Thursday, november 20, 2014

FG proposes N4.66trn budget for 2015

Customs officials, agents clash at Lagos airport

CBN to decide on naira devaluation next week

GEORGE OJI ABUJA Okonjo-Iweala

Vol. 4 3 N0. 987 657

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he Federal Government has proposed a budget estimate of N4.66trn for the 2015 fiscal year.

The budget estimate is N63.36bn lower than this year’s figures as declining oil prices and falling naira CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Dikko

Thursday, November July 4, 2013 20, 2014

N150 N150

Troops reclaim Adamawa towns

GEORGE OJI, UBONG UKPONG AND LIVINUS MENEDI

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‌kill 400 terrorists, seize weapons

Deadlock in Senate over state of emergency

igerian troops in collaboration with local hunters yesterday scored a significant victory over the Boko Haram insurgents as they recaptured Gombi, Hong, and Pella towns in Adamawa State, killing about 400 sect members in the process.

Our correspondent gathered that the military had been engaged in fierce batCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Super Eagles out of Nations Cup P.53 INSIGHT

2015 2015: Breaking gubernatorial barriers for women

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LEFT: Troops with one of the captured weapons during combat with insurgents in Gombi, Hong and Pelia towns in Adamawa State. RIGHT: Cache of arms and ammunition seized from the terrorists.

Ondo LG chairmen seek to join suit against PDP leadership ...boycott meeting with Gov Mimiko Bamanga Tukur asks court to reinstate him as party chairman

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11 pro-Biafra activists charged with treason P.12

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Bamanga Tukur asks court to reinstate him as PDP chairman ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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he immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday, began a legal battle at the Abuja Federal High Court to reclaim his seat and preside over the affairs of the party untill 2016.

He is also seeking an order of the court empowering him to preside over the forthcoming national convention of the party.

He had, about 24 hours ago revealed that he was forced to resign his office to allow the defected governors return to the party.

But Tukur, who claimed that his tenure was still running; his resignation being unprocedural requested an order of the court setting aside the purported resignation letter dated January 15, 2014 and reinstate him as the substantive and duly elected chairman of the party at its national convention in 2012 until the completion of his term in 2016.

He also wants the court to restrain the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from further recognising, permitting or allowing Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu to preside over the affairs of the party.

He wants the court to declare that his resignation was null and void and that the appointment of Mu’azu by the NEC of the party was also null and void being inconsistent with Section 45(1) and (2) of the party constitution.

He had earlier asked the court to determine whether his purported resignation complies with Section 47(5) of the party’s constitution as amended.

Tukur also asked the court to decide whether if his purported resignation did not comply with Section 47(5) of the PDP constitution will not renders the resignation null and void.

The former party boss also asked the court to decide whether the appointment of Mu’azu is not in contravention of Section 45(1) and (2) of the party constitution, Section 85(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 and Section 223(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

His litany of requests are contained in the counterclaim he instituted in a suit seeking to sack Muazu.

In law, a counter claim has the status of an independent suit different from the principal case.

The counter claim was filed yesterday at the registry of the court through his

counsel, Adamson Adeboro.

The counter claim was a response to a suit instituted by an aspirant to the House of Representatives in Adamawa State, Aliyu Abuba Gurin seeking to unseat Mu’azu and also stop the party’s planned delegates convention.

The trial judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu will this morning hear Tukur’s request.

It would be recalled that Tukur had claimed in a pro-

cess filed in the same suit that he was forced to resign his position as the national chairman of the party in order for the seven defected governors to come back to the party.

Tukur had further revealed that following the defection of the seven PDP governors to the All Progressive Congress, APC, in 2013, pressure was mounted on President Goodluck Jonathan to remove him to enable the governors return to

the party.

In the counter claim filed yesterday, Tukur is asking the court for an order in the original suit asking the court to stop the planned national convention of the PDP scheduled for 10th and 11th of December, 2014.

The plaintiff in the suit also contended that the resignation of Tukur did not comply with the provision of Section 47(5) of the constitution of the party which stipulates that a 30 days’ no-

tice be given to the NEC by Tukur.

The defendants in the suit are the PDP, Alhaji Tukur, Mu’azu and INEC. In a seven paragraph affidavit in support of the counter claim deposed to by one Femi Ekperobe, Tukur averred that he had stepped aside as the chairman of the party for the defected governors to return but surprisingly, 10 months after, the governors are yet to return.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Chairman, Presidential Declaration Committee, Alhaji Haliru Bello; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan, toasting at the post-declaration luncheon in Abuja, yesterday.

Troops reclaim Adamawa towns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tles with the terrorists in the last four days to recapture the three towns from the insurgents.

Adamawa State had been infested by terrorists after Mubi, the second largest city was captured.

Only last week, Mubi was reclaimed with the help of hunters and vigilantes, by the military, which had earlier urged citizens not to panic.

A security source confirmed the four day battle and the huge number of the sect members that lost their lives yesterday.

According to him, several of the insurgents were also arrested, adding that there were casualties on the side of the military, with several, including a top ranking officer sustaining injuries.

“The Nigerian troops are now in full control of Gombi, Hong and Pella towns and more than 400 insurgents were killed in battles

that lasted for four days and several of them have been arrested “A lot of war weapons and equipment were also recovered from the insurgents. However a top ranking officer was seriously injured as few soldier lost their lives in the battle,” he said A resident from Gombi confirmed that the troops were in control of the three towns now.

He said he was hiding on a hill on the major road to Gombi, when he saw many local hunters moving towards Gombi on Tuesday from Yola, the state capital.

The state government has imposed restrictions on movement in the area to protect residents from being caught in the crossfire between the insurgents and the troops.

Director of Press, Government House, Yola, Mr. P. P. Elisha, said Governor Bala Ngilari took the deci-

sion for safety of the residents and innocent motorists.

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, also confirmed yesterday that the three towns are now under the control of the military. It also confirmed the killing of many of the terrorists.

In a post on its Twitter handle, the DHQ said that several of the terrorists were captured, along with weapons and equipment.

“Our troops are in full control of Gombi, Pelia and Hong, as operations to clean all areas infested by terrorists continue.

“Many terrorists are being captured as some died.

Weapons and equipment are also being recovered.

Moping up is ongoing in the areas even now,” the DHQ said.

Meanwhile, the Senate again yesterday failed to reach an agreement to either approve or reject the request by President Good-

luck Jonathan for an extension of the state of emergency currently in place in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

After over two hours of closed-door deliberations, the Senate President, David Mark who presided at the meeting announced to newsmen that the lawmakers were unable to arrive at a decision on the matter.

According to him, the senators decided to invite the service chiefs to hear from them about the actual situation on the ground before they could take a final decision on the matter.

Mark also disclosed that the Senate mandated him to consult with the affected state governors to enable the lawmakers make up their minds on the issue.

Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, while briefing newsmen at the end of the sesion said: “The Senate, on Wednesday, the 19th of November, went

into another closed-door session to consider the request of Mr. President for an extension of the state of emergency in the three states that will elapse maybe, by tomorrow.

“The discussion, like we had earlier said, was very frank, robust and sometimes, very acrimonious which is usual in political discussion. And we agreed, as a Senate that the discussion will continue tomorrow (today). And also for the purposes of having further information, invite the service chiefs to be available tomorrow (today) to also brief us on the efforts that have been ongoing in the past six months when the emergency was declared.

“We have adjourned till tomorrow and we will also consider the information that we will also get from the service chiefs and the further information that will be available to us from the governors of the states that

are going to be contacted by the Senate President. We hope we will take a decision tomorrow in the interest of this country.”

While answering questions from newsmen, Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) said: “We are still talking. Once again, I am speaking for myself, I am not speaking for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am speaking as a senator representing Yobe North.

“We are still discussing the request of Mr. President for extension of the state of emergency. Many of us are opposed to it; I am particularly vehemently opposed to it. I believe that we should explore other avenues but some other people feel differently. The discussion continues tomorrow.”

On his part, Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano Central) said: “The problem is escalating, Borno camp has the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Speaker, African Students Union Parliament, Mr. Edem Deboeu (right) presenting the Pan-African Leadership Award to the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ima Niboro who was represented by the Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Isaac Ighure, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Director of Disease Control, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Emmanuel Abanida; Executive Secretary, Dr. Ado Mohammad and Director, Community Health Services, Dr. Emmanuel Odu, during the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week press conference in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Chairman, Senate committee on Agriculture, Senator Emmanuel Buacha; Zonal Manager , Bank of Industry, Mrs. Bisi Ajayi; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina and Chairman, Honeywell group of companies, Chief Oba Otudeko, during the handing over of equipment to Master Bakers by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Bank of Industry in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Head, SME Credit, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Damilola Owoeyo; Manager, Events and Corporate Social Investment, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Ame Okwudi; Vice Chairman, board of trustees, Empowerment for the Less Privileged Foundation ELP, Dr. Nkechi Akubuiro and Executive Secretary, Mr. Adesina Matti, during the graduation of students of ELP Skill Acquisition Training in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Health workers union orders more members to down tools MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, yesterday directed more of its members nationwide to down tool.

The workers have been on strike for two weeks, but it has not been effective in all public hospitals across the country.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, National President of JOHESU, Dr. Wabba Ayuba, said the indefinite strike would extend to both primary and secondary health workers.

According to him, between year 2010 and now, JOHESU had met with the representatives of the Federal Government more than 10 times without any fruitful results.

He added that the Federal Government’s unwillingness to meet the demands of the union, for more than three years had exposed them to ridicule and insult from the rank

and file of their members.

The union called of the government to be responsible by meeting all their demands. It specifically asked for the promotion of their members from salary CONHESS 14-15 as directors, having stayed for 4-15

years on the same level without promotion in most federal tertiary hospitals; immediate release of circular on adjustment of salary since January 2014 and immediate payment of at least two months arrears, while the remaining is

paid after being accommodated in the 2015 budget.

Others are the immediate release of the circular on extension of retirement age to be backdated to February, 2014, when the issue was presented to the National Council

on Establishment; immediate and full payment of arrears of salaries of CONHESS 10 skipping, outstanding since the year 2010; payment of arrears of specialist allowance to qualified hospital based professionals, with effect

from January 1st, 2010, in line with the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

Dr. Aliyu maintained that the strike will only be called off if government meets the aforementioned demands.

Customs, agents in free-for-all at Lagos Airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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here was pandemonium yesterday at the Murtala Mohamed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos as officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and members of the Association of Nigeria Licence Customs Agents, ANLCA, engaged in a free-for-all.

Two members of ANLCA sustained serious injuries while several others had minor injuries as NCS shot sporadically.

NCS officials at the airport claimed that the Customs Area Comptrol-

ler, CAC, was manhandled by the ANCLA members, while the agents debunked the allegation.

Our correspondent gathered that trouble started when the CAC walked into the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO’s, warehouse where the agents operate and attempted to inspect the facility to implement some reforms that would make the clearing of goods seamless.

He was allegedly prevented from gaining entrance by the agents who claimed that he came into the warehouse at break time.

It was learnt that despite

introducing himself, one of the agents was said to have pushed the CAC, a situation that degenerated into crisis between the two parties.

The agents were thereafter driven out of the complex by Customs officials, with reinforcement from the Federal Operations Unit.

Some of the agents were trapped in their offices, as they could not flee from the scene.

At the ANLCA secretariat, a clearing agent, whose name could not be ascertained, was badly wounded.

He was brought in a bus with his clothes soaked in

blood and was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital at the Mafoluku area of the airport.

As at 2.45 pm when our correspondent visited the scene, several gun shots rented the air, while intending passengers and all those going to the international wing of the airport scampered for safety.

At the entrance to the cargo section at NAHCo an Amoured Personnel Carrier, APC, was seen strategically positioned to ward-off any further threat by the agents, while about eight custom patrol pickup vans were drafted to the scene.

Some of the agents

were also seen wandering around the entrance of the cargo session and around the airport.

A source told our correspondent that the Customs has communicated to NAHCo, its intention to close the Bulk Breaking Area.

He added that Customs officials have been posted at the Bulk Breaking Area to forestall break down of law and order.

The source further said that Customs has severally told the agents not to come into the Bulk Breaking Area during inspection, but are only allowed into the area during physical examination.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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FG proposes N4.66trn budget for 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pressed home the need to cut spending.

The budget also fell short of the assurances by the government that priority would be given to capital expenditure next year.

This is because only N1.208trn was budgeted as capital vote, which is N34.46bn less than the current budgetary provision.

Recurrent expenditure estimates rose by N15.35bn to N2.62trn, compared to this year’s figure.

These figures were contained in the revised 20152017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which was forwarded to the Senate President, David Mark by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday and read on the floor of the Senate.

The implication is that expendable recurrent amount has continued to rise while the current amount has continued to reduce, despite caution by economists to reverse the trend.

The President had earlier last month, sent the MTEF and FSP document to the National Assembly for consideration and approval before sending the budget proper as required by the

Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2004.

The President wrote to the lawmakers that recent developments in the international oil market have necessitated that the MTEF be revised.

Jonathan stated that following further consultations with key stakeholders, adjustments have been made to some of the key parameters as well as to some fiscal estimates in the MTEF. The MTEF document submitted by the President also indicates that government fixed the price of crude oil bench mark at $73 as against the current price of $75.

Also, the government adopted an exchange rate of N162 to the United States dollar as opposed to the current rate of N160.

The document also shows that government budgeted N184.87bn for capital expenditure for the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, SURE-P. In the same vein, government fixed oil production volume of 2.2782 (million barrels per day) in the MTEF. This is as the sum of N156.69bn was budgeted for kerosene subsidy and

Bamanga Tukur asks court to reinstate him as PDP chairman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

He also averred that in a situation in which he could not finish his four years tenure as the chairman, he is to hand over to the deputy national chairman as acting chairman in line with the constitution of the party pending the holding of a national convention to elect new national chairman.

Tukur further stated that the NEC of the party has no power to appoint the national chairman adding that the votes and proceedings of NEC held at Wadata House on January 15 and 20, which deliberated on his resignation and appointment of Mu’azu as chairman are nullity.

He further added that even if he had submitted a letter of resignation on January 15 to the party, the letter did not comply with Section 47(5) of the party’s constitution, which requires that a 30 days prior notice should

be given.

Furthermore, Tukur stated that the subsequent presentation of Mu’azu to NEC as the new chairman for appointment did not comply with Section 47(6) of the party constitution, Section 85(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 and Section 223(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Also, he stated that as at the time of appointment of Mu’azu as the national chairman of the party, no vacancy existed in the office of the national chairman.

He further stated that the Mu’azu lacks power to preside over the planned convention as such will nullify the proceedings of the convention if allowed to do so.

He however submitted that it will be in the interest of all parties if status quo ante bellum is maintained, pending the election of a new chairman by the national convention.

N458.6bn set aside as fuel (petrol) subsidy.

The figures emerged as government reeled out some austerity measures to cushion the effects of declining oil prices, including a more aggressive pursuit of tax revenues, increasing taxes on luxury goods and freeze on overseas training and travels by government officials.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is due to meet next week to consider a possible official

devaluation of the naira in the face of dwindling external reserves.

The nation’s external reserves have fallen from $43.6bn in January to $37.6bn due to a combination of lower oil prices and the CBN’s intervention in the foreign exchange market to keep the naira stable.

However the naira fell to a new low of N173 to the dollar at the interbank market and N180 at the bureaus de change segment on Monday, as dollar scarcity worsen.

Analysts believe that the

CBN’s continued defence of the naira is unsustainable and devaluation is imminent.

The sliding naira has also spooked foreign portfolio investors who have pulled out in droves from the stock market In October alone foreign investors pulled out $584m and the All Share Index has lost 15 per cent this year compared with 47 per cent gain last year.

There are fears that government will have to emplace more stringent

measures to ensure fiscal stability though the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ruled out borrowing as an option for now.

Analysts said that with the 2015 elections coming, it will be a big challenge for government to keep the lid on spending despite the headwinds being encountered presently.

Some have called for a much lower oil price bencher for the 2015 budget in the region of $55 per barrel to reflect the current realities.

L-R: Ministers: Sen. Bala Mohammed (FCT), Mr. Nurudeen Mohammed (Information), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (State for FCT), Prof. Viola Onwuliri (State for Foreign Affairs) and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Finance), during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Troops reclaim Adamawa towns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

highest number of refugees in Africa, I believe and we have over 25,000 to 30,000 people being paid daily to take their three square meals.

“So we believe there are a lot of questions to be answered by the service chiefs.

We can’t just simply grant the state of emergency just like that without inviting them to tell us what really happened, because we gave eight conditions before when we granted the last request and no condition has been met. That is one of the problems.

“When you see an army officer hiding under a bed in your dormitory, and by the sound of Boko Haram, he runs out of that place, what you would do. The Nigerian Army had high respect before, we fought the Liberian war and in many other places and we succeeded and now, up to 90 per cent of the weapons and armoury of

the military are in the hands of Boko Haram.

“So, I believe that we have to wait until we hear from the service chiefs, if they are able to answer our questions, then we can take the next step.”

Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, (Ondo South) who opposed the position of the northern senators was of the view that approving the President’s request is in the best interest of the entire country.

He said: “Whether rightly or wrongly, there is an alleged genocide. So, people must be properly protected including the President, the Senate and the citizens as well.

“I support the approval for the extension. What is the alternative for now, especially that the thing is expiring tomorrow? Can anybody come out to say that the celebrated hunters in the North East, can anybody come out and say that they

can take charge of the situation? Even if anybody can come out to say yes, will the law be on the side of such people? That is the question we must ponder upon and take a reasonable decision.”

Section 305 (6) (c) provides that the request for the proclamation of state emergency by the President must be approved by the National Assembly within two days while the parliament is in session or within 10 days to reconvene the parliament if the lawmakers are on break.

The section provides that if the National Assembly is not able to approve the emergency rule within the above period, it would automatically stands nullified.

The President, had in a letter addressed to the Senate President, David Mark and read on the floor of the house Tuesday, explained that by virtue of the provision of section 305 (6) (c) of the 1999 constitution, the current emergency rule in

operation in the three states will elapse after a period of six months except the period is extended.

He further explained that despite the concerted efforts by his administration to stem the tide of terrorism and insurgency in the affected states, the security challenges that necessitated the proclamation are yet to abate, stressing that, “consequently, it became imperative to request the approval of the senate for extension of the period for the state of emergency for further period of six month.”

The President said in view of the foregoing, the Senate should consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the proclamation of the state of emergency by further period of six months.

The state of emergency was first approved by the National Assembly in November last year and extended on May 21 this year.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Emergency rule, ploy to rig 2015 poll —APC OMEIZA AJAYI AND ADEOLA TUKURU

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he leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday cautioned the federal government over an alleged plot to undermine democratic process by using its machinery to break APC strongholds in the 2015 general elections.

Chairman of the party, John Oyegun, stated this during the party’s salvation rally at Eagles Square, Abuja, adding that the party has lost confidence in the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government to organise a free and fair contest in 2015.

According to Oyegun, the recent proposal by President Jonathan to the Senate to extend emergency rule in the crisesridden states of the north east is a clear attempt to manipulate next year’s election.

“President Goodluck Jonathan is so desperate to win re-election that it will now appear that there is a secret understanding that our security forces should turn a blind eye to the Boko Haram insurgen-

cy so that the insurgents can occupy as much territory as possible and make elections impossible in these areas, knowing full well these are APC strongholds,” Oyegun said.

He queried the federal government on what it had been doing to tackle the insurgents in their dreaded activities since the state of emergency was declared for the first time. He added that renewing emergency rule had further enhanced the insurgents’ opportunity to have a free rein while the populace is caged.

He also alleged that the war against insurgency had become tools for self enrichment as well as a means to disenfranchise Nigerians who are perceived not likely to vote for President Jonathan’s re-election.

Oyegun also said his party has it on “good authority that as soon as President Jonathan obtains the green light from the National Assembly, there will be no elections in the North-Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.”

He added that by this singular act, “some five million Nigerians will be

disenfranchised, making Jonathan’s re-election a foregone conclusion.”

On the distribution of Permanent Voter Card, PVC, by INEC and continuous voter registration exercise, the chairman berated some of the seeming hitches observed, stressing that the exercises were a failure.

Also, the former Head

of State and one of the presidential aspirants of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari, questioned the achievements of the PDP-led government since 1999.

According to him, the situation could be fixed by voting out the present party in government.

He further urged the Nigerian citizens to get

their PVCs and make sure their votes count.

Meanwhile, irked by what he described as a provocative and uncivilised assault on the Nigeria Police, the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has lashed out at the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, warning the party to desist from engaging in acts

capable of breaching the peace.

An enraged police boss told journalists in a statement in Abuja yesterday that the national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun and the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, had besieged the Force Headquarters in Abuja and disrupted activities at the premises.

L-R: Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Babagoro Yahaya; Director, Special Duties, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Chidu Uwandu and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Echono, during the West Africa Agriculture Productivity Programme meeting with commissioners and permanent secretaries of state ministries of agriculture in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Abuja rail: FEC approves N272m for feasibility study ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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he Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved N272 million for consultancy services of the feasibility study and conceptual design of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit network.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Supervising Minister of Information, Nuru-

deen Mohammed, said the Abuja rail system would be integrated with the planned national rail network, stressing that there was provision of N280 million in the 2014 Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriation for the project.

According to him, the project when completed would ensure easy movement of people within and outside the satellite towns

and the different phases of the city.

He said the project when completed would reduce traffic congestion and reduce pressure on existing public transport services.

Mohammed stated that the project would also provide employment opportunities to about 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers while about 4,500 skilled workers are expected to be engaged in the direct

operation of the system on completion.

“After due consideration, council approved the award of the contract for consultancy services for the feasibility study ad conceptual design of lots 4,5 and 6 of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit network for the FCT in favour of Messrs Ladiom Associates in the sum of N272, 737, 710 with a completion period of 12 months,” the Minister said.

Security beefed up for House’s special session WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

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he office of the Department of State Services, DSS, and that of the National Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms yesterday hinted that they were ready to contain any security eventuality in and around the premises during the special session.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tam-

buwal, called for special session today to enable the House consider President Goodluck Jonathan’s request that the National Assembly extend emergency rule in three northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe hit by Boko Haram insurgents.

A DSS deputy director attached to the National Assembly when contacted in his office said he was not permitted to talk but

that they were ready to provide security for the parliament.

“The DSS is here to ensure order and security of lives and property. We are ready to ensure parliamentary activities tomorrow (today) are safe and hitchfree,” he said.

He dismissed the question on whether the same security cover would be extended to the House Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambu-

wal. “I am not permitted to speak on that,” he told newsmen.

Meanwhile, reports filtered from the National Assembly yesterday indicated that the mace, an authority symbol of the legislative House and the speaker had been taken outside the Assembly premises during the scuffle between PDP and APC lawmakers over who could reconvene the House.

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2015: No party can defeat PDP, says Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that no opposition party can defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming election.

Speaking yesterday at a post declaration luncheon held for members of the Presidential Declaration Committee at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Jonathan noted that the opposition can only make noise, but cannot beat the PDP. He said; “In the Ni-

gerian political history, this is one period that we really have a lot of opposition coming up every day. But for your support probably we couldn’t have achieved the little we have achieved. But no matter the lies people tell, punctured stories and so on, we have been very committed and you keep supporting us, we remain grateful” “I am yet to see those who can beat PDP. They will continue to make the noise, but they cannot beat us, because the gap between PDP and others is astronomical. The way we do things and the way

they do things is very different, the way we talk and the way they talk is very different, the way we reason and the way they reason is very different. Our commitment to transform this country and their thinking about Nigeria is very different”, Jonathan added.

The President also urged aspirants on the platform of the PDP not to engage in do or die politics to realise their ambition.

“Let me use this unique opportunity to plead with all of us who are aspiring for electoral offices that

the world does not begin and end with the office you are looking for.

“Sometimes, you would be looking for an office; you may not be able to get it for one reason or the other. Let us say somebody blocked you, so be it, let somebody block you. But if God wants something better for you, even after that blocking, you will get something else.

“I plead with all of us that we should not play the do or die, “except I get it, let the party sink”. We are taking inventory of all what is happening in all the states and I promise

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni and a chieftain, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, during the party’s Salvation Rally in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

that we will try and use as many people as possible”, Jonathan said.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Presidential Declaration Committee, Haliru Bello commended members of the committee for a job well done,

saying that it was a good thing the President decided to seek re-election in the 2015 election.

He thanked Jonathan for the luncheon, saying that it was an indication that he is an appreciative president.

Oyo CP wades into kidnap of four school children KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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he Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, yesterday, ordered investigation into the disappearance of four kids allegedly kidnapped by a woman now at large.

He directed that the matter be transferred immediately from Yemetu Police station where it was initially reported, to the state CID, Iyaganku , Ibadan for proper investigation .

The command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Olabisi CletIlobanafor, made the disclosure while answering questions on the alleged disappearance of the four children.

According to her, the proprietress of the school which the children are attending is still being detained by the po-

lice to assist in the investigation of the matter.

She assured that the police was looking into the matter with a view to rescue the missing kids and arrest their abductor.

It will be recalled that there was mild protest at Yemetu area of Ibadan on Tuesday, as four kids were allegedly kidnapped by a woman whose identity is yet to be known.

It was learnt that the residents of the area who went into the streets when the sad news filtered, gave a vivid description of the woman, who was said to be wearing a black hijab and a newly recruited staff at the kindergarten home.

The police image maker added that investigation has begun with a view to arrest the kidnapper and rescue the children.

Ondo PDP: 15 LG chairmen seek to join suit against party’s leadership ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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ifteen local government party chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, yesterday, approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja with a request to be joined as co-plaintiffs in a suit filed by wards and local government executives of the party in the state.

The suit by the wards and local government executives is challenging the planned dissolution of the state executive by the national leadership of the party.

The applicants seeking to be joined in the suit were represented in court yesterday by their lawyer, Mrs Folashade Aofolaju.

She announced her cli-

ents’ intention yesterday at the resumed hearing of the suit.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja is presiding over the matter and had given some orders recently to keep the soul of the suit alive.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Aofolaju, counsel to the council chairmen, informed the court about the application she had filed to that effect.

The application however could not be heard.

Lawyer to the plaintiffs, Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), said he needed to consult with his clients to know how to react to the application for joinder.

A lawyer to some of the defendants, Onyiyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who was served a copy of the appli-

cation in court, wondered why the chairmen sought to be made a party in the suit when he had already filed an objection, challenging the competence of the suit.

He said it would have been ideal if they had filed a separate suit.

Ayorinde and Ikpeazu later sought for a short adjournment to react to Mrs Aofolaju’s application.

Ikpeazu however sought a short adjourned date in view of the court’s pending interim orders against his clients, made on November 6.

Justice Ademola therefore adjourned till November 24 for hearing of the application for joinder.

The plaintiffs are, Seja Sunday, Oluwasegun Akingbehin Babatunde, Adeniji Rotimi, Enijuni

Abiodun and Sunday Thompson – are contending the powers of the party’s leadership to dissolve their executives constituted in 2012. They argued that that the executives duly constituted, should be allowed to serve out their tenure.

Defendants in the suit include Dare Adeleke, Osawu Solomon, the people’s Democratic Party, PDP, its National Chairman, Adamu Mu’Azu, the party’s National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladapo, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP. Justice Ademola had on November 6 granted interim order restraining the defendants from taking any steps whatsoever with regards to the office of the

applicants in particular embarking on conducting any primary elections leading to the position of house of Assembly of Ondo State, the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He ordered that such primary must only be conducted by those elections were conducted by wards, local government and state executives elected by the Congress of March10, 2012.

He also restrained the defendants from dissolving, suspending or abridging the tenure of office of the plaintiffs and their respective wards, local government and state executive committees of Ondo State chapter of the PDP pending the hearing and determination of the mo-

tion on notice.

Speaking after the court’s proceedings, businessman and PDP chieftain, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, said the defendants were already in contempt of court, alleging that they had disobeyed the court’s order and had dissolved the wards, local government and state executives.

“We are going to bring Form 48 against them, because they have acted in breach of the court’s orders. They have done what the court had restrained them from doing. When we come back on November 24, we will bring everything before the court,” Ibrahim said.

Meanwhile, the chairmen yesterday boycotted a meeting called yesterday by governor Olusegun Mimiko.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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South West

Call LASU VC to order, ASUU tells Fashola TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, Lagos State zone, has called on the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, to intervene immediately in the ongoing crisis between their members of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo chapter and leadership of the institution.

The union said Fashola’s intervention is necessary to forestall impending total breakdown of law and order that could occur in the university in the absence of such intervention, especially by calling the ViceChancellor of the institution, Prof. John Obafunwa to order.

Addressing journalists yesterday in LASU, coordinator of the zone Dr. Sola Nasir accused LASU’s leadership, led by the vice-chancellor, of high-handedness and dehumanisation in its policies and programmes

against lecturers of the institution.

Lagos zone, which comprises University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka; the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta FUNNAB; Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-Iwoye; Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED and LASU, had all the schools’ chairmen present at the conference.

Nasir, who teaches Crop Production at OOU, faulted LASU’s management on what he called selective promotion irregular appointment, withdrawal of academic certificates of some senior lecturers, improper composition of senate council members as well as dehumanisation of some lecturers, among other offences.

He said the vice-chancellor disregards due process in some of his policies and that such actions were causing the institution not to move forward.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekiti govt, lawyer bicker over ‘reign of terror’ ABIODUN NEJO ADO-EKITI

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uman rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, yesterday raised alarm over what he called the reign of impunity in Ekiti State.

Abayomi, had in an open letter to the state governor entitled: “Your Threat to Peace, Order and Governance, Leadership in Ekiti State House of Assembly” dated November 18, said: “Our instruction on behalf of our clients is to advice you not to throw Ekiti State into further chaos.”

He accused the governor of usurping the House’s authority, saying: “Ekiti State House

Gov. Fayemi

of Assembly has reached a point where it is now afraid of the security of its members, the security of authority and proceedings because you (the governor) want the rule of force to prevail through the state.”

The human rights lawyer stated that the gover-

nor’s unlimited powers clearly endangered constitutional administration and bad example for exercise and functions of government.

But the state government yesterday disagreed with the human rights lawyer.

The government, in a statement by the Special Assistant on Public Communications to the state governor, Mr Lere Olayinka, who denied the allegations, urged the human rights lawyer who he described as a hypocrite, to “stop dancing naked in the market place, exposing his naked hypocrisy.”

Olayinka, who said Abayomi had not been

complaining about former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s “unconstitutional moves,” wondered why Abayomi was complaining about the present government’s attempt “to erase the footprint of illegalities that Fayemi left in Ekiti, asking: Isn’t it an advertisement of his hypocrisy and ‘mari maje’ human rights activism?”

He accused Abayomi of selective criticism, saying he was unfit to point accusing fingers at his administration since he had not done such to All Progressives Congress, APC, governors who had been known to flout laws and displayed human right abuses.

Lagos appoints 4 new judges MATTHEW IRINOYE

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agos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, yesterday appointed four new judges to the state High court.

They are Mrs Iyabo Olamide Akinkugbe, the former Chief Registrar of the High Court of Lagos State; Mrs Sherifat Iyabode Sonaike; Mr Abdulfattah Molawale Lawal and Mrs

Jubril Bashua.

According to a statement from the office of the Chief Registrar of the state high court, their appointments followed the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC. With these latest appointments, the number of judges in Lagos State High Court has increased to 60.

The new judges will be sworn-in on Friday, November 21.

Poor leadership, bane of healthcare —NMA boss BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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he rot in the nation’s health sector has been attributed to the lack of political commitment by leaders at different levels of government in the country.

This development is blamed on the lack of appreciation of the strong connection between health and development by the ruling class, who only appreciate importance of health when they fall ill and have need for the services of medical doctors.

Disclosing this in Osogbo yesterday, the Osun State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA,

Dr. Suraj Ogunyemi, also decried poor funding of the sector by government, adding that the country’s Universal Health Coverage of Nigeria is still less than 7 percent, despite the declaration by the African Heads of States at their conference in Abuja in 2001 that at least 15 percent of the annual budget of countries be devoted to the health sector.

He accused the ruling class of constantly seeking medical help outside the shores of the country, hiding behind the poor state of health facilities and urged those saddled with the responsibility of improving on the facilities for managing people’s health to wake up to their responsibility.

Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun (middle); flanked by his wife, Olufunso; Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (2nd left); his wife Olori Gbadebo; and wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola (right), during the thanksgiving service in commemoration of Alake’s 9th coronation anniversary at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Ake, Abeokuta, yesterday.

Group tasks NASS on INEC’s overhaul OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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he Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, BCO, has called on Nigerians to resist any attempt by any political party to rig the 2015 general elections.

The group also called on the National Assembly to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is overhauled before the elections as a way of ensuring free and fair elec-

tion.

The BCO co-ordinator in Ondo State, Ife Oyedele, made the calls in Akure at the inauguration of the group’s directorates in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Oyedele appealed to the INEC to recruit only credible people as adhoc staff during the elections and ensure the poll outcome reflects the wishes of the electorate.

He said the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections would help

to redeem the battered image of Nigeria and correct the negative impression some international communities have of the country.

The coordinator urged members of the group in all 36 states of the country to work for Buhari’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate.

He explained that members of the directorates in Ondo were selected out of a committed array of party men and

women to work for the actualisation of Buhari’s ambition.

He enjoined them to continue to showcase Buhari’s past achievements as proof of his capability to lead Nigeria as a nation.

Oyedele however warned members to avoid using abusive words against other presidential aspirants of the party, reminding them that their quest to secure the party ticket is a contest among brothers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Siblings arrested attempting to smuggle hemp to brother in cell MATTHEW IRINOYE

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Nigerians waiting to be registered for their Permanent Voters Card at community Secondary School Agboyi-Ketu, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

NHIS boss asks Nigerians to embrace Mobile Health Insurance SEKINAH L AWAL

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igerians have been advised to embrace the newly introduced Mobile Health Insurance scheme, in order to ensure easy access to healthcare.

Making the appeal on Wednesday was the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, at the first anni-

versary of his tenure.

According to him, the National Mobile Health Insurance Programme, NMHIP, is a novel concept that provides subscribers of mobile network the platform to register, select HMO provider, choose payment options and plan on their mobile phone at their convenience.

“One outstanding component of the MHIP is the adoption of a process whereby individuals and

corporate bodies with the spirit of charity will be encouraged to contribute to a pool of funds from which the poor and the vulnerable will enjoy health insurance coverage.”

Anoher initiative is the Public Primary Pupils Social Health Insurance Programme, PPPSHIP, aimed at providing cover for about 24 million pupils of public primary schools nationwide.

“To accomplish this,

NHIS will bear total responsibility for this year while by 2015, state governments will absorb 60 percent of the cost of implementation with NHIS bringing up the balance of 40percent.

The scheme according to him, is also laying strong emphasis on the tertiary institutions with the National Universities Commission, NUC, directing all Nigerian Universities, public and private to participate as a matter of policy.

DPO explains ‘accidental’ discharge WALE IGBINTADE

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former Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Segun Fabunmi, attached to Pen Cinema Police station, yesterday, told a Lagos High Court that he could not explain how many rounds of ammunition came out from his rifle.

Fabunmi, who has been dismissed from Police, is standing trial for the killing of one Ademola Daramola and injuring others during the mass protest on fuel subsidy, organised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, in January 9, 2012.

The alleged offence was said to have been committed at Yaya-Abatan, Agege, during the protest.

At the resumed the trial, Fabunmi who said his Ak47 was opened while on his way to the scene of protest, added that after Daramola died, he could not explain

how many rounds of ammunition left his rifle.

Fabunmi, who was being cross examined by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan told Justice Olabisi Akinlade that he did not chase anybody the deceased nor injured people.

“I did not run after the late Ademola Daramola, may his soul rest in peace. I don’t know him, why would I chase him? It’s ridiculous I never ran to anywhere neither did I fire any shot at anybody’’, Fabunmi said.

The defendant told the court that on January 9, 2012, he received a distress call that there were hoodlums at Yaya Abatan Junction, Ogba Agege area and that the hoodlums were breaking peoples windscreens and holding innocent people hostage.

He said when he got to the scene, there was break down of law and order, add-

ing that immediately the hoodlums saw him and the other seven police men, the hoodlums started throwing bottles, sticks cutlasses, stones at them.

When asked if he knew that some ammunition got out of his gun, Fabunmi said” yes, I knew that some ammunition got out of my gun when the hoodlums were trying to dispossess me of my rifle after I sustained injury, It took the grace of God that they did not collect the rifle from me. “The other police officers all ran away’’.

The defendant, who said he had only spent two months as the DPO of Pen Cinema Police station said he went to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for treatment, but that could not remember the name of the doctor who treated him.

A second defence witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police Atthrnasius Ohaeri, told the court that his former boss received a

call from the control room on January 9, 2012, at about 9:15am that some group of people at Yaya Abatan Junction are burning tires.

He said when they got there, he saw a large crowd, adding that as the people saw the police vehicle, they started throwing stones, sticks and bottles at them.

Ohaeri said that the former DPO instructed them to remove the planks and tires which they used in blocking the road, adding that while they were carrying out the instruction, all of a sudden he heard a gunshot and he took to his heels.

He added that he did not know the direction from which the gun shot came from, but that he just took to his heels.

At the last adjourned date, Fabunmi had told the court that he was attacked while on security patrol by a mob at Yaya Abatan Junction, Ogba, Agege, on January 9, 2012.

wo female siblings Shade Oyetobi, 24, and Atinuke Adebanwo, 32, were yesterday apprehended and handed over to the Police at the Area F Police Command, Lagos, while attempting to smuggle 11 wraps of Marijuana and an ointment to their brother Babatunde Oyetobi, in the inmates’ cell at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

Shade who lives at Bale Street, Ijora Badia, described herself as a hair dresser, added that her brother’s friend Jamiu, called her to hand over the marijuana to him.

The suspect told our reporter that she knew her brother case is coming up for trial today, and that, that was why she brought the hemp to him.

On her part, Atinuke, who said she is a mother of three, said she is the elder sister to both shade and Babatunde.

She said that she normally come to court to meet her brother in court whenever his case comes up for trial, she however, denied knowing that her younger sister was trying to pass marijuana to Babatunde in the cell.

Narrating how the suspects were caught, the prison officer, A.R. Mu-

hammad said that the two sisters approached him that they wanted to see their brother, but when asked what was inside the polythene bag they were carrying, the younger sister said there was a leather slippers inside the bags.

Muhammad said: “on order, she brought out the slippers and that 11 wraps of Marijuana and an ointment was also discovered in the bag”.

Describing the suspects mode of operation, Muhammad said that if Babatunde had received the items, he would have rubbed his anus with the ointment, inserted the marijuanas through it and smuggled drug into the prison and excrete them late and sell to fellow inmates.

Babatunde is currently under-going trial for attempted robbery and assaults before Lagos State High court.

Zakari Comptroller General Prison service

Cleric advocates continuous marriage education

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amily oriented Christian ministry, Livingword Family Church, LFC, has concluded arrangement to host residents of Lekki Peninsula, Ajah, Lagos to a two-day marriage seminar on the art and science of a happy marriage and how to lay a solid foundation for a peaceful home.

In a press statement released during the week, the Presiding Pastor of the Church, Charles Ikoabasi, said the event which holds by 9am on Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, 2014, also aim at giving bachelors and spinsters an orientation on the principles for choosing a life partner.

Pastor Oluyide Ukachi, a seasoned marriage counsel-

lor and pastor in charge of ‘He’s Alive Chapel’ will be the chief speaker at the twoday seminar which will take place at Livingword Centre, Abiitos house Sangotedo, Lekki- Epe Expressway, Lagos.

According to Ikoabasi, the trend in which marriages are being endured rather than enjoyed, is due to wrong expectations and lack of knowledge.

“Love is not enough to make a happy marriage. No matter how much you love your brand new car, if you do not have knowledge of how to handle it, you will wreck it. This applies also to marriage. ‘’There is an art and science to marriage. Singles and married couples should continually seek knowledge before and after wedding”.

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South East

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Court remands 11 pro-Biafra activists for treason DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State yesterday remanded 11 members of Biafra Zionists Movement, BZM, in prison custody for treason.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on treason and attempt to intimidate and instill fear in President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Sullivan Chime through their activities in BZM. The remanded persons include Benjamin Onwuka,

Ndubuisi Nnamushi, Kelvin Eteh, Japheth Nwodo, Paulinus Uzoegbu, Sunday Chukwuma, Uduma Uduma, Bertrand Obiekwu and Ijaga Samson.

The charge sheet stated in part: “On or about March 8, 2014 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, (BZM) did commit an illegal act with intent to intimidate the President and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, as President and the governor of Enugu State Govern-

ment House. You thereby committed an offence contrary to section 37(1) and (2) of the criminal code Act LFN 2004 and punishable under the same section of the same act.”

The leader of BZM, Benjamin Onwuka, and 10 members of his group, were arrested last June after they launched a failed attack on the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS to declare the independence of the defunct Biafra Republic.

After the suspects pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, senior state counsel rep-

resenting the Attorney General of the Federation, D. E Kaswe, applied for adjournment. He said in view of the not guilty plea of the accused persons, he needed adjournment to enable him prepare for witnesses.

Counsel to the accused persons, Olu Omotayo, said he had no objection and prayed for a short date on the ground that his clients have stayed many months in police custody.

Ruling on the application, the presiding judge, D.V.C. Agishi, adjourned the case to December 8 for further hearing.

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Obi counsels youths against election violence ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

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head of the 2015 general elections, former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has tasked Nigerian youths to shun violence, thuggery and embrace peace during and after the election.

The former governor, who spoke in Abuja yesterday at a National Conference organised by the Save Nigeria Group, SNG, stated that peace needs to be fought for especially by the youths.

According to him, young people around the world have the ability to transform whatever situation their countries may find themselves.

Speaking on the platform of his newly launched Peace Apostles of Nigeria, PAN, he said:” As true apostles of peace we shall find ways to quench the rising tension in the country because if we continue to pretend, neglect or fail to start this deliberate and effective campaign for security and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria now, the country may be driven to that ugly state where we may have to pay

Obi

very dearly for our deliberate failures and negligence.

“Your mates all over the world change the world; nobody will change it for you.

The peace you are seeking, you have to fight for it.

“Today’s leaders are not as bad as you think; ask questions. Do not allow yourselves to be used as thugs by anyone. The people who use you as thugs have their own children abroad. Don’t look for people to give you cheap money,” Obi counseled.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Benedict Ezeagu, tasked leaders of ethnic groups, faith-based organisations, political parties, youths and civil society on the urgent need to eradicate violence and embrace peaceful coexistence as the country approaches the 2015 elections.

Anambra tops antenatal care attendance FRANCIS EKPONE ONITSHA Members of Biafra Zionist Movement arraigned for treason at the Federal High Court in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG spends N10bn to upgrade Imo varsity CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he Federal Government has spent more than N10 billion to upgrade infrastructural facilities in Imo State University, IMSU, within three and half years of President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Minister of State for Education, Prof Viola Onwuliri, stated this in Owerri, the state capital while inspecting federal projects in the state-owned university and other tertiary institutions in the state.

While assuring of the federal government’s commitment to education sector, the minister however warned that with the huge

funding expended in the sector, the government would no longer tolerate mass failure in exams.

Onwuliri, who represented the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said in less than a year IMSU through TETFund projects had received over N4 billion for upgrade of its Law Faculty, Engineering department as well as other infrastructures in the institution.

She also announced that as part of intervention fund set aside for all universities, the Federal Government just allocated N1.5 billion to the school for iconic projects and N1.6 billion worth of engineering equipment.

She added that the central government has commit-

ted more fund in the school than the state government as part of its determination to improve facilities in all institutions in the country.

The minister also disclosed that Federal Government had disbursed N1 billion to Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, for the construction of science park.

She said that the government has not discriminated against any institution be it federal or state in its funding, adding that in fact some state institutions receive more funding than federal.

Onwuliri noted that with the good relationship existing between the two ministers in the education sector, “we are going to en-

sure that education in this country becomes the pride of all Nigerians and gains the respect of international communities.”

She further warned that the current administration of President Jonathan has zero tolerance for mass failure.

“We must get our rhythm fast; the President has set the pace in transforming this country and excellence in education is one of the key pillars of his administration. That is why the government has ensured that facilities in our institutions, be it state or federal, are turned around to make learning conducive. If the students have not learnt, it means teachers have not taught,” she said.

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ational Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, data has revealed that Anambra State ranks highest in the Antenatal Care attendance in Nigeria following the number of pregnant mothers that access both the public and private health facilities in the state.

The Head, Case management of the NMEP in Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, while addressing over 300 participants in a one-day dissemination event of Improving Community Response to management of Malaria (ICRAM) end line evaluation report organised by Christian Aid, however regretted that war against malaria has not in any way reflected in the Nigerian budget.

The Programme Manager, Community Health and HIV, Christian Aid Ni-

geria, Nanlop Ogbureke, explained that the organisation is an international development agency that commenced work since 2003 in some states in Nigeria.

She noted that Christian Aid in its approach has run malaria programme in select states including awareness and sensitisation since 2007, to ensure that poor and marginalised people have the opportunity to live healthy lives in relation to malaria prevention, healthseeking behaviour and obtaining malaria diagnosis and treatment options.

The ICRAM project, according to her, was implemented in Anambra between May 2013 and September 2014, adding that the project piloted the feasibility of the use of malaria rapid diagnostic test kits, mRDT, at the community level by patent medicine vendors, PMV, and all lower level health facilities, LLHF.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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13

Politics

Insurgency: Agenda to stall 2015 elections in N’East

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he Jamaa’atu Ahlus-sunnah lid-da’wati wal jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram, though has been in existence since 2001, it was not until 2009, that became very popular in the country, when it actively began sectarian violence.

It was in 2009, when Mohammed Yusuf came out publicly to assume leadership of the group and commenced its activities from its base in Kanamma, that the attention of Nigerians became fully drawn to the heinous nature of the group.

Then, the major objective of the group was to oppose everything that is Western, including Western education, ideologies and systems. Indeed, the group’s name, Boko Haram, which is a Hausa phrase meaning “Western education is sinful.”

The sect became more violent when one Abubakar Shekau took over the leadership following the death of Yusuf and the sect began to go after the security agencies and military and para-military targets.

And from then, the group became more daring by the day, killing and maiming security agents and the civilian populace, including acquiring military hardwires and kidnapping innocent civilians.

What initially began as a movement to oppose government activities in the area of education and dissuade Northerners from submitting to the authorities of governments, later degenerated into full blown war against the government.

Those reported to have been sponsoring the group later lost control of their activities as they went berserk, killing, maiming and kidnapping both Christians and Muslims, as well as burning down churches and mosques indiscriminately.

Attempts were also made on the lives of top traditional rulers in the region, as the group also began to use suicide bombers to kill innocent civilians in motor parks, churches, mosques and schools.

By October, it was estimated that a total of 13,000 persons had died from the activities of Boko Haram. This fact was admitted by none other than President Goodluck Jonathan himself. In his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, this year, Jonathan confessed that “over the past five years, we have been, and are still confronting threats posed by Boko Haram to peace and stability. The costs are high; over 13,000 people have been killed, whole communities razed, and hundreds of persons kidnapped.”

Perhaps, it was not until April this year when about 219 students of Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, were kidnapped by the group that the attention of the global community was drawn to the dangers of its activities.

It appeared that from thence on, the group became more daring and began annexing and renaming territories captured by it. On the last count, the group had annexed about 17 local governments in the North-Eastern zone of the country.

Matters came to a ridiculous head when the Boko Haram sect recently captured the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Alex Badeh, Mubi, Michika and Madagali. The group did not stop at that, it renamed Mubi “Madinatul Islam,” meaning the city of Islam.

It took the collaboration of local hunters and the military to repel the insurgents and retake the captured cities.

Faced with reports of the exploits of the Boko Haram sect against the Nigerian military, Nigerians had since began to lose confidence in the military’s ability to deal decisively with the sect.

With the increasing ferocity of the activities of the Boko Haram sect, which have gone beyond killing and kidnapping people to annexing and renaming territories, particularly in the North-East zone of the country, there is a conspiracy theory that the objective of the group now is to scuttle the 2015 general election. GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, WOLE OLADIMEJI, TORUE SALEM and OMEIZA AJAYI examine the veracity of this claim.

Jonathan

With each assurance by the military authorities that it was capable of dealing with the insurgents, come major setback in the operations of the military as they continue to lose men and equipment to the insurgents.

When the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah, appeared before the Senate Committee on Defence and Army last week, it took serious persuasion by the lawmakers to get the General to admit shortcomings and assure Nigerians that the military was on top of the situation and was capable of repelling the insurgents.

He assured: “We had a setback in Basa that resulted in the loss of territories up till Mubi. Painful though, but we are working very hard to retake those territories and other territories that the insurgents have taken.

“I want to continue to rekindle the confidence of Nigerians and particularly, ordinary Nigerians who have suffered the pains of these insurgency. The Nigerian Army will continue to do its best and strive to win this war and reclaim lost territory.”

As the insurgency rages, one issue of serious concern to many Nigerians is whether the general election would take place next year, particularly in the North-East political zone of the country.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, who was confronted with this poser at the parley with the army chief last week, gave a conditional assurance.

He said: “If we are able to get back all the territories that have been captured by the insurgents, then it means that we are good for the elections and that is the assurance that they are giving us that in a couple of weeks from now, they will be able to take back all those places.”

Military onslaught Barely four months to the general elections, the Boko Haram insurgents seem to be doing more havoc in their renewed attacks, capturing areas that were hitherto safe

Minimah

AS THE INSURGENCY RAGES, ONE ISSUE OF SERIOUS CONCERN TO MANY

NIGERIANS IS WHETHER

THE GENERAL ELECTION WOULD TAKE PLACE NEXT

YEAR, PARTICULARLY IN THE

NORTH-EAST POLITICAL ZONE OF THE COUNTRY

but not without tough and consistent confrontation with the Nigerian military.

Having captured several towns and villages in Borno State and established its rule, the sect went ahead to invade Adamawa State, hitherto known for some sanity, throwing the whole state into confusion with the sudden capture of Mubi, the second largest town in the state.

The insurgents had also attempted to rename the areas conquered by them to form their Islamic Caliphate, as well as attempted to establish a parallel government.

In a proclamation, the insurgents made it clear that there would be no elections in the areas under their control.

Apart from these, bombing activities have been in the increase than they have been so many months back. Now, hardly a week runs without the sound or news of explosions in some parts of the North, a situation that has become quite disturbing and might make the elections unsafe.

However, mindful of this, the Nigerian military, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 is out to protect the country’s democracy and civil rule as well as all territories under its custody, appears to be fully awake to its responsibilities recently.

Only last week, the military announced the recapture of Mubi from Boko Haram emergency rule and control. Equally recaptured last Saturday, was Chibok in Borno State, which had been under insurgents’ control since the abduction of the girls of Government Girls Secondary School, on April 14.

The military said that it was not relenting in its efforts to reclaim all parts of Nigeria occupied by the insurgents as it was not ready to cede any part of the territory to anyone or groups for any purpose or reason.

It has continually said that it was seriously improving on its strategies and plans to ensure that it achieves this peace for the smooth governance of the country.

Resort to local hunters With the renewed violent attacks and the capture of some towns and villages in the North East, particularly in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states and following reports that soldiers who are to engage the Boko Haram sect in battle have continued to flee for fear of losing their lives, the people from the region have resorted to the support of local hunters.

The insurgents had annexed five local government areas of Machida, Madagali, Mubi North and South and Mahia and some parts of Hong and Gombi local government areas.

The local hunters, particularly those in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State engaged the insurgents in gun battle and succeeded in killing no fewer than 80 members of the sect recently.

Angered by the capture of Maiha town by the insurgents, the local hunters, also known as “Yan Baka and Yan Tauri,” quickly teamed up with hunters in the neighbouring communities to recapture the town.

With the determined efforts of the local hunters, many areas captured by the sect were reclaimed after many of them were killed while others fled in the face of superior fire power of the hunters.

The flags hoisted by the insurgents to establish their authority and control in the areas earlier captured had been uprooted and replaced by Nigerian flags after the local hunters recaptured the areas, which included Mubi and the palace of the Emir of Mubi, which the insurgents had turned to their spiritual headquarters.

Also recaptured was the Army Barracks as well as other security formations in the area, which fell into the hands of the insurgents, soldiers have returned and are now ready for battle against any attempt to attack the barracks again.

The role of the local hunters in the battle against the insurgents was acknowledged by the state governor, Bala Ngilari, who said members of the Boko Haram sect had been chased out of Mubi by the local hunters.

He said: “God is in this business of security in Adamawa State, the government had decided to be working with the vigilante group “Yan Baka”, local hunters and civilian JTF.” Residents of the state also expressed sol-

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Insurgency: Agenda to stall WITH THE DETERMINED EFFORTS OF THE

LOCAL HUNTERS, MANY AREAS CAPTURED BY THE SECT WERE RECLAIMED AFTER MANY OF THEM WERE KILLED Shettima

Ngilari

idarity with the local hunters, describing their determination to confront the Boko Haram sect as patriotic.

Indigenes of the state expressed excitement that their ancestral homes had been recaptured from the insurgents while calling on the Federal Government to ensure that terrorism in the country was brought to an end to allow peace to reign They believed that the primary responsibility of soldiers is to defend Nigeria from external aggression but that the fight against insurgents requires the cooperation of all Nigerians.

on insurgency

All Progressives Congress, APC’s position

The All progressives Congress, APC, has been critical of how the Federal Government has been handling the Boko haram insurgency, saying that President Jonathan and his cabinet are playing on the intelligence of Nigerians, wondering what the government was waiting for since it knows the people behind Boko Haram.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said Jonathan failed in the areas of insecurity and job creation, which are intertwined.

He said: “Today, after the Jonathan administration has spent $32 billion on security and defence, Nigeria is not any safer,

with thousands of deaths, 221,000 square kilometres of territory captured by Boko Haram, 650,000 Nigerians internally displaced and also daily harvest of death from ethno-religious crisis, clashes between pastoralists and farmers, armed robberies and kidnapping.”

APC also was of the view that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government has allowed security situation in the country to have gone down and to make matters worse, our once proud and globally-acknowledged military has been brought to its knees by lack of necessary fighting equipment, even with $32 billion spent, wondering where the huge funds went to.

Corruption, inhuman treatment fuel Boko Haram Salihu Isa Nataro was National Democratic Party, NDP, gubernatorial candidate in Kebbi State in 2007 and is currently aspiring for the same office under the All Progressives Congress, APC. He bares his mind to UBONG UKPONG, on the 2015 elections, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan was the threat to the elections not Boko Haram. Excerpts: How would you assess the present political environment in the country?

The present atmosphere is conducive, but could be better if the undemocratic politicians stop mixing politics with religion and those who found themselves in managing public affairs, distribute dividends of democracy to the people, than engage in divide and rule tactics and lying to the public almost all the time.

What is your feeling about the present security challenges in the North-East?

I remember former Secretary of State of the United States of America, Henry Kissinger, did define public opinion in his international theory book, as the ability to influence the attitudes and behaviours, as we have been talking to the present leadership of Goodluck Jonathan, to dialogue with Boko Haram, from the beginning by compensating them over what was done to them by the overzealous security agencies that killed their members and leader at the early stage, but he refused, only showing to the whole world that it was the handwork of Northerners. His policies for the past and now, discriminate against our co-existence

and he pretends nothing is happening and today, I will tell you that no amount of force will defeat Boko Haram in a short run Don’t you think it is all about 2015 and it could affect the elections?

Boko Haram already justified their Jihad when the present corrupt leadership refuses to honour an agreement with them.

And if you look at Sura Tauba 38 and 39 and Anfal 64 and 65 and again Tauba 111, all the explanations unknown to a lot of people really exists and we are in danger and really in danger.

Have you considered the constant war of words between the PDP and APC over the sponsors of the insurgency?

I remember when the Sheick Gummi asked both Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari not to contest in the interest of this country and his call was ignored by the whole parties and believe me, he had done that based on major interest of all of us, especially myself who asked my party, the APC to field Sam Isaiah-Ndah with Babatunde Fashola to defeat the PDP, since it will be difficult to field Buhari and

Bola Tinubu or Atiku Abubakar and any Southern running mate. And if the PDP is principled and honest to this country, they should look for any young politician to support as presidential candidate since they are aware that Jonathan is not a leader.

He is a religious and sectional leader that will never develop this country, only dividing this country on religion, ethnicity, like sharing government allocation, appointment and recruitment etc.

Some say that it is all about Northern Presidency and that if President Jonathan drops his reelection ambition, insurgency will end. Do you believe this?

Boko Haram has been in existence for a long period of time due to corruption, inhuman treatment by the leaders, that’s why I earlier said it will be difficult to crush them as claimed by unskilled security agencies, because they are committed and they know their right and don’t care about any useless leader, be it Muslim or Christian, if he is unjust and the only way out of this madness by the present government is to dialogue with the sect.

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Politics

Thursday, November 20, 2014

2015 elections in N’East

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year, political pundits believe that it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that the renewed attacks by the Boko Haram sect and all acts of terrorism come to an end.

Security budget since 2011

Geidam

Aliyu

Odigie-Oyegun

APC National Chairman, John OdigieOyegun, said in addressing the issue of Boko Haram, the Jonathan-led Federal Government must develop and/or publish a counter-terrorism strategy, noting that currently there was “poor coordination between and integration of military means and political and economic objectives.”

According to him, there was currently no publicly known counter-terrorism strategy guiding the response to Boko Haram, saying that the impact of this could be seen in at least three ways, including what he described as “chaos and confusion” surrounding government’s intention to explore a negotiated settlement by dialoguing with the

sect and, thereafter, a U-turn.

He urged the government to build a new intelligence gathering Infrastructure, explaining that there was the need to obtain more timely and actionable intelligence from local sources in the areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

Other approaches, according to him, included the need to improve the country’s intelligence and contingency plan in the military; pursue and align military with political (negotiated) solutions; pursue deradicalisation strategy in the North to prevent many more young people (illiterate and unemployed) from being radicalised, as well as adopt policy to regionalise re-

sponse through the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the African Union, AU, as according to him, “Boko Haram is no longer a ‘Nigeria-only’ problem, but now a regional security menace that requires regional responses.”

The party believed that the PDP is trying to keep the tempo in the North-East so that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would come out that election would not hold in the troubled areas which happened to be its stronghold, adding that already, PDP is jittery about the coming election, therefore it is obvious that it is using the power of incumbency to ensure that it wins the election at all cost without minding the rate of killings and destructions in the troubled areas.

insurgency –APC guber aspirant How do you see some of the unguided comments especially from Northern elites, over the political and security situation?

A lot of Northerners, those pro and anti Jonathan are not really helping matters because of Jonathan’s inability to lead and take necessary action in terms of the sect and our economy. We have a lot of Northern clerics, both Muslims and Christians, telling him to adjust and be a country leader and not a religious leader and he refused.

BOKO HARAM HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME DUE TO CORRUPTION, INHUMAN TREATMENT BY THE

Do you think government has done enough to fight the insurgency?

The government has done a lot especially the Department of State Security Services, DSS, even though they didn’t tell us how many Boko Haram members were killed under detention and why people are dying in their cells.

LEADERS

What about the military’s efforts, do you think they are fighting sincerely?

Really, they are doing their best but Boko Haram are more motivated and committed than the military as our military are materialistic at the moment.

If you were the President, what would you have done in these circumstances?

I will resign and hand over all my income and assets to government to show concern about what is happening.

Nataro

Role of the media Considering the position of the media as the fourth estate of the realm as well as the watchdog of government activities, the media has a lot to do in the fight against the present insurgency in the country.

Depending on which side of the divide one leans on, the media has been criticised for its reports of the menace of terror in the country.

Former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, for instance, faulted the manner media reports, which he said tends to give prominence and sensation to the coverage of the activities of the group, are packaged.

At several fora, Maku would plead with journalists to desist from celebrating terrorism by reporting extensively the act of terrorism which portrays terrorists as icons that should be celebrated.

He argued: “I have found that terrorists seek publicity more than politicians that seek for election. Without the free media report they get, I tell you they will be demoralised. Stop reporting any terrorism attack for two months and they will go down. Freedom of Press should not be extended to those who bring about the language of hate that destroy the society.”

The fight against insurgents may not be successful if left in the hands of the armed forces alone. The war against terror can only be won with the cooperation and support of the media and the citizenry.

With the election scheduled to hold next

The House of Representatives’ probe of security allocation since 2011, through its Committees on Police Affairs, Internal Security, Interior, Army, Defence and so on, has been stuck.

The Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, few months ago, said the Presidency was unwilling to let the parliament in on its security expenditure.

In 2011, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, over N1 trillion was allocated to security by the National Assembly for President Jonathan to combat terrorism in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

In 2012, the budget for security moved up from N1 trillion to about N1.3 trillion, and it continued to rise until to a point where it has summed up to nearly N4 trillion.

The President’s proposal for an additional borrowing of $1 billion dollars, over N250 billion, has also been approved to avoid the Presidency blackmailing the lawmakers as ones against the battle against terrorists in Nigeria.

The security agencies under the command of the President, have flatly refused to account for over N4 trillion withdrawn from public coffers in the name of containing persisting violence in the areas under surveillance.

The President himself is yet to account for the money so far wasted to contain terror in Nigeria, covering up that obligation with the need for confidentiality and official secrecy of security matters.

The government has also had logistics support against terror from Canada, China, Poland, Russia, Israel and several other countries, but accountability for this expenditure continues to elude the citizenry.

Will 2015 elections hold in the troubled areas?

Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states have continued to remain flashpoints of terror. In 2013, Jonathan declared state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

But unfortunately, the states under emergency have witnessed renewed terrorist activities, despite efforts of hunters, assisted by the army.

INEC, through its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has repeatedly said that the security challenges there, notwithstanding, it will go ahead with elections.

The senator representing a senatorial district in Borno, Senator Ali Ndume, has however insisted that elections must hold in Borno State which remains the worst hit in the North-East, contending that Borno residents, who have fled their home towns and are now staying in refugee camps, should not be disenfranchised in 2015.

Many commentators have also suggested that INEC officials should visit the refugee camps in 2015 and allow the displaced people in Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, exercise their voting rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended and the United Nations Charter on Human Rights.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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AHEAD 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

2015 election doomed unless ... –CODER OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

C

oalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform, CODER, has warned that the 2015 general elections will be a still birth if the national chairman of Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is not urgently call to order.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, CODER convener, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, said there are concrete and observable evidences that next year’s general elections will be far from people’s expectation based on the inability of INEC to provide a viable voter’s register less than three months to the polls.

Opadokun therefore demanded that Jega should be prevailed upon to resume the usage of the 2011 compiled voter’s register for the 2015 general elections.

He said: “CODER, as an Oracle of God and people regrettably wishes to announce that the proposed 2015 general elections will most certainly be a still birth excepts the much expected child in the womb receives the critical attention of all concerned.

“We demand that Jega should be prevailed upon to resume the usage of the 2011 compiled register for the 2015 General Elections.

The fresh voters’ registration should proceed without delay in order not to deny qualified Nigerians from

exercising their most fundamental rights to elect persons that will govern them for particular period.”

Opadokun also noted that “the 2011 supposedly digitalised Voter’s Register, which averagely was tolerably been expected to be improved upon has now been found to being corrupted by a technically deficient and untested PATCH software, developed by the ICT Consultant which among other expectations is to help clean up peculiar mess of multiple registrations, underage registration and the likes has been found to be corrupting the all important finger prints aspect of the bio-data.

“The consequence of this dangerous and avoid-

able fall out of the never tested PATCH is that it has become compulsory to recapture the bio-metric of many already registered voters. This is what has led to the grave revelation that many registered people in 2011 like Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, the governor of Lagos, who registered in 2011, along with his ten fingerprints captured and picture taken has found his name conspicuously missing. He along with others who registered in the same Bode Thomas, Surulere ward registration unit has now found that their names are missing from the Voter’s Register.

“We are resolutely determined to campaign vigorously against the wanton

disregard for justice, fair play, and equity being executed by Prof. Jega. We demand that INEC should be prevailed upon to stop the avoidable corrosion of all already captured bio-data registration by discontinuing the usage of the PATCH software.”

Opadokun also alleged the INEC chairman of working to reduce the voting strength in oppositioncontrolled area through the guise of ‘loss-data,’ adding: “Jega has proven to be a power monger. He, as INEC chairman is chairman of the three most important of the ten departments he created, while other five consequential ones also are held by his own people from his part of Nigeria. All the cos-

metic re-arrangement he has recently done amounts to a façade, thereby ensuring that the southern part of Nigeria cannot be trusted in the appointment into those critical departments.

What is the basis upon which Southerner in INEC will repose their trust and confidence in Prof. Jega?

“The current hand-over of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs has therefore exposed Jega’s hidden agenda. He cannot reasonably deny that the current bungled exercise is not deliberately schemed to achieve a hidden agenda.

From the inside, it is been revealed that Jega’s INEC is working to reduce the voting strength in oppositioncontrolled area through the guise of “loss-data.”

NUGA South Africa rallies support for Jonathan EBERE NDUKWU

F

ollowing President Goodluck Jonathan’s formal declaration to contest the 2015 presidential election, last week, Nigeria United for Goodluck Agenda, NUGA, South African chapter, staged a rally in support of his candidature, promising to give him its unalloyed support to ensure he is re-elected.

The over seven groups, whose members are drawn from pro Jonathan organisations in South Africa and Diaspora political parties, except the official opposition, promised to mobilise their relatives, benefactors, friends and well wishers in Nigeria to vote for Jonathan.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the rally, the convener of the rally, Hon Emeka Johnson Alloy Ukwuoma, described President Jonathan’s acceptance to obey the plea of Nigerians home and abroad to run for a second term as a step in the right direction, predicting a landslide victory for him in the upcoming 2015 presidential election.

He said: “I believe no president of Nigeria has done in policies and practicality half of what Jonathan has done. Irrespective of the shenanigans of the Boko Haram sect, the President has continued undaunted in

making sure that he delivered good governance to our dear country Nigeria.”

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, secretary in South Africa, Owolabi Salako, appreciated PDP chieftains and members, who recognised the great strides made by President Jonathan, by making him the sole standard bearer, saying that his endorsement by all the party structures at all levels, re-echoed Diaspora chapter’s initial stand and unalloyed support for his leadership.

Also chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, South Africa chapter, reiterated the total commitment and support of APGA members both home and abroad to the success of President Jonathan’s second term bid.

Chairman Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, South African chapter, gave kudos to the tremendous achievements of President Jonathan, assuring that his group will give him unflinching support.

Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), submitting his nomination form to the National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso, at the National Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.

APC aspirant laments poverty level in Ondo OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

A

House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dele Baderinwa, has expressed sadness about the level of poverty in Ondo State.

Baderinwa, aspiring to represent Idanre/If-

edore federal constituency, charged politicians to always think about how to address issues affecting the country, adding that politics should be about seeking power for development and not self-enrichment.

Speaking while donating a Toyota Siena car to Ifedore Local Government APC in Igbara Oke, Baderinwa said the car was

meant to assist party leaders in the council in the mobilisation of the electorate toward the 2015 general elections.

He urged APC leadership to present credible candidates for the coming elections, assuring the people that if picked and voted for, he would open constituency offices in the two local government areas in the

federal constituency.

He said: “We are going to use our good office to bring development to our constituency. We will empower the traders, market women and men by giving them micro finance loans with little interest. We are going to be closer to the people. We will ensure there are job opportunities for our teeming youths.”

it compulsory for them to be neutral and ensure they work with any government in power.

He enjoined the new permanent secretaries to carry out their duties effectively and ensure that they keep away from any act capable of exposing their families

to embarrassment.

Some of those sworn in were the director in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Danladi Abubakar Buhari, a former finance director in Government House, Hamisu Jankaro and three women.

PDP’ll win 80% of votes in Niger –Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, has expressed firm belief that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will win 80 per cent of votes in the 2015 general election.

Aliyu, who stated this after swearing-in 14 new permanent secretaries in Minna, said PDP has set in motion plans to ensure that votes are monitored in all the polling units during elections in the state, adding that those that would be saddled with the responsibility

of monitoring the election would be made to account for their stewardship by the party after the elections.

He also stated that the nation’s constitution did not prevent any civil servant from belonging to political parties, while the civil service rules makes

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Buhari and battle for Aso Rock EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

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

I

t is apparent that the fight for the presidential position in next year’s election will be a titanic battle. For the first time since the return of the country to democracy, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is really rattled at the prospect of losing the presidential election. With the declaration of President Good luck Jonathan to seek re-election, the coast is becoming clearer for gladiators to watch.

The opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), undoubtedly, has very challenging candidates for the presidency. Among the contenders, none has attracted so much attention as General Muhammadu Buhari, who has severally presented himself for the highest office in the land. He has the fortune or misfortune of occupying some of the most sensitive positions in the country, which included military Head of State. He was one time Petroleum Minister, as well as chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). There have thus been strong searchlights on his actions and

inactions when he had these rare opportunities to serve the nation.

It is apparent that Buhari is a very visible and viable contender to the exalted position. Knowing politics for what it is, and politicians for what they are, it is legitimate to subject these political gladiators’ to public scrutiny. As military Head of State in 1983, he probably did not know he would one day want to be a presidential candidate under a democracy. The questions that readily come to mind are: does he have the temperament of a democrat? And with renewed impetus, especially in the Middle East and Sahel Region, to force people to accept Islam as state religion, can the liberals opposed to these be confident enough to have him in charge of the nation’s affairs, particularly one known for secularism, where freedom of religion is not only recognised but given stamp of authority by the constitution?

There must be reasons why some are persuaded to see Buhari as intolerant of other religions. His reactions to Oni of Ife and the late Emir of kano, Ado Bayero for visiting Israel, during his regime did not project him in good light.

A lot has been said about him, as being disciplined and good manager of resources.

It will be difficult to take away this from him.

He is not as rich as his contemporaries in spite of being in government at the highest level. But we need to probe his personality beyond this lure for materialism: Nigeria wants

NIGERIA WANTS A PRESIDENT WHOSE

WATCH WORD IS JUSTICE TO ALL IRRESPECTIVE OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS a President whose watch word is justice to all irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds. When for instance his regime took over power in 1983, the treatment meted out to alleged corrupt politicians was discriminatory. A sore point was the arrest and detention of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Dr. Alex EkwuemePresident and vice President respectively. While Dr.Alex Ekwueme was confined in ‘Kirikiri’ Maximum Prison, Alhaji Shagari was placed under house arrest. This might look ephemeral but you test a person’s inner mind and sense of justice through casual issues of this nature. Besides, it was imprudent and disregard for the unity and sensibility of Nigerians to have him, a Muslim and Tunde Idiagbon also a Muslim all from the North as the first and second in command, in addition all principal officers of that administration came from the North.

Aside this, Nigerians are known to

cherish their freedom. To what extent will Buhari be ready to allow this? In an interview early in his regime, he was quoted as saying that he will tamper with press freedom, and he actually did with Decree 4. In addition, his regime’s drug related offence decree with its retroactive effect, was a flagrant disregard for human lives.

Between then and now, a lot has probably happened in his life. But a critical mind would ask, do we have old and new Buhari that aspires to lead in a democratic dispensation? We can accuse President Jonathan of many things but he has not tampered with freedom of expression.

We are not strangers to how this country works. It is clear that justice has been hamstrung in the operation of our national life .Some Nigerians have been carrying on as if others are their slaves. This can only be tolerated for a while, it cannot go on forever. Who will ever contemplate that people of Niger Delta will fight for their rights? We need a leader that will give all Nigerians a sense of belonging. We should be interested in a leader that must be keen on the promotion of egalitarianism. Does Buhari, posses these qualities? Some victims of injustice and discriminatory treatments are still alive and are conscious of their pains and anguish, and dread to have a replay of such trauma. In assessing Buhari and other presidential aspirants, it is pertinent we take into consideration their sense of justice and fairness .

Chartered Secretaries, governance and Nigeria’s development

I

n spite of critical role Chartered Secretaries play in the socio-economic life of a nation in these modern times, especially in the areas of Corporate Governance and compliance, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the profession in the minds of many Nigerians, including, strange to say, the educated people. In Nigeria, we have Chartered Secretaries working across the diverse sectors in public, private and notfor-profit organisations, and they have contributed significantly to their organisations and by extension, to the growth of Nigerian economy, through their expertise. But there is no gainsaying that fact the profession of Chartered Secretaryship has not yet been given its pride of place in this country for reasons not unconnected with misconceptions about its nature and relevance. Not a few people still associate the profession with clerical roles or front desk receptionist/confidential secretary duties!

Perhaps, in illustrating this point an advertisement placed in national newspapers few years ago by a state government in Nigeria would serve to highlight the impression people still have of the profession. The advertisement listed among the requisite role of the wanted Chartered Secretary competence in stenography! This, of course, is a giveaway that chartered secretaries are still seen in the mould of stenographers and typists!

The national Secretariat of the Institute had to write a letter to the said state government to clarify issue that ability in stenography or shorthand is not one of the competencies required of modern Chartered Secretaries.

Today a Chartered Secretary is a high ranking professional basically trained to uphold the highest standards of corporate

TODAY A CHARTERED SECRETARY IS A HIGH RANKING PROFESSIONAL BASICALLY TRAINED TO UPHOLD THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE governance, effective operations, compliance and administration.

Chartered Secretaries are the primary source of advice on the conduct of business.

This competence spans the whole gamut of business expertise including but not limited to business administration and management, legal advice on conflicts of interest, accounting advice, the development of strategy and corporate planning.

The corporate failure of some big companies including the so-called too-big-to-fail organisations coupled with the global meltdown of 2008 has renewed the call for adherence to principles of Corporate Governance as many companies and countries of the world experiment with diverse models.

Corporate Governance is essentially an approach of managing efficiently and prudently all the activities of a company, in order to make the business viable, stable, survive and realise the objectives of the shareholders in specific terms and stakeholders in general.

With the advent of Corporate Governance discipline and its ever expanding role and continued relevance in the commercial and busi-

ness world, Chartered Secretaries have become extremely engaged in the dynamics of this fledgling subject to the extent that they have become reliable and primary source of advice.

I have taken the pains to state the above facts to serve as the background for making a case for Chartered Secretaries to be charged with exclusive statutorily responsibility of Corporate Governance auditing in Nigeria.

This is by no means a seminal proposition, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) which like ICSAN in Nigeria, is an offshoot of the parent body ICSA in London, has already blazed the trail in this direction.

India has bestowed the exclusive right on Corporate Governance audit of Indian companies on Chartered Secretaries.

This was done through the amendments incorporated into its Companies Act 2013 which replaced the old Companies Act of 1956. Under this Act, just like in the traditional financial auditing, where auditors audit the books of accounts of the company and report their findings on the affairs of the company to the shareholders, Chartered Secretaries now conduct what is called “Secretarial audit” into the affairs of the company and asses it and then issue a report.

Secretarial Audit is a process to check compliance with the provisions of various laws and rules/regulations/procedures, including maintenance of books, records etc. conducted by an independent professional to ensure, legal, regulatory, procedural as well as due process is followed. It is therefore a veritable tool for effective governance.

In a nutshell, the objective of this innovation is to foster greater observance of Corporate Governance principles by companies.

By the same token, Nigeria may toe this

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

line by making “governance audit” conducted by Chartered Secretaries mandatory for every listed company.

The gains accruable from imbibing the culture of Corporate Governance audit are obviously enormous, not only will it actuate companies and businesses to strive towards observance of good practices; it will also give existing and potential shareholders the benchmarks for assessing the performance of organisations.

In a nutshell, albeit controversially, this writer ventures to think Chartered Secretaries are good candidates for exclusive CG auditing and that Nigeria will gain by emulating India which has exclusively bestowed, through statutory empowerment, the practice of Corporate Governance audit on Chartered Secretaries.

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

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Editorial

18

Thursday November 20, 2014

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ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Civilian JTF, hunters and insurgency

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owards the end of last month, it was reported that 41 members of the violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram, were killed by the vigilante group – Civilian JTF – in Gur, one of the villages in Borno State. One eyewitness said the insurgents were on a mission to attack Sabon Gari in the area, where residents earlier attacked and displaced were just returning to their homes after three months of forced exile. But assisted by some military men, members of the Civilian JTF repelled the insurgents, killing 41 of them in the process and taking one alive.

Lately, about 80 Boko Haram sect members were also said to have been killed by local hunters in Mahia, Adamawa State. The hunters were stricken by anger when the sect sacked their town.

They mobilized and recaptured their town from the intruders.

They (local hunters) reportedly assisted the Nigerian military to take over some other captured towns in the state, like Mubi and Hong, from the insurgents. Indeed, it was claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar supported the hunters’ mission with over 10 buses filled with local charmers (‘Yan Tori’ in Hausa) to beef up their fighting spirit.

Natives’ taking their destiny in their hands in insurgency-prone parts of the North East is no

longer news. About the middle of last year, the Presidency hailed youths in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, who were said to be fully co-operating with security agencies to hunt and handover insurgents to the military. Abuja claimed at the time that having carried out an assessment of the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in the three aforementioned states, normalcy was gradually returning to the North-East. Presently, however, the insurgency is still continuing. It has become more widespread and Nigerians displaced so far are being counted in thousands. Still the youths from the worst hit states are co-operating with the security agencies.

But there appears to be a snag.

It would seem that the military hierarchy views the actions of the hunters, as is rightly or wrongly being suggested in some quarters, as indicative of the people’s loss of confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Reports say the military had been reluctant to allow the hunters move against the insurgents because they were not legally constituted, for example. On the face of it, the argument cannot be faulted. The hunters at best could have limited themselves to facilitating the onslaught of the military against the insurgents through local intelligence and

November 20, 1979 Grand Mosque Seizure: About 200 Sunni Muslims revolted in Saudi Arabia at the site of the Kaaba in Mecca during the year’s pilgrimage and took about 6,000 people hostage. But the Saudi government received help from French Special Forces to put down the uprising. The Grand Mosque Seizure was a terrorist attack and involved the takeover of the Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the holiest place in Islam.

INSTEAD OF RECOURSE TO OFFICIALDOM, THE MILITARY SHOULD SCREEN THE HUNTERS AND ALLOW THOSE OF THEM READY TO ASSIST TO JOIN IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE INSURGENTS directions. However, these are unusual times. The Boko Haram sect has been acclaimed as better equipped than the Nigerian military. Indeed, one of the sitting governors in the North East was quoted as telling a foreign news agency, Reuters: “Boko Haram is better armed and is better motivated than our own troops…

Given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram”. Besides, the Federal Government and its security agencies are finding it difficult to procure arms to prosecute the battle against the insurgents, as the recently bungled South Africa arms deal and comments from official quarters have indicated.

Not even the presence of foreign security experts/helpers invited after the abduction of over 200 school girls from

ON THIS DAY

November 20, 1998 A court in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan declared accused terrorist, the late Osama bin Laden, ‘a man without a sin’ in connection with the 1998 United States’ embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011) was the founder of al-Qaeda, the jihadist organization that claimed responsibility for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US.

Chibok, Borno State between April 14 and 15 this year has made any positive difference. Nigerian soldiers are also deserting their duty posts for fear of the Boko Haram sect. In the process, the dangerous sect has been spreading its tentacles with the least hindrance, while ‘security merchants’ who are benefitting from the crisis remain prayerful that the insurgency festers the more. In depressing times like the one the country is now locked in, any attempt to demoralise the local hunters of Adamawa or the Civilian JTF elsewhere by the military is objectionable.

From their utterances, the hunters that recaptured Mahia were self-motivated. They moved into the town after conventional soldiers fled; and were still able to kill and chase the insurgents out of Mahia. Telling them they cannot defend their land because they are not legally constituted will only make sense if the nation’s military is winning the war; and visibly so. But that is not the case presently. Boko Haram itself is not a legally constituted entity. Instead of recourse to officialdom, the military should screen the hunters and allow those of them ready to assist to join in the battle against the insurgents. Indeed, they have the additional advantage of being more at home with the terrain.

November 20, 2008 After critical failures in the United States’ financial system began to build up after mid-September, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its lowest level since 1997. The financial crisis of 2007 – 2008, also known as the global financial crisis and 2008 financial crisis, is considered by many economists as the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a stock market index.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

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19

Education Today

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

Lagos goes tough on SS3 students ... Payment of WAEC fee no longer automatic

Students at a pubic forum in Lagos

SAIDAT ALAUSA

B

efore now, any Senior Secondary School (SS3) student in Lagos public schools was sure of registering by the state government free of charge for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

This had been the trend since the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 till this year May/ June edition of the exam, the results of which had since been released.

By this, the state government pays several millions of naira on yearly basis, to WAEC on behalf

of its final year students to enable them sit for this all important exam.

But unfortunately just like their counterparts from other states and Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, the performance of candidates from the state is usually below average.

For instance, until the last outing when 45 per cent of candidates from the state obtained credit pass and above in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics, the prerequisite subjects’ combination to secure admission into tertiary institutions in the country and elsewhere around the world, their performance had been abysmally low.

At inception of Babatunde

‘PhD holders can teach in primary schools ‘ 21

STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN THEIR

STUDIES AND ESPECIALLY IN WASSC EXAM DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE HUGE INVESTMENT OF GOVERNMENT ON THEIR EDUCATION.

Fashola’s administration in 2007, for example, only seven per cent did well in the exam while the rest had poor results. Although, the figure increased steadily the following years to 11, 18, 38 and 41, the records according to Fashola were still not satisfactory to the state which prides itself as a pace setter.

At present, the national performance chart released by WAEC placed the state at seventh position below Anambra, Abia, Edo, Bayel-

sa, Rivers and Enugu in that order.

Fashola at a recent fifth anniversary of the uniformed voluntary clubs for the public schools expressed his dissatisfaction on the development, which he attributed to many factors, including parents’ neglect of responsibilities to their children education.

He pointed out that students’ performance in their studies and especially in WASSC exam does not correspond to the huge invest-

Universities should go for impactful research

—TETFund 22

ment of government on their education.

However, while promising that the state government would not because of that relent in providing necessary infrastructures and enabling environment that would enhance students’ performance in their studies, he tasked other stakeholders to contribute their quota in that regard.

Now to demonstrate its firmness in bringing about the desirable change, the government has planned to tackle the issue using a different approach.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye at a stakeholders’ meeting last week.

There, with many parents, principals and teachers of SSS 3 students from the Education District 1, which comprises three local government areas in attendance, the commissioner listed some of the measures now put in place to tackle the problem.

One of these according to her is that students in SSS3 will no longer enjoy free and automatic registration for WAEC exams beginning from next year.

National Mirror’s investigations had earlier shown that many candidates nationwide failed the exams just because various state governments foot their bills and therefore had little or nothing at stake.

“So now, SS3 students in Lagos public schools would have to sit for mock exams and passed credibly well in all the core subjects and must attain 90 per cent attendance in class while their parents or guardians must also attend minimum of 50 per cent of parentteacher meetings before they could be registered for WASSC exam beginning with the next edition,” the commissioner said.

Oladunjoye who pointed out that the government was quite CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

UI priority is on postgraduate studies –VC 20

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Education Today

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FUTA for UN zero-gravity project

Education, vital to national devt —Don

he Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has been selected to participate in the United Nations Zero-Gravity Instrument Project (ZGIP).

The institution’s spokesman, Mr. Adebanjo Adegbenro made this known in a press release made available to National Mirror.

According to him, one of leading microbiologists and an Associate Professor in the university, Dr. Daniel Juwon Arotupin was tipped to lead participants at the global project, which will be domiciled in Akure.

He noted that the letter to that effect was signed by the UN expert on Space Applications in its Outer Space Affairs Office, Takao Doi. Adegbenro quoted Takao in his letter as saying “the selection of FUTA would come with a grant of a non-commercial donation of a micro-gravity simulation instrument called Clinostat alongside other supplementary items to enable Arotupin perform proposed scientific educational and related activities under the aegis of the UN office of Outer Space Affairs.”

Speaking on the development, the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola congratulated the nominee on the achievement, saying his participation in the project would further improve scientific education in and outside the university.

He noted that ZGIP was initiated in 2012 as part of the Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI)’s capacity-building activities, in which a fixed number of microgravitysimulating instruments, called Clinostats, have been distributed to selected schools and institutions worldwide.

Saidat Alausa

T

Airtel bags SERA’s CSR award

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telecommunication company, Airtel Nigeria has been adjudged by the Social Enterprise Report Awards (SERA) as the best company in corporate social responsibility initiatives on education in the country.

The company was given the recognition according to SERA based on its strong contribution to education development in the country.

Presenting the CSR Award on Education to the telecommunication giant at its 8th award ceremony in Lagos recently, the organizer noted that the Airtel’s Adopt-aSchool programme and the Bridge IT project made the company to stand out from the rest corporate organisations that are also into similar projects.

Receiving the award, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya dedicated the award to all members of staff of the company.

He commended SERA for identifying Airtel’s CSR efforts, promising that the company would do more in its drive towards an improved society.

Ogunsanya explained that through the company’s Adopt-a-School Initiative, it partners various state universal basic education boards and donated blocks of classrooms, boreholes, furniture, note books, uniforms, among other useful materials to schools and students in remote communities. He listed Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos and Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River as some of the beneficiaries of the initiative.

T

he pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof.

Nurudeen Adedipe, has restated that education was very crucial in the realisation of national aspirations and development. According to him, governments that are conscious of the importance of education should be commended and encouraged to do more in the interest of the society.

Prof. Adedipe made this observation during the 6th Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series, titled: “Education as a Panacea to National Insecurity and Developmental Challenges,” held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife recently.

Prof. Adedipe, who was Chairman on

the occasion, therefore, lauded the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for accorded much recognition to education in his state. He was given the “Distinguished Education Administrator Award at the event.

In his presentation, Ogbeni Aregbesola, who was the guest speaker at the lecture series, described education as “a very critical tool to the realisation of sustainable national development and the achievement of national security.”

He lamented that the Nigerian state today was faced by insecurity and other developmental challenges because of the continued erosion in the quality and standard of the educational system.

He added that lack of adequate investment in education by successive administrations in Nigeria had crippled the system to an extent that what seemed to matter to

students was just the acquisition of certificates.

The governor also stressed that there was no reason why children and youths in parts of the North and the Niger Delta areas of Nigeria should not have the same quality education as their counterparts in other parts of the nation.

In his remark, the Proprietor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prince Bola Ajibola, commended the state government for its strides in the education sector.

Also speaking at the occasion, the ViceChancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bamitale Omole, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Adebisi Ajayi, stressed that the topic of the lecture was most appropriate at this crucial time when the nation was facing many security challenges.

UI priority is on postgraduate studies —VC Tunbosun Ogundare

T

he Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, has restated the commitment of the university in focusing more on postgraduate studies, saying the institution has a wherewithal to achieve the goal.

He gave the assurance at the just concluded convocation and Founders’ Day ceremonies of the university.

Adewole, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology noted that the university could boast of 341 professors, 118 readers, 346 senior lecturers and 768 lecturers and assistant lecturers and supportive material resources.

With all these, according to him, UI remains a flagship of postgraduate education and production of quality lecturers in the country.

Speaking on the convocation programme, the vice-chancellor said all the 5,959 graduating students for masters and higher diplomas as well as first degrees had been thoroughly baked and found to be worthy in character and in learning.

He reassured that the vision

Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Isaac Adewole (left) congratulating the best graduating MBA student, Mrs. Khadijat Morhason-Bello while the representative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Miss Arume Ighoroje looks on at the university convocation and 66th Founder’s Day ceremonies at the institution last Saturday.

of the institution anchored on the pursuit of the national goals of development through knowledge creation and dissemination is still being held sacrosanct by the institution.

“The realisation of this vision,” he pointed out, “is reflected in our commitment to the continuous development of teaching, learning and re-

search efforts that will provide the required skills and knowledge for the political, social and economic development of the country.”

While congratulating the fresh graduates, Prof Adewole asked them to go into the world and contribute meaningfully to the societal development.

“I am also imploring you to be good ambassadors of this university and always remember to contribute to its development. The university has invested heavily in you and remember to give back in your little way when you can,” he further urged them.

Bauchi trains 4,215 teachers, others for effective service Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

T

he Provost, College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Dr. Abdullahi Ishyaku has disclosed that government had so far trained no fewer than 4, 215 teachers and school administrators with a view to repositioning the sector in line with the agenda of the current administration in the state.

He also disclosed that another

1,600 school committee mem- also received similar training on bers and members of staff had management and quality assurance.

The provost stated this through the college’s Deputy Registrar, Alhaji Babahi Gimba during the recent capacity training programme organised for the teachers in the state.

He noted that the training was to enable participants sharpen their knowledge and skills for effective service delivery.

While commending the sponYuguda

sors of the programme and the choice of his college as venue, the provost urged participants to utilize the knowledge gained from the training as they return to their duty posts.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. ABdullahi Dabo urged the state government to provide the necessary logistics that would make the training achieve it purpose.

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Education Today

Thursday, November 20, 2014

21

Group donates to Enugu schools Dennis Agbo ENUGU

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he Ozara Union United States of America, OUUSA, has refurbished some dilapidated classrooms and offices in six public primary schools in Ozara community in Nkanu West Local Government area of Enugu State.

The group who are indigenes of the community but based in the US also distributed some instructional materials to the pupils of those schools.

It was gathered that they had been doing this for schools in the area for the past 10 years running.

Marking its tenth anniversary in the community last weekend, the group equally presented awards to deserving pupils and members of staff of schools in the area.

Chairman of the Education Assistance Project and OUUSA Ambassador, Mr. Dan Nwoneh said it was a great joy that the union continued to carter for the welfare of school children.

He noted that the gesture would not only lessen the financial pressure on parents but would also enhance learning and teaching in the community.

He disclosed that the group had spent well over N10 million so far on various projects of this nature in schools across the community.

He however promised that the group would do more.

Expressing appreciation for the gesture, Mr. Paulinus Onah, a headmaster of one of the beneficiary schools thanked the group on behalf of his colleagues.

University of Liverpool launches online Masters degree

T

o help meet the expanding global demand of professionals who can effectively manage the growth of online business, big data and information security concerns, the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, is offering new online masters programmes in Information Technology.

The programmes include Computer and Information Security, Information Systems, Project Management and Web Sciences and Big Data.

According to an online release by the university and signed by the Director of Studies for Online IT Programmes, Prof.

Frans Coenen, the innovative online programmes offered through the university’s Department of Computer Science, is to provide working professionals around the world with the opportunity to move ahead in their IT-related management career.

Also inclusive is the University’s MSc in Information Systems Project Management, one of the first fully online, BCS-accredited UK masters that specifically focus on Information Technology and Information Systems project management.

In addition, the university is offering a fully online Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems and Technology, which enables students to acquire the latest technology skills without having a previous degree in IT.

L-R: Yoruba teacher, Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Lagos, Mrs. Eunice Akinola; her student and one of the winners of the 2014 Olokun Festival Yoruba Quiz competition for public secondary schools in Lagos, Rashida Akinbaloye; Chief Promoter of the event, Otunba Gani Adams, and a fellow winner, Bilikis Mogaji, during the grand finale of the event in Lagos, recently.

English Language teaching deserves better attention, say linguistics Saidat Alausa

A

call has gone to educational authorities to allocate adequate time to the teaching and learning of English Language as this would enhance a better understanding of the language and other subjects offer by students in schools.

This was part of the recommendations given in a communiqué issued at the end of the 11th Annual Conference of National Association of Teachers and Researchers of English as a Second Language (NATRESL), held recently in Lagos.

The conference themed, “Managing Large ELT Classes: Approaches, Technologies and Pedagogies,” was chaired and declared opened by an expert in Curriculum Studies in English, Prof. Babatunde Oder-

inde.

According to him, the theme for the conference was very timely and relevant, noting that large classes were now common features in our educational system, unlike what obtained in the past.

He enjoined participants to interact, share ideas, and contribute to solving the problem of managing large English Language Training (ELT) classes; both at the lower and upper educational levels in the country.

Delivering the keynote address, a Professor of Language Studies, Segun Awonusi, situated the problem of managing large ELT classes in its global perspective.

He opined that the notion of “large class”, as a learning-teaching environment was perception-based and noted that the challenges of inadequate infrastructure,

instructional materials, lack of adequate feedback and administration of test instruments, could be overcome by adopting interactive strategies, active learning and other methods of reducing large classes for effective teaching and learning.

Delivering her paper, Prof. Victoria Alabi, who specialises in Stylistics, suggested practical ways of overcoming the problems facing the teaching of Stylistics in schools, while Dr. Samson Dare in his paper at the forum emphasized the need to revive the reading culture among teachers and learners.

Learners, he said, should be sensitised on the gains in imbibing good reading culture, as it enlarged one’s mental capabilities in the course of reading different books and magazines on various disciplines.

PhD holders can teach in primary schools —NTI boss Aza Msue KADUNA

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irector-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Teachers Institute, NTI, Kaduna, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu has said there was nothing wrong for a doctoral degree holder to take teaching ap-

pointment in a primary school.

He said teaching profession in an ideal society was for well qualified individuals who are knowledgeable and skillful in their various fields.

He made the observation at a pre-convocation press conference in Kaduna last week.

According to him, a holder

of NCE teaching in primary school should be from time to time upgrade himself on the job by going for further training to acquire higher certificates.

“Or what is wrong in having a PhD holder being a primary school teacher?” he asked rhetorically.

Meanwhile, a total of 56,232

L-R: Coordinator, Nestle Nutrition Institute, Africa, Mrs. Chioma Emma- Nwachukwu; Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr Samuel Adenekan and Vice-President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr. Batholomew Brai at the Nestle healthy kids’ parent-child nutrition workshop in Lagos, recently.

students from the last two academic sessions graduated from the institute last weekend.

The school also conferred highest honorary fellowship award on Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris and Prof. M.O Eboyi at the event.

While noting that all the new graduates were thoroughly baked, Ladan said the award recipients were honoured based on their strong contributions to the education development in the country.

He noted that the institute had introduced centres for teachers training in English as well as technical entrepreneurship and special education for all categories of persons.

All these, according to him, are aimed at improving teachers’ capacity in their service delivery.

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Education Today

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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N3m, laptops for PZ chemistry competition winners Tunbosun Ogundare

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L-R, Director of Studies, Centre for International Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS), Lagos, Prof. Anthony Kila; Executive Chirman, Safari Books Limited, Chief Joop Berkhout and CEO, Ngex Business and Technology Consultants, Mr. Obinna Anusiem at CIAPS inaugural lecture in Lagos, recently.

Universities should go for impactful research —TETFund Saidat Alausa

A

member of the Board of Trustees and South-west coordinator of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), Dr. Anna Kolawole, has charged scholars to carry out research that would bring about positive economic growth and development to the country.

She gave this charge at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Ogun State while addressing scholars embarking on TETFund sponsored academic projects in Nigeria universities.

James Danjuma KATSINA

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peaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Ya’u Umar has called on education stakeholders to redouble their efforts in supporting youths to acquire standard education.

He made the call during the recent graduation ceremony of Madinatul Ahbab Waltalamiz Islamic School in Daura Council area of the state.

Also calling on the youths to resist attempt that could discourage them from acquiring right knowledge and skills that would place them in a better position in future, the lawmaker said education was the pillar of development in any society.

That is why according to him that stakeholders need to work conscientiously towards imparting moral education in the younger generation.

He however called on the State Primary Education

She stated that in carrying out such researches, they should also work in conjunction with companies to come up with real findings and solutions that would add value to the system.

She added that TETFund had a new department for Research and Centre of Excellence. She therefore called on all federal institutions to establish same to move the country forward.

Kolawole also encouraged the university to access the research grants of about N3 billion available for use from the organisation.

She commended the university for

the impressive reports received from the fund’s Desk Officer of the university.

In his remark, the Director, Centre for Internationalisation and Partnerships (CENIP) of the university and the Desk Officer of TETFund, Dr. Akintokun assured that FUNAAB would continue to embark on researches that would touch the lives of the people and improve the economy of the country.

According to him, at least 17 scholars who had so far benefited from the fund were already back to the university, while many more are still undergoing training.

Katsina speaker makes case for education devt

Board, SPEB, to include the institution in its expansion programme in recognition of its training being imparted on youths.

Also speaking at the

event, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk, said quality education facilitates good understanding and cordial relationship among ethnic groups as well as help

promote peace and stability.

Represented by Mod’d Lawal, the emir also called on government to formulate viable policies at all levels of the sector.

L-R, Bursar, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Mr. Paul Adegbemi; Deputy Rector(Admin), Dr. Ayodele Olaosebikan; celebrator and Rector of the institution, Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo; his wife, Hajia Mojisola Olatinwo and Registrar, Mr. HabdulHamid Raji during the rector’s 60th birthday celebration, recently.

bout N3 million and four laptops will be given out as prizes to winners of the PZ Cussons Chemistry Quiz competition among the senior secondary school students in Lagos State.

The money and laptops will be shared among the top four with the overall best receiving N700, 000 and first runner-up N500,000 while the two others in order of position will go home with N400, 000 and N300,000 respectively and one laptop each for all of them.

Teachers of the winning students and their schools will share the balance in form of cash and chemistry textbooks, respectively.

This was disclosed in Lagos by the Vice Chairman of PZ Cussons Plc, Mr. Tunde Oyebola at the launch of this year’s edition of the competition with many chemistry teachers in attendance. The competition is organised by PZ Cussons Foundation, a charitable arm of the company and participation is free.

Unlike last year’s edition which restricted participation to students in SS1 and 2, this year edition according to Oyebola is for stu-

dents in SS2 and 3.

While noting that entries would close on November 24, he encouraged prospective contestants to visit www.pzcussonschemistrychallenge.com or state ministry of education at Alausa or any of its six educational district offices for entry forms and detailed information about the competition.

Oyebola, who is a member of the board of trustees of the foundation, said the company instituted the competition last year to encourage the study of chemistry among secondary school students in the country with a view to making a career in the subject’s related fields.

He noted that as chemistry was important to the development of industrial sector, so also to the totality of man’s existence thus, the need to encourage the study of the subject in the country.

Lauding the initiative, representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olubukola Obafemi said the state government would continue to support the project.

She noted that the initiative was in line with that of the state’s government in promoting the study of sciences in school.

Lagos goes tough on SS3 students CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 aware that some students who failed mock exam may want to cut corner by registering with the private schools said results from such exam would be withheld.

The commissioner also noted that any student who eventually scaled through and get registered with public fund would no longer observe full Christmas holiday, especially this year when schools were closed down for months due to the outbreak of Ebola disease in the country.

According to her, “our students who will be sitting for next WAEC exam will only observe public holiday for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Day. They also have to attend Saturday coaching which is designed purposely for them.”

The commissioner explained that all these conditions were necessary to

ensure that both the students and their parents sit tight and give a deserved attention to their respective duties on education.

Specifically tasking parents to live up to their responsibilities, Oladunjoye said they have to buy necessary materials, especially syllabus and past question papers for their children and ensure they get to school on time as well as allowing them to do their home works.

She however pointed out that government on its part would continue to invest in teachers’ capacity building for them to complement the efforts.

In her own contribution, the Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary of the district, Mrs. Florence Ogunfidodo promised that her district would key into the new approach and ensure that students from the district do not lag behind.

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Education Today

Thursday, November 20, 2014

23

Begging: Another way to pass exams!

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ach day, a new chapter opens to reveal a new dimension of decay in the Nigerian educational system.

Just recently, I read with huge surprise the admonition from the Body of Benchers to the Nigerian public to stop begging for failed Law School candidates to pass. The Chairman of the body, Chief Onomigbo Okpoko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was compelled to issue a statement on Thursday the 13th of November, 2014 because his office had been inundated with requests for waivers and reviews of the results of the just concluded final Bar examinations in which about 50 per cent of the candidates failed.

I was hugely surprised not because begging is a new phenomenon in the academic arena but because of the extent it has spread.

Begging has long been established as a means of passing examinations in the tertiary educational level, especially when every other means of passing has been exhausted.

I am nevertheless comforted by the fact that there is an increased awareness of the problem. Many are now speaking out against this new plague which is threatening to destroy what is left over from the rampaging examination malpractice.

What surprised me most is the attempt of some members of the

Education as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

info@alphaedufoundation.org 08030904461 (email/SMS only) public to justify the begging syndrome during the vigorous online discussion that followed the publication. One discussant opined “When you see the environment in which law school students receive their lectures, you will know there is more to it than meets the eyes, the lecture hall in Lagos is so steamy that you wonder if you are in a bakery.” Another contributor added, “There was even a time when students were fainting in the classrooms due to lack of ventilation”!

In my own opinion, all these and many others are not sufficient reasons why such a large number of the candidates should fail.

The high rate of examination malpractice at the faculties of law in the universities that produce candidates for the Law School permits many unqualified candidates to be admitted to the Law School.

Those that do not succeed through malpractices are assisted to attain underserved grades by the hordes of beggars that have sprung up within and around the university system. Many of these “opportu-

nistic beggars” occupy positions of authority in the university system, including provosts of colleges, deans of faculties, senior professors and heads of departments, who insist on upgrading failed grades just to reduce failure rates.

But the high proportion of unqualified candidates in the university system is the product of corrupt practices in the admission process and politicized admission quotas which insist on increasing access to universities without commensurate expansion in facilities.

Corruption in the admission process is an open secret, glossed over by those who are saddled with the responsibility of regulating the process and actively patronised by many. In many federal and state owned institutions, often, less than a third of all admitted are actually qualified for a place. After conducting a credible post UTME screening exercise, the management bends over backwards to accommodate the children of those that are influential in the society by reducing the cut off mark to as

After conducting a credible post UTME screening exercise, the management bends over backwards to accommodate the children of those that are influential in the society low as 30 per cent. These are the same candidates that orchestrate the monumental examination malpractices that have become endemic in the tertiary institutions.

When they cannot cheat as it often happens when examinations are properly organised, the same god-fathers that brought them in initially transform into itinerant preachers, trying to convince the departmental, faculty and college boards with a thousand and one excuses why their results should be upgraded. Those who insist on maintaining the standards are branded as intransigent and demonized! Scores as low as 20% are often upgraded to pass marks so that the candidates could graduate, most times with honours!

But when every antics of these candidates and their mentors fail, the illegal waiver clause is conjured and candidates are allowed to graduate sometimes with up to five failed courses. Ultimately, either through malpractice, begging and waivers, many Nigerian students acquire a university degree!

Lagos: Schools get more MultiChoice resource centres Saidat Alausa

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digital satellite television provider, MultiChoice Nigeria has again returned to Lagos State for the third time since inception of its resource centre project in 2004, to inaugurate another resource centres in 10 schools in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony to launch the resource centres held at Eti-Osa Community Senior High School, Sangotedo, the Managing Director of the comapny, Mr. Ugbe said the resource centre project was MultiChoice’s way of promoting the use of integrated and communication technologies to raise the standard of education by deploying the imagery of sight and sound to make learning more vivid and creative.

“At MultiChoice, we have a strong conviction that the technological, economic, social and political advancement of any country has a direct correlation with its level of educational development and that the future of a country is intrinsically tied to the quality of education that the youths are exposed to.”

He enjoined the beneficiary schools to maximise the use of the centres.

Mrs. Aderonke Bello, Managing Director, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited (ITLS), the implementing partner

for the MRC project, said, “Technology investment in schools is on the increase, and the deployment of satellite television to enhance learning is one key initiative that has helped to bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

“While technology will not replace teachers and textbooks, research has shown that technology-mediated learning environments provide immense opportunities for learners and lead inevita-

L-R: Managing Director, Innovative Technology Literacy Service Ltd, Mrs. Aderonke Bello, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mr. John Ugbe; Director, Eti-Osa Zone 2, Education District 3, Mrs. Patricia Enase; and Director of Co-Curriculum Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Mary Oyetunde, during the launch of MultiChoice Resource Centre at Eti-Osa Community High School, Sangotedo, Lagos.

The observation in the law school is only a microcosm of the trends in the tertiary institutions nationwide. These are the graduates who cannot perform in their places of work or pass the Law School examination.

Nonetheless, there are average candidates, victims of the unplanned educational system who cannot perform optimally in the suboptimal conditions provided by the Nigerian Law School. The Nigerian government should reevaluate her policies, either to produce a few qualified and functional professionals, including lawyers, who could efficiently power the desired social and industrial revolution, or continue to mass produce large numbers of dysfunctional graduates who become a burden to themselves and the society.

The stand of the Nigerian Law School against these high profile pressure groups is indeed courageous and commendable; it will indeed encourage all those who stand for excellence in the educational system. bly to better teaching and learning outcomes.”

She thanked MultiChoice for giving back to the community and adding value to Nigeria’s education sector.

“It is expected that all trained teachers will make good use of their acquired knowledge to bring the often abstract, distant worlds of science into close focus and within the personal, meaningful realm of each student,” she added.

Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited trained 50 teachers, five each from the beneficiary schools as MRC coordinators.

The teachers are expected to in turn train their colleagues and ensure effective use of the centres.

Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Mary Oyetunde, Director, Co-Curriculum, Science and Technology, Lagos State Ministry of Education, described the initiative as complementary to the state’s effort in providing improved facilities for enhanced teaching and learning.

She assured the company that beneficiaries would utilise the centres to raise the bar of education delivery and students’ performance in the state.

The new 10 centres bring the total number of resource centre in the state to 18.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Businessman donates auditorium to ABSU

UI students visit National Assembly

Christopher Amanze ABIA

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he President of Masters Energy Group, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has donated 500-seater capacity auditorium to the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).

The auditorium with e-library and offices as well as 250 KVA attached was handed over to the institution last Thursday amid pomp and ceremony.

The occasion was almost turned into a mini political campaign as the donor, who is also a politician is aspiring for the post of a governor of the state in the next political dispensation.

In his address, the donor a multiple-award recipient said he was inspired to build the auditorium by his grandfather whom he described as a lover of education.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chibuzo Ogbuagu thanked the donor, saying the facility would in no small measure help in solving part of the infrastructural facility problems facing the university.

He promised that the university would put the facility into a maximum use.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, represented

by Bishop Sunday Onuoha, appealed to other well-meaning indigenes of Abia and other states of the federation not to leave the development of education in the hand of government alone.

He specifically requested for people of Abia who have the resources to come to the aid of the university, noting that about 10,000 hectares of land is available in the institution still for development.

The President of the Student Union Government, Mr. Israel Ahaemfuna in his contribution also thanked Ogah, saying the students would benefit most from the use of the edifice.

Ogah

Hon. Bukola Ajala (middle) representing Ibadan North-West Constituency with the students at the National Assembly Complex.

Hammed Hamzat 400L, EDU. MGT, UI

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embers of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Students’ Union, of the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State recently embarked on a trip to the National Assembly, Abuja to enrich their knowledge about legislative process.

The students, who are 45 in all, were led by their first female Speaker, Ifeoluwa Egunjobi and other principal officers of the legislative arm of the students union gov-

ernment.

This is the third time the Students’ law makers will visit the National Assembly after the Students’ Union was re-inaugurated in 2010/2011 academic session by the present Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

The students at the National Assembly Complex were received by Mr. A.O Alabi, the Security Officer in charge of Education and Excursion.

Alabi who was an alumnus of the university urged the students to make use of what they learn at the chamber, saying it

will go a long way in helping their proceedings in the university.

On what informed the visit, Ifeoluwa said the essence was to enhance legislative standard in Students’ Unionism of the university in order to meet world standard.

Another member of the team, Ariyo Ojedeji described the trip as educative and informative.

“I have learnt a lot from the hallow chamber on legislative proceedings,” the majority leader of Kuti Hall constituency said.

Excitement as UNIBEN students hold talent hunt Ogbemudia Uwoghiren MED AND SURGERY,UNIBEN

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tudents of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State, last Saturday witnessed the maiden edition of UNIBEN Talent Quest (UTQ) organised by Koko News publication in collaboration with the Student Union Government (SUG).

The students who will be starting their examination next week abandoned academics to witness what they described as one of the best shows the university has ever had.

The Akin Deko Auditorium, venue for the grand finale of the event was packed full with spectators from both campuses of the university and neighbouring community.

The venue of the programme was carnival like as the contestants came with their fans, room and hostel mates, friends, fellowship members who carried placards displaying the names of the contestants they were supporting.

It was gathered that over 90 students bought forms to partici-

pate in various events ranging from singing, dancing, drama acting, spoken word, painting, to acrobatic display among others.

The audition which was held for two days at the banquet hall of the university was filled with emotions as the judges began to screen the contestants.

In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and former Minister for Works, Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, praised the organisers, saying that the programme will harness the talents of youths into a productive and befitting mechanism.

Ogiemwonyi recounted his undergraduate days in UNIBEN, saying that the training he got from his lecturers is what is standing him out today.

He encouraged the students to hold on to the teachings they receive from their lecturers.

Editor in Chief of Koko News Publication, a 400 Level student of Medical Physiology Daniel-Didi Uwadia said the main aim of the event was to promote, publicise and encourage students who are exceptionally gifted in various arts.

Sir Victor uwaifo (right) presenting cash prize to the winner of the competition, Mr. Precious Okukusie while others watch with interest.

“For many years according to him, UNIBEN has been nursing lots of talented singers, actors, dramatists, comedians and many other talented individuals who by virtue of circumstances of their position in life, have not found the necessary media to actualize their talents.

Didi revealed that the event would help to increase the entrepreneurial and self dependency skills of UNIBEN students and provide them with entertainment.

After some deliberations by the judges, a 300 level student of Adult Education and English literature, Precious Okukusie, with stage name Mr. Play-P emerged winner.

He won N100, 000, a recording deal with Lockdown Entertainment and was named UNIBEN Ambassador for his effort.

Caroline Igben, a dancer from Theatre Arts department was the first runner up, Emily Omili from Fine Art department and Amanda Onoabhagbe were the third and fourth runner up.

Other contestants got consolation prizes.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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Saraki sponsors eight to Law School Sikiru Akinola OAU, ILE-IFE

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he daughter of the late Kwara astute politician, and gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Gbemisola Ruqqayah Saraki has offered eight graduates scholarship award to study at the Law School.

The beneficiaries who are indigenes of Kwara State, according to her, are from financially disadvantaged homes who could not proceed to Law School for the one year mandatory programme that would qualify them as barristers at law because of lack of fund several years after their first degree in law.

They include Olusola Ayeni, who has graduated from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo since four years ago.

Others are Kazeem Azeez Idowu, Saliu Ismail Baruten, Aderibigbe Taiwo, Saad Lukman, Yusuf Ishiaq, Taofiq Abdulrazaq and Issa Abubarkar.

They were all presented with a cheque of N350, 000 each last weekend in Ilorin, the state capital.

While N295, 000 will cover their tuition fee, the rest is expected to take care of their upkeep while in the school.

Speaking at the event, the former senator through her aide, Mrs. Olayemi Yusuf said the gesture was to help the beneficiaries achieve their dreams of becoming lawyers in the near future.

She noted that she instituted the scholarship award scheme in 1995 and that many had benefitted through the gesture on yearly basis.

She pointed out that she was particularly passionate about seeing people not debarring from achieving their educational goals on the basis of lack of money.

According to her, people with right education will go into places and “I am always happy helping them to achieve their goals.”

It was gathered that the senator through her chartable outfit, HAVE Foundation, had been able to sponsor many less privileged children including those from the streets in school.

“This is apart from the law school and other tertiary institution scholarships,” she emphasised.

For instance, she added, there are over 20 students on scholarships in various private secondary schools including Nigeria/Turkish International School, Leeds British International School, Living Way Academy, Adesoye College, Holy Trinity School, ABTI-America University and the University of Ilorin staff school, among others.

The beneficiaries thanked the senator and prayed to God to continue to bless her.

Gbemisola

The building after the fire

Fire guts FEDPOLY engineering building Yakubu Temitope FEDPOLY, ADO-EKITI

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ocuments and properties that worth millions of naira were last Friday destroyed in an inferno that ravaged part of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti School of Engineering building housing the office of Dean, School of Engineering, Heads of Department of Mechanical, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics and Agricultural Engineering, as well as a large classroom.

The fire which started at about 10pm completely burnt the complex.

The inferno was noticed by some occupants of Abuja Hostel, a hall near the complex which houses most students of Engineering.

As soon as they noticed the fire, the Students mobilized themselves, took risks and entered part of the building that hasn’t been affected and packed out documents and properties from the building.

It took the combined efforts of the men

of the Ekiti State Fire Service, the Polytechnic Fire Service team, security officials and students who prevented the fire from spreading to other facilities in the School.

The fire disaster was also witnessed by members of the Polytechnic Board of Councils and top Management staff who were at a meeting when the incident occurred and were not left out as they participated in the rescue efforts.

Reacting to the incident, the Rector of the Institution, Dr. Taiwo Akande through a Press statement by the deputy Registrar, Information Unit, Mr. Adeyemi Adejolu described the incident as a disaster of monumental proportions.

She lamented that so many sensitive and un-replaceable documents and materials ranging from computers, furniture, office cabinets and the building complex were lost in the inferno.

According to her, an emergency meeting of the Governing Council was still on

around 11pm when some students raised alarm about the fire.

She said efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to other facilities proved abortive while stating that the cause of the fire was still unknown as the time of filling this report.

He noted that there was neither electricity supply nor any bush burning at the time of the incident.

She added that investigation would be launched to unravel the cause.

The rector appealed to the Ekiti State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and other arms of the Federal Government to come to the aid of the Polytechnic in replacing the monumental loses.

Also, the Students’ Union Government of the polytechnic, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Temitope Yakubu commiserated with the polytechnic management, described the incident as an unfortunate one.

AAU produces total students, says VC ‘Yomi Ayeleso

200L, BUS. ADMIN,AAUA

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he Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof.

Femi Mimiko has reiterated that the institution would continue to evolve policies and programmes that would ensure that students’ stay in the institution was memorable and impactful.

He said this at the maiden edition of the university’s leave a legacy programme organised by the institution through the university Advancement Office for all the leaders of students’

Mimiko

associations and groups in the institution.

He said, “At AAUA, we are committed to making your stay as students here as exciting as possible.

“We want you to have positive experience as students so that when you graduate, you will be eager to give your university the type of support without which it will not survive.”

He thanked the university Advancement Office, under the leadership of its Acting Director, Prof. Francis Oyebade for the programme which he said would go a long way in helping the students know what is expected of them even after graduation.

The Vice-Chancellor who lamented the dwindling state of fund to universities across the nation, said universities must begin to come up with creative

ideas directed at expanding their revenue base in order to meet with their most crucial responsibilities.

Prof. Mimiko said “The future at least as far as the Nigeria context is concerned, may not really belong to universities that will want to continue to sit back and wait for government to fund them completely.”

He said AAUA had confronted the challenge of funding by expanding its capacity through the establishing of Ajasin University Investment Limited, University Advancement Board, Linkage and International Programme Office and strengthening of its relationship with its alumni association.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Bag and baggage—no pluralism

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HE NATION ON SUNDAY of October 18 leads the way today with this headline infraction: “24-hour broadcast transmission: the challenges and fallouts” The last word in the excerpt is non-count.

“This truth no doubt was expressed in recognition of the role of the press in any society, especially one striving towards (for/after) the attainment of democracy.”

“And as the UN was packing its bags and baggage out of Somalia….” Standard expression: bag and baggage. “…the whole nation hailed and applauded both parties in the protracted ASUU crisis for reaching an agreeable truce.” Gentlemen of the Press, what is the meaning of ‘agreeable truce’?

Students used to make newspapers reference materials for English language studies. I doubt if that happens these days, with oddities like ‘agreeable truce’.

“Cake is fattening thereby loosing its attraction to….” Correct spelling can’t lose attraction.

“I and the other Nigerians who had come to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia…” (Daily Newswatch, October 17) Grammatical discipline demands that you put self last: The other Nigerians and I….

“Kogi workers asked to sign attendant register” ‘Attendance register’, please. “…and the partitioning of the country by the clan chiefs and warlords continue.” (Daily Newswatch, October 17) …the partitioning (not the chiefs and warlords) continues.’

“Another recipient of the award was one of the directors of RayPower, a private electronic media….” If a non-journalist does not know the differences between ‘media’ and ‘medium’, I could excuse the fellow, but a (supposed) col-

league of mine writing ‘a media’ amounts to crass illiteracy.

“They have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the de-politicization of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues….” I cannot acquiesce in the ruination of modern English by some traditionalists.

“It was a most unhurried journey accomplished well over six hours, from 9 a.m. in the morning till about 2.00 p.m. in the afternoon.” One of these days, somebody will scribble ‘I saw the picture with my naked eyes’! Dear reader, you do not need ‘in the morning or afternoon’ after the abbreviation ‘a.m.’ or ‘p.m.’ ‘A.m.’ means ante meridiem (before noon). Similarly, p.m. refers to post meridiem (afternoon).

“The effectiveness of these provisions are hampered by ignorance and poverty.”

This smacks of language poverty. Ignorance should not be extended to grammatical concord: “The effectiveness…. Is’.

“Available statistics has revealed that the magnitude of housing problem…” Singular: statistic; plural: statistics. This however does not apply to Statistics as a course of study.

“Disbursement under the loan scheme are subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions…” All sentences must obey subjectverb stipulation: ‘Disbursement… is’.

“Students warn” without any ‘kicker’ or ‘rider’—this is a very unscholarly, dull and meaningless headline. I was taught in my first year in the university that headlines must make sense.

“A reflection into our attitude toward

claim settlement would expose….” I give the insurance and assurance that ‘reflection’ takes ‘on’ or ‘upon’, not ‘into’ “Earlier this year, FEPA officials had argued that they need an interval of raising public consciousness with regards to the environment…” As regards to the environment….” As regards…or with regard to….

You can also use ‘concerning’ in place of any of the two.

“We have heard of people running for office, a running mate, running neck to neck or the race between X and Y being too close to call”. Politicians run neck and neck; not “neck to neck”.

“Problems of one nation have a remarkable way of spilling into other nations as in refugees fleeing from one troubled spot to safe havens”. Good command of language: trouble spot.

“That same day, Robinson, his supporters and other Nigerians demonstrated in front of the Nigerian embassy on 16th Street, just a stone throw from Trans-Africa’s office.

“Democratic English: A stone’s throw.

“Criminal investigations into the controversial death of … has run into a hitch. “For a hitch-free sentence, change ‘has’ to ‘have.’

“The Akabogu family took the hospital to court last year claiming N50 million damage for the death of….”The family claimed damages!

ELUCIDATION & FEEDBACK

A fortnight ago, in this column, I magisterially declared that ‘tear-gas’ which I corrected by way of hyphenation, functions equally as a verb—not just a noun. A language pundit faulted the verb application, insisting on

its noun exclusivity. The controversial excerpt: “Police tear gas (tear-gas) Hong Kong ‘Occupy Central’ pro-democracy demonstrators” This week, as follows immediately below, two avid readers have thrown their weight behind my assertion. Please, no further contradiction on this obvious incontrovertibility.

Take this linguistic notice: no victor no vanquished in dynamic language debates! Now the interventions….

CONSIDERING the sheer mass of material involved in producing your column, it is a nonissue if one or two errors escape your eyes.

Macmillan English Dictionary (International Student’s Edition, 2nd Edition 2007) on Page 1535 says: TEARGAS (verb) (T) to use tear gas to control violent crowds. The Chambers Dictionary (10th Edition, 2006) on 1569 says: TEARGAS (VT): To use tear gas on…. (Bola, Ogori, Kogi State, 08058810301) ‘TEAR GAS’ is an uncountable noun while ‘tear-gas’ (hyphenated), an intransitive, is its corresponding verb. ‘Tear-gas’ inflects ‘teargasses/tear-gassing—gassed/has tear-gassed.

Look it up in The Merriam Webstar Dictionary, P. 53 and World Book Dictionary, P. 2153).

(Bayo Oguntunase, 08056180046, adoro62@yahoo.co.uk) LAST week, a phrase read: “Among items destroyed were textile materials….” ‘Material’ is unnecessary because ‘textile’ is a fabric or woven material’. (Kola Danisa, 07068074257) Wrong: counsels; right: counsel. (RayPower, October 13, 6 p.m. Bulletin) THE last contribution is from Dontexas Ekarika, Warri, Delta State, 08076252169: “Okorocha congratulates Obi for (on/upon) dumping APGA” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, October 10)

CEFWA charges stakeholders on new innovation Olajide Omojolomoju

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takeholders in the education sector have been charged to bring about new innovations that will bridge the gap between policy prescription and practice for effective implementation according to global best practices.

The charge was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the fifth international conference of the Collaboration of Education Faculties in West Africa, CEFWA, which held recently at the Osun State University, Osogbo, where academia gathered to discuss emerging educational issues, which is the ultimate goal for the establishment and institutionalisation of CEFWA. CEFWA Vice President and Dean Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olawale Moronkola, who spoke on behalf of the President, Prof. Olorundare, said

the communiqué centred on the improvement in the quality of higher education provision in respect of collaboration, best practices, research etc in the West African sub region.

The conference witnessed huge participation of academia from various higher institutions of learning, many who presented papers that revolved round the conference theme such as education, innovations, policy, implementation and challenges.

Presenting a keynote address, which emphasised on quality assurance in education, former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Osun State University, Professor Peter Okebukola, recommended that more attention be given to quality in the acquisition of knowledge of ‘content’ in subject areas as well as improvement in pedagogical skills of trainee graduate teachers.

Three other lead papers were also presented by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Oyo State; Prof. Olaniyonu, Vice Chan-

cellor, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Prof.

Ibrahim Kolo and immediate past

Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos Prof. Modupe Omoegun, respectively.

Group seeks review of curriculum Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (right) receiving Airtel’s award as Best Company in Education CSR Initiative from Business Development Manager, Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc Mr. Greg Williams, at the 2014 SERA Awards, in Lagos, recently.

Non-Governmental Organisation, Society for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (SOSEH) has called for a review of primary and secondary schools’ curricula to include environment related programmes.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the society’s 10th Annual General meeting held in Idah in Idah Local Government area of Kogi State.

Read in part, the communiqué stated that a review of laws relating to the environment, occupational health and safety was necessary to meet current challenges and effective enforcement mechanism in the sector.

Business Thursday, November 20, 2014

Nigerians to spend N700bn to watch TV in 2015

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Big data demand: Operators may fail to deliver 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Beer industry turns to youth to deepen awareness on responsible drinking35

Minority shareholders move to block Transcorp Hotels’ IPO UDO ONYEKA

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ome shareholders of Transnational Corporation Plc yesterday urged the Nigerian capital market regulators to void the initial public offering, IPO, of Transcorp Hotels.

The shareholders under the aegis of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, ISAN, made the demand in separate letters to the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. ISAN said in Lagos said that their demand became imperative following serious breach of operating capital market laws by the regulators.

The association in the letter signed by Sir Sunny Nwosu and Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, National Coordinator and General Secretary respectively described the approval for the recently concluded offer of the shares of Transcorp Hotels as the height of regulatory impunity.

According to ISAN, the sale of Transcorp Hotel shares was an authorised balkanisation of Transnational Corporation Plc. “We are not aware of any Annual General Meeting or ExtraOrdinary General Meeting as prescribed by Law, where a special resolution was proposed and passed by shareholders of Transnational Corporation Plc to dis-

member the company.

“Spinning off and offering for sale shares of Transcorp Hotels is an unauthorised dismemberment of Transnational Corporation Plc,” ISAN said.

The association said that it was constrained to draw the attention of SEC and NSE to the regulatory impunity because the IPO of 800 million ordinary shares of Transcorp Hotels negates the provisions of the Investment and Securities Act, rules and regulations of the commission and listing requirements’ of the Exchange.

The retail investors said that their quest for probity, account-

ability and due process, stemmed also from the issues raised by NOGA Hotels International, NHI, SA, a major investor in Transcorp Hotels.

ISAN also said that NHI had in a subtle caveat emptor advertorial published on October 16, 2014 in some dailies, described the IPO as contrived, following unresolved issues over ownership of Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja.

In their letter, ISAN members said, “We are apprehensive of the process adopted for the public offering and strongly consider it as lacking in due process.

“We believe that the sharehold-

ers approval should have been obtained at an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, EGM, before Transcorp Hotels embarked on public offering.

“Since this was not done, we hereby suggest you urge the authorities of Transcorp Hotel to follow due process in this transaction, as not doing the right thing would amount to encouraging illegality.”

ISAN also urged both SEC and NSE to protect the investing public by stopping the culture of impunity and flagrant abuse o due process in the Nigerian capital market.

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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, is set to commence e-clearance for both local and international airlines operating within the country.

A source close to the agency confided in our correspondent yesterday in Lagos that the eclearance would be unveiled before the end of the month by the management of the agency.

With the commencement of

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

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

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

Med-View Airline

L-R: Commissioner, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mohammed Bintube; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi; Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Dr. Peter Igoh, and Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, during the Telecoms Consumer Forum held recently in Lagos.

NAMA to commence e-clearance for airline operators soon OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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e-clearance, the era of airline filing paper flight plans would be over.

When this comes into effect, it would reduce man-hours lost by airlines as they presently have to visit the agency’s stations to file a flight plans before they embark on any flight operations. This would also hasten clearance for the airline operators.

The source told our correspondent that NAMA had already opened a portal for the e-clearance purposes while the

airline operators; indigenous and foreign had already been educated on the project.

In the aviation circuit, before a pilot embarks on a flight, it is important to file a flight plan, which would enable him become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.

The source said, “The era of paper flight plans would soon be a thing of the past with NAMA. That is the in-thing in the global aviation industry and Nigeria cannot operate in isolation.

With the coming into operation

of the e-clearance, the era of paper filing for flight plan is over and airline operators can easily manage their time.

“The only way that you can really comply with these requirements is to do your homework, develop a plan, and carefully execute what you’ve planned.

As a pilot, you are required to do all those things before every flight. What you put down on that form is far more than just more paperwork. It’s an insurance policy that indicates you’ve done your homework’’.

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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Business News

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerians to spend N700bn to watch TV in 2015 ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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s the world transit towards digital broadcasting, Nigerians will need to spend about N700bn if they must continue to watch their favourite programmes as from next year.

Nigeria has set aside July 31, 2015 as the termination date for analogue TV transmission, meaning that all existing TV stations will cease to broadcast signals that can be directly received on television sets.

To enjoy watching television, Nigerians will have to spend an estimated N700bn to purchase decoders to receive digital signals.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Computer Warehouse Group, CWG, Plc, Mr. Austin Okere, said that is a huge cost for most Nigerian families.

He however said that digital satellite TV service currently in the works from CWG and SES holds the answer saying that SES is one of the leading communication satellite operators in the world.

According to him, the fleet of satellites includes the Astra 2G craft, whose foot print on the ku-band covers Nigeria and the rest of West Africa with high fidelity signals adding that SES also has considerable expertise in digital broadcast including operating the HD+ high definition service in Germany as well as being the partner of choice for a variety of other operators.

Okere explained that SES’ expertise extends beyond satellites to content management and integration into worldwide content distribution networks noting that CWG has been SES partner in data communications for the past 20 years.

He also said that CWG oper-

Statisticians seek review of crude oil, other trades’ data laws TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Nigerian Statistical Association, NSA, has called on the Federal Government to review existing laws relating to crude oil sales data collation process and those relating to transactions in the Free Trade Zones.

This is to enable the country get reliable statistical data on all trade transactions on export commodities for effective planning and economic development.

Making the call on Tuesday in his lecture delivered to mark the African Statistics Day in Abuja, President of the NSA, Dr. Muhammed Tumala, said that the current laws were inhibiting open data production and denying the country of knowing the actual volume and values of transactions on key sectors of the economy.

Tumala, who spoke on the topic ‘Open Data for Accountability and Inclusiveness, Prospects and Challenges for Nigeria’, noted that even though the Statistics Act 2007 established the Nigerian Statistical System with coordination by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, translating the provisions of the Act to national economic advantage remains a challenge as other systems and processes for open data are still lacking.

For instance, he explained that while demographic data is still being produced and managed outside the coordination of the NBS, data production also remained too scanty in terms of functional and sectional coverage thereby making it difficult for planners and data users to have access to a comprehensive data on most sectors of the economy.

On the need to review the FTZs and other export trade laws, particularly the crude oil lifting laws, the NSA President noted that exclusion of the Nigeria Customs Service from assessing the oil lifting transactions and those of entities operating in the FTZs continued to raise questions about the validity of statistical figures on such trade being bandied by the government.

He said: “The importance of data in policy making cannot be over emphasised and all open data says is that such data should now be available to everyone that would either want to undertake research or carry out business decisions or design policies. That is what open data is saying.

“It is for citizens to insist on accountability and if they are to be accountable there is no other way of expressing accountability other than using data. It is for the media to also educate both the public on the need to use facts hold public officers responsible for their actions’’.

ates both a teleport for the upload of signals to SES satellites as well as a Tier 3 Data Centre that provide hosting services for storage and management of content and signals.

He disclosed that CWG and SES have introduced a service that allows any broadcaster to broadcast digital satellite signals that will be received using a variety of standard decoders, and these signals will be re-

ceived all over Nigeria and West Africa.

The broadcasters will not need to change their existing equipment but will only need to make minor investment in digital encoders and they are good to go,” hed said.

The implication he noted, is that Zamfara State TV signals, for example can be received all over Nigeria as well as Osun State TV or Channels TV stress-

ing that State TV broadcasting stations will no longer need to invest in expensive repeater stations in order to cover their states.

He noted that all that is possible because the CWG/SES system can accept live content as well as recorded content saying that it can also broadcast standard definition as well as high definition picture quality.

Access Bank, FMO sign $30m facility to support women UDO ONYEKA

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n furtherance of its commitment to women empowerment and the creation of a Women Empowerment Fund ,WEF, Access Bank Plc and Netherlands Development Finance Company ,FMO, have agreed on a $30m facility for on lending to Women in the Small and Medium Enterprises, SME’s, in Nigeria.

The line of credit will provide financial resources to women owned small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria.

The facility will also be utilised

in providing capacity building, debt capital support to women owned businesses, and promote the bank’s financial goal of reaching the unbanked through provision of cheap funding.

The Women Empowerment Fund will be funded through a fifty-fifty participation from Access Bank Plc and Netherlands Development Finance Company, FMO, and will be available to Women owned SME’s operating in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Bank’s head office in Lagos, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Direc-

tor, Access Bank Plc, said “This for us is a milestone achievement and a step further in our relationship with FMO. ‘‘We did collaborate in 2006 to promote the Gender Empowerment programme, GEM, but I think today’s facility for us is necessitated because of the large programme we have for women in Access Bank.

Our aim is to inspire women through various strategic mentoring programs, a very interactive website which connects them, giving them better financial support and financial advisory services to enable them succeed as entrepreneurs.”

Mrs. Fatimoh Niniola; her son, Hawael Niniola, and Head, Lagos Health of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Dr. Martins Obasohan, during the HEWS Foundation Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery mission, sponsored by the SPDC and its Joint Venture Partners, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, recently.

3 million jobs coming in 12 months –Minister MESHACK IDEHEN

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he new Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, has said that, the Federal Government is set to create three million jobs for unemployed Nigerians in the next 12 months in a bid to fast track job creation in the country.

According to him, the recently inaugurated National Job Board under the Chairmanship of Vice President Namadi Sambo is working hard to ensure that number of jobs is created within

the stipulated time.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, Turaki said the government is assuring Nigerians in spite of the daunting insecurity challenges and harsh business terrain confronting Nigeria, that the country will continue to rank as the number one economic and investment destination in Africa.

The minister noted that Nigeria is highly blessed with limitless opportunities for investments with a high rate of returns, which is attractive to any interested investor.

He said the Federal Government will continue to harness the economic potential of the country, in order to ensure that Nigerians derive maximum benefits.

The minister said other measures put in place towards achieving economic goals in the transformation agenda includes the rebasing of the National Gross Domestic Product, GDP, which, according to him, has no doubt secured the country’s rightful place as the largest economy in Africa and the 26th largest economy in the world.

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Business News

Thursday, November 20, 2014

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FRC appeals Intercontinental Bank judgment UDO ONYEKA

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he Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, has filed notice of appeal against a court of the judgment in a case arising out of the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank by Access Bank.

In an eight-ground appeal filed by the counsel to the FRC, the Council contended, among others, that the judgment in the case Suit No. FHC/L/ CS/485/2014: Aigboje AigImoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe versus Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria was against the weight of evidence, a statement by FRC said.

The FRC also contended that

the judge erred in law when he dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the Council challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court to entertain the case pursuant to relevant provisions of the FRC Act. “Another ground of appeal by the FRC was the contention that the judge erred in law when he held that exhibit AA6B was admissible in law and further erred by placing reliance on the erroneously admitted document in awarding judgment in favour of the Respondents.

“Another ground of appeal was the contention that the learned trial judge erred in law when it held that the Appellant did not have the vires to investigate the Respondents, the state-

ment said.

The FRC in its appeal also contended that the learned trial judge erred in law when it equated the use of the words “fraudulent sale” in the Erastus Akingbola petition dated 25th March 2014 with the commission of a crime and thereby came to the erroneous conclusion that an administrative panel such as that set up by the Appellant had no vires to investigate criminal allegations.

The FRC also contended that since the acquisition of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc

by Access Bank Plc breached sections 11 (a), (b) & (c) of the FRC Act, the Appellant had the vires to investigate the said acquisition.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had declared that the FRC lacks competence to entertain a petition before it, filed by the owner of the defunct Intercontinental Bank, Dr. Erastus Akingbola.

The Akingbola petition had urged FRC to investigate the acquisition of the defunct Intercontinental Bank ,IBPLC, by Access Bank PLC, and to investigate Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe ,plaintiffs, for their roles in the said acquisition.

In his judgment Justice Mohammed Idris held that by a combined reading of the functions and objects of the FRC as contained in the Financial

Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, 2011, the court reached the conclusion that the said functions and objects do not include investigation of mergers & acquisitions and other business combinations.

“The vires (powers) to conduct such investigations is donated to Central Bank of Nigeria and Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to their respective enabling Acts and not the Financial Reporting Council,” he stated.

He held further, that Akingbola’s petition purportedly invited the defendant to unwind the acquisition of IBPLC by Access bank, which according to him, does not fall within the statutory functions of the FRC.

MSMEs account for 75% of national employment OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

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he Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga yesterday said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs currently represent 97 per cent of the businesses in Nigeria and also account for 75 per cent of the national employment, Aganga, who spoke in Abuja during opening the ceremony of the Eight Developing Countries, D-8 SME Governmental Bodies’ meeting, also maintained that MSME is one of the most viable sectors of the nation’s economy.

The D-8 meeting, being hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN with the theme: “Promoting Green SMEs or Sustainable Development”, is made up of Nigeria, Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan and Iran.

He said, “The growth in this sector is directly correlated with growth in the economy as a whole and in the level of employment throughout Nigeria”.

He, however, pointed out that translating the strong macro-economic performances to improvements in the living standards of the citizens and growth in MSMEs sub-sector remains one of the most critical challenges confronting the country.

According to him, MSMEs are crucial to the economic development of the country, adding that they have the potential to drastically reduce unemployment and poverty if properly nurtured and developed.

“The MSMEs sub-sector pro-

vides the platform for increasing global competitiveness of our economy and is a key driver towards achieving the objectives of Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda and the national Vision 20:2020”, he said.

Aganga affirmed that the quickest and most effective way to impact average Nigerian and for the country to achieve the desired economic breakthrough is to give priority and resources to grow the sub-sector.

The minister said, “This sub-sector is the legacy we will leave behind. It is the future of Nigeria. Most countries across the globe have done this and have achieved tremendous results”.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar Suleiman, noted that the sub-sector had achieved some laudable initiatives in the recent past, especially the revival of the automobile industry.

L-R: Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Kabelo Makwane; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mike Ikpoki, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje and Founder, Health Plus Ltd, Bukky George, during the 2014 MTN SME Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

Low oil prices affected Halliburton, Baker Hughes $34.6bn deal UDEME AKPAN

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aker Hughes which Halliburton has procured at the price of $34.6bn would have been sold for more if not for the low prices of oil in the global market.

The lull in the global oil mar-

ket is said to have culminated in the low assessment of the firm, especially as global oil prices have tumbled 31 percent over the past five months.

The development compelled operators to cut down operations, including drilling which constitutes the major activities of Halliburton and Baker Hughes involved

Seven US firms paid more to CEOs than taxes –Study

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even of the 30 largest U.S. corporations paid more money to their chief executive officers last year than they paid in U.S. federal income taxes, according to a study released on Tuesday that was disputed by at least one of the companies.

Amid talk in Washington about corporate tax reform, the study said the seven companies, which in 2013 reported more than $74bn in combined U.S. pretax profits, came out ahead on their taxes, gaining $1.9bn more than they owed.

At the same time, the CEOs at

each of the seven companies last year was paid an average of $17.3 million, said the study, compiled by two Washington think tanks.

According to Reuters, the seven companies cited were Boeing Co, Ford Motor Co, Chevron Corp, Citigroup Inc, Verizon Communications Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co and General Motors Co. The Institute for Policy Studies and the Centre for Effective Government, the study’s co-authors, said its findings reflected “deep flaws in our corporate tax system.”

In reply, Verizon said it paid $422m in income taxes in 2013.

“We do not provide a breakdown between federal vs. state in that total; however, I am confirming for you that the federal portion of that number is well more than Verizon’s CEO’s compensation,” a spokesman said in an email.

Boeing said its 2013 global tax bill was $1.6bn, though all but $5m was deferred due to development and production investments. A spokesman said current tax expense and cash taxes were likely to rise as 787 jet deliveries ramp up.

in the management of oil and gas fields for major investors.

Halliburton Chairman and CEO Dave Lesar stated that the combined company will be able to reduce costs by $2bn a year.

PennEnergy stated that the Baker Hughes shares have slumped 32 per cent, reducing the company’s market capitalisation by $10.4 bn between late June and Thursday, when news of a potential deal sent shares higher.

It stated that more energy deals may be in the works as companies with stronger balance sheets buy those that have seen their value drop precipitously, as well as drilling rights or other assets.

“In a recent conference call with investors, ExxonMobil hinted that it may be a good time to use its considerable cash position to buy undervalued assets,” it stated.

Halliburton will pay $78.62 per Baker Hughes Inc. share, a 31 percent premium to its Friday closing price of $59.89.

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Business News

MTN invites customers to anti-Ebola epidemic campaign

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he MTN Group has invited about 219 million customers across Africa and the Middle East to join hands with the company in a three month campaign, which starts in December.

The campaign, which is intended to raise funds for a “United Against Ebola” initiative, is in response to an appeal from the African Union (AU), MTN and other leading companies in Africa committed logistical support and in kind contributions as part of the first wave of pledges at a recent Africa Business Roundtable hosted by the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The companies also agreed to leverage their resources and capacity to help galvanise citizen action around a “United Against Ebola” campaign, and to provide individuals across Africa and globally with an opportunity to contribute.

The company in a press state-

ment said that it is inviting customers to participate in an SMS campaign to donate a minimum of US$1 adding that MTN is also working with some of Africa’s most celebrated musicians to produce an inspirational song for digital download on its MTN Play store.

The statement said that all proceeds from sales, post publishing rights and subscription payments, will be donated to the AU campaign.

“MTN is supporting this campaign to give further impetus to concerted efforts aimed at combating the Ebola epidemic and saving lives. As MTN, we believe the only way to start reversing the devastating effects of the outbreak is to come together to tackle the spread of the disease, and ease the suffering it continues to inflict on families and communities,” said Sifiso Dabengwa, MTN Group President and CEO.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cocoa price hike to boost Ghana output ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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ocoa production in Ghana is expected to receive a boost in the current crop season with a substantial price hike for farmers and a new funding deal likely to encourage growth at a time when the global climate for cocoa remains uncertain and Ghana’s output has dropped.

A 62.74 per ce price rise for cocoa farmers announced on October 2 is likely to boost production at the world’s second largest exporter after Cote d’Ivoire, and also help cocoa farmers make long-delayed investments in new equipment to boost crop yields, according to and Oxford Business Group’s economic bulletin.

It said government revenue has dropped on the back of factors such as falling gold and cocoa prices, prompting a sovereign ratings downgrade by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) at the end of October, over concerns that external financial

support will not be enough to help narrow the budget deficit.

S&P lowered the rating from “B” with a negative outlook to “B-” with a stable outlook.

Cocoa beans are one of the key crops in Ghana, accounting for more than 20 per cent of all export earnings and 57 per cent of agricultural exports, but declining global prices in the past three years has squeezed producers and hurt export revenues, dealing a further blow to the country’s fiscal and current account deficits.

An improving global market since the last Ghanaian producer price review, however, led the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the government-owned marketing agency and watchdog, to announce the price increase, taking farm-gate prices to GHS350 ($109) per standard 64kg bag of gross weight of produce.

Ghana’s 800,000 cocoa farmers now stand to receive GHS5520 ($1718) per tonne for their product, up from GHS3392 ($1056) in the

previous season, with a total price of GHS5600 ($1743).

The industry welcomed the price hike, which follows projections of stronger demand for Ghanaian cocoa and increased productivity, and comes amid growing calls from farmers for a better price for their product after being hit in recent years by a sharply weaker local currency against the dollar.

International market prices for cocoa have been rising steadily this year, reaching near three-year peaks in recent months, in part due to fears production could be disrupted because of the Ebola virus spreading through west Africa.

The chief executive of COCOBOD, Stephen Opuni, recently expressed optimism that good rains and other favourable factors could enable Ghana to produce more than 1m tonnes this season, a level that surpasses previous estimates on Ghana’s 2014/15 production.

Derby Bombardier wins £145m Gatwick train order

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Derby trainmaker has won a £145m contract to build more than 100 rail cars for the Gatwick Express line.

The contract with Govia Thameslink Railway would safeguard jobs at the Bombardier plant in Derby, a Bombardier spokesman said.

The new trains will replace 1980s-built rolling stock that has been operating on the line since 2008.

Rail Minister Claire Perry said the trains would be a boost for both passengers and the economy.

“They will transform journeys on the Gatwick Express and Thameslink routes and safeguard jobs at Bombardier’s Derby factory,” Mrs Perry said.

The Electrostar trains will have “easier access for passengers with luggage, improved storage space, two by two seating and WiFi,” a Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) spokesman said.

A Bombardier spokesman said the order would “safeguard” jobs at the plant but no additional posts would be created as a result of the contract.

Bombardier won a £1bn contract in February to provide 65 trains for the London Crossrail project, which is set to open in 2018.

The Canadian firm Bombardier lost out to German firm Siemens to build new train carriages for the London-based Thameslink route in 2011.

Supreme Distilleries wins ‘Best Performance’ trophy

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upreme Distilleries Ltd, a subsidiary of Lexcel Group has recorded yet another enviable feat as it won the Group’s third quarter Best Performance trophy for “excellent and profitable business operations” in the period under review.

Lexcel Group is an indigenous conglomerate, which has no fewer than six major companies; proudly known as market leaders in their various segments.

These include: Nigeria Distilleries Ltd, Grand Oak Ltd, Allied Atlantic Distilleries and Vego Products Ltd. as well as Lexcel Technology and Lexcel Products and packaging amongst others.

Presenting the award during the Group’s quarterly Perfor-

mance Review Conference in Lagos, Chairman of the group, Mr. Ola Rosiji, commended Supreme Distilleries for once again coming top noting that excellent performance has become another major DNA of the company’s management.

Reviewing the general economic situation in the country, Rosiji observed that despite all challenges confronting the manufacturing sector, SDL has been able to scale the hurdles in its bid to excel. He specifically commended the dynamic management of the team headed by SPL Managing Director, Mr. Bola Soyinka, whom he observed as always being guided by passion, hard work and team spirit.

L-R: Representative of the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mrs. Chinyere Ogunsakin; Member of the Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Biodun Tawede; Representative of the Chief Executive Officer, NDIC, Dr. Kachollom Gang and Vice President, LCCI, Dr. Michael OlawaleCole, during the NDIC’s ‘Special Day’ at the just concluded 2014 Lagos International Trade Fair.

NITDA, devt partners to create 460,000 jobs REGINA OTOKPA ABUJA

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n view of the growing rate of unemployment, the ICT sector with support from the World Bank and UK Department for International Development, (DFID) has identified platforms through which 460,000 jobs would be created in the country.

At the opening ceremony of eNigeria 2014 with the theme ‘Creating Market Opportunities for Indigenous ICT products and Services’ held in Abuja, stakeholders in the sector maintained that ICT was the hub to drive job creation in other sectors.

The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack disclosed that out of the eight sectors of the economy

identified to generate sustainable jobs for the youth, ICT has assumed more attention as the most important sector to bridge the gap of unemployment to further drive national development.

Speaking during the annual international conference on information technology, Jack stressed that the sector since 2012, had boosted the Federal Government’s effort by contributing about nine per cent to the growth of the nation’s Gross domestic product by creating not less than 12 million jobs within the period.

He said, “The focus of eNigeria 2014 on technology start-ups and young innovators is considered very timely particularly at this time that the World Bank and UK Department for International Development are support-

ing Nigeria to create jobs.

“The support, which is targeted at creating 460,000 jobs across eight critical sectors in the Nigerian economy identified our own ICT sector as top most priority” Jack added.

In his remarks, the former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, stressed that data just like oil, was most important in creating wealth in the country.

To this regard, he called for more support towards information technology in fostering national development saying “NITDA was created to manage data and I believe that NITDA is an oil block, we must underscore the wealth creation in data and that is why we must encourage NITDA and other communication technology”.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Info Tech

Big data demand: Operators may fail to deliver Base on a recent dialogue between the NCC and the mobile operators over the way forward for using big data to drive the national economy, shocking statistics indicate that operators are still far from filling the blank spaces ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN writes

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here are convincing suggestions that mobile operators in Nigeria may fail to deliver the required capacity needed to drive the increasing demand for big data in the economy, particularly as it hedges towards full technological innovation.

The suggestions arose from recent developments in the telecoms industry, which has not only angered the industry regulator, the Nigerian communications Commission, NCC, but also subscribers who are currently bearing the brunt of the operators’ inability to deliver efficient data service.

Investigations showed that data services from the GSM service provider has in the last few years been epileptic thereby resulting to the increase data service providers like Swift, Spectranet, Smile, and a host of others.

Also the present state of the quality of data service delivery from operation even in the abundance of landed optic fibre cable propelled the regulator to draw-up several initiative aimed at data usage experience exciting for Nigerians.

Some of the laudable initiatives of the regulator include the Universal Service Provision Fund, the broadband for awareness campaign, the Infraco and more recently is the dialogue between the Consumer Bureau unit of the NCC and the operator, which was as a result of the July edition of the Consumer Parliament that addressed the issue of the quality of service as a prerogative of the consumer.

Speaking at the 76th edition of the Consumer Parliament, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mrs. Mary Ambayi said beyond ensuring the protection of the rights, privileges and interests of telecommunications consumers, the mandates of the Consumer Affairs Bureau also include developing effective policies and strategies that promote efficient telecoms service delivery.

According to her, quality data service is one of the six point’s agenda of the NCC because availability of big data is what will drive the nation’s economy as it is currently experienced in other developed economies of the world.

She explained that data service is the distribution of internet service on demand to the users regardless of geographic or or-

Juwah

ganisational separation adding that it is the responsibility of network operators to provide data services to consumers on demand.

Data services, she observed is of great importance to global technological revolution and contributes to national economic and social development, and that it eliminates redundancy and streamline costs stressing that although data services has many advantages, it has potential drawbacks such as server downtime from data service provider, data loss in the event of a disaster, and inadequate security of the data, both in its stored location and in transmission among users.

Unfortunately, the inability of the operators to squarely address the challenges has resulted to several complaints from consumers, which include inability to browse, abnormal depletion of data, unsuccessful data renewal and unauthorised service renewal.

The four months data complaints statistics of July to October 2014 released by the CAD showed that operators are yet respond to the positively to the complaints of consumers.

The complaints, which were rated in percentage, indicated that the operators were not responding to the complaints of the consumers. For the months of July, August, September and October, percentage complaints for MTN is 41.67,63, 10, 42.86 respectively while Etisalat records 41.67, 9.09. 40 and 14.28. But Airtel, which did not receive any complaint in July, however recorded 9.09, 10, and 21.43 for August, September and October while Glo recorded 8.33, 9.09,30 and 14.25.

The implication of this kind of trend where the operators cannot address same complaints in four months is that the nation is at risk in usingdata as a key to drive the economy.

According to Ambayi, efficient and effective data service delivery is paramount to enhancing broadband implementation and penetration in Nigeria adding that a sustainable telecommunications industry

Adebayo

we have visited some of the call centres of the

operators, where complaints should be received but they are mere

kiosks... presently consumers still very difficult to get connected when the data recharged eventually become possible is needed to drive the ongoing rave of financial inclusion.

Responding to the reasons for the persistence of the complaint each of the operators stated that they have taken steps indeed to address the complaints but Ambayi was angry that the operators could not present evidence to show that complaints have actually been addressed saying that the regulator expects to see slide presentation from each of the operators.

Lashing at the operators, she said that “we have visited some of the call centres of the operators, where complaints should be received but they are mere kiosk adding that presently consumer still very difficult to get connected when the data recharged eventually becomes possible.

She wondered why operators find it difficult to rollback data plan; compensate consumers over epileptic services that are not the fault of the consumer adding that

unsuccessful data renewal is still common among all operators, Responding to the CAD, Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Mr. Wale Goodluck noted that most of the problem observed in the complaints of consumers have not actually all gone away saying however that MTN has stopped unsolicited text message while depleting credit on voice and data has reduced.

He however noted that there was the need to educate consumers on the need to switch off some apps on their devices stressing that most data depletion are caused by apps that are left to be updating without the consumer knowing.

He said that MTN has commenced the process of unauthorised data reversal data renewal while data rollback is now possible even up to three months.

Speaking for Globacom, Mr Aremu Olajide said that Globacom always advises its customers deactivate all apps update to avoid data depletion adding that it is opt-out for all Globacom data plan is now clearly defined.

The operators all noted that locations play a key role in the ability of the consumer have efficient data service delivery while the kind of handset will also determine the quality of services that the consumer can enjoy.

While emphasising the need for the operators take the issue of quality data delivery services serious, Mr. Ehi Ehwohimen from Diamond Bank noted that it has been able to use data to improve on its services to its customers saying that operators need to improve on data service delivery. Meanwhile statics from the NCC showed that the operators are presently experiencing sloppy patronage on data as some seems to have embraced other data service providers.

The statistic is on the active internet subscription on the GSM, and captures the numbers of data subscribers on the GSM network running through the year.

The statistics released by the NCC in the month of January 2014 showed that Airtel records 11,065534, Etisalat 6364, 573, Glo 13,321,208 and MTN 33,327,955 making a total of 64,079,270 however statistics for the month of February showed that a decline in the numbers of active internet subscribers in the GSM network.

With the exception of Glo, which had an increase, all the other operators recorded a sharp fall in the number of active internet subscribers in their network.

Airtel active internet subscribers dropped from 11,065534 to 9,647,217, Etisalat though thought to have the best internet service lost 254,892 active internet service subscribers, while MTN with wider internet coverage suffered a whopping lost of 518,598 active internet subscribers in its network.

While the other operators were recording some increase in the number of active internet subscribers between the months of March and April, MTN could not maintain its lead in the industry as its active internet subscribers dropped by 104,647.

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Info Tech

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Tech Box

Huawei Ascend Mate 7 excites with fingerprint tech

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uawei, the Chinese company’s latest flagship device, Huawei Ascend P7 is finally ready for commercial launch in Lagos with unique features that makes it to stand out in the device smart industry.

Coming like a successor to last year’s Ascend Mate 2, the Ascend Mate 7 is actually smaller in terms of screen size. It measures 6 inches with a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, compared to the Mate 2’s 6.1-inch display. And you haven’t missed Ascend Mates 3 through 6. Huawei has jumped straight to Mate 7 to bring the new device in line with the G7 and P7.

Huawei has upped its quality considerably over the last few years when it comes to flagship devices and the Ascend Mate 7 has been given the same thoughtful treatment.

It boasts an aluminum unibody that immediately brings to mind the HTC One M8 while a rearmounted fingerprint scanner and new-look UI round out the headline features.

Additionally, you can use the microSD port as a secondary SIM slot for dual-SIM functionality.

The Ascend Mate 7 not only has a slightly smaller screen than its predecessor, but also a thinner body and minimal screen bezels.

Any 6-inch phone is still massive in your hands, but Huawei has done a good job of cutting away excess

Nigerians demand control of mobile marketing Stories: Isaiah Erhiawarien

M flab. The handset itself is 157 x 81 x 7.9mm while the screen-to-body ratio is 83 per cent.

Turn the Ascend Mate 7 over and you’re greeted with the device’s 13MP lens - protruding slightly from the chassis - and the fingerprint scanner.

On the Mate 7, the scanner can be used to awaken the phone instantly without having to hit the power switch first - a feature that really makes sense and works well in practice.

The back of the Ascend Mate 7 is slightly curved, although this is really only noticeable at the edges of the handset as you try to extend your fingers around its impressive frame.

Huawei has done a good job on the weight, keeping it down to a respectable 185g despite the size. The metal unibody is sleek and cool to touch, which gives it a nicely premium feeling.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

obile telephone subscribers in the country have insisted that they want to be in control of whatever unsolicited messages that comes from their network to their mobile telephone lines.

The decision of the subscribers, which contained in a survey conducted by French research firm, Ifop, on behalf of Gemalto, in Nigeria and South Africa on consumers’ perceptions of mobile marketing indicated that 80 per cent of respondents feel annoyed when receiving unsolicited messages adding that the same proportion could be won back by operators and brands if they implemented best practices to improve customer engagement.

The survey clearly highlights that consumers in Nigeria and

in South Africa share the same desire to be in control of the mobile marketing campaigns they receive stating that 83 per cent of respondents consider that mobile marketing should be permission-based while 90 per cent want to be able to easily identify the sender.

The study, which was released

by AFRICACOM South Africa said that subscribers also want messages to be relevant to them and that there is room for improvement in this respect even as nearly 70 per cent said that they received promotional messages that are not in line with their interests.

The survey indicated that there is a clear and strong potential for mobile marketing in Africa, provided mobile operators and marketers implement the golden rules: right person, right message, and right moment.

The report said further that if the end user is given control to opt in, opt out and select the fre-

quency; and if messages are relevant and provides value, 80 per cent of those surveyed in both countries would become “connected ad lovers”.

The study observed that in Nigeria, where mobile marketing is still in its infancy, those golden rules can be implemented right from the outset.

“In a continent where the mobile phone is the most widespread screen, mobile marketing has tremendous potential for operators and brands to engage better with their audiences,” said Vice President of Mobile Marketing at Gemalto, Nadia Gonzalez.

Gonzalez added: “Mobile operators have key assets for improving end-users’ experience of mobile marketing. Starting with a respect for consumer privacy, their ability to segment campaigns by end-users’ profiles, location and interests puts them in the driving seat in helping brands apply these golden rules.“

Galaxy Note 4 design to appeal

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amsung may have packed in more power, an even better display and a great camera making the Note 4 for an excellent smartphone natural appealing to hold and feel.

Samsung has tried to make the removable plastic cover feel more premiums by giving it a leather effect finish, but there’s still no fooling your hand with that unmistakable texture.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 measures 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm, almost the same as its predecessor and smaller in width and depth than the Galaxy Note 2, which is impressive considering this is the first of the Note series to sport a metal frame.

It’s safe to say then, if you’re already accustomed to the larger league of smartphones then the Galaxy Note 4 will feel right at home in your palm.

It definitely feels different and refined enough - plus it’s light too, just a touch over the weight of the Note 3 at 176g.

Samsung’s tried and tested physical home key still resides at the bottom of the screen, providing a location for the Korean firm

L-R: Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv; Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport, West Africa; Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria; Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager, GOtv; and Peter Ayewoh, Marketing Manager, Dana Motors Limited during the press conference of MultiChoice Super Cruise Promo, held at Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

CWG redefines eCommerce with openship

C to stuff in its fingerprint scanner.

To the left of the home button is the Multi-tasking key, while on the right you get Back. Both Back and Multi-tasking are completely hidden when not illuminated by the backlights, providing a clean finish to the front of the Galaxy Note 4.

The Note 4 can be tricky to use one-handed. Round the back you’ll find a 16MP camera, LED flash and the heart rate monitor which also features on the Galaxy S5, S5 Mini and Galaxy Alpha.

omputer Warehouse Group Plc has redefined the concept eCommerce in the nations online trading industry with the introduction Openshopen platform, a portal that enables any one to sell anything online.

According to founder/chief executive officer of the company,Mr. Austin Okere, with the CWG Openshopen trading services such as collecting payments and making deliveries are now seamless adding that “once you sign up, you can, if you want, begin to receive payments online and have your goods delivered to customers nationwide without having to invest in any other logistics for payments or delivery.”

He disclosed that the CWG Openshopen platform enables anyone to sell anything online stating that “sales is not only about accepting orders.”

Okere said: “Take for instance an FMCG that currently battles with a bank to help do collections and hires an army of order takers to input order details into her ERP system. The FMCG can replace the entire collection and ordering system by opening an online shop on openshopen for her factors and distributors. They will order online, pay online and delivery can be arranged.”

He described the CWG Openshopen platform as a new innovation that takes eCommerce way beyond the pedestrian selling of shoes and phones, and extends it into the best tool for increased market access.

He added, “It is common to associate eCommerce with popular sites such as Jumia or Konga or Amazon and other online retail shops. In Nigeria, it is a belief that is held by a large number of Nige-

rians that when you want to buy consumer items like shoes or electronics or books you can go online.

Of course other web sites allow you to search for jobs or properties or cars but you cannot really buy those online.”

He however observed that that does not mean eCommerce noting that eCommerce properly done allows an organisation of any size to greatly increase her turnover and sales irrespective of the business or the goods being sold.

He explained that “latest statistics show that 66 million Nigerians are on Facebook, the popular internet social website. 24 million Nigerians have smartphones that have internet capability, and internet penetration is at 50 per cent. Internet is used in Nigeria by men, women, children, teachers, students, businessmen and enterprises.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, November 20, 2014

33

Government Technology

Ericsson deploys technology to tackle global crisis Stories: Isaiah Erhiawarien

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lthough the federal government has successful contained the Ebola scourge yet the role that technology will play as more African countries and the world battles the epidemic has been re-emphasised by details released from Ericsson’s technology house.

The latest is that Ericsson and the International Rescue Committee, IRC, has announced a multi-faceted partnership aimed at connecting andproviding support for those impacted by health, natural disaster and conflict-driven humanitarian

crises.

The partnership initially will focus on the use of mobile phones and applications designed to support Ebola infection-prevention efforts at primary healthcare facilities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

According to Ericsson, the technology will enable IRC teams to more accurately and efficiently capture and monitor data related to the facilities’ Ebola preparedness and response saying that the partnership will provide technology and services that enable displaced families to reconnect with one another.

Also on the longer term, organisations will collaborate on employee volunteer engage-

ment, common projects, advocacy and knowledge-sharing.

Commenting on the new partnership, President and CEO of IRC, David Miliband, said: “The combination of IRC’s operational expertise and Ericsson’s technology leadership has huge potential to help alleviate human suffering in some of the places hardest hit by conflict and disease. Ericsson’s global reach and proven track record in using technology for good will be a huge asset in future relief efforts.”

Vice President Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson, Elaine WeidmanGrunewald described the partnership as Ericsson’s response

L-R, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (right) receiving Airtel’s award as Best Company in Education CSR from Business Development Manager, Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc. (PCMN), Mr. Greg Williams, at The SERAs Awards 2014 held in Lagos.

to the humanitarian challenge facing the world saying, “The world of humanitarian response is challenged like never before.

The spread of Ebola, the Syr-

ian refugee crisis and less highprofile crisis in South Sudan all present different challenges to those working with humanitarian response.”

EMC to host stakeholders on software transition

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T and business transformation, EMC will be hosting businesses in Nigeria on how to make the transition to softwaredefined enterprise by leveraging the power of cloud computing and big data.

The one-day forum, which is the annual EMC IT event, will see top decision makers and IT professionals from different organisations brainstorm on the latest challenges and trends in the industry.

The event will also facilitate ac-

cess to information on the latest technologies that enable enterprise owners better manage critical operations, optimize resources and costs as well as enhance customer engagement.

Key speakers expected at the event include Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer of EMC, Patricia Florissi and Managing director of EMC Levant and Emerging Africa Region, Nazim Fraijat. The company’s Regional Manager for West Africa.

EMC Regional Manager for West Africa, Rasheed Ola Jimoh, will also be in attendance to engage participants in interactive discussions aimed at highlighting best practices in the IT sector, using case studies to help organizations meet the demands of the dynamic global IT landscape.

Concerning the event, he said: “EMC has long established a reputation as a global leader in helping businesses and service providers transform their operations and

deliver information technology as a service. The annual EMC Forum is another demonstration of this commitment.”

In addition to keynote presentations, the forum will feature an IT exhibition designed to enable participants familiarize themselves with the latest technologies and solutions from EMC and its partners. EMC experts will also be on hand to facilitate virtual demonstrations that will showcase these solutions to participants, giving

them first-hand experience and demonstrating the simplicity of managing EMC’s products.

The EMC Forum is sponsored

by Lenovo, VMware, Intel and VCE. It forms part of a series of 50 signature Forums and Exhibitions, 34 of which will be hosted in key countries across the EMEA region including Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, London, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey, among others.

Financial Technology

Digital forensics spotted as challenge of e-fraud prosecution

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he deficiency of expertise in digital forensics within the banking sector impairs adequate evidence to prosecute fraudsters that are apprehended and charged to court.

That was the submission of key stakeholders in the financial sector at the Annual E- Payment Systems and Fraud Conference organised by the E-payment Providers Association of Nigeria held recently in Lagos.

In a communiqué released at the end of the conference with the theme: Unbundling the Criminal

Justice Process in a Digital Economy, participants expressed their commitment to the development of a formidable electronic crime justice process.

According to them, the criminal justice process in Nigeria in relation to electronic frauds is evolving with relevant laws still being enacted and law enforcement agencies and judicial system still in the process of understanding the technicalities of the issues.

They participants while welcoming the formation of a collaborative strategy between the

NCC names new media head

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he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has appointed Mr. Sonny Aragba-Akpore as its new Head of Media. The appointmentwas approved by the board of the Commission.

Aragba-Akpore, one of the longest serving pioneers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) reporting in Nigeria’s deregu-

lated telecommunications sector, worked at The Guardian, from 1991 to 2010, and managed the News Desk before joining Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), where he also turned around the media profile of the company from relative obscurity to national and international prominence.

A statement by Director, Pub-

judiciary, the law enforcement agencies and the financial industry promised to offered the industry their full support to strengthen justice and to implement policies and procedures that ensure that all components of the process are effective.

According to them, “all of these measures are necessary in order to successfully combat electronic payment crimes which threaten the entire payment framework.”

They noted that electronic payment fraud is a threat not only to individuals and corporate organ-

isations but to the entire nation saying that its cost implication can be measured through its economic and social impacts.

They said further that it affects job opportunities and reduces standard of living adding that “it diminishes national image, affects consumers’ confidence, ruin big brands and erodes international confidence in the authenticity of our payments systems.”

While condemning the acts of fraudsters who gladly exploit the anonymity, global reach, speed and cost effectiveness of the elec-

lic Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said Aragba-Akpore holds both the Bachelors of Arts and Masters Degrees in English from the University of Lagos.

Aragba-Akpore is joining Mr. Reuben Muoka who is now incharge of the Public relations Unit of the Public Affairs Department of the Commission man-

aged the image of the commission.

Muoka, another pioneer ICT journalist and PR practitioner, used to be with Vanguard Newspaper before he joined MTS First Wireless as Head of Public Relation, and later the NCC where he brought his wealth of experience on the beat in projecting the Commission’sactivities.

tronic payment system to pursue criminal endeavours, the participants agreed to cooperate and do everything to ensure that offenders are brought to justice noting that this will send a signal to criminals and help put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of crimes and contribute to the prevention of such crimes.

The communiqué indicated that the industry is committed to supporting the judiciary and law enforcement agents with awareness and trainings on trends and techniques of electronic crime decrying the situation where the prosecutors and the judiciary are not invited to be part of knowledge event.

The participants while recognising the role of the judiciary as essential strategic partners to stemming electronic fraud advised investigators and prosecutors to pay great attention to details and be meticulous to ensure investigations stand the scrutiny of the courts since the courts decisions are based on evidence.

34

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Taxation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How to obtain, update and validate your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

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he Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number allocated and issued to identify a person (Individual or Company) as a duly registered Taxpayer in Nigeria. It is for use by that Taxpayer alone. Registration for tax purposes is a legal obligation of every person who is required to pay tax in Nigeria.

The following necessary details for obtaining and updating TIN should be presented to the Tax Office nearest to the address of the Taxpayer.

Obtaining TIN For a Company, Enterprise or Business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 1. Duly completed Application form for TIN; 2. Either Certificate of Incorporation (for a Company) OR Business Name Registration Certificate (for an Enterprise & Business) showing clearly the Registration Number in each case; 3. Documents containing the following information: i. Address of Company, Enterprise or Business; ii. Principal location of business; iii. Date of Commencement of business.

For an Individual who (or whose business) is not registered with the CAC 1. Duly completed Application form for TIN 2. Any of the following valid (current) identification documents: • International Passport; • National Identity Card; • Staff Identity Card (employed persons); • National Driver’s License.

The following Rules are important: (i) All information marked * on the application form Must be provided;

Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala

(Ii) The characters of the Name i.e. letters and other symbols constituting the name Must Not exceed two hundred (200); (iii) The characters of the address also Must Not exceed two hundred (200); (iv) Email address must be Unique and Active; (v) Mobile Telephone Number Must be eleven (11) digits e.g. (08763201210).

Updating TIN Updating TIN under the ‘National Single Window’ System is a requirement for taxpayers with incomplete records with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

TIN may be updated at the Tax Office where it was initially generated by providing the following additional information: 1. Email Address; 2. Phone Number.

After updating, the system indicates

CAPP, Christian Aid partner on Community Tax Education project STORIES: TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Community Action for Popular Participation, CAPP, in partnership with Christian Aid Nigeria, has flagged off a campaign on “Improving Tax Justice and Equity for Pro-poor Development in Nigeria through Community Tax Education” project in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Executive Director of CAPP, Kyauta Giwa, said the project’s goal was to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of the beneficiaries in the informal sector on issues of taxation and continued engagement to enhance development in the local government area.

Giwa pointed out that it also aimed at

bringing to the fore, the importance of taxation in development and the role citizens can play to ensure accountability in the society, adding that this is critical as citizens are charged multiple taxes and levies by different agents, with no one asking questions about the legal backing for the charges.

The civil society activist, who spoke during a community mobilisation rally and road show involving various groups committed to tax justice and equity in the country in Bwari, hinted that series of key activities including, rapid assessment, training activities, and radio discussion programme had been designed and implemented by the CAPP and its partners in furtherance of their efforts to enthrone transparency and accountability in tax administration in the country.

FIRS Chairman, Mashi

that “The TIN has been successfully updated”.

The Joint Tax Board TIN (JTB TIN) It is important for a person to note the following information about the JTB TIN: (i) The JTB TIN is designed to subsequently replace the current TIN and is already in use within FIRS and several other States of Nigeria; (ii) The major difference is that the JTB TIN has ten (10) digits, it is uniform and general across Nigeria. It is UNIQUE for every registered taxpayer in Nigeria and not limited to FIRS Taxpayers alone; (iii) The JTB TIN is presently being issued out at the point of registration and also updated by FIRS and the States which have so far adopted it; (iv) Every Taxpayer in Nigeria will ultimately be required to possess and use Only the JTB TIN.

Validating TIN TIN validation is the process of confirming that the updated TIN meets the necessary conditions for transacting business with other Organizations such as Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), etc.

A Taxpayer can validate his/her TIN directly on the FIRS Trade Portal i.e. www.trade.gov.ng/firs by following the simple procedure and rules below: (i) Enter the TIN and the same email address that was provided to the Tax Office when updating; (ii) Next, enter the security word (captcha) and click on “Validate”; (iii) If the validation is successful, the following confirmation notice shall be displayed: “Register with NCS - Done” (iv) THEN, an automatic email notification from “Nigeria Single Window” with a log-in password and instruction on how to complete the registration process would be sent to the Taxpayer’s email address; (v) Upon completing the validation exercise, an email will automatically be sent to the email address provided confirming successful validation. A Taxpayer should therefore check the email including spam folder.

Authenticating TIN This is for the Taxpayer to re-confirm his/her updated and validated TIN. A Taxpayer experiencing difficulty in validating TIN (receiving Error Messages) should seek professional assistance from the Tax Office or send email to: tspd@firs.gov.ng or taxpayer.service@ firs.gov.ng

LCCI seeks more focus on consumption tax

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has advised the Federal Government and all agencies of revenue collection in the country to focus more on consumption tax as the country continues to explore non-oil revenue sources to bridge revenue gap that may be caused by the declining oil prices in the international market.

The Director-General of the Chamber, Mr. Muda Yusuf, canvassed the option in his reaction to National Mirror’s enquiries on how the country could effectively cope with the challenge of serious drop in oil prices

and its implications for the 2015 budget.

While aligning his views with those of other experts on the need for intensified non-oil sector revenue drives, Yusuf, said the plan to review the MTEF with a view to aligning its projections with current realities as far as the 2015 budget is concerned was inevitable.

Yusuf argued that cutting expenditures drastically at all tiers of government, tackling the problem of corruption in public finance and opening up unexplored non-oil revenue sources would help in the achieving realistic, efficient budget-

ing in the country.

He however advised that even as desirable as the drive to boost non-oil revenue collections was to the economy, government should be reasonable in its approach by ensuring that taxes that could hurt businesses are not introduced in view of the potential negative multiplier effects for the macro economy.

Yusuf also called for the need to plug all areas of leakages in public finance as well as timely remittances of collected revenues so that the impact of the losses from oil earnings could be minimised on the economy.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Brands & Marketing Beer industry turns to youth to deepen awareness on responsible drinking As criticism mounts on the need to regulate beer and alcoholic beverages consumption, one of the industry leaders engages youths an unusual way to pass the message of responsible drinking across. DAVID AUDU who has been following the trend reports.

I

t was the famous American Revolutionary and leading light of American enlightenment, Benjamin Franklin who in his memoires wrote that “in wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria”.

It may not be true that there are bacteria in water, but that is to underscore the place of wine and bear in his life, and indeed, in most people who savour the lightness some quantity of wine and beer brings.

Though alcoholic drinks have played prominent role in the social life of people around the world, it has however been a subject of legislation and human right group’s advocacy active to limit the sales and intake of it. Indeed, the outcry against the proliferation of drinking joints and its perceived negative influence among youths has been a topical issue for long.

This is out of the concern and belief that intoxication for an extended period of time carries the potential for considerable social, psychological and physical harm.

Like Tobacco, beer has in recent time attracted criticism from many quarters.

Ranging from religious zealots to consumer advocates and government agencies, the call on beer manufacturers to involve in self-regulation has continuously been on the increase.

That was why recently in Lagos, handlers of Heineken brand played host to consumers at Quilox, an exclusive club located along Lekki-Ajah road where an international and local DJs and musicians excited Nigerians throughout the night.

The party was spectacular as it boosted the brand’s international responsible drinking campaign – ‘Dance More, Drink Slow’.

The project is an industry response by the players to let the world know that they are part and parcel of the society. To this end, most beer manufacturers now weave their corporate social responsibility around responsible drinking and to discourage underage drinking.

The Lagos show therefore, was in con-

L-R: Senior Brand Manager Heineken; Ngozi Nkwoji, Akon’s Official DJ Benny D and Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth; at the Heineken Green Light

tinuation of the brands global campaign on responsible drinking. The brand has in the last few weeks engaged in what was tagged ‘Heineken Green Light Party’ to further take the campaign to beer drinkers, especially those that fall within the youth segment of the market. Like other beer, Heineken has over the years, been in the fore front of the campaign for moderation among beer drinkers and discourage underage drinking.

It all started when in the quest to heighten the campaign for responsible drinking and engage young adults to promote responsible consumption, Heineken, early this year, teamed up with the famous DJ Armin Van Buuren for a global campaign that reaches young people when they are drinking on and around the dance floor.

Tagged: ‘Dance More, Drink Slow’, the initiative delivers a responsible drinking message in a new, compelling way. Its focus has been on making moderate drinking an aspirational behaviour when enjoying a night out, and also highlighting the importance of staying in control The campaign, from conceptualisation to exhibition, organizers used it to further

prove that it is possible, and in fact a desirable goal, to drink and remain a responsible member of the society. Besides having international artists on hand to pass the message across, every aspect of the event, including ushers, had imprint of the message for Nigerian youths.

For instance, famous UK Hip-Hop DJ, Tim Westwood and other notable Nigerian celebrities who came out to identify with Nigerian consumers at the Green Light party were unanimous in their messages.

“Drink responsibly, and stay in control”, says Tim Westwood.

This perhaps is the first international responsible drinking campaign to target consumers on and around the dance floor.

At the heart of ‘Dance More, Drink Slow’, are a film and a song, both featuring van Buuren. The film, “The Experiment,” focuses on two separate nights out in the same club with the only difference being the DJ. It essentially shows the influence a DJ has on consumers to change their behaviour to dance more and consequently drink slow. The music is also a new van Buuren track, “Save my Night”, which encourages and celebrates moderation dur-

Heineken is passionate about responsible drinking; the brand is at the forefront of the campaign to encourage club goers to adopt positive drinking behavior

ing a night out; it’s presently available in 42 countries.

As an industry leader, Heineken, according to its managers wants to contribute to the positive role of alcohol in society, by making moderation an aspiration for consumers. It believes that it can be more effective in making positive behaviour aspirational by utilising creativity and tackling the issue of abuse in an engaging and relevant way. ‘Dance More, Drink Slow’ will be rolled out in more than 20 countries and will be supported by a series of integrated experiential activities targeting young adults during their nights out.

According to the Corporate Affairs Adviser at Nigerian Breweries plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the show was designed to redefine beer culture among Nigeria consumers.

“Heineken is passionate about responsible drinking; the brand is at the forefront of the campaign to encourage club goers to adopt positive drinking behavior. The Green Light series, which has won global commendation, is another step at using music through the best DJs from around the world, to create a movement that will resonate with young Nigerians. Already, the brand has proven its worth by bringing into the country two DJs from the US -Benny D and Babey Drew and the third DJ, Tim Westwood is billed for the final in Lagos this Friday. Of course, Nigeria DJs will also participate fully in the show,” he said.

In 2011, Heineken launched ‘Sunrise’, which brought to life the idea that there are no limits when you know your limits.

It highlighted that message by showing how to enjoy Heineken in moderation: Heineken’s ‘Man of the World’ has the opportunity to engage with friends, meet new people and explore new experiences.

Now, ‘Dance More, Drink Slow’ takes this message to another level. It builds on the long standing commitment to the ‘Enjoy Heineken Responsibly’ message which has been seen across the world since 2004 through Heineken’s sponsorships platforms such as UEFA Champions League, Rugby World Cup, hundreds of music events and the messaging that appears on hundreds of millions of bottles and cans annually.

‘Dance More, Drink Slow’ is an opportunity to make a ‘moderation movement’ - a fresh look at how this industry approaches the single most difficult issue that affects it today. Collaborating with DJ sends a clear message to consumers that they can enjoy themselves while remaining in control.

This campaign is unique and specifically looks at youth culture. It is about enjoying the moment and remembering it long after the night has finished. All this means consuming alcohol in moderation, so that the moment is not lost.

36

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Security, shipping costs top online shoppers concern David Audu

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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nline security and holiday shipping costs ranked tops for concerns among 71 per cent of respondents, according to the 2014 Kelly Scott Madison Holiday Shopping Study.

In addition, 19 per cent of respondents plan to increase their shopping on Cyber Monday from the day in 2013, reported Chain Store Age. Still the most popular shopping days will be two weeks before Christmas and Black Friday.

Not satisfied with post-holiday gifts, 87 per cent of shoppers claim they are likely to return items purchased through

brick-and-mortar locations as opposed to those who will return gifts bought online, 63.5 per cent.

Seemingly the more difficult option, 37.5 per cent of consumers have not ever returned an online purchase, compared with only 13 percent for in-store purchases.

The increase in Thanksgiving shopping hours this year seems to interest shoppers as 45 percent are reacting positively toward the lengthening of the holiday season, while 37 percent are reacting negatively.

And what will consumers be searching for Thanksgiving Day? According to recent research by the Georgetown Institute for Consumer Research, sponsored

by KPMG, 86 percent of consumers plan to purchase apparel during Thanksgiving sales, beating

out electronics and recreation items, both 67 percent. And most consumers plan to visit stores they already know and love.

As many as 83 percent of the survey’s respondents feel that physical stores have become too crowded on holidays, and so many are turning to online shopping, as 49 percent are convinced that the Web has better deals.

Rounding up the season, 71 percent of consumers predict they’re likely to increase their online holiday shopping this season. Plus, there is an expected increase in the use of mobile for both research and purchase of holiday gifts. The National Retail Federation is projecting $616.9 billion in holiday sales for 2014, and mobile will capture 20 percent of online sales.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kankarofi, Awosika, Adesina, to speak at Osogbo’s tourism conference

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lans have been concluded for the second edition of the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria annual marketing conference in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State this week. To chair the three day event is the Chief Executive Officer/Registrar of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Alhaji Garba BelloKankarofi.

With the theme; “Tourism marketing as a catalyst for economic development”, the event has also attracted high profile government and industry personalities who will be delivering papers at the annual gathering of brand journalists.

Managing Director of Insight Communication, Mr. Jimi Awosika would be speaking on

Exammate, Interactive IMID, win Etisalat Pan-African prize for innovation

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L-R: Marketing Director, Palmolive Nigeria, Mrs. Hannah Oyebanjo; General Manager, Mr. Davis Kanyama and Colgate Brand Manager, Mr. Gbadesola Adenrele, during a media chat in Lagos recently.

Morning Fresh relaunches, unveils new anti-bacteria variant David Audu

I

n order to consolidate its leadrership in the dish washing category, PZ Cussons recently unveiled a new pack for its premium brand, Morning Fresh, and at the same time launching a new variant into the market.

Speaking on the new packaging, marketing Direrctor, PZ Cusson Family Care, Sandy Griffiths explained that the company is committed to giving consumers new and exciting experiences through continous innovation that will ensure the availability of the products that will guar-

rantee easier dishwashing. She noted that morning fresh noe give the consumer choice as it noe come in three variants.

Explaining further the significance of the new variants, she said “the kitchen is the heart of most homes and a lot of activities happen within this confine place.

Bacteria survive in moisture environments , and the kitchen is usually the breeding ground for germs, especially around the washing area, the sink, sponge and washing bowls, and therefore the need to make concious efforts to keep those places bacteria free using the right washing soap.

She commended the consum-

ers for their loyal patronage in making the productwhat it is in the Nigerian market, while promising that the company will continue to offer superior product performance that will make the consumers proud of their choice.

Brand Manager, Morning fresh, Ifunaya Obiakor, also noted that the company is bringing its over 20 years legacy to bear in this new product.

“As leader in this category, the brand is evolving with its consumers by being innovative, setting the pace in the market and providing quality value for money spent”, she said.

the topic, “Imperative of effective advertising in growing viable tourism ecosystem. While the Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited/President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina to speak on “Nigeria and Repositioning of Tourism Destination”.

Other speakers at the event include Osun State Commissioner for Tourism, Sikiru AyedunDeriving Alternative Source of Income through Tourism, Chief Executive Officer, August Consulting, and seasoned marketing journalist, Azuka Onwuka,- Impact of the Media in Destination Branding and Brand Analyst/ CEO, Reliks Communications, Ikem Okuhu-Tourism in Nigeria: Balancing Marketing With Cultural Practices.

xammate and Interactive Media Interface Design are the winners of the third edition of the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation, presented at the AfricaCom Awards Gala Dinner which held in Cape Town, South Africa, recently.

Sponsored by Etisalat, the Pan-African Prize for Innovation which is awarded in twocategories, is aimed at encouraging and celebrating valuable innovation in the African market.

The first prize of $25,000 for the Most Innovative Product or Service was presented to Exammate, an Exam preparatory programme for JAMB candidates, while a second prize of $10,000 for the Most Innovative Idea was presented to Interactive Media Interface Design (IMID), a remote communication in-

terface for GPRS-enabled prepaid meters. The Awards were presented by OluwoleRawa and AdiaSowho, Director, Consumer Segment and Head Digital Media, both from Etisalat Nigeria.

Speaking after making the presentations, Rawa said that he was pleased to see that the competition was beginning to inspire local software developers and ingenious people to create innovative and relevant mobile broadband products and services that can make a positive impact on the economy.

“At Etisalat, we see ourselves as a young and innovative company, setting the pace for others in the telecommunications industry. Therefore we are glad to see that the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation is spurring young people across Africa to be creative. ” He said.

MTB awards: Oyeyemi to deliver talk on trust

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he stage is now set for the fifth edition of Most Trusted brand Awards billed to hold this weekend.

The awards, which is to be hosted under the theme” Issues of Trust in Nigeria; Moving from Rhetoric to Praxis” is being organised as part of contributions to brand management and restoration of trust which was fast eroding.

Speaking at a press briefing held at The NUJ centre in Lagos, the organizer of the award, Mr. Emma Udowoima, said the initiative became necessary in view of the decline in trust that had permeated our national life including brands. He said his desire to

restore that which had been lost necessitated his decision to continue to promote the idea noting that all effort should be done to restore the country’s dignity.

According to Emma, it is becoming obvious that individuals and organizations no longer enjoy the trust which they were mostly associated with in the past stating that the since the commencement of the award, there has been considerable improvement in perception on the part of consumers. He explained that the award has helped many brands in understanding how the products are perceived in the market.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, November 20, 2014

My agenda is to put Nigerian PR practice on global map –Ehiguese David Audu

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he Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, has elected Mr. John Ehiguese, Founder/ CEO of Mediacraft Associates.

In a short address after the election, Ehiguese thanked the members of the association for electing him unopposed, describing his new position of president as that of a ‘primus inter pares’ – first among equals.

He said with the advent of globalisation, it is no longer tenable for us as Nigerians to continue to talk about the potential and opportunities available must begin now to be active players in the global theatre, as it were.

“I am coming into office with but a single agenda: to put Nigerian PR practice on the global map. This agenda of course has some sub-themes, which I will espouse in due course. But make no mistake about it: this is a cause to which I am resolutely and totally committed,” Ehiguese added.

PRCAN is the umbrella body of PR consultancies operating in Nigeria.

Ehiguese was elected unopposed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the body, which held in Lagos recently. He had been Vice President since 2012.

Other executive members elected are; Muyiwa Akintunde (Leap Communications) as Vice President; Adetola Odusote

37

B&B wins MWA PR agency of the year award

(CMC-Connect) as SecretaryGeneral; Israel Opayemi (Chain Reactions) as Publicity Secretary; Moji Saka (Soulcomm-Publicis) as Treasurer/Financial Secretary and Mike Nzeagwu (Metro Media Communications) as Asst. Secretary-General. They will serve a tenure of two years.

PRCAN was founded in 1984 as a trade sectoral group for the public relations industry in Nigeria.

The Association works to uphold best practice in public relations in Nigeria in the areas of standards, conduct as well as economic well-being for the public relations industry generally and public relations consulting in particular for the benefit of all stakeholders.

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rooks and Blake Nigeria Ltd, a perception management company has emerged the PR Agency of the Year at the 4th Marketing World Awrads organized by the Marketing World, magazine. The 2014 edition of the Awards held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos had in attendance captains of industries in the Integrated Marketing and Communication sector.

Receiving the Award, The Executive Director, Brooks and Blake, Mr. Taiwo Ogunwumi, expressed his appreciation for the recogition with a promise to work harder at upholding the tenets of the Award.

“To be nominated and eventually win an Award of this magnitued validates the fact

Mr. Chef ends search for ‘First Lady’

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L-R: Regional Sales Manager Lagos, PZ Cussons, Mr. Adewale Ayodeji; National Sales Manager, Mr. Sampson Ekpenyong; Marketing Director, Sandy Griffiths and Marketing Manager, Mr. Charles Nnochiri during the unveiling of Morning Fresh Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid in Lagos recently.

that hardwork, commitment to purpose and been focused on a vision has its rewards. More so, it indicates the robust and healthy growth within the marketing industry in Nigeria. We are especially delighted as a company, winnig the Best PR Agency in Nigeria in just the fourth year of our existence” Ogunwumi said.

Aptly recognising the contributions of their clients, Ogunwumi noted: “our clients are at the centre of this laudable recognition. We appreciate the opportunity to extend our services and thier trust in us. Thus, we dedicate this award to all our clients and even more to the amazing hardworking family at Brooks and Blake”.

r Chef, one of Nigeria’s leading producers of food seasonings, will draw the curtains on the first season of its search for the ‘total woman’ at the grand finale of the Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show, which will hold this Friday, 21 November, 2014 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show is a 3-in-1 project that aims at producing well-rounded home-makers with the right combination of beauty and brains matched with great entrepreneurial spirit.

Managing Director of Bayswater Industries Ltd, Mr. Piyush Nair, described the Show as a corporate initiative to nurture

women of substance as well as contribute to the sustenance of a family-oriented society and the building of a strong nation: “Mr. Chef took up sponsorship of the innovative women development programme, the First Lady Reality Show, because of our firm belief in women empowerment,” Nair said stressing, “Our goal is to produce ready-toface-the-world women who are not only beautiful but are brilliant, homely and economically productive.”

He explained that Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show is not a conventional beauty pageant because its emphasis is on the totality of womanhood, not physical beauty.

Vivian Fowler brand: Elevating the status of the girl child

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have seen the passion of Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler to ensure that the girl-child occupies a place of honour in the society.

Even though Mama as she is fondly called by her students is 82 years, she is very active to teach her girls how to speak publicly and dress well. She pays attention to little details that others ignore.

These and many more has been the mainstay of the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls brand.

The integration and promotion of womanhood into the topmost heights in all aspects of human endeavors is the sole vision of the college.She has positioned the brand to become a globally acclaimed institution of learning.

Vivian Fowler College has always portrayed a global outlook as it provides a friendly and stimulating environment where students acquire rich and balanced education. This is aimed at moulding

them into complete, disciplined and well-rounded women, capable of exuding self-respect, confidence and able to make the best opportunities for responsibility and leadership. The essence of the Vivian Fowler brand is to educate without compromise and to give young women the empowerment of true knowledge and the understanding that the world is theirs to change.

The Vivian Fowler brand has been dynamic and vibrant in its approach as it provides quality learning experience to create the desired impact in the lives of the students. The college is established to promote the advancement of women through qualitative and functional education. It develops students personal qualities to enable them cope with life.

The vision of the college has translated into reality as the students continue to excel in both national and international com-

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com petitions. The school has won the topmost prizes in the Annual essay competition of Bishop Mike Okonkwo foundation. One of the students also excelled at the Microsoft Competitions recently.

Another student, Funlola Rhodes was the only girl that emerged between the five positions at the just concluded Cowbell Mathematics Competition.

The college ensures that it creates a good ambience for the students through its academic and co-curricular activities. It has a strong tradition of organiz-

ing structured international programmes. This is driven by the belief that international exposure is vital and integral part of the overall development of the students.

The college is indeed synonymous with quality and it ensures students are equipped with sound moral doctrine and values recorded to transform into motherhood.

A beautiful thing about the Vivian Fowler brand is that the college is not only raising the bar of academic excellence but also the immersion of sound moral values in the students.

Vivian Fowler College is indeed leveraging on the platform of qualitative curriculum to impact the lives of the students.

The school provides a conducive environment to not only impart knowledge but also moral doctrines. The Vivian Fowler brand resonates amongst the target audience as a brand that seeks to redefine the status of women in the society. The college has designed several avenues to showcase the potentials of the students and inspire them to achieve their goals in life.

The vision of Mama Fowler is already reaping enormous dividends as the college is reinventing the rules to remain the school of choice for girls.The vision to retain a strong pedigree finds fulfillment through the Director, Mrs Olufunke Amba who works tirelessly to improve the standard of the school.

38

Insight

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: Breaking gubernatorial

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one are those days when women were rarely found at the decisionmaking level of the various tiers of governance in Nigeria. Since the new democratic dispensation began in 1999, there has been an increase in women political participation at all tiers of government.

Though, in comparison to what obtains in some parts of the world, Nigerian women are still highly marginalised considering the disparity in the proportion of men to women in politics and decision-making positions. This can partly be attributed to several reasons, among which are cultural/ religious barriers, lack of funds, negative perception of politics, low self-confidence and political violence among other factors.

However, things are far better than what it used to be. Despite all the challenges, the rising number of educated women and professionals, the growth in political activism, advocacy for women’s rights by women groups, increasing recognition of the role of women in governance and implementation of affirmative action by successive governments as well as outstanding achievements of women in politics and administrative positions, have improved the visibility and pedigree of women in politics.

With the popular saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do better,” some women are ready to slug it out with men in an attempt to rule their states in the next dispensation.

Even with that many still believe that the representation of women in Nigerian politics is still a far cry from the global benchmark of 35% affirmative action.

About eight women have indicated their willingness to slug it out with the menfolk in the coming 2015 governorship elections, despite all odds.

Speaking with National Mirror, many women expressed the fear that electioneering in Nigeria is usually characterised by violence, electoral irregularities and various criminal activities. However the continuous campaign for women to be actively involved in the democratic process has yielded some positive results.

Due to certain cultural and religious perceptions that woman’s roles are best expressed in the domestic arena or at most in subservient positions to men, the political terrain in Nigeria is made difficult, particularly for women who not only aspire to leadership positions, but also compete with men over these.

Many stakeholders pointed out that gender stereotypes and the likelihood of being stigmatised as prostitutes, which usually discredits the character of many women in politics, as part of the many challenges women have to face. Also, in this part of the world, there are many cultural, institutional and legal constraints that limit women’s potentials.

Maybe, reservation of certain elective posts and affirmative action as being done in certain parts of the world, will be a viable option for the enhancement of the political aspirations of the Nigerian women. Some of the women who are bold enough to face the men in the coming governorship elections

As the 2015 general election draws closer in Nigeria, about eight women are jostling to be governors of their states, prompting SEKINAH LAWAL to take a look at their chances, even as she writes that women are their own worst enemies.

Ada Chenge

Chris Anyanwu

MANY WOMEN EXPRESSED THE FEAR THAT ELECTIONEERING IN NIGERIA IS USUALLY CHARACTERISED BY VIOLENCE, ELECTORAL IRREGULARITIES AND VARIOUS CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES include; Senator Helen Esuene (Akwa Ibom), Senator Gbemisola Saraki (Kwara State), Dr. Ngosi Olejeme (Delta), Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo), Senator Nkechi Nwogu (Abia), Dr. Ada Chenge (Benue), Aisha Alhassan (Taraba) and Dr. Esther Uduehi (Delta).

A former Senator, Gbemisola Saraki, daughter of the late strongman of Kwara

politics, Olusola Saraki, and sister of former Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki, joined the Kwara Governorship race on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She would be leveraging on her late father’s political clout, but the chances look slim for her considering the fact that the incumbent governor who emerged on the plat-

form of PDP is now an APC member and is still interested in going for second term.

Also, the disagreement between Gbemi and her brother, Bukola, is still unresolved.

Helen Esuene is also a Senator from Akwa Ibom State representing Eket Senatorial District at the Nigerian upper legislative chamber, Senate. Though, the PDP has made it known that the governorship slot is zoned to the Eket Senatorial District, which is her zone, the incumbent governor, Godswill Akpabio, seems to have his own anointed candidate from the same zone.

Among other aspirants who have worked with the outgoing governor.

Esuene has served in various ministerial capacities under different administrations as Minister of State for Health (2005 – 2006), Minster of Environment (2006 – 2007) among others. She has made very clear her intentions to succeed Akpabio as the next governor of Akwa Ibom and hopes to bring change to the state.

Ada Chenge is a well-known politician from Benue State and the only female gubernatorial aspirant in the contest for the 2015 PDP governorship ticket. She contested and lost the 2011 primaries of the PDP. She is the first female mechanical engineer from the state, the first female managing director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.

In her response to the issue of funding, Chenge said, “Barrack Obama ran the most expensive election in the history of the United States of America, but he did not do so with his finances.”

She believes the people of Benue want her and says that her decision to contest the 2015 governorship election is to foster unity and end the political acrimony between the Tiv and the Idoma people in the state.

Ngozi Olejeme is an entrepreneur, politician and administrator. She is presently the chairman of board of the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), member, Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) and Trust Fund Pensions PlC among others.

She is strongly being touted as the successor to the sitting Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and believed to have the backing of a great proportion of Delta indigenes at home and abroad.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is formerly a media doyen and an erstwhile broadcaster with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA). She advanced her political career greatly in recent years as a sitting member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikorodu constituency in Lagos State and is presently serving her third term. She was formerly Chairman of the committee on Media and Publicity and is presently Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and has won several local as well as international awards for her effectiveness in this role.

Another Senator, Nwogu, is a PDP legislator from Abia State.. An astute banker before venturing into the murky waters of

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, November 20, 2014

barriers for women APART FROM THE ISSUE OF SERIES OF POLITICAL

ASSASSINATIONS, INCESSANT POLITICAL THUGGERY AND GENERAL VIOLENCE WHICH USUALLY SCARE MANY AWAY FROM POLITICS,

MANY WOMEN LACK CONFIDENCE IN THEIR OWN ABILITY AND CAPACITY TO LEAD Ngozi Olejeme

Nigerian politics, she has served as chairman of various committees. She is presently chairman of the Committee on Banking.

Apart from the issue of series of political assassinations, incessant political thuggery and general violence which usually scare many away from politics, many women lack confidence in their own ability and capacity to lead. And most importantly, women are usually their own enemies as many women do not have confidence in the leadership abilities of their fellow women, coupled with factors like envy, jealousy, and other problems associated with interpersonal relations.

Women have not been using their numerical strength to their advantage. It is believed that if all women will determine to give their votes to women aspirants, the chances will be quite high for women aspirants. But instead, you see men marginalising women in political party leadership with most parties’ hierarchy dominated by men. This could be linked to the comparably poor financial status of women to fund or support party activities.

Despite all these challenges, many Nigerian women have made considerable in-road into the political landscape of the country since 1999 owing to the tremendous women activism, advocacy groups, increasing number of educated and professional women in politics as well as the positive disposition of successive governments towards women empowerment. In addition, those contesting now are believed to have the advantage of leveraging on the willingness and desire of the electorate for a change.

To consolidate on the current gains, women leadership organisations, government and relevant stakeholders should continue to advocate for the revision of legislations to favour the protection of women from abuse, empower them economically and politically, especially through the strengthening of affirmative action for women in politics simply because the cost of realising electoral ambi-

Gbemi Saraki

Helen Esuene

tion is still far beyond the reach of even the most-highly placed women in the absence of godfathers who are willing to “foot the bill’ in exchange for unlimited favour when the seat is eventually secured.

Nigerian situation is a very peculiar case. In order to succeed, women must cooperate among themselves to win in a man’s world like ours and refused to be used to pull down or limit their fellow women in whatever field of endeavour. They must agree to work together.

During the 2011 elections, there were more women who jostled for various positions across party lines. However, most of them lost to their male counterparts. Many still believe that Nigerian women have what it takes, not only to run for a leadership position but also to perform efficiently.

According to the former PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, the challenges of female politicians have not changed. “Women need to be encouraged to conquer fear because that is a huge challenge; women must conquer fear to be able to stand for elections; they are afraid of failing or what they are going to see. That is why we need the political parties and NGOs

to come out, encourage and train them and show them the way,” Anenih said.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa said it is getting tougher for women; but they should not be discouraged. “They should come together, support one another, lobby, but most importantly, present themselves in such a way that whatever they do will add value to people’s lives. It is time for women to show that they have all it takes to be in leadership positions, but they must come out first, have the courage to do what they have to do, dare to struggle, dare to win. Nigeria will not be where we are today if more women had been in leadership positions.”

In her reaction to funding challenges, she stated, “We have the Women Trust Fund (WTF). If women come together with just N1,000 each and say we are supporting one person, I am sure that person will get there. When women groups, special groups get together and decide to support one or two credible women, I believe that will be encouraging to more women to get involved.”

Meanwhile, the WTF Chief Executive Officer, Ayisha Osori, said the fund offers the opportunity to send messages about

39

changing the narratives of women in leadership and politics. “We need more women to run; not enough women are running.

We need to begin portraying the Nigerian woman in a positive light.”

Speaking on funding of female politicians, she said, “In the last elections, we spent over N60million funding over 150 women across 25 parties. But this year, it is not yet clear, because we do not know where the funds are going to come from, but when we get the funds, we will definitely fund women again.”

National Women Leader, Labour Party, and chairperson, Women in Politics Forum, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, said the forum had been reaching out to women and encouraging them to get into political parties of their choices, while giving them support through capacity building to make them understand why they need to participate in politics.

To increase the chances of women in Nigerian political terrain, we must rebuild the capacity of women and encourage more women to be active in politics, mentor the younger ones to come up too. Maybe we can have one or two female governors come 2015. We must break the man-made barrier of women not supporting one another.

As women make up at least half the electorate in Nigeria, many are of the opinion that women must be able to make such presence in policy and decision-making positions too. Also, the high fees for nomination forms (which most women cannot afford), should be strictly regulated and made quite affordable, thus, giving room for a level playing field.

Many Nigerians whose opinions were sought gave new dimension to the story by saying that most successful women in politics are those with supportive husbands, those who have become husbands, those without husbands, and those who are through with childbearing, those who have mingled with the military, acquaintances, daughters and wives of past politicians.

They advised that men too need to encourage their wives to actively participate in politics.

There must be a way of changing the perception that politics in Nigeria is a terrain meant for the hardened and where candidates cannot fund elections themselves without recourse to godfatherism.

Also, the fear of crime and violence against politically-active women should be a thing of the past so that the phenomenon of women seeking appointments rather than competing against men can end.

In addition, if the Nigerian political class can ensure a free and fair internal democracy among the parties, more women will have better chances of winning, utilising their numerical strength to the fullest.

As we all await the emergence of female governors, it is imperative to reiterate the need for a constitutional approach that will stipulate a reasonable, minimum and special security placement for every woman involved in politics at little or no cost at all levels of government irrespective of positions.

As the 2015 election gathers momentum, it is widely advocated that people should not see politics as a do-or-die affair.

The chances of a female governor in any of these states will be clearer after the parties’ primary in the affected states.

Only time will tell.

40

Cocktail

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Restaurateur pleads guilty to serving whale meat

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he parent company and owner of a nowclosed Southern California restaurant have pleaded guilty to serving meat from an endangered whale.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Typhoon Restaurant Inc. and owner Brian Vidor each entered guilty pleas Monday to one count of unlawful sale of a marine mammal.

They were charged with serving meat from the endangered Sei (say) whale to under-

cover investigators at the restaurant The Hump at Santa Monica Municipal Airport.

As part of the plea, Vidor admitted that he was aware his sushi chefs, who have previously pleaded guilty, were serving whale. The restaurant closed in 2010.

Typhoon and Vidor will jointly pay a $27,500 fine and will be placed on probation if the terms of the plea agreements are accepted by the judge.

Over 200 Indian villagers attend monkey wedding

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wedding between two monkeys in an Indian village was “solemnized” by a Hindu priest and featured more than 200 guests.

Udesh Mahto, owner of the monkeys, orga-

nized a procession and a wedding attended by

more than 200 villagers in the Bettiah region

Man arrested for stealing women’s underwear

A

laska State Troopers say they have detained a man suspected of stealing women’s underwear during burglaries in Kodiak.

KTUU-TV reports an 18-year-old was taken into custody Monday.

Online court records early Tuesday didn’t indicate he had been

for mally charged.

Troopers say the burglaries occurred over three months. Residents would retur n home to find items — mostly women’s underwear — missing.

They had been alerted to keep their doors locked.

The agency says the 18-year-old is suspected

of breaking into seven homes and trying to get into three others.

Officers called to investigate a report of a home invasion at 11:18 a.m. Monday saw a man running away.

They lear ned the identity of a possible suspect, confir med a description of his car and made an arrest.

Guests carrying the newlywed monkeys

Nov. 3.

Mahto told the BBC the male monkey, 13-year-old Ramu, is “like my eldest son.”

“I wanted to marry him off first,” he said.

The owner said Ramu and his bride, Ramdulari, didn’t get along at first, but he “decided to marry them off ” when they took a liking to one another.

The wedding was “solemnized” by Hindu priest Sunil Shastri.

“Initially I was wary of perfor ming a monkey wedding, but I later relented after seeing that Mr. Mahto was serious about it,” he said. “We picked an auspicious day and time for the ceremony.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, November 20, 2014

41

Market depletes further as Transcorp leads losers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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rading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday depleted further with investors recording another whooping of N251 billion.

The Market Capitalisation, which opened at N11.564 trillion close the day trading at N11.313 trillion or 2.17 per cent.

The All-Share Index was also down by 756.8 points or 2.10 per cent

to close at 34,145.79 as against 34,902.59 points.

The Financial Services Sector emerged the most outstanding sector on the trading statistics.

In the sector, investors traded 197 million shares valued at N1.60 billion exchanged in 2,281 deals.

The sector performance was boosted by more activities in the Banking Sector where 63.16 million shares valued at N972.28 million were

traded in 1,269 deals.

There were 52 price movements at the close of trading with 17 stocks recording gains while 35 recorded losses with Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc leading the losers table. The company shed 22 kobo or 5.23 per cent to close at N3.99 per share.

It was trailed by Oando Energy Plc with N1.19 losses or 5.17 per cent to close at N3.99 per share.

UBCapital Plc was

down by nine kobo or 5.00 per cent to close at N1.71 per share.

Nonetheless, R.T Bricoe Plc led on the gainers table with seven naira or 8.97 per cent to close at 85 kobo per share, followed

by Champion Breweries Plc that lost 46 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N9.71 per share.

Omoluabi Savings and Loans Plc added three kobo to close at 64 kobo per share.

Real estate group Paramount’s shares rise in debut

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hares of Paramount Group Incorporated rose as much as 5.7 per cent in market debut, valuing the owner of San Francisco’s landmark One Market Plaza building and Washington DC’s Liberty Place at $4.51bn.

The company’s IPO raised $2.29bn, making it the second-largest for a real estate investment trust (REIT) globally, after Hong Kong’s Link REIT’s $2.79bn public offering in 2006.

Paramount shares opened at $18.49 on the New York Stock Exchange and touched a high of $18.50. It was the most traded stock

on the exchange yesterday.

The company owns 10.4 million square feet of prime office space spread over 12 properties in New York City, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco.

Founded in 1978 by German mail-order entrepreneur Werner Otto, Paramount has 260 tenants including Bank of America Corp and Barclays Plc. Half of the company’s properties are in New York City, which accounts for 75.6 per cent of annual rent. One of Bergdorf Goodman’s Fifth Avenue flagship s housed in a Paramount building, just south

of the GM Building.

Based on the IPO price, Paramount’s dividend yield would equate to 2.2 per cent - slightly better than competitor Boston Property’s 2.1 pct, but well short of the industry average of 3.94 per cent.

Investors seeking higher yields amid low interest rates have flocked to REITs and MLPs, known for their steady stream of dividends.

The Dow Jones US industrial & Office REITS index has risen 15 per cent this year, compared with an 11 per cent rise in the S&P 500.

Paramount’s revenue

jumped 70 per cent to about $420m for 2013, while net income for equity owners increased seven-fold to $16.5m.

The company plans to use a part of the proceeds to redubt. It had about $3.1bn in debt on a pro forma basis, as of September 30.

The Otto Family Group, which has interests in retail and financial services industry in Germany, is Paramount’s biggest shareholder with a 13.6 per cent stake.

BofA Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo were among the underwriters to the IPO.

US sales beat expectations, loss-making Canada unit faces review

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arget Corporations yesterday reported its first increase in United States same-store sales in four quarters and a quarterly profit above expectations, but said it would review the future of its loss-making Canadian business after the holiday season.

Shares of the fourthlargest US retailer rose 5.4 per cent to $71.15 after the results.

Target said consumers responded well to its backto-school and Halloween promotions. It also reported strong sales of health and beauty items, which helped counteract the trend of weaker apparel sales due to unusually warm

early autumn weather that had marred results of some other retailers.

US same-store sales rose 1.2 per cent, double the rate expected by analysts polled

by Consensus Metrix. Earnings per share were 55 cents, up one cent from a year ago and beating the consensus for 47 cents, according to Thomson Reuters.

Target projected samestore sales to grow two per cent in the fourth quarter, a reflection of improving consumer sentiment. Lower fuel prices should help by putting more income in the pockets of shoppers, Chief Financial Officer John Mulligan said on a conference call to discuss the results.

Last week Wal-Mart

Stores Inc, the largest US retailer, also cited cheaper gasoline in reporting its first rise in US same-store sales in seven quarters.

Target narrowed the range of its full-year forecast, saying it now expects adjusted earnings of $3.15$3.25 per share for the year ending January, compared with its previous forecast of $3.10-$3.30.

Mulligan said Target has been able to pull back on the promotions it put in place to win back customers unsettled by a damaging data breach, which resulted in the theft of at least 40 million card numbers, but that he expected the year-end to be highly competitive. Target, unlike Wal-Mart and

other competitors, is offering free shipping for all online purchases during the holidays.

Target said sales in Canada rose 44 percent in the quarter to $479m but that it suffered a loss there of $211m before interest and taxes.

Mulligan said the company had made improvements to the Canadian business, including better assortment and stocking of items, but that there would be a review of the operations after the critical fourth quarter to determine the “best path to go forward.” The company declined to elaborate.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 34,145.79 points Market capitalisation 11.31trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

RTBRISCOE

0.78

0.85

0.07

8.97

CHAMPION

9.25

9.71

0.46

4.97

OMOSAVBNK

0.61

0.64

0.03

4.92

WAPIC

0.62

0.65

0.03

4.84

CUTIX

1.47

1.54

0.07

4.76

AIICO

0.80

0.82

0.02

2.50

SEPLAT

431.30

442.00

10.70

2.48

IKEJAHOTEL

3.60

3.67

0.07

1.94

PRESCO

27.00

27.50

0.50

1.85

AFRIPRUD

3.04

3.09

0.05

1.64

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TRANSCORP

4.21

CLOSING 3.99

-0.22

-5.23

OANDO

23.00

21.81

-1.19

-5.17

UBCAP

1.80

1.71

-0.09

-5.00

DANGCEM

194.94

185.20

-9.74

-5.00

JBERGER

67.20

63.84

-3.36

-5.00

UNILEVER

35.70

33.92

-1.78

-4.99

LIVESTOCK

2.24

2.13

-0.11

-4.91

UACN

47.00

44.70

-2.30

-4.89

FBNH

9.50

9.04

-0.46

-4.84

ETERNA

3.46

3.30

-0.16

-4.62

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.74

98.80

13.81

98.95

13.71

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.44

102.60

13.79

102.75

13.72

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.61

108.35

13.49

108.65

13.41

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.19

112.35

13.63

112.65

13.57

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.32

102.30

13.74

102.60

13.69

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.67 75.95

13.78

76.25

13.72

Closing Market Prices of November 19, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

19-Feb-15

11.65

12.00

14-May-15

11.50

12.18

3-Sep-15

11.70

12.89

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

15.7950

1M

14.3228

3M

14.8625

6M

15.6026 The Fixings of November 19, 2014

42

Capital Market

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at November 19, 2014 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, November 20, 2014

43

AHEAD 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

UPN fixes national convention for Dec 10 AYO ESAN

U

nity Party of Nigeria, UPN, has fixed its national convention for December 10, just as it said that it has no

governorship candidate in Ogun State or any of the 36 states of the federation as of now.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos yesterday, UPN National Chairman, Dr Fredrick Fasehun, said

before the national convention, ward congresses will hold on Friday, November 21.

He added that while local government congresses hold on November 24, state congresses will hold on De-

cember 3; National Assembly primaries will hold on December 6 while gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly primaries hold on December 8.

Fasehun said primarily, the ward congresses

Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu (left) and chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Screening Committee, Saleh Ibrahim, during the collection of clearance certificate, by the governor, at the party’s secretariat in Minna, yesterday.

APC, Jimi Agbaje no match for Obanikoro –Analyst SEGUN DADA

F

ormer Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has being described as a candidate to beat in Lagos State in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, hence, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and newly defected aspirant, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, are after him with deliberate campaign of calumny.

A political affairs analyst, Mr. George Philips, made this assertion against

the backdrop of a statement credited to Lagos APC spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, on Monday, describing “Obanikoro’s candidature as dead on arrival,” adding that after voting for a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lagosians cannot stoop so low to vote for Obanikoro and that anything the PDP touches turns to ashes.

Philips noted that it is clear that Senator Obanikoro is APC’s biggest headache in the Lagos 2015 gubernatorial race, hence its constant attacks on Obanikoro.

He said: “Every time

Lagos APC resorts to its campaign of calumny against the PDP, Obanikoro becomes the target of its vituperations as if he is the only gubernatorial aspirant on PDP platform in Lagos. This has only confirmed the open secret that APC, in connivance with Agbaje are playing out a script targeted at truncating the success of PDP in Lagos. Curiously, it is on record that not only does Agbaje fraternise with APC but, he has never criticised and has never found anything wrong

with the APC government in Lagos State.

“It is the same with Lagos APC, whenever it launches attacks at Lagos PDP, it pretends as if its man in PDP does not exist.

Phillips said that while Igbokwe continues to bark like an over-excited attack dog, he should know that his self-indulgent feeling of importance begins and ends in the doorsteps of his paymasters in Bourdillon and not in any position to determine who Lagosians will vote as their governor in 2015.

Omirin still Speaker –PDP lawmakers ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

S

even Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly said yesterday that Dr Adewale Omirin remained the speaker of the House against insinuations that he had been impeached at Monday’s controversial plenary.

Minority Leader, Hon Samuel Ajibola, who said the Monday plenary where Hon Dele Olugbemi was appointed as speaker pro tem, was in the state’s interest, adding that impeachment of the speaker was not contemplated.

Ajibola, who spoke

shortly after Ekiti State Market Women Association paid a courtesy call on the caucus at the Assembly, said the seven PDP lawmakers were joined by three All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers, who believed in the course of the sitting.

He however, declined to give the names of the three APC members, saying: “There is the need to protect them in a situation like this. As we speak now, three of the 19 APC lawmakers are cooperating with us administratively and three others will join us soon. The six of them will soon formally decamp to PDP. It is in the pipeline.

When we bring them to

PDP the way we brought the six who crossed to our side last month, I hope you will not be surprised.”

The speaker and the state APC, which accused the seven PDP lawmakers of bringing in three impersonators into the Assembly during Monday sitting, had called for the names of the 10 legislators that purportedly sat during the plenary and ratified the commissioner-nominees and council caretaker committees’ composition.

Accusing APC lawmakers of absconding from their duty posts, Ajibola appealed to them to return to continue with legislative business which

was the reason Ekiti people elected them to the Assembly.

The five PDP lawmakers who received the market women, Hons Ajibola, Olugbemi, Ayo Fatumbi Ajibade, Abeni Olayinka and Adeyinka Adeloye showered encomiums on them for appreciating the Assembly’s action as a way of rescuing Ekiti from economic doldrums.

Led by their chairperson, Chief Mrs Olabisi Okunmolale, the market women praised the lawmakers for their support for Governor Ayodele Fayose, despite being in the minority and taking steps to move the state forward.

will elect substantive executives who will replace the current protem officers while at the National Convention scheduled for Abuja, UPN will elect or announce its preferred presidential candidate.

Confirming that the party is in crisis and has been factionalised, Fasehun, however said the good news is that being in crisis has not prevented it from recording positive breakthroughs.

He said moles have infiltrated the UPN, adding that their primary aim is to prevent it from flourishing.

He said: “Unfortunately, these moles have succeeded in luring and drawing away significant pillars in this party, who have succumbed to the lure of greed. But this House of Awo shall not fall. There exists a critical mass of Nigerians of all ages, tribes and tongues, who have determined that enough is enough to corruption, nepotism, dishonesty, indolence, mediocrity, illegality, unconstitutionality and impunity.

“And nothing will stop

them from giving Nigeria the kind of democracy that the Chief Obafemi Awolowos, the Alhaji Tafawa Balewas, the Sir Ahmadu Bellos and the Chief Anthony Enahoros fought to establish.”

Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, he said it has known the right thing and, as a corporate institution, has refused to be compromised.

He said: “These moles and their allies have made all attempts to penetrate the Commission, but they keep failing. And we seize this opportunity to commend the men and women of integrity at INEC, who despite all attempts to buy and corrupt them, remain resolute in standing by the truth. Some have fallen.

But the greater majority remains as honest as the INEC Chairman, who remains a beacon of integrity and righteousness.”

He said the authentic UPN state chairmen in Ogun, Lagos and Delta states remain: Otunba Femi Soluade, Honourable Femi Ikuomola and Mr. Gabriel Mamuzo respectively.

PDP youths lament non-ratification of ward congress result FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Youth League, has lamented the continuous delay by leadership of the party to make the result of the November 2 ward congress result known, saying the delay is already brewing tension and disaffection in the party.

In a release made available to pressmen yesterday, the youths emphasised that at the ward congress, delegates were elected and the elected delegates are fully ready to participate in the primary election.

Noting that if the party leadership decides to act contrary to the wishes of the party members, it may spell doom for the party in the 2015 general election, the youths added that there was no justifiable reason why the result is being delayed since classified report received by them from observers who witnessed the entire process indi-

cated that the exercise was free, fair and credible.

They said: “That there was no crisis in the build up to the ward congress and no crisis in the Lagos State chapter of our great party. That we hereby demand that the leadership of Lagos State PDP should without further delay make the outcome of that exercise public knowledge as a means of upholding the democratic culture we are known for.

“That the result of the ward congress should be ratified by the national headquarters without alteration so as to douse the brewing tension any further delay in withholding the result may cause.

“Let it be very clear that the delegates that were elected at the ward congress already know themselves and are eagerly waiting to participate in the primary. It will spell doom if they are disenfranchised from participating in a program they have worked hard for.”

44

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Only youths with skills will survive economic hardship’ Leonard Okachie

Y

ouths have been urged to equip themselves with different vocational skills as only those with such empowerment would survive economic hardship rocking the society.

The Executive Director, Human of Substance Empowerment Initiative (HOSEI), Miss Abiola Abiade gave this hint recently at the graduation ceremony of 20 youths sponsored by the NGO on a three-month vocational training programme.

Speaking at the ceremony which held in Ibadan, Abiade, who is also the founder of HOSEI, said the organisation was ready to contribute its quota toward women and girl child empowerment.

She said the training, which were jointly organised by HOSEI and the Mother and Girl Child Initiative (MAGI), another NGO, would help in mitigating the impact of poverty among beneficiaries.

She advised the graduands not to relent on their efforts but to make good use of the opportunity given them.

She stated:“Youths these days do not get white-collar jobs when they graduate from college. You have been empowered with various skills that can put food on your table.

“This is not to say you should not strive to pursue university degrees. That should be your ultimate vision for now. The

combination of your skills with a good university degree will make you survive in this austere time.”

The Chairperson of MAGI, Alhaja Tawa Malik, congratulated the graduands on completing the programme, even as she explained that MAGI was engaged in sensitising women and the girl child against societal ills such as human trafficking.

She enjoined the graduands to make good use of the opportunity offered to them through the programme.

Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Atinuke Oshunkoya, who was represented by the Director of Poverty Alleviation in the ministry, Mr. Kazeem Adekola thanked the two NGOs for organising the programme.

In a related development, the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) and Micro Finance Agency in Niger has trained 100 youths on entrepreneurship skills development.

SME Director General, Mr. Bako Bawa, who disclosed this to the media, said the programme was in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He said that the youths were trained in six different areas of skills development programmes, including Information Communication Technology (ICT), pure water making, bakery, tailoring and modern agricultural production.

“The youths trained com-

Youths in skills acqusition class

prised of males and females and the different skills they acquired had given them different business ideas to set up their own business.As entrepreneurs, they would also train other apprentices to become self-reliant,” he said.

Bawa said that the SME has 33 micro finance banks in the state,

which give loans to 10 trained people as seed money to set up a business.

He said: “We have what is called direct empowerment, where those with business ideas are given loans directly from micro finance banks. We don’t give loans on collateral but on trust, guarantee; it must be a group of

people that want to form a cooperative society.

“The only thing you need is to have what is called equity contribution with the banks. You must have an account with the bank with some certain per cent of money in it. Micro finance banks give loans to cooperative societies, using cross guarantee methodology.

“The minimum loan we give to an average individual varies from N5, 000 to N20, 000, while the maximum we give to a group of people is N200, 000 upward.

“This N200, 000 will be shared to individuals in the group, so that if one person fails to pay the bank, others in the group will assist him or her.”

Yuguda assures corps members of adequate security Tola Akinmutimi

G

overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members serving in the state.

The Governor gave the assurance when he received members of the National Governing Board of the NYSC in his office.

Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Sagir Aminu Saleh, Yuguda said that Bauchi State will continue to prioritise the welfare and security of corps members in the state in demonstration of its commitment to nation building and achievement of the NYSC objectives.

He listed some of the achievements of the Scheme in different

critical areas of development as including, infrastructure, health, education and HIV/Aids advocacy, amongst others.

Yuguda said: “Besides the glaring role the scheme plays in the area of national integration and youth development, the scheme over the years has impacted in the youths positive leadership ideals and committed service through honest and constructive engagement’’.

The Governor also assured the visiting team of speedy completion of the ongoing construction at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wailo, to enable the scheme carry out its activities in a serene and conducive environment.

Earlier, Chief Bala Adamu Azare, who represented the National Governing Board Chairman, Chief Gordon Bozimo,

Corps mebers on parade.

thanked the State Government for its intervention efforts in the ongoing renovation and reconstruction of the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wailo.

Azare, who is the Rector of the Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, appealed to the State Government to speed up the completion of the parameter fence of the NYSC orientation camp and

other construction efforts ongoing in order to enhance safety and security.

Other members of the NYSC team are, Alh. T.A. Adekanmbi, Col. DC. Onyemulu, and Alh. Musa Abubakar, and the State Coordinator NYSC, amongst other top management of the Scheme in the state.

It would be recalled that the

State Government had last March directed the NYSC in the state to conduct its orientation courses for the year 2014 at the Adult and Non-formal Education Institute, Kangere in view of the on-going rehabilitation and reconstruction at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wailo, in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, November 20, 2014

45

Westood, others thrill youths at green light party Stories: Leonard Okachie

W

orld famous UK Hip-Hop DJ, Tim Westwood and notable Nigerian celebrities came out to party recently as the last Heineken Green Light party for this year shut down the city of Lagos.

Heineken hosted numerous A-list celebrities such as Alex Okosi, Sound Sultan and D’Prince to a night of local and international music courtesy DJ Tim Westwood and Nigeria’s DJ Xclusive.

Other celebrity guests included Tunde and Segun Demuren, Moet Abebe,

DJ Humility, Ebuka ObiUchendu, DJ Lambo, Baba Dee, Ice Nweke, Wale Ojo, Dotun, Stephanie Coker, Tunde Ednut, Ajebutter and others.

The night was filled with several memorable gigs and performances, but the climax of them all was a surprise performance by the Kroyman robot. The 8 ft 11 inches robot, stormed the dance hall for a short while with electrifying robotic dance moves to the awe and amazement of clubbers.

With classic songs like Olu Maintain’s Yahozee, Makosa to recent hits like Lil’s Kesh’s Shoki, Wizkid’s In my bed and Ginger, Wande Coal’s Baby Hello,

and many more, clubbers were treated to 10 hours of non-stop music and exciting hypes from both DJs. The last Heineken Green Light party for this year served as a perfect climax, for the series of club nights, which had earlier seen DJ Benny D and DJ Babey Drew perform at Club Escape and Spice Route respectively.

The Heineken Green Light series,which has already won critical acclaim, is another step at using music, through the best DJs from around the world, to create a movement that will resonate with Nigerian youths.

Youths at the green light party in Lagos.

Group moves to change orientation of youths

I

n a quest to instil an orientation of a new Nigeria based on national pride, productivity and patriotism on the younger generation, a team of young Nigerians have kicked-off the campaign in Abuja entitled “The Nigeria is Blessed Movement”.

A statement released by organisers of the campaign said: “THE NIGERIA IS BLESSED MOVEMENT is helping to discover, develop and deploy a new breed of news makers, that will mean well for the country; people who will talk the talk and walk the walk

without relenting, until Nigeria manifest her inherent beauty and glory for the world to see.”

The programme coordinator, Mr. Femi Jubal said the programme is targeted at all Nigerians especially the youths and the things they say about Nigeria as a country.

Secret to cutting teens’ sugary drink use –Study

Sugary drinks

A

new study shows that teenagers can x be persuaded to cut back on sugary soft drinks, especially with a little help from their friends.

A 30-day challenge encouraging teens to reduce sugar-sweetened drink use lowered their overall consumption substantially and increased by two-thirds the percentage of high-school students who shunned sugary drinks altogether.

The “Sodabriety” challenge, piloted by Ohio State University researchers, was an effort to confront the largest source of added sugar in the U.S. diet: sugar-sweetened soft drinks,

sports and energy drinks, and flavoured milk and coffee.

Students were tapped to establish teen advisory councils, whose members led the interventions at two rural Appalachian high schools. They designed marketing campaigns, planned school assemblies and shared a fact per day about sugar-sweetened drinks over the morning announcements.

The primary message to their peers: Try to cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages for 30 days. Students opted not to promote eliminating these drinks entirely during the challenge.

Overall, participating teens did lower their intake of sugary drinks, and the percentage of youths who abstained from drinking sugar-sweetened beverages increased from 7.2 percent to 11.8 percent of the participants. That percentage was sustained for 30 days after the intervention ended.

In an unexpected result, water consumption among participants increased significantly by 60 days after the start of the programme, even without any promotion of water as a substitute for sugar-sweetened drinks.

“The students’ water consumption before the intervention was lousy.

I don’t know how else to say it. But we saw a big improvement in that,” said Laureen Smith, associate professor of nursing at Ohio State and lead author of the study. “And there was a huge reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. The kids were consuming them fewer days per week and when they were consuming these drinks, they had fewer servings.”

Jubal said: “Our aim is to sanitise, influence, reorientate, and motivate Nigerians to start thinking good, speaking good concerning our great nation and all that concerns us, so we can start seeing the inherent good in it.

“Our mission is to get one million Nigerians from different categories, tribes, religion, class, work, and age groups to use the power of the blessing through spoken word to improve the transformation that has begun in the biggest

and greatest nation on the continent of Africa.

“We must bless Nigeria, you and I must simply say that to bless means to bring forth good in a situation, condition or personality, whether there seems any good to be brought forth or not.

How often have we condemned, criticised or cursed our nation, and the different sectors that seem not to be working as we expect them to, for example the Nigeria Police and the Power Holding Company,

to name a few?”

“We have brought forth more problems and unhappy experiences from this pattern of life whereas, if we had dared to take the opposite view and bless NIGERIA, we would have activated the omnipresent goal within it, and witnessed a happy result as a people and a nation.”

The campaign is expected to launch a TV documentary this week about the positive everyday ordinary Nigerian followed by a musical concert in Abuja.

Science for kids

Why do people snore?

T

here’s nothing worse than the sound of someone snoring if you’re trying to fall asleep. Or maybe it’s you who snores, and people tease you about the noise you make in your sleep.

Snoring isn’t just noisy. Sometimes it’s a sign of a serious medical problem that should be treated by a doctor. Read on to find out more about the snore!

Snoring is a fairly common problem that can happen to anyone — young or old. Snoring happens when a person can’t move air freely through his or her nose and mouth during sleep. That annoying sound is caused by certain structures in the mouth and throat — the tongue, upper throat, soft palate (say: PAL-et), uvula (say: YOO-vyuh-luh), as well as big tonsils and adenoids — vibrating against each other.

People usually find out they snore from the people who live with them. Kids may find out they snore from a brother or sister or from a friend who sleeps over. Snoring keeps other people awake and probably doesn’t let the snoring person get top quality rest, either.

People snore for many reasons. Here are some of the most common:Seasonal allergies can make some people’s noses stuffy and cause them to snore.Blocked nasal passages or airways (due to a cold or sinus

Snoring man

infection) can cause a rattling snore.A deviated septum (say: DEE-vee-ate-ed SEPtum) is when the septum (the tissue and cartilage separating the two nostrils in your nose) is crooked.

Some people with a very deviated septum have surgery to straighten it out.

This also helps them breathe better — not just stop snoring.Enlarged or swollen tonsils or adenoids may cause a person to snore. Tonsils and adenoids (adenoids are glands located inside of your head, near the inner parts of your nasal passages) help trap harmful bacteria, but they can become very big and swollen all of the time.

Many kids who snore have this problem.

Drinking alcohol can relax the tongue and throat muscles too much, which partially blocks air movement as someone is breathing and can contribute to snoring noises.

Being overweight can cause narrowing of the air passages.

Source: Kidshealth

46

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TV stations not encouraging independent producers –Yvonne Bassey

The Executive Producer of the weekly travel programme, Thru The Eyes of an African, on DSTV/Africa Magic, Yvonne Bassey recently won the TV Presenter of the Year award category of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, NMMA for the third year consecutively. In this interview with LEONARD OKACHIE, she speaks on developments in the broadcast industry. Excerpts: How do you feel winning the NMMA for the third time consecutively?

I’m overwhelmed to have won the TV Presenter of the Year award for the third year consecutively at this year’s Nigerian Media Merit Awards, NMMA. It’s overwhelming to think that little me could create productions that people rate so highly even when being contested with works from far more established organisations.

For me, it is a lot of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Which of your documentaries won the award for you?

I compiled a documentary centred around Ethiopian hidden treasure, situated in a very obscure part of Ethiopia known as Lalibela, where some of the oldest churches in the world have been excavated and some of these are still lying underground, undiscovered up till today. It is amazing to see the way people

own anything yet the hold their religion with so much tenacity.

Bassey

lived thousands and thousands of years ago and the way in which they held their religions tight, because in that documentary I revealed churches that have been buried hundreds of feet underground and you have to go all the way to the belly of the earth before you can reach them and they still exist today.

They are almost like Mecca for some African- Americans who traced their root to Ethiopia. It was a very compelling documentary. Their mode of worship itself is something to write about because you get them in their simple clothes. They hardly

Council admonishes journalists on ethical standards

T

he Nigerian Press Council has urged journalists to always follow the ethics of their profession while carrying out their duties.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the council, Mr. Nnamdi Njemanze, at the end of a training workshop for journalists in Lokoja.

The communiqué urged journalists to exercise restraint in their choice of language in order not to overheat the polity and undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful electoral process.

It advised journalists to exercise professionalism in news gathering and not to compromise the tenets of truth, accuracy, balance, fairness and objectivity in their reportage.

The communiqué urged journalists to be familiar with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the

electoral laws, Acts and other electoral regulations, to enhance their ability to strengthen the democratic process.

“Journalists should educate themselves on investigative and interpretative reporting to enrich their reportage. They should also involve themselves in voter education in order to enhance the democratic process,” it said.

The communiqué urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to partner the media to ensure the dissemination of appropriate information and effective election coverage in the country.

It advised the media to also collaborate with the relevant agencies/stakeholders in order to enrich their scope and as well as their reportage.

The communiqué urged journalists to always discharge their duties with high sense of patriotism.

How have you been able to sustain the programme?

First of all, I will say that what I do is a calling. I believe I was chosen to do what I do because if you are not chosen or called in this profession of travel journalism you may push yourself forward a little while but after a while you will run out of steam.

And by steam I don’t mean just financial steam, you need almost spiritual steam.

There are some places go you have to beg them to promote them because they don’t understand what you are trying to do. There are some places you visit in Nigeria the local themselves that you are trying to help by bringing attention to what it is that they have offer the world, are now giving you one funny price they say you must pay before you can have the privilege of promoting them. It is crazy. If you don’t have passion there is no way you can continue with such project.

But guess what? The good news is that after you have put in a whole lot of selfless effort into this travel industry thing there is light at the end of the tunnel. You find out that after a while people begin to look at you from very strange corners and begin to acknowledge what it is you are trying to do. You get feed backs at a certain point. Then you begin to see works of past years coming into fruition. There is no single documentary work that you do that does not come back into relevance at one time or the other.

What are the challenges that you contend with as an independent producer in Nigeria?

The first and the most and the seemingly insurmountable obstacle that I have had to overcome is that of airtime. People don’t give airtime for free and that is a shame because it is happening in an environment where the TV industry is exploding with new TV stations, with new avenue for promoting one’s works on the internet, social media and so on. I think the time has come for people to be able to draw a line between what they paid for and quality content for a station.

If a documentary is keeping people on the edge of their feet for 30 minutes without spending a dime, then I think it has earned a place for the station without having to pay for it.

Unfortunately, that is not what obtains.

Apart from DSTV that has modelled and nurtured my programme up until the present time even though I did pay for my slot at the beginning .They later realised that this is purely content, other stations should also prempt to recognising this. Yes we need to make our money but we also need to keep our viewers entertained on a continuous bases.

So they should be able to recognise such works that is not necessarily profit based .It is not only enriching your content but also enriching the status of the company

in which you are operating. If you are operating in Nigeria it pays you for people to regard Nigeria in a good light through the kind of documentary that I will be bringing to your station. Why should I have to pay for that? At the same time I am providing quality content, content that win awards.

I am being humble about this but I am being straight forward about this because I think it is time to bring about a change so that independent producers of which there are so many in Nigeria, who are bustling and bumbling with new ideas, great expectations and great creativity can have the chance to show what they have got. They can never do this if they are forever tied to the apron string of CEOs of TV stations that dictate how and in what direction your creativity goes.

We should be able to give our youths a chance to truly become independent and rub shoulders with other independent producers anywhere in the world. It all begins from being able to attract quality airtime on a good platform.

How would you describe your experience at Channels Television Station?

I started off with Channels on the production desk, not on beat. After a while I was assigned to aviation beat. Later I was assigned to the travel news beat as well.

So I was combining two beats. But after a while they found out that the combination was not working out very well because I was missing certain stories while on a destination. So I was assigned solely to the travel news beat as well as head of documentary. I was able to combine that effectively.

My first travel news destination was my turning point. That was the key that unlocked the burning passion in me, which I didn’t even know existed in me. The destination was Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State and it was done on a motorbike with my little camcorder because then I didn’t even merit a cameraman. I learnt how to shoot by myself without assistance. So I did the shooting on a bike on this bunky ride because the roads were not well laid by then.

From then, I got to destinations within Nigeria before getting more adventurous and veering out to neighbouring countries like Ghana, the Gambia and many others.

Sometime I woke in the morning it would take me time to remember where I was because I have been about three countries that week. Time zone changes, there are changes in climate, food, water and so on.

It was a busy time for me in Channels.

It was exciting; there was never a dull moment. I will never forget my beginning at Channels. That was where I was nurtured, that was where I sat at the feet of the master himself, Mr. John Momoh.

As far as I am concerned he is the master of the game when it comes to broadcasting. He taught me well and I want to believe that he will be proud of me today.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, November 20, 2014

VON opens zonal centre in Makurdi Leonard Okachie

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he Chairman Board of Directors of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Andy Aghaji has vowed to ensure that Voice of Nigeria remains focused on giving expression to the Nigeria’s developmental strides.

He gave the assurance at the inauguration of the Makurdi Zonal Centre of the station recently.

Aghaji expressed delight at VON’s establishment in Benue State, saying it would not have been possible without the recognition that the state government accords the mass media as partners in progress in the nation’s quest for development.

He said: “For credibility and authority, broadcasting or covering an area for global reception demands that the broadcaster should be fully in touch with the regions of coverage. This necessarily entails deploying personnel at short notice, coordinating the required resources for content generation and production and packaging to the national or international centre for global reception. To simplify this complex process therefore, zonal centres are important link in broadcasting operations.

“For instance, other big international broadcasters including Al-

L-R: Engr. Stephen Garba explaining the working of the transmitter monitors to the Chairman, Board of Director,VON, Mr. Andy Aghaji while the VON DG, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa looks on.

Jazeera, CNN, Radio France Internationale, BBC, VOA etc establish such centres both within their countries of domain and the major capitals of the world. Voice of Nigeria also maintains this tradition as we have offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country and a fully staffed bureau in South Africa to give adequate coverage of such areas” He explained that the choice of Makurdi, the Benue State capital for VON’s new zonal centre is therefore not acci-

dental, but a continuation of our expansion policy for content generation and global reach.

In facilitating this zonal centre in Makurdi, the Benue State government has demonstrated a rewarding partnership for development with VON; he stressed and called on other states to emulate the state by partnering with VON to increase Nigeria’s visibility as a hugely blessed country in abundance of resources.

In his speech, the Director General

47

Mallam Abukar Jijiwa commended the Benue State government for facilitating the structure and noted that the state is acknowledged as a food basket of the nation.

Jijiwa stated: “At a time that Nigeria is driving for the diversification of her economy towards agriculture, it is only logical that Voice of Nigeria should give attention to areas of huge agricultural potentials, showcasing them in our programme contents.

This therefore requires our physical presence in Benue State. For VON, this is a public service and professional imperative.

“But it is not only about agriculture or economic endowments of Benue and the adjoining states that will be focused on in our coverage. This area constitutes perhaps one of the most diverse regions of Nigeria whose peoples and cultures must also be given voice. Our presence will of course expand the room to highlight and celebrate the peoples and cultures of this area.

“So far, Benue State has presented as a very politically mature state in the country, registering for Nigeria stable democratic prospects. All these together are the stuff of positive, encouraging strides that can make Nigeria investors and tourist destination.”

Media Abroad

French journalism school executive accused of plagiarism

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he executive director of a prestigious Paris journalism school has been suspended after being accused of plagiarism.

Agnès Chauveau was reported to have cut and pasted parts of articles that had appeared in Le Monde and other French publications for her columns published on the Huffington Post website.

Bruno Patin, director of the school at the respected Institute of Political Sciences, known as Sciences Po, wrote to students and staff on Monday saying the allegations could not be taken lightly. “Plagiarism is a serious matter in journalism,” he said in an email.

Patin, who is also a director of programmes at France Television, the country’s public broadcaster, said he had spoken to Chauveau about the allegations and launched an independent inquiry into the claims. She has been temporarily suspended in the meantime.

Chauveau, who has a doctorate in his-

tory and specialises in media history, was accused of lifting the material, originally used in her one-hour weekly radio broadcast Soft Power on the France Culture station, from online and printed publications without attribution.

While this might have gone unnoticed on the radio, a column based on the broadcast appeared on the Huffington Post a few days later.

The alleged plagiarism was uncovered by the news website Arrêt Sur Images (ASI) after it complained that Chauveau had used material from one of its articles about the future of the press on digital tablets, without citing its original research.

After contacting the broadcaster, which immediately added a link to the original article in her Huffington Post article, ASI said it ran an online plagiarism check of about 20 of Chauveau’s columns.

It claimed it found that half of them contained at least one sentence directly lifted from the articles of other journalists, but

some had two or three sentences that were used unchanged and were not attributed to the original author.

ASI sourced the unattributed material to the investigative website Mediapart, to radio RFI, to the online and paper editions of Le Monde and even to its own website.

It described Chauveau as a “serial copier”.

Contacted by ASI, Chauveau said she had “forgotten to cite certain papers, but never on purpose”, and insisted: “I’ve rectified this each time there’s been a problem”.

She said she did not “have time to cite all her sources on the radio”.

Sciences Po journalism students are required to sign a charter that states they should “commit no plagiarism or pass anyone else’s ideas as their own, and must explicitly quote their colleagues whose written work they reproduce, even if it is just a few words of text”. Students’ theses are reportedly checked for plagiarism.

Around 400 students have graduated from the journalism school at Sciences Po,

Agnès Chauveau

the university where many French politicians and leaders, including François Hollande, have studied.

The Guardian (UK)

Investors challenge Murdoch voting rights

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Rupert Murdoch

maller dissident investors have promised to step up their campaign against the dual-class share structure that gives the Murdochs 39.4 per cent of the voting power, even though they own only 14 per cent of the company.

Institutional investors and governance campaigners have become increasingly critical of dual-class share structures, which have been historically common in the media industry and have enjoyed resurgence in recently-listed technology companies where entrepreneurial founders want to keep control.

News Corp argued in favour of the status quo, saying the structure allowed Mr. Murdoch and other executives to focus on the long term and that many shareholders

were attracted to the company’s stock because of it.

But 47.4 per cent of votes cast supported the proposal to introduce one-share, onevote. Proxy voting advisory services ISS and Glass Lewis both argued in favour of cutting the Murdochs’ voting power.

In the end, the family needed the support of one long-time ally, the Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, to keep dissidents at bay. Kingdom Holding, the prince’s investment vehicle, controls 6.6 per cent of voting shares in News Corp.

A spokesperson for Kingdom said: “We never vote against our partner Mr Murdoch.”

Southeastern, News Corp’s largest nonfamily shareholder since cable mogul John Malone threatened the Murdochs’ power

almost a decade ago, declined to comment.

Laura Campos of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the News Corp investor that sponsored the motion at Thursday’s annual meeting, called the vote “a repudiation” of the company’s corporate governance. The foundation says it will attempt to raise the issue with executives, and reintroduce the proposal next year.

“After a string of acquisitions of questionable value, succession planning that has focused on his children despite this being a public company [and] invasive practices such as hacking being seen as a cost of doing business, people are realising Mr Murdoch’s complete isolation from the concerns of shareholders other than himself,” Ms Campos said.

-FT

National MirrorMirror National

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Thursday, November 20, 2014www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror I am however confident that we will be able to maintain our budget size by innovatively growing our IGR. GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE – IBIKUNLE AMOSUN

Villagers demand compesation over oil pollution SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN CITY

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he Wekegbene Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State has threatened to drag the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over the degradation of its environment, ecosystem and natural habitation, resulting to the destruction of its sources of livelihood.

According to a petition the community addressed to the headquarters of NPDC on Benin-Sapele Road in Benin City, Edo State, reliably obtained

by our correspondent, the people are demanding for an appropriate compensation for the destruction of their sources of livelihood, fishing and swamp forest logging, affected by the impact of activities of agents of NPDC on the community’s river.

Although Wekegbene Community does not directly host any of the crude oil or petroleum business activities of NPDC or its agents, yet, it is suffering from the direct and indirect impact of the activities of the Federal Government-owned oil giant.

According to the detailed petition signed by the community’s lawyer, Messrs Olayiwola Afolabi

& Co, the river bank community’s only source of water and livelihood have been rendered unhealthy and inaccessible, no thanks to the waste materials from adjoining Opuama flow station that are being channeled by the agents and representatives of NPDC daily into the river.

The petition stated, “That particularly disturbing was that very recently, your company began dredging an area of the company’s waterway in another exploration mission.

However, in doing this, all the silt from the dredging were without due consideration of the conveniences of the people channeled to the carnal created by the

community as an alternative to their distorted natural water body.

“That by the action of you company, the said carnal had been blocked and eroded by silt which has prevented the natural supply of fresh water,” it added.

Other companies Wekegbene community mentioned in the inhuman degradation of their river are, First Marine and Engineering Services Limited, Efurun, Delta State and Judi great Venture Nigeria Limited Warri Delta State.

In a reaction, an NPDC official that craved anonymity because NNPC did not authorize anybody to

speak on the matter said that Wekegbene’s claims are untrue because it is neither a host community of NPDC exploration activities like Opuama and Polobubou (Tsekelewu) nor is it the owner of the degraded river.

“To be called our host community, such community must locate any of our flow stations, well heads, oil rigs or pipelines. In this case, Wekegbene, as I have been told, does not host

Secret societies: Church cracks down on members WALE IGBINTADE

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L-R: Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Rural Development, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, Baale of Ajara Topa, Chief Samuel Owolabani; Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, and Former Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Hon. Moses Dosu, during the handing over of Ajara Topa Community Hall in commemoration of 2014 community day celebration in Badagry.

NGO disburses fund to women in Bauchi EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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n NGO Women Empowerment Initiative, WEIN, Bauchi has disbursed the sum of N5,640,940 to 26 women groups, just as its lament poor toilets facilities in public places.

Bauchi State Coordinator WEIN Tabawa Atiku disclosed this at the2014 Annual General Meeting of the NGO and celebration of World Toilet Day in

Bauchi.

According to her WEIN in its Micro Credit Facilities, in the first eight months of the year the organization was able to disburse the money to 202 clients, 194 of this number are from 26 women groups while 18 are individuals clients.

“We decided to commemorate this day “world toilet day” because WEIN has been working in the area of water sanitation and hygiene WASH promo-

tion since in the year 2000 within this period not less than 42 communities benefited from water points and over 650 houses holds benefited with latrines” Turaki said.

She stressed that though WEIN for two years have not been funded to carry out WASH activities. Tabawa added that “we want to continue giving our voice to need for the provision of good sanitation facilities in our schools and other public places”.

The Coordinator, therefore call on all relevant Agencies, ministries, departmental, Schools Administrators on the need to provide adequate sanitation facilities in Schools and public places.

Also speaking WEIN head of programmes Mrs. Linda Sogi highlight that with the support of TSHIP, Save the Children and Family Health international a lot of activities were conducted in several communities of the state.

any of our facilities.

“We don’t have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the community. Moreover, it is not on the list of GMOU that Shell (SPDC), the former owners, transferred to us.

Even if they are located on river bank, they cannot claim to be owners of a river when the Federal Government pays for the security of our water ways that include the river,” the NPDC source replied.

he Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide has cracked down on their members belonging to any secret society, asking them to renounce the society or shown the way out of the sect.

According to the church directive, no known members of secret societies would any longer function as officers of the church.

In a press statement issued in Lagos and jointly signed by the founder, Primate and Supreme head, Baba Aladura Dr. Motailatu Akinadewo, the General Secretary MCCSW, Elder Dr. Israel Akinadewo and Elder Professor Joseph Otubu, General evangelist, warned that any member that hides their identity and later discovered, would be dealt with decisively.

According to the state-

ment, the decision was reached at a delegates meeting of elders held in Lagos recently.

Baba Aladura Akinadewo was said to have addressed the elders and stressed the importance of spiritual discipline, whereby Christians should behave in Jesus Christ’s way.

The church decreed as follows: “That no member should belong to any secret society; the church will not be involved in the burial of any person found to have belonged or associated with any secret society”.

The church also warned that any member of secret societies shall not function in the church hierarchy, nor be a member of any committee of the church under any circumstance, and would not be allowed to participate in the burial of any departed member of the Holy Order.

Adventists hold family camp

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he Lagos Mainland Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church will from today holds her Alpha Family Camp meeting with the theme “TRANSFORMED

BY HIS WORD” at Bethview School, Gowon Estate, Alimosho, Lagos.

The event which will end on Sunday, according to the church Communication Director, Mr. Dave Emelike, would feature free health check, counseling, inspirational songs, Spirit filled massages and prayers among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, November 20, 2014

49

Atiku in Benin, seeks Oshiomhole, party members’ support

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Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio (left), congratulating the new Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Nkereuwem Ekanem, after he was sworn-in in Uyo, yesterday.

More Delta communities protest exclusion from EPZ project THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he Sokebolou and Yokiri communities in Ogulagha kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have protested what they described as deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to exclude them as host communities to the $16 billion Export Processing Zone in Ogidigben.

Consequently, the two communities have vowed to

resist with their last drop of blood, stressing that no inch or acre of their land would be allowed to be used for the EPZ project without their consent or inclusion as stakeholders in the project.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting communities on Tuesday, Abanre Friday and Samuel Powoide, chairmen of Sokebolou and Yokiri communities respectively, said, “the Sokebolou and Yokiri Federated Communities of Ogulagha Kingdom, along with other communities of Agbromag-

bene, Bomoupetepete, Oloseimo-ere and Adedegbene are important stakeholders whose lands are involved in the proposed land-taken for the EPZ project.”

“We want to inform the whole world that the officials of the Delta State government of Itsekiri origin have failed to perform their duties as state and rather continue to pursue an Itsekiri agenda capable of upturning the existing peace in our area”.

They added, “We therefore opposed the naming of

the EPZ project after only the Itsekiri enclave without the necessary recognition of the right of the Ijaws of Ogulagha and Gbaramatu.

We the people of Ogulagha Kingdom are equal stakeholders and want everybody to know that any decision taken on the naming of EPZ without our input shall not be binding on us. And to make the representation of the Ijaws complete, the state government should constitute the Ogulagha Interface Committee as requested for since May 2014”.

ormer Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Wednesday, stormed Benin City, Edo State to interact with Governor Adams Oshiomhole and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a bid to secure their support for his presidential ambition on the party’s platform.

Oshiomhole who received the former Vice President in his office, expressed the hope that the APC would put its internal issues in order ahead of the 2015 general elections so as to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to enjoy a new approach to politics and governance.

According to him, “It is my hope and prayer that our party, over the next few weeks, would sort out all issues that we need to sort out, so that Nigerians will have the opportunity to enjoy a new approach to politics and governance based on issues and pedigree of individuals so that we can move away from politics of religion, ethnicity and other pedestrian interests.”

He continued, “That is what APC is bringing to the table and I am very anxious that we get to that stage so that Nigeria will move away from this present stage to making life more meaningful for Nigerians. We cannot continue with this

ICPC boss, 255 others bag NDDC awards DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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total of 265 persons, including the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, Barrister Ekpo Nta, have bagged the long service awards of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The awards which is in recognition of the contributions to its serving and retired staff, was bestowed on the awardees by the Managing Director of the interventionist agency, Sir Bassey DanAbia at a colourful ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rives State.

Also, 66 NDDC members of staff were given awards of excellence for distinguishing themselves in their respective

Nta

departments.

Speaking at the event, Dan-Abia, said that the awards was to build staff confidence for career progression, motivate them and promote excellence through healthy competition for greater service delivery.

He stated that the mandate of the NDDC would not be realised without a dynamic, virile and productive workforce, hence, the commission resolved

to lay emphasis on human capital development and reward diligent service and excellence.

The managing director said, “At my maiden meeting with staff of the commission last year, I reiterated board and management commitment to prioritise staff welfare in view of the fact that human capital management is the single most important resource among the factors of service delivery.”

Noting that long service award was an acknowledgment of the dignity of labour, he added that “It is management’s way of appreciating and reciprocating staff commitment, dedication and perseverance in the discharge of their duties for the success of the commission in actualising its

mandate.”

The NDDC boss said the commission had produced some outstanding staff among whom were the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the ICPC chairman, and the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Mrs. Gescila Khan, saying, “They are indeed our goodwill ambassadors and we are proud of them and called on the staff to emulate the commitment to exemplary service of the retirees.

He highlighted some of the actions taken by the current Board and Management to improve staff welfare as approval of human capital development in various reputable institutions to build staff capacity; endorsement of a new negotiated staff

terms and conditions of service, as well as placing high premium on staff healthcare.

The ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, who was a director with the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) before it became the NDDC, thanked the commission for recognizing the contributions of staff, both serving and retired. He said: “If we don’t pay attention to our past, it will mar our present and our future.”

Nta appealed to NDDC staff to stay clean and upright in their service to the commission, pointing out that the culture of institutional integrity, transparency and accountability in any organization begins with the individual.

He advised them to

ridiculous catch-phrase of ‘business as usual’ as Nigerians are anxious to have a change so that we can start a new chapter without being detained with the failures of the recent past.

“We want to thank you for the honor you have done to me. We have had a very robust engagement and I know you have the capacity to deal with conflicting issues.

“Let me also thank you sir for honoring our invitation to our 6th Anniversary celebrations, last week despite the very short notice and your presence did not only add colour, your statements also helped to sharpen the issues that are involved in this season of electioneering.”

Earlier, Atiku Abubakar said he was in Benin to have an audience with the governor as well as interact with party faithful in the state.

He said: “I am here this morning to have an audience with you and also to interact with party faithful in the state and I want to thank you for this opportunity and I hope we will make the best use of the day in Edo today.”

He later told reporters that he was in Benin to meet with party delegates and executives and to seek their support for his presidential ambition.

put in their best always so as to be able to retire from the NDDC with their heads held high.

He said that the NDDC was one of the organizations that usually attract many petitions from the public, even though most of them turn out to be malicious and frivolous, even as he promised to assist the staff of the commission to stay out of trouble and perform their duties without blemish.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Mr. Dimkpa Goodhope, thanked the Board and Management of NDDC for finding it expedient to honour the staff for Long Service and Excellence.

He said that the awards would motivate other staff members and challenge them to strive to be recognised too.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Our region has seen huge progress on the foundation of peace and stability, but we cannot take this for granted –Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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urkina Faso’s transitional government named Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida as prime minister yesterday, four days after he restored the country’s constitution under pressure from the African Union and the West.

Zida declared himself head of state on November 1 after mass protests toppled President Blaise Compaore who then fled the West African country. The African Union had given Zida two weeks to restore civilian rule or face economic sanctions.

As prime minister, Zida, a large, bespectacled man with a trademark red beret, will help Burkina Faso’s newly appointed interim president, Michel Kafando, appoint a 25-member government that will steer the country to new elections in 2015.

Neither Kafando, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United Nations, nor Zida, deputy head of the presidential guard, will be allowed to stand in next year’s presidential election, according to the terms of a transitional charter adopted last week.

While Western diplomats had advised against Zida’s nomination, hoping Kafando would instead name a civilian figure to head the government, the choice was generally welcomed among members of Burkina Faso’s political class.

Burkina Faso names Zida as prime minister “We have seen that he is a capable man. He has vision and he knows what he wants for the country,” said Ablasse Ouedraogo, president of the Le Faso Autrement political party.

Others were pragmatic.

“Zida’s nomination was a useful compromise that allowed us to advance. We need the cohesion of the army to move forward with the transition,” Benewende

Stanislas Sankara, head of the opposition UNIR/PS movement, told Reuters.

Compaore triggered protests against his rule last month when he tried to push changes to the constitution through parliament in order to extend his 27-year grip on power.

“We saw what the civilians did before. If the soldier is prime minister, it’s better for all of us,”

said Pierre Ilboudo, a mechanic in the capital Ouagadougou.

Compaore was a regional power broker and a key Western ally against Islamist militants.

France has a special forces unit based in Burkina Faso as part of a regional counter-terrorism operation. The country has long been one of Africa’s cotton producers and is now also mining gold.

K

Protesting Ivorian soldiers return to barracks, await talks Soldiers in Ivory Coast returned to barracks yesterday after some overnight disturbances, witnesses said, after the government agreed to pay back wages to thousands of ex-rebels in the army in a move to calm unrest.

The world’s top cocoa-producing state is still emerging from a decade of political upheaval and a 2011 civil war that saw French- and U.N.backed rebels topple President Laurent Gbagbo after his refusal to accept an election defeat.

The defence minister was due to meet in the afternoon with a delegation representing disgruntled soldiers, who on Tuesday erected barricades in the commercial capital Abidjan and the second city Bouake as well as in Korhogo, Odienne, and Daloa.

‘Egypt expects new African trade bloc in December’

Zida

Kenyan police arrest 109 at mosques, seize explosives enyan police found explosives at three mosques in Mombasa yesterday and arrested 109 people on suspicion they were undergoing militant training, in the latest in a series of raids in the port city.

Kenya is looking to break up Islamist militant networks it blames for a series of attacks in the capital Nairobi as well as along its Indian Ocean coastline, saying many of the recruits are inspired by al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked Somali group.

“These operations have started and will go on until all places of worship especially mosques in Mombasa are set free from terrorist and criminal elements,” Robert Kitur, Mombasa

WORLD BULLETIN

County police commander, told Reuters.

“We have been gathering intelligence for a long period, and it was time to act.”

Police raided two mosques on Monday, seizing weapons and literature that they said was evidence of militant activity. The following day, a group of youths with machetes and knives killed three people.

Richard Ngatia, a local police chief, said investigators yesterday found three machetes at Mombasa’s Mina mosque and a grenade, while two 10-litre petrol bombs and a bomb detonator were uncovered at Swafaa mosque.

“The mosques have been radicalizing youth, training and encouraging them in jihadism. We

Three African economic blocs will merge into a new 27-nation free-trade zone under an agreement to be signed in Cairo next month, uniting markets worth 58 percent of the continent’s economic activity, Egypt’s industry and trade minister said.

The deal will combine the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the South African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC).

Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour said Cairo is also pursuing trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Community and the South American trade bloc Mercosur in order to win back foreign investors who left Egypt due to the political turmoil that began with a popular uprising in 2011.

Journalist killed in Somalia

Policemen standing guard outside the Masjid Swafaa mosque after they conducted a raid in the Kisauni area of the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa, yesterday

also recovered a booster used to accelerate explosions ... and literature about jihadism,” Ngatia said.

Police have arrested 376 people so far during the raids, which started on Sunday, but

91 were subsequently released for lack of evidence. Prosecutors said 158 would be charged with being members of al Shabaab. Police said they were still considering what to do with the other detainees.

Gunmen shot dead a journalist in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, the third killed in Somalia this year, a colleague and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said.

Radio journalist Abdirisak Ali Abdi, nicknamed Silver, was killed in the Puntland town of Galkacyo late on Tuesday, said Faduma Yusuf, who worked with him at Radio Daljir.

“Gunmen hit him with several bullets,” she told Reuters.

Abdi, who was 25 and married with two sons, also worked for a London-based television station, NUSOJ said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North 51

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Civilian JTF to ensure security, as Borno schools resume INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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he Borno State government, yesterday, promised adequate security cover for pupils and teachers as schools in the state resumed this week, nine months after schools were shut over the Boko Haram insurgency.

The closure affected teaching and learning in 1, 357 primary schools in the state.

The security assurances will also be complemented with the flagging off of distribution of free school uniforms, text and exercise books,

Gov Shettima

as well as meals by the state government.

These were disclosed

by Dr. Mohammed ElNur Dongel, Chairman of Borno State Primary Schools Resuscitation Committee, BPSRC, while inspecting five primary schools, in the Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Areas three days after schools’ resumption.

He said since Monday’s resumption, schools’ attendance, has achieved 70 per cent in the metropolis and Jere council.

His words: “The current turnout of pupils is 70 per cent. And by next week, I am sure it will be 100 per cent. I would like all parents to know that the Borno State Government is doing everything possible to ensure a very conducive teaching and learning environment.

“In two weeks from now, His Excellency will commission the distribution

121million Nigerians lack access to modern toilets –WaterAid TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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aterAid, an international NonG ove r n m e n t a l Organisation, NGO, committed to the promotion of access to safe water and sanitation, yesterday, said that about 121 million Nigerians, representing 72 per cent of the population, lacked access to modern toilet facilities.

With this number of Nigerians denied access to toilet facilities, Nigeria is now ranked 5th amongst other countries with poor sanitation facilities globally.

Giving this sorry state of the nation’s sanitation during a high level media round table breakfast with journalists to commemorate the World Toilet Day in Abuja, WaterAid Country Representative, Dr Michael Ojo, lamented that since 2000, over a million child deaths occur in the country due to infections linked to lack of good toilets.

Ojo explained that the dangers of poor sanitation and dirty water had been known for around 150 years,

yet 121 million Nigerians still lacked access to basic toilet use, while nearly 40 million still defecate in the open indiscriminately.

He said: “This lack of access to basic sanitation harms the health of children and often leaves a lifetime legacy of disease and poverty. Those children need our government to collectively step up and commit that by 2030 no home, hospital or school will be without a toilet and clean water, WaterAid said.”

The Country Director confirmed that a recent study carried out on the cost of poor toilet facilities to the country indicated that billions of Naira were being lost yearly just as government’s commitment to reverse the trend, is not encouraging in terms of funding of sanitation projects by all tiers of government.

Specifically, Ojo said that the study estimated that N455 billion was lost out of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, because of the impact of poor sanitation and access to water on the socio-economic aspects of national life.

of free schools uniforms, text and exercise books, and meals. Hopefully, by next week, the commissioning of school feeding will lead to a fully fledged resumption of all primary schools in Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Biu in southern Borno. I assure you that our schools are in full session after the

nine-month closures over insecurity and insurgency activities in this state.”

He called on parents who are yet to send their children and wards back to schools, to do so without any hesitation.

On the total number of primary schools, Dongel said: “From the records at my disposal

today, we have 1, 357 primary schools in Borno State. Out of these, we have 50 primary schools with about 60-70 per cent attendance; and by next week the attendance will hit 100 per cent.”

Speaking on security assurances, he said: “I have given assurance that the schools have been

secured by the state government and the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF. We can do everything humanly possible to secure the lives of our pupils and teachers.”

He said that over 200 patrol vehicles have been deployed to the re-opened schools by members of CJTF to provide security.

Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda (left) presenting a souvenir to Czech Ambassador, Amb. Pavel Mikes, during his courtesy visit in Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kwara SURE-P beneficiaries protest unpaid stipends WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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eneficiaries of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, in Kwara State took to the streets on Wednesday, to protest the alleged non-payment of their three months stipends.

Carrying placards, the protesters who trooped to major streets in Ilorin, the state capital, accused the state SURE-P management of refusal to pay their salary.

They also went to the Emir’s palace and Federal Secretariat, Ilorin before heading to the Government House, saying they were being owed August, Septem-

ber and October salaries.

Meanwhile, the state government has promised to investigate the allegations levelled against the management of the SUREP towards avoiding break down of law and order.

Some inscriptions on their placards says “Save our soul, President Jonathan”, among others.

When contacted, the state SURE-P Coordinator, Chief Moses Ibiyemi, denied owing the participants any outstanding salary. He alleged that the protesters were sponsored saying; “it has political undertones”.

According to him, the protest was “intended to paint the Federal Government in bad light.

Why I have not initiated new projects –Yero A ZA MSUE KADUNA

K

aduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, said his administration is yet to initiate new infrastructural development projects due to its determination to complete ongoing ones initated by past administrations in the state.

Speaking when he received leaders and members of the Yoruba community in the state on a courtesy call yesterday, the governor said the present administration believes in continuity and will not abandon ongoing projects to initiate new

ones.

He said “I believe it is more economical and socially wise to complete projects that are already ongoing, because public funds have already been invested by the past administrations that awarded the contracts.

It will amount to wastage for us to just come and abandon projects when monies have already been invested on them simply because we want to initiate new ones.”

The governor said his administration remains committed to completing all ongoing projects it inherited from past administrations in the state, while gradually initiating new critical infrastructures.

Yero commended the Yoruba community in Kaduna State for living peacefully with other ethnic groups, while also urging them to actively participate in all developmental initiatives in the state.

He said the state government accommodates all groups irrespective of tribe or religion; “As long as people are ready to obey laws, we have no discrimination against them,” he said.

The governor also promised to provide more economic opportunities for the Yoruba and all other communities in the state.

In his speech, President General of the Yoruba community in the 19 north-

ern states, Alhaji Ganiyu Oguntoyinbo thanked Yero for his efforts at promoting peaceful co-existence in the state.

He also commended governor for continuing with projects initiated by his predecessors in office which he described as the right step towards ensuring sustainable growth and development.

Oguntoyinbo called on the governor to consider providing opportunities for members of Yoruba community in the state to actively participate in governance of the state, adding that they will contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the state.

52

North

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Insurgency: Aliyu backs extension of emergency rule PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Aliyu, has expressed support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s request to extend emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

He warned that if certain measures were not adopted, the country might face more grievous challenges, and kicked against dismantling political structures in the affected states.

“Where you really need to fight some people, there is need for you to declare an emergency, to ensure certain things are properly covered. If you leave it at that, then you are liable not only to human rights (abuses) but to other problems that may crop up.”

Aliyu, who stated this shortly after he was screened for the Senatorial position at the State PDP secretariat in Minna, noted that what the country is going through is a guerilla war with a group

that does not respect the rules and regulations of engagement, which sadly the government must respect.

“There are rules and regulations of engagement and fortunately for terrorists they do not respect these rules. But as a govern-

ment institution, we must respect rules which we have signed either at the United Nations level or rules as established by International Court of Justice and others.

But remember, this is a guerilla war, this is terrorism.”

Aliyu urged the federal government to ensure that

since the fight or war is on, the government and people of Nigeria on one side need to protect the institutions and the rules and regulations”.

He further expressed optimism on his chances at the National Assembly election in 2015.

institutions are adequately protected and the rules and regulations respected at all times.

“So, that is the issue of the declaration. I know there is a misconception as to the purpose of the declaration of emergency.

But mainly for me it’s that,

Shema’s video sparks anger, tension JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A

n online video of Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shema, which suggested that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters “kill” those in the opposition because they are “cockroaches,” is causing ripples in the state.

The video, believed to have been taken with a cell phone and went viral last week, showed Shema suggesting to PDP supporters to “crush” and “assault” opposition party members.

In it, the governor likened the opposition to cockroaches and asked the crowd that had gathered for a political rally of sorts, what they would do if such insect were found in their homes.

The crowd reacted by saying, “kill it!” while Shema urged the PDP members not to be bothered by the “cockroaches of politics.”

The governor, who spoke in Hausa said: “CockroachCHANGE OF NAME

OYEKANMI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyekanmi Adeshola Siddiqot now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odukoya Adeshola Siddiqot. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly know and addressed as Miss Oriloye Yetunde Elizabeth now wish to be addressed as Mrs OluwarotimiOjo Yetunde Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti and general public take note

es are only found in the toilet and at homes... If you see a cockroach in your house, what do you do?

Crush them.”

He said the PDP will retaliate against anyone who does anything to its members, adding, “People from the opposition humiliate us and we don’t retaliate; we used to tell you not to do anything about it. But now I’m telling you to fight back.”

But several people who spoke to National Mirror on the issue said they were shocked when they watched the video, saying it was unfortunate for a sitting governor to make such remarks.

They expressed concern that such statement could be taken literally by overzealous PDP members, and that the consequences during the coming elections could be better imagined.

They therefore cautioned leaders at state and national levels to watch their utterances, as their words have strong influence on followers.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alabi Kafayat Diekola, now wants to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abdulbakre Abdullahi Kafayat Diekola. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNDELE: Formerly know and addressed as Mrs. Ogundele Modupe Elizabeth now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adebiyi Modupe Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public take note..

Security personnel screening pupils at the entrance of a primary school following the re-opening of public schools in Maiduguri, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

2015: PDP faction vows to stop Jang’s candidate JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

A

group of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members in Plateau State has vowed to stop Governor Jonah Jang from installing Senator Gyang Pwajok as the next governor of the state in 2015.

Pwajok, who hails from Plateau North Senatorial district, is believed to have been endorsed by the gover-

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Olakotan Olayemi Iyabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shomorin Olayemi Iyabode.

All former documents remain valid.

Olakotan Nursery and Primary School and general public please take note.

nor as his successor.

But a group within the ruling PDP from the 17 local council areas in the state who are opposed to the plan held a meeting yesterday where the members resolved to stop the governor at all cost.

The group under the aegis of Justice and Equity Forum was led by the former state chairman of the party, Prof. Dakum Shown.

Shown told journalists at the meeting: “Our meet-

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as as Miss Adiukwu Cecilia Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Cecilia Oluchi Andrew Miller. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDENDUM

RADIOGRAPHERS REGISTRATION BOARD OF NIGERIA We refer to the vacancy advert published on page 7 of National Mirror edition of friday 14th November, 2014. The closing date for submission of applications is six (6) weeks from the date of publication.

Signed: Registrar/Chief Executive

ing here has one objective and that is to plan on how to ensure the next governor of the state comes from Plateau South and not Plateau North. The PDP constitution supports zoning. Since the incumbent governor is from the north, our stand is that his successor should come from another zone which is the South.”

The chairman of the forum also expressed frustration over the manner the PDP national secretariat is

handling complaints arising from the just concluded party primaries in the state.

“We have gone there. We have also written to them and have also published the irregularities that transpired during the congress with a view to addressing them but we have not gotten any response.”

The group added that the party must choose between backing Jang and losing Plateau during the next election.

PUBLIC NOTICE

WORLD IMPACT FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that World Impact Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, Nigeria for the registration under the part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Adenike Ayannusi.

2. Dr.Olapeju Simoyan 3. Victoria Sodje.

4. Ayotunde Odukoya.

5. Dr. Olasimbo Ayannusi.

- President - Vice President - Treasurer - Secretary - Adviser.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To provide educational scholarship for underpriviledge youth in classroom and vocational settings.

2. To support with trade training placement and financial assistance towards completion of training.

3. To provide health education to communities by conducting health focused lifestyles 4. To creating awareness among people regarding communicable and noncommunicable diseases and prevention.

Any objection to this registration should be directed to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: AYOTUNDE ODUKOYA SECRETARY; 08033963826.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

I have told Lukas what to do: gett out to a club where you will have playing times and soar higher –Germany Coach, Joachim Low

Ikhana seeks Fed Cup glory 55 Results CIV

0

0

DR Congo 3

1

Cameroun

S/Leone

Mali

2

0

Algeria

Ethiopia

1

1

Malawi

Ghana

3

1

Togo

Guinea

2

0

Uganda

Zambia

1

0

Cape Verde

Niger

1

1

Mozambique

Sudan

0

1

CR Congo

Nigeria

2

2

S/Africa

Super Eagles defender (r) going down from South African player’s presure in Uyo, during their match last night

AFCON 2015:

End of the road for Nigeria …as Eagles force Bafana to 2-2 draw ADEOLU JOHNSON

N

igeria will not be in Equatorial Guinea in January next year to defend the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title she won in 2013.

Reason: The defending champions, Super Eagles, last night crashed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where they forced the visiting Bafana Bafana of South Africa to a 2-2 draw in their last Group A qualification match they were expected to win.

South Africa qualified with Congo Brazzaville who defeated Sudan 1-0 in Khartoum.

Hope of Nigerians who did permutations that Eagles would qualify as the best third place finisher was dashed when DR Congo thrashed Sierra Leone 3-1 in Group D to finish with nine points as against Nigeria’s eight points.

Eagles who started the qualifying series on a wobbling note against Congo in Calabar ended with a dismal performance in the last match against high riding South Africa who boasted before the encounter that they wanted to fly into oil rich Equatorial Guinea on a clean slate.

Nigeria has itself to blame for the crash as CSKA Moscow striker, Ahmed Musa, failed to convert the chances that came his way in the 16th and 17th minutes.

Musa had only South African goalkeeper, Darren Keet, to beat but failed to pick the right spots.

Ike Uche who scored the penalty against Congo followed also and missed some opportunities that came his way in the first half.

Having lost the chances, the South African came out of their shell to continue to harass the Super Eagles defence mar-

…DR Congo picks ‘best 3rd’ ticket

shaled by Efe Ambrose, Azubuike Egwueke, suspect Kenneth Omeruo and Oshaniwa Juwon.

Tokelo Rantie gave South Africa the lead in the 42nd minute, when he sped past Egwuekwe from the left flank before he fired past goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Rantie scored his second goal in the 48th minute, when he sliced through the entire Nigeria defence before slotting home.

Nigeria pulled a goal back in the 68th minute through Sone Aluko after a rebound from a shot by Ike Uche which crashed against the post.

Bafana were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute, when Reneilwe Letsholonyane was sent off after picking the second yellow card.

Aluko scored the second goal to salvage a draw for Eagles with a powerful shot.

Earlier in the fourth min-

ute, Rantie fired the first warning, but he ought to have done a lot better when he shrugged off Omeruo inside the box, but his shot flashed wide of Enyeama’s post.

In the eighth minute, Ahmed Musa dashed away from almost his own half on a solo run, but his final effort came off the crossbar with South Africa goalkeeper Keet well beaten.

In the other Group A encounter, Congo bagged the second slot when they beat Sudan on the road to finish with 10 points, 2point better that Nigeria.

Speaking after the tie, South African Coach, Ephraim Mashaba said he was disappointed that his boys did not run away with the three points at stake as he boasted before the encounter.

He, however, takes consolation in the fact that they are going to Equatorial Guinea undefeated.

Equatorial Guinea bound South Africa Congo Algeria Mali Burkina Faso Gabon Cameroun Cote d’Ivoire Ghana Guinea Cape Verde Zambia Tunisia Senegal DR Congo Equatorial Guinea (Host)

54

Sports

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Reds in

Di Maria’s injury ‘not serious’

Sturridge set back

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A

r g e n t i n a Coach, Gerardo Martino, is hopeful the foot injury suffered by Angel di Maria in their friendly with Portugal at Old Trafford on Tuesday is nothing serious.

The Manchester United

winger was taken to hospital for X-rays after being caught on the foot by Nani-on loan from United at Sporting Lisbon-during the first-half of the friendly.

The £59.7m signing carried on playing until he was replaced on the hour mark, although Martino confirmed after the game he had needed to

go for a scan.

“We don’t think it is anything serious. It was quite a tough blow that he took,” Martino said.

“It was a tough knock. It cut the skin a little bit. But we have had a look at it and we are evaluating the situation.

“We are having a look at some X-rays, some images that have been taken but in spite of that we don’t think it is too serious.”

Di Maria, who hopes to be fit to face Arsenal on Saturday, later wrote on Twitter: “It was just a blow. I hope it does not swell anymore so I can play at the weekend.”

Sturridge

L

iverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge, has suffered another injury setback after hurting himself during training on Monday.

Sturridge is understood to have sustained a thigh problem and club medics will monitor the 25-year-old over the next two days to discover the extent of the injury.

Sturridge has not played for his club since the end of August, having hurt his thigh while on England duty.

His first comeback was scuppered by a calf problem as he attempted to rejoin full training in October.

Liverpool Manager, Brendan Rodgers, had earlier earmarked Sunday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace as a possible return for Sturridge.

“It’s a massive blow for Liverpool,” England Manager, Roy Hodgson, said yesterday.

“The good thing is that England won’t play a game again until March next year but I wish him well,” the national team gaffer added.

Sturridge was one half of English football’s most prolific striking partnership last season, alongside Luis Suarez who left for Barcelona in a £75million deal after the World Cup.

Angel Di Maria getting treated during the Portugal versus Argentina friendly at Old Trafford on Tuesday

Euro 2016: England lines up Germany, France ties

T/tennis: Lagos set for Asoju Oba ADEOLU JOHNSON

T

he 2014 Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship will stroke off at the Molade Okoya Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos next Monday.

Sponsor, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, said the championship, 46th in the series, has a total of 22 titles at stake in the cadet, intermediate and senior categories.

“Matches will also be played in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles with the winners and runners up winning cash and material prizes,” Thomas said, adding that media practitioners would also feature in the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) category while the Para Table Tennis would feature for the second year running.

The sponsor commended the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for Sports,

Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for organising the Lagos International Table Tennis Classics which brought the best of the players in the continent together.

“It is a great step in the right direction as it has given the local players the opportunity to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts,” he further said.

The tournament will end on November 28.

A

head of the Euro 2016 finals, the England Football Association has revealed plans to arrange friendly games with the Three Lions and Germany as well as France.

es against France and Germany have been fixed tentatively for November 2015 and March 2016 respectively.

The FA has already lined up away fixtures next year against Italy, at a venue yet to be decided on March 31 and Republic of Ireland in Dublin on June 7.

England beat Slovenia 3-1 at Wembley last week to maintain their 100 per cent Euro 2106 qualifying record, with four wins from four games

Bony seals contract extension

S

Okoya-Thomas

The FA is also in talks about fixtures against the Netherlands and European title holder Spain.

With England six points clear at the top of Group E, the matches will give the Lions some quality opposition before the Euros begin.

“They will complement the important Euro qualifiers, which remain the top priority,” England Manager, Roy Hodgson said yesterday.

Reports also said the match-

wansea striker, Wilfried Bony, has signed a one-year extension to his contract.

The Ivory Coast international is now tied to the Liberty Stadium club until the summer of 2018.

Bony, who joined the club from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013, scored 25 goals in his first season with the Swans and has added another four this season in 11 appearances. During the summer he was linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.

Manager Garry Monk is delighted the 25-year-old has committed his future to the club even further, signing his new deal while away with the Ivory Coast on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

“It’s great news for the club,” Monk said yesterday.

“I’ve spoken a lot about what Bony has brought to the club not just on the pitch but off it as well.

“These types of players are ones that we do our best to keep at the club for a long time. But

it’s also important that we see commitment from that player towards the club, his team-mates and the fans.

“When we talk about the future and progressing it can’t be just talk there has to be commitment from myself, the players and the club.

“Bony has bought into the direction the club wants to take.

He is a big player for us so to tie down his future is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, November 20, 2014

55

Governor’s Cup Tennis: Zimbabwean outsmarts Emmanuel AFOLABI GAMBARI

I

t was a bad day for Nigeria’s Sunday Emmanuel yesterday as he lost 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (retired) in the second round to top seed Takanyi Garanganga from Zimbabwe, as the former’s compatriot, Sunday Maku, swept

past Paul Christian 6-1, 6-3.

Competition favourite, Lawal Shehu, also lost to Nonso Madueke in 6-1, 6-2 tie while Monday Igbinovia beat Tswako Abubakar 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 as Henry Atseye beat Bikom Albert 6-4, 5-4 (retired) and Moses Michael edged Clifford Enosoregbe 7-6(2), 6-2.

In the Women’s Singles, top

seed, Zarah Razafinmahatratra from Madagascar, who was drawn bye in first round, defeated Nigeria’s Faith Sunday 6-0, 6-0. Lolia Kienka beat Beauty Mcleod 6-4, 7-5, Blessing Samuel beat Omotayo Ibrahim 6-1, 6-1 and Patience Onebamhion beat Loveth Donatus 6-4, 6-1.

Ronke Akingbade lost 6-2, 4-6,

3-6 to Osareimen Airhunwunde, as Nosakhaire Esorae also lost 4-6, 3-6 to Aanu Aiyegbusi while Sarah Adegoke defeated Aminat Quadri 6-7, 6-3, 6-1.

In today’s quarter final pairings, Maku faces Garanganga as Madueke meets Moses as the Ladies also compete in the last eight.

Ikhana

Danagogo

Danagogo urges youth policy

seeks Fed Cup glory

PAUL EREWUBA Garanganga

S

E

nyimba Coach, Kadiri Ikhana, has said that he is looking forward to leading his side to the Federation Cup title on Sunday as the People’s Elephants tackle Dolphins of Port Harcourt in the final billed for Lagos.

Enyimba lost the Nigeria Premier League title to Kano Pillars last Sunday even though the Aba side won 3-1 at home on the final day.

“Despite losing the EPL title to Pillars, I’m still happy with the Champions League ticket we got at the end of the season,” Ikhana said yesterday.

“I have told my players that we can’t afford to lose the Federation Cup and they have all promised to beat Dolphins in Lagos,” he added.

Enyimba is the defending champion of the Federation Cup after beating Warri Wolves in last year’s final.

Golf: Ladies swoop on Ikoyi course AFOLABI GAMBARI

O

rganisers say an unprecedented number of lady golfers will participate in the 2014 Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) Ladies Open teeing off on November 27.

Evelyn Oyome is the defending champion of the three-day tournament sponsored by Zenith Bank, South African Air-

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

N Enyimba Coach, Kadiri Ikhana

igeria Basketball team, D’Tigers, will begin camping early next month ahead of qualifiers which will determine their place in the 2015 Afro Basket Nations Tournament.

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tijani Umar, told National Mirror in

ways, Kenya Airways, United Airlines and Mandilas, among others.

According to the Lady Captain of the club, Mrs. Ngozi Ngoka, participants would be drawn from several clubs that include Ikeja, Sagamu, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Makurdi and Kano.

“We desire to use this tournament as imprint in the history of ladies competition at the

Ikoyi Club,” Ngoka said yesterday in Lagos.

“The 18-hole course is in top condition for the event and the fact that the Ladies Open is coming one week after the Lagos Open makes the excitement turbo-charged,” she added.

Ngoka also disclosed that the competition would witness the showcasing of diverse local and international culture in tune with the varied participants.

ports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has called on all state governments and corporate organisations to embrace the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan with a view to discovering budding talent amongst the country’s youth.

“I commend all the states that took part in the recent National School Sports Festival in Makurdi and I want continuity moving forward,” Danagogo said yesterday.

The minister described hosting of the sports festival in Oturkpo outside Makurdi as unique.

“I commended Senator David Mark for his support in hosting the festival as this was one of the cardinal decisions reached at the Presidential Retreat on Sports organised by President Jonathan to develop sports in the country,” the minister added.

Cross River State emerged champion at the festival, trailed

by Anambra and Lagos.

Afrobasket: D’Tigers due in camp Abuja yesterday that the federation had compiled list of players to be invited to camp.

“The home-based players would arrive in camp before their overseas counterparts join later,” Umar said.

“We are only waiting for funds from the National Sports Commission before we determine the

exact date to kick-start the camping programme,” he added.

Tunisia and Cameroon were awarded hosting rights for the continental tournament for both Men and Women.

Cameroon was also picked as the host nation for the AfroBasket Women 2015, the 24th edition of FIBA Africa’s leading women’s

national team tournament.

Winners of AfroBasket 2015 and AfroBasket Women 2015 will qualify directly for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Teams which finish second and third will compete in FIBA’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Men and Women for the remaining three berths on offer.

New Zealand’s legendary shot putter, and Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands, a heptathlete who recently decided to focus on the sprints to devastating effect.

Choosing the male athlete will be a particularly tough task as all three men had a spectacular 2014. Kimetto chomped

26 seconds off his compatriot Wilson Kipsang’s world record en route to winning the Berlin Marathon two months ago with a time of 2:02:57.

Other awards include the Rising Stars, Coach of the Year, Distinguished Career and an induction into the Hall of Fame of 12 legendary athletes.

African duo for IAAF Awards

K

enya’s latest marathon sensation, Dennis Kimetto, and Ethiopia’s middle and long-distance queen, Genzebe Dibaba, are in line for top honours in tomorrow’s International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) gala awards in Monaco.

The event is live on Super-

Sport 7 HD from 9pm (CAT).

Fresh from breaking the world record, Kimetto will battle it out with record-breaking pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie from France and Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim for the Male Athlete of the Year. Contesting the Female Athlete of the Year with Dibaba is Valerie Adams,

WORLD RECORD

Oldest best man

Vol. 04 No. 987 Thursday, November 20, 2014

N150

The oldest best man is Ronald Hornby (UK, b. 5 October 1917) who served as best man, aged 96 years and 89 days at the marriage of Isobel Coote and James Beattie (both UK) in Clogher, Northern Ireland, UK, on 2 January 2014.

Equipping the youth for leadership

T

he cliché: Youths are the leaders of tomorrow’, is a popular one.

But the youths whom the line opines to target no longer fancy it because the current reality in the country does not really support the leadership aspiration of the youth. Therefore, it has become significant to ask ourselves how well the society has prepared the youth for the great tasks of leadership and nation building.

According to a World Bank statistics, youth unemployment rate is 38%, but realistically, 80% of Nigerian youths are unemployed with secondary school graduates mostly found among unemployed rural population accounting for about half of this figure, while Universities and Polytechnic graduates make up the figure. What seems to be more worrisome is the fact that the nation’s Universities and Polytechnics con-

S

uperstar Wladimir Klitschko could soon get a chance to complete his collection of boxing world title belts in a World Boxing Federation (WBC) championship bout, according to various reports yesterday.

“Wladimir is a true boxing icon. The WBC fully and complete-

Guest Columnist

Bilkis

Bakare

tinue to churn out more than 150,000 graduates in both Bachelor degrees and Higher National Diploma categories annually and job creation has been inadequate to keep pace with the expanding working age population.

Worth mentioning is the non –readiness of aged workers, particularly civil servants to retire and give rooms for the youths to take charge. It is rampant for this group of people to ‘doctor’ their ages in order to stay longer at work. As a result of this, youths with low tolerance level find succor in armed robbery, insurgency, kidnapping, cybercrimes, political thuggery and prostitution to make ends meet and relieve their parents of financial burden of feeding and clothing them, years after graduation.

Similarly, youths are being short-changed politically as they increasingly find it difficult to find their bearing in the political landscape.

Increased enrollment rates in schools, due to high population rate have also created challenges in ensuring quality education and satisfactory learning achievement as resources are spread more thinly across a growing number of students. It is not rare to see cases of 100 pupils per teacher or students sitting under trees because of the lack of classrooms.

Consequently, the number of schools, facilities and teachers available for basic education remain inadequate for the eligible number of children and youths.

Worthy of note is also concern over the challenge of girls’ education. In the North particularly, the gender gap remains particularly wide and the proportion of girls to boys in school ranges from 1 girl to 2 boys

ONE OTHER WAY BY WHICH THE YOUTHS CAN BE MENTORED IS THROUGH THEIR MEMBERSHIP OF VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE BOYS’ SCOUTS

to 1 to 3 in some states. Experiences have shown that investments in girls’ education translate directly and quickly into poverty reduction, better health care, and better nutrition for the whole family.

Therefore, in order to equip the youths for the arduous task of leadership and nation building, the elders should invest their time and resources to mentor the younger ones.

Mentoring is a relationship where a less experienced person learns from a more experienced one over a period of time as it is impossible for someone to learn or discover everything and not want to learn from the people around.

One other way by which the youths can be mentored is through their membership of voluntary organizations like the Boys’ Scouts. Founded in 1915 by the British colonialists with the motto ‘Be Prepared’, its laws include that a scout is loyal to his country, his scouter, his parents, his employers and to those under him. Also, a scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others. This inter-

vention is being exploited in Lagos State to inculcate the spirit of team work, unity and a sense of preparedness in the youths.

Furthermore, in order to train the youths to fight unemployment, skill acquisitions must be encouraged for self employment.

Access to loans to start their own businesses must be guaranteed. Meanwhile, they should have been educated earlier on the importance of saving culture, planning and its overall effect on other aspects of life.

This was done recently by Pension Alliance Limited [PAL] whose staff travelled across the country to give primary and secondary school students, practical financial and economic information with a view to inculcating the tenets of good financial management into the young ones. Social welfare packages for the youths must be put in place to cushion the effects of economic hardships caused by unemployment.

Of much importance is the fixing of the nation’s economic problems which have been largely due to mismanagements and misplaced priorities. Presently, in-spite of the country’s huge resources, most Nigerians suffer from extreme poverty. This is fallout of the nation’s constant issue with poor and visionless leadership. So, for the youth to really find their voices in the country, our leaders need to fix the economy.

Fixing the economy would bring about job opportunities and empowerment for the youth.

However, the youths should shun every overture from any quarter that could turn them into anti-social agents. While it is true that things are a bit tough in the country for now, but that is not enough justification for the youths to become willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous individuals who do not have their interests at heart. If late professor Chinua Achebe and Professor Wole Soyinka could become celebrated authors at age 22, the youth could ride over present challenges and take hold of their place in the scheme of things.

Bakare is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information Ikeja.

Sport Extra

Boxing: Klitschko nears world title sweep ly supports a federation fight,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said in the reports.

The 38-year-old Klitschko is currently world champion of the IBF, WBO and WBA federations after he knocked out Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in the fifth round of

his last title defence on Saturday.

The reports also said that the current WBC champion, Bermane Stiverne of Canada, will defend his title against American Deontay Wilder on January 17, and Klitschko could then fight the winner.

Wladimir’s brother, Vitali, held the WBC belt until he vacated it late last year.

“I would like to bring the fourth title back to the family,” the younger Klitschko said, adding, “No honour can be bigger than this.”

Klitschko

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