PEOPLES DAILY NEWSPAPER | Monday, August 01, 2016 Edition

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Monday, August 1, 2016 Shawwal 28, 1436 AH

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N150 Vol. 23 No. 56

Atiku debunks 2019 presidential ambition l Says

report handwork of detractors

page 5

News FG bans conference bags, souvenirs pAGE 5

JAMB withdraws 2016 admission list pAGE 3

NERC sanctions 4 DISCOs over customers complaints pAGE 22

N72 bn: Shema loses bid to stop probe pAGE 6

L-R; Former Head of State Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen Yakubu Gowon GCFR, Minister for Interior Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau and Professor Ango Abdullahi during the Memorial Conference of the Late Gen Hassan Usman Katsina. at the weekend in Kaduna. Photo: Bashir Bello

Zamfara: Yari, lawmakers reach truce on impeachment moves

pAGE 5

839 Days after: Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

RESULTS FOR MINJIBIR BY-ELECTION APC

- 21,970 VOTES

PDP + KWANKWASIYYA - 1,238 VOTES

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

News

CONTENTS

News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Letters 13 Politics 15-18 Business Stockwatch S/Report

19-22 23

Plateau: Displaced children worry over quit notice by land owner

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

T

he Borno State Internally Displayed Persons (IDPs) who are now residing in Jos , the Plateau state capital, have expressed worry over threat to sack them from a camp where they are presently staying by owner of the land.

The children who are over two hundred and seven (207) made their cry over the weekend at “House of Recab” where they are camped in Jos when a foundation for empowering children for better future popularly

known as “Greater Tomorrow Children Fund” visited the IDPs and provided them with some relief -materials including rice, eggs, clothes and toiletries.

Sam Akawuka who is the overseer of the children at the camp, said the owner of the land had since asked them to either buy the land at the sum of N60 million or quit before the end of December this year, calling on government and other individuals to make their contributions to buy the land for the IDPs so as to continue living in the camp.

He added that if nothing urgent was done to help buy the land for the IDPs, the children would undoubtedly lose hope in their future thereby affecting their psychological thinking as human being as they (children) have mostly lost their parents in the wake of Boko Haram fight, adding that, “ if we are eventually sent out of this place, these children would no longer continue with education because all their class rooms are in the camp.

While presenting the relief materials to the children, the founder

24-25

Education 28 Health

of the foundation, Paul L. Okoku said they as a group felt it was significant to contribute their towards children future and that was why when they heard about the plight of the children at the “House of Recab”, they quickly came to give their own quarter in the rebuilding of the IDPs .

Okoku who was a former Supper Eagle player added that, “this kind of contribution should not be left only in the hands of government alone. Private or ordinary individuals should also participate in the process and does not matter how much one contributes. No matter the small amount, it is important to the lives of the children. We called on every one please to participate.

FG begins payment of ex-militants today

30

From Isaac Money, Yenagoa.

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Towards reducing high rate of maternal mortality Page 4

Metro 31-33 Money Sense 34 Strange World 35 Digest 36 Vogue 39-40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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gainst the backdrop of delayed payment of stipends to exagitators in the Niger Delta region, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, BrigGen. Paul Boroh (Rtd) on Sunday assured them of continuation of payment from today, just as he has again appealed to the ex-agitators in the region to shelve the planned protests scheduled for today.

In a statement made available in Yenagoa by Piriye Kiyaramo, Chief Liason Officer, Niger Delta Amnesty L-R: Member of Trustee. Aruike Free Treatment Hospital, Mr Madhusudan Naidu; Enugu state commissioner for Health, Dr Sam Ngwu, Office,Abuja said Brig-Gen. Boroh (Rtd), and Rev. Fr. Charles Ogada, during the facility tour of Aruike free treatment hospital, yesterday at Ebe community of Enugu state expressed great concern over the plight of Photo: NAN the ex-agitators in respect of their delayed stipends.

He maintained that President Muhammandu Buhari, appreciates their patience, adding that the hiccups in the payment of their stipends are already being addressed.

According to the Amnesty boss, he Controller-General of trial prisoners in line with the reform country to forestall future recurrence.

Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, agenda of the Federal Government.

Recall that there have been three President Buhari attaches so much yesterday disclosed that six out Ahmed also said that security d jailbreak in Koton Karfe prison importance to the Amnesty Programme, of the 13 prisoners that escaped from arrangement is being strengthened in which occurred between 2010 and which explains why the President in his inaugural address to the nation the Koton-Karfe prison in Kogi State and around prison facilities across the 2013. specifically promised “to invest heavily in have been recaptured. the projects, and programmes currently Ahmed revealed that the six prein place for the ex-agitators in the region”. trial detainees were recaptured with The Coordinator of the Presidential the help of other security agencies Amnesty Programme, who commended and local vigilante groups, the ex-agitators and the people of the Ahmed, who visited the KotonNiger Delta for their usual cooperation, Karfe prison on an on-the-spot further reiterated the commitment of assessment of the incident, said that From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna. the sensitization of the people in the Federal Government in making the the recaptured inmates had been their domain for them to benefit amnesty programme to run better for the returned to the prison. he Niger State Controller of from the gains of the federal benefit of the 30, 000 ex-agitators and He confirmed that 13 inmates Department of Petroleum government regulated price of the other youth in the region. escaped from the prison on Saturday, Resources (DPR), Engineer Gen. Boroh (Rtd) further noted comprising 10 pre-trial detainees Abdullahi Isah Jankara has said product.

He made the declaration that President Muhammandu Buhari, and three convicts, according to a that accessibility and ignorance statement on Sunday by the Prison on the part of majority of in New Bussa and Kontagora is already putting together a youth Service spokesman, Francis Enobore. petroleum marketers was the respectively when he visited the development and empowerment package two Emirates of Alhaji Kintoro IV that would directly impact the exAccording to the Prison official, major challenges hindering a panel had been established to the obtaining of license of and Alhaji Saidu Namaska, and agatators and other youth in the region.

He said protests along major roads carry out detailed investigation into their businesses before its urged them to report any case of defaulters to them. would not be the solution as such protests the circumstances surrounding the establishment.

The Controller who further could be hijacked by hoodlums who will escape and forward the report to his Jankara who assured on appreciated the Federal use the occasion to disrupt public peace in office for necessary action. improving from the present less government efforts in the the affected areas in the region.

This is even as he gave assurance than 40% unlicensed to over establishment of Minna office Brig-Gen. Boroh (Rtd) thanked the that appropriate measures were being 80% licensed filling stations put in place to address congestion in in the state urged the first class said it has brought the business state governors in the region for their role in maintaining law and order, prisons, particularly among awaiting traditional rulers to assist in closer to the people of the state.

6 escaped Kogi inmates nabbed

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Niger DPR proffers solution to unlicensed petroleum marketers

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

News

Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu

OPC frees 2 kidnapped landlords, arrest 4 militants in Lagos From Ayodele Sameul, Lagos

M

embers of the Ogbagba zone of Oodua People’s Congress, led by Otunba Gani Adams has confronted Niger Delta militants terrorizing residents of communities around Igbo Olomu area of Ikorodu in Lagos State.

The OPC members engaged the militants in a fierce gun battle around Yewa community in Igbo Olomu and facilitated the release of two landlords in the area who were earlier kidnapped by the gunmen .

One OPC member was reportedly killed but other members of the Yoruba group succeeded in arresting four members of the hang who were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Owutu Police Station, who later handed them over to the Area Commander in charge of the area.

It was gathered that the OPC members from Ogbagba zone responded to a distress call that the militants had invaded Yewa area of Olainu Kan, where they kidnapped two people, including a landlord, Daniel Akpughe.

The OPC responded and caught up with the militants who had by then relocated to a part of the creek and a serious clash ensued between the two groups.

The abducted members of the Lagos community were rescued.

The militants regrouped and waylaid the OPC members on their way back, killing one of them, Tunde Sogunro, in another round of gun duel An OPC leader, who commented on the incident under the condition of anonymity, said: People have been saying all sorts of things about OPC not doing anything about the militants in Yoruba land.

“Now we have lost one of our members but people will not come out and say that OPC rescued two people who were kidnapped by the Niger Delta militants.

“Nobody will come out now and say something about compensating his family.”

The OPC leader also expressed the readiness of the group to tackle the menace of the militants He said: “We have always expressed our readiness to collaborate with other security agencies.”

• Mr Edward Ishaya (R), presenting award to best student in SS 1, master Emmanuel Luka an IDP and also orphan from Madagali LGA, during the Graduation ceremony of Education must continue at nursery and primary, secondary school for internally displaced children and orphans at Sangere, yesterday in Girei L. G. A of Adamawa state .

Photo: NAN

JAMB withdraws 2016 admission lists sent to varsities, others

By Paul Efiong with agency report

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he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has withdrawn the list of recommended candidates for admission earlier sent to the tertiary institutions, the Board said in a statement on Sunday.

“This is to ensure that the University Senate perform its statutory responsibility of conducting the selection of candidates and refer it to JAMB for confirmation in line with the admission criteria of merit, catchment and educationally disadvantaged states as directed by the Hon Minister of Education

at the policy committee meeting,” Fabian Benjamin, the organisation’s head of media, said in a statement yesterday.

“The earlier list was sent to help fast track the process of admission so as to allow other tiers of institutions also conduct their admission.

“Candidates should not panic

because this is part of the process of the 2016 admission exercise.

JAMB regrets any inconvenience this decision would have caused the tertiary institutions “The Board regrets any inconvenience it’s proactive step would have caused the tertiary institutions.

Again, FG stops Delta govt from fixing failed portion of Asaba-Onitsha Road From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

T

he nightmare being witnessed by motorists and commuters on the Benin/Onitsha expressway as a result of the failed portion of the road shortly before the Asaba end of the Niger bridge may continue as attempts by the Delta State government to fix the road has again been resisted by officials of the federal government.

It would be recalled that the Delta State government’s interventionist agency, the Direct Labour Agency (DLA) had mobilized to the area

shortly after the visit of the Minister of Works, Mr Raji Fashola, to the state but were chased out by officials of the federal government.

The second attempt to fix the road was made again last week to reduce the loss of man-hour and resources by commuters who spend hours on the road as a result of the bad spot, but officials of Julius Berger Plc who were brandishing contract documents again insisted that the Delta State government cannot work on the road as the state had no valid contract to do such.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Patrick Ukah, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

According to him, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, since inception, has not discriminated in the provision of infrastructure in any part of the state, especially, in the area of fixing of roads. Good road network is very important to the socioeconomic development of the people, the Information Commissioner said, recalling that the governor ensured that the Warri/Benin expressway, which

was cut off, was fixed as he ensured a lasting solution to the failed portions on that road.Mr. Ukah revealed that the Delta State government also fixed the bad portions on Asaba/Ughelli road, which was almost cut into two just after Ogwashi-Uku, even though it is a federal road and would have started work on the Asaba/Illah road but had to pause as the road needs total overhaul and asphalting and prayed that the Federal Government will begin work on that road soon because it reduces traveling time from the South East to the North.

FG gives priority to malnourished IDPs in N/East-Osinbajo

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Federal Government has prioritized food supplies to areas ravaged by hunger and malnourishment in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the North East.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, made this disclosure yesterday in a statement made available to newsmen by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande.

He stated”Over 23, 000 bags of assorted food items and 2,155 bags of shelter supplies have been provided by different Federal Government agencies to Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs)

in the North East as part of on-going initiatives at ameliorating the plight of IDPs in areas ravaged by insurgency.

“Under the coordinated Federal intervention programme, both the Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), are leading the humanitarian aid with the distribution of 10, 300 bags of assorted grains and cereals towards the feeding of over 2 million persons scattered across the region “In the monthly Federal Intervention Report that shows the level of supplies in the month of July and compiled by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the North East, Dr.

Tope Masha, PINE supplied over 10,300 bags of food items such as rice, millet, maize, guinea corn, salt, vegetable oil, beans, and noodles to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi States.

“Besides, NEMA also supplied Borno State with 13,200 bags of food items.

“The report indicated that PINE through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation distributed 2,155 assorted shelter materials in nine (9) different Local Government Areas of Borno State which includes Bama, Damboa, Bakacy, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa, Jere, Banki and Gwoza.

“The Federal Government according to the report responded swiftly to the reported case of malnutrition in Bama camp, as severely malnourished children and adults have been moved from Bama to Maiduguri for comprehensive medical treatment.

“Government has also deployed medical teams from the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Airforce to assist in support mission for nutrition emergency response to those in need.

“In addition, the government of Borno state is converting Islamiya School in Bama to a hospital which will be equipped by the Nigeria Airforce to achieve quick comprehensive treatment of victims.

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Page 4 Report

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Towards reducing high rate of maternal mortality

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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ased on research done by Women Health and Action Research Centre, a centre committed to the promotion of intimate and reproductive health and social well-being of women and adolescents, out of 100, 000 women that enter labour rooms, 50 of them do not come out alive. With this figure, the centre said Nigeria also ranked second to India in the global number of maternal deaths.

Another report also recorded that Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age. This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world.

It also accounts for about 13 percent of the global maternal death rates with an estimated 36,000 women dying in pregnancy or at child birth each year. At least 5500 of these deaths are among teenage mothers.

Beyond the statistics lies the pain of human misfortune, for thousands of people who have lost their children and loved ones. Even more devastating is the knowledge that, according to recent research, essential interventions reaching women and babies on time would have averted most of these deaths.

Although analyses of recent trends show that the country is making progress in cutting down infant and under-five mortality rates, the hope to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of helving child mortality by 2015 is no longer visible, hence the launching of Sustainable Development Goals.

Preventable or treatable infectious diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles and HIV/AIDS account for more than 70 per cent of the estimated one million underfive deaths in Nigeria.

Malnutrition is the underlying cause of morbidity and mortality of a large proportion of children under-5 in Nigeria. It accounts for more than 50 per cent of deaths of children in this age bracket.

The deaths of newborn babies in Nigeria represent a quarter of the total number of deaths of children under-five. The majority of these occur within the first week of life, mainly due to complications during pregnancy and delivery reflecting the intimate link between newborn survival and the quality of maternal care.

Similarly, a woman’s chance of dying from pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria is 1 in 13. Although many of these deaths are preventable, the coverage and quality of health care services in Nigeria continue to fail women and children. This shows the close relationship between the well being of the mother and the child, and justifies the need to integrate maternal, newborn and child health interventions.

It has been however, revealed that hundreds of pregnant women and girls are dying needlessly in rural areas as these interventions to give maternal mortality a bloody nose are concentrated in urban areas.

In part, this is because they lack the money to access antenatal care services, according to reports by health workers. Lack of information and transport problems are contributing to hundreds of maternal deaths every year by acting as barriers to early antenatal care by most rural dwellers.

It is unacceptable that pregnant women

Minister of Agriculture, Chief

Doctors give emergency treatment to a new born baby whose mother undergoes Caesarean section

and girls are continuing to die in rural areas for no fault of theirs or because of poverty, lack of transport, basic health and sexuality education.

This cannot continue as these people are part and parcel of Nigerian humanity.

Governments at all levels must ensure all departments work together to urgently address all the barriers that place the health of pregnant women and girls at risk in our rural communities. We have an unacceptably high rate of maternal mortality. More than 80 percent of these deaths were linked to lack of access to Medicare. Health experts have said that that 60% of all the deaths were avoidable if proper things were done.

Although, antenatal care is said to be free in Nigeria’s public health system. But the question remains, how free is the free antenatal care in Nigeria. However, research found that many women and girls do not attend clinics until the later stages of their pregnancy because they are given to believe that certain amount of money is compulsory.

Some of them will rather rely on fate since they cannot afford the fees. Nearly 80 percent of avoidable deaths have been linked to late or no

access to antenatal care in rural communities.

Worryingly, these fears are not without foundation as report based on field research conducted in some rural communities contains testimonies from women and girls who say that health care workers will purposely not touch them until they pay the prescribed fees or after they must have been provided some clinical equipment needed for childbirth no matter how serious their case may be.

While Nigerians from all works of life commend government health care interventions, these interventions should not be on paper alone or only in the urban areas for the privileged few. It must be done in a manner that respects the rights of women and girls to quality and free health care and does not expose them to additional harm or unnecessary ridicule that will discourage them from seeking medical help as expectant mothers.

It is deeply worrying that the integrity of pregnant women and girls is not respected in our health facilities. The Nigerian government must take urgent steps to correct this anomaly especially in the rural areas. It is vital that

“

Lack of information about sexual and reproductive health is also increasing mortality rate. Health report also identifies that a lack of information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights increases risks of unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality, especially among adolescents.

health care workers in receive additional training on providing quality care that is both free of judgment and stigma and that women and girls accessing sexual and reproductive health services are able to trust that their confidentiality will be respected.

Lack of information about sexual and reproductive health is also increasing mortality rate. Health report also identifies that a lack of information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights increases risks of unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality, especially among adolescents.

Likewise rural women and girls are often unaware of the importance of early antenatal checks.

Persistent problems relating to transport is also there. When we talk about means of transportation to available hospitals or consulting clinics, we talk about cheap means of transportation that could be afforded by these rural dwellers. Health pundits overtime have complained of lack of progress made in rural areas to ensure that women and girls can physically access health services. Problems persist relating to shortages of public transport and poor road infrastructure. The roads in some areas are of such poor quality that they become impassable when it rains. Even when it is dry, ambulances will not go beyond a certain point on some roads.

The governments at all level must build better road networks in these rural areas to guarantee access to healthcare facilities. The government must also ensure that ambulances are always available to transport those who are in need of health care attention.

Upon these, government must ensure that all health system procedures uphold patient’s needs, particularly for women and children. Improve knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights, including through comprehensive sexuality education that involves men and boys. They should as a matter of urgency address the persistent lack of safe, convenient and adequate transport, and the poor condition of transport infrastructure in the rural areas.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

News

Atiku debunks 2019 presidential ambition •Says report handiwork of detractors

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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ormer Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as a load of hogwash report alleging that he has formed a new political platform under which he will run for President in 2019, with Ondo State Governor, Segun Mimiko as his running mate.

A statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe said the report bears all the features of a political hatchet job planted by his opponents who have desperately tried to invent events in order to draw a wedge between him and President Buhari on one hand and APC leadership as a whole.

According to Ibe, the “report was an incompetent product of fiction,

so shallow and vacuous that even its authors could not validate its credibility with reliable and verifiable sources.”

The statement alerted Nigerians and APC leadership that there are “some people of bad faith trying tooth and nail to spread the seeds of discord in the party, and destroy the much needed unity, harmony and cohesion, which are the pillars

of strength for every political organisation.”

Ibe said, despite all these smear campaigns and reputation lynching and sponsored falsehoods, the Turaki Adamawa’s loyalty to President Buhari and the APC leadership would not be shaken an inch.

He explained that Atiku would ordinarily have ignored the malicious report, but says he chose to react, lest his silence would be mistaken as an admission of the falsehoods published against him.

South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Riek Puok, welcoming the DirectorGeneral, AntiCorruption and Psychological Rebirth Group, Dr Olubumi UsimWilson, during the Director-General’s visit to the Embassy, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

FG bans conference bags, souvenirs

By Etuka Sunday

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he Federal Government yesterday officially banned the procurement and distribution of conference bags, T-shirts and other souvenirs at events and activities such as Conferences, Workshops and Seminars organised and funded by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The ban, it said, was in continuation of the on-going costcutting and efficiency drive in the utilization of public funds by the present administration.

A statement by the Director, Information, Ministry of Finance,

Salisu Na’Inna Dambatta said, the new measures were approved

by President Muhammadu Buhari following recommendations by the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and conveyed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, for implementation.

The directive which is a recognition of the fact that in a period of lean financial resources in the face of huge national infrastructural deficit,

wasteful and unnecessary expenditure on overheads such as on souvenirs and conference bags were luxuries that the government must eliminate to release funds for infrastructure and services such as health and education that would have direct positive impact on the wellbeing of the citizenry and promote economic development.

The directive also contained specific guidelines that would reduce the cost of printing Invitation Cards, Programme of events, Brochures, Folders and Note Pads. Among the guidelines are that they should be in black and white and limited to only one page and in the case of Brochures they should be streamlined to contain

only essential information.

Similarly, the directive has banned the printing of unnecessary publications and books of short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens.

While noting the need for the citizenry and other interested parties to be aware of the initiatives, activities and programmes being implemented by the government, the MDAs were directed to save costs by uploading such publications on their websites which have the added benefit of wider visibility, and print only limited number of hard copies of such publications.

Scheme to create over 5,450 jobs-FG

By Mohammed Usman

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he Federal Ministry of Water Resources has disclosed that one of its scheme recently flagged off would create over 5,450 jobs in Nigeria.

This was made known in a statement signed by water ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Margaret E. Umoh.

According to the statement, while flagging off the empowerment scheme in crop production and fish farming in Kampe Irrigation Scheme in Ejiba, Kogi State, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H.

Adamu, said that the scheme would be driven by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in conjunction with the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) across the country and would be modeled after the Songhai Farm Nigeria Ltd. The statement further read, “The scheme according to the Minister is a continuous one in batches of 50 and would be cascaded to all the 109 senatorial districts of the country; this would create jobs for over 5,450 Nigerians.”

Adamu, said that the Federal Government is committed to the successful implementation of the

scheme across the country through the RBDAs as it would promote sustainable water resources and irrigated agricultural development which will ensure a national food security, employment generation and others.

“As a way of facilitating the smooth take off of the scheme, Government intends to assist the RBDAs to procure new equipment of the scheme”, he said. He added that the RBDAs should as a matter of policy adhere strictly to the terms and conditions contained in the MoU that was signed between the Federal Government and the Songhai Farm

Ltd.

He charged governments at different levels to key into the scheme in order to utilize the great significant investment government are putting in. Also, he called on the beneficiaries to ensure that the potentials inherent in the scheme are properly utilized for their socio-economic advancement.

The Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Niyi Jimoh Afolayan said that the RBDAs has been repositioned and restructured by Federal Government and can now serve as veritable vehicle to drive the scheme to success.

Zamfara: Yari, lawmakers reach truce on impeachment moves

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he warring Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara state and the members of the state House of Assembly have finally sheathed their swords following intervention by the traditional rulers and esteemed stakeholders from within and outside the state.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday shortly after reconciliation meeting summoned by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at government house Gusau, the state capital, Governor Yari said, all the wrongs done between the two warring arms were forgiven and agreed to continue working together for the development of the state.

“We met and x-rayed our misunderstandings out of which other concerned stakeholders in attendance have critically identified a lasting solution between ourselves to the extent that the cordial relationship between the integral arms has returned”, Yari assured.

Also speaking, the Speaker house of Assembly, Sanusi Garba Rikiji informed that all the terms and conditions for the reconciliation were considered by both the embattled Governor Yari and the party leadership, invited concerned stakeholders as well.

Rikiji further assured required support and most needed cooperation from the lawmakers of the state, adding that they were satisfied with the level of mediation being delivered by the respected politicians and traditional rulers from within and outside the state.

“We have virtually reconciled based on the terms and conditions we have signed, it is obvious that our primary duty as lawmakers is to aspire for the development of the state as contained in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria”, Rikiji stressed.

It would recalled, a couple of weeks ago, the working relationship between the two integral arms of the state went extremely sour that resulted the principal officers of the state House of Assembly into arrest and detention allegedly facilitated by the executive arm of the government.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

PAGE 6

News

Sokoto, World Bank commit N8.8bn to fight erosion From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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okoto State Government has entered partnership with World Bank, to execute various projects aimed at control erosion menace in the state.

The projects, according to a statement issued by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said no fewer than 10 local government areas of the state would benefit from the projects.

He stated that the projects would be executed under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), and would cost N8.8 billion.

The statement said the collaboration is aimed at addressing the menace of gully erosion and land degradation in selected communities across the state.

“Under the arrangement, Sokoto state government will pay 12.9 percent of the amount which stand at over N1.33 billion as counterpart funding.

“The entire project will be executed in 10 local government areas of the state and will tackle environmental issues, water management and land reclamation across the LGAs. “The projects are: rehabilitation of Lugu dam and Wurno irrigation scheme in Wurno LGA, control of river erosion along bridge linking Sabon Birni and Niger Republic.

“Construction of medium earth dam at Rafin Duma and Kadassaka area in Gada LGA, and construction of main collector drainage and gutter from Tudun Wada area to River Sokoto in Sokoto South LGA,” the statement added.

Others include construction of drainage gutter from Goronyo Dam for tree planting and protection activity on desertification.

L-R: Director Distance Learning Center, Ahmadu Belo University Zaria, Prof. Adamu Hassan; Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Sada; Managing Director Edutech Business Solution, Prof. Abiola Awosika; Director of Public Affairs ABU, Mallam Nasir Bello; and Chief Operating Officer Venture Garden Group, Mr. Babatope Makun, during the launching of ABU e- distance learning program at the Weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Sardaunan Jimeta applauds closure 9 Nigerian embassies From Umar Dankano,Yola.

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he closure of nine Nigerian embassies by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration recently has been described as “another panacea of fighting corruption for the best interest of Nigerians “saying it was a good step taken towards the direction.

An international businessman and a party’s stalwart of the All progressives Congress.APC in Adamawa state, Alhaji Haladu Muhammadu(Sardaunan Jimeta) made the description in an interview

with journalists in Yola weekend stressing that, some of embassies are only used by previous administration as conduit pipe of siphoning public funds through budgetary allocations and other fraudulent claims.

Sardaunan Jimeta insisted that most the reduced foreign embassies are not even functioning talk less of driving any bilateral or economic benefits to Nigeria as a country.

Jimeta claimed he travels frequently to many countries in the globe and most of these closed embassies are just redundant doing nothing to develop our country so commended president Buhari’s

government for the timely action.

He observed that the fight against corruption is paying heavily as it has motivated many people to have a change of mind and attitude towards happenings about government activities citing example with the recent sharing of federal subvention for the month of July which was said to be sourced from non oil sector.

“You can see that 70% of federal allocation was funded by non oil sector ;a prove that the administration is on track to diversify”.

Reacting to the call by some people on Buhari to sack Danbazau and Burutai,Jimeta said it was a

grand design by enemies of progress in the country to distract the government in fighting corruption alleging that it was the handiwork of corrupt people who are falling by the day.

He, however, maintained that all the state governments should emulate from president Buharis style of diversifying their state economy so that the total dependence on oil can be a thing of the past in this country.

Jimeta observed that, the current economic hardship was not peculiar to Nigeria alone stating that his recent visits over sea including Europe has shown is a global challenge.

We’re not part of negotiation with NDA,Ijaw leaders tell Buhari

From Matthew Omonigho, Delta

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jaw leaders in Warri yesterday stated that they were not part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s negotiation and dialogue with members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

Speaking on behalf of the

Ijaw leaders at a high powered consultative meeting held in Warri, Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark lamented that.”Nobody has consulted us. All of us gathered here today are not part of the negotiation. Nobody has consulted us.”

While noting that there

is tension especially with the activities of members of the NDA, Chief Clark said it is not true that the Ijaw nation is part of the activities of the militants in the Niger Delta.

Chief Clark also appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers who are set to declare independence from Nigeria on August 1 to give peace

a chance noting that the Ijaw Nation believes in a restructured united Nigeria.

He advised the NDA to stop bombing pipelines in the Niger Delta because it affects the ecosystem of the area. Chief Clark said true federalism must be practiced in Nigeria to quench all agitations in the land.

NMA declares doctor missing in Kwara after one week

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara chapter has said that one of its member, Dr AbdulKareem

Tunde-AbdulRahman was missing.

The Chairman of NMA in Kwara state, Dr Kunle Olawepo who spoke in llorin said the missing member is a Medical

Officer with the General Hospital, Omu-Aran in lrepodun Local Government area of the state.

He said the medical doctor was last seen on Sunday,July 24,2016 at 6am, when he drove

out of his residence in llorin, the state capital.

The Chairman said all effort of the Association to find the missing Member had not yielded positive outcome.

When contacted the Public relations Officer of the Kwara Police Command, Mr Samuel Okasanmi on the issue of the missing NMA Member, said he is yet to receive the report.

N72billion by the officials of the Shema led PDP administration.

Joined in the suit are the Chairman of the Commision, Justice SurajoMuhammed and all the other 10 members. In the suit, the former governor sought the following reliefs: (i) that the governor of the state, AlhajiAminu Bello Masari has no power to constitute the commission to

enquire into the activities of his tenure, (ii) that the establishment of the commission is unconstitutional, (iii) That his right to fair hearing has been breached and (iv) that the Chairman of the Commission is biased.

However, in its ruling the court dismissed all the claims of the former governor, denying him all the reliefs he had sought

on the following grounds: (a) that by the power vested in him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor Masari has the power to constitute the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, (b) That the right to fair hearing of the plaintiff, Ibrahim ShehuShema, has not been breached as he had been served with all the processes of the

Commission which had given him sufficient time to respond to the allegations raised in all the memos filed by the government before the Commission and (c) That the plaintiff has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that the Chairman of the Commission is biased.

No cost was awarded to any of the parties.

N72 bn: Shema loses battle to stop probe

By Lawal Katsina

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atsina State High Court, presided over by Justice Abbas Bawale, over the weekend dismissed the suit filed before it by former Governor Ibrahim ShehuShema against the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the State Government to investigate alleged looting of

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

News Kogi gov insists on Koton Karfe jailbreak probe Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

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ogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has asked the Federal Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak incident at Koton Karfe Prison Yard in the state.

The governor, who expressed shock over the incessant incident at the prison yard, said this particular attack

in early hours of Saturday, July 30th 2016, seems to be a conspiracy between insiders and criminals who came to free the inmates.

No fewer than 13 inmates were said to have escaped from the federal prison, even as prison officials disappeared when the governor visited the scene.

This brings to three times the Koton Karfe Federal Prisons has witnessed jailbreaks in recent history. The first was 2013, the second one was 2014 and

this one.

According to information offered by some junior officers, who begged not to be mentioned on the record, the inmates made some remarkable marks on the inside walls, which they scaled to freedom with the help of blankets.

An officer of the prison, simply called ACP Koso, refused to volunteer any information about what happened.

The visibly angry Governor Bello, who visited the prison with the Kogi

State Commissioner of Police, Director of State Secret Service and top security officials of the state, was not allowed into the prison yard.

The governor, who has spent substantial resources on security in the state, vowed to use all means available at his disposal to unearth the mystery behind the jailbreak, more so that the incident happened at 3 am while security was only beefed up around the prison at 5.30 am.

It would be recalled that some suspected kidnappers in army uniform were sent to Koton Karfe Federal Prison on Friday to be brought to court by September 1, 2016. It is still unclear if the escapees include this particular set of suspects.

The Governor strongly called on the Federal Government to investigate the matter and punish those officials suspected to be aiding criminals to escape from the prisons.

Delta: Monarch alleges threat to farmers lives by hoodlums From Asaba

osakhare

Erese,

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he Ugoani Okpanam community, near Asaba, Delta State, HRM Michael Mbanafo Ogolu, yesterday raised alarm and concern over the influx of armed hoodlums’ to the community’s farm lands including threats to the farmers’ lives.

His words: “We are beginning to witness miscreants/hoodlums in our farm lands, they terrorize our farmers, rob them, and make away with their crops” and appealed to law enforcement agents to come to their aid.

Saying that unless urgent steps are taken to bring to book the hoodlums, the monarch in a letter to the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Zana Ibrahim, dated July 18, 2016 he personally signed, a copy made available to our report, reads: “In the past two weeks, suspected miscreants/ hoodlums have returned to Obodogba farmland to lay siege on our innocent residents/ members of the public especially natives, wielding offensive weapons to harass and intimate them”.

The monarch recalled that on July 17, 2016, one Chiedu Emecheta of Umuosuma Village, Obodogba quarters, was allegedly attacked by the gun totting hoodlums, adding that the following day, one Victor Ntoka from the same community was beaten to stupor with gun butt and was left in his pool of blood.

Also, on June 29, 2016, the Monarch disclosed that one Chakwuba Iwedika was accosted by some hoodlums and was allegedly attacked in his farm land, adding that the frequent attacks and harassment of the community’s residents, including the farmers, may portend bad omen if urgent steps are not taken to bring the hoodlums to book.

National coordinator, Christian women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigeria Society (cweens), pastor Gloria Emmanuel (L) presenting an award to the commander, National Drug Law Enforcement agency (NDLEA) Plateau State Command, Anthonia Madubuike at a dinner in honour of women and girls in Plateau state, yesterday in Jos . Photo : NAN

Boko Haram: Military will restore hull peace to North East-Buratai

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he Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai, has assured that the military will restore full peace to the North East in line with the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buratai gave the assurance while addressing troops undergoing training at the Nigerian Army Special Forces Training School at Buni Yadi, Yobe.

He charged the troops to sustain the momentum of ongoing counter insurgency operations to flush out the insurgents.

According to him, ``Operation Lafia Dole’ has entered a critical stage. You must sustain the momentum; there is no going back ``There is no time to waste.

We want full restoration of peace in the North East. That is what the president wants’’, the chief of army staff said.

Buratai later told newsmen that he was in Buni Yadi to see how the troops undergoing the Special Forces training were faring.

He explained that the exercise was to make the personnel

resilient and be able to withstand challenges they might face in the course of the ongoing operations.

Buratai also explained that the school was relocated from Niger state to Buni Yadi in view of the strategic location of the town in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents. ``We know the importance of this place – Buni Yadi. This is the route they (insurgents) passed through to other parts of the North East and even Plateau in the North Central. ``It is better for us to have dominated and taken over the

place’’, he said, and assured the troops of their welfare and logistics need, including required equipment to prosecute the war.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Buni Yadi is the headquarter of the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigeria Army.

It will be recalled that Buratai had charged the military to remain focused until the insurgents were crushed, when he spoke at the end of a three-day ``Combat Support Arms Training Week 2016’’ in Maiduguri, on Wednesday. (NAN)

Oil theft: Navy impounds vessel laden with 600,000 litres of diesel in Bayelsa

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he Central Naval Command, (CNC) Yenagoa, on Saturday said it seized a vessel laden with 600,000 litres of suspected illegally refined automotive gas oil also known as diesel.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lt. Cdr Edward Yeibo on behalf of the command’s Flag Officer Commanding (FOC).

Yeibo said that two of the four suspected oil thieves were arrested while loading the barge with diesel.

He further reiterated the Navy’s Zero Tolerance to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering and other sundry

crimes in the Niger Delta Region.

According to him, the operation, which led to the arrest of the suspects, was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas’s strategic directive to the Navy.

He quoted the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH Commodore Habib Usman, as saying that a barge and five wooden boats laden with about 600,000 metric tonnes suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil and 2 suspects were arrested.

Usman said the suspects were arrested by the Nigerian

Navy Ship SOROH around Beama community in Nembe Local Government Area in the waterways within Bayelsa.

The wooden boats were suspected to be used to convey the illegally refined Automated Gas Oil from the refining points to the barge for loading. ``As of the time of the arrest one of the boats had finished trans-loading its product into the barge. ``Consequently, the personnel of Forward Operating Base FORMOSO with gunboats and tug boat towed the barge to its jetty for further investigation.

``However, the wooden boats were destroyed, the two suspects are in custody for preliminary investigation and prosecution,” Yeibo was quoted in the statement.

He added that the FOC, CNC Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba had assured that the Navy will make the sea lane of communication accessible for all legitimate users and frustrate maritime criminalites in its Area of Responsibility.

According to him, there is no hiding place for crude oil thieves as the Navy will continue to sustain patrols in the maritime

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

53RD AND 54TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS 13TH AND 20TH JULY, 2016 (8TH AND 15TH SHAWWAL, 1437AH) PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO. he Kano State Executive Council held its two weekly meetings under the distinguished chairmanship of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Abdullahi UmMar Ganduje, OFR on Wednesdays 13th and 20th July, 2016 equivalent to 8th and 15th Shawwal, 1437AH in continuation of the commitment of the Administration to ensure that the teeming people of the State enjoy the dividends of democracy through the articulation of well-defined policy objectives that have direct bearing on the lives of the people in many spheres.

Since his assumption of the mantle of leadership of one of the most vibrant States in the federation and the commercial nerve centre in Northern Nigeria, the amiable Governor assisted by loyal and dedicated lieutenants has been up and doing in order to fulfil his campaign promises to the citizenry and this is evident with the execution of capital projects in all the nooks and crannies of the State. Having realized that no meaningful development is attainable if an enabling environment for investment is not provided, the Government has introduced policies and executed projects in order to attract investment so as to move the State forward in all fields of human endeavours and the Governor has been receiving accolades for these laudable efforts. For example, in a recent video conference with Mr. Bill Gates and Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the collaborative efforts to eradicate polio in the country, the Administration was commended for its dogged commitment to the fight against the debilitating disease since for almost two years now no case of polio has been recorded in the State and the country at large.

While welcoming members to the 53rd meeting, the Chairman congratulated all Muslims on the successful observance of the fasting and prayed to the Almighty Allah to accept their devotional acts and prayers.

The Governor also announced that the previous week, he was in Kaduna, Kaduna State to attend a meeting on land use charges for enhanced internal revenue generation and expressed delight that Kano State is leading in this area in the whole North while it occupies the tenth position in the country; a development that called for the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in order to generate more revenue for the State.

He then condoled the Government and people of Sokoto State, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and the family of the late Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Marafan Sokoto who died recently and prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for Allah to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also during the 54th weekly meeting after welcoming the esteemed members, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR informed them about the video conference he had had the previous week with Mr. Bill Gates and Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the efforts being made to eradicate polio during which the Minister of Health delivered an address on the issue while Mr. Bill Gates expressed satisfaction over the impressive achievements recorded by the State in the fight against the scourge of polio. He assured development

the present administration’s resolve to reinvigorate the tourism sector, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the State and generate revenue. The Ministry inspected and assessed the structures and subsequently prepared a bill of quantities for the renovation works. After due deliberations, Council approved the requested amount for the stated commitment.

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b) Memorandum on the General Renovation Works at Gidan Shettima, Kano Emirate Council.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for the renovation of Gidan Shettima due to the damage it sustained following the recent bomb blast at the nearby Kano Central Mosque. The Ministry inspected and assessed the affected building for the renovation works estimated to cost the sum of N20,571,663:81 which the Council approved for award to a competent contractor for execution.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR partners of the State’s unwavering commitment to the eradication of polio in the State and the country at large.

Also the previous week, the Governor attended the Progressive Governors’ Forum in Edo State during which vital issues of common interests were discussed.

From there, the Chairman met with President Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on the issue of insecurity especially as kidnappers are trying to make the Falgore Forest a safe haven for the perpetration of their nefarious activities.

He then informed the Council about the Housing Friendly Governor of the Year Award conferred on him during a colourful ceremony in Abuja which was attended by many important dignitaries including the Senate President and some Ministers.

According to the ASH Housing Industry Awards 2016 organizers, the award was in recognition of His Excellency’s commitment to the provision of affordable housing to the low-income earners, citing the recent construction of the expandable 2-bedroom houses that would cost between N2.5 to N3 million each.

During the two meetings, a number of memoranda, policy issues and presentations on various development interventions were presented before the esteemed members for consideration and approval as follows with financial mplication in the sum of N1,257,801,777.15 a) Memorandum on the Renovation Works at History and Culture Bureau Offices, Gidan DanHausa The request is for the sum of N10,032,273:64 for the complete renovation of the offices of the State History and Culture Bureau, Gidan DanHausa presented by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport in line with

c) Memorandum on the Renovation Works at the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mass Literacy Hall, Nigerian Copyright Commission and NUJ Information Chapel Office at the Ministry of Information, Youth and Culture.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport inviting the esteemed Council members to recall that during a visit paid by His Excellency, the Executive Governor to inspect renovation of blocks of offices within Audu Bako Secretariat, the Governor directed the Ministry to include the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mass Literacy Hall, Nigerian Copyright Commission and the NUJ Information Chapel in the general renovation works as they were not captured in the initial scope of works at the Ministry of Information, Youth and Culture. The Ministry assessed the extent of works and prepared a bill of quantities for the additional works in the sum of N29,456,722:00. Accordingly, Council approved the award of the contract for the execution of the renovation works. d) Memorandum on Request for Funds to Settle the Fines and Compensations Ordered Against Some Prison Inmates During the Holy Month of Ramadam, The request is for the sum of N20,000,000:00 from the Ministry of Justice for the settlement of fines and compensation ordered against some prison inmates in order to regain their freedom in the Holy Month of Ramadan. Council was invited to recall that last year, the Government also graciously paid the fines and compensations of about 250 prisoners and awaiting trial persons who were not hardened or habitual criminals. The State comptroller of Prisons forwarded the list of 440 prisoners who had fulfilled the conditions and awaiting trial suspects in the State prisons. Accordingly, Council approved the sum of N20,000,000:00 to enable the Ministry to settle the fines and compensations on behalf of the deserving prison inmates so as to regain their freedom during the fasting period. e) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Provision/Installation of a Relief Transformer at Rangaza Inken, Ungogo Local Government Area.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

The request is from the State Rural Electricity Board (REB) and presented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development for the provision and installation of a relief transformer at Rangaza Inken in Ungogo Local Government Area with a view to uplifting the living standard of the people of the area and boost their economic activities by ensuring constant supply of electricity. The Board developed a bill of quantities for the project at the cost of N9,925,469:00 which the Council readily approved for release to the Board. f) Memorandum on Request for Funds for Renovation Works and Other Projects in the First Quarter of 2016 at the State Guidance and Counselling Board.

The request is from the State Guidance and Counselling Board through the Office of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor for the sum of N9,057,850:00 for the execution of some renovation works and other projects in view of the complete dilapidation of some structures which affects its dayto-day operations. Apart from renovation of some structures, the Board also intends to furnish its offices and improve the State Indigene Certificate for more security. Accordingly, after due consideration, Council approved the trimmed sum of N5,000,000:00 for the undertakings. g) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Repairs and Control of Flooding Menace along the Road Connecting Airport Road with Panisau Town The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport inviting the Council to note the danger facing the road connecting Airport Road and Panisau Town which is a short-cut and of great relief to motorists and other road users travelling to Panisau, Ungogo, Dambatta and Bichi towns. The Ministry assessed the scope of works to the tune of N26,556,093:00 and Council readily approved the amount for the stated commitment in order to save the road from the danger of flooding and erosion during the rainy season. h) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Reconstruction/Expansion of Isa Dutse Road, Bompai, Nassarawa Local Government Area.

The request is from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport inviting the Council to kindly note the deteriorating condition of Isa Dutse Road, Bompai in Nassarawa Local Government Area which is very important to road users. The Ministry assessed the scope of works for the reconstruction/ expansion and prepared a bill of quantities in the sum of N29,158,488:00 and after due consideration, Council approved the award of the contract for the reconstruction/expansion of the road. i) Memorandum on the Payment of Compensation for Restoring the Institutional Integrity of WTC, Kano Arising from the Sale of its GP Houses.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Land And Physical Planning inviting the esteemed Council to recall the immediate past Administration’s policy on the sale of GP houses to occupant civil servants which affected the 25No. institutional houses belonging to Women Teachers College (WTC), Kano. Having realized the negative traits of invasion of the school and the threat posed to the female students, the School Management Committee forwarded a complaint to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning highlighting the implication of the existence of privately-owned houses side-byside female hostels. The House Committee on Land and Physical Planning had visited the school premises and confirmed the threat to the college community.

Therefore, the Ministry’s staff conducted current valuation inspection and survey of the 25 GP houses including school shops valued at N193,161,220:00.

Accordingly, Council revoked the sale of all GP houses and plots allocated within WTC, Kano, cancelled all re-designed layouts and approved the payment of compensation to the owners as well as the demolition

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of all unauthorized structures within its premises in order to restore its original physical status and pride as well as ensuring security to the college community. j) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Provision of Digital Aerial Mapping, GIS and Revenue Collection by Messrs GIS Transport Ltd. The memorandum was presented by the Office of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor containing the report of Messrs GIS Transport Ltd on how to reform the State’s land administration system using cuttingedge technology for improved revenue generation. The project will also add value to the existing milestone of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS) while building the technical competence of its staff. To achieve this, the DFID consultants with the GEMS 3 project were contacted for technical advice and inputs.

The total sum of N3,833,552,000:00 was estimated for the execution of the project in ten (10) phases which include land administration core services, digital aerial mapping: Kano City, digital aerial mapping: Kano State, digital aerial mapping: Kano Guide & Navigation, complete service centre, complete core services, complete land administration services, two additional service points, mass production programme and end-user services. Accordingly, Council approved the sum of N298,784,641:00 for the implementation of land administration core services under the first phase of the project. k) Memorandum on the Establishment of Fire Station at Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport inviting the Council to recall the series of fire incidents that affected some major markets in the State leading to colossal loss of properties worth billions of Naira. The Federal Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service submitted a proposal to the State Government for the construction of model fire service station in major markets in the State. To actualize this vision, the Federal Fire Service Headquarters, Abuja prepared a design and Bill of Quantities/other requirements for the construction of a market fire station in the sum of N28,025,347.10 while the Ministry of Interior expressed its readiness to partner with the State concerning the provision of professional advice and sourcing of personnel. Accordingly, Council approved the sum of N28,025,347.10 for the construction of a model fire station at Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari. l) Memorandum on the Take-Over of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) Services in Health Facilities Supported.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Health inviting the Council to note that the Strengthening of Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) is a 5-year USAID-funded project being implemented by Family Health International (fhi 360) since 2013 in 13 States of the federation, including Kano State where the project supports the delivery of high quality and comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support in 22 local government areas. These services are available free of charge in 103 public primary and secondary health facilities but recently, fhi 360 had informed the State that it would not be able to continue the services in 98 out of the 103 facilities as from 30th June, 2016 due to lack of adequate funding. In order to fill this gap, the State Government has to shoulder the responsibility for the supply of the essential commodities to 205 adults and 10 paediatric clients in the affected health facilities at the cost of N12,948,312:00 which the Council readily approved. m) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Settlement of Balance of School Fees in Respect of Government Sponsored Pilot Trainees at Mideast Aviation Academy, Jordan.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology which invited the Council to note the correspondence from the Mideast Aviation Academy, Jordan informing the

Government about the successful completion of the programme by 89 Kano State sponsored students on pilot training as well as the request for the settlement of the outstanding balance of registration fees in respect of the students amounting to $379,656:00. After due consideration, Council approved the release of the sum of $379,656:00 to Mideast Aviation Academy, Jordan for the settlement of the outstanding registration fees in respect of the students sponsored for pilot training by the Government. n) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Payment of Outstanding Fees Due to Bells University, Otta in Respect of Kano State Sponsored Students.

The memorandum was presented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology inviting the Council to note a correspondence from Bells University, Otta, Ogun State in which the university requested for the payment of the sum of N389,300,000:00 being outstanding school fees in respect of 377 students for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 academic sessions. The students were sponsored by the Government under its internal and external scholarship programmes.

Accordingly, Council graciously approved the release of the sum of N389,300,000:00 to Bells University, Otta, Ogun State for the settlement of the schools fees in respect of the Government-sponsored students for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. o) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Conduct of Accreditation Visitation to Kano State Polytechnic.

The request is from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The Ministry received a notice about the impending accreditation visitation to Kano State Polytechnic by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in respect of 51 ND and HND programmes run by the institution. Council was invited to note that the accreditation of 34 programmes had already expired while the remaining 17 programmes will also expire by October, 2016 which called for urgent Government’s intervention. Accordingly, Council approved the sum of N120,000,000:00 for the accreditation of all programmes run by Kano State Polytechnic. p) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Settlement of Up-Keep Allowances, Tuition Fees and Other Charges in Respect of Kano State Sponsored Overseas Students The request is from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the settlement of upkeep allowances, tuition fees and other charges in respect Government-sponsored 455 overseas students undergoing undergraduate and post-graduate courses in China, Cyprus, Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, India and Malaysia. After due deliberations, the esteemed Council approved the sum N115,400,477:60 for the settlement of the upkeep allowances, tuition fees and other charges in respect of the 455 students sponsored by the State Government for overseas training.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 54TH EXCO SITTING CONFERMENT OF AWARD ON HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR

BY MUSLIM LAWYERS ASSOCIATION The Hon. Commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport represented His Excellency, the Executive Governor at a public lecture/award presentation organized by the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) on 16th June, 2016 at Abuja, FCT. During the event, the association conferred an award on His Excellency for his contributions to Islam and humanity through the Ganduje Foundation.

Signed: Malam Muhammad Garba Commissioner of Information, Youth and Culture Kano State

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News

6 North East states to benefit from ADB $250m devt grant From Ahmed Kaigama , Bauchi

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ix North East states are to benefit from a $250 million intervention provided by the African Development Bank (ADB) in order to develop the region.

The states that will benefit from the grant include; Bauchi Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe and Taraba states.

The team leader of the Bank’s delegation, Mrs Rosemond OffeiAwuku disclosed in Bauchi, weekend, at a stakeholders meeting with representatives of various ministries

and government agencies.

The meeting was held to discuss the various areas of interventions which the money would be disbursed and channeled into.

She said that the grant will enable the bank to key into the rebuilding efforts of the Nigerian Federal Government for the North East region.

She noted that, out of the amount, $150 million will be channeled into the water and sanitation sector while the remaining $100 million will be used for socio-economic interventions in various sectors of economic empowerment like, job creation, skills

acquisition and other areas.

Mrs Offei-Awuku noted that the grant was reviewed upwards by the bank after other components were added apart from the water, sanitation and hygiene sector.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mohammed Ghali Abdulhamid welcomed the delegation to the state and commanded the African Development Bank for the support.

He recalled that the Bank’s delegation which had earlier visited the state in November 2015 has appreciated the state’s government’s

effort to improve water supply and hygiene.

He said that the state government has embarked on a large scale sustainable water supply mechanism and an overall water sector reforms.

The commissioner further informed that the state government has recently provided N100 million part payment of N300 million counterpart fund to UNICEF after which the balance of N200 million will be paid within the next few months.

In his remark, the General Manager, Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency

(RUWASSA), Engineer Garba Magaji informed that all the stakeholders in the intervention programme are committed and will ensure the success of the intervention programme in all sectors.

He promised that all the stakeholders will also ensure the proper utilisation of the funds provided by the African Development Bank for the North East region.

Other stakeholders who attended the stakeholders meeting include; representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Agriculture and other relevant agencies.

Traders hold special prayer for Buhari in Kano From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

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L-R: Representative of Chief of Defence Staff, Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Shafe; Director, Democracy and Development Studies, Gabriel Jiya; Executive Director, Peace Building Development Foundation, Mr Kayode Bolaji; Representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik; children peace ambassador, institute of peace and conflict resolution, miss splendor joeking; representative of the secretary to the government of the federation, Suleiman Haliru; representative of the minister of Defence, Dr Hassan Abdullahi, and representative of the chief of army staff, Maj.-Gen Hamakin Johnny, at the national workshop on radicalisation, de-radicalisation and counter- radicalization, organized by the institute for peace and conflict resolution, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Court affirms Usman linage as Balogun Ajikobi Ilorin From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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n Ilorin High Court has affirmed that the descendants of the late Aliyu Usman of Ajikobi compound, Ilorin are entitled to all rights, privileges and entitlements including the right to aspire or be nominated the Daudu Ipaye and Balogun Ajikobi whenever the stools become vacant.

Balogun Ajikobi is one of the four high chiefs of Ilorin Emirate.

Justice I.B Garba gave the ruling in a suit instituted by Mallam Garba Nageri Ajikobi and Mallam Alfanla Ajikobi on behalf of Aliyu lineage and Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin against Alh Issa Jimoh Ajikobi.

Justice Garba ruled that the defendant cannot exclude or refuse to consider or forward the names of the defendants of the late Aliyu Usman,one of the children of the first Balogun Ajik-

obi in the nomination process of any vacant stool of District Head of Ipaye or Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin to the Emir of Ilorin whenever the said stool is vacant.

He also granted an order restraining the defendant, his servants, agents, privies,or any person acting through or in concert or connivance with him from exercising or denying the claimants’ lineage from aspiring to any office,post,position,enjoyed or capable of being enjoyed or aspired to including the stool of Daudu Ipaye,Balogun Ajikobi or any other right or entitlement meant for Balogun Ajikobi dynasty.

In the judgment dated July 28,2016, Justice Garba held that: “ I agree with the claimants that the defendant cannot resile from that position which represents the truth that the claimants’ Aliyu lineage forms part of Balogun Ajikobi dynasty. To say anything to the contrary will amount to an

after thought meant only to cover the true position as it were.

“Put in another way, it is not only an afterthought but also an impossible effort at attempting to vomit an otherwise consumed delicious meal after it has been taken, digested and excreted.

“Even, the defendant(Dw3) said under cross examination, that Alh Baba Olobi(the original defendant) begged the family by prostrating over his evidence, that Aliyu lineage is part of Balogun Ajikobi dynasty but the Dw3 admitted that he regarded such prostration as an afterthought as well” “It is incredibly unimaginable that a candidate(Alh Aliyu Nageri Ajikobi) from Aliyu linege of Balogun Ajikobi thought fit and qualified to be nominated and indeed nominated for the stools of Daudu Ipaye and Balogun Ajikobi in 1993 and 2003 respectively, but not lucky to be picked or appointed by the

final appointer, now it’s attempted to have his lineage stigmatized as not qualified to contest for the stools of Daudu Ipaye or Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin again on ground of unproven slavery descendancy.

“This is condemned in strongest terms as such hate statement should not be accommodated as a ploy to edge out the claimants’ Aliyu lineage,who are also descendants of Usman, the 1st Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin”.

“Indeed, I find the evidence of the claimants’ witnesses consistent and believable that of the defendant and his witnesses which is riddled with obvious lies and suffers from impeccable belief”.

Messrs Adewale Olatunde,B.R Gold and four others appeared for the claimants while Messrs A.A Ibrahim and A.O Ajiboye appeared for the defendant.

ational Harmonised Traders Union yesterday held a special prayer session for President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in his effort to repositioning Nigeria on a promising pedestal.

Speaking after the prayer session, chairman of the union, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Bature Maigwanjo said that the president is in dire need of prayers from Nigerians at this critical situation, adding that the prayer was timely owing to the expectation of the citizens that he was the perfect man to take the country to the promise land.

According to Maigwanjo, the prayer would be holding quarterly in the state, adding that they would pray for Buhari to fix Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

He added that the prayers would be centred on Nigeria’s economic fortune as well as security situation, noting that the economy is in bad state and the citizens need to help the president realise his commitment to improving it.

He said “ The president has succeeded in fighting militant activities in the north-eastern Nigeria. We will keep praying for him to decimate NigerDelta militants in order to pave way for developmental project in the country. We are aware that war engulps about 20-30% of the nation’s economy, so we will assist the president with prayers to compliteley combat insurgency.” “ on this anti-corruption war, we need to ask Allah’s protection for Buhari to successfully recover our loots from the looters because they have looted huge sum of money. This is a huge task on the president and as his supporters, we need to help him with prayers.”

On the foreign exchange, Maigwanjo appealed to president Buhari to recover the value of Naira against the US Dollar, adding that the rise in dollar was the reason of the inflation of commodities in the country.

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

ISA KAITA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION P.M. B. 5007 DUTSIN-MA KATSINA STATE

TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST FUND (TETFUND) 2014 AND 2015 MERGED NORMAL LIBRARY INTERVENTIONS.

Tenders are invited from interested and competent contractors to pre-qualify for the procurement of the following in the College: LOT 1: Supply of Desktop Computers for College E-Library.

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SUBMISSION OF BID DOCUMENTS I. The Bid documents must be sealed and returned to the Office of the Registrar not

later than six weeks from the date of this publication.

II. Tender documents can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar from the hours of

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III. Payment of non-refundable processing fee of N15, 000.00 per lot.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Deacon Olomola Ayodele (president ) 2. Deaconess Serah Ayodele, 3.Rev Joshua Babalola, 4.Deacon Raphael Ajayi, 5.Sir Joe okhiku THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To resuscitate our reward system as african.

2. To reduce corruption in all our dealings in african.

3.To remind african generally that we all going to die so that excessive accumulation of wealth should stop.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

This spcae is for sale

This spcae is for sale This spcae is for sale This spcae is for sale This spcae is for sale

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of landed documents belonging to OLUSOLA M. GBADEBO with file number KAC/FCDA/LP&S/ ZO/OG-229; AGIS File No. OD43770 plot number 488 Size 707.37 sqm located at kuje Area Council FCT and a landed document with name RANTASOL INVESTMENT LIMITED file no. KAC/ffort made to trace the said document proved abortive, if found return to the nearest police station.

AGIS and Lands department kuje area council , all authorities concerned and general public please take note.

MRS. ODIRI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ODIRI ANITA SYLVIA AKPOR. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. ODIRI ITORO AKPAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI. ALL OTHERS AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE MATTERS OF: The deceased persons WHEREAS THE persons whose names are set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the dates and at the stated places.

AND WHEREAS the persons whose names and addresses claim relationship(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereunder have applied for Letters of Administration (Without Will) of the personal properties of the deceased: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration (Without will) will be granted to such person(s) unless NOTICE TO PROHIBIT the Grant(s) thereof is/are filed in the Probate Registry, High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State of Nigeria, Lafia within TWENTY ONE DAYS (21) from the date of the publication of this legal Notice.

SCHEDULED

KARLS

PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS I. Evidence of Company registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

II. Evidence of registration with the Federal Ministry of Works.

III. Evidence of current Tax Clearance Certificates for the last three(3) years.

IV. Company Audited accounts for the last three (3) years.

V. Evidence of compliance with the provisions of the Pensions Reform Act 2004.

VI. The list of similar jobs executed with evidence or names of clients, location of projects,

letters of contract award, and certificates of practical completion and cost of projects.

VII. Letter of reference from contractor’s bankers and VIII. Letter of consent from professionals to be engaged on the projects

The Centurion Int’l Leadership Initiative

YAKUBU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SA’ADATU ABUBAKAR. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS YAKUBU SAIDATU RAJAB. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI. ALL OTHERS AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

This spcae is for sale

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS JENNIFER IFEANYINWA EZEANYAWU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS KARLS JENNIFER IFY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

S/N

Deceased

Applicants

1

PTE Gbakyo Aguji late of Anchi ha died on the 30th day of july, 2015 at Anchiha.

Terkinbe Gabaikyo of Benue State the Lawful Son of the said deceased.

2

Saidu Ibrahim late of Akwanga died on the 1st day of March, 2016 at Akwanga.

Aminu Saidu of Nasarawa Toto the lawful Son of the said deceased.

3

Kinglsley Epson late of New Nyanya died on the 17th day of May, 2016 at MararabaGurku.

Davlington Chimdi Epsom Oyekwere of New Nyanya the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

4

Akushonya Ogbonya late of Assakio died on the 17th day of August, 2015 at Doma.

Akushonya Samuel of Lafia the lawful Son of the said deceased.

5

Miss Asabe Ladan late of Lafia died on 18th day of May, 2016 at Kafanchan.

Paul Ladan of Kaduna State Television the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

6

Dodondawa Luka late of Akwanga died on the 25th day of March, 2015 at Gwagwalada.

Anyilo Luka of Akwanga the Lawful Son of the said deceased.

7

Victoria Victoria Lazarus late of Gudi died on the 3rd day of November, 2007 at Akwanga.

Freeman Sale Kasa Dauda of Gudi the lawful Uncle of the said deceased.

8

Oluyemisi Soga Abosede late of Keffi died on the 11th day of November, 2013 at Kefffi.

Grace Soga of Keffi, the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

9

Moses T. Saka late of Akwanga died on the 9th day of March, 2016 at Akwanga.

Godwin Akpu Moses & Auta Alaku Both of Akwanga the lawful Son & Cousin of the said deceased.

10

Joseph Ema late of Awuma, died on the 15th day of October, 2014 at Lafia.

Adigidzi Joseph of Awuma, the lawful Son of the said deceased.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS HAUWA KULU MUSA NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESSED AS MRS. MARYAM MUSA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN RELEVANT. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

11

Jatau Mamman late of Keffi died on the 7th day March, 2016 at Garaku.

Mamman Yakubu of Sabon Gida, of Keffi the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

12

Ayuba Gata late of Angwan Tofa, died on the 28th day of September, 2015 Angwan Tofa

Saratu A. Shawai of Keffi the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

13

SGT. John Joseph late of Lafia, died on the 30th day of May, 2015 at Okene.

Imoh Joseph Imoh of Port-Harcourt the Lawful Brother of the said deceased.

GARBA

14.

Mr. Yakubu Ojito late of Doma died on the 14th day of May, 2016 at Shabu.

Gabriel Y. Ojito & Solomon Yakubu Ojito both of Shabu the Lawful Sons of the said deceased.

15

Domfa Nanchak late of Keffi died on the 14th day of March, 2016 at Sagamu

Sunday Domfa John Nanchak & Daniel Domfa Nanchak bott of Keffi the lawful Sons of the said deceased.

16

Audi Moses late of Sarki Noma died on the 19th day of June, 2015 at Lafia.

Audi Ovye & Audi Abashi both of Sarki Noma, the Lawful Sons of the said deceased.

17

Otanwa Fabian late of Keana died on the 14th day of May, 2016 at Lafia.

Sunday Otanwa & Comfort Otanwa both of Kadarko the Lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased.

18

F/NO: 493894 PC Habila Gidiya ate of Akwanga, died on 27th day of July, 2016 at Yobe.

Gambo Habila of Akwanga the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

19

Omame Ano late of Kadarko died on the 16th day of July, 2013 at Jos.

Danjuma Ano of Lafia, the lawful Son of said deceased.

20

Stg. Sylvester Alechenu late of Lafia died on the 18th day of April, 2016 at Maidudguri.

Adaji Yakubu Gowon of Lafia, the lawful Nephew of the said deceased.

21

Joseph Alanana Avre late of Kagbu, died on the 26th day of September, 2014 at Lafia.

Joseph Maikudi of Kagbu the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

22

Alhaji CPL Hashimu late of Sabon Kwara, died on the 26th day of March, 2016 at Maiduguri.

Josephine Ashimu & Ovye Hashimu both of Sabon Kwara the Lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased.

23

Gideon Young Gibson late of Masaka, died on the 10th day of February, 2015 at IjebuOde.

Ado Gideon of Masaka, the Lawful Brother of the said deceased.

24

Martina Kefas late of Masaka, died on the 11th day of May, 2016 at Keffi.

Isuwa Yakubu of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

25

Yohanna Dele late of Akwanga died on the 23rd day of March, 2016 at Akwanga.

Astirah Yohanna of Akwanga, the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

26

Chukwunyere Anayo Oku late of Akwanga died on the, 5th day of May,2016 at Akwanga.

Chinedu Okwu of Wamba the lawful Brother of the said deceased.

27

Olotu Isaiah late of Lafia died on, the 1st day of November, 2005 at Umuahia.

Mary Isaiah of Lafia the lawful Widow of the said deceased.

28

Akutsa Tanko late of Ruwa Wayo died on the, 9th day of May, 2015 at Ruwa Wayo

Alu Tanko of Ruwa Wayo the lawful Son of the said deceased.

29

Tanimu Mohammed late of Nunku died on the, 30th day of May 2016 at Kachia

Maimuna Tanimu & Yakubu Tanimu both of Akwanga the lawful Widow & Son of the said deceased.

30

Bridget Vincent late of Akwanga died on the, 12th day of October, 2008 at Akwanga.

Happiness Vincent of Akwanga the lawful Daughter of the said deceased.

MRS EMMANUEL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ONCHE ENALI EVELYN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EMMANUEL ENALI EVELYN ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. MOHAMMED

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED A. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND HENCEFORTH CALLED ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED KWALTE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE MRS. MARYAM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOHAMMED ALIYU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GARBA M. LIMAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. ABA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABBA MOHAMMED ADU’A NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABBA MUHAMMAD ADUA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. APASHI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS APASHI SAMUEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS APASHI SAMUEL ABOSHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHRISTIANA I AM FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHRISTIANA NGOZI UMEOBIERI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND HENCEFORTH CALLED AS CHRISTIANA NGOZI OKPALAUGO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SOW

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS UMAR TELLY MOHAMMED NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SOW OUMAR TELLY ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

the

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Kano Film village: Impressions not harassment sell products

By Lawal Sabo Ibrahim

T

he developments (especially commentaries) regarding the proposed Kano Film Village, like discourses on most other issues in Nigeria, were to say the least, disappointing especially when considered from the level the debate had degenerated to.

The most saddening however, was how most of the proponents of the project deliberately abandon the subject matter diverting attention with strident condemnations and name-calling against people who expressed reservations against it.

To this group, anyone who ever queries such a project must be a rabble-rouser, demagogue, provincial, primitive, envious and all such derogatory attributes. But, while engaged in that name-calling, they were unable to advance viable and convincing arguments why it is necessary for Kano to have a film village and not revival of its industries; film village not leather works and dyeing village; film village not agro-allied enterprises village, and so on. Except the oft-repeated cliché of ‘job creation,’ I didn’t see any other reason for the village from its champions, as if Kano has no any other business apart from film production.

Some people were so unreasonable to go to the extent of mentioning and condemning some clerics who have

reservations and were bold enough to voice their opinions on the project. Such people tried to link this issue with the re-introduction of Sharia in some states, querying the success it recorded.

One may not really be comfortable with the way the Sharia issue was handled, nay politicized, but the bottom-line is that its re-introduction especially in Kano State, had reduced the brazenness with which some undesirable behaviours were being displayed. Anyone who doubts this can go to Gadar Tamburawa, Shantake, Dakatsalle, Kwanar Dangora and such other places and ask.

The truth is, most of the opposition to the film village was basically the outcome of the impression an average Kano person has for people in the film industry. All those denigrating others for querying the film village project are quite aware that the impression of an average Kano person of the film industry is not cheering. Except those who have something to do with it, most others see the sector as contributing to the decadence in our society, and sadly, in place of its stakeholders to listen to such observations so as to try and mitigate on the grey areas, they always try to justify the wrongs comparatively, shouting down whoever dares to raise the concerns.

The peak of opposition of the film stakeholders to reforming the sector was most displayed during the tenure of the former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who

strengthened the state censorship board to check the observed lapses. In place of cooperating with the board to minimize the loopholes, stakeholders became quite hostile to the board and even the governor.

They went to the extent of relocating to neighbouring states to produce films that deliberately breach not only the codes of the board and ethics, but even those that out-rightly mock and insult the person of the governor.

One fact remains that most of the strident proponents of the film village project are doing so because of their projection of what they would personally gain in financial terms; the remaining few do not care to check and find out why those opposing the proposal were doing so, or were merely doing it as an extension of their opposition to someone who identified with those against the project.

The basic way to discover the sincerity or otherwise of proponents of the film village including those who are presently gaining from the sector, is to ask how many of them have succeeded in recruiting especially their sisters or daughters into the film industry or how they are preparing them for that.

Even to a layman like yours sincerely, the basic tenet of marketing is to create a good impression of the product in the minds of the target clients especially through analyzing the pluses of the product which the marketer can do. But one of

the most important ways of improving on the acceptance of a product requires the input of the producer in raising its quality as determined by consumers’ observations through the marketer. Upon all this however, the impression a product creates in the minds of consumers from the beginning, is often very critical in its sustainability or otherwise.

This is a basic fact that can be seen even in the basic commodities we use in our homes like seasoning, toothpaste, margarines, body creams, noodles, and so on. The products that came and created good initial impressions in the minds of consumers continue to dominate their competitors even when some of those competitors may be better.

Thus, the questions here are, can we compare the earliest Kano film stakeholders with the present crop in being models? What impressions were created in the minds of people by the past crop and were those impressions improved upon or not? Finding answers to these basic questions may signal the basis of the opposition to the film village and resolving it; before then, let’s hear a thunderous amen: May the choicest daughter of whoever feels strongly for the Kano film village become a Kannywood actress.

Ibrahim journalist.

is

an

Abuja-based

Nigeria’s much needed unity

By Abiodun Isreal

T

he accusation that moles within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are out for the jugular of office holders from the north is one that should be taken with all sense of seriousness. If true,and nothing has suggested the contrary, it implies the country can again be forced into a period of political stagnation.

Recent attacks targeting these public office holders have all the hallmark of being sponsored and the south-west unfortunately is the direction that the accusing fingers are pointing. Pundits had suggested that there is a measure of bitterness simmering in the collective cauldron that is the Yoruba interest.

There is disaffection over the sharing of the spoil of office that came with routing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

That politicians from the south-west could be persistent in ignoring the lessons of history should be a source of worry to them and should equally prompt other Nigerians to remind them of what they desperately want to wish away. This very attitude of bossing coalition partners was responsible for the collapse of alliances across the provinces in post-independence politics.

It contributed to the truncation of the first, second and third republics to usher in military rule at those various times. As things stand, it is gradually threatening national cohesion as old wounds are being grazed and exposed.

This is precisely why it is inconceivable that the desperation of these APC moles is allowed to run riot and is now

threatening to place the APC on the destructive path that was the undoing of the PDP, which began the process that landed us in the current mess. If the appointees of an APC president are rubbished daily it then says a lot about the party that it may not be different from what it has replaced anyway.

Much as those running the racket may be smirking at their supposed success at tarnishing MrPresident’s aides from the north, the action is nothing short of shooting themselves in the foot so long as they continue to remain in the APC. Leaving the party is equally not an option as the last general elections have proven that the era of regional political parties is over. And who will go into alliance with a region if it has repeatedly proven itself as unreliable in working with other ethnic groups and political blocks?

It is understandable that a lot of horse trading went on to produce the tsunami that swept the PDP out of power at the federal level. It is also true that the law of natural justice and morals anticipate that those that contributed to the success of the APC would derive benefits by way of having appointments zoned to them.

What is inconceivable however is for one geo-political zone out of the six in the country to attempt taking it all. The APC won in more than one geo-political zone of course. So, these hawks from the south west who think destroying people from the north will bury the party before its time are being uncharitable by placing their parochial interest ahead of the future of democracy and stability in Nigeria.

The development portrays the kind of greed that is as despicable as it is selfish.

The APC must therefore begin to define the alliance that brought the government on board in the interest of the common masses and not those selfish persons whose only business is to grab major stakes in every segment of the nation’s socio-political landscape.

Had the deliberate efforts to sabotage the government to prove the points of these south-west leaders been limited to the realm of politics it would have been slightly tolerable even though unpalatable. But they have instead intruded even into professional sphere to begin mudslinging military officers simply to undermine President Buhari, hound his loyal appointees out of office and have their ethnic stocks step into those positions. This cannot be allowed to stand for any reason.

Any voice of reason left in the southwest must prevail in letting the desperate clique see past their nose tips and realise that this is no time to be clannish but to be nationalistic. The concerted campaign against people from the north is being exploited by separatists who are using it to their advantage in calling for a breakup of the country. It is being exploited by those who would rather see Nigeria continue to remain in the throes of terrorism. No one knows what other groups or soldiers of fortune would find opportunities in the political sabotage being run by the APC moles. Even if these other potential fallouts are later managed there is still the strong prospect that some people would rue the choices of today when the general elections hold in 2019.

One fact that is being overlooked by the other parts of the country is that the north has remained a big brother to all despite

the continuous attempt to demonize its sons and daughters. On the surface this looks like a good thing but this is a mark of ingratitude that should be discouraged if we (Yoruba) don’t want the Igbos and the ethnic nationalities in the south-south to overtake us in the party hierarchy. If this happens where will the Yoruba find the voice to make demands in 2019?

A lot of damages have been done but it has not become a disaster yet. It will become disastrous if the attacks coming from the region are not halted. Those pulling the strings of this campaign of calumny against the north should stop now. They should instead get busy with ventures that actually add value to the nation like supporting Mr President’s anti-corruption fight. They can also pitch in with efforts at reversing the damage their bellyaching has done to the anti-terror war.

In the meantime, I further suggest that they prevail on persons of southwest extraction holding public or political office to shape up and justify their appointments with excellent performance in office as this is what would market the region as the place to shop for brains when competence is needed. Competence has been a crucial factor in the appointments made under President Buhari’s administration and I daresay this is what south-west leaders should promote instead of undermining the same government they helped install. The least they can do at this point is to work for the much needed unity that will move the country forward.

Abiodun Israel, a public affairs analyst, contributed this piece from Ibadan, Oyo State.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Comment

Jigawa: Between democracy and anarchy

By Adamu Muhd Usman.

T

hings happening presently in Jigawa should give concern to all meaning Nigerians who want to see democracy survive in Nigeria.

In a situation whereby, an elected democratic governor has abandoned his constitutional security benefits (Police, DSS and NSCDC etc) and hired (engages) ‘Yan Daba and thugs to provide security for (guard) him, from there you come to believe that, democratic values have waned in the state.

The new style of Jigawa governor going round the state for any function with hooligans around him to intimidate the opposition and other innocent citizens all because of fear of booing and jeering is uncalled for. This shows and probes to everyone the dismal or poor performance of the APC led government in Jigawa state. No any political office holder including the Governor has the courage and capacity to go on tour in the rural areas. The masses are waiting for the delivery of the empty and phony campaign promises of the 2015 election.

Any measure aimed at restricting freedom of expression, dethrone without any constitutional backing, postponement or deprivation of freedom of association, arrest and detention of innocent citizens (PDP youths in the state) recently by a democratically elected APC governor of the state is undemocratic and this affront cannot stand.

All these assertion and blame game that, the youth shouted (booed) at the governor saying ‘Bamayi’ cannot take Jigawa anywhere. This dangerous trend has become so embarrassing that one is compelled to speak out. A Chinese proverb tells me that “He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is half way there. He who blames no one has arrived.”

To be candid, if care is not taken, Jigawa is waiting to deteriorate soon. It seems that the present leadership of the state is not vigilant and mindful of its policies,

“He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is half way there.

He who blames no one has arrived.”

initiatives, and handling issues. Don’t watch the manner different group of people and government actions are threatening the state and its people’s peaceful o-existence, mutual understanding and political stability etc. Mutiny or peace, Jigawa still remains our state, our place, our home and our pride most especially the way and manner how Sule Lamido rescued and rebuilt it.

I have been in a dream state, dreaming of Jigawa of my dreams. Please governor Badaru, try to accommodate everyone because you are not the governor of APC members alone but the governor of Jigawa state. So, the opposition should have a playing field to exercise their constitutional rights most especially in political participation and the freedom of expression without threat and fear of deprivation, intimidation, humiliation and victimization.

I appeal to governor Badaru of Jigawa state to stop arrest and detention of the opposition with no course to warrant that, to withdraw this ‘Yan daba and hooligans he hired recently and also to be on the look, because we are in the new era of democracy, human dignity and free indiscipline government in Nigeria. You should do everything possible to have a peaceful, progressive and a united Jigawa. May God guide us aright.

Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa state and can be reached on amu3333@ yahoo.com

Gamji and the revolt within

By Shehu Musa

S

ome Nigerians still fondly remember the catch-phrase “political North,” because of the entrenched principles of love, unity and progress of Northern Nigeria in the pursuit of politics and governance in the country. Before now, the region exuded love and peaceful co-existence, ultimately defined on the tripod of fraternity, unity and oneness customary to the region. Multiple associations and Foundations like the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, the Gamji association, the Arewa Consultative Forum and its youth wing were platforms that preached these norms. They were instruments of cementing and reliving the great legacies of pioneering northern leaders in politics and development. Successive Northern leaders like Sir Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Aminu Kano and the likes held tightly to these cherished virtues. They did not only embodied these ideals, but replicated them.

These leaders ensured the unity and development of the North was not compromised in exchange for anything. They were always protective, democratic and conscious of interests of the region, in all dealings. In politics, the North was famed for bloc votes and whole support to a consensus candidate endorsed by the region at any political dispensation. They could break rocks to ensure they secure the best for the region in national bargaining. But it’s like the great heritage of the North of yesterday has shamefully eclipsed as loudly demonstrated by the current generation of leaders. The divisiveness of the North is repulsively displayed in the open to the extent it has become the laughing stock of other parts of the country. It is common these days to notice internal squabbles even within the elite umbrella socio-cultural organizations of the North. They vary or differ on many national issues and irreconcilably.

These days, prominent Northern leaders disgracefully bicker in the open. They insult and criticize one another without restrictions. They hardly feel constrained to protect the strategic interests of the region in politics or on issues of development. This

mindset has stretched to damaging limits and at every point, it becomes more venomous and vindictive. The latest victim of this destructive ideology is President Muhammadu Buhari. And those who connive with dissenting elements from other sections of the country to diminish the height of his administration are his own kinsmen in the North.

Many Nigerians attest that like in 1983, Buhari has again ascended the Presidency of the country at the most turbulent time in Nigeria’s history. The country is riddled with crises of different dimensions. Aside economic and leadership crises, Nigeria was almost rendered prostrate by Boko Haram insurgency in the North East; the near irrepressible militancy in the Niger Delta, to emerging secessionist groups like IPOB and MASSOB in the South East and all manner of ethnic militias. However, the Buhari presidency has channeled its energy in arresting these crises and sometimes, bends backwards to appease aggrieved interests and parties. His belief in the oneness and unity of Nigeria is recklessly abused by those hell bent in shattering national cohesion by continuously beating the drums of war to discredit his administration.

But unexpectedly, the echoes of dissent sound louder from the South, core northerners have also joined the fray of those desperate to cripple the administration, by rubbishing and undermining its milestones. It is more disturbing to realize that no cogent reason is adduced for such distractions of the presidency or why his kinsmen have excitedly joined the league of his traducers. Agreed that Buhari is Nigeria’s President, but those who stand to benefit more from his presidency are Northerners, who are now brainwashed to see nothing good in his government. They have aligned forces with some disgruntled elements in the South to destabilize the government.

Just recently, a former minister in the second Republic and prominent northern leader, Alhaji Junaid Mohammed granted an interview to an online media platform, in which he reeled out statistics of alleging nepotism and lopsided federal appointments by the Buhari administration at the expense

of the South . His likes bestrode the North in dozens and their interest is far detached from the north. To these category of leaders, the dreams and legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first Premier of Northern Nigeria are worthless. Therefore, when they unjustifiably hit at their own, their southern allies are ennobled to replicate same in a more dangerous manner.

It explains the reason for the new wave of militancy in the Niger Delta and the IPOB uprisings in the South East and other crises threatening the foundation and unity of Nigeria. Hence Buhari cannot find solace in his own kith and kin, plots by the south to destabilize his government have thickened, as manifest by the indifference to it by both political and traditional leaders from the South. They are comfortably mute. There is no strong condemnation of these crises, but instead, the posture of the leaders resonate a tacit approval and support of the actions of the perpetrators of the crises. While Buhari struggles to contain it, more groups in the South have galvanized in baselessly criticizing his regime.

But more surprising, even religious leaders from the South have teamed up against the Buhari administration, which conveys of a sinister motive. Apparently, the unity of Nigeria means nothing to them.

And while the issues linger, Buhari is also stripped of the necessary support from his fraternal brothers who delight more in supervising the collapse of his administration and shameful exit. In effect the Buhari presidency is gradually being tied and delivered to the predators in the south for slaughter by his own Northern brothers. And failure to halt the trend which is still at its infancy, the North again would go down political ruins reminiscent of the events of 2011. It is incumbent on all northerners to see the Buhari presidency as a gift to the region and strive to support it to succeed, as against leading the league of those who cast it in bad light. If Buhari succeeds today, the credit goes to the whole region, in the same degree they would share the guilt of his failure in government.

Musa, an archeologis contributed this article from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

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News

Okene-Lokoja road is death trap, Group tells FERMA

By Paul Efiong

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ivil society organisations working in the areas of procurement and budget monitoring, under the auspices of Network, has written to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), drawing the attention of the Agency to the deplorable state of Lokoja-Okene road in Kogi state.

In a letter dated July 26 addressed to FERMA’s Managing Director and signed by the group’s National Project Director, Mr.

Mohammed Bougei Attah, and copied to the Minister of Works, Housing and Power, the Governor of Kogi state as well as the paramount ruler in the area, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, drew the attention of the Agency to its advertisement in the Federal Tenders Journal and other national dailies of June 13 titled ‘General Maintenance and Repairs of Some Federal Roads Nationwide – Phase 2: The Case of Rehabilitation of Roads in Okene, Kogi State’ The group while commending the effort of FERMA in fulfilling her statutory responsibility,

noted that “it is however important to state categorically that the ‘Rehabilitation of Roads in Okene’ and environs are long overdue as it has suffered total neglect over years” Further, the group admitted that though the scope of the contract was not made available, the group believe also that the contract No. GM/16-186 – Lot 69 cover the roads from Zariagi to Okene township in Kogi state.

Justifying the pains and sorrows of the people in the area and commuters using the road, the group posited “For the record, we wish

to submit that the Lokoja – Okene Highway Federal Road, albeit Zariagi-Okene roads have suffered the worst form of neglect ever in the history of road maintenance and rehabilitation in Nigeria. Yet these roads are the major link connecting the north and the southern, east and western parts of Nigeria, connecting seven (7) states in the country, and the gateway to Ajaokuta Steel Company as well as Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company of Nigeria. It is also home to the first administrative capital of Nigeria”.

400 local farmers get subsidized certified rice seeds in Kaduna

Parents at the news conference on the statement made by the Turkish government, to have the Nigerian Turkish international college school closed down , yesterday in Abuja.

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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Buhari tasks Nigerians on unity, national integration

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resident Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday urged Nigerians to promote factors and issues that will unite them and foster national integration.

The president made the call at the late Gen. Hassan Usman-Katsina memorial lecture held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna.

Represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Danbazau, the president said national integration will enable Nigerians to realise the power of unity among various people living in a country.

He said the theme of the lecture: “Challenges of the National Integration

and the Survival of Democracy in Nigeria” is not only apt but topical for this period of our nation’s challenges. ``Our history tells us that Nigeria is an amalgamation of many nationality relating from Lord Lugard which have since 1914 been on the journey towards nation building,” he said.

He said one of the key challenges of our nation that has been identified is the slow integration of the diverse ethnic nationality in the country, especially in terms of unity of purpose.

He stressed the need for increased participation in governance by all Nigerians in order to strengthen the nation’s democracy

The President described late Gen. Usman Katsina as a man of eminent virtues.

He said that the late Katsina was a generous leader, who had mentored many generations of officers and men in the country.

“He is a nationalist, who gave all his life for the unity and progress of our country. He lived a life full of positive impact in the country.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described late Usman Katsina as a model that should be emulated by all.

He said late Katsina had contributed to the development of the country by

playing his role honourably as a good professional soldier and administrator.

I testify to his loyalty to the country and leadership. ``As his boss, I can say without fear that he served his people, state or region and the country as a hero. `` Katrina was a loyal and committed officer, who served his people and was called the Governor of Governors because he became a governor that educated six other governors.

He urged the family to emulate their great father. (NAN).

2016 hajj: NHCN allocates additional 300 seats for Niger From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna

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he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NHCN has made available additional 300 seats for the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Commission for the 2016 pilgrimage.

This follows the exhaustion of its initial allocation of 3,235 making a total of 3,535 intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj in the state.

The Niger State Amur Hajji and leader of delegation for 2016 pilgrimage, General Idris Garba who disclosed this, reiterated the commitment of the State Commission to ensure hitch free operations sequel to its adequate preparation.

Garba in an interview with Peoples Daily after inspection tour of the hajj camp facilities applauded the support and assistance of the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar

Sani Bello for his determination to ensured smooth operations of 2016 Haji by the state Pilgrims.

According to him, “Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Commission is fully ahead of every preparation and we will not let the people of the state down due to the confidence reposed on us”, he said.

The retired general and former military governor disclosed that the achievements recorded was due to

the support of the state government, hence it has so far documented over 3,000 Pilgrims on line containing every information about each of the intending Pilgrims in the state.

He intimated that the commission has not encountered any difficulty in the process of its operations and will ensure all anticipated challenges will not be allowed to hold the commission backward.

n an effort to promote rice production in Nigeria, a company called Popular Farms and Mill at the weekend distributed certified rice seeds to 400 local farmers in collaboration with Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Development Programme in the state.

According to the company, the distributed seeds will motivate the local farmers to plant more rice in the state.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the seeds distribution in the presence of Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Daniel Maigari Manzo, Popular Farms General Manager, Amit Rai, said his company is ready to solve rice farming problem in Nigeria.

“We have technical advancement, chemical advisory method to address the rice farming problem in the state, and Nigeria.

We are here to help your local farmers to plant more rice in the country. “ We have equally introduced farming school were your local farmers can acquire more modern techniques of rice production. Your local farmers need to embrace commercial farming. We are here to distribute certified rice seeds to about 400 local farmers at a subsidized price. “ We are here to help your local farmers to produce enough rice that will feed the state and country in general. Kaduna state alone has abandoned dam that are not being utilized and we need to find a way to make then useful so as to benefit your farmers,” he said.

It was gathered that the company under a group called Station Company is targeting production of 1.5. Million tonnes of rice production in Nigeria, through setting up more milling capacities and structured farming activities.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Daniel Manzo said the attitude on Nigeria importing about 2 million tonnes of rice into the country need to be change.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

APC wins Minjibir byelection From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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he independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday in Minjibir declared Alhaji Tasiu lbrahim APC winner of the Kano state House of Assembly byelection.

The Returning Officer, Professor Abu Muhammed of Bayero University Kano, announced the result in Minjibir, that the APC candidate emerged winner by scoring 21,970 votes to beat 14 other contestants.

He said, Auwalu Ubale of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 1,238 votes.

Mohammed however hailed the party leaders the candidates for exhibiting maturity and understanding for a peaceful election in Minjibir.

He also applauded security agents drafted to the areas that maintained peace, which resulted in a hitch free election.

It could be recall that the election, which was conducted in April 30th was marred by violence and rescheduled for July 31 2016.

INEC fixes August 20, for Sokoto bye election ... Recruits 325 ad hoc staff

From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State has fixed the state House Of Assembly byeelection for Tureta constituency for August, 20, 2016.

The electoral body also said it will recruit 325 ad hoc staff for the exercise.

This is contained in a statement signed by Muhammad Musa, Head of Voter Education and Education, and INEC Sokoto and issued in Sokoto.

The statement said that the bye-election became necessary due to the vacancy created by the resignation of the former member representing the constituency, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar.

Our correspondent recalls that Abubakar, who is the immediate House Leader in the assembly, resigned on January 12, 2016 on personal reasons.

He contested and won the chairmanship position of Tureta local government under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It said: “The state constituency has 32,384 registered voters, 10 wards, 67 polling unity and nine voting points.

“About 325 ad hoc staff will be recruited, especially from serving members of the National Youths Service Corps scheme, trained and deployed for the exercise.”

The statement also advised political parties wishing to participate in the election to conduct primary elections for the emergence of their flag bearers.

This, the statement, averred is in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act, 2010, (as amended).

• R - L , Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Former Executive Seccretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND ), Prof.

Sulieman Bogoro and his Wife, Justice Yelhin Bogoro during the Dedication Service for the Twin Daughters of Prof.

Bogoro at the Church of Christ in Nations ( COCIN ) Centre, yesterday in Bauchi .

PDP chairmanship: My case with EFCC will not affect me - Dokpesi FromAyodele Samuel,Lagos

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igh Chief Raymond Dokpesi has said that the corruption charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will not affect his ambition to become the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stating that he is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

He said the charges cannot be

used by the federal government or the All Progressives Congress, APC, to hoodwink him if he is elected as the chairman of the opposition, PDP. He said this on Sunday during his meeting with delegates from Kwara state at the party secretariat in Ilorin.

“The case is in court and I don’t want to comment on it but I will not join APC or be a stooge because of it.

I respect Buhari as the president of Nigeria but what he is doing now is

not different from what he did as a military head of state. He locked up Nigerians for 200 years, some 150 years. As the Chief of staff of Gongola state, I was locked up and my charge was that I held political office,” he said.

“If you are an hotelier and someone spent three days in your hotel and paid for services rendered but days later, DSS came to arrest you that the money the client paid

you was from illegal proceed from CBN. Let me stop there as the judge will decide,” he said of his current charges.

On Sheriff, he said governors and other stakeholders are reaching out to him for reconciliation and peace.

The Kwara state PDP chairman, Barrister Akogun Oyedepo, praised him and assured him of support, stating that he had set a standard for others to follow.

“We have not seen any other candidate that can match your credentials. We will go with you because you are a pioneer. PDP that is almost crumbling needs someone like you. APC is jittery already because of Dokpesi credentials.

We need to return the party to the people and that is what you are doing by meeting delegates. We have heard you and we will make you accountable for your words,” he said.

Budget padding: Go to court not EFCC, ICPC - Group tells Jibrin, others

By Umar Muhammad Puma

A

Coalition of Media and Civil Society groups has asked the former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rep Abdulmumin Jibrin and other aggrieved lawmakers to proceed to the court of law, rather than taking the matter to EFCC, ICPC. Addressing journalists over the weekend, spokesperson of the Group who is the Executive Director, Africa Media Roundtable Initiative, Comrade Olabode

Adeyemi, challenged Rep Jibril to produce concrete evidence against the Speaker Yakubu Dogara and 10 others on their alleged involvement of padding of the 2016 Budget.

“Rather than taking the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC or the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission,ICPC, he should allow the Judiciary, which is the third arm of the Government to wade into the matter.

According to Comrade Adeyemi, “We are calling on

Hon Jibrin and other aggrieved lawmakers to seek redress in the court to protect the image of the House of Representatives and not going to either the EFCC or ICPC which are the agencies of the Executives. If you approach the Court , you have to swear to affidavit before making your allegations and if you lied under oath, you know the consequences under the law but you go to the ICPC or the EFCC to make such allegations, you may later make a u-turn and changed you statements”

“ I can remember vividly that when the 2016 was passed by the National Assembly, there were insinuations in some quarters that it was padded, it was this same Hon Jibrin that defended it when he told the whole Nation that there was nothing like budget padding, he never spoke out against the House leaders until he was sacked from the plum job. If what he is saying is true, let him go to court to seek redress “We are thanking the Channels Television for repeatedly showing the whole World the video clips

of his defence now that there was nothing like budget padding, why he is now claiming that there was budget padding by the Speaker and 10 others? If he is sure of his allegations, he should go to court or shut up”.

While cautioning against attempts by certain individuals aimed at bringing the nation’s legislature to disrepute Comrade Adeyemi maintained that the stability of the nation’s democracy depended largely on the legislature hence , the need to protect its sanctity.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Politics

Budget padding:

Group demands Jibril’s arrest

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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orthern States Progressive Youth Forum has urged the anti-graft agencies and the Nigeria police to without delay arrest Hon Abdulmumini Jibrin and question him to verify the authenticity of his claims as well as his roles in the 2016 budget padding.

The group in a statement issued yesterday, signed by its National chairman, Abdulrahman Sade called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Police to arrest and prosecute him if he fails to authenticate his claims.

“We have also observed with keen interest the ongoing altercation between the former Chairman House of Representatives

Committee on Appropriation, Hon Abdulmumini Jibrin, the Speaker, and some members of the House of Representatives over what is today trending in Nigeria as Budget padding.

“We are not here to attack anybody, we are not here to apportion blame or pass judgement, what we intend doing here is to put the record straight and explain to Nigerians what they do not know about the man ditching out all these wrong information, and also why the current issues is nothing but a distraction as far as we are concerned”.

He said the group aim is to defend and protect the institution of the parliament which he said is generally revered as the bastion of democracy.

“This great institution has received bashings from within and

without, but this time around we are compelled, and we have all sworn to protect it from any external or internal aggression”.

The group added that they would resist any attempt by one member to hold the whole House to ransom.

“What was alleged to have happened in the House of Representatives is a common feature worldwide and for the records even the executive arm of government encourages it, it has been there since democracy bounced back in Nigeria in 1999.

“We take exception to the unparliamentarily remarks and conduct of Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin who was sacked from his post and later went to the social media to pour invectives on the Speaker and other principal officers.

“We term his actions as irresponsible and dishonourable

because there are even personal matters of the Speaker that has nothing to do with House issue, which he was privy to, he poured them out.

“We want to inform Nigerians that all what Jibrin said are figments of his imaginations, they are all tissues of lies and innuendoes crafted to generate sympathy from hapless and innocent Nigerians, unfortunately for him, Nigerians are now wiser.

“We call on Nigerians to disregard all what they have heard from Jibrin.It beats our imagination again why the Nigerian media should be given him headlines and airtime instead of unveiling his character and the roles he played in the budget of 2014 and 2015.

“We should remember Senator Omisore is in EFCC net, you can’t discuss or arrest Omisore without

asking Jibrin questions. That is a fact.

“We call on the people of Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency to recall Jibrin , we know from our investigations how before he came into the House five years ago, he erected a building in Bebeji within a year to justify his an indigene of the town, Jibrin is a Kaduna boy but hails from Benue state. The question here is what is the connection between a Tiv man and a Hausa man?

The group reiterated their total support to the Speaker, saying he has led the House well and urged him to continue to lead the House well.

“Dogara no doubt has a clean record of service to his fatherland, we recall his stint as a Senior Special Assistant to a minister of a strategic federal ministry which controls billions of naira, and he never soiled his hands while there”.

We are hopeful of Buhari’s administration - Jingir From Abubakar Musa, Jos

• Budget Padding: Security Operative (left) preventing Clerk of House Committee on Appropriation Dr. Abel Ochigbo from gaining access into the Committee’s Secretariat at National Assembly Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

T

he Chairman Ulama’u Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikatis Sunnah, Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir has said that JIBWIS was hopeful of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration despite current economic hardship, reiterating that the problems would come to pass.

The Islamic cleric gave the hope over the weekend during closing ceremony of the 20th Annual National Qur’anic Recitation Competition of the group held at the JIBWIS Science Secondary School, Zaria Road, Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

Jingir said, “We are aware of the current economic hardship and the high cost of commodities in the market. But we believe that everything would get better in the subsequent time and that is why we advise housewives to be patient with their husbands and use what is available in their disposal.”

While hoping good for the country, the cleric threw his support behind Buhari’s economic diversification, urging Nigerians to go back to agriculture as doing so would help the development of the country.

Jingir however advocated for use of local dialects in all deliberation at both state and National assemblies rather than English Language, saying translation of all issues of National importance would aid the general public understand the state of the country and participate in the deliberation of National issues.

Igbo groups, traders flock APGA flag off in Edo From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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raders and artisans of Igbo ethnic group within and outside Edo state dominated the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA governorship flag off held at Urhokpota ground at the Weekend in Benin City.

Vehicle spare parts dealers at popular Uwelu, Evbareke markets, shop owners at the King square, Electronic dealers on Mission Road and New Benin market and some Igbo

Community leaders of thought featured prominenty at the ceremony.

Peoples Daily reports that women and youths adorned themselves with colourful attires and wrappers with a symbol of Cockerell engraved on them.

Besides, drummers walked across major streets leading to the king square, parading the party slogans added glitz and glamour to the flag off before the cheering supporters.

Addressing party faithful, National chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, revealed

that APGA party is made up of incorruptible members.

He said the monumental achievements of APGA, bespeak of the economic progress in Anambra state led by Willie Obiano which he stated would be replicated if the Edo state APGA Candidate, Osaro Onaiwu realises his ambition.

Osaro Onaiwu, was the former Director-General, Nigeria Governors Forum.

The APGA standard bearer, Osaro Onaiwu, promised to pay all pension arrears and regular payment of workers’ salaries in

the state as well as women and youth empowerment if given the mandate.

“I have not come to criticise anybody. My mother is a pensioner and if I am elected, I will be the second governor to pay workers first before others.

“God anoints who becomes the king. APGA governor will improve your welfare”, he said.

High point was the presentation of flag to Edo state APGA Cnadidate, Osaro Onaiwu, who was flanked by his deputy, Mrs. Gladys Oyenmwen.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Solve your internal crisis for Zamfara to develop, ADC warns APC From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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he Zamfara state chapter of the opposition Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the feud between the legislative and executive arms of government, calling on both to consider the interest of the public and put

aside crisis between them.

In an interview with Peoples Daily in Gusau, the state capital, Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Badamasi Bello said his party has decided to legally respond to the unnecessary crisis should it be found that the two contending sides were only busy locking horns to divert the

public attention for their selfish achievements.

Alhaji Bello further lamented that the two arms of government have abandoned their main objective in the delivery of much responsibilities in the state. “Our great opposition party would not take that for granted, we will not fold our arms watching

Politics

political drama in place of the supposed provision of dividends of democracy in our state”.

“They should not do anything that would disrupt the peaceful political atmosphere in the state. Let them face governance.

Why should they be creating unnecessary political tension in the state?” he challenged.

• R-L; President of Arewa Creative Industry, Hajiya Halima Idris presenting her industry’s Legislator of the Year Award to Member, House of Representatives, representing Kazaure Federal Constituency Hon. Muhammad Gudaji Kazaure in Kaduna at the weekend. Photo; Bashir Bello

Edo ‘II recover from insolvency in 30 years - Maku

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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he National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Labaran Maku, has accused Edo state government of mortgaging the future of the state, alleging that it would take 30 years for the state to recover from insolvency.

He however failed to offer explanation on the sources of borrowing by the state or disclose any evidence to back his claims.

But, he argued that he became abreast with politics in Edo state when he served in the state over 28 years ago after his graduation from the University.

Maku, who was the

Minister of Information during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, spoke during APGA governorship flag off in Benin City, the Edo state Capital.

He argued that Edo could be compared with Nasarawa state where he hails from in terms of lamentation of people.

He also said the credible platform of APGA provided for Governor Willie Obiano, accounts for over $5 billion investment to the state since he became the helmsman of the state in 2015.

“I have been here. I lived in this state about 28 years ago.

I did my NYSC then at Iyoba Secondary school.

“In Edo, the debt that has

been accumulated, in the next 30 years, you won’t be able to pay. In my own state - Nasarawa, everyday people cry when you watch the television”, he said.

He told the electorate to “be vigilant because there are specialists in rigging”, assuring that “APGA, is going to be a leading party because it has solutions to all problems”.

In a remark by Anamabra state governor, Willie Obiano, admitted that Edo state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has performed creditably, but, insisted that APGA has a better problems solving skills if Osaro Onaiwu, is elected in the forth coming governorship election in

Edo state.

“Oshiomhole has done well.

But, Edo state needs to move forward.”

On his part, immediate past APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, assured that is party will win the governorship election in the state on account of division in Peoples Democratic Party.

“We do not know the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party yet because their leadership is swinging.

“APGA will never be part of the problems in Nigeria, rather, it will be part of the solutions”, he said.

Ignore calls to close Turkish schools, MD urges FG

By Ali Abare Abubakar

T

he Managing Director of Nigerian Turkish International Colleges, Orhan Kertim has said that Nigeria should disregard the request by Turkey’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hakan Cakil, to close down the schools.

Kertim stated this in a statement made available to Peoples Daily in Abuja on Friday.

The Managing Director said the call contain misleading information and would not have dignified it with a response.

According to him, the schools have been operating in Nigeria since 1998 and as law-abiding schools they owe Nigerians a duty to expose the ulterior motives of the ambassador.

“The NTIC is not a Turkish government- run institution, but a privately funded institution by a group of Turkish investors.

“As a responsible organization operating in Nigeria since 1998, we are conversant with the laws of the land’’, he added Kertim, however, said the call by Cakil “is not only baseless, but also unfounded and of poor taste.’’

The government of Turkey through Cakil had on Thursday alerted the Nigerian government on the existence of the schools “owned by suspected terrorists.’’

The ambassador called on Nigeria to shut down the schools just as the Turkish government did in Turkey.

Kertim, therefore, urged the public to ignore and disregard the statement by the Turkish ambassador.

“Our schools are fully functional and will continue to be’’, he stressed.

It would be recalled that since the aftermath of the recent coup attempt, Turkey has been putting pressure on governments across the world to close schools and colleges with links to Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey is accusing the Islamic cleric, who lives in exile in the US state of Pennsylvania, of being behind the recent coup attempt.

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Politics

Kebbi APC denies report alleging Gov Bagudu diverted money for rice farmers From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) Kebbi State chapter has denied media report alleging that Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu Abubakar has diverted some money meant for rice farmers under the Rice Anchor Borrower Programme.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi the spokesman of the party, Alhaji Sani Dododo, who express dismay over some unscrupulous element that were created to defraud the public and cause dis-unity in the state.

He explained further that the programme which was launched last year by President Muhammadu Buhari through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was aimed at assisting rice and wheat farmers in the state and being a rice producing state, “you see for that the loan was given by the CBN not the state government”.

“We condemned this false allegation by some people and media houses that the governor took some money and sold the pumping machine, honestly all this allegation are not true, they are mere mischief by some enemies of progress” he said.

Also speaking, one of the stakeholders of the party and elder statesman in the state, Alhaji Sani Zauro condemned the recent attack made by some politicians against Governor Atiku Abubbakar Bagudu adding that the two people who went on air are nothing but ungrateful and enemies of the state.

Zauro then urged members of the public to disregard the interview or media report of such unscrupulous elements who are bent in defrauding the state to the highest order, commending the

governor for his achievements so far in the state.

He then emphasized that those clandestine move made by the fraudulent elements is because they made a request from the governor for political appointments which he refused

and asked them to wait as some appointment is zone so for that they now went an make a dubious act.

Our correspondent gathered that last week two politicians went on air on Farin Wata TV station to allege that the Kebbi

state governor has diverted the billions of naira which was meant for the rice farmers under the Anchor Borrowers Programme that was launched by President Buhari last year.

“We regretted the negative impact of the report made by

those criminals, we assure the general public of our unequivocal resolve to ensuring that those behind the blackmail are made to face the full wrath of the law by embarking on a campaign of calumny against our Governor”.

• L-R; Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muhammed Lawal Kaita with former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar during the Memorial Conference of Late Gen Hassan Usman Katsina in Kaduna at the weekend

PDP still waxes stronger despite challenges-Jagafa From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe, Barr. Joel Adamu Jagafa has said despite the challenges in the party, PDP still waxes stronger.

Jagafa made this known in an interview with journalists at the state party secretariat shortly after taking the oath of office.

He assured that already, campaign has been done in favour

of PDP against 2019 election.

“The party has nothing to loss and I believed that all arrangement has been put in place to ensure that PDP take over Aso Rock in the next election” he said.

He called on PDP members who defected to other parties to come back home in other to move the party forward, adding that they have no other party than the PDP. While swearing in the elected

exco, the zonal chairman of the party, Ambassador Emmanuel Ijiwa congratulated them for their new appointment and urged them to work seriously for the interest of the party.

He said even though PDP has only two governors in the zone that will not deter the party from winning next election in all states in the region.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo represented by his deputy, Mr.

Charles Iliya assured the party that government is commitment towards building the party to a greater height.

He urged members of the party to shun differences and embrace one another that would help to sustain the party.

Governor Dankwambo appealed to them to support government programmes as according to him, without people’s support there would be no meaningful development.

Group berates Bauchi Gov for allegedly dehumanizing NASS members From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

A

group under the aegis of Bauchi State New Era for Democracy has berated Governor Mohammed Abubakar for allegedly dehumanizing National Assembly members in the state, just as they kicked against an attempt threatening to recall members from the state.

Chairman of the group, Comrade Kabir Katuka and Ibrahim Auwal, secretary stated this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi at the weekend describing the said attempt as calculated but futile effort to blackmail the

NASS members from the state even when they have performed creditably so far.

Recall that the group recently alleged that the APC administration in the state sponsored the group known as Vanguard for Peace and Equity that protested against the conduct of the federal lawmakers.

They cautioned mischiefmakers not to use antics of development for their personal gains as nothing will be achieve by the sponsors in their desperation for cheap recognition before President Buhari.

Katuka describe as baseless,

the recall bid and urge the APC administration in the state to concentrate on providing good governance instead of using garages boys to settle perceived scores where it does not exist.

“We are aware that NASS members from the state had provided food items to Muslim communities during Ramadan fast and same is done to Christian faith wondering why a government that does not care to cushion the effects of people is now biting the hands that feed it” he said.

Chairman of the group further cautioned the sponsors to know that the NASS members brought

the APC administration to power and urged them to mend fences before the glass house is destroyed now that the sponsors’ convoy is a target of humiliation due to absence of development in the state.

The group stressed in the statement that it will not fall its hands watching miscreants being used daily apparently to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere In the state and advise government to concentrate on implementing its purported blueprints in line with Buhari’s slogan.

Kabir lamented that the APC could not even commission a

single project while celebrating its one year in office in comparison to the giant strides of the NASS members from Bauchi state.

“There plan is to deny our people the efforts of NASS members to ensure constructive development from 2016 FG budget apart from what they have already put in place” said the chairman.

According to him, “We therefore, urge mischief makers to eschew from undemocratic activities capable of attracting yet another insurgent and plead with people to remain calm and as a loyal citizens”.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

: L-R: Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Development, Devakumar Edwin; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright; Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, British High Commission, John Howell during British Diplomat visit to Dangote Refinery Project site in Lagos.

AEDC structures, picks Mupwaya as MD/CEO as Croucher retires …As Manitoba hands over TCN to Nigerian management team

By Etuka Sunday

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he Board of Directors of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has approved the appointment of Engr. Ernest Mupwaya as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the retirement of Mr. Neil Croucher after his 3-year tenure.

The outgoing MD/CEO, Mr. Croucher, who has played a significant role in steering the AEDC successfully through the challenges of post privatization from 2013 to date, has had more than 37 years of extensive experience in all aspects of the electricity supply business, straddling all the three value chains of generation, transmission and distribution, as well as a stint in Regulatory affairs.

A statement issued by the Head, Public Relations and Media, AEDC,

Almed Shekarau on Sunday, 31st July, 2016, said the appointment of Engr.

Mupwaya, which takes effect from 1st August, 2016, is subject to approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The statement said further that the AEDC Board, at its sitting of 21st July, 2016, equally approved a new Management Structure for the Company with a Corporate Services Directorate created to supervise five different functions, including Human Resources, Procurement, Government and Regulatory Relations, Public Relations and Fleet & Facilities Management.

According to the statement, the new AEDC MD/CEO, Engr. Mupwaya, who until his new appointment was the Director of Commercial Services of the Company, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA.

In the course of his career which spanned about 30 years in the Electricity Industry, Engr. Mupwaya has held several Senior Management Positions which include Managing Director, Director, Divisional Manager, Regional Manager, Project Manager, and Senior Engineer for the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO).

He is not only assuming his new post with broad experience in the electricity supply industry, he has also worked very closely with Mr. Croucher over the past three years in AEDC, thereby enhancing a smooth transition. While congratulating him on his new appointment, the AEDC Board tasked Engr. Mupwaya to take advantage of the existing opportunities to build on the successes recorded by the Company under the outgoing MD/CEO. Engr. Mupwaya, who is a member of several professional bodies and

social organisations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), is married with children.

Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) management contractors, Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) of Canada has handed over to Nigerian management team, following the expiration of their management contract.

In a statement signed by TCN’s General Manager (Public Affairs), Seun Olagunju, the new management acknowledged the contributions of MHI to the growth of the company and assured Nigerians, especially our patrons that all contracts and agreements entered into by TCN in the period remain valid and all financial obligations from our development partners are still intact.

Kwara Govt to invest N4.2bn on infrastructure From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara State Government has plan to launch its Infrastructure Development Fund ‘InfraFund Kwara’, (IF-K) with an initial investment of N4.2 Billion in the Energy Sector in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed revealed this during an interaction with community leaders in his office at the weekend.

He said IF-K has been codified into the Kwara State Public Private Partnership Law which he assented to in 2015.

According to him the IF-Kproject is a result of the Kwara Infrastructure Investment and Finance strategy which he approved following an infrastructure assessment exercise that was concluded in 2014.

He said the outcomes of the exercise showed an estimated N225 billion deficit value of infrastructure across all the 16 local government areas and spanning all sectors, which required both government and private investment, in order to boost the state’s productivity and wealth creation.

Governor Ahmed said the main objectives of IF-K are to provide a guided, systemic and

outward facing framework for continuous and consistent infrastructure development, optimal leverage private sector or resources for infrastructures development and maximize the state’s resource allocation policies. while providing further details of IF-K, the Chief Economic Assistant to Governor Ahmed, Mr. Abayomi Ogunsola said the fund will inculcate confidence in investors and encourage broader and deeper interactions with the Kwara State government from different types of private or non-private partners.

He said it will also promote banking and non-

banking financial intermediary participation in infrastructure funding, provide incentives and serve as catalyst to mobilizing appropriate private sector capital, efficiency and expertise for the state’s infrastructure projects.

IFK, according to Ogunsola, also has an expected outcome of attaining stable development of Kwara Residents and businesses.

The Chief Economic Assistant said the IF-K project is one of the avenues for meeting the state’s current infrastructure needs and also a critical vehicle for proactively meeting future infrastructure needs.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Business

Fidson drops by 32 per cent in Q2

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

F

idson Healthcare Plc. has incurred a 32 per cent depreciation in its turnover for the first half of 2016.

According to the company, the poor performance was as a result of the low sales figure was as a result of unavailability of products, a direct consequence of the scarcity of foreigners exchange shortage experienced by the manufacturing sector during the period.

Fidson said it only accessed 30 per cent of its foreign

exchange needs in the first six months of the year. The paucity of foreign exchange, for the importation of products and essential raw materials, and macroeconomic headwinds were disruptive to the manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry including the company’s business.

Key extracts of the six-month half-year report for the period ended June 30, 2016 showed that sales dropped by 32 per cent from N4.032 billion in first half 2015 to N2.61 billion in first half 2016.

Profit-after tax also declined to N39.582 million in 2016 as against N324.206 million recorded in the

comparable period of 2015.

Fidson’s growth strategies are premised on the recent move to the company’s new World Health Organisation Good Manufacturing Practice (WHOGMP), where local production recently commenced. The newly completed state-of-the-art facility will provide several benefits including increased profitability, increased efficiency from economies of scale, increased product offerings as well as job creation with an additional 300 jobs expected to be created.

Aside from increasing production capacity, the new

factory would enhance the company’s business prospects by enhancing its ability to tender for WHO sponsored programmes, which Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers are unable to access, losing out to foreign companies in these tenders.

Despite the fall, the management of Fidson Healthcare Plc has reassured that the healthcare company remains on the path to attaining significant growth in the near future as its focus on its strategies for market expansion, brand building and opportunities that exist through local and international

partnerships would lead to better returns for shareholders.

Fidson stated that its cost optimisation strategy, which it embarked on a couple of years ago, continued in 2016 in line with the strategy to drive efficiency in the face of a challenging business environment.

The management noted that the strategy saw Fidson reducing its operating cost by over 60 per cent in the period under review, assuring that the company will continue to drive efficiency into its processes, which will continue to result in savings on administration expenses.

L-R: Group Managing Director Diamond Bank,Dr. Benedict Ihekire, Rector J-C Best Schools International, Mrs. Edna Kingsley Onuorah and Director J-C Best Schools International Mr. Kingsley Onuorah, at the Convocation Ceremony of the school held at U.K EL-Bethel Art and Super Science College, over the weekend in Abuja.

Access Bank CEO, Wigwe speaks in support of Agriculture

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MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe has restated the Bank’s capacity and desire to support the Federal Government’s efforts in diversification of the economy, especially in the agricultural sector.

In a message posted from his Twitter handle @HerbertOWigwe, he said, ‘As our nation desires to

diversify its economy, Agriculture has become the new focus of government and the private sector and as such, Access Bank Plc is well positioned to provide necessary support in this sector.’

Wigwe advised Nigerians to take advantage of the various incentives in the financial system that support agriculture. He noted that agricultural intervention

schemes from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and some of other facilities come at single-digit interest rates adding that Access Bank was ready to help customers access any of the agricultural intervention schemes.

According to him, some of the schemes include Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF), Non-Oil Export Stimulation Fund (ESF) and Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) ‘Our Bank also participates in other agricultural schemes, such as Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Funds

(ACGSF). We indeed provide funding for all agricultural activities along the entire value chain.’

When asked why he chose Twitter to express his line of thinking, he responded that he wanted to give an engaged audience the opportunity to share their thoughts and join the conversation on how we can move Nigeria forward.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Business Minister of State for Power,Works & Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (middle), flanked by his right, out-going Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief, International Monetary Fund (IMF),Nigeria, Gene Leon and to the left, incoming Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief, International Monetary Fund (IMF),Nigeria, Amine Mati and 2nd left,Permanent Secretary, Power, Mr. Louis Edozien and other delegates at IMF’s working visit to the Ministry in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Stock market: investment grows by 1.27% Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, NSE ASeM Index.

Meanwhile, turnover of 1.867 Lagos billion shares worth N16.330 billion in 21,584 deals were traded riven by activities in the by investors in contrast to a total financial services industry, of 1.350 billion shares valued at transaction on the floor N9.287 billion that exchanged of the Nigeria Stock Exchange hands in 18,679 deals the previous (NSE) last week ended on a bullish week.

The Financial Services note as market indicators gained Industry (measured by volume) momentum.

Specifically, the NSE All-Share led the activity chart with 1.591 Index appreciated by 1.27% to billion shares valued at N9.787 close at 28,009.93 from 27,659.44 billion traded in 13,810 deals; basis points it opened with while thus contributing 85.18% and the Market Capitalization of 59.93% to the total equity turnover listed equities as well increased volume and value respectively. The by 1.27% close at N9.620 trillion Conglomerates Industry followed from N9.500 trillion recorded the with 72.101 million shares worth N141.675 million in 857 deals. previous week.

Similarly, all other Indices The third place was occupied by finished higher during the week, the Healthcare Industry with a with the exception of the NSE turnover of 57.563 million shares Consumer Goods Index, NSE Oil/ worth N148.547 million in 400 Gas Index, NSE Lotus II and the deals.

Trading in the Top Three NSE Industrial Goods Index that declined by 0.38%, 5.16%, 0.11% Equities namely – United Bank and 2.24% respectively,while the for Africa Plc , FBN Holdings Plc

D

and Access Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 929.361 million shares worth N4.085 billion in 4,053 deals, contributing 49.77% and 25.02% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share index rose by 350.49 basis points to 28009.93 from 27659.44 points. NSE Premium Index increased by 27.47 to 1,774.14, The NSE main Board index rose by 13.31 to 1249.88 NSE 30 Index grew by 17.01 basis points to 1245.81, NSE Banking index surged by 24.15 to 132.68 while NSE Insurance Index 2.52 basis points to 132.68 and NSE pension Index 24.10 to 834.55 points.

Thirty-five (35) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than fifteen (15) equities of the previous week. Thirty–one (31) equities depreciated in price, lower than forty–four (44) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and fourteen (114) equities

remained unchanged lower than one hundred and twenty-one (121) equities recorded in the preceding week.

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc led gainers table, growing by 21.45 per cent or N6.85 kobo to close at N38.78 kobo, followed by Guaranty Trust Bank with a gain of 14.36 per ent or N3.02 kobo to close at N24.05 kobo while Dangote Flour Mills Plc appreciated by 12.86 per cent or N0.53 kobo to close at N4.65 kobo.

Other companies that recorded price appreciation were Custodian and Allied Plc 10.53 per cent, AxaMansard Insurance Plc 10.26 per cent, Zenith International Bank 10.02 per cent, Unity Bank Plc 9.68 per cent, DN Meryer Plc 9.64 per cent, Oando Plc 9.38 per cent and Access Bank Plc 8.14 per cent.

On the other hand, Skye Bank Plc topped losers chart, dropping by 17.65 N0.15 kobo to close at N0.17 kobo, N.E.M Insurance Co Nigeria Plc trailed with a loss of

12.00 per cent or N0.12 kobo to close at N0.88 kobo while Red Star Express decline by 10.57 per cent or N0.50 kobo to close at N4.23 kobo. Other firms that depreciated in price were Forte Oil Plc 9.95 per cent, Seplat Petroleum Development 9.75 per cent, PZ industries Plc 9.71 per cent, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc 7.11, UACN property Development Company Plc 6.49 per cent, Lafarge Africa Plc 6.12 per cent and Flour Mills Nigeria 5.83 per cent.

Also traded during the week were a total of 57,510 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N439,941.91 executed in 32 deals, compared with a total of 11,420 units valued at N136,400.05 transacted last week in 42 deals.

A total of 5,749 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N5.513 million were traded in 7 deals compared to a total of 13,550 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N14.061 million transacted last week in 6 deals.

We will not compell companies to list-DG SEC T he Director General Securities and Exchange Commission, Mounir Gwarzo has said that there was no need compelling companies to list on the nation’s capital market rather government should put in place initiatives that make them to list.

Speaking to the journalists in an interview Gwarzo stated that when companies were compelled to list, they might leave the market anytime.

“We believe they ought to be listed but we don’t subscribe to the idea that they must be compelled because if you compel them to list, they can decide tomorrow to delist.

So, we think government can come up with various initiatives that can make companies to be listed. For instance, government can say that if it is going to give a contract of X amount, that contract of X amount can only be given to a company that is listed.

Other initiatives according to

him, the government can introduce was making listing in the market criteria for awarding contract to companies.

“Secondly, government can also say that if it’s going to give a contract and there are two companies, one is listed and the other is not; by the time you are doing the evaluation of the contract, government can inform the Bureau of Public Procurement that 10 per cent or 15 per cent or 20 per cent should be given to

a company that is listed. These are some of the initiatives that government can come up with.

Another very important point is that historically, companies that were listed in Nigeria were through various government initiatives similar to what obtains in India and Malaysia.

In Nigeria, over 90 per cent of companies that are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange are listed by virtue of differentiate government initiatives.

It is one of the initiatives that we have for this year. We believe that companies that have been operating in our country for quite a while should be able to list in our market. By listing, they will increase the breadth and depth of the market. They will also be able to pay appropriate tax to government; they will also be able to do better and employ more Nigerians and Nigerians will benefit from some of the benefits they have been deriving.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Business

NERC sanctions four Discos over customer complaints, reports

By Etuka Sunday The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday announced it has sanctioned four electricity distribution companies over failure to treat customers’ complaints and submit statutory quarterly reports in breach of their licensing terms and conditions, provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and regulations of the Commission.

The Commission in various directives communicated to the affected electricity distribution companies said that the erring licencees should pay fines of various sums within two weeks, beginning from July 25, 2016 when the directives were signed by the acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, and General Manager, Legal, Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs. Olufunke

Dinneh, after which the fines attract five per cent daily interests until remedial steps are taken.

Two of the erring companies, Port Harcourt and Enugu electricity distribution companies were sanctioned for their failure to submit quarterly reports on their key performance indicators, whereas Ibadan and Ikeja electricity distribution companies were fined over failure to attend to customers’ complaints severally referred to them.

According to Directive 152, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) flouted the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005, its licensing terms and conditions as well as NERC Customer Complaints Handling: Standards and Procedures (CCHSP) Regulation 2006.

“The Commission received several complaints directly from electricity customers in IBEDC

operational jurisdiction, based on which same was forwarded via letters dated October 27, 2015 and April 15, 2016 to IBEDC’s Customer Care Unit for resolution, in line with CCHSP, 2006.”

“However, IBEDC failed or refused to comply with the Commission’s request/directive to resolve the customer complaints in accordance with the provisions of the CCSHP 2006,” the directive said.

IBEDC was subsequently fined N10, 000.00 on each of the three grounds of misdemeanour beginning from April 22, 2016 till July 25, 2016, which totalled N2, 850, 000 due for payment within two weeks beginning from the July date when the directives was signed.

In a similar development, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) was in Directive 151 found guilty on three grounds of violating

its licensing terms and conditions, EPSR Act 2005 and CCHSP that compel it to obey every directives of the Commission, treat customers complaints within a stipulated time frame as well as oblige the regulator every information sought from the company.

The company was, therefore, fined N10, 000. 00 per day on each of the three ground of misdemeanour beginning from April 22, 2016 till July 25, 2016 when the directive was signed.

“Failure to pay the fines within stipulated time shall attract additional interest of five per cent per day until the total fine is paid,” the directive said.

Both Enugu (EEDC) and Port Harcourt (PHEDC) electricity distribution companies were found liable for their failures to submit quarterly reports on their key

performance indicatiors which run contrary to terms and conditions of their licence, Section 63 (1) of the EPSR Act 2005.

Directive 146 to PHEDC said, “By failing to submit third quarter report in 2015, the Commission hereby fines PHEDC N10, 000 per day from July 15, 2015 to July 25, 2016 giving a total of N3, 760, 000. 00; by failing to submit fourth quarter report in 2015 the Commission fines PHEDC N10, 000 per day from October 15, 2015 to July 25, 2016 giving a total N2, 840, 000; by failing to submit first quarter report in 2016 the Commission fines PHEDC N10, 000 per day from January N10, 000 per day giving a total N1, 920, 000.”

Grand total of the fines payable

by PHEDC within the next two weeks beginning from July 25, 2016 when the directive was signed is N8, 520, 000.

L-R: Cross River State Commissioner of Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman, Finance Commissioners Forum, and Commissioner of Finance Edo State, Hon. John Osagie and Chairman, Postmortem Subcommittee on FAAC, Rev. Ajibola Fagboyegun during the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting. Recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Company unveils N500m solar products, vehicles, creates 20, 000 jobs

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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n indigenous leading renewable energy technology company in Nigeria, Arthur energy technology limited is set to exhibit various kinds of renewable energy products powered by natural sun without fuel, kerosene or oil.

According to the chairman Engr. Arthur Anthony Okeyika, the company would unveil solar energy efficiency products and solar vehicles

produced under the company’s integrated solar vehicle assembly plant at the Ist Akwa Ibom climate change and clean energy summit/ expo tomorrow.

Okeyika disclosed that it would be a step towards establishing the Ist integrated solar vehicles assembly plant in Akwa Ibom state which would help the high cost of fuel and poor electricity supply which has been affecting the socio-economic development of the country. He stated

that the project which would provide jobs for 20, 000 persons would cost the company investment capital of over five hundred million naira.

According to him the components include assembling of solar cars, solar tricycles, solar buses, solar charging station, solar vehicles, servicing stations, solar spare parts, sales division, solar products show room among others.

On electricity through solar energy, the chairman stated that their vision

would be to provide electricity for commercial, residential and industrial uses of institution and individuals alike. This he explained were with the aim of enhancing industrial, commercial and domestic activities, stressing that under “operation light up Akwa Ibom state”, which the company would launch after the expo, uninterrupted solar electricity that would be available 24/7 would be provided at the streets, parks, markets, and hotels among other places.

“Its component shall include rural electrification for rural households, while the training components of our project shall provide training opportunity for installation and maintenance persons”, he said.

The chairman disclosed that with their participation in the Ist Akwa Ibom climate change and clean energy summit, the stage were set for private public partnership arrangement between the company and Akwa Ibom state Government.

Power return to Lagos airport after electrical fault cause hitches From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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faulty electrical control panel almost cause a near breakdown and disruption of flight and passengers facilitation at the peak of out-bound international flight at the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos.

But a quick response by men of the Airport Fire and Rescue Services Department averted the potential fire incident at about 11:00 pm at a time international passengers were undergoing boarding processes.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of

Nigeria (FAAN) said the incident, which occurred at the E-Wing of the international wing of the airport did not affect flight operations.

It affirmed that preliminary investigation indicates that the fire emanated from the electrical control panel.

An electronic statement by the agency’s spokesman Mr. Yakubu Dati said “Our engineers who have restored power at affected areas are working round the clock to restore normalcy.”

Dati said the public should disregard any unwholesome

interpretation by nay-sayers who may want to exploit the situation to create unnecessary panic.

He also reiterated FAAN’s apology to all travellers and airport users for the inconveniences the incident caused and assured them of their safety and security at all time.

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Stock Watch: Friday, July 29, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

43,137,315.02 MAYBAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ABCTRANS 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 4 505,000 252,500.00

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

ADSWITCH 1.63 - - - 1.63 0 - AFRIK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - AFRINSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18 MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

AFRIPRUD 2.65 2.7 2.7 2.61 2.61 -0.04 35 553,581 1,479,349.55 MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 AFROMEDIA 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 550,000 275,000.00

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

AIICO 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.01 18 983,972 898,207.23 AIRSERVICE 1.91 - - - 1.91 3 1,505 2,918.35 ALEX 9.84 - - - 9.84 0 - ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00 ANINO 0.25 - - - 0.25 0 - ARBICO 5.04 - - - 5.04 0 - -

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19 NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ASHAKACEM 22.5 - - - 22.5 16 55,698 1,233,876.58 NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

AVONCROWN 1.52 - - - 1.52 0 - BECOPETRO 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - BERGER 9.6 9.61 9.61 9.61 9.61 0.01 9 379,696 3,674,398.56 BETAGLAS 48.51 - - - 48.51 0 - -

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

NSLTECH 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OANDO 8.5 8.92 8.92 8.48 8.48 -0.02 364 7,671,197 65,761,034.51 OKOMUOIL 28.82 - - - 28.82 21 108,772 3,056,214.60 OMATEK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

BOCGAS 4.18 - - - 4.18 0 - PAINTCOM 1.14 - - - 1.14 0 - CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64 PHARMDEKO 2.14 - - - 2.14 1 5,000 10,850.00 CAP 38 39 39 39 39 1 16 166,666 6,492,031.87 PORTPAINT 3.53 - - - 3.53 0 - CAPHOTEL 4.07 - - - 4.07 0 - -

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

CAVERTON 2.63 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 -0.13 7 145,913 366,122.50 CCNN 8.73 9.16 -

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

CHAMS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CHELLARAM 3.76 - - - 3.76 0 - -

PRESCO 30.5 - - - 30.5 6 32,910 1,045,950.40 PRESTIGE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - PZ 25.5 25 25 25 25 -0.5 33 567,539 14,195,538.05 RAKUNITY 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - REDSTAREX 4.2 - - - 4.2 2 19,785 83,097.00 REGALINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CILEASING 0.5 - - - 0.5 2 4,000 2,000.00

RESORTSAL 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 100,000 50,000.00

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

0.6 - - - 0.6 0 - 1.06 1.01 1.06 1.01 1.06 0 11 3,520,635 3,661,166.09 ROKANA ROYALEX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CORNERST 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - RTBRISCOE 0.5 - - - 0.5 3 78,164 39,082.00 COSTAIN 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 5,000 2,500.00 CONTINSURE

COURTVILLE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CUSTODYINS 4.1 - - - 4.1 6 16,101 64,845.03 CUTIX 1.45 - - - 1.45 1 26,666 38,665.70 CWG 2.67 - - - 2.67 0 - DAARCOMM 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 4,000 2,000.00

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

SEPLAT 230.04 225 225 225 225 -5.04 20 77,862 17,490,790.00 SIMCAPVAL 103.24 - - - 103.24 0 - SKYEBANK 1.9 1.9 1.99 1.9 1.99 0.09 75 2,020,105 3,920,083.45 SKYESHELT 100 - - - 100 0 - SMURFIT 0.98 - - - 0.98 0 - -MAY-

DANGCEM 162 163 163 163 163 1 33 156,759 25,532,904.96

BAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

DANGFLOUR 2.31 - - - 2.31 16 31,484 75,328.68

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

- - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62 6.52 6.32 6.51 6.32 6.51 -0.01 26 343,221 2,210,542.55 MCNICHOLS 1.2 MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

DIAMONDBNK 2.87 2.8 2.8 2.74 2.74 -0.13 43 1,315,800 3,645,250.00 IPWA 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - JAPAULOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 JBERGER 39.5 - - - 39.5 4 1,180 44,879.00 JOHNHOLT 0.96 - - - 0.96 0 - -

MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

LASACO 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 300,000 150,000.00

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19

LAWUNION 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.52 -0.02 14 910,610 481,548.30

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

0.68 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 -0.03 10 1,074,871 699,416.15

LENNARDS 3.15 - - - 3.15 0 - LINKASSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - LIVESTOCK 1.4 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 0.01 9 134,400 192,410.51 MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - MANSARD 2.62 2.55 -

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - -

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

UNHOMES 5.23 - - - 5.23 1 3,750 18,637.50

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

PAGE 25

Peoples Daily, monday, august 1, 2016

PAGE 24

Special Report

Why are Kenyan schools being torched?

More than 100 government secondary schools in Kenya have been set alight this year - with many of the arson incidents being blamed on students.

M

ore than 100 government secondary schools in Kenya have been set alight this year - with many of the arson incidents being blamed on students.

The reason behind these attacks it still not clear, but it comes amid a government crackdown on exam cheating and other reforms to the education sector.

Some schools have had to shut down completely meaning that more than 6,000 students have been sent home.

Several more schools were set alight over the last week, including St Theresa Bikeke Girls Secondary School and Tabaka High School in the west of the country. The BBC spoke to some of the those affected:

Student: ‘I lost everything’ “We were in class when we heard some of our colleagues shouting from outside, so we rushed out to find out what was happening,” a pupil from St Theresa Bikeke Girls Secondary School, who asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC’s Muliro Telewa.

“We saw our dormitory on fire,” she told our reporter after being sent home.

“We grabbed fire extinguishers which were there, we even collected some from the nearby boys’ school and with the help of our teachers who were around at the time, we managed to put out the fire.

“I lost everything in the fire, like books, files, my clothes and bedding.”

She said she did not know who started the fire.

The low teacher-to-pupil ratio has been blamed for a failure to control the pupils

Arsonists: ‘We want holidays’ The arsonists were not willing to be named or be officially interviewed by the

BBC. But some of those who told the police they were responsible for the fire at Tabaka High

School spoke to our reporter about what had prompted them to take action.

The boys said that they had met pupils from a neighbouring school who had told them they were already on holiday as their school had been burned down.

So the Tabaka students, who said they felt under stress because of their heavy workload, thought they would be able to get time off school if they burnt some of the buildings.

As part of government reforms, the August school holiday has been shortened by two weeks, and students are not due to break up until 12 August.

Parent: ‘Bring back caning’ “At just after midnight we received a call from the school and were told there was a fire. I rushed to the school with other parents and found that one dormitory was burning,” Moses Ongesa Ombari, whose child goes to Tabaka High School, told our reporter.

“The teachers on duty and the police had already done their part and were able to put out the fire.

“According to the investigation in the morning we found that the fire was

started by students. And when they were questioned they admitted that they did it.

“When you speak to them they don’t have good reasons for why they set fire to the school.

“They were saying that they were chatting to students from other schools who said they had burned their schools. And our students wondered, ‘Why not our school?’

“As a parent, I think that some of them do it because they fell like they want to be known, for the fame.

Others are doing it because of ignorance, and some are doing it because of drugs.

“The idea that this is a protests against a high work

The August school holidays have been cut short by two weeks under new reforms

load and a lack of holidays is silly because they come to school to learn.

“For me the solution is the return of the cane. I

went to school with it and you were caned when you messed up in school. That is the only medicine.

“They have been given

The education minister feels some are upset by his reforms

“

The arsonists were not willing to be named or be officially interviewed by the BBC. But some of those who told the police they were responsible for the fire at Tabaka High School spoke to our reporter about what had prompted them to take action. The boys said that they had met pupils from a neighbouring school who had told them they were already on holiday as their school had been burned down. So the Tabaka students, who said they felt under stress because of their heavy workload, thought they would be able to get time off school if they burnt some of the buildings. As part of government reforms, the August school holiday has been shortened by two weeks, and students are not due to break up until 12 August.

freedom now and they don’t want to be caned because they know their rights.

“Those rights are the ones which are making the students lack discipline.”

Teachers’ union: ‘Staff are overwhelmed’ “One thing which is very unfortunate is that teachers are overwhelmed by of the numbers of pupils. The teacher-pupil ratio ratio is skewed to the advantage of the students,” Akello Misori from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme.

“The guidance and counselling departments of the schools are also under pressure, because the teachers who handle these types of responsibilities have a lot of work on their hands.

“There may also be a political element.

“The school pupils all come from the local area and bring local issues to the school. Therefore there are students who sometimes propagate the political interests of their village.

“If the leadership of the school is not from their area then some feel they do not benefit from the school.”

Education minister: ‘Institutionalised impunity’ In giving evidence to a Senate committee last week, Kenya’s Education Minister Fred Matiang’i also appeared to blame local disputes and

bad school management for some arson cases.

“The management of schools has been hijacked by local politics and clanism.

Are people burning schools... so that documents and records are burned in offices to avoid accountability?” he speculated.

“That’s why I’m saying the challenges we have are related to institutionalised impunity.”

In efforts to curb exam cheating, in May the minister banned several activities in final term of the academic year, which starts at the end of August, including prayer days and the half-term break He argued that this would limit contact between students and outsiders when they might get access to leaked exam questions.

Mr Matiang’i now seems to think it is some teachers were generally unhappy about ongoing reforms, which has also seen the second term lengthened and the third term shortened.

When senators questioned him about why he made unscheduled visits to schools, he became more pointed in his criticism.

“The question you need to ask and answer yourself is: ‘Who is opposed to my going to schools?’ It’s not the parents; it’s not the children.

Who is opposed and why are they opposed to my going to schools?”

Source: BBC

Feature

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

With Aisha Buhari’s ‘Get Involved’, future assured

By Doyin Ojosipe

T

he United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in 2012 released a report tagged ‘At a Glance: Nigeria’. The report stated that: “Nigeria has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world.

One in seven children dies before her or his fifth birthday.” It noted further that in Nigeria, clean water was hard to come by in northern Nigeria and singled out the General Hospital, Katsina as one health facility among several others in northern Nigeria where ‘half a dozen infants were being treated for severe malnutrition problems.”

In its 2010 report titled, No Child Born To Die, another global partner in child developmentSave the Children reported a survey it conducted in Daura and Zango- both in northern Nigeria, thus, “Although Nigeria possesses great wealth in oil and has experienced recent economic growth, 54 per cent of its people live below the poverty line. The poorest 20 per cent of children are three times more likely to be underweight than the richest 20 per cent.

“A mother’s malnutrition is closely linked to malnourishment in her newborn babies and children, so the fact that 18.4 per cent of women of child-bearing age in Katsina State were found to be undernourished is a cause for concern.

“Besides poverty, the other key cause of malnutrition is a lack of access to healthcare, water and sanitation. In northern Nigeria, for example, only 0.9 per cent of infants receive all basic vaccinations and in the two local government areas studied, 34 per cent did not have safe drinking water and 22 per cent did not have a safe way of disposing of human waste.”

The report further decried the disinclination of previous administration in the country to social protection policy. According to its document, No Child Born To Die, “Social protection coverage is negligible. Nigeria currently spends less on social protection than other sub-Saharan African countries, and twothirds of its overall social protection expenditure goes to the civil service. Where programmes do exist the payments are of marginal value, health services are often inadequate, and there is a lack of well-trained officials and institutional capacity to implement policies.”

Aware of these challenges and to let every citizen feel the impact of government, the Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari is determined to give everyone a sense of belonging, beyond the channeling of attention to women and children only. This is evident in the christening of her pet project- Future Assured and its offshoot, Get Involved - names that are by no means suggestive of asymmetry but inclusive in form and nature. As the future is assured for women, so it is for men through the various action plans that Mrs Buhari is rolling out for the upliftment of families and society. To her, needless to empower a woman only, when the man also needs empowerment to cater and support the woman and child. The man, after all, is also a crucial component of the family unit.

It is based on this understanding that the wife of the President recently launched Get Involved- a quick interventionist programme to halt yearly deaths of malnourished children in the country on the strength that every child is entitled to a meal every day. She believes

AIsha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria

that when children are fed regularly and in the required proportions, their parents save money for medications and are free from mental and financial stresses. Nationally, the image and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country are enhanced when its citizens are healthy.

Moreover, by the christening of the programme, it calls for the involvement and supports of local and foreign government agencies and private organizations. Already, some international bodies besides UNICEF and Save The Children are currently assisting Nigeria in the fight against poverty, malnutrition and child mortality. They include World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS) and Department For International Development (DFID).

Currently, the new British Prime Minister Theresa May has been appointed a new ministerial team for the department, which has planned to provide 100 million pounds through the Girls’ Education Challenge to help girls who have dropped out or never attended school. And with the commitments Mrs Buhari is showing in promoting girls education and other issues

“

concerning the girl-child, Nigeria is likely to benefit from the grant and other grants that have been set aside by development partners in implementing policies aimed at guaranteeing quality food, health, education, sanitation and safe drinking water for every Nigerian.

She has commenced these intervention measures at Bama and Maiduguri camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) where she donated four tons of ready to use WomanBeing products (Soy Kunu for adults/ pregnant and lactating mothers and Soyalac for children) to fight malnutrition prevalent among inmates in the camps. These inmates are not only women and children but also adolescent boys, fathers and grandfathers.

The Wife of the President also cares about widows, less privileged and people living with disabilities across the country that she distributed food items such as bags of rice, spaghetti, semolina, packaged garri, custard, gallons of vegetable oil and cartons of tomato paste among them last month to cushion effects of hunger among the young and old, irrespective of their sex.

And to strengthen her concern for parents of the abducted Government Secondary

Currently, the new British Prime Minister Theresa May has been appointed a new ministerial team for the department, which has planned to provide 100 million pounds through the Girls’ Education Challenge to help girls who have dropped out or never attended school. And with the commitments Mrs Buhari is showing in promoting girls education and other issues concerning the girl-child, Nigeria is likely to benefit from the grant and other grants that have been set aside by development partners in implementing policies aimed at guaranteeing quality food, health, education, sanitation and safe drinking water for every Nigerian.

School, Chibok students in Borno State, Mrs Buhari recently presented N30 million cash support to them to alleviate their anguish over the disappearance of their girl-children. Each parent of the 215 children that are yet to be rescued got a cash of N139, 000.

In Nigeria, government organizations whose participation is also being sought by the Wife of the President in combating hunger and ensuring qualitative health and education among citizens include Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, Education, Women Affairs and Youth and Sports Development.

Already, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has recently launched Rapid Result Initiative to hasten healthcare intervention in the country while National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been vigorous in Vitamin A food fortification, not only for children, but for every citizen.

According to NAFDAC, foods fortified with Vitamin A help in improving eyesight and developing bones, muscles and body cells and tissues.

Mrs Buhari also expects the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to join hands in mitigating high mortality rates among citizens, especially pregnant women and children through the formulation of dependable health policies and implementation plans.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the media are further expected to institute enlightenment strategies in this direction towards discouraging early marriages and teenage pregnancies in combating hunger and infant mortality.

The Get Involved scheme also requires the support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and well-meaning citizens in enhancing the living conditions of every citizen. This, each one can do by ensuring that every child is in school; none goes to bed hungry and all can access health care and basic needs of life.

P A G E

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Education

Muslim Community Centre set to build university in Abuja

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he chairman Governing Council of the Muslim Community Centre (MCC), Abuja, Senator U.K Umar has disclosed that they have concluded arrangements to establish a university in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the nineteenth speech and prize giving ceremony

of the Fouad Lababidi Academy, held over the weekend Abuja, Umar said the centre has already acquired 102 hectares of land in Bwari area council and have since paid compensation respective owners of the crops and other economic trees within the areas.

He also said that a planning committee has already been established and has since commenced work, with a view to actualize the projects. He

therefore urged the Muslim umma to pray for the success compilation of the project.

Earlier in her speech, principal of the academy, Hajia Ruqayya Salihu Bayero, said the school has recorded tremendous improvement both infrastructure and academics, adding the in 2015, 96 percent of the pupils pass the West African Examination Council (WAEC), while hundreds percent pass NECO.

She charged the graduating students to let the fear of Allah be their guiding principles, and not to allow themselves to channels through which vices are perpetrated.

“The challenges in the next phase are enormous and I’m confident that with training you have received here for the past six years, you shall overcome them. Let the fear of Allah be your guiding principle.

• Students of Fou’ad Lababidi Islamic Academy Performing, during the speech and Prize Giving Day of Academy and Presentation of 19th Edition of the School Magazine, at the Weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Education: Commandant urges graduands to remain focused

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he commandant of the command secondary school in Suleja local government area of Niger state, colonel Lawal Abubakar, has called on the graduating students of the school to remain focused in their educational pursuit in any institution of higher learning they go.

Abubakar who made this call while presenting his address during the 7th speech Day and prizes giving ceremony at the weekend in the school, reminded the graduands that life in the higher institutions was daunting as well as full of all sorts of nefarious activities.

He also advised the graduands to consider God first in everything they do in their lifetime, and urged them to continue to exhibit good character in anywhere they found themselves.

He commended the graduating students for the discipline, resilience and doggedness demonstrated all throughout their stay in this institution, while hailing the roles they played in moulding the character of the graduating students.

He therefore, applauded the management and the entire staff of the school for their zeal, commitment as well as tenacity exhibited in the discharge of their responsibilities, and thanked the Nigerian Army and Headquarters of NAEC for their assistance being rendered at various levels of in the school.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Musa, who is the director in charge of the veterinary service in the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Niger State, said that his leadership would continue

to support the school whenever the need arises.

Musa, who is also the chairman of PTA in the school, said that the leadership of PTA would continue to do its best to overcome the challenges facing the students in the institution.

In his speech, the guest speaker of the occasion, colonel JB Ajanaku, a Divisional Education Officer (DEO) at the Army Headquarters, Garrison Abuja, Charged the graduands to always cultivate good relationship with the people in the society.

He advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the school, and warmed them against social vices militating the society today.

Ajanaku appealed to the graduands to read their books at all times in order to excel academically, calling on the parents to support

the education of their children always.

On his part, the Guest Honour at the ceremony Major-General JS Malu, commander at the Army Headquarters, Garrison, Abuja, who was represented, said that the Authority of the Nigerian Army would continue to parley with the management of the school to arrest some pending challenges facing the students.

In his goodwill message, the Royal father of the Day, the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim, who was represented, commended the management as well as the teachers for their efforts towards the progress of the school in all ramifications.

The occasion which was attended by some government functionaries featured the presentation of prizes to the deserved students.

Ganduje’s aide, Zago bags NANS award From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

A

lhaji Ahmad Haruna Zago, the Senior Special Adviser on Food Security to Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has been awarded the Grand Commander of Nigerian Students (GCRN) by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

In the ceremony that took place at Zago’s residence in Kano yesterday, Deputy National President of NANS, Nathaniel Ikulu said that the revered politician deserves the humanitarian award for his service to humanity, describing him as the role model to the upcoming generations.

According to Ikulu, Zago is an inspirational politician and business man that had bred many influential persons in Politics, adding that he succeeded in moving the bureau de change market in te commercial city to the greater height.

He added that they were in Kano on behalf of the 40.1 million Nigerian students within and outside the country to present the award to him, urging him to continue serving humanity for the rest of his life.

“Dan Zago is an inspirational leader that is role model to the upcoming generation.

He deserved this award because of his tremendous service to humanity. He has been awarded the five-star general as a result of his immense contribution in the development of education in the country.” He said In his remarks, Zago expressed happiness for being selected among millions of people to receive the award, assuring the students of his assistance and cooperation.

Narrating how he established a secondary scool in his hometown, Zago said that he faced challenges on the way but eventually succeeded in establishing the school, adding that the Junior Secondary School has now developed to fully Senior Secondary School.

Zago also called on parents to give education to their children, noting that education is the bedrock to development.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Health

Zika virus leads to ‘sex ban’ for British tourists in Florida as pregnant women are warned to avoid the state B ritish holidaymakers in Florida should avoid having sex because of the risk of contracting the Zika virus, the government has warned.

More than 1,650 people have been diagnosed with Zika in the U.S., but four recent cases in Miami appear to be the first caught from mosquitoes in the country, rather than from overseas travel.

Public Health England advised pregnant tourists to cancel non-essential travel to Florida and said Britons should abstain from sex without a condom while they are on holiday - and for eight weeks afterwards.

More than 1,650 people have been diagnosed with Zika in the U.S., but four recent cases in Miami (Miami Beach pictured) appear to be the first caught from mosquitoes in the country, rather than from overseas travel Thomas Cook, First Choice, Thompson and Virgin Holidays all told the Sunday Telegraph that pregnant holidaymakers with trips already booked to Florida this year will be granted free cancellations or amendments.

The new government health advice states: ‘The risk in Florida is considered moderate based on the number and spread of cases and their demonstrated ability to implement effective control measures for similar diseases such as dengue - a virus transmitted by the same mosquito.

‘Pregnant women should consider postponing nonessential travel to affected areas until after the pregnancy. ’At present, only a zone of about one square mile in Miami-Dade County is considered at risk of active transmission.’

The risk of catching Zika in Florida is still relatively low compared to some South American countries, such as Brazil, where the Olympics open on Friday.

The travel advice is similar to that which has been given to athletes travelling to Rio de Janeiro for the Games. Alice Vitoria Gomes Bezerra, who has microcephaly, is held by her mother Nadja Cristina Gomes Bezerra, in Recife, Brazil. The mosquito-borne Zika virus has caused hundreds of cases of microcephaly in Brazil All four of the people who recently contracted Zika in Florida had not travelled abroad or had sexual contact with another sufferer - meaning the mosquito-borne virus has established itself on the U.S. mainland for the first time.

spread of the virus.

The Aedes aegypti - which spreads other tropical diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever - is most commonly associated with Zika.

It thrives in warm climates.

Its cousin, the Aedes albopictus has also been linked to Zika. Worryingly for Americans in northern states, this species can survive in cooler temperatures.

Unlike some other types of mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes are active during the daytime.

They are most active during mid-morning and then again between late afternoon and nightfall.

Alice Vitoria Gomes Bezerra, who has microcephaly, is held by her mother Nadja Cristina

Florida has already seen more than 300 Zika cases linked to travel overseas.

In the UK, the total number of people treated for the infection reached 53 this week after three more cases emerged in Yorkshire.

Though the condition of the individuals is unknown, the infection is considered to be mild and most do not require hospital treatment.

It is thought that all of those who have been affected by the virus had recently travelled back from abroad.

Zika can be relatively harmless - causing a mild fever, joint pain and rashes - for adults who contract the virus, and some may not even realise they are unwell.

However, babies who contract the disease from their pregnant mothers can be born with microcephaly - a condition which causes them to be born with smaller heads and have developmental disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year the virus could affect up to 10,000 pregnant women in Puerto Rico - putting hundreds of babies at risk of catastrophic birth defects.

The infection is likely to affect one in four people by the end of the year, said CDC director Thomas Frieden.

Reported by USA Today, more than two fifths of pregnant women in Puerto Rico with symptoms of Zika have been

infected by the virus, Frieden said.

But those infected many show no symptoms at all - only 20 percent of people with Zika develop symptoms.

The CDC say around 5,582 people in Puerto Rico have been diagnosed with Zika - including 672 pregnant women.

Tests of the blood supply also shows how much the virus has spread.

The health body is currently warning travellers to take ‘enhanced precautions’ when visiting Puerto Rico.

Professor Paul Cosford, medical director at Public Health England, said: ‘We expect to see small numbers of Zika virus infections in travellers returning to the UK, but the risk to the wider population is very low as the mosquito that spreads the Zika virus is not found in the UK. ‘As of July 27, 2016, over 50 cases have been diagnosed in UK travellers since January 2016. Public Health England is monitoring the international situation closely and the risk to the UK remains unchanged.

This comes just days before the Olympic Games 2016 are set to kick off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brazil has confirmed over 1,700 cases of microcephaly linked to Zika infection in pregnant women, sparking fears over the impact it will have on the games.

On Friday, trucks were seen

spraying insecticide around Olympic media accommodations as part of preventive measures against the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

What You Need To Know About Zika What Is Zika?

The Zika (ZEE’-ka) virus was first discovered in a monkey in Uganda in 1947 - its name comes from the Zika forest where it was first discovered.

It is native mainly to tropical Africa, with outbreaks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

It appeared in Brazil in 2014 and has since been reported in many Latin American countries and Caribbean islands.

How Is It Spread?

The World Health Organization says Zika is rapidly spreading in the Americas because it is new to the region.

People aren’t immune to it, and the Aedes mosquito that carries it is just about everywhere - including along the southern United States.

Canada and Chile are the only places without this mosquito.

Mosquitoes It is typically transmitted through bites from the Aedes species of mosquitoes.

They are aggressive feeders, commonly biting multiple people in quick succession, fueling the

Sex Scientists have found Zika can be transmitted sexually - from both men and women.

Couples should abstain or wear condoms for eight weeks if either partner has traveled to a country with a Zika outbreak, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

The first case of sexuallytransmitted Zika during the current outbreak was reported in Texas at the beginning of February. The woman became infected after sexual contact with a man who had caught the virus in another country.

On July 15, it was confirmed that women can pass the virus to men after such a case was seen in New York City.

There are also reported cases of sexual transmission in France and Canada.

Prior to this outbreak, there was a case of sexual transmission of Zika in 2008 when researcher from Colorado, who caught the virus overseas, infected his wife on returning home.

Mother To Baby A mother can pass the virus to her unborn baby during pregnancy.

There are two ways this can happen, according to a recent study.

Through the placenta: During the first trimester, it can travel through the placenta by infecting numerous placental cells something very few viruses can do.

This route is the most damaging to the fetus, and is most likely to leave the child with birth defects, including microcephaly.

Through the amniotic sac: In the second and third trimester, the virus can make its way through the amniotic sac.

Source: Dailymail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

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Health

How menopause ‘crushes your motivation to exercise’: Brain changes mean ‘many women feel less pleasure and reward from their workout in later life’

By Mia De Graaf

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or many women, working out is completely different after menopause hits.

They feel lethargic, unmotivated, and don’t get the same buzz from a run or a zumba class as they did before.

But scientists have struggled to offer a specific reason for this, aside from general hormonal changes.

Now, however, a team at the University of Missouri has identified a link between ovarian hormones and dopamine levels in the brain, which make exercise feel so good.

It could signal the start of new research to help women treat overwhelming lethargy and improve their motivation to stay active. For many women, working out is completely different after menopause hits. They feel lethargic, unmotivated, and don’t get the same buzz from a run as they did before. The side effects has baffled scientists ‘Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to weight gain and health issues,’ said Dr Victoria Vieira-Potter, who specializes in nutrition and exercise physiology at MU. ‘This is especially frustrating for women, who already are dealing with significant changes to their bodies.

‘We found that the decrease in physical activity that leads to weight gain may be caused by changes in brain activity.’ The menopause, which tends to strike by the early 50s, can cause mood swings, depression and anxiety.

In many cases, it affects a woman’s drive to move, and many women gain weight during this time.

To examine this side effect, Dr Vieira-Potter’s study tracked the physical activity of rats - some that were physically fit and some that were not.

First they monitored their fitness levels and the level of activity in the pleasure center of their brains.

Then they removed their ovaries to mimic the effects of menopause, when women stop producing estrogen in such significant quantities.

Both groups - no matter how physically active they were before - showed dramatic reductions in their motivation to run on a running wheel. Scientists have identified a link between ovarian hormones and dopamine levels in the brain, which make exercise feel so good. During menopause these levels go down - but this study could offer ideas for treatment All of the rats also experienced a drop in the amount of dopamine in the pleasure center of their brain.

It suggests the hormonal changes experienced during menopause could impact on the brain, and that could be the process that hampers physical activity.

‘We found that in both groups of rats, the hormonal changes from menopause led to changes in the brain that translated to less physical activity,’ Dr Vieira-Potter said.

‘The findings confirm previous evidence in humans and rodents that weight gain that occurs after menopause is likely due to decreased overall physical activity rather than increased energy intake from diet.

‘Understanding what is causing the decrease in activity and subsequent weight gain may allow us to intervene, possibly by activating dopamine receptors, to preserve the motivation to be physically active.’

Did you know?

What Doesn’t Cause Miscarriage espite how common miscarriages are, many women are surprisingly in the dark about what actually triggers them, according to new research from Ohio State University College of Medicine.

“Much misinformation is shared among women or passed down from older generations,” says Dr. Schaffir,

D

who authored the study. “It’s important for women to understand that these are just old wives’ tales -and not only are they not true, but in some cases, believing them can affect your health and wellbeing.”

We asked him to debunk the major misconceptions from the Ohio State University study here. #Myth 1: Too much exercise • More than 20 percent of

women surveyed agreed.

Fact: Most experts agree that exercise during pregnancy -- with your doctor’s okay -- can lower miscarriage risk and make mom and baby healthier (by reducing stress, aches and pains, gestational diabetes risk, and even building up stamina for labor). #Myth 2: Your mood plays a part • More than 35 percent of women surveyed agreed.

Fact: With all those hormones surging, moodiness is a given during pregnancy -- and no studies have ever linked excessive bad moods to miscarriage, says Dr. Schaffir. But if you find yourself in a funk you can’t shake, let your doctor know. As many as 10 or 20 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy - which may not trigger miscarriage or harm the pregnancy, but

should be treated by your doctor. #Myth3: Too much stress • More than 75 percent of women surveyed agreed.

Fact: While some studies on stress and miscarriage are conflicting, Dr. Schaffir says that everyday tension or anxiety -- tight deadlines at work or worrying about what labor will be like -- has not been linked to pregnancy loss.

“We’re talking big things, like the death of a spouse or parent,” he explains, and even then, the link is not well established. Plus, women under extreme stress are also more likely to smoke, drink, or do drugs, which can affect miscarriage. #Myth 3: Could it be Mom’s fault?

• 10 percent of women surveyed agreed.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

e-Gov’t: FCTA set to enhance satellite communication tech

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he on-going National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructural project, has received a boost following the decision by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to partner with Galaxy Backbone, facilitators of the scheme.

This was disclosed by FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa

• 1.

Bello, while receiving the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Engineer Yusuf Kazaure, who paid him a working visit in his office.

Recall that the Project is aimed at linking all Federal Government Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals on ICT network, thereby providing a formidable platform for e-government.

The Minister reiterated that the collaboration is necessary, particularly on the right of way

on the routes to make the project realizable by connecting these Federal Government MDAs as envisioned.

According to him, “we would strengthen the partnership with your organization, because it’s all part of a national network that is going to be of immense benefit to all”.

Bello who described the FCT as one of the important beneficiaries of the project said, the Territory already has infrastructure on ground

for some of the components like telecommunication ducts.

He added that all Ministries, Agencies and Departments across board will be linked to enhance the smooth running of government.

“Taking into account that in the FCT, you don’t probably need to break a lot of ground and do a lot of physical activity because the infrastructure for duct is already there.

“We will partner with your team

Two young men taking dangerous ride in an overloaded truck, yesterday along Area 1- AYA Road, in Abuja

to make sure that it is deployed properly,” the Minister assured.

Bello further noted that adequate maintenance and security would also be provided to for the entire duct system to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not unduly tamper them with.

He also observed that due to the number of organizations both public and private that are involved in the system, there is also the need for each organization to be properly

indexed, identified and coded, to ensure they are protected and easily sorted in the event that there is need for maintenance.

While appealing to Galaxy Backbone to ensure that the FCTA is allocated enough data for its activities, the Minister said, the company should find time to look at their systems and really agree on enhancing what is available, based on the existing infrastructure before the national one is deployed.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Engineer Yusuf Kazaure said, the project is targeted at ensuring transparency, better collaboration and cost effectiveness of running government.

He said the scheme is also meant to create a platform that is suitable for e-government.

“We have a robust relationship with the FCT Administration; we provide significant amount of service to different departments and offices.

“However, we seek the opportunity to strengthen the partnership further to ensure that the gains we have made are not eroded based on issues we may not be aware of.

“So we seek this opportunity to collect positive feedback to enable us enhance the quality of our service delivery,” the Managing Director stressed.

Kwali community wants council to tackle shortage of amenities

By Usman Shuaibu

S

ome inhabitants of Nytse Mwamwa community in Kwali Area Council, of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried lack of social amenities in the area, calling on the Council’s leadership, to come to their aid, so as to alleviate the suffering of the people.

The residents lamented that despite persistent appeals

to the past Chairmen of the council, on the urgent need to provide basic amenities in the community, nothing had been done to alleviate their plight in the area.

Spokesman of the community, Iliya Musa, urged the present the current leadership of the Council to deem it necessary to focus on the rapid infrastructural development of the community.

He however lamented that

the present leadership of the council had not carried out any development project in the area.

He said the road leading to the community from Kwaita is still in deplorable state, pointing out that people of the community are yet to feel the positive impact of the council.

According to him, the residents of the community have been neglected in area of provision of health care centre as well as primary school, a

situation which the Council must do everything possible to address squarely without further delay.

He accused successive Kwali chairmen of failing to drill boreholes in the community since he took over the mantle leadership of the Council, saying that the residents’ only source of drinking is a river, which they share with cows and other animals in the community.

Musa also disclosed that

absence of electricity had made the situation worsen in the area, calling on the FCT administration to assist the Council to provide transformers to existing facilities, so as to boost electricity supply in the community.

The spokesman, further appealed to the Kwali Chairman to endeavour to visit the community and see things for himself regarding the bad condition of living in the area.

PAGE 32

Photo Splash

Two middle-aged men buying fura da nono, yesterday at Federal Secretariat, in Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

A young man hawking coconut, yesterday in Garki, Abuja

Grains sellers waiting for patronage, recently in Bwari market, Abuja

Two young men providing local manicure service to a customer, yesterday in Garki 2, Abuja

A newspapers vendor taking a napping on duty, yesterday along Ahmadu Bello way Garki, Abuja Photo: Justin Imo-owo

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Metro

Entrepreneurship: Gov’t to train physically challenged persons in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will develop entrepreneurship training programme for physically challenged persons in the Territory to make them employers of labour in the society.

According to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who dropped this hint, empowering people to set up businesses and also employ others had become the imperative.

Bello spoke when members of the Strong and Able Persons

• 2.

with Disabilities Association of Nigeria, (SAPDAN), paid him a courtesy visit in his office, in Abuja.

He noted that white-collar jobs had become more elusive than ever before in the FCT and country at large.

Accordingly, the Minister therefore directed the Social Development Secretariat as well as the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) to brainstorm and come up with suitable programmes for disabled persons that would, at the end of the day, make them contribute meaningfully in the society.

“If they are not able to give you

permanent gainful employment, they could link up with you on ad-hoc basis to serve in some of the intervention committees and areas where you can do a lot of advocacy for us and provide services that are relevant to what you have studied.

“And not necessarily those of you who are here but even some of your other members who have other qualifications,” he stressed.

Bello added that this relationship between the FCT Administration and physically challenged persons would be on a continuing basis as is the case with other partner organization.

He also pointed out that

opportunities will surely be created for everybody as the economic situation gradually improves.

While praising the determination of the disabled persons in the society, despite the enormous challenges that they have had to confront, the Minister advised them to not allow their morale be dampened by these challenges.

He said:“For most of us here, your situation is not new. We all have someone very close to us with one kind of problem or the other and they have been able to overcome the challenges and do so many things to add value to

society, which even strong and able persons without disability are not able to do”.

While appreciating the Minister’s concern for the disabled persons in the FCT, the representative of the President of SAPDAN, Barrister Dickson Tarnongo, said their mandate is to campaign for the social wellbeing, disability rights and social integration of their members all over the country.

Tarnongo, who, pleaded with the Minister to provide job for members of the Association said they were willing and ready to do any job that government will give to them.

Young men selling phone’s accessories on roadside, yesterday in Nyanya

Police arraign Herdsman for alleged abduction The Police have arraigned a herdsman Usman Muhammed, 35, in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly kidnapping a man and his son.

Muhammed, of Gwalada village, Bwari, Abuja, is facing a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and kidnapping.

The Chief Magistrate, Usman Shuaibu, ordered the remand of the suspect to enable investigation of the matter to be completed.

The prosecutor, Osa Oyeyemi, had told the court that one Saidu Adamu of Gwalada village in Bwari reported the matter to the Nigeria Mobile Police team in Abuja on February. 20, 2016.

Oyeyemi said that the complainant alleged that he and his son were sometime in January, 2016, kidnapped by the defendant.

He said that the defendant later released the complainant to enable him raise ransom for his son, adding, however, that the complainant’s also managed to escape from the abductors.

He added that on February 15, 2016, the defendant went back to the complainant’s house, inflicted machete cuts on him and kidnapped his wife.

Oyeyemi said that the defendant kept the complainant’s wife in the bush for four days and demanded for N2 million as ransom for the release of the woman.

He told the court that the woman also escaped from the captivity, adding that during investigation, the police recovered the telephone used by the defendant in making calls for ransom from the family.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 97, 247 and 273 of the Penal Code respectively. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Money Sense

How do you plan to get ahead?

Ways to increase your income

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here are many means to the same end, and many roads to financial independence. Here are several ways to increase your income.

Wouldn’t it be a great feeling to finally realize you’re financially independent? I know I would be, but to get to that point, we all need to build up enough of a nest egg that would be substantial enough for us to live on for the rest of our lives. In the absence of such a boon, we continue to rely on our own labor to keep us going from day to day.

I look around me and find that lots of people are taking their destinies into their own hands. A couple of co-workers have begun investing in real estate. Someone I know “day trades” during his spare time (at his own risk) well, he actually does “night trading”, since he does it after work and into the wee hours of the morning.

What’s great is that there are many ways to make a living and to earn an income. I’ve always functioned with the thought that if I find myself “stuck” in any one position without progressing or moving forward in some way after a bit of time, then I need to evaluate where I’m at and see if there’s any way I can break the monotony of my situation. If you’ve ever asked yourself “is this all I’m cracked up to be?” or if financial and economic progress is important to you, while you find yourself scraping by, then you may want to look into some ways to change your situation.

Here are a few approaches that you can take to growing professionally, creatively and financially. You can also consider these as ways to increase your income, improve your cash flow and build your wealth: Get skills: If you have any of these things: talent, skill, knowledge, energy then you are employable. I know too many folks who are worried they won’t be able to find a job that they enjoy. If you’re one such person who demonstrates these personal assets, then there is always work out there that fits your capacities. If you feel that you don’t have such skills, you may either be underestimating yourself or your ability to gain these skills.

Consider upgrading what you already have in order to qualify for better opportunities.

Become a career or corporate worker with an eye towards job advancement: If you are happy with your line of work, and see that you have a

solid path for advancement in your company, then investing your time, energy and talent at your company may help reward you with a better position after sometime. Can you see yourself becoming a leader and do you enjoy working in a team? Can you manage people? If so, you may be a fit for management.

In reality, with dedication and solid performance records, very good worker bees can find themselves promoted to higher levels whether or not they have the management skills but like anything else, management ability can be learned, provided that you like working with people to begin with.

Don’t waste another moment, start investing: The one thing that we shouldn’t waste is another moment not being invested in the market. If your financial house is in order, with your savings accumulating steadily, expenses under control and debt on its way out, then you can work towards the goal of having your money eventually building up enough so that it can do most of the work for you (instead of you having to work for it).

Sign up to automatic investing programs at your investment institutions. This way, you will be able to begin investing early. All these years being in the market has paid off as the returns generated by the stock market behave as its own income stream, supplementing any job income you’ve pulled in.

How about job hop till you drop: What do you seek when looking for a job? You probably have many things you’re looking for: good position, lucrative pay, benefits, great commute, interesting work, great bunch of people to work with, stability. You name it but one thing you cannot predict is how things will turn out after the “honeymoon” is over that period of time after which you’ve settled in and figured out how things work at your new company.

Unfortunately, you may realize that reality doesn’t match your ideal picture after sometime and the question then haunts you: do you “settle” for the job you have at the moment or take the risk and take flight for the seemingly greener grass on the other side? I’ve seen it work both ways: when job hopping yields higher incomes and better matched positions, but I’ve also seen regret from employees who left a decent job for something less appealing.

Again, no guts, no glory.

Moonlight, with dual jobs

and quadruple incomes: Many families make things work by taking on multiple jobs amongst the breadwinners of the household. I’ve even heard of households where both parents maintain two jobs each. This must be the toughest way to try to get ahead, but people do it for several reasons, including: preparing for a career change by testing the waters before making any job switch, to make more money (or just to make ends meet), or to pursue work they actually enjoy.

A second job can offer the opportunity for someone to

decide which work is worth pursuing in the long run, as well as the chance to acquire new skills but it can also burn you out, and cause high stress when you find that all your time is spent juggling work obligations. This may not be a good idea in the long term but could work out if you can take on secondary work.

Having a primary, stable job and combining it with some freelancing could be a more feasible combination.

Are you a budding entrepreneur?

Consider building alternative incomes with side businesses: Here’s a thought; why not build a side

business instead of working a side job? If you have a hobby you are passionate about, it may not take much to turn it into a business, especially if you’re in the creative field.

There could be a market for something you’re doing and it’s just a matter of discovering and responding to that demand. Many of us are “accidental entrepreneurs”, people who never knew that a fun diversion actually can pay. In fact, lots of incredibly successful businesses simply started that way, as somebody’s part-time project; an experiment that turned into a lucrative venture.

those who’ve decided to strike it out on their own because they love the independence of working for themselves, of being in control of their own plight and who have decided that the only way they can work is if they’re their own boss.

It’s a question we’ve all pondered over; what else can we do to get further ahead? Some try to specialize and concentrate on one avenue for increasing their income say, through career ad-

vancement, where they pour all their energies into getting that promotion or big raise. Others diversify and try out multiple ventures to develop various income streams and reduce the risk of income loss from any one channel. How about you? I’d love to hear what other things you’re doing to get closer to your personal and financial goals and what other schemes you’re implementing to propel yourself forward.

…and if you’re a risk taker, become a full-time entrepreneur

F

inally, there are those who have entrepreneurship in their blood. They don’t crave stability, and money isn’t necessarily their primary goal.

What they care about most is the nurturing of an idea that has consumed their waking moments and that they’re convinced will “change the world” in some way. Who cares about a steady paycheck? They don’t. They’re aiming for the sky and nurturing grander dreams. There are also

world news

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

On the road with Niger’s peacekeepers in Mali ByMarielle van Uitert

A

flat road surrounded by sand and rocks - and possibly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - stretches ahead for 320km.

The peacekeepers from Niger, known as Nigerbat, of the UN Minusma mission in Mali, are protecting a convoy of eight trucks that are delivering food supplies to Minusma bases in Asongo and Menaka. I and a colleague have been granted permission to embed with them.

Our embed begins in the early afternoon as we’re picked up from the main Minusma base in Gao. The peacekeepers we’ll be travelling with help us with our bags and pose for pictures.

It is 50C and the air-conditioning in the armoured truck we’re riding in isn’t working. A hot breeze blows from outside to in. In bulletproof vests and helmets, we’re sweltering.

But the peacekeepers seem unfazed by the heat.

There aren’t many of them left here now, since most have returned to Niger to participate in their country’s battle against Boko Haram. But Minusma considers their presence important.

These Muslim peacekeepers from a neighbouring country face fewer obstacles in communicating with the various Tuareg tribes than their German or Dutch counterparts - and that can be critical for informationgathering purposes.

I’m supposed to take pictures but it is difficult to photograph anything through the badly damaged windows of the truck. It has survived three roadside bombs, but it hasn’t been left unscathed.

Ari Modifouk is the captain of this Nigerbat patrol. He sits in the front and gives instructions to the convoy about where to stop and when to leave the road. He, too, has survived three explosions, so he has a pretty good idea of where the IEDs might be hidden. He also tells me when I’m allowed to climb on to the top of the truck to take photographs. But I must be quick - just five seconds to climb up and shoot - he explains, because the convoys sometimes get shot at.

The two soldiers on top of the truck seem happy that their work is finally being captured on film. The peacekeepers may be constantly alert, but there is always time for a chat and a joke, and the mood is jovial.

The first stage of the journey - from Gao to Asongo - takes five hours. On the way we pass villages

On the road with peacekeepers from Niger in Mali. During their patrol from Gao to Menaka, the road is checked for roadside bombs [Marielle van Uitert/Al Jazeera]

and children run out to wave. We’ve been lucky, we’re told. Sometimes it can take two days to reach this base if there are technical problems with the trucks.

There’s a mosque on the base where the peacekeepers pray before phoning their families on the other side of the border, back in Niger.

At 5.30am the following day, we start on the next stage of our journey - from Asongo to Menaka. This is more dangerous, Captain Modifouk explains.

There are no more villages - just desert and the relentless heat.

E ve ry no w and a g ai n, t h e peacekeepers stop to check objects by the side of the sandy road. They have lost nine men to this stretch so far and are trained to spot suspicious changes in the road that might go unnoticed by anybody else. Once a first check has been completed by specialists using metal detectors, another two men climb out of the truck to repeat it.

Captain Modifouk decides to cross the desert instead of following the dangerous road to Menaka. This part of the road is notorious not only

for IEDs but for armed groups who hide behind trees or rock formations.

He manoeuvres his truck a couple of hundred metres and the rest of the convoy follows. They criss-cross across the desert. It’s important to act unpredictably so that those planting IEDs cannot easily predict where best to place them, the captain explains.

When we pass the ruins of a previous IED attack in which two Cambodian peacekeepers lost their lives - the remnants of their vehicle still in the sand - a respectful silence fills our truck. The peacekeepers take a moment to stop at the wreck and inspect the area.

During the trip, the convoy communicates in Morse code. When I ask Captain Modifouk what they are saying, he tells me he’ll let me know when we reach the base in Menaka, “Inshallah [God willing]”.

After 10 hours of driving, the convoy stops suddenly. The men climb out of the truck, stick their Kalashnikovs into the sand and unroll their prayer mats. They permit me to take pictures as they pray and afterwards they happily build a small

“

Then they disappear into the night,” he says, adding that some of the women and children are so frightened they run away and ask to live with the Ibogalitan

fire on which we make tea. But there isn’t time to relax, so the tea is taken into the truck to be enjoyed en route.

Back in the truck, the peacekeeper sitting beside me asks if I am Muslim.

When I tell him I’m Christian, he asks: “So why are you not praying, then?”

“Because I like to pray in silence,” I reply.

He tells me that there are no churches in this desert. “That’s OK,” I tell him. “I don’t have to pray in a church. I can pray wherever I like.”

He nods his head in understanding and offers me some candy.

A little further along, we encounter a hut made of clay and dung that seems to appear as if from nowhere.

It is the only home as far as we can see and is surrounded by desert. Children run out to beg for food and water. The peacekeepers give them what is left of their lunch rations and some candy.

Captain Modifouk talks to the family, who plead with him for food and medicine. He gives them painkillers and dehydration pills, and says that when he comes back in two weeks, he’ll bring more. As we leave, the children run after the convoy, waving.

After 14 hours’ driving, we finally reach our destination, the compound of Menaka.

The soldiers laughingly tell us that we must have brought them good luck as these patrols usually take three to four days but at just two, they’ve set a record with this one.

That night, we sleep in a cabin as goats and chickens pass by outside.

We are supposed to sleep in the field with the peacekeepers, but based on

information he’s received, the captain decides it’s too dangerous. In the desert around Menaka, armed groups vie for power and territory. Attacks and kidnappings are common.

The next day, we go on patrol with them to three villages - Inekar West, Tagater and Injangalane - travelling a road-less route that the peacekeepers seem to know intuitively. In the villages, we hear accounts of women and children being slaughtered and cattle stolen in raids between competing Tuareg tribes.

In Tagater, the village elder tells us that the opposing Ibogalitan tribe “comes at night with only a couple of men. They come walking or on a scooter and just open fire at every hut”.

“Then they disappear into the night,” he says, adding that some of the women and children are so frightened they run away and ask to live with the Ibogalitan.

Normally, the women and girls stay inside when the peacekeepers come to the villages, but the presence of two female journalists has made them curious and they come out to see us. They want to talk - to complain about the water that they say makes them sick and to tell us about their lives.

A member of the Minusma human rights Gao field office accompanies us to the villages. He says he has information that the Ibogalitan tribe is slaughtering the Dousack. He claims to have seen child soldiers armed with Kalashnikovs.

Source: Aljezeera.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Page 36

News From Africa Tunisian parliament votes to dismiss PM Habib Essid

At Least 13 Killed in Somalia Car Bombing

T

T

unisian Prime Minister Habib Essid has been ousted after overwhelmingly losing a vote of confidence in parliament.

In power for a year and a half, Essid’s opponents said he had failed to tackle the country’s economic and security problems.

A total of 118 members of parliament voted late on Saturday to unseat Essid; three voted for him to stay at the helm; and 27 abstained.

The results were largely expected, with several ruling coalition party members declaring ahead of the session that they were not going to renew their confidence in the prime minister.

Earlier on Saturday, Essid, 67, had told parliament he knew he would be voted out.

“I didn’t come to obtain the 109 votes [needed to remain in office]. I came to expose things to the people and to members of parliament,” said Essid.

Negotiations on a replacement were expected to start on Monday.

Essid had been under pressure to quit since President Beji Caid Essebsi called for a new unity government last month to push through reforms and calm social tensions over the country’s economic crisis, high unemployment and recent security issues.

Political analyst Youssef Cherif said Saturday’s events were important not only for Tunisia, but for the region.

“This is the first time in Tunisia that such an event happened; first time a government goes to parliament and a vote of no confidence is recorded,” he told Al Jazeera from the capital, Tunis, after the vote.

Cherif said, however, that the result would be bad news for the country’s economic and political situation.

“This will open the doors again for days, weeks, even months of negotiations between different political parties and different political players ... [putting] all the big projects that were supposed to take place on standby until a new government is formed and voted in.”

Essid’s coalition government was comprised of four groups, including Nidaa Tounes and the Ennahda party, the largest parliamentary force.

“There is an agreement between the parties and organisations on the need for change,” Ennahda chief Rached Ghannouchi said last week, according to a Reuters news agency report.

Last year, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group claimed two highprofile attacks in Tunisia, killing 59 foreign tourists.

Sunday Marks Day of African Woman

Somali soldiers stand near the wreckage of a car used in a suicide car bomb attack outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu, Somalia, July 31, 2016.

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t least 13 people have been killed, including seven attackers, in an assault on a Somali police compound in Mogadishu Sunday.

Somali internal security Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed told VOA Somali that the target was the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.

“Two suicide bombers speed toward the main gate of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, one exploded at the front gate and the other one in the middle of the road and then five heavily armed militants tried to enter the building, three of them were killed outside and two as they passed the main gate.” Omar said.

Omar siad at least 10 people were wounded.

Abdikamil Mo’alin Shukri, who is the spokesman of the internal security ministry of Somalia said the 13 killed included: seven attackers, a government soldier, and five civilians.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

he 54th observance of the day honoring the African woman who, in spite of several challenges struggles to take care of her family, was observed Sunday July 31. Ahead of the day of the African woman, reporter Moki Edwin Kindzeka met eight uneducated women in the northern Cameroonian town of Maroua who have specialized in cracking stones in a quarry to raise money and take care of their kids education.

Thirty-four-year old Jenabou Abbo understands and speaks only Fulfulde, a language widely spoken in northern Cameroon. She says she was the first lady to work in the quarry on the outskirts of Maroua eight years ago, and the men openly protested her participation in what was then a male only activity.

Jenabou says she first started working as carrier of gravel but today, she now excavates and crack stones.

More than 120 bodies washed ashore near Libyan city

M

ore than 120 bodies of people who died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe washed up around Sabratha city in western Libya in July, the city’s mayor said.

Hussein Thwadi said on Sunday that bodies had washed up on a daily basis during the month, with 53 found on a single day last week. The victims were mainly sub-Saharan Africans as well as 23 Tunisians, he said.

Red Crescent volunteers and local officials have been removing the bodies for burial in a cemetery in Sabratha for unidentified remains.

“The whole coast of Sabratha is open,” Thwadi told the Reuters news agency by phone. “There are patrols but they do not have enough capacity to tackle this crisis.”

“Illegal migration existed before, but with insecurity and the lack of state authorities the crisis has become worse and worse.”

Libya is a common departure point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe by boat, many of them fleeing violence, repression or poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Political turmoil and armed conflict in Libya has given human smugglers the space to work with impunity, running trafficking networks that bring migrants across the Sahara desert to the coast and on to rickety

File photo from 20 March shows Libyan Red Crescent workers recovering bodies of drowned migrants from a beach east of the city of Tripoli, Libya.

boats that attempt to cross the Mediterranean.

Of more than 3,000 migrants known to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean so far this year, about three out of four perished trying to reach Italy from North Africa, mainly Libya, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Nearly 90,000 migrants had

crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy as of this week, the IOM said, a 14 percent increase on last year.

As the number of attempted crossings from Libya picked up with the arrival of calmer weather in the spring, many boats have been leaving from the coastline near Sabratha.

A UN-backed government that

has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli since March says tackling migration is among its priorities.

But the government is struggling to manage complex security and economic challenges, and still faces political opposition on the ground.

Thwadi said he has raised the issue with the new government’s leadership, but had not yet received a concrete response.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Rights Group Demands Prosecution of Afghan Militia

Asia&Middle-east

Tokyo elects first female city governor

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n international human rights group Sunday demanded authorities in Afghanistan prosecute militia forces linked to a top government official for recent killings and other abuses against civilians in the northern Faryab province.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that its probe into the late June attack has found members of the Junbish militia loyal to First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum were behind the violence.

The findings are based on interviews of villagers conducted in the aftermath of the attack, it added.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also documented in its mid-year report on civilian sufferings that Afghan army and Junbish forces jointly conducted a military offensive against Taliban insurgents in Fayryab on June 26, killing at least 13 civilians and wounding 32 others.

A

Voters in Tokyo cast their ballots for the gubernatorial elections. [EPA]

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okyo elected the country’s former defence minister, Yuriko Koike, as its first female governor on Sunday, media exit polls show.

“I will lead Tokyo politics in an unprecedented manner, a Tokyo you have never seen,” Koike, 64, told cheering supporters in a hoarse voice after two weeks of campaigning.

Koike will be dealing with Tokyo’s troubled preparations for the 2020 summer Olympics, which have been plagued by a series of embarrassing

scandals and soaring costs.

Tokyo’s last governor resigned amid financial scandals.

Koike’s four-year term will extend until just after the Olympic Games start and her performance in the run-up will be scrutinised closely.

A key challenge of her governorship will be getting to grips with swelling preparation costs for the Games, which are seen as possibly double or triple the reported original forecast of 730bn

yen ($7.14bn).

Plans for the Tokyo Games have been overshadowed by allegations of corruption, and French prosecutors have launched an investigation into alleged bribes linked to Tokyo’s bid.

Other key issues in the election were Tokyo’s dire childcare shortage and overseeing disaster response plans due to perennial earthquake threats to the capital.

Koike, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) politician, ran without her party’s endorsement,

Fury as Trump mocks Muslim soldier’s mother Ghazala Khan

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epublican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has attracted outrage by mocking a dead US Muslim soldier’s mother.

Ghazala Khan stood silently next to her husband as he attacked Mr Trump in an emotional speech to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.

Mr Trump suggested she may not have been allowed to speak.

Republicans and Democrats said the Republican candidate’s comments were no way to talk of a hero’s mother. Mrs Khan said she was upset by his remarks.

Last week her husband Khizr Khan told Democrats Mr Trump had sacrificed “nothing and no-one” for his country.

At the convention in Philadelphia, he said his son would not even have been in America if it had been up to Mr Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US. Humayun Khan was killed by a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq at the age of 27.

Media captionKhizr Khan: “You have sacrificed nothing - and no one!”

Mr Trump responded to the criticism in an interview with ABC’s This Week.

“If you look at his wife, she was standing there,” he said, “She had

Toxic foam spills onto the streets of India’s Bengaluru

The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held its opening ceremony in Vientiane, Laos, July 24, 2016.

nothing to say... Maybe she wasn’t allowed to have anything to say.

You tell me.”

But former president Bill Clinton, the husband of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, said: “I cannot conceive how he can say that about a Gold Star mother.”

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine said Mr Trump’s remarks were inappropriate.

“He was kind of trying to turn that into some kind of ridicule,” he said,

quoted by AP. “It just demonstrates again kind of a temperamental unfitness. If you don’t have any more sense of empathy than that, then I’m not sure you can learn it.”

Some Republicans also rounded on their candidate.

Ohio Governor John Kasich, a former rival to Mr Trump for the Republican nomination, tweeted: “There’s only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honour and respect.”

In an interview for ABC on Saturday, Ghazala Khan said: “When I was standing there, all of America felt my pain, without a single word.

I don’t know how he missed that.”

“Please Mr Trump, feel that pain and you will be better.

“I was upset when I heard that I didn’t say anything because I was in pain.”

Khizr Khan said that Mr Trump was “devoid of feeling the pain of a mother who has sacrificed her son”.

toxic foam from Bellandur Lake has spilled onto the streets of Bengaluru, causing health problems and bringing an unbearable stench to the city.

Bellandur is one of the largest lakes in the city, and for the last decade, the foam has become an annual issue for the city’s residents.

Many of the lakes in the city experience a similar problem, due to the amount of pollution in the waterways.

This pollution consists of sewage, industrial waste and household debris.

The problems occur in summer after a downpour.

The rain mixes with the high content of ammonia and phosphate in the local lakes and generates a vast amount of froth.

After the piles of foam build, even a light wind can then pick it up and send it flying across roads and into nearby buildings.

At the Indian Institute of Science, Professor TV Ramachandra, who has been studying the Varthur Lake since 1997, confirmed that the pollution has been getting worse year by year.

He told NDTV that the nitrates that are found in the lake are carcinogenic, and the phosphates are causing the froth.

Locals say that the foam irritates the skin and is a breeding ground for diseases.

They also claim that they cannot park their cars near the lake, as the toxic foam fades the colour of the paintwork.

In May last year, the lake even caught fire. It’s believed that the fires were caused by industrial waste in the water including detergents, oil and grease.

The pollution is a great shame for the city which was once known as the city of a thousand lakes.

However, the city famed for its interconnected lake systems has seen many of these lakes dry up or used as rubbish dumps. Now there are only about 150 lakes still in existence and almost all of these are severely polluted.

Instead of dealing with the pollution, authorities installed a fence attempting to prevent the foam from escaping onto the roads.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Page 38

Europe & Americas Why is Over 150,000 passengers Guatemala affected by Air France strike one of the world’s happiest countries?

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F

or millions of people around the world, physical and social isolation are causing chronic loneliness.

As a result, many researchers today fear solitude could be the next big public health issue, cutting years off people’s lives.

Perhaps people like Silvia Pablo have something to share with the world - and teach it.

The 21-year-old Guatemalan in no stranger to loneliness. She was born with spina bifida and was shut inside her mother’s house for 10 years after her father left them.

But Pablo says her faith kept her going and helped her overcome her daily struggles. Today she has own wheelchair and works at a factory.

“I think my happiness comes from God,” she says. “Yes, there are difficult times. But with God’s help, we can overcome any obstacle or sad situation. We need to live the lives we’re born into … and try to be happy through our faith.”

Despite high rates of violent crime, poverty and corruption, Guatemala is consistently in the top 10 of happiest countries in the world.

Militants Launch Deadly Attack on Iraqi Gas Facility, Oil Field

Air France pilots went on strike in June, during the first days of the Euro 2016 football tournament, which cost the firm $44.6m [Reuters]

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trikes by Air France flight attendants in the last five days have led to 900 flights being cancelled and over 150,000 passengers affected through Sunday.

The week-long strike is expected to last until Tuesday evening.

On Monday, the French airliner expects 20 per cent of medium-haul flights to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to be affected, but said it will operate more than 95 per cent of long-haul flights.

The call to strike by the two leading Air France unions was issued for July 27 to August 2 and seeks the extension of a labour contract on rules, pay and promotions that runs out at the end of October.

Management wants to limit the extension of the agreement to 17 months, while unions are asking for between three and five years.

Talks are at an impasse, union leader Christelle Auster said Sunday, threatening a new strike following the

current action, which ends Tuesday.

The strike came at the height of the holiday travel period. Millions of people are returning home from their July holidays this weekend as millions more set off for an August break, causing long tailbacks on the roads and frenetic scenes at rail stations and airports.

Air France pilots went on strike in June, during the first days of the Euro 2016 football tournament, which, according to the company’s estimates.

Sixteen killed in Texas hotair balloon crash

I

raqi officials say militants have launched two attacks on energy facilities in northern Iraq, killing at least five people.

Both assaults Sunday took place in inside Kurdish-controlled areas of Kirkuk province.

Authorities say in the first attack about 15 kilometer northwest of Kirkuk, gunmen shot dead four of the gas facility’s employees and planted explosive devices around the building.

In the second attack at the nearby Bai Hassan oil field, the insurgents, wearing suicide vests, killed an engineer and wounded at least six other people. The militants also sparked a major fire.

At least three of the four assailants were killed in the chaos.

It was not immediately clear whether they detonated their vests or were killed by security forces.

Turkey Intensifies Failed Coup Crackdown

More than a dozen police vehicles could be seen at the site of the crash [Reuters]

T

here were no survivors after a hot-air balloon carrying at least 16 people caught fire and crashed in the US state of Texas, according to local authorities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed Saturday’s crash, which occurred outside the city of Austin on a clear day.

Emergency responders in Texas said the fire had hit the hot air balloon’s basket portion.

“Right now, we have a number of

fatalities,” a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesman said from the scene, adding that an FBI team was being dispatched to help in evidence-gathering.

The NTSB offered no details on what may have caused the accident. It said it believed the balloon belonged to a tour company.

The crash of the balloon is the deadliest on record in the western hemisphere, according to Jeff Chatterton, a spokesman for the Balloon Federation of North America.

“There are thousands of balloons that go up every year,” he said. “This is unspeakably tragic but it is rather unique.”

More than 150 commercial hot-air balloon companies are in operation in North America, Chatterton said.

The sheriff’s office said it was working to determine the identities of those aboard.

The accident occurred about three years after 19 people, mostly Asian and European tourists, were killed in a hot-air balloon crash in Luxor, Egypt.

urkey intensified its crackdown Sunday on officials who allegedly played a role in the failed coup in mid-July, dismissing nearly 1,400 military personnel.

Among those discharged was a top aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also moved to tighten his grip over the top ranks of the country’s armed forces and spy agency.

Erdogan aide-de-camp Ali Yazici was among those arrested five days after the July 15 uprising in an attempt to overthrow Erdogan’s Ankara government.

More than 50,000 Turks have now lost their jobs across the country and more than 18,000 have been detained, all for their alleged connection or support of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric who has lived in the United States for 17 years that Erdogan has blamed for the coup attempt. Gulen is an Erdogan opponent, but has denied any connection to the upheaval.

Turkey has demanded that the U.S. extradite the 75-year-old Gulen, who lives in a mountain compound in the eastern U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

Ankara sent American officials dossiers on Gulen’s purported involvement on the coup, but the U.S. has given no indication it will act soon on the extradition request.

Meanwhile, pro-Erdogan supporters are set to rally in Cologne, Germany on Sunday. Germany is home to about three million people with Turkish roots.

Turkey’s sports minister is expected to attend the demonstration, but German officials banned video messages from Turkey’s leaders from outside Germany.

Clashes during the short-lived coup bid killed more than 235 people and wounded nearly 10 times that many, but the major impact of the attempt to remove Erdogan has been the wave of detentions, firings and suspensions Turkey’s Western allies condemned the coup as soon as it occurred, and have restated their support for Erdogan repeatedly since then. However, as the purges expanded, the allies also have become concerned about the scale of the crackdown.

Erdogan has responded sharply to any perceived criticism from abroad this month. Speaking from his presidential palace Friday evening, he accused the West of deserting Turkey in its hour of need: “Some people give us advice; they say they are worried.

Mind your own business! Look at your own deeds!”

Erdogan indicated some of his future plans in a wide-ranging interview Saturday with the private Turkish news channel A-Haber. He announced parliament would soon receive “a small constitutional package” that would bring the country’s National Intelligence Organization and the chief of staff of the armed forces under the president’s direct control.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Page 39

Strange

world

Hunt underway for mysterious artist dubbed ‘Barksy’ who has etched stunning sculpture into tree

By JAMES DUNN

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he hunt is on for a brand new star on the art scene who is following in the footsteps of famous artist Banksy after anonymously leaving a masterpiece on a tree.

The artist has etched their name into the minds of people in Canvey Island, Essex, with the stunning sculpture of a face that suddenly appeared overnight, and they have now become known as Barksy.

The weird wooden face with a masculine varnished visage has a wizened nose, knotted eyes and ash white teeth nestled in gnarled grinning lips, but no-one knows how it got there. The artist’s creation, 6ft up the timber, has left residents scratching their heads as the walk along the tree-lined road.

The work has sparked comparisons with famous British street artist Banksy, whose true identity remains shrouded in secrecy.

Locals are calling for its creator to come forward and are hunting for more of their life-like creations.

Richard Bannister, 40, said: ‘I

think it is a very amazing and original piece of artwork, and I think the fact we don’t really know who it is adds to the charm really.

‘It’s like they are not doing it for recognition, but with the hope of making it look nice.’

His thoughts were echoed by another resident, who did not want to be named. They said: ‘I couldn’t believe it when I first saw it, it’s so life like.

‘I’ve been out looking for more and I just want to find out who did it to shake their hand.

‘It’s absolutely beautiful.’

Although it has only just appeared, the mysterious monument has become an impromptu tourist attraction.

Lynn Sadington delayed her trip home just to catch a glimpse of the artwork.

She said: ‘I live in Sussex and couldn’t leave until I saw this, I could definitely see this catch on as a tourist attraction.

‘I had a bit of a walk around before I drove home to see if there were anymore.

‘Well done tree Barksy.’

A new secret artist has etched his name in the hearts and minds of people in Canvey Island after anonymously carving this face into a tree

A bedtime tail: Two-year-old toddler sends pet pit bulls to sleep with the most adorable storytime

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his is the adorable moment a pair of pit bulls fall asleep after a toddler reads them a bedtime story.

Bookworm River Bearde, 2, of Mission, Kansas, USA, was caught reading to sleepy pooches Ronnie, 4, and Macy, 6.

As the inseparable trio lie side by side with their legs splayed on a bed, River recites pages from the children’s book ‘Farm Friends Giant Flap Book’. By the end of the video - captured by mum Jenna - both Ronnie and Macy were out for the count with their eyes closed and head’s back on the pillow.

Mrs Bearde said: ‘I was with River when he laid down and was planning on reading to him.

‘But he wanted to read to Macy and Ronnie and they quickly started falling asleep. ’By the time he finished reading the book their eyes were shut tightly.

‘Only then would River let me read to him and pretty soon he was snoozing next to them.

‘River will read to anyone who will sit down with him. ’He loves to read to the dogs and our pet pig too.

‘He will read anywhere from between three and 10 minutes on average.’

Jenna and her family rescued Ronnie one year ago and Macy five years ago, saving her on the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. She is hoping to improve the perception of pit bulls, not only in her home state, but across the world too.

She added: ‘I want to be a voice for them as these pit bulls don’t have a voice of their own.

‘I want people to understand and know the breed is not dangerous and these dogs are loving, if loved.’

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River Bearde, 2, sends his dogs to sleep while reading a book to them

Page 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, AUGUST 1, 2016

Digest

The top 10 stroke triggers, from obesity to high blood pressure

By MIA DE GRAAF

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trokes are a leading cause of death and disability across the world.

And yet, 90 per cent of attacks are brought on by preventable triggers, a new study claims.

Experts at McMaster University in Ontario have identified the 10 most common triggers.

By making basic lifestyle changes to avoid these health concerns, nine in 10 people could dramatically reduce their risk of a potentially fatal attack, they said.

The study involved collaborating researchers from 32 countries to map out the main causes of stroke in different countries, different generations, and different genders.

Compiling the data, they found these to be the most significant triggers: More than three million Americans are diagnosed with hypertension every year, if their blood pressure is above 140/90.

The chronic condition forces blood against the artery walls in a way that places crippling pressure.

But it is treatable.

Medics recommend a diet low in salt and more exercise.

According to the study, eliminating hypertension in patients would practically cut their stroke risk in half (48 per cent).

The risk of having a stroke would be trimmed by more than a third (36 per cent) if people were more physically active, the study concluded.

For general cardiovascular health, the AHA recommends at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity walking for five days a week, or 25 minutes a day of vigorous-intensity walking for three days a week.

In addition, everyone should fit in some muscle or strength training two days a week.

Ideally, the AHA advises, people should take up jogging, swimming, cycling, or another sport to lower the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

However, research shows many don’t even walk that much per day.

A better diet would cut the risk of a stroke by almost a fifth (19 per cent), the study says.

Health experts recommend eating more fiber, legumes and lean meat than red meat, fatty foods, and sugary foods to improve cardiovascular health.

Last week, the USDA came under fire for not advising Americans to reduce their red meat intake.

The WHO recognizes that there is an obesity epidemic, which has devastating impacts on the cardiovascular health of millions.

Around 2.1 billion people are obese, according to official estimates.

A recent study even warned that we may be miscalculating that figure, missing out thousands of people due to an imprecise reliance on body mass index as a barometer.

Echoing the oft-repeated warnings, the study authors say watching one’s weight would save millions of lives.

The two major types of stroke include ischemic stroke caused by blood clots, which accounts for 85 per cent of strokes.

Hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding into the brain accounts for 15 per cent of

According to the study, eliminating hypertension in patients would practically cut their stroke risk in half strokes.

A healthy heart is key to abating these triggers, and could reduce the risk of a stroke by nine per cent, the study authors claim.

Many heart conditions like atrial fibrillation - a kind of irregular heartbeat - are driven by obesity, diabetes, smoking, a poor diet, stress, and a lack of exercise.

Twenty-nine million Americans have diabetes.

In the UK, 3.9 million people have the disease - more than triple the amount 10 years ago. That figure is expected to leap up to five million by 2025.

People with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing blood clots, which are a leading cause of strokes.

Cutting out diabetes would cut the risk of a stroke by four per cent, the study says.

Since high blood pressure has been shown to cause strokes, alcohol can be a major driver.

Too much alcohol drives up one’s blood pressure significantly over time.

It also contributes to other major triggers, such as increasing the risk of getting diabetes, hypertension, or atrial fibrillation.

Reducing one’s alcohol intake cuts their risk of a stroke by six per cent, the study says. studies have shown that depression, stress, and anxiety greatly increase the risk of a stroke - particularly in older people.

In many cases this could be because stress leads to bad lifestyle habits, such as smoking, inactivity, and drinking.

Reducing stress levels, the study authors claim, cuts the risk of stroke by six per cent.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood can leading to dyslipidaemia, blocking arteries, restricting blood flow to and from the heart, and prompting a stroke.

Many of these risk factors are known to also be associated with each other, such

as obesity and diabetes.

Specifically, the study looked at apolipoproteins, which were found to be a better predictor of stroke than total cholesterol. of these so-called ‘bad cholesterol’ proteins is affected by alcohol intake, a fatty diet, and hormones.

By making some diet changes, one can cut their risk of a stroke by 27 per cent, the study says. combined together, the total for all 10 risk factors was 91 per cent.

That figure barely different between regions, age groups and genders.

However, the importance of some risk factors appeared to vary by region.

For example, the importance of hypertension ranged from practically 40 per cent in Western Europe, North America, and Australia to 60 per cent in Southeast Asia.

The risk of alcohol was lowest in Western Europe, North America and Australia but highest in Africa and south Asia, while the potential impact of

physical inactivity was highest in China.

An irregular heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation, was significantly associated with ischaemic stroke in all regions, but was of greater importance in Western Europe, North America and Australia, than in China or South Asia.

However, when all 10 risk factors were included together, their collective importance was similar in all regions.

‘Our findings will inform the development of global population-level interventions to reduce stroke, and how such programs may be tailored to individual regions,’ said Yusuf, a professor of medicine of McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and director of the PHRI. ‘This includes better health education, more affordable healthy food, avoidance of tobacco and more affordable medication for hypertension and dyslipidaemia.’

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Mikel rescues Dream Team on transportation, feeding expenses in Atlanta

John Obi Mikel

T

he Dream Team VI players skipped their scheduled workout again over weekend because none of the invited foreign-based professionals agreed to pick up the tab for the hiring of a bus to take the team to the training ground.

While it has been independently confirmed that John Obi Mikel did not donate $30,000 to the team, the Chelsea midfielder has paid the transportation expenses incurred by the team since he arrived in Atlanta.

In addition, the Team Nigeria captain has been handling the feeding expenses of the players in camp and it remains unclear if he will be reimbursed by the Nigerian Federation or Sports Ministry.

On July 27, the Nigeria U23s faced an African XI in a training game, did not train the following day, before returning to the pitch for a workout on Friday, meaning they have only trained once since Wednesday.

A team official (thought to be the Media Officer

Timi Ebikagboro) has told the local media with pride that they have changed to a better hotel pending their departure today but conveniently left out the fact that they had to check out of the hotel on the same day they were due to fly out to Rio or they would have been bundled out of the premises.

Without mincing words, the players said they are suffering in camp and nobody should expect a miracle from them when the Games begin this week.

However, Obi has denied media reports that he donated 30,000 dollars to his teammates in the U23 team presently camping in Atlanta, USA. Speaking from the team’s camp, the Super Eagles captain was furious: “I was first told of this unfortunate story by a friend who called me from Nigeria. I thought he was joking until he sent me the link.

“I don’t know the source of this story which to me is all out to divide us as a team. I would have thought that stories that should be coming out in the media are

Siasia makes Mikel captain of Nigeria U23

>>Pg 42

stories that will unite the team instead of dividing us.

Our target in Rio is to excel, but if they continue like this, then I wonder how we can be united.”

Wondering why the writer thinks that the players are hungry and need his money, Mikel asked: “Tell me the players who are in this team that are so hungry that will be looking up to me for survival? Is it (William) Ekong, (Oghenekaro) Etebo, (Shehu) Abdulahi, (Daniel) Akpeyi, (Kingsley) Madu, (Okechukwu) Azubuike or (Stanley) Amuzie, who are my teammates in the Super Eagles, that I will be donating to, or other players who are plying their trade abroad and are doing well for themselves? To me, this is just mere distraction that won’t help this team going into a major tournament like the Olympics.”

The Chelsea FC ace then appealed to the sporting press and Nigerians generally to rally round the team and wish the players and officials well as they get ready for the men’s football tournament of the Rio Olympics.

Ramos shocks by Costa’s Chelsea confession >>Pg 43

PAGE 42

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Siasia makes Mikel captain of Nigeria U23 ...Team off to Brazil today

Team U23

By Albert Akota

H

ead Coach of the Nigeria Olympic team, Samson Siasia has appointed Chelsea midfield ace John Mikel Obi as captain of the team going into the men’s football tournament of the 31st Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Making the announcement on Saturday while meeting with players and other officials, Coach Siasia said the choice

of Mikel Obi was automatic as he is the captain of the Super Eagles and also the captain of Team Nigeria to the Games.

“It’s just natural for me to pick Mikel as our captain. Aside the fact that he is the captain of the Super Eagles, he is also Team Nigeria captain, so after meeting with both of them and explaining my position, I am pleased to say Azubuike who has been our captain understood and was happy to hand over the captain’s band to Mikel.

“It is a thing of joy for my team to produce the first footballer to captain Team Nigeria to the Olympics. This, to me, is more than gratifying.”

The players unanimously accepted Mikel Obi as their captain and expressed delight at the role he has been playing since he joined the team.

On his part, Mikel expressed joy at being made the captain of the Dream Team and said he sees it as an honor that must yield result in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria U23 will now depart Atlanta, United States of America for Brazil today, 1st August.

The earlier arrangement was for the team to depart for Brazil in batches due to difficulties in securing seats for team, but the Nigeria Football Federation decided against that movement and is now thinking of either getting them to Brazil as a team or chartering a private plane to take the team directly to Manaus, venue of the first team’s first match.

IfeanyiUbah on track for international Bewarang assumes duty, assures Eaglets football, says Loute

I

feanyiUbah are on course to play international football next year after they defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 at home yesterday, according to defender Isaac Loute.

The Nnewi club are now eighth on the league table with 40 points after going unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions.

They are also in the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, where they will clash with Nigeria National League side Crown FC.

“We are grateful to club owner Ifeanyi Ubah, whose enormous financial support has lifted us and we now want to repay him by playing on the continent next year,” said the Benin international.

“We are close to winning the Federation Cup for the first time in the history of the club.

“I am also happy that we have extended our unbeaten run to 10 matches and we are now to pick some points away from home.”

Loute was up against former club Kano Pillars on Sunday and he admitted it was “emotional” for him.

“Kano is like home for me as I played for Pillars for two seasons during which we won the league,” he said.

“It was always going to be an emotional and difficult game considering the quality of players Pillars parade. So, it was great we won.”

Enugu Rangers return to NPFL summit

W

ikki Tourists have been knocked off the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings following their 0-3 loss to Akwa United in Uyo yesterday.

Hassan Babangida was the hero for the Promise Keepers as he put his side in front, hammering home

a rebound after the Wikki Tourists’ goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu, parried Fortune Omoniwari’s free kick towards his path in the 11th minute.

Babangida completed his brace on the half hour while Friday Ubong netted a late third to knock the stuffing out of the away side as Akwa

United won at a canter.

Wikki thus drop to second place on the standings as they remain on 47 points from 28 matches.

The defeat for Wikki means Enugu Rangers have now moved to the top of the NPFL standings with 48 points as they drew 1-1 with Enyimba in Port Harcourt.

By Albert Akota

N

ewly appointed National Technical Director, Mr. Bitrus Bewarang visited the NFF\FIFA Goal Project to monitor the Golden Eaglets’ training session ahead of next week’s 2017 Africa U17 qualifier against Niger Republic.

It was the former Super Eagles assistant coach’s first official duty following his appointment and it afforded him the opportunity to interact with the team’s technical crew and to familiarize with the schedule of the U-17 side.

The 65-year-old, who had previously worked at all levels of the national teams bar the Golden Eaglets, advised the youngsters to be of exemplary conduct and follow the instructions of the coaches to the letter.

“I’m happy to be in your midst and to actually ascertain your

progress and we are going to put our heads together to ensure the success of your programme,” he stated. “I’m always interested in the welfare of coaches and players, and with the cooperation of the NFF, you will get the desired support.”

The visit was a reunion for the former BCC Lions’ coach with his former players, in the shape of Golden Eaglets’ coaches Manu Garba (who played under him in the 1990s) and Nduka Ugbade (during his days with the Super Eagles along with Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof).

Bewarang added: “I’m happy you are with result-oriented coaches and I have known both Manu and Nduka for a very long time and you have to listen to them as well as your other coaches for us to achieve good results,” noted Bewarang who was in company with NFF Assistant Director (Technical), Abdulrafiu Yusuf.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Sport

Kayode hopes to dump Nigeria play for Sierra Leone

Everton rejects Chelsea’s £57m bid for Lukaku

C

helsea have had a £57million bid for Romelu Lukaku rejected by Everton – but are confident of agreeing a deal to re-sign him this summer.

The two clubs are haggling over a fee, with the Toffees holding out for a club-record £75million.

But they have finally accepted the 23-year-old striker is determined to rejoin the club they bought him off two years ago.

Chelsea’s bid for Lukaku is more than double the £28m they received for him when he moved to Goodison Park in the summer of 2014.

Boss Antonio Conte has already landed one Belgium international striker, £33m Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, this summer and remains confident of keeping Spain frontman Diego Costa, despite sustained interest from his

former club Atletico Madrid.

The fee Everton are demanding would be just short of the £78m deal which saw Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain – 29 in December – move from Napoli to fellow Serie A side Juventus this week.

It would be another monster payday for super-agent Mino Raiola, who is set to receive a £20m payment once the £100m transfer of Paul Pogba from Juve to Manchester United is confirmed.

Raiola has also profited from high-profile moves to Old Trafford for two of his other clients this off-season, superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Lukaku was one of the most prolific goal-scorers in English football’s top flight last season, netting 25 times in all club competitions.

Victor Kayode has not given up hope of playing for Sierra Leone

N

igeria-born Victor Kayode insists he has not given up hope of playing for Sierra Leone, despite being continuously overlooked for selection.

The Azerbaijan-based midfielder, who was born in Ondo state to Nigerian parents, decided to play for Leone Stars four years ago - claiming his maternal grandfather was from

Sierra Leone.

Since doubts over Kayode’s eligibility were removed, five different coaches have taken charge of Sierra Leone, but he is still awaiting his first call-up.

I think if the Leone Stars coach wants me he can check my records and he’ll see that I’m qualified and ready to play The player, who turns 30 in

September, came close to making his debut for Sierra Leone when he travelled with Leone Stars to Monastir to face Tunisia in October 2012.

But he failed to make Leone Stars’ final 18-man squad for the decisive 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match which ended goalless, a result that eliminated Sierra Leone.

Ramos shocks by Costa’s Chelsea confession

T

he cameras caught a candid conversation in the tunnel between the Spain internationals ahead of Saturday’s International Champions Cup match The football world is hanging on Diego Costa’s transfer saga, but the Chelsea forward may have revealed the truth to none other than Sergio Ramos.

The two Spain colleagues enjoyed a warm embrace in the tunnel ahead of a pre-season clash between Real Madrid and Chelsea on Saturday.

But the chat between the pair suddenly turned serious when Ramos asked Costa when they would be neighbours again.

While the Chelsea man had his back to prying eyes, Ramos’ reaction gave some indication of the conversation.

Real’s star then let slip a possible reason why Diego Simeone will not be enjoying a reunion with his former striker at the Vicente Calderon: “Because Gameiro is coming?”

Costa had also dismissed questions from Spanish press as he entered Michigan Stadium over a return to Madrid with a wave of his finger, suggesting that while his future remains uncertain, it is more likely to lie in London than the Spanish capital for the time being.

• Everton striker Romelu Lukaku

PUBLIC NOTICE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE NEEDY 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 NO.1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1.

MR.YAHAYA YILA YUNANA 2.

BARR. ZERUBABEL HASSAN LUBO 3.

MR. SADAT UMARU LAKOROK 4.

MR. FELIX MASOYI KIDDAMS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

TO SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGED EDUCATIONALLY, ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND HEALTH WISE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGN. SULE PAUL HAKURI 08055041056

Page 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Page 45

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BASEI EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE NEEDY FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED initiative 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. ALHAJI DR. LEMA JIBRILU - CHAIRMAN 2. MARYAM JUMMAI BEWELL - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.ABDULLAHI MUKTAR MOHAMMED - SECRETARY 4. MOHAMMED BOUGEI ATTAH 5. UMARU SANDA HANDAN MAI GIDA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND REDUCTION IN POVERTY IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE SOCIETY 3. TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING AND CO OPERATION AMONG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND OTHERS RELATED AGENCY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

This is to inform the general public that, the abandoned unclaimed vehicle, motorcycle, at the premises of the Nigeria police divisional headquarters Adikpo kwande LG Benue state command, will be disposed to the general public after two weeks from the date of this publication.

If you you have any complaints write to the commissioner of police before the expiration date of this publication.

The items are.

1.one red unregistered Nissan Almera car. Chasiss No, JNFAANI5V0133694.Eng No, 1071513.

2.two Honda m/cycles,two jincheng m/cycles,LG TV, DVD LG, six m/cycles Tyree’s 3.one samba m/cycle, one Aktra m/cycle, and other items For further information contact police auctioneer Alh D. Yakamata phone 08056786071.

PUBLIC NOTICE Heaven’s Dew Bible Church

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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. Pastor Ike Anumudu - Chairman 2. Blessing Akintolu - Secretary 3. Victoria Samuel THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO DEVELOPE AND FOSTER EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH, PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TO RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2.TO ENCOURAGE AND HELP CHRISTIANS TO COMMIT THEIR LIVES TO JESUS CHRIST.

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 NO.1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1.

MR.YAHAYA YILA YUNANA 2.

BARR. ZERUBABEL HASSAN LUBO 3.

MR. SADAT UMARU LAKOROK 4.

MR. FELIX MASOYI KIDDAMS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

TO SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGED EDUCATIONALLY, ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND HEALTH WISE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNed: SULE PAUL HAKURI 08055041056

PUBLIC NOTICE EUNICE OLAWALE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED 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.PASTOR OLAWALE ELISHA 2.MR. AKUN OLUWADAMILARE JOSEPH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO NURTURE AND CATER FOR THE MOTHERLESS CHILDREN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE THE LIGHT OF JOY SALVATION MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION 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. OMOLE STANLEY OLATUNDE - CHAIRMAN 2. OMOLE RICHARD KOLADE - SECRETARY 3. MRS OMOLE TAIWO GRACE 4. OLADUNJOYE TOKUNBO JAMES 5. OLUBISI RUTH OKE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To make disciples for the lord and prepare people for the kingdom of heaven through teaching, preaching and training as good stewards of christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CHURCH OF THE LORD (ALADURA)

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. DR. RUFUS OKIKOLA OSITELU - RETAINED 2.JUSTICE JACOB ADETUNJI OLADIPO SOFOLAHAN (RTD) - RETAINED 3.ARCHBISHOP JOHN OLATIDOYE OGUNSILE - RETAINED 4.ARCHBISHOP SAMUEL AGBOOLA IBILOYE - RETAINED 5.MRS. OLIVE SULOLA ADEJOBI - RETAINED 6.REV. JOHN AMUWA OYETAN - RETAINED 7.REV. RAPHAEL OLANREWAJU OSANAIYE - RETAINED 8.REV. ELIJAH AYODELE OSITELU - DECEASED 9.REV. SOLOMON OSITELU - APPOINTED 10.BISHOP MRS. ABOSEDE ADEKOYA - APPOINTED 11.REV. OLUSOGA BADEJO - APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IGWEAMAKA SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

CORNERSTONE AND BEULAH TEMS EMMARY HEALTH FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB 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.MOKWE GODWIN NKEM. 2.OMENE COSMAS EJIMOFOR. 3.ANIOWO JOHN NNAJI. 4.NNEWUBERE ARTHUR NDUBISI. 5.UDOCHUKWU DONATUS CHUKWUDURO. 6.NWEZE LIVINUS NDUBUISI. 7.AMACHIHU OZIOMA CHRISTIAN.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.TEMURU MOSES OVIE - CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT 2.TEMURU JOHN ODAFE - WELFARE OFFICER 3.TEMURU JOSEPH OMOKARO - TREASURER 4.TEMURU JUSTIN EGWARE - CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER 5.TEMURU FATIMA FAITH - SECRETARY/FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6.LADELOYE WALE - WELFARE OFFICER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To assist those in need with medical care and attention.

2.To facilitate community diagnosis and intervention where necessary.

3.To educate and conduct community health screening.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND UNITY OF MEMBERS AND CORDIAL EXISTENCE WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. 2.TO CREATE A FORUM TO FOSTER EDUCATIONAL MORAL FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: F.O.C. UZOEGWU ESQ. 0818551000,08033498153. focusng@yahoo.com.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, with 28 days from the date of this publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

SAN AQUALAV CLEAN HEALTH FOUNDATION

Galaxy of Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED 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. 1. AGBAJE OMOTAYO 2. TOKUNBO DARAMOLA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To improve health and public hygiene in Africa by providing an end to sustainable public toilet and sanitation solution.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARRISTER LADI OCHUGBOJU -ABIDOYE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION 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.Alhaji Mustapha Muyideen Ayinla 2.Alhaji Sheriff Kadir Atolagbe 3.Alhaji Taiwo Eleja Banu 4.Mr. Salami Tajudeen Adeola 5.Mal. Kareem Abdullahi 6.Mal. Murtahdor Quazeem 7.Mrs. Olugbemi Margaret Funke THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To foster mutual understanding among its members.

2.To promote unity and love among its members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed : Mubiakalo Remekalo Esq 08030528365

Wisdom Is Power Progressive Club

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB 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.Mr. Victor Ekeh 2.Mr. Nwadinobi Chijioke 3.Mr. Augustine Okite 4.Mr. Christian Chukwu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To foster mutual understanding among its members.

2.To promote unity and love among its members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Sir Chito Ezeani (KSC) Chito Ezeani & Associates

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Some Interesting Facts

Page 47

Leisure

lightning rod attached to their hats.

65. Sex burns 360 calories per hour.

66. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continually from the bottom of the glass to the top.

67. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it.

68. The average lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words. More than 2 billion pencils are manufactured each year in the United States. If these were laid end to end they would circle the world nine times.

69. The pop you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually a bubble of gas burning.

70. A literal translation of a standard traffic sign in China: “Give large space to the festive dog that makes sport in the roadway.”

71. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV.

. The human tongue tastes bitter things with the taste buds toward the back. Salty and pungent flavors are tasted in the middle of the tongue, sweet flavors at the tip!

60. The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley’s gum.

61. When you sneeze, air and particles travel through the nostrils at speeds over100 mph. During this time, all bodily functions stop, including your heart, contributing to the impossibility of keeping one’s eyes open during a sneeze.

62. Annual growth of WWW traffic is 314,000% 63. %60 of all people using the Internet, use it for pornography.

72. Larry Lewis ran the 100-yard dash in 17.8 seconds in 1969, thereby 64. In 1778, fashionable women of Paris never setting a new world’s record for runners in the 100-years-or-older went out in blustery weather without a class. He was 101.

hottest puzzle book kakuro 37

puzzle 37

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

EPIPHANY DAY: Bulgarians plunge into a lake in Sofia to catch a cross: Pacific Press/Barcroft

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. . . putting the people first

MONday, august 1, 2016

QUOTABLE QUOTE The removal of a democratic government by force is no longer acceptable. Violence can never solve any problem but only complicates them and sets back the progress of democratic societies.

— - Buhari

SPORTS A place in the sun - The book to watch

A

latest

WHO play down Zika virus threat in Olympics

T

he risk of Zika virus infections at the Olympic Games is both low and manageable, the World Health Organisation chief said over the weekend a week before the event kicks off in Rio de Janeiro.

Nearly half a million people are expected to visit for the Games, many from the U.S. Worries about security, the Zika virus and an economic crisis could deter travellers, with just under a third of event tickets as yet unsold.

Brazil has been hardest hit by the disease outbreak, and many physicians, competitors and potential visitors have expressed fears the Olympics could serve as a catalyst to spread the virus globally.

“We feel that the risk of Zika infection is low for an individual, and it is manageable,’’ Margaret Chan, Director-Genral of the world health body, told reporters in the Chinese capital.

“As long as individuals take appropriate personal protective measures, including the use of a mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that prevents mosquito bites,’’ she added.

The WHO assessment factored in the latest understanding of the disease and actions taken by Brazil, said Chan, adding that she would be going to the games in Rio de Janeiro.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, though it can also spread through sexual transmission.

“When you go to Brazil, to Rio, practice safe sex, please use condoms,’’ she added. Of course, we also have learnt from the latest evidence it’s not just infected men who can pass the disease to their sex partners.

Global health officials are racing to better understand the Zika virus which has spread too many countries in the Americas.

The WHO says there is strong scientific consensus that Zika is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly, or small heads in babies, as well as GuillainBarre syndrome, a neurological disorder.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

Place in the Sun is a racy novel, rich in history and suspense.

Written by Kola King a veteran journalist, it is a love story based in the fictional country of Songha which in reality looks like lifein the early days of colonial conquest in Northern Nigeria where the author hails from.

Beginning from Chinua Achebe’s Things fall apart, many a fictional work has been done about life in Nigeria and Africa in this period. A place in the Sun stands out of the crowd not only because it is one of the few written about Northern Nigeria in this period but because it is a beautifully crafted work of art, mixed with history and culture. The intriguing thing about it is the ability of the author to hold the reader spell bound and educate him until he gets to page 250 - the last.

The first edition of the book which was recently released by Verity Publishers of Pretoria in South Africa comes in paperback and ebook form. The print work is excellent thus reducing the stress of the reader as hegoes through the forty two chapters of the novel.

It begins with the birth of Zakka - the main character in the story - in Tekota at the dawn of European colonization of Songhaland.

He thus grew up under the shadow of colonial rule in a land described by the author as “bright with sunshine which shone all year round...

Wide, vast and extensive, the land was lush and fertile…

Because of its salubrious weather and fertile land, Songhaland was as though paradise in the tropics.”

The people of Songhaland were “renowned for their hospitality, warmth and friendliness.” The author also goes further to describe them as “great farmers and intrepid hunters; fishermen, swift with their nets and skillful with canoeing.” They are also said to be “giant men, bold and unafraid warriors” who had conquered and subdued their neighbors.

Thus through simple but captivating and effective choice of words, Kola King

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Monday Column

Emmanuel Yawe royawe@yahoo.com 08024565402

is able to get the reader interested in the land and the people that make the story.

The story itself looks real and though full of suspense, intrigue and sometimes tragedy, the reader is not subjected to sensation and over dramatization. Once in a while, the author falls back on history and this helps to remind the reader that this is a real world, a real life situation. For a writer who is making his debut in fictional writing, A Place in the Sun will certainly give the author a place under the sun where there is a rather large crowd of writers.

The novel is about the love story of Zakka, a brilliant young lad from Takota who excels in his studies at primary school in his home village, travels to the big town ofKartadu for his training at a Teachers College and as result of his demonstrated brilliance is employed immediately on graduation to be an auxiliary teacher in the same school. His diligence at work and exemplary character brings him to the attention of the education secretary who orders his employmentat the head office of the regional headquarters of the education department t on the completion of his one year stint as an auxiliary teacher.

Zakka falls in love with Mattaa girl from Takotawho

“

has had a turbulent love life.

Impregnated by his teacher, a bonhomie drunkard teacher by the name Gora at a tender age, Matta was given out in marriage at that age. Tragically, the marriage was bedeviled with a series of misfortunes.There was draught in the land as a result of which poverty prevailed, bringing starvation and death in the land. The hard times brought strife in the relationship of the newly married Gora and Matta.

Thus Gora who had shown signs of improvement from his carefree life of alcoholism relapsed back to his bad old ways. The pregnancy itself turned out to be another disaster for it lasted for a whole twelve months at the end of which the child is still born. These disasters ended with Matta calling it quits with the marriage.

Meanwhile, the brilliant Zakka has made his forays into the world beyond Tekota to the Teachers training College atKartaduwhere he has made academic waves. Eventually, Matta pulls herself out of the setbacks of her life and returns to complete her primary education. She joins Zakka atKartadueventhough in a different school, a teachers college for girls. The two meet and gradually a love relationship builds up.

The drunken philanderer Gora has also gotten out of

great farmers and intrepid hunters; fishermen, swift with their nets and skillful with canoeing.” They are also said to be “giant men, bold and unafraid warriors

his stupor. Dismissed from his teaching job because of excessive alcoholism, he flees Tekota and after a long spell of hardtimes inKartaduhe drops his drinking habits and gets a job at the railways.

A new improved Gora gets rapid promotion there and comes back to claim his long lost wife – Matta.

The story becomes complicated. Zakka cannot marry Matta because the dowry paid by Gora has not been returned and therefore by tradition Matta is still his wife. Zakka himself is up against his father who has found a fresh new wife for him and does not want to hear that his son with such a bright future is going to marry a second hand woman with such a sordid history like Matta.

The story ends tragically when Gora, ever insistent on reclaiming his wife is on his way to Tekotagets drowned in a canoe mishap. The coast thus becomes clear for the two love birds - Zakka and Matta to have their way.

Beyond the excellent print and beautiful prose, A Place in the Sun is a book of history. It documents the contradictions of a colonized African society – the challenges of modernity against tradition. It is a recommended text to adults because it entertains and enthralls; but it is also good for young African students who need it to know where they are coming from and to improve their diction and writing skills.

DAN GAYE Women should be role models to their husbands -perm sec

Then they should feed the family too!

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