Thursday, July 26, 2012

London in festive mood as Olympics begins tomorrow P.27

XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

London 2012

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING

Steve Nwosu, The Sun Editor, survives robbers’ bullets

P.7

July 27 - August 12, 2012

Vol. 2 N0. 412

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Impeachment threat:

N150

Full budget execution not possible –FG

ROTIMI FADEYI AND TORDUE SALEM

Jonathan to honour House summon in Sept FACES OF INDICTED OIL MARKETERS

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he Federal Government yesterday declared that it was not possible to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the 2012 budget by September this year.

The House of Representatives had on July 19 threatened to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan if he failed to achieve full implementation of the budget by September.

G o v e r n m e n t , however, said it would ensure a substantial implementation of about 80 to 90 per cent at the end of the fiscal year.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said this yesterday while briefing State CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Boko Haram:

2 Indians shot dead in Maiduguri Abdullahi Alao (Son of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao)

Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi (Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd)

...three others injured P.2

Dana Air crash:

DNA results ready next week

P.4 Mahmud Tukur (Son of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur)

L-R: Executive Director, Centre for Values and Social Change, Dr. Olufemi Oluniyi; Acting Head, Communications, Aero Contractors, Mrs. Chika Ubendu and Director, CVSC, Dr. Oluwafemi Martins, during the First Annual Associate Researchers’ Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Mamman Nasir Ali (Son of Dr. Ahmadu Ali)

Adoke’s absence stalls trial of indicted oil marketers FG sacks NPA MD, directors, appoints new EDs for NIMASA

‘Wonder Bank’ disappears with 350 depositors’ money

P.5,6 P.12

News

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Full budget execution not possible –FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

House correspondents on the outcome of the deliberations at the Federal Executive Council’s, FEC, meeting.

The minister explained that 56 per cent of the budget had been implemented as at July 20 while N404bn had already been released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

Okonjo-Iweala said: “In terms of 100 per cent implementation, I think that what I read that was said by sections of the National Assembly had to do with 100 per cent implementation of the budget by September.

“My experience worldwide is that there is hardly any country that will implement 100 per cent by the

end of the year and this is based on very broad experience, but people try to get to 80 to 90 per cent of the budget and as much as can be done.

“Now 100 per cent by September, you know September is the ninth month of the year, but we will be moving. I think the point is that Mr. President is determined to implement this

budget as fully as possible and therefore, we will be moving towards the figure as of full implementation as we can by the end of the year because the budget was made for the whole year.

“You can see there is no lack of effort and no lack of goodwill, if we could go from 39 per cent in May to 56 per cent by mid-July,

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; FRSC Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Bisi Kazeem; Media Officer, Mr. Ohaeri Osondu and Principal Staff Officer to Corps Marshal, Mr. Julius Asom, after the processing of Oyinlola’s Driver’s Licence in Abuja, yesterday.

Boko Haram: 2 Indians shot dead in Maiduguri OMEIZA AJAYI AND INUSA NDAHI

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unmen suspected to be members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, yesterday invaded the Zajeri Industrial Area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and shot dead two Indians at their gum arabic factory.

Their three other colleagues were injured in the afternoon attack.

An eyewitness told National Mirror that the gunmen demanded an unspecified amount of money from the Indians before they fired several gun shots into the factory and fled in an unmarked vehicle, chanting Allahu Akbar, (God is great!)

He said: “We had to run for our dear lives as the attackers fired sporadically to scare us from the scene.”

The eyewitness added that it took the Joint Task Force, JTF, about 30 minutes before they arrived at the industrial area and cordoned it off to prevent further attacks and killings.

He noted that none of the local residents were killed or

injured, except the five Indian nationals.

Sources at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, told our correspondent on the phone yesterday that the bodies of the victims and three others injured were brought into the hospital’s accident and emergency unit by men of JTF in their patrol van at about 1:30p.m.

The source, a hospital attendant, said that the three injured Indians had been put under intensive care for the gunshot wounds they sustained, while the two bodies had been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

The JTF, however, said that only one Indian was injured in the attack.

JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col Sagir Musa, in a statement yesterday confirmed the incident.

The statement reads in part: “Information available to the JTF indicated that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a gum arabic factory operated by Indians located at Bayern Quarters, Maiduguri metropolis at about 1p.m. today during a rainstorm.

“The incident led to the

death of two Indians and one wounded, who is receiving treatment at UMTH.” Musa said the suspects made away with thousands of naira from the factory, adding that the area had been cordoned off; and a search was in progress to apprehend the culprits.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Security Service, SSS, yesterday explained the seeming helplessness of security agencies in curtailing the crime wave in the country, especially the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

The SSS blamed the inability of security agents to end the activities of the sect on “communal collaboration.”

It said that although the service and other security agencies were doing their best to safeguard the nation and its citizens, regardless of the deadly activities of the sect, terrorism had remained intractable “as local communities where the sect operates seem to be sympathetic to its cause.”

The SSS also decried the unwillingness of the people to avail the service of useful information on the identities

and operations of the sect members, “despite the fact that they cohabit with them and operate among them.”

SSS Director in the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Little John Okojie, said this when he received some newly-elected officials of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abuja Council on a visit to his office.

He said although the service would not shy away from its duty of crime prevention, it had become difficult for the Federal Government to dialogue with the sect due to its mode of operation.

Okojie expressed the readiness of the service to work with journalists, stressing that the service had in the past approached media houses to clarify issues on areas of disagreement.

He advised journalists to continue to give accurate and balanced account of every event and situation in line with the ethics of the profession.

Secretary of the council, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, expressed the readiness of journalists to contribute to the security and well-being of the country.

that shows a considerable leap and I am quite confident that as we go month by month, both us and the National Assembly will be able to look at this and say a good effort has been made for the country.”

President Goodluck Jonathan had on April 13 signed a N4.697trn 2012 budget into law after it was passed by the National Assembly on March 15.

The appropriation consists of capital expenditure of N1.34trn and recurrent expenditure amounting to N3.357trn.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that the Federal Government and members of the National Assembly would ensure that the budget was implemented to the benefit of all Nigerians.

While speaking about the challenges encountered in the implementation process, Okonjo-Iweala explained that some constituency projects initiated by members of the National Assembly needed to be accompanied by the designs and the feasibility studies, which would take some time to complete.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, also said that President Jonathan was committed to the implementation of the budget to the benefit of Nigerians.

He said that the implementation of the budget did not start early in the year because the National Assembly did not pass it until March.

Maku added that the President had, therefore, directed that all MDAs ensure that they prepare and submit their proposals for the 2013 budget by September to give the National Assembly ample opportunity to consider and pass the budget before the end of the year.

He said the early passage of the budget by the National Assembly would make it easier for the executive to start early implementation.

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Mr. Emeka Eze, noted that while implementing the budget, the BPP was also ensuring that due process was followed.

He said that government was committed to ensuring that all projects due for ex-

ecution were backed by the appropriate designs, completed feasibility studies, the entire cost of the project and the contractor who would handle the projects.

He dismissed the insinuation that the BPP was the body empowered to award contracts and not the FEC. Eze explained that Section 2 of the Public Procurement Act did not give the power to award contracts.

Meanwhile, indications emerged yesterday that President Jonathan would appear in a closed session with members of the House of Representatives over the increasing insecurity in the country in September.

The House, had through a resolution in June, invited the President to appear before it in an executive session.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by the Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, (ACN, Lagos).

It was learnt yesterday that the decision of the President to meet the lawmakers as requested was the outcome of his meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and Senate President David Mark.

It was gathered that since the impeachment threat last week, President Jonathan and Tambuwal had met twice to settle issues between the House and the Presidency.

The first meeting was held last week, after the House had passed a resolution warning the President to hasten up implementation of the 2012 budget or face impeachment proceedings by September.

A principal officer, who told National Mirror, said the two leaders met again on Monday night where it was also gathered that the President decided that in the spirit of reconciliation, he would appear before the House as soon as it reconvenes from recess in September.

The source said: “I can tell you there is every possibility that the President would honour our invitation when we come back.

“His second meeting with the Speaker was very successful and he had conCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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Photo News

Thursday, July 26, 2012

L-R: Deputy Head of Public Policy, Diageo Africa, Ms. Mojisola Akpata; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; winner of the Diageo Africa Business Reporting Award and Brands and Marketing Correspondent of National Mirror newspapers, Ms. Ella Olamiju and Deputy Editor, Business, Mr. Ayo Olesin, during the award presentation in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Head of Enterprise Marketing, Globacom, Mr. Justin Coetze; Head of Marketing, Mr. Adeniyi Olukoya and General Manager, Prepaid Marketing, Mr. Ashutosh Tiwary, at the launch of Glo Flexi Reloaded dynamic tariff in Lagos, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ms. Olamiju and her son, Tolu Ikutiminu after the award presentation.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

L-R: German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Dorothee Janetzue-Denzel; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu and BASF President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mr. Jacques Delmoitiez, at the official launch and inauguration of the BASF West Africa sales office in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News

Dana Air Crash: DNA results’ll be ready next week FRANCIS FAMOROTI, TOBORE OVUORIE AND OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State and a consultant forensic pathologist, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa yesterday told a Coroner’s court in Ikeja conducting an inquest into the June 3 Dana Air crash that the result of the DNA tests on the bodies of some of the victims will be ready next week.

Testifying before the court, Obafunwa, who is also the Vice- Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU, recounted the gory state of some of the bodies when they were brought to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH in bags.

Led in evidence by Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, a counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, the witness said the pathology department began the process of examining the victims’ bodies on June 6, three days after

...AON petitions Presidency over airline’s grounding

the crash.

He said when the bags containing some of the victims were opened at the morgue, some contained bone fragments while others had body parts.

Obafunwa also said some of the victims’ bodies had metals embedded in them as a result of the impact of the crash.

He told the coroner, Magistrate Alexander Oyetade Komolafe, that the pathology department was able to identify about 152 bodies, either complete or partial after they were brought to the morgue.

Testifying further, Obafunwa said 60 per cent of the victims had multiple injuries while about 20 per cent had multiple injuries and smoke inhalation.

He said: “Fifty bodies were fairly complete; about 100 victims were burnt, while there were also charred bodies.

There are bodies with recognisable heads and some had their limbs

chopped off.”

The pathologist said some of the charred bodies were taken to the Mainland Hospital for storage since the facilities at the LASUTH were overstretched.

He said that at the moment, the pathology department was doing a final editing of post-mortem reports.

He also said the chemical analysis of the samples and tissues taken from the bodies of the victims would be ready in two weeks’ time.

“I am expecting that the DNA results will be finalised next week. I will say we have completed our job. On the average, 80 per cent of the job is ready,” he added.

Obafunwa, while being cross-examined by some lawyers namely, Anthony Idigbe, SAN, Obi Okwusogu, SAN, and Femi Falana among others said there is no forensic scientific laboratory in the country at the moment where DNA tests could be

conducted.

He advised the Federal Government to put machinery in the motion to put such facility in place the country.

He also suggested that the Federal Government should set up a Mass Disaster Committee comprising all the various rescue agencies in the country.

Hearing continues today.

Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, on Tuesday petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren over the grounding of Dana Air following the crash.

In the petition signed

by Secretary General, Capt Mohammed Joji, AON posited that the grounding of the airline by the government would make it lose some of its investments in the industry, while its staff of

over 540 will continue to remain jobless.

The petition, which was made available to journalists in Lagos yesterday described the accident as unfortunate, but emphasised that the preliminary report released by the AIB exonerated the airline of any wrong doing.

The statement reads in part, “The Chairman, Management and over 540 staff of Dana Air are indeed very worried about the continued suspension of the airline’s operations without any notice of a new date of possible resumption. As a result of the suspension, the entire staff of Dana Air, their families and other dependants risk losing their source of livelihood.

“The operators of the airline also risk losing huge and significant investments in Nigeria’s fledging aviation industry. On staff salaries alone, for its over 540 staff, the airline current-

ly spends about N90m per month. Besides the staff salaries, there are other overheads such as the office and staff accommodation and the increase in insurance premium.”

AON explained that the airline management has been cooperating fully with the AIB, the engine manufacturers (Pratt & Whitney of Canada), NCAA and the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States of America since the accident occurred.

It noted that the three remaining MD83 aircraft in the airline’s fleet are serviceable and are on ground at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two while another two are currently undergoing the statutory C-Checks at the MyTechnic Engineering Base in Turkey.

It emphasised that there is no correlation between age of aircraft and safety, stressing that the decisions to retire aircraft are basically economic.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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Adoke’s absence stalls trial of indicted oil marketers FRANCIS FAMOROTI

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he expected formal arraignment yesterday of Mahmud, the son of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Abdulai, the son of the business mogul, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez ArisekolaAlao; along with some other oil marketers and companies indicted in the fuel subsidy fraud, was yesterday stalled at an Ikeja High Court.

The arraignment was stalled due to the absence in court of the Justice Minister and AttorneyGeneral of the Federa-

tion, AGF, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and the failure of two of the defendants to appear in the criminal charge.

Besides Tukur and Alao, other notable figures among the defendants are a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, PPPRA, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, and Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele, a director in the accounting firm, Akintola Williams Delliote.

The defendants, comprising 12 individuals and seven oil companies, are being arraigned for fraudulent practices in the Ikeja and Lagos divisions of the state high

court.

The companies involved included Eterna Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd; Nasaman Oil Services, Nadabo Energy Limited, Pacific Silver Line Limited, Axenergy Limited and Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited.

Specifically, the defendants are being charged with oil subsidy fraud involving about N4.4bn by the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. But due to the absence of the AGF, who is billed to lead the prosecuting team, including Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, and

the non-appearance of two defendants, Walter Wagastsoma and Alex Ochonogor, the matters were adjourned till today.

National Mirror gathered that this development made the trial judges, Justices Habeeb Abiru and Adeniyi Onigbanjo, to adjourn the proceedings brought before them till today.

As at 10:30a.m. yesterday, four of the five defendants that were supposed to appear before Justice Abiru were present.

The first defendant on the information sheet filed before the court, Wagastsoma, was conspicuously absent.

Others expected to be

First Lady and President, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Dame Patience Jonathan (3rd left), with the first ladies of other countries, during inauguration of the interim secretariat of the mission in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

arraigned before Justice Abiru were Adaoha UgoNgadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil and Gas. They are facing a ninecount charge relating to conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and use of false documents.

The EFCC alleged that they fraudulently obtained over N1.9bn from the Federal Government under the Petroleum Support Fund from July to December 2010.

EFCC said the alleged offences contravened Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006 and Sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Laws of the Lagos State 2003.

At the proceedings before Justice Abiru, the prosecution counsel, Jacobs, applied for an adjournment on the grounds that the Attorney-General who had expressed his intention to lead the prosecution was unavoidably absent.

He also noted that the first defendant, Wagastsoma, was not in court.

According to him: “My Lord, the first defendant is not in court. It is important he appears in court for the matter to yield any result.”

Justice Abiru consequently adjourned the matter till today (Thurs-

day).

Similarly, the arraignment before Justice Onigbanjo could not hold due to the absence of Ochonogor. But the other defendants, namely Mahmud Tukur, Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil and Gas were present.

The trial judge did not formally sit but merely summoned the attorneys in the matter to his chambers for a meeting.

When the lawyers emerged from the judge’s chambers, they told their clients and their relations that the matter had been adjourned till noon today.

Wagbatsoma, UgoNgadi, Ebenezer, Ezekiel Ejidele and Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited are to be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N1, 959, 377, 542, .63 (N1.9 bn) from the PSF for a purported importation of 39.2m litres of PMS while Tukur, Alao, Ochonogor and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc are being accused of fraudulently obtaining N1,899,238,946.02 from PSF for importation of 80.3 million litres of premium motor spirit, PMS. The other set of defendants included Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian Taylor, Jude Agube Abalaka, Abubakar Ali Peters, and Oluwaseun Ogunbambo.

The arraignment of the defendants will hold today when the court will take their pleas to the charges.

Full budget execution not possible –FG World Bank may approve extension of SMMRP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

ceded that he had nothing against the invitation.

“And mind you, he is not coming this time around to discuss only security; we will be discussing the budget and the state of the nation generally.”

He added that the President would be coming in company of his service chiefs and the economic team to meet with the House in an executive session.

“Part of what they discussed at last night’s meeting was the need to close ranks between the Presidency and the House. Besides, some top government officials, friends and associates of the President have, on their own, launched separate initiatives to stem the

issue,” the source said.

Further investigation also revealed that from the interaction that took place at the meeting between the Speaker and the President, it was clear that the President was really interested in ensuring that the “communication gap between the executive and the House was addressed in a short while.

He said the meetings were initiated by Jonathan.

“All the meetings were at the instance of Mr. President. Some ministers are going about telling people the impeachment threat is not a big deal but I can confirm to you that President Jonathan is visibly concerned about the not so cordial

relationship between the executive and the legislature.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, had, in a recent statement, declared that the House cannot be stampeded into abandoning its decision to impeach President Jonathan should he fail to implement the 2012 budget as passed by the National Assembly.

He explained that the impeachment threat was borne out of the national interest and patriotism of members of the House saying statements suggesting that the lawmakers were sponsored by external forces were mischievous and misleading.

JOHN UWE ABUJA

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here are strong indications that the World Bank may approve the second phase of its sponsored scheme, the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project, SMMRP, in Nigeria, even as the Federal Government is asking for over $80m to drive the mining sector.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada, told National Mirror yesterday that Nigeria would meet the conditions set by the World Bank for the approval of the extension of the project.

Sada said that the Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Federal Government, was now showing

commitment to support the sector by establishing the Solid Mineral Development Fund from where operators could get cheap funds to finance their mining projects.

“The World Bank has the information that the fund is there to support the sector, but unfortunately it is not going to the sector.

So, they felt a bit unhappy over that. That was what stopped the decision (of extension) at that time.

“And, you know, the World Bank board meeting holds periodically, if you miss this board meeting, it will take you another one year to meet them again. That is the problem that we have.

“We missed the last board meeting that would have considered this thing

because the project team was still trying to get this explanation as to how much support government is giving the sector before they can now decide what happens.

“This is because they don’t want government to sit back and the World Bank would be doing everything; the bank is only helping. We must show the willingness for them to carry on. They don’t want a situation whereby they finish and leave, and everything collapses. They want to see our commitment.

“However, the Minister of Finance has taken it up. The ministry is now making it a priority in the World Bank project plan.

This is the pointer that we have which was not there initially.

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National News

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UniAbuja crisis: FG sets up seven visitation panels IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

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he Federal Government yesterday took steps to arrest the crisis rocking the University of Abuja even as it set up seven visitation panels aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order in the institution.

Performing the inauguration of the 45-man committee in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Rufa’i said the panel, which will sit for six weeks, will critically examine the financial audit, project administration and procurement of the university.

Other critical areas to be looked into by the committee also include the programmes audit, staff and student audit; admission and examinations administration; general administration (senate and council affairs); conduct of

academic and non-academic staff and as well make appropriate recommendations that will enable the university achieve its mandate effectively.

The special visitation panel is composed of seven teams with each comprising of at least five members which will be chaired and co-chaired by Dr Theo Chike Osanakpo (SAN) and Prof. Aliyu Mohammed respectively. They will examine various issues affecting

the smooth running of the university.

It will be recalled that the university in recent times had witnessed unprecedented challenges in the quality of academic programmes, financial and project management, infrastructure, learning resources and leadership style.

The immediate community of Abuja has had to bear the brunt of the spillover of student’s anger and

frayed nerves arising from systemic failure in the university.

Consequently, the Federal Government recently suspended three major programmes of the university which includes Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Engineering.

This informed the Federal Government’s decision to set up the special visitation panel committee to examine the university’s activities from its incep-

‘Prosecute officials involved in Navy’s collapsed building’

Jonathan approves appointment of new MD for NPA, others ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ROTIMI FADEYI

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ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday ordered that those who conducted the supervision of the construction and demolition of a twostorey building belonging to the Nigeria Navy which collapsed on Saturday, January 28, in Gwarinpa area of Abuja be brought to justice.

The building located on 45 Road, Gwarinpa Estate collapsed on seven labourers, killing two and trapping three others when it was being demolished.

To forestall such occurrence, Jonathan has also directed that henceforth the supervision of all public buildings must be done by the Department of Public Building either in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) or in the Federal Ministry of Housing to ensure quality in the construction of public projects.

Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku while addressing State House Correspondents, said President Jonathan and all members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) raised serious concern about the incident at its yesterday’s meeting.

According to him, FEC deliberated on the report of a committee set up within the council to investigate the unfortunate incident.

Maku said part of the findings in the preliminary report of the committee was that the poor construction of the building led to severe stress which necessitated the decision to demolish it.

tion in 1988 to date.

The terms of reference are: “To determine the relationship between the institution and the various statutory bodies it interacts with in accordance with its laws for the purpose of supervision, planning, finance, discipline and guidance. Such bodies include the Governing Council and the supervising agency; the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Education as well as the Visitor.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; former presidential spokesman, Mr. Emma Niboro; Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Air passengers complain of disparity in fares

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ome air passengers yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, complained about the disparity in ticket fares on domestic routes of some airlines in the country.

Some of the passengers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the airlines sell their tickets at different rates with between 30 and 50 percent difference on tickets of the same route.

Dr Esosa Erewele, a passenger of Aero Airline from Lagos to Abuja told NAN that he bought his ticket for N25, 000 at the airport while his wife’s ticket was sold at N33, 000 with an increase of N8, 000.

“I bought my ticket for N25, 000 while my wife’s ticket was sold for N33, 000, the gap is too much, I can’t understand the reason and the airline has failed to tell us the reason but we just had to travel,” he said.

Mr. Mike Iwuoba, also lamented the high rates,

saying that some of the airlines had even increased prices by about 20 to 50 percent.

Another passenger, Miss Helen Odogu, a former air hostess said that the rate of corruption in the aviation sector was increasing daily.

She blamed the problems on the airlines for still allowing some of the retired airline and airport staff members to operate at the airport.

“Some old members of staff get tickets from the airlines under different names and re-sell them to passengers at very high rates.

“The airlines ought to have a board that will show the ticket fare each time and cross check with the online bookings to confirm the name of the travelling passenger before they are allowed to get their boarding pass.

“The airport authorities are also lagging behind in the performance of their duties. I believe that if any of the airlines had been pe-

nalised for such acts, others will sit up,” Odogu said.

Michael Akubude, who was on an Arik air flight from Lagos to Abuja said that the disparity was much, adding that he opted for a business class ticket instead of economy because of the difference.

“I entered N30, 000 when I travelled to Lagos on economy class but for the return trip today, they said the ticket was N38, 000 while the business class was N49, 166, I decided to opt for the later,’’ he said.

Mr. Muyiwa Adesanya, an IRS airline manager at the airport refuted the allegation, saying that the company only reviewed its fare from N24, 000 to N28, 000 on the economy class to Lagos in June.

He said that on the Kano route, the maximum cost of ticket on economy class was N25, 000 against N20, 000 before the increase in June, adding that the business class fare on all the

local routes was stable at maximum of N45, 000.

Adesanyan said that IRS had flexible rates for passengers who book earlier for a period of at least two weeks before the travelling date and that the price was reduced compared to when buying on the travelling time.

“The problems are from the people who like to buy ticket without passing through due process by either buying directly from the airline at the airport or online booking but some prefer patronising touts at the airports.

“We don’t board people without a document like international passport, valid identity card or a driver’s license in order to ensure that a passenger is not checked-in under another person’s name.

“It is high time people stopped patronising touts and report to the right authorities any airline found cooperating with such touts”.

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Habibu Abdullahi, as the new managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Mr. Abdullahi replaces Engr. Omar Suleiman, who has been relieved of his appointment.

According to a statement issued yesterday in Abuja

by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the new Managing Director hails from Kano State and was the Acting Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of the NPA. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration.

In the other changes in the transportation sector, the President also approved the appointment of three new executive directors for the NPA. They are Engr. David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine & Operations); Mr. Mohammmed Sani Saleh (Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services) and Mr. Olumide Oduntan (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

Similarly, the President approved the appointment of three new executive directors for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

They are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba (Executive Director, Maritime Safety & Shipping Development); Barrister Obi Callistus Nwabueze (Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services) and Mr. Baba Haruna Jauro (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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NASS probes unpaid N400bn PHCN workers’ pension fund

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he National Assembly Joint Committee on Power has commenced investigation into the unpaid N400bn pension fund for electricity workers.

The President, Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, Mr. Bede Opara, who disclosed this yesterday, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN,

FG didn’t buy 200 cars for First Ladies’ summit – Presidency ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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he Presidency has denied a newspaper report that the Federal Government has purchased 200 new “exotic” cars for the African First Ladies Summit which opens in Abuja today.

According to a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the Presidency said it noted with dismay, the false and misleading claim.

It said the publication was another attempt to incite public anger against the Presidency and the Federal Government The statement reads in part: “The African First Ladies Peace Mission, AFLPM, which is holding its summit in Abuja is a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO. Its activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives.

“In accordance with

Gunmen rob, shoot Steve Nwosu, Sun editor

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rmed robbers shot the Editor of the Sun newspaper, Mr. Steve Nwosu, yesterday on old Ojo Road, Mazamaza in Lagos.

It was gathered that Nwosu had gone to a bank in Festac Town to withdraw some money and was on his way back to the office when he was accosted by the robbers on a motorcycle.

After overtaking his car, the robbers started shouting ‘where is the money’ and shot him through the glass.

It was learnt that Nwosu was sitting on the passenger’s seat in front when the robbers struck and the bullet grazed the side of his head, while they took the money away.

He was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he is reported to be recuperating.

its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee to raise funds and sponsorship for the organisation of its Abuja Summit.

“As part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Limited offered to provide some cars for the event, at no cost to the organisers or the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit.

“As indicated in the body of the report, the editors of Daily Trust were apparently well aware that they had no facts to support the claim in their banner headline that the Federal Government bought the cars in question.”

in Lagos that the union would await the outcome of the investigation.

He said: “The Joint Committee on Power in the Senate and House of Representatives has started its investigation.

“We met with the committee on the issue two days ago and another meeting is scheduled for next week.

“Anybody who is found guilty of mismanaging

S

ome prominent lawyers have expressed confidence in the ability of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, to revive the judiciary by flushing out corruption in the third arm of government.

The new CJN promised in a speech made during her screening yesterday that she would flush out corrupt judges from the system with a view to sanitising the judiciary and restore the hope of Nigerians in the administration of justice.

Reacting to the development, a number of seasoned lawyers extolled the virtues of the new CJN, stressing they have confidence in her ability to wage a successful war against corruption in the judiciary.

In his own view, a Senior

ment and the labour leaders were the only trustees to the pension fund.

He added that the union leaders were in a position to know what happened to the fund.

The demand for the payment of severance package to about 50,000 workers that would be retired after the privatisation of 17 PHCN successor companies necessitated the probe.

Opara said that prior to

the introduction of Pension Reform Act in July 2004, PHCN operated an in-house pension scheme where 25 per cent of workers’ salaries were deducted and paid into their superannuation fund.

He said that the method enabled the workers to enjoy a scheme different from the contributory scheme most public sector organisations operated.

L-R: Former Head of Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Dean of Public Health, Prof. Oladimeji Oladepo, at a training workshop on responsible conduct in research in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Mukhtar’s corruption war will succeed – Lawyers KAYODE KETEFE AND WALE IGBINTADE

the N400bn pension fund will be held liable.’’

The Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, had on Sunday asked the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, workers to find out from their union leaders what happened to their pension fund.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Power, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe, the minister said that PHCN manage-

Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Ngige, said: “It will mark the beginning of radical departure from the present norm in the administration of justice particularly at the apex court.”

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Oshipitan, said: “You will find out that she is very friendly but very firm. She has zero tolerance for corruption, all the vices associated with some of our justices and all the controversies surrounding them; we are not likely to experience that with her.”

Speaking in similar vein, the immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole, said: “In comparison to the outgoing CJN, I think Justice Mukhtar has enough time to fight corruption and you know corruption is a complex thing when you fight it, it will fight back.”

Mills: Ghana declares one-week mourning period

•He changed democratic governance in Africa -Amosun

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hanaian Government said it had fixed July 30 to August 2 for the mourning of its late President, Prof.

John Atta Mills, who died on Tuesday.

The Consul-General of Ghana’s High Commission, Alhaji Abdulai Abukari, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos yesterday.

Abukari said though the late president had been battling with heart problems, the news of his death came as a shock to the Ghanaian community and friends.

He said: “The news of his death came to us all as a shock. We are devastated by the news. We have lost an illustrious son and seasoned democrat. As a first step toward honouring him, the government has declared a national mourn-

ing period for him.’’

Abukari said during the one-week period, official engagements would be between 10a.m. and 2p.m. in all government organisations and establishments in that country.

The envoy said the people of Ghana would miss the late president for his humility, tolerance and visionary leadership.

“We have indeed lost an icon of a leader. Here was

Late Mills

a man, who had the interest of Ghanaian people at heart.

“It was his leadership qualities that endeared him to President Barack Obama of the United States. It was President Obama’s strong belief in him that made him visit Ghana,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has commiserated with the government and people of Ghana on the exit of President Mills.

Amosun said in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, that Mills’ death was “lamentable, especially coming at a time when his leadership qualities were beginning to reshape opinions of the world about democratic governance in Africa.

8

South West

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Eso, Mazrui advocate people’s constitution WALE IGBINTADE

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former Supreme Court Justice, Justice Kayode Eso and Dr. Ali A. Mazrui, have advocated for a just constitutional order as the only solution to the problems facing the country.

They both spoke yesterday at the eighth AELEX annual lecture entitled; “This House Must Not Fall: Constitutional Reform and the People’s Will” held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

According to Justice Eso, the 1999 Constitution was not based on consultations with the people saying the “1999 Constitution is soldiers’ constitution.”

Justice Eso noted that the issue of constitution has been the most discussed topic in the world, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception in the debate.

He said the constitution, being the grundnorm of any peaceful society; should be taken seriously and must reflect the will of

the people.

The guest speaker, Dr. Ali Mazrui in his lecture entitled; “The House of Africa in Disrepair: The Quest for New Foundations,” said Nigeria needed a new constitutional order that will reflect the will of the people.

Dr. Mazrui, an Albert Schweitzer Professor in the Humanities said many people viewed Nigeria as too big to survive while others believed that the country is too big to fail.

He added that corruption has been part of the prob-

lem which has produced money-makers rather than wealth creators.

While pointing out that the Nigerian elite have failed, he said; “The Nigerian plutocratic elite in the first few decades of independence has been a money-making elite rather than a wealth-creating elite. Individual Nigerians have become wealthy while Nigeria itself has become poorer. Great skills have been developed for making money, but not enough talent has been cultivated to

create wealth.

“We have had urbanisation in Nigeria without adequate industrialisation, Western consumption patterns without Western productive techniques. We need to find ways of motivating Nigerians towards genuine entrepreneurial, innovative and risk-taking developmental strategies.”

He stressed the need to put in place a special and effective Ombudsman System on Corruption Control both at the federal and state levels.

“Complaints about bribery, nepotism and other forms of corruption would be lodged to the ombudsman who would be equipped with resources and staff to investigate, warn, and where necessary sue.

“Corruption can be a deadly cancer on both the economy and the political system, and deserves considerable investment of resources. The ombudsman may need the support of a Corruption Investigative Police,” he added.

Fayemi boosts Ekiti schools with 7, 880 chairs, desks ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left), presenting a talking drum to Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, during Cooter’s visit to Ajimobi in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Family of slain 70-year-old woman rejects autopsy report ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he family of 70-yearold Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, allegedly murdered in Omuo-Ekiti over allegations of witchcraft in June has rejected the autopsy carried out by pathologists at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

A family member and cousin to the deceased, Mr. Gabriel Omokanju, said the experts’ report that the woman died as a result of foot ulcer, the wound she carried for over two decades before her demise, was an attempt to cover up the murder committed in the community.

It will be recalled that Mrs. Adewumi was allegedly tortured to death on June 30, by a youth group called ‘Omekula’ in the community for allegedly inflicting his step son, Ola Adewumi,

with strange illness with witchcraft power.

Omokanju, who told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the result was manipulated, said the medical experts did not perform any critical examination on the deceased, but only observed her skin to confirm whether she was actually tortured to death.

Although, the result of the post-mortem has not been made public, the family said it knew about it because it was present when the autopsy was conducted, saying it was ‘an attempt to commute the case from murder to manslaughter.’

“We are not satisfied with the outcome. It was manipulated. They said there was no laceration on her skin to confirm that she was tortured to death. They also claimed that there was no mutilation on her fingers as we had earlier alleged.

“When they opened her

kiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday took steps to ensure a better learning environment in schools within the state with the commissioning of 7,880 chairs and desks for primary and secondary schools across the state.

Fayemi said it was expedient to mobilise all resources available to government to rescue the sector from the rot that had stopped it from taking the lead in Nigeria’s education system as well as ensure quality education for the younger generation.

The governor said the decision to revamp the sector was not a mere pledge, but an “irrevocable contract” that he had with the people to salvage the ailing condition of education in the state.

According to him, the distribution of the furniture was not only aimed at ensuring the comfort of pupils in the classroom, but also creates a conducive learning environment that would assist in how well they assimilate their stud-

ies.

Fayemi, who also planted some tree nurseries on the occasion, said it was to complement nature in view of the challenges of global warming, saying that the trees, on maturity, would serve as wind breakers and as well add to the beauty of the environment.

State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, said the distribution of furniture and tree planting were geared towards creating a pupil-friendly environment where teaching and learning, supported with instructional materials, could take place.

Adelabu said the present administration had invested so much in the education sector and the efforts were already yielding positive results.

stomach, they confirmed that she was not poisoned to death but they found few grains of rice in her stomach 18 days after she had died, but no extraction from her stomach to confirm this. This woman did not eat until she gave up so I didn’t know where and when she ate the rice,” he

said.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, had disclosed that nobody had been arrested in connection with the killing due to lack of eye-witness to volunteer information to confirm the veracity of claim that the deceased was tortured to death.

WALE IGBINTADE

Sacked doctors’ suit suffers setback

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he suit instituted by reinstated Lagos State doctors who were sacked by the government on May 7, suffered a setback yesterday as the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos raised fresh issue on jurisdiction.

The trial judge, Justice Benedict Kanyip, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit now that the doctors have been recalled by the state government.

His words: “The court

•As court raises jurisdictional issue earlier assumed jurisdiction because the issue of strike was involved and there was a planned disciplinary action when the doctors went on strike. If you abandon that and come with a fresh action about a breach of agreement then we do not have any jurisdiction because what is before me is drastically different from what was filed when I assumed jurisdiction.”

Earlier, counsel to the doc-

tors, Mr. Ode Abah, had told the court that he had filed a motion seeking an order to enable him amend the facts.

He had sought amendment to read that the refusal of the government to implement Consolidated Medical Salary Scheme was a breach of an agreement it reached with them.

Abah also want the court to order the government to implement the agreement and place the doctors on their new levels.

Fayemi

Counsel to the government, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, opposed the amendment adding that the order they sought was not within the purview of the NIC. She added that the matter falls within the Trade Union Dispute Act, which the court lacked power to entertain.

But Abah asked for a short adjournment to enable him consult with his principal, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, over their intention to amend their statement of fact.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, July 26, 2012

9

Loan defaulters risk prosecution, Osun warns beneficiaries WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

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eneficiaries of loans put in place by the Osun State Government have been advised not to default in repaying the money.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Ismaila Jayeoba Alagbada, who gave the admonition, said it was a revolving scheme to help the people.

He added that anybody who failed to repay the loan would be made to face the wrath of law.

Alagbada spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, when he led officials of the ministry and the representatives of the Bank of Industry, BoI, on a visit to some small-scale factories in the state.

The commissioner assured proprietors of small-scale industries and cooperative groups that the government was ready to provide more financial

assistance to them, if they repaid loans earlier borrowed.

He also urged beneficiaries of the machines procured from the BoI loan to make good use of them.

Alagbada also enjoined the beneficiaries to strive hard to repay the loan at the appropriate time.

In a related development, the commissioner appealed to farmers’ associations in the state to exercise more patience, as the government was working out modalities for the disbursement of the loan earlier promised them.

He said this while addressing members of various farmers’ associations who visited the ministry to debunk the rumour that the current weather was not suitable for planting of plantain in the state.

Alagbada also promised the farmers that the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola would not relent in its bid to provide them with necessary assistance.

FERMA steps up repair of Sagamu/Benin Expressway OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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he Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has intensified repair works on failed portions of the Sagamu - Benin Expressway.

FERMA’s Managing Director, Mr. Gabriel Amuchi, while inspecting ongoing repairs on the Sagamu and Ijebu Ode sections of the highway, said with the coming of the rains, the measure became necessary to keep the highway usable.

He said: “Our strategy has been to sustain the presence of our men along the expressway all through the year. But it is more critical now that the rain has become very intensive.

“This is an interventionist measure to keep this critical road always motorable and safe for road users.”

Amuchi said that the ongoing patching of potholes around the Ogun and Ondo states stretch was a routine maintenance operation, in addition to major repair projects going on around the Edo section, adding that he had directed his engineers and zonal

director to mobilise men and equipment from the Sagamu end all through the Ogun stretch, which is about 98 kilometres as well as from Ogun State border to the Ondo stretch, another 100 kilometres.

“We will be doing desilting, directing flow of water, cutting all the vegetation. You will see our pail-loader on site all through the stretch. We are also deploying our mobile pothole patchers all through this route. The intention is to ensure the whole of this road is motorable this season, so Nigerians can have a smooth ride, like they did in December,” he added.

Amuchi, who said that the repair work was in line with the agency’s public works programme to ensure that the road was well maintained pending when there would be a major reconstruction project, disclosed that the FERMA mobile asphalt plant stationed in Abeokuta would be moved to Ijebu-Ode district camp, “to be producing asphalt directly to support the supplies they are getting from our coal asphalt factory in Kuje”.

Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, inspecting the stand of the beneficiaries of the Uplifting Unemployed Graduates’ programme during the flag-off ceremony of the first Ogun Youth Trade Fair in Abeokuta

Oyo begins payment of pension arrears

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he Oyo State government on Wednesday in Ibadan commenced the payment of the 142 per cent pension arrears owed families of deceased members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP. Speaking at the flag-off, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Zacheaus Adelabu, described the payment as the setting of an unequalled record.

Adelabu said over N2bn had so far been released for the payment of monthly pension allowance from

January to July this year.

He assured pensioners that the government would ensure that they were adequately taken care of.

“What you have witnessed is just a minute portion of what the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has in stock for you, more is coming.

“You have just seen the dew, heavy rain will fall and you shall all live to witness more goodies,” Adelabu said.

The state NUP Chair-

man, Mr. Lateef Adegoke, expressed gratitude to the state government for the payment of the arrears.

“I recall that the union had embarked on the struggle for the payment of the arrears since the circular was released by the Federal Government in year 2000” he said.

Adegoke said the pensioners had instituted a court action against the immediate past governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, in March 2010.

“But, rather than allow the case to go further, Aji-

mobi opted to pay the arrears,” he said.

He commended the governor for commencing the payment of the arrears barely after four months in office.

Adegoke urged relatives of deceased members that were yet to benefit from the exercise to be patient with both the union and the government.

He noted that more than 1,000 members were being accommodated in the first batch, adding that it was going to be a continuous exercise.

of all security agencies operating in the state.

The bill, proposed by the state Executive Council, has 18 sections containing provisions bordering on the establishment of the security fund, its board membership, status, power and functions.

It also seeks the es-

tablishment of a Board of Trustees, comprising members of the armed forces, State Security Service, SSS, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as other agencies.

The leader of the House, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, who led the discussion on the policy thrust

of the bill, urged the House to give it speedy consideration to reduce crime rate in the state.

Also contributing, Hon. Kamil Oyedele as well as some lawmakers described the bill as long overdue, saying the purpose of government was to protect lives and property.

Osun Security Bill passes through second reading

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sun State Security Trust Fund Bill scaled through the second reading on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The bill seeks the provision of a fund for the acquisition and development of security equipment, human materials and financial resources for effective functioning

Ogun LG polls: CPC rejects results, threatens lawsuit TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

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ongress for Progressive Change, CPC, yesterday said that the July 21 local government elections conducted by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, were not credible and unacceptable.

The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sina Oduntan, said in a statement that the elections were manipulated while the results were doctored.

He said: “We make bold

to say that these results were not true reflections of the votes cast in over 3,000 polling units in last Saturday’s local government elections in Ogun State. The election is a farce, and charade of the true meaning of elections.

Our party categorically and totally rejects and calls for the cancellation of the result in its entity to avoid legal action from our party on the matter.

“It is now glaring to us that OGSIEC had worked in tandem with the rul-

ing Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, to rig the local government elections; apart from various grievous, unpardonable and inexcusable electoral abuses that characterised the elections.

“Again we observed that both the chairmanship and councillorship elections were conducted with total disregard for due process. Physical results from various polling booths and the overall results announced by the OGSIEC Chairman, Alhaja Risikat

Ogunfemi, did not tally.

“Furthermore, electoral officers and election materials did not get to many polling units throughout the election time in many parts of the state. Tens of thousands of voters who voted in 2011 general elections were disenfranchised during last Saturday’s elections as they could not find their names on the voter’s registers. There was massive rigging, ballot stuffing, and ballot box snatching all over the state.”

10

South East

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

For equity, give South-East additional state, Okorocha urges NASS CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has called on the National Assembly to create additional state in the South-East on the basis of equality and fairness.

The governor, who made the call yesterday when a Committee on State Creation visited him at the Government House, Owerri, said that an additional state in the South-East would bring the zone at par with

•Shelves IMSU’s relocation, plans new varsity other zones in the country.

He regretted that SouthEast had been marginalised because of the imbalance in the number of states and urged all the stakeholders in the zone to close ranks to ensure that the project was actualised.

The governor promised that his administration would offer the necessary support and logistics required in the project, adding that the additional state would boost socio-economic development of the zone.

Meanwhile, Okorocha said his administration had shelved the proposed relocation of the Imo State University, IMSU, to Ideato following plans to establish Imo-European University.

Briefing journalists at the Government House, Owerri, Okorocha disclosed that plans had been concluded to establish Imo-European University which would provide more opportunities for Imo people desirous to obtain university education.

The governor, who just

returned from an economic trip to the United States and United Kingdom, also disclosed that issues relating to the establishment of Loyola Jesuit University were concluded during the trip.

He said: “Let me inform you that all issues relating to the establishment of Loyola Jesuit University in Ngor-Okpala have been concluded. About 300 hectares of land have been provided with some financial support to en-

able work commence in the university site. I have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, and arrangements have been concluded to establish Imo-European University in Ideato where we had proposed to establish a campus for the Imo State University.

“What it means now is that IMSU will be relocated somewhere within Owerri zone. Government will welcome any community that is willing to provide land for the establishment of permanent site for the Imo

State University while the Imo-European University will be established in Ideato.”

Okorocha added that another MoU was signed with some Imo indigenes in the United States for the construction of the Diaspora village by the state government to enable them contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.

He added that an arrangement was being put in place to allow beneficiaries pay conveniently for the property.

Chime presents 260 cars to Enugu councillors DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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overnor Sullivan Chime has presented a Hyundai saloon car to each of the 260 councillors in Enugu State to help them discharge their duties effectively.

Speaking at the presentation at the Government House, Chime said the gesture was in appreciation of the councillors’ good works and also to encourage them to do more.

The governor spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Amechi Okolo.

He said: “It is to ensure that you discharge your duties effectively to your constituents, your respective local government councils and Enugu State in general.”

Chime also said that it was in line with the policy of his administration to provide functionaries of the state in all arms of government the needed facilities to discharge their constitutional roles and functions efficiently and with dignity.

He reminded the councillors that the cars were provided as loans guaranteed by the government which they would offset through deductions from their salaries.

Chime

The governor therefore charged the councillors to handle the cars with care to avoid being damaged or stolen.

Chime, who congratulated the councillors on their election, reminded them of their obligation to serve the people with total dedication to their welfare and commitment.

Earlier in a brief remark, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr. Nwabueze Okafor, thanked the governor for keeping faith with this gesture since his assumption of office.

Okafor, who is the chairman of Enugu South Local Government of Enugu State, described Enugu as a model state in Nigeria in the areas of local government administration and good governance.

The ALGON president specifically mentioned the good working relationship between the governor and the council chairmen.

L-R: Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Matters, Prince Okey Ani; state Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Hon. Nwabueze Okafor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Amaechi Okolo, during the presentation of a car to one of the Local Government councillors in Enugu, yesterday.

Corruption, a sin against God, humanity –Rector NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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ublic officers have been advised to shun corruption or be prepared to face the repercussion.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, OKOPOLY, Anambra State, Prof.

Godwin Onu, who gave the

advice, said it was a sin against God and humanity for a public servant to amass wealth through corruption.

Onu spoke yesterday when he received the National Union of Pensioners, NUP, of the polytechnic in his office.

He said in other climes, the aged were catered for,

Shooting: I’ve forgiven you, Igbo leader tells attackers NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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he Ogirishi Igbo and deputy Igbo leader, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, who is still nursing the injuries he sustained at the weekend following an attack by gunmen, said yesterday that he had forgiven his assailants.

He, however, said that he had no right to ask the police to either continue or stop investigations into the matter because he was the spiritual leader of Ndigbo

and not a security agent.

In a statement he issued at his Oba residence in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ezeonwuka said, “from the bottom of my heart, I have forgiven those armed robbers who attacked me on Saturday July 21, 2012”.

He said in the statement, which he read in the presence of the traditional ruler of Nri Ancient Kingdom, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh, policemen, executive members of the Oba Town Union, friends and well-

wishers, that: “I have all my life worked for the betterment of how Igbo youths can find solace in society.

“I have invented formulae that if applied and harnessed by the appropriate authorities, our society shall be better than any other society in the rest of the world.

“I have initiated non-killing of armed robbers but to rehabilitate them. I have proposed burial of war heroes to enable the wondering spirits of our war time dead Biafran soldiers rest in peace. “

adding that it was the fear of the unknown after retirement that pushed some people into corruption.

Saying that corruption in Nigeria was fuelled by insecurity at old age, the Rector lauded the pensioners for their selfless services to the polytechnic and the country during their youthful age.

Onu, however, decried a situation where the senior citizens are not treated adequately, especially in issues relating to pensions.

He warned that if not adequately tackled, the issue could set a bad precedent for workers who might resort to self-help.

The Rector prayed God to continue to grant the pensioners good health and long life to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Earlier, the NUP Chairman, Chief Edmund Nwangbakor, had commended the management of the polytechnic for the cordial relationship exist-

ing between it and the pensioners.

He said the visit was to present members of the union’s newly elected executive to the polytechnic and find ways of mutual interest.

In another development, the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, has called for the upgrading of polytechnics in Nigeria to polytechnic universities.

The students, who were at the Polytechnic to present an award to Onu, were led by the association’s National Vice-President, Nwagwu Liberty, the Senior Stakeholders Chairman, Armstrong Ovie-Afabor, and the NAPS Senate President, Ochei Moses.

The students said they were impressed by the agitation of the Federal Polytechnic Oko to be upgraded to a Polytechnic University, saying that it would check the discrimination and marginalisation of polytechnic graduates.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

``Thursday, July 26, 2012

11

Police arrest 150 kidnappers in three months

Man docked for duping fiancée of N.4m

A MOUR UDEMUDE

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ASABA

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he Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, yesterday said his command has arrested no fewer than 150 persons within the last three months over kidnapping and armed robbery cases.

Aduba, who said this when the executive council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State chapter paid him a courtesy visit in his office, assured that

the police are ready to checkmate criminality in the state notwithstanding that the state has been rated as one of the flashpoints in crime in the country.

The police commissioner, who said his posting to the state command, has done so much to reduce crime, called on parents and traditional rulers to watch closely over their wards and subjects to check criminal acts, making them conscious of happenings

in their area in order to report to the police.

Aduba attributed the high crime rate in the society, especially among youths to drug addiction and unemployment and called on government at all levels to sustain efforts towards building industries that can employ them.

He lauded journalists for their support in the war against crime in the state and advised them to report issues that would encourage investors to the state.

Earlier in his address,

Delta State Chairman of the NUJ, Norbert Chiazor, described the commissioner as a strategist in crime detection and prevention just as he pledged continuous partnership with the police in the war against crime.

Chiazor, however, commended the state government for its commitment towards eradicating crime through strategic technical assistance to the police and other security agencies across the state.

L-R: Vice-Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Hon. Ka’amuna Khadi; Chairman, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and General Manager, Eastern PHOTO: NAN Ports, Mr. Empire Ugochukwu, during the committee’s visit to Eastern Ports, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

23-year-old man, Austin Giwa, has been arraigned before an Egor Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin City for allegedly duping his fiancée of N400, 000 under the false pretence of procuring travelling documents to the United States of America for her.

According to the prosecution team led by Mr. Thomas Omokaro, the accused committed the offence between the months of June and December 2010 around S/T Road, Uselu, Benin City after collecting two passport photographs of the unsuspecting victim, Joy Aibangbee, purportedly to be used for assisting her to get the travelling documents.

The accused person was further charged for stealing N400, 000 from the victim.

The victim had testified to the effect that the accused person collected the money in different installments at various times and took her to Oshodi in Lagos State in a bid to introduce her to

YENAGOA

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fresh crisis is brewing in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly as a former Deputy Speaker and member of the House, Fini Angaye, almost exchanged blows with the Speaker, Hon. Konbowei Benson, in the office on Tuesday.

But the timely intervention of some lawmakers in the Speaker’s office saved the situation as Angaye reportedly banged his hand on Benson’s table and shouting on top of his voice, as he demanded for his unpaid allowances.

Angaye had angrily marched into the Speaker’s office shouting ‘pay me my money,’ pay me my

money’ even as the scene attracted the attention of Assembly staff and visitors before he was pacified by the legislators inside the Speaker’s office.

The incident occurred at about 10.00 am last Tuesday before the day’s sitting commenced.

Angaye, who hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency Two, was said to have threatened the stoppage of the sitting, if his outstanding allowances were not paid.

The House, presided by the Speaker yesterday constituted a five-man Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged harassment of Benson by the lawmaker.

Angaye was one of the aggrieved lawmakers that impeached the Speaker in May over alleged miscon-

duct as he replaced Benson as the new helmsman.

But, President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson, swiftly waded in leading to the reinstatement of Hon. Benson as Speaker.

Under matters of public importance, a member of the House, Hon. Ebipaudo Fekeweimo, who moved a motion on the harassment of the Speaker, condemned the actions of the lawmaker, saying that the impression was painting the House in bad light.

Fekeweimo regretted that the status of the Speaker was being reduced, noting that this disrespect had never been meted out to previous Speakers or Deputy Speakers of the House.

Another member of the

House, Hon. Alfred Egba, seconded the motion and said an ad hoc committee should be set up to investigate the actions of Angaye which was approved by the House.

Sources said the lawmaker may bag a suspension, if found guilty at the end of the investigation where he would be given opportunities to defend himself.

Seiake Dickson

one of his aunties who would perfect her travelling abroad.

She added that on getting to Oshodi, the accused person pretended to be putting calls through to his aunt and eventuality requested that they return to Benin City having failed to locate the aunt. The victim further testified that she immediately raised the alarm after sensing that her fiancé had a sinister motive.

Counsel to the accused person, Efosa Okoro, applied for a date within which he would study the case file as he was just being briefed by the accused person.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Taiye Omoruyi, consequently adjourned the case to 13th August, 2012.

Bad roads, bane of port operations – Manager

Fresh crisis brews in Bayelsa Assembly T EMMA GBEMUDU

Adams Oshiomhole

he Manager of Port Harcourt Port, Mr. Dele Alabi, has said that the bad condition of roads in the port is one of the factors affecting smooth operations at the harbour.

Alabi made the statement in Port Harcourt yesterday when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport, led by its Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, visited the port.

He said the management of the port had written to the Rivers State government for assistance in the rehabilitation of the roads around the harbour.

He called on the government to take urgent steps to rehabilitate the roads.

Responding, Ugwuanyi said the committee was at the port as part of its

oversight functions.

“We are here as part of our constitutional oversight functions. We are here in the Eastern port or Eastern zone to inspect capital projects and from here we proceed to Lagos for the Western zone.

“We have no conclusions to make here. Our findings are very important, both for the information of the House and for budgeting; but, essentially, the sole purpose of this is in line with our constitutional mandate of law-making and oversight and functions.

“Today, we are for oversight function,” Ugwuanyi said.

He urged the management of the port to articulate all the challenges facing the port to enable the committee take necessary action, especially for use in the preparation of the 2013 budget.

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North

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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Jos ‘wonder bank’ disappears with depositors’ money JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

O

ver 350 customers who came to collect their money from Wiscom Ventures in Jos, the Plateau State capital, were shocked yesterday when they discovered that the operators of the business venture have disappeared without trace.

Many of the customers were agonising over the

loss of their money in the “wonder bank.”

Investigation showed that Wiscom Ventures located at 21 Wamba Road, GRA, Jos, was usually a beehive of activities until yesterday as people rushed there on a daily basis to deposit money.

It was gathered that any deposit made attracted 100 per cent interest at the end of 30 days.

As a result, hundreds

of investors were attracted to this mouth-watering offer as people rushed there to make huge deposits.

But the business venture has turned out to be another ‘wonder bank’.

When our correspondent visited the business premises yesterday, over 300 customers who came to collect their money were bemoaning their fate, as they discovered

that the gate to the entrance to the office was locked.

Apart from that the mobile policemen usually stationed at the gate, the operators of the venture were nowhere to be found.

No employee of the venture was available to give any explanation.

One of the depositors, Mrs. Mary Godwill, who said she had over N1.5m in the ‘bank,’ was wailing

Students protest killing of colleague by truck HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

S

tudents of the College of Agriculture, Yandev in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State yesterday went on the rampage to protest the killing of

their colleague by a truck driver.

A detachment of policemen was drafted to the scene to quell the riot.

The protesting students also blocked the Gboko highway.

Commuters were

stranded for several hours because of the blockage.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Donatus Ezeala, confirmed the incident.

The PRO said that it took the concerted efforts of anti-riot police-

men to bring the situation under control.

He said: “On sighting the police, the students along with some hoodlums who attempted to cash in on the crisis to cause destruction, threw objects at the police injuring some of them.”

inconsolably when the reality dawned on her.

Another customer, who gave his name as Nuhu, said that for over three weeks he struggled without success to recover his N500,000 from the ‘bank’.

Another depositor, Zango Josiah, said he came to the office to collect his money but discovered that the place was locked from outside.

Josiah said he invested N50,000 with the hope of getting 100 per cent interest every month, but was surprised that the people had disappeared.

He appealed to the Federal and state government to fish out these criminal elements with a view to

Man, 98, sues 24-year-old ex-lover for jilting him

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L-R: Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Inua; Chairman, Chikun Local Government, Mr. Auta Mamman; Rido District Head, Alhaji Hamisu Haruna and Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, during the visit of the Assembly Committee on Enviroment and Solid Minerals to inspect the KRPC wastes dumped at Rido village in Kaduna, yesterday.

Constitution review: Group seeks law on LG autonomy

NBA election: Accept result in good faith, SAN urges lawyers

A ZA MSUE

MINNA

KADUNA

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group, Muslims and Christians Youth Forum, has called on the National Assembly to include a provision in the constitution amendment which would allow the electorate to recall non-performing elected officials at all levels of government.

The group also demanded local government autonomy, saying the rising insecurity in the country was a result of lack of financial and political independence of the third tier of government.

PRISCILLA DENNIS

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr. Garba Usman Tetengi, has called on all parties involved in the just concluded Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, election to accept the outcome of the poll in good faith.

Tetengi, who is one of the newly appointed SANs, wondered why anyone would cry foul afterward, when shortly after the election, the winners and the losers openly embraced one another as a show of acceptance of the outcome of the poll.

The lawyer, who was a

Wali

delegate at the election, made the call in Minna, the Niger State capital.

He noted that the call became necessary in order not to split the association along parallel lines.

Tetengi explained that the process which produced Mr. Okey Wali as the NBA president and other

executive members of the association was fair and transparent.

He said: “For me, anything after that election is an afterthought and is unacceptable. Hence, all parties involved should accept the outcome of the election and move on, because we do not want a split in NBA.” Speaking on the falling standard of education in the country, the legal luminary said that the legal profession had not been affected by the problem besetting the education system because, according to him, the Law School refines lawyers after graduation from the university.

retrieving their money.

The depositor added that since the people commenced operation, no relevant government agency said anything, which made the people believe that it was a genuine business venture.

Another depositor, Peter Eze, said he invested N125,000 and was hoping to collect the money and the 100 per cent interest yesterday.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abu Emmanuel, said the police were aware of the issue.

He added that the matter was being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

98-year-old man, Mohammed Tahiru, yesterday approached an Ilorin Area Court to claim the money he allegedly spent on a 24-year-old lady he planned to marry.

The plaintiff claimed that the woman, Alaba Seriki, a former resident of Seriki-Gambari compound in Ilorin, received an undisclosed amount of money from him with a promise to marry him.

He said: “I worked as an Imam, and people come to me for assistance, which I rendered. Alaba was introduced to me in 1999 by her elder sister, Iyabo Seriki, and since then, I have been assisting her.

“One day, I asked her about her husband, and she replied she had no husband, which prompted me to propose to her.”

Tahiru told the court that he had wanted to marry the defendant, so that she

would be taking care of him and his young children.

He claimed that the defendant accepted the proposal and always came around to cook and to help with domestic chores.

The plaintiff claimed that he gave the defendant N24,000 for her graduation from tailoring apprenticeship in addition to previous expenses he had incurred on her.

He said: “Immediately after the graduation, the defendant changed suddenly and stopped coming to help before I was told that she was pregnant for someone else.”

The plaintiff pleaded with the court to recover the money he spent on the defendant.

The judge, Mr. Yusuf Abdulkareem, then adjourned the case to August 15 for continuation of the case and to enable the plaintiff call witnesses to buttress his claim.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Obanikoro battles for Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA

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13

Politics

Kaduna: Yakowa’s quest for peacee

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We knew Agunloye was a mole in ACN, says Akande ...as Mimiko declares FELIX NWANERI AND HAKEEM GBADAMOSI

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he National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande yesterday described the decision of the former Minis-

ter of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye to decamp to the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State as good riddance to bad rubbish.

Agunloye, formally announced his defection to the ruling LP in the state yesterday, during the official declaration by Governor Oluse-

gun Mimiko to contest for a second term in office in Akure, the state capital.

But Akande who addressed party supporters in Lagos said: “From day one that Agunloye moved to ACN, we know that he is a mole of LP. In fact, from the day he joined ACN, I have been receiving text messages that his campaign is being financed by Mimiko,

although he kept denying it. But the event of yesterday has proved that he is a mole.”

Akande said that he never for one day trusted Agunloye with the ticket of the party against the background of his antecedents “having betrayed Chief Bola Ige by joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of

HRH Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, the Egbaen of Siluko and Vice President, Association of Enigies (left) presents a congratulatory card to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for his re-election victory during a visit of Enigies (royal fathers) in Edo South to the Governor in Benin City, yesterday.

former President Olusegun Obasanjo; joining hands with Olusegun Agagu to ouster Chief Adebayo Adefarati and at the same time joined Mimiko to ouster Agagu.”

Akande further noted that “Agunloye only went back to his base, but this time around without any of our followers. After all, he lost his ward during the 2011 senatorial election to Prof. Ajayi Boroffice.”

He said the presence of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, among others at the Mimiko’s declaration is of no significance as Adebanjo and Falae had never won elections in their lives.

He assured ACN supporters that the party will be victorious in the October 20 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at his formal declaration for a re-election yesterday, Mimiko stated that his desire to complete many of the several projects embarked upon by his administration and put in place a new string of programmes which will be

directed in enhancing the quality of life of the people are the factors motivating his second term bid.

Mimiko said: “We desire to use the next four years to lift up our people that are still left behind, and take to those cities and communities that are yet to have, some of those projects by which our government has been landmarked these past years.

“We shall therefore, in this respect, continue to build mega schools where there are still none. We shall continue to deliver more Mother and Child Hospitals. We shall build more agricultural cities and activate more moribund factories.

The declaration was witnessed by some Afenifere, the leadership of the Labour Union, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The rally was attended by Pa Ayo Fasoranti, Adebanjo, Falae, Frederick Faseun, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Abdulwaheed Omar among others.

PDP crisis: N500m libel suit slammed Nigeria’s problems are self-inflicted – ANPP O I on 6 NASS members OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

A

s the crisis between the factions of the Taraba State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepens, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan has dragged fellow Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and five members of the House of Representatives to an Abuja High Court on a N500 million libel suit.

Senators Alhassan (Taraba North) and Abubakar Tutare (Taraba Central) have been at loggerheads with Governor Danbaba Suntai over the outcome of the last congresses in the state, insisting that PDP must hold fresh congresses as recommended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Since the outcome of the Taraba congress was made public, the state chapter of the party has been split into two with aggrieved members who were denied participation in the congress pitching tent with Senators Alhassan and Tutare.

The subsequent media war between supporters of Governor Suntai led by Bwacha and the aggrieved group culminated in paid advertisement in an Abujabased newspaper which has given rise to the libel suit against signatories of the advert.

In the suit number FCT/ HC/CV/13987/2012 filed at the FCT High Court, Apo, Senator Alhassan is asking for N500 million damages for libel against the newspaper, Senator Bwacha and five members of the House of Representatives who co-

signed the controversial advert.

They include Ishaka Bawa, Jerry Manwe, Sam Tsokwa, Haruna Manu and Ibrahim El-Suidi.

In the 35-point statement of claim, the plaintiff said that “on page 49 of the newspaper of Wednesday, May 9, 2012 under the caption ‘Aisha Jummai Alhassan’s tissues of lies’ the defendants with reckless abandon jointly and severally, falsely and maliciously” libelled her by alleging that she is corrupt and that she is engaged in illicit conducts.

She said the allegations as contained in the publication are completely false in every material particular as she “has never been found guilty by any court of law of any deceitful, illicit or fraudulent practice.

BIORA FOH ABUJA

T

he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has said that the numerous problems facing the country are self-inflicted, saying that only Nigerians can solve these problems especially those in the position of authority.

Speaking at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja yesterday, its National Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, called on Nigerians to rally round opposition political parties to enable them wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Onu spoke when he granted audience to a group, known as the Coalition of Civil Societies for Unity and Co-existence. He said there were a lot of challenges facing the country, but outlined insecurity and

religion acrimony as the major ones.

He said: “We are ready to work with anyone or group that believes in one Nigeria.

Our party believe in one united and stable nation.

The Federal Government handles security, including the police but it has failed.

“Our governors have been working. Whatever we can do for the unity of Nigeria, we will do it. We have the potentials to lead the world. We have viable economy, arable land and wonderful Nigerians. Our problems are self-inflicted.

We can solve them if we are serious.”

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united despite the attempt to break the country by some unnamed persons.

Onu, a former governor of old Abia State, said he was sad that issues that divide the people were being

brought to the front burner now.

“Most of the things that divide us like religion and ethnicity are being giving prominence. We need not to use this. We need to move the country forward,” he pleaded.

He said his party in collaboration with other opposition political parties was ready to produce the president in 2015.

While saying that the country was too rich to be dominated by poor parents and malnourished children, Onu also tasked members of the civil societies to collaborate with the opposition parties.

The leader of the group, Mr. Chuks Alozie said the unity of the country was being threatened with the insurgent of the members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in the northern part of the country.

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T

Politics

he legal battle between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over who was the true winner of the October 22, 2011 local government and council development area elections will be decided tomorrow with the PDP candidate, Babajide Obanikoro, expressing optimism that justice would eventually be done in the matter.

Obanikoro had, through his counsel, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) challenged the purported declaration of Adewale Adeniji, the ACN candidate in the election as the winner, alleging that Adeniji was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast in the election.

He averred that Adeniji’s declaration as the winner of the election by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) was void on the account of corrupt practices, irregularities and breach of the provisions of the commission’s law.

To this end, Obanikoro is praying the tribunal to declare him the winner, having scored the highest number of valid votes in the election, based on the record of the electoral officers who conducted the election in the LCDA. The attention the petition attracted has made the tribunal venue filled to the brim each time the petition comes up for hearing and Obanikoro did not disappoint the crowd as he succeeded in presenting all his witnesses who made lucid explanation about what transpired on Election Day. ACN’s Adeniji’s witnesses conversely showed that they were either not in any way participants in the election or at best, were drafted in to just come and fill the void or to fulfil all righteousness.

National Mirror gathered that the LASIEC could not present any witness to substantiate its declaration of Adeniji till date.

Obanikoro is contending that: “The 108th Respondent refused, failed and or neglected to declare the scores of the candidates in the election held for the office of chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA in Lagos State, and which scores were now contained in the LASIEC Form 9A of which copies had been lawfully given to the petitioners agents.

“Furthermore, the 108th Respondent refused, failed and or neglected to return the 1st Petitioner as the winner of the election to the office of the Chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA “The electoral officers charged with the responsibilities of collating and counting the final results at the Local Government Council/Local Council Development Area collation centre could not be found on the 22nd of October, 2011 to perform these functions while the petitioners and their agents waited.

“Despite the fact that the 4th, 5th, 8th40th, 42nd, 44th -46th, 48th, 49th, 51st -57th, 59th-68th, 70th, 72nd-81st, 83rd-88th, 90th92nd, 94th-102nd Respondents did not submit the results of the election to the 103rd to 107th Respondents and despite the fact that the 103rd-107th Respondents did not collate the results of the said election as entered in the various LASIEC Forms 9A and despite the fact that the 108th Respondent did not declare the scores of candidates as earlier entered in LASIEC Forms 9A and despite the fact that the 108th Respondent failed to return the 1st Petitioner or indeed any other candidate as the winner of the election, the 109th

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Obanikoro battles for Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU writes on the legal fireworks between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over the outcome of the 2011 local government election for the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area.

Timubu

Obanikoro

Respondent, the Chairman of LASIEC, Hon. Justice Abdul Fatai Adeyinka (Rtd.), a former Chief Judge of Lagos State, held a press conference on Monday the 24th of October, 2011 at the LASIEC Head Office at No. 2, Birrel Avenue, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos, a place outside the five (5) Wards of Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area and awarded victory to the 2nd Respondent and its candidate, the 1st Respondent.”

Ayorinde said that the declaration was made without any reference to the scores of the candidates that contested the election.

He added that what made it more surprising was the fact that it was the first time in the political history of declaration and announcement of results of an election in Nigeria, as the 3rd Respondent through the 109th Respondent failed to mention the number of votes scored by candidates in the election, but only awarded chairmanship and councillorship positions to the 2nd Respondent’s candidates.

Obanikoro is also contending that the declaration of the 1st Respondent as the winner of the chairmanship election for the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA is irregular, illegal, null and void and of no effect for the fact that: there was no collation of votes cast at the election at any of the five (5) designated wards; there was no collation of votes cast at the election at the LCDA collation centre; there was no declaration of results either at any of the wards or the LCDA collation centre and that from the statement of results issued at each of the polling units to the Petitioner’s agents, the 1st Petitioner scored the highest number of lawful votes and ought to have been returned elected and not the 1st Respondent.

Meanwhile, from the various results

declared and announced at the various polling units and as tendered at the tribunal, the 1st petitioner scored 5,392 votes against the 1st Respondent’s 4,701 votes.

The reliefs being sought by Obanikoro in his petition are: “that it may be determined and doth declared that the 1st Respondent, Mr. Adeniji was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the Lagos State local government election for the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA held on Saturday, October 22, 2011; that it may be determined and doth declared that the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

announcement by the 109th Respondent that the 1st Respondent is the winner of the chairmanship election for the Ikoyi/ Obalende LCDA in the election is null and void and of no effect whatsoever and that it may be determined and doth declared that the 109th Respondent cannot make a declaration or announcement of the 1st Respondent as the winner of the chairmanship election for the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA without announcing the detailed results of all candidates in the election.”

Other reliefs included: “That it may be determined and doth declared that the 109th Respondent cannot by operation of law make a declaration or an announcement that the 1st Respondent or indeed any candidate had been elected into the office of chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA in the absence of such announcement by the 108th Respondent; that it may be determined and doth declared that the 109th Respondent cannot make a declaration that the 1st Respondent is the winner of the election into the office of Chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA in the absence of any collation of result of the election by the 103rd to 107th Respondents; that it may be determined and doth declared that the votes cast, counted and declared on Saturday October 22, 2011 by the 4th-102nd Respondents at each of the polling units during the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA chairmanship election are as contained and as entered by the 4th to 102nd Respondents in LASEIC Forms 9A, copies of which were handed over to the Petitioners agents and that such votes are the only lawful votes in the election.”

Political watchers and analysts are however waiting for the determination of this petition, especially with the arrays of evidence adduced. It is also of great importance to the ruling ACN, given that its national leader and former governor of the state, Bola Tinubu is domiciled in the contentious LCDA. Where will the pendulum swing on Friday, July 27? Will Obanikoro be declared winner or will Adeniji’s declaration be confirmed or will the tribunal order for a reun election? Only time will tell.

Akpabio: Closing down Akwa IBIPOBONG UDOM

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or years, Akwa Ibom State topped the chart in the production of househelps, as youths of the state are taken to the big cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and others in their thousands because their parents could either not send them to schools or they had simply given up hope about education in its entirety.

At least, these were the developments from the long years of military rule till around 2007 when a new dawn emerged for the education sector in the state.

Piqued by his experiences while working in Lagos, whereby whenever he went to visit his friends, an Okon or Akpan would be at the gate as gateman while an Ekaette or Imaobong would be in the house to serve water and food; Barrister Godswill Akpabio never hid his intention for the youths of the state. He even made a vow that if he ever became the governor of the state, youths of the state would no longer be known as servants and house helps, but would rise to become managers, directors

Akpabio

and CEOs of multinational companies.

In his campaign message, he had spoken of his vision for an Akwa Ibom with a functional and quality education that will serve

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, July 26, 2012

15

Between Oyo lawmakers and ‘Husband Support’ trip KEMI OLAITAN writes on the controversy trailing the trip to London, tagged “Husband Support” by wives of Oyo State lawmakers.

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t the time the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, last week led the wives of her 31 colleagues in the House on a 10-day trip to London, on a training on ‘Husband Support’, little did she realise that she has set herself, the entire House and indeed the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)-led government in the state on a collision course against the people of the state.

Sunmonu, the only female member of the 32-member House, with an entourage that included wives of the 31 other members, retinue of aides and some officials of the House, are lodging at the Custom House Hotel, London at a cost put at £100 each per night and £1,000 each for the 10 days.

The trip, which is gulping about N50 million of the state taxpayers’ money, is coming shortly after the return of the state legislators from another trip to South Africa about three weeks ago.

While the people of the state are waiting for the arrival of the Speaker and those on her entourage, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has condemned the trip, describing it as a waste of Oyo State resources. The party said: “On hotel accommodation alone, over £50,000 will be spent on this trip that has no single benefit to the people of Oyo State.”

The PDP in a statement issued by its zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kayode Babade, said it was laughable that the ACN government in Oyo State would send wives of the House of Assembly members to London for training on “Husband Support.”

Babade said: “If we may ask, is it in our

A cross section of the lawmakers’ wives at the training session in London

constitution to send wives or husbands of House of Assembly members on courses, especially outside the country? Were they voted for? What benefit is Oyo State and its people going to derive from the jamboree on which over N50 million taxpayers money is being spent?”

The Oyo State chapter of the PDP in its reaction described the trip as a reflection of the decadence in the present administration in the state, more so when it was coming at a time the state was grieving from catastrophic effect of the flood that ravaged Ibadan, the state capital, and other towns in the state daily. To the party, it is insensitive on the part of the state government to allow such vanity and wasteful junketing.

The Oyo PDP, in a statement signed by the spokesman to former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Prince Dotun Oyelade, wonderered why the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will allow what it described as irresponsible posturing that in-

Ibom’s house-help factory as catalyst for development, poverty alleviation and a foundation for the transformation of the state to an industrial one, where its key establishments would be manned by its citizens because of the education they must have received over the years. When in 2007, he eventually emerged as governor, there was no doubt that the educational sector in the state was about to witness an operation, that would forever change the stories of millions of Akwa Ibom youths for good.

By 2008, the journey to reform the education sector had started, beginning with the introduction of free and compulsory education from primary to senior secondary level. Akpabio’s free education programme is not just free for the sake of being free, it is highly monitored by an agency put in place to ensure total compliance. Apart from being tuition free, the students are provided with free text and exercise books as well as uniforms. Just as the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose idea of development and emancipation was predicated on solid education, Akpabio sought a state with greater values for the youths and to achieve that

end, he followed the master – Awolowo. He would later say at the Tribune Man of the Year Award in 2010 that he was following Awolowo’s example in declaring free and compulsory education.

Apart from the compulsory free education programme introduced by the governor, he also instituted a scheme that could be described as first of its kind in the country with the payment of subventions to students in order to ensure that education is completely free. Each primary school pupil has a subvention of N100 per term while N300 per term goes to each secondary school student. In effect, the school enrolment in the 1,110 primary schools and 230 secondary schools in the state have tripled to a staggering 156, 761 and it is the highest in the South South as the state continues to enforce a zero tolerance for child illiteracy.

The governor has continued to give hope to thousands of parents and youths of the state annually with the payment of Senior Secondary School Certificates Examination fees, such that many, whose education had been free until SS3 would not cite lack CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

IF ALAO-AKALA COULD BE ACCUSED OF RECKLESS SPENDING OF THE STATE RESOURCES WHEN THE

PDP WAS IN POWER, WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS THE

ACN

PROVED WITH THE TRIP?

volved the speaker, wives of legislators and their retinue of aides at a time when thousands of indigenes have lost all they have and most structures in the state are under severe stress.

Oyelade maintained that Governor Ajimobi must be held responsible for abject inactivity and lack of respect for the plight of the common man.

However, the state chapter of ACN, while reacting to the criticism on the trip, said the PDP was merely displaying its ignorance of the principle of separation of powers which was operational in Oyo State. The party, in a release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Dauda Kolawole, said the principle of separation of powers requires that the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government operate independently of one another and that what is happening in the state is of no exception.

The party maintained that the state House of Assembly was independent of the executive arm of government and runs its own budget and expenditure, stating that it was not the executive’s business what the legislature or the judiciary does with its budget and declared that the PDP was only crying wolf as PDP members of the House are also beneficiaries of the exercise.

For the people of the state, the trip, coming at this time speaks volume of the legislators’ insensitivity to the feelings of the electorate. Indeed a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Raheem, said the House and indeed, the ACN-led

government have disappointed the people of the state by the trip, since there is no value that the state would derive from the jamboree.

His words: “Rather than setting pace in what is good, by this jamboree of a trip, the Speaker, who is supposed to be the state number three citizen alongside the wives of the remaining 31 lawmakers, have done a great disservice to the people of the state.

This is because the trip, coming at a time majority of the people are facing a lot of hardship, could only mean that those behind it believe that what is important is not the interest and feelings of the people, but rather the selfish interest of those that are in position of authority.”

A public affairs analyst, Mr. Femi Ajewole, said the trip has further proved that the problem of the country is not of political party but rather that of seemingly failure of the entire political class, who only seek political offices to feather their own nests.

His words: “What this jamboree of a trip has shown is that the messiah to save the masses of not only Oyo State, but the entire country is certainly not around yet.

It is now a matter of fact that all the political parties we have in the country are the same, no matter what they professed as their manifesto. If Alao-Akala could be accused of reckless spending of the state resources when the PDP was in power, what difference has the ACN proved with the trip of the Speaker and wives of her male counterparts just to learn how to support their husbands?”

The anger against the trip was not however restricted to the state alone as indigenes of the state living in the United Kingdom last weekend invaded the Custom House Hotel, London where the Speaker and the 31 wives of the lawmakers, were staying. An online media network, newsbreaknigeria, disclosed that the state’s citizens who got wind of the jamboree, vowed to occupy the hotel until the women decide to abandon what they regarded as the wastage of the state resources.

But in order not to attract unnecessary attention, Sunmonu appealed to the protesters to disperse, and when they were not bulging, she was reported to have called in the London police. The protesters then reportedly left the hotel after the police persuasion but not after raining curses on the women and the organisers of the trip.

The Speaker, who felt the heat was becoming too much, in an interview with yet another online journalist, Kola Ogundamisi, tried to fight back when she explained that the training programme started last Thursday, and that there were no sight-seeing during the weekend.

Sunmonu described as false the claim that the hotel was booked for 10 days, or that each room cost £100, adding that a room cost £75 while two women were paired in a room.

She maintained that no principal officer of the House was involved while she is the only legislator on the trip, adding: “Oyo State is not the only state doing this.

Some other states had been around before.

They are trying to secure the support of the state’s opposition legislators, and they think the support of the wives will be crucial, so the government can achieve its goals.”

16

Politics

REUBEN BUHARI

O

n assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa made it clear to all and sundry that his major preoccupation was the peace and security of the people of the state. To the governor, there is nothing as good as having a peaceful and secured state for the full enthronement of the required socio-economic development in the state. However, before assuming office, there was apprehension from the Muslim community in the state that Yakowa will not be fair to them; but he has been able to prove such people wrong with his style of administration while remaining fair and just to Christians.

Also, on assumption of office and during his campaign, the governor promised to “use my little experience to ensure that the foundation of peace which my predecessors and I laid are sustained. We shall make peace and justice our primary goal. I promise that we shall do all that is within our powers to ensure that no citizen is threatened by fear. The only fear we can contemplate is fear of failure. I will be resolute in pursuing all that will unite our people. We shall pursue with vigour those areas that we can deliver on in the period of time that God has given to us.”

The post-election violence in the state was no doubt a big blow to the development of the state and Governor Yakowa, aware of the importance of peace to the development process of the state set up a 70-man Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The committee, which has respected sons of the state as members, has visited all the 23 local government areas of the state, canvassing for peaceful co-existence of all citizens and residents. The decision to form the committee was Yakowa’s determination to reconcile with the people of the state as enjoined by God and also to secure development for the state. Even though Yakowa is of the belief that security is a business of all, he has not stopped appealing to religious and traditional leaders to make more concerted efforts at ensuring peace.

There is no doubt that Kaduna State has passed through hard times and is still passing through challenging times, basically because of man’s inhumanity to man, that has created the avoidable circumstances we are in, but the fact remain CONTINUED FROM 15 of funds for not taking the final examination. More so, several intervention efforts had been made and are still being made to improve the tertiary institutions, ranging from the construction of libraries and laboratories to payment of bursaries to law and medical students. The state has also established its own university to carter for the envisaged large turnout of school certificate holders who would want to further their education up to the tertiary level as a result of the free and compulsory education policy of the Akpabio-led administration.

More than before, education has assumed an important dimension in the state, as the government paid greater attention to educational infrastructure. As part of his promises, model structures are springing up in schools across the 31 local governments in the state, as educational facilities are made more accessible to students of the state. The governor has

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kaduna: Yakowa’s quest for peace THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT KADUNA STATE HAS PASSED THROUGH HARD TIMES AND IS STILL PASSING THROUGH CHALLENGING

TIMES, BASICALLY

BECAUSE OF MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MAN

Yakowa

that despite this, Yakowa has continued to insist that there is no alternative to peace and this explain why the government has said several times that it is aware of the role peace and security plays in the development of any society and has therefore invested heavily in security.

The government has also involved traditional rulers in the peace process in the state. At one of the meetings with the traditional rulers on the security challenges facing Kaduna, Yakowa noted that “we are all aware that peace and security form the bedrock for the development of any society. Therefore, whenever and wherever peace and security are challenged, development is automatically compromised.

We have, of recent, been facing challenges on peace and security occasioned by some misguided individuals who try, but to no avail, to destabilize the polity. We are grateful to God for His continuous protection. We are equally grateful to the security agencies as well as members of the traditional institution and religious leaders in the state for untiring effort to overcome evil with good. I am glad to note that

from the reports I am getting, the work of the State Peace and Reconciliation Committee is progressing fine. I hope that at the end, we shall put behind us all those negative things that help to divide us and focus squarely on the positive things that unite us.”

Governor Yakowa has also taken his belief in the restoration of peace in the state to the global level and was at a recent investment summit in the United States of America to woo investors to the state and let them know what the state government is doing in the area of security. He told the investors, both foreign and local, that the state is safe for investment because of the government’s investment in security.

According to him, “my administration has been doing a lot to make the state very safe for both the natives and foreigners.

We are also doing everything possible to ensure that terrorists do not have any place to stay or hide in Kaduna State. With all these steps and support from the Federal Government and our security agencies, Kaduna State will soon overcome its security challenges. Security challenges are everywhere and every state knows how it manages its own security problem.”

This effort by the government ensured that one of the world’s leading agricultural equipment manufacturers, Massy Fergussons agreed to build a factory in Kaduna to service all the Northern states.

Only recently, Dufil Prima Foods, owners of Indomie noodles opened its $20 million

ultra modern factory, the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world in the state. This is concrete assurance that the state government is doing its best in providing adequate security in all parts of the state.

Governor Yakowa believe that the current insecurity pervading the country is one challenge that calls for the contribution of all Nigerians who desire that the Nigerian nation continues as we inherited it from those who led our independence struggle. He has also done a lot to consolidate on the gains of the Inter-religion Harmony Committee that meets quarterly at the state level with him as the chairman to discuss issues relating to peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

Similar committees meet for the same mission monthly at the local government level. That government has no doubt remained relentless in its struggle towards sustaining the peace, equity and justice in the state.

He had promised during his inauguration as governor that he was committed to ensuring that no citizen of this state feels threatened or discriminated against on ground of his or her status in life, gender, class, faith or disability, saying “your security will remain our investment. I promise that we shall do all that is within our powers to ensure that no citizen is threatened by fear.”

Even though the reign of Yakowa as governor has witnessed some serious security challenges, the government is determined to build bridges of understanding among the diverse groups in the state and continue with the infrastructural development of the state. Also, the state governor has decided to re-energise the strike force bases across the state and establish new one in areas that have the potentials of being volatile, to add to the already existing security network in the state. This is part of the government determination to ensure that nobody is molested in any part of the state and for the people to continue to live in peace while government continue with its task of ensuring total socioeconomic development of Kaduna State.

Buhari is a Senior Special Assistant Media to Kaduna State Governor.

Akpabio: Closing down Akwa Ibom’s house-help factory built and renovated hundreds of classrooms, laboratories and libraries just to ensure that no Akwa Ibom child ever find education inaccessible and expensive as to return to servitude. The infrastructural facilities revolution in the state was consummated by the efforts in the education sector, with the construction of a masterpiece digital library in Uyo, which was recently commissioned by no other person than the president of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The e-library, said to be the first of its kind in West Africa, is a stronghold of knowledge where a tap on the computers allows access to more than 300,000 books on various subjects and fields.

As a result of the reform in the educational sector, not only has the governor been able to turn back the hands of time in the lives of many youths, he has apparently re-written the history of the state from

a producer of house-helps to a producer of tomorrow’s leaders. At different fora, Governor Akpabio has always jokingly but very seriously stated that: “AkwaIbom State has permanently handed over that industry of servitude to other parts of the country. If you come to my state for a house help, I can assure you that you will not find any because they have returned home to be educated because of the free and compulsory education of my administration.”

It is worthy of note that Governor Akpabio’s efforts in education have been noticed at various times both in Nigeria and abroad, with the commendation given him

by Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, for his efforts in human development and education being of note.

Soyinka, who had lashed out at the rate of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta during the South-South Economic Sum-

mit, praised Governor Akpabio for what he has been doing in the education sector and promised to visit the state in order to see things for himself.

In five years, Governor Akpabio has gone about making his vision for a better Akwa Ibom State a reality and in doing so, has placed education in an important spot; demonstrating the true spirit of Awoism.

While he is not one of the self-professed progressives, his actions and efforts which have returned the state to the acme of excellence in education sure indicate that the governor is one; and he is no newspaper progressive but one that seeks the progress of the state through the progress of the youths; for they say that knowledge is power.

Udom, a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Thursday, July 26, 2012

17

Nigeria and the imperative of special courts THESE NOTORIOUS EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

CRIMINALS KNOW THEY ONLY HAVE TO GET

FRY

STRONG LAWYERS TO

NDUBUISI

SWIM OUT OF TROUBLE

fryndubuisi@nationalmirroronline.net (08023016709 SMS only)

T

he call for special courts to try high profile financial crimes has been with us for a while. The erstwhile boss of EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri was one of the earliest advocates. The frustration and the snail speed the regular courts handle cases of national importance gave impetus for the call. The thinking is that without the cooperation of the judiciary the war against crimes and corruption would be in vain.

The lethargy and the congestion in the courts have been compounded by the security challenges in the land .Many think the most visible way the judiciary can make the needed impact is through the creation of special courts. The Senate had once called on the federal government to create special court for terrorism. The distinguished senators reasoned that countering terrorism and insecurity in the country requires new legislations and re-examination of existing law on security. This is a pragmatic position.

President Jonathan seems to be persuaded by the logic and raison d’être of special

“

N

courts as a strategic response to the precarious situation in the land. During the swearing in of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Alooma Mariam Mukhtar, Jonathan had enjoined her to usher in a new era of “judicial transformation and …activism” and cooperate with other arms of the government to arrest the incidents of terrorism and corruption in the country.

Continuing, Mr. President drew attention of the new CJN to the exasperation of Nigerians over “delayed trial, particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern...”, and urged her to consider setting up special courts to handle speedily cases of corruption and terrorism because according to him, “justice delayed is justice denied’’.

Ironically, the body language of Justice Mukhtar gives indication that she is not disposed to special courts. While pledging that the judiciary would “partner with the authority to ensure that we curb this menace (terrorism), she does not believe that this requires the creation of special courts”. She

finds in Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State a soul mate. Speaking recently at a memorial anniversary of Chief Kehinde Sofola (SAN), Fashola averred that “ creating another agency for every problem is not necessarily the solution to the problem because the court has different divisions which can handle those cases”.

The debate rages. But the truth remains that the country is bedeviled by desperate situations that call for desperate solutions.

The regular and the conventional courts have failed the nation woefully in sanitizing the society. Allegations of corruption are drowning the country with no segment of the society spared, yet the anti-corruption war is frustrated even by the judiciary.

Compounding the allegation of corruption against the judiciary are the congestion in the courts, infrastructural decay and the excessive application of technicalities to hamper effective in prosecution etc. Rather than help the society to fight its ills, our courts have become sanctuary for corrupt politicians and public officers. Indeed our courts have failed to learn from the experiences of the West. The James Ibori trial saga is instructive. It took the United Kingdom courts under one year to try and convict him of corruption charges.

What do we have here? People with corruption and money laundering cases are using the courts to draw rings round the prosecutors and so frustrating diligent

prosecution. These notorious criminals know they only have to get strong lawyers to swim out of trouble. That has been the faith of many cases and many politicians that were arranged before the courts for years now. A good number are still active in politics, either as godfathers to upcoming politicians or as gladiators in spite of the charges hanging on them like the sword of Damocles.

It is in this wise that we should have a very serious look at the call for special courts. Such courts, when and if created, will have a focus and take its mandate seriously. Problems of congestion and unwarranted delay occasioned by frivolous deployment of technicalities and adjournments will be curtailed. Such courts, though called special courts, are expected to respect the rights and privileges that are usually accorded accused persons. The courts are expected not to derail from the known standard of justice known to every reasonable man. There is the need to put the necessary machineries in place to ensure its take off and success.

Doing so and promptly is what pragmatism entails. You can make all the laws and set up multiple agencies for terrorism and corruption, if the judiciary is ineffective, the entire efforts are in vain.

Professor Ndubuisi , an attorney at law is of the Dept of Philosophy ,UNILAG.

Durex and its report on our women

igerian women are the most unfaithful in the world.” This is the conclusion of a report released earlier this month by a condom manufacturer, Durex. It claimed the conclusion was drawn from a survey involving 29,000 respondents in 36 countries. With 62 percent of Nigerians interviewed purportedly admitting habitually cheating on their spouses, the conclusion was reached that Nigerian women rank the “most promiscuous in the world”. Thailand women with 59 percent rating and Malaysia women scoring 39 percent came second and third respectively.

The title of the most randy men went to Thailand (54 percent); South Korea (34 percent) second, and Malaysia (33 percent) third. The method of this study, according to the researchers, was through online random sampling with respondents filling questionnaires.

No sooner had Durex released this report than it released another similar one.

In the latest report, Nigerians were adjudged the “most sexually satisfied people in the World”.

The focus of this piece is mainly to contest the findings that placed our women as the “most promiscuous in the world”. Certain questions need to be asked concerning the report. First, why should such an infinitesimal sample of 29,000 people be used to make hasty generalization for the targeted 36 countries when Nigeria alone has a population of 160 million with half of them being women?

Second, what is the demographic distribution of the samples used? One hopes the researchers did not reach to “good

samples” in case of some countries and bad samples (like prostitutes!) in case of others. You know what I mean: malicious sampling to lend credence to preconceived stereotype.

This is not the first time pseudo-scientific postulations would be bandied about as products of empirically validated findings. In 2010, Nigeria was described in a Gallup global poll as harbouring the “happiest people on earth”. But the report was discredited two years later by the United Nation (UN)’s first comprehensive survey on national mood, which rated Nigerians as the 100th happiest people in the world.

Back to main issue. Do we have a culture of wife swapping in Nigeria? We know the practice is deep-rooted in some European cultures where men mutually exchange their wives with friends or total strangers for briefs spells of sexual pleasure that may prove continual, all in the name of seeking transcendental sexual gratifications. Every day, in many parts of the world far removed from Africa, people strive to outdo one another in perverse bid to re-enact Gomorrah!

What about artificial penis, synthetic vagina, clitoral stimulator and all other paraphernalia and tools of sexual perversion?

Are they not manufactured in the West and some other places outside Africa whence they are distributed worldwide?

What about the practice of Bondage and Discipline, Sadism and Masochism (BDMS) that has taken firm root in Europe? That is a kind of lifestyle where men and women enter into self-imposed slavery by surreptitiously maintaining relationships in which they voluntarily yield up their bodies and freewill for the domination and mastery by

THE PROPOSITION OF NIGERIA WOMEN EMERGING AS “MOST PROMISCUOUS IN THE

WORLD” SIMPLY DOES NOT CONDUCE TO PREVAILING REALITIES other men and women, or conversely where men and women exercise sexual domination on other men and women who voluntarily yield up their “bodies, souls and spirits” to them, as it were.

No attempt is made here to condemn peoples and their lifestyles. We are only saying that most, if not all forms of practices based on seemingly inordinate freedoms of people for erotic gratifications are still foreign to Africa. Thus the proposition of Nigeria women emerging as “most promiscuous in the world” simply does not conduce to prevailing realities.

Even let us assume that there was no hidden agenda on the part of the researchers and those samples were sensibly selected, and let us for the moment, overlook the disproportion in the sample/ population statistics, the research is nonetheless doomed for what I may call “Liar confession dilemma”. When a liar tells a lie and you are asking him to tell you the truth about the lie, more often than not, you would end up being told more lies!

They researchers had obtained information online by way of social survey

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

from respondents. Now for the outcome of that research to be reliable, two apparently contradictory virtues must inhere in the respondents: They must both be unfaithful and honest at the same time!

What makes the researcher think that a woman who is fiercely independent-minded and so morally bankrupt to be untrue to her marital vow would now be down to earth in filling statistics on her sexual escapades online truthfully simply because some starryeyed researchers have asked her.

One would have thought facts on this kind of research could be elicited through demographically reliable indicators like the rate of divorce predicated on the grounds of infidelity.

Last word: We don’t need any condom manufacturer to tell us about the virtues of Nigerian women.

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

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18

Editorial

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Ghana after President John Evans Fifii Atta Mills (1944 – 2012)

T

he passing on of immediate past Ghanaian president, John Evans Fifii Atta Mills (July21, 1944 – July 24, 2012), on Tuesday has effectively brought to an end the heated debate in Ghana over the state of his health even before he took office as president in 2009. Mills died in a military hospital in Accra, the country’s capital. He was the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office. A lawyer, taxation expert and candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mills was sworn in on January 7, 2009 as the third President of Ghana’s Fourth Republic after defeating the then ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the country’s 2008 presidential election. He had earlier served as Ghana’s vice-president under former military ruler, Jerry Rawlings (1997 – 2001), among others.

Following his death, his deputy, John Dramani Mahama (53) was sworn in six hours later as president in line with Article 60 (6) of the country’s constitution, to the delight of, and praises from the international community.

World leaders have paid flattering tributes to the fallen Mills. Among them was the United States President, Barack Obama. Likewise Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was in Ghana

when he passed on; and numerous others worldwide. Most striking, perhaps, were the glittering impressions of Ghanaians themselves about their late leader. Mills successor, Mahama, described him as a father, friend, mentor and senior comrade; while the people hailed him as a strong advocate for human rights and the fair treatment of all Ghanaians; who undertook everything he did for the well-being of the country and his countrymen; a man who possessed the spirit of love and peace; and a man sincerely loved by his people. Internationally, he earned respect for his economic policies and commitment to democracy and good governance; and as one man who presided over a stable model democracy in Africa.

Keen observers predict that with Ghana’s reputation for stability and the strength of its institutions, managing the contradictions and political undercurrents that might be thrown up by Mills sudden death would not pose much of a problem. The predictions were founded against the facts that Mills was due to stand for re-election in December; and the ruling party would need another candidate to take his place. The major fear seems whether Mills’ death would lead to crisis in the ruling NDC, since his nomination for the December poll led to a split within the ruling NDC, with Nana Konadu

WE CONSIDER AS

MOST APPROPRIATE,

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S DESCRIPTION OF THE

LATE MILLS AND HIS COUNTRY (GHANA) AS “A GOOD-NEWS

STORY” IN AFRICA, A CONTINENT WHERE THE DEATH OF RULERS OFTEN LEADS TO POLITICAL DESTABILIZATION Agyemang-Rawlings, wife of Jerry Rawlings, leading a faction critical of Mills’ style of governance. Former President Jerry Rawlings who founded the NDC and fielded the late Mills as president; Mahama and the opposition, are seen as the key players in Ghana’s next political transition.

It will, however, be most saddening if they dim the hopes of Ghanaians and the international community of the emergence of a brighter, stronger and more prosperous Ghana after Mills.

Analysts have likewise ruled out any serious economic earthquake, market volatility and shortterm uncertainties. Under Mills’

leadership, Ghana joined the ranks of the world’s large-scale oil producers. The country remains the world’s second cocoa grower and a major producer of African gold. The country is also into timber exports. “Ghana, whose economy has been fueled by gold, cocoa and timber exports in the past hopes to put its oil money to good use, mindful of how nearby Nigeria suffered through military dictatorships and widespread corruption over its oil wealth”, one analyst said. Gold producers are, however, jittery over possible increase in corporate mining tax.

We consider as most appropriate, President Obama’s description of the late Mills and his country (Ghana) as “a good-news story” in Africa, a continent where the death of rulers often leads to political destabilization and, most times, coup plots. Nor was Nigeria and its hawkish, self-serving political class’ management of the ill-health and eventual death on May 5, 2010, of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua anything inspiring.

The Nigerian leadership should reflect deeply on the near absolute confidence the world has shown in Ghana’s abilities and its political institutions as solid, reliable, resilient and working smoothly; and compare same with the tears-evoking situation in the land. We join in mourning President John Evans Fifii Atta Mills. Adieu, Mr. President!

ON THIS DAY July 26, 2009

July 26, 2008

July 26, 1989

The militant Nigerian Islamist group, Boko Haram, attacked a police station in Bauchi, Nigeria, leading to reprisals by the Nigeria Police Force and four days of violence across multiple cities. People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad), better known by its Hausa name, Boko Haram, is a violent jihadist terrorist organization based in the northeast of Nigeria.

About 56 people were killed and over 200 injured in 21 bomb blasts in the Ahmedabad bombings in India. The 2008 Ahmedabad bombings were a series of 21 bomb blasts that hit Ahmedabad, on July 26, 2008, within a span of 70 minutes, which left about 56 people dead and over 200 people with various degrees of injuries.

Ahmedabad is the cultural and commercial heart of Gujarat state, and a large part of western India.

A United States federal grand jury indicted Cornell University student, Robert T. Morris, Jr., for releasing the Morris worm, thus becoming the first person to be prosecuted under the 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Morris (born November 8, 1965) is an American computer scientist, best known for creating the Morris Worm in 1988, considered the first computer worm on the Internet. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act is a law passed by the United States Congress in 1986.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Inability to develop right skills hinders effective teaching - NCCE boss 20

The declining fortune of History as a subject has become worrisome to stakeholders including the History Society of Nigeria, which claimed it had sent a bill to the National Assembly to make the study of the subject compulsory for secondary school students.

However, while the Senate has denied knowledge of such a bill, its Vice-Chairman, Education Committee, Prof.

Sola Adeyeye, has vowed to oppose it if it eventually surface on the floor of the House. MOJEED ALABI reports:

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Education Today

Discord over bill on History in secondary schools

I

f the signal from the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly is anything to go by, the fresh hope for History as a subject of study to regain its relevance in secondary schools may soon be dashed again.

As reported by National Mirror in various past editions, investigation shows that the subject is gradually going into extinction as only a handful of students include it in their courses in the few schools that retain it in their syllabus. In Osun State for instance, since the term of David Mark, Senate President former Governor Bisi Akande, whose administration massively retrenched teachers of subjects like History, Home Economics, Physical and Health Education, among others, there is hardly any History teacher in the state again. Thus, for the past one decade or thereabout, no student in Osun State has come across History as a subject.

The story is similar in Kwara State it is not popular, and it is not popular where only Queen Elizabeth School, because of one reason: students prefer Ilorin, presented nine candidates for government because the syllabus is the subject in the whole of the state smaller. When about 15 years ago, the during the last West African Senior Senior Secondary School syllabus was changed, they brought everything School Certificate Examination.

Worried by the development, the virtually under the surface of the History Society of Nigeria, which prides earth into that of History, whereas, itself as the first academic society in within few days, you could complete the country, says it has reviewed the Government syllabus.

“So, part of the response to correct History syllabus as requested by the Federal Government as part of the the anomaly is that the National efforts to make the subject simple and Assembly and the Federal Government have asked us to review the syllabus incisive.

According to a fellow of the society which we have done and submitted to and lecturer of History at the University them. There is a bill currently before of Lagos, Akoka, Dr. Nkem Onyekpe, the National Assembly to ensure the reason for such step was to make that History becomes compulsory the subject appealing to students, who in secondary schools. This is very he said preferred to opt for Government important because a country that does or Geography due to the complexities not take its history serious is like a man and antiquities embedded in History’s without memory; you wake up today and you forget your names. You become syllabus.

“It is not that History is not taught in a very ridiculous creature,” Onyekpe schools. It is taught but the truth is that argued.

Ruqayyatu Rufai, Minister of Education

IF THE INTENTION OF THE BILL IS TO MAKE HISTORY COMPULSORY IN SCHOOLS, I WILL DO EVERYTHING WITHIN MY POWER TO OPPOSE IT. However, the upper legislative arm has denied knowledge of such a bill before it. In an exclusive interview with National Mirror, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije said he was not aware such a bill has been received by the House.

Senator Chukwumerije, who said he supports the move to reclaim the lost glory of History in the nation’s schools, responded to National Mirror’s enquiry on the status of the purported bill thus; “I don’t know much about the bill but it hasn’t reached the Senate Committee on Education. I don’t even know whether it is passed as a private member’s bill or not. So I won’t talk about the state of the bill because I don’t know anything about it.”

Unlike Chukwumerije, who pledged his support for the bill if it finally finds its way to the House, his deputy and Professor of Biology, Sola Adeyeye, has vowed to oppose it.

Adeyeye told National Mirror that there was no basis to make the subject compulsory at secondary school levels “because History is not more important than Government, Physics or any other subject.” He added that whatever argument that may support the compulsion of History in schools may also be advanced for any other subject.

“If the intention of the bill is to make History compulsory in schools, I will do everything within my power to oppose it. What they should do in the universities just as they do in the US is to have at least two semesters of History.

That is what is done in most advanced countries so that you are familiar with the history of your republic or federation. If that is what the bill is proposing, I will be 100 per cent in its favour. But to say that it should be made compulsory is what I can never agree to. The solution is not to make anything compulsory; the solution is to offer a comprehensive education that by the time you spend five years in high school; you would have acquired enough knowledge about your History. I did not study History in high school but I had enough knowledge of the history of this country, beginning from the era of Uthman Dan Fodio to Lord Lugard without even making it compulsory for me,” Adeyeye argued.

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Education Today

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inability to develop right skills hinders effective teaching - NCCE boss Prof. Muhammad Junaid, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), studied Sociology of Education. He was Dean of the Post Graduate School of Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, before he joined the commission.

He was also the Director of Programme, Development and Extension, National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE). The renowned scholar in this interview with TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE speaks on teachers’ education in the country, among other issues. Excerpts:

new comers. But to make things work in this regard lies largely with the state governments and local education authorities as they are the major employers of teachers.

What is your view on the conduct of assessment exams for teachers?

The exam is as important as the teachers assessing their students. Through Junaid such test, you will IF TEACHERS ARE ALLOWED TO DO WHAT THEY LIKE AFTER know comp e t e n t EMPLOYMENT BY NEITHER MONITORING NOR FOLLOWING teachers, THEM UP TO SCHOOLS AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY who are doing outWILL NOT BE GIVEN APPROPRIATE VALUE FOR THEIR EARNINGS standing ance between theories and practice. work in their schools. When a time comes to reward In some developing economies of the good service, the results of the assessment Teachers are said to share in the blame world such as Malaysia and India, teachers can be one of the yardsticks. So, we also for mass failure of students in the external earn more than any other public servants, need to tie good performance to good pay. examinations, what efforts is the National what can we do as a country to attract more If teachers are allowed to do what they like Commission for Colleges of Education competent hands into the teaching profesafter employment by neither monitoring making to produce quality teachers? sion? nor following them up to schools and see We seem to be in favour of theoretical Truly, it is high time we started encour- what they are doing, they will not be given contents than practical works. I mean there aging best brain into the teaching job in the appropriate value for their earnings. So, is so much overloading of our curriculum country. I remember in 2006 during the edu- there is nothing wrong for employers to aswith theoretical contents. I won’t say much cation reform, some incentives were intro- sess teachers through examinations. It can about contents because I don’t think there duced for teachers and one of them is being be to show whether they are doing well and is problem on that. Where we have problem implemented till today and this the Teach- rising up to their responsibilities or not. It is the inability of many teachers to pick ers’ Excellence Award with award presen- can also be to justify their qualifications, as the right teaching skills that will enable tation every October 5. The major criteria well to lay off workers, who employers conthem deliver the curriculum at the end of that qualified a teacher for such award sider incompetent on the job. It can also be their trainings in the most effective way. hinged on performance and good behav- used to detect their areas of deficiency for That is why we have revised the teaching iour. On that day, recipients of such award purpose of trainings and capacity developpractice from 12 weeks to a whole semester across the country were expected to receive ment. So, conducting test for teachers is in of 18 weeks. We have also included within presidential handshake irrespective of order. the training a free but compulsory men- who stands in for Mr. President. Since 2007, toring service for students by the trained a car had been added as part of the gift for What stage are we as a country on the teachers. Under the scheme, about 10 stu- every winner and this is still in place today. education reform at the NCE level? dents will be attached to one lecturer as There was also a proposal to start housing We are at a point where stakeholders their mentor. He or she will also organise for all programme for teachers, where each have agreed on the need for a reform and school visit for them and spend some hours state is expected to link with a mortgage in- we have already come up with a five- year in school with their mentors. Previously, stitution to build houses and maybe lease working plan to bring about the objectives many students never taught in class until them out to teachers at a reasonable price. of the reform. The reform will be encomafter graduation. Then by the time they are At the moment, it is a proposal but states passing. It talks about all segments of the graduated and asked to teach, they become are free to take up the proposal for imple- teachers’ education- teachers, students, and jittery. It’s like taking someone who can- mentation. The Federal Capital Admin- infrastructure and so on. We have resolved not swim to a river; it is either the person istration had begun the negotiation with to distribute the five cardinal programmes sinks or swims back to the bank. That was mortgage banks to build houses around of the reform to colleges of education the situation before. Now we are saying the FCT and lease them out to their teachers. across the country for implementation. The situation has to be changed. Students from The frame work is there as a national strat- take-off date especially as per the expanded the beginning of their studies must be giv- egy for interested states to follow. We should NCE minimum standards is the 2012/2013 en opportunity to visit schools and observe remember how a teachers’ salary scale gen- academic year and we have reached an trained teachers at work, ask questions and erated controversy in the recent past such agreement with all stakeholders that the possibly take some lessons during the visit. that the Secretary to the Federal Govern- reform is important and that the expansion They will do these in their first two years ment had to come in and mediate before of the curriculum is good and should be while in the third year; they will embark the matter was resolved. The central idea is implemented. on a full- fledged teaching practice that will to improve the teachers’ conditions of serprepare them for the real work after gradu- vice across educational levels and all is to In the country today, local language teachation. The effort is to redress the in- bal- make the teaching profession attractive for ers are relegated to the background while

those teaching such subjects as English Language and Mathematics are well recognised. What exactly is the country’s language policy on teaching in schools?

Nigeria’s language policy is that teaching must be carried out in the local language or the language of the environment in the first three years of primary school education.

For instance, teaching in the south-west zone must be carried out in Yoruba language as a dominant language. That is what the policy says. But the problem again is where to get adequate teachers to take on the subjects at this lower level. So, the policy is there, but implementation and lack of teachers have been the problem. Now, we are trying to encourage more people to study local languages and become teachers, who will be able to deliver the curriculum at that level of education. We are trying to focus on the development of specialist teachers that will handle effectively early childhood and care education, as well as primary education.

Early childhood and care education involves very young children, who should be interacted with in a local language so that they can understand it better. A research carried out in the South–West sometimes ago showed that children taught with Yoruba performed better than those taught with English. This is to say that children understand what they are being taught with their mothers’ tongue than foreign language. But the problem is that nowadays most of them especially in the cities are grappling with their mothers’ tongues and introducing a new foreign language will compound their problem. So, there is a need to address the language issue to help children in their education.

The use of Information Communication Technology is very important in teaching, how will you access the quality of teachers on the use of ICT in the colleges of education?

We are not satisfied yet and that is why we have started training teacher’s educators on the use of ICT. We have trained 1,200 colleges of education lecturers on the use of ICT across the country. We have started another capacity building programme for teachers’ educators on ICT in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Learning, UK. We have also drawn college leadership and lecturers from 12 colleges of education in the country for local and international training on the use of ICT and also on developing e-learning lessons to be used in teaching at their various institutions. So, the process has just begun and we still have lots to do in this respect.

What is your view on the removal of History subject from the secondary schools’ curriculum?

History is very important in any society.

It is a subject that connects the past with the present and then with the future. You must be able to know your origin, as well as that of others. Although the subject is now embedded in Social Studies, that may not be a perfect substitute. Many colleges of education teach history with another subject and so it is not a dead subject in the colleges of education.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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Education is bedrock of development - Cleric Reverend Fr. Chris Utov is the founder of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State. In this interview with HENRY IYORKASE in Makurdi, the cleric cum educationist speaks on the reasons he ventured into the education sector, among other issues . Excerpts: You are well known as a priest, why did you venture into academic world?

It is simply to contribute my own quota to the development of education in the country and to Benue State in particular. I have been on this course for couples of years now. I see education as the bedrock to development in any society. I started with Nursery and primary school, then secondary school before I now added a polytechnic. It is surprising that many people in this part

of the country believe that provision of education is solely the responsibility of governments. They believe individuals should not venture into it. It may be of interest to know that my polytechnic is the first private polytechnic in the entire northern states of the country.

Though there are some private colleges of education and other lower academic institutions around. While some investing in hospitality business, I believe so much in the education of our people as illiteracy is more or less slavery.

What is the accreditation status of the programmes being offered by the polytechnic?

We are running three programmescomputer science, electrical/electronic and Science laboratory technology- at both ND and the HND levels for now and they are all accredited by the National Board for Technical Education, which regulates polytechnic education in the country. We have other courses

Terrorism: Head teachers urge FG to secure schools IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

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he head teachers of primary schools in Nigeria have expressed concern over attacks on schools and killing of innocent students by terror groups, asking the Federal Government to provide adequate security around schools.

Speaking under the auspices of Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) in Abuja recently, the head teachers specifically asked government to provide security around the schools in the volatile areas of the North.

The National President of the association, Mr. Lawal Mahmud, who spoke with journalists shortly after their meeting decried the incessant bomb attacks in the country, a trend he said was inimical to the development of the country.

In another development, the association has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Teachers on it planned strike in the states of the federation that are yet to implement the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Enhanced Salary Structure.

The NUT leadership had ordered its members in the 14 states yet to implement the 27.5per cent salary increment to commence indefinite strike with effect from 23rd of this month.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, also deplored the inadequacy of training and capacity building for head teachers and urged the government at all levels to reverse the trend.

It said: “NEC-in-session decried the level of decay in infrastructure in our public primary schools and called the attention of the Federal, States and Local Governments to it and demand an emergency solution before the greatest damage is done to the existing low level of standard of primary education in Nigeria.

“NEC-in-session was greatly concerned on the refusal of some state governments to fully implement the N18, 000 minimum wage and particularly the 27.5 per cent teachers’ peculiar allowance and has unanimously adopted the resolution of the National Executive Council of NUT on the issue, should the Federal Government refused to prevail on the states concerned”.

that their accreditation is in process.

But our first set of students will graduate this year.

How do you combine your work as a priest with that of education?

I combine the two without one affecting the other. But all the same, I am not the Rector of the polytechnic. We have the Rector, the Registrar, the Bursar and other principal officers working as a management team in the polytechnic.

I come in as a proprietor only when the need arises. I don’t interfere unduly in the academic and daily activities of the school.

Recently some cultists were said to have attacked the polytechnic and killed one student in the process, what is the exact position of the incident?

That information also surprised me because our institution does not concentrate on academic excellence alone; we also inculcate good moral and acceptable behavior in our students. We don’t just admit students; we screen them before we offer them admission.

So what happened at that instance was that a student who is staying outside the campus was attacked and shot by armed robbers. I think he noticed their strange movement and he approached one of them and in the process he was killed.

The suspected robber claimed to be one of our students while actually he is not.

On investigations we discovered that he had once approached the polytechnic for admission which he was not given.

WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Government tasked on technical education MOJEED ALABI

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he Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Mr. Williams Amaechi has called the attention of government at all levels to the nation’s need for technical, vocational education and training and the importance of funding technical colleges across the country to provide the required manpower.

Amaechi stated this recently during this year’s edition of the school’s annual science and technical exhibition aimed at showcasing students’ practical products and enable participants to deliberate on technical education issues and challenges. “It is also to examine the role of technical, vocational education and training in a growing economy.”

Lamenting the parlous state of technical, vocational education and training in Nigeria the principal said; “While technical and vocational education has thrived in many societies across the globe particularly in Asia, America and Europe, Nigeria has not

done much in this aspect. Consequently, our society suffers lack of adequate skilled technicians even in common trade areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, painting and plumbing. The result of this neglect the technical education has continued to suffer the fact that virtually all facets of our economy have been affected by lack of skilled manpower.”

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Dr. Olatunde Aworanti, who was represented by Dr. Kabiru Badau, disclosed that NABTEB has introduced modular trades certification examination designed to certify technicians and artisans in a bid to update their knowledge and channel their skills towards rapid socio-economic development of the nation.

Badau added that the Modular Trades Certification Examination (MTCE) would also enhance the fortunes of all categories of workers.

Candidates who did not choose Wellspring University in the 2012 UTME should apply.

Utov

But instead of returning home, he rented an apartment near the school where he had been living. Our investigations also revealed that the robbers killed the boy so as not to expose them to the police. But luckily, the deceased’s younger brother, who witnessed the incident, was able to identify one of the armed robbers. Through that, the police were able to arrest two of the killers while they continue in their investigations.

So, the incident has no connection with cultists’ activities.

Education Today

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

ICPC canvasses moral education for kids ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

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he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has

called on teachers and parents to inter nalised national value into the children as leaders of tomor row.

The Chair man of the Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Edu-

cation in the commission, Rashidat Okoduwa, at the recent two-day capacity building workshop organised for teachers by the organisation in conjunction with the National Educational Research and Development

learning but reinvigorate the declining reading culture among the youth.

She recognised the critical role NLA has been playing in the enhancement of quality education in the country, adding that the association had also contributed immensely towards the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Director of the National Library of Nigeria, Mallam Habib Jato, stressed the need for the association to be more proactive in the curriculum review and development in departments of Library and Information Sciences in the universities so as to keep their programmes abreast of current developments.

and a scholarship award for his university education while the second and third positions were given N150, 000 and N100, 000 respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Amosun, urged the students to focus on their studies and promised to do everything within her reach to encourage them for a better performance in academic endeavours.

“Education has been variously described as the bedrock of growth and development in any given society. A child who can spell correctly stands a better chance of writing, reading and speaking effectively and by implication such child will surely excel in his/her academic undertakings. The Spelling Bee Competition is designed to motivate our children for them to improve on their education standards,” she said.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Odubela, said the competition was geared towards developing practical skills in vocabulary development and to groom students for leadership position, while

promoting unity and national integration.

The commissioner commended Mrs. Amosun for her contribution to the success of the competition and her

laudable initiatives in complementing the efforts of her husband in bringing succour to the less privileged in the society through her various uplifting the needy programmes in the state.

Photo: Tunbosun Ogundare

FG commits N7bn to National Library building

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he Federal Government has disclosed that it had committed the sum of N7 billion so far to the ongoing construction work on the National Library Headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capaital Territory.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, made this known while declaring open the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held in Abuja recently Prof. Rufa’i, also disclosed that the Federal Government was working in col-

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laboration with the state governments to ensure establishment of libraries in all primary and secondary schools across the federation.

She described the theme of the event: “Nigerian Library Association at 50: Promoting Library & Information Science Profession for National Development and Transformation” as appropriate The Minister who restated this administration’s commitment to reposition the education sector to play its role in the national development drive, added that the ongoing distribution of textbooks and instructional materials to public primary and secondary school students in the country would not only enhance teaching and

headquarters in Lagos for the launch of ‘Read Africa’ recently

ABUJA

Mobil to sponsor science quiz contest with N20m

ll is now set for this year’s edition of the National Science Quiz competition among primary and secondary school students in the country.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) have consistently sponsored the competition for 17 unbroken years. This year’s event will cost Mobil alone N20 million.

The competition held annually in conjunction with the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) is to encourage and reward excellence in science-based subjects among students, who are drawn from all the states of the federation. This edition will be held in Abuja between August 6 and 11 and will be having the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, among other dignitaries in attendance.

Speaking on the sponsorship commitment of Mobil, the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs of the company, Mr. Paul Arinze, said the two co–sponsors believed in investing in the youths so as to prepare them for future challenges in the nation’s quest to achieve technological development.

He added that the sponsorship was also as a way of contributing to the country’s technological development through a consistent re-awakening of students’ interest in the study of science-based subjects.

“With a good grasp of science subjects, Nigerian students are better equipped and positioned to lead the technological revolution that will permeate every facet of the country. That’s the guiding philosophy driving MPN’s consistent partnership with STAN on this project,” Arinze said.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, STAN, Dr. Ben Akpan, who expressed happiness for the consistent support enjoying from the Mobil Producing Nigeria to STAN, said there were various category awards for grasp at the event.

Council, NERDC, lamented the incalculable damage cor ruption has done to the educational sector in the country.

He said a situation where parents encouraged their children to indulge in exam malpractice will not be acceptable to a society that is desirous of better future for its next generation.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NERDC, Prof. Goodswill Obioma, said the workshop intended to create awareness on the dangers of cor ruption, indiscipline, mal-administration in every sector of the nation’s economy.

He said the council had considered the inclusion of national values in Front row (l-r): Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso, Guest speaker and Professor the basic educational curriculum in order to strengthen the moral of the of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, US, Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Phillips Oduoza with students at the Bank’s young ones.

IJEOMA EZEIKE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

First Spelling Bee winner in Ogun emerges

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he maiden edition of Spelling Bee Competition for public secondary schools in Ogun State has produced its first winner, Master Dansu Emmanuel of Community Senior High School, Tube, in Ipokia Local Government area of the state.

He was emerged the overall best at the grand finale of the event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. A total of 60 students from 60 public secondary schools across the 20 local government areas of the state participated at the maiden edition with the facilitator, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, the wife of state governor in attendance.

The competition also produced Master Remmy Emmanuel of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele in Odeda Local Government area of the state as the first runner-up and Covenant Harrison of St. Peter’s Comprehensive College, Olomore, Abeokuta in Abeokuta North Local Government area of the state as the second runner-up.

The winner of the competition was recognised as the Most Outstanding Speller in Ogun State, and he was presented with a cheque of N250, 000, a trophy, a laptop

L-R, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Risikat Akiode, at the inauguration of the complaint/suggestion box for the public secondary schools in Lagos State, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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Katsina inaugurates welfare programme for Almajiri kids Katsina spends N14.5bn JAMES DANJUMA, KATSINA

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he pilot phase of training, feeding and clothing of Almajiris in Tsangaya otherwise known as Quranic schools, has been inaugurated in Katsina

State with about 840, 000 almajiris expected to benefit from the scheme.

Speaking during event’s lunch recently in Daura, Governor Ibrahim Shema said 70 of such schools had been selected for the pilot stage in the 34 council areas

while the state capital would have additional two due to large population of the almajiris.

Shema said the pilot scheme would be testrun for six months after which more schools would be added. He disclosed that students

would not only be given free food and clothes, they would also be taught handcraft trades.

The governor, who also disclosed that an ambulance vehicle would regularly go round the schools to meet the health needs of the pupils while allowances would be paid to students’ instructors and trainers.

In his remark, the Education Commissioner, Prof. Aminu Kado, said a recent survey showed that there were 840,000 Tsangaya pupils, 17,846 instructors, as well as 4,389 Islamiya schools in the state.

on tertiary education JAMES DANJUMA, KATSINA

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bout N14.5 billion has been spent from 2007 to date for the improvement of education in five tertiary institutions in Katsina State.

Speaking with newsmen recently, the Special Adviser to the governor on Higher Education, Dr. Garba Matazu, said the money was spent on Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Isa Kaita College of Education, Yusuf Bala Usman College of Legal

and General Studies, and the newly established Federal University of Agriculture, for the execution of their various projects.

He identified most of these projects to include blocks of classrooms and hostels, as well as office and staff accommodation, among others.

Matazu, who also disclosed that more projects are on the pipeline for execution in all the institutions in the year, added that some of the institutions would also involve in exchange programmes for their academic staff and students with institutions abroad.

Accommodation is our major challenge - NOUN TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE Wellspring School graduands

Wellspring College graduands appreciate parents with gifts MOJEED ALABI

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n what could be described as a unique style, graduating students of the Wellspring College, Omole, Lagos, last week presented to each of their parents various gift items in appreciation of what they described as their long years of investment in their academic career.

The presentations, which the students said could in no way match the

guidance, tutelage, mentoring and support they had received from their parents so far, was to show their sense of appreciation and further encourage them not to relent.

Speaking during the ceremony, the school’s Principal, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oloriade, said the practice was part of the school’s culture of building moral uprightness in her pupils as a way of building men and women of noble character “who

would become leaders tomorrow.”

One of the graduands, Princess Ariyibi, said her experience in the country’s education system has revealed that it is more comprehensive than that of Ghana.

Princess, who had attended the Accra-based Seven Great Princes Academy for about four years before joining Wellspring College, said the differences are in syllabus contents and years of schooling.

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he authorities of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos, have said accommodation had remained the major challenge currently confronting the institution.

The institution’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Ado Tenebe, disclosed this while addressing members of the Senate Committee on Education, who were on an oversight visit to the university last week.

According to him, our accommodation challenge is more pronounced in Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos States and we would want the Senate to use

their good offices to bail us out.

Tenebe, who disclosed that the university had 47 study centres with about 137, 000 students spread across states of the federation excluding Kebbi and Ebonyi, urged the Senate to also come to the institution’s assistance in appropriating and releasing more funds to it to enable it provide adequate functional and benefiting accommodation and also in meeting other needs.

He said it was only through Open and Distant Learning model as applicable to NOUN that the country could expand significantly the access to university education

in a quality and qualitative manners.

The VC, however, decried the university’s continuous operation under the National Open University Act 1983; calling on the Senate to amend the Act to reflect its current name so as to enable it operates as a ‘legal’ entity.

Responding, the committee’s chairman, Senator Uche Chuckwumerije, told the university that the committee’s visit was to find out whether the institution was judiciously expended its resources, lived up to its mandate, as well as to know the areas of needs for the purpose of addressing them for effective service delivery.

Shun social vices, SSS3 graduates admonished Why African economic growth is retarded – Don L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

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rescent College, Victoria Island and Lead Forte Gate Schools, Ogudu GRA, Ikeja, both in Lagos, have urged their newly graduated students to be well behaved, focused and determined to achieve excellence in their future pursuits.

The schools also advised them not to involve in any forms of social vices and criminal activities that could scuttle their dreams and aspirations for life.

They gave this advice separately at their respective graduation and valedictory ceremony held in honour of the graduands recently.

At Crescent College, Mrs. Fatimah Oyekan, the head

teacher, equally advised the graduands to be committed to their studies, as well as exhibiting good moral, which she said was essential part of life.

According to her, learning is from the cradle to the grave, adding that, good moral and intelligence bring harmony and peaceful co-existence among people of a society.

She advised further: “After your education, be diligent at work, render selfless service where necessary and contribute your own quota to positive change to yourselves and those you may come in contact with in the journey of life.”

Similarly at the Lead Forte Gate Schools, the guest speaker, Mr. Akudike, not only urged the graduands to shun social vices,

he also told them to go about their future pursuits in the fear of God. He told them that their graduations was the beginning of a journey to greater heights and should therefore not allow anything to scuttle them on the way.

According to him, we believe the moral and academic standards this school had built in you should be able to reflect in your future endeavours, adding that: “You shouldn’t disappoint your parents, who had spent a fortune on you thus far, as well as your school and teachers that had prepared and mentored you for the new world you are going now.”

On their part, the grauduands expressed their happiness for the successful completion of their secondary school education.

MOJEED ALABI

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he Dean of the Business School, Central University College, Ghana, Prof. Bill Puplampu, has revealed that until African entrepreneurs and businesses owners deliver tax revenue, employment opportunities and social innovation in their native countries, the continent’s economies will continue to wobble.

Puplampu, a professor of Occupational and Organisational Psychology, stated this recently during the alumni seminar of the Pan African University’s School of Media and Communication, Lagos. He spoke on the theme; “Building

African businesses that operate on organisational justice.”

He revealed that Africa, with an estimated population of one billion, has businesses account for less than two per cent of the global foreign direct investment (FDI) flow with formal employment rate standing at just 30 per cent.

He added that about 50 per cent of the population work with governments while the remaining figures are employed by multinational corporations, international agencies and local entrepreneurs.

He identified the challenges of abhorrence culture for contract,

limited financing, weak regulatory systems, arbitrariness, employee laziness, lack of connect between pay and performance, among others as some of the reasons African businesses face difficulties of attracting and maintaining competent professionals, managing compensation, sustaining structural growth, as well as succession planning.

He, therefore, suggested that for entrepreneurs and small scale businesses to succeed on the continent, they must ensure a proper organisational system of operations through effective allocation and implementation of resources, among other variables.

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Education Today

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VC advocates inclusion of private varsities in Education Trust HAKEENM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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he Vice Chancellor of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state, Prof. Adebayo Odebiyi, has urged the Federal Government to grant loan from Education Trust Fund at minimal interest rate to private universities in the country in order to speed up the growth of such institutions.

Prof. Odebiyi, who spoke during a courtesy visit by a team of Global Media Mirror (National Mirror) led by the Regional Managing Editor, Mr. Biyi Adegoroye,

to the institution said such practice was not novel, since countries like Japan, the third largest economy in the world, which has about 5, 000 universities, still give grants to private universities.

Accopanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Samuel Oyewole, and the Registrar, Dr. Tinuade Ojo Adebiyi said the fund that goes into education was enormous, stating at a report by the National Universities Commission, NUC, put the average expenditure on each undergraduate at about N800,000.

He said since education was an industry which is pivotal to the development

of a nation, granting such a loan with single digit interest rate and motivating investors to help develop the education sector would yield positive results.

The VC pointed that most of the private institutions were established to help in nurturing the new generation of Nigerians that would lead to the Promised Land, noting that private universities have a gestation period of about 15 years before anyone of them can run profitably.

Odebiyi said government should be ready to support most of the university, and private universities should be given tax holiday for some certain years to ease

the burden and ensure their growth since they are developing the education sector in the country.

He said there was also the need to change public perception about private universities as a money making venture, saying, “ it will take a private university at least a period of ten to fifteen years for the university to be thinking of profit” He also said despite the huge fee paid by the students, most of the universities were still subsidising the fee charged on their students and called for government assistance, adding that, in countries like Togo, Benin and Ghana,

where many Nigerians send their wards, the fee is much higher.

While commending the management of the Global Media Mirror for the insight in sitting the regional office in Ogbese , the VC promised that the school would always be ready to partner with the newspaper outfit.

He expressed his appreciation on the hands of fellowship extended

by National Mirror to the institution, saying, “The power of the press cannot be underestimated and we will always appreciate you in helping our great institution in the area of information dissemination to the public.”

Earlier, Mr. Biyi Adegoroye commended the restoration of the university’s operating license by the National Universities Commission, NUC, and tasked the university not to relent in actualising its dream of “producing the total man, morally sound, properly educated and entrepreneuriallyoriented.”

He added that since National Mirror and Achievers’ University are located within the same vicinity, it is important for both organisations to collaborate for mutual benefits.

Ekiti Deputy Gov. lauds Police Children School BIYI ADEGOROYE

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kiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, has tasked teachers at Police Children School in the state to adopt contemporary teaching methods to the training of pupils in their care to meet the youngster’s psychological and educational needs.

Speaking at the 4th Prize Giving/Passing out parade of the school at Iyin in Ekiti State recently, she also hailed the teachers for their sterling performance in the teaching of the children, as evident in both academic and physical performance.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, the deputy governor described youths as leaders of tomorrow, who require sound educational

foundation on which tertiary institutions build.

In his message to the occasion, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sontoyen Wakama, commended Ekiti State Government for infrastructural development as manifested in the level of structural development in the premises.

Wakama commended the school for its excellent performance in academics, discipline and extracurricular activities, as noted from the performance of the pupils in state placement examinations and various external examinations.

Head Teacher of the school, Bridget Akinyemi, said the state government had contributed to the development of the school through the State Universal

Basic Education Board, SUBEB, including the three blocks of classrooms under construction as some of them.

She commended the state government which provided a mini borehole, donated some computers for the school and maintained existing structures, but called for assistance to the school in the area of provision of serviceable bus, construction of perimeter fencing, standard classrooms, standard pen board and nursery playing equipment.

Akinyemi also commended the school’s Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) for the electrification of the school, provision of ceiling fans for the classes, purchase of school bus for the children and employment of nonteaching staff.

St. Saviour’s School bids N7.2m scholarship winner, others farewell in the past, acknowledged massive investment

MOJEED ALABI

I

t was a moment filled with emotion last week when the Saint Saviour’s School, Ebute Metta, Lagos, held its 2012 edition of the annual valedictory service and graduation ceremony for its Primary Six pupils including this year’s winner of Loyola Jesuit’s College scholarship of N7.2 million, Chidera Chime.

They were described as rare breed by the school’s Head Mistress, Mrs. Ailsa Griffiths.

Meanwhile, this year’s annual prize-giving ceremony’s like those held

diligence and excellence in academic performance, social engagements, sporting activities, moral uprightness and other extra-curricular activities.

The school’s Board of Management Chairman, Mr. Tom Ogboi, said the 60 yearold school had taken pride in offering comprehensive education by teaching Christian values, moral Instruction, which he said were taught as core subjects like every other subjects.

According to Mrs. Griffiths, the school has benefitted from the commitment its board of management, through

in infrastructure and facilities.

She added that: “The board has not only installed interactive whiteboards in every classroom but has also undertaken the construction of a new block of eight state-of-theart classrooms. These, together with the overseas training provided for staff, which links us with good schools in the UK, South Africa, among others, will ensure that the pupils enjoy a broad and balanced education that is provided in an environment that is stimulating and conducive to high quality teaching and learning.”

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Babcock University, IlisanRemo, Ogun State, Prof. Iheanyichukwu Okoro, during the university representatives’ visit to the governor in Ado-Ekiti, recently.

School insists on pupils spending six years MOJEED ALABI

I

t was the 16th edition of its annual valedictory service and graduation ceremony. Like others held in the past, this year’s ceremony was also well celebrated as dignitaries, including a writer and columnist, Kunle Ajibade, graced the occasion.

However, as colourful as the ceremony was, only six pupils of Carol School, Ikeja, were been sent forth to secondary school; the development that kept many guests agitated for some time. To them, how could a 27-year-old school turn out just six students in a session?

But soon as she mounted the rostrum, the school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Bola Adeaga, proudly disclosed that Carol School would continue to pursue excellence and observe the rules that govern school administration to ensure reform of the country’s poor education standard.

She was talking about the practice of many private basic schools which she alleged of churning out immature students to pursue secondary education at a time they are expected to remain in primary schools for comprehensive tutelage.

“This is one of the issues we need to resolve about the education system in Nigeria.

The standard is that pupils should spend six years in primary school as enabled by law, but unfortunately, what is in vogue now is that schools allow their pupils in classes as low as class III to move to secondary schools.

Last year in our school, we promoted 36 children but only these six came back to attend primary six. But in our school, we insist that parents cannot determine the type of education we are to run.

“Our motive is to give the best and the best can only be acquired by mature students. It is far beyond academic performance and that is why cultism,

examination malpractices, rape and other social vices have taken over our schools.

The regulatory bodies should look into these and ensure strict adherence to the laws guiding the establishment of schools,” Adeaga, said.

Various prizes were given to deserving pupils in various classes and the overall best student and the school’s outgoing head boy, Daniel-Bitrus Rimamtatang went home with many awards.

The highpoint of the celebration was the historic book launch by a six-yearold Nursery II pupil of the school, Daniel Fagbohunlu.

He titled his book: Jake and the Germs.

Daniel, who said he would like to become a s state governor in future, said his medical doctor father and his teachers assisted him to produce the 12-page children literature, which emphasises cleanliness as the foundation for healthy living.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

with Mojeed Alabi mojeedalabi2@yahoo.co.uk or mail@mirroronline.net

UNILORIN students sensitise villagers on healthy lifestyle BAKARE WALE

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s a way of promoting healthy lifestyle among people of Kwara State, some students in the Department of Zoology, Universi-

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

ty of Ilorin, Ilorin, under the aegis of Sensitizing Health Initiative (SHI), a non-governmental organisation, has organized a public health talk where they educated people of Ile-Apa community on

best ways to stay healthy.

For some hours, the team went round the community educating residents on personal environmental and food hygiene, among others.

Many members of the

community both young and old, trooped out to receive the team at the community clinic items like first aid box, drugs, waste baskets, stoves, toiletries were donated. The primary school students were also given medications against worms.

A member of the group, Raymond Busayo, who spoke on food hygiene, told the residents that in as much as food is an essential part of human survival, it is also the easiest way to contract different

kinds of diseases if not prepared in an hygienic way.

“Even when we prepare it in hygienic environment and we leave them uncovered and in the process they get contaminated, they become dangerous for us to eat. And we should notice that most of our uncovered food when touched by animals or insects can cause some of the prevailing diseases like Lassa Fever, Diarrhoea, among others,” Busayo said.

The team’s coordinator, Bakare Wale, while addressing the community on personal hygiene said; “Personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from a lot of illnesses. Regular check-ups are recommended for discovery of certain hidden aliments and particularly the state of our hearts. Also, parts of body like ear, eye, skin, teeth and hair must be taken care of regularly to avoid discomfort,”

Covenant University don shines abroad MOJEED ALABI

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he Deputy Dean, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Louis Egwari, has been praised by scientists across the globe for what they called his brilliant presentations during the Anaerobe 2012 Workshop and Congress, recently held in the US. The workshop, which focussed on the field of Anaerobic Bacteriology, sought to receive contributions of scientists globally to the cure of some diseases. It held between June 27 and July 1, at Santa Clara University, US.

Prof.

Egwari, who was one of the three Africans that attended the congress, presented two papers on “Occurrence of Otitis Media in children and assessment of treatment options” and “antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens in Otitis Media.”

“The conference was in two phases; the hands-on training and the congress.

Unlike the previous editions, the workshop was held in a university with the-state-of-the-art technology. Of importance was that we were introduced to a new technology called MALDI-TOF MS. It identifies 96 organisms to species level within

30 minutes on a target block and the results are displayed on a computer screen. The accuracy of the identification is amazing and overcomes the challenges of contamination and purity of cultures encountered with the PCR techniques,” Egwari explained.

The Professor further stated that the conventional methods of research are gradually being phased out and that very soon, “a research laboratory would only have the technician who maintains the equipment and a technologist or the researcher who loads the machine while the other processes are programmed.”

The students and the villagers

BANKOLE FAMUYIBO

T

he American University of Nigeria’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Yola, Adamawa State, has organised a seminar on the requirements, curriculum and course descriptions of its new Masters of Business Administration’s programme.

The programme, which according to the univer-

AUN set to run MBA

sity management is tailored towards developing communication, presentation and leadership skills through participatory management, shall take off in September.

The Dean of the School, Dr. Craig Pearce, said the programme would feature concentrations in Finance, Business Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneur-

ship. He said interested candidates must have a degree from an accredited university and at least one year of work experience to be considered.

“AUN prides itself in being a development university and this MBA will allow students to take what they learn and apply it in the business world in order to take immediate actions and see results,” Pearce hinted.

LASU Muslim students move against beauty contest on campus OLASUNKANMI AROWOLO AND KEHINDE K AMLAT

T L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina; the Google ambassadors, Omotayo Muyide and Timothy Tawose and the university’s DVC, Prof. Olugbenga Aribisala.

he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, Ojo, last week, discouraged the institution’s Students’

Union to discontinue its preparation for planned annual pageant show tagged: “Miss LASU 2012.”

The Amir (President) of the group, at a meeting recently held at the university’s central mosque, said he had called the union president, Durojaiye Akeem, to stop the

SIKIRU AKINOLA

Educationists urge teachers to conduct quality researches

ducationists, who recently gathered at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, for a 2-day workshop have urged teachers at all levels of education to be well grounded in teaching methods and engage in quality researches to achieve excellence in practice.

The workshop, organised by the Research and Publications Committee of the College had the theme: “Evolving High Quality Research Proposal and Paper Writing,” was attended by many participants including resource persons from various academic institutions.

E

While welcoming the participants, the Acting Provost of the College, Mr. Oyewobi noted that students had reduced the art of research report writing to more of classroom essay writing; the development he said could only be attributed to lack of expertise, inadequate learning and

teaching periods, reference materials.

Speaking on professionalisation of academics, one of the resource persons, Prof. Afolabi Okewole of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, explained that

teaching like all other important professions in the management and development process has its laid-out format of training which best equips the practitioner in the education sector. He observed that the format contains the method of transmitting such knowledge to students concerned.

programme from taking place for both moral and security reasons.

Reacting on the issue, the union’s Social Director, Jerry Kabiri, said the social event was a tradition of the union “and it is organised to promote the cultural values and traditions of the country and it is also used to expose the intellectual endowment of the university’s students to the world.”

Kabiri, therefore, explained that the Students’ Union had already signed a memorandum of understanding with a company - Sulcata, to fix the date and design of the interior decorations of the hall. The students’ union president also subscribed to this position.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Armed banditry? Impossible!

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HE Guardian Editorial of July 17 offered readers the following solecisms: “… which in 2002, (needless comma) handed over the western part of Bakassi Peninsular (which was part of Cross River) to Cameroon.” Spell-check (noun): peninsula; adjective: peninsular. Got the point? “…ceded ownership to Akwa Ibom State on the ground that it has contiguous boundary with the sea and not Cross River State.” My own verdict: on the grounds (not ground).

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of July 22 copiously robbed English language of its finesse: “Armed bandits have made away with a 1990 Nissan Infiniti Sports Utility Vehicle….” There cannot be banditry without weaponry (arms/violent tools). Otherwise, it is not banditry, but pick-pocketing or mere robbery—different from armed robbery! For further clarity: a bandit is a member of an armed gang. So, why pad (armed bandit)?

“Senate probes $1.09bn oil bloc scandal” News Review: oil block “…stable power supply he made to Nigerians during the 2011 electioneering campaign.”

Yank off ‘campaign’ in the interest of 2015 permutations as it is encompassed in ‘electioneering’.

“Ogunlesi brothers bury hatchet” Fixed expression: bury the hatchet “The testimony of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former CSO to late General Sani Abacha….” (TELL, July 23) A fox

and his bagful of yarns: former CSO to the late General Sani Abacha.

“The corporation said it is (was) determined to protect depositors by all means.” (THISDAY, July 15) “Food crop production has declined rapidly and this is largely attributable to soil despoilation….” Frequent oil spills in the Niger Delta axis: despoliation.

“Money speaks, we will interprete” (National Mirror, July 15) Spell-check: interpret.

“Anxiety over Mubarak’s health hightens” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, July 15) This way: heightens.

“He said the taking over of these banks by AMCON will (would) not….” (Source: as above) Yet another Business English (commercialese)!

“The nine boys who were to kill us started fighting themselves” (Nigerian Pilot, July 14) This way: The boys fought one another (not themselves). Except, of course, they were on a suicidal mission!

“Banks nationalization: Accusing fingers point at regulators” (Nigerian Tribune, July 13) A rewrite: Banks’ (take note of the apostrophe) nationalization: The finger points at regulators “Adanma who is based in the United States and works as a medical personnel….” (Source: as above) ‘Personnel’ is a collective noun and cannot function as used here. Get it right: a medical official, employee, worker, service provider, assistant, hand….

“President Goodluck Jona-

CREDITABLY WELL’ IS AN OVER-KILL. BOTH CANNOT CO-FUNCTION than has warned that forceful takeover of power through ‘legislative coup d’etats’ will no longer be tolerated….” (THE GUARDIAN, July 22) Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: coups d’ etat.

“Imoke mourns late ex-FEDECO boss” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, July 22) The governor couldn’t have mourned someone who was alive! So, he mourns exFEDECO boss.

“Veteran golfers converge at Ikeja club” (Source: as above) Let’s go golfing as we converge on Ikeja Club.

Nigerian Tribune of July 11 circulated two embarrassing errors: “…even foreigners who should ordinarily be living in utmost circumspection have the effrontory and confidence to dupe Nigerians and even kill them.”

No lexical quackery: effrontery.

“We shudder to imagine how many of these foreigners are involved in various forms of criminality which the lax security system of the state have (has) permitted.”

“He will do it well, but if you give it to a mediocre….” (DAILY CHAMPION, July 11) People and Power: a mediocrity or mediocrist. ‘Mediocre’ is an adjective.

“FRSC records 180 causalities in Kogi” (National Mirror, July 10) Spell-check: casualties.

“Customs seize N25bn goods” (The Moment, July 10) This way:

Customs seizes.

“She argued that a pact such as is being advocated for by the lawmakers amounted to Nigeria’s re-orientation.” Remove ‘for’.

“I searched in vain for the Ministry of Defence and, unless the text I had was defective, it was conspicuously absent.” ‘Absence’ does not require any qualification. Simply, it was absent.

“His Excellency…Ambassador Extraordinary (Extraordinaire) and Plenipotentiary….”

“In fact, the situation has degenerated from that of epileptic power supply down to that of complete blackout which in most cases lasts from weeks to months nationwide.” ‘Blackout’ does not need any modifier—it means total extinction or concealment of lights.

“The reasons range from power generation limitation to the use of overaged (overage), antiquated and arsenic hydroterminal plants and so many others too numerous to mention.” Agreed that ‘overage’ means ‘too old’ (used mostly for human beings), but for contextualization and language grasp, ‘obsolete’ (for inanimate things) should have been it.

“Many people have lost their household properties as a result of uncontrolled power voltage.” Time to remove the immunity of PHCN: property

(not properties) in this context.

“The consensus of opinion in the country today.…” Despite the pockets of debate on what some learner’s dictionaries say, I insist on consensus (without opinion, which is optional anyway).

“It is also an open secret that a cabal of highly placed sacred cows holds the fuel distribution process in the country to ransome.“ Spell-check: ransom.

“Council chairmen and legislators at the council, state and federal levels would also later be sworn-in (sworn in) for the take off (take-off) of the….” Again, phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation.

“The Yorubas, Igbos and even Northern minorities have grudges….” English is no politics: the Yoruba, the Igbo and even Northern minorities.

“Except round pegs are put in round holes, the nation will be the looser (loser) for it.”

“It is arguable if the current spate of advancement (advancements) recorded in the area of….”

“Thank God he is concerned at (about/for/over/in—depending on context—never at) the security situation.”

“There were other ministers in the last dispensation who performed creditably well, but who were not re-appointed.”

Get it right: ministers who performed creditably or well.

‘Creditably well’ is an overkill. Both cannot co-function.

QUOTES •History is very important in any •Every year, thousands of young Nigerians graduate from the university society. It is the subject that connects and swell the unemployment market. the past with the present and then with However, over the years, we have the future. People must be able to know identified dynamic and innovative their origins, as well as that of others• undergraduates, who have developed Prof. Muhammad Junaid, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education great ideas with the hope of building sustainable businesses that will im•If you are planning for a year, sow pact thousands and create job oppor- rice; if you are planning for a decade, tunities• Adesuwa Ifedi, SIFE’s country director

plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people• Chinese Proverb

•Nigerians forget too easily that all of us are from this country, nobody is claiming to have the Midas touch to transform the country in such a short period of time, but this administration is the only one that has come out fully to say we must provide basic education, among others• Nyesom Wike, Minister of State on Education

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Sport

I am totally committed to Villareal and I think there is nothing that I can say beyond that - Super Eagles striker, Ike Uche

London 2012: Federer chases elusive medal 29

XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

London 2012

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING

July 27 - August 12, 2012

Team Nigeria hoists flag

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Scenic view of Wembley Stadium where the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics will hold tomorrow

London agog, in festive mood

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ne day to the D-day for the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad, host City of London is wearing a festival mood.

From the two major airports here–Heathrow and Gatwick– the billboards scream with a reminder: “Friday, July 27 is Dday, miss it, miss out!”

About 17,000 athletes and their coaches are already in

the Games Village, while the Olympic Park also in Stratford is a beehive of activities, with thousands of journalists with their instruments of work, visitors and tourists milling around and looking for spaces as the escalators move people around endlessly.

Security is too tight, firm but friendly. Everywhere you turn at the Olympic Park, the pres-

Our chances bright bright–Ekeji –Ekeji

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igeria’s Chef de Mission at the London 2012 Olympics, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, yesterday described Team Nigeria’s chances at the Olympics as very good.

“We look good for the Games. There are pointers to the fact that this Olympics will be good for Nigeria,” Ekeji said moments after Team Nigeria was received formally at the Olympic Village.

Taking a cursory look at Team Nigeria, Ekeji who is also the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) said that Nigeria would excel in boxing especially

Ekeji

the only female boxer in the team.

“I monitored all the athletes right from their training bases and I feel satisfied with their reports. We are set to go and I feel good that something good will come out of this despite the huge challeng-

ence of policemen and women, the military and even undercover agents, is visible and they seem ready for any eventuality.

The influx of people into this city has caused the prices of goods and services to skyrocket; most hit is the lack of hotel accommodations.

All those who did not make hotel reservations and even confirmed bookings, including this

es we faced running to the Olympics. I think that I have given it my best and wait and hope that the athletes will justify all that we put into it,” Ekeji said.

The Chef de Mission continued: “For me, this is going to be my last Olympics. It means a lot to me and I have put in everything to ensure that Nigeria finishes on a higher pedestal. Okagbare is doing absolutely well and we pray that she carries her form to the Olympics. And so, it is with all the athletes that we registered. But we still need support and prayers of Nigerians as we get ready to go.”

reporter, before arriving in London, are practically living outside or paying from their noses when and where they see a studio, tent or room to sleep in.

But these experiences are not dampening the morale of Londoners, athletes and the organizing committee as they prepare for the formal opening ceremony of the 30th Summer Games tomorrow.

Chukwumerije hits camp

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jing Olympics together eam Captain of Team Nigeria, with another bronze Blessing Chika Chuk- medallist, wumerije, and Isa Mo- Okagbare, are the caphammed who are Nige- tain and vice captain ria’s two flag bearers respectively of Team in the Taekwondo Nigeria. events of the London 2012 Olympics arrived in the Olympic Village yesterday.

The duo with Secretary of Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Chinedu Ezealah, have been criss-crossing Asia where they have been perfecting their acts for medals and had flown 29 hours from Istanbul to London.

Chukwumerije, a bronze medallist in Bei- Chukwumerije

thletes and officials took the centre circle yesterday at the imposing Olympic Games Village when the country’s contingent to the London 2012 were formally welcomed to the Village as well as the hoisting Nigeria’s flag.

With the national anthem playing in the background, the Nigerian flag rose gradually with athletes yelling, cheering as the flag rose majestically to flutter among the flags of other nations for the Olympics which begins tomorrow.

In a colourful ceremony at the Village, Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, NOC President, Engineer Sani Ndanusa and Nigeria’s High commission to the UK, His Excellency Dr. Dalhatu Tafidah, stood at attention watching the flag soar high to mark Nigeria’s formal welcome into the Games Village housing all the participating nations for the Olympics.

Ex-international athlete and one of the coaches of Team Nigeria, Yusuf Ali ,was so moved that he predicted that Nigerian national anthem would be played more during the Games. Only countries whose athletes win gold medals have the honour of their national anthem being played at the medal presentation ceremony.

Ali said that he was not being carried away by emotion or blinded by patriotism.

“More of Nigerian national anthem will be played during the Games. This is because the athletes are raring to go.

They are determined to themselves and the country proud coupled with the smooth relationship of the NSC and the NOC,’’ Ali , an Olympic veteran, said.

Samba Boys resume gold chase

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razil kick off their latest attempt to win their Holy Grail of Olympic footballing gold on today as their star-studded side take on Egypt in Cardiff.

The most successful nation in football history, Brazil have won an unrivalled five FIFA World Cups and no fewer than eight South American continental championships since 1916, but despite repeated attempts at Olympic glory, the gold medal has remained stubbornly elusive.

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

London 2012: SuperSport set for live games SAYO OGUNDEJI

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s part of efforts aimed at making Nigerians have a feel of the London 2012 Olympic Games, arrangements have been concluded by cable channel Supersport in partnership with MultiChoice to show all the games live.

Speaking at a press briefing to announce his company’s programme of events in Lagos yesterday, Marketing Manager of Supersport, Bede Chidozie, disclosed that five channels would be dedicated to the games, two of which would HD Channels.

According to him, games involving Nigerian teams

Falconets, Ghana friendly intact

Wenger

RVP issue, not important –Wenger A rsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, says there is nothing to elaborate on regarding wantaway captain Robin van Persie.

Van Persie, who has been the subject of interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus after confirming he will not be signing an extension to his contract, which expires next year, has not travelled with the Arsenal squad for the preseason tour to Asia and there are reports that the Gunners want at least £20m before agreeing to a sale.

Wenger, however, remains determined to keep Van Persie at the Emirates Stadium and confirmed there have been no fresh developments concerning the striker’s future.

“There is nothing to elaborate. The options are clear and we want to keep our players,” Wenger said in Beijing, China yesterday.

“I would be happy for him to stay in the English Premier League and at Arsenal.”

Wenger has promised more new recruits at Arsenal after adding attacking duo Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

AFOLABI GAMBARI

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ational wheelchair tennis coach, Frank Tarmena, has stressed on the need for physically-challenged athletes to be accorded the same attention as their unchallenged counterparts, saying that this will go a long way in motivating the athletes to give their best.

“I was on a team that made Nigeria proud four years ago in

he return leg of the international friendly between Ghana’s Women U-20 team and the Falconets will hold in Accra tomorrow as planned, contrary to reports suggesting its cancelation after Ghana’s president, John Evans Atta Mills, died on Tuesday.

Falconets lost the first leg played on Tuesday 3-2 as coach Edwin Okon complained of what he called the harsh reaction by Ghanaian women on his charges.

Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma, who made the clarification yesterday, said the Nigerian contingent would honour the game.

“We have just been informed by the Ghana FA that the game will still be played,” Onyedimma, who led the Falconets delegation, said.

“We have spoken to the girls to forget the loss and

Robin van Persie

2012 Paralympics: ‘Athletes deserve better attention’ YEMI OLUS

will be shown on all these channels in addition to other programmes like the highlight and magazine shows to enable viewers get updated with all aspects of the event.

“It is our belief that the five channels will satisfy the yearnings of Nigerians,” Chidozie said.

“We have our reporters on the ground already in London and they will ensure we all enjoy the best of the tournament,” he added.

The competition which holds between July 27 and August 12 will feature games which include football, Judo, swimming, basketball, hurdles, lawn and table tennis, among others.

Beijing,” Tarmena told National Mirror yesterday.

“The able-bodied athletes got only three bronze medals but the special athletes won about five gold, three silver and four bronze medals that redeemed the image of this country. Till date, we have not got our due recognition for the feat,” he added, stressing, “It is discouraging to other physically challenged persons who want to compete for the country.”

brace up for tomorrow’s (today’s) game which they have promised to win in order to redeem Nigeria’s image.”

Matches between Nigeria and Ghana have taken decades of intense rivalry, even as both countries have downplayed the situation.

But Tuesday’s loss by the Falconets was the first suffered in the age-grade category.

Ghana and Nigeria will represent Africa at next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

Falconets striker Desire Oparanozie will be under pressure to redeem Nigeria today

Fed Cup: NFF sorry for fixture gaffe AFOLABI GAMBARI

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he Competitions Department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologized for the erroneous fixtures of semi final matches of this year’s Federation Cup competition which it released to the public on Tuesday.

Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said the officer concerned has already been relieved of his duties and will be sanctioned by the Federation accordingly.

“We apologize to all the teams and football stakeholders for the error made in those fixtures, and this will never happen again. The of-

ficer made a mistake in the tabulation and this is unacceptable,” Sanusi said in a statement by NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire yesterday in Abuja.

“We implore all the teams concerned, State FAs and stakeholders to always contact the director of competitions on all details henceforth,” Sanusi added.

The correct fixtures will see Lobi Stars of Makurdi take on Kano Pillars in the semi final clash scheduled for the Ilorin Township Stadium on August 15 while Heartland tackle Prime of Osogbo in the other semi final in Calabar on the same.

The final holds at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on August 26.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Thursday, July 26, 2012

29

Federer chases elusive medal

…Murray, Djokovic also in running

Federer’s Wimbledon triumph will serve huge purpose

World number one, Roger Federer, has broken almost every record and won every title in tennis, except an Olympic gold medal in singles. Will this be his chance?

I

n 24 hours, Swiss right-hander Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon, his most successful Grand Slam tournament where he won a seventh title this month.

The All England Club, which organizes the annual championships, will be hosting the sport at the London Games for the second time in its 135-year history. The Olympic tennis event, won by then-second-ranked Rafael Nadal of Spain and the now-retired Elena Dementieva of Russia four years ago in Beijing, starts a day after the opening ceremony on Saturday.

“Now Olympic gold is a dream,” Federer, 30, had said in an interview at Wimbledon the day after he reduced Andy Murray to tears in the men’s final by beating the fourth-ranked Briton in four sets.

Federer’s win at Wimbledon, his first major title since the 2010 Australian Open, put him back at the top of men’s tennis. Last week, he broke the record for most weeks at number one on the rankings of the ATP World Tour at 287, one more than Pete Sampras.

Although Federer won a gold medal for Switzerland in doubles in Beijing in 2008 with his friend Stanislas Wawrinka, he’s never won any Olympic medal in singles in three appearances. Federer’s best result in singles was fourth at Sydney in 2000. He was knocked out of the quarterfinals in Beijing, and in the second round in Athens in 2004.

“Winning doubles gold was one of my great, great accomplishments of my life,” Federer said last

week while rounding his session ahead of the 2012 games.

His success at Wimbledon, where Nadal won’t be defending his title because he’s injured, should give Federer an advantage.

“I am now the Wimbledon champion, and that gives me even more confidence coming to the Olympics,” Federer said.

“Maybe in some way, it will take some pressure off. The Olympics is a different animal. You only do get an opportunity every four years, it’s not something us tennis players are quite used to.”

Although tennis was one of the original nine Olympic sports in Athens in 1896, it was withdrawn after the 1924 Paris Games. It returned in Seoul in 1988, when West Germany’s Steffi Graf became the only player to complete the “Golden Slam”-a Grand Slam sweep topped by the Olympic title.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray, who was knocked out of the opening round four years ago in China, sees the Olympics as a fifth Grand Slam.

“I remember Novak Djokovic winning bronze in Beijing and crying on the podium because it meant so much to him, and that’s how we tennis players feel when we’re representing our nations,” Murray said at a news conference at Team GB House last week.

“The Wimbledon final was a tough loss, but I had a couple of days off to recover and practice has gone well since.”

But Olympic tennis will be

Roger Federer has emerged as the strongest contender for gold after Rafael Nadal pulled out due to injury

WINNING DOUBLES GOLD WAS ONE OF MY

1 TODAY DAYS GO TO GO

GREAT, GREAT ACCOMPLISH-

MENTS OF MY LIFE JULY 27 - AUGUST 12, 2012

a new experience for Maria Sharapova, who won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17.

The 25-year-old Russian, who won the French Open last month to complete the career Grand Slam, missed out on Beijing because of a shoulder injury that threatened her career.

“I was pretty bummed when I couldn’t play in Beijing,” the third-ranked Sharapova said.

“I was like OK, well the next one is in London, and the next one happens to be where I won Wimbledon.”

Sharapova will carry the Rus-

sian flag at the opening ceremony.

She said she’s looked forward to competing at the Olympics since she was a young girl.

“Coming from Russia, the Olympics is a huge deal,” she said, stressing, “Walking in with all the incredible athletes side by side, it will be an incredible experience.”

World number two, Novak Djokovic, will be the flag bearer for Serbia.

“It feels incredible, I remember being at the opening ceremony in Beijing, and how amazing it was

to be part of that,” Djokovic, 25, said.

Like Federer, Djokovic will be staying in a rented house close to Wimbledon rather than at the Olympic Village in East London so he can avoid travel.

“It’s more practical and convenient,” he said.

“Traffic is terrible there, but we will go to the Village obviously to feel the atmosphere. I believe the Olympics are the Olympic Village; all the athletes dining together, talking to each other, this is the most valuable experience.”

For Li Na of China, not even an Olympic gold medal would top becoming the first Asian player to win a major singles title at last year’s French Open.

“In China, we have so many gold medals, but only one French Open champion,” Li, 30, said.

“But still the Olympics are very special for me,” Li, who lost the bronze medal match in Beijing to Russia’s Vera Zvonareva, said. “It’s the last year I play for my country,” she added.

30

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Business & Finance The Federal Government will import 18 cassava and 100 rice processing plants worth $1.2bn from the Republic of China

For Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, there is the need to look at the structure of interest rate in this economy and this is being done by the Central Bank of Nigeria

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, DR. AKINWUNMI ADESINA.

FINANCE MINISTER, DR NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA.

Again, govs seek $2bn disbursement from Excess Crude Account TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

E

fforts to build adequate buffers for the economy against likely shocks from the current gloomy trend in the global economy may continue to fail as governors have again sought the disbursement of $2bn (about N324bn) from the Excess Crude Account to meet urgent funding obligations in their domains.

Giving this hint in Abuja, the Governor of Central Bank of Ni-

geria, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, noted that recent developments in the global economic environment required that Nigeria should continue to adopt proactive fiscal and monetary measures, including beefing up foreign reserves base and ensuring the exchange rate of the naira amongst other imperatives, in order to ensure the stability of the economy in the months ahead.

While expressing serious concern about increased governments’ spending in the second half of this year and implications

for exchange rate stability, Sanusi said the apex bank as an interim measure to mitigate the impact of excess liquidity on inflation rate decided to jack up the Cash Reserve Ratio to 12 per cent at its just concluded Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting concluded last Tuesday in Abuja.

The CBN Governor, who described the increase of the CRR by 4 per cent as one of the most difficult decisions taken by the Committee in recent times, pointed out that to do otherwise would expose the economy to high inflation rate

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Sola David-Borha and Deputy Chief Executive Director, Stanbic, Mr. Yinka Sanni, at the company’s presentation of “Facts behind figures” to the NSE in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

ABUJA

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday said it would no longer allow further capital outlay or outflow from Nigerian banks to their foreign subsidiar-

ADVERT HOTLINES: For advert bookings and information, please contact the following:

LAGOS: 01-8446073, 08094331171, 08023133084, 08034019884 ABUJA: 08033020395, 08036321014

ies for the purposes of providing capital support to such entities.

Rather, it advised the affected banks to pursue other options in raising the needed capital for such subsidiaries either by mergers/acquisitions arrangements through local or foreign banks in host countries, sourcing of capital from the host country capital

market or submission of exit strategies by banks not later than June 30, 2012 from those jurisdictions where their subsidiaries are not able to raise additional capital to keep their operations going.

Giving the directive in a circular with Ref No BSD/DIR/GEN/ RFS/05/024 titled ‘Letter to Banks on Recapitalisation of Foreign

Nigeria’s external trade balance hits N1.6trn

32

Air Nigeria

foreign exchange instability risks with the attendant implications for slowdown in GDP and other growth indices.

Sanusi noted: “We have tried to keep the exchange rate stable even when we had external shocks a few weeks ago we were able to restore stability in the foreign exchange market. How firm the naira remains would depend largely on the net flows to reserves.

“If we have a massive decline in the price of oil and massive shrinkage of reserves there is limit to how much we can protect the naira. We have got to allow some mild depreciation and controlled adjustments in the value of the currency.

“The excess crude has built up but I am aware that the governors have asked for $2bn out of it and so that build up is going to be reversed very soon. You have already seen the pressure on the government to improve on the implementation of the budget and so we should see some additional spending in the second half of the year. All of these are going to add pressure on reserves and the exchange rate. So, it is a big challenge, it is a difficult situation. So, it is a difficult decision now of increasing the CRR significantly in order to make the conditions a bit more amenable to stability”, he added.

CBN bans banks from funding foreign subsidiaries TOLA AKINMUTIMI

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Subsidiaries’ dated May 18, 2012, the apex bank stated that the decision was borne out of the concern over incessant demands on Nigerian banks by various host regulators for the recapitalisation of their foreign subsidiaries and the enormous pressure the trend had put on the capital base of the affected banks.

According to the circular signed by Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Agnes Martins, apart from the fact that the capital demands are not in tandem with the level/growth in business activities of the domestic banks, it has also continue to adversely affect the capital market by making it difficult to raise capital, diminishing profit margins and increasing competition in the industry.

ISPON targets $800bn global outsourcing revenue

35

International (Lagos - London) Los- LGW (VK293): Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 11.55pm LGW-Los (VK292): Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.50am

Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat).

Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun) EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

233.1736

USD

155.89

CHF

156.8468

SDR

233.6168

CFA

0.2868

GBP

242.1283

EURO

188.471

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

-0.11

OPEC BASKET

$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

Service delivery issues haunt telecoms market

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Business & Finance

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s external trade balance hits N1.6trn ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

N

igeria’s external trade has jumped to $10.67bn (N1.6trn) in the first quarter of 2012 from $8.44bn (N1.3trn) recorded in the same period last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

According to latest CBN figures, Nigeria’s goods exports increased from $23.37bn (N3.6trn) in the first quarter of 2011 to $24.97bn (N3.8tn) in 2012.

The apex bank attributed the progress to an increase exportation and decrease in importation of goods into the country.

The CBN said that the aggregate imports declined marginally from $14.93bn (N2.3trn) in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $14.30bn (N2.2trn) adding that the degree of openness, measured by the ratio of Nigeria’s total trade to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 67.0 per cent in the review period, up from the 59.0 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.

The aggregate foreign capital flows from the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and portfolio investment flows stood at $9.35bn (N1.4trn) in the first quarter of 2012.

The report released by the CBN stated further that the aggregate foreign capital inflows in the first quarter of 2012 was $5.53bn (N8.5trn) an improvement on the $3.39bn (N5.2trn) recorded in the first quarter and $3.48bn (N5.3trn) in the fourth quarter respectively.

The FDI inflow accounted for 31 per cent, while the portfolio investment accounted for 69 per cent, a situation industry observers described as a plus for the government drive to reduce unemployment among others.

Further analysis revealed that the FDI actually dropped from $2.13bn (N3.3trn) in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $1.72bn (N2.6trn) in the first quarter of 2012.

With an estimated portfolio investment inflows rose significantly from $1.36b (N2.1trn) in

L-R: Senior Manager, SME Segment, Mrs. Barbara Anozia; Senior Manager, Corporate Accounts, Mr. Mohammed Aliyu; and Senior Manager, SME and Regional Accounts, Mrs. Omotayo Ojutalayo, all of MTN Nigeria at the launch of MTN HyNet in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

the first quarter of 2011 to $3.82bn (N5.9trn) in first quarter of 2012, CBN said that “the decline in FDI inflows during the review period was traced to the insecurity occasioned by terrorist activities.”

The increase in portfolio investment inflows was also attrib-

APBN urges government to focus on technical, vocational training MESHACK IDEHEN

P

rofessionals in the country under the umbrella body of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, (ABPN) said they want the Federal Government to focus on the establishment of world class technical and vocational training centers, rather than the creation of new and conventional universities.

The outgoing President of APBN, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko in an interview with National Mirror said there currently exist a great dearth of skill and quality manpower to support established

professionals in most sectors of the economy.

Making particular reference to the manufacturing, telecommunications and real estate sectors, the APBN president explained that most companies in those sectors are operating at low capacity due to lack of technically and vocationally trained workers.

According to Ajanlekoko, the lacuna in the educational system as regards the production of skilled manpower for the economy is that the system does not produce manpower with hands on experience.

He said most industries in the real sectors are suffering from the challenges of lack of trained

skilled workers like fitters, welders electrical and mechanically trained employees, adding government institutions like the Industrial Training Fund,ITF, and the National Directorate Of Employment (NDE), that have the capacity to produce such workers ,have not live up to expectations.

While calling on the government to give attention to the proposed Nigeria Construction Industry Board that is meant to raise awareness, and enhance the professionalism of technical education, Ajanlekoko said most of the crop of artisan are half baked, and that the quality of their apprenticeship doubtful.

FG tasked on energy mix, environmental protection UDEME AKPAN

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he Federal Government has been urged to carefully select the right energy mix, capable of enabling the nation to achieve rapid sustainable development in the country.

Environmental scientist, Prof Hilary Inyang, who said this noted that the nation is abundantly endowed with a lot of resources including crude oil, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and water among others but noted that the nation may not be able to accomplish sustainable development until adequate mix of the resources are carefully de-

veloped and applied to stimulate sustainable development without impacting negatively on the environment.

Inyang, who is the Duke Energy Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering and Science, and Professor of Earth Science, University of North Carolina, said, “With continuous gas flaring and oil pollution and other environmentally unfriendly practices, there are indications that the nation has not done much to protect the environment for the present and future generations of our people.

“This is not peculiar to Nigeria. Many other African nations have not also shown adequate concern for the environment.

This is not good enough as the present and future generation have the right to good environment.”

Iyang, who will deliver a keynote lecture on the subject at the Conference Centre of the University of Lagos on Friday, said “It is appropriate that nations should explore and exploit their energy resources for developmental purposes. But this should not be done at the detriment of the environment because it is our collective duty to preserve it for the present and future generations.”

The event will also witness the public presentation of the book, Fundamentals of Energy & Environmental Journalism to stakeholders and the general public.

utable to the positive effect of the bank’s policy on foreign investment in short-term instruments and the relatively high yield.

The CBN added: “It is, however, important to note that the continued increase in portfolio investment over and above FDI

portends serious consequences for foreign exchange management.”

According to the bank, there is the need to closely monitor the development and evolve measures to stem any adverse effect in case of a reversal.

NNPC inaugurates data centre JOHN UWE ABUJA

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday said it is inching closer to its dream of becoming a first class national oil company with the launch of an ultra-modern data centre .

The Green Data Centre which is designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact is built with leading industry standard technologies adjudged by experts to be second to none in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Group Managing Director of NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu described the data centre as a highly secure, fault-resistant facility which will be available for use by the private sector and other industry stakeholders on commercial basis so as to generate revenue for the corporation.

“During my inaugural address to staff at the amphitheater on 3rd July, 2012, I marshalled out a line of thought and set agenda which I believe, with the full support of management and staff will reposition our dear NNPC on the path of growth and profitability. Today we begin a bold and crucial journey in our collective quest as a corporate entity with an eye for the future by inaugurating the New NNPC Data Centre,” Yakubu stated.

He said the philosophy behind the project is to establish a centre where equipment central to the corporation can be hosted.

Thus business applications like SAP, Nipex, as well as Microsoft Exchange messaging, Intranet systems, and other specialised systems for the NNPC enterprise are to be hosted on the platform.

“It is common knowledge that in today’s global corporate space, data centres are not only prevalent but have become indispensable. These centres are specialized environments that safeguard a company’s most valuable equipment and intellectual property, housing the critical enterprise applications and systems that process business transactions, store data, maintain financial records, and provide reliable network availability. The NNPC Data Centre is conceived to do just that and even more,” the GMD enthused.

He noted that the NNPC Data Centre will save the corporation billions of naira that would otherwise be expended in third-party hosting of critical applications central to NNPC’s operations like NIPEX, SAP, etc.

“As a group, the Data Centre will eliminate the prevalent duplication of efforts across the various Strategic Business Units and Corporate Service Units of our Corporation by providing an environment for the central storage of business tools which will be accessible corporate-wide,” he stated.

The story of the NNPC stateof-the art Corporate Data Centre teed-off in 2005 when the project was identified as one of the critical requirements for an effective transformation of the Corporation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

33

34

Business & Finance

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Aero loses N7bn to poor airport infrastructure OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he management of the oldest airline in Nigeria, Aero yesterday decried the uncomfortable operating environment in Nigeria just as it said it has lost over N7bn to lack of adequate infrastructure at all the airports in the country in the last one year.

The airline also bemoaned the skyrocketing price of aviation fuel, which it said has risen from N80 per litre in 2009 to N180 per litre in 2012 depending on the airport the airlines are buying from.

The managing director of the airline, Capt. Akin George disclosed these yesterday while conducting journalists round its facilities in Lagos.

The breakdown of the losses according to George includes N60m to lack of runway lighting at the 18left runway of the Mur-

tala Mohammed Airport, Lagos in the last one year.

He further stated that the airline lost $35m (5.5bn) in the last one year to lack of night operations at other major airports in the country while it equally lost $8 (1.2bn) to bird strikes in 2012 alone and called for a total overhaul of the airport infrastructure provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

He said, “The airlines are faced with several challenges in Nigeria and that is why some of them are closing shop early. The government needs to provide enabling environment for the airlines to operate in for them to remain long in businesses.

“For instance, in most of our airports, we don’t have adequate infrastructure and lack of lighting on the taxiways means a drastic reduction in safety of passengers. Failure of runway lightings in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Calabar airports have cost

Aero additional N4m in 2012 alone. All these are not helping our operations and that is why the airlines are not operating profitably in the country.”

He further bemoaned the skyrocketing price of aviation fuel in the last three years, saying that as at 2009, the airlines were purchasing a litre of fuel at N80 per litre, but has increased to N180 per litre or more in 2012.

Besides, George described Aero as a leading carrier in the domestic market with 35 per cent share of the market in terms of passenger traffic in 2011 alone and load factor of 84 per cent in the same period.

“In 2011 alone, we carried over 1.9 million passengers with good operational efficiency and average of 1500 flights per month with seven scheduled aircraft.

We have however commenced flight renewal programme at the beginning of this year and we hope to continue doing this.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cashless: Banks flag off road show in Lagos JOHNSON OKANLAWON

D

eposited Money Banks have commenced a pilot road show in Lagos to enlighten customers to embrace the cashless banking initiatives, recently introduced by the Bankers’ Committee.

The theme of the show is Go cashless, use Point of Sales, Automated Teller Machines, internet, chequebook and phone.

The show, which started at the trade fair complex, Lagos, would move to different parts of the state to make the initiative more widely understood. Other markets billed for the hosting of the show include Alaba, Mile 11 and Idumota.

The main objectives of the road

Sterling Bank bags CITI excellence award

T

he decision of the Management of Sterling Bank to restructure its operational lines for efficiency and quality service delivery especially in electronic banking during the last fiscal year has started to yield the desired result as the bank clinched the prestigious CITI Bank Performance Excellence Award for 2011 With an outstanding Score card of 98 percent or higher in her operations in Straight-ThroughProcesses (STP) and MT 202 based undertakings a testament to the bank’s consistency in delivering accurate input and responses on a timely basis in line with the most stringent global benchmarks.

The yearly award is presented

by Citi, a leading global investment bank and a correspondence L-R: Chairperson, Association of Chief Medical Directors of Nigeria, Prof. George Akpede; Secretary, LOC, bank of note for several Nigerian Association of Pathologists of Nigeria AGM, Dr. Princewill Nwajiobi-Princewill; President, Dr. Kenneth Iregbu and banks and leading financial instiVice Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Abdulmumini Rafindade at the pathologist association’s 12th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN tutions worldwide with state-ofthe-art international electronic payment services that meet globally acceptable standards in corfrom 39 per cent three months has also become more difficult respondent banking, response KUNLE AZEEZ over the last three months, givearlier.

“Respondents here are also ing rise to pressures on cash- DATABASE PROJECT flow and late payment,” the resurvey for the second more optimistic about the state of port says of African countries the global economy than in most quarter of 2012, undertakperformance. of the world: 45 per cent (down en by the Association of OLA AKINMUTIMI Meanwhile, the study has cau- T from 54 per cent) believe that Chartered Certified Accountants ABUJA tioned that growth across the the global recovery is on track. and the Institute of Management he Chartered Institute of Accountants, has rated Nigeria as Statistically speaking, the actual world’s most developed econoPurchasing and Supply mies has stalled once again and drop in economic performance the top performer in Africa over Management of Nigeria that the global economy is as fragimplied by these figures is very the last nine months, with Mayesterday faulted the Bureau of ile as it has ever been in the last small,” says the report. lawi also performing well in early Public Procurement for allegthree years.

The report noted that in Afri2012 and maintaining confidence. edly sidelining professionals in The global survey of 2,700 proca, overall, there has been some The Global Economic Condiits current project on National fessional accountants, now well improvement in business conditions Survey which observed that the global economic recovery has tions on the ground in the areas into its third year, suggests that Database for Registration, Catslowed down again in early 2012, of business revenues which is hints of a stronger recovery in egorisation and Classification however maintained that Nige- improving while capital spend- early 2012 were mostly down to of Contractors, Consultants and ria and some countries in Africa ing has consistently increased misplaced optimism, and that Service Providers, saying the remain the most confident of the over the last three quarters and most of the gains made at the exercise lacked all elements of inclusiveness required of any layoffs are becoming less com- time have since been reversed. world’s regions. project of national importance According to the report, Chimon, although job creation is According to survey, Africa of its nature. na’s slowing economy has domistill coming in fits and starts. has long been the most confident Making the position of the nated the survey findings this “Impressively, respondents of the regions and despite a setinstitute’s known, the National quarter, although ACCA and IMA have continued to report inback in the second quarter of 2012 President of the Institute, Alhaji stressed that there are few signs creasing emphasis on innovait has held on to this distinction, Muhammed.

Aliyu, complained of the hard landing many comtion for the third quarter runwith 34 per cent of respondents that the BPP failed to take stakementators had feared. ning.

However, access to finance reporting confidence gains, down

Survey rates Nigeria top in Africa’s economic performance

A

show are to effectively communicate the initiative as an inevitable innovation payment option that is much safer than cash transactions.

Other goals of the show include, test running the PoS machines, teaching customers and merchants alike how to use them.

PoS machines will also be supplied to customers who qualify for them by their respective banks.

Other merchants that qualify for the PoS machines but do not operate current accounts will also be guided on how they will be serviced.

The road show format also uses drama to drive home salient points on the benefits associated with this technology initiative to individuals and corporate organisations, among others.

quality and time and processing accuracy.

The bank said in a statement that the award by Citi is a bold indication that the Bank is on the right track in view sustained efforts by the bank to make banking easier for its customers on all fronts.

According to Mr. Moses Akinnawonu, the bank’s head of Trade Services added that “this achievement is a product of consistently high performance and focus on customer satisfaction. We will continue to provide value added service in all areas of our operations just as we see this award as an invitation to achieve more”.

Sterling Bank Plc, originally incorporated in 1960 as Nigeria Acceptances Limited, was licensed as Nigeria’s first merchant bank in 1969. It has since grown in leaps and bounds even as it continues to reach for the summit of professionalism and global best practice standards.

Institute accuses BPP of neglecting professionals

T

holders along in the exercise, adding that this is not healthy for professionalism and may likely affect the quality of the result of the exercise.

Aliyu, who cited instances the Institute had indicated interest to support the project and other activities of the BPP that could help in adding value to its programmes in the past, called for the urgent intervention of the National Assembly, civil society organizations, the media and other stakeholders to call the Bureau to order as a means of putting the economy on the right track.

He said: “As stakeholders in Nigeria, you are invited here today to hear and share issues with you, and to have the opportunity to analyze the content of the proposed Database.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

InfoTech

Thursday, July 26, 2012

35

ISPON targets $800bn global outsourcing revenue STORIES: KUNLE AZEEZ

T

he Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria said with appropriate policies put in place, the country’s economy can benefit from the Business Process Outsourcing industry globally estimated at $800bn.

The President, ISPON, Dr. Chris Uwaje, said through the deliberate effort from the government and the private individuals in the software sector under the auspices of ISPON, Nigeria can benefit significantly from the global BPO revenue.

Uwaje, who spoke during a press conference to announce ISPON National Software Conference and Competition 2012, in Lagos, recently, stressed the need for Nigerian government to develop policy to promote software capacity and patronage which can help grow the BPO market in the country and beyond.

He said the National Software Policy had been developed with local patronage and capacity development as the focal point, adding that proper development of software industry can also position Nigeria to tap from the BPO global revenue.

He said, “In recognition that the emerging African ICT market is big and growing very fast, ISPON’s goal is to become the continent’s software market leader as a medium term goal and engage

the youths and emerging start-up companies to successfully handle the development, production, business management processes of products and services that will fulfil our national needs and export demands with quality assurance.

“There is also focus now on BPO. Over the years, one of the fundamental characteristics of the globally estimated $800bn BPO industry is the evolution from cost to quality. Nigeria, through the combined Tinapa Knowledge City and ISPON ‘Software for Life’ initiatives, Nigeria can take advantage of the new opportunities in BPO as significant contributor to Nigeria’s national Gross Domestic product index.”

Uwaje, who invited students to participate in the software competition, explained that the overriding mission was to promote conscious national awareness on the need for developing Nigeria’s indigenous intellectual property in the software knowledge space.

“It also aims to harness our collective IT potential, resources, capacity and capability as a national priority for global competitiveness,” he said.

With the theme, “The Cloud and the Future of Software Nigeria,” Uwaje noted that ISPON hoped that the conference/ competition would ‘unleash the currently suppressed ideas and creativity of Nigeria software professionals and the

L-R: Former Minister of State, Science and Technology, Mrs. Pauline Tallen and Chief Executive of Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited, Mr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, during the presentation of the National Association of Nigerian Students’ award to Ahmed-Rufai for outstanding contribution to technology growth in Nigeria in Abuja recently.

entrepreneurial spirit and skills of our teeming youths.

As part of preparations towards the conference/competition, ISPON had appointed the former Executive ViceChairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, as a “distinguished knowledge ambassador” to help the institute ensure sponsorship and promotional success of the competition.

The Cross River State Government has partnered with ISPON on the programme and will be hosting the competition.

Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke, who was represented by his Personal Assistant on Information Technology, Mr. Henry Asor, said, ‘The theme of this year’s conference; ‘The Cloud and

the Future of Software Nigeria’ and the appointment of Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, as “distinguished knowledge ambassador” were significant and timely in many ways.

According to him, “The competition seeks to promote conscious national awareness on the imperative for developing Nigeria’s indigenous intellectual property in the software knowledge space.

“It also aims to harness our collective IT potential, resources, capacity and capability as a national priority for global competitiveness, and bringing the right frame of minds to explore the benefits, barriers and potential actions to consider when accelerating software engineering and cloud adoption in Nigeria.”

Firm eyes 39.2 million unbanked Nigerians with new technology Telecoms: Nigeria’s ARPU to decline by 6.9% this year –Report

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elecoms companies operating in Nigeria are experiencing consistent decline in blended mobile average revenue per user, with ARPU expected to decline by 6.9 per cent in 2012 to N949, according to a report by Business Monitor International Limited.

ARPU is the financial benchmark used globally by telecoms companies to measure the average monthly or yearly revenue generated from an average subscriber.

Examined as a market average, the BMI report noted that the mobile ARPU rate for Nigeria fell by 21.2 per cent in 2011 to reach N1, 011, a decline considered considerably more than a 4.3 per cent in 2012 to reach N1, 283.

The ARPU forecast for Nigeria, which was calculated in the local currency and based on historical ARPU data published by some of the telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria was contained a new report from BIM entitled “Nigeria telecommunicatio9n Report Quarter 2, 2012.”

According to the report, “We forecast that Nigeria’s blended mobile ARPU will decline by 6.9 per cent in 2012 to reach N949.

Over the longer term, we expect several factors to influence the development of Nigeria’s mobile ARPU rates.”

One of the factors, the report stated, is the extent to which the telecoms operators in Nigeria continue to improve their subscriber mix and increase the contract customers on their networks relative to prepaid users.

Another factor which the report pointed out would be shaping mobile ARPU levels over the next five years will be the success with which the operators encourage their mobile customers to use higher value data services.

Analysing further, the report said: “In the five years to 2016, we expect Nigeria’s average blended ARPUI falling by an average of 7.9 per cent to reach 769.

In the latter part of our forecast, we expect the rate of blended ARPU decline to reduce.

“To some extent, this trend will largely reflect the improved subscriber mix on the networks of all three operators.”

Meanwhile, National Mirror gathered that the declining ARPU has continued to put pressures on the revenue of operators in an increasingly competitive telecoms market in Nigeria.

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inancial Inclusion Network & Operations, India’s largest alternate channel for banking services and banking technology service provider has concluded plans to launch its technology in Nigeria which is aimed at providing banking services to the over 39.2 million unbaked Nigerians.

The company said it was determined to deploy its technology for banking and financial institutions towards driving financial inclusion in the nation’s emerging cashless economy.

To achieve its objective, FINO is teaming up with ZaaEdge Resources Limited, one of the leading technology solution providers

in a strategic partnership that will see FINO entering Nigerian market.

ZaaEdge would promote FINO’s path-breaking banking technology solutions and services in Nigeria to exploit the country’s huge potential for providing banking services to the bottom of the pyramid population.

Vice President and Head of international Business, FINO, Mr. Shyam Rao, said the solution to be introduced are designed and developed keeping in mind the needs of illiterate, poor and rural people.

He said the partnership will extend the reach of FINO’s wide range of products to the Nigerian market.

Airtel unveils Quick Talk offer

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irtel Nigeria, the country’s third largest telecommunications operator by subscriber base, has introduced another tariff package to empower its customers, especially the youth and those with lower purchasing.

The innovative package tagged: Quick Talk, which allows subscribers to connect easily to friends and loved ones, as well as sustain their commercial activities, stretches N50 and N100 recharges to give 60 seconds of talk time to any network in Nigeria every day for three

and seven consecutive days respectively.

Speaking on the latest offer, the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Mr. Deepak Srivastava, said the offer is yet another masterstroke from Airtel to drive home its resolve to consistently delight Nigerians with innovative telecommunication offerings and bring affordability to the masses to benefit greatly from telecommunications.

“Airtel has been at the forefront of providing customer-centric and affordable services in the Nigerian

According to him, “Technological innovations reduce transaction costs, bridge geographical strains and open new opportunities by expanding markets.”

Co-Founder, ZaaEdge Resources, Mr. Omotayo Babatunde, said, “We have many Nigerians, for several reasons that are unbanked and lack access to formal financial services.

“The results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2010 survey stated that 39.2 million Nigerians representing 46.3 per cent of the adult population are financially excluded; whilst only 25.4 million Nigerians, representing 30 per cent of the adult population are banked.” market. This has seen the brand delight subscribers in Nigeria especially its customers including the youth, with excellent service packages that not only provide them with fun and excitements, but adds value to their businesses and love lives irrespective of economic status or present financial constraints. The Quick Talk Package will further enhance these virtues”.

He said to access the Airtel N50 Quick Talk voucher; customers must have up to N50 or above in their main account before dialing code to successfully migrate to enjoy the package.

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InfoTech

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Lagos committed to building ICT compliant society –Fashola KUNLE AZEEZ

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he Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to transforming the state into an Information and Communication Technologydriven society to enhance delivery of essential services by the government to the people of the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, stated this during the opening of an e-learning centre, situated on Odunlami Street, Central Business District in Lagos on Tuesday.

The governor, who said the e-learning centre will provide a wide range of e-learning tools for students, teachers, researchers and other knowledge seeking members of the public, expressed the determination of his administration in using ICT creatively and strategically for the socio-

economic benefit of the state.

He said in today’s digital age when IT has become a powerful tool to transform the society and empower the community, elearning is gradually becoming the fastest growing form of international and domestic education in recent times.

He described technology as a phenomenon that has taken the entire globe by storm, especially in the field of education.

The governor said, “This model of education has been enabled by the increasing deployment of the worldwide web and ICT across the globe. Because elearning technology is a technology driven collaborative learning process with the computer deployed as the main platforms, its rise has enabled a process whereby instructors and students use the computers to generate, advance and share knowledge across the

globe.”

Fashola the state government decided to redesign and convert the erstwhile Central Library situated on Broad Street in Lagos into an e-learning centre to complement the revitalisation of the Lagos Central Business District.

“We have, for instance, deployed ICT in areas such as security, through our toll-free emergency lines, revenue collection, vehicle registration, health management information system, electronic document management system, general personal administration and many more,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, said the centre embodies a state-of-theart ICT learning environment utilising the latest electronic and digital technology.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tech Box BLACKBERRY CURVE 9320

Pocketable, feature-rich device

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he BlackBerry Curve 9320 is very much the baby of the BlackBerry family, both physically and in terms of specs. Fortunately, that also means that entry-level Curve models can be hard for very little cash, but provide user with a range of smartphone features that take him beyond his typical feature phone.

With diminutive dimensions, the BlackBerry Curve 9320 does little to differentiate itself from previous devices of the same family. It replaces the popular 9300, advancing the body detailing slightly to make this a more attractive

device.

Of course, the Curve 9320 is not the only Curve in the 93xx family.

It doesn’t hit the high points of the Curve 9360, which remains the slimmer and sexier device, while walking away with better headline specs.

The Curve 9320 measures 109 x 60 x 12.7mm which makes it relatively fat in modern terms, with many devices slipping in under 10mm thick. In reality, it makes little difference, because this size of device is easily pocketable.

The curved back nestles down nicely in your hand and, at this size, using one or two thumbs to work the keyboard is possible.

The keyboard is naturally smaller than the Bold family, but we didn’t have a problem rampantly bashing out BBM messages, even with man-sized hands.

And that says something for RIM’s keyboard design. We prefer the Bold’s flat keyboard with flush keys, but find that the Curve’s keyboard is good enough. It is a clicky keyboard though, so hardcore messagers will have to get used to the constant clickety-click of the button presses.

GOOGLE NEXUS 7

Tablet designed with latest Android Version 4.1

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L-R:- Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Rahman Bello; Dean of Students Affairs, UNILAG, Prof.

Olukayode Amund, recieving a new laptop on behalf of the best graduating student of the Computer Science Department of the varsity for 2010/2011 session, Miss Okoilu Ruth and Head, Human Resources and Administration, Computer Warehouse Group, Mrs. Olapeju Ayo-Fisher, during the presentation at the school recently.

Schneider to cut telcos’ operating cost with solar energy

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n a move that will further cut down the increasing cost of diesel consumption for telecoms operators, Schneider Electric, a global company specialised in providing energy solutions and energy management, has said it was considering the development of solar power solutions for Nigeria’s telcos by the end of the year.

This was disclosed by the Country President, Schneider Electric, Mr. Marcel Hochet, at a media parley oraganised to reel out the renewed vision of the company in the Nigerian economy in Lagos recently.

Hochet said that the solar energy option would help telecommunications operators reduce diesel consumption in their base transceiver stations.

Telecoms operators in Nigeria have continued to battle with high cost of maintaining their base stations in the face of poor electricity in the country, a development which has increased their operating cost.

In 2012 alone, telecoms firms in Nigeria are projected to spend an estimated N45.9bn on purchase of diesel to fuel their over 20, 000 base transceivers stations, scattered across the country.

Though, some telecoms firms in the country have started embracing hybrid option involving the use of solar energy to power some of their base stations, Schneider Electric solar solutions, if introduced, will further enhance the use of solar sources of power for running telecoms facilities to ensure cost reduction.

In view of this, Hochet said the company planned to negotiate with the network operators in this regard for improved quality of service, in line with the Nigerian Communication Commission’s requirements.

Hochet disclosed that the company had already partnered with MTN and Airtel in the area of energy management for safe and reliable network quality.

“As part of efforts to further enhance its business presence in the country, Schneider Electric had adopted a tactical business approach, which involved sales transaction through credible partners as well as direct sales initiatives to maintain its market share in order to satisfy its customers,” he said.

nlike the Kindle Fire, which runs a heavily customized version of Android, the Nexus 7 runs a “pure” version of the operating system, one free of pre-installed “junkware” apps that no one wants or uses and sporting Google’s own interface. It also runs the latest flavor of Android, version 4.1, nicknamed “Jelly Bean.”

For users, one of the best parts of the new operating system is its responsiveness. I’ve long found Android tablets to be sluggish.

The Nexus 7, by contrast, is much smoother.

Another cool feature in Jelly Bean is Google Now, which is Google’s take on Apple’s Siri virtual assistant feature. As one can with Siri, one can search for information on Google Now by simply asking it a question aloud.

User can also ask it to tell him the score of last night’s Giants game, for example, or to give the square root of 81 or to show him nearby restaurants. Google Now responds quickly with the information one wants, at least most of the time.

Other things to like about the Nexus 7 are that it feels solidly built. Its rubberized back makes it easy to grip and hold. And Google claims that its battery will last 10 hours, which is longer than the

Fire.

The Nexus 7 is by no means perfect. One cannot get a version of the device that can connect to the Internet via the cellphone network, so one may have a tough time going online if one is away from home.

The largest amount of storage one can get on the device is 16 gigabytes which may not be enough to store all the songs, movies or apps one wants to watch or use. And it lacks a rear camera, which can be useful not only for video chats but also for taking pictures.

And it has an even more important shortcoming: the amount of content.

Among them are “FIFA Soccer 12,” “Lego Harry Potter,” “Mass Effect: Infiltrator” and an authorized version of “Tetris.” Many of these games will likely become available after the Nexus 7 launches, as developers tweak them for the new device, but at least, some won’t be available on launch day.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Brands & Marketing

37

Service delivery issues haunt telecoms market

Nigerian telecoms subscribers seem to be one of most dissatisfied set of consumers. Despite the increasing introduction of value added services and promotions aimed at ‘rewarding’ loyal customers, telecoms operators are perceived as largely insensitive to quality of service issues, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports

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ervice quality is commonly seen as a prerequisite and determinant of competitiveness for establishing and sustaining satisfying relationships with customers. Studies by marketing experts suggest that service quality is an important indicator of customer satisfaction. Attention to service quality can make an organisation different from other organisations and gain a lasting competitive advantage while lack of it might gradually destroy a firm’s reputation and cause dissonance in target market.

But in the Nigerian telecom service sector, despite the fact that companies are aware of the critical impact of satisfying subscribers, they often leave their customers angry through call rates problems, down time, drop calls among others. And customers trying to reach care centres say they spend hours trying to get through.

In a recent survey by an award-winning online news portal, CKN, subscribers of telecoms service in Nigeria complaints centred on poor service and unfulfilled promo promises rendered by the major telecoms service providers in Nigeria. According to the online news media, after one month of monitoring public opinion, investigation showed most of the leading service providers fell below consumer satisfaction especially MTN Nigeria which is believed had the best strategic advantage over other networks. “Our Investigation which cuts across 17 states namely, Lagos, Ogun Ondo, Edo, Imo. Enugu, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Sokoto, Niger, Akwa Ibom and the FCT showed that MTN Nigeria, the largest GSM network in the country scored a dismal low in all the indexes of measure.”

The survey examined customer service, call rates, down time, drop calls, Blackberry services, Internet connectivity as consumers areas of dissonance. But in all the computation, Etisalat came first in Customer Services, while Airtel came 2nd, Globacom, 3rd and MTN came fourth. On call rates, Etisalat also came first and Airtel came second while Globacom came third, MTN came fourth. Globacom came first in offering better internet connectivity followed by Etisalat while Airtel and MTN trail behind them.

While the survey might be treated with disdain by the telecoms firms, it cannot be waved off as it provides a marketing intelligence for operators to improve services.

National Mirror investigation reveals that eight out of every 10 subscribers often complain about poor services and multi-faceted promo which often fail to deliver on promise. The level of unreliable service has led many Nigerians to use more than one line while dual sim phones sales have risen.

From Etisalat, MTN, Glo, Visafone, Airtel among

Unilever volunteer group raising 52 flags for the Close-up Loves Naija campaign towards Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary in Lagos, recently.

others, the rate of consumer dissonance is huge.

Another dissatisfied subscriber, Mr. Tola Odusote -a former Editor of Brandfaces magazine, who works with a top marketing communication firm narrated his ordeal on a data call which he bought but could not enjoy its service. He told National Mirror that he could not enjoy the value for his money when he bought a data card of one of the networks. He said the matter became worse for him when several calls did not yield any results.

A senior marketing lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Dr. Abigail Ogwezzy, however, said that the consumer movements and regulatory authorities are weak to tackle the unsatisfactory quality of service issues. “It tells you that regulation is very weak. You know it was after the Dana Airline crash that people began to look at issues. The things that happen here cannot happen in Ghana,” said Ogwezzy. However, the operators have attributed the poor service experienced by customers to vandalism of telecoms equipment and infrastructure. According to a recent industry report, vandalism is a problem that affects the delicate tripod on which the telecom industry stands: the regulator, operators and the subscribers. “Though figures are hard to come by, this senseless crime is

YOU KNOW IT WAS AFTER THE DANA AIRLINE CRASH THAT PEOPLE BEGAN TO LOOK AT ISSUES. THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN HERE CANNOT HAPPEN IN GHANA

believed to be costing the industry billions of naira annually and denying Nigerians of better quality of service from the operators,” National Mirror gathered.

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), acknowledged the growing attacks and said it has begun moves for a bill in the National Assembly to underpin the importance of industry’s infrastructure. Accordingly, these equipment are like the central nervous system of communications industry because they allow subscribers make and receive calls they are targets of vandals and thieves.

The Vice President, Corporate Communications/ Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah, was quoted as saying in Abia State, that Airtel Nigeria lost four generators to vandals.

It took a more dangerous dimension in 2010 when six hapless telecommunications maintenance workers were killed in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

MTN said that on the average, it suffers more than 70 fibre cuts in various locations across the country every month.

The Corporate Services Executive at MTN, Mr. Wale Goodluck, warned that vandalism has longterm negative impact on quality of service and national security.

President, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said that telecommunications equipment must be declared critical national infrastructure to prevent it from vandalism to reduce the incidence of complaints from subscribers over poor customer service rendered by the operators.

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Brands & Marketing

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria is poised for growth –McCoy The role of Nigeria as Africa’s largest market has been a consistent subject of economic discussions in recent time. Certified American Business coach and entrepreneur with vast experience in sales and marketing, Anna McCoy, in this interview with ELLA OLAMIJU in Lagos, says Nigeria’s brand values are still waiting to be tapped.

As a business coach, how would you assess the business climate in Africa and Nigeria?

It is very exciting, Nigeria is poised for growth, full of potential and untapped opportunities. I feel the energy of hope for a productive Africa and Nigeria. The people of Lagos have impacted my perceptions of all Nigerians.

They are energetic, entrepreneurial, educated and expectant about the future of Nigeria and its global impact on the world. It is indeed a place to watch for the arising of intellectual and human capital that will bring change not only in Nigeria but will send a sound that change is possible throughout Africa and the world. There is a sense of urgency to ready the business community with ethical systems and strong generational values positioning businesses to take the lead from within as new economies, new companies and new ideas emerge.

Do you reckon that economic potential in this clime is being adequately harnessed?

I have returned to Nigeria within a year of my first trip. I sense that I will not wait as long to return again, I am filled with an enthusiasm to assist others harness personal economic opportunities. I have witnessed the harnessing of economic power through the building, expansion and completion of roads, new estate sites and industry since my first visit. It may be harder for locals to recognise personal economic benefits as you walk past the building that is being constructed or the road that is being expanded to appreciate its long term impact due to its immediate inconvenience. However , as people see their own communities improve, their ideas for personal change and business growth can only expand in their own minds. Witnessing expansion and productivity as job creation at the local level measures the effectiveness of governance at work removing the barriers to growth and pushes forward the agenda of execution and deep change.

Would you say that Nigeria has a key role to play in the economic development of Africa?

I have limited knowledge of all of Nigeria but what I have witnessed in the spirit of the people and specifically the women of Lagos State who are hopeful and expectant of the role in which they will play in bringing about economic development in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Nigeria has a labour pool by sheer numbers but there must be an investment of educational capital in the human capital to take advantage of the opportunities that will flock within it’s borders. The greatest asset of all is human capital, in order to mine a diamond, we need the intellectual thoughts and ideas of human capital to benefit from the greatest extraction potential of the object, without the investment of knowledge the diamond would re-

McCoy

NIGERIA HAS A LABOUR POOL BY SHEER NUMBERS, BUT THERE MUST BE AN INVESTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL CAPITAL IN THE HUMAN CAPITAL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES main worthless. The next frontier is the harvesting of ideas in the minds of its people to solve the woes of the world’s capacity to consume more than is produced within its country’s borders. The question really is will Nigeria be ready with action, beyond the trade tables, the lawmakers and board room negotiations with evidence of an economic investment in the ideas of its people?

With such vast experience in sales and marketing, what marketing challenges do you perceive in the Nigerian nation?

From my view point, I am learning the systems by which Nigerians transact in non- traditional ways that we have either overlooked or do not feel that they are relevant in the United States. My perspective has been one of a learner rather than seeing imperfections or challenges, I have been consuming the ideas in which Nigerians do market. Nigerians come to where people are, they are available to respond and they find opportunity to create value. The businesswomen I have observed have used technology as an asset rather than barriers while still remaining accessible to accomplish their objectives. I am so impressed by their ability to acti-

vate brand awareness through technology that we have implemented the marketing processes and communications systems within our the global organisation, Woman Act Now Nigeria Chapter.

Being an authority also in operational management, what principles would you suggest to better the lot of Africa and Nigeria?

To transform and bring reformation to nations it is important not to overlook all sectors of society in which we operate as collective community. We must examine the operational values and capacities of the pillars of government, family, business, media, education, religion, arts and entertainment and align the values of all for a common good. Not one of these sectors are exempted from operational values that promote core beliefs integrity, character and leadership. Companies, families and communities must adopt a culture of honor amongst its participants in order to obtain and harvest the greatest potential of its people.

Having been to Nigeria more than once now, what do you consider the brand assets of the country?

An interesting question, my an-

swer is that I have seen many familiar brands from around the world co-existing within the Nigerian culture and community. My question to Nigeria as a nation is how are you defining how the world sees you? That question can only be defined through vision of leadership that exceeds the collective effort of companies creating great consumer marketing campaigns. I think to change the branding landscape each of us can also adopt a personal branding strategy so that as a whole, we represent a collective vision of the reputation of Nigeria in the mind of the receiver. Nigeria’s greatest asset is the people and if a message of understanding the brand values of the nation of Nigeria is passed on to future generations, the country can shift its perceived value.

Brands become brands because they create value. In my book, Woman Act Now, I wrote that, “a great brand strategist chooses the perceptions in which they want their brand to be perceived assuring clarity, consistency, and authenticity of its brand.”

Nigeria as a whole may consider developing a unified brand perception amongst it’s parts that will ultimately pass on to its people. Every brand must deliver on these four things, brand promise, brand value, brand attributes and brand benefit.

I leave the reader with these questions to answer as their personal contribution to the makeup of Brand Nigeria. Brand Promise, what does Nigeria promise to deliver to the world? Brand Value, what value will Nigeria bring in intellectual, financial, human or spiritual capital to create collaborative and effective opportunities for the improvement, advancement and growth of its own assets? Brand Attributes, what is Nigeria’s unique advantages, exclusives ,things we can find no where else, what makes us different? And finally, Brand Benefit, how will Nigeria’s assets benefit others?

What professional recommendations would you profer towards the maximasation of Nigeria’s economic and Human potential?

As with any great movement or deep change in a society, seeds of thought, vision, or hope become the catalyst for change. It is the observance of things past and the collaboration of a hopeful future that creates the brand that has the elasticity to springboard our potential and propel a people forward.

Both geriatric and future leaders, male and female must be willing to sit at the table within a culture of mutual honor releasing each other to share ideas and choose to move forward with the best idea. One simple idea without respect of it’s creator can change a trajectory of destiny for this nation. To do this says, that Nigeria is in the “we believe in people” business in every sector of our society. Tap into the greatness of people and economies change because human expectation, thought and action meets the demands of its people through brilliance, honour, contributions, collective goals, visions and seasoned execution.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, July 26, 2012

39

Cadbury Nigeria targets female market with TomTom Honey Lemon icon ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

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s the candy market’s competition gets fiercer, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, has reinforced the leadership position its premium product with the introduction of a latest variant TomTom HoneyLemon.

Branded in a yellow candy and white stripes form with the sweetness of honey, freshness of lemon and coolness of menthol, the latest TomTom variant is said to provide consumers with “more soothing relief in the throat, while leaving them cool and calm.”

The Marketing Director of the

multinational company, Mr. Dele Anifowoshe said that the new TomTom Honey Lemon was a product of research that revealed a consumer desire for a warm and calm candy in their mouth and to ease throat discomfort.

“The uniqueness of the new TomTom Honey Lemon lies in the distinctive blend of three interesting flavours; Honey, Lemon and Menthol to create a soothing relief ”. He added that, “this latest variant of TomTom, is one which cannot be found in any other candy brand as it truly soothes while maintaining fresh breath”.

Speaking on the attractive package of the new variant, the

Senior Brand Manager, Medicated Candy, Mrs. Bimbo Alabi, stated that TomTom has once again blazed the trail in the candy segment with the creation of a new unique category. “TomTom HoneyLemon comes in a beautiful, dainty yellow and white pillow pack, a world class packaging which locks in the coolness and freshness of the brand”, she revealed.

Alabi further stated that the target for the TomTom variant is tilted towards the female gender, but can still be enjoyed generally by consumers who crave for a soothing relief, desiring fresh breath and confidence.

adVANTAGE

Jubril

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L-R: Special Adviser on Culture & Tourism to Governor of Osun State, Mr Oladipo Soyode; Category Manager, Grand Oak Limited, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji and HRM, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo at the press conference to announce the kick off of this year’s Osun Osogbo Festival in Lagos, recently.

Reality TV shows and the youth audience

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he impact of reality TV shows on brands cannot be underestimated; several brands have adopted reality TV programmes as veritable platforms to promote brand values and benefits. This one plausible objective that led to increase in the number of reality TV shows in the country.

The main target of reality TV shows is the youth market that has become powerful due to an adventurous and trend setting lifestyle. This explains why companies create TV reality shows to connect directly with the youth segment. It is indeed a welcome development to engage the youth in order to put their potential and endowment into profitable use.

To gain relevance and acceptability, companies adopt reality

TV shows as part of their strategic marketing plans to reach out to the youth. Though I must confess that I am not really a television person, I select programmes I watch and my main focus is news. However, I have taken more interest in some reality TV shows over the years especially those with direct bearing on the youth.

The Big Brother Africa (BBA) TV show is one that appeals to the youth segment due to the fact that it aligns with the taste and aspiration of youth. While the BBA promotes social bonding and bridge cultural divide, there are so key aspect that need critical review.

I read newspaper reports where Goldie, the Nigerian lady in the BBA house apologised to Nigerians as a result of her shameful act in the show. This

r. Dixon Jubril, the Chief Executive Officer of Noisemaker Limited, an out-of-home advertising agency is the pioneer of Transit/Mobile Advertising in Nigeria.

He started his career as a broadcast journalist. He worked DBN and Galaxy Television before he bowed out to start a career in advertising.

A recipient of the Nigerian Media Merit Award, Dixon plays a vital role in the propagation of the emerging advertising medium which has now become an alternative to billboard advertising whose increasing cost has driven some clients away.

As a result, the ad agency which he started in 2008 has grabbed juicy accounts such as Unilever, MTN, Promasidor among other blue-chip companies. “The medium has the ability to deliver more exposure because of its mobile nature. It is not as if it is new in

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com brings me to the first area of focus on the benefit derivable from such reality TV show with huge followership.

BBA is one of the reality TV shows that tend to project negative tendencies of youths more than the positive side. Youth should be engaged in more positive ways while the negative colouration should not be hyped above the positive side. It has also become expedient for BBA show to focus more on issues that have positive values on social life.

I need to also state here that the BBA and other reality TV shows should teach people perspectives about life. Without doubt, BBA and others have entertainment value for the vast youth audience but social vices should not dominate the positioning and presentation. BBA has become a brand and it need to be properly situated within the context of proper positioning. For the BBA brand to retain a sound pedigree and be more appealing the structure style and content of the show needs to be reviewed.

Reality TV shows should be projected as brands and their distinctive feature should resonate with the target audience. The Intern show sponsored by Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) remains indelible in the minds of youths due to its enduring impact. It clearly underscores the

Nigeria. But it was popularise by the BRT in Lagos and we are the pioneer of the bus advertising. Although we have so many people as a result of the bandwagon effects who have come into the business,” he said.

He is married to Mrs. Linda Bola Jubril.

A RECIPIENT OF THE NIGERIAN MEDIA MERIT AWARD, DIXON PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE PROPAGATION OF THE EMERGING ADVERTISING MEDIUM WHICH HAS NOW BECOME AN ALTERNATIVE TO BILLBOARD ADVERTISING WHOSE essence of developing innate potentials and entrepreneurial spirit. The Gulder Ultimate search also teaches basic lessons of life through its own perspective.

The strong economic value of reality TV shows is also important with the value chain of people managing talents and other processes. However reality TV show should not give false impression about how to succeed in life. Youths should not abandon their career pursuit and believe the only way to stardom is through reality TV shows.

The youth market cannot be ignored by brands but the strategy of reality TV shows needs to be reworked to identify the real needs of youth. There should be positive connection between reality TV shows and youth. The end of reality TV show is not one that has a short term value on youths. The effect should be a life enriching programme and not one that ends in a shameful way like Goldie’s experience.

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Global Business

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Apple stock drops on missed estimates after iPhone lull Peugeot loses as much as

A

pple Incorporated fell after reporting iPhone sales that missed analysts’ projections, underscoring the computer maker’s reliance on demand for the smartphone.

Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc., Shaw Wu, an analyst at Sterne Agee & Leach, Alex Gauna, an analyst at JMP Securities LLC, and Michael Holland, chairman of Holland & Co., talk about Apple’s thirdquarter earnings and the outlook for the company.

Workers apply an Apple Inc. logo to the exterior of the Moscone West Center in San Francisco.

The company sold 26 million iPhones in the fiscal third quarter, shy of the 28.4 million predicted by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. That caused Apple to miss analysts’ quarterly sales and profit estimates for the second time since 2003.

Customers delayed purchases of existing iPhone versions while awaiting the next model. Samsung Electronics Co. releases several designs a year to

Chief executive officer of Apple Inc., Shaw Wu

defend its lead in the $219.1 billion smartphone market. That raises the stakes for Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who relies on a once-a-year upgrade of the device that makes up half of the company’s sales.

“Pressure is mounting,” said Michael Obuchowski, a portfolio manager at North Shore Asset Management LLC, an owner of Apple shares. “Because everybody else has a much faster design cycle, Apple has to come up with a new phone that’s competitive not just when it comes out, but will stay competitive

for a long period of time.

That’s going to be increasingly difficult.”

Net income climbed 21 percent to $8.82 billion, or $9.32 a share, in the June period, Cupertino, California-based Apple said yesterday. Sales rose 23 percent to $35 billion. Analysts had predicted profit of $10.37 a share on revenue of $37.2 billion, the average of estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Apple, the world’s largest company by market value, fell as much as 5.5 percent to $567.83 in early trading. The shares had slipped less than 1 percent

to $600.92 at the close in New York yesterday, trimming the year-to-date gain to 48 percent.

While Apple is outgrowing its closest technology-industry peers, the company’s sales climbed at the slowest pace since mid-2009. Apple said the results will be worse during the quarter now under way, as Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said speculation about a new device “has caused some pause” in sales. Analysts are predicting a new iPhone will be released by October.

The company said sales in the quarter ending in September would fall to about $34 billion, and that profit would fall to $7.65 a share. That compares with predictions by analysts for sales of $38 billion and profit of $10.27 a share.

“We have become spoiled by Apple and what they have done in the past,” said Daniel Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust Co. “It’s just inevitable that you’re going to have some numbers that disappoint people.”

Former Citigroup CEO says banks should be broken up

S

anford “Sandy” Weill, who ushered in the era of supermarket banks with the creation of Citigroup before the financial crisis, said United States lenders should be broken up to protect taxpayers.

“What we should probably do is go and split up investment banking from banking,” Weil, 79, saidyesterday in an interview on CNBC. “Have banks do something that’s not going to risk the taxpayer dollars, that’s not going to be too big to fail.”

Former chairman and chief executive officer of Citigroup Inc. Sandy Weill said, “The world we live in

Sandy Weill

now is not the world we lived in 10 years ago.”

Weill helped engineered the 1998 merger of Travelers Group Inc. and Citicorp, a deal that required the U.S. government to overturn

the Glass-Steagall law that forced deposit-taking companies to be separate from riskier investment banks. The company became the biggest lender in the world before almost failing and taking a $45 billion taxpayer bailout.

“We can have size and scale but it doesn’t have to be connected to a deposittaking institution,” Weill said. “Have banks be deposit-takers, have banks make commercial loans and real estate loans.”

Weill held the positions of chairman and chief executive officer of New Yorkbased Citigroup after the merger. He retains the title “chairman emeritus.”

Weill said he hasn’t spoken with Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit or JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)’s Jamie Dimon about breaking up the biggest U.S. banks.

Dimon, 56, is a former protege of Weill’s and helped to build Travelers before the merger with Citicorp.

Jon Diat, a spokesman for Citigroup, declined to comment on Weill’s remarks.

Richard Parsons, who earlier this year ended a 16year tenure on the board of Citigroup, said in April that the 1999 repeal of the GlassSteagall law made the business more complicated and ultimately helped cause the financial crisis.

Bank-rate faces tougher EU rules, antitrust scrutiny

T

he European Union pledged tougher supervision of interbank lending rates and said it may expand antitrust probes as part of a response to the global scandal triggered by the manipulation of Libor.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s financial services chief, said he’s aiming to present proposals by year end for overhauling governance of Libor, Euribor

and other market indices.

EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia also said that he may expand probes into bankrate rigging.

EU financial services chief Michel Barnier told reporters in Brussels, “The international investigations under way into the manipulation of Libor have revealed yet another example of scandalous behavior by the banks.”

“The international investigations under way into the manipulation of Libor have revealed yet another example of scandalous behavior by the banks,” Barnier told reporters in Brussels. The commission is also examining whether interbank lending rates should be set using real transaction data rather than estimates, he said.

Confidence in Libor,

the benchmark interest rate for more than $500 trillion of securities, has been shaken by Barclays Plc admission that it submitted false rates. Robert Diamond, who resigned as London-based Barclays’s chief executive officer after the bank was fined 290 million pounds ($450 million), told British lawmakers this month that other banks also lowballed Libor submissions.

government offers in auto aid

P

SA Peugeot Citroen dependent on the region’s (UG)’s automotive market.

Owen Thomas on the unit lost as much money in the first six earning’s gap of major car months as the French gov- manufacturers.

“When you spread the ernment plans to plough into the industry to try and amount across the French protect automakers from car market it does not provide any help to the French a fifth consecutive year of manufacturers,” said Jose shrinking sales France will spend about Asumendi, a Baader Bank 665 million euros ($807 mil- analyst in Unterschleislion) to bolster the country’s sheim, Germany. “Ultimateauto sector, protect jobs and ly, what they should let them build the “vehicles of to- do is restructure their operamorrow,” Industry Minister tions.”

Arnaud Montebourg said in Paris today, adding the government is making available to auto-parts suppliers 450 million euros in financing.

Peugeot, whose auto division posted a first-half recurring operating loss of 662 million euros, is losing ground to larger rival Volkswagen AG, which is less Arnaud Montebourg

Canadian dollar rises from two-week low on stimulus speculation

C

anada’s dollar rose from the lowest level in two weeks on speculation central banks will consider increasing monetary stimulus to spur economic growth, boosting higher-risk assets.

The currency earlier fell to the lowest since July 12 on concern Europe’s debt crisis is worsening. Commodities such as crude oil, Canada’s largest export, rose after European Central Bank council member Ewald Nowotny said there were arguments

favoring giving the region’s rescue fund a banking license.

“There’s more positive sentiment,” Steve Butler, managing director in Toronto at Scotiabank, said by e-mail. “It’s giving the market hope that there will be some policy action, either in the U.S. or Europe or both.”

Canada’s currency, nicknamed the loonie, climbed 0.4 percent to C$1.0184 per U.S. dollar at 8:06 a.m. in Toronto. One Canadian dollar buys 98.18 cents.

Emerging stocks fall to 7-week low on China, earnings

E

merging-market stocks fell for a fourth day after Apple Inc.’s lower-thanestimated earnings dragged down technology companies, outweighing speculation European policy makers may boost a rescue fund’s firepower.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index lost 0.3 percent to 906.06 as of 12:44 p.m. in London, poised for the lowest close since June 28. Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd. (493), China’s second-largest electronics retailer, plunged 14 percent to a record low after forecasting a loss. The Kospi Index slid 1.4 percent in Seoul and the Micex Index gained 0.5 percent in Russia.

A gauge of technol-

ogy companies slid 1.4 percent, headed for the lowest level since Jan. 16, as Apple suppliers tumbled. Earnings for emerging-market companies have trailed forecasts by 4.7 percent on average since July 1, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. European Central Bank council member Ewald Nowotny said there are arguments for giving Europe’s permanent bailout fund a banking license.

“A slowdown in emerging markets has meant that corporate profitability is being hit and remains vulnerable with little visibility ahead,” Kunal Vora, an analyst at FM Capital Partners Ltd. in London, wrote in a note to clients. “All in all, clouds of a global recession seem to be getting darker.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

41

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Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Naira firms after CBN fix cash reserve at 12 %

ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

A

day after the Central Bank of Nigeria fixed cash reserve for deposit money banks at 12 per cent to stabilise the weakening local currency, naira has received a breather.

The naira closed at N160.05 to a dollar on the interbank market, firmer than the N160.70 a dollar it closed on Tuesday.

It will be recalled that the CBN left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 per cent on Tuesday, as expected,

but took surprise measures to tighten liquidity.

Financial markets were closed on Tuesday immediately the interest rate decision was announced.

The CBN raised cash reserve requirement for banks to 12 per cent from eight per cent and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to one percent from three percent to support the naira.

According to a dealer who spoke to Reuters, “This was the initial reaction to the Monetary Policy Committe decision to reduce open position limit. Many banks were bidding within

their new limit position, pushing more dollars into the market and providing support for the naira.”

Before now, naira has been hit by a fall in the price of oil, Nigeria’s main export, while global risk aversion and has weakened by almost three per cent against the dollar since April.

Currency weakness is aggravating inflation as Nigeria imports 80 per cent of what it consumes.

Consumer inflation rose to 12.9 percent year-on-year in June, up from 12.7 per cent in May. The CBN expects it to peak around 14 per

cent later this year.

Traders said three energy companies, units of France Total sold $78m, ExxonMobil sold $54bn and Slumberger $3m, which further boosted dollar liquidity and provided support for the naira.

“The naira will continue to trend around this level in the near term as the market gets more dollar inflows from oil multinational companies for their month-end sales,” another dealer said.

On the bi-weekly auction, the central bank sold $217m at 155.84 to the dollar, compared with $300m sold at 155.89 to the dollar on Monday.

Zenith Bank posts N42bn profit in half year JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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enith Bank Plc has declared a profit after tax of N42.4bn for the half year ended June 30, 2012, an increase by 32.1 per cent when compared to N32.1bn recorded in the same period of 2011.

The bank’s gross earnings rose by 22.7 per cent, from N123.2bn in 2011 half year to N151.1bn in 2012, while taxation stood at N7.75bn in the review period from N4.69bn in 2011 half year.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, the bank’s net interest income increased by 26.7 per cent, from N62.9bn in 2011

•Stanbic IBTC to reduce share capital by N7.5bn

half year to N79.7bn in 2012.

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, reiterated the commitment of the management to deliver superior returns on shareholders’ investments.

Meanhwile, the Chief Executive officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, has said that the proposed restructuring in the bank will result in no adverse changes to the rights and ownership of existing shareholders of the bank.

Speaking at the presentation of facts behind the figures to stockbrokers in Lagos yesterday, she explained that the proposed share cancellation means

that excess capital will be returned to shareholders.

According to her, the share capital of the bank will be reduced by a total of N7.5bn as a result of cancellation of 15 billion out of the current 18.75 billion ordinary shares.

She said that the holding company will have 10 billion issued and fully paid up shares of 50 kobo, saying that shareholders of the bank will become shareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings with the same proportionate ownership, save for adjustments for fractional shares, which will be converted to cash.

“The proposed restructuring will result in no ad-

verse changes to the rights and ownership of existing shareholders of Stanbic IBTC. I wish to state categorically that the value of your investment will not be adversely affected by the change in legal structure.

“For example if a shareholder owns one per cent of the bank, he will own one per cent of the new holding company.”

She said that the number of shares held by a shareholder will however change as four out of every five shares will be cancelled, adding, “The shareholder will be paid 50 kobo for each share cancelled and the remaining share will be converted to a share in the holding company.”

Oando posts N6.6bn profit, as equities shed N13bn JOHNSON OKANLAWON

O

ando Plc has announced a turnover of N350.6bn for the half year ended June 30, 2012, an increase by 31 per cent when compared to N267.8bn recorded in the same period of 2011.

A statement from the company yesterday said it is set to list its upstream arm in Canada’s Toronto Stock Exchange.

The company’s gross profit increased by eight per cent in the review period, from N31.5bn in the corresponding period of 2011 to N33.9bn in 2012, while profit after tax fell by four per cent to N6.6bn, from N6.9bn in 2011 half year.

Commenting on the result, the company’s Group Chief Executive, Mr. Wale Tinubu, said the company has experienced significant developments across the oil and gas sector, ‘we remain steadfast in our commitment to grow our businesses in line with our strategic focus.’

According to him, the exploration and production division has been notified of a closing date for the reverse take over transaction.

He explained that the division signed a farm-in agreement for the acquisition of a 40 per cent participating interest in the Qua Ibo field, which immediately increases the company’s 2P reserves by five million barrels, while also delivering a successful drilling programme in the

Obodeti-Obodugwa field, which promises an imminent increase in the oil reserves and production.

“Our fourth swamp rig remains in the United States, undergoing extensive refurbishment, with planned deployment scheduled for early next year.

“The three drilling rigs contracted to the IOC’s have maintained high safety standards and a 95 per cent average drilling uptime in their operations. We continue the strive to expand our footprint in the midstream with our dedicated participation in the Federal Government’s privatisation of generating and distribution assets,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that the downstream businesses

have been able to fully recover from a challenging first quarter, following deregulation.

Meanwhile, trading in equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange continued on bearish note yesterday, as more investors sold their holdings to take profit from the gains recorded in the previous days.

Losses recorded in blue chips companies dragged the All-Share index down by 0.17 per cent to close at 23,129.82 points, compared to the decline by 0.91 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 23,169.24 points.

Market capitalisation shed N12.5bn to close at N7.36trn, lower than the decline by N67.4bn recorded the preceding day to close at N7.37trn.

Source: NSE

Source: Afrinvest

Market indicators All-Share Index 23,129.82 points Market capitalisation 7,360 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

CUSTODYS

1.42

1.49

0.07

PORTPAIT

2.49

2.61

0.12

IKEJAHOTL

1.13

1.18

0.05

UTC

0.53

0.55

0.02

NAHCO

5.70

5.90

0.20

FIDELITYK

1.33

1.37

0.04

CCNN

4.00

4.12

0.12

REDSTARX

2.92

3.00

0.08

UBA

4.20

4.29

0.09

IBTC

7.05

7.18

0.13

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ETERNA

2.65

2.52

0.13

INTBREW

5.98

5.69

0.29

DANGSUGR

4.75

4.52

0.23

PRESCO

15.39

14.65

0.74

OANDO

15.12

14.40

0.72

RTBRISCOE

1.71

1.63

0.08

ACCESS

7.44

7.11

0.33

UACN

35.00

33.50

1.50

FLOURMIL

55.00

52.80

2.20

HONYFLOR

1.90

1.83

0.07

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

34,888.90

13.85

26-Jul-12

182-Day

83,229.89

16.10

26-Jul-12

9.06

26-Jul-12

364 -Day

50,000.00

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

359-DAY

20,250.00

8.80

26-Jul-12

357-DAY

23,630.00

9.00

26-Jul-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$250m

N/A

$217m

25-Jul-12

$300m

N/A

$300m

23-Jul-12

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at July 25, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

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Media

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I begged armed robbers for my One of Nigeria’s journalism icons, Mike Awoyinfa clocked 60 on Monday. But for this incurable reporter, who is the Publisher of Entertainment Express and pioneer Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, there is no job like journalism. In this interview with LEONARD OKACHIE, he shares his experience in the profession and says he will write till he dies. Excerpts: How would you describe life at 60?

I’m so lucky and so happy to be 60, because we don’t have control over our lives. We have God who orchestrate our life and who we depend on for everything. We depend on His grace, provision and security. And talking about security, Nigeria is a very insecure country.

Anything can take you to the grave in Nigeria. If you are not being attacked by Boko Haram, you are being attacked by armed robbers.

If you live to be 60, you have every cause to glorify God. It is not as if I didn’t expect to be 60. I’m a child of God and I have been looking forward to it. I like to look at the positive or the optimistic side of life. I like to think I will live long, just like you too, believing that we have a mission to fulfil in this earth and until that mission is fulfilled we won’t die. I might have every cause to be very, very happy because looking back; one has tried to do a whole lot of things.

I thank God for what He has used me to achieve. I was the pioneer editor of Weekend Concord, which was a paper that was first of its kind in this country; that came about in 1989. It was a paper that I always look back with a whole lot of joy and nostalgia. It was a paper that defined me; it was a paper that made me. I was a young man, thirty-something, full of exuberance, full of ambition. I had just written a book called the Art of Feature Writing, which I co-wrote with Dimgba Igwe, which became the bible for feature writing in Nigeria. In a way, we have tried to live our mark in our profession. Everything is not about money. The most important thing in life is to come into this world and leave something behind: impact on people, train people.

I’m so happy that as I spend my 60th birthday, there has been a whole lot of accolades from my disciples so to say- the people who I trained, the people who were reporters under me, people who I schooled in my brand of journalism. I’m happy they have made it big everywhere.

And that is the joy of every father- to see that your followers are ending up at the top level of the journalism profession. If I have to name names, of course, everybody knows Dele Momodu came under my umbrella; Shola Oshunkeye, Femi Adesina and a whole lot of them. I trained them and they in turn trained other people. And the people they trained will also train other people. That, for me, is what life is about; to come into the world and impact on people; to come into the world and serve as a catalyst for change; to come into the world and use your God-given talent to the fullest, so that when you go back to heaven or wherever, you will be able to face your maker and say “the talent you gave me I didn’t bury it, like the parable of the talent, I used it and people learnt from me, I developed people, I imparted on my society.” I don’t know what a day will be like if I don’t write. I will write till I reach my grave. And even if it is possible to report my own death, I will beg God, “Please let me write the headline of my own death, then after that you can take me back.”

Have you had any bitter experience as regards insecurity in this country?

Yes, like I said, this country, life is so precarious. There is virtually nobody who has not experienced armed robbery attack. I have experienced it more than once. The

Awoyinfa

first time they came into my house; that was about 1984, ’85 and I had to jump. I had just bought a new Jetta car, and my 504 car had been stolen before in Kaduna, two months after I bought it. It was like the end of the world; a young man who had just bought a car and robbers come and take it, and everywhere you go people start asking “oga where your car?” So I didn’t want history to repeat itself. I wasn’t even thinking about my life. I was saying how can they come and carry this brand new car I just bought? So I jumped from the first floor of my house into the bush, just as the robbers were banging the door and trying to break it. But somebody fired a gun to scare the armed robbers, and the armed robbers just jumped.

I didn’t know they were such cowards like that. They jumped into the bush and started running. One even stepped on my leg inside the bush where I was hiding.

For three months or so, I had my leg swollen. I had to put P.O.P on my leg. That was a close shave.

On another occasion, another car I bought when I was in The Sun Newspapers as the managing director, the robbers came and raided where I was drinking at a beer parlour (journalists, we all drink, but I have stopped that one now). They collected my car key, everybody lied down. As I was going, they said “no, this man we cannot let you.” They kidnapped me, sandwiched me at the back of a car. They drove me from Egbeda to Maryland, cut off the Army Cantonment, and dropped me at Ikorodu Road.

I begged them that “please, I don’t have any money on me; you have taken all my money and everything.” They said “okay, how much do you want? Will one thousand naira be okay for you?” They said “okay, you give him one thousand.” The armed robber stole one hundred nai-

ra from the money that he was supposed to give me and gave me nine hundred. So a thief is a thief. He said “oya, are you ready to get down?” I said no, one more thing, “Can you help me?” He said what? I said my passport. I had a passport with American visa. I said it is here can I take it? He said take it. I took it. He said yes, can you go down? I said no, one more thing, there is a cassette of interview I did. Can I take that cassette? He said no, no no, this man you are up to something. Please search him, maybe he has something. They started searching again.

I said no, no, it is just a cassette, I’m a journalist. They said no they will not allow me, they have given me passport; what else do I want? Which cassette? So that is how they pushed me out. They were kind enough to give me transport money. I boarded a taxi and came back home.

If you have gone through all those kinds of close shaves you have every cause to thank God for life at 60.

What has kept you in the profession despite your close shaves with death and other challenges?

I don’t know what else I could have done. I have always loved this job. Till the end, that is the job I would love to do. It has transcended money. There is nothing like journalism. It is a job that gives me joy. It is a job that keeps me busy. It is a job that surprises me every day. When you come into the newsroom you don’t know what will happen; anything can happen at any time. I like the surprises, the unpredictability of journalism and the fact that you can do anything with journalism. I’m a columnist; I write a column called Press Clips for Saturday Sun and I have a large following. The fact that people read me, people abuse me, people praise me. I can turn my column

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Media

Thursday, July 26, 2012

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interview cassette –Awoyinfa into a church, a pulpit and start preaching people. I have a virtual church called Press Clips Pentecostal Church in my every Saturday column. I write like a preacher. It is not comedy; it is not fun, because God is not mocked. I’m using my talent to win souls for God. I get very happy and fulfilled when people say “ah, this thing you are doing, it has touched me, I have learnt from you; if somebody like you can love God, we too we are inspired to want to serve God.” Evangelism can take any form. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a church forum or anything. The world has become a virtual world. You can use your column as church. All you need is followers.

I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I’m writing books. We just launched a book on the newspaper years of Segun Osoba, which brought together, who is who in Nigeria. After that, we were to launch another book on the guru himself, Mike Adenuga.

It is a massive book on his life and time.

It is a great book that really challenged us because he didn’t talk to us. We went all the way to write this book about him.

He is a great man, a great Nigerian that many people want to read his story and get inspired by him. You know he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t come out. He now gave a challenge and we wrote his biography. We were to start selling it this year. He saw it, liked it but said a book of this magnitude, why not wait until his 60th birthday anniversary, that he would like to hand the book to something momentous. We agreed with him. So, by next year, April 29, he will be 60.

He is a man we love and adore. Before we sit down to write a biography on anybody we must like you. If you don’t like your subject you can’t enjoy the biography. Biography is an extended form of journalism. Those things that we have learnt in journalism have prepared us for what we are today as biographers. Investigative journalism is the bedrock of biography writing.

I’M SO HAPPY THAT AS I SPEND MY 60TH BIRTHDAY, THERE HAS BEEN A WHOLE LOT OF ACCOLADES FROM MY DISCIPLES SO TO SAY Why are you always interested in writing about the man in the street?

I started as a common man myself and I’m still a common man. I still see that journalism is on the street. Journalism is right there with people whom you don’t even hear of. I’m like Charles Dickens who writes about the ordinary things of life. I think it is just my nature.

People say I’m humble. I believe in fighting for the underdog. I believe in fighting for the voiceless. I believe in celebrating the people who don’t have power, giving them power. I believe there is greatness in ordinariness. There is something extraordinary about ordinary people. It takes a whole lot of joy and creativity to go out there and bring out. Reporting ordinary people was our strong point like those days in Weekend Concord. I like to do unusual things. I’m a people’s man. Even in my days as editor, they called me people’s editor; in my day as MD of The Sun, they called me people’s MD. So, forever, I am on the side of solidarity. I’m not a unionist, but I fight for the underdogs all the time.

Why do you refer to Weekend Concord as your baby?

I started it. Dr. Doyin Abiola around 1988 spotted something in me. I went to the feature desk and redefined features; saw feature from the human angle perspective. Until when I came there, people weren’t doing features as they should do it. They were writing essays, commentary and analyses and registering it as features. When I came there I said no, that is not my idea of feature. Forming a feature should be human angle stories; a feature should be emotional stories. It

is a story that has news element in it. I came to redefine feature story based on the tutelage I got from my master, Dele Giwa.He is the man that really taught us what a feature story is. I impacted it on the people I met at the features desk and I think it transformed the National Concord and the managing director saw something special and say “look you can do this on a bigger level by editing a Saturday paper.” That is how Weekend Concord started and we started from the scratch. Everything was our ideas, started from the ground level to the decking. It was my baby all the way; it was a paper that reflected me. The things that interest me were all brought to bare on the paper.

Would you say that the loss of Weekend Concord is the gain of The Sun? In a way, we carried to The Sun our experience from Weekend Concord. You only give what you have and all we had was Weekend Concord. We had to improve upon Weekend Concord. I would say The Sun is Weekend Concord carried to another level. We injected some seriousness; we intellectualised it a bit, but the engine room of the paper is human angle stories. We called ourselves king of the tabloid. We created bold, big headlines, anything that will captivate our readers.

What is your experience of simultaneous printing in The Sun? We left there at about the time we were about to start simultaneous printing. So, I’m not in the position to share my experience about simultaneous printing in The Sun. The managing di-

rector and the editors are there to tell you what they are going through.

Entertainment Express is one and is doing well already. How did you achieve this feat?

Every achievement of mine starts from God who gives me the wisdom and the creativity to do what I’m doing. I have come a long way. I have come with a backlog of experience and knowledge. The Entertainment Express is also the grandchild of my experience. It is a baby of my old age. It is a niche newspaper. We are looking at entertainment, the younger generation. If you are coming into the market, from experience as marketer; you have to start with the niche. We looked at the market and saw that there was no paper that focuses exclusively on entertainment, just like the sports newspaper that focuses on sports. We thought this is a niche that is worth cultivating. So far, so good and we are happy to say that since we came into the market, the market has woken up. When we came with Weekend Concord, the market woke up. Everybody started having a Saturday paper. When we came with Sun the market woke up again and when we came with Entertainment Express the marketing is waking up.

Suddenly people are seeing that entertainment is a serious business. I believe we are on our way to striking gold. It is a market that is growing. We started with Friday. Now we have Sunday. Very soon, we will start with a daily newspaper - Entertainment Daily Express.

When are we expecting your own memoirs?

When I become great, then I will write my own memoirs.

But you are great already.

Soon, about the right time it will come out.

Wazobia FM, COSON sign copyright pact

L-R: Chief Operations Officer, Evita Moussalli, Managing Director Wazobia FM, Amin Moussalli and COSON Chairman, Tony Okoroji at the signing in Lagos.

MURITALA AYINLA

A

s part of the move to make artiste reap the gains of their creativity, the Globe Broadcasting and Communications Limited, own-

ers and operators of Nigeria’s popular radio stations- Wazobia FM, has signed royalty agreement with the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

With the signing, the station is now free to play any song by Nigerian artistes in the course

of entertaining its numerous listeners without infringing on the copyright laws as the media organisation has agreed to pay royalty to the artistes through COSON, which almost all Nigerian artistes are members.

Speaking at the colourful

occasion, the Group Managing Director, Wazobia FM stations, Amin Moussalli, said the agreement demonstrates his organisation’s respect for the Nigerian Copyright Laws, urging other media owners to stop running away from the law.

He said:“If you believe in the Nigeria laws, do the same like John F Kennedy said, nobody is below the law; nobody is above the law."

He stressed that it is the tradition of his organisation to operate within the framework of the law, saying business grows when the entrepreneurs respects the right of others especially the environment where he operates.

Mousalli also used the occasion to announce plans by his group to

go into television broadcasting in 2013, saying that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was currently vetting his group’s application to this effect.

On his part, chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji, described the agreement as a positive step towards making Nigerian musicians reap the fruits of their labour.

He added that most Nigerian broadcast industries are guilty of exploiting the potentials that exist in the country for creation of wealth and employment.

He said, “business in Nigeria need to understand that in the new world economy, driven by knowledge, respect for intellectual property is central to any sustainable development.

46

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Miss Albania

Miss Nigeria

It’s festival of beauty and talent in China I

Miss Tanzania

Miss Columbia

Miss Botswana

MISS WORLD:

LEONARD OKACHIE

Miss South Sudan

Miss Angola

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

t is a festival of beauty and talent as 120 delectable girls from around the world gather in China for the 62nd edition of the Miss World pageant. Not even the 30th edition of the 2012 Olympics, which is beginning tomorrow in London, will take away the excitement and glamour of the ongoing festival.

These girls including, the 23 yearold Nigerian representative, Damiete Charles-Granville, are competing to be crowned on August 18, 2012 in Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China by Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela, the reigning queen.

They are representatives of Angola, Argentina, Bahamas, Gabon, Greece, India, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Sudan, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand,Trinidad & Tobago, UIkraine, Venezuela, Wales, Zimbabwe, among others.

For the first time, viewers will be able to watch the Miss World event through the eyes of all 120 Miss World contestants as each contestant is given their own web section on missworld.com to upload their personal progress to the final show. This year’s edition also breaks the previous record of 115 contestants

Miss Denmark

in 2010 edition and marking the biggest turnout in the pageant's history.

“We are excited to announce that the live Miss World contest this year will have a 30-minute extended running time allowing us to feature the journey to the final and showcase the world's most glamorous event to a global audience for a full two and a half hours", the organisers said.

This edition is also different because for the first time, contestants are allowed to their own stories by uploading videos, images and messages as part of a new multimedia award component which will earn them marks towards the Miss World final scoreboard. Fans are as well given the opportunity to follow and interact with all of the Miss World contestants through social media integration on the site.

The world watched in amazement Tuesday night as the contestants displayed beauty and talent in a spectacular choreographed opening ceremony at the Ordos Stadium Arena.

Interestingly, Damiete is one the 47 contestants confirmed by the organisers on Monday after a whirlwind audition, for the Top Model catwalk show taking place on August 12. They will be adorned in garments by Chinese luxury cashmere label, ERDOS 1436.

Unfortunately, the Kalabari-born girl from Rivers State, could not make the

first round of the Performing Talent, in which contestants are given the chance to demonstrate their own unique talents in singing and dancing in front of a panel of judges.

Final of the Performing Talent holds on August 10, and it is one of the most exciting elements of the whole festival and a great way for the contestants to catch the eye of the judges. It highlights the richness and diversity that Miss World brings together.

Damiete, who is the first runner up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2012, got the chance to replace Nigeria after MBGN winner, Isabella Ayuk, was removed by the MBGN organisers because of some discrepancies.

Isabella will however, represent Nigeria at the 2012 Miss Universe in December.

Speaking about herself in a short video clip on her profile page of the Miss World website, Damiete, who expressed optimism, said, ‘As Nigerians we are a loving people with a big heart, rich in culture and have historical heritage.‘ She said she would love to show kindness and love to the less privileged and orphans because they deserve love and hope.

However, like Agbani Darego, who made Nigeria proud when she won 2001 Miss World, Nigerians are hopeful that Damiete will bring the crown back to the country 11 years after.

Miss Equitorial Guinea

Miss South Africa

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, July 26, 2012

47

N10m star prize for Nigeria’s Got Talent

L

eading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria and Rapid Blue Format have announced a star prize of N10 Million Naira for the Nigeria’s Got Talent Show, as the auditions commence in a fortnight across the country.

Gifted Nigerians, male and female of all ages with talents in acrobatics, magic display, fire eating, ball juggling, dancing and others will have a chance to showcase their talents in the reality Television show.

The show auditions will kick-off in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja between July 31 and August 1 at the Rockview Hotel before it moves to the Coal City, Enugu on August 3 at the Independence Hotel.

Other cities across the country would have a chance to showcase their talents as the show train moves to Calabar on Au-

gust 7, Port Harcourt on 9th, Warri 11th, Benin 13th, Ibadan 16th with auditions ending in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos on August 18th and 19th.

“This is the definitive talent show in the country at the moment; the encompassing nature is strictly unique to the Got Talent brand and puts it ahead of other shows”, Executive Producer, Rotimi Pedro explains.

Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava commented: “Airtel is pleased to partner with RBF to empower talented Nigerians. Aside providing a great platform for talented Nigerians, we are also passionate about thrilling and exciting telecommunications consumers across the country.”

Nigeria’s Got Talent reality show, powered by Airtel Nigeria would run between July and December this

year featuring amazing performances and stunts on National television.

“Airtel is excited to tour the country on yet another credible project that will celebrate and reward Nigerians especially its youth following the brand vision to remain the most loved brand in the lives of Nigerians.”

Nigeria apart from South Africa is the only African country that has been able to secure the Got Talent franchise and is set to experience the magic of the show like other nations across the world.

The Got Talent franchise has produced many notable performers in the last couple of years including Diversity, Bianca Ryan and Britain’s Got Talent’s 2009 1st runner up Susan Boyle, whose debut album became the fastest selling UK debut album of all time, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S amongst others.

African acrobatic diplay as will be wintessed at Got Talent show

Ebonyi engages young people in entertainment biz MADU EZENOHA ABAKALIKI

A

s part of deliberate efforts to create employment, Ebonyi State government has organised a training programme for over 100 youths to hone their skills in the entertainment industry.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Samuel Mgbada announced in Abakaliki recently that the training programme was organised in conjunction with a private entertainment outfit, Soda Faces. He said that the training exercise groomed the youths in the areas of music, acting and comedy.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has partnered with a local entertainment outfit, Soda Faces; we have been able to train over 100 youths in the area of entertainment; music, acting and comedy. Before the end of the year, the ministry will showcase

the beneficiaries who have been part of this training”, he said.

Mgbada noted that the government has equally commenced series of seminars and workshops to educate Ebonyi youths on how to take advantage of the “You Win” programme of the Federal Government.

He said that the youths are being taught how to develop business plans that can attract sponsorship, adding, “The business plan competition, ‘You Win’, is anchored by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Information Technology, the World Bank, DFID and organised private sector. It is the project of his Excellency, Mr. President.

“The governor approved that ‘You Win’ be taught to teaming youths of the state by organising a seminar to throw light on its benefit and how to key into the project. It is an online competition where winners get up to N10 million and above. So, in the area of youth development, the government has done well.”

Bamigbetan (right) presenting sponsorship letter to Njoku Daniel, one of the 100 beneficiries of the council's skill acquisition programme at the council secretariat recently

Council sponsors 100 youths on skills acquisition MURITALA AYINLA

A

t a time when many Nigerian youths are unwillingly struggling to become entertainment idol owing to idleness and lack of effective sustainable programme to shape their future, the Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority has unveiled plans to redefine the future of youths in the council.

Apparently sensing the popular cliché that: "Devil finds work for idle hand", the council, during the weekend, sponsored 100 youths from different communities in the council on various lucrative vocational skills acquisition training programmes.

Many of the beneficiaries are indigent secondary school leavers whose parents lack the wherewithal to foot the bill of the acquisition programme.

Some are waiting for the result of the West African Senior School Examination Council while a good number of them are Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

They are enrolled in training such as: Hotel Management, Computer studies, Hair Dressing and Costmetology, Textile,Hat and Bead Making,Photography, Barbing, Fashion Design and Adult literacy.

Speaking while distributing the forms to beneficiaries at the council headquarters, the Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the sponsorship covers payment of forms, uniforms, course of study and allowance.

He added that the aim was to reduce the burden on the parents who may not be able to afford the cost of training their wards, adding that the gesture was in addition to the sponsorship of JAMB and WAEC Forms Sponsorship annually embarked upon by the council.

He said: “The beneficiaries were drawn from the slot given to the CDAs, religious bodies, the National Youth Councils and other stakeholders in

the council. But the key thing is that the beneficiary must be a youth, a school leaver, probably someone still waiting for JAMB or 'O' Level result.

"It is a continuous programme as more causes emerge, we engage more in the skill programme. We are also discussing with Skill Acquisition Centre in Igando which has more courses than we have on how to engage our youths in their courses."

He said that the gesture would make some of the beneficiaries self reliant and self employed after the programme.

He added: “Becoming a financially independent individual will make you appreciate God who has given you the talent to use your hands and be free from being a burden to your parents”.

“The youths constitute 65 per cent of the population in this LCDA. They will be the future and empowering them means ensuring a financially capable society not only in Ejigbo, but in Lagos State. More importantly to discourage them from engaging in ill-vices”.

The Council boss said he chose to demonstrate the best investment in education and youth development to ensure a crime-free society that would not only develop Ejigbo, but also make Lagos State a place for multi-dimensional industrial investment.

“Since 2008, we have demonstrated the best investment in education and youths development with free GCE and JAMB forms to more than 1000 candidates in addition to distribution of free uniforms and other educational materials that make teaching and learning easier for pupils in all public schools in Ejigbo LCDA”, the Chairman said.

One of the beneficiaries from Igbo speaking community, Miss Nkiru Onyegbulem commend the council chair for engage them meaningfully.

"We are very grateful for the gesture. At least we have something which we can lay our hands on. It may even be what we do become successful in life", she said.

48

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

“The lifting of the travel ban (against 17 Taylor’s officials) is welcome news for the government of Liberia ...”

– Liberian Foreign Minister, Augustine Naguafan

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

G

hana’s new President John Mahama has pledged to uphold stability following the death of his 68-year-old predecessor John Atta Mills, the BBC has reported.

Mahama, 53, was sworn in several hours after the president died at a hospital in the capital, Accra.

The opposition has praised the swift transition to Mahama, saying it showed Ghana was a mature democracy. Mahama has convened his first cabinet meeting, and visited the Atta Mills home to pay his condolences.

Meanwhile, Ghanaians are in mourning following the death of President John Atta Mills who was due to seek re-election in December. The country’s main opposition party announced yesterday that it was suspending its campaign during a period of national mourning.

Atta Mills, who suffered from throat cancer, had governed since 2009. He had planned to run for a second term in elections in December.

The BBC’s reporter in Accra, says Mahama will now serve as president until the election, but it is unclear whether he will be the candidate of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.

Taking the oath at an emergency parliamentary session, Mahama said he would govern for all Ghanaians.

“I wish Ghanaians to be assured that all is well,” Mahama said.

“We are going to maintain the peace, unity and stability that

New Ghana’s president Mahama promises stability ...as Ghanaians mourn Mills

N

The past month has been characterized by a continuation of the effort to restart direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians amid continued worrying developments on the ground, a top United Nations official said yesterday.

The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, told an open debate of the Security Council that “quiet direct exchanges” between the parties are ongoing in an attempt to reach agreement on a package of measures that would create an environment conducive to talks and pave the way for high-level contacts.

The Israelis and the Palestinians have yet to resume direct negotiations since talks stalled in September 2010.

Tunisia pardons 1,300 prisoners on national day Ghana’s new President John Mahama (C), after being sworn-in on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana.

Ghana is noted for.”

President Atta Mills came to power in 2009 Mahama has declared a week of national mourning.

Opposition New Patriotic Party (NNP) presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo has suspended campaigning out of respect for Atta Mills, our reporter says. NPP chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey praised the smooth transfer of power that happened within hours of the president’s death.

“Ghana actually has handled itself very well. We have never been through this before,” he said.

“Yet the transition that we saw in parliament has been very well handled, very smooth. We are showing a maturity that must encourage all Ghanaians.”

Atta Mills died a few hours after being taken ill. No details have been given.

While Atta Mills’s illness had always been a subject of great debate, it was never officially confirmed, correspondents say. He had always insisted he was well, and planned to seek re-election in December’s poll.

According to a presidential aide, the leader had complained

PHOTO: AP

of pains on Monday evening and his condition had deteriorated.

Atta Mills’ health has always been a subject of great debate in Ghana, even before he took office in 2009. But his illness was never officially confirmed and Atta Mills himself insisted he was doing well. He had recently returned to Ghana after visiting the US for medical checks.

Former Ghanaian military ruler Jerry Rawlings - who had backed Atta Mills for the presidency before the two fell out - said cancer had badly affected his health.

North Korea unveils leader’s wife

orth Korean state media have confirmed for the first time that the country’s leader Kim Jong-un is married.

Reports referred to him attending the opening of an amusement park with his wife, “Comrade Ri Sol-ju”.

There had been much speculation about Mr Kim’s private life in recent weeks when an unidentified woman was pictured attending events with him.

Kim Jong-un took over as leader of the country after the death of his father Kim Jong-il in December last year. The eightminute report on North Korean radio which mentioned Ri was broadcast at 20:00 local time on

WORLD BULLETIN No breakthrough to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks – UN envoy

Wednesday (11:00 GMT).

Analysts have been watching Mr Kim and his inner circle for clues as to the direction in which they will take the isolated state.

Last week authorities performed a military reshuffle widely interpreted by analysts as an attempt to stamp the authority of the new leader on North Korea’s powerful army.

There is a North Korean singer by the name of Ri Sol-ju but it has not been confirmed whether Mr Kim’s wife is the same woman.

It fits with the marked change of style under Kim Jong-un.

The young leader has projected a much more relaxed, chummy, open approach since taking power, at least in public. How much

Kim Jong Un (C), accompanied by a young woman (L), during a demonstration performance in Pyongyang.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

that change is reflected in his plans for the country’s economic and political future is still unclear.

Nor did state media mention when the couple got married.

Ri is thought to be the same

“mystery woman” who accompanied Mr Kim to several events in recent weeks and whose Western dress and hairstyle led some to speculate on the influence of Mr Kim’s brief European education.

Tunisian President, Moncef Marzouki, yesterday pardoned 1,300 prisoners to mark national day, his office announced.

Marzouki took the decision after meeting Justice Minister Noureddin B’Hiri, a statement said.

B’Hiri told Shems private radio station that among those pardoned are minors, schoolchildren and university students.

Yesterday, Tunisia celebrated the 55th anniversary of the proclamation of the republic.

In an earlier address to the constituent national assembly, Marzouki warned that Tunisia could face a new revolution unless real democracy prevailed in the country following the uprising that ousted strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

US police arrest 24 over California shootings

Twenty-four people have been arrested during a fourth night of violence after fatal weekend police shootings of two men in Anaheim, California, BBC has reported.

The violence mounted outside City Hall as council members voted unanimously to investigate the incidents.About 500 protesters threw rocks, broke windows, and threw a petrol bomb at a police car as 250 policemen fired soft bullets and pepper balls at the crowd.

Order was restored around 02:00 (09:00 GMT), police said.

Rubbish bins were set on fire during a seven-hour-long standoff with police wearing riot gear.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait has called for state and federal investigations, and the FBI said it would review one of the shootings to see if a civil rights investigation should be launched, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “It is extremely embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen.”

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Inmates demand unconditional release WALE IGBINTADE

A

bout 106 inmates at Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos awaiting trial have asked a Lagos High Court, sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, to order their unconditional release.

The suit is against the Lagos State Attorney-General, AG, Commissioner of Police, Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, and Deputy Comptroller

of Kirikiri Maximum Prisons.

The inmates, through their lawyer, Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem are praying the court to issue a writ of Habeas Corpus against the respondents to produce them in court.

The applicants filed a motion on notice brought under Order 42 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004, Section 264 (6) and (7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011 before the

court.

In the suit before Justice Mufutau Olokoba, the detainees are also asking the court to order the defendants to state why they should not be released.

In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by one Ishaq Lawal on behalf of the applicants, he stated that the applicants have spent four and five years in prison on

the allegation of various offences ranging from murder, manslaughter, robbery, stealing and other related offences without arraignment before a court.

He averred that the applicants are not in a position to depose to the affidavit as they are presently in detention.

He stated that a letter in February 20, 2012 was written

to the Lagos AG to inform him of the continued incarceration of all the applicants without trial, as he averred that the letter was copied to the governor, Solicitor-General, alongside the 3rd and 4th respondents.

According to him, the state Attorney General promised to take action on the issue, adding that of the initial 131 inmates, there are still 106 inmates left in detention.

Group to develop tourism in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

T

he Eggon Cultural Development Association has concluded plans to develop all the tourism sites currently lying fallow in Eggon land to attract tourists and boost the revenue base of Nasarawa State.

Accordingly, it has completed plans to revive the Captain Campbell Tomb at Endehu, while an access road is to be provided to the famous Eggon Hills to attract tourists.

In a statement signed by the president, Akpalakpo Namo,

and secretary, Ibrahim Aza, it said the association will work with governments at all levels, corporate organizations and meaningful Nigerians to ensure that the projects are realized.

It added that the group will offer scholarship to brilliant, but indigent students of Eggon, as well as complete the ongoing construction work of the principal lodge at the Community Secondary School, Nasarawa.

The statement called on all indigenes of Eggon occupying political offices to join hands with the body at all times, in making the dreams of the ethnic group come to fruition.

Administrator donates motorcycles to communities IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

T

he administrator of Giza Development Area of Nasarawa State, Adamu AdiGiza, has donated four motorcycles to leaders of Tiv and Fulani communities to facilitate quick surveillance of the area towards ensuring permanent return of peace.

Adi-Giza also donated N500, 000 to Agwan Yara community following the Tiv/Fulani crisis that recently engulfed the area leading to the destruction of their farm produce and other valuables.

Speaking, the administrator told leaders of the warring communities that the motorcycles will help facilitate the patrolling of the area to detect movements aimed at causing mayhem in the

area.

He said: “This donation is meant at easing your movement as you patrol the bushes to keep vigilance on moves capable of hampering the return of peace which we lost recently in the Tiv/ Fulani feud.”

He, however, cautioned beneficiaries to guard the motorcycles against criminals who could take advantage of security lapses and dispossess them of the vehicles, thereby defeating the motive for early return of peace in the area.

Leaders of the Tiv and Fulani communities, Kwagh Aondo and Manga Useni respectively, praised the efforts of Adi-Giza and promised to be proactive in the ongoing fight for the return of peace in the area by jealously guarding and making judicious use of the motorcycles.

A burnt BRT bus by Okada riders following the killing of their colleague by the driver at Abule Egba, Lagos.

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Sectarian war looms in Ogun FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

T

he Ogun State chapter of Muslim Rights’ Concern, MURIC, has warned of an outbreak of religious violence in Ilishan Remo and Ikenne Local Government Area should the planned programme of Oro cult group hold as scheduled.

MURIC has also threatened a legal action against the paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, government, police and State Security Service, SSS, should they fail to prevail on the cult to shelve their restriction order already fixed for July 27 and 28th in Ikenne and August 3rd to 5th in Ilishan Remo.

In a petition to Governor Ibikunle Amosun and copied to the Commissioners of Justice and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo, Commissioner of Police, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Sonarinwo and Director of State Security Service, the Muslim group alleged that Oro cultists had fixed their annual festival, thereby prohibiting movements in the Ramadan period.

In the petition signed by the state Co-ordinator, Soliu Luqman, MURIC demanded that the group postpone the festival in the interest of religious peace and co-existence in the state.

Oro festival is a traditional rite when movements are re-

stricted for certain times of the day and lasts for seven days.

Referring to appropriate sections of Nigerian constitution which guarantees free movement of citizens, MURIC demanded that Oro cultists restrict their activities from 12.am to 3.00 am as Muslims usually wake up in the midnight to observe prayers and prepare their food.

“It is in the interest of peaceful co-existence and sustainable serenity hitherto enjoyed in Ogun State that Muslim Rights’ Concern wishes to intimate you of impending sectarian crisis likely to be instigated by the antiquated traditional practice in Remo land”,it said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

51

Kaduna Assembly passes bill on LG poll T he Kaduna State House of Assembly yesterday passed a bill regulating how local council election would henceforth be conducted in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the passage of the bill followed the adoption of a report on an executive bill submitted by Governor Patrick Yakowa.

Mr. Yakubu Yusuf (CPCZaria Kewaye) moved the motion for the adoption of the report presented by the Chairman, House Commit-

tee on Judiciary, Mr. Irmiya Kantiok.

Malam Maikano Tanko (CPC-Unguwan Sunusi) seconded the motion and urged his colleagues to pass the bill because of its importance. The house unanimously adopted the report and passed the bill.

The Speaker, Malam Mu’azu Gangara, directed the Clerk of the House, Hajiya Umma Hikma, to send the approved copy of the bill to the governor for his assent.

The House had on Tuesday May 25, mandated its

Nasarawa procures 4,500 metric tons of fertilizer IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

T

he Nasarawa State government has procured 4,500 metric tons of fertilizer at the rate of N5, 000 per bag for sale to farmers this cropping season.

The commodity will, however, be sold to farmers at the subsidized rate of N2, 500 per bag when it is finally delivered to all the council ward headquarters across the state for sale.

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura disclosed this at Awe Market square when flagging-off the 2012 cropping season to kick-start the distribution of fertilizer in the state under the Growth Enhancement Scheme of the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.

He said, as part of the ceremony, a total of 14,800 metric tons of fertilizer have been allocated to the state by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in which 210 metric tons have been received and are ready for distribu-

tion.

According to him, “The agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government are reflective of the state’s agricultural development aspiration hence the state did not hesitate to embrace all the programmes enunciated by the Federal Government in this direction.”

Committee on Judiciary to conduct an in-depth study of the bill and make recommendations.

Presenting the report at the plenary session in Kaduna on July 24, Kantiok said series of meetings and consultations were made by the committee.

He also said that existing laws and electoral guidelines were studied by the committee before arriving at its recommendations; adding that the proposed amendments included the title of the bill, fixing of fees for candidates participating in the council elections and the general conduct of the polls.

According to him, the committee recommended that the name of the bill be amended from a ‘Bill for a Law to amend the conduct of local government election 2006,’ to now read a ‘Kaduna State Local Government Election Law 2012.’

The chairman said candidates fielded by political parties in council polls would pay a fee of N200, 000 for chairmanship position and N100, 000 for councillorship position.

He said the number of days for the submission of candidates list by participating political parties was increased from 30 days to 60, adding that

this will enable the parties screen, present and substitute such candidates where necessary.

The chairman also said that where votes counted in a polling station was more than the total number of registered voters; the affected unit would be cancelled to avoid electoral fraud and unnecessary litigation.

Besides, the bill provided that only persons suitable for appointment as a magistrate or high court judge should be appointed as the chairman of the state independent electoral commission, while a retiree in that capacity should serve as the head of an appeal tribunal.

Three commissioners locked out of exco meeting H ENRY I YORK ASE MAKURDI

T

hree commissioners were yesterday barred on the orders of Governor Gabriel Suswam for coming behind schedule for the weekly Benue State executive council meeting which commenced

by 10.00 am.

The affected commissioners include Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benjamin Ashaver; Commissioner for Youth/Sports; Mr. Aondowase Chia and the state Head of Service, Mr. Michael Iordye.

An impeccable source, who spoke to

National Mirror said the trio came behind Gover nor Suswam, who had commenced the meeting on schedule.

Our source further disclosed that the governor, after the meeting, frowned at the nonchalant attitude of his commissioners.

L-R: Chairman of Councils of Chiefs FCT, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa; Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Mr. Yahaya Ibrahim and Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, during a security meeting on FCT with the monarchs in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Gov. Lamido

Jigawa spends N63bn on road projects

T

he Jigawa State government yesterday said it has spent N63bn on the construction of 1,300 kilometres of roads in the last five years.

Commissioner of Works and Housing, Alhaji Baba Santali, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the projects were spread across the 27 local governments of the state.

Santali said the state government had initiated a road development programme designed to open up the state and enhance transportation.

He said some of the roads were the GwaramBasirka Road, the BirninKudu-Kiyawa Road and the Kiyawa-Jahun-Gujungu Road, among others, adding that all the projects had been completed.

The commissioner said, “All the road projects were executed under phases I, II and III in the last five years.

“We have concluded arrangements to embark on the construction of additional roads under phase IV. It is a people-oriented policy designed to enhance road transportation and open up the state.”

According to him, the state government has established an agency to ensure effective maintenance of the roads.

Suswam urges equitable distribution of farming tools, others HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

B

enue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has charged those with the responsibility of selling and distributing fertilizer and other associated chemicals and tools to farmers this cropping season not to discriminate

against people from opposition parties.

Governor Suswam handed down the warning yesterday at Igbor in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state while flagging off the 2012 sales and distribution of fertilizers and associated chemicals to boost farming activities this season.

He said those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the distribution and sales of the commodity should be very impartial in handling this task, adding that the issue of who belongs to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) should not arise. He also said departmental heads and caretaker chairmen of the 23

councils across the state areas would be held responsible for any lapses noticed.

He further emphasised that elections have come and gone and that what is now paramount is for others to collectively join hands in rebuilding the Benue of our dream; observing that anyone who attempts to smuggle the com-

modity through the back door, no matter whose ox is gored, will be dealt with for frustrating government efforts.

The governor reminded the opposition that the Supreme Court has reaffirmed his victory at the poll and urged them to join hands in building a better Benue State for tomorrow’s

generation.

He also enjoined stalwarts of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area to ensure that the forthcoming November councils election in the state is devoid of acrimonies of who becomes the party’s flag-bearer in the area for chairmanship positions.

52

Ramadan Special

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MSSN holds Iftaar for 500 Muslims today

T

he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, will hold Iftaar (breaking of fast) for 500 fasting Muslims at its Zumratul Islamiyyah Secondary School, Yaba, Usrah Centre today, 7th day of Ramadan.

The Amir of the society, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen,

in a statement signed by Sulaimon Alamutu, PRO MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, said the programme is being organised in line with the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which encourages the feeding of fasting Muslims.

According to him, the month of Ramadan has come to inculcate in Mus-

lims many noble virtues which include caring for the people and also sharing with the needy in the society. He said the Iftaar programme is aimed at strengthening the bond of brotherhood, spreading love among Muslims, in addition to entrenching the spirit of promoting good through sharing.

“Our country today is bedevilled with a lot of so-

cial problems, one of which is the absence of love. So, bringing Muslims to break their fast together will not only engender love among the Muslims, but such will be extended to the larger society,” he said. The programme will be preceded by a Special Usrah session commencing at 4.30pm. The session will last till the time of breaking fast.

Day 7

Fasting is also a therapy –Nutritionist WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

F

L-R: Lecturer, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Agege, Shekh Walid Abdul Shakour; Provost, Diploma Section, Dr. Abdul Mumine Yousuph; Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba; English lecturer, Shekh Jamal Rashwan; Rector, Muhammed Habibullah El-llory; Manager, Sales and Distribution, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Suraj Ayankunbi and Senior Manager Strategy, Alhaji Gani Kayode Balogun, during a visit to the centre in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Yuguda tasks Christian, Muslim youths on peace EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

G

overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has tasked both Christian and Muslim youths on peace and unity throughout and beyond the Ramadan fasting period to ensure effective and efficient development.

Yuguda, who made the declaration through the Director-General, Interreligious Affairs, Pastor

Kennedy, said the administration is committed to providing an enabling environment on religious tolerance. On the recent steps taken in Kaduna state where Christian youths joined Muslim youths to break their fast, Kennedy promised to emulate same in Bauchi, saying it is in line with the agenda of Yuguda’s administration.

According to him, plans are on to integrate the youths through social

activities to consolidate on peace and unity among them regardless of any difference. “Government places high priority on religious, cultural and social activities since inception as a means of inculcating good behaviours and values to people of different background.

Kennedy assured that the state would continue to set the pace worthy of emulation with the giant strides made by the pres-

Oro cult should not disturb Muslims in Ramadan –MURIC L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

M

uslim Right Concern (MURIC) has called upon the government of Ogun State to look into the recent three day restriction order imposed by the Oro cult group on residents of Ilishan- Remo and Ikenne Local government as this will affect fasting Muslims in the area.

The Secretary-General of MURIC, Dr. Lakin Akin-

tola told National Mirror that government needs to be more sincere in implementing the constitution of the country without infringing on the rights of any one.

The seven-day festival, which includes restriction of movement between August 3 and 5 in Ilishan Remo, was said to be an infringement on the rights of Muslims, especially during the month of Ramadan. He mentioned that the freedom of religion in the constitution of the country does not state that a religion should

use its own activities to disturb the movement of others.

“They are not supposed to impose curfew because they are not government and I am sure the constitution is not in support of this, so why is the government not acting?” While responding to the claim of the Police Public Relations officer of the state, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi on his ignorance on the petition written by MURIC, he said that it is obvious that they are all playing games.

ent government when over 100,000 youths and women were provided with jobs through skills acquisition as a solution to act of brigandage. Kennedy stressed that government has cautioned against inciting preaching from both religions, instead, clerics are advised to exhibit decorum and maturity while delivering sermons as panacea to nip in the bud the recurrent religious crisis in the region.

asting has been said to serve not only spiritual purposes, but also as a means to prevent diseases that are nutritionally induced.

The diseases, according to Dr. Ramota Karim of Home Economics and Food Sciences Department, University of Ilorin, include diabetes, hypertension, and cancer which fasting can conveniently help to prevent. She said this is more so that the body has the unique opportunity of resting for a whole month, thereby giving the metabolisms of the body to freely function, preparing it for the rest of the remaining months in a twelve calendar year.

Also, on the physical level she said; “fasting has a lot of benefits, adding it is a good time for regeneration and good health.”

The nutritionist who is the acting Head, Department of Home Economics and Food Science stated this while delivering a paper entitled: ‘Nutrition during Ramadan’ at a Ramadan programme in Ilorin.

According to her, “fasting affects our body in many positive ways. The body undergoes a drastic change from receiving food and

water on a regular basis to not receiving anything for an extended amount of time. The food we eat is like fuel; it gives our bodies the energy they need to function well. Our health depends on the sum total of the many small decisions we take each day on our life style and type of food we eat.”

The University don added that fasting can be tough, so it is important to get the right nutrition at night and in the morning.

“To remain healthy during Ramadan and after, it is important to eat balanced diets. Do not eat too much at a time, either to break (iftar) or commence (sahur) fasting. On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn MaadiyKarib who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight.

But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.”

She therefore counseled that; “while the nutritional, medicinal, physiological and psychological benefits of fasting are numerous; maximize these benefits by appropriate nutrition and moderation of your entire food intake.”

Missing broadcaster: Journalists urged to be security-conscious

T

he Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Deji Elumoye has advised journalists to be securityconscious everywhere they found themselves and be vigilant at all times going by the nature of their jobs which made them vulnerable.

He gave the advice at the prayer session for the safe return of the missing broadcaster, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Gawat, who was declared missing by the Lagos State Police and his family over some weeks

ago.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria’s Lagos State Missionary, Qasim Oyekola joined the NUJ in leading the interdenominational prayers at the Ladi Lawal Press Center in Lagos. He urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for the missing journalist in private homes, offices, mosques and churches and give his family the faith, strength, and determination to go through the trying times. He equally prayed to Allah to shower his mercies on his family, Nigerian

journalists and the country at large to weather these difficult times in the nation’s history, believing that in this special month of majesty, our prayers would be answered in manifolds.

The leader of the Christian faith, Rev. Dele Asaju offered prayers for the safe return of Alhaji Gawat and protection of Nigerian journalists. According to him, through the grace and mercy of God, he is optimistic that the missing journalist will walk home safely to the admiration of his family.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

53

54

Insight

Thursday, July 26, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Booming trade of cocaine, cannabis This is a continuation of our focus on the drug trade which was first published last week.Our reporter, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI, takes a journey into the deadly cocaine trade zone situated in a very dangerous neighbourhood in Lagos.

His trip led him to the den of the users and dealers in the deadly powder.

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

A

frica provided the cartels the way stations they needed to create an efficient global smuggling machine.” According to a senior drugs intelligence officer at Interpol, the cartels now export between 200,000 and 300,000 kg a year to West Africa destined for Europe. ‘What is emerging is a substantial trafficking scheme involving suspects on three continents: Africa, Europe and South America,’ says the officer, who could not be named.

Olisa Kanayo Victor is familiar with the trade. He told his story to National Mirror barely two years after he returned from a Thailand prison after he was caught with cocaine in 1993. He was supposed to serve a 100 years imprisonment before it was later reduced to 60 years and finally 11 years on state pardon! Thailand has one of the harshest drug laws like other Asian countries such as Malaysia where Nigerians involved in drugs are constantly being sentenced to death. “Yet, some Nigerians are still desperate to ‘make it’ through drug trafficking. In 2009, of the 20,000 Nigerians in European prisons, a substantial number were serving jail terms for drug dealings. There were, at that time, 1,500 in Libya, 391 in India, 15 in Nepal, 13 in Canada and 14 in Japan. About 2,000 Nigerians are arrested for drug-related offences in the United Kingdom each year, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Some 550 are in German jails and 469 in Brazil,” .

Perturbed by death of his fellow countrymen in Diaspora irrespective of tribal difference at home soil, Kalu Okafor, President of Nigerians in Indonesia cried out recently that “ out of 500 Nigerian citizens in Indonesia and about 300 are in the prison for mostly drug realted dealings.” He lamented that five are on life sentence, 16 on death row with several others having many years to stay behind the bar.

But how does the cartel work? Olisa whose tenure was reduced by providence in Thailand reveals to National Mirror how Nigerian drug cartel works. “If you want to talk about Nigerian cartel, it is a miniset up though advanced in African drug setting ahead of others. They have network all over Europe, America and South Africa.

These drugs come from South American countries like Colombia, Peru and South East Asia like Pakistan, Bangkok. If they see that you are rugged and desperate with “

deadly mind, they get you and train you.

They will persuade you with mouth watery pounds, dollars and beg to send you to the destinations in Europe and Asia. These barons are legal business men, politicians.

They don’t expose themselves. They work in private offices using another business as a cover. They own some mega businesses around here and they just send people out, they invest the money. They send trusted and initiated person to represent them in most of the cartel meetings abroad. They organize the movement of the couriers from here to the destination and sometimes use the containers of the sea ports to bring volumes; they bring it through the containers using their customs contacts and aviation companies to ensure easy clearance for peddlers. Or how do you explain the bombs that were discovered at the port sometimes ago before some containers of the explosives escaped? It is the same thing. The same system operates in the drug world. They also use boats and guided by naval officers on the sea. The cartel has infiltrated everywhere,” he said.

Today, drug trafficking is the most lucrative branch of organised crime with cocaine yields said to be most profitable.

Currently, UN agency that fights drugs and crime estimated that cocaine trafficking is generating about $900m annually in West and Central Africa as South American cartels use the shortest route to transport drugs to Europe. But in Nigeria’s case, “The value of drugs seized in 2011 is about N31 bn,” says NDLEA chairman.

Drug economy expert observed that drug consumption follows the market laws of supply and demand: the higher the price of the drug, the lower the demand, and consumption drops. Cocaine’s price is high even though its production costs are very low. What keep prices high are penalties for trafficking in and consumption of drugs and the control of supply. This system poses high risks for those working in these illegal markets, which make up for this by charging high prices. At the same time, the control regime involves frequent drug seizures, which makes the product scarce and that also contributes to rise in prices. Therefore, any intervention in the chain of creation of added value must be evaluated in terms of the impact it has on prices. Embracing this logic has imminent implications for drug control policy: all measures to control supply, be they repressive, penal or linked to development policy, must be evaluated in the light of the effect they have on the final price of cocaine.

But as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency , continues to foster alliance with intelligence units within and outside Nigeria, the Judiciary and the Police had not been helping to collaborate effectively to reduce the street trade of the drugs. As a resident on Akala , (name withheld) lamented that, “The annoying thing about all these is that there are about three mobile police check points in this community; at Akinbiyi, Ojo and Alhaji Lasisi. Despite their presence, all manner of crimes go on unchecked here.

Some of the police officers are even drug addicts. They offer protection to the drug

Nzeka Chika Christian’s bag showing the tin tomatos containing drug

barons. I remember when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency official, in June (2011), raided this area. When the drug barons came back, they boasted that they were given information about the impending raid by policemen and that they had policemen on their payroll. They have, told us that we can do nothing. The closest police stations to us here are Alakara and Olosa, but they are of no use to us.”

A recent newspaper report, on August 27, 2011, narrated the meeting between the Deputy Commissioner of Police and rival gangs of which the Akala faction was well

DRUG ECONOMY

EXPERT OBSERVED THAT DRUG CONSUMPTION FOLLOWS THE MARKET LAWS OF SUPPLY AND

DEMAND: THE HIGHER THE PRICE OF THE

DRUG, THE LOWER THE DEMAND

represented. But the report by the former Lagos State Police Public Relations officer, Samuel Jinadu, denied police complicity in the drug situation at Mushin. “We have about three Rapid Response Squad checkpoints stationed there to check any form of violence and crime. I am not even aware that any forms of hard drugs are being sold there,” Jinadu said.

The immediate past PPRO, Kunle Jaiyeoba, however, denied his predecessor during a recorded phone interview with National Mirror on May 8. He complained that the residents who make allegations don’t know the role of the police. “The police are just to make arrest and charge to court and if base on evidence they are granted bail, is it the police fault? We are not covering up peddlers. Don’t mind the residents. How many of them had come out to give police information about the illicit drugs in their area or about the police who are covering up?,” he asked rhetorically with hanger. With lack of trust of the Nigeria police by residents, the challenge is for residents where drugs are sold to bring evidence and watch whether offenders would not be prosecuted. “How do you mean they don’t trust police? If they don’t trust police, they should not complain.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, July 26, 2012

on Lagos streets

Nzeka Chika Christian with the tin tomatos containing drug

How many of them have brought evidence to prove? They should not report then,” he told National Mirror.

Also, the NDLEA blamed the judiciary for its weak judgment. And this has been a major setback on the huge effort made in arresting offenders.

According to National Mirror investigation, out of 1,795 cases prosecuted

in 2007 the agency obtained 1,458 convictions and 49 were discharged. About 287 cases pended. And much pain came for the agency, when those convicted got as low as two months jail term and at most two years irrespective of the volume that was found on them, a situation that encourages more people to go into it. “This means that you may only get a three months jail term for huge kilogram,” queries an NDLEA official who pleaded anonymity. It was gathered from official source that a certain Onourah John Oleh who was convicted 25 August, 2007 for ingesting 851grams of cocaine was sentenced to six months while Nkwuge Simeon who had as high as 1.082 was only sentenced to five months imprisonment. Several cases abound to show that Nigeria’s law on drug trafficking encourages risking the jail term for the cash cow business of drug.

Femi Falana, the former President of West African Bar Association is quite furious with compassionate judgment which is like a pat on the back. In a response to National Mirror, Falana explained that: “Most of the judgments are illegal as no trial judge has the power to impose any light sentence on any person convicted of unlawful possession of cocaine and heroin.

By virtue of section 19 of the NDLEA Act, the punishment for unlawful possession of

UN SECRETARYGENERAL BAN KIMOON, HOWEVER, SAW THIS TREND AS A GROWING CONCERN THAT POSE A THREAT TO THE STABILITY IN THE

WEST AFRICAN REGION

cocaine, LSD or heroin is ‘imprisonment for not than fifteen years and not exceeding twenty five years.’ There is provision for payment of fines! But the NDLEA lawyers enter into illegal plea bargain with convicted persons who are asked to pay fines on the illegal orders of judges.”

Barrister Laide Bello, an Oyo State- based lawyer advised the agency to seek review at the National Assembly.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, however, saw this trend as a growing concern that pose a threat to the stability in the West African region and the Sahel region of the north. He linked the growing organised crime, piracy, a growing food crisis, the influx of weapons from the upheaval in Libya to the cartel and their reported links between insurgent groups, criminal groups and terrorist organizations. “There is even fear that we could see in this region a crisis of

We are under-staffed to fight Drug war –Giade Chairman of NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade speaks on the disturbing trend of cocaine trafficking among Nigerians How had it been steering the ship of one of the most dreaded intelligence outfit?

Cocaine is no child’s play. It is a very serious business. Illicit drug production and trafficking is an organized crime that undermines the security and development of a State. I must tell you that it has been quite challenging working round the clock to check the dishonourable trade in narcotics.

Drug barons and traffickers have several reasons why they get involve in the shameful act. The major reason however is the desire to get rich quick which is usually driven by greed, peer pressure and of course ignorance. We also have it on good record that some people trafficking in narcotics are doing it not because they are poor but the excessive love for materialism which is greed.

What are the current rates and statistics of young people who are into trafficking?

The Agency in 2011 apprehended and investigated 8,639 suspected drug traffickers made up of 8,072 males and 567 females. However, in 2010, a total number of 6,788 persons were arrested comprising 6,296 males and 492 females. You will observe that there was an increase.

There are several outlets in Nigeria where drug users are enjoying free operation. What efforts are you making to

this matter before the relevant government authorities and I am very optimistic of a positive response. The United Nations recognizes the fact that a drug enforcement agent should be properly remunerated because of the nature of the job.

Why do cocaine producing countries use Nigeria and other West African countries as transit points?

It is not producing countries that determine drug trafficking routes. It is the drug barons and the couriers that use countries as transit points.

ensure that this trend is curbed?

The Agency is deeply committed to the control of illicit drugs in the country and will therefore not fold its hands where drug offenses are committed. Our priority is to cut off the source of supply and by implication starve drug addicts of their illegal supply. Don’t forget that illegal drug sales are unlike provision shops. Drug peddlers use different tricks to remain in their criminal trade. What I can tell you is that we raid and dislodge them on a daily basis.

What is the progress on the proposed bill which seeks good welfare package for your men?

I have made several presentations on

Punishment for arrested traffickers are minimal, while rewards are encouraging.

What are you doing to redress this and put in place a stiffer measure?

We are taking steps to guide against low sentences through an amendment act which is before the National Assembly.

What are the efforts at the West African regional level at integrating intelligence to curb the cocaine transit into our streets?

We are working with ECOWAS, GIABA and relevant regional bodies. This is crucial in bridging the gap among countries since drug trafficking is an international crime.

What is your relationship with the Community CDA’s in gathering intelligence?

Street selling of drugs is a covert activity. We conduct surveillance on such illegal drug sales. However, we also need members of the public to volunteer information on the sales and use of drugs in their neighborhood. This is very important because it will enable us to effectively cover all areas.

55

the magnitude of the one in the Horn of Africa,” Ki-moon said, in reference to Somalia which remains a failed state, with the al-Qaida-affiliated militant group alShabab challenging a weak transitional government. He told the council that an assessment mission he sent in December to look at the effects of the Libya crisis on the Sahel “found that terrorist groups, such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, had begun to form alliances with drug traffickers, and other criminal syndicates. Such alliances have the potential to further destabilise the region and reverse hard-won democratic and peace building achievements.”

The Obama-led administration in the United States has promised to work with Nigeria and some countries in West Africa in their fight against drug trafficking which has caused a lot of setback to the continent.

This was disclosed during a meeting held at Washington DC recently between the United States and its International Partners to Coordinate Counter-narcotics and Anti-Crime Assistance in West Africa.

A media note made available by Office of the White House spokesperson in Washington after the meeting, revealed tha: “West Africans are facing a growing danger from transnational criminal organizations, particularly narcotics traffickers.” It stated further that “traffickers threaten the collective security and regional stability interests of the US, our African partners, and the international community.” It, however, fulfilled its promise when full body scanning machines were donated to Nigeria. The US also provided training and orientation for the airport officers.

But Antonio Mazzaitelli, the regional representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned that “Africa is changing more and more from being just a stockpiling place into a hub where cocaine is traded. If you want to disappear, then West Africa is the perfect place. You can vanish here. Extradition procedures do not work and you can easily buy a new identity.”

Yet with the palpable fear about the future of the sub-region of Africa in the hands of the stupendously rich cartel, endemic corruption by African leaders and their cronies couple with abject poverty, the easy tools used for penetration, the Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade has given assurance that the West Africa Sub-region will soon have a unified and formidable drug enforcement squad under the platform of the West Africa Joint Operations (WAJO). Giade made the declaration while commending law enforcement agents in Benin Republic over a joint operation that led to the arrest of four trans-border narcotic traffickers operating between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The drug cartel is not relenting on penetrating Nigeria. The country is moving from a transit routes to a consuming nation. This has been seen by observers as taking a familiar pattern that has been established in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Jamaica, where drug gangs have engaged the state in mini wars. A media report observed that “Delinquents across the country have graduated from marijuana to heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, barbiturates, glue and alcohol consumption.”

CONCLUDED

WORLD RECORD

Oldest android design Vol. 02 No. 412

N150

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The oldest design for a humanoid robot was sketched by Leonardo Da Vinci (Italy) around 1495.

Although his sketches of the finished model have never been found, other Da Vinci drawings show a human knight with anatomically correct joints operated by cables and pulleys.

Fashola, dedicated BRT lanes, and social disorder T he recent ‘arrest’ of Colonel K.I. Yusuf and Sergeant A.J. Adeomi by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, for plying lanes dedicated to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), has once again brought to the fore the issue of Nigerians’ penchant for lawlessness. It is not a mere coincidence that on the same day, a commercial bus driver running against the traffic, killed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).

Lawlessness has become an integral part of our national life. Motorists flout traffic laws at will, uniformed men behave as if a different set of laws exists for them, public servants circumvent ethical codes at will, political leaders demonstrate unbelievable penchant for disorderly behaviours, while those that ought to be the custodians of the laws of the land break same with absolute impunity.

Indeed, it will be an overstatement to say that Nigerians delight in breaking laws.

E

nglish League One club Portsmouth will be liquidated next month unless the remaining senior first-team players agree to transfers or sign wage-compromise deals.

Reports from the club

Tayo

Guest Columnist

Ogunbiyi

This, of course, is why the country has become one huge jungle where anything goes.

Nigeria is perhaps, the only country in the world where, like the famous ‘Charlie Boy Show’, anything can happen. A group of people could decide to organise a party right in the center of a major road, thereby hindering the free movement of other road users. And God bless you, if you dare to challenge the legality of such action.

Take the case of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). They have become so audacious in their lawlessness that one begins to wonder where they derive their powers from. It is a common sight across the country to see members of the union beating danfo bus conductors and drivers to stupor while passengers that are bold enough to challenge them receive the same treatment. The reoccurring lawlessness of NUTRW members has stopped a lot of decent people from investing in commercial transport business, just as many investors have had to sell off their buses due to unbearable extortion by them.

The real issue, however, is not in the disorderly actions of these men, rather it is in the ineffective response of appropriate authorities to the menace. They seem to be untouchable.

We daily complain of the high handedness of traffic enforcement agencies on our roads, but we always ignore the fact that failure of motorists, most especially the commercial drivers, to obey simple traffic rules and regulations often lead to traffic snarl and avoidable deaths, on many occasions.

Lagosians, and indeed Nigerians, are

IN 2009 ALONE, THERE WERE 58 ACCIDENTS/ATTACKS ON LASTMA PERSONNEL RESULTING IN EIGHT DEATHS known to be quite good at circumventing not only traffic rules, but all rules that are made to curb their excesses. It is no longer news that Danfo and Molue drivers are notorious for contravening traffic laws. For instance, the BRT lanes are strictly meant for BRT buses, but Danfo and Molue drivers have, in characteristic fashion, continued to flout this rule. Aside this, most of them have continued to drive against traffic, carry more than the required number of passengers, stop to pick passengers at un-designated places, among many others terrible acts.

Unfortunately, whenever they are apprehended by LASTMA officials for such acts, they resort to violence, and even beating them up. In 2009 alone, there were 58 accidents/attacks on LASTMA personnel resulting in eight deaths. It was reported sometimes ago that the ear of the Zonal Head of LASTMA, Mushin, Mr. Ibrahim Etti, was chopped off while trying to remove vehicles constituting obstruction on the Oshodi highway.

Must a well meaning government fold its

arms when people build houses, stalls and shops on drainages and yet keep complaining of flooding every passing year? The same set of people who breaks the laws of the land readily complies with foreign laws whenever they travel abroad. If we must keep our sanity as a people, we must collectively begin to embrace positive attitudinal change which, though painful, remains a major precondition for the growth of any society.

Lawlessness and social disorder do not bring any good to a nation. A nation whose citizens derive pleasure in reckless and disorderly behaviours cannot achieve rapid socioeconomic transformation. Indeed, governance becomes easier and cheaper in a lawful and orderly environment. A few of the complications we experience in the polity today are the direct effect of the unruly and disorderly state of affairs in the country.

To reverse the trend, everyone must be ready to protect the sanctity of the laws of the land. There must be no sacred cows when it comes to enforcing the law and administration of justice. If we want our society to escape from its present state of insanity, there must be fairness in the administration of justice. This is why one must salute the courage displayed by Governor Fashola in apprehending the two soldiers that flouted the restriction order on the BRT lanes. This is the only way forward for our society to move along the path of equality and orderliness.

Indeed, most of our uniformed men behave in ways that diminish the very institution they represent. The police and the armed forces, all over the world, are institutions that thrive on discipline and orderliness. Ours should not be an exception.

The way forward is to ensure that those that take delight in breaking the laws of the land, irrespective of their social status, receive the maximum penalty for their actions.

Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Sport Extra

Debt drives Pompey near extinction yesterday indicated that it was in what watchers called “critical condition”, as the administrators set an August 10 deadline to put their accounts in order or face go-

ing out of business.

“The situation at Portsmouth FC is now out of control,” Corporate Recovery Partner with accountants PKF and Joint Administra-

tor of Portsmouth, Bryan Jackson, said yesterday.

“Whilst we sympathize with the players and acknowledge that they are not to blame for the club’s

predicament, they do have the power to keep the club going,” Jackson added.

Defender Tal Ben Haim and striker Nwankwo Kanu are among the players owed significant wages, with both players reportedly claiming around £3m in unpaid salary.

Nwankwo Kanu

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