Wednesday march 2, 2016

153 Nigerians on death row in Malaysia, China over drugs george ojI AbujA

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enate yesterday raised the alarm that about 153 Nigerians are currently awaiting ex-

Onyeama

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ecution in Malaysia and China, following their involvement in illicit drugs.

The lawmakers also revealed that four out of 11 Nigerians on death row were executed in April

Wednesday, March 2 , 2016

2015 by Indonesian authorities despite pleas for leniency by Nigeria, the United Nations and Amnesty International.

This was as the senaContinued on Page 2>>

Power generation drops to 2,800mw P.6

Fashola

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Court orders OBJ, Yar’Adua, Jonathan govts to account for recovered loots National Mirror Online

Wale IgbIntade

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ustice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered successive governments since 1999 till date to disclose the total amount of recovered stolen public funds.

The court also ordered that each successive government from 1999 till date must account for the amount of recovered stolen public assets spent as well as the objects of such spending and the projects on which such funds were spent.

The judge gave the order while delivering judgement in a Freedom of Information suit no: Continued on Page 2>>

Sack of 12 new varsities’ VCs illegal –Reps

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L-R: Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo with Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Barr Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, during the #GivingTuesdayNg 2016 Centurions Luncheon in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Fear over possible sack of Oyegun, APC chairman

Aviation fuel scarcity disrupts flight ...as aggrieved PDP members form new party, PMP operations P.7

N2bn Oronsaye’s fraud case re-assigned

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Court orders OBJ, Yar’Adua, Jonathan govts to account for recovered loots CONTINUED FROM PagE 1

FHC/IKJ/CS/248/2011 filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP. The court held that successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 “breached the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability for failing to disclose details about the spending of recovered stolen public funds, including on a dedicated website.”

Consequently, the court ordered President Muhammadu Buhari to “ensure that his government and the governments of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and former President Goodluck Jonathan account fully for all recovered loot.”

Justice Idris dismissed all the preliminary objections raised by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government had through its counsel, Sheba Olugbenga, filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated March 26, 2012 contending that SERAP lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

He also contended that that the action was statute barred; and that SERAP’s affidavit evidence offended the provisions of the Evidence Act. On May 8th 2012 the Federal Government filed additional written address in support of its Preliminary Objection, arguing most extensively on the retroactive nature of SERAP’s request; that is, the Freedom of Information Act, having been enacted in 2011, does not apply to spending by governments since 1999.

But, in response, SERAP argued that the FOI Act is special specie of legislation to liberalise and expand access to information for all Nigerians adding that the Act does not impose any requirement of locus standi on applicants.

SERAP also argued in its pleadings that “by virtue of Section 1 (1) of the FOI Act 2011, it is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any

public official, agency or institution.

It further stated that by the provisions of Section 2(7) and 31 of the Act, the Accountant General of the Federation is a public official.

The organisation said: “The information requested relates to the spending on recovered stolen funds since the return of civilian rule in 1999.

“By Sections 2(3)(d) (V) & (4) of the FOI Act, a public official is under a binding legal duty to ensure that documents containing information relating to the receipt or expenditure of recovered stolen funds are widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means.

“The information requested does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act. “The government has no reason whatsoever to deny SERAP access to the information sought. The requested information, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FOI Act, bothers on an issue of national interest, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.

“The power or dis-

Flooded area at Ijora during the rain in Lagos, yesterday. cretion to refuse to give access to information requested for cannot be exercised in vacuo. Such a power or discretion must be provided for by the FOI Act itself.

“This means, therefore, that a request for information can only be denied or turned down if the information requested is one which is exempted from disclosure under the provisions of the FOI Act. “In the case at hand, the information requested for by the plaintiff relates strictly to the spending of recovered stolen funds since the return of civil-

ian rule in 1999.

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law.

“In a democratic society, this is meant to be a norm; it is an apostasy for government to ignore the provisions of the law and the necessary rules made to regulate matters.”

SERAP had in its statement of claim sought for an order of mandamus

PHOTO: NAN

directing and or compelling the defendants/respondents to provide the Plaintiff/Applicant with up to date information on recovered stolen funds since the return of civilian rule in 1999.

It further sought for detailed information on the total amount of recovered stolen public assets that have so far been recovered

by Nigeria Reacting, SERAP Deputy Executive Director, Olukayode Majekodunmi, said: “This judgment confirms the persistent failure of successive govern-

ments starting from the Obasanjo government, to respect Nigerians’ right to a corruption-free society and to uphold constitutional and international commitments on transparency and accountability.

“The judgment is an important step towards reversing a culture of secrecy and corruption that has meant that highranking government officials continue to look after themselves at the expense of the well-being of majority of Nigerians, and development of the country.”

153 Nigerians on death row in Malaysia, China over drugs CONTINUED FROM PagE 1

tors disclosed that two Nigerians were executed in China also in April last year, even as 120 others are still on death row for drug-related offences, with 74 of them being held in Guandong and Guanxi provinces.

The lawmakers said in Singapore, one Nigerian is awaiting the hangman’s noose because of his participation in drug offence.

These revelations came to light yesterday during a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa and supported by 21 others.

The senators consequently urged the Federal Government to restructure and reposition the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,

NDLEA, to be able to meet the challenges of evasive drug traffickers who use Nigerians to traffic the illicit products.

The lawmakers also asked the police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, and other regulatory agencies to develop a collaborative approach towards curbing the incidence of drug use and abuse in the country.

They, in addition, mandated the Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to urgently consider the amendment of Section 23 of the PCN Act, to include the sale of prescription pills over the counter as an offence punishable by the Act. In his lead presentation, Ashafa disclosed that

many Nigerian youths’ involvement in illicit global drugs trade had led them to be currently on death row in different countries.

According to him, drug offences in some countries attract capital punishment.

Ashafa expressed concerns that in spite of the execution, some desperate Nigerians were still not deterred.

He said: “The case for leniency was rendered impotent because, at that point, seven fresh cases of drug trafficking involving Nigerians had just emerged in Indonesia.”

He stated that these desperate Nigerians used to disguise as university students colluding with drug syndicates to undermine the visa system and

gain entrance into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other drug traffic routes.

According to him, 30 out of 80 foreign students arrested in 2015 were Nigerians in Malaysia where authorities have confirmed that 40 per cent of foreigners arrested for drug offences are from Nigeria.

Senator Ashafa regretted that Nigerians’ involvement in drug business is tarnishing the image of the country.

“Our nationals are viewed with suspicion and subjected to demeaning treatment at airports across the world as a result of this negative perception.”

The lawmaker chided the Federal Government

for not taking serious actions to curb the menace of drug couriers and their sponsors within and outside the country.

In their contributions, Senators Sam Anyanwu, Oluremi Tinubu, Barau Jibrin and Ovie OmoAgege also condemned the rate at which Nigerian youths are involved in drug-related offences.

In particular, Senator Tinubu called for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres to handle Nigerians already addicted to drugs.

In his short remarks, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stressed the urgent need to curb the menace of illicit drugs among the youths before it escalates.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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NEWS

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L-R: Community Engagement Officer, Inclusive Women Organisation, Yewande Ajayi; Nollywood actress, Rachael Oniga; Executive Referral Team Nigeria, Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola and a member of the organization/singer/actress Dayo Amusa, at the Inclusive Women International Lagos Conference, in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Company Secretary/Group Legal Adviser, Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, Titilola Omisore; Managing Director, Dr. Layi Fatona; Group Chief Executive, Mr. Deji West and Managing Director/CEO, NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale, at the NASD OTC Market Analyst Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, Coca-Cola Company, Alex Cummings; Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Ben Langat; CEO, Bintas Enterprises, Alhaja Bintas Kabiru and Group CEO, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Dimitris Lois, during a trade visit to NBC/Coca-Cola Dealers in Lagos yesterday.

L-R: Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Richard Adedamola Kasumu; Super Falcons and Liverpool Ladies star, Azeezat Oshoala; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and another member of the House, Honourable Nurudeen Sholaja during Oshoala’s visit to the Speaker in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

58% of Nigerian youths unemployed-CBN

•Reps seek to replace 23,000 ghost workers Chidi UgwU and george opara

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entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said that a 2014 National Baseline Youth Survey Report issued by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youths Development recorded that 58 per cent of youths were unemployed in 2014.

According to the Survey, unemployed female youths stood at 51.9 per cent, while 48.1 per cent of their male counterparts were unemployed.

The apex bank gave the figures yesterday during the signing of a Tripartite Agreement on the establishment of CBN Entrepreneurship Development Centre for South East zone located in Abia State.

Director of CBN Development Finance Department, Dr M. A. Olaitan, who represented the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, stated that it was the attempt to reverse this decline in the nation’s economy that informed the decision of the bank to actively develop, support and complement efforts of other government agencies by establishing EDC in each of the six geopolitical zones.

“The Bank’s primary mandate among others is to ensure monetary and price stability. CBN has over the years performed some major developmental functions through interventions in the real sectors of the economy. These interventions are on creating enabling environment to stimulate the flow of credit to the real sector for job and wealth creation and diversifications of the

economy,” he said.

He added that it was also developed out of the need to promote entrepreneurship spirit among youths and provide insight in tools, techniques and framework to start, manage and expand their business enterprise as well as linking them to financial institutions for start-up capital.

Emefiele said the Bank as an economic agent of government, also need to address some of the key challenges of skilled manpower and devise practical measure to engage the army of unemployed youths in the economic activities to meet the country’s efforts to becoming the economic hub of Africa by the year 2020.

“It is a known fact that the country is experiencing a number of development challenges such as low capacity utilization,

huge unemployment and poverty, failing infrastructure, corruption, insecurity and other negative trends in macroeconomic management challenges,” he added.

He also said the enhanced CBN Nigeria Entrepreneurship Development centres are strategically designed to target tertiary institutions graduates, secondary school leavers and owners of existing business.

Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Finance, Abia State, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, said Abia is strategically located to carry other south eastern states along in the programme.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering a proposal that seeks to replace the 23,000 ghost workers, recently removed from the payroll of federal civil service with

many unemployed youths, eager, prepared and willing to work.

Hon. Dickson Tarkighir brought this motion yesterday under matter of urgent public importance during plenary.

He said: “It is no doubt, very disturbing, the discovery that, while millions of eligible Nigerians are without jobs, some unscrupulous elements within the federal civil service have deliberately engaged in not just falsifying the staff strength of the service, but have upped the numbers by several thousands, wherein they sit and collect accruing salaries and allowances while applicants continue to roam the streets in several hundreds of thousands without jobs.”

Leading debate on the motion, Tarkighir said if the 23,000 ghost workers are drawn from the 36 states of the federation besides Abuja, each state

would stand to have 621 employment opportunities.

Not a few lawmakers agreed on the prayer of the motion that since the system has demonstrated the financial capacity to withstand the pressure of catering for over 23,000 ghost workers, it would be patriotic to advise the executive arm of government to replace the ghost workers with qualified applicants from all over the country.

Tarkighir said the House was committed to easing the unemployment problem facing the youths in the country.

“Do the mathematics per state, per federal constituency and you will have a grasp of what effect the decision of this House on this day shall have on the nation on the unemployed who voted us with the belief that we shall better their lots,” he added.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Fear over possible sack of Oyegun, APC chairman obiora iFoh AbujA

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ational secretariat of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, has been deserted by members of the National Working Committee, NWC, following a 10day leave embarked upon

by National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, as talk of his possible sack is fast gaining ground.

Also, some members of the national executive of the ruling party are said to be having a running battle with each other over inability of some of them to account for funds in their custody.

The possible sack of Odigie-Oyegun may have been a direct result of the meeting held last week at the Presidential Villa, which was attended by top party leaders, including the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and APC leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu amongst others.

It was reported earlier that Chief Odigie-Oyegun was forced to proceed on compulsory leave, which may end his tenure as pioneer chairman of APC. Oyegun had told newsmen on Friday that he would be starting a 10-day leave beginning from Monday.

When asked on the reason for the break, he said: “I have been chairman for how long now? Going to two years, and it has been a very intense period building the party and a very intense period putting government together up to this point.

“All that has happened is that I think I deserve a bit of a break and that will start effective Monday and in my absence my deputy here, Mr. Segun Oni, will cover my beat. It is that simple, it is that straightforward. Any speculation about not being in the office is of no consequence.

“On Tuesday I was down with malaria, I managed on Wednesday to attend that crucial meeting at the Presidency. Yesterday I had to go to the hospital just to be sure and today I am at work, full stop.

“So please, please, please I know the press is supposed to be imaginative and steer the news, but not when there is really nothing to steer. It is that simple.”

Our correspondent, who visited the national secretariat, however, observed absence of nearly all national officers except Oni, who is acting chairman,

and National Youth Leader, Dasuki Jalo, who came briefly on Monday and yesterday.

“All the national officers are staying away because they don’t want to answer questions as regards the running of the party,” a staff of the secretariat, who pleaded not to be named, told newsmen in confidence.

Another source revealed that the acting national chairman has moved into Oyegun’s office.

“That is an indication that Oyegun might not come back because if you are acting as chairman, he is supposed to act from his own office not Oyegun’s office,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a new political platform, the Peoples Mega Party, PMP, believed to be packaged by fronts for aggrieved bigwigs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has come into being.

Although, no notable politician was present during the formation meeting of the new political organisation, the picture painted by the promoters, who spoke at the event was that they were just acting as forerunners.

At the National Executive Council/National retreat held by the promoters of the yet-to-be registered party, National Coordinator, Chief Perry Opara, told the delegates that the mission of the new political platform was to provide a very focused and patriotic body devoid of negative traits of impunity and confusion.

“The major people who are in the party are former members of the PDP who are disenchanted by the high level of corruption, high level of impunity and high-handedness in the PDP. “They have decided to form something very new and they are of the opinion that they should hand over the party to younger elements, who are less corrupt and who can be able to fight for the interest of the people,” he said.

Following renewed leadership crisis in PDP, many chieftains of the party have been forced to leave, while others have expressed frustrations over the current state of a party, reputed to be the biggest on the continent.

Chief Opara, who is a close associate of the estranged PDP chieftain and former Presidential aide, Alhaji Ali Ahmed Gulak, said apart from the bigwigs from the for-

L-R: ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs Salmatu Suleiman; outgoing ECOWAS Commission’s President, Mr Kadre Desire Ouedraogo; President Muhammadu Buharia and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadijat Bukar-Ibrahim, during Ouedraogo’s farewell visit to President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. mer ruling party, there are others from even All Progressives Congress, APC, who are desirous of pitching their tent with the new party.

However, Opara declined to mention names of those PDP and APC members floating the party, saying none among them have given permission to make it open.

“This does not mean that it is only people from the PDP that are in PMP. There are also people from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, chapters in many states. There are people from the Labour Party and there are some disenchanted people from the ruling party,” he said.

As part of major highlights of yesterday’s

meeting, promoters and members drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, voted to choose Peoples Mega Party as the party’s name.

The meeting also agreed, through voice vote to use the acronym PMP, ‘people’ as logo and ‘Forward Nigeria’ as the motto of the party.

Opara said the new organisation will take the next step to approach the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for registration.

He said PMP when registered, would focus on recruiting the youths into its fold since that segment of the society constitutes about 54 per cent of the country’s population.

N2bn Oronsaye’s fraud case re-assigned Marcus FatunMole AbujA

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ustice J. T. Tsoho of the Federal High court, Abuja, yesterday reassigned the N2bn fraud case involving a former Head of Service, HoS, of the federation, Stephen Oronsaye, to Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who was initially assigned the case in July, last year.

Justice Tsoho, according to a statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said the case file came to him by error, and the instruction is that the file be returned to the judge who started the matter and so will simply record it and return it.

Tsoho was quoted further as saying the court had never asked for the case to be moved to another judge, and that the case had not commenced before Justice Kolawole.

“It has been realised that the case came to me in error, and I’ve been instructed that it should be returned to Justice Kolawole who started it; he should continue where he stopped. I wish you the best of luck,” the statement quoted Justice Tsoho as saying.

Oronsaye is being prosecuted by EFCC on offences bordering on stealing and obtaining money by false pretence.

He was alleged to have been involved in several contract awards during his tenure as HoS, and is being prosecuted along with Osarenkhoe Afe on an amended 35-count charge.

EFCC said the accused had taken a plea of “not guilty” before Justice Kolawole, to the initial 24-count charge brought against them, but that findings from further investigations, had necessitated a need to amend the charges, in which Oronsaye, Afe, and Fredrick Hamilton Global

Services Limited, were alleged to have been complicit in several biometric contract awards.

In the amended counts, the anti-graft agency informed that the accused were charged along with three other corporate bodies - Cluster Logistic Limited, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited and Drew Investment and Construction Company Limited.

Justice Kolawole had fixed February 16, 2016 for the defendants to enter their pleas for the amended counts; but on the said date, information at the court indicated that the case had been reassigned to Justice Tsoho.

At the sitting before Justice Tsoho, they could not, however, take their pleas as there were no legal representatives at the proceeding for Cluster Logistic Limited, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited and Drew Investment and Construction Company

Limited.

The trial judge had at the sitting adjourned till March 1, 2016 to ensure that the defendants were served with the amended charges for the case to proceed.

At the resumed sitting today (yesterday), prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that the co-defendants had been served with the summons.

“We have served the fourth, fifth and sixth defendants with the summons, but they still have not appeared, and no legal representative,” Jacobs said.

Citing Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Jacobs urged the court to enter a plea of not guilty for them since they are corporations.

Kanu Agabi, SAN, counsel to Oronsaye, did not raise any objections, neither did Oluwole Aladedoye, counsel to Afe and Frederick Hamilton Global Services.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Power generation drops to 2,800mw Chidi UgwU AbujA

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ederal Government yesterday said electricity generation has dropped to 2,800mw from 5,000mw attained two weeks ago due to incidences of vandalism of power infrastructure across the country.

According to a statement by the Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, the chairman of the commission Dr. Anthony Akah, disclosed the development yesterday at an occasion for the signing of memorandum of understanding, MoU, with the Consumer Protection Council, CPC. Akah, also disclosed the

commission’s plans to compel electricity distribution companies to publish their meter deployment schedules.

According to the commission, the move is to ensure Discos adherence to the meter roll out plan contained in the performance agreement signed with government by the utility firms.

The NERC boss solicited support of members of the public and the council to collaborate with the service providers and security agencies in ensuring security of electrical installations.

Akah who led other members of management of the commission to CPC headquarters for the sign-

ing of the MoU said: “Such publication will make unmetered customers to be aware of the estimated period they have to wait before they can be metered.”

While declining comment on implementation of the tariff regime in response to questions from newsmen, Akah said the commission “has issued a non-tolerance statement on wrongful estimated bills, compelling custom-

ers to buy, install and repair transformers, poles, unsafe electrical connections and other unsafe practices by the electricity distribution companies.”

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to monitoring the strict compliance of NERC’s regulations by operators in the sector.

He said the collaboration between NERC and CPC is part of “concerted

efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of estimated billing and eliminate them completely,” while lamenting the increasing spate of vandalism of electrical installation, electricity facilities theft and other unwholesome acts by electricity consumers.

Commenting on past collaboration between the two organisations, Akah said such partnerships need to be strengthened as

the NERC perfects plans to put electricity distribution companies under commitment to fulfil their service level agreements.

Speaking earlier, the director general of CPC, Mrs. Modupe Atoki, had commended the long standing relationship between the two agencies even as she encouraged others agencies to emulate the collaboration between CPC and NERC.

Removal of 12 new varsities’ VCs illegal - Reps ...party, not me, brought their replacements - minister

UbOng UkpOng AbujA

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ouse of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, yesterday declared that the recent sack of the vice chancellors, VCs, of 12 new nniversities established in 2014, was under clear illegality and impunity by the Visitor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is just as the Education minister, Adamu Adamu, who has been under pressure to resign over the action, told the committee that he was not party to the recommendation of their replacements, saying that the party, All Progressives Congress, APC, was the recommending source on the matter.

The House had referred a resolution on the sack to the committee to consider, leading to the subsequent invitation of the minister to defend the basis of this sack at point of law.

At the hearing yesterday, the minister insisted that the 12 universities were illegal, having no law backing them, stressing also that the sacked VCs were en-

joying the proceeds of illegalities in form of salaries and allowances and should be made to refund all.

Confronted with the Universities Miscellaneous Act, which surpassed any other law establishing any university, the minister said the law did not recognise the 12 universities which he claimed had no law.

However, chairman of the committee, Aminu Suleman, pointed out that the Act establishing the universities were passed and signed into law in 2014, but was not gazette. However, the minister insisted that since they were not gazetted, the schools are illegal, even as they had no governing council.

Asked under what law the VCs were removed and replaced, he said under the same Universities Miscellaneous Act. The committee which was practically angry and unhappy with the minister for evading truth in his explanations, said the President abandoned the law when it suited him to remove the VCs in a “military style,” even as they condemned the minister for relating with the school which he claimed was illegal.

L-R: Pro-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Jerry Gana; Overall Best Graduating Student, Ayodele Dada; Vice Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Duro Oni during the UNILAG 2015 Convocation Ceremony in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

FG may re-introduce paper pencil test for UTME ... as JAMB releases over 200, 000 results Regina OtOkpa

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here are indications that the Federal Government may consider the re-introduction of Paper-Pencil Test mode in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination, UTME, phased out in 2014.

The reversal may be instigated by the need to carter for the interest of vast number of candidates who are not computer literate and living in remote locations but had to comply with the Computer-Based Test, CBT. Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave this indication yesterday in Abuja when he visited some centres in the FCT to monitor the

ongoing UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, JAMB. Adamu, however, said he was satisfied with the conduct of the CBT mode of the examination so far, noting that he is glad that the board has addressed most of his concerns of Nigerians.

He said: “I seem to be very comfortable and happy with what they are doing. But my question has not been answered; that there may be people who are not computer literate; so, what do you do with them? I do not have reservation about CBT but I have sympathy for those who are not computer literate and there are many of them.”

Meanwhile, registrar and chief executive officer of JAMB, Dibu Ojer-

inde, has disclosed that over 200,000 candidates’ results have been released since the examination commenced on Saturday.

He said candidates who sat for the examination, were at liberty to visit the website and source their results.

More than 1.85 million candidates applied to take the examination nationwide in 2016.

The figures, however, recorded a slight increase of 113,673 applicants (1.47 million) candidates over those who applied for the examination in 2015.

The examination body commenced full CBT in 2014 after eliminating the Paper Pencil Testing system same year.

Ojerinde also said the Federal Government has mandated the Nigerian Communications Com-

mission, NCC, to create at least four new CBT centres annually.

“Nigerian Communications Commission has been mandated to give us at least four centres every year. “Meanwhile, the first four are fully completed, the next four would soon be built and with time every nook and cranny of the country will have functional CBT centres,” Ojerinde stated.

The tertiary examination body, prior to the commencement of the examination last week, gave a 48-hour grace period to enable candidates who were aggrieved and unable to conclude their registration process to do so.

The portal was subsequently shut down to the public on the mid-night of February 25, 2016.

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News

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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Weak education structure costs Nigeria $2bn annually –NASS Regina otokpa Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Binta Garba, yesterday lamented that not less than $2bn is spent by the elite yearly on foreign education.

She described the trend as embarrassing but noted it could be curbed if stakeholders work at strengthening the weak educational structures in the country.

According to her, some of government’s economic policies were deliberate ploys to reduce such huge capital flights by 2019.

Garba noted that the ongoing scale-up of efforts by tertiary institutions in Nigeria to fall among tertiary institutions ranked among the top 1000 best universities in the world, was a positive development.

The senator maintained that such contending is-

sues still needed to be brought to the front burner, to ensure that Nigerian tertiary institutions rank among the best 100 in the world in the near future.

She said: “Capital flight from education in Nigeria is about $2bn. This is something we must work hard to put a stop to.

“We, at the National Assembly, are projecting that before 2019, there should be a very drastic reduction of such funds

going out of the country,” she said.

Meanwhile, Federal Government yesterday appointed members of governing councils of 12 federal universities, established by erstwhile President, Goodluck Jonathan.

In the new appointments, sister of the Senate President, Gbemisola Saraki, was appointed the Chairman of Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, at the inaugural ceremony, warned the new governing councils against undue interference in the day-to-day administration of the institutions.

While insisting on a part-time approach to their jobs, he charged them on the new educational concept which is to guide and set examples for management on how to train students in character and learning.

Adamu further urged the councils to supervise and monitor the effective entrenchment of the committee system and ensure plurality in decision-making process.

Recently, the 13 federal universities generated heated controversies fol-

lowing the sack of their Vice Chancellors and appointment of substantive VCs to replace those sacked.

Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, had faulted the sack of the VCs by the government, insisting that only the governing councils reserved such rights even as they also criticised the establishment of the universities which according to them, were also not properly gazetted.

The universities were Federal University OyeEkiti (Ekiti State), Federal University Birnin Kebbi (Kebbi), Federal University Dutse (Jigawa), Federal University Dutsin Ma (Katsina), Federal University Gusau (Yobe), and Federal University Gusau (Zamfara).

We’ll support local production of essential drugs –Buhari Rotimi Fadeyi, AbujA

L-R: Deputy Chairman House Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Nwulu Chinedu; Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo; Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market, Hon Tajudeeen Yusuf and Member, Hon Damburam Abubakar, during an oversight visit to SEC Headquarter in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured pharmaceutical companies in the country of government’s

Aviation fuel scarcity disrupts flight operations olusegun koiki

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omestic flight operations were yesterday disrupted in major cities across the country due to scarcity of Jet A1 otherwise known as aviation fuel.

As at yesterday, majority of the airlines, namely Aero Contrac-

tors, Med-View Arik Air, First Nation Air Peace and a few others cancelled over 45 per cent of their flights to numerous airports across the country.

Also, hundreds of passengers who had hitherto hoped to get flights to their destinations could not make the trip as they were stranded at the air-

ports, especially in Lagos and Abuja.

Statement issued in Lagos by the spokesman of Arik Air, Mr. Ola Adebanji, said the limited supply of aviation fuel across the country in the last few days had greatly affected the airline’s flight operations.

Adebanji said with over 100 flights daily, the

limited supply of aviation fuel had resulted “regrettably, into flight delays and sometimes outright cancellations.

“We appeal to our valued passengers to bear with us at this time even as we remain committed to providing safe and comfortable flight experience. We sincerely apologise for any incon-

Explaining how the incident happened to newsmen in Ile-Ife, Falae expressed shock over the incident and alleged that some people were after his life.

“I was coming from Akure approaching Ilesa.

I saw some vehicles ahead of me. There was a bullion van in front. The vehicles ahead of us were overtaking the bullion van and we too followed.

“I nearly passed them when I heard a shot and I heard a bang on my car.

We stopped and we saw that they had fired at our

car.

“They didn’t stop. We stopped at Erin-Ijesa and complained to the police at the check-point that we were fired at by some police following a bullion van at Ile-Oluji junction,” he said.

Also commenting on what happened, Falae’s personal assistant, Captain Moshood Raji said: “Yes, it’s true, they shot at the car as we went past them between Ikeji Arakeji and Ipetu in Osun State as others did.

“There were three vehicles, the first a Hilux

van that carried the policemen, then the bullion van and the pilot. Chief Falae’s Jeep drove past the pilot, so one of the policemen fired at the jeep.

Nobody was injured and Chief Falae and everybody is fine.”

He said Falae would report the matter to the police authority in Akure.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of Osun Police Command, Folashade Odoro, said police authorities have not been briefed on the matter.

Falae escapes death as police shoot convoy Boladale BamigBola, OsOgbO

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fenifere chieftain and chairman of Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief Olu Falae, yesterday narrowly escaped death when his convoy was shot at by some mobile policemen.

Falae, it was learnt, was on his way to Ile Ife to attend a meeting with Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi before his convoy was shot at by some policemen at Ile Oluji junction, along Ilesa/ Akure express way.

venience our passengers may have suffered due to the fuel shortage.”

Just recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Securities and the former Lagos Airport Commandant, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), stressed that the issue of aviation scarcity and high price had been with Nigeria for a long time.

Ojikutu recalled that the problem started in the country after the pipeline that supplies aviation fuel from Ejigbo to the airport was vandalised in 1992.

He noted that attempts to use articulated vehicles to bridge the gap brought about the high cost of the product ever since.

He said until the names of importers and those who got subsidy for the supply of kerosene as aviation fuel as well as the names of owners of the fuel tankers were made known to the public, the problem would not be solved.

support to enable them produce essential drugs locally, instead of relying on wholesale importation.

Buhari disclosed this while receiving a team, led

by Professor Olu Akinkugbe and constituted by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library to develop an agenda for the health sector in the country.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari recalled that the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, which he headed in the 1990s, had developed what it called “institutional strengthening,” in which PTF supported pharmaceutical companies with resources to encourage local production of drugs.

On privatisation of healthcare institutions as canvassed in some quarters, Buhari stressed the need to be careful and take a look at the state of development of the country before considering the option.

The Olu Akinkugbe-led team had earlier given insight into its agenda for the health sector to include proposals on healthcare financing, developing health intelligence/observatory to preempt epidemics, simultaneous focus on primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.

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FG probes death of Yabatech student OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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ederal Ministry of Health has set up a panel of enquiry to investigate why the management of Federal Medical Centre, FMC Ebute Metta rejected a sick female student of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos

and her eventual death.

The deceased, Miss Charity Muatin Dazan, who died about two weeks ago, was a Higher National Diploma Two, HND II, student of Yabatech, OTM Bilingual.

A source close to FMC told our correspondent that the deceased who was brought into the hospital in a critical condition was

rejected by the hospital management because she could not pay the sum of N35,000 as part payment before the commencement of treatment on her by the hospital.

The panel of enquiry, which began sitting at FMC Ebute Metta yesterday, is headed by the Senior Consultant Doctor, FMC one, Dr. Okudiafor.

It was learnt that the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Yewande Jinadu, had issued a stern warning to the nurses and doctors as part of her policies not to attend to any patient brought in without at least deposits of N30,000.

At the time the deceased was brought to the hospital, one Dr. Osude was the one on duty, but because

of the standing order of deposit of some amount of money before commencement of treatment, the doctor rejected the sick lady brought by her costudents.

However, while the students were taking the deceased to another hospital in the neighbourhood, she gave up the ghost, a situation that infuriated her colleagues who stormed the place in annoyance and threatened to destroy assets of the hospital.

But when the hospital management sensed danger, the management immediately ordered the Head of Medical Records, one Mrs. Akinfenwa, to

immediately open a file for the deceased student in the hospital and entered series of medical tests carried out on the deceased, but which were never conducted on her.

One of the colleagues of the student, who simply identified himself as Collins, in an interview with our correspondent, insisted that if Charity had been accepted in the hospital, she would have still been alive.

Collins could not however say what ailed the deceased, except that she was vomiting and showed sign of weakness before being brought to the hospital.

Investors allege dubious activities in Lagos mortgage firm

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increasingly important African business, is particularly relevant, as we all work to build one of the leading financial services franchises in Africa.

I have no doubt that both he and Victor with their expertise and depth of business experience will ensure that the Bank is best positioned to deliver on its strategic ambition.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Phillips, for all that he has done for the Bank in guiding UBA through a particularly challenging period.

The Board feels that the strong foundations created during Mr Oduoza’s term provide an excellent basis for our further success.”

rate investors on Monday stormed a Lagosbased mortgage bank in Ikeja on a peaceful protest that lasted several hours, paralysing its operations.

As some of the company directors and officials took to their heels for safety reason, the protestors alleged that the firm defrauded them to the tune of millions for fake housing scheme.

The placards-carrying demonstrators while presenting their statements of accounts and other documents to newsmen accused the Managing Director, Mr Abimbola Olayinka, of misappropriating their deposits.

According to Mr Abimbola Oduola, spokesperson for the victims, “After making the one-third downpayment and meeting all other requirements to own a home at Dreamville Estate, Ikorodu, the Resort Savings and Loans Plc kept posting us as to when we would take possession. When we got tired of this, we decided to approach the property developer, A&J Estates, which denied having been funded

by Resort.”

He stressed that their deposits ranged from N5m to N12m and above.

He said the mortgage firm, a federal government recognised PMI, having been caught out in its lies, promised to return their processing fee that included N105,000 for NHF and downpayments. However, rather than pay up, he said since last year they were being issued dud checks, thus aggravating the issue and necessitating the protest and calls for aid by the relevant authorities.

Efforts to speak with the management staff failed, as calls and text message to the MD were also rebuffed.

But a staff of the embattled company, who pleaded anonymity, admitted that even the workers were being owed for months and appealed for calm.

“They should exercise patience. The MD and Head of Treasury are working to ensure they get paid. If they continue like this, the bank will fold and they will lose more than us. And NDIC won’t pay them more than N200,000 for their deposits.”

Rectors of the Seminary who are ex students of the school. Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie and Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job both Emeritus Bishops of Lagos and Ibadan Catholic dioceses respectively will receive awards and recognition at the luncheon.

The sensitisation effort has taken the NEC to its

Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Ibadan branches with Abuja branch waiting in the wings. NEC has also visited some individual members in an attempt to reach a great number of members ahead of the event.

These visits according to the association’s National President, Mr. Segun Ogunade the sensitisation drive is necessary

to mobilise members from far and near to attend the event and ensure that not one old boy of the minor seminary is left out in this gathering of all old boys.

He therefore enjoined Catholic faithful who are passionate about priesthood to join the association in its effort to support the training of priests to the glory of God

L-R: Former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr. Lekan Balogun and Osi Balogun, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa, at a press conference heralding the coronation of the 41st Olubadan, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, yesterday.

UBA appoints Uzoka as Group Managing Director

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nited Bank of Africa, UBA Group Board has approved the appointment of Kennedy Uzoka as the new Group Managing Director, with effect from August 1st, 2016 and subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Mr Uzoka succeeds Phillips Oduoza, who retires on July 31, 2016, after two terms of leading the UBA Group.

Kennedy Uzoka has most recently been leading the transformation agenda of the Bank, after returning from completing the Advanced Management Programme of Harvard Business School.

Mr Uzoka has over two and half decades of experience in commercial

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s plans to hold a luncheon for its priests gather momentum, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Oke-Are Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN) has embarked on sensitisation visits to branches and members nationwide.

OSOBAN, the acronym for the alumni association of St. Theresa’s Catholic

banking, strategy and business transformation.

Prior to his sabbatical at Harvard, Mr Uzoka served as Deputy Managing Director, UBA group and was also the CEO of UBA Africa, responsible for the Group’s operations in 18 countries across Africa.

Mr Uzoka is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from University of Benin and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from University of Lagos.

Also appointed today, was Victor Osadolor as the Deputy Managing Director, UBA Group. Mr Osadolor brings a strong finance and risk background, having previously served as the Executive

Director, Risk and Finance at UBA. Mr Osadolor also held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Ecobank Transnational Incorporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria. He also holds the Advanced Management Programme Certificate from the Harvard Business School.

The Chairman of UBA Group Mr. Tony Elumelu said of both appointments: “Kennedy brings an extremely strong skill set and is ideally positioned to lead UBA in its next phase of growth. His most recent experience of managing the Group’s

OSOBAN NEC sensitizes members Minor Seminary, OkeAre, Ibadan has concluded plans to host its priest members to a luncheon tagged OSOBAN; Luncheon With Our Priests scheduled for May this year. The programme aimed at forging greater interaction between the two sets of graduates of the Seminary i.e priests and non priests. Also the

event would help in the association’s drive to support the training of Catholic priests The event which holds at St. Agnes Catholic Church, in Maryland, Lagos has the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins as Chief Host, will also witness the awards and honours for

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Three persons feared dead as fuel-laden bus explodes PATIENCE OGBO

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Parts of the roof of a building destroyed by rainstorm following an early morning rain at Eric Morre Street, Apapa Road in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Olubadan-in-Council insists no legal impediment against Olubadan’s coronation K EMI O LAITAN IBADAN

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lubadan-in-Council yesterday insisted that there is no legal impediment against the coronation of the Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday.

Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun, said this at a joint press conference by the Olubadan-inCouncil and top officials of the state government, led by a former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli.

It will be recalled that Seriki chiefs, led by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, have kicked against the installation of the high chief as the new Olubadan, with a pending case at the Oyo State High Court on the matter.

Balogun said arrangements are in top gear for the coronation of the new Olubadan and presentation of staff of

office by the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday.

Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Alhaji Olayiwola and Alhaja Suwebatu Adetunji of Adetunji compound, Popo Yemoja, in the South East axis of Ibadan metropolis.

High Chief Balogun explained that the ceremony would be attended by dignitaries, foremost traditional rulers and top musicians across the country, some of whose works were produced by the Olubadan-designate on his ‘Omo Aje’ record label years back.

He said: “The kingmakers of the Olubadan of Ibadanland chieftaincy are empowered by the extant 1957 Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration to propose as candidate, the most senior chief in the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the stool of Olubadan.

“Having satisfied all the conditions precedent according to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, High Chief Saliu Akan-

mu Adetunji has been appointed the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“The Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, will be presented with the instruments and Staff of Office on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the traditional Mapo Hall Arcade, marking his official recognition, acceptance and endorsement as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

While going down memory lane, he said the incoming monarch became a Mogaji in 1976 and Jagun Balogun in 1978 and rose through the ranks, climbing 23 steps in the Balogun line, until 2015 when he became the Balogun of Ibadanland.

He commended the efforts of the state government towards the installation of the new Olubadan, stating that citizens of Ibadan across the 11 local governments in the land are being mobilised to grace the occasion.

“It is delightful to note that the incoming

Olubadan is a doyen of the entertainment industry, having used his business acumen, organisation, exposure and experience to promote successful artistes. So, these musicians and dignitaries from all walks of life will grace the occasion.

“Over 200 indigenous clubs under the aegis of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII and all socio-cultural organisations are participating fully in the events, which will surely include all the traditional rites and steps typical of the installation,” he explained.

A visit to the palace of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland at PopoYemoja indicated that preparations are in top gear to ensure a befitting ceremony, while the place is being given a facelift.

The interior of the historic Mapo Hall, which will play host to visitors during the installation ceremony, is also being given a new look.

hree persons were feared dead at the Isolo area of Lagos yesterday after a bus loaded with several 50-litre jerry cans, filled with premium motor spirit, PMS, exploded.

It was learnt that the explosion at Musiratu Lasisi Street, occurred around 4.30am.

Our correspondent learnt that the incident may have been the handiwork of vandals who were probably coming from Ikorodu when their bus had mechanical problem.

A source said: “The ill-fated bus was coming from Ikorodu but had brake failure along James Oni Street, which made the driver to nosedive into a nearby truck parked in front of a bakery.”

A resident, one Musiratu Lasisi, said: “I was sleeping on top of my building because of heat and suddenly I heard very loud noise like bomb. So, I looked down and saw fire.

“I woke up my other colleagues and told them that something was wrong and that there was fire. I went down and removed my motorcycle and that was when I saw one man sitting by the pavement of Kembroz School.

“He was screaming for help but no one could go near him because the fire was much. He came out from the passenger seat and eventually he died.

“But the driver also came out of the bus from the other side. He was rescued by the people in the Cele church (Celestial Church of Christ) and was taken to the Isolo General Hospital.

“The bus had about 15 jerry cans of 50 litres each and all of them contained petrol. It looks like they are vandals or they went

Gunmen abduct female students from hostel in Lagos PATIENCE O GBO

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hree students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, BMJS, Ikorodu, have been abducted.

They were kidnapped by gunmen at about 8 p.m. on Monday.

Lagos State police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the police have begun a manhunt for the suspects and the abducted girls whose identities are yet to be known.

She said: “Three female students were tak-

en away by some criminals on Monday night but investigations are on to track then. At this moment, we cannot give you more information but you will be briefed as event unfolds.”

A police source who did not want to be named said: “The crimi-

nals gained entry into the school by breaking the fence from the thick bush surrounding it.

“Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, and a team of crack detectives were at the school premises till about 4 a.m. yesterday and detectives are combing

the bushes already.”

Gov Ambode

to buy vandalised fuel because there were very few seats in the bus.”

A member of the Celestial Church, Deji Ogunleye said: “At first they tried to use fire extinguisher to put out the fire on the body of one of the victims but they could not achieve much.

“It was one of my church members, Kayode, who rescued the driver of the bus and took him to the Isolo General Hospital. But the driver was later moved to Gbagada General Hospital by rescue workers.

“If not for people in the church, even the driver would have died. Just looking at the bus, you will see that they bunker fuel. It is configured to carry 50 litres and the marks on the kegs are evident of this.

“It was the driver who told us that they were four inside the bus. He said they were coming from Ikorodu and that a woman called Alhaja, who was also in the bus was his mother.

“He was trying to come out when the fire started but couldn’t. So, Kayode and other church members assisted him.”

Executive Secretary, Isolo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Jubril Olusegun, who was at the scene said: “I was called in morning that a bus caught fire and that no one knows where they were coming from and where they were going; that the bus collided with another vehicle selling sachet water.

“Only one person survived. Two corpses were recovered. I also heard that there was one Alhaja inside the bus. The only person who survived said that. The incident happened around 5am and I was called around 5.30am. I rushed down immediately because I stay in the neighbourhood. That was how we started rescue operation.

“Maybe the bus was coming from a far place where they went to do rubbish. And maybe they were running from security agents. People must be mindful of their actions and take precautions. It is pointless engaging in illegal activities.”

The identities of the victims are yet unknown.

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Absence of lawyer stalls trial of alleged serial fraudster Wale IgbIntade

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he trial of an alleged serial fraudster, Princewill Arinze (alias Aboki J. Brown) who specialises in robbing bureau de change operators was stalled yesterday as his lawyer failed to appear in

court.

The suspect is also facing three separate charges in different courts at the Lagos High Court and Federal High Court respectively.

Sometimes in 2014, Arinze was abducted by gunmen within the vicinity of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, where he was to be arraigned

Abia govt vows to demolish illegal structures IfeanyI ashIkodI

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bia State governor, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu, has warned persons who erected illegal structures in places where government is constructing roads in Aba to remove them or have them demolished.

The governor disclosed this while traversing Aba, inspecting progress of work on major road projects done by his administration.

The governor who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done by the contractors, said the volume of work done by his administration shows that it has the capacity to manage resources; and called on Abians and Aba residents to pay their taxes to enable government do more.

He attributed the feat achieved by his government in the area of road construction to prudent management of resources and good strategy, assuring Abians that he would continue to serve them diligently.

The governor, during the inspection, expressed optimism that the huge canal government is constructing through Ngwa road would drain water off the roads in Aba. He also announced plans by his administration to embark on a holistic water management plan around the Ariaria International Market and adjourning roads.

Ikpeazu said government is working seriously at recovering the natural water basin around.

Some of the ongoing road construction projects include the Ifeobara road which links roads such as the Old Express, Faulks, Omuma, Port Harcourt and Uratta roads which are strategic to Aba. He said the Port Harcourt road, though a federal road, is important to the state and as such his government is working out a palliative measure to fix the road and some adjourning roads like Uratta which has been submerged by flood as a result of work on the Port Harcourt road.

Clergy urges Umahi to reduce tax hike alIuna godWIn ABAKALIKI

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ishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Bishop Lawson Elom, has urged the governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, to reduce the high taxes charged the masses to avoid impoverishing them.

Bishop Elom made this known in a sermon delivered during his enthronement as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Abakaliki and induction of a new lay president of the church.

He said if the hike in taxes continues, there would be increase in poverty level in the state.

The clergy noted that the state government is doing well in providing street light, good roads and water for the people, but that it should be mindful the way some hoodlums fraudulently collect money from the innocent citizens of the state in the name of tax.

He noted his preparedness to lead the people of the church to support government.

He lamented that if the situation continues it may affect the growth of the church in terms of infrastructural development, stressing that the situation has affected the citizens of the state and members of the church.

before Justice Aishat Opesanwo on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining $92,000 under false pretence.

In the present case before Justice Raliatu Adebiyi, Arinze is facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and armed robbery. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Arinze told the court that he was surprised that his lawyer was not in court.

He told the court that he had engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who promised to appear in court for his defence.

Justice Adebiyi observed that a defendant is entitled to engage a lawyer of his choice, adding that the trial

would be adjourned to enable him contact his lawyer or a lawyer would be provided through the Office of Public Defender, OPD, of Lagos State. The court also directed the prosecution from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to contact the defence lawyer and inform him of the trial date.

Consequently, Justice Adebiyi adjourned the matter till March 23 for mention and April 6 for trial respectively.

In the new charge, Arinze was alleged to have on or about June 28, 2013 at number 20, Sanni Adewale Street, Lagos Island, committed armed robbery contrary to section 402 (2) (a) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 17 Laws of Lagos State.

According to the informa-

tion on the charge sheet, he was alleged to be armed with a gun and robbed one Alhaji Alabi Saliu of US$40,000, £5,000 well as well N348,000.

The defendant was also alleged to have on or about October 13, 2009 and June 10, at Lanre Shittu Motors, Alaka, Surulere, stole $20,000 from one Alhaji Idris Musa, contrary to section 403 (8) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 17 Laws of Lagos State.

Arinze who is sometimes called Nwobodo had previously been arraigned in two separate courts in Lagos on fraud-related charges.

He was docked on October 25, 2013 before Justice Saliu Seidu of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a 15count charge bordering on forgery and obtaining under false pretence.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail but he was unable to meet the bail conditions hence he was consigned to prison custody.

In another court, he was arraigned on November 20, 2013 before Justice Opesanwo alongside Katchy Okoye and Matthew Usong on a 12-count charge that borders on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

They were granted bail but could not meet the bail terms.

Arinze was brought to court from Ikoyi Prison, Lagos, but was abducted by gunmen from among prison warders. He was recently arrested for committing a similar crime.

Chairman APC Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye (second left) U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, Mr John Bray (third left) with some members of APC Enugu State during the visit of the Consul General to APC Enugu.

Police arrest fake naval officer emmanuel ezeh ENUGU

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suspected fake naval officer identified as Sunday Oka, a native of Isielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been apprehended by the police in Enugu State.

It was gathered that Oka had allegedly been swindling unsuspecting members of the public in Onitsha, Anambra State as well as in Enugu and its environs.

Enugu State Police spokesman, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement yesterday, said the suspect was nabbed by the operatives of the New Haven Division of

the Enugu State police command.

He said Oka was apprehended when he allegedly dressed in a Nigeria Navy’s T-shirt, with a cap and went to the station where he identified himself as a naval officer.

Oka came to Enugu from his residence in Mmakwum Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Amaraizu further stated that the suspect had gone to the police division “to solicit for the release of his associates-in-crime identified as Abea Johnson and Henry Nwankwo - all of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, but residing in

Onitsha.

“They were nabbed earlier by the operatives on an alleged case of being in possession of fake currency notes, for they had on 17/12/15 gone to a shop at Nanka Street, New Haven, to buy things with the fake currency note and through that process, get the real currency note as balance.

“However, the owner of the shop, having observed the situation, raised alarm, which attracted the attention of security operatives.

“The fake naval officer, Oka, had also gone to the House of Henry Nwakwo, where he extorted N30,000 under a guise that he was going to get Henry out of de-

tention.

“Items recovered from the suspects are 45 pieces of fake currency notes of N1,000 denominations.

“All the suspects are helping police operatives in their investigations and are pleading for forgiveness.

“Oka who revealed that he is a panel beater and married with four kids, attributed the situation he is facing to act of the devil and maintained that he wore the naval T-shirt and cap to deceive and make the operatives succumb to his request.

“He further revealed that he has not been in any of the forces, let alone the Navy,” Amaraizu added.

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Amour udemude AsAbA

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anaging director of Jemtech Global Engineering Company Ltd, Warri, Eric Jemijereye, the company secretary and some police officers attached to the company have been arrested for allegedly assaulting staff of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, on official duty in Warri, Delta State.

It was gathered that the arrest of the policemen and others by the state police command followed a formal complaint by the State Coordinator, FIRS for Edo, Delta and Rivers, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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Policemen, others arrested for attacking FIRS staff in Delta to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Baba Usman Alkali.

Without much ado, the police boss immediately ordered the arrest of Jemijereye, the company secretary and security men attached to the company.

Reacting to the arrest, the FIRS State Coordinator, Joel-Onowakpo, who commended the police for the prompt response which led to the arrest of those who aborted the tax monitoring work of

the staff of the Service, however warned that the FIRS, under the watch of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, would not tolerate any act of lawlessness in the pro-

cess of tax collection.

Joel-Onowakpo, specifically commended the police commissioner for showing good example by not shielding those involved, particularly when

his men were fingered to have been involved in the assault.

In his comment, the police commissioner decried the assault, saying the Federal Government is

taking seriously the issue of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and vowed that his command would do all it can to protect tax officials as they go about their lawful duty.

APC plotting to rig rerun elections –Wike dennis nAku

Port HArcourt

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ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has alerted the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof Ndowa Lale, of a list allegedly induced by the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the aim of rigging the rerun legislative elections by imposing politically compromised returning officers.

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday when he received the Vice Chancellor and his management team, Wike claimed that one Dr Otu Ekpeyong and an APC chieftain, Dr Dawari George; the APC House of Representatives candidate for AkukuToru/Asari Toru Federal Constituency connived to draw up a list of returning officers from the institution with the aim of rigging the rerun polls.

The governor stated that Rivers government has officially notified the electoral umpire, INEC, of the fraudulent plot through a letter addressed to the National Chairman.

He said Rivers people are vigilant, noting that nobody would be allowed to subvert the democratic process.

He further stressed that the Vice Chancellor may have signed the induced list without knowing that it was masterminded by fraudulent APC chief-

tains.

He, however, warned that lecturers who allow themselves to be used by APC chieftains will face the wrath of Rivers people.

He reiterated his declaration that those who participate in election manipulation will be treated as political armed robbers.

He said fraudulent returning officers will not be allowed to get away with their illegal plot.

He assured the university that the Rivers State government will support them in executing critical projects that will enhance academic success.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Lale said the university will continue to partner with Rivers State government to advance learning.

He also solicited the support of the governor on the completion of projects in the faculties of Law, Social Sciences and Humanities.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndowa Lale (l), receiving a souvenir from Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, during the Vice Chancellor’s visit to Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Court orders EFCC to release Jonathan’s former ADC doosuur iWAmbe AbujA

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he High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi yesterday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to release the Aide de Camp to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe.

Adegbe had sued EFCC at the Abuja High court, seeking N100m compensation for alleged unlawful detention by the anti-graft agency.

Specifically, Adegbe said he had been in EFCC detention since February

11, without being charged with any offence.

His counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN) contended that EFCC, by his continued detention, violated his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under Section 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to him, the EFCC’s action violated Articles 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The plaintiff said he was summoned by Army authorities from the United Kingdom where he was attending a course after he finished serving as

Jonathan’s ADC on May 29, 2015 to face EFCC interrogation.

His brother, Daniel Adegbe, who deposed to an affidavit in support of the suit, stated that EFCC had continued to detain the ex-ADC despite having obtained his statement on the day he was arrested.

Among the plaintiff ’s prayers is “An order directing the respondent to release the applicant from unlawful detention with immediate effect.

“Or in the alternative to Prayer 2, hereof; an order admitting the applicant to bail pending his trial in a court of competent juris-

Dasuki approved N447m for ISPS - Witness WAle igbintAde

M

rs. Olamide Odusanya, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Safety and Administration Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, and six

others, yesterday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that the sum of N447m paid to the committee on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was approved by the office of National Security Adviser, NSA. Odusanya, an Assistant Director in the International Finance Services

Department of the agency, stated this yesterday in her evidence before Justice Ibrahim Buba led court.

Akpobolokemi and five others are standing trial before the court on 22 counts bordering on allegations of conversion and theft in the tune of N2.6 billion levelled against

him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Charged alongside Akpobolokemi are Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and AlKenzo Logistic Limited.

diction.

“N100m as general damages for unlawful detention of the applicant.

And a written apology by the respondent to the applicant.”

He also contended that EFCC’s action violated Articles 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights .

The plaintiff is seeking the following prayers, “A declaration that the arrest and continued detention of the applicant by the respondent since February 11, 2016 is unconstitutional as it offends his right to personal liberty as guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

In his ruling, Justice Yusuf Halilu ordered the commission to release Adegbe on bail, adding that he be released on bail on very liberal terms pending arraignment for any offence which he might have committed.

Halilu also said the law must be handled evenly between an individual and the government.

14

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Politics

‘APC has power but doesn’t know what to do with it’ 14

We ’ll not tolerate agents of destruction in PDP again —George Ayo EsAn

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he former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chief Olabode George has vowed that the party in Lagos state will never tolerate agents of destruction in its fold again.

George who was speaking at the General Assembly of PDP in Lagos yesterday in an address titled: ‘PDP: A new beginning, a new revival’ said the party’s failure to win the last governorship election in the state was caused by agent provocateurs within the PDP rank.

He however praised the courage of many members of the party saying even with the desperate game of back-stabbing and deliberate treachery, the party still scored the best result ever since 1999.

“Despite the crude treachery from within, we

still fought a good fight; we can hold our head high. Our party members were largely loyal and dedicated. They worked for a good cause.

They labored tirelessly.

They were men and women with vision and solid dedication”, he said. George said the greatest challenge of Lagos PDP has always been indiscipline.

“People don’t obey the rules of the game. People invent their own rules. This cannot continue. Nobody is above the constitution of the party. We must either conform with the strict adherence to the normative pattern of party rules or we ship out. There will be no exemptions. The party is supreme.

“We must begin now with a new attitude of respect for the rules and authority. Whatever we have all agreed upon must be binding on everyone regardless of status or rank.

“It is in this spirit that I want to restate clearly here and now that our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has always frown upon groupings, caucuses, provincial alliances, village clubbing, hamlet association or whatever you call it!

“Enough of all these so called groupings. It is unhealthy. It is divisive. It does not build a healthy and strong national party. It is

parochial and destructive”, he further said.

He said all the caucuses and groupings should pack up forthwith and fuse into the integral body of the party saying ‘PDP is our truly uniting body. It is our unifying strength and our great beacon of solidarity’.

He urged the members to move forward with the same vision, with the same attitude, with the same spir-

it and the same resolve saying “we will start anew with a sense of renewal and a sense of reinvigorated mission.

Speaking while delivering his welcome address at the occasion, the state chairman of the party, Capt.

Tunji Shelle commended members and leaders of the party for their steadfast.

He said the APC that came to power in May 2015

has not been able to do anything for the people of Nigeria.

He said since APC came to power nothing has been achieved adding that with no economic team, the party in power has lost focus.

He said though the APCled Federal Government is said to be fighting corruption but it has failed to fight the corruption at its backyard.

Lagos assembly calls for investigation into Oshodi murder RobERt AWokusE

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he Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni to investigate the murder of Mr. Anene Otazie which occurred last week at Ladipo Market, Oshodi area of the state.

Otazie’s death followed the clash between security agents and traders during a protest against alleged extortion by one Monday Ijoba.

Ijoba and his gang members were reportedly employed by the local government authority in the area to collect charges from the traders who protested the extortions.

Otazie was said to have been hit by a stray bullet

during the protest, while a few others were injured.

The call followed a motion moved by Hon Jude Idimogu (PDP-Oshodi/Isolo II) under matters of public urgent importance on the floor of the House.

Idimogu, who decried the incident, said such incident needed to be investigated to prevent further destruction.

According to him, one Awoyemi family who claims ownership of a portion of land in Ladipo Market, came to the market with armed thugs to destabilise it.

He said that the thugs destroyed a lot of properties at the market and killed the victim in the process.

The lawmaker further called for a quick passage of the Land Grabbers Bill to check all land-related issues.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu; Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Governor, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, presenting APC flag to APC Chairmanship Candidate for Binji Local Government Area, Alhaji Umaru Danhabe, at a rally in Sokoto state yesterday.

WilliAms AttAh GOMBE

G

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State yesterday charged the newly sworn-in Local Government Caretaker Chairmen in the state on the need to explore various areas of generating revenue for the development of their areas.

According to Dankwambo, the call became necessary for governments to look inward to ensure diverse revenue sources as well as reduce wastage of the past.

He said, “Today we are faced with the reality of dwindling allocation of Federation Account, your abil-

Dankwambo charges new LG boss on revenue generation ity to come up with innovations of generating internal revenue as well as reducing wastage will go a long way in determining the extent to which you were appointed.”

He said men at the helm of affair in the local governments were re-appointed because of their loyalty and dedication to service and the way they have unite the people in their various local governments.

He enjoined the people of the state to live in peace despite their diverse cultural

and religious differences.

He also appealed for vigilance and cooperation with security agencies even as he reiterated his Government’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people.

Before the swearingin, the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Mr James Pisaghi said the swearing-in of the caretaker chairmen was a function of the State Executive Governor accorded to him by the law in conformity with the

provision of the State Independent Electoral Commission section 73(3) and (4).

Responding on behalf of the caretaker chairmen, Mr Faruk Dankuka of Billiri Local Government promised to ensure that they give effect to the real meaning of their appointment through diligent service and dedication.

He promised that they will be committed in implementing programmes that will promote growth and development of the state.

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Politics

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘APC has power but doesn’t know what to do with it’

Jerry Otuaro is a legal practitioner and human rights activist. He is the Co-ordinator of the Foundation for Human Rights and Anti Corruption Crusade, FHRACC. In this interview, he speaks on a number of issues affecting the Niger-Delta. BENSON EDJEWHOVBO brings the excerpts.

Do you see President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as working towards a true change that could bring about a positive development in the Niger-Delta?

I wouldn’t want to be perceived as a pessimist. However, the reflection of true change with regards to the Niger-Delta development in the Buhari-led administration is far from visible. Though, the administration is just nine months old with 39 months left, he has ample time to make necessary amends. I think the recent happenings are a reflection of backpeddling with a dashed hope for the future of the Niger-Delta. This was concretised by the recent scrapping of the Maritime University in Delta State by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, under frivolous excuses.

The real problem of government with the university is its citing in the Niger-Delta region and awarded by the opposition ledgovernment. In reality, the Buhari-led administration has no blueprint for the governance of the country, not to talk of the Niger-Delta.

As a corollary, I can boldly state that the Niger-Delta is the least in his agenda.

What do you think is the greatest ‘change’ Nigeria needs now?

In my view, the greatest change needed now is in two-folds: first, the country needs to be restructured so as to enthrone true fiscal federalism as against the partial federalism being practiced today.

This, I think, will place composite states of the federation in a position to harness their respective resources for their betterment in particular, and the country at large. In doing so, Nigeria can then conveniently diversify its economy to engender simultaneous growth in the states’ respective pace.

Secondly, corruption must be brought to the barest minimum, with no sacred cows in the fight as opposed to what obtains in today’s practice and must be championed in accordance with the rule of law.

The Warri- Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group has allegedly fingered an Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, as being behind the bombing of the oil pipelines and that he should also be questioned by security agents. What is your reaction to this?

While I will not be inclined to accuse Ayiri Emami of being behind the bombing in the absence of concrete evidence, it is worrisome seeing the role played in recent times by this Itsekiri leader. Those of us that know him are sure enough of what Ayiri is capable of doing

theatre of war is been prepared which I fear may result in an avoidable full blown crisis in the region. To avert same, I recommend that the wisdom of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, sustained by the immediate past administration, be adopted rather than military action.

Another of my suggestion is the need for the full implementation of the amnesty programme and other policies aimed at addressing the problems of the Niger-Delta.

Otuaro

Looking cLoseLy at the governance of this country,

nigeria, one wiLL be tempted to concLude that the masses are enveLoped in Lies and propaganda. to make money and remain relevant politically. A call for questioning of Ayiri Emami should therefore not be out of place, if good reasons are given in that regard.

Is the recent attack on oil pipelines capable of starting another round of IjawItsekiri war?

While it is true that the Ijaws and Itsekiris have both tasted the bitter part of tribal war in time past, I think neither will want to wish for a second round of inter-tribal war. But the recent bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines is a sure ground for breeding such evil tendency.

The role being played by the likes of Ayiri Emami in the recent bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines and his unfettered utterances and finger pointing are clear-cut facts that he is fanning the embers of war between these two neighbouring tribes. I think with the sagacity of some Itsekiri leaders of thought in prevailing on him and the complete perseverance exhibited by the Ijaws in enduring the pains been inflicted by Ayiri, I do not see the recent bombing as a likely cata-

lyst for another round of inter-tribal war between these neighbouring ethnicities.

Now, do you see military action as the solution to the renewed bombing of oil and gas pipelines in the Niger-Delta region? Besides, do you foresee any possibility of a full blown crisis in the region?

The problem in the Niger-Delta is a political one, demanding a political solution, rather than military action. Military action has never promised us the quelling of the NigerDelta agitation in the past. I do doubt the possibility of it succeeding in this present day.

It will be wise for the government to come to term with this reality and work out a political solution to address the problems of the region. The recent bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines are all offshoot of the political problems of the region.

It is alarming that government is more concerned with the oil rather than the safety and well-being of the people in the region such that at the slightest opportunity it uses its military might to invade and intimidate them.

You can imagine the outburst of government when it threatened to hold community leaders responsible for any damage to oil and gas facilities caused by hoodlums. It beats my imagination that community leaders have now been saddled with the responsibility of securing and protecting oil and gas facilities in the Niger-Delta. While I do not subscribed to the renewed bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines, I put it to government that it is government and the oil companies that are responsible for securing their facilities. It is oppressive and inimical to hold community leaders responsible for oil and gas pipelines destruction carried out by hoodlums.

In the heart of this oppressive tendency by government in collaboration with oil multinationals in the use of military action, a

What is your impression on the alleged abrogation of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State?

The cancellation of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, is a calculated attempt to sabotage the efforts of the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to assuage the people of the Niger Delta from deliberate academic subjugation and marginalisation.

The importance of education in nationbuilding cannot be overplayed,such that it is the bedrock of every progressive society.

This, I think, is the very essence for the recognition of education as a fundamental objective and directive principle of state policy as enshrined in Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which requires government to direct its policies toward ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities for all at all levels.

It is this importance that triggered the establishment of the Maritime University in an area that is totally forgotten by the Federal Government. It is saddening and oppressive for the current administration under the watch of President Buhari to attempt the cancellation of such a project which stands as the only federal project in this oppressed and politically-raped and subjugated region.

The political undertone for the cancellation is audible to the deaf and visible to blind, such that the actors are craftily playing the political script of their paymasters to gain cheap political relevance. We are not unaware of the antics and roles played by the likes of Michael Johnny, Ayiri Emami, Timipre Sylva, Chibuike Amaechi and co to punish their perceived enemies, chief of which is Tompolo.

Of utmost concern is the negative impact the cancellation is capable of causing, so that the people of the region sees the cancellation as a deliberate attempt to perpetually punish them, notwithstanding the enormous contribution they make to the federal coffer. I fear the consequences of this attempted scrapping of the Maritime University.

What do you think of President Buhari leadership’s style?

I must confess that I do not have an iota of confidence in President Buhari’s leadership style. Looking closely at the governance of this country, Nigeria, one will be tempted to conclude that the masses are enveloped in lies and propaganda. Taking another look at it, one is left with the conclusion that the war against corruption is lopsided, and yet looked from another angle, one finds that this government has no regard for court orders and the rule of law. This administration was never prepared to rule; all the APC wanted was power, and now it has it but do not know what to do with it.

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Politics

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

15

Northern Govs’ wives meet over insecurity Justin tyopuusu

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orried by the increasing wave of insecurity in northern states and the recent invasion of eight communities in Agatu, Benue state, wives of the governors of 19 northern states yesterday met in Abuja to devise ways of tackling insecurity in the region.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the forum unanimously resolved to immediately tackle security challenges in the region through awareness creation using media jingle in English and other local dialects as well as advocacy, using community leaders and market women.

Chairperson of the Forum and Wife of Zamfara state Governor, Hajia Asmau

Yari who read the communique said the group also resolved to tackle the growing menace of drug addiction through child education on the consequences of drugs and other related vices.

According to her, the forum would also look into issues of girl-child education and women empowerment, adding that northern women have a lot to contribute to national development.

Earlier, wife of Taraba State Governor, Barr. Anna Darius Ishaku, who hosted the meeting at Taraba State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro solicited for more support from their husbands to assist in women empowerment.

She challenged the forum to assist in tackling security issues, corruption, gender violence, girl-child education, health and other infant and maternal issues in their

Lagos lawmaker urges govt to support youths’ education RobeRt Awokuse

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agos lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I and Chairman House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Hakeem Sokunle, has called on government at all levels to pay more attention to the education of the youths in the country.

Sokunle made this call during the unveiling of his educational support scheme through which over 400 youths of his constituency benefited from a free intensive Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME coaching organised for the prospective candidates in order to disabuse their minds from examination malpractice.

The three months coaching was a follow up to the 150 UTME forms and scratch cards distributed to indigent students by the lawmaker.

Addressing the students at a forum to mark the close of the free UTME tutorial classes, Sokunle expressed delight over the outstanding candidates who were recipients of awards of excellence.

According to him, the programme pursued new priorities, approaches to educational and socio-economic transformation of the area, the state and the

country at large, stressing that what was given to the students through the tutorials, would accelerate greatness in all their endeavours.

“Our objective is to enhance Oshodi’s growth, development and participate in the building of Nigeria’s human capacity.

“We have a pressing duty to eradicate illiteracy and place our youths individually and collectively on a path of sustainable growth and development and at the same time to enable them participate actively in the world economy,” Sokunle stated.

He further stressed that the education support scheme was basically targeted at the enhancement of Oshodi people’s self-determination, extricating them and the constituency from the malaise of underdevelopment and exclusion in a globalizing world.

In her remark, the TutorGeneral/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs. Hameedat Anifowoshe, while counselling the students, urged them to reduce the time spent on social media and concentrate on their studies to excel.

Other constituency projects executed by the lawmaker include sinking of 12 boreholes and computer training empowerment for youths.

respective states.

National Mirror recalls that apart from Boko Haram insurgency, the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in northern Nigeria have left thousands killed and others displaced.

Only recently, more than 8,

642 persons were said have been displaced following the herdsmen invasion of Agatu community in Benue state.

There are fears that over 300 people may have been killed since the incident began days ago, forcing President Muhammadu Buhari

to order a probe into the killings in Agatu.

In neighbouring Taraba State, the herdsmen have killed thousands since their armed invasion of the state in early 2014, even as the state is currently playing host to massive influx of strange

people who constituted a security threat to resident.

This development forced Governor Ishaku to suspend some local chiefs for allocating lands belonging to IDPs to the strange people, who are committing atrocities in the State.

L-R: Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Bello Ilelah; Governor Muhammed Abubakar and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kawuwa Dhamina, during the commissioning of Wikki Spring Water Factory at Badara in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi state yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

I won’t return to PDP —Olabimtan oJo oyewAmide AKURE

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ormer speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, has vowed not to return to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Olabimtan defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress, APC, few months to the general elections last year.

State chairman of PDP, Clement Faboyede, had

JAmes AbRAhAm JOS

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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC) yesterday issued certificates of return to the candidates who emerged victorious during the supplementary elections held in Plateau state on February 20 .

Mrs Alice Dimlonghe of the All Progressive Congress, APC candidate won the election for Pankshin North constituency while Gideon Dashe also of APC was

said on Sunday that the former speaker and others would trace their steps back to the party.

But Olabimtan, who is an APC governorship aspirant, described Faboyede’s statement as a joke which people should not take serious.

The former lawmaker said in a statement yesterday in Akure that PDP had become his vomit which he could not return to, no matter how delicious it was.

He said: “Much as I

wouldn’t have liked to dignify the statement of the PDP Chairman in Ondo State, Chief Clement Faboyede to the press that some notable APC members who were former members of PDP, including myself, would be returning to PDP with a response, I feel it is necessary to put his joke to rest and say he was day-dreaming, as I have no such intention, now or in future.

“His case and that of the PDP can be likened to

a drowning man clutching at any straw to stay afloat, even with their heavy loads of mismanagement.

“I want to assure my party, the APC and my teeming supporters of my unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the party and to them and say I am still very much in the race to clinch the party’s governorship ticket in the onerous task of ending what would be eight years of brigandage and waste in Ondo State come February 24, 2017.”

Plateau supplementary election: INEC issues certificates of return to winners declared winner for Pankshin South.

The Administrative Secretary of INEC in Plateau state, Alhaji Usman Bukar who presented the certificates at the commission’s headquarters in Jos yesterday said the electoral body would continue to allow a level playing ground for all parties adding that INEC was impressed with the turnout of vot-

ers in the rerun election.

Bukar called on both members elect to ensure that they deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He also commended security operatives and politicians in the state for ensuring that the elections were conducted peaceful.

Speaking to newsmen at the premises of INEC after collecting her certificate of return , Alice Dim-

long, the member elect for Panskin North pledged to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of her constituency .

She said she had been distracted for some months because her victory was challenged at the tribunal which led to the cancellation of her election in one polling unit. “ My constituents can now have quality legislation from me now.”

Mail Mirror

16

Politics

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Larmode going the way of Maina

From The Senate with

George OJI

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ast week the senate began the final step that will most probably lead to the issuance of warrant of arrest against the immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Larmode. Larmode, who is currently a serving officer of the Nigeria Police Force is wanted by the senate to appear before it to answer to charges of corruption while serving as Chairman of the anti corruption agency. Even though by the time he was appointed chairman of EFCC in 2012, he was an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Larmode has since risen to the rank of full commissioner of police. In fact, as we write, Larmode is currently attending the Senior Executive Course Number 38 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategy Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, preparatory to being elevated in rank.

If eventually Larmode does not make himself available to the senate committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which is investigating charges of corruption against him, the lawmakers will most likely this week have cause to issue an arrest warrant against the former anti corruption Czar.

If that eventually happens, then, Larmode would have trod the same path as Abdulraheed Maina, the former Chairman of the now rested Presidential Task Force Team on Pension.

Maina still possesses the unenviable record of being the first public servant to have dared and defied the invitation of the senate to appear before it, and the lawmakers had no choice but to issue an arrest warrant against him.

Maina, who was then a level 13 officer in the federal civil service and the acting director of the Customs, Immigration and Prison Pension Office, CIPPO conducted himself in a most arrogant manner. He acted as if he was above the law.

He flagrantly challenged the authority of the most critical arm of our democracy, the parliament.

Maina who was being investigated then of misappropriation of billions of pension funds, had, mid-way his investigation, turned and accused members of the probe panel, particularly the chairman then, Senator Aloysius Etuk of demanding from him the sum of over N200 million bribe to let him off the hook. For the umpteenth time, the senate invited Maina to come and defend the allegations, but he never did, instead, he went about in the media disparaging the integrity of the senators. But like the patient dog and to the irritating chagrin of most observers of the National Assembly, the senate exercised what many people thought was a most intolerable endurance. The lawmakers gave Maina a long rope. He did not only grab the rope, he committed a most atrocious self suicide with it; he hanged himself with the rope.

T

here were expectations last week that the senate would move for the suspension of the garrulous Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC Zamfara Central) for his tantrums against the leadership and members of the senate.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which investigated the complaints against Marafa turned in its report last Tuesday. All expectations were that the senate would consider that report the next day, Wednesday and consequently wield the big stick against the lawmaker.

Even Marafa himself in anticipation of the same move by the senate, proactively took the battle to the senate the same day. In what

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

many described as a rally he engineered in his support, some youths amassed at the entrance gate of the National Assembly to show support for the embattled lawmaker.

The rally, which was scantily attended, while seeking support for Marafa, demanded instead for the removal of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

A Group of Youths under the aegis of Open Society and Good Governance Initiative, protest the planned move by the Senate to suspend Marafa.

The youths who were armed with placards containing various inscriptions, like “Suspend Saraki , not Marafa,” “Saraki leave the Senate and face CCT,” “No to the planned suspension of Senator Kabiru

Larmode

Like Maina, LarMode has reMained unperturbed by the threat of the senators as he goes about his Life without Let. The senate was so incensed that the lawmakers had to convene a special session to discuss what to do with Maina.

Following a motion by the then Leader of the Senate, Victor ndoma-Egba, the senate unanimously passed a resolution, mandating the Senate President then, David Mark to issue an arrest warrant against Maina.

A similar scenario appears to be playing out in the Larmode case. Last year in August, one Dr. George Uboh, a US trained security expert and anti graft consultant, wrote a petition to the senate, wherein he levelled serious allegations of misuse of office by Larmode, bordering on financial misconducts.

Uboh alleged amongst others that, EFCC under Larmode operates accounts in banks to warehouse recovered funds, which do not reflect in the commission’s audited accounts; that EFCC doctors and manipulates bank accounts to conceal diversion of funds; that over 95 per cent of EFCC’s recoveries in foreign currencies, aside from those from multinational companies have been diverted.

The petitioner further alleged that EFCC under Larmode

traded with recovered funds through bank deposits and placements; that EFCC did not account for offshore recoveries, that over half of the assets seized from suspects were not reflected in the commission’s exhibit records, amongst other allegations.

Last week when the probe committee submitted its report, the committee Chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu inundated the senate with several unsuccessful attempts by his committee to get Larmode to appear before it. In the end, he sought the authority of the senate to issue a warrant of arrest to compel Larmode to surrender to the committee.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who spoke immediately after Anyanwu’s presentation, cited sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, which confers on the National Assembly power to issue warrant of arrest against any errant public servant and asked the committee to do the needful by liaising with the Senate President to issue the said arrest warrant.

According to Ekweremadu, the committee did not need a resolution of the senate before it could issue a warrant of arrest against Larmode.

“So what is required here is for the committee to issue a warrant of arrest and then the President of the Senate will direct the Police to effect the arrest.

It is not the business of the senate during the plenary to do so otherwise we will be offending this part of the constitution,” Ekweremadu said.

According to him, “The issue of warrant of arrest is not something that we will take a resolution on, the resolution has already been taken by the committee.

If there is any consequential order that needs to be made, the committee can deal with that and direct it through the Office of the President of the Senate who will direct the Police to effect the warrant.”

Saraki who spoke after Ekweremadu agreed with him that the matter should not be brought before the senate but should be handled by the investigation committee.

It is expected that the committee will this week liaise with the office of the Senate President to perfect the arrest warrant. The die is cast.

Like Maina, Larmode has remained unperturbed by the threat of the senators as he goes about his life without let.

Will Larmode, like Maina remain invisible and unreachable after the warrant would have been issue? We heard that at the initial time, Larmode was courteously providing excuses for his non- appearance before the probe committee, but that he has since reverted to daring the lawmakers and threatening through his lawyer, Festus Keyamu that he cannot be summoned by the senate. His argument is that the original summons was in his former official capacity as the Chairman of EFCC. He is now boasting that he cannot in his present status answer to the summons any longer.

Update on Senator Marafa

Marafa Marafa” etc, said suspension of Marafa would portray the Senate as an institution without respect for the laws of the

land.

Addressing Journalists on their mission, the Coordinator of the group, Mr.

Emeka Ude, said the planned suspension of the lawmaker was anti- democratic and not disciplinary in anyway.

According to him, the proposed suspension of Marafa would dent the image of the senate because it is an attempt to prevent free speech among lawmakers.

He said, “Democracy thrives where there is fairness, rule of law, freedom of expression among others.

“In a situation where the legislature is foreclosing the democratic space, that is an invitation to Fascism” He insisted that the freedom of expression of lawmakers should be encouraged so that everybody will express his or her views

freely.

From all indications, the senate appear to have resolved to take Marafa unawares as it is keeping its next strategy against the lawmaker to its heart.

He maintained that senate President Bukola Saraki should encourage others with contrary views instead of trying to suppress them.

Ude said the group was advocating the suspension of Saraki instead of Marafa because he is the one standing criminal trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

He said by referring the case to the ethics committee, Saraki had made up his mind to discipline the Zamfara Central Senator.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Living a life that speaks OKECHUKWU EMEH

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uman life is meaningful and fulfilled only when it is led in the service of God and humanity.

So, what shall we be remembered for after breathing our last in this earthly sojourn? Is it as exemplary persons, who were godly and humane and whose exit would be in a blaze of glory or the opposite, which many would be eager to welcome as good riddance to bad rubbish?

As regards the prevailing pathetic Nigerian condition, can we afford to be remembered as part of those involved in the twin scourges of corruption and mismanagement that have terribly contributed to national backwardness and appalling human suffering and the resultant crime, violence and insecurity?

What legacies are we to bequeath to posterity? Are they legacies of lofty deeds that touch the heart like self-abnegation and selfless service or the heart-rending ones of self-centredness and villainy that could make any sensible mind to puke in revulsion and disbelief ?

How would those who have come across us in life weigh our impact, considering that life without remarkable impact is not worth living? And how would the kingdom of heaven judge us, mindful that in life what matters most is not how fellow humans, who are imperfect beings and mere mortals, perceive us

but how God, the all-knowing, the allpresent and the all-doing being, would adjudicate on our case during the last judgment?

Indeed, the foregoing resonates a kind of many questions than answers about the essence of human existence. It is apt to note that life itself is ephemeral.

But how do we live a worthy life with a view to living in the hearts of men and women of goodwill when we go the way of all fresh, as well as gaining from the bounty of divine eternity? How do we lead a virtuous life that would captivate and inspire others to make sacrifices towards building a good society? All this is where the fundamental issue of living a life that speaks arises.

And you may ask: What is a life that speaks? Conceptually, it is exuding existential qualities and features that make us exceptional from others, the maddening crowd, in terms of sterling attributes like spirituality, morality, humanity and values. Suffice it to say that a life that speaks does not need one to flaunt it, but is left for others to see and emulate. For example, anyone who worships God in truth and in spirit is not required, in a Pharisaic manner, to sound boastful about being a born-again Christian or devout Muslim, as is common in Nigeria nowadays. Such a person is also not expected to pander to religiosity or being too religious. Rather, through display of spirituality, which is

A LIFE THAT SPEAKS DOES NOT NEED ONE TO FLAUNT IT, BUT IS LEFT FOR OTHERS TO SEE AND EMULATE building deep personal relationship with the Creator, people would bear testimonies to his or her pious life. Of course, this is a moral suasion against leading a life of hypocrisy and duplicity, which has been the stock-in-trade of many of our religious adherents – a disturbing situation that tends to make mockery of our system of faith and worship today.

In any case, despite attempts by some people at imposture or living a lie, the kind of life we live would always speak for us, either favourably or unfavourably. Even if one leads a life of makebelieve other people would not detect, the all-knowing God, who sees in secret, can never be deceived because, according to the Scriptures, whatever one sows so shall one reaps. On this score, it can be asserted that we are who we are and not what people, in most cases, think we are or what we want others to believe we are. Furthermore, our lifestyle is what conveys an impression about who we are; what we are up to or the level we can reach in life. That is why it is always said, as an aphorism, that good name is better than wealth.

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Thus, each and every one of us, despite our human frailties, should always endeavour to live up to our reputation, as a buffer against untoward nudging of hypocrisy, deceit and double standard.

We should, at all times, bear in mind that the kind of life we live can have serious repercussions for us, either here on earth or the great beyond. In other words, our names can be etched in the sands of time on account of our good deeds during our lifetime, while on the other hand, they could be thrown into the rubbish dump of history because of acts of villainy or infamy, apart from the comeuppance.

Now, do we lead a life that speaks or eager to do so henceforth? The choice is yours. To say the least, life without impact or legacy is unfortunate and regrettable. Such existence is accentuated by oblivion, or when remembered by those living, it is often with horror and indignation like that of Adolf Hitler whose Nazi Germany provoked the World War II that caused terrible destruction of lives and properties. What of the brutal ultra-leftist Khmer Rouge “killing fields” regime of Pol Pot in Cambodia, between 1975 and 1979, which led to the deaths of more than two million Cambodians, mainly through forced labour, starvation and execution?

To be concluded Emeh Jr, a social researcher, wrote from Abuja via okemehjr@yahoo.com

Power sector privatization: Imperative of stock taking SUNDAY ONYEMAECHI EZEH

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hree years after the celebrated privatisation of the Nigerian power sector, is it not in our national interest to take stock of the exercise? For a pivotal sector upon which the socioeconomic growth of the nation revolves, the resounding answer is YES! Like the Jews still waiting for the coming of the Messiah, Nigerians are yet to witness the much anticipated miracle of privatisation. Using the media as a tool for opinion molding, allegations of corruption and so many aspersions were cast on PHCN, its staff and anything that has to do with them. Nigerians were told what they wanted to hear.

First, Nigerians were made to believe that with privatisation, power supply shall be taken for granted.

Second, that the alleged corruption bedeviling the power sector was a cankerworm which would be completely obliterated with the advent of privatisation and many more preposterous postulations.

However, contrary to the above wrong impression earlier created, the stark reality in the sector has proved otherwise.

Nothing much has changed. We are still in the same middle of nowhere. Before the glory of one is taken away from him, the level of improvement recorded in the present power supply situation was to the credit of government, not the new owners. The flawless managerial acumen the new owners claimed they

MOST NEW OWNERS OF THE PRIVATISED COMPANIES ARE BROKE AND BEREFT OF IDEAS would bring to bear, transformation and injection of funds and expected turn-around of men and materials promised are on record as mere wishful thinking. Believe it or not, those who ventured into power business, especially in the Discos came with the mindset of scooping free cash. In fact, they were disappointed as they have to contend with the stark reality of the rot in Transmission, Generation and Distribution infrastructure and even dearth of human capital development.

Most new owners of the privatised companies are broke and bereft of ideas. How could the management of a naïve and new company sack 99.9 percent of experienced technical and non-technical staff of a sector like power and expect to break even?

Where lie the need for smooth transition from old to new and tutelage of the new employees? They also lack sufficient funds needed to transform an ageing but cost intensive vital sector of the economy. Apart from the Generation, Transmission and Distribution infrastructure put in place by government, the new owners are yet to expend one kobo on capital projects. Ask the new owners how much one meter of aluminum con-

ductor costs. Provision of good and functional operational vehicles, fuelling, and availability of mere stationeries now hamper the promised efficient service delivery.

The new owners now coerce government for bail out and intervention fund to break even or they quit on account of loss of revenue. They have insisted on foisting a new tariff regime on Nigerians or no deal. It is no longer news that Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company, owners of Yola Electricity Distribution Company had since fled the scene they much craved to occupy for lack of sufficient revenue accruing to them owing to activities of Boko Haram in the North East. Why should government provide a buffer or monetary incentive to a private business? With a notice of discontinuation of business, an undue and unfair compensatory package known as “force majeure” inserted into the contractual agreement takes care of whatever reason adduced to quit.

The “force majeure” clause makes a woefully failed businessman a celebrated hero at the expense of the nation. It is only in Nigeria that human beings could couch such a fraudulent agreement against the state and its people as a fall back mechanism for failure. There must be risk and some unforeseen circumstances in any business but how many of them do agreements take care of ?

Three years after, the new owners are living in the past glory of PHCN

as no ground breaking achievements have been recorded. The fulfillment of promises to promptly supply pre-paid meters to customers are only streaming on the social media, TV, radio and on the pages of newspapers. Installation of prepaid meters nationwide is a solution to reducing energy loss and a guarantee to the customer to personally manage and determine on his own the level of consumption. Privatisation was not the answer to the myriads problems in the power sector. In fact, availability of the scarce commodity in quantum was. Nigerians in my estimation are ready and willing to pay any price provided there is sufficient supply to power their homes and business. The competition in the telecommunication sector and near efficient services they render dwarfed the tariff charge which was as high as N50 per minute at inception. Therefore, anyone or institution of government ready to impose new tariff regime without commensurate electricity supply is putting the cart before the horse.

Eze, a media and communications specialist, wrote via sunnyeze02@ yahoo.com and can be reached on 08060901201 Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be

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Editorial

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

Revisiting NIS’ tragic recruitment drive

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he tragedy struck roughly two years ago on March 15, 2014, an ill-fated Saturday.

But reports strongly indicate that former Interior Minister, Mr. Abba Moro; an ex-Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Anatasia Daniel-Nwobia, one Mr. F.O. Alayebami, as well as Mr. Mahmood Ahmadu and Drexel Tech Global Nigeria Limited, are to be prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged disappearance of N676.6 million which the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) allegedly extorted from 676,675 job seekers during its tragic recruitment exercise on the aforementioned.

The incident claimed the lives of 19 job applicants. Moro and others are to face trial for Advance Fee Fraud (popularly known in local parlance as 419).

We recall that the NIS, following its earlier advertisement on job openings in the NIS, invited applicants, which number reports now give as 676,675, for interview at various locations across the country. Each applicant was compelled to cough up N1,000 as recruitment fee; and made to purchase an NIS vest for N500, in addition. Last year, when the House of Representatives conducted a public hearing on protests by family members of the deceased job seekers that were

VIRTUALLY EVERY ASPECT OF THE NIS RECRUITMENT DRIVE SEEMED TO HAVE TURNED A GLARING OFFICIAL DECEPTION promised automatic jobs by former President Goodluck Jonathan – a promise that is not fulfilled till date – both the incumbent Permanent Secretary in the Interior Ministry, Abubakar Magaji; and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Henry Malgwi, who represented the Comptroller-General at the hearing, denied knowledge of where the money was.

Reports credited to the EFCC, however, alleged that N202,500,000 of the amount was spent on buying No. 1, Lahn Crescent, Maitama, Abuja; and another N120, 100,000 spent on the upgrade of No. 2, Sigure Close, Off Monrovia Street, Wuse II, also in Abuja. Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited, the recruitment firm contracted for the fatal exercise; and Mahmood Ahmadu, converted N101, 200,000 to United States’ dollars for personal use, the anti-graft agency stated. The revelations were said to be contained in the 11 charges the EFCC filed against Moro and the other accused

persons recently at the Abuja Federal High Court.

The accused persons were alleged to have conspired under false pretence to induce the 676,675 Nigerian job seekers to part with the cumulative sum of N676,675,000, which represented the sum of N1,000 each of them paid for their online recruitment, with intent to defraud. Drexel Tech Global Nigeria Limited, which handled the online enlistment and recruitment services’ contract, was not a registered company; the contract was not advertised; and was awarded without Needs Assessment and Procurement Plan, contrary to the prescriptions of relevant laws.

The deaths occasioned by the suspicious recruitment exercise had sparked public outrage, with many calling for Moro’s removal from office as minister, a demand Jonathan ignored. Moro had passed the buck to former Comptroller-General of NIS, Mr. David Paradang, while the latter’s camp blamed the former minister and his business cronies for the tragedy. Indeed, not a few Nigerians will be excited with the fresh hope of justice, though coming relatively late in the day, considering the public impression created, rightly or wrongly, as well as the influence peddling that held sway, all to portray Moro as a sacred cow not deserving of even

ON THIS DAY

a slap on the wrist as punishment, despite the large number of lives lost during the shoddily organised recruitment exercise.

Besides, to pacify the families of the dead and injured job seekers, Jonathan had promised automatic employment for three members of the family of each deceased applicant; and all those injured during the stampedes. But till date, the jobs are yet to be given, despite repeated protests by representatives of the families affected; and the public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives on the matter late last year. Early last month (February), when one Mr. Edmund Osumah led members of the aggrieved families to the Interior Ministry in protest, Osumah quoted the Permanent Secretary as saying “serious attention is being given to the matter”.

Virtually every aspect of the NIS recruitment drive seemed to have turned a glaring official deception, with no one to be put on the spot until now that the EFCC has taken up the gauntlet. We agree that Moro and the rest suspects are innocent of any crime in the eyes of the law, until the contrary is proven beyond any reasonable doubt. All we urge, therefore, is that diligent prosecution of the matter be carried out in a manner that will ensure the triumph of justice in the end.

March 2, 1970

March 2, 2002

March 2, 2004

Rhodesia declared itself a republic, breaking its last links with the British crown. Rhodesia, officially the Republic of Rhodesia from 1970, was an unrecognised state located in southern Africa that existed between 1965 and 1979 following its Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom on November 11, 1965.

Its government was based at the former colonial capital of Salisbury.

United States’ invasion of Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda began, (ending on March 19 after the killing of 500 Taliban and al Qaeda fighters, with 11 Western troop fatalities). The War in Afghanistan, also called the Afghan war, began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front (Northern Alliance) launched Operation Enduring Freedom.

War in Iraq: Al-Qaeda carried out the Ashoura Massacre in Iraq, killing 178 people and wounding over 500 others. The massacre involved a series of planned terrorist explosions against Iraqi Shi’a Muslims commemorating the Day of Ashura. The bombings marked one of the deadliest days in Iraq after the war in the country to topple Saddam Hussein, as nine explosions were detonated in Karbala.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Health & Wellbeing

Facts you should know about Emergency Contraception 20

Why women should always take folic acid before pregnancy 22

New WHO report ranks Nigeria low in immunisation Sam EfEraro

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new report on Africa’s immunisation coverage released by the World health Organisation (WHO) at the just concluded first-ever Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa held last week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has ranked Nigeria among countries with unimpressive record in routine immunisation coverage.

The country was not ranked among the Top-10 Best Performing Countries in Africa which included The Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania and Tunisia but ranked among countries still being ravaged by neonatal tetanus which has been eliminated in some African countries.

Similarly, Nigeria was also listed by the report as one of the countries yet to eliminate measles or introduce the measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) into her routine immunization programmes as recommended by WHO. The report estimated that 48,000 measles deaths occurred in the African Region in 2014, representing 42% of global deaths due to the disease.

“Because measles is a highly infectious virus, its control requires more than 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) in all districts, administered through routine immunization or supplemental immunization activities (SIAs). Despite the WHO’s recommendation for a two-dose schedule, less than half (48%) of African countries have integrated MCV2 into their routine immunization programmes,” the report noted The report however noted that Routine Immunization (RI) coverage has increased considerably across Africa since 2000 while measles deaths have declined by 86% between 2000 and 2014.

Also, according to the report, the continent seems to have achieved considerable success in immunisation activities as a result of the introduction of new vaccines by some of the countries.

Again, Nigeria did not feature prominently among countries that have introduced such new vaccines, scoring 66% in DTP3 Coverage & Vaccine Introduction, below countries like Lesotho (96%), Kenya (81%), Ghana ((98%), Djibouti (78%),Burundi (95%), Benin (70%), Ethiopia (77%) among others.

The report also noted that one in five children in the region still do not receive all of the most basic vaccines they need as three critical diseases— measles, rubella and neonatal tetanus— remain endemic while many countries

have fragile health systems that leave immunization programs vulnerable to shocks.

“Immunization is undeniably one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions available.

Tremendous progress has been made to improve immunization coverage and introduce new vaccines in Africa. While many challenges remain, including the emergence of new infections and sustaining progress in the fight against polio, there are reasons to be optimistic.

“Political will and government funding for immunization are growing.

Communities and civil society are increasingly recognized for their critical role in shaping immunization systems and improving vaccine coverage by increasing demand and holding governments accountable. In addition, new vaccines are on the horizon, including vaccines for malaria and Ebola. While children are typically the focus of routine immunization systems, vaccines have the potential to benefit individuals throughout life. Introducing vaccines intended for adolescents and adults could help reduce the burden of cancer and other major causes of deaths,” the report concluded.

The advocated political will and government funding for immunization however seemed to have received a boost at the ministerial conference following the ministers pledge to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable dis-

eases and to close the immunization gap by 2020.

The conference, which was hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Offices for Africa (AFRO) and the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), was the first-ever ministerial-level gathering with a singular focus on ensuring that children across the continent can get access to life-saving vaccines.

Part of the declaration signed by the Ministers reads: We hereby collectively and individually commit ourselves to: •Keeping universal access to immunisation at the forefront of our efforts to reduce child mortality, morbidity and disability, and in doing so help our countries achieve their long-term health, economic and development goals; •Increasing and sustaining our domestic investments and funding allocations, including innovative financing mechanisms, to meet the cost of traditional vaccines, fulfil our new vaccine financing requirements, and providing financial support for the operational implementation of immunization activities by EPI programs; •Addressing the persistent barriers in our vaccine and healthcare delivery systems, especially in the poorest, vulnerable and most marginalized communities, including the strengthening of data collection, reporting and use at all levels as well as building effective and

efficient supply chains and integrated procurement systems; •Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency, as well as changing the approaches as needed, of our immunization delivery systems as an integrated part of strong and sustainable primary health care systems; •Attaining and maintaining high quality surveillance for targeted vaccine preventable diseases.

•Monitoring progress towards achieving the goals of the global and regional immunization plans •Ensuring polio legacy transition plans are in place by end-2016 that will allow future health programs to benefit from the knowledge and expertise the polio program has generated through the eradication initiative; •Developing a capacitated African research sector to enhance immunization implementation and uptake; •Building broad political will, working with communities, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, health professional associations and parliamentarians, for the right of every child and every community to have universal access to life-saving vaccines, and by extension the best possible chance for a healthy future; •Promoting and investing in regional capacity for the development and production of vaccines in line with the African Union Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan including the strengthening of national regulatory authorities.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Facts you should know about Emergency Contraception Key facts •Emergency contraception can prevent most pregnancies when taken after intercourse.

•Emergency contraception can be used in the following situations: unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives, or in cases of sexual assault.

•There are 3 methods of emergency contraception: emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), combined oral contraceptive pills or the Yuzpe method, and copperbearing intrauterine devices (IUDs).

•A copper-bearing IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception available when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.

•The emergency contraceptive pill regimen recommended by WHO is either: 1 dose of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, or 1 dose of ulipristal 30 mg, taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse; or 2 doses of combined oral contraceptive pills (also known as the Yuzpe regimen).

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception, or post-coital contraception, refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy in the first 5 days after sexual intercourse. It is intended for use following unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure or misuse (such as forgotten pills, or breakage or slippage of condoms), rape or coerced unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception is effective only in the first few days following intercourse before the ovum is released from the ovary and before the sperm fertilizes the ovum. Emergency contraception cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.

Who needs emergency contraception?

Any woman or girl of reproductive age may need emergency contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

In what situations should emergency contraception be used?

Emergency contraception can be used in a number of situations following sexual intercourse. These include: •When no contraceptive has been used.

•In cases of rape or coerced sex when the woman was not protected by an effective contraceptive meth-

The Yuzpe method

EC Pill

IUDs od.

•When there is a contraceptive failure or incorrect use, including: *condom breakage, slippage, or incorrect use; *3 or more consecutively missed combined oral contraceptive pills; *progestogen-only pill (minipill) taken more than 3 hours late; *desogestrel-containing pill (0.75 mg) taken more than 12 hours late; *norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) progestogen-only injection taken more than 2 weeks late; *de pot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) progestogen-only injection taken more than four weeks late; *the combined estrogenplus-progestogen monthly injection given more than seven days late; *dislodgment, delay in placing, or early removal of a contraceptive hormonal ring or skin patch; *dislodgment, breakage, tearing, or early removal of a diaphragm or cervical cap; *failed withdrawal (e.g. ejaculation in the vagina or on external genitalia); *failure of a spermicide tablet or film to melt before intercourse; *miscalculation of the abstinence period, or failure to abstain or use a barrier method on the fertile days of the cycle when using fertility awareness

based methods; and *expulsion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) or hormonal contraceptive implant.

Methods of emergency contraception There are 3 methods of emergency contraception: •emergency contraception pills (ECPs) •combined oral contraceptive pills or the Yuzpe method •copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs).

1. Emergency contraception pills

WHO recommends either of the following drugs for emergency contraception, for use within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sexual intercourse: •Levonorgestrel taken as a single dose (1.5 mg) Or alternatively, levonorgestrel taken in 2 doses (0.75 mg each, 12 hours apart).

•Ulipristal acetate, taken as a single dose at 30 mg.

Mode of action Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. They may also work to prevent fertilization of an egg by affecting the cervical mucus or the ability of sperm to bind to the egg.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills are not effective once the process of implantation has begun, and they will not cause abortion.

Effectiveness Based on reports from nine studies including 10 500 women, the WHO-recommended levonorgestrel regimen is 52–94% effective in preventing pregnancy.

The regimen is more effective the sooner after intercourse it is taken.

For ulipristal, evidence indicates that it prevents pregnancy in at least 98% of situations, especially if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.

Safety Levonorgestrel-alone emergency contraception pills are very safe and do not cause abortion or harm future fertility. Side-effects, generally similar to those experienced by women using oral contraceptive pills, are uncommon and generally mild.

Medical eligibility criteria and contraindications Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy. They should not be given to a woman who already has a confirmed pregnancy.

If a woman inadvertently takes the pills after she becomes pregnant, however, the available evidence suggests that the drugs will not harm either the mother or her fetus. These 2 drugs are not used for termination of pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills are recommended for occasional use only after unprotected intercourse and are not recommended for regular use as an ongoing contraceptive method because of the higher possibility of failure compared with oral contraceptive pills. Frequent use of emergency contraception can result in increased sideeffects, such as menstrual irregularities, although their repeated use poses no known health risks.

Emergency contraceptive pills may be less effective in obese women (body mass index more than 30 kg/m2) but there are no safety concerns. Obese women should not be denied access to emergency contraception when they need it.

There are no other medical contraindications to the use of levonorgestrel or ulipristal emergency contraception pills.

Counselling for use of emergency contraception should include options for using a regular contraception or additional information in case of perceived method failure.

2. The Yuzpe method The Yuzpe method uses combined oral contraceptive pills. The pills are taken in 2 doses. Each dose must contain estrogen (100– 120 mcg ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (0.50–0.60 mg levonorgestrel (LNG) or 1.0–1.2 mg norgestrel).

The first dose should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse (preferably within 72 hours but as late as 120 hours, or 5 days) and the second dose should be taken 12 hours later. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking a dose, the dose should be repeated.

3.Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs) WHO recommends that a copper-bearing IUD, when used as an emergency contraceptive method, be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.

This method is particularly appropriate for a woman who would like to start using a highly effective, longacting and reversible contraceptive method.

Mode of action The copper-bearing IUD prevents fertilization by causing a chemical change in sperm and egg before they can meet.

Effectiveness When inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, a copper-bearing IUD is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. This is the most effective form of emergency contraception available. Once inserted, the woman can continue to use the IUD as an ongoing method of contraception and may choose to change to another contraceptive method in the future.

Traditional, Religious Leaders lead Advocacy in Child, Family Health Franka Osakwe

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he Bauchi State Traditional Ruler, Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman has said traditional and religious institutions in the state will be in the forefront in advocating for adequate and timely release of funding for family and child health.

The traditional ruler made this known during a dialogue session on child and family health with the media organised by Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) under the aegis of Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) in Bauchi state, during the weekend.

He said: “The traditional,

religious and community leaders will intensify advocacy to ensure sustainable routine immunization, management of childhood killer diseases, apart from encouraging the communities to embrace appropriate nutrition status. Also, Islam is not against family planning and immunization. I therefore encourage parents to immunize their children to build a healthy society.”

In a paper titled “PACFaH: A Roadmap to Achieving Effective Child and Family Health in Nigeria”, Abdullahi Ibrahim representing FOMWAN discussed extensively on PACFaH four issue areas— Family planning, Nutrition, Routine Immunization, and Childhood Killer Diseases.

According to him, Nigeria currently occupies the top

position of the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 175million people and ranks as the tenth most populous in the world.

“Women constitute a large proportion of this population.

The presenter noted that 576 women out of every 100,000 live births, die as a result of these pregnancies and childbirths (This figure translates to 111 women and young girls dying daily or 5 women every hour), revealing that up to 30% of these are deaths can be prevented by increasing access to and uptake of contraceptives.

He lamented that despite the progress made in Family Planning (FP) through a supportive policy environment and provision of free contraceptives in public sector facilities available evi-

dence shows that budgetary provisions for FP in Nigeria is grossly inadequate to allow individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births.

Ibrahim urged the traditional and religious leaders on enhanced advocacy to policy makers for adequate funding for Family Planning programmes implementation.

On nutrition, he explained that nutrition is a multi-disciplinary issue best addressed through well-coordinated and multi-sectoral approaches, stating that the adoption and implementation of the National Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition (NSPAN) 2014-2019 will improve maternal and child nutrition in Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UN, FG restate commitment to ending violence against children in Nigeria MarcuS FatunMole AbujA

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he United Nations and Federal Government have pledged to end violence against children in Nigeria.

The decision is a partnership between the Office of United Nations Secretary General and Nigerian government, according to a statement made available to National Mirror recently by Director of Media and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Boade Akinola.

The release said Special Representative of United Nation Secretary General, Marta Santos Pais and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire met in Abuja and emphasized on the need to bring the practice to and end in the country.

The Minister said Nigerian government was committed to ending all forms of violence against children, according to the release.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

He was quoted as saying “the government is committed to end violence against children in Nigeria. The present administration opted for a slogan change, the change we always talk about is not just to the team, but change of direction and ways of doing things. And, obviously, one important change is to address violence against children.”

“Violence against children is unwholesome.

Medically, it has negative effect on the emotional and mental health of the growing child, and some of this damage last for life; and some of the children will also grow up to become violent.”

He was quoted further as saying that ending violence against children is a multi-sectoral task, and that all the line ministries namely Health, Justice, Education, Women Affairs and Social Development would jointly work out strategies toward putting an end to violence against children.

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Zika Virus: NIMR scientists call for vector control StorieS by Franka oSakwe

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n order to prevent future outbreak of Zika Virus, scientists at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have called for vector control and surveillance.

The experts made the appeal during a scientific symposium held recently at the institute in Lagos.

In his speech, an Entomologist at NIMR, Dr. Sam Awolola, appealed to government to identify areas of high risk and put vector surveillance measures in place.

“There is a need to be aware of possible local transmission in areas

where Aedes mosquitoes are more active.

“Disease surveillance should also include informing women of reproductive age about the risk of travelling to areas with outbreak, and evaluating those who travelled to such places while pregnant.

It should also include evaluating fetus and infants of women infected while pregnant for possible congenital infections”, he said.

Dr. Awolola further explained that it is difficult to completely eradicate the aedes mosquitoes due to their high resistance to insecticides, but said vector control measures such as spraying insecticide, fumigation, and fogging can

help reduce the mosquito and possible infection.

“The eggs can hibernate for 3 months, it can withstand draught and desiccation. It can breed anywhere-indoors and outdoors, and bites daytime and night time, so it is difficult to completely eradicate”, he added.

Dr. Greg Ohihoin, a NIMR researcher and Gynaecologist, also called for vigilant at the port. “ Even though the virus has no cure and no vaccine, the main concern is for pregnant women because of the possible link between the virus and microcephaly. Although this link has not been proved scientifically, it has been proven though that the virus can

be transmitted through the placenta to the baby, and during delivery.

“Microcephaly on its own is not a problem if it affects menopausal women or men, because many do not develop symptoms at all. For those who fall ill, they have minor symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pains, red eyes, headache and muscle pain lasting up to a week. But no deaths had been reported”, he added.

“This is a call for us to sanitize our environment and ensure reduction of mosquito breeding sites, by draining or discarding sources of standing water,” NIMR Director General, Prof. Innocent Ujah adviced.

More Nigerians rewarded in ongoing astymin promo

M

ore Nigerians are emerging winners in the ongoing Astymin Get Alert Promo, while also reaping the health benefit of the multivitamin.

The promo, which commenced on the 1st of February as part of the celebration of its fifteen years of existence in the country, has seen many Nigerians smiling to the bank through the promo.

According to the Product Manager, OTC, Mr. Femi Ajala, ten people will continue to win ten thousand Naira everyday while one person will win One Hundred Thousand Naira, every month, till the end of the year.

Many of the winners could not hide their joy, as they shared their experience of the winning.

One of the lucky winners, Inuolaji Bukola Ajara, said she intends to improve her business with her prize reward. Bukola who said she started using Astymin following doctor’s recommendation, expressed happiness at the cash reward. According to her, the cash prize is just an additional benefit added to the health benefit.

Corroborating her word, another winner, Pastor Mrs Esther Fe-

kumo from Igbalu area of Ikorodu, Lagos also expressed satisfaction at the benefits of the multivitamin.

According to her, the brand has consistently delivered on its promise of quality amino acid-enriched multivitamin that boosts the body immune system and enhances general well-being for her family.

“I tried it, it is very good. It kept my body very fine. My daughter also took this same Astymin sometimes ago and it boosted all the vitamins that were needed in her body. That is why we have been using it continuously in our family”, Pastor Fekumo said.

Mr Isaac Ewuba Edafe from Benin-City, who is also a winner, confirmed these claims.

“Astymin is what I buy for my entire family because it is very good. It is totally different from other multivitamins in the market. When you start taking it, you will immediately feel the effect on your body generally. This promo is just like an additional bonus for me because I and my family are already enjoying the benefits of Astymin on our health”, he said.

L-R Professor (Mrs) Ngozi Nnam, President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria and Daryl Gehlig, Category Director(Dairy), Promasidor South Africa, during a Promasidor symposium on exclusive breastfeeding at Enugu.

MLSCN arrests 4 quacks, seals 28 labs in Lagos

T

he Medical Laboratory Science Council Of Nigeria says it has closed down about 28 laboratory facilities within Lagos and also charged four persons for quackery and impersonation.

The Chairman, MLSCN National Task Force on Laboratory Inspection, Dr.Lawrena Okoro,who disclosed this during a press briefing said the council, which started its inspection last week in the State, will continue to comb the city until every laboratory facility conform to the acceptable international standard.

The council disclosed that the facilities sealed

did not meet up to the minimum standard in rendering laboratory services to the citizens, while the four persons arrested and charged, were practising without due approval from the council.

She said the aim of the exercise is to ensure that the right policies, processes, personnel, environment, equipment and In-vitro diagnostics are deployed towards accomplishing best standards of practice. She reiterated the council’s responsibility of bequeathing to the citizens, quality medical laboratory services which is in line with international standards.

“It can no longer be business as usual in the medical laboratory service sector. We intend to lead from the front, and to actualize as soon as possible, the goal of irreversible transformation of the medical laboratory service sector. Every single report or result originating from any medical facility in this country should be accurate, reliable and reproducible. These efforts have become necessary considering that research suggests that about 70 per cent of the indices required for effective disease management or surveillance emanate from the medical laboratory”,

she said.

Explaining the guidelines and standards set by the council, she warned any laboratory willing to ply its trade in the country to conform to the council’s regulation for registration, approval, monitoring and accreditation.

“Others that have minor flaws have been warned to put corrective action in place without delay. They must also conform to the council’s continuous quality improvement and laboratory designs.”

She warned others to ensure that they obtain due approval before setting up any health laboratory.

22

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why women should always take folic acid before pregnancy

How would you describe child defects? irth defects are problems that occur when a child is born with deviation from normal. Such deviation can be structural or functional. Structurally, it can be any of the heart, mouth, spinal cord that has defects. Affected part of the body does not form properly the way it ought to form.

Or maybe functional, the heart has defect, it is unable to pump blood. The kidney, maybe one form or the other could not perform its function. Those are the things we refer to as birth defects, which mean that a child is born with this deviation from normal.

What could be the reasons for the conditions?

When we talk about causes of birth defects, there are lot of factors that can put a child at risk of birth defects because there is no one way to it to say this is the particular cause. But, we know factors that can increase the risk of a woman to have a child with birth defects or what could be referred to as congenital abnormality. Take for instance, intake of alcohol, alcohol consumption, smoking, infection, micronutrient like folic acid. As small as that folic acid is, it can reduce the risk of a woman to have birth defect that can affect the brain and the spinal cord by 70 percent.

Again, this ought to be taken before pregnancy. And, many women don’t know about it. Some defects are genetic, which means that they are in the genes. Again, there are environmental factor such as insecticides or pesticides that people use to protect their foodstuff and their homes that you will find out that they also increase the risk of increasing the chances of birth defects.

There are also drugs that can increase the risk of a woman to have birth defects.

Some anti-convulsant (drugs used to control convulsion) increase the risk of having a baby with birth defects.

How long can a woman take folic acid before getting pregnant?

That is what we’ve emphasizing on. The folic acid women take while they are pregnant cannot prevent birth defects. They ought to have taken it before pregnancy occurs. Again, we know that more than 50 percent of pregnancies are not planned.

It is like globally and nationally, we are saying every woman of child-bearing age should take folic acid (0.4mg) every day. It is the normal routine micro vitamin for every woman of child-bearing age.

This is because the first 28 days of pregnancy, the brain and the spinal cord is already formed. That is the reason. At this time, many women do not know they are pregnant…That is why we are promoting pre-conception folic acid fortification. We want all our pregnant women to be fortified.

What is the relationship between Zika virus and birth defects you are talking about here?

Zika virus is a public health concern globally now. It is also causing birth defects that is known as microcephaly. When a baby’s head and brain do not form properly, it makes the head to be very small. There are a lot of issues that can be put into that.

We also know that birth defect is whenever. Zika virus as has been known now has been a threat globally with children born with the head smaller than usual. It is a form of birth defect.

Could you give some statistics on child defects globally, and in the country?

Globally, I want to say that eight million new-born come with birth defects, which makes us to say that birth defect is com-

B

0.4 miligramme of folic acid taken daily by women seeking conception will reduce the possibility of giving birth to children with defects, says President, National Association of Nigeria Pediatric Nurses, and Founder, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Care Foundation, Comrade Lawal-Aiyedun Olubunmi in this interview with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole. Olubunmi, whose organisation has helped reduced the burden of the conditions through various interventions, urges more commitment from all tiers of government in the country to stop the defects. Excerpts:

mon. One in every 33 infants has birth defects. Again, birth defect is critical, which means that one in every five child who has birth defect will die before they complete their neo-natal period. Of course, we also know that approximately, 3.2 million birth defects are related to disability every year. that is why the forthcoming World Birth Defect Day, Nigeria and our organization are ready to join to the global world to draw attention to the conditions. The truth is that we are not enough in area of awareness, prevention, care and support. We don’t also do enough in areas of surveillance. Right now, in this country, there are seven million new-born yearly. Yet, there is no statistics to tell us how many of these are born with abnormalities, so that they can be prevented.

You know partners cannot support when there is no statistics.

I also want you to know that every single day, Nigeria loses about 2300 under-five and 145 women of child-bearing age. This makes the country second largest contributor to under-five and maternal mortality in the world. We know that child defects also contribute to these problems. And, that why we want to sensitize the public.

And, the issue of discrimination, stigmatization is on the high side when you talk of birth defects. Some of them are being abused. Some of them are being beaten to death. Some of them are being thrown away. These are some of the issues with children with birth defects. We really want the public to come and understand that

this thing is not like HIV. This thing is not like tuberculosis. It is something that is not justifiable. This means that a child that is born with that kind of condition need public support. In this country right now, if you have children that have problem with the brain and spinal cord, we have very few, less than 50 surgeons that can manage that kind of challenge. We need human resource. We need material resources. Again, the WHO, CDC have pleaded that countries should step up efforts on issues of birth effect.

How do you manage birth defects?

Are there hopes for persons with birth defects in Nigeria?

We manage them. Birth defect is not like malaria and diarrhea that can be treated.

We manage them. Take for instance, a child with cleft lift, there are surgeons who manage them…That does not mean that such children will not have other problems. Some of them can never walk, some of them can never control their urine and faeces. Again, there are few facilities that can handle such, because in this country, how many children-based hospitals do we have? So, we can manage them through surgeries, rehabilitation, we go through physiotherapy…

Would you agree that there are induced birth defects, such as women who try to do abortion and such abortion fails, leading to defects in the baby?

What I would say of that is the fact that no woman wants to have a child with birth defect. Again, we know that there are criminal abortions. What that mean is that there is going to be infections. All the infections that can increase the high temperature of a woman can also result in birth defect. If a woman undergoes abortion, (there can be infection) Septic abortion can also lead to it. Again, I also want to mention that diabetes, hypertension can lead to increase the risk of woman giving birth to a child with birth defects. Old age can also lead to giving birth to child with birth defects. At 35, our women ought to have stopped having babies. But, you know, in this country, you will see a woman of 45, 50 who are still having babies. When you see them, you discover that some of the babies have hole in the heart, with one form of abnormality or the other. If an abortion is septic, because of the presence of infection, it can result in birth defects.

‘Babies don’t need water for exclusive breast feeding’

N

utritionists and paediatricians have revealed that water drinking is not necessary for babies in their first six months when they are undergoing exclusive breastfeeding.

The experts, made the declaration at a one-day symposium organised by Promasidor Nigeria Limited on Tuesday in Enugu.

They also encouraged that women should be supported by their husbands, mothers-in-laws, government and the society in general to exclusively breastfeed their babies in the first six months and to apply wisdom in introducing alternatives afterwards.

While harping on the need for massive enlightenment campaigns for women and their husbands on the importance of breastfeeding, Mrs. Stella Umunna said, “they should be made to understand that Water is not necessary when a child is being exclusively breastfed in the first six months.

Delivering the lead paper earlier, Prof.

Nnam averred that breastfeeding (exclusive breastfeeding) is a complete nutritional source for infants for the first six months of life because breast milk contains all the essential nutrients, bio-active compounds and anti-infective factors needed by the infant for the first six months of life.

“Human milk contains water, fat, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, some hormones, enzymes, growth factors, essential fatty acids and immunological factors that play vital roles for adequate development and growth of the infant”.

According to her, the nutrients contained in breast milk are adequate in quantity and quality to promote optimal growth and development of infants. She explained that composition of breast milk has been designed by nature to provide all the nutrient needs of the infant, make for easy digestion and assimilation by infants.

Her position was supported by Dr, Ngozi Ibeziako, who stated that parents

should understand that 80 percent of breast milk is water. She also appealed to health workers to assist in informing women on the benefits of breastfeeding while also advocating for baby-friendly hospitals and work places.

In his welcome address, Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria said the company produces quality and affordable nutritional products that are good for all categories of people. He also stated that the company was organising the event because it wants Nigerian children to be well nourished and strong.

Other speakers Dr, Ngozi Ibeziako, President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mrs. Stella Umunna, a retired Deputy Director/ Head of Nursing at Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital in Anambra State and Dr. Patrick Eze, former National President, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Arts Lounge

26

Stage true test of ability in acting –Jude Orhorha

Di’Caprio’s first Oscars

25

Finding fame in dancing art

While Nigerians imitate different dance steps by different musicians especially in music videos, the dance artistes who invented or gave life to these dances, are often ignored.

IsIguzo DestIny AnD WAle BusAyo

M

usic and dance are artful twins sharing umbilical cord. Dance is a body movement and gesticulation that expresses the rhythm of music and is often described as a non verbal communication that accompanies music. This expression is evident in various Nigerian music videos of popular music artistes and has come in different dance forms namely yahooze, etighi, galala, skelewu, shoki and the most recent shakiti bobo dance steps. These dance steps are often associated with music artists without recourse to the choreographers that directed or invented these dance steps.

In a place like Nigeria where there is so much love for fun and expressions through dance, music fans often relish songs that can be danced to and these musicians comply by making these songs their hit tracks or club hits. Recently in the music industry, artistes have even gone further to recreate new dance steps that have gone on to make their songs hit tracks and they surely make millions from them; ask Iyanya or Davido, they have made millions from their dance inspired hit tracks. To stamp these dance steps on Nigerian music audience, professional dancers and choreographers are always needed to express and ‘sell’ these steps in a way that will always appeal to its numerous audiences. On the other hand, these professional dancers are often required to perform mostly traditional dances at corporate and National events. Yet from indication, they seems not to get due recognitions.

One of the long-standing dancers with office at the National Arts Theatre and the Chairman of Dance Guild of Nigeria, Isioma Williams, Lagos chapter laments that: “You cannot find outright appreciation of dance here in Nigeria yet. You can see a Nigerian company bringing Umoja from South Africa; does that mean that we cannot stage something bigger than that here?

“Most of these companies use dance reality shows only to advertise their brands and sell some of their products. Is that really what one would call the apprecia-

Crown Troupe performing

tion of arts? If corporate social responsibilities really make any sense to these organisations why don’t they promote the art without singing it? Of course you and I know that there are different ways to achieve this.”

These professional dancers also face hard times as very few people engage their services. Staying locked up in the practically dormant wing of the theatre especially when jobs are not streaming in may also mean a password to austerity.

How does the dance act pay rents, school fees and routine upkeep among other domestic dues?

Kafayat Shafau- Ameh, another dance artist, also the owner of Imagneto Dance Company otherwise known as Kaffy, also shares the same story before her fame.

The 2006 Guinness World Record was brought to the conviction that her career choice was not a waste of time. Thirty four year old Kaffy who has a Diploma in Data Processing from the Ogun State University, was going to have a direct entry to study Health Sciences, but she had to take a decision based on the reality of the times.

“I thought to myself, I could not afford school fees and I had this thing that people were beginning to pay attention to. Even in my department, I was the one who did all the practical work and even assisted the lecturers. When I am not in school I worked at Proflex Gym, I was already an instructor. People were asking

for private classes. I was earning a salary of N17, 500 then. I had clients who were paying good money. I was able to go to school for years until I could not manage my schedule anymore. I was living on my own. I paid rent. I had to give up one for the other. Of course, I went for the one that could empower me so that when I am established, I can pay for any kind of education I want.”

“Dance was just becoming known and seen as a valuable commodity for the music scene. I appeared at a show called Karamba and before I knew it, they were so many musicians on that show and that is how I got to meet Lexy Doo, Ruggedman, Ayuba and within a period of three months, I shot all their videos. That is how I started becoming very popular right before I even did the P-Square Roll It. At some point, I just had to find a way to just curtail it. I’ve been involved in so many videos that people don’t see me on either as a choreographer or I send my dancers over there. It’s not all the time you see me appear in the music videos” Has anyone tried to solve this menace and improve the outlook of the dance profession in Nigeria? Recently, there was a reality dance show Dance with Peter, where one of the PSquare twins Peter organized a dance completion to encourage dancers and sensitize Nigerians on the art of dance. Previously the eclectic and unassuming dancer, Dayo Liadi who became a mega dance star after his dance

The challenge To The arT of dance is ideological; The subsTrucTure has noT creaTed The bulwark for The people who wanT To geT inTo dancing To grow,

performance in Olori Oko, the music video of gospel group Infinity, ttried to make dance more professional by establishing one of the biggest dance schools in Nigeria, but his efforts hasn’t yielded the required result..

“I remain unfulfilled because I have not been able to actualise my dream of establishing one of the biggest dance schools in Nigeria.”

Dayo owns Ijo Dee, a dance group with its office in the Artists’ Village of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The itinerant dancer has been to over 60 countries of the world with his craft. He further explained why Nigeria as a country can be frustrating sometimes.

“Nigeria as a country can be frustrating sometimes. Imagine what my friend Seun Adeleye of WAJO said about finding it hard to get sponsorship for his fully packaged and ready-to-air 13-episode dance show. That is not the kind of story that will encourage you. Those of us in the industry know that there is dry season and rainy season. When dry season comes, it gets so bad that you even begin to think that you’re doing nothing and that people have forgotten you; and then when the rainy season comes, people start trooping to you and you feel again like you’re the best. So of course we try to save during those rainy seasons.”

To make dance a more acceptable form of art, Arnold Udoka, internationally renowned choreographer, dancer, as well as being the Chairman of the National Advisory Council, Dance Guild of Nigeria advises that the ideology surrounding it should be modified.

“The challenge to the art of dance is ideological; the substructure has not created the bulwark for the people who want to get into dancing to grow, I just think I was lucky or that Nigeria loves me so much that I have been able to rise to a level of a director as dancer that I did, I don’t know how many people who can get there even at the state level. We have to transform our ideological thinking and think of how to develop every aspect of our human endeavours in other to bring out the best, even from the very least of the areas of our concerns as a nation.

“In terms of facilities those ones don’t exist because the educational policy has not changed from the time of Ajayi Crowther’s Bible school in the 1860’s, that curriculum has not changed till today.

That ideology has other elements in religion, some religion abhor dance, others accept dance, and they don’t see it as an important cultural element, as a capital for development. If the ideological basis is structured then we can talk about infrastructure; it would come naturally”

24

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Olajumoke: A reflection on Nigerian mothers

Joseph ekeng

R

ecently, Olajumoke Osagunwa popularly called “the bread seller” has been the sensation across all the media platforms in Nigeria.

Both the social and traditional media have all been part of the buzz. The news has even caught the attention of international mainstream media outlets like CNN and Bloomberg.

But in the midst of the unprecedented blitz of media attention that has followed the discovery of the 27 years old mother of two, and the scramble by corporate organizations to secure her endorsement, there seem to have been a failure to understand the heart of the story.“The true essence of the story of this young woman as interpreted for us

by TY Bello has been lost in the klieg light of her many photo shoots,” Steve Aborisade, Coordinator of Projeckthope, an HIV/AIDS news and information website, said in a recent article.

Aborisade noted that the rush to associate with Olajumoke after she had been discovered by ace photographer and musician TY Bello reflects the hypocrisy of our society. He added that Olajumoke’s story is just a microcosm of the thousands of Nigerian mothers and young women who for lack of opportunity are silently wallowing in poverty and obscurity across the country.

“Why is it so convenient to ignore the message of TY Bello and the real essence of the reality of several thousands of young girls and mothers who have been obscured by poverty and lack of access to education,” he queried.

“Her story is calling for commitment; attention to those neglected. We should heed that call instead of obscuring it further as it is being done now.”

This plea could not have come at a better time than now when the global community is preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day. A day set aside by the United Nations for people to observe a pause from their busy schedule to appreciate and applaud the immeasurable

Memorable Reads

The True essence of The sTory of This young woman as inTerpreTed for us

by Ty bello has been losT in The klieg lighT of her many phoTo shooTs sacrifices and affection that mother bear for their children.

The Mother’s Day is a moment for sober reflection for Nigerians at all levels; whether government or private sector to rise up to the needs of mothers and young ladies, who may not be as lucky as Jumoke, so that everyone of them can have the opportunity to acquire sound education and fulfill their God ordained purpose in life.

It is for this reason that Peak Milk, a leading dairy brand in Nigeria has rolled

Olajumoke in TY Bello’s picture

out a campaign to remind Nigerians of their duty to mothers. The brand has also in addition launched a special lim-

This plea could noT have come aT a beTTer Time Than now when The global communiTy is preparing To celebraTe moTher’s day. a day seT aside by The uniTed naTions for people To observe a pause from Their busy schedule To appreciaTe and applaud The immeasurable sacrifices and affecTion ThaT moThers bear for Their children

Who is your favourite author?

It used to be Chinua Achebe, when I was much younger, but along the line, I discovered Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

His style of writing got into me, making him my favourite author. May be, I would discover somebody tomorrow; I don’t know.

Which of his books fascinates you?

It’s called ‘100 Years of Solitude’.

What makes the book tick?

It is a story running through generations, and it’s fictional. The book is one of his best, and was originally written in Spanish. But at the last count it has been translated into over thirty languages, and over 20 million copies of it have been sold. The story is about Co-

GOZI OCHONOGOR,

Fashion Designer

lombia, but from a fictional standpoint.

How would you describe this book in one sentence?

Interesting characters, well— written, very bizarre ending.

Do you love African writers?

Yes. My best African author is Chinua Achebe.

What’s your annual budget for books?

I do not have.

You think it is not necessary?

No, I just buy. I am one of those people who believe that books choose you. The books that I have read actually chose me. I also think, I do not read as much as I would love to.

ited edition packs emblazoned with affectionate messages designed to draw attention to the depth of love and gratitude owed to mothers.

Unlike the case with Jumoke, Peak Milk’s campaign is a profound gesture at shifting attention away from just one mother, who happens to be lucky, to the multitude of other mothers who at this auspicious moment needs to be loved and appreciated for their lifelong sacrifice and given a chance so that they too can become stars and reach for their Peak.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

25

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Stage true test of ability in acting –Jude Orhorha His name is Jude Orhorha and seems to have conquered the screen and stage.

Ngozi EmEdolibE

I

s he really deaf and dumb? For people who admire Jude Orhorha, that is what readily comes to their minds when they meet the Warri, Delta State born actor cum comedian; but he is not.

It is just a character (Rabiu), which he has so well interpreted in a sit-com, ‘Fuji House of Commotion’, from the stable of late Amaka Igwe. While many tend to believe he started his career in ‘Fuji House of Commotion’, Jude was actually a part of the ‘Checkmate’ cast in the early 90s.

“Checkmate is where we have the ‘Fuji House of Commotion’. Checkmate was with a different family, it was in year 2000 that late Amaka Igwe extracted Fuji House of Commotion from Checkmate.”

Reflecting on how he has been able to carry the role over the years, Jude says it is a reflection of how versatile an actor he is. “One thing with roles in a TV series is that with time you get used to that character and literally step into it, whenever you are on that particular set.

That is the difference between acting in movies and in a TV series. For a movie it comes and goes, while for TV, you live with it”, he says.

He developed interest in acting during his childhood days by watching some of the established actors of those days. One of the actors that really helped to shape this interest was Lai Ashadele. “When I was young in the primary school, I met Uncle Lai Ashadele, with Lakunle who played the headmaster in Village Headmaster. I also remember meeting the late Uncle Jolayode, Garuba Ada. I was a kid when I started acting. Then I had not thought of becoming an actor, I was just a normal kid, growing up, going to school, reading my books. But meeting these people in real life, made me feel I could be like them too. It was way back in

the 1980s. Uncle Jolayode, Lai Ashadele and Norbert Young; I will never forget them. After my primary school, I went to secondary school and I made up my mind that one day I would become a producer.”

Jude happens to be one of the actors in Nollywood who is successfully combining a lot of genres in the industry.

Aside acting, he sometimes writes and dances; and could often be seen anchoring events as a compere, where he cracks great jokes. He has also branched off into product endorsement for one of the major telecoms companies. “Yes, it is a wonderful experience; the brand itself has catapulted me to another height and unimaginable fame. I have other endorsements I am into. People in my industry know this.”

Like so many notable actors who take pride in entertaining people, Jude believes that the true test of an actor’s strength lies on the stage. “Stage acting is unique, and happens to be the true test of someone’s ability on the job. Acting in movies gives one room for corrections unlike the stage, where everything happens spontaneously.”

According to Jude, who studied Dramatic Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, making in the entertainment industry requires patience, which every young aspiring actor must have in truck loads to be able to break through in the industry. “I tell every young person trying to make it in this job to always exercise patience, never to despair because lots of things lie ahead to distract them, but only those who persevere eventually make it. That is my advice for younger ones coming up in the industry. There are no short cuts, you must believe in what you are doing.”

He is married to an actress, Efe Orhorha (nee Mayford) whom he met on the set of a home video Beyond Obligations, directed by Joe Dudun for Almatel Pictures.

Jude

Funsho Adeolu, Mercy Aigbe, Fathia Balogun, and Jude Orhorha

One thing with rOles in a tV series is that with time yOu get used tO that character and literally step intO it, wheneVer yOu are On that particular set

MIDWEEK JUMP

The Rhyme On! contest

T

he Rhyme On! Poetry Writing Contest (sponsored by Loudoun County Public Library) will be open to submissions from 1 March until 15 April 2016.

Poems must be in English, original and previously unpublished (including on the Internet) and not scheduled for publication anywhere before 16 April 2016. There is no entry fee and the competition is open to writers from any country.

Prizes are as follows: 1st prize – $200,

2nd prize – $100, 3rd prize – $50. Winning poems will be published in a book which will be available at the awards presentation.

.

Julius Agwu and Jude Orhorha in Birthday Bash

Humorous Poetry Competition

T

he Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is seeking today’s best humour poems. The competition, sponsored by Winning Writers, has been running for 15 years with no entry fee.

Published or unpublished work from any country is eligible, there is $2,250 available in prize money and the top 12 entries will be published online.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

FAR AND NEAR

KCCN gets new director Joel AJAyi

H

an Sungrae, the newly appointed Director of Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria KCCN, has formally assumed duty as head of the Center in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr. Sungrae takes over from Mr. Kwon Yonk IK, whose three and half years spent in Nigeria focused on education, human resources development, vocational training, and rich cultural activities from two countries geared towards showcasing their cultural diversity.

Also, the KCCN since 2010 has been consistently organised and embarked on programmes that highlight the cultural similarities of the two countries as well as breeding creativity amongst children, women and youths.

While expressing his appreciation during a launch organised in Abuja to bid farewell to him and welcome the new one. Mr. Yonk IK, said Korean Cultural Centre has become a comfortable, familiar place to many Nigerians, a place to visit to enjoy cultural content and art.

“I cannot forget the memories with

Han sungrae

you people in Nigeria, Nigeria remains the best country in the world with diverse culture, a wonderful place to be.”

He said on his own, the new Director of KCCN Mr. Han stated that, Korean believe in continuity promised to continue where his predecessor stop to ensure a better,

strong relationship between Nigeria and Korea Republic.

However, Mr Han Sungrae becomes the third director of KCCN, a centre that has been at the vanguard of promoting cultural ties and deepening the bilateral understanding with its host country since its birth in 2010.

‘God Dey My Side’ launches on You Tube ogAh ocheche

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od Dey My Side’, one of the songs on Rev Fr Albert Ofere’s new album, Every Day of My Life now has its video uploaded on popular online video channel, You Tube. Fans can access the four-minute long musical video on: http://youtu. be/NIYCl9PEK9o The video which was shot on a London train parades a host of Nigerian

actors in the United Kingdom as well as popular comedian, Nkem Owoh, aka Osuofia. The video which captures the essence of the sing-along tune was directed by award-winning film director, Obi Emelonye. Giving his view of gospel music in Africa, Father Ofere said: “Gospel music in Nigeria and Africa is wonderful and awesome.

On the world stage we are doing well. But we can do more by seeking the face of God more, and allowing God to speak through our music.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Di’Caprio’s first Oscars

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eonardo DiCaprio’s win is the biggest moment of the 2016 Oscars and is currently trending on social media.

The 41-year-old actor picked up the award for his work in the movie The Revenant.

Leo has been nominated five other times in the past, four times for acting and one time as a producer. He previously got nominations for The Wolf of Wall Street in 2014 (Best Actor and Best Picture), Blood Diamond in 2007 (Best Actor), The Aviator in 2005 (Best Actor), and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape in 1994 (Best Supporting Actor).

But he finally got it in 2016 in spite of discordant voices about lack of diversity in this year’s Oscars nominations,.

The other big winner of the night was Mad Max: Fury Road, which won six awards all in the technical categories.

Other works that won are: Best Picture, Spotlight, Best Actress, Brie Larson, Room; Best Supporting Actor, Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies ; Best Supporting Actress, Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl ; Directing, The Revenant, Alejandro González Iñárritu; Best Foreign Language, “Son of Saul” Hungary ; Best Original Score, The Hateful Eight” Ennio Morricone ; Best Animated Film, Inside Out, Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera; Best Cinematography The Revenant, Emmanuel Lubezki ; Live Action Short Film, The Revenant, Emmanuel Lubezki ; Best Sound Editing, Mad Max: Fury Road” Mark Mangini and David White; Documentary Feature, Amy, Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees.

Ofere

Nollywood redefines African life Norimitsu oNishi

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n Asaba, sitting on a blue plastic stool in the sweltering heat, Ugezu J. Ugezu, one of Nigeria’s top filmmakers, was furiously rewriting his script as the cameras prepared to roll. “Cut!” he shouted after wrapping up a key scene, a confrontation between the two leading characters. Then, under his breath, he added, “Good as it gets.”

This was the seventh — and last — day of shooting in a village near here for “Beyond the Dance,”

Nollywood at work in Asaba

Mr. Ugezu’s story of an African prince’s choice of a bride, and the production had been conducted at a breakneck pace.

“In Nollywood, you don’t waste time,” he said.

“It’s not the technical depth that has made our films so popular. It’s because of the story. We tell African stories.”

The stories told by Nigeria’s booming film industry, known as Nollywood, have emerged as a cultural phenomenon across Africa, the vanguard of the country’s growing influence across the continent in music, comedy, fashion and even religion.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, overtook its rival, South Africa, as the continent’s largest economy two years ago, thanks in part to the film industry’s explosive growth. Nollywood — a term I helped coin with a 2002 article when Nigeria’s movies were just starting to gain popularity outside the country — is an expression of boundless Nigerian entrepreneurialism and the nation’s self-perception as the natural leader of Africa, the one destined to speak on the continent’s behalf.

“The Nigerian movies are very, very popular in Tanzania, and, culturally, they’ve affected a lot of people,” said Songa wa Songa, a Tanzanian journalist. “A lot of people now speak with a Nigerian accent here very well thanks to Nollywood. Nigerians have succeeded through Nollywood to export who they are, their culture, their lifestyle, everything.”

Nollywood generates about 2,500 movies a year, making it the second-biggest producer after Bollywood in India, and its films have displaced American, Indian and Chinese ones on the televisions that are ubiquitous in bars, hair salons, airport lounges and homes across Africa.

Di’ Caprio

Business

Wednesday, March 1, 2016

Oil, gas firms flared 289.6mscf of gas in 2014 –NBS 30

Experts opt for renewable energy to bridge power supply gap 33

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘No Banking Day’ campaign flops, as banking transactions boom Tola akinmuTimi (lagos); Chidi ugwu, (abuja); & james danjuma, (kaTsina)

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ndications across the banking sector nationwide yesterday showed that calls by Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), a non-profit making organization and the Coalition of Nigerian Consumer Protection Associations, NCPA, to bank customers to boycott banking services yesterday owing to what they described as arbitrary charges by commercial banks were largely unheeded.

Investigations by National Mirror in major cities across the country showed that activities in the banking halls did not abate, as scores of bank customers engaged in their transactions without signs that they even heard about the civil society group’s ‘No Banking’ message.

All banks in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Katsina, Benin, Onitsha and other cities opened for business as usual and most of the customers interviewed by our correspondents explained that while the intention of the NGO was good obeying the call for boycott would be detrimental to their business and other needs requiring funds.

One of the customers, Olusegun Adeola, who did some transactions at one of the old generation banks’ branches in Marina, Lagos explained that there was no way he could have abandoned his bank on the excuse of arbitrary charges, adding that “if I observe that they

charge me more than is necessary, I will report them to the CBN for investigations. But then, I am satisfied with the quality of the services I am getting here” In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the situation remained the same as customers still thronged the banking halls for one transaction or the other.

For several hours, customers were seen going in and out of Sterling Bank, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, and Diamond Bank all located at the Muhammadu Buhari Way, in the Central Business District, (CBD) Abuja.

It was also gathered that the situation was the same in banks around the Wuse axis and the suburbs of Mararaba in Nasarawa State.

While some of the customers who spoke to our correspondent feigned ignorant of the protest, others say the constrained by the urgency of the transaction they came to do.

“I am well aware of the protest, but I have to send money to my son in school. I could wait because the young man needed the money urgently” Edwin Eze, a bank customers told our correspondent as he was leaving the Automated Teller Machine, where he made some transfer.

In Katsina, monitoring of the situation in the morning and afternoon by our correspondent showed that it was business as usual for both customers and bank employees.

Specifically, checks revealed that customers didn’t heed the call in

Nigeria has not benefitted from implementation of Cabotage Law so far –Olatunji 28

the state, as many of them were seen depositing and withdrawing monies at the banks For instance, the every-busy IBB Way in the state metropolis which houses has most of the commercials banks, had customers making transactions and using Automated Teller Machines, ATM. Some of those who responded on the issue, said they were either not aware or had no option in refusing to make transactions yesterday.

“I have to withdraw to pay for my bills among other necessities,” said one, and, “I’m naming my child tomorrow, what do you expect?,” another said.

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline 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. Abuja-Yola: 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

Dana Air

Director General Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, welcoming Chairman House Committee on Capital Market, Hon Tajudeeen Yusuf, to the Commission’s office in Abuja. They are flanked by the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon Nwulu Chinedu, (left) and member, Hon Damburam Abubakar (right).

FG to establish technology villages nationwide Regina oTokpa, AbujA

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n an effort to explore the creativity potentials embedded in the informal sector, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish technology villages in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made the disclosure in Abuja while inspecting an excavator manufactured by one Mr. Felix Nwachukwu, an indigene of Imo state.

According to him, there are multitudes of creative Nigerians in the informal sector with a technological intellect capable of helping the nation close the technological gaps existing in many areas of the economy.

He said: “What our brothers and sisters in the informal sector are doing is very encouraging, it shows that Nigeria is a special and unique country, we have some of the brightest in the world and all

we need is to encourage them.

“We have in our programme that we will be establishing technology villages in the six geopolitical areas of the country once the resources are available but we will start with one and the essence of that technology village is to take care of the inventions and creativity of those who are in the informal sector but have a lot of talents, skills and ability, those who are very creative so we can ensure nothing can stop them from moving their own ideas from mere ideas to product and services,” he added.

Describing Nwachukwu as a great Nigerian, the minister stressed the need to have all intellectual properties patented in order to attract more inventors and innovators saying “we want you to patent it so that you will own the intellectual properties so that whatever money that will come out of it will be yours.

“Once it is their best interest and in the interest of the nation for these ideas to be pat-

ented because intellectual properties are important, it must be protected to encourage people to become inventors and an innovator because they will see that it pays to invent, it pays to be innovative.”

Nwachukwu, while lamenting the poor attitude of past governments in recognizing the importance of technology, disclosed that the excavator was fabricated locally with a view to address the technological gap in the country.

Meanwhile, the lady mechanic initiative has asked for the Federal Government’s assistance to produce a prototype vehicle and telephone diagnostic.

The first lady mechanic in Nigeria, Engr Susan Aguebor making the request in Abuja, said the organization was also looking at providing solution for recycling, utilizing and preventing the damage caused by used motor oil.

Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

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

Executive Discourse

28

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria has not benefitted from

Olatunji

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ow do you assess the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years?

It is a bad situation that the Nigeria has not been able to take advantage of the rich maritime resources in the country. The government of the county has through its policies and actions, has destroyed the nation’s maritime economy. The Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003 was to develop the nation’s ocean economy that is the shipping business. It was designed to develop and promote shipping in the country and also enhance the participation of Nigerians in the shipping business so that they also benefit from these resources in their country. If you check around the world, even among developed nations, everyone protects their economy and when you talk about the economy, you are talking about the resources and the people. Singapore took advantage of her ocean economy from nowhere and today they are somewhere. They have

The seeming uncontrolled illegal midstream discharge of vessels apart from its serious security implications, has also consistently denied the Nigerian Government revenue opportunities associated with such activities in the nation’s maritime domain. In this interview with FRANCIS EZEM, the Managing Director of Victory Energy Resources Limited and a leading member of Nigerian Ship Owners Association, NISA, Otunba Sola Olatunji, speaks on how government officials connive with foreigners to perpetrate maritime related crimes to the detriment of the country’s economic interests. become a force to reckon in the whole world.

Even the United States of America, which is the biggest proponent of globalisation, they came up with the Jones Act of 1920 to develop their shipping business that is their ocean economy. Today, they rose from nowhere to become probably the largest economy in the world. If you go to Malaysia, it is still the same thing. Even Greece, what do they have? The only thing Greece has is the ocean and she has taken full advantage of it to develop her economy to a high extent.

The Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003 was enacted to address these problems you highlighted.

How has the implementation of the law fared?

I told you earlier that Nigeria is a country of contradictions. Ask yourself, how would a beautiful legislation such as the Cabotage Act, not achieve its aims and objectives more than 13 years after. Since it was passed, nothing has changed and Nigerians have not earned a single benefit from it. We are not talking about one or two years, we

I have travelled to so many countrIes of the world; I have not seen where a country exposes opportunItIes fIrst to foreIgners. nIgerIan government Is promotIng foreIgn economIes to the detrIment of Its own economy and the cItIzens

are talking about 13 long years. The ocean economy in Nigeria is distressed because it is only in this country; do not forget that out of every 20 vessels that come to West Africa, 17 of them are Nigeria-bound. Do you know the implication when all these vessels come to Nigeria? The multiplier effect on the economy would be monumental. But this is not the case. It is a sad situation. We complain everyday about high rate of unemployment.

I am sure that you as a journalist has over five or 10 relations that you have assisted to go to the university that do not have jobs.

Where will the jobs come from? The maritime industry has what it takes to address the high rate of unemployment if the right things are done. God has deposited these resources at the beck and call of Nigerians.

I have travelled to so many countries of the world; I have not seen where a country exposes opportunities first to foreigners.

Nigerian Government is promoting foreign economies to the detriment of its own economy and the citizens. It is only Nigeria that government officials have privatised the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

29

implementation of Cabotage Law so far –Olatunji nation’s resources to themselves, they promote foreign economies, they are so lawless, they confiscate the assets of the country and share them among their family members. Nigeria is a nation of contradictions. Someone will sit at the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and issue out policies that do not benefit the citizens. Ask yourself, why will a country that is the 6th largest producer of crude oil still be importing refined petroleum products for more than 20 years now? Globally, when you import, for instance petroleum product, the point of loading is called the Loading Port and the seal of the compartment of the vessel will not be broken, if the ship is coming from Amsterdam for example, the mother vessel carrying the product must come straight to Lagos Port is it is marked for Lagos, that is how it done all over the world in the international trade processes.

But in Nigeria, it is not the same thing, someone in CBN, Federal Ministry of Transport or any other government agency would sit in his bedroom and issue a statement saying that such should not been done. The Cabotage regime also has a security angle so that nation’s security is not unduly exposed to foreigners. But what is happening today in Nigeria?

Foreigners are everywhere, which has negative security implications for the country and her citizens.

Even the US that is in the front burner in promoting globalisation will never open its security flanks to foreigners. It is only in Nigeria that criminals and foreigners know all the nooks and crannies of the country. In fact, you will be surprised that somebody in Greece or Singapore will tell you what and how your ports look like.

How do you assess the new Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi?

Many Nigerians become something else when they get into power. Imagine the current Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi, who we thought would radicalise the sector is playing to the gallery more than six months after he came into power. More than six months after, he has yet to meet with the relevant stakeholders and he is even said to be encroaching into the territory of the Federal Ministry of Works. He is meeting with the regulators, government agencies. The question you ask yourself is who are they regulating? Which meeting are you holding without the ship owners, stakeholders? How can a Minister of Ameachi’s standing be getting information only from the regulators and government agencies alone? Without the ship own-

Ask the NigeriAN goverNmeNt ANd its

galvanise economic activities in his sector and we thought that he was relevANt AgeNcies to NAme oNe compANy thAt hAs going to bring all those razzmatazz to bear on his job as the Minister of beNefitted from the AbotAge essel iNANciNg Transport. Unfortunately, this has uNd yeArs After hy should you keep the not been the case. What we are seeing is that he is intruding into the activimoNey meANt for empoWeriNg igeriANs iN the ties of the Federal Ministry of Works. bANk Government is all about enhancing the quality of life of the citizens, iners, who will the Nigerian Maritime The DG NIMASA recently hintstead what he is talking about is how Administration and Safety Agency ed that the Cabotage Vessel FiThe Minister also said re- people constructed roads that should NIMASA or the Nigerian Shippers nancing Fund CVFF is still intact cently that the government be under the Ministry of Works.

Council NSC, be regulating? They contrary to earlier speculations. would use the money to refloat are doing all these because of the What is your reaction on this? the defunct National Carrier, So, how do you think these atrocities going in the shipping inIn all these countries I have men- the Nigerian National Ship- challenges can be addressed? dustry and they know that the ship tioned; the US, Singapore, Malaysia ping Line NNSL. What do you I have told you here how governowners are aware of all that is go- and even Greece, they floated similar think about this? ment officials in Nigeria are promoting on and they also know we will funds through which the empowered I do not want to talk about the ing foreign economy. You journalexpose them. We have high hopes the indigenous operators to develop Minister because he is playing to ists should investigate and expose when Ameachi was appointed their ocean economies. But this is the gallery. That is my opinion all these. People talk about China, Minister that something good was not happening in Nigeria more than about him. While other ministers which economy is now almost at par about to be done in the industry 13 years after the fund was created are busy discussing the indigwith that of the US. China started that would enable the country har- because no ship owner in the country enous operators in their sectors by building capacity. How much of ness the potential in the industry. I has benefitted from it. In Greece, as with a view to enhancing their indigenous capacity is the governcan tell you that government does we speak, it is the government that ac- participation, Amaechi is going ment building in Nigeria? It is only not heed to borrow to fund its 2016 quires ships for the indigenous ship about discussing things that do in Nigeria that you will be importbudget if these potential are har- owners in the form of a mortgage not concern his ministry. I see that ing things such as refined petroleum nessed because the government just like we acquire houses here. Ask he might spend the first four years products meant for Nigeria and you would have more than enough. the Nigerian Government and its rel- without getting into the core of have to go to Lome and take the delivBut what is happening today is evant agencies to name one company the problems facing the transport ery from a mother ship. As at the last that the government officials that that has benefitted from the Cabotage sector, including the shipping time I checked, Togo does not have a are supposed to partner the Nige- Vessel Financing Fund 13 years af- industry. He has been to Lagos refinery, they do not have crude oil rian stakeholders are busy promot- ter. Why should you keep the money several times without deeming it and yet when the mother vessels are ing foreign economies so that they meant for empowering Nigerians in fit to meet with the relevant stakecoming they drop anchor mid sea at will pauperise the rest o us. the bank? holders. As a minister, he should Lome and say they cannot come to Nigeria and ask us to bring smaller vessels to trans-load from the mother ship. All of these are conspiracy between government officials and their foreign collaborators. They deny Nigerian citizens opportunity to participate in the national economy and the country is losing billions of naira due to this.

Secondly, if you go to Lome today, you will see over 20 mother vessels to transshipment, on board these 20 vessels they need bunkering, provisions, ropes, chandelling among others. The economy of Togo has become something else and yet it is Nigeria’s economy that is boosting that of Togo because they benefit massively from the losses that Nigerians are incurring. Many shipping agencies have left Nigeria because there are no jobs to do with the attendant job losses and Nigerians talk of unemployment every day.

f

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v

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Olatunji

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N

If you are appointed Adviser to the President on Maritime Resources, what would you advise him in terms of revamping the shipping industry?

It is simple. Strict implementation of the Cabotage Act will change a lot of things in the industry, create jobs because it will enhance indigenous participation of Nigerians and create wealth in the process. I told you earlier that the government does not need to access foreign loans if it develops the maritime industry.

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Business News

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oil, gas firms flared 289.6mscf of gas in 2014 –NBS UDEME AKPAN

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perators in the nation’s oil and gas industry flared 289,600,014 million standard cubic feet, mscf of gas in the 2014.

The latest report of National Bureau of Statistics, NBS showed that of the 2,524,268,444.00 mscf produced during the period, 2,234,668,430.00 mscf was utilised while 289,600,014 was flared at the detriment of the environment.

The report also put the nation’s oil reserves at 37,448.25 barrels while also indicating that 699,486.20 barrels of crude oil are produced daily during the period under review.

However, Shell Petroleum has indicated in its current report

that that Nigeria currently has about six gigawatts (GW) of installed electricity capacity but often less than four GW actually in operation.

The company stated that this gave it less than 10 per cent of South Africa’s electricity generation capacity despite having more than three times the population.

The report has it that unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential has been identified by the Federal Government as one of the keys to increasing the capacity and reliability of electricity supply.

It maintained that Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) have long played an important role in the development and utilisation of natural gas, pioneering its production and delivery to domestic

consumers and export markets.

The report indicated that Shell is the only international oil and gas company to have set up a gas distribution business in the country.

It maintained that the Shell group has an industry-leading integrated gas portfolio and has been a key part of Nigeria’s emergence as a global player in liquefied natural gas (LNG) since the 1990s through its 25.6per cent interest in the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) joint venture.

The report disclosed that the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Joint Venture

(SPDC JV)’s market share of domestic gas had reduced through a series of divestments since 2010, which have enabled Nigerian companies to play a more strategic role.

This is even as it noted further that SCiN nonetheless remained a crucial part of the national gas energy mix, with the SPDC JV’s Afam VI power plant alone contributing 18 per cent of Nigeria’s grid-connected electricity in 2014.

It maintained that since 2010 the SPDC JV has also been pro-

ducing at the Gbaran Ubie integrated oil and gas plant in Bayelsa State, which has the capacity to process one billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, for the domestic and export market.

The report disclosed that Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) supplies natural gas to be used as fuel for various industrial processes and power generation in the Niger

Delta and to companies that specialise in the delivery of compressed natural gas to industries located far from existing pipelines.

Barclays to sell Africa business, as shares plunge 11%

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arclays shares have fallen 11% after reporting a drop in full-year profits, a dividend cut and a restructuring including reducing its stake in Africa.

Underlying annual profits for 2015 fell 2% to £5.4bn. The bank stated that it would cut its dividend by more than half to 3p per share in 2016 and 2017.

Barclays also announced a further £1.45bn provision for PPI mis-selling.

It said it wanted to form two, main core divisions - Barclays UK and Barclays Corporate and International.

The bank said it would slim down its 62.3% stake in its Africa business in the next two to three years.

Barclays shares fell 11% in reaction to its latest results.

Barclays said it would split

the company into Barclays UK and Barclays Corporate and International by 2019.

The UK’s big four banks are having to make these changes to comply with tougher new banking regulations designed to prevent ordinary customers suffering from decisions made by investment bankers in the event of another credit crisis.

Barclays, like most of the world’s major banks, has been tainted by - and fined for - rigging prices in both foreign exchange and Libor interest rates.

It confirmed it was assisting both the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in their investigation about Barclays’s hiring practices in Asia, which centre on allegations jobs were given to people with influence.

L-R: The Retail Head, Abuja & North Region of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Sunday Egele; an official of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Irene Afachung; the Bank’s Regional Director, Abuja & North, Mr. Mustapha Lukman; one of the winners of N5 million at the grand finale draws of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, Mr. Umaru Augustine, and an official of the Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Dauda Waja, during the cheque presentation ceremony to the winner in Abuja recently.

Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, USAID launch $2m water initiative DaviD auDu

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he Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, TCCAF, and the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission Office in Nigeria, USAID, have launched the third phase of the Water and Development Alliance, WADA, programme to provide safe water and hygiene facilities to public schools and

ATSSSAN seeks FG’s intervention in NAPIMS, Bristow Helicopters face-off Olusegun KOiKi

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he Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, has asked the President Muhammadu Buhari to call the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, to order over its directive to terminate all contracts with Bristow helicopters over the ditching of one of its Sikorsky helicopters into Atlantic Ocean earlier in the month.

A statement issued by the President of ATSSSAN, Comrade Okewu Benjamin, in Lagos queried the authority and grounds in which it gave the directives.

Okewu argued that the technical audit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, was carrying out was a standard procedure used all over the world when an airline or operator is involved in two or more air accidents within a spate of time.

He also declared that NAPIMS was only, but a

corporate service unit of the exploration and production Directorate on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and had no power to act instead of the regulator, NCAA. The labour leader also insisted that the only organisation recognised by International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, to ground any airline operations and declare it unsafe to fly was NCAA and wondered why NAPIMS would order such a directive.

ATSSSAN chief advised NAPIMS not to use the unfortunate situation of the crash or ditching to play the politics of diverting Bristow contracts to other parties.

He stated: “Mr. President, call the management of NAPIMS to order before they deprive us of our hard earned Federal Aviation Authority, FAA, Category One status. They have no knowledge, technicality and authority in the matter, which they are issuing directives please.

hospitals in select rural communities.

The initiative estimated at over two million dollars will be the third such WADA partnership in their efforts to help address challenges associated with access to safe water and sanitation services.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the WADA III programme held in Lagos, USAID Director to Nigeria, Michael Harvey said that they were consolidating a special partnership in which a private company to contribute to a priority set by the government of Nigeria.

President of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and Women’s Economic Empowerment Director for Coca-Cola Eurasia & Africa, Dr. Susan MboyaKidero, said that “building on the success of our existing partnership in Nigeria, we are honored to be announcing the third phase of the WADA program.

“Sustainability of our programs and their continued positive impact to the communities we serve across Africa is an imperative for The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation.”

Managing Director of CocaCola Nigeria Limited, Adeola Adetunji, noted that the WADA III programme will contribute to achieving the goals of the Replenish Africa Initiative, RAIN, a flagship programme of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, which aims to improve access to clean water for 6 million Africans by 2020.

With a combined investment of over US $39 million since 2005, WADA is believed to be having a positive impact on the lives of people and the health of communities in 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

This partnership leverages expertise and resources for community development by improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation services while raising awareness and sharing best hygiene practices in the target communities in Nigeria where the World Health Organization, WHO, estimates that only 64 percent of the population has access to improved sources of drinking water, while only 28 percent have access to improved sanitation facilities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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IATA, NCAA partner to facilitate Abuja Declaration implementation Olusegun KOiKi

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s part of efforts to further improve air transport safety in Africa, the International Air Transport Association, IATA, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, have pledged to collaborate closely in developing and rolling out a set of measures intended to enhance the African Union’s 2012 Abuja Declaration on Aviation Safety in Africa.

This pledge was a key outcome from a meeting held between NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Muhtar Usman and IATA’s Regional Director, Safety and Flight Operations, Africa and Middle East, Tanja Grobotek, Usman described this endorsement of the Abuja Declaration as one of the most significant steps taken to boost aviation safety and development on the African continent.

“Nigeria is committed to supporting its implementation across the sub-Saharan Africa

through developing new strategies that will see the recent gains on Africa’s safety record sustained and even improved,” he added.

Since the Abuja Declaration’s adoption in 2012, Africa’s safety performance has improved significantly.

Notwithstanding these important and valuable gains, when measured proportionally, the continent continues to have the world’s highest hull-loss rate per million flights.

IATA’s Grobotek in his remark said that African safety was moving in the right direction and attributed this to the work done by a number of African nations including Nigeria who had worked hard to raise awareness of the importance of implementing the Abuja Declaration.

She said, “In 2015, we saw safety on the continent improve compared to the five-year accident rate for both jet and turboprop hull losses. Nevertheless, the challenges of bringing Africa in line with global perfor-

mance remain.

“IATA remains focused on its commitment to actively contribute its expertise and resources to help African Nations implement the standards outlined in the Abuja Declaration. One such area is the IATA Operational Safety Audit, IOSA, a proven tool for raising safety.”

She declared that IATA had worked with a number of air-

lines in Africa to bring them onto the IOSA registry, noting that 11had joined since the Abuja Declaration was signed, which meant that 31 airlines from subSaharan Africa now benefitted from this rigorous safety audit.

The meeting between the two also discussed the need for African Governments to accelerate the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organ-

isation, ICAO’s, safety-related standards and recommended practices, SARPS. NCAA also reaffirmed its commitment to improve on the effective implementation of the SARPS by the end of 2016.

As at the end of January 2016, only 21 African states had accomplished at least 60 per cent of implementation of the SARPS.

Africa Remittance: SimbaPay expands service to more EU countries We have no plan to sell, handover

S

imbaPay, a leading digital money transfer provider, has expanded its instant Africa money transfer service to five new EU countries.

The new countries are France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

This follows a pilot that has been running for 3 months in the new EU countries.

Africans living in these EU countries will now be able to send money back home instantly and free of charge. Money transferred via the service to Africa is credited instantly at the destination mobile money wallet, merchant or bank account.

According to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nyasinga Onyancha, the “goal of connecting all Africans living abroad to any mobile money wallet or Bank account in Africa just moved one step closer.”

He also expressed the company’s pleasure to deliver this to Africans in the EU and partner banks in Africa that have been requesting we expand the service to these new territories”.

SimbaPay will be expanding to another 6 countries by the end of March 2016.

According to the World Bank, Africans abroad currently send home an estimated $64 billion annually which is more than double the $30 billion that it receives in foreign aid.

To send money via SimbaPay, Africans living in the EU with a

bank account or debit card simply need to download the SimbaPay app from the Apple AppStore or Google Play and proceed to make money transfers straight from any mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Apart from sending money direct to mobile money services such as M-Pesa, customers can also send money to bank accounts in Africa and to Pay Bill merchants such as schools, utility companies, etc.

In 2015, SimbaPay was named the Overall Winner at the prestigious Demo Africa 2015 and was also nominated as finalist in the Best FinTech Innovation category at the annual Apps Africa Innovation awards.

FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, FORMER CJN, JUSTICE DAHIRU MUSDAPHER (L), DISCUSSING WITH JUSTICE IBRAHIM LANKO-MUHAMMAD, DURING AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ON CAPITAL MARKET LAWS, ETHICS AND JUDICIAL INTERPRETATIONS FOR SOPERIOR COURT JUDGES, IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY

NIPOST –FG isaiah erhiawarien

T

he Federal Government has refuted reports in some sections of the media that it plans to handover NIPOST to a foreign company to manage.

The Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Victor Oluwadamilare, described the reports as misleading as they did not represent government’s intentions to

reposition and revitalise NIPOST. The Minister stated that there was no iota of truth in the said story saying that the government has not at anytime concluded plans engage the services of a foreign firm to manage NIPOST. “In putting the records straight, the Government of the day has no plan whatsoever to either privatise NIPOST or hand it over to foreigners to manage. This could only happen in the imagination of those who concocted and orchestrated

FedEx, TNT Express seal $5bn acquisition deal sYlVa eMeKa-OKereKe

F

edEx and TNT Express have concluded a $5 billion acquisition deal.

The acquisition of Dutch parcel company, TNT Express was unconditionally approved by European Union, UN, regulators, thus ending a six-month antitrust investigation, which had been one of the biggest hurdles toward the multibillion deals.

The deal would afford FedEx the opportunity to acquire extensive ground network in Europe and Nigeria, making it the biggest player in the burgeoning e-commerce market.

Expanding in Europe and other overseas markets, including Nige-

ria, according to FedEx, is one aspect of the company’s strategy to grow revenue and profit.

FedEx said its aim was to gain market share in the European market, especially in Europe’s fast growing e-commerce market.

Similarly, Red Star Express, a licensee of FedEx in Nigeria also stands to gain from this acquisition as it would open up cost synergy opportunities.

This deal poses a formidable challenge to other players in the market as FedEx’s unmatched global air network and TNT’s road network in Europe could make it a forerunner in the market.

The deal is the third-largest company in Europe’s international express-delivery market

behind DHL and UPS; hence it would provide significant value to the employees, customers and shareholders of both companies in the country.

Red Star Express Plc. is a premium logistics solution provider in Nigeria in area of revenue, network coverage and market share in the domestic and international market.

It enjoys a domestic strength of 169 offices in the country, delivers to additional 1,500 communities, over 1400 highly trained personnel and over 500 vehicle fleet, operating as the Nigerian licensee of FedEx, which is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries.

the rumour to achieve only their inordinate mischief”, Shittu stated He disclosed that the vision of government for the new NIPOST was to achieve total transformation of the parastatal from being a mono-product service organisation to a one-stop multi-product service provider with the ultimate aim of making it a cash-spinning establishment that can make meaningful contribution to the country’s revenue base.

According to him, such transformation will no doubt, entail diversification of services, which will include rendering robust and all-inclusive financial services, utilising post offices across the country for rural telephony services, commercialise NIPOST’s fleet of vehicles, running a Public-Private Partnership and expansion of the stamp duties processes among others.

He stated further that he would not be privy to any move that will lead to sale of national institutions and legacies.

The Minister hinted also that he had made some changes in his team with the appointment of Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo, as Special Assistant Technical, David A. Awotunde, Special Assistant Admin and Razak Bayo Olubodun, Personal Assistant, in the drive to improve the performances of agencies and parastatals under the ministry.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Commerce & Industry

32

Aligning fiscal, monetary policies ‘ll catalyse Nigeria’s economic revolution – Nwosu

As the country continues to contend with sundry challenges that undermine efforts to achieve the full potential of the economy, the Country Director of Nokia Solutions and Networks, a telecoms solutions provider, Dr. Sam Nwosu, in this interview with ABOLAJI ADEBAYO believes that tinkering with the country’s fiscal and monetary regimes could help boosting economic activities and by implication, ensure sustainable growth of the nation’s economy.

How best do you think government can tackle the challenges facing Small and Medium Enterprises in the country?

Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, are generally the catalysts for employment generation and they should be encouraged to thrive. It is heartening to know that the federal government through the central bank has made funds available at relatively low interest rates to qualified SMEs but those SMEs still don’t have access to the funds or they get the loans at higher interest rate. Availability of electricity, good road network across the country, and security of lives and property will surely help in sustaining the existence of this very important segment of the economy.

What would you say is adversely affecting Nigeria’s economy most?

According to recent reports on Gross National Products, the Nigeria economy is growing at a relatively higher rate than other countries in Africa. Nonetheless, high cost of borrowing and inadequate supply of electricity, among others previously mentioned, may have impacted negatively on the size of the growth.

What aspect of the economy would you advise government to focus more in order to realise economic revolution?

While I need not over-emphasise the need for uninterruptible supply of electricity, our Vision 2020 initiative will become an academic exercise without a dramatic increase in the level of electricity supply. A review of current fiscal policy might be necessary to ensure a strong synergy between monetary and fiscal policies.

How do you see economic competitiveness of Nigeria?

The Nigerian economy is relatively competitive compared to other emerging markets in MEA region. I believe the key is the increasing awareness and visible progress being made to create an economy that is private sector driven.

Obviously, there are challenges in doing business in Nigeria. However, part of the adjustment required for any serious business or company wishing to explore the market is to study the environment and master these challenges.

What are the factors militating against the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy among other developed economies?

The factors are many and they include poor and insufficient infrastructure such as power, roads, rail, etc. There is the issue of brain drain and poor educational facilities.

Slow growth of other foreign earning sectors such as Manufacturing, Agriculture and other Minerals as compared to the Oil Sector that dominates our economy. High cost of capital and low entrepreneurship spirit; Nigeria is generally a buy and sell economy. Inadequate security for human and property also discourages Foreign Direct Investment, FDI. Policy and regulatory uncertainty including multiple taxation. These are some of the factors working against the competitiveness of the economy of the country in the global market.

What do you think could be done to make the Nigeria’s economy more competitive in the global market?

We need to be an industrialised nation. More made in Nigeria goods of high quality should be encouraged. Government needs to resolve the power issues as well. Education is a key to providing Nigerians with good skills for the future, and Labour laws should be improved or enforced to discourage brain drain. More private participation should be encouraged to grow the economy and develop infrastructure. Nigeria needs to develop its financial sector to provide more credit to genuine growth efforts - make capital easily accessible, at a low interest rate. The government needs to

Nwosu

SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES EMBRACE THE CONCEPT OF MARKET RESEARCH AND SURVEYS TO OBTAIN FEEDBACKS FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS; TO KNOW WHAT THEIR EXISTING AND TARGET CUSTOMERS REALLY WANT IN TERMS OF PRODUCT QUALITY, SERVICES DELIVERY, AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS put in place systems and processes that can guide entrepreneurs on best practice, provide road infrastructure, good transportation systems, and power supply, and also provide security for human and property through the maintenance of law and order.

Compared with other countries where your company also operates, how do you rate doing business in Nigeria?

Growth opportunities in Nigeria are immense; growing GDP year-on-year, expanding economy, and increased Foreign Direct Investment, FDI. Cost of living is very high and in some cases, we have about 100% cost above other African locations. For example, hotels in Lagos compared to similar facilities in Kenya may have about 50 per cent difference.

Despite the current socio-political challenges, in particular, the problem of insecurity in the Northern parts of the country as a result of Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria still remains an attractive investment destination, judging from level of interest of foreign companies interested in investing in Nigeria. This is based on the rising profile of the country’s economy, which is overshadowing that of South Africa. A lot has to also do with the reforms and regulatory oversights in the key sectors of the economy.

The telecoms sector, for example, stands out as an exception to the entire pool of doubts for many reasons: developments, achievements, innovations in the sector have been practical and available for all to see and not in the realm of

perception. According to data from the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Nigeria had 56 million Internet subscribers as at September 2013. International bandwidth brought by undersea cables, has increased about 26 times to more than 9,000 gigabits per second (nine terabits) over the past four years.

The NCC has cause to cheer, if not celebrate the data emerging from the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP based on telecoms contributions to the nation’s economy. For once, it has become clear that with consistency, sectors outside oil and gas could be relied upon to ‘oil’ the economy. Fortunately, the telecom revolution phase of Nigeria’s development is giving way to the broadband revolution that will eventually impact positively in the lives of every Nigerian.

That is where Nokia’s main strong offering and forte key in providing impeccable quality and growth in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. With unwavering commitment and competitive offerings, Nokia is poised to deliver high quality service and obtain reward to invest more.

Recently, Nokia management put Nigeria in the ‘priority’ country bucket. This means that Nokia is ready to make significant investment with a goal of gaining significant share of the market. To underscore that commitment, a new Lagos office was inaugurated in March and the Abuja office renovated. Like I said earlier, because of our population which is a “ready market demand” and also our culture and nature that is very diverse, Nigeria is still one of the best countries to do business either in Africa or beyond.

For example, take a good clue from MTN Nigeria subscribers’ base that is almost surpassing the total population of South Africa as a country.

There still remain challenges, such as in power sector and general costs of doing business, but the overall picture is one of positive improvements in key indices.

It is believed generally that employing foreign experts to carry out most of the technical works by the government as well as private sectors impacts negatively on the country’s capacity building. What is your reaction to this?

Yes, it affects our capacity building as a nation. Such attitude is not good for a nation trying to grow on its own. I would not want to speak for other companies, but here in our company, about 90 per cent of our staff members are Nigerians. Such practice allows us to compete more favorably and more importantly, gives the staff a sense of pride and empowerment.

Although, engaging foreign experts may be necessary in some highly technical areas where the locals lack requisite skills. For instance, in telecoms, new technologies spring up regularly and foreign experts are required to implement them to ensure smooth running of the network and in turn, conduct formal and on-the-job (OJT) training to transfer skills to locals.

Some failed businesses link their failure to poor infrastructure, excessive taxation and inclement business environment, amongst other factors,. But then, others still thrive in the same environment. Do you think those excuses are the cause of their failure really?

Success in running a business is dependent on so many external and internal factors. Management culture, business model, and attitude to risk, are some of the differentiating factors, which separate success and failure.

Successful companies embrace the concept of market research and surveys to obtain feedbacks from their customers; to know what their existing and target customers really want in terms of product quality, services delivery, and customer relationships.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, March 2, 2016

BP predicts 34% rise in global energy consumption

Fuel scarcity worsens in Lagos, environs 36

35

33

We have no plan to sell, handover NIPOST –FG 31

Experts opt for renewable energy to bridge power supply gap Contrary to expectations, the nation’s power situation continues to drop in recent times as a result of many problems in the sector.

CHIDI UGWU, reports that experts believe that with increased investments, the alternative energy sources offer great prospects in power supply drive.

F

rom government calculations, the nation’s power generation was expected to rise from about 4,000 megawatts; mw to 6,000mw at the end of 2015. The target was not met because of many challenges, including low gas supply to thermal power plants, pipeline vandalism and low investment in the sector among others.

Since then, the situation has moved from bad to worst. For instance, last weekend, power generation and supply that had hovered in excess of 4,000mw dropped to 3,601.78mw and 3,531.88mw respectively. Expectedly, the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs embarked on massive load shedding to consumers nationwide.

This sad reality has impacted negatively on many consumers, including individuals, households, banks and manufacturers who need adequate electricity for various applications.

These and other classes of consumers have embarked on independent power generation at higher costs. Many experts have also started to think about alternative energy resources.

One of them is the President of Alternative Energy Network for Social Development, Engr. Mike Udayaeze who believed that the country’s energy solution could be found through alternative energy resources. Udayaeze indicated that Nigeria has the potential

to exploit its abundant solar, considering its geographic location.

He maintained that renewable energy is energy sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat can be used to replace conventional fuels in four distinct areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, motor fuels, and rural (off-grid) energy services. Udayaeze observed that renewable energy is one of the means of tackling the global challenges of climate change. He indicated that it is now being seen as a cost-effective development solution for

developed countries and a developing country such as Nigeria.

“The country receives abundant sunshine all year round ranging from 6.70kwh/m2/day in Borno State to roughly 4.06kwh/m2/d to 5.86kwh/ m2/d in locations such as Calabar in Cross Rivers State. The Federal Capital Territory has a daily horizontal solar radiation ranging from a high of 6.07/ kwh/m2/d to a low of 4.42/kwh/m2/d during the month of August. This level of solar radiation across the country can support huge deployment of solar power infrastructure designed to primarily feed in to the regional power

EvEn small dEvEloping countriEs such as Burundi, Jordan and KEnya arE lEading thE world in invEstmEnts in rEnEwaBlE EnErgiEs as a pErcEntagE of

gdp. worldwidE invEstmEnts in

rEnEwaBlE tEchnologiEs amountEd to

us$214 Billion in 2013, with countriEs liKE china and thE unitEd statEs hEavily invEsting in wind, hydro, morE than

solar and BiofuEls

distribution entities.”

“The size of the area currently being disturbed by the insurgents in Borno State can supply sufficient power required by the entire country if well harnessed. Despite the glaring economic constraints of solar power generation, its limited competitiveness, a low capacity factor, in addition to high cost of PV cells, renewable power sources mainly solar power development can support peak time energy consumption and can add considerable capacity directly to the national grid or embedded network of distribution enclaves,” he added.

The Executive Secretary of the Renewable Energy Network, Christine Lins, disclosed that “If you look back 10 years ago, Renewable energies were providing 3 per cent of global energy, and now, they provide something close to 22 per cent, so that has really skyrocketed” noted Christine. This is being led most obviously by countries like Uruguay, which aims to generate 90% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015, and Costa Rica, which maintained 100% renewable energy generation for the first 100 days of this year. These countries are not alone and are fast becoming the norCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

Energy Week

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts opt for renewable energy to bridge power supply gap

Buhari

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

mal rather than the ‘alternative’. Even small developing countries such as Burundi, Jordan and Kenya are leading the world in investments in renewable energies as a percentage of GDP. Worldwide investments in renewable technologies amounted to more than US$214 billion in 2013, with countries like China and the United States heavily investing in wind, hydro, solar and biofuels.”

“Between 2012 and 2014, the grid connected utility segment quadrupled its cumulative size, growing from 1,784 megawatts in the first half of 2012 to 7,308 megawatts today. In Nigeria there is need for the Federal government to look at existing policies on renewable energy and take full advantage of it to boost her power generating capacity,” she added.

Investigations showed that the development of alternative energy sources is relatively young in the Nigeria. In fact, a regulation to stimulate investments in 2,000mw of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020 was approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC in 2015. The law, Feed-in Tariff Regulations for Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity in Nigeria was approved at the last regulatory meeting of the Commission. It envisaged that the country would generate at least 1,000megawatts from renewable energy sources by 2018.

Renewable sources are electricity generated from biomass, small hydro, wind and solar energy sources. The former Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi had said, with the regulation, the nation has been able to unlock further investment potentials in the power sector. He had disclosed that its major objective

Fashola

is to diversify the nation’s sources of electricity and take advantage of existing options. He had noted that the regulation expects electricity distribution companies to procure 50 per cent of the projected renewable sourced electricity, while the Nigerian Bulk electricity Trading Company, NBET is expected to procure the balance of 50 per cent.

Specifically, the regulation specifies capacity for renewable plant between 1mw and 30mw. Plant above this threshold will require additional conditions other than those already specified in the regulation. “The provisions of these regulations shall apply to all qualifying renewable energy sourced electricity of capacity above 1megawatts and smaller than 30mw at a site that is connected to the transmission grid or the distribution networks.

“For large renewable (30mw above) integrated resource planning will be carried out before the NERC will initiate a competitive bid process.” The buyer will after this solicit bids and pur-

Akah

chase at the most cost effective based on the optimal technology available at the location. The law allots maximum amount of renewable sourced electricity an electricity distribution can have on its network based optimal potential available in their franchised areas.

This provision of the law is to achieve right mix of energy for the DISCO as well as protect electricity consumers from spike in tariff.

For instance, the regulation allots higher volume of biomass 26mw; 22mw and 19mw to Ikeja and Ibadan Electricity and Eko electricity distribution companies respectively; whereas Abuja DISCO has highest of wind sourced electricity at 14.4mw, while Port Harcourt has 11.4 mw of biomass and 6.5mw of wind sourced electricity.

However, Kaduna and Kano Discos have highest allotments of solar sourced electricity than other discos at 12mw; with small hydro at 10mw and biomass at 6mw apiece. The regulation specifies that provisions of Distribu-

tion Code will apply to embedded generation while Grid Code will apply to those that will use the transmission network to transport their electricity.

Embedded generation is a power plant whose electricity is used within the distribution network where it is generated without using the transmission network. Useful life of every renewable power plant is fixed at 20 years by the law which expects recovery of investment to last the life span of the plant and that generators have obligations to ensure that there source of energy is credible.

From all indications, the future may not be bleak as the examples of some initiatives, including the Lagos State Government partnership with the UK Department for International Development to light-up 172 Public Schools and 11 Flagship Public HealthCare Centers showed that, despite problems, alternative energy sources could be harnessed to generate commercial electricity in the nation.

The counTry receives abundanT sunshine all year round ranging from 6.70kwh/m2/day in borno sTaTe To roughly 4.06kwh/m2/d To 5.86kwh/m2/d in locaTions such as calabar in cross rivers sTaTe. The federal capiTal TerriTory has a daily horizonTal solar radiaTion ranging from a high of 6.07/kwh/m2/d To a low of 4.42/kwh/m2/d during The monTh of augusT. This level of solar radiaTion across The counTry can supporT huge deploymenT of solar power infrasTrucTure designed To primarily feed in To The regional power disTribuTion enTiTies

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

35

BP predicts 34% rise in global energy consumption STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

T

he global energy consumption is expected to increase by 34per cent between 2014 and 2035, according to BP’s energy outlook The extra energy is required because of the expected growth in the world economy as well as the rising global population.

This increase is projected in BP’s ‘base case’, which outlines the most likely path for energy demand by fuel based on assumptions about future changes in policy, technology and the economy.

The Outlook also explores the uncertainties around the base case using a number of alternative cases.

In the base case, the world’s GDP (gross domestic product) is expected to more than double – around one-fifth of the doubling being due to population growth and four-fifths to improvements in productivity.

China and India together account for almost half of the projected increase in global GDP, with OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) economies accounting for around a quarter.

The world’s population is projected to increase by around 1.5 billion people to reach nearly 8.8 billion people by 2035.

Virtually all of the additional energy is consumed in fast-growing emerging economies.

Energy demand within the OECD

Oil vessel

barely grows. Growth in China’s energy demand slows as its economy rebalances towards a more sustainable rate.

By the final decade of the Outlook, China contributes less than 30per cent of global energy growth, compared with nearly 60per cent over the past decade.

Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of energy powering the global economy, providing around 60per cent of the increase in energy and accounting for almost 80per cent of total energy supplies in 2035.

Gas is the fastest growing fossil fuel at 1.8per cent per annum, with its share in primary energy gradually increasing.

Oil grows steadily at 0.9per cent p.a.,

although the trend decline in its share continues.

The combined increase of oil and gas over the Outlook is similar to the past 20 years.

In contrast, coal suffers a sharp reversal in its fortunes. After gaining share since 2000, the growth of coal is projected to slow sharply at (0.5% p.a.), compared with almost 3per cent p.a. over the past 20 years, such that by 2035 the share of coal in primary energy is at an all-time low, with gas replacing it as the second-largest fuel source.

Among non-fossil fuels, renewables (including biofuels) grow rapidly at 6.6per cent p.a., causing their share in primary energy to rise from around 3% today to 9per cent by 2035.

IEA urges Canada to collaborate on energy issues

T

he International Energy Agency, IEA has tasked Canada to collaborate with many stakeholders in order to promote energy

IEA Director, Fatih Birol

development.

It indicated that the government of Canada needs to devise mechanisms for provincial and territorial governments’ collaboration towards stable and longer-term policies and ensure regulatory certainty of mitigation policies.

The agency maintained that this includes developing carbon markets, energy productivity targets and a dedicated strategy to fund energy research, development, and demonstration, among others.

It disclosed that Canada has been strongly impacted by the current lowprice environment in global oil and natural gas markets and the shale gas and tight oil revolutions in North America.

The agency stated that in the medium to longer term, Canada will benefit not only from market opportunities in Asia and other regions, but most of all from strong market integration across North America, as the United States too enters the global oil and gas trade.

This is even as it pointed out that in this context, the IEA welcomes the landmark agreement reached between the energy ministers of United States, Mexico and Canada on closer co-operation and alignment on clean energy, energy data and climate policies, for which groundwork had been done throughout 2014 and at the IEA Ministerial in Paris in November 2015.

The agency maintained that it supports the trilateral efforts in the frame-

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

33.82

+1.04

+3.17%

1:03 PM

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

35.99

+0.89

+2.54%

1:03 PM

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

24,650.00

+740.00

+3.09%

1:01 PM

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

1.71

-0.08

-4.41%

1:04 PM

Source: Bloomberg as at February 29, 2016

work of Mexico’s accession to full membership of the IEA. “While today’s low oil prices may drag down returns and pressure future investment, these conditions will not last forever,” Dr. Birol said. “By ensuring responsible energy production and use, Canada can continue to develop its resources while balancing economic and sustainability goals.”

Founded in 1974, the International Energy Agency was initially designed to help countries co-ordinate a collective response to major disruptions in the supply of oil.

While this remains a key aspect of its work, the IEA has evolved and expanded. It is at the heart of global dialogue on energy, providing authoritative statistics and analysis.

The IEA examines the full spectrum of energy issues and advocates policies that will enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy in its 29 member countries and beyond.

36

Energy Week

169 youths complete Chevron-sponsored training programmes

N

igerian Content implementation recorded a boost last week when Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) celebrated the graduation of 169 Nigerians trained on two major projects, with 70 per cent of the trainees getting employed at the conclusion of their programme.

One of the trainings was conducted by Cakasa Nigeria Limited on the Okan GGCP Debottlenecking Project and it had seven participants who were trained for five months in process engineering, document control among others.

Nigerdock also conducted project based trainings for 161 Nigerians on Chevron’s Domestic Supply Obligation gas project and the youths were taught various modules on the construction of heavy topside for two years.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Nigerdock’s facility in Snake Island, Lagos, the company’s Nigerian Content representative, Mr. Ifeanyi Chime confirmed that 114 of the trainees were retained.

He commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Chevron Nigeria Limited for the opportunity to conduct the training and reinstated Nigerdock’s commitment to capacity building and ensuring that more Nigerians acquire skills that will enable them contribute to the development of the oil and gas industry.

Addressing the trainees, the Manager, Human Capacity Development, NCDMB, Mrs. Michele Aiyegbusi explained that raising competent manpower for the oil and gas industry is a core responsibility of the Board, hence it is implementing different programmes to make Nigerian youths skilled and employable by the sector.

She extolled Chevron Nigeria for sponsoring the programmes, noting that it is an obligation that every project executed in the Nigerian oil and gas industry must make allowance for on the job training of young Nigerians.

Aiyegbusi also hailed Nigerdock for the quality of the training it impacted on the youths, particularly for retaining 70 per cent of the trainees to work as staff of the organization.

In her words, “I want to thank Nigerdock for supporting the human capacity building initiatives of the Board which is in tandem with the drive of President Muhammed Buhari’s administration to create jobs for the nation’s teaming youths.”

In her comments, the representative of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Sokoya Olayinka noted that the enactment of the Nigerian Content Act helps bridge the human capacity gaps in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Sokoya also saluted the diligence exhibited by the trainees which earned 70 per cent of them job placements and advised them to remain focused and committed on their jobs and improve the skills they have acquired.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel scarcity worsens in Lagos, environs STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

F

uel scarcity has worsened in Lagos and its environs because of distribution challenges associated with getting the product from depots and jetties to filling stations.

Investigations showed that although the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has commercial stocks of fuel, many filling stations did not have the product to sell to motorists and others users.

The distribution is crippled as a result of poor states of jetties, depots and vandalism of pipelines.

Consequently, many fillings stations were shut while illegal operators were seen hawking fuel at different locations.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA had allocated 78 per cent of its first quarter importation to NNPC while 22 per cent were allocated the oil marketers.

However, the NNPC has assured of sufficient supply of premium motor spirit (petrol) as it has taken delivery of four more cargoes of the product over the weekend to keep the country wet.

The deliveries which

amount to about 180 million litres is part of a new arrangement by the corporation to have a cargo of PMS delivered daily as from March.

The corporation which made the announcement in a statement made available to the journalists stated that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has warned depot owners against selling petrol above the approved ex-depot price of N77 per litre.

The warning comes against the background of repeated complaints by marketers of sharp practices at the depots.

Before then, The Group General Manager in the Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Mr. Ohi Alegbe had maintained in a statement that NNPC has deployed additional trucks of petrol to arrest the emerging fuel queues in some fuel stations in the Federal Capital Territory.

He had indicated that the NNPC in a release explained that it has increased the fuel truck- out to Abuja and environs from the usual average of 160 trucks per day to 250 trucks (8.25 million litres) to arrest the lull experienced

Fuel scarcity

due to last weekend’s State House of Assembly re-run election in Niger State which affected truck movement from the Suleja depot.

Alegbe had called on members of the public to refrain from all forms of hoarding, diversion and panic buying of petroleum products, the Corporation assured of availability of petrol to meet the demand of consumers in Abuja and beyond.

“Apart from the additional injection of volumes of petrol into the market, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC has stepped up monitoring across fuel stations to ensure strict compliance with laid down rules and

regulations on the sales and distribution of petroleum products,’’ he had added.

Also, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, had indicated in a statement that in pursuance of its mandate of regulating the supply and distribution of petroleum products, it has released the Q1 2016 import allocation for the supply of about 3 million metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. It had maintained that in allocating the Q1 2016 import quota to the NNPC and other Marketers, the agency took into consideration retail outlets ownership, Marketers’ performance of previous quarterly allocation, as well as the challenges in sourcing foreign exchange.

PENGASSAN seeks autonomous status for PPPRA

T

he Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN has made a strong case for the autonomy of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, to enable the agency carry out its responsibilities more effectively.

The PPPRA Branch Chairman of PENGASSAN, Mr. Victor Ononokpono, hinted that the union had embarked on a peaceful protest to register its displeasure over the

Transformer

deployment of employees of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as Chief Executive Officer of PPPRA over the years, adding that that the practice, which started in 2008, should stop as it had affected the smooth operations of the agency.

He said the change in leadership changed the prospect of the agency in an undesirable way.

The labour leader said: “The persistent deployment of NNPC staff to head PPPRA is a flagrant contravention of the Act

establishing the agency. It is obvious that the practice would never allow the agency align with the global best practices.”

While maintaining that from 2008, the independence of the once revered and respected downstream regulator took a continuous slide toward partisanship, Ononokpono said since February 22, the union had shut down activities at the headquarters of PPPRA in Abuja.

“An agency that had created a niche for thoroughness and professionalism soon became the weakest link in the chain,” adding that the trend has led to the worst moments in the annals of the oil and gas sector beginning from 2011.

“It was equally created to supervise planned deregulation of the oil and gas downstream sector. It is important to note that the act establishing PPPRA contemplated an autonomous agency to primarily determine the pricing policy of petroleum products and regulate their supply and distribution.”, he explained.

The chairman maintained that it was unfortunate that the act had been ignored and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources continued to impose workers of NNPC to head the regulatory agency.

Ononokpono indicated that the practice of appointing an operator or someone from marketing company to head a regulator like PPPRA was wrong.

He observed that Section 3, Act 8 of PPPRA Act of 2003, stipulates that the agency should not take direction, control or supervision of any other authority in the performance of its functions except the president.

The chairman noted that the union was willing to relax its protest and open vistas for engagement with the anticipation on favourable resolution of the matter, saying that the national body of the union had written to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, to make a pronouncement on it.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

From The Civil Service NSCDC to deploy 5,000 men to curb illegal mining Joel AJAyi AbujA

T

he CommandantGeneral, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Mohammadu, has said that the agency is set to deploy 5,000 solid minerals defenders armed squad to curb Illegal mining activities in the country.

He made this known while speaking to newsmen shortly after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Fayemi Kayode, Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau and Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Abubakar Bwari, in Abuja.

He maintained that due to negligence there was no effective regulation or law to protect the exploitation of minerals which had led to loss of billions in revenue that should have accrued to the federal government, even as the environment suffers degradation.

NSCDC boss maintained that mineral deposits were supposed

to be sources of joy and wealth to the communities where they are deposited and not a curse.

The reverse has been the case in many communities, however, he said.

According to him, “The situation is not

too different from that which the oil- rich Niger Delta communities found themselves in which led to agitation for better living.

“The communities suffered inhuman treatment from illegal miners who,

apart from destroying their farmland with impunity, also experienced environment degradation.”

He noted that stringent measures were needed to stop illegal mining because despite the cam-

paign by government agencies against illegal mining activities because of the dangers associated with it the illegal miners, because of the fortunes they make from the heinous activities, had refused to desist.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (right) congratulating Barr. Serena Dokubo-Spiff (left), shortly after being sworn in as the new Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government at Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday.

FCT minister appoints Ona of Abaji Pro-chancellor of AUTA Chidi UgwU, AbujA

T

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has appointed the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, as the ProChancellor of Abuja University of Technology, Abaji.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The minister made the disclosure when he paid a visit to the Ona of Abaji at his palace before flagging off the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the FCT Area Councils’ election in Abaji.

Malam Bello reiterated that his administration had taken the decision in recognition of the selfless service and uncommon contribution of the Ona to the development of the Federal Capital Territory as the chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs.

He, thus, called on the traditional rulers in the territory to continue to play the role of a stabilising force that brings about peaceful co-existence amongst all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister assured that the FCT administration would do all it takes to open the AUTA for academic activities for the progress of the entire Federal Capital Territory.

Malam Bello emphasised that the university, when it becomes operational, would go a long

way in providing the needed employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the area.

At the campaign arena, the minister presented the APC candidate, Abdulrahman Ajiya (AbaYaro), to the residents and promised that when voted would uplift the living standard of the people of the council.

He restated that APC had credible people that had the capacity to bring about the needed change to the society and therefore urged the people of Abaji not to be left be-

hind.

The minister, at the occasion, presented the party’s flag to the chairmanship candidate of APC, Abdulrahman Ajiya (Aba-Yaro).

All the big wigs in APC including Zakari Angulu, the member of the House of Representative representing Abuja South Federal Constituency, the APC Organising Secretary, Osita Ozinaso, Senators Sidi Adamu Ali, Usman Jibrin Wowo as well as the FCT APC chairman, attended the campaign.

JONAPWDs commends Buhari for appointing its member as SSA Joel AJAyi AbujA

J

oint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWDs), an umbrella organisation for all disability organizations in Nigeria has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for the appointment of Dr. Samuel Ankeli, as his Senior Special Assistant on issues of the over 25 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.

This was contained in statement signed by the national programme manager of JONAPWDs, Deji Ademefun.

According to the statement, “this is highly effectual in the administration’s drive towards effective delivery of democratic dividends to the entire citizenry and essentially an epochal move in our unflinching zest towards the rights protection and inclusions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

“President Buhari’s intention to vigorously promote and support inclusion in a manner that ensures that Persons with Disabilities are involved in various governance sectors in the society, given equal opportunity to participate and benefit from the process, is highly commendable.”

The group also seeks for immediate passage and enforcement of Nigeria Disability Bill.

“We state undoubtedly that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria are impacted by government’s policy decisions directly or indirectly; we implore the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to look into the passage and enforcement of the Nigeria Disability Bill, which recently scaled second reading in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, the Nigerian Senate.”

38

Civil Service

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Korea cultural centre gets new director Joel AJAyi AbujA

M

r. Han Sungrae, the newly appointed Director of Korean Cultural Center Nigeria, KCCN, has formally assumed duty as head of the center in the Federal Capital Territory.

Sungrae takes over from Mr. Kwon Yonk IK, whose three and half years in Nigeria focused on education, human resources development, vocational training, and rich cultural activities from two countries geared towards showcasing their cultural diversity.

Also, the KCCN since 2010 has been consistently organised and embarked on programmes that highlight the cultural similarity of the two countries as well as breeding creativity amongst children, women and youths.

While expressing his appreciation during a launch organised in Abuja to bid farewell to him and welcome the new one. Mr. Yonk IK, said Korean Cultural Centre had become a comfortable, familiar place to many Nigerians, a place to visit to enjoy cultural content and art.

“I cannot forget the memories with you people in Nigeria, Nigeria remains the best country in the world with diverse culture, a wonderful place to be,” he said.

The new director of KCCN, Mr. Han, stated that Korea believes in continuity.

He promised to continue where his predecessor stopped to ensure a better, strong relationship between Nigeria and Korea Republic.

However, Mr. Han Sungrae becomes the third director of KCCN, a center that has been in the vanguard of promoting cultural ties and deepens the bilateral understanding with its host country since its birth in 2010.

L-R: Development Consultant, Prof. Babatunde Obilana; Acting Executive Secretary, Petroleum Equalisation Fund, Ahmed Bobboi; representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Armaya’u Kurfi; Acting Executive Director, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ahmed Aminu and Director, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Umar, at PTDF’S seminar to address future challenges of energy sector in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

NDDC needs structural reforms –Minister

T

he Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, has said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) needed structural reforms to be able to deliver on its mandate.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Usani said: ``We have to streamline the administrative structure of the NDDC and its interface with the many federal (political) oversight strongholds.

He also said that a development policy need-

ed to be formulated and adopted by all stakeholders.

“Such a policy will act as a complementary guide to the Niger Delta Regional Master Plan, and help configure sound planning, operational and quality management track for the Commission.”

The minister said that such development policy should itemise and prioritise the goals of the commission within a specific time frame.

“For instance, the commission’s policy can define conditions for intervention in an

infrastructural development or expansion project.

“It can set targets in agriculture/aquaculture using communitybased cooperatives as vehicles, foster partnerships with international agencies and local partners for potential development initiatives in health, education and the environment.’’

The minister advised stakeholders to focus on tough choices to be made in building the Niger Delta region and show less concern for immediate benefits.

He noted that some

stakeholders appeared to be more concerned about benefits rather than the rapid development of the region.

He suggested that the Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD), as a peer review mechanism, should be reactivated and expanded to include a representative of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Usani said that due to the drop in federal revenue, NDDC should interface with the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

“It is the only way the

commission can compute, derive and pursue what should rightly accrue to its coffers from the oil producing companies.”

The minister said the commission would sustain over 50,000 permanent and temporary jobs across the region.

“With such significant influence, you can understand why the politics around the commission is big.

“But, it also offers a window for the implementation of crucial reforms which must be founded on a realistic development policy,” he said.

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Opedeji said that the essence of the event was to promote societal norms, values and ethos that were capable of moulding the character of citizens.

She said that characters were to be moulded in a way that benefits a decent society in terms of respect for humanity.

``The cultural week will be a two-day event which will feature over 1000 students from primary and secondary schools across Lagos. ‘’ We are going to have a film show on indigenous music from different cultural backgrounds showcasing traditional musical instruments on March 2. ‘’ There will also be

an exhibition of traditional dancing competition to be performed by students of some selected schools on March 3, the last day. ‘’ The theme of the two-day cultural week is Rejuvenating Cultural Norms through Indigenous Music among the Nigerian Youths,’’ Opadeji said.

She said that the com-

mission intended to expose the children to the value and wealth of Nigerian cultural heritage to ensure that the right cultural practices were instilled in the children.

Opadeji said that conscious efforts should be taken by parents and teachers to ensure the children and youths were properly groomed in the nation’s culture.

National Commission for Museums and Monuments holds cultural week

N

ational Commission for Museums and Monuments is set to hold its 2016 Cultural Week to promote societal norms that will mould the character of the citizens.

Mrs. Florence Opadeji, the Assistant Chief, Museum Education Officer on Tuesday disclosed this to the News

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 39

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Institute releases new high-yield seedlings to farmers –Official

T

he Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) on Tuesday said it had released new high-yield cowpea (beans), maize, groundnut and sorghum’s varieties to farmers in Kaduna State.

Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, an IAR Director, made the disclosure at the IAR’s 2016 Annual Cropping Scheme Meeting held in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had ``Revamping Agriculture for Economic Growth and Sustainability’’ as its theme. ``Our research scientists, together with technicians and technologists conducted different researches covering genetic improvement of our mandate crops, crop production, irrigation, farm mechanisation, crop production management practice, economics and extension. ``The institute had projected the university and the country in positive light through developing and releasing two cowpea (beans) varieties (SAMPEA 16 and SAMPEA 17) which are striga tolerant, alectra and drought resistant. ``Within the same period, six maize varieties (SAMMAZ 43 and SAMMAZ 44) which are hybrid maize with yield of 9.7 tonnes per hectare are boosted with vitamin A to improve human nutrition,’’ Abubakar said.

Others, according to him, are: SAMMAZ 45 is open pollinated, aflatoxin resistant and yield of 6.2 tonnes per hectare across all ecologies and SAMMAZ 46, 47 and 48 are also released for early maturing, high grain yield, tolerance to drought striga and low soil nitrogen.

Abubakar said that the two groundnut varieties were released and they included SAMNUT 25 and SAMNUT 26 with dual purpose varieties both for seed and haulms for animal feed aside their high oil content.

He said that three sorghum varieties were also released, (SAMSORG 44, 45 and 46), stressing that they were high yielding of 4 tonnes per hectare and high malting quality desirable in production of beverages such as malt drinks.

Earlier, in his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU),

Prof. Ibrahim Garba, said the current global economic meltdown coupled with nose-diving oil price required extra efforts for Nigeria not to sink alongside solely oil-dependent nations.

Garba, who was represented by Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Gerand Akpan, stressed the need for National Assembly to support agricultural transformation through appropriating adequate funds for agricultural research and development.

He lauded the efforts of the institute for developing simple implements for the production, storage and processing of agricultural crops such as single row planter, IAR rotary weeder, straddle row weeder, spoke tooth harrow and onion storage rack, among others.

L-R: Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Shade Yemi-Esan; Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, at the inauguration of the Governing Councils of 12 new federal universities, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Police, NEMSA to collaborate on electrical equipment inspection Chidi UgwU AbujA

T

he Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Solomon Arase, yesterday promised that he would direct state Commissioners of Police to support the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) when the agency requests for protection during inspection.

He spoke at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, while playing host to the visiting team from the agency led by the Managing Director, Engr. Peter Ewesor.

Arase said: “You can be assured that we will put our access at your disposal across the length and breadth of the country. And I will give my directives to my colleagues on the field to say whenever your people have any challenge just feel free to go to any of the commissioners in the states, where the challenges are and you can be assured that they will assist you.”

Continuing, the police boss noted that he was going to give the directive to the officers for a guaranteed support to NEMSA .

He said: “But I can assure you sir that any time you need our assistance we will be there.

I will put this directive down with our colleagues, so any of your officers in any of the states that wants our assistance will know that the guarantee is already there.”

The IGP however explained that most of the police officers were not abreast with regulations of the agency, requesting for some sensitisation and inter-agencies

collaboration for them.

Arase added that “maybe whenever you people have time and we have any training programmes in our schools, nothing stops any of your directors from going to those colleges to go and talk to our officers at the operational level so that they can also become acquainted with the regulation.”

He urged the agency to ensure that it incorporates its regulations into the police training.

The Managing Direc-

tor had told the police boss that in carrying out the mandates and roles of the NEMSA, the agency would occasionally require to issue enforcement orders and sanctions which might require the assistance of the law enforcement agencies, especially the Police Force while carrying out its enforcement notices or orders.

The functions of the agency, according to Ewesor, are monitoring and evaluation of networks/ power systems along the

value chain Generation Companies (GenCos,) Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide.

He also told the police that the agency was responsible for inspection, testing and electrical safety certification of electrical installations of residential premises , commercial and industrial premises such as petrol services station, factories and industries and others.

premises.

According to him, such unwholesome practice was hazardous to health.

Haasrup explained that indiscriminate dumping of waste within the hospital and environs would compound the health condition of patients, whom he described as seeking lasting solution to their illhealth.

According to him, the hospital has functional incinerators, established a dumpsite and engaged the services of Abuja Environmen-

tal Agency to keep the premises kempt at all times.

NAN reports that incinerator is a machine or furnace used to destroy or burn waste materials. ``The hospital management is very proactive concerning the issue of waste, we have what is called the incinerator, we have dump site and we also involved Abuja environmental services. ``They always come at regular intervals to check what we are doing with the waste ema-

nating from the hospital because we know this can cause infection and it is unhealthy to see in any hospital that waste are dumped or seen anyhow. ``The environmentalists come every two days to pack waste. We also have incinerators in the hospital and everybody is safe as far as waste management is concerned,’’ he said.

However, the spokesperson urged other hospital authorities to make it a duty at ensuring their premises are free from filth.

National Hospital adopts effective waste disposal

T

he National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday said it had adopted an effective waste disposal measure to prevent outbreak of diseases in the facility.

Dr. Adetayo Haasrup, the hospital’s spokesperson, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the hospital frowned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse by the staff, patients and visitors within and outside its

40

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

SEC targets more retail investors to boost market growth

…retail investments lower than 2% of stocks Chidi UgwU ABUJA

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that the Commission was committed to attracting more retail investors into the Nigerian capital market to deepen and develop the market.

Director General of the SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, made this disclosure when the Commission received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets and other Institutions in Abuja, Tuesday.

Gwarzo said that was one of the reasons that necessitated the Commission to embark on various initiatives line e-Dividend, Direct Cash Settlement, National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) among others to attract retail investors to the Market.

He said: “We have pursued a lot of initiatives in the last year and we are pursuing more this

year. We are taking it from a perspective that this market has never witnessed and the perspective is to address some of the lingering complaints of the investor. We believe that the retail investors are the owners of this market so our strategy should focus on them.

“As a country we have only less than two per cent participation of retail investors in our market. Malaysia has nine per cent, South Africa 19 per cent, USA 43 per cent, and UK 13 per cent. So our market is highly less being participated by the retail investors. Due to the dominance of the foreign investors, anytime they move out of the market the market goes down. Our effort is to see that in the next 5-10 years we raise the level of involvement of the retail investor to at least five per cent”, he added.

The SEC boss explained further that the Commission had identified some of the challenges hindering the retail investor from accessing the

market and believes tackling these challenges through the recent initiatives by the Commission would be more productive.

He disclosed that since the introduction of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) about 21 years ago, it had been impossible to dematerialize certificates fully, pointing out however through strategic efforts by the Commission 97.5 per cent of shares had been dematerialized now.

“We also inaugurated our National Investors Protection Fund and so far we have paid over 300 investors that lost their money in this market. The maximum amount is N200, 000 and the rules are already on our website for people to see. We think that by getting that NIPF it will further provide comfort to the investors” he added.

Gwarzo said the SEC was also strongly encouraging the listing of more companies in

the market, as it believes that the market needs to be deep for it to be sustainable.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, said the Committee members were in the Commission to see what has been done in 2015 as that will give them a good platform to look at 2016.

“The Capital Market is an area that should bring the required resources and has been neglected for too long and we are genuinely interested in helping SEC fulfill its mandate.

“We will assist to ensure that companies that ought to be listed are listed; we need to explore avenues to getting them into the capital market. Companies that are listed pay more tax than those not listed. Maybe we should make those that are not listed to pay more tax while those listed should be given some concessions”, the lawmaker assured.

Equities sustain gain, index up 1.09% Johnson okanlawon

T

rading in equities continued on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on 20 different stocks.

Gains in the influential sectors such as banking and industrial goods sectors provided the tailwinds for the day’s positive performance.

The All Share Index appreciated gained 1.09 per cent to

close at 24,838.31 points, compared to the rise of 1.14 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 24,570.73 points.

Market capitalization gained N92 billion to close at N8.544 trillion, compared to the increase of N117 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N8.452 trillion.

Tiger Brands Plc led the gainers’ table with 13 kobo or 9.42 per cent to close at N1.51 per share, followed by Oando Plc with 17 kobo or 5.72 per cent

to close at N3.14 per share.

Dangote Cement Plc appreciated N7. 98 or 4.99 per cent to close at N148.83 per share, while PZ Cussons Plc rose 83 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N22.99 per share.

Eco Bank Plc gained 83 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N17.58 per share.

Conversely, Forte Oil Plc depreciated N33.34 or 9.75 per cent to close at N308.66 per share, while Conoil Plc shed 87 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N16.56

per share.

Unity Bank Plc lost three kobo or 4.48 per cent to close at 64 kobo per share, while Mansard Insurance Plc depreciated seven kobo or 3.74 per cent to close at N1.80 per share.

Unilever Plc declined N1.00 or 3.45 per cent to close at N28.00 per share.

A total of 128.7 million shares valued at N799.3 billion were exchanged in 2,357 deals.

LSE rally helps European shares hit 1-month high

E

uropean shares extended the previous session’s gains to set a one-month high yesterday, with London Stock Exchange leading the market higher after Intercontinental Exchange confirmed a possible counter bid for LSE. Some investors also expected that downbeat data showing activity in China’s manufacturing sector shrank more sharply than expected in February would prompt the authorities to announce further stimulus measures.

Shares in London Stock Exchange Group surged 7.5 per cent, leading the panEuropean FTSEurofirst 300

index, which rose 0.3 per cent to its highest level in nearly one month after gaining 0.7 per cent in the previous session.

However, Barclays fell 7.3 per cent after the bank reported a two per cent fall in full-year adjusted pre-tax profit and unveiled plans to simplify its UK and international operations.

Wall Street closed higher, led by financial stocks, as weak manufacturing data globally raised hopes of a further easing of monetary policies.

Manufacturing activity across much of Asia shrank in February, with China falling for a seventh straight month. In Europe, factory growth waned, dealing a further blow to poli-

cymakers who are struggling to this year. stimulate their economies and Rate (%) spur inflation.

8.2 The downbeat data may Inflation 13 sharpen the focus of officials MPR from the world’s leading econo- Crude oil price $58.96 mies who said at the recent G20 meeting they needed to Exchange Rates (N) look beyond ultra-low rates and printing money to reanimate WAUA 270 growth.

USD 196.96 Data from the Institute for EURO 214 Supply Management is expectCFA 0.32 ed to show US manufacturing activity steadied in February, YEN 1.64 with the national manufacturSWISS 202 ing index inching up to 48.5 FRANC from 48.2 in January.

POUNDS 293 The data will factor into the STERLING US Federal Reserve’s decision SDR 273 on further interest rate hikes

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 24,838.31 points Market capitalisation 8.54trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIGERBRANDS

1.38

1.51

0.13

9.42

OANDO

2.97

3.14

0.17

5.72

DANGCEM

141.75

148.83

7.08

4.99

PZ

21.90

22.99

1.09

4.98

ETI

16.75

17.58

0.83

4.96

FIDELITYBK

1.10

1.15

0.05

4.55

UCAP

1.33

1.39

0.06

4.51

BOCGAS

3.79

3.95

0.16

4.22

NEM

0.72

0.75

0.03

4.17

UBA

2.88

2.98

0.10

3.47

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FO

342.00

308.66

-33.34

-9.75

CONOIL

17.43

16.56

-0.87

-4.99

UNITYBNK

0.67

0.64

-0.03

-4.48

MANSARD

1.87

1.80

-0.07

-3.74

UNILEVER

29.00

28.00

-1.00

-3.45

WAPCO

84.52

81.65

-2.87

-3.40

HONYFLOUR

1.33

1.29

-0.04

-3.01

STERLNBANK

1.76

1.71

-0.05

-2.84

AIICO

0.80

0.78

-0.02

-2.50

FCMB

0.76

0.75

-0.01

-1.32

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.15

105.91

9.55

106.91

8.66

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.33

114.79

10.60

115.79

10.26

15.54 13-FEB-2020

3.95

111.13

11.92

112.13

11.62

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.91

118.82

11.86

119.82

11.65

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.03

110.61

12.10

111.61

11.91

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.89

102.29

12.09

103.29

11.92

Closing Market Prices of March 1, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

2-Jun-16

4.67

4.73

1-Sep-16

7.26

7.54

16-Feb-17

8.63

9.42

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

3.0383

1M

7.4753

3M

9.0140

6M

10.5097 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

41

‘Nothing can stop el-Rufai’s free school feeding’ •suit challenging policy adjourned AZA MSUE KADUNA

C

Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba (m) and other participants at the opening of the First National Conference on the Role of Religion, History and Language in Development Integration and Security of Nigeria, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Sokoto LG poll will set standards –Tambuwal

T

he March 12 Local Government poll in Sokoto will set new standards by being the first state to use the new voter card and card reader machine at the council level, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said.

Tambuwal, at the flagoff of campaign for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for Sokoto North Senatorial district at Binji council, said both the state government and the State Independent Electoral

Commission, SIEC, have vowed to respect the sanctity of the polls and the outcome of views of the general public to be expressed through their ballots.

He said Sokoto will always strive to align itself with global best practices, adding that rather than use the power of incumbency, the state APC has been going around canvassing for votes.

He urged other political parties to do the same and avoid acts that will undermine the process.

The governor also commended APC supporters for the interest and enthusiasm shown ahead of the polls, saying the only way to deepen democracy in Nigeria is to ensure all local governments are ruled by democratically-elected executives.

In his remarks, former Sokoto governor and lawmaker representing Sokoto North in Senate, Aliyu Wamakko, commended Tambuwal for the commendable manner he has steered the affairs of the state since May 2015, and

advised the people to always be patient with their leaders.

“Leadership is a difficult task. We should always be at the forefront of advising our leaders.

If they don’t heed our advice the first time, let’s advise them again and pray for them,” he added.

Flags were presented to APC candidates for Binji, Wamakko, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Gudu, Tangaza and Kware councils ahead of the election.

Agatu attack: NEMA deploys relief items GLORIA USMAN ABUJA

N

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, have established three camps in Apa town for displaced

residents of the eight communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State that were affected in the recent attack by suspected herdsmen.

A statement released by the agency stated that about 8,642 of the displaced persons were

being profiled at the camps as NEMA had dispatched humanitarian aid to cushion their conditions.

It stated that the affected persons, who are mostly women and children, were rescued from the bush where they ran for safety.

The NEMA North Central Zonal Coordinator, Abdulsalam Muhammad, led the humanitarian intervention of the agency to strengthen support of the Benue government in assisting the affected displaced communities in Agatu council.

Irate youths boo, hold gov hostage in Minna PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

I

rate youths on Monday evening booed and held hostage the Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, along the busy Bosso road, Minna, over how he runs the state.

The youths, upon sighting the governor’s convoy that had stopped to obey the traffic light signal near the Obasanjo shopping complex, rushed to his black Prado Jeep, and rained unsa-

voury comments on how he has been running the state since assuming office over 9 months ago.

Uncomfortable with their utterances at a point, Bello lowered the side glass of his vehicle and started exchanging words with them, and giving reasons for the development.

However, it appeared, they were not satisfied with his explanations, they became more daring in their comments, accusing the governor of delaying payment

of state workers’ salary, which the youths claimed was never experienced under the immediate past government.

According to them, the delay has resulted in untold hardship on the people, particularly lack of adequate pipe borne as a commodity that has become scare in Minna and environs.

Bello’s efforts to justify policies of his government, blaming the slow pace of things on ongoing investigations into the financial dealings of

the last administration and promises to speed things up, seemed not to satisfy them as they continued to boo him.

However, the security attached to the governor interrupted the conversation and the convoy zoomed off.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Jibrin Ndace, when contacted debunked the story that his principal was held hostage and booed, saying it was his usual practice to stop to interact with the people.

oncerned parents of pupils benefiting from Kaduna State governor, Nasir elRufai’s free school feeding programme yesterday declared that no force can stop the laudable project.

A parent, James Ogoche, told National Mirror at a primary school along Constitution Road, Kaduna, that without free feeding under the present economic situation, only God knows what would have happened to his two sons in primary two and four. He added that since the beginning of the programme, he doesn’t spend a kobo on ‘break time’ meal.

Ogoche, however, warned against any plot by individual or group to cause confusion that might affect the programme.

He said: “We are telling anybody who has any minority view over the Kaduna State free feeding programme to leave us parents and government alone. I don’t know why some people will always go against good initiative.

“Going against Governor el-Rufai’s free feeding is like that person keeps his children in private schools and want to scatter children of the masses who are benefiting so much un-

der this programme.

“Any anti-free feeding person should go and join the ongoing anti-corruption war in Abuja to recover more looted money. For now some of us parents are saying that nobody or any force will stop this programme except the governor stops it himself.”

Another parent, Shehu Gambo, a truck pusher, who came to supervise the free feeding in Unguwan Sarki primary school, said: “Nobody can stop the free feeding because the project is now the peoples’ project.

I came to see things for myself and am happy at what I saw; my daughter had just finished her meal during break time.”

Meanwhile, a Kadunabased legal practitioner, Maxwell Kyon, has dragged Governor el-Rufai before a Kaduna magistrate court 4, challenging the free school feeding programme.

The plaintiff argued that there was no need for the governor to feed school children in the state, stressing that the initiative is unconstitutional.

But, defence counsels, Director of Litigation (state Ministry of Justice), Sanusi Usman, and his deputy Daniel Isah, who led the legal team for the defendant, said the plaintiff has no grounds to challenge the free feeding programme.

Lawmaker rallies constituents against rights violations JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

P

iqued by alleged human rights violations by the military, member representing Langtang North/ Langtang South federal constituency of Plateau State in the National Assembly, Beni Lar, in collaboration with the coalition for human development, CHD, and National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has organised a sensitisation rally for the people of her constituency.

According to her, the essence of the rally was to enable the people know their rights and report any human rights violation to the appropriate

agency for prompt action.

National Mirror recalls that Ngwang Ishi Otarok, a socio-cultural and political pressure group of the Tarok nation through its chairman, Lohbut Jangle, and secretary Zingfa Danbaki, has accused the Special Task Force on Jos crisis STF, 3rd Armored Division of the Nigeria Army, Jos, of a planned genocide against the Tarok people.

Taroh villages, which include Kadarko, Mutum Biyu, Wadatan Arewa, and Wadatan Kasuwa, all in Wase Local Government Area in southern Plateau, were attacked by suspected soldiers, leaving over 50 dead and 150 others with various degrees of injuries.

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I formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEKUNLE IYABO TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTOMIWA IYABODE TEMITOPE All former documents remain valid, SUBEB and the general public take note

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PUBLIC NOTICE

SPRINGS OF ZION MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Dr. Oyewale Emmanuel Oluyemisi 2. Mrs. Joke – Israel Mary 3. Mr. Tobi – Dolapo Israel 4. Mrs. Oluwatosin Israel 5. Mr. Oladipupo Isiaka

– Chairman – Secretary

The Aims and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of repentance, salvation, justification and sanctification to the world. Matt 28: 19– 20 2. To reach out in love to the forsaken, the wounded and the brokenhearted and minister to them.

3. To break satanic strongholds and loosed men from the bondage of sickness, poverty, failure, premature death and all other forms of oppression. Obad. 1:17.

4. To restore the entire body of Christ to her ‘first love’ in Christ Jesus. 1 Pet. 1: 22 Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOLIK FUTHAI FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Naomi Mankilik 2. Rev. Christopher Damcher 3. Mrs. Kubili David 4. Alhaji Usman Garandawa 5. Chief John Mankilik 6. Hajia Mariam Bibinu 7. Mr. Mallo Bennih John

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That i was formerly known and addressed as Chinedu Linus that i now wish to add Okoye to my former name that i now wish to be known and addressed as Okoye Chinedu Linus.All former documents remain valid.Banks and General public take note.

BASSEY: FORMERLY known and addressed as BRAFICE STEPHEN BASSEY NOW wish to be known and addressed as BEATRICE STEPHEN BASSEY .

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Formerly known and addressed as Fidelis Benard Essien , now wish to be known and addressed as Ejiga Monday Amodu . All former documents remain valid.

UBA and general public take note.

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To identify and provide succor to Nigerian communities affected by conflicts 2. To promote and enhance peace building and unity among Nigerian conflicting communities.

3. To rehabilitate and re-integrate internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their original settlement.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Mrs. Naomi Mankilik Chairman

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that UNDIAR IORKYAR ALFRED is one and same person as UNDIAR ALFRED. Hence forth,wish to be addressed as UNDIAR IORKYAR ALFRED.Born on 19 September,1980. All former documents remain valid. GTB, ECOBANK and general public take note.

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This is to certified that AbduRRa’uf Qosim A.is the same one person as Adejumo Qosim AbdulRauf, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Adejumo Qosim AbdulRauf. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that ogbu Jacob ogbonna and ogbonnaya christian belög to one and same person.

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CENTRE FOR PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Michael Williams 2. Asiwaju Afolabi Hassan 3. Maryam I. Shetty 4. Engr Saleh Abubakar Umar 5. Olusegun Gbadamosi 6. Awwal Musa Bashir 7. Adeboye A. Ayoade 8. Fatima Macaulay AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To Established a set goal that will promote human capacity building 2. To attract wide participation of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for various form of activities designed for different targeted group for human capacity building promotion

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PUBLIC NOTICE CENTRE FOR RESEARCH INNOVATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Professor Josephine Nkiru-edna Alumanah 2. Adaka Terfa Ahon M.Ed 3. Emmanuel Ande Ivorgba Phd 4. Shirlee Ene Ajenu 5. Hope Ande Idot

-

Chairman Treasurer Secretary Member Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To conduct research, produce and disseminate research findings 2. To support innovation and creativity through funding, training, education the and partnership 3. To bridge the gap between research and needs-base solution

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: Secretary

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CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ADETIMIRIN KAFILAT OMOLOLA. Now wish to be known and addressed as MABADEJE KAFILAT OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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43

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Thomas Nestor, now wish to be known and addressed as Gbloesse Thomas. All former documents remain valid.

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TOSIN : I formerly Known, called and addressed as ORILOYE TOSIN FLORENCE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ORILOYE OLUWATOSIN FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid.

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HELEN: FORMERLY known and addressed as EDEMHANRIA HELEN NOW wish to be known and addressed as EDEMHANRIA HELEN EHINOMEN All former documents remain valid.

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l,formerly known and addressed as Funmilayo Akinyode,now wish to be known and addressed as Funmilayo Akinyode George.All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME Alhaji Bukar Abu is one and same person as Bukar Mowar Abu now which to be known and addressed as Alhaji Bukar Abu, all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Former Miss Taiwo Adunni Elizabeth now to be known and addressed as Mrs Oyedele Taiwo Adunni.FCMB and the general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. HASSAN BUKOLA COMFORT. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FESOJAYE BUKOLA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formally known addressed as Miss BALOGUN OLUWATOSIN PRAISE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs FATAYO OLUWATOSIN PRAISE . All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, WAHEED SUNMON AM THE SAME PERSON AS KUNLE O. AJEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID . GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS MANASSEH PRAISE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS MANASSEH JESSICA SHICIVIR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Sarah Kazi Okoh-Anyawu now wish to be addressed as Sarah Kazi Dike.All former documents remai,general public take note

Formerly known as Oyede Dorcas Oluwatoyin now to be addressed as Odulate Aishat Oluwatoyin.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

Formerly known as Ada Ebere now wish to be known as Adaku Nwaeke.

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Formerly Miss Oluranti Adepeju Adenike now Mrs Akinyele Adepeju Adenike.

All former documents remain valid ,NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Akanji Alimat now Akanji Sadia Tope. All former documents remain valid ,F.C.M.B and general public take note

Formerly Thomas Benson Ogbile and Ogbile Thomas Benson now Thomas Okebe.

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CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as JACKSON ANUWO now wish to be known and address as ANUWO JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AS KASALI TAIWO NOW TO BE ADDRESSED AS ADESANYA HASSAN TAIWO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

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FORMERLY KNOWN AS SODIQ ADENIYI MOSES NOW TO BE KNOWN AS KOLAPO ADENIYI SODIQ.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

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I NANA GOODLUCK was born on the 15th day of JUNE 1983 NOT 20th day of April 1988.

Henceforth, my correct date of birth is 15th JUNE 1983.

All former documents remain valid. Authority concern and general public take note.

Formerly AKOR EDWIN now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKOR FREDRICK. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FASORANTI: I, formerly known and addressed as OLUBUNMI ESTHER FASORANTI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUBUNMI ESTHER AJIDAHUN. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

BABALOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA OLUFUNKE ATINUKE , now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHABI OLUBUKOLA ANIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHARITY AND GRACE SISTERS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Naomi Olorundare 2. Modupe Bosede Adefemi 3. Omowumi Olaitan Babatunde 4. Jummai Dan Daze 5. Grace Yangkul

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Tirimisiyu Adeshola Aremu, Now wish to be known and addressed as Salami Tirimisiyu Aremu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as AWE DAVID OLORUNSOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AWE OLUSOLA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

UBA, Fidelity Bank plc and General public take note.

ADESAOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. ADESAOGUN FALILAT IYABO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS KOLAPO FALILAT IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Yakubu Maryam Musa, Now wish to be known and addressed as Yakubu Maryam. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Aree Rafiat, now wish to be known and addressed as Aree Rafiat Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly MRS DADA ADENIKE PTRICIA now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS OJO PATRICIA ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. Authority concern and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss OLAIFA ABIDEMI OMOBOLAJI now wish to be known addressed as Mrs BALOGUN ABIDEMI OMOBOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

-

President

-

Secretary

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly AKPEI TAYE KARINATEI now GEORGE TAIWO KARINATEI. All former documents remain valid. Heritage Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OHIAERIAKU VICTOR ONYEBUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR EZE ONYEBUCHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE SANCTUARY OF WORD OF LIFE MINISTRY The general public is hereby informed that the above named Church has applied for registration under Part CÕ Õ of the Companies and Allied Matters ACT1Õ 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Pastor Odalonunu Godwin Ugbo Evang. Osanebi Macaulay Nwabueze Deaconess Odalonunu Beatrice Iteh Evang. Nwachukwu Donatus Pastor Onowu Louis Deacon Kpakpo Edwin

-

Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assist the less priviledge and to empower the widow and orphans 2. To train and empower widows and orphan to be self reliant 3. To give hope by providing small skill acquisition centres for training 4. To provide succor

The Aims And Objectives Are:

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Any objection therefore, should be forwarded to the Registrar Ð General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

1.

2.

3.

4.

To preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world.

To provide a ministry of the word of God through the planting of Churches.

To print, publish, distribute religious/other books.

To provide health, education, poverty alleviation and relief services to the needy, orphans etc.

Signed: Pastor Odalonunu Godwin U.

I formerly known as Miss.

Oluwaseyi Latifat Balogun now Mrs. Oluwaseyi Latifat John. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Husein Karimot Oluwapomile, now wish to be known and addressed as Sulaimon karimot Oluwapomile.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Okporu Micheal Friday now wish to be addressed as Oguzor Micheal Friday.All former documents remain valid,general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU AMOBI UWAEZUOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS AGU FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as IDRIS NIMOTA, now wish to be known and addressed as IDRIS NIMOTA ADUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALHAJI SHAMSIDEEN BABATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALHAJI SHAUDEEN BABATUNDE SARUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ONOIRIBOHOLO OLIHA CHRISTAIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLIHA ENERIBHOLO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

JEREMIAH: I, formerly known and addressed as OLUBUNMI COMFORT JEREMIAH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUBUNMI COMFORT KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. ALUKO OMOBOSEDE IYABO. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALIMI OMOBOSEDE DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OSAHON:formerly known and addressed as OSAHON RAPHAEL,now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU PETER RAPHAEL.All former documents remain valid .General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Idowu Eniola Mariam. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Idowu Tiana Eniola. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. CORILTHA EWAOHI IMOSEMI now want to be known and address as MRS. CORILTHA EWAOHI ALUELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AKINSANYA AZEEZ SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSANYA AZEEZ OLAMILEKAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Lutifat Oyeboh now wish to be addressed as Mrs Lutifat Olaide Ajose.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Akomolafe Olakunle now wish to be called, known and addressed as EMMANUEL SUNDAY OLUWASINA. All former documents remain valid. Banks, authority concern and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AJAYI: I, formerly known and addressed as AJAYI LUKMAN ORIYOMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAYI LOOKMAN ORIYOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ANI CHIEDOZIE SYDNEY, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIEDOZIE OGBE ANI. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK and FIDELITY BANK take note.General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ABIKOYE ABBEY, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN ADEMOLA ABIKOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as NWOYE RAPHAEL OLUEBUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as UBIAN STEPHEN OLUEBUBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

HUSSEINI: Formerly known and addressed as HUSSEINI SUMAILA is thesame and one person as SUMAILA PAPA SANNI. That, I now want to be called and addressed as SUMAILA PAPA SANNI. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

44

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insecurity: FG explores e-border system to check terrorism

F

ederal Government saaid it is exploring the use of e-border system to secure the borders and check activities of illegal immigrants across the nation’s porous borders.

Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) disclosed this in Abuja at the simulation of the e-border system pilot programme of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Huwei Technologies Nig. Ltd, the company handling the project, monitored the simulation of borders through e-border system from NIS in Abuja.

Huwei Technologies carried out the exercise using the surveillance cameras it mounted in Illela border post in Sokotao State.

Dambazau, who decried the porous nature of the Nigerian borders CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUFUTAU OGUNSOLABABATUNDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUFUTAU OGUNSOLA ADEWUNMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIKE OGOCHUKWU BENADINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBO OGOCHUKWU BENADINE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SHOTE: I, formerly known and addressed as SHOTE OLADUNNI MARIAM, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADUNJOYE OLADUNNI MARIAM SHOTE. All former

and the influx of insurgents through them, stressed the need for the deployment of modern technologies to arrest the ugly trend.

He commended the presentation by the company and urged it to extend the surveillance beyond border posts.

“The border between Nigeria and Cameroon alone is about 2,000 kilometers and there is no way you can have personnel physically on ground

across that stretch.

“This is why we have been talking about using technology to monitor and serve as surveillance on our borders,’’ Dambazau said.

The minister also called on the company to ensure adequate training, durability and maintenance of all facilities to be installed for the project in line with international best practice.

“The other issue I will like to talk about is the ca-

pacity for rapid response to activities at the border and the problem with maintenance of all the facilities, especially the solar panels,’’ he said.

He promised that the ministry would ensure due diligence in the eborder project before it is approved to avoid a ‘’white elephant project’’ like the stalled CCTV project in Abuja and Lagos.

Earlier, Mr Jerry Tang Jian, Solution Manager,

Huwei Technologies Nigeria Ltd., said that the company was ready to partner with the Federal Government in deploying the latest e-border technology to the nation’s borders.

He said that the company had commenced running pilot programme at the Illelah border post.

“As you can see, we have our HD surveillance cameras at the border post and you can view and monitor all the activities at the border from NIS in

Abuja,” he said.

Answering questions from reporters after presentation of the pilot project, Jian said that his company had done similar projects across the world, including in Europe, Asia and some African countries such as Kenya, Egypt and Ghana.

He, however, clarified that no contract had been signed between Huwei and the federal government for the e-border system project.

Reps kick against plan to close 556 private schools in FCT

H

ouse of Representatives on Tuesday urged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Muhammad Bello, to stop further action on plan to close 556 private schools allegedly operating illegally in the city.

This followed the unanimous adoption of a motion presented under Matters

of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Albert Adeogun .

Adeogun said closure of the schools would make about 100,000 pupils to be out of schools.

According to him, the Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration has approved

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS. HASSAN BUKOLA COMFORT. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FESOJAYE BUKOLA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. OLADIPO OLUWATIMILEHIN ANUOLUWAPO HANNAH. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AGUNBIADE OLUWATIMILEHIN ANUOLUWAPO HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

the close down of the schools as soon as funds are available to execute the plan.

“This will impact negatively on the future of the children and destroy the need to improve the literacy rate of Nigerians,” Adeogun said.

The lawmaker further expressed concern that the CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Charles Ignatius Ibeh. Now wish to be known and addressed as Ignatius Innocent Obioha. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OZOUME: I, formerly known and addressed as OZOUME NGOZI PERPETUA, now wish to be known and addressed as MADU NGOZI PERPETUA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OJO: Formerly known and addressed as OJO MATHEW .A .now wish to be known and addressed as OJO MATHEW .All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU MATHIAS, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU MATHIAS AKPU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKPE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKPE JULIANA CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as DONATUS CHINENYE FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IZUEGBU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IZUEGBU CHINELO NKIRU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MMADUBULUM NKIRU CHINELO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that I, Dr. Offia Nwali lost my original documents of my property along Bishop Onyeabor Street Ekulu Layout lease No 24/24/691, Power of Attorney No 6/6/968, memorandum of Agreement No 50/50/968, Mortgage No. 64/64/996, and Assignment No 7/7/1105 by Virtue of Letter of Administration. If found contact Ministry of Lands Enugu.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST REFORMED APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named forum has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts LFN (Cap 20) 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adebayo Gbenga Joseph - General Overseer 2. Pastor Theophilius Olabanji - Secretary 3. Pastor Joseph Oluwaniyi Olusola 4. Deacon Taiwo Adeyemi 5. Lady Evangelist Comfort Adebayo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims and objects of the association are: 1. To Preach and Present JESUS CHRIST as Saviour, Healer and Deliverer 2. To Conduct Soul Winning CRUSADES AND OUTREACHES 3. To Engage in social humanitarian services by extending of helping hands to the needy, prisoner, windows and orphanage homes 4. To carry out printing and publication activities including making, acquiring and distributing printing matters such as book, tracts, magazines, music and literature compatible with Christ’s gospel of peace.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: DAVID TUNJI DAGUNDURO ESQ 0096201535, 08050219924

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SIMEON: I, formerly known and addressed as CHINEDU SIMEON GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINEDU GODWIN NKUME. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as AGU LINDA OGECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU SILVER OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that DURU STANLEY UZOMA and ALIONYE STANLEY UZOMA refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as ALIONYE STANLEY UZOMA. All former documents bearing the two (2) names remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that ABDUL AZEEZ ATINUKE is the same person bearing RONGE AZEEZ HADIAT ATINUKE . All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

move to close the schools without placing the students in other schools would expose them to crime.

“The closure of the schools without placing the children in other schools that can absorb the large population will expose the children to crime and abuse.

“That may be the consequence of this policy. The children may become victims of unwanted and unfortunate circumstances by virtue of the closure of the schools.

“They may never have

the opportunity of furthering education which will not augur well for the country,” Adeogun said.

He argued that public schools in the FCT were not sufficient to cater for the educational needs of the increasing population.

“This is why many private nursery and primary schools have emerged in the city,” he added.

The House subsequently mandated the Committee on FCT to investigate the plan to close down the schools and report back in four weeks.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss SHARON NGOUMBUR ADDAI, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. SHARON NGOUMBUR ASEMOTA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

DINA: Formerly known and addressed as Mr DINA Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mr DINA Solomon Temitope. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME LINUS: Formerly known and addressed as LINUS ELLA JOSEPH now wish to be known and addressed as BENJAMIN ALI ABAH .All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Sunday Adonil Okimba now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Festus . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME THOMAS : Formerly known and addressed as Thomas Dakim Effi now wish to be known and addressed as Sylvanus Danor Effi .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

IGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWE QUEENDALINE OGECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMADI QUEENDALINE OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOUKPAI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOUKPAI EMILIA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE EMILIA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that My name OKORU IFEANYI SUNDAY was wrongly written in my Account Access Bank but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OKORIE IFEANYI SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ATANDA : Formerly known and addressed as ATANDA JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as ALANDA N`FETEGA JOHN ..All former documents remain valid.

ECOBANK and MINN CEDAR PRIVATE SCHOOL take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDO: Formerly known and addressed as Edo Christian now wish to be known and addressed as Ojo Justin Monday and my correct date of birth is 11th March 1980.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALI OBIAGELI PHILOMENA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MGBODILE OBIAGELI PHILOMENA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBAYI : I, formerly known and addressed as OBAYI NNAEMEKA .C., now wish to be known and addressed as OBAYI NNAEMEKA ALEX. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name EVENSUS OMEKE CHUKWUEMEKA was wrongly written in my Account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OMEKE CHUKWUEMEKA EVERISTUS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

WINFUL: Formerly known and addressed as Winful Juliana Titilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Tella Juliana Titilayo.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANYIKA: I, formerly known and addressed as ANYIKA ROWLAND OKEY, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUJEKWU OKEY ANYIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MBAH : I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MBAH GLADYS NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZOFOR GLADYS NNEKA, of No 3 Aninwokoro Crescent Nike Enugu State. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALIU: I, formerly known and addressed as ALIU GREGORY FEMI , now wish to be known, called and addressed as THOMAS GREGORY. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

45

Sport

If you can walk with your head in the clouds and keep your feet on the ground, you can make a million dollars in the NBA

NPFL: Ikhana, 3SC get continental ticket target

47

–Gary Dornhoefer (1975)

Super Falcons and Liverpool Ladies star, Azeezat Oshoala presenting her jersey to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, when she visited the Speaker in his office yesterday.

AFCON 2017 qualifier: Amodu, Siasia cross-check Eagles’ list

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Shuaibu Amodu, met with Coach Samson Siasia and his assistants, Salisu Yusuf and Emmanuel Amuneke, yesterday in Abuja to fine-tune the list of players to be called up for the crunch AFCON double header against Egypt later this month.

The trio of coaches led by Siasia was appointed in the wake of Sunday Oliseh’s shock resignation last week and are expected to release the list of players tomorrow after its vetting by the technical committee.

Nigeria welcome seven-time African champions, Pharoahs of Egypt to Kaduna on March 25 with a return leg match in Cairo on March 29.

Egypt lead the qualifying group for Gabon 2017 on six points, two points ahead of Nige-

ria, after two rounds of matches.

It is expected that a training camp for home-based players to be dominated by players who featured at the recent CHAN in

Rwanda will open before the foreign-based pros jet in.

Siasia and his assistants are to be supervised by Amodu and their list of players will be vetted

by the NFF technical committee before it is made public.

Media reports have already suggested that Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and Em-

manuel Emenike, who is loan at Premier League club West Ham, have rejected calls for them to rescind their decisions to quit international football.

NFF expects new NIKE jerseys

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) and sports kits manufacturing company, NIKE, have concluded arrangements to redesign the national team jerseys, Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF General Secretary, said on Monday.

Sanusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that NIKE would supply newlydesigned jerseys to the national teams later this year.

He said the national teams had a single design jersey under the new contract with

NIKE because the company gave NFF only what it had left in stock last year.

“The NIKE contract which was signed in 2015 is going to be more operational in 2016.

“In 2015, they made us to understand that there were no kits and, instead of us going to the market to buy, we decided to manage what they had in stock, which was better for us at that moment,” Sanusi told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He added, “But for 2016, NIKE has come up with new

designs which are beautiful and attractive, better than what we used for our matches in 2015.

“But, from what they told us, we will get the new designs in large quantity this year.

“I want to assure that what NIKE has in stock for Nigeria this year will be far better than what we had last year.”

Sanusi, who did not mention when the consignment would arrive in the country, urged Nigerians to appreciate NIKE for partnering with the NFF when adidas failed to renew its part-

nership.

He regretted the negative reports the contract generated, saying the situation was blown out of proportion.

“The NIKE contract issue has been over blown to the extent it almost pushed the company away from the country.

This is not good.”

The partnership is expected to see the American sports brand design and develop football kits for both the country’s male and female national football teams until 2018.

46

Sports

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guardiola focuses on Mainz

B

ayern Munich could move closer to an historic fourth straight German league title if they win at nearest-rivals, Borussia Dortmund, in four days, but Pep Guardiola says, for now, it’s all about Mainz today.

Bayern hold an eight-point lead in the table and victory at Dortmund on Saturday would be a significant step to becoming the first team to win four straight German league titles.

Bayern won 2-0 at Champions League side Wolfsburg last Saturday and now a mouth-watering showdown beckons in Dortmund.

Before that however, Guardiola insists he is focused on playing resurgent Mainz at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

“Everyone is talking about Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund, but we are playing against Mainz, who are fifth in the table. They are a strong and dynamic team.”

The Martin Schmidt-coached Mainz proved just how strong they are in beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at home on Sunday with goal-scoring midfielder Yunus Malli netting twice to leave them fifth and challenging for a Champions League place next season.

Rodriguez

Real Madrid not divided –Zidane

…as police fine Rodriguez $11,300 Z inedine Zidane vouched yesterday for the harmony in his Real Madrid dressing room after comments by Cristiano Ronaldo that hinted at divisions.

Real visit Levante today with their hopes for La Liga written off after last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the derby.

Ronaldo was quoted after the match as saying that if all his teammates were on his level, Real would be top of the standings, but the Portugal forward said he had been misquoted.

“Cristiano has spoken

to everyone, with me and all, the matter is past,” Zidane said after Ronaldo had claimed he meant teammates in a squad with a spate of injuries were not as fit and he was not questioning their playing ability.

Zidane will make a number of changes for today’s match with Luka Modric joining the injury list with an ankle problem but Pepe back in a 19-man squad.

Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal are rested while Marcelo, who has muscle fatigue, and striker Karim Benzema, with a thigh muscle problem, are out.

Welshman Gareth Bale

rejoined his teammates in practice yesterday for the first time since mid-January when he suffered a calf injury, but was not included and could return at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Colombian James Rodriguez, 24, has been fined 10,400 ($11,300; £8,090) by the Spanish authorities for refusing to stop for police.

The Real Madrid star was caught speeding on New Year’s Day on his way to training, and refused to stop.

Police said he was driving at 200km/h (124mph), double the speed limit.

The fine is for refusing to stop when police told him to pull over. The fine for speeding has yet to be announced.

He has 15 days to appeal against the fine, but if he pays within the next two weeks, the sum due will be halved.

Zidane

Guardiola

Infantino wants players in FIFA hierarchy

N

ew FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, wants players to become more involved in the running of the sport and has recommended a cautious approach to the use of technology.

Infantino, elected last Friday to replace Sepp Blatter, also suggested that soccer directors should behave “more like fans and less like politicians” and said his proposed 40-team World Cup would have little impact on the football calendar.

“It’s important that the players are involved because they are the stars of football,” he said in an interview on FIFA’s website, one day after taking charge of world soccer’s ruling body.

“They have to be involved in the decision-making process. We need to listen to the players, we need to listen to their voices, to their experience, to involve them in the activities we do.”

Infantino has inherited an organisation which has been plagued by scandals over the last year.

Several dozen soccer officials, including a number who held high-ranking FIFA positions at the time, have been indicted in the United States and Blatter himself has been banned for six years for ethics violations.

Infantino said the sport could not close its eyes to using technology to help referees but had to be careful about interrupting matches too much.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

47

FC IfeanyiUbah will host Shooting Stars today in Nnewi

NPFL: Ikhana, 3SC get continental ticket target T

LBA shortlists 4 players, coaches for Feb awards

T

he Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Rasheed Balogun, says the club has the mandate of their management to secure a continental ticket at the end of the ongoing 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League.

Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that winning the league might not be realisable for now, but playing in the continental stage was within reach.

He said the club’s management was not bothered about the season’s first result which they lost to Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

“We are not bothered about the result; we have our mandate which is to play continental football next season.

“The loss may have come badly but we still keep to everything and the

Ikhana

Coach, Kadri Ikhana, understands this as much,” Balogun said.

He added, “Our set target is nothing less than continental football from the coach, players and all the members of the management.”

Shooting Stars have been a force to reckon with in the history of the NPFL since its inception in 1972.

But they have not been consistent after coming back

from relegation in 2014.

Last season saw the team struggled in the first half until the appointment of experienced Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, who had since moved to Giwa FC. The club have won the league five times in 1976, 1980, 1983, 1995 and 1998.

The team was also twice runners-up in the CAF Champions League last 1996.

Today’s fixtures Wikki vs Plateau United Abia Warriors vs Pillars Akwa Utd vs Heartland Lobi Stars vs El-Kanemi Enyimba vs Ikorodu Utd MFM FC vs Sunshine IfeanyiUbah vs 3SC Giwa FC vs Rivers Utd Tornadoes vs Nasarawa Wolves vs Rangers

MFM stick to fumbling keeper Aiyeyemi

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FM FC Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has disclosed that he will stick to the team including goalkeeper James Aiyeyemi who fell 3-0 to Shooting Stars in Ibadan in a Week 3 game.

Aiyeyemi will take the blame for the first two goals, particularly the opening goal when his howler gifted hattrick hero, Wasiu Jimoh.

But Coach Ilechukwu insists his first team against 3SC are capable of winning against Sunshine Stars in Lagos today.

“I believe in team cohesion and synergy, changing the players that prosecuted that game against 3SC, for me is not the way forward for the team,” Ilechukwu said.

He added, “We won’t allow our below-par performance against 3SC force us to ring changes against Sunshine Stars.

“The game against Sunshine will be our fourth league match,

we mustn’t experiment with our team.

“Don’t forget that this same players have won two out of three games, not fielding them may reduce their confidence level.”

he League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has named four players and four managers as its nominees for the Player and Manager in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the month of February.

In the player’s category, Rivers United attacking midfielder, Frederick Obomate; Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars; Michael Olaha of Abia Warriors and 3SC hattrick hero, Wasiu Jimoh, are in the running for the February edition of the LBA. Obomate has scored three in three games for Rivers United winning them six points from nine while Jimoh’s three goals put new boys, MFM, to the sword earning 3SC their first full points of the season.

Okpotu has scored twice in three appearances in the month under review and helped his Lobi team notch up three points in their 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars.

Olaha has featured thrice for Abia Warriors this term and all three from the bench in which he scored twice against El-Kanemi Warriors and Heartland. His goals have secured six points for Warriors so far.

The quartet of Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC, Kennedy Boboye of Abia Warriors, Mohammed Baba Ganaru of Kano Pillars and Godwin Uwua of Lobi Stars will tussle for the manager’s award.

Boboye has guided Warriors to top spot after they claimed seven points from nine, in-

Gymnastics: Hard work earned me FIG badge –Asuquo Joel AJAyi AbujA

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oach Tony Asuquo has disclosed that hard work and perseverance made him to become the first Nigerian gymnastics umpire to get the certification of World Gymnastics body- Federation International Gymnastics (FIG).

Asuquo, who hails from Cross Rivers State began his gymnastics training in Lagos at the age of 7, going on to represent Nigeria in 2007 at the Prime

International Gymnastics competition in Singapore where the country won six bronze medals and a trophy, taking 3rd among 17 clubs and countries.

The proprietor of Tony International Gymnastics who was the only Nigerian at the coaching course which took place in Benin Republic last December, beat the pass mark to come out top with 72% mark.

Speaking with National Mirror recently after the release of the results by the FIG, Asuquo said,

“It was hard work and the grace of God that earned me success at the coaching course which now makes me one of the listed 327 certified aerobic gymnastic coaches world over.”

On the impact of the certification on gymnastics in Nigeria, Asuquo explained, “It is going to be a big plus for Nigeria in the gymnastic world. This is because Nigeria’s name is now being mentioned as one of the countries with a top gymnastic coach.”

He, however, lamented

that he had not received any support from the government in pursuit of his certification.

He also complained that the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has refused to give him any responsibility regarding the coaching of athletes for international championships.

Coach Asuquo who claimed he could turn the fortunes of gymnastics around in Nigeria if given the opportunity, said he had gotten offers to work abroad.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box Vol. 05 No. 1319

N150

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The fastest marathon dressed as a tele phone box is 5 hr 54 min 52 sec and was achieved by Sid Keyte (UK) at the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon.

Perspective on leadership

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eaders and followers co-create each other. So, there can be no leadership without followership and vice versa.

In his wonderful book, ‘The Wretched of the Earth’, Frantz Fanon, the French-born Algerian statesman, argued that ultimately the people get the kind of leaders they deserve; and the leaders deserve the kind of followers they get. After all, a leader is anyone called to guide, teach, command, motivate, inspire or plan. By this, we all are leaders.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), had a glorious past in the 1970s and 80s due to its principled defence of the interests of students and the downtrodden in the society. But today, it is difficult to distinguish NANS activities from motor park touts. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) made this point early 2014 when Delta State NANS Joint Campus Committee

Guest Columnist

Olalekan W. Adigun

executives paid the Union a courtesy visit.

Like NANS, a university campus branch of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and other Educational Institutions (NASU) recently did something quite amusing. Its members’ monetized benefits were allegedly cornered by the Vice Chancellor of this university, thus provoking the union to embark on an indefinite strike. It is instructive to know that the union leader, on been summarily promoted by the university management from level 4 to 7 suddenly abandoned the poor workers and mortgaged their futures for personal gratification. Do we still have the moral authority to question our leaders when they collect huge World Bank/IMF loans and these never get home?

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on industrial action in 2009. The union accused the then Minister of Education, Dr. Sam Egwu of nonchalance to the plights of the union members because his children, like those of other high ranking public officials, attend foreign universities. Suffice to say that ASUU threatened to publish the names of such public officers. The Minister also claimed he had the names of ASUU members’ children studying abroad and threatened to publish the list. We are yet to see any lists from both sides till this day!

I have cited these instances just to justify the assertion that leaders and followers are co-creators.

Dynamism is one of the hallmarks of leadership. If we continue to use the same

GREAT LEADERS SPEND THEIR TIME UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF THEIR PEOPLE old responses, worn-out theories, or old failed approaches instead of creating new ones we honestly aren’t expecting things to change. I am sure no one recalls experiencing bomb blasts being a daily practice two decades ago. These are the realities we live by in today’s Nigeria. But to respond with an overtly short-staffed, ill-equipped security agencies to a fire-emitting Boko Haram is to say the least crooked thinking.

The Americans were told in clear language that they were in the 21st century and no longer the Civil War, Cold War, Vietnam, or Gulf War years of the 20th century during the 9/11 attacks. Robert Green in his book, The 33 Strategies of War notes that there is nothing good that comes out of fighting the last war.

Just as a confused leader cannot lead effectively, so are a divided, unfocused, disorganized and disoriented people cannot follow purposefully. The latter is been taken advantage of by unscrupulous politicians for cheap political gains. So, leaders and followers are not independent of each other.

Only clear-headed persons can effectively lead. But ordinary clear-headedness with-

Sport Extra Rio 2016: Power, water cut, rains delay stadium track

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nstallation of the Mondo athletics track in the Rio 2016 Olympic Stadium has been delayed by at least a month following local hold-ups in preparation and unusually bad weather.

But the head of Mondo’s

Sport Division, Andrea Vallauri, says that work will be completed in time for the Olympic test event planned for May 14-16, adding, “At the moment everything is under control.”

It takes four weeks to lay

the track, and two more weeks to paint the lines and complete the testing Last December, Vallauri said installation was expected to start at the beginning of February that ended on Monday and that everything

should be completed “by the end of March.”

Since then preparation work in the stadium has been impacted by disruption to electricity and water supplies due to outstanding utility bills of $225,000

out visions is like tea without sugar. Since the needs of today are not necessarily those of tomorrow, good leaders try to phantom them in advance to avoid creating a vacuum.

It is this lack of vision that makes countries like Ghana to do better than we are presently doing. Great visionaries have visions that presently elude us.

Also, a leader must know which role to play per time. He must be able to discern the role he plays in every situation. At war time he is the Commander-in-Chief or Chief Security Officer; at peace time he is the Father of the Nation, shunning partisanship in any form; during the period of division he is the uniting figure and so on. In Nigeria, it appears our leaders don’t know what role is expected of them per time. It is for this reason they get poor advice from their advisers, who are only bent on flattering their master’s egos.

Great leaders spend their time understanding the needs of their people. When others are bothered about winning the next election, or their party, or tribal origin, they do their best to satisfy their people. They are like marketers who are told to satisfy the needs of their customers to guarantee their loyalty. It was this great truth that Franklin D. Roosevelt understood, as US President during the Great Depression (1929-1933), when he chose to pitch his tent with the poor, who were most affected during this period. For these acts, he was rewarded with great victories in four consecutive elections, an unprecedented and unsurpassed feat in US history.

This was what led the great political leader and perhaps the most influential religious figure in world civilizations, Amenhotep IV, Pharaoh of Egypt (1360-1350BC) to say: “The glory of a king is the welfare of his people; his power and dominion resteth on the hearts of his subjects.” The greatest leaders have taken heed of this eternal truth.

Adigun, a Lagos-based political risk analyst and strategist, wrote via olalekan@olalekanadigun.com and can be followed on twitter @adgorwell

(£152,000/207,000).

A solution to the problem was compounded by delays due to the Christmas and New Year holiday in Brazil.

Work has also been disrupted by severe weather conditions in recent weeks.

President Rousseff

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