeping an eye on you.

“I have an agent who is dealing with this for me at the moment. I just want to be good, help my team-mates win games and score lots of goals.”

Lukaku Emenike

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