Thursday, october 23, 2014

Newswatch: Conflicting judgements, recipe for anarchy –Lawyer WALE IGBINTADE

A Mukhtar

Vol. 3 4 N0. 657 967

Lagos-based lawyer, Chijioke Ndubuisi, has described two conflicting judgements emanating from a Federal High

Court judgement over the Share Purchase Agreement, SPA, which transferred ownership of Newswatch Communications Limited to Global Media Mirror Limited owned by businessman, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim,

Reps jostle for Tambuwal’s seat

CFR, as a recipe for anarchy.

According to him, ‘’conflicting judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction is a recipe for catastrophe and anarchy in justice delivery in the country. It portends a CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Thursday, October July 4, 2013 23, 2014

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Jonathan effects cabinet reshuffle

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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ollowing the resignation of seven ministers last week to pursue gubernatorial ambition in their states in the 2015 election, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday made a minor cabinet reshuffle.

In the reorganisation,

...replaces Wike, Obanikoro, Maku, others

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>> MINISTERS, THEIR PORTFOLIOS

Nurudeen Information Muhammed Taminu Turaki

Labour

Haliru Alhassan

Health

Viola Onwuliri

State for Education

Falcons pick World Cup ticket, beat S’Africa 2-1 in Semis P.53

L-R: Ministers: Mr. Isa Sada (Mines and Steel Development), Ambassador Bashir Yuguda (State for Finance), Prof. Viola Onwuliri (State for Education) and Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed (Information), during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

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Insurgency: Immigration loses 40 men in N’East

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INSIGHT

Boko Haram kills four, razes churches, houses in Borno village attack

PDP insists on Oct 30 deadline for sale of forms

No to HND, BSc disparity –Senators

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NYSC NYSC: C Taking another look at its sustainability P.38

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurgency: Immigration loses 40 men in N’East TORDUE SALEM, INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG

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he Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, high command yesterday disclosed that 40 of its personnel had been killed by Boko Haram insurgents in the North- East.

Many NIS officials were also inflicted with diverse degrees of injuries.

Service Public Relations Officer, SPRO, Chukwuemeka Obua, disclosed this yesterday at a briefing in Abuja by the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies, FOSSRA. It was convened by I-Nigeria Initiative.

Obua also said that the NIS was overhauling its border patrol division to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in securing all routes to deny insurgents and other illegal immigrants’ entry into the country.

The NIS spokesperson noted that superior firearms and other equipment were being harnessed for the rejuvenated division.

He said new uniform and other wears, different from the conventional ones, were also arranged for the division, which had already taken delivery of 59 four-wheel jeeps, suitable for any terrain.

Obua added that 1,000 personnel had already been trained to man this division with 1,200 others ready to embark on the same training to boost the manpower to cover the expansive and extensive borders.

Stating that 30 new control posts were being created, he said that 27 additional patrol bases were also set up to flank the control posts such that whoever evaded security at control posts would surely be nabbed by patrol bases.

He said that more foreigners were now being intercepted daily, some with Nigeria’s national identity and voter cards.

Between January and June, Obua said that 3, 825 foreigners had been repatriated, while 19, 668, were refused admission into Nigeria, with 7, 836 Nigerians refused departure.

Apart from its revenue generation drive through the issuance of Nigerian passports and visas, Obua said that the service was

now more effective in its core security mandate at the borders and other entry points in the country to check the activities of terrorists.

In a related development, four Christians have been killed, while two churches and over 50 houses razed by suspected insurgents in Pelachiroma community of Hawul, Borno State, on Tuesday.

Pelachiroma is a few kilometres away from Dzur, a mountainous community harbouring terrorists camps along the Biu-Garkida-Gombi-Yola road where the late emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, and others were ambushed and killed by suspected Boko Haram sect early this year.

Fleeing residents of Pelachiroma told our correspondent that the insurgents who stormed the village about 9pm started shooting sporadically as people scamper for safety.

A resident, John Markus, now taking refuge in Biu, said the insurgents stormed the village late in the evening and started shooting at anything and everybody on sight.

He said: “They came with motorcycles and well-armed with AK-47 rifles and petrol bombs,targetingChristianfaithful and their places of worship.

“As I am talking to you now we have all deserted our community as the insurgents who were chanting Allahu Akbar (God is great) vowed to eliminate Christians in Hawul Local Government Area.

“We are really disturbed because Hawul, a predominantly Christian community, has been under series of Boko Haram attacks without confrontation or deployment of military operatives.”

The Caretaker Chairman of Hawul Council Area, Dr. Andrew Usman Malgwi, confirmed the incident.

He said the community had been under attacks by insurgents as security operatives, particularly the military authorities, had failed to deploy its personnel to the area, despite all pleas.

“The insurgents laid ambush along Dzur highway and killed several people before destroying many vehicles last week.

“This time around, they wreaked havoc in Pelachiroma where they killed three persons and destroyed churches, houses and busi-

ness centres.

“But as government, we are making efforts to see that security operatives, particularly the military are deployed to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has approved the external borrowing of $1bn for President Goodluck Jonathan to battle terror in the North-East.

The lawmakers granted the President’s request after over two months.

They, however asked the

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the National Security Adviser to the President, Col. Sambo Dasuki, to furnish them with a breakdown of how agencies of government would expend the facility.

The House also seeks information on sources of funds, the terms and conditions for the borrowing.

It gave approval for the borrowing after considering a report of the Committees on Aids, Loans and Debt Management and Finance

on the executive proposal.

The House while voting on the report in a Committee of the Whole presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, approved the “request of Mr. President on the need for his administration to borrow not more than $1bn to tackle the national security challenges in the country and approve the recommendations.”

The lawmakers, however, resolved that the NSA and the minister of finance should brief the House later

on the loan and agencies that would benefit from it.

“We request the National Security Adviser to provide the breakdown of allocations apportioned to the under listed agencies to the Committee on National Security, Aids, Loans and Debt Management within one week.”

The agencies expected to benefit are: Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Army, Department of State Security, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Intelligence Agency.

L-R: Minister: Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi (Lands and Housing), Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe (Water Resources) and Mrs. Laurencia Malam (Environment), during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Reps jostle for Tambuwal’s seat WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

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erious political manoeuvering is going on in the House of Representatives over who succeeds the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, should he move to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, as being expected.

The Speaker’s defection is expected to take place between now and Tuesday, according to sources.

Our correspondent learnt that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers are angling over who should replace Tambuwal and one name that has come up is that of the Leader of the House, Hon. Mulikat Adeola.

Adeola was the choice of the PDP and the Presidency for the Speaker’s position which was zoned to the South-West but was lost to Tambuwal during a political horse-trading that made

nonsense of the ruling party’s zoning formula.

PDP lawmakers had defied their party and with the support of the APC ensured the emergence of Tambuwal.

Now, it was gathered that both the PDP and the Presidency had thrown their weight behind the House Leader as the new Speaker.

It was also gathered that Tambuwal had what a source called Plans A and B in ensuring that he was not disgraced out of office when he eventually left.

The Plan A, it was gathered, was to continuously adjourn sitting or invade sitting for the time being so as not to attract too much attention to him and to give him sympathy.

The Plan B was to support a candidate that would maintain the status quo till the expiration of the seventh assembly.

It was gathered that the Chairman, House Defence

Committee, Hon. Bashir Adamu, was being considered since he is one of the closest ally of the Speaker.

His candidature was supported because they believed that he would maintain all the existing structure when the Speaker becomes an ordinary member.

Tambuwal is expected to contest the governorship of Sokoto State next year on the platform of APC. On Monday, he attended the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in the state where the Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, described him as a member of the state’s political family.

The governor also praised Tambuwal’s loyalty and doggedness against all odds.

He had said: “I appreciate all of you, the people of Sokoto State for supporting me since 2007 till date.

I appreciate and thank all stakeholders both at the state and national level and

want to say that now is the time for me to step aside for a new ALU. “I appreciate all of you for standing by me against the wish of the opposition.

Now let me state that all eyes are on the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Therefore, I want to inform the gathering that the Speaker has been a member of the APC since its inception. I only asked him to remain in the PDP until the time of the nomination of the party standarad bearer.

He also explained that though Tambuwal might not have been with the party all this while, however, he had kept faith with his political root and protected the interest of the state.

“We have sent you to Abuja to go and experience the flame of political fire, you have tested it and came out victorious. You are now with us as one family.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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Photo News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Leader of Accord Party, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Tunde Olaniyan, and representative of Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Dr. Adekeye Abiona, during the Save Masses Initiative Symposium in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Director, Marketing and Innovation, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gavin Pike; Director, Corporate Relations, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii, and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, during a courtesy visit and facility tour at Guinness Nigeria’s Ogba Brewery, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Thomas Etuh; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; MD/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Henry James Semenitari; Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, and the Company Secretary/ ED Secretariat and Services, Unity Bank, Mrs Aisha Abraham, during the closing gong ceremony at the NSE, yesterday.

Head of Search and Rescue, National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Kabiru Salihu (left) speaking at a simulation drill for stakeholders on improvised explosives device incident evacuation, in Jos, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News

HND/BSc dichotomy: Senators say no basis for parity …Bill passes second reading

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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enators, yesterday, suggested that as part of measures to address the dichotomy between holders of the Higher National Diploma, HND, and Bachelors of Science, BSc degree, government should simply scrap the HND programmes or upgrade such schools to degree awarding institutions.

Citing the United Kingdom and the US, where the HND programme is no longer in operation, the lawmakers argued that it would be wrong for holders of the HND certificates to continue to seek equality and parity with BSc holders when both programmes attract different entry requirements and different duration of learning.

The lawmakers used the

occasion of the debate on a bill to abolish and prohibit dichotomy and discrimination between first degrees and the Higher National Diploma, HND, holders in the same profession / field to state their views on the issue.

Contributing to the bill, which was sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central), Senator Sola Adeyeye (Osun Central), informed the senate that the idea of the introduction of the diploma programme had its origin in the UK in the 19th century when the programme was established for returnees soldiers from the World War to create middle level manpower in the UK. He said that country subsequently abolished the programme in the 1980s when it became apparent that it was no longer useful for the economy and subsequently converted all the

shools that offered the programme to degree awarding institutions.

According to the lawmaker, even in the US, which is credited as the best industrialised nation of the world, the country does not run any diploma programme.

He stated that going by the fact that the entry requirement for diploma programmes is compromised and the fact also that graduates from such institutions cannot compete effectively with graduates from the universities, there is no need seeking parity with the two certificate holders.

Also contributing to the debate, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu decried the fact that Polytechnics veer into all manners of courses under the sun that has little or nothing to do with technology, including languages, public administration, sec-

retarial studies, etc.

While advising that the Polytechnics should be turned into degree awarding institutions, Ekweremadu said that technical schools should be established in the major state capitals to train the required technicians in the country.

Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra South) blamed the technology regulatory institutions in the country for failing in their responsibilities, which led to the abdication of the core educational mandates of the Polytechnics, resulting in the Polytechnics awarding certificates in such areas as crockery, public administration, languages, amongst others.

Noting that the discrimination between the diploma awarding institutions and degree awarding ones is in-built, the lawmaker said that, “we should con-

serve the energy and resources of this chamber and not allow the bill to go through second reading.”

Senator Sunny Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South), criticised the bill,saying it was raised on sentimental grounds. He described the dichotomy as a structural one that must be addressed from the beginning and handled administratively.

He stated that as long as there is certificate discrimination among the two, people will not want to attend the Polytechnics.

In his closing remarks, Senate President, David Mark, noted the different points made on both sides of the divide and agreed that the entry points for universities and Polytechnics are different.

He said it’s not about the products, but the individuals that matter, as all institutions produce quacks and good graduates, stress-

ing that, “the curriculum is where the problem is and not the nomenclature.”

He also stated that what the bill is seeking to achieve may not work, however, an arrangement can be made where Polytechnics begin to award degrees.

He also cast doubt on the possibility of the Senate legislating on the issue, as the Upper House cannot compel private institutions not to discriminate in their emplacements, adding that nobody is going back to the Polytechnics from the University, but rather, vice versa.

He accordingly urged the Senate Committee on Education to hold public hearing on the bill where according to him; more ideas on way forward would be gotten.

The committee was given four weeks to submit its report from the public hearing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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Newswatch: Conflicting judgements, recipe for anarchy –Lawyer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

bad omen for the country in the ensuing melee.’’

Already, Newswatch Communications has appealed against the judgement of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which declared the sale of the majority shareholding in Newswatch invalid.

Ndubuisi condemned situations where facts of cases were the same, but different judgements were delivered by courts of coordinate jurisdiction, adding that such scenario would lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

He recalled that sometime last year, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had in a judgement restrained the former directors of Newswatch Communications Limited from parading themselves as directors of the organisation.

Meanwhile, Newswatch Communications in its notice of appeal stated that

in the formation of their issues, they relied on the pleadings and the reliefs sought by the respondents and submitted that the argument adduced at the lower court was aimed at establishing that the 2nd and 3rd appellants (Global Media Mirror Limited and Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim) paid for the shares of Newswatch Communications Limited.

Specifically, ground two, in the notice of appeal, stated that Justice Buba misdirected himself on fact when he held that nothing in the paragraphs of the amended reply to the petition filed by the appellants suggested that the second and third appellants paid for the shares of the company as per the provisions of the SPA. The appellants submitted that the first and second respondents (Aruwa and Prof.

Aminu) exhibited before the lower court evidence of payment by the appellants of N510m, being payment for shares of the Newswatch Communications Limited,

Jonathan effects cabinet reshuffle CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the Minister of State 1 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, was announced as the new Minister of State for Education to replace Nyesom Wike, who wants to take over from Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State.

The Minister of State II, Foreign Affairs, Nurudeen Mohammad has been appointed to oversee the Ministry of Information following the exit of Mr. Labaran Maku, who is interested in the governorship seat of Nasarawa State.

Mohammed briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive a Council, FEC, meeting yesterday.

He also disclosed that the Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki (SAN) is to oversee the Ministry of Labour which was vacated last week by Chief Emeka Nwogu, who is eyeing the seat of Governor Theodore Orji in Abia State.

The Minister of Indus-

try, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, will take full charge of the ministry in the absence of the Minister of State in the ministry, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who resigned last week to enable him contest for the governorship seat of Benue State.

Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Ambassador Aminu Wali, will take full control of the ministry following the exit of the Minister of State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who is interested in taking over from Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos State.

The Supervising Minister of Information also disclosed that the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Haliru Alhassan, will supervise the ministry following the resignation of the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, who wants to contest for the governorship seat of Ebonyi State.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru, has been directed to take full charge of the ministry following the exit of the Minister of State in the ministry, Dahiru Dickson Ishaku.

and that same was admitted as an exhibit before the lower court.

Besides, the appellants pointed out that the respondents in their reply affidavit admitted that N510m was paid into the Newswatch Communication Limited account by the appellants.

The appellants also stated that the lower court erred in law when it held that the judgement of Justice Abang was made Obiter Dictum and as such had no binding effect on the court.

The appellants maintained that the judgement of Justice Abang, even

though persuasive, had determined the legal status of the company. ‘’That the effect of the decision of Justice Buba is to cause conflict with that of Justice Abang, a court of coordinate jurisdiction and that the judgement delivered by Justice Abang is

yet to be overturned by the Court of Appeal.’’

In particular, the Notice of Appeal states that the details of misdirection include failure of the trial Judge, (Justice Buba) to recognise the payment of N510m made by the core investor in the company.

Members of Catholic Women Organisation of St. Joachim/Anne Catholic Church in a procession to celebrate the late Dame Oluremi Oyo in Lagos, yesterday.

PDP insists on Oct 30 deadline for sale of forms OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday declared that it will not extend the October 30 deadline for the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms for all aspirants seeking to fly its flag in all elections.

The party further stated that in spite of President Goodluck Jonathan’s emergence as sole candidate of the party, he, in accordance with the party’s constitution, must purchase the N22 million presidential forms ahead of the party’s convention.

The party also declared that it has granted waivers to returnee members as well as new members to participate as ad-hoc delegates in ward congresses.

Rising from their national working committee meeting yesterday, the national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “The NWC today decided that the issue of the closing date for the collection of the nomination forms cannot be extended. It will not be

extended. (Beyond) 6pm, October 30, no party member can obtain forms for our 2014 congress and convention after the deadline; the last date is October 30 and it will not be extended. And it is applicable to all candidates.”

An attempt by a group under the aegis of NigerDelta Youths For Jonathan to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms for President Jonathan last Friday at the party’s national secretariat was not successful.

The group led by Benjamin Egbunike, later told newsmen that they were asked by the party leadership to write an application in that regard as the emergence of Jonathan as sole candidate of the party would follow a procedure. They however promised to return yesterday to secure the forms.

But Metuh said while they are not against the purchase of forms for the president, the party is not aware of such moves by the group to pick forms for the president. Metuh noted that they went

about it in a wrong manner.

He said, “We have not been informed of any group that wants to buy form for the President; we are not yet aware. I am hearing it for the first time. Groups have come to purchase forms for Senators and governors; I don’t think the NWC is against anybody coming to purchase form for the President.

“We know that the President has not declared and he has not signified his indication that he is going to contest, he has not given answer to the yearnings of Nigerians but at the same time, the NWC will not kick against any group that wants to purchase form for him.”

On whether or not Jonathan must secure the expression of interest and nomination forms having emerged as sole candidate, Metuh said, “The constitution of the party stipulates that there will be a national convention where decisions or memos from the National executives will either be approved

or rejected and there is no way that you can go to a presidential election and say you are adopting or electing someone who has not bought form.”

He however assured party members that the conduct of the primaries and the convention would be open and transparent.

He stressed, “We will not tolerate any attempt to influence or interfere in that process, nobody will be selected, nobody will be adopted, (there will be) no consensus, it will be open and transparent primaries at all levels.”

He added that “waiver has been granted to all those who want to be delegates but for all those who want to be in the House of Assembly, Senate, House of Representatives or governorship, they will go through our process by applying for waivers.”

He added that the requirement for waiver does not apply to people who are board members of board chairmen occupying such committee positions.

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FEC approves aviation, roads, power projects’ contracts ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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he Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved contract for the supply and installation of a Full Jet-Flight Simulator (5000 Series B737), with complete accessories, for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria, in the sum of $21.459m, inclusive of all taxes payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.

The simulator to be located at the Murtala Mu-

hammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, was awarded in favour of Messrs CAE, Canada, with a completion period of 24 months.

Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, at a postFEC briefing yesterday, said the project would serve a dual purpose of a training facility for the college, and a source of revenue generation for the country.

According to him, the project would be funded from the N3.341bn provided in the 2014 appropriation of the ministry

for the “Procurement of Simulator” for NCAT, while the balance would come from the college’s 2015 budget.

Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, said at the briefing that FEC also endorsed the ratification of the president’s approval for the award of contract for the construction of the East West Road, Section V (Oron-Calabar), Phase 1 in Akwa Ibom / Cross River states.

Council also approved contract for the supervi-

sion of the construction of Calabar-Oban-Nsan-Okoroba-Ajasor road (Section1) in Cross River State, and the construction of Mbaise Ring in Imo State.

Similarly, FEC also approved the Revised Estimated Total Cost 2 for the East-West Road Project, Sections I and II (Sub-Sections II-I and II-II), in the sum of N23,484,369,831.99, inclusive of all taxes in favour of Messrs Sectraco (Nigeria), Limited with a completion period of seven months.

The minister disclosed

that there was budgetary provision of N52.7bn for East West road (Sections I & II ) in 2014, made up of N18.5bn from the main line budget, N21bn SUREP budget and N13.3bn African development Bank, AFDB, loan.

Council also approved the award of contract for the purchase of zonal office building at Plot 187, Housing Area B, new Owerri, Imo State, for the zonal office of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, in favour of Messrs Chukwuemeka Okoli and

associates in the sum of N131,969,250, inclusive five per cent agency and five per cent VAT. This followed a memo presented by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, seeking council’s approval for the purchase of the building.

The provision of office accommodation would enable NERC to effectively perform its regulatory function in the zone as there is a provision of N565,127,793.08 in the NERC’s 2014 appropriation.

Reps probe N3.7trn refinery projects TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he House of Representatives has ordered its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the delay in the commencement of the N3.7trn green field refinery projects, and report back to the House in two weeks.

The lawmakers initiated the enquiry after passing a motion sponsored

by Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (Kaduna-APC).

Tajudeen’s motion was entitled: “Need for explanation of the failure to construct the N3.7 trillion green field refineries at Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states four years after the award of the contract”.

“No tangible work has been executed at any of the three project sites, with just a year to the end of the period projected for completion of the refineries, even though the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had assured the public of the commitment of the Nigerian Na-

Alison-Madueke

tional Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to pursue the projects as soon as the white paper on the report of the 22-member task force headed by former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, was released,” Tajudeen claimed.

He said there was no evidence of any plan to construct a refinery at the Lekki (Lagos) site soon, despite a favourable recommendation by the task force for the Lagos refinery.

Tajudeen alleged that the revelations by AlisonMadueke raised issues that needed clarification, as to the reason for the delay in the commencement of the projects and subsequent reduction in the scope, after the delay in releasing the report of the task force and the white paper on it.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government signed an agreement on May 13, 2010, with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, CSCEC, for the construction of green field refineries projects in the aforementioned states.

The period of completion of the N3.7trn (about $23bn) projects is five years.

Based on the terms, 80 per cent of the cost is to be funded with a loan provided by the China Export Credit Insurance Corporation, CECIC, while the NNPC is to provide 20 per cent of the funding as equity contribution.

L-R: Assistant Director, Directorate of Foreign Operations, Mr. Julius Enehikuere; Iranian Ambassador, Mr. Saeed Koozechi, and Deputy Director, Political, Mr. Idris Abdulrahman, during the News Agency of Nigeria Forum in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

IGP orders weapons’ audit, sets up panel on communal crises OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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head of the 2015 general elections and the need to ascertain the weapons’ readiness of the Nigeria Police Force, the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, has ordered an immediate and thorough check or audit of all police armouries across the federation.

The police described the order as part of measures to strengthen accountability of its stock of weaponry.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the exercise, which has already commenced, will cover all police commands, formations, stations and units across the country.

“This measure will also enable the force to review the current state of arms and ammunition in stock at various police armouries,” he added.

In the last few years, the police had come under increasing terror attacks; the latest being the brazen attack on a divisional police station at Adogo, Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

The development came even as the IGP yesterday in Kaduna set up the “Nigeria Police Committee on Prevention and Management of Communal Clashes”.

According to Abba, who was on a working visit to the state, the setting up of the committee was part of his resolve to bring to an end, the pervasive communal clashes that have continued to ravage different parts of the nation.

The committee is cochaired by four assistant inspectors-general of police and has as its terms of reference, encouraging and facilitating dialogue among warring parties, as well as conducting reconciliatory meetings with aggrieved parties, in a bid to peacefully resolve declared differences.

Others are the “development and application of early warning mechanisms and systems of threats of communal clashes; and, mediation and application of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR services to avert, conciliate and or resolve observed/reported communal disputes before they escalate.”

The committee has 12 other members drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country.

Meanwhile, as a major step towards addressing the recurrent cases of cattle rustling and other associated crimes, as witnessed in some parts of the country, the IGP has set up ‘The Nigeria Police Task Force on Cattle Rustling and Associated Crimes’.

Force spokesman, Ojukwu told journalists in Abuja that the task force, which has an assistant commissioner of police as its commanding officer, will have tactical units in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

He said the taskforce is “saddled with pre-emptive intelligence gathering, anti-cattle-rustling and allied crimes patrols-cumoperations, as well as the investigation and possible prosecution of reported incidents of cattle rustling.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

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FG, states, LGs share N603bn

...disagree over monthly allocation figures, .APC govs to meet Jonathan TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND WOLE ADEDEJI

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he federal, state and local governments yesterday shared N603.5 billion from the federation account for September.

A breakdown of the distribution showed that N457.12bn was shared

from statutory sources compared with N62.498bn from VAT and N35.549bn from SURE-P. There was disagreement between the federal and state governments at yesterday’s Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC’s meeting, over the figures presented for sharing among the tiers of government.

The disagreement prolonged the deliberations till late hours of the night.

One of the nagging issues reported to have further created disagreements between members was the outstanding debt owed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to the Federation Account.

Consequently, the

FAAC meeting was forced to break midway to allow the state finance commissioners consult their governors on how to break the impasse.

One of the commissioners confided in our correspondent that the figures presented by the Federal Government was so inadequate, thereby compelling the states to reject the sum

L-R: Former special assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Ita Giwa; Director, Women Banking, Access Bank, Mrs. Ope Wemi-Jones, and Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a talk show titled “ Today’s Women” in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

RMAFC decries manipulation of joint states, LGs’ accounts TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, yesterday lamented the manipulation of the joint states and local government councils account by state governors, saying the practice could undermine grassroots development.

Chairman of the commission, Elias Mbam, stated this when he played host to a delegation of the Oversight Implementation Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya in his office in Abuja.

According to the RMAFC boss, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as

amended recognises three tiers of government as the main beneficiaries of the Federation Account.

He pointed out that while the statutory allocation from the Federation Account due to the federal and state governments were credited to them directly, that of local government is expected to be paid to respective State, Local Government Joint Account established by section 162(6) of the 1999 constitution.

He lamented however that the joint accounts were often subjected to manipulations by state supervisory authorities, thus rendering the local governments financially incapacitated The commission also decried its lack of finan-

cial autonomy which, it claimed, had continued hamper its operations.

Mbam, who decried the absence of financial autonomy, pointed out that the sensitive nature of RMAFC’s role in Nigeria’s fiscal management required that the commission should enjoy some measure of independence, including financial autonomy.

He lamented that RMAFC was still dependent on budgetary allocations which are in most times grossly inadequate to protect its independence and fund its operations.

Explaining that lack of powers of enforcement and sanctions in RMAFC is a major constraint, Mbam pointed out that

while the constitutional powers and function of the commission were enormous and crucial to effective fiscal practices in the country, the constitution and the enabling laws of did not confer power of sanctions and enforcement on the commission, thus reducing its roles to purely advisory.

He commended the Kenyan delegation for the visit which, he pointed out, would strengthen the two countries’ bilateral relations.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr Njoroge Baiye, said they were in Nigeria to finetune the operations of their country’s new constitution by visiting relevant bodies and agencies with a view to gaining from their experiences.

and to canvass the sharing of the N2.7bn Excess Crude Account, ECA, savings.

Another source also said that while the commissioners wanted the ECA savings to augment the distributions for September, the Federal Government team was said to have shared a different view.

The Minister of State of Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and other Federal Government officials were said to be more disposed to a no-sharing option based on the view that the country’s savings should be beefed to mitigate any likely fiscal shocks on the economy, following the lingering international oil market uncertainties.

The states’ commissioners were said to be completely opposed to moving the amount into ECA saving, claiming that their governments needed more funds now to sustain various projects and programmes targeted at improving essential services.

On the NNPC debt repayment arrangement, the state representatives were said to have insisted that the Federal Government should make full disclosure of how much had been transferred to the Federation Account so far with a view to updating them on the current state of the corporation’s debt status.

However, the chairman of States Finance Commissioners, Mr. Timothy Odah from Ebonyi State said there was no controversy over the ECA. He said that the position of the Committee was that the ECA savings should be saved, and that the general consensus was that savings should be beefed up and that revenue base should be diversified to increase earnings.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governors under the banner of Progressives Governors’ Forum yesterday met in Ilorin, Kwara State capital with a resolution to seek audience with President Goodluck Jonathan over the dwindling

fund allocation to states by the FAAC. Chairman of the forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State at the end of the meeting in Ilorin Government House, said the forum condemned the continuous slash in the allocations to states by the Federal Government, describing it as wrong.

He said the forum disagreed with the claim that the Federal Government is broke, pointing out that the government itself had said it was not broke yet gave no reason for the slash.

He bemoaned the attitude of their counterparts in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who he said had suspiciously kept sealed lips over the matter all along giving the impression that “they were not affected or that they were being taken care off in the background.”

On plan towards 2015 poll, especially the presidency, the chairman said the forum would prefer a decent consensus arrangement that will “conform with good internal democracy within the party,” pointing out that where that does not work, they would go for a primary election.

They meeting also included a honour session for ex-governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who they described as the one who had done them proud with his performance in office and good spirit of sportsmanship.

Present at the meeting were the host governor, Abdulafgatah Ahmed, Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Abiola Ajimobi, Kashim Shettima, Ibrahim Gaidam, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister

8

South West

Court orders firm to pay FirstBank N1.4bn WALE IGBINTADE

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Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered a firm, BGL Plc, to pay FirstBank Plc, N1.407bn.

Delivering judgement in a suit filed by BGL against FirstBank, Justice Mohammed Idris held that, on the balance of probabilities, the bank was entitled to judgement for the credit facilities it advanced to BGL. BGL Plc, BGL Securities Limited and Albert Okumagba, had initiated court action against the bank, seeking the award of N167. 097m for alleged breach of contract in respect of a N2bn margin loan.

The plaintiffs had specifically alleged that the bank failed to carry out its contractual obligation and duty of care to settle the facility, as well as sell the shares when there was drop in value.

However, the bank through its lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, had filed a statement of defence and counter-claim to the suit.

The plaintiffs had recalled in their claim before the court that, by a virtue of an offer letter dated August 30, 2007, the bank granted them a stock trading margin facility of N2bn.

The terms of the loan,

according to the plaintiffs, were that initial 30 per cent margin/equity contribution of stock by GBL Securities Limited would be paid, and that the stocks purchased with the facility should be kept in the bank’s possession.

Corporate guarantee of BGL Limited and that of Okumagba were also required as part of terms of the loan.

Numerous other conditions were also agreed upon, according to the plaintiffs.

However, the plaintiff alleged that by virtue of the contract of the loan, FirstBank had a contractual obligation to sell the shares that had been pledged as security for the facility, in the event that the value of the shares fell below the percentage cover of 130 per cent.

While delivering judgment, Justice Idris referred to a letter written to the plaintiffs by the bank on the need for the plaintiffs to provide additional funds to correct the shortfall of 20.335 when the margin facility fell from 130 per cent to 109.67 per cent.

The judge added that by the letter, the bank had clearly exhibited its willingness to make the plaintiffs shore up the value of the facility, and that the failure of the plaintiffs to heed the advicse could not be visited on the bank.

Lagos APC denies barring aspirants from contesting FRANCIS SUBERU

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he Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday said that no aspirant would be barred from contesting for any position in 2015.

The party, in a statement by the state chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, said anybody who qualifies to run for any office would be allowed to contest, even if the person had served three times in the same position.

The party said: “The reports now making the round about the alleged decision by the leadership of APC in Lagos to stop aspirants from contesting after

a third term is a fallacy.

“There is no iota of truth in the report as no such decision was reached. It is a total mis-representation of the decision reached and such information must have emanated from PDP agents and not APC. “The Governors’ Advisory Committee, GAC, never issued such a directive or reached such a decision.

“The APC believes in the inalienable rights of every eligible member to contest for any elective office for as many terms as possible, as long as it is constitutional.

“The democratic rights of party members are recognised and respected. Every member is allowed to compete. "

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Alleged intimidation: Ekiti Speaker, Fayose on war path • Govt revisits LCDA creation ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, has accused the state government of intimidating him in view of his membership of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. Omirin said that he would not buckle under ‘undue political pressure’ to abandon his party for the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, for selfish and pecuniary motives.

The speaker, who in a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Wole Olujobi,

reacted to the closure of his petrol filling station in Ado-Ekiti, allegedly on the orders of the governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, said the action amounted to intimidation for his refusal to defect to the PDP. Omirin said he fulfilled all necessary environmental laws in the location of the filling station, and got necessary approval, wondering why the governor was starting early in the day victimising those who do not share his political belief.

He said: “The present atmosphere in the state does not call for highhandedness and persecu-

tion against perceived opponents, but a collective pursuit of common goals to deliver good governance to Ekiti people”.

According to him, attacks on the opponents, particularly the lawmakers, would only create conditions inimical to a cordial relationship between the executive and legislature necessary for smooth running of government.

But the state government denied the allegation, saying there was no iota of truth in the speaker’s allegation.

The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, told

journalists on phone that the essence of closing some petrol filling stations within residential areas was to ensure sanity in the state.

Adelusi, who said the order on such petrol stations near school and residential buildings that constituted environmental hazards was for regulation, said: “Everybody knows the danger if there is fire outbreak as it had happened in some towns and cities.”

Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated its commitment to the provisions of the country’s constitution on the procedures for local government creation.

L-R: President, University of Ibadan Medical Students Association, Mr. Elegbede Adeniyi; Chairman of the occasion, Prof.

Oladipupo Akinkugbe, presenting a plaque to Chief (Mrs.) Winifred Awosika, during the Awosika Symposium in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ebola: China disqualifies Nigeria from global fiesta TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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hina has disqualified Nigerian representatives from participating in this year’s edition of Enactus World Cup being hosted by the country.

The Asiatic country disqualified Ekiti State University, EKSU students, the Nigerian representatives from the world event over the outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Nigeria.

The three-day competition began yesterday in Beijing, the Chinese capital, without Nigerian represen-

tatives participating.

Enactus (Entrepreneurial Action US), an international humanitarian organisation that connects students, academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into real, sustainable progress for themselves and their communities, organises an annual competition among undergraduates globally on a yearly basis.

EKSU students emerged champions at the Nigerian version, beating about 22 other participating univer-

sities and polytechnics in the country to qualify for the World Cup. The country director of the organisation in Nigeria, Adesuwa Ifedi, in a release, said her office could not secure letter of invitation required to process visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria for the team.

She said all efforts by the organisation, as well as its partnering institutions, including the US Embassy in Nigeria, since over a month ago to convince the Chinese authorities that Nigerians were not in any way an Ebola threat to other par-

ticipants and the people of China, were to no avail.

“While we protested that Nigeria had successfully contained the virus, we also suggested that the Nigerian contingent be compulsorily screened before embarking on the trip, but all these yielded no positive result,” she added.

Ifedi described the development as a sad one, as her office alongside the participating schools and sponsors, had invested huge resources in terms of money, time and emotions, to prepare the team for the world event.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, October 23, 2014

9

Nigerians must be patient with Jonathan —NRCRI boss BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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Walk to mark the 2014 Federal Road Safety Corps Youth Week in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Osun’s Mechatronics centre to roll out soon — Aregbesola …will end era of auto repairs abroad BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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sun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said the era of Nigeria shipping complex automobiles abroad for repairs will soon end, with the establishment of the world’s most modern auto-mechanic workshops in the state.

The governor disclosed this while receiving a team of German trainers in Osogbo, the state capital, alongside the beneficiaries of the state governmentsponsored automobile repair training in Germany.

The state-of-the-art mechanical facilities being

put in place in the state for assemblage and repair of automobiles, according to him, is the first of its kind in the whole of the country, adding that the Mechatronic Village, as it is called, situated in Esa-Oke and nearing completion, has three computerised mechanical workshops for assembling and repair of various types of automobiles.

He further stated that about 50 artisans from the state had early this year been sent to Germany for modern automobile trainings in some of the best automobile companies in the world.

The second phase of the auto-revolution, the governor said, is the training of

the artisans and automobile technicians in the state.

He added that through the scheme called train-thetrainer, the 50 artisans sent to Germany received training, returned to the state and, together with their German trainers, were set to train the local artisans on the modern art of automobile repair and assemblage.

His words: “This Mechatronic programme is conceived to upgrade the artisans to fit into the modern automobile practice standard as it obtains in the developed world.

“Our government introduced the scheme to serve many purposes. This will help the artisan to be up-

to-date in their chosen profession and would be able to handle repair of any car. Besides, the people of the state and other states of the federation will benefit immensely from this programme as repair and services of even the latest automobile will now be handled in Osun with ease and professionalism.

“The days of shipping a faulty car abroad for repair are nearing an end now with the establishment of our Mechatronics. So, I can tell you that a revolution in automobile is germinating in Osun with the kind of machine we procured, which if not the best is also the latest anyone can get in the world today.

Cross Country’s trial: AGF takes over prosecution MATTHEW IRINOYE

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Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, was yesterday informed that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, had taken over the prosecution of the Managing Director of Cross Country Transport Limited, Mr Bube Okorodudu, who is charged with N82.8 million theft.

A lawyer from the AGF’s office, Mr D.E. Kaswe, stat-

ed this when the matter came up for hearing.

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had charged Okorodudu and his transport companies, Cross Country and Car Link Limited on eight counts bordering on conspiracy, stealing and forgery.

The anti-graft agency had alleged that defendant stole the money through the fraudulent sale of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Ltd and Mr

Adeloye Olukemi.

However, Kaswe said the AGF had taken over the matter from the EFCC since September 8 when the court was on its annual break, adding that the AGF office had on September 22 written to the EFCC requesting the original file.

According to him, the AGF took over the matter because there was another sister case at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

“We want to examine the files and reach our own conclusions because both of them are criminal mat-

ters,” Kaswe added.

He, therefore, asked the court for an adjournment to enable the AGF’s office get the said file from the EFCC. Counsel to the defendant, Mr Taiwo Taiwo, said Okorodudu had voluntarily made himself available to the police as directed by the court on July 1.

“The first defendant (Okorodudu) was in their custody and came to court on July 14 but the court could not sit due to the strike by judiciary workers.

n aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2015 general elections, Chief Oludaisi Aina, yesterday urged Nigerians to be patient with President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the massive investment by the present administration will soon start yielding the desired results.

According to him, the passion he has seen in President Jonathan to develop the country is boundless and blamed perceived slow pace of governance to lack of basic structures that the President would have built his programmes on taking office.

Aina, who spoke shortly after obtaining the PDP intention form to contest Osun Central Senatorial seat at the PDP state secretariat in Osogbo, stated that

with the intervention of the present administration in agriculture, Nigeria would next year become net exporter of rice and cassava.

The chairman of Governing Board of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, however decried the manner Nigerians treat their leaders and called for a change of attitude, urging opinion and political leaders to lay good examples by giving due regards to those in positions of authorities.

On his blueprint if elected senator, Aina promised to facilitate establishment of a federal govetgnmentowned tertiary institution in the senatorial district.

Aina, who hails from Iresi town, formerly of old Oyo State, now in Boluwaduro local government area of Osun State, where Jonathan observed his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, also promised to empower youths in the district.

‘Gemstones can fetch Nigeria multi-million dollars annually’ KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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he Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, yesterday in Ibadan said the country’s raw gemstones can fetch the nation multi-million dollars annually if harnessed.

He disclosed this during a one-day capacity building workshop for Gemstone Miners and investors with the theme “Prospects and Investment Opportunities in the Export Development and Marketing of Gemstones in Nigeria” at the Ibadan Business School.

He said gemstones were capable of earning more foreign exchange than agricultural products like cocoa, rubber, bulk industrial mineral such as gypsum, kaolin, coal, tin and columbite, hence the need for the authority to hasten speed and conclude arrangement on the establishment of two gemstone centres planned for Ibadan and Jos. Represented by the Director, Product Development Department of NEPC, Mr. Williams Ezeagu, Awolowo

said the establishment of the two centres would boost trading in Nigerian gemstones and gemstones export value and volume; attract foreign buyers and enhance the branding of Nigeria for an international ethical trade fair certification for Nigerian gemstones.

According to him, Nigeria is richly endowed with an array of gemstones which include sapphire, emerald, agate, tourmaline, zircon, amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, diamonds, garnet, adding that, “the estimated over $120 billion worldwide jewelry industry is sustained with gemstone supplies. The economic importance of a thriving gemstone industry to Nigeria with a mono-economy cannot be overemphasized.”

He said, “For example, it was projected in 2010 that Nigeria will have to export one million tonnes of coal to earn $3million while it needs to export less than five tonnes within the same period of top quality gemstone to earn about $200 million if properly developed. Therefore, Nigeria’s gemstones are capable of earning more foreign exchange than agricultural products.”

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South East

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Imo govt lifts embargo on employment CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday announced the lifting of embargo on employment into the state civil service while congratulating Imo workers on their Civil Service Week.

Okorocha announced this while addressing Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service who called on him at Government House, Owerri.

He explained that the recruitment would be made from workers already involved in the ‘Youth Must Work’ programme and in accordance with the civil service guidelines.

The governor also prom-

ised to provide buses to convey civil servants to and fro their offices, free of cost, thereby easing transport burden.

The governor noted that while politicians in other parties were concerned about elections, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was committed to executing more projects, completing and commissioning existing projects for the betterment of the state. “There will be more projects and we will be stronger than when we started,” he said.

He thanked the permanent secretaries for working as a team and remaining dogged in their belief in the Rescue Mission government, and not allowing political opponents to use

them in fighting government.

He also directed the Head of Service to submit list of senior officers who will be deployed as Principal Officers to supervise certain government projects and ensure their proper maintenance.

On the 2015 elections, Okorocha stressed the need to give Ndigbo their rightful positions at the federal level and called on people of the South East to support any Igbo vying for the presidency, insisting that “I will neither allow the Igbo to be forgotten as a people nor tolerate the long years of marginalisation Ndigbo have suffered in Nigeria.”

Earlier, the Imo State Head of Service, Mr. Calis-

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Rep charges colleagues on improved facilities for Nigerians OLUSEGUN KOIKI

tus Ekenze, said they came to present birthday gifts to the governor as well as thank him for approving the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week in the state.

Ekenze explained that the celebration which kicked off on October 22 will feature many presentations starting with a march past competition among the Deputy Governor’s Office, House of Assembly and ministries.

He also thanked Okorocha for reactivating the State Secretariat where over 900 rooms were tiled, more than 200 sets of computers provided and office furniture set up for workers’ comfort and efficiency at work.

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ouse Committee Chairman on Aviation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has challenged her colleagues to combine the business of lawmaking with provision of facilities to the Nigerian people.

This is as she decried the level of poverty among the rural dwellers in the country, stressing that with better representation at the state and federal levels, the lot of Nigerians would change for the better.

While presenting various economic empowerment items to the people of her constituency in Umunneochi Isuikwuato federal constituency, Onyejeocha observed that more still needed to be done for the Nigerian masses by their representatives if they must move from the present level of poverty.

She said, “Suffice it to say that in advanced democracies, parliamentar-

ians are assessed by the quality of debates and laws they churn out. But in our nascent democracy underscored by excruciating level of poverty and deprivations make it very compelling for any responsible legislator to combine the business of lawmaking with providing succour and enhancing the living standard of his or her people.”

Onyejeocha said the empowerment programme was borne out of her passion to empower her people who are genuinely in need, to be self-reliant, make a living and gainfully employed to become employers of labour aimed at sustaining peace among people of the various communities.

She explained that the 10 political wards in Umunneochi local government area had enjoyed the provision of infrastructure in the last few years, adding that her own contribution was to complement that of the state.

Chime appoints new Chief of Staff DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

G National Youth Service Corps members and school children raising safety awareness banners in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Obiano steps up war against polio, donates N5m CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he battle for the eradication of polio disease in Nigeria got a boost yesterday with Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, joining Sir Emeka Offor in the fight, with a donation of N5 million.

Obiano donated N5 million in support of polio eradication, when Sir Offor, Rotary International Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, led his team on a courtesy call at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka.

The governor expressed optimism that Anambra

and the entire country would soon be certified polio-free as the efforts of Rotary International in the bid to check polio have begun to yield big result.

After announcing his donation, Offor decorated Obiano with the “End Polio Pin,” an honour conferred in recognition of the governor’s assistance towards the eradication of polio, a disease that has been eradicated in most countries of the world except Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Obiano said that his optimism stemmed from the observed efforts of Rotary International in combating the scourge.

Offor led members of his club on the visit as part of activities for this year’s polio week between October 20 and 28.

He had earlier told the governor that Rotary was in the state as part of the activities to mark the polio week that, with distribution of 100 wheelchairs and other mobility materials to people with disability in each of the five South East states.

Offor, who is also the CEO of the Chrome Group, pointed out that Anambra has always taken Rotary Club seriously, adding that his group was in the state to distribute wheelchairs

to the less privileged and handicapped persons in the state.

Stressing that he enjoys cordial relationship with Obiano, Offor promised the governor that his group would return to the state to collaborate with the government in the area of agriculture.

Offor further said polio cases that were reduced to three in Nigeria have now gone up to six because of Boko Haram and insurgency disturbances that hindered intervention in the North.

He, however, promised that they would bring polio to zero level by next year.

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has approved the appointment of Mr Victor Nnanna Atuonwu as his new Chief of Staff.

The appointment followed the resignation of the former chief of staff, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, in pursuit of her ambition to represent the Enugu East Senatorial District at the Senate.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Patrick Okolo, said Atuonwu’s appointment was with immediate effect.

Atuonwu was until his new appointment, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Investment and Treasury.

Meanwhile, the ex-Chief of Staff, Nwobodo, has collected the, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, nomination form pursuant of her senatorial ambition.

Members of the PDP in Enugu East Senatorial District led by the new deputy governor, Rev. Ifeanyi Nwoye and the six council chairmen in the zone, purchased expression of inter-

est form for Nwobodo, begging her to contest for the Senate seat of the constituency.

They paid N500,000 to purchase the Expression of Interest form while the nomination form was issued to them free of charge in line with the PDP policy of encouraging women to participate in elections.

Speaking on behalf of the other six council chairmen, Enugu East council boss, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, said they decided to ask Nwobodo for the senatorial bid because of her track record in serving as chief of staff.

Nnaji, who is also the ALGON chairman in the state, said they have seen for the past seven and half years a woman of change, a leader with good quality, a mother with a caring heart.

Gov. Chime

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South South

Thursday, October 23, 2014

11

Oritsejafor attributes Nigeria’s problems to ‘wickedness’ THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and his wife, Roli, during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, Warri, yesterday.

Sapele NBA protests abduction of member THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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ocio-economic activities in Sapele and neighbouring communities were almost grounded yesterday, following a protest by members of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Sapele branch, over the abduc-

tion of a member.

The protesting lawyers, in their hundreds, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their colleague, Barrister Desmond Dudu, who was abducted last Sunday evening at Eku-Abraka road, by unknown gunmen.

Sapele NBA Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Ekerewe, condemned the abduction,

saying that nothing had been done about their colleague since his abduction.

Ekerewe called security agencies in the state to expedite action to rescue the lawyer.

The lawyers carried placards with different inscriptions as; “Free Barr.

Dudu”, “Kidnapping is wrong and evil”, “Stop the

Kidnapping and Release Our Colleagues”.

They appealed to the police to swing into action and trap the kidnappers.

“We are highly irritated with the kidnap of our colleague, Barr. Desmond Dudu and, therefore, use this medium to appeal to the kidnappers to release him unconditionally,” the NBA chairman said.

Thugs beat up Rivers NLC chairman DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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uspected to be thugs yesterday manhandled the Rivers State chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Chris Oruge, in Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that the youths invaded the office of chairman during a meeting of the state executive committee of NLC, forcing him to flee.

Some officials of the union had been disturbed over Oruge’s refusal to relinquish the position of chairman after his suspension by his mother union, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT. The rampaging youths dealt several blows on the embattled NLC chairman, leaving him with bruises and torn clothes, before some of his aides came to his rescue.

At the time of filing the report, Oruge could not be reached on his mobile

Omar, NLC president

phone as they were switched off, while policemen drafted from the Swift Operation Storm, SOS, the rapid response unit of the Rivers State Police Command, to maintain surveillance at the NLC secretariat.

Speaking to journalists, the first Vice Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Williams Adda, insisted that the embattled chairman was not assaulted by thugs, but that he was prevented by members of the union from entering his office, having been suspended by his primary industrial union, the NUT. Adda said a motion moved at the State Executive Committee, SEC, meet-

ing of the NLC held yesterday in Port Harcourt, and attended by leaders of no fewer than 15 affiliate bodies, urged him to step in as the acting chairman.

“What actually happened was that there SEC meeting this morning at the instance of the state chairman of NLC, and when we got there, there was information that he was suspended from his primary industrial union, NUT. “The suspension letter read May 28, 2013, and we didn’t know; he hid it. We all know that NLC membership is by unions; it is not by individuals.

“So, the moment you are suspended or you are no longer have any dealings with your union, you cease to hold any office in the NLC. “Your primary union is a platform for which you can stay to pivot any affairs of NLC. So, since he has been suspended, he has nothing to do with NLC again.

“We were not aware until

recently, and we investigated and it was so. We were able to secure the documents.

“At the meeting, a motion was raised that since his union had suspended him, he cannot continue to be the chairman of NLC any longer. So, in his place, the vice chairman, in-charge of administration, Comrade Williams Addah should take over, and act pending when he clears himself with his primary industrial union.

The motion was carried.”

he National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday ascribed the present sorry-state of the country to the ‘wickedness’ that pervades the heart of many Nigerians.

Oritsejafor, who doubles as the founder and senior pastor of the Word of Life Bible Church, said it was only wickedness that would make one to paint another in a bad light, knowing fully well that such was not the true position.

The CAN president spoke during a sermon at the First Baptist Church, GRA, Warri, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who joined the diamond league yesterday.

This is coming barely a

month after he received condemnations from Nigerians over the leasing of his private jet by South African Authority, following the seizure of a $9.3m for an arms deal.

Oritsejafor said wickedness was the principal bane of the country’s development, noting that if Nigerians stand on the path of truth and regards ‘black as black and white as white’, the country would have been better than it is.

The cleric stated that ahead of the 2015 general election, many politicians have begun an ‘evil plot and wickedness’ in order to occupy political positions, saying that God would ‘disgrace’ such set of persons.

The CAN leader stated that some politicians had begun “burying human heads just to win elections”, adding that many people were benefitting from where they had not sowed.

Rivers PDP faults Assembly over N19bn reserves DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

T

he Rivers State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said that the purported approval given to Governor Chibuike Amaechi by some lawmakers to access the remaining N19bn in the state’s reserve is a mere cover-up.

The party accused the governor of ‘hiding’ under the cover of project completion to ‘embezzle’ and ‘divert’ funds to pursue his personal agenda, as well as finance the All Progressives Congress, APC. The PDP, in a statement by its state chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, and signed by his by his media aide, Jerry Needam, said the way and manner Amaechi was going

about the purported withdrawal” with no evidence of what he spent the previous ones on, shows that such reserved funds never existed.”

The statement read: “The PDP calls on Amaechi to be bold enough to make public the banks used for the transactions, and the details of such savings and withdrawals.

“There cannot be as much as all these billions of naira in the state’s reserve funds, yet Amaechi kept complaining that the state was broke and stagnating all developmental projects previously initiated.

“The truth is that he used all the state money to pursue the numerous court cases against him and his acolytes, sponsoring campaigns against President Goodluck Jonathan.

Illegal firearms: Court denies monarch bail DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

A

Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has refused the bail application filed by the monarch of Rumuepirikom Community in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Eze Anthony Owabie, over alleged unlawful possession of firearms.

Justice Uche Agomuo, in her ruling yesterday, said releasing the monarch on bail would cause a fresh crisis in the community.

The judge added that denying him bail was a way of protecting Owabie from being attacked.

According to her, the medical report of the monarch’s illness was not enough to release him on bail.

The trial judge, however, ordered for accelerated hearing of the matter, starting from October 27, to November 3-12, 2014.

Speaking with journalists after the session, the counsel to the accused person, Emenike Ebete, said they would start the main suit to substantiate whether or not the monarch was guilty of the charges against him.

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North

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North-East cooperatives, others to benefit from SMEDAN EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

T

he North East Zonal Coordinator of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Adamu Gargawa, has said cooperative societies will benefit from the

N2.2 billion provided by the Federal Government through the scheme.

The coordinator, who disclosed this during a training workshop organised for cooperative societies in Bauchi State, said the agency will only focus attention on groups and cooperative societ-

ies. He therefore called on the general public to form similar groups to enable them benefit from the loan scheme.

Gargawa commended the participants for their maturity and attention throughout the workshop

and urged them to identify areas of their businesses that would yield them positive benefits.

He noted that participants were drawn from the three senatorial districts in the state comprising 45 members,

adding that very soon SMEDAN will organise another workshop in respect of vocational training within the zone to enlighten the public on the benefit of such programme.

The SMEDAN zonal

coordinator stated that already some financial institutions in the country have indicated interest to partner with them in piloting the disbursement of loan scheme to corporate organisations in the zone.

Court rejects anti same-sex marriage suit ISE-OLUWA IGE

A

federal high court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday threw out a suit by an aggrieved Nigerian, Mr Mike Enahoro Ebah, challenging the constitutionality of the law against same sex marriage.

The law popularly known as Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, calls for prison sentences of up to 14 years for any Nigerian who enters into a same-sex marriage and up to 10 years to anyone who attends or assists in a same-sex wedding in Nigeria.

The plaintiff had argued that the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 violates Nigeria’s human rights as protected by the 1999 constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Justice Abdul Kafarati who threw out the suit yesterday upheld the preliminary objections by the federal government that the plaintiff lacked the requisite locus standi (legal rights) to sue on behalf of other Nigerians.

Besides, the court held that the plaintiff did not place material facts before the court that he has suffered or about to suffer from the implementation of the Act as required by law.

According to Kafarati, “There is no doubt that fundamental rights derived from the constitution but law or provision of any law must be in conflict with the provisions of the constitution.

“This is a fundamental right action and the applicant must show that he has suffered from the action of the defendant or is about to suffer an injury.

2015: Anenih canvasses support for Yero AZA MSUE KADUNA

T

he Board of Trustees, BoT, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday called on party chieftains to support Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Anenih during a meeting with key party stakeholders at the Kaduna Government House said the delegation was in the state to make peace and unite the party ahead of next year’s polls.

While describing Yero as a performing governor, the BOT chairman added: “I want to appeal to you that he needs to succeed, he is a young man and the sky is his limit. But he needs a sol-

id foundation built on unity, hard work and loyalty.”

He urged leaders of the party to remain united to maintain the important status of Kaduna in Nigeria’s political landscape, adding that “we can only maintain that status if Kaduna is united and there should be spirit of give and take and that of forgiveness.”

Shortly after the meeting, Yero expressed satisfaction with its conduct, saying “this visit is very important to unite the party and to end the complaints within the party and it will surely help the success of the party.

“We are known to respect party leadership as has been shown by all leaders, and this is an indication that we shall remain united in facing the next general elections.”

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, inspecting a parade of guards, during his visit to Kaduna State Police Command, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Don’t extradite me to UK –Ex-NSPMC MD ISE-OLUWA IGE

F

ormer Managing Director of Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC, Mr. Emmanuel Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, yesterday requested a federal high court, sitting in Abuja, to abort an ongoing move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to extradite him to the United Kingdom.

Okoyomon is wanted by the UK government to face trial over bribery allegation involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NSPMC and the Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008.

The UK government had invoked the mutual agreement treaty between it and Nigeria to request for his extradition.

The extradition process requires a court order which the EFCC is working to procure.

But the ex-currency minting boss is urging the court to abort the move by the EFCC to extradite him.

He is inviting the court to hold that the 1931 Extradition Treaty upon which the EFCC had applied for the court’s order to extradite him to the United Kingdom was nonexistent and could therefore not be a proper ground.

His counsel, Abuja-based lawyer, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, at the resumed hearing of the case yesterday argued: “My lord, the extradition treaty of 1931 which they (EFCC) relied on to initiate their application does not exist anymore as it has since been repealed by Decree 87 of 1966.

“And since there is no such law, their application for extradition cannot stand and should therefore be dismissed.”

Izinyon added that extraditing his client to face trial in the UK when part of the crime he is wanted for in the UK was allegedly committed in Nigeria, would

amount to subordination of Nigeria’s sovereignty to that of the UK. He said, “We don’t want extradition. Since part of the alleged crime was committed here (Nigeria), we are ready to face trial in Nigeria.

“In fact, extraditing him to the UK is subordination of our sovereignty to that of the United Kingdom.

“The issue of fair hearing in the UK does not arise.

Are we saying there is no fair hearing in Nigeria?” he queried.

While adopting his preliminary objection and counter-affidavit to the extradition application, he reiterated that the two statutes – the Extradition Treaty of 1931 and the London Scheme for Extradition – relied upon by the EFCC were no longer applicable in Nigeria.

He also argued that the London Scheme for Extradition (Exhibit B) was an agreement between the United States of America and the UK, which had yet

to be domesticated in Nigeria.

He said having not been domesticated in accordance with its provisions in Article 22, the London Scheme for Extradition could not be applicable in Nigeria..

In its submission, EFCC urged the court to grant its application to extradite Okoyomon to the United Kingdom since there was no pending charge against him.

EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Muslim, disagreed with Izinyon on the Extradition Treaty of 1931.

He said the statute had not been repealed.

He submitted that the said treaty was not among those repealed by provisions of Decree 87 of 1966.

He also maintained that the London Scheme for Extradition had been domesticated in Nigeria by virtue of provisions of section 12 of the Constitution.

Justice Evoh Chukwu adjourned till December 1 for judgment.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan last week announced seven ministers that would leave his cabinet to pursue political ambitions, as the 2015 elections draws near.

GEORGE OJI, ROTIMI FADEYI, OMEIZA AJAYI, UBONG UKPONG and TORDUE SALEM examine how their exit would have impact on governance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

How exit of key ministers may impact governance

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s preparations for the 2015 elections gather momentum, the nation continues to witness developments on the political scene. Only last week, seven ministers resigned from the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan to join the hot race for the governorship positions in their various states, as well as other elective positions. Although the ministers are leaving the comfort of being cabinet ministers for a terrain that they are not very certain of, they believe the experiences and the roles they played as ministers would give them an edge in the contest for the political control of their states.

For many of them, the decision to contest for governorship of their states was a call to service and to bring to bear the wealth of experience and knowledge gathered at the federal level to the states, to enhance progress and development.

As the seven ministers leave the government of Jonathan to join the gubernatorial race, what effects will their exit have on governance, at the ministries they would be leaving behind, and what impact would their exit make in the present administration?

Emeka Nwogu He is one of the longest serving ministers in the present administration. Nwogu was first appointed minister by the late President Musa Yar’Adua and remained in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, till last week.

For the about seven years he was in government, Nwogu served as the Labour and Productivity Minister. His tenure was characterised by unprecedented series of labour crises.

As a lawyer, he brought into the government a special kind of negotiation skill, which helped him manage a number of those crises and saved government many embarrassing moments.

One of the most challenging labour crises he witnessed in office was in January 2012.

Following the Federal Government decision to remove all subsidies from fuel imports on January 1, 2012, the organised labour

Nwogu

together with all the civil society organisations had threatened to make the country ungovernable by embarking on what was then described by labour as a mother of all industrial action.

It took the special intervention of the National Assembly, including the calling off of their Christmas and New year break and sitting on a Sunday to seek solutions to the crisis. Indeed, it was the special role played

by Nwogu then, with the leadership of the Senate as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, before a solution could be found before getting labour to agree to a negotiated settlement.

Also in the 2013 Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike, which paralysed all academic activities throughout the country for about seven months, Nwogu, who hails from Abia State, played a very critical and leading role to get the university dons to agree to a settlement before the crisis was called off and the students resume studies.

In the recently resolved industrial action by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, the ministry also deployed his special negotiation skills to get the doctors to agree to a settlement.

No doubt, the Federal Government would greatly miss the services of Nwogu as he leaves the cabinet to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in Abia State.

Labaran Maku Maku, who is leaving the cabinet after over four years to contest the governorship of Nasarawa State, was appointed first appointed as Minister of State in April 2010

Wike

Obanikoro

THEY BELIEVE THE EXPERIENCES AND THE ROLES THEY PLAYED AS MINISTERS WOULD GIVE THEM AN EDGE IN THE CONTEST FOR THE POLITICAL CONTROL OF THEIR STATES

where he served with late Professor Dora Akunyili as Minister of Information and Communication.

Following the inauguration of President Jonathan as elected President in 2011, Maku became the Information Minister and the mouthpiece of the government and with his assumption of office, activities of government came to the limelight because of his style of presentation of issues, opinion and analysis.

Maku never gets tired of talking, he could talk for very long hours even without drinking water, a situation which would make his audience to even get weary with deep analysis of issues and wished that they never draw him into talking in the first place.

He soon became the interviewer’s delight as he was always on hand to give more than full dose of information even more than what is expected.

Maku soon became a force to be reckoned with when it comes to dishing out positive information about government and polishing the image of the country both at home and abroad.

Though Maku welcomes opposing views

about government, many Nigerians have complained that the minister never see anything wrong with policies and programme of government, as he would continue to defend those policies to knock out opposing views and convince those who are nursing opposing views against government.

Under his watch, the ministry and all its paratstatals and agencies particularly, the radio and television stations witnessed unprecedented professionalism as news critical of the government are also dished out uncensored.

With his exit from the cabinet, the Jonathan administration would miss him for being out-spoken and for his drive and passion to defend government’s actions and policies at the snap of a finger. This former journalist, who also once served as deputy governor, will be contesting for the governorship ticket of the PDP in Nasarawa State.

Samuel Ortom Until his resignation last week, Ortom was Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and as a former National CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Auditor of the PDP he was a steadfast party man. Loyalty and commitment have been his watchwords since he came to limelight from a disadvantaged background.

In the Second Republic, Ortom was rated the Best Local Government Chairman and he was the first man of his clan to head the local tier of government in Benue State.

After the stint at the local tier of government, he became a big player in the politics of Benue in the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and later the PDP where he rose to be the National Auditor by dint of hardwork.

When Musa Yar’Adua died in 2009 and Jonathan became President and was later re-elected President in 2011, Ortom made the list for ministerial appointment.

Ortom also had a brief stint as a supervising Minister of Aviation after Mrs. Stella Oduah got the boot over a scandal involving the purchase of armoured cars to the tune of N250million. Within the short period, he stabilised the ministry and resolved several outstanding issues impressively.

He was also a resourceful member of Jonathan’s cabinet. With his departure, the cabinet would be losing a very important member of the government of Jonathan and he would definitely be missed.

Musiliu Obanikoro If there is anything that the Ministry of Defence will miss, former Minister of State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro for, it is believed that it is just for the fact that the office is likely to remain vacant again for sometime, after it was successfully filled by Jonathan.

Equally, it is believed that the Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen. Aliyu Gusau, rtd, is likely to miss him more as he might not have someone to always represent him at events as Obanikoro did, since the minister seemed to enjoy this method to reduce his interface with the media.

Apart from these, it is believed that Obanikoro’s short period in office did not record much impact that would make the Defence Ministry to miss him that much.

Perhaps for his very short time in office, Obanikoro did not seem to execute any tangible projects that have direct impact on the people. Most of his activities within the short time revolved around courtesy calls paid on the ministry, as Gusau rarely attended to such events.

Unlike others like Erelu Olushola Obada, who while as Minister of State for Defence, performed exceptionally, in that she was preferred by both the military and the Defence Ministry to stay on and act as the minister since the former minister, Haliru Bello Mohammed left, Obanikoro has done lesser work, perhaps because of his short stay in office.

He appeared to have made more achievement party-wise, given his efforts in helping his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to win the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election.

He is actually believed to have passed through the defence sector unnoticed and that his exit will in no wise leave any vacuum.

However, Koro, as he is popularly known, is very ambitious of winning Lagos State for the PDP and his exposure both as a former senator, ambassador and minister will go a long way in advancing his course.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How exit of key ministe WITH HIS DEPARTURE, THE CABINET WOULD BE LOSING A VERY IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT

Maku

Onyebuchi Chukwu Chukwu has had a distinguished career in academia, medicine, administration, government and public service before he was appointed as Minister of Health As Minister of Health, Chukwu was said to have spearheaded the approval of the National Strategic Health Development Plan for the health sector by the FEC as well as the signing of the International Health Partnership Plus, IHP+, Compact securing partners commitment to the implementation of the plan.

He was the immediate-past chairman of the Assembly of ECOWAS Health Ministers; board member, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; first vice president of the 64th World Health Assembly and the current chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism, CCM, Nigeria of the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. He was the chairman of the 60th Session of the Regional Committee for Africa of the World Health Organisation.

He was also the immediate-past chairman of the Bureau of Ministers of Health of the African Union, CAMH6.

All these positions, implied that he was in a good stead to attract some favours to the country. In fact, during his term, guinea worm disease was eradicated in Nigeria for which the World Health Organization WHO in December 2013 certificated Nigeria as a Guinea Worm Free country.

Unfortunately, under his watch, the health sector witnessed lots of unrest among the health workers leading to incessant strikes. In fact, just few months ago in the heat of the Ebola crisis, he sacked 16,000 resident doctors. The doctors were however recalled.

One of his major achievement as Minister of Health was the successful containment and control of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease within three months that it was imported to the country by a Liberian-American.

Though the disease claimed the lives of health personnel and other Nigerians, the disease was eradicated and the World Health Organisation,WHO, has declared Ni-

Ortom

geria Ebola free nation.

In 2008, Chukwu was reportedly dismissed as the Chief Medical Officer of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital by the Ebonyi State government over an alleged fraud case of N36 million.

Were Nigeria to be a nation with strong institutional frameworks, Chukwu’s exit would not impact negatively on governance

Sequel to the call of resignation of appointive offices made by the Peoples Democratic Party to prospective aspirants, TOYEEB OLAYINKA writes on the likely consequence of the resignation on the affected ministries.

O

rdinarily, it is not in the Nigeria’s national character for a political office holder to willingly resign his appointment, even if faced with challenges or disaster that affects the populace, the only time they voluntarily do so is when seeking a higher office.

This is evident in the various ministerial scandals, misappropriation and too long ago, the national tragedy that befell Nigeria on Saturday, March 16, where the Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise turned disastrous, as no fewer than 20 lives were lost due to stampedes across the various centres.

Afterwards, there were outrage and calls on the Nigerian Minister of Interior, who supervises the Immigration Service, Comrade Abba Moro, to take responsibility and resign his appointment, but he refused to do the needful. Perhaps investigations has not found him culpable or the case has been closed, leaving the innocent souls to died unjustly.

Even when more serious allegations of corruption in some ministries are alleged, like the fuel subsidy scam, where public

as there are directors who are in charge of their departments, just as there is the permanent secretary who oversees the entire civil service structure in the ministry. Besides, the ministry has a Minister of State, Dr Khalliru Hassan, who will for now continue to hold fort for as long as the President deems fit.

Chukwu has since been adopted as a clear choice of Ebonyi State PDP to fly the flag of the party in the February 28 governorship election.

Nyesom Wike

2015 and funds to the tune of N1 trillion was reportedly misappropriated, the alleged non remittance of $20 billion to the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, N255 million bulletproof cars scandal in the Aviation Ministry among others, ministers or the office holders found culpable never took the honourable path of resignation, except those sacked by the President after several calls, protests and sustained pressure.

As the 2015 general elections draw near, the ruling PDP directed ministers, political office holders, civil servants and party officials with one political aspiration or the other to resign their membership of the FEC and other appointive offices latest by October 20 to enable them contest for the primary elections of the party.

Though PDP National Executive Committee, NEC, has endorsed President Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate, the party still leaves room for competition for whoever deems fit as the screening of presidential aspirants, if any, is billed for November 24 while the National Convention to affirm or elect the party’s presidential candidate is slated for November 26.

Like a dog that heeds the hunter’s whistle, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku reportedly took the lead in Akwanga, Nasarawa State to announce his willingness to resign during a thanksgiving mass held in his honour at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, according to him, to pursue a selfless aspiration as the governor of Nasarawa.

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Politics

Thursday, October 23, 2014

15

ers may impact governance

Chukwu

Ishaku

Wike resigned his position as Minister of State for Education to contest for the governorship of Rivers State under the PDP. He has a record of a number of running battles with the incumbent governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi ,whom he incidentally served as the Secretary of the State Government, SSG. When Professor Ruquyatu Rufai was

relived of her position as the Minister of Education, Wike took over the affairs of the ministry as supervising minister while also retaining his position as Minister of State.

However, the politician was more in Rivers State politicking than attending to the affairs of the ministry as his name always pop up in many political crises in the state.

He is believed to be a die-hard loyalist of President Jonathan as he was always ready to defend the political interest of the President in Rivers State and at very given opportunity.

Under his watch, many of the crisis in the education were not resolved as there were a lot of political distractions.

For Wike, his ambition of succeeding Amaechi should not be taken lightly and therefore needs to ensure that he was at home with supporters and loyalists in the state and hardly have ample time for the affairs in the ministry.

Many opined that Wike lacked the professional pedigree as well as the managerial and technical experience to hold such sensitive position of Minister of State for Education.

Since the ministry now has former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, as the substantive Minister of Education, the exit of Wike may just be the right option for him in order to pursue his political ambition of becoming the governor of Rivers State.

Darius Ishaku The Minister of State for Niger Delta, Ishaku from Taraba State is also one of the ministers who left the Jonathan cabinet to pursue political ambition, although it is not clear which of the elective positions Ishaku

THE POLITICIAN WAS MORE IN

RIVERS STATE POLITICKING THAN ATTENDING TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE MINISTRY

would be contesting for as he has not really made his intention known, whether or not he wants to be the next governor of Taraba State.

Ishaku was first Minister of State for power before he was redeployed to the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry in the same capacity as he could not fully grasp the intricacies of the Power Ministry following the resignation of Professor Bart Nnaji as Minister of Power.

However, when Godsday Orubebe was relived of his appointment as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in February, this year, Ishaku as Minister of State was able to stabilise the ministry and ensured the smooth running of affairs.

‘rush for offices’ resignations RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTERS MAY LEAVE LACUNAE BEHIND IN THE CONDUCT OF SOME OF THE MINISTRIES Appealing to other politicians at the event to refrain from vicious act to seek power, Maku added that his interest at governing his state is incontestable and will give in his best possible to take Nasarawa out of the destruction the state has been plunged into.

He said: “I have always made my interest known. By next week, by the Grace of God I will sacrifice the comfort of the office of the minister. I am not tired of my office but I have to make this sacrifice to fight for peace and justice in the state.

“I will sacrifice my high office in order to come back to the wilderness with my people to fight for equity. There is too much blood being shed here. There is too much evil taking place here. There is too much destruction going on in this state.

“The time has come for us to ask God to bring this era to an end. I will step out, voluntarily and go into the wilderness. God will do it like he did for Moses in the Bible, cut the Red Sea and give us manna from heaven.

“Being governor will not really add any-

thing to my name. I think I have made all the names I need in Nigeria. This sacrifice is because of the difficulties we are facing today, that is why I am making this decision.”

Other ministers who follow suit at a brief valedictory session of Federal Executive Council, FEC, to declare their intentions to quit Jonathan’s cabinet and pursue their governorship ambitions, included: Onyebuchi Chukwu, Health, gunning to succeed Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State; Nyesom Wike, State for Education, interested in taking over Rivers State from Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Others ministers are: Samuel Ortom, State for Industry, Trade and Investment, willing to succeed Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State; Musiliu Obanikoro, State for Defence, who wishes to take over Lagos State from Governor Babatunde Fashola; Darius Ishiaku, State for Niger Delta, joining the race to be Taraba State governor and Emeka Wogu, Labour, nursing the ambition to succeed Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State.

Advising the ministers to formally tender their resignation letters to the SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, on or before the date and ensure proper handing over to permanent secretaries in their ministries, President Jonathan warned that ‘change of mind’ would be too late after resignation had been received.

He said: “After resignation of ministers, the ministry is meant to be run by the political head, the accounting officers and the directors. But if there is conflict among the actors in the departments, it is a recipe for failure.”

“So, in any ministry where the minister and the permanent secretary are not in good terms, that is another way of telling Nigerians that both of them have failed the country. In a system where there is no discipline, definitely you cannot get the best output.”

However, mixed reactions have trailed the PDP’s call for resignation of appointive offices by prospective aspirants. While some pundits argue in favour of the directive, saying it is a right step in the right direction in order to disallow illicit campaign sponsorship, others believe it was sinisterly made to cow some perceived weightless aspirants so as to give up on the race before time.

A former presidential candidate who prefers anonymity noted that most Nigerian leaders and politicians are obsessed with political power, which they misuse for personal gains adding that office resignation is not really the issue, as long as it is not for self-aggrandisement and appropriate handing-over is done to avoid hitches in the successful administration of the ministry.

“The problem is not really resignation before contesting political offices but the problem is that most people who are in public offices in Nigeria are not there because of a great social change. They are there because of greed and want for power.

“That is why you see them running out of office without adequate hand-over and documentation, sometimes laced with bad intent.

Some of them resign haphazardly and later come back to demand for sold right. Looking at what transpired in Adamawa, you will agree with me that anything goes in Nigeria

without being mindful of the constitution.

So, don’t be surprised if at the end of any hurried resignation, cases of scandals erupt solely because of 2015 elections.

On the other hand, observers believe that resignation of the ministers may leave lacunae behind in the conduct of some of the ministries, especially when the President already lamented the increasing rift among the ministers and permanent secretaries.

Whether the subordinates are up to the task to steer the affected ministries peacefully or otherwise, only time will tell.

Jonathan

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Politics

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AHEAD 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

How I’ll win Kaduna PDP guber ticket –Senator Aziz A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna State and veteran politician, Senator Haruna Zego Aziz, has explained how he would win the PDP gubernatorial ticket, saying there would be no poverty under his administration if elected.

Addressing his supporters in Kaduna after returning from Abuja where he picked the governorship nomination and expression of interest forms, Aziz maintained that he decided to contest to salvage Kaduna State, calling on his people to dust their voter’s cards for the battle “which we are assured of victory” His words: “PDP has no business with poverty and this can be seen from the giant transformational strides of President Goodluck Jonathan with the able support from our own son, Vice President Namadi Sambo in whom we pride” “I believe I can be that catalyst for change and that is why I am here today to demonstrate it by picking up this Expression of Interest form which is a formal indication of my intention to serve the people through the exalted, yet noble office of the governor of Kaduna State.

National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Abubakar Mustapha, while handing over the forms to Senator Aziz, said the party has resolved to create a level playing field for all aspirants.

I won’t step down for Buhari, Atiku –Kwankwaso WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

K

ano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has vowed not

to step down for either General Mohammadu Buhari nor Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the race.

Fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Kwankwaso said the beauty of democracy is to encourage a good and fair

contest to ascend to a position and not through an unholy consensus.

He said that the greatest mistake the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, often make was its own manner of consensus that had produced presidential candidates in the past,

L-R: National Chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Dr. Frederick Fasehun; National Financial Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Oridani, and Deputy National Secretary, Prince Samson Ndubisi, during a press conference on the current crisis in the leadership of the party, in Lagos, yesterday.

House of Reps aspirant vows to speak for Abuja indigenes ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

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n aspirant into the House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former chairman of Kuje area council, vying for Abuja South federal constituency, FCT, Danlandi Etsu Zhin, has vowed to

speak for his people at the National Assembly, saying he won’t be a bench warmer.

Hon Zhin further assured that when voted by the electorate, he will voice out the challenges of the people of the FCT. He gave the assurance in Abuja when he picked the expression of interest and nomination forms for the

House of Representatives at a cost of N2.8 million at the FCT PDP secretariat yesterday in Abuja.

He said: “I feel I am competent to represent my people at the national level and I also plead for their support.”

Urging all residents in Kuje area council and Abuja residents to live in peace, he admonished youths to be

E

ze Ndigbo Ikeja, Eze Uche Dimgba, has warned Igbos in the state to be wise in their choice of whom to vote as President of Nigeria and governor of Lagos State come 2015, saying it would be a big mistake, electing somebody who cannot deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

mindful and not be used as political thugs for elections.

The former chairman said he wants to go to the House to say the truth, adding: “We need to build on what we already have in this party.”

He also assured that his people will support President Goodluck Jonathan as PDP presidential candidate come 2015.

grossly undemocratic.

On the chances of his party, APC defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP in a poll, Kwankwaso said the President as at today “is the easiest man to defeat because the people are not pleased with him.”

He listed the palpable woes and untold hardships allegedly ravaging the wellbeing of the people as one strong factor and bitterness of the citizens against the President.

He boasted of a long litany of his achievements in Kano State, including a robust policy on education, road construction, health and aggressive skill acquisition programmes through numerous establishment of technical schools specialising in many fields.

The governor said he placed much priority on education which had yielded positive changes in the attitude of the state towards the sector, adding: “Education is today the strength of Kano State.

We have succeeded in telling the world that change is possible. We eradicated begging by the young and old, encuraged people to go to school from primary to university level on full scholarships. Today, we have 2,500 Kano State university students studying in 36 countries of the world.”

Imo guber aspirant promises youth political participation GEORGE OPARA UMUAHIA

A

governorship aspirant under the platform of the

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo Stater, Amb Obi Adim, has promised to change the name of the state government house, from Douglas House to

Peoples House, as a policy step to end the slavish rule prevailing in the state.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of party chieftains and supporters yesterday in

Eze Dimgba cautions Ndigbo on choice of leaders EBERE NDUKWU

which had not done the country any good.

Flaying the recent endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the PDP governors without consulting the wider membership of the party, he described the endorsement as an act that was

Dimgba stated this at his Unity Palace in Lagos, while speaking on the October 25 New Yam Festival of Igbos in Ikeja, Lagos.

He said: “Igbos should be careful in whom they want to elect as President of Nigeria and Lagos State governor, because for me, I live in Lagos and I will encourage Ndigbo in Lagos to continue to vote for the All probgressives Congress, APC, because the party has

done well in the state.

“If you want to talk about the Presidency, I’m an Igbo man and have to speak as one too. In 2011, we voted for President Goodluck Jonathan, but for me, those working with him are not sincere. Do they want to tell us that the Onitsha-Enugu and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads cannot be completed within four years?”

Frowning at some Igbos, whom he said, have

suddenly become praise singers for other people who want to be president and governors, Dimgba said: “The second Niger Bridge they are shouting about, we are yet to see anything happening there, while the Enugu airport has been in existence before this administration but was only upgraded.

We are also aware that six new airports have been commissioned.”

his Okwelle country home, in Onuimo council area after declaring his gubernatorial ambition on Monday, Adim said Douglas was a colonial slave and the continued use of his name in the State House has brought slavish mentality with which the government holds down the state.

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Youth Empowerment, said he had set up a formidable platform to empower the youths of the state, nay Nigeria, adding: “I have been in the laboratory designing and redesigning the way to meaningfully empower the youth, reduce unemployment and any forms of violent acts

prevailing among youths and that 60 per cent appointment would be for the youths.”

Urging Imo youths to stand up for his aspiration, Adim said his gubernatorial ambition is a youth struggle designed to usher them into the mainstream of contemporary leadership for the betterment of their future.

The former ambassador to Burundi said he was not a core politician but an advocate of positive change, in a hurry to revolutionise the economic doldrums of the state through his robust relationship overseas, pledging to run an all inclusive government and to be a consultative and listening governor if elected.

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

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The bane of Nigerian democracy EXISTENTIAL HUMANISM

FRY

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

R

ecently the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) halted the ongoing endorsement of candidates for the 2015 election by its various state chapters. In a statement issued by the party National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, the party said it would soon begin to sanction any of its officials that violate the directive. “The NWC strongly frowns at this development and issues this as a final warning to all elected party officials and chapters at all levels and shall not hesitate to sanction such erring officers or chapters”, the party warned. The PDP insisted that the sanctity of its nominations processes must be protected at all times, assuring all party members that there would be a level playing ground for all intending aspirants.

This development is sad. Lack of internal democracy in our political parties is the virus that has continuously threatened the robustness of our country’s democratic culture. Tested democrats and patriots that can make the needed change in our

system are chased away by multifarious factors, especially money. It is either they are not financially strong enough to bankroll their elections or they have no godfathers that will circumvent the electoral process on their behalf.

Does it make sense, for instance, that political parties, even those that see themselves as progressive, fix their nomination fees for both presidential and governorship aspirants at tens of millions of naira? The same goes for aspirants to the National Assembly. How many honest civil servants or academics desirous of serving their country at these levels can afford this amount of money? Cost of electioneering in Nigeria is so prohibitive that only few can afford it. Many politicians are known to have gone cap in hands begging for sponsors or take loans to fund their elections. Some even sold their property just because they want to serve their fatherland.

These funds have to be serviced, most times, with exorbitant interests. And in most cases, this is done from the public treasuries by those who win. These are funds that could have been used to fund infrastructural developments. Presently, some states are unable to pay salaries of public servants. Lecturers in Abia State’s university have embarked on indefinite strike in protest against unpaid salaries. Teachers in the same state’s public schools are facing the same ordeal. Where has all the money gone? The popular

THE PRACTICE OF

CRAZY ENDORSEMENT OF CANDIDATES IN THE NAME OF CONSENSUS BUILDING BY PARTY CHIEFTAINS MUST STOP imagination is that the preparations for 2015 general elections are where this money has been channelled to.

We must learn to play politics the way it is done in advanced democracies like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. There the public will, as expressed in the ballot boxes, is respected. You are not running for an office because you have been endorsed by an incumbent governor of your state. You run for a position on your own merit, and not because you have been anointed by a godfather somewhere. And under this situation, your allegiance is to your entire constituency and not to a particular individual or group that bankroll your election. In such a situation, there are prospects of delivering dividends of democracy to the electorate rather than pandering to individuals that make your elections possible.

In our dear country, there is no limit to the ambitions of politicians.

They want to be powerful and very relevant both in and out of office. There is no position that is too small for them as long as it attracts some benefits. Does it, for instance, make sense that governors that are just at the tail end of their tenures are hell bent on going to the senate and at the same time insisting on who should succeed them? Their interest is to enthrone their cronies, those that will continue to protect their selfish interests as long as they live. In all these, the interest of the common man is sacrificed. It is almost impossible that jobs given to your benefactors will be declared unsatisfactory even when they are obviously so. In a polity where things are not done on merit, it is hard, if not impossible, to think of moving such polity forward.

This explains why some people are seen as sacred cows, and why the culture of impunity is entrenched in our system. If we are practising democracy, which we are committed to nurturing to an enviable level, we must insist that the rule of the game be respected.

Political office is not anybody’s birth rights; the electorate should be given the right of refusal. That is the reason INEC must ensure that political parties conduct primaries to choose their candidates for all the elective positions.

The practice of crazy endorsement of candidates in the name of consensus building must stop.

‘Yoruba Nollywood’ and celebration of mediocrity

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oruba Nollywood, the sub genre of the acclaimed Nigeria, film industry, Nollywood, is currently under assaults from illiteracy, incompetence and ignorance. If the main multi-million dollars Nollywood industry itself has attracted a lot of criticisms on accounts of its technical deficiencies, pedestrian storylines, unprofessional scripting and suboptimal filming methodology, etc, its Yoruba subset fares worse.

Apart from the productions of a professional like Tunde Kelani, the bulk of the output from the Yoruba stable is, as far as I am concerned, works of unspeakable banality. The problem starts right from the titles of the films themselves. If you forgive the often puerile and unimaginative choice of titles, you would definitely still have an axe to grind with the titles on account of orthographical blunders.

In order not to attract the insinuation of malicious demarketing of any particular producer or artiste, I wish anyone would scan through some of the titles of these ubiquitous Yoruba films on the shelf to see how many of them have correct spelling in accordance with modern Yoruba orthography.

But that is just a tip of the iceberg. Let us now focus on the so-called rendition of the plays in English, otherwise called subtitling, which appears on the screen supposedly in real time to the diction flow of the performers. You would be exceedingly shocked by the renditions! If these people can’t speak or write good English, can’t they at least give their works to people

BY FAR THE MOST ANNOYING ASPECT IS THE INEXORABLE PREOCCUPATION OF THESE FILMMAKERS WITH SUPERSTITION with the abilities to help out? You would encounter, among other pratfalls, direct word translation from Yoruba to English in attempts to convey Yoruba ideas, which of course, often abysmally fails in communicating the underlying message.

What about the use of effects? Imagine a car merely screeching to a halt and the driver flung his head on the steering to convey the impression of a fatal accident!

All these are aside from observable lack of depth in their production dramaturgy.

But by far the most annoying aspect is the inexorable pre-occupation of these filmmakers with superstition. Hardly would you watch any Yoruba film in contemporary times without seeing reality being distorted through fantastic treatment. The often peddled excuse that such projections are a reflection of our culture and belief system does not hold water.

The mere fact that our forefathers had a worldview commensurate with their times does not mean every film you churn out in the 21st century must reflect anachronistic magic and superstition.

I know a friend who actively discourages

his children from watching these Yoruba films, all in an attempt to shield them from being contaminated with “illiteracies”. The embarrassing state of affair of the Yoruba film industry is particularly painful when it is noted that the precursors to what we now know as Nollywood started in Yorubaland in the 1960s and continued even to the 1980s with the indelible performances of legends like the late Hubert Ogunde, Ola Balogun, Kola Ogunmola, Duro Ladipo, Olaiya Adejumo (aka Baba Sala), the late Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade love) and Akin Ogungbe.

These people were hardcore professionals, who were profoundly passionate about their works, in spite of severe limitation of their times. It is true that the works of these great ones too featured supernaturalism, but it was because this was inherently bound with the themes of their films. For example, films like Aiye, Jaiyesinmi, Oba Koso, Oba Moro etc, were thematically fantastic and could not have been done in any other way. This is unlike what we have today where almost every film, even the one that has ultramodern setting, would nonetheless brim with fantastic episodes, as if reality can never exist without the touch of magic!

Our main Nollywood industry (English) is, to a lesser extent, also guilty of this proclivity for surrealism. It is orientation fostered by exposure to such films that made our youths to believe that a bird can turn into a woman, like in the case of the widely reported “bird woman”, who was almost lynched by irate youths before she was rescued by the police in Cappa Bus Stop, Osho-

CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

di area of Lagos State some months back.

The Yoruba are among the most educated and culturally advanced ethnic nationalities in Africa; therefore, why are most contemporary films of Yoruba expression so miserably sub-standard? The answer is this: the segment of the Yoruba population that engages in film productions is at best semi-literates. Granted that there is a sprinkle of educated ones among the actors and actresses, the fact still remains that 90 percent of them are artisans and school dropouts, who took to acting, first as hobbies, before making it fulltime profession.

Unfortunately, they retained their amateurish mentality. There is a real need for the real professionals to take over the Yoruba film making industry.

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Editorial

Thursday October 23, 2014

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GABRIEL SUNDAY

ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Cost of irregular global financial transactions

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t a recent meeting in Washington DC, the financial chiefs of over 100 countries reviewed the menace of irregular financial transactions and declared that they are inimical, if not outrightly detrimental to the economic growth and wellbeing of nations, especially developing nations.

Developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) are estimated to be losing up to $1trn yearly to illicit financial flows. Of the same sum, Africa alone loses about $55bn yearly. It was revealed that for every $1 given to developing countries in assistance, about $10 is lost to illegal financial flows, for instance.

The Governor, Central Bank of Bangladesh, Mr. Atiur Rahman, expressed his belief that the figures could be more than reported and represented; and could be likened to barely scratching the surface of the actual losses to the global economy; while the President, Global Financial Integrity, Raymond Baker, described the illicit flows as a major constraint that hampers and undermines sustainable development and the efforts of the affected countries to promote and achieve economic progress. According to Denmark’s Minister for Trade and Development, Mr. Mogens Jensen, but for such illicit funds’

flows, the global economy would have been better positioned on the path of faster growth and shared prosperity across various countries. The disclosures were made at a session on ‘Illicit Financial Flows on the Post-2015 Development Agenda’ at the World Bank/IMF Meetings in Washington DC, United States.

It was a salutary development in itself that such a consensus on the matter was reached by the participants. The nations that took part in the conclave must be congratulated. For, irregular and, oftentimes, downright criminal financial transactions have been in vogue between and among nations for decades. This happens under the auspices of and promotion of currency traders, arms and drugs traffickers, international money launderers, kleptomaniac third world leaders/despots and even petty cross boarder traders.

What is the more intriguing and representing a great moral and ethical leap-forward is the fact that as the world hurtles into the new millennium, the full realization is increasingly dawning upon the nations of the developed world that it can no longer be business as usual. For a very long time, the nations and their trans-national institutions were the greater perpetrators or sponsors of all manner of finan-

“… BUT FOR SUCH ILLICIT FUNDS’ FLOWS, THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER POSITIONED ON THE PATH OF FASTER GROWTH AND SHARED PROSPERITY ACROSS VARIOUS COUNTRIES cial shenanigans. Their current spirit of mea culpa, remonstrance and crusading is borne from an abject realization that such practices are inimical to good corporate partnering, roaring trade and moral rectitude in their dealings with nations of the emergent markets and the rest of the poorer nations. In an increasingly interdependent world, what negatively affects a region or sub-group affects all.

The world has the non-governmental crusaders, for a cleaner way of doing global business, to thank for this new and rewarding dawn. Indeed, such international bodies as the Soros Open Society, Mo Ibrahim’s Good Governance initiative, United States’ government’s financial watchdogs, among others, that

ON THIS DAY

October 23, 1973

October 23, 1998

The Watergate scandal: United States’ President Richard M. Nixon agreed to turn over subpoenaed audio tapes of his Oval Office conversations. The scandal occurred in the 1970s as a result of the June 17, 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.; and the Nixon administration’s attempted cover-up of its involvement.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; and Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat; reached a ‘land for peace’ agreement. Land for peace is an interpretation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 which formed the basis of subsequent Arab-Israeli peace-making. The term affirms that peace should include the application of two principles: Giving up land; and termination of all claims or states of belligerency.

continue to sniff out money laundering contraptions, expose them and swiftly shut them down whenever it is legitimately possible deserve enormous commendation. In the past half decade, there had been a spate of regulations aimed at tightening regulations of the banking systems in North America, the British Isles, continental Europe and the Pacific Rim, such as the 2139-page Dodd-Frank Act, the Volker Rule, the curtailing Alan Greenspan’s counter-ethos of “… the self-interest of lending institutions”, plus the Basel Rules of 1988 and the recent post-financial crises Basel 3.

While banks may not be strictly culpable or responsible for the fraudulent financial transactions’ epidemic, their immoral and unethical penchant for quadrupling profit vicariously drove and inadvertently created the ferment for the sickening phenomenon. The recent clarion call for righteousness and clean hands in international financial flows by the financial chiefs appears only but a wake-up call meant to create awareness. But we believe it is the right and first step in a proverbial journey of a thousand miles. Let the watch and condemnation continue; while international regulatory teeth are sharpened for the expected extirpating bites on culprits.

October 23, 2011 The Libyan National Transition Council deemed the Libyan Civil War over. The Libyan Civil War or Libyan Revolution was an armed conflict in the North African country of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Zawiya on August 8, 2009; and Benghazi, w eventually escalated into a rebellion.

Thursday, October 23, 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,)

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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ita Uzoamaka Aladi stood tall among the new graduates of Caleb University (CU), Imota, Lagos State.

She was the cynosure of all eyes at the convocation ceremony held last Saturday as she was called several times to the podium to receive various prizes for her excellent performance in different award categories.

While many of her classmates did not win any award, Rita with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.80 out of the possible 5.0 emerged as the most brilliant and well-behaved graduating student of the set, which was the fourth in the series. She was also the best in the College of Pure and Applied Sciences and the best in the Department of Biochemistry from where she obtained First Class honour.

In addition, she won three different endowment prizes, namely: Professor Nimbe Adebimpe and Joshua Olurunfemi prizes for the best graduating student in the College of Pure and Applied Sciences, as well as the Late Esther Olukoju Prize for the best female graduating student.

Aside from the honour she brought to herself and family, Rita, from Imo State was rewarded bountifully with cash gift for

I DID HEAR THAT PEOPLE DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL BECAUSE OF

MONEY, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT IT COULD EVER BE ME. I WAS

CLOSE TO THAT SITUATION BEFORE

GOD CAME TO MY RESCUE.

Rita Aladi flanked by her parents, Prince Aloy Aladi and Mrs. Pauline Aladi during the convocation ceremony.

I almost dropped out in final year —Best CU graduating student

her excellent outings.

Giving a valedictory speech on behalf of the set, the audience could not help but cheer her now and then as she emotionally broke down.

“Oh my God!” she said intermittently as tears rolled down from her eyes, thanking God, lecturers and parents as well as every other person who has contributed in one way or the other during their studies in the university.

Shortly thereafter, Rita explained to National Mirror why she was in such an emotion-laden

‘Education should be on residual legislative list’ 20

mood, saying her journey to success was not a ride in the park.

“I was faced with many challenges while in school. The family issue, the financial difficulty and how to sustain my grade, among others and the situation grew worse with time. But of all these challenges, that of finance was most disturbing, especially at my final year to the extent that I almost dropped out of school.

“I did hear that people dropped out of school because of money, but I never thought it could ever be me. I was close to that situation

before God came to my rescue. It is my parents and siblings and few of my friends who can really understand what I am saying and I wouldn’t want to say more than that.”

Graduating from Caleb University, according to her, isn’t all about getting a degree as students would have to earn their certificates.

“You have to study hard, attend fellowship, learn about acceptable behaviour, expose to entrepreneurial skills and graduate as a total person,” she stressed.

Vision 2020: British Council advocates skill acquisition for youths 22

On her relationship with male students on campus, Rita, who is preparing for the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programmee said though she was full of youthful desire to enjoy life, she tried as much as possible to maintain her chastity.

Throughout my four years in the university, she noted, I wasn’t in any relationship with opposite sex and I couldn’t explain how this happened.

“It could be because I was CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Mutiny:

NANS begs FG to spare condemned soldiers 25

20

Education Today

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Commissioner charges students on hand washing TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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agos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye has advised students in the state to make frequent hand washing with soap and clean water a habit.

She said that was one of the ways to be free from contracting diseases, especially the Ebola virus.

She gave the advice at a symbolic hand washing exercise organised by the United Nations Information Centre in collaboration with the state ministry of education to commemorate this year’s Global Hand Washing Day celebration at Falomo Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The commissioner reiterated the need for students to maintain a good personal and environmental hygiene, stressing that the outcome of their academic performances depends largely on their state of health.

She further admonished

them to be focused and pay adequate attention to their teachers and parents, among others for them to be able to achieve their goals for life “You can only be what you want to be through hard work and determination as there is no short cut to success. I therefore urge you to work hard in your study as that is the only route to attaining success in life,” she said.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina said frequent washing of hands with soap and clean water has remained the simplest and cheapest measures to check the spread of diseases in any society.

She therefore charged the students to be ambassadors of hand washing at home and elsewhere.

The Representative of United Nations Information Centre, Envera Selimovic expressed her delight in jo ining the students to celebrate the day.

2014 UBA National Essay competition begins

S

tudents in senior secondary schools nationwide have been asked to start submitting entries for this year’s edition of the UBA National Essay competition.

The annual competition under the UBA Foundation, a corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is designed to challenge the reading, research, writing and critical thinking skills of Nigerian students. This year’s topic is “Is social media a safe place to make friends?”

The competition, which is in its fourth edition according to the bank, has witnessed increased participation from students since it was launched. And going by the success recorded in the country so far, the bank has extended the competition to other parts of Africa beginning from this year.

Disclosing this in a release, the MD/CEO of the foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso said the competition would be going on simultaneously also in Senegal and Ghana.

She explained that the competition was a follow up to the company’s Read

Africa initiative, which involves giving out literature books to secondary school students to help rekindle the reading culture.

She said while the competition is open to students in senior secondary school in government-approved schools nationwide, the willing participants are expected to send in handwritten entries on the choice topic to the UBA Foundation’s office in Lagos.

She noted that entries for the Nigeria competition would close by November 14 while a distinguished panel of judges made up of professors from reputable Nigerian Universities would review and asses them in stages before finally selecting the best three candidates. He added that the top three winners of the competition would win educational grants to study in any African university of their choice.

Aso

President Goodluck Jonathan (4th left); Vice-President Namadi Sambo (3rd left); Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and participants during the launch of the National Schools Agricultural Programme in Abuja on Monday.

PHOTO: NAN

Education should be on residual legislative list — Don KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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Professor of International Relations, Prof. Jide Owoeye, has called for the placing of the education sector in the country on the residual list instead of the present concurrent list.

He made the call in Ibadan, Oyo State capital while delivering a lecture, titled: “Challenges of re-inventing quality education in Nigeria,” organised by the Government College, Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) as part of activities marking the 85th anniversary of the school last week.

He said the present situation did not allow the education sector in the country to move at the level expected, stating that for all the states to be waiting for policies from Abuja will not augur well for the development of the sector.

The lecturer, who is the Chair-

man, Governing Council of the Lead City University, Ibadan, maintained that the time has come for the states to be allowed to dictate the pace they want to move most especially at the primary and secondary school levels such that the pupils would be able to find their feet after leaving that stage.

While kicking against the popular notion that the standard of education has fallen in the country, Owoeye said since standard was about setting a yardstick, over the years the standard has never been lowered at any level.

He added that it was also false to assume that it is because the standard has fallen that has led to the exodus of Nigerian youths abroad for educating, saying that with the statistics provided by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the 118 universities in the country in 2013 only filling their admission quota at 42 per cent, with the

35 Federal Government owned universities having 60 per cent; 35 states owned universities 70 per cent and 48 private universities having 28 per cent.

He then called for the celebration of the merits of the system in operation now while there should be realistic analysis of the nature and scope of its problems.

Meanwhile, the old students of the college have been urged to continue support their alma mater.

The National President, GCIOBA, Chief Biodun Jolaoso, gave the charge during the annual re-union Luncheon and Merit Award ceremony of the group.

Jolaoso, who commended the old students for deploying their resources in ensuring that the college does not go under in spite of various challenges, also called upon them to do more in making the school a reference one to other schools not only in Oyo State but all over the country.

Old students presented with merit award include Mr. Esho Gabriel of the 1955 set; Chief Jolasanmi Falore; Mr. Richard Ajamajebi; Mr. David Oyesina and Mr. Oluwole Agbaje.

Varsities tasked on development, insecurity AFEES LASISI ILE-IFE

U

niversities and polytechnics in the country have been challenged to come out with an innovative breakthrough in technology that would spearhead development in the country.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, of Osun State said this while delivering the lecture titled: “Education as a panacea for national security and developmental challenges” at the sixth Prince Bola Ajibola annual lecture, hosted by Magna Curia Chambers of the faculty of Law, Obafemi

Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The event took place inside the Oduduwa Hall of the university.

Speaking at the event as the guest lecturer, Governor Aregbesola said:” since our colonial master left this country, our institutions are yet to come out with any innovative breakthrough in technologies, which is a sign of decay and bad omen for the country that want to develop.”

He noted that through lack of investment in education, successive administration in national and states governments have crippled our educational

system that what seems to matter was the acquisition of certificate He emphasised that the Nigerian state today is assailed by manifold layers of insecurity and its progress is hampered by a myriad of developmental challenges all because of the continual erosion in the quality and standard of its educational system.

For a country to realise its sustainability, education must be a priority of its leaders by investing huge amount of money as Osun State is doing at the moments, he emphasised.

Aregbesola believed education must prepare a

man to advance himself, community and nation.

Chairman on occasion, Prof. Nurudeen Adedipe, said that Aregbesola was the right man to speak on the issue of education following his giant stride in the sector.

Prof. Bamitale Omole, Vice-Chancellor of the institution was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ajayi Adebisi, stressed that the topic of the lecture is most appropriate at the time the nation is facing security challenges.

Prince Bola Ajibola and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were presented with award of excellence at the event.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOUN inaugurates anticorruption, anti-money laundering centre TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

T

he National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has inaugurated a centre for anti-corruption and anti-money laundering studies.

The centre is named after the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is currently running a master’s degree programme in Theology in the institution.

Obasanjo, who bemoaned the high level of corruption and money laundering, especially among public office holders in the country and it adverse consequences, inaugurated the centre at the headquarters of the university in Lagos, recently.

He said the centre would help in no small measure in educating Nigerians on how to prevent the menace in the country.

Earlier, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe said the centre would be under the School of Law of the university for undergraduate students.

He explained that the university established the centre as a contributory effort to make Nigeria a free corrupt and free money laundering country.

He said with the inauguration of the centre and with many Nigerians studying the course, the better it is for the country.

Monarch lauds Seplat for enhancing education in Edo/Delta THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

T

he Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa has commended Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc for meaningfully contributing to the development of education in its area of operation, just as the winners of the third edition of Seplat quiz competition emerged.

The monarch represented by Chief Friday Omoragbon stated last weekend in Sapele, Delta State while presenting trophies to winners of the third edition of the annual Seplat Pearls Quiz competition.

He noted that such gesture would in no doubt boost and encourage students to redoubled their efforts to thrive for excellence in their educational pursuit and as well as channel their energy towards useful ventures.

The monarch commended Hebrew International Secondary School, Okpela, Edo State for emerging the winner of the competition.

Hebrew International Secondary School emerged winners after a defeating Dayspring Christian College, Udu, Delta state in the second round following stalemate in the first round.

Speaking shortly after the grand finale and award of prizes, Mr. Austin Avuru, Seplat Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer represented by Dr Chioma Nwachukwu, General Manager, External Relations and Communication congratulated the participating schools and the winners for their efforts.

Nwachukwu said: “Our company commitment to intellectual capacity development as well as empowerment of our host communities through capacity building remains strong and unshakeable.

Education Today

Thursday, October 23, 2014

21

UBEB, UNICEF to enroll 58,530 drop out children in Bauchi EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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he Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board has partnered the United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) to enroll 58,530 out of school children in six local government areas of the state.

This was made known by SUBEB/UNICEF Focal Officer, Malam Ismail Umar, during a one-day state planning meeting on the 2014/2015 strategies for effective school enrolment campaign drive in Bauchi.

Umar explained that the enrolment campaign drive would be carried out under the UNICEF funded Girls Education Project 3 (GEP 3).

He said that the exercise would be conducted in 696 catchment communities, targeting 50, 208 households with focus on 210 selected primary and junior secondary schools, 35 from each six selected local government areas of the state.

The local governments include Alkaleri, Ganjuwa, Ningi, Shira Toro and Zaki.

He disclosed that 58,530 out of school children were identified in the six local government areas based on the community mapping and household listing conducted in 2013 sponsored by UNICEF. He added that out of the figure, 7,466 were drop out, while 51,064 never attended school.

“Most of these out of school

children engaged in begging, hawking, and doing one kind of trading or the other.

“These children are supposed to be in school but are out-ofschool thereby contributing to low enrolment in schools.

“UNICEF in partnership with SUBEB wants to ensure that these children are enrolled in school at least to acquire knowledge and skills that would make them useful to themselves and the society, “Umar said.

Also speaking, the GEP 3 Project Coordinator in the state, Malam Saleh Mohammed, explained that the GEP 3 project is being carried out in four other states namely Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Sokoto.

According to him, 10 million

Nigerian children are missing out in education, majority of which are in the northern part of the country.

“This situation is worrisome and therefore calls for immediate intervention with a view to ensuring that all out of school children are enroll in school.

“It was to change the situation around that UNICEF sponsored a community mapping and household listing in the selected local government areas and will equally sponsored the enrolment of the identified out of school children in the 50,208 targeted households.”

In his remark, UNICEF Education Officer/Director, Social Mobilization, Malam Muntaka Muktar said that Nigeria must ensure that

all its children are educated to achieve its developmental goals as a country.

According to him, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that all children access the right to compulsory basic education.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Abdullahi Dabo acknowledged the alarming figure of out -of -school children in the state.

Dabo who was represented by the board’s Permanent Commissioner 4, Alhaji Kasim Ibrahim, said that while effort are being made to improve out of school children enrolment into schools, attention should also be given to quality of teachers at the basic levels.

Bursar, National Open University of Nigeria, Mr. Monday Onyeme (middle) being honoured with an official tag of Lions Club by the Governor of the club, ‘Triple A’ District, Lagos, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abiodun Adediji (left) and Dr. Teslim Sanusi for his dedication to the service of humanity.

Include political scientists in governance, VC advises govt SAIDAT ALAUSA

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Professor of Political Science and Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof.

Eghosa Osaghae has said that until Nigeria tap into the specialised knowledge provided by political scientists, it would be difficult for the country to forge ahead in every area of development.

He said this while delivering the distinguished personality lecture series organised by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, recently.

The lecture, titled: “Political Scientist and Governance in Nigeria” was in honour of a renowned political scientist, Emeritus Professor Bayo Adekanye of the University of Ibadan, Oyo

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo Ogun State, Prof.

Kayode Makinde presenting gifts to Emeritus Prof. Adebayo Adekanye and spouse, Prof. Tomilayo Adekanye at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration Distinguished Personality Lecture series of the university held in Adekanye’s honour, last week.

State.

According to him, “it is no news that the country has no place for professional expertise in the system hence, the country is missing a great deal not using what is available to it.”

He therefore said for the profession to be relevant in the

country, political scientists in the corridors of power should use the advantage for purpose.

She also called for review of course curriculum to make the study of political science relevant to the current need of the society while tasking students studying the course to read

beyond what they are being taught in class.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Kayode Makinde described the celebrator as a critical thinker who had made the university better while with them.

Responding, Prof. Adekanye said members of the profession need to rise up to the task of helping the country in the area of politics so that the country would be better for it beyond 2015.

He also told them not to allow themselves to be used, the way their predecessors were used and dumbed during the military era.

Thanking his wife, Prof.

Tomilayo Adekanye for her support over the years, he said he was able to stand his ground during the military era with her support.

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Education Today

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘I almost dropped out in final year’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Students of Lady Ibiam Girls Secondary School, Enugu during an open reading of Burning Hurt, an inspirational book for children and youths written by Unyime-Ivy King, last week

‘Agric, means to industrialisation’ SAIDAT ALAUSA

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lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Carolyn Afolami, has called on the government to focus its attention on rapid industrialisation for sustainable national development.

This, she said, could be achieved by making policies that would make agriculture attractive to many youths most of whom are jobless.

She made the observa-

tion while delivering the institution’s 47th inaugural lecture, titled: “Multidimensional Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria and National Development: The Inseparable Siamese Twins.”

Prof. Afolami lamented that despite the efforts made at the national and international levels to eradicate poverty and hunger in line with the Millennium Development Goals, about 1.2 billion people, which constitute about one-eighth of the world population, still live in extreme poverty around the world.

She said poverty was widespread in Nigeria based on the available statistics, which shows that about half (48 per cent) of the people in the Sub-Saharan Africa, out of which 68 per cent of the people, live in Nigeria.

She described as quite disturbing the recent recruitment exercise by Nigerian Immigration Service in which about 450,000 people scrambled for available spaces of only 4,500.

“This was a bitter reminder of the critical unemployment situation in the country,” she said.

The Professor of Agricultural Economics noted that as a way out, agriculture remained the key to industrialisation and national development and could liberate the country from its precarious situation In his remark, the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Olusola Oyewole called for sanity in the nation’s personal and corporate operations.

“We need to remove corruption from our national identity by promoting the values of honesty, integrity and truth,” he said

JAMB calls for increased computer literacy training JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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he Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde has called for increased efforts in computer literacy training at all levels of nation’s educational sector as science and technology remained vital and critical components for development.

He stated this on Tuesday at the inauguration of one of three Computer Based Test, CBT, centres for students’ online registration and examination in Malumfashi CouncilAarea of Katsina state.

He said JAMB would soon transit conduct of UTME from paper and pencil to CBTs as obtained in modern societies, and in line with nation’s plan to be among the 20 of the most developed nations.

He said the state had become the first to establish three CBT centres for students’ online registration and examination and that there were more in the offing.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ibrahim Shema said the three centres were established at the cost of N150 million to facilitate smooth conduct of JAMB and other online registrations and exams.

married to my books and I thank God for giving me the grace. So, I didn’t have a boyfriend throughout after all, there is time for everything,” she added.

Like every other good parents, Rita’s parents, Prince Aloy Aladi and Mrs. Pauline Aladi were visibly happy about her achievement. They felt on top of the world as all eyes shifted to their direction when Rita called them out from the crowd for recognition during her valedictory speech.

Rita’s mother, Pauline in particular, was full of praises unto God for crowing her daughter’s effort with a good success.

However, the event was not all about Rita. 166 others were in the graduation list and 12 of them also made First Class honours like Rita. Surprisingly, 10 from the total 13 First Class students are females. While 44 and 68 others made Second Class Upper and Lower Division, respectively, the rest were in the Third Class category.

Congratulating the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof.

Ayodeji Olukoju charged them to uphold the core value of possibility mentality inculcated in them by the university to make the best as they continue their journey in life.

He also asked them to remain connected to God and be well committed to humanity.

Speaking in the same vein, the university’s Proprietor, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, represented by a member of the Governing Council, Mr. Godwin Jibodu asked the graduands to shun all forms of vices including corruption and disrespectful to the constituted authorities as they go into a new world.

He told them that they

would not have to join others in doing evils to succeed.

“So, ensure you are good ambassadors of this university by always standing on the side of the truth,” he further advised.

Earlier in his convocation lecture, titled: “Lying in state: Leadership and the travails of democratic governance in Africa,” Prof.

Adigun Agbaje said that Africa countries would have to acquire legitimate, coherent and effective nationhood to make meaningful and sustainable democratic system and economic development.

He noted that to arrive at this level would also require the continent working towards the emergence of quality and purposedriven political leaders.

Emphasising the importance of education, Agbaje, a Professor of Political Science and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan advised leaders in the continent to invest heavily on the sector so as to provide the needed knowledge and skills for such purpose.

He maintained that without all these in practice, it would be difficult for the continent to attain ideal democracy and economic progress.

Olukoju

Vision 2020: British Council advocates skill acquisition for youths TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he British Council in Nigeria has re-emphasised the need for Nigeria to equip its teeming youths with relevant skills that would help it achieving its vision 20:2020 target.

The vision 20:2020 is a target set by the Federal Government to place Nigeria as one of the economic world powers by year 2020, which is just six years away.

The council’s Director in charge of Edu-

cation and Society, Dr Jo Beall gave the advice at a one-day conference in Lagos with many education stakeholders in attendance. The theme of the conference was “Mind the gap, how to address employability skills gap in the Nigerian workforce.”

The council chief noted that the conference was designed to expose young people in the country to right skills that would secure them not only employment but the ones that would keep them relevant for life.

Beall, who is also council’s board member explained that today’s world economies

were waxing stronger because of the huge commitment interest it had shown in the area of skills acquisition of its youth and other citizens and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind While also advising the government to step up efforts in creating enabling environment that would encourage partnership among schools and industries, she pointed out that many Nigerian youths would need to be do more of critical thinking and innovation to remain relevant in the society.

It was only when this was achieved ac-

cording to her that Nigeria would accelerate its quest for national development and transformation.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mrs Josephine Washima, said government before now had made adequate provisions for acquisition of skills among youths in the country.

Washima who was represented by Mr. Paul Emmanuel noted that government would continue to look towards this direction.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, October 23, 2014

23

Improving your chances of university admission T Education o say that the process of securing admission into a Nigerian university is a nightmare is an understatement.

The process has become increasingly more difficult over the years with the increasing population of candidates who are desirous of studying in the Nigerian university system. It is not uncommon to run into a candidate who has been sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for upwards of five years.

Year in and out, they procure and complete the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms and attempt the examinations, but often with diminishing returns.

There is much agony in many families because of the failure of their offspring, the hope of entire generations, to secure admission into a university. For the majority of poor families, this is the single step they hoped would transform them from grinding poverty to instant wealth and change their circumstance for good, forever. This has indeed been so for some. But for the majority of families, hopes have been shattered, and disappointments have given way to disillusionment and desperation and its many unpredictable manifestations, including social unrest.

Many of these candidates have little chance of gaining admission

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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Lagos based nongovernmental organisation, LUCINMA Women Development Centre in conjunction with Zenith Bank Plc have given out one laptop each free to the new set of graduates of the centre. The graduates who are all women are teachers in the public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State.

They were presented with the computers last Saturday at the end of their 16-week free computer training programme, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the centre.

The laptops were donated by the Zenith Bank Plc as part of its corporate social responsibilities on women and education development in the country. 15 from the 26 trainees who performed excellently in learning and character were beneficiaries of the laptops.

At the ceremony which also featured free medical test on body temperature and sugar level conducted on women in Akoka area of Yaba, the keynote speaker,

as I see it

by Tosanwumi Otokunefor

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

EVEN THE VERY BRILLIANT CANDIDATES END UP WASTING THEIR YOUTHFUL YEARS BECAUSE THEY MAKE THE WRONG CHOICE OF INSTITUTION!

into the universities because of gross deficit in their knowledge bank. The school system that prepared them has failed to equip them with the necessary tools to secure admission into a university.

Many have obtained the relevant credits and passed the UTME through examination malpractice only to crumble like a pack of cards in the post-UTME. Such candidates should swallow their pride and enrol in an appropriate extramural programme and upgrade their abilities.

But beside this group are relatively brilliant youngsters who fail to secure admissions because they choose to pursue courses involving subjects in which they are

not sufficiently knowledgeable, in preference to those in which they are naturally gifted, because of societal and family pressures.

In addition to lacking the adequate prerequisites for the preferred field of study such as medicine, engineering, law, accounting etc, the societal preference for such fields often lead to oversubscription for the limited spaces available. The average candidate is more often the victim because he or she cannot attain the scores to meet the cut-off marks for such fields of study in the face of stiff competition. A young man I met last year told me that he has been writing JAMB and post-JAMB since 2008 for Petroleum Engi-

neering and only succeeded after changing his choice of course to Geology six years later. Another student, very badly wanted to be a nurse but her dream has still not been realised five years later!

Another young man that for ten years wanted to read medicine finally accepted an admission offer to read Biomedical Science in the School of Science Laboratory, wasting ten years for choosing the wrong course initially. A realistic choice of course could have made all the difference!

But even the very brilliant candidates end up wasting their youthful years because they make the wrong choice of institution! Certain institutions are usually oversubscribed, and only the best gets in there. The cut-off marks and other admission requirements are usually so high that they are nearly always a little beyond the reach of many brilliant candidates. Other federal institutions may not be so heavily subscribed for that course, and the average candidate may easily secure admission there without wasting time. Therefore, before you fill your JAMB forms, shop around; the information is literarily everywhere on the web!

Many often resort to the familiar ‘Nigerian art’ of paying huge, often mind-boggling sums of money to secure admission

into fields for which they are not sufficiently competent. Many of such have dropped out two or three years later because of poor performance. Others have managed to graduate after much effort only to face the frustration of unemployment because of their poor degree.

It is no use gaining admission into a field of study if your abilities are not sufficient to carry you through. The rule of the thumb is to seek admission into a field of study in which you can easily excel with minimal effort. I bet you, a first class industrial chemist is more likely to secure a job in a chemical industry than a chemical engineer with a third class honours degree. This reminds me of a lady who rediscovered herself after graduating from microbiology department with a poor degree. She later enrolled in Fine Arts where she made a first class honours degree; she lectures in the same department now!

The conclusion of the discussion is very simple; do not be mislead by your emotions or societal pressures, but rather be guided by an honest assessment of your capabilities. It is better to be an artist who would paint a fine portrait of a king than engineer that would build a pedestrian bridge that collapses under its own weight, even before anyone walks over it!

NGO trains female teachers on computer ity lifelong education that cuts across vocational, technology, health and entrepreneurship development for women to make them socioeconomically relevant in the society.

She also disclosed that the centre as a way of contributing to the skills of teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state, has trained many women teachers in computer education free of charge.

She pointed out that the

efforts are yielding positive result in the discharge of their duties.

Also speaking, the Founder and Chief Executive of the foundation, Dr. Princess Mokolo who spoke live to the audience during the event from her base in the United States of America via Skype, advised the graduating students to make good use of the knowledge gained as well as the computers given out to them as they go back to their respective endeavours.

ECOBA inducts new ‘Ancients’member One of the trainees, Mrs. Agnes Nwodo (left) receiving her laptop from representative of Zenith Bank Plc, Miss Amaka Ohabor(middle) and the course coordinator, Mrs. Maryrose Anagbogu at the event

Dr. Goddy Okoruwe cautioned the women against the consumption of sweet liquid, especially the socalled fruit juices that are all over the places in the country. He spoke on “Managing diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, preventing heart attack and strokes and understanding the facts of Ebola virus.”

According to him, many

of the fruit juices in town are harmful to the body, especially for adults and people should therefore avoid taking them.

Okoruwe, who is the Chief Medical Director of Urbane Medical Centre, Lagos, lauded the effort of the centre for its positive impact on women, stressing that consumption of safe portable water remains the only

alternative liquid that is harmless for consumption.

In her address of welcome, the Chairperson of the foundation, Madam Lucy Jonah commended the partnering institutions, especially the Zenith Bank Plc for supporting the centre in its drive to develop women in the country.

He noted that the centre is aimed at providing qual-

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he Lagos State branch of Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA), Benin City has inducted a new member into the ‘Ancients’ group of the association.

He is Dr. Osarieme Bazuaye, a Veterinary Surgeon who left the college in 1964.

The ‘Ancients’ group are former students of the college who left the school since 50 years ago and above.

The association inducted Bazuaye at a reunion programme tagged ‘Ancients’

Day held recently in Lagos.

Old members at the event include the pioneer Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Gabriel Osuide; Mr. Adams Idufueko, Prof.

E.S. Akpata, Mr. B. Fadaka, among others.

The chairman of the branch, Mr. Godwin IzeIyamu stated that the event provides members the opportunity to relive past memories, interact and share ideas as well as counseling and mentoring the junior members of the entire association.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Army education corps seeks closer ties with UNILORIN

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he Nigerian Army Education Corps has advocated closer ties with the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN, Kwara State such that more training programmes can be conducted for military men by the university.

This was disclosed by the Commandant, Nigerian Army Education Corps, Major-Gen. Abdullahi, recently at the passing out ceremony for the 25 participants of a training programme designed for military librarians at the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Sobi, Ilorin.

According to a traini ng report released by the Head of the Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Dr. Issa, the Army General, who himself is a librarian, “commended the diligence, commitment and sense of discipline with which the Department attended to this national assignment”.

Dr. Issa reported that MajorGeneral Abdullahi as saying that “the Army would certainly need more of such training in future”.

The training, designed in six modules for senior military officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Colonel, included Introduction to Library and Information Science; Basic Information sources.

Others are Services; Collection Development Management; Access tools for Library and Information Materials; Application of ICT in Library and Information Services and Management of Library and Information Services.

UNILAG Muslim students launch mobile health application

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s a means to tackle the global health challenges, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos branch have developed an application that reveals locations and contacts of health centres and general hospitals in Lagos.

The application, according to the head of development team, Mr. Yusuf Jimoh, also features theological views on health; information on some dangerous viruses, first Aid corner, health news, quick telephone and email contacts to report health issues among others.

The application, which is available on google store, was launched to mark the Dawah Week 1435, which was themed, ‘Reliving the Golden Age’.

UNIBEN, ABU for cooking competition T he University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria have joined the league of the tertiary institutions in the country that would compete in this year’s Onga National Campus Cooking Competition. The competition is organised yearly

by Promasidor Nigeria limited, makers of Onga seasoning for students of tertiary institutions in the country.

The two universities however joined the

University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and the Federal University of Technology, Minna as their representatives of their regions.

They emerged winners at the preliminary stage of the competition through raffle draw held at their respective regions with each of them rewarded with a deep freezer while their first and second runners-up went home with a gas oven each.

The objective of the competition accord-

ing to the organiser is to give participating students the opportunity of sharpening their culinary skills and expose the public to wide range of dishes from across cultures that they could enjoy.

The company’s Executive Director in charge of Commercial activities, Mr. Kachi Onubogu said the platform is also promoting peace and unity on campuses.

He noted that grand finale of the competition would be held in Lagos in November.

The contestants for the competition.

Students laud rector as school goes digital EMEKA ONWUDINJO

200L, MASS COMM. UNIZIK, AWKA.

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he National Association of Class Representative Students (NACRS) has lauded the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Prof. Godwin Onu for the introduction of ComputerBased Test (CBT) in the institution.

This came after the National Executive Council meeting of the association held recently.

NACRS in their communiqué issued stated that the introduction of CBT exams in the institution would go a long way in fighting and eradicating corruption including extortion, sex harassment and intimidation in the institution and urged other institutions to emulate the idea.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the National President of the group and a final year student of Public Administration, Federal Polytechnic

Oko, Joseph Achionye said Prof.

Godwin Onu has proved himself

a visionary leader, whose passion for the transformation of

the institution has never been hidden.

My tenure will be violent free — FUNNAB students’ leader

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he President-elect of the Student Union of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Mr. Olajumoke Olawale, has attributed his victory at the polls to the grace of God as he promised to work closely with the university management to better the lot of his fellow students.

He said his administration would do only things that would glorify God. While seeking support from other students, Olajumoke assured the school management of deploring appropriate communication channel to ensure that harmoni-

Ol Olawale l

ous and peaceful co-existence reigned on campus during his tenure. While calling for a pragmatic and systematic approach to matters that concern students, the 400-level Animal Physiology student stated that the union would fully support the management to become a world class institution

where its graduates can compete favourably with others across the globe.

The President-elect however, appealed to the newly elected legislative and judicial arms of the union to cooperate with his team so as to jointly achieve the vision of ensuring that every student matter.

University of Roehampton launches online Msc. in psychology

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he University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom has launched an online programme in psychology in line with global call for professionals’ competencies in psychology.

In a release by the university signed by the Head of Department of Psychology, Dr. Diane Bray, the programme was developed to increase access to the discipline and enhance students’ personal and professional capacities to become

psychologically literate citizens.

“It is important for a variety of career paths in this interconnected world, such as educators, healthcare providers and public service workers, which is why it’s important to be able to provide cross-cultural perspectives and prepare professionals for a real-world application,” she said.

The psychology programme joins a growing online masters degrees running by the institution.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Novus to partner FUNAAB SAIDAT ALAUSA

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US based agricultural company, Novus International has indicated its interest to collaborate with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in the area of Animal nutrition and health.

The company made this disclosure when the officials and it Nigerian representatives called on the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olusola Oyewole in his office in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, recently.

According to the leader of the delegates who is also the Director of the company for Latin American and Africa, Dr. Luis Azevedo, “We intend to have a close working relationship with institutions like FUNNAB not only in the area of technical know-how but also in developing the people by adapting technologies to market needs.

He stressed that the partnership would also bridge the existing gap between the academia and the industry.

He pointed out that through the relationship, students in Animal Agriculture would be encouraged to develop strong research programmes, while international perspective opportunities would be open to them to do internship at the Novus International headquarters in US. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole assured the delegates of the university’s willingness to partner with them, adding that researches in FUNAAB were usually tailored towards addressing industrial needs.

He added that the university would assist the company in any area of interest as well as allow the officials of Novus, to teach the students.

AAUA postpones building inauguration YOMI AYELESO

200L,BUS. ADMIN.AAUA

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he inauguration ceremony of the newly completed four-wing and five-storey senate building of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo state has been postponed indefinitely.

In a statement released and signed by the institution Registrar, Mr. Bamidele Olotu, the new date for the inauguration which was earlier scheduled for October 17th would be communicated very soon.

The Senate Building, which provides for office space on a 12-hectare land, was to be inaugurated by the visitor to the university and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

The complex which is the repertoire of the university central administration, houses the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the Registry and the Bursary, among others.

The state-of-the- art facilities in the building comprise the Senate Chamber, Council Chamber, a large Reception Hall, Cocktail and Entertainment Lounge, five stair halls, three lifts, covered Courtyard and a large Foyer among others.

Education Today

Thursday, October 23, 2014

25

Mutiny: NANS begs FG to spare condemned soldiers OYEBIMPE OYESANYA FEDPOLY, ADO EKITI

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he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B has joined other well- meaning civil society organisations in the country to appeal to the Federal Government not to kill the 12 soldiers who were recently sentenced to death over

mutiny case.

The students’ body asked the government to reverse the judgment and commune it to life imprisonment or better still lighter punishment The Public Relations Officer of the association, Pedro Obi told National Mirror in a chat that killing the soldiers would be regarded as victory for Boko Haram considering the situa-

tion that led to the incident.

“We respectfully advocate for other measures to discipline these soldiers in order not to send a wrong signal to the general public and the international community,” he said.

Commending the effort of the Nigeria Military for their dedication and sacrifice in fighting the insurgents, he said the reportedly killing of the impostor leader

of the sect (Abubakar Shekau and Mohammed Bashir) is a victory for the Nigerian Army.

“We want to assure the military that the Nigeria’s Student Movement is solidly behind you in this fight and we unequivocally call on the Federal Government to continually support the Arm Forces for optimum service delivery in order to sustain the winning tempo.”

UI graduate launches software

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State, Mr. Ojo George; Coordinator, Covenant Educational Consultancy, Mrs. Folusho Atilola; Mr. Olatunji Oladejo; Founder of Splash FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Akande; Author, Mr. Saheed Oladele; Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo and Alh. Lawal Abass at the launching of the book in Ibadan, on Monday.

HAMMED HAMZAT UI.

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xperts in linguistics on Monday, converged at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State to attend the launching of Remedial English Pronunciation Software authored by Saheed Oladele, a first class graduate of Linguistics from the university.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole represented by Director of Public Communication Mr. Olatunji Oladejo commended the author for his ingenious way in addressing the pronunciation challenges faced by Nigerians in English Language.

He encouraged other first class gradu-

ates of the institution to come out with novel ideas in their disciplines to project the image of the university and foster national development.

Congratulating the author of the software Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo in his remarks affirmed that the pronunciation software would help to raise the standard of English learning and speaking in Nigeria.

The don stressed the need for the Ministries of Education in all the States of the Federation to make use of the pronunciation software in their curriculum to improve standard of English speaking in Nigeria.

In his foreword, Emeritus Professor of Phonetics and Phonology, Ben Ohi Elugbe described the pronunciation software as a

good idea, aimed at addressing the immense problems of learning to speak English in Nigeria learning environment which is decidedly unfriendly.”

Emeritus Prof. Elugbe attested to the software as the one that deploys the machinery of modern technology and not small dose of phonetic examination of the segments.

The coordinator, Covenant Educational Consultancy, Mrs. Folusho Atilola said the software would make English learning interesting and urged Primary and Secondary schools make use of the software.

The author of the software, Mr. Saheed Oladele said what drives him was the idea to nurture students who would be internationally intelligent in spoken English in all levels of education.

Rector advises students to shun violence AFEEZ ADEYEMO,

200L, MASS COMM. FEDPOLY, OFFA

T

he Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Dr. Mufutau Olatiwo has told the newly admitted students of the institution to shun any act of indecency and violence that can lead to their expulsion from the institution.

He gave the advice at a combined matriculation ceremony for the new students for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions.

He also told them that offence like examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, gross misconduct attracts outright expulsion.

He therefore said they should make the students’ handbook a daily companion for rules guiding them as students of

the polytechnic in order to ensure peaceful co-existence within and outside the polytechnic campus.

“You must maintain harmonious relationship with your colleagues and the host communities but should you have a complaint contact the directorate of student affairs immediately,” he said.

Congratulating them for making the list of those admitted into the institution, the rector said they must justify their admission by dedicating themselves to the already established tradition of academic excellence and professional discipline for which the Polytechnic is known for.

Therefore he said they must aim at graduating with distinction and that requires they start working hard from now because the polytechnic academic board will not hesitate to withdraw any student who performs below expecta-

tion in his or her academic work.

“Let me also implore you all to avail yourselves of the huge opportunities embedded in entrepreneurship development programme of the Federal Government which aims to drastically reduce unemployment and ensure increased self-employment among graduate.

According to him, due to the Federal Government directives the institution has instituted Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) to make sure students are well trained in all kinds of small scale production like soap-making, cake-baking, juice making, computer repairs, auto diagnosis and phone repairs.

Dr. Olatinwo also warned them to be security conscious and strictly take to all instructions against contracting the Ebola virus Disease (EVD).

26

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

z

Flag-bearer or standard bearer?

F

ROM the September 29 edition of TheNEWS comes the first error: “…sensitise others on (to) the need to live in peace and harmony with one another.”

“Raising an (the) alarm on tax evasion is not enough.”

One thing is certain: people will not give up arguing about correct usage in English. Happily, the spirit of (language) activism is alive and well. As a word-watcher (from the Word Watch School), how do you feel or react when you read: “…expired politicians, court jesters and political fuddy-duddies parade themselves as icons?” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY EDITORIAL, August 31, 2014). Yes, “expired politicians” are dead politicians! Do the dead come back to parade on the political scene? Only in Nigeria! Holy terror!

Another note: “sheathe” and “sheath” are both verbs in American English (AE); you can sheathe a knife, a cutlass and a sword, but, in practical terms, you can’t sheathe a machete!

“Mail”, meaning “letters, parcels, etc by post”, is an uncountable noun—it has no plural form. “Mails” is a piece of Nigerianism, Nigerian English (NE) or English made in Nigeria!

Evidences? “…but fails abysmally in giving concrete “evidences” (evidence) of such claims.” “Evidence”, meaning “information that gives reason for believing something; proof “(e.g. in a law case), is an uncountable noun. It has no plural form. We correctly say or write: enough evidence, some evidence, a mass of evidence, a piece of evidence or pieces of evidence.

Standard-bearers or flag-bearers? “Group insists PDP, APC should pick Christians as

“flag-bearers” (standard-bearers). In politics, music, etc, it is “standard-bearer”, in games, sports, etc., it is “flag-bearer” or “torchbearer”.

“Know/Knowing full well” is Briticism while “Know/Knowing fully well” is an Americanism.

Work harder and keep watching, brother!

(Bayo Oguntunase/Language Activist/ Adoro62@yahoo.co.uk) COLUMNIST’S ADDENDUM: Some dictionaries could be misleading. When I saw ‘evidences’ in one of the extracts published last week, I immediately knew that something was wrong with the word, as now pointed out. I told my son to check up the word in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2010 Eighth Edition). We discovered that it was both countable and uncountable. Based on this, I allowed the entry to go! When Mr. Oguntunase intervened, I checked dictionaries and discovered that it was non-count! In fact, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English New Edition for Advanced Learners, 2013 Edition) declares categorically: “Evidence is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Use a singular verb after it: Vital evidence was destroyed.” The reaffirmation I get from this revelation is that it is not everything that is in some dictionaries that is correct! So, there is need to critically and selectively drink from the fountain of as many dictionaries as possible in order to be on the safe side. We must therefore develop circumspective and interrogative

Bank workers renovate schools JOHNSON OKANLAWON

E

mployees of Skye Bank Plc have commenced renovation works in some public primary and secondary schools in its host communities across the 36 states of the federation.

They are also making provision for well-equipped sick bays and ICT centres, libraries, portable and safe water, visual aids such as projectors and instructional materials for some other schools, still in the bank’s area of coverage.

The workers in a release made available to journalists said 39 of its host communities would benefit from the projects under the fiscal year.

They said the projects are being carried out in line with UNESCO’s policy

on the World Literacy Day, calling on individuals, groups and institutions to support schools and learning.

The workers listed the beneficiary schools to include but not limited to the inclusive section of the State High School, Ogba,

Lagos, where facilities for Autistic, Down syndrome, hearing impaired will be provided; Air force Primary School, Victoria Island, also in Lagos and Government Secondary School, Kuru in Plateau State.

Others according to them are Junior Second-

capacities in the use of language.

From last week: “…but fails woefully (abysmally) in giving concrete evidences (evidence) of such claims.” (NATIONAL MIRROR, September 11) Do not say ‘true evidence’, but ‘reliable evidence’. (Longman) SUNDAY ADESINA (08029955388): You are right on ‘outright’ being both an adjective and adverb. ‘Outrightly’ is not just uncommon, but queer and unknown to standard etymological entries.

“Boko Haram peace talks reopens” Why the disagreement? This kind of ‘schoolboy howler’, in the words of Mr. Oguntunase, should not be seen in standard publications.

“CBN intervention bouys naira” Get it right: buoys.

“You must be matured and in love with jazz music.” (Lifestyle) Just ‘mature’.

The next three errors are from NTA Network News of September 18: “…who presided at the occasion.” NTA correspondents should be refreshed: the preposition that goes before ‘occasion’ is ‘on’ (not ‘at’) “He said that the ministry intends (intended) to restore back….” ‘Restore back’ shows unintelligibility. With ‘restore’, you can’t have ‘back’. We shouldn’t use words we don’t understand their meanings (or implications). The English language has evolved from the old period to the modern era. So, journalists must avoid Anglo-Saxon expressions.

“Each of the stadia was provided with practicing pitch.” It is not the pitches that

ary School, Peyi, Abuja and African Church Comprehensive High School, Alagbaka, Akure in Ondo State to mention a few.

They noted that the gesture is part of their contributions to the education development in the country.

Officials of P&G Nigeria and Save the Children International pose for photograph with pupils from select schools in Lagos during the workshop organised by the company for Lagos State pupils to mark the 2014 Global Hand Washing Day in Lagos, recently.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

practise as implied in the statement. Therefore, the sensible phrase ought to be ‘practice pitch.’ Lexical and semantic appropriateness demands this line of thought.

“Captain…wedded former Miss…in Lagos over the weekend with pomp and pageantry.” ‘Pomp and pageantry’ is not an accepted phrase. The standard expression is ‘pomp and circumstance’ or ‘pomp and ceremony.’ It can simply be left as ‘pomp’. If you don’t remember these forms, rephrase. At least, you can always recollect that the Nigerian creation (pomp and pageantry) is uneducated.

“Truely, Jos is a home of peace and tourism.” Correct form: truly.

“This development is unlike in some states where education have (sic) died a natural death…” (DAILY CHAMPION) Indeed, education has died in Champion House!

“Public affairs analysts of the most diverse persuasions are agreed on one thing: the world is at a crossroad (a/the crossroads).”

“It is therefore noteworthy that the AU has now seen the wisdom in pooling the resources of member-states together to prevent ugly incident (sic)….” (NIGERIAN TRIBUNE, September 19) When resources are pooled, there is no need for ‘together’.

“The hopes of millions of our countrymen are centred around us.” (THISDAY, September 19) ‘Centre’ admits ‘on’, ‘round,’ ‘upon’… never ‘around’.

“Unclaimed properties of accident victims” ‘Property’ in this context is non-count.

It can only take the plural form if buildings and acres of land are involved—or for scientific references.

Bauchi student emerges winner in NIPOST letter writing competition EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

A

student of Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Bauchi, Miss Peace Peter who emerged winner in the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) organized Letter Writing competition among the secondary school students nationwide has been presented with N50, 000 for her outstanding performance.

The money was presented to the winner by the Area Postal Manager, Bauchi Territory, Garba Argungu at the Bauchi NIPOST office as part of activities marking the 2014 World Post Day. The second and third positions in the competi-

tion went to Ashibeshi Favour Benyin and Christopher Effiong Akpan of Beulah International School and St. Mary Senior Science School respectively, both from Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking at the event, Argungu, who was represented by the Senior Manager in charge of operations of the service, Mrs. Veronica Ogar said the competition was aimed at developing young people’s skills in composition and ability to express their thoughts clearly in writing.

He called on students in the state to come for excursion at the post office to learn the practical aspect of how the organisation operates.

Business Thursday, October 23, 2014

Nigeria wealth fund chief says investment plans unaffected by weak oil 28

Local content: The unresolved riddle between govt, stakeholders 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ad agencies tasked on fast changing market place

FG retains N97 fuel price, subsidy, despite crash in crude oil price UDEME AKPAN

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he Federal Government has not yet reviewed the price of petrol despite the lull in oil market which culminated in the price of crude oil falling from over $100 per barrel to $83 per barrel in the global market.

A market survey conducted in Lagos and its environs yesterday showed that all retail outlets still sell petrol at N97 per litre.

Specifically, the survey showed that both the independents and majors, including Mobil, Oando, MRS, Conoil, and Forte still sell at the product at government pegged price.

The spokesman of NIPCO, Mr. Lawal Taofeek in a telephone interview that petrol was still sold at the government regulated price of N97 per litre.

A dealer who preferred not to be named because he was not permitted to speak stated, “We are still selling petrol at the price of N97 per litre because we do not have directive to do otherwise.”

“Once we have an instruction to change, definitely we would comply accordingly because our firm is a responsible organisation, “he stated.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA officials who have the responsibility to carry out such adjustment

could not be reached yesterday.

But a visit to its website showed that the agency has not made public its template which usually served as a guide to stakeholders, especially marketers, consumers and the general public.

However, some stakeholders said regulators of the domestic fuel market should be guided by developments in the global market, especially the present crash in crude oil price.

For instance, the group coordinator, corporate planning and director of transformation in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Timothy Okon stated in the Nigerian

Television Authority, NTA programme yesterday that the impact of the low crude oil price was yet to reflect on the price of petrol and other regulated products.

Okon said the nation should consider fuel subsidy removal to pave the way for massive investment and sustainable development of the sector.

“We need to remove fuel subsidy so that local and foreign investors can be encouraged to invest in the construction of refineries, “he stated.

He stated that investors have not been encouraged to invest under the present regulated regime

because the prices of petrol and kerosene were still pegged at N97 and N50 respectively.

“No investor would invest now because of the unfavourable price regime. We need to attract investors through the creation of conducive investment environment, capable of guaranteeing adequate returns on investment, “he stated.

He stated that with the expected construction of additional refineries, the nation would be blessed with new refineries having adequate capacities to meet domestic demand as well as export to the world market.

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he President of Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Dr Ayoola Oduntain, has said the economy of eggs in Nigeria is enormous as an egg a day for 50 per cent of the Nigerian population will produce a daily economic value of N1.7bn This observation by Oduntain is coming even as stakeholders in the poultry business insists the egg industry has the potential to

33

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline

L-R: Director, Consumer Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Umma Dutse; Head, Consumer Education Division, Hajia Hadiza Kashim and Head, Market Conduct Division, Consumer Protection Department, Alhaji Muhammad Bima, addressing a news conference on consumer sensitization and awareness campaign in Bauchi, on Monday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Egg production, consumption can generate N1.7bn daily’ MESHACK IDEHEN

27

contribute more than the current 25 per cent to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product, AGDP, of the national economy.

According to Oduntain while appealing to the Federal and State governments to resuscitate the school feeding programme where an egg a day per Nigerian child can be achieved, some of the national programmes will help improve the health of Nigerians using eggs.

He also opined that women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce the risk of

breast cancer by 44 per cent.

Oduntain cited studies from Harvard School of Public Health which state that there is no relationship between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease’ as previously thought.

In the same vein, Head of Dietetics, National Hospital, Abuja, Mrs Sarah Abagai, said egg is a natural pill that contains the richest mix of essential amino acids crucial for children, adolescents and young adults for proper growth.

Abagai advised parents to give

their children an egg a day for better and healthy growth, adding that egg is cheaper and contains 93.7 per cent protein value which is more than the protein in fish, meat and milk which parents prefer to give their children.

On his part, , Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Dr Anallo Akpa said egg production will have to grow by a huge 75 per cent to meet the demand for animal protein. He said the industry will do better if an egg a day’ policy for the Nigerian child is implemented.

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, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria wealth fund chief says investment plans unaffected by weak oil UDO ONYEKA

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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igeria’s sovereign wealth fund said its investment programme over the next six months, including on infrastructure, will go ahead, even as revenues that provide its capital are hit by falling oil prices.

Chief Executive of the Nigeria Investment Authority, Mr. Uche Orji, highlighted one of the vehicle’s core aims is to manage oil export windfalls to cushion the

economy in harder times.

“The oil price, yes, it’s come down. But frankly, let’s not forget why this fund was set up. It was to prepare us for days like this,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of an African investment conference in London on Tuesday.

Orji conceded that weakness in the international oil market would affect the fund but he remained focused on deploying existing assets to investment in infrastructure projects in sectors such as transport, power and healthcare.

“Obviously we get funded from

the oil price so if it’s lower, it will affect us. But ... our plan in the next six months is to fully deploy what we’ve been given. We still haven’t fully deployed our capital yet,” he said.

Oil prices have dropped more than 25 percent since June on strong supply, signs of weak growth in demand and indications that key oil producers, particularly Saudi Arabia, have a limited appetite to cut output to bolster prices.

Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer and most populous nation,

established the Sovereign Investment Authority, SIA, in 2011 with $1bn of seed capital in an effort to manage oil export revenues.

The fund is split into three components, a ‘Stabilisation Fund’ to act as a buffer against economic turbulence, an Infrastructure Fund and a Future Generations fund.

Orji left a job as a managing director in UBS’s equities division in New York in 2012 to move back to Nigeria and run the fund.

Though the fund has now completed its allocation to private eq-

uity, it is still looking for new opportunities in infrastructure, he said.

“We still have gaps in our infrastructure fund. We’ve only made about three commitments so far so we have quite a few more to go,” he said.

According to the fund’s website, the infrastructure vehicle accounts for up to 40 percent of total assets with a similar amount allocated to the portion managed for future generations and the remaining 20 percent set aside for economic stabilisation.

‘Nigerian pilots, engineers to fly leading airlines in five years’ OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Director, Strategy and Planning, Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Kingsley Uwagbale has predicted that Nigerian pilots and other technical personnel in the aviation industry would be a force to be reckoned with in the next five years.

This is also has he commended the federal Government for taking the bold step to enforce the removal of import duties on aircraft and spare parts.

Speaking with aviation correspondents in Lagos earlier in the week, Uwagbale disclosed that the helicopter company had had concluded plans to construct a maintenance facility where it aims to train manpower for the industry and assured that in another five years, Nigerians would be in the cockpit of leading airlines in the world.

He specifically said that in the next five years, Nigerians would be leading figures with Emirate, Lufthansa and other international airlines, adding that its facility would bring about huge job opportunities.

He said that with the commencement of training in the facility, the era of Nigerians

embarking on training abroad would be a thing of the past.

“Nobody needs to go abroad for training as we carry checks up to C-checks in this facility,” he said.

On the removal of import duties on aircraft and spares by the government, Uwagbale declared that the removal has brought about huge relief for the operators in the industry while massive growth has also been recorded by the airline operators in the country.

He insisted that the funds that would have been expended on payment of import duties by the operators have been diverted to training of personnel and acquisition of more equipment.

On its operations, he informed that the helicopter firm had increased the number of women pilots in the rotary wing segment of the industry to a sizable number.

He said, “We have deliberately set aside a number of slots for women as we aim to increase the number of female pilots manning rotary aircraft in Nigeria.

Currently we have six women in training institution around the world. The next round of recruitment will principally focus on women here.

L-R: Head, Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Nwakuche Duruogu; GM, Lagos Island Bank and Chairman, Save4 Scholarship Savings Central Promo Committee, Emeka Obiagwu; Madam Fadeke Adigun; her daughter and husband as she was being presented with a cheque of N500,000 she won at the Fidelity Save4 Scholarship Savings Promo, yesterday.

Kia Motors Nigeria partners Mitob on car distribution OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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n a bid to further expand its market reach and easy accessibility to all its customers across the country, one of the leading automobile companies in the country, Kia Motors Nigeria, has announced a new partnership with Mitob Motors Limited.

An online statement by the Public Relations Executive, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr.Olawale Jimoh stated that in addition to bringing to the market vehicles that deliver best-in-class features and affordable price for value, the goal of Kia was to take its world class fa-

cilities closer to its customers and manufacture vehicles that meet their dreams and aspirations.

Speaking on the partnership, the Assistant Vice President, Dealer Development, Dana Motors, Mr. Sanjay Tatpati said that the joint venture with Mitob Motors was an important step in its expansion plans for the Nigerian market.

He added, “Finding the right partners to work with in satisfying our customers is very vital to us. We are excited at working with the experienced team that Mitob Motors are bringing to us and are confident that our customers will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this relationship.”

Also commenting, the Chairman, Mitob Motors Limited, Mr. Olutoyin Okeowo emphasized that its relationship with Dana Motors Limited was in furtherance of its corporate mission to provide customers with quality vehicles and services.

“We constantly seek ways to exceed our customers’ expectations and we believe this partnership will give us the opportunity to do just that,” he said.

He disclosed that the new Kia Showroom would offer full range of Kia vehicles, from the Picanto to Quoris where customers can visit and make their purchases.

Access named World Finance, Most Sustainable Bank UDO ONYEKA

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ccess Bank Plc has emerged the winner of the 2014 World Finance, UK Magazine “Sustainable Bank in Nigeria Award”.

The award is a testament of its leadership in the Sustainability space in Nigeria and Africa.

“The Bank has built a strong

reputation for being committed to sustainable banking practices. The bank has been widely praised for focusing on financial inclusion, providing 30,000 children under the age of nine with banking services, as well as female empowerment, diversity and investment in the local Nigerian community”, according to a statement by the bank.

“Access Bank’s emergence

as the winner of this coveted award signals the growing commitment of Nigerian, and indeed African banks to adoption of responsible business practice and incorporation of environmental, social and governance considerations into the different facets of their operations. It’s also a continuation of the giant strides the bank has continually made

in the industry”, it also said.

Group Managing Director/ CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said “We are delighted and honored to receive this prestigious award, we dedicate this award to all financial institutions in the developing and emerging markets, who despite the challenges have chosen to pursue Environmental, Social and Governance Best

Practices”.

The Bank has built a strong franchise by adhering to socially responsible goals and has continuously displayed a strong commitment to global health issues by leveraging its people and financial resources to invest in successful health program in Nigeria and other African countri es.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

29

Electricity: FG to flag off training of 7400 craftsmen CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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L-R: Airtel’s Trade Marketing Manager, Lagos East, Peace Davids; Business Development Manager, Intel, Folake Oyekanmi; Territory Sales Manager, Airtel, Adewole Peter; Consumer Channels Group, Microsoft, Mark Ihimoyan; Airtel customer, Opeyemi Oluwaseun and Igbo Community Leader at Ibeju-Lekki, Ozo Idezuna during the Lagos phase of Airtel ICT rural awareness campaign in Epe, Lagos recently.

Shell seals sales deals for oil assets UDEME AKPAN

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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oyal Dutch Shell has signed sales agreements for oil assets put up for sale following a 2013 review of its business in the nation.

The move is targeted at enabling it to reduce the cost of its operations in the country, particularly through the sell of onshore assets to indigenous investors.

Reuters which confirmed the development stated, “It has opted to move away from Nigerian onshore oil production, which is plagued by massive oil theft, security problems and oil spills and is also becoming a major source of legal liabilities.”

“The assets include Shell’s 30 percent stake in oil mining leases ,OML, 18, 24, 25, 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line ,NCTL, the country’s main onshore pipeline, “it stated.

The agency quoted the firm as stating that, together with its partners Total and Eni, it signed an agreement to sell their 45 percent stake in OML 18 to a consortium led by Canadian oil and gas com-

pany Mart Resources.

The remaining share of the oil field is said to be owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Mart confirmed it entered into an agreement for the acquisition of OML 18, whose production ranged between 20,000 to 30,000 barrels per day from around 30 wells.

The spokesman of the firm is said to have stated, “The sale process “has not yet fully concluded but we can confirm that we have now signed sales and purchase Agreements for these Oil Mining Leases and the NCTL.” “Nigeria remains an important part of Shell’s portfolio, where we will continue to have a significant onshore presence in oil and gas, and which has clear growth potential, particularly in deep-water and onshore gas,” he added.

In March, Reuters reported that Nigerian firms Taleveras and Aiteo had made the highest bid of $2.85 billion for OML 29, the biggest of the four oil fields.

A senior Nigerian oil executive said a consortium headed by Pan Ocean Oil Corporation had bid for

OML 24 at a price of about $1 billion.

However, the firm stated in its report that Shell’s main offshore activities in Nigeria were carried out by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), a 100per cent Shellowned company.

It stated that SNEPCo was formed in 1993 to develop Nigeria’s deep water oil and gas resources, a new frontier for the country’s energy industry at the time.

“SNEPCo holds interests in four deep water blocks, two of which it operates: OPL 118 ,Bonga and OPL 135 ,Bolia. SNEPCo also has a 50% interest in the Zabazaba/Etan deep water oil and gas project operated by ENI’s Agip and a 43.75per cent interest in the Erha deep water oil and gas project operated by Esso Exploration and Production ,Deepwater Limited, “it stated.

It stated that SNEPCo pioneered the country’s deepwater oil and gas production at Bonga, a project that increased Nigeria’s oil capacity by 10per cent when it began producing in 2005.

he Federal Government has said it will flag-off the National Power Sector Apprentice Scheme, NAPSAS, November 18, to train 7400 Nigerians as craftsmen, linesmen and electricity artisans.

The Director General of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN, Engr.

Reuben Okeke hinted this yesterday in Abuja while signing a pact with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, on the formal recognition of its National Graduate Skills Development Programme, NGSDP. The signing of the Cooperation Agreement gives formal recognition to the graduate programme, through an integration of the Programme into the NSE’s Corporate Membership Registration process.

Engr. Okeke said “This is the third MoU we are signing. The first was with Schneider Electrics of France, we signed another with GIZ of Germany and we will be signing another with General Electric ,GE, in a couple of weeks, and they are all on capacity building.

AfriHeritage tasks governments on business environment reforms EMMANUEL OGBONNAYA

A

frican Heritage Institution AfriHeritage has stated that without a concerted reform of the Nigerian business environment by the three tiers of government, efforts at abating the scourge of poverty and unemployment in the country would be ineffective.

The Executive Director of the Institution, Dr. Ifediora Amobi who made this known at a press conference in Abuja, noted that as

DFID to support Nigeria’s infrastructure master plan ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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he UK Department for International Development, DFID, has pledged to support the Nigeria towards the successful implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, NIIMP. Director General, Country Programmes of DFID, Joy Hutcheon said on Tuesday while on a visit to the Minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar Sulaiman in his office that they would also partner

the government through the Ministry to monitor projects executed in the country by the DFID. Hutcheon said that this became necessary in order to avoid duplication of such projects and also ensure that they align with Nigeria’s national priorities.

She also pledged the support of the organisation to the country ahead of the 2015 General elections and requested for the country’s priorities and plans for the forthcoming 2015 elections.

The Minister told the DFID delegation that the country required

massive sensitisation of the electorates, adding that, the Commission was also partnering with NGOs in terms of ensuring civility amongst voters.

He expressed confidence in the management of INEC to conduct credible elections in Nigeria, the Minister, also listed logistics, capacity building and technical enhancement as critical areas needing support, saying Nigerians should concern themselves about consolidating on the gains of being the largest economy in Africa and also not to promote elections

“Government is working on scaling up human capacity in the power sector and so, President Goodluck Jonathan is about to launch 7400 Nigerian youths to boost human capital in terms of technical skills in the sector.

“By 18 November, Mr President will flag-off the National Power Sector Apprentice Scheme ,NAPSAS to help in the area of craft, to produce more linesmen and artisans in the electricity industry,” he disclosed.

He maintained that the 36 states are expected to produce 200 candidates each with a 50percent sponsorship of the training fee from the federal government.

“The apprenticeship scheme has its separate programme so that, as the NGSDP is going on in our eight centres, we have collaborated with the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, to use their study centres for the NAPSAS,” he added.

The teeming number of graduates from the NAPTIN NGSDP Okeke said informed the cooperation with the Society. “I talked with the NSE President so we can work on giving a professional backing for the graduates to be grounded in power sector engineering.

hinged on religious sentiments.

“We should concern ourselves on how to consolidate on the gains of being the largest economy in Africa, and not promote elections based on religious ground,” he said.

NIIMP is Nigeria’s 30 year blueprint (2014 - 2043) for accelerated infrastructure development in the country.

The DFID and the National Planning Commission are expected to meet soon to work out ways of working together regarding the support expected from the DFID.

expected in every federation, the business environment in Nigeria was the shared responsibility of the central and sub-national governments.

According to him, the overall business environment will depend upon and complementing the synergies that exist between these levels of government, noting In particular, that state governments were responsible for the bulk of the infrastructural, regulatory and administrative services needed by private enterprises.

“So, without commensurate business environment reforms by state and local governments, the macroeconomic and institutional reforms of the federal government would not be able to produce the desired impact on employment and poverty,” he said.

Amobi also announced that the training of field officers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory FCT for the third cycle of the Businesses Environment and Competiveness across Nigerian States BECANS III has commenced, stressing that the logic behind BECANS was that Nigeria’s subnational jurisdictions were crucial in ensuring good business environment and enhancing Nigeria’s global economic competitiveness ratings.

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Business News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

group protests registration Ogun cautions firms against EMAN bid by wines importers environmental pollution T FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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gun state government on Tuesday said it would sanction individuals or manufacturing companies caught violating the existing laws on environmental pollution.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Ayo Olubori, who dropped the hint at a press conference to herald the year 2014 Environmental Summit, reiterated that the state has not relented on its zero tolerance to environmental pollution.

Olubori revealed that the state would be partnering the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, towards ensuring that companies operating across the state strictly complied with environmental laws.

Speaking on the topic, “Sustainable environmental devel-

opment: key to social economic advancement in Ogun state,” Olubori said the two day summit holding in Abeokuta, the state capital between October 28th and 29th would afford stakeholders the opportunity needed to evaluate the adverse effect of their activities on environmental polution mitigate such.

Olubori also explained that the summit was aimed at developing a more appropriate and acceptable laws, regulations as well as as guidelines that will promote sustainable environment.

He also said that government through the summit intended to encourage manufacturing and commercial enterprises to imbibe the culture of complying with environmental laws and regulations in the state.

“We are hopeful that the summit will encourage manufacturing and commercial enterprises

to imbibe the culture of self compliance with environmental laws and regulations in the state.”

“Ensure management of industrial and commercial operator in the state; make provision for environmental issues in their yearly financial budget.”

The Commissioner however, disclosed that a total number of six companies caught violating laws on environmental pollution had been shut, sanctioned and eventually re-opened after they had been made to pay the penalties.

Emphasising that the state takes no pleasure in closing companies for violating environment laws Olubori furthe said that the state’s strict enforcement of the laws had shored up the Internally Generated Revenue, IGS, of the state from the paltry sum of N100, 000 per annum to N20m.

he Ethanol Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, EMAN, has objected strongly to the registration bid at Corporate Affairs Commission

by Wines Marketers and Producers Association of Nigeria, saying that the attempt by the group connotes setting up a parallel body in the sector.

The group in a statement signed by its solicitors Messers Ajibola Morebise & Co. stated that the Ethanol Manufacturers Associations is the recognized registered representative of all alcoholic beverage manufacturers and producers in Nigeria and which has been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

It will be recalled that the Spirits and Wines ‘Producers’ and Marketers Association of Nigeria, had a month ago, approached the Corporate Affairs Commission seeking registration as an umbrella association of wines marketers.

The group had in a paid advertorial stated its aim as providing industry collaboration that will drive and influence appropriate enabling environment in Nigeria for the importation marketing, distribution and sale of spirits and wines in Nigeria.

It however urged members of the public with any objection to its application to forward such to the Registrar-General of CAC within 28 days of publication.

Consequently, the Ethanol Manufacturers Associations of Nigeria had risen in protest stating that the use of the word ‘producers’ in the name and objects of the said association is fraudulent and misleading.

The association which does not see any justification for another appellate group that are merely importers and wines insisted that it has never failed in representing the interest of all genuine registered members of wines and spirits manufacturers in the country.

Lufthansa strike declared legal as union warns of more action

G L-R: Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Ife Oyeyipo; Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Daniel; Winner of the brand new car, Ibrahim Olaribigbe Yusuf, Dean of Student Affairs, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Olukayode Amund; and Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh; during the presentation of a car to Yusuf at the Etisalat Cliqfest, UNILAG, recently.

Group, beer makers partner on drive alcohol-free campaign FRANCIS EZEM

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orried by the worsening carnage on Nigeria’s roads occasioned sometimes by alcohol-induced recklessness on the part of vehicle drivers, the Beer Sectoral Group BSG, of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria MAN, is currently partnering some critical stakeholders including the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC on its Drive AlcoholFree campaign.

Also involved in the campaign funded by the BSG include the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Non-Governmental Organisations and other major stakeholders in the transport management segment of the nation’s economy.

Director, Corporate Relations/ Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, who spoke on behalf of the group at a one-day media launch of the programme, held in Lagos, said that the group has over the years continued to champion the cause of the beer industry in Nigeria.

The BSG is made up 14 breweries located in different parts of the country comprising the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Plc, Consolidated Breweries, International Breweries, Intafact Beverages Limited and Pabod Breweries Limited, among others.

According to him, one of the major objectives of the group is the promotion of a healthy and respected alcohol industry in Nigeria and the fostering of a responsible alcohol consumption culture.

“This is because beverage alcohol when consumed in moderation can be part of a healthy balanced lifestyle”, he said.

While speaking on the campaign with the theme: “Your family is waiting for you” and a subtheme: Don’t risk the future of your family”, Sobowale said that the objectives of the campaign are to increase the awareness of the dangers in drink-driving, motivate a change in behaviour among drivers and reduce alcohol related harm.

“Other objectives include to educate drivers that they cannot use the rules of thumb to determine what is safe to drink and drive and to demonstrate BSG’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of our consumers and the society at large”, he also said.

erman airline Lufthansa has failed in a court bid to force its pilots to call off their strike.

A labour court in Hesse found on Tuesday that there were no grounds to declare the action illegal.

On Monday, the pilots began their eighth strike this year in a dispute over Lufthansa’s attempt to change retirement and pension arrangements.

The strike is due to end later on Tuesday, but the Vereinigung Cockpit ,VC, union says more action is planned.

“We explicitly do not rule out further strikes this week if Lufthansa doesn’t budge,” Markus Wahl, a VC board member said.

The strike, due to end at 2200

GMT, has hit 200,000 passengers and forced the cancellation of about 1,500 short-haul and longhaul flights.

The union, which represents about 5,400 Lufthansa pilots, is calling on the airline to reconsider its decision to raise the age that they can retire from 55 to 60.

The company has offered to retain the scheme for existing members but not to extend it to new recruits.

The airline is attempting to expand its low-cost operation in the face of tough competition from budget carriers such as Easyjet and Ryanair.

Lufthansa has warned that the industrial action will hit profits and damage the airline’s reputation.

M-Net Edge clinches exclusive deal with HBO

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he brand new DStv Premium channel M-Net Edge, which is surely taking television connoisseurs to the edge of entertainment from 20 October at 19:00 CAT, will be the future home of HBO in Africa. M-Net has signed a milestone agreement with the renowned US television network to screen all first-run HBO series, as well its iconic library material, exclusively on MNet Edge.

When M-Net Edge launches on DStv’s channel 113, the HBO classic The Sopranos will be a fixture on the schedule on weekdays at 22:00 CAT, while viewers will also

be able to enjoy the fifth and final season of the highly acclaimedBoardwalk Empire, the period drama starring Steve Buscemi, which has garnered a long list of prestigious awards over the years.

Among the other HBO shows that will premiere on M-Net Edge at a later stage are new seasons of The Newsroom, Veep, Girls, Silicon Valley, The Leftovers and Looking. But that’s not where the good news ends: anyone who has been waiting for the chance to watch gut-wrenching or hardhitting masterpieces like Rome, Banshee and The Wire again, will love M-Net Edge’s plans for 2015.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Info Tech

Local content: The unresolved riddle between govt, stakeholders In the wake of the ICT boom, issues of national interest sprang up, one of which is local content. Although there are guidelines, recent development shows the issue of local content remains unresolved.

ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN writes.

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arly in 2013, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson unveiled new local content guidelines for the Nigerian ICT sector in what appears to be an attempt to enable Nigeria companies benefit from the boom of the ICT industry.

One year after, although the minister lay claim to a 50 per cent local content in the industry, yet the pulse of the industry stakeholders suggest that local content does not exist in the industry.

Investigation revealed that most Nigerian telecoms companies which be benefiting from the boom are actually feeding the big foreign company, which should currently reaping from the huge reward of the boom by virtue of the contract they are getting.

A close source in the industry, who do not want to be named considering his business interest told National Mirror that some big players among the mobile operators prefer to give contracts to foreign companies.

For instance, he said that there are call centres that are still managed by foreign companies whereas there are competent Nigerian companies that can do the job saying that “these foreign companies get the contract from the mobile operators and later sublet it to other Nigerian companies, which in turn recruit Nigerians to manage the centres.

According to him, the activities of these foreigners go unnoticed because of lack of appropriate local content policy saying that if the local content policy of the oil and gas industry is replicated in the ICT industry there will not be complain.

He added that the only area in which local content maybe said to be operational is in terms of the numbers of foreigners in the mobile operators payrole noting that with the exception of Etisalat, Airtel and MTN do not have foreigners at the helm of affairs.

He however, admitted that some local

Johnson

ICT firms have not done well to improve on their human capital development saying that incompetence still abounds in the industry.

He was however quick to note that a lot of the local ICT firms lack the financial backing to execute most of the big ICT contract stating the Nigerian banks are not even helping matters because they prefer to give loan to the foreign companies.

Although the Federal Government have put in place a local content office yet bulk of ICT equipment in the country are as observed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugen Juwah are imported.

He said that the country in the almost 20 years of the boom of the industry has been unable to produce recharge even as investigation showed that a large number of equipment at base stations in the country are imported.

Chief executive of Computer Warehouse Group, CWG, Mr. Austin Okere, in an interview with journalist in Lagos said that the Nigerians are yet to fully reap the benefit of the ICT industry boom due to lack of an enabling local content policy.

He explained that local content does not mean taking businesses from foreign investors and handing them over to locals without recourse to technical ability and financial capability within the value chain.

Okere

Local content should not be about targeting a bigger share of the small cake,

but rather baking a much bigger cake that can go round everybody, with

people playing in the areas of their greatest strengths

He noted that unless there is a policy, the industry will end up preventing Foreign Direct Investment in the sector saying that while telecoms operation is extremely intensive in financial investment, the rewards are very slow in manifesting.

While painting a very ugly situation of what the absence of a local content policy has caused the government and stakeholders in the industry, he posited that companies like Starcomms, MultiLinks, Monacom and some CDMA died

since the local CDMA operators were unable to sustain the heavy investments needed to make their networks viable.

Okere however advised local ICT firms to take a clue from big brands in the industry on how they have made it. He said that big names like Jumia, Konga in Nigeria, Alibaba in China as well as his own company made it by taking advantage of communication infrastructure.

“Local content should not be about targeting a bigger share of the small cake, but rather baking a much bigger cake that can go round everybody, with people playing in the areas of their greatest strengths”, Okere concluded.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi in an interview said that the potentials of the internet has not been fully utilised in the country saying there is dearth of Nigeria content on the internet.

According to him, most local content cannot be found on the internet because local content are not being uploaded into the internet calling for more Nigerian internet content to be uploaded so as to improve on the presence of Nigeria on the internet.

On the level of embrace of local software for solving national issues, former President of the Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria, ITAN, Dr Jimson Olufuye said that there are still issues with local software saying that is one of the reasons why patronage of local software is low and that it is putting foreign software companies at edge over Nigerian owned software companies.

Olufuye in an interview said that the mechanism for testing software code to prove that Nigerian software is not up to standard does not exist in the country, which maybe a reason why some banks shy away from local software.

He stated that the testing framework in compliance with international standard is the gap the Nigerian software industry is experiencing adding, “The expertise to create software that surpass international standard is in Nigeria”.

He said currently government has not been able to provide the infrastructure that will be used to measure the standard of software from Nigerian professionals as it is done in other parts of the world.

According to him, no Nigerian software company has been able to go through Capability Maturity Model Integration, CMM, due to the high cost noting that it requires special funding from government to be able to do that just like other countries have done.

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Info Tech

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Abuja residents promised 20Mbps internet access

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esidents of the FCT, Abuja, may no longer need to worry about slow speed internet services as Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has promised to make available to them in excess of 20Mbps.

Smile Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Allen, who made the disclosure at the commercial rollout of its services in the city of Abuja said, “Our customers will experience average speeds in excess of 6Mbps, and some customers are already running at average speeds in excess of 20Mbps, which is substantially faster than the speed that can be achieved in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.”

According to him, Abuja is very strategic in the company’s growth, and Smile has taken its time to ensure the service is at its best in the capital city saying that Abuja residents are expected to hugely benefit from the Ibadan and Lagos experience of which users have adjudged a great success.

He explained that the 4G LTE is the most recent and advanced technological standard for wireless data communications, and represents a major shift when

compared to older technologies such as 3G. Allen said,”Our vision of becoming the broadband internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to developing relevant products and services. We are confident and excited, and we are ready to share the promise of digital citizenship with Abuja residents and millions of Nigerians.”

He said further that Abuja residents are expected to benefit from a raft of several new innovations in its offerings from day one stressing that key to Smile’s vision is creating a memorable experience for the customer.

Some of these innovations, he said include a customer’s ability to select the speed of his preferred Smile service from his MySmile portal. A strange thing no doubt for a company that sells data, but Smile’s approach is to help customers use the internet efficiently and effectively.

He also said that Smile has also introduced SmileON. With SmileON, if your data bundle runs out before the end of its validity period, you can still enjoy restricted access to the Smile service.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vodacom designs new solution for Nigerian businesses Isaiah Erhiawarien

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new enterprise solution that will enhance business performance in the Nigerian business ecosystem has been designed by Vodacom.

It is intended to enhanced Vodacom enterprise voice suite.

The two new solutions, Business Connect and Business Express, are made for Nigerian businesses and specifically designed to give superior and cost-effective voice services.

Vodacom Business Connect enables enterprises with existing PBX, Private Branch Exchange, infrastructure to make and receive external calls. It integrates seamlessly with the customer’s legacy PBX and supports a wide range of protocols and interfaces including SIP, FXO and E1.

For enterprises without an existing PBX, Vodacom now offers Business Express, which is an IP PBX solution hosted from

Vodacom’s data centre. This solution provides businesses with the functionalities of a PBX without the need for any CAPEX investment.

According to Abu Etu, Product Manager, Vodacom Business Nigeria, “The increase in employee mobility and the usage of multiple devices among employees, introduces some complexities that slow down processes in the workplace. Our Enterprise Voice solution allows businesses to communicate with their staff across different devices maintaining one number and dialing behavior, so that every business call is answered”.

Successful business communications in the modern environment require secure real-time collaboration, single phone number reach, and solutions that can ensure mobility while reducing cost.

Speaking at the event, Vernon Van Rooyen, Head of Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria said;

“We’ve worked hard to develop the right tools specifically for the businesses in Nigeria. We have regional numbers approved by NCC for all our customers. In addition, our solution is integrated allowing employees across all departments in an organization to easily locate and communicate with colleagues, which enables them to reach one another anytime, anywhere and on any device. By empowering employees to work more flexibly, not only can overall productivity increase but work/ life balance and job satisfaction also improve significantly,” Vodacom Enterprise Voice Solution comes with an edge that can make a big difference with automatic call hunting between staff, dedicated conference bridge, all at cost effective rates, helping businesses to reduce their telephony expenses. Customers can answer calls to their office landline number on multiple devices, so they will never miss a business opportunity.

Etisalat reiterates support for SMEs

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tisalat Nigeria has reiterated its support for the growth of the SMEs sector of the economy saying that it is key to the nation’s economic growth profile.

Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher made the remark when the Winners of the 2013 edition of the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt initiative paid a courtesy visit to the company.

He said that the company committed to supporting small and growing enterprises with a view to helping them develop into strong businesses that impact on the nation’s economy.

Winners of the 2013 edition of the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaires Hunt initiative used the opportunity to extol the telecommunications company for the impact the initiative has had on their businesses.

The visit at the company’s head office saw three of the ten entrepreneurs adjudged to have exceptional business ideas share insights on how emerging winners of the inaugural edition have helped them actualize their goals.

According to them, the two million naira cash won in the competition meant they were optimally equipped financially while the training at the Enter-

prise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos helped them build better business models and gain more traction in their various operational markets.

Receiving the delegation, Willsher expressed delight at the progress each of the winners had made with their businesses.

He noted that the initiative did not only give them the desired capital they needed to take their businesses to the next level but gave them fresh and innovative perspectives.

“We are delighted to hear your success stories and see the growth you have recorded in the past six months”, said Willsher.

He reiterated the company’s long term commitment to supporting small and growing enterprises with a view to helping them develop into strong businesses that impact on the nation’s economy.

One of the winners, Idongesit Umoh, a fashion entrepreneur, happily pointed out that with the support of Etisalat she had tripled her earnings, employed four people and is now focused on exporting her products. Oluyomi Ojo, another winner, into printing business, said working with a dedicated mentor from the EDC has improved his business strategies while Adesuwa

L-R: Head of Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Vernon Van Rooyen; IT Operations Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Titilayo Oyebolu; Group Head, IT, PZ Cussons, Serge Yao, at the launch of Vodacom Business Enterprise Voice Solutions held in Lagos.

ICT enabled services will reduce public spending

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he high cost experienced and poor service performance in public service can conveniently be reduced if government embraces ICT. Speaking at an ICT-enabled Public Services Solutions workshop held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate, which was organised by EMC (in partnership with Galaxy Backbone Limited, Manager, Systems Engineers at EMC, Mr. Travers Nicholas, said a major step towards attaining this goal is by migrating public services and infrastructure from legacy technology investments to more cloud-centric operations.

At the workshop, which was organised to create awareness and buy-in for cloud solutions among stakeholders in government, Nicholas revealed that virtualization of infrastructure will translate into improved data management and ultimately facilitate

cost savings and more efficient use of service delivery networks in Nigeria’s public sector.

According to him, there are various challenges associated with the delivery of public services in different countries, using detailed case studies.

While describing how these challenges were successfully overcome by deploying EMC’s three pillars of opportunities – Big Data, Cloud Computing and Trust, he noted that “these solutions not only deliver the necessary scalability as more public services are integrated, they also provide a base for the computing of the future”.

He said that EMC is working extensively to bring advanced solutions to governments across the world and Nigeria’s position as a leading emerging market makes it a prime candidate to benefit from the gains of the most

modern technology available.

“The increasing mobile internet penetration also presents a platform for government agencies to provide citizen services via mobile applications,” Nicholas said.

He also said that by having a dedicated focus on shared services platform across the whole of government, EMC and Galaxy Backbone Limited are positioned to provide Nigerian government agencies with solutions for more efficient service delivery systems.

Galaxy Backbone Limited was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2006 based on the need for government to pursue a streamlined approach to information and communications technology acquisition, operation and use in the public sector.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

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Ad agencies tasked on fast changing market space Experts say to succeed in today’s fast moving marketing environment, regular data on consumer trends and preferences by companies and advertising agencies help brands connect with consumers. DAVID AUDU reports.

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he world is in a flux, and the fluidity of it is more pervasive in the market place as trends keep changing daily with the rising sun.

A recent study indicates that about 85 per cent of business is driven by brick and mortar, physical store retail stores and only 15 per cent online. But the researcher emphasized that while it is “easy to think our attention should be tied to the stores, but that the 15 per cent online packs more punch than any other because those who are buying online are the future, and that is where the trends lie, and where brands should focus.

According to the research, “it is not enough to keep your finger on the pulse of this digital customer, but to understand that they are the trends setters.”

The research notes further that, “the brand who moves at their speed, who watches them, who engages them and who understands them, are the market leaders, because, they live where this customer lives; they are watching the customers. But unfortunately, most brands don’t, and that is one of the major reasons brand die, live in the past glory and gradually becomes irrelevant in the competitive space and eventually die”.

With this realization, it has therefore becomes imperative that brands had to rethink and re-strategize how they market and communicate to the digital consumers.

The exposure to multiplicity of information and communications have ensured that consumers continue to maintain multiple identity, and to borrow a word from Will Harris, writing in Marketing Magazine recently noted: “in a world where consumers have multiple identities, brands must find new ways to keep up with them”. However, the challenge is how brands can find new way to keep up with the seemingly ‘sleeky’ trends consumers are being exposed to or are being bombarded with on a daily basis.

Today, tens of millions now use the internet, buy the latest smart phones, and run some of the most innovative apps, making it a priority and exciting market for multinational brands looking to invest in emerging markets such as Nigeria.

Truly, they will invariably want to know the most burning trends driving change across the Nigerian landscape, which unarguably, is Africa’s biggest consumer market. They will undoubtedly also want to know consumer trends across board and on a daily basis.

With the fear of being left behind in

APCON Registrar, Alhaji Garba Kankarofi

AAAN President, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu

It is imperative that we understand how best to connect the dots between the consumer , the culture, creativity, communication and commerce, adding that what it takes now to invest and win in the African market is a totally different approach. “Now, he said is the time to gear up for the now and next generations the trends race at the back of the mind, brands will continue to innovate to meet consumer expectations. Again, how do agencies innovate to help brands monitor this fast lane trending and the impact on consumer behaviours?

Speaking with National Mirror on the need for new thinking in brand engagement with consumers, General Manager Orpheus Communications Limited, Pekun-Plexxy Oloyede, believes that as today’s consumers are on a fast lane with the changing trends, brands should also keep track of the trends. This he said requires forward looking and proactive agency, which understands the cultural nuances, motivations in Nigeria and how they can be used to incite the Nigerian consumer.

He said time has come for agencies with practical experiences on how

brands and new businesses can navigate the seemingly complex Nigerian market, using methodologies and insights that can be immediately applied to pressing brand and consumer problems.

Yinka Olojobi, the CEO of Beneath the Surface, an online fashion consulting firm said, “before it used to be engagement through hard core market research agencies, and to a relative extend, research agencies are still relevant, but the art and science of monitoring the day to day buzz of trends in fashion, music, mobile phones, and sundry happening requires a different approach.

Something different and as radical as Harris puts it, ‘a deliberately schizophrenic agency to shake things up’.

According the Chief Story Teller, TINK African, Frankline Ozekhome, which recently launched Trends Worth

Billions said, “the growth of trans media storytelling, branded content, contextual planning and digital advertising is a big blow to the business models used by traditional advertising agencies and the type of engagement formats developed by marketers.

He said brand teams are now compelled to redesign and share brand experiences, platforms and products that not only have marketing ‘baked-in’, but are also engaging, sustainable and that resonate with target consumers.”

Ozekhome believes that is what TINK Africa has come to do in the marketing communications industry. He said communications strategies are gradually moving away from the traditional advertising and public relations approach.

He said: “TINK Africa believes that as the world makes a big Play for Africa, it’s time to rethink how to mark t and position Nigerian brands - from mobile and telecoms, to health, retail, fashion, music and fast-moving consumer goods.

“It is imperative that we understand how best to connect the dots between the consumer, the culture, creativity, communication and commerce, adding that what it takes now to invest and win in the African market is a totally different approach. “Now, he said is the time to gear up for the now and next generations.

TINK is an acronym for (Trends + Intelligence Network), a part-consumer intelligence, part-trends research, and part-innovation company, perhaps, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ozekhome, the founder of TINK Africa who has spent a decade in advertising (media planning, brand strategy, account management, digital planning, marketing and new business) says he “knew it was time to roll out an innovation company that would capture real time trends.

“Africa was on a ‘roll’ and needed new thinking; strategies and experiences that would help brands stand apart in the minds of consumers.

According to Ozekhome, TINK is specifically designed as an innovation hub for agencies, brands and creative professionals seeking inspiration, practical case studies on what’s going to happen next in their industries, and how they can leverage and commercialize trends for their own benefit, experience a whole new world of understudying, marketing and engaging with African consumers.

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Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Legend dares consumer’s verdict in Taste, Tell and Win Stories: David Audu

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he week two of the Legend beer brand activation moved to Renal Resort in Okokomaiko and Capital Cottage in Agege last week with Dike Chinedu and Wisdom Nwuaba from Okokomaiko and Tochi Oluchi of Depomu emerged biggest winners on the night.

Consumers of the brand in Okokomaiko in Apapa and Dopemu in Agege both in Lagos state were treated to spectacular evening at the current Legend in-bar activation tagged: Legend Taste, Tell and Win moved to the area.

Consumers who speak about the Legend extra stout said that the brand has successfully carved a niche for itself. “Legend has a unique taste that cannot be mistaken for any other dark stout brand in the market. Legend taste is the differentiator,” Oluchi said.

Speaking on the brand confi-

dent to embark on the blind taste contest, Nwuaba said that “it takes a brand that knows it onion to embark on the blind taste test. Brands particularly beer are scared to venture into blind taste contest because of negative result but Legend is the first to take the challenge.”

According to Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager Legend, Gulder and Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc., the campaign is a follow-up to the re-launch of Legend Extra Stout earlier this year. It aims to reinforce in the consumers the unique great Legend taste, as well as to educate them on the key attributes of Legend Extra Stout Agu said: “You will recall that earlier in the year, we presented Legend Extra Stout to our consumers in a new premium packaging with stanoil foil and metalized labels, in line with the brand’s tradition of continuous innovation. These in-bar activations are aimed at both reinforc-

ing the fact that, despite the repackaging, their Legend Extra Stout still retains the unique bitter taste.

The Marketing Manager also disclosed that the campaign, which will hold in designated bars across Lagos State, promises to be fun-filled as it will feature music supplied by renowned DJs, comic performances, celebrity guest appearances,‘Taste a Legend’ games and raffle draws where participants will stand a chance of winning fantastic prizes.

Agu described the Taste a Legend as the high point of the in-bar activations. According to him participants will be engaged in a blind taste exercise where they taste several unidentified drinks and will be asked to identify the Legend brand.

“Participants who correctly identify Legend Extra Stout will be rewarded with fantastic prizes”, Agu added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TBWA\Africa conference to focus on sustained business expansion

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n a quest for continued strong growth, Zimbabwean communication businesses aligned with the Africa network of the global TBWA\ advertising group are about to plug into the latest creative trends and marketing industry developments.

The scope for sustained business expansion across sub-Saharan markets is high on the agenda at the annual TBWA\Africa conference in Maputo, Mozambique, from 22-24 October.

Sapi Bachi, Managing Director at TBWA\Zimbabwe, says: “The Conference theme is ‘Vanguarda’ or forefront, indicating our excitement about areas where we have the potential to win a position at advertising’s leading edge.”

“At least two opportunities stand out - the chance to achieve competitive advantage by raising the creative game and the prospect of accelerated development

Palmchat rewards promo winner with new car

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n its resolve to maintain its commanding presence of the instant messaging space in Nigeria and keep its consumers actively engaged, Palmchat, an instant messaging app has unveiled a unique and exciting consumer promotion tagged “Car Referral”. The consumer promo is another avenue for consumers to share exciting experience with friends. The pan Nigeria promo which involves points accumulation, will avail consumers the opportunity of winning a brand new car.

Speaking on the promo in Lagos, Mounir Boukali, Head of Public Relations, Transsion Holdings, said that, “Palmchat

L-R: First place winner, Aniema Udokang; Third place winner, Bassey Itam, Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal and Second place winner, Semiya Modashiru at the 2014 Indomie Independence Day Award in Lagos.

Osun to leverage on conference to boost tourism

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he Ogun State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere has indicated the willingness of the state, under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to identify with individuals and organisations that could aid its developmental drive.

He gave the indication while receiving the leadership of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, led by its National Chairman, Mr. Goddie Ofose, who paid a courtesy visit to the commissioner to intimate him on the decision of the association annual conference in the state.

According to Ofose, “BJAN has been following the activities of the state in the area of Tour-

ism, particularly the way the annual Osun Osogbo cultural fiesta has suddenly turned to international festival. We do not only consider it necessary to reel out the economic benefits of tourism, we want to add our voices to how it can be better marketed.

We want other states to learn from Osun and we want Federal Government to invest more in the industry,” Responding, Akere described the Aregbesola led administration as a media friendly government that would continue to contribute its quota to every step taken to add values to journalism practice in the country.

He said: “As a government that appreciates the place of effective communication in gov-

ernment, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has always regarded the media as a major partner in the journey to touch lives and bring rapid development into the State of Osun,” While assuring the association that he would table the proposal before Governor Aregbesola, the commissioner called on the media practitioners not to derail in their responsibility as watchdogs and agenda setters in the society. He said Nigeria democracy needs effective media to blossom.

Speakers expected at the conference include; President Nigeria Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina; MD, Chain Reaction, Israel Jaiye Opayemi; and COO, 141 Worldwide, Bunmi Oke.

in specific disciplines such as digital formats.”

The conference is designed to foster already strong growth at agencies across the network by sharing insights on creative techniques and trends - including strategic collaboration - examining developments in various markets, categories and media types, exploring the use of creativity as a growth engine and analysing innovative approaches in disciplines such as youth and shopper marketing.

The event will be addressed by 21 communication industry executives and advertising specialists, including representatives of Google, Vodacom, SOICO Media Group, Yellowwood strategic consultancy, Magna Carta PR, Integer shopper marketing, TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris advertising, Tequila Digital, HDI Youth Marketeers, Grid Design and Openco Communications.

is undoubtedly the biggest instant messaging app in Nigeria.

The brand has continued to keep its users actively engaged all year round through its exciting and innovative consumer engagement platforms that cut through different add on the platform”.

Car referral promo, Boukali stressed would be a consumer promotion with a difference.

“It is an innovative platform where consumers would be actively engaged throughout the duration of the promotion, while they stand the chance to win big in the process. It is unique, interesting and different” he explained.

Mr. Chef launches new seasoning cubes

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r. Chef, one of Nigeria’s most preferred food seasonings, has launched a market changing 10-in-1 packs of seasoning cubes in response to customer demands.

The introduction of the money-saving initiative was part of Mr. Chef’s two instant big win incentives announced to distributors and wholesalers at a launch event held in Abuja recently.

The 10-in-1 pack of seasoning is the first of its kind to be introduced by any seasoning producer in Nigeria to answer customer demand for convenience, hygiene, quality and affordability.

Managing Director of Bayswater Industries Ltd, Mr. Piyush Nair, said the concept of 10in-1 packs was developed from insights gained from customer interactions over time, especially in terms of hygiene, quantity and pricing.

According to him, Mr. Chef’s 10-in-1 pack of seasoning cubes combines hygiene, quality, quantity and convenience with right pricing to demonstrate that cooking could be both inexpensive and a great delight.

“The cubes are sealed in tamper-proof packs so customers are assured of hygienic packaging because the cubes are not touched by hands before they are sealed in the packs,” he said, adding, “The packaging ensures that the number of cubes is not subject to manipulation by resellers.”

He said that unlike current whole packs in the market that may require customers to buy more than they need or packs of 20 cubes that may stretch customers budget, Mr. Chef’s 10-in1 pack which is sold at N20 per pack matches the right quantity with the right price.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, October 23, 2014

35

BRAND talk with Michael Umogun

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

I L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbolahun Sanni; Marketing Manager, Colas, Ms. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi; rap sensation, Reminisce; and Media Manager, Nigeria and West Africa Franchises, Coca-Cola, Mr. Festus Akobundu during the Coke Studio season 2 Campus Concert in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe recently.

GE Africa bags 2014 green investment initiative award David Audu

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eneral Electric Company picked up two awards at this year’s Africa Investor (Ai) Investment and Business Leader Awards. GE Africa was awarded Green Investment Initiative of the Year for the Power Africa initiative. In addition, GE’s global Chairman and CEO, Jeff Immelt was awarded Global Investment Personality of the Year.

These awards, according to the management, are evidence of GE’s belief in the vast investment opportunities on the continent and the company’s commitment to the sustainable development of Africa.

While congratulating the awardees, Hubert Danso, CEO

and Vice Chairman of Africa investor, said he was pleased that with the awards Africa Investor is able to showcase African investment and business success stories. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the role these institutions play in improving the perception of Africa as an investment destination and we commend their contribution and commitment to this effort,” said Danso Some of the criteria used by the judges were evidence of efforts to support the sustainable growth of local markets as well as consistent involvement and commitment to financial transactions in Africa.

The initiative that distinguished GE in this category was its Off-Grid Energy Challenge

launched in 2013 in partnership with the US Africa Development Foundation, USADF, and the US Agency for International Development, USAID. This three-year challenge is part of Power Africa, President Obama’s initiative to increase access to reliable, affordable, cleaner and more sustainable power in Sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa is also helping ensure responsible, transparent and effective management of energy resources in SubSaharan Africa. In its first year, 6 winners were drawn from Kenya and Nigeria whilst in 2014, 22 winners were drawn from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Liberia. The winners all received $100,000 each, towards implementing or scaling up their renewable energy projects.

Rules of Engagement

n recent years, much debate has centered on the topic of engagement. Interest in this concept developed as it became clear that the digital world presented both new possibilities and new hazards for marketers.

While digital media channels allowed people to experience a new degree of interaction with brand communication, marketers soon realised that they needed to gain “permission” to market to people through these channels. Simply bashing down people’s doors by intruding into their online surfing or mobile communication would be counterproductive. People needed to be won over. Thus the focus on “engagement.”

The engagement debate has been hijacked by various digital media specialists who narrowed the focus of the discussion to the way people interact with specific media channels. Let’s go back and look at the basics. While the media environment has changed in recent decades, the fundamentals of brand success have not. If a brand is to succeed and thrive, people must want to buy it.

They must have positive ideas, thoughts, and feelings about it.

These positive associations will be built and maintained through exposure to controlled and uncontrolled brand communication as well as through direct experience with the brand.

Media engagement is not the whole story, nor even the most important part of the engagement story. According to Millward Brown, marketers need to think about engagement not just in terms of media but also in relation to brands and communication.

In order to provide marketers with useful advice and metrics, we need to define engagement in relation to each of those contexts: brands, communications, and media. Ultimately, successful marketing communication leads to brand engagement, specifically with the formation of a rich network of positive brand associations in consumers’ minds.

In order for marketing communication to create, strengthen, and refresh those associations, that communication needs to be engaging. Finally, though much of the engagement debate has taken place around the idea of media engagement, and media plays a key role in delivering a receptive audience to the communication, the primary role of media is actually to facilitate engagement with the communication.

Thus media engagement might better be called “facilitation’’.

How does your brand engage with the consumer? Share your thoughts with me.

Michael.

Umogun@millwardbrown. com

Brands on the move

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he dynamics of the market are changing and the realities are evident. Brands now seek to reach out and connect directly with the consumers.

Several companies have increased their market presence through direct marketing. Several brands now jostle for consumer attention by deploying several marketing tactics to occupy a space in the hearts of consumers.

One major avenue brands adopt to engage in direct marketing is through the road traffic. I was shocked beyond words when I saw Vitafoam pillows being marketed on the roads. This is the sign of things to come as several brands have since joined the bandwagon. The most interesting part of it is that brands are now creative in the approach they adopt to gain consumers attention. Companies and their brands

now create unique and compelling tactics to remain dominant in the market place. One brand that has been able to gain good ground in the market place is Nescafe with its special moving bicycles noticeable in the vicinity. Through this approach, Nescafe has been able to win the hearts of not only coffee drinkers but also stimulating the interest of others too. The innovative angle to do this is brand inducement and trial and I believe Nescafe has been able to achieve this creatively.

It is also worthy to note that companies are now opening up more marketing channels to deepen equity for their brands. This is very important as consumers do not want to search for their preferred brands any longer. With the traffic situation and the peculiar environment we are, companies need to be innovative and creative

Brand X-Ray with Ayodeji Ayopo Tel: 08023448199 E-mail: mayomipo@yahoo.com in order to gain significant edge over competition. The marketing trend is becoming dynamic and the onus is on companies to develop appropriate strategies to outwit competition. It is also imperative to state that consumer satisfaction is also a basic ingredient when brands devise innovative means to reach the consumers. It is not enough for brands to continuously be on the move but they should also create exciting movements for the consumers.

When brands leverages other

platforms to reach the consumers, they should also seek for avenue to positively engage the consumers and feel their pulse. The approach of Nescafe is very applicable here.

The brand can gauge consumers’ perception through the sales agent and collate data gathered to impact the brand status in the market place. One advantage such marketing channels give brand is that companies are able to connect directly with consumers. The brands also reach the consumers in good time for usage and con-

sumption.

It will be a marketing buzz if our Quick Service Restaurants, QSR’s, devise a strategy to engage in mobile marketing of their products. This will be a buzz that will set marketing gurus thinking especially for its sustainability.

While it is a welcome development that companies are also adjusting to prevailing dynamics in the environment to market their brands, there should be proper structure to it. It is a good thing to meet the needs of consumer where they are but it should be done in a manner that consumers’ confidence in such brands is not eroded.

A critical question is also the shelf life of the product being marketed and hawked around in traffic. Due to intensity of heat from sunlight, some products get damaged in the process.

36

Global News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

IBM plummets as CEO abandons 2015 earnings forecast

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nternational Business Machines Corp. plunged to a threeyear low after abandoning an earnings forecast for 2015, as the company struggles to transform fast enough to handle the shift to cloud computing.

IBM said it will provide an update on its projections in January, ditching a five-year plan to boost profit. The sharestumbled 7.1 per cent, dragging down the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Warren Buffett, IBM’s biggest shareholder, had $900 million of his investment wiped out.

While Chief Executive Officer Ginni Rometty had been banking on a strong second half of the year, IBM instead faced weakerthan-expected software sales and lower productivity in services in the third quarter. With technology customers moving from owning hardware to storing data in the cloud, IBM is now cutting more jobs, reducing its forecast for free cash flow and handing over an unprofitable chip unit to Globalfoundries Inc. “Obviously we were disappointed in this quarter,” Rometty said on a conference call today with analysts, adding that the company is facing “unprecedented change” in the industry. “We have more to do and we need to do it faster.”

IBM is backing away from a pledge -- instituted by former CEO

Sam Palmisano and sustained by Rometty when she succeeded him in 2012 -- to reach adjusted profit of $20 a share by 2015.

“IBM needs to find success and growth in the cloud through organic and acquisitive means,” said Daniel Ives, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets. “Otherwise there could be some darker days ahead for the tech giant and its investors.”

The Armonk, New York-based company now expects 2014 operating earnings per share to fall two per cent to four per cent from $16.64 in 2013. That reflects changes for the chipmaking unit, which is now classified as a discontinued operation. IBM is taking a third-quarter pretax charge of $4.7 billion for the business. The company had been projecting 2014 adjusted earnings of at least $18 a share.

Earlier Monday, the company announced an agreement to pay Globalfoundries $1.5 billion to take over the chip-manufacturing division, confirming what people familiar with that matter told Bloomberg. The deal removes a drag on profit, part of Rometty’s efforts to jettison lower-margin businesses and prioritise earnings growth over expanding revenue.

“These divestitures do give us an opportunity to go ahead and simplify the business and remove

layers,” Rometty said on a conference call today. “Make no mistake, that is important because the strategy is correct and now it is our speed of execution that needs to continue to improve.”

IBM’s technology customers increasingly seek to store data and software on cloud-computing networks, rather than on site. That has limited clients’ need for IBM’s servers and mainframes, making it more difficult to reach profit targets.

To help drive that shift, IBM is creating a separate business unit for its cloud-computing operations. To remake its cloud business, Rometty bought provider SoftLayer Technologies Inc. in 2013 for $2 billion and this year committed an additional $1.2 billion to bolster its data centers and offerings.

ity to lenders as they seek to limit a property-induced slowdown. The government has eschewed acrossthe-board interest rate cuts and signaled it will tolerate a weaker expansion, leaving the economy headed for the slowest full-year growth since 1990.

“Decent exports and the fact that there is more to China’s domestic demand than real estate dampen the overall slowdown,” said Louis Kuijs, Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc’s chief Greater China economist in Hong Kong. “Barring a major further slowdown we expect the policy stance to remain relatively restrained.”

Industrial production rose eight per cent in September from a year earlier, compared with the 7.5 per cent median estimate of analysts and August’s 6.9 per cent, which was the slowest in more than five years. Retail sales increased 11.6 per cent from a year earlier, compared with the 11.7 per cent seen by economists and August’s 11.9 per cent.

Stocks slipped in China on speculation the better-than-estimated growth will curb prospects for large-scale stimulus. The Australian dollar strengthened and the yuan advanced for a second day.

The 7.3 per cent growth “is not as bad as expected,” Wang Tao, head of China economic research at UBS AG in Hong Kong, wrote in an e-mail. As China has relaxed property purchase credit rules, Wang said “better property sales” are expected in the fourth quarter.

Fixed-asset investment excluding rural households increased 16.1 per cent in the first nine months from a year earlier, the statistics bureau said, the slowest rate since 2001. That compared with the median estimate of analysts for 16.3 per cent growth and the 16.5 per cent pace in the January-August period.

The People’s Bank of China has avoided cuts to benchmark interest rates or banks’ reserve requirements to boost growth. It lowered the interest rate it pays lenders for 14-day repurchase agreements for the second time in a month on October 14 and has also injected liquidity into some banks.

Premier Li Keqiang has expressed a preference for reform to boost the economy and PBOC Governor Zhou Xiaochuan has vowed to stick with a prudent monetary stance. President Xi Jinping said in May that the nation needs to adapt to a “new normal” in the pace of growth.

Ginni Rometty

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gold buying rebounds in India on diwali jewelry sales

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hweta Anand took half a day off work to get a jump on India’s jewelry shopping spree before the Hindu festival of Diwali, and she was looking for bargains.

“The best time to buy is before the shops get crowded,” said Anand, 27, as she eyed trinkets on velvet shelves at a store in Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, India’s biggest jewelry market. “I buy some gold jewelry every Diwali. Last year, I bought earrings. This time, I am getting a chain as prices are lower.” She spent 30,000 rupees ($490) on a necklace.

Even after a two-week rally in bullion, domestic prices remain 7.4 per cent lower than a year ago just as sales are set to climb for the festival and wedding season. India is the largest gold buyer after China. The All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation said fourthquarter imports of the metal may jump 75 per cent, which Barclays Plc said may support prices.

“The appetite for gold among physical buyers in India seems to have increased,” said Howie

Lee, an investment analyst in Singapore for Phillip Futures Pte. “India’s attachment to gold is unlikely to break. This tradition has lasted for centuries. It’s a symbol of wealth or a form of investment, and the precious metal is deeply rooted in worship and culture.”

After import restrictions and a weak rupee led to a 34 per cent drop in demand in the first half of 2014, purchases are set to improve in India, the world’s largest buyer as recently as 2012. Retail sales of everything from rings to pendants to necklaces may rise 30 per cent to 40 per cent during Dhanteras, the biggest gold-buying festival, said a jewelry retailer and exporter.

Dhanteras is celebrated Tuesday.

Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by the country’s more than 800 million Hindus on October 23, is considered an auspicious time for buying gold. Researcher CPM Group estimates the holiday generates about a fifth of annual purchases in India, more than any other time of year in a country with a long history of hoarding the metal.

China’s GDP growth bolsters case for stimulus restraint

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hina’s economic growth beat analysts’ estimates last quarter as export demand quickened and services expanded, bolstering the government’s case for avoiding broader stimulus measures.

Gross domestic product rose 7.3 per cent in the July-September period from a year earlier, the statistics bureau said Tuesday in Beijing. While that exceeded the 7.2 per cent median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of analysts, it was also the slowest expansion since the first quarter of 2009.

China’s leaders have relaxed home-purchase controls and the central bank has pumped liquid-

Li Keqiang

Gold

Apple projects another IPhone-fueled record for holidays

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im Cook is getting the end-of-year shopping season down to a science.

Apple Inc.’s chief executive officer Monday forecast a record holiday sales quarter, fueled by new biggerscreen iPhones, refreshed and slimmer iPads and the introduction of the Apple Pay mobile-payments service. It would be the fourth straight year that Cook, who became CEO in 2011, will have overseen a record endof-year period.

Cook has increasingly honed all of the elements for a strong holiday quarter, stacking them in Apple’s favor. He has moved most of the company’s product debuts toward the end of the year, shifting away from some gadget introductions that used to happen in the spring. Starting with the iPhone 4s and the iPad mini in 2011 and 2012, Apple began introducing products before the shopping season. This year, he unveiled the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, as well as Apple Pay, in September, followed by an

event this month to show off new iPads and Macintosh computers.

“There’s absolutely no coincidence that it’s happening at this time of the year,” Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS Inc., said in an interview. “They really shifted most of their product introductions to happen in the second half of the year.”

The Cupertino, California-based company said in a statement yesterday that revenue in the current period will be $63.5 billion to $66.5 billion, just topping the $63.5 billion estimated on average by analysts, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That would exceed Apple’s holiday sales of $57.6 billion for the end of 2013.

Apple ended the quarter with $155.2 billion in cash. While the company is returning money to shareholders via stock repurchases and dividends, activist investor Carl Icahn has been pushing the company to accelerate the buyback program, saying the shares are trading at half their value.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Thursday, October 23, 2014

37

Oil at $80 a barrel muffles Toyota warns against using forecasts for U.S. shale boom front seats amid air-bag probe T

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oyota Motor Corp. is advising United States owners to keep passengers out of the front seats of several models until dealers can repair defective air bags, four months after taking similar actions in Japan.

Toyota issued the public warning as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stepped up efforts to reach at least 4.7 million motorists driving with potentially faulty air bags. The carmaker yesterday added to its air-bag recalls for the second time since June, when the company joined Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. in instructing dealers in Japan to disable passenger-side air bags and tell owners to prohibit passengers from sitting in the front seat.

“This is a very focused attempt to

raise awareness with owners of affected vehicles in these particular regions, where we have found the incidence of failures is the highest,” said John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman.

Toyota alone has called back more than 875,000 vehicles in three separate campaigns as part of recalls also affecting General Motors Co. and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG in the U.S. NHTSA and the carmakers are investigating air-bag inflators made

by Takata Corp. that may malfunction if exposed to consistently high humidity and deploy with so much force that a metal part could rupture and strike occupants.

The world’s largest automaker sent a recall notice to NHTSA on October 19 for 247,000 vehicles, including some models of the Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra, made

Toyota Corolla

from 2001 to 2004. Most of the vehicles had been subject to recalls by the company in June this year or May 2013, Hanson said.

Automakers are required to have an immediate remedy prepared when they recall vehicles in Japan.

This prompted local carmakers including Toyota to deploy the stopgap measure of disabling air bags and installing warning stickers to discourage against sitting in front-passenger seats if dealers didn’t immediately have the parts to replace faulty air bags.

Toyota said it extended this approach to the U.S. -- where immediate fixes are not mandated -- after Takata shared data that showed the inflators sent back to the supplier as part of its customers’ recalls were performing improperly.

Takata plunged 23 per cent, the steepest drop on record, to 1,686 yen Tuesday in Tokyo trading. The shares have declined 44 percent this year, compared with a 7.4 per cent drop in the benchmark Topix Index.

Toyota is directing dealers to make fixes available sooner in high-humidity areas, where NHTSA has urged for particular urgency in response to four deaths potentially linked to the flawed safety devices. Worldwide, about 2.27 million Toyota vehicles had been affected by the air-bag recalls as of June, the company said.

Coca-Cola shares tumble as cost cuts fail to placate investors

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oca-Cola Co. shares fell the most in six years after thirdquarter sales missed estimates and a $3 billion cost-cutting plan announced by Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent failed to satisfy investors.

Sales fell to $11.98 billion in the quarter from $12 billion a year earlier, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola said Tuesday in a statement. Analysts had estimated $12.1 billion on average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage maker, is struggling with sluggish international growth and mounting concerns over obesity and artificial sweeteners. After criticism that he wasn’t responding quickly enough to the slump, Kent vowed today to reduce expenses by $3 billion a year by 2019.

Shareholders may still be waiting for more dramatic action, especially since it’s unclear how much of those cost savings will wind up in investors’ pockets, said Ali Dibadj, a New York-based analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. “I wouldn’t call this capitulation by management as they continue to move too slowly for our tastes,” said Dibadj, who has the equivalent of a buy rating on Coca-Cola.

The soda maker hasn’t indicated

how much of the $3 billion will be returned to shareholders, rather than “squandered” on marketing and advertising, he said.

The shares dropped as much as 6.6 per cent to $40.45 in New York, marking the biggest intraday decline since October 2008. Earlier this month, the stock was trading in record territory. It had risen 4.8 per cent this year through yesterday, compared with a 3 per cent gain for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Sales volume declined one per cent in North America last quarter, while global volume climbed one per cent. Mark Swartzberg, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus & Co., had projected global growth of 3.4 per cent.

Third-quarter net income fell 14 per cent to $2.1 billion, or 48 cents a share, from $2.45 billion, or 54 cents, a year earlier. Excluding some items, profit was 53 cents a share in the period, matching analysts’ estimates.

As part of the plan to streamline Coca-Cola, the majority of company-owned distribution territories in North America will be sold back to independent bottlers by the end of 2017, with most of the rest being refranchised by 2020. That’s an acceleration of a previously announced plan to sell the majority of the bottlers by 2020.

“We recognise that we need to increase the scope and pace of change as we continue to face a challenging macroeconomic environment,” Kent, 61, said in Tuesday’s statement.

The bottling effort addresses concerns raised by shareholders such as Wintergreen Advisers LLC, an investment firm run by David Winters. Just yesterday, Wintergreen released a statement pushing for changes at Coca-Cola. It included a complaint that the company had taken too long to offload its bottling operations.

Wintergreen and analysts also have called for deeper cuts at the company, which has a market value of about $190 billion.

Muhtar Kent

he bear market in oil has analysts reassessing the United States shale boom after five years of historic growth.

The U.S. benchmark price dropped to $79.78 a barrel on October 16, the lowest since June 2012. At that level, one-third of U.S. shale oil production would be uneconomic, analysts for New York-based Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. led by Bob Brackett said in a report Monday. Drillers would add fewer barrels to domestic output than the previous year for the first time since 2010, according to Macquarie Group Ltd., ITG Investment Research and PKVerleger LLC. Horizontal drilling through shale accounts for as much as 55 per cent of U.S. production and just about all the growth, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The Paris-based International Energy Agency predicted in November that the U.S. would pass Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the biggest producer in the world by 2015. Though some forecasts show oil rebounding or stabilising, any slower increase in U.S. output would shake perceptions for the global market, said Vikas Dwivedi, an oil and gas economist in Houston for Sydneybased Macquarie.

“It would reshape the way everybody would think about oil,” Dwivedi said.

Daily domestic production added a record 944,000 barrels last year and reached a 29-year high of 8.95 million barrels this month, according to the Energy Information Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy’s statistical arm.

Obama

Output, much less growth, is difficult to maintain because shale wells deplete faster than conventional production. Oil production from shale drilling, which bores horizontally through hard rock, declines more than 80 per cent in four years, more than three times faster than conventional, vertical wells, according to the IEA. New wells have to generate about 1.8 million barrels a day each year to keep production steady, Dwivedi said.

At $80 a barrel, output would grow by five per cent, down from a previous forecast of 12 per cent, according to New York-based ITG. At $75 a barrel, growth would fall 56 per cent to about 500,000 barrels a day, Dwivedi said. Closer to $70 a barrel, the growth rate would drop to zero, he said.

In North Dakota’s Bakken shale, oil at $70 a barrel could cut production 28 per cent to 800,000 barrels a day

by February from the 1.1 million barrels a day that was pumped in July, according to Philip Verleger, who was an economic adviser to President Gerald Ford and the director of the Office of Energy Policy for President Jimmy Carter.

UKFI says investor interest in RBS grows on capital gains

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nterest in Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc is building among potential investors as its capital position improves, according to U.K. Financial Investments Ltd., which manages Britain’s stakes in bailed-out banks.

UKFI has met or spoken with its advisers at JPMorgan Chase & Co. more than five times in the past month to discuss a potential reduction in the government’s 80 percent stake in RBS, Oliver Holbourn, UKFI head of capital markets, told lawmakers in London Tuesday.

Uncertainty over conduct and litigation is holding up any imminent large-scale sale of shares, he said.

“If you speak to institutional investors, they will tell you that Ross has made very good progress this year in terms of trying to make RBS a simpler, better bank,” Holbourn told the Treasury Committee. “We need more clarity around conduct and litigation and we probably need more clarity around the future shape of the corporate and institutional business before we feel we could deliver a good outcome for shareholders.”

Chief Executive Officer Ross

McEwan has created an internal bad bank, merged units and is scaling back its investment-banking operations as he attempts to return the Edinburgh-based firm to profitability, strengthen capital and enable the government to cut its holding. RBS said last month buoyant U.K. and Irish economies boosted the value of its souring loans, helping reduce impairment charges and capital. The lender received a 45.5 billion-pound ($74 billion) taxpayer bailout in 2008 and 2009.

“The issue for RBS is that our stake is incredibly large and therefore we would have to think very carefully whether selling smaller blocks of shares would deliver a good outcome for taxpayers in our desire to try and dispose of all the RBS shares on some sensible timeline,” Holbourn said.

UKFI decided against permitting RBS shareholders a vote at the bank’s general meeting earlier this year on whether to allow bonuses of as much as twice fixed-pay to be paid to executives because of concerns of a “major public controversy,” UKFI Chairman James LeighPemberton told the committee.

38

Insight

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Forty one years after: Taking I

t is a policy in Nigeria that once a student graduates from the university or a polytechnic, with a degree or Higher National Diploma, (HND), he or she is sent to a state other than his/her home state to serve the nation for a period of one year.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was established on May 22, 1973 by the military regime of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), who promulgated the NYSC Decree 24 of 1973 which stated that the NYSC is being established “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.”

The purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.

Nigeria’s history since independence has clearly indicated the need for unity among all its peoples, and demonstrated the fact that no cultural or geographical entity can exist in isolation.

By the year 2000, 27 years after the decree enabling its establishment was promulgated, a large and diverse segment of the Nigerian population as well as notable people around the world, had commended the setting up of the NYSC and eulogised its operation and achievements, especially its momentous role in promoting national unity, integration and rapid economic development of Nigeria.

“Youths obey the clarion call, let us lift our nation high, under the sun and in the rain, with dedication and selflessness, Nigeria ours, Nigeria, we Serve,” is the anthem of every youth corps member in Nigeria. And for 41years, it has sounded sure and true, but now some stakeholders, especially parents and students, are saying the scheme should be scrapped, arguing that it has outlived its usefulness.

Their argument is that lives of the graduates participating in the compulsory one-year service are no longer safe, especially with the security problems faced by the country at the moment, and since the corps members are not willing to be deployed to other states other than their zone, then the raison d’etre for the establishing the NYSC, which is to foster unity, is not valid and tenable any more.

Deputy Dean College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Amos Alao, told National Mirror that government needed to have a rethink on NYSC to know whether it should be scrapped or continue.

“I think the scheme is a job gap for unemployment after graduation and instead of just wasting the time of the youth, government should think of alternatives because as a parent I wouldn’t allow my children to go to the troubled areas.”

A graduate from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State currently serving in Kwara State,

Forty-one years after the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, an off-shoot of the General Yakubu Gowon’s Federal Military Government’s post-civil war reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation programme, Nigerians differ over ongoing clamour to scrap the scheme. SAIDAT ALAUSA reports that even before the present insecurity in the country there have been calls to design a new programme to engage fresh graduates practically.

Youth corps members dancing at an orientation camp

Brig. Gen Olawumi

Oluyinka Adedeji, said the scheme should be scrapped because it is no longer serving the purpose it was established.

“It should be scrapped because I don’t think there is need for the scheme anymore. I was formally posted to Kano State, but I could not go there because of of Boko Haram and I redeployed to Kwara State.

“You can see that it is not useful anymore, I am a Yoruba who is supposed to serve in the North or East but I’m serving in a state in the south-west, so how will I know about the culture of other states (other ethnic groups) when I didn’t go there to serve my fatherland? So the scheme is not useful any more. It should be scrapped.”

Coffin of a dead corps member killed by terrorists

NIGERIA’S HISTORY SINCE INDEPENDENCE HAS CLEARLY INDICATED THE NEED FOR UNITY

AMONG ALL ITS PEOPLES, AND DEMONSTRATED THE FACT THAT NO CULTURAL OR GEOGRAPHICAL ENTITY CAN EXIST IN ISOLATION A parent and civil servant, Alhaji Olusola Bakenne, also supported Oluyinka’s opinion that NYSC should be scrapped.

He said, “As a parent I cannot allow any of my children to go beyond the southwest for his or her service year because the situation in the country has gone be-

yond what the scheme stands for.

He said the Federal Government should find another means of engaging the youth; perhaps engage them in skills acquisition programmes for that one year and help them establish a trade instead of wasting their lives.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, October 23, 2014

39

another look at NYSC sustainability

NYSC passing-out parrade

A youth corps member injured by terrorists’ bomb blast

I THINK THE SCHEME IS A JOB GAP FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AFTER GRADUATION AND INSTEAD OF JUST WASTING THE

TIME OF THE YOUTH, GOVERNMENT SHOULD THINK OF ALTERNATIVES

A youth corps member trapped in an auto accident

Another parent, Mr. Olakunle Gbadamosi, said it is obvious that the scheme has outlived its usefulness.

“We don’t really need this scheme anymore in Nigeria; we should stop wasting the lives of our future leaders.

“I served some 20years ago in Sokoto State and as corps members we were accepted anywhere in the country. We were not afraid to go to any state for the compulsory one year service to our fatherland because there was love and unity in the country.

“But the case is not the same now, graduates are afraid to go to other states especially the northern states because of insecurity. It is sad that so many graduates that are supposed to help in developing the country were killed because of this so-called NYSC,” Gbadamosi lamented.

A final year student at the University

of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Oluwatosin Fasanya, told National Mirror that if he really had his way, he would not want to go for the one-year compulsory service.

He said no one can fault the establishment and objectives of the NYSC, after all, some African nations like Egypt made it compulsory for their citizens to serve their fatherland by being in the military irrespective of status or achievement.

He, however, added that when a scheme designed to achieve peace and unity turns out to cause heart-wrenching grief to the populace, it would be better to scrap it?

“No thanks to the NYSC, a lot of potential talent and future leaders have perished with the wailings of their desolate mothers trailing them to the underworld.

“Aside the dangers of travelling and domiciling in an unfamiliar environment, many corps members have been

victims of ethnic rivalry.”

“No matter how we see it, it is so apparent that the NYSC has ended its usefulness and is nothing but a graveyard where graduates are dumped,” Fasanya said.

Rather than fostering unity, the nation is still embroiled in a bicker and tangle among the ethnic groups, so why the continued existence of NYSC, if the scheme is no longer achieving its purpose? It is nothing but a sheer waste of time.

But some educationist are making case for its continued existence, saying that rather than scrapping the scheme, it should be given more time to navigate its present problems and challenges.

The Vice- Chancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja, said it is obvious there are problems with the scheme, but that does not sufficiently denote the reason to say it should be scrapped.

“If we operate it very well it is going to serve the purpose for which it was created. I just think we should give it a bit more time to solve the problems in the country,” Ayanlaja said.

The VC added, “Let us hope and pray

that God will solve the problem of insurgency and graduates will be able to go to any part of the country to serve their fatherland. But I must say the reason for the creation of NYSC is novel.”

Also, the Director UN-HABITAT, Prof.

Banji Oyelaran- Oyeyinka, told National Mirror that the scheme should not be scrapped because of the temporary problems.

“We should not scrap it, rather we should allow it to evolve. If we have temporary problems of things in the north, it shouldn’t be a basis to scrap it.”

Dean, Environmental Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Olusegun Areola, also said it should not be scrapped because the scheme is good and if not for the problems in some parts of the country now, it has really united the country.

“If you know what the system was like then you would not say it should be scrapped. The system is good; there may be problems from how it is run now but you don’t say because of that kill the system.

“What to do is to improve on how the scheme is run so that it will continue to achieve the purpose which it was set up.

The concept is good; the purpose is very good, it’si a noble one and has made an impact in the society.”

However, time will tell whether the scheme will still continue or be scrapped, even as the management of the NYSC is insisting that would-be corps members should pay N4000 to process their call-up letters online and students through their association has said they will resist the policy.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in a statement said, “Except the Director General wants to give room for those calling for the scrapping of the scheme to have more points in support of their call, this we are sure will be the only reason the Director General of the scheme will go ahead to implement the policy.”

40

Cocktail

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Woman told restaurant’s workers Jesus would pay her bill

A

n Oklahoma woman allegedly told restaurant workers her husband, Jesus Christ, would soon arrive to pay her tab, but the holy hubby was a no-show, police said.

Lawton police said Kristi Rhines ordered food and several alcoholic drinks Friday at El Chico and later told workers she didn’t have any money, but her husband would soon arrive to pay her tab.

Rhines soon clarified her husband was Jesus Christ, but she admitted the union was not solidified with a marriage license.

The woman, who managers said insisted the Christian saviour would soon be arriving to pay in cash, was arrested on a fraud charge when police arrived and determined she had no means of paying the bill.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

American saved from chimney, then arrested

A

woman stuck in the chimney of a Southern California house has been rescued and arrested.

Ventura County fire Capt. Ron Oatman says firefighters responding to neighbors’ reports of a woman crying had to chisel away much of the

chimney and lubricate it with dish soap Sunday to free 30-year-old Genoveva Nunez-Figueroa.

The Ventura County Star reports she was arrested on suspicion of illegal entry and giving false information to po-

lice.

Police say NunezFigueroa knows the owner of the home in Thousand Oaks, who wasn’t there. They wouldn’t elaborate.

She had no clear injuries but was taken to a

hospital for evaluation.

Police didn’t know if she’d hired an attorney, and no phone listing for her could be found.

Oatman says firefighters destroyed the chimney and damaged the roof.

Convicted murderer sues to end prison porn ban

A

man serving a prison sentence for murder in Connecticut is suing the state over its ban on printed pornography in prisons.

Dwight Pink, Jr., 40, who is serving a 56-year sentence for a 1998 murder, filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on printed materials depicting nudity or sexual activity, alleging the

ban is an infringement of his right to free speech.

Pink filed the lawsuit after he was denied a book called The Atlas of Foreshortening, which contains photos of nude male and female models in various poses. The book is designed to teach artists how to draw the human body.

The state’s Department of Corrections instituted

the ban in 2012. It includes an exception for “materials which, taken as a whole, are literary, artistic, educational or scientific in nature.”

A response filed by the state Monday said Pink’s rights were not violated and the ban has not harmed him.

The lawsuit is seeking an end to the ban as well as $25,000 and attorney’s fees.

Fire-fighters work to free Genoveva Nunez-Figueroa from a chimney after she became stuck trying to enter a home in Thousand Oaks, California.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, October 23, 2014

41

Index rises further by 0.9% on earnings expectation JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

rading in equities continued on a bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks hoping for better earnings in the third quarter results.

The All Share Index appreciated 0.87 per cent to close at 39,113.62 points, compared to the increase of 0.29 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 38,776.67 points.

Market capitalization rose N112bn to close at N12.9trn, compared to the increase of

N37bn recorded the preceding day to close at N12.8trn.

The NSE 30-Index gained 0.66 per cent to close at 1,768.10 points, while the Banking Index added 1.32 per cent to close at 402.14 points.

The Insurance Index was up 0.02 per cent to close at 146.79 points, while the Consumer Goods Index appreciated 0.12 per cent to close at 967.67 points.

The Oil and Gas Index increased 0.06 per cent to close at 433.60 points, but the Lotus Islamic Index lost 0.14 per cent to close at 2,534.86 points.

The Industrial Index

gained 0.21 per cent to close at 2,604.59 points. The Alternative Securities Market closed flat at 951.09 points.

Costain Plc led the gainers’ table with eight kobo or 9.09 per cent to close at 96 kobo per share, followed by Guinness Nigeria Plc with N14.90 or 8.37 per cent to close at N192.90 per share.

NASCON Plc gained 67 kobo or 7.77 per cent to close at 9.29 per share, while Learn Africa Plc was up seven kobo or 5.30 per cent to close at N1.39 per share.

Cutix Plc rose eight kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at

N1.76 per share.

Conversely, Unilever Plc lost N2.12 or 5.01 per cent to close at N40.16 per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc shed 16 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N3.09 per share.

PZ Plc was down N1.24 or 4.47 per cent to close at N26.50 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc declined three kobo or 3.49 per cent to close at 83 kobo per share.

UBA Capital Plc dropped six kobo or 2.84 per cent to close at N2.05 per share.

A total of 193.2 million shares valued at N2.66bn were exchanged in 4,302 deals.

Naira hovers around 7-mth intraday low

N

aira was hovering around an sevenmonth intraday low of 166 on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for dollars amid a shortage and continued concerns over weak oil prices.

Dollar demand was coming from local importers and companies worried about the risk of a devaluation that brought forward their hard currency orders, dealers said.

The naira initially fell almost one per cent to an eight month low of N166.90, a level last seen on February 21, but at that level dollar demand started to slow.

However, the naira eased to an 8-month closing low of N165.55 against the dollar on Tuesday, due to strong dollar demand from importers and companies reducing their exposure to the local currency, dealers said.

The naira fell 0.16 per cent from Monday’s close of N164.28 to the dollar, a level last seen on February 21, a day after the president suspended the central bank governor, sending financial markets into a tailspin.

Concerns about the falling price of oil, Nigeria’s main source of foreign currency earnings, contributed to the drop. The local subsidiary of

Chevron sold $45m to Nigerian banks, dealers said, but that was not enough to support the naira.

“At the current level, we expect the central bank to step in or else the naira will fall further,” one dealer said The currency has lost 4.1 per cent against the dollar so far this year and is trading above the central bank’s target range of within 3 percent of 155 naira to the dollar.

Demand for hard currency was coming from local importers and companies worried about the risk of a devaluation, dealers said.

“We admit that prospects of a near-term devaluation

have risen, thanks largely to the recent decline in oil prices,” economists at Morgan Stanley said in a note, adding that the authorities would be reluctant to devalue ahead of an election due in February.

Brent crude held gains around $86 a barrel on Tuesday as news of robust Chinese oil demand buoyed the market, although prices were capped by oversupply and concerns about the health of the rest of the global economy.

The central bank has not intervened since last week to support the naira, adding to concerns over its weakness.

Shares rally on corporate results, bond prices fall

G

lobal equity markets edged higher yesterday, lifted by a raft of solid corporate results and benign United States inflation data that may encourage the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates lower for longer.

Stock gains on Wall Street and Europe were largely driven by earnings, with US tech names among the biggest gainers of the day.

Both Yahoo Incorporation and Broadcom beat revenue expectations late Tuesday, putting the benchmark S&P 500 on track for its biggest five-day rally since December 2011.

Yahoo rose 5.9 per cent, Broadcom jumped 6.8 per cent and GlaxoSmithKline rose 3.6 per cent in London after saying it expects a vaccine against Ebola to be ready later this year.

Both Yahoo and Broadcom beat revenue expectations, while GlaxoSmithKline beat earnings expectations.

So far in Europe, nine per cent of STOXX 600 companies have reported results, of which 65 per cent have met or beaten profit forecasts, according to Thomson Reuters.

In the United States, of the 135 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported results, 68.9 per cent beat expectations, higher than the rate over the previous four quarters, Thomson Reuters data show.

Limiting equity advances was Boeing Company, which dipped 0.9 per cent despite reporting higher-than-expected earnings and raising its outlook. The stock fell amid concerns about signs that the costs of the 787 Dream-

liner were creeping higher.

“The season has been mixed, and the global economy is a concern for big multinational companies, but the fact that the market can shake off some bad reports is indicative of what good footing it is on right now,” said Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist at Robert W. Baird & Co in Nashville.

MSCI’s all-country world stock index rose 0.37 per cent, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 was up 0.57 per cent at 1,306.63.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 7.99 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 16,622.8. The S&P 500 added 4.43 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 1,945.71 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 10.42 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 4,429.89.

The US Treasuries prices fell as data showed a mild re-

bound in domestic consumer prices in September. The reading reduced some bets the Fed might postpone possible plans to raise policy rates in 2015.

The Labour Department said CPI rose 0.1 per cent last month as increasing food and shelter costs offset a broad decline in energy prices.

This less dire view on inflation spurred selling in Treasuries, with yields on the benchmark 10-year Treasury US10YT=RR rising to their highest in a week near 2.25 per cent.

The 10-year was last down 5/32 in price to yield 2.2234 per cent.

Crude prices retreated after data form the US government’s Energy Information Administration showed a big rise in crude oil inventories.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 39,113.62 points Market capitalisation 12.9trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

COSTAIN

0.88

0.96

0.08

9.09

GUINNESS

178.00

192.90

14.90

8.37

NASCON

8.62

9.29

0.67

7.77

LEARNAFRCA

1.32

1.39

0.07

5.30

CUTIX

1.68

1.76

0.08

4.76

CAVERTON

4.05

4.24

0.19

4.69

ETI

18.15

19.00

0.85

4.68

NEIMETH

1.11

1.16

0.05

4.50

NEM

0.73

0.76

0.03

4.11

ROYALEX

0.51

0.53

0.02

3.92

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNILEVER

42.28

CLOSING 40.16

-2.12

-5.01

IKEJAHOTEL

3.25

3.09

-0.16

-4.92

PZ

27.74

26.50

-1.24

-4.47

RTBRISCOE

0.86

0.83

-0.03

-3.49

UBCAP

2.11

2.05

-0.06

-2.84

SKYEBANK

2.80

2.73

-0.07

-2.50

ACCESS

8.65

8.46

-0.19

-2.20

CONTINSURE

0.94

0.92

-0.02

-2.13

PORTPAINT

5.08

5.01

-0.07

-1.38

STERLNBANK

2.35

2.32

-0.03

-1.28

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.82

100.60

12.64

100.75

12.55

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.51

105.15

12.64

105.30

12.57

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.69

110.90

12.82

111.20

12.74

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.27

116.80

12.76

117.10

12.70

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.39

107.65

12.77

107.95

12.72

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.75 81.20

12.80

81.50

12.74

Closing Market Prices of October 22, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

22-Jan-15

10.10

10.36

23-Apr-15

10.50

11.08

3-Sep-15

10.55

11.61

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

11.1417

1M

12.4513

3M

13.2367

6M

14.0040 The Fixings of October 22, 2014

42

Capital Market

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 22, 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

North 43

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Ajadi, Alao-Akala, others buy governorship forms OBIORA IFOH

ADEOLA TUKURU

T

he immediate Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, Senator Suleiman Ajadi, yesterday stated that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would triumph in Kwara State and install the next governor in 2015.

Ajadi, a former senator who represented Kwara

South senatorial zone, is vying for the governorship ticket of the PDP in the forthcoming primaries of the party.

He expressed optimism that if the southern senatorial zone of Kwara clinches the party’s governorship ticket, it would be a straight fight between himself and the incumbent governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Suspected smugglers shot, nabbed in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

O

fficials of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday shot two men alleged to be smugglers in Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred at 1.00pm, also saw five others arrested and taken to the state’s Customs office for investigation and handing over to the police.

Though no lives were lost, the two injured men, however, received gunshot wounds on the stomach and legs, and are currently receiving medical attention at the Katsina General Hospital.

One of the wounded men, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 30, who managed to speak with journalists, said they were indiscriminately shot at by the customs officials.

Ibrahim said they did not commit any offence, but had approached a customs patrol team, and were allowed to pass into the Niger Republic.

He said the customs officials asked them to buy milk and malt drinks for them on their way back, but for financial reasons, they were unable to do so.

The development was said to have angered the customs officials, who during an argument, shot at them.

He said two of them were shot at as they were moving in front of the group on motorcycles, while rest in a car were apprehended and taken away.

It was learnt that shortly after the incident, a group of policemen rushed to the scene and another argument ensued between men of the customs men.

Aliyu laments low enrolment figure for the girl child PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has lamented that despite the state’s free and compulsory girl child education policy, enrolment figures in the rural areas still need to be raised.

Aliyu, who stated this during the inauguration of pilot distribution of school uniforms to Junior Secondary School, JSS 1 female students at Munya local government area, stressed the need for the 25 local government councils of the state to prioritise girl child education.

He directed local government councils to also ensure that they sensitise parents and school-age stu-

dents, especially girls, on the importance of acquiring education.

“It is important to ensure that female children are well educated. When you train a man, you train an individual, but when you train a woman, you train a nation. And they are the most affected in terms of enroling in school.”

According to him, it is the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure provision of free education from primary to junior secondary school level, saying failure to comply with this, had forced many school-age children to drop out.

Aliyu added that with the over 10 million out-ofschool children recorded in Nigeria, there is urgent need for renewed efforts at reducing the trend.

The ex-presidential adviser, however, disagreed that the people of the southern zone were clamouring for power shift, saying, “ It is not really an argument of power shift, it is an argument of our brothers, Kwara Central zone; they have been lucky, they had it for 12 years.

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant for Delta State, Mrs Ndidi Abanum, has said that she would bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the state if she is elected as the governor in 2015.

She stated this yesterday in Abuja, while speaking with journalists shortly after picking the PDP nomination and expression of interest form to contest the election.

Abanum, who is from the Ukwani speaking part

of Delta state, said nobody could intimidate her out of the race, adding that she was not being sponsored by anyone as was being alleged.

Also at the PDP national headquarters to pick the forms was the immediate past Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Mrs. Roseline Chenge.

Adachebe, who said she was contesting the 2015 Benue governorship election, said she would ensure the empowerment of women and true development in the state, if elected.

The aspirant is from the Idoma speaking part of Benue State.

She maintained that the tradition of the Idoma people gave her the full right to contest the position, coming from Zone ‘C’ area of the state.

Adachebe, who contested the 2006 Benue governorshi election with the incumbent governor, said she would ensure that the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan was on track in the state.

Similarly, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, a governorship aspirant for the Abia State governorship election, has promised to ensure the industrialisation of the state if elected governor in 2015.

The aspirant, who noted that Abia was a unique state, with five areas yearning for development, said if elected, he would build on the legacy of the state`s present government to further develop it.

He added he would also improve on the state`s security, build agro-allied industries, and attract foreign investors to the state.

The aspirant stated that he would explore a waste-towealth scheme by establishing recycling plants in the state.

Mr. Ben Dimkpa, from the Ogoni area of Rivers State, was also at the PDP national headquarters to pick form to contest.

He, however, urged politicians in the state who feel they have the pedigree to contest the PDP primaries to come out and do so, stressing that election was a contest that any interested aspirant was free.

He promised to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the primaries.

A former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Alkala, was also at the PDP national headquarters to pick its governorship form to re-contest in Oyo State.

L-R: State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Ali; representative of the Director-General, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba; representative of the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Yahaya Shuaiba and Unit Commander, Anti-Bomb Squad, Minna, ACP Daniels Ejiro, during a one-day NOA stakeholders’ programme on ‘Security Alert’ in Suleja, Niger State, yesterday.

11 feared killed in Plateau communal clash JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

N

o fewer than 11 people were feared killed yesterday in renewed hostilities between Irigwe and Rukuba communities in Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

It was learnt that trouble started after the corpse of a 65-year-old woman, suspected to have been killed by the Rukuba community, was discovered.

The discovery triggered a reprisal attack by the neighboring Irigwe community, and in the process, 11 persons were killed, and several

houses burnt.

It was further learnt that the quick intervention of the police and other security agents saved the situation from degenerating.

Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the attack to journalists in Jos yesterday.

According to him, the police promptly responded and brought the crisis under control, to avoid the situation from escalating into another community in the local government and its environs.

While urging the district heads of the affected communities to ensure that

peace returned to the area, the police spokesman also appealed to the two communities to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

Also speaking on the situation, the Chairman of Irigwe/Rukuba Peace Vanguard, Hon. Kure Abbas Yakwe, confirmed that the death of a 65-year-old woman who he said was killed by suspected gunmen while returning from the Rukuba market.

Yakwe described the violent incident as a setback to the peace process between the two communities.

His words: “I received calls of fresh attack going on,

but we are yet to know how many deaths were recorded; but there are casualties.

“This is regrettable because the two communities share cultural festivals together, and since the crises broke out on May 5, 2014, we have estimated that many lives were lost, but I cannot give the details of the people and properties involved.

Crops worth millions were destroyed.

“We have even organised peace tournaments for the two communities; to engage them on peace and dialogue, so that they will eschew violence and embrace one another.”

44

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Okogie tasks parents on responsibility Leoanrd Okachie

A

rchbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has slammed parents for negligence of responsibility to their wards, saying that it is one of the factors that are dragging Nigeria’s greatness in the mud.

Okogie said this at the 7th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Annual Lecture/Foundation which held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, recently.

He said that a good number of parents within the family setting, sacrifice the proper training needed by their children on the altar of economic factor, stressing that as such, many children and youths who are the leaders of tomorrow, are robbed off the necessary qualitative moral and civil upbringing that would have benefitted these youngsters.

Okojie noted that the multiplier effect is that such children later in life, grow to become problems to themselves, to

their families, the society and the nation at large.

He maintained that there are avalanche of unpristine, immoral and unhealthy happenings in the family that influence the members of such families and in turn are carried over into position of authority by their wards, adding that such would be inimical to the security of the nation.

The cleric stated that another factor that is of distorted values and abominable to character of many parents which directly or indirectly weakens the moral fibre within the family.

He said: “Most girls nowadays go around almost naked all in the name of fashion with the so called “spaghetti or “micro-mini” kind of dresses.

These, of course, are youths from homes and from notable families. It is more disheartening when one discovers mothers with the sacred parts of their bodies exposed, all in the name of fashion, thereby portraying themselves as women of easy virtue.

“Another factor is bribery

Okogie

and corruption. With the spate of bribery and corruption in the nation, one wonders what the child of a corrupt senator, or minister, or governor, or

president or even a religious leader, will become when he is fully integrated into this shady and unwholesome practices.

“It is the duty of the parents to teach their children honesty, truthfulness, modesty, selflessness, care and kindness.

This domestic background of good values if thought would of course, lead our youths to the realisation that they are precious instruments for a secured nation.”

Similarly, the Guest Speaker, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Anthony Akinwale said that the country is infected by a deadly virus produced by a mixture of corrupt religion and corrupt politics, stressing that religion, when detoxified, in its turn detoxifies politics by strengthening the family.

In his presentation entitled

Fashola calls for building of archives Leonard Okachie

D

isturbed by the challenges of improper documentation, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has urged the people of Lagos to contribute to building a structured archives to ensure that history is properly handed down to future generations.

Fashola made this call in Lagos at the presentation of the book; Possessed: A history of Law and Justice in the Crown Colony of Lagos 1861 – 1906 by Olasupo Shasore, SAN. Buttressing his points, the governor said: “My children have asked, ‘Daddy where is our village? And I say our village is Isale Ekoko. It has become a highly urbanised, commercialised and multi-ethnic centre.

“There have been some very important books that have come forth in the last few years about the history of Lagos and the history of Nigeria. In another 500 years, this place would not be like this and that is why the author’s admonition about documentation is important.

That is why it was important for me that Lagos should have a

Author of Possessed: A History of Law and Justice in the Crown Colony of Lagos 1861-1906, Olasupo Shasore (left), Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (right) and Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu (middle) during the presentation of Shasore’s book at City Hall, Lagos.

record and archives bureau so there is now a centre where if you have any memorabilia, any document, we would gladly receive it and acknowledge it and keep it for posterity.”

Commending the author, the governor noted that unlike many history books where only the very subjective account of the historian is dealt with “he has tried perhaps inescapably, to remain a lawyer, supporting every position he has taken in the book by fax, evidence, documents and judicially certified findings so that there may only

be a debate about the interpretation of those facts and not its existence.”

Giving reason for the book, the author said that the word ‘Possessed’ came from a cablegram sent by Earl John Russell in June of 1861 when he gave the approval to go ahead and possess Lagos as a property of the British Empire.

Sashore said: “For the period of 1861 to 1906, we were possessed by the British Empire as a possession, not stock and barrel. It is a work of research that I conducted sadly, mostly out-

side this country. The information that I’ve used in the book, I found very little of it here. I benefited richly from a lot of people who have written before me and a lot people who have put material in public space but the unique and untold stories came from United Kingdom.

And that is a sad thing. It is exultation to all of us, whether we are in public office, private practice to record what is going on. It is the record of what is going on that creates history.

History happens, but if nobody knows about it, there is no his-

“Strengthen the family, secure the nation” averred that the challenge of leadership Nigeria faces comes from a double separation and a collapse of distinction.

He emphasised that the separation of politics from the moral quest for the good, and from the intellectual quest for truth deforms politics by leading to the emergence of leaders who are intellectually inept, morally unsuccessful and professionally incompetent.

Describing the nation as a reflection of the family, Rev. Fr. Akinwale said: “It is my submission that we Nigerians live in ac country but we do not have a nation. For so long, we have failed to differentiate between a country, a state, and a nation. That failure to differentiate has itself been a major contributor to our insecurity.”

tory.”

He stated that his intention in writing the book is not to preach ethnicity but his love for Lagos, adding, “The latter people of the time described themselves as Lagos - Africans because not all of them are indigenous to where they live and we still have that phenomenon in Lagos today.

“It is one of our strengths that in 1850, we had 20 thousand people but today, there are twenty million from all sorts of background. Everybody who lives in Lagos has the right to call him or herself a Lagosian, only if they love Lagos.”

A leading Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sashore served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State between 2007 and 2011. He served as the Chairman of Lagos State Law Reform Commission and was also elected the president of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.

Present at the launch of the book were His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos State, Oba RilwanAkiolu, Senator Olorunninbe Mamora who represented the former governor of the State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, white cap chiefs, and many others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Most teen mental health problems go untreated –Study

A pair of mentally retarded teens

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ore than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment of any sort, says a new study by E. Jane Costello, a Duke University professor of psychology and epidemiology and associate director of the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy.

When treatment does occur, the providers are rarely mental health specialists, says the study, which was based on a survey of more than 10,000 American teenagers.

The country’s mental health system has come under scrutiny in recent years, following a string of mass shootings, such as the murders at Columbine High in Colorado, in which mental illness seems to have played a role. The new study underlines the need for better mental health services for adolescents, Costello said.

“It’s still the case in this country that

people don’t take psychiatric conditions as seriously as they should,” Costello said. “This, despite the fact that these conditions are linked to a whole host of other problems.”

Costello noted that not all teens in the study fared the same. Treatment rates varied greatly for different mental disorders, for instance. Adolescents with ADHD, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder received mental health care more than 70 percent of the time. By contrast, teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders were the least likely to be treated. Results also varied greatly by race, with black youths significantly less likely to be treated for mental disorders than white youths.

The care that teenagers received also varied greatly. In many cases, care was provided by pediatricians, school counselors or probation officers rather than by people with specialized mental health training. There simply are not enough qualified child mental health professionals to go around, Costello said.

“We need to train more child psychiatrists in this country,” Costello said. “And those individuals need to be used strategically, as consultants to the school counselors and others who do the lion’s share of the work.”

The study draws on data from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement, a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 10,148 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17.

Source: Psychiatric Services

Diarrhoea kills 150,000 children in Nigeria annually –UNICEF

School children on assembly line

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Young & Next Generation

Thursday, October 23, 2014

he United Nations Children’s Education Fund has said that about 150,000 children die annually in Nigeria as a result of poor sanitation and the intake of unsafe water, which results in diarrhea.

UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Chief in Nigeria, Mr. Kanaan Nadar, disclosed this on the occasion of the 2014 global hand washing day celebration in Abuja.

Nadar called on parents to make their children see the need to always wash their hands and maintain safe hygiene at all times as this would reduce deaths caused by diarrhea by almost 50 per cent.

Nadar, said: “In Nigeria every year, we have about 150,000 children that die largely due to diarrhea mostly associated with unsafe water sanitation and hygiene.

“Hand washing can actually step down this diarrhea death to almost 50 per cent and reduce pneumonia to almost 40 per cent. So hand washing is really important.”

According to him, hand washing with soap has made a major difference in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. Nadar said it had been one of the major tools against the spread of the virus in most of the EVD affected countries.

He said: “In the fight against the spread of the Ebola virus, hand washing with soap, as an important tool, has made additional line of difference.

“Choose hand washing for this is apt given the prominence that hand washing has gained especially in this particular time of crisis in a number of countries.

“Everyone can choose to wash his or her hand with soap after using the toilet and before eating or touching food, thereby creating healthy environment not only for themselves but also for the family and the larger society.”

In her address, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, said the hand washing programme was being celebrated because it had the capacity to save lives and reduce disease burden in Nigeria.

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Science for kids

7 ways cockroaches are bad for your health (and 8 ways to get rid of them)

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he reddish brown insect that succeeds to gross out every single one of us with its mere unpleasant appearance actually feels much more homely on the planet Earth that we humans. With their existence dated back to the prehistoric era, about 70 million years ago, cockroaches are believed to be the only creatures who would survive a nuclear explosion.

The association between humans and cockroaches is quite remarkable. These rapidly adapting insects have followed humans as pets from the time when our ancestors lived in caves to now when we have moved to skyscrapers. There cannot be a single home in the world which has not been shared with cockroaches.

In fact, most of you must be facing these disgusting creatures on a daily basis — seeing them crawl on your sink, running down the pipe hole, lurking over a pile of garbage or resting peacefully in the corners of your refrigerator. The fact is, cockroaches come out in the daylight only when the place is too crowded for them or when they are ill.

Not only they bring you social embarrassment and fear but also silently contribute to the deteriorating health of your family. Cockroaches by themselves do not cause any disease but they are vectors or carriers for millions of bacteria and infectious agents that can lead to an array of diseases from diarrhoea to food poisoning.

1. Food contamination: Cockroaches can virtually live by eating anything. Apart from the food we eat, they also feed on dead plant, animals, faecal matter, glue, soap, paper, leather and even strands of fallen hair. While crawling around at nights, they contaminate open food by defecating on it, leaving behind hair and dead skin and depositing empty egg shells in it.

2. Inoculation of disease-causing bacteria: While feeding cockroaches regurgitate their own saliva and digestive fluids from their mouth to inoculate your food with germs or bacteria residing in their gut. A study found that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can multiply extensively in gut of cockroaches. It can cause several diseases like urinary tract infections, digestive problems and sepsis.

3. Cockroach bites: Some species of cockroaches have been found to bite humans. These cases are rare but if your home is heavily infested with these insects then you should be careful because they can nibble on fingernails, toes and soft parts of the skin causing wounds. Try these home remedies for insect bites.

4. Invasion of body parts: Cockroaches can not only invade your home but also your body parts. There are several cases of cockroaches entering the ear and nose while sleeping. Small cockroaches can

readily enter body orifices if you’re in deep sleep.

5. Food poisoning: In an epidemic outbreak of food poisoning, it was found that the incidence of new cases dropped abruptly after cockroach infestation was eliminated. The insect is also a home for the bacterium Salmonella which can cause typhoid and food poisoning.

6. Allergies: Cockroaches can cause allergies. Their saliva secretion and body parts contain hundreds of allergens that can trigger an undesirable reaction. You may suffer from skin rashes, sneezing and watery eyes. Here are more articles on allergies.

7. Asthma: Cockroaches can be the worst enemies of asthmatic people. The incidence of asthma attack may increase if your house is infested with cockroaches.

Cockroach allergens can cause severe complications and can even be life-threatening.

And people who are not asthmatic may develop cockroach asthma by inhaling cockroach allergens. Here are 10 asthma triggers that you should avoid.

Follow these few tips to keep you house cockroach-free:

1. Keep your house clean if you don’t want to see that ugly creature. Weekly cleaning of the entire house will help you to understand the status of cockroach infestation.

2. Ensure that areas like the sink and the food preparation area is cleaned before you go to sleep.

3. Empty the dustbin in your kitchen regularly and always keep it covered. A pile of garbage is an open invitation to cockroaches.

4. Don’t leave your food open at nights to prevent contamination. Preferably, store all food stuffs in sealed containers. Clean your refrigerator regularly, at least once in a week.

5. Never keep old newspapers, books and magazines stacked openly.

6. Keep cockroach sprays handy so that you can kill them instantly when you see them. You can also use cockroach baits and other products in the market to get rid of hidden cockroaches in your home.

Sprinkle some boric acid near cracks and crevices.

7. Block all entrances from where you think cockroaches are gaining entry into your home. Seal tiny cracks and holes present in the walls to prevent cockroaches from making a permanent home over there. thehealthsite.com

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOA, NSRP caution social media against provocative content Joel Ajayi ABUJA

…As Nigeria’s internet users soar to 62m

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n its desire to build a better society and to encourage ethical and conflict sensitive online contents, National Orientation Agency, NOA, in collaboration with Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programmme, NSRP, has charged all Nigerian bloggers as well as social media operators to stop publishing any content that may potentially cause unrest but, rather, use the medium for promotion of peace, harmony and national development of Nigeria.

Director General of NOA Mr. Mike Omeri, said this while speaking at the twoday workshop organised for the Nigerian bloggers and social media users, in Abuja, with the theme; “Ethics and conflict sensitivity in online contents.”

According to him, the workshop is not designed to infringe on the right of freedom of speech, and expression or an attempt by government to impose regulatory work on populace but to highlight the roles of bloggers, writers of online articles, in promoting peace, unity and national development.

He also said that it is to increase the knowledge of bloggers on ethical in their practice as well as equipped social media users with the knowledge of conflict sensitive communication and reporting.

Omeri said, “The online media has been an emergent critical component of media that needs to be strengthened in order to

contribute to the effective functioning of the country.

“Recently, study revealed that social media has been increasing exponentially in certain area of the country which has become an avenue for transmitting hate speeches and radical messages.

“Many Nigerians believe that whatever content information they see or publish through internet is the truth. So, as a blogger, reporter there is needed to endeavour to understand the conflict and implication embedded in given incorrect and unconfirmed information.

“Already, concern have been expressed that some online publications have reported the current security challenges and

Emir tasks journalists on aggressive Ebola enlightenment

Abubakar

Danjuma Williams GOMBE

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mir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, has called on the media to enlightenment of the public about the Ebola scourge, even with the absence of the virus in the country.

The emir stated this when he received the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria BON, Malam Abubakar Jijiwa and his entourage on a courtesy visit at his palace in Gombe over the recently.

Abubakar said the people rely so much on radio and television for information and so the two arms cannot afford to disappoint in ensuring that people get enlightened so that the virus does

not return to Nigeria again.

The emir, who praised the efforts of BON in harmonizing the activities of radio and television stations in Nigeria, further advocated more enlightenment to the public on the switch over to digitalisation, in order not to be taken unawares.

Earlier, Chairman of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON), Mallam Abubaka Jijiwa, sympathised with the monarch for the loss of his father and commended the Emir for maintaining peace at his domain.

He said, “We decided at our last meeting that we must meet in the North-East sub region. We decided also that the best place that will give everybody comfort in the region is Gombe and we have just achieved that. Therefore, I want to congratulate your majesty on maintaining peace, on keeping your state and your emirate very peaceful for us to come and have our meeting in such a very peaceful atmosphere.”

The BON Chairman equally thanked the state government for successfully hosting the meeting of heads of broadcast stations from across Nigeria, as he highlighted some of the things BON intends to achieve from the meeting.

other challenges in the country in embellished tones and sometimes bordering on sensationalism and provocation which may potentially bring about turmoil. Example is the recent bitter cola and salt bath solution as a preventive measure against Ebola outbreak which raised health concerns within country. This and much more prompted agency’s drive to engage bloggers, media organization, social media users as well as online enthusiast to discuss the ways in which, we can proactively safe-

guard our cyberspace from its detrimental effects.”

In his address, representative of NSRP, Dr. Ukoha Ukino said social media is occupying the dominant stage in the Nigeria media communication adding that over 62 million Nigerians use internet.

He said: “Survey revealed that there is declined in print communication because of the social media as more people get used to it on daily basis which has become a critical medium that no actor that has the mandate and objectives toward peace building can only choose to ignore at his own peril.

“To be precise, Nigeria in terms of internet users as at the ending of 2013 Nigeria had up to 62 million internet users; surpass UK 57million in term of media usage.

“Another interesting point to know is that, the profile of actors that are social medial users in Nigeria have the faces of the Nigerians youth. The media recent survey showed that actually 78 percent of social media users are the people between ages of 19 to 35.

“So, it’s important that agency like NOA seek this opportunity to really engage this segments of population to forester unity and national stability,” he said.

Broadcast media, veritable tool for peace –Dankwambo Danjuma Williams GOMBE

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overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has called on the broadcast media not to relent in advocating for the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria through their programmes.

The Governor made the charge at the 61st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, BON which ended over the weekend in Gombe.

While declaring the event open, Governor Dankwambo said the event was timely considering the prevailing security challenges bedevilling the North-East region of the country.

He said the media has and would continue to be the vehicle through which peace can be driven into every household in Nigeria .

He urged the media to use its expertise and platforms to address the menace of insecurity saying, “The electronic media in particular remains the most potent organ of socio-political mobilization in the country. The role of the media as a powerful medium of promoting the unity and stability of our country cannot be ignored, as it is the most effective means of information dissemination in our society.”

The Governor however cautioned broadcasters to exercise discretion in handling information at their disposal stressing that “It is pertinent to note that where as foreign radio and television signals could broaden knowledge, they could have serious negative implication on our democracy and social values of the nation.

Dankwambo

We must collectively set an agenda in our broadcast stations to enlighten our citizenry on the security challenges bedevilling our nation and how they undermine our existence as a people.”

In his remarks, the BON Chairman, Malam Abubakar Jijiwa, who also doubles as the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, VON, said the broadcast media must ensure equitable distribution of airtime to political parties, as the nation prepares for the 2015 general elections.

He said “As we approach the 2015 elections, we in the broadcast media must continue to work very hard to ensure that we give unfettered access equal and equitable airtime to all political parties and all contestants.

“The National Broadcasting Commission has painstakingly done a political broadcast code for us and we seek the cooperation and support of media owners who may have political interest to allow their stations to be able make political broadcast on the basis of the NBC political code.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, October 23, 2014

47

Student gets piece of land in Beat 99.9 fm’s giveaway Leonard Okachie

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n undergraduate at the University of Lagos, Kazeem Olanrewaju, has emerged a proud owner of a plot of land after being handed the title documents to his new property by the management of the Lagos based Beat 99.9 fm.

Olanrewaju had randomly emerged winner of the landed property after a raffle draw from names of active followers of the urban radio station, as part of its giveaway prizes during its 5th year anniversary celebrations.

The brief but colourful handover ceremony which took place on Tuesday at the Beat 99.9fm office, Ikoyi, attracted a handful of the press as well as celebrities including the rap star M.I Abaga, fiery singer Yemi Alade and lyricist Mode 9, who all joined in to cheer the ecstatic lad.

The Managing Director of Pacis Multiplex Ltd, the real estate officers behind the initiative, Mr. Seyi Ayeni, while speaking to newsmen, expressed delight at being able to award the plot of land in collaboration with Beat fm.

“We are in the business of making people landlords. Today Kazeem is a proud

Media Abroad

owner of a plot of land measuring 60 by 180 in Awesome View Estate, a well planned estate in Wood Island, Agric, Ikorodu. Landed properties are a good gift. Real estate has to do with the future. It’s something to leave for family or children. It’s an inheritance, an asset,” he said.

The presentation also witnessed the presence of the officials of the radio station, including the Financial Director, Megalectrics Ltd (operators of Beat99.9 fm, Naija fm 102.7 and Classic fm 97.3), Mr. Okwui Ubosi, Sales Director, Megalectrics, Amira Obi-Okoye and Programmes Director (PD) Beat fm,Mr. Olisa Adibua, amongst others.

Speaking after he was handed over the document, the joyous youth gushed in appreciation, saying, “I feel good, I feel on top of the world! Words can’t really define how I feel. I must say thank you to Beat fm, I didn’t see this coming. They have really started a big thing in my life.”

On why the station decided to give such reward, Adibua said, “We’ve been constantly overwhelmed by the amount of patronage and following we’ve managed to garner in just over five years.

Ideally, we’d love to have been able to reward every single listener on Beat fm

Winner of the landed property, Olanrewaju (4th left flanked by artistes and other officials at the presentation ceremony in Lagos.

but unfortunately we can’t. But what we can do is make a promise that we would not let our standards fall and we’ll work even harder to improve the quality of our station.”

The management also revealed that its

Telegraph Media Group to cut more jobs

sister station Naija fm 102.7 will repeat the feat on the Naija fm Comedy Jam which comes up November 2,2014, adding that after a raffle draw, a plot of land will also be won by a lucky fan who purchases a N3,000 ticket to attend the event.

The Guardian overtakes New York Times

T Bradlee

Former Washington Post Editor, Bradlee, dies

B

en Bradlee, the editor of the Washington Post during the Watergate scandal that toppled President Richard Nixon, has died aged 93.

The newspaper reports he died at his Washington home of natural causes.

As executive editor from 1968-1991, Bradlee was credited for transforming the Post into one the most respected newspapers in America.

In 2013, he was given the country’s highest civilian honour - the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“For Benjamin Bradlee, journalism was more than a profession - it was a public good vital to our democracy,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the White House on Tuesday evening.

“A true newspaperman, he transformed the Washington Post into one of the country’s finest newspapers, and with him at the helm, a growing army of reporters published the Pentagon Papers, exposed Watergate, and told stories that needed to be told.”

“Ben Bradlee was the best American newspaper editor of his time and had the greatest impact on his newspaper of any modern editor,” said Donald Graham, the former publisher of the Washington Post.

Telegraph Media newsroom

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elegraph Media Group is to cut about 55 more editorial jobs as the publisher continues its digital restructuring.

Some 18 months on from the last cull of editorial staff, TMG is announcing the new round of cuts as part of its plan to transform itself from old to new media.

A letter sent to every member of staff yesterday by Jason Seiken, the group’s chief content officer and editor-in-chief, avoids saying how many staff will be affected by the “changes” he regards as necessary.

It merely refers to “an impact on staff numbers” and that the cutbacks will be subject to “consultation.”

But an inside source familiar with the situation said the total number affected would amount to approximately 55 posts. It is thought that the cuts will

fall mainly in the production area and that columnist and “star writers” will be unaffected.

The source said the group believes this represents a forward rather than backward step, proving that it is possible to produce high quality journalism with fewer people due to the efficient use of digital tools.

It was in March last year that TMG shed 80 of its then 550 editorial staff in what its chief executive, Murdoch MacLennan, described at the time as a rootand-branch restructure of the business, part of which involved the merger of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph as a sevenday operation.

That cut of 14% of the staff was offset at the time by the hiring of 50 “new digitally-focused jobs”. I understand that these have since been filled, suggesting that the total staff number remains above 500.

he Guardian has passed the New York Times to become the world’s second most popular English-language newspaper website, according to the latest monthly traffic figures from comScore.

Last month theguardian.com website network recorded 42.6 million worldwide unique visitors, a 12.3% month-onmonth increase, according to the latest comScore report on desktop web usage.

The New York Times drew 41.6 million worldwide unique visitors, up 8% month on month.

The Guardian ranks 5th biggest in comScore’s newspaper category, behind the Daily Mail’s Mail Online, which drew 55.8 million worldwide unique users last month.

The top three slots are taken by Chinese newspaper websites: Xinhua News Agency (90.2 million uniques), People’s Daily Online (89.1 million) and China Daily Sites (56.4 million).

Stripping out foreign-language publications to look at a comparison of the Guardian’s direct English-language competitors, including web-only news organisations, AOL-owned Huffington Post comes out on top with 68.5 million worldwide users.

It is followed by CNN (67.7 million) and then Mail Online third, the Guardian fourth and New York Times rounding out the top five.

The top 10 includes BBC News (at sixth biggest), the Telegraph (seventh), theWashington Post (eighth), the Wall Street Journal (ninth) and Independent. co.uk (10th).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Community Mirror We are looking at various mechanisms. The biggest social safety net is job, so we are focusing on sectors that are not creating jobs fast enough.

MINISTER OF FINANCE – NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

Wife raises alarm over missing husband OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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34-year-old mother of two in Festac area of Lagos has raised alarm over the disappearance of her husband, Mr. Adedoyin Ajose, who has been missing for the past two months.

She made the disclosure in an affidavit deposed to at the Lagos High Court Registry, saying that her husband was last seen by family members leaving an Apapa Magistrate Court Two on August 11,

where he was charged for spurious allegation of attempted murder.

But family sources said that the allegation was concocted by an aggrieved senior police officer, (name withheld), who viewed Adedoyin as a threat to his various illegal activities.

Before his disappearance, Adedoyin was Special Assistant on Youth Development to the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government area of Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Ad-

ewale, and has been having running battle with members of the vigilance group called Community Policing Youth Vanguard, allegedly enjoying the support of a senior police officer in the council area, according to his wife in an interview.

According to Olukemi, it was shocking to her and the entire family that her husband could disappear on the day the court granted him bail.

She explained that fortunately for her husband, the court subsequently

discharged and acquitted him of the unsubstantiated allegation on August 18.

Amidst uncontrollable sobbing, she said: “I could not believe this. How can a man disappear like that on a day he was granted bail over an unsubstantiated allegation leveled against him.

“Definitely, such a man should be happy to go home and celebrate with his family. But, we were all surprised at the turn of event.”

Her testimony was

Participants in the Tie and Dye Class at the on-going second phase of the Economic Empowerment Programme of the Lagos State Government at the Ifako-Ijaye Centre, Fagba, Lagos, yesterday.

Minister makes case for senior citizens ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

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inister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has called for integration of older persons into the mainstream of our society and allow them participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies of their well-being.

The minister said this in commemoration of the 2014 International Day in Abuja with theme:”Leaving no one Behind”, adding that in the

last two decades, the population of older persons in Nigeria according Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has increased consistently in number from 4,598, 014million in 1991 to 6,987,047 million by 2006.

Zainab who was represented by the Permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Habiba Lawal, further explained that it is currently in estimated 8,044,752 million and is projected to reach 9,748,718million by 2020 based on the prevailing growth rate of 3.2 percent.

She said it is also projected that Africa will ex-

perience the fastest rate of population ageing than any region come 2050.

Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to Nigeria, Dr Rui Vaz, called on the need to address the population of over 60 older persons which is expected to reach 1.4billion by 2030.

Vaz, said contributions to development can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place.

He explained that the 2014 theme was selected in recognition of the fact

that “Leaving No one Behind” necessitates the understanding that demography matters for sustainable development and that population dynamics will shape the key developmental challenges that the world is confronting in the 21st century.

“Not addressing older person’s means not addressing 20percent of the global population by 2030, where there will be more people over 60 than children under 10, with the most rapid change in age structure occurring in the developing world,” He said.

corroborated by her father-in-law, 69-year-old Tajudeen Ajose, who expressed shock over the disappearance of his son.

Pa Ajose said, “I’m really worried up till now, I’m extremely surprised, though

he explained to me some of the problems he’s been facing in the local government, particularly series of attacks on him between last year and about three months ago by some members of an outlawed group.

Imo: FG to boost palm oil production CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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s the Federal Government initiates measures to return the country to her premier position in the global palm oil trade which was dismantled in the 60s, following the discovery and exploration of crude oil, more than 1000 Imo farmers, on Tuesday, scrambled for latest varieties of oil palm seedlings, cassava and potato cuttings.

The farmers, both men, women and youths from the 27 local government areas of the state assembled at the distribution ground to receive enhanced varieties of the seedlings, distributed to them free of charge, with potential yield capacity of 21 metric tons per hectare fresh fruit bunches.

Speaking during the occasion of the flag off of specialized Growth Enhancement Support (GES) oil Palm Wild Groove Scheme organized by the Minister of State I Foreign Affairs Professor Viola Adaku Onwuliri in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and MDGS held in Owerri, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwumi Adesina disclosed that the new seedlings would replace the old, tall and low yielding ones.

The minister explained that the oil palm value chain was among the agricultural commodity value chains being promoted by his ministry partly to

increase oil palm production and achieve import substitution by 2015.

This, he said, would hopefully restore the country to her enviable position in the world, increase the yield and productivity of organized and unorganized plantings, improve upon the processing activities so as to produce quality crude palm oil and vegetable oil products arouse greater interest and concern for engagement in competitive market activities and create opportunities for employment for teeming population of unemployed youths.

The minister, who was represented by the South East Coordinator and regional director of his ministry, Dr. Uche Nwafor, disclosed that out of 9 million target set up in 2012/2013 of raising improved ten era oil palm seedlings with potential yield capacity of 21 metric tons per hectare fresh fruit bunches, 4 million had already been raised by 49 public and private Nursery operators in 24 oil palm growing states including Imo State.

Adesina

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Politics

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AHEAD 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

I remain UPN National Chairman –Fasehun AYO ESAN

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ounder of the panYoruba group, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun, has dismissed his alleged suspension from the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, saying the suspension is an illegality that cannot hold.

Speaking at a well attended press conference in Lagos yesterday, Fasehun said UPN’s last National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held on October 13 exposed to the whole world the existence and operation of moles in UPN. He said: “This group

acted out a script written by politicians, political interests and political parties that feel threatened by the resuscitation of UPN and are determined to destroy the party. Their ultimate objective is to procure the dismembering of UPN by first decapitating the party through the elimination of its National Chairman.

“These malevolent elements have demonstrated clearly that they hold the person, the office and the authority of the UPN National Chairman in contempt. Through their open disregard for the UPN constitution this past year, they have held the entire party to ransom. Their recurring

acts of indiscipline, disrespect, insubordination and corruption, have finally climaxed in this vain and futile announcement of the unconstitutional suspension of Dr. Fasehun as the party’s leader.”

He said it is easy to see that UPN national leadership has split into two, and one group has decided to appoint a leader, or lead-

ers, for itself and move on saying: “Clearly, they have the constitutional right to so do - going by the right to peaceful assembly and association guaranteed them in Section 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.”

Fasehun said that when in 2013, he mooted the idea of resuscitating UPN, he knew that there was going to be price to be paid,

adding that having put the totality of his existence, including OPC, which he said he spent the last 20 years of his life to build and sustain; his personal finances, business, time, home, socio-political space and associates, network of friends and contacts, health and my peace, “no one else, and I repeat, no one else in the entire

sphere of UPN has paid the price I have paid. But I have put my hand on the plough and I will not look back.”

He said: “We respect their resolve and their resolution to leave the party. They leave of their own volition. And on behalf of the UPN NEC and members nationwide, we hereby wish them well in their future endeavours.”

Ekiti APC announces collection of nomination forms OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

E

kiti State All Progressives Congress, APC, has informed its members intending to contest elections into the state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate, that collection of nomination forms is now in progress.

A release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Taiwo Olatubosun, said interested party faithful who may wish to contest election into any of the positions are to pay the required fees after which the nomination forms will be issued upon the presentation of the original copies of bank teller and payment advice slip.

I’m not anti-government, guber aspirant tells Elechi ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI

F

ormer Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, and gubernatorial aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, yesterday said he was not anti- government for declaring interest to run for the 2015 governorship position.

Ikpor made this known in Abakaliki while briefing journalists at his campaign office, warning party officials against selling the governorship position of the state to a highest bidder.

Regretting the way and manner money bag politicians who lacks integrity and competence to govern the state invaded the PDP with the aim of buying off the governorship position, Ikpor expressed concern over the sustainabil-

ity of Governor Martin Elechi’s laudable projects, insisting that only a patriotic person who shares the vision and mission of the founding father would sustain the governor’s legacies.

He said: “Former governor, Dr. Sam Egwu and Chief Elechi transformed the state because of their integrity, competence and desire to serve. What the state needs now is a man that would sustain the legacies of the founding fathers. Ebonyi governorship position is not for the highest bidder, the Government House is not for money bags”.

Chief Ikpo said that if elected, his administration shall strengthen all existing government institutions for proper implementation, monitoring, evaluation and enforcement of all its policies and programmes.

Supporters of Udom Emmanuel, during his declaration for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, at Uyo township stadium, yesterday.

7 LG chairs pick nomination form for Senator Adeyemi WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

K

ogi State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, secretariat was a beehive of activities yesterday as seven council chairmen from Kogi West senatorial district picked expression of intent and nomination forms for Sen-

ator Smart Adeyemi and a House of Representatives member, Sunday Karimi.

Spokesman of council chairmen and DirectorGeneral of Smart Adeyemi Campaign Organisation, Hon Folorunsho Daniyan, said it was collective decision of the local government chairmen to pick the forms for the senator and

the House of Representative member because of their quality representation at the National Assembly.

Daniyan explained that the local government chairmen, all the representatives of the local councils and leaders of thought all came to pick forms for the duo, adding: “Base on their qual-

ity representation we have decided to pick the forms and take them to the duo in Abuja. A proverb says you put your money where your money is.”

He pointed out that Senator Adeyemi and Hon Karimi will attract more dividends of democracy and federal presence to Kogi West senatorial district.

Isoko-South PDP candidate ends campaign, promises good governance AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairmanship candidate for Isoko South council area of Delta State in Saturday’s local council elections, Sir Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, yesterday ended his three-day campaign rally with a promise to ensure that the people feel the im-

pact of good governance.

Leading the campaign trail through all the Isoko South ward,s Ikpokpo appealed to all and sundry to vote for the PDP come Saturday, assuring that the lost glory and trust in government will be restored if voted into office.

He said: “At this time, when we are witnessing a serious lack of trust between the leaders and the led, I

strongly believe that we need a government that trusts its people, and most importantly, a government the people can trust and work with to accomplish the Isoko South of our collective dream.

“Public trust and support must be earned through transparency, accountability, probity and responsiveness to the earnings and aspirations of the people as aptly captured by

the slogan of our great party, the PDP.” He said education, health, agriculture, peace and security, transparency, accountability, probity among others shall be the focal points of his government by ensuring that every dime of the council funds is accounted for and judiciously utilised for the development of Isoko South.

My administration’ll arrest unemployment –Ntekim ENOBONG MICHAEL UYO

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ormer Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, and gubernatorial aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr Ekpenyong Ntekim, has said that his administration would

arrest the surging unemployment rate in the state.

Ntekim disclosed this during a media chat in Uyo yesterday, saying that his focus in a four year mandate would be to initiate pragmatic and hard-headed agenda directed at taking advantage of the height to which the state has been raised, both in infrastruc-

tural development and image rating to systematically support social stability of the state.

He said: “I have decided to offer myself to serve as governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. I have a better vision for better days ahead that disrespects tribe or status and a clear understanding of how to fulfil the vision.

“My major mission on offer as the governor is to build a bridge of friendship and proportional development across our rural poor and the urban rich; to weld together, in one administration, our people and the entire state in pursuit of the core values of the agitation of our founding fathers for the state.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

World News

Shots fired inside Canadian parliament

Racism is not a Russian problem.

Russia is engaged in a tough battle against it – Russian Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko

52

Cuban doctors, nurses land in Liberia to fight Ebola •US announces new monitoring steps for travellers

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

team of Cuban doctors and nurses arrived Liberia yesterday to help in the fight against the worst outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus on record, alongside a U.S. military mission deploying in the West Africa country.

A jet from the national airline Cubana carrying the 51 medical personnel touched down at 6.45 a.m. EDT at the Roberts International Airport outside Monrovia, a stone’s throw from a new Ebola clinic built by U.S. forces.

The doctors and nurses, dressed in white uniforms, disembarked from the aircraft waving Cuban flags.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday announced new measures to monitor for Ebola anyone entering the United States from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea for a 21-day period.

Under the measures starting Monday, travellers from the three West African countries will be expected to check in with health officials every day and report their temperatures and any Ebola symptoms through the 21-day period, the

CDC said.

The United States is gradually deploying troops to Liberia as part of a 3,000-strong mission to help overwhelmed West African nations cope with the epidemic by building Ebola Treatment Units and training local medical staff.

Washington’s relations with Havana have remained frosty since the Cold War, when the United States broke diplomatic ties and imposed a comprehensive trade embargo on the communist-run Caribbean island.

“We are ready 100 percent to collaborate with the Americans,” Cuba’s Ambassador to Liberia Jorge Lefebre Nicolas told Reuters at the airport. “We should fight against Ebola and anything else should be put aside.”

“We cannot see our brothers from Africa in difficult times and we are there folding our arms in Cuba,” he said.

Cuban and U.S. personnel have worked together before, notably after the Haitian earthquake in 2010. Some Cuban of-

ficials have voiced hope that collaboration in fighting Ebola could help mend relations between the long-time adversaries.

The Ebola epidemic has killed more than 4,500 people since it was detected in March, most of them in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, according to the World Health Organization, WHO,. While outbreaks in Senegal and Nigeria have been declared over, there have been a few cases in Spain and the United States.

A

‘Somali al-Shabab stones teenager to death’ An Islamic court has stoned a teenager to death in southern Somalia after convicting him of raping a woman, a pro-Islamist news site reports.

The judge ordered Hasan Ahmad Ali, 18, to compensate the woman with a calf before he was killed, according to an audio recording of the trial.

Ali denied raping 28-year-old Fadumo Hasan Mohmoud.

Somalia’s militant Islamist group al-Shabab implements a strict version of Islamic law in areas it controls.

Last month, a woman was stoned to death in the port town of Barawe after an Islamic court convicted her of having four husbands at the same time.

Ali was found guilty of raping Ms Mohmoud at gunpoint in Dharuro village in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, reports the pro-al-Shabab alFurqaan radio station on its website.

Congo, U.N. troops fire live rounds amid protest against killings

Men work near a tent of a field hospital set up for training purposes, in the Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute, where Cuban doctors train for their Ebola mission, in Havana, recently.

Zimbabwe’s students condemn kissing ban

student kissing ban imposed by the University of Zimbabwe is “nonsensical”, a student representative has told the BBC. A circular from the university authorities said those “caught in an intimate position” on the Harare campus would be disciplined.

“In this age to say I’m no longer allowed to kiss or hug someone... is unreasonable,” Tsitsi Mazikana said.

The university has not commented on the students’ objections to the ruling.

It was issued at the beginning of the new academic year

WORLD BULLETIN

as part of a list of “misconducts that attract immediate eviction from halls of residence”.

The list of 11 points also includes bans on squatters and cooking in bedrooms.

Fourth on the list of behaviour that will result in eviction says: “Caught in intimate position (kissing or having sex in public places)”.

Ms Mazikana, who is the students’ gender representative, said that the campus already had strict rules for those fraternising with the opposite sex.

In single-sex hostels, for example, residents were only permitted visitors in the foyer and

no visits were permitted after 22:00, she said.

Ms Mazikana said the ban had less to do with morality and more to do with controlling students who were “not happy about the way they are running the university”.

“If they were talking about anything moral they wouldn’t be placing condoms in the hostels and in the clinic, but... kissing and hugging - there’s nothing immoral about that,” she told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) said the university administration had

Congolese troops and United Nations peacekeepers fired live rounds to disperse hundreds of people protesting outside a U.N. base in the eastern Congolese town of Beni yesterday, a Reuters witness said.

Crowds gathered at the U.N. base calling for peacekeepers to leave the town after two people were shot dead on Tuesday during a protest over the U.N. mission’s failure to stem violence blamed on Ugandan rebels that has killed dozens of civilians in recent weeks.

A Reuters witness said peacekeepers and Congolese troops fired into the air to disperse crowds at Beni airport, where the U.N. force has a base. The reporter said there were a number of injuries.

Burkina Faso’s opposition rejects referendum plan, calls for protests

A couple kissing

a habit of instituting arbitrary rules without consulting student bodies.

Opposition parties in Burkina Faso accused President Blaise Compaore yesterday of preparing a “constitutional coup d’etat” and called for nationwide protests against moves to remove a two-term limit for the presidency.

In power for over 27 years, Compaore has positioned himself as a senior regional mediator and his country is an important base for Western counter-terrorism operations in West Africa. However, the referendum plan has split his landlocked nation.

52

World News

WORLD BULLETIN Hearing postponed for American suspected in seven killings A man who allegedly confessed to killing seven women in Indiana refused to respond to the judge during his initial court appearance Wednesday, prompting her to postpone it and to warn him he’d spend “the rest of his life” in jail unless he cooperates.

When the judge asked Darren Vann, 43, if he swore to tell the truth at his initial court appearance in the strangulation death of 19-year-old Afrikka Hardy, he didn’t respond or flinch and stood unmoving and stone-faced.

Lake Superior Court judge Kathleen Sullivan warned Vann, who stood with his wrists and legs shackled and flanked by two jail guards, he could be held in contempt and he still declined to speak.

Blackwater guards found guilty in Iraq shootings Four former Blackwater security guards were found guilty Wednesday in the 2007 shootings of more than 30 Iraqis in Baghdad, and a federal judge ordered them immediately to jail.

In an overwhelming victory for prosecutors, a jury found Nicholas Slatten guilty of firstdegree murder. The three other three guards — Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard — were found guilty of multiple counts of voluntary manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and gun charges.

The four men had been charged with a combined 33 counts in the shootings and the jury was able to reach a verdict on all of them, with the exception of three charges against Heard. The prosecution agreed to drop those charges.

The outcome after a summerlong trial and weeks of jury deliberation stunned the defence.

Students undecided on further Hong Kong talks Hong Kong student leaders say they may not take part in further talks with the government after accusing city authorities of failing to make any meaningful offers to end weeks of mass rallies.

The comments on Wednesday are a blow to the city’s Beijing-backed leaders who had expressed hopes for fresh rounds of talks after meeting face-to-face with students on Tuesday night for the first time.

The negotiations are widely seen as the only way to end nearly a month of protests calling for electoral reforms in the southern Chinese city without a police crackdown or further violence.

“About whether there will be talks in the future this is something that isn’t decided,” Hong Kong Federation of Students secretary general Alex Chow told reporters.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shots fired inside Canadian parliament A gunman shot a soldier at a war memorial in Ottawa, then ran into the nearby parliament building where he exchange, gunfire with police.

More shots were fired outside a nearby shopping centre, and several buildings around the city are on lockdown.

It is unclear how many gunmen there are but one gunman is believed dead.

The incident came hours after Canada raised its terror threat level following a fatal hit-and-run attack on two soldiers on Monday.

The latest incident began when soldiers guarding the memorial came under fire yesterday morning.

“Shots fired at War Memorial at 9:52am today; one person injured,” Ottawa Police tweeted.

Police have told those in the vicinity to stay away from windows and roofs as they search for additional suspects.

One gunman - said to be carrying a rifle - fired on soldiers guarding Canada’s main war memorial and then ran into the parliament.

“The indications are there is more than one gunman. There may be several,” Canadian MP Marc Garneau told the BBC, adding he and fellow politicians were evacuated from the area.

One gunmen inside the parlia-

Armed police head towards the Langevin Block on Parliament Hill

ment has reportedly been shot dead but there are no reports yet of anyone else inside the building being hurt.

Earlier, Ottawa Police told the BBC there could be more than one shooter. The nearby University of Ottawa has been placed on lockdown, as well as all local police buildings and the US Embassy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper “is safe and has left Parliament Hill”, his director of communications wrote on Twitter.

Senior government member Tony Clement said on Twitter shots were fired near an in-progress cabinet meeting in parliament.

A government official earlier said the raised threat level was in response to an increase in online “general chatter” from radical groups including Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Ministry spokesman JeanChristophe de Le Rue said on Tuesday that the increased level “means that intelligence has indicated that an individual or

group within Canada or abroad has the intent and capability to commit an act of terrorism”.

Yesterday, a Muslim convert was killed by Quebec police after deliberately hitting two soldiers in his car, killing one and injuring another.

A minister said it was a “terrible act of violence against our country”.

Earlier this month, Canada announced plans to join the US-led campaign of air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq.

EU to seek Russia’s help in stabilising Ukraine

E

U leaders will urge Russia at a summit this week to do more to stabilize Ukraine, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters, but diplomats expect no change in sanctions on Moscow in the near future.

The leaders’ call comes days before Ukraine holds parliamentary elections on Oct. 26 in a vote that is to bring pro-Western and strongly nationalist lawmakers to office, something Moscow is unlikely to welcome.

“The Russia Federation should respect Ukraine’s national sovereignty and territo-

rial integrity and contribute to the political stabilization and economic recovery of Ukraine,” EU leaders will say.

They will also call on Russian authorities to “exercise their influence” to ensure pro-Moscow separatists uphold a faltering ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine and the rebels reached the ceasefire agreement in the Belarussian capital Minsk on Sept. 5, the first step towards ending the worst standoff between Moscow and the West since the Cold War ended.

The EU has gradually tightened sanctions on Russia follow-

Pro-Russian rebels stand near a burnt-out Ukrainian tank outside the destroyed airport in Luhanks, eastern Ukraine, recently.

ing its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region in March and its

support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

‘Man, woman stoned to death for adultery in Syria’

A

man and a woman have been stoned to death for adultery in separate executions in jihadist-controlled areas of Syria, a monitoring group reported yesterday.

The man was executed in Idlib province in an area controlled by Islamist groups including the Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s official affiliate in Syria, said the Syrian Observa-

tory for Human Rights, which tracks violence on all sides of Syria’s civil war.

It is the first documented case of a man being stoned to death for adultery since Syria descended into civil war in 2011 and hardline Islamic groups emerged as powerful players in areas that slipped from government control, the Observatory said.

The woman was executed in Hama province in an area controlled by Islamic State, an al Qaeda offshoot that has seized swathes of Syria and Iraq and is being targeted by U.S.-led air strikes, the Observatory said.

A video posted online appeared to show her execution.

A bearded fighter is shown passing down the sentence in the presence of other gunmen

and her father, who appears to approve of her execution.

Her hands and feet are then tied with a rope and she is forced to kneel in a pit. Covered head to toe, she begins to pray out loud as large rocks are seen striking her body. The video shows the logo of Islamic State.

The two incidents, which Reuters could not independently verify, appear to be unrelated.

Thursday September 4, 2014

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

I think there is still a lot of fire in me to compete at the highest level. I am greatly motivated to go –Nigerian athlete, Blessing

FIBA: Akinwale tips Mentors, Pillars for glory 55

Eagles to open Uyo stadium with N’African test A n entirely home-based Super Eagles will play a friendly game in Uyo, to formally open the new Akwa Ibom State Stadium on November 6, 2014.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, said in a statement yesterday, that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed in Abuja that the friendly encounter,

which is to be bankrolled by the Akwa Ibom State Government, will see the Eagles play a North African team that will be confirmed later this week.

Head Coach Amodu Shaibu is already planning to use the opportunity of this international friendly to begin preparations for Nigeria’s must-win 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against

Congo and South Africa in November.

“Twenty-two players will be called up to camp in Uyo from Sunday, November 2 ahead of the friendly and that game will afford us a wonderful opportunity to see some of our best legs in the domestic league more closely,” Amodu said.

“We will have the oppor-

tunity of working with them for about three days before the friendly. Some of those who show the quality we are looking for will then join the main squad for the qualifiers.

“We must seize every opportunity we have to get a s t ro n g squad ready for

the challenges ahead and we really appreciate the Akwa Ibom State Government as well as the Nigeria Football Federation for putting this programme together,” Amodu added.

The new 30,000 capacity Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo is also expected to host Nigeria’s final 2015 AFCON qualifier against South Africa on November 19.

tered their squads with Nigeria coach, Edwin Okon, handing a starting role to Ibubeleye Whyte ahead of first choice goalie, Precious Dede, while Francisca Ordega was preferred to Esther Sunday.

For Banyana Banyana, goalkeeper Mndaweni was a surprise inclusion, replacing Roxanne Barker, who had kept post for all three previous games at

the group phase.

Nigeria will play the winner of the second semi-final match between Cameroun and Cote d’Ivoire in the Namibia 2014 AWC final on Saturday. The Indomitable Lionesses and Ivorian Queens game was on as at the time of filing this report.

At the end of the match, Oshoala was voted the TN Mobile Woman of the Match.

Falcons through to Canada 2015 W/Cup

...as Oshoala shoots Nigeria into AWC final

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

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first half brace from Asisat Oshoala ensured Nigeria become the first team to qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada after beating South Africa 2-1 in their African Women Championship (AWC) semi-final clash yesterday in Windhoek, Namib-

ia.

Oshoala opened the scores on the 38th minute and completed her brace just before half time as the Super Falcons endured to a slim win after Nompumelelo Nyandeni reduced the deficit for the Banyana Banyana in the second half.

Falcons survived several attacks from the Banyana in the closing stages to confirm their

place at next year’s women’s version of the Mundial.

It was the seventh meeting between the two sides in the history of the AWC and Falcons have emerged the dominant force, but the South African ladies were inspired by the lone goal win in the last meeting between the two sides at the 2012 edition in Equatorial Guinea.

Yesterday, both teams al-

54

Sports

Thursday, October 23, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunners move to replace Wenger

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anagement of Arsenal says it sees Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti as an ideal successor for Arsene Wenger.

Reports said that the Gunners are looking to replace Wenger with the former Chelsea manager Ancelotti if the Frenchman leaves at the end of the season for Monaco.

According to reports, the French side has offered Wenger a three-year deal worth a staggering £28million and wants him to take over from Leonardo

Transfer:

Ahmed Musa Wenger

Kigigha, Coker rule NB Chess

Musa ponders CSKA exit F ADEOLA JOHNSON

WITH AGENCY REPORT

R

eports said yesterday that Super Eagles winger and CSKA Moscow striker, Ahmed Musa, may be on his way out of the Russian Club when the transfer window opens in January.

Although Musa denied links with the Barclays Premier League club Tottenham

Hotspur, the former Kano Pillars FC winger said a January transfer was on the cards.

Spurs have been tracking Musa since 2011 and are still showing interest in the 22-year-old, who has made it clear he is settled at CSKA Moscow despite harbouring the ambition of playing in the English top flight in the future.

Musa played in the 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s UEFA Cham-

Golf: Juniors invade Ikoyi greens AFOLABI GAMBARI

T

he maiden Junior Golf Challenge will tee off today at the Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) with about 50 teenagers, drawn from schools in Lagos, Osun and Abuja, participating in the two-day event expected to end tomorrow.

Executive Director of Fairstrokes, the golf promoting company that conceived the competition, Mr. Sam Emehelu, told National Mirror in Lagos yesterday that keen contest was expected from the challengers.

“We have resolved to tap the potential of these kids with a

Jardim next summer.

Gunners’ chiefs are scared that Wenger will be tempted to return to Monaco after a successful spell with the club earlier in his career, and it is understood that preparations are being put in place to make Ancelotti his replacement.

The Italian’s Madrid deal expires in 2016, and Spanish media outlets claim that he will be shown the door this summer if he fails to deliver at least one major honour during the current campaign.

view to offering them an enabling environment to display their skills,” Emehelu, who is also a golf journalist, said.

“We are looking far beyond the two-day event. We have also engaged over 200 professional and amateur golfers to come around and mentor the teenagers during this competition,” he added.

According to the Fairstrokes director, however, only medals and trophies will be offered contestants in the event supported

by Access Bank, Caritas, Ointer Tour, Coca Cola and Nigeria Golf Federation.

“As under-age school kids, I think this is fair enough,” Emehelu submitted.

pions League match against Manchester City.

“Playing in the English Premier League someday has always been my wish. I’m aware that my manager has been discussing with some premiership clubs,” he said.

Musa has scored more than 20 goals for CSKA since joining the Moscow club two years ago and equally won many laurels with club.

ormer national champions, Bomo Kigigha and Labake Coker, have emerged champions again at the 37th Nigerian Breweries Plc International Chess Championship staged in Lagos.

The seven round Swiss event pairing, was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos had World Chess Olympiad veteran, Kigigha, return to the summit, a position he last occupied four years ago.

Kigigha drew against Grand Master Srirah Jha from India in the penultimate round and emerged joint first on six points with Ademola Sorungbe

but won the tie-break as both players received N275, 000.

“I dedicate this feat to all our young and aspiring players whom in some years to come would be celebrated as champions,” Kigigha remarked.

The duo of Jha and Femi Balogun also tied to third position with 5.5 points and received N75, 000 each.

Coker extended her dominance in the female category by retaining her title after contesting in a three-way tie of 5.5 points with the duo of Toritsemuwa Ofowino and Omodalewa Akintoye but won on tie break.

The trio bagged N108, 300.

UCL: Kompany flays City fans ban

M

anchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, has criticised the ban on away fans, after his side’s 2-2 Champions League draw, behind closed doors at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

Kompany said City had been punished unfairly after the game was played in a near-empty stadium, with fans banned over previous CSKA disturbances.

“Why the hell do we not have any fans here? What have our fans done wrong? There’s no fairness in it,” the Belgium international said.

Despite the ban, a group of

vocal CSKA supporters still watched from the main stand.

City was pegged back on Tuesday despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, and is without a win from its opening three games in Group E. “I never quite understood why it was being played in Russia anyway. I always thought it was a massive advantage to Moscow,” Kompany added.

“You say no fans, all of a sudden you turn up and

the team who has no fans is Man City. Who’s being done for racism, Man City or CSKA?”

Kompany

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, October 23, 2014

55

Martins tourney enters q-finals IFEANYI EDUZOR

Q Glo League results

Action involving Kano Pillars (yellow shirts) in a recent League game

PAUL EREWUBA

A

s the African Men’s Clubs Basketball Championship dunked off Monday in Burkina Faso, captain of Lagos Islanders Basketball club, Seun Akinwale, has predicted success for Kano Pillars Basketball and Mark Mentors Basketball Club of Abuja at the championship which ends on October 29.

Akinwale, whose game time was hampered by an accident that kept him out of contention for about three months, told Na-

K

0

Bayelsa

Dolphins

6

0

Nembe

Sunshine

2

0

Gombe

Taraba

2

0

Lobi

Rangers

1

0

Sharks

Enyimba

1

0

El-Kanemi

Pillars

2

1

Kaduna

Abia

1

1

Heartland

Wolves

7

1

Crown

Giwa

vs

Nasarawa

(pp)

FIBA: Akinwale tips Mentors, Pillars for glory tional Mirror yesterday that his confidence derived from the fact that the same players that qualified the teams were in Ouagadougou.

“I believe that with the new FIBA rule barring clubs from signing players from a rival local club, the two teams will have

Kwara set to host North Central athletes wara State will host athletes from Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa states in the inaugural edition of North Central Athletics Championships at the Ilorin Stadium Complex on October 29.

The one-day event is an initiative of the Vice-President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tunde Abdulkareem Agbaji, who is also Chairman of Kwara Athletics Association (KAA).

Athletes from the geo-political zone will not only vie for medals and prize money for the top three finishers. They will also compete in the sprints events, quarter-mile, middle

A k w a 1 United

and long distance, jumps, hurdles and the relays.

Technical Manager of the AFN, Yussuf Alli, and Coach Abiodun Adeyemi will be in charge of the proceedings.

Agbaji, who is a former quarter-miler and retired chartered accountant, said he had resolved to fund the competition to ensure sustainable growth.

“Kwara had in the past produced great athletes like Sunday Bada, Hameed Adio, Bisi Afolabi, Olapade Adeniken and many others,” the sponsor noted, stressing, “We are now continuing in that culture of discovering new talent and nurturing them to become world beaters.”

their players intact,” he said.

“FIBA Africa says you cannot get a player from another club in the same country to compete for the continental assignment.

“I think that getting a player from another club usually breaks the team’s chemistry because the player is going to come in a short

time, maybe in two weeks or in a month, bring his own team’s philosophy and playing pattern which may break the team’s chemistry.

“Going by current record, Mentors and Pillars are the best two in Nigeria and I think they will do well this time.”

Manteau, Okoro shine in Benin Golf IFEANYI EDUZOR

V

alentina Manteau and Chukwudi Okoro have emerged winners in the ladies and professional categories of the 20th Benin Ladies Open Golf Championship.

Manteau, who recently returned to the game after a long break, posted 162 gross to emerge winner in her category that featured about 100 golfers from different parts of the country at the three-day event.

Esther Oyome from Ikoyi Golf Club with a total of 170 gross was the first runner-up while former Lady Captain of Ibori Country and Golf Club, Asaba, F. Okoh-Baya came as the second runner-up with a total gross of 179 just as the duo of Debby Otabor of Benin Golf

Club and R. Danjumah of IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja placed fourth and fifth with a total gross of 180 and 184 respectively.

In the professional category, Okoro from BCGS recorded 71 gross to cart away the giant trophy while his compatriot, Ibrahim Ocheje, with a total gross of 72, emerged the first runnerup ahead of Victor Enaigbe of UBTH Golf Club whose gross total was 73.

However, the junior children category played on over four holes saw Egheghie Ade-Akhani winning the encounter with 33 gross ahead of the Mahmud sisters of Aisha and Hauwa who both had 37 and 39 gross respectively to place second and third while the fourth position went to Mercy Ojeifor Ofure with 46 gross.

uarter finalists have emerged in the on-going Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Football Tournament for Catholic Churches in the Lagos Archdiocese.

St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Ladi-Lak and St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Oke-Afa emerged from Group A, while St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ipaja and St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Tedi qualified from Group B. Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo and St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kirikiri Town grabbed the tickets in Group C, with Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Arida and St. Thomas Catholic Church, Onilekere emerged from Group D. In the last group game matches, St Gabriel, Ladi-Lak drew 1-1 with St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland to top the table with seven points while Ss Peter and Paul, OkeAfa beat St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja by 3-0 to garner six points that placed it second on the table.

St Joseph, Ipaja piped St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Agboju 1-0 to lead Group B with five points, while St. Peter and Paul, Tedi secured five points also but with inferior goal difference after beating Christ the King Catholic Church, Ilasamaja 2-1 to place second on the table.

Church of Assumption, Falomo settled for a 2-2 draw with St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikoga-Zebbe to earn seven points that placed it on top of the table ahead of St Joseph, Kirikiri Town that defeated St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Owode-Ibeshe 3-0 to pull a haul of six points.

Our Lady of Holy Rosary, Arida humbled Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Ogba by a lone goal to climb to the top of the table with seven points, leaving the second spot for St Thomas, Onilekere that beat St Theresa Catholic Church, Epe by 3-0 to garner five points.

The quarter finals will feature St Gabriel, Ladi-Lak versus St. Peter and Paul, Tedi, Church of Assumption, Falomo against St Thomas, Onilekere, St. Joseph, Ipaja confronting St. Peter and Paul, Oke-Afa and Our Lady of Holy Rosary, Arida locking horns with St. Joseph, Kirikiri Town.

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Crowd renting and the fallacy of our democracy

L

ast week when I commented on imposition of candidates as the death knell of our democracy and also on the topic of readiness of Delta State for a female governor, several people called or sent me SMS for or against my deposition. Article 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants freedom of expression, and this is healthy for democracy. Specifically, Section 39 (1) states that Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. Therefore, castigation of aspirants (myself included) is not constructive in any material sense.

Another freedom every Nigerian citizen enjoys is freedom of association.

Section 40 of the same Constitution provides that every Nigerian “shall be

F

ormer manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, yesterday dismissed suggestions that he hand-picked David Moyes as his successor at the club.

Moyes took charge of United in the summer of 2013 amid reports that he was personally chosen by

Guest Columnist

Alex O. Atavware

Akpodiete

entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.

During this heightened political season, many people are associating with politicians (or is it politicians associating with people?) One of the means of this association is through rented crowd. At a recently concluded political rally held in a neighbouring state, several aspirants were there with large crowds. When the rain started falling, a guy ran under our umbrella. When confronted he said “all of us na de same, if APGA bring food and money, we go join and chop.” He was clearly lost from “his” group, and further inquiry revealed that he had been “mobilized” by the agent of an aspirant that he had never met.

A group of people put on a bus for a fee just to come to a political gathering, ostensibly to create the appearance that the person has a great following, when in actuality it is another example of ‘stomach infrastructure’ depicts the rented crowd syndrome. A positive way to look at it is from the viewpoint that it provides temporary employment for the hapless Nigerians interested; after all ushers are hired by event planners to provide services at weddings, conferences etc. In fact, the rented crowds tend to make a lot of noise, even more than the actual supporters. I am not sure if it is a performance to try and get a return call

IN THIS BUSINESS THE ASPIRANT AND

‘CONTRACTOR’

NEGOTIATE THE AMOUNT TO PAY PER HEAD. IT IS SIMPLE

ENTREPRENEURSHIP or just an honest attempt to make sure they have earned the money paid, not matter how meager.

In the American movie industry, “extras” are paid a fee to appear in movies.

They are usually not famous actors, but people looking to eke out a small living or just boast to friends that they were in a movie. So, those you see in the background of many Hollywood films earn a daily fee regulated by the union. Maybe we should unionise the burgeoning crowd renting industry, given our experience from the exploitation of workers through excessive casualisation. One can earn a reasonable income as a contractor of rented crowds for political gatherings.

In this business the aspirant and ‘contractor’ negotiate the amount to pay per head. It is simple entrepreneurship.

Of course some youths are getting smarter by the day and probably have idea on the going rate for daily political work, just like their day labourer coun-

terparts on the streets of most major cities. Four years ago, I was an ad hoc staff during one of the elections. I overheard a youth screaming at his handler that the money paid him was less than he heard was supposed to be given for each member of the group.

Prior to the last Osun State governorship election, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, commented on a rally by saying, Nigerians are aware that at the rally was a crowd mobilised from other states to join APC officials, who were forced to relocate to Osun to create an impression of massive support for the party and its candidate. The insinuation does not tell the entire story.

Recently, the online news agency, Sahara Reporters, reported that the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) , was been hit by allegation of fraud, “with some members of the group accusing it of staging a crowd in support of the president and refusing to pay them as agreed.” Some months back, I wrote against the use of youths as political thugs.

Crowd renting can for our youths a form of political socialization, as long as they are not involved in violence. That notwithstanding, no one is renting these crowds because they want to school them on the finer points of politics. It is essentially to accentuate the actual ‘popularity’ of the political aspirants involved.

It is the late Chinese leader, Mao Zedong, who said: It is necessary for intellectuals, students, soldiers and the average peasant to pay attention and involve themselves with political work. Although a communist, he is also credited with saying that democracy and honesty play roles in the reform of a nation. So, do not be fooled. The next time you see a mammoth crowd chanting after an aspirant to the high heavens, it may not be a true reflection of his/her popularity.

Rev. Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State via Profatawa@gmail.com

Sport Extra

I had no hand in Moyes’ United job –Ferguson Ferguson as the man to take over the Red Devils.

But in excerpts of his updated autobiography, Ferguson denied such claims about the appointment of Moyes, who was sacked in April last year following a disas-

trous campaign.

“There appears to be an accepted view out there that there was no process. Nonsense,” Ferguson said.

“We feel we did everything the right way: quietly, thoroughly, pro-

fessionally.

“As the results deteriorated, each defeat was a hammer blow to him.

UEFA Championship Results Atletico 1 - 0 Malmo Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus Liverpool 0 - 3 Madrid Lodogorets 1 - 0 Basel Leverkusen 2 – 0 Zenit Monaco 0 - 0 Benfica Anderlechi 1 - 2 Arsenal Galatasaray 0 - 4 Dortmund

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