Thursday, december 5, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FEC approves N212bn for Lekki Deep Sea Port

Independence Day bombing: Court orders psychiatric test for Okah

…okays N29.9bn road projects ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA Umar

Vol. 3 N0. 737 657

he Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved $1.35 billion for the construction

and development of Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos State through public priCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Mukhtar

Thursday, December July 4, 2013 5, 2013

War against terrorism:

P.12

N150 N150

NSA indicts finance ministry, demands N7bn DHQ recommends over 500 Boko Haram suspects for trial UI LECTURERS MARCH FOR IYAYI

TORDUE SALEM, MURITALA AYINLA, AISHA TITILAYO AND UBONG UKPONG

he National Security Advisor, NSA, Mallam Sambo Dasuki, yesterday said that security agencies were experiencing difficulties in their battle against terrorism in the country because of shortCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ibadan, staging a walk in honour of the late Prof. Festus Iyayi in Ibadan, yesterday.

Insurgency: Sambo meets US delegation P.6

PHOTO: NAN

FG produces proof of N200bn payment to ASUU

Iyayi’s funeral ceremony begins with solidarity march

Lagos rescues 7 babies, mothers held hostage in hospital

P.2 P.6

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG produces proof of N200bn payment to ASUU OBIORA IFOH, KEMI OLAITAN, JAMES ABRAHAM AND SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

he Federal Government yesterday presented proof of deposit into the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, of the contentious N200 billion meant for the funding of the universities as demanded by the ASUU. The government also said that having fulfilled its

own side of the bargain, it expected ASUU to keep to its own promise and call off the strike. In a press conference in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said that it was necessary for the government to proof to Nigerians that following the presidential intervention on the ongoing strike by the lecturers, President Goodluck Jonathan instructed the fulfillment of the agreement with ASUU.

Okupe said: “On November 13, 2013, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation authorised the banking and payment system department of the Central Bank of Nigeria via a letter with reference number FD/OAGF/220/ ADC/1/4DF to open a ‘revitalisation of Universities Infrastructural Account’ with the CBN. “On November 29, 2013, the CBN confirmed in a letter reference BPSD/BSD/ CON VOL 17/088 to the Accountant- General of the

Federation that the said account had been opened and an account number was given. “Prior to all this, the Director of Funds in the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation through a letter reference FD/LP2008/37/C/I/DF dated November 8, communicated with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission requesting for the list of federal universities in Nigeria for the purpose of opening a special account

L-R: US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle; Commander, United States Africa Command, Gen. David Rodriguez; Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, during a meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

for them. “On November 12, 2013, the NUC through the Office of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, in a letter reference NUC/ES/444/ VOL15/280 responded to the request and gave the list of the universities with their various account numbers domiciled with the CBN.” He said that following this development, the accountantgeneral had communicated with the executive secretary, requesting for the details of amount payable to each of the listed universities currently being processed by the NUC. “I state categorically that I have personally seen the balance in the account as of today and confirm that it contains the requisite amount and disbursement will commence as soon as ongoing administrative processes are sorted out. “Distinguished gentlemen, we want to reaffirm that the President and this administration have no credibility issues whatsoever. Mr. President has always honoured his words and obligations to the Nigerian people as and at when due.” Okupe said that given due considerations to the four items mentioned by ASUU as preconditions to their calling off the strike,

the Federal Government stated that none of them remained weighty enough to justify the continuation of the strike. “Therefore, there are no further legitimate reasons for the strike by university teachers to continue a day any longer. “We, therefore, call on Dr. Nasir Fagge, his distinguished colleagues in the ASUU leadership and other patriotic members of their union to put all else aside and call off this strike in the interest of our young men and women who have been kept out of school for five months and who have no recourse to any form of compensation whatsoever. “Having come this far, we believe it is time that we all come together once again as major stakeholders in the affairs of the country and the educational sector in particular to move on and begin to chart a new course for advancing the sector and improving the standard of our institutions for higher learning. There are no victor or vanquished in this protracted disagreement.” Various branches of ASUU are still at loggerheads with university authorities over the deadline CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

NSA indicts finance ministry, demands N7bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

age in funding. He said that the office of the NSA was owed third and fourth quarter allocations by the Finance Ministry, amounting to N7bn. The NSA made the disclosure while commenting on a bill seeking to have the police and other security agencies assess funding without the usual appropriation by the National Assembly. Dasuki was represented by Mr. Bello Fadile at a public hearing on nine bills conducted by the Hon. Emeka Ihedioha-led Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review. “There is always a need to tackle security issues urgently, but it will interest the committee to know that the 4th quarter fund for the Office of the NSA is yet to be released. Also, over N7billion was not paid in 2012 to the Office of the NSA to do his functions,” he said. Also making a presenta-

tion at the hearing, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, supported the bill to include the security agencies on the first-line charge along with the National Assembly and the judiciary. The bill sponsored, by the Minority Whip, Hon. Samson Osagie(APC-Edo), seeks to amend Section 81(3) of the 1999 Constitution “National Security Agencies, and the Nigeria Police” among agencies that would draw their funds directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Recall that a few days ago, a carnage occured in Borno State where scores of people including security agencies lost their lives. However, in 2012, the National Assembly passed over N900bn as security vote for the security sector in response to the terror situation that has gripped the country since 2009. In another development, the Defence Headquarters,

DHQ, has recommended to the Presidency, the immediate trial of over 500 persons apprehended in the course of security operations against terrorists in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, even as it also sought approval to free 167 of the suspected terrorists, leaving the fate of 614 suspects to hang. The recommendation followed the report of the 19 member Joint Investigation Team of senior officers set up by the Defence Headquarters in July 2013, to screen and categorise detainees apprehended in the course of operations in the North East. The measure which was meant to decongest the detention facilities in the areas of operations was also to ensure that necessary processes were set in motion for expeditious prosecution of culpable suspects in the fight against terror. The team which comprised military, police, of-

ficials of Federal and State Ministries of Justice as well as Immigration, Prisons and Customs officers,” was tasked to examine, classify and recommend appropriate actions against detainees in the various detention centres in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.” A statement from the DHQ yesterday, signed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, said that the suspects were among the almost 1,400 detainees screened by the team at the detention facilities in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu between July and September. Top among those recommended for trial were a medical doctor, paramilitary or service personnel who were allegedly fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistics support to the terrorists. Also recommended for

immediate trial according to the DDI include high profile suspects some of whom were training other terrorists in weapon handling as well as those who confessed to being trained in Mali and other countries for the purpose of perpetrating terror in Nigeria. He said that the team however, recommended the release of 167 of the detainees from detention in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu. About 614 others whose cases were inconclusive have been recommended for review. The report he said, also proposed that some of the detainees be tried for other offences ranging from armed robbery, murder to drugs related offences. If the recommendations of the team sail through, the trial of some of the suspects will be held in the states while others may be tried at the Federal level by High Courts. Olukolade said that after receiving the report, the Chief of Defence Staff, Ad-

miral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, who commended the team, had assured them that the recommendations would be treated with dispatch after due consultations with appropriate authorities. The DDI said that the report has since been forwarded to the Presidency through the office of National Security Adviser (NSA), adding that the NSA was already in consultation with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on subsequent litigation procedures following consideration of recommendations in the report. Meanwhile, worried by the spate of indiscriminate bombings by the dreaded Boko Haram sect, the Ansar -ud-een Society of Nigeria yesterday challenged the Federal Government to unmask the members and sponsor of the sect. The Islamic organisation, who disclosed that it had lost no fewer than two CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 5, 2013

NICON LUXURY ABUJA WELCOMES ALL PARTICIPANTS TO THE ON-GOING 7TH PAN-COMMENWEALTH FORUM ON OPEN LEARNING. @ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER 2ND -6TH DECEMBER 2013.

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

L-R: Executive Director, Finance and Administration, CoreMedia Services Limited, Mr. Akeem Yusuf; Director, News and Current Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Malagu; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olajide Adediran; and the Training Facilitator, Mr. Tunde Oladapo Dixon, during the opening of a training workshop for CoreTV News workers in Ogun State, yesterday.

L-R: Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo; Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC, Ms. Sola David-Borha; Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu and Chief Executive Officer and Regional Head, West Africa Rant Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Larbie, during the ground breaking ceremony of Wings Office Complex in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: General Manager, Education Department, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Olaoye; ViceChancellor, Redeemer’s University, Prof. Debo Adeyewa; Managing Director, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano and Registrar, Redeemer’s University, Mrs. Bolatito Oloketuyi, during the partnership between Redeemer’s University and Horizons Nigeria at the school campus, Lagos - Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, yesterday.

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Director, First Bank Plc, Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim; Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki and Executive Director, FCMB Plc, Mr. Adam Nuru, during signing of escrow agreement between BPE and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, FCMB, UBA and First Bank Plc in Abuja, yesterday.

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Senate okays $200m World/Bank loan for Lagos GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he Senate yesterday approved the second tranche of $200 million World Bank loan for the Lagos State Government The loan is part of the $600 million World Bank loan granted to the state government under a Development Policy Operation, DPO, scheme. Lagos State first applied for the loan in 2010. The scheme, according to the borrowing plan, is to be implemented in three tranches. The first tranche of $200

• As Jonathan sends NCC, USP budgets to N/Assembly million was obtained in 2011. The second tranche will now be accessed in 2014. The $200 million grant is to be deployed for the construction of ultra-modern burns centre and cardiac and renal centre at the Gbagada General Hospital as well as the 27-kilometer light rail project along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway Corridor to Marina. The balance is to be used for the completion of the 70million gallon per day Adiyan Water Facility, among others. According to the Chair-

man of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, the projects to which the state government will apply the loan when fully implemented will enhance the socio- economic development of the state. “Lagos state have reasonably justified their borrowings and have acceptable debt sustainability level and therefore could borrow and most of the projects which the loan would be used for have not only social benefits but economic potential and revenue generation for re-

UK introduces new visa application system

he British High Commission in Nigeria yesterday announced a new system of visa application whereby U.K. visa would be paid for online in U.S. dollars. In a statement signed by its Press and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Rob Fitzpatrick, the commission said that the new system would begin on December 16. “From December 16, 2013, all applications for U.K. visa

must be completed using our online application system and paid for online in U.S. dollars. “Payment can be made using a Verve debit card, Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards or the e-wallet PAGA. “The move to online application and payment will deliver a streamlined process. “It is consistent with a wider global trend to online transactions and payments,” it said.

The commission added that the new system had met the requirements of the U.K. Government’s Digital by Default Initiative. It expressed optimism that the system would cut costs in the management of visa operation as well as help to reduce visa fees. The commission also said that the system would be safer for customers as it would reduce the risk of handling large sums.

payment,” Uzamere told Senators at yesterday’s plenary. President Goodluck Jonathan had in October written to the National Assembly, requesting for the inclusion of the Lagos State DPO into

the 2012-2014 mid-term borrowing plan for the second tranche of the loan facility. Meanwhile, President Jonathan in separate letters to the Senate yesterday forwarded the Nigerian

Communications Commission, NCC, and the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, 2014 budget proposals for consideration and approval.

NLC backs bill to ease removal of President, VP TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for reduction in the time and process of impeachment of the President and Vice President. The President of the Congress, Mr Abdulwaheed Omar, made the call in Abuja yesterday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution on 10 bills. Omar, who was represented by Mr. Benson Uppah, an official of the union, said the current process and time for the impeachment of the president and his vice was cumbersome and not intended to achieve its aim. He faulted the frequent friction between the Execu-

tive and the National Assembly over invitations and resolutions passed by the lawmakers. Omar said Bill will advance the cause of democracy and strengthen the National Assembly as the hope of the people. He urged the House to ensure that any person, who refused to honour its invitation, should be punished accordingly. “Refusal by invitees to appear before the National Assembly is an insult to this great institution,” he said. On the proposed direct funding for the Police and National Security Agencies, Omar said that underfunding of these institutions was dangerous to national security. He urged the House to carry out a diagnostic evaluation of yearly performance

of the budget. Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha said the outcome of the hearing would be presented to the House for consideration. He said that the inputs of stakeholders would be paramount to the outcome of the overall report. Some of the bills under review include a bill to provide immunity for members of the National Assembly in respect of words spoken or written at plenary or at committee proceedings. There is also the bill to criminalise contempt of summons of the House of Representatives, as well as a bill to remove ambiguities in the process of removal of the president and his vice from office on allegation of gross misconduct among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, December 5, 2013

FEC approves N212bn for Lekki Deep Sea Port CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vate partnership arrangement. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, at a post-FEC press briefing also disclosed that the port would be concessioned to a private company for the period of 45 years. According to him, the council approved the project in favour of Messrs Lekki Ports LFTZ Enterprise ( the project proponents ) under the concession agreement dated April 21, 2011. He explained that the project upon completion would generate $379 billion for the government, stressing that the poppet and the port and other ports in the country play a vital role in the economy. Umar also said that the council approved the issuance of a guarantee to cover financial obligation of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to pay compensation in the event of expropriation, war, civil disturbance, breach of contract and other event of default as per the concession agreement for the development of the

port. He disclosed that $800,000,000 million out of the project cost would be funded through debt financing while the balance of $554,500 would be contributed by equity. The transport minister disclosed that the operation of the port would provide about 162,000 job opportunities while it would also ensure savings on demurrage. Also yesterday the council approves N29.9 billion for road contraction across the country. The road project include construction of KankaraGurbi Road in Katsina state at N1.4billion, construction of Isoko Ring Road located in Delta State at N2.1 billion as well as the construction /rehabilitation of YashiDuguri-Yalo Road (DuguriDungare-Yalo Section) in Bauchi State at N1.75 billion. The Minister of State for Works, Bashir Yuguda, at the briefing disclosed that the road projects include construction of JarmaiBashar road in Plateau State at N1.38 billion and

the rehabilitation of Wukari/Akwana Road in Taraba State at N3.97 billion. The council also approved the construction of Ajase/ Offa/Erin-Ike/Osun State Boundary Road in Kwara State at N1.24 billion, construction of Takum-Dongawa Road (15km) in Katsina-Alato Katum at N1 billion, as well as the construction of River Ebba

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Ahmad said: “If you ask us what Boko Haram want, we don’t know because we do not know what they are fighing for, we don’t know their antecedents we do not know their teachers I expect government of the federal republic to be able to come and answer these questions about Boko Haram, they have the wherewithal to uncover, the secret and the intelligent service to unravel the identity of Boko Haram. “Why is this so called religious group that is intending to force islam on everyone is killing Muslims, destroying mosques . In southern Zaria, two AnsaruUd Deen Mosques were the target of the so called Boko Haram. One of our mosques in Kafachan was bombed while praying inside of it. This is want is done by supposed Muslims; I lost a university classmate of mine to Boko Haram not long ago. “These people are killing Muslims, killing children destroying schools. Up till now, there is no high profile arrest or trial of Boko Haram suspects. So, who is Boko Haram? Who are there sponsor? What do they really want? If they are truly Muslim group,

states at a cost of N3.287 billion, the construction of of Bida-Sacci-Nupeko road in Niger state at N8.673 billion as well as the reconstruction of Nung Udoe-Etinan-EkomIman Road in Akwa Ibom State at N2.383 billion. Also at the briefing the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku disclosed that the Minister of Sports,

Bolaji Abdullahi informed council that Abuja would host the National Youth Festival for young Nigerians in order to discover talents to represent Nigeria in various sports. According to him, young sports men and women would participate in the festival while appealing to Nigerians to support the young talents.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Police Affairs, Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed and Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe, during the departure of President Jonathan to France for the summit on peace and security in Africa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NSA indicts finance ministry, demands N7bn of its mosques and scores of members to several attacks by the sect, called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency deploys all its power, resources and intelligence gathering towards revealing and prosecute whoever that is behind the spate of bombings and senseless killings of innocent souls in the country. The group charging the federal government to swing to action by taking concrete step towards prosecuting alleged high profile sponsor of the group, they appeal to those behind the attack to stop wasting human lives. Briefing journalists on the activities to commemorate 90th anniversary of the organisation, the National President and National Missioner of the group, Alhaji Femi Okunu (SAN) and Sheikh Abdul Rahaman Ahmad charge the government to do all within its power to unravel those behind Boko Haram. They described the sect as a collective embarrassment to all people of faith and good conscience, sincere Muslims and Christians and reasonable people across the country.

Bridge at Cheche, Katcha local government area in Niger State at N1.48 billion and rehabilitation of Amanwaozuzu-UzoagbaEziama-Orie-Amaohia road in Imo State at N1.275 billion Yuguda listed other road projects to include construction of Benin/ Adumagbae-Egba-Akure Road in Edo/Ondo state

why are they killing Muslims, destroying mosques? Also speaking Okunu said only Almighty Allah takes lives at will not a group of individuals, adding their heir action negates the tenet of islam which is rooted peace, intellectualism, productive. He added that for 90 years, Ansar –ud-Deen society of Nigeria has contributed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria because of the conviction of islam, adding that the society has trained hundreds thousands of Nigerians muslims and Christians through their schools established. The former Minister of Works added that he had also lost several friends from northern part of the country to the sect’s attack, stressing that the sect is much more against Muslims than what Nigerians will think. Harping on the anniversary, Okunu said machinery has put in motion for its 90th anniversary celebration with a view to consolidate its achievements in educational development and propagation of Islam.

FG produces proof of N200bn payment to ASUU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

issued by the Federal Government to lecturers to resume by December 9 or face sack. At the University of Jos, the branch chapter of the union and the authorities are on collusion course over the government’s directive. The university in compliance with the Federal Government’s position had through a statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Jilli Dandam, directed lecturers to resume work immediately But the branch Chairman of ASUU, Dr. David Jangkam, who addressed journalists in Jos yesterday dismissed the directive and advised parents and students not to be deceived by the management “as the union will not succumb to any sack threat from any quarter”. Jangkam stated that ASUU UNIJOS could not be cowed or perturbed by the threat from the minister of education and other agents of government. He added that they would remain resolute, determined and committed to the struggle and would not

waver from the strike until the Federal Government do the right. However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday said that the death of its former President, Prof. Festus Iyayi, would not be in vain. It also insisted that the ongoing struggle would be fought to its logical conclusion. Speaking with journalists after a procession in honour of the ex-union leader at the institution, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan chapter, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye, said ASUU would continue to fight for the emancipation of the Nigerian education sector and the masses. The day started with a procession of academics clad in ceremonial gowns around the school with a big banner bearing the picture of the late Iyayi whom the union described as a patriot. The procession was led by Ajiboye, who extolled the virtues of Iyayi as a dogged fighter of the defenseless and a pillar of qualitative education in Nigeria.

He describing Iyayi as a committed unionist and detribalised Nigerian who had fought for the emancipation of standard of education and the rights of Nigerians. Ajiboye said that Iyayi had paid the supreme price to see that Nigeria was revitalised. The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, expressed hope that what Iyayi stood for were not allowed to perish. He said it was the hope of the late Iyayi that education was well funded, laboratories equipped and roads rehabilitated. Rights activist, Mr. Femi Aborisade, said the death of Iyayi was a challenge to ASUU, stating that the union should mount campaign against the use of sirens on Nigerian roads. He explained that those who used sirens were wasting “our resources and enough is enough.” Aborisade, who commended ASUU for fighting a just cause, said there should not be retreat or CONTINUED ON PAGE 52>>

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Terrorism: Sambo meets US delegation ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday said that the recent designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as foreign terrorist organisations by the United States should not affect Nigerians travelling to the country for legitimate business. Speaking when he received a delegation from the United States in his office, Vice-President Namadi Sambo expressed hope that such designation would avail more opportunities for cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the quest to end the insurgency. He assured the delegation led by the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, that the Federal Government was do-

ing everything possible end the security challenges in the North-Eastern part of the country. The vice-president noted that apart from the military action, other measures were being taken to address the socio-economic situation in the region, while stressing that Nigerians supported various efforts made by the Federal Government to end the insurgency. Sambo told the delegation that President Goodluck Jonathan had directed strict compliance of the rule of engagement and human rights in the efforts to curb the activities of the insurgents. According to him, the rule of law still remains the cardinal principle of the administration’s transformation agenda. Sambo also informed the delegation of the developmental strides the government was making to reposition the

socio-economic status of Nigerians in the areas of agriculture, education, power supply, transportation and youth and women empowerment, among others. He thanked United States President Barack Obama for the Power in Africa Initiative and for making Nigeria a beneficiary. In her remarks, the leader of the delegation, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said they were in Nigeria to follow up on the discussions held between President Jonathan and Obama in New York in September and also on the discussions between Sambo and his counterpart Joe Biden of the United States. She added that they were also following up on the deliberations during the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission held in August. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the United States and Nigeria had fruitful partnerships

in their relations, adding that the United States supported the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling the security challenges posed by insurgents in the country. The Assistant Secretary stated that the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as foreign terrorist organisations would give the United States the opportunity to support Nigeria in tackling the security challenges posed by insurgents. Thomas-Greenfield said that part of their visit was aimed at working out a counter-insurgency programme with the relevant stakeholders and to share information on various aspects of security, including maritime security so as to help in solving the security challenges. She also stated that the meeting was one step in the long term dialogue that the United States would have with Nigeria.

Programme Analyst, United Nations Population Fund, Tochie Odele, addressing youths during a town hall meeting on HIV/AIDS in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Lagos rescues seven babies, mothers ‘held hostage’ by hospital MURITALA AYINLA

o fewer than seven new born babies and their mothers, including a 16-year-old woman allegedly held hostage by the management of a private hospital for inability to pay their medical bills have been rescued by the officials of the Lagos State Government. National Mirror learnt that relatives of the six mothers and their babies could not pay the medical bills incurred during the process of delivery.

Hence, they were allegedly held hostage by Folabi Medical Centre located at No 78, Oworo Road, Oworonsoki area in Bariga Local Council Development Area. But on receiving a distress call from a concerned resident, officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) and Office of the Public Defender (OPD) swooped on the hospital to rescue the nursing mothers and their babies. It was also gathered that rescuing the babies generated uproar in the area, but it took the intervention of officials of the Lagos State Task

Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences (Enforcement Unit) to calm the atmosphere, while hoodlums who rose in defence of the hospital were also arrested by the task force. Addressing journalists yesterday at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Director of the OPD, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, said the victims were held hostage by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olajide Afolabi, pending the period they could upset their medical bills. Rotimi noted that most of the victims delivered through caesarean ses-

sion at different periods, adding that some of the mothers had spent at least four months in the hospital since delivery and were housed in an unfriendly environment. She noted that on arrival at the hospital, some hoodlums, allegedly acting on the instruction of the Chief Medical Director, threatened to attack officials of the state government if they dared to shut down the clinic. She said the management of the hospital would be charged against breached of fundamental human rights.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps reject motion to condemn Amaechi’s dissolution of LG TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday threw out a request to condemn the decision by Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi to dissolve Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. A motion praying the House to condemn Amaechi’s action was overwhelmingly rejected by the House. The motion was sponsored by Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi).

Okorie, who raised the motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, pleaded with the House to consider that the decision of the governor offended the 1999 Constitution and court that had ruled a few days ago reversing the earlier decision to dissolve the local government. The lawmakers had earlier this year rejected a similar motion brought by Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP) on the grounds that the matter was before a court sitting in Rivers.

Misconduct: LPDC bars lawyer from practising over N40m fraud ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) yesterday barred a lawyer, Mr. Temidayo Eseyin, from practising for alleged involvement in a N40 million fraud. The committee, headed by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), gave the verdict after Eseyin was found guilty of allegation of professional misconduct levelled against him by one of his clients. National Mirror reports that the petitioner, Mrs. Omotayo Oluleye, lodged the fraud complaint on January 18, 2010 through the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against Mr Eseyin. The petition alleged that Eseyin illegally appropriated N40 million to himself from a N155.3 million judgement sum belonging to her without her consent. A committee, which investigated the allegation, established a prima facie case against him before he faced LPDC yesterday. LPDC is an inferior court established by law to try erring members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Eseyin, however, still has the opportunity of contesting the verdict of the LPDC at the Supreme Court. The committee has already ordered the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court to strike out Eseyin from the roll of Nigerian legal practitioners. In the direction read by the Chairman of the Com-

mittee, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), he said the decision arose from findings that Eseyin illegally appropriated N40 million to himself from N155.3 million judgement sum belonging to the petitioner. Daudu further held that Eseyin’s action violated the provisions on professional conduct specified by the LPDC Act. He explained that the NBA had proved the allegations brought against the respondent beyond reasonable doubt. Daudu said: “It was proved that Eseyin fraudulently misled a court to obtain a judgement that delivered the N155.3 million. “In fact, as that issue is pending at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, he went on to appropriate the sum of N40 million to himself as his legal fees. “There is no document before us to show that agreement was entered to pay such an amount. It is a fact that you, Eseyin, obtained the money even when you have not performed the legal services expected of you. It is also ordered that the respondent pay back the N40 million to the petitioner within 30 days. “Your conduct in all of this transaction has brought the good image of the profession to disrepute and therefore found guilty of the offence. “The Registrar of the Supreme Court is hereby ordered to immediately derobe the respondent (Eseyin) from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos receives N500m medical equipment donation MURITALA AYINLA

agos State government yesterday, took delivery of equipment and facilities valued at half a billion naira from a Lagos-based nongovernmental organisation, AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN). The NGO, which is also involved in the prevention, care and treatment services to patients with HIV/AIDS and other diseases of public health significance, also pledged to partner with the state government in taming the scourge of the deadly diseases in the state. The equipment include a Ford Ranger XLT pick-up van, laboratory and clinical equipment. They were presented to the state government by the Chief Executive Officer of APIN, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, as part of APIN’s efforts that are geared towards reducing the incidence of AIDS and increasing access to HIV treatment in the state. Okonkwo said APIN has moved from working alone to collaborating with

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

government, stressing that engaging and working directly with government to strengthen capacity will help in moving towards ownership and sustainability of the AIDS prevention strategies. He said: “We are working with government to ensure that our system gets stronger. In our partnership, we have seen exemplary governance and leadership and from this, I think our system has been strengthened in Lagos State.” Special Adviser to the state Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, who received the equipment on behalf of the state government, assured that the donated equipment will be adequately utilised and managed to achieve the desired result. She said the donation is the end result of the implementation strategy plan by APIN’s collaboration with the state Ministry of Health in the prevention, care and treatment services to patients with HIV/AIDS and other diseases of public health significance.

Imoke bars suspended exco members from meeting RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

uspended members of the Cross River State executive council were yesterday barred by the state governor, Liyel Imoke, from attending the weekly State Executive Council meeting. Imoke, who sent 20 of the cabinet members packing from the Government House on Monday, however, refused their entry into the executive chambers of the governor’s office for the meeting, following the receipt of security reports that some affected mem-

bers were planning to attend the meeting to plead for forgiveness. The governor, it was gathered, directed security operatives who were strategically positioned at the entrance of the executive chambers of the Governor’s Office to stop the erring members from entering the council chambers. Our correspondent gathered that those commissioners who felt they were close to the governor were disappointed when they attempted to enter the council chambers only to meet the door under lock and key with policemen ig-

noring their presence. The 20 executive members were suspended for failing to participate in activities marking the World’s AIDS Day and were directed to hand over all government documents and property in their possession to their permanent secretaries. It was also gathered that the suspended cabinet members were those purportedly sponsoring a particular aspirant from the northern senatorial district of the state for the governorship position in 2015 as against the governor’s position of choosing

his preferred successor. Meanwhile, news of the suspension of the commissioners and special advisers yesterday evening took residents of the state by surprise as Governor Imoke has often been accused of condoning the excesses of some of his aides. It was not clear if the affected cabinet members would be recalled due to the pressure mounted on the governor by some influential individuals, but many observers are quick to counter this, saying the governor may have sacked them for good.

Why I snubbed PDP’s N250, 000 offer –Edo widow SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

he widow Edo State Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, rebuked for blocking the road with her goods recently, Mrs. Joy Ifijeh, yesterday said she snubbed the offer of N250, 000 made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state because she was satisfied with the governor’s apology, job offer and the N2 million gift. Ifijeh also said she was not ready to be used as a pawn or tool by the PDP on the chessboard of politics and advised the party to give the money to any other needy widow instead. Speaking yesterday at the Government House in Benin City, during the presentation of her letter of appointment into the Edo State War Against Indiscipline (WAI) outfit, presented to her by the Special Adviser to Governor Oshiomhole on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, she expressed

gratitude to the state governor. “I want to thank Governor Oshiomhole sincerely for this appointment and I wish to state that I have forgiven him from the bottom of my heart. As for the money promised me by PDP, let them give it to other widows. I do not need the money.” She described the governor’s gesture as humane and promised to support the government policies and programmes in the state. Earlier, while presenting the appointment letter, Afegbua said, “The appointment is in fulfilment of Comrade Oshiomhole’s promise to offer the widow employment into the service of the state.” He said the appointment is effective from December 3, 2013 and added that she would be expected to resume immediately in conformity with the ethics of her job. It will be recalled that Mrs. Ifijeh was on Monday offered N2 million by the governor along with an instant employment.

L-R: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Secretary-General, Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Dato Mohd Hashim Abdullah; Governor Ibikunle Amosun and CEO Marditech Corporation, Engr. Anas Ahmad Nasarudin, when the governor hosted the team in his office yesterday.

Winners emerge in UBA national essay competition

inners emerged yesterday in the third edition of the UBA National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in the country. In a keenly contested competition, Master Ezenwa Joseph Okonkwo, a 15-year-old student of Ambol Comprehensive High School, Akesan-Igando, Lagos, won the coveted prize of N1 million educational grant, from nearly 2, 000 entries received across the country. Toluwase Adeagbo of Sharon Rose Schools College, Saki and Korie Ijeoma Jennifer of Air Force Secondary School, Port Harcourt emerged first and second runner ups, winning N750, 000 and N500, 000 as educational grants respectively. Speaking during the

grand finale and prize presentation of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Alhaji Alkali Mohammed, commended UBA Foundation for the initiative and urged other institutions to emulate the educational initiative. According to the ICAN president, the path towards sustainable development is through investment in the education of our youths, particularly in Nigeria. Harping on the ideals behind the essay competition, he said; “Any competition such as this will certainly help to bring out the best in the youths, by kindling their competitive spirit and academic excellence.”

Speaking at the event, Kennedy Uzoka, the bank’s deputy managing director said the initiative was not only to test the aptitude and knowledge of our students, but has become a pipeline to groom future UBA ambassadors. “In UBA, we appreciate and nurture talents. All the finalists here today have opportunity to excel in life and UBA is delighted to play a part in the process,” he added. Conceived three years ago, the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition was instituted as a follow up to the Read Africa Initiative of the Foundation. “Winners each year receive educational grants to study in any university of their choice in Africa. We are encouraged to continue to do this and touch the lives of our children by

so doing.” he stated. The UBA National Essay competition which opened for entries in September and closed on November 1, 2013, received nearly 2, 000 entries from which 12 finalists were selected to write a supervised essay at the bank’s head office. The three winners emerged based on their performance at the supervised essay. Some of the 12 finalists chosen by a panel of four Nigeria professors are: Victoria Aluko (Caleb International College, Magodo); Gloria Ayoola (St. John Comprehensive Academy, Ilesa); Korie Ijeoma Jennifer (Air Force Secondary School, Port Harcourt) and others. Each of the 12 finalists received a laptop as a consolation prize for getting to the final of the competition.

South West

Illegal operations: Court awards N200, 000 against LASTMA K AYODE KETEFE

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday awarded a damages of N200,000 two against the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for illegally impounding a vehicle belonging to a lawyer, Mr. Kameos Omosivwe. Justice Okon Abang also awarded a cost of N20, 000 against LASTMA as a nominal cost of the case. In a judgement delivered in a suit filed by the lawyer, the court held that LASTMA had engaged in illegal conduct. The lawyer had challenged the wrongful detention of his vehicle by LASTMA officials for several months in the court. Founding in the favour of the lawyer, the judge declared that the applicant was at liberty to seek leave of court to begin contempt proceedings a LASTMA official, Adewumi Adeosun, who was involved in the impoundment. The lawyer had instituted the suit on February 15, 2013, praying the court for a declaration that the detention of his vehicle by LASTMA was an affront on his right to fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. Omosivwe had further asked the court for a declaration that the imposition of a fine on his vehicle by LASTMA constituted what he termed a violation of his freedom to own movable property. In his originating summons, Omosivwe had argued that LASTMA towed his vehicle on December 23, 2012 in Alausa, when he visited the Lands Registry to conduct a search for his client. He said: “I was instructed by the security guards at the Lagos mini-market to park my car at the entrance with a closed gate, since the parking lots for vehicles were congested. I spent 30 minutes in the registry and by the time I arrived at the parking spot, my car had disappeared. “I made enquiries and discovered that the car had been impounded by the respondent. I thereafter visited the respondent at Elephant House to see the zonal head, but to no avail.”

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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DPP seeks death penalty for Arowolo for killing wife T

NBC to intervene in ban of artistes TERH AGBEDEH

he Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday asked an Ikeja High Court to convict one Akolade Arowolo for allegedly stabbing his wife to death. The DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, made the call in her final address at the trial of Arowolo before Justice Lateefat Okunnu. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arowolo, 31, was charged to court for allegedly stabbing his wife, Titilayo, a banker, to death. The DPP alleged that the accused murdered Titilayo on June 24, 2011 at their residence at No. 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo,

Lagos. Addressing the court, Ogungbesan said that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. She said: “The evidence we have led as to the fact that the deceased is dead is not in doubt. “The only person that was with the deceased before her death at the material time was the accused.” The DPP said that Arowolo admitted that he struggled with the deceased with a knife, which led to her death and thereafter, escaped from the crime scene. Ogungbesan said that

a pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa, also testified that the deceased was stabbed 76 times. She said that Arowolo chose to use a lethal weapon (knife) with the knowledge that death or grievous bodily harm was the probable consequence of his action. “No other person could have been responsible for the death of the deceased. “I urge my lord to convict the accused as charged, having proved all the essential ingredients of murder,” Ogungbesan said. However, Arowolo’s Counsel, Mr Olarenwaju Ajanaku, urged the court to dismiss the charge and

acquit Arowolo. Ajanaku said the prosecution had failed to prove its case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. The counsel said that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were filed with contradictions. “It is only being suspected that the accused was responsible for the death of the deceased. “No sufficient facts have been led to prove this suspicion,” he argued Following their submissions, the judge informed the parties that the judgment date would be communicated to them.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folake Olomojobi; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi and Project Manager, State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Charles Doherty, during a campaign rally to commemorate 2013 World HIV/AIDS Day in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Ogun Assembly gets CDAs’ inputs on 2014 budget proposal FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

o fewer than 220 Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Ogun State yesterday presented their demands expected to be included in the 2014 budget proposal being considered by the House of Assembly. The demands, which covered projects such as education, health, environment, health and electricity as well as road networks among others, were packaged by the Justice, Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), in conjunction with the CDAs

from Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state. The 10-page demand, which was received by the Chairman, House Committee on Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Victor Fasanya, at the event tagged: “Civic Forum” was part of the measures towards ensuring that the budget has the grassroots input. Speaking at the presentation of the demands, representative of the JDPM, Niyi Rotimi, said that the measure was part of the efforts at deepening democracy at the grassroots. Rotimi, who is also

the Head of the Human Rights Department of JDPM, said the demands from the communities in Abeokuta South Local Government Area were based on their needs. The House Committee Chairman on Community Development and Cooperatives, Fasanya, assured that all the demands put forward would be passed into law by the Assembly. Fasanya noted that some of the demands had already been identified by the Assembly and were already undergoing consideration at the committee level. He claimed that the demands were timely as

they came when the lawmakers were busy considering the nitty-gritty of Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s N210.23 billion budget proposal for next year. Addressing journalists after the presentation, Chairman of the Abeokuta South Local Government, Mr. Lanre Edun, said the people’s demands would assist the state at reducing wasteful expenditure. Edun said: “With the contribution we are having today, it will help us to use the right resources for a whole and reduce applying square pegs in a round hole. And that is why it is very essential for us at the grassroots.”

he war of words over collective rights of music in Nigeria involving the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC) and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) took a new dimension on Tuesday. Trouble began on November 27 when IBAN issued a statement entitled: “IBAN Suspension of the Music of COSON Registered Artistes.” The statement read: “The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), in alignment with Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) hereby informs the general public that the music of the following Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Registered Artistes/Members is hereby suspended from airing on our stations with immediate effect.” In the statement signed by IBAN Chairman, Osa Sonny Adun, and Secretary, Guy Murray-Bruce, the names of the affected artists were further listed. Such artists as 2Face Idibia, D’ Banj, Inyanya, Olamide, Dr Sid, Sammie Okposo, Banky W, Wiz Kid, Olu Maintain, 9ice and Sunny Nneji, among others. No doubt because of the callibre and number of artistes whose music is covered in the ban, issues came to a head on Tuesday at the ANCOP-FIAPF Film Forum organised by the sAssociation of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) and International Federation of Film Producers Associations. Many of the participants, in reacting to the development, asked for the immediate reaction of the NBC boss, Mr. Emeka Mba, to the development. While the NBC is yet to react, a press statement captioned: “Stations Must Meet Music Quota – Broadcast Commission” has been released by COSON in reaction to the development. Signed by Mayree Uket, COSON’s Senior Executive, New Media and released on December 4, it said Mba has announced that the NBC would intervene without delay.

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South West

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Pastor, five robbers arrested in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

38-year-old cleric with the Way of Salvation Ministries, Ado Ekiti, Pastor Sunday Sulaimon, was yesterday paraded along five other armed robbers at the Ekiti State Police Command Headquarters for allegedly keeping the arms for the bandits. The other armed robbery suspects; Okoromadu Kingsley, 36; Eze Steven Okwudili , 30; Sunkanmi Alomaja, 28; Ojo Gboyega, 25 and Fatunroti Toyin, 25, who were specialists in snatching motorbikes and cars, were arrested after allegedly carrying out an operation at the Ori Apata area of the

capital city. The hoodlums had, during the operation, made away with household items, including a laptop, cell phones and N210, 000 cash after tying up their victims, locking them up in the toilet and ransacking the entire house. The pastor, however, told journalists that he was just living in the same compound with the suspects, adding that he never knew they were armed robbers. His denial was against the backdrop of the insistence by Okwudili that the pastor was aware of their operations and had allegedly benefitted from their loots many times as a mark of appreciation. The police also parad-

ed 18-year-old Arowolo Opeyemi and one Olajide Kehinde, 18, among the three-man gang that raped a 38-year-old woman at the Dallimore area of Ado Ekiti on November 21. The woman, whose car fuel got exhausted at about 10.30pm that day, was allegedly accosted by the trio, who claimed they were members of a vigilante group. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Victor Babayemi, the suspects ‘arrested’ and detained the victim in an uncompleted building where she was later raped by the three men, who threatened her with dane guns. Babayemi said efforts were on to arrest a flee-

ing member of the gang while the two arrested would be charged to court soon. Two men, 20-yearold Olaiya Adeniyi and 19-year-old Akingbade Asimiyu, were also paraded for alleged armed robbery at the Corpers’ Lodge, Ipole-Iloro Ekiti at about 3.00am on November 3, where they made away with the corps members’ valuables, including cash and cell phones in addition to inflicting varying degree of injuries on them. The police spokesman, who said the police were on the trail of the third suspect, said justice would take its course as he assured that “Ekiti is a safe place to live and work.”

LG bosses harp on relevance of regional integration ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

he Forum of SouthWest Local Government Chairmen yesterday called on stakeholders in the zone to embrace regional integration projects embarked upon by the All Progressive Congress (APC) in good faith, saying it would enhance the socio-economic growth of the region. Chairman of the forum, Prince Kunle Ayantoye, who made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo, said it is high time all stakeholders in the South-West geo-political zone throw their weight behind the regional integration project. “The regional integration project tops our discussion at the meeting of the forum of all South-West local government chairmen held in Osogbo, where a number of other issues bordering on the wellbeing of the people at the grassroots level were deliberated upon.” The forum which elected

a new Secretary, in person of Hon. Ahmed Alesinloye of Oluyole Local Government area of Oyo State said; “We agreed that the only way to sustain the current trend of development in the region as executed by All Progressives Congress (APC) governments in their controlled states is to continue to mobilise our people at the grassroots for the integration project.” “The project is multidimensional and capable of driving our economy. “We acknowledged with cheers the relentless efforts of our governors in APC at ameliorating the sufferings of our people in this region that have culminated in the overall unprecedented development of the region. “It was on this strength that we paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, where we commended him for the courage to drive his vision of a new Osun State. The people are appreciative of the transformation taking place in the state.”

Group backs Ajimobi’s endorsement of BATN operations

L-R: Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Barrister Ajibola Bashiru and member, state House of Assembly, Hon. Samson Fafiyebi, during the public presentation of the state’s Revenue Administration Law 2012, in Osogbo, yesterday.

Deji’s demise: Community resists invasion over traditional rites HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

here was palpable tension yesterday in Isikan community in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State as youths from the community gathered to resist attempts by Akure youths to invade the community over traditional rites for the late Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida. The community’s youths vowed to prevent Akure youths from cutting the sacred traditional tree located in the compound of the Aralepo of Isikan, Oba Joseph Olu Ojo.

According to Isikan youths, the cutting or trimming of the sacred tree signifies the death of their traditional king, who is still hale and hearty, saying this has to do with the rumor circulating that the Aralepo of Isinkan has joined his ancestors. But the Aralepo of Isikan, Oba Joseph Olu Ojo, has called on the people of Akureland to allow peace reign in the two communities while the traditional rites for the departed monarch lasts. Oba Olu Ojo said the period should be seen as a moment of sober reflection and should not be used to cause division

among the communities within Akure kingdom, adding that communities within Akure have agreed to close all markets for seven days as a form of honour for the deceased monarch. The Aralepo, who also disclosed that the three communities within Akure jointly signed an undertaking to embrace peace during a meeting with the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Bamiduro Dada, which was attended by the representatives of the communities. He noted that all the major markets in the community have been closed

down for the next seven days as a mark of honour for Oba Adesida. The monarch, however, frowned at the rumour making the rounds that attempts were being made by some Akure youths to cut the traditional sacred tree within his palace, saying Isinkan people have their own customs and traditions that is distinct from Akure traditions and customs. He said “ we have been here before the people of Akure,we have our own tradition, culture and customs which is very distinct from Akure land. We are also peace loving people

coalition of civil society groups; E nv i r o n m e n t a l Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) were yesterday chided by the People Empowerment and Good Governance Advocacy Network (PEGGAN), which labeled the coalition’s assertions as selfish, unrealistic, full of emotion and bereft of facts. A non-governmental organisation, the People Empowerment and Good Governance Advocacy Network (PEGGAN) in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday and signed by its Executive Director, Adekola Ibironke, described the coalition’s attack on the Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi as uncalled for. He said such attack by the civil society coalition is unethical and should be ignored because it makes no sense. It will be recalled that ERA/FoEN and CISLAC on Tuesday berated Gov-

ernor Ajimobi on account of his courtesy visit to the factory of the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN). PEGGAN said a smokefree society was unrealistic, adding that the coalition was pursuing a cause that has plunged several countries into more economic and security woes. The group’s statement added that Nigeria’s fragile economy cannot afford to discourage a firm like BAT at this time. The group also urged both the Oyo State government and the Federal Governments to carefully consider legislations on sensitive industries like tobacco, oil and sugar so as not yield to calls by ill-advised people to pass laws that would be counter-productive and injurious to the consumer. “The coalition for a smoke-free society should at best be ignored. In as much as the coalition has the right to gather and air their views on matters of interest to them, one would expect them to offer reasonable views.

South East

NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

here was pandemonium on Monday at Abubor village, Nnewichi in Nnewi North Local Government area of Anambra State, following the sudden death of a housewife and mother of three, during a sex romp with her boy friend. According to a reliable source, the deceased woman, who was simply identified as Ijeoma, had

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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Housewife, 30, dies in sex romp with lover boy slumped and died after excessive rounds of sex with her lover boy on her matrimonial bed. It was further gathered that the 30-year-old housewife had arranged with her new boy friend, one Okechukwu, to come and pass the night with her in their one-room apartment at Abubor Nnewichi, Nnewi, at an agreed price of N2, 000 till day break.

The lover boy happily came to her house at about 9.00pm and discovered that the children were yet to go to bed as they were still preparing to take their dinner and he left promptly. Returning back at about 11.00pm to honour what seemed to him a beautiful and exciting agreement with only N1, 500 as against the agreed N2, 000, the source continued, he

promised to pay her the remaining N500 the next day. After a period of romance, they allegedly jumped into the matrimonial bed of the woman and engaged in several rounds of sex till about 4.30am, when the woman became exhausted with pains all over her body while she could not understand her body any longer. It was also gathered

that out of abnormal pains arising from the marathon sex, she started shouting for help and in the process slumped. Her shout attracted one of her children and the landlord of the house, who rushed to the room and immediately forced the door open. The lover boy attempted jumping through the window, but the landlord held his legs and pulled him back while he was handed over to the vigilante group of Abubor Nnewichi, who later handed him over to the police. When the police arrived at the scene, she was said to have regained her consciousness, telling the police that her husband is working somewhere outside Abubor Nnewichi, but after narrating her ordeal, she gave up the ghost.

Speaking on the issue, the landlord who simply identified himself as Michael, said he woke up from sleep as a result of the woman’s shout for help and went straight into her room, broke the door open and saw the woman laying on the floor in pains. The landlord confirmed that she met her stack naked with the lover boy holding her, wearing half wrapper, adding that he prevented the lover boy from jumping out from the window and that he had been handed over to the police. However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, when contacted, told journalists on telephone that he has not been briefed about the issue, even as he promised to make necessary inquiries.

Orji presents N26.94bn 2013 supplementary budget

A President, Ndi-Igbo Unity Forum (NUF), Mr. Augustine Chukwudum (right), presenting a security icon award to the representative of the AIG in-charge of Zone 9, Mr. Ukpabi Michael, at the 2nd NUF Annual Lecture and Award Presentation in Onitsha, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Obi donates 110 vehicles to LG directors, others CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

nambra State Governor, Peter Obi, yesterday presented 110 vehicles to directors and other key groups working in the 21 local government areas of the state. The presentation came few weeks after presenting cars to judges, magis-

trates, permanent secretaries and directors in the state civil service. Among the vehicles that were released to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held in Awka, the state capital, 80 were for Head of Service and Directors in the Local Government Service, while 30 were pool vehicles for the 21 local governments, traditional rulers coun-

cil, market leaders, youth councils, town union presidents and women leaders. Speaking at the official handover of the vehicles to the beneficiaries at Ekwueme Square, Governor Obi said it was part of the measures put in place to rebuild human infrastructure in the State. He advised the recipients to reciprocate the gesture by increasing their

productivity and output for the overall good of the state. Obi, who vowed to continue working till his handover date of March 17, 2014 said what his government lined up for the state would continue to inspire the people of the state to love the state and have faith and trust in government.

Okorocha challenges PDP on its achievements in 12 years CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State to give account of its stewardship and its achievements within the 12 years of its leadership in the state. He said doing this will make the party appreciate what his administration has done in just two and half years in the state. Okorocha’s challenge came just as over 1, 000 youths protested yesterday in the state capital,

Owerri, calling on the governor to reinstate the former Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, who was recently cleared by the EFCC for his involvement in the J-Pro International contract scam. The governor said his administration, in less than two and half years, has made tremendous impact in the life of the people, which he said has surpassed the efforts of past PDP administrations in all areas of socio-infrastructural development. He regretted that for 12 years, PDP was using shanties as Government

House which his Rescue Mission Government has now transformed to one of the best Government Houses in the country. The governor debunked allegations of his wavering position in the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that he has remained not only a member of the party but a founding member. Governor Okorocha spoke yesterday during a media chat with journalists at Government House, Owerri. Giving reasons for his movement to the APC, he said he moved because

he wanted to belong to a party with a national outlook for the benefit of Ndigbo as APGA was only a regional party just like other regional parties that merged to form APC. He added that the emergence of the APC is a healthy development for the country’s democracy as it provides strong opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Meanwhile more than 1, 000 youths marched through the streets of Owerri yesterday calling for the immediate reinstatement of the impeached deputy governor.

bia State Governor, Theodore Orji, yesterday presented a supplementary budget of N26.94 billion for the 2013 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figure brings the state’s total budget to N160.09 billion for the 2013 fiscal year. The Assembly had earlier approved N134.14 billion as the 2013 budget. Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr. Chidiebere Nwoke, who presented the supplementary budget, said the additional figure would enable the government to complete some of its on-going projects. Nwoke said the government had embarked on many legacy projects, noting that the support of the lawmakers would serve as impetus for the governor to continue with his work. Seconding the motion, Mr. Martins Azubuike (PDP-Isiala Ngwa North) appealed to his colleagues to key into the vision of the state governor by accelerating the passage of the budget. Azubuike, who is the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Appropriation, noted that mega projects currently being done by the governor were

closing the development gaps in Abia. He urged the lawmakers to support the bill. The supplementary budget later passed through its first and second readings and was referred to the committee on appropriation for further legislative work. Meanwhile, the Assembly has summoned the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ukeh Kalu, to appear before it on December 9. The invitation, according to the Assembly, is for Kalu to throw more light on the appointment of officials of state’s multidoor court house. Mr. Ikedi Ezekwesiri (PDP-Umunneochi), who moved the motion, told the Assembly that the commissioner did not follow due process and that he even ignored the earlier directive of the Assembly on the matter. “The House promptly acted upon this and directed the Judicial Service Commission to stop further action on the matter, but instead of staying action, the attorney-general decided to act on his own prompting,” he said. Nwoke, while seconding the motion, said inviting the commissioner was imperative, as it would help to throw more light on the reasons for his action.

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South South

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Uduaghan signs three bills into law •Decries residents’ attitude to environment

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochie (right), presenting the Delta State Traffic Management Agency Bill to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for his assent at the Government House in Asaba, yesterday.

Senate confirms NDDC board members amid opposition GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he Senate yesterday confirmed the new nominees for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board amid opposition by two senators from Rivers State. This as the lawmakers turned down the confirmation of the representative of the oil producing trade section (OPTS) to the board, Mr. Mark Ward, because he failed to appear before the screening committee for scrutiny. Those whose nominations were confirmed by the Senate are Senator Bassey EwaHenshaw (Cross River State) as chairman and Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia (Akwa Ibom State) as the Managing Director. The other members

of the new board are Itotenaan Henry Ogiri (Executive Director Finance &Admin)(Rivers State), Engr. Tuoyo Omatsulu (Executive Director Projects)(Delta State), Ball Turofade Oyarede (Bayelsa), Ephraim Sobere Etete (Rivers State, member), Etim Iyang Jnr. (Akwa Ibom, member), Ada Paul Andeshi (Cross River, member) and Tom Amioku (Delta State member). The rest are Samuel Okezie Nwogu (Abia State, member), Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian (Imo State member), Maj. Gen. Suleiman Said (North Central, Niger, member) and Alhaji Abdumalik Mahmud (North-East, Bauchi, member). The two opposing lawmakers; Senators Magnus Abe (Rivers SouthEast) and Wilson Ake

(Rivers West) are loyalists of Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State. Their opposition to the two nominees was on the grounds that the Rivers State Government was not consulted by President Goodluck Amaechi before making the appointment. However, after protracted augments, the logic of the opposing senators were defeated on the grounds that the nominees were eminently qualified and therefore should not be turned down because of the perceived disagreement between Amaechi and the President. Citing the Senate’s tradition that all nominees must receive the support of at least two of the senators from their state before the nomination is approved, Senator Ake urged his colleagues to reject the

Rivers State nominees to the board because they did not enjoy the support of two senators from the state. Most of the senators, who contributed to the debate before the final confirmation was made, were of the view that the Senate should not mortgage merit and excellence on the altar of tradition. The senators agreed that since the nominees were eminently qualified for the appointment, it would be unjust for the senate to deny them the opportunity to serve the commission. Moreover, the point was made by the senators that there was no basis for the two senators to also oppose the nomination of Mr. Ogiri, Executive Director in charge of Finance and Administration because although the nominee is from Rivers State, the appointment was for the zone.

o v e r n o r E m m a n u e l Uduaghan of Delta State has signed into law three bills with an assurance that nothing would be spared to restore public order, sanity and clean environment in the state. The bills signed yesterday at a ceremony held at the Government House in Asaba included Establishment of Traffic Management Authority and the Regulation of Traffic Control; Regulation of Outdoor Structure for the Display of Signages and Advertisement and the bill on the Regulation of Inn-Keepers and Hotel Proprietors. Dr. Uduaghan decried the situation where people deliberately engaged in do wrong things, stressing that the laws would be enforced as they were designed to ensure that the right things were done in the state. Observing that while traffic behaviour has become a serious situation in the state because motorists do not obey traffic rules, the governor emphasised that those who violate the laws would be punished. On the signage and

Delta teachers issue 21-day ultimatum over welfare SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

he Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Delta State has given the state government a 21-day ultimatum to address issues bordering on the welfare of its members. The union said that the treatment of its members was at variance with the

Rivers State is broke –PDP SAM OLUWALANA

he Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the state is insolvent, even as it issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Chibuike Amaechi to pay the newlyrecruited teachers their four months’ salaries. In a statement issued yesterday in Port Har-

court, the party said it noted with dismay the non-payment of the salary arrears, while also condemning the development situation in strong terms. PDP blamed the development on what it described as mismanagement, poor financial planning and politicisation of all sectors of the state’s economy by Amaechi’s administration. PDP said: “The party

observes with utmost dismay and condemns in strong terms the nonpayment of salaries of the newly recruited teachers in Rivers State for four months and also regretted the inconveniences the teachers have faced for that long without salaries, which clearly is as a result of mismanagement, poor financial planning and politicisation of all sectors of the economy by

Governor Amaechi. “The party, therefore, wishes to state that the explanation offered by the Ministry of Education that the state government lacks fund to pay the teachers has vindicated our position that the Rivers State government is broke. “The governor’s action has further confirmed that the gathering of the newly recruited teachers at the Liberation Stadium in Port

outdoor advertising law, Uduaghan, who was presented with the bills by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, accompanied by principal officers of the House, said that politicians should be ready to always do the right things. He advised residents, especially politicians to always obey the laws guiding signages and advertisements while pasting posters and billboards, adding that such should be done orderly with necessary approvals. The governor, who expressed sadness on the indiscriminate pasting of posters on the recently constructed bus shelters in the state, said that things should be properly done in the interest of the environment. On the law regulating inn-keepers and hotel proprietors Uduaghan said security reports had shown that most criminals make use of the hotels, adding that with the law coming into force, all inn-keepers and hotel proprietors must have detailed information about their customers at all times and make such available to security operatives.

Harcourt some months back under a guise of issuing them employment letters and later planned to use them to protest against President Goodluck Jonathan has vindicated the position of the state Commissioner of Police.” PDP, however, asked Amaechi to stop the alleged politicisation exercises, while also demanding a hike in the new teachers’ pay.

three-point agenda of the state government. Rising from an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, the union accused the government of treating its members with levity. Specifically, the union, in the communiqué jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. Jemirieyegbe Jonathan and Secretary, Elder Joe Iyalekhue, decried the failure by the government to approve the promotion of eligible teachers in the public primary and secondary since 2011. Besides, the union protested non-payment of consolidated arrears to primary school teachers, partial payment of 27.5 per cent of Teachers Peculiar Allowance arrears and inadequate provision of instructional materials to schools across the state.

North

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Independence Day bombing: Court orders psychiatric test for Okah ISE-OLUWA IGE, ABUJA

federal high court sitting in Abuja, yesterday ordered the Nigerian Prisons to release a terrorism suspect, Mr. Charles Okah, to the authorities of the National Hospital, Abuja, for psychiatric test. The presiding judge in the case, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who ordered that the test must be conducted with seven days counting from yesterday, held that the sanity test was necessary to ascertain whether he was mentally fit to stand trial or not. The judge made the order while ruling on arguments by opposing parties in the case on whether or not Okah was fit to stand trial. Okah is being tried with Obi Nwabueze, over the 2010 Independence Day twin bombing in Abuja, which caused the death of about 12 people, leaving

several others injured. Four people believed to be members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), were originally arraigned before the court in December 2011, over the incident. One of them, Tiemkemfa Francis Osvwo, aka General Gbokos, died later, while another, Edmund Ebiware, who had his trial conducted separately, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The remaining two suspects are presently before the court for trial. But, more than two years after arraignment, the Federal Government could not make any headway in the case, owing to excuses that has to do with either illhealth or pending appeals. Charles Okah, National Mirror reports, had either slumped in the dock or appeared critically ill, causing the court to adjourn trial in the matter. A number of appeals had also been lodged on his

behalf at the Court of Appeal to terminate trial in the case. As at date, about six appeals were lodged by the accused before the Court of Appeal to stop the trial, but two of them had been struck out. Yesterday was fixed for commencement of trial, but it was again stalled because Okah was brought to court on a wheel chair as he could not walk. He was wheeled into the court room by prison officials. When the case was called, the prison officials merely pushed him to the side of the court room to enable the judge see him. His co-accused, Obi went into the dock. His lawyer, John Ainetor, told the court that his client’s health condition had deteriorated. He said Okah could no longer walk and had been confined to the wheel chair. He accused prison authorities of denying his cli-

ent adequate medicare. Ainetor told the court that his client could not stand trial in his current state because he was not fit. Responding, lead prosecution lawyer, Alex Iziyon (SAN) said Okah, who is the first accused person, was pretending. He said it has become a pattern with the accused to always feign ailment on realising that he would be taken to court for trial. Iziyon argued that the legal requirement that the accused must be fit to stand trial does not imply that he must be able to stand on his feet in court. He contended that what the law implies is that the accused must be of sound mind and be conscious enough to understand happenings around him. Iziyon cited the case of former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, who was taken to court with him lying on a bed, and in a cage. He argued that if the law could allow a former presi-

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dent to be so treated, Okah, an ordinary citizen cannot hide under a doubtful claim of ill-health to evade trial. He argued that the claim of ill-health was part of the defence’s strategy to continue to delay the trial. At a point, the trial judge drew the lawyers’ attention to a medical report on Okah, sent to the court by the prison authorities and authored by the Chief Consultant Neorologist at the National Hospital, Abuja. Part of the report by the medical experts at the National Hospital was to the effect that by his conduct, there was need to subject Okah to psychiatric evaluation, to ascertain his mental state. This medical opinion later informed the decision of the judge, who held that in view of the opinion of the medical experts that the state of the first accused’s mental health be ascertained, “I am ready to exercise a little more patience.” He ordered that the accused be taken to the National Hospital for psychiatric evaluation within seven days from

today. The judge ordered that the report of the examination be made available to the court, through the court’s Deputy Registrar (Litigation), after the exercise. He held that should it turn out that the accused (Okah) is not mentally stable enough to be subjected to trial, he will be transferred to a psychiatric home, where he will remain until he is certified fit for trial. The judge further held that the bill for the treatment and examination of the accused should be paid by the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). He held that except the prosecution intends to separate the trial, as was done in the case of Ebiware, the trial will resume next year. The judge consequently adjourned to January 15, 16; February 5 and 6 next year. The accused are facing a one-count charge with 22 particulars of overt acts of treason and another eightcount charge of terrorism.

800 pregnant women enjoy SURE-P CCT in Niger PRISCILLA DENNIS, MINNA

A Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bauchi State Council, Comrade Dahiru Mohammed (right) presenting a set of computer to the State Commissioner For Information, Alhaji Mohammed Dhamina in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kano, CBN sign N2bn MoU on SME development fund OTHMAN SALIHU, KANO

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund has been signed by the Kano State government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in Kano. At the signing of the MoU yesterday, CBN governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the CBN is dedicated to small businesses, which is the reason the bank did not

relent in supporting states that have plan to empower their poor population, especially rural dwellers and women. “Poverty is not just addressed by lending money to people. There must be a good and effective plan on ground on how people should use their talent in improving the economy,” he reasoned. He added that 60 percent of the fund was dedicated to small businesses, while commending Kano State as being the fourth state in the country that

signed such agreement nationwide. The CBN boss also stressed that he has approved a budget for the training of the managers of micro-finance banks in the state. According to him, the apex bank is liaising with some experts from India that would come and train the managers. “If everything goes well, the credit will go to you as managers of these banks”, he encouraged. Delivering his speech, Governor Rabi’u Musa

Kwankwaso, commended the CBN for helping Kano to fight poverty, pointing out that the concern shown by the apex bank was encouraging. He said; “We are sure that CBN is always ready to show us more ways forward. With such fund, we assure you that efforts will be strengthened to further develop small businesses. “We are assuring the Central Bank of Nigeria that the state government will do everything possible to ensure the success of the project.”

t least 800 pregnant women are beneficiaries of the SURE-P maternal and child health Conditional Cash Transfer programme (CCT) in Niger State, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Mohammed, has disclosed. Mohammed, who made the disclosure at the flagoff of the programme in Edati Local Government area of the state, said the CCT is conceived to assist in improving the health of women in the state. Mohammed said the cash transfer programme is done in partnership with his agency and the SURE-P as pilot programme before it’s extended to other parts of the state to boost the demand of accessing health facilities and services by women. Under the arrangement, each woman will get the sum of N1, 000 on registration, another N1,

000 after four rounds of ante-natal clinic, after delivery under the supervision of skilled attendants, she would receive N2, 000, with another N1, 000 after attending post-natal clinic, making a total of N5, 000 each would get under the programme. The executive secretary’s representative, Dr. Ugo Okoli, said 48 midwives, 68 community attendants and health workers and 72 village health workers have been trained and posted to 12 health facilities in the state. He also said that with the flag-off of the programme in Edati, Mokwa and Lavun Local Government areas, 12 additional facilities have been added to the programme.

Niger Gov. Babangida Aliyu

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Politics

National Conference: Primal purpose and modus operandi

Why we are against zoning in Akwa Ibom –Iyanam

Alao-Akala insists on re-composition of Oyo PDP exco KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ormer governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday said that under no circumstance would the State Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP be allowed to remain ahead of the 2015 general elections. He said this yesterday at the enlarged interactive

meeting he had with members of the party in the Oyo Federal Constituency consisting of four local government councils, namely, Afijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West respectively, held at Plaza De Aruna in the ancient Oyo town. The former governor, while vowing that the issue would be given whatever it takes, said he was competent to say what he said and that all the leaders of the party

were doing everything possible to actualise the plan. He openly apologised to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, for all that happened in the past, stating that there were problems between the party and the monarch in the past, a development he attributed to childishness on his part and the party. He drew analogy from the Yoruba wise-saying that however perfect a

child is in eating pap, there is no way he can escape his fingers being roughened, pleading for forgiveness from Oba Adeyemi with a promise to learn from the useful lesson the episode had taught him. While he said he won’t talk about the present administration in the state, he stated that the residents were in the best position to judge and make the necessary comparism, saying:

“Everybody had his or her share of governance during my tenure unlike now when everybody is groaning.” He added: “But, I want to charge you to remain steadfast; this is the time to know those who are truly and genuinely committed to the party. The period of groaning will soon be over because the entire state is awaiting us and we will surely come back to quench their thirst of good and benefiting governance.” The chief host and the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, during Alao-Akala’s tenure, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo,

said the meeting was called to encourage members in the constituency and was glad that it turned out to be a huge success. Insisting that the much talked about crisis rocking the party in the state was nothing unusual, he said: “Politics is a game of intrigues and a lot of misunderstanding, but, I can assure you that at the appropriate time, everything will be resolved and we will come back stronger.” He accused the present administration in the state of subjecting the residents to a lot of agony through its urban renewal project.

Yoruba leaders task Jonathan on confab FELIX NWANERI

P L-R: Deputy Speaker/Chairman, Constitution Review Committee Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman, House Committee on Business and Rules, Hon. Herbert Sam–Tsokwa, and House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola during the Public Hearing on Constitution Review in Abuja yesterday.

Ahead 2015: APC governors plot against Jonathan OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he All Progressives Congress, APC, has deplored the Federal Government’s approach in tackling the insecurity crisis and the protracted strike by university lecturers, describing it as naive and out of tune with present realities. National Mirror investigation revealed that a top meeting of the party leaders was turned into a strategy meeting aimed at perfecting its approach to the 2015 elections and also to neutralise an alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the Presidency to effect changes in the leadership of the House of Representatives. In a communique issued at the end of the meeting

of its leadership held late Tuesday night at the Kano Governors Lodge in Abuja, the APC said the Jonathan administration has failed to arrest the growing insecurity caused by the insurgents in parts of the north. “Since the declaration of emergency in key North Eastern states affected by the insurgency, life and property have been under severe attacks. A large number of residents have been displaced and forced to migrate to adjourning states or outsides the country. These victims have been uprooted from their homes, families and jobs. They have lost hope in the ability of their country to protect them. Clearly the state of emergency has failed,” it said. Regretting that never since after the Nigerian civil

war has a major military establishment been as grounded as the onslaught on the military base in Maiduguri, the APC said that the gradual deterioration of security and mounting civilian casualties are “symptomatic of the failure of intelligence, political naivety and disconnect between Jonathan administration and current realities of the Nigerian situation.” As a way out of the security logjam, the APC suggested a policy of compensation for victims of Boko Haram and implementation of relevant reports on security, including the Lemu report on insecurity in northern parts of the country. On the protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU), the opposition

party absolved the lecturers of any blame, but urged the Goodluck Jonathan administration to address key issues facing university education in the country. “Now is the time for the Jonathan administration to show leadership by working with the university lecturers to find a lasting solution to the challenges confronting university education in terms of funding, infrastructure, standards, welfare and administration,” the party said. Still angered by the controversy trailing the recent elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, especially the Delta Senatorial election and the Anambra governorship polls, the APC leaders said the electoral umpire has lost credibility in public eye.

resident Goodluck Jonathan has been charged to ensure that he midwifes a proper national conference that will give Nigeria a structure conducive for stability, peace, unity and progress of all sections of the country. This was among the resolutions of a meeting of Yoruba obas and leaders of thought convened by Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife and attended by notable obas, politicians and groups, Tuesday in Ife, Osun State. Other resolutions of the meeting, according to a communiqué signed by Yinka Odumakin, included the endorsement of the proposed national dialogue and a call on the people of the South-West to fully participate in all processes leading to the conference and the conference proper. The communiqué read: “Meeting commends President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the process towards the convocation of national dialogue to address the various challenges of nationhood facing Nigeria which we have failed to fully address in the last fifty- three years of our existence as an independent country. Meeting further encouraged

the president to ensure that he midwifes a proper conference that would give Nigeria a structure conducive to stability, peace, unity and progress of all sections of the country. “Meeting fully endorsed the proposed national dialogue and enjoins Yoruba people in the six SouthWest states, parts of Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and Niger states as well as Yoruba in the Diaspora to fully participate in all processes leading to the conference and the conference itself in order to realize our aspirations for Yoruba autonomy within a truly federal republic of Nigeria. “In order to harmonize the Yoruba agenda to the proposed national dialogue and integrate all Yoruba stakeholders, meeting set up a committee consisting: Chief Olu Falae (chairman); General Alani Akinrinade (vice chairman); Dr Kunle Olajide (secretary).” Among those present at the meeting were Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir. Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Falae, Gen. Akinrinade, Prof. Adenike Grange, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Senator Tony Adefuye, Dr. O. Awolowo Dosunmu, Admiral Akin Aduwo (rtd), Otunba Gani Adams among several others.

Politics

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

National Conference: Primal purpose and modus operandi CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY Conference a sovereign body, in the strict sense of the term, inasmuch as the finality of its decisions and the legally binding force of the approval of its decisions by the Referendum derive from a law enacted by the sovereign legislative authorities under the country’s existing legal order. But refusal by the National Assembly or the Presidency to enact into law, the National Conference and Referendum Bill or the provisions in sections 16(1) and 17(8) of the Bill, or to abide by them after their enactment into law, will be a test of the ability of the Nigerian people, in spite of the impediments, to assert and demonstrate their power and supremacy as the repository of the country’s sovereignty and the source of the sovereign power exercised by the legislative and executive organs of government. From the contest of power over this issue between the sovereign government and the people as the ultimate political sovereign, the National Conference may emerge as a sovereign body. In the meantime, and until such eventuality does occur, we will do better to get on with the job of working hard to ensure that the National Conference, operating under the Legal Framework set out in The Patriots’ Bill, adopts a suitable new Constitution for Nigeria, rather than allow ourselves to be bogged in the quagmire of the quibble whether the Conference is or is not a sovereign one.

Ensuring the adoption of a sustainable new constitution by the conference Ensuring that the National Conference adopts a suitable new Constitution for the country raises a problem perhaps more troublesome and more perplexing than the issue of fashioning out appropriate Legal Framework; the problem is not taken care of by fashioning out an appropriate Legal Framework. Unless the adoption of a suitable new Constitution for the country is ensured and is realised, it (i.e. the Conference) may become a talk-shop, as did the 2005 NPRC, without achieving its primal purpose, which is to give us a new Constitution. It would thus be a failure, as asserted by those opposed to the idea. To ensure the accomplishment of this primal purpose, the Conference, when it convenes, must have before it, a Draft new Constitution to form the basis of its deliberations; without this, its meetings are bound to become a talkshop and will not accomplish their primal purpose. Clearly, a situation where every Nigerian or every member of the Conference may submit a Draft new Constitution for consideration by the Conference will result in the Conference having before it too many Draft Constitutions, which may make it difficult for it to accomplish its primal purpose. Thus, the problem boils down to the issue of a modus operandi for the Conference. What should be the Conference’s modus operandi, such as will enable it to adopt or will facilitate the adoption by the Conference of a suitable new Constitution for the country? Fortunately, the Terms of Reference of the Presidential Advisory Committee bring it within the competence of the Committee to recommend an appropriate modus operandi for the Conference, and how a suitable Draft may be prepared and brought before it for consideration. The Committee is mandated “to make recommendations to government on structure

UNLESS THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE, WHEN IT CONVENES, HAS BEFORE IT A DRAFT NEW CONSTITUTION... THE CONFERENCE MAY LOSE FOCUS AND DEGENERATE INTO A TALK-SHOP AND

END WITHOUT ACHIEVING ANYTHING

Nwabueze

and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference”. The word, “modalities”, seems apt to cover making recommendations on a modus operandi. This is supplemented by the omnibus clause in the Terms of Reference, viz “to advise government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference”. A modus operandi as to how it is to operate or function in order to accomplish its primal purpose is certainly a matter “related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference”. We should therefore await whatever recommendations the Committee may make on this crucial question. But, whilst the Committee’s recommendations are awaited, it seems clear that we cannot run away from the imperative necessity of having a Constitution Drafting Committee. The Okurounmu Presidential Advisory Committee itself is not envisaged as a Constitution Drafting Committee, and is neither intended nor mandated by its Terms of Reference to function as one. The job requires a specialist committee of experts. A Constitution Drafting Committee was part of the modus operandi used in making the 1979 Constitution. The Federal Military Government (FMG) had in 1976, by an executive instrument, set up a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) of 49 members (the 50th member, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, declined to serve) composed of prominent lawyers, men and women knowledgeable in the principles and practice of statescraft, and other seasoned experts/specialists (the 49 Wise Men, as they came to be known), to prepare a Draft Constitution. A Draft was duly prepared by the Committee. Thereafter, the FMG enacted a Decree establishing a Constituent Assembly – the Constituent Assembly Decree 1977 – corresponding more or less to the proposed National Conference. As constituted under the enabling Decree, the Assembly had 230 members, of whom 20 were appointed by the FMG, seven were the Chairman of the CDC (Chief FRA Williams SAN) and the chairmen of its six subcommittees (I was one of the six), and the remaining 203 members were elected, not directly by the people, but by the local government councils acting as electoral colleges. But the important point to note as regards the issue of modus operandi is that the Draft Constitution prepared by the CDC was laid before the Assembly and formed the authorised basis for its deliberations. The enabling law required the Draft Constitution to be presented

in the Assembly in the form of a Bill, which the Assembly was to deliberate upon following a procedure of first and second readings and detailed clause by clause consideration in a committee of the whole Assembly. The procedure allowed for amendments to be moved by members. Indeed, an amendment seeking to replace the presidential system proposed in the Draft with the parliamentary system of cabinet government was vigorously pressed upon the Assembly in two different forms and lost: see Proceedings of the Constituent Assembly, Official Report, vol. 11, cols 1943 – 55; cols. 1981 – 8. The Chairman of the CDC and the Chairmen of its six sub-committees, sitting in the front benches, were assigned the responsibility of piloting the Draft Constitution Bill through the Assembly. It needs to be stated, despite the controversy that arose over the issue between the Assembly and the FMG, that the 1977 – 78 Constituent Assembly was not a mere deliberative body, and that the substance, content and form of the 1979 Constitution were the product of its decisions, notwithstanding a few changes surreptitiously slipped in by the FMG at the last minute after the Constitution Bill had been passed by the Assembly. Such, then, was the modus operandi used in making the 1979 Constitution. Recognising the imperative necessity of having before the proposed National Conference a suitable Draft new Constitution to form the basis of its deliberations, I formed in the course of the Uyo National Political Summit the idea of getting a team of prominent lawyers, political scientists and other experts with specialist knowledge to work with me to prepare a suitable Draft new Constitution and, when the Draft is ready, to re-convene the Uyo Political Summit to have a thorough and critical look at it, and make such revisions and changes as may be considered necessary. The re-convened Uyo Political Summit would be a kind of mini National Conference. Leaders from the various geo-political Zones attending the Summit will be duly inducted to mobilize and enlighten participants from their Zones on the provisions in the Draft in order to facilitate deliberations on it and its adoption at the National Conference proper. As I said in my last letter, dated 31st October, 2013, to the 15 members of my Committee of lawyers, political scientists and other experts, drawn from the six geo-political Zones,, “unless the National Conference, when it convenes, has before it a Draft New Constitution, to be piloted by people well acquainted with its provisions and well inducted on what is necessary to be done to get it adopted, the Conference may lose focus and degenerate into a talk-shop and end without achieving anything, like the previous ones”.

In preparing a Draft, the Drafting Committee will look at Drafts prepared by PRONACO, The Patriots, the amendments/ revisions made on the 1999 Constitution or under consideration by the National Assembly, and proposals from other quarters, more particularly proposals submitted to the Presidential Committee, as well as the constitutions of some other African countries. When the Committee completes its work, then, its Draft, with changes made on it by the re-convened Uyo National Political Summit, will be sent to the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the Presidential Advisory Committee if its life/mandate has not expired by the effluxion of the time given to it to wind up its work and turn in a report. But there is a snag arising from the fact that my Committee has no official status. President Goodluck Jonathan may wish to consider giving recognition to the Committee by constituting it an official (i.e. a Presidential Committee), or setting up a completely new Drafting Committee, and by inserting in the National Conference and Referendum Bill, a provision authorising the Draft new Constitution prepared by the Drafting Committee to be laid before the Conference and form the basis of its deliberations and decisions, and to be piloted before the Conference by the members of the Committee, just as was done in 1977/78 in the making of the 1979 Constitution.

Chairmanship of the conference It needs hardly be emphasised that the character of the proposed National Conference, and its success or failure, would be determined, to a great extent, by the credentials, the personality and forcefulness of character of its Chairman. He or she must be a person with a considerable measure of acceptability in the Northern and Southern segments of the country, and whose mind, attitude and disposition are not known to be unduly conditioned or otherwise affected by the North-South Divide, which must be acknowledged as among the worst of the country’s many afflictions – a person who, therefore, commands the confidence of the generality of people in both segments. In addition, he or she must be a person whose age and condition of health leave him or her sufficient physical strength as well as mental and emotional stability to be able to withstand the enormous strain and stress of piloting, mediating and moderating the proceedings of the Conference, which are expected to be stormy, even acrimonious, a task that would tax the patience of even the Biblical Job. It is as well that the President, as the authority to appoint the Chairman of the Conference, should start right away to give serious thought to the choice of a person to chair it. The choice is not going to be an easy one, because there are not many Nigerians that meet the above criteria. The chairmanship of the Conference may be said to be among the matters the Presidential Advisory Committee is mandated by its Terms of Reference to offer advice to the President under item (ii) thereof, viz to advise “on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference”; in any case, it is certainly covered by the omnibus clause, viz “to advise government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference.” •CONCLUDED

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Politics

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Why we are against zoning in Akwa Ibom –Iyanam You were among the Akwa Ibom Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elders that signed a document recently, calling for an open contest in the 2015 Akwa Ibom State governorship election. What reactions have you received from aspirants for the governorship and the electorate? It was a privilege for me to join in signing that document. After the document was published, some people came clamouring to be part of the signatories and were angry that they too should have been given the opportunity to sign it. They have also said that in the near future, they will be happy to join in signing such document and that in spite of the clamour in some quarters, that that document represented a wide spectrum of Akwa Ibom community. I will say 70 per cent of Akwa Ibom people are in support of that document. It was quite clear that in calling for an open contest for the 2015 Akwa Ibom governorship election, the position of your group (Akwa Ibom PDP Elders) contradicts that of Governor Godswill Akpabio. Have you had any feedback from him? I cannot say which one is the governor’s position. I remember in the past, some section of the media confronted Senator Etang Umoyo, who at all times was always campaigning that the governorship in 2015 should be zoned to Eket Senatorial District, and he was told that the governor was in support of an open contest at that time. Senator Umoyo’s attention was drawn to newspaper stories that said the governor favoured an open contest because he (Akpabio) was a product of an open contest, and then the remark from Umoyo was that the last has not been heard from the governor. So, I join him in saying that if indeed the governor has said that the governorship should go to Eket in 2013, then the last has not been heard from Governor Akpabio. The governor has changed his position on this issue and indeed on many other issues. Does this augur well for good governance in the state? I have four children here, sometimes one of them will come to me and define a position, and I will support him. Then the other person will come and give superior argument, I will support him. That is how my children sway me from one angle to the other. So, if the governor as the father of the state is being swayed from one angle to the other, it shouldn’t surprise anybody because at the end of the day I expect that he will join the majority. What were your concerns before coming up with that position? As an Oron man, one would expect that I should be clamouring for zoning, but again I don’t want an Oron man to be a product of zoning; an Oron man who wants to win election in Akwa Ibom State should cut across the Ibibios, Annangs and so on and win his election on the basis of his own popularity, on the basis of his own programmes. So, we don’t want an Akwa Ibom State that will be turned into some narrow tunnel. The Akwa Ibom State that we are looking at is one that, you remember when M. K. O. Abiola was doing his campaign in Akwa Ibom State; nobody hired buses to take people to the stadium in Oron, for instance. Immediately his helicopter landed,

Victor Iyanam is a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Akwa Ibom State under the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio. A member of the Akwa Ibom Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Elders’ Forum, he is an advocate of a level playing ground for all aspirants to the governorship position in the state in 2015. In this interview with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU, he bares his mind on why there should be no zoning and other contentious matters in the build up to the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

THE CONSTITUTION OF NIGERIA ENSURES OPEN CONTEST, SO THERE IS NO WAY, LEGALLY SPEAKING, ANYBODY CAN STOP ANY OTHER PERSONS FROM CONTESTING IN THE NAME OF ZONING

Iyanam

people, including women left their cooking pots behind and went to the stadium to see Abiola. Right now, a few of the aspirants from Oron that I have seen, some of them have written their views on the internet, they are not in favour of zoning. So, where is this zoning coming from? The original zoning we used to hear about that our fathers left behind, was Ibibio, Anang, and Oron. That is what we call the tripod. The tripod we knew about was not senatorial districts, and that is because there is no real affinity to senatorial districts; senatorial district is a creation of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. We know ourselves to be Annang, Ibibio, Oron. So, if you want to put that away, then let the contest be open. What do you think should be done to ensure that the contest remains open? The PDP Constitution ensures open contest, the Constitution of Nigeria ensures open contest, so there is no way, legally speaking, anybody can stop any other persons from contesting in the name of zoning. So, what we are discussing now, is not really a legal issue, we are discussing socially, you know galvanizing public opinion for that purpose; there is nothing to disable any contestant from any senatorial district from contesting. The zoning thing is for social discourse, it has no legal significance. Aren’t there some sections of PDP constitution that talk about zoning? The only type of zoning that ever took place in the party was after the election of the governor. Wherever the governor came out from they will now decide, okay, lets us zone the position of the speaker to Oron, they will now say let us let us balance the state apparatus. The chief judge of the state is from whatever, let the speaker come from here or the deputy governor who is running with me is already from here, so

let the speaker, let the deputy speaker come from here, let the principal officers come from so and so places and then they say let the party chairman come from here. Those are the kind of things, after the main election has taken place. Why are the PDP elders and stakeholders against the town hall meetings organised by Akpabio to make inputs to who becomes the next governor of Akwa Ibom? There are many forms of democracy. We have chosen the presidential system in Nigeria, and the manner of doing things are already spelt out under the presidential system of government. In this novel style of town hall, we need a frame-work; the people who will be there, how will they be selected for the town hall. Let us discuss first the frame work, the freedom of choice of members, so that you don’t carry people from Uyo to Oron to go and do town hall and when you say those in support say ‘ayes’, motor park touts from Uyo will shout ‘ayes’, and they say ‘the ayes’ have it. When they are watching the video of it in Abuja, nobody will know who is from Oron in that background. Also, the thing is suspicious, coming at a time that is close to primary elections. Agitators of zoning always talk about justice, equity and fairness in allowing all the segments of the society have equal access to political power. Don’t you think that there is some element of truth in that argument? There is absolutely no truth there. I am a lawyer of 28 years standing at the bar and when we use concept, you should show understanding. Equality may be equity, but equity is not the same as equality. Now, as you know, the revenue of this country is shared, there are many indices, one of them is equality of states, may be 10 percent or 20 per cent. If they are talking about equity, Oron has five local government areas, Annang has about eight local government areas, and Ibibio has the rest, about 17 local government areas. So, if you are talking about equity, Ibibio people should go for how many times? If you are talking about equity, you should divide 17 (which is the number of the local government areas that

the Ibibios have) by five (which is the number of the local government areas that the Oron have), and let Ibibio go three times before Oron. So, they should be careful when talking of equity because when you are defining equity, you define it strictly. What of fairness? Equity and fairness go together. When you understand equity, you understand what fairness is all about. Is it fair to people who are overwhelming majority to rule once and the same number of times with you? It is not fair; they are 17, and you are five! So, 17 divided by five is three times. Equity or fairness demands that they should go three times before you go once. My people say a tree that wants to survive should stand with the cola nut tree. The Oron people, if they want to survive, should align with the Ibibios to survive and advise our Annang brothers to join and cooperate with the Ibibios, because this antagonism of the past, the antagonism of the early 80s where the minorities were ganging up with Efiks, Atam and so on against the Ibibios cannot work in this dispensation. The same Oron people who are saying they want to Mangrove State and join with Calabar people are the ones who are also talking about zoning the Akwa Ibom governorship. You know they have not come to terms with the fact that they should integrate with the new Akwa Ibom first. So, I am not the type of politician who will despise the majority because the majority is what democracy is all about. And this is replicating itself everywhere. We don’t want bloodshed in Akwa Ibom State. I prefer dictatorship of the majority, because democracy means dictatorship of the majority. Since you left the administration of Governor Akpabio, have you had the opportunity of meeting one-on-one with him? Oh, yes, several times. I was part of his legal team. He called me, you know when you receive a call from your governor, you are always very excited. He called me to be a part of his defence panel in the 2011 election petition, my private office was the central clearing point, and I was the most senior lawyer doing his case for him, so I was providing the framework for other lawyers to work. We were doing things at INEC office, collating documents, and so on and then provided back up for the external lawyers who came. Don’t you think the argument about zoning was distracting? No, it is not a distraction. When we discuss it, and at the end of the day, there is a general consensus that there should be an open contest, it is helpful that everybody had the opportunity to talk about it. And that the governor, even though he was first of all on this side, and when he saw reasons he came back again to open contest. It makes a lot of sense. In spite of what people are saying, I don’t believe that the governor has any candidate in mind. People are just speculating. I remember a few time when he had cause to address the cross section of his commissioners, he always told us that he was not interested in any particular person to succeed him and that Akwa Ibom State deserves the best, I believe he has not changed.

Politics

Thursday, December 5, 2013

PDP senators parley Tukur

•‘No senator has opted to decamp’ GEORGE OJI ABUJA

enators elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP met with the chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur yesterday at the National Assembly. The meeting, which lasted for about three hours, according to Tukur, was one in the series of such family meetings aimed at solidifying the unity and oneness of the party. Tukur who fielded questions from newsmen at the end of the meeting had this short encounter with reporters. Reporters: What are the general observations on the defection of certain members? Tukur: We did not talk about people who want to go or stay, I came here because this is the first time I am coming to meet my family, they are my members.

Reporters: What is your message to them? Tukur: Entrenchment of democracy, discipline and good governance Reporters: Did you come because Baraje came to see the Senate President earlier. Tukur: Of course not, this is PDP and there is no other PDP Reporters: Did you discuss the impact of the defection of the five governors? Tukur: Have they, they have not done yet. Also in a short encounter with the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the following conversations took place; Reporters: What transpired at the meeting? Leader: On both sides we discussed issues affecting members of the PDP Senate caucus and the National Chairman listened attentively and responded and gave us words of reassurance Reporters: What are the specific issues you dis-

cussed concerning the Senate caucus of the PDP? Leader: They are domestic issues, you don’t expect me to come and discuss domestic issues in public, and they are issues that affect us the members of the party in the senate Reporters: What about some of the senators that are defecting to APC? Leader: It never came up and I can say it categorically at this point in time no senator has indicated he is going anywhere, so the issue never came up. Reporters: On automatic ticket for members? Leader: We discussed the provisions of the constitution and emphasized democracy. Our party is called Peoples Democratic Party and we reminded ourselves that we must be democratic at all times. We had a useful meeting with our national chairman. Meanwhile in his opening remarks before the meeting went into closed door, Senate

President David Mark admitted that the party is facing some challenges but assured that the party is capable of addressing the issues like a family matter. His words: “We admit we have some challenges in the party. It is expected in a big party like the PDP. It is not unusual. We are equal to the challenges as a party. Hopefully, we shall come out of the crisis stronger”. Mark assured the NWC that the PDP Senators are united in one accord and working together to ensure that the Transformation Agenda is carried out to its logical conclusion. In his comment, Tukur said the NWC was in the Senate to fraternise and exchange ideas with the PDP senators on how they can continue to work together as one family. Tukur also acknowledged the challenges facing the party but assured that the problem is surmountable “because the PDP is one family working together towards achieving a common goal.”

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Court adjourns suit against Fayose till next year ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti yesterday adjourned hearings in the alleged graft suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, till March 27, April 8, 9 and 10 next year. Justice Adamu Hobon adjourned the matter following request by the EFCC counsel, Mr Adebisi Adeniyi, to be able to get the witnesses served the new subpoena obtained. At yesterday’s hearing, one of the deputy governors under Fayose, Chief Abiodun Aluko, testified, saying he was subpoenaed to testify for the EFCC. Fayose is standing trial over the alleged diversion of N860 million public funds meant for Ekiti Poultry Project during his tenure as governor of the state. Aluko said he could not state the cost of the contract in contention beyond the counterpart fund of the

project contributed by the 16 local governments in the state in 2004. He told the court that each of the 16 council areas in the state contributed N25 million, which amounted to N400 million, which he said was paid to Biological Concepts on the instruction of the former governor. According to him, the project was initially conceived to be a partnership between Biological Concept and the Ekiti State government, under which four farms were to be in established Afao, Erio, Faculty of Agriculture, then University of Ado Ekiti, UNAD, now Ekiti State University, EKSU and Agric Farm, College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti. However, he said “along the line, each local government was brought to have a farm and the state government decided to fund the whole project eventually,” saying he didn’t know what happened along the line. Chief Aluko, who was led in evidence by counsel for the prosecution, was cross-examined by Fayose’s counsel, Mr Owoseni Ajayi.

Group calls for inter-party dialogue to strengthen democracy

Sen. Ahmad Barata (right) presenting a letter of allocation of tools to one of the beneficiaries of his skills acquisition training programme, Miss Rebecca Numan, at a ceremony in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Gulak advises politicians against undermining FG policies

he Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, yesterday said people that undermine the Federal Government’s policies were jeopardising the nation’s rapid economic and social development. Gulak said this in Abuja when the 30 contestants in the Face of Democracy Nigeria Pageant and Awards paid him a courtesy visit. The Face of Democracy Nigeria Pageant and Awards, which will hold on December 7 in Abuja, is an initiative to increase youth awareness about democracy.

Winner of the pageant will be referred to as “Face of Democracy Nigeria” and is expected to hold the title for the next two years. On the ASUU strike, Gulak called on university lecturers to immediately end the action, saying that the nation’s youths intellectual and social development were at stake. He said that the ASUU strike was not helping the youths’ component of government’s Transformation Agenda, especially of those in higher institutions. His words: The government has responded positively to some of the

demands of ASUU, it behooves on them to return to work for the sake of national progress.” He also said that it was wrong for politicians to use derogatory language and engage in activities that denigrate the office of the President of Nigeria, adding: “Politicians should know that President Goodluck Jonathan is not for only a political party, but the number one citizen representing the sovereignty of this nation. “Although our democracy is still developing and politicians are still in the learning process, but it is ir-

responsible and a total disregard for Nigeria if anybody dents our president’s image. “We are fortunate to have a PhD holder as a president and one who recognises that his power is derived from the constitution. “Nigerians know better that one of the greatest achievements of this administration is that it follows the constitution and is not sectional in its approach to development. “Our democracy is growing and will improve if politicians play by the rules and not desecrate the number one office of this nation.”

non-governmental organisation, NGO, Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, yesterday called for civility and sufficient inter-party dialogue among political parties in the country, for democracy to be strengthened. The Executive Director of CDD, Ms Idayat Hassan, made the call at the launching of the Nigerian Political Parties Discussion Series, NPPDS, by CDD, with support from the International Republican Institute (IRI), an NGO, in Abuja. She said: “Almost 15 years into Nigeria’s democratic dispensation, the political party system still suffered from lack of civility and insufficient inter-party dialogue.” She said NPPDS was set up to facilitate discussions among political parties, to entrench democratic principles and good governance through strengthened internal party democracy. She said that the absence of internal party democracy, disregard for party discipline and factions within parties, weak political base and structure had brought some challenges to some

political parties. She stressed the need for political parties to drive a process of consensusbuilding on crucial national issues, adding that the survival of democracy depended largely on the development of parties. She therefore called on political parties to go beyond the symbolism of elections to core representation of the people, to facilitate the consolidation of democracy. Earlier, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Yusuf Tuggar, called on leaders of all political parties to promote democratic norms and values in their parties. Tuggar cautioned political office holders to avoid using state machinery to influence results of elections and advisedthe Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to be mindful of sudden postponement and cancellation of elections. “I want to use this medium to call on those that are occupying leadership positions in the state to make sure that they do not exploit the state machine to rig elections,” Tuggar said.

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Views

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Political alignment of ‘progressives’ made good their treat to quit.

EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

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

inally the aggrieved governors from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have made good their threat to align with All Progressives Congress (APC). They have accused the leadership of the PDP of dictatorship and unfair treatment .Their various dialogues with President Jonathan were futile as they stuck to their guns. Prominent in their demands was that President Jonathan must drop his second term ambition since he pledged to serve for one term only. In addition they wanted the chairman of the Party Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to step down. Bamanga Tukur has been accused of high handedness and usurpation of the party structure even at the state levels. Aside this, they insisted that the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi should be allowed to resume leadership of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF)which they believed he won in a keenly contested election in Port-Harcourt this year. Impossible demands one may say, and since it was obvious that Mr. President was not prepared to acquiescence the aggrieved governors

While the waiting game was on, the opposition party did everything to have them in its fold. And finally it happened. But the shocker was the u-turn made by Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State speculated to have walked out of the meeting where the crucial decision of alignment was taken. It was a shocker because Aliyu has been one of the most vociferous critics of President Jonathan. He was the one in the fore front of ‘one term’ for President Jonathan. The same could be said of Sule Lamido, governor of Jigawa State. The two governors refused to jump into this boat of uncertainty .They wanted to fight on, for a change in the party they believe they had put in so much to build.

Nigerians have been reacting to this move that have caused so much heat and acrimony in the polity. In Rivers State, there was mass rally and celebration by those happy to see Governor Amaechi ‘s exit which they described as good riddance of bad rubbish . Amaechi was seen as the arrow head of the entire crisis. His travails, at the hands of the presidency which includes the grounding of his private jet have been seen as political persecution. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur , chairman of the ruling party was quoted as saying that the party cannot stop anyone from leaving. We are after all in a free world .Former President, Ibrahim Babaginda, sees the move as good for the growth of democracy. Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a chieftain of

FROM WHATEVER PERSPECTIVE IT IS

VIEWED, THE TRUTH IS THAT THE COUNTRY IS IN POLITICAL QUAGMIRE AND THERE IS THE NEED FOR RESCUE MISSION

.SUCH CAN COME BY

HAVING A STRONG AND VOCAL OPPOSITION AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT Afenifere, the Yoruba socio cultural group, sees it as a gang up .He does not see cohesion in the group which he says lacks political ideology. While some too have reasoned that this exodus will usher in a great change on the political scene, others see it as storm in a tea cup. The nation is waiting .We have been bogged down for years by military dictatorship .The country has been militarised as a result. We tend to conduct our affairs without recourse to the rule of law. In reality, there has been absence of strong opposition since a return to civilian rule. The ruling party enjoys comfortable ma-

jority in the two chambers of the National Assembly. It also has majority of elected governors .The party had in the past prided itself as the largest in Africa .With its incumbency power and spread, it has had no problem winning the presidency. This explains partly the degree of the struggle to win the party tickets both at the states and national levels .Are we going to experience something different now? Will the defection of these aggrieved governors usher in the expected political earthquake with attendant consequences? Nigerians are waiting. Some political analysts have been negative on the prospect of this development. They argue that the dissident governors were motivated by personal agenda with no altruism in their rebellion. The fusion of ultra conservatives, and so called “progressives “may be an impossible task. Besides, there is the thinking that the movement may not be unconnected with the desire to return power to the core north, as there have been unceasing move to achieve this mission. From whatever perspective it is viewed, the truth is that the country is in political quagmire and there is the need for rescue mission .Such can come by having a strong and vocal opposition at all levels of government. However, if the sole ambition of the alignment is to return power to the North or for the opposition to triumph over the ruling party in 2015 election, it might turn out to be a big illusion.

Osiomhole: An outburst and apology

olitics is an existentialist enterprise and could therefore not be discountenanced in human affairs no matter the conditions or people involved. Having said that, one must also stress that inordinate politicising of almost everything in this country merely reflects our own eccentric national character that is far beyond the base conception of humans as political animals. This tendency to over-politicise issues came to the fore again in the recent unusual drama involving the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Osiomhole and a street trading widow, Mrs. Joy Ifijeh. The infamous vituperative outburst “If you are a widow, go and die” made by the now contrite governor was massively feasted on by many of his political opponents for the purpose of “rubbishing” the governor whom they believed had hitherto managed to project the image of a “a man of the people.” Thus the vociferous voices of condemnations from those seeking to score political points understandably overshadowed those who were honestly outraged and showed genuine solidarity with the insulted lady. An attempt is therefore being made here to critically analyse the issues with dispassionate objectivity in order to bring out the real implications. Most of the comments thus far hardly went beyond the “go and die” faux pas but, indeed, there are many intertwined issues and I will strive to bring out some of them one by one. To start with, is it even alright for a state governor to be in the team of task force enforcing anti-street trading law or any law for that matter? On the surface

IN MORE ADVANCED

CLIMES WITH HIGHER SOPHISTICATION IN HUMAN RELATIONS, HE COULD HAVE FACED DIRE CONSEQUENCES, APOLOGY OR NO APOLOGY it may appear there is nothing wrong in this practice. It may even be construed as a reflection of passion and commitment to implement state policies. However, I think it is not the best policy for an executive governor to partake in such detailed downstream execution of law implementation. Let us look at it this way, if the officials of a task force, out of the proverbial overzealousness, assault anybody or engage in any illegal behaviour, an aggrieved person can appeal to the governor, to check their excesses at policy level. But would this option be viable if the governor himself is a regular “member” of the taskforce. Executive authorities should dissociate themselves from direct enforcement of the law. Secondly, a sizeable proportion of the vitriolic vituperations, especially on social media, seem to rest their outrage and condemnations on the grounds that the woman is a widow. That of course, could not be an official justification for breaking a law! The only

time such sentiment can come into reckoning in the eyes of the law is during allocutus (i.e. a plea for mercy) after a conviction for criminal trial, and that is even with a view to mitigate the severity of punishment, rather than being an insulation to criminal liability. The governor was therefore right to have insisted that the law must take its course. Those saying the woman should have been promptly set free upon her revealing her status as a widow will not really appreciate the issue involved. Another issue which people rarely mention in this incident is this: The video shows the woman groveling on the ground with two hands raised in hearty supplications, while the governor stood majestically upright with a face cap on, a hand in a pocket while fixing imperial gaze on the widow. Well, the picture of that scene could be very annoying to a decent mind. Why allowing any fellow human being to be groveling on the ground in front of you? A comrade should not allow a human, even if underprivileged, to worship at his feet. Accordingly, I if were in Osiomhole’ shoes, I would not even listen to the woman until she had risen on her feet. She should make the plea on her feet. Now to the ground-shaking bombshell which most people have commented on, that is “If you are a widow, go and die” utterance. Without mincing word, this is perhaps the most preposterous social odium and embarrassing faux pas Osiomhole has made since he became a politician. Use of uncouth language in any context by an occupier of elevated office is rightly construed as a desecration of their offices, but the language here is not only uncouth but appears

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

remarkably callous and insensitive. The governor has apologised to the widow and also given her N2million naira and offer of employment. He also awarded scholarship to her son. But one has nonetheless not ceased being surprised that someone like Osiomhole, reputed as an orator with profound sensibilities to language and nuances could fall into such grievous verbal misadventure. In more advanced climes with higher sophistication in human relations, he could have faced dire consequences, apology or no apology. The governor should henceforth be wary of his utterances no matter the provocation, lest the ghost of this uncouth outburst, thought to have been interred with N2million, a scholarship and offer of employment, would continue to haunt him. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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Nuclear programme: Iran’s deal with world powers

ermanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany recently sealed a deal with Iran to curb its nuclear programme in order to prevent Tehran from building a nuclear bomb. The deal is a first step towards a more comprehensive nuclear pact to be completed in six months. It halts the installation of new centrifuges used to enrich uranium and caps the amount and type of enriched uranium that Iran is allowed to produce. The pact involved suspending work on key components of a heavy-water reactor suspected to be a source of plutonium; as well as increasing oversight, including daily monitoring by international nuclear inspectors. The nuclear deal is expected to form the basis of future relations between the United States and Iran. Relationship between the two countries has been frosty since the 1979 Iranian Islamic revolution and hostage crisis (November 4, 1979 - January 20, 1981). Commenting on the deal, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammed Javad Zarif, reportedly said: “It is important that we, all of us, see the opportunity to end an unnecessary crisis and open new horizons based on respect, rights of (the) Iranian people and remove any doubt about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme”. European Union’s High

Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, also said “the agreement was an important step towards reaching a long term comprehensive solution”. To the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, however, the agreement could not have been reached without “Iran’s decision to come to the negotiating table”. Kerry predicted that the next phase of negotiations might be more difficult and more consequential. But international politics’ analysts feel the Geneva nuclear deal was made possible by the election of a moderate Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, in June 2013. Rouhani’s government had initiated the negotiations to mediate the economic sanctions on his country’s economy and society. The ‘First Step’ deal, which is to last for six months, is expected to make Iran less capable of building a nuclear bomb for the time being, and ease the financial pain country’s economy has been enduring under a regime of sanctions. The sticking points to the nuclear deal, however, included Iran’s insistence that it had the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes; and the contentious suggestion that Iran should discontinue its construction of a heavy water facility in Arak, a project Iran authorities said was needed to create medical isotopes for can-

THOSE WHO CRAVE EQUITY SHOULD APPROACH IT WITH CLEAN HANDS cer treatment. The nuclear deal has spurred some members of the US congress to threaten new sanctions against Iran, on the one hand; while hardliners in Iran are accusing President Rouhani and Zarif (the Foreign Minister) of “giving up too much in the negotiations”, on the other. It may be rightly observed that the US and its allies constituted a ‘nuclear club’ whose membership seems to be a strategy to maintain the existing balance of power at the global level, with obvious special attention to the Middle East. But the question remains whether the world powers are morally and legally justified to deny developing countries the right to nuclear capability for developmental purposes. Many still feel, for instance, that the allegation against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq of being in possession of weapons of mass destruction; and the misadventure of UN weapon inspection team in Iraq were meant to hound countries opposed to the west. Some of the world powers themselves had in the past, demonstrated recklessness in their use of atomic weap-

ons. The allied powers destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II, for example. France, an ally of the US, also tested atomic weapons in the Sahara Desert without the permission of African people and the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Indeed, in the the 36 years that followed the 1960 explosion of the “Gerboise bleue” deep in the Sahara desert, France carried out a total of 210 nuclear tests in its former territory of Algeria and in the Pacific Ocean. This contempt for Africa led to severe damages to its bio-diversity and eco-system, without the least compensation. The nuclear race has led to the accumulation of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear war heads and intercontinental ballistic missiles at huge financial costs by advanced nations, amidst underdevelopment, poverty and stagnation in developing countries. The US has been accused of protecting Israel against economic sanctions despite its possession of ‘offensive’ weapons, while Israel is known to have repeatedly violated UN resolutions against its actions. Therefore, the west should be liberal in its engagement with Iran on the latter’s nuclear programmes. If they are for developmental reasons, Iran should be left alone. Those who crave equity should approach it with clean hands.

ON THIS DAY December 5, 1945

Flight 19 was lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Flight 19 was the designation of five TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that disappeared on December 5, 1945 during a United States’ Navy overwater navigation training flight from the Naval Air Station, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All the 14 airmen on board were lost, as were all 13 crew members of a PBM Mariner flying boat which reportedly exploded while searching for the flight.

December 5, 1977 Egypt broke diplomatic relations with Syria, Libya, Algeria, Iraq and South Yemen in retaliation for the Declaration of Tripoli against Egypt, an official pledge to “freeze” relations with the Egyptian Government. President Anwar al-Sadat of Egypt, in response, broke all relations with Syria, Libya, Algeria and South Yemen. He also ordered their diplomats to leave Egypt within 24 hours and recalled his envoys from the countries.

December 5, 2007 Westroads Mall massacre: A gunman opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at an Omaha, Nebraska, United States mall, killing eight people before taking his own life. Nineteen-year-old Robert A. Hawkins killed nine people (including himself) and wounded four others, two of them critically. It was the deadliest shooting spree in Nebraska since the rampage of Charles Starkweather in 1958.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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Education Today

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

A prestigious university in Africa with a visionary founder and leader - Dr. Lalla Ben Barka, Assist. D.G UNESCO, Paris

Confusion over varsities’ resumption TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE AND DHIKRU AKINOLA IBADAN

onfusion has continued to trail the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Five months, six days into the strike, Nigerians are still not certain when exactly the students will go back to school. The Federal Government had earlier fixed yesterday as the deadline for resumption. Now, it has shifted the date to next Monday with a directive to all the vice-chancellors of the shut universities to reopen their schools for academic activities. The Federal Government, which fixed both dates as if it were the one that closed these ivory towers in the first instance, is also threatening to sack lecturers who refuse to be at their duty posts from Monday. And in obedience to the directive, many institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has already issued a statement asking students to return to campus from Monday. The lecturers on their part have also vowed to continue with the strike until the Federal Government is ready to implement the resolutions reached last month by both parties with President Goodluck Jonathan in attendance. They said such was the only condition that could warrant them calling off the industrial action and not by a mere announcement from the Federal Government’s representatives. They also said they were not bothered at all about the sack threat since their action is legitimate under labour law locally and internally. Now, with the turn of event, Nigerians are left in a state of confusion. The students are in a fix so also the parents, as well as other stakeholders. They said the development would not augur well for a country like Nigeria that is striving to become one of the world economic powers by 2020. Also, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body of students in tertiary institutions in the country, Mr. Yinka Gbadebo is tired of the whole scenario. He had condemned their continued stay at home on several occasions since the commencement of the strike with a call to both parties to resolve the crisis to enable students go back to school. Similarly, the President of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), Mr. Hammed Adejare on his part, said the ultimatum and sack threat could only work if the Federal Government liaises with respective school authorities to

• New date is Monday -FG • You can’t dictate to us -ASUU • We are confused -Students, parents

UNILAG entrance

break what he called the rank of ASUU at various institutions. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the manner by which the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who is a politician, is exploring force to get the lecturers back to classrooms. “That kind of approach can never work with such a well-organised union as ASUU,” he pointed out. However, Adejare, a 400-level student of English Language at the University of Ibadan, is of the opinion that the Federal Government should play a big brother role to ASUU by bringing the union back to a roundtable and look at a possibility of resolving the grey areas in contention. “We are tired of staying at home. I should have by now been doing my one year mandatory youth service corps programme. But I don’t know when schools will actually resume,” he lamented. Another student, Mr. Ayo Shedrach, the Chairman, Students’ Union Transition Committee of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is also not happy about the development. He has not engaged in something substantial since the commencement of the strike. And now he just wants to go back to school and continue with his studies to enable him plan

WE ARE TIRED OF STAYING AT HOME. I SHOULD HAVE BY NOW BEEN DOING MY ONE YEAR MANDATORY YOUTH SERVICE CORPS PROGRAMME. BUT I DON’T KNOW WHEN

SCHOOLS WILL ACTUALLY RESUME

for the future. “So, my advice now goes to ASUU to listen to the voice of reason from students, parents and other well-meaning Nigerians and suspend the strike for normalcy to return to ivory towers,” he counselled. He lamented that the effect of the strike on students and the education sector generally was enormous. In his own contribution, the South West Coordinator, NANS, Mr. Monsuru Adeyemo said the strike was prolonged this far because Nigerians according to him, are led by irresponsible people. He said it was very unfortunate that the Federal Government chose to adopt

an autocratic approach in resolving the stalemate, saying such cannot work. According to him, the 2009 agreement should be religiously honoured by the Federal Government to raise the standard of university education in the country. Similarly, the leader of a pressure groupEducation Rights Campaign (ERC)-Mr. Hassan Taiwo and his secretary, Mr. Michael Ogundele, have both condemned the development. They described the Federal Government’s threat to sack lecturers in particular as “the height of dictatorial tendency of President Jonathan’s administration” which they said must be resisted in all ramifications. They said the approach was a reminiscent of the dark days of military regimes in the country. They, however, suggested that in as much as ASUU should not succumb to threat, the Federal Government should do the needful by showing convincing commitment to the implementation of the contentious resolutions between the two parties. Also condemning the prolonged strike, parents said they had already lost confidence in both the Federal Government and ASUU on the issue. The chairman, Parent\Teacher Association of Nigeria, South West, Deacon OluCONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

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Harvard partners Afe Babalola varsity TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

L-r: Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela; Overall best 2013 candidate in the National Examination Council(NECO), Miss Tope Olayinka of Charis International College, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Chairman, Board of Trustees, LeanAfrica Foundation, Chief Emeke Iwerebon at this year’s LearnAfrica-NECO Excellence Awards ceremony in Lagos yesterday.

Muslim school proprietors move to sanitise education system

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

uslims who run primary and secondary schools in the country have intensified efforts at sanitising the educational system in the country. They said this was necessary as a contribution towards making the sector globally competitive. The proprietors under the aegis of League of Muslim School Proprietors (LEAMSP) stated this at their luncheon programme held in Lagos last week. They said they acknowledged the crucial roles the school operators would need to play in making the sector a proud of the nation, thus the reason for organising the forum. Delivering a lecture at the programme, Registrar of the Ansar-ud-Deen College of Education, Isolo, Lagos, Mr. K.O. Odelade said although, it was no longer news that the standard of every sector including education in the country is continually on downward trend, there was a great need to prevent the situation from deteriorating. “And the roles of school owners in this regard is enormous since they are the ones

training people who will later take leadership positions in every sector of the economy,” he pointed out. “But it was disheartening that today, many school owners interested only in making money even at the expense of standards.” Odelade spoke on “Sanitising education system: Roles of school owners.” According to him, proprietors of schools should be interested in making their institutions standard by putting up all necessary facilities and curriculum that will make their products globally competitive. He also advised them to, among others always recruit qualified teachers and assign them to teach relevant subjects, pay them competitive salaries, as well as organising refresher courses for them periodically. “I will also implore you to have short, medium and long-term plans for your schools; always carry along the parentteacher forum in your activities, and also involve in community development projects as all these will help you greatly in the running of your schools,” he further counseled.

In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye commended the league for brainstorming on how to contribute to the development of education in the country. She said the effort would greatly impact the system positively. Represented by a Director in the ministry in charge of Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs. Sewanu Amosu, the commissioner promised that the government, especially Lagos State would continue to encourage private school operators in contributing to the development of the sector. She also said the state would continue to run policy that would increase children access to basic education, noting that the importance of education to the country’s socio-economic development could not be under estimated. On his part, the National President of the league, Mr. Mikail Tijani said the group would continue ensure that members engage in best practices. He also called on governments at all levels as well as other stakeholders to give deserved attention to education, saying the sector is the catalyst of development.

CKA commits to provision of well-rounded knowledge

s part of efforts to provide well rounded, global approach to education, the City of Knowledge Academy, CKA, a school that has brought to reality the vision of an international co-educational secondary institution providing excellent academic and leadership training for young minds will commence entrance examinations for the 2014/2015 school year. The school is situated within the leafy and serene suburbs of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and is easily accessible via the Ijebu Ode expressway. “This location was specifically chosen for its spacious and tranquil environs. It is

a serene and conducive learning environment far away from the tension soaked atmosphere of city life,” said Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, the founder of the school. She noted that CKA is an outstanding addition to the nation’s quest for academic excellence, providing an invaluable opportunity in a safe and secure environment for the holistic development of the child. She said, “The school employs a contemporary and integrated approach to learning and teaching; and the formal, informal, cultural and intellectual ethos of the school will equip the students with the skills needed for

efficient and effective operation in the world of their future.” The examination dates are: February 15, March 15, June 14 at the following centres: The Lagos Liaison Office, The KRC, 3/5 Boyle Street, Onikan Lagos Island, and The School, City of Knowledge Academy, Itanrin Ososa Junction, Ore-Sagamu Expressway, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. There will also be exams at the Port Harcourt centre, Montessori International School, 58, King Perekule Street, GRA phase 2, PH, Rivers State on February 15, March 15, and June 14. Mrs. Belo-Olusoga is a culture diplomat, devoted mother, distinguished professional, consum-

mate business leader and administrator. Her illustrious career of over 30 years has been devoted to mentoring and building people and institutions in the consulting, financial services, training and human capital development sectors. “I interact with children a lot. Since education is given, people will learn”. The City of Knowledge Academy is equipped to provide a qualitative and comprehensive academic and social environment for its students. It has experienced highly qualified academic and administrative personnel, purposebuilt teaching, recreational and residential facilities for students and staff alike.

fe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has entered into partnership with Harvard University, United States of America. This is to shore up its academic profile globally. This revelation was made recently when some Harvard-based education consultants declared that the frontline American university was partnering with ABUAD on the concept of Multiple Intelligence Theory (MIT). Visiting the university for the first time, Mrs. Folashade Aladesanmi, the President and Academic Consultant with Pro Education Plus, USA and Ms. Dianne Tizzano, another consultant with the same organisation explained Multiple Intelligence Theory as a theory that helps in identifying what each student is naturally endowed with and gifted for. Speaking for the duo, Aladesanmi said MIT helps students to identify and choose right courses instead of pursuing minoring in their majors, a costly disadvantage to such students and a disservice to the society. She re-iterated that since education was beyond academic works alone, she was excited and encouraged that ABUAD was already involved in leadership and entrepreneurial training for its students in order to make them total men and women who will not necessarily have to be looking for white collar jobs before they can make it in life. Her words: “I am indeed encouraged that your young university is pioneering Multiple Intelligence Theory in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa because when students choose what they are naturally gifted for and passionate about, teaching becomes easier for the faculties and studying becomes easier for students who excel quickly and easily. What is left is for us to work more closely to improve on what you gladly put in place. This is very encouraging”. Aladesanmi who said it had been seen in many places that buying into the Multiple Intelligence Theory helps students to choose what they endowed with added: “Every human being is endowed with some potentialities, but unless these potentialities are stimulated and ignited, they remain dormant and inactive and this is the whole essence of MIT.” The visitor commended the magnitude of what the university had been able to achieve in its less than four years of existence, saying it tallies with what she has seen on the internet. In his brief remark, the founder of the university, Aare Afe Babalola said he deliberately established the university in old age to reform education in the country and model the university after Harvard University in the US.

Babalola

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Varsities shape democracies - AUN VC

he President, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Dr. Margee Ensign has stressed the importance of universities in shaping democracies worldwide. She observed this at a launch of a new book about the legal triumphs of the founder of the university, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was the country’s VicePresident between 1999 and 2007. She gave a keynote speech at the launch of “Landmark Constitutional Law Cases in Nigeria 2004-2007: The Atiku Abubakar cases.” Dr. Ensign drew parallels between the opposition politics of today’s Nigeria and that of America in its early years, remarking that the early years produced two different constitutions, and separatist rebellions that had to be put down by force. “I probably don’t need to remind anyone here that you have gone through similar challenges as you build your democracy,” she added. “In fact, this book is about how one man fought—fought through the courts, in the time-honored democratic tradition—to insure the success of democracy in Nigeria. Fought and won. In these cases, we read of the struggle to build democracy in the very difficult years of 2004-2007.” These court cases, “…Are the stories of how a modern democracy is built, stone-by-stone, decision-by-decision, lawby-law,” and that building democracy is never easy. “Building democracy is always fraught with conflict… building a democracy requires of us all the courage and the commitment, the vigilance, and the steadfastness shown in these cases by Atiku Abubakar.” She pointed to the fact that it was through such cases that the integrity of free elections, the separation of powers, and the protection of officials from political intimidation was established.

Confusion over varsities’ resumption CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 soji Adams told National Mirror exclusively that the issue was like that of two elephants fighting leaving the grass to suffer. Now, according to him, the students and their parents are now the ones at receiving end. “So, as far as parents are concerned, we are not happy about the development. And the students, who have stayed idle for over five months at home are not also happy,” he stressed.”So the two parties are unfair to us.” Olusoji, who is a cleric, said the action of both the Federal Government and the lecturers was an indication that they had no good intention for education, as well as the future of the country. He asked rhetorically whether it was a crime to be poor and be unable as parents to send children to private schools in the country. On the possible way out of the stalemate in his opinion, is for well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of education to intensify prayers unto God for intervention. “Or what do we do now as a country since the two sides refused to shift ground,” he queried.

Education Today

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Fashola emphasises importance of infrastructural devt in schools T

creased schools’ enrollment and attendance as well as students performance in senior secondary school examinations conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC). Fashola explained that every investment on schools and were designed towards the development of skilful people who would be able to contribute positively to the society. While urging parents to give their wards deserved attention so as to secure their future, he told the beneficiaries of the new classrooms to make a good use of the facilities.

he Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has emphasised the importance of schools having good infrastructural facilities. He said it was only through that that both the students as well as their teachers would be able to achieve effective learning and teaching. Speaking through the state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye while inaugurating two new blocks of classrooms at Adesonwon Junior Grammar School,

Ilara, Epe and Odogunyan Secondary School, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to deliver quality and quantitative education to the people of the state. He noted that the inauguration of the two new blocks of classrooms was in keeping faith with his administration’s promise of providing quality education. He pointed out that government’s investment in education so far had already yielding positive results. He said this had been demonstrated by the in-

SINA FADARE

Be more committed to duties, teachers urged

he Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Dr. Samuel Adedayo, has enjoined teachers to rededicate themselves toward quality service and improved education standards. Adedayo made the plea at the opening of a two-day workshop organised for primary school teachers in the LCDA. The theme of the workshop was: “Training teachers for national development.” It was organised by the Education Department of the LCDA, in conjunction with Educational Solutions and Services Partners (ESSP). Adedayo, represented by Mr. Olarewaju Awobajo, a senior officer at the council said

the development of the nation’s education sector depend largely on the regular training and re-training of teachers. “To develop our education system and revive our public schools, there is need to always re-train our teachers. This is the essence of organising the workshop so as to bring back the lost glory in the public schools,” he said. Adedayo urged the teachers to use the knowledge gained from the training programmes to build their capacities and improve education standard. Also speaking, council’s Education Secretary, Mr. Adetunji Dosumu said there was need for capacity building of teachers, especially those in the public schools in order to meet up with the daily challenges they are

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

facing in the era of impact of social media on students. Dosumu explained that 200 teachers were selected from all the public schools in the LCDA to equip them better on modern teaching techniques. The Programme Manager, Educational Solutions and Services Partners, ESSPNigeria, Mr. Pedro Nwangala said: “The training will ultimately help in transforming not only the sector but the entire economy.” In his comment, Dr. Andrews Jedras, the ESSP facilitator, said the forum was an opportunity to share professional practice and improve the lives of Nigerian children.

We must effectively tackle cultism – Educationist DHIKRU AKINOLA IBADAN

n educationist, Mr. Onike Rahaman Olalekan has said except urgent measures were taken to curb the menace of cultism, the future of the country would remain bleak. He said there was high tendency for those who are into cult activities today to end up as armed robbers, gamblers, rapists, assassins, kidnappers and gangsters tomorrow if the menace was left not attended to. He made this observation while delivering a paper at a students’ orientation programme organised by the students’ affairs unit of the Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igbo Ora, Oyo State, recently. He spoke on “Cultism in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria - history, causes, effects and solution.” Onike, who is of the academic planning unit of the college, explained that recent researches have shown that the menace of these cults has extended far beyond the walls of the ivory towers/academic institutions to the larger society thereby

posing security challenges to the nation. He added that lots of youths with promising future had died in contemporary Nigeria as a result of cult clashes. To address the problem of cultism, he called for proper guidance and counselling; advising cult members to renounce membership of secret cult without fear of molestation from members of the group. He advised that students should be allowed to take part in students’ unionism as an effective and functional students’ unionism is an antidote

against cultism in institutions of higher learning, adding that school authority should investigate properly and make effort to verify claims by any association before registering them to operate on campus. “Any member of staff-academic and non-teaching alikefound to engage or aid any cult group should be given appropriate sanction depending on the level of involvement and may even be handed over to police for necessary prosecution”, he said. Urging parents to monitor

their children and give them right orientation, he advised them to discourage them against moving with friends with questionable characters. He suggested “moral teachings and religious instruction should be emphasized as parts of curriculum programmes of instruction, activity and guidance in all tertiary institutions. “Any student found guilty of involving in secret cult activities should be expelled and probably be prosecuted in the law court,”

L-R, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos District 6, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso; her District 5 counterpart, Mrs. Mary Iji and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo at the ministry’s interactive meeting with the Parents’ Forum of government-owned primary and secondary schools in the state, recently. Photo: Tunbosun Ogundare

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Airtel provides safe water for Ogun school Oyo students hold lecture TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

arely six months after donating a block of classrooms and sets of furniture to St. John’s Primary School, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Airtel Nigeria has further lifted the school with a borehole donation. The borehole was inaugurated recently amidst ceremony. And the company used the medium to also distribute school uniforms, bags, text and notebooks to students of the institution. The telecommunication company said the gesture instituted on the platform of “Adopt-A-School initiative” was aimed at lifting the standard of primary education in the country. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya while handing over the borehole to the

school, said the provision of safe and clean water for pupils and their teachers would prevent them from water borne related diseases. Represented by the Operations Director in charge of Lagos region, Mr. Bayo Osinowo, the managing director said Airtel was strongly committed to support people in the communities where they operate across the country. He said the initiative was part of the company’s numerous social responsibilities to the government-owned primary schools nationwide “And Airtel will continue to contribute meaningfully to education at all levels in the country,” he said. In his remark, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Odubela commended Airtel, saying the gesture would greatly assist the students and workers of the school as well as their

neighbours in accessing safe water. He noted that the partnership between the company and the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board had contributed significantly to the development of education sector in the state. While imploring beneficiaries to make good use of the facility, the commissioner urged the pupils to justify the huge financial investment government is making on them by taking their studies more seriously. Expressing appreciation, the school’s Head Teacher, Mr. Adewale Oladele said the telecom operator’s commitment to the school had really taken the institution to a dignified level in the community. Promising that his team would put in more efforts to record more successes, he noted that the development had boosted pupils’ enrollment into the school.

to honour Afonja

he National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS) will this Saturday hold the annual distinguished personality lecture in honour of Prince Ajibola Afonja, Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Plc. The lecture is the fifth in the series to honour Chief Afonja for his contribution to the development of youths and students in and outside Oyo Township. The former director at the Military Intelligence of Nigerian Army Headquarters and now Chief Executive Officer of Nibras Nigeria Limited Major-General Adewumi Ajibade (rtd) is

expected to deliver the lecture, themed: “The role of youths in tackling security challenges in Nigeria.” The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge will chair the event while the trio of Chief Moyo Ajekigbe, Mr. Sharafadeen Alli and Senator Ayoade Adeseun are guests of honour. Aare Azeez Arisekola Alao is the father of the day while the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is the royal father of the day. The lecture is to hold Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo at 9:00am.

School donates consumables to Sam Adeyemi’s orphanage AISHA TITILAYO

s part of its corporate social responsibilities, the Arit Private School, Alagbole, Ogun State donated items worth thousands of naira to Love Orphanage Home, Magodo, Lagos. The charity home was founded by the family of the presiding pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi. And the items donated included toiletries, food items, clothes, school bags, shoes and sandals, as well as cheque of undisclosed amount. Giving reason for the donation, the school team to the home led by the Chairman of its board, Prince Bola Oyebowale, said the

charity home deserves the support of every kindhearted Nigerian and institution. Also, the school’s Proprietor and wife of the board chairman, Princess Titilayo Oyebowale, on her part, said the donation, noted that pupils were part of the team visiting the home as a way of building in them the culture of kindness, thoughtfulness, love and sharing. Receiving the items on behalf of the home, a Social Worker, Mrs. Toke Onasanya, expressed the home’s appreciation to the school, saying building an assured future for the kids was all they were after and that the 31 children currently in their care were receiving the best treatment.

L-R: Chairman, Board of Arit Private School, Princess Titilayo Oyebowale; Representative of Love Orphanage, Mrs. Toke Onasanya; the school’s Proprietress, Princess Titilayo Oyebowale and other staff and pupils of the school while donating to the home recently.

KUNLE AZEEZ

Redeemer’s varsity inaugurates IT training centre

technology-driven private university, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, has inaugurated a stateof-the-art information technology (IT) resource centre to ensure students and workers have international IT e-business skills certification programmes.

Powered by New Horizons, a private IT training institute, the varsity’s IT centre has 150 HP CPU-Monitor combined computers, intelligent boards, multimedia projectors, networking, software, international IT-E Biz courses/curricula, furniture, UPS, certified instructors, International

Vice-Chancellor, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State, Prof. Debo Adeyewa; MD/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano and Redeemer’s University Registrar, Mrs. Oloketuyi at the inauguration of the IT resource centre.

exams centre and students courseware. The centre will help students escape the pervasive graduate unemployment syndrome which is ravaging job market. The IT resource centre will also enable every student irrespective of his or her academic discipline to have minimum of four international skills certifications at 90 per cent subsidised rate, before graduation from the university. It will position them in global software development industry, cash-less economy, ebanking, e-medical/telemedicine, e- government, e-legal administration, oil and gas as well as telecoms sector with attendant employment & self employment opportunities. Speaking at the official opening of the centre, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, Prof. Debo Adeyewa, said he was elated by the partnership which had resulted in the creation of the IT resource centre. He noted that the university was not only IT compliant, but also IT-driven and that was the essence of it collaborating with New Ho-

rizons. “We have informed the parents that for a token their wards should participate in this professionals certifications to make them globally competitive in IT and business skills. And our prayer is that every student will use this IT resource centre to be certified including myself. New Horizons emerged after a rigorous process. The school is ranked third among private universities and 18th in the Webometric ranking of Nigerian universities.” Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, who said staff of the university would be trained at the centre for free, added that the new resource centre would help students be global technology entrepreneurs. “Our focus is to teach your students to build businesses and technology solutions. The students don’t know the world they are going to enter; our job is to give them a future,” he said. Speaking further, Akano said: “The way out is through information technology. The decision you have taken for the students is

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Education Today

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Salary structure and academic excellence

ndustrial disquiet in Nigeria is most often associated with dissatisfaction with wages. The tertiary institutions in the country have not been spared the agony of the disruptions associated with wild cat and protracted strikes by different unions. Academic calendars have been disrupted and sessions lost and still no promise of harmony on the campuses. Information from the National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates in the United States (2008), Pay Scale salary survey for industries in the United States (2009) and salary averages by rank and sector carried out by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) 2007-2008 shows the relationship between the average salaries of employees in some key industries in the American labour market. Among the institutions surveyed, workers in the health industry appear to be the highest paid with the surgeons earning an average of about 206,000 USD. Workers in the banking industry appear to be the least paid with the branch managers on the average earning about 60,000 USD at the upper end of the salary scale. Workers in the university system and the oil and gas industry appear to earn salaries in-between these ranges. In the educational system, the university

Education as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

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

THE UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST PAID WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES, SECOND ONLY TO THE MEDICAL DOCTORS. teacher seems to occupy a very respectable position among the workers surveyed in the United States with the instructor earning about 44,000 USD at the entry level while the professors earning about 110,000 USD on the average at the highest echelon of the salary scale. The polytechnic teachers earn about 35% less salary than the university teachers with a professor earning an average of about 72,000 USD. Deductions from these surveys clearly indicate that different professions have different salary scales based on the perceived relevance of the profession to the society. Within each profession, workers are remunerated according to their respective field, for example, the medical laboratory

technologist, the nurse and pharmacist occupy the lower echelons of the salary scale, while the surgeon earns the highest salary. The university teachers are among the highest paid workers in the United States, second only to the medical doctors. In a survey of professors’ salary in the University of Michigan, it was observed that the average salary of the professor also varies significantly from faculty to faculty and from department to department within the same faculty. For instance, in the faculty of humanities, the average salary of a professor of Theatre and Dance is about $100,000 while that of the professor of Psychology is about $140,000. A similar trend is obvious in

Broadcaster brings succour to Lagos school TERH AGBEDEH

he third edition of Uzo Goes to School, a social responsibility project conceived by Lagosbased broadcaster, Uzo Margaret Isinguzo, popularly known as Uzo WazobiaFM, will take place this Saturday at Amuwo Odofin Senior Secondary School in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. The school, otherwise known as Only Boys, is in dare need of fluorescent lights, wires, mattress for sick bay, ceiling fans and floor tiles, among others, and the idea is to provide these necessities. Uzo, speaking through her publicist in Lagos, Olajuwon Philips, said the project was designed to improve both the learning and working condition of the pupils and teachers in government-owned schools. She explained that putting the show together had not been an easy task because it involves spending a lot of money. What happens essen-

tially is that she goes to the school to enquire about what is needed there. When she went to Amuwo Odofin Senior Secondary School however, she almost backed out of the project because of the many needs the school has. “Where do I get the

money to help meet all these needs? I asked myself. But thank God for my family, friends and a passionate team, who gave me the much needed support,” she stated. She further explained that the project was to encourage the parents to

the medical field where the average annual salary of a professor of neurosurgery in the same university is about $265,000 compared to that of the professor of nursing who earns an average of $127,000. In these two and as in every other faculty analysed, there are great disparities in the salaries of professors. The ambition of the majority of Nigerian students is to become a medical doctor. But the majority end up being nurses, laboratory technologists and anatomists because of the stringent admission and continuation requirements. There are obviously great disparities in the job description and work load of the different professions. The offer of equal pay for professions that require different talents or efforts discourages scholastic activity and enthrones mediocrity. Unfortunately, the rewarding system in Nigerian universities does not take these disparities into consideration; and hence does not provide motivation for specialisation in highly demanding areas. Hence, a professor of History earns exactly the same salary as a professor of Engineering. On the other hand, large disparities in remuneration in the private and public sector result in net flow away from the universities and result in shortfall

be more participatory in school activities, as well as to help build better future leaders, a better society and to promote basic health care and proper hygiene within the school environment. The event, which is put together by Strong Voice

in manpower required for further training. For example, highly gifted first class degree holder in Mechanical Engineering is offered a consolidated salary package of N408, 000 per annum as a graduate assistant in the Nigerian university. If he secures a job in the oil industry, he may be offered a starting salary of about N4.8 million per annum. This is much more than the salary of his professor who bagged his PhD in engineering in 1980 and earns a consolidated salary of N3.8 million per annum 30 years later. The disparity in the salary scale between the private and public sectors causes a wave of internal brain drain from the public to the private sector. What is the consequence of this internal brain-drain? Poor quality graduates who cannot compete for the high paying jobs in the industries are left to fill vacancies in the universities, to produce the next generation of academics. You do not need a soothsayer to predict the quality of graduates they would produce. The National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission should live up to expectations and proactively produce an equitable national remuneration plan that would curtail the crippling industrial actions and enhance the training of the high level manpower needed for accelerated national economic development.

Media, is slated for December 7, beginning from 10a.m. and will feature comedy and dance. Ther e will also be presentation of many of the items earlier listed by Uzo and her team. Celebrities expected at the event include: Sound Sultan, Harrysong, Ali-

Pupils of Carol Nursery and Primary Schools, Lagos, during Macleans Milk Teeth School Activation programme in Lagos, recently.

baba, Blackky and Kcee, as well as many popular Nigerian entertainers. The maiden edition was held on December 1 last year at Oore Ofe Primary School, Idimu-Ikotun Egbe, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos. This happens to be the primary school this talented broadcaster attended.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNILORIN Rotaract Club honours journalist

he Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Mr. Abiodun AbdulKareem has been conferred with a “Youth Leadership and Development Award’’ by the Rotaract Club of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. Dr. Ogah Emmanuel, Director of Cymmy Associates was also presented with a ‘Humanitarian Service Award’. Cymmy Associates is a Non-Governmental Organisation that engages youth and students in leadership and entrepreneurial programmes. The awards presentation was done during the official installation and induction ceremony of the Board of Directors and new members of the club, UNILORIN chapter, which took place on campus last Saturday. In his remark, AbdulKareem appreciated the club for the award, saying it was a call to service. “The award will further strengthen media relationship with the club as journalists will continue to promote the club in its humanitarian activities,” he added. The club also presented a wheelchair to a young physically challenged boy. President, World Changers International (WTI), Mr. Abiodun Ayoola made the presentation to the beneficiary with his father, Mr. AbdulRahman Yusuf around. Delivering his valedictory speech, the immediate past President of the club, Idowu Francis listed some of the projects undertaken by his administration to include blood donation programme, donation of writing materials to primary schools in Kwara State, financial assistance to some undergraduates who had surgical operations and organising of vocational trainings for students. The newly installed Board of Directors of the club include Adeyefa Taofeek( President); Yinusa Rashidat(Vice-President); Osikanmi Oluwatosin( Secretary); Adeoye Temilade(Assistant Secretary); Arise Oluwatosin(Administrator) and Itanola Kayode(; Treasurer, Okoye Patience; Director of Membership, Bim-Kuteyi Oyindamola; Public Relations Officer. Others are Soboyejo Maryam; Welfare Director I, Ayodele Charles; Welfare Director II, Agbaje Babatunde; Youth Service Director, Inyama Christiana; Project Director and Adedigba Ibraheem; International Service Director.

National Youth Service Corps members during a skill acquisition exhibition in Lagos, recently.

Shun vices, Ataoja counsels undergrads KEMI BUSARI,

400L, POLITICAL 1SCIENCE, OAU, ILE-IFE

here are still in Nigeria today some tribes who still don’t have regard for female education. Dr Hassan Maroof of the department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso speaking on the “Nigerian education sector: challenges and solutions”, at the annual programme of Osogbo National Students Union (ONSU), which took place at the Osogbo City hall, said that about ten million children are still out of school while 65 percent of the whole populace live below the poverty line. He noted that this alone was an indication of the precarious state of our education. Narrating with ample exam-

EMEKA ATTAH NAU AWKA

ples, he said that certain rights are bequeathed to one by the virtue of one’s origin but this right can only be fully be annexed with the acquisition of sound education. Noting that the country’s educational system is rotten, the don who graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University stated that everybody is born with innate value which can only be brought to reality after being educated. “Our education sector is also faulty in the sense that we still rely on foreign standard. A student that wants to study medicine should not be compelled to pass English Language neither should an aspiring lawyer be required to pass mathematics.” Noting that solution is the direct opposite of problem,Dr. Maroof enjoined students, parents, lecturers government officials and every other stakeholder in the education

sector to rise to the occasion of revitalising it. The hall was thrown into a moment of awe when His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun the Ataoja of Osogbo entered the premises. Having observed that the African education lacks historical basis which has always affected its teaching and learning, the royal father enjoined sons and daughters of the land studying in various institutions to be proud indigenes anywhere they find themselves. He further advised the students to be steadfast, hardworking and refrain from being used as political weapons. “Anytime I visit police stations and courts, I feel happy because I hardly find Osogbo indigenes involved in crimes. Election is coming soon call on all the youths of

the town to refrain from thuggery, hooliganism and exude virtuous character always. Earlier at the occasion, the president Osogbo National Students Union (ONSU) Mukaila Adebayo observed that such programmes as this are been organised in order to develop the town ideologically with a true student unionism. Counting the achievement of his one-year tenure, he said his administration has succeeded in the production of ONSU I.D card, disbursement of scholarship forms, production of customized jersey at affordable price, and establishment of the union’s business ventures among others. He concluded by advising his colleagues to irrespective of their political views or understanding live as a unified entity of ONSU devoid of hatred, sentiment, enmity and war.

Man O’ War UNIZIK Command inaugurated as VC, others inducted

he First set of Man O’ War Statemen has been invested at Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka with a charge to be good ambassadors of the country in selfless service. The National Commander and Director General, Man O’ War Nigeria, Ikenna Chidoka led other national officers of the command to perform the ceremony recently. The National Commander in a brief opening remark said the history of Man O’ War dates back to 1951 before Nigeria got her independence when the country and Cameroon were together. He said that the main motive of the organization is to build the man and the country. He charged the university community who have identified with the organization to strive for anything good while abhorring evil. He described

the organization as a disciplined one which is all about selfless service not out to war monger but to maintain peace. The Anambra State Commander of Man O’ War, Nkem Amene in a speech reminded the new members of the university community to be mindful of the aims and objectives of the organization anchored on the Citizen and Leadership Training Center objectives all aimed at rendering voluntary services to the society. She encouraged members to rediscover themselves and be law abiding. The Initiator and Chief Commandant of Man O’War, UNIZIK unit, Prof. Oby Okonkwo while thanking all who supported the hosting of the programme went down memory lane to give an insight on how the organization birthed in the university. “With the arrival of Faculty of Education

from ASUTECH Enugu in 1990, Lady Oby Okonkwo of the then Department of Technical Education organized a group of students that belonged to Kampus Fitness Center she initiated to start off ASUTECH Man O’ War Club, Awka Campus. This club could not attract many members due to apathy from various quarters. However, the official approval for Man O’ War activities in UNIZIK came in 1997 with a strong proposal made to the VC by Comrade Oby Okonkwo and Comrade Tony Nwajiugo. “The survival of the unit depended squarely on the initiator who hired commanders from other units to help train our members. Apart from sponsoring their consultancy services, she sponsored Man O’ War activities solely until the floating of Man O’ War Statesmen early this year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sheathe your swords, cleric tells FG, ASUU KEMI OLAITAIN IBADAN

cleric and educationist, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, has accused both the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of being unreasonable in their approach at resolving the lingering crisis in the educational sector. Bamgbose, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), who said this at the send forth ceremony of the A’ levels students of the centre, explained that the continued deadlock between both parties was already destroying the future of Nigerian students. The event which saw about 500 students bagged their certificates in flying colours was held at the institute’s hall in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Speaking on the perceived long term effect of the strike on the students, he said the future of the students was already on the brink of collapse if they do not settle their dispute on time. He said ASUU should devise another way of putting home their demands from the government rather than embarking on endless strike thereby endangering the lives of the students and future of the youths. He said, “When two elephants fights, it is the grass that suffers, but what the elephants fails to realise is that if they keep fighting on the grass, there will be no more grass for them to eat in the future. What the ASUU and the Federal Government fails to realise is that they are destroying the future of our youths and if they do not come back to their senses, it might take more prices than we expect to pay in the future. “ASUU and the Federal Government should remember that they are the two elephants fighting and they are destroying the grass. As far as I am concerned, both of them are not reasonable, because they are destroying the future by whatever their action is. I think we can be innovative enough to ensure that government listen. There are times you just have to forget about your right, authority and power for the sake of the future.” The education expert pleaded with university lecturers and the government to sheath their sword and call off the strike, stressing that if they do not, posterity will judge them. Charging the new graduands at the ceremony, he encouraged them to be world changers and solutions as those are the set of people the world celebrates in the long run.

Campus News

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Students celebrate UNILORIN VC’s birthday

tudents and members of staff of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) celebrated their vice-chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali on the occasion of his 56th birthday last Friday. Part of activities held in his honour was a prayer session organised by the institution’s Muslim community. Leading the session, the Chief Imam of the university’s Central Mosque, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Oladosu said the vicechancellor needed the prayer to enable him perform better not only as the VC but also in other areas of life. The cleric also asked the congregation to pray unto God to provide the celebrant with more wisdom and strength, as well as sound health. Appreciating the gesture, Prof. Ambali said there was nothing valuable in one’s life more than prayers and thanksgiving unto God. According to him, coming to mosque to pray is far better than throwing up a party to celebrate the birthday. He appreciated all his well wishers for their birthday wishes and messages, adding that the best message he received and which he kept pondering on was sent from someone in Ibadan. According to him, the message reads, “I want you to remember that

the one year extra you add today means that you are another year closer to your grave, which means you have to be careful of your accountability when you get there.’’ Ambali further said, “Our activities in life are similar to the assessment tests we do in school till the session ends when lecturers collate everything together and may God let us pass.”

IBADAN

ppeal has gone to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to find a lasting solution to the ongoing industrial action by the later in the interest of the country. The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Hon. Umar Farouq Alao said this in an exclusive cxle negative effects of the prolonged action were counter-productive, saying that threat which didn’t succeed during the military era cannot succeed now. He noted that frequent industrial actions by various unions have yielded more negative effects than good, urging ASUU and other unions to device an-

sity, Zaria and University of Liverpool, UK for his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees respectively. He had served as the Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri and later as the Dean of the same faculty at Unilorin, before he was appointed as the VC of the school on October 16, 2012.

Students’ Union President, Mr. Lawal Ahmed presenting a birthday card to the Vice chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali while Dean Students’ Affair looks on.

FG, ASUU urged to suspend strike DHIKRU AKINOLA

Earlier in the day, the Students’ Union officers led by their President, Lawal Ahmed were in the VC’s office to present him a birthday card. They were accompanied by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. A. O Omotesho. Ambali, a professor of Veterinary Medicine was born in Ilorin, Kwara State in 1957. He attended Ahmadu Bello Univer-

other means to make their demands known. He added that strike always worsens things. He said that honouring the

FG/ASUU 2009 agreement would allow for the repositioning of the Nation’s educational sector. He observed that the educational advancement of any nation determines the develop-

ment that will take place in such country. He, however, warned against prolonging the strike, explaining that the students have wasted five months, doing nothing.

Fresh students of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, at their matriculating ceremony at the institution, recently

UNIJOS holds farewell service for departed professor JAMES A BRAHAM JOS

embers of the University of Jos Senate on Tuesday held a valedictory session in honour of one of their departed colleagues, Prof. Ufot Akpan Ibanga.

Prof. Ibanga was the Head of Department, Sociology until his death. He died in a road accident along Jos Abuja highway last July while on an official trip to attend the opening ceremony of staff training for gerontology programme at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

At the farewell programme held at the university’s Senate Chambers, the Vice- Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai described the death of the academician as a big loss not only to the university community but Nigerian educational sector. He said the late sociologist,

who became a professor in 1999 was an erudite scholar and administrator par excellence. The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Ezekiel Gaya Best, who read his citation, said Ibanga’s contributions towards the development of humanity both at home and abroad would be missed by all.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

HE PUNCH Editorial of November 27 welcomes us with just a slip: “With corruption rampaging like a bull in a China (china) shop in Nigeria….” NATIONAL MIRROR Editorial of November 21 sustains the floodgate this week: “The result is that many under-aged (sic) children are routinely subjected to abuse….” All the Facts, All the Sides: overage and underage (not ‘overaged’ or ‘underaged’) children. The politics page of the above medium raises the tone with four slip-ups: “The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference recently kick started (kickstarted) its sitting in Akure….” “These facts have contributed greatly in (to) the level of congestion in the courts.” “…enjoy their loots and still aspire for (to) higher offices.” ‘Loot’ is uncountable—and you aspire to, not for! In order to address the divergent views on the plurality of ‘machinery’, I visited Wiktionary, an online portal on google platform and here is the result: ‘Machinery (countable and uncountable, plural machinery) (1.) The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively. (2) The working parts of a machine as a group. (3) The collective parts of something which allow it to function. (4) (Figuratively): The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect.’ There

All-expenses-paid trip to Brazil is nothing like ‘machineries’ in formal (British Standard) English language. My dear reader, here is a revelation: restricting yourself to the printed dictionary—no matter its currency—will circumscribe your knowledge span and development. Based on Mr. Kola Danisa’s suggestion that I enquire more about ‘machinery’, ‘convoy’ and ‘motorcade’, I set out and rediscovered a boundless goldmine of knowledge: additional online dictionaries too numerous to be listed here and other related portals. Most of them, however, require subscription. I recommend grammarly.com because of its comprehensiveness. It is a thin line between ‘convoy’ and ‘motorcade’. From my research, both words can be used interchangeably. The only difference is their etymological origin. The underlining point is that the two words involve processions of vehicles for security/escort, essentially, mutual benefit, ceremony and other sundry deployments. So, the Kogi governor’s fatalistic procession could be described as a convoy or motorcade. “Glo CAF awards…top-up (top up) and secure a seat at the…” (Fullpage advertisement, The PUNCH, November 18) glo unlimited: phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. “At Electro-hall, our trained engineers ensure that your photocopier get (gets) back to work as soon as

YOU PROTEST AGAINST/AT/ ABOUT (NOT OVER) SOMETHING. YOU CAN ALSO PROTEST SOMETHING possible.” “The Admiral lived a glorious live (life) of service to his community and to the nation.” THE NATION ON SUNDAY Front Page Banner of November 17 contained a logistical infraction: “Irregularities, logistics (logistic/logistical) chaos mar Anambra poll” Truth in defence of freedom: Adjective (logistic— also logistical) and noun (logistics). Now the inside pages: “Alaafin advocates for re-orientation of moral values” Firstly, yank off ‘for’ and secondly, do you re-orientate values or people? “NURTW crisis: Ondo drivers’ wives protest over detention of husbands” You protest against/ at/about (not over) something. You can also protest something: I protested my friend’s arrest. Similarly: Ondo drivers’ wives protest husbands’ detention “Then another committee of eminent bureaucrats would be

set up to prepare what we know as Government White Paper….” My comment: delete ‘government’. ‘White papers’ are issued by government. Still on THE NATION ON SUNDAY: “The 4th Conference of the Forum of Cities in Transition holds (held) recently in Kaduna….” “We have always believed in the team’s enormous potentials (potential/potentialities) for greatness and our support has been consistent and unwavering.” (Centre-spread advertisement by Guinness) ‘Potential’ is uncountable. “Oduah: Pitfalls of Reps (Reps’) report” SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of November 16 disseminated many improprieties starting from the front page: “THISDAY bomber bags life sentence…N150m awarded to family victims” A rewrite of the sub-head: Victims’ families awarded N150m “EFCC arrests Lamido’s sons over N11b money laundering” A voice of your own: The governor’s sons were arrested for (not over) N11b money laundering! “Let’s go to Brazil…All expense paid trip for 60 people” (Full-page advertisement by DStv) Lexical terms and conditions apply: Allexpenses-paid trip for 60 people. There is nothing like ‘all expense

UBA produces 2013 National Essay

• ICAN boss advocates improved reading culture TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

inners have emerged in this year’s edition of the National Essay competition organised by the United Bank for Africa Plc for students in the senior secondary schools in the country. The edition, which has almost 2,000 entries from both private and public secondary schools across the country, was third in the series. A 15-year old student of Ambol Comprehensive High School, Akesan-Igando, Lagos, Master Ezenwa Joseph Okonkwo emerged winner. For the feat, he received N1 million educational grant, a laptop, a trophy, as well as certifi-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: 1st Runner-up, Miss Toluwalase Adeagbo; 1st Prize Winner, Master Ezenwa Joseph Okonkwo, and 2nd Runner-up, Miss Korie Ijeoma Jenniffer at the grand finale ceremony of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students held in Lagos on Monday.

cate of merit. Toluwase Adeagbo of Sharon Rose Schools Col-

lege, Saki, Oyo State and Korie Ijeoma Jennifer of Air Force Secondary

School, PortHarcourt, Rivers State was first and second runner-up, respec-

paid trip’! Grammar is not Samba. In the months ahead, DStv will continue to replicate this promotional blunder. “Abiola’s wife, others charged over N617m bank fraud” The SATURDAY INDEPENDENT sub-editors must be obsessed with ‘over’. They were charged with (not over) fraud. “Ethiopia set to fly over (this word, again!) Ethiopia (Ethiopian) Antelopes” “Fashola assures on making Lagos liveable (livable)” Furthermore, who did he assure? “Man bags 21 years (years’) imprisonment for snatching motorcycle in Ibadan” “1.3m people die yearly through road mishap (mishaps)” “…is one celebrity who seem (seems) to do big things without attracting the paparazzi.” “Producers calls (why?) for more local content at DISCOP” Still on SATURDAY INDEPENDENT: “False allegations have promoted Liberation City” True confession: what is the meaning of ‘false allegation’? My dear reader, please jettison ‘false’ so that our syntactic ministry can move to a higher realm. You can say serious allegations—not false! Finally from the back page with this boyish goof: “Ladipo, Taiwo tips (what?) Eagles for Brazil 2014”

tively. And for their efforts, they went home with N750, 000 and N500, 000 as educational grants, respectively in addition to a laptop and certificate of merit each. Speaking at the grand finale and prize presentation to winners at the bank’s headquarters on Marina, Lagos on Monday, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) commended UBA Foundation, a charity arm of the bank under platform which the competition was instituted for the initiative and urged other corporate organisations to emulate the educational initiative. He said the path towards sustainable development in a country was through investment in the education of its youths. Harping on the ideals behind the essay contest, he said “Any competition

such as this will certainly help to bring out the best in the youth by kindling their competitive spirit and academic excellence.” Also speaking, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka explained that the initiative was not only to test the aptitude and knowledge of the students but has become a pipeline to groom future UBA Ambassadors. He said the winners who would go to any university of their choice in Africa would remain part of the UBA family provided they are of good behaviour and remain focused. “UBA appreciates and nurtures talents to grow to maturity. So, all the finalists of the competition have opportunity to excel in life and UBA is delighted to play a part in the process,” he stressed.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

My plan for World Cup–Ronaldinho

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I will be irritated and frustrated if I end my career at Liverpool without winning a Premier League title –LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER, STEVEN GERRARD

Glo- CAF Awards: Mikel, Enyeama, others excite fans AFOLABI GAMBARI

igerian football fans are excited over the nomination of five Nigerian players for the 2013 edition of the Glo-CAF Awards scheduled for Lagos on January 9, 2014, the highest for any country. Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently released a list of 25 African players for the prestigious award. Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Emmanuel Emenike of Fernabache, Vincent Enyeama of Lille, Ahmed Musa of CSKA and Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves make up the Nigerian nominees. A statement from Globacom yesterday said the list had generated enthusiasm among football fans in the country, with the majority looking forward to one of the quintet winning the award next month. The statement said the fans’ position might have been motivated by the players’ performances in their clubs and the national team during the period under review. A football enthusiast, William Atugbe, submitted: “Mikel stands a good chance of picking the Best African Football Player of the Year Award, having won the last African Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles. “He has also been very outstanding in Chelsea’s midfield this year and won the Europa Cup with the team.” Another football fan, Abdullahi Ahmed, said: “I support Emenike to win the award. I believe that he will make the final three as he

Ex-stars set for African Masters YEMI OLUS

ver 150 athletics oldies from Nigeria and Cameroon are waiting to relive memories as the second African Athletics Masters Championship begins tomorrow at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The World Masters Association Vice President, Sergi Beckers, arrived in Lagos yesterday to witness the competition, which was originally scheduled for June but was shifted due to dwindling patronage. Beckers urged the people and government of Nigeria to support the old timers amidst lean resources being experienced by the organising committee. “Government must get involved because it is of national importance and staying fit guarantees the health of the citizens,” he said, adding, “The championships in Nigeria will enhance the Athletics Masters movement which was first staged in South Africa last year. The message should go round that there is an event like this so that there will be a large turnout next time.”

has been very consistent this year both at his club and in the national team.” Top football celebrities that comprise top government officials from Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa are expected in Lagos for the ceremony. Globacom recently launched a promo ahead of the 2013 edition of the awards. The sms promo, tagged “Top up and secure a seat at the Glo Caf Awards Ceremony”, will afford subscribers who spend N10,000 or more between now and January

2 to call or browse the internet an opportunity to secure a seat as one of the company’s special guests during the event. “The promo will be an opportunity for the lucky subscribers to meet and interact with top African footballers and administrators during the Gala night scheduled for Eko Convention Centre,” the statement further said. Globacom has sponsored the CAF Awards since 2005.

Mikel

Celebration as this at the AFCON 2013 will be repeated in Brazil next year, according to former Super Eagles stars, Celestine Babayaro and Karibe Ojigwe

Brazil 2014: Babayaro, Ojigwe favour Eagles to shine AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ormer Super Eagles defender, Celestine Babayaro, has predicted that the country will shine at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, irrespective of the first round group the Eagles are drawn in tomorrow. “I believe the Eagles will excel in spite of whatever opposition,” Babayaro told MTNFootball.com yesterday.

“Nigeria has shown the world that we are back in the world of football. We went to South Africa and won the African Nations Cup. Now, it is for us to go to the World Cup and make a huge difference. The former Chelsea defender, however, called for adequate preparations to correct noticeable lapses in the team before the finals in June. Another former Eagles star, Karibe Ojigwe, believes that the team will acquit itself well in Brazil.

ITTF Juniors: Australian team hails Nigeria YEMI OLUS

ustralian High Performance/ National Head Coach, Jens Lang, says he is impressed by the performance of the Nigerian male team at the ongoing World Junior Championships in Morocco. Nigeria defeated Australia in the last

group game, a development which placed the team top on the continent at 15th place in world ranking. “I was surprised with the performance of Nigeria’s Olasunkanmi Oginni, especially as he was number three player in the team,” Lang said yesterday. “We thought we had a 50-50 chance. Unfortunately we lost and we did not have much

“We are playing against the best in the world and I think we have the players that can rise to any occasion at this time,” Ojigwe said, adding, “It doesn’t matter who comes against us. All we need is to do our best.” Ojigwe, who played for FC Kaiserslautern and FC Koln of Germany, also appealed to Nigerians not to distract Coach Stephen Keshi from his job. Keshi has demonstrated his competence by his accomplishments,” he submitted. of chance. “Nigerian players are consistent and aggressive on the table and they use every opportunity they have in using their forehand, unlike our players.” Australian player, Yang Shen, who was beaten by Oginni also hailed the performance of his opponent and the team. “I am disappointed losing to Nigeria but I think it was a good experience for me playing against a more consistent and aggressive team,” Shen said.

Sport

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Tit bits...

Lukaku on Barca’s

Sneijder

Manchester United remains interested in Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, amidst reports that AC Milan is eyeing the Dutchman ahead of the January market. United Manager, David Moyes, is eager to add guile to his workmanlike midfield and sees Sneijder as a possible solution.

n-loan Chelsea striker, Romelu Lukaku, has attracted interest from Barcelona, according to reports. Barcelona Coach, Tata Martino, has been impressed by the Belgian’s exploits at Everton where he is serving a loan term this season. Martino feels his squad is a centre-forward short and is keen on luring Lukaku to Spain. But the Spanish side will face a battle convincing Blues boss, Jose Mourinho, to part with the youngster in January.

Vermaelen Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, admits it has been difficult to leave club captain Thomas Vermaelen out off the starting line-up. The Belgian’s future at the club is uncertain as he has been reduced to being a substitute for the Gunners. Vermaelen previously revealed he would stay at the Emirates and attempt to win his place back in the team, but has since then refused to comment on speculation about his future.

Dzeko Manchester City Manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has denied speculation he will allow Edin Dzeko the club k to t leave l th l b iin the January transfer window. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international striker has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe–including the likes of Inter, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal–after struggling to hold down a first-team place at the Etihad Stadium. “He’s my valued striker and I want to keep having him,” Pellegrini said.

Fellaini

Phil Neville believes Marouane Fellaini needs to start experiencing that winning feeling at Manchester United. Fellaini has struggled to justify his £27.5million price tag, with a series of underwhelming performances since his deadline-day switch from Everton. A wrist injury has not helped the Belgian during his settlingin period and has frustratingly still not found the net.

Ranocchia Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, says he sees Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia as an ideal replacement for David Luiz who is expected to be sold next month. Mourinho rates Ranocchia as a better defender than Luiz and more suited to the Premier League than the Brazilian. The Italy international has struggled for regular action this season and has also been linked with a controversial move to Juventus.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lukaku

Eto’o linked with T

helsea striker, Samuel Eto’o, is being linked with a shock move to MLS, with reports saying the former Inter Milan star is on the shopping list of ambitious Canadian club Toronto FC. Eto’o penned a 12-month deal with Chelsea in the summer and is free to negotiate a pre-contract with any foreign club from January 1. Toronto has the spending power to land the Cameroon legend, having also entered talks with Tottenham over a £6 million deal for Jermain Defoe.

Team of the Year: Rooney, others get shut-out N

one of the English players made UEFA’s shortlist for its Team of the Year released yesterday. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is ignored, along with Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. United goalkeeper David de Gea is nominated ahead of Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas for Goalkeeper of the Year. Arsenal midfielder

Mesut Ozil makes the shortlist, but there’s no place for the outstanding Aaron Ramsey. GOALKEEPERS - Petr Cech, Thibaut Courtois, David de Gea, Manuel Neuer DEFENDERS - David Alaba, Giorgio Chiellini, Dante, Mats Hummels, Branislav Ivanovic, Philipp Lahm, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Filipe Luis, Vincent Kompany, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Thiago Silva

Rooney

MIDFIELDERS - Gareth Bale, Ilkay Gundogan, Isco, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Menaja Matic, Blaise Matuidi, Marco Reus, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Yaya Toure STRIKERS - Sergio Aguero, Edinson Cavani, Diego Costa, Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Mario Mandzukic, Jackson Martinez, Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie

Aguero listed for Spain move

arcelona Coach, Tata Martino, is keen on luring Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero back to Spain. Martino wants a new attacking signing made in January and would love to work with his fellow Argentine. Barca has already made contact with Aguero’s management team and received a positive response as the striker would love

to play with his good friend Lionel Messi regularly at club level. It has been revealed that Aguero’s personal adviser, Hernan Reguera, has lived in Barcelona for some months and has held regular meetings with club officials. Barca wants to be sure of Aguero’s commitment before approaching City and Reguera has assured the club of the striker’s keenness.

Eto’o

Falcao

Falcao interests Chelsea, Madrid

W Aguero

ith Chelsea and Real Madrid monitoring developments, 27 year-old Colombia international, Radamel Falcao, has already informed ASM management that he wants out next month. The former Atletico Madrid star is upset with his current contract at Monaco, where he is now earning less than 7 million-a-year after tax. He had been led to believe he would be

able to ke lion-a-seas Falcao i the lack o joys aroun his reputa from the tr While difficult away, Fal his agen Champio next mon

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Sport

Thursday, December 5, 2013

s radar Cole nears Bulls switch

eports yesterday said New York Red Bulls have cleared the decks to sign outof-favour Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole. The MLS side cut two fullbacks from its roster last week to make room for the England international left-back. Bulls seek to link Cole up with his former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry in the January window before the new MLS season starts in early March. LA Galaxy is also keen to sign Cole, who has won 106 England caps but is now facing the prospect of being frozen out of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad. Cole, who turns 33 this month and is out of contract at the Stamford Bridge club in the summer and is unlikely to be offered a new deal, earns a basic salary of around £60,000 a week at Chelsea.

Ronaldinho

My plan for World Cup–Ronaldinho

Cole

Brazil legend, Ronaldinho, spoke to FIFA.com on life back home, as well as the upcoming trip to Morocco and the Libertadores triumph that got his club Atletico Mineiro to the North African country, among other issues

Hull targets Dike Toronto

ep the entire 14 milson he signed up for. is also unhappy with f profile Monaco ennd the world and feels ation has also suffered ransfer. aware it will be to get a move lcao has infor med nts to find him a ns League club nth.

ull City Manager, Steve Bruce, is eyeing Super Eagles and Toronto FC striker Bright Dike. Local media said yesterday that the burly forward, who scored in the recent draw with Italy at Craven Cottage, has also been linked with Celtic and Queens Park Rangers. Hull already boasts Dike’s compatriot Sone Aluko on the books, although the latter has endured a gale of injuries in the past months. In a related development, Swansea City is interested in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, although Morata and Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, denied reports of a loan agreement yesterday. Reports, however, said that Swansea Manager, Michael Laudrup, has been in touch with his old club to register his interest in Morata. Meanwhile, there remains a feeling among intermediaries that Morata will become available for loan from Real in January. Bright Dike

Development: Onigbinde recommends PFA model AFOLABI GAMBARI

ormer Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has enjoined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to adopt the Pepsi Football Academy (PFA) model by shifting focus from competition to development in order for the country to take its rightful place in the comity of great football nations. “The fact that Pepsi Football Academy has been in the forefront for 21 years is worth putting forward as a model for development,” Onigbinde said at the gala night to commemorate the Festival of Youth in Lagos recently. According to the respected FIFA and CAF instructor, the NFF should establish a department to monitor and set standards for all football

academies in Nigeria with a view to ensuring that the right personnel and course contents were in place. “The combination of academics and football in the academy stands it out among other academies in the country,” he added. The Executive Director, Human Resources, SevenUp Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Femi Mokikan, who also spoke at the event, said the football academy project was in tandem with the mission of the company “to refresh

and inspire youthful lifestyle”, stressing that sports, especially football, was one of the ways to inspire young people to harness their talent for themselves and the society. Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi and Director of Sports, Dr. Kenku Tandor, who attended the gala night, also pledged assistance to the academy in its quest to sustain football development in Nigeria.

L-R: Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde; Executive Director, Human Resources, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Femi Mokikan; Director of Sports, Lagos State, Dr. Kenku Tandor; and NFF Technical Director, Mr. Amodu Shuabu at the Pepsi Football Academy Gala Night in Lagos recently.

What difference has playing as more central, playmaking attacker rather than a leftsided forward since arriving at Atletico made to you? It’s a role I played when I was younger, when I started out as a professional. Then when I arrived at Paris SaintGermain I started to play out wide on the left, and I continued in the same position at Barcelona. But when I came to Atletico and Cuca explained to me what he had in mind for the team, I said it sounded great. I love being the main creator: it’s something I’ve always done. For me it works perfectly, on a practical and emotional level. It just makes sense. Was the vision for the team that Cuca had back then reflected in the side that won the Libertadores? No doubt about it. Cuca deserves a lot of credit. He planned it all and went after players that would fit the way he wanted the team to play. It was great. In the beginning we had Danilinho to provide the pace, and then came Bernard. There was Jo in the centreforward role and later came Diego Tardelli. It was no accident that everything fitted together so well. Will your experience in Europe make a difference at Morocco 2013, considering it will be the first international club tournament for many of the squad? We talk a lot about the differences in strength, intensity and style. I try to explain this to the players whenever I can. I’m not the only with such experience, after all. There’s Gilberto Silva, Josue and Jo too, players who have played in the English and German leagues. All leagues and competitions are different, and I think it helps that we have knowledge

of some of them. Knowing Guardiola well, do you think he has already made a difference to Bayern Munich? Well, I don’t really analyse football that much, but I have noticed that there is a little of his style in the way they move the ball around, the passing triangles in tight spaces, the way they keep possession. I think you can see this with Bayern already, as the team gets used to playing according to his style. From the contact you had with him back then in was coach of Barcelona B, did you imagine that he would be so successful? I did, because Barcelona’s ideology is that everybody should play like the first team, starting with the juniors. This helps the coaches as well as the players. When a player comes up through the ranks he is already prepared for the first team, because all the teams in the Barcelona system play the same way. I think everybody thought he would do well, because he’d been doing a great job with Barcelona B and was using the same ideas. Do you see yourself fitting well into the way Brazil are playing at the moment, considering the position you play for Atletico? I don’t see a problem, tactically speaking. I can play any position from midfield to further forward. I’ve already played most of them in fact, that’s why I’m so relaxed about it. Are you still determined to play in the World Cup? Of course. I’m always working hard to improve. If there is a chance of playing in the World Cup, I’ll be ready, and I’ll be at my peak. My goal is to always be at my best. Could the Club World Cup be an important step towards playing in the World Cup? Anything can happen. The plan is get back to the form I showed before the injury. My objective is to be right physically, to be able to hit the same high standards I was managing before.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RC 1042314

IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT LAGOS SUIT NO. FHC/L/CS/1668/2013 IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTMENTS AND SECURITIES ACT NO. 29 OF 2007 AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION UNDER PART XII THEREOF IN RE: ST

AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC (RC 684746)

1 APPLICANT

HEIRS REAL ESTATE LIMITED (RC 1042314)

2 APPLICANT

MEETING OF THE HOLDERS OF THE FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES OF HEIRS REAL ESTATE LIMITED N O T I C E I S H E R E B Y G I V E N that by an Order of the Federal High Court (hereinafter referred to as the “Court”) dated 4th December, 2013, made in the above matter, the Court has directed that a meeting of the holders of the fully paid up ordinary shares of Heirs Real Estate Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Heirs Real Estate”) be convened for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) a Scheme for the proposed merger of Afriland Properties PLC and Heirs Real Estate (the “Scheme”). The Scheme is explained in detail in the Explanatory Statement on pages 12 to 17 of the Scheme Document, which is being sent to the shareholders. The meeting of the shareholders of Heirs Real Estate will be held on 20th day of December, 2013 at Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10am at which place and time all the aforesaid shareholders are requested to attend. At the meeting, the following sub-joined resolutions will be proposed and if thought fit passed as special resolutions of the company: th

“That this Meeting approves the Scheme for the proposed merger of Afriland Properties PLC and Heirs Real Estate Limited dated 28 November, 2013, a print of which has been submitted to the and for the purposes of identification subscribed by the Chairman, and that the Directors be and are hereby authorised to consent to any modifications of the Scheme of Merger that the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Federal High Court may deem fit to impose and approve.”

“That all the assets, liabilities and undertakings of Heirs Real Estate Limited, including its real properties and intellectual property rights be transferred to Afriland Properties PLC without further act or deed as set out in the Scheme in consideration for the issuance and allotment of an appropriate number of fully paid ordinary shares of Afriland Properties PLC to all the shareholders of Heirs Real Estate Limited as set out in the Scheme.”

“That the entire share capital of Heirs Real Estate Limited be cancelled and that Heirs Real Estate Limited be dissolved without being wound up.”

4. 5.

“That the certificate of incorporation of Afriland Properties PLC shall be the certificate of incorporation of the resultant company.” “That the Board of Directors of Heirs Real Estate Limited be and is hereby authorized to take all actions as may become necessary to effect the Scheme.”

By the said Order, the Court has appointed the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heirs Real Estate, Ms. Angela Aneke, or failing her, Nonso Okpala or failing them both any other director appointed in their stead by the shareholders present at the meeting to act as Chairman of the said meeting and has directed the Chairman to report the results thereof to the Court. The said Scheme of Merger will be subject to the subsequent approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to the sanction of the Court. Voting at the meeting will be by poll. Shareholders may vote in person or they may appoint any other person, whether a shareholder or not, to act as proxy and to attend and vote in their stead. A proxy form is being sent to each shareholder. In the case of joint shareholders, the vote of the senior holder who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, will be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders; and for this purpose seniority will be determined by the order in which their names stand in the Register of Members of Heirs Real Estate. It is requested that forms appointing proxies be lodged at the office of the Registrars as shown on the proxy from, not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Meeting. Please note that the lodging of the proxy form does not prevent you from attending the meeting and voting should you wish to so do. However, in such arrangement, your proxy will not be entitled to vote. A member entitled to attend the Meeting who does not receive a copy of the Scheme Document within 14 days of the date of this notice can obtain copies of same from the Registrars of Heirs Real Estate, Africa Prudential Registrars, 220B, Ikorodu Road Palmgrove, Lagos. CLOSURE OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS th

The Register of Members will be closed from 18 December, 2013 for the purpose of attendance at the Court-Ordered Meeting.

DATED 4 DECEMBER, 2013 M.E ESONANJOR & CO. 27 OYEWOLE STREET PALMGROVE ILUPEJU, LAGOS (SOLICITORS TO HEIRS REAL ESTATE LIMITED)

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance We need to make sure that we create the atmosphere that will enable these generation companies to make investments in power generation without looking back or worrying whether they will be able to recoup the monies they have invested –Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki

It is inappropriate to begin the pursuit for a self-reliant automobile sector with the imposition of high import tariﬀ on vehicles when there are fundamental supply side issues to resolve –PRESIDENT, LAGOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (LCCI), MR. GOODIE IBRU

NDIC urges states, LGs to float MFBs TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND UDO ONYEKA UYO

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) yesterday urged States and Local Governments in the country to establish Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in their domains as a step towards leveraging the nation’s financial inclusion drive and reducing the level of poverty at the grassroots. The Managing Director of the Corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, who gave the charge in his opening remarks at the workshop organised for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, pointed out that investing in MFBs would help the sub-national governments in improving financial access to people, their productivity and contributions to the country’s GDP. Ibrahim, while recalling the various initiatives of the Corporation to support the survival of the MFBs over the past few years, said it behoved on state and local governments to float and nurture the micro finance institutions in order to enable them play their financial intermediation roles in the economy. Ibrahim said: “We have been urging the State Governments to roll out. If you remember those that were in Jigawa we rolled put statistics of the MFBs covered. For instance, in Jigawa even as at

...Says Committee on unclaimed deposits ‘ll be set up today there are less than five functional MFBs even though there is a brand new airport there. “So we have been urging the state governments to take advantage. The Central Bank has realized that it is important for State and Local Governments to be given the opportunity to float and nurture and dispose of MFBs. “This is a new policy that has been agreed upon by the CBN and it is in the realization that MFBs cannot be left in the hands of DMBs because the creation and sustenance of MFBs is a very serious developmental issue and the

UNDP and some other developmental organizations have amply demonstrated that. “So, we continue to call on the local governments, the state government to float and nurture sustainable MFBs in their area so as to help the poor in their area to have access savings and to credit without which our strive for financial inclusion and poverty eradication cannot be realised”, Ibrahim added. He specifically explained that it would be difficult for states that do not have enough MFBs to easily access the N220 billion Mi-

cro, Small Medium Enterprises (Names) Development Fund. On the problem of unclaimed insured deposits of customers in the failed banks, the NDIC boss plans were underway to set a Committee that would come out with modalities on how owners of the deposits are identified and paid their secured deposits. He identified the little value of some of the deposits as likely reasons why some depositors appeared to be apathetic about calls being made to them by the Corporation to come for payment of their deposits.

he Federal Government has said that the aerotropolis concept as canvassed by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah will generate at least N100bn annually for the Nigerian economy. This is just as the minister stated that the concept will

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IRS

L-R: Commissioner, Engineering Standards and Safety, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Mary Awolokun; Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi and Commissioner Market, Competition and Rates, Mr. Eyo Ekpo, during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Aerotropolis concept to generate N100bn revenues annually –FG OLUSEGUN KOIKI

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

also create at least 10 million jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths who are hitherto jobless or underemployed in its first two years of commencement. A statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media to the Minister, Mr. Joe Obi, stated that Oduah stated this at a Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the FCT Land Swap. He stated that the Federal Ministry of Aviation is participating

in the land swap for the Abuja Aerotropolis project. Oduah at the hearing argued that the projects, to be sited in Abuja and other major international airports across the country, has a value chain with the potential to transform the Nigerian economy and the living standards of the rural farmers through perishable cargo exports, adding that an estimated N100bn would be generated annually from the initiative.

NERC orders DISCOs to remit collections to market operator 32

Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 KanoLagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

She told the committee that the initiative was private sector driven with 20 per cent equity holding by the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, adding that value chains would span the agricultural, health, manufacturing, culture and tourism sectors of the economy. Already, she said investors from Nigeria, the USA, China, Turkey and other European countries have embraced the initiative.

‘Govt needs to address influx of sub-standard IT products’ 35

Whisky brands intensify market awareness with global ambassadors

Business & Finance

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NERC orders DISCOs to remit collections to market operator CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

igerian Electricity regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday ordered the distribution companies to immediately make all statutory remittance to the market operator’s account to enable appropriate market settlements. Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, who gave the order at a press briefing in Abuja, said only N2 billion had been remitted to the market operator as at Monday, while N10 billion was still outstanding. Amadi gave a deadline of today, Thursday 4pm, for all distribution companies to remit their statutory remittances to the market op-

erator’s account or risk sanctions. He also announced the commission’s approval of the interim rule meant to guide the sale of electricity in the country, before the commencement of the transitional market stage. Amadi, who stated that interim rule had been delayed to address all the concerns of the new owners and other stakeholders and then give them opportunity to make contributions, noted that interim rule took effect on Wednesday following the commission’s approval after due deliberations. He said the interim rule is being communicated to all the operators in the market, adding that NERC has not approved any increase in electricity tariff or charges by the electricity distri-

bution companies, DISCOs. The NERC stated that companies who want to charge more for their services must apply for a rate review, stressing that the new owners of the recently privatised utility companies cannot unilaterally increase electricity tariffs and charges without the express approval of the regulator, NERC. “NERC hereby informs the general public that it has not approved any increase in electricity tariff or charges by the DISCOs. We want to make it clear that NERC has not sanctioned any illegal increase by any DISCO. However, customers who feel that they are victims of such purported increases should come forward with evidence. NERC will in turn send out a team to investigate”

“The other issue that needed to be clarified is the issue of October revenue that was collected on November, we had in the interim rule also provides that such payments should be made 100 per cent, October collections that are received in November should be made 100 per cent to the market operator’s account based on understanding with the DG of LEMCO that such monies should be paid to the MO to be used to deal with gaps in the market so all distribution companies are therefore mandated to transfer such collections to the market operators account immediately” He further disclosed that a recent meeting with new owners revealed that the current load allocation is not in line with the

MYTO schedule. According to him, the commission had received reports of non compliance of the loads allocation formula by the system operator, pointing out that a gap in communication between TCN is in part responsible for the perception that the formula is being deliberately flouted. On the issue of estimated billing, Amadi noted that DISCOS have been mandated to follow the Commission’s order on the estimated billing methodology. “All DISCOS are mandated to provide meters for their customers. The Commission is on the verge of approving the regulation on enforcement – this will empower us to sanction any failure on the part of the operators.”

Bankers’ Committee restates commitment to economic transformation

Head, Infrastructure & Transport, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Ehianeta Ebhohimhen (left) and Secretary, Petroleum Technology Association Of Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Oshinusi, at the presentation of the Financial Institution of the Year Award in Lagos recently.

ASSIBIFI threatens showdown with employers MESHACH IDEHEN

he Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, said it would ground the operations of 11 financial institutions that have continually denied their workers the right to join labour unions. Speaking with National Mirror yesterday, ASSBIFI President, Mr. Sunday Salako, said that failure of the financial institutions to allow their workers to join unions’ of their choice would soon be greeted with mass action and disruption of business activities of employers concerned. Salako said some of the affected institutions included Diamond Bank plc, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank plc and Standard Chartered Bank Plc. Others, according to the ASSIBIFI president were Leadway Assurance, Industrial and Gen-

eral Insurance, Standard Alliance Insurance, Goldlink Assurance, Capital Alliance Insurance and Continental Reinsurance. The ASSIBIFI president explained the action has become necessary as ASSIBIFI could no longer tolerate a situation where the institutions concerned continually keep their workers from unionising, thereby denying them their rights. He also charged customers of

the financial institutions concerned to withdraw their patronage from institutions that refuse their workers to unionise, adding also that the rate of poverty in the country is worrying and a source of concern to the union. While imploring the three tiers of government to reduce poverty by 25 per cent by 2016, Salako noted that Nigeria has all it takes to be one of the leading economies in the world.

he Bankers’ Committee has restated its resolve to continue to design policies that will support the growth of the country. The Bankers’ Committee, an umbrella body comprising the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, and Discount Houses also reiterated its determination to continually redefine the practice of banking in Nigeria. A statement from the committee yesterday noted that since 2009 when it held its first annual retreat by the prompting of the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, its chairman, it has grown to become a major catalyst for economic growth and stability in Nigeria. “Over the past 5 years, the banking industry, through the Bankers Committee’s initiatives has played more than a financial intermediary role in the nation’s economy by asserting its centrality to nation building. Specifically, the committee has championed numerous landmark initiatives designed to transform Nigeria from a monoeconomy to an economy with the capacity to earn from many more sources beyond crude oil which the country has relied on for de-

‘Enterprise Bank positions for excellent service delivery in 2014’

n its continued pursuit of the vision to be the preferred bank of choice for value creation through excellent service delivery, Enterprise Bank Limited has conducted a resource optimisation exercise meant to ensure the development of a high quality workforce. According to a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications of the bank, Olusola Longe-Okenimkpe, the exercise which has led to the dis-

engagement of poor performing staff from the bank is to ensure that only the best hands are retained in the system to render above standard service to its growing clientele and remain relevant in a highly competitive environment. The key criterion that guided the recent exercise in the bank is the performance record of affected staff, which spans over a period of time. The statement from the bank

said the management will not compromise standards in its avowed desire to ensure that Enterprise Bank emerges as an enviable financial institution. However, in line with industry practice and in order to cushion the effect of the optimisation exercise, payments are being made to the affected staff based on their entitlements. The statement further wished the erstwhile staff well in their future pursuits.

cades,” it added. It stated the committee contributed to the strengthening of critical sectors of the economy and supported in driving several empowerment programmes targeted at speedy diversification of the economy. Specifically, it pointed out that activities of the sub-committee on Economic Development and Sustainability have impacted the agriculture, aviation, power, transportation and manufacturing sectors significantly. In statistical terms, total banking industry loans to the agric sector have grown from one per cent in 2009 to four per cent in 2013. “Similarly, other identified sectors have witnessed significant transformation and enjoyed professional and technical supports from the Bankers’ Committee. “The committee has also received commendations for its role in funding the acquisition of companies under the power reform programme designed to strengthen the economy and support prosperity of the Nigerian nation. “Beyond the committee’s quest at resuscitating the nation’s economy, the umbrella body for operators in the nation’s financial sector has continuously nudged the industry towards protecting the society, the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate,” it noted. The committee’s efforts also led the sector to adopt sustainable principles. The adoption of principles is predicated on the position of the financial sector as a driver of economic growth and recognition of the significant influence it wades through its lending activities, which supports the functioning of other sectors of the economy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN refutes Bi-Courtney’s claim over GAT takeover OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos did not rule that the BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, should take over the management of the General Aviation Services, GAT, of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos. FAAN described the claim by BASL was false, misleading and mischievous, insisting that the judge in his ruling did not mention or even imply in any way, that GAT would be taken over by Bi-Courtney. An online statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that there are numerous cases between FAAN and BiCourtney in the court, adding that the case in question was instituted by FAAN asking for some reliefs, one of which was

that Bi-Courtney be made to pay its accrued debts to the agency, in compliance with the terms of the concession agreement, which it alleged the concessionaire had flouted at will. Dati explained that during the hearing, BASL’s lawyer raised the point that there was a clause in the concession agreement for alternate dispute resolution to resolve disputes in the agreement and that FAAN had not utilised that and other alternative options for resolving the dispute before instituting the case. The judge, according to the statement, agreed with BASL’s lawyer and asked the parties to go back and resolve the dispute, using the appropriate provisions in the agreement, failing which they should come back to the court. FAAN, asked members of the public especially aviation stakeholders, to discountenance the false information being peddled around by the company.

Winners emerge in Nokia Asha Xmas promo KUNLE A ZEEZ

inners have emerged across Nigeria in the ongoing Nokia Asha Christmas promo tagged, Asha Christmas Rush. Some of the winners include Peter Akieneme from Lagos; Idehen Erere from Port Harcourt; Bassey Uche Kalu from Abuja; Godwin Bazari from Port Harcourt; Osaghae Osaretin from Jos and Yusuf Ada’Aba from Jos. According to statement from Nokia, each of the lucky winners have been rewarded with a Jumia gift voucher valued at N4000, recharge card on any network of his/her choice worth N1000 to use as the winner pleases, either to make calls and/or chat on social media platforms. Speaking in the statement, Marketing Manager, Nokia West Africa, Mr. Kesiena Ogbemi, said the Asha Christmas Rush promo was introduced to reward numerous Nokia Asha customers across the country during the yuletide season. “Christmas is about showing people love, having fun, sharing with friends and family so we happy to share with our customers across Nigeria, giving them gifts so they can enjoy the season. The promo is focused on the Nokia Asha 210 smartphone, a beautiful and sleek device which gives our customers the All-InOne smartphone experience with its various features,” he said. Explaining further, he said, “Redeeming the prize is very

Business & Finance

Thursday, December 5, 2013

simple as all the lucky winner needs to do is visit Jumia’s official webiste to purchase any item worth N4000. “Each winner would be asked for the PIN code sent to him/her in a text message to confirm if he/she is the winner in the promo. A winner who prefers can also purchase items worth more than N4000 and pay for the difference in the price of what he/she elects to purchase.” “We thank our customers across Nigeria for their support and participation in the promo and their patronage of the Nokia brand. Congratulations to the winners and we hope that they enjoy the yuletide season,” Ogbemi added. The Asha Christmas Rush promo will still be running till December 20, 2013 and is open to customers who purchase Nokia Asha 210.

WTO MC9: Nigeria, other African countries rally for deal A frican Trade Ministers agreed on Tuesday, to support the package on the table at the ongoing World Trade Organisation’s Ninth Ministerial Conference, MC9, taking place in Bali, Indonesia, in the interest of the developing economies and the global economy at large. The ministers agreed, during a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States and a working dinner co-organised by Nigeria, that there should be convergence in Bali after the Doha talks, which have been on for about 12 years. The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who spoke to journalists after the dinner, said the consensus among African countries, “bearing in mind that no one gets everything he wants in a package and that people have to compromise, is that Nigeria and other African countries have agreed to support the package as presented in Bali and work towards a deal in the next few days.”

There are three main items in the package - trade facilitation (to streamline customs procedures and minimise unnecessary border delays, delivering jobs and opportunities in times of unemployment and slow growth); agriculture (which Nigeria and other African countries are really interested in); and development, which applies mainly to Least Developed Countries, LDCs. Aganga said, “At the last ministerial meeting in Geneva. Which I chaired, MC8, one of the conclusions was that the WTO should identify some of the elements of Doha where there was very little disagreement and which would be beneficial to members with a view to delivering a package around those areas. Those areas were areas to do with trade facilitation, which is beneficial to everyone. “The second is agriculture, which Nigeria and most African countries are interested in, bearing in mind that agriculture accounts roughly for about 40 per cent of our Gross Domestic Prod-

uct and employs close to 70 per cent of our population. Under agriculture, the focus is on general services, stockholding for food security purposes and export competition, among others.” The minister added, “Under stockholding, some countries heavily subsidise staple foods just to make sure that when prices are high, they are available for poor people in their countries. Where there is surplus production, they can buy them at a particular price, stock hold them and then release them when it becomes necessary. WTO and its members are not opposed to that, but they are more interested in making sure that when such happens, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that the subsidised foods do not get into the global multilateral trading system. They are also looking at the duration etc. “The third arm of the package is on development, and this applies mainly to the LDCs. However, the LDCs are happy with the package.”

L-R: National President, JCI, Botswana, Mr. Kabo Garechaba; 2014 President elect, JCI South Africa, Mrs. Linda Ben and 2013 President JCI Eko, Mr. Jide Adeyemi, at the 2013 National Convention of JCI South Africa in Johannesburg recently.

Nigerians saved N20m shopping on our portal –Ryte Deals KUNLE A ZEEZ

yte Internet Technology, the owners of rytedeals. com, has said that Nigerians who have cultivated the habit of shopping online were saved about N20 million in five months through buying goods and services daily at heavily discounted rate though the online retail portal. Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Victor Alaofin, who disclosed this in a statement, said as online shopping becomes more pervasive, rytedeals, a Nigerian

online deal store, will continue to give Nigerians value. According to him, while several other online stores are competing on providing the lowest price to online shoppers, Ryte Internet Technology chose to provide daily deals to Nigerians. The company commenced business on June 10, 2013 with a focus on using the Internet to benefit Nigerians. “Five months after take-off, the company has fulfilled that promise by saving Nigerians who shop for deals on its site about N20 million,” he said.

Explaining further, Alaofin said that the site has intelligent software that ‘knows’ and ‘calculates’ how much each visitor saved by buying deals. He said to save Nigerians N20 million, 7887 coupons were bought by Nigerians who shopped for deals on rytedeals.com between June and November 2013. According to him, the deals site has also catered to Nigerians who are offline or want special products, saying that by calling its dial-a-deal number, Nigerians could ask for exactly what they want if such products are not listed on the

site. “Through this strategy the company has offered more than products to wider audience. We are giving organisations and individual goods and services at the best value always,” he said. The company promotes its deals online via subscriber-based daily emailed newsletter and it reaches several thousands of Nigerians daily with the best value deals in Nigeria. It has strong social media presence and offers offline sales via a fledging nationwide agency network.

Business & Finance

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Labour faults deductions for housing fund MESHACK IDEHEN

he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said it is opposed to the deductions from worker’s salaries into the National Housing Fund, NHF, scheme due to lack of transparency. The congress said also that its opposition to the NHF deduction was based on alleged inability of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, to explain the details of previous workers’ contribution into the housing fund. Speaking while addressing workers on NHF sensitisation on Wednesday, NLC Chieftain, Mr. Titus Abana, said members would not allow their contributions to the NHF for now, because the fund has not been able to show

any signs of transparency in the deductions of workers monthly contributions into the scheme in the past two decades. He said, “At the inception of this housing scheme for workers in 1994, the organised labour in the state began contributions into the fund and by 2004 we have contributed over N100 million. But, on inquiry, we realised that there were no records regarding individual workers contributions, even where some records existed they were not detailed enough to ensure transparency in the implementation of the housing scheme by FMBN. According to Abana who is also the Borno state chairman of the NLC, instead of showing employees’ 2.5 percent monthly contributions over a period, what NLC members have were only

organisations names and the deductions made, adding in some records for organisation what was stated in the NHF sheet was contributions instead of individual workers name and their contributions”. Abana said as a custodian of workers mandate, the union had a duty to ensure the protection of workers salary deductions into the NHF scheme, saying labour wants the NHF to show clearly where they have kept the N100 million deductions and how the employees can access the money. The labour leader said despite intervention by well meaning leaders that intervened to allow for resumption of work by workers, that the inability of the NHF to adopt transparency in the deductions of the contributions is frustrating efforts.

L-R: Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah; Director, Customer Service Delivery, Mr. Ajay Bakshi; winner of Airtel’s Rewardz Loyalty Surprise campaign, Ms. Sunmisola Osi-efa and MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, at the prize presentation ceremony for Airtel Premier Club members who won round trip in Lagos, yesterday.

Financial kiosks’ll boost cashless policy –Inlaks KUNLE A ZEEZ

foremost Information and Communication Technology infrastructure and payment solutions provider, in Nigeria, Inlaks Computers, has said the adoption of financial kiosk solutions by the banks would help in accelerating the delivery of their payment strategies in the ongoing cashless economy scheme. The company said this at this year’s edition of the Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads, CeBIH, conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with the theme ‘e-Payment Systems: Harnessing Opportunities for Growth and Profitability’, where Inlaks unveiled its kiosk solutions to deepen electronic payments transitions in the country. Speaking on the kiosk solution, the Managing Director, Africa Op-

erations for Inlaks Computers, Mr. Femi Adeoti, said the company had recently deployed these financial kiosks and solutions to some of the leading Banks in Nigeria, saying its adoptions by the banks would boost cashless activities. He said the Kiosk Monimax 9100 offers a wide range of card and card-less services including bill payment, funds transfer, balance inquiry, mobile top-up, full statement, account opening, card services and cheque services. “We are therefore quite impressed with the adoption of the solution by the Banks. The acceptance has been quite impressive. By deploying the solutions, banks are able to achieve their e-payment strategy of offering multiple channels to their customers,” he said. Director, Infrastructure and eBanking unit of Inlaks, Mr. Tope Dare, said the use of the financial kiosks at the banks’ business of-

fices and centres nationwide will assist to accelerate the e-payment strategy of the Banks and other financial institutions. He said: “With our open architecture design and high scalability, the Kiosk makes the self-service experience more dynamic by giving users the freedom to choose between a variety of identification and transaction options. “Choices include contact-less card sensor, barcode reader, card reader, encryption pin pad, touch screen and biometrics. This kiosk provides added convenience in the Banks’ branch for customers with non-cash transactions thus offering more options and faster service.” Dare added that the financial kiosk solution is designed with some unique features such as multiple services, highly scalability, customer-centric options and self-service convenience.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MTN supports movie industry with DoBox KUNLE A ZEEZ

TN Nigeria has introduced an exclusive mobile phone cinema platform to promote Nigerian movie contents on demand through mobile devices. MTN is introducing the initiative tagged, ‘MTN Dobox’ in partnership with its platform developer, Do Media to support the country’s movie industry and drive its profitability, in a country where cases of piracy is prevalent, making copyright owners lose huge revenues to pirates. The partnership will allow over 50 million MTN subscribers to gain access to the latest and most exclusive movies on their mobile phone. According to MTN, the reason

for introducing MTN Dobox is to bring cinema closer to Nigerians who are on MTN network by allowing them have access to latest blockbuster, premier and short movies, by simply subscribing to MTN Dobox app. Speaking at the launch of the intuitive in Lagos, Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mrs. Saidat Lawal, said Dobox app allows subscriber to rent any movie of choice, for duration of time, from the well-stocked vault of premium movies. “Initiative was borne out of the desire to deliver top-of-therange entertainment to MTN’s subscribers at unprecedented and unrivalled speed. This partnership with Do Media will provide customers a seamless user experience, through Dobox Internet Bundle, DIB.”

CWG offers solution for effective power supply KUNLE A ZEEZ

s the Federal Government handed power generation and distribution to private companies in the country, one of Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology group, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, has come up with an effective smart grid and metering solution. The solution helps to solve the problems often arisen from power theft, inadequate planning, and measurement of units of distribution that is transmitted to consumers while resolving inefficiency that has led to high aggregate technical and commercial losses. The Chief Technology Officer, CWG, Mr. James Agada, who made a presentation on the solu-

tion at the recent West Africa Power Industry Convention, WAPIC, said the solution was unique for the distribution companies, Discos, and suitable for the Nigerian environment where power theft occurs as it serves as detectors for any illegal connection. According to him, “It is placed on top of poles and measures the level of power transmission from one location to another, the units that goes out and comes in, and that this helps in proper planning for any environment.” He said metering and billing are the least efficiently-executed tasks in the country’s power distribution sector, as it is the source of revenue for the Discos, stressing this has resulted to high aggregate technical and commercial losses estimated between 48-50 per cent.

Total organises free health projects in Rivers UDUAKABASI PATRICK PORT HARCOURT

otal E&P Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, in partnership with Universal Medicare Foundation has commenced a free health programme for 58 of their host communities at the Ogbogu cottage Hospital in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government area of Rivers State. According to the company the program for few weeks and it is aimed at improving the health of their “land lords” stressing that, health is wealth, “if you are not healthy you cannot go out for work that is one will not eat”. Speaking on behalf Total at opening ceremony on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, the DMD Port Harcourt District, Mr. Nicolas Brunet who was represented by Mr. Okechukwu Obara the Community Service Manager said, the free health program is one of the many effort the organization has reached out to the needs of the

people as it is the 11th of its kind. He maintained that, the program is an addition to the numerous health careservices like HIV/ AIDS awareness campaign, Roll Back Malaria Program, Prostate and Cervical cancer Awareness Programme. Others are safe motherhood initiatives, First-aid trainings, and basicmaternity training for traditional birth attendants carried out to support the preventive and curative health care programs of government in the communities. This year’s program according to the Total is a comprehensive health program that will feature surgeries, medication, clinical consultation, provision of lens for eye defects, screening of diseases. This daily can report that some individuals have already been operated on the eye drugs and lens has been issued and other minor operations like hernia, appendix amongst others have been carried out by the doctors.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Revive Technologies Limited is one of the leading mobile devices sales outlets in Nigeria, which recently commenced online retailing of mobile devices. In this Interview with KUNLE AZEEZ, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Wale Thomas, says e-commerce is the future while calling on government regulatory agencies to address the influx of sub-standard IT products in the country. Excerpts: What do you see market potential for online business in Nigeria? First of us, it should be note that worldwide, online business has become major driver of an economy. In countries such as Finland and, most especially, the Scandinavian and some other countries, you find out that probably because of their weather condition, most people stay indoors and place order and then in the next few hours, you they have their products delivered to them. Today, online business is the in-thing anywhere in the world. It commands a huge chunk of the economy because of ease of doing business. If you observe, you will discover that customers get better deals when they go online than when they do physical shopping because when you come in-shop, the sales persons might not have the time to show you all that is available and their features but you have freedom to do all of these online. In addition, in most cases, things you buy online are often cheaper than what you buy in shops and you also find that customers are better pampered online to make them comfortable, make them assured and make them visit again than they are do physical shopping. So, without being immodest, I am sure in the next three years, the online business in Nigeria will be taking about 60 to 70 per cent of the total sales. I said this because Nigeria has one of the largest teeming young population and this section of the population are becoming more technologically-aware and advanced by the day and once you have this kind of vibrant people, definitely, the online business will explode. Revive recently introduced e-commerce to its channels of marketing mobile phones and other devices. What has informed your decision to venture into online marketing? The focus about the e-commerce is purely a service delivery target. We are just looking for ways to improve on our service delivery and to reach to the general populace. That is what has propelled us into the world of e-commerce. Ecommerce is just developing in Nigeria but there is great potential for growth. In most countries of the world, you do your shopping online. People are even getting better deals online and get better service delivery online as I said earlier. In our clime, e-commerce or online business is just gaining momentum as far as Nigeria concerned and at Revive, we have identified a niche and a need to service our customers better and that is why we are providing ecommerce services, which allow Nigerians to shop online

‘Govt needs to address influx of sub-standard IT products’ against any possible fraud that may arise in the course of doing business online with us.

Thomas

I AM SURE IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, THE ONLINE BUSINESS IN NIGERIA WILL BE TAKING ABOUT 60 TO 70 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SALES and have their products delivered to them in the comfort of their homes and offices with attractive after-sales and refund policy, in case of complaints from any customer. How do you see the fears of insecurity many people often have when it comes to doing businesses online? Well, that is a general feeling globally as long as the cases of cyber crimes continue to thrive but for us at Revive, we have put necessary measures in place to ensure Revive site is secure. Understandably, in Nigeria, as everyone is aware, people still have a lot of challenges including people who are doing online businesses too not to talk of the customers. For instance, you have the issues of people using other people’s card to shop online. We have identified this fear and that is why at Revive, we are doing is encouraging people paying online as well as paying on delivery. We ensure that information that is supplied on our website is perfectly secure. We have put assurances on our website that none of the information put out there by our customers will be compromised. We are securing our customers

How do you assess regulatory interventions to sanitise mobile phone in the market? The issue of the Standard Orgainsations of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission coming to the market to sanitise the market is well appreciated. For instance, I am aware that the SON officials came to the Computer Village a while ago and gave people ultimatum to sanitise the market by doing a self-cleansing, so that they can get rid of sub-standard products in the market. Be that as it may, I think even before now, consumers themselves are becoming very aware and demanding. The days of impunity are gone and gone forever. Before now, when a customer buys and you sell a bad product to him, he would not be able to complain or when he does complain, he would be attended to or refunded. Today, things have changed. Interestingly, that is one of the things Revive is set out to do through its new digital platform. We have a very robust return policy, unlike other companies that put in some delay mechanism in refunding a customer who is not satisfied with a product that has been sold to him. At Revive, you have a maximum of seven days to return the product and you have a maximum of five days to get refund. It is either we make an exchange for you or we offer you a refund, depending on what the situation is. So, basically, we are in the era of ‘consumer is the king’ where you buy a product at the comfort of your home and when you have any complaints, you can easily make your complaints and then get attended to satisfactory. In what areas do you think government can step in to assist in ensuring growth and sanity of the mobile phone sub-sector in the country? The only area where I think the government can play a role is by raising the standard in terms of quality of phones that are being ditched out to Nigerians. Government can achieve this control by ensuring compliance to quality and standards set for mobile products at the point importing them by manufacturers of businesspeople into the country. Basically, there is a need for government to address influx of sub-standard IT gadgets. What makes Revive unique in the e-commerce space, considering that the likes of Jumia.com, Konga.com and others are already dominating the space? Apart from the fact that Revive specialises only in mobile phones, computers and accessories, meaning we are not a broad online company like the existing online IT shopping platforms, we are also a specialised company armed with over 19 years experience in the mobile phone retail space. So, we are bringing a proven almost two decade experience in the mobile phone space to the door step of Nigerians. Our commitment is to continuously provide Nigerians with quality products.

Resourcery, SAS proffer IT solutions to financial frauds KUNLE A ZEEZ

ne of Nigeria’s end-to-end Information Technology solution provider, Resourcery and a leader in business analytics software and services, SAS proffered solutions to curb prevalence of financial fraud in Nigeria. The changing trends and technologies in the fight against financial crime as well as data management and governance framework were the key discussions during a forum recently organised for technology executives of financial

institutions by the two companies in Lagos. Giving a presentation on Data Management and Data Governance framework at the forum, Senior Solution Manager for Data Management & Data Quality at SAS, Antionette Van Zyl, who decried cases of financial fraud in Nigeria, said that data management has three major key drivers namely. The drives, according to him, include business and revenue optimisation; risk, governance and compliance as well as cost control. Speaking business and revenue optimisation, she said quality manage-

ment by financial institutions would adequately address customer acquisition, satisfaction and loyalty worries as well as enhance their revenue drive. On cost control, she noted that modernized cost control process driven by Information Technology efficiency would see an increase in productivity, saying all of these would be aided by data governance, risk mitigation as well as adequate compliance. “Better and faster business decisions depend on getting data in the right place by effectively moving data between systems. This must be done at the right time by supporting all data delivery latencies

and architectures. This data must also be in the right form and should be available to the right people,” she said. Explaing further, Van Zyl said: “That is why SAS Institute in partnership with Resourcery here in Nigeria is determined to change the data management equation from 80 per cent spent on problem solving preparation and only 20 per cent spent on solving the problem to 20 per cent spent on problem solving preparation and 80 per cent spent on actually solving the problem. With SAS data management solutions, the Nigerian financial sector would see a significant reduction in fraud related case.”

Info Tech

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box Lagos cuts telecoms RoW Glo begins Season 4 of Text4millions promo charges by 85% N KUNLE A ZEEZ

agos State Government has reduced charges imposed on telecoms companies for granting Right of Way, RoW, for them to lay their telecoms cables and installations in the state by close to 85 per cent. This was disclosed by the State’s Commissioner of Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje during telecoms’ stakeholders’ meeting held with the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola in Lagos recently. The meeting was held to deliberate on issues of fees and taxes paid by the operators to the state government; restrictions on the rollout of base stations and fibre networks, the decommissioning of sites, among others. Addressing the meeting with was attended by the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; members of

the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria and other Lagos cabinet members, Mabadeje said the state’s decision was to fast-track deployment of telecoms infrastructures in view of their expected huge impact on the state’s economy. According to Mabadeje, the State is set “to reduce taxes and levies in Lagos by over 40 per cent and Right of Way Fees were reduced from N3, 000 to N500, per linear metre, a reduction of over 85 per cent.” Earlier, Fashola stated that the decision to reduce the RoW charges and other levies would hold sway was if the operators agreed to use approved and qualified contractors who would ensure the integrity of the road after the fibre had been installed in the event that there was no fibre duct on the road. “‘We need you to roll out probably more than you need it but we do not need it at the expense of

our roads, or lives of the people. Infrastructure must be built to very high standards, for example, masts must be built with galvanised steel and not hollow pipes to prevent them from collapsing. “You may find that sites that may have been decommissioned by Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit probably did not meet these standards or had not paid up their levies, when badly built sites collapse, it is we, who are left to pick up the pieces,” he said. ATCON members, while agreeing that there should be a standardised approach for excavating roads where no ducts existed, confirmed that there were no telecoms masts in the state constructed with hollow piles. The operators also agreed to a ‘dig once’ policy, whereby the first operator to dig the road for fibre installation would install a duct with spare capacity for other operators to use when they wanted to install fibre instead of digging up the road again.

L-R: Group Head, e-Channel, Skye Bank Plc., Mr. Chuks Iku; Managing Director, African Operations, Inlaks Computers, Mr. Femi Adeoti; Group Head, e-Business, Keystone Bank, Ms Uchenna Okondu; Head, e-Business, First Bank Plc.; Mr. Chuma Ezirim and Assistant General Manager, e-Business, Union Bank Plc, Ms Christian Atanbasi during an e-business conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom recently.

Slot urges FG to tackle inferior IT importation KUNLE A ZEEZ

lot System, a leading retail outlet for mobile phones devices and other Information Technology, has urged the Federal Government to discourage the importatyion of sub-standard and used Information technology devices, especially mobile phones that do not have economic value for the country. Managing Director of the company, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo, made the call during the opening of the company’s 12th store in Ikorodu in Lagos. Ezeigbo also cautioned Nigerians to stop patronising sub-standard phones, saying such devices

do not offer value for users, saying the opening of the store was in line with the company’s to sell and deliver genuine products at the doorstep of its teeming customers. “The store we are commissioning in Ikorodu today is a dream come true and it is in line with our plans to bring our service to the doorstep of our customers,” he said. He stated that the new retail shop at Ikorodu was strategic regarding its location at the centre of the town with the people in mind. Noting that the store is 35th in the country, Ezeigbo noted that there were also plans underway to open more outlets in the second quarter of next year, saying in the

long run, such efforts would help in contributing to the Gross Domestic Product of the economy. He said: “Slot is about quality devices. Though we are playing in the local market, our products are of international standard and our customers understand this.” Ezeigbo further added that as part of conforming to the quality standards, Slot does not sell a phone that is not type-approved by the industry regulator. “At Slot, we quite recognise that times are very hard and that is one of the reasons why we insist on selling only phones that are type-approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission. At Slot, we talk and sell quality devices.

igeria’s indigenous telecoms service provider, Globacom, has launched the fourth season of its popular Glo “text4millions” promo. The teelcoms firm said the Season 4 of the promo launched on Monday will create another opportunity for its over 25 million subscribers to win prizes and become instant millionaires. Aimed at rewarding customer loyalty while economically transforming the lives of subscribers on the Glo network, the promo offers prizes of N50,000 each to 10 winners daily, a prize of N5 million weekly to a lucky subscriber and a grand prize of 15 million at the end of the promo. Speaking about the promo, Globacom’s Marketing Coordinator, Mr. Adeniyi Olukoya, said that Glo has a history of rewarding its subscribers with cash prizes and celebrating them.

“Season 4 of the Glo “text4millions” promo will, therefore, continue in that tradition by giving out huge rewards to loyal subscribers who choose to participate in the promo”, he said. He stated that Globacom will continue to treat its customers as “kings” by offering them the best products and services; the most competitive tariffs and by rewarding them from time to time. “In this promo, we hope to touch the lives of our subscribers and get our target base excited and empowered as over N200 million in cash prizes will be won by subscribers”, he said. Olukoya explained that the promo is targeted at current prepaid subscribers on the Glo network as well as those on other networks who are free to port into the Glo network and “unlock their riches” on the network that rewards.

Ericsson powers MTN mobile money service

lobal Information and Communication Technology firm, Ericsson said MTN Rwanda has deployed its Converged Wallet m-commerce solution. The launch brings easy-to-use, next-generation mobile financial services to MTN Rwanda’s subscribers, including mobile phone users that do not have access to traditional banking services. Ericsson is providing the operator with a flexible, reliable and efficient m-commerce solution that includes Ericsson Converged Wallet, systems integration and operational support. According to the Chief Commercial Officer, MTN Group, Mr. Pieter Verkade, “Optimising the mobile money experience directly impacts consumer stickiness and with Ericsson Converged Wallet,

we can now respond rapidly to requirements from consumers and merchants and provide reliable services. Paying your bill or sending money to family and friends has never been easier.” Ericsson Converged Wallet enables MTN Rwanda to quickly introduce relevant, new and differentiated mobile wallet end-user services to its mobile money customers. With Ericsson Converged Wallet, MTN can seamlessly launch new offers and bundles that integrate telecom prepaid services with mobile money services. “Ericsson Converged Wallet helps MTN Rwanda offer the convenience of m-wallet financial services across its entire subscriber base,” said Bjorn Engstrom, Head of M-commerce, Ericsson.

Telco chair fired over $1m Huawei bribery scandal

he Chairman of the Belgian Telecom Operator, Belgacom, Mr. Michel Moll, has been relieved of his post following a $1million he allegedly collected from Chinese equipment maker, Huawei, according to online reports. Belgacom, which is considered one of Europe’s best- run telecoms company, is 53 per cent owned by the Belgium government. Moll is being succeeded by Stefaan De Clerck, who has served as Chairman of Christian and Flemish Party and held a seat at the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. Belgian media reported that Moll received a total of 954,000 euros from Huawei between 2010 and 2012. This was done through monthly payments of 26,500 euros to his

company 2MConcept for a consultancy services Moll began shortly after the end of 2009. Belgacom signed a contract with Huawei for hundreds of millions of euros for the maintenance of the network and the upgrade to 3G at the expense of Nokia Siemens Networks, Belgacom old partner. Reports say Huawei had responded that the payments were made in respect of consultancy services for market knowledge about Africa and not related to Europe or Belgium, and that there was no conflict of interest. Moll has been a director of Belgacom since 1994. Only recently, the United States House of Representatives and the Belgium Security of State are said to have alleged that that Huawei engaged in espionage activities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

There is growing competition in the Nigeria whisky market. In an effort to outwit one another, leading whisky brands are deploying global brand ambassadors to increase awareness in a market growing to the tune of N16, 660million in 2014. With the recent visit of Formula One legend Mika Häkkinen to Nigerian, a global responsible drinking ambassador for Jonny Walker, the market is set to further increase its 8.1 hectolitres presently being drank, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Whisky brands intensify market awareness with global ambassadors

arading the best quality of whiskies such as Jonny Walker, McDowell, Bisquit, Bagpiper, Ballantine, to mention a few, Nigeria is becoming a new market frontier for whisky brands from global liquor makers. With the current marketing campaigns on billboards, TV and other point of exposures, the competition is becoming fiercer as the market demands begin to enlarge. According to Euromonitor report, there will be consuming 8.1liters valued at N16, 660million by end of 2014. In an attempt to stay ahead of competition, Diageo group last week increase its drive to entrench the brand essence of its premium luxury Scotch whisky, Jonny Walker. The brand’s campaign was stepped up last week with the hosting of the Formula One legend, Mika Häkkinen in Lagos to bond with the Nigerian consumers. The campaign titled, Step Up to the VIP Lifestyle, was showcased to selected audience who had the opportunity for a Drive of a Life-

Whisky

time Experience with Mika in the Caparo Supercar, at an exhibition drive held at The Palms Mall, Lekki. Häkkinen, Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador for Jonny Walker was chosen to help the brand drive its message on the Don’t Drink and Drive message against the

backdrop of several accidents on the road traceable to irresponsible driving by drivers. General Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Mr. Felix Enwemadu said, “As a company, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting responsible drinking.

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING IS A CAUSE THAT I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH JOHNNIE WALKER FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS TO DELIVER THIS MESSAGE AROUND THE WORLD

40% marketers stretch payment terms –Survey ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI WITH AGENCY REPORT

t least four in 10 marketers lengthened payment terms for some marketing services in the past year, according to a report by the United States Association of National Advertisers. In all, 43 per cent of the 98 marketer respondents in the survey extended at least some payment terms for marketing services and media suppliers in the past year, though 17 per cent had actually shortened terms in some cases. Across-the-board shifts are still relatively rare, as 90 per cent said they made no changes in payments for at least some of their services during the year ended April 30, 2013. Though the ANA represents marketers, the group warned of risks in extending payment terms. Its survey responses noted strained relationships with suppliers, higher prices and reduced supplier choice among reasons some marketers have actually backtracked and shortened payment terms in the past year. Extending terms puts the livelihoods of smaller agencies, production and editorial companies and media outlets in jeopardy, the ANA said. The report cited a policy

statement from the Association of Independent Creative Editors that said extended payment terms “could cripple many post-production companies” and “put them out of business.” “Client-side marketers need to consider what is fair and how they would want to be treated,” the ANA report said. “If the payment terms they are suggesting to their suppliers would not be acceptable to them as suppliers, a re-think might be in order.” In a prepared statement, ANA CEO Bob Liodice said: “While the ANA does not recommend any specific term or practice, we do advocate better collaboration that advances the quality of the marketer/supplier relationship and the products and services delivered.” The agency-payments issue came into focus earlier this year when the world’s biggest buyer or agency services and media, Procter & Gamble Co., said it would seek to extend payment terms from 30 to 75 days in new contracts with agencies. (P&G said it would also seek to set up receivables financing for suppliers through a third party.) J&J had previously lengthened terms to as long as 75 days, and Mondelez recently followed a years-earlier move by AnheuserBusch InBev to extend payment terms as

long as 125 days. As of last year, the average payment term reported by ANA members in the survey was 40 to 45 days for marketing services, similar to the 43 days for vendors of all sorts. Overall, 10% to 20% of respondents said they pay in 60 to 89 days, depending on the type of services, with production costs least likely to be stretched that long, and none reported taking longer than 89 days. Marketers are most likely to have lengthened payment schedules for agencies, research firms and digital media in the past year, while payments for production, talent and agency out-of-pocket costs were least likely to have been extended and most likely to have seen terms shortened. Finance and procurement departments are most responsible for driving the changes, survey respondents said. Marketers with procurement departments were almost twice as likely to have extended payment terms (54 per cent) as those without procurement departments (28%) in the past year. While 38 per cent of respondents with procurement departments said they’re very likely to change payment terms in the next year, only nine percent of marketers without procurement departments said so.

We are also using this platform to drive our goal of gathering one million global commitments to never drink and drive via the social media on #imnotdriving. It is a global campaign that demonstrates our commitment to encourage responsible drinking and set world-class standards in responsible marketing.” Beyond the message against reckless driving and motor accident often traceable to irresponsible drinking, Enwemadu said the event was meant to also showcase the luxurious lifestyle the Johnnie Walker brand is known for around the world. “Having Mika Häkkinen a two – time Formula One champion and Johnnie Walker Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador in Nigeria, demonstrates the extent we have gone to provide a VIP experience for the consumers of our luxury brand.” Häkkinen also added, “Responsible drinking is a cause that I am very passionate about, and I have been working with Johnnie Walker for the past seven years to deliver this message around the world. I am delighted to be in Nigeria to spread the same campaign of never drink and drive”. While the brand also parade other award winning rap artiste Wale, D’banj and Banky W at an A-list after party hosted by Johnnie Walker, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu, said Johnnie Walker would continue to celebrate the discerning and contemporary consumers who appreciates the luxury brand. “As we celebrate our consumers with the Johnnie Walker Step Up to the VIP lifestyle campaign, we encourage everyone to Join the pact in the Johnnie Walker global campaign to gather one million commitments globally to never drink and drive while also encouraging them to always drink responsibly”, he added. Johnnie Walker is the number one spirits brand in the world by value, with sales worth $5.8bn (£3.6bn). Other brands have also stepped up efforts to compete with Jonny Walker brand. Mcdowell’s has been in Nigeria market for quite some time and has enjoyed optimal shelf presence at several relaxation spots across the nation with little or no brand communications activities. As part of efforts to position the brand as the No 1 choice of whisky in Nigeria,the brand launched a communication theme tagged: The No 1 Spirit of Friendship. Also, the Global brand ambassador for Bisquit Cognac, Loïc Rakotomalala, was in Nigeria last week for the first time to support marketing of the spirit drink in the country. He said, “Following Nigerian launch in 2012, the House of Bisquit is increasing its marketing activity to entrench brand presence in Nigeria and to also avail customers an experience with their favorite cognac. According to him, the brand has been in Nigeria for a long time working with local distributor on a variety of brands and segments. “Being here we have realized over the last few years the growth of Cognac. It is growing at over 10 per cent,” he said.

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 5, 2013

ADVAN President tasks local furniture brand to maintain standard STORIES: ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

n its determination to offer Nigerians interior design that is unique and at par with international standard, Universal Furniture, a Lagos based furniture homemaker, has opened a new showroom in Lagos. With the growing competition and standard attained by the furniture brands, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN/President Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, who was at the launching expressed delight at the uniqueness of the product, stating that the mere fact the collection displayed were produced by Nigerians is an attestation to the nation’s numerous talents . He noted that he was amazed by the quality of the design while urging the company to

go extra mile in introducing new innovations into their offerings with a view to outshine competitors. He added that it was indeed welcoming that most foreign investors are now beginning to place much value on human capacity in the country where they operate. He praised the management team for taking the bold step to engage Nigerians in the production of both office and home furniture, saying the decision has proved to be worthwhile. According to him, the era of depending solely on international design will soon become a thing of the past. He is of the view that with the quality of the design, patronage for locally produced office and home furniture will begin to rise. Oyeyemi further revealed that the trainings and contest recently organised by the company, which are targeted at rec-

ognizing local talents, would not only provide a boost to the Nigerian market but also serve as foreign exchange earnings for the country. One of those who witnessed the opening, Miss Shobayo Olamide described the offerings as unique and superb. She said “I think this new collection is something more unique in its quality than aesthetics. The design is superb and should be able to stand any product in any market. I must commend the team for believing in the Nigerian spirit. At least, we can see that Nigerians can actually deliver the best when given the chance”. The Chairman of the Group, Mr. Antoine Moudaber emphasized the commitment of the organisation to ensure the delivery of quality products that would meet the yearning of consumers.

L-R: Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Thabo Mabe; Deputy Director, Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi and Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. David Okeme during the relaunch of Unilever Knorr Chicken and Beef Cubes held at Eko Hotels, Lagos recently.

Panasonic targets huge share in home appliances market

he competition in the electronics and service industries is becoming fiercer. To gain the market and remains at the top of the ladder has continued to drive players to invest in research and development in other to offer the market an attractive value. To remain a top-of-the-mind brand across all market segments, Panasonic, Japan’s electronics giant, has introduced latest range of products into the Nigerian market at its 2013 dealers’ convention. The products include airconditioners with automatic voltage system switcher system. The introduction of the product is in a bid to bridge energy gap and meet the demand of its con-

sumers. The managing director of Panasonic Marketing, Middle East and Africa, Masao Motoki, said at the convention, “The new range of room air-conditioners with AVS system is to protect component such as compressor from severe voltage fluctuation in Nigeria.” Motoki, who said Panasonic’s Africa marketing strategy is to understand the choice of the consumer, further said the airconditioner will also help a great deal in tackling the country’s key challenge of air purification and energy related concerns. It also unveiled a new app to provide Panasonic Viera TV users with catalogue of 5,000 Nollywood movies. This is in partnership with Iroko TV. “The irokotv

has been dubbed as the ‘Neflix of Africa’ as it is one of first VOD platforms for the continent,” he said. At the event, Panasonic released its pro-style shouldermount full-HD camcorder HCMDH2 into the Nigerian market. Equipped with the ‘simultaneous recording’ function, the camcorder allows recording on dual memory devices simultaneously. With the simultaneous recording function, the captured video can be recorded in dual memory devices at the same time, which means that even if a problem happens in one device while shooting, the video images are always backed up in the other device and this ensures high dependability.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MTN re-awarded ISO 9001 certification for quality standards KUNLE AZEEZ

igeria’s leading telecoms company, MTN, has been re-awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification it first earned in 2010 for upholding the highest quality standards in the management of its network. The ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for an organisation’s internal quality management. It is maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and awarded in Nigeria by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Companies are subject to rigorous screening to assess the various processes set up internally to ensure the delivery of the best service or product to customers, prior to certification.

The first ISO certification was awarded to MTN in 2010, with a 3-year validity. It was renewed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria upon confirmation that MTN has performed excellently during the post certification surveillance audits of the quality management system of the company. Speaking on the development, Chief Technical Officer, MTN, Ms Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said, “We are extremely delighted to announce that MTN Nigeria has been re-awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality system management.” She said, “Not only are we the first telecommunications operator in Nigeria to attain ISO 9001:2008 certification, we achieved another milestone by being the first to be re-awarded this certification.”

Unilever sustain market share, aims for growth with variant Knorr cubes

fter continuously sustained market share, Unilever Nigeria has unveiled announced the re-launch of its cube seasoning, Knorr with an event as a launch pad for the brands tagged, “Come Taste the Knorr Difference which hosted consumers from different market segments. According to the brand team, the Knorr seasoning in Nigeria was reformulated to deliver superiority on taste, as it is a winning concept with a compelling insight and proposition for its consumers to buy into. The brand has also been repackaged hence reinforcing its key re-enforces these benefits especially with its flavour. With no price increase, the brand handlers said, “the Knorr beef is now 3x Meatier, both vari-

ants have an exceptional new packaging with an appetite appeal through the food visual on the pack and they are easier to crumble. It also scored best on Overall Opinion, Overall Taste and Overall Appearance during its testing phase in Nigeria.” The Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria plc, Mr David Okeme, stated that “the new seasoning is nothing like ever seen before in the Nigerian market and it would blow away the minds of consumers.” Also, the Category Manager, Savoury, Mrs. Bolanle KehindeLawal urged consumers and lovers of the brand to try out the new improved Knorr cubes especially as the festive season which is fast approaching is a time to prepare great meals and celebrate with loved ones.

Sunlight detergent thrills consumer’s nationwide

n appreciation of the loyalty of consumers over the years, Sunlight detergent brand from the stable of Unilever Nigeria PLC commences a national consumer engagement imitative with bubble man rewarding consumers across the country. While the sunlight Bubble man will be visiting various neighbourhoods, the sunlight detergent brand is celebrating consumer for years of loyalty in various market and neighbourhood across the country with gifts. Aside rewarding consumers, Sunlight detergent has a long lasting fragrance that last longer even after the washing of the cloths. Its great fragrance gives a long lasting fragrance, thus making cloths smell fresh and clean says the brand Building Director David Okeme.

The national activation and consumer engagement initiative of Sunlight detergent which started in November will run through January 2014 in the spirit of the season of celebration, thus the bubble man’s visit to various part of the country will also be supported by a special fun squad called the flash mob that will seek to excite the consumers across the country on the brand’s fragrance. From Lagos, in the south west through Abuja in the North and Port Harcourt in the South South of the country, Sunlight detergent will be thrilling consumers with rewards and fragrance experience. In a recent development, the bubble man was spotted at the cocoa mall in Ibadan with the flash mob crew entertaining the consumers in a prolific dance drama in the mall.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Multichoice woos more subscribers, slashes decoder price

ultichoice, the South African company that operates the DStv Satellite Television Service, has slashed the prices of the DStv decoder from N27,000 to N15,500 in an ongoing promo. The promotion will run from November to December 31, 2013. It is expected that the promo will help many prospective subscribers of DStv buy the decoders and get access to all DStv benefits. Within the promo period, there might be rush in the sales and purchase of DStv decoder due to the cut in price and in preparation for the World Cup in Brazil by football enthusiasts. In addition to this, Multi-

choice plans to take 60 people to the World Cup in all expenses paid trip. Of the number, 40 winners will be subscribers and 20 will be the staff of Multichoice and members of the press. The more subscribers recharge, the greater the opportunity to qualify for the draw. At a media parley, Martin Mamutu, head of marketing and sales, Multichoice Nigeria said two questions they always ask themselves in the organisation to enable them get ahead of their competitors are, ‘What do people spend their money on if they are not spending it on Dstv?’ and ‘What options do the consumers have in DStv compared to that of their competitors?’

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

“We have met with dealers and subscribers and we are encouraged on how Nigerians have responded to the promo so far. We promise that the quality service we have always delivered will not be reduced,” he added. He said DStv explorer will be launched very soon, where subscribers can record 220 hours of content and a box office will soon be made available, to enable subscribers watch the latest movie for 24hours without pirating. He also stated that in a bid to continue in their social responsibilities for the society, Multichoice has continued to install resource centres in underprivileged societies.

L-R: Marketing and Innovation, Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Austin Ufomba; International Rap Artiste, Wale; Managing Director/Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; Johnnie Walker Global Ambassador for Responsible Drinking, Mika Hakkinen; and General Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Mr. Felix Enwemadu at the launch of the Step Up to the VIP Lifestlye and Responsible Drinking campaign at Oriental Hotels, Lagos recently

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

Africa’s brand challenges

frica’s economy is on the rise – but the question on everyone’s mind is, ‘is this sustainable? Is the continent a good place to pursue the development of sustainable and viable brands? Can there be true brand development in the midst of chaos and socio-political upheavals? These are the typical questions confronting brand owners interested in Africa. The African market is dynamic and evolving, with many global brands represented, and a home grown market for locally manufactured products. Yet Africa remains a very diverse continent on many scores. While growth is exploding throughout its various regions, nurturing a brand in Africa can be very challenging because of its many market dynamics. Africa’s main challenges lie in its enormous size and diversity. A thorough understanding of local cultures, beliefs, customs, economics and practices is required to be successful, relevant and profitable. In Nigeria, for a brand to succeed it would need to appeal and have relevance across over 250 ethnic groups. What works in one town could be taboo in another. Companies and practitioners that have followed globalised assumptions and methods have failed to make an impact. One key factor for success is having marketing operations headed by locals who understand and

connect with what consumers value. For African brands to break through, they must be underpinned by local insights that motivate African consumers while delivering on a global standard. They must also effectively communicate and build their brand through advertising that resonates. Studies by research company Millward Brown have shown that marketing communication must meet some basic criteria for success. Global ads without local appeal tended to score low across the socio-economic spectrum. Nigerians tend to prefer advertising that is engaging and active, with catchy tunes and music. Local celebrities, national pride, humour and family involvement also score well. Adversely, fantasy, unrealistic events, complex story lines and violence do not score well. The route to market presents the greatest obstacle that companies must overcome to build a successful brand in any African market. Given that more than 60 percent of people in Africa live in rural areas and have limited access to transportation, simply covering ‘the last mile’ to reach the final consumer can be extremely costly and difficult for marketers. To be successful, companies must build strong sales and distribution networks by leveraging a mix of third party, wholesale and direct-distribution models.

Ogun State brand and its homeowners’ charter

wrote some time ago about some states’ logo creation and new Corporate Identity unveiling as some states adopted new symbols to depict what the states’ brands stand for. While the branding campaigns are visible, the provision of tangible offerings is non-existent. What I have observed with the Ogun State brand is that it brand exemplifies the values of dynamism and vibrancy to facilitate positive a brand image. “Omo Ogun ise ya” is a call up to action for Ogun indigenes to stimulate their interest and drive home the message of development in all facets. This is indeed a thematic song that resonates among Ogun State citizens. It is a brand slogan that commands huge attention in the state.

For Ogun state, the single minded proposition for the state is “Mission to rebuild”. This predicated on the strategic goal that the state needs to engage in proper repositioning and reengineering efforts to retain its glory. Mission to rebuild has been a potent brand slogan for the Amosun led government to transform the state to occupy its premium place as the Gateway State. One of the laudable platforms that the Ogun State brand intends to showcase is its enormous endowments through the Homeowners’ Charter Programme. The programme is aimed at touching base with the Ogun State people especially those within some identified communities to regularize the

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com legal status of their properties. This is a tangible offering of a government that wants to provide exceptional service delivery to its people. A unique feature of the programme is that it provides enumeration data for the medium term planning of roads, schools, hospitals and other essential services. The strategic initiative behind the charter is one that will not only meet the expectations of the en-

tire citizenry but also surpass it. One notable attribute of Governor Ibikunle Amosun is that he is poised to further elevate the status of the state. He has embarked on several laudable projects to rebuild the image of the Ogun State brand. The Homeowners’ Charter programme is a potent platform to provide window of opportunities for the people to regularize property documentation while

also gaining significantly from the generous incentives offered by the government. Like any brand that intends to meet the expectations and yearnings of the target audience, Ogun State as a brand is providing generous benefit from the Homeowners’ Charter programme. The long term strategy of the charter is geared towards urban renewal. The Homeowners’ Charter programme is packaged in a way to enable the people have key milestones of reference in owning properties in Ogun State. A significant edge of the programme is that it enables the people enhance the status of their properties. This is one compelling platform that will influence the attitudinal and lifestyle disposition of the people.

Global Business

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Schneider Electric invites African students to global business challenge

nergy management specialist Schneider Electric is inviting African students to take part in its 2014 global business challenge, ‘Go

Green in the City’ which would focus on innovative energy solutions around the world. A total of 217 African students, representing 21 countries,

have already signed up for the upcoming edition. These students primarily come from Nigeria (83 applications), Algeria (29 applications),

Morocco (23 applications), Ghana (18 applications), South Africa (17 applications), and Egypt (12 applications). “The young generation in Africa is increasingly aware of the mounting electricity and energy needs which go hand in hand with social progress and environmental protection,” said Mohammed Saad, President of Schneider Electric in Africa. Saad added: “The challenge lies not only in producing more electricity, but also in generating smart energy so as to enable intelligent growth in Africa.” He said the project would consolidate Schneider’s reputation

as a leader in green energies. By February next year, 100 best students would have been short-listed and have one month to work with a mentor from Schneider Electric to present a synopsis and video outlining their business case. The top 12 teams will then be invited to Paris in June 2014 to take part in the final. The winning team will travel to various Schneider Electric sites across the world and meet with staff and management from the Group. They will also be offered a permanent position within the Group.

U.S. plans new bank fraud cases in early 2014 –Attorney General

T U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder speaks on stage during the annual meeting of the American Bar Association in San Francisco, California, recently.

Japan aims to boost economy with $181 billion stimulus package ahead of sales-tax hike

apan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Makiko Yamada, deputy director general for IT strategy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, leave the ceremony after he appointed her as secretary to the prime minister at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo on Nov. 29, 2013. Japan’s government is planning to launch an 18.6 trillion yen ($181 billion) economic package this week, in its latest attempt to drive economic recovery, ahead of a planned sales-tax hike in April.

The measure is the latest in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s stimulus offensive to generate growth and pull the nation’s economy from a two-decade long deflation. His measures, combined with an unprecedented adoption of loose monetary policy by the Bank of Japan, have led to a steep depreciation of the local currency, spurred exports, and helped the world’s third-largest economy grow in recent quarters. The primary measures, due to be announced on Thursday, include 5.5 trillion yen in fiscal

spending and will offset the impact the national sales-tax hike is expected to have on consumer spending, Reuters reported, citing sources. The headline value of the new measure makes it the second-largest stimulus measure announced by Abe after a 20-trillion-yen package announced earlier this year. However, this typically includes amounts that the government has already spent, and economists point out that fresh spending could be much lower than the headline figure.

he U.S. Justice Department plans to bring civil mortgage fraud cases against several financial institutions early in 2014, using as a template the case that ended last month in JPMorgan Chase & Co’s (JPM.N) $13 billion settlement, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday. In an interview with Reuters, Holder would not say which companies or how many could face lawsuits but said the Justice Department was in contact with them and it was hard to say whether the talks would lead to settlements. “We have a number of investigations that are coming to a head at the same time,” he said. “It is my hope that the next round of these cases will be filed soon after the new year.” JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank, agreed last month to pay

$13 billion to end a series of government investigations into its marketing and sale of mortgagebacked securities. The settlement had four elements that were important to the government, Holder said: the resolution of civil fraud allegations, the ability of prosecutors to pursue criminal charges if warranted, a statement of facts describing the bank’s conduct and help for consumers hurt in the financial crisis. “Those four things I think comprise what we think of as a template for the resolution of these other matters as they’re brought,” he said. Holder said it was difficult to predict how new cases will “ultimately be resolved, at least at this point - whether there will be a resolution or whether we will actually be filing something in the absence of a resolution.”

EU executive document says transaction tax plan legal

he proposed tax on financial transactions in 11 European Union countries complies with EU and international laws, the bloc’s executive said, hoping to revive the flagging project. The tax on stock, bond and derivatives trades has been proposed as a way of raising about 35 billion euros a year from banks starting in 2014 to claw back the taxpayer aid they received in the financial crisis. A legal opinion for member states in September said a core element of the tax was illegal because of the way it impinged on countries like Britain that won’t take part and threatening to derail the project in its current form. This legal opinion and pending elections in Germany, one of the tax’s biggest backers, had led to drift. The European Commission’s own legal advisors dismissed the

member state legal opinion in a 20-page analysis seen by Reuters on Wednesday. “Based on the above analysis the Commission’s services come to the conclusion that ... the proposed FTT directive is in conformity both with customary international law and EU primary law,” the document says. Now that the Commission’s legal advisors have rebutted challenges to the proposal’s legality, representatives from the 11 countries are due to meet next week to see how a redrafted proposal can be pushed forward. Britain, outside the 11 taking part, is the biggest securities trading center in the EU and is challenging the proposal in the bloc’s highest court. The document says the proposal does not lead to any “inadmissible” effects in countries outside the 11 taking part. “What the Council Legal Ser-

vices perceives as discrimination is in reality nothing but a disparity between different national tax regimes,” the document adds. “The provision has no impact on the freedom of non-participating member states to exercise their own tax competence in whatever manner they see fit.” Britain and 15 other EU countries have refused to support the financial transaction tax (FTT) which has been backed by Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia. The 11 countries taking part met last week when France sought to water down the proposal and bring it in line with the more limited “stamp duty” type of tax it has introduced. The agenda for last week’s meeting, seen by Reuters, also showed that the 11 countries were considering a “step by step” approach to introducing the tax

German Chancellor, Anjela Merkel

rather than a “big bang” start. Due to worries over the possible impact on bond markets, several “carve outs” or exemptions are also being mulled for “public”

bonds and some derivatives, the agenda showed. Non-financial firms could also be shielded with other changes to stop pension funds being hit.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Index gains 0.09% in bullish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities closed on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as investors took position on some stocks. The All Share Index rose 0.09 per cent to close at 38,990.20 points, as against the decline of 0.23 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 38,955.42 points. Market capitalisation gained N12bn to close at N12.471trn, in contrast to the decrease of N29bn recorded the preceding day to

close at N12.459trn. The NSE 30-Index appreciated 0/05 per cent to close at 1,801.44 points, while the Banking Index dropped 0.57 per cent to close at 409.13 points. The Insurance Index was up 0.80 per cent to close at 145.42 points, while the Consumer Goods Index added 0.16 per cent to close at 1,112.43 points. The Oil and Gas Index increased 1.09 per cent to close at 303.37 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index gained 0.28 per cent to close at 2,742.24 points. The Industrial Index

rose 0.15 per cent to close at 2,283.48 points, while the Alternative Securities Market remained flat. Livestock Plc led the gainers’ table with 43 kobo or 10.02 per cent to close at N4.72 per share, followed by Costain West Africa Plc with 10 kobo or 9.01 per cent to close at N1.21 per share. Transcorp Plc appreciated 32 kobo or 7.80 per cent to close at N4.42 per share, while Presco Plc added N1.82 or 4.98 per cent to close at N38.37 per share. UTC Plc gained three kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at 64 kobo per share.

Conversely, E Tranzact Plc lost 14 kobo or 4.70 per cent to close at N2.84 per share, while Prestige Insurance Plc declined three kobo or 4.48 per cent to close at 64 kobo per share. Ikeja Hotel Plc shed three kobo or four per cent to close at 72 kobo per share, while Sterling Bank Plc dropped seven kobo or 2.98 per cent to close at N2.28 per share. Jos Breweries Plc fell 13 kobo or 2.75 per cent to close at N4.60 per share. A total of 671.6 million shares valued at N6.133bn were traded in 5,716 deals.

Source: NSE

Kenya, Nigeria markets luring IPOs after rally JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

frican bourses from Ivory Coast to Kenya are forecasting an increase in share sales in 2014 as a rally in stock markets helps end a drought of initial public offerings. The Abidjan-based Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres, which trades securities from eight West African nations, is set for its first new listings since 2010 with two Senegalese companies, Chairman Gabriel Fal told Bloomberg yesterday.

The Stock of Exchange of Mauritius may see 15 offerings in 2014, while the Nairobi Securities Exchange is predicting five, the heads of the bourses said in separate interviews. “We have been through a very severe crisis since 2008, especially in the exchange industry,” Fal said. “It’s important that we get new companies, new names.” The main indexes of Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana are among the world’s 10 best performers this year, with investors seeking higher returns as the Fed-

eral Reserve’s monetary stimulus program pushed buyers into emerging markets seen as riskier. Kenya’s all-share gauge led the African rally, adding 47 per cent this year to be the world’s fifth-best performer. Trading volumes on the Mauritian Semdex index will probably jump 30 per cent next year after the Port Louis-based bourse introduced lower trading fees last month, Chief Executive Officer Sunil Benimadhu said in interview at African Securities Exchanges Association conference.

In Kenya, three companies may list on the main bourse, while two others will probably join the Growth and Enterprise Market Segment trading board, set up this year, said CEO Peter Mwangi at the event. The Federal Government OF Nigeria recently said it would sell its shares in privatised firms through Initial Public Offering. The Director-General, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, said the plan is part of the government’s efforts to grow and increase the depth of the capital market.

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 38,990.20 points Market capitalisation 12.50 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

LIVESTOCK

4.29

4.72

0.43

10.02

COSTAIN

1.11

1.21

0.10

9.01

TRANSCORP

4.10

4.42

0.32

7.80

PRESCO

36.55

38.37

1.82

4.98

UTC

0.61

0.64

0.03

4.92

AFRIPRUD

2.13

2.23

0.10

4.69

RTBRISCOE

1.28

1.34

0.06

4.69

TRANSEXPR

1.15

1.20

0.05

4.35

FIDSON

2.19

2.28

0.09

4.11

OANDO

15.21

15.83

0.62

4.08

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

US bond-buying stimulus slide global shares

orld shares fell for a third day on Wednesday and gold dropped to a fivemonth low, as focus returned to whether the United States Federal Reserve will start to wind down its bond-buying stimulus as soon as this month or next. The to-and-fro of when the Fed will begin to halt the flow of cheap dollars has dominated trading worldwide for months. A run of data ending in the main US jobs indicator non-farm payrolls - on Friday may yet tip the balance again. Polls of analysts and traders still point firmly to the US central bank holding fire until next March but some stronger data has reheated speculation it could move earlier. That prompted investors to cash in gains from recent rallies, and despite a steadier morning, Europe-

an stocks finance/markets/ index were on the slide again as the Wall Street open neared, after suffering their biggest tumble since August on Tuesday. A better-than-expected ADP jobs report, which showed US private employers added a chunky 215,000 jobs in November, bolstered the feeling that payrolls on Friday may be strong. But Johan Jooste, head of fund manager Julius Baer’s London investment office said it wasn’t necessarily the start of the Fed’s withdrawal that would drive the market’s reaction. “The whole market has been focused on when tapering will start, but what I would ask (incoming Fed chief) Janet Yellen is when does she perceive it ending. “If the Fed starts in Jan or March I’m not so sure that’s necessarily the big deal, but it’s a bigger deal if it ends it quickly,” Jooste

added. The worry is that the reduction in Fed support will be like a stab with a pin for recently inflated asset prices. A sharp 2.2 per cent fall for the Nikkei in Tokyo as it recoiled from a six-year high had led Asia lower overnight, and with Europe buckling again MSCI’s world share index extended its losses for the day to 0.5 per cent. Wall Street had been expected to open slightly higher after Tuesday’s falls but the robust data helped cement a turnaround in futures prices, with the Dow Jones industrial average, the S&P 500 Index now expected to dip again. In the FX market, the dollar remained lower against the yen and a basket of currencies but as the data pushed benchmark US Treasury yields back above 2.8 per cent, upwards

pressure was starting to be felt. Ahead of the European Central Bank’s meeting on Thursday, mixed euro zone PMI data reinforced the differing fortunes of its main economies, though having only cut rates last month additional measures from the bank look unlikely for now. Britain is currently one of Europe’s best performing economies, but high-flying sterling saw its wings clipped as growth in the dominant service sector slowed a little last month, breaking a run of upside data surprises. The specter of cuts in the Fed’s bond-buying continued to cast a shadow over emerging market shares and currencies. They were among the hardest-hit when Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke first floated the prospect of tapering back in May.

% CHANGE

OPENING

CLOSING

ETRANZACT

2.98

2.84

-0.14

-4.70

PRESTIGE

0.67

0.64

-0.03

-4.48

IKEJAHOTEL

0.75

0.72

-0.03

-4.00

STERLNBANK

2.35

2.28

-0.07

-2.98

JOSBREW

4.73

4.60

-0.13

-2.75

FIDELITYBK

2.64

2.58

-0.06

-2.27

CADBURY

62.85

61.49

-1.36

-2.16

CILEASING

0.51

0.50

-0.01

-1.96

UPL

3.71

3.64

-0.07

-1.89

GUARANTY

27.80

27.31

-0.49

-1.76

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

$400m

N/A

$399m

30-Oct-13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at December 4, 2013 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Press club honours publisher

he Kwara State Press Club Association, GDSS Okekere, Ilorin, Kwara State Chapter has honoured Abdul-Hameed Alli with the Pillar of Journalism in Kwara State Award at the 2013 Press Day celebration held recently. Alli, the Publisher of Ilorin- based NIMMA Int’l and Kwara People magazines had also been given an honorary Ambassador of LEAH by the wife of Kwara State governor and Founder, LEAH Charity Foundation Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed two years ago. Appreciating the press club for the honour, Alli recalled how he established similar club at Ansar-UdDeen High School, Falolu , Lagos State several years ago by contributing articles to Children/ Education pages of newspapers. “Then, I used to encourage students to build their talents and careers using opportunities provided by being members of the press club. So, I appreciate the honour and I hope to render more services for the humanity,” he added. On their parts, the Ilorin West Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Zulu Oloje and his vice, Hajia Aminat Aromoke commended Alli for his contributions to the development of community journalism in the state, asking him to keep the flag flying. The occasion was graced by many dignitaries, including Mrs. Biola Adimula, who is the Founder of Great Spelling Bee Competition in Kwara State; Mrs. Ahmed, Principal, GDSS Okekere Senior Section; Hajia Munia Nike, Principal, GDSS Okekere Junior Section; Mrs. Sanni Abiola, Vice Principal Special Duties and Alhaja S.T Ayuba, Vice Principal Academics, among others.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expert warns against teenage pregnancy STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

eenage pregnancy is a frightening reality that could change the lives of young people, as it could cause infertility in them when they are older owing to their exposure to unsafe abortion in their teenage. An obstetrician, Dr. Maureen Umeh, who disclosed this recently, added that unsafe abortion could result in infection as well as tubal blockage, a development which could lead to infertility. Umeh, who works with the National Hospital Abuja said: “These teenagers are faced with enormous social and medical complications; under the social aspect, you think of their education; teenage pregnancy will stop their education. “It also exposes them to a lot of risks; most of them tend to move towards abor-

tion and they will go for the illegal type thereby exposing themselves to unsafe abortion.In the unsafe abortion they are exposed to infection, they are exposed to haemorrhage, (bleeding). “They are exposed to death; there are a lot of complications; in fact you have the short term complication and long term. “In the short term, you are talking of the bleeding involved, the infection, the possibility of death and in the long term you are also talking about chronic pelvic pain; you see them being in pains all through. “You are talking about bilateral tubal blockage with its own complication: the

high rate of infertility, it is also a major cause and the high rate of ectopic pregnancy. Most of these are due to unsafe abortion following teenage pregnancy.” She said that pregnant teenagers who failed to attend ante natal clinic could be at risk of developing anaemia and giving birth prematurely to babies with intrauterine growth retardation. Umeh added that they could also be exposed to pregnancy-induced hypertension, which, if not properly managed, could lead to eclampsia and even death. She said that some of the pregnant teenage girls were often neglected by their relations and were not encouraged to attend ante-natal clinics, which could subject them to prolonged labour. Umeh explained that delayed labour of such could put pressure on the bladders, which could result in Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF).

Students of Herbert Marcualay Senior Girls School during a self discovery seminar in Lagos.

Why youths may not be attracted to agric –Dean

he Dean, Student Affairs, University of Ilorin, Prof Abayomi Omotesho has said that as long as the reward of farming remained low, slow and unattractive, youths might never be involved in the sector. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Omotesho, remarked that no amount of campaign could attract the interest of in agriculture, unless the reward system in the sector changed According to him, if the sector is appealing, nobody needs to campaign to the youths to participate, because they will be willing to make money, therefore, they will be willing to farm. He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to provide more incentives so the youths would be motivated to go into agriculture, thereby producing more food for the growing populace. Omotesho continued: “Nobody has to campaign to ask people to join politics; nobody has to campaign to ask people to become contractors or go into music; people are running to these areas because they can see the returns.

“But for agriculture, you see somebody toiling night and day and have extremely little or nothing to show; it is discouraging. “Agriculture is not a get-rich-quick thing; you must exercise a lot of patience and the quickest thing you may get is after 90 days of planting. “ If you want to earn an income from crop farming, fish farming, poultry or any aspect of agriculture, you must be willing to wait.’’ The dean noted that youths were more discouraged to go into agriculture when they see their peers in the other sectors making so much money without working hard. He maintained: “Except the reward system changes, no matter how much government tries to involve the youths in agriculture, it might not work. ``Just recently, 10 tubers of yam were sold to the consumer for N4, 000, meaning one is N400 and the seller was not the farmer. “So, I was wondering how much the seller would have bought it from the farmer, probably between N50 and N100 per one. It is from this money that the farmer

will take responsibility on his family. “Considering all the time the farmer has put into planting, the hard work, the patience of waiting from planting to harvest, I asked myself, `how many youths will be

patient enough to go through all these?’ “Most youths want a bed of roses. They are not willing to go through any farm stress when they know they can do one deal, ‘hit it’ and buy an exotic car.’’

Youths being encouraged to embraced agriculture

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Exposure to TV can stall pre-schoolers' cognitive development – Study

School children during a tour at the National Art Theatre in Lagos, recently.

Galaxy Backbone, Microsoft to empower Nigerian youths KUNLE A ZEEZ

overnment Information Technology company, Galaxy Backbone Plc, in collaboration with devices and services giant, Microsoft Nigeria, is set to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. This target would be achieved through the Employable Skills Development Internship Programme (ESDIP) of the Government Wide Messaging and Collaboration (GWMC) project based on the Microsoft platform. The ESDIP Initiative is a project targeted at providing capability development programs and training in the federal public sector for the already deployed GWMC platform, while also enhancing adoption and usage of the platform. Galaxy backbone is a government agency charged with the responsibility of providing a common information and communications technology platform for Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies As a result of the collaboration, Galaxy Backbone will enhance modernization in government via the increased adoption of the already deployed government wide messaging platform, elevate the security stature of government data, by ensuring all sensitive government communication move from public mail infrastructure to the

secured and award winning 1-gov.net and help drive skill development and contribute to employability/job creation in the country. Chief Executive Officer, Galaxy Backbone, Gerald Ilukwe, said, the GWMC is about efficiency, cost-savings, increased productivity and the effective delivery of public services to the citizenry by modernizing the way public officials communicate within government. “For Galaxy, there is a linkage with the Employable Skills Development Internship Program (ESDIP) which is a capacity building initiative that seeks to enhance the employability of participants in the marketplace. The essence is to empower public officials and the interns to be more effective and efficient in their endeavours,” he said. In view of the strategic nature of the project, Microsoft will lend its support in certain key areas including “Change Management” with a view to build capacity, drive benefits management and encourage early and rapid adoption of the solution by end users. The organisation will also partner with the Integral Assets Limited (a capabilities consulting firm) on recruitment of Interns, delivery of train the trainer sessions for Interns – WP8 &MS Outlook, on-site activation of devices and training of government officials, making GWMC the foundation to the e-government journey towards Gov3.0,

amongst others. Speaking on the partnership, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Olayinka Oni explained that “the objective of the program is to train interns to develop transferable and employable skills that will facilitate their placement in organizations. At the same time, leverage the interns to support the GWMC program through the distribution of devices and training of recipients in the use of the devices.” Through the programme, he said Microsoft will distribute over 500 windowsphones in support of the GWMC program, while Integral Assets Limited will recruit and train the interns on behalf of Microsoft that would be responsible for the distribution of these phones to their respective recipients. The Employable Skills Development Internship Program (ESDIP) with GWMC will run until the 30th of January 2014 and Microsoft is targeting 75 per cent placement of the interns with companies especially the partner community at the end of the program. Interns will participate in a comprehensive 10 week training program covering MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Report Writing, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Time Management, Windows Phone 8, Customer Service, Employment and Interviewing Skills, and so on. Oni stated that each intern will also receive a 20 page Insights Discovery Personality Profile to facilitate self and social awareness based on an online evaluator.

elevision is a powerful agent of development for children, particularly those in preschool. But when could too much TV be detrimental to a young child's mind? A recent paper published in the Journal of Communication found that preschoolers who have a TV in their bedroom and are exposed to more background TV have a weaker understanding of other people's beliefs and desires. Amy Nathanson, Molly Sharp, Fashina Aladé, Eric Rasmussen, and Katheryn Christy, all of The Ohio State University, interviewed and tested 107 children and their parents to determine the relationship between preschoolers' television exposure and their understanding of mental states, such as beliefs, intentions, and feelings, known as theory of mind. Parents were asked to report how many hours of TV their children were exposed to, including background TV. The children were then given tasks based on theory of mind. These tasks assessed whether the children could acknowledge that others can have different beliefs and desires, that beliefs can be wrong, and that behaviours stem from beliefs. The researchers found that having a bedroom TV and being exposed to more background TV was related to a weaker understanding of mental states, even after accounting for differences in performance based on age and the socioeconomic status of the parent. However, preschoolers whose parents talked with them about TV performed better on theory of mind assessments. Many studies have investigated the effects of children's TV exposure on social behaviours, without examining if TV exposure affects the neuropsychological function that underlies social behaviour, and without taking theory of mind into consideration. This study shows that TV exposure may impair children's theory of mind development, and this impairment may be partly responsible for disruptive social behaviours. "When children achieve a theory of mind, they have reached a very important milestone in their social and cognitive development," said lead researcher Nathanson. "Children with more developed theories of mind are better able to participate in social relationships. These children can engage in more sensitive, cooperative interactions with other children and are less likely to resort to aggression as a means of achieving goals."

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Why do I yawn?

verybody yawns — from unborn babies to the oldest great-grandparent. Animals do it, too. But why, exactly, do people and animals yawn? No one knows for sure. But there are many theories (ideas) about why people yawn. One is that when we are bored or tired, we just don't

breathe as deeply as we usually do. As this theory goes, our bodies take in less oxygen because our breathing has slowed. Therefore, yawning helps us bring more oxygen into the blood and move more carbon dioxide out of the blood. Yawning, then, would be an involuntary reflex (something

we can't really control) to help us control our oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Sounds good, but other studies have shown that breathing more oxygen does not decrease yawning. Likewise, breathing more carbon dioxide does not increase yawning. Hmmm. Now what? Another theory is that yawning stretches the lungs and lung tissue. Stretching and yawning may be a way to flex muscles

and joints, increase heart rate, and feel more awake. Other people believe that yawning is a protective reflex to redistribute the oil-like substance called surfactant (say: sur-fak-tint) that helps keep lungs lubricated inside and keeps them from collapsing. So, if we didn't yawn, according to this theory, taking a deep breath would become harder and harder — and that would

not be good! But there is one idea about yawning that everyone knows to be true. It seems contagious. If you yawn in class, you'll probably notice a few other people will start yawning, too. Even thinking about yawning can get you yawning. How many times have you yawned while reading this article? We hope not many! Kidshealth.org

Media

Nigeria Info FM celebrates one year of broadcasting

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Journalists must upgrade their skills regularly –Don STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

Chairman, Nigeria Info FM, Amin Moussalli

UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

he Nigeria Info FM station is counting its successes at one year of broadcasting, even as it plans to dedicate most of its programs to massive political education of Nigerians towards the 2015 general elections. Head of station, Uche Victor Nwaneri, told journalists during the anniversary of the radio station in Abuja, that from the year 2014, the station would commence the journey to salvage the country from political misfortune in 2015 through its dedicated programs. He said that they were pleased with the reach by the station and the acceptance it has earned within the past one year, stressing that they would consolidate on these gains to achieve their dreams of a sound political and economic environment for the country. Nwaneri stated that the station was covering over 17 million listeners presently, adding that they've got the software to show the extent to which people hooked up to the station at every five minutes. He assured that they would continue with balanced information while holding the politicians and other stakeholders accountable towards a successful 2015 elections and proper administration of the country, which was the role of the media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ournalists in the traditional media organisations have been urged to upgrade their skills regularly with the Information and Communication Technology tools so as to overcome the current challenges posed by citizen journalists. The Dean, School of Communications at the Lagos State University, Prof. Lai Oso gave the advice in Lagos at a oneday capacity building training for the Nigerian media by Microsoft Nigeria in conjunction its Gold certified partner, Ha-Shem Network Services Limited. Prof. Oso who delivered a keynote address on “Bridging the gap between Technology & News Reporting” said that audiences have moved away from being consumers of news to news producers as a result of latest trends in the technological landscape. He said: “Journalism in turn, has moved away from the way it used to be to a point that there is hardly any traditional media without an online version. “Migration from the offline environment to the online has made it im-

portant to always update stories. New technologies create challenges and opportunities and yesterday’s skills and technology are fast becoming obsolete” He maintained that citizen journalist is a major challenge to the traditional media organisation and as a result journalists must keep abreast with the ICT tools by upgrading their skills regularly. “If your organisation doesn’t spend to train you, please train yourself. There are so many self-training programmes on the Internet. You can go there and get yourself trained,” he added The don also decried the inability of journalists in writing online stories, adding “what we have found is that most journalists don’t know how to write online stories. They still write the same way they write offline. That is the challenge lecturers of journalism are also facing today- they don’t know how to teach it.” Giving reason for the programme, PR Lead for Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Yemi Orimolade, said, “As a technology enabler, we believe IT capacity building contributes significantly to economic empowerment, growth and development, and will offer the appropriate skills to the me-

dia to use technology in innovative ways”. “Office 365 is designed to work with both touch and a mouse, and works seamlessly in the cloud, giving the user an unmatched on and offline experience. “Office 365 Home Premium includes the latest and most complete set of Office applications; works across up to five devices, including Windows tablets, PCs and Macs; and comes with extra SkyDrive storage and Skype calling. “Microsoft Windows 8.1 brings significant advantages to those who are upgrading existing PCs or purchasing new ones and comes with a new look. This new Operating System (OS) offers improvements in performance and existing capabilities.’’ Similarly, Head Marketing, Ha-Shem Network Services Limited, Abiodun Ogunjobi, said, “We are excited to partner with Microsoft on this maiden edition of the journalist capacity building training project for the Nigerian media. The benefits of IT education cannot be overemphasized and we feel this is a good way to positively impact their reporting to be at par with the advanced world journalism.” The workshop which had over 20 journalists drawn from different media organisations, discussed such topics as Big Data, One Note, Anti-Piracy, Social Media, Understanding Cloud Computing and Windows 8 and Office 365 experience.

OGBC to spend N400 m in 2014

he General Manager, Ogun Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) Mr .Tunde Awolana, has said the corporation would need a total of N400 million to function effectively in 2014. Awolana, who said this in Abeokuta while presenting the 2014 budget proposal of the corporation at the House of Assembly, disclosed that the proposed revenue is N200 million. He said N250 would be for recurrent expenditure while N150 million had been earmarked for capital expenditure. The general manager said the station was planning to purchase studio equipment worth N120 million and to also purchase a new Outside Broadcast van. Awolana lamented that the corporation was faced with the challenge of settling the electricity debt of occupants of OGBC complex as the PHCN had threatened to disconnect the station. The General Manager, Ogun State Television, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, said the agency proposed to generate N250 million while N1.9 billion had been budgeted as total expenditure. Soaga said N1.6 million would be spent on capital expenditure and N360 million for recurrent expenditure.

Cross section of participants at the Microsoft training workshop for journalists recently in Lagos.

BlackHouse Media joins PRCAN

igeria's leading PR agency, Black House Media (BHM) has scored another milestone with her recent induction into the body of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN). Addressing guests at the exclusive ceremony at ADNA, Suites, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Black House Media, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel, who received the induction certificate on behalf of the agency, noted that the certification is indeed a major step in the right direction. Ayeni is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as

well as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) UK. 'We are delighted at our induction into this prestigious body; the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria. It is a clear indication that BlackHouse Media is on the right path and certainly a major milestone in our journey so far. This exciting facet of our growth, hopefully one of many more to come, is yet another important beginning for us,' Ayeni who was recently listed as one of the top 40 Nigerian entrepreneurs under 40 by BusinessDay, added. Speaking on the development, Team Lead at BHM, Mariam Ehicheoya, said the induction could not have come at a

better time. '2013 has been an amazing year for BHM and our induction into PRCAN comes at an extremely auspicious time. We’ve maintained the same drive and energy that have brought us to this point and we’re even more poised to deliver the kind of services that have earned us the respect and appreciation of our clients and colleagues in a very challenging and dynamic market.' Present at the induction were notable PR practitioners including past president Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman C&F Porter Novelli, Vice President John Ehiguese, MD Mediacraft Associates, Muyiwa Akintunde MD, Leap Communications and others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Media Abroad

Facebook delivers more news in News Feed

L-R ; Former PRCAN president,Nn'emeka Maduegbuna,Ayeni Adekunle and Vice President, John Ehiguese.

NITRA seeks stakeholders’ collaboration STORIES: LEONARD OKACHIE

he Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) has called on the industry regulators and players in the Information and Communication Technology industry to partner with the association with a view to strengthening the industry and engendering better development. In a statement issued by the association in Lagos, NITRA President, Mr. Emma Okonji, said, though the telecoms has witnessed tremendous growth in the past 12 years of its liberalisation, such development would not have been possible without having an informed body of journalists accurately presenting the developments in the industry in a way that has continued to attract investors into the sector. According to him, telecoms industry has recorded over $25 billion as at the middle of 2012, saying the development witnessed in

the telecoms industry is also possible in other segments of the ICT industry such as hardware, software and outsourcing as well as in the electronic business space, with robust partnership with NITRA as a critical stakeholder in the ICT industry. Okonji said NITRA, which is the umbrella body of ICT journalists affiliated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), expects collaborations from industry regulators such as the Ministry of Communications Technology, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency and government establishments such as the Nigerian Satellite Communications Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone, among others. “We also expect telecoms operators as well as other players in the ICT industry to be more responsive in collaborating with us towards building a more virile and thriving ICT industry from now,” he said.

GOtv unveils festive offer

n the spirit of the yuletide, GOtv Nigeria has unveiled plans for its festive offer tagged, “GOcarry am”. The promo which is aimed at rewarding its new and existing subscribers with exciting prizes including shopping sprees, food baskets and GOtv branded gift items, runs from December 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014. The promo, which is in partnership with SPAR, Dangote and Lagos Television (LTV), has rewards in two categories – instant prizes and the GOshoppers’ experience, and it is aimed at rewarding its new and existing subscribers with exciting prizes including shopping sprees, food baskets andGOtv branded gift items. GOtv subscribers who pay one month GOtv or GOtv Plus subscrip-

tion using a GOtv recharge card will qualify for an instant lucky dip at selected GOtv and dealer offices in the 13 cities where GOtv operates. Those who buy a decoder or pay two months subscriptions within the promo period qualify for city draws to participate in the GOshoppers’ experience. Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the festive promo, General Manager GOtv, Mrs. Elizabeth Amkpa stated that since GOtv commenced operations two years ago it has become known for innovation, excitement and family entertainment. “GOtv has excited the market by reducing the offer price from N9,900 to N5,300 (for a decoder and one month subscription). We have excited the market by adding more channels to the bouquets – from 27

Okonji averred that through better collaboration, journalists can be more informed on industry challenges and opportunities and report same with a view to highlighting proactive steps needed by each stakeholder towards addressing identified threats in the operating environment. “By reporting accuracies, we would also able to help existing and potential local and foreign investors identify investment opportunities and communicating to them the enabling environment being provided by the regulators to make investments secure,” he added. Speaking on the raison d’être of NITRA, Okonji said: “We believe that collaboration between the regulators, the operators and the media is very key to future success of the ICT industry and this has informed the coming together of reporters in the industry under NITRA to ensure a more co-ordinated industry-media partnership for effective reporting. channels at launch in 2011; GOtv Plus now has 40 channels although subscription rates have remained unchanged. Today, we to announce yet another exciting offer – GOcarry am”, said Mrs. Amkpa. She added that being an innovative brand, the ‘GOcarry am’ is GOtv’s innovative way of enhancing family ties this festive season. For the GOshoppers’ experience, 100 families will get 2 minutes to grab all they can at SPAR outlets in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt,and choice retail stores in the other cities. Other prizes in the kitty are20,000 Food Baskets from Dangote each containing noodles, spaghetti, segetable oil, semovita, and 100,000 instant gift prizes including bags of rice, noodles, pasta, juice, T-shirts, caps, umbrellas, notebooks, pens, wristbands, key holders, among others.

acebook is boosting its efforts to put more news in its News Feed. That is, real news from the news media, rather than status updates from friends. The world's biggest social network, cognizant of its growing importance for discovering news, said in a blog post on Monday that it is revising the way it delivers information to its billion-plus users. "People use Facebook to share and connect, including staying current on the latest news, whether it's about their favorite celebrity or what's happening in the world," said the blog post from Facebook engineering manager Varun Kacholia and software engineer Minwen Ji. "We've noticed that people enjoy seeing articles on Facebook, and so we're now paying closer attention to what makes for high quality content, and how often articles are clicked on from News Feed on mobile. What this means is that you may start to notice links to articles a little more often (particularly on mobile)." The blog noted that "our sur-

veys show that on average people prefer links to high quality articles about current events, their favorite sports team or shared interests, to the latest meme." And Facebook will tweak the way its displays articles in user News Feeds: "This means that high quality articles you or others read may show up a bit more prominently in your News Feed, and meme photos may show up a bit less prominently," the engineers wrote. They added that Facebook will also "show people additional articles similar to ones they had just read." "Soon, after you click on a link to an article, you may see up to three related articles directly below the News Feed post to help you discover more content you may find interesting," they said. But to avoid diminishing the updates from friends, Facebook will revise its "bumping," which means that after a user reads an article it may not show up again in the News Feed unless there are new comments from friends. -AFP

Kenyan journalists protest draconian media bill

ivil Society groups have said they will move to court to stop the passing of the KICA Bill into law after President Uhuru Kenyatta returned it with amendments to the National Assembly for debate last week. The societies said this while staging a peaceful protest where they marched from Kimathi Street, to Moi Avenue and on to Harambee Avenue before converging outside the National Assembly building. While at Parliament, journalists who were part of the protest forwarded a petition to the president through the vice chairman of the Editors Guild David Ohito in which they asked the president to reconsider the Sh500,000 fine that

journalists are to be charged. "As journalists we are concerned with the establishment of the Communication and Multi Media Tribunal which has powers to impose huge financial penalties, which even at Sh500,000, down from Sh1 million, will have the effect of intimidating journalists," Ohito said in a joint address with William Janaka, the chairman of the Kenya Correspondents Association. The petition was received by the Director of Digital, New Media and Diaspora, Deniss Itumbi who said he would forward the petition along with other concerns raised by the NGO's and the media, to the President. The Star

Cocktail

Thursday, December 5, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (242)

If I bring rain and gloom and darkness and pessimism to my customers then they will react with rain and gloom and darkness and pessimism and they will purchase naught. – Og Mandino Sow Good! The eternal law is that we will ultimately reap what we sow. Our attitude is a seed. If you behave positively towards someone it is most likely they will behave positively towards you. When you get busy sowing the good day by day, in spite of the negative circumstances, harvest of blessings will ultimately become yours. Sow daily no matter what. Even when people don’t encourage being good, be good. Even when all your feelings is screaming negatively, put a smile on your face and keep sowing the good that you know how to sow. Harvests will ultimately emerge. DR. DEJI FOLUTILE Tel: 08035219966 Email: deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @folutile

Ghost hunters in Pa Pa. are mistaken for burglars

olice in Pennsylvania are investigating a complaint concerning a ghost hunt that went bust after a police officer mistakenly thought it was a burglary in progress. The Gettysburg Times reported Tuesday that the Thanksgiving night ghost tour ended with two tourists and their guide being detained at gunpoint. A patrolman passing a

closed store in Gettysburg says he saw flashlights inside, so he went in and handcuffed and searched the three ghost hunters. Police called the owner, who confirmed the tour operator had permission to use the allegedly haunted Civil War-era building. The first Union general killed in the Battle of Gettysburg was brought to the building after being fatally wounded.

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Oddities

Couple die hours apart, ahead of 65th anniversary A North Carolina couple who would have been married 65 years on Christmas Eve made it through Thanksgiving before passing away within hours of one another on Friday. Eleanor and Frank Turner were in hospice care in separate facilities battling dementia when they died within nine hours of each other. Daughter Linda Purser got a call on Friday morning informing her that her 87-year-old mother had died at 4:35 a.m. Before she could make up her mind about telling her dad, she got another call telling her that he had died at 1:27 p.m. A week before their deaths, the Turners were briefly united at the hospital at the same time. They didn’t speak after nurses wheeled

their stretchers side by side; Frank and Eleanor simply held hands. Purser recalled when things weren’t so quiet between the two. “My mother would always call my dad, ‘Frank! Frank!’ She

Eleanor and Frank Turner.

had a funny little voice you know. ‘Frank I need this or Frank can you come do this for me?’” Purser said. She tried to take comfort in the way that her parents passed. “It’s the most perfect

way for a couple to go,” Purser said. “I said I know what happened. She went first and she got to heaven and she hollered for Frank. And he decided to come too. He wasn’t going on without her.”

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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World News

Hezbollah commander killed in Beirut, Israel blamed

PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

Kenyan court has denied bail to four people charged over the attack in September on the Westgate shopping centre in the capital, Nairobi. The court ruled they could not be bailed because of security fears and possible interference in the case. The four, said to be foreigners, are accused of aiding those who launched the attack, in which 67 were killed and 200 injured. They deny the charges. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group said it had carried out the attack. The men charged have been named as Mohammed Ahmed Abdi, Liban Abdullah, Adnan Ibrahim and Hussein Hassan. Their nationalities have not been disclosed, but they are said to be ethnic Somalis. In addition to aiding a terrorist group, they are also accused of being in Kenya illegally. They are the first to be charged over the four-day siege - one of the deadliest militant attacks carried in East Africa. The police say the four accused

–UNITED STATES PRESIDENT, BARRACK OBAMA

Kenyan mall siege: Four accused refused bail

The suspects are said to be foreigners.

had sheltered the attackers in their homes in Eastleigh - a Somali district of Nairobi - and that they had been in contact with the gunmen four days before the siege.

PHOTO: REUTERS

None of the men are accused of being the gunmen in the shopping centre. The Kenyan army has said that all four of the attackers died

Mandela in fight from deathbed –Daughter

outh Africa’s ailing first black President, Nelson Mandela, is putting up a courageous fight from his “deathbed”, his daughter Makaziwe Mandela says. She told national broadcaster SABC that the anti-apartheid icon was “still with us, strong, courageous”. “Even for a lack of a better word... on his deathbed he is teaching us lessons - lessons in patience, in love, lessons of tolerance,” she added. Mandela, 95, is receiving home-

Mandela and his grand daughter.

Do not let the initial problems with the website discourage you because it’s working better now.

based medical care. He was discharged from hospital in September after being treated for nearly three months for a recurring lung infection. Mandela is widely respected for his role in fighting racism in South Africa, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison in 1990. He spent 27 years in jail and was elected South Africa’s first black president in 1994. He stepped down after five years in office. “Every moment I get with him

I’m amazed,” Ms Mandela told SABC. “There are times where I have to pinch myself that I come from this man who is a fighter even though you can see he is struggling, but the fighting spirit is still there with him.’’ Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, told SABC that the ex-

during the siege. One of the suspected attackers has been named as 23-year-old Somalia-born Norwegian national, Hassan Abdi Dhuhulow. president was “not doing well in bed”. Last month, Mr Mandela’s exwife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela said he was no longer talking “because of all the tubes that are in his mouth to clear [fluid from] the lungs”. The South African presidency has repeatedly described Mr Mandela’s condition as critical but stable.

Central African Republic militia kills 12

Christian militia is suspected to have killed 12 people, including children, and wounded 30 others in an attack in the Central African Republic (CAR), officials say. The attackers appeared to have targeted a mainly Muslim community north of the capital, Bangui, the officials said. The UN Security Council is due to vote on peacekeeping operations in CAR. It has been gripped by conflict since rebels seized power in March. Ex-President Francois Bozize was ousted in a rebellion led by the Seleka group. Its leader, Michel Djotodia, installed himself as president after

Mr Bozize went into exile. Mr Djotodia is the first Muslim to rule the CAR, which has a majority Christian population. Religious and ethnic attacks have led to warnings of genocide. Hundreds of villages have been abandoned, with civilians hiding in the bush and pleading for outside intervention. In Monday’s violence, Christian militiamen known as “anti-balaka” appeared to have attacked herders from the Peuhl ethnic group, which is made up mainly of Muslims, said Amy Martin, the head of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) in Bangui, the AFP news agency reports.

WORLD BULLETIN

Mass grave with 21 bodies found near Mali military base

Malian authorities have found a mass grave believed to contain bodies of soldiers missing since last year, a find the nation’s prosecutor said should lead to murder being added to charges against a former junta leader. General Amadou Sanogo, who led a March 2012 coup that plunged Mali into chaos, was arrested and charged with complicity in kidnapping last week, a sign Mali’s new leaders are stamping their authority on the military. Judicial sources said 21 bodies had been found overnight in the village of Diago near the southern garrison town of Kati, about 30 km (19 miles) north of the capital Bamako. A Reuters reporter at the scene said police were guarding the shallow grave on Wednesday. Diago residents said it was empty after Malian officials removed the corpses on Tuesday. Mali’s chief prosecutor Daniel Tessougue told Reuters all signs pointed to the bodies found being those of 21 soldiers who disappeared after a failed April 2012 “counter-coup” by soldiers loyal to ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure, but the formal identification process would have to be finalized. “We will add murder to the charges (against Sanogo). If we find there are signs of torture we will add that too,” he said. The case against Sanogo and several other soldiers is part of efforts by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to assert civilian control over the army, accused by human rights groups of excessive violence and torture during a chaotic 18 months when rebels occupied northern Mali last year.

U.S. Assistant Secretary Thomas-Greenfield visits Nigeria, Kenya Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States’ Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs, has embarked on a two-nation African tour that would take her to Nigeria and Kenya from December 2 to 13. “The Assistant Secretary will be joined for part of her visit to Nigeria with other members from the U.S. government, including representatives from AFRICOM, the U.S. Department of Defence, and USAID,” said the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. It disclosed that in Nigeria, Thomas-Greenfield “will meet with senior Nigerian officials, following up on President Obama’s meeting with President Jonathan in September on the margins of the UN General Assembly. The Assistant Secretary will travel to other parts of Nigeria, including Lagos, to further her engagement with a cross-section of Nigerians and participate in meetings with government, business, and civil society representatives to continue to build the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.”

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Ukraine’s ex-leaders back anti-Yanukovych protests Ukraine’s three former presidents yesterday made an unexpected joint show of support for mass protests against the government’s decision to reject a historic pact with the EU. The move piled pressure on President Viktor Yanukovych as his government tried to stamp out the biggest protests since the 2004 Orange Revolution by warning demonstrators they could be held criminally responsible. As thousands kept up a permanent presence in the heart of the capital Kiev, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said the 28-nation bloc was still keen on Ukraine joining. “The gates of the European Union are still open. Ukraine has to be on board in Europe and the offers from Europe are still valid,” Westerwelle told reporters, before heading to the heart of the protests on Independence Square. With Ukraine in need of cash to shore up its finances, Yanukovych pressed on with a three-day visit to China, which could net significant financial deals.

‘Mexico lawmakers to debate energy reform’ Mexican lawmakers are poised to send a landmark energy bill to Senate committees to start debate on a cornerstone of President Enrique Pena Nieto’s economic reform drive, a top ruling party lawmaker said yesterday. The bill, which would open Mexico’s state-dominated energy sector to private investment in a bid to boost lagging output and growth in Latin America’s No.2 economy, will still need approval of the Senate and lower house of Congress. Lawmakers have been negotiating the fine print of the reform, which will determine how far-reaching it is. David Penchyna, leader of the Senate’s energy committee and a member of Pena Nieto’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), said he was confident the bill would pass. “Today we can start installing commissions to be able to present a bill for full discussion,” Penchyna told local radio, saying it may be presented later on Wednesday or on Thursday.

Kerry visits Moldova to show US support

John Kerry became the first U.S. secretary of state to visit Moldova in more than two decades yesterday, part of a show of support for pro-Western moves by the former Soviet republic in the face of Russian pressure. Kerry opted to make his brief stop in Moldova after it and another former Soviet republic, Georgia, initialled agreements on closer ties with the European Union last week. In doing so, Kerry decided to skip a ministerial conference in Ukraine, which has rejected an accord with Brussels in favour of cultivating closer ties with Russia instead. A senior State Department official briefing reporters travelling with Kerry said the purpose of the fourhour stop in Chisinau - the first by a U.S. secretary of state since a visit by James Baker in 1992 - would be to offer support and encouragement in the face of Russian threats.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Hezbollah commander who fought in Syria’s civil war was shot dead outside his home in Lebanon yesterday in a killing which the militant Shi’ite Muslim group blamed on Israel, Reuters has reported. Hassan al-Laqqis was shot in the head from close range by a silenced gun as he arrived home at around midnight in the Hadath district of Beirut, a source close to Hezbollah said. Israel, which fought a 34-day war with Hezbollah in 2006, denied any role in the shooting and hinted that the motive may have been Hezbollah’s military support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his war with Sunni Muslim rebels. A previously unknown group, Ahrar al-Sunna Baalbek brigade, claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on Twitter. The claim could not be verified but the name of the purported group suggested Lebanese Sunni Muslim connections. Film from the scene shown on Hezbollah’s Al Manar television showed two bullet marks in a wall and muddy footprints it said had been left by possibly more than one assailant. “The Israeli enemy tried to get to our martyr brother several times, in more than one location, but these attempts failed until this repugnant assassination,” the group said. Israel would “bear full responsibility and all the consequences for this heinous crime”, it said. Hezbollah said Laqqis had been with the group since it was set up with Iranian support in the 1980s to fight Israeli troops occupying south Lebanon. His son was killed in the 2006 war with Israel. The source close to Hezbollah said Laqqis had taken part recently in

Hezbollah commander killed in Beirut, Israel blamed

A Hezbollah flag is seen near the crime scene where commander Hasan al-Laqqis was killed in the southern Hadath district in Beirut, yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

several battles in Syria. Hundreds of mourners attended Laqqis’s funeral in Baalbek, following his grey coffin draped in the yellow Hezbollah flag through the rainswept streets of the Bekaa Valley town. Some blamed Israel for his death. “We are all (heading) this way if God wants it. We are defeating the Zionist plan. This is a Zionist operation,” said Ali Saleh. But Israel denied involvement. “This has strictly nothing to do with Israel,” foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said. “Hezbollah has made a fool of itself in the past with these automatic and groundless accusations against Israel ... If they are looking for explanations as to what is happening to them, they should

examine their own actions.” Hezbollah also blames Israel for a Damascus car bomb five years ago which killed top commander Imad Moughniyah. It has vowed to avenge Moughniyah’s killing at a time of its choice. The source close to Hezbollah said Wednesday’s attack also bore the hallmarks of an Israeli operation, and analyst Charles Lister of IHS Jane’s in London said it suggested an element of “professionalism and prior intelligence”. “But what is very clear is that it comes under the context of Hezbollah and its role in Syria,” he said. “It was expected that Hezbollah would blame Israel, but that is not necessarily the case.” The open role of Hezbollah fighters in the Syrian civil war

Afghan will not sign US pact unless demands met –Karzai

fghan President Hamid Karzai will not allow any of his ministers to sign a security pact with the United States unless key demands are met, the president’s spokesman said yesterday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday said the bilateral security agreement (BSA) could be signed by Karzai’s defense minister, Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, effectively circum-

Karzai

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venting Karzai. The BSA will shape the post2014 U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. U.S. officials says without an agreement by year’s end they may be forced to consider a total withdrawal of troops, leaving Afghan forces to fight the Taliban insurgency on their own. But Karzai’s spokesman Aimal Faizi said the president remained committed to his two main demands. “President Karzai wants an absolute end to the military operations on Afghan homes and a meaningful start to the peace process, and we are certain that the Americans can practically do that within days or weeks,” Faizi said. “As long as these demands are not accepted, President Karzai will not authorize any minister to sign it,” Faizi said. Kerry had told a gathering of NATO foreign ministers the security pact did not have to be signed by Karzai himself.

“His minister of defence can sign it, the government can sign it, somebody can accept responsibility for this,” he said. Mohammadi was also at the meeting and a senior Afghan official said the defence minister was approached by U.S. officials about such a possibility. Last month an assembly of Afghan elders, known as a Loya Jirga, endorsed the security pact, but in closing remarks Karzai suggested he might not sign it until after national elections next spring. He also said his signing was dependent on several new demands, not raised during yearlong and at times fraught negotiations. There are 47,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The United States has been in discussions with Afghan officials about keeping a residual force of about 8,000 troops after the end of the NATO combat mission next year.

and the steady flow of Lebanese Sunnis joining the anti-Assad rebels have fuelled sectarian strife in Lebanon. Car bombs killed dozens of people in Beirut in August and a twin suicide attack on the Iranian embassy in the Lebanese capital killed at least 25 people last month.

17 killed in Syrian rocket fire attack

ockets fired into a government-controlled district of Aleppo killed at least 17 people in the northern Syrian city yesterday, state media and a monitoring group said. Photographs from the incident in Meridien and Furqan, two adjacent neighbourhoods in western Aleppo, showed pools of blood on the pavements and a crater in the road where one of the rockets appeared to have landed. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the casualties included nine civilians and five members of President Bashar al-Assad’s security forces. It put the death toll at 18, one more than was reported by state news agency SANA which called the rocket fire a “terrorist attack ...on residential districts” of the disputed city. Assad’s forces have gained ground to the southwest of Aleppo and carried out air strikes, dropping improvised barrel bombs from helicopters on the town of al-Bab to the northeast. There has also been a resurgence of fighting in central Aleppo - the heart of what used to be Syria’s biggest city - before next month’s planned peace talks in Geneva. Assad’s government and the political opposition in exile have said they are ready to attend the talks, but have set out apparently irreconcilable goals.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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Community Mirror We must emphasis efficiency; all we want now is positive results and not the woes of why it failed. SENATE PRESIDENT, DAVID MARK

One dead, 16 others injured in Onitsha auto crash NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

ne person lost his life yesterday, while 16 passengers sustained injuries when an 18-seater commercial

bus skidded off the road and somersaulted along the Onitsha/Owerri dual carriage way at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to sources,

the incident occurred at one of the sharp bends of the road around 1pm. Confirming the incident to newsmen in a telephone interview, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety

Commission, FRSC, Ihiala Unit, Mr. Daniel Asoanya, noted that the driver lost control of the vehicle at the sharp bend. Asoanya who identified the deceased as the conductor of the

commercial bus, said the vehicle rested on top of him after it somersaulted. He dismissed the insinuation that the accident may have been caused by tyre burst or mechanical fault, saying the accident could be blamed on over-speeding. According to him, “The driver lost control of the 18-seater bus and it veered off the road and somersaulted. Officers and men of the unit responded swiftly by taking the passengers and the driver to a nearby hospital known as Evans Specialist Hospital, Ozubulu. They are responding to treatments and I believe that within some hours those not seriously injured would continue their journey”. Speaking on the commission’s campaign

initiative tagged “Operation Octopus”, the commander said the campaign has succeeded in reducing the number of crashes per week on the roads It would be recalled that “Operation Octopus”, which commenced in November, was part of efforts of the commission to reduce road crashes in six major roads in the country, which included the Onitsha-Owerri road. Asoanya said that the road had witnessed increased surveillance and checks, saying: “It has imbibed more consciousness among drivers plying the road. It has also made the officers and men of the unit to be more alert even with extended working hours to achieve the campaign objectives.”

EFCC re-arraigns man over N60million fraud L-R: Secretary to Nasarawa State Government, Mrs. Zainab Abdulmumin; Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and others at the launch of Rhythm n Play programme in Nasarawa State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

KENNY ODUNUKAN

340 Katsina women trained on shea butter utilisation

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

total of 340 women from the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State have been trained on how to effectively harness the community’s potentials on shea butter production and utilisation. The training which held yesterday was sponsored by the State Department for Economic De-

velopment in partnership with Global Shea Alliance. Addressing participants during the training, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Economic Affairs, Dr Garba Matazu said more women would be trained as part of economic empowerment measures in the state. Matazu said the participants would be equipped to train others in their respective localities and that necessary attention

would be accorded by government to shea butter production in the state. He said the programme would look at how best to expose the women to “different skills of using shea butter to produce household products and in so doing, improve their economic status while exposing investment opportunities of our state to the world.” An expert in shea butter production and Nigeria’s

representative to Global Shea Alliance, Bilkisu Magoro decried the poor nature of harnessing shea butter products despite its abundance in the country. Magoro who coordinated the training of participating women, said the training was necessary to expose participants to “easy ways of making money through the myriads of value adding activities which shea butter is known for.”

‘Effective community policing will help curb crime’

igerians have been urged to see ensuring adequate security of their environment as the business of all citizens and be deeply involved in community policing in order to curb crime. Making this appeal in Lagos recently was the Area F Commander,

Mr. Tunde Adagunduro at the 10th year anniversary and awards to deserving individuals and corporate organizations organized by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), MAN CENTRE’s Division (Area F), Ikeja. According to him, secu-

rity intelligence gathering through the members of the community is very essential to effective policing. He advised that people should promptly report cases where there are signal crimes such as drug addiction, smoking, alcohol consumption, hooliganism and

the likes which can be easily noticed by members of each community which if reported to the police early enough, can curb other criminal activities. “Police need information to curb crime. And I really commend the efforts of members of the PCRC.”

he Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a middle age man, Benjamin Ola-Adegbayi before an Ikeja High Court for defrauding one Mr. Tunji Abiodun Aturanse and his company, GSK Real Properties Ltd to the tune of N60million. Benjamin, who was re-arraigned before Justice Lattef Lawal-Akapo on a three- count charge of obtaining money by false pretence pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Counsel to EFCC, A.M Oshi told the court that the accused on or about July 3rd, 2012 falsely represented himself as a person who is capable to sell two and half plots of land situated at Layori Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos Sate. According to the charge

sheet, “Ola-Adegbayi on July 3rd, 2012 at Ifako Gbagada, within the Ikeja Judicial Division with the intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N30million as part payment from Mr, Tunji Abiodun Aturanse and his company GSK Real Properties Limited by falsely representing yourself as a person capable of selling to them, two and half plots of land measuring approximately 2154 square meters, situate at Layori Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos State.” The anti-graft agency said that the offense is contrary to section 1(1)(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act The judge held that the accused should continue with the bail granted him by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo He however adjourned the matter till February 19, 2014 for the continuation of trial.

Community Mirror

Thursday, December 5, 2013

A mobile phone accessories dealer taking a nap on Isheri road in Ogun State recently.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

FG produces proof of N200bn payment to ASUU Continued from page 5 surrender. He added that any retreat or surrender by the union was a betrayal for the cause whichIyayi died for. Meanwhile, the funeral of the late Iyayi began yesterday in Benin with a solidarity march by members of ASUU and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs. Members of the UNIBEN branch were joined by hundreds of colleagues from the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, and Delta State University, DELSU, in Abraka. Other groups represented at the forum included the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; the Conference

of Non-Governmental Organisations, CONGOs; the Joint Action Front, JAF and the Parents Consultative Association of Nigerian Universities, PCANU. The long walk began at about 10a.m. at the Faculty of Business Administration which Iyayi led last as Head of Department and took the mourners through a distance of about five kilometres to the residence of the late psrofessor of Business Administration at Bello Street, off Benin-Lagos Expressway. Addressing people

at Iyayi’s residence, Chairman of UNIBEN ASUU, Dr. Anthony Monye-Emina, described the late lecturer as a fallen hero of the Nigerian nation and one of ASUU past struggles. Recalling the journey that claimed the life of Iyayi, Monye-Emina said the journey began on a pleasant note that morning with Iyayi relieving the last meeting with President Goodluck

Jonathan before urging them to show true commitment to the struggle. Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, urged ASUU against relenting in the struggle but to continue where Iyayi left. He vowed to challenge the display of recklessness by government officials on highways, noting that ASUU and the Iyayi family had mandated him to challenge the “murder” of

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Iyayi in court. Chairman of ASUU, University of Ilorin chapter, Dr. TaiwoOloruntoba-Oju, said the late Iyayi had cloned many other Iyayis when he was alive, who were now being expected to carry on the fight. He said the only way to ensure that what Iyayi fought for was not allowed to die with him was by sustaining the struggle of the striking lecturers for a better learning environment. He said if the Federal Government truly respected Iyayi, they should go ahead to implement the agreement they signed with Iyayi and other ASUU officials before now instead of merely shifting the directed date of resumption for the lecturers. Other speakers also eulogisedIyayi, insisting that his death had actually immortalised him. They all resolved to carry on the battle to free Nigerian education from the shackles of enslavement. Eldest son of Iyayi, Engr. Ehidiamen, who received the mourners on behalf of the family, thanked them for the support they had given to the family since the death of their father.

It will be recalled that Omar had criticised the Federal Government for its inability to reconstruct the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, while blaming the death of Iyayi partly on corruption. Omar, who led a delegation of labour union to Edo State on a condolence visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the Iyayi family, described the late lecturer as a committed activist who added value to the labour movement in the country. Omar said: “We believe that certain factors led to the demise of Prof. Iyayi. The Federal Government is highly culpable on the issue of the criminal neglect of the AbujaLokoja Road, which contract was awarded over 10 years ago. While other roads have been completed, the LokojaAbuja road has remained uncompleted. “We believe that if not for the criminal neglect, this accident would not have happened. Also the executive recklessness on the part of the Kogi State Government is glaring. This is said to be the third time that the same convoy is getting involved in an accident,” he lamented.

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

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North

Thursday, December 5, 2013

300 displaced in Maiduguri barracks attack –NEMA

Kogi connects Bassa LG to national grid WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

•Lifts victims

INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said yesterday that it had presented relief materials to about 300 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) affected by last Monday’s attack on military formations in Maiduguri by members of the Boko Haram sect. NEMA Information Officer in the North-East, Mallam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the materials were presented to the victims at the 33 Artillery Brigade Barracks. He said that the gesture was in fulfillment of the agency’s mandate to provide succour to victims of disasters in the country. Ibrahim said: “NEMA

has carried out an assessment on the immediate requirements of the victims of the incident. We have presented initial relief materials like bedding, blankets, mosquito nets to the victims at the 33 Artillery Brigade Barracks where we have 300 IDPs whose residences were affected by the attack.’’ Meanwhile, improved budgetary allocation to the education sector and the declaration of state of emergency in the sector in the North-East had been identified as key solution to the recurring Boko Harama attack. The Political Adviser to the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, stated this at the ongoing North-East Economic Summit held the Government House in Gombe State.

Adamu called on the Northern leaders, particularly governors to stop paying lip services to the development of the education and, therefore, increase budgetary allocation to address the myriad challenges bedeviling the sector. He said: “If the education sector is adequately funded like other regions in Nigeria, the youth who form majority of easily gullible by enemies of the North will know the right step to take and also engage in meaningful activities that will benefit the region rather than belonging to any terrorist group. “It is disheartening that while other regions are competing to enhance and encourage their children to seek knowledge at whatever expense, the reverse seems to be the case in the

North, it is sad that these days wealthy people among us are residing side by side with a dilapidated school structure.” The governor’s aide noted state and local governments across the North must be alive to their responsibility by not wasting and siphoning any money meant for the development of the education sector. He also called on the private sector and public spirited individuals within and out the region to support the cause of revamping the education sector. Adamu, however, commended the Borno State governor for taking the bull by the horn in declaring state of emergency in the education sector by ensuring the training and retraining of teachers abroad, as well as provide comfortable atmosphere for pupils to learn.

he Kogi State Government has connected Bassa Local Government Area to national grid for electricity supply so as to boost the economic and activities in the area Sources said the local government has been without electricity since its creation. The Commissioner of Rural Development, Alhaji Umar Mohammed, told journalists yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, that the project cost the state government N22 million. Mohammed said the first attempt to provide the local government with electricity in the old Benue State was stalled by the creation of Kogi State in 1991, adding that the Federal Government thereafter began the execution of the project in 2000 only to be abandoned in 2001. He claimed that Governor Idris Wada in 2012 directed the Ministry of Rural Development to take over the project in fulfillment of his preelection campaign. Mohammed said that the ministry immediately mobilised contrac-

tor to the site to replace bolts, cross bars, isolators and aluminum conductors to speed up the projected execution. He said that the ministry later embarked upon township reticulation and steeped down the light by creating two substations at Oguma, the local government headquarters, and one each in two other major communities - Odenyi and Lando. The commissioner said that the substations were provided with 500kva transformers fitted with feeder pillars, amour cable, lightening arrestor, gang isolators and earthlings and up risers. He, however, said Governor Wada had directed that other towns in the local government, including, Mozum, Shintaku, Ugboloko and Gbiobe should be connected to the national grid latest by first quarter of 2014. Mohammed described the completion of the electrification project as the most striking achievement under the rural transformation agenda of the present administration. The commissioner expressed delight that all the 21 local government areas in the state had now been connected to the national grid.

66, 000 teachers to benefit from £37m DFID programme JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A University of Abuja students resume academic activities in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Al-Makura denies rift with deputy

overnor Tanko AlMakura of Nasarawa State has dismissed as “mischievous’’ reports of alleged rift between him and his deputy, Mr. Dameshi Luka. Al-Makura denied the report yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, during a meeting of the state Interim Management Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed that the report in some sections of the media was the “handiwork of mischief makers who do not

mean well for the development of the state.” The governor said: “Those waiting to see friction between me and the deputy governor will have to wait till dooms day.’’ Al-Makura attributed the “giant strides recorded in the state within a short time” to the collaborative efforts of those in the administration, including the deputy governor. He urged members of the APC in the state to bury their personal interests and imbibe the spirit of sacrifice to

enable the party to grow. Al-Makura appealed to members of the party to support the interim management committee and avoid unnecessary scheming capable of causing disharmony in the party. He described the recent claims that over 4,000 supporters of the APC in the state had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as ridiculous and urged the public to disregard it. He announced a five per cent deduction in the salaries of all political appointees in

the state to finance the party. Earlier, the Interim Chairman of APC, Mr. Stanley Buba, thanked the governor for the provision of vehicles and other logistics to the party. He said the committee had commenced the process of establishing party structures at the ward, local government, zonal and state levels. Buba pledged that members of the committee would uphold the principle of integrity, fairness and transparency, as well as work with the constitution and manifesto of the party.

total of 66, 000 Nigerian teachers are to benefit from a £37 million capacity and training development programme under sponsorship of the Department of International Development (DFID). DFID National Programme Manager, Nguyan Shaku, stated this yesterday in Katsina State at a two-day workshop on stakeholders’ orientation for participants from Katsina, Zamfara and Jigawa states. Shaku said the sum of £37million would be committed to the programme, which is expected to last six years and that Katsina would be the first state to benefit from the gesture. She said the 66, 000 teachers are both service and inservice, with about 4,000 of

them being student teachers, while another 816 of them are educators. She said: “The teachers’ developmental programme has different components that support Colleges of Education on training capacity that enhances the use of modern technology during the training.” In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Aminu Kurfi, said the role of International Development Partners such as DFID was key to promoting access, retention, progression, transition and learning outcome in the education sector. Kurfi, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sabi’u Nasiru, said the workshop would make teachers achieve robust improvement in terms of knowledge and skill acquisition, as well as output.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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WORLD RECORD

First use of Technicolor Vol. 03 No. 737 Thursday, December 5, 2013

N150

Rouben Mamoulian’s Becky Sharp (US 1935), an adaptation of the classic ‘Vanity Fair’, starring Cedric Hardwicke and Miriam Hopkins, is historically important as being the first feature film to use Technicolor.

National question: Jonathan and political will W

hat is now referred to as the “National Question” arose from the diverse characters of Nigeria as a plural and multi-ethnic society. The notion is traceable to the structural defects and imbalances created by the amalgamation in 1914 of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria to form a unified colony of the British Empire. Since political independence in 1960, Nigeria’s challenges have been manifesting in the heightened state of intolerance, insecurity and strife, often in the form of religious and ethnic crises, class division and attempts by the few political elite to access the privileges of the state. Thus, the National Question is tied to the erosion of the state and its failure to meet the needs of the citizens, often by exclusion, marginalisation and injustice in securing and protecting the lives and welfare of the various groups inhabiting the national

Guest Columnist

Johnson

Momodu

space. The National Question is a composite of several questions, all relating to the challenges of national integration and citizenship rights. Some of the sub-categories include; to what extent do citizens and groups feel a sense of identity with the Nigerian State? Does the state protect our interests? Is justice and fairness preserved in the manner in which the state relates to every section of the citizenry? To what extent is justice dispensed in the extraction and distribution of proceeds of resources extracted in certain territories? To what extent is the political leadership just in its decisions and execution of matters affecting various groups and constituencies? To what extent are we able to express our uniqueness as a group without being hindered by the structure of power and the state? Answers to these questions show clearly that there is an urgent need for a fundamental reform of the faulty legal architecture of the country through a constitutional process that would deal with powers and privileges and how they are shared across the various levels of government. It is this basic premise that lies behind the views of the advocates of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC). It brings to mind a guest lecture delivered by Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos on July 2, 2002. The title was: “The National Question: Toward a New Constitutional Order” and Enahoro spoke in his capacity as the chairman of the Movement for National Reformation (MNR). Recall that it was the MNR that produced an alternate Constitution for Nigeria during the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

THE NATIONAL QUESTION IS A COMPOSITE OF SEVERAL QUESTIONS, ALL RELATING TO THE CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS Enahoro’s lecture was a powerful analysis of the Nigerian National Question, the challenges facing the country in the 21st century and imperative of a new constitution that must be the product of a National Conference “composed of representatives of the people freely chosen for the purpose. In arguing in support of this proposal, he urged Nigerians to learn from the experience of successful multi-nationality states like the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU), as against unsuccessful ones like Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. We all know that millions of other Nigerians share Enahoro’s views on the matter. Prominent among them is the renowned Professor Ben Nwabueze. Of course, the bulk of the advocates of the National Conference have been from the Southwestern geo-political zone that has championed the position for over three decades. They include: Bola Ige, Abraham Adesanya, Gani Fawehinmi, Wole Soyinka, Tunji Braithwaite, Femi Okurounmu, Ayo Adebayo and, of course, Ahmed Bola Tinubu

(until recently). The clamour for a National Conference has remained unanswered for years. Nigerian leaders, especially the military which ruled for most of the years after independence, were fully aware of the challenges as well as persistent clamour for a National Conference. Unfortunately, they lacked the political will to tackle it. The nearest to an attempt was the Constitutional Conference convened by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005–2006. However, the exercise was purportedly motivated to secure a third term. Consequently, its recommendations were roundly rejected by Nigerians. The challenges facing Nigeria grew by the day as disenchantment mounted and insecurity spread across the nation. Ethnic formations sprouted – Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, etc. – all expressing deep ethnic sentiments. With them, militant groups including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Egbesu Boys, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafara (MASSOB), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and more recently, Boko Haram. When, therefore, on October 1, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the setting up of a National Dialogue, he was responding to the signs that had become obvious. He should be commended for finding the political will that had, for years, eluded many past leaders. The President said that he would not “preside over a disintegrating nation” while expressing optimism that “Nigeria is a complete and indivisible nation.” Sadly, some of the major advocates of the National Conference, who stood firmly with Enahoro, have suddenly made a u-turn, claiming that a National Conference was no longer needed. Among them are Ahmed Bola Tinubu and his fellow governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What, precisely, is their reason for the change of heart? None other than politics and, perhaps, the fact that the initiative has come from President Jonathan! What manner of politicians are these? Mr. Momodu sent this piece from Benin City

Sport Extra

eavyweight fighter, David Price, has vacated his British and Commonwealth titles, according to his promoters.

Price was due to defend the belts against British rival Dereck Chisora, but will step away from the domestic scene for a few months as he rebuilds after two defeats by American Tony

Boxing: Price abdicates titles, eyes Chisora Thompson. The Liverpool-born fighter linked up with Sauerland promotions last month and will return to the ring against Evgeny Orlov in Germany on December 14.

“I am extremely proud to have been British and Commonwealth

champion,” Price, who won the belts last May with a fourth-round stoppage of Sam Sexton, said. “I have some fantastic memories of some great nights winning and defending both belts. “Now the time is right for me to

move in a different direction to rebuild my career and achieve my ultimate goal of becoming heavyweight world champion.

“As for the fight with Dereck, I’d hope it has the potential to be made later next year.’’

David

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