Thursday, april 14, 2016

We’ll deal with pipeline vandals like Boko Haram, says President

NNPC to release 1,500 trucks daily to end fuel scarcity

...insists no short cut to fixing Nigeria’s problems rotimi Fadeyi and boladale bamigbola Buhari

Vol. 6 N0. 1348

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in

Beijing warned vandals and saboteurs blowing up oil and gas installations in the country to desist immediately or face the same

Thursday, April 14, 2016

2016 budget

drastic action being taken against Boko Haram by the Armed Forces.

A statement issued CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Reps open talks with Buhari to end rifts ...say no communication yet from Presidency Ubong Ukpong and george opara

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ouse of Representatives, yesterday, emerged from an executive session with the resolve to approach President Muhammadu Buhari CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Senate begins consideration of new PIB, procurement act P.5

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving a gift from Mr. Lei FanPei, Chairman of China Aerospace Science Technology Corporation, accompanied

by Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, at China Aerospace Science Technology Corporation Centre in Beijing, China, yesterday.

How Oronsaye diverted N190m belonging to FG –Witness P.4

Zaria killings: El-Zakzaky sues FG for N2bn damages

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We’re ashamed of revelations in NAMA P.7 –Union leader

Dogara tasks FIRS on increased revenue collections P.5

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to end all rifts surrounding the 2016 budget.

The House said it was taking this step in spite of the fact that the President was yet to send any official communication on issues pertaining to the already passed budget.

Briefing journalists, House Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, said if there were issues that arose from the budget, the right practice was for the President to officially communicate the House as it is expected in all matters.

Rather, he said the House was inundated with complaints on the pages of newspapers.

Namdas said the House had treated and passed the budget in good faith but was open to any form of discussions on it by the President.

However, he said the House, in demonstrating that it was sensitive to the plights of Nigerians, had asked the Speaker to proceed on holding dialogue with the President.

“Following briefing by Appropriation Committee Chairman, we agreed as a House that the Speaker should go ahead and engage the Executive to identify areas of concern and report back to the House in the interest of Nigerians,” Namdas said.

Insisting that LagosCalabar rail project was never provided for in the budget proposal brought by the President, Namdas explained there was no reason for the House to remove such a laudable project.

“We are not saying that it is not a good project. It is a viable project but our concern is what people are saying that we removed it from the budget,” he said.

He also noted that the project was brought through the back door to the committee after the President had made his presentation on December 22, 2015.

The spokesman said the only procedure opened to the President to send messages was through the Speaker, which is often read at plenary.

“This budget is back to the ministries and they are working on it. The President has not told us what is wrong with the budget.

The budget has not been

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Reps open talks with Buhari to end rifts

L-R: Vice President, Yilanda Group, Mr. Wang Kingjuan; Chairman, Blue Waters Capital Ltd, Mr. Emeka Odo; Enugu State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Ogbo Asogwa and President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, during Real Estate session at the ongoing Oganiru Enugu State Investment Forum in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN returned.

“We have done our job and transmitted same to the President. There is nothing from him to indicate that something is wrong so that we can take action,” he stated.

Namdas stressed that whatever happened, they

were ready and willing to accommodate the interests of the Executive.

He said the House was still hopeful that the President would sign the budget because it was still within stipulated time frame.

“Let’s wait and hear what the President will say

because we have sent to find out from him about all these rumours,” Namdas said.

He reacted also to the allegation that some members were calling for the removal of the Appropriation Committee Chairman, Abdulmumin Jibrin, say-

ing that the session didn’t addressed issues about his person or conduct in the exercise.

Jibrin has been alleged to have appropriated over N4bn for his constituency projects in the budget.

He is also alleged to be doing showmanship with

the committee and is creating confusion by reacting on behalf of the House over the budget.

It was learnt that members at the meeting moved against him leading to his being barred from addressing the press over budget issues or House matters.

We’ll deal with pipeline vandals like Boko Haram, says President CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke at a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in China.

Buhari also reaffirmed his total commitment to winning the war against corruption, describing it as the nation’s arch-enemy, which has destroyed the lives of many Nigerians.

“I ask for your support to make our vision of stamping out corruption a reality in the shortest possible time. Whoever is caught will not be spared.

“The government is still being dared, but those who are sensible should have learnt a lesson. Those who are mad, let them continue in their madness.

“I am aware that in the last two weeks, the national grid collapsed a number of times. I hope this message will reach the vandals and saboteurs who are blowing up pipelines and installations.

“We will deal with them the way we dealt with Boko Haram,” the President declared.

Buhari assured the Nigerian community that

the Federal Government was working very hard to overcome current national challenges and deliver on its promise of a better Nigeria.

“Clearly, our vision of a diversified and inclusive economy will not be achieved overnight. It will be a long, and in some cases, painful journey. I am very confident we will get there. But we must start that journey now.

“We hear proposals for short cuts or quick wins.

However, all we need to do is look at our history to know that there are no quick wins or short cuts in fixing Nigeria. The many decades of damage and destruction cannot be repaired overnight.

“The reform programme we are implementing is not because oil prices are below $45 per barrel today. It is because when oil prices were over $100 per barrel, majority of Nigerians were still suffering.

“They were simply forgotten and left behind. So, our reforms are to ensure that the majority of Nigerians are not left behind,” the President added.

He also assured the Nigerian community that his administration was fulfilling its promise to improve security across the country.

“When we came into office in 2015, Boko Haram insurgents occupied 14 Local Government Areas.

Today, I am pleased to say the insurgents have been routed out of these local governments and their capacity to fight as a force has been significantly degraded.

“We will continue working hard to ensure that the group is eliminated. This is achievable. And we will not settle for anything less,” he said.

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday, told the Federal Government to set up a commission of inquiry that would look into crude oil theft under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Aregbesola said the oil theft under the past PDP administration was as huge as N5.8trn.

The governor stated this while receiving members of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, who had come to

present a letter to him for onward transmission to President Buhari at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo.

Aregbesola commended CDHR for joining President Buhari in his commitment to recover the resources of the country that was stolen by corrupt public officers.

Having gone through the letter in which the group chronicled expected actions to be taken by the President on how to recover looted resources of the nation, the governor advised CDHR not to overlook area of crude oil theft under the watch of PDP administration.

He stated that the present administration would be doing the nation good by setting up an inquiry into how 400,000 barrels of crude oil were being stolen daily undiscovered with all the security agencies in the country.

Aregbesola, while sharing in the zeal and passion of CDHR on loot recovery said: “In the middle of 2013, a party at the helms of affairs of our country told us that 400,000 barrels of crude oil were being stolen on a regular basis for 24 months, we never heard

that it stopped for that period.

“What we lost to an unprotected crude oil theft in 24 months was N5.8trn.

We can imagine how many roads, schools and quality of electricity we could get from such amount.

“I am not underestimating your demands, but you still need to add to your demand, requesting how the country lost 400,000 barrels of crude oil every day.”

Speaking further, Aregbesola said: “Aside from corruption, what is actually affecting the country is low productivity, as we are condemning corruption, we should also charge ourselves to be productive.

We should be able to earn our living as a people.

“I promise to deliver this letter to the President when he comes back from China and I will let him know how passionate you are on the war against corruption.”

Speaking earlier, state chairman CDHR, Akinkunmi Asifat, who led members to the Governor’s Office said that all the recovered looted fund should not be allowed to be stolen again.

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How Oronsaye diverted N190m belonging to FG –Witness Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, yesterday told Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Abuja High Court, how the accused opened a secret account to divert about N190m belonging to the Federal Government.

The witness, an employee of Access Bank Plc., Olubunmi Ojoko, told the court that Orosanye opened the Access Bank account on behalf of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force, PCFATF, in 2012, without obtaining an approval from the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Ufom Uket, Ojoko told the court that she was the Access Bank’s officer in charge of the account, which the former Head of Service was said to have unilaterally opened in the name of PCFATF. The witness said: “Oronsaye called me that he needed to open an account on behalf of the PCFATF. “I met him at his residence in Asokoro, where I handed him the documents for the account, including the Access Bank account opening request of the committee signed by him, his passport photograph, copy of his passport and documents that set up the committee by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“I scrutinised the documents and discovered that the Accountant-General of the Federation’s approval was not included.

“So I asked him for it and he said it was not necessary.

I asked for the AccountantGeneral of the Federation’s approval because it is needed when opening a government account. Since he said that it wasn’t necessary, I took him by his word.

“I took the documents to the bank and the account was opened.”

She further told the court that she never met any other member of the committee, including Mr. Jalal Arabi, a counsel in the Presidential Villa, who served as the secretary to the committee, throughout the period the account was operated.

She added that there were four lodgments into

the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other cash deposits, to the tune of N285m, part of which were invested in fixed deposits with part of the interests that accrued re-invested.

Ojoko further stated that as at the time the account was closed, Oronsaye had withdrawn about N150m, which was partly the accrued interests on the investments, through cheques which he allegedly issued in favour of himself and various beneficiaries.

Highlighting the inflow of cash into the account, the witness said: “The first transfer was N50m in October 2012. The second in April 2012 was N90m from the CBN. “In May 2013, there was another cash lodgment of N45m. The fourth lodgment of N100m came in December 2014 from CBN. “After the first lodgment (of N50m from CBN) several cheques were drawn by the defendant (Oronsaye) in favour of various beneficiaries.

“The second inflow of N90m was invested in fixed deposit account. It was fixed in Banker’s Acceptance, which is a form of investment, for 90 days at 9 per cent. On maturity, the N45m (the third inflow) had come and it was fixed for 90 days.

“Upon maturity, they (the investments) were usually rolled over on the instruction of Mr. Stephen Oronsaye and the interests were credited into his current account.

“The N100m (the fourth inflow) came in December 2014 and it was placed in fixed deposit in Banker’s Acceptance for 90 days.

“The total of investments and rollovers were about 28. About N150m interests accrued on all the investments.

“Now the account is at zero balance after the N163.5m in it was transferred to the Treasury Single Account.”

The witness was led to read from the statement of the account which was tendered and admitted by the court without any objection from the defence.

Ojoko, while giving the breakdown of the cash withdrawals from the account, said: “On September 20, 2013, there was a cheque withdrawal of N900,000 in favour of Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

L-R: Facilitator, Occupy Nigeria Season 2, Mr. Michael Ojims; convener, Mr. Livingston Wechie and member, Iniperitiari Dikibo at a news conference on the killing of University of Port Harcourt student during a protest in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN “On October 31, 2013, there was a cheque withdrawal of N500,000 in favour of Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On December 12, 2013, there was a cash withdrawal of N3m in favour of Mr. Stepehen Oronsaye.

“On December 23, 2013, there was another withdrawal of N3m in favour of Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On January 29, 2014, there was another withdrawal of N3m in favour of Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On February 3, 2014, there was a withdrawal of N3m by Mr. Stephen Oron-

saye.

“On February 17, 2014, there was a withdrawal of N600,000 by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On April 8, 2014, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, withdrew N3m with cheque.

“On July 3, 2014, there was withdrawal of N3m by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On July 10, 2014, there was withdrawal of N3m by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On October 30, 2014, N900,000 was withdrawn by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On December, 17, 2014, there was N3m withdrawal

by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On December 22, 2014, the sum of N950,000 was withdrawn by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On December 24, 2014, there was withdrawal of N980,000 by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On January 6, 2015, there was N2m withdrawal

by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On March 16, 2015, the sum of N650,000 was withdrawn by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.

“On March 20, 2015, there was N3m withdrawal

by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye.”

The account opening package, bank statements,

mandate documents raised

by Oronsaye and other documents relating to the account were also admitted as exhibits.

The trial judge, however adjourned till today for cross-examination of the witness EFCC had on March 15, 2016 arraigned Oronsaye on two-count charge of breach of trust which he allegedly committed between 2013 and 2014 by defrauding the Federal Government of N190m using his position as the then Chairman of the Presidential Committee on FATF.

DSS arrests five for impersonating SGF, others GeorGe opara ABUJA

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epartment of State Services, DSS, yesterday paraded five men accused of impersonation and fraud.

Spokesman for DSS, Garba Abdullahi, who briefed journalists in Abuja, said the services was worried by the spate of impersonation of top government officials and the increasing rate by which unscrupulous elements defraud unsuspecting members of public.

Those paraded included Amino Ado, who allegedly defrauded Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd) of N1m in 2015.

He also defrauded wife of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa

Ibom State to the sum of N300,000.

In addition, Ado, according to DSS claimed to be the chief security officer to President Muhammadu Buhari, in addition to having the mobile phone numbers of all members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, some state governors, their wives and aides, prominent Nigerians, police and military top brass.

Other paraded suspects are, David Ali Michika, Umar Hamza, James Malu Akune and Kazeem Kayode Usman.

Michika, 43, hails from Jimeta in Adamawa State but resides in Kano State.

Michika, the spokesman said, lived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for ten years and was deported in 2008

as an illegal immigrant.

He was arrested in Kano for impersonating Babachir David Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. Besides, he was accused of deceiving high ranking government officials, soliciting for funds ostensibly to settle spiritualists for prayers rendered for the electoral victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Abdullahi said Kazeem Kayode was arrested in Lagos, accused of impersonating Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President.

James Malu Akune, 40, according to him, hails from Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

He was accused of parading himself as the brother to pastor Usani Uguru,

Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs and consequently defrauded people on fake contract promises.

Umar Hamza, 39, was said to be a teacher from Tarauni Local Government in Kano State.

He was allegedly recruited by Michika to act as spiritualist based in Niger Republic.

Also arrested was Bello Danhajiya, a Fulani from Zamfara State, who was accused of gun-running and cattle rustling.

According to DSS, Danhajiya was a strategic accomplice of Khalid Al-Barnawi, a notorious terrorist, who was had earlier been arrested for recruiting young men into the Ansaru/Boko Haram terrorist groups.

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Dogara tasks FIRS on increased revenue collections Ubong Ukpong AbujA

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peaker, House of Re p r e s e n t a t ive s , Yakubu Dogara, yes-

terday called for an improved method of collecting taxes in the country, saying this could generate the needed revenue to finance the N6.060 trillion

2016 budget.

According to Dogara, a strong tax regime aided by an efficient and virile accounting system is imperative for a success-

ful diversification of any economy.

The Speaker made the call in Abuja, when he opened an investigative hearing into the Account-

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Refineries, NNPC, Anibor Kragha; Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, Henry Obih; Chief Operating Officer Upstream, Bello Rabiu and Group General Manager, GPAD, Garbadeen Muhammed, at a Press Conference on situation of petroleum scarcity in the country at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Senate begins debate on new PIB, procurement act geoRge oji

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he Senate yesterday began consideration of the new Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, as well as the amendment of the procurement act.

The new PIB, which is now re-designated Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB, is a

product of the two chambers of the National Assembly, which followed the decision of the two arms of the legislature to sponsor a harmonised version of the bill.

The bill, which was presented by Senate Leader Ali Ndume, passed first reading in the senate yesterday.

Some of the striking differences in the new

Buhari pledges quick completion of Mambilla power project Rotimi Fadeyi AbujA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday promised in Beijing that his administration would honour all agreements concluded between Nigeria and China under previous administrations to ensure the speedy completion of outstanding joint projects, including the 4,000 megawatts Mambilla hydro-electric power project.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhhari spoke at a meeting with Mr Li Keqiang, premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China.

Buhari regretted the failure of past governments to meet Nigeria’s obligations in joint

projects with China.

The President told the Chinese premier that his administration was committed to the completion, in the shortest possible time, of all joint power, rail, road and aviation projects that would directly and quickly improve the lives of Nigerians.

Buhari said that he was particularly keen on actualising the Mambilla Power Project because of its huge potential to boost employment and national economic growth.

The Chinese premier commended ongoing efforts by the Buhari administration to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure.

He assured the President that China was ready to work with his administration to complete all joint projects, including the Mambilla Power Project.

PIGB include the removal of the Host Community Development Fund as envisaged in the original PIB. The new bill also scrapped the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and replaced it with a body to be known as the National Petroleum Company, NPC. This is in addition to the new bill scrapping the aspect of the old bill that emphasises local content, as the new bill is silent on the issue.

The senate also commenced debate on the bill seeking to review the procurement act.

The bill, which is entitled, ‘A bill for an act to amend the public procurement act to provide for adoption of a local content policy and timely completion of procurement and for other related matters, 2016,’ is sponsored by Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North).

In his lead debate, Egwu urged his colleagues to support the bill to give the legal backing of locally-produced goods to boost the country’s economy.

“I foresee a future

where graduating students will easily be absorbed by industries manufacturing locally.

The time for the act is now as the reliance on imported goods will worsen the economy,” he said.

The lawmaker commended the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Ben Bruce for openly patronising locally-made goods, and urged Nigerians to follow suit.

Senator Ajayi Borrofice representing Ondo north senatorial district, who supported the bill, in his contributions noted that if the bill is passed, it will help instill some discipline in Nigerians.

In his closing remarks, Saraki expressed joy that the public procurement act is in the process of being amended to encourage Nigerian industries through the purchase of locally-produced goods.

Saraki had after receiving 29 made-in-Nigeria fabrics designed for him by some Aba traders last month said he would spread the message to all his colleagues in both chambers to begin to patronise made-in-Nigeria products.

ing Procedures of FIRS organised by the House Ad-hoc Committee set up for that purpose.

He said the hearing was necessitated by a resolution of the House which caused the setting up the ad-hoc committee with a view to ascertaining the accounting framework in use and examine its effectiveness in line with economic realities.

“You will recall that the House on its first sitting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 reached a resolution that mandated this Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the accounting procedures of the Federal Inland Revenue Service with a view to ensuring adherence to constitutional and statutory provision.

“This investigative hearing is coming at a time when our economy is facing acute revenue shortfall owing to the global downturn in the oil market. So there’s no better time than now to diversify our revenue base and strengthen our revenue collection system.

“The negative consequences of our monoproduct economy, as visited on us, have created the need for more revenue sources targeting alternatives going forward.

Accordingly, unless urgent steps are

taken to make our tax system - including levy and collection - more effective, great difficulty awaits us,” Dogara said.

He added that the exercise was part of legislative contribution towards supporting government effort at repositioning the economy for the purpose of meeting the ever growing needs of the populace with regards to effective budget financing.

The Speaker, who was represented by his deputy, Sulaimon Lasun, said while tax policies and tax laws created the framework for improved tax revenues, the actual level of taxes which flow into government revenue largely depended on the efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting procedures adopted by the revenue administration within the economy.

Earlier, Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Michael Enyong, in his welcome address notified participants of a motion which came before the House. He disclosed that in 2014, revenue from the FIRS amounted to N4.69trn while the national budget for that year stood at N4.669trn.

He said: “We can infer from this that if revenue from tax is properly administered transparently, accountably, diligently, it will be sufficient to fund the national budget.”

Redouble effort on Chibok girls, BBOG urges FG

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ring Back Our Girls, BBOG, Movement yesterday implored the Federal Government to speed up efforts at rescuing the abducted Chibok school girls.

Spokesperson of BBOG, Mr Sesugh Akume, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that time was running out as the girls would have spent two years in captivity by April 14.

The female students were kidnapped from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, on the night of April 14, 2014 by Boko Haram sect members.

Akume said it was the duty of the Nigerian government to rescue the Chibok girls from captivity.

“On January 14, we met with President Muham-

madu Buhari who promised to open an investigation into the abduction of these girls.

It is three months now and that investigation is yet to be completed.

“Opening that investigation will lead to credible intelligence that will lead to the rescue of the Chibok girls.

“By tomorrow, it will be 730 days since the girls were abducted. The previous government was slow in taking action, this new government gave us hope,” he said.

Akume assured that the BBOG Movement would continue to agitate until the girls were released.

“We will not allow Nigerians, we will not allow the government, to forget the girls or treat the demand for their release as an irritating issue.

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L-R: Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe; Chairman, Erelu Angela Adebayo and Director, Mrs. Olayinka Ogunsulire, at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos on Tuesday.

L-R: Representative of the Executive Secretary, National Board For Technical Education, Mr Ekpeyong Ekpenyong; Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Margaret Ladipo; Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr Bello Ibrahim and Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Dr Shuaibu Muhammad, during 133rd regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: First Vice President, National Council of Women Societies, Lagos State Chapter Alhaja Memunat Agoro; Societies’ Presidential Aspirant, Dame Marie Fatayi Williams; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and 2nd Vice President of the Society, Alhaja Bolanle Ajao, during the Presidential Aspirant courtesy visit to Mrs Ambode at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

L-R: Head, International Primary Markets, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oluwafemi Onifade;, Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON; Co-Head, Emerging Markets, International Markets Unit, London Stock Exchange Group, Mr. Ibukun Adebayo and Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, at the 2nd NSE/LSE Dual Listings Conference Closing Gong Ceremony in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Fuel scarcity: NNPC to release 1,500 trucks daily

•DPR auctions petrol in Suleija over diversion Chidi UgwU ABUJA

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igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, apologised for the lingering fuel scarcity in the country.

It, however, assured that the problem has been resolved with adequate supply of premium motor spirit, PMS, through import and the local refineries.

Spokesman for the NNPC, Garba Deen Mohammed, and the group executive directors Mr. Bello Rabiu (Upstream), Henry Obih (Downstream) and Anibor Kragha (Refineries), told state House Correspondents that five vessels have berthed in the ports discharging products.

According to Bello, the ships are in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri ports to complement importation by private dealers - all discharging at least 120 million litres of products.

Bello said in moving the products hinterlands, the

NNPC has the only option of trucking as most of the pipelines are not working.

He said the NNPC is in a position to take PMS from the Atlas cove jetty up to Ibadan while the rest of the distribution is being done through the depots in the Lagos area. ``We are almost on 100 per cent on trucking to the hinterland; that is the only way we can get it to the whole market but the plan is that going forward from today we want to ensure that we give more than is require in the whole country. ``The actual requirement of the country is just 1,300 trucks but our plan is to make at least 1,500 trucks available every day until all the problems are solved. ``We want to make sure that we saturate the market in a very short time and presently, Lagos is cleared, Abuja is getting better and other places will follow,’’ he said.

Bello added that the NNPC

pushed 160 trucks into the cities across the country on Tuesday. ``We are now in a position to say that each state’s demand has been captured; we know the need and we are trying to ensure that all the states are supplied,’’ he added.

He said henceforth, the corporation is ready to announce the daily supply of PMS to the states and that the governors have expressed readiness to put task forces in place to ensure that the products are delivered to consumers.

He said the NNPC is ready to ensure there is no repeat of the scarcity. ``On behalf of the management of the NNPC, we are sorry for what has happened and we are working very hard to ensure that this thing will not happen again. ``Going forward, we are ensuring that we don’t have this again and we are doing everything possible to have in-country storage - a strategic

storage that will not allow us to go into this situation. ``Once our depots in the country are actually wet, it will not take anybody more than four hours to take the products from our depots to his station.’’

Bello said once the pipelines were revived, products would move further into other parts of the country. ``We are doing three things at the same time: ensuring sustainable imports, making sure that refineries work and the pipelines also work. ``That will reduce all these incidences and once we achieve that stability, queues in Nigeria will be a thing of the past,’’ he assured.

He also urged Nigerians to reduce the tension in the country by not wasting time in the filling stations, adding that all the stations in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT as at yesterday had been supplied with fuel. ``Not a single station in

Abuja is dry and we will sustain this to ensure that no station is left unattended not only in Abuja but also the states around Abuja,’’ Bello added.

He said the corporation is making sure that trucking is efficient having solved the supply problems.

Meanwhile, for diverting the scarce PMS, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, yesterday dispensed the product free to cheering motorists along the Zuba-Kaduna expressway.

An enforcement team of DPR led by its director, Mr. Mordecai Ladan, monitored the sale of the product on the ZubaKaduna expressway when it discovered that petrol stations on Kaduna road, Gaoraka-Suleja in Niger State had diverted about 100,000 litres of PMS that they had loaded from the NNPC depots on Tuesday.

Ladan’s team stormed Zen Hajad Limited, ZHL, petrol station, and discovered that although the manifest showed that the company lifted 60,000 litres, it never delivered it to the

station.

The station looked deserted and the security guard revealed that no product had been delivered to the station in the last one month.

Ladan was surprised about what he described as sabotage and diversion of the intervention product meant to cushion the fuel scarcity in the country.

He said: “From the manifest from the depot, the station yesterday (Tuesday) lifted about 60,000 litres of PMS as intervention for the crisis currently being faced. So, as part of our monitoring activities we have come to confirm if the 60,000 liters were delivered but as you can see there is nothing of such.”

He added that the DPR team was surprised that the station was given fuel for intervention because it had not been licensed for over a year.

As part of the sanctions for the offense of the company, the director said the company would pay N200 for each of the 60,000 liters and the petrol station would be sealed up.

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NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Corruption: We’re ashamed of revelations in NAMA –Union leader Olusegun KOiKi

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Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel (right), presenting a memento to the Director of Institute of Security Studies, Mr. M.B. Seiyefa during a courtesy visit to the governor in Government House, Uyo.

UBTH performs 30 cardiac surgeries in 5 years Oarhe dicKsOn

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he Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Benin city, yesterday disclosed that the Cardiothorasic unit of the Department of Surgery in the hospital has successfully performed over 30 cardiac surgeries in the last five years without any mortality.

Professor Michael Ibadin, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of UBTH while expressing satisfaction with the latest feat performed by the cardiac surgeons in the unit who successfully carried out a heart surgery on an 18 –month-old girl, Emmanuella Obasogie, who was diagnosed with a hole in her heart, said that the hospital was poised to commence open heart surgeries with the near completion of its Cardiac Centre.

Ibadin said: “We are involved in surgeries of the lung, heart, chest wall and blood vessels. We have been rendering services here successfully for years. It is generally assumed that medical doctors and the health team are essentially doing nothing and our patients are increasingly being sent to India and other foreign countries for surgeries that are routinely and safely offered here in UBTH. “However, we presently perform safely, many ranges of cardiac surgeries that patients are unwittingly being sent abroad for. These surgeries include patent ductis arteriosus (one of the ‘hole in heart’) ligation, shunts for cyanotic congenital heart diseases, pericardiostomy and pericardietomy The CMD said that all patients with heart disease

should be first sent in to UBTH, adding that this would further aid the development and allow collaborative efforts to yield good results.

According to him, for surgeries which we are unable to offer, UBTH would be able to offer counseling and medical advice and follow up after the procedure.

“We would be able to arrange for the surgeries in partnership with other centres in

Nigeria and abroad and would be able to substantially reduce cost and other logistics for the patients”, he said.

He disclosed that funds have been budgeted for the equipment of the Cardiac Centre being built in the hospital; just he said the management would explore other means to fund the centre so as to meet its needs.

Speaking with newsmen later, mother of the little girl,

Mrs. Jeniffer Obasogie, said her daughter was first admitted at the St, Philomena Hospital Benin where she was diagnosed of having a hole in her the heart and from there she was referred to see a cardiologist.

She disclosed that they only stayed in the hospital for three days after the surgery and that the baby has being enjoying good health since then.

Ayade sets aside N200m to resettle Bakassi returnees richard ndOma Calabar

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ross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, said he has set aside about N200m as counterpart funding to enable him partner Lafarge Cement Company for the construction of houses for the displaced people of Bakassi peninsula whose land were ceded to the Republic of Cameroun by the International Court of justice in 2007.

The project if successfully completed, will help to bring a sigh of relieve to the displaced people of the Bakassi peninsula in Cross River State, who had suffered neglect in the hands of Federal Government and the international communities for nearly a decade right from 2007 when their lands was ceded to Cameroun.

Ayade, who stated this yesterday, while receiving the Chairman of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, and his management team on a courtesy visit to the

Governor`s Office, Leopard road Calabar, said the state was going to partner with the cement manufacturer, who will also build affordable houses to actualise the project, adding that the N200 million set aside by the government shall serve as a counterpart funding for the proposed housing project.

On the capacity of the company to deliver on the project, Ayade pointed that “given your advantage of scale, quality of work so far delivered in other projects you handled and the expertise deployed to deliver, I am confident that this initiative alone will bring unprecedented prosperity to the company and the state at large as we collaborate.”

The governor further directed the Commissioners for Social Housing, Finance, Lands and other relevant agencies to collaborate with the company to kick-start the process of building the houses.

On the 260 kilometres superhighway, Ayade ap-

pealed to Lafarge to find a way to get involved in the construction because according to him, “We have concluded negotiations with Aliko Dangote to use concrete for the construction of some part of the project and now that you are here, we are hopeful that Lafarge will join the train.”

Ayade commended Lafarge for its good Corporate Social Responsibility,CSR, in the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state, but urged them to do more by expanding their scope.

Earlier, Chairman of Lafarge, Mr. Balogun, who described Governor Ayade as a man of history and considerable achievement, said Lafarge Africa became 35 percent shareholder of Unicem in 2014 and in October 2015, through a transaction with Flour Mills who were the original shareholders, increased the shareholding to 50 percent while the parent company who are handling other transactions holds the other 50 percent.

ecretary-General of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, has described the recent sleaze revelation in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, as a shame to the Nigerian aviation industry.

Abioye also called on the Federal Government to extend its corruption search to other aviation agencies in the sector.

Speaking yesterday with our correspondent at the union’s headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, Abioye said the unions especially NUATE, had complained about corrupt practices in the agency in the past, but the complaints, were treated with the pinch of salt by the government.

He however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts at sanitising the nation including the economy, stressing that this would serve as a deterrent to others.

The EFCC had on February 12, 2016 arrested and detained about six top management staff of NAMA including its Managing Director, Engineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam Ibrahim, over N6.9 billion fraud in the agency.

The suspects were last Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos and are being prosecuted on a 21- count charge.

Abdusalam is charged alongside Nnamdi Udoh (still

at large), Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy Ayodele Adegorite, Randville Invesment Limited and Multeng Travels and Tours Limited. They were arraigned before Justice Babs Kuewumi.

Abioye insisted that the unions were happy at the developments in the agency, but, decried that since the arrest of Abdulsalam, there had been a lacuna in the system despite the appointment of an Acting Managing Director for the agency by the government.

He said: “That situation brought shame to the nation’s aviation industry. The unions had complained of several infractions in the agency over the years, but all our complaints were thrown back at us for lack of evidence. Even, when we provide the government with evidences they asked us for, they still don’t act.

“We are happy at what is happening at NAMA, but there should not be a lacuna in the system. The government should bring in a substantive Managing Director for the agency. The Acting Managing Director is incompetent because he complained that his hands are tied.

He also alleged that most of the agencies in the sector are striving to pay staff salaries due to several corrupt practices in the system, adding that succession plan had collapsed totally in the sector in the past 10 years.

Police APC damaged as OPC, hoodlums clash in Ikire BOladale BamigBOla OsOgbO

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esidents and commuters passing through Ikire, a town in Irewole Local Government area of Osun State, were yesterday thrown into panic following deadly clashes involving some members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and an unnamed gang.

During the clash, a police-manned Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, got damaged when it hit an electric pole while on duty, even as residents flee trouble spots.

Businesses and banks also closed to customers around Naira and Kobo and Oja’ale areas of the town while the clash lasted.

Although,the cause

of the clash could not be ascertained, but some residents of Ikire town informed our correspondent that the fight started Tuesday evening.

Sources in Ikire further explained that a gang led by a man simply identified as Oriade had been involved in a running battle with OPC members in the town over an undisclosed matter.

A resident of Naira and Kobo, who witnessed the clash involving the men in his neighborhood said, about 12 armed men engaged in fight in the area for several hours.

“At the scene of the clash, we heard members of the OPC saying: “Oriade na today you go die”. Some men loyal to Oriade boys too were heard threatening to kill OPC men”, he said.

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South West

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Arise cautions against playing politics with rail network abiOdun nejO ADO EKITI

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ormer National Assembly member, Senator Ayo Arise, has cautioned against playing politics with rail network in view of its importance to the socio-economic development of the country.

L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Senator Olamilekan Adeola and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola during the Governor’s inspection of the ongoing construction of Aboru-Abesan Link Road in Agbado/Oke Odo LCDA, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Police order registration of Fulani herdsmen in Ondo OjO Oyewamide AKURE

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ndo State Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, yesterday said her command could no longer fold its arms and allow the excesses of Fulani herdsmen to go unchecked.

Harrison ordered that all herdsmen operating in the state should be registered for identification purposes.

She warned that unregistered cattle rearers would not be allowed to operate in the state, say-

ing the head of the Hausa/Fulani community where such herdsmen foment trouble would be held responsible.

The police commissioner spoke at an interactive session with stakeholders in Akure, the state capital.

Stakeholders at the meeting included local farmers, heads of Hausa/Fulani communities across the state, traditional rulers and leaders of Miyyatti Allah.

She said: “Farmers and cattle rearers have been living together in this

state before now. We need to come together, especially now that the price of petroleum products has come down; also, we should go back to the farm.

“We cannot do without one another and we must realise we need each other to earn our daily bread.

Therefore, let us make efforts to promote peace in the state.

“We are going to register every Hausa/Fulani community in the state.

The leaders must know the number of herdsmen in their various camps.

They must be registered

and have identity cards.

Henceforth, the leaders will be held responsible for the activities of the herdsmen.

“Nobody can take law into his or her hand. It will catch up with you.

We can never compromise law and order. Police cannot fold their arms and allow a breakdown of law and order.”

Harrison urged farmers in the state not to go on any reprisal attack whenever they have issues with the herdsmen, saying “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Ekiti to AGF: Military panel report can’t be used to probe guber poll abiOdun nejO ADO EKITI

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kiti State government has said the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), cannot use the report of a military panel set up to probe alleged rigging of the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state to prosecute anybody.

In an open letter to Malami, the state government also said the propriety or otherwise of the election had been decided from the tribunal level up to the Su-

preme Court and that any other panel, whether military or otherwise, could not sit on appeal on any matter already decided by the apex court.

The letter by the Commissioner for Justice and attorney-general, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, in AdoEkiti on Wednesday, was entitled “Open letter to the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) on the alleged plans to prosecute prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State for alleged rigging of 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial

election.”

The state attorney general said that the findings, reports and recommendations of the Nigerian Army Board of Inquiry did not emanate from an Election Petition Tribunal as specified by the Electoral Act. He added that as such any recommendation by the military panel could not be the basis or grounds for criminal prosecution of anybody.

Ajayi further added that the Supreme Court, in the suit number SC 113/2015 APC vs PDP and 4 others, had on

April 14, 2015 delivered a judgment in which it affirmed the regularity of the election and the validity of the results as declared by INEC. He added that INEC, the statutory body vested with the conduct of elections in Nigeria, was part of the suit up to the Supreme Court level and vigorously defended the regularity of the 2014 Ekiti State governorship election.

Ajayi advised the AGF to resist any undue political pressure to act contrary to the provisions of the laws of the land.

Arise, an All Progressives Congress, APC, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists at Oye Ekiti yesterday, appealed to National Assembly members to be sincere on ensuring success of the Federal Government’s bid for the construction of Lagos Calabar rail line.

The National Assembly members, who are asking President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the 2016 budget as passed, had said he could present the rail line proposal, which was omitted from the document, in a supplementary budget.

The former federal lawmaker, who said the request for supplementary budget was a facesaving device, urged the National Assembly to consider the interest of the people who the rail network would add value to their lives and economy.

According to him, outright rejection by the National Assembly of such a strategic project

that could help in provision of employment and further strengthening of the economy could be misinterpreted to mean attempt to impose more suffering on Nigerians.

Arise subscribed to the proposition by the Senate that the logjam could be resolved through the presentation of supplementary budget by President Buhari, saying this could help in resolving the bedlam if there is sincerity of purpose.

“During my time at the Senate, a scenario like this happened under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. But we sat down and asked Mr President to send a supplementary budget to capture areas left out and that settled the matter. This could be a way out, but it has to be done sincerely.”

He described as mere political propaganda, the hues and cries over Buhari’s frequent trips, saying they were trips to better the lot of Nigeria in the face of the comatose economy owing to activities of economic plunderers and looters.

Arise said the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State would be won

by APC in view of the assiduous efforts to reunite members to be able to form formidable force against Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Harsh economy affecting enrolment in private varsities –Don bOladale bamigbOla OSOGBO

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he President and Vice Chancellor, Adeleke University, AU, Ede, Osun State, Prof. Oluwole Amusan, yesterday said non-patronage of private universities by many potential students was caused by high poverty rate in the country.

Addressing newsmen at the permanent site of the institution, Amusan said the belief by majority of the populace that privatelyowned universities were too expensive, even without making enquiries about the services the institutions render, was also affecting students enrolment.

Admitting however that the establishment of private universities was still a young innovation in the country, he expressed the hope that Nigerians would soon embrace the benefits embedded in it.

Further lamenting poor enrolment of students in private universities across the country, Amusan said the student’s population in the university has hit 1,000 which he said was commendable.

According to him, in five years of existence of Adeleke University, it has recorded some landmark achievements in terms of providing state-of-the-art infrastructures on its main campus to make learning easy.

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South East

Thursay, April 14, 2016

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Fuel scarcity: Blame Buhari, not Kachikwu – CAN

EmmanuEl EzEh Enugu

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hristian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has faulted calls for the resignation of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, over the lingering fuel scarcity in the country.

CAN, in a statement issued by its South East branch in Enugu yesterday, said attacks on Kachikwu are misdirected considering that he is merely the Minister of State; whereas President Muhammadu Buhari is the petroleum minister.

In the statement

signed by its president, Most Rev. David Eberechukwu, the group expressed total condemnation for calls for Kachikwu’s resignation, and asked “what happens to the main minister, President Buhari; will he also resign?”

He said he was sur-

prised “over the tonguelashing of Kachikwu by some Nigerians, even those that are supposed to know better.”

Eberechukwu who is also the chairman, Southern Nigeria Christian Elders’ Forum frowned at what he termed “the non-challant attitude of Presi-

dent Buhari over the attacks on our people in the South East and the Agatu community in Benue State,” and called for quick intervention of the Federal Government.

“The National Assembly should do something to stop these attacks by Fulani herdsmen. It has never been like this before; the Fulani herdsmen

we see now are not the same as those of the past.

“How can they now carry AK47 and pump actions guns? Who is pursuing them and who are they pursuing? This is quite unfortunate,” the priest added.

He, however, called on Nigerians to devote more energy to praying for the country “instead of blaming anyone.”

Okorocha advocates classification of Nigerian varsities

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L-R: Wife of the President , Hajia Aishia Buhari; wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu; wife of Abia State Deputy Governor, Mrs Vivian Ude Okochukwu and former First Lady, Mrs. Victoria Aguinyi Ironsi, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Abia Women to the Villa, yesterday.

PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

I kidnapped my uncle because of frustration – Suspect confesses in Enugu EmmanuEl EzEh Enugu

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nugu State police command yesterday paraded three notorious syndicates, who specialise in kidnapping and robbery within Enugu metropolis and other parts of the state.

The suspects include one Collins Chime of Obinagu Udi in Enugu State, who masterminded the kidnap of his uncle.

Parading the suspects alongside others before newsmen, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, said the first syndicate, Etim Amos, of Abiakpo Ibo road, Ikot-Ekpene, masterminded the kidnap of Barr. John Abugu at the GRA, Enugu.

According to CP Ekechukwu, the syndicate was also behind the abduction of Mrs. Jane Ekweremadu at Agric Bank junction, Independence Layout, Enugu, as well as Mr. Brooks Okwara in the same area, and Mrs. Sandra Onu, along with her Honda CRV car, Registration No. Lagos JJJ 447 CL at the New Haven area of the state.

He disclosed that the command, in a carefully-planned operation ambushed the gang at a point along Itu-Calabar road, during which other members of the syndicate tried to escape.

The commissioner stated that the gang leader, Amos, who had been posing as a soldier with an Army cap, which he usu-

ally placed on the dashboard to deceive people, was gunned down alongside another gang member, one Otunre Nse. He explained that the Honda CRV belonging to Mrs. Onu, in which she was abducted was recovered from them.

Also recovered are a gun, handsets of the victims, fake Army ID card, bearing Corporal Etim Henry Amos.

Meanwhile, Collins, while speaking with journalists, confessed that “we were to kidnap a rich woman but we missed her; so, I suggested that we kidnap my uncle.

“After we kidnapped him, we received N500,000 as ransom, out of which our leader (still at large) gave me N65,000.”

While pleading for

mercy, he said: “I have never involved myself in this kind of thing; it is just frustration; please beg them not to kill me; let them keep me in prison; I’ll stay there and work for government.”

Other members of the smashed syndicate include Nonso Onyebuchi of Obeagu Awgu, who is the leader of the gang, and Chukwudi Azemene of Umuoduma, Aba, Abia State.

They had kidnapped one Elder Chime Edwin, a UK returnee of Obinagu Udi on April 2, 2016 at his house, at the same address, and whisked him off in a Volkswagen Audi car with Registration No. DWK 929 PP, which they had earlier snatched from its owner at Umunede, Delta State.

overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has called for the classification of Nigerian universities as practiced in other nations.

Okorocha made the appeal during a visit to the National Universities Commission, NUC yesterday in Abuja.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Okorocha was at the NUC to submit the Law and Order Planning Document for the Easter n Palm University, Ogboko, Imo State.

He said the process started 12 years ago when it was named Rochas Foundation University, adding that the same site is being used for the Easter n Palm University.

NAN re por ts that Ivy League universities have some of the largest university financial endowments in the world which allows the universities to provide many resources for their academic pro g rammes and research endeavours.

Okorocha said he wanted to move the Imo State University to that site but that it could not materialise due to political reasons.

According to him, in 2016, Imo State has the highest registration of students in Unified Tertiary

Matriculation Examination; hence, there is need for more universities in the state.

The gover nor said education is the number one industry in the state.

He said the State House of Assembly has accented to the establishment of the Easter n Palm University to bring human capital development closer to the people.

Okorocha said there is need for private and public sectors collaboration in funding education, adding that the NUC boss would be invited to address the Nigerian Gover nors Forum.

Responding, Prof.

Julius Okojie said there is need for more universities in Nigeria in order to expand access.

He said NUC takes accreditation of courses seriously as it would not hesitate in withdraw it if any university is found wanting.

According to him, quality education does not come cheap as people pay to acquire it.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of Certificate of Recognition of the Easter n Palm University, Ogboko, Ideato South Local Gover nment Area of Imo State to the gover nor.

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South South

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Navy arrests two boats with 671 bags of rice in C’River RichaRd Ndoma Calabar

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he Nigerian Navy at the Eastern Naval Command, ENC, in Cross River State yesterday said it has arrested two boats suspected to be owned by a citizen of `Cotonou carrying 22 passengers alongside 671 bags of rice brought into the country from the Republic of Cameroon.

The Flag Officer Commanding ENC, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Calabar the Cross River State capital.

He said the boats were nabbed by men of the Navy on board Nigerian Navy Ship Makurdi while routine patrol.

The Navy boss averred that one of the boats was carrying 14 Nigerians with 550 bags of rice, while the other carried eight Cameroonians with 121 bags of rice.

Abdulkadir stated that the boats were arrested because the passengers on board had no valid traveling document, hence, the need to check them and hand them over to the rel-

evant agencies for further actions. ``These boats with 671 bags of rice were arrested by our men on patrol. ``We want to search them and see what they are up, as most of them are without valid traveling documents. ``We have to pick them up, do more investigations and hand them over to the relevant agencies for further actions. ``If we find them free of any security threat, we would easily release them. ``We are concern about security on the water ways, we must continue to maintain our presence at sea and also maintain our intelligence network,’’ he said.

According to him, the Navy shall continue to carry out more enlightenment campaign to sensitise the public on the need to process valid traveling documents before leaving for another country. ``Some of the passengers are ignorant over this; we must continue to enlighten them. We must also continue to mount our presence at sea in order to curb illegal movement, sea piracy and oil theft,’’ he said.

N’Delta communities ask Italian oil firm to quit

…three oil flow stations threatened UboNg UkpoNg abuja

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here are strong indications that the nation’s oil and gas sector may face a fresh threat in the restive Niger Delta region, as some Ijaw communities have reportedly declared a multinational company, Saipem Consortium, persona non grata in their areas.

Saipem, an Italian oil contracting firm, is currently handling three gas plant projects technically referred to as SSAGS+, on behalf of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, in Ijaw communities hosting the Beniseide, Tunu and Ogbotobo Flow Stations.

However, the communities have reportedly asked the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell, to stop

contracting Saipem to handle its oil and gas projects within their areas.

They have also requested that Saipem be withdrawn from further executing the ongoing projects in the three Flow Stations.

A spokesman of the communities, Barrister Pere-ebibo Cinema Fufeyin, said yesterday, that youths of the various communities were already mobilising to storm the Embassies of the United Kingdom and Italy in Abuja, for a peaceful protest against the continued presence of Saipem in their area.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, Fufeyin hinged the communities’ resolve on various contractual illegalities and fraudulent practices allegedly perpetrated by Saipem Consortium in its dealings with them.

L-R: Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson; Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Serena Dokubo-Spiff and Governor Seriake Dickson, at the swearing ceremony of Commissioners at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Hall, Government House Yenagoa, yesterday.

Flush out corrupt officials, Oshiomhole urges INEC oNazeNa abbey benin

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do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ban those indicted to have aided electoral fraud at one time or the other, from the system ahead of the state gubernatorial election billed for Septem-

ber.

The governor made this call when the new INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olumekun, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin city.

Oshiomhole noted that he remains a believer and a preacher of one man one vote.

He said: “It was clear to me that unless you

have a government that is accountable, poverty will remain endemic and society will remain unsafe. But I am happy that several years down the line, we have played our part and contributed our quota in the struggle to entrench real democracy and uphold one man one vote On his part, the new Resident Electoral Com-

missioner, Mr. Olumekun, who commended the governor for the developmental strides recorded in the state since assumption of office, said INEC owes its a responsibility to conduct an election not earlier than 150 days before the expiration of the term of an incumbent governor, and not later than 30 days before his tenure expires.

Avoid pre-trial detention, IG cautions policemen Julius Onwuma Uyo In order to checkmate incessant litigations against the Nigeria Police, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has admonished policemen across the country to avoid pre-trial detention.

The IGP gave the warning while addressing men of the Akwa Ibom Police Command in Uyo, during a one day working visit to the state.

According to Arase, unlawful detentions have created a lot of problems for the police as it has

often led to situations where suspects go to court, demanding the enforcement of their fundamental rights and claiming damages.

“The issue of pre-trial detention is creating a lot of problems for us and I want you to discourage it.

“Pre-trial detention subjects us to litigations because suspects seek the enforcement of their rights and lay claim to damages”.

Arase, whose visit to the state was described as a home coming, said his experience as a former Commissioner of Police

in Akwa Ibom State has helped him in implementing some strategic decisions he has taken as the Inspector General of Police.

Noting that there is no society that crime is entirely free, he commended the officers of the command for their efforts in fighting crime and charged them to do more.

He urged officers of the command to only investigate criminal cases and avoid civil and commercial matters, stressing that such cases should be resolved through other dispute resolution strate-

gies.

He also said that he was in the state to appeal to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, to allocate a land to the Nigeria Police to build a housing estate for Inspectors and men in the rank and file cadre.

Commending the IGP for his innovations in the Police Force, Akwa Ibom Sate Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mina said that officers of his command are carry out their operations with constant element of a human face, respect and dignity for all persons.

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North

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel crisis: Commuters stranded in Ilorin

… commercial drivers protest WolE AdEdEji ILORIN

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L-R: Chairman, Central Working Committee, Kwara Baptist Conference, (KBC), Mr. Tunde Oyawoye; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and President, KBC, Rev. Dr. Victor Adebayo Dada, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, yesterday.

Army, Shiite clash: El-Zakzaky sues FG for N2bn

AZA MSUE KADUNA

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eaders of Islamic Movement in Nigeria Shiites, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, has sued the Federal Government for N2 billion, saying he lost his left eye after the sect bloody clashed with army last year.

El-Zakzaky’s lawyers said they have met the leader of the Movement, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who is being detained at the Headquarters of the Department of State Security, DSS, in Abuja.

Addressing a news con-

ference in Kaduna, lead counsel to El-Zakzaky, Mr Festus Okoye, said after seeing the Shiites leader, they could hardly recognise him because he had lost his left eye and that his left hand was partially paralysed.

Okoye, also added that El-Zakzaky at the moment now limps, noting that the Shiites leader was a complete shadow of himself after the clash between the IMN and the Nigerian Army in Zaria last year.

According to him, ElZakzaky and his wife, Zeenat were fatally shot by soldiers who raided the

Gyallesu resident of the Shiites leader in the wake of the bloody clash which left several members of the movement dead.

It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Mallam Balarabe Lawal Abbas, while testifying before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, JCI, said that the 347 members of the sect were given mass burial at Mando, in Kaduna State.

One of the lawyers who met the Shiites leader at the DSS Headquarters , Maxwell Kyon, said El-Zakzaky was quite frail and

looked completely different from who he used to be before the clash with the Army.

Kyon while narrating how the legal team met the Shiite leader at DSS headquarters said; “He lost his left eye and he struggle to recognise us because of the damages done to him as a result of the clash. His left hand completely lost .The wife was shot thrice.

I must say they are not in a good state of health.

Several operations had been carried out on them, especially the leader the IMN,” Kyon said.

Assembly.

This was in addition to call by the group on the Federal Government to quickly make public its economic policy, which will boost investor confidence in Nigeria.

This and other issues were made known during a press conference address by the group president Barrister Ikenga Ugochinyere, in Abuja yesterday.

Regarding the lingering fuel crisis in the country, Ugochinyere, described the situation as societal menace and urged the government to take practical steps to end the situation without delay, noting that the

man -hours lost in the fuel stations by Nigerians is unquantifiable.

The group also expressed concerns at the epileptic power supply in the country, regretting that the DISCOS seem not to be interested in investing in the electricity sector of the country because they make more than enough profit through the estimated billing system.

They called on the Minister of Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to negotiate and set a deadline for pre-paid meters to be installed in all Nigerian homes.

On the much criticized frequent over-

sees trips by Buhari, the group appreciated the successes recorded from all the travels and expressed hope that the president’s desire to give some of the issues a personal touch were done in the best interest of Nigeria.

However, the group noted that owing to the mounting domestic challenges, the president should shelve further foreign trips for now and give some personal touches to some domestic matters, even as they suggested that the Vice President or the Ministers can represent the president in some of the overseas trips.

Group backs senate, urges President to sign 2016 budget G EorGE oji ABUJA

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ational Youth Council of Nigeria has added its voice to that of the Senate by calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to take urgent steps to sign the 2016 budget appropriation bill into law without further delay.

The group advised President Muhammadu Buhari to first sign the budget and then send a supplementary budget to the National Assembly to cover the items that are not included in the budget already passed by the National

chool children, civil servants and other others were stranded yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as commercial drivers withdraw their services from the roads, protesting the unilateral and indiscriminate hike in petrol prices by marketers.

The action, according to them was a warning strike to drum it to the hearing of both the state and Federal Governments, who appeared indifferent to their mounting negative ordeals in the hands of petroleum marketers in Kwara.

Oil marketers in the state were alleged to have threatening the life of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Kwara State Operations Director, Mr. Philips Salvation who was said to have

since gone underground because the marketers seems to have upper hands over the federal agency. As soon as Mr. Salvation according to sources lied low, the marketers was said to have swung into action by selling above the regulated pump price, hoard to sell at night and create artificial scarcity to make them sustain the unofficial increase in fuel prices.

It was not clear yesterday whether the drivers would resume their services today, but there was a notice late yesterday evening that there would be a press conference at the Government House this morning.

It was however not clear whether the briefing would be on the fuel situation in the state and the continued biting effects on the populace.

FCT poll: APGA wins in Gwagwalada •Chairman hails victory obiorA ifoh ABUJA

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ll Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has recorded first victory in the north, as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, yesterday declared the candidates of the party in Gwagwalada Area Council Adamu Mustapha Danze winner.

Speaking to the press in his office before the meeting with 36 state chairmen of the party, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Ike Oye, dismissed insinuation that APGA is an Igbo party while insisting that the party must be seen not just as a national party, but also a global party having offices in most European and Asian countries.

He said; “APGA as a political party is a national party, I want to use this opportunity to emphasise it that APGA is not an ethnic or regional party, a regional party does not

win any election in FCT, to win FCT election, you must have a national appeal.” He said that Nigerians have no reason to suffer under the conditions they have found themselves under the APC led government even as he begged Nigerians to entrust into APGA the government come 2019.

“APGA government by 2019 will galvanise the human and material resources that abound in the country to build a nation that can compete favourably with the global super powers. Nigeria has the resources and mental capacity to achieve this.

“The meeting with party state chairmen is aimed at fashioning the way forward for the party.

The meeting will access the performances of the party in each state of the federation to discover areas of weakness and strong points.”

According to him, the party is in the process of rebuilding its structures to be able to adequately play its role of building the nation economically and socially.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

2019: Ihedioha, Uzodinma fight dirty over party structure in Imo

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Dickson appoints APC chieftains as aides, swears-in 15 commissioners

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ayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Wednesday, constituted a 14-member State Executive Council including chieftains of the leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC as part of 20 Special Advisers to consolidate on the achievements of the restoration government.

The APC members are, Mr. Ben Iyororokumo as Special Adviser on Inter- Party Relations and Mr. Clever Lawrence on Information, Communication and Technology Development.

Governor Dickson, who performed the swearing-in

ceremony of the commissioners and Special Advisers in Yenagoa, said the appointment of members of the opposition was in fulfillment of an earlier promise to run an all-inclusive government, regardless of party affiliations.

In his charge, the governor urged members of the newly constituted cabinet to see their appointment as a call to greater commitment, selflessness and loyalty to the government of the day.

Governor Dickson, who noted that much was achieved in the development of the state in the last four years, said they were

expected to be resourceful and redouble their efforts at ensuring that, the government delivers the dividends of democracy, particularly in the light of the prevailing economic challenges.

The returnees are; Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr. Kemela Okara, Housing Development, Mr. Julius Otele,

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemeasuode Wodu, Power, Chief Partner Jim-Ogbolo and that of Special Projects, Mr. Fred Obuah retained their portfolios.

The list also include; Buruboyefe Perekiye, Sports Development and Mr. Kia Ebidiseghabofa Nigeria as Special Duties, Central Senatorial district, while Mrs. Agatha Goma was given the

portfolio of Local Government Administration, Mr. Dude Week is Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jonathan Obuebite mans the Information and Orientation Ministry.

Also, Mr. Dauprebo Ikuromo heads Special Duties East, Mr. Kuroakeagha Dorgu is in charge of Lands and Survey, while Mr. Tubonah Talbot is the Commissioner for Water Resources.

In a similar development, the governor has appointed19 Special Advisers. The appointees are; Chief Fyneman Wilson, Political Matters One, Stephen Diver Political Matters Two, Mr. Tam Alazigha, Investment Promotion, Christiana Ebbeli, Women Mobilization, Mrs. Helen Bob, Talent Development and Gender Education and Chief Benson Agadaga, Establishment Affairs.

Kogi Assembly crisis deepens, as G15 react to suspension wAle IbRAhIm Lokoja

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s the Kogi Assembly crisis deepens, the G-15 members of the assembly yesterday lashed out at the G-5 members over their purported suspension by the latter.

While reacting to the purported suspension , factional Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Sunday. Shigaba described the suspension of the embattled speaker, Momoh-Jimoh Lawal and nine of his loyalists by the Umar Imam-led faction as not only laughable but sad.

He berated the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation over his opinion on the matter, saying that the AGF’s action has vindicated their allegation that the presidency was deeply involved in the Kogi assembly crisis.

He described the G-5 members as noisemakers and called on the people of the state to disregard actions purportedly taken by them, including the passage of the 2016 appropriation bill, in the name of the assembly.

He described the development, including the alleged

impeachment of Lawal by five of the lawmakers and subsequent election of the house leadership as a display of lawlessness.

He said, “For all we know, they are G-5 and I think every action, every activity of the G-5 that we know- for them to come out and say they suspend the speaker and the rest of us, it has no basis. It is of no effect, it has no ground. Every aspect or activities carried out by the G-5 is not recognised by the law. It is null and void.

“When they did the purported impeachment, no quorum was formed to even sit and come out with any decision; whatever they built up in numbers is not recognised until they are legally, legitimately sworn in. You need a minimum of one- third which is seven to sit. To elect principal officers of the house, you need simple majority, and to be able to come up with the impeachment of the speaker, you need two- third. Whatever their argument, they miss the point. Two third of 20 is 12, they are noisemakers overreaching themselves and it is sad.”

L-R: Senator Bukar Baba Ibrahim;Senator Oluremi Tinubu and representative of Speaker, House of representatives, Hon. Yakubu Barde, during the One-Day Public Hearing on a Bill for Establishment of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria at the National Assembly Abuja, yesterday.

Chibok Girls: Women Arise demands more from govt RobeRt Awokuse

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s Nigeria today marks the second year of the abduction of the Chibok school girls in Borno State, human rights activist and President Women Arise, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin has called on the government and Nigerians not to dump the quest of finding the missing girls.

The Chibok school girls, numbering about 276, were kidnapped by the dreaded Boko- Haram on April 14, 2014, and have since not been found.

The call by the Women Arise was contained in a release issued and signed by the president and according

to her, the abduction of the girls is literally the symbolic synonym of terror strikes in the country.

According to Okei-Odumakin “this is because, since then, whenever terrorism is mentioned, the Chibok girls’ case surface first on our minds. Thereafter, some people would faintly recall other cases. Even though, many would instantly take mental exit just after remembering the Chibok girls.”

She noted that although there have been other abductions perpetrated by the Islamic sect and many killings, but the Chibok story has consistently overtaken other stories of terror strikes, a development which according to her had sustained by resil-

ient Nigerians calling for the rescue of the girls and international resonances.

She expressed hope that the girls are still alive with their abductors, saying something could still be done to rescue them.

She lamented as she said “Fellow Nigerians and our international friends in solidarity, the Chibok Girls have become our own blood by virtue of our collective humanness.

We have missed them so much since we raised our voices ceaselessly, expecting yet their return. We have remained with that expectation like a sore wound we are waiting to see healed. It is an enduring hope. It can be tiring, but cannot be ignored.

This wound will remain with us...Until Chibok Girls Are Back!”

The rights activist stressed that the incident would not have degenerated had the previous administration taken urgent step to rescue them, but for what she described as “monumental responsibility deficit on ‘political machination”, the situation became devastating.

The president maintained that “whatever with this administration, it would not have achieved to our own impression; we are still incomplete as Nigerians; our sense of humanity is incomplete; we would not have won the battle against terror until Chibok Girls are back,” she insisted.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

2019: Ihedioha, Uzodinma fight dirty Chris Njoku Owerri

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hen former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha signified his intention to run for the Imo State governorship seat in 2015, little did he know that he was going to meet obstacles on the way that would become hindrance to the realization of his dream.

Ihedioha who was confirmed speaker of the House shortly after his bosom friend, Aminu Tambuwal resigned his appointment as Speaker to contest for governorship seat of Sokoto State trusted many members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state who assured the Ahaizu Mbaise born politician that they would support him to win the governorship election in Imo. With this high hope, Ihedioha doled out millions of naira to these “faithful friends” to assist him in winning the primary election. But what transpired during the primary election did not serve as a lesson to Ihedioha.

Ihedioha, who did not read in between the lines to acquit himself with nature of things to come during the election proper, failed to realize that his real opponents were never the governorship aspirants particularly Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and Chief Gibson Ikedi Ohakim who contested the primary with him but slippery politicians like Senator Hope Uzodinma.

There was no love lost among the two lawmakers prior to the general election. Uzodinma felt as a serving senator from Imo West Senatorial District, he should be in control of the affairs of the party particularly the structure while Ihedioha as the then Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives representing Owerri zone claimed all party affairs should revolve around him as the party leader regarding himself as equal of governor of a state.

This was the situation before the primary election. In the election, Uzodinma was said to have secretly pitched tenet with Ohakim after assuring Ihedioha of his loyalty when the former lawmaker visited him during his local government tour to Oru East where Uzodinma hails from.

Notwithstanding Uzodinma’s support to Ohakim, Ihedioha however sailed through, grabbing the PDP governorship ticket amidst controversy that later ignited fierce and unhealthy animosity among the political family which eventually gave victory to Governor Rochas Okorocha. The fall of Senator Uzodinma’s Oru East LGA to Governor Okorocha during the governorship election was the climax of the internal wrangling.

Before then, Ihedioha failed or pretended not to have seen the allegiance of Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie led state exco to Uzodinma who appointed him as the chairman in first place. Some political analysts said Barr.

Nnamdi Anyaehie’s emergence as State Chairman happened some months before the 2015 general elections did not go down well with some leaders who felt Senator Uzodinma insulted them by not carrying them along in the appointment of the state exco. Then, the stakeholders of the party had opined that if crisis erupted that time the general elections especially that of Imo Governorship would be threatened.

As a result, it became the resolve of all members of the party to sheathe their swords and work towards the removal of the incumbent Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress, APC whom they believe had failed Imo people. This made those who were out to challenge the alleged imposition of Anyaehie

by Senator Uzodinma to calm down until the elections were over.

The analysts said that party chieftains like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who had always had an input in selecting State Chairmen, former Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa who commands large followership in the party and Chief Ihedioha who had gone far in his governorship ambition, all sued for peace and managed to work with Anyaehie to secure victory for the party. But they were

Ihedioha

Uzodinma

Reacting to the dissolution of imo PdP lga, waRd executives, senatoR hoPe uzodinma descRibed the okafoRled imo PdP caRetakeR committee as “an illegality which disobeyed the diRectives of the PdP national executive committee, nec. wrong.

The outcome of the Imo PDP Governorship primary later became a dagger that pierced through the soul of the party.

Sources said as a major governorship aspirant, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume who felt he was shortchanged in the said primary and other aggrieved members of the party who were in different ways jilted by the party, allegedly joined forces with Senator Uzodinma using the state exco to back Governor Rochas Okorocha in his second term bid, thereby rubbishing Ihedioha’s PDP candidacy.

It was also alleged particularly in Ihedioha’s camp that PDP state chairman, Anyaehie and his godfather; Senator Uzodinma never supported Ihedioha’s Governorship ambition, despite several appeals from Ihedioha, Chief Iwuanyanwu and other chieftains of the party. They believed that if Ihedioha had gotten enough support from party faithful, he would have won the governorship election without much ado.

The crisis which was averted before the election has now resurfaced. It came with the insinuation that the tenure of Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and his committee which was meant to serve out the tenure of the previous one headed by Chief Eze Duruiheoma, now Chairman of National Population Commission(NPC)had expired.

According to PDP guideline, three months is the lifespan of every caretaker committee and the Anyaehie- led committee had spent more than a year in office.

It was based on this that a new caretaker committee was set up to conduct fresh party Exco elections at state, LGA and ward levels to usher in new helmsmen of the party in the state. But the Anyaehie- led Exco and their supporters opined that any new Exco would have to emerge after an election is conducted by them to enable them hand over smoothly to their successors.

However, this assertion was rebuffed by Ihedioha camp who expressed concern that Senator Uzodinma’s faction would hijack the structure to continue their manipulation in their favour.

Subsequently, a caretaker committee led by Barrister Vitalis Okafor who hails from Anambra State was appointed by the immediate past National Chairman, Uche Secondus to oversee the affairs of the party in the state. This committee, it was alleged is backed by Chief Ihedioha.

But the Anyaehie faction went to court to challenge the setting up of the new committee. The matter was still in court until the emergence of Ali Modu Sherif as Acting National Chairman.

An attempt was later made to reconcile the factions when a meeting of Imo PDP stakeholders was convened in Abuja by Chairman, Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the PDP, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, but it failed to yield the desired result. It was gathered from a source who attended that meeting that CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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Politics

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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over party structure in Imo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 rather than reconcile the factions, the meeting further worsened their relationship as they traded words at will.

The source further said that Ihedioha who had never forgiven Senator Hope Uzodinma for his role in the last election allegedly told the gathering that Uzodinma had been using the state party as a platform for political merchandise. While Uzodinma had responded that Ihedioha was never serious in his governorship ambition.

This was the political atmosphere in the party until a High Court sitting in Orlu Imo State gave its ruling in favour of the Okafor- led Caretaker Committee, thereby setting the stage for an appeal by the Anyaehie faction.

The Imo PDP Secretariat along Okigwe Road Owerri was then put under lock and key but a few days later a group believed to be in the same camp with the Okafor led group came and broke into the office and kept some fierce looking security aides in charge of it.

Addressing journalists at the Imo PDP Secretariat early this week, the newly installed Imo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Barr. Vitalis Okafor averred that the only known and legitimate caretaker committee existing in the State was the one under his leadership, adding that any counter claim by any person or group of persons “is in law termed a nullity”.

The chairman, who was reacting to the purported tours of Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie to LGAs and wards used the forum to dissolve the party’s executives at both the LGA and ward levels. He made it clear that the new caretaker committee that would hold the party’s structure pending the congresses would soon be announced.

He further stated that the dates for the local government and ward tours would soon be announced as the committees were geared towards ensuring credible and transparent congresses.

He called on interested party members to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Reacting to the dissolution of Imo PDP LGA, ward executives, Senator Hope Uzodinma described the Okafor- led Imo PDP Caretaker Committee as “an illegality which disobeyed the directives of the PDP National Executive Committee, NEC. Also reacting to the forceful breaking-into office by the Okafor- led committee, Uzodinma said the National caucus, BoT and NEC had taken a decision to extend the tenure of all State Executives to May 2016, when the congresses would have commenced, except Edo and Ondo states.

He said as a member of the above mentioned national bodies, he wondered why a caretaker committee emerging from the blues could force itself on the people without respecting and abiding by the directives of the party.

He further said that both the National Chairman and Secretary of the party were issuing press statements on

Ohakim

In the house of Assembly, the sIx members Are Also splIt.

three house of

Assembly members come from mbAIse, nAturAlly they Are expected to swItch AllegIAnce to theIr kInsmAn, IhedIohA. the happenings in the party and maintained that Barr.

Anyaehie remained the authentic Caretaker Committee Chairman.

Adding his voice on the issue, the State Legal Adviser who also belongs to Anyaehie’s camp, Barr.C.O.C. Akolisa, noted that the Okafor- led committee violated the pending appeal against the judgment of an Orlu High Court. “It was the contention of other PDP members loyal to Anyaehie committee that they would mobilize free to chase out the break and enter caretaker committee which took advantage of the on-going tour to break into

the secretariat.”

However, a statement released by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh on behalf of the National Working Committee, NEC recently, urged party faithful to work with the Okafor- led Committee . It also dispelled rumour on the dissolution of party’s LGA, ward executives, directing that they should work with the Okaforled Caretaker Committee.

As at press time, it was yet to be ascertained whether Senator Uzodinma and Barr. Anyaehie would accept the statement of the national body or fight back in their own way. However, most of the leaders of the party in Imo State have gone back to the trenches and formidably aligned themselves to the two camps.

The two camps led by Ihedioha and Senator Uzodinma, senator representing Imo West senatorial zone are in a rat race to capture the entire structure of the PDP in Imo State as a propelling factor to oil their governorship ambitions in 2019.

Except Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and few others who are non- aligned, other leaders like Achike Udenwa, Kema Chikwe, I.M.O Umunna & Patriots Group, I.D Nwoga, Viola Onwuliri are in Ihedioha Camp, Chris Anyanwu is non-aligned, she may switch allegiance to Ihedioha Camp being from the zone with Ihedioha while Senator Samuel Anyanwu who is non -aligned, may switch to Uzodinma Camp, Senator Athan Achonu is in Uzodinma Camp but Ikedi Ohakim- non -aligned, may pander to Uzodinma Camp if he forgoes his guber ambition.

Local government structures have also been polarised. Nnamdi Anayehie ousted State Exco is in Uzodinma Camp, 12 LGA PDP Chairmen in Imo West Senatorial Zone (Orlu) - Uzodinma Camp, 5 LGA PDP Chairmen in Imo North Senatorial Zone (Okigwe) - Uzodinma Camp, 1 LGA PDP Chairman in Imo North (Okigwe)- Ohakim Camp while 5 LGA PDP Chairmen in Imo East Senatorial Zone (Owerri)- Ihedioha Camp, 3 LGA PDP Chairmen in Imo East Senatorial Zone – Alignment still unknown and 1 PDP LGA Chairman - Ohakim Camp.

Also, the internal crisis has affected members of House of Representatives. Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Hon. Obinna Nwawuba, Hon. Jones Onyeriri and Hon. Bede Eke are aligning with Ihedioha Camp while Hon. Goodluck Opiah- Uzodinma Camp, Hon. Obinna Onwubariri- Ohakim Camp, may switch to Uzodinma depending on Ohakim’s move, In the House of Assembly, the six members are also split. Three House of Assembly members come from Mbaise, naturally they are expected to switch allegiance to their kinsman, Ihedioha. The alignment of the other three is unknown.

The battle still rages to the detriment of the PDP but for the battered image of the APC in the state, the crisis would have provided an advantage to the incumbent Governor Okorocha’s search for his successor.

Panama Papers: CACOL faults FG on indifference RobeRt Awokuse

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uman rights group, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has taken a swipe on the federal government following the indifferent attitude it has shown on the startling revelation of the global scam recently making the rounds.

This came in the wake of the leak of the 11.5 million documents made available by the world’s most secret company, Mossack Fonseca

tagged ‘Panama Papers’, which indicts many top world’s politicians and business magnate of corruption and tax evasion.

The revelation which saw the indictment of some Nigerians like the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, Senator David Mark, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) amongst others, has since not received any action from the government.

CACOL said the government has failed to investigate and prosecute those involved saying this is unac-

ceptable and reprehensible.

It stressed further that the link of the leaders to the corruption charges was “totally disgraceful and very tarnishing for the image of the country and calls for drastic action of government and good people of Nigeria.”

Speaking at a press conference, CACOL executive chairman, Mr Debo Adeniran said the government’s attitude to the revelations from the Panama Paper was worrisome and repugnant, as it was apparently lackadaisical and indifferent.

Adeniran noted that

while the government of President Muhammadu Buhari displayed lethargy over the revelation, in other places however, heads of those found culpable have been rolled.

He cited the situation of Iceland where the Prime Minister was forced to resign from office following protests by the people.

“With such a lackadaisical or indifferent attitude on the part of government toward global issues like the Panama Papers leak especially when so-called leaders from Nigeria are mentioned

in the scam, the celebrated anti-corruption drive of the government and the anticorruption poise of the present regime may as well just be described as a ‘ruse’, he said.

The chairman further demanded that the government and the anti-corruption agencies should pay special attention to the revelations from the Panama Papers, with a goal of acting on them and with the view of verifying the facts through investigations, probing, prosecuting and recovering all the loots stolen

from the commonwealth of the nation that are hidden in the tax havens and offshore companies.

He called on Saraki to step down as senate president and as chairman of the National Assembly pending the time he has successfully cleared his name and clean the smears on him.

He added “If he fails to resign, Nigerians must rally and mandate their representatives in their various constituencies to commence his impeachment process based on moral and ethical grounds.

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Plateau PDP in fresh battle to reposition self James abraham Jos

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fter many months of lull in the Plateau state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP occasioned by the party’s defeat during last year’s gubernatorial election, stakeholders appear to have woken up from their slumber and are currently engaged in a battle of wits in their search for a new beginning.

What is fuelling the renewed vigour is the state congresses of the party scheduled to hold this month .But how far can the party go in getting things done rightly to enable it face the challenges ahead?

Described as a make or mar affair by members, there is no doubts that the outcome of the state congress will go a long way to define the future of the party ahead of 2019 polls.

Many believe that one of the main reasons why the PDP lost the 2015 governorship election to the All Progressives Congress, APC, despite being a dominant party in the state was the decision of its leaders to jettison the zoning principle enshrined in the party’s constitution.

Every entreaty made by notable party stalwarts including some of the governorship aspirants under the platform of the party ,religious and traditional leaders for the party leaders to have a change of mind and allow the southern zone produce its governorship candidate in the interest of equity and fairness fell on deaf ears, a development believed to have boosted the chances of the APC to secure victory at the end.

Perhaps, it was based on this reason that the state working committee of the PDP, having realised its mistakes decided to bow to the wishes of the people in fresh efforts aimed at returning the party to power in 2019.

At the recent state executive meeting presided over by the Acting state chairman, Raymond Dabo, the party announced their new strategy towards actualizing the set objectives.

The strategy contained names of party positions that have been shared among the three senatorial zones of the state to formally confirm their readiness to respect the zoning principle enshrined in the party’s constitution.

According to the zoning arrangement, Northern Senatorial district was allocated the State Chairmanship position; the Plateau Central Zone was to produce the Deputy Chairman while the post of the Secretary is to emerge from Plateau South District among others.

Sources said that the party has also agreed to zone the governorship to the Southern zone ahead of the 2019 elections.

But what many thought would excite the political class within PDP fold and probably minimze the friction usually associated with party politics and agitations by different sections insisting that it is their turn to produce certain positions during electioneering appears to be turning to something else as the dust raised by the zoning is threatening to tear the party apart.

For instance, in the northern zone where the state chairmanship has been zoned, some stakeholders are questioning the rationale to further zone the position to Riyom ,one of the six local Government Areas that make up the zone.

Former member of House of Representatives and one of the state chairmanship aspirants from Jos East, Bitrus Kaze is leading the opposition against what he called attempt to rubbish the zoning principle in the party.

He argued that re-zoning the party chairmanship position to a particular Local Government Area after it has been zoned to the northern senatorial district will not only exclude other eligible contestants from other LGAs that make up the zone but will also defeat the essence and spirit of zoning as propounded by the founding fathers of the PDP in its 1999 constitution which states that “in pursuant of the principles of equity, justice and fairness the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels.”

Kaze further cited the scenario playing out at the national level of the party to highlight the zoning error saying:”Now that the PDP NEC has zoned Nigeria’s presidency to the North come 2019, are they suggesting that it will be justified for the 19 northern states to further zone the presidency to say Kano or Katsina states? How can the minority ethnic nation-

Jang

According to the zoning ArrAngement, northern SenAtoriAl diStrict wAS AllocAted the StAte chAirmAnShip poSition; the plAteAu centrAl zone wAS to produce the deputy chAirmAn while the poSt of the SecretAry iS to emerge from plAteAu South diStrict Among otherS. alities of the Middle Belt ever produce Nigeria’s President under such further zoning?”, he queried Like Kaze, another chairmanship aspirant of the party Hon. Philip Asanato Adik ,also kicked against the zoning of the chairmanship to a particular LGA. While faulting the March 31st stakeholders meeting, at WAYE Foundation, in Du, Jos South LGA where the decision of a committee set up with the sole mandate of allocating positions meant for Northern Zone to various local government areas within the zone were said to have been ratified, Adik who addressed a press conference in Jos described the meeting as illegal saying that, it was convened with a sinister motive to satisfy the interest of a cabal.

“On whose mandate did the committee derived its powers to allocate positions to various LGAs in Northern zone since the zonal Chairman of the PDP openly expressed ignorance of that arrangement?

“What criteria was used to decide the category of people that qualified and finally made the list who eventually took part in the meeting that was held at WAYE Foundation on the 31st March, 2016 and consequently, endorsed the decision of the committee.

He said as far as he was concerned, he would go ahead to pursue his aspiration maintaining that the decision of the meeting is not in line with the PDP Constitution on zoning which places such powers with the State Executive Committee, SEC. As the controversy rages, accusing fingers are being pointed at the former Governor of the state, Jonah Jang ,who is currently representing the zone in the national Assembly.

He is said to have influenced the zoning of the chairmanship position to Riyom LGA in his bid to favour the former

Sango Minister of Sports, Hon Damishi Sango who is believed to be Jang’s preferred candidate But Jang has come out to deny any involvement saying that he has not anointed any of the aspirants but would work with anyone who emerges victorious to move the party forward In a statement signed by his former Executive Assistant, Mr Clinton Garuba ,the Governor said that considering the failure of the PDP to secure electoral victory in the 2015 governorship elections in Plateau state, despite being the dominant party in the state, there was the need to correct some of the mistakes of the past and the mistake should not be allowed to repeat itself ahead of 2019 elections.

He noted that it was in this wise that he held several meetings with stakeholders and all those who matter in the PDP to initiate a reconciliatory move as well as healing process for the wounds of the past to pave the way for a smooth state congresses scheduled for this month Jang disclosed that during all the meetings that held he had made it clear that all those contesting for positions in the next Executive Committee of the party were eminently qualified and possess the qualities to lead the party to victory in 2019 as such, he had no preferred candidates and would work with whosoever emerges as the Chairman and other executive positions.

Explaining how the zoning arrangement in the party was arrived at, the governor said the State caucus of the party had zoned all the executive positions to the three senatorial zones and zonal caucuses were therefore mandated in line with the party zoning formula to distribute the allotted positions to each zones equitably amongst all the LGAs that make up the zone and wondered why anyone would accuse him of doctoring the exercise.

He therefore called on all stakeholders to toe the line of statesmanship and work with the party to salvage Plateau state from the current state for the good of all.

Given the reality on ground, PDP is sharply divided ahead of the state congress.

But it is easy to situate the current happenings in PDP because in many ways, party politics in Plateau state mirrors that of the state not only because the party is sharply divided along primordial lines but also because of its interest in composition that engenders a fierce competition for power among stakeholders From the look of things, political observers believe that unless the conflict parties heed the call to sheathe their sword and resolve to work together, the dream of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to recapture power from the All Progressives Congress, APC come 2019 may afterall turn to be a mirage

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South West

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Proposed LCDAs: OGSIEC holds referendum in five council areas Femi OyewesO ABEOKUTA

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Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, addressing members of the Committee for the Defence of Human Right (COHR), during the Committe’s Anti-Corruption Rally at the Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, yesterday.

Ambode vows to light up border towns

Francis suberu

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agos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday said the state government would extend the ongoing light-up project in the state to border towns.

Ambode who made the disclosure while commissioning the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, said virtually all the streets and major roads in the state would benefit from the project.

He said: “I had assured Lagosians that my administration would light up the state and create a 24/7

economy. The gateway town of Seme in Badagry and other border towns will have their streets lit

by September.”

The governor explained that his government recently commissioned a rural electrification project to connect 68 communities in Ibeju Local Government Area and Lekki Local Council Development Area to the national grid.

“We have got the support of Federal Government agencies to take over federal roads, put new installations and retrofit existing installations that are not working,” he said.

Ambode pointed out

that the street lights his government is commissioning are on federal and state roads, adding that the federal roads the state government have lit up include Maryland- Mile 12 and the retrofitting of the Third Mainland bridge, among others.

He added that “some of the state roads include Agidingbi and Acme roads in Ikeja; Allen Avenue–Opebi road, Ekoro and Afa Nla roads in Alimosho and so many others too numerous to list.

“The Light Up Lagos initiative is an integral part of our administration’s programmes to put Lagos on the same pedes-

tal and status as similar mega cities in the world.

This initiative is in line with our commitment to build a 24/7 economy that will create employment and wealth for our people. The Light Up Lagos project is also part of our security strategy to make our state competitive, safe and secure.”

Ambode explained that significant progress has been recorded since the initiative commenced on December 9, 2015.

According to him, there has been an increase in commercial activities in areas where government has installed street lights.

Lagos CJ frees 153 prison inmates matthew irinOye

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hief judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, yesterday freed about 153 inmates of the Kirikiri maximum and medium prisons.

Three of the released inmates have been standing trial since the past 15 years.

While 24 of the inmates were released from the maximum prison, 129 were released from the medium prison.

Among the 129 inmates released from the medium prison, 79 were standing trial for capital offences; while 50 were standing trial for minor offences.

The chief judge, in her remark, said the amnesty extended to the released inmates is part of her statutory duty to continuously ensure that the prisons are decongested.

She however urged the beneficiaries of the amnesty exercise to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they do not return to crime.

Justice Atilade also enjoined all relevant stakeholders in the justice sector to join the prison decongestion effort.

She was accompanied on the visit by senior judges from the state judiciary, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, various non-governmental organisations and representatives of the Nigerian police.

Deputy comptroller in charge of Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Seye Oduntan,

gun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, yesterday said it would conduct a referendum on the propriety or otherwise of five disputed local council development areas, LCDAs, proposed by the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in the state.

OGSIEC chairman, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, who disclosed this to newsmen at a press conference yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, explained that the planned referendum follows a directive which her commission received from the state House of Assembly (OGHA).

Mrs. Ogunfemi who disclosed that the exercise is slated for next Thursday, April 21, 2016, added the the outcome of the referendum would enable the state House of Assembly complete the process leading to the creation LCDAs in the state.

It would be recalled that the state Assembly had witnessed discordant tunes, protests and petitions from the citizens and residents over the creation of five LCDAs which many argued, fall short of the desired and original boundary delineation.

The five affected LCDAs are Afon Local Council Development Area with headquarters in OlokaAfon, Sango/Ijoko Local Council Development Area with headquarters

OYHA assures of quick passage of health-related bills Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

thanked the chief justice for the amnesty gesture. He pleaded with her to ensure that the programme is a continuous one as more inmates who qualify for the exercise still abound in the prison.

Statistic posted on the notice board of the maximum cell showed that the prison which has capacity for only 1,053 inmates, currently has 1,235 inmates.

While 772 of the inmates are awaiting trial, 83 are serving life sentence; 209 have been convicted and 171 are condemned prisoners.

in Sango and Abeokuta North East Local Council Development Area with headquarters in Ita-Iyalode.

Others are the Ifesowapo Local Council Development Area with headquarters in Imodi-Imosan and Coker-Ibogun Local Council Development Area with headquarters in Ibogun.

But, addressing journalists yesterday, the OGSIEC chairman emphasised that all agitations and protests over the creation of the LCDAs as well as “all other prereferendum matters” either political or otherwise, have no place in the conduct of the exercise, stressing that her commission’s mandate has to do with only the conduct of the exercise.

Emphasising that her commission’s mandate to conduct the referendum is in accordance Section 8, sub-sections 3(b) and (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ogunfemi stated that the rigidity associated with previous general elections in the country is not applicable with the conduct of the referendum as there would not be any restriction on movement.

While soliciting the maximum cooperation of the people of the affected areas, the OGSIEC boss said all eligible voters who registered for the last general election but may have lost their voter card would be accommodated to exercise their rights during the referendum.

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peaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo, yesterday assured residents of the state of passing the Primary Health Care Agency bill and other health- related bills pending in the House in the next few weeks.

He gave the assurance when he played host to members of some nongovernmental organisations which include the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Health

Reform Foundation, Food for All and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, under the platform of Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health, PACFaH, in his office in Ibadan, the state capital.

Speaker of the House who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Abdulwasiu Musah, said the four bills which have to do with health, including the primary health care agency bill, had already passed through the second reading and would be passed soon.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Nyanya, Abuja bombing: Two years after CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

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oday exactly marks two years after Nyanya, a sprawling suburban in Nasarawa States, just eight kilometers from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, was devastated by twin bombings. The deadly act resulted in about 88 dead and at least 200 injured. The incident was reminiscent of the Friday, 26 August 2011 bombing of the Abuja’s UN Building that killed at least 21 people and wounded another 60.

While the UN House bombing happened at the time terrorism was just picking up its dastardly tempo in the country, Nyanya bombing happened at the height of insurgency and terrorism when it appeared the nation was reeling under the deadweight of the scourge, with no apparent solution in sight. A lot has happened since then, and today, the country has found its footing and pushed back terrorism to the backwaters, though the battle is far from being over as sporadic suicide bombings are still rife. The Federal Government has, albeit, reclaimed all the occupied territories from the Boko Haram insurgents.

During the heat, FG tried its hands on all options, including hard military onslaught and pacification through offer of amnesty, but the fact that insurgency and terrorism are still real buttresses the fact that none of these methods could be described as super-efficient.

One method which Nigeria has woefully failed in deploying to combat terrorism is advanced technology. It is the submission of this writer that today, as we remember the sad incident of Nyanya bombings two years ago, Nigeria can look seriously in the direction of proper development and application of appropriate technology to combat terrorism.

Technology has the advantages of being applicable for preventive, counter-offensive as well as forensic measures. By this we should be able to prevent terror being unleashed as the plans of enemies are nipped in the bud (preventive); use knowledge/information and advanced methods to overcome the enemies with superior firepower (counter-offensive); or unmask, expose and arrest the offenders for prosecution (forensic) through information furnished by super technology. The crude method we have hitherto employed, which consists of merely attempting to outgun the adversaries through firearms and ammunition alone has hitherto robbed us of exponential advantages we could have gained through clever application of scientific techniques.

Our law enforcement agencies need to have their manpower trained in the employment of first rate intelligence gathering capability and employment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) forensically to track the activities of potential perpetrators. Further-

one method whiCh nigeria has woefully failed in deploying to Combat terrorism is

advanCed teChnology more, our security outfits, like the Police the Custom, the State Security Service and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (which has the responsibility of foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations) need to work in a purposeful synergy to get the needed result.

The battle against terror can be won if the establishment recruits the benefits of technology to counteract all the advantages of the terrorists. They (the terrorists) have loyal people bonded to them on the strength of their misguided faith; they are not encumbered by adherence to human rights and civilized standards in their operations like our security agents; they have the people who are ready to lay down their lives to perpetrate the evils of terrorism. These are some of the advantages the terrorists have; thus to win, the establishment also needs to capitalize on some leverage, which comes readily in the form of application of superior technical capacity.

Developed countries of the world have been able to stave off terrorism substantially through the use of technology. That is one area the government, as an organ

17

of collective humanity, should have comparative advantage. As a matter of fact, when used successfully, terrorists may be forced to throw in the towel as the tide would have turned against them. With appropriate and advanced technology, it should not be difficult to nip operations of the agents of darkness in the bud. After all, pulling off a terror operation is not an overnight thing. It requires considerable planning. To start with, even if the bombs they used are manufactured in Nigeria, a large percentage of the requisite raw materials would still needed to be imported and the actual production would still have to take place, not in the space, but in terrestrial physical environment.

The bombings were not done haphazardly, but strategically with careful choices of targets to ensure maximum impact and devastation, both physically and psychologically. All these would have to be carefully planned and planning process must involve communication by one form or the other. There is also the need to recruits “martyrs”, who would have to be brainwashed almost to the point of insane delusion that killing of innocent people is a piety to God. The law enforcement agents, should therefore, develop strategies to able to penetrate into the plots at all these different stages of the operation through appropriate use of technology.

Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

Edo State and Oshiomhole’s retransformation magic ErnEst OmOarElOjiE

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omrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole assumed office as governor of Edo state and made a cardinal promise to change the face of the state for the better. From the very beginning, he made the point that he would engage every challenge militating against the transformation process in a holistic manner. For months, the people waited with baited breathe, not sure that they were right in seeing him as the messiah sent by God, or believing in his promise. But like a practised surgeon, who understands the purpose of every incision, the man, better known now as “Comrade Governor”, had no doubt that he needed to plan properly in order that his desire to rework the state would go unblemished.

That probably explains why the people began to shout “Hosanna” when his plans began to take shape. The result is that beyond the successes he recorded in opening up the state for economic revival, his performance in urban renewal has also been awe-inspiring. A few outstanding examples are the reclamation projects in Queen Ede, Benin City and Auchi. The other is the Storm Water Project, designed and executed to redirect the deluge of erosion water that hitherto ravaged the state capital into Ogba and Ikpoba rivers.

It is practically impossible for anyone who has had any reason to be in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, not to

Comrade adams aliyu oshiomhole… made a Cardinal promise to Change the faCe of the state for the better have heard of the destruction erosion wrought in it. For more than 30 years, it ravaged the town and left gullies of over 45 metres, which gulped homes, business concerns, lives and other properties that at some point stakeholders began to openly voice the idea of relocating a greater part of the town. For the people, it was similar to having hell within sight as it progressively sacked one community after another unhindered.

By 1982, it was a manageable blip of nature which successive governments, including the Federal Government, made several unsuccessful attempts to sort out. But by the time it turned into a treacherous gully years later, several billions of naira went down the drain with it. For instance, in one attempt to rein in the spread of the devastating erosion, the deluge swept some of their heavy equipment away like weightless papers, forcing the contractors to scamper to safety.

Then the Oshiomhole administration came in and promised to fix it. But it was generally dismissed by the people, bearing in mind the outcome of previous promises. But today, the promise stands as solid as the gigantic engineering

structure put in place with the collaboration of the World Bank, and it has reclaimed every inch of previously ravaged communities.

Not less significant is the reclamation process the administration carried out in Ogbesan quarters of Benin City, the state capital. Like the situation in Auchi, residents in and around the Queen Ede area lived in mortal fear as erosion dug gaping trenches around them. In no time, the snaking holes metamorphosed into ravenous gullies that swept lives, houses and other properties away almost with a swaggering impunity. Matters came to a head when it severed the ever busy, economically important Benin-Agbor road and rendered the road impassable for South-east bound traffic. Suffice to note too that it was equally abandoned by previous administrations until Oshiomhole stepped in and did the needful in collaboration with the World Bank.

Apparently determined to rework every crumbled section of the state, the administration took the decision to take the battle straight to erosion itself. Having conducted an audit of its catchment areas, it developed an effective long term solution in the form of the Storm Water Project, an elaborate engineering feat compared only to the great Bini Moat, regarded in modern history as a world heritage site, second only to the Great Wall of China, planned and built in the 16th and 17th Bini Kingdom, by the renowned Oba

Ewuare and Oba Esigie.

The project, which is designed to rein in erosion deluge from across the Benin metropolis, tees off from Adolor, by the University of Benin main gate and snakes its way through to the Teacher’s House. It picks other underground arteries from Siluko area, including the deluge from Channel 55 and environs and moves onward through Power-Line where it picks up the Igbinaduwa tributary, a 1.7 kilometre dual underground erosion superhighway that conveys erosion from Textile Mill, Uwelu, Uwasota, etc. from the convergent point under the PowerLine, the channel runs through to Evbuotubu before it drops its watery load into the Ogba River. A minor channel directs erosion from Asoro and environs into the same river making it possible for the people to sleep with their eyes close for the first time, particularly during rainy seasons.

The reason is not far to seek. Like other projects mentioned above, the Oshiomhole administration delivered to the people a 2.5-metre deep channel with a 25-centimetre reinforced concrete wall that has a 50 years minimum lifespan before any major maintenance.

Omoarelojie wrote from Benin City.

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

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

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Editorial

Thursday April 14, 2016

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE n MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON n ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI n SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN n SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA n COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE n EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH n ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

Time to put Electoral Act 2010 to work

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ith the recently held Rivers State federal and state legislative rerun elections that exceeded acceptable levels in violence and sanguinary landmarks, many have marvelled at the nation’s boundless toleration of electoral offences, no matter the magnitude; despite the copious provisions of the 2010 Electoral Act (as altered) to checkmate such felonies. Strident has also been calls for bringing all those behind the mindless violence and killings to justice.

The re-run polls held on March 29 turned out a huge failure, judging from the level of violence posted before, during and after. On the Election Day, for example, a member of the National Youth Service Corps drafted for election duties, Mr. Dumebi Samuel Okonta, was shot dead at his duty post in Ahoada West Local Government Area by thugs out to frustrate the free and fair conduct of the polls in the axis. Two other colleagues of his escaped death by a whisker.

Explosives, guns and other dangerous weapons were freely used to perpetrate violence during the elections, not just in Ahoada West LGA. At least five deaths were reported, though the police claimed four died. The police arrested 24 suspects from different parts of the state for electoral offences during the election. Shooting continued a day after the polls, when the

Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2015 governorship elections in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, survived a gun attack at the UTC junction on Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Rampant before the day of the polls were reports of violence and killings, including the beheading of a perceived political foe.

On the election eve, too, an army major and one other soldier were killed in a gun battle purportedly between security operatives and sea pirates. President Muhammadu Buhari, we recall, spoke up at a point, threatening that his government would deal decisively with all sponsors of poll violence.

After the elections, the President declared the brutality in Rivers State as shameful and unrivalled nationwide.

A lot of the polls, which would have facilitated the filling of Rivers State’s slots in the National Assembly and the reconstitution of the state House of Assembly ended up inconclusively. The result: Governor Nyesom Wike has virtually been running a so-called democratic government without a properly constituted legislative arm. Many are expressing concerns about the possible declaration of a state of emergency in

It Is not suffIcIent gIvIng the

Independent natIonal electoral commIssIon (Inec) and securIty agencIes a presIdentIal order to punIsh electIon offenders Rivers State or allowing the National Assembly to take over the functions of the state legislature for a while.

But as the controversy rages, not much has been heard about efforts to bring the purveyors of the electoral violence to justice, even when the key dramatis personae from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the state and the opposition APC are well known. We do not see why Governor Nyesom Wike (PDP); the Minister of Transport and immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi (APC); and their supporters should not be made to account for the bloodchilling violence perpetrated in Rivers State, occasioned mainly by personality clashes. Whether or not a state of emergency is clamped on the state, or ceding the functions of the state legis-

lature to the National Assembly, whether as contemplation or reality, are no excuses for not bringing the election butchers of Rivers State to justice.

It is not sufficient giving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies a presidential order to punish election offenders. It is obvious, based on the benefit of experience revealed by former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega that the electoral umpire lacked the capability to prosecute electoral offenders. That was why Jega once canvassed the adoption of the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee that an election offences tribunal fully charged with the prosecution of electoral felons be set up to enable INEC concentrate on its primary function of conducting elections professionally and competently.

If the government fails to bring the perpetrators of election violence in Rivers State to book, it is only a matter of time and versions of violence, perhaps more vicious than what was on display in the state would be replicated in other parts of the country. The provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2010 on electoral offences and the accompanying punishments are so clear and all encompassing. The government should put them to work immediately.

ON THIS DAY April 14, 2005 The Oregon Supreme Court nullified marriage licenses issued to gay couples a year earlier by Multnomah County. The Oregon Supreme Court (OSC) is the highest state court in the United States’ state of Oregon. The only court that may reverse or modify a decision of the Oregon Supreme Court is the Supreme Court of the US. The OSC holds court at the Oregon Supreme Court Building in Salem, Oregon.

April 14, 2010 Nearly 2,700 were killed in a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai, China. It originated in Yushu at 7:49AM local time. According to the Xinhua News Agency, 2,698 people were confirmed dead, 270 missing and 12,135 injured; of which 1,434 were severely injured.

The epicenter was located in Rima village (Upper Laxiu township) of Yushu County, in a remote and rugged terrain.

April 14, 2014 Twin bomb blasts in Abuja, Nigeria, killed at least 88 people and injured about 200 others. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing six days after it occurred. Explosives hidden inside vehicles detonated during morning rush hour in a bus station in Nyanya on the outskirts of Abuja. After the initial blast, further explosions occurred as fuel tanks in nearby vehicles ignited.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Education Today

In ABUAD, You Get It All —Dr Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State Governor.

Why more varsity students are restive Managements are insensitive —Students No, don’t blame management —FUNAAB VC Protests have political undertone —MOCPED Provost UNILAG students protesting

SAIDAT ALAUSA

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or some time now, disruption of academic calendar in Nigerian universities has been mostly due to agitations by the academic unions like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Academic Union of Universities (SSANU) and the Non Academic Staff of Universities (NASU). But the trend seems to have changed as no fewer than three universities were forced to close down, last week alone, as a result of violent protests by students.

The students’restiveness was first noticed at the University of Lagos, Akoka, on Wednesday and Thursday when they abandoned class work to express their anger over the poor electricity and water supply situation on the campus. They barricaded the main gate and prevented vehicular movement in and out of the campus.

According to them, the inability of the university management to proffer solutions to the lingering water situation had made life difficult on the campus.

A student who pleaded anonymity told National Mirror that they just could no longer cope with the epileptic power supply, lack of water and the rise in the cost of ‘pure water’ on the campus.

The protest was so turbulent that the university senate, after its emergency meeting on Thursday April 7, decided to suspend all academic activities on the campus. The University has remained closed since then.

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State soon follow suit last Saturday,to protest the death of one of them, Ojo Afolabi Daniel a 200 level student of Economics Education department who was allegedly killed by a commercial motorcycle outside the campus on Friday, 8, April 2016.

Their protest led to the destruction of properties within and outside the university premises.

Due to this, the management of the university through a press release ordered the closure of the institution and suspension

PROTEST DOES NOT AND WILL NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR INCREASING COST OF PROVIDING SERVICES IN THE UNIVERSITIES. of the students’ examination which was ongoing.

Monday was the turn of the students of University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

They took to the street over the increase in their tuition fee while also accusing the school management of deliberately ignoring the problems confronting them. In particular, the students, took exception to the university’s new policy of ‘no fee, no examination.’

The Students’ Union leaders accused the school authorities of being insensitive to their plight and vowed to intensify their protests until the management responds to their demands. A student reportedly died during the violent protest and like in the other universities, UNIPORT senate has shut down the institution for the next one month.

Reacting to the development which, expectedly will not only reduce the available

time for normal academic work and introduce uncertainties into the system, the ViceChancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Prof. Olusola Oyewole said the situation is not necessarily the fault of the managements of the institutions but a reflection of the general situation in the country at large.

“Therefore it takes a lot of understanding from the staffers of the universities and the students to be able to solve the problem which is a national issue.

“Protest does not and will not provide additional funds for increasing cost of providing services in the universities. The students need to show some understanding with the managements which at this time, is strugCONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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NANS divided in Ondo over governorship election 24

I introduced UTME in good faith —Obaji 20

Rector appointment: FEDPOFFA crisis deepens as mgt queries union leader 21

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Education Today

NECO embraces FG policy on stamp duty Priscilla Dennis Minna

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he National Examinations Council (NECO) said it had fully embraced the Federal Government policy on Stamp Duty in all its transactions.

Consequently, the management of the council has directed all staffers to comply with the policy.

Rising from a two-day meeting held with the newly appointed zonal co-ordinators and state officers, the Registrar/Chief Executive of the council, Professor Abdulrashid Garba admonished them to ensure full compliance with the policy and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in their respective zones and states.

Prof. Garba stated that the implementation of these policies of government was not only key to the change mantra of the present administration, but also relevant in the realisation of the goals of government.

He counselled staff on the implication of going against the directive and stressed that the TSA is intended to “ensure accountability of government revenue, enhance transparency and avoid misapplication of funds”, while the “Stamp Duty is intended to legitimise all transactions entered into by the council.”

The registrar also announced the release of utility vehicle to each of the eight Zonal Co-ordinators for proper conduct of examination activities in their respective zones.

Bauchi earmarks N166.9m for scholarship ezekiel TiTus Bauchi

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auchi State governor, Mohammed Abubakar has approved a sum of N166.9m as bursary for indigenes of the state who are students of higher institutions nationwide and abroad. This was in fulfillment of his promise made at a recent memorial lecture organised by the National Union of Bauchi State Students, NUBASS, where he assured the students of his administration’s readiness to settle their bursary.

The governor while inaugurating a 12-man committee saddled with the responsibility of disbursement of the allowance urged members to ensure immediate disbursement of the money which he had already approved to take care of the 2015/2016 bursary allowance.

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Nuhu Gidado, the governor also mandated the committee to come up with a comprehensive database and detail bank accounts of all current students meant for the bursary. He noted that government preferred the students are paid electronically.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I introduced UTME in good faith —Obaji

Professor Chinwe Obaji is a former Minister of Education during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. She introduced the controversial Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examinations, UTME and the Post-UTME within her one year stay in office. In this interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE, she speaks on why she introduced the policies, why the unity colleges are no longer turning out the best candidates in WASSC exams, her position on boarding schools and the need to employ enough competent teachers at all levels of education in the country, among other issues. Excerpts:

Those days, teachers in public schools especially in the unity colleges lived in staff quarters and had moderate number of students to teach, but today, most of them live outside the school and face with overcrowded classrooms, how would you explain these as regards their service delivery?

My position has always been to have the right environment for learning and teaching in schools at all levels. Unfortunately, these are lacking in most of our schools today. At the secondary school level for instance, we should go back to the boarding system as there are lots to benefit by the students living in the boarding houses. We should also have teachers living on the school compounds. This will encourage more people from different places in and outside the country to take teaching appointment in such schools. For example, during my days in the primary school, my father was a headmaster and we never lived in my father’s village.

My father was transferred from one place to another and we never lived outside the school compounds. We lived in the headmaster’s house and all the teachers also lived in the school premises. The system allowed the transfer of culture and that practice really helped. At my secondary school days too at Queen College Yaba, Lagos, all our teachers lived in the quarters and there were many of them from abroad. The person that taught me French for instance, was a French lady. So, some of our teachers came from America, France and the UK and we really enjoyed them. If we did not have staff quarters at that time it would have been difficult for these foreigners to come from their countries to teach in Nigeria. So, it is very important that teachers live on the school compound if we want them to be more effective in their service delivery. This will also enable them to effectively supervise the students under their watch. Because the parents that send them to boarding schools would want adequate protection for them. Then at the tertiary level just like the secondary level, we need enough teachers. Nothing serious can be done without having enough and competent teachers at all levels in this country. But we don’t have enough at all levels today. So, government should make effort to employ qualified teachers and schools should not be overpopulated. When the schools are overpopulated, it makes learning very cumbersome. The teachers won’t be able to effectively monitor the students.

But how was the situation like when you were the minister?

It was when we realised that most schools interest was just to admit student, especially at the tertiary level that we introduced what we called the carrying capacity to the universities. So, it is not all about admitting students anyhow. There must be a space for effective learning in your school, enough teachers and other facilities. And at period, we ensured that no university admitted more than its carrying capacity. I think we should go back and enforce that policy.

Case of kidnapping of female students in the schools is rampart today in the country, what do you think should be done to curb the menace?

This is a serious issue and this is still largely based on the fact that teachers would need to live in the staff quarters. If they are within the school premises, it will reduce unwanted guests coming into the school to abduct young girls like what Boko Haram insurgents as well the recent kidnappers in a Lagos school did. To me, it is not the fault of teachers but the system that fails to provide accommodation for teachers to live within the school premises. You just don’t build a small space and pack lots of people in there and believe that is all. There is need for effective security network around schools for the safety of students as well as the teachers.

In those days, unity colleges produced most of the best candidates in the West African Secondary School Certificate examinations conducted

by WAEC and this is no longer the case today, how would you explain this?

This is a very good observation. But I think the problem is from all of us.

When I was attended the Queen College, Yaba, Lagos, I came as a village school girl. My father did not know anybody and neither my mother. I came all the way from Umuahia for an interview into the school and I passed very well. We had children of ministers and permanent secretaries who we attended the interview together but failed and were not admitted while I, a village girl from a village school was admitted. Today, it is not like that. So, what is happening now is that those schools are no longer admitting the best. It is the children of this and that that are getting admission into them. And even at that, there was also zoning system then. I am talking of 1963. But priority was given to the best. Then, we were not more than 60 admitted into the school. It was probably the best 10 each from

Obaji the western, northern, eastern and mid-western regions irrespective of where they came from and who their parents were but residents in those regions. And the rest was thrown open to those from abroad.

So, admission then was neither based on parents’ status nor religion.

And there is no tribe in this country that you would not see at least one person from there as a student in any of the unity colleges. So, these schools are no longer turning out the best because they are not admitting the best. And then most of the schools are overpopulated. When you go to a place like King’s College or Queen’s College or the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba for instance, they have over 3,000 students. But how many teachers do they have and how about the facilities to make learning and teaching effective. They don’t factor all these in before giving admission. A place like Queen’s College as of last year had about 150 teachers for over 3,000 students. What do you expect them to do in that situation? So these are some of the issues why they could not turn up the best again.

Ma, your administration as a minister of education introduced the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, which many stakeholders in the sector, especially the vice-chancellors of universities are today calling for it cancellation on the premise that the system according to them is not only making polytechnics and colleges of education less attractive to students, but also not producing the best candidates for the university admission. How would you react to this?

Yes, I introduced the policy and it was in good faith. You see when you have an opportunity to serve the country in whatever capacity, you come in and do your best and leave. Others coming may continue with it if found to be okay or otherwise. So, whatever I introduced at that time was what we believed to be the best for the country. UTME was the best for the country as of that time. But when you are talking about increasing low enrolment into the colleges of education nowadays, I think the major problem why the drop in the enrolment was when the Federal Government stopped the NCE graduates from doing youth service. As we all know that initially, they were in the NYSC scheme. So when the FG stopped them, most parents ordinarily interpreted the exclusion as not attending higher institution. And that was the major issue.

But now the Federal Government is in the process of recruiting 500,000 graduates irrespective of their disciplines as teachers, how do you see this initiative?

For me, I won’t say anything about that.

It is like you don’t like the idea?

I reserve my comment on it and don’t bother to ask me why.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ethics: Centre rates Delta State Poly high Nosa akeNzua AsAbA

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n international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) has rated Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku among the best top 30 tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria on ethical values and standards.

The centre is known for exposing corruption, promoting ethical education and value orientation in the country.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony held in the polytechnic on Monday, the Executive Director of the centre, Salih Musa Yakubu noted that at the end of the independent assessment of 129 higher institutions in Nigeria, the centre comfortable only with 30 including Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku in the area of ethical value and standards.

He pointed out the polytechnic scored a total of 79 per cent in the assessment, adding that the Rector of the polytechnic, Mrs. Edna Nneka Mogekwu also emerged as an ‘Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience,’ having excelled in her independent assessment by CESVO in 10 different areas of assessment.

According to him, the Rector scored 71 per cent in office attendance: 78 per cent in SERVICOM compliance; 79 per cent in staff performance; 76 per cent in public accessibility; 83 per cent in national interest, integrity and responsibility; 73 per cent due process application; 77 per cent in polytechnic policy performance; 85 per cent in ethical conduct’ 77 per cent in administrative conflict prevention, mediation and conciliation and 74 per cent in student coordination and welfare during her independent assessment by the NGO. Responding, the rector, Mogekwu applauded the international body for its boldness in the crusade against corruption, adding that Nigeria needs courageous organisations like CESVO to enable the nation subdue corruption in all its ramifications.

Why more varsity students are restive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 gling with the emerging challenges.”

Prof. Oyewole who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), however said while it is true that students on campus might not be able to survive nonavailability of electricity, unlike the ones off campus who can do without electricity for hours, protest is not the way to solve the issue because what “we are facing now is not an African issue rather a Nigerian issue which I believe by the grace of God the country will soon get over.”

But the Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe, Lagos State, Prof. Olu Akeusola was of a different opinion. He told National Mirror in a telephone interview that the students’ protests around campuses in the country have political undertone which he said will only continue to disrupt academic calendar.

“If you look at the trend very well, it is like a kind of political influence because everyone CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Education Today

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Wole adedeji IlorIn

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he selection of a new rector for the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State has pitched the management of the institution against a section of staff unions and students thereby forcing the polytechnic to shift students’ resumption date to May 3.

National Mirror had in its news analysis on March 31, reported an intending crisis capable of resulting from the selection procedure of a new rector except cautioned was not taken.

According to the report, the staff unions were against the procedure as it pruned down the aspirants from the initial 32 to three and then two accusing the Acting Rector, Dr. Ayo Olaosebikan who is one of the aspirants of complicity.

The union, among others accused the acting rector of not only being biased as a chairman of the constituted Expanded Management Committee, EMC, which screened the candidates for the post herself, is vying for.

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Rector appointment: FEDPOFFA crisis deepens as mgt queries union leader This reporter spoke with a section of the staff union leaders on the matter and they expressed their displeasures over the selection process which they described as a negation to the advertisement placed for applications to fill the vacant chief executive officer of the school.

Among those who spoke with the National Mirror was the chapter Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics, SSANIP, Chief Ayodele Bankole and by last week, he was allegedly singled out for punishment by the polytechnic management, which issued him a query.

He was asked to explain within 24 hours his audacity to speak with the National Mirror on the matter.

The query read in part: “Please refer to the National Mirror of Thursday 31st March 2016, page 19, with an article on the above subject. Also recall your meeting with the Registrar of the polytechnic on 5th April, 2016 in

his office where you admitted to have spoken with National Mirror reporter and admitted the content as contained in the publication.

“Having regard to the foregoing, I am to request you to explain your role on the said publication in writing to the Registrar within 24 hours of receipt.”

However, SSANIP in a letter of reply to the query and addressed to the Registrar, the Secretary of the union, Comrade Tajudeen Adegboye and Bankole, the chairman described the query as an affront and open invitation to crisis by the management.

They argued that the query was a show of disregard to the liberty of a registered association like SSANIP to speak to the media on a matter of public importance.

The union said the query should have been addressed to the union rather than individual, stressing that whatever in the publication was the position of the union and not that of Bankole.

L-R: Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Mr. Samuel Sogunro; the Ayanbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi; Olori Kudirat Shotobi and Chairman Governing Council, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, at the 24th convocation ceremony of Lagos State Polytechnic, last week.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

begins training My motivation for writing two books —Corps member Hair institute s a way of boosting vocational skills TuNbosuN oguNdare

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corps member serving in Lagos State, Mr. Kelechi Felix has recently presented two books to the public in Lagos. The books are “How to finish NYSC like a boss” and “Money 101: Starting a small business.”

Speaking at the launch, Kelechi said he wrote the 80-page and 44-page book respectively through his experience and relationship with other corps members within almost one year they are together.

He said his observation so far during the space of time was that many fresh graduates were living schools without a clear picture of what to do next after their one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

“My books address this issue and help graduates as well as other youths who desire to make meaningful impact in life and in their chosen fields to develop a vision and set goals to pursue to bringing these aspirations into reality.

“The readers will also find the two books as eye openers to basic things to do to run successful small scale businesses.

How to keep proper account and avoid the

common mistakes people often make when they are starting business newly,” Kelechi explained.

Disclosing that he did not allow the literary work to distract him from his duty post as Corps Liaison Officer at Yaba development council area, Kelechi, a graduate of Economics from Houdegbe North American University, Benin Republic said writing books required sacrifice of resources, time and pleasure.

“But one thing that is certain is that authors can never be forgotten as long as their books remain in the public domain and that is my joy.

“Because I know and believe that through books, knowledge is passed from one generation to another so also writers live even after their death through their books,” he added.

In her own speech at the event, Assistant Director, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) of NYSC, Lagos Mrs. Rachel Udaewor described the young author as a serious minded and focused person.

She said with the books, Kelechi had demonstrated that he has a direction that would help him to succeed in life, urging him not to rest in his oars.

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and performance in the beauty industry in the country, Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute has begun registration of students for intensive training that will commence next Monday in Lagos.

The students are to learn both theory and practical works ranging from business development, salon ecology, electricity in cosmetology, chemistry of cosmetics, trichology, hair cutting, styling and coloring, chemical texturizing to business management.

The Field Education Manager of Recare Limited, owner of the institute, Mr. Daniel Komia in a press release, said the training, which to last nine months would provide trainees with required skills to flourish in the beauty and personal style industry upon graduation.

He noted that it was disheartening that many beauty salons in town including those that collect huge service charge could not meet their customers’ satisfaction, the condition he said making them to lose their confidence and retention.

“That is why the training is also open to those already on the job. We have just two weeks to turn those in this category to super stars on the job. They will be trained on hair cutting and styling, as well as how to make the business grow and sustain,” he added.

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Education Today

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Microsoft Imagine Cup finalists emerge tunboSun ogundaRe

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he finalists in this year’s Microsoft’s Imagine Cup competition at the national level have emerged.

They are 12 teams in all and to compete for a ticket in Lagos to represent Nigeria at the Africa and Middle East finals where representatives for the world version of the contest billed to hold in Seattle, Washington, US, will emerge.

They are from the University of Port Harcourt; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho; Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and the University of Lagos, Akoka; Niger Delta University and Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic with two of the institutions produced two teams each.

The competition, National Mirror gathered, involves undergraduates who are vast in technological and entrepreneurship ideas and innovations that would be of economic value to the world and holds yearly starting from the country level to the continents and then to the world level.

However, the 12 teams who emerged at the regional level held in Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Abuja just competed like their counterparts elsewhere around the world in three areas, namely: Innovation, world citizenship and games to get to the final stage.

Speaking on the event, Audience Evangelism Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Kendra Nnachi said it was excited seeing the competition becoming an avenue for inspiration and innovation for Nigerian students who want to use technology to solve the world’s problems.

She added that the event had also become an avenue for networking and interaction among participating students.

Kings University gives 120 students scholarship

RobeRt awokuSe

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ewly founded Kings University established by the Kings International Christian Centre, KICC, has set a tuition free all-time record in the country by awarding its 120 pioneering students scholarship throughout their academic programme in the school.

The students would also enjoy free hostel accommodation and other facilities that would enhance their studies.

This was revealed by the Chancellor of the university and Senior Pastor, KICC, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo during the opening ceremony of the university recently in Ode-Omu, Osun State.

The event which also saw the special convocation for the investiture of the chancellor had the maiden matriculation of the 120 students.

Speaking at the occasion, the chancellor said the establishment of the school was borne out of the desire to prepare youths to be job creators rather than job seekers.

The chancellor who doubles as the proprietor regretted that most students in the country are informed but not transformed, stressing that the school’s academic contents are rich enough to make the students think and compete globally, as it is poised for total transformation of the students to effect positive change in the country and the world.

Ashimolowo further reiterated that in order to achieve the goal of the university in training job creators, the university would be driven by information-technology, leadership and entrepreneurial training of the students for excellence.

“We have to create global citizens and change African continent. Before the colonial era, everyone was an entrepreneur, but today we have job seekers,” he lamented.

He maintained that the problems inherent in the country and in Africa were not about resources but a lack of leaders that are capable of turning around the resources embedded in continent.

L-R: Chief launcher, Sir. Nnamdi Nwigwe; author and corps member, Mr. Felix Kelechi; author’s mother, Dr. Ebele Felix; guest, Akpatason Esere and NYSC Inspector, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Mrs. Theodora Pam during the launch of Felix two books: “How to finish NYSC like a boss” and “Money 101: Starting a small business” in Lagos, recently

It is wrong for TETFund to take over govt obligation —Don Saidat alauSa

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irector General, Electoral Institute, Abuja and Professor of Political Science, Abubakar Momoh has said government should not make the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to take over its statutory obligation to fund tertiary institutions in the country.

According to him, TETFund is meant to be an intervention agency to arrest the crises in physical infrastructure, facilities, research, publications and

foreign networking by tertiary institution staffers.

He said this while delivering the convocation lecture of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, titled: “Funding Challenge of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria,” recently.

He however disclosed that most tertiary institutions literally look up to TETFund annually to fund them rather than their respective proprietors.

While faulting the government asking schools to creative means of generating enough revenue internationally, the guest lecturer said the condition

had led to the proliferation and commercialisation of courses as well as establishment of satellite campuses by many higher institutions in the country.

He said such condition was not good for the education sector.

“IGR in tertiary institutions is generated more from teaching in form of extra mural programmes than from consultancies and Research and Development and the result is often that population of tertiary institutions is over bloated and facilities and infrastructure are over stretched which leads to drop in standard of

education.”

Listing the way out, he said instead of institution relying solely on TETFund as the case currently, government at federal and state levels should fund their institutions very well.

The political scientist also said research and physical expansion of tertiary schools need to be addressed in light of the nation’s challenges as a developing country and the soaring students’ population which has made admission into tertiary institutions a nightmare for many prospective candidates also need to be looked into.

Octogenarian author harps on children literature tunboSun ogundaRe

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n award winning author and doyen of children literature in Africa, Mrs. Mabel Dorothy Segun has emphasised the importance of children literature in national development.

She made the observation while delivering the first 2016 award lecture series of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka recently.

She spoke on “Towards nation building: The importance of children’s literature.”

The 86-year-old author of “My Father’s Daughter” and other 11 children books and founder of Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria, CLAN, also stressed the need for publication of children literature that would help

promote inter-racial and inter-ethnic understandings among people of Africa.

While urging Nigerian writers and publishers alike to be more committed to write and publish multicultural books for children using pictorial illustrations that deal with ethnic identi-

ties and interactions among children of different ethnic groups.

The octogenarian whose lecture was read by her daughter, Ms Olufunke Segun also asked writers to cultivate the habit of writing short stories that bother on religious tolerance like ‘The

Riot’ by Wale Okediran and also books that would promote peaceful co-existence of people of major and minority tribes.

She however suggested for the institution of Nigeria Children Peace Book Prize with award presentation holding yearly.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian National Merit Award, Prof. Moses Essien; even lecturer and author, Mrs. Mabel Segun and her daughter, Ms Omowunmi Segun shrtly after Mrs. Segun delivered the first NNMA lecture series for 2016 in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Problem of power and water in Nigerian universities T he acute shortage of power and water that hit the University of Lagos and the subsequent closure of the institution by the University administration once again highlight the critical deficit in infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The statement issued by the administration suggests that the closure was sequel to unrest on campus and the difficulty faced by off-campus students to attend lectures as a result of the nationwide fuel crisis. Notwithstanding, both the underlying problem and the remedial action do not augur well for the achievement of academic excellence in the Nigerian university system.

The problem of power and water are both resolvable if there is the will. But the will to resolve problems in the Nigerian enterprise is nearly always in short supply and the situation in the university system appears not to be different. The suggestion that the situation at the university is a spillover from the poor municipal services nationwide does not seem applicable here.

Admittedly, the shortfall in power supply is a perennial problem in Nigeria. The problem of insufficient power is therefore not peculiar to the University of Lagos alone. It is even more chronic in some other universities, especially the state run institutions. As a result, all government institutions usually supplement their power needs with backups, the universities inclusive. Power supply therefore forms a substantial expenditure heading in virtually every government ministry, department, agency or parastatals and an important item in student fees in Nigeria today.

Insufficient power generation are generally due to administrative lapses which ignore the power requirements of the establishment or fail to make adequate provisions for it in their budget. But recent rises in the cost of diesel, or non availability of the product could introduce additional dimension to the problem, outside budgetary provisions.

University water services are usually independent of those in the community in which they are situated. Of course, failure of power supply would automatically affect such supplies unless alternative arrangements are made to provide independent power supply for the university water works or boreholes as the case may be.

Failure of the twin municipal services of power and water would have very far reaching implications on personal health and general well being of campus residents as well as the academic standing (teaching and research) of the institution. Though there are serious potential personal health hazards and implications for general environmental sanitation of the campus environment, the impact on teaching and research is usually by far greater.

In the first place, routine and specialised equipment in the laboratories cannot function without power. Many laboratory processes require water at different levels of purity which cannot be made available unless provided under pressure. In some instances, ordinary distilled water is not available due to the absence of running water and reliable power supply. Students resort to the use of air conditioner distillates, and in some very ill informed cases, sachet water in place of distilled water. Results obtained under such conditions are obviously compromised and of no significant research values. Basic laboratory classes are often reduced to a re-enactment of the theory while any type

of laboratory based research becomes a mere dream. Enhanced classroom learning experiences using the various types of electronic tools simply become impossible.

The frequent interjection of school closures in the normal academic calendar of universities reduces the amount of time available for normal academic work and introduces a lot of uncertainties into the system. All of these collaborate to reduce the quality of the products of the Nigerian university system.

It is my belief that these are manmade problems which need not arise in the first place. Many administrators of Nigerian universities place greater emphasis on funds for vehicles and travels than on the twin utilities of power and water. The administrators play lip service to creating world class institutions in a third world setting without realising the potential role of power supply in turning their dreams into a reality. They place personal comfort far above public good and bask in the limelight of their lofty offices at the detriment of their responsibilities to the larger community.

Closure of universities resulting from student unrest is most often not necessary. The recent closure of the University of Lagos to my mind was very unnecessary. While students demand for dialogue with the administration to resolve the thorny issue of power distribution and an assurance for a quick resolution, they were handed down an indefinite closure of the institution! Has all options been explored and exhausted before coming to the decision to shut down the institution?

Unfortunately, the appointment of tertiary institutional heads, including Vice Chancellors, are based on political affiliations rather than academic and administrative competence. It may be necessary for governments to demand an uninterrupted session from institutional heads if they would retain their positions as Chief Executive Officers.

Stakeholders hail Promasidor on Cowbelpedia Maths competition tunboSun ogundare

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takeholders in the education sector have commended the Promasidor Nigeria Limited and the National Examinations Council, NECO, for the smooth conduct of this year’s edition of the Cowbellpedia qualifying examination held nationwide last month.

NECO conducts the exam annually on behalf of Promasidor Nigeria, the organiser and sponsor of the competition.

Cowbellpedia is a TV maths quiz instituted by Promasidor, makers of Cowbell Milk and other food products to arouse interest of the secondary school students in the study of maths in the country. It is divided into junior and senior school categories and organized in stages at various designated centres across the country.

However, the participating students and their teachers and parents who

gave the commendation in a press release made available to journalists also asked other corporate bodies and individuals to emulate the initiative.

They said since the company instituted maths competition about 18 years ago, many more students had developed interest in the study of maths and other related subjects.

Also in the release, the Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Olivier Thiry disclosed that the company had increased the star prize money for winners of the two categories from N750, 000 to N1 million and that of their teachers from N250,000 to N400, 000, starting with this year’s edition.

According to him, the increase will further encourage more students to participate and indirectly taking interest in maths.

He added that the prize was in addition to allexpenses paid vacation the winners would enjoy abroad together with their coach later in the year.

The Principal Bolade Senior Grammar School, Mrs. Modupe Dada-Korede, checking out students dressing at resumption in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Saidat alauSa

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US based Walden University has introduced two new online studies for students who want to earn postgraduate degrees on their own pace.

The programme is known as “Tempo Learning its selfpaced educational experience.”

In the competency-based Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)programs, students can progress at their own

Walden University introduces new online masters’ programmes pace by applying their existing knowledge and prior experience while focusing on mastering the new skills they need to meet the demands of the workplace.

According to a release by the institution signed by the president of the university, Jonathan Kaplan, Tempo Learning is composed of competencies and rigorous assessments that have been designed by faculty and validated by employers—creat-

ing a direct link between education and the workplace.

He explained that students receive individualized help from faculty members and academic coaches while working on their own to pass assessments designed to reflect the needs of the workplace and successful students can demonstrate their learning and speed their progress toward earning their degree.

“Unlike traditional degree programmes, where time

and cost are fixed, Tempo Learning gives students the ability to accelerate their learning and reduce the cost of their degree.

“We developed the concept with the help of industry and academic experts in business and healthcare to create a unique learning experience.

“Now, students will spend less time on what they already know and use their professional experience— with support from Walden faculty—to advance more quickly toward completing their degree,” Kaplan said.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNILAG expelled 57 students Chukwu Daniel OgbOnna, 200L Mass CoMM, UNILaG

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he management of University of Lagos, Akoka has announced the expulsion of 57 students for various academic misconducts ranging from result forgery to examination malpractice.

Speaking on the development, the Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Oghenekaro Ogbinaka, said the university had investigated their cases and found them guilty before expelling them.

According to him, “If a student is expelled for examination misconduct, it may be cheating, impersonation or result forgery and all carry almost the same punishment once proved guilty of the offence.

According to the list released from the office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Olatunde Babawale, the faculty of Social Science topped the list with 19 students, Business Administration, 16; and Education, six.

FEDPOFFA students protest postponement of resumption date MarCus FatunMOle abUja

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tudents of Federal Polytechnic Offa, kwara State, have staged a “peaceful” protest against decision of the school’s management to postpone resumption date for second semester of the 2015/2016 academic year.

A statement made available to National Mirror by Public Relations Officer of the Students Union Government, SUG, Olorunisola Shodiq, on Tuesday said the decision was “obnoxious,” and should be reversed with “immediate effect.”

According to the students, the institution is known as the fastest growing polytechnic in the country. “We see no reason management will postpone our resumption date.

We cannot sacrifice capability for mediocrity because we have wasted a lot of time in the past; and time waster is a life waster.

“The current SUG executives are brave like a hunter in the midst of demon. We are not ready to take no for yes, we are the card-carrier of Federal Polytechnic Offa.

Therefore, the obnoxious policy of the management to postpone our resumption should be reversed, and they should normalize all their abnormalities with immediate effect.”

An HND11 student of Electrical Electronic Engineering, Lawal Nurudeen, was quoted in the release saying he couldn’t understand the decision of the management to postpone their resumption. Nurudeen was quoted further as saying that when a nation devalues her people, such nation would lose her citizens. The release pleaded with the management to reverse the date so that HND 11 students would meet up with National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, call-up later in the year.

University of Benin Female Handball Team during the 16th Biennial National Medical Students’ Games hosted by UNIBEN, recently.

Anthony

Mimiko

Falegan

NANS divided in Ondo over governorship election • Mimiko’s aide accused of being mastermind

All is not well within the Ondo State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students/Joint Campus Committee after its just concluded convention.

The state government is being accused of causing division among members of the association because of the 2016 gubernatorial poll, TEMITOPE YAKUBU reports

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ew months to the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, the state chapter of National Association of Nigerian Students/Joint Campus Committee, NANS/JCC has divided into two factions. This followed failure of the Ondo State government to impose its desired candidate as the chairman of the association at it just concluded convention at the Federal College of Agriculture in Akure.

The chairmanship post was contested

by Azeez Adewunmi, Anthony Damilola, Damilare Olusanya, Olasunkanmi Olajuyin and Samson Falegan.

At the end of the election, Anthony Atolusi with five votes was declared winner while Adewunmi and Falegan polled two votes each.

The convention was witnessed by journalists, State security service and the Nigeria Police Force. It was also monitored

by NANS stakeholders both at the zonal and national levels.

Few hours after the convention, Falegan who lost the election issued a statement to reject the outcome of the convention and declared himself winner and was immediately recognised by the state government as the chairman and held his inauguration on the 29th of March with some aides to the governor present.

But speaking with Campus News on condition of anonymity, one of the students’ union presidents who voted during the convention accused the Ondo State government of trying to impose its desired candidate on them so as to be in control of the association during the forthcoming governorship election.

He accused the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths Matter, Tony Omogbemi and the National vicechairman of the association, Timileyin Ayenuro who he described as a card carrying members of the PDP of using Fale-

gan to destabilise the students’ body and dragging it into a murky political environment.

According to him, “a convention was conducted, Anthony had five out of nine votes, and the figures remaining can’t even be up to the ones he already gathered.

“We SUG Presidents were called before the convention by someone in this government to vote for Samson Falegan but we followed our heart, the association is for students not for politicians.”

But when contacted on phone, the governor’s aide, Mr. Tony Omogbemi said the accusation was baseless, saying he doesn’t know anyone as the chairman for now.

“Nobody has come to my office, it was only the former chairman that came to me before their convention,” he said.

When asked why the government preferred Samson Falegan, he said, “It’s not true, I think you should call the SUG Presidents to know who they voted for and do your calculation.”

In his comment on the matter, a former Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Matter to late Governor Olusegun Agagu as well as Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Evang. Olumuyiwa Asagunla blamed Ondo NANS/JCC for its own woes.

According to him, the association has lost its credibility and relevance as a voice for Nigerian students s it has become a sounding cymbal which does not add harmonious tunes to songs.

“Why would NANS writes to Ondo state government that it wanted to hold its convention? What’s the business of the government with who is in charge of NANS? Since they have written to the government that they wanted to hold their convention, the government would be interested in who becomes their

chairman. NANS ought to be a pressure group and not government stooge.

I learnt they collected money from the government before the election to vote the government anointed candidate but refuses to vote him during the convention.”

Speaking with Campus News, the new Chairman- elect, Anthony Atolusi said he was been political persecuted.

He said, “I won the election with five votes but they alleged that I am an APC member but I don’t belong to any political party. They later told me they wanted Falegan because he is a loyal party boy.”

Anthony then accused Timilehin Ayenuro of being a stooge of the present government who has incorporated the activities of the association with that of PDP in the state.

But in his submission, factional chairman of the association, Samson Falegan said the accusation was nothing but absolute falsehood and full of fabrications.

He also denied being sponsored by the state government and can never wait for the crumbles that would fall from the political table.

“I am for the students and will not be an arm of any political party.”

When contacted, NANS National Vice-President, Timileyin Ayenuro said he was not ready to comment now as consultations were ongoing to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, the outgoing chairman, Odunayo Kowe Kalusa has called on the NANS National President, Tijani Usman to call his vice, Timileyin Ayenuro to order.

According to him, there was a free, credible, and peaceful convention and people should bury their personal interest in the interest of all.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Thursday, April 14 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

UNILAG gets new DVC

L-R:ViceChancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. ‘Lanre Fagbohun; President Student Union, Mr. Tayo Taofeek Shekoni and immediate past SUG Public Relations Officer , Mr. Fatai Adebanjo during the institution’s walk against indecent dressing and cultism, recently.

sAidAt AlAusA

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rofessor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe of the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

His appointment took effect from Friday, April 1, 2016.

Ogundipe before his appointment was the Director of Academic Planning of the university.

Born in 1960, he was appointed professor 2002, and gave his inaugural lecture in 2005 six months after the announcement of his professorship titled: “Botany: Root in the past, route to the future” delivered on 21st December 2005.

Professor Ogundipe is a member of many scientific organisations. He is a Life member, International Society of Plant Morphologist, Fellow of Cohort 9 of the Leadership for Environment and Development, and the Linnaean Society, London. He is a reviewer for many scientific academic journals and external examiner to many universities including University of Johannesburg.

He has been on the accreditation team to many universities in Nigeria and Ghana. He is a Professorial Assessor to many universities including University of Ghana.

A dynamic, proactive, resilient individual with a strong personality based on integrity and trust.

Professor Ogundipe was the Chairman, Chapel Committee, Chapel of Christ Our Light (Protestant), University of Lagos 2000 to 2002. He is presently a Pastor and Zonal Pastor, Lagos Province 64 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is married and blessed with three children.

Babcock muslim students commend mgt miftAudeen RAji

200l, mAss Comm, uNIlAG

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tudents of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo Ogun State who are muslims last week held a symposium and send-off ceremony for the graduating students in their midst.

The forum which was the 13th edition was organised under the aegis of the campus chapter of Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) at the community town hall in IlishanRemo.

According to the president of the association, AbdulGaniyu Onitolo the event was convened to acknowledge people who were dedicated to Islam.

He thanked the school management, students, Muslim academic and non academic staff and donors for their efforts to register the body as a recognised association in the school.

Onitolo however, stressed that the association will continue to add value to the lives of students spiritually, morally and all other aspects of life.

The guest speaker at the event, Dr. Zafaran Adeniyi urged every Muslim to consider himself as an Islamic worker.

Discussing the topic, “Muslims youths in the face of impediment,” he said, today, “Muslims have the wealth, the education, the technology, government support, science and even more, but we are not deploying them.”

Suggesting a way forward, the writer if Islamic literature series said, “What we now need is the sincerity of purpose and practical application of the ingenuity and resources we have.

“It is instructive to note however, that we also need to employ them meaningfully well, to propagate the religion of Islam.”

The event was attended by the speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, the Alayandelu of Odo Ayandelu, Ikosi Ejirin, Oba Aderibigbe Asunmo, among others.

AAU protest: We were misinformed —Students • Plead for mgt’s leniency

‘Yomi AYeleso

400l, Bus. Adm, AAu

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he Student Union Government of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State has blamed their last Saturday’s protest, which led to the closure of the institution by the management on what it called misinformation that spread like wild fire round the school on that fateful day.

The students went on the rampage over alleged poor condition of facilities at the university Medical Centre.

They were aggrieved that the health centre could not give proper care to a 200-level Economic Education Department student, Ojo Afolabi Daniel, who was involved in an accident and taken to the centre for attention but died the same day.

But the SUG President, Mr. Odunyemi Adegbola, who addressed reporters in Akure, the state capital, accused some people, whom he called miscreants, as the brain behind the crisis.

He described the said miscreants as ‘student pensioners,’ who had been sent away from the university but still parading themselves as students.

Adegbola said those miscreants were the ones who misinformed the students about the motorcycle accident, which he said, later led to the crisis.

The SUG president added that the rumour mongers went ahead to tell the students that this was caused by the lackadaisical attitude of the institution’s health centre workers.

According to him, “we are here to state our side of the story concerning the protest that rocked our school, over the death of Afolabi, who died after being involved in accident involving two okada riders.

“The deceased, after the accident at Iwaro Oka junction in the afternoon of last Friday, was rushed with the university ambulance to the General Hospital, Iwaro Oka, and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo on the bill of the university but unfortunately he died the same day due to the fatality of the crash.

“The protest, however, began on Saturday, after the news of his death went round the campus and fueled by miscreants who misinformed the students that the deceased died at the university health center because he was not attended to by health workers.

“The protest went bad by additional rumours by the so-called miscreants that three students had died again due to alleged lackadaisical attitude of workers at the center.

“The SUG leadership however made spirited efforts to calm frayed nerves but it was unfortunate that the miscreants had already hijacked the protest and destroyed properties within and outside the university premises.”

The union condemned the violence that occasioned the protest in its entirety and call on the management and security agents to bring to book all those found culpable in the destruction of properties and a needless break in the unprecedented stable calendar.

Embrace entrepreneurial skills, FCE Umunze students told emekA ChukwuemekA umuNze

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tudents of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State have been advised to embrace entrepreneurial skill acquisition to enable them to be self-reliant in future.

This was said at a one-day orientation organised by the college in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Awka aimed at sensitizing the students on their expectations and obligations to the scheme.

The event which took place at the school hall was attended by the students especially the degree students who are

about to embark on their industrial training.

In his address of welcome, the college SIWES Coordinator, Dr. Ugwuogo urged the students to put in their best during the training, which according to him, was the reason SIWES was introduced by the Federal Government in 1973 to bridge the gap between theory and practice among products of tertiary institutions.

He thanked the IFT management and his team for making out time to teach the students, adding that the orientation will change their perception of the scheme.

He also commended the Provost of the college, Prof. Josephat Og-

buagu for his support which he said had helped in reviving the unit.

Also speaking on the workshop, the ITF Awka Area Manager, Mrs. Chinwe Okpara represented by the SIWES Officer, Mr. Ogbonna, linked lack of practical experience to high rate of unemployment in the country.

On his own part, SIWES Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr. Raph Agwuna, advised the students to take their industrial attachment seriously and not be carried away by money, noting that they may not be allowed to graduate if they fail to complete the training successfully.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘The riot act’ & ‘raise the alarm’

“M

AJORITY (A majority) of secondary schools have neither computers nor….”

“Tenure elongation: Court dismisses Nasarawa LG chairmen (chairmen’s) suit” From the back page of National Mirror under review comes this last entry: “It’s time (high time) something drastic was done about this hell-born evil in the skin of doctors” Daily Sun of March 25 takes over: “Area Commander reads riot act to criminals” Get it right: the riot act “Airfoce (sic) jet crash lands (crash-lands) in Yola” “NBA raises alarm over kidnap of member” a rewrite: NBA raises the alarm over member’s kidnap “5,000 Ogun residents benefit from Aisha Buhari’s health screening (health-screening) initiative” “NFF settles for foreign coach, shifts focus on (to) World Cup” From Daily Sun Back Page of April 1 comes this headline blunder: “Cat and mouse (Cat-and-mouse) game in APC” Next is DAILY SUN City News of April 4: Murder of undergraduate: Court remands police officer in prison” Crime, Court & Living: Undergraduate’s murder: Court remands police officer “Osoba formally rejoins APC, holds close door (closed-door) meeting with Tinubu, Aregbesola, Ajimobi” “Taraba flags off 2016 planting season with loan disbursement” Instead of ‘flag off ’, use ‘inaugurates’ or ‘auspicates’ Wrong: matriach Right: matriarch

“Her skills in presentation has (have) endeared her to millions of hearts….”

Wrong: harrassment Right: harassment “…following series (a series) of allegations by the staff against the management.”

“As Yakubu cleans the Augean stable (stables) at INEC” (Source: DAILY SUN OPINION Page Headline, April 6) “Igbo must overcome post war (post-war) trauma” Wrong: concensus Right: consensus “Eze Ndigbo title not affront on (to) traditional authorities” “The kids and I wishes (why?) you a special happy birthday today….”

“14th year in His bossom (bosom)” “Back then, I hawked pure (satchet/packaged) water at the airport” (THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, March 12) Lest I am accused of being repetitive in this column, as long as systemic infelicities in multifarious collocations keep recurring, there would be no hesitancy in highlighting them until scholarly exactitude takes place. “Banks lay siege on lawmakers” A rewrite: Banks lay siege to lawmakers.

Wrong: on the saddle Right: in the saddle “As human beings, we are the highest evolved specie.”

(FRSC Road Safety Tip) For the Corp Marshal’s attention: species.

“Creating a smoke free environment” Get it right:

Govt may stop funding polytechnics soon —NBTE Saidat alauSa

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irector, Physical Planning and Development, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Kaduna State, Mr. Ekpeyong Ekpeyong has disclosed that government in the next two years may stop funding polytechnic education.

He said that is why polytechnics in the country should start now to look beyond government for funding.

Ekpeyong who was representing the Executive Secretary, NBTE, Dr. Masaudu Kazaure said this at the 133rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, COHEADS, held at Yaba College of Technology, yesterday.

The director also said that the level of budget allocation to the polytechnic was dwindling so much and unless the institutions are proactive to look for alternative funding, they may lose accreditations

of some programmes or get fizzled out.

“That was why we told the polytechnics to establish centre for excellence in a particular programme so that one, students can get in touch with industries practice and two they can generate funds because it is a practical evidence that government fund is no more enough for the institutions.”

Although, he said looking at sources of income does

not stop the polytechnics from looking at the government but “we should be like our counterparts offshore to make sure Nigeria attains that level of technology development through technical education.

He advised the polytechnics to embrace ICT in order to make teaching and learning effective and also to meet up with the rest of the world.

Earlier in her welcome address, the host and rector,

Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Ladipo urged the rectors to brace up to the challenge of making a meaningful impact on the nation’s drive towards technological growth and rapid industrialisation.

“We can achieve this by encouraging scholarship among staff and students and establishing fellowships with established institutions and research centres across the globe.”

Proprietress, Floral School, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, Mrs. Kemi Bamidele (middle) with teachers and pupils of the school during their Annual Cultural Day, recently.

smoke-free environment! Don’t you appreciate the classicality (and, of course, correctness) of the punctuation mark?

“Nollywood pays last respect for….” (National Mirror, April 12) There is no absolute individuality in orthography and other aspects of the English language: last respects to (not for).

“Rooney’s wife looses temper after Twitter user comment” In doing this weekly critique, I cannot lose my temper.

“Nigerian seamstress per excellence for Dubai fashion show” Just seamstress par (not per) excellence.

“Efforts so far to speak with the Kogi State Police Public Relation (sic) Officer has (have) proved abortive (now a cliché!)” (SATURDAY TRIBUNE, April 9) “It now takes residents leaving (living) towards the bus stop….” (THE GUARDIAN, April 12) “VC accuses lecturers of double standards” There is no periphery of options here: double standard (fixed expression).

“Clearance of non-CRI goods begin (begins) at ports” “Siasia gets sweeping power” Get it right: sweeping powers. “…had said that Newswatch is (was) a credible publication, one not likely to misquote him or twist what he says in a free display of editorial freedom.”

“Like (As) we have said at various fora….”

“So these are the kind of things that create jobs but they take time to take off fully.” Either: this is the kind of thing or these are the kinds of things.

“So the government cannot ask the Supreme Court to interprete the law.” Spell-check, always: interpret.

Why more varsity students are restive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 knows that the tariff on electricity and the likes was instrumental to lack of electricity and it was that period that our economy is dwindling due to the fall of the naira so, protest is not the answer to the problems.”

He also said the protests were as a result of moral decadence in the society which has made university students not to have value for life and property.

“A reasonable and well behaved student should not use any of these emerging national issues against a good university like UNILAG. “I think a reasonable student union should have been able to sit down and work out the way out with the university authority instead of being used by a political party or the opposition.”

The Professor of comparative Grammar of French and Yoruba however said that the Students’ Union might have good intention but the protests might have been hijacked by political thugs in the university.

On UNIPORT, the provost said the students do not have reasons to protest over the tuition fee because everyone should have it at the back of their minds that there’s no free meal as someone, somewhere is paying for it. “It is obvious that government alone cannot do it and sometimes when they are asked to pay a token they don’t need to take to the streets after all they were not paying before now.”

On how to curb future reoccurrence, Prof. Akeusola said it is important that students are found worthy in character and learning before they can be issued certificates, “so by the time universities start withholding student’s certificates because they are not worthy in character I’m very sure every student will sit up and will not want to be part of protests or agitations.

Business Thursday, April 14, 2016

NIMASA seeks quick passage of Anti-Piracy Bill

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders task govt. on e-Governance

NCC laments slow internet speed

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FG, shareholders to take investment decision on NLNG train 7 UDEME AKPAN

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he Federal Government and shareholders in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited have started working toward taking Final Investment Decision, FID, in the nation’s $10 billion train 7.

The FID, which is expected to fast-track the project, is to be taken before the end of this administration.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Babs Omotowa who confirmed this Tuesday in Lagos at the disclosure of the company’s fact and figures said the socio-economic environment and other factors were much better than what they used to be in the past.

He said with these and other considerations, the company wasvery optimistic that the FID would be taken to place the train on the path of sustainable execution.

Omotowa disclosed that the government and partners have already shown adequate commitment and cooperation required to make that important decision.

He said that the decision has not yet been taken on the nature of the train, but noted that it would be in the best interest of the nation and stakeholders, adding that the successful execution of the train would enable the nation to produce 30 mtpa of LNG. The industry expert maintained that plans were currently progressing with some preliminary early site preparation works at the cost of $300 million.

He clarified: “Further work awaits an FID by the sharehold-

ers. The plant has rapidly and successfully made the transition from a construction project to a stable production operation with a robust framework of people, processes, systems and organisation, and relentless focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

“In addition to regular maintenance of the assets to assure integrity and reliability, opportunities are continuously sought to debottleneck the plant, incorporating proven techniques and processes to maximize production, and manage human interferences and impacts.”

“The company has also embarked on a structured programme of asset rejuvenation to extend the plant life beyond the current design life,” the NLNG boss added.

He said in November 1995, a sim-

ilar FID was signed by the shareholders to build a LNG plant in Finima, Bonny Island in Rivers State, adding that this was followed in December 1995 by the award of a turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to a consortium of engineering firms comprised of Technip, Snamprogetti, M.W. Kellog and Japan Gas Corporation (TSKJ) for the Plant (consisting of two trains: Trains 1 and 2, called the Base Project), the Gas Transmission System (GTS) and the Residential Area (RA).

He noted that construction at the plant site commenced in February 1996 and on August 12, 1999, Train 2 was ready for start-up.

Omotowa said production of LNG commenced on September 15. Train 1 subsequently came on stream on February 27, 2000.

He said the second phase of development, called Expansion Project, commenced with an FID in February 1999 to develop train 3 and the plant’s Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Handling Unit (LHU)—condensate stabilisation and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production units.

Omotowa said the expansion project was completed and came into operation in November 2002.

He explained further that the next phase of development called the NLNGPlus project, comprised of Trains 4 and 5, commenced with an FID in March 2002 while train 4 came on stream in November 2005 and Train 5 was started up in February 2006.

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air

Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Uzo Oshogwe; and Chairman, Erelu Angela Adebayo at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos on Tuesday

FG approves currency swap with China to strengthen naira he Federal Government yesterday agreed a currency swap deal with China, as it looks for ways to shore up its ailing currency and fund a record budget deficit, possibly by issuing yuan-denominated bonds in China.

The country is facing its worst economic crisis in decades as sinking oil prices eat into its foreign reserves and the naira weakens against other currencies.

During Buhari’s visit to Beijing, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, signed a deal on yuan transactions.

“It means that the renminbi (yuan) is free to flow among dif-

27

ferent banks in Nigeria, and the renminbi has been included in the foreign exchange reserves of Nigeria,” Lin Songtian, director general of the African affairs department of China’s foreign ministry, told reporters.

The agreement was reached following a meeting between Buhari and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The move comes after Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun said on Saturday that Nigeria was looking at panda bonds - yuan-denominated bonds sold by overseas entities on the mainland -saying they that would be cheaper than Eurobonds.

The CBN had said it plans to diversify its foreign exchange re-

serves away from the dollar by switching a stockpile into yuan.

It converted up to a tenth of its reserves into yuan five years ago.

Lin said a framework on currency swaps has been agreed with Nigeria, making it easier to settle trade deals in yuan. China has signed currency swap deals with countries ranging from Kazakhstan to Argentina as it promotes wider use of its yuan.

Beijing also signed agreements to develop infrastructure in Nigeria, part of a drive to deepen its ties with Africa.

ICBC signed a $2 billion loan deal with Dangote group, the company owned by Africa’s richest man,

Aliko Dangote, to fund two cement plans it plans, he told Reuters.

China’s official Xinhua news agency cited President Xi as telling Buhari that there was huge potential for economic cooperation, naming oil refining and mining.

In a speech to business leaders, Buhari said both countries wanted to work together in the areas of agriculture, fishing and the manufacturing of cars, construction materials and textiles.

Aly Khan Satchu, a portfolio manager at Rich Management, said the deal would pave the way for panda bonds but this would not be enough to ease pressure on the naira.

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

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

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Business News

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We have capacity for 20m data subscribers–Glo Ghana T he newly-upgraded Glo Mobile Ghana network has the capacity to adequately accommodate 20 million data subscribers, the new Head of Business of the Company, Mr Augustine Mamuro has revealed.

According to him, the company has undertaken numerous network improvement projects designed to significantly enhance the network experience of its subscribers.

Glo Mobile subscribers have been promised an unmatched experience in terms of speed of download as Glo Mobile High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) network has been upgraded to make download speed much better than what it used to be.

According to Mamuro, “we have in recent time been able to achieve a lot of improvements and built up

capacity to accommodate over 20 million data subscribers on our network. Data is the future of telecoms and any focus in this regard will always serve the best interest of our subscribers.”

Mamuro explained that Glo Mobile is well positioned to deliver excellent data services to its numerous subscribers in Ghana because of its robust backbone infrastructure which includes the 2.4 terabyte Glo-1 Submarine cable linking key West Africa countries to Europe with dedicated extension to the United States of America.

“Several months ago, we began the process of overhaul, which involves both the upgrade of all software, hardware and core network infrastructure. This will push up the data download speed from the current 7.2mbps up to 21mbps, which will also go up to 42mbps very soon. In layman language,

NIMASA seeks quick passage of Anti-Piracy Bill FRANCIS EZEM

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has made a strong case for a timely passage of the Anti-Piracy Bill.

The agency pointed out that enactment of the Anti-Piracy Act would provide the required framework to fight the increasing menace of sea piracy, robbery and other related maritime crimes that have become prevalent on the nation’s territorial waters.

The agency had about two years ago sent a draft Anti-Piracy Bill to the seventh National Assembly, which was not passed into law.

Available records show that there is no instrument in Nigeria’s body of laws that can be used for the prosecution of suspects since the crime has remained alien to shipping business in Nigeria until recently.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who spoke at the just concluded four-day workshop organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, in collaboration with the United States Government held in Lagos, said the agency was willing to work with other stakeholders to expedite action on the passage of the bill into law.

According to him, when passed into law, the bill is expected to provide the necessary and requisite framework for the fight, prosecution and punishment of piracy and related maritime crimes in the country.

Peterside also called on them to do a thorough job so as to ensure early passage of the bill into law when presented to the National Assembly as it will reduce the legislative input that may cause delays.

He however assured participants and other maritime stakeholders that the agency would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Justice and all relevant stakeholders to ensure early conclusion of work on the draft bill

and ultimate transmission to the National Assembly for enactment.

Meanwhile, the workshop at which Mr. Guiseppe Sernia and Philip Drew both of the UNODC were facilitators resolved that the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA will meet again to fine tune the draft Anti-Piracy Bill before forwarding it to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, which will present it to the Federal Executive Council and ultimate transmission to the National Assembly.

The workshop focused on developing a robust anti-piracy legislation aimed at dealing with piracy and other related maritime crimes.

this will enable our subscribers to download songs within the twinkle of the eye and movies in minutes”.

The upgrade of the software has been completed while the hardware upgrade is nearing completion, he disclosed.

Mr Mamuro described this as a “giant leap into a totally new experience for our subscribers. Since

data and internet are the future of telecoms, we have decided to always be a notch higher in terms of the reliability and speed of our services”.

He disclosed that this shift, which is heavily backed by ample dedicated bandwidth infrastructure from Glo-1, will set new parameters in data user experience across the country and ensure

Cross section of participant at a stakeholders forum on the outrageous estimated billings by Ikeja Electric [IE] to consumers in Ikeja and its environs, organised by Community Leaders in collaboration with Citizens Access to Electricity Initiatives, in Lagos, yesterday.

Customs boss lauds BATN on revenue generation DAvID AuDu

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he Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Col Hammed Ibrahim Ali has commended the British American Tobacco Nigeria, BATN, for its contributions to Nigeria’s treasury over the years.

Ali, who paid a working visit to

BAT’s Ibadan, Oyo State factory, commended the company’s role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development through its corporate social investment arm, the BATN Foundation.

He rated BATN as one of the excise companies that generate huge revenue the country and looked forward to greater synergy and working relationships.

The Comptroller General noted that with the dwindling revenue

Lagos govt begins prosecution of tax defaulters

ISAAC ASAboR

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he Lagos State Rapid Tax Prosecution Unit has commenced the prosecution of defaulting tax payers in the state. The move is expected to promote voluntary tax compliance and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, profile.

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that the Rapid Tax Prosecution Unit had filed all the necessary information

that subscribers get excellent data speed and value for money.

Mamuro said the network experience would eliminate buffering and empower Glo subscribers to enjoy smooth and super fast internet services on any data enabled devices.

Glo Mobile recently launched four major products for the pleasure of the good people of Ghana.

at the State High Court for the arraignment of 28 tax defaulters referred by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and prosecution has begun in earnest.

He explained further that their offences ranged from failure to furnish and file tax return to failure to pay personal income tax to the State, and that these offences violate the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 as amended and the Lagos State Revenue Administration law.

According to him, under the Personal Income Tax Act, a taxable person is statutorily required

to file a return of income for the preceding year within 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment (March 31st being the deadline), while every employer of labour is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees for the preceding year, not later than 31st of January each year.

Kazeem pointed out that any taxable person or corporate organization, who failed to file their tax returns with LIRS by the stipulated date, was in breach of the provisions of the law, which is a criminal offence that is punishable under the tax laws.

from oil, President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Nigerian Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the task of generating revenue for the country, hence, the visit was to check on all industries that are major sources of revenue for government.

Managing Director of BATN, Chris McAllister, while highlighting the company’s achievements in the country, said that the $150 million Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the Nigerian government in 2001 has been pivotal in its investment drive.

He said that the investment had more than doubled in the last 13 years, with the establishment of a state-of-the-art factory in Ibadan, the leaf threshing plant in Zaria and the company’s new West Africa Head office building in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The industrialist also emphasized ways in which the company had, through the BATN Foundation, impacted on the socioeconomic development of rural communities through the establishment of several agricultural projects spread across the federation.

Digital marketing key to insurance premium growth-Experts ZAkA olAlEkAN

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xperts in insurance industry said there could be a rapid growth in insurance premium in the country through adoption of digital marketing.

This, they added, will lead to rapid growth in insurance acceptance and leading to profitability of insurance companies in the

country.

To enlighten operators on how to drive insurance premium through digital marketing, the Corporate Affairs Committee of the Nigeria Insurers Association (CAMCONIA) is set to organise a professional interactive session, in a bid to fathom ideas on how to effectively deploy digital marketing strategies in growing the industry bottom-line.

The session, which is set to hold on April 15, 2016, would be

addressed by an expert on digital marketing, Mr. Tobi Asehinde, the founder and Managing Director of Vibe Web Solutions, who would be speaking on ‘Insurance Industry Growth Acceleration through Digital Marketing.’

According to a statement signed by Mr. Tunde Odeyemi, the Chairman of CAMCONIA, and made available to National Mirror yesterday, “the interactive session is expected to be engaging and

an eye-opening platform for the Brand and Corporate Communications Managers of the Insurance Industry.”

Odeyemi stressed that most digital or social media campaigns are designed to attract massive traffic and advertise the brand.

He mentioned that traffic and rankings are great for online marketing campaign, but if those visitors do not convert into actual customers or leads, it does not really matter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Blaming Draghi finally unites Merkel’s fractious coalition G erman Chancellor Angela Merkel’s fractious coalition partners can at last agree on one thing: it’s all Mario Draghi’s fault.

After months of bickering over refugees, the three coalition parties are taking advantage of a lull in the crisis to address widening alarm over dwindling pensions and savings. That’s translated into a slew of criticism of the record-low interest rates set by the European Central Bank under Draghi.

The opening volley was delivered by Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, who last week laid part of the blame for the rise of the populist Alternative for Germany party at the ECB president’s feet. While his ministry issued a statement respecting the bank’s independence, it defended Schaeuble’s comments as part of a political debate over monetary stimulus. A spokesman said the ECB had no comment on the criticisms.

“Schaeuble is completely right to put our efforts on private pensions up for debate,” Thomas Schaefer, CDU finance minister for the state of Hesse, home region of the ECB’s Frankfurt headquarters, said by phone. “Of course this leads to nervousness in the public if you can’t rely on private plans anymore. It’s the right debate to have to say that we need another interest-rate policy in the middle to long term. The ECB

is in a position of independence, but that doesn’t mean it’s untouchable.”

Merkel joined the fray on Tuesday, addressing the effects of low interest rates in a closed door meeting with lawmakers from her Christian Democratic Union in Berlin, according to a party official who was present. While she didn’t explicitly mention the ECB or Draghi, the critique taps into German public disgruntlement over the central bank’s perceived whittling away of retirement savings.

Merkel avoiding criticizing Draghi at a press conference on Wednesday, saying that euro-area governments need to do their part to get the ECB to lay off stimulus measures.

Economic growth “creates the best conditions in terms of the resources that we have in politics so that the ECB’s monetary policy can be shaped in another way,” Merkel told reporters in the eastern German town of Stolpe an der Peene.

The Chancellor is due to discuss concerns over pensions with the leaders of the Christian Social Union and Social Democrats -- her two coalition partners -- later Wednesday.

The specter of old-age poverty looms in Germany as almost half of workers who retire in 2030 will receive pensions below the minimum social welfare level, according to public broadcaster WDR, which

Merkel

cited its own projections based on available data. Declining entitlements combined with fewer safe investment opportunities provided by the ECB has emerged as political fodder, particularly for the upstart AfD. SPD lawmaker Manfred Zoellmer said the ECB debate a “distraction” shielding attempts to counter the rise of the AfD, “The AfD gained strength with the refugee crisis, but you can expect that they’ll make the expropriation of the people through Europe the next big issue,” Zoellmer said in an interview.

Still, SPD Chairman Sigmar Gabriel weighed in on diminishing pensions this week, vowing that his party will ensure that the decline in average pensions as a percentage of working wages comes to a halt -- effectively an opening gambit for the 2017 campaign.

IMF concerned over financial stability

T

he IMF says in a new report that the deterioration in developed countries is partly due to setbacks to economic growth.

In emerging economies, declines in commodity prices have affected financial stability.

In a separate report, the IMF also warns that government finances have deteriorated.

It says the risks to government finances are “rising almost everywhere”.

The reports follow a wider warning on Tuesday from the IMF about the general global economic outlook.

That downgraded the agency’s

Lagarde

global growth forecasts and said the world economy was now more vulnerable to adverse shocks.

This new warning specifically about financial stability is partly due to that downbeat economic assessment.

Those same factors are also a danger for government finances in the rich countries.

Slow growth and low inflation make it even more challenging to reduce public sector debt burdens as both factors undermine tax revenues.

Higher inflation is often helpful for debtors, governments and others because over time it erodes the real, inflation adjusted value of those debts.

The thrust of these reports on stability and government finances is one of rising risks, rather than imminent crisis.

As the IMF’s managing director Christine Lagarde has put it “we are on alert, not alarm”.

The financial stability report says there is “growing concern about a mutually reinforcing dynamic of weak growth and low inflation that could produce sustained economic

and financial weakness”. The IMF is also concerned that in some countries inflation is too low.

Uncertainty about China’s economic performance is also a factor.

The IMF says if the outlook for economic growth and inflation were to deteriorate further there would be an increased risk of a loss of confidence and renewed bouts of financial market volatility (something the world experienced earlier this year).

Borrowing costs could then rise, especially for debtors perceived as more at risk of default.

The report continues: “In such circumstances, rising risk premiums may tighten financial conditions further, creating a pernicious feedback loop of fragile confidence, weaker growth, lower inflation, and rising debt burdens.”

The aftermath of the financial crisis in the rich countries, especially the Euro zone, is a persistent concern.

The banking industries in Italy, Greece, Portugal and even Germany are mentioned.

Only this week, the Italian government has been involved in setting up a fund to underpin banks struggling with loans that aren’t being repaid.

29

US regulators reject crisis plans for biggest banks

B

anks labelled “too big to fail” must have a so called “living will” that would allow them to close down without the help of public money.

Bank of America, Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, State Street and Wells Fargo have until 1 October to submit improved plans.

JP Morgan said it was “disappointed with the conclusion”.

“The most important thing is that we work with our regulators to understand their feedback in more detail. And we are fully committed to meeting their expectations,” said JP Morgan’s chief financial officer Marianne Lake.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve board jointly rejected the banks’ plans.

If they fail to come up with improved plans they could face “more stringent” requirements.

The FDIC said that Goldman Sach’s plan “was not credible”, while the Federal Reserve came to the same conclusion about Morgan Stanley’s plans.

Regulators have been criticised

Obama

for not providing enough information on how the plans have been judged.

On Tuesday, the Government Oversight Committee (GAO), a bi-partisan group, said financial regulators were not providing banks with enough information about how the plans were reviewed.

“Without greater disclosure, companies lack information they could use to assess and enhance their plans,” the GAO report said.

The GAO recommended that “the FDIC and the Federal Reserve publicly disclose information about their assessment frameworks”

Emirates swells superjumbo fleet with Orphaned Skymark planes

E

mirates, already the biggest buyer of Airbus Group SE’s A380 superjumbo, agreed to take two extra aircraft originally commissioned by Japan’s Skymark Airlines Inc., swelling its order tally to 142 of the planes.

The initial deal was canceled after the Asian budget carrier fell behind on payments prior to a bankruptcy filing, with the double-deckers built and approaching delivery. Interior fittings were never installed, so Emirates is acquiring brand new planes that it can furnish to its own specifications.

The switch will accelerate the expansion of Emirates’s 75-strong A380 fleet as it funnels millions of passengers traveling from Europe and North America to Asia, Africa and the Middle East via its Gulf hub, while removing the orphaned jets from Airbus’s inventory.

The two aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017 in a two-

Airbus

class configuration and are among 33 due to arrive at Emirates by the end of that year, Tim Clark, the carrier’s president, said in a statement confirming plans report earlier by Bloomberg. Prague, Taipei and Vienna are the next destinations due to be served by the model, he said.

Emirates has stepped in for surplus superjumbos before, agreeing last year to take over delivery slots for four jets from leasing firm Amedeo, which had failed to find an end customer for them. Amedeo has yet to announce operators for the next batch that it’s due to take in 2017.

Skymark exited bankruptcy administration earlier this year and is forecasting an operating profit of 1.5 billion yen ($13 million) for the 12 months ended March 31 after reducing its fleet, cutting routes and tapping investment from sources including ANA Holdings Inc. and private-equity firm Integral Corp.

Capital Market

30

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 14, REPORT 2016 DAILY STOCK MARKET 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES

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)

Price List (Equities)

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 1

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

345,361.43

11.00

0.92

341

22,991,596

S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

120

CHAMS PLC

341

22,991,596

121

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

TRADES

VOLUME

BANKING S/N 2

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

122,044.00

3.40

0.29

230

7,137,973

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

230

7,137,973

FINANCIAL SERVICES

571

30,129,569

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 3

BUILDING MATERIALS DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,726,481.18

160.00

-

31

81,754

BUILDING MATERIALS

31

81,754

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

31

81,754

602

30,211,323

PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

Price List (Equities)

AGRICULTURE S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5

CROP PRODUCTION OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

28,655.46

30.04

-3.87

10

331,600

6

PRESCO PLC

35,010.00

35.01

1.18

CROP PRODUCTION S/N

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING

8

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

125,680 457,280 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,840.00

0.92

-2.13

27

977,050

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N

5 15

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

27

977,050

AGRICULTURE

42

1,434,330

TRADES

VOLUME

CONGLOMERATES S/N

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

9

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,117.83

0.80

-

4

106,300

13

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

39,882.63

1.03

3.00

105

17,814,041

14

U A C N PLC.

37,264.77

19.40

-

45

130,263

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

154

18,050,604

CONGLOMERATES

154

18,050,604

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

17

G CAPPA PLC INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

18

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

20

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.50

-

1

692

1,807.50

14.46

-

1

100

2

792

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

56,760.00

43.00

-

2

1,220

2

1,220

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

6,531.25

3.80

-5.00

13

533,739

13

533,739

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

17

535,751

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

0

542.19

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N

VOLUME

0 MARKET CAP(Nm)

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER S/N

TRADES

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

24

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

-

1

480,000

1

480,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

24,271.44

3.10

-

7

55,310

253.11

0.93

-

1

10

150,573.76

99.99

-0.01

41

109,479

65,884.99

20.00

-

7

16,010

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

25

CHAMPION BREW. PLC.

26

GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC.

27

GUINNESS NIG PLC

28

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

29

JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC.

30

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

31

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC

848.62

1.51

-

1

10

848,334.50

106.99

1.90

103

465,015

2,888.67

2.95

-

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS S/N

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

32

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

3

5,110

163

650,944

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

94,166.78

147.00

-

11

3,761

11

3,761

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC S/N

FOOD PRODUCTS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

33

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

62,400.00

5.20

-

17

174,865

34

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

52,484.74

20.00

-1.43

50

487,869

35

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

11,022.97

1.39

2.96

10

145,000

37

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

-

1

150

38

NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC

20,665.62

7.80

-2.62

36

911,241

40

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC

11,400.00

2.28

-2.98

46

1,544,338

42

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

3,075.06

11.25

-

2

40,100

162

3,303,563

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

FOOD PRODUCTS S/N

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

43

CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

44

NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

27,741.04

14.77

-

15

58,503

511,263.28

645.00

-4.44

84

194,996

99

253,499

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED S/N

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

46

VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,326.78

5.42

-

1

6,000

1

6,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

93,306.21

23.50

-

21

112,727

109,526.43

28.95

-

22

69,090

43

181,817

480

4,879,584

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES S/N

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

48

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.

49

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

BANKING

50

ACCESS BANK PLC.

51

DIAMOND BANK PLC

52

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED

53

FIDELITY BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE 3.71

4.21

147

9,779,976

28,950.49

1.25

-3.85

54

3,119,420

255,058.76

13.90

-

75

470,573

107,322.77

39,695.47

1.37

1.48

111

11,425,472

54

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

436,464.39

14.83

4.36

279

17,669,138

55

SKYE BANK PLC

12,908.68

0.93

-2.11

35

1,881,594

56

STERLING BANK PLC.

44,913.05

1.56

-

7

134,736

57

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

58

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

59

UNITY BANK PLC

60

WEMA BANK PLC.

77,396.64

4.57

-4.99

34

574,564

114,280.51

3.15

-0.95

244

12,163,435

8,182.54

0.70

4.29

14

2,831,500

27,002.13

0.70

-

17

3,621,519

1,017

63,671,927

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4,989.75

0.72

-4.00

13

2,295,750

20,475.00

1.95

-2.50

2

250,100

BANKING S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

62

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

63

AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC

64

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

3,000.00

0.50

-

1

14,000

10,683.93

1.03

3.00

13

690,250

7,000.00

0.50

-

1

300,000

642.04

0.50

-

1

186,666

LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC.

2,406.13

0.70

-

1

100,000

76

MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC.

4,000.00

0.50

-

1

2,000

77

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

4,013.18

0.76

-5.00

30

12,707,150

65

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

67

EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC.

71

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

74

79

PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC.

2,759.15

0.50

-

1

1,000

86

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

-

1

250,000

87

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

-

1

37

66

16,796,953

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

89

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,652.50

1.16

-

1

10,000

1

10,000 VOLUME

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS S/N

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,220.00

2.61

4.40

48

3,003,849

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

95

AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC

0

0

96

CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC

23,233.36

3.95

-

6

34,349

98

FCMB GROUP PLC.

17,822.44

0.90

4.65

74

8,551,864

100

ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC.

2,572.69

0.50

-

1

1,000

102

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

130,000.00

13.00

-

11

42,522

103

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

9,120.00

1.52

1.33

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES

78

4,356,712

218

15,990,296

1,302

96,469,176

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

HEALTHCARE S/N

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS S/N

MEDICAL SUPPLIES PHARMACEUTICALS

108

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

109

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

110

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,348.03

0.50

-

2

12,600

16,380.00

3.90

-

18

483,650

20

496,250

PROCESSING SYSTEMS S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

122

MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

TRADES

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

-

1

1,000,000

ICT

1

1,000,000

23

1,496,550

TRADES

VOLUME

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

124

ASHAKA CEM PLC

125

BERGER PAINTS PLC

126

CAP PLC

127

CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC

131

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

43,803.70

19.56

-

9

9,145

2,469.30

8.52

-

11

47,042

26,950.00

38.50

-

9

6,538

8,834.44

7.03

-

10

13,852

341,663.18

75.01

-

72

286,182

132

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

0.95

-

1

100

133

PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC

1,152.00

2.88

-

2

23,483

134

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

1,344.39

10.93

-

0 114

386,342

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

753.27

BUILDING MATERIALS S/N

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

0

135

AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

2,256.91

2.09

-

0

0

136

CUTIX PLC.

1,188.89

1.35

-4.93

8

587,090

8

587,090

TRADES

VOLUME

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS S/N

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

138

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

21,613.79

43.23

-4.99

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS S/N

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TOOLS AND MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL GOODS

5

216,415

5

216,415

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

127

1,189,847 VOLUME

NATURAL RESOURCES S/N

CHEMICALS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

CHEMICALS S/N

METALS

METALS S/N

MINING SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

MINING SERVICES S/N

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

146

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

0

0

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

134.20

0.61

-

0

0 0

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

0

NATURAL RESOURCES OIL AND GAS

0

0 VOLUME

S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

54,396.48

4.52

6.10

151

3,104,710

151

3,104,710

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

13,948.44

20.10

-

11

14,582 2,750,947

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

148

OANDO PLC

0

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES S/N 150

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS CONOIL PLC

151

ETERNA PLC.

152

FORTE OIL PLC.

153 154 155

TOTAL NIGERIA PLC.

0

1,930.13

1.48

-4.52

28

381,926.53

293.23

-

6

5,305

MOBIL OIL NIG PLC.

54,089.29

150.00

-7.40

20

24,844

MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC.

11,983.19

47.18

-

5

20,949

54,493.25

160.50

-

18

10,853

88

2,827,480

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

174,836.85

310.30

-

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS S/N

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION

156

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS

18

34,060

18

34,060

257

5,966,250 VOLUME

SERVICES S/N

ADVERTISING

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

ADVERTISING S/N

APPAREL RETAILERS

APPAREL RETAILERS S/N

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

AUTOMOBILE/AUTO PART RETAILERS S/N

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY

160

RED STAR EXPRESS PLC HOSPITALITY

S/N

HOTELS/LODGING TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC

S/N

MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC

0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3.80

-

5

49,740

5

49,740

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

34,885.85

4.59

-

1

43,230

1

43,230

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

6,000.00

0.50

-

1

HOTELS/LODGING 167

VOLUME

0 2,240.09

HOSPITALITY 166

0

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

COURIER/FREIGHT/DELIVERY S/N

0

MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT

2,000

1

2,000

S/N

PRINTING/PUBLISHING

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

168

ACADEMY PRESS PLC.

405.22

0.67

-

2

3,910

169

LEARN AFRICA PLC

532.30

0.69

-4.17

3

100,000

171

UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC.

2,459.03

5.70

-

2

740

7

104,650 VOLUME

PRINTING/PUBLISHING S/N

ROAD TRANSPORTATION

172

ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

828.85

0.50

-

1

ROAD TRANSPORTATION S/N

SPECIALTY

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

SPECIALTY S/N

TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES

175

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC

176

NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS

178

CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC

VOLUME

0

0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,268.00

2.00

-

6

282,560

6,318.21

3.89

-

12 18

331,245

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,494.84

1.64

3.80

SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS SERVICES MAIN BOARD TOTALS PRICES FOR ASEM SECURITIES

485,000

TRADES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES S/N

485,000

1

4

48,685

272,900

4

272,900

37

1,288,765

2,473

131,745,834

Price List (Equities)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE TRADES

VOLUME

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

0

0

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

0

0

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

CONSUMER GOODS S/N

FOOD PRODUCTS

180

MCNICHOLS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

362.34

1.22

-

3 3

41,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

30.00

0.60

-

0

FOOD PRODUCTS S/N

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

181

ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC.

41,000

0

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

0

0

CONSUMER GOODS

3

41,000

FINANCIAL SERVICES TRADES

VOLUME

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

0

0

FINANCIAL SERVICES

0

0

TRADES

VOLUME

PHARMACEUTICALS

0

0

HEALTHCARE

0

0

TRADES

VOLUME

0 0

0 0

S/N

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

HEALTHCARE S/N

PHARMACEUTICALS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIAL GOODS OIL AND GAS MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,928.77

0.50

-

1

475,000

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

1

475,000

OIL AND GAS

1

475,000

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N 186

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS CAPITAL OIL PLC

SERVICES S/N

FOOD/DRUG RETAILERS AND WHOLESALERS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

FOOD/DRUG RETAILERS AND WHOLESALERS

0

SERVICES

0

0

ASEM TOTALS

4

516,000

3,079

162,473,157

VOLUME

EQUITIES TOTALS

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,000.00

2.00

4.17

10

249,073

29,861.04

24.97

-

10

9,854

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

862.40

0.88

-

9

61,100

1

LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF

500.34

8.07

-0.86

1

5

NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF)

357.75

2,385.00

0.25

1

45

STANBIC IBTC ETF 30

824.18

72.00

-

0

0

MEDICAL SUPPLIES S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

VOLUME

PRICES FOR ETP SECURITIES S/N

111

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

1,035.90

0.66

-

2

42,050

2

112

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

556.71

3.62

-4.99

2

50,300

3

113

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

444.48

2.05

-

COMPANY

Price List (ETP) MARKET CAP(Nm)

1

22,600

4

VETIVA BANKING ETF

78.24

2.14

0.94

1

5

PHARMACEUTICALS

34

434,977

5

VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF

69.35

5.97

-0.50

1

5

HEALTHCARE

34

434,977

6

VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF

1,685.98

11.21

0.27

1

7

VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF

82.55

18.84

-0.11

1

5

6

70

6

70

ICT S/N

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0 VOLUME

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS S/N

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS S/N

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

6,741.29

2.67

-

1

200

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES S/N

IT SERVICES

117

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

VOLUME ETP TOTALS

PRICES FOR DEBT SECURITIES S/N

COMPANY

33

15.10% FGN APR 2017

5

Price List (BONDS) MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

502,219.20

104.60

0.70

1

100

31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Info Tech

Stakeholders task govt. on e-Governance

Globally, smart businesses are driven by real-time technology, but its adoption appears sluggish in some developing nations and getting it right poses some challenges.

IsaIah ErhIawarIEn reports.

F

rantic efforts have been made to properly position government at all levels to adopt the new trend of e-Government, however, daunting challenges still dots the quests for effective implementations.

As inexcusable as the challenges appear to be, investigations have revealed that government is proactive in ensuring that e-Government becomes successful in the provision of basic services to the people, particularly in the emerging technology-driven governance.

According to a researcher with the Naeven as only six countries, tional Information Technology Developnamely Tunisia, Mauriment Agency, NITDA, Engr Salisu Kaka, tius, Egypt, Seychelles, great challenges for governments in develMorocco and South Afoping nations are to figure out how best to rica have EGDI values make use of the opportunities offered by above the world average ICT to offer good services to the citizenry. of 0.4712, placing them He however noted that governments that centralizing the use of technologies among the top 50 percent of the world. across the globe are integrating computerby national government departments On the other hand, about 30 percent based technologies into the centerfold of without devolving the benefits of tech(16 countries) of the 54 African countries public administrative reforms to digitize nology to intermediary institutions such are at the bottom 10 percent of the world delivery of services as well as the process as local government, parliament, parties, while Nigeria ranks 141. of governance, stressing that under the civil society organizations and the indeNigeria rose to 141 out of 193 countries right conditions, ICTs offer government pendent media are some challenges of erated in the UN Global e-Government effective resources to serve citizens and Government.

Development Index for 2014. It was also other stakeholders through electronicHe said failure to link better goverranked 97 in the e-Participation index, an government strategies in very exciting nance to broader and more inclusive deimprovement of 22 points up from 75 in and wonderful ways. mocracy, which gives voice to those who 2012.

According to him, the unique virtue of cannot afford technologies, but have needs The UN said countries in the region e-Government is that it can improve the and ideas to express are affecting e-Governeed to focus on building human capital, quality of services and reduce the costs of nance. including ICT literacy and bridging infradelivering services through utilization of Nchuchuwe suggested that to overstructure gaps to provide enabling enviscarce resources, encourage citizen parcome the challenges of e-Governance ronment for e-Government development, ticipation while enhancing accountability in the country, there should be purposeadding that visionary strategies and pracand transparency. It also expands the role ful leadership for e-Governance to excel, tical implementation plans should follow of markets and restores citizens’ trusts in noting that the political leaders should for effective deployment of sustainable government. demonstrate enough commitment to the online services.

Kaka said, Nigeria as a nation, has course of upgrading governance to meet Despite the efforts, a University don strived to make use of ICT to improve the demands of time through the adoption from the Department Of Public Adminisgovernance at different levels, saying, ”it of ICTs in government businesses. tration, Faculty of Management Sciences, can be said that there is a relative sucHe added that regardless of leadership Lagos State University, Dr. Francis Nchucess being recorded in the country’s quest changes, the ICT policy should be chuwe said that the challenges of e-Govto adopt and implement e-Government constant and must not change along ernance in the country are the same with process, adding that the little success rewith the government, saying providing other developing countries of the world. corded by the country through electronic the right amount of funds at the right He noted that adopting technologies and e-Government projects has not been time would ensure that the demands of ewithout developing human skills and cavisible due to lack of national framework Governance projects are met on time. pacities to manage, integrate and sustain that would guide development of e-GovMeanwhile, the Acting Director-Genthem, is affecting e-Governance, adding ernment projects while integrating them at various levels of development.”

For instance, the e-Government Develhe said coUNTries iN The regioN Need To opment Index, EGDI, of the United Nations e-Government Survey for 2014, revealed focUs oN bUildiNg hUmaN capiTal iNclUdiNg that limitations in ICT infrastructure and human capacity pose greatest challenges, liTeracy aNd bridgiNg iNfrasTrUcTUre gaps To particularly in low-EGDI countries with provide eNabliNg eNviroNmeNT for e overNmeNT constraints of public resources.

The report revealed that in low-EGDI developmeNT addiNg ThaT visioNary sTraTegies aNd countries, there is a shift towards intermediary channels such as kiosks and postal pracTical implemeNTaTioN plaNs shoUld follow for offices, having bigger roles in facilitating access and driving usage of e-government effecTive deploymeNT of sUsTaiNable oNliNe services services to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

The report also revealed that progress in Africa remains relatively slow and un-

T UN

,

,

icT

-g

eral of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr Vincent Olatunji said that at least 50 percent of cities in the country would be e-Governance compliant by the year 2019.

He said that the agency was keen to promoting the development of smart city technology and projects as key national policy through its e-Government Unit, adding that the e-Government unit of the agency had put in place some key projects owned by states government to ensure that state were working toward compliant.

According to him, the agency was working at an extremely conservative rate of one smart solution in each zone annually, exclusive of Abuja and Lagos, which had special status in the programme saying “with this, we are confident of going ‘smart’ in over 50 percent of our cities by 2019.”

“The projects include traffic flow management, smart flood management, secondary school learning hubs, smart solutions for managing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), smart Internally Generated Revenue Systems and Integrated Public Transportation Systems”, he added.

He therefore disclosed that NITDA is demonstrating a new service delivery paradigm based on multi-stakeholder engagement to develop, deploy and manage smart solutions for the benefit of the Nigerian citizen explaining that with an annual urban migration rate of 3.7 percent of national population, the pressures on infrastructure and the environment call for new actions and solutions to fix challenges of pollution, traffic congestion, electricity, water, affordable housing, health and education.

According to him, NITDA is set to promote Internet of Things (IoTs) and e-Governance standard platforms and tools in which disparate systems owned by different federal and state service entities communicate and share information.

32

Info Tech

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ex-Minister to head Telecoms Advisory Council F ormer Minister of Communication, Mr. Ibrahim Nakande has been elected to head the Telecoms Advisory Council, TAC, inaugurated last year at the 20th anniversary of the Association Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON. TAC is made up of all former Ministers of Communications, all former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, all former Presidents of ATCON and Chief Executives of telecoms companies.

Nakande emerged as Chairman of the TAC in an election that was conducted by the convener of the TAC, the President of ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, where Nakande emerged Head of the Council for one year, being the tenure of the executives

of the TAC. Former President of ATCON and Nigerian Internet Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem was elected as the Vice Chairman at the event, which had in attendance the former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr.

Ernest Nduwke, Former ATCON President, Engr. Titi OmoEttu, Chief Executive Officer of VDT Communication, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, Group Managing Director, ipNX Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ejovi Aror, Chairman of Computer Warehouse Group Plc., Mr. Austin Okere and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, who was represented by Shola Adeyemi.

Shortly before handling over the mantle of leadership

of TAC, ATCON President unveiled its operational guide urging them to make adjustment where necessary.

The operational guides according to Ajayi are in three levels namely: mailing list, conference call and physical call saying that there must be one physical meeting at least once in a year.

The guide also requires the

Council to produce an issue base report that will be discussed for onward transmission to government as part of its advisory function.

Ajayi said that any Council member or an executive ATCON could send in issue report concerning the country’s ICT industry that will sustain its growth and development, adding that it is Council of the TAC

that would decide which issue to be discussed.

According to him, ATCON expects the Council to gather information on any issue that will be discussed before writing any advisory note that will be transmitted to any relevant government quarter stressing that the Council is at liberty to form working group on any issue or assignment.

NCC laments slow internet speed

T

he Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, has decried the current trend of slow internet speed in the country, saying it is doing everything within its power to address the challenges.

The industry regulator said that part of its efforts towards addressing the challenges is its determination to implement the National Broadband Plan, spanning from 2013 to 2018.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta, who revealed this, noted that to ease the internet speed challenges, the NCC has commence the licensing process of the 2.6Ghz spectrum, noting that having released the information memorandum, it intends to conclude the process in May this year.

He told stakeholders at the hosting of the Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, organized by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, that the winning operator of the 2.6 GHz spectrum would be immediately required to provide broadband services to Nigerians, stressing that there are 14 slots avail-

able for grabs through an auction process.

According to Danbatta, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the roadmap of the 2015 to 2020, which renamed the 8-point agenda of the NCC would eventual take Nigeria to the next levels of telecommunications in line with the change mantra of the President.

He however noted that the work of the regulator is in tandem with the International Telecommunication Union Connect 2020 global framework, which is to foster sustainable change in the ICT sector by the year 2020.

While sympathizing with the telecoms operators over the challenges of Forex access to run their business, he said it is noteworthy that issues relating to the Right of Way, multiple taxation and levies may soon be over, saying that the Commission has had fruitful discussions with the Nigerian Governors Forum with a view to finding lasting solutions to the myriads of challenges of multiply taxation and Right of Way.

Telecom mast

Ntel begins operation with bumper offer

T

he fifth mobile network operator, ntel has rolled out its commercial services in Lagos and Abuja, starting commercial operations with bumper offers for early bird pioneers and data users.

The firm said it would commit $1 billion in the next four years to build a robust network in the country. The network will run on 0804 platform.

Former Managing Director of Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Kamar Abass, who now heads ntel as Chief Executive Officer, said the company has started the commercial activities on its newly-commissioned 4G/LTE-

Advanced network, saying that ntel’s commencement of operations was the culmination of their journey from acquiring the old Nigeria Telecommunications Limited, NITEL, and MTel assets to the delivery of successive milestones underlining their growing operating capability on the new fixed and mobile network infrastructure.

“With the formal commencement, commercial services will be available on ntel’s advanced network across. Key site clusters in Lagos and Abuja. Coverage in Port Harcourt will follow during May, along the expanded coverage in Lagos and Abu-

Oracle to host cloud experts

O

racle will be connecting more than 30 countries from the East to the West of Africa, live across 4 time zones as it host experts in cloud technology during its annual Oracle Cloud Day. The event will bring together over 1100 people including Oracle employees and support staff, as well as partners that will work together to support this initiative, around 200 of them presenting on the day.

Together with Oracle’s state of the art Cloud technology, Oracle will reach partners, channel partners, distributors, entrepreneurs, students and consumers who have and have not yet heard about Oracle.

According to statement from the company, over one million participants will be reached on one day, all at the same time and be engaged in discussions related to all three of the Oracle Cloud portfolios, which include Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Managing Director of the Sub Saharan Africa Cluster in Africa, Cherian Varghese as well as Oracle executives will give keynote addresses while presentations from Cloud experts, case studies and physical demos of the power of cloud technology through real-

life experiences will be showcasing how adopting cloud can enable current and future customers.

“At Oracle, we believe that Cloud is the most powerful force in information technology, and in short this means that it’s changing the way we work, the way we collaborate and the way we go to market.

It will ultimately change the way we think about business,” said Varghese.

The event confirms Oracle’s continuous investment and commitment to the African continent to assist organizations to embrace and educate them about the Cloud.

ja, and subsequently to other states, across multiple geo-political zones, during the second half of 2016”, he stated. \He said that Abass ntel’s 4G/ LTE-Advance technology is built on the 900/1800MHz spectrum and would deliver an unbeatable and game changing customer experience of high speed Internet access up to 230Mbps to enable a world of full mobile broadband experience that will transform both lives and livelihood.

Abass said they are passionate about the power of broadband to boost productivity and, thereby, transform lives stressing, “We expect to see this happen as ntel helps to accelerate the on-going migration, from existing 2G and 3G services, to genuinely highspeed mobile broadband on 4G/ LTE Advanced.”

The telecoms company listed its bouquet of services to include national bandwidth; international voice termination; international bandwidth; mobile and fixed communications services saying that it made its first on-net test data call in Lagos on January 18, 2016 then followed this up with its first on-net Voice over LTE (VoLTE) call in Lagos on February 25, 2016.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Brands & Marketing

33

Appraising new modular designs’ impact on emerging smartphone market As businesses plough through tough year, with subdued global growth and persisting currency weakness in key emerging markets leading to erosion of consumers’ spending power, brands are also raising up their innovativeness to consistently appeal to consumers despite the harsh economic climate. DAVID AUDU reports on the impact of the raving modular design and the new LG G5 in the rapidly evolving smartphone market.

I

t is now an acknowledged fact that in recent times, smart phones have proven to be perhaps the most defining technology of the 21st century, driving the consumer market frenzy with cutting edge products.

As one analyst succinctly puts it, the ubiquity of the smartphone devices as well as their ability to take on almost any task has led to them being labeled as 21st century ‘Swiss Army Knives’.

However, like the popular pocket knives, while smartphones sport a wide range of applications, they do not truly excel in any one area.

For example, while smartphones can be used to play games, they are not as immersive as gaming systems or while they are used to take pictures, they are not as effective as the cameras.

No doubt, however, the smartphone industry is experiencing greater advancement in technological evolution, and this is made more Samsung, Apple and LG-G5 modular phones flexible with the introduction of the new modular styled phones.

FOR MODERN CONSUMERS, THE UBIQUITOUS The online wikipedia defines a modular DEVICES ARE WITH US AT ALMOST ALL smartphone as a phone made using different components that can be independently upgradTIMES. “THE SMARTPHONE HAS HAD SUCH ed or replaced. “This aims to reduce electronic A PROFOUND IMPACT ON SOCIETY THAT wastes, lower costs of repair and increase user USERS EVEN SUBCONSCIOUSLY CONSIDER comforts, with the most important components being the main board, to which others such as THEIR SMARTPHONE TO BE A PART OF THEIR the cameras or batteries are attached”.

INDIVIDUALITY AND SELF IDENTITY In a bid to recapture more market share, smartphone makers, notably, Apple, Samsung, sider their smartphone to be a part of their LG among few others have stepped up their more likely to be looking for specific upgrades. individuality and self identity.

The new focus in innovation will be on difgame, featuring previously unimagined appliHe said despite the desire for self expresferentiating each module, which will lead to cations. sion, consumers are now seeking the best degreater specialization.

According to brand analysts, Samsung’s vices for a limited few cookie cutters, one size Lee said the G5 modular smartphone demain rival in the modular smartphone arena fits all models. vice is made out of separate components is the Apple iPhone and the two mobile titans Umuaze believes the application of moduwhich enables users to replace or upgrade cerhave created innovations that defined the lar technology represents a way forward for tain functions independently. market over the years. They said while both smartphones, bringing the same level of cus“With a modular design and construction Samsung and Apple continue to incrementally tomization to smartphone hardware that was of the G5 smartphone, it has become an unevolve its devices, LG turned out to be the big once only possible for software. precedented approach from LG Electronics surprise at Mobile World Congress, MWC, 2016 He said LG hadclearly proven that it is which has clearly distinguished it from others. when it dropped its radical new G5 modular a master of all trades, the previous smartWhile competitors are merely updating their smartphone. phones were capable of performing a wide designs, LG alone has demonstrated the abilSpeaking on the new modular smartphone, range of tasks, and the introduction of moduity to revolutionize smartphone design, followGeneral Manager, Mobile Communication dilar technology the first of its kind has paved ing the lead of PCs and DSLR cameras. vision, LG Electronics West Africa operations, way for it to truly excel in a variety of ways.

Experts say it offers users freedom in cusMr. Steve Seungeui Lee, said the company is livLG Friends components such as CAM tomization and usage. “While other compaing up to its promise of ‘Innovation for a Better plus, 360 CAM, B&O Play etc. can be swapped nies have explored modular prototypes, only Life’, with a fashionable, premium smartphone out at any time depending on the need of the LG has been able to create a viable modular that is more focused on delivering a balanced users, giving the smartphone an incredible device. user experience that can compete with the best capabilities as well as versatility that is unparThe marketing director of Mobile Systems in the world. “We deliver outstanding audio Incorporated, a mobile device distributor and alleled. and video. With the ability to mix and match repair firm, Sam Umuaze, noted that Mobile Reviews acknowledged that the company individual modules, the possibilities are nearly phones are now much more than simple perdidn’t just manage to introduce the first mainendless.” stream modular phone, but has also grabbed sonal communication devices.

He said the appeal of modular technolthe attention of the world with its newest “For modern consumers, the ubiquitous ogy has grown because the majority of compo- devices are with us at almost all times. “The innovation G5 smartphone which received nents already exceed the needs of the average smartphone has had such a profound impact GLOMO awards as the Best New Handset at user. Instead of a complete overhaul, users are on society that users even subconsciously conthe Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The phone comes with a slide-out battery positioning it properly in the world of modular technology. The modular type design gives it the ability to transform into a digital camera, Hi-Fi player and more, while maintaining its traditional removable battery in a full metal uni-body design for the first time ever, said a reviewer.

Writing in iDigital times, Danny Choy, while comparing the LG G5 with rivals in the market noted that if this comparison is making me sound like an LG fan boy, that’s because the new G5 totally made me become one. “I’ve never paid much attention to LG in the past but the little-Korean-smartphoneplayer-that-could pulled out all the stops for its latest flagship has made me one.

“In fact, not only does the new LG G5 match and even exceed the specs of its rivals, I would be surprised if I do not see more smartphones in the future copy LG’s modular design, he stressed.

The LG G5 challenges Samsung’s flagship with some very impressive specs: “It matches the processing power of the Galaxy 7 with a Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. Display-wise, the LG G5’s 5.3-inch IPS Quantum screen is slightly smaller than the 5.5inch from the previous G4. That said, it is still larger than the Galaxy S7’s 5.1-inch quad HD Super AMOLED screen. Both phones feature sharp 2,560×1,440 resolution.

While the foldable displays have been another fascination with the smartphone designers, the LG G5 is said to be another bold step in a new direction, implementing modular technology to bring unprecedented customization to smartphones. In the modular G5, components are plugged in by pulling off the base of the G5 phone and swapping it for an alternative unit.

34

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Expert lists role of research in IMC functions’ validation DAVID AUDU

A

seasoned research and data analyst, Lampe Omoyele, has outlined the roles of research in validating the impact of integrated marketing communications in Nigeria .

Omoyele, who was guest speaker at a gathering of public relations professionals in Lagos, noted that public relations practitioners must utilize research tools if they are to make their impact felt and believable by their clients.

In the paper titled “Research as a Strategic IMC Function” Omoyele who is the managing director of Nielson, a foremost research agency, stressed that the essential goal of research in the IMC is to help practitioners know their customers by understanding the direction of their conversation.

He noted however that fulfilling this important function for clients requires utilising relevant research studies. Defining research as the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions, he said, agencies that must deliver value for clients have no option than to convince clients with fact based on thorough and evidence based research.

Omoyele described consumer actions as a data point which through analysis are turned into information and insight that will eventually inform brand and communication strategy of an organization.

He warned against the consequences of assumption, or rushing into the market without proper research stressing that the consequences could be very fatal, while advising organisations to be flexible in the

percentage of their budget that are allocated to research.

The data expert also shared some insight a research agency should bear in mind before embarking on market research. These include asking yourself what should be the outcome of the market share? How am I doing versus my competitors? How effective is my advertising?

Other considerations, according to Omoyele should include what product mix will maximize my sales? How can I improve my pricing and promotion to drive profitability? What product mix will maximize my sales? How do I target the right store profile? How do I increase category penetration?

Who are my stakeholders, what are they like, how do I reach them? What communication mix will strengthen perception? How strong is my brand equity?

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigo wins NBC PR account

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ntegrated Indigo Limited, one of Nigeria’s Public Relations agencies, has won the pitch for the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, NBC, public relations account.

The agency was appointed as the Public Relations Consultant to the company having emerged tops after rounds of pitch presentations involving several leading Public Relations agencies in Nigeria.

In the letter of appointment issued to Integrated Indigo Limited and signed by the Legal, Public Affairs and Communication Director, Mrs. Folasade Morgan, made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited noted that it was pleased to appoint Integrated Indigo Limited as its PR agency following various discussions held during the just concluded PR pitch process.

With the appointment, Integrated Indigo Limited is expected to manage Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, NBC, as it relates to PR Advisory Services, Media Engagement, Media Coverage, Traditional and Online media, Advertising and Event Manage-

ment, working closely with the Legal, Public Affairs and Communications department.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director of Integrated Indigo Limited, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola said the agency is excited and proud to partner with NBC, an undisputable thought leaders in its category with over six decades of existence, refreshing Nigerians and consistently adding value to its numerous stakeholders.

“We are very proud to have emerged as the PR agency for NBC. NBC is a company that every agency would love to work with not only because of its thought leadership positioning in the sector where it operates, but also because of its rich heritage derived from its over six decades of operations”, he said.

Abimbola revealed that the contract takes effect from this month on a retainership agreement with the main responsibility to manage, sustain and entrench the positive image currently enjoyed by NBC among its stakeholders.

Campari rewards distributors with cars

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L – R: Regional Sales Manager South-South/ East, Mr. Eke Leonard, Marketing Manager, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi, and Regional Sales Manager Lagos/South-West, Mr. Emmanuel Akpah, all of Giant Beverages Limited at the launch of Giant Vitamin Water into the Nigerian market, recently

PRCAN, Brand South Africa collaborate on nation branding ideas DAVID AUDU

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he Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, has committed itself to collaborating with Brand South Africa in enhancing the relationship between both leading African countries.

PRCAN President, John Ehiguese, who led his team to receive a delegation from Brand South Africa in Lagos, said there were learnings that Nigeria could draw from the strategies deployed by Brand South Africa in its own destination branding programme.

According to Ehiguese, there were salient opportunities for Nigeria to consider arising from the successful nation branding of South Africa. He said: “We suffer from a negative per-

ception externally. The image of Nigeria out there is not what it should be. It is not that Nigeria is as bad as it is often portrayed, but that is the perception generally. We think that there is an urgent imperative to do for Nigeria what Brand South Africa did for South Africa.”

In this light, PRCAN will work towards participating actively in the Brand Summit scheduled to hold in South Africa later in the year.

The PRCAN president recalled that the relationship between the Association and Brand South Africa began about two years ago when the then Chief Marketing Officer of Brand South Africa, Wendy Tlou delivered the second PRCAN Gold Medal Lecture in Lagos. He said that PRCAN was quite glad that even with a change of guard at the

marketing arm of Brand South Africa, the conviviality between both organisations continued. “We will be glad to partner with you in any area that will enhance the relationship between both our countries,” he assured.

He told the delegation that PRCAN was committed to outreach programmes locally and internationally, explaining that the association had entered into partnership with the African Public Relations Association (APRA) to organise the 2016 APRA Conference in Calabar next month. He said that being a member of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation, ICCO, PRCAN had invited its President, Maxim Behar as lead speaker on the Consultancy Day of the 2016 APRA Conference.

arketers and distributors of Campari across the country were recently rewarded for their loyalty in the marketing of the Campari brand. The Campari Distributors Awards was organized by Brian Munro Limited, Nigeria’s sole distributors of the brand.

Speaking about the purpose of the awards, Marketing Manager Brian Munro, Abayomi Ajao, said the annual event, was aimed at recognizing and rewarding outstanding distributors of Campari across Nigeria “The intention behind the Campari Distributor Awards is to show our esteemed distributors that the Campari brand values its relationship with them and to

show t why they their continued loyalty to Campari is worth it. We want to show that Campari is not only about making sales but also about adding value to all its stakeholders and I am sure everyone present here tonight can attest to that.”

Winner of the night, Ndubuisi Onyenanu commented, “I feel really honoured and happy to be recognized like this here tonight and it fills me with joy to know that my work with Campari is valued to this extent. It’s always very nice to know that someone is taking note of the devotion and hard work you put into what you do and I hope to continue having a good business relationship with Campari.”

UK advertising exports to grow by 54% in five years – Study

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K advertising’s contribution to national exports is set to grow by 54 per cent over the next five years to £7.2 billion, according to the Advertising Association.

The research by think tank Credos said the UK is “an advertising talent powerhouse” attracting international people.

It added that UK talent is “making an impact in foreign markets”, in particular in senior leadership roles.

Advertising Pays 4: The export and global impact of UK advertising also found that UK agencies are only behind US shops in going home with the most number of Cannes Lions for the past ten years.

It also referenced the Advertising Standards Authority as the “largest and best-resourced advertising selfregulatory organisation in the world”.

The report explained that the ASA is a role model for other countries.

James Murphy, the chairman of the Advertising Association and the founder and chief executive at Adam & Eve/DDB, said: “It’s time UK advertising was recognised as a massive export success.

“The new data is proof that worldbeating talent, award-winning creativity, digital leadership and a gold-standard self-regulatory model have built UK advertising into an exporting powerhouse that will continue to deliver for the economy.”

The move reunites the main Asda ad account with Publicis Groupe after a three-year break. Saatchi & Saatchi handled the business between 2009 and VCCP winning the account, Fallon from 2007 to 2009 and Publicis for the 17 years before that.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IfeanyI eduzor

JUST BACK FROM OKPELLA

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Features

Thurday, April 14, 2016

s the Federal Government canvasses diversification of the economy as sustainable solution to the prevailing economic crisis and unemployment in Nigeria, business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has taken it upon himself to hearken to this call by establishing industries which use more than 70 per cent local content for production.

His decision of moving away from the usual practice of concentrating industries in towns and cities and citing them in local communities where raw materials are easily available has not only created thousands of jobs, but has opened up the communities and surrounding towns and villages to great benefits for the people.

With his philosophy of ensuring that Nigeria not only becomes self sufficient in cement production but also a key player in the exportation of that commodity, Dangote has stood like a colossus in cement production.

It must be noted that since the first cement was produced in Nigeria at Nkalagu in present-day Ebonyi State in 1957 with a capacity of 120, 000 metric tons followed by the 700, 000 metric tons at Ewekoro Cement Company that was opened in 1960, then Bendel Cement Company established in 1964 with a production capacity of 150, 000 metric tons and others such as Calcemco and CCNN Cement Industries that were established in 1965 and 1967 respectively with a combined production capacity of 200, 000 metric tons per year and later Benue Cement Company, no serious attempt was made by any Nigerian businessmen to venture into cement production. The few that went into the business were busy importing finished products, only to repackage them and sell at exorbitant prices to Nigerians. It was not until the coming of Dangote into the business of cement production that Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief.

Although Dangote, rated as the richest man in Africa, has established cement factories in Ibese, Obajana and acquired Benue Cement Company as well as extended the business to other African countries as Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Zambia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal and South Africa, his recent decision to cite the biggest cement factory in Africa in Okpella, an agrarian community in Edo State, deserves applause.

The Okpella project, which is to be constructed within 26 months at an estimated cost of $1billion, with the capacity of producing six million metric tons of cement annually when completed, will provide 6, 000 direct jobs and 45, 000 indirect jobs in the community, increase internally generated revenue of Edo State and Etsako Local Government, as well as attract social amenities as pipe borne water, roads, hospitals and schools hitherto lacking in the town The ground breaking ceremony which held on April 10 2016, attracted the world to the sleepy town as many dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria visited Okpella for the first time to witness the carnival-like event.

Located on the Northern fringe of Edo State along the Benin-Abuja federal high way, Okpella is one of the three major towns that make up Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State and

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Okpella’s industrial turnaround: The Dangote connection

The ground breaking event at Okpella on Sunday known for its natural resources such as limestone, calcium and granite. The town is also one of the major gateways opening Edo State to the North of Nigeria. Home to several solid minerals industries and several agricultural products, it is the third largest clan in Edo State as recorded in the 2006 population census.

But despite these natural endowments, successive governments and private investors had not deemed it fit to develop these resources until Dangote resolved to site a cement factory in the community that is capable of not only changing tlives of the people and neighbouring communities, but also empower them in all aspects.

Although the town hosts the Edo Cement Company, the only cement factory in the old Midwest Region, which was established by the Dennis Osadebey administration in the First Republic, the community never felt the impact of such a company; not even after it was sold to a private investor.

It was sequel to this situation that the community has welcomed Dangote Cement warmly. Little wonder they came out in their thousands to witness event leading to the commencement of work in the cement company.

The entire community, led by their traditional ruler, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Yusuf Dirisu, and his cabinet chiefs in addition to elders, youth, old men and women, trooped out in their thousands to be part of the epochal ground breaking.

Not only did the residents adorn themselves in different cultural regalia to support the occasion, different masquerades and dancing groups also added colour to

the carnival aptly described as the “highest gathering of people in Okpella Kingdom”.

Royal fathers were led by the Emir of Kano, His Eminence Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi IV, the Otaru of Auchi, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Emir of Hadejia, among others, while the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom sent a representative.

The event, which coincided with his 59th birthday of Dangote, also attracted top government officials as the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, his Industry, Trade and Investment counterpart, Okechukwu Enelemah, who was represented by the Minister of State, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Deputy Governor of Jigawa and Secretary to the Government of Kogi Sstate as well as members of the National Assembly and members of the Edo State House of Assembly.. Others are former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo, former presidential candidate of defunct NRC, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, and business mogul, Femi Otedola, who took turns to eulogise Dangote for being in the vanguard of developing local industries and job creation in Nigeria.

In their speeches, Fayemi and Enelemah noted that investment in solid minerals at present represents about 0.34 per cent of the country’s total gross domestic product and if well developed would contribute about 25 million dollars to the country’s economy by the year 2025 which would, in turn, create jobs, enhance local content development and improve conservation of foreign exchange.

The ministers, who described Dan-

gote as the highest employer of labour in the country, noted that he had helped in reducing cement prizes with his production of about 38.5 million metric tons of cement per annum.

Other guests described the Dangote initiative and success story as evidence that with proper investment in solid minerals, Nigeria could move away from product importation which is key to national development, peace and tranquility.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who echoed the eulogies, remarked that the ceremony was the most important function he had performed since assuming office in 2009 because all the capital projects his administration embarked nearly eight years in office was about $1billion, equivalent to what he said Dangote had investing in a single community.

“I have no doubt that the community will be a good host,” Oshiomhole said.

Dangote characteristically told the audience that his company was not yet done as it planned to construct additional 10 cement plants across Africa with one in Nepal, Asia noting that the combined capacity of the new projects would be 25 million metric tons per annum, while harping on the need for sustaining good friendly environment by the host community which he reckoned was necessary for business to thrive.

As Nigerians, and people of Okpella and Edo State in particular, await the commencement of work in this gigantic project, there is the need for other Nigeria businessmen to emulate Dangote and invest in the country’s vast natural resources as panacea to overcome the prevailing challenges posed by unemployment.

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Features

Thurday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why Ambode must ban Okada in Lagos Ayo oyoze BAje

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otal ban on okada will not kill anyone but will provide safer roads while the public will be made to patronise other means of transportation that are safer. People always think it will bring about hardship on general public but the disadvantages outweigh the advantages” -The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Abuja (2014) Leadership, of men and materials entails having the clear capacity to understand the contending issues at stake and mustering the political will to take hard decisions and implementing them promptly. The salutary aim of course, is to find lasting solutions to persisting, socio-economic or political challenges, all for the common good. In so doing, the leader, acting in concert with the relevant team of technocrats critically analyze all the factors at play. These should also include the likely implications on the stakeholders before arriving at the conclusion. But when it has to do with the protection of lives and property, which he solemnly swore to before the public, his action could be more drastic.

Indeed, he would likely be driven by seeking enduring good than pandering to the wishes of the critics, or being swayed by the temporary pains on those who may have benefitted from the anomalies being corrected.

It is within this context that one must take a dispassionate look at the recent threat by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to enforce a total ban on commercial motorcycles (aka okada) operations in the Lagos metropolis.

In fact, not a few public affairs analysts feel this has become necessary, given the recent bloody, inter-ethnic clash in the Ketu-Mile 12 area of the state, ignited by a dispute between an okada operator and a passerby. It led to the loss of lives and property worth millions of naira. That was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. Now, tough choices have to be made on the part of the governor as the chief security officer of the state. Elsewhere, such hard or harsh policy decisions have been taken that have paid off, eventually.

For instance, Lee Kuan Yew, the pragmatic economist who engineered Singapore’s economic miracle, as its Prime Minister between 1959 and 1990 took such hard stance. Without it, he could not have transformed the once unrecognized island, devoid of natural resources to rival the likes of Hong Kong and Manhattan, with solid infrastructures, skyscrapers and alluring tourist attractions. In a similar vein, when in 1974, Sheikh Rashid tasked the young Mohammed with overseeing the growth of Dubai International Airport, hard choices had to be taken to carve out the dream that it has become this day. Some people had to bear the brunt at the beginning of the implementation of the structural changes. Similarly, compelling traffic-related situations as we face in Lagos may inform tougher and more stringent measures, in order to save more lives from being wasted.

It would be recalled, that the immediate past administration of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, irked by the menace posed by the okada riders had signed the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012, on August 2, 2012 which

Okada riders posing a menace to Lagos restricts okada operations in at least 492 of the 9,200 roads across the metropolis.

It was with the intention of ensuring safety and orderly flow of traffic within the metropolis. But sad to note that some four years after, the problems posed by the okada operators have worsened rather than abate in spite of the restrictions.

It is a common sight to find them plying against traffic flow along Pen CinemaFagba, Agege-Abule-Egba and the Ketu routes. Some of the operators have been accomplices in series of armed robbery attacks and fatal accidents, with ample evidence when one visits Igbo Orthopedic Hospital, Yaba.

Governor Ambode has convincing reasons therefore, to approach the Lagos State House of Assembly to amend the law from the restriction of okada operations within some routes to total ban of their operations in the state. Indeed, as a stickler for the rule of law he cannot be comfortable with the flagrant abuse of the law by okada riders, added to reports of some robbery incidents perpetrated with the motorcycles.

Interestingly, similar reasons were adduced by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) while placing a total ban on commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2014.

According to Mrs. Susan Ajenge, the then FCT Sector Commander of FCT, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ban of Okada within the city centre drastically reduced the rate of accidents in the area. In her words: “Before the ban of okada in the city centre, hospitals and emergency wards were always

Ambode filled with okada accidents’ victims, same with mortuaries, but this has drastically reduced as result of the ban”.

Though some hard line critics would vociferously argue that a total ban would be insensitive, given the fact Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of the country, with the sea ports and high density population, the long-term advantages should be taken into consideration. A smoother flow of traffic, less accidents and robberies traceable to the operators would be guaranteed. So also would be the reports of police harassment and extortion of okada riders.

In fact, one of the reasons Abuja presents a beautiful vista and instantly attracts a visitor, even at first sight is the easy traffic flow, devoid of okada operators and clustered buildings. Lagos can

There is liTTle doubT ThaT many of The operaTors would be Thrown ouT of job and suffer some Temporary

economic seTback.

buT They could

seek alTernaTive means of livelihood by keying inTo The

n25 billion youTh

empowermenT scheme of The pragmaTic ambode-led adminisTraTion.

achieve a similar scenic scenario if laws are amended and enforced. There are other sea port cities or capitals in both the African continent, nay the world that have population issues to that of Lagos but not solved by motorcycle operators.

Name them; Cairo, Tunis, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Jakarta, Istanbul and Casablanca are some of them which have adopted creative strategies to combat traffic gridlock in the absence of motorcycles.

The position of Governor Ambode that the city could well do without their menacing presence is in tandem with the 21st Century Lagos city Master Plan, currently evolving under his people-friendly administration. With the light-rail project in progress, inner roads receiving the desired attention and increasing emphasis on water-based transport system what is needed is massive public enlightenment on the immense benefits of Lagos without okada.

There is little doubt that many of the operators would be thrown out of job and suffer some temporary economic setback.

But they could seek alternative means of livelihood by keying into the N25 billion Youth Empowerment Scheme of the pragmatic Ambode-led administration. With it, they will be empowered with requisite skills acquisition that would be more enduring than riding motorcycles for commercial purpose.

Those who however, think that taking to crime would be an option should have a rethink. This administration has zero tolerance for all shades of crime and criminality, as violators of laws would only have themselves to blame.

On its part, the government will do well to engage the relevant transport unions of the commercial okada operators in sustained sensitization programmes. All the members could be re-organized into skills cooperative societies. They should have their mindset reoriented towards finding suitable alternatives, with the aim of putting food on their families’ table. The time for the total ban on okada in Lagos is now.

•Baje was a former Editorial Board member of Daily Independent.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Media

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Korede Bello, Basket Mouth, others shine at #ILaffWithMCAbbey StorieS: Leonard okachie

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ustling city of Lagos recently played host to the crème de la crème of Nigerian entertainment industry as several superstars including Korede Bello, IK Osakioduwa, Basket Mouth, Humble Smith, Gordons performed at Muson Centre during the second edition of MC Abbey’s show tagged #ILaffWithMCAbbey.

The conventional show which was produced by Steve ‘Yaw’ Onu kicked off at 5pm with a green carpet hosted by the talented duo of Denrele and Ariyike. In-hall was a thrilling DJ set by DJ Alex as well as several exciting warm up performances from upcoming talents in Lagos.

The show kicked off proper as Seyi Law took the stage and immediately launched into performances of his hilarious jokes.

He later introduced several comedians and musicians onstage

Korede Bello thrilling fans

including Young MC, Odogwu, Laugh Doctor, Toby Grey & MVP who performed to the delight of the audience.

Then came a highlight on the night as a visibly excited MC

Abbey made his grand entrance onstage after a wild introduction by veteran actor Patrick Doyle.

Guests cheered as soon as they caught sight of the Grammarfilled comedian. Quickly he got

down to business, taking the crowd to ecstasy with a 20-minute set.

The talk show segment was the next on cue as MC Abbey, Tee A, Lepacious Bose, Basket Mouth

and IK Osakioduwa shared their most funny experiences ever, which also thrilled guests present.

Nikki Laoye then stepped out for a performance of her breakthrough hit 123, which was well received by the crowd. Immediately after came Splash, De-Don, Gordons and Forever for backback performances.

Korede Bello was the next to perform and the Mavin Record artist delighted guests with hit songs such as Somebody Great, Mungo Park, Godwin, Romantic amongst others.

Korede bowed out for Humble Smith to wrap up the night with an energetic 4- minute set of his major hit Osinachi.

Guests present at the event include former First Lady of Lagos State Dame Abimbola Fashola, veteran gospel musician Sammie Okposo, Director, Heritage Bank Mary Akpobome, Alibaba, AY, Gbenga Adeyinka, Oscar and Titi Oyinsan and several others.

‘Share-a-Feeling’ campaign excites UNIBEN students

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atest stop of the CocaCola ‘Share a Feeling’ campaign train was Benin City, where consumers got an opportunity to share in the fun of communicating their deepest feelings using personalized Coke cans.

The campaign train which kicked off activation from New Benin also touched down at Upper Sakemba, School of Health, Dumez as well as the University of Benin, where hundreds of the students including staff turned up to customize Coke cans for themselves, friends and loved ones.

Speaking on the Benin tour, the Marketing Director, CocaCola Nigeria, Patricia Jemibewon said, “Like in the other cities where we have taken the campaign to, participation in the activation here in Benin is remarkable. We are happy that we are helping people communicate their feelings better, by enabling them to personalize their coke cans using their own words and choice smileys.”

Commending the campaign, Emeka Chike, a 300 level students of the university who customized a carton of Coke for his friends and family remarked, “I have been looking out for this opportunity since I heard about it. I am happy that the booth finally came down here for us to also share in the excitement.”

For her part, Mrs. Joy Ukporbar, a member of staff of UNIBEN who also visited the

customization booth noted that the activation is refreshing as the school was just rounding off examination.

“It feels good to have this to refresh us after the examinations. I can see a lot of my students excited to go home and present their loved ones with personalized coke cans. One even customized one for me.

I love that the campaign encourages deep bonds among friends and loved ones,” she said.

Speaking also, Mike Efosa who runs a Saloon store ‘Mpire Saloon’ in the University remarked that the concept of the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign is exceptional and engaging.

He said, “I just had my saloon customized on two Coke cans and it’s so cute to have ‘Mpire Saloon’ written on

them. I will display it proudly in the saloon.”

Since it started in December, the ‘Share a Feeling’ campaign train has been going around major cities across Nigeria to give consumers opportunities to share their feelings by customizing their cans and bottles on the spot at select locations.

increase, hence the need to pay attention to the potentially large number of people in our society.

Barrow continued: “From about one in 1000 births at the turn of the last century (1999) to a whopping one in 180 births and in some countries as high as one in 68 births.

“Since autism has no geographic boundaries or preferences, we can safely assume a conservative one in 180 for Nigeria.

“If the number of people who come into our centre on a daily basis is anything to go by then this figure is probably realistic,’’

On Individualised Educational Plan (IEP), she said it was an education plan required for children on the autism spectrum, saying it is a high quality education programme but costly.

“IEP is a high quality education plan where autistic children must have a system for continuous monitoring and evaluation and a teacher to pupil ratio of 1:3.

Also an eight hours of intense learning and other forms of supporting interventions in a five-day week.’’

The plan, she said could be sup-

ported by providing subsidies to private educational institutions that cater for children with autism.

She said parents in private educational institutions could also receive some subsidy from the government to cater for capital intensive needs and care for their children.

Barrow said health plans provided under NHIS and other private health plans should cover medical tests and treatments of autistic children.

She said laws that make bullying and unfair treatment of parents with autistic children and adults should be passed alongside other forms of bullying and discrimination.

Barrow suggested, “To support this, there will be need to educate and enlighten schools, hospitals and social work groups about autism.

“This must be done so that people can act responsibly, respect and treat autistic people and their families fairly.

“We are also advocating on the need to make laws that would provide social security net for autistic adults who are unable to find jobs.

NGO advocates educational legislation for autistic children

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he Thoughtful House Autism Foundation, an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to make laws that guarantees quality education for all children on the autism spectrum.

This is contained in a statement signed by Co-founder of the organisation, Mrs. Oluwakemi Barrow and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Barrow, such laws are important in protecting and supporting children, adults and families with autism thereby affecting their lives positively.

She said: “We need laws that would protect and support children, adults and families coping with autism, this is necessary if we must give a significant part of our population fulfilled lives.

“Our country has not provided any form of education for its vast `neuro-typical’ population.

If we must have high quality special education, we must make laws and promote zero tolerance to corruption and committing funds we have budgeted into education.’’

According to Barrow, prevalence of autism has been on the

Children having fun at a park in Lagos

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Young & Next Media

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Serve for national integration, minister charges corps members Joel AJAyi ABUJA

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inister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has admonished corps members to use their service years to impact on communities of their primary assignment by establishing themselves and initiating projects that will have positive effect on the lives of their host communities.

He made the assertion while commissioning a water project built by Friday Okolie as part of his community development service project in Dafara community, Kuje Area Council.

The minister noted that the vision of the forefathers in establishing the NYSC is to foster national unity and integration adding that the present administration would continue to prosecute the motive.

He called on other corps members to emulate the contributions made by Friday Okolie by impacting positively on the lives of the needy wherever they may serve.

Dalung hinted that the admin-

W

Corps members

istration of President Buhari will continue to initiate policies that will transform the lives of common people unlike previous governments which spent the nation’s resources on very few Nigerians.

Explaining the motive behind the establishment of the water project for Dafara community, Okolie stated that he was moved

with compassion on discovering that the community had no potable water, more so, when he was informed that for years, many people have died of polio, cholera, fever and other water borne diseases due to lack of access to clean water while the previous one built by Millennium Development Goals, MDG had broken down a long time ago resulting in

them relying on streams.

The Chief of Dafara Community, Esu Joseph Makeri, expressed appreciation to the corps members and announced that the community had agreed to confer on the benevolent corps member a chieftaincy title and a plot of land measuring 50ft x 50ft in a choice part of the community.

Social thinking in infant brain revealed –Study

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n innovative collaboration between neuroscientists and developmental psychologists that investigated how infants’ brains process other people’s action provides the first evidence that directly links neural responses from the motor system to overt social behavior in infants.

The research will be published April 12 in Psychological Science, the peer-reviewed journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

The study involved thirty-six 7-month-old infants, who were each tested while wearing a cap that used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity. During the experiment, each infant observed an actor reach for one of two toys. Immediately after, the baby was allowed to select one of the same toys. This procedure was repeated 12 times.

Babies’ brain activity predicted how they would respond to the actor’s behaviour. When the infants recruited their motor system while observing the actor grasp one of the toys, they subsequently imitated the actor. When they didn’t imitate the actor, there was no detectable engagement of the motor system in their brain activity as they watched the actor.

“Our research provides initial evidence that motor system recruitment is contingently linked to infants’ social interactive behaviour,” said lead author Courtney Filippi, a doctoral candidate in developmental psychology at the University of Chicago. “It provides initial evidence that recruiting the motor system during action encoding predicts infants’

Group to train girls on mobile app development

subsequent social interactive behaviour.”

The researchers used EEG to measure a component of brain activity -- desynchronization of activity in the mu frequency band -- that has been linked to motor cortex activity in adults. Like adults, infants show this response when acting themselves and when watching others’ actions, suggesting that the motor system may play a role in the perception of others’ actions. Until the current study, however, this possibility had not been tested in infants.

“This research tells us that, by the middle of their first year of life, babies are beginning to be able to understand that people act intentionally -- that they choose one toy over another because they want that toy,” said Helen Tager-Flusberg, professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, who is familiar with but was not involved in the research. “This understanding

Infants

on the part of a baby involves not just seeing the other person’s action, but also involves the baby’s own motor system, which is recruited when he or she chooses the same toy.”

Fundamentally, the researchers identified the neural processes that contribute to intelligent social behaviour in infants. And it’s the first evidence that motor system activation in infants predicts the imitation of others’ actions, as well as an apparent understanding of others’ goals.

“This is big news, that babies understand what they are observing, that there is a direct connection between observing others, understanding what others are doing, and learning how to act,” said co-author Amanda Woodward, the William S. Gray Professor of Psychology at UChicago.

The researcher’s methodology also broke new ground. “This is the first attempt to combine the

assessment of infants’ behaviour -- in this case, imitating the actions of another person -- with measuring brain activity in infants,” Tager-Flusberg said.

“Probably the hardest place to study the relation between brain activity and behaviour is with infants, due to limitations in the methods that can be used, and the fact that infants are infants,” Woodward noted. “Our methodology represents a breakthrough and a proof of concept.”

“We’ve worked hard over the years to develop the methods that allow us to record brain activity from infants while they are engaged in the social world,” said co-author Nathan Fox, Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. “The current research reflects our ability to synchronize brain and behaviour in infants during the first year of life.”

Although this research will not translate directly into new medical treatments or therapies, it could contribute to medical advances down the road by helping to illuminate how the human brain functions and develops, Woodward added.

“One reason to engage in basic science is to better understand the development of the brain and mind. Here we looked at the development of social cognition, social behaviour, and the motor system, all of which are critical for human development and are often disrupted in developmental disabilities, including autism.”

Source: University of Chicago

omen’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) has said that the centre would soon be training girls on mobile app development, using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) app inventor.

This is contained in a statement by Communication Officer, W.TEC, Mr. Adeyemi Odutola which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to the statement, the app training will be done during the 2016 Technovision Challenge.

The statement said that Technovation was a global programme that helps scientists, engineers and technology professionals to share their passion with children from underrepresented groups.

It said that the founders of Technovation believed that children who are encouraged to be curious, daring, and driven stand the best chance of success in life.

It said:”Technovision is a worldwide Technology entrepreneurship programme and competition for young women, implemented through an intensive 3-month, 50-hour curriculum.

“The teams of young women work together to imagine, design and develop mobile apps, then pitch their ‘’ startup’’ business to investors.’’

It added that every year, Technovation challenges girls all over the world to build a mobile app that would address a community problem. ``Since 2010, over 3,000 girls from 28 countries have submitted to Technovation, thanks to dedicated volunteers around the world. ``Today over 5400 girls from 28 countries have developed 1029 mobile phone apps and learned to launch startup companies through Technovation,’’ The statement said that W.TEC had participated in the challenge producing amazing mobile apps and training a good number of girls in mobile app development, using the MIT app inventor.

It stated that this year, W.TEC would be working with some talented young Girls’ Senior Academy, Lagos, a Lagos State public school in Lagos Island. ``This time around, we believe that participants of the challenge will design a very good mobile app that will solve a lingering community challenge,’’ it added.

39

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Let meOur again repeat what haveoffice beenatsaying Jonathan hasthe no government cameI into a time that manyGoodluck people had abandoned country’s manufacturing, agricultural and mining sector.

We are doing our best to personal agenda in convening this national conference. encourage diversification into these sectors which can employ a lot of people.

49

Dare akogun

L

agos State Police Command on Tuesday disclosed that arrested two suspected armed robbers who specializes in posing as patients to rob hospitals in Ajangbadi area of Lagos state.

Parading the suspects yesterday at the Command headquarters, Ikeja State Commissioner of police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects pretend as patients and

Police nab 2-man gang for robbery robbed hospital of their belongings.

The suspects identified as Babatunde Bamidele 25 and Muritala Balogun 27 were said to be arrested at Ajangbadi area of the state Tuesday night after they had robbed a hospital (names withheld) .

Owoseni said, The gangs would

SCOAN denies ownership of company named in Panama papers

S

ynagogue Church of all Nations, SCOAN, has denied allegations that the church or any of its directors owned a shell company called Chilton Consultancy Limited.

This was disclosed in press statement by the spokesman of SCOAN Patrick Iwelunmo, and made available to community Mirror.

According to him “SCOAN wish to state that the ministry is shocked to find a report in the media claiming that the Panama Papers revealed a shell company called Chillon Consultancy Limited in the British Virgin Islands, allegedly owned by me. “ Whoever is involved in this malicious write-up and propaganda with an obvious intent to defame my person and the ministry, remember what the Bible says in Luke 2:34 – “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many and to be a sign that will be spoken against.”

“I am not a businessman and have no business whatsoever.

What God has given me is more than enough. I have nothing to do with the Panama Papers. As for me and my family, we shall remain in the vineyard of God. “this news was written by the same journalist who alleged that I bribed him during the building incident and went to different channels both local and international to propagate these fabrications,”the statement stated.

The statement further stated the report used the opportunity of the incident to victimise and rubbish perceived enemies.

“This is to show that not everybody alleged in the media to be involved in the Panama Papers is truly involved. SCOAN case is a good example.

“Beware of those using the Panama Papers for fraudulent purposes This is a very big mistake the fraudsters have made.

Those who have read the report should take time to do your findings, it is malicious, “the statement added.

Land dispute: Court dismisses Odunwo Apata family’s suit Wale igbintaDe

A

Federal High Court, sitting in Okitipupa, Odo state has dismissed a suit filed by the Odunwo Apata family over the ownership of parcel of land known as Odunwo Apata Family land in Okitipupa area of Ondo state.

Justice S A Bola in his judgement held that he could not grant the request of Odunwo Apata Family on the grounds that the judgement the family relied upon never granted title ownership of the disputed land to them.

The claimants (Odunwo Apata family) had through their representatives, Most Evangelist Taiwo Akinsuroju and Snr. Apostle Epebinu Odunwo instituted a suit against High Chief Martin Ikuemelo and Chief Dennis Akinnubi

–PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU GOODLUCK JONATHAN

of the Ojagbemi and Liyasan family of Okitipupa over the disputed land.

The claimants had in their statement of claim prayed the court for a declaration that by the judgement of High Court 2, Okitipupa dated September 2008 delivered in suit No- HOK/3/79, they are the persons entitled to be granted the Certificate of Statuary Right of Occupancy over the disputed land.

But, Justice Bola in his judgement held that the claimants failed to discharge the burden of proof placed upon them by sections 133 and 134 of the Evidence Act 2011 which states that a claimant should prove his case through credible evidence and not rely on the weakness of the defendant’s case even where the defendant did not lead evidence.

pretend as if one of them is injured with plaster pasted on his stomach and rushed him to hospital screaming for help, but immediately they were allowed into the hospital they bring out there guns and robbed every patients in the hospital of their phones, Money and other valuables.

Bamidele who spoke with our correspondent said he was introduced into the gang by one Ahmed who is at large.

He said: “I was formerly into pick pocketing, but when I met Ahmed he advise me to abandoned the pick pocketing, that is not profitable, before I started going out with them they trained

me for about a week, before we went out on operation we decides who carry the plaster, when will get to the gate of the hospital, the sick person will be crying calling for emergency, immediately we are allowed into the hospital we bring out our guns and robbed the patients on the money and other valuables, but we don’t kill people, we only collect money and phones.”

He further said, we were coming out of the hospital, after the operation when the policemen who were on patrol of the area, heard the shout of thief from the hospital and ran after us, Ahmed and others escaped, but the two of

us were later arrested.

“Immediately we left the hospital policemen who were on patrol of the area, accosted us, and arrested I and Balogun while the other members of the gang escaped.

“Since I joined the gang we have robbed about five different hospitals at Ajangbadi, Shibiri and other part of the community I regretted my action; my parents must not hear I was arrested for armed robbery, “he lamented.

Owoseni however said, the suspects would soon be charge to court after completion of the investigation.

Pedestrians making use of the bridge at Oshodi, Lagos, due to enforcement by men of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Demolition of street gates begin in Lagos Francis suberu

D

emolition of street gates has began across the state following the expiration of the ultimatum given by the Lagos State Government.

Already, 62 gated streets have been marked for demolition across the state, out of which 28 gates had been demolished, mostly in Ajeromi Ifelodun area of Lagos.

It will be recalled that the state government had ordered the removal of the gates or that the gates be left open till midnight because of the traffic gridlock in the state.

The state has maintained that gates on the streets can only be locked between 12midnight and 5am.

Government officials escorted

by the Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit stormed Ajeromi Ifelodun on Monday and demolished 28 gated streets which were locked against motorists.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri noted that the removal of the gated streets had to be done after series of awareness campaign by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs on the need to adhere strictly to state government directives.

He added that series of stakeholders meeting were held with executive members of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the Executive Secretaries of the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs to ensure that they were all involved in

the state government policies and directives.

He advised other residents that had not complied with the state government’s directive to do so before the government move to their areas for demolition, adding that over 62 gates had been marked down for removal across the 57 councils, while the government had so far removed 28.

Chairman, DCD, Ajeromi –Ifelodun, Mr.Tunde Balogun said the removal of the gates was long overdue “because in the past in this area, closure of gate had led to the death of a pregnant woman that was being taken to a nearby General Hospital, but died when they could not assess the street due to the closure of the gate.

He advised some residents who had not complied to government’s directive on the appropriate time for the opening and closure of their gates to do so.

40

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Equities shed 0.01% on weak macro environment Johnson okanlawon

T

rading in equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange extended its losing streak yesterday, as more investors dumped their holdings.

The All Share Index depreciated marginally by 0.01 per cent to close at 24,637.91 points, compared to the decline of 0.04 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 24,639.48 points.

Market capitalisation shed N1billion to close at N8.474 trillion, compared to the drop of N4 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N8.475 trillion.

The marginal depreciation recorded in the share

prices of Mobil, Flour Mills, Union Bank, Nestle and Diamond Bank were mainly responsible for the loss recorded in the index.

Consumer and industrial goods shares were the main drag on the day.

Research analysts at DLM Securities noted that while the current declines is creating a strong buying opportunity for the mid to long term, investors are weighing negative news on a number of fronts, including market outlook for the near term given the weak macro environment, and the decision to remove Nigeria from Morgan Stanley Capital International Frontier Markets Index on lack of liquid-

ity and currency controls.

The total value of stocks traded was N1.02billion, down by 85.69 per cent from N7.16bllion recorded the preceding day.

The total volume of stocks traded was 162.47million in 3,079 deals, while the three most actively traded stocks were Zenith Bank, Transcorp and Guaranty Trust Bank.

Ikeja Hotel Plc led the gainers’ table with 27 kobo or 9.89 per cent to close at N3.00 per share, followed by AIICO Insurance Plc with four kobo or five per cent to close at 84 kobo per share.

NPF Microfinance Plc added four kobo or 4.82 per cent to close at 87 kobo per share,

while Dangote Flour Plc rose 11 kobo or 3.81 per cent to close at N3.00 per share.

Unilever Plc was up N1.00 or 2.99 per cent to close at N34.50 per share.

Conversely, Red Star Express Plc depreciated 18 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N3.44 per share, while Inter-Bank Rate May and Baker Plc shed Gainers and Losers seven kobo or 4.43 per cent Naira Start Date 27/01/2015 through End Date 28/01/2015 to close at N1.51 per share.

N196.98 Print Date 28/01/2015 Continental Insurance Plc dipped four kobo or 4.21 Market indicators Gainers and Losers per cent to close at 91Start kobo Date 27/01/2015 through End Date 28/01/2015 Gainers points for Equities All-Share Index 24,637.91 Print Plc Date 28/01/2015 per share, while Cutix 2015-01-27 2015-01-28 Market capitalisation 8.47trn S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) declined six kobo or 4.08 1 IKEJAHOTEL 2.73 3.00 per cent to close at N1.41 per 2 AIICO 0.80 0.84 3 NPFMCRFBK 0.83for Equities 0.87 Gainers share.

4 DANGFLOUR 2015-01-272.89 2015-01-283.00 NEM Insurance Plc lost S/N5 UNILEVER 33.50Closing Price(N) 34.50 Symbol Closing Price(N) COSTAIN 0.68 0.70 two kobo or 3.51 per cent to 1 6 IKEJAHOTEL 2.73 3.00 PZ 26.25 27.00 2 7 AIICO 0.80 0.84 close at 55 kobo per share.

Afriland Properties posts N1.73bn pre-tax profit in 2015 Johnson okanlawon

A

friland Properties has announced an operating income of N2.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing 44 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period of 2014.

The company also declared a total dividend payment of N499.6m, translating to 40 kobo per ordinary share.

Analysis of the company balance sheet showed a total assets of N15.3 billion in the review period, from N8.2

billion recorded in the same period of 2014, an increase of 87 per cent.

The company achieved a profit before tax of N1.72billion for the financial year, a per cent lower when compared to N1.74 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Profit after tax attributable to the company was N1.15 billion, which is 24 per cent below the position of N1.51 billion for the year ended 31 December, 2014.

Addressing the shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting in

Lagos, the Managing Director, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe stated that despite the economic headwinds during the financial year, the company recorded good performance.

She said, “The results in the fiscal year 2015 were possible due to effectiveness and efficiency in the way we work and our ability to deliver excellent and innovative real estate solutions to our client.

“The reduction in profit over prior year resulted from the diminution in the value of the company’s share investment and the increase in the level of tax provision.”

The chairman of the company, Mrs Angela Adebayo said that 44 per cent increase in operating income is attributable to the increased level of activities in project directorate and project management, increased rental income and re-valuation gains on investment properties.

“We will continue to strike a good balance between our obligations of rewarding shareholders and the need to retain earnings to finance future reinvestments in the company’s operations,” she added.

U

first time in nine months.

Global markets rallied following the data.

However, US retail sales and producer prices unexpectedly fell in March, indicating that economic growth stumbled in the first quarter.

Crude, which has influenced stocks for most of the year, was hovering near 2016 highs as data showed a larger than expected draw in US gasoline inventories. Oil has gained more than six per cent in the last two days.

“The recovery in oil has given the market a little bit of a positive tone this week and today, we have both JPMorgan and China’s trade data beating down expectations,” said John Brady, managing director at R.J. O’Brien & Associates in Chicago.

The Dow Jones industrial

average was up 134.64 points, or 0.76 per cent, at 17,855.89, the S&P 500 was up 13.59 points, or 0.66 per cent, at 2,075.31 and the Nasdaq Composite was up 53.49 points, or 1.1 per cent, at 4,925.58.

The S&P financial sector rose 1.93 per cent and led seven of the 10 major S&P sectors higher.

Harley-Davidson rose 4.4 per cent to $46.88 after UBS said it expected the motorcycle company’s March retail sales to beat analysts’ estimates.

Tenet Healthcare jumped 8.6 per cent to $31.55 after Susqehanna upgraded the hospital operator to positive.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE by 2,191 to 773. On the Nasdaq, 2,139 issues rose and 604 fell.

2.15 0.83 129.00 2.89

DANGSUGAR 6 11 COSTAIN 7 12 PZAFRIPRUD CCNN 8 13 LIVESTOCK

HONYFLOUR 9 14 GUINNESS FO 1015 ETI STERLNBANK 1116 DANGSUGAR

VITAFOAM 1217 AFRIPRUD GUARANTY 1318 CCNN UBCAP 1419 HONYFLOUR

1520 FONAHCO FCMB 1621 STERLNBANK 22 DANGCEM 17 VITAFOAM 23 SEPLAT 18 GUARANTY

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

% Change

0.27

9.89

0.04

5.00

0.04

4.82

0.11

3.81

Gain(N)1.00 0.02 0.27

2.99 % Change 2.94 9.89

0.75 0.04 0.05 0.04

2.86 5.00 2.33 4.82

2.99 0.11 0.33 1.00

2.32 3.81 2.11 2.99

0.13 0.05 0.04 2.99

1.43 2.33 1.35 2.32

2.96 129.00 225.00 15.67

3.00 131.99 227.98 16.00

20.68 9.07 1.45 2.96

20.87 9.20 1.46 3.00

0.04 0.04 0.19 0.13 0.01 0.04

156.50 3.79 301.51 20.87

0.50 0.04 0.51 0.19

0.50 1.21 0.32 1.07 0.17 0.92

2.79 27.00 9.20 2.20

2.50 5.98 3.79 2.79

5.00 225.00 2.01 2.47

5.03 227.98 2.02 2.50

156.00 3.75 301.00 20.68

0.09 0.02 0.04 0.75

1.53 2.94 1.45 2.86

2.98 0.33 0.03 0.09

1.32 2.11 1.21 1.53 1.07 1.45 0.92 1.43

0.69 1.35 0.60 1.32

0.03 2.98 0.01 0.03

19

UBCAP

1.45

1.46

0.01

0.69

20

NAHCO

5.00

5.03

0.03

0.60

21

FCMB

0.01

0.50

Losers for Equities

2.01 2.02 2015-01-27 2015-01-28 156.00 156.50 Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 301.00 301.51 3.62 3.44

22 DANGCEM S/N Symbol 23 SEPLAT 1 REDSTAREX 2

MAYBAKER

3

CONTINSURE

4

CUTIX

5 S/N 6 1 7 2 8 3 9 4 10 5 11 6

NEM Symbol UPL REDSTAREX PAINTCOM MAYBAKER FLOURMILL CONTINSURE OANDO CUTIX NASCON NEM DIAMONDBNK UPL

0.50 Loss(N) 0.51 -0.18

0.32 % Change 0.17 -4.97

1.58

1.51

-0.07

-4.43

0.95

0.91

-0.04

-4.21

1.47 1.41 2015-01-270.57 2015-01-280.55 Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 4.10 3.98 3.62 3.44 1.54 1.50 1.58 1.51 39.80 39.00 0.95 0.91 15.88 15.60 1.47 1.41 6.59 6.50 0.57 0.55 4.00 3.95 4.10 3.98

-0.06

-4.08

-0.02 Loss(N) -0.12 -0.18 -0.04 -0.07 -0.80 -0.04 -0.28 -0.06 -0.09 -0.02 -0.05 -0.12

-3.51 % Change -2.93 -4.97 -2.60 -4.43 -2.01 -4.21 -1.76 -4.08 -1.37 -3.51 -1.25 -2.93

Losers for Equities

7

PAINTCOM

1.54

1.50

-0.04

8

FLOURMILL

39.80

39.00

-0.80

9

OANDO

15.88

15.60

-0.28

10

NASCON

6.59

6.50

-0.09

11

DIAMONDBNK

4.00

The S&P 500 index showed 15.10 27-APR-2017 19 new 52-week highs and one Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © new low, while the Nasdaq re16.00 29-JUN-2019 corded 39 new highs and nine 15.54 13-FEB-2020 lows.

16.39 27-JAN-2022

8.2

Gain(N)

16.00 34.50 5.98 0.70

Description

Inflation

US Dollar

$1

15.67 33.50 5.89 0.68

2.47 5.89 3.75 2.75

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Rate (%)

2.20 0.87 131.99 3.00

2.75 26.25 9.07 2.15

FGN Bonds

US stocks rallies as JPMorgan drives bank stocks

nited States stocks rallied yesterday, boosted

by JPMorgan’s firstquarter results, and unexpectedly strong Chinese trade data raised hopes that the world’s second-largest economy was recovering.

JPMorgan, the first of the big banks to report earnings, posted higher-than-expected revenue and profit, sending its shares up 4.2 per cent to $61.75.

The stock gave the biggest boost to the S&P 500, bolstering other financial shares.

Bank of America rose 3.7 per cent and Citigroup 4.8 per cent.

Goldman Sachs’ 3.2 per cent rise propped up the Dow. Adding to the positive sentiment, data showed China’s March exports handily beat expectations, rising for the

LIVESTOCK 3 8 NPFMCRFBK GUINNESS 4 9 DANGFLOUR ETI 5 10 UNILEVER

Source: NSE

Bid

Price

3.95

-0.05

-2.60 -2.01 1 of -1.76

Page

Offer

-1.25

Yield

Price

Yield

1.08

104.96

10.09

105.11

9.95

3.25

114.56

10.57

114.86

10.47

3.87

112.10

11.56

112.40

11.47

Page

5.83

120.50

11.46

120.80

11.40

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.95

109.35

12.32

109.65

12.26

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.81

100.24

12.45

100.54

12.40

Closing Market Prices of March 30, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

30-Jun-16

8.15

8.32

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

22-Sep-16

8.71

9.10

EURO

214

16-Mar-17

9.31

10.22

CFA

0.32

NIBOR

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

15.0000

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

10.6864

3M

12.4601

SDR

273

6M

4

-1.37

13.8466 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

1 of

4

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Thursday, April 14, 2016

World News We have not relinquished even a grain of sand nor did we surrender our rights. But we restored the rights of others.

–EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT, ABDEL FATTAH AL-SISI

US poll: Trumps alleges Republican conspiracy A folAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

U

S Republican Party’s presidential hopeful, Donald Trump, yesterday said the party’s leaders do not want him to win the presidential nomination.

“The system is stacked against me,” he said in New York, accusing the Republican National Committee (RNC) of conspiring against his emergence for the main election in November .

Trump’s comments come after his rival Ted Cruz was awarded all the delegates in Colorado without a state-wide vote. He leads the race but may fall short of getting enough delegates to get the nomination outright.

That would lead to a contested convention in July, where delegates are free after the first ballot to back whom they want, opening the door for Texas Senator Cruz or even the third candidate in the race,

Donald Trump John Kasich.

Reports said yesterday that Cruz is likely to win on a second vote, because he has persuaded so many delegates to vote for him when they are unbound to vote as pledged.

But Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus, rejected Trump’s charge that the rules in states like Colorado had been

changed in response to his rise in the polls.

Priebus tweeted that the nomination process had been well known for more than a year.

“It’s the responsibility of the campaigns to understand it. Complaints now? Give us all a break,” he said.

Asked at a town hall event in New York whether the RNC

Euro Council raises migrants alert

P

resident of the European Council, Donald Tusk, yesterday warned Italy and Malta of large numbers of would-be migrants in Libya.

Tusk told MEPs that it would not be possible to apply the same approach used for the Balkans to unstable Libya.

Italy’s coastguard also said 4, 000 people were rescued from the Mediterranean between Libya and Sicily on Monday and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Macedonian police again fired teargas at migrants protesting at the border with Greece.

About 11, 000 migrants and refugees have been camped out at Idomeni on the Greek side of the border since countries on the route to northern Europe through the Balkans closed their borders.

In Bulgaria, the Interior Ministry has urged the public not to mistreat migrants after footage of a vigilante group tying up several Afghans went viral, although state officials had initially welcomed the creation of civilian volunteer groups along the country’s border with Turkey.

A deal between Turkey and the EU came into force last

month with the aim of deterring migrants from making the risky sea crossing between Turkey and Greece.

There are concerns that the efforts to shut down the Eastern Mediterranean route via Greece and the Balkans could encourage more people fleeing violence in Syria and Iraq to attempt the even more dangerous Central Mediterranean route via Libya.

However figures from the Institute of Migration show that those currently arriving in Italy from Libya are predominately citizens of African

wanted him to win, Trump said: “No, I don’t think so. I really don’t.”

He has been criticised for not campaigning hard enough on the ground in states like Colorado, but said delegates who wanted to support him were being pushed out by the RNC. “They don’t like when I put up my own money because it means they don’t have any control of me because I’m working for the people,” Trump further said.

The state-by-state primary contests come to New York next week when a high number of delegates will be up for grabs.

Several senior Republicans have expressed opposition to Trump winning, doubting his ability to win a general election and disagreeing with his hard line on immigration.

Trump has broken an earlier pledge he made to support whoever the Republicans nominate, therefore refusing to rule out a third-party run. countries.

Italian authorities, giving details of the rescues carried out in the Straits of Sicily, said 2,154 migrants had been rescued from 16 dinghies and a rowing boat on Tuesday.

F

Drought victims in Mozambique

all of this year while his counterpart in Mozambique raised alert levels for southern and central regions.

Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Zambia are also suffering food shortages, while South Africa said its drought was the worst in a century.

Over 10 million people across the region will need food aid in

Landmine blasts kill French soldiers A landmine in Mali has killed three French soldiers on an operation in the north of the country, the French Presidency said yesterday.

One soldier died immediately from the explosion on Tuesday while the others died later from their wounds.

A convoy of vehicles had been heading north from Gao to Tessalit when the mine exploded under the lead vehicle.

France has had troops in Mali since 2013 when it led an operation to oust jihadists who had seized the north.

President Francois Hollande expressed his condolences on news of the first death, paying deep respect for the sacrifice of this young soldier in the service of our country.

A further statement from the Elysee Palace said (in French) said Hollande learnt of the death of the other two soldiers with great sadness.

‘Kissing’ advert banned in Kenya Kenya’s Film Classification Board (KFCB) has forced Coca-Cola to scrap a kissing scene in a television advert, saying it violated family values.

In the three-second scene two strangers have a passionate embrace in a library.

Head of the film board, Ezekiel Mutua, said Coca-Cola had agreed to release a new version of the commercial without the scene soonest.

KFCB previously asked YouTube to remove a music video about same-sex relationships on moral grounds.

Six adverts with the tagline “Taste the Feeling” were released globally in January, according to Ad Week.

The film board warned advertisers to consider if children would be watching at the time the advert is aired.

Runaway lion gets own pride

President of the European Council Donald Tusk

Drought fear grips Malawi, Mozambique ood shortage fears over a drought in southern Africa have prompted Malawi to declare a state of national disaster and Mozambique to issue a red alert.

Malawi President, Peter Mutharika, warned in a statement yesterday that some people needed aid for

WORLD BULLETIN

the coming year, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

Malawi has suffered both flash floods and drought recently, hitting the staple maize crop.

“It is very clear that we have [a] food shortage in the country which will affect a considerable number of our fellow citizens,” Mutharika said.

A South African lion called Sylvester who twice fled a national park will be rehoused rather than put down, and encouraged to become an alpha male.

Karoo National Park authorities had originally considered putting Sylvester down but will now rehouse the animal away from male competition.

The lion’s plight was highlighted in a Twitter campaign in South Africa.

Sylvester will now join two young female lions in Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape Province.

The lion escaped at the end of March by crawling under an electric fence after heavy rain dislodged earth, a park spokesperson said at the time, and it was thought the three-year-old was running away from threatening older males.

“The move will establish him as the dominant male,” CEO of South Africa National Parks, Fundisile Mketeni, said yesterday.

42 North

Thursday, April 14, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP suspends Borno chapter chairman ObIOra IfOh ABUJA

P Kaduna Zonal Command,(Frsc) Assistant Deputy Corps Marshal, Vincent Nwokolo, Chief Executive (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, and Deputy Corps Marshal Operation, (FRSC) Headquarter, Mr Adei Abu, during the visit of the Corps Marshal to the FRSC Sector Command in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Strike: ASUU rejects Al-Makura’s offer Igbawase UkUmba LAFIA

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cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU chapter of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi has reiterated that it will not settle for less than its demands from the state gov-

ernment.

Consequently, the union ordered its members not to quit in the ongoing struggle to improve academic standard of the institution.

The ASUU chairman of the institution, Dr. Theophilus Lagi, disclosed this while chat-

ting with journalists shortly after the union’s emergency congress in Keffi.

He said the letter addressed to the union by the university council on the contentious issues was a unilateral decision of the council that lacked substance in its entirety

which the union would not yield to.

Lagi however observed that government was not specific on its offers to the union as the issues therein were very technical, even as he added that what the government offered were average promises.

Court remands 6 cult members in Kogi wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

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hief Magistrate Court II sitting in Lokoja has ordered that six members of an alleged secret cult group be remanded over the death of one Ipimeda Enesi, 21, during fracas over initiation of new members.

Chief Magistrate A.S. Husaini gave the order on arraignment of the six accused persons who were alleged to be members of the secret cult group, ‘Arrow Baga’ confraternity in Lokoja.

The police prosecuting officer, Insp. C.S. Ayabatu, told the court that the accused had resorted to violence during a dis-

agreement among them on initiation of new members into the unlawful society.

Ayabatu explained that the accused and others at large criminally conspired and armed themselves with offensive weapons including cutlasses, daggers, axes and committed the offences around 9 pm on March 10.

They were said to have attacked the complainants, Suleiman Wahab, Stephen Enocha, Suleiman Mohammed and one Alhaji Haruna at UBE Junior Secondary School, Ganaja and inflicted machete cuts on them.

Ayabatu further alleged that the accused also attacked and inflicted machete cuts on Enesi

who was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja where he was confirmed dead.

He said during the onslaught on members of the community by the cult members, one tricycle and a building were razed to ashes.

The accused persons are Usman Mohammed, 20; Tenimu Mohammed a.k.a. Carpenter, 36; Ali Umoru a.k.a. Dansabe, 25; Tenimu Keke-Mohammed, driver; Aliu Yahaya a.k.a Bk; and Muhammed Isah, all of Ganaja village, Lokoja.

They were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, membership of unlawful society, causing grievous hurt and culpable homicide

contrary to sections 97(1), 337, 97(b) and 221 of the penal code law.

The prosecution told the court that investigation into the matter was on-going and asked for another date for mention but objected to granting of bail to the accused, saying that the offences were not ordinarily bailable.

In his ruling, Husaini said within the context of the originating process and the First Information Report (FIR), bail was not automatically granted.

Husaini therefore ordered that the six accused persons be remanded at Federal Prisons, KotonKarfe and adjourned to April 18, for mention.

The minister, who disclosed this during a tour of the Kashimbilla dam project, stressed that power evacuation from the dam has to be fast-tracked to avoid stranded power at the completion of the hydropower plant.

Adamu noted that the project aside from power generation of 40mw to the national grid, would also support fishery develop-

ment, tourism, employment generation and improve health status by providing potable water for surrounding communities through the water supply scheme when completed.

He said: “So much investment has been committed into this project, so we must make sure the project is delivered on time. One of the ways

in achieving this is the evacuation of the power generated to the communities.”

Commending the Federal Government for initiating the project, Taraba governor, Darius Ishaku, an architect, said it signifies the strong commitment of the government in meeting the needs of both the communities and the entire state.

Kashimbilla dam to generate 40mw soon –Minister regIna OtOkPa

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inister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, has revealed that Kashimbilla dam in Takum local government area of Taraba State when completed would generate about 40mw hydropower to boost power generation in the country.

eople’s Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended the Borno State Chairman of the party, Baba Basharu, over allegations of anti-party activities.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, on Tuesday in Abuja said, “After preliminary hearing on reports of various activities inimical to the progress of the party, especially flouting the provisions of article 58 (1), (b), (c),

(f) and (h) of the PDP constitution, the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the Borno State Chairman of our great party, Alhaji Baba Basharu.

“The above is in line with the relevant provisions of the PDP Constitution on disciplinary procedures.

“Accordingly, Alhaji Basharu has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action in line with the provisions of the constitution of PDP.”

Bello charges judiciary on Change philosophy P rIscIll a D ennIs MINNA

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overnor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has called on the judiciary to embrace the change philosophy and zero tolerance for corruption mantra endorsed by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. At a dinner and book launch titled ‘Triennium of Chief Judgeship: Policies, Milestones and Legacies of Justice Fati Lami Abubakar’ (CON) in honour of the eminent jurist on her retirement as Chief Judge of Niger State in Minna, the gover nor said the judiciary cannot afford to take the back seat in the new partnership for good gover nance.

He stated: “It is essential at this point to re-emphasise the dire need for our judges and all accompaniments of the judiciary to embrace the change philosophy and the zero tolerance for corruption drive that this administration endorsed.

“As custodians of judicial system, you all have the most moral obligation to steer the state from a society bedeviled by the incessant injustice.”

Urging the judiciary to strive to bridge the gap between accusa-

tions and corresponding prosecution, he also noted the need for the temple of justice to consciously do everything possible to continuously gain the confidence for members of the public The governor then commended the retiring Chief Judge for her achievements, describing her as a peculiar person with high sense of passion for human development.

“She is one who has a story with good ending and has lived an exemplary life in service,” he further stated.

Also, former Chief Justice of the country, Justice Alfa Belgore, who was the Chairman of the occasion, recalling the landmark achievements of Justice Abubakar both in the bar and bench, stated, “She is a role model, a faithful wife, compassionate mother and an exemplary public servant.”

Dignitaries at the occasion included for mer military president, Ibrahim Babangida, the husband of the honouree, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, immediate past military head of state, for mer gover nor of Kaduna State, Abba Rimi, former Niger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Aliyu, Senator Zaynab Kure and many other legal luminaries.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Okpekpe race organisers to ensure anti-doping rules

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43

Sport

A merger between the FA and Football League would be like putting two dinosaurs together and getting a dodo

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– Gordon Taylor (1991)

Minister attacks reporters, accuses them of taking sides JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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Pinnick

NFF crisis:

Congress gives Giwa, others chance to escape ban ...expunges contentious ouster/eligibility clause EVEREST ONYEWUCHI, SPORTS EDITOR

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Assembly yesterday gave Ambassador Chris Giwa and members of his group contesting the leadership of the NFF in a Jos High Court an opportunity to avoid bans from football activities.

At an Extra-Ordinary General Assembly held at the Chida International Hotel, Abuja and chaired by the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, with 44 delegates in attendance, the general assembly resolved as follows: “For bringing Nigeria football and Nigeria to ridicule, opprobrium and disrepute and in clear contravention of the NFF statutes and other extant football laws by; i Committing infractions such as illegally contracting a law firm in South Africa in the name of the NFF and refusing to pay for the

services up to a point where judgment was given against the NFF by the South Africa Court. ii Seriously violating the Statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU, and NFF. “The General Assembly noted the motion for suspension pursuant to Article 37 (1) but in the spirit of Article 37 (3) of the NFF Statutes and in the interest of fair hearing the following persons were referred to the NFF Disciplinary Board: Chris Giwa, Yahaya Adama, Muazu Suleyman, Sani Fema and Effiong Johnson to appear and defend themselves.

“For aiding and abetting the above gross misconduct, thus collectively contravening provisions of NFF, WAFU, CAF and FIFA Statutes, the General Assembly referred the following persons to the NFF Committee on Ethics and Fairplay: Rumson Baribote, Shehu Adamu, Ben Agary and Jide Fashikun to appear and defend them-

selves.”

In a communique signed by Sir E.C. Chukwuemeka, the assembly affirmed that the Nigeria Football Federation is one indivisible and unified body governed by the NFF statutes (2010 edition) and also expressed confidence in the Executive Committee of NFF under the leadership of Piinnick and unanimously re-affirmed the elections of 30th September 2014 that brought the present Board to existence.

The Congress, however, expunged the contentious and controversial clause adopted at its 71st meeting held in Abuja on 16th December 2015 which said that only NFF Executive Committee Members could vie for the President’s position and only State FA chairmen could aspire to be NFF Board Members.

The controversial clause if allowed to remain, would have barred Giwa and members of his group from seeking election into the NFF.

inister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, yesterday attacked journalists, accusing them of accepting money and taking sides in the NFF leadership crisis.

As if that was not enough, Dalung who is barely six months in office watched while his aides violently pushed newsmen who tried to approach him to bare their minds over several abuses he had heaped on sports writers.

The Minister who showed up around 12.30pm at the NFF General Assembly, for an event scheduled to start at 10am, in his usual style, took swipes on all stakeholders in the sports sector generally before descending on journalists.

Labeling himself a guerrilla while addressing the General Assembly, Dalung said, “I’m like a guerrilla, I’m not afraid of anyone that a woman gave birth to. The more they talk about me, the more I get stronger.

“Some of you here including the media shamelessly send text messages and write nonsense. I want to assure you that I’m a guerrilla man.

I have never lived in comfort zone, so I’m a stranger to the comfort zone. I can never be threatened.

“I have survived more than

Dalung

five assassination attempts in my life. I’m a human rights activist. You don’t gather and begin to drag some people down for selfish reasons. The football family must go back and put itself in order. It is not for me, I don’t elect presidents or put presidents.”

The minister said that he was yet to receive court order from the Jos Court and challenged Giwa and his group to bring it, if there is any.

“The court orders served on me were all dated 2014; I have never received any court order dated 2016. If Giwa group have any court order they should bring it to me. As law-abiding citizen, we shall do justice to it.

“I want to appeal to all of you seated here today to be sincere in what you are doing if we must move football forward in the country.

“All football stakeholders must go back and put their house in order, and we must move forward. What is important is that we need to be focused and give room for reconciliation, I want to urge Amaju board to gather intelligent people among them and mediate with Giwa group to ensure end of crisis in the country,” Dalung appealed.

Earlier Pinnick and Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba, called for calm and assured of Nirenewed vigour in moving Ni gerian football forward.

Pinnick assured Nigerians federathat all problems in the federa tion would be solved.

Giwa

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To build people in the way of disciples Mathew 6:33 3. To build up soul and to win soul for Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to The RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

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News 45

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Senate investigates NNPC’s joint venture cash calls violation

S

enate yesterday mandated its committees on Gas, Petroleum Upstream and Finance and Appropriation to investigate alleged joint venture cash calls obligations violations by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. This followed a motion by the Chairman, Committee on Gas, Bassey Akpan, over NNPC’s role in the joint venture cash calls obligation.

Joint Venture Cash Calls is the money paid by joint venture partners according to equity holdings of the partners for projects development usually determined and paid at the beginning of the year.

Akpan said that there were issues concerning outstanding joint venture cash calls by NNPC to the tune 6 billion dollars.

According to him, the inability of the NNPC to

meet this obligation has largely affected crude oil production output and other activities in the oil and gas sector.

He said there was an urgent need for the senate to investigate the matter in view of its importance to the economy.

“Upon approval of the budget by the National Assembly, it has approved the implementation of joint venture cash call and it is treated as first line charge before remittance to the Federation Account.

“We have this issue of outstanding joint venture cash call to the tune of 6 billion dollars. We seek your support to enable us unravel the operation of the joint venture cash call.

“One thing is significant, a situation where NNPC spends sometimes close to 4 billion dollars a year on administrative

expense.

“The corporation spends this amount of money without meeting the joint venture cash call obligation which is extremely very fundamental to the development of the country. It cannot be acceptable.

“This is as urgent as other matters of national importance. We should ensure that whatever is approved going forward shall be adhered to strictly. The right thing should be done,” he said.

Supporting the motion, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Enyinannya Abaribe, said the motion was timely in view of the need to point out anomalies in the oil sector.

He said: “I want to thank Sen. Akpan for pointing out the anomalies that go on in the oil sector. We need to look at how the NNPC carries

CONFIRMATION OF NAME TAOFEEK: This is to confirm that TAOFEEK GIDADO ADISA and TAOFEEK OLADIMEJI ADISA refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as TAOFEEK GIDADO ADISA. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME DANLAMI: This is to confirm that DANLAMI UKWUBILE and DANDAMI JOHN refer to one and same person.

Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as DANLAMI UKWUBILE. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note.

ANOZIE: Formerly known and addressed as ANOZIE ODINAKA now wish to be known and addressed as ODINAKA ANOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, ADE-BOLARIN ELIJAH ABIODUN SOLOMON is one and same person known, called and addressed as ABIODUN ELIJAH SOLOMON. All former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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Formerly known and addressed as YUSUF MARYAM MOTUNRAYO (MISS) now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBANLA MARYAM MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MORUFAT AGORO OLUWABISOLA is the same person as OJO MORUFAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MORUFAT AGORO OLUWABISOLA. All former documemts remain valid.

GTBank,Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DARAMOLA ROLAKEMI MERCY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBISI ROLAKEMI MERCY. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EVER MARS UZOMA, now wish to be Known and addressed as IBE MARCELLINUS UZOMA. date of birth 10th day of february 1960. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as ALUMONA PRECIOUS CHIMERE now wish to be addressed as ALUMONA ESTHER CHIDIMA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly AKINWUMI BOLAWA ANTHONY now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINWUMIJU BOLAWA ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

i, formerly known and addressed as AHMED UMARU now wish to be known and addressed as AHMAD UMAR RAMAT and that he was born on 15/10/1990. All former documents remain valid.

GTB and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly known as BABATUNDE ADEWUNMI DARE now wish to be addressed as BABATUNDE OLUDARE MATTHEW. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, ALADE TOYIN GRACE am the same person as Adeosun Toyin Grace. Henceforth i wish to be known and addressed as ALADE TOYIN GRACE. All former documents remain valid.Union Bank plc, First bank plc, FCMB and general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

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out this part of its responsibility.

“Agencies of government have obligations to Nigeria to carry out what we have passed into law, and the relevant committees have the power to investigate, and if the committees are not satisfied, such matters will be brought before the senate.”

On his part, Senator Yusuf Yusuf (APC-Taraba Central), called for a commission to manage investment in the oil sector to avoid any form of irregularity or violation of laid down rules.

According to him, it is the right time for us to look at how to solve all these infractions. So many industries that are involved in oil are not doing joint venture cash calls.

“NNPC feels that they are a government to themselves and they can

decide to do whatever they want to.

“So, we should look into investigating how these cash calls are managed because they are in lump sum. We have to look at the roles of other stakeholders as well,” he said.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said that non-remittance of joint venture cash calls by agencies was a violation of the 1999 Constitution and should be taken seriously.

He vowed that the 8th National Assembly would not tolerate further flagrant violation of the law of the land.

“Going by previous experiences and the quantum of money involved, it affects the economy.

There are also fundamental issues like disobeying the Constitution.

“This is a first line

charge specifically meant for the oil company joint venture cash call, and for it to be used for other things is a slight on this chamber and we take seriously.

“Even if this was done in the past, we must break from it now and ensure the right thing is done,” he said.

He urged the relevant committees to properly investigate the alleged violation to ensure that such obligations were carried out in a more transparent manner in future.

He urged the NNPC not to continue to use joint venture cash call for other things, adding, “If they need funding they can come with a budget.”

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CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME TAOFEEK: This is to confirm that TAOFEEK GIDADO ADISA and TAOFEEK OLADIMEJI ADISA refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Taofeek Gidado Adisa. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person.

Banks and the general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME DANLAMI: This is to confirm that DANLAMI UKWUBILE and DANDAMI JOHN refer to one and same person.

Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as DANLAMI UKWUBILE. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OMORODION: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMORODION FAITH ORHUE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. LAWAL FAITH ORHUE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, PETER ADENIKE CAROLINE am the same person as ALADEMEHIN FUNMILAYO CAROLINE. Henceforth i wish to be known,called and addressed as Peter Adenike caroline.

All former documents remain valid.

Fidelity Bank plc, First Bank Plc, Zenith Bank plc and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as DIAMOND EMMANUEL, now wish to be Known and addressed as OGHUVWU JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

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General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Former Known, called and addressed as CHUKWUGOZIE SOMKENECHUKWU OKAFOR now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIGOZIE SOMKENECHUKWU OKAFOR. CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as ONYEBUCHI SOLOMON EZE, instead of the correct name as ONYEBUCHI SOLOMON EZEUGWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify that my correct name is EKUM JEREMIAH not EKOMA JOSEPH. Henceforth my name will be spelt, called and addressed as EKUM JEREMIAH. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

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I hereby confirm that I, OYEWOLE BUKOLA ADENIKE is the same person as BELLO ADENIKE ABEKE. All former documents remain valid, general public, take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOTIFIED OF THE LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (COFO) REGISTERED AS NUMBER 92 AT PAGE 92 IN VOLUME 1989N BELONGING TO JOSEPH KASIMAWO SHOYEJU OF NO 53B CHURCH STREET MAKOKO YABA LAGOS ISSUED BY THE LAGOS STATE GORVERNMENT .ALL EFFORT TO TRACE SAME PROOVED ABORTIVE.

formerly known and addressed as OLORUNWA AGBEMELE LINDA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLORUNWA ADEYEMI LINDA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

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CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I hereby confirm that I, OLUGBADE BANKOLE-THOMAS is one an the same person as ALBERT OLUGBADE THOMAS, now wish to be known an addressed as ALBERT OLUGBADE THOMAS. All former documents bearing the above names are mine and valid. General public and authorities concerned take note.

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46

Sports

Thursday, April 14, 2016

UCL semi: Pellegrini shrugs off facing Guardiola

Jarmie Vardy

M

anchester City boss, Manuel Pellegrini, has shrugged off the significance of a potential Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich.

The German side are managed by Pep Guardiola, who will replace Pellegrini at City next season.

Asked what a tie with Guardiola would mean, Pellegrini told BBC Sport, “For me, exactly the same.

It doesn’t matter.”

City beat Paris St-Germain to reach the last four, while Real Madrid are also through to the semifinals.

“It will always be a difficult team,” Pellegrini, 62, added. “Bayern Munich, if they win, Barcelona or Real Madrid.”

The draw for the semifinals takes place tomorrow.

City reached the last four of the Champions League for the first time after Tuesday’s 1-0 secondleg win sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory over French champions Paris St-Germain.

Leicester’s trio dominate PFA shortlist L

eicester trio Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, have been named on the sixman shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

They are joined by Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet and Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Kane is also in contention to retain the Young Player of the Year award he won 12 months ago and is named alongside Spurs team-mate Dele Alli.

The winners for each category will be announced on Sunday, 24 April.

Leicester’s remarkable rise to the top of the Premier League, seven points

clear of Tottenham, has seen three of their best players rewarded for their fine form this term.

Vardy has scored 20 league goals, while playmaker Mahrez has contributed 16 goals and 11 assists.

Frenchman Kante has earned widespread praise for his performances as a defensive midfielder, making more tackles (146) and interceptions (134) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

England striker Kane is the topflight’s leading scorer with 22 goals, German Ozil has provided a leagueleading 18 assists and Payet has enjoyed a superb debut season, scoring nine

goals.

The award was won by Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard last season.

Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho have all been named on the Young Player of the Year shortlist.

Last year’s Women’s Players’ Player of the Year, Chelsea’s Ji So-Yun, is in the running for this year’s award, alongside team-mates Hedvig Lindahl and Gemma Davison, Sunderland’s Beth Mead and Izzy Christiansen of Manchester City.

France leave out Benzema for Euro 2016

E

Benzema

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

mbroiled in the Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape scandal, France forward, Karim Benzema, will not be se selected for Euro 2016, the player and the French Football FederaFedera tion (FFF) confirmed on yesteryester day.

“Unfortunately for me and for those who have always backed me and supported me, I will not be selected for our Euro in France,” Benzema revealed on his official Twitter account.

Moments later, the FFF released a statement, confirming that the organisation’s presi president Noel Le Graet had met with France coach, Didier De Deschamps, to discuss Benzema’s position.

They said that “sporting per-

formance is an important factor but not the only one that decides whether a player is called up to the France squad.

“The capacity of the players to strive towards unity, within and around the squad, to be exemplary...are also taken into account.

“As a result, Noel Le Graet and Didier Deschamps have decided that Karim Benzema will not be able to participate at Euro 2016.”

Benzema, 28, was indefinitely suspended from the France team in December after he was placed under investigation over an attempt to bribe France teammate, Valbuena, over a sex-tape.

France will host the European Championship, which kicks off on June

Sergio Aguero missed a penalty for City before Kevin de Bruyne got a 76th-minute winner for the hosts.

Real Madrid secured their spot after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to overturn Wolfsburg’s 2-0 lead from the first leg.

“It’s an amazing night for us,” said City goalkeeper Joe Hart, the only player in Tuesday’s squad who joined City before the 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour.

“We’ve worked hard in this competition. I’ve been here since the start of this Champions League run and we did struggle to start with, but we started to piece together results and this speaks volumes.”

Goalscorer De Bruyne added: “Everybody has talked about the Champions League and to be in the semi-finals is a great achievement.

“But it is not done yet.

We are looking forward to the semis. It is only two games away from the final. We will try to do everything to reach the final.”

Osimhen hits Flying Eagles’ camp for Burundi

H

e strolled into the Serob Legacy Hotel camp of the Flying Eagles minutes before kickoff of the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and his German club, VFL Wolfsburg, on Tuesday night.

He was very confident of his team winning, knowing that it held a 2-0 first leg advantage, but was disappointed to see Cristiano Ronaldo produce another of his magic to give the Les Merengues a 3-2 aggregate victory.

FIFA U-17 World Cup record scorer, Victor Osimhen, was really disappointed with the scoreline but he is more focused on the task ahead.

After scoring 10 goals at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, Osimhen returns to familiar terrain with former team mates as the build up to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea begins in earnest.

As early as 6.45am

yesterday, Osimhen and team mates were at the FIFA Goal Project pitch at the Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja for Day 7 of the Flying Eagles training.

He looked quite trim and fit till the end and told the media afterwards that he is ready to go. “l am here to show the coaches what I can do. I have trained very hard to be here and just want to play football,” he said with a smile.

The Flying Eagles will take on Burundi in their first match of the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying series away in Bujumbura on the weekend of 20 -22 May. Presently, over 50 players are sweating it out twice daily under the tutorship of Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, as the battle for shirts intensifies.

Osimhen

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Falcons deserve more encouragement– Adepoju

Rio 2016: 10 countries slug it out for beach volley ticket in Abuja

E

A female beach volleyballer

T

he battle for Africa Women’s Beach Volleyball ticket to this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil begins today in Abuja.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final Beach Volleyball Olympics qualifiers will hold in Abuja from today, April 14 to April 17.

Technical Director of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Tony Oghuma-Eghimai, on Tuesday said six countries had arrived Nigeria for the final round of the

Women’s Beach Volleyball qualifiers. The remaining countries arrived in the country yesterday.

The tournament is organised by the NVBF in conjunction with the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAV).

“Morocco, Gambia and Namibia arrived Nigeria since weekend.

Ghana and Sierra Leone arrived on Monday, Rwanda just arrived now - Tuesday.

“The president of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Habu Gumel has made everything avail-

Match-fixers face hardship as NFF joins FIFA Integrity Initiative

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) has joined the growing list of FIFA member Federations that have subscribed to the FIFA Integrity Initiative following the conclusion of a Roundtable Discussion in Lagos between the Federation and Heads of the FIFA Early Warning System and International Affairs.

President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, led the Federation’s 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and the 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko; to the Tuesday meeting at Four Points Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos with Dr. Julie Norris, Head of the Early Warning System and Jacek Wojdyla, the Head of International Affairs at FIFA. Also at the discussion were Barrister Okey Obi, NFF Chief Legal Officer, Harry Iwuala, LMC Head of Special Projects and Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the NFF Integrity Officer.

In her opening remarks, Norris explained that the objective of the meeting was to partner with the NFF as they have done with about 109 other member Federations that have subscribed to the campaign to protect the integrity of NFF competitions.

“We are happy to work with you to build capacity through training for the enforcement of FIFA Integrity Initiatives that will enable

47

the Federation have the capacity to detect and deal with threats of match fixing through the activities of sports betting,” Norris stated.

She added that Nigeria would have to adopt and domesticate the FIFA model to suit her own operational peculiarities.

Emeruwa, who attended the FIFA/Interpol Education and Prevention Initiative Integrity in Sports Workshop in Abidjan revealed that of the five thematic areas identified at the workshop for implementation, Nigeria has implemented the first two which are the appointment of a Desk Officer and creation of awareness among all stakeholders.

Of the remaining three areas, Emeruwa said, “The NFF Integrity Unit has developed a template as proposed guidelines for combating match manipulation and enhancement of the integrity programme for our competitions and this guideline is to be presented to the NFF Congress at its next convocation.”

In his closing remarks, Pinnick, assured the FIFA team that the NFF Executive Committee would provide the enabling structure for the Integrity Initiative to be effective, noting that “from the report of the NFF Desk Officer, it is obvious that we are committed to the campaign.”

able for us – Nigeria, to have a good hosting.

“The only country that can give us headache is Morocco; by now I’m sure that the coaches and players are ready to make us proud for this crucial round of qualifiers, “Out of 12 countries, South Africa and Kenya have withdrawn from the competition; we are ex-

x-international, Mutiu Adepoju, yesterday spoke in favour of encouraging the Super Falcons more for their consistency, having qualified for the 10th edition of the Africa Women Nations Cup. Adepoju, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give the team recognition like their male counterparts.

Super Falcons were forced to a 1-1 draw by their Senegalese counterparts in the first leg of their Africa Women Nations Cup qualifier in Dakar on April 8.

The Falcons won the return leg 2-0 in Abuja on Tuesday, having an aggregate of 3-1, which sealed their place in the tournament whose finals will hold in Cameroun later this year.

“These ladies have always been consistent; they have al-

ways made sure that they qualify for every tournament; they have shown dedication over the years.

“They have won this championship back-to-back, which is highly commendable; a feat Super Eagles find difficult. There is a lot to be learnt from them,” Adepoju said: Falcons have been participating in the championship since its inception in 1991 and have won on nine occasions.

On how the squabble in the NFF could affect the preparation for the Women’s Nations Cup in Cameroun, Adepoju pleaded with football administrators to put their house in order.

“Honestly, this is becoming embarrassing; something has to be done to get a lasting solution.

“We can’t continue like this; there is no way it won’t affect the players if the situation is not addressed urgently,” he said.

pecting nine counties now,” he explained.

Therefore, the 10 competing countries are Morocco, Gambia, Namibia, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, Mozambique, BurkinaFaso, Sierra-Leone and Ghana.

The first team from the quali-

fying series will go to the Olympics; the second and third teams will qualify for the World Cup and World Championship, respectively The 31st Olympic Games are scheduled for August 5 to August 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Okpekpe race organisers to ensure anti-doping rules

O

rganisers of the IAAF bronze label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race say they will ensure all IAAF anti-doping rules are followed to the letter when the fourth edition holds next month in Okpekpe near Auchi, Edo State.

Spokesman for the race, Dare Esan, reveals that provision has been made for a full doping control for the event, which has become one of the most anticipated in the calendar of IAAF Label road races.

“All tests shall be conducted in accordance with the IAAF antidoping regulations. There will be mandatory and requested tests.

The mandatory tests are those that the organisers must conduct at their expense and include the minimum four that must be done

Long distance runners

as a bronze label event viz two men and two women as a mixed gender race and of course those that must be conducted in the event a world record or area record is broken,” Esan said.

“The requested tests will be at the athlete’s expense if he or she breaks a national record,” Esan said, adding that IAAF has specifically ordered that the doping control must be held in a neat environment while samples collected will be sent to IAAF accredited laboratories outside Nigeria.

“The laboratory in South Africa is temporarily closed and the IAAF has advised we send the samples to any of the three in Europe and the Middle East,” said Esan who insisted that the organisers of the only IAAF labelled

10km road race in Africa in 2016 have to subscribe to the efforts to rid athletics of doping after the doping scandal involving Russia since last year.

Meanwhile, with over 3,000 runners expected to participate, organisers say they are now dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s as far as the technical and administrative organisation of the event is concerned.

“We are good to go, everything is set for another wonderful experience at the hilly town of Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State,” said Esan.

“The international elite field is complete with some world class, gold and silver level runners. Our elite athlete manager, Walter Abmayr, was in Nigeria last month and visited Okpekpe to check the course and advise on a few other things which have been put in place. This edition will serve as the benchmark for future editions of the race in terms of its technical organisation,” said a very confident Esan.

“We have identified the drinking/sponging and refreshment stations; we have concluded on the issue of the prize money which, in accordance with IAAF rules are equal for both men and women.

The rules also permit us to offer specific incentive prizes to our people. This time, the people of Ibie North to encourage local participation and development. This we have done.”

WORLD RECORD

Largest hairy family

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1348 Thursday, April 14, 2016

Victor “Larry” Gomez, Gabriel “Danny” Ramos Gomez, Luisa Lilia De Lira Aceves and Jesus Manuel Fajardo Aceves (all Mexico) are four of a family of 19 that suffer from Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis.

The Peace Corps Bill: Many begging questions

S

ome months ago, I was prompted by the escalation in incidents of insurgency, pipeline vandalism and sundry security problems to wonder why the Federal Government had been reluctant to strengthen the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the organization empowered by law to handle them. On this page, in an article titled, ‘NSCDC And Its Too Many Cooks’, I expressed my frustration at the virtual erosion of the statutory responsibilities of the officers and men of the NSCDC, most especially in the protection of our oil and gas pipelines across the nation and sundry statutory duties, by other security agencies already preoccupied with other daunting responsibilities.

That time, I was alarmed by the possibility of the outfit becoming redundant due to the seeming but clearly inadvertent levity with which its statutory roles are

L

eicester City’s players are remarkably stress-free as they continue to close in on their maiden Premier League title, according to the club’s performance psychologist, Ken Way. With a seven-point lead over the chasing pack led by Tottenham Hotspur, the Foxes are sitting pretty at the top of the

Guest Columnist

Sola

Ojewusi

being handled.

Several months later, rather than any positive signal suggestive of that issue being addressed, it is even now a matter of a worsening scenario. That unsolved problem apart, the nation is being confronted with the possibility of an Act of Parliament that could further duplicate, if not erode the statutory responsibilities of not only the NSCDC, but other organizations like the NYSC and, of course, the police. In an era the Federal Government is trying to prune down the number of MDAs to curb the huge financial strain on the nation, introducing another money guzzling organization would be a direct antithesis of the prudent position of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This new trend is at a dangerous variance with the recent submission of the Stephen Oronsaye Committee for a reduction of federal parastatals to ease the nation’s huge payload and bring sanity to the structure of government.

Recently, the draft Nigerian Peace Corps Bill at the House of Representatives passed the second reading. At the House, the bill is sponsored by Hon. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, while in the Senate, where it has scaled through the first reading, it is Senator Alkali Jajere. The bill if passed into law would among others, accord statutory roles to the Peace Corps, an NGO founded by private individuals and not directly established by an Act of Parliament like the other existing agencies of government.

If they must be supported, and de-

What the Peace corP is seeking is already subsumed in the statutory functions of the Police, the

nscdc …

servedly so, why not do it in line with the kind of support given to other NGOs over the decades like the Boys Scout, Girls Guild, Boy’s Brigade, Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Man O’ War etc. Have we considered the possibility of these outfits also coming up later to seek such statutory role as being promoted by some lawmakers for the Peace Corps?

To me, what the Peace Corp is seeking is already subsumed in the statutory functions of the police, the NSCDC and even the NYSC. In this era of cost cutting and mandatory national fund saving, have we considered the huge resources to be sunk into this new white elephant?

Why not strengthen the NSCDC and the police, bodies already recognized by law for decades and charged with most if not all of the functions being touted for the Peace Corps? To me, rather than turn the Peace Corps to a government institution, thereby creating another huge strain on our national coffers, the Peace Corps should remain an NGO it has always been since its registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission in 1999.

A lot of arguments being advanced

by the sponsors of this bill are, to me, not weighty enough to debunk the notion of irrelevance and duplication.

The fact that we are even in a recession makes the introduction of more moneychewing policies utterly irrelevant. Just imagine the huge impact of the monthly salaries and other corporate needs of a 98,000-member strong organization like the Peace Corps on the national coffers!

Why make existing agencies redundant by creating fresh one with similar responsibilities?

Recently, while lauding the national assembly for going ahead with the draft bill despite alleged attempt to stall it, Peace Corps Commandant and founder, Ambassador Dickson Akoh insisted that the Corps’ job would not overlap with police, NSCDC etc. He vociferously asserted that recognizing his body as a federal security agency would not in any way affect the statutory roles of other agencies. I beg to disagree fervently. There is just no way its purported duty would not overlap with the statutory duties of the police and the NSCDC. But, frighteningly enough, the draft bill is very close to being passed into law having passed its second reading in the House.

One of the proposed duties being touted by the PCN -partnership “with school managements, at both secondary and tertiary levels, to rid them of cultism and examination malpractices” - is actually not new to other agencies. Ask many officers and men of the existing agencies and they would tell you they see nothing they haven’t been doing in the proposed duties of the PCN. A pertinent is what if every NGO now begins to seek statutory recognition given the precedence that this bill, if passed into law, will create legally?

Can our system really withstand the backlashes? Nigeria can surely do now without another burden on the over stretched bureaucracy.

Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

EPL title chase: Leicester players calm –Psychologist division with five games to play, having won their last five games in a row.

“I’m not a busy man at the moment,” Way told the Times. “I was even able to take a short holiday last week and not worry about it.

“I was concerned at one point, earlier in the season, about how (the pressure)

might start to affect the players. But it honestly hasn’t. It’s not a stressful situation. It’s only stressful if you allow it to be.”

Way says Leicester’s remarkable rise to the summit after flirting with relegation for most of the last campaign is the result of an organic process which began under former manager, Nigel

Pearson, and has been brought to fruition by current boss, Claudio Ranieri.

“The dressing room is buoyant, with Jamie Vardy playing practical jokes and Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth making people laugh. There is a party atmosphere but it’s also extremely focused.”

Ranieri

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