Thursday, 11 september 2014 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Ebola: FG orders screening of local airline passengers 18-month-old baby tests negative

OLUSEGUN KOIKI, ROTIMI FADEYI, SAIDAT ALAUSA AND DENNIS NAKU

Chukwu

Vol. 4 3 N0. 937 657

he Federal Government has directed the Federal Ministry of Health through the Port Health Services

New polling units:

to extend Ebola virus disease screening to local air travelers. Before now only internaCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Jonathan orders removal of offensive campaign banners P.4

Thursday, September July 4, 2013 11, 2014

N150 N150 OBIORA IFOH AND OMEIZA AJAYI

Jega playing northern M agenda –Yoruba elders INEC boss explains decision on more PUs

ore knocks were yesterday slammed on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the proposed polling unit realignment as Yoruba political leaders, under the aegis of “Egbe Iyipada Yoruba”, said the Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was pursuing a northern agenda. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Fashola justifies N160bn debt

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Again, Mark assures on state creation

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Scene of a petrol tanker accident on Funsho Williams Avenue in Lagos, yesterday.

Vigilantes kill 100 Boko Haram members in Michika I did not flee Mubi, says Emir Agbakoba calls for CDS’ sack

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JTF intercepts sewage truck with stolen crude oil P.51

News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vigilantes kill 100 Boko Haram members in Michika WALE IGBINTADE AND LIVINUS MENEDI

t least 100 members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect have been killed in an onslaught by locals in Michika, Adamawa State after the insurgents reportedly ran out of ammunition. The routing of the Boko Haram members, who had laid siege to Michika and Madagali local government areas, followed a man-hunt launched by youths and local hunters, after they realised that members of the dreaded sect had completely exhausted their ammunition. Vandi Joseph, a spokesperson of the local vigilante group told journalists on phone that normalcy was gradually returning to some communities in the Michika area. He explained that many youths and the aged who had fled into the bush summed up courage to pursue some members of the sect after they realised they had run out of ammunition. He said many dead bodies’ now littered the bushes. He said they counted over 100 of bodies, which he claimed belonged to the sect. “As I am speaking to you now many of our youths

and vigilante members have ambushed and killed over 100 insurgents who have tried to escape because they have ran out of ammunition,” he said. Our correspondent gathered that residents have started returning to most communities in Michika local government, following the heavy deployment by soldiers with most of them being drafted from Mubi to retake Michika, which had initially fallen under the control of the insurgents. The aerial bombardment by Nigerian Air Force jets targeting stockpiles of arms and ammunition belonging to the insurgents played a significant part in routing insurgents and regaining control of Bazza yesterday by the military. In a related development, the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, has debunked media reports that he fled his palace in Mubi as a result of threat of attack by Boko Haram insurgents. Spokesman of the emir and the Danruwata Mubi, Chief John Elias, made the statement yesterday in Yola during a press briefing. He said that the emir, who is state’s Amirul Hajj, left Mubi on Sunday for Yola to attend a meeting to prepare for the 2014 Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

“We are dismayed by media reports regarding the emir’s departure from Mubi for Yola on September 7, 2014. “Let me put the record straight here; the emir did not leave Mubi for Yola to escape from the insurgents. “He left Mubi to attend a meeting with members of the committee for the 2014 pilgrimage to the Holy land,” he said. Elias said the Boko Haram insurgents did not attack Mubi as the reports claimed, adding that those who fled the town did so as a

result of fear of attack. Meanwhile, a former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called for the immediate sack of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh. Agbakoba’s call follows the inability of the Nigeria security agencies to stop Boko Haram’s four-year-old insurgency, Addressing a press conference yesterday in Lagos, Agbakoba who was a delegate at the just concluded national conference said the military high command

has failed in its duty and the best option left for the President was to sack the Chief of Defence Staff. According to him, if the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces failed to take action then he would be seen as being weak. He said: “If you lose a command in the army, there is only one result – dismissal. If the President failed to send a strong message that the mission is not accomplished, the commander-in chief will be weak. “How can you have Nige-

rian soldiers carrying our equipment to Cameroun and running away? It tells you that army is degraded. The only way you can solve the Boko Haram problem is by a resolute decapitation of the leadership. There’s no other way, this is because they will put a knife in your back. The Chief of Defence Staff has failed; hence Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh should be relieved of his job immediately. “It takes nothing away from Alex Badeh being a good guy, but the point is if CONTINUED ON PAGE5>>

L-R: Ministers: Mrs. Asabe Ahmed (State for Agriculture), Olajumoke Akinjide (State for FCT) and Mrs. Akon Eyankenyi (Lands, Housing and Urban Development), during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ebola: FG orders screening of local airline passengers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tional passengers coming in and out of Nigeria were being screened at the airports. The move is a bid to effectively curb the spread of the highly infectious EVD within the country. National Mirror gathered that following the directive, the Port Health Services at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, had immediately commenced the screening of local passengers. All the passengers were screened to ensure that suspected victims of the disease, who could have escaped from quarantine, were not allowed to travel to another state. When our correspondent visited the private terminals on Wednesday, the health officials were seen carrying out the screening exercise on passengers at the departure hall after collecting their boarding pass.

Under the directive, all passengers who have obtained boarding passes from their respective airlines are expected to proceed to the two special desks provided for the health officials, who in turn use the infrared thermometer to screen the passengers. While any passenger whose temperature level was above 38 degrees centigrade was asked to step aside for further screening, those whose temperature were not up to the 38 degree centigrade were allowed to proceed to the boarding gate upstairs. To ensure no passenger avoids the screening exercise, another group of health officials were also stationed at the boarding gate entrance where any passenger found with boarding pass that does not contain the screening done at the departure hall will be compelled to go through the exercise before they

can finally go to board their flights. Many of the passengers though lamented the stress they encountered while waiting on the queue for the exercise, but commended

the effort of the government, which they said would help in great measures to curtail the spread of the diesease. It will be recalled that government had earlier directed the ministry of

health to commence the exercise at the international airports on all passengers flying from other countries into Nigeria in order to prevent a recurrence of a situation where the late Li-

berian/American diplomat, Patrick Sawyer sneaked into the country with the disease, which has since killed about nine Nigerians with over 200 undergoing surveillance.

you that Dr. Iyke Samuel Enemou’s wife, who is currently receiving treatment at the National Treatment Centre in Lagos is doing well and will soon be discharged,” he said. Parker revealed that a majority of the 510 primary and secondary contacts so far traced in Rivers State are cooperating with the efforts of the government to contain the spread of the virus He also appealed to the international community to come to the aid of Liberia and Serra Leone in their efforts to contain the dreaded virus. He said that members of other foreign nations and West African States should

individually and jointly support Liberia and Sierra Leone so that their citizens who are getting increasingly frustrated over the rapid spread of the Ebola virus in their countries would not seek refuge in Nigeria and other West African countries Parker said: “I speak to you on behalf of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. We (Rivers State Government) commend the Nigerian government for the success it has achieved in combating Ebola. “Here in Rivers State, We can beat our chest and also commend Rivers State for its efforts in containing the

spread of Ebola. “But, the rest of the world cannot go and sleep when Liberia and Sierra Leone are still battling with the spread of the disease. The international community and the other West African states should do more. “If we think we have successfully contained the spread of Ebola in our countries and then shut our eyes to what is currently happening in Liberia and Sierra Leone, we will not also be helping ourselves because citizens of these countries may find their way into our country no matter how well we claim to have policed our borders.

18-month-old baby tests negative

he Rivers State government said yesterday that tests carried out on the 18- month-baby that was quarantined after manifesting Ebola symptoms turned out negative after he was medically examined. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, who spoke on behalf of Governor Chibuike Amaechi at a press conference in Port Harcourt, said that a second test would be carried out on the child later this week. He also disclosed that the wife of the late Dr. Iyke Samuel Enemou would be discharged soon. “I am pleased to inform

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 10, 2014

Photo News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Bode George and Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun, during the South-West leaders meeting of the party, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Widow of Vice Chairman of The Sun Newspapers, Mrs. Obioma Igwe, being condoled by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who paid a condolence visit to the family in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR; Senator Iyiola Omisore and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, during the South West leaders meeting of the party in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Joseph Dawha (left), being welcomed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, in Abuja, yesterday.

National News

Jonathan orders removal of #BringBackJonathan2015 signs …APC commends move, wants TAN to stop rallies ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has directed that the #BringBackJonathan2015 signs and banners in Abuja be brought down immediately. The #BringBackJonathan2015 signs have been described as an offensive imitation of the #BringBackOurGirls# that has helped to call global attention to the fate of the over 200 girls abducted by Boko Haram about five months ago. According to the President, he and many Nigerians find the signs offensive and repugnant. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan wholly shared the widely expressed view that the signs, put up without his knowledge and approval were a highly insensitive parody of the #BringBackOurGirls# hash tag. The statement added that while the president appreciated the enthusiastic show of support for his administration by a broad section of stakeholders, he condemned the #BringBackJonathan2015 signs, which appeared to make

light of the very serious national and global concern for the abducted Chibok girls. The president assured Nigerians and the international community that his administration would rescue the abducted girls. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday reacted to the president’s directive, calling it a step in the right direction. In a statement issued in London yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the president made a mockery of his administration and his country by waiting for an international condemnation of the usurpation of the #BringBackOurGirls# hash tag before issuing the directive for it to stop. “Had the US newspaper, the Washington Post, not written a stinging editorial skewing the Jonathan administration for appropriating the #BringBackOurGirls# hash tag for his re-election, the administration would have continued its brazenness without regards to the feelings of the parents of the girls or indeed the Nigerian people. “Again, the administration has

waited for a global opprobrium before doing what is right. Recall that it took an international media campaign before the Jonathan administration acknowledged, that the Chibok girls were missing in the first instance. “Recall also that it took a 17-year-old, Yousafzai Malala, to make the president realise that he should meet with the parents of the girls, even if he eventually insulted the grieving parents by inviting them to Abuja instead of going to visit them in their abode? “It is important that we don’t make a mockery of our own people, so that we don’t become an object of international mockery,” it said. APC said belated as the president’s directive on #BringBackJonathan2015 hash tag is, it is a good first step that must be quickly followed by another directive ordering the so-called Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, to immediately stop its rallies that have offended the sensibilities and intelligence of Nigerians. The party said the noisy and sycophantic rallies being held across the nation, ostensibly to collect signatures from Nigerians

urging President Jonathan to seek re-election, contrast with the challenges currently facing the nation, which is being dismembered town by town by the Boko Haram terrorist group. “Nigeria is in a state of war, a state of anarchy, a state of loss never witnessed since the end of the unfortunate civil war in 1970. Terrorists are capturing towns after towns and hoisting their flags over the seized territories, our troops are engaged in an epic battle to ward off the terrorists. Our people are being daily slaughtered by the marauding terrorists. And Ebola is very much here with us. “Therefore, this cannot be the time for festivities and celebrations, the type being orchestrated by the government under the TAN banner. The rallies insult the troops who are battling Boko Haram. The rallies insult Nigerians who are fervently praying for the unity of the nation in the face of the madness by the marauders. The rallies offend the sensibilities of the families of our citizens who are being mowed down daily by Boko Haram. They must stop forthwith,’’ it said.

APC wondered whether the organisers of the rallies and those who have been mocking the #BringBackOurGirls# campaigners know that Nigerians are not fools, hence can see the deceit, the callousness and the insensitivity of the Jonathan administration in secretly funding the rallies and the anti-BringBackOurGirls campaigns. “Really, what makes the president and his backers think he should be brought back? Is it because he is presiding over the dismemberment and humiliation of a once proud nation? Is it because he presides over an administration that is monumentally corrupt, that cannot account for $20bn in oil money, that cannot successfully prosecute anyone over the trillion naira oil subsidy fraud? Is it because of an unparalleled incompetence that has led to a massive decay in infrastructure and lack of jobs for our youth, or is it because he has exposed Nigeria to unprecedented global ridicule? “There must be a limit to the desperation of a president to win re-election at all cost. There must be a political price to pay for a president who would willfully subvert the constitution he swore to uphold,’’ the party said.

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Jega playing northern agenda –Yoruba elders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

INEC had announced the creation of additional 30,027 polling units to bring to 150,000, the total number of polling units in the country, up from 119,973. Jega’s formula clearly gave the North almost twothirds of the newly-created polling units, leaving the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, alone with more units than the South-East states. However, at the end of the meeting of the Yoruba elders, they asked Jega to suspend the exercise failing which they would ask for his resignation. They also accused Jega’s INEC of frustrating the efforts of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to reclaim its mandate in Osun State with the return of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador O. Akeju to the state. The elders noted that the decision was an ominous signal to the ongoing election tribunal sittings. The communiqué said: “The meeting appraised the transformation agenda of Mr. President and gave him kudos for steering the ship of the country in spite of the very difficult socio-political terrain. “The meeting reviewed details of the delineation exercise currently embarked upon by INEC, and noted the lopsidedness of the exercise in favour of one part of the country. Noting that if this exercise is allowed to stand our politics is in peril. “The meeting noted that a delineation exercise, which gives over 70 per cent of new polling units to the North and less than 30 per cent of the polling units to the South cannot be said to be a fair exercise. “Therefore, the exercise should be suspended with immediate effect until after the 2015 general elections. “In the light of the above, if Prof. Attahiru Jega does not stop this delineation exercise we will call for his resignation.” The meeting equally lent support to the call on President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 general election. “The meeting calls on Mr. President to declare his intention to run for a second term, promising to give him full support. “The meeting appraised the on-going reconciliatory

efforts of the leaders of the party across the SW zone and applaud our new found unity as demonstrated by the quality of attendance at the meeting. “The meeting also discussed the position of the Yoruba nation in the scheme of things in the National political landscape and concluded that the Yoruba nation should be encouraged to return to the mainstream of National politics,” the communiqué stated. Among the dignitaries that attended the meeting which ended by 2.30am yesterday include Chief Bode George, Ondo State Governor Segun Mimiko, former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, former Minister of Labour, Adetokunbo Kayode and Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim who played the host. Others include former deputy governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Buckno- Akerele; the Minister of State for Police, Jelili Adesiyan; Senator Iyiola Omisore, PDP National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, and the National Auditor, Adewale Adeyanju. Meanwhile, INEC yesterday explained how it came about the allocation of over 21,000 polling units to the North. The region got the number out of the 30, 027 units it recently announced to be created. Jega, who briefed journalists in Abuja, also dismissed allegations that he was acting an ethno-religious script. The commission’s action had generated anger from southern groups who accused Jega of ethnic sentiments. Jega said the “need factor”, more than political sentiments, informed the pattern of distribution of the polling units being created. “The additional 30,027 polling units are being created to address the issue of crowd clusters under the present structure. “Consequently, the distribution could not be even among all the states because the challenge being addressed is not evenly present in all the states,” he said. The INEC boss wondered why critics seemed to focus on the allocation of the proposed 30,027 units instead of comparing total allocations state-by-state.

He said: “For instance, the FCT with a figure of registered voters of 892,628 and a total of 639 polling units and sub-units, has an average of nearly 1,400 voters per polling unit, with some having over 3,000 and one even with over 4,000 registered voters! “For the same FCT, for example, over 80 per cent of the polling units have 750 or more registered voters each. “For the rest of the country, 17 states have at least over 30 per cent of their polling units having more than 750 registered voters, with some having 60 per cent or 50 per cent of the polling units affected.” Jega added that with the structure of the political process put in place by the commission, the polling units did not confer any political advantage on a state

or region. “Polling units constitute a mere structural arrangement to ease the access of voters to the ballot box. They have nothing to do with determining the preferences of voters in making their electoral choices,” the INEC boss stressed. He said the decision to reconfigure the structure of polling units was driven by the commission’s aspiration to reform and improve upon the electoral process for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. Jega added that the basic aim of the exercise was to ease the access of voters to the ballot box in the 2015 general elections and beyond. He listed other aims to include decongesting overcrowded units and dispersing voters “as evenly as possible among all the units;

locating units more effectively within commuting distances of voters, given that movement is usually restricted on election day and, relocating the units from infront of private houses, and such other unsuitable places, to public open spaces where tents can be provided.” Others factors include locating the units inside classrooms or such other suitable enclosures in line with international best practices; splitting large units such that they have an average of 500 registered voters; and creating additional units to cater for the splitting of large units as well as new settlements not serviced by any existing unit. Jega also recalled that the present structure of polling units was created in 1996 with 120,000 units and 8,809 wards, added that the struc-

ture was used for all the four general elections since 1999. He explained that from 1996 to date, there has been an exponential growth in Nigeria’s population and there have been severe demographic shifts resulting from new settlements in major urban areas. “For example, in 1996 when the current polling unit structure was established, the estimated population of the country was about 110 million. In 2006, after a national population census, the population was 140 million. In 2011, when the voters’ registration was undertaken, the population was estimated to be about 160 million. Today, the population is estimated to be around 175 million. This represents nearly 60 per cent rise in the population since 1996.”

L-R: Lead discussant, Mr. Mike Omeri; Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Senator Kola Bajomo and President, Mr. Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu, at the ICAN annual conference in Abuja. yesterday.

Vigilantes kill 100 Boko Haram members in Michika CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the mission has not been accomplished there has to be a consequence. If there is no consequence nothing will change. We need to accept the fact that the threat of Boko Haram is serious and that we have completely failed. So, we need to completely degrade them. “We have to realise that Boko Haram is copying the tactics of Isis that declared a Caliphate in Iraq. The Boko Haram declared a Caliphate in Nigeria and we are all licking ice-cream. This is the most serious challenge facing Nigeria and the only way is for the President to send the strongest possible message that enough is

enough. The military high command has failed his duty, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Bade should be relieved of his job immediately.” On the just concluded national conference, Agbakoba said the conference has further exposed Nigeria as a country that is seriously ill where everyone speaks according to his tribe. He warned that that no country thrives on the basis of tribal sentiments stressing that country thrives on the basis that the best guys are doing the job. “Nigerian is seriously ill; it is a fragmented and divided country and agrees on nothing. If there is an

issue, everybody will speak according to his own tribe,” he said. Agbakoba, who expressed disappointment with the quality of discussions at the conference added that a lot of delegates came to the conference simply because of the money. He said: “I thought the national conference was about forming a new Nigeria. A lot of people came to the conference with preconceived notions. So my proposal for us to discuss core issues was absolutely defeated. “A lot of us came to the conference because of the money. So, the longer we stayed at the conference the

better. My motion to narrow down the conference to discuss core issues affecting Nigeria did not succeed. So, the kind quality debate that I thought we come out with did not come out. “I was very disappointed, so I am happy that I did not accept the money. My conscience is clean because the conference ought to have produced better results. But, having said that we must only be critical, we must give the President a pass mark for at least putting it together. Other presidents wanted to use to promote selfish agenda, but I did not see Jonathan influencing anything as far as my eyes can see.”

News

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Again, Mark assures on state creation GEORGE OJI ABUJA

enate President David Mark, yesterday, restated his position on the possibility of creating new states in the country to complement the existing ones. Speaking when four members of the House of Representatives and nine

chairmen of local government councils from his Benue South constituency visited him in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja, Mark observed that there was growing desire by many Nigerians for additional states to be created, to correct imbalances in the present state structure, as well as give every Nigerian a sense of belonging in the

country. Such desires, according to the Senate President, remain legitimate demand of the agitators for the new states. Mark has never hidden his support for the creation of new states in the country, particularly for the Idoma nation, his tribe’s men. Indeed, during his cam-

paign for re-election to the senate in 2011, one of his major campaign promises was that he would ensure the creation of Apa State out of the present Benue State. Addressing his guests yesterday, Mark assured that, “Even if it takes my last breadth, I want to pursue the creation of state. I

will put in my last breadth to ensure the creation of Apa state for my people.” The Senate President also used the occasion of the visit to react to the appeal by his constituents to stand for re-election to the senate, stating that, “I am a loyal, faithful and dedicated party man, I will only make my intention known when the Peoples Democratic Party releases the guidelines and programmes for the elec-

tions.” He told the people to remain steadfast and loyal to the PDP because there were good reasons including guaranteed dividends of democracy to remain in the party. Mark, however, cautioned aspirants to political offices to base their campaigns on issues that would positively impact on the citizenry instead of engaging in mudslinging or character assassination.

FIRS introduces audit tools to boost revenue profile TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

Concerned Human Rights Nigeria protesting against the newly introduced ATM charges by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

FEC approves contract for power project ...FG to spend N13bn on rice, cassava mills ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

he Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, yesterday disclosed that the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved contract for the additional construction of 1x60MVA, 132/332KV transformer to the Maiduguri 1x150MVA, NK330/132 substation at $2,250,446.72, payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payments plus N208,592,058.01. According to him, the contract was awarded in favour of Best Crompton Engineering (Africa) Limited with a completion period of 12 months. The contract is one of the key projects designed by the Transmission Company Nigeria (TCN) to strengthen the national grid for effective power wheeling and

to enhance socio-economic development of the state. He disclosed that the project would be financed under the Eurobond of N800 million loan while the balance would be provided for in the 2015 budget. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed at the briefing that the Federal Government would commit a total of N13 billion to the establishment of rice and cassava processing mills in the country. He explained that 10 integrated rice mills as well as six cassava mills would be established in the country in pursuit of government’s policy to become self sufficient in rice and cassava production. According to him, the integrated rice mills would be located in 10 states including Kebbi,

Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Ogun and Anambra. He added that the cassava processing mills would be located in Cross River, Abia, Delta, Ondo and Ogun states. Adesina stated that the integrated rice mills when fully in operation would process rice paddy into finished rice. According to him, the country is currently producing more rice mills, pointing out that the number of states producing rice in the country grew from 10 to 23 between 2012 and 2014. The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, said at the briefing that FEC approved the ratification of the treaty on the establishment of Abidjan-Lagos corridor among the governments of the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria.

He said the objective of the treaty is to facilitate safe and efficient movement of persons and goods, regional and international trade and transport by improving on the road infrastructure and simplifying and harmonising the requirements and controls that govern the movement of goods and persons with a view to reducing transportation costs and transit time.

Wakil

he Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has introduced new techniques and audit tools as part of efforts to increase tax revenue collection across its field offices. The Acting Executive Chairman of FIRS, Kabir Mashi, disclosed this at a one-day interactive session for Heads of Audit and their supervisors across the country, in Abuja. Mashi, in a statement by the Head, Communications and Liaison Department of the service, Wahab Gbadamosi, was quoted as saying that a framework and template were already in place to help monitor audit activi-

ties and assignments in the service’s drive for increase tax revenue collection and the expansion of the nation’s revenue base. He said: “Our intention is to extend the new audit techniques currently being deployed through the Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) at the Large Tax Offices to all other offices across the country and I hope this will complement the audit model contained in our Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). The FIRS boss also tasked participants at the session on the need to adhere to high ethical standards including internal policies, general audit guides, proper supervision, display of high moral and ethical conducts.

FRC to inspect N65bn federal projects in states

he acting Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, FRC, Victor Muruako, yesterday said the commission would, on Sunday, commence nationwide verification tour to Federal Government projects valued at N65 billion. Muruako made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. He said that the exercise which was expected to last for about one month would enable the commission to ascertain the authenticity of the projects, level of completion and the efficiency of the contractors.

He said that 31 key projects across the country had been selected for the exercise. According to him, five of the projects are in North-Central, five in North-East, four each in North-West and SouthSouth. Muruako said that the verification would commence at the South-East, with eight projects worth N8.24 billion, adding that South-West with five projects would follow. He said that the projects to be monitored were in health, works, agriculture, water resources, transport, and education sectors.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 11, 2014

South West

UNESCO lauds ABUAD

he UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, has congratulated Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, and its Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for being the first university to host its annual retreat at no cost to the world body. Speaking at the commencement of the four-day UNESCO retreat in the university yesterday, the Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office, Abuja, Prof. Hassana Alidou, said the quantum of development and many other achievements recorded within a short period of the university’s existence were due to the vision and mission statement articulated in ABUAD founding document, Babalola’s dedication and the highly qualified faculty administrators, as well as highly motivated parents and students. According to Alidou, “These are aspects of quality assurance that characterised a first tier university not only in Nigeria, but in America, Europe and Asia and we saw it developing in ABUAD. It is a model higher education institution which we are proud of and happy to be connected

with for a long time.” She added: “We are, therefore, in ABUAD not only to visit or hold our retreat and go back to Abuja. We see this as a launch pad for increased partnerships in research and innovation into what works and good practices that we can scale up in the region. We are here to see how the UNESCO Chairs in Peace and Citizenship Education; and the other one on Entrepreneurship Education and Agriculture for Sustainable Development have progressed. We are here to explore options in sciences, culture, communication and education which we can use in our initiatives for the region. “We are here because of the extraordinary and significant achievements of a humanitarian and philanthropist Aare AfeBabalola. A Nigerian, African and global citizen who put his wisdom, knowledge, competence and wealth to the benefit of humankind by building a world class institution of higher education whose reputation has gone beyond Nigeria’s borders and has welcome excellent faculty, researchers from Nigeria, Europe and America.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashola justifies N160bn debt … inspects light rail terminal FRANCIS SUBERU

overnor Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, justified the decision of the Lagos State government to take a loan of over N160 billion from the World Bank, saying strategies were in place to ensure it is repaid on time. Fashola said this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the light rail terminus at OrileIganmu, Lagos. The governor, who said he was satisfied with the work done so far on the project, expressed disappointment that the work did not move as smoothly as expected. He, however, expressed

optimism that the project should have been completed in another 12 months. Speaking on the rationale behind the debt, Governor Fashola said: “I think it was the debt management office of the Federal Government that published the report that we have a debt of about N160 billion. I don’t know the intent of the publication but if it was to inform the public, I think we have always kept the public informed anytime we borrow money. If there are other intentions behind that, only those who make the publication would know what those intentions are. “When people talk about debt of a state like Lagos, they forget that after Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and one other country, we have

the fifth largest economy in Africa. When you are talking of about a billion naira debt to a population of over 21 million people… because if you are measuring the debt, you also have to measure the responsibility. Those are the things people keep in isolation,” he observed. According to Fashola, the Lagos State government already has in place strategies for the repayment of the loan, saying the Federal Government was in the know of the state’s decision to take the bond and it approved it. “The truth is that no state in Nigeria can borrow money outside, from any multilateral agencies, without the approval of the Federal Government. So, what they

did not say is that they approved it. No state can raise money by bond the way we have done without the FG’s approval. “The SEC and NLC are all FG regulatory agencies through which we must pass. If they said okay, it means there must be something good about the debt. Our rating as a state is the same as that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, BB Minus-Stable with a positive outlook. We are the only state in Nigeria that has that rating. “The first bond that was taken during my first tenure has been paid; the first tranche has been paid. I think the second tranche will fall due around 2016 or 2017 and we are already making provisions.

NAFDAC flays firms over irregular water evaluation SEKINAH L AWAL

lot of water producing facilities have been accused of not carrying out regular laboratory evaluation, in order to ascertain whether their processed water is potable or not. Speaking at the flag-off of an annual programme aimed at monitoring water quality standard and compliance, organised by the Association of Table Water Producers, ATWAP, in Lagos, recently, the DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii, in a speech delivered on his behalf, reminded water manufacturers of the need to uphold basic good production practice requirements, and to also adhere strictly to the guidelines they had received from the agency. Orhii said the exercise was aimed at building reliable database of water

quality at factory level before distribution and sale. He also noted that the overall goal of the exercise was to enforce compliance with the Nigerian industrial standards and NAFDAC regulations on water and code of hygienic practice for bottled/packaged drinking waters. He lamented that many water production facilities had not been carrying out regular laboratory evaluation to ascertain the quality of their water, saying the effective protection of the over 167 million Nigerian public against waterborne diseases required preventive management approach.

Orhii, NAFDAC boss

L-R: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; her Oyo State counterpart, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; Guest Speaker, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Funsho Amosun, during the National Women’s Summit in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

We will ground varsity activities unless... —LASU senior staff

enior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, Lagos State University, LASU, chapter in Ojo, yesterday said it would ground activities in the institution if the management fails to pay withheld salaries of its members. Chairman of the union, Saheed Oseni, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that his members were aggrieved by the management’s decision to withhold their June and July salaries. The NAN reports that

SSANU-LASU had, on May 26, embarked on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike to press home some demands and suspended it on August 1 after reaching an agreement with the authorities. The university authorities, however, withheld the June and July salaries of the union members in line with the state government’s `no work, no pay’ policy. Oseni said that the union had written several letters to Governor Babatunde Fashola, and had

met appropriate authorities on the issue but had not received positive response. “It is unfortunate that after several deliberations and letters to the state government and the university management, SSANU members are yet to be paid their salaries. “It is against the labour law for a worker’s salary to be withheld within two months of embarking on strike; it is simply a means of victimisation,” Oseni said. He said that the union was planning to ground

activities in the institution soon if the salaries were not paid, as they would not forfeit their entitlement. Oseni said that the university’s Governing Council, which was supposed to decide on the issue at its meeting on August 29, postponed it till further notice, thereby neglecting the union. Reacting, Kayode Sutton, the Public Relations Officer of LASU, urged the union to maintain peace as the authorities were aware of their agitation and would soon resolve the matter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Nigerian drugs not substandard —NAIP FRANKA OSAKWE

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (right), acknowledging cheers from workers during a solidarity visit over his election victory in Osogbo, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Lagos to convene security summit

…urges FG to include states, LGs in security framework FRANCIS SUBERU

mid security challenges threatening the sovereignty of the country, the Lagos State Government yesterday convened a security summit to brainstorm on how to tackle security threats in the state. Speaking at a summit organised by the body of chairmen of 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State, popularly known as Conference 57, the chairman of the group, Mr. Hakeem Suleiman, said the security challenges triggered by the Boko Haram sect could ruin the country if urgent steps were not

taken to solve the problem. Sulieman lamented what he described as the growing incapacity of the Nigeria Police to contain security challenges, saying the development had constituted threats to Nigeria’s indivisibility and unity. The chairman said one of the strategies to be adopted to tackle the issue of insecurity headlong is to ensure the inclusion of the state and local governments into the security framework (community policing). “It has been widely suggested as one of the best channels to handle crimes and insecurity situation of the country. The idea of state and community policing has gained popularity,

as a result of the surge in the rate of highly sophisticated crimes in the country and the inability of the federal police alone to contain the challenges,” he observed. He explained that the closeness of the state and communities to the people “places it in a more proactive position for the detection and uprooting of any emerging crime before it grows. “I strongly believe that state and local government police will come up with lasting solutions to insecurity in the country and there is no need for doubts, while the people suffer. “Nigerians are now on the edge. Our people now suspect the worst and ex-

pect the worst because of the several killings and bombings in the country, with the government at the centre hardly able to do much about the problem,” he added. According to him, the security strategy, therefore, is for state and local government police to be taken into consideration. He urged the Federal Government to give full support to the state and local government police so that they would be able to manage criminality and tackle the problem of insecurity, “because the local police will be able to reach everywhere in a given state better than federal police from other parts of the country.”

Ekiti agency threatens to seal business premises over dues ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Ekiti State Signage and Advertisement Agency has issued a five-day ultimatum within which companies and small and medium scale enterprises with signages are to pay their annual dues, or have their operational offices sealed off. Its director-general,

Prince Adewole Ajakaye, said the ultimatum, which would lapse on Monday, affects telecommunication firms and other business enterprises owing the yearly signage dues. Ajakaye told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the non-challant attitude of the enterprises to the payment of the appropriate dues on their signages and other outdoor advertise-

ments would no longer be tolerated. The signage boss said: “Their offices will be closed down as well while enforcing the operation. We ought to have begun the operation before now, but we decided to tread softly so that people would not read any political meaning to our activities.” He said the state government needed the payment on signages and billboards,

as part of the ways to shore up its revenue, in view of the lean federal allocations to the state. According to him, the agency raked in over N20m to the state’s coffers in 2013. “This is not a political thing, but a statutory obligation you have to perform as right-thinking citizens and owners of legal businesses in our dear state,” he said.

he National Association of Industrial Pharmacists, NAIP, an affiliate of the N Pharmaceutical Society P of Nigeria, PSN, has given assurance of locally manas ufactured drugs in the uf country, saying that they co are not substandard. ar The association’s Planning Committee Chairman, ni John Adekoje, who made Jo this declaration during a th press briefing to announce pr their 17th annual national th conference, coming up beco tween September 16 and tw 17 in Lagos, debunked the

misconception on ‘Made-inNigeria’ drugs. Referring to the Tyonex Anti Retroviral drug, ARV, a locally-produced ARV drug for HIV/AIDS which was alleged as substandard, he said the allegation was false and politically-instigated, adding that the drug was duly certified by the World Health Organisation, WHO. While declaring the upcoming event an avenue to address key issues in the pharmaceutical industry, he stated that the industry had been neglected over the years, adding that 80 per cent of the country’s drug supplies are imported.

A Poly, unions differ on call Ado f rector’s removal for ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, and the workers’ unions yesterday disagreed over the call by the latter for the removal of the institution’s rector, Dr. Theresa Akande. The unions alleged that the rector had not been providing the needed leadership and depriving workers of their dues. The unions - Academic Staff Union of Polytech-

nics, ASUP, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, SSANIP, and Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU, made the call while declaring an indefinite strike over nonpayment of their CONTISS 15, approved by the Federal Government for federal polytechnics since October 2, 2013. Besides, the unions also alleged that rather than being migrated to the next level, some of them had been demoted and had their salaries cut illegally.

2015: Group urges Yoruba 2 tto support Atiku KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN IB B

s former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar prepares to officially declare pa his h presidential bid on the platform of the All Propl gressives Congress, APC, gr primary election, his assopr ciates from across the six ci states of the South-West, st and an Kogi State, yesterday stormed Ibadan, the Oyo st State capital, to drum up St support for the nation’s su former number two man. fo The group, under the Committee of Friends of C Atiku in the zone, otherA wise w known as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, AAA Collectives, A said sa the support of all Yoruba ub sons and daughters for Atiku’s presidential bid had A become more imperative be because, apart from being be an in-law, he also identifies

so much with Yoruba tradition, culture and aspirations as any Yoruba son. Speaking at a press conference, the Zonal leader of AAA Collectives, Hon. Bode Ajewole, who was also a former member of the House of Representatives, said the leadership and all members, women, men and youths from the zone had decided to work for his emergence in the forthcoming APC presidential primaries “because of our solid belief that Nigeria today needs a bridge-builder.”

Atiku

South East

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Reps aspirant shot dead in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ouse of Representatives aspirant for Mbaitoli-Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Kingsley Nkemka, has been shot dead by suspected hired assassins. Nkemka, who hails from Ezioha village in Eziama Obiaho, Umuoha in Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State, was murdered on Tuesday at about 8pm at T-junction, opposite APC head office at Umuagwu Umuoha ward, Ebom Mberi, Mbaitoli council area. It was gathered that four

Adisa, Imo police boss

yet-to-be identified persons, who were in the company of the late Nkemka, were also shot and are now receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri. Though reason for the assassination could not be ascertained as at press time, it was gathered that

the late aspirant had gone for a meeting, and was heading home when the assassins, who were spotted on bike, struck. Some commercial motorcyclists and residents near the T-junction where Nkemka was shot told National Mirror yesterday that they heard the sporadic shooting but thought it was the usual armed robbery in the area. “It was today morning (Wednesday) that we came out for business that we saw blood littered all over the area,” a source said. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem disclosed that “it is a proven case of assassination. “There was sporadic

shooting leading to the assassination of one person while four people sustained gunshot injuries and have been admitted at FMC Owerri. The man shot was a member of a political party vying for Federal House of Representatives,” he disclosed. According to him, the gunmen “were operating on a motorbike in the area. Nobody is linked yet to the killing. But the police are investigating to ascertain the cause of the assassination and those behind it.” Meanwhile, community, friends and family members have continued to mourn the killing of the deceased as they thronged the deceased’s home to commiserate with the family.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why TeTfund equipment are underutilised in schools —Official DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

ncessant epileptic electricity supply across the country has been identified as major obstacle militating against optimum utilisation of technical and laboratory equipments procured through Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, across Nigeria’s higher institutions. The observation was made yesterday in Enugu during the TETFund capacity building workshop for laboratory technologists in tertiary institutions in the South East. Chairman, strategic planning committee of TETfund and Board of Trustee member representing the South East, Chinedu Onu, disclosed this shortly after leading the workshop participants to the idle equipments of TETfund deposited at the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, venue of the workshop. Onu said that the workshop was designed by TETfund to build capacity and optimise the utilisation and maintenance of laboratory equipment procured by the

fund for benefiting institutions over the years. Onu, who represented the BoT Chairman of TETFund, Dr. Musa Babayo, said that in the past a lot of intervention funds had been given to benefiting institutions to procure technical and laboratory equipment for laboratories and technical/vocational education. Specifically, he noted that between 2004 and 2007, the sum of N7 billion was allocated to technical and vocational education, while N15 billion was released in 2011 through the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, for the same purpose. “Some of these equipment are underutilised or not being properly maintained by the respective benefiting institutions,” said Babayo. He stated that TETFund recognises the importance of laboratory and technologists in facilitating and enhancing teaching and research activities in the area of scientific studies in tertiary institutions, hence the interest of the fund in providing intervention fund for laboratory equipment in the institutions.

Anambra gov presents police with refurbished APCs

L-R: Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Prof. Godwin Onu; Board of Trustees, BoT member representing SouthEast, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Mr. Chinedu Onu; Deputy Rector, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Mr. Fidelis Okafor and resource person, Dr. Bashir Bukar, during a capacity building workshop for laboratory technologists in TETFUND-benefiting institutions in Enugu, yesterday.

Okorocha assures on revamp of Imo federal roads …opens liaison office

mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has said that the state government would re-start work on some damaged Federal Governmentowned roads in the state, which the federal authorities failed to rehabilitate. Okorocha spoke at the official opening of the state Liaison Office, called ‘Dee Sam Mbakwe House’ in Abuja, yesterday. He said the state government had been unable to carry out the needed repairs on the roads, namely Port Harcourt road and Airport Road, because the Federal Government stopped it saying they were its property and sole responsibility.

According to the governor, “The Federal Government has refused to address some of the critical issues relating to Imo State. “The road is so bad and all I get is: Don’t construct, this is Federal Government property. “I have given them till the end of this year, if they don’t do it, I will do those roads for my people,” he promised. Commenting on the liaison office building, he said the project was part of the story of his administration’s rescue mission in Imo. Okorocha said the administration’s rescue mission was about getting things done properly.

“This project was abandoned for 17 years and unfortunately government upon government never saw the need to complete this project,” he said. He said the state was in a rented premises for years, “but today we are proud to have this as our own. “The guest house at the back, which is the major project, has over 40 rooms and has been leased out and we got N75 million into the coffers of Imo State. “The basement and the first floor here have also been rented by a bank for another N75 million, totaling N150 million, all into the kitty of Imo State.’’ He declared. He said the building was

named after Chief Sam Mbakwe, the first Executive Governor of Old Imo State, to ensure that his legacy was not forgotten. The governor promised not to lead the people astray, saying that N3.2 billion generated from the revitalised Imo Palm plantation in Ohaji, Egbema, had been used to build 305 schools in all electoral wards in the state. He said that it was regrettable that the people of Nigeria had been divided by religion and ethnicity and attributed the numerous challenges in the country to corruption. He said that Nigeria deserved change in leadership to address the problems of the people.

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State yesterday presented three refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, to the police command to strengthen and sustain security in the state. Obiano, at the event, noted that the target of his administration was to refurbish and present 20 APCs to the state police command for deployment to various parts of the state. He said two more APCs would be handed over to the police in two weeks. He further promised that his administration would present 10 horses to the police to aid crowd control during major events. “The APCs are expected to equip the police to adequately battle kidnappers, armed robbers and criminals who threaten the peace in the state,’’ he said. The governor therefore urged the police to maintain and make effective use of the APCs to protect people of the state.

In his remark, the outgoing Police Commissioner in the state, Usman Gwari, thanked the governor for his zeal and commitment to the maintenance of peace and security in the state. Gwari, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), recalled that the APCs were wasting away until the governor refurbished them for effective performance. He assured that vehicles would be effectively used for crime fighting. Gwari attributed the achievements recorded by the state police command during his tenure to the good working relations between the police and the government.

Obiano

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Man arrested for impersonation as DSS officer OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Bayelsa State, Mr. Sule Wunti (3rd left) and some senior officers of the command ushering Governor Seriake Dickson into the passport office during the inauguration of the new e-Passport in Yenagoa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Why military’s not using force in Ugborodo –Navy • EPZ project not threatened, says community

THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

ollowing the recurrent lingering leadership crisis in Ugborodo Community in the Warri South West local government area of Delta State, the Nigerian Navy yesterday said the military has not used force in the troubled community because such a move could be counter-productive to restoring peace in the area. Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy ship, NNS Delta, Captain Musa Gemu, stated this while briefing newsmen at the Warri Naval Base on the recent breach of peace in Ugborodo, where two naval officers

sustained injuries, adding that the military remained undeterred in such an action. Gemu stated that the navy cannot use force to restore peace in the volatile community as such a move could be counter-productive and dangerous because many people could be killed in the process. He added that using force would send a wrong signal to prospective investors in the $16bn Export Processing Zone, EPZ. The commanding officer stated that the two officers, who are now receiving treatment, were part of the troops deployed to the area ahead of the return of some internally displaced persons, but got injured when their boat

collided with another on Sunday night when Aruton community members protested that military personnel must leave the country. Gemu added that although his men were not attacked with weapons by the protesters in the community, such an action amounted to a betrayal of trust as his men were there to ensure that lasting peace returned to the community. Flanked by top military officers from the police and air force, he tasked the EPZ Interface Peace Committee to redouble their efforts and close ranks, pointing out that the lingering crisis could be traced to a communication gap between those still aggrieved in the community.

Speaking to newsmen on the recent development in Ugborodo, a member of the peace committee, Femi Uwawah, said recent happenings did not in any way threaten the commissioning of the EPZ project by President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, the community was witnessing relative peace. Uwawa said: “There was no violence. What happened was that the youths got a hint that the navy had a hidden agenda to arrest the youth leader and 17 others. “They felt that was not the mandate agreed by all parties for allowing the military in. Added to past experience which led to arrest of innocent youths and community leaders.

Bayelsa to acquire free e-passport for workers OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State Government yesterday said it had reached an agreement to acquire the new electronic international passport (epassport) for workers in the state civil service at no cost to the beneficiaries. Governor Seriake Dickson stated this yesterday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, shortly after he launched the new international e-passport at the Nigeria Immigration

Service, NIS, Bayelsa State Command. “Like I told the comptroller, let me state it here that Bayelsa has a robust policy which will be implemented soon. All workers in the state civil service will have our e-passport at no cost to them. “When the need arises, they can travel out. They can go on pilgrimages and also use it for other purposes. I believe it will help to support the system and institutions we are building,” he stated. The governor, who was

accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Edmund Allison-Oguru, lauded the NIS for its service to state and nation. He also commended the officers and men for their dedication to work. “As you all have just seen, I have just been documented and issued with my brandnew 64-page e-passport in less than five minutes. “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian Immigration Service for this great initiative. “I will also appreciate

them for the wonderful job they are doing working with sister agencies to maintain law and order for the stability of our state and country at large,” Dickson said. In an interview, Bayelsa State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Sule Wunti, disclosed that the new epassport came in three categories. According to him, “The first category is the 64-page passport, which has just been issued to His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State.

team of policemen from the Sagbama Divisional Police Command has apprehended a 47-year-old man, Victor David, for impersonation as an officer of the Department of State Security, DSS, and extorting N20,000 from a suspected cultist in the area. National Mirror gathered that the alleged fake DSS officer was arrested, following a case of extortion filed against him by the suspected cultist identified as Moses Ociseibai, who had paid him N20,000 to secure his freedom from the custody of the police in Sagbama, Sagbama local government of Bayelsa State. The suspected impersonator, David, who said he was an indigene of Orogun community in Ughelli North

local government council area of Delta State, was reported to have confessed to the crime and charged to the Sagbama Magistrate Court on a two-count charge of impersonation, extortion and fraud. Contacted on the development, the spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said the fake DSS officer was arrested on August 3. He said: “The fake DSS man had collected N20,000 from the family of a suspect in a cult-related case, with a promise to influence his release from police custody over alleged cultism. “Based on the information, the police arrested the jobless man, and he has since confessed to the crime. He has been charged to the Sagbama Magistrate Court on a two-count charge of impersonation and fraud,” he added.

C’River to inaugurate monorail in 2015 —Commissioner

en rail cars expected to power Nigeria’s first operational monorail will be inaugurated in Calabar in March 2015, the Cross River State Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Bassey Oqua, has said. Oqua told journalists in Calabar yesterday that the train would convey passengers between the Calabar International Convention Centre, CICC, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. He said the CICC and Tinapa resorts were conceived by the state government as landmark tourism development projects in West Africa. “There are currently three stations; these are located at the CICC, Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, and the parking lot close to Studio Tinapa and the shopping mall. “Each of the 10 rail cars is equipped with an automatic sliding door, two-way communication, air-conditioning and large panoramic windows. “The large windows will give passengers an amazing view of the Calabar River and the surrounding rainforest during the two-minute ride across the lake,’’ he said. Oqua said the monorail, which he said was a thor-

oughly modern transport system, would be powered by electricity generated by an independent power plant to ensure sustainability. “In addition, the power plant will serve Summit Hills, a development that consists of upscale residential units, an 18-hole championship golf course, a specialist hospital, four-star hotel, and the CICC. “By connecting Tinapa to the CICC, the monorail will make it convenient for delegates and organisers staying at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel to attend conferences at the CICC, in style and with ease,” he said. The commissioner stated that during their free time, delegates could visit the shopping mall or water park at Tinapa Resort for a much-needed break. He added: “For very large conferences, the monorail will serve as a quick connection between the CICC and breakout meeting rooms across the lake at Tinapa.’’

Imoke, Cross River governor

North

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Crisis, as Kaduna lawmakers plot speaker’s impeachment AZA MSUE KADUNA

he Kaduna State House of Assembly was, yesterday, thrown into confusion as opposition lawmakers removed the three principal officers of the House. The attempt to impeach the minority leader, deputy minority leader and minority whip by eight of the 12 lawmakers under the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, caused serious uproar at the plenary yesterday. One of the lawmakers

who spoke with our correspondent under anonymity said the move was aimed at impeaching the speaker. The eight opposition lawmakers had in a letter addressed to the speaker, Alhaji Shehu Tahir, announced to the House the new changes, but the speaker allegedly refused to read the letter on the floor of the House. The members demanded that the replacement of their leaders in the state assembly should be made during the plenary, while the speaker insisted that

due process should be followed, citing paragraph 10 of the standard rules of the House which stated: “Each party has the right to change its leaders, as long the change is being met by members of the party in the House, and provided it is accepted by the majority of the members.” But despite the refusal of the speaker to read the letter, the eight lawmakers went ahead to announce the change of its party

principal officers in the Assembly. Announcing the removal of the three minority leaders of the House while speaking at Assembly complex, the former minority leader, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu, said the standard rules of the House read on the floor by the clerk, Umar Hikima, required that the members of a particular party can change their leadership with simple majority. According to him, the

party had become dormant in the past one month, as there had not been meaningful contributions on how to effect positive change in the lives of the people of Kaduna State by the opposition party. Adamu, who spoke on behalf of the eight members of the APC, described the speaker’s action during the plenary as an attempt to block the change of the leadership. He, however, noted that the change had already

been enforced by the majority of the minority members. The newly nominated principal officers are Mohammed Ali, a member representing Kawo constituency, as the minority leader, Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, representative of Sabo Gari constituency, as the deputy minority leader, and Hon. Abdullahi Khalid, the member representing Magajin Gari, as the minority whip.

Insurgency: Camp registers 1,300 refugees in Adamawa

he Commandant, Adamawa Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp, Mr. Abdulmumini Jauro, yesterday said no fewer than 1,300 IDPs had been registered at the camp. Jauro made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at the Bajabure refugee camp in Girei local government area. The commandant, who is a member of Nigerian Red Cross Society, said that nine pregnant women were among the IDPs. “We have so far registered over 1,300 Internally Displaced Persons who escaped from insurgent attacks in Madagali, Michika and Mubi North and South local government areas of the state,” Jauro said. He added that among

the refugees were 162 students of the Federal Polytechnic and the Adamawa State University, Mubi, who were indigenes of Taraba State. He said 360 and 175 among the refugees were women and children respectively. The commandant also confirmed that among the nine pregnant women, two had delivered, and that both mothers and their babies were in good health.

Acting Gov Fintiri

Irikefe lauds Alkali over verification of pro-Jonathan’s groups

he Secretary of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the National Coalition for Jonathan and Sambo Presidency, NACOJSP, Dr. Ben Onoriode Irikefe, has lauded the Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Rufai Alkali, over the on-going verification of the groups rooting for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. Irikefe, in a statement yesterday, described the initiative of the presidential adviser as a welcome and commendable development, adding that Alkali had handled the task with utmost

transparency and thoroughness. Irikefe said: “As a leader of the largest NGO rooting for President Goodluck for 2015, one can confidently say that Prof. Alkali did an excellent job. The process was very thorough, transparent and inclusive. I am not surprised because Prof. Alkali has an enviable and proven track record of excellence and achievements.” He added: “I can unequivocally say that the groups are very satisfied with the performance of Prof. Alkali within the short time he has come on board.”

L-R: Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Mathew Kwaza; Chairman, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ishaya Akau and Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali, during a workshop on Ebola virus disease preventive measure for primary and secondary school teachers in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Don’t destabilise Taraba, group advises politicians

oliticians scheming for 2015 have been warned not to destabilise Taraba State by starting another power tussle over the health of ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai. A political pressure group, Taraba Democrats, made the appeal in a statement yesterday, following reports that Suntai is to be flown back to the country. The statement, signed by Mr. Aliyu Usman, described the report as discomforting, in view of what it called relative peace in the state and the threat the new move to

start another power tussle poses to ‘on-going push to bring real development to our state’. “As much as we all pray for the quick recovery of our dear governor, we are worried that the new plot to bring him back to the country was simply political and a design to create crisis ahead of the governorship primaries of the PDP holding in November. This is a great disservice to our state. “Attempt to start another proxy war between the acting governor and his ailing boss is uncalled for at this

delicate moment in our nation’s history. “Our concern is that this fresh attempt may give courage to those who think the governor should be impeached on medical grounds,” the statement said. It added: “We are convinced that the governor should be allowed to receive thorough medical attention. This is what our dear Danbaba needs now, not another around of political exhibition like the nation witnessed last year,” the group said.

It called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene before another round of crisis engulfs Taraba State, adding that “our people want peace and they are fed up with those playing politics with the health of our governor. “Mr. President should call the power seekers to order. The North East is passing through a difficult moment now, and it is an unpatriotic ploy to open another political battlefront capable of further distracting the commander- in-chief,” the group warned.

Niger East by-election, toughest –Aliyu PRISCILLA D ENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has admitted that the just-concluded Niger East Senatorial by-election was the toughest he had ever experienced in his political history. He also appealed to the defeated candidate of

the All Progressives Congress, APC, to return to the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, from where he defected. Aliyu, who stated this when he received the senator-elect, Dr. Nuhu Shem Zagbayi in Minna, said he was disturbed by the challenges the PDP went through before winning the election. He said political events

during the by-election forced him to carry out some analysis, just to enable him trace why the election was a tough nut to crack, in spite of the provision of infrastructural facilities. According to him, the near-loss situation faced by the PDP was not because of the power of the opposition APC, but as a result of enemies

within the camp of the PDP who worked against the party during the election. Ahead of the 2015 general elections, Aliyu further said stated that the ruling party in the country would be confronted with more challenges, hence the need for politicians to go back to the drawing boarding and strategise properly.

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Politics

Probability of APC presidency in 2015

Buhari

The struggle for the 2015 presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, becomes tough by the day, even as the candidates continue to fine-tune strategies to grab the ticket. OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI, WOLE OLADIMEJI, TORDUE SALEM and OMEIZA AJAYI explore the positives that favour APC, the profile of frontline contenders and their chances.

n about two months from now, the All Progressives Congress, APC would be picking one amongst its numerous aspirants to fly its flag in the February 14, 2015 presidential election. Among the notable aspirants in the party who have shown interest for the office are former military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, newspaper publisher, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah and Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. However, none of these aspirants have so far declared publicly his ambition to aspire for the nation’s top job, though everything points to the fact that their declarations are just days away. While Atiku has already picked third week of this month of September for his declaration, Buhari’s campaign office in Wuse, Abuja has continued to be a beehive of activity with many groups coming to pay courtesy visits. Similarly, while Okorocha has taken to the television advertorials in recent days, Kwankwaso on his part simply said that he is still consulting. Tambuwal appears to still be in limbo over his aspiration but has continued to criss-cross all the geo-political zones in search of political backings.

How APC candidate will emerge APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,

Atiku

Kwankwaso

said that the party will not shut out anybody from the contest, but what is paramount is getting a good and popular candidate, who could lead the party to victory and ensure that aspiration of Nigerians for good governance was met. He also indicated that the party’s choice of candidate will be based on reality and what would work for the party in its quest to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2015. Odigie-Oyegun said regarding how the presidential candidate emerges, “if anybody feels strongly about it and the party feels that that is the candidate that will help us win the election, whether in the case of presidency or vice presidency, we will quickly rearrange every other thing to fall in line. Our target is to win the election in February next year, and salvage this country.” He said, for example, it will be unwise for anybody from the South-South to say he is vying for APC presidential ticket, adding:. “I say this because I am from the SouthSouth.”

permutation has favoured PDP to still retain the Presidency in 2015, but APC is resilient and bent at stopping at nothing in its quest to grab the mantle. And a lot count for them.

2015 and the odds in favour of APC It looks like a tall order but nothing is impossible in politics and that includes the probable power shift from the ruling PDP to the resurgent opposition APC. Every

WHETHER IN THE CASE OF PRESIDENCY OR VICE PRESIDENCY, WE WILL

QUICKLY REARRANGE EVERY OTHER THING TO FALL

IN LINE.

OUR TARGET IS

TO WIN THE ELECTION IN

FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, AND SALVAGE THIS COUNTRY

Successful merger When three political parties: the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Congress for Progressives Change, CPC as well as a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA agree to merge into one progressive camp, pessimists went to town analysing how difficult and impracticable it would be. But against all odds, APC came to be. With 10 states in its kitty at formation, the party’s rank soon swelled with the defection of five PDP governors. This feat did not only humble the PDP but also forced it to change its leadership.

Successful convention Managing success is one difficult course in every human endeavour but it is even worse in the political terrain. Pessimists have also argued that the marriage of strange bed fellows in APC will certainly result to much expected crack in the party. APC leaders, though aware of these concerns, are however determined to disappoint their traducers but went ahead to hold congresses that culminated in iits national convention with a high degree of success. As expected, disgruntled few left, but that convention which e enthroned Odigie-Oyegun as its first National Chairman e brought the needed stability to the party. b

Post-convention crisis P Governorship elections in two APC states of Ekiti and Osun were held; while it lost the former, it retained the O llater. The party also faced impeachment plots: again while iit lost Adamawa, it resisted the plot in Nasarawa. It also grappled with PDP-propelled propaganda that associated g tthe party with Janjaweed Islamic fundamentalism. The party is doing everything to clear itself from that negative p iimage.

TTangible deliverables Many citizens seem fed up with the fact that governCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 ment has yet to deliver on its many promises on critical sectors like education, security and power. In the last four years, the government has paid lips services to these major sectors which consumes over 60 percent of all its capital votes, with nothing tangible to show for the huge expenditure. Under this government, corruption appears to have taken a dangerous bent with many expositions treated with kids-gloves and culprits allowed to swim freely in their plunders. Though, APC has on several occasions appear to attack individuals particularly, President Jonathan and some PDP officials, but a lot is expected of it in addressing issues through constructive criticism and giving alternative solutions where the government has failed. Its promise to form a shadow government has not materialised as that would have given the electorate the assurance that if given power, it can do better. One thing is sure; the electorate are watching helplessly but may seize the February election to decide their fate.

Power equation The Northern agitation for power to return to the region unconditionally appears to favour the APC most. This is because the PDP is most certain to return President Jonathan, a Southerner as its flag-bearer. With the numerical strength of APC members in the North and South-West, with fragments in the South-South and SouthEast, it is certain that APC would have itself to blame if it fails to capitalise on this numerical strength to win the election. Though PDP commands more states, but depending on the candidate APC will present, PDP states in the North such as Niger, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna could go either way.

Character of the APC candidate In spite of all positives mentioned earlier, Nigerian electorate will be much more interested in the character of who the party brings forward as its candidate. This will be the real game changer. Nigerians will not take away power from ‘the known to the unknown’. Yes Jonathan, even in his incapacitation, is known for his humility and love for the nation, but Nigerians will only vote him out if APC presents a better alternative as its flag-bearer.

The gladiators: Mohammadu Buhari

The Daura, Katsina State-born retired general from the North-West geo-political zone of the country is not new to the presidential race. He has had three unsuccessful shots at the office since the current democratic dispensation commenced in 1999. In 2003, Buhari vied for the Presidency under the defunct ANPP platform and lost to then President Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP. He was again in 2007 defeated by his own kinsman, the late Musa Yar’Adua. In 2011, the General again ran for the Presidency, under the platform of the defunct CPC, a party he co-founded but again lost to the incumbent, President Jonathan. Notwithstanding suffering defeats in the past three presidential polls, Buhari still holds his head high and continues to maintain very high and impressive grass-

Thursday, September 11, 2014

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Probability of APC PDP presidential primaries, but lost to the incumbent president, Jonathan and later joined APC shortly after its formation and after realising that achieving his ambition in the PDP may be herculean. In a statement he personally signed at the time, he said he was leaving the PDP because of the “culture of impunity and arbitrariness,” perpetrated by its leaders. The former vice president have an array of formidable galaxy of aspirants he would have to contend with on the way to picking the APC ticket, but known for his political sagacity and patronage, he may as well reap bountifully from present leaders who have benefited from his generosity.

Tambuwal

Okorocha

THE NORTHERN AGITATION FOR POWER TO RETURN TO THE REGION UNCONDITIONALLY APPEARS TO FAVOUR THE

APC MOST

roots followership. He is generally perceived as one with high moral integrity, earned particularly through his anti corruption stance. In the race for the 2015 APC presidential ticket, Buhari is generally seen as a strong and foremost contender. In fact, his followers believe strongly that going by the modified direct primaries recently approved by APC for its presidential primary, the retired General stands in good stead for the ticket. The modified direct primaries will involve about 300,000 party members chosen from the wards, local governments, state and national levels, voting to elect the presidential candidate. The system is welcomed for its ability to reduce the influence of money bags. One of the major criticisms Buhari has had to contain with in his quest is the perception by some Nigerians, particularly Christians from the South that he is a Muslim fanatic. Ironically, it is the same religious factor that has endeared him to his large followership in the North. Another factor that may work against Buhari is age. At 72, many believe that Buhari does not possess the needed energy and drive to govern a complex and large country like Nigeria, leading to insinuations that a Buhari Presidency will be run, not by Buhari himself, but by proxies.

Atiku Abubarkar Former Vice President Abubakar, who moved from PDP to APC few months back, has vowed to get the ticket and run for the election. To achieve this, he has set up his campaign structure to commence work immediately, while he has also embarked

on o a nationwide tour to meet and consult with stakeholders across the country. w Abubakar, who was vice to former President Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 P has h built an impressive political structure across the country. And when he finally dea clares his intention, it would be the fourth c time he has shown interest in the nation’s t highest office. h After his failed attempt in 1993, he, in 2007 emerged the presidential candidate of 2 the t defunct Action Congress, AC, but lost to t the late president, Yar’Adua, the PDP candidate. In 2011, Abubakar contested the c

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, spoke to journalists recently on the chances of his party in the 2015 general elections, amongst other national issues. Excerpts: After your election, many of your cocontestants were aggrieved; shortly after that, your party lost the Ekiti State governorship election. How are you trying to bring everybody together and what is the way forward? Everything is happening rather quickly, changes are going on even before one has settled down for the new job. The first one is straight forward and easy. For those who felt rightly or wrongly aggrieved, it doesn’t matter, if they are right or wrong, my job is to make peace and it wasn’t just at my level, there were several levels during the convention and I have given equal attention to all. There was a little bit of bad blood over the National Secretary and other positions and I have reached out to every one of the significantly aggrieved people. Some have responded, some have not responded, but there is no giving up. What I have realised is that in a party that has no prospect, you beg people to volunteer for office, you virtually plead with them to accept offices. But because APC has very bright prospect, it has become virtually the government in waiting, giveng the mood of the nation and the universal cry for change. The APC is a party whose

Musa Kwankwaso Governor Kwankwaso is one politician who has had it nearly very rosy since the advent of democracy in 1999. He was Kano governor between 1999 and 2003, but lost his re-election bid in the 2003 only to be returned to the same office in 2011. Appointed Minister of Defence in 2003 by former President Obasanjo, he was also appointed Presidential Special Envoy to Somalia and Darfur by Obasanjo after losing the bid to pick PDP ticket to contest the 2007 election. Kwankwaso made most of his wealth and influence in the PDP, the party he now demonises and having wined and dined

APC is time has come, because of that, the contestation for offices becomes a little sharper than it would have been with a party that has no prospect. So we have reached out to all of them, most have responded positively, those that are still nursing grievances, we will continue to reach out to. As far as that is concern, it is a good and healthy thing, because if the party was not a growing concern, people will just walk away. But it is not like that. This is a movement that is going to end up in Aso Rock in February of next year. So we are doing everything we can to talk and bring them back happily into the fold. APC appears to be disposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a development that may create ripples ahead of the 2015 election. What is the true position of the party on this? I don’t know where you get this MuslimMuslim ticket, Christian-Christian ticket, pagan-pagan ticket or whatever you want to call it from. I am a national leader of this party, what I can guarantee Nigerians is that we are going to have a totally free and fair primary from the rank and file of the party members to decide who will be their candidates and that is the way it’s going to be. We want to win election, so the party members, whose job it is to select their candidate, will do whatever they need to do to win an election. So it’s whatever the party decides. It is not me or any individual, it is not about any group of individual, not

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

presidency in 2015 with the very people he now refers to as devils for over a decade; it will certainly be a huge surprise to see him become the APC presidential flag bearer. He continued to bask in the euphoria in which he makes headlines whenever he bashes President Jonathan and how his party won all the 44 local councils in the local council poll conducted earlier this year and this has given him the feeling that he can easily clinch the party’s presidential ticket. Despite saying that he is yet to make up his mind to run for the highest political office in the country, Kwankwaso’s posters continue to dot much of the Northern landscape and a few places in the South. He has popularised the local red cap in his Kano, giving birth to what is now known as the ‘Kwankwasiyya Movement’ and no doubt, the red cap and his trademark white traditional attires match very well, but whether the APC presidential cap fits him is something that only time will tell. However, if he eventually decides to throw his hat in the ring, he would most certainly have formidable opponents and many other factors to contend with.

Aminu Tambuwal The House of Representatives would be rounding off its fifty-nine day recess next Tuesday and Tambuwal may still not declare his interest to run for the Presidency

Nda-Isaiah

in 2015. Despite pointers to his settled defection to APC and his race for the Presidency, Tambuwal denied in Oyo recently that he has interest in the top job. However, the Speaker who had rounded off the third session of the 7th House of Representatives on a trade-mark fiery six weeks ago, has been going around the country, consulting and making suggestive comments. This is just as presidential ambition posters dot some parts of the country. National Mirror Roundtable investigations reveal that the Speaker has already established his presidential campaign office

somewhere in the Maitama district of Abuja. Pointers to Tambuwal’s ambition emerged earlier in the year when former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, urged him to run for a higher office, which by protocol and implication, means prodding him to run for the Presidency. Tambuwal has gone ahead to be very critical of the PDP and its leadership since then, even making searing criticisms and taking pot shots at the PDP government on matters concerning the wellbeing of Nigerians; a position very unusual for a highranking member of the ruling party. On June 5, the Speaker reaffirmed the Green Chamber’s resolve to stand on the side of the long-suffering people of Nigeria. It was at the occasion to mark the third year of conscientious legislation in that arm of the National Assembly. Highlights of the Speaker’s speech, which was both affirmation of the House independence and rebuke of the Presidency, were corruption, poor governance, lack of accountability and abuse of the judicial process by top public office holders. Tambuwal’s emergence as a gadfly and a possible opponent to Jonathan in 2015 have been provoked by two reasons: how he emerged Speaker in defiance of the vicious hurdles stacked against him, and his personal conviction that Nigerians deserve better leadership.

Tambuwal’s presidential ambition is predicated on the large followership he enjoys within the rank of the lawmakers, who see in him a detribalised young Nigerian, whose passion for the nation is unsurpassed. His acceptance cuts across all the regions and is largely seen a as bridgebuilder with zero-tolerance for corruption.

Rochas Okorocha The Imo State governor has been eyeing the top job since the inception of this democracy in 1999, an ambition that has seen him traversed many political parties, including: PDP, defunct All Peoples Party, APP, Action Alliance, AA, APGA and now APC. He is South-East APC leader as well as Chairman, of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, PGF. His chances of emerging APC presidential candidate is however very slim, as the party appears to favour a candidate from the North.

Sam Nda-Isaiah Nda-Isaiah, publisher of the Leadership newspaper is not known to have held any political office in the past and has no standing structure to put up a credible challenge for the top post. However, the constitution of Nigeria guarantees him the liberty to seek for any political office in Nigeria and the publisher-turned-politician is exercising that right to the fullest.

government in waiting –Odigie-Oyegun any zone, it is not South, and it is not North that will decide. It is the totality of members of the party, properly acting through their delegates, who will select a candidate for the election. So whether it’s ChristianChristian, Muslim-Muslim, it will be the decision of the party, so let us not cross bridges that don’t exist. When we get there, we will deal with that issue. It appears your party is still far away from picking its candidate? Every party is still far away, even though in the case of the PDP, there is a presumption. Don’t be fooled, it could change. Very dramatically, it looks like a one man race, but the reality is on the eve of selecting candidates, they dictate otherwise. APC has a fair selection of prominent Nigerians, we are listening to the people, and we are hearing what they are telling us, because we have a dragnet spread out. We have people we are talking to all over the nation, who are telling us and giving us vibes about what the people feel, want and expect. So presenting a candidate in another two months will not be an issue, what is important is what the party stands for. How can it prove that it is different and serious, that is the task that we have between now and the selection of the candidate. Once the people of Nigeria buy the fact that yes this is a party they can trust to deliver change, the candidate become number two issue. As far as John Odigie-Oyegun is concerned and as far as the constitution of the party is concerned,

anybody from any part of this country is qualified to vie for our presidential ticket. That is the law of the party. The opposition PDP have accused your party of lack of internal democracy? Internal democracy means that there is a law and you must conduct yourselves according to the law. The APC has a constitution and it states clearly that consensus is a preferred way of reaching a decision. Because all leaders would have subscribed to that consensus and everybody will be happy, that means nobody have everything he wants, but everybody has something. So we are able to live happily together. And it states clearly that when that consensus can’t be reached and even a single member insist on a proper election, again according to the rule of the party, so be it. We then go and have an election. And that is what we are operating, unless somebody has another definition of internal democracy. What is important is that we are abiding strictly to the constitution. How would the party be able to manage Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambitions? I don’t know if there is a management problem, I am praying desperately that there should be more aspirants. Each of them will have a support base, each of them will be able to effuse a lot of party and non-members’ interest in the party. Each of them will get people to look with magnifying glasses at all the people offer-

Odigie-Oyegun

WHAT I CAN GUARANTEE

NIGERIANS IS THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A TOTALLY FREE AND FAIR PRIMARY ing to be our president and I will sit down smiling and hoping they come and pay our fees, so we can make quite some money.

It becomes the duty of the people, party members, represented by the delegates to decide, which one in their opinion, in their wisdom, in their consideration, is most likely to help us win the election and then provide good leadership for the nation. It will be the choice of the people, mine is to hold the ring and be a very impartial referee and provide a level playing fieldd for all the contesting interests. There is nothing to manage. I know a lot more who are interested in being the President on the platform of the APC and I have given them my word that their candidacy for the nomination will be most welcome. We have already presented ourselves, the first message we preach is that the Nigeria nation is broken and change must come. Let the Nigeria people try something new, even if you are not sure what the result will be. This nation has managed to maintain herself in such a way that they really don’t care anymore what the people think. They fix the votes, they put themselves in power and so they rule us with impunity. It is now for Nigerians to decide whether to continue in that condition where nothing is working. I was listening to BBC and a Nigerian said we are going to wake up one day and like in Iraq, these people we are laughing at would be marching down South. Is that the kind of country we want? Are they the kind of politicians we want? Is that the government we want that can’t secure our lives? We are going to tell Nigerians, it is time to try something new and different for change.

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Defection: I’m still consulting –Mimiko OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ndo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday said he was still consulting over his purported defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Mimiko, while addressing the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the Labour Party, LP, explained that his presence at the meeting and his decision to host the third Na-

tional Convention of the party means that speculations about his defection did not hold water. Even as speculations heightened about Mimiko and LP National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, defecting to the PDP, Nwanyanwu, who read the communiqué, stated that “Mimiko is still a bona fide member of the LP. “We should not base our presumption or stories on speculation. He is here as

a NEC member live and direct. If he is not a member, he will not be here. “Governor Mimiko has not told anybody he will decamp. We shall all be at the National Convention, which he has graciously accepted to host and we want to uplift this party.” Denying speculations about his status, Nwanyanwu pointed out that he only decided to quit office as chairman to give room for new blood to be injected into the party’s

leadership, adding that having been in the saddle for 10 years, he has done his best. He said: “In our constitution, there is no limit as to tenure. We started this struggle since 2004 and we have produced people in all strata of government, governors, senators, House of Representatives’ members, House of Assembly members, local government chairmen, etc. “Having been on this

saddle for 10 years, I feel it is time to let other people come in to inject new ideas, build capacity. You should not read meanings into the personal decision of anybody. “In the history of party administration in Nigeria, I am not aware of any party chairman that has stayed up to 10 years and beyond and I don’t want to stay beyond this time.”

Osun PDP expresses fears over 2015 BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters in Sokoto

PHOTO: NAN

Anambra Central women support Umeh for Senate ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

head of the 2015 general elections, Anambra Central Women Forum, ACWF, has endorsed the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, for Senate. The women described Chief Umeh as an action man with passion for the masses, a man of principle and integrity, tested and trusted to effectively repre-

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State All Progressives Congress, APC, has alleged that the Niger East by-election was massively rigged, saying emerging facts had shown who the real failed politicians are. APC, in a press statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, said: “Though, Peoples

sent Anambra Central senatorial zone in the Senate. A press statement signed by ACWF’s Director of Publicity, ACWF, Mrs Adanma Chukuwma Umeh, said Chief Umeh’s impressive leadership of APGA, his brilliant performance at the just concluded National Conference, his political sagacity, milk of human kindness and exceptional patriotism are some of the virtues that endeared him to the good people of Anambra Central senato-

rial zone, especially the women he empowered to improve their welfare. The statement said: “We cannot sacrifice effective representation at the altar of partisan politics. Accordingly, we urge all the women in Anambra Central senatorial zone to close ranks and support Chief Umeh for Senate. “He is reliable and dependable to represent the zone and attract developmental projects that will uplift the standard of living of our long suffering

compatriots. “We shall take our destiny in our hands and ensure free, fair and credible elections in the zone.” Urging politicians to eschew violence in all ramifications and imbibe issue-based politics that will boost our frail democracy, the ACWF said: “It is time to bring back our girls held captive by Boko Haram for gruesome 150 days. Their daily cries ascend to heaven and cause us sleepless nights. It is time to rescue them.”

LP equally resolved to work closely with all stakeholders to see to the success of the convention and to propel the party to greater heights. Commending Jonathan and the military for the renewed efforts to contain insurgency, especially the Boko Haram, LP urged the government to recover towns that were reportedly over-run by the sect.

sun State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday expressed fear over the 2015 general elections, regarding what it termed “anti democratic stance of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.” The party, in statement by its Director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, said it was led to this conclusion because of several reasons, especially, the manner the INEC boss is handling the issue of Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, whose resumption back in the state has been generating controversies. It said it is suspecting Prof. Jega may deliberately bungle the 2015 poll, if the All Progressives Congress, APC, fails to win, adding that, as it appears, the INEC boss is acting a script allegedly prepared by a cabal in the APC. The statement reads: “When a court of competence jurisdiction ruled that Akeju must not conduct 2011 poll in the state, Jega appealed the ruling.

“Till today, there had not been a counter ruling, still Akeju, who was removed from Osun State, after exposing all sensitive INEC data to the APC, was later brought back, a day to the commencement of the inspection of materials used for fraudulent August 9 poll. “Jega should tell Nigerians the rationale behind posting Akeju back to Osun State. Is Akeju the only REC in INEC? Why bringing him back to Osun when there were insinuations that the acclaimed winner of the poll is desperate to cover up his tracks? Is Akeju now in-charge of the electoral commission that he could determine where to be posted?” The PDP said it raised all the questions to prevent the cabal operating INEC through Jega from plunging the country into chaos during the general election, adding: “We are being cheated by Jega today, only God knows who the victim would be tomorrow. “We implore the President, National Assembly and lovers of democracy across Nigeria to ask Jega why Akeju must be Osun REC, when there other qualified commissioners in the service of the commission.”

APC alleges massive rigging in N’East by-election •Your candidate is a serial loser –PDP Democratic Party, PDP, had been declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the fact remains that virtually all PDP chieftains in the zone lost not only their units, but also their wards and local government areas.

The results released by INEC, showed that the governor, state PDP Deputy Chairman, zonal chairmen, wards and units leaders failed during the by-election.” It explained that “it is on record that Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has

never won any election in his unit or ward, talk less of his local government. Even the so called ‘bulldozer,’ Tanko Beji, woefully loss in his unit, ward and local council during the election; indeed failed politicians are emerging.” But, in a press state-

ment, state PDP Deputy Chairman, Beji, described APC candidate in the election, Barr David Umaru, as a serial election loser, adding that his political woes are self-inflicted as his political attitude has left many APC members to decamp to PDP.

Gov. Aliyu Babangida

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Thursday, September 11 2014

Boko Haram and the expanding web of intrigues EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

NDUBUISI Professor Ndubuisi is of the Dept of Philosophy, UNILAG fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

he Boko Haram-induced insurgency in Nigeria has brought out the best and the worst in us. Aside from the conflicting signals as to the level of sophistication of the Islamists, there is confusion as to who is to be held responsible for the crisis. The Federal Government, on many occasions, has given indications that it has information on the identity of the sponsors of the terrorist gang, but fails woefully in giving concrete evidences of such claims. The shock wave, however, was dropped by an Australian private investigator, Dr. Stephen Davis, when he named the alleged sponsors of Boko Haram. The two big alleged sponsors so named are the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and erstwhile Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika. Davis went further to mention a high ranking officer of the Central Bank of Nigeria as the conduit through which

funds were channeled to the sect. Senator Sheriff has come out forcefully to deny vehemently any link with the terrorist band, threatening legal action against the Australian negotiator. He disclosed that rather than be a sponsor, he has been a victim of the atrocities of the militant sect. The Department of State Security (DSS) has swung into action, inviting Senator Sheriff for a chat. On General Ihejirika, the DSS exonerated him and went ahead to call Dr. Davis an impostor. It added that it was absolutely wicked to ‘’link a man who has sacrificed so much for his country to such an enterprise…” The entire scenario is ludicrous and laden with immense conspiracy theories. When the ‘revelations’ were made many thought that the Australian was appointed by the government to find a way to resolve the security impasse, especially assisting in securing the release of the Chibok girls held in captivity. Already the opposition parties, specifically the All Progressives Congress (APC) that was accused in the past of sponsoring the terrorists has called for the immediate arraignment and prosecution of Senator Sheriff and others named by the Australian as alleged sponsors of Boko Haram. The same sentiment is shared by Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). A matter of this nature looks bizarre. The nation is passing through very difficult times, no doubt. But this has not removed our sense of rationality. There are salient ques-

A SPONSOR OF

INSURGENCY MUST EITHER SHARE IN ITS IDEOLOGY OR HAVE A STAKE IN THE EXPECTED PAYOFF OF ITS ADVENTURE tions we must clarify before we shout crucify anybody. Who is Dr Stephen Davis working for, and what is he working to achieve? Is it to secure the release of the Chibok girls or to bring the insurgents to a negotiating table? If the DSS is to be believed, certainly, the Australian is not an agent of the Federal Government. If he is a freelance journalist/investigator, (he has not said anything like that), will it be right for him to take a position on a very sensitive issue of this nature based on information from one party? It is an affront on this nation for a foreigner to come out with wild allegations that are capable of triggering off monstrous crisis that could tear the country asunder. The DSS was right to state that the former Chief of Army staff was a big torn in the flesh of the insurgents, while he was in command. His men actually restricted the activities of the militants to the Sambisa Forest. He was so effective in his assignment that at

retirement some Northern elders threatened to drag him to the International Criminal Court on crimes against humanity. It is a paradox that it is the same man that was accused of being ruthless to the insurgents that is now being accused of being their sponsor. A sponsor of insurgency must either share in its ideology or have a stake in the expected payoff of its adventure. I find it difficult to rationalise the allegation against General Ihejirika. We must do away with all the myths and fantasies on this Boko Haram-induced Insurgency. Several reasons have been given for their activities. While some see their mission as political (campaigning for return of power to the North), others posit economic marginalization of and mass poverty in the North as the cause of their action against the Nigerian State. These are mere conjectures. What is obvious is that of a set of people with weird idea of carving out a caliphate from Nigeria, where absolute and untainted Islamic theocratic government would be enthroned. They are reported to have hoisted their flag triumphantly in some of their conquered territories. While it is not a misplaced priority to locate its sponsors, I think the immediate task before the country is how to halt this assault on the nation. The nation’s military, if it is not distracted by intrigues and internal sabotage, has the capacity to do this.

Gani Fawehinmi: Five years after

here exist some Nigerians, dead or alive, whose lives are embedded in some concepts and their very names evoke the essence depicted by the respective concepts. Such persons included Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory in the field of politics and philosophy; Professor Wole Soynika in the field of literature and arts and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, etc, in the field of social reformation through public interest litigation. As a matter of fact, Gani’s peculiar life had a spawn a concept called “Fawehinmiism”, a phenomenon representing what he lived and died for. September 5, 2014 marked the fifth anniversary of the demise of this legend. Gani stood out larger than life for most part of his adult life on accounts of altruistic pursuits of making the life better for mankind. It was the Nigerian journalists who invented the unorthodox style of referring to this legal icon by his first name “Gani” instead of his long surname, Fawehinmi. It was an expedient initiative since the surname was considered too long for headline purposes, and Gani was always making the headlines! Born on Friday, April 22nd, 1938, Gani lost his father midway into his tertiary education and stinted his way through engagement in menial works, including washing toilets in London! Driven by determination to make a success of his life, he seared through all the difficulties with unbridled enthusiasm and peerless courage and eventually obtained the object of his desire - a licence to practice law. He was called to the Bar on January

HE WAS A FIREBRAND THAT SPAT VENOM AGAINST THE BROADSIDE OF GOVERNMENTAL HIGHHANDEDNESS AND MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MAN 15, 1965. Right from the time he established his chambers. Gani Fawehinmi & Co in Lagos, this unusual man set for himself the selfless task of reforming his society through utilisation of law as an instrument of socio-political and economic reformation. A human and civil rights lawyer par excellence, he was the most vociferous agitator for the rule of law, due process, constitutionalism and liberal democracy. He had a pathological hatred for all forms of corruption and injustice. Gani had been known to flatly reject lucrative briefs that were contrary to his principles. He was the first Nigerian to start publishing a law report, debuting at a time when most lawyers relied on foreign law reports. The Nigerian Weekly Law Reports, which he started on October 1st 1985, still exists till today. Gani was a barbed thorn in the flesh of successive Nigerian governments, especially the military. He was a firebrand that spat venom against the broadside of governmental highhandedness and man’s inhu-

manity to man. Gani was arrested, incarcerated and even imprisoned countless number of times, all on accounts of his outspokenness and vitriolic criticisms of governments’ denigrations of the rule of law. The following simple statistics tells a lot: He was locked in security cells 32 times and imprisoned eight times by different military governments! But his spirit remained irrepressible throughout his life. It was only somebody like Gani that would be released from prison and still go to public arena moments later to organise another rally against the same military government! He summarised his philosophic orientation simply thus: “I am not a middle-of-the road man, what I believe in, I pursue intensely.” It is these attributes of Gani that made the former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, (1993–1997) Mr. Walter Carrington, to say “Gani’s chamber is the shrine of democracy and rule of law!” For reasons probably not unconnected with his vibrant outspokenness, principled stance and often unconventional approaches to issues, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee did not consider him fit to be awarded the prestigious honour of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for many decades. By the time he was belatedly given the SAN award in 2001, Gani had grown to such a phenomenal colossus that his name was even an honour to the award rather than the other way round! His inclusion in the rank of SAN was simply a beatification of that rank! The late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso, described him as “one of the greatest ad-

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

vocates to have worn the silk.” Some people were surprised when even his putative number one adversary, former military President Ibrahim Babangida, once showered him with adulatory epithets, describing him as the only social critic and human rights crusader he most respected. But such was the virtues of Gani that even when you antagonised him, you would nonetheless recognise that his own battle was a more conscientious one that was based on higher moral pedestal. Space would not permit a faithful recollection of most of his accomplishments; suffice it to say Gani Fawehinmi would live forever in the minds of Nigerians, who appreciate his contributions to make Nigeria a better country. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday September 11, 2014

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

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SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

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SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

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AYO OLESIN

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ISE-OLUWA IGE

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FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

As airlift of 2014 pilgrims commences

he National Hajj Commission (NAHCO), last weekend, flagged off the 2014 airlift of pilgrims from the Dutse International Airport in Jigawa State, with about 530 intending pilgrims. But what resonated most on that occasion was President Goodluck Jonathan’s - represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo - charge that the intending pilgrims should be law-abiding and be good ambassadors of Nigeria during their stay in the holy land in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Amirul Hajj, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said absolute measures had been taken to test the health conditions of the intending pilgrims to ensure that only healthy persons were allowed to go, while His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu of Lagos, admonished them to partake in the exercise with honesty and sincerity of purpose. We think all the eminent persons that advised on or cautioned about the conduct of pilgrims had strong reasons for so doing. Recall that at least 25 Nigerians purportedly in Saudi Arabia to perform the 2013 hajj were arrested for stealing. The thieves, all with prior criminal records, according to reports contained in the Saudi Gazette, were arrested in Makkah. “The thieves robbed pilgrims inside the grand

mosque and broke into several shops and houses in Makkah. Several members of the gang were arrested red-handed and they guided the police to other members, who were hiding in an old building on Al-Mansour Street. No fewer than 80 cell phones and over SR50, 000 in currency were seized from them”, one Saudi security official was quoted as saying. About 1.38 million pilgrims from Nigeria and 117 other countries performed the Hajj that year, according to Saudi’s Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Muhammad Bin Naif. But it was not to public knowledge that pilgrims from other lands embarrassed their nations the way the errant 25 from Nigeria did. When he received the 2012 hajj report from the Federal Government delegation led by the Sultan in Abuja, President Jonathan had decried the rising rate of crimes involving Nigerians illegally residing in Saudi Arabia, a situation he lamented was staining the country’s image. The subsequent linking of 25 Nigerians to theft was, therefore, a vindication of Jonathan’s concern about the conduct of Nigerians in the holy land. We had earlier argued that the trend demanded an interrogation of the permissive and compromised Nigerian immigra-

September 11, 2001 In the United States of America, three hijacked aircraft were deliberately crashed into the twin World Trade Center towers (which collapsed) in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, in a coordinated attack which became known as ‘9/11’. Another hijacked airliner in the same attack crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. The hijackers intentionally piloted two of those planes.

WE THINK IT HAS COME TO THE STAGE WHERE ALL MANAGERS OF PILGRIMAGE MAKING AND IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES SHOULD SYNERGISE TO SAVE THE NATION FROM FURTHER EMBARRASSMENT tion processes that readily fling open the nation’s doors for those who bring shame on the country. In an earlier report, the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Garba Aminchi, had complained about the increasing influx of Nigerian girls into Saudi Arabia for prostitution. Some of the girls, according to the envoy, were not Muslims. They only answered Muslim names to deceive security agencies, and were lured into the trade because of their erroneous belief that prostitution was a booming venture in the strict and conservative kingdom. The ambassador revealed that no fewer than 20, 000 Nigerians were deported from Saudi Arabia in 2012, while 1, 500 others were still on the deportation list. In 2011,

ON THIS DAY

September 11, 2007 Russia tested the largest conventional weapon ever, the ‘Father of All Bombs’. Russian Deputy Chief of General Staff, Alexander Rukshin, was quoted as saying: “All that is alive merely evaporates”, to describe the bomb’s destructive power. The bomb was reportedly four times as powerful as the United States’ military’s GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb often colloquially called the ‘Mother of All Bombs’.

three Nigerians, Mohammed Ismail, Abdulqudus Adam and Mohammed Kabir Ali, accused of murdering and robbing a fellow citizen, were beheaded. About 13 Nigerians, who were among over 100 nationals from African countries arrested for allegedly killing a police officer at a car wash centre in Jeddah in September 2002, were also jailed. With all these facts at the finger tips of the authorities, the question yet unanswered by the country’s often overzealous immigration officials, the National Hajj Commission and independent hajj travel operators, is how criminals soiling Nigeria’s image in Mecca make the hajj list. Yes, the highest authorities in government and the Muslim community in the country have given the best advice they could to the pilgrims, but it is one thing to advise and another to determine whether the message is understood. Beyond the admonitions, therefore, we think it has come to the stage where all managers of pilgrimage making and immigration authorities should synergise to save the nation from further embarrassment. For, no sane person should expect President Jonathan, the Sultan of Sokoto or other eminent persons leading the pilgrims to possess the clairvoyant power to know the real mission of every pilgrim.

September 11, 2012 A total of 315 people were killed in two factory fires in Pakistan. The fires occurred in a textile factory in the western part of Karachi; and in a shoemaking factory in Lahore. The fires were considered to be the most deadly and worst industrial factory fires in Pakistan’s history, having killed 315 people and seriously injuring more than 250 others. Pakistan has one of the largest labour and manpower resources in the world due to its large population.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

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Education Today

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) “The setting of this University is ‘Superlative’ and ‘Impressive’, with nothing of its kind that I have seen so far in the country or anywhere else” (Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR,)

Unity colleges: Parents raise alarm over admission racketeering Blame NECO

Exam body faults claim

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike last week approved the release of this year’s admission list into the 104 Federal Government colleges spread across the country. The minister, while giving the approval in Abuja, said he was particularly satisfied with the admission test conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO). He noted that all the procedures taken so far by the exam body from the first to the second phase otherwise known as interview stage of the exercise, followed due process. He explained that while 60 per cent of successful candidates were strictly on merit, other factors, especially the quota system, formed the considerations for the remaining percentage. But many parents whose children sat for the exam discredited the minister’s claim and accused NECO of irregularities in the whole exercise. They said the exam body was not transparent in the grading of candidates, especially at the second stage. They queried why NECO has refused to release the marks of all the candidates who sat for the exam when there was no record of malpractice against them? Many of the candidates, according to them, have no results recorded on their names whereas they all pay for the exams. Each candidate paid N3,000 at the first stage while those who made the second phase paid N1, 700 each. A total of 95, 926 sat for the former while about 40,000 sat for the latter across the country. However, the parents said it was expected that every candidate who sat for the exam should be able to know his or her score either fail or pass. “But this is not the case with NECO when it comes to pupils’ common entrance exam into the unity colleges. This last exercise for instance, the exam body came up only with the names and scores of some candidates and claimed they were only those who qualified for admission for the year. That kind of selection system can never be transparent. Let NECO comes out boldly to tell the whole world of the yardsticks it used in grading the candidates. “It is like saying that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) should not release the scores of all the candidates who sit for its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). If that is not possible, NECO is also required to release all the results of its candidates otherwise, it means the body is pursuing a hidden agenda

Bauchi sets to flush out fake teachers 21

Pupils in an exam hall

which is not acceptable. ” Apart from these anomalies, the parents equally complained that the same exam number was allocated to more than one candidate in one centre, especially at the interview stage which was also done in written format like the first stage. “This happened to my son at the United High School’s centre in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he wrote the second test. The boy’s exam number was allocated to three other candidates at the same centre. He discovered this when all of them were struggling to seat on the same chair. The officials waded in and asked them to seat on any available chair and write their test with a promise to resolve the issue of number later,” narrated, one of the aggrieved parents. “But the aftermath of this is that the boy has no result and I believe he could not fail the exam. He scored 134 out of the possible 200 marks at the first stage. So, to me, the situation was a calculated attempt by NECO and its employer, the Federal Ministry of Education, to defraud candidates?”

Egba Odeda

High School, Abeokuta, made me whom I am —INEC director 20

But NECO debunked this claim, saying that the conduct of the exams at both stages was transparent. According to the organisation, NECO conducts the common entrance exams on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and hands over the results as usual to the ministry once it is through with each exercise. “So, NECO does not release results nor determines who qualify for admission into unity schools. That is not our mandate,” Lamaran stressed. In his own reaction, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, equally refuted the parents’ claim, saying there was no manipulation of any sort in the exercise. He explained that anywhere in the world, it was only the names of successful candidates in an exam that make admission list based on the criteria set for such purpose. Wike, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, pointed out that as far as his ministry is concerned, the exercise so far was transparent CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Parents warned on fake admission agents 22

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ALMA MATER

Egba Odeda High School, Abeokuta, made me whom I am —INEC director E gba Odeda High School is the oldest secondary school in Odeda, a rural community near Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Established in 1969, the school has produced many high profile individuals who are today doing very well in their fields and other areas of life. Among them are Mr. Shina Sogbeyin, who is currently based in United States; Dende Okunade, a businessman; Chief Sola Lanleyin, also a businessman and kamoru Olonade, a director in the Ministry of Defence to mention a few. They were all classmates. Another classmate, Adedapo Aderibigbe, who gave out their names to National Mirror, is currently an Assistant Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was in the school between 1974 and 1979 and 35 years down the line, his experience back then is still fresh in his memory. “There is no way I could forget such a wonderful experience,” he declared. “It was the critical stage of my life.” According to him, “the school actually set up the foundation which I am building on till now. And to say the least, I owe the school everything I am today.” Aderibigbe noted that Odeda High School was known for quality training in academic, moral and extra-curriculum activities. “Discipline, the spirit of ‘I could do it’ and hardwork were benchmarks for the students and the teachers. For instance, the junior students dared not disrespect the seniors and likewise both sides must give the teachers due respect. “The students were ready to learn and the teachers on their part were very passionate and committed to their job. They hardly missed their lessons unlike nowadays when many of them may not show up in class for days. We really gained a lot from them academically and other areas of life. “And honestly, nobody wanted to soil his or her parent’s names unlike nowadays that many youths don’t value family names again.” Aderibigbe, who later became the school Health Prefect was actively engaged in football and cultural dance and there was a time he won a laurel for the school in inter-schools’ dance competition. Expectedly, there ought to be challenges, especially for students in a remote community and Aderibigbe was no exception. “We had to trek a long distance every morning inside the bush to fetch stream water. The stream served the whole community at the time. And most times, we went to the stream in fear of possible snake bites but I thanked God we only saw snakes walking across our path upon hearing our footsteps.”

Barrister Adedapo Aderibigbe attended Egba Odeda High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State between 1974 and 1979. After leaving the school, he went to various universities in the country including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and the University of Ibadan (UI) where he obtained different degrees such as MBA, LLB, LLM and MEA. He had worked with many law firms before joining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an Assistant Director. In this report, the father of four relives his secondary school days experience to Bisola Aderibigbe.

The main entrance of the school at present. (Inset: Aderibigbe)

Aderibigbe remembered his Principal, Chief Shogbeyin, describing him as a very respectful and disciplined man. Whenever Shogbeyin drove into the school compound according to him, every student must have to go into their respective classes. “The man just had to meet you doing something reasonable otherwise you would be sanctioned,” he recalled. Aderibigbe’s favourite subjects were Literature in Eng-

Gombe school donates Ebola detectors to state govt

OJO OYEWAMIDE

DANJUMA WILLIAMS

GOMBE

private school in Gombe metropolis, Yahaya Ahmed Model School has donated 136 units of non-contact electronic thermometer to the Gombe State government in an effort to contain the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country. The school’s Director of Operations, Mrs. Jamila Bello said the thermometers procured from Europe and the United States are to be used for taking the tem-

perature of people in the state without necessarily making physical contact. When asked about the cost, she said “It is not even about the money, it is the spirit behind it. If we should have it for our students, we feel we should give it to other schools too and we should also give it to the government to support the government in its efforts to have an Ebolafree environment,” she explained In this regard, she said the state government is expected to distribute the device to public and private

schools, health facilities as well as government agencies and parastatals across the state. She said apart from the gesture, the school has equally offered some brilliant but indigent students in its immediate community scholarship. On the mass failure in this year’s senior secondary certificate examination in the state, Bello urged the state government to put in more efforts into teachers’ motivation and welfare while commending it for school infrastructure development.

AKURE

eople entrusted with leadership position in any organisation have been advised to imbibe the spirit of transparency, probity and accountability in the discharge of their duties in order to achieve good result. This advice was given by the Acting Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, ACE, Ondo, Dr. Olufemi Abayomi Olajuyigbe, in a remark made at the 27th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the institution’s Cooperative Multi-purpose Society, ACECMS.

PHOTO: FEMI OYEWESO

lish, History and Health Science while he had no hatred for any subject in particular. The last time he visited the school was in 2003 and surprisingly the school according to him had worn a better look compared to his days. “The environment had really improved. It was far better than what it used to be back then. The premises had been fenced round and the buildings repainted. I was impressed with this development,” he concluded.

Don advocates transparency in leadership Expressing satisfaction over the performance of the Cooperative Society, the acting provost said the result was a reflection of the dedication to duty by its staff as well as proper management of its activities by a team of men and women elected by members of the organization to pilot its affairs. He urged the leadership of the society to continue to live above board and work harder to reposition it for better performance, stating that through such

step, the society would be able to meet the aspirations of members and fulfill the dream of its founding fathers. Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Orunko E.A, thanked the college management for their supports and creation of enabling environment, which has enable the society to thrive. He used the occasion to enumerate some of the achievements recorded since he became the President of the society.

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Research: Expert seeks improved govt funding SAIDAT ALAUSA

ounder and Director of African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre, AHRLC, Oyo State, Dr. Bayo Adebowale, has called on government to boost the funding of the centre to make it a must-visit for tourists and researchers. The director noted that funding the centre would not only improve economic activities in the area, but would also provide job opportunities for youths, thus reducing unemployment. Adebowale, an Associate Professor of Creative Writing in English at Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, said more than N20m had been spent on the centre. He explained that most of the funds were from his personal resources and donations from philanthropists at home and abroad. The don however, remarked that there was a need for the three tiers of government to empower the centre to fulfill its mandate to its immediate environment in Oyo State, Nigeria, Africa and the black world. He recalled that four governors had visited the centre, which is situated at Adeyipo Village, Lagelu Local Government area of the state in the past, adding that each of them had promised to assist but none fulfilled the promise.

Unity colleges... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 pointed out that as far as his ministry is concerned, the exercise so far was transparent and that ministry would not take it lightly with any official or school who attempts to compromise the set standard in the admission process into those schools. But National Mirror’s investigations revealed that the admission process into the Federal Government colleges is oftentimes characterised by irregularities. Reliable sources from some of the schools told the newspaper that the admissions are always competitive because those schools are better funded and equipped by the Federal Government. It was gathered that many high profile government officials in the federal ministries and the National Assembly, strong politicians, traditional rulers, as well as schools’ administrators, among others have regular slots that make the list of successful candidates irrespective of their scores in the exam on yearly basis. “Any student that makes any of those lists is sure of admission for that year,” one of the sources added. “Even at times, some sell their slots to those who can pay their bill and this depends mostly on the status of schools involved.” For instance according to sources, securing admission into some schools like King’s College and Queen College, both in Lagos, Federal Government College, Zaria, due to their competitiveness are usually for highest bidders. The parents however called on the Minster of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarua who is new in the system to beam his searchlight on this year’s admission into unity schools to guide against further manipulations.

Education Today

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Public school student wins Mike Okonkwo Essay competition

L-R: Wife of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Peace Okonkwo; her husband and founder, Mike Okonkwo Foundation, Dr. Mike Okonkwo; the winner of the essay competition, Miss Patience Brown and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola at the award ceremony, last week

of the internet education” at the first and second stage of the contest, respectively. The winner, who wants to study Busihe notion that students from pri- ness Administration in future, said she vate schools are better off academi- was able to write the winning essays becally than their counterparts in the cause of the good training on essay writgovernment-owned schools was proved ing and encouragement received from her wrong last week when a Senior Second- school. “We write essay often in my school and ary School Student (SS2) of Apapa Senior High School, Lagos emerged winner at that was how I developed the skill in essay this year’s edition of Mike Okonkwo An- writing. Our English teacher is also fantastic,” she stressed. nual National Essay competition. The Akwa Ibom State indigene was The winner, a 17-year- old Patience Brown was full of smiles as she was called to the grateful to the Lagos State Government, podium to receive her prize at the award cer- saying the EKO Project initiative has greatly helped in the provision of amenities emony held at the Muson Centre in Lagos. Brown who entered the competition like a functioning libraries and classroom alongside about 2,000 others across the coun- which have made learning much easier. Brown went home with N100, 000 try attributed her success to God and hard cheque, award plaque and a laptop while work. “Yes, it was God’s favour because I never her school got three sets of computers and a printer. believed I could win at the initial stage. The second prize winner, Miss Precious The students wrote on the topics, “The power of your vote: A catalyst for a stable Nwaigwe of St. Francis Catholic Secondand united Nigeria” and “The use and abuse ary School, Idimu also in Lagos received

SAIDAT ALAUSA

a cash prize of N75, 000 and a plague while her school received two sets of computers. Master Akinwande Akinboluwarin of Greater Tomorrow International School, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State emerged third and he got N50, 000, a plague and his school got a set of computers. Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola said for a student of the state public school to emerge the winner of the competition is a testament that the public servants, the principals, the teachers and the tutor generals are doing their jobs in imparting the right knowledge in the students. “This achievement has greatly shown that our investment is not in vain,” he added. Also speaking at the ceremony, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and founder of Mike Okonkwo Educational and Youth Initiative, Dr. Mike Okonkwo said the competition was organised as a contribution to the development of education and economy in general.

WAEC: Bauchi to flush out fake teachers EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

pparently irked by the mass failure recorded in this year’s May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to carry out verification exercise in order to flush out all teachers with fake results from teaching in both primary and secondary Schools. The state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ibrahim

Yuguda

Aminu stated this in Bauchi at the end of a stakeholders meeting on education to re-examine the poor performance of students in the last SSCE in which about 70 per cent of the entire

candidates failed the exam. He said the meeting identified factors that led to the mass failure of students in the state in the examination despite the huge government investment on education. The commissioner listed the problems to include non- challant attitude of parents to the children’s education, poor commitment from both the teachers and the students, lack of adequate supervision, influx of over three million displaced persons to the state and the problems of unqualified teachers that were employed in the teaching profession in the state, among others.

Aminu said the meeting had already forwarded its recommendations to the state governor seeking for his consent and approval in order to chart a way forward in the sector. He said the minimum qualification of teaching is National Certificate of Education (NCE) but many diploma holders were employed as teachers and you cannot expect quality from them. Aminu said after verification, those who need training would be trained while those who are found to be unfit would be redeployed to the Office of the Head of Service to be posted elsewhere.

Education Today

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ebola: Lagos to provide 600 schools with pipe borne water TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

A L-R: Dean, School of Education, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Ibrahim Salawu; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe and Director-General, National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna, Dr. Sherau Ladan at the opening ceremony of the 1st annual conference of NOUN’s School of Education in Lagos on Tuesday.

Bauchi varsity needs intervention, Pro-Chancellor cries out EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

he Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa University, Bauchi(ATBU), has sought the immediate intervention of both the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its poor infrastructure.

The university said the intervention was necessary to enable it speedily develop its new campus at Gubi. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Amb. Yarima Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call in a press statement made available to National Mirror, noting that the council

had recently visited the two bodies to intimate them of its plight. He said there would be need to erect perimeter fence round the institution’s premises as well as provide safe water to serve the university community. Abduallhi noted that irrespective of financial need, the university has come to stay.

Researchers chart new course for ceramic development TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

he Ceramic Researchers Association of Nigeria [CeRAN] has re-emphasised the need for stakeholders in the ceramic industry to engage from time to time in interdisciplinary collaborations so as to jointly drive development in the sector. The association made the observation during its annual conference held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) recently. Speaking on “Advancing the practice of ceramics in Nigeria in the face of advances in science and technology: We sink or we swim“, the guest speaker, Prof. Abdullai Umar said for ceramic industry in the country to improve and contribute meaningfully to all human endeavours, the association would need to be up and doing as well as involve in serious partnership with relevant bodies both in public and private sectors. Going down memory lane, the guest speaker, who is

also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi said Ceramic industry had been in existence for over 70 years, overcome the industrial revolution and continues to be relevant globally. In his address, the National President of the association and FUTA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of development, Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun said the relevance of the industry to all human endeavours required the expansion of curriculum in the nation’s universities to incorporate all aspects of the industry. While declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola also restated the need for the association to partner relevant professional associations and academic institutions so as to articulate and drive the industry forward. On job creation potentials of ceramics, Daramola said: “Turning earthly materials into wealth, which ceramics is, is one area which we are yet to fully explore and maximise.

NOUN shines at NUSSA games

he National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) recorded a total of 18 medals at the just concluded Nigerian Universities Staff Sports Association (NUSSA) games hosted by the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The medals comprised four gold, three silver and 11 bronze. The four gold medals were recorded in Men’s Soccer, Women’s 4 x 400 Race, Women’s Single

Badminton event, as well as Women’s Double Badminton event. While two of the three silver medals emanated from Chess competition, another Woman’s Double Badminton event gave the university the remaining one silver medal. Similarly, while Men’s and Women’s Basketball events produced one bronze medal each, Women’s Table Tennis (two), Chess (three), Mixed Double Badminton (two),

Scrabble and Draught produced one bronze each. At a reception ceremony held in honour of the contingents in Abuja, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe said the performance of the team was impressive, adding that in spite of their busy schedule and non-availability of essential training facilities, members of the team excelled. He said the management of the university

would leverage on the success recorded in the competition to spread the gospel of Open and Distance Learning in the country. The vice-chancellor explained that the participation of the institution at NUSSA games for the second time was aimed at promoting Open and Distance Learning and also to establish the fact that the university has so much to offer both academically and socially.

head of school resumption on September 22, the Lagos State government has directed the state Water Corporation to start connecting no fewer than 600 of its secondary schools to water supply. The state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye disclosed this last week at a workshop organised by her ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Health to sensitise principals and head teachers of public primary and secondary schools as well as the proprietors of private schools in the state on Ebola virus. The pipe borne water according to the commissioner would not only help in curtailing the spread of Ebola virus but would also enable the users have access to safe water. Oladunjoye, who spoke through her Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo stressed the need for participants at the forum to always proactive in safeguarding the

children under their care against Ebola infection and other contagious diseases. The commissioner also urged them to make use of the health tips given by the health experts at the forum such as maintenance of personal hygiene including regular hand washing by pupils and students would go a long way in reducing the risk of infection and transmission of diseases from person to person. Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris noted that the importance of the sensitization exercise for key relevant stakeholders in school health management was borne out of the fact that children remain the most vulnerable specie to contract contagious diseases. “This is because by their nature, they are more social than adults. They freely interact with one another and anything that affects one may likely affect many others in quick succession,” he stressed. Idris noted that the severity of the Ebola virus necessitated the aggressive measures to halt the spread of the disease in the country.

Parents warned on fake admission agents SAIDAT ALAUSA

he Principal, Babcock University Schools, Ogba, Lagos, Elder Gabriel Fasanu has urged parents seeking admissions for their children abroad to be wary of fake international educational institutions recruitment agents who oftentimes promise what they cannot offer in terms of scholarships and other educational facilities. According to him, some of the countries they sell to Nigerian students are in countries with educational systems that are worse than what are presently obtainable in Nigeria. He stated this during the maiden graduation and prize giving ceremony of the school in Lagos recently. He noted that such fake and deceitful recruitment agents may lure unsuspecting students into unworthy educational pursuit, forced labour and other numer-

ous vices which may end up ruining the students’ career in life. The educationist said that parents should rather seek admissions for their children in faith and value based schools in Nigeria that give priority to academic excellence and good character. He explained that graduation is a time of celebration because it is a symbol of success at the end of any particular level of educational programme. While congratulating the graduands on the successful completion of their programme he said reminded the parents that the schools operate Adventist system of education which is holistic in nature. Speaking during the occasion, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr. Mykell Jegede said that the maiden graduation was remarkable, considering the achievements of the school within one year of its existence.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Poor performance in SSCE and the blame game Education S z

ince the official release of the results of the 2014 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the media has been awash with commentaries, discussions, interviews and analyses of what could have gone wrong. It seems everyone has an opinion but nobody appears to have a solution. Some officials of the Parents Teachers Association have blamed parents for not giving enough consideration to the welfare of their children and wards. The West African Examination Council has at various times also placed the blame for the massive failure of candidates on parents for not supervising their children. Educationists have also blamed the massive failure in the SSCE on addiction of the students to the social media. Students on their part have blamed their plight on teachers for lack of dedication to the job and insecurity in some parts of the nation. Some students in the private schools have also blamed school administrators for frequently replacing the teachers with the resulting lack of continuity in their activities. Other students have blamed the woeful performance on the unseriousness or share laziness on the part of the majority of students. But most ridiculously some students have blamed the

as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

info@alphaedufoundation.org 08030904461 (email/SMS only)

BY BLAMING EVERY OTHER PERSON, WE INADVERTENTLY DEFLECT ATTENTION FROM THOSE WHO SHOULD TRULY BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DECAY ban on “miracle centres” in some states for the atrocious performance in the SSCE. For some students, the examination bodies are the chief architects of the massive failure of candidates in the SSCE by being too strict in the grading process. The government on various occasions has summoned the chief executives of the examination bodies to explain the high failure rate in their examinations creating the impression that the examiners may be responsible for the problem. By blaming every other person, we inadvertently deflect attention from those who should truly bear responsibility for the decay and this does not solve the problem. One reason for the massive failure of SSCE candidates is mass pro-

motion of students to higher classes despite their poor performance in the promotion examinations. This policy only guarantees massive failure in the SSCE except for the repeated intervention of examination malpractice which modulates the predicted outcome. In schools where promotion to the next class is subject to satisfactory performance in the preceding class, there is often massive migration to other schools where they are registered in the desired classes on the payment of the specified charges. The official records in the schools do not reflect these massive failures in promotion examinations because of manipulation perpetuated by class teachers at the urging of the school principals and sometimes the officials of the ministries in charge. Such appalling performanc-

es and subsequent manipulations can be avoided if qualified candidates are admitted and tutored by qualified teachers in a suitable environment. In a dispensation of free education, it is not the responsibility of the students, teachers, parents or indeed the examiners to provide the favourable learning experience; this lies squarely with the government. The government employed the poor quality teachers that can hardly read or write; a fall out of the pervasive corruption in high places. The government is aware of the large number of teachers-in-service who do not possess the qualifications they earlier declared but appear totally helpless to do something about it. They are also aware of the huge deficit in the number and quality of teachers nationwide but have shown huge ineptitude in rectifying the problem. The Corpers they bring in every year are neither committed to their employers or to the students they are assigned to teach. The government is responsible for the policies which have brought only lamentations these past ten years. Massive violation of the laws preventing transfer of candidates into SSIII is an important factor in the proliferation of the miracle centres. A situation where a government or private school with only twen-

ty candidates in SS11 presents over three hundred candidates for the SSCE is an indictment of the entire supervisory machinery of the ministries of education involved. It suggests either criminal negligence or active collusion of the government officials in the illegal activities of the miracle centres. There are even tales of ministry officials’ involvement in sharing the huge sums of money involved in such transactions. But the existence of a ready alternative, namely, examination malpractice remains a very great disincentive to learning. As long as there remains a shortcut to acquiring a certificate, the presumed one-way-ticket to a better life, the parents and their children would exploit it to the uttermost. So far the government has been lackadaisical about curtailing the scourge of examination malpractice. The ongoing conversation has been very robust indeed and should be encouraged. The government should begin to shoulder her responsibilities and provide the appropriate infrastructure, competent teachers, functional laboratories and other teaching aids, and implement a progressive educational policy to make the learning experience both functional and pleasurable. If not, the education sector may well remain in the woods in the foreseeable future.

How graduates can become employable —Experts SAIDAT ALAUSA

o overcome the challenge of unemployment facing young graduates in the country was the thrust of the discussion at the maiden valedictory lecture organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural

Development (AERD), Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State. The lecture, themed: “Becoming employable in an unemploying economy”, has as speakers, an alumnus of the department and current Manager of Stanbic-IBTC, Abeokuta Main Branch, Mr. Sola Fagbuyi,

as well as Dr. Adebosola Oladeinde, the Deputy Director of Cassava: Adding Value for Africa II (C:AVA II) Project. According to Fagbuyi, there is the growing incidence of unemployment among youths in the country, saying that so many people were roaming the streets without doing any-

thing. Admonishing the students not to be among the unemployed, he disclosed that “it is the value you add to yourselves now that would give you opportunities in the future”. He noted that statistics from both the Manpower Board and the Federal Bureau of Statistics, showed that Nigeria had a youth

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adebiyi Daramola; his deputy in charge of Development, Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun and a ceramic researcher, Prof. Abbas Ahuwan during the Ceramics Researchers Association of Nigeria annual conference held at the university.

population of 80 million, representing 60 per cent of the total population of the country, out of which 64 million were unemployed, while 1.6 million, were underemployed. The banker said that although, unemployment was a worldwide problem, he advised students to be adequately prepared for the future in order to mitigate the challenge of unemployment by constantly practicing what they were taught in the university. In her presentation, Dr. Adebosola Oladeinde, said that money was not everything as young graduates could engage in volunteering, mentorship and internship programmes to attain success. She stated that though social media was good, employers had been known to search for candidates’ profiles on Facebook and other social media platforms before inviting them for

interview. He therefore warned students to be wary of what they posted on such platform. According to her, “unless you set up your privacy settings appropriately, almost anyone can find you. If your friends write or post inappropriate things on your account, it will be seen as a representation of you”. Earlier, the Acting Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Dr. Eniola Fabusoro, said that the lecture was organised in a bid to produce quality students that would be well-prepared for the employment world and to also complement their academic programmes. The Director of Grants Management, (DGM), FUNAAB, Dr. Kolawole Adebayo, said the students were expected to utilise the knowledge gained during the lecture in their future engagements.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

FUNAAB student shines at continental competition

student in the Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Mr. Charles Besidonne, has done the university proud by emerging one of the top three in the first African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) essay competition. The competition with the theme, “The Role of Standards in Promoting Sustainable Development in Africa,” attracted 112 entries from 14 African countries, with 27 from Nigeria and opened to youths below 35 years in the government- approved universities and colleges in the continent. Besidonne came third with 82.5 per cent score while the other two winners, Mr. Toung II Peres, a Camerounian and Mr. Godswill Olemgbe, a Nigerian came first and second with 84 per cent and 83.5 per cent scores, respectively. In a letter to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, the Director-General and Chief Executive, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, stated that Besidonne’s “position in the essay competition further reaffirms that the efforts of government at improving the quality of education in Nigeria is yielding fruits” and that SON would sponsor the students to the award ceremony.

NANS congratulates Delta State at 23 YAKUBU TEMITOPE FEDPOLY, ADO-EKITI

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B has congratulated all Delta State students as the state marks its 23rd year anniversary of creation. Commending the educational policy of the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in a statement signed by the zone Public Relations Officer, Pedro Obi, NANS said “today is a day for us all as a people to reflect on our past, reevaluate our present and if positive, consolidate on it to secure a solid future for the generation yet unborn. According to Pedro, NANS is fully aware of the enormous responsibility on the state government as the state has the highest number of state-owned tertiary institutions in the country, with four more polytechnics on the way. The group used the occasion to advise their mates to shun violence.

Student wins car few weeks after admission

The Students Union Government (SUG) carried out during the two-day programme to include seminar, novelty match, music con- President, Obaro Ohwojero speaking shortly cert, comedy and dance competition which he after the event expressed gratitude to Etisalat ne of the nation’s telecommunica- said were all enjoyed by the participating stu- for bringing the programme to theschool once again. tion providers, Etisalat has taken its dents. youths’ empowerment programme, dubbed: “Cliqfest,” to the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka recently for the second time in three years. A 100-Level student of the Department of Industrial Chemistry, Prince McCarthy who resumed into the school recently emerged the star prize winner of the contest. He was rewarded with a brand new Hyundai i10 after taking part in the raffle draw while others went home with different types of gifts including cash. The Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Daniel disclosed that the company brought Cliqfest to the university again due to the success recorded at the first outing. He noted that the students of the institution were passionate about the event and displayed great knowledge of the EasyCliq package. He explained that the company used the L-R: Dean of Students Affairs, Delta State University (DELSU), Prof Temi Akporhonor; student and wincontest to develop participating students intel- ner of the brand new Hyundai, Prince McCarthy; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, DELSU, Prof. Chukwuemeka Aloamaka; and Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh at the Etisalat Cliqfest event in lectually, physically and socially. DELSU, Abraka, recently. He identified other activities

BISOLA ADERIBIGBE

UNIJOS moves to prevent Ebola outbreak JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

uthorities of the University of Jos, Plateau State have constituted an Ebola Preparedness Committee to enlighten staff and students on the Ebola virus and create awareness on how to prevent its spread. While inaugurating the committee in his office, ViceChancellor of the university,

Prof. Hayward Mafuyai stated that government views the Ebola pandemic as a matter of serious concern. According to him, during the last Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) meeting, the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, who was in attendance, warned that any university that records any case of the Ebola virus would be shut down. Prof. Mafuyai was however quick to advise that this should

not stop the committee from reporting a case where they detect one, adding that the vice-chancellors were instructed not to admit any student from the Ebola infected countries while they should not allow any student from such countries to return there for now. According to him, this underscores the need to create awareness and undertake various measures to prevent the disease from coming to the university. He further stated that the whole

Candidates writing the 2014 Post-UTME at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, recently.

world is looking at the university and the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to guide people in Plateau State appropriately through proper information as to the preventive measures to apply. Responding, the Chairman of the committee and Deputy ViceChancellor in charge of Academics, Prof. Benjamin Ugwu said that the problem of Ebola is of national and global concern and needs to be tackled with all seriousness. Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and a member of the Committee, Prof. Edward Banwat said the best way to combat the virus is through prevention which according to him, would form the bulk of the committee’s work as the university deals with students coming from all over the country. He maintained that although the focus at the moment is on the prevention of the disease, a lot has been done towards finding a cure which was yet to be fully successful noting that clinical trials were now being undertaken and called on the university to join in the research.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Ebola: OAU sensitises varsity community AFEES L ASISI

POL. SC., OAU, ILE-IFE

he Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State, last week sensitised the students and members of staff on the best health practices that could help contain the spread of Ebola virus in the country. The programme was organised by the institution’s Ebola Virus Disease Surveillance Committee. The sensitisation was necessary according to the management to allay the fear in hearts of students and other members of the university community due to the presence of bats in the university community. Speaking at the forum, Head of Medicine Department, Dr. Rosemary Nkem, said some of the symptoms of Ebola virus include high fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain and bleeding, among others. She urged participants to be vigilant and practice good personal hygiene, noting that as deadly as Ebola is, it is preventable, Prof. Adedeji Onayade of the institution’s Health Centre said the management in its efforts to keep the campus Ebola- free has made Ebola screening forms available to all the students so as to know more about their health status. He added that the health centre is also conducting check on its patients for possible symptoms of Ebola. He specifically assured the students that an emergency center is available 24-hours and also on public holidays.

... also UNILAG CHARLES AGU

200L, MASS COMM. UNILAG, AKOKA

he Students Affairs Unit of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, in conjunction with the medical unit of the institution last week enlightened the university community on Ebola disease prevention. The five- day programme covered,in turns, various faculties and departments in the institution. At the Department of Mass Communication, Mrs. Zainab Adeyemi, a senior nursing officer from the medical unit told the audience, comprising students and members of staff to always go for medical check-up and seek help at right places when the need arises. She noted that Ebola symptoms are not peculiar to the disease. The nurse urged participants to cultivate basic personal hygiene such as regular hand washing and keeping of environment clean. She reaffirmed that there was still no potent drug anywhere in the world to cure Ebola virus but that an infected person has the chance of surviving it if detected and treated early. “But prevention of the virus remains the key,” she stressed. The Deputy Director of the unit, Mr. Emmanuel Okewu, said adequate information on Ebola and its adverse consequences would help greatly in the fight against the spread of the disease.

General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho, addressing the students from the University of Lagos during the mentoring programme at the company’s head office, in Lagos.

Undergraduates commend MultiChoice for supporting them SAIDAT ALAUSA

group of students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka have commended MultiChoice Nigeria for its “Take a Girl-Child to Work” initiative. The group, who are made up of 20 final year female students, are from the following departments law, economics, mathematics and statistics, philosophy, engineering, psychology and English. Speaking with National Mirror at the event held at the company’s head office in Lagos, the students said the programme would go a long way in preparing them for job rudiments as they graduate from the university soon. The company is floating the project in conjunction with the South African High Commission and UNILAG.

The students were full of happiness as they were taken round the company’s facilities. Titilayo Akinsowon and Oluwakemi Ojo, both from the English Department told National Mirror that they had acquired more knowledge in terms of office structure and what is expected of members of staff. They asked other organisations to also engage in similar programmes that would help young adults to understand the competitive nature of the society and what is expected of them after graduation. For Judith Anyanwu, from the Faculty of Law, the initiative is great and with the skills she acquired at the programme, she would be able to empower others. “My take home from here is that you should be confident in anything you do, you can actually go above the ceiling, don’t look at whatever people are saying you can actually achieve it and be strong in what-

UNIZIK alumni to build resource centre, says VC EMEKA ONWUDINJO UNIZIK, AKWA

he management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has concluded plans to build a befitting alumni resource centre for effective networking and mobilisation of both human and material resources of its past students in order to re-position the institution. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku disclosed this while receiving a delegation of the university’s alumni association, Awka branch, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. Ahaneku who described the university as one of the legacies of the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe called on people and governments of South East zone to

come to the need of the institution. He also urged the association to be more visible in the activities of the university, promising that the management is ready to partner former students with genuine interest to lift the institution. In his remark, the branch chairman of the group, Mr. Bona Oraekwe stated that university education system would greatly improve if university authorities could incorporate alumni associations into the management affairs of their alma maters. Oraekwe expressed regrets that most universities in the country concentrate efforts in building international linkages with institutions and individuals abroad neglecting their own products who have excelled in various fields of endeavours.

ever you do,” she said. Addressing journalists at the event, the Public Relations Executive of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Timothy Okwu said the programme is for final year female students to come in and work in the organisation for a day just to know the organisational structure and what it takes to work in a corporate environment. On why the company only engages females, he said in as much as the company does not segregate but gives equal opportunities to both men and women, the company takes the empowerment of women very important as the saying that train a girl- child and build the nation. Mr. Okwu also said that the programme was not only an eye opener for the students but it would also serve as a great opportunity for the company to see brilliant minds that the company can employ and hopefully work with in the near future.

OKOPOLY French Club inaugurates exco EMEKA ONWUDINJO AND NNACHI BRIGHT OKOPOLY

he French Club International, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State chapter has inaugurated its newly elected executive members that will steer the affairs of the club for the next one year. The event which took place at the institution’s convocation arena attracted students from other departments and all the outing officers of the club. In his welcome address, the outgoing President, Chukwudumeje Ugochukwu said leadership was not an easy task, while thanking God for helping him and his team members to succeed. “The French Club which is 16 years old today since its establishment in this Polytechnic has laboured so much in actualising her goals, which is to educate its members on how to read, write and speak French language very well especially now that the language has been constituted as second official language in the world.” Speaking at the programme, Mr. Onyeanuna Emmanuel from Alliance Francais in Enugu stated the need for the new leaders and members of the club to develop enduring spirit to enable them carry forward the course and urged all members and well wishers of the association to give the new president and his team the needed support to lead the club forward. In his acceptance speech, the new President, Abuchi Umeh, thanked members of the association for voting him into office and for giving him opportunity to serve the club as he promised never to relent on his oars in rendering selfless services to the club. Other highlights of the event were Presentation of certificates to the outgoing executives and newly inducted members.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’re our brother’s keeper, not keepers

ll Progressives Congress welcomes us this week with full-page advertorial blunders: “…other well meaning (well-meaning) Nigerians who cherishes (why?) change….” “StarTimes to crash satellite TV services” It is the price that the firm will crash, not the services! Headlines show the quality of a medium because of headline scanners. Let us welcome DAILY NEWSWATCH to this column. Its August 27 edition goofed three times with its headlines: “NANS commends Fashola over (for/on) LASU fees” “AFDB (AfDB) grants $150m to Ebola affected (Ebola-affected) nations” THE NATION of August 27 comes next with this schoolboy mistake: “It was restored few (a few) weeks ago at N65 and it will take effect from September 1.” “…he said PDP does (did) not need Wike to win election in Rivers.” “The once popular Ejinrin seaport near Epe, Lagos State, which was once a beehive of activities from slavery to….” No oddity please: hive of activity, preferably, or beehive of activity (not activities)! “Among the dignitaries at (on) the occasion were….” “Okada riders, police clash set community on fire” A rewrite: Okada riders’, police clash sets community on fire” “Anambra seeks citizens’ input on (into/ to) 2015 budget” “Residents of Ogun community seek organisation’s probe over (into) human rights violation” “Kwarans are no longer their brother’s keepers….” Fixed/stock expression: brother’s keeper (no matter the plurality) “…ethnic and political lines with the wealth of the state in the hands of just a

SAIDAT ALAUSA

he Rector, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, Dr. Margaret Ladipo has said that the institution would continue to give more credence to technological-based programmes in admitting students. According to her the polytechnic has ensure strict compliance with the 70:30 ratio for technology and management based programmes as directed by the federal government in order to produce graduates who can develop the country technologically. She said this during the matriculation ceremony for the newly admitted students for the 2013/2014

INQUIRE” IS THE

PREFERRED SPELLING,

NOT “ENQUIRE” AND “INQUIRY” IS PREFERRED TO

“ENQUIRY

few individuals.” Going by the context of this extract, it should be ‘few individuals’ and not ‘a few individuals’. “Dangote pays half year (half-year) bonus” “If that has (had) been the case over the years….” The Guardian front and inside pages of August 23 nurtured falsehoods for the second time in four years: “The new cases are people who had secondary contacts with late (the late) Patrick Sawyer….” “Eko Bridge repairs starts (why?), Lagos urges caution, cooperation” “Voters registration: Mimiko calls for deadline extension as protests mar exercise” This way: Voter apathy/registration “How to restore confidence in (to) Police Force, by Tsav” “Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby invites stakeholders to the grand commissioning (inauguration or unveiling) of the 100,000 MT (100,000-MT) silo complex and flag-off (launch) ceremony….” “Congratulations to an outstanding public officer, accountant per (par) excellence and a man of integrity….”

“…on your selection as one of the most exceptional accountant-general in the federation.” Get it right: accountants-general Finally from THE GUARDIAN under review: “There seems to be international conspiracy (an international conspiracy) in (against) Ebola outbreak.”

FEEDBACK USAGE HINTS: “Beggars must not be choosers”, meaning “a person who is hungry and has no money to buy food should not complain when he is offered bread and cheese instead of roast lamb and new potatoes, with apple tart and cream to follow. He is in no position to argue with his benefactor and should be grateful for anything he is given”, is the standard proverb (not “Beggars can’t be choosers”). Similar proverbs are NEVER LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH; HE WHO PAYS THE PIPER CALLS THE TUNE. “To have one’s cake and eat it” or “to eat one’s cake and have it” means “to have the advantages of two things or situations when doing, possessing, etc. One of them would normally make the other one impossible’. Mr. Andrew is engaged to one of the sisters but he would like to have his cake and eat it and go out with the other sisters. -Ize or –ise? The ending –ize and – ization are generally preferred to – ise and – isation in the 21st century usage, hence “sensitize”, like Womanize (not – ise), capsize (not –ise), hospitalize (not –ise), humanize, dehumanize, capitalize, doctorize, Russianize, Americanize, Africanize, Nigerianize, militarize,

democratize, globalize, demonize, is the preferred form (not “sensitise”). Every user of English should keep abreast of the current tendencies and influences in the language. Lest we forget, CELEBRATER or Celebrator is reserved for someone having a good time while “celebrant” is reserved for someone who conducts a religious rite. If “celebrator” becomes overworked/ overused or becomes obsolete, then “celebrater”, the original word, will take over (Look it up in The New International Webster’s Comprehensive Dictionary of The English Language, page 214 and The Associated Press STYLEBOOK, page 36). “Inquire” is the preferred spelling, NOT “enquire” and “inquiry” is preferred to “enquiry” (DICTIONARY OF USAGE, page 91). Besides, in American English, the general preference is to use “inquiry” (GOOD WORD GUIDE, page 99). The debate continues. Well done, brother! (Bayo Oguntunase, Language activist, Adoro62@yahoo.co.uk) MR. Wabara, I have always enjoyed your every Sunday tonic—Wordsworth. Keep it up. I wish to draw your attention to our discussion on the word ‘about’ in one of last month’s editions. You inadvertently repeated what was required to be corrected as the correction. Secondly, one of your contributors to that edition should have said, ‘about 1,720 or 1,700’…rounded to the nearest 10 or 100 (sic) would have read rounded up or down to the nearest 10 or 100. And this: 1,729 or 1,700 (to the nearest 10 and 100 respectively). For instance, 1,755 can be rounded up to 1,800 (not 100). Thank you. (Surveyor J. O. Amayo, Benin City, 08051646227)

Rector reiterates commitment to technology education session last week. The Rector who was

represented by her depu- ics, Mr. Innocent Akhuety in charge of Academ- monkhan also said that

L-R: Librarian, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Mrs. Taiyewo Adebowale; Registrar, Biekoroma Amapakabo; Deputy Rector, Academics, Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkhan and Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Abdul Moruf Adebakin, during the matriculation ceremony of the institution held last week.

in line with the federal government directive and the institutions’ resolve in improving access to education, the school has made concerted effort to improve the carrying capacity through the construction of more structures that will provide additional sitting space for the students. “And since the construction of these projects and several others, we have been able to provide additional comfortable classroom, studio and laboratory accommodation for our students,” she said. Congratulating the new students, she told them to shun vices like cultism

that can hinder their education saying any contravening of the regulation will lead to expulsion and possible criminal prosecution. The Rector also said the compulsory 75 percent lecture attendance by students in order to qualify to write examination still stands, “I therefore want to use this opportunity to caution new students against the notion that attendance at lectures is not essential.” A total of 4,907 which comprises of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) were admitted by the institution for the new session.

Business Thursday, September 11, 2014

FG urges ICAN on professionalism, nation building

80% of new products fail in first year of launch –Report 33

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Apple takes on rivals with smartwatch, new iPhones

Jonathan tasks African nations on global digital revolution ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in N’djamena called on all African countries to become more active participants in the digital revolution going on in the world. Speaking at an international conference on information and communications technology in the Chadian capital, Jonathan observed that because of the strong correlation between the efficient deployment of ICTs and socio-economic development, Nigeria and other African countries stand to gain a lot from the effective adoption of the new technologies. “Africa and Africans must be active participants in the digital revolution that is taking place all around the world. We must in fact be at the forefront of that revolution, creating information societies and knowledge based economies. “African governments must facilitate and support the deployment of the necessary ICT infrastructure required to connect our citizens to each other and the rest of the world, we need to educate our citizens on ICTs and make them digitally literate so they can actively participate in this revolution, we need to encourage the development of our local ICT indus-

tries, creating companies to drive added domestic economic value, create jobs and support sustainable growth in GDP,” the President told the gathering which was hosted by President Idriss Deby of Chad. The President said that to ensure Nigeria gets the full benefits of new information and communication technologies which include improving national commerce, the development of an ICT workforce, the creation of high skilled, high paying jobs,

improved international competitiveness and the establishment of stronger, more competitive small and medium businesses, the Federal Government was judiciously implementing a National ICT Policy, National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap and the Guidelines for Nigerian Content in the ICT industry. “The results of our efforts in this regard include an ICT sector that is 19 per cent of our Services sector which in itself is 54 per cent of total GDP. In addition to this,

the ICT sector has an enabling effect on other sectors of the economy contributing a further 2.56per cent of added value,” Jonathan said. He stated that in addition to encouraging and facilitating the development of ICTs within Nigeria, his administration was also helping to increase the geographic spread of high capacity broadband networks to support the harmonious and integrated development of regional economies in Africa.

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun). Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline

L-R: President, International Federation of Accountants, Mr. Warren Allen; President, Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Ajeagbu, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during the 44th Annual Accountants conference in Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Pound falls on fears of Scottish independence

he pound has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months amid uncertainty about Scotland’s future within the UK. The currency fell 1.3 per cent against the dollar on Monday to $1.611, and also fell 1% against the euro to 1.2488 euros. The weakening came after a YouGov poll suggested supporters of an independent Scotland had taken a narrow lead in the referendum debate for the first time. Just a week ago sterling was trading at $1.66 against the US dollar. Shares in Scottish-based

firms suffered sharp falls on the stock market. Edinburghbased Standard Life closed 2.43 per cent lower on Monday, Royal Bank of Scotland slipped 1.3% and Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows, dropped 2.43 per cent. Perth-based energy supplier SSE, Glasgow pumps specialist Weir Group and fund manager Aberdeen Asset Management also all fell between 1 per cent and 2.25 per cent over the course of the day. “The latest poll is a big wakeup call for all the investors who

had not yet priced in the risk of a vote in favour of independence,” said Alexandre Baradez, chief market analyst at IG France. Deutsche Bank foreign exchange strategist Oliver Harvey said the market should now price in “at least” a 50 per cent chance of a “yes” vote. “The implications of a yes vote would be huge. On the currency side, it could at worst lead to a destabilising crisis in the whole British banking system and at best leave the the rest of the UK with an unstable currency union,” he wrote in a note to

investors. Mr Harvey also warned that a “yes” vote could “easily derail the UK economic recovery”. “Scotland represents the rest of the UK’s second largest trading partner after the EU and many corporate investment plans are likely to be put on hold until clarity over currency, regulatory and tax questions is achieved,” he added. Voters in Scotland go to the polls on Thursday, 18 September, when they will be asked the “Yes/No” question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

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

Business News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG urges ICAN on professionalism, nation building TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has urged professional accountants in the country to eschew all acts that may undermine efforts targeted at nation building but ensure that integrity and ethical standards hallmark their professional engagements. The President gave the charge when he declared open the 44th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria , ICAN, in Abuja. Describing the professionals as Nigeria’s greatest asset, President Jonathan, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recalled how Nigerian professionals have continued to respond to national service demands with high sense of patriotism and personal sacrifices, including the recent Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, scourge.

He therefore advised the ICAN members to continue to do their best in nation building as a strategic step towards promoting the public interest and supporting Nigeria’s continued development. While bemoaning some professionals’ attempt to undermine new approaches designed to put Nigeria in tune with international good practice, including a recent case in which a professional tried to discredit a recruitment exercise just because he failed to meet the criteria of selection, the President however appealed to ICAN members to use the opportunity availed by the conference to revisit the ethics and body of rules governing their profession. Taking participants through the various achievements recorded by his administrations in key sectors of the economy, especially in Housing and Construction, Power, Agriculture, Communications Technology and Transport Infrastructure and job creation, he pointed out that the feats recorded in the various sectors could not have been possible but

Expert advises Chidoka on how to retain US Category One status OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he former Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Air Force Commandant and the Managing Director of Centurion Security Services, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), has advised the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, on how the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Category One Status could be retain by Nigeria. Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos, Ojikutu advised Chidoka to seek for the extension of between three to four months for the country to carry out all the corrective actions noticed by the FAA when they came visiting in the last week of March. He insisted that the request was in order as the former management of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, did the same before the country attained the status in September 2010. He warned that without this, the country may find it difficult to retain the status it gained some four years ago. FAA had visited Nigeria for a week assessment of the country’s airports, aviation agencies and Arik Air, which would lead to it retaining the Category One status. The FAA’s report had come out a few weeks later with several

corrective action plans, which the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, was expected to correct within a specific period. Towards the assessment, NCAA had engaged the services of advisors from the US. The Ag. Director-General, NCAA, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka had said that the advisors were in the country to advise the agency on the items needed to be closed and how it could ensure success of the whole exercise. He said that the advisors had been working with the technical personnel of the agency since they arrived the country and that they would also collaborate with the FAA safety inspectors throughout the audit exercise. Ojikutu said that with the extension request, the minister would therefore require the services of the few experts still available in NCAA and bring other authorities from outside the agency in order to fast-track the corrective actions to fix the gaps found by the FAA audit report. He added, “This was the step taken by the NCAA management in 2006,, 2008 and 2009 that led to the certification of the category One of 2010. It was a natural assignment then so too is this. Yours truly was one of the three that helped reform the Aviation Security, AVSEC, at those times. No country got Category One in five years, but we helped do it in four years.”

for the invaluable contributions of the professionals. He said: “Unlike some other African countries, Nigeria is blessed with a rich network of professionals many of whom, such as ICAN, have existed for years. In the seven years that I have been a public servant in Nigeria, I have found with great pleasure, that the great majority of Nigerian professionals take their professions very seriously and act with the utmost professionalism. “I am sure many of you would

agree with me that the professionalism that some of our medical practitioners have exhibited in the past two months has been exceptional and inspiring as they have worked hard alongside the government to control the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country. In the same vein, our bankers, many of whom are accountants and members of ICAN, have been instrumental in building and restoring confidence in our financial system which has played a significant part in Nigeria’s strong economic perfor-

mance. “The professionalism and continued support of ICAN and other such professional bodies is indispensable to this Administration as we push forward the Transformation Agenda. I am glad that thus far, this support has been unreservedly forthcoming. I can proudly and confidently say that the progress and achievements that we have recorded would not have been possible without the support of Nigerian professionals such as you”, President Jonathan recalled.

L-R: Ecobank Group General Counsel/Company Secretary, Mr. Samuel Ayim; Chairman,Dr. Sonny Kuku; MD/CE, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim; ETI Group Chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh; ETI Group Chief Executive Officer, Albert Essien and MD, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Jibril Aku, during a courtesy call on the MD/CE, NDIC, at the corporation’s head office in Abuja.

Construction firm unveils new building materials OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

mel Building Materials, a player in the construction and building materials industry, has unveiled three new products. The company introduced the products at the recently-held 2014 Archibuilt Exhibition in Abuja which is an annual international forum organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects ,NIA. The products, including commercial hardware and security systems from Stanley Security Solutions, Associate Decor chipboard and Milano Sanitary Ware, were displayed to architects, builders, consumers and industry

stalwarts at the exhibition. Speaking during the unveiling of the new products, the Managing Director of the Emel Group, Mr. Mahesh Asnani, said, “The introduction of three new brands is hinged on our resolve, coupled with carefully mapped out strategies to become Nigeria’s leading one-stop-shop building materials solution provider.” He stated that the unveiling of the products “reaffirms our unshaken commitment of the company to constantly introduce superior products with a view towards advancing the construction industry and enabling Nigerian home owners enjoy the same quality obtainable in other parts of the world.”

Asnani added that the new products were made of high quality materials that come with international warranties and are very much affordable. He further said Emel has partnered internationally-renowned brands, whose products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities, utilising the latest processes and technologies. “We are very confident about the quality and durability of our products. This is the reason why we decided to unveil and showcase new products ranging from premium roofing and door brands, including Tilcor stone-coated roof tiles, Formet steel doors and Krosswood real wood doors during the international exhibition’’, he said.

Moody’s affirms AfDB’s ratings, with stable outlook UDO ONYEKA

oody’s Investors Service has affirmed the longterm issuer rating of the African Development Bank, AfDB, and its senior unsecured debt ratings at Aaa/(P)Aaa, the Bank said in a statement. It said the rating agency has concurrently affirmed the AfDB’s Prime-1 short-term ratings

and its Aa1 subordinated debt rating. The outlook on all ratings is stable. “The Aaa long-term issuer rating of the AfDB is consistent with the bank’s strong capitalisation, very strong liquidity; and very strong shareholder support. “These strengths, which are largely derived from the bank’s conservative risk-management policies and practices, offset Moody’s credit-negative consid-

erations, including the fairly low average credit quality of AfDB’s loan portfolio, owing to the bank’s challenging operating environment across Africa. “The AfDB’s capital adequacy is high. Total useable equity defined as paid-up capital plus total reserves increased slightly from SDR7.461bn in 2012 to SDR7.645bn in 2013, which constitutes a comfortable cushion for its lending activities.’’

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Business News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Nigeria’s seaports not most expensive in West Africa, says FG FRANCIS EZEM

he Federal Government has said that Nigeria’s seaports are not the most expensive to operate in within the West African sub-region, especially in terms of the unit cost of shipping an import item from China to Nigeria for instance, contrary to insinuations in some quarters. Some stakeholders, especially freight forwarders and customs brokers had following the completion of the port concession programme, which was said would crash the cost of doing business at the ports expressed misgivings over what the described as increasing cost of operation. Meanwhile, Senior Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, who spoke in an interview in Lagos, noted that insinuations that Nigeria’s seaports are expensive to operate in compared to other West African

seaports are unfounded. According to him, it is wrong for some stakeholders to say that Nigeria operates the most expensive port regime in the sub-region, which cannot be substantiated since no one has come up with figures of how much it takes to clear a container in other seaports within the sub-region. He noted that most freight forwarders and licensed customs agents noticed slight increase in the cost of clearing at the ports with the coming on stream of the private terminal operators, which should be expected, given improvements in service delivery at the ports. “What happened really is that there is an increase in certain services, which I believe came on the heels of improved services, which is normal, given that these terminal operators invested money, which brought about an improvement in service delivery, which ordinarily should come with higher fees”, he said. While assess the port reform, he said that though Nigeria is not

yet there in terms of achieving optimum port efficiency, she has made appreciable progress in the area of enthroning a regime of port efficiency as shown by several performance indicators of the ports, especially since the completion of the reform. He argued that before the port concession programme, the turnaround time for ships was in excess of 21 days, which also made the multinational shipping firms to impose additional charges on cargo destined for the nation’s seaports to make up for the time spent while waiting to be discharged. In addition to this, he also argued that though the cargo dwell time, which measures the length of time between the arrival and clearance of a cargo is comparatively still high at the nation’s seaports, it is better than what it was before the concession programme.

Aviation minister tasks airport managers on performance OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, has set up a mechanism to measure the performances of airport managers across the country. The minister stated that this measure is to propel the managers forward and improve their performances on the job. An emailed statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that Chidoka made the statement in Abuja over the weekend in a parley with Regional General Managers, Airport Managers and Terminal Managers of the agency. According to the statement, Chidoka emphasized that henceforth, performance would be evaluated for greater output

and productivity, stressing that the government would monitor, measure and improve to achieve the goal of making the managers commit to what the government wants to achieve. Dati in the statement stated that earlier, Chidoka had engaged project consultants who briefed him on the on-going airport projects with updates on each project. The meeting, which was attended by Airport Managers of 30 airports across the country was also attended by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Yemi Adelakum who challenged Managers to be IT compliant and improve on their communication lines for greater productivity. Directors from the Ministry and the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. Saleh Dunoma, were also at the interactive session.

South Africa wants to resume Iran oil imports in three months

outh Africa wants to resume oil imports from Iran, once its biggest supplier, and hopes to resolve “sanction issues” that have blocked purchases within the next three months, its deputy foreign minister said on Tuesday. South Africa bought around 68,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from Iran in May 2012, a month before it halted crude purchases as Western countries pressured Tehran over its nuclear programme. That was well down from peak purchases in 2011. Africa’s second biggest crude consumer imports around 380,000 bpd, with Saudi Arabia overtaking Iran as its biggest supplier in 2012 when Western sanctions increased. Nigeria, Angola and Ghana also sell South Africa oil. “Definitely we have an agreement, of course with the sanction issue it slowed down, but definitely that is something we are doing,” Nomaindiya Mfeketo said in response to a question about whether South Africa would resume Iranian oil impor ts. “We deliberated on that (timing) in our meetings. We’re looking at something under three months,” she added. The announcement by Mfeketo came after more than a day of talks in Pretoria with her Irani-

an counterpart, Hossein AmirAbdollahian. No details were given of the discussions or how the sanctions issues might be resolved. The United States granted South Africa an exemption from financial sanctions after it made cuts in Iranian imports, but European Union sanctions preventing insurers from underwriting Iranian shipments have presented other problems for Pretoria. Amir-Abdollahian said trade between the two countries was set to increase and South African President Jacob Zuma would be visiting Iran at a date to announced soon. World powers have imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, blocking more than $100 billion of much-needed oil revenue held abroad from flowing back to the producer. Trade sanctions have also prevented Iran from exporting to some countries, even though it sits on the world’s largest gas reserves, according to statistics compiled by BP. Iran’s exports to its top four oil buyers - China, India, Japan and South Korea - rose to 1.2 million bpd in the first half of 2014, versus 961,236 bpd in the same period a year ago, according to official customs data and tanker arrival schedules.

L-R: Managing Director, TSL Limited, Deji Wright; Head, Business Operations, Forte Oil, Tunji Rabiu; Group CEO, Forte Oil, Akin Akinfemiwa; Former MD, NEPA, Joseph Makoju; Group CFO, Forte Oil, Julius Omodayo-Owotuga, and ED, Manilla Banking, Heritage Bank, Niyi Adeseun, during the launch of 100 newly acquired product delivery trucks by Forte Oil in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Nigeria partners AfDB on $150m loan to Lekki Port

frican Development Bank, AfDB, has entered into a partnership with Nigeria comprising a $150m senior loan to Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise for the construction of a Greenfield seaport in the Lagos Free Trade Zone, 60 kilometres east of Lagos. According to a statement the project follows a 45-year concession granted to Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise, LPLE, the Special Purpose Vehicle, by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, under a build, own, operate and transfer

scheme. “It involves construction of port infrastructure such as breakwaters, quays, approach channels, dredging of the basin as well as captive utilities such as water and power. On completion, the port would handle 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units, TEUs, 16.7 million tonnes, MT of liquid cargo and 4.5 MT of dry bulk. Construction is expected to start in January 2015 with the container terminal operations expected to start in December 2018. “The project, estimated at

$1.675bn, will be financed through a 54/46 debt to equity ratio. “It is aligned with the Bank’s Nigeria Country Strategy Paper 2012-2016 which stresses infrastructure development in the nonoil and transport sector as well as the country’s Vision 2020, which emphasizes modernizing infrastructure”, it said. AfDB said the project is also in line with the Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Paper, RISP, for West Africa which emphasizes linking regional markets through regional transport infrastructure.

Business News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Google faces new stand-off in Europe

he European Commission is seeking fresh concessions from Google on how it displays search results on web pages. The long-running investigation aims to settle concerns that the search giant has abused its dominant position in the European search market. Competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia revealed that he could also open a probe into Google’s mobile operating system Android. Google said it continued to work with the commission to resolve the matter. The dispute has been running since 2010, after rivals, including British price-comparison site Foundem, complained that the way Google displayed results was anti-competitive. In Europe Google has a 90 per cent share of the search market. In a deal hammered out in February, Google agreed to reserve space near the top of its European search pages for competitors, which would be open to rivals to

bid for via an auction. This auction could generate an extra income of up more than 300 million euros for Google, said rivals. “Under the auction system Google would get another massive revenue stream. It’s a bit like telling a robber than he can’t rob any more but instead can set a toll on the High Street,” said David Wood, a lawyer that represents iComp, Initiative for a Competitive Online Marketplace, of which Foundem and Microsoft are members. “The real remedy is for Google to use the same algorithm for third-party sites that it applies to its own,” he added. He urged the European Commission to push this solution as part of its powers. Writing on the Google Europe blog, executive chairman Eric Schmidt quoted Mr Almunia saying that imposing “strict equal treatment could mean returning to the old world of Google displaying only 10 undifferentiated search results”. “We’re trying to get you direct

answers to your queries because it’s quicker and less hassle than the 10 blue links Google used to show,” he said. “Nor is it true that we are promoting our own products at the expense of the competition,” he added. Mr. Almunia had previously indicated that he was happy with the changes but had changed his mind in the wake of “very, very negative” feedback from rivals such as Microsoft and Expedia, he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. “Some complainants have introduced new arguments, new data, new considerations. We now need to to analyse this and see if we can find solutions, Google can find solutions, to some of these concerns that we find justified,” he told reporters. This represents the third rejection of Google’s solutions and experts think that it is now unlikely that an agreement will be reached during Mr Almunia’s term in office, which finishes at the end of October.

L-R: Brand Manager, Hot Robb, PZ Cussons Ltd., Mr. Aro Olalekan; Brand Manager, Morning Fresh, Ifunanya Obiakor; a medical official, Ms Malaolu Yetunde; Brand Manager, Robert Antiseptic Disinfectant, Akintimehin Kolawole; a medical official, Ms Philip Esther and Trade Marketing Manager, Adeniyi Adegboyega, during the Robert Antiseptic neighbourhood activation campaign for personal and environmental hygiene at Obalende, in Lagos, on Tuesday.

NDIC tasks Ecobank on operational independence of subsidiaries UDO ONYEKA

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has enjoined Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, Group to ensure operational independence of its Nigerian entity in order to benefit fully and consolidate on the gains achieved from the on-going restructuring of the bank. According to a statement by the corporation the Managing Director/Chief Executive, NDIC, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim gave the advice when the Chairman of the Ecobank Transnational In-

corporated, ETI, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh led other members of the Board as well as the MD of Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Jibril Aku, on a courtesy visit to the Corporation in Abuja. Ibrahim stressed the need for arm’s length relationship between the ETI Group and its Nigerian subsidiary. He maintained that the fact that the Nigerian entity constituted about 45 per cent of the total assets of the Ecobank Group meant that its significance in the group could not be overemphasised. He said the Supervisory Authorities would like to see a transparent shared services

agreement in which the Group’s operational activities would not continue to be at the expense of the Nigerian entity. The NDIC managing director expressed delight with the recent restructuring recomposition of the ETI’s board .He noted the recent divestment of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria’s, AMCON, investment from the Nigerian subsidiary which had been successfully taken over by the Qatar National Banking Group. He expressed the hope that the development would go a long way in enhancing the operations of the Ecobank Group.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Petra finds $10 m-plus white diamond

etra Diamonds Ltd has found a 232.08-carat white diamond at its Cullinan mine in South Africa, which four analysts predict could fetch between $10 million ,6.20 million pounds, to $16 million (9.92 million pounds). Shares in the diamond miner, which operates primarily in South Africa, climbed as much as 7 percent to a high of 189.2 pence in early trading, the biggest rise on Britain’s FTSE 250 Midcap Index .FTMC on Tuesday. The Cullinan mine is famed for the largest rough gem diamond ever recovered, the 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond found in 1905, which was cut into stones that are part of Britain’s Crown Jewels. The recent find is Petra’s largest white diamond since it unearthed the 507-carat Cullinan Heritage in 2009 from the same mine. That rough white diamond

was given a “flawless” clarity grade and fetched $35.3 million, a record price for the company. “We estimate a sales price in the order of $10 million to $15 million, given Gem Diamonds’ recent sale of Type II white at about $70,000 per carat and assuming some losses for cutting/polishing,” Numis Securities analysts said in a note. “The extra revenue would go straight to the bottom line”, Numis said. Petra, which reported revenue of about $473 million in the previous financial year, declined to specify how much the diamond could fetch. A company spokesman told Reuters the stone would most likely be snapped up by a buyer from traditional diamond hubs such as the United States, Europe, Israel or China, who could cut the stone into polished gems.

Smile tackles early data depletion

n internet service provider in the country, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, has introduced new features to counteract unnecessary data depletion, while browsing the internet. The latest innovation tagged Blocking Buttons and Speed Control, will help customers, especially internet users to stay long on the internet without experiencing early data depletion. The solution will also help to boost broadband penetration in the country, in line with the objectives of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan. Speaking on the solutions, Chief Corporate Services Officer of Smile Communications, Ms Lee-Ann Cassie, said the Blocking Buttons and Speed Control

was introduced to enhance customer experience while on the internet. For Blocking Buttons, she said, “We were able to identify four categories of websites that consume a lot of data and we created buttons that once activated will block access to these categories of websites. ” She listed the websites identified as the major cause for data depletion due to unprompted downloads and updates, to include Cloud Storage, Automatic Update, Video Streaming and Bit Torrenting. Cassie explained that “customers also have the additional functionality to block access to high data usage sites via MySmile Account in order to manage their data usage.”

Japanese consumer confidence dips in August

apanese consumer confidence worsened for the first time in four months in August, an official survey suggests. According to the Cabinet Office, the consumer sentiment index was 41.2 in August, down from 41.5 in July. An index reading of 50 indicates there are equal numbers of optimists and pessimists. The survey, which includes views on incomes and jobs, comes just a day after data showing Japan’s economy shrank 1.8 per cent between April and June. The worse-than-expected fall in GDP was blamed in part on a rise in the nation’s consumer sales tax introduced in April to 8 per cent from 5 per cent. Another rise is planned for 2015.

There are now calls for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to delay the planned increase, while the central bank faces fresh demands to expand its stimulus programme. Mr Abe is expected to make a decision in December about a second hike to the sales tax, which would see it move to 10 per cent in October next year. Private consumption makes up some 60 per cent of Japan’s economic activity. Japan’s economy minister Akira Amari said on Friday that the government was ready to introduce a stimulus package that would buffer the impact of another sales tax hike if it was introduced. He said the prime minister’s position was “utterly neutral” on a further sales tax rise.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Info Tech

Apple takes on rivals with smartwatch, new iPhones …also new pay service to replace wallets in shop

pple has unveiled a smartwatch - the Apple Watch - its first new product line since the first iPad and the death of Steve Jobs. The device runs apps, acts as a health and fitness tracker and communicates with the iPhone, according to BBC. Although many companies already sell competing products, experts note that Apple has a history of entering sectors relatively late and then changing their direction with influential devices of its own. Apple also unveiled two new handsets that are larger than previous models. The iPhone 6’s screen measures 4.7in (11.9cm) and iPhone Plus 5.5in (14.0cm) - a change that analysts said should help it prevent users migrating to Android. The firm also announced a new service called Apple Pay, which chief executive Tim Cook said he wanted to “replace the wallet” in shops. It uses an NFC (near field communication) chip featured in the new phones. The firm described the service as being “secure” because it worked without Apple needing to store the credit card details itself, or the user having to share their name and card details with the cashier. iPhone owners will be able to use it by waving their handset above an NFC reader at a shop’s till. Several other firms have tried to pioneer touchless payments, but they have yet to catch on beyond credit cards that include the feature. One expert noted that Apple already had experience of handling payments for thirdparty goods since it operated more than 800 million iTunes accounts. “Apple has already got credit card details on file in the hundreds of millions, and is now seeking to leverage that billing relationship trust into an in-store experience with contactless payments,” said Windsor Holden, head of forecasting at Juniper Research. “The industry has been riven with disagreements as to the optimal model for deploying such mobile device-based proximity payments. Apple saw its global share of smartphone shipments slip from 13 per cent to 11.7 per cent between the second quarters of 2013 and 2014, according to research firm IDC. By contrast, Android’s share grew from 79.6 per cent to 84.7 per cent over the same April-to-June period, with Samsung the biggest brand and Chinese firms Huawei and Lenovo two of the fastest risers. “The main benefit for Apple in going to a larger size of screen is not so much to woo people over to its devices, but to prevent its customers defecting, particularly to devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note,” said John Delaney, head of IDC’s European mobility team.

Newly unveiled iphone 6

iWatch

Intel unveils world’s thinnest processor

ntel has unveiled a generation of processors with the smallest transistors featured in any product. According to the company the new Intel® Core™ M processor will power new 2 in 1 devices from a variety of manufacturers including: Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba. Delivering the optimal blend of mobility and performance, Intel’s new processor was purpose-built for amazing performance in the thinnest, fanless ultra-mobile devices. The Intel Core M processor can power razorthin devices with Intel Core level performance and deliver up to double the battery life when compared to a fouryear old system. According to Senior Vice President and General Manager of personal computing at Intel Corporation, Kirk Skaugen, The introduction of Core M marks a significant milestone in that journey,” Core M is the first of a new product family designed to deliver the promise of one of the world’s thinnest laptops and highest performance tablets in a single 2 in 1 device.” The Intel Core M processor can handle more than eight hours of video play; which is up to 20 percent (1.7 hours) longer battery life versus the previous generation Intel Core processor.

Home Depot confirms security breach

H SMARTPHONE SALES BETWEEN JANUARY AND JULY 2014

“There is a clear preference among a segment of Apple’s traditional market for a big phone. “But one should bear in mind that Apple’s decline is relative - the smartphone market has expanded, and most of the expansion has taken place in the lower price bracket that Apple doesn’t address.” Apple had previously justified the 3.5in and 4in screen sizes of its existing iPhones as being suited to one-handed use. In 2010, the company’s co-founder Steve Jobs went so far as to say “no-one’s going to buy” a phone that they could not get a single hand around. But one expert said a market had developed for so-called phablets. “It’s not all consumers, but there are some people who want the larger screen real estate,” said Carolina Milanesi, chief of research at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. “Watching video is definitely something

that appeals on a bigger display, as well as gaming. And for business customers, having more space to do emails properly and look at and edit presentations helps.” Apple said that the A8 chip featured in the new phones would provide 25 per cent faster compute performance than before. The improved resolutions - dubbed “retina HD” - mean that the iPhone 6 offers 326 pixels per inch and the iPhone 6 Plus 401ppi. While better than before, the resolutions are still beaten in terms of raw numbers by Samsung’s flagships - the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4. New sensors include a barometer, which can sense air pressure to measure the elevation. Apple suggested this would help fitness apps distinguish whether the owner was running up a mountain or along a flatter surface. The M8 co-processor can now estimate distances as well, which may should also help provide more accurate readings.

ome Depot Inc confirmed on Monday its payment security systems have been breached, a data theft analysts warn could rival Target Corp’s massive breach last year. Home Depot said the data theft could impact its customers in stores across the United States and Canada, but there was no evidence that online customers were affected or debit personal identification numbers (PINs) were compromised. “We owe it to our customers to alert them that we now have enough evidence to confirm that a breach has indeed occurred,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Blake said in a statement. “It is important to emphasize that no customers will be responsible for fraudulent charges to their accounts.” The breach was first reported by security website KrebsOnSecurity almost a week ago. It said the problem could extend back to April and affect all of Home Depot’s 2,200 stores in the United States. No details were immediately available on how many customers were impacted. But Brian Krebs, who runs the security website, said last week the breach could be larger than Target’s last year when hackers stole at least 40 million payment card numbers and 70 million other pieces of customer data.

Info Tech

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Tech Box

LG TV, android partnership raise bar in user experience

romised for several years and now finally making inroads into the large-screen TV market are OLED sets. Using organic light-emitting diodes, OLED sets can light up each picture element individually, without the need for the separate light source that LCDs require. This translates into a much brighter, more colourful picture. And because OLED TVs don’t require backlighting, they can be made much thinner, as well. Unfortunately, consumers still need to wait some time before regional infrastructure is in place capable of broadcasting with enough definition to capitalize on the potential of 4K Ultra HD. Though broadcasts are still unavailable in 4K Ultra HD, innovative movie studios tie ups have looked to release content that takes full advantage of 4K Ultra HD screens. LG’s strategic tie up with Netflix is an innovative example of bridging this gap effectively. At this year’s IFA, LG has an opportunity to highlight the connectivity between its 4K Ultra HD smart TVs and Android- based smartphones which allows users to control the experience and source content using their smartphones.

LG’s acquisition of WebOS will also be a crucial differentiator. Like perhaps no other line of TVs being made today, OLED screens possess an instant “Wow” factor that creates a powerful first impression on consumers. Made with flexible materials, OLED screens allow for TVs to sport a slight concave curve, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. However, if viewers want to change the shape of the television, than the simple press of a button on the remote control remolds the TV into the traditional flat surface that users may be more accustomed to. OLED screens are not only razor-thin, but are also capable of picture quality that far outpaces traditional LED screens. ]LG remains one of OLED technology chief innovators, and is at the forefront of the opportunity that it presents to deliver flexible displays. While OLED technology is still in its early days, with engineers and developers still to fully leverage the quality of OLED pixel technology in large televisions, the format has made a notable impact in picture quality improvement in smaller screens.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Innovative technologies driving Tecno Mobile’s success –MD

ice President, Tecno Group, Mr. Arif Chowdhury, has attributed the company’s success in the mobile phones division story to innovative technology. According to him, Tecno Mobile offerings in mobile voice and data technologies including smart phones, tablets and feature phones ranges enjoy huge popularity and adoption in Africa. Having moved its Research and development headquarters to Shanghai, he further informed their success story could be attributed to strong team of French designers committed to deliver innovative, high functional, competitive and stylish products to the African market. He spoke recently at a media briefing with journalists in Lagos. The Techno boss also commended the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON for its recent crack down on substandard mo-

bile products in the market. Acknowledging that majority of cheap phones in the Nigeria market are good, he warned on the dangers of counterfeit phones that are dangerous to human health as a result of high radiation. “Tecno Mobile has grown with Africa having consolidated on its position as a major mobile OEMs, delivering unique insight-based mobile technology service to African consumers. “Africa is our sole market and we will treat her right. We will continue to also build lasting value in the Africa communities by driving initiatives such as the local apps development challenge in partnership with sister company, Afmobi “, Chowdhurry said. Stressing the abundance of businesses opportunities in the Africa market provided, he said: “Africa was willing to welcome our brand when Nokia and Sam-

sung, among other brands were dominating the market. “We offered affordability, originality and aspiration in our range of products and such , customer base began to swell. “By 2009, TECNO Mobile had become an accepted and robust competitor with low-end mobile devices that offered value at affordable rates. “The African market has always had huge purchasing potential. We understood the peculiar needs of the African market space. Our product is one of such brand that understand Africa’s unique infrastructural challenges. We tailored our products to meet this significant market. “In 2006 when TECNO Mobile entered the African Mobile, there were existing top global brands already operating within the African space from the likes of Nokia, Samsung, Alcatel, Motorola, among others .

Warning as hackers target Apple’s iCloud

yber-thieves are exploiting the furore around iCloud by launching a phishing campaign that seeks to steal Apple IDs. ICloud was at the centre of the stolen celebrity photo scandal last week as many of the images were grabbed by hackers that targeted the service. Apple has responded by beefing up the security that notifies people when their iCloud account is accessed. Attackers are now sending out bogus notification messages to trick people in to handing over login details. The criminal gang behind the phishing email messages runs the Kelihos/Waledac botnet, said Symantec in a blogpost about the cyber-attack. A botnet is a large network of compromised computers used for a wide variety of cybercrimes, including sending out spam or mining victims’ machines for saleable data. The phishing campaign revolves around an email which appears to be from Apple and which claims that a song has been bought on iTunes via a person’s Apple account. The message said the purchase was made from a device not previously used by that account and that the internet address used by whoever bought the track is in Volgograd, Russia.

Those receiving the bogus warning emails are asked to click on a link to verify their Apple ID. Clicking through to the page behind the link would put confidential data at risk, said the security firm. “This page masquerades as an Apple website and asks the user to submit their Apple ID and password,” it said. “If the victim does so, the attackers will presumably harvest their credentials for exploit or resale.” Symantec said users should be wary of any email claiming that online accounts need to be updated or changed. It also urged people to avoid clicking on links in messages and use security software that can spot or block phishing scams. The campaign comes soon after Apple changed its iCloud notification system to do more to alert users about what is happening to their accounts. Alerts are now being sent when there is an attempt to change a password on iCloud accounts, when iCloud is used to download data to reset a device and when a login from a new device takes place. In addition, noted the MacRumors website, Apple is now alerting people when iCloud accounts are accessed via a web browser.

L-R: Principal Secretary to the President, Amb. Hassan Turkur; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and others at the maiden edition of the International Information and Communications Technology show in N’djamena, Chad, yesterday.

Eaton buys 3,500 Airtel towers in 6 countries

aton Towers is buying 3,500 towers from Airtel in six African markets, but it isn’t saying which markets. In another major cellular tower deal in Africa, Eaton Towers has acquired 3 500 base stations in six countries belonging to Indian-headquartered mobile network operator Airtel. In terms of the deal, Airtel will have a 10-year lease contract on the towers. Eaton already owns and operates towers in Ghana, Uganda and South Africa. The Airtel deal expands this to seven countries and about 5 000 towers. Eaton is acquiring the passive infrastructure on the towers and not Airtel’s active radio equipment. Curiously, the company is not saying which the six markets

are where it’s bought the towers. “I’m afraid we aren’t able to release the per market information at this point,” a spokesman said in response to a query from TechCentral. It’s also not disclosing the value of the deal. “We are the pioneers and strong proponents of telecoms infrastructure sharing, which results in industry-wide cost efficiencies,” said Manoj Kohli, chairman of Bharti Airtel International Netherlands, Airtel’s selling entity, in a statement. “The agreement with Eaton Towers is an extension of this philosophy and will lead to far superior utilisation of passive infrastructure and help drive the proliferation of affordable mobile services across Africa.” Kohli said the agreements

will allow Airtel to focus on its core business and customers and allow it to “deleverage through debt reduction”. It will also significantly reduce its ongoing capital expenditure on passive infrastructure. The Eaton, Airtel deal comes just days after rival IHS Holding announced it was acquiring more than 9 000 base stations from MTN in Nigeria in a deal rumoured to be worth nearly R20bn. The MTN deal is a big coup for IHS, which has secured a number of other tower sale agreements with MTN. The Nigerian acquisition nearly doubles the number of towers that IHS manages in Africa and brings the number of such transactions it has concluded to nine.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

80 % of new products fail in first year of launch –Report In spite of availability of researches to guide marketing managers on market trend for new products category, new research has emerged showing that thousands of products have failed to scale their first year of launch. DAVID AUDU reports on the new findings.

housands of new product launches fail in their first year, costing businesses millions of money, yet manufacturers can reverse these outcomes by changing their approach to innovation. This is according to a major market study launched recently by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy In Nigeria, we can count the brands that have failed in the first one year of their launch in the local market. Conspicuous on the list are Star Lite by Nigerian Breweries Plc., CloseUp Herbal by Unilever Plc., Harp Lime by Guinness Plc, Gulder Max, to mention just a few. To managers of these brands, the report and suggestions would be an interesting reading. While the report shows 76 per cent of new product launches fail within a year, it also outlines the critical steps needed to achieve ‘breakthrough innovation’, and identifies seven recent launches as iconic successes The Nielsen Breakthrough Innovation Report based on an analysis of 12,000 FMCG product launches across western Europe since 2011 – shows that two-thirds of new products never even achieve a mere 10,000 unit sales, and three-in-four fail to retain a retailer listing beyond their first year. The reported however noted that marketers can predictably and consistently overturn historical high failure rates to achieve 85 per cent success, by changing their approach to innovation and building a passionate culture around innovation. Johan Sjöstrand, managing director of Nielsen’s innovation practice in Europe, and co-author of the report, explains: “Through the study process, we found proof that innovation success is never just a remarkable coincidence. It’s about deliberate attempts to disrupt all aspects of the innovation process and challenge everyday norms, such as consumer attitudes, longstanding beliefs, launch mechanics, organisational behaviour and disciplines.” The Nielsen study identifies four principles that are common to every breakthrough innovation success. They include making the right choice of innovation to pursue, by walking in

Fave new product line

the shoes of the consumer to uncover key demand-driven insights. “Ask questions like, why don’t people use a category? What causes them stress, confusion, inconvenience or compromise? Another principle is the process of getting the innovation right. This, according to the report, entails having the right organisational framework and processes to shape the chosen innovation into a market, ready offer that has relevance, differentiation and superiority; while organisational culture must also allow weak innovation ideas to be filtered out before the launch. The report also advised on marketing efforts to get the activation strategy right through creative marketing that must be original and has to tell the story of the innovation. It affirms the need to get everyone right behind you, noting that breakthrough success is the product of organisational togetherness, from top to bottom. Sjöstrand continues: “The absence of any one of these four components – no matter how good the other three – severely limits the possibility of breakthrough success.” In the report, Nielsen also spotlights real-

The absence of any one of these four components

– no

matter how good the other three

– severely limits the possibility of breakthrough success life examples which have recently achieved breakthrough innovation success. Setting the bar high, for a product launch to earn the title of Breakthrough Innovation Winner, three criteria had to be met. They include distinctiveness, which is delivering a new proposition, not just a refinement; relevance, by generating a minimum of £10million in year-one sales; and endurance through maintaining at least 85 per cent of

Indomie’s 5 promo winners to Disneyland

ive lucky children have emerged winners in the Indomitables Promo, tagged Comic Book 10 in one pack, Raffle Draw recently held at the company’s headquarters in Surulere. The lucky children, whose age range fall within 9 to 14 years old are; Rukayat Ayomide Abdulrahmam - 12 years old, Fumilayo Oke - 14 years old, Emmanuel Thomas – 9 years old, and Chisom Ikeocha-10 years old all from Lagos while , Temiloluwa Oyelola – 14 years old, resides in Kaduna. The lucky five, alongside their parents who are now Disney bound are set to be treated to a memorable Disneyland trip

in France, courtesy Dufil Prima Foods Plc after all their travel documents would have been sorted out. The comic book 10 in 1 pack promo which according to the company was intended to gladly give back to core loyalist of the brand who happen to be children was a nationwide initiative open to children within the ages of 15 and below. The Public Relations/ Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Tope Asiwaju, who conducted the raffle draw, alongside some select journalists through a transparent digitalized procedure, said “Dufil Prima Foods is happy and proud to announce the names of the lucky winners who emerged

year-one sales in year two. From the 12,000 product launches analysed, just seven met these testing criteria and are declared European Breakthrough Innovation Winners for 2014 by Nielsen: Foster’s Gold - Magnum Infinity - Milka Choco Supreme - Mullerlight Greek-style Yogurt - Lucozade Energy Pink Lemonade - Oral-B Pro-Expert All-Around Protection Sodebo Salade et Compagnie made the list. In addition, three further launches are well on the way to becoming Breakthrough Innovation Winners next year: they are Lay’s Xtra, Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations and Ariel 3-in-1 Pods Sjöstrand sums up: “While breakthrough innovation is not the product of luck, nothing in our analysis suggests innovation success is out of the reach of any marketer, regardless of whether the brand is large or small, local or multi-national, or even if the category is in decline.” The report is based on findings from the launch of 61,000 SKUs, representing more than 12,000 initiatives, from Nielsen’s proprietary ScanTrack Innovation platform, across four key western European markets: UK, France, Spain and Italy.

from a huge 40,000 entry process across the country”. According to Mr. Asiwaju, without a doubt, Indomie has once again proven that it indeed has core loyalist spread across the country that love and believe in the company and what it stands for, that’s why our relationship which has spanned more than 20 years and is still waxing strong till date. “Once again, Dufil believes it is pertinent to appreciate our firm loyalists, especially children who through their love and continued loyalty to the brand have ensured we remain number one in the noodles segment.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 11, 2014

PR professionals urged to support INEC in 2015 elections David Audu

he Chairman of the independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Atahiru Muhammed Jega, has called on public relations professionals in Nigeria to get more involved in using their media relations strategies to educate the public on proper election behaviours and conducts. Jega who spoke through the Resident Electoral Commission, REC, Lagos State, Dr Addekunle Ogunmola at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, annual public lecture, in Lagos on Thursday, said NIPR is a major stakeholder in the electoral process, and therefore, it is expected to work with the commission to give good public image of the commission with a view to building citizens

confidence in the electoral body. He announced that the commission has included members of NIPR representatives in the state inter agency advisory committee on voter education and publicity. “It is a well known fact that the media remains the most powerful tool of mobilising the grassroots in the modern era, hence NIPR should engage in dissemination of electoral information and education towards empowering people and informing them about their rights and responsibilities”. He said the high level of poverty and unemployment has forced many youths to become implements of electoral violence, and therefore urged NIPR to target these vulnerable groups in their communications materials to educate them on the dangers and implications of electoral violence.

Other agenda the commission set for members of the public relations include mobilising citizens to participate by registering and voting on election day; advocacy for political reforms; support for the process through working with the commission; oversight of the electoral process, among others. Earlier in his welcoming remarks, chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Mr, Joe Okonma, noted that the annual lecture was organised to dissect the unity of Nigeria and chart the way forward. He said the topic, “Curbing Electoral Violence in Nigeria: the Public Relations Dynamics”, was chosen as part of NIPR contributions to lend a voice to national advocacy for a free, fair and credible election as 2015 elections draw near.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PZ Cussons unveils Roberts Lime Fresh David Audu

Z Cussons has unveiled Roberts Lime Fresh, a new variant of Roberts Antiseptic Disinfectant. Roberts Lime Fresh is aimed at adding value to the consumer experience by offering germ protection and a fresh lime fresh fragrance that is unique and innovative in the Nigerian market. Launched recently in Lagos, PZ Cussons reinstated its commitment to innovation and helping the populace to maintain quality personal and environmental hygiene without drilling a hole in the consumers’ pockets. Roberts antiseptic range is safe and suitable for first aid, household and Personal use, it is the ideal antiseptic for the Nigerian family, the company said. According to the Marketing Manager, Households and Me-

Lucky Fibres introduces AAFREEN to its products line in Nigeria

L-R: Nokia Gear Accessories Representative, Mr. Sholaja Oluwafemi; Care representative, Nokia Nigeria, South South and South East region, Mr. Okafor Anthony; Communications Manager, Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Airifo Oriunebho and Care Channel Manager, Nokia West and Central Africa, David Efanga, during the launch of the Nokia Care Centre in Port Harcourt, recently.

Microsoft rebuilds MSN to lure brands onto mobile

icrosoft has again rebuilt MSN from the ground up in a bid to boost the site’s popularity with advertisers on desktop and mobile. The internet portal, which competes with similar homepage sites from Yahoo and AOL, has rebooted several times in the past few years, most recently focusing on news. The latest redesign shows MSN more tightly integrated with Microsoft as a brand, with a new “me bar” running across the top that shows off online services such as the rebranded Outlook.com, Skype and the new Microsoft Office for web. The bar also gives greater prominence to Microsoft’s in-house search engine Bing, and popular third-party services such as Twitter.

The idea is to reincarnate MSN as a prime destination for users throughout their day on desktop and mobile. MSN has made a major push on the content side, partnering with almost 1,300 brands to pull in a huge range of information such as live share prices and global news. Global partners include The Guardian, Telegraph, The New York Times and CNN, among many others. It’s a fundamental change in the business, because MSN is now really integrating as part of Microsoft as a whole. The brand has also has negotiated revenue-share deals in exchange for hosting partner content on its own site – likely meaning visitors will stay longer on MSN rather than clicking out to news sites. The site is available in beta

from today, and will roll out commercially in the coming months. It launches with a number of ad partners, though MSN wouldn’t give names. Steve Lynas, MSN regional director, said: “It’s a fundamental change in the business, because MSN is now really integrating as part of Microsoft as a whole. “We’re uniting a new product with all of Microsoft’s services,” he told Marketing. This is the first time the MSN site will be available on all platforms, including iOS and mobile. Owen Sagness, Microsoft UK’s general manager for advertising and online, said the update means brands will be able to “tell a story sequentially” as a user interacts with MSN through the day on different devices.

dicaments, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Mr. Charles Nnochiri, “Innovation and customer satisfaction is the driving force behind Roberts’ Lime Fresh initiative in the Nigerian market. Roberts antiseptic range which is endorsed by the Nation Association of the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives commenced demo-based activations in highly populated neighbourhoods assuring families that they can get quality protection at an affordable price. Demonstrating further the protection potentials of Roberts Antiseptic and the refreshing experience from using Roberts Lime Fresh, the brand has been sampling thousands of consumers in Lagos, visited many markets giving free medical checks, sanitizing the markets and giving personal and environmental hygiene tips to assure consumers and traders of protection.

ucky Fibres, makers of Nobel Carpets & Rugs has introduced a new premium range of Centre rugs known as AAFREEN. into the Nigerian market. The new product will be available in Nigeria starting this September. AAFREEN is a premium brand with unsurpassed beauty and quality at an affordable price. Commenting on the product quality and durability, Kunal Malhotra, the General Manager, Lucky Fibres, said AAFREEN is rich in texture and is produced in unique, trendy, modern and vibrant colours to meet the growing demands of consumers in every socio economic class. AAFREEN gives consumers a wider range of

design/colour options to choose from. According to him, “As the leading manufacturer of rugs and carpets in Nigeria, the introduction of AAFREEN becomes imperative in order to meet the growing needs and changing tastes of consumers. We have produced this as a valuable addition to the range of centre rugs that already exist in the market”. “We will continually ensure each of our rug designs remain a beautiful and unique artwork, a matchless piece of craftsmanship. Further guaranteeing to provide consumers a beautiful and rich experience they have always clamoured for in a rug” Malhotra assured.

KFC rolls out ‘biggest overhaul’menu in decades, launches pulled chicken

head of its 50th anniversary, the fast-food chain is tapping into the rapid growth of pulled BBQ meats, bringing “on-trend street food to the high street” with the launch of “slow cooked, original BBQ chicken”. The meat is first tumbled in a dry spice rub, which includes smoked paprika, clove and chilli, before being marinated in a molasses-based sauce and slow-cooked for almost two hours. The range includes the Ultimate Burger, Chicken Twister Wrap and lower calorie Lil’ Wrap. Louise Direito, KFC innovation manager, said: “If pulled pork was the dish of

2014, then 2015 will become the year of pulled chicken. Influenced heavily by both our Kentucky heritage as well as the UK street-food scene, the new range is a labour of love for us.” “We have been working tirelessly for the past 18 months to improve the variety of our menu and are delighted that we can now provide our customers with something completely unique to KFC.” KFC said the move reflected “Britain’s growing love affair with ‘Americana’, which has driven a 35% increase in the number of American and BBQstyle dishes served in UK restaurants since 2010.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Microsoft Mobile opens care centers in Port Harcourt, Aba

icrosoft has opened two after sales service centers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Aba, Abia State as a way to bring premium aftersales services closer to its consumers in the states and its environs. The two outlets, known as Nokia Care Centers are staffed by well trained and competent personnel. The centers, which formally commenced operations on Saturday will render in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs services. The new Nokia Care Centers, it was gathered have personnel that can repair faulty devices, offer technical advice on how to handle devices in order to get the best out of it. The shops will also handle device swaps among other services.

The Centers are located along Okporo Road, off Artillery Junction, Port Harcourt and 31 Saint Michaels Road, Aba. Speaking during a media chat shortly before the launch, Nokia Care Channel Manager, Nokia West and Central Africa, David Efanga explained that extending the Nokia Care Centers to the two locations was in response to the yearnings of Nokia users in the areas and its environs. “It is our delight to bring our premium after sales services to our customers in Port Harcourt and Aba. This will help to solve customers’ challenges because going forward, they can enjoy after sales services easily and faster as against what formally obtained when they have to send their devices all the way to Lagos which is a long process.

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

“We are really glad to finally see the completion of these two centers in both cities and we intend to extend the center to other states and cities across Nigeria. In addition to the services, we would also provide web services which can allow people get information about their phone online. The center will also avail customers the opportunity to purchase our gears which can be used with Microsoft devices and other devices” he added. Some of the guest who spoke at the media launch of the centers commended Microsoft for opening the outlets in the two cities. They noted that it was a welcome development adding that with the opening of the shops they will no longer patronize illtrained artisans who handle device repairs.

L-R: Etisalat GEM customer, Livingstone Magorimbo, receiving the latest Samsung device from Etisalat Marina Experience Centre Manager, Oluwaseun Ayebiwo, during the prize presentation to winners in the Etisalat new GEM Reward Redemption, in Lagos, recently.

Tel: 08023117969/08031100462 Email: michael.umogun@millwardbrown.com

How implicit association measurement tells the full brand

ur behaviour and decision-making are influenced to varying degrees by considered thought and intuitive automatic reactions to the world around us. To fully understand what is driving consumer behaviour, it is important that we are able to measure the contribution of both considered and intuitive responses to brands and ads. The implicit association method measures ideas and emotions evoked automatically by brands or ads. Thebrain stores information in networks of ideas and responses - an experience of a brand/ad leaves residual levels of activation in these networks. Because the brain is likely to reuse recently activated ideas or responses, those levels of activation can be measured by the degree to which they influence subsequent performance on related tasks. Implicit association offers market researchers insight into a level of communication that can’t be accessed through traditional questioning. They reveal “raw” ideas stirred up by brands/ads before any filtering for sense or socialdesirability can take place. Millward Brown used this approach as part of the research for a TV ad for a con-

sumer goods company. The ad was meant to convey the sense that the featuredproduct was an indulgent pleasure, and included suggestivecontent and a dominant male character. While traditional testing left no doubt that the ad was not positively received,the implicit association technique helps us to understand why. It revealed that while the intended themes of sensuality andindulgence were evoked, themes of dominance andhumiliation also emerged, driven by the main character. Italso brought to light associations with “unholiness” amongreligious respondents. These were not ideas that they verbalised in response to directquestioning. The ad was not aired, but the implicit measures provided significant learnings about appropriate themes for future ads in this market. Marketers can use these methods to understand associations activated by brands, ads, and stimuli that may be hard to discuss including brand names, logos or brand identity, allowinga more in-depth view of whether a brand is achieving its desiredpositioning or if a campaign or logo has the potential to shapea brand’s perceptions in the intended way.

Brands should create value for customers

er name is Happiness. She indeed creates exciting moments for her customers. Whenever any challenge arises, she pleads passionately with the customer. The value she creates is her positive attitudinal disposition which endears her to several customers. Happiness strives to ensure that her customers get value for their money and time at the Chicken Republic outlet in Akowonjo, Lagos. She understands thoroughly the nuances of a customer. All I have stated are indeed a true reflection of this customer service personnel who goes the extra mile to make customers happy as her name implies. Happiness is not only the one at the Chicken Republic outlet in Akowonjo who increases the worth of products in the minds of

the customers. The other person is a superior officer. A lady with the name, Olufunke, who comes to the counter beyond her supervisory roles to attend to customers. Once the chicken was not well prepared, she rolls her sleeves and ensures the customer gets that exceptional service delivery. She throws herself at her job and does a lot to keep customers coming back to the outlet. I have endeavoured to analyse all these due to my consistent observations about customer service officers across some QSR’s. The other day I was at Sweet Sensation outlet in Akowonjo, a customer service officer was negative in her disposition. I should be the one to search for change and pay for the items purchased! Such an individual is not fit to attend to customers because she devalues the brand in the eyes of the customers.

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com Brands should endeavor to provide value for customers and delight them in order to maintain a positive image. Value creation is essential and officers saddled with customer service should be well groomed. This is because a lot of them misrepresent the brand and attract negative perception to it. Creating value for customer should be anchored on roadmap that will deepen customer experience. Value creation should not just be a one-off experience but a con-

sistent activity to delight the customers. It should be a seamless activity to retain customers and feel their pulse. Customers have individual preferences when they patronize a service or purchase a product. Customer’s expectations are very high and they may not say it. While some derive value from being treated with respect and courtesy, some others want services that are almost perfect. The little things that some customer service officers overlook matter a lot to

some customers. That is the more reason brands should connect with the customers more and give them a wow experience through value creation. One major area for brands is to always attempt to look out for threats that affect the brand’s image and service delivery. That is one major reason customer complaints should be given utmost priority. Customer complaints provide avenue to touch base with them and connect with them. Some customer service personnel see complaints from customers as avenue to exhibits negative attitude. This should not be as complaints should be turned into an avenue to turn weakness to strength for the brand. Complaints from customers can be utilized to create value and deepen customer experience for the brand.

Global News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Showtime for Apple: Big phones, smart watches and high expectations

t has been four years since Apple Inc, AAPL.O, introduced a completely new gadget and the pressure is on for the world’s largest tech company to wow at its “special event” in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday. Apple has fed the high expectations, with promises by executives that the company’s best product pipeline in 25 years is being readied inside its secretive facilities. That’s a high bar for a company whose hits include the modern, graphic-based personal computer, the smartphone, the iPod and the tablet PC. Those now ubiquitous gadgets were created under the innovative and famously meticulous eye of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who died in 2011. When Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook takes the stage on Tuesday, technology aficionados, investors and rivals will be watching closely to see whether Jobs’ handpicked successor inherited the magic touch or whether Apple’s winning streak is coming to an end. “We think Apple’s pipeline is

Apple CEO, Tim Cook

finally going to satisfy those who have wondered if the company has any new products. The stock price has been rallying as investors are beginning to believe that Tim Cook all along was telling the truth that there is an incredible pipeline of products,” said Michael Yoshikami, CEO of Destination Wealth Management. In the last five years, the period beginning July 1 has been the most fruitful for holders of Apple shares, with an average price gain of about 22.5 per cent, compared with 11 percent gains seen in the first half of the last five years. Below are some of the key products and features to look out for at Apple’s big event on Tuesday: iWatch?: Rumors of an Apple smartwatch go back several years, but Tuesday may finally be showtime. The watch, which will reportedly have a flexible screen and come in two sizes, will track its wearer’s health and fitness, double as an electronic wallet and of course, display messages. The watch is not likely to go on sale until sometime in 2015 and Apple may not even reveal its price on Tuesday. But with rivals such as Google Inc (GOOGL.O) and Samsung Electronics Co (005930.KS) already entering the smartwatch market, tech-watchers are anxious for Apple to show its cards. “The market has been waiting for Apple’s product as the real category-defining product,” said FBN Securities analyst Shebly Seyfari. iPhone 6: Smartphones are Apple’s bread-and-butter, representing more than half of its revenue,

and the company is expected to introduce a pair of new models with bigger screens, a sleeker design and wireless payment capabilities. The iPhone 6 will be available with 5.5-inch or 4.7inch screens, a step up from the current models’ 4-inch screens. There is also speculation that some phones will boast extratough screens made from scratchresistant sapphire material. Mobile Wallet: Apple has reportedly struck deals with major credit card providers Visa Inc, V.N, MasterCard Inc (MA.N) and American Express Co (AXP.N). The partnerships, as well as a special communication chip within the new iPhone and smartwatch, would allow consumers to use their gadgets at stores to buy everything from coffee to blue jeans - changing the shopping experience and extending Apple’s reach from the Web to real-world commerce. Health: Apple’s launch of the “HealthKit” data service earlier this year made it clear that it sees its products helping consumers manage personal health information. By incorporating the HealthKit service into the iPhone 6, and by packing its smartwatch with sensors capable of monitoring physical movements and heart rates, Apple could lay the groundwork for a broader push into mobile healthcare. One More Thing? Apple’s Jobs was famous for surprising fans with unexpected products at the end of his presentations. Could Cook preserve the tradition with a peek at a long-awaited Apple television, a rumored bigger iPad or a completely unexpected product?

more workers in the future. Some businesses appeared to lose pricing power, with 15 per cent of respondents saying they had reduced prices, and a drop in the number of owners saying they planned price hikes. Though more owners said they expect an improvement in business conditions than said so in the month before, a slight majority still are not convinced conditions will improve. The index is still four points below where it was before the start of the 2007 financial crisis and recession, though it has been making progress back toward that level. Overall the index points to economic growth slightly slower than that expected by many fore-

casters and Federal Reserve officials. The results of the survey point to economic growth of around two per cent this year, not the greater than three per cent growth cited by other forecasters.

U.S. small business confidence edges slightly higher in August –NFIB

.S. small business optimism edged slightly higher in August as more owners said they expected business conditions to improve in coming months and planned to increase capital spending, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The National Federation of Independent Business said its Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.4 point to 96.1. Eight of the index’s 10 components either improved or showed no change in the survey based on a random sample of 598 small business owners. The job growth indicated in the survey was sluggish, with owners adding an average of only 0.02 workers per firm, and fewer saying they planned to hire

Obama

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

McDonald’s August sales fall across regions

cDonald’s Corp, MCD.N, on Tuesday reported declining sales at established restaurants across all regions in August, the fifth monthly drop since CEO Don Thompson took the helm in July 2012, and warned a China supplier scandal would cut into profits. The company, which has been battling internal missteps, competition and shifting consumer tastes, said the supplier issue that crushed sales in China and Japan would reduce third-quarter profit by 15 to 20 cents per share. Expectations were low ahead of the monthly report and shares in McDonald’s barely budged on the news, falling 0.7 per cent to $91.83 in early trading. Thompson is under mounting pressure to improve results at the world’s biggest fast-food chain by revenue. Among other things, analysts blame bloated menus for slower service and say the company is struggling to compete with resurgent rivals such as Wendy’s Co, WEN.O, and Burger King Worldwide Inc, BKW.N, as well as privately held chains such as In-N-Out Burger and Chick-fil-A. Janney Capital Markets analyst Mark Kalinowski on Tuesday cut his profit forecasts for McDonald’s in a note titled “That’s Not Ketchup ... It’s Blood”. Restaurant sales in the Asia/ Pacific, Middle East and Africa region that includes China and Japan

McDonald CEO Don Thompson

fell a steeper-than-expected 14.5 per cent. Diners shunned the chain after a television news expose showed workers mishandling meat at a key supplier in China, and McDonald’s scrambled to find new sources for ingredients to make its Chicken McNuggets and Big Macs. Sales at U.S. restaurants open at least 13 months were off 2.8 per cent, also more than expected. Monthly same-restaurant sales for the company’s home market have been down or flat since November 2013. European restaurant sales were down 0.7 per cent, less than feared, as the company grapples with restaurant closures in Russia, which had been one of its stronger markets in the region. Russia’s food safety watchdog said it ordered the closures for sanitary reasons but they coincided with a standoff over the West’s Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia.

Home depot confirms security breach, following target data theft

ome Depot Inc confirmed on Monday its payment security systems have been breached, a data theft analysts warn could rival Target Corp’s massive breach last year. Home Depot said the data theft could impact its customers in stores across the United States and Canada, but there was no evidence that online customers were affected or debit personal identification numbers, PINs, were compromised. “We owe it to our customers to alert them that we now have enough evidence to confirm that a breach has indeed occurred,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Blake said in a statement. “It is important to emphasize that no customers will be responsible for fraudulent charges to their accounts.” The breach was first reported by security website KrebsOnSecurity almost a week ago. It said the problem could extend back to April and affect all of Home Depot’s 2,200 stores in the United States. No details were immediately

available on how many customers were impacted. But Brian Krebs, who runs the security website, said last week the breach could be larger than Target’s last year when hackers stole at least 40 million payment card numbers and 70 million other pieces of customer data. Krebs reported on Monday that Home Depot’s systems were hit by a variant of the same malware that compromised Target’s systems last year. Target has spent $146 million to resolve data breach-related issues since the fourth quarter of 2013. Most of these expenses were for settling actual and potential breach-related claims, mainly by payment card networks. The largest known breach at a U.S. retailer was uncovered in 2007 at TJX Cos Inc, operator of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains, which had more than 90 million credit cards stolen over about 18 months. Home Depot said it started investigating the data breach last Tuesday, but the investigation will look at data from April.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Exclusive: GSK China consumer healthcare Ex-SAC fund manager, Martoma, unit linked to DOJ probe in 2012 sentenced to 9 years in prison

U.S. anti-bribery probe into GlaxoSmithKline Plc, GSK.L, touched on the firm’s Chinese consumer healthcare business in 2012, internal documents show, suggesting the drugmaker’s compliance problems in China could go wider than previously revealed. GSK confirmed it had conducted an investigation into procurement practices in consumer healthcare in China, but said it did not find any “unethical conduct”. It said the inquiry was unrelated to a Chinese criminal investigation into corruption in its pharmaceuticals division that was made public last year. Three “preservation notices” seen by Reuters show GSK was conducting a focused investigation into specific people and suppliers in China at least as far back as 2012. The investigation was related to a U.S. Department of Justice, DOJ, and Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, inquiry into possible violations of the antibribery Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FCPA. “The preservation notices issued in 2012 relate to allegations around adherence to procurement policies within our Chinese consumer healthcare business,” said Simon Steel, British-based spokesman for GSK, in a statement. “We investigated using resources inside and outside the company and did not find evidence of uneth-

ical conduct, but did identify some non-compliance with our procurement procedures and remedial action was taken as a result.” GSK has previously flagged that it has been part of a wider global investigation by the DOJ and SEC into pharmaceutical corruption, including in China, since 2010, but few details of the scope of that investigation have been disclosed. The documents do not amount to evidence of wrongdoing by GSK or its partners, but show scrutiny falling on a part of its China business that had not previously been identified as under the spotlight. Legal experts said that the more far-reaching the U.S. probe, the greater the risk to GSK that it could ultimately face a multi-million dollar settlement payment or fine. GSK’s consumer healthcare segment, which spans products from Panadol painkillers to its Horlicks nutritional malted milk drink, raked in 5.2 billion pounds ($8.6 billion) last year, making up one-fifth of the firm’s global turnover. The drugmaker is also facing bribery allegations in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Poland. Chinese police have separately proposed corruption charges against GSK executives after alleging widespread bribery at the firm in July last year. The preservation notices seen by Reuters said they related to U.S. investigations under the FCPA. The FCPA specifically targets il-

Chine President, Xi Jinping

legal payments to foreign government officials used to boost sales. In FCPA investigations abroad, it is common for the company involved to take the lead in the on-the-ground investigation and report back its findings to U.S. investigators. The three notices, which are sent by in-house counsel to employees to ensure papers are not destroyed during a probe, were emailed to senior GSK China staff, according to a person with direct knowledge of the investigation. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity, said even some senior staff working on compliance in China had been surprised at how far the investigation had gone. “The notices didn’t just generally ask about GSK’s processes, but listed specific named suppliers,” the source said. GSK declined to comment on this matter.

Norway losing out to Sweden in $6bn Wind-Power Boom

ivergent tax policies mean Norway risks missing out on most of a $6 billion wind-power boom while neighboring Sweden benefits. Norway, which aims to triple wind capacity by the end of the decade, has erected one turbine for every seven installed in Sweden since the countries signed a pact to share renewable production two years ago. Norway, western Europe’s biggest oil and gas producer, has so far installed less than 10 percent of what it’s expected to complete by 2020 under the accord.

CEO EWEA, Thomas Becker

The countries’ mismatched tax rules threaten to deny Norway investment in an industry where jobs will triple by 2030, according to the European Wind Energy Association in Brussels. While Statkraft AS, Norway’s state-owned power company, didn’t build any wind projects in its home country in the eight years through 2013, it spent as much as 7.5 billion kroner ($1.2 billion) on turbines inSweden. “Changes must be made now or there will be no significant investment in renewables in Norway, all investments will go to Sweden,” Ola Elvestuen, leader of the Norwegian parliament’s Energy and Environment Committee, said by phone on Sept. 3. The country’s minority government relies on support from Elvestuen and his Liberal Party to get its budget passed. Under their renewable energy agreement, Norway and Sweden give tradable certificates to renewable energy producers for each megawatt-hour they generate for the first 15 years of a unit’s lifetime. Electricity suppliers must buy those certificates to match demand, the cost of which is passed on to residential ratepayers re-

gardless of where the projects are. Norwegian consumers have paid about 1.8 billion Norwegian kroner into the system. Those costs will rise to as much as 40 billion kroner over 15 years at current prices, with most of the money going to producers in Sweden, according to wind lobby group Norwea in Oslo. Norway and Sweden are jointly seeking to add 26.4 terawatt-hours of new annual renewable energy production by 2020, or about 9 pe cent of all output last year from all energy sources in the region. Before joining, Norway expected to build half the system’s wind power, or about 3,000 megawatts of capacity, requiring investment by developers of at least 36 billion kroner based on an average cost of 12 million kroner per megawatt, according to Norwea. Sweden’s wind output rose 38 per cent to an unprecedented 9.9 terawatt-hours last year, according to its energy agency. That compares with the 9.4 terawatt-hours generated at EON SE’s Oskarshamn-3, the biggest nuclear reactor in the Nordic market. One million megawatt-hours is one terawatt-hour.

ormer SAC Capital Advisors LP portfolio manager Mathew Martoma was sentenced to nine years in prison for the most lucrative insider-trading scheme in history, in what may be prosecutors’ last hurrah in the investigation of billionaire Steven A. Cohen. Martoma, 40, convicted of making $275 million for SAC by using illegal tips to trade in Elan Corp. and Wyeth LLC, had rejected government offers of leniency in exchange for his cooperation in the probe of Cohen and his Stamford, Connecticut-based hedge fund. Martoma got the longest sentence of seven former analysts and fund managers from the firm to be convicted, closing a chapter in the pursuit of Cohen by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. The SAC investigation was part of a larger government crackdown on insider trading at hedge funds including Galleon Group LLC, cofounded by Raj Rajaratnam. Martoma planned “one big score that would provide him with financial security,” U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe said at yesterday’s sentencing in Manhattan. “His plan worked, but now he will have to deal with the fallout.” Martoma registered no emotion as Gardephe delivered the sentence. His wife, Rosemary, frequently wiped away tears during the hearing. Martoma plans to appeal, according to a statement issued by law firm Goodwin Procter LLP on

behalf of his family. “Mathew Martoma and his family are devastated by the outcome,” according to the statement. Since August 2009, Bharara’s office has charged 89 people with insider trading and won 81 convictions, most through guilty pleas. Only one defendant, Rajaratnam’s brother, Rengan Rajaratnam, was found not guilty at trial. The remaining seven cases are pending. Martoma received the thirdlongest sentence, after Rajaratnam, who’s serving 11 years in a medical prison in Massachusetts, and former Galleon trader Zvi Goffer, who’s serving 10 years in Pennsylvania. “Today’s sentence of a lengthy prison term is well-suited to the audacity of the illegal trading in this case,” Bharara said yesterday in a statement after the sentencing. “The long and short of Mathew Martoma’s trading is that he traded his liberty, his name and his time with his family for what in the end is nothing.” In making his decision, Gardephe said he considered the “staggering” amount Martoma gained through his insider trading. In addition to the $275 million gain for SAC Capital, Martoma was paid a $9.4 million bonus for his illicit Wyeth and Elan trades. “I cannot and will not ignore that the gain here is hundreds of millions of dollars -- more than has ever been seen in an insidertrading prosecution,” Gardephe said.

Lufthansa pilots strike at Munich airport –Union

ufthansa, LHAG.DE, pilots held a eight-hour strike at Munich airport yesterday, union Vereinigung Cockpit said the strike was the third by the German airline’s pilots within two weeks. The pilots are seeking to increase the pressure on Lufthansa in negotiations over an early retirement scheme. They held a strike at its budget carrier German wings at the end of August, followed by a walkout at Frankfurt last week. The proposed strike at Munich, Lufthansa’s biggest airport behind Frankfurt, will run from 0800-1600 GMT, the union said. While Lufthansa’s lucrative long-haul flights were spared from last week’s Frankfurt walkout, the union said on Tuesday that this time the strike would affect all flights leaving Munich airport. Lufthansa said it could not yet say which flights would be affected and described the strike

as “incomprehensible”. Lufthansa shares fell after the announcement and were down 1.5 per cent at 13.60 euros by 0814 GMT. Vereinigung Cockpit represents about 5,400 of Lufthansa’s around 9,000 pilots and the previous two strikes have cost the airline more than 10 million euros ($12.9 million) in operating profit and have hit bookings. A three-day pilots’ walkout in April wiped 60 million euros from the airline’s first-half operating profit.

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel

Insight

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Menace of solid wastes disposal

ne of the major crises confronting Lagos State because of rapid urbanisation and population surge is the high generation but improper disposal of solid wastes. With an estimated population of 20 million, Lagos is also ranked as the most densely populated city in Nigeria and because of commercial activities, it has been said that the quantity of wastes generated in the state is in proportion to population size, as population increases so also wastes generated rise. In Lagos, as in other cities of the developing world, the quality of life is being diminished by uncontrolled and poorly managed solid wastes in the urban environment. The quality of life in Lagos, with respect to indiscriminate dumping of uncollected solid waste approximates an aesthetic disaster. As Nigeria’s largest commercial, financial and industrial hub, the quantum of industrial and solid wastes generated on a daily basis beats one’s imagination. The presence of industrial zones around Ikeja, Apapa, Opebi, Ilupeju, Ogba, Matori, Oregun and Amuwo-Odofin with over 2000 small, medium and large scale industries as well as location of major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island has contributed to the myriad of waste challenges confronting the state. Although wastes from homes, businesses and institutions make up a small part of the total load of solid wastes generated in any urban environment they are certainly the most offensive and most dangerous to health when they accumulate near residential points. And despite the effort of the state government towards ensuring that the state becomes one of the megacities in the world, the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into water as well continues to exist. Solid waste encompasses diverse nature and constituents. It is generally classified as household, market or commercial, industrial, medical, construction, among others. All these could either be wet or dry in nature. In various parts of Lagos, especially in the highly populated suburbs, raw human faeces are discharged without treatment. For instance, at Ebute- Ero in Lagos Island Local Government Area, human excreta are discharged into the lagoon without treatment, thereby causing deterioration of quality of water and all kinds of water pollution. At Ebute-Ero littoral areas, a number of illicit and insanitary toilets known as “overhung latrines” have been constructed, where in shoppers, passers-by, and traders defecate directly into the lagoon under poor hygienic condition. Lagos residents who intend to dispose of their septic tanks hygienically succeed in polluting the lagoon by hiring handlers who dutifully evacuate and discharge faecal effluents into the lagoon without treatment with the use of itinerant tankers. It is common in Lagos to see a man defecating in broad daylight on the side of the highway or a woman with her wrapper pulled up doing her thing on the sidewalk or gutter in full glare of the public or where

The Lagos State Government is not relenting in efforts to ensure environmental safety and balance. It’s agency, LAWMA, is battling to evacuate residential, institutional and industrial wastes properly. But DARE AKOGUN and LEONARD OKACHIE report that lack of monitoring is allowing unlicensed sewage and waste water disposal operators to pollute the lagoon with raw solid waste.

Sewage collected from septic tanks being deposited in the Lagos lagoon

a man or woman parks his or her car and throws waste on the street. Evidence of this can be seen every day by way of indiscriminate discharge of garbage into drains and at times on the highways. Incidentally, the huge amount of wastes generated in the metropolis coupled with the waste disposal challenge has become a means of livelihood for some. The most common among those who make a living from disposing waste are cart pushers. These cart pushers move from street to street looking for people who want to dispose refuse. And they don’t have to search for long. In fact, people stand outside their homes waiting for cart pushers to pass by so they can transfer the rubbish they have generated over the last couple of days into the cart of these waste disposing medium for onward transfer to dump sites. Unfortunately, these cart pushers litter wastes on the streets while the residents indulge in all forms of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on major highways, streets and drainage canals. Industrial wastes in the metropolis cause environmental degradation and expose the residents to all forms of environmental and health hazards. National Mirror found out that management of solid waste did not become an issue in Nigeria until the early 1970s, when due to the oil boom, which compounded the emerging industrialisation and urbanisation, the resultant high volume of wastes was becoming increasingly difficult for the local government councils in Lagos State to manage. It was such that by 1977, when Nigeria hosted the world black arts and culture festival (FESTAC ‘77), the world press classified Lagos as the “dirtiest” city capital.

Proposed sewage plant in Lagos

IN APRIL 1977, THE FIRST WASTE MANAGEMENT OUTFIT IN WEST AFRICA WAS INSTITUTED AS LAGOS STATE REFUSE DISPOSAL BOARD (LSRDB) IN NIGERIA, UNDER EDICT 9 OF 1977, WITH POWELL DUFFEN POLLUTION CONTROL CONSULTANTS OF CANADA AS MANAGERS Consequently, in April 1977, the first waste management outfit in West Africa was instituted, as Lagos State Refuse Disposal Board (LSRDB) in Nigeria, under Edict 9 of 1977, with Powell Duffen Pollution Control Consultants of Canada as managers. In 1981, its name was changed to Lagos State Waste Disposal Board (LSWDB) because of the added responsibilities for

industrial-commercial waste collection and disposal, drain clearing and disposal of derelict/scrapped vehicles. Finally, in December 1991, its current name, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was christened under Edict No. 55, which made the agency to be responsible for the collection and disposal of municipal and industrial waste, as well as for the provision of commercial waste

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, September 11, 2014

in Lagos

Abesan waste water treatment plant

LAGOS RESIDENTS WHO INTEND TO DISPOSE OF THEIR SEPTIC TANKS HYGIENICALLY SUCCEED IN POLLUTING THE LAGOON BY HIRING HANDLERS WHO DUTIFULLY EVACUATE AND DISCHARGE FAECAL EFFLUENTS INTO THE LAGOON Dump site

services to the state and local governments LAWMA is charged with the responsibility to ensuring effective and efficient disposal of wastes (both residential and industrial wastes) in Lagos. Being acutely aware that a huge amount of resources was needed to resolve the waste disposal problem, the agency came up with what is called the PSP programme (Private Sector Participation) in waste disposal drive. In a survey carried out by LAWMA, which is vested with the responsibility of providing facilities for refuse collection in all streets within the state, it was discovered that most of the streets do not have adequate refuse collection bins, hence the indiscriminate dumping of wastes on the streets. Also, the frequency of carting away the refuse was not regular where the public refuse bins were found. In another survey, it was succinctly put that the volume of municipal wastes piled up (for disposal) will be influenced by nearness to disposal sites, accessibil-

ity, transportation facilities, street layout, composition of wastes methods and individual attitude. Despite the fact that illegal communal waste dumps indiscriminately located in public places have been officially closed down, yet many unauthorised refuse collection points are haphazardly created by residents which pose health hazards and loss of environment aesthetics. Recently, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya, disclosed that the agency evacuates at least 12,000 tonnes of refuse daily against 10,000 earlier being generated. Oresanya lamented that in spite of effort of the state government, residents still indulged in the habit of throwing wastes from their cars and still dumping refuse in unauthorised areas. President of the National Union of Sewage and Waste Waters Disposal Association that was established in 2009, Mr. Lawrence Adebajo, told National Mirror that Wastewater Management Office had

succeeded in changing the face of the business with about 700 members of his union, as all sewage trucks have records and are inspected on a daily basis. He added that the union holds regular summits where scholars and other experts are invited to give talks on the effective management and disposal of wastes without causing any harmful effect to the area created for such purpose and the society at large. “Before now, some operators carried the shit on their head and with their bare hands. But the Wastewater Management Office was created and it has succeeded in changing the face of the business as all sewage trucks have records and are inspected on a daily basis. Our union holds regular summits where scholars and other experts are invited to give talks,” Adebajo said. He added, “We have risen beyond the stigma that was once attached to the profession. I must say that this business can be very lucrative, depending on your skill and the condition of your evacuation truck.

Moreover, the government now regulates the business.” Adebajo stated that the seemingly lack of adequate attention given to the business and absence of strict regulations from the government in the past, gave room for quacks who were not registered members of the union to infiltrate the industry, making it unattractive. “These set of people are those that dispose the sewage collected from households indiscriminately in the lagoon and other places not approved by the government.” He, however, said that the industry had the potential to create more wealth than some of sectors of the economy if more attention was given to it by the government and legislation made to protect operators from miscreants when carrying out their lawful duties. The sewage and waste water union president decried the extortion and intimidation of his members by street urchins popularly called area boys in the state, in areas Lagos Island, Badia, Amukoko, Orile Iganmu and Ajegunle, despite the clampdown on them by the state government. On what the state government is doing to punish defaulters, a source in the Ministry of Environment who spoke to our correspondent said, “The claim by Mr. Lawrence is right, but they are to do that under strict guidelines provided by our office. The instruction is that the wastewater must be treated before being disposed and they must follow in details a particular procedure which they are well aware of. “There are procedures for collection, transportation, treatment and finally disposal of the generated wastewater across the state which members of the Sewage and Wastewater Disposal Association in Lagos are aware of. “Our duty at the Wastewater Management Office (LASWMO) is to monitor and ensure compliance to wastewater management guidelines and development of roadmap for wastewater management across the state. “The office for your information has secured approval for the construction of municipal wastewater treatment plant at Odo Iyalaro that you spoke about. Upon completion of the project, it will have a discharge bay for sewage haulage of trucks. It will equally have physic-chemical and microbiology laboratories. “In respect of coordination, our office is responsible for ensuring compliance to wastewater policies in the state specifically to ensure eradication of pit toilets, check improperly constructed septic tanks and soak away pits, ensure septic tanks liquor are not diverted into the drains, canals and various water bodies. “Between last year and now, over 20, 000 tenements were monitored in the year under review for different environmental offences and nuisances. We have ensured that properties that generate high volume of wastewater such as high rise buildings, hotels and estates have contemporary wastewater treatment plants to adequately treat the wastewater generated. “In the last one year, the office has issued 282 court summons and 117 cases were persecuted by the environmental court. We have in record that about 20 facilities and 49 tenements were sealed off in 2012 while 33 facilities and 126 tenements were sealed off in 2013.”

Cocktail

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Man spends $2,900 on massive ‘Braveheart’ tattoo

Scottish fan of the film Braveheart spent more than $2,900 to have the faces of Mel Gibson and three other stars tattooed on his leg. Paul Hunter, 33, of Tillicoultry said he had the face of Gibson as William Wallace, the titular character of the 1995 film, tattooed on his leg in February and he followed it up with tattoos of Wallace’s sidekicks Stephen, Hamish and Elder Campbell -- respectively played by David O’Hara, Brendan Gleeson and James Cosmo -- at Santa Cruz Kustom Club. “The design goes from

my ankle to just below my knees and I haven’t really showed it off yet because until last week it was unfinished work,” Hunter told the Daily Record. “I haven’t been on holiday yet but I will be wearing shorts a lot when I do so people can see it.” The full piece took tattoo artist Chris Meighan more than 25 hours to ink on Hunter’s leg. The tattoo cost more than $2,900. “Paul came in and said how about doing a Mel Gibson portrait from Braveheart and it just really took off from there,” Meighan said. “After he got that one he said we might as well make it a piece.”

Waiter carries 27 full beer glasses at once

waiter at a German festival set a beercarrying world record by picking up 27 glasses of brew and carrying them a distance of 131 feet. Oliver Struempfel lifted the 27 glasses, which each contained just over 2 pints of beer, by stacking them in a two-tier system and he

carried them a distance of 131 feet at the Gillemoos festival in Abensberg, Bavaria, to best the competition and take the world record. Struempfel, who works at the festival, said he trained for months to build his strength and determine the best way to carry the maximum number of beers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Cancer survivor taking giant testicle across US

California man who survived testicular cancer is pushing a 6-foot-tall inflatable testicle across the country to raise awareness of the disease. Thomas Cantley, 31, brought his giant testicle emblazoned with the slogan “Be Ballsy” to Santa Monica, Calif., Thursday as the first stop on a tour of cities including Las Vegas, Houston, Atlanta, New York and Washington. Cantley said he is filling the inflatable testicle with messages written by the people he meets on his journey. “I wanted to do sort of a social experiment,” Cantley told KSBW. “I didn’t want to force myself on anyone, and what this does and through this process, it forces people to come to me, ask me, ‘What is this, what’s it about, it kind of looks like a testicle, what’s going on?’ and

it creates that conversation.” Cantley said he hopes his project inspires men to get tested for testicular cancer. “It’s a 96 percent survival rate if caught early, so when you catch it early at stage one, its not pro-

gressive, it’s contained,” Cantley said. Cantley said his goal in the project is not to spend any money. “My goal is to get across the country not by any money,” Cantley said. “I want people to come and go, ‘I’ll book a hotel room,

Cantley rolling the giant 6-foot-tall inflatable testicle

I’ll take you out to lunch, I’ll fill up your gas tank’ or whatever and I want those physical connections, I don’t just want people to donate to me, I want people to connect with me.” Cantley said supporters can also make donations at his website, ballpush.org.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Recapitalisation: SEC adamant on December deadline for operators JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has reinstated its resolve to go ahead with the N300m new capital requirements for market operators. The deadline for the operators will expire in December 31. Addressing journalists at a Capital Market Committee, CMC, meeting in Lagos yesterday, the Director General of SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, said the commission is determined to ensure that market operators meet the new capital requirements at the stipulated date. She noted that the initiative has become necessary, if the stock market must be made to operate in line with what is obtained globally.

Oteh attributed the crisis in the market between 2008 and 2009 to failure of operators to recapitalise. She said, “Based on the report with the implementation team, we are satisfied that efforts are being made by the operators to meet the new capital requirements. Different trade groups have engaged with us and agreed that raising the standards is necessary for the development of the market. “Our judgment is that we have done what is necessary. We expect that all market operators will meet the requirements on December 31, 2014.” Given the transformation ongoing in the capital market with increased volume of transactions, the board of SEC in pursuant to section 313(6) of the Investments and Securities

Act (ISA) 2007, approved the new minimum capital requirements for all categories of capital market operators. The capital requirement for broker/dealer was increased from N70m to N300m. For broker only, the capital requirement was increased from N40m to N200m, while a dealer was expected to increase capital base to N100m from N30m. The minimum capital requirement for Issuing House was increased from N150m to N200m, while that of underwriter was jerked up from N100m to N200m. For a registrar in the Nigerian capital market, the minimum capital requirement rose to N150m from N50m, while for those in trustees business, the capital requirement was raised to N300m, from N40m.

Also, the minimum capital requirement for a rating agency was increased from N20m to N150m, while the capital requirement for corporate investment adviser remains at N5m. From an initial capital requirement of N.5m every individual investment adviser was expected to have at least N2m as capital, while fund/portfolio manager’s minimum capital requirement was raised from N20m to N150m. The development has sparked reactions from few operators who opined that stock broking firms’ minimum capital should be determined by the level of business. However, the regulators remained irrevocable in their resolve to ensure that operators meet the requirements.

FG to raise N100bn in bonds, equities rise 0.04%

he Federal Government plans to sell N100bn ($615m) worth of bonds with maturities ranging from 3 to 20 years at an auction next week. A notice obtained at the Debt Management Office said it will auction N15bn in the 3-year bond, N50bn in the 10-year paper and N35bn in the 20-year debt note, using a Dutch auction system. The bonds are reopenings of previously issued debt notes, the debt office said, noting that the results of the auction will be released the following day. “Successful bidders will pay a price corresponding

to the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the volume being auctioned, plus any accrued interest on the instrument,” the debt office said. Meanwhile, trading in equities closed on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as investors took position of stocks with good earnings. The All Share Index appreciated 0.04 per cent to close at 40,885.40 points, as against the decline of 0.84 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 40,868.02 points. Market capitalisation gained N6bn to close at N13.5otrn, in contrast to the

loss of N115bn recorded the preceding day to close at N13.49trn. Ikeja Hotel Plc led the gainers’ table with nine kobo or 7.83 per cent to close at N1.24 per share, followed by Premier Breweries Plc with 17 kobo or 4.89 per cent to close at N3.65 per share. Access Bank Plc was up 40 kobo or 4.35 per cent to close at N9.60 per share, while ABC Transport Plc appreciated three kobo or 4.23 per cent to close at 74 kobo per share. WAPIC Insurance Plc rose three kobo or 4.17 per cent to close at 77 kobo per

share. Costain West Africa Plc dropped seven kobo or 6.80 per cent to close at 96 kobo per share, while RT Briscoe Plc shed five kobo or five per cent to close at 95 kobo per share. Morison Plc depreciated nine kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at N1.82 per share, while Neimeth International Plc dipped five kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at N1.05 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc declined 15 kobo or 3.61 per cent to close at N4.00 per share. A total of 386.6 million shares valued at N3.79bn were traded in 5,193 deals.

Alibaba’s record IPO covered after first few roadshows

libaba Group Holding Limited has received enough orders for its record-breaking initial public offering to cover the entire deal within just two days of its launch, people familiar with the IPO process said yesterday. There was no indication as to where most of that demand was in the $60-$66 per share indicative range for the IPO, said the people, who couldn’t be named because details of the offering demand aren’t yet public. Alibaba, a Chinese ecommerce titan, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

At the top end of expectations, the Alibaba IPO would raise $21.1bn, topping Facebook Inc’s $16bn listing in 2012 as the largest-ever technology IPO. Alibaba, could set a new record for the world’s biggest IPO if underwriters exercise an option to sell additional shares to meet demand - putting it as high as $24.3bn, and overtaking Agricultural Bank of China Ltd’s $22.1bn listing in 2010. The company launched its IPO on Monday and is expected to price the deal on September 18. Co-founder and executive chairman Jack Ma has spo-

ken with investors in New York and Boston so far this week, presenting the company’s growth strategies and addressing concerns over its corporate governance. Alibaba has kept tight control over the IPO, leaving a vacuum at the helm of the group of banks managing the offering - a move that has led to a complicated arrangement and left some bankers complaining it has created additional layers of work, according to people familiar with the situation. The United States listed shares of South African gold miner AngloGold Ashanti Limited were among the big-

gest percentage decliners on the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday after it announced a $2.1bn rights issue and plans to spin off its non-South African assets in a new British-based company. The stock was down 16 percent and was on track for its biggest daily percentage decline since 2008. Shares of other overseas producers were lower as well, including South Africa’s Gold Fields, down 3.5 per cent. Shares of Brazilian miner Vale was down 1.9 percent while shares of BHP Billiton were down 0.9 per cent.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 40,885.40 points Market capitalisation 13.5trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

IKEJAHOTEL

1.15

1.24

0.09

7.83

PREMBREW

3.48

3.65

0.17

4.89

ACCESS

9.20

9.60

0.40

4.35

ABCTRANS

0.71

0.74

0.03

4.23

WAPIC

0.72

0.75

0.03

4.17

GOLDBREW

0.74

0.77

0.03

4.05

MOBIL

174.50

180.00

5.50

3.15

CAVERTON

4.99

5.14

0.15

3.01

CUSTODYINS

3.90

4.00

0.10

2.56

TOTAL

176.02

180.00

3.98

2.26

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

COSTAIN

1.03

CLOSING 0.96

-0.07

-6.80

RTBRISCOE

1.00

0.95

-0.05

-5.00

MORISON

1.91

1.82

-0.09

-4.71

NEIMETH

1.10

1.05

-0.05

-4.55

HONYFLOUR

4.15

4.00

-0.15

-3.61

MAYBAKER

1.50

1.45

-0.05

-3.33

NEM

0.78

0.76

-0.02

-2.56

225.00

220.02

-4.98

-2.21

NASCON

9.69

9.48

-0.21

-2.17

FIDSON

3.35

3.30

-0.05

-1.49

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.93

102.80

11.38

102.95

11.30

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.63

108.35

11.32

108.50

11.26

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.80

116.20

11.50

116.50

11.42

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.38

120.75

12.06

121.05

12.00

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.51

111.40

12.15

111.70

12.10

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.87 84.50

12.23

84.80

12.18

Closing Market Prices of September 10, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

11-Dec-14

10.70

11.00

5-Mar-15

10.35

10.89

3-Sep-15

10.35

11.52

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

10.7083

11.9944

13.0092

13.9618 The Fixings of September 10, 2014

Capital Market

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 10, 2014 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Tertiary institutions underutilised N22.3bn in 10 years –TETFUND

he Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, yesterday expressed regrets that institutions which benefitted from the N22.3 billion intervention fund in the last 10 years underutilised the funds. The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the fund, Dr Musa Babayo, said this at a capacity building programme for laboratory technologists in tertiary institutions in the NorthCentral and South-West, in Ilorin, Kwara State. The capacity building forum was entitled: `Enhancing the Capacity and Productivity of Technicians/ Technologists’. Represented by Idris Saidu, TETFund’s former executive secretary, Babayo said the funds were released as intervention fund to procure technical and laboratory equipment for laboratories. He said: “Some of the equipments were probably never installed, underutilised or not being

properly maintained by the respective benefiting institutions.” According to him, the underutilisation is largely due to lack of trained laboratory technologists in technical and vocational education in the country. “Specifically, between 2004 and 2007, N7 billion was allocated to technical and vocational education, while N15.3 billion was released in 2011 for technical/vocational equipment. “This was through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to tertiary institutions,” he said. He said that TETFund recognised the importance of laboratory technologists in facilitating and enhancing teaching and research activities in the area of scientific studies in tertiary institutions. Babayo said this, therefore, aroused the interest of the fund in the provision of intervention fund for laboratory equipment in the tertiary institutions.

Nasarawa, Immigration to partner on insecurity IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

omptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, David Parradang, yesterday called on the Nasarawa State government to collaborate with the agency to aid its operatives in effectively monitoring foreigners in the state. Parradang stated this at the Government House, Lafia, when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, even as he craved the indulgence of the governor to support the agency’s divisional offices across the local council areas to perform their duties of monitoring foreigners. The monitoring of foreigners according to the NIS chief “will especially help the divisional officers at the grassroots to forestall (foreigners) involvement in any act inimical to national security inter-

est and electoral malpractices.” Although Nasarawa is a landlocked state, but the immigration boss said stressed that “the state’s proximity to Abuja makes it of utmost interest to the Nigeria Immigration Service, particularly with respect to statutory role of internal monitoring and control of their activities of foreigners within the security matrix of the nation.” Parradang however condemned the unfortunate ethno-crises that had bedeviled the state in recent times resulting to loss of precious lives and property.

Governor Tanko Al-Makura

“It has, therefore, become imperative that we match capacity building programme to funds allocated for interventions in all tertiary institutions to ensure optimal benefit for the educational sector and the nation,” he said. Also, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, TETFund Executive Secretary, said the fund was

committed to the delivery of quality, and would intervene in the educational development of the nation. Bogoro implored other stakeholders in the education sector to continue their collaboration with the fund. He said this would ensure the development of the required manpower to

drive the Nigeria’s economy toward the attainment of the goals of Education for All and the Vision 20:2020. The executive secretary said that the aim of the workshop is to increase efficiency of technicians and address problems encountered with installation and maintenance of the equip-

ment. Bogoro said that the workshop would also ensure that equipment procured through TETFund interventions were judiciously utilised. He said it would also ensure proper maintenance of such equipment and bring technologists up to date on modern technology.

Displaced Taraba State students from Federal Polytechnic and Adamawa State University Mubi, waiting to be evacuated to Taraba at the Adamawa State NYSC orientation camp, Bajabure, Girei Local Government Area

Mass improvement in NECO SSCE results …as candidates score 60% in core subjects PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he National Examination Council, NECO, has released the 2014 June/July Senior Schools Certificate Examination, SSCE, results, with candidates scoring above 60 per cent in core subjects of Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, among others, while

Upholstery had 100 per cent credit mark. This is coming after six years of recording massive failures in the subjects. The record of the result showed students scoring 69.49 per cent credit pass in Mathematics, 72.58 per cent in English Language, Biology 67.83 per cent, Chemistry 72.86 per cent, Physics 69.38 per cent, and Geography 68.99 per cent.

Others are Economics with 70.31 per cent credit pass, Agriculture Science, 69.44 per cent, Further Mathematics, 67.27 per cent, Civic Education, 70.06 per cent, Government, 69.13 per cent, History, 66.56 per cent, Commerce, 74.14 per cent, Financial Accounting, 68.67 per cent, among others, while the least marks were scored in Auto Body Repair and Spray, 33.33 per cent,

NEMA rues poor learning facilities in Gombe IDP camp DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

he Gombe camp for the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, that caters over 630 people is in dire need of learning materials for the temporary primary school. Acting Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, for Gombe office, Hajyia Zainab Umar Ali, while speaking to National

Mirror, said the pupils were in desperate need of learning materials such as books, pencils and many other learning facilities. She said though it is an IDP camp and in a makeshift environment, they use one classroom for primaries I VI but make two shifts in a day for the children. According to her, more learning materials for the pupils are needed to make the children a bit comfortable like their counterparts

in other schools. She commended the resilience of parents at the camp, some of whom are teachers, and the support of the Gombe State government through the Ministry of Education in supplementing the school with enough teachers. She said the over 630 populated camp, comprising mostly children, also has a clinic that is run by the state Ministry of Health to cater for the health challenges of the IDPs.

Furniture Making, 37.26 per cent and 28.68 per cent was scored in Plumbing and Joinery, respectively, among others. Announcing the release of the result in Minna, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Prof. Promise Okpala, said a total of 989, 622 candidates registered for the SSCE exams, but 967,351 sat for it. According to him, an analysis of malpractice cases in 2014 revealed that only 0.44 percent as against 0.80 per cent obtained in 2013 of those that wrote the exam were involved, saying the low level of malpractice was a testimony of the painstaking efforts of the council to eradicate exam malpractices. He also expressed joy at the improvement in NECO results, especially over the past three years, saying a comparative analysis by subjects in June/July exams from 2012 to 2014 clearly depicts the trend.

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHYDAN denounces northern elite over insurgency Stories : Leonard Okachie

hampions Youths Development Association of Nigeria, CHYDAN, has revealed that the insurrection of Boko Haram insurgency rocking few states in the North was as a result of the ‘’Devilish Behaviours and Many Sins’’ of some northern elite who have woefully failed to deliver on the basic test of leadership. The youth group, which has millions of membership spread across the country, said this at the just concluded two day official inauguration of its 776 local government coordinators, 36 state coordinators, zonal coordinators in the six geo-political zones, some elected national executive members officers in was held in Abuja FCT Abuja. CHYDAN in a statement said: “We remind the northern elite once more that poverty, illiteracy, economic and social ruin, sectarian massacres and religious extremism are the chickens they hatched coming home to roast. Some of the ungodly northern elites vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable if Jonathan became president. Now, who is to be blamed?” “Each state of the federation has an elected state governor and a complete set of elected lawmakers in the state house of assembly who are collectively charged with the responsibility of controlling and managing all the state affairs. “In the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, the northerners are the majority. 75% of Jonathan cabinet mem-

bers are from the north. What serious efforts have these set of leaders made to bring an end this issue of insurgency in their state? All we see every day is public looting of our resources and siphoning them abroad for personal gains.” Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the northerners have ruled Nigeria for over 35 years, what have we achieved for all these years of occupying highly exalted positions? Poverty and illiteracy is the order of the day in the north. The northern youths are dying every day in their numbers with all sorts of malnutrition and diseases without any possible solution from their leaders. Ninety per cent of the northern youths are jobless and homeless. They have no choice than to do all sorts of dehumanizing and rubbish jobs just to survive. The association regretted that some senseless and hopeless youths have made themselves willing tools of violence in the hands of these evil perpetrators who will only use them for their selfish gains and finally dumped them like refuse. It restated that northern elite have completely failed the northern region and it takes only the intervention of oriented northern youths to restore peace, unity and progress of the north. Founder of CHYDAN, Umaru Bameyi noted that majority of the northern elite are nothing but empty heads, stressing that if the Federal Government is sincere towards ensuring peace in Nigeria, all those unpatriotic northern sycophants surrounding Jonathan should be removed immediately and replaced with those who are

Boko Haram suspects.

more interested in serving their people than their pockets. Jonathan is living in the mist of his political enemies who are in the same political party with him and these set of people are really working against his administration. “Of course, Jonathan is in a better position to address this issue of insurgency but the northern elite have completely failed to deliver on the basic test of leadership and as such, they lacked mor-

al right to issue any ultimatum to him”, Bameyi maintained. Board of Trustees Vice Chairman of CHYDAN, Comrade Ya’u Musa Sakabe, stated that the north needs robust leadership and selfless elite, noting that the greatest mistake of the northern elite was to totally neglect education. “They are now hiding behind religion and politics to deprive their children the vital tool that frees all human beings.

The killings, abduction and destruction of properties in the north are all political game,” he insisted. Board of Trustee Secretary of CHYDAN, Lynda Amaka Nweke who is also Legal Practitioner warned all the Nigerian leaders to stop making provocative utterances that could fuel insurgency in the country. South-West Coordinator of CHYDAN, Comrade Sherif Abiodun described the northern lawmakers mostly in the State House of Assembly as the real enemies of the northern region and the present administration of President Jonathan. He urged them to stop their evil impeachment plot against an elected governor and be concerned in finding solution to political Boko Haram insurgency in their region.

5 children emerge winners in ‘Comic Book 10’ raffle

ive lucky children have emerged winners in the Indomitables Promo by Indomie tagged ‘Comic Book 10’ in a raffle draw recently held at the company’s headquarters in Surulere. The children, whose age range within 9-14-years old; Rukayat Ayomide AbdulRahmam - 12 years old, Fumilayo Oke - 14 years old, Emmanuel Thomas – 9 years old, and Chisom Ikeocha-10 years old all from Lagos while, Temiloluwa Oyelola – 14 years old, resides in Kaduna. The children, alongside a guardian each, are now Disney-bound and are set to be treated to a memorable Disneyland trip in France, courtesy Dufil Prima Foods Plc, the manufacturers of Indomie noodles, after all their travel documents would have been sorted out. The comic book 10 in 1 pack promo which according to the company was intended to gladly give back to the core loyalists of the brand who happen to be children was a nationwide initiative open to children within the ages of 15 and below. The Head of Marketing, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Manpreet Singh, who was present at the raffle draw, alongside some select journalists through a transparent digitalized procedure, said, “Dufil Prima

Foods Plc, is happy and proud to announce the names of the lucky winners who have emerged from the over 40,000 entries generated across the country.” Singh said: “Indomie has, once again, proven that it indeed has core loyalists spread across the country that love and believe in the company and what it stands for, that’s why our relationship which has spanned more than 20 years still waxes strong till date. “Once again, we also saw it as a great idea to create a bond and engagement activity for the children with their favorite animation characters during the long holiday; Dufil believes it is pertinent to appreciate these children who through their love and continued loyalty to the brand have ensured we remain the trailblazer in the noodles segment. “So we thought of no better time than now, likewise a memorable reward that would no doubt be one to remember for a long time to come.” While shedding light on the journey that qualified the children for the trip, the Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said, “These lucky 5, who have emerged today were part of the 40,000 who purchased a 10 in 1 branded indomitables pack of Indo-

L- R: Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Tope Asiwaju; Chief Marketing Officer, Pawan Sharma, and Head of Marketing, Manpreet Singh, during the Indomie Noodles Comic Promo Lucky Draw in Lagos, recently.

mie Noodles, took out the stickers or comic books, and sent a text with their names and address to the number boldly quoted on the ,comic book / stickers. “This automatically qualified them for the raffle draw, where they have now emerged the lucky five as they are presently called. These children will now go along-

side a parent/ guardian to Disneyland. It will be recalled that the promo was also made the more engaging and exciting one for all, as Dufil ensured it put in place the Indomitables Augmented Reality app which was launched alongside the promo, expected to give a glimpse into the upcoming Indomitables animation.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Nigerian teens shine at international festival Stories: Leonard Okachie

tudents of the St. Jude’s Private Secondary School, FESTAC Town, Lagos, have emerged winners at the 2014 International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in South Africa. Disclosing this recently in Lagos, the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Ijeoma Jato, said that the 16 students represented Nigeria and beat students from about 71 other educational institutions in the Steelpan Category of the musical competition held in Johannesburg earlier this month. The proprietress said that St Jude’s also emerged third in the ``Battle of the Bands’’ (High School: Small Ensemble) as well as won an award for the band that travelled the longest distance. Jato noted that the students, who were the only contingent from West Africa, qualified for the competition by excelling at the Nigerian Junior Steelpan Competition held on Nov. 21, 2013 in

Nigeria. According to her, Nigerian Junior Steelpan Competition is being organised by the Steelband Panorama, Nigeria, headed by Chief Bowie Bowie. She said that the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in South Africa is being organised by Education Africa, headed by Mrs. Joan Lithgow. Jato added that the school’s drummer and guitar player won the best player’s award with a cash award of 3,000 Rand. The proprietress said that there were about 220 song performances at the competition, adding that schools from Zimbabwe, Botswana, France, Lesotho, among other countries participated. She said that St. Jude’s students presented Nigeria’s P-Square’s `Chop My Money’, Shakira’s `Waka Waka’ and South Africa’s Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s `Uquombothi’ at the competition. Jato said that the school was committed to developing students’ potential to enable them to contribute meaningfully

Students of St. Jude’s Private Secondary School, Festac, at the festival in South Africa

to societal development. She urged parents to invest in their children’s education to give them a secure future, stressing that many Nigerian children were talented and needed development through quality education. In 2013, the international festival

had over 1,400 participants from South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, France and Germany. The festival is aimed at building cultural bridges through young people besides bringing out music talents.

Shekarau, Akpabio for youth empowerment summit

n a bid to empower the youths, Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development, otherwise known as Akpabioism has concluded plans to hold an economic summit. The summit, according to the Chancellor of the Centre, Pastor Bassey James is billed for September 13, 2014 at the Nigeria Institute for International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. Expected to grace the occasion are Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Minister for Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development, Honourable Nduesse Essien and many commissioners among others. Speaking with journalists recently in Lagos, James noted that the economic summit will go a long way in adding immense value to the lives and development of many Nigerian youths who hitherto are seen as jobless and hopeless. He said, “With Akpabioism economic

Particpants at young enterpreneurs, summit in Lagos recently.

summit, we intend to add value to the lives of our youths, not just in Akwa Ibom, but in Nigeria. It’s for us to sustain the lives of young men, to encourage them into businesses and make them a successful entrepreneur. ‘Also, we have decided to use Akpabio-

Group establishes Christian youth for peace initiative Joel Ajayi Abuja

n an effort to assist the government in reducing the number of crimes and terrorism among the teeming unemployed youths a non-government organization known as Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative has been established. The youth peace advocacy initiative was spiced up by notable Ambassador, Dr. Pastor Dolly Simon the former President of youth wing of Christian Association of Nigeria YOWICAN as part of his effort to promote peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among the Nigeria youth. Speaking recently at the inauguration in Abuja, Simon, who is the ambassador of peace to the 36 states of the federation, noted that no nation would ever exist without peace. He said: “Today Nigeria and world

all over are faced with diverse challenges truncating the anonymous existence of citizens such as; terrorism, inter-ethnic violence, religious and political crisis and in a bid to curtail these, it is our responsibility to promote Intra-faith and inter-religious relationship. Nigeria belongs to all and it was not a mistake by God for creating both Muslim and Christian as citizens of Nigeria. “The fundamental consequences of all of these conflicts are as a result of lack of peace in our society, which actually destroys Nigeria as a nation and paint a bad image of us before the international community. This has to stop and this great and noble organisation has the arsenals and the personnel to stop this. That is our mission! “It is instructive to note that no nation would ever exist without peace. Thus the importance of peace cannot be over emphasized. With peace overall development is guarantee.”

ism to develop talents, build entrepreneurship spirit in the lives of our people and to refocus their entire thinking and aspiration because the world today is all about business development and capacity building. So we want to build young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom, in south-south and in

Nigeria. Speaking further on the massive support and encouragement the centre has enjoyed over the years, the Chancellor said, “The support we’ve had over the few years that Akpabioism have been in existence has been so overwhelming. So we decided that with this year’s economic summit, people be encouraged to come to Akwa Ibom to experience God’s endowment with both natural and human resources which are basic requirement for a viable economic growth. “But I must add that this summit is also not about religion or tribal affinity but it’s about capacity building and defining the essence of our active population, Nigerian youth. “It is aimed at giving the youth an opportunity and empowering by giving them a chance to live and fulfilled their destiny through empowerment programs. It’s not about their certificate; it’s about their mental attitude towards success.”

Microsoft to sponsor DEMO Africa

s part of the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative aimed at growing the African economy, Microsoft Corporation has taken up the challenge of sponsoring this year’s edition of DEMO Africa in the PLATINUM capacity. The event, which will see youths showcase their talents, will hold from the 22nd to the 26th of this month at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. The company will participate in the event for the 3rd time under the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative. The sponsorship will see Microsoft offer financial support for the event where 40 tech based start-ups from across Africa are expected to pitch to potential investors. DEMO Africa recently released the names of the final 40 start-ups that will launch on the DEMO Africa stage where Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt will have the highest representation. Commenting on the collaboration, Fernando de Sousa, GM Africa Initiatives at Microsoft, underscored the importance of

innovations to the growing African economy. “DEMO Africa has given a platform for investors to realize the enormous potential amongst African youth showcased through startups. As an organization that has operated in the continent for over 20 years, Microsoft believes Africa’s economic take-off to long-term growth prospects will be determined by the investment decisions we make today in support of youth initiatives. ”he said. Welcoming the support, DEMO Africa’s Executive Producer, Harry Hare commented that investor’s confidence plays a very critical role in motivating start-up entrepreneurs. “We acknowledge the support of Microsoft and their efforts in uplifting young entrepreneurs in Africa. It’s this kind of support that assures us that the future is indeed bright for Africa and at DEMO Africa we are keen to make our contribution to this success,” he stated.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Journalists urged to foster national unity, development Stories : Leonard Okachie

n view of daunting challenges rocking Nigeria at the moment, especially as it prepares for the 2015 general elections, journalists have been urged to proffer solutions that that would strengthen the cords of unity and development in the country. They are also requested to use the instruments of communication to prescribe antidotes to hate, malice, fear and suspicion dogging the footsteps of the country in the march to entrench democracy and good governance. Former Governor of Abia State Chief Orji Kalu made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2014 inaugural conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria (ACSPN) in Abuja, recently. Kalu, who was represented by the Managing Director, New Telegraph, Mr. Eric Osagie appealed to journalists to use their skills to chart the course for a more united nation, shine the light and let the people find the way. Kalu, who is the Chairman of The Sun Publishing Limited as well as the New

A cross section of participants at the 9th edition of All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, in Asaba, Delta State last year.

Telegraph, said the challenges of the 21st century were multifarious, particularly for a fractured polity like Nigeria, adding , “The rest of the world has gone ahead in science technology in conquering new vistas and realism but Nigeria sadly is still marooned in an inglorious past. Multiculturalism, which the rest of the world has turned to strength, is a curse to Nigeria.

“Diversity has become a bitter pill, which the country is constantly forced to swallow when the rest of the world has used the same diversity as a launch pad into greater realism. Lead us out of the morass in which we are as a country, and plant our feet on the rock to stay.’’ Director, UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, Prof. Hassana Alidou said that advances in technology and economic

models had expanded the opportunities for press freedom and safety of journalists. According to him, today more and more people are able to produce update and share information widely within and across national borders. He said that the changes offered greater opportunities for freedom of expression and dialogue for peace and development. President of the association, Prof. Lai Oso stated that the group was committed to work with industry to develop evidence-based professional practice and industry-wise curriculum. He said the association would produce and adopt a new communications curriculum that was all encompassing and wide enough to include all facet of communication. Oso commended universities who had initiated the development of communication scholarship training in the direction of desired goal by establishing faculties of communications. According to him, there is a need to utilise communications and the media to establish a real sense of national identity, understanding to sensitise the populace to live harmoniously within their diversities

Media has done very well –APGA Chairman T he National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, said the news media had performed its watchdog role very well for the country. Umeh made the remark in an interview after receiving ``Man of the Decade” award from The Aluta, a campus newspaper published by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, last weekend. Umeh, Anambra Central Senatorial aspirant in 2015, said the media had remained the hope of the common people in a country with fledgling democracy. ``The media enlighten the people about goings-on, and the media professionals have lived up to this through their reportage”, he said. The APGA boss charged the media to do more to sustain the country’s democracy by focusing on developmental journalism and ensuring that the leaders were accountable to the people. He expressed happiness that students could come up with a noble idea like publishing a campus newspaper to help

educate their colleagues. He thanked the students for the award, saying ``it goes to show that people are watching whatever you do in the society. The decision to give me this award means that they have been following my activities and consider it a great motivation for them to succeed. “I am happy that I have inspired them to believe in themselves and I hope they will behold a good future for themselves”. The senatorial aspirant lauded the leader of the management team of the newspaper, Mr. David Agu, a Mass Communications student of the university, for the quality of the newspaper. He called on students to always devote good time to reading newspapers so as to update their knowledge of the nation’s politics if they truly desired to be leaders of tomorrow. “During our days in the 1980s, we had a campus newspaper in the University of Nigeria (UNN), and it helped us a lot about things that were happening all around us.I encourage all of you to read

L-R: Managing Director and Editor- in- Chief of TheNiche Newspapers, Mr. Ikechuckwu Amaechi, with the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr. Femi Adesina, at the public presentation of the newspaper in Lagos, recently.

this and take it as your own”, Umeh said. Earlier in his remarks, Agu said the choice of Umeh for the award was informed by the several litigations he had won over the years, and his contributions to making APGA a major national political party in the country. Others honoured included Catholic

priest and Director of Spiritan Center for Self Realisation, Rev. Fr. Raymond Arazu and a renowned traditionalist and purveyor of the Igbo tradition, culture and language, Dr. Ramas Asuzu. Former Chairman of Anambra East local council, Mr. Chinedu Obidigwe also bagged an award.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Digital migration: NTA STAR TV targets 50 cities by Jan Leonard Okachie

s the country progresses in its process of digital migration, Digital Terrestrial Television pay TV provider in Nigeria, NTA STAR TV Network - StarTimes has disclosed it that it working towards ensuring that at least 50 cities are connected before the January 2015 switch over deadline. Speaking with journalists recently in Lagos, the director, Television Enterprise,NTA STAR TV Network, Mr. Maxwell Loko said that the StarTimes has already covered 36 cities, adding that the set target is achievable. He restated that the Network was committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable digital television, saying that is the only licensed carrier of Digital Terrestrial Television, DTT, services in the country. Loko, who is a member of the DigiTeam – a group entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a smooth switch over by the Federal Government, urged Nigerians to key into the process, stressing “Digitisation is going to encourage specialised channels. At StarTimes, we have certain responsibility to build up local channels as signal distributors. Asked if the Nigeria will beat the switch over deadline, he expressed doubt but said “our target before January 2015,

is to ensure that 80 per cent of the Nigerian landscape is ready for the switch off in the June 2015 deadline.” We demystified the pay TV market. Being in 36 cities and still counting, we have indeed set the pace for digital transmission. All the states are already being carried free- for- air. He insisted that the recently launched digital television service StarSat, is part of the Network’s effort to complement the current DTT services, in enhancing Nigeria’s digital migration process. Loko explained that StarSat uses the DTH technology, utilizes a full HD decoder with HD Channels and would be offering Nigerians more television viewing channels, good sound quality as well as high picture quality that are characteristics of digital television. He said that with the launch of StarSat, Nigerians have the opportunity of enjoying rich content with over 100 channels and audio music channels available on StarSat for subscribers’ selection from the available bouquets, depending on their individual needs. Loko maintained that with only 12,600 subscribers can obtain StarSat HD Decoder, including the satellite dish, decoder and one month subscription, adding that Nigerians can enjoy a bumper promo package with just N12, 600 + 3 months Super Bouquet with Indian Channels.

L-R : Director, Television Enterprises, NTA STAR TV Network, Mr. Maxwell Loko with the Chief Executive, NTA STAR TV Network, Mr. Joshua Wang at the launch of StarSat in Abuja, recently.

For sport enthusiasts, Loko said that Startimes has the exclusive rights to show all the matches for the ongoing European qualifiers on its Sports 2 , a 24 hour exclusive sports channel. The Marketing Director, NTA Star TV Network, Mr. Wang Kai Xuan in his stimulating presentation on StarTimes, noted that the Network, which is celebrating its fourth anniversary in Nigeria, actually started in China in 1988. He explained that the Network,

which came to Africa in 2007, is already in 12 countries including Nigeria, adding that it has already hit four million subscriber base in the continent, two million of which is from Nigeria. Xuan said that StarTimes is to become a Media Group with international influence, while its mission is,“To enable every African household afford digital TV, watch good digital TV and enjoy digital TV.”

Media Abroad

Facebook now worth $200bn

Founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg

t’s all Apple and Alibaba all the time in the world of tech these days. But that little social network in Menlo Park may be hotter than either of them. Facebook (FB, Tech30) is now worth more than $200 billion, surpassing that level for the first time on Monday. While that’s still a far cry from Apple’s (AAPL, Tech30) $590 billion market value, Facebook has quickly become the 15th most valuable company in the S&P 500. Facebook is worth more than much older tech giants IBM (IBM, Tech30), Oracle (ORCL, Tech30) and Intel (INTC, Tech30) as well as brand name icons Coca-Cola (KO), AT&T (T, Tech30) and Walt Disney (DIS). (It’s also currently worth more than the projected market value for Alibaba ... although that could change once Alibaba starts trading.) Facebook’s stock is up more than 40% in 2014 and has more than doubled from its initial public offering price of $38 in 2012. The days of Facebook’s shares doing a Faceplant are long gone. What’s driving the excitement? It’s a combination of mobile growth as well as hopes that a flurry of acquisitions will pay off for the social media giant. Facebook now generates 62% of its total advertising sales from mobile ads. The

number of daily mobile users rose nearly 40% from a year ago. Investors are expecting more good news about mobile when the company reports its third-quarter results in late October or early November. The company is also boosting its video efforts as well. Facebook may not be as big in video as Google (GOOGL, Tech30)owned YouTube just yet. But the Internet research team for investment brokerage Jefferies thinks that may be changing. “Analytics companies are now recommending to advertisers that they upload video on both Facebook and YouTube to get the benefits of both,” the analysts wrote in a report last week. And CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also been on a shopping spree lately. The company agreed to buy mobile messaging service WhatsApp in February for a whopping $19 billion. That deal, combined with Instagram (which Facebook bought in 2012) has the potential to add even more users to the social media giant. Facebook also announced plans to buy virtual gaming headset maker Oculus VR in March for $2 billion and followed that up with the purchase of ProtoGeo, developer of the popular fitness tracking app Moves. Worth the hype?: Add this all up and you can understand why many big brand name companies have gone from treating Facebook as a curiosity to using social media as a preferred marketing strategy. “Facebook is the head of the class when it comes to usage. A high percentage of their daily users are interacting with the company multiple times a day,” said Martin Pyykkonen, an analyst who covers the company for Rosenblatt Securities. “Facebook, as well as Instagram, has become a fabric of their personal and work life, especially on mobile. Advertisers realize that’s where the audience is.” CNN Money

Somali govt closes down more radio stations

omali national intelligence and security agency has shut down Kulmiye and Simba FM radio stations in the capital Mogadishu. The staff of the stations were detained and taken to the headquarters of the Somali intelligence agency for more investigation. Reports say that the stations aired the voice of Al Shabaab militant group spokesman Ali Dere on the death of Ali Godane and the announcement of his successor Ahmed Omar Abu-Ubeyda aka Ahmed Dhere. Last week, Somali intelligence agency warned the independent week against broadcasting or publishing of Al Shabaab related news stories unless press

briefing or information provided by the security agencies. On 15th august last month personnel from same Somali intelligence agency have forced the closure of radio Shabelle and Sky FM stations for allegedly inciting members of the public on the disarmament security operation against war lords in Mogadishu. The chairman of Somali independent media houses association Hassan Ali Gesey was also detained last week after an interview with voice of America Somali services on the ongoing Somali government independent media crackdown in the country. Dalsan Radio (Mogadishu)

Journalists in Mogadishu, Somalia, protest the ongoing detention of freelance journalist Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim, who has been held without charge by Somali officials since January 10, 2013.

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Man charged to court for rape

I don’t think change of officers is re-organisation in itself, but repositioning officers can lead to perhaps what we may call advancement ACTING INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE (IGP) SULEIMAN ABBA

Man sentenced to community service, for traffic obstruction WALE IGBINTADE

n Igbosere Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 50year-old driver, Ezekwe Ikechukwu, to 20 hours community service for causing traffic obstruction. The driver was alleged to have converted his private car, an Audi saloon car with registration number EKY 488CB, to commercial vehicle and used same to cause obstruction on Bourdillon Road Ikoyi, on September 6, 2014. The prosecutor, Corporal Babaji Ishaku told the court that the defendant was arrested by the police

from Ikoyi station. But, when the charge was read to him, the defendant, pleaded guilty to the two count charges of conversion of private vehicle for commercial use and willful obstruction of traffic. The police prosecutor informed the court that it took the intervention of a good Samaritans before the defendant’s vehicle could be towed to Ikoyi police station. Following the guilty plea, Ezekwe’s counsel Mustapha Danusi, urged the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant, as he was a first term offender. After considering the plea and the submission of

his counsel Magistrate, A. Dally, pronounced the defendant guilty as charged and sentenced him to 20 hours community service. In a related development, two women were also arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly obtaining food stuffs worth N467, 126, from Ikoyi police barracks. The defendants Funmi Saheed 30 and Biodun prince 38 were arraigned before Magistrate N. O Ope-Aigbe. The defendants residing at No. 3 Manuwa Street Keffi Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and No. 9 Olorunshola Street Mushin respectively are facing a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against

them by the police. The police prosecutor sergeant Raphael Donny told the court that the defendants, who are traders with others still at large, committed the offence sometimes in March 2014. He said they obtained bags of rice, beans and garri valued at N467, 126, belonging to one Florence Adanu, under false pretence of selling them and refunding the money to her, which they never did. Donny said the incident, took place at Inspector’s Block, Room 3, Falomo police Barracks Ikoyi. The prosecutor said the offence committed, is punishable under section 409 and 312 of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria

A scavenger searching for items in a refuse heap from the drainage system at Orile, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Lawmaker empowers constituency in Cross River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

member representing Boki II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dr.Jacob OtuEnyia has donated for provision of seven cars, motorcycles and cash for skills acquisition tools to youths. Otu-Enyia said the N14million spent for the

programme in the six electoral wards of his constituency will impact on the lives of youths, especially in the areas of education and agriculture and enable those with skills to set up workshops in order to become self reliant. The legislator said that the empowerment programme was part of the promise which he made to contribute to the development of his constituency

so as to alleviate the suffering of the people, adding that the cash given to some youths will help them get working tools. ``My empowerment programme is a sure way of remembering my people and to say thank you for the mandate to represent them. I have also awarded tertiary institution scholarship to 14 students and more than 300 youths have

also benefited from my various skills acquisition programme. `I have also granted relief materials to disasters victims, as well as settling hospital bills of many individuals in my constituency’’, he said. He appealed to those who have not benefited to exercise some patience, adding that the next phase would accommodate them.

2011. Earlier the defendants pleaded not guilty to the two count charges against them. Magistrate Ope-Aigbe

granted them bail in the sum of 450,000 each, with one surety each in like sum. The matter was adjourned to September 22, for mention.

Katsina to graduate 30,000 adult students JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

total of 30,000 adult students are set to graduate in the literacy class for mass education established by Katsina State. This is against 40,000 adult students targeted for the eradication of illiteracy by the year 2015 in the state. Speaking yesterday, the Executive Director of the agency, Ahmed Doki, said the agency will enrol the outstanding 10,000 students next month. Doki said the National Agency for Mass Education,NAME, had in 2012 conducted a survey in the state and 40,000 adults were identified as illiterate. He said based on this and number of students to graduate from schools, the state is confident in eradicating adult illiteracy by 2015.

He said government has recently distributed teaching and learning materials worth N19 million to some 888 literacy classes. He further said government had reviewed allowances of casual teachers that teach at literacy classes from N500 to N3, 000. He also said that the agency was collaborating with UNICEF for the training of teachers to ensure quality teacherstudent relationship in the literacy classes.

Gov. Shema

Ijebu-Ijesha Grammar School elects new officers

he Lagos branch of the Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School Old Students Association, IJGSOSA, has elected Mr. Johnson Woyin Akingbade as chairman to direct its affairs in the Diamond Jubilee year of the school. The association also ratified the tenure of other officers to assist him in the task ahead. They are; Prince Supo Atobatele as Publicity Secretary, Mr. MuyiwaAkande, Secretary and Mrs. Adun Akinyemi-Animashaun, Treasurer.

In his acceptance speech, Akingbade expressed appreciation for the honour and confidence bestowed on him by the members. He promised to do his best for the alma mater and solicited the support and co-operation of the members in fulfilling the mission. He called on members, alienating themselves from the association to come on board and contribute ideas on how best to assist the alma mater, revive the academic excellence it was noted for.

Community Mirror

Residents protest poor road in Delta THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

usiness activities in Ubeji and adjoining areas in Warri South local government area of Delta State were yesterday paralysed, as aggrieved residents blocked the only access road between the community and Warri. Community Mirror gathered that the action was aimed at registering their grievances over the bad state of road in the area. It was learnt that the road has been in deplorable condition for long, thereby causing peren-

Gov. Uduaghan

nial traffic gridlock. Residents woke up to discover that the road linking Warri and Effurun had been blocked, forcing motorists and other road users to abandon their vehicles, thereby leading to paralysis of business activities. Our correspondent who visited the scene observed that soldiers have been deployed to maintain order. A resident and cairman of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Mr. Edward Ekpokpo lamented that in spite of the huge revenue being generated by the federal and Delta State governments in the community, the only access road had remained in poor condition. Ekpokpo said: “This one of the worst roads in the country. Look at the refinery where they flaring gas and the people bearing the consequence of oil exploration, yet the authorities have remained indifferent to the plight of the communities”.

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man charged to court for rape DARE AKOGUN

21-year-old man, Onyebuchi Ebili, who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl, has been arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrates’Court, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful sexual intercourse and

stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the accused and others still at large, conspired and raped the 17-year-old on August 31,2014 at Ebute Metta, Lagos. Osuji alleged that the accused asked the girl to be his friend, but became angry when she turned him down.

He said the accused and two others, conspired and lured the victim to No. 5, Church Street, Ilaje and raped her. The prosecutor also said that the accused stole the victim’s Nokia phone worthN17, 000, adding that the matter was reported to the police by the girl’s parents after she told them of the incident. The prosecutor said the

offence contravened sections 258, 285 and409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mr. E.O Ogunkanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till October 15.

Commissioner charges youths on entrepreneurship

he Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, has charged members of the state Youth Elders Forum, YEF, to mobilise their members towards the acquisition of entrepreneurship and leadership skills for future service. Mr. Ugbe who was speaking when the group visited him, said that such preparation would empower them for the task of leadership. He harped on the need for youths to concentrate on self development and to take advantage of opportunities put in place by the administration in this regard. Mr. Ugbe stated that the ministry will consider youth development critically and develop a centre to impart good leadership skills to interested youths. He also stressed the importance of work, adding that this is the very es-

sence of aspiring to leadership. He said: “if we mess up and fail with work, then we should not have aspired in the first place. The main reason for the aspiration is to serve the entire state”. Speaking on his agenda, Ugbe said no part of the state will suffer neglect and that everyone will be involved in governance. The commissioner urged the youths to propagate the message of peace and ensure that all embrace it. He maintained that no progress can thrive in a community where peace is lacking,even as he cautioned them against being used to breach peace in the state. In his message, coordinator of the forum, Chris Undie, pledged support to the commissioner and his aspiration and lauded his relationship with youths, which he said has put him ahead of other gubernatorial aspirants.

A LASTMA officer perching on the running board of a commercial bus in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Commercial motorcyclists, police clash in Ondo HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

conomic and social activities were on Tuesday paralysed in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government area of Ondo State, as commercial motorcyclists known as ‘Okada’ clashed with the police. Many people were reportedly injured in the fracas which lasted for three hours. According to an eye witness, Wale Ojumu who said that trouble started when members of the motorcycle union CHANGE OF NAME

OKECHUKWU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okechukwu Chioma Princess E., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogbonna Okechukwu Chioma Princess E. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, IMT and general public take note.

learnt of the death of their member who was killed by a police patrol van. He said the police had tried to stop the victim while trying to escape arrest. He said “the motorcyclist was trying to escape arrest as he was riding an unregistered vehicle and in the process was hit by the police patrol van killing him on the spot”. Ojumu said the union members attacked the police in reprisal but they were repelled by police reinforcement that arrived at the scene. CHANGE OF NAME

NWANAJU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwanaju Janet Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egeonu Janet Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. IMSU Owerri, NYSC and the general public take note.

Speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Wole Ogodo denied any fracas between the command the Okada riders, claiming the police did not kill the victim. He said the police vehicle hit the victim in mistake causing little bodily injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. “No police officer pursued was involved in pursuing any commercial motorcyclist. The victim was driving on the road when our patrol van accidentally hit him. He was immediCHANGE OF NAME

EZEANOCHIE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeanochie Augusta Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amara Augusta Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. IMSU Owerri, NYSC and the general public take note.

ately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was subsequently discharged the same day”, Ogodo said.

Gov. Mimiko

CHANGE OF NAME

OLADELE: Formerly known and addressed as Jimoh Rasidi Oladele, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Rasheed Alodele. All former documents remain valid General public take note.

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

President Bashar al-Assad should seek a political solution to Syria’s war. This would help international efforts against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq – United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon

British leaders ask for vote against Scottish independence PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he leaders of the main UK parties have made a plea for a vote against Scottish independence, as they campaigned north of the border ahead of the referendum. Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday begged Scots not to rip apart the United Kingdom’s “family of nations”, flying to Scotland to man the barricades against a surge in support for independence eight days before a referendum. Cameron appealed to Scots to use their heads and their hearts when they voted on Sept. 18. He reminded them of their shared history and bonds with England, Wales and Northern Ireland twice evoking World War Two and the fight against Hitler. He also warned that an independent Scotland could not keep the pound currency, jobs would head south, and the country’s security be weakened. “I would be heartbroken if this family of nations was torn apart,” said Cameron, speaking to staff of the Scottish Widows financial institution in the capital Edinburgh. There was some relief for unionists when a poll released on Wednesday evening showed

53 percent of Scots would vote against a split, with 47 percent intending to opt for independence - unchanged from its last survey on Aug. 28. The figures from the poll, carried out by Survation for the Daily Record newspaper, excluded 10 percent of undecided. British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, who leads the Liberal Democrats, and opposition Labour Party leader Ed Miliband also crossed the border on Wednesday to shore up support. All three parties have of-

fered Scotland greater autonomy as an enticement to vote against independence. The prime minister, whose job may be on the line if he loses Scotland, warned Scots a vote for secession would be forever. “I think people can feel it is a bit like a general election, that you make a decision and five years later you can make another decision if you are fed up with the effing Tories, give them a kick and then maybe we’ll think again. This is totally different to a general election: this a decision

about not the next five years but a decision about the next century,” he said. Cameron has until now been largely absent from the debate after conceding that his privileged background and centre-right politics mean he is not the best person to win over Scots, who returned just one Conservative lawmaker out of 59 in 2010. He made no street appearances in his visit to Edinburgh. “David Cameron is a swear word up here,” said one security guard, asking not to be named.

Four men convicted of trying to kill an exiled critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame in South Africa were each jailed for eight years on Monday, though the magistrate said they were not the main culprits. Former Rwandan army chief General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa survived being shot in the stomach as he was being driven into his Johannesburg home in 2010, the same year he fled Rwanda after falling out with former ally Kagame. Rwanda has regularly denied any involvement. But after armed men broke into Nyamwasa’s home this year, South African Justice Minister Jeff Radebe warned Kigali that “our country will not be used as a springboard to do illegal activities”. The two Rwandans and two Tanzanians found guilty of shooting Nyamwasa smiled in apparent relief after the eight-year sentence, less than the minimum 15 years prosecutors had asked for.

Dozens join hunger strike for release of Egypt’s political prisoners

L-R: David Cameron and Ed Miliband

World cannot watch IS evil spread –Kerry

n inclusive Iraqi government was the condition the Americans set for increased US and Nato military support. But a senior state department official said Kerry was mostly talking to leaders about Baghdad’s role in the global coalition against Islamic State. The US wants to see speedy moves by the Shia majority to meet the grievances of the disgruntled Sunnis and Kurds, so all can form a united front against IS. That is an enormous challenge, given that many disputed issues have deep structural roots. But the US official said a significant step would be the creation of regional armed forces

WORLD BULLETIN Rwandan murder convicts jailed for eight years in South Africa

or national guard units, a decision taken in the wake of criticism that the army had been used as a sectarian tool by the former Shia prime minister. John Kerry looks out from a helicopter over Baghdad, September 10 John Kerry flew over Baghdad in a helicopter before meeting Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi Kerry made an unannounced visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad at the start of a tour of Middle Eastern capitals aimed at boosting military, political and financial support for the fight against IS. He held talks with Iraq’s new Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, who appealed for international

Dozens of Egyptians have begun a hunger strike to demand the release of activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, a symbol of the 2011 uprising, and others they say are being unfairly detained in an effort to crush newfound freedoms. An Egyptian court sentenced 33-year-old Abdel Fattah, a leading figure in the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak, to 15 years in jail in June for violating a law that seeks to curtail protests. Twenty-four others were also sentenced to 15 years in jail on similar charges, though only Abdel Fattah and two others are currently behind bars.

Terror charges dropped against Kenyan governor

John Kerry flying over Baghdad in a helicopter before meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi

support to defeat the “cancer” of IS. “Of course, our role is to defend our country, but the international community is respon-

sible to protect Iraq,” Abadi said after meeting Mr Kerry. The two men also discussed Abadi’s plans for his new government.

A Kenyan court has dropped terrorism and murder charges against the governor of the coastal Lamu region. Issa Timamy was accused of involvement in two attacks which killed at least 60 people in the region in June. The court rejected the prosecution’s request for more time to investigate the case, and ordered the return of his bail bond. Somalia’s militant Islamist group al-Shabab said its fighters carried out the raids in Lamu. However, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta denied that alShabab was involved and blamed “local political networks” for the violence.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHRN protests new ATM charges …urges govt to reverse policy ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

wo groups, Concerned Human Rights Nigeria, CHRN, yesterday in Lagos protested the re-introduction of charges of N65 on Automated Teller, ATM, machines withdrawals by the new Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, saying the policy was antipeople and an indication of the government’s insensitivity to the citizenry. The CHRN argued that with the charges, banks would be extorting the masses of about N780bn daily. In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, which was issued during the protest yesterday, the group said the re-introduction of the charge showed how inconsistent the Nigerian government is in its policies. The statement explained that the new policy on the ATM makes it clear that the current CBN governor is yet to come to

News

Thursday September 11, 2014

terms with the responsibilities of his new office, unlike his previous position as the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, which was to protect the interest of shareholders. Ihekaire said the new policy was a strategy to better the lot of the bankers, at the detriment of the bank users. He said the reason given by the CBN for the re-introduction of the charges about the burden on Nigerian banks arising from the weight of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC premium and Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON levy, as well as increasing cost of cash reserves, giving little room for pushing additional cost to bank, which has warranted the charges on ATM, was unacceptable. Ihekaire said both NDIC and AMCON are government agencies that could be called to order to reduce the undue burden on the banks, rather than shifting the burden on the masses, who are at the receiving end.

JTF intercepts sewage truck with stolen crude oil …Juju shrines, septic tanks used for storage OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

peratives of the Joint (Military) Task Force, JTF, code-named ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ yesterday said they uncovered new tactics by oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers in the Niger Delta to beat security checks, with the discovery of stolen crude oil in ‘juju’ shrines and septic tanks in some communities of Delta and Bayelsa states. According to the JTF, the stolen crude oil were buried in ‘traditional’ grounds, ‘juju’ shrines,

sitting rooms of a house, and septic tank, to avoid detection from security agencies. The JTF, in a statement signed by the co-ordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lt.-Col. Mustapha Anka, and made available to National Mirror in Yenagoa, said the illegal oil bunkering squad of PULO SHIELD uncovered the new tactics following the seizure of 12,000-capacity sewage truck with loaded with stolen crude. The truck, according to the JTF, was intercepted along Ibada Amukpe community in Sapele local

government area of Delta State. “The sewage truck was declared to be carrying waste and heading to a disposal dump by the occupants of the truck, but was discovered to be carrying illegally acquired crude oil. “Both the suspects and the products are in the custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation, before handing them over to the prosecuting agency. “It would be recalled that the task force has discovered illegal oil dump buried inside shrines, sitting room and septic

tanks,” he noted. Meanwhile, the troops attached to the JTF launched a security operation against alleged criminals in Bayelsa State and discovered one AK-47 assault rifle with registration number CK28817. “One foreign-made barrel gun and a locally-made single-barrel with 12 live cartridges were also recovered. No arrest was made as the criminals have escaped before the arrival of the troops. “The weapons and the cartridges are in JTF custody, while efforts are on going to apprehend the criminals,” he said.

Fashola visits Dimgba Igwe’s widow FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late frontline journalist, Mr. Dimgba Igwe, describing him as a brother and a friend. Fashola was accompanied on the visit to the de-

Gov. Fashola

ceased’s Okota home by some of his aides, including Mr. Hakeem Bello, his special adviser on Media. They were received by the deceased`s wife, Obioma, his children and other family members. The governor condoled with the family on the loss of their family head and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul. Fashola said Igwe’s death was not only a loss to journalism and the nation, but also a personal loss to him. “Dimgba, you are my friend and brother. How do I explain this separation, especially with our unfinished work? Brief was our interaction,” Fashola wrote in the condolence register. It would be recalled that Igwe was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver while jogging in his neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Military pensioners protesting non payment of their pension arrears in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Rival legislators sitting in Edo Assembly

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction of the Edo House of Assembly yesterday summoned the state Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to appear before the House on September 15. Mr. Festus Ebea, who led the PDP faction during its plenary in Benin, said the FERMA director should explain an alleged misconduct of some officials of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency, EDSTMA, on federal roads in the state.

Ebea said the House had passed a resolution calling on EDSTMA officials to stop further harassment of road users on federal trunk roads in the state. According to him, “Though we have noticed a reduction in their activities on federal roads, some of them are still seen operating on the roads. “We want the director to come and tell us how far they have gone in enforcing the resolution and the challenges they are facing in the state,” he said. Meanwhile, the All Pro-

gressives Congress, APC, faction of the Assembly has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials to victims of rainstorm in Fugar, Etsako Central local government area of the state. Moving the motion under matters of urgent public importance, Mr. Johnson Oghumah, (APCEtsako Central), said since the disaster, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had not provided relief materials to the affected victims. The speaker, Uyi Igbe, and other members, how-

ever, said the state government had done a lot to cushion the effect of the disaster in the community.

Gov. Oshiomhole

Politics

Thursday, September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aregbesola resumes duties, says no worker’ll be vilified BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday resumed duties after observing break from official engagements since his reelection on August 9. However, Osun workforce literally “laid ambush” for the governor, as he entered the Bola Ige House in Abere, where they welcomed him to office. Commenting on the action of the workers, state Trade Union Congress, TUC, chairman, Comrade Francis Adetunji, said the gathering was a demonstration of their love for Governor Aregbesola. His Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, counterpart, Comrade Saka Adesiyan, said the “workers trooped out as a demon-

stration of natural support for our governor. This is just to show that we are unrelenting in our support for this man who has done so many good things for us - workers - of Osun.” State Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, said the occasion was unprecedented, adding that no governor has ever been welcomed to office by workers. “It shows that for every action, there is reaction. This is a show of workers’ reaction to the numerous good things that Osun workers have enjoyed under your administration, he added.” Thanking the workers for standing by him during the election, Governor Aregbesola recalled how efforts were allegedly made by the opposition to fraudulently win the elec-

tion, saying: “They tried everything within their powers. They officially deployed 73,000 security men to our state. That is minus the over 20 thousand impersonators in DSS uniform. “They even have the guts to attempt entrance into my official residence on August 9, led by the ‘election AIG’, Police Commissioner, and the one in charge of the Army. They claimed that they got intelligence that election rigging was un-

derway in Government House. They tried but they met the right resistance.” Aregbesola denied the rumour that there would be backlash on some workers who brazenly joined opposition’s machinations to take over government, saying: “I say it here openly that we will not carry out any reprisal on any worker for not voting for us in the last election.” He said it is the right of any Nigerian to support

anybody through the ballot; including workers, but explained that it is however criminal for any civil servant, who pledged allegiance to the service, to go all out to openly express support for the opposition party on election day. He said: “Any worker who went partisan during the last election should please desist. Though we know some of them, we will not take any step against them but we plead with them to repent and let’s build our state to-

gether. What happened last August 9 was God’s doing. And we are sure that whoever tries to cross God’s path will fail woefully.”

Gov. Aregbesola

2015: Chieftain tackles PDP chair over comment on UPU THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

ormer chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr. Wilson Omene, has described as condemnable and unsavoury, a statement credited to the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, that the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, the umbrella body of Urhobo people, has no business in the affairs of the party in the state. Omene stated that such unguarded statement by the PDP chairman was capable of causing disunity and ruining the chances of the party in the state, where Urhobos are in the majority, especially in 2015 general elections. In a statement yesterday, made available to National Mirror, Omene faulted Nwaoboshi’s claims that Urhobo have not voted for the PDP in the state since 1999. Chief Nwaoboshi had in a recent interview said: “I want to say unequivocally that UPU has no business with the affairs of PDP in Delta State. UPU is a cultural organisation and can only speak for the Urhobo nation as far as the Urhobo is concerned.

No tribe can hold PDP to ransom in Delta State. “In 1999, the Urhobos did not vote for Ibori and in his re-election they did not vote for him. In 2007, Urhobos did not vote for Emmanuel Uduaghan, Uduaghan emerged, in the re-run election, Urhobos did not vote for him to emerge.” But, Omene in the statement claimed that the most alarming lie traded by Nwaoboshi in his outburst was that the Urhobos did not vote for PDP in 1999 or in any other election in the state from 1999 till date. He argued: “That is a lie from the pit of hell. In 1999, Ibori from Oghara flew the PDP ticket while Chief Moses Kragha from Udu was candidate of the All peoples Party, APP. Urhobo voted en masse for PDP as Ibori won in Ethiope West, Ethiope East, Ughelli South, Ughelli North and Sapele councils, while Kragha won in his Udu, Uvwie and Okpe councils. Also the majority of the State House of Assembly and National Assembly seats in Delta Central were won by the PDP. Urhobo also gave PDP the highest votes from Delta State in the 1999 presidential election,” he added.

Supporters of former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala during a rally where he declared his intention to contest the governorship election of the state under Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ibadan

Okorocha can fix Nigeria for APC, says Oyegun OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

s Nigerians await the emergence of presidential candidates for the 2015 general elections, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has tipped Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, as one of those who possess the rare ability to take Nigeria to the greater heights. Odigie-Oyegun, who made the assertion yesterday at the commissioning of Imo State Liaison Office in Abuja, said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has long lost focus and needed to be shown the way out in order to allow a party with fresh ideas to come on board. While offering his opinion on the quality of lead-

... Describes PDP as expired drug ers the party will be putting forward in the 2015 election, Odigie-Oyegun said though there are several others vying for presidency, Okorocha seems to be one of the most resourceful. He said: “He is obviously one of the most vital resource persons we have. We have several men vying for that position and I am proud to say that he is obviously a man of vision. You can see that today. He has proven to us that he has rescued Imo State. We need him to help us rescue Nigeria.” On APC capacity to upstage the PDP in the next general elections, OdigieOyegun said APC has all it takes to win the next presidential election. He said apart from comprising a conglomeration of men with experience, APC has proven that it has answers

Odigie-Oyegun

to Nigeria’s problem through the transformation witnessed in states under its control. On the other hand, Odigie-Oyegun said PDP has reached its zenith and no longer possesses the capability to implement policies and programmes that will uplift the lives of Nigerians. Speaking in same vein, former governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Timipre Silva said Okorocha represents the true philosophy of change that Nigeria desires.

Okorocha said what the country needs at the moment is not an ethnic or religious bigot but somebody who can put food on the table of the common man and provide steady power supply, as well as other needs of the people. He said: “There is nothing like Igbo President, there is nothing like Hausa President and there is nothing like Yoruba President. You only have a Nigerian President who may be of one extraction or the other. “Give us a man with vision, irrespective of where he comes from; give us somebody who can create jobs; who can put food on the table of the common man; who can provide steady power supply. Let him come from wherever, we need people who can fix Nigeria,” he declared.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I think I am perfectly delighted with my form. After the storm, I wouldn’t uldn’t have asked for more –British athlete, Mo Farah

‘Kwara Endowment Fund underway’ 55

AFCON 2015:

Congo wins again, as Lions devour Elephants EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

wo hours before the Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles match started in Cape Town last night, Congo’s Red Devils had amassed maximum six points, beating Sudan 2-0 at home. The Congolese victory comes on the back of their impressive 3-2 victory over Nigeria in Calabar, last Saturday. Férébory Doré, who plays in Romania for CF Cluj, opened the scoring for Claude LeRoy’s side after just four minutes. The second goal came from France-based Prince Oniangue in injury time at the end of the

match to give the Red Devils a maximum six points. In Yaounde, Cameroun’s Indomitable Lions continued their resurgence as they thrashed Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 4-1. Following their win over DR Congo last weekend, the Lions made it two wins out of two games in Group D in their quest to reach next year’s tournament in Morocco. Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton Njie both scored twice as the hosts ran out comprehensive victors. Both strikers were also on target in the Indomitable Lions win last Saturday over DR Congo, in what was Njie’s international debut.

NSSF flays minister’s silence on schools’ sports EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

he National School, Sports Federation, NSSF, has taken a swipe at the Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, for not taking a cue from his predecessor’s policy on academicals games. NSSF is peeved about the minister’s silence on the direction school games will go under his watch. In a statement sent to National Mirror yesterday, the NSSF President, Ibrahim Muhammad, said, “Since assumption of office few months ago, the Minister of Sports/Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Tammy Danagogo, has not made any concrete pronouncement on his vision for school sports and this alone has become a source of worry for stakeholders.” The NSSF boss said the ideals of the former minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, should have been followed up to galvanise more support from the private sector. “I am surprised that up till

now the minister is yet to unfold his plans for school sports in Nigeria. The former minister tried his best and he ensured that the National Academicals Sports Committee, NASCOM, headed by Yemi Idowu took off in the right direction and since the committee was inaugurated, NASCOM has indeed given the needed support for NSSF and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON. This alone brought live and vibrancy to school sports. But we are not happy that the Minister is not even showing enough concern for school sports in Nigeria,” an angry Muhammad said. But in a swift reaction, Chairman of the NASCOM, Yemi Idowu, said Danagogo should be given more time to grapple with the challenges at the National Sports Commission, NSC. “We know that the Minister is interested in school sports and this he has expressed in private capacity, which we are aware of this. NASCOM is ready to support the Minister in his efforts to develop sports at grassroots level,” Idowu said.

Vincent Aboubakar scored twice for Cameroun

Result South Africa

Nigeria

Cameroun

Cote d’Ivoire

Congo

Sudan

Malawi

Ethiopia

Angola

Burkina Faso

Lesotho

Gabon

Sierra Leone

DR Congo

Togo

Ghana

Uganda

Guinea

Mozambique

Niger

Cape Verde

Zambia

Botswana

Senegal

Sports

Thursday September 11, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Minister backs Diplomatic Games JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

Bafana fail to tame Super Eagles ...as Nigeria hangs precariously ADEOLU JOHNSON

outh Africa Coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba, failed to live up to his pre-match pledge to take Nigeria to the cleaners for the first time in a competitive match when his Bafana Bafana played goalless draw with the Super Eagles in front

of a huge crowd in Cape Town last night. South Africa with the result are now second in the group with four points after Congo had earlier recorded an handsome 2-0 win over Sudan to top the group leaving Nigeria with one point in the third position The Bafana Bafana had all the chances to wrap up the match in the first half, but for

their inaccuracy in front of goal. They dominated the first stanza making the Stephen Keshi-led Eagles looking ordinary, but the homers failed to take their chances. Nigeria, however, came back stronger in the second half pushing the host back into their half with some brilliant runs from Ahmed Musa

Athletics: Ogba leads Marrakech challenge ADEOLU JOHNSON

resident of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN), Solomon Ogba, has been directed by the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA, to lead Team Africa to the 2014 International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF, Continental Cup holding from September 13 to 14 in Marrakech, Morocco. According to the CAA bulletin, the AFN President was chosen because of his developmental stride in athletics. Team Africa will also have Special Assistant to NSC’s Director General, Hon. Gbenga

Elegbeleye, Mary Onyali, as the team’s Chaperone while coaches Gabriel Okon and Gad Onumaegbu would tinker the athletes as 17 Nigerian athletes will be on the team. Formerly known as the IAAF World Cup in Athletics, the event was first contested in 1977 in the German city of Düsseldorf. Prize money of $3milion prize will be won at the event which involves teams from Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Individual winner will get $30, 000, first runner up $15, 000, third runner up $10, 000 fourth position $7, 000, fifth $5, 000, sixth $3, 000, seventh $2, 000

but lack of coordination denied them. The South Africans may have to wait for another day to settle scores with Nigeria. Keshi on his side may have to come back and perform a surgical operation on the team if he hopes to take Super Eagles to Morocco next January to defend the title they won in South Africa last year.

ports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, has pledged the National Sports Commission’s support for the success of the maiden edition of the Diplomatic Sports. Danagogo, who made the pledge when a delegation of the Organising Committee for the Diplomatic Sports visited his office in Abuja yesterday, said the NSC would aid efforts at making the event scheduled for October 20 to 25 at the Abuja National Stadium successful. “We as a commission try to support every group and organization that tends to develop sports,” the minister said. “We will support you with the relevant human and material resources to ensure that your first outing is successful,” he added. National Mirror gathered that the NSC would constitute a six-member committee to be headed by Toyin Aluko, an Assistant director at the NSC who is already a member of your committee. Others are NSC’s Deputy Director of Institutional Sports, Ademola Are, a representative each from NSC’s Department of Facilities, Sports Medicine and any other department with a representative of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). About 109 resident diplomatic missions and all international organizations accredited to Nigeria will participate in the maiden competition.

NIPOGA 2014: Bida promises ‘best Games’

P Ogba

while the eight placed individual will go home with $1, 000. Team event relay winner will go home with $30, 000, first runner up $20, 000, third placed team $10, 000 while the fourth team will get $8, 000. If, however, an athlete breaks a world record during the IAAF Continental Cup, the prize of $50, 000 will be awarded.

resident of NIPOGA Council and Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Engineer Sule Abdullai, has promised all the participating institutions that would converge on Bida from November 5 to 15, of the best Games ever when the 18th NIPOGA Games begins. “We have intensified efforts at ensuring that athletes from the various polytechnics compete on brand new ultra modern facilities in Bida,” Abdullai said, saying however that BidaPoly would not seek to win the overall title at all cost. “We expect that new records would be set and old ones broken, as star athletes would be at home with our facilities. “Aside from the provision of fa-

cilities which is Bida’s strongest point, security of lives and properties of all the athletes, officials and visitors to the Games would be top priority to the Local Organising Committee.” Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mallam Abrahim Usman Buhari, also assured that the results would be released promptly and Games’ time would be as scheduled in line with international regulations. Meanwhile, the authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida has schedules a N500million Fund Raising Dinner for the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on September 18. The last edition of the Games was hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State in 2012.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net et

AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

onfederation of African Football (CAF) yesterday ordered Gabonese authorities to ensure that the Nigeria’s U-17 team players, coaches and officials are issued entry visas to Gabon for an African U-17 qualifier scheduled for this weekend. The intervention followed a formal complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to CAF that the Eaglets did not have visas to enter Gabon after the country shut down all its embassies in countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). “After the initial problem,

Sports

Thursday September 11, 2014

U-17 AYC:

Issue Eaglets visas, CAF orders Gabon we are right now at the embassy as regards the visa for the Eaglets,” an anonymous NFF official said, adding, “CAF have now directed Gabon to issue the team visas.” NFF had already working on getting visas at the point of entry for the Nigerian delegation. Nigeria will face Gabon in Libreville on Sunday in the

first leg of a final round qualifier for Niger 2015 Africa U-17 Championship. Winner of the two-legged encounter will qualify for the 2015 African Junior Championship in Niger early next year.

Amuneke

Action by a First Bank player (left) during a recent match

FIBA keeps Champions Cup clubs waiting ‘Kwara Endowment Fund underway’ PAUL EREWUBA

ith less than one month to the zonal elimination and final of the 2014 FIBA Africa Champions Clubs for women slated for Burkina Fasso and Tunisia respectively, clubs are in the dark on vital information on the dunk-off date. Both First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos and Deepwater of Lagos will represent Nigeria in the event after finishing first and second in the Zenith Bank-sponsored NBBF League. First Bank Coach, Adewumi Aderemi, who expressed his displeasure over the delay, said

it would adversely affect his side. “As I speak (yesterday), we have not gotten any letter from FIBA Africa telling us when exactly we are going to play the two tourneys,” Aderemi said. He, however, said he had remained focused. “We are intensifying training because we know what it takes. We are preparing hard to ensure we pick one of the tickets for the championship. When we get letter from FIBA, we will move to a closed camp in Akure,” he assured. Nigeria’s zone comprises of Togo, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and only two teams will qualify to be in Tunis for the Clubs Champions Cup.

WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Kwara State Government is planning to establish a Sports Endowment Fund from which its athletes can access grants for training and participation in local and international competitions. Governor Abulfatah Ahmed, who disclosed this yesterday in Ilorin at the unveiling of the logo for the maiden Kwara State Sports Summit which was designed to reposition and revolutionise sports in the state, also said that sports ad-

ministrators, technocrats and commentators from across the country would be expected to use the summit to brainstorm and fashion a roadmap during the summit to robust professional sports in the state. “It is our believe that this summit will not only harness the great sporting potentials available in the state but also help in identifying modules that could help in driving private sector participation, particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and robust sponsorship,” the governor said of the event

scheduled to hold in the state capital from September 23 to 25. “I hope that the summit would come up with programmes that would promote greater youth participation in sports for the state to regain its lost glory in sports,” he added. The state’s Sports and Youth Development Commissioner, Prince Saheed Popoola, also remarked that the summit would provide a template for sports development in the state, stressing, “We expect to have in attendance pan-Nigerian dignitaries.

WORLD RECORD

Most product placements in a film

Vol. 04 No. 936 Thursday, September 11, 2014

N150

The most paid-for product placements in a film is 3,463, featured in POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, which was released on 22 April 2011.

Ikimi, Ribadu and Nigerian Machiavellian politics

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has been rocked with a recent tidal wave of defection, which has moved Chief Tom Ikimi and the party’s 2011 presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ikimi’s grievance with the APC hierarchy is his being barred from contesting the party’s national chairmanship position during its last convention. The ease with which Nigerian politicians decamp and ‘recamp’ erodes any shadow of doubt if any ideological basis exists for much of what goes on in the polity. Defection has become the trade in stock of many politicians, who have found such canvassing phrases as “there is no party that is exclusively for good people or for bad people,” reminding us of the sameness of the two major political parties as basis for cross carpeting.

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday invited 30 players to camp in preparation for the African Women Championship (AWC) billed for Namibia from October 11 to 25, reports JOEL AJAYI. Players list: Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels), Precious Dede (Ibom Queens), Char-

Guest Columnist

Theophilus

Ilevbare

Political pundits were not jolted by Chief Ikimi’s resignation from the APC, after many weeks of withdrawal from the party’s activities without disclosing his next political destination. His antecedents have shown he has no particular conviction. His political sojourn has seen him traversed the defunct APP (later ANPP), ACN, PDP. The former Foreign Affairs Minister was a founding member of the APC. He was instrumental in the alliance that metamorphosed into the mega opposition party. It is only a matter of time before he ‘recamps’ to the PDP. He has already expressed his readiness to join the ruling party and bring his wealth of experience to bear when top national hierarchs of the party, including the Chairman, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih and National Vice Chairman (South South), Prince Uche Secondus, and National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, paid Ikimi a visit. Indeed, Ikimi and Ribadu, like every other politician and Nigerian, have every right to exercise their freedom of association, but it should be consistent with the ideology and principle that define the character of the politician and his political party. However, the manner Chief Ikimi and other founding members of the APC like Alhaji Attahiru Bafawara, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), Mr Marcus Gundiri, among others, have drifted to the PDP calls for concern for the future of the progressive party. When such party stalwarts dump the party like they have done, it is an indication that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader of

IT IS THIS BRAND OF POLITICS THAT HAS THROWN UP CHARLATANS IN POLITICAL OFFICES AND THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP BANKRUPTCY IN THE COUNTRY APC and its biggest financier, regrettably, is not upholding democratic principles in the affairs of the party. The APC might pay dearly for his highhandedness. It is a pity this is the party Nigerians are looking up to as the only viable alternative to the PDP. What shall we say of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who once described the PDP as “a disaster” and “total failure” in his heydays in the APC? In the weeks leading up to the PDP governorship primaries for Adamawa State bye-election, the former anticorruption czar joined the PDP, the only party he thinks can make him realise his ambition to hold elective office. Up till the last weekend’s Adamawa PDP’s governorship primary, he regaled Nigerians with tales of the sameness of PDP and APC. He was quoted as saying “there is no party that is exclusively for the good people or for the bad people”. That Ribadu has taken a walk from the APC has raised all sorts of personality and ideological issues, particularly as they affect young Nigerians, who hitherto looked up to him for some sort of

mentorship. Consequently, many have called to question Ribadu’s character, especially those who were cynical about the manner he discharged his duties as EFCC boss. He seem to have acted in character that is consistent with other Nigerian politicians even if his ‘intolerant’ and ‘ruthless’ stance against corruption gave him a garb of incorruptibility. Since he joined the murky waters of Nigerian politics, he has become a turncoat-in-waiting. Indeed, Ribadu the politician is different from Ribadu the crime fighter, who once sat atop Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency. Has Ribadu lost faith and confidence in the APC for allegedly selling out in the 2011 presidential election to Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy? If truly Ribadu was sacrificed by his own party, whose attitude to winning the election was at best casual, as Ikimi submitted in his lengthy missive to Bola Tinubu, who sold out the party? Could it be that Ribadu’s heart and soul have never been with the APC since then? Has he been hobnobbing with PDP politicians all the while? Essentially, nothing separates a politician in party A from another in party B. The current wave of impeachment blowing across the country is yet another indication that politicians do not have any genuine intention to serve the people. They seek personal elevation and gains to quench their insatiable greed for power. It is this brand of politics that has thrown up charlatans in political offices and the present leadership bankruptcy in the country. Elsewhere, lifetime commitments to political parties and ideologies are made and they even transcend to generations unborn. A political party has clearly defined principles that differentiate it from any other parties. Nigerian politicians suffer from compulsive obsessive disorder to occupy political office, and will stop at nothing to clinch power. Their desperation to occupy political office and lack of political character cannot deepen democracy. Ilevbare is a public affairs commentator. Engage him on twitter, @tilevbare.

Sport Extra

Namibia 2014: NFF invites 30 Falcons ity John (Rivers Angels), Juliet Obi (State House FC),Ohieriaku Christy (Oshogbo Queens), Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars), Ebere Ngozi (Rivers Angels), Mariam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons), Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels), Onome Ebi

(FK Minsk, Belarus), Osinachi Ohale (Houston Dash, USA), Ugochi Njoku (Rivers Angels),Gloria Ofoegbu (Rivers Angels),Sarah Nnodim (Delta Queens), Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens), Onyinyechi Ohadugh), (Rivers Angels), Chiwendu Ihezue (Pelican Stars),

Stella Mbachu (Rivers Angels), Asisat Oshoala (Rivers Angels), Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels), Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels), Halimat Ayinde (Delta Queens), Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels), Gloria Iroka (Rivers Angels), Rosemary Okezie (Nasarawa Amazon).

Maigari

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