Thursday, april 17, 2014 new 3

Existing laws inadequate to curb products counterfeiting –CJN WALE IGBINTADE

Mukhtar

Vol. 4 3 N0. 832 657

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he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam

Mukhtar yesterday admitted that Nigerian laws are grossly inadequate to combat the menace counterfeiting of medical and food products in the country.

The CJN stated this at a two-day International Judges Conference held in Lagos with the theme ‘’Legal Protection for Consumers CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Delegates protest postings into committees

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Thursday, April July 4, 17,2013 2014

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N150 N150

Soldiers rescue kidnapped school girls ...eight still missing, one terrorist arrested –DHQ Jonathan summons governors, National Security Council MARCUS FATUNMOLE,

GBENGA OGUNBUFUNMI,

ROTIMI FADEYI, INUSA NDAHI AND A ZA MSUE

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he Defence Headquarters, DHQ, said yesterday that 121 students of the GovernCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

ASCSN rejects plan to retire 1,050 civil servants P.4 ADVERT HOTLINES

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President Goodluck Jonathan (left) presenting some locally assembled iphones by Niger Delta Youths trained by Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Ministry of Informationa Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, at the Federal Executive Council Meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Presidency bars ministers from unauthorised campaigns Campaigning a day after Abuja blast, portrays Jonathan as insensitive –APC

Pathologist: Funsho Williams was strangled

P.2 P.7

News

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Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Presidency bars ministers from unauthorised campaigns OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has barred all ministers and presidential aides from undertaking unauthorised electoral campaigns ahead of the 2015 polls, National Mirror has learnt.

The president is said to have also frowned at the use of security men, especially soldiers attached to Federal Government officials to intimidate opposition elements.

As a first move in this regard, President Jonathan, it was gathered, has directed that all ministers and presidential aides embarking on trips to participate in political rallies outside their home states to obtain direct permission from him through his Chief of Staff, Brigadier-General Jones Arogbofa (rtd).

A Presidency source confided in National Mirror that apart from the briefings and position of the military authorities on the role of the Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, in the inconclusive Ondo State House of

Representatives by-election, the Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, had also briefed the president on the election and the violence that marred the poll in one ward as a result of the activities of ex-militants in the area.

“The use of soldiers or any other security personnel during election has to be authorised and in this case, I doubt if it was so; our preliminary, though informal findings show that the minister in question was indeed in Ondo to campaign for the PDP. “The issue here is whether he was right or wrong to have gone outside his state (Lagos) to go and campaign.

This is serious because any act of violence or irregularity could be blamed on him that he came to prepare the ground for such; it is also being interpreted in some quarters to mean that the president has unleashed his men on the opposition, especially in the Southwest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. President will not, and does not have such attributes; he is a gentleman, who wants his party to win under clear circum-

stances and not through any tainted means.

“So, in his readiness to avoid a re-occurrence, he has asked that all ministers and even aides who are not from states where elections are holding should not be near campaign grounds in such states except otherwise directed by him or the national leadership of the PDP and possibly after direct permission from him through

the chief of staff.

“This has become very necessary because the two instances in question involving the said minister all happened in the Southwest; again, it is worrisome that if this step is not taken by Mr. President internally, there is the likelihood that more might follow.

“You know we are approaching two critical elections in Osun and Ekiti as a

prelude to the 2015 elections; so if certain administrative steps are not taken to stem possible misuse of soldiers, we don’t pray for such, but you only imagine the consequences that might follow, so we will not ignore such,” he said.

It will be recalled that a few days after Obanikoro had an altercation with the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, over the

invasion of a construction site in the state with armed soldiers, he surfaced in Ondo State at the Ilaje/EseOdo federal constituency byelection that took place.

The House of Representatives seat became vacant after Hon. Raphael Nomiye, a member of the Labour Party, died in November last year.

Obanikoro was said to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Governors: Babatunde Fashola,(Lagos), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), Fatai Ahmed (Kwara), Borno Deputy Governor, Zanna Mustapha and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) during a visit to the victims of Nyanya bomb blast at the National Hospital, Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Soldiers rescue kidnapped school girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ment Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted by the Boko Haram sect on Tuesday had been rescued.

The DHQ said the students were rescued by troops pursuing the terrorists believed to have carried out the attack.

The Director, Defence Information/Coordinator, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement last night said that only eight students were still missing as confirmed by the principal of the school.

“More students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok have been freed this evening (yesterday) in the ongoing Search and Rescue operations to free the abducted students.

“With this development, the Principal of the school has confirmed that only eighty of the students are still missing.

“One of the terrorists who carried out the attack on the school has also been captured.

“The military intervention and search and rescue operation to ensure the safety of the remaining students is ongoing in the suspected areas,” the statement said.

The state Governor, Kashim Shettima had earlier announced an offer of N50m to anyone that offers useful information, which could lead to the rescue of the abducted students.

Initial report had it that 10 girls escaped from an un-identified camp of their Boko Haram abductors, bringing to 14, the number of students that escaped as four had earlier outwitted their abductors when the vehicle conveying them to the camp broke down on Tuesday morning.

Shettima explained that the 129 final year science students writing exams were at the school hostel as at the time of the attack.

He said other science students were day students while the rest of the students were on holidays.

He, however, said the exact number of abducted students was yet to be as-

certained but that a register has since been opened for parents and guardians to make formal reports on missing students. According to him, 50 complaints by parents and guardians have so far been documented in the register.

The governor said his government was willing to do everything to ensure that the female students get reunited with their families.

He said he has been in constant touch with the principal of the school and the leaders of Chibok and have got everyone involved in the search for the students.

The governor, who was in sorrowful mood at the press briefing, said: “The commissioner of education has been in constant touch with the school and the people of the town. I have also been speaking to the principal and the district head of Chibok on hourly basis.”

On how the 10 students escaped, the governor said they were asked to be involved in the preparation of meals by the insurgents and they took the opportunity of washing

plates to flee the camp.

He said he would have been in Chibok by now but for security advice, which told him to stay away for now as search and rescue operations launched by the military and vigilantes were ongoing.

“I wanted to go to Chibok but I was advised against it because of military operations going on around there.

My convoy may interrupt the efforts and that will be counterproductive. What is important is to safely rescue our daughters and sisters,” the governor explained.

Shettima added that the time calls for sober reflection and should not be used to apportion blame, insisting that everyone is required to contribute his quota to finding the students and reuniting them with their families.

He said: “I want to appreciate the efforts of the military in the task of bringing peace back to the state.”

Shettima said he would not rest until all the abducted students are reunited with their families.

He said it was unfortunate that the students were abducted as the state has envisaged something like this might happen and had put in place strategies to check against it.

He said one of the strategies was the premature closure of schools about two weeks ago, stressing that his government, defying criticisms, closed down schools in the state knowing that the insurgents might strike at schools.

He added that the state government has had to bring the students to a central and secure place to write their WAEC/SSCE examination.

He said at various times whenever information was received, measures were taken to safeguard schools and in some instances students were transferred and some schools closed down.

He said: “We have had cause to close down prematurely some schools in the state. Students of GSS Konduga were rescued on the day Konduga was attacked.

We congregated all the stu-

dents in a central place. Students were moved from Mafa to Maiduguri to prevent them from being attacked.”

He said instead of the blame game, “the task before us is how to get the students back to their respective families”.

He said that the crisis would not “last forever and we are sure we will overcome this traumatic phase.”

In Abuja, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, briefing the press after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting said that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ensure that the girls regain their freedom.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, yesterday called on the Boko Haram insurgents to release the abducted students immediately and unconditionally.

This is even as the institution, which condemned the act in “strongest possible terms”, called on tiers of government across Nigeria to “urgently take steps to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Photo News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

L–R: Head, Corporate Services Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Bola Adeeko; United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James F. Entwistle; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema and United States Consul General, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins on a courtesy visit to The Nigerian Stock Exchange and also rang the Trade Closing Bell, yesterday.

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Works, Mr Ganiyu Johnson; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his Information and Strategy Counterpart, Mr Lateef Ibirogba at a news briefing on activities of the Ministry of Works in Lagos yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Marketing Executive, Marketing Edge, Nnedinma Nwakalor; Corporate Affairs Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; MD/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; Publisher/CEO, Mr. John Ajayi; Marketing Manager, Mr. Anietie Udoh and Executive Editor, Mr. Adewale Okoya, all of Marketing Edge, during the presentation of the Brand Personality of the Decade Award to Adetu in Lagos yesterday.

L-R: Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr Samuel Adenekan, former Nigeria GoalKeeper, Mr Peter Rufai and the Managing-Director,Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Dharnesh Gordhon at a news conference on the 3rd Nestle Milo U-13 African Championship in Lagos yesterday.

National News

ASCSN rejects plan to retire 1,050 civil servants MESHACK IDEHEN

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he Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has said it is rejecting a plan by the Federal Government to retrench 1,050 civil servants on the ground that they are serving illegally.

The Secretary-General of ASCSN, Mr. Alade Lawal, made the declaration in Lagos on yesterday, saying the decision by government was a smokescreen to sack innocent government workers

who had served the nation meritoriously for decades.

He said the association was demanding that no retirement in whatever form should take place until all stakeholders, including the ASCSN, verified the claim of the Federal Government.

The ASCSN scribe said senior civil servants were making it abundantly clear that if the government embarks on such anti-labour exercise without allowing the trade unions to participate in establishing the authenticity of its claim, the

union could not guarantee industrial peace and harmony in the entire civil service if innocent employees were victimised in the process.

He recalled that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HCSF, Alhaji Bukar Aji, said recently at the 60th Anniversary of the Nigeria Public Service Commission that 1,050 civil servants working illegally in the service would be retired in the next three weeks.

Lawal insisted that if government’s decision was

not a ploy to retire innocent civil servants, it should have no difficulty in setting up a government/labour panel to fish out the purported illegal civil servants.

“Our position is that the three-week deadline announced by government to retire the so-called illegal civil servants should be lifted immediately until a committee made up labour and government representatives confirm the staff screening allegedly carried out by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System,

Britain offers six Nigerian lecturers N8.6m research grants TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he British Council has offered £33,090 (about N8.7m) grants to six Nigerian university lecturers for research purposes overseas.

The grants will cover the recipients’ travel, visas, insurance, accommodation and subsistence costs for the one year period, beginning from now

that the programme is expected to last.

The benefiting lecturers include Prof. Benjamin Aribisala from the Lagos State University, Ojo, who will go to Heriot-Watt University; Dr. Temitope Olomola and Taiwo Bamigboye, both from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who will be travelling to University of Southampton and University of Bradford respectively.

Others are Dr. Ayodeji Johnson from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State; Prof. Murtala Sagagi from Bayero University, Kano and Dr Athanasius Manji (Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola).

They will be travelling to the University of Nottingham, University of Wolverhampton and Bangor University, respectively.

The Communications Manager of the sponsoring organisation, Mr. Desmond Omovie in a release, said the research collaboration would not only enhance the lecturers’ knowledge on global economy, but also make them more productive back home.

He noted that the programme would also link them for future collaborations.

IPPIS,” he stressed.

He also said the association was pleading with the Office of the HOCSF not

to implement an unfair labour policy, but to embrace international labour best practices.

US expert to assess Lagos, Abuja Airports OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he American Transportation Safety Administration’s, TSA Attaché for Central and West Africa, Ms. Mcneir Loretta, on Tuesday arrived in Nigeria for a threeday working visit to two international airports.

The airports to be assessed by the safety expert are the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.

An online media statement signed by the Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, stated that the visit would afford

the expert the opportunity to assess the airports recently audited by the TSA last December.

Adurogboye stated that Mcneir, who is based in Dakar, Senegal, had since Monday commenced her programme with a courtesy call on the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka.

He stated that after the courtesy call, she inspected facilities at the MMIA in company of the NCAA aviation security officials.

Mcneir is scheduled to meet with the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, before proceeding to Abuja for a further courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Jamilla Shu’ara.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

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Existing laws inadequate to curb products counterfeiting –CJN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of Food and Drugs: Issues Arising Within a Regulatory Frame Work’’ organised by the National Judicial Institute, NJI, in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Justice Mukhtar pointed out that the Nigerian law is especially weak in the area of penalties for offenders and remedy for victims of counterfeit of medical and food products.

She described counterfeiters as dangerous and

mean spirited adding that all hands must be on deck to curb their activities.

The CJN however assured NAFDAC that the judiciary will partner with the agency to checkmate the activities of counterfeiters.

“I know that the Nigerian judiciary is with NAFDAC in its mandate to deal with incidence of counterfeiting and protection of public health. The law may not be adequate, NAFDAC can engage with the appropriate bodies to review its law, while judges will explore all the options within the am-

bit of the laws to ensure the protection of consumers”.

She commended the management of NAFDAC for organising the conference adding that it would afford Nigerian judges a forum to rub mind together.

Earlier, in his welcome address, NAFDAC Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, identified counterfeit medical products as one of the major challenges facing the agency.

He disclosed that counterfeit medical products such malaria drugs and antibiotics were deliberately

and fraudulently mislabelled and sold as original.

Orhii pointed out that inadequacy of legislations on drug counterfeiting globally had led criminals to shift from illicit trade of narcotics, smuggling of weapons to counterfeiting of drugs.

He lamented that the law that provided legal basis for NAFADAC’s activities are obsolete, weak non-deterrent and un-implementable.

Specifically, he cited Section 3 of Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome processed foods Act which stipulate a fine of

N500 or a discretionary 15 years jail term upon conviction.

He said, “Weakness of the law breeds lawlessness giving rise to impunity, oppression, exploitation and violation of human rights”.

He said the Bar and the Bench have roles to place in the crusade against counterfeiting of drugs adding that the rule of law would come to play when the judiciary is independent.

He urged the judges to give cases involving counterfeiting of drugs,

misbranding of regulated products the priority they deserved.

In his remarks, the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) commended NAFDAC for waging war against counterfeiting of drugs and food products.

Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, the governor stressed the need for stakeholders to work together in fighting counterfeiting of regulated products in Nigeria.

Soldiers rescue kidnapped school girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

make sure that the children are returned to their families unharmed and that they can continue their education in a safe environment.”

UNICEF said in a statement signed its Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, and made available to National Mirror, said that it was deeply concerned about the persistent trend of attacks on schools in Nigeria, stressing that most recently, unidentified gunmen had killed 53 children between 13 and 17 years old at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

“Such brutal acts of violence are unacceptable. Attacks on schools deny children their right to learn in a safe environment and can rob them of their future.

Wherever it takes place, abduction of children is a crime and illegal under international law. Monday night’s attack on the Chibok school took place hours after over 70 people were killed in a bomb attack at a bus station in the Nyanyan neighbourhood, close to the capital, Abuja.

The northern socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, also condemned the abduction.

The group in a press statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim described the abduction as sad, painful and unfortunate.

According to ACF, the abduction of students by insurgents in a state where there is a state of emergency with heavy military presence and other security agencies was as sad, painful and unfortunate.

Meanwhile, following the

escalating spate of insecurity in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned state governors and members of the National Security Council to a meeting today at the Presidential Villa.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the National Security Council meeting scheduled for 11a.m would be attended

by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant-General Aliyu Gusau; the National Security Adviser, Cololnel Sambo Dasuki (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.

The statement further said that the meeting would be followed at 1p.m. by an enlarged meeting with state governors on security developments in the country.

According to the statement, the President, members of the National Security Council and the state governors would review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.

Jonathan reassured all Nigerians and persons living in the country that the Federal Government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts of Nigeria and would continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.

L-R: HRH, Alhaji A.M Askirama; HRH, Chief Eze Ilomuanya; Oba Adedapo Aderemi and Oba Michael Gbadebo at the National Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Presidency bars ministers from unauthorised campaigns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

have gone to Ondo State to campaign for the PDP outside his state, he was said to have stationed some of his soldiers at the collation center at Igbokoda, the headquarters of the federal constituency to scare away opponents of the PDP. Confirming Obanikoro’s complicity at the Ondo byeelection crisis, at a stakeholder meeting called by the INEC on Tuesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, disclosed that the commission had ample evidence to show that Obanikoro, had “his hands soiled” during the election.

“We are aware of how Obanikoro even soiled his hands obstructing the electoral process. You can quote me anywhere. You can quote me anywhere. One of our officers was almost lynched by the people because they mistook him for Obanikoro.

We know what happened and you can quote me anywhere,” Orebiyi had told the stakeholders.

Challenging the minister

to defend himself, the REC put the blame of the inconclusive poll at the doorsteps of politicians who he said did not only put the lives of the electoral officials at risk, but also forced them to collect money.

The Presidency source however said the REC’s disclosure was not new as the various security agencies that monitored the election have already submitted reports to relevant authorities. He, however, did not name the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said President Goodluck Jonathan is exhibiting the traits of an insensitive and hardhearted leader by returning to his campaign trail, barely 24 hours after 75 persons were confirmed died in a bomb blast in Abuja and 200 school girls abducted in Borno.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also re-

newed its call on the President to urgently convene a stakeholders’ summit and pursue a nonpartisan approach towards ending the insurgency, as it is now very obvious that the challenge posed by it is beyond the capacity of the government.

It said the President’s quick return to the campaign trail was reprehensible and has shown that his visit to the scene of the blast was merely to avoid the kind of flak he has received for refusing to visit Yobe, where 43 school children were massacred recently, rather than a genuine show of sympathy by a truly compassionate leader.

“Without mincing words, President Jonathan erred badly by not showing enough sympathy for the victims of Monday’s blast. More people died in the blast than from Kenya’s mall shooting last September, yet President Uhuru Kenyatta declared three days of national mourning during which flags at public buildings flew at half mast and the people

of Kenya prayed for the dead and the injured. “‘In 2012, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ordered the immediate postponement of all activities long planned to mark his 70th birthday, following the death in a helicopter crash of Gen. Azazi, Gov. Yakowa and others in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa.

Such is the stuff of a great leader. “‘How can a President whose failure of leadership has led to the untimely deaths of 1,500 mostly civilians in the hands of terrorists this year alone be so numb to the fate and plight of those who voted him into office? Or how else does one describe the action of a President who was in a celebratory mood in Kano on Tuesday, even when the surviving victims are still writhing in pain in various hospitals, the bodies of the victims are still lying cold in the morgue and the fate of dozens of abducted school girls remains unknown?’’

APC queried

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News

Thursday April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Boko Haram kills 18 traders, one district head in Borno Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

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ome suspected members of the Boko Haram sect have struck again in Borno State.

This time, they at-

tacked two buses on the Bama-Gwoza Road on Tuesday evening, killing 18 traders on their way from Pulka market.

Pulka is a border town with Cameroon and 119 kilometres South of Maiduguri, the state

capital.

This is even as another set of terrorists invaded Sabon Kasuwa village in Hawul Local Government Area of the state and killed a district head on the same day.

The gunmen, accord-

ing to an eyewitness, Hamba Tada, ambushed the traders at Wala village, 10 kilometres to Gwoza, before they were forced to alight from the buses and identify themselves.

Tada said: “After

chanting God is great in Arabic, the insurgents asked the traders to identify themselves first, before the drivers were allowed to leave.

“When a trader identifies himself as a Gwoza of resident, the gunmen shoot and kill the person. Unfortunately, all the occupants of the two buses are residents of the town, and that was how the all traders were killed that Tuesday evening.”

He added the non-residents of Gwoza were allowed free passage.

Taba said the selective killings might have followed information allegedly given to security agencies on the activities of terrorists last month by some Gwoza residents.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tanko Lawal, confirmed the killing yesterday.

He said the traders were returning from a border town market of Pulka when the insurgents laid ambush on the road and killed over a dozen travellers from two buses.

Abuja blast: Traders decry closure of Wednesday weekly market

T Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan (right), blessing the ‘Oil of the Sick’ during the Chrism Mass at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

FG urges Nigerians to unite against terrorism Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

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he Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday condemned Monday’s bomb blast by suspected terrorists at a motor park in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja.

The bomb blast killed scores and injured hundreds of others.

The Council also sympathised with families of those who lost their lives and others that were injured in the incident.

It, however, urged Nigerians to unite against terror attack.

Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, said in spite of the incident, the government had resolved to work harder and remain focused in the face of the criminal challenge.

Maku said: “The Federal Executive Council expressed collective sorrow over what took place and we condoled with Mr. President and with the families of those who lost their dear ones in the bomb blast and also commiserated with victims that survived and have been hospitalised.

“We collectively resolved to work harder, to remain strong in the face of this very criminal challenge to the future of our country; we resolved at this time, it is important that Nigeria and all her institutions must be united against terrorism.”

Maku, who spoke in company of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, said the Council urged all Nigerian to increase vigilance while commending security agencies for their prompt response during the bomb incident.

He, however, decried the report of the bomb incident by the media, stressing that professional ethics must be respected in such situation The minister said: “Let me also say that we observe with regret that in spite of the great job the media has continued to do, we saw that the way this incident was reported in the last two days has been insensitive.

“The Council noted and this is unprofessional that the papers and most of the television stations just unleashed on Nigerians gory details of pictures that should never have been

published on the basis of humanity, on the basis of professional ethics, and on the basis of feelings for the sensibilities of our people.”

Maku said such report showed disrespect for the dead and disrespect for the living and absolute lack of sensitivity to the health of members of the public.

While giving details of those affected in the bomb blast, he said 75 people were confirmed dead while 126 people are receiving treatment He added that the bomb blast also affected 47 motorcycles, 20 high capacity buses and 14 inter-state mini buses.

Maku, however, said that terrorists would not stop the country from moving forward.

According to him, the Council reassured the nation of the commitment of the government to overcome the security challenge.

While justifying the visit of President Jonathan to Kano for the rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Maku explained that the visit was a loud statement that terrorists would not stop the country from working and moving forward.

He said: “Don’t forget that this pain is to the President of this country more than any other person in this nation today and this President has suffered psychologically as a result of this criminality, which terrorists carry out to distract the public, to disrupt the normal activities of government and to set people against the government.

“You will notice that whenever there is any significant story, something will just come negatively.

So, the purpose is to demoralise, disrupt the government, society and to set people against each other and create paralysis.

“So, if we are to say we will do nothing because of the strike, then it means that terrorist would have successes in putting a stall each time they strike on our country.

“I think going to Kano was a loud statement that terrorists will not stop this country from moving and from working. On the day it happened, the President had already suspended all his activities and focus on it. Politicians will still want to exploit even the darkest moment for political advantage and this is what we should not do.”

he Monday bomb blast at Nyanya bus terminus, a suburb of Abuja, has forced traders and customers patronising the Nyanya Wednesday Weekly Market to relocate to the main market in the area.

The market, described by many as a “mini-export processing zone” was shut yesterday by the Federal Government to secure the area for investigation into the bomb blast.

The market covers a large expanse of land which stretches to the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Nyanya-Karu axis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market had become a rallying point for traders and buyers.

Some of the traders and customers described the attack on the park as a direct attack on their livelihood.

It was learnt that some traders, who made their way to the market with their wares, were asked by security agents keeping watch at the scene of the bomb blast to go to the main Nyanya market.

One of the traders, a shoe dealer, Emenike Chudi, said: “I am completely stranded; this is the place to make quick sales. In fact I do not have a shop inside the

market.”

Another trader, Adeaze Okoro, said the weekly market had given many people the opportunity to make brisk business.

“I am, however, not surprised by today’s directive not to sell. It will be dangerous to allow us run the market for now.

“Traders from far north, and even from Onitsha and Benue, bring their wares to sell. The local traders who reside in Nyanya see this as a blessing because unsold materials are never returned,’’ Okoro said.

Another trader, James Abdullahi, who manages an electronic warehouse in the market, said: “The sale I make every Wednesday here supersedes sales of the rest days and so I have lost so much today.

“The only thing that threatens the continuation of the market was what happened on Monday; it is ungodly for terrorists to use poor people like us as preys,’’ Abdullahi said.

Alhaji Yusuf Maikudi, a trader, said the market had afforded him the opportunity to improve his business in Lafia.

“The sudden closure of this place will affect me greatly’’ Maikudi said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday April 17, 2014

7

Pathologist: Funsho Williams was strangled Wale Igbintade

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he Chief Forensic Pathologist of Lagos State, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, yesterday told a Lagos High Court that the late Mr. Funsho Williams, the 2003 Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State died as a result of lack of air intake due to manual strangulation.

Obafunwa, who is a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of six suspected killers of Williams told the trial judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, that he visited

the scene of the crime on July 27, 2006 at Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi at 5:30 pm, following a call which informed him about the death.

Led in evidence by the state counsel, Mrs. O.A. Akin-Adesomojo, he told the court that he waited for policemen to arrive be-

fore he eventually saw the corpse at 10.00 pm.

He said: “I saw the body of a middle aged man, identified by the family, having his hands tied and lying face down in a pool of blood on a dagger wrapped with a newspaper.’’

The pathologist added: “I covered the hands and

taped it with a paper to prevent a foreign DNA which may occur during the movement of the body so as not to affect forensic investigations.

“I noticed that the room was scattered along with two other rooms which I checked before the body was moved to Creek Military Hospital and I left at midnight.

“During the Post-mortem examination, myself and two other pathologists at Creek Hospital discovered a cut on the deceased’s forehead and bruises around his neck,” he added.

While relating his findings, Obafunwa, said that there were deep bruises on the arms and legs of the deceased which suggested that he tried to restrain somebody before his death.

According to him, an

X-ray was also carried out on the deceased, which revealed a fracture of the thyroid cartilage (neck bone).

“Based on our findings, the deceased’s death resulted from asphyxia or lack of air intake due to manual strangulation and the wounds found on the deceased can be described as defence wounds.

“Blood and urine samples, eye fluids, stomach contents, nail scrapings and clippings were also taken by the police for further forensic analysis, after which I made a report,” he added.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Agbara Okezie, however, told the court that he had no cross-examination for the witness.

The matter has been adjourned till May 7 for continuation of trial.

Tobacco ban: BATN wants balanced regulation

L-R: Comptroller, Nigerian Immigration Service, Apapa Port, Mrs Taiwo Olayemi; Commissioner, Lagos Ports Authority Police Command, Mr Kayode Aderanti (right) and other officials during a visit by the police commissioner to the Immigration office, Apapa Port, yesterday.

Monarch, 2 others feared dead in communal clash ...as JTF deploys troops to Rivers community

Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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he Joint Military Task Force, JTF code named Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta has said it has deployed troops to Ibaa Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an intracommunal clash that has allegedly claimed the life of three persons, including a monarch in the area.

It was leant that the Ibaa community had been involved in a chieftaincy tussle, a development that has created panic in the area, even as social and eco-

nomic activities have been paralysed there.

Two rival cult groups ‘the Islanders’ and ‘Icelanders’ were hired by contending factions involved in the chieftaincy tussle who are terrorising the community, mostly at nights, looting, damaging property and raping women.

An indigene of the community who gave his name as Ndubuisi said that the bandits looted and damaged his store and almost attacked him, saying that most villagers were seeking refuge in neighbouring communities.

“They damaged my only store. In fact, it was only

God that saved me. Many people in the community run away. All these women you are seeing here, they only come to do small work, towards evening, they will run to other communities because they (the cultists) will rape people’s wives.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ibaa Community, Sunday Amadi, said a prominent chief of the community was among those killed in January.

Amadi, who spoke from his hiding, complained that the former controversial Commissioner of Police in the state, Mbu Joseph Mbu,

Lagos backs Adegboruwa’s alleged threat to life probe Francis Suberu

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he Lagos State Government has demanded full investigations into the alleged assassination attempt on the life of Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the lawyer who instituted the suit in which a Federal High Court, Lagos, ruled that toll collection on the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge was illegal.

The government asked for a full scale probe in a

letter dated April 15, 2014, signed by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye and addressed to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, While urging the police to prioritise the investigation, the Attorney-General said copies of the letter were also sent to the State Security Service, SSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in the state “for their information and necessary actions.”

Ipaye, who described Adegboruwa’s allegation against the government as ‘preposterous’, argued that since the lawyer had accused the government of being culpable, he should back his claim with evidence.

The commissioner charged the police chief to investigate the lawyer’s claim, with a view to establishing the ‘veracity’ of the allegation and apprehending the suspected assailants.

was petitioned severally, but refused to take any action He appealed to appealed to the state government to deploy men of the JTF to the area to forestall further violence and killing.

Confirming the deployment of the troops to the community, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, said the action was necessary due to the rising incidents of pipeline vandalism, oil theft and cultism by armed groups involved in the crises rocking the town.

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ritish American Tobacco of Nigeria, BATN, yesterday said that it supports a balanced regulation of the tobacco industry.

The company was reacting to the decision by the Federal Executive Council to send an executive bill to the National Assembly to ban public smoking in the country.

According to Mr. Freddy Messanvi, Director for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for West Africa, the company’s position on regulation remains the same: British American Tobacco supports effective regulation of the tobacco industry.

He added that for regulation to be effective and achieve its objectives, it must be balanced and enforceable.

The company has always stated its support for tobacco regulation. In the past, however, it had asked that the drafting of tobacco control bills must be clear of ambiguities in other for it to be enforceable.

BATN had also maintained that tobacco control laws must ensure that the legal industry is not affected by such laws to the undue advantage of criminal tobacco smuggling rings.

Messanvi said: “We have not seen the bill yet, so we cannot make any comments on the proposals. All we can say at this point is that, care should be taken to ensure that the proposals in the bill do not lead to unintended consequences, then the objectives for which such bills were passed will have been met.”

Kidnapped driver escapes Emma Gbemudu YENAGOA

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he idnapped driver of The Sun Publishing Limited, Amanze Achonu, yesterday escaped from his abductors along Emohua, Rivers State, while they were fast asleep.

Achonu was kidnapped on Tuesday at Rumuji Community along the East-West road while coming from Aba, Abia State to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

It was gathered that the victim escaped at about 3am and followed a track road until he arrived a com-

munity in Emohua where he found a Baptist Church and stayed there till about 6.30am before heading to the nearest police station in the area.

National Mirror was informed that the kidnappers had contacted the company’s Aba plant and demanded a ransom of N2m before he would regain his freedom.

In an interview with journalists, Achonu attributed his escape to the power of God. He thanked God making him survive the ordeal.

He said: “It was God that made all of them to sleep be-

fore I woke up and seize the opportunity to escape.”

Achonu said he was beaten by the kidnappers, blindfolded and his hands were tied during his ‘incarceration’.

He said: “On Tuesday morning when I was coming to Yenagoa from Aba, just before Rumuji, I was following a truck that suddenly bumped into the barricade on the road.

“I tried to manoeuvre and the next thing was that I was in the bush with the car and some boys had surrounded me. They took me out and beat me.

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LAUTECH Teaching Hospital workers begin indefinite strike over pay BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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edical and nonmedical workers of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, yesterday embarked on an indefinite strike.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC)

for all unions in the hospital, Mr. S. O. Faniran, said the industrial action became unavoidable after efforts to prevail on the management of the hospital to pay outstanding salary arrears of the workers failed.

Faniran said the two owner-states of Oyo and Osun owed the hospital’s workers three months salaries and all efforts to dialogue with their representatives proved

futile.

He said the workers had written several letters to the owner-states through the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olufemi Fadiora.

Faniran said when all efforts to get the money paid by the management failed, the worker were left with industrial action as the only option.

Calling for immedi-

ate end to all forms of deduction from workers’ salary, he urged the two owner states to address problems of non-payment of salary to prevent incessant strike.

While appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the governments of the two states to address the issue, Faniran insisted that the workers would not resume until all their demands are fully met.

L-R: Wife of Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Toyin Adaramodu; Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi; and Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; during her visit to Ilupeju Ilawe hamlet in Ekiti South-West Local Government as part of her farmsteads empowerment programme across the state, recently.

Easter celebration: Police beef up security in Lagos DARE AKOGUN

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he Lagos State Police Command has beefed up security across the state to prevent likely break down of law and order ahead of the forthcoming Easter festivities and Lagos State Black Heritage Carnival.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Ngozi

Braide, the police took the measure to prevent hoodlums from fomenting violence during the period.

The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, had directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to pay serious attention to strategic places such as worship centres, shopping malls, financial institutions, business plazas, markets, government installations, recreation cen-

tres, motor parks and others.

She said: “Strike forces and specialised units, which include Police Mobile Force (PMF), personnel in the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) and conventional men have been deployed to strategic locations to monitor vehicles and individuals coming into the state and conduct stop and search.

“The State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) operatives have

also been deployed in all nooks and crannies for covert operation to ensure hitch-free celebration of the events.”

Braide, however, warned criminals to stay away from Lagos otherwise they would find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Meanwhile, Manko, on behalf of the officers and men of the command, wishes Christians and Lagos residents Happy Easter and Black Heritage Carnival celebrations.

As a result of the industrial action, patients on admission were said to have been discharged.

But the hospital’s CMD, Prof. Fadiora appealed for calm to allow negotiations continue with the two over-states.

Fadiora, who spoke through the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ayodele Adeyemo, urged the workers to be patient with the government, assuring that all their demands would be met as soon as possible.

Ekiti sends outstanding teachers abroad for training

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eachers who made Ekiti State proud by winning presidential awards and other national honours are to enjoy overseas training, it was learnt yesterday.

The training will motivate them and encourage others to be more diligent and painstaking in the discharge of their duties, Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, said.

She dropped the hint at an interactive meeting with the head teachers of public primary schools at Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti.

Adelablu, who doubles as the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi was proud of public school teachers because of the laurels and national honours they have won for the state.

Two teachers excelled in the 2103 Presidential Educational Awards organised by the Federal Ministry of Education last month.

Mr. Jude Michael Osagwe of the AUD High School, Ire-Ekiti, emerged the overall best teacher (Teacher of the Year, 2013) in the Secondary School Category and Mrs. Celina Bosede Esan of AUD Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, clinched the medal as the third best teacher’s medal.

The deputy governor

commended the teachers for working assiduously; noting that their cooperation and diligence have contributed immensely to the huge success the state has recorded in the education sector and has not let government’s investment in the education sector go down the drain.

Adelabu listed patience, decisiveness and team work ability to carry others along as some of the attributes of good leaders and urged them to develop the traits and apply them in their positions.

She also advised them to continue to pray for the Fayemi administration by sustaining their support for his second term bid, adding that all their other requests were already being given priority attention.

Speaking on behalf of the teachers, the secretary of the state chapter of the Association of Primary Schools Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Mr. Benjamin Idowu Omotoyinbo, thanked the government for the improved welfare packages for teachers.

According to him, teachers in Ekiti State had never had it so good since the creation of the state as they now take their salaries and allowances as at when due, even as he confirmed that teachers now enjoy car and housing loans just like their counterparts in the civil service.

N10bn jet scandal: Lawyers want petroleum minister probed MATTHEW IRINOYE

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group, Lawyers United Against Cor ruption (LUAC), yesterday flayed the Presidency for its alleged silence over the N10 billion chartered jet scandal involving Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison-Madueke and the

various scam rocking the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The lawyers also demanded that the minister should be suspended to pave way for a thorough investigation of the ministry or be removed from office.

While addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos, LUAC Coordinator, Mathias Emeribe, said the

oil industry appeared to have been the most probed industry in the last two years and yet nothing seemed to have happened so far.

The group also decried the institutional decadence in Nigeria.

It , however, listed some of the scandals rocking the petroleum industry as $20 billion unremitted fund by the Nigerian National

Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federation Account, the fraud in kerosene subsidy regime, the crude oil swap deal between NNPC and some oil companies and the return of long queues at filling stations across the country.

The group said: “Except the Minister of Petroleum Resources is untouchable, the only option open to the

Federal Government is holistic overhaul of the oil industry beginning with her removal to allow for a thorough audit of the industry or suspend the minister and set up a panel to look into all the allegations.

“We demand that in the face of all these damning allegations for which she failed to take advantage of when given the opportunity

to defend herself before the House of Representatives Committee between 8th and 9th April 2014, the honourable way forward is for her to resign.”

The group expressed worry over the recently announced oil swap deal.

It wondered how the subsidy regime would play out to check out shortfall in supply.

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South West

Thursday, April 17, 2014

9

We don’t need FG’s permission to build bridges -Lagos FRANCIS SUBERU

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Free medical screening conducted by the Ikotun Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, for commercial drivers at Alagba Motor Park, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, yesterday.

FG unserious about insecurity, says NSCIA AISHA TITILAYO

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he Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has stated that the federal government is unserious in its fight against insecurity in the country.

NSCIA made this known in a statement, while lamenting and condemning the bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja on Monday, in which scores of innocent Nigerians were killed.

According to NSCIA Media Committee Chairman, Alhaji Femi Abbas, today’s precarious experience is not peculiar to Nigeria alone; some other countries had passed through similar experience in their history.

The only seeming difference, he said, is that while others were very serious in tackling such a horrible situation, the required seriousness is conspicuously absent in Nigeria.

problem, and yet expect a deserving result.

Abbass stated that there is enough evidence to show that the same strategy used in the past three years has become obsolete for the problem at hand, and it must be urgently changed.

“Treating the effect of an ailment while ignoring its cause, what Nigeria seems to have been doing in the past three years is like scratching a monster on the head,” NSCIA noted.

“We have a three-tier government to which the citizenry looks for protection and necessary provision of social amenities.

Yet, the feeling of sense of security looks alien to an average Nigerian.

“For how long will these lamentations and condemnations continue?,” the NSCIA asked.

It said it was strange for a country like Nigeria, which claims to be civilised, to continue to apply an 18th Century solution to a 21st Century

Dealers urge FG to ban 32.5 grade cement

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ement dealers and distributors in the South-West have called on the Federal Government to ban the sale of low quality 32.5 grade cement from the market.

They noted that such a ban would ensure that unsuspecting members of the public are not deceived into purchasing such low product for projects.

Phoning in from different states in the region, callers during a live Yoruba programme of the Radio Nigeria’s Gold FM in Ilesha, Osun State, ‘Owuro Lojo’, contended that high quality cement would eliminate the incessant cases of collapse buildings in the country.

The callers also endorsed the newly packaged Dangote Cement’s 42.5 grade and expressed optimism that the entry into the market of the product would help sanitse the building

and construction industry.

The noted that the timing of the introduction of the cement grade and the decision to rebrand it would help check adulteration of the vital products.

The callers, who lauded Dangote Cement for the initiative, said the incidence of building collapse had become a source of worry to cement dealers as all accusing fingers are being pointed towards them anytime the consumers detect any fake cement.

To ensure effective distribution and force the adulterators out of business, the callers advocated the establishment of depots across the length and breadth of the South-West so that quality product would be readily available.

Fielding questions from the callers, Dangote Cement Regional Director for the West, Mrs. Funmi Sanni, who was the guest

would stand out.

She explained further that the new cement contained ingredients that make it better than the common 32.5 being produced by some cement companies.

during the programme, explained that the new cement was an effort by the company to rid the market of low quality product by ensuring the high quality 42.5 grade is branded in a way that it CHANGE OF NAME

AJOSE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajose Oluwafunke Agnes, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinsemoyin Oluwafunke Agnes.

All former document remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EGBUJOR: Formerly known and addressed as Brenda Ijechi Egbujor, now wish to be known and addressed as Brenda Ijechi Johnson. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LARGER THAN I DEVELOPMENTAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Pst.Mrs) Elizabeth Olukemi Ogiemudia Dr. (Mrs) Christine Umanu Gabriel-Brisibe Deacon Izontimi Otuogha Miss Joanna Funmilayo Osamuede Ogiemudia Rev Emmanuel Osarewinda Ogiemudia

- President - Vice President - Secretary - Treasurer - Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create awareness on the handling and care of challenged persons in the society 2. To reach out to mentally and physically challenged persons, including less privileged children Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: PST. (MRS) ELIZABETH OLUKEMI OGIEMUDIA ( CHAIRMAN)

he Lagos State Government yesterday said it needs no permission from the Federal Government before embarking on construction of bridges and other people-oriented projects geared towards improving the lives of residents of the state.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who said this during the 2014 ministerial press briefing, added that the state government normally consults relevant organs of government and individuals before embarking on project execution.

According to him, “We do not need the Federal Government’s permission to build a bridge in Lagos.

That is the reality, we do not.

But like I said, we work with a lot of stakeholders when building bridges or roads.

“It is not just the Federal Government. Even tenants and home owners on the road, we have to talk to them.

“If you recall during the commissioning of the Ikoyi– Lekki Link Bridge, the governor thanked former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, that he gave up four buildings belonging to the Federal Government to enable us execute the project.

“We demolished four federal buildings and when he spoke to him, the then president just told him to go and remove them. That shows that there is discussion. If ADDITION OF NAMES

EWUZIEM: Formerly known and addressed as Ewuziem Uchenna Reginald, now wish to be known and addressed as Ewuziem Okebata Uchenna Nnanna Reginald. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

those buildings do not belong to the Federal Government, we will need the permission of the owner.”

The commissioner added: “We will compensate the owner in doing the bridge, we will have discussion. But to build a bridge in Lagos, we don’t need the federal government’s permission.

We should make that clear, but if the federal government owns assets that will be affected just like any other human being, we need to talk to them.”

Hamzat said the state government had completed over 161 roads measuring 147– 347 kilometres from 2011 till date, while 211 roads are being constructed.

He said: “The choice of roads to undertake is a function of possible network connectivity, traffic improvement, necessity, traffic volume, road capacity, flood control and management.

Hamzat added that in the process of developing infrastructure, the ministry created over 92,339 jobs for people.

The commissioner said the state government has embarked on the building of Multi- Agency Complex in Alausa, Ikeja area of the state, to address the challenges of housing its workforce.

“It is a way of ameliorating the challenge a new building that answers to the need of a number of such agencies. It is a twowing five-floor, and a wing of eight floor edifice with two-level car park,” Hamzat disclosed.

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DIMKPAGU: Formerly known and addressed as Dr. Ginikanwa Helga Dimkpagu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Ginikanwa Helga Njoku. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part C of The Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Okeke Prosper Ambrose 2. Okeke Josephine Lemechi 3. Edidi Michael Chukwuemeka 4.Adejumo Adeniyi Adeleke 5.Ebuka Ukatu

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To turn sinners to saints Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, PLOT 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

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South East

Thursday, April 17, 2014

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MASSOB declares May 30 ‘Biafran Day’ • Ten members arraigned in Onitsha FRANCIS EKPONE ONITSHA

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L-R: Representative of Enugu State Government, Mr. Joe Offor; representative of Commander, 103 Garrison, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Lt. Murtala Bature and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Bandele Onimode, during the South-East Workshop on Disaster Management in Enugu, yesterday.

2 children drown in Ebonyi village pond

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wo children of the same parents on yesterday drowned in a pond at Enwugba village in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, according to an eyewitness.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the victims Jideofor, 6 and Chinecher-

em, 4 - had gone to fetch water from the pond.

According to the witness, Chinecherem’s container slipped off her hand and in an attempt to rescue it, she slipped into the pond.

“Jideofor, who saw what had happened, rushed to assist her but he drowned as well,” the witness said.

The father of the children, Mr. Pius Mbam,

who resides in Enugu, expressed grief over their death.

Mbam said that he received an urgent call to come home only for him to see the lifeless bodies of his two children.

“If there had been any elderly person at the pond, the water would not have drowned my children,” he lamented.

The Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Mr Batholomey Ottah, who visited the family, urged them to accept the situation in good fate.

Ottah gave the assurance that the council would sink a borehole for the community before the end of April to address the water scarcity in the area.

Obiano vows to crush criminals, unfolds fresh programmes CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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nambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday marked his one month in office with a speech in which he vowed to crush all the unrepentant criminals operating in the state.

He also unveiled the new programmes and policies he would pursue in the coming months.

Obiano was sworn in as governor on March 17.

As part of the activities for the one-month anniversary, Obiano had in thespeech relayed to the people of Anambra State on the radio and television stations, stated that his number one priority is to secure the state and make it safe for the inhabitants and investors.

He promised that the ongoing crackdown on criminals would continue until Anambra is free from kidnappers, armed robbers, drug barons, extortionists

and all enemies of the society.

He assured the people of the determination of his government to fight criminals head-on, saying, “We shall not stop until Anambrarians at home can confidently and safely go about their legitimate businesses and activities without fear of any form of criminality befalling them. Make no mistake about this, I am determined to win this warAnambra shall be safe.”

Obiano said his adminis-

tration had also launched an elaborate campaign to reclaim the environment from the filth and rubbish that have overtaken it.

He disclosed that the government has already inaugurated a Special Committee on Agriculture in Anambra State.

The governor stated that in the coming weeks, there shall be a campaign to retrieve all the bad roads in Anambra from the increasing threat of potholes.

Insecurity stalling the economy, says Kalu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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ormer Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, has decried the negative effect security challenges are presently having on the nation’s economy.

He said due to the problems, the country’s Indices Capacity Utilisation is nose-diving in the face of growing Gross Domestic Product, GDP, which may soon reflect badly on the economy, if steps are not

taken by all stakeholders to address it.

Orji, who stated this during a visit to Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu in Minna, said in spite of the challenges, Nigerians appear unperturbed by the development on the economy.

According to him, “We are in a crossroad, but people are seeing it as a laughing matter. It is not a laughing matter. It is affecting everyone, especially those of us in the

private sector.

“What we are seeing today, the Indices Capacity Utilisation is going down, though the GDP may be growing, but soon, it will reflect. This is a very serious problem.

“We should not fold our hands and see our country going down, we must come together and proffer solution,” he said, adding, “We need to resolve differences, disagreements and a lot of irreconcilable issues.”

The former governor

also urged politicians in the nation to maintain a two-party system, noting that the system makes room a strong, vibrant opposition than a one-party system, so that people can have an alternative to choose from.

Governor Aliyu, in his response, stated that security challenges are of a great concern, hence efforts are being made by him and his colleagues in finding lasting solutions to them.

ver ten million Easterners are expected to gather at Okwe, the headquaters of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, on May 30 for the cational celebration of ‘Biafran Day’.

Ex-Biafran warlord, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, former Anambra Governor, Chief Peter Obi and others will be honoured for their contributions in fighting and championing Igbo agenda on that day.

The celebration, which will take place at MASSOB Freedom Square, Okwe, in Imo State, is aimed at showcasing and celebrating those who had at one time or the other made tremendous sacrifices for the overall interest of the Eastern Region and its people.

According to the press statement signed by the MASSOB National Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu and Chairman, Media and Publicity, Chief Larry Odinma, which was made available to journalists in Onitsha, “Many prominent Easterners participated actively and champion the struggle for Nigeria’s independence.

“Some stood against the political odds against Igbos and Easterners in general, some eloquently fought against Nigeria’s Federal Government’s aggression against Biafrans.

“In many fields of life, numerous extraordinary people of the East showcased their potentials in defending, fighting, promoting and developing the integrity, culture, tradition, prestige, honour and creativity of the people of Eastern Region –Biafra,” MASSOB said.

Other heroes shortlisted to be honoured on that day are Gen. Philip Efiong, Dr. Ralph Uwazuruike, Chief Mbonu Ojike, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Michael Okpara, Ezeogo Francis Akanu Ibiam, Sir Nwafo Orizu, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Chief Asari Dokubo and Major Isaac Ada-

ka Boro.

Also on the honours list are the late Ken SaroWiwa, Senator Uchechukwu Merije, Chief Orji Uzoh Kalu, ex-governor Peter Obi, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Mr. Philip Emeagwali and Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.

Chimamanda Adichie, the late Chinua Achebe, Senator Igwe Nwogu, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, ex-governor Nwabueze Ngige, Sir Emeka Offor and Mrs. Magret Ekpo are also included.

Meanwhile, the Onitsha Chief Magistrate Court, yesterday granted bail to ten MASSOB members who were recently arrested by the Joint Security Task Force in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The suspects were arrested on their way to a funeral ceremony of a late member at Ezinifite in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Among those arrested by the security agents are MASSOB’s Regional Administrator in charge of Awka South, Chief Arinze Igbani and eight others.

The MASSOB members were later arraigned in court and charged with conspiracy to commit felony and unlawful society, as well as threat to public peace in suit Number M/292c/2014.

However, the suspects when arraigned at the court, were granted bail by the Chief Magistrate Mike Okonkwo, who adjourned the matter to a later date in May for continuation.

One of the suspects and the Regional Administrator of Awka South Region, Chief Arnze Igbani, who spoke through the Regional Director for Information, Mr. Paul Okoye, said their arrest was uncalled for.

He described it as another ploy to clamp down on innocent MASSOB members by the state government under the watch of Governor Willie Obiano.

He narrated their ordeals in the hands of the security agents who arrested them, saying, apart from humiliation and threats, the police refused to arraign them in court for several days.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Ugborodo crisis: Factions sign peace agreement with FG THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he initiative by the Federal Government to restore peace to the troubled Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State may have started yielding results as the two factions embroiled in crisis were said have shunned further hostility.

It was learnt that the two warring faction signed peace agreement with the Federal Government.

The Federal Government Mediation Committee headed by Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, brokered peace on Monday between the factions.

One faction was lead by Dr. Alex Ideh/David Tonwe and the other led by Chief

Thomas Ereyitomi.

A source, who was at the meeting, told National Mirror that both factions signed the peace accord at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja after all contentious issues were amicably resolved.

The copy of the signed peace agreement obtained by our correspondent yesterday in Warri stated that all contentious issues over membership of the expected new Ugborodo Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Interface Committee had been amicably resolved as both parties submitted their 10 nominees needed to reconstitute the committee.

Part of the agreement reads: “Parties agreed to maintain existing peace in the community and anybody seen with arms will face the full wrath of the

law.

“Parties agreed that displaced persons must return to their communities immediately. It was also agreed that factions should not disrupt ongoing work at the NNPC EPZ Gas City project site.”

Nominees listed to work with Mr. Austin Oborogbeyi , Chairman EPZ Interface Committee from Dr. Ideh and Tonwe led faction are themselves alongside Dr. Ayo Ayomike, Maxwell Egbele Okoro, Moses Ajijala, Betty Igbene, Mike Lodge, Tuoyor Ojogor, Elliot Totuoma Ukutse and Femi Uwawah.

Chief Thomas Reyitomi tops his faction’s list which also has Alex Eyengho, Prince Perry Atete, Ayiri Emami, Pullen Esimimajemite, Isaac Botosan, Sanbdys Omadeli-Uvwoh, John Edah, Mercy Olowu

and Julius Atete as nominees.

An official, who did not want his name mentioned, said that as a result of the peace agreement, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan may inaugurate the new Ugborodo Community Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Interface Committee next week.

The official said: “There is no room for division anymore. All parties are bound to sheathe their swords and embrace a new united Ugborodo.”

The agreement was signed by Rear Admiral Austine Oyagha, for Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, Abuah AC, for the secretary to the Delta State Government, Chief Efe Akpofure (SAN), Dr. Alex Ideh and Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, among others.

Navy arrests fake Marine Academy operators in C’River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

A

uthorities of the Nigerian Navy yesterday said its Ship NNS Victory had arrested fake operators of an illegal Marine Academy in Cross River State.

According to the Navy Authorities in Calabar, the illegal institution, called Flight Marine Safety Academy -Nigeria Merchant Navy Institute was sited in Obubra Local Government Area of the state.

Suspects are Mr. Charles Origha, 45; and Director of Studies, Mr. Bassey Philip.

Student of the illegal institute are Aja Daniel, Effiok Issac, Mbei Leo, Marcellinus Ugbugha and Ogwu Gladys.

Parading them, the Navy Commander NNS Victory, Commodore Frederick Ogu, said the suspects were fished out while on a patrol on the National Inland Jetty Calabar.

Ogu said Navy discovered that the management of the institute had been operating without the licence from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Academy.

He said: “We arrested these people who claimed to be principal head and students of Flight Marine Safety Academy-Nigeria Merchant Navy Institute

located in Obubra Local Government Area, but without proven documents from the appropriate regulatory body, they claimed that they were returning from a maritime training in Cameroon.

“After the arrest, we interrogated them and the man who identified himself as Charles Origha claimed to be the Director of Studies of the school and later mentioned some big names in the state as the institute’s governing board members.

“We have called those people mentioned but they all denied being members of governing board of any maritime school in the country. We have gone through their identity cards and other documents and we discovered that all the names on their documents are not genuine.”

The state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr. Benito Eze, however, received the suspects from the Navy authorities.

Eze said it was a gross illegality for anyone to operate an institution without the approval of the appropriate government agency.

Origha, who spoke to journalists, said he and his students were arrested while returning from Cameroon on a training tour.

JTF nabs nine oil thieves in Bayelsa, Rivers EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA L-R: Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; HRH, Ehidiamen 1, Onojie of Opoji; Vice-Chairman and HRH, Dr. Aye Dirisu, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, at the reconstitution of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs under the Chairmanship of Omo n’Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin, at the Government House in Benin, yesterday.

14 cult members, 18 arsonists held in Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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he Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected secret cult members and 18 arsonists in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, said some of the suspected secret cult members were involved in cult-related violence that resulted to loss of few lives.

Opara said the arsonists were arrested by the police following an attempt to

burn the palace of the Oruma traditional ruler in Ogbia Local Government Area.

The police boss told journalists yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, that the arsonists had hatched a plot to burn the monarch’s palace for alleged misappropriation of oil funds.

He said they were arrested at Oruma by a team of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

While advising youths to seek legal means of addressing their grievances rather than resorting to jungle justice, Opara said the

suspected secret members were cooling their heels in the command’s custody.

The commissioner said some of the suspected them had been arraigned and remanded in prisons custody, while others were awaiting prosecution.

Opara stressed that any person convicted risked 10year jail term.

He said some notorious criminals placed in the wanted list of the command had also been arrested, noting that they were responsible for pockets of criminal activities in some parts of

the state, especially in Yenagoa.

While describing them as criminal contractors, Opara said they readily made themselves available for criminal operations.

According to the commissioner, one of the suspects was Ogbogire and it took the police a long time to arrest him at Biogbolo axis of Yenagoa.

He said: “Ogbogire behaved like a monkey. He jumped from one roof to another. In fact, he jumped about 12 roofs before he was eventually arrested.”

11

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he Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday said it had arrested nine suspected oil thieves in the creeks of Bayelsa and Rivers states, just as it impounded an illegal bunkering vessel laden with 1,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

It said the gun boat of Sector 2 Anti-Illegal Oil Bunkering Team deployed along Lagosgbene Obi creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State intercepted and arrested an illegal oil bunkering vessel Christened MV FLORA of about 25,000 tones in size.

A statement issued by the Media Co-ordinator of JTF, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, said eight crew

members and the impounded vessel were in the custody of the security agency.

Anka said the suspects were currently facing preliminary investigation pending when they would be handed over to a prosecuting agency.

Part of the statement read: “In another development, a patrol team also scuttled four wooden boats filled with illegally acquired crude oil along Bodo Creek in Rivers State.

A suspect, Mr. Pius Kpaa, was also arrested while attempting to load crude oil into a Cotonuo boat from a Shell pipeline.

“The boats and contents were destroyed in situ while the suspect was handed over to the Joint Task Force for a preliminary investigation.”

12

North

Friday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abuja Disco to roll out 96,000 meters in 12 months CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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L-R: Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu and Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, after the installation of Nuhu as the Emir of Agaie in Minna, yesterday.

Police confirm seven dead in Wukari violence

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he Taraba State Police Command yesterday confirmed the death of seven persons in the violence that broke out over night in Wukari.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Joseph Kwaji, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo, the

state capital.

He attributed the violence to reprisal attacks by youths in the town following alleged incessant raids by suspected herdsmen from surrounding villages.

“I can confirm to you that seven persons died in the violence, while many others had various degrees of injuries, which also left

many houses burnt,” Kwaji said.

The police spokesman dispelled rumour that the crisis was religious.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to tell the public that the crisis was neither religious nor political.

Security personnel have contained the situation.”

The state Acting Gov-

ernor, Alhaji Garba Umar, has, however, imposed a 24hour curfew on the town.

The Taraba Coordinator of the Red Cross, Alhaji Umar Waziri, said in spite of the curfew, violence in the town was still going on.

“This situation has made it difficult to ascertain the actual figure of casualties,’’ he said.

FRSC trains 49 Kogi convoy drivers, three managers WALE IBRAHIM

LOKOJA

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he Kogi State Government has sent 49 convoy drivers and three safety managers to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for training.

The FRSC Sector Com-

mander, Mr. Godwin Omiko, who confirmed this yesterday to journalists in Lokoja, the state capital, said the drivers included those driving the governor and other senior government officials.

Omiko said that the

training became necessary to equip the drivers with modern techniques of driving so as to ensure the safety of the governor, senior government officials and other road users.

FRSC boss said: “With this development, the state

has complied with the earlier demand that the drivers come for formal training.

“The FRSC has, since 2012, trained over 700 convoy drivers from the remaining 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Shema urges end to persistent Fulani-farmers violence JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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overnor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State yesterday called for collective effort to end frequent clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the country.

Shema spoke when he received the Benue State Committee on Conflict Resolution and Peace Building led by Brig-Gen John Atom Kpera (rtd) at the Government House in Katsina.

He said the state was bedeviled with such clashes before, but the problems

stopped in the last three years after the government held a meeting with representatives of Miyetti Allah Association.

Shema said during the meeting, the Miyetti Allah representatives revealed that old cattle routes in the state had been tempered with as houses had been built on them.

The governor said there was need to examine the Fulani in diaspora as some of the reported atrocities were not perpetrated by the local Fulani.

He said there were incidents in which some per-

sons with evil intent wore Fulani attires, but had no Fulani bearing and caused mayhem in communities.

Shema, however, said Katsina, as way of addressing the issue, made arrangement to provide escorts for foreign Fulani until they leave the state.

He also said that movement of cattle were being properly scrutinised to prevent bad elements from rustling hapless community members.

He commended Benue state for setting up the committee and assured of necessary support and coopera-

tion to ensure success of the committee’s assignment.

Earlier, Brig-Gen Kpera said that Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam had directed that the committee met with Shema to look at how to help reduce the persistent Fulani-farmers violence.

He said three local government areas in Benue State had been affected by Fulani-Tiv clash which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Kpere said the committee had met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, where the issue was discussed.

he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has unveiled plan to roll out 96,000 meters in the next 12 months to bridge the metering gap in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Disco, Mr. Neil Croucher, stated this after this month’s meeting with Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) with the CEOs of electricity companies in the country.

Croucher said the company targets about 8,000 meters a month which is about 96,000 meters in a year.

According to the AEDC boss, the meters would be rolled out on a solid platform to encourage easy payment systems.

Croucher said: “Yes, our intention on meter rollout is about 8,000 meters a month, which is about 100,000 a year.

“Again, following today’s discussion, and in about four to five months that we have been here, we have recognised that metering is

an absolute key area.

“We would be looking at ways that we could increase the rollout. We have to make sure that those meters are rolled out on a solid platform.”

He said the company would also be exploring ways of increasing the metering to ensure that every customer is properly served.

Croucher, however, decried the high level of electricity loss due to theft, even as he called on all stakeholders to work with relevant authorities to nip theft of electricity in the bud.

Also speaking, the chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the regime of reckless estimation in billing must stop.

“The reckless estimation must stop” he said.

He noted that both Abuja and Eko Discos had indicated interest in continuing with the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) earlier introduced by NERC to ensure seamless provision of meters for customers who can buy their meters and recoup their money through electricity supplied.

Wada dissolves exco WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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ogi State Governor Idris Wada has dissolved the state executive council.

The executive council was dissolved yesterday shortly after members’ weekly meeting.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Mr. Jacob Edi, stated that the dissolution was conveyed after the weekly executive council meet-

ing in Lokoja, the state capital.

The statement added that Wada thanked former members of the council for their unflinching and meritorious services to the state.

The statement said the governor urged them to be ready for further services to the state as may be required.

The commissioners were, however, asked to hand over public property in their possession to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries.

FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Federal Government yesterday announced tomorrow and April 21, 2014 as public holidays to enable Christians mark “Good Friday” and Easter.

In a statement sign by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interi-

or, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, the Minister, Mr. Abba Moro, urged Christians and Nigerians in general to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity of the country.

Moro also urged Nigerians to continue to co-operate with President Goodluck Jonathan to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

APC: Can Muslim/Muslim ticket fly?

F

ew weeks ago, when the news filtered in that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was tinkering with flying a Muslim/Muslim ticket ahead of the 2015 general election, many Nigerians expressed diverse views.

The thought of it flashed back memories of the 1993 presidential election where the Social Democratic Party, SDP, fielded a Muslim/Muslim ticket, Bashorun M.K.O Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, and went ahead to coast to victory in an election that was later annulled.

However, the scenario at presently is somewhat different, as the APC’s alleged permutation was hinged on personalities.

Two of its foremost leaders, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believed to command large followership in their respective regions, will be driving the ‘winning formula’ even before a duly constituted convention could sanction the arrangement.

It was gathered that the decision to field Buhari and Tinubu as APC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates was informed by the massive votes, which the pairing of both men, could garner for the party in the event of the general election.

By the party’s calculations, Buhari, who remains very popular at the grassroots level in most parts of the North-West and North-East, alongside Tinubu, who is from the South-West, will be banking on an estimated 44,848,911 registered voters who accounted for 61 per cent of total registered voters of 73,528,040, in the 2011 election.

This is in contrast to the 27,735,678 registered voters in the North-Central, SouthSouth and the South-East zone combined, who accounted for 39 per cent of total registered voters in the 2011 election.

APC’s strategists are also confident that with Tinubu as Buhari’s running mate, the pair will be able to secure the bulk of the 2,941,214 votes cast for Jonathan in the South-West and Edo State in 2011.

“With Buhari and Tinubu as presidential and vice-presidential candidates our goal is to secure the core North and SouthWest, which are the most populous sections of the country and can guarantee us at least 50 per cent of the total votes in the country during the presidential election,” says an APC source.

History of Muslim/Muslim ticket The first recorded history of an election in which the presidential candidate and his running mate were both Muslims was the June 12, 1993 election, when late business tycoon and philanthropist, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a Southern Muslim

The All Progressives Congress, APC, is perhaps the only opposition party positioned to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s grip on the presidency. But first, it has to overcome the hurdles of producing popular flag-bearers that are devoid of some sectional bias.

OBIORA IFOH, WOLE OLADIMEJI, TORDUE SALEM AND OMEIZA AJAYI, against the permutations of APC’s possible Muslim/Muslim ticket take a critical look at the development and the possible prospects.

Buhari

Tinubu

WITH BUHARI AND TINUBU AS PRESIDENTIAL AND

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

RESPECTIVELY, OUR GOAL IS TO SECURE

NORTH AND SOUTH-WEST

THE CORE

and Amb. Babagana Kingibe, a Northern Muslim stood for election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP. Abiola secured the presidential nomination of the SDP when he defeated Kingibe and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the primary election of the party ahead of the presidential election He later picked Kingibe as his running mate and contested the election against Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa and his running mate, Dr Sylvester Ugoh on the platform of the National Republican Conven-

tion, NRC. Abiola’s campaign slogan was “Hope’93, Farewell to Poverty.”

It was an election that broke ethnic and religious barriers, however, the election, declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential election by national and international observers, was later annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida. It is believed that Abiola won the election conducted by the then National Electoral Commission, NEC, headed by Professor Humphery Nwosu; he was said to have defeated Tofa even in his home state of Kano and over two-thirds of Nigerian states with 2.25 million votes in a keenly contested race.

Is APC a Muslim party?

As the controversy over the true mission of the APC rages on, the PDP has insisted that the APC was formed solely to promote Islamic tendencies and balkanise Nigeria along religious lines.

The PDP also said that if the APC has any form of courage, it should go ahead and make public the list of 35 national officers and their positions.

A statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “It is shocking that the APC would attempt to hoodwink Nigerians even in the face of incontrovertible facts exposing its religious inclinations and plots to divide the nation

along religious lines.”

According to the PDP, “the revelations by an Islamic cleric, Ambassador Yusuf Garba and the Religious Equity Promotion Council, REPC that the APC seeks to replicate the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood agenda remains a fact that cannot be brushed aside.”

The statement said the PDP had to “alert Nigerians on the evil machination of the APC with every sense of duty to ensure that Nigeria remains united as one and not fall to the evil plot of the APC.” Noting that it “remains committed to the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal, ethnic or regional affiliations,” the PDP added that it will continue to expose and resist anything that seeks to cause divisions among the people and balkanise the country.

But in defence of the APC, a former Aviation Minister, Chief Fani-Kayode said that the APC is not an Islamic party and that those using the list of its interim national officers as evidence of this are either being mischievous or are just plain ignorant.

He said: “The APC has 37 interim national officers on its interim National Executive Committee. 18 of those officers are Muslims and 17 are Christians. Those that are publishing and spreading the all Muslim list in the media and the social websites and netCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 works should be advised to go and publish the full list of ALL the national officers of the APC and not just the list of those who are Muslim. This is merely a PDP ploy to sell a lie to the public and attempt to clothe it as truth and it shall not stand. The truth is that there are many more religious and ethnic bigots in the PDP and much more ignorance than there is in any other party in Nigeria.

“Those that accuse the APC of being a party of Islamic fundamentalists, Islamists and terrorist sympathisers or a party for only Muslims are completely wrong. This is nothing but PDP propaganda. I despise and abhor Boko Haram yet I am in the APC. I am not a Muslim but a practising and devout Pentecostal Christian yet I am there and there are millions of other Christians there too. We are all there. The APC belongs to all of us and not just the Muslims. And neither can the PDP be described as the Christian party because there is nothing that is wholesome, good or Christian about its behaviour and performance in the last 15 years.”

APC denies Muslim/Muslim ticket Even with the persistence of the PDP on the real foundation of the opposition party, the APC has denied the reports, saying that it is neither a Muslim party or thinking of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, reminiscent of the SDP in 1992.

Buhari the candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, has even come out to deny the speculation that he was running on the platform of the party with Tinubu.

Buhari, whose political sojourn has been marked with controversy and opprobrium, told reporters last week that a possible run with Tinubu was not on the agenda of the APC. The Muslim/Muslim ticket, according to some quarters, is even suspected to be one of the reasons for Fani Kayode’s latest hobnobbing with the presidency.

Among candidates however waiting in the wings to pick the party’s presidential ticket are Buhari, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Nasir El-Rufai and other strong personalities like the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Col. Dangiwa Umar and several others in a pool that may not be in the APC at the moment, but can be wooed to run on its platform in 2015.

Why is Buhari different?

About 21 years ago, the late Chief Abiola picked a fellow Muslim, Amb. Kingibe, as his running-mate for the June 12, 1993 election. For a country that had long been sharply divided along ethnic and religious lines, this appeared foolish, but audacious.

The development nearly led to the disorganisation of the defunct SDP. In fact, a former governor of old Ondo State, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, was so embittered that he called Abiola to caution. He was reported to have told Abiola that “…with this your unacceptable decision, you’ve murdered Christ a second time!”

Abiola, a humour merchant, was said to have replied thus; “Baba, mi o si ni Calvary sir…” (I was not in Calvary sir). The rest, as they say, is history.

Nigeria has had eight military regimes spanning about 30 years since its almost 54 years of independence.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC: Can Muslim/Muslim ticket fly?

CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor

THE APC HAS

DENIED THE REPORTS, SAYING THAT IT IS NEITHER A

MUSLIM

PARTY OR THINKING OF A

MUSLIM-

MUSLIM TICKET, REMINISCENT OF THE

SDP IN 1992

The regimes were headed by Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (January-July 1966); Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975); Murtala Muhammed/ Olusegun Obasanjo (1975-1979); Buhari (1983-1985); Ibrahim Babangida (1983-1993); Sani Abacha (1993-1998); and Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998-1999).

Where there was a Christian Head of State, the Chief of General Staff (second in command) was a Muslim and vice versa except in the case of General Buhari, who picked a fellow Muslim, Tunde Idiagbon as his second in command.

All the civilian regimes had followed the pattern of sensitivity to the other religion but with Buhari’s reported stance on having a Muslim president; fears are rife that if he eventually becomes the APC flag bearer, he may also pick Tinubu, a fellow Muslim as his running mate.

Although the party has not picked him as its candidate, Buhari has dismissed speculation that he had picked Tinubu as his running mate.

Reactions by Christians party members Christian members of the APC have threatened to leave the party over the ongoing plan to produce a Muslim/Muslim ticket for the 2015 presidential election. Prominent among those leading this threat are members who defected from the PDP to the APC. According to these Christian politicians, the party must be subjected to a party primary and dutifully present a winner, who will not only be popular but acceptable across various geo-political strata if the par-

Fani-Kayode

ty hopes to make a breakthrough come 2015.

Even APC members in Diaspora are protesting the Muslim/Muslim ticket.

Fani-Kayode, had similarly warned of dire consequences should the plan be implemented, saying: “Please mark it, the biggest mistake that my party, the APC, can make is to field a Muslim/Muslim ticket in the 2015 presidential election. If we do that, we will not only offend the Christian community, but we will also lose the election woefully.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has also not been quiet over this development, faulting a Muslim/Muslim ticket for the presidency saying that it is considered normal that a Muslim would choose a Christian running mate.

Rev. Musa Asake, the General Secretary of CAN said: “If you look at the composition of the APC right now, they are strictly a Muslim party. When late Chief Abiola ran for presidency (in 1993), he was a Muslim and he chose a Muslim running mate. Sections unanimously voted for him without complaints. But you won’t get such from the Muslims. They want us to follow them, whether we like it or not.

They are changing the politics in Nigeria but we are not going to go in that direction again.

They should be very careful.”

Also, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, a delegate from Kaduna State and a member of the CAN and one time Secretary General of ECWA Church in Nigeria said: “Before I answer this question, I just want us to look at the context within which we are as Nigerian. As Nigerians we are identified as people who have ethic groups and ethnic nationalities, we come from region either east, west, or north or south and we also come from state. Nigeria as a country is multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. This context of the Nigerian society is very important in deciding who gets what, it is an idea among Nigeria that there has to be parity or representations.

“When Nigerians elect their leader they would like to have what is called ethnic parity or ethnic representation or regional or religious representation, so the expectation of Nigerians is that if there is somebody vying for the president, his vice must normally come from another religious group or region or ethic group. However, having said this, it depends on a political party, a political party

that feel very strongly that they can have candidates from any part of the country for example, a president coming from the North and vice president coming from the North, there are some Nigerians who feel very strongly that such should not be welcomed. So also the argument that a Muslim president should also have a Muslim vice president, that this should be normal, yes but the context within which we are demanding otherwise for example, if you have a presidential candidate who is a Christian and the vice is another Christian you may have problem in Nigeria, so it is for the Muslim/Muslim ticket.

“Now what I can say about this is that every religion consideration should be uppermost in our mind for the purposes of representation. Well , I would say that the party that does that, it means they may have done their home work seriously. That if they have Muslim/ Muslim, Nigerians would vote for them, well they may have done their home work. I do not have quarrel with that; I do not have misgivings about that, I will leave it to the party if the party does not consider the Nigerian context seriously then that is up to them.

Also, Ambasador Yusuf Mamman, a delegate in the ongoing conference said: “If eventually they do that, it’s only going to confirm my earlier assertion that the APC is a Muslim party that would soon crash. The party does not consider Christians, for instance, the party shared all the positions without considering Christians does it mean there is no Christians in the party. So picking Muslim/Muslim ticket is a confirmation and it would not be in the interest of entire Nigerians.”

Merit versus religion However, as much as a Muslim/Muslim ticket may not be desirable in the “present” Nigeria, the question is whether merit should be sacrificed on the altar of religion.

If two Christians are capable of doing a good job of the presidency, should their religion be a hindrance? Should that be so for two Muslims too?

In a plural society like Nigeria, with 774 local councils, there is no local government area that is incapable of producing a presidential and vice-presidential material.

Whatever the case is, Nigerians are in the best position to determine what suits them.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, April 17, 2014

15

Fayemi’s wife rallies women’s support for hubby’s re-election STORIES: ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

W

ife of Ekiti State governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, has continued to rally the support of women in the state for the second term bid of Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The governor’s wife said that her husband, having kept faith with his promises to the people so far, deserved another four-year term to enable him extend the dividends of democ-

racy to the nooks and crannies of the state.

Mrs Fayemi, who spoke at Oye and Ijero council areas during her empowerment tour of communities in the state, cautioned the people against the activities of poll-riggers who would come to deceive them and attempt to purchase their voters cards, adding that the remarkable difference between her husband and other governorship candidates was that Fayemi’s achievements were visible

and verifiable.

She said: “Others are coming to tell you what they will do. If you scrutinise their antecedents you will know that you cannot trust them. My husband has completed many projects across the state.

“He is the only person with the requisite experience and pedigree capable of further turning around the fortunes of Ekiti. We no longer want a government of one day, one commotion and violence.”

Urging the people to be rest assured of her husband’s commitment to taking the state to greater heights if given another opportunity, Mrs Fayemi said: “Governor Fayemi has delivered on all his promises to the people of the state.

My visit is to demonstrate to you that the government is also concerned about the development of rural areas.

“Any government with the fear of God, wisdom and compassion will not wait for the people to de-

mand for basic amenities before making them available. Your demands will be attended to.

“The only thing I demand of you is to ensure that you cast your vote for my husband on June 21. He is not God, but he does not promise what he cannot deliver.”

During the tour, the governor’s wife distributed kerosene, garri, palm oil processing machines, cooking stoves, treated mosquito nets and other empowerment materials in the

65 DAYS TO GO farmsteads visited in the council areas.

At each stop, she urged the women to form themselves into cooperative societies to benefit from the Ekiti Development Foundation’s soft loans

Police boss goes tough against violence

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APC leaders addressing supporters at a rally in Aramoko-Ekiti, yesterday.

Ekiti, Osun: We’ll recover our stolen mandate -Sambo OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

V

ice President, Arch.

Namadi Sambo, yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will recover Ekiti, Osun states and entire South West ahead of the governorship in 2014 and general elections in 2015 declaring that the party is heading for war.

Sambo, who lamented that the states were stolen from the PDP, however assured that the principle of one man one vote and transparent election will be seen in Ekiti and Osun states, which holds on June 21 and August 9 respectively.

This comes as a one minute silence was observed for those killed in last Monday’s bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration of the national campaign committee ahead of the governorship polls in both states, Sambo, who is the chairman of the com-

•As PDP inaugurates national campaign committee mittee, said: “We will deliver Osun and Ekiti to PDP. There is no doubt that the party will succeed.

“By inaugurating us today, we will go to the war front and bring back our stolen mandate. Everybody knows Ekiti belongs to PDP but people used different ways to take it from us. Osun is PDP state but it was stolen from us. The end of stealing has come. There will be free and fair election.”

Commending the national chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu, for providing conducive environment for conduct of the primaries in both states, Sambo noted that “everybody witnessed transparent free and fair primaries.”

He said the Ekiti primary brought Ayo Fayose back, whom he described as a grassroots politician “who will bring back sanity to the state.”

Inaugurating the com-

mittee earlier, PDP National Chairman, Mu’azu who described committee as the highest level campaign committee, urged them to put up good programmes “to be able to strategise for general elections and for the specific states”.

He noted that the party would be successful at the polls if the programmes are well implemented, adding that campaign teams should be setup and vigorous campaigns must be done.

Calling for reconciliation process and the inclusion of all stakeholders of the party in the campaign process, Mu’azu, also congratulated Sambo and other members of the committee, adding that he recognised their sacrifice to serve on short notice.

Other members of the committee include Senate President, Deputy Speaker, all ministers from the South West, former speakers, former ministers and party leaders.

he police in Ekiti State have warned politicians against violence in the build up to the June 21 governorship election in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Felix Uyanna, reminded the stakeholders in the election yesterday that the use of thugs and offensive weapons would not be tolerated in the campaigns ahead of the election.

Uyanna said this at a stakeholders meeting with politicians and party candidates in Ado-Ekiti that there had been an increase in politically-related violent cases despite the assurances to the police at an earlier meeting.

In attendance at the meeting were leaders of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, All Progressives Congress, APC, Accord Party, AP, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP. The police boss said that so far, the command had recorded 12 politically-related cases out of which eight had been charged to court while others were at vari-

ous levels of investigation, adding that politically-related violence was contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the rules of INEC. Uyanna stated: “It should be noted by all and sundry that the command will utilise all legal means to ensure that persons involved in these cases do not escape justice.

“For avoidance of doubt, I want to reiterate my earlier warning that use of thugs and possession of offensive weapons will not be tolerated.”

In his remarks, the INEC Resident Electoral Commission, REC, in Ekiti State, Alhaji Halilu Pai, pledged that INEC would provide a level playing field for all.

The PDP governorship candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose, pledged that his party will conduct its affairs peacefully; adding that any politician found fomenting trouble should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Also speaking, LP Candidate, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, said those perpetrating violence were only afraid of facing the electorate.

Arraignment: Fayemi’s supporters accuse police of bias

S

upporters and aides of Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, arraigned by the police in Ado Ekiti yesterday have accused the police of bias.

The police arraigned four of them on a fourcount charge of malicious damage to property, attempted murder among others, even as three of the

accused persons are also accusing a top police officer of threatening their lives.

The three accused persons - Richard Apolola, Owoju Ayodele and Adeniyi Adedipe told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that they were only invited by the police over a case of malicious damage to property, only for them to be charged

to court for attempted murder among others.

However, the fourth person charged to court, Deji Adesokan was not at the press briefing.

Apolola, who spoke for the three, said the top police officer claimed that he was sent to the state to get rid of people like him.

Adedipe and Owoju who

corroborated him, said their plight was as a result of their refusal to work with a particular governorship candidate. But Uyanna, absolved the police of wrongdoing in the matter.

Uyanna, who said his men conducted their jobs professionally, urged any aggrieved person to report to appropriate authorities.

16

Politics

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Delegates protest committees’ membership WOLE OLADIMEJI AND OMEZA AJAYI ABUJA

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he issue of committees memberships remained unresolved yesterday again as the chairman of the ongoing National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, was bombarded by delegates, who complained that they were not properly placed in the committees.

Delegates resumed sitting at 4.00pm with

several complaints that they were not put in the committee they preferred and attempts to make the delegates see reason fell on deaf ears as most of them insisted.

While many objected to working in the committees where they were placed, others advised that they should first go to work in their present committee instead of the bickering.

Prof Iyorchia Ayu called on the confab leadership to mix up the membership

so that non professional can also contribute their experiences and benefit from the work of the professionals He said: “That you are a professional in a particular area should not automatically give you that area as your committee; non professionals in some areas might have experiences in some technical committees.”

Olawale Okuniyi, said there was need to bring the best out of the assembly

and underscored the need for the leadership to consult with the delegates before placing them in the committees.

Mr Femi Falana urged the chairman to entertain genuine complaints, while Mike Ahamba said wherever anyone is placed, they should accept it.

Ahamba was of the view that people should not be placed where they are experts, saying that it was the same people who were agitating over their

15 placement that called on the leadership to hasten up on the committees without necessarily considering the enormity of the task involved.

A youth delegate, Comrade Abur Clifford stated that the 18 youths were not spread in the 20 committees and stated that the leadership of the conference does not want any good future for the youths, adding that

youths were often blamed as being involved in the violence taking place in the country, saying that the youths might have useful suggestions to end the violence in the country.

Other delegates laid sundry complaints about the composition of the committees, with many saying that the committee lists were published without delegates’ approval.

Ex- Speaker, Bello, two others jostle to be Omisore’s deputy STORIES: BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

O Dignitaries at the PDP rally in Kano, recently.

PDP can’t rig Osun gov poll -Aregbesola

O

sun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday evening said it would be impossible for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or any of its influential members to rig the August 9 Osun governorship poll.

Governor Aregbesola, who stated this while speaking during the commissioning of newly constructed 15 township roads in Ilesa, assured the people of protection before and after the August 9 election saying: “It will be practically impossible for the PDP to foment trouble in any part of the state.”

Aregbesola contended that his administration’s commitment to changing the face of Osun through the construction of modern road networks can be seen in the massive road construction going on simultaneously all over the

state, pointing out that the administration is deliberately concentrating on those roads that have very high impact on the socioeconomic lives and existence of the people.

He said: “In Osogbo, a total of 21 township roads are being constructed or rehabilitated and have gulped N4.095 billion. In Ede, 13 township roads have been repaired through direct labour, at the cost of N873,817,458.85.

“In the different federal constituencies in the state, 79 kilometres of intra-city roads are under construction and rehabilitation, with most of them completed. In addition to the intra-city roads, 20 other roads traversing the cities, and covering a total of 294.27 kilometres, are also at advanced stages of completion, worth N10.62 billion.

“We are also constructing six selected roads,

covering more than 74.1 kilometres, in the six geopolitical zones of Osun at a cost of N17.5 billion.

We inherited eight road rehabilitation projects of 144.29 kilometres from the previous administration, which we have almost completed.”

The governor said that yesterday’s commissioning was part of the township road development projects for Ilesa, adding: “The 15 township road rehabilitation works have been completed to the glory of God and for the greater good of the people.

On these roads, totalling 29.71km, we have expended N3.7 billion.”

In his address, the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran on behalf of other Oba’s commended the administration of Aregbesola for the giant stride he is tak-

ing in Osun.

His words: “We are marvelled by your doings because we have not had it this good since the creation of Osun, we traditional rulers, not only in Ijeshaland but the whole of Osun gives you a ten over ten scorecard.

“Your administration has been able to accomplish various transformational and developmental projects within the available but meagre resources through prudent management of fund and budget discipline”.

President of the Market Women Association in Osun, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade, added fresh dimensions to the various economic advantages of the new roads network, saying the new roads would enhance commerce and reduce cases of labouring women experiencing complications.

sun State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is presently considering three stalwarts of the party as running mate for its governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, National Mirror authoritatively learnt yesterday.

The party, it was gathered arrived at the shortlist of three candidates after careful considerations of their individual pedigree and the need to pacify some leaders of the party believed to be aggrieved as a result of its recently conducted governorship primaries.

A reliable source in the State Working Committee, SWC, of the party revealed that the shortlisted probable running mate to Omisore as;former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Adejare Bello, Chief Lere Oyewumi and Hon. (Mrs) Funmilayo OlasehindeMustapha.

Both Chief Oyewumi and Chief (Mrs.) O l a s e h i n d e - M u s t ap h a were former chairpersons of Irewole and Ifedayo local government areas respectively.

The choice of Bello, sources said was to

appease Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who is believed to be nursing animosity against Omisore and the Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa -led SWC of the PDP. Bello was the Director General of Adeleke Campaign organisation and was very active in the group for the period the former governor of Osun State was in the race for the ticket.

For Oyewumi, a commissioner in the National Population Commission, NPC, the group pushing for his emergence hinged their push on his closeness to Omisore and his political influence in Osun West senatorial District.

Mrs. OlasehindeMustapha, a one-term member of the state Assembly is also being considered for what a source in the party described as “need for fresh blood” to run with PDP governorship candidate.

18

Editorial

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

BANKOLE MAKINDE

DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

GENERAL EDITOR

BEN MEMULETIWON

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Averting Lagos ferry mishaps L S R ecently, at the 13th National Council on Transportation meeting held in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said that Nigeria can develop a public transport system that promotes people’s safety and security, creates jobs and promotes economic growth. He advised that we need to also review our transport policies, train our drivers appropriately and build a healthy transport system. The statement is apt and indeed captures a national aspiration. However, this aspiration is far from the prevailing reality, especially as it affects water transportation in Lagos State as well as other parts of the country.

Lagos metropolis is surrounded by water, a situation a creative leadership should exploit for both the enhancement of public transportation service delivery and internally generated revenue mobilization capacity. It is to the credit of the Fashola administration and his predecessor that these potentials are being tapped to create jobs and promote economic growth. However, the safety and security imperatives of the ferry services operated in the state are not taken as seriously as the economic spinoffs. This is a challenge the state government must confront and arrest.

Lagos has a burgeoning water transport system and many Lagosians are increasingly warming to

the reality that it might be a much better alternative to the stressful and chaotic road transport system.

Industry players have been very exuberant about the potentialities of this form of transportation.

However, there is one big concern: passenger safety and security.

While it is true that hazards exist in every human endeavour, they could be controlled. But when there is a high incidence of such hazards, it gives cause for concern. This is the situation with Lagos ferry services.

Within a spate of six months, three major disasters within the sector have put to question the efficacy of the safety and security measures put in place by Lagos State Waterways Authority. As recent as April 2, 2014, a boat operated by Bell Marine Services that runs the Ebute Ero-Majidun, Ikorodu route, broke into two and sunk mid way to destination; in the process nine people lost their lives, including an intending couple. Last March, 18 passengers of a boat that capsized around FESTAC Town died. And in October last year, eight persons got drowned after another boat coming from Sagbokji Village capsized around Apapa area of the state. The common features of these mishaps were substandard life jackets, over speeding, overloading and poor state of some of the boats involved.

The Lagos State government hasa responsibility to take ap-

AGOS

TATE HAS

SEVEN POTENTIAL WATER WAY

TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS FOR DEVELOPMENT propriate measures that would ameliorate the situation. The same zeal with which it is regulating and controlling road transportation should be extended to water transportation.

The Lagos Ferry Project is an appropriate response to the dictate of Nature. It will be sheer ineptitude on the part of the leadership of a city like Lagos with its challenging road transportation system not to tap from the waters surrounding it. But putting these opportunities of Nature to better uses will exert considerable pressures on the authorities.

This is the challenge before the Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

Headed by Mr. Olajide Tairu, Director, Public Transportation and Commuter Service, the Committee, which has 10 days to complete its assignment, will ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the April 2, 2014 boat mishap and such other similar incidents in the past as well as ascertain and confirm

details of the accident; and identify the roles of all concerned persons, institutions and agencies and make such recommendations necessary to avoid a recurrence of such incidents, promote safe practices and adherence to safety standard in water transportation in the state.

The Committee has a herculean task ahead. Lagos State has seven potential water way transportation corridors for development and mass transportation. They include Ijede-Badore; Badore-AdmiraltyOsborne Marina; Ikorodu-Marina; Ijegun Egbe through Okokomaiko and Mille 2 to Marina; Oke-Afa in Isolo to Festac to Mille 2 to Marina; Ajegunle to Marina and Iddo to Marina. Those operational include the Ikorodu-Marina and BadoreAdmiralty- Osborne to Marina and also Ijede to admiralty. There are ferry services commuting people from FESTAC through Mile 2 and Apapa to Marina.

The structures in all of them must be verified, so also are the logistics provided by the operators; they have to be assessed against the standards given to them. And where apparent deficiencies exist, they should not be spared. The cooperation of the National Association of Nigerian Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters (NATBOWAT) and all other stakeholders are needed here.

ON THIS DAY April 17, 1969

April 17, 1993

Alexander Dubcek, leader of Czechoslovakia between 1968 and1969, was forced to resign as First Secretary in April 1969, following the Czechoslovak Hockey Riots. In January 1969, he was hospitalized in Bratislava complaining of a cold. Rumours swirled that his illness was radiation sickness and that it was caused by radioactive strontium being placed in his soup during his stay in Moscow in an attempt to kill him.

Two of the officers, who participated in the beating of Rodney Glen King, an African-American construction worker, were found guilty and subsequently imprisoned. The two were members of the Los Angeles Police Department who participated in the racially induced humiliation on March 3, 1991. George Holliday had videotaped much of it from his balcony and the footage was aired around the world, inflaming global outrage, and raising public concern about police treatment of minorities.

APRIL 17, 2011 Kenyan long distance runner, who specialises in road running competitions, Geoffrey Kiprono Mutai, wins the Boston Marathon in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes 2 seconds, the fastest marathon ever. His other significant victories include the Monaco Marathon. He is also a strong half marathon runner, with wins at the Valencia Half Marathon and RAK Half Marathon, and a best of 58 minutes 55 seconds, to his name.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Education Today

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

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE, SADIAT ALAUSA AND NDAHI INUSA, BORNO

C

ontrary to speculations that Nigerian students are afraid to write online examinations, National Mirror’s investigations revealed the contrary.

Unlike last year when a little over one hundred thousand students from the total of 1.7 million sat for the computer-based Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), no fewer than 650,000 candidates in all nationwide, are expected to sit for the same model this year.

It will be recalled that the body in charge of the examination- Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)- had proposed and insisted that, beginning from next year, all candidates across the federation sitting for its exam would have to write their papers compulsorily online.

Our correspondents monitored the first phase of the exam last Saturday in some parts of the country and confirmed that many more students now preferred computer-based test otherwise known as online exam to the conventional paper and pencil model.

At Cham Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, where candidates sat for dual-based test, National Mirror observed that the students enjoyed the exercise. A total of 250 candidates used the centre.

The model gives candidates opportunity to read their questions online while they shade their answers with pencil on customised papers.

Interestingly, two candidates for the same subjects’ combination sitting side-byside will find it almost impossible to copy each other because of the staggered way by which their questions are numbered. Candidate ‘A’ question number 10 for Economics for instance, may be question number three, 18 or 45 for candidate ‘B’.

Some of the candidates at the centre however, said they didn’t see themselves choosing paper and pencil model when there is online option.

Sunday Odebunmi, Uche Anyandu, Sefinat Abdullahi, among others told National Mirror that there was no serious challenge encountered during the exercise. Some of them said they had been sitting for online exams like GMAT, TOEFL and so on before now and therefore they welcome the transition to computer based.

Also at the University of Lagos, Akoka; Yaba College of Technology; Federal College of Education (Technical), Yaba, among others, where the same exercise took place in Lagos, students equally welcome the development. They said it was not only more convenient, but it was also in line with the development in the information communications and technology practice around the world.

They added that after all, many of the tertiary institutions in the country nowadays conduct their post-UTMEs online.

A candidate at Cham Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

Amazing! JAMB candidates vote for online exams • Say exercise more convenient The story is not different in Gombe State.

At the state university, our correspondent observed that the exam was hitch- free.

Muhammed Aliu, one of the candidates at the centre, said it was now that he realised that the online exam is far better than the paper and pencil format.

While he encouraged students who are not confident in using computer to brace up, he said the introduction of online exam by JAMB is a good development for the education system.

Speaking on the workability of the model, an Assistant Director in charge of Corporate Support Services of JAMB, who supervised Cham Centre, Mr. Babatunde Ifesanmi told National Mirror that the questions were uploaded into the system as early as 6:00am while the biometric accreditation of candidates commenced one hour after and the examination billed for three and half hours followed by 9.30am.

He noted that the board had made adequate preparation with its partnering institutions to provide facilities such as generators that would make the exam uninterrupted.

And apparently in preparation for the next year’s edition when the paper and pencil exam is expected to be phased out completely, the examination body has reduced drastically the

TWO CANDIDATES FOR THE SAME SUBJECTS’

COMBINATION SITTING SIDE-BY-SIDE WILL FIND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO COPY EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF THE STAGGERED WAY BY WHICH THEIR QUESTIONS ARE NUMBERED number of conventional centres nationwide.

This, especially in urban centres, where there are computer facilities.

In Lagos for example, the exam did not take place at Agidingbi Grammar School Ikeja; Vetland Secondary School, Ifako-Ijaiye; Sango Secondary School, Agege; Tomia Secondary school, Agbado; Logic High School also in Agbado; and Ogba Grammar School, among others. All these are traditional centres for the

exam.

But some candidates are still not comfortable with the online model, saying all students would need to be more familiar with computer system before the phase out of the conventional system. This was the view of many candidates at Ansarul Islam Girls High School, Ahmadiyya- Ijaiye and Falomo Comprehensive High School, Ikoyi where paper and pencil test took place among other few centres in Lagos.

Moses Oladejo, who aspires to be an economist, told National Mirror that he was more comfortable with the method than online. He noted that he had the opportunity of reading one question over and over again.

Idiat Isiaka who shared similar view stressed that she has phobia for online examination.

“I was told that questions may disappear completely from the screen if not properly saved and that means one has missed such question. And what will happen if such occurs? It is failure,” she said.

Now as it is, the full computer- based where candidates will have to read questions and fill their answers on line for this year will commence Saturday, May 17 and will continue for the next three Saturdays.

20

Education Today

Thursday, April 17, 2014

2013 WASSCE results: No Nigerian in top three in W/Africa SAIDAT ALAUSA

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o Nigerian was among the best three candidates in the 2013 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, conducted by

West African Examination Council, WAEC, across its five member countries.

This was disclosed at the council’s 62nd annual meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, recently.

At the event, the trio of Miss Ivy Mannoh, Miss

Rhoda Adu-Boafo and Master Mwinmaarong Dery who came first, second and third respectively were honoured with the WAEC International Excellence Award for their outstanding performance in the 2013 May/June diet of the council.

L-R: Special Adviser to Governor of Lagos State on Eko Project, Ms Ronke Azeez; her counterpart on Education,Otunba Fatai Olukoga; Governor Babatunde Fashola and the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye at the teachers’ competency framework training, recently. PHOTO SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

They were all from Ghana and selected from a total of 2,109,122 candidates who sat for the examination in Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia.

The overall winner-Mannoh- was also honoured with Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award at the occasion.

The Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Headquarters, Ghana, Mr. Abiodun Aduloju in a release made available to National Mirror, said the students were chosen based on their outstanding results.

He noted that the council used the occasion to receive reports on its previous exam from member countries, ratify the decisions taken by its various committees and plan for future.

Council is the highest decision making organ of WAEC and hosting of its annual meeting is rotated among the five member countries.

I’m enjoying my job, says office assistant at AOCOED …now 27 years in service TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

M

adam Modupe Kolawole is proud of her job. To her, whatever legitimate job one does to earn a living from is worthy to be cherished.

“I don’t joke with my job. What I want in life is dignity and peace of mind which I found in the job that I am doing,” she told National Mirror.

Mrs. Kolawole was among members of staff of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State that were honoured by the college with the long service award recently. Others are: Emmanuel Omodoroni; Olatundun Odedele; Oluchi Ihedigbo; Charity Ojo and Ishola Adetayo.

Kolawole is an office assistant in the Provost’s Office. She has spent 21 years in that office out of her 27 years in service. With that, she had served four provosts of the college all together while the rest as a cleaner in the school library.

By virtue of her diligence and humbleness, she is well known in the college. And there is virtually no office in the institution, according to her, that she will not be welcome warmly.

But one surprising thing is that she enjoys retention in that office. The practice in the college according to her is that an office assistant should not stay longer than three years in a particular office. “But my case is different. I have spent over two decades in the provost office and honestly speaking, I’m enjoying the job. I don’t wait, either it is

Kolawole

convenience or not, for anybody to start asking me to do my job,” she said proudly.

Even at that, Madam Kolawole, who trained as a photographer, pointed out that, working as an office assistant, is not that easy as many people are made to believe. According to her, it is demanding just as every other job as there may be pressure and the need to stay for longer hours at times.

“So, I have no single query in my file since I joined the college. This is a rare experience for staff that has stayed long in service not only in AOCOED but also elsewhere,” she stressed.

On her achievement on the job so far, she said peace of mind and fulfillment is the most striking.

“God has blessed me richly on the job.

My marriage was just four years old when I joined the college, but now I have children who are university graduates and others are also doing well in their respective schools. I have built a house and not also lag behind in

my responsibilities as a wife, mother and members of the society. Although, I may not be rich financially, I am not a beggar,” she added.

On why she has not been able to further her education for possible change of job and status despite she works in the academic environment, she said one of her bosses, who is now retired Mr. Owolabi Amusi and her colleagues encouraged her to do so at a time.

She took the step and registered with the National Teachers’ Institute for Grade Two Teaching certificate. But up till now, according to her, she has not been upgraded based on the certificate.

Kolawole, from Ira Ekiti in Ekiti State, who was employed on Level One, is just one level up 27 years after. But she hopes that she will be promoted before she bows out of service.

Advising her junior colleagues, she asked them to be more committed, saying it is rewarding to be a diligent worker.

“But it is painful to see some workers interesting only in their salaries without minding if they do their works satisfactorily,” she said.

She believes that everybody should be able to do his or her job diligently and with honesty.

It is by so doing, according to her, that the society can move forward.

Back to the award, none of her relatives witnessed the ceremony. Why? She said it was deliberate, simply because she did not know the modality as such event was the first as far as she knows, in the college.

“So, I don’t want to embarrass anybody.

But now, I can go home to show my gift and plaque to my husband and other members of the family,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashola reiterates relevance of technical education SAIDAT ALAUSA

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has restated that his government would continue to improve technical education because of its socio-economic relevance to the country.

He made this observation at the 22nd convocation ceremony of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, last week. A total of 14,920 students were awarded certificates at the ceremony.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule said any country that was moving towards industrialization and improvement in quality of life of the citizens would have to invest heavily in quality technical education.

Fashola said it was in line with this that his administration engages in massive educational development at all levels.

Advising the graduands, the governor urged them to make good use of the knowledge and skills they had acquired to make meaningful impact in the society.

On his part, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal, said the institution has turned out over 70,000 graduates since inception and the feedback in the polytechnic indicates that they are competing favourably in various sectors of the economy.

He also said the polytechnic would continue to pursue the vision of becoming a world class tertiary institution by providing quality education to meet the needs of the nation and the world at large.

Thanking the Lagos State government for the support rendered to the institution so far, the rector pleaded for increased funding in order to tackle other challenges confronting the polytechnic.

He admonished the graduands to maintain and promote the highest standards in everything they do by identifying opportunities that can lead to new innovations for the development of the country’s economy.

British Council launches schools’ networking

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he charitable arm of the British Government on cultural relations and educational opportunities, British Council has launched the British Council Schools Network (BCSN) in Nigeria.

The Marketing and Communications Manager of the organisation, Mr. Desmond Omovie, who stated this in a release, said the networking is a platform for the British Council associate schools in the Nigeria.

He noted that the network would deliver schools products and services that would enable schools to improve their quality of education provision in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, April 17, 2014

21

‘Include anti-corruption studies in curriculum’

Afe Babalola blames ASUP strike on governing councils

A ZA MSUE

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

KADUNA

F

ormer Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Kaduna State chapter, Mr. Paul Yaro Jezhi has called on government at all levels to include strategy and anti-corruption studies in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions for the nation’s speedy transformation agenda.

Jezhi, who is the chairman of International Strategic Management Institute made the call during the Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the institute.

He maintained that a holistic approach must be taken on the ongoing in parse to halt the development in pension fund, aviation and petroleum industries over allegations and counter-allegations of monumental corruption in the country.

He said: “In today’s competitive world, general management knowledge has become insufficient for optimum performance and efficiency in any human organisation. The need to deploy strategic thinking to gain advantage over other competitors has become imperative in the country.

“It is unfortunate that despite the willingness of successive governments to improve the economy by building infrastructures, the problem remains with us as a nation,” he lamented. “And that means there are obstacles standing on the way and that is why we need to develop strategic thinking, planning and implementation to break the jinx.”

T

he founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola has blamed the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and its non-academic counterpart across the country on the governing councils of public polytechnics in the country.

He said the problem was because most of the governing council members are politicians who interested only in what they could use the office to gain at the expense of the society.

Aare Babalola who made the observation when the leadership of the Committee of Librarians of Monotechnics and Polytechnics of Nigeria (COMPLIN) paid him a courtesy call in Ado-Ekiti last week, said unless the various council members appreciate that they are appointed to serve and lend their experience to the growth and development of their institutions, the problems will persist.

Babalola

He said to stem the tide therefore required that the government would also stop appointing selfish politicians particularly as chairmen of governing councils not only for polytechnics but also for the universities.

He argued that if the country indeed genuinely desires to grow and develop socioeconomically, government would have to accord education a pride of place in its yearly budget, train the teachers very well, pay

them very well and look after their overall welfare.

This way, according to him, lecturers too will be committed to work to justify their pays.

He however, advised ambitious governing council members who want to make money at all cost to look outside education which he said required credible and committed people to run.

On his part, the visiting group appealed to Aare Babalola to use his influence and connections to save polytechnic education from total collapse.

The group asked him that something had to be done fast to ensure that the prolonged on-going ASUP strike is called off and normalcy returns to the polytechnics.

The president of the group, Alhaji Tope Alogun said from all indications, it appeared that government and its agencies don’t give right attention to polytechnic education in the country.

He lamented that for the government to allow the ongoing ASUP strike to have prolonged this far was not to the best interest of education and the economy.

Librarians tasked on professionalism

Kogi teachers protest non payment of salary WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

K

ogi primary school teachers on Tuesday protested non payment of February and March salaries as well as lack of leave allowance in the last three years.

The teachers under the Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria (BESAN) converged at the gate of the state Universal Basic Education Board that was under lock and key, chanting ‘pay our salary, among other solidarity songs.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the state chairman of BESAN, Adomu Sule, stated that the teachers had not been paid February and March salary while they have not also been paid leave allowances in the last three years.

Adomu noted that even teachers who were promoted in 2009 are yet to receive commensurable salary except for endless screening since three years ago.

He explained that there was an agreement between the teachers and SUBEB last year December that the minimum wage which was being implemented at 60 per cent, would be implemented fully

by March this year, stressing that they are yet to receive February and March salary while waiting for full minimum wage implementation.

The chairman noted that the protest was to let the governor and the people know that the basic education is being neglected in the state and that the teachers are suffering.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Library Board, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal; Chairman, Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Lagos State chapter, Mrs. Ibiyemi Onasanya; National President, NLA, Alhaji Rilwanu Abdusalami; Deputy Director, Lagos State Library Board, Mrs. Yussuf; Librarian, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Mrs. Tayewo Adebowale and other members of NLA at the workshop organised by the Lagos State chapter of the association, last week.

SAIDAT ALAUSA

L

ibrarians in the country have been advised to be well-equipped for emerging trends in the library information industry.

The advice was given by the Chief Librarian of the Yaba College of Technology, (YABATECH), Lagos, Mrs. Tayewo Adebowale in her keynote address at the opening ceremony of this year’s training workshop organised by the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Lagos State chapter for members at the institution, recently. The workshop, tagged: “Emerging roles of library and information professionals in Knowledge preservation and transfer,” was well attended.

According to her, every professional librarian should be

able to equip him/herself with the required knowledge and skills that will enhance performance on the job.

She said the evolution of information and communication technology around the world today has really changed the focus of

library work.

The guest speaker noted that the days when library users must be physically present in the library to make request for materials were over.

“That is why library and information professionals will

have to be proactive in the way they render their services nowadays,” she stressed.

In his remark, NLA’s National President, Alhaji Rilwanu Abdusalami said the world had moved away from the traditional concept of the library, hence the need for librarians to change their orientation by imbibing the current realities in the profession in the interest of library users.

He also called for proper funding of libraries in the country so as to make them meet their relevance to education and economic development.

Earlier in her address, the chairman of the association, Mrs. Ibiyemi Onasanya, said the role of librarians was changing from gatekeepers to gateways of knowledge, “therefore it is necessary for us to have better understanding of the skills and competencies to meet the emerging demand.

LASU can’t afford another ASUU strike -Management TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have called on the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to shelve their planned industrial action.

The leadership said the university could not afford to experience another lecturers’ strike, adding that strike would not do the school and education generally, any good.

The institution’s spokesman, Mr. Kayode Sutton in a release, said the authorities are making effort to meet the demands of the lecturers and every other trade union in the university.

According to him, only three demands remain

out of the initial 21 demands made by the union, to be met.

He said, for instance, the state government had paid up its part of the salary arrears while the university has already announced when it would complete the payment of its own arrears.

Similarly, according to him, promotion exercise, regularisation of appointment, employment of new staff, as well as the discussion on the issue of school fees which is under the purview of the state government, among others issues, are all ongoing.

He noted that, while the management appreciates the great sacrifice the lecturers had made so far in the struggle, the authorities would equally appeal for continuous dialogue to resolve all the outstanding issues.

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Education Today

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Expert advocates uniform HR practice for tertiary institutions TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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ormer Registrar, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Mr. Owolabi Amisu has advised all the school regulatory agencies at the tertiary level in the country to develop a common professional human relations practice that will be in conformity with the world best practices.

He also advised particularly the colleges of education to introduce and adopt a new HR management approach and responsibility template for effective human and material resources management.

Amisu gave the recommendations at a registry lecture series he delivered at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, recently.

He delivered a paper, titled: “Change for real: A case for organisation renewal in colleges of education in Nigeria.” It was a first lecture series organised by the registry unit of the college.

He also asked universities, polytechnics and other training institutions to shift from personnel to professional HR management in line with acceptable global standards.

The lecturer said it was disheartening that many registry workers in the country could still not operate com-

L-R: Registrar, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED ), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Mr. Bola Disu; Chairman, Committee of Deans, Mr. Rauf Surajudeen; Guest lecturer, Mr. Owolabi Amisu; Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija-Epe, Prof. Olu Akeusola and his counterpart from AOCOED, Mr. Wasiu Bashorun at AOCOED’s first annual registry lecture.

puter while their departments also still operate with papers rather than online.

Also advising that maintaining one identity number by every employee right from the day of employment for every purpose on campus, Amisu said such practice would not hasten work process and also prevent fraudulent practices.

According to him, tracing any worker whether still in the service or not at any department of an institution

for a particular purpose will be easily carried out only when such a worker maintains one identity number with admission office, department, clinics, among others.

He also said a human resources manager who knows his onion should be able to find a way of retaining officers who are sound and adding values to the organisation even when such officers indicate interest to resign their appointments.

Ado Poly strengthens entrepreneurship programme ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti has strengthened its entrepreneurship programme to reduce the incidence of graduates becoming job-seekers.

The Rector of the institution, Mrs Theresa Akande, said the scheme was made stronger to ensure that the students could become self-reliant at the end of their National and

Higher National Diploma programmes.

Akande, who spoke during the matriculation ceremony for 2013/14 academic session of the institution’s Continuing Education Centre in Ado Ekiti, told the students the entrepreneurial programme was to ensure that “each of you must have learnt a trade or develop a business prototype that can stand you in good stead in future.”

Akande, represented by the Deputy Rector, Special Du-

ties, Mr. Felix Ajibade, said the Academic Board of the institution had also put in place mechanism to ensure that the students had access to quality books to enhance their learning, assuring that the era of extortion was over.

A total of 4, 242 students, comprising of 4,009 ND and 233 HND students were matriculated on the occasion.

The rector warned the students against wilful damage to school property, saying

L-R: Representative of newly invested fellow of the Ogun State College of Health Technology (OSCOTECH), IleseIjebu, Ogun State, Dr. Oladapo Onadipe; Provost of the college, Dr. Tunji Dawodu and the state’s Commissioner for Education, Mr. Segun Odubela at the college’s convocation ceremony, recently.

any student caught in such act would be responsible for reparation and handed over to law enforcement agents to face the full wrath of the law.

She equally advised them to shun any act that could truncate their pursuits in life.

Akande said the school had put in place necessary measure to ensure that the unpredictable academic calendar characterising the nation’s educational system did not affect students at the centre.

The rector, who stressed the need for decent behaviour and dressing, advised the students to be mindful of the kinds of friends they keep and shun any unwholesome attitude.

“Anyone caught in any of these acts will be made to bear the full wrath of the law,” Akande stressed.

While acknowledging the fact that students may encounter some problems in the course of studies, the rector advised such students to report such problems to the school authority for prompt action.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Don blames rape on stigmatisation SIKIRU AKINOLA

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senior lecturer at the Department of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. M. O Ukpong has said stigmatisation had prevented many people who fall victim of rape in the country from reporting their cases to the appropriate quarters.

He made the revelation at this year’s annual enlightenment programme organised by the institution’s chapter of the Drug Free Club.

He said research on the causes of rape had shown that many parents also ignorantly encourage rape by allowing their children to sleep together in the same room irrespective of their sex.

Another lecturer, Dr. Ibrahim Baba who is the director of Drug Demands and Reduction Unit at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said there was no accurate data on cases of rape in the country and elsewhere around Africa.

He blamed the situation on the underreportage of incidence of rape, which he said was more rampart in rural areas.

NANS condemns Abuja bombing, lecturers’ strike

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he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has condemned in strong terms the Monday bombing of Nyanya Park in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory by suspected terrorists, calling on all stakeholders to direct their energies towards addressing terrorism in the country.

The union also asked the stakeholders to provide means by which the ongoing strike by the polytechnics and colleges of education lecturers, as well as other issues that are contributing to youths’ violent could be solved permanently.

NANS President, Mr. Yinka Gbadebo, who made the call in Lagos, also described the allegation of financial recklessness levelled against the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke as diversionary and an exhibition of pull-her-down syndrome.

He said it was not surprising to see Nigerians raising spurious allegations against the leaders just to force them to dance to their tunes.

He added that such allegations are not strange in the polity, especially with the 2015 General Elections fast approaching.

Commiserating with the families of the victims of the bomb blasts, Gbadebo insisted that NANS did not absolve the Madueke of wrong doing but that all hands should be on deck to resolve the dangerous consequences of terrorism rather than vilifying public officers only for the sake of criticisms.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, April 17, 2014

23

UTME 2014: Malpractice with impunity T

he Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for the 2014/2015 session has come and gone, but the ripples it has generated will be with us for a long time. With the efforts being put in by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to improve on the quality of the exercise, examination watchers have hoped it would be a happy ending for the paper and pencil test. But field reports indicate otherwise. The perennial problem of unbridled examination malpractice still persists. The problem of wrong subject combinations still persists. Worst still, collusion between JAMB officials and centre coordinator to defraud the unfortunate candidates has not abated.

If the narration by an eye witness of the 2014 UTME in a centre in Port Harcourt is anything to go by, the system has failed to transform itself as the principal actors, including the JAMB officials, the coordinators, the supervisors and the invigilators have remained virtually unreformed over the years.

To begin with, I cannot imagine how a lofty institution such as the bank which acts as the custodian of the JAMB question papers should be paid a paltry N4, 000 for such a heavy responsibility.

Furthermore, the centre coordinator, who is a secondary school

Education as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

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

I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW A LOFTY INSTITUTION SUCH AS THE BANK WHICH

ACTS AS THE CUSTODIAN OF THE JAMB QUESTION PAPERS SHOULD BE PAID A PALTRY N4, 000 FOR SUCH A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY principal, shouldered with the responsibility of setting up the centre for the examination and selecting the invigilators, is paid a measly sum of N3, 000 only. The invigilators are paid only N2, 000 at the end of a hard day’s work.

I wonder if JAMB honestly believes that these remunerations are commensurate with the responsibilities imposed on these people.

Finally, there are some corrupt private school proprietors, who assert they are not paid for the use of their facilities. One of such proprietors actually set the stage for the chain of extortions that

characterise the conduct of the exam in this centre as revealed by the eye witness.

At the point of biometric verification, the agents of the private school in question demanded and received N1, 000 from each of the hapless candidates ostensibly for centre maintenance. Later on during the verification process, some candidates protested and the levy was reduced to N500. At this point, those who had paid N1, 000 earlier demanded for a refund of N500. It was indeed a spectacle to behold.

Meanwhile, a few said they had no money to pay and demanded

to be allowed into the hall. In order to avoid total breakdown of law and order, the JAMB official counseled that they should be allowed in since the majority of candidates have paid.

Her ‘wise counsel’ prevailed ultimately and the verification exercise was concluded without further incident. Here is the most interesting aspect of this unfolding saga. As soon as the verification exercise was over, the JAMB official collected her share of the proceeds, a cool N50, 000 and disappeared! The proprietor also collected his share of N150, 000 and scrammed. The lesser players were now left to share whatever was left.

Meanwhile, the National Civil Defence Corps members armed with the scanners were recovering handsets from those who brought them to the hall. But no sooner did the examination start that the candidates began to “bail-out” their handsets with N200 in order to receive answers from collaborators outside the hall. Even invigilators in this centre were suddenly transformed into commercial distributors of illicit answers within the examination halls without consequences. Though, the exercise started late, most candidates finished within one hour; all they needed was enough time to copy the prepared answers they

had acquired earlier.

Without giving serious thought to the authenticity of the answers, the candidates left the hall rejoicing, believing that they had succeeded this time around.

According to this eye witness, only one candidate in this centre wrote the examination without assistance and stayed for approximately two and half hours before the papers were collected early as the halls were becoming increasingly rowdy. He was extremely lucky as others like him were not given sufficient time to write in other centres. The twinkling little stars of hope in this very dark night scenario are reports that the UTME was properly conducted in some centres nationwide.

No doubt, JAMB has made a lot of noise about the steps it has taken to ensure a malpractice free outing. But alas, the contrary is the observation. Even the handsets that the scanners recovered were handed back to the candidates by the civil defence operatives for a mere N200. In the absence of consequences, the people that were supposed to guarantee a malpractice free UTME have turned out to be the perpetrators. And Nigerian students, poorly tutored, extorted, seduced and duped at every stage, remain many times over the victims of this diseased educational system; and for them, there is no help in sight!

Parents urged to pay more attention to children education KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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arents all over the country have been charged to prioritise their children welfare in order for them to realise their potentials and take their rightful positions in the future.

A career councillor, Mrs. Simiat Durodola, gave the admonition, during the maiden edition of career day activities of Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School, Molete, Ibadan held recently.

She said the need for them to prioritise their children’s welfare was due to the complexity of the society that is posing more challenges to child upbringing.

According to her, parents should pay more attention to the welfare of their wards most especially education which she described as the greatest legacy to be given to any child.

She said, “There are

many fundamental human rights spelt out for children in the country’s constitution. These include right to quality education, health care and shelter, among others. But on the whole, the right to education is important as it will help the children to realise their dreams and aspirations for life. So, all efforts to turn these ambitions to realities should be jeal-

ously guarded, That is why I will advise all parents to complement the efforts of the teachers by taking adequate care to education of their children.”

The proprietor of the school, Mrs. Ayo Odelana, in her remark, said it was the duty of parents to educate their wards, give them proper health care and allow them to play.

She disclosed that the

aim of the event was to expose the pupils to the practical of major professions, saying “some of them have been seeing engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers and nurses on television, we are doing this to make practical of what they are seeing, and that is why we invited a nurse and an engineer to teach them something about their professions today.”

L-R: Event analyst, Etisalat Nigeria, Martina Ogbebor; Vice- Chancellor, Anambra State University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor and Youth Market Segment analyst, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh during the company’s courtesy call on the VC as part of its cliqfest initiative, recently

Another speaker, Mrs. Lydia Faleru, a nurse, described medical profession as humanitarian one which plays a vital role in

the day- to- day activities of the people as they take care of the people from child birth till death.

Investment in education, panacea to youth restiveness - Amosun TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said investment in education was very crucial for sustainable development and eradication of social malaise in the society.

He also said such practice would not only prevent youth restiveness but would equally enhance productivity, healthy living and income generation.

He made the observation at the 2014 public lecture organised by the Africa Education Monitor held at the NUJ Press Centre, at Oke-Ilewo in Abeokuta, the state capital, recently.

Amosun, represented by

the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Ambali Ishola, noted that the provision of qualitative and quality education was one of his administration’s five- cardinal programmes.

The governor, in his lecture on the topic“Enhancing sustainable growth in education,” emphasised the need to revamp the declining standard of education in the country.

Earlier in his address, Publisher, African Education Monitor Magazine, Mr. Oladadaisi Adetarami commended the State government for allocating 26 per cent of the state budget to education.

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Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Edited by: Saidat Alausa shinyan20022002@yahoo.com, 08027633686

NUC approves two degree programmes for JABU

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he National Universities Commission, NUC, has given approval to Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji- Arakeji, Osun State to run a degree programme in Law. The regulatory body gave the mandate through an email sent to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Sola Fajana following its earlier visit to know the level of preparedness of the institution.

Also approved Public Administration degree programme for the university, the commission charged the management not to deviate from the rules guiding the running of the two programmes.

Poly appoints new dean of Students’ Affairs YAKUBU TEMITOPE FEDPOLY, ADO EKITI

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he Federal Polytechnic, Ado- Ekiti has appointed Dr. Kunle Ifesanya as its new Dean of Students’ Affairs.

Before his appointment, he was the institution’s Sub- Dean, Students’ Affairs.

He was also the Head of Department of Architectural Technology in the school of Environmental studies for more than eight years and the Ekiti State Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architecture (NIA).

He joined the service of the institution 15 years ago.

Ifesanya had Bachelor degree in Architectural Technology from the University of Lagos in 1991 and obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Ibadan and Bauhaus University, Germany respectively.

AOCOED holds convocation

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deniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State will hold its 32nd, 33rd and 34th joint convocation ceremonies for the award of National Certificate in Education (NCE) and conferment of fellowship next Thursday.

Other activities for the programme include the convocation lecture to be delivered on Wednesday, April 23 by Prof. Kavita Pandit from the University of Georgia, United States. Topic to be delivered is “The Internationalisation of higher education: Opportunities and challenges.”

OAU entrance (Inset Ballot boxes in preparation for the election)

OAU students’ union election turns violent

• Electoral chair abducted, Journalists manhandled • Authorities condemn development SIKIRU AKINOLA 400L, POL. SC.

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here was pandemonium last Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife during the political debate popularly known on campus as Press Consultation.

The event was organised by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), for aspirants into various offices of the institution’s students’ union government to present their manifestoes to the electorates.

Trouble started when members of the campus journalists converged on the podium to start the debate and some students protested the alleged exclusion

of some aspirants, namely: Benjamin Olusiji, Oluwole Olubanji, Abiodun Abimbola and Joshua Obasa from the list of contestants.

An eyewitness account had it that an unidentified student suddenly snatched the microphone from the President of the group, Ojekunle Aderemi who at the time introducing his colleagues to the audience. Chairs were also thrown at him before the security men and some members of the association rescued him.

Immediately, the organisers ran for their lives but were later reassembled for the assignment and now with the chairman of the Electoral Commission, Alabi Abeeb, who was supposedly the target of the aggrieved students.

...Aspirant organises inter-block football contest to woo electorate

O

ne of the aspirants for the position of the Director of Social of the students’ union government of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Adewale Adesina has hosted this year’s inter-block football competition in the halls of residence to influence voters.

He donated training kits to

the two teams that made it to the finals while residents of both blocks went home with phone recharge cards.

The last competition, which was organised for Awolowo Hall, regarded as the political headquarters of the students’ union of the institution saw Block 4 defeated Block 2 to win the trophy.

Abeeb was instantly mobbed.

But determined to state his own side of the story, he enjoined aggrieved aspirants not to take laws into their own hands but to seek redress through the appropriate quarters.

As he wanted to leave the stage, some unidentified students who had been waiting for him to conclude his speech descended on him and beat him silly.

Security officers attempted to rescue him but he was abducted by his attackers and taken to the Obafemi Awolowo Hall Cafeteria, where he was held hostage and questioning for almost four hours.

His abductors directed him to call a mini-congress to address the issue but he declined, saying the constitution of the students’ union does now empower him to do so.

Also, attempt by some students and security officials to persuade the aggrieved students to leave Abeeb, a 600-level medical student alone, was unfruitful.

In the process, he got exhausted and started grasping for breath.

He was then rushed to the school clinic nearby even as his shirt

and trousers had been torn.

Apparently because of the development, his attackers went for the secretary of the electoral body, Kayode Okunade who also was apprehended and was taken to the same Awolowo Hall Cafeteria to continue where his boss stopped.

Recounting his ordeal, Abeeb said he was surprised that his fellow students could treat him like an animal.

“Even thieves have never been treated like the way I was treated since I got to this campus,” he lamented.

Reacting, the authorities of the institution have warned students to desist from unruly behaviours.

A release signed by the Registrar. Mr. Dotun Awoyemi and posted around campus, described the act as barbaric, uncivilised and criminal in its entirety.

While Awoyemi assured every law abiding students that appropriate actions would be taken against the perpetrators of the act, he added that the university was committed to the restoration of a virile, democratic, responsive and responsible students’ union.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Poly students lift charity home DAYO OJERINDE

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he students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan who are members of the institution’s Rotaract Club has jointly made donation with Rotaract Club of Ikoyi to the Home of Destitute, Yaba, Lagos State.

The donation was part of the inter district exchange programmes between the two units.

The items donated include foodstuffs, used clothes and shoes, among others.

Receiving the gifts, the Secretary of the home who does not want his name in print thanked the donors for the gesture, saying the items would go a long way in making life more meaningful to members of the home.

The President of the polytechnic district, Fifekemi Jaiyeola, a Higher National Diploma Microbiology student said the donation was a way of contributing to the development of the home and making the beneficiaries to have a sense of belonging in the society.

She asked well-to-do in the society not to neglect those in need around them, noting that there is more blessing in giving than receiving.

MOCPED provost warns students against cultism TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija-Epe, Lagos, Prof. Olu Akeusola has warned the newly admitted students of the institution to stay clear of cultism and other anti-social activities.

He gave the warning at the matriculation ceremony of the college held recently. The new students who are pursing National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme are 470 in all.

Akeusola said the college would not tolerate any form of untoward behaviour, warning that any students found flouting the rules and regulations of the school would be sanctioned ac.

He declared that the college had enjoyed relative peace over the years as well as earned to itself an enviable reputation among its contemporaries in the country and would not want anything that will lead to the contrary.

While promising that both the state government and the management would continue to make the school environment learning and working friendly, the provost urged the students to remain focus and study hard so as to make good grades by the time they will be leaving the college.

He noted that all courses being offered by the college were accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) while commending the host community for the support and cooperation to the college.

Campus News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

25

Kumuyi lauds FUTA’s giant strides TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi has commended the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), for its remarkable achievements in academic and other areas of endeavours.

The cleric gave the commendation at a special programme, tagged: “Morning of divine visitation” held at the institution last Friday. He attributed the achievements to God who he said enables the management, staff as well as students to work together as one big family. He was accompanied to the institution by his wife, Esther and some other leaders of the church.

While admonishing the university community to continue to be steadfast in their respective assignments and be more committed to things of God,

L-R: Rector, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; Pastor Kumuyi’s wife, Esther Kumuyi; Pastor Williams Kumuyi; Vice- Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola; his deputy on academics, Prof. Adedayo Fasakin and registrar, Dr. Modupe Ajayi Ajibefun during Kumuyi’s visit to the institution

Kumuyi prayed that success would continue to be their lots in their endeavours.

He said there was no help elsewhere except in God who has the ultimate power to grant the grace that leads to good success.

The cleric particularly

urged the students to always ensure they make God their mainstay in whatever they do.

He described his visit to the institution as a divine arrangement and prayed that the university would continue to maintain its pride position in the league of other univer-

sities in and outside the country.

In his remark, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola appreciated Kumuyi’s visit, noting that the programme would mark the beginning of greater things in the university.

Elizade varsity inaugurates students’ association

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he Science Students’ Association of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State has been inaugurated with officers to run the affairs of the group.

The officers are Jaiyeola Amos, a 200 Level student of Computer Science as the President and Chigozie Ezenwoye(200L Microbiology) as his vice.

Others include Blessing Omobo(200L Computer Science)as the General Secretary, Jaiyeola Abidemi (100L Biochemistry)as Assistant General Secretary, Adhuze Damilola (200L Microbiology) as the Financial Secretary; Ogunmoriyele Oladapo (200L Microbiology), Assistant Financial Secretary; SholaShittu Oluwatobi (200L Computer Science), Public Relations Officer; Gbene-

dio Ogheneyoma (200L Microbiology), Director of Welfare and Peter Johnson (100L Geophysics), Director of Social and Sports.

Swearing-in the new officers, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Valentine Aletor said the university allows students to form associations and societies that are academic based to help them in their pursuits.

He maintained that the association would provide an avenue for the students to share information, develop social and leadership skills, garner professional experience and develop personality with improved communication skills.

While reminding members of the association of the university’s core values of honesty, Integrity, diligence and

excellence, the vice-chancellor called on the newly constituted executive committee to be prudent in their management of the association’s financial resources.

He promised the support of the management to the group.

In his goodwill message, the Registrar, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro congratulated members of the association for being the pace setters for other faculties.

He urged their officers to run an allinclusive transparent association.

Speaking earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic and Applied Science, Prof. Olatunji Oyelana said the formation of the association was necessary as it would assist the university to build an excellent alumni spirit in the students.

Corps member donates to hospital HAMMED HAMZAT 400L, EDU. MGT, UI

A

member of the 2013 ‘Batch B’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Uwani in Enugu North Local Government area of Enugu State, Mr. Shuaib Oluwaseun has donated some equipment to the state-owned veterinary hospital for the use of the institution.

The donation was part of his community development service projects as a way of contributing to the development of the area.

Oluwaseun is a veterinary medicine graduate from the

sign post, shelf, wall clock, stethoscopes, ceiling fan, wall frame, thermometers, bandages, surgical dissecting sets and knives, rubber hand gloves, detergents and a national flag. And the items were presented to the hospital on his behalf by the Zonal Inspector of NYSC, who was represented by the CDS Group Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke.

Receiving the items, the veterinary officer in charge of the hospital, Dr. Omeh thanked to the donor, saying the items would be very useful to the hospital. He however, urged other corps members to do likewise in their places of primary assignments anyL-R: The donor, Dr. Shuaib Oluwaseun; Zonal Inspector, NYSC, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke and others with items donated by the corps member. where around the country.

University of Ibadan. Among the items he donated were

26

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Conference delegates’ list

S

ATURDAY INDEPENDENT of March 15 welcomes us today with a front page schoolboy howler and other inside page blunders: “…the military also had some casualities.” A voice of your own: casualties “Police re-arraigns (why?) ex-Gulf Bank MD, Briton over N12b fraud” “Handover (Hand over) hospitals for better management, Akpabio tells churches” NATIONAL MIRROR Front Page Lead Headline of March 13 consolidates the entries this week: “ARG, others kick against national conference delegates list” Basic etymological application: delegates’ list THE NATION of March 12 takes over from NATIONAL MIRROR with five errors on parade: “Fed Govt to deploy air patrol borders to (in) Northeast” This headline is clumsy! Is it that air patrol officials will be deployed along Northeast borders?

“Gang up against PDP will fail, says Jonathan” Mr. President, there is no gang-up, but national redemption.

“UNILAG alumni holds (hold) dinner”, but UNILAG Alumni Association holds dinner “Such platform (a platform) would be analysed in terms of mileage we will get before we attend.”

DAILY TRUST of March 12 comes next with a series of infelicities: “Wada flags off (inaugurates) N2.9bn Ganaja-Otokiti road” “NDLEA arrests 3 over (for or in connection with) possession of Indian hemp” “FG sets up commodity marketing companies” Is it the commodity that is marketing the companies as implied in the extract? Get it right: commodity-marketing companies “PDP commends Jonathan over (for) 2nd Niger bridge (sic)” This is not newsworthy at all. Could his party have condemned him?

SAIDAT ALAUSA

T

he Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State has recorded another landmark by winning a grant of USD18.8 million (about N3.23 billion) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to implement the Cassava Adding Value for Africa Phase II (CAVA II).

The Project Director and university’s Director of Grants Management, Dr. Kolawole Adebayo in a release, said the grant would be administered from the university.

He added that it would increase the incomes of at least 200,000 small scale farmers and community processors who are expect-

DESTITUTE’, USED MOSTLY AS AN

ADJECTIVE, DOUBLES AS AN UNCOUNTABLE NOUN IN THE CONTEXT OF DESTITUTION.

Still on DAILY TRUST under review: “PLASIEC’s rejection of Langtang North result sets bad precedence (precedent)— PDP” “The bank said in a statement that effective from the same date, (needless comma) he will (would) no longer be a director of ETI.” “Vigilante (Vigilance) members or vigilantes want govt’s recognition” For the first time, we introduce New Telegraph to this column. Its March 12 edition contained five infractions beginning from its front page headlines: “Finance Ministry owing marketers nine months (months’) subsidy” “Shell shortlists Seplat, Glencore for N480bn oil blocs’ sale” This way: oil blocks sale “…what they are expected to do in other (order) to improve their performance” “Search for missing Malaysian aircraft intensifies (intensified)” “Confab: Itsekiri, Ijaw youths protest delegates (delegates’) list” “An evening with the Green (Super) Eagles” “Christian Elders (Elders’) Forum of….” “…at the commissioning (launch) of

Commint Buka in Surulere, Lagos” From THE NATION ON SUNDAY COMMENT (EDITORIAL) of March 9 comes this: “We have our reservations on (about) the conference….”

“Jega’s make or mar (make-or-mar) elections “My foray into philanthrophy” Glamour: philanthropy “The regularity of road traffic accidents involving trucks and tankers have (has) become frighteningly high claiming innocent lives.” What is the relevance of ‘innocence’ in vehicular mishaps? And who or which are the guilty lives? Drivers?

“Trucks account for majority (a majority) of road (vehicular) crashes” “Social media: Potentials, business mileage for SMEs” ‘Potential’ is noncount.

Finally from THE NATION ON SUNDAY under review: “Edo sets (set) to revive state sports festival” “…it is proper that we put in place measures that would prevent a repeat occurrence (recurrence—instead of ‘repeat occurrence’) in the future.” Would it have been in the past? I beg una-o-o-o!

“It was bound to be given that the election was stripped off all the basic democratic ingredients that conduced for free and fair election.” No charade: stripped of. And, of course, a free and fair election when not elections “Beyond Nigeria’s experience, drug abuse is a plague in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Britain and the numerous other European countries and has permeated virtually every strata of society.” Lexical sanity:

every stratum or all strata.

“In the unlikely event that a similar situation re-occurs, the military should step in… and hand over the reigns of government….” A case for appropriate English words: recurs and reins of government (which leaders assume or drop).

“British citizens evacuate war-torn country” Either British citizens evacuated from… or British citizens vacate (alternatively) wartorn country.

“As was the case last year, reports of this year’s Nobel Prize winners, has (have) been confined, in our newspapers to footnotes, tucked away in the inside pages.” “…electrical fixtures are overused or completely destroyed: the halls even get burnt on some occasions.” ‘Destruction’ has an element of completion (finality) ‘Damage’ is employed when redemption is involved. Therefore, ‘completely destroyed’ is simply pleonastic.

Common on notice boards: “Supply of stationeries” ‘Stationery’, like ‘bedding’ and ‘cutlery’, is uncountable.

“The rational (rationale) for demanding that the names of these candidates be made public is….”

“It is recorded that more than 3, 000 destitutes died in her frail old hands.” ‘Destitute’, used mostly as an adjective, doubles as an uncountable noun in the context of destitution.

“The bold efforts the government is making is (are) commendable….”

“Recently Nigeria added another feather to her (sic) cap when she (why this feminization of language?) became thirty seven (thirty-seven) years old as an independent nation state.”

Towards the MDGs: a feather in its cap.

“NFF surmons player for Gateway” A vote for fair play: summons.

“But the fall-outs (fallout) and wider….”

FUNAAB receives N3.23bn grant for cassava production ed to participate in sustainable value-added cassava chains in five sub-Saharan African countries- Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.

According to him, the project will be implemented by a team of world-class experts that have gained significant and joint experience in value chain development since 2008. The project is expected to cover a period of five years.

Explaining the benefits of the project, he said CAVA II was a product of several months of intensive research by academics, whose outcome would help immensely in the socioeconomic transformation of the affected nations by

stimulating employment and producing favourable balance of payments

through a remarkable reduction in the importation of goods into the country.

It will also improve rural incomes and productivity of small holders, especially

L-R: Vice President, Association of Resident Doctors, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. Kamil Ogundipe; HOD, Community Medicine, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Abodunrin; Executive Secretary, Ede North LG, Dr. Tiamiyu Bello; Guest speaker, Dr. Adeleye Adeomi; Patron, LAUTECH Medical students’ Association, Prof. Albert Anjorin and the President of the association, Mr. Ismail Oladimeji at a seminar organised by the students to commemorate this year’s World Health Day in Osogbo, recently.

women, by empowering them.

To achieve the objectives of project, Dr. Kolawole said a number of partnering institutions such as Natural Resources Institute; University of Greenwich, United Kingdom; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food and Research Institute, Ghana; Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre; African Innovation Institute, Uganda and the Chancellor College, University of Malawi, among others would provide support and technical assistance.

Business Thursday, April 17, 2014

Seven Energy secures $255m to boost investment 28 in Nigeria

Telecoms: Tackling RoW hurdles in Nigeria

31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mobile phones advertising presents new opportunities for brands

FG commences ISO standards’ enforcement to curb building collapse incidents TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Federal Government yesterday vowed to improve supervision and enforcement standards for the cement industry as part of measures to reduce the incidence of building collapse in the country.

Making the promise at the 2nd Lafarge National Dialogue Series Conference, with the theme “Building Collapse: An assessment of building practices in Nigeria and the imperative for sustainable construction” in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the move to strictly enforce standardisation guidelines in the sector had become imperative in view of the strategic roles the construction industry is playing creating a strong infrastructure base for sustainable growth of the nation’s economy.

Aganga, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, said the planned improvement in monitoring and supervision of the cement manufacturing business was required to stop the incessant incidents of building collapse in urban cities and by implication, encourage inflow of investments into the real estate and other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Minister assured that the

government would leave no stone unturned in its efforts at entrenching a culture of high quality standards in the construction industry given its potential multiplier effects on a broad spectrum of the economy, including the job creation opportunities.

Aganga said: “A new era of consciousness has begun and will be sustained effectively. To this end, we are working on introduction of courses on standards in universities in the country. As instrument of positive change, we are responding appropriately to incidence and occurrences as they arise, while working assidu-

ously to prevent others from ever occurring.

“Government is fighting the scourge with all resources in order to ensure that the trend is permanently halted. The implementation of ISO standards for building as well as the enforcement of building codes is currently being embarked upon”, the minister added.

In his remarks at the forum, the Executive Vice President and Country Chief Executive, Lafarge Group, Mr Guillaume Roux, said the company was ready to partner with the Federal Government in its efforts to

standardise the activities in the construction sector by providing solutions to support urbanisation and the growing population of the country.

He said the company’s commitment to the well being of its consumers culminated in the innovation towards re-awakening of the industry on the need to tackle the menace of building collapse.

Roux said the national building code which came into force in 2006 needs no only be accepted by all stakeholders but should also be fully implemented.

T

he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has said its attention has been drawn to the fact that virtually all registered insurance brokers in Nigeria now claim to be reinsurance brokers without due regard to the provisions of the Insurance Act 2003 relating to the practice of reinsurance broking.

National Mirror gathered on Tuesday that in a petition to NAICOM, the licensed reinsurers stated that there are some insurance brokers in the country operating

33

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

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

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

Med-View Airline

L-R: Executive Vice President/Country Chief Executive, Lafarge Nigeria, Mr Guillaume Roux; Representative of Minister of Works, Mr. Charles Bosah and Managing Director, Ashakacem Plc, Mr. Leonard Palka during 2nd Lafarge National Dialogue Series in Abuja on Tuesday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Reinsurers raise alarm over quack brokers MESHACK IDEHEN

27

as reinsurance brokers without having any knowledge or understanding of what reinsurance broking is all about.

NAICOM said section 43 of the Insurance Act provides that (1) no insurance broker shall undertake reinsurance broking without the approval of the commission, and that the commission may grant an approval to an insurance broker for purposes of subsection (1) of this section if it is satisfied that the insurance broker has the required expertise to conduct the class of reinsurance business.

Another requirement, according to the insurance regulators, is

that at least one partner or director of the insurance broking firm or company has at least five years working experience in the middle management cadre of a reinsurance broking firm or company.

NAICOM said on a typical reinsurance treaty bouquet, that there are more than eight reinsurance brokers’ with probably only one or two of the brokers that can actually be regarded as reinsurance brokers, others, the commission said, are just there to make up the number without any knowledge or understanding of what reinsurance broking is all about.

“We are not saying we are

against these companies doing reinsurance broking, but they should comply with the provisions of the law and as well train their members of staff. This development has not helped the growth of reinsurance sector,” the commission explained.

However, in order to bring sanity to the reinsurance broking sector, the reinsurers said they are pleading with NAICOM to endeavour to publish on a regular basis, the names of insurance broking firms qualified to practice reinsurance broking in accordance with the provisions of the law.

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

28

Business News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Seven Energy secures $255m to boost investment in Nigeria UDEME AKPAN

S

even Energy International Limited, the indigenous integrated oil and gas development, production and gas distribution company has secured $255m for investment in the country.

The capital provided by some financial institutions around the world would enable the Group to further develop gas supply opportunities in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.

In a statement, the firm stated, “Temasek, the Singapore investment company, has committed

$150m, the International Finance Corporation ,“IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has committed $75m, and the IFC African, Latin American, and Caribbean Fund,“IFC ALAC Fund”, has committed $30m.

It stated, “The investments will be in two tranches, the timing of which is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions in the investment agreements.

The firm stated that the institutions are investing in Seven Energy’s irredeemable convertible loan notes which bear no coupon and are akin to equity capital.

It stated that in a converted and fully diluted basis, on full satis-

Court orders seizure of bank’s property over N70m debt DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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Rivers State high court has ordered the seizure of the property of Sterling Bank Plc, Rumuola branch over its failure to honour a garnishee order, instructing it to pay the sum of N70.7m to Kal-Vegas Kapuchino Ltd. Meanwhile officials from the State High Court, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday stormed the bank at the busy Rumuola axis of the Aba Road and removed computers, desktops and different electronic in compliance with the court’s execution order.

A source said that the action followed a garnishee order issued

by Justice J.N.Akpughunum, on February 12, 2013, in favour of Kal-Vegas Kapuchino. Justice Akpughunum, after listening to arguments from counsel to Kal-Vegas Kapuchino, the claimant/judgment and creditor/garnishor, C.I. Georgewill and the lawyer to Sterling Bank, Plc, O.A. Nwachukwu, in Suit No. PHC/2491/2012 entered a garnishee order against Sterling Bank, Plc, in the sum of seventy million naira, seven hundred thousand naira which its client, Jameon Nig Ltd, owes Kal-Vegas Kapuchino.

Justice Akpughunum issued the garnishee order, in the suit No. PHC/2491/2012, in Kal-Vegas Kapuchino, claimant/garnishee Vs. Jameon Nig Ltd, defendant/ judgment/debtor and Sterling Bank, Plc, garnishee, “to satisfy the judgment debt owed the judgment creditor pursuant to Section 86 Sherriff and Civil Process Act. The garnishee order, titled: Order Absolute, signed by Justice Akpughunum further read: “It is further ordered that the Garnishee is hereby ordered to pay forthwith to the Garnishor/Judgment Creditor, the sum of N70m in satisfaction of the judgment debt, and costs of N30,000, award-

ed in favour of the claimant/garnishor on the 27/4/2012 in Suit No. PHC/517/12.”

Barrister Elijah Udo, who claimed to be one of the counsel to claimant and judgment creditor, Ka-Vegas Kapuchino, told journalists at the premises of Sterling Bank, Plc, Rumuola branch, that the claimant decided to approach the court for a fresh writ of execution following the failure of Sterling Bank, Plc, to honour the garnishee order given by Justice Akughunum in Suit No. PHC/517/12, on April 27, 2012.

He declared: “We are here to carry out an order from the Rivers State High Court on this bank, Sterling Bank, Rumuola for failure to obey a court. “ Their goods and other materials are being taken to the court, he said.

Continuing, Udo said ; “A bank is supposed to be socially responsible and when an institution like a bank default on obedience to a court order, then it sends the wrong signal to the public. The bank was ordered to pay forthwith, that is immediately to a judgment creditor a specified amount and they bank, has defaulted to pay the amount”.

“So, the court has ordered this writ of execution be approved that whatever belongs to the bank can now be used to pay off the judgment sum. The judgment was given in April 2012.”

MESHACK IDEHEN

T

he President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama has called on the Federal government to halt the proposed sale of the nation’s refineries until all conditions have been met for their privatisation.

faction of the investment agreements, the new investors would account for approximately 26per cent of the equity capital of the Group.

The firm stated, “This new equity capital will assist Seven Energy in the development of its growing portfolio of assets in Nigeria, where the Group is focusing on the development of upstream reserves and resources and gas infrastructure to provide gas to the domestic market for power generation and industrial consumption.

It stated that through its gas processing, distribution and marketing subsidiary, Accugas Limited and its recent acquisition of the East Horizon pipeline, the Group has to date invested approximately $1bn in south-east-

ern Nigeria.

The firm stated, “This reinforces the Group’s position as a leading integrated gas company in Nigeria. The Group aims to capture the growing demand for gas and power as Nigeria’s industrial base grows and the liberalisation of the power sector spurs further investment in generating capacity.

It stated that the Group has long-term take-or-pay gas sales agreements in place to sell over 1.4 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The firm stated that a 10 year contract to supply 43.5 million cubic feet of gas per day, “MMcfpd”, to Ibom Power; a 20 year contract to supply 131 MMcfpd to the federally-owned power plant at Calabar; and a 20 year contract to supply 25 MMcfpd to a cement plant in the Calabar area, increasing to

50 MMcfpd upon the anticipated expansion of the plant.

It stated, “The two power stations, which will have a combined installed capacity of approximately 750 MW when fully commissioned, will add an additional 20% of capacity to Nigeria’s current operating electricity generation capacity.

The firm stated, “In collaboration with its customers and other stakeholders, Seven Energy is working to link its infrastructure together to establish a 300 km gas ring of 24-inch and 18-inch high pressure pipelines in Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers states with total distribution capacity of 600 MMcfpd, capable of supplying the demand centres of Calabar, Uyo and Ikot Abasi, and giving access to Port Harcourt to the west’’.

L-R: Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara with ICAN President, Alhaji Alkali Muhammed, at the 9th Northern Zonal Disticts’ conference of ICAN in Ilorin, yesterday.

MESHACK IDEHEN

T

he National Pension Commission, PenCom, has been rendering technical assistance to some African countries, like Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda, in their efforts to implement successful pension reforms, PenCom said also that the successes recorded in the implementation of the pension reforms in Nigeria, particularly the legal and institutional frameworks established for the contributory pension scheme, has become models in Africa as these four African countries had visited the commission on study tours to understudy the nation’s pension system.

The commission said after successfully licensing 23 Pension

PenCom renders technical assistance to African countries Fund Administrators ,PFAs, four Pension Fund Custodians ,PFCs and seven Closed Pension Fund Administrators ,CPFAs, institutions established under the Pension Reform Act 2004 as operators of the Contributory Pension Scheme, that the commission also has developed systems and processes for the smooth implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme that meet international standards.

National Mirror gathered it was in appreciation of the significant achievements recorded by the Contributory Pension Scheme less than 10 years after it was established, that the government of

these countries resolved to adopt the pension scheme in their countries.

The commission reiterated that the Pension Reform Act 2004 empowers it to issue subsidiary legislations for the pension industry, and that Sections 20 and 21 of the Pension Act contain specific provisions that empower the commission to issue guidelines, rules and regulations on matters relating to its regulatory and supervisory activities. So far, the commission has issued a total of 59 subsidiary legislations including 11 guidelines, seven regulations, four frameworks, two codes and 36 circulars.

Halt sale of refineries, says TUC Speaking while presenting a paper titled: “The Press and Labour in the Era of Privatisation,” the TUC president said the Federal Government must get the nation’s refineries repaired and functional at full capacity as well as build new ones, before thinking of selling the existing ones.

He said private investors and

other interested parties should be encouraged to build their own refineries, adding it was important to learn from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, example.

According to him, the government should not abdicate its responsibilities by selling off everything that delivers services to the people, saying this

would be unwarranted, especially in a country ‘‘where poverty and unemployment have become endemic, coupled with the collapse of industries.’’

Kaigama also advised the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, in order to make it operational for the good of the petroleum industry and Nigerians.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Agric ministry commits N30m to women farming TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

A

s part of its empowerment programme aimed at poverty reduction and wealth creation for women, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has trained 90 women in the ministry on aquaculture and poultry farming.

The capacity-building programme was undertaken by the women at Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, ARMTI, Ilorin, Kwara State in February.

Speaking at the presentation of starter packs to the trainees on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Asabe Asma’u Ahmed, said the programme was designed to economically empower the women so that they could contribute their own quota to current efforts towards achieving food security in the country.

The minister urged the beneficiaries to maximise the huge

investment on them training by positively impacting on their environment, through the training of others and also ensuring that they grow their production to a level they can become employers of labour after their civil service career.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ibukun Odusote, said the distribution of the starter kits was a fulfilment of one of her dreams and advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items given to them.

She advised the women to register in the Growth Enhancement Support, GES, Scheme with a view to enabling them enjoy the benefits of inputs support being offered by the ministry to millions of farmers nationwide.

Each of the trainees in aquaculture received 500 juveniles, one fibre glass tank, one weighing scale, one water test kit, five bags of fish feed, drugs and disinfectants.

On the other hand, each beneficiary trained on poultry produc-

tion was given 200 day broiler old chicks, five bags of broiler starter feed, drugs and eight feeders/ drinkers.

Speaking on the programme and the support provided by ARMTI to ensure its successful completion, the Deputy Director, Youth and Gender in the ministry, Hadjia Karima Babangida, thanked the minister and other senior officials of the ministry for providing the funds and other supports for the training.

She said that in order to ensure the sustainability of the women aquaculture and poultry farming engagements, the two groups had been formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The Director assured that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the starter packs and ensure that the purpose of the training is achieved.

29

716, 000 farmers benefit from FG fertiliser in Kano –Jonathan

T

he Federal Government said on Tuesday that it had provided fertilizer at subsidised rate to more than 716, 000 farmers through its Growth Enhancement Scheme in the last two years.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who disclosed this in Kano, said it would boost rice and maize production in the state and country at large.

“In Kano state, 90 per cent of all registered farmers successfully received their subsidised fertilisers and seeds through the e-wallet system, which is the highest in the country,’’ he said.

Jonathan said that a total of 76, 000 tonnes of fertilisers were provided to the farmers in the state within the period under review.

This, the president was in addition to the 58, 000 tonnes of improved seeds of rice and maize, saying that efforts are geared towards improving agricultural production in the country.

He assured that the federal government would continue to support the production of wheat, rice and groundnut in order to make the country self sufficient.

The president called on people of the state to continue to support the federal government to enable it provide the necessary infrastructure in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the former governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau said al the citizen need to work with the government to promote sustainable development and ensure the improvement of infrastructure.

He called on the federal government to come up with some empowerment programmes to enhance the socioeconomic status of the people, particularly the youths.

He commended the federal government for the various projects it executed including the renovation of the 16 Primary Health Centres across the state.

Don suggests road to agric transformation DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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lecturer at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof.

Ike Oluka has suggested that if Nigeria must achieve real transformation in the agricultural sector, it must first of all develop appropriate agricultural mechanisation strategies.

He also noted that there is the need to establish clear objectives of agricultural mechanisation and formulate National Agricultural Mechanisation Strategic plans for their implementation.

He argued that the effort requires a thorough understanding of the major technology based impediments as well as solutions to agricultural mechanization in the country.

Oluka, a professor of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, made the suggestions when he delivered the 2014 inaugural lecture of ESUT in Enugu.

He maintained that national agricultural mechanisation planning often starts with situation analysis, development of the strategy and adoption of the strategic plans, adding that effective mechanization strategic plan is essentially holistic in approach, involves both government and the private sector and emphasizes profitability considerations, creation of an enabling environment and clear roles for both public and

private sectors.

Delivering the lecture, Prof.

Oluka recalled that “Nigeria’s agricultural policy has been moving from interventionism to liberalization standpoints. The 1960s were characterised by strong public intervention in agriculture, with development guidelines and plans established at the federal level and implemented in the states.

“The government’s priority at the time was to boost domestic production, particularly of cash crops. This strongly interventionist period pushed Nigeria to the position of the world’s top producer of rubber, groundnuts and palm oil, and the world’s secondlargest cocoa producer.

“The presence of oil and gas from the 1970s and its attendant oil wealth resulted in a reduced interest in supporting agriculture.

That policy reversal led to strong decline in domestic agricultural production, reduction in contribution of agriculture in national economy and made the country food import dependent.”

He cited cases of upwards and downwards movement in policy relating to agriculture that are abound. “In addition, issues bordering on absence of programme continuity, absence of indicators to track and evaluate policy implementation, poor policy relation to other sectorial policies, poor project implementation and monitoring at various institutional levels are rampant.

L-R: Analyst, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Martina Ogbebor; Winner of a brand new car, 100Level Student of Abia State University, Destiny Ugochukwu; Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Daniel and Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh during the raffle draw prize presentation at Etisalat Cliqfest, at Abia State University, Uturu Campus, recently.

Food security: FAO Rep advocates efficient, sustainable seed system

T

he Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, Representative in Nigeria, Dr Louise Setshwaelo, on Tuesday advocated an efficient and sustainable seed system to boost food security in the country.

Setshwaelo said this at a twoday seed forum in Abuja with the theme “Strengthening National Seed Systems in Nigeria’’.

The representative said that having efficient and sustainable seed system would ensure that high quality seeds were produced and made available to farmers in the time of need.

“These quality seeds must of course also be affordable to

smallholder farmers, most importantly to their women counterparts, who, at present, can hardly afford to use improved seed varieties.’’

Setshwaelo stressed the need to harmonise the national seed laws, certification methodologies and seed quality standards with existing regulations in the ECOWAS region.

She said harmonisation of the national seed laws would help facilitate cross-border movement of seeds, and provide a broader market for the seed industry.

“This is important for the development of the seed sector in the country.

“The effectiveness of rules, standards and procedures for seed certification and quality should also balance with a reasonable level of costs for their implementation.

“This is necessary to ensure that the system itself can be properly supported and maintained with the needed resources, in order to operate in a sustainable manner,” she said.

Earlier, Mr. Olusegun Olatokun, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council, NASC, said that the Federal Government was committed to meeting the food security target.

30

Business News

Thursday, April 17, 2014

EKEDC targets 400mw electricity supply to consumers –CEO UDEME AKPAN

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he Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC said it was targeting 400 mega watts of embedded power supply to its consumers in Lagos within the next one year.

The Chief Executive Officer, EKEDC, Mr. Oladele Amoda said the embedded generation was the term used for any electricity generating plant that is connected to the regional electricity distribution networks.

Amoda said that the essence of the embedded power generation was to avoid rationing electricity supply to consumers within the network, adding that it would also save the zone from depending on the national grid.

He said under the embedded scheme, the energy supply control

of the area will not be subjected to grid manipulation or issue of incessant system collapse.

Amoda said, “We are starting gradually to round up with about 400 mega watts embedded energy supply by next year.

He said, “So many power companies had indicated interest to partner with us. At the expiration of the ongoing advert we are going to pick the choice company to partner with.

“Before drawing the Private Partnership Agreements ,PPA, the zone will inform the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Agency, NERC, before rolling out the first embedded electricity generation into the system by July 2014,’’ he said.

Amoda said that about 35 companies had obtained application form to partner with EKEDC on the embedded power supply, add-

ing that the company was looking up to 100 companies to key into the scheme.

He said that EKEDC was discussing with some big companies such as Flour mills, Honeywell and others who generates more than what they can use on captive power solution.

Amoda, who lamented the increasing vandalism, noted that EKEDC has being receiving low power allocations from the national grid, forcing the company to ration available electricity supply.

He said the company was working relentlessly to improve electricity supply to the zone.

The EKEDC boss identified shortage of gas as another major factor that was militating against regular supply of electricity to the state.

L-R: Guaranty Trust Bank’s Managing Director, Segun Agbaje; Chairman of the Board Egbert Imomoh; Company Secretary and Head of Corporate Services Division Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Ms. Olutola Omotola during the 24th Guaranty Trust Bank Annual General Meeting at the Muson Centre, Lagos, recently.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun to procure 6,000 tonnes of fertiliser says Commissioner

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he Osun Government said on Tuesday it had approved contract for the supply of 6, 000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for the 2014 planting season.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Sunday Akere, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Osogbo.

Akere said that the contract had already been awarded.

“The State Agricultural Development Programme, OSSADEP, had requested for the procurement of 6,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser.

“Gov. Rauf Aregbesola has ap-

proved to procurement to facilitate food security in the state.

“The government has also ordered for 3, 500 metric tonnes of NPK at N6,000 per bag and 2, 500 metric tonnes of Urea at N5,800 per bag.”

The commissioner said that the state would not release any money to the contractor until the consignments were delivered, adding that government would ensure that the contract was executed to specification.

“The consignment will also be inspected by both the state’s Tender Board and the state’s Planning Committee before the payment is effected,” Akere said.

N10bn water business thrives in Nigeria daily –NAFDAC

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he Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, says N10bn is made daily from water business in Nigeria.

Orhii stated this on Tuesday in Abuja when he visited the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.- Gen. Johnson Olawumi,.

He said based on the turnover from the water production, a lot of people had ventured into the business but expressed regret that in spite of the prospect of the business some people want to cut corners to make more money.

“Drug is our major problem.

We manufacture less than 30 per cent of the essential medicine we take in Nigeria,’’ Orhii said.

He decried the global business of drug faking, which stood at N3.2 trillion per annum.

Orhii expressed appreciation for the collaboration between

NAFDAC and NYSC. “NYSC is an organisation we can’t play with; we came to say thank you for what you have been doing for us.’’

He said that the agency had set up a small business desk to work with corps members who would constitute a fraction of the 2000 NAFDAC workforce.

Responding, Olawumi appreciated the efforts of NAFDAC in the fight against fake and counterfeit drugs.

He noted that Nigeria’s population had made it a choice destination for people trafficking in fake drugs.

“We are all working together to achieve the same purpose, we are ready to help.

“NYSC is spread across the country which puts it in a better position to work with NAFDAC; we will continue to deploy our structures to help you’’, he said.

Company trains 4,500 cotton Stanbic IBTC Bank pledges loans for transport sector farmers in Katsina JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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tanbic IBTC Bank has renewed its pledge to aid the rapid transformation of the transportation and logistics industry in Nigeria by providing short, medium and long-term facilities.

A statement from the bank quoted Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Mr. Obinnia Abajue, as saying that the bank will provide a wide range of financial solutions to boost the fortunes of the economic subsector.

Abajue, who was quoted while speaking at a forum in Lagos, described the forum as the first in the series to be organised on an ongoing basis, is also designed to be a platform for stakeholders to

network, to provide a feedback mechanism that would lead to the creation of structures and solutions to help clients grow their businesses to the level of their dreams.

“By organising this forum, our aim is to demonstrate our preparedness to support the entire spectrum of the transportation and logistics sector through funding and provision of customized financial solutions, which includes financial plans, flexible payment schedules, and very competitive rates,” stated Abajue.

According to him, the goal of the forum is in line with the bank’s objective of becoming Nigeria’s foremost end-to-end financial services institution, providing financial support to individuals and businesses, and building longterm relationships across board.

He explained that the bank will leverage over 151 years experience and expertise in funding strategic projects to bear on the development and growth of the sector.

The bank’s Director of Policy and Planning at the National Automotive Council, Mr. Luqman Mamudu, who represented the Director-General, outlined the investment opportunities in the automotive industry and expressed optimism that banks will actively support the Federal Government’s efforts to revive and revolutionize the industry.

Mamudu said the council has unveiled a regime of incentives to encourage investment in the sector, saying that one of these include the establishment of an auto development fund to provide soft loan for companies that will produce auto parts in the country.

A

n agricultural company, Wacot Ltd., on Tuesday began the 2014 pre-planting training exercise for 4,500 cotton farmers in Katsina State.

The training, which commenced in Daudawa village in Faskari Local Government Area, was meant to enlighten the cotton farmers on best farming practice that would enhance increased yields.

Wacot Project Officer, Mr Laxman Dhayal, said the three weeks training would be conducted at Malumfashi, Funtua, Bakori, Kafur and Faskari Local Government Areas.

Dhayal said the programme that was being run in partnership with the Federal Government would also reach small holder farmers through various

programmes.

He said that the programmes, include the provision of loan to purchase inputs and for settling cost of labour.

According to him, about 50 farmers’ cooperatives have registered with the company for the seed multiplication programme being implemented by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The project coordinator said that Wacot had targetted 4,500 farmers for 2014 and that the figure covered about 10,000 hectares of land.

He called on the farmers to take advantage of the free training, extension services rendered by the company, highly subsidised seeds and other inputs to increase cotton yield per hectare.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Info Tech

Telecoms: Tackling RoW hurdles in Nigeria To fast-track broadband infrastructure rollout across the country, state governments in Nigeria must be ready to proactively remove the challenges being faced by telecoms operators in getting the Right of Way permits to build their cables and other installations.

KUNLE AZEEZ reports.

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ne of the major problems facing telecoms companies in Nigeria, especially in the area of infrastructure deployment, is the challenge of procurement of Right of Way, RoW. Although there are other bottlenecks such as multiple taxation, multiple regulation and vandalism that also hamper the smooth deployment of telecom facilities across the country, operators lament the most about the RoW. In technical parlance, Right of Way is the official permit that an operator needs to secure from the government to deploy its infrastructure, most especially the laying of fibre optic cables used for transmitting capacity from one location to another.

Ordinarily, the operators were not bothered about the payment for RoW, but it became an issue when payments had to be made at the federal, state and even local council levels.

Operators have stated that the cost of procurement of RoW for laying fibre and for procuring sites for base stations has been prohibitively expensive and that the process is time consuming.

Indeed, available data shows that the cost of obtaining RoW could account for as high as 50-70 per cent of the total cost of deploying fibre in various states of the federation.

Lengthy approval times, in some cases up to two years, also contributes greatly to delays an escalation of costs in rollout of broadband network.

Currently in Nigeria, the charges on RoW by the state governments have been described by telecoms players as prohibitive and cumbersome, having been heavily laden with bureaucratic processes.

However, Lagos State last year reduced the telecoms taxes and levies in the state by over 40 per cent, while RoW charges were slashed to N500 per linear metre, down from N5,000. The reduction was sequel to the intervention of the Federal Government, through the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, who

brokered a meeting with the state government and the operators to discuss the issue.

Commissioner for Science and Technology in the State, Mr. Biyi Mabadeje said the reason for the reduction was not unconnected with the understanding of the state government on the huge benefits pervasive broadband can have on a state’s economy and subsequently on its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, resulting from the many positive economic boost broadband will catalyse.

However, it appears most state governments are yet to acknowledge the need to fast-track broadband deployment in their states by reducing RoW charges to encourage telecoms investment in their respective states.

Speaking on the development, the Association of Licensed Telecom operators of Nigeria ALTON has urged state governments in the country to reduce the costs of obtaining RoW. Chairman of ALTON, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said that the service providers were pleased with the Lagos State Government for reducing the cost of RoW, but urged other state governments to do same in order to move the telecoms industry forward.

Adebayo said there was need for other state governments to follow suit, so that there could be an even deployment of telecoms services across the nation.

He stated that the cost of obtaining RoW had remained the most difficult challenge that operators faced, in order to deploy services.

“We appreciate Lagos State for seeing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a tool for job creation and economic development, more than for revenue generation. Lagos has shown good leadership in this regard and we hope other states will take a cue from the good example set by LASG in this regard,” he said.

The ALTON chairman said the reduction would allow for speedy infrastructure and broadband roll out in the state.

In the same vein, Chief Executive Offi-

cer of MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke, argued that the while developmental broadband depends heavily on availability and investment in infrastructure, the challenge of RoW being faced in most states of the federation, has remained an obstacle to the deepening broadband deployment in the country.

“Unfortunately, investment in most states of the federation has been grossly insufficient, largely attributed to the high costs of obtaining permits and other factors such as absence of a comprehensive policy to facilitate such (up until 2013); ex-

cessive taxation; high cost of obtaining permits and lack of stable power to subsidise affordable delivery, “ she added.

The economic benefits of investing in broadband are considerable and far-reaching in any state in Nigeria. For instance, it is widely accepted that a increase in broadband penetration has positive impact on GDP growth. A 2009 World Bank study suggests that a 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration yields an additional 1.38 per cent Gross Domestic Product growth for low to middle-income countries.

The Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, has also asserted as different fora that the broadband will have positive impact in entertainment, agriculture, commerce, education, government, enabling civic engagement, healthcare, public safety and on.

With Nigeria currently quoted as having 6 per cent broadband penetration, a figure considered very low, and with a plan to by the government to deliver 80 per cent mobile broadband penetration by 2018, there is a need for all state governments to key into the vision by making procurement of RoW as attractive as possible for the telecoms firms in order for them to reap the huge benefits of broadband on the economic growth of their (States’) respective states.

indicated by a recent International Telecommunications Union report that access to mobile networks is now available to 90 per cent of the world population and 80 per cent of who are living in rural areas.

Today, mobile data communication is gradually taking over voice and SMS communications, as many mobile phone users communicate with themselves using several instant messaging platforms. With stiff competition among telecoms operators, tariffs are gradually crashing as op-

erators continue to give incentives to woo subscribers.

However, many operators are not extending this reduction in data charges to tourist, business men and women, holiday makers, government functionaries and other people who travel abroad.

As result of the high charges by operators, many travellers rarely have access to the internet using their mobile phones while roaming. To avoid these charges, therefore, they intentionally switch off

their data connection, thus avoid exchanging emails, multimedia messages, surfing the Internet, chatting, uploading and downloading information.

While many operators are shying away from resolving the high rates of data roaming charges or coming up with a better alternative, only a few are trying to ensure that their medium and high value customers still have access to the internet through their mobile phones while roaming.

Easing data roaming challenge

O

ver the last decade, there has been significant growth at the global level in mobile cellular subscriptions relative to fixed telephone subscriptions.

This growth has been more pronounced in developing economies where mobile subscriptions have taken over fixed telephony. In developing economies, where in the past connectivity was based on expanding fixed lines; this has changed with emphasis now on mobile communications.

These trends are likely to continue as

Engineers laying fibre optic cable

Available data shows that the cost of obtaining

RoW could

account for as high as

50-70 per cent

of the total cost of deploying fibre in various states of the federation

32

Info Tech

Thursday, April 17, 2014

NCC orders cybercafés to maintain clientele database Kunle Azeez

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he Nigerian Communications Commission has directed cybercafé operators to henceforth to maintain a clientele database for all their customers in order to check cyber crimes.

The directive, according to the Commission, was in line with the strategic measures being taken by it to ensure that increasing wave of cybercrimes; especially those mostly orchestrated through cybercafés are addressed.

Further to the directive, NCC said a mechanism for the monitoring compliance of this directive has also been put in place by the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department.

The directive was one of the key highlights contained in the first quarter 2014 Compliance and Monitoring Enforcement Report of the NCC. According to other highlights of the report, the said it has con-

tinued the compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Nigeria Communications Commission (Registration of Telephone Subscribers) Regulations 2011.

“To this end a Technical Audit was carried out on all (registered SIMs since registration exercised commenced in 2011. Consequently, the Commission directed all operators via its letter dated of3rd October, 2013, “to henceforth return all fully activated SIM Cards to “receive only” if no commercial activity was carried out on them after 48 hours of activation.

“This directive was aimed at checkmating the incidences of sale of pre-registered SIM cards in the Nigerian Telecoms industry,” the report said.

Also. The Commission said its Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department received a referral from Spectrum Administration Department regarding a complaint of interference on Channel 4(7205 MHz/7401Mhz) and channel 2(7149 MHz/7345Mhz)

of Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) assigned radio frequency in Bonny and Port Harcourt environment.

“Monitoring and Investigation traced the interference to a microwave link deployed by INTELS Nigeria Limited. The Commission therefore directed INTELS to shut down the offending equipment failing which appropriate enforcement action will be considered against the Company,” it stated in the report.

In addition, the Commission said that following its surveillance and intelligence gathering exercise carried out at the Abuja International Trade Fair from 7th – 8th October, 2013, it was discovered that Space Multimedia Telecoms Ltd (SMTL) was involved in the provision of certain telecoms services including Vehicular Tracking Services, Internet Services, Sales and Installation of telecoms equipment without the necessary authorisation from the Commission.

L-R: Chief Marketing Manager, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Larry Annetts; Sales and Distributor Executive, Mr. Omatsola Barrow and Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, LUMOS, Mr. David Vortman, during the signing ceremony of a partnership deal between MTN and Nova-Lumos on alternative mobile electricity solution in Lagos recently.

Intel, HP task govt over ICT education Kunle Azeez

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global Information Technology chip maker, Intel Corporation and another ICT company, Hewlett Packard, have urged the Nigerian government on the need to formulate policies that will encourage the use of ICT to drive education at various levels.

This was advocated at this year’s African Resources and Technology for Education Show 2014 held in Lagos and Abuja with Intel and HP as platinum sponsors.

Speaking at the Abuja edition of the forum, which was declared open by Benue State Commissioner of Education, Dr.Elizabeth Ugo, the companies also restated their commitment to provide quality

educative solutions to Africa and Nigerians in particular.

Lead, Public Sector & Education; HP; Mr. Emmanuel Eze, stated that in the 21st century, teaching has gone beyond the classroom, ICT is improving technology and technology is a central part of education and it has enhanced the way of learning.

He urged government and teachers alike to buy-in to policies that encourage the use of ICT in classrooms stating that using ICT allows all students to learn at their own pace and acquire needed knowledge, according to facts students who participate actively are able to remember 90 per cent of work learnt because of active participation.

He emphasised that studentcentred learning should be ad-

opted in all classrooms as it shifts focus from the teacher to the students and allows students to be active and responsible participants in their own learning.

“This student centered learning can be achieved using technology tools such as the Intel Explore and Learn initiative,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Business Development Manager, Intel, Mr. Omoboyade Abe, said, “The Intel Explore and Learn is an education solution that provides access to a vast repository of free and low cost digital text books and interactive learning resources’.

At Intel education, the focus is on creating education solutions that aids learning and it is not profit focused. The software can be purchased at very reduced and affordable prices.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box Nokia X smartphone: A blend of innovation

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he launch of Nokia X Smartphone into the Nigerian market a few weeks after it was launched to wide acclaim at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain has sign-posted another move by the phone manufacturer to constantly remain ahead in technology innovation to meet consumer needs.

The dual SIM android compatible device comes with a fresh, tile-based user interface inspired by the Lumia family as well as Fastlane to simplify and enhance the consumer experience.

Nokia X device combines beautifully crafted design, quality hardware with access to the android app ecosystem to provide consumers with an affordable dual SIM smartphone in a range of exciting colours.

The device comes with a 10.4mm slim, durable monobody design further enhanced by 4” scratch-proof display and an exchangeable back cover that come in a variety of statement colours.

The device runs on the Nokia X Software Platform and is powered by a 1Ghz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

Analysts believe that the unique combination will resonate with consumers around the world and set a great precedent for the level of quality that can be achieved in the fast-growing, affordable Smartphone segment.

Users will enjoy signature Nokia experiences including free* HERE Maps, with true offline maps and integrated turn-byturn navigation, Microsoft services such as Skype, One Drive and Outlook email as well as chat applications including BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and WhatsApp. From a design perspective, the Nokia X does exude that Nokia

Nokia X

look and feel that which users have become familiar with, and although it’s not nearly as premium as Nokia’s flagship devices, the build quality actually is not that bad, and it actually feels pretty solid in the hand.

It is a little bit on the thick side, at 10.4 millimeters, but overall it feels pretty small and compact. The outer shell is comprised of a soft touch rubbery material which lends to a great in-hand feel and gives the phone a very nice grip.

The buttons and ports layout is very typically Nokia. On the right side, you’ve got your standard power and volume keys which are actually pretty tactile and responsive. On the top of the device is 3.5 mm headset jack, along with micro USB port on the bottom, and following along the back, is 3 megapixel camera with a single speaker in the bottom right corner.

On the front of the device, user will find just a single back button flanking the bottom of the display instead of standard array of Android buttons. The outer shell is removable, giving user access to the two SIM card slots, the microSD which supports up to 32Bg, and the 1500 mAh hour battery.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S5

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fter weeks of expectation, rave-making smartphone and latest gadget in Samsung’s premium Galaxy S series, the Galaxy S5 has been officially unveiled to Nigerians.

The phone, which was launched at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos was witnessed by crème de la crème in the society, even as the smartphone is reputed to deepen data penetration in Nigeria.

The Galaxy S5 has been available through all authorised Samsung partner stores nationwide as well as participating telecom operators from

last week.

The newest members of the company’s wearable device line, the Gear 2 and Gear Fit, have been available from Monday, this week.

Speaking on the new Galaxy S5, Samsung’s Director of Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, said that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is powered by a 2.5GHz quadcore processor and boasts a 5.1inch super AMOLED display.

The device features an upgraded 16-megapixel camera, new fitness tracking features, a heart rate scanner, an ultra power saving mode and is dust and water (IP67) resistant.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Brands & Marketing

33

Mobile phone advertising presents new opportunities for brands With studies indicating steady global growth for mobile phone advertising, DAVID AUDU explores how Nigerian brands and marketers can leverage on mobile platform to optimise brand exposure and media investments.

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he rise in the use of mobile phones across the world experts say have accounted for an increase in advertisement budget for the mobile platform. This fact was butressed by the growing use of smartphones and tablets among youths and business executives in and out of normal office hours, and the need for brands to continously maintain presence via the mobile phones away from the traditional TVs and PCs screens.

A research firm, eMarketer report in 2013 noted that global mobile ad spend jumped 105 per cent to bring in nearly $18 bn in sales, and is on track for $31.5bn in 2014.

It says, as more people turn away from PCs to smartphones and tablets for online connectivity the market for mobile ads will continues to shift too.

It also predicted that 2014 will see more growth of up to 75 per cent to $31.5 billion, adding that this was crucial as mobile ads are finally breaking through into meaningful share of overall digital spend, and will account for nearly one-quarter of it this year.

A report by the Internet Advertising Bureau, IAB, in the United Kingdom, UK, notes that mobile ad spend almost doubled in 2013 to break the £1bn mark and that it now accounts for £1 in every £6 spent on digital advertising. According to figures from the IAB, the growth helped the total UK digital ad spend to hit a record £6.3bn, an increase of 15 per cent year on year. The IAB’s Digital Adspend report was conduced by PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC).

Manager at PwC Dan Bunyan,, said: “Mobile’s huge rise is due to advertisers taking advantage of key developments in the way people use their mobile devices – particularly social media platforms.

“Mobile is now more of a story telling tool for advertisers rather than just an information device. Almost half of mobile adspend is accounted for by TVs biggest advertiser categories – consumer goods and entertainment brands – which is testament to how important mobile has become for brands.”

Also, data from United Kingdom Online Measurement, UKOM, shows more than a third of people (36 per cent) who access the internet are doing so via tablets, as tablet ownership grew 63 per cent year on year from 11 million to 17.9 million in February 2014.

The Digital Adspend report found that tablet-dedicated advertising has grown more than 400 per cent to reach at least £34.4m in 2013, which is up from £6.8m in 2012.

Realising the growing influence of mobile ads one of the world’s leading media communications specialists, MediaCom, recently partnered with mobile advertising server, Medialets, as part of an effort

to make mobile campaign more accessible and efficient for its brand client.

MediaCom says this global deal will help brands minimise the complexity and expense of delivering smart mobile ad campaigns, while significantly improving the depth and accuracy of mobile media measurement,” It is part of a wider drive at MediaCom to make mobile advertising more accessible for clients everywhere as smartphone and tablet use continues to rise”.

But, how are Nigerian brands and media agencies optimizing mobile platform for the benefit of advertisers?

According to research studies by MillwardBrown, a global research agency and Wild Fusion Nigeria, a digital and internet firm, both agreed that mobile has been gaining increasing ground in Nigeria, and ad spend on the platform is expected to continue to grow.

Though accurate statistics and data on ad spend Nigeria has not been forth coming, there is a general agreement based on research findings that mobile advertising is growing in tandem with mobile use in Nigeria and elsewhere, and therefore the need for brands to take advantage of it.

However, experts have noted that in spite of the growth and the huge opportunity for brands, many brands are not tapping into it.

Former marking director, Cadbury Bournvita, Iderenyen Enang, believes mobile advertising is evolving, but cautioned that those who failed to optimise it risk being left behind. He said the rise in the use of Android system is a huge potential for brands to explore.

However, Head, Client Services, Strategy and Planning at Wild. Fusion Nigeria, Agatha Emina, believes integrating mobile marketing into other campaigns, rather than treating it as a stand alone can prove highly effective for brands.

“Consumers are on the bus reading about you, tweeting about you, they’re watching TV at home, Googling you and if they can’t find you on their mobile, it’s highly likely they won’t find you at all”.

According to her, “Mobile helps you reach your audience on the go. Mobile is interactive, it is smaller, and because it is more personal and personalized, mobile ads has a higher conversion rate compared to other channels”.

On the prospect of mobile platform for Nigeria brands, she lamented that in spite of proven growth in this sector; nearly half of businesses in Nigeria still do not have a mobile channel.

“Nigeria has over 114 million active lines that have SMS capabilities and over 48million Nigerians who have access to the internet of which, according to Google, 60 per cent access the internet via their mobile phones and, according to Facebook over 70

per cent access Facebook via their mobile phones. This, we can say based on consumers interaction with current brand campaigns”.

She said opportunities for mobile advertising will continue to rise based on the trends seen over the past three years. She pointed out that “mobile has delivered the most conversions across various industries, from fast moving consumer goods, education, entertainment, financials and to tourism, mobile is there.

“There is also the ringtone and wallpaper downloads opportunity. The most popular are the mobile search and display ads, the display ads can be delivered within a mobile web browser or a phone-based application.

“Advertising opportunities also exist with the use of display advertising with a call-to-action to send a message via a shortcode, also with the use of USSD numbers to offer value to consumers and increase interactivity.

‘As the smart phone penetration increases with the availability of cheaper smart phones, so will more ad platform opportunities emerge”, Emina stressed.

Recent studies by MillwardBrown has also shows that mobile, especially, smartphones are now the most used screens globally. With strong daytime use, the study noted that “smartphones are good for delivering salience, difference and setting trends.

While they deliver only moderate ad receptivity globally, attitudes towards smartphone advertisements are much more positive in Kenya, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The findings noted that smartphones are the only screens that counts for the connected youth of today, and targeted ads on the platform will have wider brand leverage.

“Smartphones are at the hub of young

Consumers are on the bus reading

about you, tweeting about you, they’re watching TV at

home, Googling you

and if they can’t find you on their mobile,

it’s highly likely they won’t find you at all

consumers’ lives. Mobile use is deeply personal for this generation, and the bulk of their living, learning and buying will shift to smartphones, even as they continue to multi-task across their other digital devices.

Because of this, youth-focused brands will lead the field in providing a seamless multiscreen experience across devices in order to retain attention and to drive brand consumption among this audience.

It advised brand managers and marketers on the need to keep in mind that the younger generation is very fickle. “Even on the smartphone, they move constantly between social media sites, micro blogs, internet browsers, and instant messaging applications. Only the most innovative, forward-thinking and relevant marketing, offers and products will succeed in holding their attention. Creating a “buzz” in their digital sphere and being able to connect with them at their level, in a language and style that is youth-centric, will be crucial— especially for niche brands that depend on word-of-mouth referrals”.

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Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GTBank unveils reward scheme Winners emerge in for card holders Hollandia Yoghurt promo G

Stories: David Audu

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n line with its promise of rewarding consumers who participated in the Hollandia Yoghurt Refresh N Win Promo with mouth-watering prizes, Hollandia Yoghurt has rewarded consumers with gifts worth millions of naira in the promo which ended recently.

Consumers who participated in the promo won different prizes including iPads, iPhones, and smart phones from the weekly e-draws and instant airtime recharge from major telecommunications service providers.

At the grand finale of the campaign in Lagos, the company raised the stake by rewarding two winners of the grand prize with trip to London and Paris respectively, instead of the usual one winner making the trip to either of the two destinations.

Managing Director of Chi Lim-

ited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, said the Hollandia Yoghurt Refresh N Win Promo was the company’s way of rewarding customers who have been loyal in their patronage of Hollandia Yoghurt over the years.

“These customers have been there for us over the years. They are the reason why we have remained in business all these years. The patronage of these customers has helped us to remain the market leader in spite of stiff competition and this is just one of the numerous ways we are rewarding them.

“Chi Limited will not relent in its effort to ensure that consumers of Hollandia Yoghurt get the utmost satisfaction in their daily experience with the brand. Consumers should expect more exciting innovations from the brand as part of the company’s strategy to ensure that consumers keep going back to the market to pick Hollandia Yoghurt from store shelves

across the country”, he said.

The winner of the trip to London, Chigozie from Benue said he was overwhelmed by the sincerity of the makers of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand as he was not a believer in Promos and Raffle draws before now. He pledged his loyalty to the Hollandia Yoghurt brand, adding that as a firm believer in the integrity of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand, he will also become an unpaid brand ambassador.

A consumer of Hollandia Yoghurt in Benue State, Chigozie Victor, won the grand prize trip to London while another consumer in Oyo State, Akinwole Dolapo, was the proud winner of the grand prize a trip to Paris. The promo which commenced last year was closely monitored and supervised by the Nigeria Lottery Commission and the Consumer Protection Council.

uaranty Trust Bank plc has announced the launch of its new loyalty scheme exclusively for GTBank credit card holders. The loyalty scheme is in partnership with Avios, travel rewards company.

The initiative, according to a release from the company, is part of the bank’s overall strategy to bring the best in card products to its customers.

It will also reward international GTBank credit card holders, who are also members of the British Airways Executive Club Programme, for using their cards to pay for purchases using Point of Sale terminals.

With the new GTBank credit card loyalty scheme, every card holder will collect one Avios for every $2 USD on qualified spends on the card. The card holder can use Avios for flights worldwide

Chicken Republic announces Easter Pick ‘N’mix promo

C

L-R: Brand Manager, Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder, Bukola Balogun, Managing Director, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Idorenyen Enang and Chief Executive Officer, House of Tara, Tara Fela Durotoye at the media launch of Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Powder in Lagos recently.

SO&U staff win Miami Ad scholarship

T

wo creative staff of SO&U, a leading advertising agency in Nigeria, have been offered half tuition scholarships for international students at the Miami Advertising School. The scholarships which are for use at any Miami Advertising school campus anywhere in the world was won at the recently concluded Miami Ad School Scholarship Competition designed to connect with fresh talents.

The two, Adenike Akinbisehin and Ifeanyi Mazi who ranked tops in the keenly contested 2014 Miami Ad school Scholarship competition expressed gratitude to the organizers of the competition for creating a platform that “encourages and rewards creative excellence”. Adenike explained that her decision to participate in the competition

was to enable her “imagination roam, without having to consider limitations posed by cultural or production concerns”.

Mr. Ifeanyi Mazi on his part noted that it took him four days of brainstorming before the ideas hit him. for him, “this is just the beginning; the best is yet to come”.

Applauding the success of the two staff, SO&U Group Managing Director, Mr. Udeme Ufot expressed delight, commenting that ‘’ greatness can only be achieved with passion for excellence and willingness to move out of one’s comfort zone. Nike and Ifeanyi are shining examples of the achievements of commitment and hard work”.

In celebrating the winning duo at the agency, SO&U Creative Director, Mr. Anthony Ekun

commended them for their success, stating that “I am not surprised by what Ifeanyi and Nike have achieved. Their creativity and passion is consistent and very inspiring. At SO&U, we are confident that we will be seeing more of their achievements in the years to come”.

It will be recalled that only recently, Ifeanyi Mazi, one of the winning duo won the keenly contested MAD Laifer’s category with Sandra Ebulu another staff of the agency at the recent Lagos Advertising and Idea Festival (LAIF) Awards and have been offered the opportunity to visit France for this year’s Cannes Award which is the world’s biggest annual awards show and festival for professionals in the creative communications industry”.

with British Airways and Aneworld Airline partners.

According to the Managing director of GTBank; Mr. Segun Agbaje, “At GTBank, we believe that it is important to anticipate our customers’ desires, and tailor the most rewarding experiences for them. The collaboration with Avios to introduce rewards on credit card spending cements our position as the best Bank in Nigeria, in line with our strategy to serve our valued clients locally and globally. We are thrilled to pioneer this initiative which will run till the 26th March, 2015. ” Nick Pilbeam, Director of New Markets and Business Development at Avios, said: “We are always looking for new ways to provide British Airways Executive Club members with accessible ways to collect Avios.

hief Operating Officer, Chicken Republic, Kofi Abunu, has said the chicken chain recorded a double digit percentage growth in comparison with last year perfomance.

An impressive first quarter feat, which he attributed to the company’s store revamp exercise, product innovations, operational improvements, and aggressive customer service training programme.

He disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos recently to announced the company’s Easter promo, adding that the business is also embarking on an aggressive franchising model as part of its expansion plan.

He said Chicken Republic is committed to developing worldclass dining experience, adding that the promo is the way the

company is living it’s commitment to help customers get more out of life”.

Speaking on the promo , the company’s Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Susan Rotimi said, “Easter Pick ‘n’ Mix is designed to offer extraordinary satisfaction at great value”.

She said the special Easter offer tagged Easter Pick ’n’ Mix is to ensure families have an unforgettable Easter celebration, The promo offer combines some of Chicken Republic’s most popular products at a discount price which allows customers to create their own spiced combos from a choice of their favourite Chicken Republic menu items.

Chicken Republic is one of the fastest growing chicken QSR in West-Africa with 65 stores across Nigeria and in Ghana.

Facebook to store, transfer money on site

F

acebook is reportedly on the verge of becoming an “e-money” institution in a move that will allow its members to store money on the social network, and use it to pay and exchange with other users.

The company is “weeks away” from obtaining regulatory approval in Ireland that will allow the network to provide financial services, including electronic money and remittances, according to the Financial Times.

Facebook is said to have approached Ireland’s central bank about becoming an “emoney” institution. It wants its users to be able to transfer

e-money via the network using a process called “passporting”.

Facebook has held discussion with three London startups that offer international money transfer services online and via smartphones, according to the report.

The three start-ups cited include TransferWise, Moni Technologies and Azimo and Facebook is believed to have offered the latter $10m to recruit one of the co-founders as a director of business development.

In the past Facebook has experimented with e-commerce on its site using a virtual currency called Facebook Credits.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Rebasing the economy, positive development for Nigeria David Audu

M

anaging Director L’Oreal Central and West Africa, Idorenyen Enang has said the rebasing of the economy by the federal government is a positive development for Nigerian economy The former marketing director of Cadbury Bournvita who spoke to National Mirror recently noted that once in a while it is imperative to take stock of all economic development indices to properly access the true position of things.

“It is the proper thing to do to re-access the basis for our economic policies. For a long time we have been guessing, I will say, but with the rebasing, real economic

indicators, so that when planning it will no longer be guess work. It gives us numbers, data and facts on the basis of which we do our planning. We can’t be using old data to plan. In fact, we don’t use data here, and that is quite unfortunate; we use a lot of things that are out-dated, and it is not helping us. Let us for once know what is and what is not”, he said.

On the contributions of marketing to the national economy, he said, marketing is the totality of all business operations, adding that even Nigeria as country is engaged in marketing in one form or the other. Nigeria is identifying marketing opportunities and mapping it, that is marketing.

However, “measuring the contributions of marketing is also

predicated on existing facts, and that was why I said earlier that the rebasing of the economy is good, because it will now give us the yardstick to measure the contributions of each sectors of the economy to national development”.

The former president of Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, also spoke on the on-going reform in the advertising industry by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, saying there is nowhere a professional not regulated. What APCON is doing is not new, but it is just that because the field has been left for a long time without stiff regulation and sanctions for offenders. But now that the regulatory body has started to bark and bite, some are saying all manners of things.

L-R: Assistant Brand Manger, Dettol, Morolake Onifade, Deltol Brand Ambassador and Nollywood Actress, Mrs. Patient Ozokwor and Dettol Brand Manager, Tolu Olaoye, during a Market Activation and Trade reward, to mark the 50th anniversary of Dettol in Nigerian market, at Oke-Arin Market, Lagos, recently.

35

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

Brands should not only deliver messages, but memorability

S

uccessful brands are not only interested in delivering a certain message or communication, they ensure that the message delivered resonates with the consumer and is able to trigger the right purchase decision.

Media can play a far wider role than the simple delivery of brand communications.

Through their ability to carry messages to the right people at the right time, media vehicles can make or break the relevance of a brand’s communications. They can help a brand sit apart from the crowd and differentiate its message.

Their emotional tonality provides a context that can help a brand get through to its audience and enhance the emotions that their message evokes. In some cases the vehicle may even directly influence the emotional associations of a brand.

According to Millward Brown, a great media choice may do all of these at once, reaching relevant people in a distinctive and emotionally engaging context and thus substantially enhancing the mem-

orability of brand communications. Of course, if smart media selection can do all this good, we also have to recognize that ill-considered placements may do considerable harm.

This just makes getting it right all the more important.

The quality of the creative is of course a critical element in the success of brand communications.

But Marshall McLuhan was also on the right track when he famously stated, “The medium is the message.” For brand communications, the medium is a very significant part of the message. Therefore, advertisers need to go beyond the question of just how much to spend.

All GRPs are not created equal; smart media decisions can significantly enhance memorability and enable marketers to get the most out of their communications investments.

Do you take this critical factor into consideration when planning your media spend?

The savvy marketer needs to ensure that the message memorable while being relevant and links back to the brand itself.

Top 250 Global Consumer Products companies gross $3.1trn

T

he 7th annual Global Powers of Consumer Products report issued by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTTL), shows a glimmer of hope, despite renewed market turbulence, as the world’s 250 largest consumer products companies generated sales in excess of $3.1 trillion in fiscal 2012 (which encompasses fiscal years ended through June 2013).

This resulted in an average company size of $12.5 billion.

The report provides an outlook for the global economy, an analysis of market capitalisation in the industry, a look at mergers acquisitions (M&A) activity in the consumer products sector, and a discussion of major trends affecting consumer products companies.

“The turbulence in the global economy took a toll on the growth prospects for consumer products companies. In both mature markets and export-dependent economies, the industry’s

overall rate of growth was much more subdued in 2012, compared with 2011 and 2010,” said Dr Ira Kalish, the group’s chief global economist. “On the other hand, it is reassuring to see that profitability strengthened, despite rising prices for raw materials.

Of the 224 companies that disclosed their bottom-line net profits, only 19 operated at a loss in 2012.”

Despite a fragile global economic recovery, the report found that well-funded investors have continued to seek merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities that strengthen their strategic positions. In 2012, there were 1298 deals completed by consumer products companies, up from 1274 in 2011 and 1117 in 2010. For 2013, 1182 deals had been reported as of 22 February 2014.

Deal activity was found to be stimulated by improved credit availability, low interest rates, rejuvenated capital markets, and, in some cases, companies’

sizable cash reserves. Private equity has shown a renewed interest in consumer products. In one of the largest acquisitions in the food business, H J Heinz was taken private in June 2013

by Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital, in a $28 billion buyout. 3G and Berkshire are equal equity partners in Heinz.

“It is, perhaps, somewhat surprising that the volume of deals in the global consumer products industry has increased in recent years given the slow tempo of the global economy. However, as concerns over economic uncertainty begin to recede, 2014 is already shaping up to be a big year for M&A activity in the consumer products industry as companies look for growth either by expansion into new markets or by rationalizing their corporate portfolio,” said Jack Ringquist, global consumer products lead, DTTL. “The real challenge facing

consumer product companies these days is to survive in a globally connected, consumerdriven world. In order to manage and grow profitably, companies must learn to meet consumer’s demands from any part of the world, through any channel.

New approaches that must be embraced include end-to-end global supply chains, virtual market entry, direct-to-consumer channels and more investment in consumer insights. A more connected consumer is a more powerful consumer and that is the frontier consumer products companies now face. “ The report measured yearover-year composite growth rates by region for fiscal year 2012, with Africa/Middle East (16.9%); posting the highest gains, followed by Latin America (16.8%) and Asia/Pacific (5.6%). Companies in this region-especially in Japan-were severely impacted by the March 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake, so a recovery

in 2012 was to be expected. The North American region dropped to 4.0 percent. However, North American companies continued to enjoy robust profitability.

The 12.3 percent composite net profit margin in 2012 was up from an already-strong 10.4 percent result in 2011. Within Europe, French companies yearover-year growth (6.6 percent), outpaced After a dismal year in 2011 for manufacturers of consumer electronics, 2012 saw the sector bounce back. A moderate recovery among the Japanese companies, following the disruption caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, coupled with consumers’ increasing desire for connected devices, pushed revenues up nearly 10 percent.

Profits followed suit: the sector’s composite net profit margin nearly tripled to 7.2 percent in 2012 from 2.6 percent in the prior year.

Source: Bizcommunity.com

38

Insight

Igbo Ora is the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The town has made nonsense of the laws of nature and science in giving birth of twins.

KEMI OLAITAN reports that there is no home in Igbo Ora without twins, a phenomenon that still confounds orthodox and unorthodox medicines.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Igbo Ora…a town noted for

T

he first account of the birth of twins was the biblical story of the birth of Jacob and his brother, Esau, in the book of Genesis, chapter 25 where their mother, Rebekah, because of her condition had to inquire from the Lord why she was like that.

The bible account said:, “And the children struggled together within her, and she said, ‘If it be so, why am I this?

And she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, ‘two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels, and the one people shall be stronger than the other people, and the elder shall serve the younger.’

“And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled; behold there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel, and his name was called Jacob.”

After that account, the birth of twins has become virtually a daily occurrence in almost every part of the world with some societies seeing their coming as a blessing.

For instance, in many families in Yorubaland the coming of twins is more or less regarded as special blessing from God with the babies, Taiwo and Kehinde, pampered to almost a point of fault.

However, this was not to be the same in Calabar, the capital of present day Cross River State in the 19th century, where birth to twins was seen as a taboo and the babies either killed or thrown away into the bush. It took the intervention of a British woman missionary, Mary Slessor, to put a permanent stop to the practice of killing twins in that region of that era.

But while giving birth to twins has now become a daily affair, the rate varies both within and outside the country. One of the zones in Oyo State is Ibarapa and to those familiar with the area it is made up of seven towns that include Igboora, Eruwa, Lanlate, Idere, Ayete and Tapa.

Indeed the area is more known as “Ibarapa meje” meaning Ibarapa Seven.

While the area is known more or less as agrarian based because of its fertile land mass which attracts Fulani herdsmen in search of grazing land for their cattle, however one of the towns in the area, Igbo Ora, is regarded as the home of twins and this could not be faulted as there is no household in the entire town that does not have twins.

The town, which is the headquarters

Chief Gabriel Ogunrinde, Onilado of Igbo Ora

IN MANY FAMILIES IN YORUBALAND THE COMING OF TWINS IS MORE OR LESS REGARDED AS SPECIAL

GOD WITH THE BABIES, TAIWO AND KEHINDE, BLESSING FROM

PAMPERED TO ALMOST A POINT OF FAULT

of Ibarapa Central Local Government, is about 80 kilometres from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Getting to Igbo Ora from within and outside the state is not difficult as com- A twin, Taiwo Muibi mercial vehicles ply the town to other places like Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta Comrade Gbade Ayanleke who gave at any time of the day. birth to twins twice, told National Mirror To announce its status as the home that the twins boom in the town is such of twins, a first time visitor could not but that there is no day in a year that a set of see this at the main entrance to the town twins will not be born. with a sign post conspicuously displayed According to the middle-aged man, to proclaim this. While many reasons in- it is rare to find a household in the town clude eating of a special yam and a deli- that does not have twins and for homes cacy of okro leaf have been adduced to with more than one set of twins, they be behind this “twins miracle”, this phe- named the twins after the first set other nomenon has however remained a mys- names so as not to be calling Taiwo and tery that cannot be explained.

Kehinde with the children not knowing

which of them are referred to.

His words, “I can say that giving birth to twins has become the easiest thing to do in the whole town of Igbo Ora and for any household or family not to have twins will be regarded as out of this world. On my own part, I have two sets of twins aged nine and five years old respectively and since I am still virile I do not rule out the fact that I can still get more.

“And for the younger ones that are still growing up, they see themselves as

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, April 17, 2014

39

giving birth to twins

Another twin, Gbade Ayanleke

Happy twins

WHILE MANY REASONS INCLUDE

I CAN ONLY

EATING OF A SPECIAL

CONCLUDE THAT

YAM AND A DELICACY

IGBO ORA IS A

OF OKRO LEAF HAVE

SPECIAL PLACE

GOD HIMSELF AND HE

BEEN ADDUCED TO

CREATED BY

BE BEHIND THIS

“TWINS MIRACLE”,

WANTS TO BRING OUT

THIS PHENOMENON

SOMETHING SPECIAL

HAS HOWEVER

FROM THE TOWN

REMAINED A MYSTERY

WITH THE BOOM OF

THAT CANNOT BE

TWINS

EXPLAINED potential parents of twins knowing full well that it has become a norm in the whole town.”

A twin, Taiwo Muibi while speaking with the National Mirror, said he comes from a household that has over 10 sets of twins and this does not make them special as there are other households in the town who can boast of more than 10 sets of twins.

While echoing Ayanleke, he said giving birth to twins in the town is seen more or less as a daily occurrence with each set of twins born regarded as additional to the number of twins recorded in the town.

“Giving birth to twins in Igbo Ora has become a daily occurrence such that if anybody should give birth to twins on any given day, it will be seen as just an addition to the number in such a household in particular and the town as a whole,”

Another set of twins

Muibi said.

Speaking in the same vein, a traditional ruler in the town, Chief Gabriel Ogunrinde, who is the Onilado of Igbo Ora, said the boom of twins in the town is nothing but a special gift and blessing from God as the town is not different from other towns in Yorubaland and the country as a whole.

While denouncing that it is a special yam and okro leaf they eat that make the boom of twins possible in the town, he maintained that they do not have any yam different from other towns while other towns such as Iseyin make special delicacy from okro leaf more than that of Igbo Ora. He said, “It is nothing but the work of God that no man can explain. I can say that it is God Himself that wants to use the issue of twins to make the town popular. This is because we do not take care of

them more than any other towns both in Yorubaland and the country, but yet He keeps giving them to us.

“In our household, one of my sons gave birth to twins thrice, my father’s brothers were twins while out of the four wives of one of his brothers, three gave birth to twins. What all this means to me is that God loves us, He wants to make the town popular, a country of its own in terms of twins.

“I can only conclude that Igbo Ora is a special place created by God Himself and He wants to bring out something special from the town with the boom of twins.”

But while speaking on what could have been responsible for the birth of twins in virtually every home in the town, a gynaecologist, Dr. Babatunde Mofoluwaso Ogunsina, said there is no known correlation in eating yam and giving birth to twins.

According to Dr. Ogunsina, the two types of twins, modicogotic in which a man donates one sperm to fertilise the egg from the woman and which later breaks into two to form identical twins and dicogotic in which two sperms are donated by man to fertilise two different eggs from the woman resulting in twins with one coming out to be a boy and the other a girl, does not depend on food eaten by either the man or woman.

The medical expert who worked with the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, maintained that in having twins the prevalence is such that it is more common when twins run in the woman than the man.

He said, “The probability of a woman who is a twin to give birth to twins is far more higher than that of a man who is a twin.”

50

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Index rises 0.2% as US Ambasador urges oil companies to list shares JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

he benchmark index of equities rose further on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investment in companies with good earnings lifted the major index.

Specifically, the All-Share Index added 0.24 per cent or 95.58 points to close at 39,298.97 points, compared to the increase of 0.46 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 39,203.29 points.

Market capitalisation gained N26.6bn to close at N12.94trn, lower than the increase of N65bn recorded the preceding day to close at N12.91trn.

Ikeja Hotel Plc led the price gainers’ chart, gaining

7.02 per cent to close at N0.61 per share, followed by Seplat Plc with five per cent to close at N31.75. Livestock Plc was up 4.98 per cent to close at N3.16 per share.

Conversely, Eterna Oil and Okomu Oil Plc lost five per cent per cent to close at N3.61 and N39.90 per share respectively. Beta Glass dropped 4.91 per cent to N18.97 per share Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James F. Entwistle has called on companies in the oil and exploration to list their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Entwistle, who made the call during his courtesy visit to the Exchange yesterday, said that the Nigerian government and regulatory au-

thorities are considering a requirement that the newly privatised Nigerian companies list on the NSE. He said, “I am aware of legislation in the National Assembly that would transform Nigeria National Petroleum Company into a national oil company that could list up to one third of its equity on the NSE.” According to him, other national oil companies like Petrobras and Petronas have long been traded publicly and thrived as global competitors in the oil sector, saying that being listed would show a level of transparency and market discipline that will benefit the Nigerian people.

He applauded the Securities and Exchange Commis-

sion for the various efforts put in place in ensuring growth in the market, urging the commission to improve and expand the regulatory oversight of Nigeria’s capital markets.

He noted that the remarkable growth in recent years of listed corporations like Dangote Group, Transcorp and Honeywell as well as newly listed indigenous oil companies like Seplat, is instructive, noting these firms are driving the country’s economy forward.

“Their development is good for the both the United States and Nigeria, creating opportunities for trade and investment that creates wealth and promotes job creation in both countries”, he said.

Q1: Forte Oil posts N1.1bn profit on lubricants, fuels JOHNSON OKANLAWON

F

orte Oil has declared a profit after tax of N1.1bn for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 108 per cent when compared to N530m recorded in the same period of 2013.

The company revenue grew 31 per cent to N34.8bn, compared to N26.6bn posted in the corresponding period of 2013.

According to its unaudited result for the first quarter, gross margin in-

creased by 72 per cent to N4.6bn, compared to N2.7bn recorded in the same period of 2013.

Profit before income tax rose 101 per cent to N1.26bn, compared to N633m recorded in 2013, while it achieved a year-to-date growth of 37.7 per cent in share price from N92.87 per share to N148.99.

A statement from the company yesterday attributed the growth to successful launch of newly repackaged lubricants and aggressive consumer engagement activities to boost market share.

It explained that the com-

pany will continue to expand retail network at strategic locations to improve market dominance.

The statement added that the company will continue aggressive growth and expansion of its industrial/ commercial customer base to meet its objective of being the supplier of choice, stating that it recorded strong performance from Geregu Power Plant despite operational challenges.

The company, hoever, attributed its revenue growth to increase in sales of fuels, such as premium motor spirit, automotive gas oil

and aviation fuel.

It added that power generation also contributed 7.42 per cent and 44.13 per cent to the group’s revenue and profit-after-tax respectively as Forte Oil’s diversification strategy continues to yield positive income streams.

The company formally took-over Geregu Power Plant on November 1, 2013 following a successful acquisition of the 414 power generation plant located in Kogi State of Nigeria, under the Federal Government-led privatization programme to divest public power assets.

Source: NSE

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 39,298.97 points Market capitalisation 13.03 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

IKEJAHOTEL

0.57

0.61

0.04

% CHANGE 7.02

SEPLAT

635.04

666.79

31.75

5.00

LIVESTOCK

3.01

3.16

0.15

4.98

ACCESS

7.83

8.22

0.39

4.98

CAP

37.75

39.60

1.85

4.90

MAYBAKER

1.64

1.72

0.08

4.88

VITAFOAM

4.01

4.20

0.19

4.74

RTBRISCOE

1.10

1.15

0.05

4.55

AVONCROWN

1.41

1.47

0.06

4.26

NEM

0.73

0.76

0.03

4.11

CHANGE

% CHANGE -5.00

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

ETERNA

3.80

3.61

-0.19

OKOMUOIL

42.00

39.90

-2.10

-5.00

BETAGLAS

19.95

18.97

-0.98

-4.91

COSTAIN

1.25

1.19

-0.06

-4.80

JOSBREW

3.77

3.59

-0.18

-4.77

TRANSEXPR

2.35

2.24

-0.11

-4.68

INTENEGINS

0.65

0.62

-0.03

-4.62

NPFMCRFBK

0.88

0.84

-0.04

-4.55

NEIMETH

1.32

1.26

-0.06

-4.55

Temasek’s Nigeria deal shows interest in Africa

T

he second major acquisition in Africa

by Temasek Holdings Pte or one of its units in six months shows the growing interest in a continent where many countries are expanding faster then developed markets.

Singapore’s state-owned investment company will buy a stake in Seven Energy International Limited for $150m, the Nigerian closelyheld Energy Company told Bloomberg.

That follows an announcement in November of a $1.3bn investment in three gas blocks offshore Tanzania by Temasek’s liquefied natural gas unit Pavilion Energy Pte.

“It ticks all the right Temasek boxes as it is an investment in a fast-growing emerging economy and it is an investment in resources,” said Song Seng Wun, a Singapore-based economist at CIMB Group Holdings Bhd. “They are slowly getting more comfortable with the region.”

Temasek joins other investors including Carlyle Group LP and Robert Diamond’s Atlas Mara Co-Nvest Limited that are seeking to profit from the continent’s development.

Nigeria has the potential to be one of the top 15 economies in the world by 2050, fueled by its population, which would account for about

a fifth of Africa’s people by then, Jim O’Neill, a former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, wrote in a Bloomberg View column April 6.

“We are interested in investment opportunities in Africa where they fit our investment themes; in particular, around the transformation of economies and the demand for consumption by growing populations,” Temasek spokesman Stephen Forshaw said.

The International Monetary Fund forecast this month economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will accelerate to 5.4 per cent this year from 4.9 per cent in 2013. It also forecast growth

in Nigeria would rise to 7.1 per cent from 6.3 per cent.

Ahead of the most recent investments in Africa, Temasek’s assets in the continent, central Asia and the Middle East accounted for just two per cent of its total holdings as of March 31, 2013, according to its latest annual report published in July.

That’s on a par with investments in Latin America and compares to 13 per cent in Australia and New Zealand, and 12 per cent in North America and Europe.

Investing as little as $150m in a Nigerian company makes sense because the country is still politically unstable, Song said.

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

22,057.31

11.50

07-Nov-13

182-Day

30,000.00

11.59

07-Nov-13

182-Day

47,786.39

13.05

07-Nov-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178-Day

86,709.13

12.35

07-Nov-13

175-Day

95,368.69

12.35

07-Nov-13

-

-

-

-

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$350m

N/A

$343m

04-Nov-13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, April 17, 2014

51

More institutions should invest in youths –Nneka Egbuna Nneka Egbuna is a German-Nigerian hip hop/soul singer and songwriter, who recorded a song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. A multiple award-winning artiste, Nneka who is a current judge on the Nigerian Idol reality TV show is concerned about the fate of Nigerian youths. She tells LEONARD OKACHIE in this interview. Excerpts: How would you describe your experience so far, being a judge on the Nigerian Idol for the first time?

It has been educational. On my part, I have learnt a lot. I have never done anything as such in my entire life. It is a challenge. I’m learning to appreciate the other people’s opinions and at the same time developing sense of empathy and understanding other people point of views. I am also here to identify and elevate talentsthat is my major concern here. On the other part, publicity is probably good for me.

Looking at it from the general perspective it has been a positive thing.

How were you chosen as a judge?

They approached me; they approached a friend of mine who should be my public relations person.

Are there cases where you have to disagree with your co-judges?

Well, we have to disagree at times to agree and agree to disagree. I have to learn to live among people. It can’t always be my way. If there is a kid that is wrong there and Darey says no he was right and Dede says no he was ...Then I have to go through it again and then negotiate. It is like market where you bargain.

youths, in allowing the youths to be creatrive.When I was being brought up, it is like a taboo for you to say you want to become a musician. Our job on earth anyway is to be creative and if that is lost that is distraction and distraction leads to stagnation,; stagnations leads to the non movement of the people. That is exactly what is happening in Nigeria. We need to stop standing in our own way by not being creative.

Are you satisfied with the nationwide votes?

No! Unfortunately it has nothing to do with talents anymore. It is almost like it’s based on connection- who’s connected well?

Who knows who? And then you get more votes. I don’t know how one can change that.

How would you describe your new album?

The album, Shining Star is a compilation of all the major hit tracks that I have done in the last 12 years of my career. I decided to do a compilation for Nigeria because I had the impression that my music is not up to date on my career. The album is my life , everything that has been happening in the last 12 years- the ups and downs, the competition, the pain, what money could do if you have it; what drugs could do and my faith in God. Besides my weakness I have been able to be strong and have faith in God.

But do you think that the contestants you have can actually give you what you are looking for?

That is why we have the Wild Card, whereby we as judges were able to call back people we consider as talented. I am happy that we have that wild card chance.

If you have the chance to change anything in the show, what will that be?

I will like to make it more African. It is called Nigerian Idol; it is American-based.

So I will bring in that African life. I will

UN launches new treaty on child’s rights violations

Nneka

to make it more Naija, more cultural and more traditional. There should be more traditional music. I think that is coming up eventually. I will invest more time in the contestants. Coaches and judges like us could invest more time in the contestants, encouraging them and bringing them up.

Live band is coming up and I am happy about that.

Based on your experience on this show, how would you assess the talents of Nigerian youths?

I think we have a lot of good talents that have to be nurtured in the right way, not just in the form of Nigerian Idol but there should be more institutions investing in

What is your take on the current trend of Nigerian music?

There are lots of awesome, very talented artistes. I am glad that most of them who have lived outside are all coming back home, trying to give back to society. Some are trying to pick from the society, let’s be frank. We need to play more live, we need to represent who we are. I think that is changing because about 10 years ago everybody wanted to be American. The likes of Burna Boy, D’banj, Wizkid are showing that example. I think that pride is coming back home.

It is cool to have the Nigerian accent; it is actually cool to just be you. But I think live element is lacking – instrument, rhythm and the wood. I miss the wood. Too much classic is going on.

Kim Wonder releases There Was A Boy remix

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African children

Stories: Leonard Okachie

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nited Nations child rights experts have hailed a new treaty that allows children to complain directly to the world body about alleged violations of their rights.

The treaty, known as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure, entered into force on Monday - three months after Costa Rica became the 10th country to deposit its instrument of ratification.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for children’s rights,” said Kirsten Sandberg, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; Marta Santos Pais, the Secretary-General’s Spe-

cial Representative on Violence against Children; Leila Zerrougui, the SecretaryGeneral’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict; and Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

“Children are now further empowered as this Optional Protocol recognises their capacity to exercise and claim their own rights,” they said in a joint statement.

The Optional Protocol will enable children and their representatives to submit complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child about specific violations of their rights under the Convention, as well as under its other two Optional Protocols (on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child pornography and child prostitution).

Kim Wonder

ritish-Nigerian singer and songwriter, Kim Wonder, also known as Kimwonder, has released the remix version of her terrific single to mark her entry into the Nigerian music scene.

The remix of the single entitled ‘There Was A Boy’, is a mid-tempo groovy number. Produced in South Africa and features Veezo, it showcases Kim’s soothing and silky vocals as she woos her lover boy.

Known for her lyrics, and beautiful, unique voice, Kim Wonder is very versatile in hear style of music with genres ranging from inspirational Pop, to R&B and Urban Music.

The international songstress who is a record-selling artist in the U.K and U.S was recently on a media tour in the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

She is working on a forthcoming project slated for release later in the year.

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Media

Thursday April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abia NSCDC brutalises journalist ... told to go to hell with his profession George Opara ABIA

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igh level of recklessness, jungle justice and arbitrary display of power was showcased by men of the Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps when a journalist was brutally manhandled by the security outfit for condemning an act of brutality against a Keke operator in Umuahia.

The journalist, Chidi Asonye, the Abia State Correspondent of the Nigeria Newspoint was going for an assignment some metres away from the NUJ secretariat when he saw three keke seemingly glued to each other, coming down Azikiwe Street.

As the vehicles approached Ojike Street, they came to an abrupt stop even as passersby were attracted to the scene by several shouting orders which came from men of the NSCDC. Soon after, they started punching the operator who was deformed in one of his legs for whatever crime they felt he had committed.

It was at this point that the Journalist who had been watching with other onlookers told the NSCDC personnel to exercise some restraints and further asked them to arrest and take the operator to their command headquarters which was a few metres away if they think that his offence was so grave.

It was at this time that one of the five men turned back, snatched Asonyes’ cell

phone which he also pronounced seized.

When the journalist who was there with two other journalists asked why his phone would be taken away the one who snatched it away said he was not supposed to come around them with any phone that has camera.

“If you were doing the right thing why were you afraid of cameras especially in an open place like this?” Asonye had asked even as he introduces himself to the overzealous NSCDC staff who asked him to go to hell with his profession.

The journalist left the phone, walked up to the headquarters to report to the PRO but on getting there, he met Mr. Chimezie Ikpeaba, head of the anti-vandals squad who he reported the matter to.

Ikpeaba later retrieved the phone after a long persuasion and subsequently handed over same to the journalist who was then in the company of the Abia State Correspondent of the White Paper newspaper, Nwamara Chekube.

But as they were leaving, one of the men pushed the reporter while Mr. Asonye asked him not to mind them even as he assured him that the men cannot go free for doing the wrong thing.

Unfortunately, one of the NSCDC armed with an official rifle blocked the two journalists and queried to know what Asonye was telling his colleague. But the journalist said he was not talking to him even as he asked him if he was going to shoot him for merely talking to his colleague.

The NSCDC personnel whose name was revealed as Adeh J K held Asonye by his

Asonye

NSCDC Commandant-General, Ade Abolurin

trouser, and slapped him in the presence of passersby along Azikiwe and Macaulay Streets as well as men of the NSCDC who were awaiting the arrival of the zonal commander who was visiting the state command that afternoon.

It was at this time that the anti-vandals head tried to stop him but was shoved aside. Adeh slapped the journalist a second time before punching him two times on his face and he started bleeding from his mouth.

While this was going on Ikpeaba was heard shouting that he would stand in testimony against the overzealous staff if the case comes up anytime in Abuja since what the man was doing was wrong.

Having satisfied himself with the blood

that was gushing out, he left the journalist and walked away with other colleagues who had assisted him in assult.

Shortly after that the jorunalist was rushed to a private hospital where it was discovered that he had multiple cuts on his upper jaw as well as his lower and upper lips.

But before then the command’s PRO who later met with Asonye asked the journalist to forgive their staff that manhandled him even as he asked him to persuade one of the private radio stations in the city whose reporter had contacted earlier, not to use the story since according to him, it would be damaging to the command in the state.

Tinsel cast thrills guests at Airtel Premier launch MRA launches FOI application for Android devices

Stories: Leonard Okachie

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ramatis personae of popular Television soap opera, Tinsel, were among the company of celebrities including Bovi, Ik Osakioduwa, Tuface Idibia, Mike Ezuruonye, Sunny Irabor, Annie Macaulay, DeolaSagoe and Buchiwho graced the unveiling of an exclusive club for elite customers by Nigeria’s second largest telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria recently at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

The Tinsel cast, comprising Fred AdeWilliams (Victor Olaotan), Brenda “Nana” Mensah (FunmilolaAofiyebi-Raimi, Kwame Mensah (Chris Attoh), Telema Duke (DamilolaAdegbite), SojiBankole (Tinsel GbenroAjibade), Charles Enahoro (KhingBassey), Tayo (Lanre Curtis Olubolade) and Phillip Ade-Williams (Gideon Okeke), added spice and colour to the occasion, especially during the cocktail session, as they interacted with guests, fielding questions from admirers and fans.

No more than a few guests were enchanted to see the actors and actresses from the widely watched TV drama. Expectedly, the cast fielded questions bothering on their roles in the soap opera.

Asked by a guest why he shot his father in the soap opera, Gideon Okeke, who acts Phillip Ade-Williams, son of Fred Ade-Williams, retorted: “you only saw a hand pointing a gun, but I didn’t shoot my father.” This response drew loud laughter from the guests as they engaged other cast members of the

M Tinsel cast

TV show.

Written by Yinka Ogun, the soap opera, Tinsel, revolves around two rival film companies Reel Studios, founded by Fred AdeWilliams (Victor Olaotan) and Odyssey Pictures, headed by Brenda “Nana” Mensah (Funmilola Aofiyebi-Raimi).

The over 500 select guests comprising CEOs of blue chip companies, top government officials, leading entrepreneurs and notable personalities from other industries had a lot to cheer for on the night with another stand-up comedian, Buchi demonstrating why he is one of the best in the country as he consistently had many of the guests reeling with laughter.

Nigeria’s biggest music star, Tuface Idibia was true to his billings when he hit centre stage. Performing some of his hit tracks including ‘One love’, the Benue-born musician proved a favourite of too many a fan as he literally got both the old and young

on their feet, albeit some noticeable miscued steps from the guests were helped by the sound off the beats.

BBA compere and popular broadcaster, Ike Osakioduwa lived up to expectation as he guided the guests through an engaging event that lasted for more than three hours.

The event hit a crescendo with the unveiling of the Airtel Premier logo by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, SegunOgunsanya supported by the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina; Board member, Airtel Nigeria, Paul Usoro (SAN); Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Airtel Nigeria Deepak Srivastava; Wife of Ogun State Governor, OlufunshoAmosun; foremost British economist and guest speaker, Jim O’neill and Arsenal legend, Ray Parlour.

edia Rights Agenda (MRA), has launched an application to enable users of Android powered mobile devices to download the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to their handsets, tablets and other devices that use the Android operating system in an easy-to-navigate format.

The app was developed by Eko-Konnect for MRA with support from the Ford Foundation. Eko-Konnect is the Lagos cluster of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (ngREN), which aims to support network connectivity and collaboration between education and research organizations.

Announcing the release of the new app in Lagos, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said: “This latest FOI App for Android devices complements two similar apps which MRA launched on November 15, 2011 for downloading the FOI Act to java-enabled mobile devices and Blackberry phones.”

According to him, the development of these applications is part of an ongoing effort by Media Rights Agenda to create awareness about the FOI Act and to make the text of the Law available to Nigerians across all social strata to ensure that it is fully utilized and that it is able to achieve its full potential.

Ojo maintained: “With about 175 million connected mobile telephone lines in Nigeria at the moment, we are convinced that the mobile phone is a veritable platform for making this powerful piece of legislation available to most Nigerians at no cost’’.

Thursday April 17, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

55

Community Mirror The FCT administration would meet with agencies to explore ways of providing additional security for motor parks, markets and other public places in the Federal Capital Territory.

– FCT MINISTER, BALA MOHAMMED

Imoke condemns commercial motorcycles for empowerment Richard Ndoma CALABAR

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he Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Liyel Imoke has counselled politicians against giving out commercial motorcycles as part of their youth empowerment programme, saying that such is capable of sending beneficiaries to their untimely graves.

Imoke stated this at the Agricultural Business Farm Park and

Empowerement, ABFP, programme for agro entrepreneurs instituted

by Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, member representing Calabar and Odukpani Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Imoke said that over the years motor cycles have been noted to be a major cause of road accidents in the state, resulting in fatalities, even as he said that statistics has shown that the number of youths killed in motorcycle accidents is high.

“I do not support the giving of motorcycles for youth empowerment, because you rarely see any of them making a success of riding them, “he said. .

The governor urged the people to see the empowerment project as a means to increase food production, adding that what the lawmaker has done is in line with the government policy of focusing on the development that would positively impact on the youths.

The governor urged the royal fathers to redirect the mentality of their youths into seeing farming as a lucrative venture, even when the time frame for striking it rich is long.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji AminuTambuwal, said the House leadership was poised to ensure that unemployment is drastically reduced in the country.

Obiano inaugurates panel to probe fire incident Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

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ollowing the fire that engulfed Ose Okwodu Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, the governor, Dr. Willie Obiano, has set up a panel to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

This was contained in an announcement signed by the Secretary to the Government, Mr Oseloka Henry Obaze.

The panel which has two weeks to submit its report is being chaired by the traditional ruler of Nteje, Igwe Roland Odegbo, while other members include; Chief Chuma Eruchalu, Barrister C.I. Okoye, Mr. Emma

Ndubuisi, Superintendent of Police, Fasugba Temitope, Mrs Promise Ezeigwe, and Mrs Grace Okonkwo.

The terms of reference include, to determine the remote and immediate causeof the fire; determine what will be done to mitigate the incident; produce a rebuilding plan for the market; determine the role played by the fire service, police and other relevant agencies to stop the fire, and make any other recommendation to avert future occurrence.

The governor had earlier visited the scene of the fire incident and told affected traders that remedial actions will be taken by the government.

Council boss restates commitment to quality education Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

T A group of fast food vendors waiting for customers in Abuja.

Elders decry sale of school land in Delta Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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lders of Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have decried the sale of community land belonging to the Otokutu Grammar school without consent of the indigenes.

Speaking, the elders said they decided to cry out after several portions of land meant for building of the school was sold by the town’s President General, Stephen Okenedo without their consent, even as they called on the state government to urgently intervene.

Some of the elders who pleaded anonymity, said bulldozers mobilised by Chief Okenedo were already carving out large portions of land belonging to Otokutu Grammar School for sale.

“The community donated the land for the school project some years ago with consideration for future expansion. The community had never at any time agreed that any undeveloped portion of land be sold. Chief Okonedo became President General last December and is now bent on selling it.

“Last week, the elders

met and decided that the land should not be sold. We are calling on the government and relevant agencies to intervene and stop this impunity. This abuse of office has never been heard of in the community and must be stopped”, they stated.

Reacting on the allegation, Chief Stephen Okonedo, admitted to encroaching on the land, saying that it was too large and so no one can question his authority to appropriate any portion.

Okonedo said: “There is no place else in Ughelli South where a community would release 20 acres for

public school. I have left 20 acres for the school. When our elders released the land, they did not sign any agreement with the government. They thought of developing a model school with hostels and cemetery.

Now there is no more model school.

Today Otokutu has developed to a point that it has several non indigene settlers. I am using part of the land to build a cemetery for the benefit of the community. No one should question what the community wants to do with its land. Those complaining are rebels.”

he Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government of Kogi State, Aloysius Adeiza Okino has reiterated his commitment to uplift the standard of education in the area.

Okino who disclosed this in Adogo, headquarters of the council at a quiz completion, organised by the Aloysius Okino Scholarship Scheme, stressed the need for governments at all levels to invest in the education of children.

Okino who is also the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, said his administration will do everything possible to reverse the downward trend of education in the area, saying that no society can make progress without proper education.

He noted that the quiz competition was aimed at creating a forum for stimulating academic competition, healthy rivalry and stronger ties of friendship among the students.

According to him, the scheme was put in place in 2013, assuring that the quiz competition will hold every two years stressing that all logistic arrangements have been put in place.

The chairman called on students to take their studies seriously and shun all social vices which he said was responsible for the falling standard of education in the area.

He thanked the organisers and teachers of the participating schools for their resilience and hard work, saying the winners will be presented with computers to aid teaching and learning in the beneficiary schools.

Wada

WORLD RECORD

Longest screen kiss in a TV show

Vol. 04 No. 832 Thursday, April 17, 2014

The longest screen kiss in a TV show is 3 min 47 secs and was achieved by David Barger and Amy Barger (both USA) on the Valentine’s Day episode of “Good Day Tulsa” (KTUL TV) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, on 14 February 2013.

N150

Power shift: What my readers say

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et me switch the paradigm this week by bringing to you what some of my teeming readers say about what was published in my last column titled: When delay is denial. I decided to highlight some of the Facebook reactions I got, which is by no means exhaustive.

Esther Ebhota : The campaign for a paradigm shift in governance must move beyond a philosophical thought to a new political ideology. It must become entrenched in our minds as the only viable alternative to move our nation forward. Everyone who hungers for a better Nigeria must enlist in the fight to change the mindset of our entire populace to the need for a paradigm shift. We have a ‘pointer’ in Pastor Chris, but we have to disseminate this ideology to those in our spheres of influence. That is and should be our contribution to bringing

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eports said yesterday that the Lagos State Baseball and Softball Association has intensified preparation for the maiden Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed U-14 Championship holding in Ilorin from May 14 to 17.

National Mirror learnt

THE PRINCE OF NIGERIA PARADIGM Chris

Okotie

Okotie@revchrisokotie.com; twitter@revchrisokotie, 08078421451 (sms only)

about this needed change.

Benrose Chuks: Thank you Rev, I always maintain my ground that the big problem we have in Nigeria is from our leaders. Today, if APC is allowed to rule the same problem of zoning and change will be their topic.

Andy Grandeur Obakpolor: Well articulated and makes a lot of sense. Un-zoning will open the door wide for participation. Thanks Pastor for this explicit piece.

Allan Toluwase: Rev Chris Okotie, well articulated. (It is) an idea that is not in the minds of those who parade themselves on the corridors of political relevance till date.

Andrew Odan Agbese: Beautiful piece, but I don’t agree with him. He’s looking at the concept from a privileged perspective, not from the view of the masses whose only hope of a better quality of life is when someone that knows they exist is up there while they cannot go near the one that does not know them. In Nigeria, if one ethnic group is allowed to stay in power based on so called merit, the concept of ‘born to rule’ would surface and they will begin to look down on others. Make the thing rotate jor.

Eghosa Imade: Good one there, Rev Chris. My take is that no one tribe or region has a monopoly of vice or virtue.

(Our) lazy, greedy, vacuous and divisive elite shoot themselves on the foot and stew in the rot that sorely hobbles the country. A plural society as Nigeria should be bounded by ideals, not primordial concepts as

THE SHARING OF THE CAKE BEGINS AND ENDS WITHIN THE CIRCLE

OF THE PRESIDENT’S

CRONIES, CLANS’ MEN, WOMEN AND OTHER SYCOPHANTS ethnicity, religion and geography. We should cultivate leaders with the capacity to manage our diversity, in a colourful and functional narrative...

Idehenre Felix: It is the lazy man or group that talks about power shift. That shift has brought about lazy elements to the corridors of power. And they become wasteful in the long run.

Seun Davies: I stand for true democracy, not power shift.

Aliks Brown: True talk pastor. This zoning thing is evil. It was conceived by some criminal elements, mainly aged politicians who believe so much in the chop-Ichop business and it’s unfair. Let the best head rule! That’s my own opinion.

Valentine Babs Ayi Mettle: Perfect talk! Who labelled you a spoiler? Allow them to say whatever they want to say Pastor. Continue to talk and write until change comes. Their archaic ideas will soon fade away. Like you rightly said,

presidency rotation shouldn’t be based on ethnic considerations. We need a president who is capable and competent, who has leadership qualities, and above all, the fear of God. Without all these, the nation cannot move forward.

Jacob Abbah: Very well elucidated.

Kudos must also go to the gentleman Prof.

Donald Ike, for eliciting this response from the erudite FRESH presidential aspirant. The time for the shift is now, I doubt if there’s anything anyone can add to this write up as to the need for the much desired shift. Nigeria and Nigerians must come first. Like Majek Fashek said in his hit song of yesteryears, “we have sat down for so long, been fooled for too long”. The time for that shift, with due respect, Prof, is now. God bless Nigeria.

Kolawole Olufemi Gbenga: I’ve said it before and I will say it again, attaining a higher level in this country is a collective responsibility that we must all partake in.

It is up to us, the electorate, to read, listen and screen them all. It is time for change.

Thanks pastor, we love you.

Thank you for all your kind comments.

In summary, I’d like to add that the whole struggle for power in Nigeria since independence in 1960 has been about power shift, largely because of resource control.

The thinking hitherto, is that members of the tribe of the man in the Presidential Villa are at a greater advantage to enjoy the spoils of power because one of their own is in charge.

But the fact is that the governing cabal uses this false notion to deceive the people.

The benefits of being in the saddle never percolate down to the members of the supposedly advantageous ethnic group as a unit. The sharing of the cake begins and ends within the circle of the president’s cronies, clans’ men, women and other sycophants.

When the purpose of governance shifts towards a different compass, we’d begin to navigate our country to greatness.

Reverend Okotie, a presidential aspirant, wrote from Lagos.

Sport Extra

Lagos Baseball/Softball set for Kwara yesterday that the association opened camp for its athletes at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba on April 8.

Winner of the competition will represent Ni-

geria at the World U-14 Baseball Championship scheduled for June in Canada.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Lagos State Baseball and Softball Association, Mrs.

Onyeka Onuorah, has commended the Lagos State government for its grassroots drive in sponsoring participation of the athletes to the Kwara meet.

“We will leave nothing

to chance to ensure that we make Lagos proud in Ilorin,” she assured.

“As a matter of fact, this is the kind of competition that we desire and I am delighted that the athletes will be exposed while chasing laurels for Lagos State.”

Fashola

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